Adam's Garden.  
A MEDITATION OF thankfulness and praises unto the Lord, for the return and restore of Adam and his posterity: planted as flowers in a garden, and published by a Gentleman, long exercised, and happily trained in the school of God's afflictions.  Abacuch 2.4. 
Behold, saith the Lord, he that exalteth himself, his mind is not upright: but the gentle and meek is blessed, and he shall inherit the earth. Matth. 5.5.  Esaiah 1.18.19. 
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: If thou consent and obey, thou shalt eat the good things of the land.  Esaiah 40.30.31. 
Bu● even the young men, that put confidence in their ow●e strength; those shall faint and be weary, even the young men shall stumble and fall.   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed by Thomas Haveland. 1611.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND RENOWNED, George, Earl of Downbarre: Lord Howme of Berwicke: Lord Norham: Lord-High-Treasurer of Scotland: One of the Lords Lieutenants of the middle shires of great Britain: Lord-governour of the Town and Garrison of Berwicke: Knight of the most Honourable order of the Garter, and one of the Lords of his majesties most Honourable privy counsel in both Kingdoms:  
Thomas Savile wisheth all true Honour and Magnanimity of mind, in the course of his Rule and Estate; which may be a perpetual peace unto his desires.  
MAy it please your Lordship, I was bold (of late) to present you a little pamphlet of my writing; which you did please so very favourably to accept (with declaration of your happy delight in such things) as hath encouraged me to rip up all my faculties, and deepest comprehensions, to offer your Lordship a further view, of such my poor blasted gatherings, as may sort to the same end with the former. Very great surely, is the love and service I own your most Honourable self, and ever must: For whether I regard, the wonderful degrees of your Honourable, gentle (and not vainly exalted mind) in speeches, and afforded graces by countenance and acceptation; or that which is much more, your open hand and purse unto my fainting estate (a favour which I protest, I never tasted from any other Nobleman of the world:) for my good Lord, it is well known till of late years, that my times have been disposed and spent in giving and not taking. I must therefore and do devote myself, to love and admire your Lordship before the rest. Be pleased therefore (my beneficial Lord) to receive this poor pawn of my resigned affections; and take view how strange preparations the Lord quilteth upon the orphaned, such as he doth correct; even to make them find light in darkness, and much confidence of rejoicing in their forsaken and abandoned estate. I am bold to put upon your Lordship, the broydure of not being vainly exalted; a true note of your wisdom, and that you know yourself, state and calling, (and whatsoever in this mortality) fading, even in Kings and Monarches of the earth, the period uncertain of dissolution: otherwise, if the Lord should afford you all the works of his hands, in full fruition, and withdraw his countenance and presence from you; all you enjoy in the world, shall be found but comfortless comforts, when the change (which certainly doth attend all mortality) shall be designed. It is the heart that the Lord respecteth and accepteth; and being resigned and ankored in his will, he will love and establish the proceed thereof, for his very own delight in what alteration or change soever: So that what sickness, trouble, grief or cross, may befall you, they shall but be as his messengers, to bring you a seal and assurance of his fatherly indulgence and care; and that he will have your heart himself in keeping (because with him there is no change at all) and so will build you up, unto that assurance of hopeful expectation, wherein you shall find prepared, all peace, patience, perseverance, and what in the world may be most desired, for the type of ever-during felicity: which the Lord in all his favourable enlargements give you. And so I pray pardon.  
A gentleman long trained in her late majesties services, under that ever famous Lord-Treasurer Burleigh:  
Now your lordships faithful servant Thomas Savile.   

To the Christian Reader.  
MY kind gentle Reader, we say in the enterprises terprises and prevailings of Arms, such a Captain did such a service, where not the commander, hut the Soldiers did the achieve. I now in this book infer Adam's return, by a contrary divert; where not Adam's progeny but Adam alone made the breach, by open offence; yet the penalty sorteth upon all his attainted posterity by propagation and line of blood: and as his guilt is theirs, so his return descendeth unto them, as the soldiers be sharers in the Captains prevailings. This exercise therefore I call Adam's Garden, because it proceedeth from the restored Army of his peculiar quarter, by the happy second Adam, even by his renewing affordings, who is the Creator, Restorer, and Repairer of the whole attainder. It is not needless, but (alas) very needful, that men should dwell in deep cogitation thereof, and still exercise their thoughts in the wonderful dispersed storm of such a penalty, to the end the Crown of so bountiful received enlargement, might more sensibly settle in their hard and unprepared faculties. Oh that same Censure of a Father, touching fruition of our perishing delights: Oh, I say, that it might be as truly verified upon our often meditation of Adam's happy return, by dwelling in the gardens of our open acknowledgements for the Lords exceeding patience, to pardon, call, and enforce our father's happy repair! His words be these: Facilè enim cor humanum, omnibus quae frequentat, adhaeret ad●●, ut vix aut nunquam sine amore valcant possideri. So I wish that our frequent dwelling in thankful care and obedience might once beget the settled zeal and stable wrestling strife of love and admiration in us, for so high shrined a state and prerogative, by restoring and pardoning. But woeful, and strong, and resisting, is that received nature, and combat from our first stirpe, for vanishing things; and too too sl●●… to subscribe the sigh of the spirit and groanings of grace in us, to enjoy the birth of a more holy renewment. Our desires be called the birth of the soul, and the creations of God, which shall not perish. But how should we assure ourselves hereof? being still dull, dead, and so slow, to strive for our crown: we have all the encouragement that a graceless froward creature can require: we have God to prepare our hearts and hear us: Psal. 10. ver. 17. we have jesus Christ to receive and embrace us: Matt. 11. ver. 28. we have the Comforter to lead us aright: joh. 14. to ask and present our desines, from his own unspeakable sigh and groanings; because we know not what to ask as we ought: Whereupon another Father calleth our prayers, Arma cael●sti●…: qu●● stare nos faciunt, et fortiter perseverare: h●●●●●nt manimenta spiritualia & tela divina: because our pr●●●●s be not ours, but the vehement desires of the spirit. As for us; Quod postulamus, idem ipse donat, qui dat ut postulemus. Alack, that we have no more conscience, to hold fast and enjoy the Lords gentleness and familiarity with us. What are we, if he please to departed from us, and leave us to an accusing conscience? nay, what is the greatest Menarch in the world? Oh heavy state well known unto many! and in mercy something unto the author hereof. If the Lord do set up but one of our sins to pursue us, nay but one of our cogitations to accuse us, and departed from us; we shall find such a flame of burning, unrest, & torment in our thoughts, as to beseech him return again and help us, and take from us all those worldly priorities and shrined vanities of our abundance,, which have seduced and snared our faculties, in very eminent and high degrees of consuming torments: But men be secure, and by fullness and immunities, their disease is grown so remediless, as hardly to believe there can be any such misery in mortality. But I choose rather to lament their estate, then convince their presumptuous opinions; and therefore will cut off, and leave all redress unto him that is both able and willing, to work for his own; and will call in his time those that be appointed, by what motion, change, or cross soever may please him best. To this gentle merciful Lord, I do recommend thee patiented Reader, and this my poor labour, as a service to superionrs; my love to equals and familiars; and a compassionate well wishing unto all that love the coming of the Lamb, even the Lord jesus.   

The Contents of the book in general.  
The former book of Adam's return, doth consist of open acknowledgements, unfolding the secret still living presumption and inherent leprosy in his posterity: which (to avoid distaste) the Author acteth in his own rebellious self, resembling David's penitential, & sorrowing Psalms of humiliation.  
This garden doth by open show, enlarge and demonstrate, such exercises and renewed effects of the happy return, as the writer did receive from the second Adam, & the Lord pleased to afford unto him from cogitation and admiration of so happy a change:  
Resembling David's illumination and cheered estate of thankfulness, in his Psalms of consolation.  
Gather flowers of each row some,  
And make a posy 'gainst Master come:  
And he will smile upon thy choice,  
And thank thee with a gentle voice.  
Ablessed thing to make him smile,  
Who never here in his exile,  
For thirty years did one smile show:  
Let him now see thy Lilies grow.   

ADAM'S GARDEN.  
I. OH my most merciful Lord, who hast enforced my return, after my running away from thee, even by the call of thy tender compassions, whereby I was wonderfully affrighted & confounded, out of mine own guilty wounded conscience, for disobeying thy word; & thereby losing thy freely bestowed glorious garden upon me: and now at the last, dost exercise me in my desires of thankful obedience, for so great a favour and deliverance received; to plant and present (for thy delight) even a new second Garden, (far exceeding that of Eden) out of the choice of thine own created flowers in my very sinful heart, where thou hast pleased to leave, some little sparks of the first creation.  
II. Good Lord help me, to plant, to square, and frame every quarter; in such seemly sort and proportion, as being furnished with variety of thy sweet and fragrant created flowers, I may please thee, and undergo my calling, to dig and delve still, by penalty from the first Adam, and may be acceptable and delightful unto thee, in and by the second Adam; even to make an habitation, where thou and the Lamb may please to dine, and sup, and even dwell still.  
III. Nothing is hid from thee, thou readest in the tables of my heart, and well seest how my compunction, and sorrow for abusing thy favours, even load and press me down: yet herein be pleased, to enlarge my cheer and confidence, that much greater is the glory of my return and repair, than was the fruition of Eden to Adam.  
iv For therein, as woefully appeareth, I had power to lose, both garden and blessing; and indeed was no more but a privileged creature for a time, made of clay, dust, and the basest earth; but now thou hast otherwise beautified and shrined me, by thy love unto me.  
V And of thy free mercy and gracious bounty, now hast given me a dignity, priority, and privilege; whereby I am not only set free, from satins subduing, the world's snarings, & death's wound, (to hinder my now happy calling & progress) but am in those combats of theirs, made an open conqueror over them all: for thou hast afforded me a dignity, far exceeding my first Creation: So that I cannot be moved, though I be shaken and tossed, to try my victory over them: for what conquest, without opposition and combat?  
VI Now I can lose my kindred and garden no more: Now I can fall finally no more: I can lose my union with Christ jesus no more, nor be separated from him any more: So true it is, that whom thou called'st, thou hast justified and glorified: whereby, I am in thee so highly advanced; as not only to be Lord of all the works of thy hand; but conqueror of all enmity arising against thy blessed will: yea, even of that proposed enmity, which must continue till there be no more time.  
VII. So that, not only his descending and death is mine; but his Rising and Ascending also: yea his very righteousness, is mine by imputation; whereby I am able to satisfy the whole law, out of my own crucified flesh, in and by him who loveth me. Who or what shall I fear now? since all the world trembleth at his voice, who speaketh and ruleth, out of my very flesh.  
VIII. O merciful Lord, bow down and hear my cry and sighs, for obedience and humility, that the knowledge of this happy union, make me not bold, but only in the causes of thy glory, against that devouring Satan, that I may once deal large spoils, from that conquest which thou wilt give me over him, even for thy name's sake, and in favour of this thy new reconcilement and covenant, which thou hast made betwixt thy Christ and my sinful soul.  
IX. For alas, he smarteth when I draw penalty upon me by disobedience: In all my troubles he grieveth with me and is troubled with me. For so long as this union lasteth (which is forever) that Christ jesus is my head and I his member, how can it be, but he endureth my misery even with me.  
X. Oh wonderful and unspeakable bounty! a secret hid from many. He hath not only made me Lord over the whole earth, but by his consecration hath communicated his glorious and passable spirit, to be wounded for my declinings. Oh hearts of men and women, where be they? Oh, that love of Marie was great and sweet: Tell me, saith she, where they have laid him, that I may fetch him. Oh seeking, Oh hungry, Oh bedroughted zeal, to drink deep in the fountain of his unspeakable kindness! Marry, saith he, Rabbonie, saith she: Oh harmony! indeed sweet harmony: Seek thou my face: I will seek thy face O Lord. Ps. 27  
XI. O Lord increase my faith, that once I may be swallowed up, by sense and sweet power of thy saving health; let it convince and mollify my stony and drowsy heart, by thy help O Lord; and let even shame drive me into admiration of thy exceeding compassions. For, hast thou not O Lord, made thyself my most merciful father? Christ jesus my happy Redeemer? The Holy Ghost my ever present Comforter? The Angels my ministering spirits? All thy creatures my servants? The earth my sojourning place? & the heavens for my home? What couldst thou have done more to thy friend? and yet I live at a woeful enmity with thee, and by open frailties am even envious of thy glory.  
XII. Oh how truly (though most unworthily) may I say again and again, all the works of God's hands be mine, and I am Christ's, and Christ is Gods, to the everlasting glorious admiration of his grace and goodness? and yet I sin still, provoke him still, and even crucify the Lamb still, & make the Comforter weep still: For to dwell in my former disobedience, what else is it, but even to call Christ again unto death, and even fight against his Resurrection?  
XIII. Alas for pity, that neither the experience of his goodness will hold me in obedience, nor the fear of his greatness rouse me from security. Return O Lord and be mighty in me, for thy name's sake: Let thy face shine upon me, let thy presence breath life and strength into me, that I may bring glory unto thy name, in making known by the moderate and holy use of this my life, that it is another life I look and attend for; in regard whereef I desire to be stripped of all those impediments (how delightful soever unto nature) that may debar and stop my near familiarity, with thee most merciful Lord, and the gentle Jesus, by the ministery of the Comforter.  
XIV. Oh that I could find the state of my happiness, by reason of thy promises, and be more deeply touched therewith, and sing with Ezekias: The Lord hath said it, and the Lord hath done it. He hath knit the care of his people, even unto the glory of his name; and for my encouragement and comfort, professed, that as he will not give his glory and name to be polluted; no more will he forget to show mercy unto his people, even unto me.  
XV. Renew me therefore O Lord for this thy names sake, and establish a right and stable judgement in me of this thy mercy: and when thou hast renewed me, do not then I beseech thee forsake me; but put a bridle in my mouth to the end I may by abstinence, keep myself in modesty and fear, over my evil heart; and free me from surfeting and vain persuasions, which prick me forward to voluptuousness, that in a godly care to serve thee, still admiring thy face, which beholdeth me continually in all my ways, I may zealoushe set spurs to the flanks of my slothful and impure negligence, to awake and rouse me from secure sleeping and sitting in thy displeasure, with this careless and unreformed world.  
XVI. Appease therefore all countenance of thy judgements (for passed offences) O merciful Lord; and now be pleased that I deal with thee upon a new covenant, to seal up the certainty of my interest in thy promises, even in a devoted and resigned preparation unto thy will. I confess that I have deserved most justly, to be totally and finally cast away, and razed out of the Record of the living: But seeing I have a long while called upon thy goodness; even for thy exceeding gentleness, O Lord, I beseech thee deliver me from all those evils which do environ me: For behold (my gracious Lord) I do (thou knowest) lead my life in a most pitiful manner, for that I cannot serve thee as I would: I desire nothing but to please thee; and on the contrary, my wicked nature lusteth continually to grieve thee. This I call and feel a most miserable life, my gracious Lord, which receive mercifully into thy pity, and redress compassionately of thy grace, even when it may best please thee, for all thy mercy's sake.  
XVII. O merciful Lord, who hast vouchsafed to unseal the eyes of my understanding, to see the mystery of my Redemption and Return: make me O Lord to taste the fruits thereof, which (flourishing upon the tree of the cross) shall with the force thereof, quicken and give life unto my fainting dead soul. Preserve and warrant me for ever from the ruin, which hath so miserably brought together the race of mankind, and overflowed them by disobedience.  
XVIII. Establish in my heart, O Lord my God, an habitation for thy holy Spirit; to the end I never hereafter, breath or utter forth any thing but tending to thy praises; and let thy will be always printed in my mind, and thy glory graven upon my lips, that my lips being opened my mouth may show forth thy praise.  
XIX. I do humbly thank thee my merciful Lord, for my Election, Calling, Creation, Redemption, Regeneration, justification, Sanctification, Preservation, Glorification, Resurrection, Righteousness: But most especially, for that most ancient love of thine, wherein thou hast continually watched over me, gathered me with thine arm, and carried me in thy bosom, in such exceeding love and care; as when I had bestowed all my days in open disobedience, & was utterly undone by my frail delights; even then in a very moment, thou brokest the heavens and scatteredst the clouds to come down and pluck me out of the mouth of the devouring Dragon, taking me by the hand, and giving me this large time of repentance, to the end I should declare thy name unto my brethren.  
XX. Nay, my merciful Lord, more than this, thou hast not only seen my unrighteousness, and been patiented even to be provoked by me, but hast covered my open offences from the eyes of men, and kept me reputed as unspotted and blameless in the world, when many a time for my wilfulness in many things thou mightest have infl●cted an open and fearful penalty upon me: Thus most graciously preventing in thy unspeakable favour that the blemishes of my frail youth, should not scandal or defame thy calling, and the most humbly desired Return of my Age.  
XXI. It is verily true indeed that I have sinned most vnwoo●…tedly and audaciously: I lay open unto thee and the whole world the very bottom of my heart: Thou knowest my whole life, I have sinned in the sight of Heaven and Earth, I will never stand in defence or plead excuse before thee, For my grace and pardon is in thy hand only, and I look for peace and redress only from thee.  
XXII. For thou hast granted unto me, behold a token of thy own blood sealed in the image of my flesh; which for my Redemption thou hast imprinted in the weakness of my substance: So that now thou requirest nothing but obedience and love; and alas I grieve thee day by day, blaspheme thee day by day, and even weary myself in the ways of darkness and shadow of death. And what have I gained by all those my careless actions, and proceed whereof I am now ashamed?  
XXIII. Truly O Lord, I gain even this, to give open sentence against myself for abusing thy mercies, and account myself that untimely fruit that shameth the tree that bore it, and the earth which nursed it, and the heavens which ripened it. Therefore O Lord I will take up my Cross in penalty, and where others look for their fruit after the budding and blooming times, I will look for mine after the fall of leaf: for after the leaf of this body shall be gathered, I hope that my soul shall bud in a new fruit and be clothed again with the Verdure of Immortality.  
XXIIII. Behold therefore O Lord, that the open acknowledgement of my sin, I presently bear upon my head & as men who fetch water at a well doc put the mouth of the bucket down, and close it up; so will I my gracious Lord keep silence unto thee. For he that will ascend must first fall down, and to kiss the heavens, he must first kiss the earth, and he that will have a Crown with God must be first beaten and wronged with men.  
XXV. And now my most gracious God, to the end I may appear so honourably appareled as such a magnificence deserves to see immortality, I beseech thee throw down the huge mountain of my sins, and bury them in the centre of the earth, and separate me for ever from mine iniquities, which at this present I do repudiate, and swear a perpetual divorce between them and my soul.  
XXVI. Thou knowest most merciful Lord, and hast taught me to know, that the humble and just man is the very tutor of nature, restraining and moderating all natural appetites by stability and wisdom. And since I would thus prevail against nature, wilt thou not, (O Lord) which understandest the bottomless pit of Hell, wilt thou not hear my poor fainting desires, which by sighing reacheth and beateth the heavens, and wherewith I have long entreated thee? Shall all the world hear me but thyself alone? Oh no my God, thou hast too long stretched out thine arm now to re●ect me, when I ask nothing but to glorify thee.  
XXVII. Alas my sweet Lord, I have settled my whole power and strength upon the love and obedience of thy countenance, which I have so many times provoked: and if thou please not to assist me in this service, alas what manner of fight shall I ●e able to make against the strong enemies of my soul? O p ttifull pitiful will be my prevailings; nay my assured backslidings. Say therefore unto my soul, I will not fail thee, I hold thee by thy right hand, and thou shalt never be forsaken.  
XXVIII. Thou knowest, O Lord, men have had me in great rearguard, and lo how now I am desputed and befoiled with their scorn and contempt: for in stead of sorrowing with me they have conjured against me, and do add sorrow unto my heaviness, and make me a laughing stock and a matter of derision, saying, verily he can never rife. Again, He called upon God very much indeed, and see what he hath gained. But I will be still; for the days be evil, and my silence shall speak unto thee by continual desires, sighs and groan.  
XXIX. Yet do I not for all this lose my hope; no no my good God, for thy power is infinite, and thy mercy unmeasurable, which will spread itself even as a robe over such as trust in thee, and the Lamb shall know the robe by thy righteousness thereof, and shall say, thou art mine O despised jacob, O thou Castaway Zion, whom no man regardeth: I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine, fear not, thou shalt not perish, though they fall on every side of thee.  
XXX. Hereupon, merciful Lord, I gather courage and assurance that thou hast not lifted thyself upon so high and eminent a place to dismay thy servants, but that they might see thy overruling power and hand of their propitiation far beyond the touch and control of man, yea of all Monarches, for the better assurance and confidence of thy servants, for their rejoicing and hope by the priority and pre-eminency of their election: for they must follow the lamb and see his face, that their joy may be full.  
XXXI. O thou most merciful Lord which dost not remember wrongs, hast seen the dangers which by violent sway of sin I have cast myself into, forgetting all thy mercies, provoking thy glorious face, traducing the Redeemer, and grieving the Comforter: O return and make haste O Lord for my recurring and cleansing from this huge provocation, even for thy gentleness, and because thou hast spared me thus long, and now beginnest to touch my heart.  
XXXII. I did never so soon think to confess my sins, but thou presently gavest pardon: I did never so soon return unto thee as thou wast ready to offer thyself unto me: I did never make open or secret acknowledgement of my deserved penalties, but thou didst remit them presently: I have taken the rods to have scourged myself, when thou hast plucked them out of my hand: I did think thou wouldst have proclaimed wars, and behold open peace and pardon brought me, with charge and trust to trim up and keep the mansion of my soul hereafter for thee, and to fear nothing but sanctify thy name in my heart; for thou wilt be a refuge unto me, therefore I fear not all changes.  
XXXIII. Oh what an acceptable sacrifice before thee is a broken and contrite heart, that out of the voice of a just man passeth above the heavens, & the sweet sighing comforter presenteth the same before thee. This humble acknowledgement from a wounded heart in the sinner wilt thou never reject, because thou findest in this state the grieved image of the lamb, from which thou canst never turn thy face.  
XXXIIII. And further, merciful Lord, my hope receiveth good relief, because the Saints (which are the holy men and women living) have prayed, do pray and will pray for me; those are they which do beseech thee for me. Oh it is time that they do attend thee for me, since impiety of my heart hath so blinded my senses by evil thoughts, that my soul cannot lift up herself towards heaven, nor stretch out her hand unto thee, who art only both able and willing to deliver and ransom the Captives that sit in darkness and deep discourage.  
XXXV. Therefore hast thou provided that such as thou vouchsafest to come near unto thee by faith and holiness of life, may pray and beseech thee, that thou wouldst satisfy my soul, and purge my thoughts so preserving & warranting me forever from that ruin and calamity which hath so miserably embondaged and pinioned together the race of transgressors, and holden them in irksome slavery, as chained and designed to a great and irksome Captivity.  
XXXVI. As for myself, who am mine own Capital enemy, I have never had skill or will to pray for my trespasses, but even wandered in dreadful expectation under a heavy burden: yet herein I am somewhat cheered, that by this experience of my estate thou hast let me see what a black and foul conscience I have, and hast mollified my heart that I might lodge contrition in my soul, to obtain grace and favour with thee, that in thine own time, merciful Lord, thou wilt please to purge and wash it.  
XXXVII. Thou O my good God which hast been from all eternities, art never changed, whereupon it is that we be not confounded, but art ever one and the same, without any shadow of change: for age & time which consume all things, serve for no other purpose but to confirm thine everlastingness: and men seem to remain here upon earth, for no other cause, but to behold thy incomprehensible greatness; unchangeable on the one side, and their certain dissolution, approaching out of their mortality on the other side.  
XXXVIII. For a man changeth not his shirt so often, but the earth changeth her inhabitants more often; yet thou my God art even the same at this day that thou wert at the first, which the heavens and earth continually sing unto thee; and that neither time past, present, or to come, shall ever change thee.  
XXXIX. Keep me therefore O Lord in a stable and sober exercise of my faith and assurance, that I do not waver or shrink in the storms of my mortality, neither despair at any time, by sense of appearances, or smart of feelings. For he which despaireth for his sin (unless thou please to design that afflicton by desertion, to give experience of faith thereby) he even doth give over his soul as already condemned, and is like that abominable usurer, who having sustained some loss in his goods, by and by bereaveth himself of his life also: Make thou therefore strong steps for my faith O Lord, that I never dishonour thy name, by the deceitful sleights of my senses, but even stand fast armed with thy promises for ever.  
XL. And so prepare me unto the chastisements of my peace (these same sweet healing potions and appliances) that the smart thereof never drive me from thee; but even rather as the lashes light upon me, I may kiss the rod and say it is too little, for I have deserved much more, but that of thine own indulgence and pity thou sparest me: Give me therefore O Lord to learn obedience by thy stripes; and most welcome and sweet even shall be unto me thy afflictions, yea, even the changes of my afflictions, the lot of thy children.  
XLI Thus instructing and nurtring me in thy own most holy school of discipline, let me feel O Lord thy will, to take more rule and sovereignty over my will, than it hath done in former times, that I may taste and experience that pleasure, which he feeleth that is delivered from the bond of captivity, and set at liberty out of prison and thraldom wherein his enemies had long held him chained.  
XLII For thou hast already done very much for my soul O Lord; thou hast taken and held me fast by the hand in all my dangers, and set me gently again in the way of thy will, with greater compassion than ever Paul did embrace Eutychus, and mad'st me understand thy will and purpose: Nay thou hast done more than that, for me thinks thou hast both opened mine eyes and the heavens all at once, that I should see the mightiness of thy glory, as I do at this present sensibly feel the goodness of thy grace.  
XLIII Thou hast O Lord made me see, I say, the mightiness of that thy power, whereunto no mortal man can attain without thee: for alas, should I poor silly worm think, that I am more than I am, to go to seek for that in the heavens which I cannot well see at my feet? the eyes of my body be dusky & misty, and the eyes of my soul be much worse: but thou the merciful Lord, delightest to bring light forth of darkness for manifestation of thy power, even thy blessed power.  
XLIV. And men's thoughts are marvelous uncertain and wavering; for the earthly and corruptible body, dulleth and maketh idle our spirits, and toeth and bindeth our senses fast to the earth: so that without thee my gentle Lord, I can hope for no light here below, to know or discern any thing aright: But Christ jesus is the way, the truth life and light, whose renewed obedience is still fragrant in thy presence; even he is my light and portion for ever.  
XLV. And by him most merciful Lord, thou dost supply my wants, and leadest me by the hand to see the counsels of thy eternal wisdom, and hast heaved & violently moved my soul to make it capable, and sensibly to feel thy light and commiseration.  
XLVI. Wherefore O Lord touching my enemies and those who have wrongfully oppressed me, and closed me in much obscurity and blemish of estate; I do humbly and with all my very heart entreat thee for them, that thou please not to blow upon them the wind and blast of thy curse; but tarry sweet Lord, if so it seem good to thee, to see if thy patience will bring them to do their duties: nay rather draw them O Lord, to repent their causeless wrongs orphanings and violent outrage that they have committed against me.  
XLVII. And as for me, though I be covered over with their wounds, and defamed with their injurious dealings; yet had I rather have them subject unto thy mercy, than once to feel thy judgement; and desire of thee, if thou think good, that their unmercifulness unto me, might rather serve to try me withal, then for their condemnation.  
XLVIII. Thou knowest O Lord my desires, & takest view of them out of my most secret privities and thoughts, and that I never called on thee for vengeance for my received wrong: No no, the feelings of thy mercies unto my unworthy self, make me deeply desire to be far from thinking of others smarts offered unto me. Indeed most merciful Lord, my vows do importune nothing but thy mercies, and my thoughts are addressed unto nothing but unto peace, & reconciled brotherly fellowship.  
XLIX. The very end of all my desires O Lord (if thou please I report it) is, that I may pass my days in serving thee faithfully, and that thou wouldst grant me thy holy house to dwell in, even in the congregation of thine own chosen wife and spouse the church; and that all the while I am separated from thee, and a great way off from thy heavenly tabernacle, tied unto the earth by reason of the counterpoise of this my body, I might unite and tie all my thoughts unto thee, & conform myself wholly unto thy most righteous will.  
L. Oh blessed habitation, that is able to cover me from all worldly passions, from all the lusts of the flesh and assaults of Satan; for there O Lord thou art present with me, and comest down from the heavens to keep company with me; and fillest me with thyself that I might be fenced against sin, and this my carnal will, and converted into a heavenly, living, and quickening spirit.  
LI. That I may once feel effectually thy marvelous works, comprehend thy mercies, and conceive of thy power and almightiness: Reveal therefore unto thy servant this thy will, & lay it up in my heart, that I may there keep it most dearly, and in the midst of thy church may set up an altar unto thee, even in my mouth, for an offering, under the vail of thy most holy word.  
LII. And to this end O Lord, I beseech thee help me continually: for as mine infirmity striveth commonly against me, so also have I need of continual help on every side: Therefore good Lord when thou hast comforted me, do still exercise me and be with me, I beseech thee, and tarry with me; knead, mould, and frame this lump of earth, even as thou wilt, to thine own service and worship.  
LIII. And now my most merciful Lord, having pleased thee, so as thou art reconciled with me, and I with all mine heart resigned unto thee, even to do thy will: what shall I need to fear, seeing all the world doth dread and fall down before thee? that defendest thy servants, and hast assured me to watch still over me even night and day, and keep me under the shadow of thine own wings: thou wilt give the angels charge over me, that I hurt not my foot nor faint in my way, nor be weary in my journey unto thy holy hill.  
liv. Thou art the mighty defender of the poor and orphaned; and who is able to resist thy power? Thy forces O Lord are not armies of men, but Legions of Angels: thy ministers are not only Princes and Captains, but thunderings, lightnings, and storms: thy wrath is not blows and hurts, but Earthquakes, swallowing v● of Cities and drowning of Countries; so triumphant, victorious, and glorious, art thou in all thy ways.  
LV. But my Lord, because thou dost hold back this thy redressing hand of power and majesty; comfort me still with a sure hope that thou wilt not forsake me, and give me such a measure of faith, as may lead me unto the haven of thy promises, and therein compact me as a stone well squared for the master's building, sited upon Mount Zion, which shall never be removed.  
LVI. And me thinks thou sayest unto me continually, tarry a little, for the time is not yet come that I have appointed, & in the mean while trust thou assuredly unto my promises, and look whatsoever wrong, disgrace or affliction, thou shalt bear, I will be with thee, and give thee strength to overcome it: thou having learned that all things work together for the best, to them that love me. I have not laid thee in the fire to burn and consume thee, but to fine thee, and make thee orient in my sight, even as the Diamond, by much and often rubbing is more beautiful.  
LVII. Hereby my courage (O Lord) increaseth, when I see myself thus seconded by thee; and this thy favour and gentleness, doth more embolden me unto patience, than all the applause of the people, doth him that fighteth a combat, when he is most strong and lusty in fight, and seethe the victory already by his fainting adversary.  
LVIII. Certainly, I know the conscience of an innocent man, that is founded and grounded upon thy grace (my Lord) is more stable and sure than all the greatest rocks, and cannot be shaken or moved by any wrong, or inflicted violence whatsoever: No no, that man's inocency is not to be wounded, with any, or all the practices of the ungodly, who are forced in the end to retire all wearied, fainting and gasping for breath.  
LIX. O Lord their woeful plight! they lie groveling upon their bellies; they bray, grin, and mutiny with very anger, bereaved of all power; for thou hast broken, both their arms, teeth, and their jaws; and what not? So that the only weapon left them, is even a will to continue in evil: A thing so hateful unto thy divine nature and majesty. O Ephraim's God that thou shouldest take all their injuries as done unto thyself, and so in thy justice throw the mountains upon them, utterly to root out the memory, of such an unmerciful, scoffing brood, from amongst men.  
LX. O Lord what a love is this, when a father shall not spare his own only son, but give him to be slain and tortured, to redeem the misery of his slave! wherefore, O most loving holy one of old; seeing that thou hast pleased to frame and train me up with thine own hand, bought me with thy blood, and purified me by thy mercy; forgive even now all my presumptuous offences, cancel the hand-writing of evidence against me, purge my conscience that it accuse me not; and since I desire to forsake all the world to enjoy thee, thy presence, and promises; I do beseech thee reject me never, for than will the wicked say, Where is his God, and the promise of his coming? and many other prejudicial blasphemous speeches, against thy name.  
LXI. O Lord I have long since, and even now do sacrifice my heart, consecrate my affections, and devote my thoughts unto thee, violently plucking them out of the bottom of that evil heart of mine; so that my only desire now is to serve thee faithfully with all my whole strength, my soul and spirit, and to love my neighbour as my very self. But as it is not possible to write any thing upon writing tables, unless that be rubbed out, which was written before: Right so, (my merciful God) unless thou purge and wash this same old besoiled contagion of my heart, it is not possible to engrave thy word and will in it.  
LXII. Pluck up therefore by the roots those customary pollutions of my wicked unclean course, and according to thy gracious promises, Make me hear of joy and gladness of heart by earnest of thy spirit: Assuring me that my request standeth among the Angels, tendered by the groanings of the comforter in the name of the Redeemer, and shall have a gracious answer. Hear therefore O Lord, my groans and sighs, which do testify thy goodness, and do publish thy mercies. Increase my strength and courage, that I may strain my cries and even mount up unto thee; and graciously incline unto the same, that out of a changed heart, I may sing a new song of praises unto thee.  
LXIII. Satisfy me O Lord I beseech thee in casting down all my sins under thy feet, that no eye may be able to see them by piercing through the same: for I do not only blush to think upon them, but even hate myself for committing them: The remembrance thereof grieveth me; the times that I took very ungraciously therein, be as a very vomit unto my soul, and my thoughts are sore wounded with the heavy representation thereof.  
LXIIII Pardon and deliver me therefore, merciful Lord, who through frailty have yielded myself unto the bondage of sin, and with the only twink of thine eye my manacles shall fly from my wrists. For when I poor sinner shall once fall down and lift up my thoughts heavy and sad before thee, thou dost pity me, hear and accomplish all my desires, and makest me enjoy whatsoever I ask: For what is thy delight? But to fill the hungry with good things.  
LXV. But herein I fail woefully, not for that thou changest thine ancient pity and purpose, but because I myself do keep no covenant with thee. No no, I do not that which I might very well do, to keep in the sweet warm work of grace begun in my heart, and afforded unto me: whereupon thou mercifully Lord, art even forced to let me feel the want of the comfort I had, and so I mournfully and with bashfulness return unto thee, as the tiewant of the school doth to be hissed at upon his return.  
LXVI. For alas, my most merciful Lord, as I have said before, so again and again I testify: It is myself that am an open enemy to myself, by my frail wandering, vanities and unstable heart, that in thy very care thou takest me up and correctest me in the open school, by disgrace thereof seeking to work compunction, filial fear and a more faithful return unto thee my very sweet heart, and to thy holy school. But alas I am still weak and wavering, so that if thou shouldest hear my request and forgive me when I ask pardon, without correction; alas let all men judge what this is else but to pray thee give me leave to continue in sin still Alas my Lord, my holy one, thou knowest with what grief I set down this censure upon myself and others; but I dare not but do it faithfully, because I writ unto thee in the spirit of the second righteous Adam, and ●…aue unto thee all redress and pity, even in the shade of death: for thou wilt do it in time unto such as are grieved with their frailties.  
LXVII. And therefore my merciful Lord let not me be shaken with the rods of thy school and academy: but give me to rejoice in all the stripes of my strayings, yea even in the changes of my changes, which will keep me sweet and acceptable, by the often scouring and purging of that inherent corruption, which is diffused and dispersed through my very marrow.  
LXVIII. For otherwise running astray still in a sinful secure dangerous peace of my affections (such as the world only hath) I shall grow like a puddle, infected with many foul streams and stinks, in thy sacred nostrils: afflict me therefore my gentle Lord, hold me fast behind and before, and lay thy hand upon me, even with all my very heart; for that which thy afflictions take from me, is nothing but my vanities, and works of sin and Satan: for the nakeder I am before thee, the more beautiful ever, my gracious Lord.  
LXIX. So that whatsoever thou layest upon me, it is only to make easy the way unto thy holy hill, thereto receive sanctification and holy moderation in all my conversation: for thou knowest both the days and lives of all those that depend upon thee, and wilt guide them in thy way, & give unto them whatsoever is needful: they shall lack no good thing, but possess all peace, plenty and joy in their days.  
LXX. For I know that all thy afflictions, as those same happy rods of thy school, they are ever in thy own most merciful hands, and measured in all pitiful moderation, both in quantity, quality, and continuance of time: for quantity, thou propinest to each of thy poor wounded servants, a cup and portion convenient for his bruising and incurable disease, whereunto no man can apply a plaster but only thou the Lord alone. And as for quality; physic must be a little bitter or else it is of no worth; yet therefore dost thou temper it with the blood of the immaculate lamb be, the most happy Redeemer of the world, to make it both settle, nourish, and heal the poor wounded creature.  
LXXI. And as for time, thou givest but days of trial and affliction, & hours of tentation according to thy good pleasure: and even in this small enduring, never any Goldsmith did so watch over his gold in the fire that it wasted not, as thou tendest upon thy children, that in due season thou mightest draw them out. O that same sweet zealous rebuke of the Lord jesus unto Satan! Is not this a brand taken out of the fire? the Lord rebuke thee Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen jerusalem rebuke thee.  
LXXII. Thou hast merciful Lord made it known unto me, that thy servant jaacob wrestled with thee, no longer then unto the dawning of the day; and that thereby I may be assured my troubles have an appointed time for rest, that weeping may abide in the evening, but joy cometh in the morning: though Shadrach Meshach and Abednego be cast into the fire, an Angel of thine own presence shall go with them, and relieve them in due time: So that neither fire nor floods shall harm thy afflicted ones, whom thou hast called by their names.  
LXXIII. For whatsoever thou most merciful Lord, dost exercise thy children withal, it is but to make them know that their blessedness is prepared in an other place, and laid up for them from eternity; And no man shall take them out of the lambs hands; for thou Lord who gavest them unto him art greater than all; and therefore in those same very times, that thou goest away and leavest them to sorrow, yet they shall possess the inheritance whose riches is infinite: An inheritance which being divided amongst all the children, will continue sound and whole for ever and ever, whose parts shall be as great as the whole inheritance.  
LXXIV. Make us strong therefore O Lord, and in admiration of such a high and precious price, to scorn all the vain things in the world; all the countenances of men, and the uttermost rage of persecuting tyrants: For let Peter, who denied thee by occasion of a weak woman, have thy presence with him, and he will avow boldly, the crucified Lamb before those who put him to death; so Lord show us the light of thy countenance, and no alteration shall dismay us.  
LXXV. Oh what a spectacle hast thou made for mine eyes to behold! nay, I am now so assured of thy mercies, and comforted by reason of the care I see thou hast of me; as, though I should see the greatest Army that possibly may be prepared, yet would I not be afraid, but stand still upon the unchangeable written word, and my own happy experience of thy truth, power, and promises, which are ever yea, and amen.  
LXXVI. O Lord cover me under the grace and favour of Christ jesus; make his mercies my buckler and my shield, that I may learn and follow his steps, and hope in nothing but thy gracious goodness, springing afresh out of his continually renewed and fragrant obedience, still orient in thy glorious face; that I may be ever zealous of his will, whereby the dropping and sweeting faintings of my afflictions, may prepare and establish me, in the whole accomplishment of my sanctification.  
LXXVII. For the knowledge and obedience of thy will, my Lord, is all my very whole desire, and the thing which must lead me, and guide me, through the windings and turnings of the labyrinth of this mortality; for this same very obedience of thy will, is the very pathway unto everlasting life, which I so incessantly gape and wish for.  
LXXVIII. Reveal unto me therefore this thy will, and lay it up in my soul, that I may there keep it most dearly, and in the midst of the congregation, I may speak of thy goodness and righteousness by an open changed and renewed conversation; rendering all holy acknowledgements of thanks and praises unto thy name, and thereby bring many children unto thee, to which only end I desire to live.  
LXXJX. I know O Lord, that death is the penalty of original sin and disobedience: but since I am now planting a garden for thy delight, for thou sayest, thy heart shall rejoice when my mouth speaketh righteous things: spare me therefore my God, suffer me not to go down all below, but even at the mouth of darkness and death, pluck me out of danger; & merciful Lord be content, with my humble abashed and melting heart, without imposing penalty for my deserved thraldom.  
LXXX. Hear therefore O Lord my sighs, and take in good part my broken voice, which testifieth thy everlasting and unchangeable mercies: and since thine ear is never shut unto those that call upon thee sincerely, & seek thy face mourningly, incline the same thy amiable face and countenance unto me: for all sorts of felicities follow thy presence continually; afford the same unto me my dear God, even unto this wounded heart of mine, and say and speak peace unto me: behold, I am ready to seek thy face.  
LXXXI. O Lord, thou hast promised this mercy of thine, & how often hast thou from thy pity sustained me, when I have spoken never a word unto thee? by hearing my secret thoughts or rather the sighing desires of the spirit, calling upon thee for grace and strength that I might be delivered: How many perils have I passed, when I did not so much as regard thee, in the violent rage and sway of my miserable youth, even by thine own gentleness and care over me?  
LXXXII. For since thou art that uncreated word, which hath made all things which do a part of thy will, and thy will is a part of thyself: doth it not represent itself unto me as thy face, in such beautiful and excellent lineaments of divinity in the heavens and earth, as shine most brightly in every part thereof, especially in the places of thy pure worship?  
LXXXIII. Alas what day, time, or instant of my life, should I cease to be wail and sorrow for my sins, which have so much estranged me from thy grace, favour, and familiarity, which the humble and meek sort have with thee their God? whose arms are displayed still, and ever calling, Come, see and taste your rest, and be weary of your fruitless toils: and when ever thou pleasest to departed, to take view of our sorrow and seeking care after thee; thou dost still by the extent of thy wings, by a secret instinct of grace, to follow thee with our eyes, calling come, come, and see.  
LXXXIV. O Lord my God, which from the beginning hast reached out this careful hand of thine unto the afflicted, which hast always gathered into thy arms the oppressed, & comforted the just unjustly vexed; grant me O Lord both strength and courage, that I may take my spirits again unto me, which are half in a dead sleep and slumber, by the continual distractions and unprofitable cogitations, which my long exile and banishment from my country (where I was able to have done thee some little service, and show love unto my neighbours) hath made usual unto me.  
LXXXV. Grant merciful Lord, that I may be cheered to glorify thee with all my heart and spirit, & strangle by the strength of thy voice, the blasphemies and unrest of the wicked, who go about to defame thine honour, and make a net for my soul, by speaking evil of thy equal, righteous, and most gentle yoke; and not being able to reach unto thee, yet go about violently to rush upon those thy poor afflicted ones, who desire to live peaceably, & serve thee faithfully.  
LXXXVI. Oh what ransom shall I offer unto thee for my election (whereby I have assurance of a more quiet peaceable dwelling hereafter.) Alas, I confess to my great grief I have not one good work, neither clean thought, but all adulterated and defiled with inherent unrighteousness, concupiscence, ignorance, and with the contagion of a long audaucious provocation, by open transgression in thy glorious presence: Shall I offer unto thee the treasures of the earth? no, hell is full of them. No no my merciful Lord, I faithfully believe thou thyself wilt be the price of my redemption: Thou wilt deliver thine own body, to ransom thy servant.  
LXXXVII. Thou wilt put upon thee and  thyself with the dolours of death, to give me the state of immortality; for certainerie whereof, thou sustainedst thy hell here, thy father's wrath, agonies and bloody sweat, that! might appear in thy presence blameless and without spot, to the praise of thy everlasting grace, for evermore Amen.