SEVEN SPARKS OF THE ENKINDLED soul.  
WITH FOUR LAMENTATIONS, WHICH COMPOSED in the hard times of Queen Elizabeth, may be used at all times, when the Church happeneth to be extremely persecuted.  
Drawn out of the holy Scriptures, after the form of Psalms. By R. B. P.  
In my meditation breaketh out fire. Psal. 38.  
Is any of you sad? let him pray: Is he of a calm mind? let him Psalm. jac. 5. v. 13.  
IHS.  
Printed with licence.   

TO THE VERY WORSHIPFUL, MY EVER-HONOURED Mother B.B. increase of all good in him, who is the only good.  
TO many we own much, & to sundry their certain duties; to friends, kindred, clients, neighbours; to instructors, & governors: but unto our parents we own all; we own ourselves. Of which eminent prerogative although Christians can not be ignorant, through the frequent commendation thereof in the word of God, as which began in the 
a Exod. 20,  ten Commandments, was by our 
b Math 15.  saviours blessed mouth recommended; by 
c Ephes. 6.  S. Paul noted to be the first Commandment, having a promise thereunto annexed: so neither were the Heathens so destitute of nature's light, but that they always held this as a high principle. The great reverence of 
d 3. Reg. 3.  King Solomon toward his mother, is to be read in the book of Kings: and no less rare example had the Gentiles of 
e Plut.  Cleobis & Biton, who submitted their own shoulders to the drawing of their Mother's Chariot. 
f 1. Tim. 5.  And the Apostle expressly commanded children to yield requital unto their aged parents; saying that it was acceptable & commendable in the sight of God so to do. That same by way of Proverb drawn from the Stork, committed they to an eternal care and memory: gladly also at all times reciting that memorable nature of this bird, which is, 
Antipelargein.  that the younger fostreth again the elder, of whom before he was fed and bred up. Let this little labour of mine be in some sort to play the Stork, although in a contrary, yet most equivalent sort of food; such surely as in this time of my long absence from you will be as acceptable (I doubt not) to receive, as it was grateful to minister it; & shall prove as cordial in the use, as it was painful in the composition. Live you to God; who also preserve you.  
Your Son with all love and duty. R. B.   

TO THE DEVOUTLY AFFECTED, AND enduring Catholics.  
THANKS ought we always to tender unto God for you (DEAR BRETHREN) as worthy and meet it is: 
2 The. 1.3.  for that your faith highly increaseth, & the charity of each of you towards other aboundeth: so that (other nations) glory in the Church of God for your patience, and faith in all the persecutions, and tribulations which you sustain to an example of GOD'S just judgement, that ye may be accounted worthy of the Kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer. Persist ye that our joy may be full. 
a Phil. 2.27.  And be not in any thing terrified by the adversaries, what to them is cause of perdition is to you of salvation; and this from God: for as much as to you it is given for Christ, that not only ye believe in him but that ye also suffer for his sake. 
b Ephes. 12.  Ye were in times passed without Christ, alienated from the conversation of Israel, strangers to the testament, having no hope of the promise, & without a God in this world. But now are ye, who erst were far off, in Christ JESUS become near in the blood of Christ for he is our peace. 
c Collos. 2.13.  Dead when ye were in sins God revived you together with him, imparting condonation of all your offences. 
d Phil. 1.26.  Walk ye therefore worthy of the gospel of Christ, 
e Phil. 2, 15.  without reprehension in the midst of a wicked & perverse people, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. 
f 1. Thes. 5.11.  Be mutually comfortable, and edify one another; as also ye do. 
g 1. Cor. 2.12.  Ye have not received the spirit of this world. 
h 1. Thes. 5.2.4.  The day of our Lord shall come as a thief in the night. But ye (BRETHREN) are not in darkness, whereby that day might as a thief catch ye uwares: for all ye are Sons of light, & Sons of God. We are not of the night, neither of darkness: therefore let not us sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. Be instant in prayer, watchful therein in thanksgiving. 
a Ephes. ● 18.  Be not inebriate with wine, wherein is luxury: but be filled with spirit, speaking unto yourselves in Psalms, and Hymns, & spiritual songs; singing and Psalming in your hearts unto our Lord, yielding always thanks for all things to God the Father, in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 
b joh. 14.13, 15.16, 16.23.  Whatsoever is asked in his name, it is obtained. Yet 
c jac. 4.3.  some receive not, because they evilly ask. And commonly 
d Rom. 8.26.  we do not know what we pray, as behoveth us. But 
e 1. joh. 5.14.  this is the comfort which we have to Godward: in that whatsoever we shall request according to his will he heareth us.  
Not the Author: but sacred Authority.   

AN INVOCATION OF GOD'S AID, FOR CEASING THE AFFLICTION OF his Church.  
THE FIRST PSALM.  
O MY LORD, O my God: how long wilt thou defer the delivery of thy people?  
Arise, and free us O Lord: arise (O Lord) and save us.  
Help us thou in our tribulations: for vain is the aid of man.  
Accomplish graciously, what thou mercifully seemest to begin: show forth the amiable light of thy countenance.  
By the hand of thy great servant JAMES, shake off our yoke: that we may find him an honourable comforter.  
Beautify him with a name, more precious than his Crown: by the true name of a good King.  
Deserve he the resemblance of thy own Title: Prince of peace.  
Lest they which vex us, exalt their hearts for ever: and magnify themselves, in their iniquities.  
Thou hast tried us, as the Diamond is tried by hammers: or gold in the furnace.  
Thou hast chastised us thoroughly for our offences: now spare us for thy mercy.  
To thee lift we up our eyes, who dwellest in the heavens: and sittest upon the Cherubins.  
As slaves in their Master's fury: or handmaids at their Mistress feet.  
Attend from thy heavenly throne unto our cry: for exceedingly have we been oppressed.  
How many are the days of our afflictions: when wilt thou do us favour and bow our Persecutors unto pity?  
Thine we are, thy children and thy servants: the scattered and oppressed sheep of thy pasture.  
Preserve us, for we have embraced thy ways: and diligently searched thy commandments.  
For which cause we sustain the note of folly, and madness: and are a daily laughing stock to each wicked person.  
Reputed also as unworthy to live: and enemies to our dear country.  
Our acquaintance have withdrawn themselves from us: and abhorred our company.  
Our friends have forsaken us: our kindred have no will to know us.  
Our brethren of the same womb passed by us as a stream: which stayeth for no man's talk.  
Swifter than Swallows fled they from us: for dread of the nets which are round about us.  
They to whom we should be dear, despise us: they which should help, follow in the chase.  
Like sole Camels in the wilderness are we become: like solitary birds which have lost their company.  
Outcasts, of no body regarded: as broken potsherdes were we trodden under foot.  
At meetings men devised against us: at taverns and banquets made they songs upon us.  
Neither ceaseth their rage to repine: that the milder minded draw back from persecuting.  
Without committing folly are we scorned: & slandered without desert.  
Tongues are sharpened against us like sword: malice is bend against us as a bow.  
Arrows are in secret let fly to wound us: snares are laid to entrap us.  
The children of this world, seek nothing more than our destruction.  
This their assemblies forget not: this is their business all the day long.  
Laws laid they erst for stumbling blocks: & crossed thy edicts, the paths of innocency.  
Beset by them as thick as bees: we live enclosed amidst an armed host.  
They raged among us as a river which swelleth with rain: bearing down the banks with violence.  
Their insolent fury as a flame: which catcheth hold upon a pile of thorns.  
Oppressed thus by our adversaries, we lay groveling on the ground: and by strong hand were our necks kept down.  
Oh that at length they would not kick against our little redress present: for of the passed time who can record the calamity.  
Even so, O heavenly Father: for it hath pleased thee, to compass us with pain and peril.  
Our bowels are filled with worm wood: our hearts long since inebriated with gall.  
To what shall I compare our sorrow: and resemble the misery many years sustained?  
Our woes as waves of the Sea: our adversities as the sands thereof.  
Persecution followeth us, like thunder, and lightning: fire, hail, and brimstone.  
More cruel are our foes then Unicorns: more outrageous than swift Tigers.  
As David sought to death by Saul: as the Israelites in the bondage of Egypt.  
As innocent Susanna in the hands of her accusers: as Daniel in the Lion's Den: such is our case, O Lord.  
Under us is the appaling pit: above us the brandishing sword.  
Within us, fears: without us, terrors.  
No mean left to escape: but only thy divine assistance.  
Were it not for thy great mercy: long since had we been wasted and gone.  
Our Fathers sinned and we bear their iniquities: but unto how many generations will thy wrath be extended?  
How long wilt thou shut thy eyes from the oppression of thy poor: and banish their cry from thine ears?  
A great space have our souls thirsted after thee: expecting the day of their redemption.  
As travailers in a dry & uncouth way: as children weaned from their Mother's breast.  
Our hearts are replenished with sorrow and heaviness: to see thine anger so confirmed against us.  
Hold not thy peace, but answer us: now we lift up our hands before thy holy Seat.  
Consider at length of our complaint, O Protector of thy holy Church: look down from thy throne of Majesty.  
Regard the daily Sacrifices: and turn not thy face from thine anointed.  
Iniquity hath prevailed: gotten the upper hand, and proceeded with all extremity.  
Because of this we groan by day: and at midnight power forth our souls in tears.  
Memory of our tribulation cometh into our lips, at table of refection: and busieth our thoughts upon the bed of our rest.  
At our rising it is in our first prayers: at our going to bed we again commend our cause to thy mercy.  
divers times in the day we bow our knees: beseeching thee at length to relent.  
Our eyes drop continually unto thy Godhead: and our sighs are every moment sent up toward thy throne.  
We have put on sackcloth and hair: and humbled ourselves in fasting and abstinence.  
Gird our loins with cord, abased our heads to the earth: and multiplied our prayers.  
Arise therefore, O God of hosts stand for thy people: give thy maligners to understand, that their Doctrines are of flesh and blood.  
heal the crushed and bruised: set captives at liberty.  
Thy might is not abridged: thy wisdom is no whit diminished.  
Make therefore the iron rod quite to cease from our shoulders: bind up the wounds of the guiltless.  
Spare us for thy name sake, O benign Lord: release thy congregation from their affliction.  
Convert the hearts of people to thee: and they shall be converted.  
Send forth thy grace: and put up thy sword.  
Thou hast powered forth thine indignation like a stream: and laid thy habitation like a waste plot.  
jerusalem hath stretched out her hand, and findeth no help: she bewaileth her children, without all consolation.  
Now therefore arise, untwist the twine of our tribulation: and break the exactors staff.  
Prevent the appointed time, O fountain of mercy: abridge the days to the salvation of many.  
If thousands wilfully run astray: yet thousands find their ruin by ignorance.  
Most part of this harvest perisheth for want of reaping: though much be blighted before the sickle.  
Many which shined in thy church like stars: are fallen as from heaven, into the bottomless pit.  
Many bred up in thy fragrant garden: wallow now without doors upon filth with swine.  
Whom thy Spouse fostered up with her own breasts: those have savage beasts reached from between her arms, and devoured.  
So that she is become as a tree blasted: and casting her blossoms with the frost.  
Her fair ones are altered to Aethiopians: her strong ones changed to weaklings.  
They which seemed strongest have shrunk under the burden: they which seemed soundest are consumed.  
Hell hath widened his entrails: and opened his mouth beyond all measure.  
So that almost as many souls are swallowed in his gulf: as bodies are carried to the grave.  
The fainter sort are tired in this long probation: & blaspheamously say in their hearts, where is our God become?  
Scarce the just & elect have been able to endure: Respect therefore at last (O Lord) our oppression & desolation.  
For thy love and for defence of our faith it is: that we have taken so hard a course.  
For righteousness we sustain reproof: for not violating our allegiance to thy sovereign Majesty.  
Who art the only Lord of Lords: and Monarch of the whole world.  
Before whose face the mountains tremble: & to whom Angel's bow.  
Whose slaves and vassals: are all the Princes of the earth.  
When thou list thou pluckest away their chains of gold: and tiest a rope about their necks.  
For thy service we suffer, hating the profane Church: and refusing to sit in the congregation of the wicked.  
ungodly assemblies we have detested: and held in abomination the Doctrine of the chair of pestilence.  
Conceal therefore no longer our innocency: the mouth of the ungodly is opened against us.  
And that without our fault, thou knowest: who quietly seek to direct our lives.  
They say to us, talk not of conscience: meddle not of Religion and you shall be free.  
Yield to us in show: and give outward consent to our laws and actions.  
Come reverently to our rites, and prayers: be one of us, at least in profession.  
Forsake your accustomed Sacraments: renounce the society and communion of Catholics.  
Then believe in heart how you lift: we admit you good subjects, and no enemies of our Religion.  
Misery hangeth over our heads, if we yield not to this suggestion: but a thousand miseries if we do relent.  
If we forsake thy Tabernacle, hell claimeth interest in us: the fiend taketh seyzion of our souls.  
Standing steadfast we are consumed to nothing: neither find end of trouble but by death.   

A consolatory PSALM, ANSWEring to the former.  
THE SECOND PSALM.  
LIFT up thy head, O Virgin Zion: receive comfort, ye children of Jerusalem. Ye zealous souls, who groan under sore persecution: and sit in heaviness for your conscience sake.  
Who have been tried by fire, and found pure: poised in balance, and found sufficient.  
Your constancy our Lord & maker hath beheld: accepting the same as a most grateful Sacrifice.  
Confirm your hearts in hope: for your redemption is not far off.  
The year of visitation draweth to an end: and jubilation is at hand.  
Albeit ye be as drops fallen into the Sea: and as grains of gold among the mountains.  
Yet are ye respected from on high as loyal, and loving children: the relics of Israel shall be saved.  
Jerusalem shall be built up again: and the second glory thereof shall be greater than the first.  
The Church purged in the furnace of tribulation: shall shine brighter than ever before.  
Righteousness shall prosper: and infidelity shall be plucked up by the roots.  
God will arise, as from a long slumber: and establish again the Ark of his sanctification.  
Fear not, little JACOB: he that is thy Redeemer from the Devil, will be thy deliverer from all evil.  
His thou art, his flock and fold: Catholic is thy name.  
To hurt thee, is to hurt him: to touch thee, is to touch the apple of his eye.  
Arise therefore from the earth, shake off sorrows: thy confusion shall give glace to glory.  
The morning dew is priest to fall: and the night to be discharged of her course.  
With the eye of pity the Lord of hosts shall visit us: and send salvation to his people.  
Turning their water into wine: their wormwood into sugar canes.  
His scattered flock he will unite again: and reduce strayers into safety.  
The root which hath waxen old under ground, shall shoot up again: as a fresh plant by the river side.  
No man shall upbraid it with barrenness: or say it was a cursed stock.  
False error shall vanish like smoke: and they which saw it shall say, where is it become?  
Just judgement and holy laws: shall be restored.  
If a Woman can forget her child, or if we can forget our right hands: yet will not Christ be unmindful of Zion his heritage.  
Sooner shall he forget his own throne: then her desolation.  
For ashes, he shall give her a Crown: for baths of tears, unction of joy.  
Requiting her ignominy with honour: her sackcloth of sorrow with robes of festivity.  
His Tabernacle he will spread again: and dwell among us as in time past.  
Cladding his Priests with holiness: and his servants with purity.  
Sacred songs shall break their long silence: the lamp of our Lord shall be revived.  
Preachers of salvation: shall without fear lift us their voice.  
The Churches shall be hallowed again: & no unclean persons shall enter therein.  
The forests and rocks shall send thither their chiefest glory: for beautifying of sacred works.  
Screetch-owles shall seek new habitation: and resign to the simple Dove.  
With sweeter than milk & honey: seven fountains shall spring afresh, and flow.  
The resemblance of heaven shall be renewed: the resemblance of hell shall be destroyed.  
England shall be called a happy Realm: a blessed Country, a Religious people.  
Those which knew the former glory of Religion: shall lift up their hands for joy, to see it returned again.  
Those which never saw it: shall be stroaken with admiration.  
Wishing that they had sooner known the truth: and condemning their fathers, which forsook it.  
Men shall say of it one to another: here is indeed the house of God, & the gate of heaven.  
How great diversity is between truth, and falsehood: devout solemnities, and counterfeit ceremonies?  
From the East point to the West: men shall confess their errors.  
They which thought themselves wisest: shall say they knew nothing.  
Gladly shall people walk in their ancients steps of truth and equity: beginning to learn how to love God aright.  
How to love him, and serve him: how to honour him sincerely in a perfect heart.  
Be no more apald, O little flock of Christ: the Prince of peace will break the exactors rod.  
Rescuing you from captivity: and bringing you unto desirable pastures  
Take courage for he is with you: his assistance never faileth.  
To his glory he created you: and for his name sake he will protect and save you.  
No longer will he dissemble the oppression of his people: he is bend to revenge their cause.  
The Daughters of Babylon shall be cast down: and in the dust lament their ruin.  
Proud Heresy shall strike her sail: and groan as a beast, crushed under a cartwheele.  
Though her heart be flint: her neck iron, her forehead brass.  
The Omnipotent hath sworn to make her stoop: and that he will abase her haughtiness.  
Though she fret his chosen vine never so much: in despite of her it shall shoot up and prosper.  
Ten times if it be cut down: ten times it shall arise more glorious.  
God hath planted it with his own hand: he hath watered it with the blood of Martyrs, & it shall flourish.  
He hath considered the insolency of our enemies: their cruel dealing hath not escaped his sight.  
How arrogantly they walk before our face: glorying in their wickedness.  
But the memory of novelties shall perish with a crack: as a ruinous house falling to the ground.  
Repent ye seducers with speed: and prevent the dreadful wrath of the most powreable.  
Lest his ire tread upon you: like a conqueror.  
Lest suddenly he draw you forth out of your terrestrial Paradise: as thorns, which are not pulled up with hands.  
We have long tasted the cup of his indignation: but for sinners he hath reserved the dregs thereof.  
green and flourishing boughs have not escaped his heavy hand: and shall he be merciful to rotten branches?  
Let iniquity no longer lie: deceiving itself with vain security.  
For thus promiseth the defender of Israel.  
He will come as a flame: that bursteth out beyond the furnace.  
His enemies, shall be like stubble in his way.  
His fury shall fly forth as thunder: and pitch upon their tops, which malign him.  
With him, is both wisdom and strength: he quaileth the world with a beck.  
He knoweth how to dull the weapons of the mighty: and to frustrate the counsel of the sage.  
He buildeth, & breaketh sceptres: and bringeth wizards to their wits end.  
Pharaoh was by his plagues compelled: to let the children of Israel Sacrifice in liberty.  
Cyrus' by his aid conquered the Oppressor: & dissolved by his instinct, the long captivity of juda.  
A second Cyrus hath he stirred up: confirming his sceptre for the good of his people.  
He shall likewise bring the Infants of Zion, from all quarters of their banishment: joyfully shall they return from foreign lands.  
And those Countries where now they harbour: shall find succour in this Isle to their own necessities.  
Thrice happy are ye who shall see those days: your hearts shall be replenished with joy.  
There shall not be any more grief: misery, and tribulation.  
But persecution shall be recounted with mirth: as persons arrived discourse of shipwreck.  
The arm of the malignant being broken: our LORD shall reign in men's hearts, for ever and ever.  
The tempestuous night being passed: a perpetual day shall be our comfort.  
Which if we live to see: to have suffered for Christ, shall be a joy during life.  
If we die before: we rest in assured confidence, of a happy resurrection.  
And always an immaculate conscience, shall be a sweet odour to the Almighty: and a banquet to ourselves.  
By affliction our souls are purged of their dross: and their imperfections consumed.  
By persecution we are tried as by the fan: whether we will be carried away with every wind.  
They which now stand shall be planted afresh, as a glorious generation: and be as principal stones in restoration of the Temple.  
Abundantly shall Gods mercies recompense their losses: gladness shall exceed their sorrows an hundredfold.  
All that shall see them shall know and say: these are they which would not bow to Baal.  
Constant Confessors of Christ jesus: & the only glory of our nation.  
Just is God in his judgements: and hath ordained a time, wherein to remember us.  
His coming shall be as a sweet shower to the parched ground: and as a labourer's wages at the weeks end.  
Cease shall our bondage: and he shall bless us with an eternal liberty.  
His truth, his justice, his Priests, his Sacrifice: shall no more be taken away.  
For a moment he afflicted us: but for ever shall his consolation endure.  
Now therefore show yourselves men: ye that endure for justifying your faith.  
Run forward without weariness: achieve without fainting a happy course.  
A Crown hangeth over your heads: unspeakable bliss is prepared for you.  
God himself shall be your great reward: your hope is full of immortality.   

A DEEP RECOGITATION, OF THE FIRST conversion of the English nation to the faith of Christ, and the continuance thereof.  
THE THIRD PSALM.  
MY heart melteth, and my bowels tremble: while I confer the times, O my God.  
The times of this our miserable age: with the golden days of our forefathers.  
We have heard with our ears: and thy Scribes have commended to eternal memory.  
The work that thou wroughtest one thousand years past: in converting our Ancestors to the faith.  
To a people that sat in darkness and shadow of death: it pleased thee to show the light of thy countenance.  
That the relics of an Heathen nation should be saved: that no people should be exempt from knowledge of thy law, and title to thy glory.  
Thou preparedst thine elect servant Gregory: to govern the Apostolic Sea.  
A Pastor like David: according to thine own heart.  
Who with great care executing his charge: fulfilled perfectly the name and office of a watchman.  
Thou stirredst up his heart: to enterprise the conversion of the English.  
And enflamedst his mind: with zeal of dilating thy name unto the ends of the world.  
While he was yet private: thou hadst sent of our youth to be sold at Rome.  
Intending thereby: the accomplishment of thy purposed mercy.  
They were brought to the Marketplace, to be cheapened as beasts: price was set upon them as slaves.  
Endued yet with reasonable souls, and such visages: as commended the excellency of thy beautiful workmanship.  
Just nevertheless was their present condition: who were bruit beasts by sin, and slaves of the Devil by infidelity.  
Thy holy servant saw them: and his heart yearned at their calamity.  
But thou inspiredst him that their salvation was near: and that himself should be the instrument thereof.  
Thou placedst thy words in his lips: and hearing that they were called Angles, he said.  
To Angels this nation must be united: whom in countenance they so resemble.  
Understanding their Province was called Deira: and their King Aëlle.  
He inferred, that delivered from God's ire & indignation: they shortly should sing Alleluia.  
After this (O Lord) thou didst raise up Gregory: to be supreme Pastor of thy universal flock.  
Thou gavest him both ability and will: to compass that which he had before thirsted.  
And to finish the work: which thou secretly hadst in hand.  
He sent Augustine thy approved Priest: with a chosen company, fit for so great and holy an enterprise.  
A long and weary some way they passed: but thou easedst their travail with daily consolation.  
In the midst of their journey their courage languished: but thou confirmedst them afresh.  
Through strange lands, and uncouth ways they passed: but thy hand evermore protected them.  
They crossed the Seas: and came to an Island, whose tongue they understood not.  
Thou diddest always assist them: and wert a present aid to their necessities.  
Thou art Lord of the Isles, no less then of the continent: neither doth distance of places abridge thy power.  
Thus thou broughtest Monks from beyond the high & insuperable Alps: to kindle in Infidels hearts the fire of thy love.  
At their entrance they bore before them the triumphant sign of the Cross: the badge of Christians, the memory of our Redemption.  
A token that they preached the Son of Man crucified: a protestation of their faith, and profession.  
They sang the sacred Litanies with loud voice: invocating Saints and Angels to their assistance.  
Grace thou gavest them in the sight of Princes: and our Country began to yield her fruits.  
The seed which they sowed took root: and yielded increase apace.  
Through many tempests, and storms it prevailed: through contradictions it augmented the more.  
They conquered this land to thy CHRIST: and subdued all men's hearts to thy Gospel.  
Possessing the Provinces not by the sword, but in thy word: not in their arm, but in thy spirit.  
They established the function of thy holy Altar: wherein thy Son is both Priest and Sacrifice.  
They administered the seven SACRAMENTS: and planted the whole Doctrine of the Catholic Church.  
They laid a firm foundation of their forefather's faith: with the honourable rites thereunto appertaining.  
And once more this Island flourished afresh: recovering her ancient glory.  
Which many years before she had attained: by embracing the Christian faith.  
Vaunting herself to be the first Christian Province of the world: the eldest child of the Church.  
The faithful throughout the earth: rejoiced at her Religious example.  
Singing her happy choice, and celebrating her with Titles: some of Christ's birthright, some of our Lady's dowry.  
King Lucius by thy secret motion: inclined his heart to search thy truth.  
Animated by thee (O Sovereign Sanctifier) to Rome as the fountain he sent for water of life.  
Thy high Steward & Lieutenant Eleutherius: assigned Priests for execution of his holy desires.  
The light of thy word was soon spread through Britain: to the salvation of many souls.  
The Prophecy was so fulfilled: that from the Islands our Lord should begin his reign.  
In this thy garden grew white Lilies without number: and integrity of life adorned the Realm.  
But neither was the red Rose wanting: purpled with the blood of thy Saints.  
Alban the Prothomartir: for harbouring a Priest lost his life.  
Amphiabell thy consecrated servant was slain for thy sake: julius & Aaron with many more.  
When the Saxons invaded with fire and sword: thou laidst not aside the care of thy land.  
But pitying that Infidels should possess the jewel: which thou lovedst so well.  
Thou broughtest to pass by incomprehensible wisdom: that they also were by Gregory converted.  
Thus from the holy City, from Peter's Seat: both the conqueror, and conquered received Religion.  
And being otherwise mortal enemies: yet in points of belief consented in one.  
Neither did the Britain argue the Saxon of heresy: or reproach him to have received an upstart and falsified faith.  
As likewise, neither did the Dane change the Saxons belief: nor the victorious Norman bring in new opinions.  
For they found no other: then all Christendom at that time professed.  
Of the faith Catholic, which in this Island: thou (O eternal truth) haddest in this wise planted, watered, and established.  
Who is able to comprehend the success? what tongue can express the increase?  
All quarters of the earth talked of her fruit: all corners of this Realm testify it.  
So many Churches & Chapels so many Colleges and Hospitals: so many sundry foundations of charity.  
So many thousands of vowed Religious: among whom night nor day, thy praises never ceased.  
Who spent their time in praying for their Country: putting themselves as a wall between thy wrath, and the people.  
Watching, whilst others slept: living in penance, whilst others past their time in pleasures.  
No Country yielded more Kings Canonised for their lives: or Martyrs by their deaths.  
More that visited in Pilgrimage: the Temples and Monuments of the chief Apostles.  
More Princes which laying aside their Crown and Sceptre: in Religious habit and Cloisters, finished their age.  
Or more Queens, and kings Daughters: who renouncing worldly pomp, chose Christ for their Spouse.  
Holy Bishops in whom thy heart was well pleased, were very many: some of which lost their lives for their flock.  
Thou hadst here also Eremites & Anchorets many: equal in perfection to the Fathers of Egypt.  
Both sanctity and wisdom thou didst power abundantly: upon divers of thy servants.  
This Isle as a nurse of learning: sent teachers into strange lands.  
As a Seminary of Religion: it did spread abroad the Christian faith.  
No Country but boasteth of some English Saint: honouring his relics, whose life they had in admiration.  
Germany acknowledgeth from Enland: her first Apostles, and Evangelists.  
Who founded there thy faith, O Lord: by word, works, and by their blood.  
By one of our nation: were the Norwegians reclaimed from their superstitions.  
And the frozen nations of the North-pole: began to be inflamed with thy love.  
Our Kings also in honour of thy sacred name: and in sign of perfect union to thy Church;  
Offered up their protestation of obedient Children: and made the Realm tributary to Peter's chair.  
They erected a College at Rome thy holy City: that from whence their faith first proceeded, it might still be conserved.  
The devotion of all to thy holy and dreadful Sacrifices: it is not my tongue, thou knowest, can express.  
It was thou which gavest them both ability and will to erect so many stately Temples, with towers aspiring to the clouds.  
To adorn the same with such rich furniture: Crosses, Chalices, and shrines of precious metal.  
So that neither sparing labour nor cost: they left examples of devotion to all posterity.  
Religious zeal being well grounded in all men's hearts: other fruits of good life followed accordingly.  
The vine yieldeth not Scamony: the Pomegranate beareth not Coloquintida.  
Neither could good Doctrine: bring forth evil fruits.  
It delighted thee to look upon this Realm: and to regard the state thereof.  
To see how parents loved their children, more to thee then to the world: more by reason then fond affection.  
How children obeyed their parents, not to the eye only, but from the heart: not for their own behoof, but for thy commandment.  
How Masters to their servants, servants to their Masters: the Prince to the people, the people to the Prince.  
Each observed to other their duty inviolable.  
The Clergy to the laity: the laity toward the Clergy.  
How all Superiors to their Inferiors bare themselves upright: and received likewise of them their due.  
How each man had just care of his soul: and few gave themselves over to iniquity.  
How sinners hastened by penance and tears: to reconcile themselves to thy merciful Majesty.  
All things went in order, and the sweet consort of the common wealth: was as the harmony of a wel-tuned instrument.   

A DEPLORATION OF THE REVOLT OF ENgland, from the received faith.  
THE FOURTH PSALM.  
MY God, O my God; O God of our Ancestors: where is the goodly tree of thy planting become?  
Which prospered and grew so mightily: which flourished so beautifully.  
Whose shade was most pleasant and recreative: whose arms stretched to the four Seas.  
The Cedars of Libanus were not taller; the Palms of Palestina fairer: nor the Oaks of the forest stronger.  
I heard of the glory and fame thereof, and I wondered: I looked about to see it, and it is not to be found.  
Alas, O Lord, that thou hast suffered a parching wind to blow from the North: which made the boughs thereof to whither, and the flourish thereof to decay.  
The leaves first fell away by one and by one: other followed by ten and by twenty.  
As when the Sun draweth to his farthest point: and the cold nipping winter prepareth his recourse.  
The smaller boughs began to fall to the ground: being become dry sticks without sap.  
The contagion at length possessing the heart: main branches broke away.  
The trunk all rotten fell down: the fall thereof was very great.  
The crack was heard into all lands: and made Nations quake for fear.  
Peevish shrubs, whom her shade oppressed: & inferior trees, whom her glory disgraced;  
Such triumphed at her fall: and rejoiced at her ruin.  
But the other goodly trees of the wood, pitied her calamity: and feared their own estate.  
Yet just art thou, O judge of all the world: and there is no iniquity in thy ways.  
Before thou didst thus abase our Nation, they sinned: and before thou didst so chastise our Country, it deserved the rod.  
Our forefathers were unmindful of the multitude of thy mercies: and kept not the covenant of thy commandments.  
But beginning to waver at the noise of new opinions: their manners drew infection from the weakness of their faith.  
When they saw the thief they followed him: to be partaker of his prey.  
They joined shot with the adulterous generation: & furthered their proceedings.  
And eating with uncircumcised persons: mingled themselves with those, which thou hast strictly forbidden.  
They learned their works, they sucked in their opinions: and stumbled to their utter ruin.  
They found in their conversation the scandal of Balam: eating & drinking, and fornication.  
Thy Nazarites were provoked to violate their vows: and invited to meats renounced.  
Way was by liberty made open to intrusion of a new belief: and men vaunted their proper inventions to be thy word.  
Blessed is the memory, and everlasting is the glory of the shepherds: which looked well to their charge, at the time of Apostasy.  
For the brightness of Israel was not quite put out: but that many lamps gave their accustomed light.  
Rather choosing triumphantly to lose their lives: then by yielding to betray their flock.  
Cursed for ever are those Prelates and Pastors: not worthy the name of subjects and sheep.  
Who either slept while the Devil sowed his cockle, O eternal reproach! or like dumb dogs bayed not when they saw the wolf.  
Idols & stocks, not trusty watchmen: who saw the sword coming, and gave no warning.  
But won with reward, or amazed with fear: suffered souls to be seduced.  
The Prince frowning: and commanding his laws to be observed for God's truth;  
They staggered as men drunk: all their wisdom and learning was gone with a word.  
Holding down their heads as degenerate: & shrinking as rams that had lost their horns:  
In steed of denouncing to people their danger: and deterring them from iniquity.  
They themselves yielded GOD'S honour to man: and augmented the scandal by their example.  
Great was the multitude, which swaying with the time: did cut off themselves from the body of Christendom.  
The earth was infected with the pride thereof: and the air detested so great abomination.  
The elements were defiled with continual sacrileges: the blood of the Saints cried vengeance.  
Angry waste thou with those, which were once thy beloved people: and disclaymedst from England, as none of thine inheritance.  
Also deliveredst up therefore the faint-hearted shepherds, with their flocks: to the hands of their mortal enemies.  
Thy Sacrifice was taken from an unworthy generation: thy Ceremonies were abolished.  
Under name of divine service were obtruded new rites: for thy sons body, a bare piece of bread.  
The table and cup of Devils, was thrust upon the people: with prayers thereunto belonging.  
Blasphemies & heresies were proclaimed for Gospel: and all men's mouths opened against heaven.  
England, ah ungrateful England, forgot thee the living God: and felt the curse of having a child to her King.  
Thus the bourns became desert: and a bateful land turned to a sour soil.  
Catholic faith here first planted: which neither Saxons altered, nor Dane abolished;  
Which the Normans rejected not: which so many ages had not worn out;  
Was now at last in a most infortunate age: corrupted, changed, & destroyed.  
And our Nation after a thousand of years, Apostated from thy faith: to the which it was first converted.  
Yet remembering thy former mercies: thou didst dissolve at last this heavy yoke.  
Sending a Deborah, which judged Israel in peace and tranquillity: and repaired the late ruins.  
But too soon thou tookest her away: for the unworthiness of her subjects.  
Quickly was thy goodness forgotten: the Realm returning to her vomit.  
Thou pouredst forth therefore thine indignation in abundance: & kindledst all thy wrath to the full.  
Thou gavest us over to our own inventions: suffering us with full sail to make our course.  
Our sins deserved no less: yet what could thy wrath do more extreme?  
The Nobility to their own utter extirpation: shamefully forsook their Bishops without assistance.  
Who constantly in defence of the Church: pined all in durance and perished one by one.  
The common sort went universally to the golden Calves: and at the commanders voice, bowed their knees to Baal.  
Sincere Christians fled from Babylon: lest they should be plunged in her iniquities.  
Thou determinedst in thy wrathful fury: to cast of England for evermore.  
To let it run to the bottomless pit: and never to recall it to the faith.  
But a Moses stood up before thee: entreating for his comfortless country.  
Appeasing thy wrath, thou saidst unto him: prepare thyself to be my instrument.  
For I will rear up a new generation, of Priests and people.  
They which so easily forsook me in time of tentation: shall not enter into the land of promise.  
Forthwith didst thou purvey in a strange land: a receptacle for thy people, a refuge for thy persecuted.  
Choosing out such as it pleased thee: of whom to frame vessels of honour.  
Many thou drewest to thy service: by whom the Devil wished to set forth his own glory.  
As diligent bees they gathered honey in abundance: for succour of their distressed Country.  
Being delivered like Israelites out of the furnace of Egypt: and called like Abraham from house and kindred.  
Thou inspiredst them with desire of converting souls: and sentest them in due season of thy harvest.  
Under banner of a second Gregory: they adventured the second conversion of their Nation.  
Opposing themselves to the stream of the time: hope against hope was their comfort.  
As thou gavest them learning, which their adversaries can not resist: so constancy, which they can not overcome.  
They purchased souls by their Doctrine: and confirmed them by seal of their blood.  
Springs of health were opened: & from all coasts men sought help of their maladies.  
The cause waxed famous: men began to lift up their eyes, and flow to the Church apace.  
Sound of the Catholic faith, pierced through the Island: and none can any more plead ignorance.  
Darkness strove to repel light: not able to endure the glimpse thereof.  
The Devil armed himself with fury to maintain his KINGDOM: feeling the foundation thereof to tremble.  
Rigorous laws were made: and executed with all extremity.  
Worse and worse daily added: severity finding neither end, nor measure.  
In these terms of contradiction (O ineffable Majesty) standeth thou seest, our miserable Britain.  
Who by this time (hadst thou not sent supply) had become worse than Sodom and Gomorrha.  
Iniquity hath engendered impiety: and want of faith, hath brought forth double iniquity.  
Ah thou eldest Daughter of Zion: how is thy beauty faded?  
How miserable is now the land: wont to be so happy and fortunate?  
The Lady of Isles is become like a perilous rock: which far and near is shunned for danger of shipwreck.  
Or as a cursed quicksand: infamous through destruction of many passengers swallowed.  
The chief of Provinces is become the basest: the most Religious, turned to most sacrilegious.  
Woe to a sinful people: whose burden is iniquity.  
Woe to an Apostatrice nation: who like an Harlot hath broken her faith.  
From the crown of the head to the sole of the foot: she is full of sores and maladies.  
Who is able to cure her leprosy: and to remedy her loathsomeness?  
She is proved a bastard vine: and degenerated to a sour grape.  
A froward bow, which will rather fly in pieces: then come to the bent.  
A fruitless and barren soil: not answerable to the sowers hope.  
Against thee her God, she hath lifted up her hand: against the omnipotent she hath vaunted her feathers.  
With a proud gate, and lofty countenance, she hath stalked against thee: as though she would check thee to thy face.  
She saith I am safe, in the midst of waters: my ships are my brazen wall.  
Yet is she flesh, and not a spirit: a worm and not a God.  
Be it that she soareth as high as an Eagle: she should be reached with thy arrow: but spare her, O Lord.  
Be it she were as strong as steel, she should be dashed in pieces by thy fury: but mitigate thy wrath.  
She extolleth herself in conceit of prosperity: and vannteth her proceedings in iniquity.  
In a moment canst thou crush her bones: and lay her pride in the dust: but, oh remember thy mercy.  
Whatsoever this people thinketh, is mere iniquity: all their communication, is conspiracy against heaven, and treason against thee.  
They have all made a league with death: and concluded a covenant with hell.  
Their feet are swift to evil: and their hands strong to do mischief.  
The earth itself is infected with wickedness of the inhabitants: and crieth unto thee for vengeance.  
And possibly would swallow them, as it did Chore and his company: were it not for thy elect sake.  
Revenging fire of Sodom and Gomorrha, might be justly feared: if the faithful stayed not thy rod.  
If any forsake iniquity, he is made a prey: our channels flow with blood.  
Who did ever hear such horrible things: as this people commit against thee their maker?  
Degenerated is thy vinyeard and turned wild: yielding verjuce for wine.  
Thy darling and vowed Virgin: hath given over herself, common to all adulteries.  
To Luther and Caluin she hath opened her bosom: and to whom soever else, that would dishonour her.  
She hath sought her lovers far and near: and hired teachers for her itching ears.  
She careth not whom she admit, so she admit not thee her first spouse: nor whither she run, so she fly from thy face.  
As a woman contemneth her husband, so hath she contemned thee: and with disdain turned her back.  
Defending her iniquity under pretext of thy glory: she dareth to say; I am no adulteress, I am no Apostatrice.  
Her brazen face cannot blush: her impudent mind can conceive no repentance.  
But if she harden her face not to repent: harden the face of thy messengers to reprehend.  
If she harden her face to persecute: harden thou their face to withstand.  
Confirm the hearts of those thy labourers: endue them with strength from above, and give success unto their endeavours.  
Whose only presence representeth in some sort: the state of former times.  
And maintaineth thy holy fire: that it go not out.  
Diminish not their number, because of our sins, and unworthiness: but increase it for our better comfort.  
That the daily food of our souls we may receive at their hands: and not want their assistance in our extremities.  
Protect them night and day from their enemies: wheresoever thy business detaineth them.  
Embolden our hearts with courage from heaven: to concur with them freely in furthering thy service.  
Fully thereby to discharge our Christian duty: and be partaker of their reward and Crown.  
So may they build apace the wales of thy Jerusalem: and win innumerable souls to thy Kingdom.  
So may they speedily bring to pass: that ancient happiness may return.  
So may thy Temples be cleansed of their abominations: returning to the use whereunto they were builded.  
No longer be dens of Devils: and instruments of thy dishonour.  
Be it so, O mighty Patron of thy afflicted: be it so.  
And all that love their Country: let this be their daily tears.   

A CONTEMPLATION OF THE BLESsed state of a Catholic.  
THE FIPT PSALM.  
COME and consider with me the sweetness of our Lord: O all ye, that be of his holy congregation. Come and consider with me the glory of his Spouse: O all ye, that dwell in her Tabernacle.  
Come and consider with me the happiness of your own souls: ye which have entered into the sanctuary of our God.  
Meditate his goodness in the night: & in the day time lift up your hands unto his holy Seat.  
Great is he, and worthy of all praise: thy works bear witness of thee, O Lord.  
Thou hast erected thy Church, as thy Kingdom upon earth: her glory shall not departed from the lips of thy Saints.  
In thy only Son it was founded from the beginning: and to the end of the world it shall endure.  
For faithful art thou in all thy words: and holy in all thy works.  
Just & righteous in all thy ways: and perfect in thy determinations.  
As in the sunbeams, thou hast placed this thy Tabernacle: that the virtue thereof might comfort the world.  
Upon an hill thou hast situated thy City: whither all people should repair for laws, and doctrine.  
This is the Queen standing at thy right hand: glittering in gold, and rich attire.  
Thy Spouse, whom thou canst not, but love: thy turtle, which can not, but be chaste and true.  
The pillar of truth: whereupon thy faith is builded.  
The rock, against which hell gates shall not prevail.  
The ship which thou permittest to be tossed: but never sufferest to be overwhelmed.  
The ark ordained to save the elect: out of which who so is found, perisheth everlastingly.  
The sanctuary of refuge: whither to fly from the anger to come.  
The mount of thy sanctification: which the right hand hath conquered.  
The inheritance, which thou hast purchased with thy sons blood.  
A pavilion immovable: whose pings can never be pulled out, whose cords can never be broken.  
A high and strong Castle, whose walls are Adamant: against which no strength can prevail.  
A massy & hard stone: upon whom it lighteth, it crusheth him in pieces.  
All benediction thou hast bestowed upon thy Church: who hath not her for Mother, shall not have thee for Father.  
In her only thou hast established thy true worship: and confirmed it never to fail.  
As other people have Gods: none the true God but Christians:  
So may factions adore the also: none truly and fruitfully, but thy Catholic Church alone.  
Among all trees thou hast chosen one Palm: among all birds one Dove.  
Among all flowers thou hast preferred one Lily: among all hills one Zion.  
All nations are thy subjects and creatures: but we thine inheritance.  
Rejoice and be glad, ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: among whom is the great and holy one of Israel.  
Ye are all like Gods: the true children of the Highest.  
Happy are the eyes, which see that ye see: and enjoy the presence of him, whom ye adore  
Happy are the ears, that hear, what ye hear: and the hearts, which are partakers of your instructions.  
No nation under heaven hath a God so potent, so loving: so near to them, which worship him.  
More precious are your souls in his sight: then the Phoenix or the unicorns fool.  
He hath raised unto you a seat of mercy: whither to have recourse for remission of sins.  
And prepared a table for your refection: wherein himself is the banquet and feast.  
O how delectable are thy dainties, O Lord? how acceptable are thy holy Altars?  
Much better are the relics there of: then the exquisite cates of princes.  
Much better is it to be an abject in thy household: then a great man in King's Courts.  
The meanest in thy Church is noble: the poorest in thy Church is rich.  
Who is able to express the magnificence of thy Church: or the one half of her glory?  
We have Priests rightly consecrated: and anointed in sacred wise.  
Orderly accomplishing thy dread full mysteries: in vestments of holiness and honour.  
Monks, and other Religious persons: persisting day and night in prayer.  
With fasting and disciplines afflicting themselves: in sackcloth and hair for the sins of the people.  
Vowed Virgins, veiled handmaids of thy Christ: by like order of life contend for like Crown.  
And fixing him profoundly in heart: whom they have chosen as celestial Spouse.  
Endeavour nothing else, then to be perfect in his sight: and serve him without distraction.  
Upon the society of thy faithful: legions of Angels attend for their defence.  
Upon them thy eyes are perpetually open: to consider their wants, and hear their prayers.  
Who liveth in their unity, is in the communion of saints: partaker of their assistance and patronage.  
Hath his part in every good deed: and is daily prayed for, throughout the world.  
Who dieth a lively member of this holy body mystical: by prayers of the living hath remission of pain.  
Happy art thou, O flock of Peter: blessed are all nations, subject to his chair.  
Where sit the judges of the house of jacob: the rod and sceptre of thy Kingdom, O Redeemer.  
Thyself art a watchman over it, who never sleepest: a protector, who never slumberest.  
Whosoever impugn it shall rot as they live: their eyes shall sink, and their tongue shall be eaten out.  
They shall perish in thy fury: and melt like wax before the fire.  
None shall resist thy Church, and be innocent.  
No man fighteth against her without foil: he dasheth his fist against a Rock.  
Her enemies shall lick the dust of her feet: and those which oppugned her, kiss her steps.  
Such as will not, shall be called a reprobate company: with whom thou wilt exercise eternal wrath.  
Abundance of blessings upon all them, which honour her: and curses eternally will follow them, which vex her.  
Her love and mercy is more: then the tender heart of a Mother.  
Her anger more to be feared: then a Prince's rage.  
In her remaineth knowledge, which can not err: power, which may not be contradicted.  
In her is the treasure of thy Sons merits reposed.  
In her possession are the Keys of thy heavenly Kingdom.  
Thou art her teacher: that she may not be ignorant.  
The holy Ghost is her sanctifier: to preserve her from iniquity.  
As the Moon from the Sun fetcheth her light: so is she illuminated from Christ her Spouse.  
In her only dost thou reign with magnificence: in her only thou art to be found.  
Not so the Synagogue of the wicked: not so the congregation of Heretics.  
Among whom, as in his Kingdom, sitteth the Prince of pride: who hath dominion over all children of darkness.  
Presuming as though they were thy counsellors: or as if the holy Ghost spoke in their ear.  
As though they were the lamps of the world: with whom Religion was borne, & with whom it should die.  
They say to the ancient Fathers, hold your peace: and to the Doctors of the Church, we will teach you wisdom.  
But their pride is more than their power: for thou dwellest not in heart's subject to sinfulness.  
Swelling in cogitations of their hearts: they proudly toss up their heads, as untamed colts.  
As children of Belial without yoke: they challenge liberty without obedience.  
Priests they make to themselves for their new law: and put upon them authority, which they cannot give.  
Like Apostata children they have made assemblies, & not in thy name: begun a web, and not in thy spirit.  
False Prophets sell them follies and lies: and set cushions of ease under sinners elbows.  
For a little lucre they justify the wicked: upon confidence of faith, they assure salvation.  
People's sores they close with a false skin: when the wound festreth, they say all is well.  
Eating in effect the people's sins: and clothing themselves with their iniquities.  
In steed of the supersubstantial Bread of life, they give them Serpents: for the Chalice of salvation, poison of Adders.  
Making thee more unjust than any Tyrant: they teach that thou punishest all sins with equal pain.  
And that without difference of deserts: thou rewardest all with equal glory.  
They say thou canst not make thy Saints and Angels, to understand our prayers: nor show to them things done in earth.  
They foolishly say that thou wilt not have us honour thy friends: and that thou settest little by their intercession.  
Denying that whose sins the Church forgiveth, are forgiven in heaven: they say thou canst not give such authority to man.  
Doubting of thy Omnipotency, they say with the Capharnaits: how can Christ give us his body for food?  
With the faithless they stick not to say: his words are hard, and who can believe him?  
His promise of being with his Church to the end of the world: they contemn.  
And that the Holy Ghost shall teach her all truth they credit not.  
Wanting the band of unity: under, several heads, they make several companies, and sects.  
Having no certain rule of faith, each is author of his own belief: framing a Religion by private fancy.  
Both in Doctrine and life, all disorder is among them: eternal horror, and confusion.  
Oh with how great difference (most supereminent light) hast thou separated Israel from the Egyptians?  
So plain hast thou made the high way of truth: that a very fool need not miss the path.  
Our enemies give testimony to our faith: and confess that we may be saved therein.  
They which oppugn it do justify it: in confessing the primitive Doctors to have erred with us.  
And thy Church not unmindful of her great privilege: nor ungrateful for thy benefits.  
Honoureth thee always with inward purity, worthy of thy holiness: and with outward ornaments, worthy of thy Majesty.  
Seven times in the day she singeth thy praises: and prayeth for Catholics throughout the world.  
Hear her prayers (O enemy of falsehood) and give all the earth to understand;  
That Heresy is a tempest raging only for a time: but the foundation of thy Church endureth for ever.   

A PSALM, WHEREIN THE CATHOLIC Calls to mind his conversion, giving thanks to God for the same.  
THE sixth PSALM.  
MEDITATE, O my soul, a new song: open my lips to a psalm of thanksgiving.  
Rejoice in him that made thee: rejoice in him that redeemed thee.  
Rejoice in him that conserveth thee: rejoice in him that sanctifieth thee.  
Rejoice in thy Lord, thy God: rejoice in thy King, and Captain.  
He hath delighted in thee, and loved thee: and exalted thee to salvation.  
Lifted up thy head: and awaked thee from sleep of death.  
Broken thy bonds asunder, and set thee at liberty: that thou shouldst live acceptably before him, in the land of the living.  
Whilst thou walkedst perverse paths, he regarding thy misery: determined better of thee, than thou didst deserve.  
From thee, not ceasing to offend him daily, he turned away his anger: and kindled not all his wrath.  
His eye of pity he fixed upon thee: when thou wert utterly unmindful of him.  
By secret and sundry means: he drew thee to his service.  
Clean he hath wiped thee from all filth: placed thee in a fair way, and bid thee walk therein.  
As the potter frameth his vessel, or the jueller polisheth his precious stone: so laboured he thee, to his holy purpose.  
By open examples: by privy inspirations.  
By threats and allurements, by prosperity and adversity: he ceased not to call thee.  
Approach therefore, O ye, which fear our Lord: hearken what great mercy he hath performed in my soul.  
I will sing unto him for his abundant clemency: I will praise the name of the Highest.  
He who from aloft, watereth the hills with sweet showers: that the earth may bring forth her increase;  
Hath refreshed my barren soul with heavenly dews of grace: that it may wax fruitful to righteousness.  
He who provideth wherewith the beasts of the desert may quench their thirst:  
Hath not suffered my soul: to perish in a desolate land.  
He which neasteth the birds in trees, and fowls in the rocks: hath placed me in the tree of his own planting, and in the rock of his own foundation.  
Thou gavest me knowledge, O my God, to seek remission of sins: and inkling to fly from the wrath to come.  
As the day-star arising from the East: thou shalt chase darkness from my heart.  
I heard thy voice as a whispering in mine ear, and trembled thereat: I felt thy knocking, as of one desirous to be let in.  
So had I often done before, but still was obstinate: exasperating too too much thy long patience.  
Pardon me, O Lord, that I was so dull to hear thee: pardon me, and I will redeem those days with great diligence.  
Pardon me, for thou knowest we are flesh and blood: prone to evil, and slow to piety.  
At last thou called'st me with an effectual voice: and I answered, I am ready.  
For why thou knewest what was fittest to move me: and gavest me thy hand to help me up.  
I cast off my former damnable sloth: and set forward my feet to the paths of peace.  
I said to myself, hie thee O wretch, into the house of God: into the lap of his holy Spouse.  
I resolved to take no repast, nor enter into the bed of my repose: until my soul were made the Temple of the Holy ghost.  
Until she had made her peace with the Almighty: and were purged of her iniquities;  
Whereby endued with grace I might securely go to rest: & sleep in salvation  
I bowed my knees, and lifting up my hands: humbly besought thee, Author of all goodness;  
Happily to accomplish the work which thou hadst begun in me: and to set me in state of grace.  
Thou heardst my prayer: and I achieved the just desire of my heart.  
I sought earnestly to find one of thine anointed: for discharge of my conscience.  
One of those whom thou hast chosen: and sent to guide people to thy Kingdom.  
To whom Christ bequeathed the exercise of his function: as he before had received it of his Father.  
To whom he gave the Holy Ghost: promising that in forgiving or losing sinners, their judgement he would ratify.  
In whom he hath placed the word of reconciliation: and the administration of his holy Testament.  
Sending them as Ambassadors to declare his will: and commanding to receive them as representers of his own person.  
Hard was it for me to find such one of thy servants: for the days of Elias are returned, when the Prophets were hidden in caves.  
Yet thou gavest me favour in the sight of thy Sunamite: I was admitted to speech of the heavenly Physician.  
Embracing his spiritual exhortation: in solitarynes I began to prepare.  
I sat down & straightly examined my soul: as he, which is to render account of most weighty matters.  
Our adversary the Devil stood on my left side, and said: wilt thou confess thy secrets to a sinful man?  
I answered, avant Satan, who having made me impudent to sin: suggestest shame of repentance.  
He wished me to differ till a fit time: and said, there was no haste.  
But considering how long I had provoked thy patience: I feared by sudden summos of death, to be taught unprovided.  
He proposed danger of the law: I replied, that God was to be obeyed before Princes.  
He objected that the Lord only forgiveth sins: I answered, that from him only I expected remission, but by ministry of man.  
As likewise in thy name (O mighty of mightiest) Physicians heal, and thy Saints work miracles, thou being the author of both.  
I letted not therefore to disclose my sins to thy servant: that I might of him receive absolution, and counsel.  
I discovered even my most secret sores, as to a skilful Chirurgeon: and obtained with health, wholesome preservatives.  
Recounting my sins in the bitterness of my soul: I accused myself with my own lips.  
I sorrowed for all, knowing that thou wilt not be served by halves: and that thou acceptest not him, which renounceth not every sin.  
I confessed all: knowing that cursed is he, who lieth to the holy ghost.  
Abominable is a dissembler in thy Sacraments: & his fruit as of him, who layeth venom to his wound.  
Or thinketh to be eased of his burden: when he foolishly addeth a mighty weight to his back.  
I overcame shame, and endured to blush: that in the world to come I might not be confounded.  
But, oh how soon did I receive the reward of my labour: who can express the sweetness that I found in my soul?  
I tasted of thy dainties (O Sovereign sweetness) which thou hast reserved for them, which fear thee.  
The excellency whereof none can imagine: but they only which prove it.  
A drop (as it were) I felt of the celestial fountain: wherewith thou blessest thy Saints and Angels.  
A testimony of thy invisible grace; a seal of the remission of my sins: a pledge of eternal glory.  
When shall the memory of that time be renewed: by experiment of like joy?  
Which while I tasted I could hunger nothing else, then righteousness: nor thirst any thing, but the Kingdom of heaven.  
I said boldly, come death now when thou wilt: I have unburdned my soul, and am ready.  
Fly Satan, I renounce thee for ever: thou hast no part in me at all.  
The blood of our LORD hath washed me: and the merit of his Passion hath made me hole.  
Now find I them liars, which slandered our holy Mother: terrifying me from her Paradise.  
Sects have a shadow and name of Religion: not like thy law, O Lord.  
I found thy faith to be unspotted: without stain of any folly.  
Converting souls from their sinful ways: and giving wisdom to the ignorant.  
Piercing to the very heart: and comfortable to a single spirit.  
Quickly was my desolation turned to joy: thou claddedst me with consolation, as with a rob.  
Now therefore being redeemed by my Maker: from the hands of the enemy;  
I confess that he is gentle, good, and exceeding bountiful: and his mercy endureth for ever.  
I sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death: and there was none to help me.  
I cried unto him, & he aided me: breaking my fetters in sunder.  
Had he not assisted me: the enemy had even swallowed me quick.  
Blessed be his holy name: who gave me not for a pray to the Dragon's jaws.  
As a little bird I escaped the fowler's net: as the silly hare from the pursuing grayhound.  
By the old adversary of mankind I had been seduced: and supplanted by his malice.  
My God stretched out his potent hand: delivering me from the violent stream.  
Who caught me in his arms, as if a father should catch his child: from the devouring bear.  
Because he loved me, he sought my salvation: not suffering the enemy to triumph.  
Praise him therefore, O my soul: be not ungrateful for his benefits.  
Forget not what he hath done for thee: preventing thee in his blessings.  
He hath made thee flourish afresh: as in the years of thy first regeneration.  
Restoring thy innocency again: and renewing thy youth as an Eagle.  
As far as heaven is from earth, or East from West: so far hath he removed from thee thine iniquities.  
He hath crowned thee with better than precious stones: all parts and powers within me, magnify his mercy.  
I staggered in attempting my salvation: the difficulties of the time amazed me.  
Thou girdedst me with virtue: & under thy protection I overcame those temptations.  
I was slow and weak, thou madest me swift like an Hart: that I ran forwards without impediment.  
Thou hast taught me to fight manfully against the enemy: and confirmed my heart to be thy champion.  
Thou hast raised me from worse than the dunghill: and placed me amongst thy holy, & princely people.  
Out of the lake of misery thou hast pulled me: and from the dirty dregs of sin, & heresy, thou hast drawn me forth.  
From Death's door thou reviuedst me: from Hel-gates thou broughtest me back.  
Oft to the barren thou sendest children: to me an orphan thou gavest thy Spouse for a Mother.  
Many wonderful things thou bring est to pass: none more strange do I know, than the conversion of my hard heart.  
Many ways thy mercy showeth itself: but never more then in pardoning my offences.  
What should I say, O Lord? thou hast engrafted thy name in my heart: and enrolled my name in thy book of life.  
Thou hast shrouded me in thy tabernacle: against the day of wrath;  
Opening to me the gates: where none but the just enter.  
In vain have the fiends like foxes sought my soul: departing void of their expectation.  
I will love thee therefore, O my aid and refuge: my strength, and the foundation of my hope.  
The new tune which thou hast given to my mouth: I will always sing.  
I will offer before thy Altar a Sacrifice of praise: in the sight of thy Angels & Saints I will give thanks.  
The cup of thy Cross I will expect: desiring to suffer for thy sake.  
What other way can I be answerable to thy gifts? or how can I do this also, except thou give it.  
Thou needest neither me, nor my good deeds: thou hast chosen me, and not I thee, O Redeemer.  
My conversion was thy handiwork: without whose assistance I can not think a good thought.  
Who am I, O Fountain of goodness: that thou thus shouldest manifest thyself unto me?  
That suffering thousands to wallow still in wickedness: thou choosest me on whom to show mercy.  
Neither tookest me out of this life in time of blindness: in midst of mine iniquities.  
To thyself, O Lord, to thyself: be the glory of this thy merciful kindness.  
Let the heavens praise thee for it: and in earth others be converted by my example.  
Let my daily endeavours be to further thy faith: and draw others to the delectable spring, wherewith myself have been refreshed.  
So shall thy graces in some sort redound to thee again: as floods return to the Sea.  
So shall I not perish like an unfruitful tree: which leaveth not his like behind.  
Praise ye meane-space, your Creator and mine, O ye his Angels: who rejoice at conversion of every sinner.  
Who perpetually execute his will: without declining at any time from his hests.  
Praise ye him, O his holy Priests: messengers of his will, shepherds of his fold: by whose hands he reconcileth sinners.  
Praise ye him, O all ye my Brethren: partakers of like salvation.  
Whom of caitiffs plunged in like errors: he hath justified, and made righteous.  
Praise ye him, O all his servants: never yet entangled with like misery.  
Praise him, O my soul, whilst thou quicken'st my body: when thou partest by death, cease not to do the same.  
And when thou receivest the body again: praise him perfectly without end.   

AN IMPLORATION OF DIVINE GRACE., against temptations of Religion.  
THE seventh PSALM.  
THOU taughtest me perfect wisdom in my first conversion, O Lord: and I verily trusted never more to be shaken.  
In the day of her reconciliation, thou saidst unto my soul: now art thou my fair Spouse, this day have I assumed thee.  
Why then doth the tempter whisper in my ear, and say: how long wilt thou serve thy GOD in vain?  
Why do the speeches of those move my mind: who saying they love me well, upbraid me to my face of folly.  
Objecting that I spend my age in wilful calamity: neither reap the pleasure of my life.  
Remember, O Lord, the comfortable word: that thou spakest to my heart.  
Preserve me still among the generation, which seeketh thee: which alone enjoyeth thy presence & protection.  
Which with undefiled lips and clean heart, offer up day lie sacrifices: and magnify thy holy name.  
Among whom only, is salvation to be hoped for: and thy true honour to be found.  
Let me always put my trust in thee: and never be ashamed of the God of my forefathers;  
Nor deny myself: to be of his holy chosen company.  
Keep me, O my maker; that never in thought, word, or deed: I consent to rites of a strange Religion, or partake in their actions.  
Neither openly, nor privily, in speech nor silence: by action nor omission, or any sign whatsoever.  
Lest I be enwrapped in their plagues, because of their company: and drink the cup of their damnation.  
Let neither friendship, nor hatred: profit nor loss;  
pain nor pleasure, life nor death: separate me from thy Church.  
Suffer not that my brethren, and fellow servants: stumble by my example, to their ruin;  
Or say of me; see how he hath lost his part in Israel: his inheritance above the stars.  
Lo how he was not built upon a rock, but upon sand: great and shameful is his fall.  
Permit not that my ghostly enemies scorn at me, and point me out: this is he, whose soul we have seduced.  
Who began a work, and could not finish it: satisfying our eyes with his disgrace.  
Let not the adversaries of thy law and testament: triumph over me as of a conquest.  
Conceiving by my example that more will yield: and few resist a cruel assault.  
And that we esteem no more of our faith, than they of theirs: nor have assured certainty of our Religion.  
Forbid the fowls of the air, the fiends of hell: to take from my heart the seed, which thou hast sown.  
Forbid that either riches and cares choke it: or the heat of persecution whither it.  
Forbid that persuasions of carnal friends should corrupt it: or any thing else hinder the increase thereof.  
Fie, that wealth should be dearer to me, than my faith▪ or worldly friends, than my God.  
Heretofore I comforted other: and when I am touched myself, shall I tremble?  
Where is then my awe and love? where is sortitude and patience?  
Where is the duty of a Christian man become?  
The constancy and service, which I own to thee my GOD, I will always keep: to thee my life shall live.  
The word of truth take not out of my mouth: for in thee is all my confidence.  
Cursed are they: which decline from thy Commandments.  
All iniquity therefore be far from me: still may I cleave to thy law.  
Dilate my heart, comfort my spirit: that I may cheerfully run my race, and gain my crown.  
Shall I not love thee: whom only I ought to serve?  
Shall I join with thy enemies: in their provocations and blasphemies?  
Or shall I lie with my lips, and say I love thee: when I do not follow thee?  
No, no, I will confess thy Religion: neither before people, or Magistrate will I be ashamed.  
Lest thou deny me likewise at the latter day: and before thy Angels and Saints, put me to confusion.  
If they urge me with obedience: I will not let to tell them, that God must be obeyed before man.  
If they threaten pains: I will set before mine eyes the everlasting torments, prepared for rennegats.  
I will tell them, that whatsoever they can do: must have a short end.  
Happy man, who escapeth pains: which never cease.  
If they punish me, I will with thy Apostles rejoice: that thou hast vouchsafed me, to suffer for thy sake.  
If they kill me, it is the utmost of their power: and the beginning of my glory.  
Yet know I that Satan is chained: and can not hurt a hair, but by thy permission.  
Thou art my light, and my salvation, whom should I fear? thou art my protector, whereat should I quake?  
Heaven fall; the earth sink: the whole frame of the world turn upside down;  
All that is therein run to confufusion: chance whatsoever may chance;  
Rather than that I forsake my faith: by renouncing to be of thy holy congregation.  
One thing only is necessary, O my Lord, and my God: to serve thee steadfastly; and all things else are vain.  
In this happy course begun: grant that I faint not, during my life.  
The zeal which thou once didst in me kindle: suffer not to wax cold.  
Let not the spirit of thy love: be in me extinguished.  
Though I forsake all for the precious pearl: which thou hast revealed unto the world:  
Yea though I forsake myself also: I buy it not too dear.  
Thou hast showed me a hidden treasure: the price of the field, I must, and will pay.  
This only with David I ask of thy divine Majesty: to dwell in thy house all the days of my life.  
To be a member of thy holy body mystical: a child of thy Spouse for ever.  
That I may be partaker: of thy perpetual Sacrifice;  
Whereby thy Passion is applied unto us: and we reap the fruit of our redemption.  
Give me thy grace, O thou which sanctifiest souls: give me strength and courage, give me wisdom and patience.  
Then, though a thousand fall on my right side, and ten thousand on my left: yet will I stand.  
Though those, which shine like the Sun and Moon, fall from thy kingdom: yet will I be steadfast.  
Thou forsakest none, except they first forsake thee: confirm therefore my heart, that it may never quail  
Confidence in mine own power I have none: but what is it that in thee, I dare not undertake?  
In thee, who art the mightiest, have I placed my hope: thou art my refuge, to thee I commend myself.  
Thou shalt deliver me from the open arrow by day: and from dark dangers of secret malice.  
From the Day-divell, and temptations: which coming in their own likeness, dare show their face.  
And from the night spirits: which shroud themselves under fair pretences.  
Whatsoever become of me, to thy blessed will I resign up myself: my fortune is in thy hand.  
Great, O Lord, art thou; great is thy might: and thy wisdom is incomprehensible.  
Many perils our frailty is wont to forecast: still we cry, fearing to be drowned.  
But if we delight in thee thou wilt, thou wilt give us our desires: and bring those fears to nothing.  
Men will forge excuses: to serve their turn.  
And a thousand shifts iniquity searcheth: to build unto itself a sinful, and false security.  
Thou searchest the hearts & pains: discerning easily how men flatter themselves.  
Shall I (as divers do) blind mine eyes, lest I should see? or when I see, shall I not understand?  
Shall I seek darkness in the open Sun: and subject my conscience to my will?  
Direct my paths according to thy law: that unrighteousness never subdue me.  
Regard my affliction and combat: dispose of me according to thy providence over the Elect.  
Keep my feet from sliding, and be still before mine eyes: preserve my soul from the death of deadly sin.  
For those which so die inherit not with thee: but with them in whose service they partake.  
Thou hast once lightened my lamp: keep me therefore evermore from darkness.  
Examples sometime do give me scandal: provoking my heart in like sort to ralent.  
Ah wretch that I were: if I relied my soul upon such shattered reeds;  
And would (as it were) for company: post forward to hell.  
Whereas holy examples are plentiful: of glorious Confessors, which fill the prisons.  
It hath come to my mind, that I may be saved at the last: and repent when Death knocks at the door.  
A fool, whosoever so ventureth eternal damnation: not knowing how soon he shall be cited to appear.  
Thy grace is not always at commandment: and uncertain is the value of constrained repentance.  
The tempter hath suggested that thou art merciful: and wilt easily enough forgive.  
But thy mercy and clemency I have already proved: in expecting me to salvation;  
In not striking me in midst of my sins: and taking me away in mine ignorance.  
It is now time to think of thy judgements: and hazard no more to provoke thy wrath.  
Who assurest us that thou art a severe judge: and comparest thyself to a sour Master.  
The wily Serpent hath put into my head: that the secret of my conscience, I may to myself reserve.  
But thou commandest not to dissemble Religion: but precisely to stand upon profession of a Catholic.  
He would make me believe that there is small diversity: whereas their faith is blasphemy, or ours Idolatry.  
The Devil therefore once chased from my soul: never more may be return to his former habitation.  
Having once set my hand to the plough: no more must I look back, lest I become unfit for thy Kingdom.  
Being delivered out of Sodom, I must no more mind it: but remember the dreadful example of Lot's wife;  
Whom thou turnedst into a pillar of fault: a perpetual monument of an unsteadfast, and unseasoned heart.  
Save me (O my Saviour) from all such unstableness: that during my life, I may praise thee in thy house.  
Make me to flourish like a bay: within precincts of thy Court.  
Lest I whither in my prime: and enter quick into hell-gates.  
Lest my latter sins become more grievous than the former: and my end worse than my beginning.  
Now is the time of trial: now provest thou my loyalty.  
Our state is a warfare: and now is the hour of battle.  
If I stretch out my hand to a strange sect: wilt thou not revenge it with rigour?  
If I betray thee: shall I remain unpunished?  
Stand steadfast in justice, O my soul: depart not from the Tabernacle and tents of thy God.  
Then may I with confidence show my face: and not be afraid at the terrible day.  
I shall departed this life in a good hope: my bones shall rest in security.  
Little it is that I can suffer for thy sake, O bountiful King: and greater scourges the wicked themselves sustain.  
My storm shall pass: and when I seem consumed;  
At evening shall brightness and felicity arise: as if the Sun were at his highest.  
Under the shadow of thy wing I will shroud myself: until the days of desolation be passed over.  
Observing my profession & faith: my duty, purpose, promise, and allegiance unto thee, O my God.   

FOUR LAMENTATIONS, WHICH COMPOSFD IN THE HARD TIMES OF QUEEN ELIzabeth, may be used at all times, when the Church happeneth to be extremely persecuted.  

The first Lamentation.  
BEHOLD, Behold, O thou eternal eye, which never sleepest: behold the daily vexations of thy faithful.  
See how they are had in chase: and devoured every hour.  
Regard how thy ship is tossed: & conduct her to the haven of peace.  
The Seas swell, the skies louvre: the air is clad with dusky and grisly weeds.  
The waters lift up their voice: the tempestuous billows roar.  
The winds hideously torment our labouring bark: and all the elements seem to conspire our rain.  
Wicked fury houleth against us, crying out: when shall they be plucked up by the roots? when shall their name perish?  
All bowels of mercy are shut up: and before our face they consult upon our lives.  
Daily do the pangs of death discover themselves: we are as those which expect their last hour.  
Our life hangeth by a small thread: our feet are entering into the grave.  
We pass through fire and water, through nets and snares: and amidst the haunt of savage beasts.  
We must look to our steps, as if we walked among Serpents: for many are they, which lie in wait to annoy us.  
Our dwelling is worse than among Scorpions: and Cockatrice eyes lurk under every covert.  
We lie open to accusation of every dissolute unthrift: to the injuries of every froward companion.  
To the unsatiableness of every covetous wretch: to the violence of every extortioner.  
Our backs are charged with tribulations: and every body sits on our top.  
Whosoever will pretend any thing against us, hath easy audience: who claimeth any thing from us, it is adjudged his right.  
Our inheritances are given to strangers: our possessions are rend and dismembered.  
If we demand justice, it is denied: it is answered that we be out of the laws protection.  
Well it is, that we be not out of thine, O defender of jacob: O fortifier of orphans, and staff of widows.  
shadow us therefore under the wings of thy mercy: until the course of iniquity be at an end, and her tide at the highest.  
For our enemies have assembled to pursue us: that they may ravine our goods, and live of the spoil.  
They fall upon us, as a Lion awaiting his prey: and as a Leopard lurking behind a rock.  
When they devour the innocent: they think his God shall not consider it.  
With our bowels they glut themselves: forcing us to yield up that, which we took from no man.  
Loss of our heritage's, is the price of our piety: our patrimonies are taken from us.  
Tabernacles of strangers abound with our goods: and like hounds well fleshed, they follow eagerly the game.  
As if this were nothing to our deserts: our persons are also sought to farther punishment.  
Pursuivants are cast off after us, as grayhounds after dear: or as the goshawk is let fly at the silly partridge.  
By ungodly ribalds our houses are ransacked: and that which ought to be to each man his castle, is no security.  
What pleaseth them, is their booty: whatsoever they lay hand upon, is good purchase.  
We are haled forth of our doors: and brought before the Magistrate as malefactors.  
In whose presence we are baited at on every side: each man by bitter taunts, either wreaking his spite, or seeking credit.  
If any speak fair, the poison of adders is most of all under his lips: from venomous allurements deliver us, O Lord.  
Refusing to do against our conscience: we are termed Traitors.  
Disturbers of the Realm: and obstinate Rebels.  
Our youngers deride us: the vilest among all the people laugh at us.  
The foolishest of them all, think themselves wise, beholding our case: and condemn us of folly.  
Persons unworthy to live, because of their wickedness, to justify themselves: cry out at us, as impious.  
The judges frown: beholding us with a terrible look.  
The standers by sharpen their tongues against us: and gnash their teeth.  
Entreating we are sharply taken up: speaking reason in mild sort, we are answered with rebukes & curses.  
Clamour of the basest sort hasteneth judgement: crying, Away with them, away with them.  
Much labour there is to find us guilty of crimes: with strange questions we are molested.  
By oath we are urged to accuse our benefactors and brethren, yea our own selves: & are charged with things which we know not.  
Advantage is taken of whatsoever we say false witnesses depose against us.  
Like wild Bulls they push at us with all their force: and open their mouths like ramping Lions.  
Malice barketh at us on all sides: and Envy thrusteth out her sting.  
Howsoever we answer, escape we cannot: except by yielding to their profession, we deny thy faith.  
Some pity our rebuke and distress: but none stand by us in necessity.  
Some favour us inwardly: but dare not speak in our behalf.  
Kindred and familiars are estranged: the nearest in friendship stand farthest off.  
Aloof they behold our calamities: as those which safe on the land, see others suffer shipwreck.  
Had we stolen, ordinary favour might be found: appeached of murder, we might be succoured:  
But now for our conscience we find no mercy: neither can supplication find grace.  
To prison we are drawn: & laid up close.  
Rods are made ready for us: racks and other engines of torture are prepared.  
He that escapeth best, lieth long forgotten: enduring the designments of his Keeper's fury.  
Thus are we become like outcasts of this world: like vile rags, which are thrown out of doors.  
Every day bringeth his load of affliction: no place can recline our heads in safety.  
Comfort we have none but only this: thou art on high, and in thy hands lieth the lot of our fortune.  
We are brought exceeding low: as low as worms of the earth.  
Upon which passengers tread: and bigger creatures make their prey.  
Neither have we at any time rest: neither find we in any place security.  
If for a space our Persecutors relent: it is to reinforce their cruelty.  
If a calm arise in one place: the sword rageth in many others with double severity.  
If they pretend any favourable remission: it is only in regard of farther policy.  
Who is yet free: can not warrant himself any little while from their fingers.  
And who thinketh himself secure: is often times in most danger.  
The day layeth us open: the night can give us no assurance.  
At home we are caught by searches: in the ways we are apprehended by watches.  
False brethren are mingled among us: and by feigned friends we are oft betrayed.  
No wit is equal to the malice of our foes: hardly can any foresight frustrate their diligence.  
No not their sinful subtlety, who seldom seek thy gracious Sacraments: more trusting their own policy, than thy divine providence.  
In this wise while prisons are filled with thy servants: or that otherwise they are had in pursuit.  
Families run to ruin: and children want necessary education.  
Of this fathers feel in their hearts the grief: and mothers do often complain.  
But better is thy grace then great wealth: and a clean soul then exquisite learning.  
To this and all other tribulations: give an end, O blessed Father of heaven.  
joyfully that we may serve thee: in holiness, and piety; in peace, and security.   

The second Lamentation.  
WHY number we our temporal detriments, O most bounfull Lord: which are the least part of our present calamity:  
And lament not rather our spiritual losses: the diminishing of thy glory?  
Not our private damages: not our earthly discommodities, so much vex and torment us.  
But the zeal of thy faith consumeth us: thy dishonour is the great corrosive:  
Reproaches against thy Religion we repute as our own: daily they light upon us as a tempest of stones.  
We pine away to see thy law forgotten: and die for grief that thy ordinances are despised.  
Mourning to consider the kingdom of darkness so enlarged: and impiety so deeply rooted.  
In our captivity we weep amain: calling to mind the calamity of thy Church.  
For neither can we sing thy notes: having lost our Temple;  
Nor with worthy magnificence celebrate thy Mysteries: being so impoverished and spoiled;  
Nor have any hearty gladness: being abridged of thy most honourable Service.  
Because of this our VIRGIN mourn: our youngmen lament, our aged wring their hands.  
Our Priests girt with hair, offer Sacrifice: as in the days of judith.  
For why, our lights are few in number: our solemn Service is impaired.  
Organs & music are laid aside: the melody of Zion is out of use.  
Our glory is in captivity: our ornaments are in the enemy's hand.  
Susteinance of our souls is barred: from the conduits of salvation we are excluded.  
Precious and rare in these days is thy word: thy holies are seldom seen.  
No otherwise live thy Priests with the rest of thy servants: then as in the time of Elias, when they were hidden in caves.  
They are put to silence, who would raise up jacob to remorse: and convert Israel from her Apostasy.  
Few are left to instruct people in the way of justice: and teach wreatches to shun sin.  
With groans, people seek the supersubstantial food.  
Neither without danger of death: search they spiritual refection.  
The paths are beset with envious eyes: in passage to thy holy rites, our steps are watched.  
Little ones crave the bread which came from heaven: and there is none to give it them.  
They which had sometime the celestial Manna at will: die in the streets for hunger.  
He which feedeth thereon, liveth for ever; and he which doth not, can have in him no life: yet is it taken from us.  
Abolished are Confirmation, and holy Chrism: principal armour unto Christian constancy.  
The reverent rites of Baptism: are quite rejected as unprofitable.  
The Devil rejoiceth that he is not adjured: but may dwell in infants from their first nativity.  
Matrimony is concluded to be a profane bargain: neither blessing nor grace belonging thereunto.  
Orders are none at all: where thy Priests sat installed, reign those whose persons are not sacred.  
Blind guides, unfaithful watchmen, dogs dumb to the thief, & barking at the household.  
hirelings they peel the wool: suffering the sheep to perish.  
They run, and were not sent: take charge of souls, without vocation.  
In at the window they came, and not at the door: they cry, The Lord, the Lord, & he spoke not unto them.  
Worn out in prison are all thy true Bishops: no one is alive to sustain thy flock.  
Prophecies, miracles, and visions are taken away: rarely revealest thou the secrets of thy Kingdom.  
No public Altar, incense, or oblation: either resembled or verified is the time of Antichrist.  
Ah, how are golden times turned to dross: our plate to pewter?  
To adore thee in spirit and truth is heinous: to be present at thy Altar is a grievous penalty.  
To unburden conscience at feet of a spiritual father: is a matter of life.  
At the hour of death itself, absolution is denied: the extremity availeth not to pardon.  
The holy Unction ordained for our better passage: is not permitted.  
So that without just preparation: we must enter combat with our deadly enemy.  
Books for edification and prayer are committed to the flame: whatsoever serveth us to devotion, is destroyed.  
If they find thy holy Mysteries, they tread them under feet: the furniture of thy glory is their prey.  
Ornaments and vessels consecrated to thy service, are profaned to private uses: as in the captivity of Babylon.  
At monuments of thy sons passion, or representation of thy Saints: they upbraid us with Gods, and Idolatry.  
Defacing thy memories, they pretend thy honour: and blaspheming thy friends, they allege thine own Commandment.  
Lighting upon relics, they revile them: if they find the memorial of thy death about us, they pronounce us Traitors.  
If they catch a Priest, a hundred D●●egs are at hand: which dare lay violent hand upon thine anointed.  
Who concealeth the guide of his soul, is not Caesar's friend: Abdias is not innocent.  
If any devout Sunamite harbour Elias: her offence is unpardonable.  
Who reverenceth the highest Bishop: is a supposed enemy.  
Prohibited it is to ascend unto thy Holy hill: to receive any instructions from Zion:  
To seek exposition of the law at Peter's chair: and direction from the pillar of truth.  
Neither are we permitted to enter into the Ark, out of which is no salvation: neither will they which forbid us, enter themselves.  
They press us continually to run with them towards hell: and to reverence in show, that which we detest in heart.  
If they infatuate any man by fair words, or threats: they tread him under foot, as salt which hath lost the savour.  
They triumph as of a conquest: and hang up flags of victory;  
Glorying to find a Catholic as cold as themselves: and which will cast behind him, the care of his soul.  
Not for exercise of our faith only are we thus afflicted: but for our conversation also we are detested.  
Virtue is accounted misdemeanour: all things are lawful, except to live well.  
Who waxeth sober and grave: suspected is he, to intend somewhat.  
He that in quaffing and gluttony is not forward: is hated as a backward person.  
Give any man great alms, deemed he is a corrupter of people: a solliciter of men's hearts to his Religion.  
Our thoughts are examined: what greater mischief could man's wit invent against us.  
As if it were a small matter: to renounce in words the supreme Pastor  
An oath is administered of unbelief: and abjuring in conscience his authority.  
In such sort are our hearts sifted: yet are we scorned with freedom of faith, and that liberty of conscience is not impeached.  
Urged we are on al-sides: and enclosed between straits, stand at the mercy of our armed enemy.  
Open thy arms, O God of our sanctification: and receive us into thy bosom.  
Whither else to fly we have not: neither art thou far from them, which call upon thee.   

The third Lamentation.  
END our misery (O Father of pupils) or take us unto thee, least malice of the time subvert us.  
Better it is to die: then to see the enormity, and desolation of our Country.  
In every corner we hear thy name blasphemed: constrained to lay our hand upon our mouths.  
Reprehension is not endured: thy Angels are forbidden to denounce the truth.  
Commandment is given to those which preach, to speak plausible things: and conformable to the time.  
The sinner sinneth and is commended: wicked men are magnified in their doings.  
Godliness is quite gone: piety hath taken her leave.  
Banished are truth and virtue: into foreign lands.  
All mouths are full of leasings: guileful lips yielding the abundance of their double hearts.  
Every head searcheth a pillow to his iniquity: and every elbow a cushion of ease;  
That without all remorse they may swallow sin as dainties: and wallow in blood as in a pleasant bath.  
They wink, lest they should see: and will needs believe what sensuality suggesteth.  
Inspirations are rejected as temptations: persuaders to perfect Christianity, are condemned for seducers.  
How long wilt thou endure thy faith to be thus neglected: and thy holies to be profaned?  
Thy Saints to be persecuted: thy truth to be trodden under foot?  
No persecution like unto our oppression: no grief comparable unto our sorrows.  
From the East to the West, over all the face of this earthly globe: no where is the Catholic faith so pursued.  
Amongst the Turks & Saracens, is greater liberty of Religion: the Moors and Infidels restrain not Christian rites, with such severity.  
Since we deserve not release of affliction: yet for thy own glory, let thy name no longer be profaned.  
See how thy enemies have strooken out alarm: and thy professed foes, lifted up their horns.  
Saying openly, root we out the nation of the faithful: that the name Catholic may be no more heard of.  
They have invaded thine inheritance: as it were with fire & sword.  
Polluted thy Tabernacle with their abominations: contaminated thy sanctuary.  
Thy Churches are pulled down: with the ruins whereof are built unhappy palaces of pride.  
Those which stand, either serve for every vile office: or are worse abused to the table, cup, and service of Devils.  
Such possess the temple as should be scourged forth: and whom thou forbadest to set foot within thy gates.  
Men have there placed their own signs, in steed of thine: and for thy Sacraments, their own inventions.  
Translating thy glory to their superstition: thy solemnities & feasts to the Idol of their own imagination.  
Houses of prayer are dens of thieves: places sanctified are become abominable.  
From whence the sweetincense of devotion ascended to heaven: ariseth now the stench of the bottomless pit.  
Where Angels sung & frequented: the Devils now dance & triumph.  
For a new faith is set up against the ancient belief: a new table and service, in defiance of thy holy Altar and Sacrifice.  
Thy high steward is quite rejected: they say, we will not hear his voice.  
If he call us home we will not return: if he command us, we will run farther off.  
Let us break the bands of his law: and cast off his yoke from our neck.  
The bands, O Lord, of thy religion they have cast of, which were so pleasant: & thy yoke which was so sweet.  
They have left thee, the fountain of life: and digged to themselves pits, which bear no water.  
They have settled their malice against thee: and contrive that, which they shall never accomplish.  
The name yet of heresy they reject from their sect: and the penalties of it, they return upon us.  
Laws of the first Christian Princes, they usurp and abuse against the Church: ordained by them for her defence.  
Their Superintendents cite us, concerning our faith: as if they held the chair, which can not err.  
They excommunicate us from their congregation: and ban us in their malignant Synagogue.  
Wither to go is to be accursed indeed: and worse than to enter into a flaming furnace.  
As fast as they curse, thou wilt bless: and our reward shall redound into our bosom.  
When they are disposed, our life is their pastime: in testimony of thy truth, we are daily slain.  
The Magistrate rageth on his bench: the Ministers from their pulpits clap their hands.  
The people mutter against us: & Baal's false Prophets as firebrands of mischief, sound to the slaughter.  
For our faith, we are as sheep ready for the butchery: streets are died with martyrdoms of thy Saints.  
Their flesh is given for food to the fowls of the air: their blood batneth the earth, being shed like water.  
Ripped up they are alive: which to sheep & oxen men abhor to do.  
With bloody gripe, are their trembling and breathing bowels drawn forth:  
In most execrable sort cast into the fire: even before their face.  
Their quarters, lest thou shouldest not see it plain enough, deform the gates of every City: and upbraid thy patience.  
Their heads are raised on high: to the terror of the simple.  
Served thus are thy Priests, whom thou hast given charge of: not to be once injuriously touched.  
The earth covereth not the blood that is shed: neither stoppeth the air the cry thereof.  
All the rivers of the valleys, nor all the showers of heaven: are able to wash away the stain and shame.  
No soap, nor scouring can cleanse the crime: no darkness, nor death it self can hide it.  
No continuance of time, nor the age of the world: shall make it forgotten.  
Other nations hear of it, & hardly believe it: because such cruelty hath scarce seemed possible.  
Posterity shall read of it and wonder: all generations to come shall detest the fact.  
Our Persecutors own issue shall blush: to hear the outrageous acts of their ancestors.  
Barbarous death of innocentes is much: yet to misreport the cause augmenteth the despite.  
Refusal to commit an act against conscience, call they rebellion: not to deny the Catholic faith, they term felony and treason.  
traitors indeed, such as were thy chosen Apostles: when forbidden to preach the truth.  
Such as the Primitive Christians: when by Heathen statutes impugned was Religion.  
Manifest is our guilt, and great is our offence: when by going to Church all is pardoned.  
All this we endure for thy sake, (O thou fountain of grace) not revolting from thy belief.  
We have not forsaken thee: lest we should be forsaken of thee, at the last hour.  
Not denied thee before men: lest we should be denied of thee, before thine Angels.  
Turn therefore unto us thy gracious countenance: wherewith thou cheerest the world.  
Give ear to our prayers: consider of our complaint.  
Hear the voice of thy martyrs blood: or at least wise, hear their supplication and intercession.  
Whom spoiled of their garment of flesh: thou hast clad with robes of immortality.   

The fourth Lamentation.  
THE garland of glory is fallen from our head: the beauty of thy City is defaced.  
O God, the beholder of our combat: be mindful of our abasement, under the heavy hand of those which hate us.  
We hope in thee: because we have known thee, & professed thy name.  
Thou exaltest the humble: and regardest a contrite heart.  
Stretch out thy hand to our aid: for thou art the buckler and defence of Israel.  
Father of orphans, Husband of widows: pillar of the poor.  
Teach men, not to lift up themselves upon earth against thee: and thy Saints.  
Let not the memory of thy afflicted be laid aside: forget not his patience for ever.  
Cheer up his just desire: ease the mourning of his heart.  
Chastise us no longer in thy rage: nor correct us with indignation.  
heal us for we are bruised: have mercy upon us, for we are brought exceeding low.  
In silence we expect thy long-desired consolation.  
True it is that we deserve more of thy rod, than we feel: and before thine anger, we sinned.  
If we sin, are our foes righteous? if jacob offend, is Esau innocent?  
If Jerusalem please thee not: shall Babylon delight thee?  
Wilt thou evermore be angry, O Supreme judge? or canst thou forget mercy?  
Wilt thou serve this Realm: as thou hast served Africa and Syria?  
To let misbelief prepare the way to Infidelity: suffering to enter an eternal Apostasy?  
Let not the name of thy Christ & Church be exiled: let not a faithless generation root us out.  
Not so, O Lord, for thy tender kindness and mercy: pull us violently out of cruel hands.  
Rouse up thyself like a Giant: revenge the blood of thy Saints.  
Let not the scourge of the ungodly: be always upon the backs of the just:  
Lest they presume, saying, thou maintainest their cause: and that salvation is on their side.  
Chastise us with thine own rod as children: and not with the rod of the uncircumcised.  
Pull the spear out of the enemy's rest: knap his lance in sunder, and break his sword.  
Thou dwellest still where thou didst: thou art the same God and glory of Israel.  
To thee our forefathers called oppressed by Heathen: and thou redeemedst them.  
To thee Catholics made their moan, under the yoke of Arrian heretics: and thou didst redress their bondage.  
So utterly annihilating the adverse sect: that scant their name remained upon earth.  
Evils innumerable compass us about: how long wilt thou turn away thy face?  
Not for ever, O Lord: not for ever, we beseech thee.  
Shall so many ignorants, yet zealous: never have thy light revealed?  
So many which for want of instruction perish: shall they never have true teachers?  
Because divers which lived in the flourish of thy Church, have set it at nought: shall those never see it, who if they saw it would never forsake it?  
Because many by yielding deserve such a yoke: shall they which are constant be always under it?  
Shall the few sparkles which thou hast left in the land: be extinguished for lack of cherishing?  
What if the fathers did eat a sour grape? shall the teeth of their children for ever be on edge?  
The wicked will not worship thee aright: shall they therefore be always vexed, which worship thee in spirit and truth?  
If thou have decreed (O wisdom incomprehensible) concerning that generation, which enjoyed the highest glory of thy sanctuary;  
And forsaking their Pastors, stood not steadfastly for their Religion: in the time of contradiction;  
That they shall pine away by forty years travail in the desert: & never enter into the land of promise:  
Nor see the glory of thy second Temple: in all Royal magnificence:  
If this be thy holy pleasure: & the secret counsel of thy long delays:  
Or if the number of thy designed Martyrs be not yet accomplished: to whom by these times, thou furnishest a Crown:  
Or if thou wilt needs have the secrets of all hearts to be opened: and rip up all dissemblers, by long probation:  
That the whole world world may behold, who served thee from their heart: and who follow thee with corrupt intention:  
Or whatsoever else the depth of thy designments intendeth: by this so long persecution:  
Yet hasten the times for thy dear mercy sake: O living Lord.  
Calm the tempest, allay the raging wanes.  
Save us who are dangerously tossed: unite us who are dispersed, and commanded asunder.  
That as one in heart, so with one voice in free assemblies we may laud thy holy name: & extol thy praises all the day long.  
Give us in the mean space patience in our afflictions: and ghostly profit by these our temptations.  
Let them neither win us by words, nor weary us by cruel deeds: O thou which art the salvation of thy people.  
Aid us, O Saviour: glorify thyself in our deliverance.  
Thou art the God of our forefathers: thee only we will magnify.  
Thou art a zealous God: we will not partake in thy dishonour.  
Prepare the feet of thy forerunners: let us hear the noise of their steps approaching.  
Reveal the treasures of thy kingdom: which have been so long suppressed.  
Grant us to reap at length with joy: who have a great space, sowed in tears.  
In expectation whereof our life vanisheth in grief: our years consume in sobs;  
While we power forth our souls before thee: craving at thy hands salvation.  
Arise, O Lord, visit thy flock: raise up the razed walls of Jerusalem.  
Neglect not the wasting of thy heritage.  
Renew thy truth, which hath been so long a time without fruit: let faith flourish again like an olive.  
Then shall all nations fear thy name: the Kings of the earth shall have thy mercy in admiration.  
We shall all with one harmony sing glory in thy Temple: and sanctify thy Altars with Sacrifice.  
All generations to come, shall praise thee: and make honourable mention of thy great goodness.  
Thy Angels of heaven shall magnify thee: the Saints and blessed Spirits shall fall at thy feet, and give thanks.  
Every soul pray that this may soon come to pass: and every tongue say Amen.  
Come, O sweet JESV, come.  
FINIS.