THE GLASS OF vainglory: Faithfully translated (out of S. AUGUSTINE his book, entitled, Speculum peccatoris) into English, by W. P. Doctor of the Laws. MORS · TVA MORS · CHRISTI FRAUS · MUNDI GLORIA · COELI QVOD uni ET OMNIBUS ET · DOLOUR · INFERNI · SUNT · MEDITANDA · TIBI · MIHI · hody · CRAS TIBI MORS SEPTRA LIGONIE ' EQVAT. Sic transit gloria mundi. Printed at London by john Windet, dwelling at the sign of the white Bear, nigh Baynard's Castle. 1585. TO THE WORSHIPFUL EDMUNDE HASSELWOOD of Ringestone in the County of Lincoln, Esquire: W. P. wisheth most prosperous felicity in this world, and in the world to come life everlasting. IF GOD HIM self so bitterly inveigheth against the extreme ingratitude of his people by his holy Prophet Esaias, saying: I have nourished, & brought up children, and they have rebelled against me: yea, if he preferreth bruit beasts in the return of their duty before them, saying: The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his masters crib: but Israel knoweth not me. If the Persians likewise, so worthily abhorred this vice of Ingratitude, so as they extremely punished such as they found more willing to receive, than ready to requite, adjudging them execrable unto God, injurious to nature, and unprofitable members of a common wealth. If the Civil Law also, with good reason bindeth men by nature ad antidora, to requite a good turn received in duty. I trust no reasonable man will blame me, if I seek by all means possible, to shun so foul a blemish as unthankfulness is, so hateful to God, so loathsome to man, and so repugnant to nature. Wherefore, finding myself deeply indebted (by your only means) to all the name of Hasselwood, and namely to master Edward Hasselwood, your good brother, and to that virtuous gentlewoman his wife, (a rare example of godliness and modesty) but especially to your worship, both for them and all other your kindness, courtesy, and great friendship's showed towards me a stranger. And having no other way in the world, to requite any part of the same, then by leaving a public testimony to all posterity, of my loyal love, and hearty good will towards you likewise, to stand for the meed of so great a merit: I have presumed to dedicate to your worship, this little book of S Augustine's, translated by me into English, and with great labour quoted, & confirmed by scripture in the margeant, as you see, very profitable to the Christian Reader, that can find in his heart, to sequester his mind from the vice of vainglory, (that proceedeth from the ignorance of our own estate) the very snare of Satan, the puddle of pride, and the fountain from whence distilleth all kind of poisoned infection, as by the view of this glass may easily appear. Wherefore the premises duly considered I doubt not, but that you will of your accustomed courtesy, pardon my presumption, and of your wont Zeal to godliness, accept of my travail herein, and think me rather unable, then unwilling any way to discharge my duty whereof I am careful, as knoweth the Lord, who ever preserve your worship and that virtuous Gentlewoman your wife long to continue amongst us with increase of godliness, and worship in his fear. Your worships, most faithful friend in the Lord. W, P. A PREFACE to the Christian Reader, and loving looker in this Glass of vain glory. AS those beasts that did not ruminate, nor chew the cud, were judged filthy and unclean, by the law levitical: a levit. 11, 7 Deut. 14, 4 5.6.7.8. So (no doubt) all they, that never enter into due consideration, of their estate and duty, must needs be wicked, and unholy, in the sight of the Lord, b jerem. 12, 11. 1. Cor. 10, 11 9.10 who most carefully recommendeth this exercise of meditation unto us, saying: These words must remain in thy heart, thou c Deut. 6.7 8. shalt meditate upon them, both at home, and abroad: when thou goest to bed at night, and when thou risest in the morning. d Deut. 6 7 22. And again: Teach your children these things, that they may meditate upon them. So is joshua commanded to do by the Lord himself e joshua. 1.8 . And so is Timothy likewise, by his master Paul willed to meditate. f 1 Tim. 4, 15. Haec meditare, think of these things. This meditation hath always been the ordinary exercise of the righteous & godly g Sirach 14.21. psal, 1.2. prou, 6, 21. job, 1, 5. yea likewise of all wise heathen men h Seneca. So did Isaac, the patriarch. i Gene. 24, 63 So did David the Prophet. k psalm, 119 28, So did Ezechias the King l Isa, 38.13 14 . And so did Plato the Philosopher, m jeron in epistola ad Heliodorum saying, that the life of Philosophers was nothing else, but a daily memorial of their death, and n Seneca, epist. 147. dissolution. o Tim, 4.10, The remembrance whereof made the world (that we for want of this meditation, so willingly p jeron ad paulinum. epistola 125. , embrace) vile and contemptible q Seneca li 18, de nat. quoestionib. August lib. 13 de civitate Dei, ca 11 Eccle. 7, 16 19, unto them: and availed greatly to guide them in all r Sirac. 7, 36, godliness: wherefore full well the son of Sirach doth say: in all thy works, whatsoever thou dost, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss s jon, 3 10, . How beneficial it hath been, the Ninivites can testify: z 1 Kings 21, 29, and Ahab can witness. ᵘ Contrariwise, how hurtful the want of this providence & circumspection hath been, besides daily v Experientia docet. experience the woeful destruction of the Sodomites and the utter ruin of the city of Laish, x Gen, 19, 24, Deut, 29, 23, Isa, 13.9. do sufficiently witness. And God himself by his holy Prophet doth signify, saying All the earth is fallen into utter desolation, for that there is no man that deeply considereth these things in his heart. z jer, 12, 11 We wonder greatly (& not without cause at the madness of thieves, that (seeing a many hanged every day for theft) yet without any regard, Revela. 22.11 they continue their practice y judge, 18.28 and consider not their z, psal. 53.1 peril. How much the rather ought we to be amazed, at the humour of these worldlings, how possibly they can be so sottish & a Wisdom 54, 32. frantic (knowing the vanity of the world, b Eccle. 1, 1 Rom, 8, 28. 1 Cor, 7, 31. and the vengeance c juc, 3, 7. to come) as to follow the one so much. d jacob, 4, 4 and fear the other so e psalm, 36 Rom, 3, 18. little. The peacock is not always tooting on his train, to further his pride, but sometimes he looketh downward, to his legs though it quaileth his courage: but man so delighteth in his pride, & vain glory f Acts, 12.21, that he hath never leisure to regard his mortality g Isa, 47.7 much less to be moved h wisdom, 2.2, 3, 4, 5. thereat. Xerxes' that mighty Monarch and Emperor of the Persians, (beholding from an high, the hugeness of his army, in strength invincible, in quality divers, in number infinite, covering the face of the earth: in whose courage & might, he had fully reposed the strength of his kingdom, the safeguard of his person, & glory of his Empire:) could not refrain his eyes from tears, considering that of all this marvelous multitude that he saw after one hundred years, there should not a man be left. m justin. hist. lib. 2. fol. 21. jeron. epist. 55. a. Nic. de blo. ser 114. a And shall not we, that are n Acts. 11.26.14. Bern lib. ●ent. Cipri. de 12. chusionibus August. de vita Christiana. Christians, at least wise in name, o Psal. 8 6. Ecclesi 1 16.2 in all. job. 1.2. (viewing from the highest pinnacle of our conceit, ourselves, our glory, magnificence, & renown: our wealth, our substance, our beauty, our strength, our friends, and our dignity, our health, our knowledge and bravery, p Hoss. 12.8. Soph. 2.15. wherein we repose all our felicity, & happiness) q 1 Cor. 7.31. be nothing moved with due consideration, that the world passeth away, and the concupiscence thereof and we shall be resolved to earth, r Gen 3.19. whereof we were framed s job. 8 9 and know not how ˢ soon: for this is the judgement of all flesh, thou shalt die the Heb. 9.27. death, it tarrieth Wisd. 2.4. not: the covenant of the grave is not showed to any u Sirach. 14, 12. but as water spilled on the x job. 24.19 sand, so is man soon consumed, & brought to nothing y 2. Sam. 24, 24. job 7, 8. : to day a man morrow none z Sirach. 38, 22. . our life passeth away like a shadow a Wisd. 5, 9 , and vanisheth into the air, as smoke b Wisd. 2, 2. . as a post that passeth by and tarrieth c Ibid. 5, 9 not, as a ship that saileth with full wind d Ibid. 5, 10. , or a bird swift of flight e Ibid. 5.11. , yea swifter than a weavers shittell f job. 7, 6. , or an arrow that is strongly shot out of a bow g Wisd. 5.12. : it is as a tale that is told, or a span in h Psal. 39, 5. length: For no sooner are we born, but streitwaies we decay, and draw towards an end i Wisd▪ 5.13. , showing no token of virtue, but are consumed in our own wickedness, and must at length appear before the tribunal seat of Christ jesus, k 2. Cor. 5.10. who will bring to light those things which were hidden in darkness, reveal the secreets of our minds l Luke 12, 1.3. and, as a righteous judge, m 2 Tim. 4, 8. yield unto every man as he hath done in the flesh good or evil. n Rom. 14.12. Matth. 25, 34, 41. The end of all things approacheth: and therefore S. Peter exhorteth us to be sober, and to watch in prayer: o 1. Pet. 4, 17. 1 Pet. 5.8. for the day of the Lord is at hand, wherein the heaven shall pass away with a noise: the element shall melt with heat, and the earth shall be consumed with p 2. Pet. 5.9.10 12 fire. All corruptible things shall pass, and the works thereof shall go withal. q Sirach. 14, 19 When as the reprobate shall behold the angry countenance of the Lord above, r Reu. 16.16 Isa. 2, 19 to terrify s jerem. 5.22 him, and the infernal pit boiling below, s jerem. 5.22 ready to swallow him t Reu. 21, 8. his sins on the one side, to cry vengeance against him, v Isa. 5, 14. and the devils on the other side, executioners of his judgement: u Gen. 4, 10.18 20 within, his conscience to gnaw x Psal. 109.6 , and without, all the world on fire. Alas, what remaineth for him to do? to go backward, it is impossible, y Isa. 58, 9.66.24 to go forward, is z Psal. 139.6 7 8 9 intolerable. Then shall the just stand in great constancy, a Reu. 14.11 Reu. 18, 18. but the wicked shallbe environed with an unspeakable b Wisd. 5, 1. fear, & say to the hills, c Heb. 10, 27 fall upon us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, d Revel. 6, 16 17 and from the anger of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come. Neither doth he regard any man's person, e Wis 6, 7. Deuteron. 10.17. 2. Chronic. 19, 7. Acts. 10, 34. Deut. 10.17. Gall. 2, 6. Ephes 6, 9 but sayeth: Though their excellency mount up to the heavens, and their heads reach to the clouds: f job. 20, 6.7 8 9 14 15 16 18, etc. 26 29 yet shall they perish for ever, like their dung: and they that have seen them shall say: where are they that shall fly away as a dream, and they shall not find them: but they pass away, as a vision in the night, so that the eye that hath seen them, shall see them no more, neither shall their place enjoy them again. Their bread in their bellies, shall be turned to the gall of serpents: they shall be constrained to spew out again their riches, that they have devoured: yea, God shall pull them out of their throats: they shallbe constrained to suck the galls of Cockatrices, and the tongue of the Adder shall sting them to death: they shall pay sweetly for all that they have committed, yet shall they not be consumed, but still suffer, Hierom. transla. according to the multitude of their devices: utter darkness shall cover them: and fire that needeth no kindling shall eat them up. This is the portion of the wicked, ready prepared against the day of wrath. So mindful hereof was S. Hierom, S. Hierom. that whether he eat or drank, or what else soever he did, this sound did ever ring in his ear: Arise ye dead and come to judgement Likewise that ancient and reverent Father, Innocentius quartus de utilitate humanae vitae. Innocentius quart. was so careful to avoid the vengeance to come, that to stir up all the powers of his mind, with due consideration of the vanity of this world, the vileness of his nature, the shortness of his time, the causes of sin, & the punishment for the same) he still imagined to hear a damned soul answering his demand as followeth. Dic mihi vas cinerum, quid prodest flos facierum? etc. Thus englished. Thou dust and clay, tell me (I say.) Where is thy beauty fled? was it in vain? or doth it gain thee favour with the dead? Thy house so high, thy pleasures by, Thy cattle more and less, thy land so wide, thy wife beside, a stranger doth possess. Where is thy strength? become at length? Thy wit thy noble blood? thy worldly care? thy dainty fate Do these thee any good? The answer I will not feign, all is but vain, There is no food to find no wit no wealth, no hue no health. No hope in grave assign. What wilt thou more, my goods in store, My land so large and wide, my glory gay, my brave array, Increased have my pride. My pride my pain procured again, My pain my grief alas, my grief, my grief, without relief, My senses doth surpass. My wailing woe, no man doth know, No tongue can half display, I frieze, I fry, exceedingly, Alas, and well away. I weep, I wail, I faint, I fail, I stew, I stamp, I stare. I die, I die, everlastingly, Farewell, by me beware. The mighty shall mightily be tormented. Wisd. 6.8. O the deadly corruption of man's nature, g Gen. 6.5. job 15.16. jerem. 17.9. that where natural love, that man beareth to himself, h 2. Tim. 3.2 Matth. 19 u 22 23 pricketh him forward, to commit all kind of wickedness with greediness: shall not natural fear consequently, that a man ought to have, i Ephes. 5, 4 19 for the avoiding of his own danger, k Matth. 8, 25 Mar. 6, 49. reclaim him to repentance? l Chro. 15, 4. and seeing every living thing naturally abhorreth his own destruction. The careless Ninivites were m Aristot. n jon. 1.2. moved at jonas his preaching: m jon. 3.5. the desperate soldiers n Luc 3.14.15 at john his menacies: the obstinate Israelites, o Acts 7, ● 51 at Peter's persuasion. p Act. 2, 37. Yet are we so rocked in the cradle of security, q Isa 47, 7. jerem. 12.4, 14.13 that let the charmer charm never so wisely, r Psalm. ● we stop the one ear with our tail, and the other with the ground, (crying peace, peace, when sudden destruction hovereth over our heads) s 1. Thes 5.3 1. jerem. 11.19 Isa 30.10. and are never a whit moved thereat: Wherefore the ancient fathers, to waken us out of this dead Lethargy, have written very large volumes, and long discourses: so likewise to the same end & purpose. S. Augustine sometimes Bishop of Hippo, a man of God, endued with his spirit in greater measure, than any man hath been, (in my judgement) since the Apostles time, amongst the ancient fathers, had always in greatest admiration, for his singular knowledge and sincerity of life. A bright burning torch in the tabernacle of God, though subject to infirmities, & somewhat infected with the time: yet, being read with judgement, a singular instrument, no doubt to set forth the gladsome light of his glorious Gospel, as from the face of Christ jesus) hath written this little book in Latin, intitiling the same rightly, Speculum peccatoris: A clear crystal indeed, and a lively looking glass, for all lose livers, perfectly to view themselves, and their imperfections therein: which being daily practised and duly performed, may serve by the grace of ᵛ God, and his assistance, to make them neither idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of themselves u Ephes. 2, 8 9 Ephes. 3.16.17, 18 20. and our Lord jesus Christ, x Gen. 18.27. but strong as Samson, y 2, Pet, 1, 8 wary as David x judge 13, 25 , and wise as Solomon a Psal 119, 9 10 11 , The same book (for the benefit of the English Reader) have I translated faithfully and truly quoted in the margeant, to my great travel, with places of Scripture, and touchstone of the truth, which the brightness of the everlasting light, and the undefiled mirror of the Majesty of God b 1 King, 4 29, 30 31 , from whence this little Glass hath borrowed his brightness c Wisd, 7, 26 , as the Moon doth from the brightness of the Sun and likewise imparteth the same unto the beholders to their exceeding comfort. Wherefore, d Ioh, 1, 16 accept it willingly, view the same diligently, and reform thyself presently. The end thereof is to know ●hy d 1 Cor. 11 28 2 Cor. 13 5. self thereby, and not to be over wise in thine own conceit, but to ●eare the Lord and eschew e Pro. 3.7. evil, ●or he is a just f Soph. 3.5 and a g Deut. 7.13. terrible God, severely punishing the h Sirach. 23 14 15. careless, the i Pro 18.9. slothful, and the carnal k Galat. 4.21. Christian ●hat maketh christianity but an outward l Matth. 7.22. Rom 2 13. Luc 13.27. profession, and his liberty a cloak to cover his lewdness m 1 Pet 2.6. Gal. 5.13. Beguile not thyself n jacob 1, 26. God is not mocked o pro 15 3. , neither shall unrighteousness inherit ●his kingdom: p Isa. 60.19 20 Reu. 22.5. 1 Cor. 6.9. If God spared not the Angels his spiritual Messengers q Psal. 103.12. Psal. 104.4 but for their sin cast them down to hell and delivered them to the chains of darkness to be kept unto damnation: r 2 Pet. 2. nor Adam our father, the image of his Deity, s job. 4 18. jud. 6. but for once trespasing ˢ pronounced death against him: If Moses and Aaron the mirrors of godliness, for doubting only, at the waters of Meriban, were utterly excluded from the land of promise: t. Gen 1.26. If all the tribe of Benjamin so furthered of their brethren v Gen. 3.12.17. so favoured of God, u. Numb. 20.6. u Number. 20.24. Deut. 32 31. so firmly x. Gen. 44 33 x Gen. 43.14. settled in the heat of jewry ʸ for the only abusing of a Levites wife, were miserably slain with the edge of the sword, men women and children, (six hundred excepted) by the Lord's appointment, their cities razed, the cattle consumed, their houses burnt up, and their land left desolate. z joshua, 18, 20, etc. If Saul the Lords a, Mark all the story from judg. the 19 to the end of the book. Slain of Benjamin in one day therefore, 25 thousand chosen endued with his spirit b 1 Sam. 9 17. , for one trespass committed, c 10 19 11 12 13. was divested of his kingdom d 17 28 , degraded of his dignity, spoiled e 1 Samuel 16.14. of his spirit, given over to Satan, himself to the sword, f 1 Samu. 31 4. his children g Ibid, 9 2. Sam 21.9 to the gallows and his house committed to utter destruction. If David the darling and faithful friend of God, h 1 Samuel 13.14. could not escape punishment for his sin committed i 1 Chroni. 21.13. , but felt grievously what it was to fall into the hands of the Lord, for all his former integrity k 2 Samu 14 what art thou to look for, that wallowest in wickedness l 1 Chro. 29.3 filthy and abominable, and drinkest iniquity, as it were water? m 1. Samu. 29 3 for the which thing sake, the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. Shall not the rejection n 2 pet. 2. o job. 15, 16. p job. 15, 16. q Col. 3.6. of Cain, r Gen. 4.11 the drowning of the world, s Gen. 7, 20 the burning of Sodom, t Gen. 19.24 the sinking of Corah, v Num 16.1 & his companions, the punishment of Israel, x Num. 14 45 the captivity of juda y jere. 4.7. the subversion of the temple z 2 Rings 25.9 . the slaughter of Nadab. a Num. 3 4 Levit 10.2. the fall of Ananias b Acts 5.5 , the consumption of Herode c Acts. 12.23 nor the miserable massacre of Israel's d josephus de bello Iu. lib. 1. cap. 12 & 3 posterity, move the to amendment, e Ro. 15.4. but must needs abuse the patience and the long suffering of God, not knowing that his bountifulness leadeth the to repentance? Thou thou (I say) that for the hardness of thy heart, canst not repent, heapest to thyself wrath, against the day of anger f Rom. 24. ●5 . Wherefore take heed in time, g Gal. 5.9.10. lest with Esau, thou repentest too late, and findest no favour though thou seek it with tears h Heb. 12.17. Make no long tarrying to turn unto the Lord put it not of from day to day: for suddenly shall his wrath come, and in the time of vengeance he shall destroy i Sirrah. 5.7. thee. The axe is laid to the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shallbe hewn down, & cast into the k Luc. 3.9. fire. Repent l Isa. 1.18. jerem. 1.22. Ezech. 18 31 Zach. 1.2. Malac. 3.7 therefore presently, & bring forth fruits worthy of repentance: m Mat. 3.8 confirm thine election, Luc. 3.8. i 2. Pet. 1.10 and finish thy salvation with fear & trembling. k Phi. 2.12. The day of the Lord is at hand. l 1. Pet. 4.7. 2. Pet. 3.10. Let us therefore be sober and watch, m 1. Pet. 4.7 Mat. 25.13. Luc. 21.36. continuing in prayer, that we may be made worthy to escape so great a vengeance: n 1. The. 4.16 4, 17. that when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, & with the voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in him shall o 2. Tim. 1.17. arise) that we may be caught in the clouds, LI. The .4.16 4, 17. to meet the Lord in the air, ever to continued with him. To whom with the Father, and the holy Ghost, three persons, one only wise, everlasting, immortal, and invisible God, be honour & glory, for ever and ever. Farewell in him that we hope to behold in the air, to our exceeding great comfort. W. P. How profitable this Glass is to the faithful beholders thereof. Cap. 1, O that they were wise, understood this, and would provide prudently for the latter end. a Deut. 23 29 . FOrasmuch as we are travelers b. Hebr. 11 13 1. Cro. 29.15 on the high way c Pro. 14.12 Prove. 16.25 of this transitory d job. 7.2 life & our days e Psal. 144.4. pass away like a shadow f job. 8 9 , we had great need g. 2. Thes. 3.7. continually h 1. Thes. 5.6. 2. Thes. 3.13. to recount that, that the frailty i. job. 8 9 and weakness k. Isa. 31.3 k. Rom. 7.19 of our nature l Rom. 8 3 urgeth us so often to forget m. 2 Cron. 24.22 whereof almighty God (favouring our preferment n Ezechiel. 33 11 Malach. 3 18 ) hath by his holy servant Moses advertised us in these few words following o Deu. 32 29 . O that they were wise etc. whereby we may easily see and perceive what he requires at our hands p. Mich. 6.8 and how we may shun and avoid the danger of death q Prou. 14 27 1. Peter. 3 22. if we observe this heavenly advisement r Sirach. 7.17 Sirrah. 18.23 Sirarch. 18 24. that he himself (in mercy) wisheth us to follow, saying, O that they were w se etc. O profitable s. Gal. 6.9. happy t Num. 23.10 and heavenly counsel, that may serve the faithful v Isa. 46.8 Io. 10.28. as a Glass of vainglory u Sirach. 7.36. 2. Cor. 4.18. a safeguard against sin x 2. Pet. 1 10. & a perfect pathway to life everlasting faithfully y Hebr 12 14 delivered unto them by the same words: O that they were wise. etc. O wholesome lesson of our sweet Saviour z Zach 9.9. wher-hence we receive instruction to wisdom, a Luc. 16.8 a caveat to continency b 2. Samu. 13 12 , a precept to Providence c Sirach. 7 36. , arule of righteousness d 2 Tim. 2.22. Gal. 6.16. Phil. 3.16. , a remorse of Conscience e Rom. 2.15 , and an achievement unto heavenly graces f Tit. 2.11. thorough jesus Christ our Lord g Luc. 1.17 . And therefore he saith. O that they were wise etc. O the wonderful goodness of our creator, the infinite love i Rom. 5.19 of our redeemer k 1, Io. 4.9. , h Psal. 72.1 and the exceeding comfort l john. 15.26 of our sweet sanctifier m Acts 6. , we wicked n Pal. 81.12. , negligent o Roma. 3.12. , & unprofitable servants p Luc. 17.10. that by our own demerits q have rather deserved death than life r Rom. 11.32 , (behold) are now invited to salvation by God himself s Deut. 32 19 that pardoneth our iniquities s Mich. 7.18 and worketh in us all in all t Phillip. 2 13 , who then (unless he were a mere reprobate v Rom. 9.21 given up to vile affections u Rom. 1 26 past feeling, to work wickedness with greediness x Ephesi. 4 19 ) hearing these most loving wishes of our good God, and well weighing the same, would not most vehemently rejoice inwardly y Psal. 96 11 and be more glad than his tongue were able any way to express z Psa 122 1 1 Ch. 29 9 the same, to see what great care a Psal. 8.6. etc. and singular regard b Isa. 1.9. , the Almighty God c Gen. 17.1 , King of the heavens d Revel. 19 16 Lord of Angels e Psal. 104 4 and creator of all things Revel. 4. hath to us ward that are conceived in sin, borne in iniquity g Psal. 51 5 , poor h 2 Cor. 8.9 , wretched i Psal 22.6. , and miserable sinners k Tit. 2.3 , having our conversation according to the course of the world in the lust of our flesh enemies to God, and by nature the children of wrath & disobedience l Ephesi 2.3 . And therefore ought we likewise to have a special care, that above all things m Luc. 10● 27 Deut. 6 5. Leu 19.18 we obey his will diligently n Isa. 6.8. Mar. 1.18 , embrace it dutifully o Ephe. 5 8 , and to the very uttermost of our powers fulfil the same effectually p 1 Io. 2 3. Hebr. 107 , otherwise, if we do not so q Deu. 28 58 , there remaineth an everlasting woe, and misery unto us r levit. 26 14. Lament. 2 17 Malac. 2 2 Baruc. 1.20. pronounced by the Apostle saying, We are of all men most miserable s 1. Cor 15 19 etc. In vain truly and to to purpose s Col. 2 22. do we enbusie ourselves to obey the Lord t Isa. 1.11. in any thing, unless that first unfeignedly v 1 Pet. 4.8 1 Tim. 1.5 we hate those things (from the bottom of our hearts u Psal. 139 21. ) that we know to be loathsome and hateful unto him x Revel. 2.2.6. and contrariwise heartily hold y Reu 2.26 , & truly embrace z Psal 119.47 such things as we perceive to be both pleasant and acceptable in his sight a Hebr. 13 21. , wherefore heartily & humbly is our heavenly father b Mat. 6 9 to be continually c 1 Thes. 4, 17. called upon of us in the name of his beloved son Christ jesus d Luc 3 22 , that he would vouchsafe to work in our hearts e Psal. 1.19 14 a liking of his will f Phil. 2.13 and a loathing of wickedness g Eph. 5.12 still reching his helping hand to us (in his might) h Mat 14.31. to perform that, that (in mercy i Phi. 3 21 ) he exhorteth us unto, saying, O that they were wise etc. k Psal. 86.4 . Chap. 2. The necessity of this Glass by the example of Samson, David, and Solomon. WEigh (well-beloved) this lesson that thou readest: for the due consideration hereof, is the pulling down of pride a Isa. 47.7 , the extinguishing of envy b Prou. 14 30 , the medicine of malice c 1 Pet. 2.1 , the flight of fleshly lust d Col. 3.5. , the gall of vaine-glorye e Eccl. 11.8 , an entrance into discipline f Eccle. 12.1 , a haven unto holiness g Sirrah. 7.36 , and the near way h Wis. 5.7 (though narrow i, Math 7.13. 1 Pet. 1.4. ) that leadeth to life everlasting k Ro. 6.23. , purchased unto us by Christ our righteousness l jer. 23 6. and therefore he saith. O that they were wise etc. but alas, too too few attain to perfect wisdom, and true understanding in deed m Isa 1.3. : before whose eyes the knowledge of their frailty n Gen. 6.5 , the corruption of their nature o job 15.16 jere. 17 9 Rom. 3.4 , the remembrance of their sins p Psa 5 3 , the meditation of their death q Sirach. 7.36 Sirrah. 41.2, or the careful consideration of their own danger r ja. 1.14. , is still in fresh memory s Eccl. 12.1 etc. Deu. 3●. 29 . How profitable then is this Glass of vainglory, that leadeth thee directly ˢ to perfect wisdom, and true holiness, without the which no man shall see God t Hebr. 12 14. : for assure thyself, that if thou faithfully, and often viewest thyself herein thou shalt become stronger than Samson v judg. 14 8 , warier than David u 1 Samuel 3●. 32. Psal. 119.9. etc. , and wiser than Solomon x 1 King 3 1. , for they neglecting to behold themselves in this Glass of vainglory, ran headlong into their filthy and carnal desires y jud. 6 8. jud. 14.7. 2 Sam 11 4 1 Kin. 11.12 1 Kin. 3.4 without casting of Perils, or doubt of any future inconvenience z 1 Thes. 5 3 , but became patterns of folly to all the world a Deut. 3.21. , whereby we learn this much, that if such men, endued with so great wisdom and courage, sustained so great a foil b judg. 16 30 2 Samu 15 14. 1 Kin. ●●. 14 , we ought with all endeavour warily to walk c Rom. 13 13 , being of ourselves so weak d Rom 3 3. and so ignorant e 1 Pet. 2, 11. 1. Pet 5 8 2 Pet. 3.11. etc. , for the fall of these three notable Champions is left written, and recorded for our learning f 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Timothy 3.17. not to that end and purpose, that it should be unto any an occasion of sin to commit the like folly g Psal. 78.10 Eze. 20.18 Act. 7.51. : but a mirror rather thereby to be more wary and vigilant, and to take the better heed by other men's harms h 1 Cor. 10 1. etc. that we trust not too much (as they did) to our own strength i Ephes, 6.11 , or presume too far in our own wisdoms k Rom 12.3, 16 , but that we be always fearful, l Phi. 2 12 He. 12.28 jud. 23. always watchful m Luc. 12 37 1 Pet. 5.8. , always sober n 1 Pet. 4.7 , and never forgetful of our own mortality o Ecc. 12.1 , for they that negligently and loosely regard these things, are in truth and deed, neither wise p jer. 5.21 , nor any way considerative q Psal 92.6 Psal. 94.8 , but thrust themselves as brut beasts (in whom there is no understanding r Psal. 49.20 Prou. 4.19 ) headlong into their own utter ruin and destruction ˢ. Therefore God himself (to the end that we should not be careless and drowsy s levit. 20 4 josua. 18.3 , but rather that our minds should be always vigilant and careful for the attaining of true wisdom t Pro. 8 33. ) willeth our welfare v Ezec, 33 11. and waineth us to wariness by these words that follow, O that they were wise. Wherefore it is our part likewise carefully to consider the same u Ps. 143 5 Pro. 22. 2● and with the inward eye of Reason, not slightly, but seriously x Ps. 78: 2 Pro. 22.19 Pro. 2.1.2 3 4 view this mirror of misery, and weigh well the weight of so wholesome an admonition y Pro. 2 11 : for even as frankincense yieldeth no smell, unless it be in the fire orderly broiled: so savoureth no part of Scripture, unless it be first in the heart of man duly digested. z Luc. 9.44. Luc. 8.12. Hebr. 4.2 Chap. 3. A view of man's misery, and short continuance. O that they were wise, understood this, and would prudently provide for their latter end. BEhold, beloved in the Lord, three things delivered unto us hereby: to wit, knowledge a Dan. 1.17 , understanding b Psal. 119 34 Hos. 14.10 , and providence c Eccle 9.12, 1 Per. 4 7 , whereby it is apparent, that God would have us to know, to understand and to provide for our departure: but first to know what? this our life to be blithe d job. 14 5 Ps. 103.15 dangerous e jam. 1.14 and short f Psal. 90.9.10 , stuffed with miseries g job. 7.1. , subject to vanity h Psa. 114 4 , defiled with sin i Ro. 5, 12. , corrupt with desire k Rom. 7.7 , and ever sliding towards an l job. 8.9 end: for there is no defence against the grave m Sirrah 41 4 . That the more slippery, uncertain, and miserable this life appeareth: it might the rather be contemned for the love and longing, that we ought to have unto that life that never shall have ending n Phil. 1.23 Col. 3, 1.2, Luc. 18 13 . Likewise, God wisheth us well to understand, what? our own estate: that, as naked we came out of our mother's womb, so naked we must return again o job 1.21 Eccle 5 14 Wisd. 7.6. : for as earth we are, to earth eft 'zounds we are to be converted p Gen. 3.19. . With nakedness and weeping, we began our interlude q Wis. 7.3 Eccles. 1 4 : with pain and vexation, are our parts continued r Sirrah, 40.1. etc. , and now with grief, and sorrow, must we take our fare well s Gen. 37.35 . So is our beginning lamentable s Gen. 3.16. , our continuance wretched t Ecc. 9.3. , & our departure grievous: for the only remembrance of death, is both grievous: and bitter to a man that liveth at rest, in his possessions, and hath prosperity in all his affairs: yet is it the ordinance and decree of the Lord over all flesh v Sirrah. 41.1 etc. . Wherefore understand thyself, during thy small abode in this vale of misery u Psal. 23.4 , to be here a sojourner, and no citizen x 1 Chron. 29.15. Heb 13 13 a wayfaring man y Heb. 12.1 in continual warfare z job. 7.1. , needy a 1 Timot. 6.7. Reu. 3.117 poor b Psa. 188.15. , beggarly c job 1 21. reve. 3.17 weak d Ro. 8.37 , sickly e Psa. 38 3 , and miserable f Isa. 51.21. job. 14.1. , and of no continuance g Psal. 9.6. job. 8.9. Coll. 3.15. Than art thou happy, if thou well understand thine estate aright, by this heavenly advisement, and engrave it in his heart, ever to continue, observing also this rule of righteousness (that followeth) faithfully. Vive Deo gratus, toti mundo tumularus. Crimine mundatus semper transire paratus. Live unto God a thankful Wight But to the world die h Rom. 6.4 . Cleanse the from sin and vain delights i 1 Pet. 4.2 job. 8.11. Rom. 6, 12. . Ever ready hence to fly k Luc. 12.35 36 37 38 39 40 . O blessed is that man, whose heart still watcheth in this contemplation l Psa, 119.9 10 15 , carefully considering m Psa 119 53 how to be wise indeed, how to understand aright, and prudently to provide against the day of wrath n Rom. 2.5 . Wherefore pray with the Prophet, and say: Lord, let me know my end, and the number of my days, that I may be certified how long I have to live o Ps. 39.5. O profitable prayer: O heavenly harmony, and request most requisite: for hereby the holy Prophet craveth not curiously p Exod. 19 12. Io. 21.21 Col. 5.1. 1 Tim. 1.4 Hebr 9, 5. to know the secret times and seasons, that our heavenly father everlasting q Dan. 4.31 and only wise, r Rom. 16, 27. 1 Timot. 1 17. hath reserved to his own proper knowledge s Ma●. 24.36. Marc, 13 31. Acts. 1.7. , but that he might perfectly perceive, and know as he should, his own estate and condition, viz. himself to be here a mere stranger s Chron. 29.15 , a gest t job. 7.1 , a traveler in this his sorrowful banishment v Goe 3.13 : & pain full pilgrimage u Psal. 119 54. a man weak, wretched x 2 Samu. 14.14. , and of no continuance y job, 8.9. Psal 39.6 job. 14.1. Psa. 114 4 O then that man would know, What? his sins and wickedness committed, how hurtful they be: as the Prophet Hierem witnesseth, saying: Know how evil and how hurtful it is for thee to forsake the Lord thy God. z jerem. 2.19. Evil in offence, and hurtful in punishment. O that man would understand. What? his estate how vain it is, as recordeth the Preacher, saying: Vanity of vanities and all is but vanity a Eccle. 1 1 . And again, O that man would provide, What? provide (I say) with joseph, for the barrenness to come b Gen. 41.48. , and for the days wherein thou shalt say. I have no pleasure in them c Eccle. 12.1 , following the wiseman's rule, that saith: In all thy works whatsoever thou dost, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss d Sirrah. 7.36 . Certainly, if thou didst well consider the uncertainty of thy life e Psa. 144.4 Isa. 31.3. Isa. 40.47 1 Pet. 1 24 job. 8.9. , and how far thou art from faithful repentance f Roman. 2 45 2. Cor. 4.4 Act 11.18 & true christianity g joh. 13.14, 15. Ephe. 5, 2. 1, Ioh 3 16 1. joh. 2, 6. indeed, for all thy glorious show h Mat. 21.19 Marc. 11.12.13. , thou wouldst happily endeavour thyself, to watch in thy ward i Mat. 24.44 , prudently providing for thy end & final departure k Sirrah. 14 14. Isa. 47.7. , yea possibly forget thy pomps, thy pleasures, thy vanities, thy fleshly lusts, & filthy desire l Rom. 12. Ro 13.14. 1. Pet, 2.11. Coloss, 3.2. 1 Io. 2.15. , in consideration of the imminent peril, and dreadful danger that hovereth over thy head m Revela, 18.7. 1 Thesa. 5.3. , to cut a sunder thy vital breath n Luc, 12, 19 , and to pay the interest of sin, with the reward of death o. Rom. 6.20. . Wherefore be wise: for he proveth himself wise in deed, that so thinketh of punishment afore it cometh, that he may avoid the danger thereof, whensoever it falleth p Eccl. 11.8 Eccl, 12, 1.2 3 . Chap. 4. To remember the end and to provide for the same. Therefore, sayst thou, I yield, & would willingly rely upon the sound advise of the almighty, to the end I might both know, understand, yea, and likewise provide for my departure, if I knew how to attain thereunto. Then hear the grave and pithy counsel of the wise man that saith, In all thy works remember the end. etc. q Sirrah. 7, 36 , for the only remembrance of thy end is a bridle r Sirrah. 41, 1 and a collar s Isa. 38, 12 2 Kin 20 1 2 Chro. 32.24. , for the wild & untamed flesh of man as followeth fitly in this latin rhythm: Non melius poterit caro luxuriosa domari Quam bene (qualis erit post mortem) premeditari. Thus englished: No better mean to tame the flesh s Rom, 7 18 Gal. 5.17. , that wanton t 2 Cor. 12 7. is, and bold v Gal. 4.29 , Than well to weigh what it shall be u Io. 11.39 once dead, and laid in mould. x Goe 3, 29 1 King. 21 27 jonas 3.6. Sirrah. 10.9. job. 34.15 Heb. 9.13. Leu 16 14 And if thou haste such continual meditations, thou shalt be the happiest amongst a thousand y Sirrah. 14.21 , yea, all generations shall call thee blessed z Luc. 1.42. . A meditation is a dotation, or endowment of the godly mind a Wisd. 5.8 9.10. Psal. 119.9.15.97.98. Sirrah. 14, 2●. but the mind is never better endowed than when it is furnished with the treasure of providence b Prou. 3 22.23. Prou. 6, 6 7 8 . We read that Argus c ovid. li. 1 metamor. had his head environed with 100 watching eyes: signifying thus much unto us, he was every way endued with great wisdom and singular discretion Therefore, if a paganne and a heathen man (by the poet's report) so excelled in the achievement of wisdom and prudence: How much the rather ought a Christian man to be well furnished with providence and circumspection d Luc. 12.35.36, 37.38. . e Sirac. 7.16, 17. Psal. 42.2 Phil. 3.7. Phil. 3.8. Gen. 47.9. Psal. 39.5 Gen. 3.16. Gen 3.17. 2. Tim. 3.1, etc. 2. Cor. 11.23. etc. Be thou therefore an other Argus, nay more wary than he, more wily than he, more watchful & more circumspect than he, that thou mayest learn to be wise to understand and finally, to provide for thy end and last departure. Chap. 5. How fearful is the hour of death, and how profitable is the remembrance thereof. ANd if you ask what is that final end that thou so carefully art to consider? I answer: it is that dreadful and ghastly hour a Psal. 55.4.5 , wherein thy wretched carcase sheddeth forth his seely and sorrowful soul with fear and trembling b Psal. 35.17. Ps. 18.4 5 , Believe me (beloved) thou oughtest rather to regard and esteem this gift of Providence against that day vengeance c Pro. 11 4 Ezech. 7.19 Zeph. 1, 18 Sirrah 5, 1, 8 , than to gain the sovereignty of all the world d Luc., 9.25. , Wherefore I would have thee so to know and understand things present, that thou finally be not careless for the things that shall follow e Sirrah, 14.12. etc. 1 Io 2, 15. etc. 2 King, 20 1 , but remember the days of darkness: k Rom. 13, 12. fear the Lord g Pro, 3, 7. : covet heavenly things h 2, Cor, 5.23, etc. Coloss. 3.1 : f Eccl, 11 8 despise the world i 2 Cor, 5.6 Rom, 12: 2 & cast of the works of darkness k Rom. 13, 12. : put on the armour of light l Ro, 13 13 , taking no thought to fulfil the lust of the flesh m Rom, 13 14. , but remember thy end and final dissolution n Pro. 3, 7. , when as none of thy friends nor of thy kinsfolks shall appear to secure or assist thee with shield and spear o Psal. 22.11. Ps. 49.7.8 : nay, as the Prophet jeremy saith: Then shall there not be one to comfort thee, of all thine acquaintance h Lament. 1, 2 , then is there no help to be looked for at man's hands q jer. 17.5 , thy refuge must be in God only, through the meditation of his Son jesus Christ our Lord r Hoss. 13.4 Acts. 4.12 Ephes, 2 5. . Now consider what honour s Io. 5.23. , what love s Deu 30.16 , and what reverence t Heb. 12.28. , thou owest to him, by whose only means thy sinful soul, after the departure, is to enjoy eternal salvation v 1 Pet. 3.10. 1 Pet. 3.12 , Then I say, hear him, obey his voice u jer. 26.4 1 Kin 9.4, 1 joh. 4.6. , which is his chiefest honour x 1 Sam. 15.22. Eccl. 4.17. , and never let that dreadful y Mat. 24.30 , and dismal z joel. 2.2. , hour, slip out of thy mind: but (before thy miserable spirit resign over his borrowed mansion) bethink with thyself, what thou art, and whether thou goest a Math. 7.13 Luc. 13 24 ? The remembrance hereof, will breed in thy heart sorrow b .2. Cor. 2.5 : sorrow, remorse c 2. Cor. 7 8. etc. : remorse, repentance d 2 Cor. 7.10 : repentance, humility e 2 Cor 7.8 10 : humility, godly affection f Ps. 18.1. , and love to Godward, wholly resting ●n the ankar of hope g He 6.9. Rom. 5, 4. 1 Pet, 5.7, , under the protection of his favourable goodness h Ps 21.1. , and free i Act. 4.12 Act 15.11 mercy, through a bashful consideration of thine own weakness & misery k Psa, 17.5. job 10. & r . And here (gentle Reader) assure thyself, that nothing in all the world can enforce l Wis. 5.7 Wis, 5 8 9 Sirrah. 7, 36. a man sooner to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present life m 'tis 2, 12 , than the due consideration of his own infirmities n Ro. 7.18 , the certain knowledge of his mortality o Psa. 89.49. and the often and continual remembrance of his death, & dissolution and last gasp, when as a man becometh none p Ro. 6. 2●. Hebr. 9.27 2 Pet, 1.14 Sirrah 10 12 Sirach. ●4 12 21. Prou. 11.4 Wisd 5.15 job 10, 20. etc. Psa, ●9. 4. Eccl. 7.19. , for when once he waxeth sick, and still by sickness sickly groweth q jam. 5.14 , then doth a wretched man despair r Gen. 4.13 Mat. 27.4 , having only his pain & grief in remembrance s job. 17.1. . And his guilty conscience to accuse him s Ro. 2.15 , neither willing nor able to call for mercy t 1. Cor. 2.14 , his heart doth quake, his head amazed out of frame, his senses vanish quite away, his strength decays, his careful breast doth pant, his countenance pale, his favour bleak, his ears deaf, his nose both snively and sharp, his tongue is furred with filth and phlegm, and faileth quite, his mouth unseemly drivelling is, his body dieth and rots at length v Eccle. 12.2 3 4 5 6 7, etc. , his flesh consumes, his beauty stinks, his stately shape of late so fair, so fine, so gallant, & so delicate returns by nature's lore to ashes small, and then in stead and place thereof do filthy worms succeed u job 7.5 10.9 13, 28.14, 10 etc. . Next after man do worms succeed, than stink in his degree y Eccl. 19, 17 : x job. 7.5 19, 26 So every man to no man must return z Sirrah. 38, 22 , by God's decree a Heb. 9, 27 . Behold a spectacle both strange and dreadful b Sirrah. 40.1, 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7, 8, 9 , and assure thyself, that there is neither skill, nor means of Art, nor any kind of learning that can be more available, to quail the pride of man c Sir. 10, 9.14, 12 13, 19, 21 Wisd. ●5, 8, 9, ●0, 11 12, 13 , convince his malice, confound his lust, or abate this worldly pomp, and vainglorious vanity, than the often remembrance of his dissolution, O therefore, that they were wise etc. for in all the world there is nothing so irksome, nothing so loathsome and so vile as the carcase d john. 11.39 job. 19.17 isaiah 34 3.14.19. jere. 8.2. Ezech. 39.16 of a dead man whose scent is so tedious, that it may not lodge & continue in a house 3 days for stink, so intolerable but must needs be cast out of doors as dung e zeph. 1.17 jere. 22.19 , and deeply buried in mould for corrupting f Io. 11.39. of the air. Then blush for shame g Psal. 31.19 20 , thou proud peacock that art but worms meat h job. 7.5. , and shortly shalt become stinking carrion i Esay. 40.11.47.7. jerem. 13.9. Wisedom● 5.13. . Chap. 6. A view of man's vanity, and the remedy thereof. NOw let very shame itself procure the proud haughty & unhappy sinner to blush a Ps. 83.18 Pro. 16.5.21 29 Habac. 2.5 . though binded with ambition b jam. 3.1. , inflamed with wrath c Pr. 26.21 polluted with impatience d 1 Cor. 10 10 , & hoven up with knowledge e 1. Cor. 8.1 , who liketh better of Aristotle's philosophy f Col. 2.8. 1. Tim. 6.20 , than of the testimony of all the apostles, and of the works of Plato, than of the word of God g jer. 44.5. Heb. 12.25. 1. Cor. 1.18 22 Act. 17.18 1 Cor. 1.22 2.13 14 Act. 24.1. 1. Tim. 6.20 , whom no learning edifieth, no knowledge ●elighteth, no stile fancieth, otherwise than grammatically grounded, logically framed, & rhethoritically painted out in colours h job. 16 20 . Thou art very unwise and utterly deceived if thou seest not, that they, that have pleasure in such things & therein consume their days, conceive sin, & at length hatch their own destruction i jac. 3.15 1 Cor. 1.17 Rom 1.22. 1 Cor. 2, 6. 1 Cor. 1.19 Rom. 1, 21 jac. 4, 16. 2 Pet. 1.16 : for, such as their study is, such knowledge the● get k Ecc. 1.13 , in steed of fruit they reap leaves l Mat. 21.19 , and wind in steed of wisdom m Eccl 10.14 , for thei● words become wind n job. 16.3 , they beat the air with babbling they speak with full mouths and vaunt of their vanities o jam. 4.16 2 Pet. 2.13 as the Psalmist saith, They re● too and fro, & stagger like a dru●ken man: and are at their witt● end p Psa. 107.27 . A drunken man knoweth not what he doth, or whith●● he goeth, for that he knoweth q Gen. 19 32 Prou. 20.1 Pro. 31.45 1 Sam. 25.36 not himself. So foolish babblers by means of such study tire themselves r Ecc. 1, 13 14 , in devouring up vanities, & gathering of sentences, & flowers (as they term them) together, but to what end? They are utterly ignorant s Eccl. 12.12, 13 Math. 15 14 Luc. 6.39 : neither do they poor wretches regard to what perplexiti they drive their souls unto, thereby s 1 Cor. 8.1 , for if they had weighed in equal balance the shortness of their lives t Ps. 39.5. Wisd. 5.10 11, 12, 12 , the detriment of time evil bestowed v Ephes. 5 16, 15 Col. 4.5 thereupon, and how they are at the dreadful day of judgement to yield an account, not only of their dead works, but also of every idle word that proceedeth out of their mouths u Mat. 12.36.37 : I am sure they would be abashed forthwith, and happily touched with some godly motion x Cor. 12.6 7 8.9 10.11 , to crosse-saile, and bid the vain Sciences of the world adieu y jer 3.12. , to change the study of vanity z Ro. 2.8. , for the study of virtue a Ephe. 4.25 & utterly to remove from the chair of folly b Psa. 1.1. , to the seat of Wisdom c Ibid. 2. from the school of curiosity d Act. 19.19 , to the yoke of humility e Mat. 11.25 , from the haunt of fleshly lust f 1. Cor 6.18 , to the high way of chastity g Ibid. 7.1. Gal. 5.23. , from the sect of fornication h Act. 15.26 , to the rock of religion i jam. 1.27 , which is from the household of worldly conversation, to the hall of heavenly discipline k Ro. 12.2. Col. 3.2. Pro 4.13. as the kingly Prophet recordeth saying: Take hold of discipline lest the Lord be angry and you perish out of the way l Ps. 2.12. 2. Cor. 2.6. . O how hard & how bitter m Sir. 41.1 a sentence is this to them, that in time lay not hold upon true discipline n Wisd. 7.14 Pro. 15.5 , for they are sore threatened to perish as the Lord likewise witnesseth by Moses saying: Every soul that humbleth not himself this day, shall perish from among the people o Leu. 23.29 These words are well to be noted (Every soul (saith he) that humbleth not himself) by discipline p He. 10.7 Luc. 5.5. , amendment of manners q Ro. 6.4. , repentance r Mat. 3.2. and sorrow of heart s 2. Cor. 7.10 , with clearing of his conscience s Heb. 10.22 1. Pet. 3.16 Io. 1.20. , adding, This day, that is, even at this present instance of time: for he that in this life taketh no time of repentance, after this life shall find no place of pardon t Luc. 16.25 . Wherefore quake thou sinner, thou proud Peacock, thou stinking carrion, on whom yet alive, the vile and loathsome worms that proceed out of thy corruptible carcase do daily gnaw and feed v Act. 12 22 23, 24 , abhor thy haughtiness u Psa. 75.4 Rom. 11.18 jam. 4.16. , avoid thy vanities x Eccl. 1.1. 1. Sam. 12.21 1 King. 16.26 , leave off thy lusts y Ro. 13.14 , and apprehend discipline z 1 Tim. 4.13 , lest thou also come to nought, and perish out of the way a job. 20.6 Nu. 15.28 . Behold in this Glass what thou art b Psa. 103.14 , & what shall become of thee c Ps. 89.49 , whose conception is menstruous and filthy superfluity of nature d Wisd. 7.2 , that is, whose beginning is dirt e job. 20.7 , & end rottenness f job. 17.1.14 , O that thou wouldst be wise, etc. Weigh wretch with thyself thine own estate g Ro. 7.24. job. 14.1.7, 1. : causes thou hast of infinite sorrows & griefs intolerable h Luc. 13, 28 Reu. 14.10 yet wilt thou not lament i Isa. 22. ●2, etc. , but still rejoicest in thine ow● destruction k Isa. 22.13 , committing wickedness even with greediness l Ephes. 4.19 , curious of other men's lives, but careless of thine own m Luc. 21.34 , yet covetous & greedy of the world, that careth not for thee n jer. 6.13. 1. Tim. 6.10 Io. 16.33. Gal. 6.14. . Then learn to be wise, & care not for it: but inquire for thy country where thy happiness consisteth o Colo. 3.2. Heb. 13.14 . What others do Look not unto Thyself do not forget, Let world be More vile to thee Than thou art unto it p Io. 14.17. 1. Io. 2.15. . Wherefore consider well the wretched calamity of thine own miserable estate, & groan with the kingly Prophet David, saying: Behold, I will confess my wickedness, and be sorry for my sins q Psa. 38.17 18 : And again, I am set in the plague, and my wickedness ever in my sight r Ps. 51.3. Ps. 38.4.5. , Cry out with the Apostle, and say: O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death s Ro 7.24. , This same sentence of the holy Apostle craveth a wise and a circumspect reader s Wis. 7.23 : for as yet he was in the flesh when he termed his body dead: for as much as he that is wise, vieweth his death present, and now he accounteth himself as dead because he knoweth, that he must needs die. t Mat. 16.24 2. Cor. 4 10 1. Pet. 4, 2. Wisd. 5.13 2. Sam. 14.14. Heb. 9.27. Chap. 7. The miserable estate of a damned soul. COnsider a Luc. 16.22 then that dreadful and terrible hour whereof we have heretofore mentioned, when thy sinful soul, O sinner taketh his flight and last farewell out of this world b Luc. 12.20 Isai. 47.7. : how ready appear those wicked ministers of Satan c Reu. 12.9 , those cursed caitiffs d Goe 3.14. , those ugly monsters e Isa. 27.29. job. 40.20 Re. 12.3.4 , those damned spirits f Mat. 25.41 Luc. 13.27 those howling hellhounds g Psal. 22.16 Reu. 22.15 , and roaring lions h 1 Pet. 5.8 Psa. 35.17 , prepared for their prey, that is, to devour thy wretched, miserable, and sinful soul i Reu. 12.4 1 Pet. 5.8. . Then then. I say, in sight appear most grisly visions k Isa. 13.9 Isa. 66.24. , most horrible torments l Reu. 18.7 , ghastly confusions m Psa. 132.19 , irksome and fearful darkness n job. 15.22 , a heap of unspeakable miseries o Psa. 104.11. , a troublesome turmoil p Proverbs 1.27. , chilling fear q jeremy 17.18. , terror r job. 15.21. , anguish s Rom. 2, 9 , quaking, sorrow s 1 The, 5.3 , sighs t Isa. 63, 6, , grepinge griefs v Re. 18 18 , and gnawing of conscience u Ro. 2.15. , horrible sighs x Heb. 10 27 , & a fearful mansion y Psa 21.9 Isa. 5.14. , a place of weeping, wailing▪ and gnashing of teeth z Mat 24.51, where worms do sting a Marc. 9.44.46 48. , where goests do groan for grief b Is 65.14 , and howelings heard c Isa. 51, 8 Isa 16.7. , with voices loud that say. woe, woe, to us we adam's d Isa 3, 10. Reu 18 10 16, 19 brood. Now when as thy wretched, nay most miserable and unhappy soul e Ro 2, 9, Isa. 47, 11 Ps. 140 11 , shall hear and see, these things so strange f Lament 4 12 Psal. 11.7 . so horrible and so ghastly g Isai 13.9. , yea a thousand times more lamentable and woeful than any tongue can tell h Reu. 14.11. Zach. 14.12 , heart can conceive i Reu 21.8. , or pen can paint it out k 1 Cor. 2.9. Isa. 64.4. , what and how great horror, and amazedness shall environ, compass, and altogether possess the same: it can by no means be worthily expressed l Ps. 18.4.5. Ps. 22.14.15.16. Psal. 55.4 job. 6.3.4. Ma. 26.38 27.46. . Then (I say) what profiteth thee thy vaunt of skill m Wisd. 5.6.7 8.9 10.11 12.13 14.15 ? thy pomp? thy vanity? thy magnificence? thy worldly wealth? promotions and dignities n job. 8 9 Psa. 143.4 Pro. 12 5 11.7 jam. 1.10. ? or what availeth thy lust? thy far so dainty? thy drink so pleasant? thy garments so gay? thy pantofles so high? thy hue so fresh? thy gorge so full? thy surfeitings? thy drunkenness o Luc 16.15.19, 20.21.22.23.25. Luc. 12.16 17.18 19.20 21. thy houses brave? thy lordship's wide, and wealth so much p Eccle. 2.1.2.3, 4, 5, 6.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. ? Can any of these, or all the same redeem q Psa. 49.6, 7, 8, 6, 10, 11. , thy seely soul (O man) from the gaping jaws of that infernal monster r Ps. 5.14. , or from the griping claws of that old dragon s Psa. 104.26 Psa. 57.4. , the old enemy s Mat. 13.39 , of mankind. Thou therefore that wallowest in sin, t Ephe. 4.19 2. Pe. 2.22 , and art drunk with too much love of the world v Mat. 6.24 Luc. 16.13 , that regardest dame dalliance u Ro. 3 13 , more than thy darelinge x Ps. 35.17 , thy goods y Mat. 19.22 rather then godliness z Mat. 19.23 , the rearing of thy cattle a Sir. 7.22. Deu. 23.4. , rather than the reading of the Scriptures b Acts. 17.11 1. Tim. 4.13 , behold this Glass of vaine-glorye▪ that herein thou mayest learn to know thyself to understand aright and in all thy works to remember thy end c 1. Pet. 9.10 Isa. 47 7. Wisd. 7.36 : view hereby thyself a perfect pattern of all imperfections d Ro. 2.19. etc. , weigh what thou art e Ps. 22.6. , whence thou camest f Goe 3.19. whether thou wilt g Pro. 5.14. , What way so dangerous? what passage so perilous? what clutches so horrible thy simple, nay sinful soul, ●s to pass by h job. 18.14 Ps. 49.14. Psa. 63.9.10 Isa. 24.18. , O foolish i Gal. 3.1. sinner, who hath be witched thee, that either canst not, or wilt not think and consider hereof k Deu. 32.29 . Therefore pride pricks thee forward l Hab. 2.5. , rage ravisheth thee m Pro. 26.12. etc. , malice molests n Ephe. 4.31 , envy woundeth o job. 5.2. , sluggishness slayeth thee, p Pro. 21.25 & covetousness at length catcheth thee slily in the snare of that subtle serpent q Tim. 6.9.10 , which thou canst not eschew r jam. 5.3. ● . Thou dost not foresee the imminent dangers that hang over thy head, and are ready prepared for thee against the day of vengeance s 1. Pet. 4.7 1 The. 5.3 Rom. 2.5. Isa. 47.11. , but art become slothful s Heb. 12.12. & disobedient t Hebr. 4.1: , outrageous v Pro. 6.13. , and lazy to all good works u Pr. 1, 24. Pro. 24 30 which thou performest as negligently x Mat. 26.40. . And why: Because thou hast no mind of that that followeth y Isa 47.7 , nor carest for that that cometh after z Reu, 2.5. . If that venomous serpent that old dragon the devil and Sathanas a Reu. 14.10. Reu. 12.9. presumed to assault b Matth. 4 1 , and tempt our Saviour c Matth. 1.21. God d Io. 1.1. and man e Ro. 1.3. joh. 1 14. , that pure and immaculate f 1 Pet. 9.19. Io. 1 29. , lamb of God g Psal. 24.10 , and King of glory, oughtest thou not that art but flesh and blood h Mat. 16.17. Cal. 1.16. 1 Cor. 15.50. , sinful i Rom, 7.14, , and weak k Mat. 26.41. , with fear and trembling l Ps. 76.8 , to consider how horribly he both dare m Ephe. 2.2 & will n 1 Timo. 3.16. assault thy soul that is altogether infected, scarlat red o Rom. 7.17 , with sin and iniquity vassal and bond ʰ to him, even that forger of deceit q 2 Cor. 11.3. , p Isai. 1.18. 2 Tim 2.26. worker of iniquity r 2 Thes. 2.9. , and deadly enemy of man's salvation s Mat. 13.25 . How canst thou abide the ghastly sight of that cankeres countenance s job. 41.9 10. 11 12. Isa. 27 1. Reu. 12.3. , the stinking scent of his belching breath, and leering looks, fowl flaming forth with fire and brimstone. Assure thyself, that the only fear t Psa. 55.56 jer. 17.18. Heb 1.27. Isa, 1●. 9. Isa. 5, 14. Psal. 11, 7. of that hellish monster u Reu 12 3 job. 41.10 etc. Isa. 5, 14▪ Reu 20. 2● exceedeth all kind of torments that may be devised in all the world whereupon the Prophet suprised with exceeding fear & trembling, poureth forth his earnest prayers to the almighty to be delivered therefrom saying: Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer, preserve my soul from the fear of the enemy u Psal. 64.1 : he saith not, from the power, but from the fear, and why? To show how great x Psal. 22.12 13 14 15 16. Psa. 133.4 Psal. 22.20 21 , how fearful, & how intolerable is the only thought and fear of the enemy. Alas (beloved) if such, and so great be the fear and trembling of the sinful soul y isaiah. 1.5.6 , and guilty conscience z Isa. 66.24 Hebr. 10.27 Rom. 2.15. , with imagination and view of Satan, what horror, what pain, what grief a Isa. 3.10. Isa. 65.14. what confusion b Psa. 132.19. ensueth his continual company c Revel. 14.11. , and fellowship d Math, 25.14. . Chap. 8. The foolishness of man that regardeth not the judgements of God against sinners, How fond and foolish a Psa. 14.1 Psa. 92.6. Psa. 94.8. are the heirs of Adam b 1. Cor. 15 22 vain c Psa. 39.8 are the children of men d Ps. 62.9 , and liars e Ps. 11.7 , He that loveth wickedness (saith the Prophet) hateth his own soul, whereunto the wiseman agreeth saying: The ungodly and his ungodliness, are both alike hateful unto God f Wisd. 14.9 , and likewise to good men, as David saith: Do I not hate them that hate thee, yea I hate them with a perfect hatred, as though they were mine enemies, g Psa. 139 21 , And again: The spirit of God painteth out the indignation of almighty God against sinners, saying: The highest hateth sinners, and shall reward vengeance unto the ungodly h Eccl. 12 7 Isa 47, 11. : Why then dost not thou behold and see so horrible so heinous, and so extreme a punishment i Hos. 13, 8 Isai. 2, 22. ? Why abatest thou not thy Pride, why quenchest thou not thy Covetousness k Pro. 23.4 Luc. 12, 15 Heb. 13.5. ? Why leavest thou not thy lust l 1 Cor. 10.6 , and amend thy manners m Isa. 31.6 Hos. 14.2, ? Why obeyest thou not the wholesome precept and commandment of thy God n 1. joh. 2.3 john. 4.6▪ 1 Kings. 9.4.5 ? why art not thou wise o Rom, 16.19 ? why understandest thou not p Hos. 14.10. ? why dost not q jam. 4.13 14 Sirrah, 9, 12. 1 Pet. 4.5. thou provide for thy departure ʳ? Therefore almighty God so terribly threateneth and menaceth thee s reave 14.10 , for thy sins and iniquity s Reu. 12.8 2 Thess. 1.6, 8. , saying: I will also laugh at your destruction, and mock when the thing that you fear shall come upon you, even when the thing that you be afraid of falleth in suddenly like a storm, and your misery like a tempest, t Prou. 1, 26. Prou. 10.25. yea when trouble and heaviness cometh upon yovi. O how fearful is this severe threatening of the Almighty ᵛ u 1 Thes. 5.3. Isai. 47.11 . O that the reader here would well advise himself ᵒ be wise indeed, and in his heart ponder thoroughly x Pro. 19.20. Pro. 27.9. Pro. 12 15 , how heinous, and intolerable this judgement and condemnation is y job. 28, 28. Coll. 1, 28. Psal. 130 3 . And if he well regard the same, he would no doubt take better heed unto his ways and steps z Ephes. 5.15. Colo. 4.5. . But if perhaps thou sayest, that gibing, laughing, & mocking doth not well beseem a Exo. 15.12. Isa. 40.22 the almighty, neither will his most reverent b Psal. 89.8. , holy c Levi. 11.44 Psal. 145.18 , and perfect d Math. 5.48 nature e 2 Pet. 1.4 admit any such imperfections and ironical passions of the mind f Psal. 102.28 Malac. 3.6 Num. 23.19 . How then is it that God speaketh unto sinners after this sort, I will laugh at your destruction g Prou. 1.26 . Consider wel● the demand, and mark wel● the true answer hereof, I wil● laugh at your destruction, that is, when your end that you deserved cometh upon you, I will judge you worthy to be● laughed at to scorn h Luc. 16.25 . An● when sudden destruction commet● upon you I will mock, that is, wh● the bitterness i Sirrah. 41.1 of everlasting death shall nip you. I will condemn you as worthy everlastingly to be mocked k Luc. 12.20.16.25 Pro. 11.2. Ps. 104 26 . Then mark well thy judgement l Sirrah. 22. Heb. 9.27. , O sinner, and be sorrowful m Isa. 46.8 joh. 3.8. , and astonished thereat n jere. 4.44. : but the cause why thou dost it not, is, thy negligent reading of the Scriptures o Mat. 22.29 Mark 12.24 2. Pet. 1.9. , which are faithful, and give wisdom to the simple p Ps. 19.7. . Thou therefore hast no care at all to amend the life that thou leadest q Hagg. 2.18 2. Cor. 12.21 , lewd and wicked, in word and deed, as followeth r Ezec. 36.31 : Quick to thy meat, With stomach great s Ro. 13.13. 1. Sam. 2.14. jam. 5.5 to church thou art as slow ˢ: To drink all day t Heb. 7.12. Hebr. 12.12. , But not to pray v Isa. 5.11. , thou canst intend I know u Exod. 17.12. . x Gen. 6.5. From Sermons x Ps 50.28 jere. 3.25, rest, To fables priest y 2 Ti. 4.4 therewith thou art z Tit. 1.14. in ure To prate always a Pro. 25, 28. But not to praise, thy God thou canst endure b Esa. 1.2.3 Luc, 17, 18 Thou yieldest thy mind, To wrath unkind c job 36.18. Pro. 26.21 ungodliness to store d Pro. ●. 17 Pro 13.25 : And envy fell Thou lovest well e Ro, 1.29 Gal. 5.21. the poor thou hatest the more f Eze. 4, 1.8.4. job. 24.4. In others eye. A mote to spy but not a beam in thine g Mat. 7.3 To reprehend And not amend thyself, a sorry h Rom. 2.21 22 23. sign. Thyself to praise, At all assays i Pro. 27, 2 , and others to disgrace: k Pro. 4, 24 Rom. 1 30. 2. Cor. 12.20 Is not to love l 1 joh. 4 8 20.21. But malice move, m 1 Pet. 2, 1. and discipline deface n Pro 4.13, Pro. 5.12. . To vice a friend o john. 18.40. Act. 3.14. and most an end thou art a mortal foe: To virtues lore p jam. 4.4 1 joh. 2.15 Alas therefore thou causest all thy woe q Isa. 59.2 jerem. 25. Hos. 13.9. These things are they that blind the r Mat 14.14. Luke. 6 24 2 Cor. 4.4. sight of the wise s Ro. 1.22. and sever them from God: s jer. 5.25. Isa. 59.2. these things I say pervert a Christian t Sirach. 10.13. , whereby he becometh an antichrist ᵛ, for he may well be termed an Antichrist that is not a true Christian u 1 Io. 20.22. 1 john 4.3. 2 The. 2.4 1 joh. 2.19 , which no man can be, that is in life and conversation contrary to Christ ˣ Alas for pity, y 1. Ioh, 4.3 an unwise man doth not understand this, neither doth a fool consider y Ps. 92.6. it, and therefore the Prophet sayeth, As well the ignorant as the foolish shall perish z Psal. 49.10 . I but what diversity is betwixt the ignorant and the foolish? An ignorant or unwise man is he that is without wisdom or knowledge a Eph. 4 18. 1 Cor, 15.34. Luc. 18 34 Act. 17 23 : every fool is unwise b jer. 4.12. , but every one that is unwise is not strait ways a stark fool c Ps. 94.8. Psa. 92.6. . Wilt thou know who is ignorant and who is foolish d Psal, 14 1 Mat. 15, 14 ? I answer that he is ignorant that knoweth not himself to be a Pilgrim e Chr. 29.15. Heb. 11.13 banished from the ways of Paradise f Gen. 3.2. Luc 10 30 or that doth not know himself to be a mere stranger g Eph 2.12.19. in this his painful pilgrimage. h Mi. 2.10 Heb 13.14 Syra. 4.1 2 3.4.5.6.7 2. Cor. 5.6 But he is a fool that though he do know these things, yet still embraceth i 1 Tim. 6.17.18. Eccl. 10.14 these wicked and worldly delights k ja. 5.1.5. Luc. 12 20 thereof, as though it were his proper mansion, and continuing City l Col. 3.1. : and never intendeth to forego the miseries and vanities of the same m Luc. 12.19 Rom. 8.28. 1 Cor. 7.31 jam. 4.4. , Heb. 13.13 14 which he cloaketh under the name & title of pastimes n Wis. 2.6. & pleasures o 7 8 9 , being in deed but mere vanities p Ecc. 2.1. & the very extremity of folly q Luc. 12.20 1 joh. 2.15 joh. 15.19. joh. 16.20. Pro. 15.21 , considering that the end of all mortal joy is mourning and sorrow r Prou. 14, 13 . Likewise he is ignorant s Act. 17.23. 1 Cor. 2.8. that knoweth s Io. 8.27. or believeth t Luc. 18.34 not the punishment of the wicked to be eternal v 2 The. 1, 8 Math. 25, 41. , and the joy of the righteous everlasting u Revel. 21, 4. . But he is a fool x Psal. 14, 1. that although he do know and believe y Ro. 1, 21, it: yet to avoid eternal death z jud. 7, 1 Th. 5.3, , and to attain unto life everlasting, doth not call for grace a Wis. 12.19, Ro. 7, 25. , to repent him of his sins past, & hereafter to show mercy to do justice, & to walk with his God b Mich. 6.8, by whose just judgement both the ignorant & the foolish perish alike. c Psal. 49.10. Wis. 6.26 Gal. 6.3. Wherefore let us so behold ourselves in this Glass of vainglory, that upon the view of our own estate therein: we may know ourselves to be but miserable d Psa. 9.20 Psal. 39.6. and of no continuance, e Isai. 59 2. and understand our sins & wickkednes against God to be infinite ˡ & to cry for vengeance against us according to our desert f Gen. 4.10. Gen 18·20 that at length feeling our own imperfections & the weight of our sin g Psa. 38.6 Rom. 7.24. Gal 3.22. Rom. 10.4 Gal. 3.24. , may provide aforehand in this acceptable time h Gal 6.10. of our visitation i Math. 19.44. both by faithful repentance to avoid eternal death and destruction k Luc. 3.7. Math. 3, 7. , which God hath ordained for the wicked and reprobate l Sirrah. 40.9 10. children of unbelief m Eph. 2 2 , who dandled in the lap of folly n Ecc. 10.1 4. Wisd. 5 4. , never fear the fall of future inconvenience ᵉ, o jud. 18 27. till being served with the Writ of present penance, p Mat. 25.12 Luc. 12.19 Luc 12.46 they find little leisure to repent s Dan, 3.10. And how also we may faithfully and effectually lay hold of our salvation q Eph. 2.8. by faith unfeigned r 1 Tim. 1.5 that worketh through love s Gal. 5.6. jam. 2.26 whereby we attain to that immortal kingdom s Dan, 3.10. which God hath ordained for his elect before the foundation of the world was laid t Mat. 25.34. Through the merits v 1. Timot. 1 9 1 Pet. 1.3. Gal. 3.19. 1 Pet. 1.19 Reu. 5.9. of our Lord and saviour jesus Christ to whom with the father and the holy ghost be all honour, and glory for ever and ever u Tim. 1 17 . Amen. This is the judgement of all flesh: Thou shalt die the death. Heb. 9.27. MORS · TVA MORS · CHRISTI FRAUS MUNDI GLORIA · COELI QVOD uni ET OMNIBUS ET · DOLOUR · INFERNI · SUNT · MEDITANDA ·TIBI · MIHI · hody · CRAS TIBI MORS SEPTRA LIGONIB EQVAT MORS · SEPTRA · LIGONIE● · EQVAT Death is the hire of sin: behold, The wicked have no rest, But unto them that love the Lord, It turneth to the best. The complaint of a sorrowful Soul, that loathing his earthly tabernacle, and bewailing the miseries of this life, desireth to be dissolved & to be with Christ out of S. Augustine's Prayers the xx chapter thereof, faithfully translated into English verse, by W.P. LEt me departed in peace a Luc. 2.29 , O Lord, I daily groan And loathe this life I b job 3, 20 lead O help that I were gone In mischiefs manifold, my Pilgrim's c Psa. 39, 1 21 Heb. 11.13 part I play: Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for aye d Phi. 1 23 . O miserable life ᵉ and transitory f job, 14.1.7 1. plain: Uncertain g Psa. 39.6. fully fraught with sorrows grief and pain, h Gen. 6.5. O life polluted oft that doth my deeds display: Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for ay. This life is Queen of pride i Esa 47.7 that errors k 2 The. 2.11 foul doth breed, A wretched state that is, no life, but death l Gal. 2.19 in deed, We yield to Nature's m 2 Sam. 14 Heb. 9.27. want and sundry ways decay Oh than that I dissolved were to live with Christ for ay. Is this a life (trow ye) wherein, we plunge n Ecc. 4.3. in pain: Puffed up o Deut. 22 15 with every joy, and snibde p Ioh 3.3 with grief again With foggy air infect q 1 Reg. 8.37. and parched with heat of day: Oh than that I dissolved were to live with Christ for aye. With seeding fat we grow with fasting long as lean: With mirth we mounting are, r Mat. 20.12. Amos 4.1 jer. 5.28 Mat. 6, 16. Isai. 53.5 with sadness drooping s Eccl. 2.2 clean, With care consumed quite s Sirac. 30 21.22 , our weakness t 23 24 hath no stay: v Psal. 69.1 2 3 Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for aye. As wealth doth prick in pride v Deu 6.12 so want doth cause dismay u jaco. 1 : Youth x Pro. ●0. 6 bolt upright we see, and crooking age decay. With sickness sore we break y Ps. 37.2. job. 30.15.16 ibid. 23. with sorrow soon away, Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for ay. When raging death doth sweep. z Luc. 12 20 and quench our pleasures vain a job 7 11 1 Psal. 37.38 It makes an end of all at once, and lets no whit remain: That past, it had not been a man may surely say b job. 20, 6 Ps. 37.36 : Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for ay. This vital c 2 Sa. 141 142 death of ours, and mortal d Reu. 2.2 life with woe e job. 14.1 Replete (O cursed case) and yet a grief to show. How many snared f 2 Tim. 4.10 Ephes. 2.3. 1 joh. 2.15 1 Tim. 6.9. in sin she lureth to her pray g Prou. 14 27 : Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for aye. And though the blindest man h Ezech. 7 19 Mich. 6.10 , may soon espy this gear: Yet with her golden cup i Reu. 17.2 3 4 , which she in hand doth bear She makes a many drink, their folly k 1 Cor. 1.17 18 bewray l Mat 6.24 Luc 16 13 , Oh than that I dissolved were to live with Christ for ay. O rare and happy men, that do despise her draft, m joh. 15.18, 19.20 , Her pleasures vain eschew, n Tit. 9.9.6.7. and shun her snares uncaught, Lest they by her deceived, deceive themselves o Iuc. 5.1. Eccl. 5.9. I say: Oh than that I dissolved were, to live with Christ for aye, The Translator to the Reader. WHere Novissima, or the last things (mentioned, as well in Deut. as by the Son of sirach) are in number four, to wit, Death, judgement, the Pains of Hell, and the joys of heaven: and having now out of S. Augustine, sufficiently entreated of Death, judgement, and Hell, I thought it necessary to deliver likewise (out of the same Author) unto the repentant Reader, some taste of the joys Celestial, to inflame his mind with an earnest desire, and a longing after his heavenly inheritance, and continuing Country, the City of the great King, that supernal jerusalem, and mother of us all, whereby the fleshly desire of carnal men (which is corrupt from their youth upward) and the love of the world (which is a loathing of God) might happily be quenched in comparison of that infinite joy and glory that shall be revealed unto us, the rather for that every thing naturally coveteth his complement and chiefest happiness, which the Philosophers call Summum bonum, and is nowhere to be either had or hoped for, but in that heavenly habitation, the fullness of our joy purchased by Christ, promised by Scripture: and contained in this song of Zion which I have here translated (out of S. Augustine's book of Prayers, Chap. 24. into English meeter, quoted and confirmed by the testimony of the word (though in deed it be of itself nothing else but an abridgement of sundry places of scripture, curiously collected, and cunningly couched) together for that purpose, as the learned Reader may easily perceive: wherefore, I have as near as I could possibly, followed the very words of mine Author, contrary to the mind of the Poet that sayeth: Nec verbum verbo curabis reddere fidus interpres. though I could not attain to his perfection and gravity, notwithstanding my hope is, that my will may supply my vant therein, with the godly Reader, that liketh the sense of the mind better than the sound of the ear. And therefore simply singeth this Psalm of Zion in this his woeful captivity and banishment as followeth. O Mother dear Jerusalem Gal. 4.26 jehova's throne Chro. 9.6 Reu. 20.11 on high, O sacred City Eph. 2.19 , Queen Ps. 43.11 & wife Eph. 5.32 Apoc. 9.7 , of Christ eternally. My heart Ps. 16.11 Ps. 67.1. doth long to see thy face, my soul doth still desire 42.1. Thy glorious 26.8 73.28 beauty to behold my mind is set on fire Psa. 84.2 . O comely Queen Cant. 1.4 in glory clad reve. 12.1 , in honour Psa. 45.11.15 and degree Soph. 3.20 : All fair Cant. 4.7 thou art exceeding bright Esa. 60.1.2.3 no spot Eph. 3.27 there is in thee. O peerless dame and daughter fair of love Ps. 45.15 Psal. 45.11 , without annoy Triumph, for in thy beauty brave, the king doth greatly joy ˢ. Thy port, thy shape, thy stately grace Can. 4.1.2.3.4.5.12.13.14.15. , thy favour fair in deed: Thy pleasant hue and countenance; all others doth exceed Psal. 45.2. . What is thy well-beloved mate thou fairest Cant 3.6. of thy kind? My love is white and ruddy both Ibid. 10.11.12.13. , of thousands chief assigned. For as the pleasant Apple tree Cant. 2.3. amid the Forest green Surmounts the rest so fares my love the sons of men between. His shadow me doth cover quite where under I do sit: His fruit is sweet and pleasant both my mouth desireth it, My well-beloved mate did put, his hand within my door Can. 5.4.5. : Therefore in him my Lord 1. Tim. 3.15 & life Ph. 1.21. , my joy Can. 5.4. increaseth more. I sought him in my bed my joy Can. 3. , alas for love I die Can. 5.8. : I sought him oft and now behold, I found him presently Can. 3.4. . Now will I hold him fast in deed till he bring me unto My mother's house and chambers fair I will not let him go. For there his dugs Revel. 7.15.16. abundantly I hope to suck, and there I shall be sure to rid myself from hunger Esa. 49.10 , thirst, and fear, O then thrice happy should my state in happiness remain: If I might once thy glorious Seat Ps. 26.8.27.4 , and princely place 84.4 reve. 21.4 1. Cor. 2.9. isaiah 64.4. attain. And view thy gallant gates Re. 21.25 thy walls 21.18 thy streets and dwellings Io 14.2. wide, Thy noble troop of Citizens, and mighty king 1 Cor. 13.12 reve. 22.4 21.19 20. beside. Of stones full precious are thy towers, thy gates of Pearls 21 are told There is that Alleluia 19.1.3. sung in streets of beaten gold 21, 18 , Those stately buildings Reu. 21. vers. 12. manifold on squared stones do rise 16. : With Sapphires 14. decked, & lofty frames enclosed Castlewise. Into the gates shall none approach but honest pure and clean vers. 27. Phil. 4.3 Re. 3 5.20.12. , No spot, no filth, no loathsome thing, shall enter in (I mean) O mother dear jerusalem Ga. 4.26. the comfort Ps. 122.1 of us all, How sweet thou art and delicate Can. 4.10 11 12 no thing shall thee befall Es. 35.10 60.20 . That here on earth we suffer oft, poor wretches that behold This world in sorrow soused, and mass of mischiefs manifold Ro. 7.24. Phil. 1.23. , In thee jerusalem I say, no darkness dare appear Reu. 21.23 24 25.22.5 Esa. 60.1 2 3 5 19.20. Reu. 22.3. , No night, no shade, no winter foul, no time doth alter there, No candle there, no moon to shine, no glittering star to light, But Christ of righteousness the king for ever shineth bright 4.5. , The lamb unspotted Reu. 21.23. white & pure, to thee may stand in lieu: Of light so great: thy glory is this heavenly King to view Reu. 22.4 He is the king of kings 1.5 17, 14 19.16 beset amidst his Servants 1.13 right, And they his happy household all do serve him day and night 4.10.11 Esa. 6.3. Reu. 7.15. . there, there the quires of Angels Re. 5.10 11, 12 13.14 sing there the supernal sort: Of Citizens (that hence are rid from dangers deep) do sport Luc. 16.22 Reu. 6 9.7.14.2.6. , There be the prudent Prophets all, Thappostles six and six 20.14 21.24 , The glorious martyrs on a row 20.4.6.9 7.6 9 7 8.9.10.15. and Confessors betwixt. There doth the crew of righteous men and matrons all consist: Young men & maids that here on earth their pleasures Ro. 13 13 did resist, The sheep & lambs that hardly scaped the snares of death and hell Re. 19.1.2.3.4.5.6.7. Triumph in joy everlastingly whereof no tongue can tell 1 Co. 2.9 Esa. 64 4. , And though the glory of each one doth differ in degree 1 C●r. 15.42. Mat. 11.12. , Yet is the joy of all alike, and common: (as we see 20.9.25.34 Reu. 7.4.5. ) Where love and charity 1. Io. 4.7.8. do reign and Christ is all in all 1. Cor. 12.6.13.2. Whom they most perfectly behold in glory spiritual 1 joh. 3.2 1 joh. 4.19 Esay. 6.3, They love they praise Reu. 5.9.14.3. thy praise they love they holy holy, cry: They neither faint, nor toil, nor end but laud continually Ps. 30.15 O happy hundred times were I, If after wretched days Ro. 8, 23.36. 2 Cor. 4 10 1 The. 3, 3 job. 7, 1. I might with listening ears conceive those heavenly songs of praise, Which to the eternal King, are song, by heavenly wights above: By sacred souls and Angels sweet, to jove the God of love Reu. 19.1 3, 4.5 6 7. Ps. 147.1.148.1, 2.3.4.5 Psa, 149. But passing happy were my state might I be worthy found: To wait upon my king my God, his praises thereto sound And to enjoy my Christ above Phil 23. Colos 3.1. his favour and his grace Psal. 4.7. According to his promise made, which here I interlace. O father dear (qd he) let them. whom thou hast put of old To me be there where so I am my glory to behold: Which I with thee afore this world was laid in perfect wise Have had Io. 17.24 from whence the fountain great of glory doth arise, Io. 1.16.17 Again, If any man will serve, then let him follow me: For where I am (be thou right sure) there shall my servant be Io 12.26 And still If any man love me him loves my father dear: Whom I do love, to him myself in glory will appear. Io. 14.21 O lighten thou my heart and mind Esay. 60.19. that I may now be bold Ro. 8.15. Gal. 4.5.6 (From faith to faith ascending up Eph. 4.13 15. , thy glory Io 17.24. to behold, And so in Zion Psa. 132 15. see my king, my God my Lord and all 1 Co. 13.12 Rev. 22.4. Eph. 2.9. , Whom now as in a glass I see, than face to face I shall 1 Co. 13.12. 1 Io. 3.2. Mat. 5.8. Ps. 84.5. O blessed are the pure in heart, Their Sovereign they shall see ᵖ And they nost happy heavenly wights that of his household be q Wherefore O Lord dissolve my bonds my gives and fetters strong Phi. 1.13.23. Psalm. 101.20. For I have dwelled within the tents Of Cedar Re. 21.4. isaiah, 25.8 Reu. 7, 17. overlong And grant, O God, for Christ his sake that once devoid of strife Ps. 120, 5.6. I may thy holy hill attain, to dwell in all my life. Psalm 14.1. Luc. 1.75. Psal. 27.4. Reu. 4.8.7.11.12.19.1.2.6, With Cherubins and Seraphins and holy souls of men: To sing thy praise O Lord of hosts for ever and ever, Amen. FINIS. NON SOLO PANE VIVET HOMO: Luke 4 verbum Dei manet in oefernum: I W printer's device of John Windet Imprinted at London by john Windet, dwelling in Adling street, at the sign of the white Bear. 1585.