The synagogue, or, The shadow of the temple sacred poems and private ejaculations, in imitation of Mr. George Herbert.

The Synagogue : OR THE SHADOW OF THE TEMPLE .

SACRED POEMS , AND PRIVATE EJACULATIONS .

In Imitation of Mr. George Herbert .

Plin . Sec . lib . 1. Ep. 5.

Stultissimum credo ad imitandum non optima quaeque proponere .

I do esteem't a folly not the least To imitate examples not the best .

The Seventh Edition , Corrected and Enlarged

LONDON , Printed by S. Roycrost , for R. S. and are to be Sol● by John Williams Junior , at the Crown in S● Pauls Church-yard , 1679.

To the Author . HE that doth imitate must comprehend ; Verse , Matter , Order , Title , Spirit , Wit ; For these also our Church-Poet doth intend , And he who hath his Imitation writ . O glory of the time ! best English singer , Happy both he the Hand and thou the Finger . R. Langford of Grayes-Inn , Counsellour of Law .

Subterliminare . DIC , cujus Templum ? Christi , Quis condidit ? Ede . Condidit Herbertus . Dic , quibus auxiliis ? Auxiliis multis : quibus , haud mihi dicere fas est . Tanta est ex dictis lis oriunda meis . Gratia , si dicam , dedit omnia ; protinus obstat Ingenium , dicens , cuncta fuisse sua . Ars negat , & nihilest non nostrum dicit in illo ; Nec facile est litem composuisse mihi . Divide : Materiam det gratia , materiaeque Ingenium cultus induat , arsque modos . Non : ne displiceat pariter res omnibus ista , Nec sortita velint jura vocare sua . Nempe pari sibi jure petunt , cultusque , modosque , Materiamque , ars , & gratia , & ingenium . Ergo , velit si quis dubitantem tollere elenchum , Di Templo Herberti talia dicta dabit . In Templo Herbertus condendo est gratia totus , Ars pariter totus , totus & ingenium . Cedite Romanae , Graiiae quoque cedite Musae ; Unum par cunctis Anglia jactat opus .

A stepping stone to the threshold of Mr. Herberts Church-Porch . WHat Church is this ? Christs Church . Who builded it ? Mr. George Herbert . Who assisted it ? Many assisted : who I may not say , So much contention might arise that way . If I say Grace gave all ; Wit straight doth thwart , And says , All that is there is mine : but Art Denies , and says , There 's nothing there but 's mine : Nor can I easily the right define . Divide : say , Grace the matter gave , and Wit Did polish it : Art measur'd , and made fit Each sev'ral piece , and fram'd it altogether . Nay , by no means : this may not please them neither . None 's well contented with a part alone , When each doth challenge all to be his own . The matter , the expressions , and the measures , Are equally Arts , Wits , and graces treasures . Then he , that would impartially discuss This doubtful question , must answer thus : In building of his Temple , Master Herbert Is equally all Grace , all Wit , all Art. Roman and Grecian Muses all give way : One English Poem darkens all your day .

The Dedication . LOrd , my first fruits should have been sent to thee ; For thou the tree , That bare them , only lentest unto me . But while I had the use , the fruit was mine : Not so divine , As that I dare presume to call it thine . Before 't was ripe it fell unto the ground : And since I found It bruised in the dirt , nor clean , nor sound . Some I have pick'd , and wip'd , and bring thee now , Lord , thou know'st how : Gladly I would , but dare not it avow . Such as it is , 't is here . Pardon the best , Accept the rest . Thy pardon and acceptance maketh blest .

The Church-yard . THou that intendest to the Church to day , Come take a turn or two , he fore thou go'st , In the Church-yard ; the walk is in the way . Who takes best heed in going , hasteth most : But he that unprepared rashly ventures , Hastens perhaps to seal his deaths indentures .

The Church-stile . SEest thou that stile ? Observe then how it rises , Step after step , and equally descends : Such is the way to win celestial prizes : Humility the course begins and ends . Wouldst thou in grace to high perfections grow ? Shoot thy roots deep , ground thy foundations low . Humble thy self , and god will lift thee up : Those that exalt themselves he casteth down : The hungry he invites with him to sup , And clothes the naked with his robe and crown . Think not thou hast , what thou from him wouldst have : His labour 's lost if thou thy self can'st save . Pride is the prodigality of grace , Which casteth all away by griping all : Humility is thrift , both keeps his place , And gains by giving , riseth by its fall . To get by giving , and to lose by keeping , Is to be sad in mirth , and glad in weeping .

The Church-gate . NExt to the stile , see where the gate doth stand , Which turning upon hooks and hinges may Eas'ly be shut , or open'd with an hand . Yet constant to its centre still doth stay , And fetching a wide compass round about , Keeps the same course , and distance , never out . Such must the course be that to Heaven tends , He that the gates of righteousness would enter , Must still continue constant to his ends , And fix himself in God , as in his centre . Cleave close to him by faith , then move which way Discretion leads thee , and thou shalt not stray . We never wander , till we loose our hold Of him that is our way , our light , our guide : But , when we grow of our own strength too bold , Unhook'd from him , we quickly turn aside . He holds us up , whilst in him we are found : If once we fall from him , we go to ground .

The Church-walls . NOw view the walls , the Church is compass'd round , as much for safety , as for ornament : 't is an inclosure , and no common ground ; 't is Gods free-hold , and but our tenement . Tenants at will , and yet in tail , we be : Our children have the same right to 't as we . Remember there must be no gaps left ope , Where god hath fene'd , for fear of false illusions . God will have all , or none : Allows no scope For sins inchroachments , or mens own intrusions . Close binding locks his Laws together fast : He that plucks out the first , pulls down the last . Either resolve for all , or else for none : Obedience universal he doth claim . Either be wholly his , or all thine own : At what thou can'st not reach , at least take aim : He that of purpose looks beside the mark , Might as well hood-wink'd shoot , or in the dark .

The Church . LAstly , consider where the Church doth stand , As near unto the middle as may be ; God in his service chiefly doth command Above all other things sincerity . Lines drawn from side to side within a round , Not meeting in the centre , short are found . Religion must not side with any thing , That swerves from God , or else withdraws from him ; He that a welcome sacrifice would bring , Must fetch it from the bottom , not the brim . A sacred Temple of the Holy Ghost Each part of man must be , but his heart most . Hypocrisie in Church is Alchimy , That casts a golden tincture upon brass : There is no estence in it : 't is a lye , Though fairly stamp't for truth it often pass : Only the spirits aqua regia doth Discover it to be but painted froth .

The Church-Porch . NOw , e're thou passest further , sit thee down In the Church porch , and think what thou hast seen ; Let due consideration either crown , Or crush , thy former purposes . Between Rash undertakings , and firm resolutions , Depends the strength , or weakness , of conclusions . Trace thy steps backward in thy memory : And first resolve of what thou heardest last , Sincerity ; it blots the history Of all religious actions and doth blast The comfort of them , when in them God sees Nothing but out-sides of formalities . In earnest be religious , trifle not ; And rather for Gods sake , than for thine own : Thou hast rob'd him , unless that he have got , By giving , if his glory be not grown Together with thy good : who seeketh more Himself than God , would make his roof his floor . Next to sincerity , remember still , Thou must resolve upon Integrity . God will have all thou hast , thy wind , thy will , Thy thoughts , thy words thy works . A nullity It proves , when God , that should have all , doth find , That there is any one thing left behind . And having giv'n him all , thou must receive All that he gives . Mete his Commandement : Resolve that thine obedience must not leave , Untill it reach unto the same extent . For all his precepts are of equal strength , And measure thy performance to the length : Then call to mind that constancy must knit Thine undertaking , and thine actions fast : He that sets forth tow'rds Heaven , and doth sit Down by the way , will be found short at last . Be constant to the end , and thou shalt have An heavenly garland , though an earthly grave But he that would be constant , must not take Religion up by fits and starts alone ; But his continual practice must it make : His course must be from end to end but one . Bones often broken , and knit up again , Lose of their length , though in their strength they gain . Lastly , remember that Humility Must solidate , and keep all close together . What pride puffs up with vain futility , Lyes open , and expos'd to all ill weather . An empty bubble may fair colour carry ; But blow upon it , and it will not tarry . Prize not thine own too high , nor under-rate Anothers worth ; but deal indifferently : View the defects of thy spiritual state , And others graces , with impartial eye . The more thou deemest of thy self , the less Esteem of thee will all men else express . Contract thy lesson now , and this is just The sum of all . Hee that desires to see The sace of God , in his Religion must Sincere , entire , constant , and humble be . If thus resolved , fear not to proceed : Else the more haste thou mak'st , the worse thou 'lt speed .

Church-Utensils . BEtwixt two dang'rous rocks , Phophaneness on Th' one side , on the other superstition , How shall I sail secure ? Lord be my steers-man , hold my helm , And then though winds with waves o'rewhelm My sails , I will endure It patiently . The bottom of the Sea Is safe enough , if thou direct the way . I 'le tug my tacklings then , I 'le ply mine oars , And cry , a fig for fear . He that adores The giddy multitude So much , as to despise my rhymes ; Because they tune not to the times ; I wish may not intrude His presence here . But they ( and that 's enough ) Who love Gods house , will like his houshold-stuff .

The Font . THe Font , I say . Why not ? And why not near To the Church door ? Why not of stone ? Is not that blessed fountain open'd here , From whence that water flows alone , Which from sin and uncleanness washeth clear ? And may not beggars well contented be Their first alms at the door to take ? Though , when acquainted better they may see Others within that bolder make . Low places will serve guests of low degree . What ? Is he not the rock , out of whose side Those streams of water-blood run forth ? Th' elect and precious corner-stone well try'd ? Though the odds be great between their worth , Rock-water and stone vessels are ally'd . But call it what , and place it where you will : Let it be made indifferently Of any form , or matter ; yet , until The blessed sacrament thereby Impaired be , my hopes you shall not kill . To want a complement of comliness Some of my comfort may abate , And for the present make my joy go less : Yet I will hug mine homely state , And poverty with patience richly dress . Regeneration is all in all , Washing , or sprinkling , but the sign , The seal , and instrument thereof ; I call The one , as well as th' other mine , And my posterity's as foederal . If temporal estates may be convey'd , By covenants on condition , To men , and to their heirs ; be not afraid , My soul , to rest upon The covenant of Grace by mercy made . Do but thy duty , and rely upon 't , Repentance , faith , obedience , When ever practis'd , truly will amount To an authentick evidence , Though th' deed were antidated at the Font .

The reading Pue . HEre my new enter'd soul doth first break fast , Here seasoneth her infant tast , And at her mother-nurse the Churches dugs With lab'ring lips and tongue she tuggs For that sincere milk , which alone doth feed Babes new born of immortal seed : Who , that they may unto perfection grow , Must be content to creep before they go . They , that would reading out of Church exclude , Sure have a purpose to obtrude Some dictates of their own , instead of Gods Revealed will , his word . 't is odds , They do not mean to pay men current coyn , Who seek the standard to purloyn , And would reduce all tryals to their own , Both touch-stones , balances , and weights , alone . What reasonable man would not misdoubt Those comments , that the text leave out ? And that their main intent is alteration , Who doat so much on variation , That no set form at all they can endure To be prescrib'd , or put in ure ? Rejecting bounds and limits is the way , If not all waste , yet common all to lay . But why should he , that thinks himself well grown , Be discontent that such a one , As knows himself an infant yet , should be Dandled upon his mothers knee , And babe-like fed with milk , till he have got More strength and stomach ? Why should not Nurslings in Church , as well as weanlings , find Their food fit for them in their proper kind . Let them that would build castles in the air , Vault thither , without step or stair ; Instead of feet to climb , take wings to flie , And think their turrets top the skie . But let me lay all my foundations deep , And learn before I run , to creep . Who digs through rocks to lay his ground-workslow , May in good time build high , and sure , though slow . To tale degrees per saltum , though of quick Dispatch , is but a truants trick . Let us learn first to know our letters well , Then syllables , then words to spell ; Then to read plainly , e're we take the pen In hand to write to other men . I doubt their preaching is not always true , Whose way to th' Pulpit's not the reading Pue .

The Book of Common-prayer . WHat Pray'r by th' Book ? And Common ? Yes . Why not ? The spirit of grace , And supplication , Is not left free alone For time and place : But manner too . To read , or speak by rote , Is all alike to him , that prays With 's heart , that with his mouth he says . They that in private by themselves alone Do pray , may take What liberty they please , In choosing of the ways , Wherein to make Their souls most intimate affections known To him that sees in secret , when Th' are most conceal'd from other men . But , he that unto others leads the way In publick pray'r , Should choose to do it so , As all , that hear , may know They need not fear To turn their hearts unto his tongue , and say , Amen ; nor doubt they were betray'd To blaspheme , when they should have pray'd . Devotion will add life unto the letter . And why should not That which Authority Prescribes , esteemed be Advantage got ? If th' Pray'r be good the commoner , the better . Pray'r in the Churches words , as well As sense , of all pray'rs bears the bell .

The Bible THe Bible ? That 's the Book . The Book indeed , The Book of Books : On which who looks , As he should do , aright , shall never need Wish for a better light To guide him in the night : Or , when he hungry is , for better food To feed upon , Than this alone , If he bring stomach and digestion good : And if he be amiss , This the best physick is . The true Panchreston 't is for ev'ry sore , And sickness , which The poor and rich , With equal ease may come by . Yea , 't is more , An antidote , as well As remedy 'gainst Hell . 't is Heaven in perspective ; and the bliss Of glory here , If any where , By Saints on Earth anticipated is , Whil'st faith to ev'ry word A being doth afford . It is the looking-glass of souls , wherein All men may see , Whether they be Still , as by nature th' are , deform'd with sin ; Or in a better case , As new adorn'd with grace . 't is the great Magazine of spiritual arms , Wherein doth lye Th' artillery Of Heaven , ready charg'd against all harms , That might come by the blows Of our infernal foes . Gods Cabinet of reveal'd counsel 't is : Where weal and woe Are order'd so , That every man may know which shall be his ; Unless his own mistake False application make It is the Index to Eternity . He cannot miss Of endless bliss , That takes this chart to steer his voyage by . Nor can he be mistook , That speaketh by this book . A Book , to which no Book can be compar'd For excellence ; Preeminence Is proper to it , and cannot be shar'd . Divinity alone Belongs to it , or none . It is the Book of God . What if I should Say , Good of Books ? Let him that looks Angry at that expression , as too bold , His thoughts in silence smother , Till he find such another .

The Pulpit . 't is dinner time : and now I look For a full meal . God send me a good Cook : This is the dresser-board , and here I wait in expectation of good cheer . I 'm sure the master of the house Enough to entertain his guests allows : And not enough of some one sort alone , But choice of what best fitteth ev'ry one . God grant me taste and stomack good : My feeding will diversifie my food ; 't is a good appetite to eat , And good digestion , that makes good meat . The best food in it self will be , Not fed on well , poyson , not food , to me . Let him that speaks look to his words ; my ear Must careful be , both what and how I hear . 't is Manna that I look for here , The bread of Heaven , Angels food . I fear No want of plenty , where I know The loaves by eating more , and greater , grow : Where nothing but forbearance makes A famine : where he only wants , that takes Not what he will : provided that he would Take nothing to himself , but what he should . Here the same fountain poureth forth Water , Wine , Milk , Oyl , Honey , and the worth Of all transcendent , infinite In excellence , and to each appetite In fitness answerable ; so , That none needs hence unsatisfied go , Whose stomach serves him unto any thing , That health , strength , comfort , or content can bring . Yea , dead men here invited are Unto the bread of life , and whilst they spare To come and take it , they must blame Themselves , if they continue still the same . The body 's fed by food , which it Assimilates , and to it self doth fit : But , that the soul may feed , it self must be Transformed to the world , with it agree . To milk the strongest men must be As new born babes , when ever they it see , Desiring , not despising it . For strong meat babes must stay , and strive to fit themselves in time , until they can Get by degrees ( which best beseem a man ) Experience-exercised senses , able Good to discern from evil , truth from fable . Here I will wait then ; till I see The steward reaching out a mess for me , Resolve I'●e take it thankfully , Whate're it be , and feed on 't heartily . Although no Benjamins choise mess , Five times as much as others , but far less ; Yea , if 't be but a basket full of crums , I 'le bless the hand , from which , by which , it comes . Like an invited guest , I will Be bold , but mannerly with all , sit still And see what the master of the feast Will carve unto mee , and account that best , Which he doth choose for me , not I My self desire : Yea , though I should espy Some fault in th' dressing , in the dishing , or The placing , yet I will not it abhor . So that the meat be wholsom , though The sauce shall not be toothsoom , I 'le not go Empty away , and starve my soul , To feed my foolish fancy ; but controul My appetite to dainty things , Which oft instead of strength diseases brings : But , if my pulpit-hopes shall all prove vain , I le back unto the reading Pue again .

The Communion Table . HEre stands my banquet ready , the last course , And best provision , That I must feed upon , Till death my soul and body shall divorse , And that I am Call'd to the marriage-supper of the Lamb . Some call 't the Altar , some the holy Table . The name I stick not at , Whether 't be this , or that , I care not much , so that I may be able Truly to know Both why it is , and may be called so . And for the matter whereof it was made , The matter is not much , Although it be of touch , Or wood , or metal , what will last , or fade ; So vanity , And superstition avoided be . Nor would it trouble me to see it found Of any fashion , That can be thought upon , Square , oval , many-angled , long , or round : If close it be , Fixt , open , movable , all 's one to me . And yet , methinks , at a communion In uniformity There 's greatest decency , And that which maketh most for union : But needlesly To vary , tends to th' breach of charity . Yet , rather than I 'le give , I will not take Offence , if it be given , So that I be not driven To thwart authority , a party make For faction , Or side , but seemingly , in th' action . At a Communion I wish I might Have no cause to suspect Any , the least , defect Of unity and peace , either in sight Apparently , Or in mens hearts concealed secretly . That , which ordained is to make men one , More than before they were , Should not it self appear , Though but appear , distinctly divers . None Too much can see Of what , when most , yet but enough can be . If others will dissent , and vary , who Can help it ? If I may , As hath been done alway , By th' best , and most , I will my self do so ; Of one accord The servants should be of one God one Lord .

Communion Plate . NEver was gold , or silver , graced thus Before . To bring this body , and this blood , to us , Is more Than to crown Kings , Or be made rings , For star-like diamonds to glitter in . No precious stones are meet to match this bread Divine . Spirits of pearls dissolved would but dead This wine . This heav'nly food Is too too good To be compar'd to any earthly thing . For such inestimable treasure can There be Vessels too costly made by any man ? Sure he That knows the meat So good to eat , Would wish to see it richly served in . Although 't is true , that sanctity's not ty'd To state ; Yet sure Religion should not be envy'd The fate Of meaner worth , To be set forth , As best becomes the service of a King . A King , unto whose cross all Kings must vail Their crowns , And at his beck in their full course strike sail : Whose frowns , And smiles gives date Unto their fate , And doom them , either unto weal , or woe . A King , whose will is justice : and whose word Is pow'r , And wisdom both . A King , whom to afford An hour Of service truly Perform'd , and duly , Is to speak eternity of bliss . When such a King offers to come to me , As food , Shall I suppose his carriages can be Too good ? No : Stars to gold Turn'd , never could Be rich enough to be employed so . If I might wish then , I would have this bread , This wine , Vessel'd in what the Sun might blush to shed His shine , When he should see : But , till that be , I 'le rest contented with it , as it is .

Church-Officers . STay . Officers in Church ? Take heed : it is A tender matter to be touch'd . If I chance to say any thing amiss , Which is not fit to be avouch'd , I must expect whole swarms of wasps to sting me , Few , or no bees , honey , or wax , to bring me . Some would have none in Church do any thing , As Officers , but gifted men ; Others into the number more would bring , Then I see warrant for : So then , All that I say , 't is like , will censur'd be , Through prejudice , or partiality . But 't is no matter ; If men censure me , They but my fellow servants are : Our Lord allows us all like liberty . I write , mine own thoughts to declare , Not to please men : and , if I displease any , I will not care , so they be of the Many .

The Sexton . THe Churches key-keeper opens the door , And shuts it , sweeps the floor , Rings bells , digs graves , and fills them up again ; All Emblems unto men , Openly owning Christianity , To mark and learn many good lessons by . O thou that hast the key of David , who Open'st and shuttest so , That none can shut or open after thee , Vouchsafe thy self to be Our souls door-keeper , by thy blessed spirit : The lock and key's thy mercy , not our merit . Cleanse thou our sinsoyld ' souls from th' dirt and dust Of every noysom lust , Brought in by the foul feet of our affections : The beesome of afflictions , With th' blessing of thy spirit added to it , If thou be pleas'd to say it shall , will do it . Lord , ringing changes all our bells hath marr'd , Jangled they have , and jarr'd So long , they 're out of tune , and out of frame , They seem not now the same . Put them in frame a new , and once begin To tune them so , that they may chime all in . Let all our sins be bury'd in the grave , No longer rant and rave , As they have done , to our eternal shame , And the scandal of thy name . Let 's as door-keepers in thine house attend , Rather than th' throne of wickedness ascend .

The Clerk . THe Churches Bible-Clerk attends Her Utensils , and ends Her Prayers with Amen , Tunes Psalms , and to the Sacraments Brings in the Elements , And takes them out again ; Is humble minded , and industrious handed , Doth nothing of himself , but as commanded . All that the vessels of the Lord Do bear with one accord Must study to be pure , As they are : If his holy eye Do any spot espy , He cannot it endure ; But most expecteth to be sanctifi'd In those come nearest him , and glorifi'd . Psalms then are always tuned best , When there is most exprest The holy Penmans heart : All musick is but discord , where That wants , or doth not bear The first and chiefest part . Voices , without affection answerable , When best , to God are most abominable . Though in the blessed Sacraments The outward Elements Are but as husks and shells ; Yet he that knows the kernels worth , If even those send forth Some Aromatick smells , Will not esteem it waste , lest Judas like Through Mary's side he Christ himself should strike . Lord , without whom we cannot tell How to speak or think well , Lend us thy helping hand , That what we do may pleasing be , Not to our selves but thee , And answer thy command : So that not we alone , but thou may'st say Amen to all our pray'rs , pray'd the right way .

The Overseer of the Poor . THe Churches Almoner takes care , that none In their necessity Shall unprovided be Of maint'nance , or employment ; those alone , Whom careless idleness , Or riotous excess , Condemns to needless want , he leaves to be Chasten'd a while by their own poverty . Thou gracious Lord , rich in thy self , dost give To all men lib'rally , Upbraiding none . Thine eye Is open upon all . In thee we live , We more , and have our being : But there is more than seeing For th' poor with thee : they are thy special charge ; To them thou dost thine heart and hand enlarge . Four sorts of poor there are , with whom thou deal'st , Though always differently , With such indifferency , That none hath reason to complain : thou heal'st All those whom thou dost wound : If there be any found Hurt by themselves , thou leav'st them to endure The pain , till th' pain render them fit for cure . Some in the world are poor , but rich in faith : Their outward poverty A plentiful supply Of inward comforts and contentments hath . And their estate is blest , In this above the rest , It was thy choice , whilst thou on earth did'st stay ▪ And hadst not whereupon thy head to lay . Some poor in spirit in the world are rich , Although not many such : And no man needs to grutch Their happiness ; who to maintain that pitch , Have an hard task in hand , Nor eas'ly can withstand The strong temptations that attend on riches : Mountains are more expos'd to storms than ditches . Some rich in th' world are sp'ritually poor , And destitute of grace , Who may perchance have place In the Church upon earth ; but heavens door Too narrow is t' admit Such camels in at it , Till they sell all they have , that field to buy , Wherein the true treasure doth hidden lye . Some sp'ritually poor , and destitute Of grace in th' world are poor Begging from door to door , Accursed both in Gods and mans repute , Till by their miseries Tutor'd they learn to prize Hungring and thirsting after righteousness , Whilst they 're on earth , their greatest happiness . Lord , make me poor in spirit , and relieve Me how thou wilt thy self , No want of worldly pelf Shall make me discontented , fret and grieve . I know thine alms are best : But above all the rest , Condemn me not unto the hell of riches , Without thy grace to countercharm the witches .

The Church-warden . THe Churches guardian takes care to keep Her buildings always in repair , Unwilling that any decay should creep On them , before he is aware . Nothing defac'd , Nothing displac'd He likes ; but most doth long and love to see The living stones order'd as they should be . Lord , thou not only super-visor art Of all our works , but in all those , Which we dare own , thine is the chiefest part : For there is none of us , that knows How to do well : Nor can we tell What we should do , unless by thee directed : It prospers not that's by our selves projected . That which we think our selves to mend , we mar , And often make it ten times worse : Reforming of Religion by war Is th' chymick blessing of a curse . Great odds it is , That we shall miss Of what we looked for : Thine ends cannot By any but by thine own means be got . 't is strange we so much doat upon our own Deformity , and others scorn . As if our selves were beautiful alone : When that which did us most adorn We purposely Choose to lay by , Such decency and order , as did place us In high'st esteem , and guard as well as grace us . Is not thy daughter glorious within , When cloth'd in needle-work without ? Or is 't not rather both their shame and sin , That change her robe into a clout , Too narrow , and Too thin , to stand Her need in any stead , much less to be An ornament fit for her high degree ? Take pity on her , Lord , and heal her breaches : Clothe all her enemies with shame : All the despight that 's done unto her reaches To the dishonour of thy name . Make all her sons Rich precious stones , To shine each of them in his proper place , Receiving of thy fulness grace for grace .

The Deacon . THe Deacon ! That 's the Minister . True , taken gen'rally . And without any sinister Intent , us'd specially , He 's purposely ordain'd to Minister . In Sacred things , t' another officer . At whose appointment , in whose stead , He doth what he should do , In some things , not in all : Is led By law , and custome too . Where that doth neither bid , nor forbid , he Thinks this sufficient authority : Loves not to vary , when he sees No great necessity , To what s commanded he agrees , With all humility ; Knowing how highly God submission prizes , Pleas'd with obedience more than sacrifices . Lord , thou did'st of thy self profess Thou wast as one that serv'd , And freely choosest to go less , Though none so Much deserv'd . With what face can we then refuse to be Enter'd thy servants in a low degree ? Thy way to exaltation Was by humility : But we , proud generation , No diff'rence of degree In holy orders will allow ; nay more , All holy orders would turn out of door . But if thy precept cannot do 't , To make us humbly serve , Nor thy example added to 't , If still from both we swerve ; Let none of us proceed , till he can tell , How t' use the office of a Deacon well . Which by the blessing of thy spirit , Whom thou hast left to be Thy Vicar here , we may inherit , And minister to thee , Though not so well as thou may'st well expect , Yet so , as thou wilt pleased be t' accept .

The Priest . THe Priest I say , the Presbyter I mean , As now adays he 's call'd , By many men : But I choose to retain The name wherewith install'd He was at first in our own mother tongue : And doing so , I hope , I do no wrong . The Priest , I say , 's a middle Officer , Between the Bishop and The Deacon , as a middle Officer , Which in the Church doth stand Between God and the people , ready prest In the behalf of both to do his best . From him to them offers the promises Of mercy which he makes ; For them to him doth all their faults confess , Their pray'rs and praises takes , And offers for them at the throne of grace , Contentedly attending his own place . The word and Sacramants , the means of grace , He duly doth dispence , The flourishes of fal shood to deface , With truths clear evidence ; And sins usurped tyranny suppress , B' advancing righteousness , and holiness . The publick censures of the Church he sees To execution brought : But nothing rashly of himself decrees , Nor covers to be thought Wiser than his superiours ; whom always He actively , or passively obeys . Lord Jesus , thou the mediatour art Of the new Testament , And fully did'st perform thy double part Of God and man , when sent . To reconcile the world , and to attone 'Twixt it and heaven , of two making one . Yea , after the order of Melchisedeck , Thou art a Priest for ever . With perfect rightcousness thy self do'st deck , Such as decayeth never . Like to thy self make all thy Priests on earth , Bless'd fathers to thy sons of th' second birth . Thou cam'st to do the will of him that sent thee , And didst his honour seek , More than thine own : Well may it then repent thee , Being thy self so meek , To have admitted them into the place Of sons , that seek their fathers to disgrace . Lord , grant that the abuse may be reform'd , Before it ruin bring Upon thy poor despised Church , transform'd As if 't were no such thing : Thou that the God of order art , and peace , Make curs'd confusion and contention cease .

The Bishop . THe Bishop ? Yes , why not ? What doth that name Import that is unlawful , or unfit ? To say the Overseer is the same In substance , and no hurt , I hope , to it : But sure if men did not despise the thing , such scorn upon the name they would not fling . Some Priests , some Presbyters , I mean , would be Each Overseer of his sev'ral cure , But one Superiour , to oversee Them altogether , they will not endure ; This the main diff'rence is , that I can see , Bishops they would not have , but they would be . But who can shew of old that ever any Presbyteries without their Bishops were : Though Though Bishops without Presbyteries many , At first must needs be , almost every where ? That Presbyters from Bishops first arose , T' assist them , 's probable , not these from those . However , a true Bishop I esteem The highest Officer the Church on earth Can have , as proper to itself , and deem A Church without one an imperfect birth . If constituted so at first , and maimed , If whom it had , it afterwards disclaimed . All order first from unity ariseth , And th' essence of it is subordination : Who ever this contemns , and that despiseth , May talk of , but intends not , reformation . 't is not of God , of Nature , or of Art , T' ascribe to all what 's proper to one part . To rule and to be ruled are distinct , And sev'ral duties , sev'rally belong To sev'ral persons , can no more be link't In altogether , than amidst the throng Of rude unruly passions , in the heart , Reason can see to act her sovereign part . But a good Bishop , as a tender father , Doth teach and rule the Church , and is obey'd . And rev'renc'd by it , so much the rather , By how much he delighted more to lead All by his own example in the way , Than punish any when they go astray . Lord , thou the Bishop , and chief Shepherd art Of all that flock , which thou hast purchased With thine own blood : to them thou dost impart The benefits which thou hast merited , Teaching and ruling by thy blessed Spirit , Their souls in grace till glory they inherit : The stars which thou dost hold in thy right hand , The Angels of the Churches , Lord , direct Clearly thy holy Will to understand , And do accordingly : Let no defect Nor fault , no not in our New Politicks , Provoke thee to remove our candlesticks ; But let thy Urim and thy Thummim be Garments of praise t' adorn thine holy ones : Light and perfection let all men see Brightly shine forth in those rich precious stones , Of whome thou wilt make a foundation , To raise thy new Hierusalem upon . And at the brightness of its rising let All nations with thy people shout for joy : Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks set About it , that nothing may it annoy . Then the whole world thy Diocess shall be , And Bishops all but Suffragans to Thee .

Church Festivals . MArrow of time , Eternity in brief Compendiums Epitomiz'd , the chief Contents , the Indices , the Title-pages Of all past , present , and succeeding ages , Sublimate graces , antidated glories , The cream of holiness , The inventories Of future blessedness , The Florilegia of celestial stories , Spirits of joys , the relishes and closes Of Angels musick , pearls dissolved , roses Persumed , sugar'd honey-combs , delights Never too highly priz'd , The marriage rites , Which duly solemniz'd Usher espoused souls to bridal nights , Gilded Sun beams , refined Elixars , And quintessential extracts of stars : Who loves not you , doth but in vain profess That he loves God , or Heaven , or happiness .

The Sabbath , Or Lords day : HAil Holy King of days , The Emperour , Or Universal Monarch of time , the weeks Perpetual dictatour . Thy Beauty Far exceeds The reach of art , To blazon fully , And I thy light eclipse , When I most strive to raise thee . What Nothing Else can be , Thou only art Th' extracted spirit Of all Eternity , By favour antedated . Vail Wholly To thy praise For evermore Must the rehearsal Of all , that honour seeks , Under the worlds Creator . My Duty Yet must needs Yield thee mine heart , And that not dully : Spirits of souls , not lips Alone , are fit to praise thee . That Slow things Time by thee Hath got the start , And doth inherit That immortality Which sin anticipated . O That I Could lay by This body so , That my soul might be Incorporate with thee , And no more to six days owe .

The Annunciation , or Lady-day . UNto the musick of the spheres Let men , and Angels , joyn in consort theirs . So great a messenger From heaven to earth Is seldom seen , Attir'd in so much glory , A message welcomer , Fraught with more mirth , Hath never been Subject of any story : This by a double right , if any , may Be truly stil'd the worlds birth-day . The making of the world ne're cost So dear , by much , as to redeem it lost . God said but , Let it be , And ev'ry thing Was made straight way , So as he saw it good : But e're that he could see A course to bring Man gone astray To the place where he stood ; His wisdom with his mercy for mans sake , Against his justice part did take . And the result was this days news , Able the messenger himself t' amuse , As well as her , to whom By him 't was told , That though she were A Virgin pure , and knew No man , yet in her womb A son she should Conceive and bear , As sure as God was true . Such high place in his favour she possessed , Being among all women blessed . But blest especially in this , That she believ'd , and for eternal bliss Rely'd on him , whom she Her self should bear , And her own son Took for her Saviour . And if there any be , That when they hear , As she had done Sure their behaviour , They may be blessed , as she was , and say , 't is their annunciation-day .

The Nativity , or Christmas-day . UNfold thy face , unmask thy ray , Shine forth bright sun , double the day . Let no malignant misty sume , Nor foggy vapour , once presume To interpose thy perfect sight This day , which makes us love thy light For ever better , that we could That blessed object once behold , Which is both the circumference , And centre of all excellence : Or rather neither , but a treasure Unconfined without measure , Whose centre and circumference , Including all preheminence , Excluding nothing but defect , And infinite in each aspect , Is equally both here and there , And now , and then , and ev'ry where And always , one , himself , the same A being far above a name . Draw nearer then , and freely pour Forth all thy light into that hour , Which was crowned with his birth , And made Heaven envy earth . Let not this birth-day clouded be , By whom thou shinest , and we see .

The Circumcision , or New-years day . SOrrow betide my sins ! Must smart so soon Seize on my Saviours tender flesh scarce grown Unto an eight days age ? Can nothing else asswage The wrath of heaven , but his infant-blood ? Innocent Infant , infinitely good ! Is this thy welcome to the world , great God! No sooner born , but subject to the rod Of sin-incensed wrath ? Alas , what pleasure hath Thy Fathers justice to begin thy passion , Almost together with thine Incarnation ? Is it to antedate thy death ? T' indite Thy condemnation himself , and write The copy with thy blood , Since nothing is so good ? Or , is 't by this experiment to try , Whether thou beest born mortal , and canst dye ? If man must needs draw blood of God , yet why Stays he not till thy time be come to dye ? Didst thou thus early bleed For us to shew what need We have to hasten unto thee as fast ; And learn that all the time is lost that 's past ? 't is true , we should do so ; Yet in this blood There 's something else , that must be understood : It seals thy covenant , That so we may not want Witness enough against thee , that thou art Made subject to the law , to act our part . The Sacrament of thy regeneration It cannot be ; It gives no imitation Of what thou wert , but we : Native impurity , Original corruption , was not thine , But only as thy righteousness is mine . In holy Baptism this is brought to me , As that in Circumcision was to thee : So that thy loss and pain Do prove my joy and gain . Thy circumcision writ thy death in blood : Baptism in water seals my livelihood . O blessed change ! Yet , rightly understood , That blood was water , and this water's blood . What shall I give again , To recompence thy pain ? Lord take revenge upon me for this smart : To quit thy fore-skin , circumcise my heart .

The Epiphany , or Twelfth-day . GReat , without controversie great , They that do know it will confess The mystery of godliness , Whereof the Gospel doth intreat . God in the flesh is manifest , And that which hath for ever been Invisible , may now be seen , Th' eternal deity new drest . Angels to shepherds brought the news : And wise men guided by a Star , To seek the sun are come from far : Gentiles have got the start of Jews . The stable and the manger hide His glory from his own : but these , Though strangers , his resplendent rays Of Majesty divine have spy'd . Gold , frankincense , and myrrh , they give ; And worshipping him plainly show , That unto him they all things owe , By whose free gift it is they live . Though clouded in a vail of flesh , The sun of righteousness appears , Melting cold cares and frosty fears , And making joys spring up afresh . O that his light and influence , Would work effectually in me Another new Epiphanie , Exhale and elevate me hence : That , as my calling doth require , Star-like I may to others shine : And guide them to that sun divine : Whose day-light never shall expire .

The Passion , or Good-Friday . THis day my Saviour dy'd : and do I live ? What hath not sorrow slain me yet ? Did the Immortal God vouchsafe to give His life for mine , and do I set More by my wretched life , than he by his , So full of glory , and of bliss ? Did his free mercy , and meer love to me , Make him forsake his glorious throne , And mount a cross , the stage of infamie , That so he might not die alone , But dying suffer more through grief and shame , Than mortal men have pow'r to name ? And can ingratitude so far prevail , To keep me living still ? Alas ! Methinks some thorn out of his crown , some nail , At least his spear , might pierce , and pass Thorow , and thorow , till it reviv'd mine heart ; As the right death-deserving part . And doth he not expect in should be so ? Would he lay down a price so great , And not look that his purchases should grow Accordingly ? Shall I defeat His just desire ? O no , it cannot be : His death must needs be death to me . My life 's not mine , but his : for he did dye That I might live : yet died so , That being dead he was alive ; and I Thorow the gates of death must go To live with him : yea , to live by him here Is a part in his death to bear . Dye then , dull soul , and if thou canst not dye , Dissolve thy self into a sea Of living tears , whose streams may ne're go dry . Nor turned be another way , Till they have drown'd all joys , but those alone , Which sorrow claimeth for its own . For sorrow hath its joys : and I am glad That I would grieve , if I do not : But if I neither could , nor would , be sad , And sorrowful , this day , my lot Would be to grieve for ever , with a grief Uncapable of all relief . No grief was like that , which he griev'd for me , A greater grief than can be told : And like my grief for him no grief should be , If I could grieve so , as I would : But what I would , and cannot , he doth see , And will accept , that dy'd for me . Lord , as thy grief and death for me are mine , For thou hast given them unto me : So my desires to grieve and dye are thine , For they are wrought only by thee . Not for my sake then , but thine own , be pleas'd With that , which thou thy self hast rais'd .

The Resurrection , or Easter-day . UP , and away , Thy Saviours gone before . Why dost thou stay , Dull soul ? Behold the door Is open , and his precept bids thee rise , Whose pow'r hath vanquish't all thine enemies . Say not , I live , Whil'st in the grave thou ly'st : He that doth give Thee life , would have the prize't More highly than to keep it bury'd , where Thou canst not make the fruits of it appear . Is rottenness , And dust so pleasant to thee , That happiness , And heaven , cannot woo thee , To shake thy shackles off , and leave behind thee Those fetters , which to death and hell do bind thee ? In vain thou say'st , Th' art bury'd with thy Saviour , If thou delay'st , To shew , by thy behaviour , That thou art risen with him ; Till thou shine Like him , how canst thou say his light is thine ? Early he rose , And with him brought the day , Which all thy foes Frighted out of the way : And wilt thousluggard-like turn in thy bed , Till noon-sun-beams draw up thy drowsie head ? Open thine eyes , Sin-seized soul , and see What cobweb-tyes They are , that tramel thee ; Not profits , pleasures , honours , as thou thinkest ; But loss , pain , shame , at which thou vainly winkest . All that is good Thy Saviour dearly bought With his hearts blood ; And it must there be sought , Where he keeps residence , who rose this day : Linger no longer then ; up , and away .

The Ascension , or Holy Thursday . MOunt , mount , my soul , and climb , or rather flye With all thy force on high , Thy Saviour rose not only , but ascended : And he must be attended Both in his conquest and his triumph too . His glories strongly woo His graces to them , and will not appear In their full lustre , untill both be there . Where he now sits , not for himself alone , But that upon his throne All his redeemed may attendants be , Robed , and crown'd as he . Kings without Courtiers are ' lone men , they say ; And dost thou think to stay Behind on earth , whilst thy King reigns in heaven , Yet not be of thy happiness bereaven ? Nothing that thou canst think worth having's here . Nothing is wanting there , That thou canst wish , to make thee truly blest . And above all the rest , Thy life is hid with God in Jesus Christ , Higher than what is high'st . O grovel then no longer here on earth , Where mis'ry ev'ry moment drowns thy mirth . But towr , my soul , and soar above the skies , Where thy true treasure lies . Though with corruption , and mortality Thou clogg'd and pinion'd be ; Yet thy flight thoughts , and sprightly wishes , may Speedily glide away . To what thou canst not reach , at least aspire , Ascend , if not in deed , yet in desire .

Whitsunday . NAy startle not to hear the rushing wind , Wherewith this place is shaken : Attend a while , and thou shalt quickly find How much thou art mistaken , If thou think here Is any cause to fear . See'st thou not how on those twelve rev'rend heads Sit cloven tongues of fire ? And as the rumour of that wonder spreads , The multitude admire To see it : and Yet more amazed stand To hear at once so great variety Of language from them come , Of whom they dare be bold to say they be Bred no where but at home , And never were In place such words to hear . Mock not , prophane despisers of the spirit , At what 's to you unknown : This earnest he hath sent , who must inherit All nations as his own : That they may know How much to him they owe . Now that he is ascended up on high To his celestial throne , And hath led captive all captivity , He 'll not receive alone , But likewise give Gifts unto all that live ; To all that live by him , that they may be , In his due time , each one , Partakers with him in his victory , Nor he triumph alone , But take all his Unto him where he is . To fit them for which blessed state of glory , This is his agent here : To publish to the World that happy story , Always , and every where , This resident Embassadour is sent . Heavens legier upon earth to counter-work The mines that Satan made , And bring to light those enemies , that lurk Under sins gloomy shade : That hell may not Still boast what it hath got . Thus Babels curse , confusion , is retriev'd , Diversity of tongues By this division of the sp'rit reliev'd : And to prevent all wrongs , One faith unites People of diff'rent rites . O let his entertainment then be such , As doth him best befit : What ever he requireth think not much Freely to yield him it : For who doth this , Reaps the first-fruits of bliss .

Trinity Sunday . GRace , Wit , and Art assist me : for I see The subject of this days solemnity So far excells in worth , That sooner may I drain the sea , Or drive the day With light away , Than fully set it forth , Except you joyn all three to take my part , And chiefly Grace fill both my head and heart . Stay busie soul , presume not to enquire Too much of what Angels can but admire , And never comprehend : The Trinity In Unity , And Unity In Trinity , All reason doth transcend . God Father , Son God , and God Holy Ghost , Who most admireth , magnifieth most ▪ And who most magnifies best understands , And best expresseth what the heads , and hands , And hearts , of all men living , When most they try To glorifie , And raise on high , Fall short , and lye Groveling below : Mans giving Is but restoring by retail with loss , What from his God he first receiv'd in gross . Faith must perform the office of invention , And Elocution struck with apprehension . Of wonder , silence keep . Not tongues , but eyes Lift to the skies In reverend wise , Best solemnize This day , whereof the deep Mysterious subject lies out of the teach Of Wit to learn , much more of Art to teach . Then write non ultra here ; Look not for leave To speak of what thou never canst conceive Worthily , as thou shouldest : And it shall be Enough for thee , If none but he Himself doth see , Though thou canst not , thou wouldest Make his praise glorious , who is alone Thrice blessed one in three , and three in one .

Invitation . TUrn in , my Lord , turn in to me ; Mine heart 's an homely place ; But thou canst make corruption flee , And fill it with thy grace . So furnished it will be brave , And a rich dwelling thou shalt have . It was thy lodging once before , It builded was by thee : But I to sin set ope the door , It render'd was by me . And so thy building was defac'd , And in thy room another plac'd . But he usurps , the right is thine : O dispossess him Lord ! Do thou but say , this heart is mine , He 's gone at the first word . Thy word 's thy will , thy will 's thy power , Thy time is always ; now 's mine hour : Now say to sin , depart : And , son give me thine heart . Thou , that by saying , Let it be , didst make it , Canst , if thou wilt , by saying , Give 't me , take it .

Comfort in Extremity . ALas ! my Lord is gone , Oh my woe ! It will be mine undoing ; If he go , I 'le run and overtake him : If he stay , I 'le cry aloud , and make him Look this way . O stay , my Lord , my Love , 't is I ; Comfort me quickly , or I dye . Cheer up thy drooping spirits , I am here . Mine all-sufficient merits Shall appear Before the throne of glory In thy stead : I 'le put into thy story Lift up thine eyes , sad soul , and see Thy Saviour here . Lo , I am he . Alas ! shall I present My sinfulness . To thee ? thou wilt resent The lothsomness Be not afraid , I 'le take Thy sins on me , And all my favour make To shine on thee . Lord , what thou 'lt have me , thou must make me . As I have made thee , now I take thee .

Resolutions and Assurance . LOrd , thou wilt love me . Wilt thou not ? Beshrew that not : It was my sin begot That Question first : Yes , Lord , thou wilt : Thy blood was spilt To wash away my guilt , Lord , I will love thee . Shall I not ? Beshrew that not . 't was deaths accursed plot To put that question : Yes , I will Lord love thee still , In spight of all my ill . Then life , and love continue still We shall , and will , My Lord and I , untill , In his celestial hill , We love our fill , When he hath purged all mime ill .

Vows broken and renewed . SAid I not so , that I would sin no more ? Witness my God , I did ; Yet I am run again upon the score : My faults cannot be hid . What shall I do ? Make vows , and break them still ? 't will be but labour lost ; My good cannot prevail against mine ill : The bus'ness will be crost . O , say not so ! thou can'st not tell what strength Thy God may give thee at the length : Renew thy vows , and if thou keep the last , Thy God will pardon all that 's past . Vow , whilst thou canst : while thou canst vow , thou may'st Perhaps perform it , when thou thinkest least . Thy God hath not deny'd thee all , Whilst he permits thee but to call : Call to thy God for grace to keep Thy Vows , and if thou break them weep . Weep for thy broken vows , and vow again : Vows made with tears cannot be still in vain . Then once again I vow to mend my ways , Lord , say , Amen , And thine be all the praise .

Confusion . O! How my mind Is gravell'd ! Not a thought , That I can find , But 's ravell'd All to nought . Short ends of threds , And narrow shreds Of lists , Knots snarled ruffs , Loose broken tufts Of twists , Are my torn meditations ragged clothing , Which wound , and woven shape a sute for nothing ▪ One while I think , and then I am in pain To think how to unthink that thought again . How can my soul But famish With this food ? Pleasures full bowl Tasts ramish , Taints the blood . Profit picks bones , And chews on stones That choak : Honour climbs hills , Fats not , but fills With smoak . And whilst my thoughts are greedy upon these , They pass by pearls , and stoop to pick up pease . Such wash and draff is fit for none but swine : And such I am not , Lord , if I am thine . Clothe me anew , and feed me then afresh : Else my soul dies famish'd , and starv'd with flesh .

A Paradox . The worse the better . WElcome mine health : this sickness makes me well . Medicines adieu : When with diseases I have list to dwell , I 'le wish for you . Welcome my strength : this weakness makes me able . Powers adieu : When I am weary grown of standing stable , I 'le wish for you . Welcome my wealth : this loss hath gain'd me more . Riches adieu : When I again grow greedy to be poor , I 'le wish for you . Welcome my credit : this disgrace is glory . Honours adieu : When for renown , and fame I shall be sorry , I 'le wish for you . Welcome content : this sorrow is my joy . Pleasures adieu : When I desire such griefs as may annoy , I le wish for you . Health , strength , and riches , credit , and content , Are spared best , sometimes when they are spent : Sickness and weakness , loss , disgrace , and sorrow , Lend most sometimes , when they most seem to borrow Blest be the hand , that helps by hurting , gives By taking , by forsaking me relieves . If in my fall my rising be thy will , Lord , I will say , The worse the better still . I 'le speak the Paradox , maintain thou it , And let thy grace supply my want of wit . Leave me no learning that a man may see , So I may be a Scholar unto thee .

Inmates . AN house I had ( an heart I mean ) so wide And full of spacious rooms on every side , That viewing it I thought I might do well , Rather than keep it void , and make no gain , Of what I could not use , to entertain Such guests as came : I did ; but what befel Me quickly in that course , I sigh to tell . A guest I had ( alas ! I have her still ) A great big-belly'd guest , enough to fill The vast content of hell , Corruption . By entertaining her I lost my right To more than all the world hath now in sight . Each day , each hour almost , she brought forth one Or other base-begot transgression . The charge grew great . I , that had lost before All that I had , was forced now to score For all the charges of their maintenance In dooms-day book : Whoever knew 't would say , The least sum there was more than I could pay , When first 't was due , besides continuance , Which could not chuse but much the debt enhance . To ease me first I wish'd her to remove : But she would not . I su'd her then above , And begg'd the court of heaven , but in vain , To cast her out . No , I could not evade The bargain , which she pleaded I had made , That , whilst both lived , I should entertain , At mine own charge , both her and all her train . No help then , but or I must dye , or she ; And yet my death of no avail would be : For one death I had dy'd already then , When first she liv'd in me : and now to dye An●ther death again were but to tye And twist them both into a third , which when It once hath seiz'd on , never looseth men . Her death might be my life ; but her to kill I , of my self , had neither power nor will . So desp'rate was my case . Whilst I delay'd , My guest still teem'd , my debts still greater grew ; The less I had to pay , the more was due . The more I knew , the more I was afraid : The more I mus'd , the more I was dismaid . At last I learn'd , there was no way but one : A friend must do it for me . He alone , That is the Lord of Life , by dying can Save men from death , and kill corruption : And many years ago the deed was done , His heart was piere'd ; out of his side there ran Sins corrosives , restoratives for man . This precious balm I begg'd , for pities sake , At mercies gate : where Faith alone may take , What Grace and Truth do offer lib'rally . Bounty said , Come , I heard it , and believed ; None ever there complain'd , but was relieved . Hope waiting upon faith said instantly , That thenceforth I should live , Corruption dye . And so she dy'd , I live . But yet , alas ! We are not parted : She is where she was , Cleaves fast unto me still , looks through mine eyes , Speaks in my tongue , and museth in my mind , Works with mine hands : her body 's left behind , Although her soul be gone . My miseries All flow from hence : from hence my woes arise . I loath my self , because I leave her not : Yet cannot leave her . No , she is my lot , Now being dead , that living was my choice : And still , though dead , she both conceives and bears Many faults daily , and as many fears : All which for vengeance call with a loud voice , And drown my comforts with a deadly noise . Dead bodies kept unbury'd quickly stink , And putrefie : How can I then but think Corruption noysom , even mortifi'd ? Though such she were before , yet such to me She seemed not . Kind fools can never see , Or will not credit , untill they have try'd , That friendly looks oft false intents do hide . But mortifi'd Corruption lies unmaskt , Blabs her own secret , filthiness unaskt , To all that understand her . That do none , In whom she lives embraced with delight : She first of all deprives them of their sight : Then doat they on her , as upon their own , And she to them seems beautiful alone . But wo is me ! One part of me is dead : The other lives . Yet that which lives is led , Or rather carry'd captive unto sin , By the dead part . I am a living grave , And a dead body I within me have . The worse part of the better oft doth win : And when I should have ended , I begin . The sent would choak me , were it not that grace Sometimes vouchsafeth to perfume the place With odours of the Spirit , which do ease me , And counterpoise Corruption . Blessed Spirit , Although eternal torments be my merit , And of my self Transgressions only please me , Add grace enough being reviv'd , to raise me . Challenge thine own . Let not intruders hold Against thy right , what to my wrong I sold . Having no state my self , but tenancy , And tenancy at will , what could I grant That is not voided , if thou say , avant ! O speak the word , and make these inmates flee : Or , which is one , take me to dwell with thee .

The Curb . PEace , rebel thought : dost thou not know thy King , My God , is here ? Cannot his presence , if no other thing , Make thee forbear ? Or were he absent , all the standers by Are but his spies : And well he knows , if thou should'st it deny , Thy words were lies . If others will not , yet I must , and will , My self complain . My God , ev'n now a base rebellious thought Began to move , And subt'ly twining with me would have wrought Me from thy love : Fain he would have me to believe , that sin , And thou might both Take up my heart together for your Inn , And neither lothe The others company : a while sit still , And part again . Tell me , my God , how this may be redrest . The fault is great , And I the guilty party have confest , I must be beat . And I refuse not punishment for this , Though to my pain : So I may learn to do no more amiss , Nor sin again : Correct me , if thou wilt ; but teach me then What I shall do . Lord of my life , methinks I heard thee say , That labour 's eas'd : The fault , that is confest , is done away , And thou art pleas'd . How can I sin again , and wrong thee then , That do'st relent , And cease thine anger straight , as soon as men Do but repent ? No , rebel thought ; for if thou move again , I 'le tell that too .

The Loss . THe match is made Between my Love and me : And therefore glad , And merry now I 'le be . Come glory , crown My head , And pleasures drown My bed Of thorns in down . Sorrow , be gone ; Delight , And joy alone Befit My honey Moon . Be packing now , You cumb'rous cares , and fears : Mirth will allow Now room to sighs and tears . Whilst thus I lay , As ravisht with delight , I heard one say , So fools their friends requite . I knew the voice My Lords , And at the noise His words Did make , arose . I look'd , and spy'd , Each where , And loudly cry'd , My dear , But none reply'd : Then to my grief I found my love was gone , Without relief , Leaving me all alone .

The Search . WHither , Oh! whither is my Lord departed ? What can my love , that is so tender-hearted , Forsake the soul , which once he thorow darted , As if it never smarted ? No , sure my love is here , if I could find him : He that fils all can leave no place behind him . But oh ! my senses are too weak to wind him : Or else I do not mind him . O no , I mind him not so as I ought ; Nor seek him so as I by him was sought , When I had lost my self : he dearly bought Me , that was sold for nought . But I have wounded him , that made me sound ▪ Lost him again , by whom I first was found : Him , that exalted me , have cast to th' ground ; my sins his blood have drown'd . Tell me , oh ! tell me , ( thou alone canst tell ) Lord of my life , where thou art gone to dwell : For in thy absenceh eav'n if self is hell : Without thee none is well . Or , if thou beest not gone , but only hidest Thy presence in the place where thou abidest , Teach me the sacred art , which thou providest For all them whom thou guidest , To seek and find thee by . Else here I le lye , Until thou find me . If thou let me dye , That only unto thee for life to cry , Thou dy'st as well as I. For , if thou live in me , and I in thee , Then either both alive , or dead must be : At least I 'le lay my death on thee , and see If thou wilt not agree . For , though thou be the Judge thy self , I have Thy promise for it , which thou canst not wave , That who salvation at thine hands do crave , Thou wilt not fall to save . Oh! seek , and find me then ; or else deny Thy truth , thy self . O! thou canst not lye , Shew thy self constant to thy word , draw nigh . Find me . Lo , here I lye .

The Return . LO , now my love appears ; My tears Have clear'd mine eyes : I see 't is he . Thanks , blessed Lord , thine absence was my hell ; And , now thou art returned , I am well . By this I see I must Not trust My joys unto my self : This shelf Of too secure , and too presumptuous pleasure Had almost sunk my ship , and drown'd my treasure . Who would have thought a joy So coy To be offended so , And go So suddenly away ? As if enjoying Full pleasure and contentment , were anoying , Hereafter I had need Take heed . Joys , amongst other things , Have wings , And watch their opportunities of flight , Converting in a moment day to night . But , is 't enough for me To be Instructed to be wise ? I 'le rise , And read a lecture unto them that are Willing to learn , how comfort dwels with care . He that his joys wou'd keep , Must weep ; And in the brine of tears , And fears , Must pickle them . That powder will preserve : Faith with repentance is the souls conserve . Learn to make much of care : A rare And precious balsam 't is For bliss ; Which oft resides , where mirth with sorrow meets : Heavenly joys on earth are bitter-sweets .

Inundations . WE talk of Noahs flood , as of a wonder ; And well we may ; The Scriptures say , The water did prevail , the hills were under , And nothing could be seen but sea . And yet there are two other floods surpass That flood as far , As heav'n one star , Which many men regard as little , as The ordinary'st things that are . The one is sin , the other is salvation : And we must need Confess indeed , That either is an inundation , Which doth the deluge far exceed . In Noahs flood he and his houshold liv'd : And there abode A whole Ark-load . Of other creatures , that were then repriev'd : All safely on the waters rode . But , when sin came , it overflowed all , And left none free : Nay even he , That knew no sin , could not release my thrall , But that he was made sin for me ; And , when salvation came , my Saviours blood Drown'd sin again , With all its train Of evils , overflowing them with good , With good that ever shall remain . O , let there be one other inundation , Let grace o'reflow In my soul so , That thankfulness may level with salvation , And sorrow sin may over-grow . Then will I praise my Lord and Saviour so , That Angels shall Admire mans fall , When they shall see Gods greatest glory grow , Where Satan thought too root out all .

Sin . SIn , I would fain define thee : but thou art And uncouth thing : All that I bring To shew thee fully , shews thee but in part . I call thee the transgression of the Law , And yet I read , That sin is dead Without the Law ; and thence it strength doth draw . I say thou art the sling of death . 't is true : And yet I find Death comes behind : The work is done before the pay be due . I say thou art the devils work ; Yet he Should much rather Call thee Father : For he had been no devil but for thee . What shall I call thee then ? If death and devil , Right understood , Be names too good , I 'le say thou art the quintessence of evil .

Travels at home . OFt have I wish'd a traveller to be : Mine eyes did even itch the sights to see , That I had heard and read of . Oft I have Been greedy of occasion , as the grave , That never says enough ; yet still was crost , When opportunities had promis'd most . At last I said , what mean'st thou , wandring elf , To straggle thus ? Go travel first thy self . Thy little world can shew thee wonders great : The greater may have more , but not more neat And curious pieces . Search , and thou shalt find Enough to talk of . If thou wilt , thy mind Europe supplies , and Asia thy will , And Africk thy affections . And if still Thou list to travel further , put thy senses For both the Indies . Make no more pretences , Of new discoveries , whilst yet thine own , And nearest , little world is still unknown . Away then with thy quadrants , compasses , Globes , tables , cards , and maps , and minute glasses . Lay by thy journals , and thy diaries , Close up thine anuals , and thine histories . Study thy self , and read what thou hast writ In thine own book , thy conscience . Is it fit To labour after other knowledge so , And thine own nearest , dearest , self not know ? Travels abroad both dear and dang'rous are , Whilst oft the soul pays for the bodies fare : Travels at home are cheap , and safe . Salvation , Comes mounted on the wings of meditation . He that doth live at home , and learns to know God and himself , needeth no further go .

The Journey . LIfe is a journey . From our mothers wombs , As houses , we set out : and in our tombs , As Inns , we rest , till it be time to rise . 'Twixt rocks and gulfs our narrow foot-path lies : Haughty presumption and hell-deep despair Make our way dangerous , though seeming fair . The world with its inticements sleek any sly , Slabbers our steps , and makes them slippery . The flesh , with its corruptions , cloggs our feet , And burdens us with loads of lusts unmeet . The devil , where we tread , doth spread his snares , And with temptations takes us unawares . Our footsteps are our thoughts , our words , our works . These carry us along ; in these there lurks Envy , lust , avarice , ambition , The crooked turnings to perdition . One while we creep amongst the thorny brakes Of worldly profits ; and the devil takes Delight to see us pierce our selves with sorrow To day , by thinking what might be to morrow . Another while we wade , and wallow in Puddles of Pleasure ; and we never lin Dawbing our selves with dirty damn'd delights , Till self-begotten pain our pleasure frights . Sometimes we scramble to get up the banks Of icy honour ; and we break our ranks To step before our fellows ; though , they say , He soonest tireth , that still leads the way . Sometimes , when others justle and provoke us , We stir that dust our selves , that serves to choak us ; And raise those tempests of contention , which Blow us beside the way into the ditch . Our minds should be our guides : but they are blind , Our wills out-run our wits , or lag behind . Our furious passions , like unbridled jades , Hurry us headlong to th' infernal shades . If God be not our guide , our guard , our friend , Eternal death will be our journeys end .

Engines . MEn often find , when nature 's at a stand , And hath in vain try'd all her utmost strength , That Art , her Ape , can reach her out an hand , To pierce her powers with to a full length . And may not grace have means enough in store , Wherewith to do as much as that , and more ? She may : She hath engines of ev'ry kind , To work what Art and Nature , when they view , Stupendious miracles of wonder find , And yet must need sacknowledge to be true ; So far transcending all their pow'r and might , That they stand ev'n amazed at the sight . Take but three instances ; faith , hope , and love . Souls help'd by the perspective glass of faith Are able to perceive what is above The reach of reason : yea the Scripture saith , Ev'n him that is invisible behold , And future things , as if they 'd been of old . Faith looks into the secret Cabinet Of Gods eternal Counsels , and doth see Such mysteries of glory there , as set Believing hearts on longing , till they be Transform'd to the same image , and appear So altered , as if themselves were there . Faith can raise earth to heaven , or draw down Heaven to earth , make both extreams to meet Felicity and misery , can crown Reproach with honour , season sowre with sweet . Nothing 's impossible to faith : a man May do all things that he believes he can . Hope founded upon faith can raise the heart Above it self in expectation Of what the soul desireth for its part : Then , when its time of transmigration Is delay'd longest , yet as patiently To wait , as if 't were answer'd by and by . When grief unwieldy grows , hope can abate The bulk to what proportion it will : So that a large circumference of late A little centre shall not reach to fill . Nor that , which gyant-like before did strout , Be able with a pigmey's pace t' hold out . Hope can disperse the thickest clouds of night , That fear hath overspread the soul withal , And make the darkest shadows shine as bright , As the Sun-beams spread on a silver wall . Sin-shaken souls Hope anchor-like holds steady , When storm , and tempests make them more than giddy . Love led by faith , and fed with hope , is able To travel through the worlds wide wilderness ; And burdens seeming most intolerable Both to take up , and bear with chearfulness . To do , or suffer , what appears in sight Extreamly heavy , love will make most light . Yea , what by men is done , or suffered , Either for God , or else for one another , Though in it self it be much blemished With many imperfections , which smother , And drown the worth , and weight of it ; yet , fall What will , or can , love makes amends for all . Love doth unite , and knit , both make , and keep Things one together , which were otherwise , Or would be both divers , and distant . Deep , High , long and broad , or whatsoever size Eternity is of , or happiness , Love comprehends it all , be 't more , or less . Give me this threefold cord of graces then , Faith hope and love , let them possess mine heart , And gladly I 'le resign to other men All I can claim by nature , or by art . To mount a soul , and make it still stand stable , These are alone Engines incomparable . FINIS .

To my Reverend Friend , The Author of the SYNAGOGUE . SIR , I Lov'd you for your Synagogue , before I knew your person ; but now love you more ; Because I find It is so true a picture of your mind : Which tunes your sacred lyre To that eternal quire , Where holy Herbert sits ( O shame to prophane wits ! ) And sings his and your Anthems , to the praise Of him that is the first and last of days . These holy Hymns had an Ethereal birth : For they can raise sad souls above the earth , And fix them there Free from the worlds anxieties and fear . Herbert and you have pow'r To do this : ev'ry hour I read you kills a sin , Or lets a virtue in To fight against it ; and the Holy Ghost Supports my frailties , lest the day be lost . This holy war , taught by your happy pen , The Prince of Peace approves . When we poor men Neglect our arms , W' are circumvested with a world of harms . But I will watch , and ward , And stand upon my guard , And still consult with you , And Herbert , and renew My vows , and say , well fare his , and your heart , The Fountains of such Sacred Wit and Art. Iz. Wa .

To his Ingenious Friend , The Author of the SYNAGOGUE , UPON HIS Additional Church-Utensils . SIR , SO the cheap Touch-stone's bold To question the more noble gold ; As I , at your command , Put forth my blushing hand To try these Raptures , sent to my poor Test ; But since your Question's , Are they like the rest ? I say they are the best : That once conceiv'd , the other is confest . But Sir , now they are here , For to prevent a female jeer , Thus much affirm I do , They 'r like the father too ; And you like him whose sublime paths you tread , Herbert ! to be like whom , who 'd not be dead ? Herbert ! whom when I read , I stoop at stars that shine below my head . Herbert ; whose every strain Twists holy breasts with happy brain So that who strives to be As elegant as he , Must climb mount Calv'ry for Parnassus hill , And in his Saviours sides baptize his Quill ; A Jordan fit t' instill A Saint-like style ; back'd with an angels skill . He was our Solomon , And you are our Centurion ; Our Temple him we owe , Our Synagogue to you : Where if your Piety so much allow That structure with these ornaments t' endow , All good men will avow , Your Syn'gogue , built before , is furnish't now . J. L.

SIR , WHile I read your lines , methinks I spy Churches , and Church-men , and the old Hierarchy What potent charms are these ! You have the knac● To make men young again , and fetch time back . I've lost what was bestow'd on Judah's prince , And am now where I was thrice five years since . The mid-space shrunk to nothing , Manners , Men , And Times , and all look just as they did then . Rubbish and ruin's vanish'd , every where Order and comliness afresh appear . What cannot Poets do ? They change with case The face of things , and lead us as they please . Yet here 's no fiction neither . We may see The Poet Prophet , his Verse Historie . Jan. 1. 1654. A. S. FINIS .