Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gardens, digested into three distinct poems. To which is prefixed, a poeticall description, of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy. By VVilliam Prynne, late exile, and close prisoner in the sayd Castle. A poem of The soules complaint against the body; and Comfortable cordialls against the discomforts of imprisonment, &c. are hereto annexed. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A91224 of text R231891 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing P4013C). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 406 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 112 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A91224 Wing P4013C ESTC R231891 99897084 99897084 137275 2240933769

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A91224) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 137275) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2467:9) Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gardens, digested into three distinct poems. To which is prefixed, a poeticall description, of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy. By VVilliam Prynne, late exile, and close prisoner in the sayd Castle. A poem of The soules complaint against the body; and Comfortable cordialls against the discomforts of imprisonment, &c. are hereto annexed. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. Rockes improved. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. Christian sea-card. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. Christian paradise. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. Comfortable cordials. [14], 56, 59-184, [2]; [4], 16, [2] p., [1] leaf of plates : port. printed by Tho. Cotes, for Michael Sparke Senior, and are to be sold by Peter Inch of Chester, London : 1641. In verse. One of four possible imprint variants of this text. With marginal notes. Order and number of preliminary leaves vary. Ideal copies include a 4-line verse (printed in 7 lines) which faces a portrait of the author. These two leaves may either precede or follow title page. There are two verse dedications, "To the Christian reader", which fill both sides of a leaf, and "To the Right Worshipfull his ever honoured worthy friend ..." on a leaf signed [par.]3, the verso of which is blank. These two dedication leaves are frequently interchanged. With a final errata leaf. "Rockes improved", "Christian sea-card", "Christian paradise", and "Soules complaint" each have separate dated title page with "printed by T. Cotes for Michael Sparke, dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor, 1641; pagination and register are continuous. "Comfortable cordials" has separate title page with imprint "Printed anno. 1641"; pagination and register are separate. It may also have been issued separately (Wing P3927). Reproduction of original in the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C.. eng Jesus Christ -- Poetry -- Early works to 1800. Christian literature -- Early works to 1800. eebo Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations, raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gar Prynne, William, 1641 224 70670 36 0 0 0 0 0 5.09 B The rate of 5.09 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-06 Assigned for keying and markup 2007-06 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-09 Sampled and proofread 2007-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
LOe here 's the Authors Shadow , passe it by ; These Lines his Substance , will in Part descry . Gaze not upon his Shade unlesse to see , And learne thereby , that all Men Shadowes be .

All flesh is Grass , the best men vanity ; This , but a shadow , here before thine eye , Of him , whose wondrous changes clearly show , That GOD , not men , swayes all things here below

MOVNT-ORGVEIL : OR DIVINE AND PROFITABLE MEDITATIONS , RAISED FROM The Contemplation of these three Leaves of Natures Volume , 1. ROCKES , 2. SEAS , 3. GARDENS , digested into three distinct Poems .

To which is Prefixed , a Poeticall Description , of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy .

BY WILLIAM PRYNNE , Late Exile , and Close Prisoner in the sayd Castle .

A Poem of The Soules Complaint against the Body ; and Comfortable Cordialls against the Discomforts of Imprisonment , &c. are hereto annexed .

Psalme 19. 14.

Let the Words of my mouth , and the MEDITATION of my Heart , he acceptable in thy sight , O Lord my Strength , and my Redeemer .

Psalme 143. 5.

I remember the dayes of Old ; I MEDITATE on all thy Workes ; I muse on the Worke of thy hands .

LONDON , Printed by Tho. Cotes , for Michael Sparke Senior , and are to be sold by Peter Inch of Chester . 1641.

TO The Right Worshipfull his ever Honoured worthy Friend , Sir PHILIP CARTERET Knight , Lieutenant Governour and Bayliffe of the Isle of Jersy . SIR , Your great Favour and Humanity To Me whiles Exile , Prisner in Jersy , Wholy secluded from all Friends accesse , Under the angry Frownes of their Greatnesse Who sent Me thither , to deprive me quite Of worldly Comforts ; challenge a just Right To these rude Meditations , which there grew , And so in Justice are your proper Due . Accept them than , as a small Pledge of my Thankes unto You , till Oportunity And better Dayes , enable me to finde , Some other meanes to pay all that 's behinde . Your Eternally Obliged Friend and Servant WILLIAM PRYNNE .
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER , SHut up Close-Prisner in Mount-Orgueil Pile , A lofty Castle , within Jersie Isle , Remote from Friends , * * I arrived in Iersy , Ianuary the 17. 1637. and received the Tydings of myenlargement thence by warrant from the Parliament November 17. 1640. the same day of the Moneth , I there first landed . neere three yeares space , where I Had Rockes , Seas , Gardens dayly in mine Eye , Which I oft viewed with no small delight , These pleasing Objects did at last invite Me , to contemplate in more solemne wise , What usefull Meditations might arise From each of them , my soule to warme , feast , cheare , And unto God , Christ , Heaven mount more neare . In which pursuite , I found such inward Joyes , Such Cordiall Comforts , as did over-poise My heaviest Crosses , Losses , and supply The want of all , Foes did me then deny ; Give me assurance of a sweete Returne Both from my Exile , Prison , and mine Urne : Revive my cold dead Muse , and it inspire Though not with brightest , yet with Sacred fire : Some Sparkes whereof rakt up in Ashes then , I layd aside , for want of Inke and Pen : But now enlarged by the mighty hand Of that sweete God , who both by * * Isa 43. 2. Psa. 66. 12. Ps. 139. 9. 10. Josh. 1. 5. 9. Sea and Land ▪ In sundry Prisons , Countries , kept me so In health and comfort , that I met with no One day of Sickenesse , Sadnesse , Discontent , In * * I was first committed Prisoner to the Towre of London , Feb. 1. 1632. where after two removals to the Fleete for a short space , I remained Prisoner till July the 27. 1637. & was then removed to Carnarvan Castle in Northwales , where I arrived August the 5. and was there kept close Prisoner till I was by special warrant shipped & sent close Prisoner for Jersy , Octob. the 10. 1637. where I arrived not till January the 17. following . From whence I departed by Warrant from the Parliament , Novemb. 19. 1640. and landed at Dartmouth Novem. 22. came into London Novemb. 28. was presented to the Commons House Novem. 30 where my Petition was read Decem. 3. eight yeares Troubles , and Imprisonment : ( Which I relate , that all may blesse his Name For his great Mercy , and expect the same Support and Presence of our God in all Those sharpe Afflictions which may them befall , As I have found , by sweete experiment To my surpassing Solace , and Content : ) I have blowne up these buried Sparkes a new , And here present them to thy Christian view , ( Kinde Reader ) to the end that thou mayst be Refresht with those Thoughts , which refreshed me , And Steele thy Soule with Faith , Hope , Confidence , Against all Carnall feares and diffidence , With that which made Me to expect with joy , That blest Enlargement I doe now enjoy . From my long Durance , Censures , Banishment , Which God hath made a fresh , sweete Monument Of his Almighty power , that all thereby In all their Troubles and Adversitie , May learne with Faith , Hope , comfort to depend On God , who in due time Release will send . Thy Comfort , Profit is all I desire , Next to Gods glory ; Lord , let the sweete fire Of thy good Spirit by these Lines convoy Such Flames of Love , zeale , Comfort , Grace , & Joy Into each Readers soule , that he may see These Meditations were inspir'd by Thee . If any profit , fruit , thou from them gaine , O pray for him , who ever shall remaine Thy Unfained Christian Friend WILLIAM PRYNNE .
A POETICALL DESCRIPtion of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Iersy , interlaced , with some briefe Meditations from it's rockie , steepe , and lofty Situation . MOunt Orgueil Castle is a lofty pile , Within the Easterne parts of Jersy Isle , Seated upon a Rocke , full large & high , Close by the Sea-shore , next to Normandie ; Neere to a Sandy Bay , where boats doe ride Within a Peere , safe both from Wind and Tide . Three parts thereof the flowing Seas surround , The fourth ( North-west-wards ) is firme rockie ground . A proud High-mount it hath , a Rampeir long , Foure gates , foure Posternes , Bulworkes , Sconces strong , All built with Stone , on which there mounted lye , Fifteene cast peeces of Artillery ; With sundry Murdering Chambers , planted so , As best may fence it selfe , and hurt a foe . A Guard of Souldiers ( strong enough till warre Begins to thunder ) in it lodged are ; Who watch and ward it duly night and day ; For which the King allow's them Monthly pay . The Governour , if present , here doth lye , If absent , his Lievetenant deputy . * * F. H. A man of Warre the keyes doth keepe , and locke The Gates each night of this high towering Rock . The Castle 's ample , Aire healthy , and The Prospect pleasant , both by Sea and Land . Two boystrous foes , sometimes assault with losse This Fortresse , which their progresse seemes to crosse . The Raging waves below , which ever dash Themselves in pieces , whiles with it they clash , The Stormy winds above , whose blasts doe breake Themselves , not it , for which they are too weake . For why this fort is built upon a Rocke , And so by a a Mat. 7 , 24 , 25. Christs owne verdict free from shocke Of floods and winds ; which on it oft may beate , Yet never shake it , but themselves defeate . Thus potent Tyrants , whiles they strive to quash . Christs feeble members , oft b b Ps. 2. 9. Re. 2. 17. Mat. 21. 44. themselves quite dash To shivers , 'gainst the Rocke Christ , upon whom They safely founded stand what ever come . A Rocke too high for floods to reach ; too strong , Too firme for fiercest winds to shake , though long They beate upon it , with a roaring sound , And blustring stormes , to cast it to the ground . This Castles * * Mount Orgueil , signifies a proud Mount ; or Mount of pride . haughty name , and lofty seat , ( Enough to puffe up minds not truly great , ) Portend at first , that pride it selfe should dwell Within it : or such who in pride excell ; Since haughty c c Rev. 18 7. Dan. 4 26 , 27 , 28. Act. 12 , 22 , 23. Psal. 73. 6. Ezek. 16. 49. Tytles , d d Obadiah . 3 places too oft find , Or Make at least a proud and haughty mind . But though this vice in former times ( perchance ) Might here reside , and her proud throne advance ; Yet now shee 's banish't hence with all her traine , And long be it ere she returne againe . Now nought but meeknesse and humility In mind and habit , mixt with charity . The truest e e Prov. 15. 33. c. 18. 12. Phil. 2 . 5. to 10. Col. 3. 11. 1 Pet. 3. 5. Prov. 22. 4. Zeph. 2. 3. ensignes of a noble Race ; And pious heart ) adorne this stately place , Let worthlesse upstarts , beggers , peasants vile Be proud and haughty : this high mounted pile , Possest by those of better Birth , Blood , Place , Ignoble pride shall never once Imbrace , When Christ g g Mat. 11. 29. c. 21. 5. Phil. 2. 5 , to 10. the patterne of Humility Would teach this virtue , to a h h Mat. 5. 1 , 3 , 5 , 7. mountaine high He forthwith goes : and thence exhorteth all To seeke this grace ; fly pride , by which they i i Prov. 16. 18. c. 29. 23. Isa. 25. 11. c. 28. 1. 3. Dan. 4. 37. 26. to 30. Jam. 4. 6. Zeph. 2. 10. fall , Shewing hereby , that pride more oft doth dwell In k k Isa. 3. 5. 1 Tim. 3. 6. lowest valleyes , and the meanest Cell ; Than in the greatest Mounts , Men , Minds ; who l l Prov. 8. 13. hate This vice , and humble are in highest state . Whence can you better learne Christs lesson now Than in this Mount ; where Humblenesse doth grow . In great and small , with other vertues bright , Which grace these walls , and to the Isle give light ? O let this Castle on a Rocke Inure . Our soules to m m Eph 2. 20. 21 , 22. Mat. 7. 24 , 25. 1 Pet. 2. 4 , 5 , 6. Psal. 18. 1 , 2. build on Christ , A Rocke most sure : A Castle , Fortresse , Bulworke , Hold and Towre Above the reach of Foes , or humane powre . And let this Mount , up which we daily climbe , Advance our thoughts to objects more sublime ; Yea n n Col. 3. 1 , 2. 3 Thess. 5. 16 , 17 , 18 , 23. Col. 3. 16 , 17. Mount our soules , hearts , minds , to things above The highest heavens , with the wings of love , Faith , servent prayers , sighs , teares , Psalmes of praise Both day and night . Thus spending all our dayes In o o Phil. 3. 20. Eph. 2. 6. heav'n whiles here on earth wee breath ; that so Wee may from p p Luk. 16. 22. hence to it in triumph goe . What though the way be q q Mat 7. 14. Luk. 13. 24. narrow , craggie , steepe , Up which we cannot runne with ease , but creepe With paine and toyle , encountring r r Act. 14. 22. Rev. 7. 14. 1 Thess. 3. 4. sundry foes , Great crosses , losses , and a world of woes ; The top once wonne , is pleasant ; where the Gaine A s s Mat. 19. 29. 2 Cor. 4. 17. Thousand-fold surmounts our losse and paine , There shall we ever dwell in t t Ps. 16. 11. Isa. 51. 11. perfect joy ; Free from all dangers that may us annoy ; u u 2 Cor. 4 17. 2 Tim. 4. 8. Crowned with blisse and glory , which x x 1 Cor. 2. 9. transcend Our largest thoughts , and never know an end . Thither Christ bring us , whose most y y Revel. 1. 5. Heb. 9. 12. c. 10. 19. sacred blood Hath purchased Heaven , for our Endlesse good . FINIS .

ROCKES IMPROVED , COMPRISING CERTAINE POETICALL MEDITATIONS , Extracted from the contemplation of the Nature and Quality of ROCKES ; a barren and harsh Soyle , yet a Fruitfull , and Delightfull subject of Meditation .

By WILLIAM PRYNNE , late Exile , and close Prisoner in Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Iersy .

Psal. 18. 2. 31. 46. 2 Sam. 22. 2. 3. 32.

The Lord is my Rocke and my Fortresse , and my deliverer , my God , my strength in whom I will trust , my buckler , and the horne of my Salvation , and my high Towre ; my Saviour , thou savest mee from violence . Who is a Rocke save our God ? The Lord liveth , and blessed be my Rocke , and let the God of my Salvation be exalted .

Psal. 40. 1 , 2 , 3.

I waited patiently for the Lord , and hee inclined unto mee , and heard my cry : He brought mee also out of an horrible pit , out of the miry clay , and set my feet upon a Rocke , and established my goings , &c.

London , Printed by T. Cotes for Michael Sparke , dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor . 1641.

Courteour Reader , I shall request thee to correct these few Presse errors , which have scaped in some Coppies in my absence .

Errata .

Page 1. line 10. for the , read this . p. 3. l. 12. r. make . p. 18. l. 3. when whom . l. 6. them . r. him . p. 19. l. 8. to r. in . p. 32. l. 24. of , on . p. 33. l. 18. sinne , weeds . p. 34. 7. they , these . p. 47. l. 5. must , much . p. 65. l. 15. be , lie . p. 71. l. 19 greatest . p. 82. l. 21. lose , close . p. 83. l. 13. others , 1. p. 93. l. 21. fined , fixed . p. 95 l 22. and , Oh. l. 23. Satan , Satin . p. 98. l. 25. them , then . l. 27. stations , passions . p. 103. l. 15. over , ever . p. 108. l. 21 thee , they . p. 119. l. 6. to . or . p. 125. l. 23 arriv'd , arm'd . l. 25. flattering . p. 149. l. 6. shall , should . p. 164. l. 1. the , then . p. 165. l. 13. th' one , thine . p. 169. l. 11. prints , paints .

Printers oft erre , but not as other men ; Their Errors are corrected with a Pen.
ROCKES IMPROVED . Comprising certaine Poeticall Meditations , extracted from the contemplation of the Nature and Qualities of Rockes ; a Barren and Harsh Soyle , yet a Fruitfull and Delightfull Subject of Meditation .
THE PROEME . WHen from the lofty * * Mount-Orguil . Castle I espie The ragged Rocks , which round about it lye ; My Working thoughts begin from thence to raise Some a a Psal. 77. 12. Psal. 19. 14. Psal. 143. 5. Psa. 104. 34. Meditations , to their Makers Praise , And mine own Profit : which my heart may warm , Yea mount to Heaven , and vaine fancies charm .
Meditations of the first Ranke , Parallelling Christ and Rockes together . ANd first , the Rockes doe lively represent A complete Image , full of sweete content , Of Christ our Rocke ; sith that both They and He In Name and Nature fitly doe agree . Are they cal'd Rockes ? So he in sacred Writ A b b 1 Cor. 10. 4. Psal. 18. 2. 31. 46. Ps. 28. 1. Ps. 31. 3. Psa. 42. 4. Ps. 62. 2. 7. Psal. 71. 3. Ps. 89. 26. Psal. 92. 15. Ps. 94. 22. Psal. 95. 1. Deut. 32. 31. 2 Sam. 22. 2. 3. 32. 47. Rocke is stil'd , in these regards most fit . 1. The Stony Rockes no other Father know But God who made them , from whose c c Psal. 148. 5. Ioh. 3. 3. word they flow So Christ ( both God and Man ) no Father knowes But d d Ioh. 5. 17. 18. Ioh. 8. 16. 18. 19. 28. 38. 41. 49. 54. God eternall ; from whose Loines he flowes By such a e e Ioh. 1. 14. c. 3. 16. Act. 13. 33. Heb. 1. 5. c. 5. 5. Generation as exceedes Mens shallow Thoughts , and in them wonder breeds . 2. Rockes are the f f Mat. 7. 24. 25. Luk. 6. 47. 48. firmest ground whereon to lay , And found such buildings as shall not decay . But last and stand in spite of Floods , Stormes , wind , Which may beate on them , yet no entrance finde , So g g Isa. 28. 16. Mat. 16. 18. 1 P●● . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Psal. 118. 22. Act. 4. 11. 1 Co. 3. 11. Ephes. 2. 20. 21. Christ's the onely Rocke , the tryed stone On which the Church is built : On Him alone Our Soules so safe , fast , firmely , founded lye , That they shall stand for all eternity Unshaken , undemolisht , maugre all The h h Mat. 7. 24. 25. c. 16. 18. Rom. 8. 35. to 39. 2. Pet. 1. 10. Psal. 125. 1. 2 Cor. 4. 7 , 8 , 9. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Stormes , Flouds , Winds , that on them beat & fall Through Men or Devils Malice : Happie they Who on this firme Rocke , all their buildings lay . 3. Rockes yeeld the sweetest i i Psal. 81. 16. Deut. 32. 13. Honey , Men to feede : The k k 2 Cor. 1. 3. 4 , 5 , 6. Psal. 71. 21. Cant. 2. 5. Isa. 40. 1. c. 51. 3. c. 61. 1. ● . sweetest honey comforts , Joyes proceede From Christ our Rock , Mens drooping souls to cheare And sweeten all sowre Crosses which they beare . 4. All precious Stones , and Jewels Rocks doe breed : All Gemmes and Pearles of Grace from l l Ioh. 1. 16. Rev. 3. 18. Col. 2. 2. 39. Christ proceed The first , our Bodies decke , but for a space ; The last , our m m Psal. 45. 9. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 3. 3. 4 , 5. 1 Tim 2. 9. 10. Cant. c. 1. to 8. Souls , with an eternall Grace . The first , in Mans eyes are a lovely sight ; The last in Gods eyes makes us shine most bright . O let us then , these Jewels onely prise , Which make us n n Ezech. 16. 8. to 15. Cant. 2. 1. 2. c. 4. 1. 2. &c. c. 5. 1. to 8. comely in Gods sacred eyes . 5. The richest Mines of Silver , Gold , Tin , Lead , Brasse , Copper , in the wombes of o o Deut. 8. 9. Ioh. 28. 2. Rockes are bred : Whence not digg'd out with pains , they uselesse lie And none are better'd , or enricht thereby . Thus all the Mines , and Treasures of Gods Grace Are p p Col. 2. 2. 3. 9. Ioh. 1. 15. 16 Ephes. 3. 8. 18. 19. hid in Christ , as in their proper place . Yet none doe happie , rich , or wealthy grow By these hidde Treasures , though they overflow ; But those who take much q q Prov. 2. 3 , 4 , 5 Mat. 13 , 44 , 45. 46. Rev. 3 18. c. 22. 17. Ioh. 1. 15 16. Mat. 7. 7. 8. c. 21. 22. Iam. 5. 7. 8. Rom. 8. 24. 25. paines to dig them thence With Prayers , Teares , Faith , Hope , and Patience . O let us then be ever drawing Oare Out of our Rock Christ , in whom there 's such store Of richest golden Mines , that all r r Rev. 3. 18. c. 22. 17. Is . 55. 1. 2. 3 Ioh. 7. 37. who will May there their Soules , and Bagges for ever fill . 6. The purest , best , and pleasanist waters spring Out of s s Deut. 8. 15. Psal. 105. 41. Psa. 114. 8. Isa. 48. 21. Ps. 104. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. Rockes sides ; which sweete refreshment bring To Man and Beast , whose Thirst they quench and stay , Their bodies bathe , and wash their filth away . Thus from our Rocke Christ , and his pierced side , Such pearelesse Streames of t t Ioh. 19. 34. 1 Ioh. 5. 6. 8. c. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Heb. 9. 14. Eph 5. 26. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Eph. 1. 5. 2. 13. Heb. 10. 19. c. 13. 12. 20. 1 Pet. 1. 19. Blood and Water glide , ( To save , bathe , clense , refresh all broken Hearts , And quench hell flames , with Sathans , fiery Darts : ) As farre surpasse the purest Streames that flow , From all the Rockes , or Fountaines here below . And now ( me thinks ) v v Exod. 17. 5. 6. Num. 20. 10. Deut. 8. 15. Neh. 9. 15. Psal. 78. 16. 20. Ps. 105. 41. Psal. 114. 8. Isa. 48. 21. the Rock in wildernesse Whence streames of waters gushed to redresse , And quench the Peoples Thirst , when Moses Rod It smote , and pierced by command from God . ( Yea every Rock whence Cristall waters spring ) A lively x x 1 Cor. 10. 4. Picture was , and is to bring Our Rocke Christ to our Mindes , and to present Him to our eyes , and Hearts with great content : From whose pierc'd Hands and side with Nayles and Speare , Whole y y Joh. 19. 34. 1 Ioh. 5. 6. 8. 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. c. 22. 17. Ioh. 7. 37. Eph. 5. 26. Isay 55. 1. 2. Streames of precious Blood , and waters cleare Did sweetely flow , Gods wrath to quench , allay , His peoples Thirst , and wash their sinnes away . We neede not then a Crucifixe , to bring Christ to our Mindes , sith every Rocke and Spring That flowes from thence , doth in more z z 1. Cor. 10. 4. Gal. 3. 1. lively wise Present Christ and his Passion to our Eyes ; Let Papists then behold their painted stickes ; Each Rocke to me shall be a Crucifixe , As a a 1. Cor. 10. 4. God hath made it : and shall teach me more , Than all the Pictures of the Roman Whore ; Which are meere b b Psal. 135. 15. 16. 17. 18. Idoll , heathenish vanities , And c c Jer. 10. 8. 9. Hab. 2. 18. Zech. 10. 2. Isay 41. 29. teach nought else , but Errors , Sinnes , and Lies . 7. Rockes yeeld a pleasant d d Isay 32. 2. Joh. 4. 5. 6. Job 7. 2. shade against the Heate , The scorching Sun and Storms that on Men beate ; Which sweete Refreshment to the weary brings , And cooles them more than any limpid Springs . Christ our Rocke is a sweete refreshing e e Isay 25. 4. 5. c. 4. 6. Cant. 2. 3. Psal. 17. 8. Ps. 36. 7. Ps 57. 1. Psal. 91. 1. Hosea . 14. 7. shade Against all Heates that scorch , all sinnes that lade His Saints ; whose weary Sinne-burnt Soules can gaine No f f Mat. 11. 28. 29. 2 Thess. 1. 7. rest but in his shade , which ends their paine ; Yea fills them with such g g Isa. 35 2. 10. Rom. 14. 17. c. 15. 13. Gal. 5. 22. 1 Pet. 1. 8. Peace , Ioy , Chearefulnesse , That they an Heaven here on Earth possesse . O let us still abide in this blest shade , Where-with our soules are eas'd , and happy made . 8. The Holes and Clifts in Rockes to which Men h h 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 23. 3. 4. Judg. 20. 45. 47. Isa. 2. 10. 19. 21 c. 7. 19. c. 57. 5. Jer. 16. 16. Rev. 6. 15. 16. Jer. 13. 4. flye In times of Danger , for Security ; Paint out the Holes , Clifts , wounds in Christs pierc'd i i Joh. 19. 34. Isa. 15 4. 5. Ps. 27. 5. Ps. 143. 9. Cant. 2. 14. side Feete , Hands , wherein our Soules may safely hide Themselves against all stormes that Devils , Hell , World , flesh , or Sinne can raise up , them to quell . O let us to these blessed Holes , Clifts flye For Shelter , and in them both live and dye . Yea let each Hole and Clift which we espie In Rocks , present Christs wounds , Holes , to our Eye , And so imprint them in our Hearts and Minde , That they may still sweete Solace in them finde . 9. Rockes seldome k k Mat. 7. 25. 26. Job 6. 12. c. 19. 24. weare or waste , but last and know No changes , while Things , Seas still ebbe , and flow About them . So our Rocke Christ lasts for aye Without all Change , both l l Heb. 13. 8. Ps. 102. 12. 26. 27. Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. Rev. 1. 8. 17. 18. Heb. 1. 11. 12. yesterday , to day , And still the same for all eternitie , When all things else decay , waxe , old and dye . Friends , Parents , Kindred , Goods , Lands , Cities , States , Kings , Kingdomes , yea the world , have m m Psal. 102. 12. 25. 26. Heb. 1. 11. 12. Isa. 2. 22. c. 26. 14. c. 40. 6. 7. Dan. 4. and 5. and 10. & 11. & 12. 2 Chron. 36. all their Fates , Falls , Changes , Periods ; and doe passe away ; Whiles Christ our Rocke stands firme at the n n Heb. 13. 8. same stay . No change , age o o Rom. 6. 9. 10. Rev. 1. 8. 17. 18. death can on him seaze , or lite , He still continues in the selfe-same plight , O let us then make Him our onely p p Psal. 73. 25. Ps. 119. 57. stay , Friend , Treasure , Portion , who thus lasts for aye , Then when all Friends , Helpes , Stayes , Hopes else faile , He Alone q q Psal. 27. 10. Eph. 1. 23. Col. 3. 11. 1 Cor. 15. 28. Psal. 90. 1. more than all these to us will be . Oh prize Him most who doth all else excell , And still remaines when they bid us farewell . 10. Rockes are to Men the r r Num. 24. 21. Judg. 15. 8. c. 20. 45. 47. 1 Sam. 23. 25. Ps. 94. 22. 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 24. 2. Isa. 2. 10. 19. 21 c. 17. 19. c. 33. 16. Jer. 4. 29. c. 16. 16. c. 48. 28. c. 49. 16. c. 51. 25. Obed. 3. 4. Rev. 6. 15. 16. strongest , safest Fence , Fort , Refuge in all Dangers : and from hence Most Castles , Townes , Forts on them setled ar , Which guard whole Kingdomes , both in Peace and war ; To these men in all places use to flye For ayde and shelter in extremitie , And is not Christ our Rocke , the strongest Mound , The safest s s Psal. 18. 2. 31. 48. Ps. 31. 3. Psa. 61. 2. Ps. 94. 22. Deut. 32. 4. refuge of his Saints ? who found Their Forts , strength , fafty upon Him , and flye To him alone in all their Miserie ? Where they in safty live , and dare defie Both Men and Devils with securitie . O let us then on Him alone repose Our Soules , who will t t 1 Pet. 4. 19. 2 Tim. 4. 18. Ioh. 10. 28. 29. protect them from all foes . 11. Doves , Eagles , Conies , Fish in v v Cant. 2. 14. Pro. 30. 26. Numb . 24. 21. Job 39. 28. 29. Psal. 104. 18. Jer. 48. 28. Rockes doe breed , Build , dwell and hide themselves : Christs chosen seede In x x Joh. 15. 1. to 8. Cant. 2. 14. Isay . 25. 4. Ps. 32. 7. Ps. 119 119. Isa. 32. 2. Him alone breed , build , dwell , live , and hide From all such Perills as shall them betide . Let this their wisedome teach all others grace In this Rock Christ , their Strength , Nests , Homes to place . 12. Rockes have no outward y y Isa. 2. 21. Ezech. 26. 4. forme nor comelinesse To make them lovely . z z Isa. 53. 2. 3. Psa. 22. 14. 15. 16. 17. Isa. 52. 14. Scripture is expresse That Christ our Rocke had none , whence most a a Isa. 53. 3. Mark . 9. 12. Ps. 118. 22. Mar. 21. 42. Act. 4. 11. Joh. 1. 10. 11. despise Him whiles they view Him but with carnall Eyes . And yet as Rockes , though ragged , vile and bare In outward forme , containe within them rare And precious Jewels , Stones , Mines , of all Kinds ; So though our Rocke , Christ , unto carnall Minds In outward shew seemes base ; yet in Him lye The b b Ephes 3. 8. Col. 1. 16. 17. 18. c. 2. 9. 10. Eph. 1. 23. Ioh. 1. 16. richest Treasures , Mines , Gems , hid from eye : O judge not then by c c 1 Sam. 16. 7. out side , since corse skinne And rags oft times have Treasures , Pearles d d Jam. 2. 5. Psal. 45. 13. 1 Pet. 3. 4. Rom. 2. 28. 29. within , Whiles guilded Outsides ( like a e e Mat. 23. 27. 28. painted Grave ) Nought else but Dust , Drosse , Dung , within them have . 13. Rockes fence the Land against the raging Seas , Which else would swallow it with speed , and ease . So f f Mat. 16. 18. c. 28. 20. Ioh. 10. 28. 29. Rom. 8. 35. to 39. Psal. 121. 1. to 8. Psal. 125. 1. 2. 3. Christ defends his Church and feeble Sheepe , Gainst Devills , Tyrants , Wolves ; who else would sweepe Them cleane away , and speedily devoure , If not protected by his Mighty Power . O give Him then the praise of this sweete Grace Who thus preserves us safe in every place . 14. Rockes oft times Harbours make for Ships to ride In safty both from Pirats , Stormes , winds , Tide . So Christ our Rocke , an g g Jer. 16. 19. Psal. 18. 1. 2. Psal. 9. 9. Psal. 46. 1. 2. 3. Psal. 62. 7. 8. Isa. 25. 4. Heb. 6. 18. Psal. 60. 11 Harbour is to all , Who flye to Him , and for helpe on him call In all their Troubles ; where they may repose Themselves in safty , maugre Stormes , or Foes . 15. Rockes through the world neare hand dispersed lie For Men to h h Judg. 15. 8. c. 20. 45. 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 23. 25. c. 24. 2. Isa. 2. 10. 19. 21. flye too , in extremitie . Christ in i i Mat. 28. 20. Ps. 34. 18. Psal. 145. 18. Rom. 10. 6. 7. 8. Act. 10. 35. Psal. 18. 1. 2. all places is still neare at hand , A Rocke to shield , and guard his chosen Band , In all their Dangers , and perplexities , Thrice happy he who in him fenced lies . 16. God well accepted in most gratefull wise , And by some wonder grac'd the Sacrifice Which holy Men upon bare k k Judg. 6. 20. 21. c. 13. 19. 20. Rockes did lay , And offer to him ; not on Altars gay . Thus God those Praises , Almes , Teares , Prayers , Cryes , ( A Christians best and onely l l Psal. 51. 17. Heb. 13. 15. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Phil. 2. 17. c. 4. 8. Ps. 107. 22. Rom. 12. 1. Sacrifice ) Doth most regard , and them alone approve Which laid on m m Heb. 13. 15. Col. 3. 17. Joh. 13. 13. 14. c. 16. 24. 26. Christ our Rocke , doe from Him move , And mount to Heaven n n Rev. 5. 8. c. 8. 34. sweetned with the fume Of his rich Odors , which their stincke consume . 17. Altars of old were built on o o Judg. 6. 26. c. 13. 19. 20. Rockes ; to shew That we no p p Heb. 13. 10 Rev. 16. 9. c. 8. 3. c. 9. 13. Altar else but Christ should know ; And that all Altars , Offerings must proceede From Him , or else they le stand us in no steede . Those Altars then are built but on the q q Mat. 7. 26. 27. Luk. 6. 47. Sand , And sure to fall , which on Christ doe not stand ; As none doe now , sith r r Heb. 7. 12. 13. 14. to 28. c. 8. & 9. & 10. c. 13. 10. 1● . 1 Cor. 9. 13. 14. c. 10. 16. to 22. c. 11. 24. to 37. Col. 2. 10. to 22. Christs death overthrew All Altars but Himselfe , both old and new . 18. No lasie , fearefull Persons can ascend Steepe Craggie s s Amos. 6. 12. 1 Sam. 14. 4. 13. Jer. 4. 29. Rockes , but onely those who bend Their Mindes , Force , Might thereto , who hardly get Vpon them but with earnest paine and sweat , Nay falls , oft-times , and Bruises : so all those Who t t Mat. 25. 26. Rom. 12. 11. Heb. 6. 12. Pro. 21. 25. sloathfull are , with Christ can never close : A Rock so Narrow , craggie , steep , Sublime That , none , with Ease , with Paines , v v Mat. 7. 13. 14. Luk. 13. 24. few can Him ( Climbe , Meeting with x x Joh. 16. 33. Act. 14. 22. 1 Thes. 3. 4. many Rubbes , Falls , Bruises , ere They climbe upon Him , and a building reare . O then let all who thinke this Rocke to mount Of Paines , Sweat , Fals , Rubs , crosses , make y y Luk. 14. 28. to 34. account . And then addresse themselves with z z Deut. 6. 5. Luk. 13. 24. all their might Vnto this worke , which will their paines requite . 19. Rockes are too Hard , on which to sleepe secure : And they must a a Mat. 24. 42. c. 26. 41. Mar. 13. 37. Luk. 21. 36. watch , not sleepe whom Christ keepes sure . Those who intend on this Rocke safe to lye , Must b b Rom. 13. 14. Lnk. 22. 46. 1 Thes. 5. 6. 7. Eph. 5. 14. Shake off sleepe , with all security : Watching and c c 2 Thes. 5. 17. Eph. 6. 18. Rom. 12. 12. Act. 6. 4. Luk. 21. 36. praying alwayes night and day , Lest world , flesh , Devill them surprize and slay . 20. Rockes in , or neere the Seas , and waters are ; And doe their heads , most part d d Ps. 40. 2. Ps. 61. 2. above them beare : So Christ , our Rocke , on earth did oft reside Neare to the Sea ; yea , on it , walke and ride : Lifting his Head above the proudest Seas , And calming all their raging waves with ease : To shew that He was e e Mat. 4. 13. 15. 18. c. 8. 24. 26. 27. c. 13. 1. c. 14. 24. 25. 26. c. 15. 29. Mar. 2. 13. c. 3. 7. c. 4. 1. c. 5. 1. 21. c. 7. 3. Luk. 6. 17. c. 21. 15. Joh. 6. 1. 16. 18. c. 21. 1. Supreme Lord of all The world , f f Mat. 8. 27. Mar. 4. 41. Luk. 8. 25. Mat. 14. 33. when Seas and floods before Him fall ; Yea , prove a footestoole for his feete to tread , And g g Ma. . 14. 25. 26. Mar. 6. 48. 49. Joh. 6. 19. walke upon in safty , without dread . All other Rockes in waters sincke , Christ Sailes , Swimmes , walkes upon , and over them prevailes . 21. Most , ragged Rockes contemne , neglect , forsake , Vntill some h h Judg. 15. 8. c. 20. 45. 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 24. 2. c. 23. 25. 26. Isa. 2. 10. 19. 21. c. 7. 19. Jer. 4. 29. Dangers force them to betake Themselves unto them for securitie , And then they prayse , and highly magnifie Those Rockes they held before in such disgrace , As the most strong , sweete , best , and safest place . So , most this Rocke Christ quite i i Isa. 53. 3. Psal. 118. 22. Act. 4. 11. Mar. 9. 12. Joh. 1. 10. 11. neglect , despise , Desert , abandon till k k Mat. 11. 28. 29. 2 Chron. 33. 12. Hos. 5. 15. Psa. 78. 34. 35. 36. Isa. 55. 1. 2. Zeph. 3. 12. 1 Tim. 5. 5. extremities Enforce them to Him , to protect and free . Them from the Evills which they feare and flee . And then no place so sweete , safe , delicate As this our Rocke before left desolate . But yet as those who unto Rockes doe flye , Not out of love , but meere necessity , l l Psal. 78. 34. 35. 36. 37. Jer. 3. 10. Exod. 8. & 9. & 10. Judg 2. 17. 18. 19. c. 3. 10. to 16. c. 4. 1. to 6. c. 6. 1. to 11. Forsake them quite , when as their Dangers end ; So , such whom Feares , or Perills force , and send ( Not sincere love ) to Christ our Rocke , l l Psal. 78. 34. 35. 36. 37. Jer. 3. 10. Exod. 8. & 9. & 10. Judg 2. 17. 18. 19. c. 3. 10. to 16. c. 4. 1. to 6. c. 6. 1. to 11. away Depart from Him , and will no longer stay , When as their Dangers , Troubles , Feares are gone , And most unkindly leave Him all alone . Hence may all Popelings Learne , that Multitude , Christs , or his Churches truth doth m m Mat. 7. 12. 13. 14. c. 20. 16. c. 22. 24. Luk. 13. 23. 24. 1 Pet. 20. 21. Rev. 3. 4. 1 King . 22. 6. to 29. ill conclude . 22. Rockes humble are , and never upwards tend , Mount , swell , but n n Exod. 15. 5. Nah. 1. 6. downe their Heads and Motions bend . So Christ our Rocke , did o o Mat. 11. 29 Phil. 2. 5. 6. 7. 8. Joh. 6. 15. 16. Eph. 4. 9. Heb. 2. 7. 9. Zech. 9. 9. humble and abase Himselfe , but never sought high state or Place ; Moving from Heaven downe to Earth below , To quench all Pride , and make men humble grow . Who then dares swell with Pride , or Haughtinesse When Christ , Himselfe did thus so low depresse ; Though p p Phil. 2. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. Tim. 6. 15. Rev. 17. 14. c. 19. 6. Deut. 10. 17. King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , most High , Nay second Person in the Deity ? 23. High Rocks a pleasant q q Num. 23. 9. Iob. 39. 28. 29. Prospect yeeld , whence Men Sea , Land , nay Heaven may the better Ken. And with delight see farther , and farre more Than they on lower ground beheld before . Thus men high mounted on our Rock , Christ , view From thence , with most delight , such r r 2 Cor. 5. 16. 17. 18. 1 Cor. 2. 7. to 16. Act. 26. 18. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Col. 3. 1. 2. 3. Phil. 3. 7. 8. 9. 20. Eph. 3. 8. 9. 20. Eph. 3. 8. 9. 10. pleasant , new And glorious Sights of God , and things above As rap their soules , and make them sicke of Love . Thence they behold all Earthly things below With other Eyes , and both discerne and know Them to be vile , base s s Eccles. 1. 2. 14. 1. Ioh. 2. 15. 16. 17. Phil. 3. 7. 8 , 9. Prov. 23. 4 , 5. Drosse , meere vanity ; And very small when view'd thus from on high . 24. When t t Pro. 30. 19. Serpents upon Rockes doe creepe or glide They leave no tract , way , steps , that can be spide . When that old Serpent Satan crept upon Our Rocke Christ , with his strong Temptation , He v v Mat. 4. 1. to 10. Lu. 4. 1. to 10. Ioh. 14. 30. Heb. 4. 15. nought prevailed , and no print , step , trace , Of him or his Assaults on Him tooke place . 25. When Christ our Rocke for forty dayes and nights Had fasted , then the Devill Him incites To x x Mat. 4. 2. 3. 4. Luk. 4. 2. 3. 4. turne stones into Bread , Himselfe to feede ; Which He denide , though then he bread did neede : Yet of his tender Mercy to Mankinde , And their poore soules , which are with hunger pinde , He dayly turnes a Rocke ( Himselfe ) to y y Joh. 6. 32. to 64. Bread Of life , wherewith their hungry Soules are fed . Yea , rather than his chosen , Bread shall neede , The Rockes and Stones their Soules shall fat and feede , Nay feast with those sweete wafers , which their Minde , By z z Psal. 77. 12. Ps. 143. 5. Meditations doth within them finde . Let then our Hearts be right we neede not feare A a a Psal. 34. 9. 10. Psa. 37. 25. 1 King . 17. 6. 7. 11. 12. 13. want of Bread , Food , them to feede , feast , cheare , Since every Rocke and Ston's a Magazine To feede , store , feast them still with Bread Divine . 26. When God himselfe of his abundant Grace Shew'd forth his glorious Presence , and blest Face To Moses and Elias ; he them plac'd In b b Exod. 33. 21. 22. 23. 1 King . 19. 9. to 16. Clifts or Caves of Rockes , and there them grac'd With this grand Honour , Him to view . When we Gods sweetest c c Mat. 3. 17. Joh. 1. 18. c. 6. 46. c. 14. 7. 9. Face and Presence long to see , Our Soules to ravish ; we must stand , and hide Within the Clifts of our Rock , Christs peirc'd side ( Which these Rockes doe but d d 1 Cor. 10. 4. figure , ) the sole place Wherein we may with Comfort view Gods face . O let our Soules in these Clifts dwell and stay , Where God his e e Joh. 14. 7. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 19. 20. Face and presence doth display , In such sweete manner , and such lively sort , As will our Soules with Love and Joy transport . 27. Rough ragged Rockes and Stones , cause Men to f f Isa. 8. 14. 15 Luk. 2. 34. Ro. 9. 33. 1 Pet. 2. 8. 2 Chron. 25 12. Zech. 12. 3 Psal. 141. 6. fall And stumble on them ; yea , oft times withall , Themselves to bruise , maime , breake , and hurt so sore , That they expire therewith , and rise no more ; Thus Christ becomes to many a wicked one A g g Isa. 8. 14. 15. Luk. 2. 34. Rom. 9. 33. 1 Pet. 2. 8. Rocke offensive , and a stumbling stone Who on Him stumble , slip , and headlong fall , And dash themselves in pieces therewithall . O then beware how we against Him hit Spurne , stumble , who to () () Luk. 2. 34. Mat. 21. 44. shivers will us split . 28. Some h h Deut. 32. 13. Job . 29. 6. Rockes of flint yeeld softest oyle , to swage , And supple hardest swellings , when they rage . Heale wounds , and Ulcers ; supplest Oyles of Grace , Which i i Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. soften hard Hearts in a little space ; k k Mat. 11. 28 Psal. 41. 4. Mal. 4. 2. Rev. 22. 2. Asswage our Paine , our Aches , wounds , sores cure , Proceede from Christ , a Rocke most firme and sure . Lord give us store of this soft Oyle , that we Our Hearts made soft , our wounds quite heal'd may see . 29. The Mines and Treasures which in Rockes hid lye , l l Isa. 2. Z. Exceede Mans search and full discovery . The Sacred hidden Treasures which doe dwell In Christ our Rocke , are so m m Ephes. 3. 8. 10. 19. 20. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Col. 2. 3. 9. c. 1. 19. unsearchable ; Vast , boundlesse , endlesse , that they farre exceede Saints largest thoughts and in them wonder breede . O let us still contemplate more and more The n n Eph. 3. 18. 19. Psal. 62. 2. 6. 7. Psal. 73. 25. height , depth , length , breadth , of this searchlesse store . To fill our Soules with sweetest joyes , and make Them for the Love of these , all else forsake . 30. Rockes are most Patient and doe not o o Job . 6. 12. Jer. 23. 29. complaine Cry , stir , though Tempests , Seas , Winds , Axes , Rain , Nay Sledges be at upon them , and them bruise , Break , hew , cleave , pierce , cut , lance , & much misuse . So Christ our Rocke , endured p p Isa. 53. 7. Mat. 26. 63. c. 27. 12. Act. 8. 32. 2 Pet. 2. 23. Heb. 12. 2. Rev. 19. patiently , His Crosse , wrongs , suffrings , Death without all cry , Complainte , resistance ; like a Sheepe before Her shearer , which doth never bleate , stir , roare . O let all Christians now at last from q q 1 Pet. 2. 19. to 25. Rev. 12. 12. Rom. 13. 10. Jam. 1. 3. 4. hence Learne to beare crosses with like Patience . 31. The r r Mat. 7. 25. Luk. 6. 47. 48. Floods , windes , stormes against the Rockes oft beate ; They still exposed are to Cold , or Heate : Sometimes the Seas surround & drown them quite And oft the yce and snow them hide from sight : So Christ on earth s s 1 Pet. 2. 22. 23. Heb. 2. 9. 10. 18. c. 4. 15. c. 12. 2. Matth. 4 , 2. to 10. c. 27. and 28. Mar 15. & 16. Luk. 23. & 24. Act. 2. 23. to 37. c. 3. 13. to to 22. c. 4. 26. 27. 28. assaulted was with windes ; Floodes , Tempests , Heate , Cold , Crosses of all Kindes , Which for a time did hide , immerge , at last , Quite over-whelme Him , till the Storme was past . What Christian then can thinke himselfe t t Joh. 15. 20. Mat. 10. 22. 23. 24. 25. secure From Stormes , Winds , Floods , sith Christ did them endure ? 32. When Christ gave up the Ghost , the v v Mat. 27. 51 Rockes did rent , The Death of this cheefe Rocke for to lament : Yea , to beare witnesse of his Deity , Who though he dy'd , made x x 1 King . 19 11. Nah. 1. 6. Rockes in pieces flye . That Heart is harder , worse than Rock or Stone , Which Christs Death cannot rent , nor cause to moane . Yea every y y Ezech. 22. 14. c. 36. 26. c. 11. 19. Luk. 24. 32. Isa. 13. 7. Ezech. 21. 7. Jer. 23. 29. Rockie Heart must melt , rent , fall In pieces , when Christ shall it shake , smite , call By his Almighty Hand , or voyce ; which make The hardest z z 1 King . 19. 11. Josh. 2. 11. Amos. 9. 13. Nah. 1. 5. 6. Rockes and Hearts to melt , split , shake . Lord let the Thoughts of thy Death quite relent Our Rockie Hearts , and move them to repent . 33. Rockes a a Job . 6. 12. c. 14. 24. seldome rot , corrupt , or putrifie : b b Act. 2. 24. 31. c. 13. 34. 35. 36. 37. Psal. 16. 10. Christ rotted not , whilst he in Grave did lye ; That so he might our rotten Corps thence c c 1 Cor. 15. 42. 43. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. Phi. 3. 21. raise Free from corruption , Him for aye to prayse . O feare not then , though we returne to dust , Christ at the last d d Rom. 6. 9. 10. 1 Cor. 15. 42. 43. 52. to 57. will scoure off all our Rust ; Drosse , and Corruption ; and our Corps restore To such a State , that it shall dye no more ; But live in endlesse Glory , and excell The e e Joh. 13. 2. Phil. 3. 21. Mat. 13. 43. Dan. 12. 3. shining Rayes , which in Starres , Moone , Sunne , dwell . 34. Rockes though they drowned be , appeare againe , And fixed in their Places still remaine : So Christ , though Dead , and layd in Grave , arose Againe the f f Mat. 26. 6. 7. Mar. 16. 6. 1 Cor. 15. 4. 5. 6. 12. to 23. third day , yea to Heav'n up goes , Above the reach of Floodes ; where he on high Hath fixt his Throne for all g g Heb. 1. 8. 12. Psal. 145. 13. 2 Pet. 1. 11. Eternity . Here shall this ever-living raised Rocke For ever h h Rev. 22. 5. reigne amidst his chosen Flocke . 35. Our Rocke Christ being dead entombed lay Within a i i Mar. 15. 46. 47. Mat. 27. 60. Luk. 23. 53. Rocke ; where He grim death did slay . We , Dust and Earth , when dead , to k k Gen. 3. 19. Eccles. 3. 10. them returne : But our dead Rocke , a Rocke had for his Vrne : Which Him receiv'd , and habor'd even when , He Slaine , and quite l l Isa. 53. 3. 14 c. 4. 11. rejected was by Men. O Rockes of Flesh , and Bowels , which first m m Mat. 27. 51. rent Themselves , His bloody Passion to Lament ! And then Him in their Bosomes lodge , and plac'd , When men Him slew , forsook , and most disgrac'd ! O men ( more n n Jer. 5. 3. Ezech. 3. 5. hard than any Rocke , Flint , Stone , Who never , pitty , feele , regard , bemoane Christs cruell Death and Passion ; nor receive Him , when the Rocks rent , and Him House-roome give ! O let us learne from hence , how hard , unkinde , Ingrate we are to Him , who still shall o o Joh. 1. 10. 11. Mat. 8. 20. Luk. 9. 58. Job 24. 7. 8. finde More pitty , harbor , love , from Rockes than we , Vntill our Hearts by Grace relented be . And let this Thought our Hearts of Rocke now thaw , And Floods of bitter Teares out from them draw . 36. In fine ; when we consider that p p Mar. 15. 46. 47. c. 16. 1. 2. 3. Mat. 27. 60. c. 28. 5. 6. Luk. 23. 53. c. 24. 6. 7. Joh. 19. 41. 42. c. 20. 1. to 26. Christ lay Intombed in a Rocke ; yet the third day Rose up from thence : it makes each Hole and Cave We see in Rockes , no other but a Grave : And points us out the q q Job . 17. 1. 13. Psal. 88. 3. 5. Place where we must lye Inter'd , ere long , and fits us still to r r 2 Tim. 4. 6. 7. 8. 1 Cor. 15. 31. dye : Which done , it then revives our soules againe With this sweet Thought , that we s s Psal. 19. 9. 10 Act. 2. 32. c. 13. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. 14. to 18. 2 Cor. 4. 14. Rom. 8. 11. shal not remaine In Grave for ever ; since our Saviour rose From thence againe , to rayse us , and all those Who are his Members , from the Dust , to t t Rev. 22. 5. raigne In endlesse Blisse , where he doth now remaine . Let these sweete Speculations ever cheare Our drooping Soules , and banish all their Feare . Thus Barren Rockes unto a pious Minde May fruitfull prove , if it v v 1 Cor. 10. 4. Christ in them finde ; When they in Name and Nature thus expresse Unto the life , with Fruite and Pleasantnesse ; Farre better than all Pictures which the Blinde , Dull Papists make , to bring them to their Minde , As if His x x 1 Cor. 11. 25. 26. 29. Gal. 3. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 2. Rom. 1. 19. 20. Word , Workes , Sacraments , yea , y y Gen. 1. 26. 27. c. 3. 1. c. 9. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 7. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Heb. 1. 3. c. 2. 11. 12. 13. 14. 16. 17. Phil. 2. 7. 8. 1 Joh. 3. 2. Joh. 1. 14. 30. Man The truest , best Idaea that we can Have of Him ) with each Rocke , Stone they espie Were not enough to shew him to their eye , Without those Idols , which have thrust aside These better Pictures , and Christ from them hide . 38. Blessed Lord Jesus who the z z Psal. 62. 2. 6. 7. Psal. 94. 22. Ps. 18. 2. 31. 1 Cor. 10. 4. only Rocke , And Refuge art of thine Elected Flocke , Teach us thus sweetely to behold , and view Thee in each Rocke we see ; for to renue , Melt , change , delight , rejoyce our Hearts , & make Them out of love to Thee , all else a a Lu. 14. 33. Mar. 10. 28. 29. Psa. 73. 25. forsake : Still b b Rom. 4. 7. 8. 2 Cor. 5. 8. living , cleaving , dying unto Thee The onely Rocke , where they full safe shall be .
Meditations of the second Kinde , comparing Rockes and Sinnes together . AGaine , Me thinkes , the Rockes doe typifie , the nature of those Sinnes which in us lye . 1. For first , all Rockes exceeding c c Pro. 27. 3. Zech. 12. 3. Isa. 32. 2. Heavie are , To those who them upon their shoulders beare : Yet Light , not pondrous to their proper place : So , to all Hearts renu'd with saving Grace All sinnes more d d Ps. 38. 4. 5. Job 6. 3. 4. Mat. 11. 28. heavie than Rockes are , and seeme ; Though stony hearts them light and easie deeme . e e Zech. 12. 3. Dan. 2. 34. 35. Prov. 27. 3. 2● . Chron. 25. 12. Ps. 137. 9. Eccl. 10. 9. Josh. 10. 11. 2. Rockes presse and bruise Them sore on whom they lye , And for meere anguish make them Roare and Cry . Sinnes doe so too ; when God doth once awake Mens soules , their Pressure makes them f f Psal. 38. 1. to 11. Ps. 32. 3. Ps. 22. 1. Joh. 3. 24. Ps. 88. 1. 2. 3. roare and quake . O then beware of Sinnes , which g g Mar. 11. 28. Psal. 38. 8. 2 Sam. 24. 14. bruise , oppresse Our soules , and worke nought else but their distresse . Rockes sinke , and bend still h h Exod. 15. 5. Neh. 7. 11. Jer. 51. 63. 64. downe wards : Sins doe so , Tending to i i Psal. 9. 17. Psal. 55. 15. Pro. 5. 5. 2 Pet. 2. 14. Isa. 24. 24. Hell the Place to which they goe : Each day they sinke men lower than they were , Till by degrees they them to Hell downe-beare . Oh then betimes shake off these k k Heb. 12. 1. Amos 2. 13. Rev. 18. 21. weights , which presse And sinke our Soules to Hell , without redresse . 4. Rocks l l Exod. 15. 16. 1 Sam. 25. 35. cold , hard , dead and senselesse are ; m m Heb. 3. 13. Ezech. 3. 7. Ephes. 2. 1. 2. c. 4. 18. 19. Sins make All such , within whose Hearts they Lodgings take : Beware then how such Guests we entertaine , By which our Soules are deaded , n n 2 Chro. 25. 12. Isa. 8. 14. 15. Psal. 141. 6. Zech. 12. 3. hurt and Slaine . 5. Rockes make men oft to stumble , slip , and fall ; And break their Bones , Limbs , Neckes , oft times withall : Sinnes o o Isa. 8. 15. Jer. 18. 15. Isa. 24. 20. Jer. 8. 4. 12. c. 25. 27. c. 50. 32. doe the like . If then we would be free From Slips and Break-neck-falls , we must them flee . 6. Rockes are p p Isa. 2. 21. deformed , horrid , barren , vile ; And so are q q Isa. 64. 6. Ezech. 16. 3. to 40. Pro. 13 5. Gen. 49. 4. sinnes , with all whom they defile . These make Men ugly , filthy , Steril , base , And all their Glory , Beauty quite deface ; Yea , change them into r r Ezech. 21. 25. c. 22. 27. Monsters , wolves , dogs , swine ; Nay s s Joh. 6. 70. 71. c. 8. 44. Act. 20. 29. 2 Pet. 2. 22. Rev. 22. 15. Fiends incarnate . O then Sinnes decline ! 7. Where t t Exod. 15. 16. Job 18. 4. c. 28. 9. Rockes once fixe their Stations , they remaine ; And none but God can move them thence againe : So Sins once setled in Mens Hearts , there v v Jer. 13. 23. Rom. 7. 18. to 25. Zeph. 12. Jude 10. 11. 12. 13. stand Fast centred , till Gods owne Almighty hand Expell them thence . O then let no Sinnes lye Upon our Soules , but out them presently , Lest they should x x Heb. 3. 12. 13. Eph. 1. 1. 2. 3. c. 4. 18. 19. Rom. 1. 23. to 29. settle ; for if once they rest Within them , they are hardly dispossest . 8. Rockes are y y Jer. 5. 3. Mat. 7. 25. 26. Job 41. 24. exceeding hard to batter , breake , Mine , pierce , demolish . So let all Men speake , And they must say , that z z Jer. 13. 23. Ephes. 1. 19. 20. 1 Cor. 9. 27. Rom. 7. 18. to 25. Heb. 12. 1. all Sinnes are so too , We ruine , breake them still with much adoe . He who doth thinke his Sinnes with ease to quell , Shall never tame , nor from him them expell . 9. Rockes make their Dwellers a a Obad. 3. 4. Jer. 21. 13. c. 49. 16. fearelesse , and secure Of Foes or Perils , and to thinke all sure : Sinnes b b Job 12. 6. Isa. 28. 15. 18. Deut. 29. 19. 20 Judg. 18. 7. 10. 27. Ezech. 28. 2. to 12. doe the like to those that in them dwell ; Who feare no dangers till they sinke to hell . O then beware lest Sinnes make us secure . No State 's so ill , as that which seemes most sure ! 10. All Rockes are c c Jer. 5. 3. blushlesse , shamelesse , impudent ; Sinnes are so too , nought can then daunt , relent . And by degrees Mens Hearts , Browes they so d d Jer. 3. 3. c. 6. 15. c. 8. 12. Ezech. 2. 4. c. 3. 7. Heb. 3. 13. steele That they no Sinne , Blush , shame , disgrace can feele . Take heede then lest Sinne , first , us shamelesse make , Then Senselesse , Gracelesse , fit for Hells dread Lake . 11. Rocks , stones e e 2 King . 3. 19. 25. good grounds oft spoyle , and quite deface : So f f Ezech. 18. 24. 26. sinnes good men deprave , marre shame , disgrace . 12. Rockes , Stones in fertile Soiles them g g Isa. 5. 2. 2 King . 53. 19. 25. Mat. 13. 5. Mat. 4. 5. 6. Lu. 8. 6. 7. barren make ; And nought will spring , or grow there , till men take Them thence : So Rockes and Stones of Sinne decay , And make Men h h 1 Pet. 2. 1. 2. Jam. 4. 1. to 12. fruitlesse till remov'd away . No fruites of Grace will ever grow , or sprout Up in them , till these Stones be digged out . 13. Great Rockes i i Ezech. 24. 7. 8. Rev. 6. 15. 16. Numb . 23. 9. apparent are to each Mans eye , And all both farre and neare may them espie . Great Sinnes in all , in k k 2 Sam. 12. 10. 11. 12. 14. Exech . 16. 36. 37. 38. Isa. 3. 9. Great men specially , Themselves to all both farre and neare descry ; Whence l l Ezech. 24. 7. 8. Scripture saith , they are on Rockes Tops set , And doe in m m 1 King . 13. & 14. & 16. others worlds of Sinnes beget . Let all , but Great ones chiefely , all Sinnes flye ; Which though kept close , will yet n n 2 Sam. 12 1. 12. Psa. 90. 8 Eccles. 12. 14. Mar. 4. 22. themselves descry . 14. Wilde o o 1 Sam. 24. 2. Job . 39. 1. Goates in Rockes seede , live , and much delight : So , wicked Men , stil'd p p Mat. 25. 32. 33. Goates both day and night In q q Eph. 2. 1. 2. 3. c. 4. 19. Rom. 1. 27. to 32. 1 Joh. 5. 19. 2 Pet. 2. 13. to 22. sinnes and lusts doe wallow , live and joy ; Though they their soules at last will quite destroy . O Madnesse ! thus in Sinnes to take delight , Which against God , Soule , Body , alwayes r r 1 Pet. 2. 11. Act. 5. 39. c. 2● . 9. fight . 15. The Steepe high Rockes , and Forts which on them stand Are never s s Jer. 39. 1. 2. 3. Ezech. ●9 . 18. scal'd , or won but by strong hand ; Much Paines , Long Seige , or Famine , which doe pine , Or starve their Men , and cause them to resigne . The steepe , high , craggie Rockes and Forts of sin Within us , none can ever t t 1 Cor. 9. 27. Rom. 7. 18. to 25. Mat. 17. 21. Luk. 2. 37. 1 Cor. 7● 5. 2 Cor. 6. 5. c. 11. 27. Scale , force , win , But by strong hand , much cost , paines , sweate , strife , care , Long Seige , and Easts , by which they starved are , And forc'd at last for very want to yeeld , Where else they would have made us leave the field . It s then no easie thing to conquer Sinne : They must bestir them who its Forts would winne . 16. Rockes , v v Act. 27. 29. wrecke , sinke , breake Ships , Boates : So Sins oft x x 1 Tim. 6. 9. Rev. 21. 18. split And drowne those Soules which on them dash or hit ; Not in Sea-waters , but in Lakes of fire , Where they shall ever feele Gods scorching Ile . 17. Instruct us then , O Christ , our Rocke , to shun All Sinnes as Rockes ; and not on them to run , For feare of ruine , and still give us Grace To flye these Rockes of Sinne in every place , With greater care than y y Act. 27. 29. Sea-men doe avoyde Those noted Rockes , which thousands have destroyd ; Not once presuming to approach or hit Against such Rockes ; as others Soules have split . And since sunke Rockes of z z Psa. 19. 12. Job . 34. 32. secret Sinnes that lye Hid in our Hearts , and a a Jam. 5. 1. 5. Isa. 22. 12. 13. 14. c. 5. 12. 13. 14. c. 47. 7. 8. 9. Zeph. 2. 15. Job . 21. 10 12. 13. Amos. 6. 3. to 8. c. 8 : 10. worldly jollity , Mirth , Pastimes , Pleasures , ( where we least suspect , Or feare a danger ) most soules still have wreckt ; Teach us these Rocks to see , and then to flye With chiefest care , and them not to come nigh . Yea , sith no Sea so fraught with Rockes can be , As this whereon our Soules sayle towards Thee : O Shield us from these Rocks by thy great Power , Which else will Split and Sinke us every houre : That so we may at last arive secure In Heaven's blest Port , where Joyes for aye endure .
Meditations of the third Sort , suiting Rockes , and Gods Elect together . BEsides , these Rockes present before our Eyes The State of Gods Elect , in lively wise . 1. Rockes fixed are , b b Job 18. 4. Mat. 7. 25. 26. not tossed to and fro , With every Winde , Storme , Tempest : Even so Gods Chosen Sheepe with c c Rom. 8. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. firme and stable Hearts Adhere to Him in all their Troubles , Smarts : No Stormes , Windes , Crosses , Changes can remove Them from his Word , Sonne , Spirit , Truth or Love : When d d Joh. 6. 66. 67. 68. 2 Pet. 1. 10. 11. Troopes of others shrinke , and fall away , They cleave to him as to their onely Stay . 2. Rockes many e e Mat. 7. 25. 26. Winds , Stormes , Tempests undergoe : And doe not all the f f Psal. 34. 13. Act. 23. 22. Psa. 73. 14. Saints , whiles here , doe so ? 3. Rockes meekely beare and suffer Stormes that fall , And never fret , rage , or repine at all : Gods g g Psal. 39. 2. 9. 1 Sam. 3. 8. 2 Sam. 15. 25. 26. 27. c. 18. 4. to 14. Saints without all murmur , fret , or cry Their Crosses , Losses beare most quietly ; Submitting unto God , whose Providence All bitter Potions doth to them dispense . 4. All men on h h Mat. 7. 25. 26. Rockes may safely build and rest : And of all trusty friends , the Saints are best . On i i 3 Ioh. 5. 6. Prov. 17. 17. c. 18. 24. Joh. 15. 13. whom we may all times with trust relye , And to them in all Dangers safely flye . 5. Rockes k k Isa. 2. 21. Ezech. 26. 4. bare and ragged are : The Saints oft l l Psa. 37 , 26. Jam. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 4. 11. 12. c. 16. 1. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 10. c. 8. 2. 4. Rom. 15. 26. Poore , In outward State ; but seldome begge at doore . 6. Yet though Rockes Outsides be but base and rude , They richest Mines within their wombes include : So though Saints Outsides be but ragged , base , Within them m m Jam. 2. 5. Psal. 45. 13. Ephes. 3. 19. Phil. 1. 11. Col. 1. 9. 10. 11. Heb. 11. 37. 38. hidden lye gold-Mines of Grace . 7. Stones digged out of Rockes and hewed square The n n 1 King . 5. 17. 18. c. 6. 7. 8. c. 7. 3. 10. 11. 2 Chron. 2. & 3. 2 King . 12. 12. Ezech. 40. 42. fairest Temples , Buildings make that are . So Gods Elect , though vile whiles that they lye In Natures Quarries in deformitie ; Yet hew'de out thence , squar'd , polisht by Gods Grace , And layd in order in their proper Place , Become o o Psal. 14 , 4. 12. Isa. 11. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephes. 2. 21. rich Temples wherein God doth dwell , And doe all other structures farre excell , In worth , and glory : Lord thus square , and lay Us in these Sacred walls , which last for aye . 8. Rockes for the most part lowly are and meeke : The p p Psa. 131. 1. 2. 3. Col. 3. 1. 2. 3. Heb. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 24. 25. 26. 35. 36. 37. 38. 2 Cor. 4. 9. to 18. Saints are so , and no high places seeke ; In this vaine world ; where they dejected lye Till God advance them to the Starrie skie . 9. Rockes Kingdomes , Islands guard and fortifie Gainst raging Seas , Floods , Stormes , and Enemie : q q Exod. 32. 11. to 15. Jam. 5. 16. 17. 18. 2 King . 2. 12. c. 6. 2. to 24. c. 8. 9. c. 20. 6. Gen. 28. 23. to 25. Act. 27. 24. 2 King . 13. 14. 28. Saints holy Lives , and frequent Prayers ar States surest Guards ; Forts , both in Peace and war ; These Shield-off Judgements , Foes , Plagues , yea Gods Ire , Which else would wast , and scorch them worse than Fire . 10. Rockes from their Sides send forth r r Numb . 20. 10. 11. 12. Deut. 8. 15. Psal. 105. 41. Springs sweete and pure , Mens Thirst to quench , their wounds and sores to cure : And who but Christ and Saints can s s Isa. 61. 1. c. 4● . 1. 2. 2 Cor. 1 , 4. 5. Comfort bring To Sinne-sicke Soules , and those who feele the Sting Gripes , Torments , Flames of Hell and Conscience ? Or binde up broken , hearts , and chase from thence All feares and horrid Terrors ? Which an Hell On Earth oft make in those wherein they dwell ? Hence all such wounded Soules doe ever fly To t t 2 Cor. 1. 4. 5. 6. Act. 9. 10. to 20. these for Comfort in extremity : Since no ungodly wretch can cheare , or ease A Sinne-sicke Soule , nor aking Heart appease . 11. Rockes most despised and neglected are , As worthlesse Creatures : Thus Gods Saints oft fare v v 1 Cor. 4. 9 to 13. Heb. 11. 36. 37. 38. Mal. 3. 14. to 18. Contem'd , abhor'd of Most , as vile and base , Though of Mankinde the onely Pearles , Starres , Grace . 12. Rockes hurt no Shippes , Boates , Men , but such as x x Act. 27. 29. hit Themselves against them ; and so breake or split : So Gods Elect doe never hurt , breake , quash Any , but those who y y 1 King . 13. 4. 6. Act. 9. 4. 5. wilfully rune , dash , Bruise , breake , themselves against them ; who must check ? And blame themselves , not them , for this their wreck . 13. God first ingrav'd his Sacred Lawes upon A Marble Rocke z z Exod. 24. 12. c. 31. 18. c. 34. 29. Deut. 4. 13. c. 5. 22. c. 9. 10. 11. 15. 17. a Table made of Stone ; Not brittle Glasse , soft Paper ; that they might Out last all time : God , still , his Lawes doth write On hardest Rockes ; Saints stable a a Jer. 31. 33. 2 Cor. 3. 3. Hearts , whereby They Time survive , and gaine eternity . The two first Stony Tables whereuopon God stampt his Lawes , broke , lost were long agon : These harder Tables of Saints Hearts remaine , And in them Gods blest Lawes for aye retaine . Lord , I my heart a b b Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. Rocke have made : O carve Therein thy Lawes , from which it may not swarve . And since it shall out-dure the firmest Rocke , O , this rich treasure ever in it locke ! Yea , make each Saints Stone-Heart the Treasury Of thy sweete Lawes , for all eternity . 14. Rockes in most places thinly scatred are ; Saints in all places are most c c Luk. 13. 23. 24. Isa. 17. 6. thinne and rare . d d 1 Pet. 1. 1. 2. Heb. 11. 36. 37. Dispersed here and there , where hid they lye In secret Corners in obscurity ; Driven from Country , Lands , House , Home , by those Who for their e e Psal. 38. 20. Goodnesse onely are their Foes . 15. Rockes burnt to f f Isa. 33. 12. Lime , doe fasten , joyne , sement Stones in all Buildings , and them free from rent : Yea ; laid on barren Grounds where nought would spring , They make them fertile , and great Crops to bring : So Gods Elect , when melted by the Flame Of his sweete Spirit , g g Eph. 4. 3. to 17. Rom. 15 5. 6. 7. c. 16. 17. 18. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 11. 12. 13. c. 12 4. to 31. Phil. 1. 27. 28. Jud. 3. 4. Rev. 2. 14. knit , unite the Frame And Stones of his Church here on Earth together , And keepe out Errours , Sects that would it sever : Yea , sent to barren Soiles where grew no Grace , They make them b b Act. 26. 17. 18. Rom. 1. 13. c. 15. 18. 19. 20. Col. 1. 6. fruitfull , and in better case . 16. Rockes cut and polisht , turne to richest Gems Become Kings Treasures , i i Zech. 9. 16. 2 Sam. 12. 30. crowne their Diadems . Saints squar'd and polisht from their drosse by Grace , Prove Gods rich k k Mal. 3. 17. Jewels , in his Crowne have place . Lord so refine me that I may be set , A Stone , Pearle , Jewel in thy Coronet . Amidst those Saints which thou reput'st such Gems As farre excell , out-shine all Diadems . Sweete Jesus make me of thy Chosen Flocke , That I , like them , may be a blessed Rocke .
Meditations of the fourth Classe , sampling Rockes , and Rockie Hearts , with ungodly Men , together . YEt more , me thinkes Rockes represent to all Mans Rockie Heart , and Nature , since the fall , In some Respects , wherein they well agree With Stony Hearts ; from which God make us free . 1. Rockes are exceeding l l Jer. 5. 3. Shamelesse , Impudent ; Nought will them daunt , or cause for to relent . So men of Stony Hearts , have m m Jer. 3. 3. c. 5. 3. c. 8. 12. Ezech. 2. 4. c. 3. 7. Browes of Steele , Faces of Rocke , which no blush , shame can feele . No shamefull Sinne , Convictions , or Disgrace Will daunt , or cause them once to hide the Face . It is their n n Phil. 3. 19. glory to be voyd of shame , And vaunt of that which doth them most defame . 2. Rockes shew no mercy , but to o o Josh. 10. 10. Judg. 9. 53. 54. Zech. 12. 3. Luk. 13. 4. 2 Chron. 25. 12. peeces mall , Breake , bruise , or hurt , all those on whom they fall . So men of Rockie hearts are p p 2 King . 8 : 12. 13. Gen. 5. 7. Psal. 71. 4. Prov. 12. 10. Je● . 6. 23. c. 50. 42. Psal. 27. 12. Ezech. 34. 4. mercilesse , And breake , bruise , teare , crush , all they doe oppresse . No Cries , Parts , Vertues , Merits can asswage Their cruell Projects , nor divert their Rage . O let me rather fall into the Pawes Of q q Prov. 17. 12. Beares or Lyons , than an hard Hearts Jawes . 3. Rocks make those r r Isa. 47. 2. Milstones which doe grinde , bruise , teare The Corne we use , to make us Bread , or Beere : So men of Rockie Hearts still serve to s s Exod 1. 12. c. 4. Isa. 3. 15. grinde , Presse , bruise Gods Chosen , till they be refinde From all their Huskes of sinne , and made meete Food For Gods sweete Pallate , to their greatest Good . 4. Some Rockes burnt in the Fornace harder grow ; And nought but t t Deut. 8. 9. Job 28. 2. Steele , or Iron from them flow : Which serves to breake , hew , polish , fit , and square Rude Rockes and Stones , and Stately piles to reare : Gods fiery Fornace Rockie Hearts makes more v v Isa. 1. 5. 6. 2 Chro. 28. 22. 23. Hard , and obdurate than they were before ; Yea all its scorching Heate the which they feele , Serves but to turne them into harder Steele , Or Iron ; for to breake , hew , polish , pare The Rockes and Stones which God layes in the rare And choisest Buildings of his Church : whose walls Are x x Exod. 1. 12. c. 4. built , not ras'd , with these hard Iron Malls . And Tooles of Steele , though they no y y Act. 8. 21. Part nor share Have in the Temples which they helpe to reare . 5. The most mischievous Instruments of war Wounds , Bloodshed , first from z z Job 28. 2. Deut. 8. 9. Rockes extracted ar ; As Canons , Musquets , Bullets , Sword , Bills , Speares With other weapons , where with Man kills , teares , Torments , Maimes , Stabs his Brother in despite , As if he did in nought but Blood delight : So from Mens Stony a a Mat : 15. 19. Gen. 6. 5. c. 8. 21. c. 27. 41. Hearts first flow and spring All Mischiefes , Murders , Warres , Sinnes , each ill thing : These were the Artists which did first invent Each bloody , murth'ring , warlike Instrument ; The Shops in which they forged were , the Armes That weild them still , & work a world of Harmes . O cursed Hearts of Rocke from whence doe flow All Evills , Mischiefes , woes we heare , see , know ! Lord free and ever keepe us from such Hearts , Which are the Cause of all our Sinnes , Ills , Smarts . 6. Rockes make those in them b b Obad. 3. 4. Jer. 21. 13. 14. c. 49. 16. carelesse , Proud , Secure From feare of Danger : Stony Hearts are sure To make all c c Is . 47. 7. 8 9. 10. 11. c. 5. 19. Them in great Mischiefes ere they be aware . Rockes are d d Job 41. 24. Jer. 23. 29. Nah. 1. 6. Jer. 5. 3. exceeding Hard ; and sooner broke Than squar'd or polisht with the Axes stroke : Mens Stony Hearts so hard and flinty are , That all Gods Axes , Judgements e e Isa. 1. 5. 2 Chron. 28. 22. Exod. 5. to 13. Jer. 5. 3. c 2. 30. Isa. 9. 30. Amos 4. 6. to 14. Rom. 2. 4. 5. cannot square Them to his Rules , nor cause them to amend , And sooner breake than rent , or make them bend . He who in hardest f f Exo. 31. 18. c. 34. 1. 4. 29. S●●●es of old imprest His Sacred Lawes , upon a Rockie Brest Cannot ingrave them : Lord what Hearts of Flint Have Men , whereon thy Lawes can make no Print ! Nought but Christs blood these g g Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. Jer. 32. 39. Adamants can thaw And square them to the Models of Gods Law . 8. No heate of Sunne or Fornace Rockes will melt , But harden rather , and their Heat's not felt : Gods h h Isa. 26. 10. 11. c. 1. 5. c. 9. 30. Jer. 5. 3. 2 Chro. 36. 14. 15 16. Jer. 25. 3. to 15. c. 29. 19. c. 32. 33. Amos. 4. 6. to 13. Hos. 6. 4. 5. Rom. 2. 4. 5. Sun-shine Mercies , and his sweetest Grace ; His fiery Fornace , and his frowning face , Mens Rockie Hearts will neither warme , relent , Affect , melt , change , nor move them to repent . 9. Most Rocks are i i Ezech. 26. 4 Amos 6. 12. barren , yeelding nought for Back Or Belly , that Mankinde or Beasts doe lack : Mans k k Ezech. 11. 19. Math. 13. 5. 6. 20. 21. Mar. 4. 5. Luke 8. 6. Stonie Heart 's as Barren : no good Thing , No Fruites of Grace , Faith , Vertue in it spring . 10. Thornes , Thistles , l l Judg. 8. 7. 16. Brambles , Weedes of Rockes oft grow ; All Stony Hearts with these , still m m Heb. 6. 8. Rom. 1. 24. to 32. c. 2. 4. 5. over-flow : Fruitefull in nothing , but those tares of vice , And sinne , which barre them out of Paradise . 11. Rockes Deafe and Sencelesse are of good , and ill : Hard n n Ephes. 4. 18. 19. 1 Tim. 4. 2. Proverb . 23. 35. Deut. 29 2. 3. 4. Isa. 6. 9. 10. 2 Chron. 36. 15. 16. Hearts are so , and neither can , doe , will , Gods Word , Law , Workes regard , Heare , understand ; Nor , feare his angry ; kisse , his soothing hand . 12. The fiercest Stormes , o o Mat. 7. 25. 26. Winds , Waves , on Rookes doe dash : Gods p p Deut. 28. 15. to 68. 1. Sam. 5. 7. 2. Chron. 21. 19. Ezech. 14. 21. Mich: 2. 10. Heb. 10. 29. Sorest Judgements Stonie Hearts doe lash : And though they seldome feele Gods stroke or Curse ; This nothing Mends , but q q Ephes. 4. 18. 19. Rom. 2. 5. makes their Case farre worse . 13. The pleasant Showres , Drops , Dewes that on Rockes light . Make them not fruitfull ; nor in better plight : But glide away forthwith , not sinking downe To make them Mellow , good , or sinne to drowne : So Rockie r r Heb. 6. 7. 8. c. 3. 13. 8. Mat. 13. 5. 6. Isa. 28. 10. 13. 2 Chro. 36. 15. 16. Jer. 23. 3. 4. c. 35. 15. Hearts , though they receive the raine , And frequent showres of Gods blest Word ; remaine Still Barren , Hard , and Sencelesse ; nought will stay That drops upon them , but all slides away That 's Good or Sacred ; onely Flouds of s s Job 15. 16. sinne Sinke downe with speede , and freely enter in . 14. None craggie t t Luk. 8. 6. 13. Amos. 6. 12. Rockes will Till , Plough , Plant , or Sow ; Their Labours lost who doe it , nought will grow . Obdurate Hearts few use to Plough or Till With Godly Precepts , Counsells ; sith they still v v 2 Chron. 36. 15. 16. Jer. 23. 3. 4. Mat. 7. 6. Prov. 9. 7. 8. Neglect , deride , contemne them ; so as all The seede is lost which on the Rockes doth fall . 15. Rockes blunt , and hurt the edge of Tooles that smite , Or square them for good uses ; yea in spite Their Chips and Shivers dash against the Eyes , Face , Shins of those that hew them . Loe the guise Of Rockie Hearts , which x x Pro. 9. 7. 8. Mat. 7. 6. Prov. 15. 12. 1 King . 13. 4. c. 18. 17. 18. 2 Chron. 24. 19. 20. 21. 22. c. 36. 15. 16. Mat. 23. 37. Gal. 4. 16. hurt and malice those Who checke their sinnes , and hate them as their Foes . Yea , let their Pastors in their Ministry But touch their Sores , into their Face they flye : So zealous are they for those Sinnes , which end In hell , when they will not Gods cause defend . O that our zeale for God were halfe so much As for our darling Crimes , when Men them touch : Then would we let them y y Psal 141. 5. Psal. 139. 23. 24. Prov. 8. 9. c. 29. 25. strike , wound , lance , yea Slay Our dearest Sinnes ; and thanke , not them gaine-say . 16. Rockes Cold and Heavie are , and z z Job . 18. 4. never move Out of their Places ; nor mount up above Unlesse perforce ; and then they ever a a Rev. 18. 21. Jer. 51. 63. 64. Neh. 9. 11. Exod. 15. 5. 10 Matth. 18. 6. Mark . 9. 42. Luk. 17. 2. bend Downe to the Center ; whence they did ascend So b b Rom. 2. 4. 5. c. 1. 23. to 32. Ephe. 4. 18. 19. 2 Pet. 2. 20. 21. 22. Rockie Hearts are Cold , and lumpish still To all that good is ; prone to nought but Ill : No Love , Heate , zeale to God within them flame ; His Cause they 'le not stir in for Love , nor Shame : Their Thoughts , Minds , Cares are fixt on c c Phil. 3. 18. 19. things below , And never upwards Soare to view , mind , know The things above ; unlesse some d d Isa. 26. 11. 16. sodaine Feare Of Death , Hell , Danger up them scrue or reare Against their Wills : which past , to Earth they hie With greater poyse , and there still groveling lie . 17. Rockes e e Hab. 2. 19. Dumbe and silent are : So Hearts of Stone For good Discourse have neither Tongue , nor Tone Sitting still f f Isa. 56. 10. Job . 15. 3. Mute like stones without voyce , sence , When any fall to godly Conference . 18. Rockes g g Ezech. 26. 4. bare and naked are ; whence all may spie Their Nakednesse , and grosse Deformitie . All Stony Hearts , are h h Ezech. 16. 3. to 15. Rev. 17. 18. naked , poore , and bare ; Their Barenesse , vilenesse , wants exposed are To all Mens view ; till Christs rich Robes of Grace Cloath or Adorne them , and these wants deface . 19. Rockes Livelesse are ; and Stony Hearts are i i Mat. 8. 22. Joh. 5. 25. 19. Ephes. 2. 1. 5. c. 5. 14. Dead ; No life of Grace was ever in them bred : Yea , all who now draw breath , must shortly K K Heb. 9. 27. Psal. 89. 48. dye , ( Who knowes how soone ) and dead as Rockes shall lye . 20. Rockes till by force they broken be , and slit , l l 2 Chron. 2. 2. 18. 1 King . 5. 17. c. 7. 9. 10. 12. Hewd , polisht , for all Buildings are unfit : Thus Rockie Hearts till God them m m Ezech. 36. 26. Joel 2. 13. Hosea 6. 5. rent , hew , square ; To build his House , Church , Temple , uselesse are . 21. Rockes make Men n n Isa. 8. 14. fall and stumble , to their Paine And Hurt : That o o Rom. 2. 5. Eph. 4. 18. 19. Rockie Hearts doe thus , t is plaine ; Since all our Slips , Falls , Bruises , Sinnes proceede From Stony Hearts , which make us take no heede . 22. Rockes p p Act. 27. 29. Shipwracke those , who doe too neare them sayle ; And sunken Rockes to split Ships most prevaile : Thus Rockie Hearts unlesse we from them fly Will q q Rom. 2. 4. 5. Ephes. 4. 18. 19. 1 Tim. 6. 9. wracke us all ; but yet especially When neither Felt , nor Seene : for then we run With full-saile on them , and are quite undone . 23. Rockes feele no Burthens , weights that on them lie ; So Rockie Hearts doe never r r Ephes. 4. 18. 19. sigh , groane , cry Vnder the Weights and Burthens of their Crimes , ( Though s s Psal. 38. 4. Matth. 11. 28. Job 6. 3. heavier than the Sands a thousand times ) And why ? because they never feele their poyse Till it them sinke to Hell , and quite destroyes . 24. Not all the Men on Earth , with all their Art Can make one Rock , or Stone ; much lesse an Heart ; But onely t t Joh. 1. 3. God himselfe : yet Men alone Are the v v Psal. 95. 8. Exod. 8. 15. Creators of all Hearts of Stone , Not God : O wonder , that Men should create Nought but Hard Rockie Hearts which God doth hate : Such Hearts can none else but Men , Fathers call , Which sinke still downewards , till to Hell they fall . 25. O then when ever we a Rocke shall see , Let these thoughts to our Mindes recalled be : Yea , ponder what Old x x Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. Psal. 51. 10. 17. Rockie Hearts we have By Sinne and Nature : then New , soft Hearts crave , With fervent Prayers , Grones , Sighes , Teares ; so we Our Hearts of Rocke , to flesh transform'd shall see . And if we finde , feele , know by signes most sure Our hearts thus changed , and made soft , and pure ; Let us for ever in Word , Deede , Life , Thought , Extoll and (y) praise Him who this Change hath wrought ; Keeping a narrow z z Act. 2. 46. 47. Eph. 3. 20. 21. watch both night and day , Over our cheating Hearts ; for feare lest they Should by degrees freeze , or grow a a Heb. 3. 13. c. 12. 15. Prov. 4. 23. hard againe , Yea turne to Rockes , and so for aye remaine . 26. Sweete Jesus b b Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. take our Stony Hearts away , And give us hearts of flesh , we humbly pray ; And of all other Plagues , from us avert This as the greatest , an obdurate Heart . And since of all our Parts Thou dost require , Seeke , prize our c c Prov. 23. 26. Hearts most ; grant us we desire Such broken , contrite tender Hearts , as may Delight Thee most ; and never from Thee stray . Such Hearts Thou onely canst d d Psal. 51. 10. 17. create , not we ; Make our Hearts such ; then happy shall we be .
Miscellanie Meditations of the fifth Kinde .

TO winde up all ; Rockes to our Mindes present Some other usefull Thoughts , with great content .

1. When we behold some e e 2 Chro. 2. & 3. 1 King . 5. 17. 18. c. 6. 7. 8. c. 7. 3. 10. 11. 2 King . 12. 12. c. 32. 6. Stones with Tooles and Barres Dig'd out of Rockes , and taken from the Quarres ; To build some Stately Church ; whiles others stay Still there , unwrought ; though quite as good as they : It mindes us of that common Rocke wherein Mankinde corrupted lay , through Adams Sinne : From whence God by f f Psal 144. 12. Isa. 14. 11. 12. c. 51. 1. Rom. 9. 11. to 31. c. 8. 29. 30. c. 11. 5. 6. 7. Ephes. 1. 4. 5. 11. c. 2. 4. to 22 c. Pet. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 2 Thes. 2. 13. Mat. 24. 40. 4. c. 20. 16. Mal. 1. 2. 3. Ex. 33. 19. Jer. 18. 6. 2 Tim. 2. 9. Election and meere Grace Culls out some Stones ( though few ) which he doth place Within his Churches Buildings ; where they lie Fast joyn'd to Christ , for all Eternitie : When as all others ( though as good as they And of the selfesame Rocke , Originall or Actuall . Quar , Lumpe , and Clay : ) Lye still unpolisht , in the rotten Masse , And State of Sinne , untill to Hell they passe ; Without Injustice , since Gods Grace is g g Hos. 14. 4. Mat. 10. 14. Rom. 3. 24. c. 8. 32. c. 11. 5. 6. free ; And none but for h h Math. 25. 41. 42. 43. Mark . 16. 16. Psal. 51. 4. 5. Lam. 3. 39. some Sinne shall damned be . 2. When I consider that all i i Isa. 22. 16. Mark . 15. 46. Tombestones , Urnes , And Tombes , where Man , * * Gen. 3. 19. meere Dust , to Dust returnes ; Are broken pieces of some Rockes ; I then Behold my Tombe-stone , in each Rocke I ken : And say ; Loe here 's the lasting Monument Wherein my Body must ere long be pent , And shut Close Prisner , till the k k Joh. 5. 58. Rev. 20. 12. 13. Judgement day , When all its Rust and Bolts shall fall away . Which Thought digested , makes me still amend My Life ; and fits me alwayes for mine End . Let all revolve it oft within their Minde , And they shall Treasure , Honey in it finde . 3. When I behold some people dwell , live , lye In l l Job 24. 8. Obad. 3. Jer. 48. 28. Caves of Rockes ; I then thinke presently ; He who a Cottage wants his Head to Hide , Shall finde some Rocke , or Hole where to abide ; In which he may sleepe freer from feares , Foes , And Cares , than those whom Castles , Guards , inclose . What neede we care then here for House or Home , If these should faile , yet Rockes will give us Roome To Lodge and hide in : Here m m 1 King . 17 4. 13. c. 19. 9. 11. 15. Heb. 11. 38. Gen. 19. 30. Judg. 6. 2. 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 24. 2. 3. 4. 7. Exod. 33. 21. 22. Gods dearest Saints Have liv'd , and hid oft times without Complaints ; And beene more happie in these caved Stones Than greatest Monarchs in their royall Thrones . Repine not then though Clifts of Rocks should be Thine House or Home , sith there thou mayst be free , Safe , blessed , chearefull , and to God more nigh Than those who in the fairest Pallace lye . 4. The precious Jewels n n Prov. 2. 4. Job 3. 21. Mat. 14. 44. Psal. 17. 14. Col. 2. 3. Treasures , Stones which are Lockt up and hid in coursest Rockes , declare Gods dearest Saints and Jewels common Case , And State on Earth : who thrust out with disgrace From House and Home , enforced are to flye To o o 1 King . 19. 9. 11. 15. c. 17. 4. 13. 1 Sam. 13. 6. c. 24. 2. 3. 4. Heb 11. 38. 39 Caves and Rockes , where they imprisned lye : Whence driven out againe by bloody Foes ( Like Gold or Jewels out of Rockes ; ) they close And locke them up againe in p p Psal. 88. 8. Jer. 31. 2. c. 33. 1. c. 36. 5. c. 39. 15. Luk. 3. 20. Act 5. 18. 21. c. 12. 4. Prisons , Goales Or nastie Dungeons , amidst filth , dust , * * Bonner Imprisoned the Martyrs in his Cole-house in Queene Maries dayes . Coles , The common q q Heb. 11. 35. to 39. Gaskets where these Gemmes , Pearles lye Vntill some Flames them into Ashes frie. Yet courage Noble Soules , whiles thus you fare It 's a sure Signe you peerelesse r r Mal. 3. 17 Isa. 61. 10. Exo. 19. 5. Ps. 135. 4 Jewels are , And Gods Choyce Treasures , since you under Locke , Thus lye , like Gold , Gems in some Casket , Rocke : And that you shall be s s Psal. 88. 6. 8. 18. Cant. 5. 4. 6. Jer. 30. 2. 3. Act. 16. 23. 24. Heb. 11. 36. surest kept of any , Because kept closest , and not seene of many . The choycest Things Men ever closest t t Cant. 4. 3. Psal. 17. 14. Mar 13. 44. Job 3. 21. Prov. 2. 4. Col. 2. 3. Locke ; And Wolves runne loose , whiles God doth v v Ezech. 34. 14. Joh. 10. 16. fold his Flocke . 5. Rockes love to x x Ezec. 26. 4. c. 24. 7. 8. shew , not hide their Nakednesse : Adam and Eve y y Gen. 3. 7. 10. 11. 21. c. 9. 22. 23. blusht at their Naked Dresse When they beheld it , and did hide for shame , Till they with Coates of Figge-leaves vail'd the same . Those wanton Females then that take delight , Their z z Ezech. 16. 36. 37. Hosea 2. 2. 3. 4. 2 Cor. 5. 5. Revel. 3. 17. 18. c. 16. 15. Gen. 9. 22. 23. Heb. 2. 15. Isa. 47. 3. Naked Breasts , Neckes , Armes , ( like some strange sight ) To shew to others , without Blush or shame , In spight of God , Men , who them taxe and blame : Are rather shamelesse Rockes than Adams Race ; And for the most part voyd of Sence , shame , Grace ; If not of Honour , and true a a Hosea 2. 2. 34. Ezech. 16. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. c. 23. 10. 11 18. 19. 23. Chastitie , Sith most is common which doth open lye . 6. When we behold Men with much Danger , Swet , Paines , Trouble , vilest wrack to gather , get , And draw from Sea-Rockes , for to burne , or dresse Their tilled Grounds , and mend their fruitfulnesse . Me thinkes it should wring b b Phil. 3. 18. 19. Teares from us , to see What Paines these take for Dung , whiles they and wee Doe not take halfe the Care , Paines , Travell , Sw●et The richest Gems of Grace to digge , fetch , get From Christ our Rocke , which would not onely cheare And warme our Soules , and make them fruite to beare ; But them c c Rev. 3. 18. Psal. 45. 13. 14. adorne , enrich , store in such wise , That they all else as vile Dung would despise . For shame then henceforth let us take d d Luk. 13. 24 1 Cor. 9. 25. 26. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 5. 10. more paine These richest Gemmes , than they base wracke to gaine . 7. When I a Rent or Clift in Rockes espie , It mindes me of the dreadfull Majestie , And mighty Power of our God which make The hardest e e 1 King . 19. 11. Nah. 1. 5. 6. Mat. 27. 51. Rockes for feare to split f f Joel . 2. 12. 13. 10. rent shake And duely pondred would in peeces teare Our Rockie Hearts , & make them quake for feare 8. When I behold Men , Tempests , Waves , Raine , Winde , Beate long on g g Mat. 7. 25. 26. Rockes , and yet no entrance finde : It makes me see what h h Ezech. 11. 19. c. 36. 26. rockie hearts we have At which though Christ ( who seekes our Soules to save ) Doth dayly i i Rev. 3. 20. Isa. 53. 1. 3. Joh. 12. 37. 38 39. 40. c. 1. 10. 11. Rom. 10. 21. Isa. 5. 1. to . 7. Je● . 25. 5. to 8. c. 29. 19. knocke by his Word , Grace and Sp'rit , Saints , Preachers , Motions ; and oft times them smite With sundry Judgements , Tempests , Seas , Malles , Winds To make them open , yet but k k Jer. 2. 20. Isa. 1. 5. c. 3. 9. Jer. 5. 3. Amos 4. 6. to 13. Ps. 95. 8. 10. Deut. 8. c. c. 29. 3. 4. 5. Josh. 5. 4. Heb. 3. 8. 9. 17. 2 Chron. 36. 15. 16. Jer. 25. 4. to 8. c. 32. 33. 34. seldome finds , Or makes an Entrance : nay though many yeares , He thus beates on them , yet no fruite appeares : O Hearts more hard than any Rocke , Flint , Steele , Which all these strokes upon them never feele ! O l l 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rev. 1. 9. c. 3. 10. Rom. 15. 5. patient Jesus ! who so long canst beare , With such hard hearts , which will not melt nor teare ! 9. When I behold Rockes , Stones , most ragged , base , Rude and deformed in their Native place , m m 2 Chron. 2. & 3. 1 King . 5. and 6. & 7. Hew'd out from thence , and polisht by Man-Kinde Turn'd into goodly Structures of each Kinde And made rich Statues , n n Zech. 9. 16. 2 Sam. 12. 30. Jewels , Ouches , Gemmes , Yea , set in Gold and royall Diadems . I thence conclude , that God with much more ease Speede , Art , can turne , when ever he shall please , The o o Ezech. 36. 26. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephes. 2. 21. Mal. 3. 17. hardest , vilest , rockie Hearts that are Into rich Temples , Jewels , Gemmes most rare ; Yea set them in Christs very royall Crowne Like precious stones unto their great renowne . As he did p p 1 Tim. 1. 13 14. 15. 16. Paul , q q 2 Chron. 33. 12. to 20. Manasses , and all those Most glorious Saints which Heav'n doth now inclose . Let no man then though ne're so meane , vile , base , Lewd , sinfull , once despaire of Gods free Grace , Which in a moment can r r Ephes. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. c. 3. 20. 21. change and translate Him from his wretched to a glorious state . 10. When as I see the s s Job . 28. 10. Ps. 105. 41. waters that doe streame And gush from stony Rockes , me thinkes they seeme A lively Image of those t t 2 King . 20. 5. Job 16. 20. Lam. 2. 18. Jer. 9. 1. 8. Luk. 7. 38. 44. Act. 20. 19. 31. Mat. 26. 75. Teares that flow From Rockie Hearts , when they once tender grow . Through Gods sweete Grace and Spirit , which can melt The hardest Hearts to Teares , and them relent As He did Rockes of Old , whence v v Psal. 105. 41. Exod. 17. 6 Numb . 20. 11. 12. water gusht By streames when He them either smote or crusht . Blessed Lord Jesus , soften , breake , relent Our Hearts of Rocke , and cause them to repent , And send forth Streames , nay Floods of Teares to wash , Our sinnes away , and all their force to quash . 11. x x Job 39. 28. 29. Jer. 49. 16. Eagles in lofty Rockes still breed and lye , And from their Toppes their Prey farre off espie : Gods chosen Saints whom Scriptures oft compare To y y Psa. 103. 5. Isa. 40. 13. Mat. 24. 28. Luk. 17. 37. Eagles , upon Christ high mounted are : ( The tallest Rocke ) on whom they z z Ephes. 2. 20. build , lodge , stay , And thence they seeke , finde , take their sacred prey . Lord make our Soules with Eagles wings to flye , To this sweete Rocke , and there to live and dye . 12. When I contemplate how Rockes a a Job . 28. 10. Psal. 104. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Christall Springs Which serve to moisten , soften other Things , Make trees , herbes , grasse , plants , flowers spring and grow ; And quench the Thirst of all things here below ; Yet neither moysten , soften , fructifie The Rockes themselves , still barren , fruitlesse , dry : Me thinkes I view in them some Rockie Hearts , Endew'd with rare , rich , profitable Parts Of Art and Nature ; which doe good to many , Yet to their Owners good , they doe not any . How many Preachers others helpe to save Yet b b Mat. 22. 7. 1 Cor. 9. 27. damne themselves ? and whiles they others gave The Food of life , have starv'd themselves to death : Others made Fertile , themselves barren Heath ? How many c c 2 Sam. 16. 23. c. 17. 23. wise to teach , rule , counsell all Except themselves , and so through folly fall : It s hardly worth the Name of Good Art , Skill That betters others , makes the Owners Ill. 13. When I espie Rockes trampled on by all , Christs and true Christians States , to minde I call . d d Isa. 53. 2. 3. 4. Mar. 9. 12. Psal. 118. 22. 1 Cor. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 2 Cor. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. c. 6. 4. to 11. Heb. 11. 36. 37. 38. Trod under feete , with all contempt , spite , hate Throughout the world , and valu'd at no rate . Complaine not then of any dis-respect . No greater Honour than Ill mens neglect . 14. Each vaste , high-towring , massie Rocke we eye Presents to us the strength and Potencie Of that Almighty God , whose e e Isa. 40. 12 : to 18. Psal. 89. 13. Potent Hand Did in a moment , both by Sea and Land Raise up so many vaste high Piles , and Packe Such Massie Rockes on one anothers backe ; Without an Engin , by his f f Psal. 148. 5. Word alone , And them so strongly soder one to one That all the Art , Wit , Strength , in Man's to weake To rase these Mounts , and them in Peeces breake . We wonder much at * * See Camdens Brittania Wiltshire . Stonedge , where there lye A few large stones , pil'd vp not very high On one anothers head , and thinke it strange , How men such pondrous Stones could reare and range , In such a manner , though these great stones be But Pigmies , Pibbles to the Rockes we see . How much more then with wonder and amaze Should we upon those Massie high Rockes gaze Which them so far in Bulk , weight , height exceed , And may true admiration in us breed Of Gods Almighty Power , which could raise Such grand , rare , lasting Trophies to his praise . To which all Structures made by men doe seeme But Mole-hills , Attomes , and of no esteeme . He who such heavie Rockes could make , lift , reare , g g Isa. 40. 12. 15. Weigh , tosse with ease , as if they feathers were ; With greater ease can lift and elevate His humbled Saints out of their h h Psa. 113. 7. 8. 1 Sam. 2. 7. 8. lowest State : And in an instant into i i Psal. 2. 9. Psal. 107. 40. shivers dash , All who with Him or Them presume to clash . 15. When we discerne the Sea , and Time to k k Job . 14. 9. weare The very Rockes , and them to waste , eate , teare ; Thinke and contemplate then , how time , age , space All things consume , waste , weaken and deface ; But chiefely Men , compact of l l Gen. 3. 19. Eccles. 3. 10. c. 12. 7. Dust , not stone Who fade like m m Ps. 103. 14. 15. 16. Psa. 90. 5. 6. Isa. 4. 6. 7. 8. Job 14. 1. 2. Jam. 1. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 24. grasse , are in a Moment gone . How can meere Dust and Ashes thinke to last , When time and age the hardest Rockes doe wast ? 16. Those who in lofty , fenced , steepe Rockes dwell Are n n Obad. 3. Jer. 49. 16. c. 21. 13. haughty , proud , secure , and farre excell Most others in these vices , slighting all , As if no Mischiefe could upon them fall . Whence sodaine Dangers , Ruines them surprise ( To quell their Pride ) from those they most despise ; Thus carnall Men advanc'd and fortifide With potent Friends , wealth , Honours , swell with o o Ezech. 28. 2. to 29. Isa. 47. 7. to 12. Rev. 18. 7. 8. Pride ; Deride all Dangers , Foes , grow so secure , As if their Props and Stayes should still endure . Whence God their Pride to punish and abate Casts them downe head-long by some sodaine Fate . Which should make all , but great men specially Beware of Pride , and grosse Security , The sad p p Prov. 16 18 Rev. 18. 7. 8. Fore-runners of a certaine fall , Which them and theirs will soone to peeces mall . 17. When as we see Men with must cost and paine To Mine the Rocks , and Treasures thence to gaine Of sundry Sorts ; where with they much increase Their wealth , and make things meete for warre and Peace : It forth-with mindes us how with farre more care , Cost , Paines , Sweat , Labour all who Christians are , Should dayly q q Prov. 2. 4. Col. 2. 2. 3. Mat. 13. 44. Search , and Myne for richer Oare In Christ their Rocke ; in whom there is such store Of peerelesse Mines , and Treasures of each Kinde As well content , yea r r Ephes. 1. 23 Joh. 1. 16. fill the vastest Minde ; And store all Christians with all Things they need In Peace and War , Life , death ! Let this then breed A Resolution in us , still to Mine , And draw these Treasures from this Rock Divine . 18. Whiles that we view Men Rockes to smite , pierce , rent With Sledges , Axes , or like Instrument ; We then should ponder , how we all each day Our blessed Rocke Christ Jesus s s Amos 2. 13. Heb. 10. 29. c. 6. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 1. Rev. 1. 7. smite , stab , slay A fresh with those accursed Sinnes and Crimes Where-with we grieve , pierce , wound Him at all times : Which Thought should turne the Edge , and Point of all Our Sinnes from Him ; upon our selves to mall Breake , wound our Rockie hearts , because we rent , Abuse Christ thus ; and cause us to repent . 19. When we espie Rockes dart out Sparkes of fire When smote , or cut with Tooles of Steele or I're : It sweetely mindes us , how the Hand of God Smiting upon us with an t t Psal. 2. 9. 10. 11. 12. Isa. 26. 9. 11. 16. Hos. 5. 15. 2 Chr. 33. 12. 13. 2 Cor. 8. 2. 1 Thes. 1. 6. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 6. 7. 8. 9. Jam. 1. 2. 3. 12. c. 5. 13. Psal. 119. 67. 71. 75 107. Iron Rod Should from our Hearts of Rocke extract and draw Such sacred Sparkes , yea flames as should them thaw , Purge all their Drosse away , and them inflame With a most ardent Love , unto his Name . Lord when thy Rod shall ever on us lite , Let it such Sparkes , and Flames in us excite . 20. Springs , Quarries , Mines in Rockes , ne're drawne quite drie ; Present most sweetely to each Minde and Eye The v v Ephes. 3. 8. 10. 19. 20. Joh. 1. 5. 16. Col. 2. 3. 8. 9. 10. inexhausted , boundlesse , Endlesse Mines , Springs , Treasures , Stores , and vastest Magazines Of Grace and Goodnesse , which inclosed lye , Within the Bosome of the Deity . To feede , feast , fill , enrich , each hungry , poore , Sad , pined Soule , with all their matchlesse store . The very thoughts whereof our Hearts should fill With sweetest Solace , and delight them still . 21. When I perceive the smallest Pibble x x Exod. 15. 5. Neh. 9. 11. Jer. 51. 63. 64. Mat. 18. 6. Rev. 18. 21. sinke In Floods , as deepe as greatest Rockes ; I thinke How smallest Sinnes are deadly , and as well , As soone almost , as Great , sinke Men to Hell . O then beware of all sinnes , since the small As well as great to y y Rom 6. 23. c. 7. 24. 25. Ec. 12. 18. Math. 12. 36. 37. Hell thus tend and fall . Let Papists talke of Veniall sinnes , I trow No sinne is veniall , when all sinke so low . 22. The worthlesse Rubbish in each Rocke exceeds , And hides the Mines and Precious stones it breeds : Yea , richest Mines have ever greater Store Of drosse and off all , than refined Oare . Which pondred , learnes us , how each Place , z z Mat. 7. 13. 14. c. 13. 3. to 51. Luk. 13. 23. 24. Rom. 10. 16. c. 11. 4 5. Church breeds More Bad than Good : that Good Mens Ill , exceeds Their Goodnesse : that the Bad , Good Men obscure As Rubbish hides , Surmounts the Oare that 's pure . Hence Multitude , and visibility Appeare ill Markes a Churches Truth to trie . 23. When a a Josh. 10. 11 Judg 9. 53. 54. 2 Sam. 11. 21. Zech. 12. 3. Luk. 13. 4. Rockes or Stones fall on Men , and them dash To peeces , or at least them bruise and quash : It mindes us how our Rocke Christ b b Isa. 8. 14 ▪ 15. Luk. 2. 34. Psa. 2 9. Rev. 2. 27. c. 19. 15. grindeth all To powder , upon whom he doth once fall . O then beware how we pull on our backes This Massie Rocke which Men to peeces crackes . 24. c c Psal. 41. 2. Psal. 61. 2. Rockes keepe from sinking those who walke or Stand Vpon them , whiles such , who on Bogges , Floods , Sand Doe walke , d d Psal. 40. 2. Psal. 69. 2. 14. Mat. 14. 30. Jer. 38. 6. 20. rest , stay , sinke downe and mired are , Yea oft times drowned without speciall care . Hence may we learne that those who walke , rest , stay , Themselves on Christ ( the surest Rocke ) alway Stand firme , safe , stable ; never sinking downe ; Whiles those who on Bogges , Sands sinke , stand , and drowne . O let our feete on this Rocke still abide Then are we certaine not to sinke , fall , slide . 25. Rockes those who dwell upon them fence , e e Isa. 33. 16. defend , But those who Scale them , hurt , bruise and offend . So Christ our Rocke f f Joh. 10. 11. 14. 27. 28. 29. 1 Pet. 1. 5. c. 4. 19. protects his Chosen sheepe Who rest upon Him , doth them safely keepe . Yet hurts and breakes to g g Luk. 2. 39. Mat. 21. 44. Ps. 2. 9. 10. peeces all such Foes , Who dare presume Him , and them to oppose . 26. The sight of Rockes , their h h Isa. 2. 10. 19. 21. Rev. 6. 15. 16. 17. Luk. 23. 30. Hos. 10. 8. Clifts , Caves , Holes should Minde , All of the Day of Judgement , yet behinde : So full of dreadfull Terrour and Affright That i i 1 King . 19. 11. Nah. 1. 5. 6. Mat. 27. 51. Isa. 64. 1. 2. 3. Psal. 97. 5. Amos 9. 13. 2 Pet. 3. 10. 12. Judg. 5. 5. Kings themselves , and men of greatest Might Shall quake and shake for very feare ; and call Vnto the Rockes and Hills on them to fall ; And into Caves , Holes , Clifts of Rockes shall flye To hide them from the Wrath , Sight , Majestie Of Christ our Rocke , before whose dreadfull face The Rockes shall then melt , fall , quake , change their place . And all the k k Isa. 2. 10. to 18. c. 5. 15. 16. 2 Thes. 1. 8. 9. Jud● 14. 15. Stout , proud , Rockie Hearts of those Who did Himselfe , Word , Grace , Saints here oppose . Shall be so daunted , stonisht , strucke with feare And Horrour , that they l l Psal. 1. 5. 1. Pet. 4. 18. Mat. 25. 30 31. 32. 42. to 46. 2 Thes. 2. 8. 9. 10. Dan. 12. 2. Joh. 5. 25. 29. Rev. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17. c. 20. 9. 10. 12. 14. 15. dare not once appeare ; Till drag'd perforce before Christs Barre and Face , Where try'd , convict , condemn'd ; with all disgrace They shall be cast for all Eternity Into Hels fiery Flames , there still to fry . O let the Terrour of this dismall Day , ( Which now drawes neere , and we should m m Jam. 5. 7. 8. 9. Rev. 22. 20 mind alway ; ) For ever scare us from all Sinne , and make Our Stony Hearts to melt , bleed , sigh , breake , ake : And cause us now with speed to flye and hide Our selves within the Holes of Christs pierc'd side , Who shall us n n 2 Cor. 5. 10. 11. Rom. 14. 10. 11. 12. Rom. 2. 16. Psa. 143. 9. judge : and then we boldly may o o Luk. 21. 28. Lift up our Heads , and Hearts in that great Day With joyfull cheare , when others hang them downe ; And eke receive a Rich , Large , Massie p p 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2 Tim. 4. 8. Crowne Of endlesse Glory , in the Heavens high Where we shall reigne for all Eternity . q q Rev. 22. 4. 5. O Christ ( our onely Rocke ) of thy free Grace Advance , and bring us to this blisfull Place : And let each Rocke , Clift , Stone we henceforth see Instruct us thus , and bring us home to Thee .
The Conclusion . WIth these sweete usefull Thoughts , and thousands more The Barren Rockes , our Hearts , and Minds may store When we behold them : and if Natures Booke , And Rockes , whiles we upon them dayly looke , Can teach us Nothing which our Lives may mend , Or cause our Hearts , Minds , Thoughts up to ascend ▪ To Christ their Rock , God , and the Things above , Them to contemplate with the greatest Love ; Our Hearts are Rockie ; We , quite voyd of Grace ; And Rockes than we , are yet in better Case . FINIS .

A CHRISTIAN SEA-CARD . Consisting of sundry Poeticall Meditations , raised from the Contemplation of the Nature and Qualities of the Sea .

BY WILLIAM PRYNNE , Late Exile and Close Prisoner in Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Iersy .

Psalme 104. 24. 25. 26.

O Lord how manifold are thy Workes ! in Wisedome hast thou made them all ; the Earth is full of thy Riches . So is this great and wide SEA , wherein are things creeping innumerable , both small & great beasts . There goe the Shippes ; there is that Leviathan thou hast made to play therein .

Psal. 77. 19.

Thy way is in the SEA , and thy path in the GREAT WATERS , and thy footesteps are not knowne .

Isaiah 43. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6.

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee , O Jacob , and he that formed thee O Israel ; Feare not , for I have redeemed thee , I have called thee by thy Name , thou art mine . When thou passest through the WATERS I will be with thee , and through the RIVERS , they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt , neither shall the flame kindle upon thee . For I am the Lord thy God , the Holy One of Israel , thy Saviour , &c.

Psalme 66. 12.

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads ; we went through FIRE and through WATER , but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place .

London Printed by T. Cotes , for Michael Sparke dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor . 1641.

TO The Worshipfull his highly Honoured Friend M rs Elizabeth Carteret , Daughter to Sir Philip Carteret , Knight , Lievtenant Governour and Bayliffe of the Isle of Jersy . THat neare relation wherein now you stand By Habitation , and a Nuptiall Band , To Seas , and Sea-men ; did at first induce Me to digest this SEA-CARD for your Use , And his you most esteeme ; which in some sort May helpe conduct you unto Heav'ns blest Port , The onely Haven which you now most Eye , And strive for to arrive in when you dye . Accept it therefore ( though scarce worthy view , ) As a small pledge of his Respects to you , Who much adores your Vertues , and must deeme His Muse too meane to adde to your esteeme . Your Engaged Friend and Servant , WILLIAM PRYNNE .
SIth God Seas , Rockes , in Place hath joyn'd together It were unkindnesse them in Verse to sever . And hence my Muse , which bates to be unkinde , Hath them , in these two Poems , here combinde .
A CHRISTIAN SEA-CARD . Consisting of sundry Poeticall Meditations raised from the Contemplation of the Nature and Qualities of the Sea .
THE PROLOGUE . THis World 's an ample Volume , where we may Not onely Read , but a a Rom. 1. 19. 20. Act. 14. 15. 16. 17. Psal. 19. 1. See God Day by Day ; And every Creature which it doth comprize , A Text to preach him to our Hearts and Eyes : No Plant , Herbe , Grasse so small , so vile but can Teach , and demonstrate God himselfe to Man , With his eternall Wisedome , Goodnesse , Power , Which he is blind , who seeth not in each Flower . Looke we above , beneath , or round about , All that we see doth b b Psal. 8. 1. 3. 4. 9. Psal. 104. 24. 25. &c. Psal. 19. 1. point , nay paint God out , Amongst the world of Creatures which present God to our Thoughts , and Eyes with sweete content Me thinkes the Sea , ( oft viewed with delight , ) Shewes him most cleerely to our Minds and sight . From whence a pious Heart may raise such store Of godly Thoughts , that plenty makes it poore .
Meditations of the first Kinde . 1. ANd first , the vaste Sea , which with speede can * * Gen. 7. 18. to 24. drowne The greatest Island , Mountaine , Ship or Towne , As easie as the smallest , Mole-hill , Boate , Or cottage , in its all-devouring throate ; Most sweetely represents to sinnefull Man The vaste , immense , and boundlesse c c Mich. 7. 19. Ocean Of Gods free Grace and Mercy ; so profound , That worlds of greatest sinnes in it are drown'd ; No crimes so hainous , great , or numberlesse ; But if with bleeding soules we them c c ● . Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. confesse And quite abandon , this large sea of Grace Shall over-whelme , wash out , and cleane deface : O sweetest solace to a broken Heart , And sinne-sicke soule , desirous to convert ! What though thy horrid sins and hainous crimes , Be greater than the world ten thousand times ? Loe , her 's a Sea more vast shall d d 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Mich. 7. 19. drowne them all Without exception , great , as deepe , as small . O then despaire not , but behold with joy This Ocean , which shall all thy sinnes destroy . Lord , let us ever Saile in this sweete Sea , Where Soules are sav'd , Sinnes onely Shipwrackt be . 2. Againe , this e e Psal. 104. 25. Psal. 107. 23. 24. Psal. 95. 3. 5. Gen. 1. 9. great Sea's huge immensity Length , Breadth , Depth ; Bulke , a vaster Deity And greater God who e e Psal. 104. 25. Psal. 107. 23. 24. Psal. 95. 3. 5. Gen. 1. 9. made it , clearely prove , Then feare , yea fly his wrath , embrace his love ; Before all earthly Monarches , since they be Not by ten thousand parts so great as He ; Or as the Sea , that shadowes to our eyes , His f f Psal. 145. 3. Isa. 40. 12. 15. 17. 22. greatnesse which our thoughts cannot comprise . What Creature , danger then shall once dismay Those , who this Great God make their onely stay ? 3. The Sea points forth unto us every houre , Gods infinite , Almighty , Soveraigne power ; Who did g g Psal. 95. 3. 5. Create it with a Word , and still Controules , h h Job 38. 11. Psal. 104. 9. to 11. Psal. 107. 25. to 30. Pro. 8. 29. Jer. 5. 22. cap. 31. 35. rules , calmes , its raging waves at will , When they with boisterous Tempest , roare , and swell As high as Heav'n , sinke downe as low as Hell : Bounding its proudest flouds with smallest Sand ; To shew how great a force weake things withstand When backt by God , sith petty Sands can stay The raging Seas fierce March , and blocke its way . Who but a i i Psal. 89. 8. 9. Mat. 8. 26. 27. Isa. 51. 10. Psal. 7. 4. Psal. 106. 9. Psal. 78. 13. Psal. 93. 3. 4. God of might can tame and charme Such foaming bedlam Seas , and them dis-arme . Of all their fury , strength , and them divide Yea , dry at pleasure ; to abate their pride ? And cannot he who bounds , rules , calmes and quels The boist'rous Ocean , when it roares and swels With greatest force and furie , bridle , swage Both men and Devills when they storme and rage ? Yea * * Psal. 2. 9. dash them into shivers with more ease And speed , than Seas a potsheard , if He please ? Why should wee then once k k Psal. 46. 2. 3. dread their threats or frownes , Their might or fury which our God still bounds ? They cannot touch one l l Luk. 21. 17. 18. Mat. 10. 28. 29. 30. haire , if he say nay , Much lesse our Soules harme , or our bodies slay Whilest we with upright hearts for his cause stand . O sweete ! sweete comfort to Gods chosen Band ! Thinke well of this , and then we shall m m Neh. 6. 11. Dan. 3. 13. to 19. Psal. 26. 1. 2. Psal. 46. 1. 2. 3. Act. 21. 13. 14. Pro. 28. 1. defie All Tyrants rage , and neare once feare , nor flye . What ever comes , when God shall call us out To fight for him , and shew our selves most stout . 4. Besides , the Flux , and Reflux of Seas Tyde At certaine constant houres , without a guide : It s wise disposall to each shore , Port ; Creeke , Throughout the world , where men for traffique seeke : It s close * * Psal. 104. 8. to 15. conveyance to all Fountaines , Springs , The Earth to water , and all living things : The great and wondrous strange * * Psal. 104. 25. variety Of Fish and Creatures , which doe live , breede , lye Within its wombe , Men to delight and feede , As well in times of plenty as of neede . What doe they all demonstrate to our eyes And Mindes , but that God is most skilfull n n Psal. 104. 6. to 15. 24. 25. 26. 27. Psal. 136. 5. wise In these his wondrous workes , exceeding all Mens Art , farre more than Earth a Tennis-Ball . O let us then in all we enterprize , Submit our wits to him who is so wise , Craving his ayde , and giving him the praise Of his great wisedome , which must o o Psal. 31. 3. Psal. 48. 14. Isa. 58. 11. guide our wayes . 5. Yea , these shew forth to Men Gods Providence , Which doth the Sea thus order , guide , dispence In p p Psal. 104. 28. 29. Ps. 145. 8. 9. 15. 16. wondrous manner , and feede , rule , sustaine All Fishes , creatures which it doth containe ; And is as watchfull , restlesse q q Psal. 121. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. night and day , As Seas , which ever move , but never stay . Thrice r r Psal. 146. 5. Psal. 34. 8. happie they who firmely can relie Upon Gods care in all extremity : He who each wave doth rule , and each fish feede , Will in s s Psal. 34. 10. 17. 22. Psal. 37. 3 4. 5. due season , send them all they neede . 6. The Seas great depth , which few or none can sound , Points out t t Rom 11. 33 34. Psal. 36. 6. Job 11. 7. 8. 9. Gods secret Judgements more profound : Yea , Ships , Barkes , Boates which plough the Seas bright face , Yet leave no footsteps by which them to trace ; Gods hidden Counsells ; wayes , and deepe decrees Past finding out , present to all degrees . Hence God is v v Psal. 77. 19. sayd , in Sea to have his way , His pathes in waters deepe past mans display , O then adore his Judgements , Counsells deepe ; And not * * Deut. 29. 29. Rom. 12. 3. 1 Sam. 6. 19. Exod. 19. 21. 22. 24. presume into them once to peepe With prying eyes , beyond those bounds which He In sacred writ hath fixed unto thee . 7. The Length and x x Psal. 104. 25. Josh. 1. 4. widenesse of the Sea , which spreads It selfe both farre and neere , to pious Heads . And Hearts shewes forth the vaste immensity , And Omni-presence of the Deity ; Which y y Ju. 23. 24. Psa. 139. 3. 7. 9. fills both Earth and Heaven , Sea , world , Hell ; Yea every part of each : O strange to tell ! Oh horrid Meditation ! to the Rout Of gracelesse sinners ; when they goe about To hide , or flye from God ; who doth fore-stall , Nay z z Psal. 139. 7. 3. 9. Amos 9. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Jer. 5. 23. 24. fill all corners into which they crall . How can they then escape his venging hand , Which is so neare them both by Sea and Land ? Yet matchlesse solace to Gods chosen sheepe , That his sweete a a Psal. 65. 5. & 139. 9. 10. & 23. 4. Isa. 43. 2. Josh. 1. 5. 7. 9. Jer. 45 5. presence shall them cheare , fence , keepe , By Sea and Land , where ere they live or goe : This makes them happie in a world of woe . What neede we then to feare a banishment From Friends , or home , or close Imprisonment : In any hole or dungeon ? since b b Gen. 39. 20. 21. 23. Act. 16. 24. 25. Dan 3. 23. 24. 24. 25. 26. 28. c. 6. 20. 21. 22. 23. no place Can barre from us Gods presence or his Grace ? Which ever make an Heaven where they dwell , A royall Pallace of the darkest Cell . 8. The raging Seas fierce waves and c c Psal. 107. 25. 26. 27. 28. Isa. 50. 30. Lam. 2. 13. Jer. 31 35. Gen. 7. 18. roaring Cry Which daunt all Hearts , spare neither Low nor High , Bearing downe all before them who withstand Their furious progresse , with a potent hand . Describe Gods d d Nah. 1. 2. to 12. c. 2. 1. dreadfull wrath , and dismall Ire , Against obdurate sinners ; who conspire To breake his Lawes , oppose his Christ , despite And grieve his Spirit , sinning with delight , Without remorse or checke , till they e e Psal. 2. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. Deut. 29. 19. 20. Jer. 7. 18. 19. provoke Him to consume them with a fatall stroke . O let us oft consider , still feare , shunne His dreadfull wrath f f Psal. 139 7. 8. 9. 10. Jer. 11. 11. 2 Chron. 20. 6. from which we cannot runne , Much lesse resist it , praying Christ to swage And quench it g g Psal. 2. 12. least we perish in Gods rage . The angry Floods can onely drowne or fright Us for a moment ; but if Gods wrath light Upon us ; Soule and Body both shall be Vnder its Tortures for h h Mat. 29. 41 , Rev. 21. 8. Eternitie . 9. The Sea so usefull , good , and meete for Fish And foule of all sorts that mans heart can wish : For Salt , Clounds , raine , springs , rivers i i Eccles. 1. 7. Psal. 104. 9. 10. ( which proceede From it ) and traffique for all things we neede : Proclaimes to all k k Psal. 33. 5. 145. 9. 10. Gods goodnesse , bounty , grace , Who all this goodnesse in the Sea did place , To make Men happie . Let this goodnesse raise Our hearts to Love , and give him all l l Psal. 107. 8. 15. 2. 31. Psal. 145. 7. 4. 10. due praise . 10. Once more ; the Springs and Rivers which m m Eccles. 1. 7. Psal. 104. 9. 10. ascend Out of the Sea at first , and in it end : Instruct us sweetely , how that every thing From God ( the Sea of being ) n n Rom. 11. 36. Gen. 1. 1. Pro. 16. 4. first did spring : And therefore should by way of thankefulnesse Their course , Aymes , Ends to him alone addresse , But chiefely Man , ( first made , and since that o o 1 Cor. 11. 31. 1 Pet. 4. 11. bought To p p Luk. 1. 74. 75. Rom. 14. 7. 8. serve God onely in deed , word , and thought ; ) Should all returne to him from whom it flowes , Since q q 1 Chron. 29. 11. to 18. 1 Cor. 4 7. and 15. 10. all is his that on us springs or growes . O let us study from our Hearts to give All unto him , r r Act. 17. 28. in whom we are , move , live ; It is his s s 1 Chron. 29. 11. to 18. Psal. 29. 2. Psal. 56. 12. Psal. 116. 12. due , our duty , all we have To render to him , who our soules must save : Most blessed God let us thus oft behold Thee in this Christall glasse , the Sea , our cold And frozen Hearts to warme , with these sweete Rayes Which it reflects , to thine eternall praise .
Meditations of the second Sort. AGaine the Sea 's of Christ a lively Type And his deare blood , which doth our sinnes out-wipe . 1. For , as the Sea all filth doth clense away From Bodies , Vessells , Meates , Hearbes , Fruites , Aray , That in it washed are : So Christs sweete Blood ( More t t Mal. 3. 2. 3. clensing than the purest spring or Flood ) * * 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Isa. 1. 16. 17. All filth and spots of sinne , which Soules defile , And in Gods eyes present them foule and vile , Doth quite abolish , and so purge away From all such soules , as on him fast hold lay By faith unfained , that no filth nor staine Of any sinne , upon them shall remaine To make v v 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Heb. 9. 14. Ephes. 5. 26. 27. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Act. 3. 19. Zech. 13. 1. Rev. 7. 14. them loathsome in his Fathers sight , In which they shine as starres most cleare and bright . O let us prize this Blood beyond compare , By which our Soules from sinne thus clensed are . x x Dan. 12. 3. Mat. 13. 43. Phil. 2. 15. 2. The Sea which did the y y Gen. 7. & 8. wicked world destroy By Gods command ; yet saved upright Noy . With that red Sea , z z Exod. 14. 15. to 31. which the Aegyptians drown'd When Gods owne people past it on dry ground In safety , shadow that red Sea of Blood , Which Christ upon the a a Col. 1. 20. Rev. 7. 14. Crosse shed for our good : Wherein the b b Mich. 7. 19. 1 Joh. 1. 7. Jer. 50. 20. c. 31. 34. sinnes of all his chosen sheepe With Hellish Pharaoh , and his Hoast , so deepe Are sunke and drowned , that they never shall Appeare againe , their Soules once to inthrall . O let our Sinnes in this red Sea be dround , Then are we certaine nought shall us c c Isa. 45. 17. confound . 3. The Sea 's the way , meanes , passe to d d Jonah . 1. 3. Isa. 8. 2. to transport Men to those Ports to which they would resort . Christs blood 's the sea , e e Joh. 19. 6. Ephes. 2. 12. 13. 18. 19. Rev. 5. 9. 10. Heb. 10. 19. 20. way , ship which men convoyes From Earth to Heaven , and eternall Joyes . Sweete Jesus let the Sea of thy blest Blood Conduct and leade us safely through the Flood And Rockes of this worlds Sea , to Heavens Port , To which thy chosen Flocke with hast resort . 4. The Seas faire , lovely , shining azure Face , It 's pleasant Calmes in Halcion-daies Gods Grace , And sweete appeased f f Psal. 80. 7. 19. & 89. 15. Cant. 2. 14. Act. 2. 28. Loving Countenance To us in Christ , ( which raps into a trance The saddest Hearts and fils them with content And matchlesse joyes ) most lively represent . O then in all our griefe and misery , On Gods sweete smiling Face still fixe an Eye , Which will support our soules in all distresse , And cheare them so , that nought shall us oppresse . Sweete Jesus when the Sea we view or passe , Present thy selfe thus to us in its glasse : Then if it wrecke or drowne us , yet shall we Through thy Bloods Sea , escape and saved be .
Meditations of the third Ranke . BEsides , the Sea exhibits to our sight A lively Emblem of the State and plight Of Gods Elect , with all those sore and great Stormes of Afflictions , which doe dayly beate Upon them , whiles they passe this Sea below . Where g g 1 Pet. 5. 8. 1 Joh. 215. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 11. World , Flesh , Devill , seeke to overthrow . 1. For first , the Sea is * * Isa. 57. 20. restlesse night and Day ; Its flux and constant progresse , none can stay : Just so are Gods elect , who alwayes move ; h h Psal. 84. 7. Phil. 3. 13. 14. 15. Tending to Heaven and the things above ; No Bankes , Winde , Stormes , i i Rom. 8. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 2 Cor. 1. 8. 9. 10. 11. c. 6. 4. to 11. Heb. 11. 35. 36. 37. threats , death , their course can cease Till they arive at Heavens Port in Peace . 2. The Sea is ever k k Jam. 1. 6. Jer. 5. 22. tost from place to place With Winds , stormes , Tides : And is not this the Case Of Gods deare Saints ? still l l Job 7. 4. Psal. 109. 23. Isa. 22. 18. c. 54. 11. Heb. 11. 8. 9. 13. 14. 27. 37. Gen. 12. 1. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. c. 15. 13. 1 Cor. 11. 23. to 29. Ruth . 1. handed too and fro ( By sundry Tempests which they undergoe ) From Coast to Coast , from Goale to Goale , to shew They Pilgrims are , and Strangers here below . Fixt to no Certaine Clime , and that their home And resting place , is in the world to come . m m Gen. 47. 9. 1 Chron. 29. 15 Psal. 39. 12. Psal. 119. 19. Heb. 11. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 11. Lev. 25. 23. 3. The Sea is ever working , purging forth , And n n Isa. 57. 20. casting out filth , weedes , trash of no worth Which falls into it , and corrupt , defile Its Christall streames , making them foule and vile . Thus Gods Elect still o o Isa. 1. 16. Cant. 5. 3. 1 Cor. 6. 11. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Rev. 7. 14. Heb. 9. 14. Tit. 3. 3. 5. Ephes. 4. 22. to 32. purge out , and eject . Those Lusts , sinnes , vices , which their Soules infect With such suggestions as foule Devills cast Into their Hearts , them to pollute and Waste . 4. The Sea 's p p Psal. 107. 25. to 30. Jon. 1. exposed to all stormes and Winds ; So q q Psal. 34. 19. Psal. 42. 7. Act. 14. 22. Heb. 11. 35. 36. 37. 38. 2 Cor. 11. 23. to 29. Ruth . 1. 20. 21. Saints to Troubles , Crosses , of all kindes , To make them humble , and translate their love From things on Earth , unto the things above . 5. None dare to crosse the Sea without a Card Or Compasse , which they still with care regard , Stearing their course thereby , for feare they stray Or misse their Port , and so be cast away : Thus Gods Elect , whilst they doe saile and rove In this worlds Sea , by Compasse ever move ; Stearing their Rudder , by r r Psal. 119. 9. 11. 24. 30. 98. to 106. Gal. 6. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Gods Sacred Writ For feare they misse their Harbor , or else hit Their Soules against those Rockes , Shelves , Sands which lye To Crosse their voyage to Eternity . 6. The Ebbing Sea discovers to the eye Those dangrous Rockes , Shelves , Sands , that hidden lye At full Sea Tides , which then oft drowne and sinke Those who approach them , when they least feare , thinke Of any danger : So the Ebbing State , The Crosses of Gods Chosen s s Psal. 119. 67. 71. Ezech. 16. 62. 63. 2 Chron. 23. 11. 12. 13. Heb. 11. 24. 25. 26. 27. Demonstrate And point out to them many Rockes , Shelves , Sands , To shipwracke Soules , betray them to the hands Of Hellish Pyrats , which still hidden lye , And undiscerned in prosperity . By which they shun their danger , and commend These Ebbes , which from such perills them defend , Before those Full-Sea-Tides of wealth and joy , Which t t Prov. 1. 32. Jer. 22. 21. 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Shipwrecke thousands , and their Soules destroy . 7. The lowest Ebbe , hath still the highest Flood ; Saints deepest sorrowes v v Psal. 1 26. 2. 3. 5. 6. Isa. 25. 8. 9. c. 35. 3. 4. 10. c. 61. 3. c. 9. 3. 4. c. 65. 14. Mat. 5. 4. 11. 12. Rev 6. 9. 14. 15. 16. 17. end in greatest good : Their Floods of joy transcend their Ebbes of woe Beyond compare , and all their griefes out-goe . 8. When Seas are at their lowest Ebbe , they then Forth-with begin to spring and flow . So men Belov'd of God , when as they seeme to lye At lowest w w Ephes. 3. 20. 21. Gen. 22. 10. to 20. c. 42. 9. to 50. Exod. 12. and 14. Hest . 5. 6. 7. 8. & 9. Dan. 3. 8. to 30. c. 4. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. c. 7. 15. to 28. Mat. 27. & 28. 1. 2. 1 Sam. 2. 6. 7. 8. Psal. 3. 2. 3. Ebbe , in deepest misery , Past helpe , past hope in Carnall mens account , Beyond all expectation , spring and mount Above their Crosses , and enjoy a Flood Of Peace , wealth , honour ; and the greast good . If old examples faile , you may now view The truth hereof in some yet fresh and new . 9. Gods x x Psal. 95. 4. 5. Job 38. 2. 10. Will and pleasure onely is the Cause Why Seas doe Ebbe and flow ; not any Lawes Of Nature , Moone , or Planets : So the will And y y Job 1. 21. 1 Sam. 3. 18. & 2. 6. 7. 8. Deut. 32. 39. Mat. 10. 29. 30. 31. blessed pleasure of our God is still The first chiefe cause , of all the Ebbes and Tides Which here befall his Saints , nought else besides : Yea , as Sea Stormes z z Psal. 107. 25. 26. 27. Jon. 1. 4. proceede from God , and tosse Men up towards Heaven : So each storme and crosse Which lite on Gods Elect a a Psal. 73. 14. 25. 26. 28. Phi. 3. 26. Psal. 130. 1. 5. 6. from him first springs And nearer Heaven them lifts up , and brings . 10. The Sea is b b Numb . 34. 3. 12. Salt and brackish : Crosses are The like , at c c Heb. 12. 11. Psal. 71. 20. Ruth . 1. 20. first , to Saints who doe them beare . 11. The Saltest Seas the sweetest Fishes breed : Saints d d 2 Cor. 1. 4. 5. 6. Heb. 12. 11. 12. Psal. 126. 5. 6. sweetest comforts from the Crosse proceede : Yea , as the best and largest Fish are found In Saltest waters : So the best , most sound , Large , strongest Christians , which wee finde , or know , In e e Psal. 119. 67. 71. Isa. 48. 10. Jam. 5. 10. harshest Floods of Sorrowes alwayes grow . 12. The Seas salt waters clense and purifie Things that are filthy : Thus adversitie Doth f f Dan. 12. 35. c. 12. 10. Isa. 1. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 7. Zech. 13. 9. purge and wash away from Gods Elect Those Spots , sinnes ; vices , which their Soules infect . 13. Seas brinish waters pickle and preserve Things from corruption : So g g Psal. 119. 61. 71. 75. 2 Tim. 4. 17. 18. ●●● 30. 20. 21. Afflictions serve To season Saints , who else would putrifie , And rot in those foule sinnes , which now they flye . 14. Sea stormes drive Men to h h Psal. 107. 27. 28. 29. Jon. 1. 4. to 16. Mat. 8. 24. 25. prayers , cryes , and teares , Augmented and intended by their Feares : Yea , make them post to Harbours , for releefe ; And bid the Sea adieu with Joy , not greefe : Thus troubles cause the Saints to i i Psal. 18. 6. 118. 15. 120. 1. Hos. 5. 15. pray and cry To God for helpe with greater fervencie ; Intend , increase their prayers ; make them k k Psal. 143. 9. 10. 11. 12. flye To God their Harbour , for security ; Cause them to loath and l l Phil. 1. 21. 23. Job 10. 1. 1 King . 19. 4. leave this world with joy : Whose waves and Tempests them still sore annoy . 15. And as great blustring stormes doe sooner drive Ships to the Harbours where they would arive , Then Calmes and mildest Gales : So m m Hosea 5. 15. Psal. 107. 27. 38. 30. Psal. 143. 9. 10. Crosses mend Gods darlings speed , and oft times sooner send Them unto Heaven , then n n Psal. 30. 6. Jer. 22. 21. Pro. 1. 27. prosperity , Which calmes their Sailes , and makes them still to lye . 16. The Tempest that befell the Ship wherein The Prophet o o Jonah 1. Jonah fled , and slept in sinne , Did never slacke nor cease , till he was cast Into the Sea , which done , the storme was past : So , Saints afflictions p p Josh. 7. 11. 12. Jona . 3. 10. Hos. 5. 15. Isa. 27. 9. Ezeck . 16. 61. c. 36. 21. to 38. never swage nor end , Till Jonah be cast out , and they amend , Which done , their Tempests cease , and calmes succeede , Unlesse some other Jonah in them breede . 17. In stormes at Sea , the q q Jer. 51. 42. Mat. 6. 24. Psal. 107. 27. 28. 29. waves come on so fast , That fresh succeede before the first be past : So Crosses on Gods Saints so thicke oft lite To humble , * * Dan. 11. 35. try , purge , wash and make them bright : That one r r Job . 1. 13. to 22. Psal. 42. 7. 88. 7. & 34. 19. Isa. 54. 11. treads on the others heeles , and new Come on before the old bid them adieu . 18. Yet , as Sea-stormes , though long , still s s Psal. 107. 28. 29. 30. Jon. 1. 5. Mat. 8. 24. 26. Psal. 8. 9. end at last In pleasant Calmes ; thus Crosse , which so fast , So , thicke presse on Gods Saints for many Dayes , ( Yea moneths and yeares oft-times ) t t Psal. 34. 19. & 37. 38. 39. 40. Job 42. 10. 11. Jam. 5. 11. Psal. 94. 13. & 116. 7. Isa. 14. 3. c. 57. 2. 1 King . 5. 4. Mic. 7. 8. 9. conclude alwayes , In Gods due time , in sweetest Calmes of peace , And Tides of Joy : Blest Tempests which so cease ! O then in all thy sorrowes , Troubles , still Waite and depend on God by Faith , who will ( In v v 1 Pet. 5. 6. Psal. 37. 34. Isa. 25. 9. fittest season ) send such Joy and Ease As shall thine Heart cheare , and all stormes appease . 19. The Seas great deluge did both x x Gen. 7. & 8. overflow The wicked old world , and it overthrow , Yet Righteous Noe did then escape its rage ; And landed safely when the Flood did swage . Just thus , Afflictions waves and Deluge y y Nah. 1. 8. 9. 10. Jer. 15. 6. 7. Judg. 5. 31. Psal. 80. 16. wracke , And drowne all carnall wretches which doe lacke Gods grace and faith to hold them up ; when they Who with true faith , their soules on God can stay And Anchor ; never sinke ; but swim and beare Their z z Psal. 46. 1. 2. 3. 4. & 27. 1. 3 Rom. 8. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. Mic. 7. 8. 9. heads above all Seas with joyfull cheare ; Ariving safely , when the Stormes are past , In Heavens Harbour , where they Anchor cast . 20. All those who use the Sea , doe ever minde The a a Psal. 107. 30. Port to which thy Sayle ; and as the wind Doth bring them nearer to it day by day Their Joyes increase , the more sayles on they lay , Longing to end their voyage , and arive At that sweete Haven unto which they drive : Thus Gods Elect b b Phil. 1. 23. c. 3. 2. 3. Rom. 8. 23. 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2. 3. 5. 8. Luk. 2. 29. 2 Tim. 4. 6. 7. 8. Rev. 22. 20. have alwayes in their Eye The Port above , to which they dayly flye With all their speede and might , and as each day Doth bring them nearer to this happie Bay ; Their inward Joyes and Comforts still increase , The more they long there to arive in peace : Mending their speede , imbracing with delight ( That which all others doth so sore affright ) Grim * * Luk. 2. 29. Gen. 46. 30. pallid Death , the Pilot to convoy Them to this Haven of Eternall Joy . Lord , teach us Heavens Port thus still to eye Whilst here we saile , that when we come to dye , We may attaine it ; and there safely ride Free from all perrils of winds , stormes , and tide . Lord make us thine Elect , that we may gaine This Port , where all thy Saints in blisse shall reigne .
Meditations of the fourth Classe . FUrther , the Sea doth fitly Charactrize Most wicked mens deportment , and their guise . 1. For , as the Sea , so they still c c Isa 57. 20. 21. c. 1. 4. 5. 6. 2 King . 6. 33. 2 Chron. 28. 22. 23. rage , foame , roare , When crost , sicke , pained storming more and more As their afflictions grow , and multiply ; So as , their Phisicke proves their Maladie ; Whereas the godly are d d Psal. 39. 9. Lam. 3. 26. Judg. 10. 13. 1 Sam. 3. 18. meeke , patient , still , And silent in the greatest stormes of ill . 2. The Sea 's e e Isa. 47. 20. 21. oft troubled , and then casts out nought But mire and dirt from its dis-gorging throate : Ungodly men are restlesse in their Minde , Much troubled , vexed ; leaving nought behinde But f f 2 Chron. 28. 19. 22. 23. 1 Cor 15. 33. dirt and filth of Oathes , lewd talke , sinnes , crimes , And noysome lusts ; which they cast up oft times In such aboundance , that they soone g g 1 Cor. 5. 6. Gal. 5. 9. 2 Kin. 13. 6. c. 14. 29. c. 17. 21. infect All places with the filth they thus eject . 3. The Sea a h h Ps. 104. 25. Lam. 4. 3. world of ugly monsters breedes Within her wombe , the which she dayly feedes Whole i i Rom. 1. 29. 30. 31. Act. 13. 10. Eph. 4. 19. worlds of monstrous Sinnes and lusts are bred In wicked Hearts , and dayly nourished . 4. The Sea is k k Isa. 57. 20. Jam. 1. 6. Gen. 49. 4. floating and unconstant still , Moving with Wind and Tide which way they will Direct and steare its course ; so wicked men Are l l Gen. 49. 4. Jam. 1. 8. 2. Pet. 2. 14. c. 3. 16. Isa. 1. 5. c. 31. 6. Jer. 5. 23. c. 6. 28. c. 3. 6. 8. 11. 12. Hos. 11. 7. fickle and unstable , even when They seeme most firme ; changing their friendship , love , Yea Faith , Oathes , Friends ; as Times , Winds , Tides them move . 5. We see , the Sea is m m Eccles. 1. 7. never full , though all Springs , Rivers , Waters , dayly runne and fall Into it ; So though this worlds streames all flow And fall into Ill men , they never grow The n n Eccles. 5. 10. 12. 17. Pro. 30. 15. fuller by them , but still empty are , The more they have , the more they carke and care . 6. The Sea is o o Psal. 135. 6. Gen. 1. 2. c. 7. 11. deepe , deceitefull : Ill men too Are p p Psal. 64. 6. Psal. 35. 20. and 43. 1. Jer. 17. 9. so : whence both a world of men undoe : Then never make a wicked man thy Friend , For feare he cheate , undoe Thee in the end . 7. Seas shew no mercy but q q Exod. 14. 28. Gen. 7. 21. 22. 23. devoure , drowne all Without remorse , who in their mouthes once fall : Thus wicked men are r r Prov. 12. 10. Hos. 12. 7. Act. 9. 2. Zech. 3. 3. Mat. 2. 16. cruell ; mercilesse , Voyd of all pitty , ready to oppresse . And ruine all Sorts ; no worth , parts , sex , age , Can rest exempted from their Hellish rage . 8. The Sea is full of * * Act. 27. 29. Rockes , Shelves , Sands which split , Wrecke , drowne ships , boates , and men that on them hit . Ill men are s s Prov. 5. 3. to 15. c. 1. 10. to 20. c. 7. 8. to 27. fraught , with Rockes , Shelves , Sands of vice And sinne , to which they others oft entice , Amidst the which they so long saile and play , Till both their soules be split and cast away . 9. The Sea is harsh , tart , brinish , and nought growes Upon those Sands and Bankes it over-flowes : Ungodly men are t t 1 Sam. 25. 10. 11. Rom. 1. 29. 30. 31. 2 Tim. 3. 2. 3. 4. churlish , crabbed , rude , Vnkinde , at least to those who are renu'de : Barren of goodnesse , grace , truth , piety ; And others make so by their company . No grace or goodnesse shall once v v Isa. 5. 2. 7. 2. Tim. 2. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 8. Isa. 1. 5. 6. 7. 2 Chro. c. 28. & 33. thrive , or sprout Where things are swayed by this wicked Rout. 10. The x x Psal. 104. 25. 26. Sea is ever open night and day To all of all sorts , like a common way : Thus , lewd mens Hearts doe alwayes open lye To sinnes of y y Rom. 1. 29. 30. 31. Ephes. 4. 19. 2 Tim. 2. 26. Rom. 6. 12. 13. 17. all kindes ; no iniquitie So great , strange , horrid , but may freely saile Within their Hearts , and over them prevaile . 11. The Seas salt waters farre exceede the sweete And pleasant streames ; yea , drowne them when they meete , Ungodly men in number much Surmount Christs chosen flocke ; so z z Mat. 7. 13. 14. Luc. 13. 23. 24. Rom. 9. 27. c. 10. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 20. Rev. 3. 4. Isa. 17. 5. 6. 1 King . 19. 14. small in Mans account , That they oft times are hardly seene ; and lye Like wheate in chaffe , hid in obscurity : From whence we learne that Papists ill conclude Their Church the truest , from her multitude . 12. The Sea is Lawlesse , Lordlesse , a a Joh. 9. 8. Psal. 89. 9. Psal. 93. 4. none can tame Or rule it , but that God that made the same : Lewd men are such , no b b 2 Tim. 3. 2. 3. 4. Jam. 3. 7. 8. Psal. 2. 2. 3. mortall wight but God Can breake , tame , sway them , with his Iron Rod. 13. Sea waters heated , soone grow cold againe , And alwayes after cold , harsh , salt , remaine ; So wicked men heate with afflictions fire Or some good fits of zeale , doe * * Psal. 106. 13. 21. Hos 6. 4. soone retire Vnto their former coldnesse , brackishnesse , Which to their * * Joh. 8. 21. 24. dying dayes doe them possesse . 14. We see Sea waters themselves cast and mold Into each vessels shape , which doth them hold : So , ill men will themselves * * Psal. 106. 35. 36. Judg. 1. 21. 33. c. 2. 2. shape , and apply To every place , time , fashion , company ; And water like , will suite themselves full well To any Sect , Religion , where they dwell . 15. The Sea , with rage , the Rockes doth oft assaile , To over-turne them , yet can nought prevaile , But still with losse selfe doth breake and split , Not them , whiles its fierce waves against them hit : Thus wicked men , whilst they with furie rage Against our Rocke Christ , or his Heritage , Themselves ( not him , nor them ) to c c Psal. 2. 2. 3. 9. Rev. 2. 27. Ps. 50. 22. Mat. 21. 44. Isa. 8. 9. powder grinde And in the close , nought but confusion finde . O dash not then against these Rockes , which shall Stand d d Psal. 125. 1. Prov. 10. 30. Isa. 33. 20. Mat. 7. 24. 25. firme amidst all stormes that on them fall : Lord let us never be of this lewd crue , But with thy grace our Hearts and Lives renue That so we may escape that e e Rev. 19. 20. c. 20. 10. c. 21. 8. Mat. 25. 41. Lake of fire Where they shall ever feele thy scalding Ire .
Meditations of the fifth Sort. ONce more , me thinkes the Sea ( which ever floates , But never rests , ) presents unto my thoughts A lively Mappe of this vaine World ; ( which , it . In some respects resembles very fit ; ) Yeelding them ample Sea-roome , for to hale , And chase this Theame with a delightfull Gale , Untill my roving Muse , quite tyred shall Take in her Sailes , and let her Anchor fall . 1. Now to begin this pleasing chase ? the Seas Are salt , harsh , brackish , and no Pallats please : This world is f f Ruth . 1. 20. 21. Exod. 1. 19. Job . 3. 10. c. 13. 26. c. 23. 2. bitter , tart , and salt to all , Through sickenesse , sorrowes , crosses , which befall Them in some kinde or other , for to make Their Hearts more willing its love to forsake : But most unpleasant is it to Gods Saints Of any others ; whose most sad g g Job 3. & 6. 10. Psa. 6. & 31. & 35. & 38. and 62. & 69 & 22. Lam. 1. & 2. & 3. & 4. Complaints Of its h h Job 7. 11. c. 9. 18. c. 10. 1. c. 25. 25. Isa. 38. 15. 17. Lam. 1. 4. c. 3. 15. sharpe Brine , would peirce a heart of steele , And make all salt we in it taste , or feele . How can we then this brinish world once love , Or be unwilling from it to remove Unto that other ? fraught with all i i Psal. 16. 11. Isa. 35. 10. c. 51. 11. Rev. 22. 2. to 8. delights , All sweetest Joyes , and Soule-refreshing sights ! 2. Sea waters drunke downe , hurt , gnaw , fret , decay The Entralls , and oft times take life away : This brackish world , quaft down , k k Jam. 4. 4. 9. 10. 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 17. . the soule annoyes , Corrodes , consumes , and at the last destroyes . Those who sippe of it , sickely grow , but such Are past all cure , who swallow over-much . O let us never bibbe , carouse , or l l 1 Cor. 7. 30. 31. 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. love Her poysnous cups , which doe so deadly prove . 3. Salt waters still increase , not quench mens thirst , He that drinkes these , is dryer than at first : This worlds salt streames mens drought can never swage , The more they drinke , the m m Eccles 4. 8. c. 5. 15. Isa 56. 11. more their thirst doth rage ; A cup or two , still makes them long for more ; And none so dry , as those who have most store Of this worlds waters , which doe onely feede Not quench the dropsie ; cause , not helpe their neede . O taste not then her streames , but them defie , Which swage no thirst , but make men still more drie . 4. The Sea is ever n n Jam. 1. 6. Isa 57. 20. floating , changing place , State , and condition , never in one Case : Sometimes it flowes a space ; then ebbes againe Forth-with ; and Stormes , its Calmes still entertaine . If now it smiles , anon it frownes , foames , swels , Ringing the changes more than any Bells : This o o 1 Cor 7. 31. world is flitting , fickle , mutable ; We all like p p Psal. 39. 9. 119. 19. Levit. 25. 23. 1 Chro. 29. 15. 1 Pet. 2. 11. Heb. 11. 8. 9. 13. 14. 15. 16. 37. 38. Psal. 107. 4. 5. strangers , pilgrimes in it dwell , Roving from place to place till death arrest Our wandring Corps , and lose us in Earthes brest . Sometimes the flowing Tydes of happinesse Mount us aloft ; anon , some Ebbes depresse And cast us downe ; farre lower than before , As happy made , to be more vile and poore . One space a Calme or pleasant Gale doth smile And breath upon us ; but within a while , Tempestuous stormes and whirle-winds over-take , Tosse ; teare , split , sinke us , and we shipwracke make . To day we rich are , q q Job 1. 13. to 22. Prov. 23. 5. ere to morrow poore ; Well , in the morning , r r 1 Sam. 4. 17 10 22. Job 8. 9. c. 14. l. 2. Jam. 3. 14. Isa. 37. 36. Psal. 103. 14. 15. 16. Luk. 18. 26. Psa 90. 5. 6. 7. dead , or at deaths doore Ere night : in Honour and esteeme this houre , The next , s s Dan. 4. 3. to 35. c. 5. 30. 31. c 6. 23. Esth . 7. cast downe , base , withered like a flower . How many sayling in full streames of wealth , Pomp , Honour , Pleasure , Favour , Greatnesse , Health And all contentments which the world can give Unto her darlings , whilst they therein live , Have in one t t Esther . 7. Dan. 4. 33. houres space , beene stript of all , And dasht in peeces with a suddaine fall ? How many v v Exod. 14. 27. 28. Num. 31. 7. 8. 9. Josh. 8. & 10. 11. & 12. Judg. 1. 6. 7. c. 7. & 8. 1 King 16. 22. 2 King . 9. & 11. & 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. & 19. 21. 23. 24. & 25. 2 Chron. 36. 1. to 22. Dan. 4. 30. to 35. c. 5. 30. 31. Act. 12. 21. 22. 23. mighty Kings , States , Monarchies , Have in a moment felt such miseries , Such fatall changes in their worldly State , As no Heart could conceive no tongue relate ? Unconstant world ( more full of changes then The Sea or Moone ) how can the sonnes of men Once x x 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 17. love or trust thee ? Goe , cheate Thy sickely friendship ever will defie . 5. The Sea is full of y y Act. 27. 29. Rockes , which sinke and quash . Those Ships , Barkes , Boates , that doe against them dash : This world hath farre more Rockes to wracke and Split The Soules of such as doe against them hit . z z 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 17. c. 5. 19. Jam. 4. 4. 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. 11. Wealth , honours , lusts , pompes , pleasures , pride of Life , With sundry other Rockes , are here at strife Which shall most soules destroy , and sinke to Hell , In Seas and a a Rev. 19. 20. c. 20. 10. Mat. 25. 41. Lakes of brimstone still to dwell . How dare we then approach these Rockes , or run Upon them , which whole Millions have undone ? Or take delight this worlds ill Seas to crosse , Where most are Wreckt , none scape without some losse ? 6. The Sea a smiling , shining azure face And lovely out-side hath her selfe to grace ; Wherewith she hides her savage cruelty , Rockes , Shelves , Gulfes , and those Monsters that doe lye Close couch'd in her , to wrecke and to devoure All those her beauty drawes within their power . This cheating flatring world , mens soules to traine Into her deadly Snares ( where they remaine Fast hampred till they perish ) still presents Her selfe to them , deckt with such Ornaments , Such out-side , beauty , pompe , State , gaudinesse , And seeming shewes of present happinesse , As ravish most mens Eyes and Hearts b b 1 Joh. 15. 16. 17. Jam. 4. 4. Col. 3. 2. with Love Of her , and turne them from the things above . Whereas , if they once saw , or could discry Those horrid Monsters , Rockes , gulfes , snares that lye Hid under her faire surface , they would shun Her Love , and faster from , than to her run O let us view her intrals , not her skin ; She 's Gold without , but Poyson , Drosse , within . 7. The Sealyes open to all c c Jonah . 1. 4. Psal. 107. 25. 26. 29. stormes and winds , This world exposed is unto d d Joh. 16. 33. 1 Pet. 5. 9. 2 Cor. 6. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 11. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 8. to 13. all kinds Of Tempests , Crosses , Losses , Gustes , and Harmes : How can we then lye sleeping in her Armes ? Or hope to finde peace , rest , content , or blisse In her , where we are certaine all to misse ? 8. The Clouds above much darken , and obscure The Seas bright shining face , whiles they indure : So clouds of crosses sent from God , deface This worlds bright Luster , much eclipse her grace ; Making her e e Job 10. 1. 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 2 Cor. 5. 2. 3. 4. Rom. 8. 19. to 24. loathsome in these very Eyes , Which in her Sun-shine , did her over prise . 9. Those Fogges , Cloudes , Stormes , which darke the light-some skies Ecclipse the Sun-shine , worke much harme , arise Out of the f f 1 King . 19. 43. 44. Job 38. 8. 9. Sea at first : Most cloudes of woes Mists , fogges of sorrowes which doe interpose Twixt Men and Heaven , hiding Gods sweete Face And presence from them , with his Rayes of grace , g g 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Jam. 5. 1. to 7. Eccles. 2. 22. 23. Vexing their Hearts , Mindes , Soules , doe ever spring From this worlds Seas , which nought but mischiefe bring . O let us never fixe our mindes or Hearts On her , that is the cause of all our smarts ! 10. The lowest Ebbes Seas highest Tydes succeede : Mens greatest falls from this worlds heights proceede ; Expect then when her Tydes doe highest flow , Some h h Esth . c. 6. to 9. Dan. 4. 30. to 34. Act. 12. 11. 12. 13. Luk. 12. 15. to 21. great approaching Ebbe to bring thee low . Let not then her spring Tides of happinesse Make men secure , proud , haughty , or to blesse Themselves without good cause , since none so nigh Are to a fall , as those she mounts most high . 11. The Breaches which the Sea makes on the maine Are i i Lam. 2. 13. 2 Sam. 1. 20. hardly made up , or repair'd againe : The Ruptures which this worlds Floods dayly make Upon those Soules they batter , enter , take , Are k k Heb. 6. 5. 6. 7. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Mat. 13. 20. 1 Cor. 7. 31. 33. 34. Gal. 1. 4. 1 Tim. 6. 17. 2 Pet. 2. 17. 20. 21. hardly cured and stopt up ? Beware Their Breaches then , and them prevent with care ; Their entrance is at first with Ease debarr'd But once got in , them to repulse is hard . 12. All Rivers l l Eccles. 1. 7. run into the Sea , yet still It empty is , and never hath its fill , The streames of most mens Cares , thoughts , labours , braines , Into this worlds Sea run , which yet remaines As m m Eccles. 5. 10. Isa. 56. 11. empty as before . O then bestow Nought upon that which never full will grow . 13. Most livelesse things , as mettalls , stones , dust , sand And pondrous bodies n n Exod. 15. 5. 10. sinke downe out of hand As soone as cast into the Sea ; where drown'd , They are so lost , that they cannot be found . Yet trees , which mount from Earth up to the skie Whiles they are growing ; and such foules as flye Up towards heaven , safely o o Gen. 7. 17. 18. swim , and ride Vpon the Sea , not fearing , winds , stormes , tide : So men , deprived of the Life of Grace Made all of p p Psal. 10. 18. Joh. 3. 31. Phi. 3. 19. Col. 3. 2. Earth , on which they fixe and place Their hearts and thoughts ; no sooner lanch or fall Into this worlds Sea , but they sinke downe all So deepe into it , that it q q 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Eccl. 2. 22. 23. 1 Joh. 5. 19. drownes them quite , And in a moment swallowes out of sight . Whereas Gods chosen Saints , whose hearts and Love Are ever centred on the r r Phil. 2. 20. Col. 3. 1. 20. 1 Joh. 5. 4. 5. Jam. 1. 27. 1 Cor. 7. 33. things above , And soaring upwards , safely swim and beare Themselves above her floods , and still appeare . 14. Sea waters quench not , but increase the flame On which men cast them . This worlds doe the same ; Her streames s s Eccles. 5. 10. Isa. 56. 11. Hab. 2. 5. augment , not quench mens raging fire , The more they have , the more they still desire . Why should we then affect her floods , or store Which never make us rich , but ever poore ? 15. The Sea still t t Jona . 1. 13. moves and runs with Wind and Tide , These steare this World , and doe her Rudder guide : If Times , Winds , Tide , move with us , then will she Runne v v 2 King . 9. 30. to 35. c. 10. 1. to 12. Esth . c. 6. & 7. & 8. Pro. 14. 20. Lam. 1. 2. 8. Psa. 88. 18. Prov. 19. 20. c. 19. 14. 19. Psal. 38. 11. with us too , and friendly seeme to be ; But let them once , begin on us to frowne , Shee 'le joyn with them to wreck and cast us down . O falfe deceitfull world , who dost forsake All when they neede thee most , and never take Their parts but when they neede thee not , adieu : Unconstant friends are ever false , not true . 16. The Sea the Earth doth compasse and x x Gen. 2. 11. Lam. 2. 13. Hab. 3. 9. 10. Amos 9. 5. Ezech. 27. 34. surround , Some parts whereof by it are often drown'd : Just so this y y 2 Pet. 2. 20. 21. c. 1. 4. Gal. 1. 4. world environs men about , Their Soules to swallow , so that ' few swim out Or scape her danger . O thrice happie he That can saile through it , and not drowned be . 17. Sea fights of any other are most fell , Fierce , bloody , dangerous , hot and terrible . The Battles which this z z 2 Pet. 2. 19. 20. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 19. Gal. 1. 4. Eph. 2. 2. Eph. 6. 12. Col. 2. 8. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 17. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Jam. 4. 4. 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 1 Joh. 5. 4. 5. 19. world doth dayly make Against mens Soules them to destroy , or take , Are farre more dangerous , deadly , worse than those Wherewith the Flesh , or Devill them oppose : Her Engines , traines , assaults , theirs much exceede , And none can scape them without speciall heede . 18. As Ships built on the Land with force , toyle , be Still lanched and dradge out into the Sea : So man whence once form'd in his Mothers womb With painefull a a Gen. 3. 16. c. 35. 16. 17. 18. Job 3. 3. 4. 5. 8. Labour is enforst to come ; And lanch'd by her into the worlds wide Sea , Where he from winds and stormes is seldome free . Hence he with sighes , teares , cries , b b Job 14. 1. 2. c. 3. 3. to 26. laments in vaine , As soone as borne , what he must here sustaine : O let us then with c c Luk. 2. 29. 30. Gen. 46. 30. Job 3. 3. to 10. Rev. 22. 20. songs and shouts of joy Leave this worlds Sea , which doth us sore annoy : And sith we enter it with teares , cries , paine , Its madnesse thus to part from it againe . What we with force , griefe , sobs , first undertake ; We should with d d Phil. 1. 20. 23. 2. Cor. 5 2. 31. 5. Rom. 8. 22. 23. chearefull hearts at last forsake . Like ships , which gladly runne themselves a shore ; Because perforce lanch'd into Seas before . And yet the most with greater e e Psal. 55. 4. 116. 3. griefe ( O Sinne ! ) Depart this world , than they it entred in , And must by might , with grones , teares , shreekes and cry Be puld out thence , and forc'd with woe to dye . Blessed Lord God , so steare our ships and Helme Through this worlds Sea , which would us overwhelme , And wrecke for ever , that we may at last Gaine Heav'ns blest Port , and there sure Anchor cast .
Meditations of the sixth Sort. IN fine , the Sea suggests to each good mind These Meditations which are yet behind . 1. First , when we see the Sea , it readily Presents that vow and f f 1 Cor. 10. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptisme to our eye , Which make us Christians , and oblige us still The g g 1 Joh. 2. 15. 16. 17. World , Flesh , Devill , with their Pompe , Lusts , will Quite to renounce ; and ever to obey Gods holy Lawes , who washt our sinnes away In these Baptismall waters ; to the h h Rom. 6. 1. to 20. c. 14. 7. 8. Luk. 1. 74. 75. Gal. 1. 4. end That we by sinning should no more offend His Sacred goodnesse , but spend all our dayes In just , good , holy actions , to his praise . O then when ever we the waters see Let these things to our mindes recalled be , To mend our Lives , renue our vowes , and make Us World , Flesh , Devill , and their Lusts forsake . 2. Crosse-Seas whose boisterous Tydes by turnes oresway Each other , and enforce their streames to stray Quite from their proper course , and over-beare Them so , that they their motions counter-steare To that course they intend ; in lively wise A Newborne Christians state unto our Eyes Present , in whom two i i Gal 5. 16. 17. 18. Rom. 7. 13. to 25. Crosse Seas , Tydes contend And meete each day , contesting without end To over-beare each other : Sometimes the Floods of their fleshly Lusts prevailers be , And over-beare the Spirits counter-tydes , Which at the last prevaile , put flesh besides Its course and channell , and through heav'ns great might Beare downe its streames , and over-comes them quite . 3. The floating Sea when it invades the Land , And drownes the Coasts that next unto it stand ; Paints out that k k Gen. 7. & 8. 2 Pet. 2. 5. 1. Pet. 3. 20. deluge in the dayes of Noy Which did the wicked old world quite destroy . And then instructs us with all care to flye Those sinnes which l l 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Rev. 20. 10. c. 21. 8. c. 19. 20. drowne us for eternitie , Both Soule and Body in the fiery Lake . This thought should move us , all sinnes to forsake . 4. When we behold men , goods , lead , stones , m m Exod. 15. 5. 10. sinke downe Into the Sea , which them doth quickely drowne So deepe , that they can never rise againe : It paints forth Hell unto us very plaine , That sinkes , n n Revel. 19. 20. c. 20. 10. c. 21. 8. Mat. 25. 41. 42. drownes , tortures , for eternity Mens soules and bodies , which there chained lye , So fast , so deepe , that they can never rise , Nor swim out thence : Which should us all advise , To flye all sinnes ; yea , more to feare and minde This fiery Lake , whence none redemption finde . And sith all feare in Seas for to be drown'd , How should they dread this Lake , that s more profound . 5. The Sands on Sea-shores , which doe farre surpasse All o o Gen. 22. 15. c. 32. 12. Josh. 11. 4. 1 King . 7. 20. 29. number , shewes us like a Christ all glasse Those multitudes of sinnes that in us breed Which doe the p p Job . 6. 3. Psal. 40. 10. Sands in number farre exceede , To make us humble . And each flowing Tide , Which doth the Sand both moysten , drowne and hide From time to time , instructs us every day , With Floods of q q Psal. 6. 6. Jer. 9. 1. 18. Lam. 2. 10. 18. teares our sinnes to wash away ; And in Christs r r 1 Joh. 1. 7. Mich. 7. 19. blood them so to drowne , and hide , Through Faith , that they may be no more espide . If thus we thinke , learne , doe , by what we see , From day to day , thrice happie shall we be . 6. The springing Tide which by degrees doth flow To Full-Sea marke , and then by steps falls low , With ships first built , then lanch'd , next rigd , then sent And put to Sea , till they be wreckt or spent : Paint out Mans s s Job 7. & 14. birth , growth , age , death to our sight , With all those Floodes , Ebbes , changes that doe lite Upon him from the wombe unto his Urne , Where he meere t t Gen. 3. 19. Eccles. 3. 20. c. 12. 7. dust , shall unto dust returne . 7. The v v Gen. 7. & 8. 1 Pet. 3. 20. 21. 2 Pet. 2. 5. Arke of old , which on the floods did floate , And saved Noah , with each Shippe and boate Which crosse the Seas , and those in safty keepe That in them saile , when others in the deepe Depriv'd of these , are drowned ; sweetely shew To us Gods Churches State , which here below On this worlds Sea , doth x x Isa. 42. 2. 2 Tim. 4. 17. 18. safely floate and ride ( Though y y Psal. 109. 23. Isa. 54. 11. Job 7. 4. tost and torne with Tempests , Windes , and tide ) And z z 1 Pet. 3. 20. 21. Joh. 15. 4. 5. 6. 7. Act. 2. 47. saves all such as in her saile and stay ; When all without , are drown'd and cast away . Let this induce us in Christs Church to dwell , Live , dye , for feare we drowne , and sinke to Hell . 8. The vastest Sea is a a Jo● 38. 8. 10. 11. Psa. 104. 9. Jer. 5. 22. Prov. 29. bounded , and obeyes The Lawes and Edicts , which God on its layes , As well as smallest springs , or streames : How then Dare greatest Monarches ; Princes , Kings , or Men Themselves deeme boundlesse , lawlesse and exceede The bankes and b b 2 Sam. 23. 2. 3. 4. Deut. 17. 15. to 22. 2 Chron. 9. 8. Ps. 2. 10. 11. 12. Lawes which God to them decreed ? Let sencelesse Seas now teach them to containe Within due Bounds , and not to over-straine . 9. When Seas through winds or stormes doe c c Gen. 7. 8. 8. Neh 1. 8. 2 Pet. 2. 6. Jer. 47. 2. Isa. 48. 2. overflow , Or breake their bankes , great mischiefes , losses grow From thence to men and Beasts , ( which then are drown'd ) And all such places which they doe surround : When Kings , or great ones out of Avarice , Pride , Lust , Ambition , or some other vice Out-swell , or breake the bounds which God hath set , A d d Exod. 14. 22. to 31. Josh. c. 3. to c. 14. Judg. c. 1. to 15. Flood of woes and mischiefes they beget , Wherein they drowne themselves and many more ; And then , too late , their dismall Fates deplore . Let Kings and Grandees then take speciall heede , How they their fined Bounds breake , or exceede . 10. The Sea below doth ever flow Ebbe move , As e e Psal. 104. 6. to 14. c. 107. 25. 26. 29. God himselfe doth steare it from above : So men on Earth , their thoughts , words , acts should frame And Guide , as f f Psal. 119. 9. Gal. 6. 16. God above directs the same . 11. Now waters ever stinke or putrifie Whiles they within their g g Psal. 104. 6. to 14. Channels move , and lie : But once remov'd out of their proper place , Or let lye still , they stinke , and lose their grace . Thus men doe seldome rot in sinnes , lusts , vice Whilst they their h h 2 Thes. 3. 6. to 14. Rom. 12. 6. 7. 8. honest calling , exercise And keepe within their Compasse . But if they Grow i i Ezech. 16. 49. 1 Tim. 5. 12. 13. 2 Thes. 3. 6. to 13. Pro. 19. 15. idle , lazie , or begin to stray Out of their fixed Stations , in short space They rot and stinke , in Sinnes to their disgrace . O then beware of sleepe and idlenesse Which k k Ezech. 16. 45. 50. rot and Slay the Soules they once possesse . 12. When I perceive the Seas sweete flowing tyde Upon the drie Sands , shores to creepe , steale , glide By senselesse steps , untill it drowne them quite : It represents unto my thoughts , minde , sight , Howsinnes and vices by l l Heb. 3. 12. 13. Jam. 1. 14. 15. degrees , creepe , grow , On men , till they them drowne and overflow . O then let all , their first progresse withstand Else they will them soone m m Heb. 12. 1. 2 Tim. 6. 9. drowne , as Seas doe Land : Nay worse ; since flowing Seas still Ebbe againe , And leave the Sands dry : Sinnes still flow and gaine On Men , and drowne them each day n n Revel. 22. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 13. more and more They know no Ebbes , but flow and ne're give o're . 13. The Ebbing Sea which all its filth behinde Leaves on the shore ; should put all men in minde How their Ebbes , and afflictions should still make Them all their filth of sinne quite to o o Rev. 7. 14. Dan. 11. 35. Isa. 1. 25. forsake ; Which being once cast up upon the shore , Must p p Psal. 85. 8. Hos. 14 8. never be resumed by them more . 14. When I behold Our Females wash away With water , all blacke spots of Inke , Soote , Clay , Which on their faces fall by accident , I wonder much , and cannot but lament To see some spot their faces studiously With Anticke Patches of a Sable dye ; Should God himselfe their visage thus bespot They would repute it an uncomely Blot A great dishonor , and use all their skill To cure , or hide such blacke spots , Moles as ill : How dare they then use Artificiall spots Which they , if native , would repute for blots And deeme a blemish to their beauty , nay A sad ill Omen ? May I not then say q q Deut. 32. 5. These spots are not the spots of Gods Children Which make them odious to God and good Men , Who love r r Job 11. 15. no spots , since Christ his blood out-shed To clense his chosen from all s s Eph. 5. 27. Cant. 4. 7. Job . 11. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 19. 2. Pet. 3. 14. Spots and dread , Wash off , renounce these Satan - Spots , least He Them Satans Spots adjudge , and you to be His marked Vassals , not his owne washt traine Sith such blacke spots upon your face remaine . To weare white Linnen t t Jude 23. spotted , is disgrace , What is it then to weare a spotted Face , And that in Gods owne presence ? Certainely It cannot but be sinne or infamie . A Spotlesse Soule abhorres a v v Job 11. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 19. spotted Face Which where all 's cleane within , can have no place By Christs owne verdict , so that all may feare Inward uncleannesse where such y y 2 Pet. 2. 13. Jude 12. spots appeare ; Which spring no doubt from * * Isa. 3. 16. to 25. 1 Joh. 2. 15 16. Rom. 12. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Pride , lust , wantonnesse , Or following great Vaine Persons antique Dresse , The Sea which hates spots , shall in judgement rise Against all who with spots their Fronts disguise . 15. The flowing Seas , which seeme to kisse , embrace The shore in lovely sort , yet in short space Recoile againe , and leave it naked , dry , And faster from than to it use to flye , Paint out in lively sort before our Eyes Those hollow hearted friends unconstant guise Who in the flood of Mens prosperity Can hugge , embrace , protest to live and die Together with them , But as soone as they Begin to Ebbe , and their estates decay , Forthwith z z Nah. 3. 17. Rev. 18. 10. Ps. 35. 14. 15. Psa. 41. 9. 10. Psal. 88. 18. Pro. 14. 20. Job 16. 20. c. 19. 14. to 20. Psal. 38. 11. Prov. 19. 4. 7. retire , and in post from them flye , Leaving them naked in their misery . This is the common friendship , now adayes , Wherein true Friends deserve both love , Crownes praise , Who still sticke closest in a a Pro. 17. 17. c. 18. 24. adversity And then draw nearest when all others flye . 16. Few put to Sea , or come a shore , but when It flowes , not Ebbes , which Character , that Men Delight to b b Job . 29. 2. to 25. Luk. 16. 19. Jam. 5. 3. 5. 6. swim still in prosperity And flowing streames , shunning adversity , With Ebbes of Fortune ; though the c c Psal. 119. 71. 67. Heb. 12. 11. Schoole of grace And vertue , which in full Seas scarce finde place : For as the flowing Sea still runnes amaine Towards the Earth , and never turnes againe Till Ebbes recall it : So prosperities Encreasing Flood , mens hearts , minds , loves , carries Still towards d d Jam. 5. 1. to 8. Prov. 1. 32. Phil. 3. 19. Earth and worldly things below Drowning all Graces , vertues that should grow Within them ; till some crosse Ebbes which befall Them , their hearts , thoughts affections quite e e 2 Chro. 33. 12. to 20. recall From Earth and worldly things , to things above Turning the streame of their desires , hearts love To God and grace above , the Port , But , End To which our Thoughts , Acts , motions should still tend . O f f Psa. 119. 71. 1 Pet. 1. 6. 7. Heb. 12. 3. to 12. Rom. 5. 3. 4. 5. happy Ebbes , which mount our soules on high And them translate from Earth above the skie : Were it not for these Ebbes , few would arive At heavens blest Port , to which they most men drive . 17. When t is full Sea at one place , it is then Low Ebbe at others , It s Just so with men : Somes wealth , flood , greatnesse , others make poore , low . And these their Ebbes , cause them to spring , rise , flow . T is never full Sea at once in all climes , Nor in all mens Estates , which have their times To g g Psal. 30. 5. 6. 7. Psal. 107. 40. 41. Ps. 113. 7. 8. Ebbe and flow by turnes ; we cannot all Be happie here ; when some rise , some must fall . Yea , those who have the highest worldly Flood , Have oft with it the lowest Ebbes of good : Their Floods of h h 2 Tim. 4. 10. Hos. 4. 7. c. 10. 1. Prov. 1. 32. worldly wealth , Pompe , State , effect Strange Ebbes of Grace , and make them God neglect . 18. The Sea in Calmes , and where no Rockes , Shelves lye , To crosse its course , runnes smooth without waves , cry ; But crost by winds , stormes , rockes , sands , instantly It swells , roares , fumes , and rageth furiously Beyond all measure , caring not to split And breake it selfe 'gainst Rockes that hinder it : Thus many men who seeme milde , meek and sweete Of Nature , whiles they with no windes , rubbes meete Which Crosse their Wills , designes , swell fome , i i 1 King . 13. 4. Dan. 3. 11. to 23. rage , fret , Storme , and all rules of reason quite forget . Oft in a moment , when crost in their will Aymes , Endes , Lusts , Causes , whether good or ill ; And like some furious , Bedlams , voyd of wit , Will in their fits of cholor rather split And wrecke themselves for ever , than not have Their wills in all things , which they seeke or crave . This Bedlam fury doth too oft undoe Those it possesseth , if not lookt unto In time , and quite subdude , especially Great men , or those who would be climbing high . Let all them flye it : 't is mens shame to be As mad , rash , raging , as the Sencelesse Sea ; And to permit their stations to transport Them past the bounds of reason , in this sort . 19. When I behold men with much toyle to row , And beate the Seas oft-times when crosse winds blow , Or tydes against them runne till they with paine Their wished Haven at the last obtaine . It mindes me how all Christians while below In this worlds Sea , k k Luk. 13. 24. should dayly strive and row , Against all winds , Tydes , Stormes , which crosse or drive Them from Heavens Port , till they therein arrive In safety : which blest Harbor none can gaine Without much l l 1 Cor. 9. 24 25. 26. 27. labour , rowing ; sweat , and paine . 20. It s dangerous crossing of the Seas at night ; When neither Sunne , Moone , Starres yeeld any light . Hence most ships in the night are cast away For want of light , when few are wreckt by day ; This worlds Seas are most dangerous , specially In darkest Nights , when no light from on high Of saving Grace or m m Joh. 11. 9. 10. Hos. 4. 6. Mar. 15. 14. 1 Joh. 2. 11. Joh. 12. 35. knowledge doth appeare Within mens soules , whereby their course to steare . Needes must men perish then for want of light To shunne Rockes , Shelves , and guide their ships aright . We should then for this light of Grace more pray And long , than * * Act. 27. 29. Seamen in a storme for Day . 21. The deepest Seas run silent without noyse When as the shallow , roare , lift up their voyce ; With horrid rage and out-cry . So we see The deepest , wisest men most silent be , Making least noyse or bragges , and * * Psal. 39. 1. 2. 9. patiently Vnder all stormes and Crosses quiet lye . When shallow Pates like * * 1 Cor. 13. 1. empty vessels make The greatest noyse , bragges , and most on them take ; And being crost , pincht with adversity , * * Isa. 59. 11. c. 57. 20. 21. Roare , rage , storme , vex like Bedlams furiously . To bragge , vaunt , rage , foame , chafe and over-prate , Is a sure Symptome of a shallow Pate . 22. Whiles that the Sun-beames on the Sea shine bright They make her shine so , that she bleares the sight And eyes of men , with those meere borrowed Rayes Which she reflects , and so to them conveyes : But let the Sunne set , or a cloud it hide , Her shining Luster 's gone , and not espide ; When as the Sun-shine of prosperity Breakes out on this o o 1 Joh. 15. 2. 15. 16. 17. worlds Sea , it bleares the eye Of Carnall men , and makes her shine so bright That nought to them seemes halfe so cleare , or light , Though all her Lustre be but borrowed Rayes , Which p p 1 Cor. 7. 31. Eccles. 1. & 2. passe away , and in her make no stayes : As soone as Clouds or Crosses hide this Sunne , Her glory fades , and all her splendor's gone ; O dote not then upon her hired light , Which if it lasts all day , still q q Psa. 49. 16. 17. 18. Jer. 15. 9. Amos 8. 9. sets at Night . 23. The Sea is liquid , and whiles men doe thinke To walkeupon it , downe they fall and r r Psal. 69. Mat. 14. 30. 31. sinke ; Unfaithfull friends are like ; whiles we rest , stay On them , we fall , sinke , and are cast away . Try then before you trust ; and t t Isa. 2. 22. Psal. 146. 3. Psa. 118. 8. 9. rest on none Who are meere flesh , but upon God alone : Who v v Psal. 61. 8. Deut. 31. 6. Josh. 1. 5. Psal. 27. 9. 10. Psal. 60. 11. never failes , when false friends from us fall And true Friends dye , or cannot helpe at all . 24. When we behold Seas constantly to flow In spite of winds & stormes which on them blow , Twice every day ; It minds us how each day We x x Psal. 92. 2. 55. 17. Ps. 53. & 56. 8. & 88. 13. Dan. 6. 10. 1 Thes. 5. 17. Ephes. 6. 18. Luk. 18. 1. c. 23. 36. twice , at least , to God should duely pray , Maugre all Winds , Stormes , Sports , Workes , Company , That would us hinder from this piety . A type whereof the y y Exod. 29. 39. c. 30. 7. 8. Lev. 6. 12. 20. 1 Chro. 16. 40. 2 Chron. 2. 4. c. 13. 11. c. 31. 7. Ezra . 3. 3. double Sacrifice Of old each day , did paint forth to our eyes : And as Sea-waters alwayes joyntly flow , Twice every day together , whence they grow More strong and great : So every family Wherein the z z The practise of Piety p. 26 1. &c. Heb. 10. 24. 25. Deut. 6. 6. 7. c. c. 11. 19. 18. 20. Psal. 95. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Practice of true Piety Or gifts of grace reside , should twice each day Morning and Evening , to God joyntly pray , As well as privately ; that so their Teares , Sighes , Cryes might sound more loude , sweete , in Gods eares , And a a Rom. 13. 30. 31. Philem. 22. 1 Thes. 5. 2● . 2. & 3. 1. Heb. 13. 18. 2 Cor. 1. 11. more prevaile with him ; O happy they Who with pure Hearts to God thus dayly pray . 25. When we espie ships driven quite besides Their course and Compasse , with stormes , Winds , and Tydes , In darkest nights , and tempests for to crosse , Saile , passe in safety , without wrecke , bruise , losse , Amidst unknowne most dangerous , Rocks , Shelves when All b b Act. 27. 20. to 44. Psa. 107. 25. to 31. hopes of safty faile in thoughts of men , Sith diverse ships have there beene cast away Though stear'd by skilfull Pilots , at mid-day In Calmes and fairest weather : we must thence Conclude , and cry , Gods secret c c Act. 20. 27. 31. to 40. Psal. 107. 24. to 31. Isa. 22. 2. Jon. 2. 6. Psal. 66. 12. Providence ( The best and onely Pilot ) did direct Their Helme , and them from Shipwrackes thus protect . And learne that humane skill , Art , nought avayles Unlesse God steares the Rudder , guides the Sailes . No matter then what ere the Pilot be , If God us guide , we shall from wreckes be free . O Let us d d Psal. 78. 53. Psal. 3. 8. 43. 2. & 68. 20. pray to him alwayes to steare Our Helmes , then we no Rockes , wreckes , neede to feare , And shall saile safe , whiles others who relye Upon their skill , not God , wrecke , split , drowne , dye : 26. When I behold sweete pleasant streames to fall Into salt Seas at last , which drowne them all . I thereby learne , how worldly jollity , And streames of sinfull pleasures e e Luk. 16. 25. Job 21. 11. 12. 13. Pro. 14. 13. Rev. 18. 7. 8. Amos 6. 1. to 8. end onely In Seas of brinish teares , in floods of griefe , And plunge men into f f Job 21. 12. 13. Isa. 5. 11. to 16. Luk. 16. 19. to 26. Eccl. 11. 9. Hell past all releefe . Fly then these pleasant streames which ever end In saltest Seas , and men post to Hell send . 27. When Marriners or Passengers long lye Waiting for Wind , and opportunity To crosse the Seas to those Ports , Townes , Countries To which they bound are , they will in no wise Let slip , but take the first good Gale ; which lost May quite undoe , or put them to great cost . Their Wisedome should instruct all those who lye On Earth below , for passage to their high And Heav'nly Country , never to omit One g g Heb. 3. 7. 8. 12. 13. 15. c. 4. 1. 11. 16. Gale of Grace which blowes well towards it , But whiles Life , Time , and meanes of Grace endure And breath upon them , to make heaven sure , And post on to it , with full Sayles each day ; For feare they * * Mat. 25. 9. to 12. lose their passage through delay . One Gale of Grace or opportunity Neglected , may lose us eternity . Gods h h Luk. 19. 42 Psal. 95. 7. 8. 11. 1 Thes. 5. 19. Spirit , which blowes when and where it will Must not be slighted , but observed still : It will not ever waite , nor i i Joh. 3. 8. Gen. 6. 3. strive with men And once departed , returnes not agen . 28. Sea waters in their Channels , are but light ; Under them all a Childe may stand upright : But taken thence , they very pondrous prove , A Pipe or two , no Gyant can remove ; Whole Seas of vastest sinnes are very k k 1 King . 16. 30. 31. 32. Eze. 26. 37. Ephes. 4. 18. 19. Jer. 36. 23. 24. light On carnall Hearts , who never feele their weight : Whereas to humbled Soules , the smallest Crimes Are l l Psa. 38. 3. 4. 6. 8. Mat. 11. 28. Job 6. 2. 3. 4. Amos 2. 13. Rom. 7. 23. 24. 25. heavier than the Sea ten thousand times ; Wherewith their Soules , are burden'd , and opprest , More than if Mountaines lay upon their brest . The reasons plaine ; in one , sinnes in its place ; But m m Hos. 14. 2. 8. Rom. 6. 2. to 22. out of it , in Hearts renude by grace . Try then thy State hereby : if sinnes weigh light In thy Soules Seales , thy case is ill , not right . 29. The Sea is o o Gen. 1. 9. 10. Psal. 33. 7. 104. 6. to 15. Hab. 2. 14. c. 3. 15. Job 38. 16. Isa. 60. 5. full of waters , which there lye Pil'd up in Heapes , as in Gods Treasurie , Or Common store-house ; who doth thence disperce Them to all Places of the Vniverse , Where they are needfull : Which in lively wise Paints out most sweetely to our Hearts and Eyes , Those inexhaust , vast , boundlesse p p Joh 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. c. 2. 9. Magazines Of goodnesse , grace , with all those golden Mines Laid up in God and Christ , who day by day With open Hands q q Psal. 104. 21. 26. 27. 28. 145. 15. 16. Psa. 17. 14. Mat. 5. 6. disperse , and give away These precious stores , to every living thing Throughout the world , and to their Homes them bring . How should the thought of their vast stores , feast , cheare Our hungry Soules , and banish all their feare ? Sith Seas shall r r Hab. 3. 17. 18. 19. Psal. 102. 26. 27. 28. Isa. 19. 4. Jer. 31. 34. 36. 37. c 33. 20. 21. Ps. 136. & 145. 9. 15. 16. 17. 18. sooner faile of streames , and dry Quite up , then these stores of the Diety Faile , or diminish , which still open stand All needfull things to yeeld us out of hand . 30. When I consider how the Seas did stand And swim at first s s Gen. 1. 9. 10. Job 38. 8. 9. 10 Psal. 104. 6. 7. 8. 9. Psal. 33. 7. Psal. 136. 6. Prov. 8. 29. Jer. 5. 22. Gen. 6. 17. c. 7. 11. to 24. c. 8. 1. to 22. above the highest Land , Till God confin'd them within Bankes ; whence they If but permitted , would soone scape away , And in a moment drowne the world againe : Me thinkes it points out to us very plaine The patience , mercy , and t t Exod. 34. 6. Psal. 103. 8. 9. 10. 11. Psal. 86. 15. 16 abundant grace Of our sweete God , who keepes them in their place , Though v v Psal. 7. 11. Lam. 3. 22. 23. Isa. 54. 9. 10. dayly urged by our sinnes , and Crimes , To let them loose , to drowne us , sundry times . And then instructs us , him not to offend , Who can at will whole Seas against us send , ( Yea troopes of x x Mat. 5. 9. to 15. Luk. 8. 30. to 35. Job 1. & 2. Devils ) which would soone devoure Us , if not held off by his mighty Power . 31. When I in y y Psa. 24. 2. Scripture read , that God did found This world on Seas and floods , ●s on its ground ; I finde the cause of this Worlds z z 1 Cor. 7. 31. 1 Joh. 2. 15 16. 17. ficklenesse , And all the things that We therein possesse . For how can ought be stable , firme or stayd , That on unstable , floating Seas is layd ? O then make nought that this world yeelds , your a a Psal. 62 10. 1 Tim. 6. 17. Prov. 23. 4. 5. stay , Or Treasure , sith it floates and swimmes away . 32. The Sea is Homogeniall , and each small Drop in it , hath the nature of it all , In all respects ; and will not b b Isa. 57. 20. Jam. 3. 11. mixe , nor close With strange or forraigne things , but them oppose : Which should instruct all Christians , to agree , Yea in Faith , Word , and Deede but c c Joh. 17. 20. 21. 22. 23. Rom. 12. 16. c. 15. 5. 6. Phil. 2. 2. Act. 4. 32. one to be , And not to hugge , love , like , but d d Psal. 119. 115. Psal. 101. 6. 7. 8. Psa. 139. 21. 22. 2. Joh. 5. 5. 10. 11. 1 Cor. 59. 10. 11. shun all those Who in Faith , Life , workes doe not with them close . 33. The Sea retaines in every coast and place , Her Native Colours , and sweete azure face . A checke and shame to that phantasticke crue Which e e 2 King . 9. 10. Jer. 4. 30. c. 22. 14. Ezech. 23. 40. Isa. 3. 16. to 25. Zeph. 1. 8. 9. paint , and chop old fashions still for new : And to those f f Jam. 1. 6. 8. 2 Pet. 2. 14. 15. 17. 20. Jude 12. 13. Ephes. 4. 1. changlings , who to serve the time Can suite themselves to every Sect , Place , Clime ; And whiles they thus g g 1 Cor. 9. 20. 21. 22. become all things to all , In truth are nothing , and the worst of all . 34. When angry h h Act. 27. 41. Crosse Seas meete and clash together They foame , rage , roare , yea raise stormes in faire weather And tosse , wrecke , or indanger all that saile Or passe their race , and over them prevaile . When Potent Neighbour Princes , strive , war , fight One with another , with great force and might , Nought else but i i Josh. cap. 3. to 13. 2 Chron. 15. 5. 6. c. 36. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Jer. 14. 19. 1 Sam. 31. 1. to 7. 2 Sam. 2. 26. bloody Battels , tumults , cryes , Stormes , perils to their Subjects still arise , Which wrecke , consume their Fortunes , Goods , Lands , Lives . And of all worldly blessings them deprives . O Let us then be thankefull for our peace : And k k Psal. 122. 6. 7. 8. Psal. 128. 6. Isa. 26. 3. 12. pray that it may last , and still increase . 35. The Sea and Skies in colour both agree , When as in most things else they different be . It s then l l 1 Sam. 15. 6. 7. Joh. 7. 24. Mat. 23. 27. 28. ill judging by the meere out-side : Those who thus doe , shall oft times erre and slide . 36. All Springs and m m Eccles. 5. 1. 7. Rivers runne with chearefull speed Into the Ocean whence they first proceede : And should not we , with equall n n Luk. 1. 29. 30. Gen. 46. 30. Rom. 8. 23. 2 Cor. 5. 2. to 8. Phil. 1. 23. Job 14. 13. 14. c. 3. 22. chearefulnesse And speed , our courses to the grave addresse ? Since we from o o Gen. 3. 19. Job 4. 19. c. 34. 15. Psa. 103. 14. 15. Eccles. 3. 20. c. 12. 7. Dust did spring at first , and shall By Gods decree to dust and ashes fall ? ( How soone p p Gen. 27. 2. Eccles. 9. 12. Job 14. 1 Thes. 5. 2. 3. he onely knowes : ) thrice happy we If for the grave we still prepared be : The onely Harbour where we rest secure , From all those Tempests , we did here endure . 36. Nor neede we feare ; since we shall not remaine Still in our Graves , but thence q q Job 19. 25. Dan. 12. 21. Isa. 26. 19. Act. 24. 15. Rev. 20. 23. 1 Cor. 15. 12. to 57 Joh. 11. 23. 24. 1 Thes. 4. 13. to 18. Joh. 6. 39. 40. 44. 54. rise up againe : For , as the Ebbing Sea when it sinkes low , And seemes quite lost , and never like to flow ; Yet in short space returnes , and springs a fresh As high as ever ; So our Corps , and flesh , Though turn'd to dust and rotted in the Grave , A spring , and rich returne from thence shall have With great advantage ; rising up againe Free from r r 1 Cor. 15. 42. 43. 44. 48. 49. 52. 53. 54. 2 Joh. 3. 2. Dan. 12. 3. Mat. 13. 43. Phil. 3. 21. 2 Thes. 1. 10. corruption , sinne , ach , sicknesse , paine And imperfection , in such glorious plight , That Sunne , Moone , Stars , shall not shine halfe so bright . Why should we then once s s 1 Cor. 15. 14. 51. 56. 57. dread death , or the grave , Or t t Mar. 8. 36. Joh. 12. 25. Mat. 5. 29. 30. lose our Soules , our Goods , Lives , Limbes to save ? Since our dead Corps , v v Joh. 6. 39. lost Limbes shall rise againe In such surpassing glory ; and then x x 2 Tim. 2. 12. Rev. 20. 6. c. 22. 5. 1 Thes. 4 17. reigne ( Joyn'd to our Soules , and never more to dye , ) In perfect blisse , for all eternity ? Instruct us Lord to y y Ro. 14. 7. 8. live to Thee by grace , Whiles we here saile in this Seas dangerous race : Then are we z z Job 19. 25. 1 Joh. 3. ●●● . certaine when we end our dayes , That thou wilt us from grave , to Heaven raise Where we more Blisse and glory shall receive Than a a 1 Cor. 2. 9. Isa. 64. 4. Psal. 31. 19. Rev. 22. 1. to 8. tongues can utter , or our hearts conceive . Lord , let these b b Psal. 19. 14. Meditations of mine Heart , Mine owne , and others Soules to thee convert , And rap them into such sweete Extasies That they e e Psa. 73. 25. Phil. 3. 7. 8. 9. nought else but Thee , may Love and prise .
The Epilogue . IF all who use , crosse , view the Sea , would raise Such Meditations from it , to the praise Of its Creator , spending day by day Some vacant time , and pious thoughts this way ; What Floods and streames of grace ? what tydes of Joy And a a Psal. 104. 34. sweetest Raptures ( able to destroy Those sinnes , lusts , vices , which now taint , defame Their very Callings , and their Persons b b Jude 13. Pro. 13. 5. c. 14. 34. shame , Would spring up in them ? what blest Calmes c c Isa. 26. 3. Phil. 4. 7. of Peace Amidst all winds and stormes ? what great increase Of Faith Love , knowledge , zeale , and each sweete Grace Might thee enjoy , whiles they the Ocean trace ? How might their Soules d d Phil. 3. 20. Col. 3. 2. 3. mount up above the skie When as their ships sinke and their bodies dye ? What change of Heart and Life would it effect In those , who now God , and their Soules neglect ? What holy , pious Saints might e e Psal. 107. 23. to 33. Jona . 1. 5. to 17. Sea-Men be , If they the Sea would thus divinely see ? O! as they love their Soules , let me request Them , and all others , as they would be blest , Hence-forth at vacant times to lay aside All sins , Lusts , Vices , which their Soules mis-guide ; ( With wordly workes , thoughts , cares ) and then addresse Their Hearts and Mindes in Sacred earnestnesse To pious f f Gen. 24. 63. Psal. 77. 12. Psa. 119. 97. Ps. 143. 5. Ps. 8. Meditations , from the sight And Nature of the Sea , which will g g Psal. 104. 34 Psal. 8. delight Their drooping Hearts , their wicked Lives amend , And lodge their soules in h h Phil. 3. 10. Heaven ere they end . If any want instructions to direct , Or helpe them in this kinde , let them reflect On this rude Christian-Sea-Card , which may guide Them , till some better Card thrust it aside ; By which if they their course shall henceforth steare , They neede no Rockes , Shelves , Gulfes , Stormes , Wreckes to feare . FINIS .

A CHRISTIAN PARADISE : OR A Divine Posie , Compiled of sundry Flowers of Meditation , gathered from the Sweet and Heavenly Contemplation of the Nature , Fruites , and Qualities of Gardens .

BY WILLIAM PRYNNE , late Exile and Close Prisoner in the Isle of Iersy .

Isaiah 61. 10. 11.

I Will greatly rejoyce in the Lord , my Soule shall be joyfull in my God , for he hath cloathed me with the Garments of Salvation , he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousnesse : as a Bridegroome decketh himselfe with Ornaments , and as a Bride adorneth her selfe with her Jewels . For as the Earth bringeth forth her bud , & as the GARDEN causeth the things that are sowne in it to spring forth ; so the Lord will cause Righteousnesse and praise to spring forth before all the Nations .

Cant. 5. 1.

I am come into my GARDEN my Sister , my Spouse ; I have gathered my Myrrhe with my Spice ; I have eaten my Honey-combe with my Honey , I have drunke my Wine with my Milke . O Friends , drinke and be drunken with love , O beloved .

Isaiah 58. 11.

And the Lord shall guide thee continually , and satisfie thy Soule in drought ; and make fat thy bones ; and thou shalt be like a watred GARDEN , and like a Spring of Water , whose waters faile not .

London Printed by T. Cotes , for Michael Sparke dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor . 1641.

TO The Worshipfull his ever Honoured Kinde Friends , Mrs Douse , and M rs Margaret Carteret , Daughters to Sr Philip Carteret Knight , Lieutenant Governor and Bayliffe of the Isle of Jersy . SWeetenesse and Beauty , two chiefe Qualities Of Gardens , shine forth in such radiant wise In you sweete M rs Douse , faire Margaret Prime Flowers of the House of Carteret , That 't were Ingratitude , nay Injury For me in silence here to passe You by , And not inscribe this PARADISE to You , To whom it is in all respects most Due . Deigne then to owne this little Testimonie Of Thankes , for all your Love and Courtesie To me an Exil'd Prisner , in Jersy , Who shall endeavour to be till I dye , Your Devoted Friend and Servant , WILLIAM PRYNNE .
A CHRISITAN PARADISE . OR A Divine Posie , Composed of sundry Flowers of Meditation , gathered from the sweet and Heavenly Contemplation of the Nature , Fruites , and Qualities of Gardens .
THE PREFACE . SOare up my Muse upon the Eagles Wings , Above the Clouds , and scrue up all thy strings Unto their Highest Straines , with Angels Layes Mens Soules to ravish , and their Hearts to raise From Earth to Heaven , with those sweetest Notes Which Gardens tender to thy plodding thoughts . A Theame of Meditation , so Divine , Rich , pleasant , usefull , that no golden Mine , No Hony-Combe may once with it compare ; Lord Feast our Soules with its Coelestiall fare , Fruites , pleasures in such wise , that they may still Loath this worlds Cates , with all things that are Ill , Tasting no Pleasure but in Things above , The onely Dainties which they ought to love .
A briefe Character of a Garden . A Garden is an Earthly Paradise , No mortall Creatures , but Gods owne devise , ( The a a Gen. 2. 8. 9. first who Planted Gardens , which began At the Creation ; God then binding Man , ( The b b Gen. 1. 28. 29. c. 2. 8. 15. Lord of all his workes ) to this sweete Trade To Keepe and Dresse the Garden he had made : This was Mans first imployment ; so as He In this Respect a Gardner stil'd may be ; The first and best of Trades ; which c c Gen. 3. 6. to 20. Adams tast Of the forbidden fruite hath much debast , And with it Gardens too , which thereby lost Much of their Pleasure , to our Paine and cost . Yet in this dolefull State of sinne , and vice ; They still remaine Mans terrene d d Eccles. 2. 5. Paradise ; Yeelding not onely Profit , but delight . Foode , Cates , Salves , Phisicke , Pleasures to the sight , And other Senses ; solacing the Minde With sundry Objects which it there may finde , It , and the Body to refresh and cheare , When as they tired , vexed , grieved are . But this is nought to those Soule-ravishing , Sweete , heavenly Meditations which doe spring From Gardens , able to rap and inspire The coldest Muse , with a Coelestiall fire ; Yea melt the flintiest Heart , and it advance Above the Spheares in a delightfull Trance ? These make an Eden of each Garden-Plot , And here are fallen to my Muses Lot .
Meditations of the first Kinde . 1. FIrst then , a garden paints out to our Eyes And Hearts , its prime e e Gen. 2. 8. 9. Inventor , God most wise ; Whose peerelesse f f Psal. 104. 24. Dan. 2. 20. Pro. 3. 19. Jer. 10. 12. c. 51. 15. Ephes. 3. 10. Col. 2. 3. Wisedome , Art , skill shine most bright In every Tree , Plant , Herbe , Flower which our sight Beholds in Gardens ; whose variety . In smell , taste , colour , forme , fruite , quality , And usefull vertues for all maladies , Wounds , Ulcers , Aches , stripes , Infirmities Of Man and Beast , ( so many that Mans Art Hath not as yet found out the thousand part From Adams fall till now , ) at large descry Gods matchlesse Art and wisedome to each eye . View we the goodly Colours , Beauty , Frame , Embroidry , carving , fruites , leaves , rootes ( which shame And pose all Artists ) with the Joynts , and sweete Proportion of those Parts , which in them meete ; And we must needes confesse him g g Psal. 104. 24. 1 Tim. 1. 17. onely wise Who these rare peeces did at first devise , Without a Patterne ; and doth dayly raise Such worlds of goodly Fabrickes to his praise . O let our Hearts , words , workes , still celebrate His h h Psal. 147 5. Job 36. 5 Rev. 7. 12. boundlesse wisedome , who did these create . 2. That most transcendent Beauty which we see With dayly admiration in each Tree , Plant , Herbe , Carnation , Lilly , Tulip , Rose , With worlds of other Flowers , which the Nose Affect with i i Cant. 2. 12. c. 5. 13. pleasant smels , and beautifie The Earth and Gardens , more than starres the skie , Shining with rarest Colours of each kinde , So fresh , mixt , sorted , that they rap the Minde Into amazement ; sweetly manifest , In some darke measure , to each pious Breast , Gods most surpassing k k Psal. 27. 4. Psal. 90. 17. Beauty ; to whose l l 1 Tim. 6. 16. 1 Joh. 1. 5. Light The Noone-day Sunnes more darke than any Night . Why doe we then like doting Fooles admire A comely Face , necke , hand , bush , brave Attire , Or waxe proud of them ? ( as most doe , ) since grasse , Trees , m m Mat. 6. 28. 29. Luk. 12. 27 Isa. 40. 6. 7. 8. Lillies , flow'rs , In beauty farre Surpasse The fairest Kings Queen's , Ladies , whose hands , face And rich Array , compar'd to these , are base . O! if we dote on Beauty , let the Rayes Of n n 1 Tim. 6. 16. Gods Eternall Glory , past all praise And Comprehension , pierce , melt , rap , transport Our Soules with o o Psa. 116. 1. Psal. 73. 25. 26. Psal. 16. 2. 5. 6. 11. Love , & scorch them in such sort , That they may ever burne with its sweete flame , And deeme all Beauty else not worth the Name ; Being imperfect , p p Isa. 40. 6. 7. 8. Psal. 103. 15. 16. Psal. 90. 5. 6. 7. fading every Houre , Not halfe so lovely , comely as a flower . 3. Each Plant , Herbe , Roote , Grasse , Flower which doth grow , In Gardens , q q Psal. 104. 1. 14. 15. 16. Jer. 10. 12. 13. c. 51. 15. c. 32. 17. Gods Almighty power forth show . Since all the Monarches , Artists , Men that live , With all their might , wit , skill , can never give Life to existence to the smallest flower . Much lesse an Essence : O what little power Is there in greatest Kings ; who cannot make One Grasse , Herbe , Plant , though Nestors yeares they take To doe it ! O , what wondrous Potency Is there in God! whose r r Gen. 1. & 2. Psal. 104. 14. 15. 16. Psa. 33. 6. word did instantly Create all Creatures , Herbes , Trees , Plants that grow , In Gardens , Orchards , Woods , Fields here below ? O let our Minds , when we these Creatures see , Upon his s s Jer. 5● . 15. Dan. 2. 27. mighty Power still fixed be : Which as it t t Psal. 104. 14. 15. 16. Psal. 147. 8. Mich. 5. 7. dayly makes the fairest Trees , Plants , Herbes , and Flowers , spring by sweete degrees Out of the vilest dust ; can likewise raise Us from the very grave , his power to praise . Be then our v v Psal. 116. 6. Psa. 116. 6. Psa. 40. 2. 3. Jer. 32. 17. 27. Eph. 3. 20. Cases , Crosses ne're so ill , Take courage , God can mend them when he will ; And in due season make us spring againe , Like withered Plants , Herbes , Flowers , after raine . 4. Gardens shew forth x x Psal. 33. 5. Psal. 65. 11. Gen. 1. 11. 12. 29. 30. Gods goodnesse to mankinde , Which he who seeth not in them , is quite blinde . For , doth not that great , sweete , variety Of garden Plants , Fruites which delight the Eye And other Senses ; ease , helpe , and redresse All paines , wounds , sores , diseases that oppresse Both Man and Beast ; yeelding them Physick , Food , Salves , Sauce , Cates , Cordialls , Fumes , Cloathes , all that 's good Or usefull for them , plainely y y Psal. 104. 24. Psal. 145. 7. 15. 16. manifest Gods gracious Bounty to each Man and Beast ? O what abundant Service , z z Psal. 107. 8. 15. 21. Ps. 145. 7. 8. Zech 9. 17. thankes , praise , Love , Are due from Man unto his God above ? Who hath thus stored Gardens , fields , each place , With such great plenty of these gifts of grace ? O , let us blush that we serve , love , no more God , who hath blest us with this happie store . And hence conclude in our Necessity , That this good God will a a Phil. 4. 19. all our Wants supply : He who our Gardens doth with these things store , Our Bodies , Soules , will feed , feast , fill much more . 5. A Garden like a Glasse , Gods b b Psal. 104. 1. 14. 15. 16. Providence Reflects most clearely , to the dullest sense ; Who for Mans use and Service in each Clime , Makes Trees , Plants , Herbes , Flowres , Seedes c c Cant. 7. 12. c. 2. 12. 13. Gen. 1. 11. 12. 29. 30. spring in due time , Which are most usefull , fit to ease , heale , feede , And helpe those in the countries where they breed . And placed neare him great variety Of Herbes , Salves , Phisicke , for each Malady , Both easie , cheape and ready still at hand , If He their vertues did but understand . O what a tender d d Psal. 8. 4. Job 7. 17. 18. Ezech. 47. 12. Care hath God of Man , Thus to provide for each disease that can , Or doth befall him , such cheape , ready Cures ! O e e Psal. 145. 1. 2. 7. 21. praise him for this care which still endures . And sith that He our wealth doth so respect , Let us f f Deut. 6. 12. c. 8. 11. take heede , we never him neglect ; Nor yet our selves , but thankefully g g Isa. 38. 21. Ezech. 47. 12. 2 King . 8. 29. make use Of what may to our Health , or ease conduce . Lord , when we walke in Gardens to delight Our mindes , or sences , let the sweetest sight Of Thee , and these thy Attributes , which they Present most clearely to us day by day ; Rap up our Soules into such Extasies , That they nought else but Thee ; may love or prise .
Meditations of the second Ranke . MOreover Gardens lively represent Christ to our Eyes and Mindes , with blest content . 1. For first , as Gardens , yeeld all h h Gen. 2. 8. to 17. Eccles. 2. 5. Jer. 29. 5. 28. Cant. 4. 16. c. 5. 1. 2. c. 6. 2. 3. 11. rarities And pleasant Objects to delight the Eyes And other Sences ; so all pleasant , sound Soule-chearing i i 2 Cor. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. Phil. 2. 7. 8. 9. Heb. 10. 33. 34. Comforts , Joyes in Christ are found . Our Hearts to solace ; whence most sweetnesse springs When we taste nought but Gall in other things : O blessed Jesus such Soule ravishing Groves , streames of k k 2 Cor. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. sweetest Cordialls from Thee spring To cheare our drooping Soules in all distresse , That did they once but l l Psal. 34. 8 taste their lushiousnesse , And more than Honey sweetnesse , they would be Rapt and m m Psa. 73. 25. Cant. 2. 5. c. 5. 8. inamor'd with nought else but Thee . O let me feele how good , how sweete thou art . Then thou alone shalt feast , fill , have mine Heart . 2. Againe , as fruitefull Gardens bring forth store Of n n Ezech. 47. 12. Deut. 11. 10 1 King . 21. 2. Gen. 2. 9. Herbes , Receites , for every Sickenesse , sore , Wound , Vlcer , Ache that hapneth to Mankinde . So in our o o Isa. 53. 4. 5. 6. 1 Joh. 1. 7. c. 2. 2. Rev. 1. 5. Saviour Christ , our Soules may finde A Soveraigne Herbe , Balme , Salve for to appease Helpe , heale , each sore , wound , ulcer , ach , disease That doth or can them any times annoy , Grieve , paine , perplex , or threate them to destroy : Are then our Soules sicke , wounded , like to dye With any sinne , or deadly Maladie ; O let us then p p Mat. 11. 28. 29. c. 9. 11. 13. 1 Tim. 1. 15. resort to Christ with speede , For Herbes , Salves , Physicke , all else that we neede ; Whose q q 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Heb. 9. 14. Blood 's a royall Balme , receipt to save All Soules which from it helpe , health , Phisicke crave . 3. Gardens still yeeld a pleasant fragrant r r Gen. 27. 27 Hos. 14. 6. Cant. 2. 13. c. 4. 11. c. 7. 13. smell , And rich perfumes ; Christ doth them farre excell In his s s Cant. 1. 3. 12. 13. 14. Eph. 5. 2. Cant. 5. 5. 13. Rev. 8. 3. 4. sweete-smelling Odors , which ascend Into Gods Sacred Nostrells , to amend Perfume and sweeten , all those stinking , sowre , Vnsavory Prayers , which to God we powre , In Christs sweete Name ; whose horrid sent and stinke ( More Loath-some than the vilest kennell , sinke , ) Would else so much t t Isa. 64. 6. offend his Sacred Nose That he both it , and his Eares too would close Against them ; yea v v Isa. 1. 13. 14. 15. Pro. 28. 9. detest , both them and us ; Where now these Odors make them gracious , Farre x x Rev. 8. 3. 4. sweeter than the richest sent that can Be found out , to delight the Nose of Man . And as Christs fragrant perfumes farre excell The sweetest Incense , in his Fathers smell , So doe they likewise in the sent of those Whom he hath chosen ; to whose Sacred Nose The fragrant'st Odors matcht with y y Cant. 1. 3. 12. 13. 14. Christs are stinke And more unsavory than the foulest sinke : Sweete Jesus let thy pleasant perfumes move , And ravish all our Soules , with thy sweete Love . 4. Gardens have pleasant z z Gen. 2. 10. Isa. 53. 11. Cant. 4. 15. Fountaines , where we may Our bodies bathe , and wash their filth away , Yea quench our thirst , our heates coole , and revive Those Trees , Herbes , Plants that fade , and make them thrive . Christ hath a pleasant a a Isa. 55. 1 Joh. 7. 37. 38. c. 4. 13. 4. 15. Jer. 2. 13. Zech. 13. 1. Rev. 1. 5. 1 Joh. 1. 7. Fountaine , Spring , or Well Of sweete and living waters , that excell All others , springing in him , where we may Bathe , coole , refresh our Soules , and wash away The filth of all our sinnes ; and eke revive Our withering Graces , and them cause to thrive . Lord ever ba the our Soules in this blest spring , Which will both Health , Joy , safty to them bring . 5. Most Pleasant b b Gen. 1. 11. 12. 22. 30. Gen. 2. 8. to 16. 1 King . 21. 1. Cant. 6. 2. c. 5. 1. &c. Hearbes , Rootes , Fruites in Gardens grow , To feede and feast mens Pallats : Such fruites flow , And spring from Christ , our Soules to fat , c c Mat. 11. 28. 29. Psal. 63. 5. Psal. 19. 10. Isa. 25. 6. feast , cheare , As farre surpasse all Cates that Gardens beare ; No Honey , Marrow , Manna may compare With his rare sweete-meates , and Coelestiall Fare . O come and d d Psal. 34. 8. taste how sweete Christs dainties be , Then will we long to feast with None but He. 6. Gardens are fraught with Arbors , Trees , whose e e Psal. 80. 10. Hos. 4. 13. Jon. 4. 5. 6. shade Cooles and repels Heate , stormes which would invade , And scorch us sore : Christ hath a f f Cant. 2. 3. Isa. 25. 4. 5. c. 4. 6. c. 32. 2. Psal. 121. 5. Psal. 17. 8. 1 Thes. 1. 10. shade most sweete Against all scalding Heates , all stormes we meete , Yea from his Fathers burning Wrath and Rage , Which none but he can quench , coole , or asswage : O then in all such scorching Flames still fly To Christs sweete shade , for ease and remedy . 7. Gardens are full of g g Gen. 2. 8. to 17. c. 3. 1. 2. 3. Cant. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. Eccle. 2. 5. beauty and delight And so is Christ in all his chosen's sight ; None halfe so h h Cant. 5. 9. 10. 11. comely , Lovely , faire as He , In whom we nought but comelinesse can see . O let his beauty i i Cant. 5. 4. to 16. c. 8. 6. 7. Rom. 8. 38. 39. kindle such a fire In all our Soule , as never shall expire ; And may consume all flames of lustfull Love , Wedding us onely unto Christ above . 8. Gardens are ever rich and fruitefull ground ; All usefull Herbes , k k Gen. 2. 8. to 16. Isa. 51. 3. c. 61. 11. Ezech. 28. 13. c. 31. 8. 9. c. 36. 35. Joel . 2. 3. Trees , fruites in them abound ; Christ is the l l Cant. 5. 10. Joh. 1. 1. 2. 16. Rom. 8. 29. Col. 2. 9. 10. best , prime peece of all Man-kind , In whom alone all good things we may finde At any season , in such copious store , As will suffice mankinde for evermore . O then m m Isa. 55. 1. 2. Jam. 1. 5. Joh. 1. 16. resort to him for every thing We want , in whom all good things grow and spring . 9. The Seedes , Plants , Rootes which we would have to grow . In Gardens , we n n Gen. 28. Isa. 61. 11. Luk. 13. 19. there bury , set , or sow : So Christ that he might grow and fructifie , o o Joh. 19. 41. 42. Within a p p Joh. 20. 1. to 18. Garden did intombed lye , Where q q Mat. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15. Col. 1. 5. 6. 23. Rom. 10. 18. Rev. 14. 6. Psal. 19. 4. springing up from death to life againe , He fild the q q Mat. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15. Col. 1. 5. 6. 23. Rom. 10. 18. Rev. 14. 6. Psal. 19. 4. world with his increased traine ; Which Iury onely did confine before , But now the world , which scarce conteines his store . 10. Christ , here on earth did Gardens highly grace r r Joh. 18. 1. 2. 3. 26. c. 19. 41. 42. c. 20. 1. to 18. Resorting oft unto them , in which place He was betray'd , entomb'd , rais'd up , and then First there appear'd to Mary Magdalen . Each Garden then we see , should still present Christ to our sight , minds , thoughts , with sweete Content ; Wherein with Eyes of Faith , we may behold Christ walking with us , as he s s Joh. 18. 1. 2. walkt of old With his Disciples , to instruct , joy , cheare , Our blind , sad Hearts , and banish all their feare : Here may we view false t t Joh. 18. 3. to 18. Judas , him betray , With fained kisses ; and thence lead away With Bands of Catch-poles , arm'd with , Swords , Bills , staves ; To teach us to beware such flattering Knaves , Who are most treacherous when they seeme most kind : And that a Judas we shall ever finde Amidst Christs choyce Apostles ; who for gaine Will both betray Christ , and his chosen traine , And them in their sweete Gardens trap , surprise , Where they no danger saw , nor could devise : Here , may we eye v v Joh. 19. 41. 42. Christ lying in his Tombe To sweeten death , and all our graves perfume . Here may we see him x x Joh. 20. 1. to 18. 1 Cor. 15. 54. 55. 56. 57. rise up the third day To conquer Death , and take his sting away , Leading him Captive in triumphant wise That we might learne his terrors to despise , And never dread this y y 1 Cor. 15. 54. Rom. 6. 9. 10. 11. vanquisht Enemie , Who kills us once to live eternally . Here may we view our Bodies , by z z Job 19. 25. 26. 27. 1 Cor. 15. 20. to 56. 1 Thes. 4. 13. to 18. Rom. 6. 9. 10. 11. death slaine And turn'd to Dust , by Christ rais'd up againe In glorious state , to live in Endlesse Joy Above Deathes reach , and all them can annoy . Here may we finde our Saviour still appeare From day to day , our drooping Hearts to cheare , In each roote , seede , plant , herbe , which shall arise Out of the Earth ; which a a Rom. 1. 19. 20. 21. shewes him to our eyes ; What neede of Popish Pictures then to bring Christ to our Eyes , minds , thoughts ? sith every thing , Plant , Herbe that in our Gardens sprouts , lives , growes , His life , Death , rising , farre more clearely shewes ? b b Isa. 2. 20. c. 30. 22. c. 31. 7. Away then with these Cursed Idolls ; we Christ no where else will ever seeke , view , see But in his c c Gal. 3. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 3. 4. c. 11. 24. 25. Word , Workes , Sacraments , wherein We onely can behold him , without sinne ; And when we long him , or his Acts to Eye , If Bibles faile , each Garden will descry Them to us , in more sweete and lively wise , Than all the Pictures Papists can devise . Blessed Lord Jesus when we ever walke Within a Garden , Let us with thee talke , In such sweete Contemplations , and delight Our Soules , Eyes , Senses with thy blessed sight , Which every Garden Tree , Plant , Herbe , Flower , Grasse , Reflects more clearely than a Christall Glasse : Then shall each Garden which we view or see , A blessed second d d Ezech. 28. 13. Eden to us be .
Meditations of the third Classe . A Garden is a Map of Paradise , The plot , e e Gen. 2. 8. 9. from whence all Gardens took their rise . Compar'd , they suite , and make an Harmony , Which cheares our Soules with its sweete melody . 1. For first , as God did f f Gen. 1. 8. to 16. c. 3. 1. 2. Eden Plant , decke , fill With choycest Trees , Herbes , Fruits ; so men doe still Their g g Deut. 11. 10 Can. 6. 2. 3. 11. to 16. c. 5. 1. 2. Gardens with these dayly decke , store , grace , And more enrich , than any other place . 2. Eden was full of g g Gen. 2. 8. to 16. Isa. 51. 3. pleasure and delight Of goodly Trees , Flow'rs , Fruites to please the sight , And Pallate : So are h h Eccles. 2. 5 Cant. 5. 1. 2. c. 6. 2. 11. Gardens , where we finde Most pleasant objects both for Eye , Mouth , Minde . 3. Eden was very i i Isa. 51. 3. Joel . 2. 3. Gen. 13. 10. fruitfull : Gardens are The k k Isa. 58. 11. fertil'st plots , and most Fruites ever beare . 4. Eden was seated close by l l Gen. 2. 9. 10. 11. 12. Rivers sides , And watred with their Christall streames and tides ; Thus are most m m Isa. 58. 11. Num. 24. 6. Cant. 4. 5. Gardens seated , that they may Become more fruitfull , pleasant , greene , fresh , gay . 5. Eden was kept and drest by n n Gen. 2. 15. 16. Adam , who Was bound by God this taske to undergoe . And who but o o Joh. 20. 15. Jer. 29. 5. 28. Amos 9. 14. Men , doe yet still keepe and dresse Those pleasant Gardens which we here possesse ? Beasts , Horses , Oxen , helpe to till our ground , Fit to dresse Gardens , onely Men are found . Hence may we learne that God p p Ezech. 16. 49. Mat. 20. 3. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 13. 1 Thes. 4. 11. 2 Thes. 3. 6. to 16. Exod. 20. 9. hates Idlenesse In all estates , who ought still to addresse Themselves to some good honest worke , Art , trade , Sith Adams q q Gen. 2. 15. c. 3. 13. set to worke as soone as made ; Though the sole Monarch of the world , and all The Creatures in it ; which before the fall Were at his meere Command , and did afford Him all he needed , r r Gen. 1. 26. of their owne accord . 6. God had no sooner Adam made , but He Him s s Gen. 2. 8. to 17. c. 3. 1. to 7. Isa. 51. 3. plac'd in Eden , happie there to be , As in the choycest , fruitefulst , pleasant'st plot This lower world could unto him alot . All take delight in t t Cant. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. 11. c. 8. 13. Gardens to reside , The onely Edens where they would abide : Whence all who have but one small piece or plot , Of Earth , will to a v v Jer. 19. 5. 18. Amos 9. 14. Garden it alot . 7. Man entred x x Gen. 2. 15. to 25. c. 3. 1. 2. into Eden voyd of sinne ; O let us thinke of this , when we begin Our Garden doores to enter , that we may Avoyd all sinne , which y y Rom. 5. 12. 13. 14. mankinde first did slay ; And dayly strive to be as Innocent As Adam , when he into Eden went . 8. The Tree of Knowledge ( which did typifie Christ , or his Sacred Word to Adams Eye , ) In z z Gen. 2. 3. 16. Rev. 2. 7. midst of Eden stood : Thus each Plant , Tree Which we in midst of Gardens chance to see , Christ and his Sacred Word in lively wise Present , shew , point out to our mindes and Eyes . 9. Eden a a a Gen. 3. 1. to 16. 2 Cor. 11. 3. 1 Tim. 2. 24. Serpent had which did betray First Eve , then Adam , and them cast away By his Temptations , their Credulity . No wonder then if we sometimes espie Not onely Weedes , but Serpents , Adders , Snakes , Toades , & such vermin ( whose meere aspect makes Most men to tremble ) in our Garden-plots , To make us feare that b b 2 Tim. 2. 26. 2 Cor. 11. 3. Serpent , which besots , Betrayes , and stings us still through pleasures , vice . As he did Adam in old Pardise : O let us then in no place rest secure ; Sith he in Eden did Man first allure . Much lesse in pleasant c c Isa. 1. 29. c. 65. 3. c. 66. 17. Cant. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. Gardens , where he still Tempts Men and Women oft times unto ill : 10. The d d Gen. 3. 1. to 16. first and Mother sinne , from whence all vice Sinnes , mischiefes spring , was hatcht in Paradise : Here Father Adam caught that breake-necke fall , Which in a moment quite undid us all . O let our Gardens put us still in minde Of this great sinne , whose reliques we still finde Remaining in us : and let every weede We see in Gardens , cause us to take heede That no one sinne within us ever spring , To worke our ruine , or our soules to sting . 11. Man had no sooner sinned , but God e e Gen. 3. 8. to 24. cast Him out of Eden , and then layd it waste ; Cursing the Earth with thornes , Weeds , Barrennesse For his offence , which he before did blesse : When then our Gardens , weedie , barren grow Thinke of the cause from whence these evills flow , ( Our sinne ; Gods curse : ) and when we enter in , Or issue out of Gardens , let that sinne Which moved God man-kind first to exclude . From Edens blisse , with teares be of us rude . We cannot over-ponder or lament That sinne which Man out of his Eden sent . And learne from hence , that none gaine ought by vice , Or f f Rev. 22. 14. 15. sinne , at Last , but losse of Paradise . 12. Man banish't Eden for his wilfull sinne , Was ever after g g Gen. ● . 22. 23. 24. barr'd from entring in Againe , by a bright sword with fiery flame Which turned every way to guard the same . The hedges , pales , walls , doores , that close and fence Our gardens , to keepe Men and beasts from thence , Should ever mind us of this sword , that vice , Which thrust and kept man out of Paradise : And teach us with all care , paines , industry , To strive to enter h h 2 Cor. 12. 4. Rev. 2. 7. Eden that 's on high . Since we are thus excluded this below , The very place whereof none this day know ; 13. Mans losse in Edens Garden , might affright Us all , and dampe the joy , mirth , and delight , Which Gardens yeeld ; yea had not Christ repaird , What man there lost , we should have quite despaird . But now take courage and no more complaine ; Christ in a garden hath restor'd againe What Adam therein lost ; that wee might all Be there repair'd , where first we caught our fall : Which that I may with sweeter fruit declare , I 'le Christ with Adam ; place with place compare . 1. Adam at first in Eden was i i Gen. 3. 1. to 9. betraid , And trap't by those snares which the Serpent layd . Christ in a Garden was betraid , and snar'd By Judas , k k Joh. 18. 1. to . 16. and those troops which hee prepar'd . 2. Adam in Eden l l Gen. 3. 1. to 24. caught that break-necke fall Which in a moment did undoe us all : Christ in a m m Joh. 19. 41. 42. Rom. 6. 1. to 12. Garden tooke his lowest fall Into the grave , which rais'd and made us all . 3. Adam there fell in n n Gen. 3. Rom. 5. 12. 13. 14. state of Innocence , And wreckt us all , by this his prime offence : Christ in o o Joh. 18. 1. to 16. c. 19. 41. 42. Rom. 6. 7. 8. 9. a garden fell , though free from fault , To make us guiltlesse , and our state exalt . 4. Adam p p Rom. 5. 12. 13. by sinne , Christ q q Isa. 53. 4. to 12. Rom. 4. 25. for sinnes onely fell : Hee for his owne ; Christ , for those in us dwell . 5. Adam fell r r Gen. 3. 22. 23 , 24. flat , but could not rise againe : Christ fell s s Act. 2. 24. to 37. but rose , nought could him downe detaine . 6. His fall himselfe , with all t t Rom. 5. 12. to 20. 1 Cor. 15. 22. his race downe threw : Christs fall him rais'd , with all his chosen crue . 7. He in a v v Gen. 3. Joh. 19. 41 , 42. c. 20. 1. to 12. Garden fell ; there Christ arose To save man there , where hee himselfe did lose . 8. Adam there falling , did x x Gen. 3. 19. Rom. 5. 8 , 9. corruption bring Vnto himselfe , and all who from him spring : Christ dead and buried here , did y y Act. 2. 24. to 36. c. 13. 34. 35. 37. 1 Cor. 15. 50. 52 , 53. 54. never see Corruption , and all his did from it free . 9. Hee fell in Eden z z Gen. 3. 1. to 12. by the tree of life Of which hee ate , allured by his wife : Which tree ( that in the a a Gen. 2. 9. midst of Eden grew ) Instead of giving life b b Rom. 5. 7 , 8 , 9. &c. him and us slew . Wee by our c c Joh. 6. 50. 51. 54. 57 , 58. eating of this blessed tree Of life , Christ Jesus , are thereby made free From death and hell , who planted was , and lay d d Joh. 19. 41. 42. Entomb'd amidst a garden , e e 1 Cor. 15. 54 , 55 , 57. death to slay : 10. Adam was f f Gen. 3. 22. thrust from Eden to his losse : Christ from a g g Joh. 18. 1. 2. to 16. Garden lead was to his Crosse . 11. He h h Gen. 3. 22 , 23 , 24. banisht Eden , could returne no more , Christ all his chosen thither to restore , Dragg'd i i Joh. 18. 1. 2. c. 19. 41 , 42. from a garden , was brought backe againe And there entomb'd , as soone as he was slaine . 12. In Eden k k Gen. 3. 3. to 18. Rom. 5. 7. to 16. death against man first prevail'd : Death in a l l Joh. 19. 41. 42. c. 20. 1. to 17. Garden was by Christ first quail'd : Here he arose againe from death : and then Appear'd there first to Mary Magdalen . Winning the field of Deaths , Sinnes , Devils Host , In that same place where Adam first it lost : And there triumphed over all this Sect , Where they their Trophies did at first erect . Needs must our Gardens then be very sweet , And pleasant , where these acts of Christ all meet : Which rightly pondred by us , in a trice , Would change each Garden to a Paradise , And make us see , that we by Christ gaine more In Gardens now , than Adam lost before . Sweet Jesus when a Garden we espie Rap thou our soules into an extasie . With these , or such like pious Thoughts ; that we An Eden in each Garden-plot may see ; And feele a blessed Heaven still to grow , Within our soules , whiles we are here below .
Meditations of the fourth Classe . AGaine ; mee thinks a Garden Gods blest Word Doth well resemble , and therewith accord . 1. For first as m m Gen. 27 27. Hosea 14. 6. Gardens yeeld most fragrant smels , So Gods deare Word in n n Cant. 5. 16. 2 Cor. 2. 15. sweetnesse farre excels : It s rich perfumes , and odours still entice His Saints to o o Ps. 119. 97. 47. 48. 72. 111. 112 113. 127. 140. 159. 167. love it , in most ardent wise . O let our p p Deut. 6. 6. 7. 8. 9. c. 11. 18. 19. 20. Ps. 119. 97. houses , words , thoughts , acts , lives , smell Of it's sweete odors , which all else excell . 2. q q Cant. 5. 1. 2. 3. 1 King . 21. 2. Gardens yeeld store of pleasant fruits , rootes , cates , Herbes , sallads , cordials , fit for all estates , To feed , feast , please their pallats , and to cheare Their drooping hearts , opprest with paine , griefe , feare . Gods blessed word is stor'd with r r 2 Pet. 1. 3. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 20. Rom. 15. 4. 9. 10. Ps. 19. 8. 10. Ps. 119. 72. 127. Ier. 15. 16. promises , Which feed , feast , cheare , the hearts of all degrees : And are more pleasant , cordiall , sweete , and deare To drooping soules , than all this worlds best cheare . O let us daily solace , fat , feast , fill , Our soules with these blest cates , & cheare them still . 3. As Gardens so the Scriptures yeeld great store , Of s s Psal. 42. 4. to the end . Ps. 43. 5. Isa 1. 5. 6. to 21. Act. 3. 19. 1 Joh. 1. 7. salves , and good receits for every sore , Wound , sicknesse , griefe , which mens soules can affect , No hope of health , for those who them neglect . O let us prise these balmes , which soules can cure , If they be heal'd the bodies safe and sure . 4. Gardens are full of all t t Gen. 2. 8. to 16. Cant. 6. 2. c. 5. 1. 2. variety Of flowers , herbes , fruits which delight the eye . And bring most sweete refreshment and content , To such as are to meditation bent , Yea all of all sorts : So Gods sacred word To all of all rankes , can and doth afford A copious store , and sweete variety Of u u 2 Pet. 1. 3. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16. Heb. 6. 12. great and pretious promises , which lye Dispersed in it , to refresh , joy , ease All sad dejected soules , and them appease . O with what pleasure , joy , and blest delight , May tyred drooping soules , both day and night Walke in the midst of this sweete Paradise , Where all refreshing comforts grow and rise ? Let these be still our x x Psal. 1. 2. Psal. 119. 97. Deut. 6. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. c. 17. 19. Josh. 1. 8. study , night and day , Which all our griefes , feares , sins will chase away . 5. All y y Cant. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. 11. Gardens sweet refreshment still afford To tyred bodies , spirits : So Gods word To z z Isa. 40. 1. 2. c. 61. 1. 2. 3. c. 26. 20. Rom. 15. 4. weary soules opprest with sinne , and spent With griefe , yeelds sweete refreshment and content : Here may they find blest rest , repose , and ease , When nought else can them comfort or appease . O let our soules for ever dwell and rest In its refreshing shade , which makes them blest . 6. Gardens a a Cant. 4. 12. Isa. 5. 1. inclosed are , Gods word is so , Within his b b Rom. 3. 2. 1 Tim. 3. 15. Isa. 6. 16. Churches pale : there must we goe To seeke and find it ; sith the Church doth keepe , And shew the Scriptures to Christs chosen sheep ; But not confirme or give authority To them , who doe c c Rom. 2. 16. Ephes. 2. 20. her judge , surport , and try . 7. Gardens are d d Jer. 39. 4. c. 52. 7. c. 29. 5. 18 Amos 9 14. Common both to rich and poore , To all of all sorts : So the Scriptures doore Is shut to none , but open stands to e e Mat. 28. 19. 20. Mar. 6. 15. all Degrees of men : to rich , poore , great , and small . Yea f f Luk. 4. 18. c. 7. 22. Mat. 11. 5. Jam. 2. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 9. 9. pooremen ( most part ) have a greater share In this rich Garden , than the great'st that are . 8. Gardens are fruitfull , and make all things g g Isa. 61. 11. grow , That men in season in them plant , or sow : Gods word is fertile too , and h h Col. 1. 6. Act. 19. 20. 1 Thes. 1. 5. to the end . makes men spring , Grow , thrive in grace , and much fruit forth to bring . 9. Gardens most sweetly picture to our eyes Minds , thoughts , God , Christ , and man in lively-wise : Thus doe the i i Joh. 5. 39. 2 Pet. 1. 2. 4. 19. Eph. 2. 8. to 13. c. 2. 12. 13. Ps. 39. 5. 6. Scriptures too , in farre more bright And perfect colours paint them to our sight . He who would these exactly know and see , Must on the Scriptures alwaies looking be . 10. Gardens are full of objects , whence we may Sweet k k Psal. 143. 5. Ps. 104. Isa 40. 6 , 7 , 8. c. 61. 11. contemplations raise from day to day , To make us better , and translate our love From earth to heaven , and the l l Col. 3. 1 , 2 , 3. things above : So are the Scriptures . O thrice happy they Who m m Psal. 1. 1. 2. meditate still in them night and day , To mend their lives , hearts , soules , and elevate Them from an earthly , to an heavenly state . All other n n Act. 19. 19. Col. 2. 8. studies , o o Joh. 17. 3. Jer. 23. 28 , 29. 1 Pet. 1. 23. 25. Psal. 119. Psal. 19. 7. to 14. matcht with these , are base , And leave the soule but in a damned case . Onely the Scriptures make us truly blest , And guide our soules unto eternall rest . 11. Lord let us daily more and more discry The sacred Scriptures worth and dignity ; Our soules to cheare , feast , ravish with their love , That wee our words , thoughts acts may guide and move , As they direct , and let each Gardens sight Present them to our thoughts with sweet delight . That while we view this leafe of natures booke , We may more clearly into Gods booke looke ; p p Rom. 1. 19. 20. 21. Act. 14. 17. c. 17. 24. to 31. The one whereof gives to the other light : And both conjoyn'd , will yeeld more sweet delight .
Meditations of the fifth Sort. AGaine , in Gardens we may view and find A lively map and picture of mankind ; And day by day both in them read and see The story of our selves , and what we bee . 1. For first those q q Luk. 13. 19. seeds , which we in gardens saw : And bury in their wombes that they may grow , And spring up thence : present unto our eyes That r r Gen. 38. 8. 9 humane seede , from which we all arise , And sprout : at first sowne , planted in the wombe , And there inter'd , as in a Garden tombe , Till it be quickned formed and made fit To come into the World , and breake from it . 2. Each seed , root , plant we see in Gardens spring , And peepe out of the earth , doth sweetly bring Unto our mindes , and shadowes to our eyes Mans birth into this world , in lively-wise : Who s s Gen. 38. 28 , 29. 30. breakes , and creepes out from his mothers wombe , Like seede out of the earth , that he may come Into this wretched world , whose misery As soone as borne , still makes him weepe and cry . 3. The weake young tender blades , and sprouts that grow , Up first from seeds , rootes , plants , doe lively , shew Unto our eyes and thoughts , mans infancie Who t t Ezech. 16. 4 , 5. Exod. 2. 6. cannot stand or goe , but crawle and lye Vpon the ground , like blades , grasse , sprigs new thrust Out of the earth , which leane , lie on the dust . 4. Their further growth in strength , height , breadth , each day ; Mans * * Gen. 21. 8. 12. c. 25. 27. Judg. 13. 24. daily growth in all these , well display ; Untill his youth out-grows his infancie , By senselesse steps , and make him sprout up high . 5. Their progresse till they blossome and forth bring Gay , goodly , lovely , sweet flowers in the spring , And Summer season , aptly typifie Our fresh , sweet * * 1 Cor. 7. 36. flowring youth , which in each eye Makes us as comely , lovely , fresh , and gay , As garden-trees , flowres in the month of May ; Though still as u u Isa. 40. 6 , 7. 8. 1 Pet. 1. 20. Psal. 102. 11. Psal. 103. 15. Ps. 90. 5 , 6. Jam. 1 , 10. Job . 14. 2. fading as the tendrest flowre , Oft cropt and withered in lesse than one houre . 6. Their next succeeding fruits and seeds , expresse Our riper yeares , and age of fruitfulnesse ; * * Num. 1. 3. 18. c. 4. 3. 1 Tim. 3. 4 , 5 , 6. 2 Chr. 10. 6. to 12. Fit for imployment , and the practicke part Of any science , calling , trade , skill , art , Or publicke office in the Church , or State : For which our youth 's too soone , our age too late . 7. Their full ripe Leaves , fruits seeds , which bend , and * * Isa 34. 4. c. 64. 4. fall Vnto the earth at last ; may mind us all Of mans old age , which will him x x Eccles. 12. 2 , 3 , 4. bow , then cast , Or bring quite downe unto the y y Gen. 3. 19. dust at last , From whence hee sprung , and useth to z z 2 Sam. 19. 31 , 35 , 35. 1 King . 1. 1. Gen. 27. 1. decay His strength , teeth , senses , parts , which fall away As leaves , seeds , fruits in autumne : and him make Like withered stalkes , which leaves , seedes , fruits forsake ; Before his aged shriv'led Body dyes , Whilst it weake , bed-rid , senselesse , halfe-dead lyes . 8. The * * Zech. 11. 2. falling of their withred stalks , trunkes , boughs , Unto the earth at last ; most lively shewes , That our a a Job 5. 26. old age , it selfe will kill us all At last , and make us dead to earth to fall , Though neere so healthy , wealthy , mighty , strong : And that , if nought else kill us , b b Gen. 5. 5. to 32. living long Will doe it : a disease which none can cure : If others scape , old men to dye are sure . 9. The buring of these old stalkes , leaves againe , When falne downe on the earth , shewes forth most plaine , Before our eyes , our funerals , when we Quite dead and withered , shall c c Gen. 23. 4. to 20. c. 47. 30. interred be , And shut close prisoners in our mother d d Gen. 3. 19. earths Darke wombe , from whence at first we had our births . 10. Their rotting there , and turning into dust ; Instructs us how the grave shall rot and rust Our corps , and turne them into e e Gen. 3. 19. Eccles. 3. 10. c. 12. 7. dust at last , Sith God such sentence hath against them past . 11. The seedes which drop into the earth , and there f f 1 Cor. 15. 36 , 37 , 38. to 55. 1 Thes. 4. 13. to 18. Job . 19. 25 , 26 , 27. Rot for a time , but yet againe appeare , And spring afresh , more glorious than before , And by their rising much increase their store : Demonstrate to us in most pregnant wise , How our dead rotten Corps againe shall rise Out of the dust , and graves wherein they lye , In greater vigour , glory , dignity . Then ever they enjoy'd ; and gaine farre more By rising , than by death they lost before . O let this arme us against all the feare Of death or grave , and still us joy and cheare . 12. When wee behold some g g Ps. 90. 5 , 6. Ps. 103. 15. 16. Psal. 129. 6. tender bud or blade , Nipt with the frost , winds , stormes , to fall and fade So soone as shot forth : wee may learne thereby How men oft times even in their h h Eccles. 4. 3. Job . 3. 11. 16. 21. c. 10. 18. 19. infancie As soone as borne , yea sometimes in the wombe Are nipt and cropt by death , and to their Tombe Depart from hence so soone , so suddainly , As if they were borne onely for to dye . Let younglings then , as well as old prepare For death , from which i i Isa. 40. 6 , 7 , 8. Heb. 9. 27. none un-exempted are . 13. When as we view the k k Psal. 103. 15 , 16. Isa. 40. 6 , 7 , 8. Job . 14. 1 , 2. Isa. 28. 1. 4. Jam. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 1. 24. bravest , fairest flowers Cropt , blasted , withred , vanisht in few houres : We may therefrom contemplate , how that wee By suddaine death oft blasted , withred be , Cropt off , consumed in few minutes space , Even in the flowre , prime , pride , choyce , vigour , grace Of all our dayes , when l l Isa. 28. 15. 18. death from us did seeme The farthest off , and we did not once dreame Of its approach . A truth we daily see , Which should teach youth , for death prepard to be . 14 , The ripe fruits , seedes which wee in gardens view , Pluckt off , and gathered ; clearly to us shew How m m Job . 5. 26. men of ripe yeares , are most commonly , Pul'd off by death , and so should looke to dye , At least as soone as ripe , if not before , Sith then they stand neere unto grim deaths doore , Whom if he spare to pull or shake downe , they Will of themselves in short space fall away , And drop into his mouth . Let then all such Stand n n Job . 14. 14. Gen. 27. 2. still prepar'd for death , who doth them touch . 15. Each seed , fruits , leafe , flowre , blossome we see fall , Fade , rot within our Gardens o o Isa. 1. 30. c. 34. 4. c. 40. 6 , 7 , 8. c. 64. 6. Job . 14. 1 , 2. Heb. 9. 27. shew how all Mankinde must fade , fall , rot , and dye like these Each in his time , and perish by degrees ; And that no age , sexe , calling , state is free From death , to which they ever subject be : And so should teach all to p p Psal. 90. 5. 6. 12 Ps. 39. 4. 5. 12. account each day Their last , wherein they looke to passe away . 16. Each Garden in the yeares foure seasons paints Forth to our eyes , and us full well acquaints With mans foure ages , which doe comprehend The whole race of his life , untill it end . In q q Psal. 38. 35 , 36. Ps. 92. 7. spring time they depaint our infancie , And younger yeares : in summer they descry Our youthfull flowring age . In Autumne they Our riper yeares , and drooping age display ; In r r Isa. 1. 30. Ezech. 17. 9 , 10. Psal. 102. 4. 11. winter when they shriveled , naked are , And all amort , decayd : they then declare Our old decrepid , withred , dying yeares , When , all within us , dead , nought fresh appeares , Wee can no time then in our gardens be , But wee our selves may there read , know , view , see , By contemplation , in more compleat wise Than in all pictures painters can devise . O let us view our selves in this bright glasse Each day , and s s Psal. 90. 9 , 10. see there how our ages passe , And slit away , untill wee wither , dye ; To t t Deut 32. 29. mind us still of our mortality : 17. Besides , by meditation we may hence Behold , mind , know our state of innocence Before our fall : since God did u u Cen. 2. 8. to 17. Adam place In Edens garden , in a state of Grace , And Innocence , it both to keepe and dresse , Where he not long enjoy'd this happinesse . 18. Yea , in our Gardens we may read and eye Our fall and state of sinne and misery , Sith we in x x Gen. 3. Rom. 5. 8 , 9. &c. Edens Garden caught that fall Through Adams sinne , which did undoe us all , And y y Rom. 7. 8. to 25. c. 9. 12. plunge us into such a woefull state Of sinne , and vice , as makes God us to hate ; And daily z z Rom. 1. 25. to 32. c. 7 , 8 , to 25. Jam. 1. 13 , 14 , 15. spurres us unto all excesse Of horrid sinnes , and monstrous wickednesse ; Which a a Psal. 9. 17. Mat. 25. 41. 46. cast us headlong into hell , and make Vs nought but fuell for that fiery Lake , A dismall state indeed , whose thought should rent Our stony hearts , and cause them to relent . 19. But not dispaire , sith in this very place Christ hath restored us to a state of grace , Of which it minds us , all sad hearts to cheare , And us from our collapsed state helpe reare . For as Christ in a b b Joh. 18. 1. to 16. c. 19. 41 , 42. c. 20. 1. to 17. Rom. 4 , 25. 1 Cor. 15. throughout . 2 Cor. 4. 14. Eph. 2. 10. Garden was betrayd , And dead , there in a new sepulcher laid , So did he there from death rise up againe , And thereby rais'd up all his chosen traine , From their lost , lapsed , to a blessed state Of grace and glory . O then celebrate , And ever blesse , praise , love , serve Christ , who thus Hath rais'd , redeem'd , restor'd , exalted us : And let each Garden put us still in mind Of these three states belonging to mankind , Without whose perfect knowledge , view , and sight , We cannot know God , nor our selves aright . 20. Each weed which wee in gardens see to grow , Our sinfull state , and seedes of vice us shew , Both from c c Gen 3. 17 , 18 , 19. mans fall in Eden first did spring , And sighs , d d Gen. 3. 1 , 2. 1 King . 11. 1 , to 10. 2 Chron. 21. 1 , to 12. 2 Tim. 2. 17. c. 3. 1. to 9. 2 Pet. 2. 1 , 2. Col. 2. 8. Act. 20. 29 , 30. groanes , teares , should from our hard hearts wring , 21. We see the fattest Garden ground still breeds The largest , rankest bryers , * * Prov. 24. 31. Isa. 39. 13. Zeph. 2. 9. Hos. 9 6. nettles , weedes : So greatest sinnes , crimes , vices usually , In men of greatest parts , wit , dignity , And in the richest persons , Natures grow , Not in the vulgar meaner sort below . The pregnant wits , best Natures voyd of grace , Are greatest sinnes , crimes , vices common place . O trust not then to e e Eph. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. c. 4. 17 , 18 , 19. Rom. 1. 24. to 32. Job . 15. 16. Rom. 7. 14. to 25. Nature , parts or wit , Which if true grace controll not , are but fit To breed those rankest weedes , which overgrow Them in short space , and worke their overthrow . 22. That f f Isa. 58. 11. c. 61. 11. Ezec. 36. 35. Joel . 2. 3. Deu. 22. 2. fruitfulnesse and great variety Of good and usefull fruits , plants , herbes we eye In Gardens : minds us of that g g Col. 1. 10. 6. Rom. 1. 13. Phil. 4. 17. c. 1. 11. Jam. 3. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 5. to 11. fruitfulnesse , Those usefull vertues , graces they expresse , Which should still grow , and flourish in mankind , In whom , alas , we them most rarely find . What ? shall our gardens , fruitfull , usefull be , Stor'd with all good fruits , herbes , rootes ? and yet wee Be barren , fruitlesse , void of vertue , grace , And nought but lust , vice , weeds in us have place ? O shame ! O sinne ! let gardens teach us then , Now to prove fertile , good and gracious men . 23. Each Gardens h h Cant 2. 12 , 3. Hosea 14. 16 , 7. Ps 103. 25 , Ps. 92. 17. glorious lustre in the spring , And Summer time : sets forth mens i i Dan. 4. 4 30. flourishing , Gay , prosperous worldly State , which carnall eyes , And hearts , most part , doe over love and prize , Without good reason , sith k k Dan. 4. 30 , 31 , 32 , 33. c. 5. 30 , 31. c. 6. 1. to 27. Psal. 37. 35 , 36. Ps. 73. 18 , 19 , 20. Job . 20. 5 , 6 , 7. c. 21. 11 , 12 , 13. Psal. 92. 17. 2 Chron. 33. 11. c. 36. 1. to 22. Josh. c. 10. & 11. & 12. Judg. 1. 5 , 6 , 7. Job . 1. 13. to 22. Lam. 4. 6. within one howre It oft-times fades , and withers like a flowre . How many see wee great , rich , in good plight , At morning ; base , poore , wretched , dead , ere night ? In thrones to day , adorned with a Crowne ; In chaines ere morning , slaine , or quite put downe ? All times and stories seale this truth ; be wise Then now , and learn this worlds pompe to despise . 24. The suddaine blasts and winters which befall Our Gardens , and l l Ps. 103. 15 , 16. Isa. ●0 . 6. 7. 8. decay or strip of all Their lustre , beauty , flowers , fruits , represent Unto our eyes and minds ; that discontent , Diseases , crosses , losses , which oft blast Decay , consume , dry up , spoyle , and lay wast Mens bodies , fortunes , states , and in short space Leave them weake , m m Job . 1. & 2. & 3. see k. before . naked , in most wretched case . A truth we daily see . Let none then blesse Himselfe , or trust in worldly happinesse , Which every crosse , storme , sicknesse will decay ; And when our winter comes will fade away . 25. The Garden flowers wee see , each yeare to dye And n n Isa. 40. 6. 7. 8. Ps. 103. 15. 16. last not many Months : o o Job . 14. 1. 2. c. 8. 9. Psal. 102. 11. the brevity Of mans fraile , life , demonstrates to our sight In lively sort , and should each day and night , Fit , and p p Job . 14. 14. Isa. 38. 1. 2. 2 Tim. 4. 6. 7. 8. Mat. 24. 42. c. 25. 13. Luk. 12. 38. prepare us for our dying day , And all vaine thoughts of long life chase away . Hence holy men did place their q q Joh. 18. 41. Mat. 27. 60. 2 King . 21. 18. Tombes of old , Within their garden , where they did behold So many pictures of mortality , From day to day , and sommons still to dye ; For feare their Garden pleasures and delights , Should chace away death from their thoughts or sights . And should instruct us in the r r Eccles. 11. 8. 9. c. 12. 1. &c. midst of all Our pleasures , pastimes death to mind to call . But chiefly when we in our Gardens walke , Where we still view him in each leafe , flowre , stalke , That fades , falls , withers . So that we are blind , Yea sottish , if we there death doe not mind . 26. The new fresh garden flowers , s s Job . 14. 7 , 8 , 9. 12. Hosea 14. 5 , 6 , 7. Cant. 2. 12 , 13. Psal. 104. 30. herbes , plants wee see Spring up in place of those that withred be , From their seedes , rootes ; most sweetly to us shew , The new t t Judg. 2. 10. Psal. 48. 15. Eccles. 1. 4. successions in mankind , which grow , Out of the seed and loynes of those who dye , Whose vacant places they fill and supply . 27. When wee behold those garden flowers , herbes , trees , Which seem'd quite dead in winter , by degrees When spring-time comes , u u Cant. 2. 12 , 13. Job . 14. 7 , 8 , 9. 12. Hosea 14. 5 , 6. 7. revive , sprout up on high , And flourish more than they did formerly : It sweetly shewes , minds , learnes us , when as wee With sicknesse , crosses , losses , withred be , And all amort , x x Joh. 42. 10. to 17. Hosea 14. 5 , 6 , 7. Micah 7. 8 , 9 , 10. Psal. 34. 19. 22. Ps. 37. 32 , 33 , 37 , 39 , 40. Ps. 40. 1 , 2 , 3. Psal. 138. 7. Ps. 142. 7. Psal. 145. 18 , 19 , 20. Psal. 71. 20 , 21. Ezech. 37. 1. to 12. that if with patience , Faith , prayer , hope and stedfast confidence We waite on God , we shall revive , grow , spring , In his due time , and gaine a flourishing , Farre better state , than we enjoyd before ; As Job with others have done heretofore . Be then our crosses , cases what they will , Past hope past helpe in carnall eyes : yet y y Ps. 42. 5 , to the end . Ps. 43. 2 , 3 , 5. Psal. 4● . 1 , 2 , 3. 4. Psal. 27. 1 , 2 , 3. 14. Psal. 29. 11. Psal. 31. 23. 24. Ps. 40. 1 , 2 , 3. Ezech. 37. 1. to 13. still , Let us with chearfull , joyfull hearts relye , And wait on God for helpe ; who certainly Will in best time , our winter season end , And us a joyfull Spring and Summer send : Wherein we shall revive , grow , flourish more , And happier be than ever heretofore God , who our fields and gardens makes to spring , Will much more cause us to z z Hosea 14. 5 , 6 , 7. sprout , grow , shout , sing : Which well digested , would us cheare and joy Amidst all crosses , which could us annoy : Yea banish all our a a 1 Cor. 15. 55 , 56. feare of death or grave , From which we shall a b b Isay 26. 19. Job . 19. 25 , 26 , 27. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. 13. to 18. Joh. 11. 24. resurrection have To endlesse glory , which each gardens spring , Unto our minds and eyes , with joy shall bring . 28. The diverse sorts of herbes , flowers , plants , rootes , trees , Of different Natures , Qualities , Degrees , We see grow in our Garden , without jarre , Or discord , close together , or not farre Asunder : To us aptly represent , What sweet c c Rom. 12. 10. 16 , 18 , 19. c. 13 , 8 , 9 , 10. c. 15 , 5 , 6. 7. Gen. 13. 8 , 9. Eph. ● . 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Heb. 12. 14 , 15. agreement , concord , love , consent There ought to be 'twixt men , although they be Of different natures , callings , minds , degree , When planted in one Country , City , place , Church , houshold , or dis-joyn'd some little space . And checkes all d d Prov. 13. 10. c. 17. 14. c. 18. 6. 19. 1 Cor. 1. 11 , 12 , 13. Rom. 16. 17 , 18. proud , malignant , turbulent , And greedy men , who are to discord bent ; And never rest content with what they have , But others e e Isay 5. 8. Mich. 2. 2 , 3. Lands , goods , places , seeke and crave , Enduring none to live in quietnesse Neare them , that they alone might all possesse . 5. When as wee see weeds Gardens overgrow , Deface , kill herbes , flowers , fruits that in them blow , Through meere neglect , and want of weeding ; wee As in a map or glasse , may thereby see , How weeds of f f 2 Chron. 33. 2. to 15. Prov. 11. 11. c. 12. 7. c. 14. 11. Psal. 140. 11. Ps. 37. 38. 2 Pet. 2. 1. to 22. sinne , lust , vice men over-grow , Disgrace , deturpate , kill , and overthrow , For want of timely weeding : and deface , Choake all their parts , wits , vertues , gifts of grace : And so should teach us with all care to weed Them out , as fast as they within us breed : Which , if neglected will in short time gaine Such roote , that they will in us still * * Joh. 8. 11. 2 Chro. 34. 15. 16. 17. Jer. 13. 23. remaine , Vntill they over-runne , kill , quite decay Our vertues , parts , and cast our soules away . 30. As Gardens are the g g Gen. 3. 8. to 15. Cant. 5. 1. richest , pleasantest Prime parts of all the Earth : So h h Gen. 1. 26. to 31. c. 2. 18. to 22. c. 3. 1. to 8. Psal. 8. 4. to 9. mans the best , Chiefe , primate , Lord of all Gods workes : which high Advancement and surpassing dignity , Should make him i i Ps. 95. 1. 7. Psal. 100. 1. 2. 3. 4. thankefull , and strive to excell All else in goodnesse , graces , living well ; There being nought so k k Prov 13. 5. Mat. 7. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 21. 22. Isa. 1. 6. c. 66. 3. 4. c. 64. 6. Zach. 11. 8. loathsome , vile or base As men devoyd of goodnesse , vertue , grace ; The vilest toades , or creatures we behold Are better than such men ten thousand-fold . For shame then let our graces , lives , expresse , Grace , Crowne that state of honor , we possesse . 31. The care men have to l l Isa. 5. 2. Cant. 4. 12. Mat. 21. 33. fence , weed , dung , prune , dresse , Those Gardens , Orchards which they here possesse To make them fruitfull , pleasant : should excite Us all with greater care , paines and delight , Our soules to fence m m Jer. 9. 14. Isa. 55. 1 , 2 , 3. Joh. 15. 5. 8. weed , water , dung , prune , dresse , That they in fruits of grace , and pleasantnesse , May more abound ; it being to no end Those , not our selves , to fence , soyle , dresse , & mend . 32. When we behold small Gardens fraught with store Of rarest flowres , herbes , fruits , and yeelding more Of these than greatest Gardens , commonly Made more for pleasure , than commodity : We may contemplate , how some men of small And little stature , oft excell the tall , Great , vastest , men of bulke , in gifts , wit , parts , True valour , learning , wisedome , skill in Arts : And how n n Psal. 78. 70. 71. 72. Eccles. 4. 13. 14. c. 9. 15. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 16. 17. 18. Jam. 2. 1. to 8. 2 Cor. 4. 7. to 12. 1 Cor. 4. 9. to 14. Job . 32 9. Jer 5. 5. 6. mean men for birth , state , fortune , place Oft times transcend in wisedome , parts , arts , grace In rarest gifts , and vertues of each kind The Greatest Nobles , Peeres , in whom we find Too oft more shew than substance , lesse within Than in a russet coat , or courser skinne : It is not greatnesse , honour , wealth , place then That make us fruitfull , good , or better men Than others : but our goodnesse , vertue , grace , And fruitfull lives , without which all are o o Dan. 11. 21. Psal 15. 4. Isa. 32. 5. 6. base What ever he their births , states , dignities By them , not these , God will them p p Mal. 3. 16. 17. Mat. 7. 22. 23. Act. 10. 34. Col. 3. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 17. judge and prise , The poorest men adorn'd with them q q Prov. 12 26. Ps. 16. 3. excell The greatest Kings in whom they do not dwell . 33. Lord , make each Garden , I shall henceforth see , A Christall looking-glasse , and booke to mee , Wherein I may mine owne Mortality And humane state so clearly view , descry , Read , and contemplate , as each day to mend My sinfull life , and fit mee for my end ; Still walking worthy of that humane state Wherein thou mad'st mee , till thou shalt translate Mee to a better in the heavens high , Where I with thee shall live eternally .
Meditations of the sixth Ranke . ONce more , a Garden paints forth to our view , The state of Gods Church , and his chosen crue . 1. For first , as Gardens are r r Isa. 5. 1 , 2 , 3. Gen. 2. 8 , to 12. 1 King . 21. 2. Cant. 4. 12. Mat. 21. 33. choyce plots cull'd out From other common grounds that lye about , And sequestred from them for speciall use : So God his Church and Saints doth call , and chuse , Then set apart from others , s s Isa 41. 8 , 9. c. 44. 1 , 2. Eph. 1. 4. 2 Thess 1. 13. 1 Pet. 2. 9. Rev. 17. 14. of meere grace , For speciall use , and his owne dwelling place . 2. Gardens t t Cant. 4. 12. Matth. 21. 33. Isa 5. 2. enclosed are with walls , pales , bounds , Hedges , dikes , and more fenc'd than other grounds : So God his Church and chosen doth u u Psal. 125. 2. Isay 4. 5. 6. c. 5. 1 , 2. c. 27. 2 , 3. Psal. 34. 7. Ps. 121. 3. to the end . enclose , And fence with walls , pales , dikes against all foes , Boares , beasts that would annoy , or roote them out , And none so safe as they are fenc'd about . 3. Gardens are often x x Mat. 21. 33. Isay 5. 2. 6. Luc. 13. 19. digg'd to kill their weedes ; And them to plant , sow with good fruits , rootes , seedes Of all sorts , which else would not there spring , grow : So Gods elect , and Church , whiles here below Are oft times digg'd and y y Psal. 129. 3. Jer. 26. 18. Jer. 4. 3. Hos. 2. 23. c. 10. 12. 2 Chr. 33. 11 , 12 , 13. Psal. 119. 67. Isay 48. 10. plough'd up sundry waies By foes , and crosses which God on them layes , Their weedes of sinne , vice , error for to kill , And them with all good plants , rootes , fruits to fill ; Plant , sow , of which they were z z Jer. 22. 21. 2 Chron. 34. 16 , ●7 . uncapable , Vntill digg'd up , and made Gods arable . O let us never murmur , nor complaine When God thus digs or ploughs us for our a a Heb. 12. 10 , 11. Ps. 119. 67. Isa. 1. 25. Dan. 11. 35. Mal. 3. 3. gain , Our sins to root up , and in us to plant Instead of them , all graces which wee want . 4. b b Isa. 5. 1 , 2 , 3. Mat. 21. 33. Gardens are dung'd , drest , kept with speciall care To make them fertile , and more fruits to beare : Gods Church and chosen are still dung'd , soyld , fed , With his sweet c c 1 Pet. 2. 2. Isa 55. 1. 3. Joh. 6. 30. to 62. Word , and Sacramentall bread , And daily d d 1 Cor. 3. to 12. drest , kept with great cost , care , toyle , To make them usefull , fruitfull , fat , rich soyle , By sacred Gardners ; else no e e Rom. 7. 18. Joh. 1. 1● . Act. 20. 32. c. 26. 18. one good thing , No fruits of grace would in them grow or spring . O let us answer Gods great cost , paines , care ! If after these we barren , fruitlesse are , It will be fatall ; f f Isa. 5. 1. to 8. Ps. 80. 12. 13. 2 Chron. 24. 15. 16 , 17 , 18. God in wrath will haste To roote us up , and lay us ever waste : 5. No choyce seedes , roots , plants , herbes in gardens grow , Vnlesse men them there first g g Gen. 2. 8. Isa. 5. 2 , 3. Jer. 29. 5. 18. Amos 5. 11. c. 9. 14. plant , set , or sow , When h h Gen. 3. 17. 18 , 19. Heb. 6. 8. Prov. 24. 31. Zeph. 2. 9. Hosea 9. 6. Isa. 34. 13. weeds , grasse , herbes , plants , that are common , there Spring up and grow without our cost , paines , care : No choice rare plants , rootes fruits of saving grace Will spring or grow , in any Church , Saint , place , Vnlesse God first them i i Isa. 60. 21. c. 61. 9. 1 Cor. 3. 5. to 12. Eph. 2. 1. to 14. plant , sow cherish there , When all by nature weeds , and ill fruits beare , And common Morrall vertues ; which are found In very Pagans , heathens , common ground . Lord plant and store our soules with grace , that we May sweet and fruitfull Gardens be to thee . 6. Gardens are fruitfull k k Isa. 61. 11. making that to grow With great increase , which men within them sow : Gods Church and chosen l l Mat. 13. 8. 24. Joh. 15. 5. 8. Col. 1. 10. fertile are , the seed Sowne in their hearts , a large increase doth breede , Though more in some than others : Happy wee If such a large increase God in us see . 7. No Garden soyle so good , but that it m m Gen 3. 18. Isay . 34. 13. Prov. 24. 31. Zeph. 2. 9. Hos. 9. 6. breeds , And of its owne accord , brings forth some weeds , Which not pluckt up with care would overflow , And quickly kill the fruits that in it grow : The best , the purest n n Mat. 13. 24. to 51. Rev. 2. 3. 1 Joh. 11. 8. 9. 10. Jam. 3. 2. Rom. 7. 7. to . 25. Prov. 24. 16. Churches , Saints that be From weeds of sinne , vice , errors are not free , Which do and will still in them daily grow Vp of themselves , whiles they are here below . And not o o Heb. 12. 15. 16 , 17. Mat. 13. 1. 23. Heb. 4. 1. 11. c. 3. 13. 1 Cor. 5. 6 , 7. pul'd up , kept downe with daily care , Much paines , would soone hide , kill , choake all their rare Resplendent vertues , graces : O then still Be rooting up these weedes that be so ill . 8. p p Prov. 24. 30 , 31. Weeds in a Garden are a loathsome thing ; And though we cannot hinder them to spring Up there , yet still wee roote them up with speed , And not permit them there to grow roote , seed : Weeds of corruption , error , sinne that rise Vp in the Church , or Saints , to Gods pure eyes , ( And their owne too ) are a vile q q Hab. 1. 13. Prov. 13. 5. 1 Cor. 5. 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 , 10 , 12 , 13. horrid sight , Which though they cannot shunne , yet still they r r Rom. 6. 1. to 23. c. 7. 7. to 25. Gal. 5. 16. to 26. Heb. 12. 4. 1 Cor. 9. 26 , 27. fight Against them , never suffering them to dwell , Roote , breed within them , but with care expell , And kepe them under , that they never raigne Within them , though their reliques there remaine : That Church , man then is but in evill plight , Which doth not thus against sinne dayly fight ; Which should by farre more loathsome to us be , Than all the weedes we in our gardens see . 9. As Gardens , so Gods Church , Saints s s Joh. 1. 16. Col. 1. 10. Eph. 1. 23. c. 3. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. 2 Pet. 1. 5. to 12. 2 Cor. 8. 7. stored are With all the fruits , herbes , plants , of grace most rare , Rich , usefull : here alone we may view , find All graces , vertues , of what ever kind ; Whose shining luster and variety , Make them most lovely in each sacred eye . 10. Gardens are very t t Cant. 5. 1 , 2. c. 6. 2. 11. c. 8. 13. Gen. 27. 27. Hos. 14. 6. pleasant , sweet in smell , Alluring men in them to walke , live , dwell , Gods Church and chosen Saints are like : no place Or company to all indu'd with grace Is halfe u u Psal. 16. 3. Acts 2. 42 , 46 , 47. Heb. 10. 24 , 25. 1 Joh. 1. 3. c. 2. 19. Ps. 27. 4. so pleasant , lovely sweet as they : Wherein , wherewith they long to be , dwell , stay For ever , and x x Psal. 84. 1. to 12. Psal. 42. 1 , 2. Ps. 27. 4. would rather Porters bee Within Gods house , than men of best degree , Or Kings without it : finding more content And sweetnesse in one day or houre well spent Within it , than in thousand yeares , weekes , dayes , Past else where in the pleasant'st feasts , maskes , playes . Those who in Gods Church , Saints , no such delight , Or sweetnesse find , may judge , their states not right . 11. And as men thus y y Cant. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. 12. c. 8. 13. delight to walke , live , dwell , In pleasant gardens , which they like full well : So z z Cant. 8. 13. c. 6. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 16. 17. 18. Lev. 26. 12. Eph. 3. 17. Rev. 7. 15. c. 21. 3. c. 3. 20. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Joh. 3. 24. c. 4. 16. Christ within his Church , Saints , walkes , resides , Lives , dwels , and in no place on earth abides , Delights or joyes , so much as in them : where Hee feeds , feasts , rests , and doth his pallace reare . Sweet Jesus let my soule thy garden bee , That thou maist still delight , walke , dwell in mee . 12. No a a Gen. 2. 5 , 6. 10. 11. Job . 8. 16. c. 14. 9. Isa. 1. 30. Jer. 14. 1. to 21. Isa. 58. 11. Ps. 65. 10. 11. Hosea 14. 5 , 6 , 7. Gardens spring , grow greene , or fructifie , Vnlesse the Sun shine on them from on high , And clouds drop raine , dew on them to revive Their withred fruits , and make them sprout , grow , thrive : No Church or Saint can b b Isa. 27. 2 , 3. Mal. 4. 2. Psal. 80. 7. 19. Luc. 1. 78 , 79. 2 Cor. 4. 4. 6. Ps. 72. 6. Joh. 1. 16. Heb. 6. 6 , 7. Ephe. 4. 15. c. 2. 21. 2 Thess. 1. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 2. 2 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Cor. 3. 5. to 11. spring , grow , thrive in grace , Vnlesse the rayes of Gods most blessed face , And Christs ( the Sonne of righteousnesse ) bright beames , Shine on them : and their sweetest showres , dewes streams , And influence from heaven on them drop , To make them beare a rich and ample crop . Lord let thy Church and chosen ever bee Blest with these rayes , showers , streames which flow from thee : Then shall they c c Ps. 1. 3. Jer. 17. 8. Ps 92. 13 , 14 , 15. still be green , fresh , flourishing , And store of fruits of grace to thee forth bring . 13. Gardens have in them all sorts of herbes , trees , Flowers , rootes , plants : So the d d Eph. 2. 10. 12 , 13. 16. to 25. c. 3. 5. 6. Gal. 3. 27 , 28. Jam. 2. 1. to 10. Mat. 13. 47 , 48. Church hath all degrees , And rankes of men within her , high , and low , Rich , poore , old , young , good , bad , here in her grow . This e e Acts 10. 11. to 17. Mat. 13 , 47 , 48 , 49. Peters sheet , Christs net did typifie , And is a truth apparant to each eye . From hence the Church hath gain'd the stile and name Of f f Psal. 19. 11. Rom. 10. 18. Matth. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15 , 16. Catholicke , sith all sorts in the same Comprised are . Let no men then seclude Themselves from her , who doth all sorts include . 14. As g g Gen. 2. 10. Num. 24. 6. Isa. 58. 11. Gardens , so Gods Church , Saints planted are By h h Ps. 1. 3. Jer. 17. 8. Heb. 6. 7. Cant. 4. 15. Isa. 27. 2 , 3. Joh. 4. 13 , 14 , 15. c. 7. 38. c. 19. 34. 1 Joh. 5. 6. 8. Re. 21. 6. c. 22. 17. 1 Cor. 3. 5. to 12. rivers sides , and Christall streames , their rare , Rich , precious fruits , to water day by day , Which else would fade , and wither quite away : The living waters , springs , streams of Christs blood , Word , spirit , grace , prepared for their good ; Still by or in them glide , run , flow , and spring , To make them sweete , greene , pleasant fruits to bring In more abundance . O i i Heb. 6. 8. Mat. 3. 10. c. 7. 19. Luc. 13. 6 , 7 , 8. thrice wretched wee , If under these we withered , barren be . 15. When k k Psal. 80. 13. Cant. 2. 15. wild bores , beasts breake into Gardens , they Them roote up , wast , deface , and much decay : When l l Psal. 80. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. 2 Chron. 34. 15. to 19. Acts 8. 1 , 3 , 4. c. 9. 1 , 2. c. 12. 1. to 7. cruell , potent tyrants , wolves , boares , swine , Breake in upon Gods Church , or Saints , they mine , Roote up , spoyle , wast them , unlesse God asswage , Restraine , divert , or quell their spitefull rage . Lord alwayes m m Ps. 125. 2 , 3. fence thy Church , Saints round about , Against all foes , who seeke to roote them out ; And when thou shalt permit them to breake in , Oh then , let them root nought out but their sinne . 16. As ripe seeds shooke downe , with winds , stormes or raine , In Gardens to the Earth , there n n Luc. 13. 19. 1. Cor. 15. 36 , 37 , 38. Mat. 13. 8. spring againe With great increase ; where every little seede A new great plant , and more stalkes , seedes doth breede : So in Christs Church and Garden , every o o Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae . Cyprian . drop Of Martyrs blood there shed , brings forth a crop , And large p p Acts 8. 1. to 16. c. 11. 19. to 25. Exod. 1. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. increase of Christian plants , who fill The places where their foes their blood did spill , To their great griefe and shame : who thought thereby Quite to prevent and kill their progeny ; Which they meane while did onely plant and sow , And by that blood they shed made these to grow . Yea , as some Garden plants , herbes often cropt Spring up more thicke : So Gods Church , Saints oft lopt , Cut downe , cropt , ( nay destroy'd in carnall eyes Conceit ) by cruell Tyrants ; sprout , arise , And grow more thicke , great ; numerous thereby , The q q Exod. 1. 12. Philemon . 10. Philip. 1 1. 14. 16 , 17 , 18. Acts 8. 1. to 16. more cut downe , the more they multiply : Witnesse the r r Euseb. Theoderet . Nicephorus , Socrates , Evagrius , the Centuries , the English , & French books of Martyrs . Churches story in each age , Which gain'd , increas'd , not lost by tyrants rage . O let us then be willing thus to sow Our blood , that thence new troops of Saints may grow , To store Christ Church , mantaine his cause when we Are turn'd to dust , consum'd and cease to bee . 17. The Garden herbes , flowers , plants which seeme s s Job 14. 7 , 8 , 9. Cant. 2. 11 , 12 , 13. Hosea . 14. 5 , 6. Ps. 104. 29 , 30. 14. Isa. 53. 2. Mat. 24. 32. to die , In winter , when hid under earth they lye Within their Rootes or Seeds , yet spring againe , When winter ends , through Summers heat and raine , And shew that they were neither dead , kill'd , lost , But onely nipt and hid by winters frost ; Because they thus in summer spring , revive , And shew themselves to every eye alive : Most sweetly , clearly to us demonstrate , Gods chosen Saints and Churches winter-state , Whose faith and saving graces t t Psal. 51. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. Psal. 42. 5 , 6. Ps. 77. 1 to 11. Revel. 3. 2. seeme to die In their temptations , and so buried lye Within their seeds , roots , that they want the sence , Fruits , comforts of them : and conclude from thence , That they no doubt are quite dead , kill'd , spoyl'd , lost And they undone , by their sharpe winters frost . But yet when these their boystrous storms are past , And Summer comes , they u u Hosea 14. 5 , 6. Mich. 7. 8 , 9. Isa. 40. 29 , 30 , 31. Job 17. 9. Ps. 92. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. Luc. 22. 32 Rev. 2. 19. re-appeare at last , To their great comfort , and so sprout , grow , thrive A fresh , that all see , they were still alive ; And onely hid , benummed for that space . O then let all indu'd with saving grace Learne hence their drooping soules to comfort , cheare , In all temptations , cases , where they feare A losse of graces : Loe , they x x 1 Joh. 3. 9. Ps. 1. 3. Ps. 125. 1 , 2. Rom. 8. 35. to the end . Jer. 32. 38 , 39 , 40 , 41. Esa. 58. 11. Ps. 37. 24. still remaine In safety in them , and shall spring againe . What though they cannot now them feele or eye ; Wait but a while , and they shall them discry . It will not still be winter , y y Cant. 2. 11 , 12 , 13. Hos. 14. 5 , 6. Isa. 60. 1. Eph. 5. 14. spring is neere ; If not before , yet then they will appeare , In greater lustre , vigor than before . Lay up this blessed cordiall then in store , Against all evill dayes which will us cheare , When as our graces hide , and disappeare . 18. Hence may we likewise Popish sots refell , Who hold z z Stapleron , Bellarmin ▪ Bozius , Augustinus Triumphans , and others . Gods Church on earth still visible , In glorious sort , as if she alwayes grew In summer Ilands , and no winter knew : When as each true Church , Saint , whiles here below Oft feele , and find such winters , stormes , frost , snow . As quite ecclipse , z z 1 Kings 19. 14 , 15. 18. Ro. 11. 3. to 6. Mat. 26. 56. Acts 8. 1. Heb. 11. 36 , 37 , 38. vaile , hide them , and their grace , Yea make them seeme dead , livelesse for a space , Both in their owne and others sence ; as I By sundry stories might exemplyfie , Did not each gardens winter quarter teach This truth , and it unto our senses preach . 19. Hence may each Church , St further learn to cheere ; Steele , arme themselves against all future feare Of winter stormes , blasts , tryalls which may shake Their leaves , fruits , stalks down to the earth , & make Them in appearance livelesse , voyd of grace , And in a wretched , helpelesse , hopelesse case , Like Gardens in cold winters : But yet shall This daunt their faith , or make their hope quite fal ? O no! this winter lasts but for a space , And then succeeds a blessed spring of grace ; Which shall revive , refresh , repaire , restore ; Yea much increase , what seem'd dead , lost before , As it did unto a a Job 42. 10 , to 17. Job , whose latter end His first estate in blisse did farre transcend : O then , what ever be thy case , b b Mic. 7. 8 , 9 , 10. Ps. 27. 14. Ps. 37. 5 , 6 , 7 , 34. 39. 40. Ps. 40. 1 , 2 , 3. Psal. 113. 7 , 8 , 9. relye , Wait , rest on God with faith , hope , constancie , Who farre beyond thy thoughts will thee translate , In his due season , to a blessed state : He who makes each grasse , plant , herbe , grow and spring , Will make his Church , Saints much more sprout , laugh , sing . 20. Hence may all raging Persecutors see , That their attempts against Christs Church , Saints , be Vaine , bootlesse , senselesse , c c Exod. 1. 10 , 11 , 12 , &c. Act 8. 1 , to 16. crossing in event The very end and scope of their intent , Making them more to thrive , increase , and grow , Instead of working their wish't overthrow . O what a wise , sweete , gracious God have wee Who workes our d d Exod. 1 , & 2. Gen 38. to 49. c. 50. 20 , 21. Ester . c. 5. to 10. Dan. 3. 19. to the end . &c. 7. throughout . blisse out of our misery ? And makes the malice of our enemies , The spring from whence our greatest Comforts rise ? O what besotted , sencelesse fooles are those Who Gods true Church , & chosen Saints oppose ! They thinke to crush , but raise them : they intend To worke their ruine , yet their states amend . This e e Gen. 37. to 50. Josephs brethren , f f Esth 5. to 10. Hammons enmity , King g g Exod. 1. & 2. Pharaohs bloodshed , bondage testifie ; With others , whose attempts still overthrew Themselves at last , but made Gods chosen crue . 21. In winter season we can hardly know , Dead Garden plants from living ; sith in shew They both seeme dead and withered to the eye ; But when as Summer comes , we presently Discerne the dead from those that are alive , Because the one h h Jude 12. sprouts not , the other thrive : i i Cant. 2. 11 , 12 , 13. Mat. 24. 32. Hosea 14. 5 , 6 , 7. Job 14. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. Grow green , heare fruits ; So when cold winters blast , Benummes Gods childrens graces , or them cast Into a swooning fit , or Lethargie , Themselves or others hardly can descry Them from dead Christians : but when meanes of Grace , And summer once begin to come in place , Both are with ease discerned , k k Isa. 66. 14. Mal. 4. 2. Joh. 15. 2. 7. 8. Saints then spring , Revive , and goodly fruits of grace forth bring : And so their hidden life by l l Jam. 2. 17 , 18. Mat. 5. 16. Rev. 2. 19. workes declare , The other spring not , or else fruitlesse are ; And so proclaime themselves m m Jude 12. dead . Let all try Their inward state of life , and grace hereby . 23. When n n Isa. 5. 1. to 8. Gardens fruitlesse be or overgrowne With weedes or thornes , they are then open throwne , Pull'd up , laid wast : So when a Church with weeds Is over-run , and nought but errors breeds , Or grosse corruptions , sins ; o o Psal. 80. 12 , 13. Isa. 5. 1. to 8. 2 Chron. 34. 15. to 20. Rev. 2. 5. Heb. 6. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. c. 2. 3. c. 3. 11. to 17. Matth. 3. 9. c. 7. 19. God then doth cast Her walls , pales downe , and forthwith layes her wast . Thus doth he deale with private Christians too , Who by their barrennesses , sinnes , Lusts undoe Themselves , provoking God them off to cast , Pull downe their hedge , and lay them ever wast . O let each Church and Christian then take heed How they prove barren , or sinnes in them breed . If Gods Bill of devorce be once out su'd , p p 1 Chr. 28. 9. Psal. 95. 10 , 11. Heb. 3. 11 , 12. 1 Chr. 34. 16. Heb. 6. 5 , 6. Dan. 1. 28. to 32. Heb. 12. 17. There is no helpe , it cannot be escheu'd . 23. In Gardens oft the shade and neighbourhood Of weedes or poysonous Plants , corrupt the good ; Kill , blast , or harme them more or lesse : So ill Lewed men of all sorts in the Church , doe still Deprave q q Pro. 22. 24. 25. 1 Cor. 5. to 13. Heb. 12. 15. 2 Pet. 2. 1. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. and hurt the better , their meere shade Hath blasted many , and them worser made . There 's no such Quench-coale , Plague , or bane of grace As wicked Consorts , who it most deface . He who would thrive in Grace must ever r r Psal. 26. 4. 5. Psal. 6. 8. Ps. 101. 2. to the end . Psal. 119. 115. Psal. 139. 19. Pro. 1. 12. to 17. Isa. 52. 11. Rev. 18. 4. Psa. 1. 1. flye With chiefest Care , all ill Mens Company . 24. Some stinking weedes ill favour oft devoures , Unsents the Perfumes of the sweetest flowers That Gardens yeeld : The s s Isa. 1. 2. to 28. Heb. 6. 5. 6. 7. 8. 2 Pet. 2. 1. to the end . Rev. 2. 4. 5. 14. 15. 16. 19. 20. c. 3. 15. 10. 17. Mat. 7. 21. 22. 23. noysome sent and fume Of Saints and Churches vices oft consume , Out-smell the richest Odours of their Grace ; Which in Gods Nose , and Mens then finde no place , Whiles that the stinking savour of their weedes Thus drownes their vertues sent , and it exceedes . O then roote out these nasty Plants , which sinke Our sweeter fumes , and turne them into stinke . 25. Sweete Garden Herbes , Flowers , Spices Bruis'd , intend Their fragrant Odors , and their sents amend ; Whilst whole they t t Cant. 5. 13. Exod. 30. 34. 23. Isa. 42. 24. Jer. 6. 20. sweete are , yet their sents but feeble When chrusht , the sweeter , and their smell growes treble , Thus Gods deare Church and Saints , when pounded , broke Within Afflictions Morter , by the stroke Of Gods chastising hand , doe much v v Phil. 1. 12. 13. 14. Jam. 5. 10. 11. Act. 8. 1. to 16. 1 Pet. 1. 6. 7. 1 Thes. 1. 5. 6. 7. 8. Rom. 1. 8. augment , And more disperse their rich and fragrant sent : Their fumes , but weake , and scarce discern'd before , Grow ten-fold stronger , and increas'd in store : Sending their fragrant Odors farre and nigh , Before scarce smelt by those who stood close by . I will not then repine , nor be offended At that whereby my sent 's so much amended : Yea , so dilated , that its incense flyes Throughout the Earth , and mounts above the skies : The deare , sweete Incense of an x x Psal. 51. 17. Isa. 66. 2. Heart contrite Perfumes the Heavens , and is Gods delight : When as a y y Rom. 2. 5. heart unbroken , yeelds no sent , And ne're growes sweete till into peeces z z Joel . 2. 13. rent . 26. Gardens a a Host . 7. 7. 8. Jer. 29. 5. Eccles. 2. 5. Luk. 13. 19. throughout the world dispersed lye In every Clime , grac'd through variety : Gods Church and Saints are b b Col. 1. 6. Mar. 16. 15. 2 Pet. 1. 1. Catholicke for place , In seate disjoyn'd , c c Ephe. 2. 13. 14. 15. to the end c. 4. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. 14. Rom. 15. 5. 6. all one in heart and grace , Their graces , vertues sweete variety Fills up their Consort , crownes their Harmony . 27. Men Plant no Gardens , d d Jer. 29. 5. 18. Amos. 9. 14. Esth . 1. 5. c. 7. 7. 8. but where they intend To dwell in Person , or some time to spend , And most part onely on their proper Fee , That they to them and theirs intail'd may be . God never planted Church in any Nation , But where he meant to fixe his e e Psal. 68. 18. Psal. 131. 14. Levit. 26. 11. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Rev. 21. 3. habitation , At least for lives or yeares , most usually He plants in Fee ; Saints for f f Joh. 13. 1. Rom. 11. 29. Joh. 14. 16. 17. Isa. 59. 25. eternity . Churches , with meanes , Saints , still with g g Phil. 1. 10. 11. Col. 1. 9. 10. Gal. 5. 18. 22. 23. fruites of grace , Those for his Common , these his Proper place . Churches may h h Rev. 2. 5. Mat. 21. 43. lose his presence ; meanes decay , Saints i i Joh. 10. 28. 29. Rom. 11. 29. c. 8. 30. to the end . still enjoy him , gifts shall last for aye . Lord plant me as a Saint , that I may be To Thee , and Christ , th' one Heire , Eternall Fee . 28. All Gardens k k Cant. 6. 2. 3. 12. 1 King . 21. 2. beare not the same kindes or store Of fruites alike ; some fewer , some yeeld more , Some Plants thrive best in one , some in another , What wants in one , is still supply'd by th' other , No one abounds with all things ; all combin'd , In some or other we may all fruites finde ; Just so , no l l 1 Cor. 12. 4. to 31. Ephes. 4. 13. 16. Private Church , or Saint is stor'd With all perfections : nor doe all afford The selfesame Measure , or degree of grace , Their gifts , fruites , Omers , vary as their place . Some in their i i Rom. 1. 8. Eph. 1. 15. Col. 1. 4. 1 Thes. 1. 3. faith excell , they all k k Eph. 4. 5. Col. 1. 23. agree In truth thereof , yet differ in degree ; Others abound in k k Col. 1. 4. 2 Thes. 1. 3. love and Charity ; Yet all divided in this unity : Some are more l l Num. 12. 3. Zeph. 2. 3. humble ; some more m m Jam. 5. 11. patient These more n n Dan. 6. 10. devout are ; Others , more o o Phil. 4. 11. Content , Those have more p p 1 Cor. 12. 8. Phil. 1. 9. knowledge ; these more q q 1 Pet. 1. 8. Rom 15. 13. 2 Cor. 8. 2. Rom. 15. 13. 2 Cor. 8. 2. joy , or peace All one in substance , diverse in th' Increase . In sum , their r r 1 Cor. 12. 4 to 31. graces , their degrees are many ; Each one his share hath ; but the whole not any ; To strangle pride , breed Love , make all s s Eph. 2. 15. 16. 21. c. 4. 4. 5. 6. 13. but one , Sith all t t 1 Cor. 12. 4. to 31. defective , Cyphers if alone . But joyn'd in One ( Christ , whence v v Joh. 1. 16. all graces flow ) All are x x Col. 2. 9. 10. Ephes. 1. 23. compleate , All graces in All grow . Let none then thinke they have no grace at all , Because not all kinds equall ; or those small And weake they have ; perchance it is y y Heb. 5. 12. 13. 14. 1 Cor. 3. 1. 1 Pet. 2 , 2. new sprung Infants are perfect Men , though small , weake , young , Compleate in All their parts , though All not view'd At first , nor like in shape , strength , magnitude . 29. The greatest z z Jer. 39. 4. c. 52. 7. Eccl. 25. 2 King . 21. 18. 1 King . 21. 2. Esth . 1. 5. c. 7. 7. 8. Kings in Gardens much delight And plant them neare unto their Pallace site : So Christ , the King of Kings , hath a a a Cant. 4. 12. 15. 16. c. 5. 1. c. 6. 2. 11. c. 8. 13. Garden Here upon Earth , his Church and Godly men , Wherein he walkes , dwels , much delights , and feeds , And plants them with all usefull fruites , herbes , seedes . Eden was once b b Gen. 2. 8. 9. 10. c. 13. 10. Isa 51. 3. Ezec. 28. 13. c. 31. 8. 9. Joel . 2. 3. Gods Garden stil'd , but now He doth no other Garden claime or know But his true Church , and chosen Saints onely : A Paradise most c c Psal. 149. 4. Lev. 26. 11. 12. Isa. 5. 7. pleasing to his eye . 30. When as I view some Garden Plants , Herbes , Trees ( Exceeding others in their heates degrees ) Still z z Psal. 1. 3. Jer. 17. 8. Ezec. 47. 13. 37. 35. greene all winter long , unnipt with Frost , When colder Plants Leaves , greennesse , fruites are lost ; And those not hot , quite a a Isa. 1. 30. c. 64. 5. shriveled , kild with cold ; I doe therein contemplate and behold Three sorts of Christians , whose sad winter Fates In persecutions , differ like their states . The strongest Saints , hot in the fourth degree , Or third at least of faith , zeale ; stand b b Psa. 1. 3. Psa. 37. 31. Pro. 17. 8. Ezech. 47. 12. Rom. 8. 30. to the end . Cant. 8. 8. 6. 7. firme , free From Winters Nips , Blasts , frosts , which though they beate Full sore upon them , cannot chill their heate : Their inward fire still keepes them warme , fresh , greene ; When others fade , their Graces most are seene . Martyres were hottest , greenest , fruitefulst when Frosts hid , chil'd , kild , most shriveled other men . The weaker , younger true Saints , hot but in The first degree , or second , oft c c 2 Tim. 4. 16. Mat. 13. 21. draw in Their heate , sap , vigour from their outward parts Unto the Roote and Center of their hearts , When winter stormes approach , so as their greene Leaves of Profession fade , fall , are scarce seene Till winters past : meane while their graces lye Hid for the most part in obscurity , Like Rootes in Earth , good corne in chaffe , or fire In ashes ; and as heate is low , or higher Within , or frost without , so more or lesse They chill , fade , shrinke , professe or not professe : Yet in these sharpest Frosts d d 1 Joh. 3. 9. there 's life within , The hearts not frozen , shrivel'd , but the skin : When springs approach cold stormes hath chas'd away , They soone peepe up in fresh , greene , bright array . The Common Christians , who have no degree , Of heate or saving grace e e Mat. 13. 21. Luk. 8. 13. Jude 12. quite killed be ; And froze to death with persecutions frost , Their heate before was borrowed , now it s lost : It was the sunnes not theirs , all forraine fire ; And summer fruits in Winter quite expire , Nor will the spring or summer them revive , No wonder , they were f f Eph. 2. 1. 1 Tim. 5. 6. Rev. 3. 1. dead when first alive . 31. Rootes , Plants , whiles they in Garden-Earth fast lye , Are fresh and live , but taken thence g g Jude 12. soone dye : Gods true Church is a Christians h h 1 John 2. 19. Eph. 4. 13. to 17. Heb. 10. 23. 24. 25. Element Wherein he lives , growes , thrives ; if from it rent , Disjoyn'd , we soone fade , wither , quite expire , We have no life , but in the true Church fire . 32. The plucking up , and casting out of weeds From Gardens , lest they should good Herbes , Plants Seedes Corrupt and over-grow ; instruct and shew , How each true Church should roote up and i i 1 Cor. 5. throughout . 1 Tim. 1. 20. Mat. 18. 17. out-throw By sacred Censures , all lew'd wicked , vile Notorious sinners , lest they should defile , Deprave the good , and her quite over-grow , At last , by steps , and worke her over-throw . 33. All Garden-Flowers , Herbes , Plants contented rest With their owne k k Mat. 6. 28. 29. 30. Native Colours , as the best ; Abhorring Artificiall varnish paints : So all Gods chosen l l Isa. 61. 3. Plants , true hearted Saints , Themselves with their owne m m Mat. 5. 36. 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. 1 Pet. 3. 3. 4. 5. 1 Thes. 5. 22. 23. Native Beauty , Haire , Content ; Use no Arts , Paints , to make them faire . A counterfeit Complexion , Bush , Face , Paint . Doe ill become a n n Phil. 1. 10. sincere-hearted Saint . Where false o o Isa. 3. 16. to 25. 2 King . 9. 30. Jer. 4. 30. Ezech. 23. 40. Rom. 12. 1. Ezech. 16. 49. 50. 1 Pet. 3. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dyes , spots , appeare upon the skin , It s ten to one all 's false , naught , foule within : Pride , Lust , Vaine-glory , Chambring , Wantonnesse , Or Vanity at least , such soules possesse . The rootes from whence these spots , prints , first arise , Enough to make all Christians them despise . 34. The k k Gen. 13. 10. Num. 24. 6. lowest deepest Gardens most abound With fruites Herbes , Plants , and are the richest ground : The l l Isa. 66. 2. c. 57. 15. Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5. 6. humblest Saints in fruitefulnesse excell , And God in them delighteth most to dwell . Lord alwayes decke me with humility Which makes men fruitefull , lovely in thine Eye . 35. Gardens have straite , sweete , pleasant walkes for men , To l l Esth 7. 7. walke in , and refresh their spirits , when They tyred , greeved , sicke , perplexed are : So Gods Church , Saints , have many pleasant , rare , Straite , even walkes ( Gods sacred m m Psal. 119. 1. 3. 32. Gal. 6. 16. Psal. 1. 1. 2. Lawes , Word , Wayes ) Wherein to walke , runne passe on , all their dayes ; Which their n n Psal. 19. 7. to 13. Jer. 15. 16. Psal. 119. Hearts , Soules refresh , cheare and delight , Yea , all their cares , griefes , pressures make more light And easie , if not totally expell : O let us in these walkes still walke , runne , dwell . 36. When I behold the goodliest b b Cant. 2. 12 Gen. 1. 12. c. 2. 9. Job 8. 16. Trees , Flowers , grow , And spring out of vile earth , or dung below , Which have no beauty , splendor , comelinesse Within them ; but meere stinke and rottennesse . Me thinkes I see thereby , how Gods great power , Makes sweete , faire , shining c c Eph. 2. 1. to 8. 1 Cor. 6. 9. 10. 11. Joh. 1. 16. Col. 1. 9. 10. 11. 1 Thes. 1. 5. to 10. graces spring in our Vile earthly , rotten , stinking , sinnefull hearts And Natures ( when he us to him converts ; ) Wherein nought but sinnes , vices , lusts did spring Before ; and no one grace , nor one good thing : O let none then despaire of having grace Because his nature , heart are sinnefull , base , Corrupt and loathsome ; since God makes stinking . Vile Earth , dung , sweete , faire , goodly flowers forth-bring . If thou be one of his d d Rom. 8. 28. 29. 30. Eph. 2. 1. to the end . Elect , no doubt All his sweete graces , shall in thee spring out In his due time ; then neither feare , nor faint ; The e e 1 Tim. 1. 15 16. 13. 14. 2 Chron 33. 13. 14. worst of sinners God can make a Saint . And though flowers beauty , and mens too which spring Out of meere dust , are f f Psal. 103. 15. 16. Isa. 40. 6 7. 8. Mat. 6. 30. fading , withering , Yea soone decay , and turne to dust againe ; Yet g g 1 Joh. 3. 9. Rom. 11. 29. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Jer. 32. 39. 40. Rom. 8. 30. to the end . Psal. 125. 1. 2. 3. Psal. 37. 23. 24 , Isa. 40. 29. 30. 31. Joh. 10. 28. 29. saving graces flowrish , fresh remaine , And last without decay , because they spring Not out of dust , but from Christ our head , King . Who doth preserve them alwayes from decay , And keepe Saints that they ne're fall quite away From saving Grace . Nay , when as our Bodies Are turn'd to dung , h h 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. 14. 16. Job 19. 25. 26. 27. Christ shall cause them to rise Out of the dust , like flowers in the Spring , And to the state of endlesse glory bring . O sweete , sweete solace to each pious brest ; Which here may sit downe , and take up its i i Psal. 4. 8. Psal. 116. 7. Rest . Lord let each Garden which we henceforth eye Or walke in , such divine Thoughts instantly Bring to our Mindes , to raise our Soules to Thee , And make us better by what there we see .
The Epilogue . O That all Christians by this Posie , I Have here collected would learne instantly When as they in their pleasant Gardens walke , Thus with their owne k k Psal. 4. 4. Hearts , God and Christ to talke By pious Meditations , from what they Behold within their Gardens day by day . How sweete then would their walkes and Orchards prove ? How would their Soules be fired with Gods Love ? Each Garden then would be a Paradise , A second Eden to the godly-wise : Is t not a Sinnefull , Shamefull , beastly thing For Christians to toyle , walk , talk , laugh , feast , sing , Play , sport themselves , or meditate onely Of worldly things , in Gardens constantly ; And in the meane time scarce to have one sweete ; Or pious thought from objects they there meete , Of God , Christ , Heaven , Mans Mortalitie , Presented to them in each Herbe they Eye ? For shame then let us all this fault amend Hereafter , and our Hearts , Mindes , fully bend To godly Meditations , whiles we passe Our time in Gardens , where each flower , herbe , grasse And Creature we behold , will soone suggest Some vsefull Thoughts to every pious Breast , It to amend , and with sweete Extasies To elevate above the starry skies . If any want helpe in this kind , they may Till better come , make use of this Essay . FINIS .

THE SOVLES COMPLAINT against the BODIES ENCROACHMENTS ON HER : And the Generall Neglect she findes with Most .

BY WILLIAM PRYNNE , above foure yeares Prisoner in the Tower of London ; and since that , above three yeares Close Prisoner in Carnarvan in North-Wales , and in Mount-Orgueil Castle , in the Isle of Iersy .

Matthew 16. 26.

For what is a man profitted , if he shall gaine the whole World , and lose his owne Soule ? or what shall a man give in exchange for his Soule ?

Isaiah 55. 2. 3.

Wherefore doe ye spend money for that which is not Bread ? and your labour for that which satisfieth not ? Hearken diligently unto me , and eate ye that which is good , and let your SOVLE delight it selfe in fatnesse . Encline your eare and come unto me , heare and your SOVLE shall live , and I will make an everlasting covenant with you , even the sure Mercies of David .

1 Peter 2. 11.

Dearely beloved , I beseech you as Pilgrims and Strangers abstaine from fleshly lusts , which war against the Soule .

1 Peter 3. 3. 4.

Whose adorning , let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the haire , and of wearing of gold , or of putting on of apparell : But let it be the hidden man of the Heart , in that which is not corruptible ; even the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit , which is in the sight of God of great price .

London Printed by T. Cotes , for Michael Sparke dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor . 1641.

TO The Right Worshipfull his highly Honoured good Friend , the Lady ELIZABETH BALFOVRE , Wife to Sr William Balfoure , Knight , Lieutenant of the Tower of LONDON . MADAM , Your Noble Favours whiles that I Did in the Tower of London Prisner lye For sundry yeares ; may now in Justice call For some expression of my Thanks , though small . Having no better meanes to testifie My gratitude , than this small Poesie , Devoted to your Service , Vse and Name ; I crave your Kinde Acceptance of the same , And those thereto annexed ; fruites of my Imprisonment ; who shall both live and dye . Your Obliged Friend and Servant , WILLIAM PRYNNE .
THE SOVLES COMPLAINT AGAINST THE BODIES ENCROACHMENTS ON HER : And the Generall Neglect She findes with most . I Soule , vive a a Gen. 1. 26. 27 c. 5. 1. c. 9. 6. Ephes. 4. 24. Col. 3 10. Image of the Trinity , The b b Gen. 2. 7. Breath of God ; the Pearle , which c c Psal. 16. 10. Psal. 30 3. Psa. 34. 22. Psal. 72. 14. Christ did dye To purchase ; d d 1 Cor. 6. 19. 20. Temple of the Holy Ghost , The charge of e e Luk. 16. 22. Angels , and the Heavenly Host . Earths Wonder , f f 1 Pet. 5. 8. Job 1. 7. Devils envie ; Mans Prime Part , The Master-peece of God and Natures Art ; g g Psal. 49. 7 8. Mat. 16. 26. Mar. 8. 36. Worth thousand worlds ; whose Pearelesse Dignity No tongues of Men or Angels can descry , Must here with brinish Teares , and Sobs relate My Scorned , Slighted , and Neglected State , Sith all my Vassels , made Me to attend , Make Me their slave , inforce Me still to bend To their unjust Commands , quite robbing Me Of their due Homage , my Regalite . Is not this Body wherein now I dwell , Nought But my Vassall , Casket , h h Job . 4. 19. 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2. House , or shell ? Compact of i i Gen. 2. 7. c. 3. 19. c. 18. 27. Eccles. 3. 20. c. 12. 7. Job 4. 19. dust and Ashes , things most base ; That it might not usurpe my supreame place : Yet loe this Rebell Slave dethrones me quite , No Part thereof but Robs me of my Right ; Receiving more k k Isa. 3. 18. to 25. Rom. 13. 13. 14. 1 Tim. 2. 9. 1 Pet. 3. 3. 4. 5. Attendance , cost , paines , Care From most , than I doe , though a Gemme most rare : How many hundred Trades , what Worlds I pray , Of Men by Sea and Land , both Night and Day Are set on worke to Cloath the Backe , and feede The all-devouring Paunch , with more than neede ? Have not the Head , Hands , Feete , Legges , Necke , nay Haire Their l l Isa. 3. 18. 19 20. 21. 22. Ezec. 27. 13. to 28. Isa. 23. 2. 8. severall Trades to decke , make , keepe them faire ? Yet I poore Soule , among the Numberlesse Vocations which these Baser Parts Possesse , But one Profession have ; in m m 1 Cor. 4. 9. to 14. 2 Cor. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. 2 Chron. 36. 15. 16. Mat. 33. 31. 37. Act. 7. 52. worst request , Least minded , least imployd of all the rest : Seldome regarded till the n n Jam. 5. 14. 2 King . 1. 2. 3. to 18 c. 7. 8. 9. fatall Houre . Of death , or Hell stand prest me to devoure . Is but the Body Pained , o o 2 King . 8. 29. c. 9. 15. c. 5. 3. to 26. Mat. 4. 14 c. 8. 16. c. 12 15. 22 c. 15. 30. c. 19. 2. Act. 28. 9. Joh. 5. 3. to 10. ill , or sicke ; A Member bruised , hurt with Sword , Knife , pricke : Doe head , teeth , Stomacke , Armes , Legges , Fingers Ake , Forthwith some good receipt Men seeke and take To ease and cure them , making no delayes , And thinke no Cost , Paines , Care mis-spent these wayes : Yet I ( Alas ! ) not dayes but yeares oft lye Sicke , wounded , pained , p p Ephes. 2. 1. 2. Ezech. 16. 6. Psal. 38. 1. to 12. Isa. 1. 6. dead ; nay Putrifie Through many fostred ulcers , wounds , cares , sores , Of horrid sinnes ; yet q q Isa. 65. 1. Rom. 9. 14 , 15 , 16. Joh. 1. 10 , 11. none my state deplores , Seekes out for cures , or once hasts to apply A salve to these my sores , through which I die , Yea , all the time , paines , care and little cost Bestow'd on Mee , by most is deem'd but r r Mal. 3. 14. lost . If but a little spot , dirt , dust , or fly Light on the face , hands , cloathes , men presently Wash , rubbe , or wipe it off with much disdaine , Although it put them to some toyle , cost , paine : But I ( O wretch ) defil'd , stain'd , drench't throughout With filthy sinnes , which s s Psal. 38. 4 ● Psal. 40. 12. Ps. 49. 5. Heb. 12. 1. Isa. 1. 6. Compasse mee about And make mee loathsome in the sacred Eyes Of God , who t t Hab. 1. 13. filth of sinnes most loathes , defies , Remaine uncleans'd , u u Isa. 1. 6. 16. Jer. 4. 14. unwasht from day to day ; Till Hell surprise and sweep us cleane away . My varlet flesh , it 's Pallate to delight , Repast must have each morning , mid-day , night , Wherein all x x Luk. 19. 19. Gen. 9. 3. 1 Sam. 25. 11. 36. Esther 1. 3. to 10. Isa. 22. 13. Amos 6. 4 , 5 , 6. sorts of beasts , foules , fruits , herbes , fish , Sweet meats , vines , waters , drinkes , all heart can wish , Devoured are , y y Gen. 3. 19. Eccles. 3. 20. c. 12. 7. to fat that corpes which must Feed wormes at last , and moulder into dust ; Meane while , poore I , for want of food divine To feed , refresh Mee , quite consume , starve , pine ; Or if I Word and Sacraments injoy , For want of faith and grace they mee z z 1 Cor. 11. 27. 29. 2 Cor. 2. 15. 16. Heb. 4. 2. annoy , Not fat and nourish as they ought ; whereby I a a Isa. 55. 1 , 2 , 3. famish , perish , die eternally , The Backe , it 's b b Isa. 3. 18 , 19 , 20. Luk. 16. 19. Gen. 45. 22. 1 Pet. 3. 3 , 4. 2 Sam. 1. 24. Zeph. 1. 8. Mat. 11. 8. divers change of suties must have Of Velvits , Silkes , Stuffes , Tissues , Sattins , brave And new : Old Clothes , Ragges , Course , or meane Aray It scornes , and will be well clad every day : But I meane time quite stript , and c c Rev. 3. 17. 18. naked am Of all the Robes of Grace to hide my shame , Clad onely with the filthy weedes of Vice , And Adams old Rags , which lost Paradise . d d Rom. 13. 14. Rev. 3. 18. Psal. 45. 13 , 14. New garments of Christs merits , and true grace , Which may adorne mee , in so long a space , Are not once thought on , nor till backe and I Surpriz'd by death , in hell starke naked lye . What vast expences , labour , thoughts , time , care , Have backe and bellie ? as if all things weare Created for them , and man onely made To cloth , and feed these , which like e e Ps 90. 5 , 6. Ps. 103. 15 , 16. Isa. 40. 6 , 7 , 8. grasse shall fade , And perrish : yet how little time , paines , cost Are spent on Mee , by which all 's sav'd or lost ? How many Houres , f f Esther . 1. 3 , to 12. 2 Chron. 7. 8. Amos 6. 4 , 5 , 6. Job 21. 11 , 12 , 13. Jam. 5. 5. Dayes , Nights , and Yeares are spent In Eating , Drinking , Feasting , Complement , Vaine Chat , Sports , Visits , Pleasures of each kind , The flesh to pamper ? whereas I scarce finde Admist all these diversions , one dayes space , Or houre to fast , pray , weepe , read , sue for grace . How many daily the whole morning passe , And vainly spend , betweene the Combe and Glasse , In combing , frizling , powdring of their haire , And wanton lockes , to make them seeme more faire ? No Locke , or haire must out of order stand , But sit in Print , and oft be view'd , curl'd , scand . Nay , which is strange , more cost , time , now is spent Upon false Bushes of bought excrement , ( Which some preferre before their native fleece , ) Than upon mee , mans honour , Master-peece ; When this is done , the Backe , Necke , Feete , Hands , Face , And other parts must have their severall space For to adorne them , so as halfe che day Is spent well nigh , the body to aray : And that but untill n●ght , when all this pride , Attire is quite stript off , and laid aside , As if it never were . O fooles to waste Time in these toyes , which not one daies space last ! Yet I neglected soule , whom to adorne And daily decke with grace mankind was borne , Untrimmed lie , no cost , time , paines are spent In decking mee , mans onely ornament . Gods word ( the g g Jam. 1. 23. 24 , 25. Glasse , which daily shold descry My spots , staines , filth , and grosse deformity , Them to redresse , and helpe men to aray Me with all Robes of grace which make mee gay , ) Is most part shut close , seldome look't into For these good ends , and if that any doe Behold it now and then for custome sake , The i i 1 Pet. 3. 3 , 4 , 5. 1 Tim. 2. 9 , 10. Rule to dresse them by they 'le not it make . And though my sacred beauty , robes , aray , Do never fade , waxe old , but last foc aye : Yea adde more lustre to my Baser part , The Flesh , then either nature or mans art Are able ; causing it to k k Dan 13. 3. Matth. 13. 43. shine with raies Of brightest glory , which shall last alwaies : Yet few or none spend halfe the time to dresse , Adorne Mee , which they wast with greedinesse Upon their bodies , faces , heads , lockes , backe , Themselves and Mee , without Gods grace , to wracke . This being now my rufull state ; O let Me here beseech all who have soules , to set Some time apart to Ponder my complaint Thus tendred to them , vnder which I faint . And that you may just Judges twixt us prove , Heare but a word or two , as you mee love . What is the body , but a loathsome Masse Of l l Gen. 2. 7. c. 3. 19. c. 18. 27. Job 4. 19. c. 14. 1 , 2 , 3. Ps. 103. 14. Psal. 104. 29. Eccles. 3. 20. c 12. 7. dust and ashes , brittle as a glasse . Soone crackt and turne to rottennesse dung , clay , Though fed with dainties , c●●d with rich aray ? What is the Faces , Beauty but a m m Psal. 103. 15. Isa. 28. 1. 4. c. 40. 6 , 7. Jam. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 1. 24. floure Which sundry chances blast within one houre , And so deforme , that wee abhorre the sight Of that marr'd face which was our chiefe delight : At best , n n Isa. 3. 18. 24. it is a comely glasse our o o Ps. 102. 11. Ps. 109. 23. Ps. 144. 4. Job 8. 9. c. 14. 2. c. 17. 7. shade , Which sicknesse , Crosses , Age still cause to fade . What are our lockes , our curled brayds of haire , But excrements at best ? not halfe so faire , As plumes of sundry birds or peacocks tailes , Though frizled , poudred , deckt with pearles , knots , vailes . And yet how many more proud , carefull are Of these vaine bushes , than their soules welfare ? How many purchase heads of others haire , To mend Gods worke , and make them seeme more faire ? Spending more time , cost , thoughts on excrement , Than upon Mee mans onely ornament . What is the belly but a filthy sinke , Jakes which engenders nought but dung and stink ? So noysome , that its sent offends the smell , Corrupts the aire , even when the body 's well . What are the other members ( head , hands , feete ) But skin and bones ? without my helpe unmeete For any use , yea let mee once withdraw My selfe from the most faire corps , eyes ere saw , It 's beauty p p Psal. 39. 11. Psal. 49. 14. fades , it 's flesh to rottennesse Is turned , and all abhorre it's loathsomenesse . What hath the flesh or body worthy love , Or praise , but that which from mee first doth move ? Let mee desert them , all their worth is lost , And wither'd like grasse nipt with winters frost . Why should you then , ( O fooles , bereft of sence ) From day to day , bestow so much expence , Time , paines , thoughts , Care on these things which so base , Meane , fading are , neglecting Mee and grace ? In which your chiefest good , yea , all your blisse Comprized are . If you judge not amisse . If this prevaile not , but you still proceed Mee to neglect , the flesh to decke , serve , feed ; Tell Mee , I pray you , when the dismall day Of sicknesse , death , or judgement , take away , And cite you to account , how you have spent Your golden dayes , for my use to you lent , What joy or comfort can you reape from all , Or any of those dayes , houres , which you shall Have thus mispent on belly , backe , head , face , Haire , feasting , pastimes , pleasures voyd of grace ; Or in the flesh or bodies servitude ? Which then will too too late be of you ru'd . Shall yee not then with sighs and teares lament , ( And that in vaine ) the time you thus mispent ; Offering to give ten thousand worlds , that you Had not bereft Mee , of the time , care , due To Mee alone , to fit Mee for that place , Of endlesse blisse , which I for want of grace , Shall then be thrust from , and cast into hell , In q q Mat. 25. 41. Mar. 9. 43 , 44 , 46 , 47. Rev. 1● . 20. c. 20. 10. fiery flames and torments still to dwell . Will not you then wish , you had never seene This flesh , this body , which to mee have beene So traitrous , so unkinde , Mee to enthrall Unto their lusts , and spurre Mee into All That might undoe , damne , both them Mee , and you , And wee shall in hels flames for ever rue ? If this be true : O then whiles life , time , space , Are left you to repent and seeke for grace ; Bewaile what 's past , and henceforth learne to be More loyall , kind , respectfull unto Mee . Save Mee , save all ; lose Mee , and all is lost , For ever with Mee ; spend then all your cost , Thoughts , paines , cares , dayes , on Mee ; then shall you r r Dan. 12. 3. Matth. 13. 43. shine , More bright than Starres , Moone , Sunne , with rayes divine In Christs owne kingdome , where you shall possesse Such endlesse joyes , as no tongue can expresse . If this will not perswade you to amend , I 'le cease my Plaint , and here in silence end . FINIS .

Imprimatur

Feb. 1. 1640. Tho. Wykes .

COMFORTABLE CORDIALS , AGAINST DISCOMFORTABLE Feares of Imprisonment , and other sufferings in good causes . Containing some Latine Verses , Sentences , and Texts of Scripture , written by Mr. WILLIAM PRYNNE on his Chamber walles in the Tower of London , during his Imprisonment there ; since Translated by him into English VERSE .

2 CORINTHIANS 1 , 2 , 3 4 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11.

Blessed be God , even the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , the Father of mercies , and the God of all comfort ; who comforteth us in all our tribulation , that wee may bee able to comfort them which are in any troubles by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God . For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us , so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ . And whether wee be afflicted , it is for your consolation , & salvation which is effectuall in enduring of the same sufferings , which we also suffered : or whether wee bee comforted it is for your consolation and salvation . And our hope of you is stedfast ; knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings , so also you shall be of the consolation . For we would not , Brethren , have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia , that we were pressed out of measure above strength , in so much that wee despaired even of life . But we had the sentence of death in our selves that we should not trust in our selves but in God which raiseth the dead : who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver , in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us : you also helping together by Prayer for us that for the gift bestowed upon us , by the meanes of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf .

Printed Anno. 161● .

TO THE RIGHT WORShipfull his very Noble and highly Honoured good Friend , SIR WILLIAM BALFORE Knight , Lievtenant of the Tower of LONDON . SIR , it were Ingratitude and Injury , For me in silence here to passe you by , And not present these Cordialls unto you , Sith they , and all my service are your due , For all your Noble Favours in the Tower , Which have ingag'd me to my utmost power , To be your eternally devoted poore Friend and servant , WILLIAM PRYNNE .
COMFORTABLE CORDIALLS , OR Latine Verses and Sentences , written by Mr. William Prynne on his Chamber Walls in the Tower of London , during his Imprisonment there ; Since translated into English by him .
1. TRanslulit in Coelum Christi praesentia Claustrum : Quid faciet Coelo , quae Coelum jam creat Antro ? Christs presence hath my Prison turn'd into A blessed Heaven ; what then will it doe In Heav'n hereafter , when it now creates Heav'n in a Dungeon ? Goales , to Courts translates ?
2. Stigmata Christicolis , splendentia sidera ; sanguis , Purpura regalis ; mutilataque Membra , Decorum ; Vincula , gemmatus Torques ; Opprobria , plausus ; Vulnera , Martyrium ; Mors ; Vita ; Gravamina , Lucrum . Optima cuncta piis , Tristissima sola ministrant ; Vnica Crux sanctis , Via , Ianua , summa salutis . Brands , unto Christians are bright Starres ; Blood spent , A Royall Purple ; Maym'd Limbes , Ornament ; Bonds , Chaines of Pearle ; Reproaches , Praise ( no staine ) Wounds , Martyrdome ; Death , Life ; Oppressions , Gaine . To godly men the saddest fates only All best things bring , and their joyes multiply ; The Crosse alone to Saints is the high way , Gate , summe of safety , Meanes of endlesse Joy :
3. Christus ubique pium comitatur ; Carceris Antrum Ingreditur : Turres , Densissima Maenia , Rupes , Fossas , Ferratas Portas , Obstacula , Flammas Permeat intrepidus ; socius solamen , Amicus , Omnia seclusis , oan . 20. 19. solus ; saturatque benignus Deliciis superum sitientia Corda suorum , Discipulis foribus clusis intravit amaenus , Christicolis clausis habit at conviva perennis . O fortunatus , cui Con-captivus Iësus , Laetificans radiis tristissima Claustra supernis ; Vincula non illum , Tormenta , gravamina moestum Efficiunt , animum retinentem utcunque serenum . Christ every where accompanies good Men ; He goes with them into the Prisons Den ; The Towers , thickest Walls broad ditches , Gates , Of Iron , Barracadoes , Flames and Grates Doth boldly passe through ; proves Companion , Friend , solace , all things of himselfe alone ; Vnto close Prisoners and fills plenteously The thirsty soules of his , with heavenly Delights . * * John 20 : 19. Hee entered in the dores fast shut To his Disciples , them to comfort ; but With godly prisoners he 's a constant guesse Resides ; O happie he who doth possesse Christ for his Fellow-prisoner , who doth gladde With heavenly Sunbeames , Goales that are most sad , Bonds , Torments , Prisons , make not him sad ; he Retaines a quiet mind how ere things be .
4. Nullatenus vinctus Christi virtute solutus ; Permanet immunis , clusus vel Carcere Vinclis . Liber ubique , pius , placidus , benedictus , amoenus , Indomitus ; tacitum circumfert pectore Coelum : Tristia Laetificans , Moestissima cuucta serenans ; Vincula discutiens , arctissima claustra recludens . He is not bound whom CHRIST hath made free ; he Though shut close Prisoner , chaind , remains still free , A godly Man 's at large in every place , Still chearefull , well content , in blessed case , Vnconquer'd ; he a secret Heaven still beares About within his brest , which sad things cheares , Dispells his blackest cloudes of griefe , off shakes His chaines ; and closest prisons open makes .
5. Vincula non Animam cohibent , haud carcere clusam : Sidera transvolitat , Terram , Mare , cuncta pererrat Alipes , immensi fines transcendit Olympi ; Limitis impatiens , arctari nescia Mundi Cancellis ; tantum requiescens Numine vasto ; Securus , placidusque Piis , vel turbine , Portus ; No bands the soule of Man can once restraine ; No Prison it inclose , nor yet containe ; It soares above the Starres , and swiftly flyes O're Earth , Sea , all things ; mounts beyond the skies , And bounds of the vast Heav'ns , impatient Of Limits , ignorant how to be pent Within the Rayles of this whole world ; onely Resting within the boundlesse Deity ; A secure , pleasant harbour to Godly Men , even in a storme of Misery .
6. Vincula quid trepidas ? quid tela minantia ? Flammas , Vulnera ? quid rabidi Tormenta , Crucesve Tyranni ? Aspera pro Christo , * * Rev. 2. 7. 11. 17. 21. c. 3. 5. 12. 21. c. 21. 7. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 8. dulcissima ; qui Diadema Vincenti Statuit , Lignique cruore paravit . Scenicaturba Choros , spectacula , Tympana , Mimos , Ludicra stuprosis celebret , spectetque Theatris ; Vincula Christicolae , Mutilatio , stigmata , Furcae Gaudia plura ferunt , cumulataque Praemia condunt . Histrio , Scena , Iocus , saltatio , Mascara , Cantus , Risus Sardonicos generant , fictosque Cachinnos . Cordolium verum , gemitus morsusque perennes : Dulcia post tristant , peramara salute coronant . Why fearst thou Bonds ? why threatnings ? Weapons ? Fires ? Wounds ? why the torments , Crosses or the Ires Of raging Tyrants ? sith the sharpest things We undergoe for Christ , most sweetnes brings . who hath prepar'd and purchased for him Who * * Rev. 2. 7. 11. 17. 21. c. 3. 5. 12. 21. c. 21. 7. 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. overcomes , a glorious Diadem By the Blood of his Crosse . Let then the Crue Of stage Frequenters celebrate , and view Playes , Dances , Pastimes , Players , sports in base . And filthy Theaters , where growes no grace . Chaines , Mutilations , Pilories , Brandes bring , To godly Christians farre more joyes , heaping Most large rewards upon them . Players , Playes , Jests , Dancing , Maskes , Songs , generate alwayes But deadly Laughters , feigned shoutes ; * * 0. m 4. 9. 1 c. 5. 1. true griefe , Sighes , lasting gripes of Conscience , past reliefe . Sweet worldly pleasures still in * * Pro. 14. 13. sadnesse cease ; When * * 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2. Tim. 2. 12. bitterest sufferings bring Crownes , safety ▪ peace .
7. Aulicus imbellis gemmis , Dominaeque Capillis Auriculas onerat magnoque decore venustat , Stigma , Cicatrices , mutilatio pulchrius Aures Christigenae decorant , radiisque micantibus ornant , O Decus eximium referentia Vulnera Christum : Talibus insignis superis peramatus abibis . Th' unmanly Courtier with his Mistresse Haire , And Jewels , lades his eares , to make them faire . When as Brands , Scarres , and Croppings farre more dight A Christians eares , and make them shine more bright . O Matchlesse Glory , Woundes which Christ expresse ! Adorn'd with these , Gods love thou shalt possesse .
8. Passio Coelipetis Alpha , at Solamen Omega : Principium Lachrymis decoratur ; Meta , Triumphis . Suffering's their ▪ Alpha who to Heaven tend ; But Joy is their Omega , finall end ; Their Entrance is adorn'd with teares of Woe , Their end with Triumphs , which their griefes outgo .
9. Nil Crus sentit in Nervo , si Anima sit in Coel● . The Legg feeles nothing in the stockes , if the Soule , minde , Affections in Heav'n placed be .
10. Non timet is carcerem , qui scit contemnere Libertatem , Vitam , voluptatem , Famam : cui Mundus Ergastulum , Terra Exilium , Deus habitaculum , Mors Solatium . He feares no prison who knowes to despise Freedome , Life , pleasure , Fame , which others prise : To whom this world 's a prison ; Earth , a place Of Exile , God , a Mansion ; Death , Solace .
11. Servus Christi etiam in vinculis , Liber . Servus Peccati etiam in summa Libertate captivus . Christs Servants even in prison are still free : Sinnes , in the greatest freedome , captives bee .
12. Nil corpus patitur in Ergastulo , si Animus sit in Coelo . The body suffers nought in prison , when The mind it selfe is lodged in Heaven .
13. Quid Coelum sine Deo , nisi Barathrum ? Quid Barathum eum Deo nisi Coelum ? What 's Heav'n without God but a very Hell ? What 's Hell but a Heav'n , if God once there dwell ?
14. Nullibi incarceratur , qui ubique in Christo liberatur : Nunquam dejicitur , qui semper à Jehova sustentatur . He in no place can once imprisoned be , Who in all places is * * Joh. 8. 36. Gal. 5. 1. by Christ set free : He never is * * Psal. 37. 24. dejected , who alway Hath great Iehovah for his prop and stay .
15. Nusquam solus qui ubique cum Deo ; Nunquam Miser quisemper cum Christo , He never is alone , who every where Hath God himselfe , him company to beare , He never can be miserable , who Is alwayes with Christ , who doth with him goe .
16. Vbi Deus adest , ibi non est Carcer , sed Paradisus ; Non Ergastulum , Sed Palatium ; non Barathrum , sed Coelum . Where God is present , there no Prison is , But a sweet Paradise of Joy and blisse ; No Bridewell , but a Palace ; no darke Cell , But a bright Heaven , where all comforts dwell .
17. Carcer probat Ami●es , detegit Iuimicos ; Excludit Mundum , includit Deum : Alit virtutes , extinguit Libidines , Edocet Temperantiam ; cohibet Luxuriam ; Mortificat earnem , sanctificat hominem ; Ingenerat gratiam , the saurizat Gloriam . A prison tries ▪ Mens friends , detects their Foes , Shuts out the world , God to men doth inclose ; Nourisheth vertues , Lusts extinguisheth ; Temperance teacheth , Riot restraineth , Quite kills the flesh , but makes the Man holy ; Ingenders Grace , * * 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2 Tim. 4. 8. and ire asures up glory .
1

Turris Christiaenos fideles fictè incarcerat , verè liberat , Vnicum Dulcissimum Christi , Iugum , [ cui subjugari est perfectè manumitti ] Imponendo● multiplicia gravis simaque Carnis peccati , Mundi , Diaboli vincula [ quibus ill● queari , est certissimè captivari , ] discutiendo .

The Tower true faithfull Christians feinedly Imprisons , but them sets free verily , By putting on them Christs sweet yoake onely , To which to be subjected , is truely To be enfranchised ; by shaking off The manifold , and most heavy chaines of The flesh , sinne , World , Di'le ; in which for to lye Insnarde , is to be captiv'd certainely .
19.

Turris plurimis Spectaculum , multis habitaculum : nonnullis Refugium ; aliis divers●rium ; Regi Palatium ; Regno Gazophylacium , Armamentarium , Propugnaculum , Monetarium : Vinctis piis , Oratorium ; Papisticis , Purgatorium ; Clausis , Monasterium ; Innoxiis , Hospitium ; Reis , Ergastulum ; Literatis , Musaeum ; Ebriosis , Oenopolium ; proditoriis , Macellum .

The Tower is to most , a Spectacle ; To many its a house , wherein they dwell ; To some a refuge ; Others , a lodging ; A Royall Pallace , it is to the King ; Vnto the Kingdome it 's a Treasury , Armory , Bulwarke , Mint' : an Oratory To Godly prisoners ; but a purgatory To popish ; to close ones , a Monast'ry ; To guiltlesse ones , it 's an Inne ; to guilty A Bridewell ; to learn'd ones , it 's a study ; To idle ones a Dormitory ; to Drunkards , a tipling-house them to undoe ; To Traytors it 's a shambles , where their head And Quarters hang , when they are butchered .
On his Exile into Iersy Isle . Why should this Exile me grieve , Levit. 25. 23. discontent , Sith this whole World 's a place of Banishment ? And men as truely Exiles are at home , As in the strangest Clime to which they come ? Are not God , Christ , Grace , Heav'n to us as nigh In forraigne Parts , as in our own Country ? Yea ; and oft times more neare : this true to be By * * Psal. 39. 12. psal. 119. 19 2 Chron: 29 15. Heb. 11. 13 1 pet. 2. 11. Abraham , Iacob , Ioseph , all may see , I will not then flye , feare my Banishment , But in it joy , and take most sweet content , Sith God will me protect , * * Gen. 12. 28. to 48. Act. 7. 3. to 17. Heb. 11. 8. restore againe , Or else translate to Heav'n , with him to reigne , Mine onely Proper * * Isay 41. 5. 6. Country , wherein I Shall live a Free-man for eternity , In spite of my Arch-foes ; whom I shall see Exild , * * Heb. 11. 14. 16. imprison'd , * * Prov. 11. 8. c. 21. 18. c. 12. 13. and my selfe set free .
20. Deus Turris etiam in Turre : Turris Libertatis Consolationis Quietis , Foelicitatis Honoris Splendoris Securitatie Salutis Spei Gaudii Pacis Protectionis Gratiae Vitae Gloria in Turre Angustiae ; Tristitiae ; Molestiae ; Miseriae ; Dedecoris , Obscuritatis ; Perturbationis , Perditionis , Desperationis Afflictionis , Belli ; Periculi , Peccati ; Mortis , Perpessionis .
God is a * * Psal. 18. 2. Psal. 1. 3. Psal. 144. 2. Tower in the Tower . A Tower of Liberty , In the Tower of Restraint ; a Tower Of Comfort , Jollity In the Tower of Sadnesse ; a Tower Of sweetest Quietnesse In the Tower of Trouble ; a Tower Of blessed Happinesse , In the Tower of Misery ; a Tower Of Honour , Dignity In the Tower of disgrace ; a Tower Of bright Excellency In the Tower of darknes ; a Tower Of strong security In the Tower of danger ; a Tower Of health and true safety In the Tower of Sicknesse ; a Tower Of hope and good successe In the Tower of Despaire ; a Tower Of joy and cheerefulnesse In the Tower of sorrow ; a Tower Of peace and union In the Tower of fierce war : a Tower Of safe Protection In the Tower of perill ; a Tower Of Grace and Piety In the Tower of vile Sinne ; a Tower Of Life , eternity In the Tower of grim death ; a Tower Of Glory and great praise , In the Tower of suffring : such Tower God proves to his alwayes .
21. Deus Turris .

1. Protegendo ; A malis , In malis , Contra malos , Inter malos , Vbique , Tutissimè , Fortissimè , Gratiosissimè , 2. Consolando , In Malis , Semper , Abundunter , Suavissimè ; 3. Eripieudo , A Malis Citò Tempestivè Potentissimè

Mortalium proculdubiò Beatissimus , qui Mundi Exul , Christique Captivus , Turri isti tutissima , jucundissima , optimae , maximae perpetuò ( dum vixerit ) adjudicatur Salvò certè custoditur , quinon solùm à Deo , sed in Deo conservatur : arctari non potest , qui ipsa Dei infinitate ( incarceratus ) spatiatur . Ita ominatur Gulielmus Prynne : Martij 3. 1633.

God is a Tower by protecting all His Saints from Ills , in Ills which them befall ; Against , amidst ill men in every place , Most safely , strongly out of his meere grace ; By comforting them in adversity Alwayes , most sweetly , most abundantly : By freeing them from evills speedily , In the best time , and that most potently : No doubt he is the happiest man alive , Who this worlds Exile , and Christs deare Captive , Is during life adjudg'd perpetually In this most safe , sweet , best great'st Tower to lye . He is truely kept safely , who both by And in God is preserv'd continually : He cannot straitned be , who walkes freely ( Whiles prisoner ) in Gods vast Infinity . Of this opinion WILLIAM PRYNNE was the Third day of March , six hundred thirty three .
Sentences of Scriptures there likewise written .
PSAL. 69. 33.

The Lord heareth the poore , and despiseth not his prisoners .

PSAL. 146. 7 , 8.

The Lord looseth the prisoners ; the Lord raiseth those that are bowed downe .

PHIL. 4. 11 , 12 , 13.

I have learned in whatsoever state I am , therewith to bee content , I know both how to be abased , and I know how to abound : every where , and in all things I am instructed , both to bee full , and to bee hungry ; both to abound , and to suffer need : I can doe all things through Christ , which strengtheth mee .

PSAL. 34. 17. 19. 22.

The righteous cry , and the Lord heareth , and delivereth them out of all their troubles . Many are the afflictions of the righteous , but the Lord delivereth him out of them all ; the Lord redeemeth the soule of his Servants , and none of them that trust in him , shall be desolate .

PSAL. 37. 23 , 24 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord , and hee delighteth in his way : Though hee fall , hee shall not be utterly cast downe , for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand : Marke the perfect man , and behold the upright : For the end of that man is peace . But the transgressours shall bee destroyed together , the end of the wicked shall bee cut off : But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord , hee is their strength in the time of trouble . And the Lord shall help them and deliver them : hee shall deliver them from the wicked , and save them , because they trust in him .

PSAL. 71. 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24.

Thy righteousnesse also O God , is very high , who hast done great things , O God who is like to thee ? Thou which hast shewed me great and sore troubles , shalt quicken mee againe , and shalt bring mee up againe from the depthes of the earth . Thou shalt encrease my greatnesse , and comfort me on every side . I will also praise thee , with the Psaltery even thy truth : O my God unto thee will I sing with the Harpe , O thou holy one of Israel : My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee : and my soule which thou hast redeemed : my tongue also shall talke of thy righteousnesse all the day long : for they are confounded , for they are brought unto shame that seeke my hurt .

MICAH : 7 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10.

A mans enemies are the men of his owne house : Therefore I will looke unto the Lord ; I will waite for the God of my salvation , my God will heare mee : Rejoyce not against me ô mine enemy : when I fall , I shall arise : when I sit in darknesse , the Lord shall bee a light unto mee . I will beare the indignation of the Lord , because I have sinned against him , untill hee plead my cause and execute judgement for mee , Hee will bring me forth to the light , and I shall behold his righteousnesse . Then shee that is mine enemy shall see it , and shame shall cover her which said unto mee , where is the Lord thy God ? mine eyes shall behold her , now shall she be troden downe , as the mire of the streets .

On his Suffrings on the Pillory . Christ for * * Isay 53. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10. Rom 4. 25. 1 Cor. 15. 3 1 Pet. 2. 24. my sake , sinnes , and Redemption From Hell and endlesse Torments ; suffered on The * * Heb. 12. 2. c. 13. 12. 12. Gal. 3. 13. Phil. 2. 8. Crosse , a shamefull , cursed Death , with all Alacrity , joy , promptitude : And shall I not for his sake then most cheerefully Both stand , and suffer on the Pillory , Without all blush , or feare ? since 't is no shame , But * * Phil. 1. 29 2 Tim. 2. 12. Rev. 7. 13. to 17. Honour , thus to suffer for Christs name .
Verses made by W. PRYNNE , as he returned by Water to the Tower after his last sufferings , upon his Stigmatizing .
S. L. Stigmata Laudis . Stigmata Maxillis referens , Insignia Laudis , Exultans remeo , victima grata Deo . Bearing Lands Stamps on my Cheekes , I retire Triumphing , Gods sweet Sacrifice through fire .
On his returne from Exile . Foes sent me hence , but God , and his Saints cryes Have brought me back , 't is wondrous in all Eyes . No Exiles , Prisons , Chaines , powers can detaine Those whom God will recall , free , raise againe .
ISAY . 51. 11. 14. c. 41. 5 , 6.

The redeemed of the Lord shall returne , and come with singing unto Zion , and everlasting joy shall be upon their head ; they shall obtaine gladnesse and joy ; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away . The CAPTIVE EXILE hastneth , that hee may be loosed , and that he should not dye in the pit , nor that his bread should faile . Feare not , for I am with thee , I will bring thy seed from the East , and gather thee from the West , I will say to ▪ the North , Give up ; and to the South , keep not backe ; bring my sonnes from farre , and my daughters from the ends of the Earth .

FINIS .
ERRATA .

IN the Epistle v. 1. it were , r. t' were p. 2. l. 32. The r. He p. 3. l. 8. He 's , r he The verses p. 9. of his Exile into Jersy , should have come in p. 15. after Stigmata Laudis .

Courteour Reader , I shall request thee to correct these few Presse errors , which have scaped in some Coppies in my absence .

Errata .

Page 1. line 10. for the , read this . p. 3. l. 12. r. make . p. 18. l. 3. when whom . l. 6. them , r. him . p. 19. l. 8 to r. in . p. 32. l. 24. of , on . p. 33. l. 18. sinne , weeds . p. 34. 7. they , these . p. 47. l. 5. must , much . p. 65. l. 5. be , lie . p. 71. l. 19 greatest . p. 82. l. 21. lose , close . p. 83 l. 13. others , l. p. 93. l. 21. fined , fixed . p. 95 l 22. and , Oh. l. 23 Satan , Satin . p. 98. l. 25. them , then . l. 27. stations , passions . p. 103 l 15. over , ever . p. 108. l. 21. thee , they . p. 119. l. 6. to . or . p. 125. l. 23 arriv'd , arm'd . l. 25. flattering . p. 149. l. 6. shall , should . p. 164. l. 1. the , then . p. 165. l. 13. th' one , thine . p. 169. l. 11. prints ' paints .

Printers oft erre , but not as others men ; Their Errors are corrected with a Pen.
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