A POETICAL ESSAY TOWARDS AN EPITOME OF THE GOSPEL OF THE BLESSED JESUS. Nec verbum verbo curabis reddere, fidus Interpres: nec defilies imitator in arctum, Unde pedem proferre pudor vetet, aut operis lex. Hor. de Art Poet. device containing royal coat of arms C R HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE LONDON, Printed in the Year 1678. To the READER. TO say nothing of this Essay, might perhaps argue me of pride, and putting a slight upon the Reader; to say much, of vainglory, and setting too great a value upon my Verse, or the Prose wherewith I would recommend it. The concealing the Author's name, may bring his little Work into suspicion, as if it were a Birth of which the Parent is ashamed; for otherwise it may be imagined that my vanity would be uniform to its self, and would cause me to own what it made me think worth the Printing. But in things of this nature every Man is guided by his particular fancy, and it is mine, that whoever gives his name to the Critics, does as good as send them a challenge, and defy them to find fault with what he has done: for my part, I have not leisure to contend for the propriety of every expression, or the justness of the sense, which I have put upon holy writ; yet I may say, 'tis what I thought I found there in other words; and this being penned only for my private satisfaction, I took no pains to see if others were of the same mind with me; nor can I charge my misprisions to the account of any Commentator. But as I should be sorry to bring upon myself the guilt of misleading any one that trusted to my sentiments; so it would be a great rejoicing to me, and I should obtain my end in making this public, if, like a weak ray, it might but lead to that Fountain of Light and saving Truths, from whence it issued, and which cannot but gild the very Clouds that are drawn over it by my unskilful Hand: an attempt to illustrate these sacred, many of them Eternal verities, would be to hold a Candle to the Sun, or to enamel a Diamond: I pretend to no more than, as an Index, to invite to the perusal of what is contained under such excellent Heads, as cannot but occur in this abstract. I have endeavoured a continued Poem, and possibly the Reader may find a connexion of the whole by transitions not very obscure. If the Twenty third Chapter proves to be a satire against some sort of Men, I hope they that observe the Parallel will not be severe upon my version; if any that look into it have made themselves parties, I cannot help their falling into the way: I aimed at no body, I have received no provocation, neither would I give any: I at first only used the Christian liberty of free thought; which I had still kept to myself, if I had believed it could do any mischief in the World, either in giving just scandal, or breaking the peace of that community, for the maintaining which every one ought to contribute his Talon, and his Prayers. I wrote in charity with all Men, and at that time of the year, when in all Ages, succeeding the Nativity of our Blessed Saviour, the acts of Charity have been most attended to, and cultivated with the greatest ceremony. I shall add no more than what it may be is obvious, that I have taken St. Matthew Chapter by Chapter, and gathered the most remarkable passages out of the other Evangelists, as they seemed for time, coincident with, or prior to any part of St. Matthew's Divine Record. An ESSAY towards an EPITOME of the GOSPEL of the BLESSED JESUS. FAther of Lights! assist me from above. James 1.17. Whilst I recount the wonders of thy love, That love, which lay in Night and Mystery, Till the Daystar brought comfort from on high, John. (The tidings of Salvation drawing nigh) That Phospher showed the yielding of the shade, The Sun of Righteousness our clear day made. Mal. 4.2. At sundry times, in divers ways, thy Grace Heb. 1.1. Before had visited fallen Mortal Race, Thy Prophets, like thick Stars, adorned the night, They now are drowned in the large source of light. When the just fullness of the time was come, Eph. 1.10. Our Sun risen not from Seas, but from the Virgin's womb. For us this Child was born, to us God 's Son is given Jsa. 9.6. The greatest Boon to Earth, and Gift of Heaven: Angels to see it clapped their Wings, and Sung, Luke 2.13 And the enlightened Air with Anthems rung; Glory to God, peace and good will on Earth, V 14. Were the choice themes peculiar to this Birth; The Shepherds, and the Wisemen saw his ray, Mat. 2.11. & Luke. 2.8. Which led them where the Infant-glory lay; To th' Consecrated Stable of an Inn Luke 2.16. This Pilgrim came, who travelled for our Sin. All Prophets until John, did Christ declare, Mat. 11.13. He, and devout old Simeon saw him here; Luke 2.25. This Consolation Simeon had in view, The revealed Promise he with joy found true, He saw th' Anointed Death closed his Eyes; V 26. Sings his Dimittis, and goes home and Dies: V 29. " To a great Age he happily arrived, " Who thus the misery's of Age survived. Anne this reward had for pure Widowhood, V 37. She her Redeemer early understood; V 38. " The Spirit Printed in her spotless Breast " Those noti●…s, whereby she made the test. Now he gins to show himself Divine, His opening Glory's in the Schools do shine; V 46. But by degrees he to the World is shown, Nor is his function yet t' his Mother known. V 48, 49, 50. To grace the Ministry of John he stays, Mat. 3. And till his being Baptised keeps in his rays; V 13. But then the heavens the shouts of Angels rend, The Holy Ghost does visibly descend, The Son of God doth Echo through the Air, Myriad of Spirits his great Name declare. Satan makes the last effort of despair; Mat. 4. His Kingdom, threatened the first day of's Reign, Gen. 3.15. He now saw falling to decay amain, He knew 'twas fruitless, yet must by't his Chain; Therefore he does all his Temptations lay The Captain of Salvation to betray, Heb. 2. 1●. Mat. 4.2. He watched his time, found him with Fasting faint, " (Yet surely then even Man hath most of Saint.) First he attempts him with great policy, And his reliance on his God doth try, V 6. But he is silenced by a quick reply: V 7. The God of this World, doth for his last blow, 2 Cor. 4.4. Offer him all the Empires here below, Mat 4.9. The God of Heaven, who their Foundations laid, By these poor trifles could not be betrayed; The Prince of fallen-lights retired with shame, And 'bout their Master Minist'ring Spirits came; Heb. 1.14. Mat. 4.12. To Galilee he goes in holy Flame: devils and Diseases fly before his Word, V 23. And the most Rebel Powers confess the Lord: Four Spiritual Vicegerents here he chose, V 18. His Laws and Heavenly mission to disclose. Here the first transcript of those Laws he shows: Mat. 5. He makes it plain they're for our good designed, That Blessedness is to obedience joined, a V 3, ad V 12. With a Meek, Righteous, Patiented, Peaceful mind. He cleared the Moral Law, or natural, (As in him was fulfilled the typical.) V 17. The Pharisees had long usurped the Chair Mat. 23.2. Their Glosses did the Statutes force impair Its reinforcement was our Saviour's care. To prevent Sin he took it at the head, And checked those thoughts which all its sally's led. Anger, and Lust with a committing Eye Mat. 5. a 22, ad 26, 28, & 29. (Those Embrio's of Sin) he bids us fly. Divorce he regulates, enacts this Law, But for adultery none from Wives withdraw. V 32. A prescript 'gainst false Swearing was in force, V 33. All kind of Oaths he banished, from discourse. a 34, ad 37. Severe retaliation he withstood, a 38, ad 42. For Evil he enjoined returns of good, To love our Enemies, and wish them well, V 44. V 45. Sic Sen. de Benesiciis. Et sceleratis Sol oritur. To strive in goodness like our God t' excel, God, who communicates his Sun to all, Whose welcome showers even on the unjust fall. Alms free from pomp, Prayers from Hypocrisy, Mat. 6. a V 1, ad 6. He bids us give, and use, in privacy, Lest our reward, here, in applause should lie: He shows us where, and how we ought to Pray, V 6, & 7. And doth a perfect Form before us lay: a 9, ad 14. Teaches to keep our Fast unto the Lord, V 16. And not by sullen Face Proclaim't abroad: " Secrecy Love, Religion that requires, " Who would in either happy be, retires, " Each by himself, with th' object of his love " Sufficient Theatre, or Church, may prove: Satis amplum alter alteri Theatrum sumue. " They who act to the World with Pomp and show, " Those Secret Charms and Blessings rarely know; " Yet though themselves cannot the pleasure find, " They provoke others to be good, and kind. We're taught to slight the per'shing Goods below, V 19 And seek them where th' Eternal Fountains flow. V 20. Christ proscribes Avarice, that Lust o'th' Eye, V 23. From Christian confines forces it to fly, Directs on God, not Mammon to rely; V 24. To trust his Providence, who Life did give, V 25. Nor will withhold what's requisite to live: To seek heavens Kingdom, Righteousness, its way, V 33. Then these refreshments he'll before us lay. Our future ills we should not * Quid enim necesse est mala accersere, & satu cito patienda cum venerint, praesumere. Est sine dubio stultum quia quandoque sis futurus miser, esso jam miserum. Sen. Ep. 24. antedate; V 34. But set our strength to bear the present weight. Each day yields pain enough of its own store, Surely we need not lay about for more: But yet what e'er our present pressures prove, We may have power to bear them from above; If we are sinking, God will them remove. Want is the chiefest ill we feel, or fear; But the most helpless Creatures are God's care, Witness those thoughtless Animals o'th' Air. V 26. God spreads their Table on the fruitful Ground, Where the untreasured Seeds lie scattered round, He feeds, he decks them out with painted Wings, And supplies Vegetables from hid Springs. V 28. He gives the Verdure to the Grassy Field, V 30. And the enamel to the Flowers does yield: Their various Colours his free Pencil drew, He keeps them fresh steeped in the Morning Dew. He gives (though he don't satisfy desire) What e'er the natures of his Works require: He who has made us knows our needs the best: V 32. Let's trust in God, and he will do the rest. We're taught t' avoid the censuring other Men, Mat. 7.1. Lest the same Measure be returned again, V 2. Nor can our greater faults escape their note, While we bespatter them with open Throat. a 3, ad 5. Where we advise, or give, he bids us weigh; V 6. That neither may be idly thrown away: For what we want, with Faith in God to pray; V 7. For if a Mortal Father pity bears V 9, 10, 11. To's hungry Child, who asks for Bread with Tears, Much more our Heavenly Father kindly hears. If we ask daily Bread, seek Spiritual Grace, V 7, & 8. Or knock against the Door of Heaven for place, He giveth, he grants, he opens to our cries, And nothing to our fervent Prayer denies. " Much of this power of Prayer Nature conceived, " But now it with assurance is believed; " And that old Text, do as you would have done, V 12. " A confirmation from his Word hath won. " Of future State Nature was in the dark, " Under the Law 'twas Veiled like the Ark: Exod. 40.3. " Immortal Life our Saviour brought to view, 2 Tim. 1.10. " And its unbeaten Path did plainly show; But yet he tells us, difficults the way, V 13. False Prophets will attempt to make us stray, V 15. Him we must follow with much pain and care, And of those Wolves in Sheep skin's clad beware: Works the Criterion are, whereby to know V 16. Whether they're real, or mere mask and show. Not every one that's long, and loud in Prayer; V 21. But he who doth heavens Will, in Heaven shall share; Their great pretences will appear but thin, V 22. Though Zealots they shall have the price of Sin. V 23. On yielding Sand they build a stately Pile, V 26. Where every Wind makes sport with all their toil: The Righteous on a Rock Foundations lay, V 24. Their well-wrought Fabric never shall decay; Firm against all assaults of Wind and Rains; For Christ, their Rock, his Edifice maintains. " Thus the great Oracle with clearness taught, " And that hid knowledge unto Nations brought, " Which Prophets strove to look into in vain, Luke 10.24. " And Ages had expected long with pain: Colos. 1.26. " These Truths with numerous beams of goodness joined, " Enlighten the dark corners of the mind. Thus having filled Men's minds, his second care Is that their Bodies in his help should share, And at a Wedding this doth first appear. John 2.11. " He did for mirth as well as want provide, " While he by Miracle their Wine supplied. " By double Sanction Marriage proves Divine, " In the first Gift of Woman, now of Wine. Palsy, and Leprosy, those mocks of Art, Mat. 8.6, & 3. At the most powerful means, his Word, depart. His touch removed the Fever from the Veins, V 15. He did but feel the Pulse to end the pains. In two poor wretches Satan held his Throne, Keeping them under by's black Legion; Mark 5.9. Long had they revealed in their harassed Land, But quit their Conquest at his sole command. An Herd of Swine are given them for their prey, Mat. 8 33. " Thus doing hurt they go more pleased away. Our Saviour further still his pity shows, And hears the Widow's cries, relieves her woes; Luke 7.12. His Mother's only Son left her alone, She mourned her loss, the joy of life was gone: Life to her Son, the Son to her he gave, Mocking the jaws of the expecting Grave. Whilst he was hastening at the Ruler's Prayer, Mat. 9.18. His Daughter's mouldering House of Clay t' repair, His Virtue t' a believing Woman flows, Luke 8.46. Whose Bloody Flux Art did in vain oppose; V 43. " Although amidst a pressing crowd he stands, V 45. " He feels her Faith more than an hundred Hands; " How much soever that did from him drain, " Enough to Cure the World did still remain. They who had closed Jairus his Daughter's Eyes, Laughed when he said, behold asleep she lies! Mat. 9.24. But were confounded when they saw her rise; " She risen to meet her King, and shall again, " At his more pompous coming to his Reign. " Those two Blind Men whose Eyes he did restore V 27. " The Light, Eclipsed by film, had seen before; " But now a newborn Sun more brightly shined; " And yet perhaps to that they still were Blind. His wonders the Dumb Spirit did express, V 32. And soon the silent Fishes do no less. Mat. 14.17. & Mat. 15.34. " Things most insensate duller Man upbraid " At his command even Stones would have obeyed, Mat. 4.3. " And Bread of their reformed substance made. Now he his Deputies does reinstate Mat. 10. In Empire uncontrolled by Hell or Fate; Mat. 16.18. Twelve were those spiritual Hero's, whom he chose, Mat. 10.1. devils and diseases trembling powers t' oppose; With large Commission he does send them out, To deal his common Grace to all about: " Thus he his Kingdom carefully divides, " For all by'mself, or Ministers provides: He bids them offer terms to Isr'el first, V 6. Isr'el which for heavens darling had been Nursed. That they the Worthy should salute with Peace, V 13. From importuning the unworthy cease. They should not trust unguarded innocence, V 16. But take to't Wisdom for its best defence, Under the covert of omnipotence. Serpentine Wisdom, Dovelike purity, Without th' Almighty's shield will useless be. He furnisheth with wards against all blows, Who every thrust, and posture knows: Yet doth not always Miracles engage, His Saints should flee when persecut'ions rage: V 23. Though God assist not in a noted way, Yet he the Plot for their escape may lay. But should th' insulting Enemies prevail, Their malice of the wished success will fail. Death is the greatest mischief of their hate, V 28. Such death can't punish, or annihilate, But does to everlasting life translate: God only can the Soul to pain confine; Eternal freedom comes from their design. In a good cause who would not choose to die? The ill of death i'th' circumstance does lie. For God, or for one's Country to expire, Is the ambition of a noble Fire. His Soul has little of th' original heat, Who'd in a just, though dangerous cause, retreat. Who danger seeks too much, his courage boasts, 'Tis but a tempting of the Lord of Hosts: He to such stragglers promised no supply, They're but the Martyrs of their vanity. Peace, the first blessing of a prosperous Reign, V 34. In an unsettled Kingdom's sought in vain: Till Christ our Monarch, is owned absolute, Each for his privilege will hold dispute; Parents and Children divers factions head, V 35. With zeal the Armies for the cause are led. From Rights, and Life, see the malignants hurled, T' attend their Sovereign in the other World; Happy the sufferers on the Loyal side, For them their Royal Captain fought, and died; Through him we more than Conquer, though oppressed, And take the Garland in Eternal Rest; There our imperfect Services, sincere, Immense Reward shall through his merits bear. V 42. To John, the Messenger of Peace from Heaven, Mat. 11.10. An earnest of his pay by Christ is given. " To firm assurance many ' a Man pretends, " The doubt of his our Saviour's plaudit ends. " The World for such a Vision who'd not give? " And till th' expected hour in Prison live? V 2. " The Soul would be enlarged to Heaven, its home, " By inchoation of the bliss to come: " To such a ground of hope none may pretend; " Yet lesser lights shall reach that glorious end: For Jesus proffers to unloose those Chains, Which tie us unto Sin, that source of pains. Lerna malorum. The labouring with their Sins he doth invite, Because his Yoke is easy, burden light. He shows that God doth Humane wants regard, Mat. 12. ad V 8. And that necessity's from nothing barred, Which the Jews cavilled when they saw, and heard. The withered Hand restored gave them a blow, V 10, & 13. Yet whence it came the faithless would not know; But fancy Satan would himself or'ethrow. V 24. He shows that Sins repent pardon find, But what are to Blaspheme the Holy Ghost designed: V 31. But yet he cautions us with tender care, That we of every idle word beware, V 36. Words which lose Heaven, and often here ensnare; V 37. They issue from the Heart, the Fountain head, V 34. As is the Spring, such streams about are spread; Except Repentance all doth purify, For them at Judgement large accounts will lie. V 36. He marks the danger of relapse in Sin, V 44. Sickness, and Fiends return much worse again. V 45. T' encourage Righteousness, he doth declare, Who do his Fathers Will his Brethren are, V 5●. And shall paternal Blessings with him share. God doth his Sacred Seed to all divide, Mat. 13. a 3, ad 9 And would have the whole World in Christ allied; The product is according to the Ground, He casts his Seed to all the Furrows round, But strength in few to ripen it is found. Satan, their natural hardness, or acquired, Will disappoint the Harvest long desired; Yet still God's ready with his proffered Grace, Till it to obstinacy yields the place; Judicial hardness than succeeds to theirs, And they are wholly left the Devils shares: They then are blinded 'cause they would not see, V 13, & 14. The greatest light to them will darkness be. But oh! how Blessed are those opened Eyes, V 16. That see this Truth, and Worship where it lies! From small beginnings Truth doth strangely thrive, V 32. Where they to propagate its Seed do strive, In the prepared Soil does quickly rise, Adorns the Earth, and reaches to the Skies; It's way like Leaven, through the whole it makes, V 33. Which thence a wholesome Savour freely takes, The Son of Man imparts this Seed, this leaven, V 37. By which we're styled Sons of God, * Upon Earth they go by other & worse Names, according to that in Homer, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. in Heaven: Whilst Angels drive the rest to deep despair, V 41. At the last day, they'll hug their Wards, their care, Proud of their charge will take them through the Air; Wing them through all the Story's of the Sky, Until they reach the Throne o'th' Deity; In that Celestial Kingdom they shall rest, For ever singing, and for ever blest. Who would not give the Indies for this Field, V 44. Which unknown Treasures, will, for ever, yield? What Merchant would not for this Jewel Trade? V 45. If we will strike, Christ has our bargain made; They who neglect lose all they had before, And never shall obtain the proffer more. The pain of loss, and twinging pain of sense V 50. Eternally to last, shall then commence. Christ came to fish for Men, and all would take, V 47. They who prove bad fall to th' Infernal Lake, That Lake which burns with a sulphureous Fire, Where all degrees of Punishment conspire. These awful Truths, and Works, spoke more than Man, Mat. 14.1. Their spreading Fame through all the Confines ran: The Tetrarch Herod trembled when he heard, And, conscious of his fault, John's Ghost he feared. V 2. " Vain was his fear, but vainer his surmise, " To think that John could with such Glory rise; " Those borrowed beams shot from the Neighbouring Sun, " To him the name of Lucid body won. " John was the Moon i'th' Starry Hemisphere, Greatest amongst the Prophets. " But at the greater light must disappear; " To Rival him, or Herod, was too low; Christ does in private to the Desert go; V 13. (Yet still the Multitude his steps pursue, " He's too conspicuous to retire from view) With double food doth there five thousand feed, Luke 9.14. " And multiplies his blessings to their need; Two Fishes, and five Loaves, do even exceed. Mat. 14.17. To take an earthly Crown he's strongly pressed, John 6.15. But by retirement shuns their mean request; There he converses with his God alone, Mat. 14.23. In contemplation goes t' his Native Throne; Thence his Disciples need doth call him down. V 24. They in a Tempest had their Anchor lost, Quitting their hold on him as they were tossed: Although they saw him on the Waters come, V 25. Their fear made him a Ghost to threat their Doom; V 26. His charming voice allays their stormy fears. V 27. Next on the Winds, and Seas, its Power appears. From having calmed the Sea, he goes to Men, And there his infl'uence spreads at large again. His every touch Diseases force controls, V 36. His Cure Bodies, as his Words do Souls. The of his thoughts. The Pharisees, and captious Scribes he taught, Mat. 15.1. That God regards the Heart, and inward thought, V 19 Whilst that is pure no action can be naught. Our rule we should not from Tradition seek; But hear what God, not Rabbi Doctors speak. At first a Woman Begging he denied, V 22. But grants when he her Faith had fully tried. V 28. Now with few Fishes, and seven Loaves of Bread, V 34. Mirac'lously four thousand Men are fed. V 38. The Jewish Doctors of their two chief sects, Mat. 16.1. With admirable knowledge he detects. That latent Leaven, which ferments their Mass, V 6. Can by no means his great discernment pass; He sees the Poison lie within the Glass. He doth his Character more full express, And says, the Church shall him its Rock confess; V 18. That with his Ministers he'll trust its Keys, V 19 To let in, or exclude whom e'er they please: He gave this comfort to lead in the News, That they should soon their sacred Master lose: But Peter, like his Successors, is bold, V 22. And contradicts what Truth itself had told; But the Messiah checked his worldly thought; V 23. Thence a discourse o'th' price of Souls he brought; V 26. He shows that they may well the Cross endure, To whom he would the Life to come ensure: Their Souls above this lower World should mount; Since for their love to it they must account, When he the glory's of his Throne displays, V 27. Circled with Angels, clad in's Father's rays. Of his Disciples only three he chose, Mat. 17.1. To whom his Heavenly Aspect he'd disclose. " The skirts of Glory Moses did explore, Exod. 33.23. " Its shining Face was never seen before. " Of old by goodnesss God himself expressed, V 19 " With its full prospect Man but now was blest. " Moses left life before he reached this Land; He, and Elias, now do in it stand: Mat. 17.3. Transported Peter fain would settle here, V 4. And erect Tabernacles in the Air; While he asks leave Heaven doth enclose him round, V 5. The Clouds divide, and make way for this sound, This is my dutiful, beloved Son, I will that unto him ye for Instruction run. This sound amazing to a Mortal Ear, V 6. The rapt Disciples could not stand to hear, But kiss the Ground, for reverence, and fear. Again to help the wretched he descends, And to his proper place the Devil sends. V 13. The want of Faith had rendered vain his Grace; V 20. So 'gainst the Servants Satan kept the place. V 16. To Faith, and to its Author, all things yield, Mountains remove, and Spirits quit the Field; But yet the Lord of all things Tribute pays, V 24. And does by Miracle the Money raise: Lo! in the Mouth of a Sea-Fish 'tis brought, V 27. The Sea to own subjection thus is taught. Earth's Powers obeyed. He shows what Heaven doth please, Mat. 18. That th' Humble minded thither rise with ease; V 4. That we like Children should be innocent, V 5. To aid those darlings of th' Almighty bent; Since 'tis of great concernment so to do, Their Guardian Angels standing in God's view; V 10. Where they the several Grievances disclose, And each the Man that hurt their Infant shows. He bids us Hand, or Foot, or Eye remove, V 8, & 9 That instrumental to offences prove, For there will be no want of them above. He doth profess he came to save, to find, Those wretched stragglers, that lost Flock, Mankind; That in his Arms he hugs the bleating Stray, More fond of one returned, than all the rest that stay. V 13. Through him his Father's ready all to save; Amongst ourselves we should like Mercy have: Our Brother's faults should pardon, and conceal, V 15. If he goes on to two or three reveal, V 16. Who with grave admonitions should begin: The Power Ecclesiastic next comes in. V 17. The Church, so long at least, the Keys retains, 1 Cor. 5.5. As Satan o'er th' excluded Members Reigns. All kind of Blessings are to th' Church conveyed, Whilst Men Petitions in Christ's Name are made; Where two or three shall join in Common-Pray'r, V 20. He'll grace the Service with his Presence there. How great soe're's our Debt, if we submit Without full payment we shall stand acquit; V 27. Then others to forgive is highly fit: V 33. If we on them, God will exact on us, V 35. To the unmerciful he's rigorous. The Doctor's jealous of this true new light, Mat. 19 Forcing itself upon their Scene, the Night, That Night, where Laws for retribution lay, With Clouds of Cavils strive t' obscure the day; To them his Law of Marriage he maintains, V 9 That nothing but Adultery breaks its Chains; V 10. All Men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. But intimates, if God give continence, A single Life is best, and freest from offence. " He's happy, who his thoughts on Heaven does place, " Strong Nature being curbed by stronger Grace, V 12. There be Eunuches which have made themselves Eunuches for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake: He that is able to receive it let him receive it. " That manifests 'tis only Divine Love, " Makes him insensible to others prove: " But Men will still be Men though they believe; " This immaterial Doctrine few receive: " Nor is't expected of them, for if 'twere, " They'd need those harsh initiations bear, " Which superstitious Heathenism required, " To purge the Soul from all it here acquired: " And bring it to the state, supposed, it had " 'twas with an infecting Body clad; " That Body which must now be satisfied, " As well as the thin substance to it tied: " Pleasure's the gluten which doth both cement, " That perished, they will part in discontent. Here Grace on Children our Archbishop sheds, His Hands in Confirmation bless their Heads, V 15. To all that come he bright instruction spreads. A Rich young Man in heat to Heaven would go, V 20. And the possessions 'bove the Stars would know; But would not part with his acquists below: He loved his God, and Neighbour, Mammon too: Our Saviour thence takes notice of the snares, V 23. Which lie in Riches, and in worldly Cares: The God of comforts large account will make Of whatsoever we part with for Christ's sake; His twelve Apostles on twelve Thrones he'll place, V 28. And give Eternal Life to th' self-denying race. God no respect will to Man's merit bear, Mat. 20. ad Who e'er will Work shall equal payment share; Although we come i'th' closing of the day. When e'er we answer to the call, he'll pay. V 10. Many come in at first, but fail at last, V 16. For ever happy he whose Tryal's past! The merit of Christ's Death being thus declared, For the Description of it they're prepared. V 18, & 19 " The name of Death is not so direful known, " As when its circumstance and manner's shown; But now they're strong enough, to bear that, grown. It thus being plain his Kingdom's not below, For an high place above he's pressed for two; V 21. But he declares Ambition's not the way. Their Master, here, himself did lowest lay. V 28. Illuminating thus the darkened mind, He next with groapt-for Sight salutes the Blind. V 30. He doth his right in worldly Goods to share Mat. 21. But once (and for a Prophecy) declare; V 4. For that, the Ass, and Colt he did command V 2. (The Word o'th' Lord no Owner could withstand.) V 3. Then on the Beast, so Sanctified, did ride, V 7. While the admiring crowd Hosanna cried. V 9 Come to Jerusalem he takes no Crown, But pulls their Idols from the Temple down. V 12. Money usurped the Worship due to God, V 13. Under his Feet their baffled hopes he trod. Sinners he to him took, but to reform, He thrusts them from the Temple in a Storm. He that by's presence, and his Works does cleanse, And drives Diseases and sick minds from thence; V 14. Approves himself a Prophet, and a Prince. Recounts the blessings of his happy Reign, That Prayers through him are ne'er put up in vain; V 22. His Power is questioned by Fanatic Jews, V 23. Which he at large with their rejection shows, a 33, ad 42. Who the last method of God's Grace refuse. God hath invited many to his Feast; Mat. 22. But it is rare to find a worthy Guest; Luke 14.5. Some for their Master Mammon cannot come, Mat. 22.5. Some for expecting Mistresses at home: Luke 14.20. His Feast these undervalue, more despise, And to their scorn his Servants sacrifice. V 6. One will pretend to be God's chosen one; V 11. But by his filthy rags of Sin is known, And into utter darkness justly thrown. V 13. Our Lord doth all by means sufficient call, Themselves do rendered ineffectual. The Pharisees who found themselves reproved (Correctors of great faults are seldom loved) Before his life, his words now, sought t' ensnare, Mat. 21.48. They sought to lay hands on him. To take him from his guard they reverence bear, V 16. He, like an Oracle of doubtful sense, Sends them away in wonder, and suspense: V 22. The Sadduces, more drowned in body, thought V 23. They had a Question far more subtle brought; He answered clearly, yet above their Spheres, For he brought spirits and Angels to their Ears: Acts 23.8. But now the Pharisees rally again, Mat. 22.34. They thought the Lawyer might their Plea maintain, V 35. His single Quere soon is satisfied, a 36, ad 41. He dare not move again to have it tried, Doth Christ's abridgement of the Law approve, That it is all contracted into love, Only to know its true extent doth move; Luke 10.29. Christ shows it reaches to the highest Heaven, And o'er the Earth where any object's given; He is our Neighbour who does want our aid, Luke 10.37. Vicinity is by distresses made: To all that need, like God, we should be nigh: None durst ask more, as none could now reply. Mat. 22.46. Our Saviour next, as for late times describes Mat. 23. Lay-Elders, Pharisees, the Teachers, Scribes, V 2. V 7. Affecting Rabbi, as ours, name of Saint; More than the Whore they lash, bedaubed with Paint: Of Babylon. V 27. V 6. The precious Teacher must have th' upper place, Whence he deals blessings to his Babes of Grace. His zealous Prayer doth sanctify the Meats, V 14. More the Devotion with which he eats: He swallows Widows, House, and Soul and all, Whilst the poor silly Flock answer his call; But these, alas! much greater Bigots grow, V 15. (For the most ignorant are always so.) But sure they could not wheedle many in, If Cobweb-niceties they did not spin, a 16, ad 23. Whereby with a distinction Men may Sin. Except their Tribe, they Heaven deny to all, V 13. But unto them 'tis unconditional: Yet about room they need not be severe; For they are never likely to come there, Whilst they the utmost of Religion place In the preciseness of the Garb, and Face; In little rigours which God ne'er required, And the Traditions of a Man admired, But pass-by justice, mercy, charity, V 23. Let them as lower dispensations lie; Yet their Redeemer taught them better things, And for this scattered Fowl extends his Wings. V 37. Sin being taxed. he foretelleth punishment, Mat. 24. Revealing angry heavens most dire intent: The desolation of the stubborn Jews, A faint resemblance of the World's, he shows; That great Catastrophe he saw most clear; Yet would not fix the time, but point to't near: V 33. He marks the Symptoms of the World's decay, What tumults to its fever lead the way: False Prophets, and false Christ's shall fill the Stage, V 24. Ills in themselves, as they the last presage: Even the Elect had need be on their Guard, 'Gainst them and the great following day prepared; The careless they'll to their subjection bring, Apeing with wonders the Prophetic King; He will the Earth from these foul Monsters clear; But in a day unlooked for will appear: V 42, & 50. Angelic Trumpeters shall go before, V 31. Whilst through the Clouds our sovereign Judge is boar, To circuit all the whole Creation o'er; Who would not let him here possess his Throne, Their base Rebellion shall for ever moan: They for a while may Lord it o'er th' Elect; V 49. Christ soon will cast them down, his own Erect. They may oppress, and revel with their spoil; But sure-avenging Heaven does mock the while, Heaven, that at their calamity will smile: But they who true to their Great Master proved, V 46. Shall be the advancement in the Skies removed, Their prudence, justice, temperance, being approved. Such Spiritual promotion all would reach, Mat. 25. That many fail this Preaching King doth teach; Not through the want of the blessed Bridegroom's call, Though the Oil were not, that was general: V 8. Who have not the conditions of their own, Trust vainly supererrogation: V 8. God gave to all Talents enough t' improve, V 15. That others thrive doth but our sloth reprove: He will exact a just and full account, Whilst it lies still the Interest high will mount. V 27. Those happy Servants that put out to Trade, Returns inestimable will have made, a 35, ad 41. Especially for what with ' Poor is laid; Christ takes upon himself what they contract, They as receivers under him do act; Who those his Ministers misuse or slight, He at the Righteous Judgement will requite: Good, and ill Offices with him are weighed, And to the full large compensation made. The Teachers, and the Elders of the Jews, Mat. 26.3. Whose miserable lot he plainly shows, Vexed by that Mouth, which proclaimed future Fire, To put to Death the Lord of Life conspire. V 4. At Simon's House as he at Table sat, V 6. She her own memory did consecrate, Who on his precious Head the Oil did pour; V 7. That unction took against the supreme hour. Our Saviour knowing that his end was nigh, His House in order sets before he die, Blessed Tokens of his love he leaves behind, Symbols to represent himself designed: V 26, 27, 28. " O Lord! for evermore give me this Bread, John 6.34. " That Wine, that precious Blood for Sinners shed. " Now the last Scene of wickedness is near, " The Clouds forerunners of the Storm appear; " The Serpent spreads his Venom in a kiss, V 49. " (To ills there always a fair preface is) " Who Troops of Angels had at his command, " Would not usurping Earthly powers withstand; " His Kingdom, like the Path he shows, is peace, " 'Twas told, War and its Emblems, Swords, should cease, Isa. 2.4. " He hear in part made good that Prophet's word, " Whilst in his service he condemns the Sword. V 52. Himself he does t'his Rebels Prisoner make; V 57 His Servants then their captive Lord forsake; V 56. Yet Peter always forward, followed near, V 58. But soon discovered the worst kind of fear; " (So hot-heads always prove when danger's nigh, " Only the moderate promise constancy:) His Lord he had opposed, but now denied, Mat. 16.22. This out of weakness, t'other out of pride, Moved with the sense of Gild he went and cried. Mat. 26.75. But still the hardened Jews their Work pursue, Mat. 27.1. Put on those Chains they must for ever rue, V 2. And unto Pilate brought their Prisoner bound; But Pilate soon their cankered envy found: V 18. Besides, an Angel on his Wife impressed V 19 Those characters of Christ, which filled her breast, Till she declared them she could have no rest. " Yet see the Power of importunity! " His Judgement, and his Wife he doth deny; " 'Cause for pretended Justice loudly urged, He yields, and by no Water can be purged. V 24. He loads with stripes him who did bear our Sins; V 26. " The condemnation of the Jews gins: " Hence is their Epocha of mournful times; They cloth him with the colour of their crimes: V 28. A Scarlet Robe. A Crown of Thorns they planted on his Head; V 29. In his Right Hand for Sceptre placed a Reed; To this mocked King they in derision bow, Their freedom by unrobing him avow, V 31. Treat him with blows and supercilious brow. They further yet their poisoned malice own, Nothing but Crucifiction could atone, That Prophecy, and that their rage required, And they obtained the issue they desired: V 35. With two known Thiefs he that secured Mankind, V 38. T' improve the malice by the scandals, joined. " Happy that chosen Thief whom God did make, " To show how soon he'll Man to Mercy take! Christ with him carried the late penitent, To Paradise immediately he went. Luke 23.43. If Men to Heaven their former habits * This life is the time of our preparation for our future state, such a temper and disposition of mind as a Man carries with him out of this life, he shall retain in the next. 'Tis true indeed, Heaven perfects those holy and virtuous dispositions which are begun here; but the other World altars no Man as to his main State. tillotson's Sermons, pag. 33. Edit. 2. bear, Perhaps it may seem strange what he does there; But the frame of his mind was altered here. Who'll say that so late penitence as this, Can now be true, or have reward with his? Yet that becomes not us to look into, Let us but keep what is revealed in view: See how Christ's goodness triumphed o'er his foes, Even to his Murderers he blessings throws: Luke 23.34. He, who ne'er asked in vain free pardon brought For them could think they did but what they ought. Some thought they did God service by his end, Who did not to his Miracles attend; Their ignorance might with care have conquered been: They stood in need of Pardon for that Sin. " And thus that Holy Lamb both lived and died, " Equal to God without assuming pride, Philip. 2.6. " And yet to Man in flesh and pain allied. Affright'ned Nature trembling shaken the Earth, V 51. To see him die who gave to all things Birth; The Rocks divide, while Men their Hearts did close, The Temple Rent, and sleeping Saints arose: V 52. " And well they might, his death did Hell control, " And to the Grave infused a quick'ning Soul. Good Joseph his own name kept from decay, V 57 While he embalmed the Godhead's Corpse of Clay, And did in's Tomb that sacred relic lay. V 60. Christ, who prepares our Mansions in the Skies, Mat. 28. Had done the same for what entombed here lies: Now it he reassumes to show to Men; V 9 His Church being fixed, with it returns again: Thither to intercede for Man he went, Whence Grace through him is from the Father sent: He promised, and 'tis sure he never lied, He will for ever with his Church abide; V 20. " Yet to it here his Sp'rit's by measure given, " Whilst it remains a Candidate for Heaven, " That place, which he arose t' assure to his, " Consummates Grace in an unmeasured bliss: " May I, the meanest Member that attain, " And, Lord! subject me here to thy most equal Reign! SIT SOLI DEO GLORIA. FINIS.