woodcut, birth of Christ  woodcut, miracles of Christ  woodcut, miracles of Christ 
A SACRED POEM Wherein The BIRTH MIRACLES DEATH RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of the Most Holy Jesus are delineated With His Prayer before his APPREHENSION Also Eighteen of DAVID'S PSALMS with the Book of LAMENTATIONS paraphrased. Together with Poems on several Occasions. By James chamberlain Gent.   woodcut, death of Christ  woodcut, resurrection of Christ  woodcut, cension of Jesus of Christ 
LONDON Printed for R. Bentley and M. Magnes in Russel street in Covent Garden    

A SACRED POEM.  
Wherein the BIRTH, MIRACLES, DEATH, RESURRECTION, and ASCENSION of the Most Holy JESUS Are Delineated.  
With his PRAYER before his APPREHENSION.  
ALSO Eighteen of DAVID'S Psalms; with the Book of Lamentations, paraphrased.  
Together With Poems on several Occasions.  
By James Chamberlain.  
LONDON, Printed by R. E. for R. Bentley, and M. Magnes, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, 1680.   

TO THE READER.  
I Never did design, when first I set about these ensuing Miscellanies to expose them to every Eye: For I truly judged, that having little other help than my Mother-Tongue to assist me therein, nothing worthy of a public View could be produced by me. My only aim was to compose some few things for my private Devotion, and that I might not trifle away too much of that time, which God hath given me, having no Calling to follow, nor Public Concern to divert me.  
But contrary to this my first intention, I have been prevailed with (through the persuasion of an intimate Friend of mine, who had the perusal of these when they were finished, and who believed, they might be useful to promote holy desires in the sincere Christian) to make them public. I therefore deem it necessary to acquaint thee concerning the History of our Saviour's Birth and Passion, (that thou may'st not expect more in it than I intended) that I never did design an exact Relation of all that is Recorded concerning him in the four Evangelists. My purpose was, only to Paraphrase the two first Chapters of Saint Luke, and the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth Chapters of Saint John. With these when I had finished, (upon the review) I thought convenient, where handsomely I could, to intermix some few material Passages out of the other Evangelists, to make the draught more full and clear.  
If what I have done shall prove an help to further any particular Person in his Devotion, or excite an abler Pen to undertake, and complete what here shall be found imperfect, I shall think myself (with respect to my first intentions) more than sufficiently recompensed; and with patience shall endure the many Censures I am like to meet with from several persons, for presuming (in an Age, in which Poetry is arrived to that height of perfection as now it is) to bring on the public Theatre a Muse so meanly habited as mine. From the truly Pious I question not but to receive a gentle and charitable construction for this Action, and for my other sort of Readers I value not their severest Censures.   

THE TABLE.  

THe Promise of John's Birth and Office. 2  
The Conception of Saint John Baptist. 3  
The Salutation. 4  
The Promise of Conception of the most holy Jesus. 5  
The Conception itself. 6  
Mary's saluting Elizabeth. ibid.  
Elizabeth's Exclamation. 7  
Magnificat. ibid.  
Saint John's Birth. 8  
Benedictus. 10  
John's Education. 11  
The Birth of Christ. 12  
The Publication of Christ's Birth. ibid.  
The Circumcision. 13  
His Presentation in the Temple. 14  
Nunc Dimittis. 15  
Simeon's Prophecy. ibid.  
Anna's Prophecy. 16  
Christ's stay at Jerusalem, and conferring with the Doctors. 17  
His Baptism. 18   

Miracles.  

JEsus his turning Water into Wine at a Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee. 19  
His Cure of a Noble Man's Son who lay Sick of of a Fever at Capernaum. 21  
The taking of a vast Draught of Fish, at the command of Jesus to Launch out into the Deep, etc. 42  
The Cure of a Demoniac in the City of Capernaum. 27  
The Cure of Peter's Wives Mother, who was sick of a Fever. 29  
The Cure of divers sick Persons in the Evening of that Sabbath. 30  
The healing of several Sick and Diseased Persons, by Jesus, as he went through Galilee, and more particularly the Cure of a Leper. 31  
The Cure of a Man sick of a Palsy at Capernaum. 33  
The Cure of a impotent Man by the Pool of Bethesda. 45  
The Cure of one who had a withered Hand, wrought in Galilee. 38  
The Cure of several Persons by our Saviour, when he came down from the Mountain. 42  
The Cure of a Leper by our Saviour, after he had ended his Sermon on the Mountain. 43  
The Cure of a Centurion's Servant in Capernaum, who was sick of a Palsy. 46  
The raising of a Widow's Son to Life, who dwelled at Naim. 51  
Jesus' Cure of a Demoniac, who was Blind and Dumb, after his return to Capernaum; and of the difference and Concertation between him and the Scribes about it. 53  
The Prayer of the most Holy Jesus, before his Apprehension. 64  
On Jesus his Apprehension, Examination, Death, Resurrection and Ascension. 68  
His Apprehension. 70  
His Examination. 71  
His Death. 81  
His Resurrection. 81  
His Ascension. 90  
On Christ's Sufferings. 91    

PSALMS.  

Psalm 22. 95  
Psalm 23. 99  
Psalm 25. 100  
Psalm 31. 104  
Psalm 40. 108  
Psalm 41. 110  
Psalm 51. 112  
Psalm 55. 115  
Psalm 73. 118  
Psalm 49. 122  
Psalm 78. 124  
Psalm 90. 129  
Psalm 91. 132  
Psalm 111. 133  
Psalm 124. 135  
Psalm 125. 136  
Psalm 133. 137  
Psalm 140. 138    

LAMENTATIONS.  
CHAP. I. 
1. The miserable estate of Jerusalem by reason of her Sin. 12. She complaineth of her grief. 18. And confesseth God's Judgement to be righteous. 143  CHAP. II. 
1. Jeremiah lamenteth the Misery of Jerusalem. 20. He complaineth thereof to God, 149  CHAP. III. 
1. The Faithful bewail their Calamities. 31. They acknowledge God's Justice. 155  CHAP. IV. 
1. Zion bewaileth her pitiful Estate. 13. She confesseth her Sins. 162  CHAP. V 
A pitiful Complaint of Zion in Prayer unto God. 166  Conclusion. 
168  A Prayer for the Church. 
169    

Poems on several Occasions.  

The Sinners Wish. 175  
On Lazarus raised. 176  
To Death. ibid.  
The Morning Sacrifice. 177  
On Reprobation. 178  
A Meditation on Man's Folly. 180  
A Vow. 181  
Deus Mi. 182  
Domine Jesus. ibid.  
To a young Person that was about to vow Celibacy. 183  
Justice. 187  
The Prodigal Son. 188  
Thou didst hid thy Face, and I was troubled. 189  
On Mary Magdalene weeping. 190  
On the ten Lepers made clean. ibid.  
Riches and Beauty are deceitful, but a faithful Friend is the Medicine of Life. 191  
The Sensualist. 192  
A Prayer. 194  
Gods Goodness and Man's Folly. 195  
An Admonition. 196  
The Penitent. 197  
A Prayer before the Sacrament. 198  
A Farewell to the World. 199     


1.  
THis little Book, my God and King,  
The first fruits of my Muse, I bring  
Unto thy Throne, an Offering.   

2.  
'Twould look more lovely, I confess,  
Were it attired in the dress  
Of abler Pens, than in my Verse;   

3.  
But since my Numbers could not flow  
In loftier Strains, than here they do,  
For Reasons Thou and I do know:   

4.  
Accept the Present; though it be  
Too mean a Gift for Majesty,  
Lord, 'tis my All, and due to Thee.    

ERRATA.  
PAge 14. l. 1. Assembly r. Synagogue, l. 14. include in a Parenthesis, p. 18. l. 22. needful r. sacred, p. 24. l. 15. tired r. tired, p. 39 l. 2. work r. works, p. 40 l. 8. Disciple r. Disciples, p. 50. l. 27. unto r. into, p. 55. l. 11. inconsistent r. inconsistent, p. 57 l. 23. ingen'ous r. ingenuous, p. 63. l. 5. r. make, p. 65. l. 6. hear r. here, p. 68 l. 17. r. when to the three, p. 69. l. 16. hea'vny r. heavenly, p. 88 l. 25. the r. their Souls, p. 90. l. 2. those cruel marks the Jews, p. 119. l. 12. soon r. some p. 136. l. 2. cowl, r. could, p. 137. l. 13. r. and communion, p. 145. l. 15. mounful r. mournful, p. 152. l. 21. false r. base lies, p. 165. l. 6. Age r. Aged, l. 7. looked r. looked l. 19 are r. was ta'en, p. 168. l. 11. r. Turn thou us, Lord, p. 169. l. 14. Sin r. Sins, p. 170. l. 4. r. we have against thee done, p. 187. l. 9 should r. shouldst, l. 15. Women r. Woman. p. 192. l. 18. higher r. high.   

A SACRED POEM.  

The Birth of S. John and the most holy Jesus, Luke the first.  

SInce there are many who have undertaken,  
Of those great Wonders, to compile a Book,  
Which of late years were in this Nation done,  
Just in that order as they were made known  
To them, by those who at the same time were  
Eye-witnesses of what they did declare;  
To me, who from the first have understood  
Exactly several things, it seemed good,  
To write, Divine Theophilus, to thee,  
This following matter, as 'twas told to me:  
That thou the truth of all those things may'st know,  
Which I suppose was taught thee long ago.   

In Herod's days, who King of Jewry was,  
There lived a sacred Priest called Zacha'ras,  
One of Abia's Course; he had to Wife  
Elizabeth, of an Exemplar life  
The Virgin was, before she knew his Bed;  
Nor was she less devout when married.  
Both righteous were; both blamelessly did live,  
In all those Laws God to the Jews did give.  
No Child they had, nor e'er were like to have;  
Elizabeth too old was to Conceive.  
It came to pass, while that he went to burn  
Within the Temple Incense in his turn,  
Before the Lord, and all the People were  
Without devoutly on their knees at Prayer;  
On the right hand o'th' flaming Altar he  
Perceived an Angel of the Lord to be:  
His aged Limbs, scared at the Vision, shook;  
Trembling he stood, until the Angel spoke.   
The Promise of John's Birth and Office.  

Fear not, said he, thy Prayers are heard; a Son  
Thy Wife shall bear, and thou shalt call him John:  
Thousands of hearts glad at his birth shall be,  
As well as thou, and praise the Lord with thee.  
He shall be great in the Almighty's sight,  
For abstinence a perfect Nazarite;  
Not tasting Drink that's strong, nor any Wine;  
Endued early with the Spirit Divine:  
Many of Isr'el's Children to the Lord  
Shall be converted by his powerful Word.  
He shall before the true Messiah go,  
I'th' Power and Spirit of Elijah; so  
That he shall make the Ceremonious Jews  
Admire Justice, and her Paths to choose;  
And so prepare them to be wise, that they  
Shall Christ receive, and his Commands obey.   

How shall I know, since I am now grown old,  
Said Zacharias, what thou hast foretold  
Shall come to pass? my Wife is likewise known,  
Through heatless age, past hopes to have a Son.  
Gabriel's my name; by the great God's command,  
Before whose sacred presence I do stand,  
With these glad Tidings I am sent to thee;  
But since thou faithless art, and wilt not be  
Persuaded of the truth of what I say,  
Deaf shalt thou be, and dumb, until that day  
Thine aged Wife shall bring forth to thy joy,  
From her now barren Womb, this promised Boy.   

Long did the People, with amazement, wait  
For Zacharias, at the Temple Gate:  
Forth at the length the aged Priest did come,  
Deaf, as the Angel said, and likewise dumb;  
Soon they perceived something revealed had been  
By a winged Herald, which he there had seen:  
Beck'ning he stood, but could not for his heart,  
What he had heard and seen to them impart.   
The Conception of S. John Baptist.  

It came to pass, so soon as he had done  
His priestly Office, and the Crowd was gone,  
The silent Priest departed to his home,  
And straight his Wife received a pregnant Womb.  
Five Months from home, not willing to abide  
The People's Censure, she withdrew aside;  
Although, assured she was, her marriage Bed  
Was never stained with a disloyal deed.  
She knew this Mercy in her aged days,  
Was an unwonted Gift; and so gave praise  
Unto the Lord, who had removed that day  
From her the shame of barrenness away.   

In the sixth Month the glorious Gabriel came  
From the Almighty, to a Town, whose name  
Was Nazareth; within whose happy Wall  
There lived a Virgin, whom they Marry call:  
Youthful and florid, as the blooming- May,  
Devout and piously employed each day;  
Of Body chaste, and humble too in mind,  
In whom all Heavenly Graces brightly shined.  
She was betrothed to Joseph for a Wife;  
A man all just, and of a pious life:  
And was descended from that valiant King  
Who Isr'el freed with a smooth Stone and Sling  
To her the Angel came, as she alone  
On bended Knees was praying to the Throne  
Of the great God, and thus to her he said:   
The Salutation.  

Hail, thou most lovely person, happy Maid  
The Lord is with thee; thou art highly blest  
Of all thy Sex thou art the happiest.  
When she beheld the glorious Messenger,  
Who in this manner had saluted her;  
A Rosy Blush diffused itself all o'er  
Her lovely Face, and shamefaced on the Flore  
She cast her Eyes, troubled, and in her mind  
seeking th' importance of his words to find;  
But while she musing was, silence he broke,  
And thus the borrowed Form to Mary spoke.   
The Promise of Conception of the most Holy Jesus.  

Fear not, thou lovely Maid; from Heaven's King,  
Before whose Face thou hast found Grace, I bring  
Most joyful news; Thou shalt conceive a Son,  
Who shall to Isr'el bring Salvation:  
Him thou shalt Jesus call; he great shall be,  
The happy product of Divinity.  
He shall his Father David's Throne ascend;  
His Sceptre over Isr'el shall extend:  
Of his Dominion there shall be no end.  
To him the Rulers of the Earth shall bring  
Their borrowed Crowns, and own him as their King.   

How can I hope, blest Gabriel, said she,  
While I a Virgin am, that this to me  
Can ever happen? to conceive a Son,  
A thing ne'er heard off, nor was ever known:  
Thy God doth know how I have always led Throne  
A single life, and ne'er defiled my Bed.   

Therefore, said Gabriel, from the glorious  
Of the most High, his Spirit shall come down,  
And fruitful make thine hallowed Womb, to bear  
Jesus, the Son of God, thy Saviour.  
What I have said, th' Almighty will fulfil:  
His Power is able to effect his Will:  
And as a Token that thou shalt conceive,  
She who is barren, called Elizabeth,  
Is now with Child: To Zach'ry I brought down  
The joyful Message of a wished-for Son.  
Six Months with Child she's gone; with God there's nought,  
How strange soe'er, but he can bringed about.   
The Conception itself.  

Behold, said she, the Handmaid of the Lord;  
Be it to me according to thy Word.  
For ever, Lord, thy Glorious Name be praised,  
Who, from a low and abject State hast raised  
And in renown exalted me, above  
The rest of Women, by this mark of Love.   
Mary's saluting Elizabeth.  

No sooner Gabriel had his Message done,  
But back he flew to Heaven's Glorious Throne;  
Up from her bended Knees the Virgin risen,  
And straightway went to Zacharia's house,  
Within Judeas' hilly Country, where  
She found her Cousin, and saluted her.  
The welcome Greeting did no sooner sound  
Within her Ears, but she the Infant found  
To leap within her Womb; and strait her Breast  
With a Prophetic Spirit was possessed,  
And thus she spoke.   
Elizabeth's Exclamation.  

Blessed art thou, most lovely Maid, above  
The rest of Women in th' Almighty's Love;  
Blessed, for ever Blessed, is that Son  
Of the Great God, within thy Virgin Zone!  
O what a joy is it for me to see  
The Mother of my Lord to visit me!  
For lo, mine ears no sooner heard thy Voice,  
But in my Womb the Infant did rejoice.  
Blessed art thou, because thou didst believe  
The Angel's Message; it shall never grieve  
Thee, that thy Faith was so much wrought upon,  
For e'er nine Months thou shalt bring forth this Son.  
Then Mary said,   
Magnificat.  
My Soul doth praise the Lord for evermore,  
And Spirit joys in God my Saviour;  
For he regarded hath the low estate  
Of his poor Servant, and hath made her great.  
So great, that Generations henceforth shall  
Respect my name, and highly-Blessed call.  
For he, that mighty is, great things hath done  
For me, beyond imagination.  
His Mercy is from Age to Age on them  
Who serve him; blessed be his Glorious Name.  
He with his Powerful Arm hath to the great  
And proud Designers given a Defeat:  
He from their Seats the Mighty hath put down,  
And raised the humble Soul unto a Crown.  
He hath the needy with good things supplied;  
But to the proud his Mercies hath denied.  
He, in remembrance of his promise made  
To Abra'm and his Seed, hath now made glad,  
And helped Isr'el; for within my Womb  
There lies enclosed the promised Seed to come.  
S. John's Birth.  

Well nigh three Months within her Cousin's House,  
Remained the lovely new betrothed Spouse  
Of Joseph; till she plainly did perceive  
Her Womb contained him who the World should save:  
Then she took leave, and forthwith to her home  
Poor and despised Nazareth did come.  
Some few days after of a lovely Boy  
Eliz'beth was delivered, to the joy  
Of all her Neighbours; her Relations were  
Glad, when they heard how God a Son and Heir  
Had given to her, and had Mercy shown,  
Making her pregnant, who was barren known.  
On the Eighth Day they all together came  
To Circumcise, and give the Child a Name:  
The bloody Act performed, they voted all  
Him by the name of Zachary to call;  
But when the Mother heard how they her Son  
Had Zachary named, she gave the name of John.  
They told her none of her Relations were  
Called by that Name, as ever they could hear.  
Unto the Father they made signs to know  
How he would have him called, & it should be so:  
He made them signs to have a Book; which brought  
Within it John, unto their wonder, wrote.  
Which having done, his Tongue immediately  
From its restraint was set at liberty:  
And, in most thankful manner, the first thing  
Was the Almighty's praise which he did sing.  
When they heard this, who round about did dwell,  
A reverential fear upon them fell;  
Believing all, this Child in time would prove  
Some mighty man, whom Heaven so did love;  
Who in the Womb, and ever since hath been,  
By God so favoured as was never seen.   

Old Zacharias, who was musing on  
What Gabriel said, of his and Mary's Son,  
A sacred flame arose within his Breast,  
And thus divinely sung the inspired Priest.   
Benedictus.  

Blessed be the God of israel, and esteemed,  
Who hath his People visited and Redeemed,  
And raised, within his servant David's house,  
A mighty King and Saviour unto us;  
As by his holy Prophet's mouths he spoke,  
Which have been since he the vast World did make;  
That we should be delivered from all those  
Who are our secret, or our open Foes,  
To keep his mercy, which he promised  
To our Forefathers, and their numerous Seed;  
The Oath he swore to Abraham on this wife,  
That he would free us from our Enemies;  
That we securely may devote our days,  
To do his Will, and sing his worthy praise.  
And thou, my Child, of the most High I know  
Shalt be a mighty Prophet; thou shalt go,  
Before the Christ, t' instruct the World how they  
May him embrace and all his Laws obey:  
To teach them how, when they have evil done,  
Through him they may obtain Remission;  
All through the mercy of our God, whereby  
Christ hath to us descended from on high,  
To give them Light who do in Blindness sit,  
Within the Vale of Death, and guide our Feet  
Into the path of peace; which pleasant way  
Will lead us all to joys which ne'er decay.   

Thus sung the aged Priest, unto his joy;  
In Spirit strong, and stature grew the Boy.   
John's Education.  

Within the Mountains of Judea, he  
Severely past his tender Infancy;  
There he abode, until the day wherein  
His Ministerial Function did begin.   

Now, in the forty fourth year of his Reign.  
The great Augustus Caesar did ordain,  
And strictly charge, that all in every Town  
Within the Roman Empire, should set down  
Their Names, & Fortunes, in those Cities where  
Their Ancestors were born, of whom they were:  
When this first Taxing was by Caesar made,  
Cyrenius for his Province Syria had;  
To their respective Cities each one went  
To be enroled in Caesar's Government.  
From Galilee, out of nazareth, Joseph came,  
With Mary big with Child to Bethlehem;  
Because they both of David's Princely Race  
Descended were, who born was in that place.  
It came to pass they were no sooner there,  
But Mary found the happy time drew near,  
Wherein she must her first born Son bring forth;  
The Word by whom God made both Heaven and Earth.   
The Birth of Christ.  
Within the Inn no room she could obtain,  
Although she sought it o'er and o'er again;  
Into the Stable she was forced to go:  
Then on the ground her Knees did humbly bow,  
And in the midst of glorious thoughts, the Son  
Of the Most High brought forth without a groan.  
In Swadling-Cloaths she wrapped her Firstborn Child,  
And on the Straw she laid him; in the Field  
Were Shepherds, who by nightly turns did look  
Unto their innocent and wealthy Flock;  
When lo an Angel from the glittering Throne  
Of the Almighty came, and round them shone.  
The dazzling brightness of his presence made  
The watchful Shepherds terribly afraid;  
The Publication of Christ's Birth.  
Fear not, said he, most joyful News I bring  
To you, and all the World; this day a King,  
And a Redeemer's born, the Christ is He:  
To Bethle'm haste, and your Salvation see.  
Yet, that you may not when you come mistake  
And for the Lord of Life, another take;  
Within a Stable you shall find him lie.  
With none but Joseph, and his Mother by.  
Then with the Angel of the Lord there stood  
An Host of heavenly Spirits praising God,  
Singing this following Hymn— By those above,  
Angels, Archangels, to the God of Love  
Be glory given, for this Infant's Birth;  
And to the good a lasting peace on Earth.  
Up from the Earth unto heavens radiant Throne,  
This blessed Choir was no sooner gone;  
But that the trembling Shepherds, by consent,  
To see what they were told, to Bethle'm went:  
Thither they came, & there the Child they saw  
Lie in the Stable on a heap of Straw  
With Joseph and his Wife, abroad they spread,  
What they had seen, and what the Angel said;  
And all who heard them with amazement were  
Seized at the Story, which they did declare.  
But Mary pondered these things o'er and o'er,  
And grew in Faith, and knowledge more & more:  
Back to their Flocks the joyful Shepherds went;  
And all the time of their returning spent  
In glorifying of th' Almighty's Name,  
For all those things which he revealed to them:  
The Circumcision.  

On the eighth day after the Child was born,  
The pious Joseph early in the Morn,  
With his Redeemer to th' Assembly came;  
Who Circumcised was, and by the Name  
Of Jesus called; as Gabriel order gave  
Unto the Virgin,  she did conceive.  
And when her forty days accomplished were  
According to the Law, they did repair  
With the Messiah to Jerusalem;   
His Presentation in the Temple.  

Where, to the Priest, they both presented him.  
For by the Law, the Firstborn Male among  
The Jews, unto Jehovah did belong;  
 since that fatal night wherein he smote  
Egypt's Firstborn, and thence his Isr'el brought.  
Two Turtle Doves she for herself did bring,  
Although a poor yet legal Offering:  
Unto the Lord, from out the bleating Flock,  
A Lamb she could not purchase with her Stock.   

Within the Town of Solyma lived one,  
Who just and pious was, called Simeon,  
Full of the Holy Ghost, attending there  
When israel Consolation would appear:  
To him the Spirit did reveal, that he  
Should e'er he died the promised Blessing see.  
He by divine impulse to th' Temple came,  
Just as the Father and his pious Dame  
Arrived with the blessed Offspring of her Womb,  
To do for him what the strict Law did doom:  
Where in his presence they a tender made  
Of their Firstborn, and his cheap ransom paid;  
Then in his feeble Arms old Simeon took  
The heavenly Babe, and thus divinely spoke.—   
Nunc Dimittis.  

Lord, let me now into the silent Grave  
In peace departed, since with mine Eyes I have  
Beheld the Christ, which thou hast long foretold,  
Whom now thy People in this place behold;  
A Light to those who do in Darkness dwell,  
And the great Glory of thine Israel.   

Joseph and Mary much surprised were,  
At those mysterious Truths the reverend Seer,  
Concerning Jesus, in that place declared;  
Such as before their Ears had never heard:   
Simeons' Prophecy.  

Then Simeon blessed them; and to Mary said,—  
Behold this Child of thine, thou lovely Maid,  
Is for the ruin of the Ungodly sent,  
And the redemption of the Penitent:  
And for a Sign in Isr'el he shall stand;  
'Gainst whom the wicked of the World shall band;  
That all the thoughts of men which are concealed,  
Both of the good and bad, may be revealed.  
And thou, the Mother of this blessed Son,  
When thou beholdest their barbarous cruelty,  
Shalt find thy Soul with sorrow overrun;  
Some great affliction it shall bring to thee.   
Anna's Prophecy.  

Into the Temple at this instant came,  
Of Asers' Tribe, a Widow, who by name  
Was Hannah called, who in her younger life,  
But seven years had lived a married Wife.  
Eighty and four years old, this woman was,  
A strict observer of the Jewish Laws;  
Who duly did the Temple-Prayers frequent,  
And every Week two days in Fasting spent.  
She likewise thanked the Lord, and spoke of him,  
To all who dwelled within Jerusalem.   

Now when the Parents had the Law fulfilled,  
Both unto Bethlem with the blessed Child  
Returned again, where for a while they were,  
Till in a Dream th' Almighty did appear  
To Joseph, with a strict command, that he  
Should take the Child, and into Egypt flee:  
There they remained until the Tyrant's death,  
And afterwards returned to Nazareth.  
In Spirit strong and Stature Jesus grew,  
Whom God with mighty Wisdom did endue.   

When twelve years old the blessed Jesus was,  
His Parents who devoutly kept the Laws  
Of the great God; the time now drawing near  
To celebrate the annual Passover;  
Took this same hopeful Child along with them  
To keep this great Feast at Jerusalem:  
And when the days of it accomplished were,  
Joseph and Mary homewards did repair,  
With their Acquaintance, and Relations, who  
In nazareth did dwell, or near thereto.   
Christ's stay at Jerusalem, and conferring with the Doctors.  

Onwards they travelled, but ne'er missed their Son,  
Who in jerusalem stayed; to them unknown  
Until they had a whole days Journey gone.  
Than 'mongst their Kindred and their Friends they went,  
Enquiring for him, but no news they learned.  
With thoughtful care for their neglect of him,  
They back returned unto Jerusalem.  
After a three days search, their Child they found  
Within the Temple Porch, encompassed round  
With the most noted Rabbis of the Jews,  
Ask such things which did the Scribes amuse;  
So that they all with wonder seized were  
At his wise answers, and discourses there.  
When 'midst the learned of the Jewish Land  
His Mother and her Husband saw him stand,  
Th' amazed Virgin to her Son did go;  
Jesus, said she, thou didst unkindly do,  
To raise such fears within thy Father's mind,  
And mine, as thou didst by thy stay behind;  
But he replied, the fittest place for me  
Is where I am; know ye not I must be  
About my Father's business? But they could  
Not this mysterious Speech of his unfold.  
However back to Nazareth he came,  
With his ore-joyed Parents: at that same  
Laborious Calling eighteen years he wrought,  
Which Joseph did profess, and him had taught;  
And to their just Commands was never known  
To show himself a disrespectful Son.   
His Baptism.  

Up to the Age of thirty years being grown,  
He forthwith went to be Baptised by John,  
(Who at the River Jordan was that time  
Baptising several that did come to him;)  
But John this Office at the first did wave,  
Until the ever-blessed such Reasons gave  
To have it done, that, in the People's sight,  
He there conferred on him that needful Rite.  
When lo, th' Eternal Spirit from above  
Hovering, descended on him as a Dove:  
And from the Clouds at that same time was heard,  
A thundering Voice, which these same words declared:  
This is my wellbeloved Son, in whom  
I am well pleased; who from myself did come,  
On purpose to reveal my Will below,  
That all might know what 'tis they ought to do.   

Jesus endued with power from on high,  
Took on him now the public Ministry:  
And taught the People Doctrines so Divine,  
The Sun not clearer than their Truths did shine;  
Confirming them with Wonders, such as ne'er  
Eye saw before, nor ear did ever hear.    


MIRACLE I. Jesus his turning Water into Wine, at a Marriage Feast, in Cana of Galilee.  

THe first he wrought was in a certain Town  
Of Galilee, by th' Name of Cana known.  
Where the blessed Virgin to a Nuptial Feast,  
Was by the Bridegroom called to be a Guest.  
Jesus, and his Disciples, likewise were  
Bid with some others, and all present there.  
Down sat the Bridegroom cheerful as the day,  
And by his side the blushing Bride, all gay.  
The welcome Guests around the Table sat,  
With several sorts of healthful Viands fraight.  
All Dinner while a diligent Slave did stand,  
With watchful Eye, and with a ready hand,  
Behind each Guest, to fetch what he did need,  
Not with a Leaden-heel, but nimble speed.  
No lose Discourses at the Table were,  
Civil the Guests were, no Buffoon was there.  
One who imagines he doth glory get,  
To be discursive in the dregs of Wit;  
Yet harmless mirth; and flowing Goblets went  
Around the Board, till all the Wine was spent.  
Marry, who knew the Bridegroom's Store was gone,  
Unto her Son, the want of Wine made known,  
She told him 'twas a fit occasion now  
In public his miraculous Power to show;  
By doing that they all would judge Divine,  
With an Almighty Word create more Wine.  
Jesus who knew his time of action best,  
Unwilling yet his Power to manifest  
Unto the World, he gently did repress  
His Mothers too impatient forwardness;  
Yet he assured her, that the Guests should be  
Supplied with Wine, but done so privately,  
That none but she, and his Disciples should,  
With those who served, the Miracle behold.  
Strait to the Waiters did the Virgin go,  
And what he willed commanded them to do.  
Within the Room six Cisterns stood, each one  
Holding three Firkins, all of Marble-stone.  
These in their order, on their several Stands,  
Were filled with Water, for to wash the Hands  
Of the invited Jews, an act profane  
Esteeming it, to eat with hands unclean.   

Up to the Brim with Water Jesus bid  
The Servants fill these Vessels, which they did.  
Strait he commanded one of them to bear  
A full Glass of it to the Governor;  
Who when he tasted of the Work Divine,  
The Water turned into generous Wine,  
He called the Bridegroom of the liberal Feast,  
And asked him why he had reserved his best  
Of Wines till last; all men, says he, at first  
Bring their best Liquors, but at last their worst.  
But thou the noblest Wine, of richest taste,  
After w' have freely drank, hast brought at last.   

This Wonder Jesus the Eternal Son  
Performed in Cana; and his Power shone  
So bright in his Disciples Eyes, that they  
Own'd him the Son of God from that same day.    

MIRACLE II. His Cure of a Noble Man's Son, who lay Sick of a Fever at Capernaum.  

IN Galilee a Noble Man there was,  
Belonging unto Herod Antipas,  
Whose Son did Sick at Capernaum lie,  
Past all the hopes of Physic's remedy;  
Hearing that Jesus was to Galilee  
Out of Judea come, away went he  
To Cana, and besought him to come down  
Unto his house, and heal his dying Son.  
Now Christ, who knew the Galileans well  
To be of Tempers most inflexible,  
That to his Doctrine they would not be brought  
To give belief, except he wonders wrought,  
Resolved forthwith, from his tormenting pain,  
To raise this Courtier's Son to health again:  
But he, poor man! impatient of delay,  
Thinking his Son could not outlive the day,  
Importuned Christ to come immediately,  
And work this Cure before his Son did die.   

Jesus, who saw the faithful Parent's Tears,  
Willing to rid him of his anxious fears,  
Told him he might unto his home retire,  
His Son was well, and that the raging Fire  
Which did inflame the Blood in every Vein,  
Was now extinguished, and all calmed again.  
Which when the Father heard he went his way,  
Fully believing what the Lord did say.   

Unto his house as he was trav'lling down,  
The welcome news of his recovered Son  
Came to his Ears, brought by the nimble care  
Of some who his domestic Servants were.  
His Arms around the first Man's Neck he fling,  
Tell me, said he, tell me my Friend, how long  
'Tis since the burning Fever did departed  
From my recovered Son, my dearest heart?  
Just at the seventh hour thy Son, said he,  
Whom we concluded past recovery,  
All on a sudden yesterday was well,  
And so we left him, as these here can tell;  
Who in the joyful news did all accord,  
So home they went with their rejoicing Lord.  
Arrived at length to his beloved Son,  
After a thousand kind expressions shown,  
He in the hearing of his Wife, and those  
Who of his household were, did strait disclose  
The wondrous manner of his Childs great Cure,  
And what great grief his fears made him endure;  
And then precisely reckoning up the time  
Of is Sons being well, and Christ's so telling him,  
They all concluded, when these things they knew,  
To his Almighty Word the Cure was due;  
And with their Lord, to the great God did give  
Glory, and in his Son the Christ believe.   

This second Wonder Jesus wrought when he  
Came from Judea into Galilee.  
No doubt but several more were done by him,  
Both in Judea and Jerusalem,  
Only these two (as done the first year) stand  
Upon Record, writ by the faithful hand  
Of his beloved John, and now we go,  
To tell what in the next year he did do.    

MIRACLE I. In the second year of Christ's public Ministry. The taking of a vast draught of Fish at the command of Jesus to launch out into the Deep, etc.  

ASsist me, Lord, while I the Wonders pen,  
Which thou hast wrought among the Sons of Men.   

Near to Gennes'reth's Lake as Jesus was  
Teaching aright the much abused Laws  
Unto the People, who long while had been  
Falsely instructed by their Priests therein;  
From neighbouring Towns the Crowd did so increase,  
That he was well nigh stifled in the Press.  
Close to the Shoar two Boats a float did lie,  
The one belonged unto old Zebedee,  
And his two Sons his Partners, James and John,  
Andrew, and Peter, did the other own.  
These, all the night, a Fishing in the Lake  
Had toiling been, but ne'er a Fish could take.  
And now upon the Shoar all tired stood,  
Having made clean their Nets within the Flood.  
Jesus, who 'fore he taught, these Boats did see,  
With much ado, got from the Company,  
And went into the Boat which did belong  
To Simon Peter, from the gazing throng,  
And causing him to thrust it from the Land,  
The People taught, who on the Shoar did stand.  
When his discourse was ended, and each one  
Of the confused Rabble home were gone.  
Simon, said he, launch out into the Main,  
And cast your Nets, to try your Luck again,  
Into the watery Chambers of the Deep,  
And thence on Shoar the Scaly Dwellers sweep.  
But Simon told him, we have all the night  
Laboured in vain, and on no Fish could light,  
And now at noon day, and a Sky serene,  
To think we shall be more successful than  
We yet have been, is a conceit so vain,  
That none who knows the Trade can entertain,  
Nevertheless at thy request we'll wet  
Once more our Nets, although no Fish we get.  
Then down into the deep they hopeless cast,  
Their fatal Engines; and enclosed at last  
So vast a draught of Fish, both great and small,  
That their Nets broke, and they were forced to call  
To James and John, to come and help them take  
The slutt'ring Pris'oners forth the crystal Lake.  
Come to their help, with much, ado they got  
Part of the loaden Net into the Boat,  
Still by degrees they more of it did pull,  
Till they had heaped with Fish their Boat so full,  
That down into the deep they sinking were,  
At which the greedy Simon full of fear,  
Fell at the knees of Jesus, and besought  
Him to departed out of the sinking Boat,  
For Lord (said he) my Sins so numerous are,  
They'll render me unfit to reap a share  
Of this great draught, so great as ne'er was known,  
Which is a cause of admiration,  
To me, and my Companions, who before  
ne'er saw the like, nor ever shall see more.  
But Jesus bid him lay aside all fear,  
They were as safe as if on Land they were.  
Besides, said he, if thou and these will be,  
(Who are thy Partners) Followers of me,  
Ye shall have all by much a nobler Trade,  
Than this, of men ye shall be Fishers made,  
And with the Gospel-Net which you shall use,  
Millions of Gentiles ye shall take, and Jews;  
And through Death's Chambers safely to the Shore  
Of Life and Bliss bring them for evermore.   

Now when the four their Vessels safe had brought  
Unto the Shore, which once they never thought  
Alive they should have reached, from that same time  
They forsook all they had, and followed him.    

MIRACLE II. The Cure of a Demoniac in the City of Capernaum.  

JEsus to Capernaum went straightway  
With his Disciples, on the Sabbath-day,  
When a great number of the City were  
Assembled in the Synagogue, to hear  
Their Rabbis, with a reverence profound,  
Erroneously Gods sacred Law expound.  
Jesus came in, and while they did unfold  
Their wronged Law, and strange Traditions told,  
His patiented ear attentively did lend  
Unto their roving talk, till it did end.  
Then stretching, forth his Arm, th' eternal Son  
Of the great God his heavenly Speech begun,  
Teaching the Jews sublimer Truths than they  
By their conceited Priests were taught that day;  
Preaching, as one Commission'd from above,  
Th' unheard of Mercies of the God of Love,  
With so much power, that they wondered all,  
Having ne'er heard the like from any fall.   

Now that same restless Spirit, who doth go  
Round the vast Orb, to work the overthrow  
Of fallen Man, had then among the rest  
Of the assembled Jews, a Man possessed;  
Who when he heard the ever blessed Lord  
Divinely teach, most hellishly he roared,  
And thus he spoke,— Can't we be let alone,  
Since we are banished from the heavenly Throne,  
To have the freedom of this lower World,  
Must we from hence as from above be hurled,  
What have we, Jesus, for to do with thee,  
Are we not here from thy Dominion free?  
Art thou with power come down to make us leave  
Those conquered Souls, which by our wiles we have  
Fettered, with a design to make them be  
Companions with us in our misery;  
I know thee, who thou art, and must thee own  
To be the mighty Saviour, and the Son  
Of that just God, whom, by our fatal Pride,  
We would have equalled, but in vain we tried.  
Then Jesus sharply did rebuke the Fiend,  
And to his saucy Questions put an end;  
Commanding him to hold his peace, and quit  
The captived Body, and ne'er argue it.  
Th' enraged Fiend, who durst no longer stay  
Within his conquered Tenement of Clay,  
All foaming threw him on the paved Floor,  
Beating his Face till 'twas imbrued all o'er  
With Froth and Blood, then with an hideous yell  
Forth sallied the infernal Imp of Hell.   

Now when the Standards by beheld the deed,  
They all astonished were, and all agreed  
That sure his Doctrine must be heavenly,  
And that the Teacher more than Man must be,  
Whom the affrighted Devils do obey,  
Tremble when he commands, and sneak away.  
Then through the Coasts of Galilee his Name  
Triumphing road upon the Wings of Fame.    

MIRACLE III. The Cure of Peter's Wives Mother, who was sick of a Fever.  

NO sooner was the Sabbath-duty done,  
And to their homes th'amazed Jew's all go,  
But Jesus, James and John, with Simon, went,  
And Andrew, to their poor retirement;  
Where almost till the dawn of the next day,  
With the two pair of Brothers he did stay.  
Within the house sick at that time did lie,  
Simon's Wife's Mother, at the point to die,  
Whose aged blood, caused by a feverish flame,  
Boiled with such fury, that no Art could tame,  
Whom the Physicians had quite given o'er,  
Knowing their skill could not her health restore.   

Peter, who just before had seen his Lord  
Effect a Cure, by his Almighty Word,  
Upon a Man whom Satan had possessed,  
Fell on his Knees, and humbly did request,  
That by his mighty Power he would cure,  
His aged Mother's raging Calenture.  
Jesus, who ever ready was to give  
Relief to those who did in him believe,  
Came to the Bed, where the distempered Soul,  
Tortured with scorching heat, did toss and roll,  
And in the view of all who there did stand,  
He took the woman by the burning hand,  
And raising her upright, the Fever strait  
Did by his sovereign touch its rage abate.  
So well she was, that forthwith she did go,  
And made Provision for her Guests below.    

MIRACLE IU. The Cure of divers sick persons in the Evening of that Sabbath.  

NOw when the fiery Chariot of the Sun  
Had round this part of our Horizon run,  
Most of the City hearing of the Fame  
Of Jesus, to the door of Peter came,  
Bringing their Sick; their Blind, their Lame, and all  
Those whom the Devil had long held in thrall.  
Jesus, whose love no limits ever knew,  
When he beheld the sad diseased Crew,  
And heard their dying groans, and fearful cries,  
Arising from their various miseries,  
Out of a tender pity to Mankind,  
Cured the Possessed, the Sick, the Lame, and Blind,  
And the infernal Fiends would not allow,  
Whom he cast forth, to say they did him know.    

MIRACLE V The healing of several Sick and Diseased Persons, by Jesus as he went through Galilee, and more particularly the Cure of a Leper.  

BEfore the guilded Planet of the East  
Had from his watery Bed arose, and dressed  
His nimble Body with a fulgent ray,  
Up Jesus got, and went aside to pray,  
Into a solitary place, when soon  
He was by Simon, Andrew, James and John  
Followed, and on his Knees upon the ground,  
With lifted hands in fervent Prayer found,  
Strait with the reasons of their coming out  
They did inform him, how his fame had brought.  
By those he had restored, as many more  
Diseased persons, round about the door,  
Who there attended to receive their doom,  
And would not thence departed till he did come.  
But he who came commissioned from the Throne  
Of the great God, to make his Gospel known,  
Asked them with him to th' neighbouring Towns to go,  
For so his Father ordered him to do,  
That they his glorious Truths might likewise hear  
And Power see, and of them witness bear.  
Then with the four he went (such care had he)  
To preach the Gospel throughout Galilee.  
And daily in their Synagogues he taught  
Th' abused People, and such Wonders wrought,  
In curing those whom Satan had possessed,  
That his Almighty Power was manifest.   

There was a Jew who a long while had been  
Vexed with a Leprous Scab all o'er his Skin,  
Who by the Priest was, by a rigid doom,  
Forbidden within their Synagogues to come;  
He came to Jesus with an humble Soul,  
And begged, on bended Knees, to be made whole.  
For Lord, said he, I know if thou dost please,  
'Tis in thy power to cure my soul Disease.  
The Son of Love, who of our Bodies here,  
As well as Souls hereafter, takes a care,  
Stretched forth his Arm, and touching him, said he,  
My pleasure 'tis, that thou henceforth shalt be  
Freed from this Leprous Scab; and, as he said,  
All on a sudden he was healthful made.  
Then to the Priest he ordered him to go,  
(As by the Law he was obliged to do)  
And show himself, and for his cleansing bring  
What was required for an Offering.  
But how he came to be restored, to none,  
No not unto the Priest, to make it known.  
Yet when he was departed, he began  
To publish it, that Jesus was the Man,  
Who wrought this mighty Cure, & though forbid  
To tell it, told them all he said, and did,  
So that with safety Jesus could no more  
Enter the City, as he did before,  
In public, but a while withdrew aside  
To Desert places, where he did abide;  
But there the Galileans found him out,  
Flocking from every quarter round about.    

MIRACLE VI The Cure of a Man sick of a Palsy at Capernaum.  
JEsus (though for a while he did refrain  
From Capernaum) came at length again  
Into the City, in the open day,  
And to the house of Simon went straightway.  
Long had he not been there, but a great Crew  
Was met together, when they once it knew;  
A Crew so numerous, that there was no room,  
No not about the door, for all to come.  
Jesus, who all occasions did embrace  
To teach the People, what their duty was,  
Arose, and sweetly the Almighty's will  
Into their itching Ears did there instil.  
But while amidst the Doctors of the Laws,  
His Father's sacred Truths he teaching was,  
A Paralytic to the house was brought,  
To have a Cure by his great power wrought.  
But the ungoverned press into the Room  
Would not permit the Bedrid Wretch to come.  
When lo, his Friends bethought them of a wile,  
And, climbling to the top o'th' low built Pile,  
The Roof uncovered; when they so had done,  
Into the Room they let the Palsyed down.  
When Jesus saw the strange unusual way,  
The Friends of the diseased had to convey  
The Paralytic to him, Son, said he,  
For thy great Faith, thy Sins forgiven be.  
Which when the Scribes and Pharisees, who were  
Sitting within the Room, with him, did hear,  
They thought within themselves, how dares this Man  
Blaspheme at this rate, since there's none that can  
Forgive our Sins, but that Almighty One,  
Who sits above in his Celestial Throne.  
Jesus, who by his Power Divine could tell  
Those rancorous thoughts, which in their heart did dwell  
Looking upon the envious Scribes, did say,  
Why judge ye thus? Which is the easier way,  
To tell the Sick, thy Sins forgiven be,  
Or thou art cured of thine Infirmity?  
But that ye may the mighty Power know  
The Son of Man hath over all below,  
To make both Soul, and Body to arise  
Healthful, and free from all Infirmities.  
He steadfast looked upon the Palsied Soul,  
And bid him rise, for he was now made whole,  
Who strait obeyed, and taking up his Bed,  
Went forth before them all, recovered.  
Now when the Jews beheld what Christ had done,  
They were amazed, having the like ne'er known,  
And with their mouths gave glory to the Lord,  
Who so impower'd his great Prophet's Word.   

MIRACLE VII. The Cure of an Impotent Man, by the Pool of Bethesday.  

AT Solyma there was a noted Feast,  
To celebrate the which, the ever-blessed,  
Who ne'er omitted what he ought to do,  
In all obedience to the Law did go.   

Within the Town there stood (just by the place  
Wherein the Jews did use to wash always  
The slaughtered Bodies of their harmless Beasts,  
Which were to be the Victims at their Feasts)  
An House of Mercy, where the Blind and Lame,  
And Withered Persons lay, who thither came  
To be immersed within this bloody Pool,  
In which who-e're was plunged, was strait made whole.   

Under this Roof an helpless Wretch did lie,  
Bound with the Bands of an Infirmity  
Thirty eight years, expecting there to find  
Some pious Person, who would prove so kind,  
As him into this healing Bath to set,  
That he thereby might Strength and Vigour get;  
But this neglected He, could find not one  
(So little did they all his Case bemoan)  
That when the Waters troubled were therein,  
Would his assistance lend to put him in.  
The Son of Love, who all his life time spent  
In works of Mercy to the Impotent,  
Came to the place where the Diseased did lie,  
And looking on him with a tender Eye,  
Proposed this question to the Bedrid Soul,  
Whether he willing was to be made whole?  
Sir, said the Man, long have I waited here  
For this intent, but I am ne'er the near;  
No Friend I have that when the Waters be  
Troubled, their helping hand will lend to me,  
To put me in, others this blessing gain,  
(Through help of Friends) which I cannot obtain.  
Jesus, who knew the sad and helpless case  
Of the Diseased, and how he friendless was,  
Bid him arise, take up his Bed, and go  
Unto his house, for he was healed now.  
Then strait he risen, and taking up his Bed  
On which a long and sad Life he had led,  
Begun with it upon the Sabbath-day  
(On which the Cure was wrought) to go away.  
This when the Jews beheld, who did detest  
All violations of their Day of Rest,  
They were enraged, and told him what he did  
Upon that day, their sacred Law forbidden,  
Which no laborious action would allow,  
And such was his, which he ought not to do.  
But boldly he replied, the Man who made  
Me whole this day, the same unto me said,  
Take up thy Bed, and walk, and so I will,  
Though in the very act you do me kill.  
Then they demanded of him, who he was,  
That durst command him to infringe their Laws,  
And break the rest of that same sacred day,  
Which he was strictly bound to keep always;  
But unto this the man could nothing say;  
For than he knew not Jesus, who that day  
Had healed him, and to the Jews unknown  
Was stepped aside, and from their envy gone.   

After a while the ever-blessed Lord  
Found him i'th' Temple whom he had restored,  
Who out of tender pity to the man  
Bid him be careful how he sinned again,  
Since of his tedious Sickness he was well,  
Lest a more fearful Judgement him befell.  
But strait unto the Jews this silly Soul  
Went and informed them Jesus made him whole,  
Therefore they sought the ever-blessed to slay,  
Because he healed him on the Sabbath-day.    

MIRACLE VIII. The Cure of one who had a withered Hand, wrought in Galilee.  

AS Jesus travelled through the Fields of Corn,  
With his Disciples, on the Sabbath Morn,  
His little Flock with gnawing Hunger took,  
T'appease its rage, the full-eared Corn did pluck.  
When this the formal Pharisees did see,  
(Who no respect had to necessity)  
They told the ever-blessed Jesus, how  
His followers did what they ought not to do.  
They broke upon that Solemn Day their Fast,  
Before the public Services were passed,  
Which strictly by their Moses was forbid  
In his own Law, and which they never did.   

Jesus, who through this Veil their envy saw,  
And better knew the meaning of the Law.  
Than these dissembling Zealots did, replied,  
Have ye not read what God's Anointed did,  
And his Companions, when from Saul they fled?  
How they did eat the consecrated Bread,  
Which to the Temple, and the Priests belonged,  
And by this action thought the Law not wronged.  
And in the Law have ye not notice ta'en,  
How that the Priests i'th' Temple do profane  
The sacred Sabbath? And yet blameless are,  
Although the work they then performed were,  
But for the service of the Temple, not  
To be allowed on that day to be wrought.  
Now if that David and his men, who were  
With Hunger pinched, might safely without fear  
The Shewbread take, and without sinning eat  
Those hallowed Loaves, for want of other Meat,  
Why may not my Disciples be allowed  
(Since they were destitute of other Food)  
To pluck and eat the ripened ears of Corn,  
Although they did it on the Sabbath Morn?  
That which they did, being but to abate  
Their raging Hunger, which required Meat,  
And in the Laws intention sure they are,  
No more blame-worthy, than the other were.  
Their Cases are alike, and therefore must  
Both sinful be, or both accounted just.   

And if th' appeasing Sacrifices may,  
Be by the Priests dressed on the Sabbath-day,  
Why may not my Disciples crop the Corn,  
As they walked through it on the Sabbath Morn,  
Since holy days, as well as things, may be  
Profaned in cases of necessity?   

If inhuman ye were not, as ye are,  
And so unlike to God, who doth declare,  
That Mercy is more pleasing in his Eyes  
By far, than is the richest Sacrifice,  
You would (as 'twas your duty to have done)  
Put on this act the best construction:  
And not have charged my followers, for this deed,  
With an offence, 'cause what they herein did,  
Was but in order to my Service done,  
And with my liking, and permission,  
Who Lord am of the Sabbath, and so may  
Forgive the breach of that Religious day.   

This said, and having justified this Deed,  
And his Disciple from the Cavils freed,  
Of the most spiteful Pharisees, the place  
He forthwith left, where the Contention was,  
And went another Sabbath day into  
Their Synagogue, and, as he used to do,  
The silly People most divinely taught,  
Where this ensuing Miracle he wrought.   

Among the great Assembly there did stand  
A poor disabled Person, whose right hand  
Was shrivelled up, he hearing of the Fame  
Of Jesus, to be healed, unto him came.  
The baffled Scribes and Pharisees, who were  
Thirsty for an occasion to ensnare  
The blessed Jesus, waiting for him lay,  
To see him heal upon the Sabbath-day:  
A deed, which they accounted such a Crime,  
That 'twould condemn him in the Sanhedrim.   

But Jesus, who their thoughts did understand,  
Commanded him who had the withered Hand  
To rise, and in the midst stand forth of all  
Those who their Malice did Religion call;  
Strait he arose, and this command obeyed,  
Then Jesus, sternly looking on them, said—  
One thing I'll ask of you, who seem so wise  
To think all knowledge in your bosom lies,  
Who so great Critics in your Laws are known,  
Is good or evil lawful to be done  
Upon your Sabbath-days? Or is it fit  
To destroy Life, or else to rescue it?  
But they so puzzled were at what he said,  
That to his Queries they no answer made.   

Then went he on— Who is there of you all  
Shall have a Sheep, that by a chance shall fall  
Into a steepy-pit o'th' Sabbath-day,  
And will not take the liberty to lay  
Hold on it, and endeavour all he can  
To pull it out?— How much more is a Man  
Better than such a Creature? Wherefore know,  
Men may good actions on the Sabbath do.   

Then fiercely looking on the thronging Crowd  
Who there around him (full of envy) stood,  
Grieved at the very Soul, to find not one  
That had the Bowels of Compassion,  
He bid the Man who had the withered Hand,  
(And in the middle of the Throng did stand)  
To stretch it forth, who did as Jesus said,  
And whole that Hand was as the other made.    

MIRACLE IX. The Cure of several Persons by our Saviour, when he came down from the Mountain.  

JEsus, whose Soul was on Devotion bend,  
Having all night in fervent Prayer spent  
Upon a Mountain: when the World's great Eye  
Pierced through the sable Clouds, and made them fly:  
Called his Disciples to him, and of them  
Made choice of twelve for to attend on him.  
These he Apostles named, because that he  
Purposed, so soon as they were fit to be  
Employed by him; to send them forth to Preach,  
Those righteous Laws which he came down to Teach:  
But first in Jewry they were to make known,  
Th' eternal Precepts of the mighty One,  
And after that (when he was Throned on High)  
Throughout the World to Preach up Piety.   

Th' Apostles thus made choice of to fulfil,  
The pleasure of his just and sacred Will,  
He from the Leavy-Mountains shady Brow,  
On which he Prayed, did with his followers go,  
Into the spacious Plain, and there he stood,  
As most convenient for the Multitude,  
Who with more ease might there his Doctrine hear,  
And to him come, those who diseased were.  
Being there, (besides the residue of those  
Who Jesus for their blessed Master chose)  
Great multitudes of People to him came  
Out of Judea and Jerusalem,  
And from the Seacoasts of the stately Tyre  
And pop'lous Sydon: some with a desire  
To hear him Preach, and some, infirm that were,  
In hope once come, they should be healed there.  
Herein so gracious was the blessed Son  
Of the Almighty, that there was not one  
That missed his expectation, for he Preached  
The Gospel to them, and his Virtue reached  
To those who were Diseased. So good was he  
That through his mighty Love he set them free  
That came possessed with Devils, and them cured  
Who any kind of Miseries endured,  
And did but touch him, such an healing power,  
Then issuing from him, that the self same hour  
Unto as perfect Health, as e'er before,  
He did their Bodies, and their minds restore.    

MIRACLE X. The Cure of a Leper by our Saviour, after he had ended his Sermon on the Mountain.  

DOwn from the Mountain Jesus did descend,  
Into the Plain, when he had made an end,  
Of his Discourse, and with him many were,  
Who came from places far remote, and near;  
Amongst the rest whom fame had thither brought,  
Hearing the wondrous Cures which Christ had wrought,  
A poor infected Leper came, and laid  
Humbly himself at his blessed Feet, and said,  
Lord, if thou wilt my Cure but undertake,  
Thou canst me clean of my Distemper make;  
Say but the Word, and I am well assured,  
So soon as it is spoke, I shall be cured.  
When Jesus saw his Faith, and likewise how  
He was assured what his Power could do,  
Though his Disease was such as there was none  
Can heal, besides the ever blessed Son,  
Stretched forth his hand, to show how ready he  
Was to do good, and touched him presently.   

What legal Priest or Pharisee is there,  
Who durst in this case do, as he did here?  
Sure if a Leper had to any one  
Of them but come, and his Disease made known,  
And for his Cure as humbly made request  
To him, as this did to the ever-blessed,  
He would have loathed the most deplored sight  
Of such a Wretch, and nimbly took his slight,  
For fear th' Infection which he carried,  
Might with a leprous Scab his Skin o'erspread.  
But Jesus, whose kind love doth overflow,  
And knows no bounds to us poor Souls below,  
Dealt not, upon th' account of his Disease,  
So with this man, as he would in this case,  
But was so far from being inhuman,  
As to avoid the poor infected Man,  
When he came to him to be cured, that he  
Seeing his Faith and great humility,  
No otherwise beseeching from his hand  
His Health, than might with his good pleasure stand,  
Both touched him with his hand, & likewise said,  
(To show the mighty Power which he had)  
Because thou dost believe, and art most sure,  
That if I will I can effect thy Cure,  
I'll do it for thee, therefore from thy foul  
And leprous Scab be thou for ever whole.  
No sooner had the ever-blessed Lord  
This said, but so effect'al proved his Word,  
That it the Lepers Skin immediately  
Altered, and cleansed him from his Leprosy.  
The Leper cleansed, Jesus bid him tell  
To no man who it was, that made him well:  
For if this should be to the Phar'sees known,  
Which I have for thee at this instant done,  
So spiteful are they, and they hate me so,  
That what they could to blast this Cure they'd do,  
And on my Fall so firmly they are bend,  
They'd make me feel what Malice can invent,  
But go thou to the Priest, and to him show  
Thyself, as by the Law thou ought'st to do,  
And if he doth declare thee to be free,  
And throughly purged of thy Leprosy.  
As he hath hitherto, upon good ground,  
Judged thee infected, and a man unsound;  
Then offer him the Gift with thine own hand,  
Which God by Moses strictly did command;  
That he, by his receiving it of thee,  
May own thou'rt cleansed from thy Leprosy:  
That when the Multitude this thing shall know,  
That thou art clean, and by him judged so,  
They may believe, what now they will not own,  
That I am truly their Jehovah's Son,  
Since this great Cure I wrought on thee is such,  
As none could do, but by an heavenly touch.    

MIRACLE XI. The Cure of a Centurion's Servant in Capernaum, who was sick of a Palsy.  

NEar to Genes'reth's Lake there is a Town,  
Within the known Precincts of Zabulon,  
And Nepthali, which all men by the Name  
Of Capernaum call, of noted Fame.  
Hither the holy Jesus often came,  
Because the place was populous, and so  
Gave him occasions oftentimes to do  
Many stupend'ous Wonders, and thereby  
Those sacred Truths he taught, to ratify.  
As he was entering now into this place,  
It so fell out, that there a Captain was  
Whose faithful Servant had for sometime lain  
Sick of a Palsy, in such a horrid pain,  
That he was past all humane art to save,  
And now descending to the silent Grave.  
At this much troubled the Centurion was,  
And highly grieved for his Slave, because  
He dearly loved him, having found him just  
In all those things committed to his trust.  
Hearing therefore from sundry Jews the Fame  
Of Jesus, who were once both Sick and Lame,  
Whom he had healthful made, how happy he  
Was in the curing any Malady,  
That either was inflicted on the Mind,  
Or on the Body seized, of any kind;  
Sent unto him the Elders of the Jews,  
To beg him in their Names not to refuse  
To come, and heal his Servant who had proved  
Faithful to him, and whom he dearly loved.  
Not with the least mistrust did he request  
This favour of them to the ever-blessed,  
Thinking that if he personally came,  
Jesus unto him would not grant the same:  
But merely out of great humility,  
And a most wise and bashful modesty,  
Knowing himself to be an Alien,  
And then a Soldier, both which kind of Men  
The Jews did for the greatest part abhor,  
As men of no Religion, thought therefore  
Himself unworthy for to come, and crave  
This favour of him for his faithful Slave.  
And this the Elders of the Jews did know,  
And therefore they, when begged by him to go  
To Jesus, with his humble suit to have  
Some speedy help for his poor dying Slave,  
Went forthwith to him, and with earnestness  
The holy Jesus for his Cure did press,  
And thus they said— Sir, we beseech thee, take  
No notice that the man, for whose kind sake  
We come unto thee, is a Stranger here,  
And more than that a Roman Soldier;  
And that the person we entreat to have  
Restored to health, is this same Soldiers Slave.  
For lo the Captain, whom this man doth serve,  
A worthy person is, and doth deserve  
In several respects (to us well known)  
To have as great a kindness to him shown  
As this, for which we are now come to thee;  
For he's our real Friend, and one that we  
Are well assured doth our Nation love,  
And this which he hath done for us doth prove,  
For we have by his bounty, at this day,  
And cost, a Synagogue wherein to Pray.   

When Jesus heard the say of these men;  
To show that he despised no man, how mean  
Soever, if he truly did believe  
That he could help and secure to him give,  
Went with the Elders of the Jews straightway  
Towards the house where the sick Servant lay,  
And being not far distant from the place,  
Where the tormented Paralytic was,  
Some Friends of his the Captain did request  
To go with him, and meet the ever-blessed,  
Who with a lowly reverence drawing near,  
Did with these following words salute his Ear—   

Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am one  
Who am not worthy to have favour shown,  
So great a Favour as I ask of thee,  
Under my homely Roof thy Face to see.  
Wherefore I neither thought myself i'th' least  
Worthy to come to thee with this request;  
But let thy blessed lips but speak the word,  
And to his health my Slave shall be restored.  
For so all powerful art thou, I am sure  
Thou needs not present be, to work a Cure,  
But canst a Patient to his Health restore,  
Though absent, and by Sickness at Death's door.  
Besides this Cures too mean, and much below  
Thy Majesty, to come thyself and do.  
Matters of small importance I transfer  
Unto those Persons, who my Servants are,  
And bearing rule, with me they never stand  
To argue, but obey my just command.  
For if I say to one man go, he goeth,  
And to another come, this thing he doth;  
And do but this unto my Servant say,  
Forthwith he doth it, without more delay.  
Now if such force in my Commands do lie,  
That they (though I sit still) as certainly  
Are executed by those men who are  
Under my Rule, as if I present were,  
And did put all those things which they have done  
For me, myself in Execution.  
How much more shall thy Servants, Lord, fulfil  
What thou injoyn'st, and do thy sacred Will,  
Although thou dost not stir to see it done,  
For such thy power is, that there is none  
That can for greatness equal it, and thou  
Canst make them able, what thou wilt, to do.  
Thus spoke the Captain, and his words were such  
That Jesus marvelled at them very much,  
And turning him about did thus declare  
Unto the People, who him following were,  
So great a Faith as this, I freely say,  
I have not found in Isr'el to this day;  
And furthermore, I tell you, there shall come  
Many from all parts of the World, on whom  
You look and do abhor, as men who are  
Strangers and Aliens to your Nation here,  
Who shall by Faith admitted be into  
The Church of God, though now contemned by you,  
And in the Kingdom of that Holy One,  
With your Renowned Ancestors sit down,  
And for their Faith, as their dear Children be  
owned, and with them enjoy felicity.  
Whereas the Children who from those did come,  
That promised were this Kingdom, and to whom  
It by the Virtue of the Covenant made,  
Had still belonged, if foolishly they had  
Not forfeited their right by such a Life  
Which wicked was, and full of unbelief:  
I say, that none of these Children shall be,  
Admitted to this blessed Eternity,  
But unto utter Darkness shall be thrown,  
And there the loss of those blessed Joys bemoan,  
And gnash their Teeth, that that felicity  
Which they were promised, and have missed, should be  
Conferred on them, whom they looked upon  
As merely Strangers to their Nation.  
When Jesus thus unto the Jews had spoke,  
He on the Captain cast a gracious look,  
And said unto him— Go thy way, and as  
Thou hast believed so it shall come to pass.  
And when they came unto the house they found,  
Just as the Lord had said, the Servant sound.    

MIRACLE XII. The raising of a Widow's Son to Life, who dwelled at Naim.  

THe morrow, after the beloved Son  
Of the Most High, the wondrous Cure had done  
For the Centurion's Servant, who was just  
Crumbling again into his Mother Dust,  
He, with the rest who his Attendants were,  
To Naim went; and as they did draw near  
Unto the City Gate, with solemn pace,  
A numerous Train from thence just coming was,  
Attending to the Grave the only Son,  
Of a discons'late Widow of that Town.   

Jesus, who saw as they did pass along,  
The grieving Parent 'mongst the mournful throng,  
Touched with compassion at the Tears she shed,  
For the lost Pledge of her once Nuptial Bed,  
Unto the sad and desolate Widow made,  
And thus aloud, these following words, he said,—  
Weep not, fond Woman, for thine only Son,  
Nor blame God's goodness, who this thing hath done,  
Though in thine eyes, this dealing seems severe,  
Such must be born with by his Creatures here;  
Who knows but God (who best knows what to do)  
Hath took this Child, thine only joy from you,  
Turning thy cheerful day to dismal night,  
To discipline thee in his ways aright.  
Who didst perhaps more value fading Dust,  
Than the Almighty Father of the Just?  
Or how dost know, but that he this did do,  
That he might to thee, and these Persons show,  
The sovereign Power he hath over all  
To take, and back Man's Life again recall,  
That so your Faith might up to Heaven soar,  
And there be fixed, and never waver more?   

Then stepping to the Bier, he laid his Hand  
Upon it, and the Bearers did command  
Upon the Ground to set the breathless Load,  
When strait, the ever-blessed Son of God  
Called to the Youth, who with the fatal Chain  
Of Death was bound, to rise to Life again.  
Which words no sooner from his Lips did take  
Their flight, but that the Dead arose and spoke  
Him raised, Jesus to the Mother brought,  
Who overjoyed was at the Wonder wrought,  
And all much marvelled at the Mercy shown,  
And glory gave to the Almighty One:  
Professing that a mighty Prophet now  
His Isr'el had, to whom they all would bow.  
And strait the Fame of Jesus ran throughout  
Judea, and the Regions thereabout.    

MIRACLE XIII. Jesus' Cure of a Demoniac, who was Blind and Dumb, after his return to Capernaum; and of the difference and concertation between him and the Scribes about it.  

WEaried with Travel, and with Hunger spent,  
Into a House at Capernaum went  
Jesus and his Apostles, to appease  
Their craving Stomaches, and themselves to ease.  
Scarce were they entered in, but spreading Fame,  
Throughout the City, had divulged the same:  
Which brought the People in great numbers there,  
Where Jesus and his fainting Servants were;  
Who did the Cure of their Diseases press  
Unto him, with such moving earnestness,  
That neither he could so much leisure get,  
Nor his Apostles, as to take some Meat.   

Among the rest, who did to Jesus come,  
There was a poor Demoniac Blind and Dumb.  
Whose Friends did in an humble manner crave,  
That the poor Wretch his sovereign help might have.  
Jesus beholding with a tender Eye  
The sad Estate, in which the man did lie,  
Cast forth the Devil by his powerful word,  
Unloosed his Tongue, and his lost sight restored;  
So that the blind and dumb man now was known  
To see, and talk to admiration.  
This wonder Jesus had no sooner done,  
But the amazed Multitude begun  
To entertain within their Breasts a thought  
Of just suspicion that the man, who wrought  
Such famous Deeds, deserved no less a Name  
Than the Messiah, that he was the same,  
The Son of David who was long foretold;  
And most there present this Belief did hold;  
But when the env'ous Pharisees, who were  
Haters of Jesus, did this saying hear,  
They then resolved their utmost skill to use,  
Behind the Back of Jesus, to traduce  
His Glorious Name, thinking thereby that they  
Might from him draw the people's hearts away:  
But on himself they did not dare to set,  
Conscious that he would by the Contest get.   

Therefore, to bring their Hellish Plot to pass,  
(The rendering Jesus worthy of disgrace)  
They knew no better and no surer way  
Than this, to take— it cannot be (say they)  
That this same Fellow should be David's Son,  
(As ye suppose) who is of low Birth known:  
The Son of David, as ye all do know,  
Shall be a mighty Prince, shall great things do,  
Here in a Glorious Manner shall Command,  
And over us bear Rule, from whose strong hand  
We must expect deliverance from those  
Who are our potent and our deadly Foes;  
Whereas this Fellow is so mean a thing,  
So far from being such a Glorious King,  
That he deserves not to be thought on more,  
Being a Wretch so despicably poor.  
Besides, his Deeds most inconsistent are  
With the high Birth of David's Son and Heir;  
For he with such a Train goes up and down  
As is of no repute, (as 'tis well known)  
Teaching such Doctrines which no Mortal Ear  
Before his coming did the like  hear;  
Curing Diseases, in their Natures such  
As the most Sov'raign'st Drugs could never ●ouch.  
And casting Devils out of the possessed,  
By that Infernal Prince who sways the rest.   

Thus they aspersed his ever-Blessed Nam●,  
And by this means thought to Eclipse his Fame;  
But what he did, or to his Charge was laid,  
His Friends, as yet, no Intimation had:  
Till at the length, unto their Ears was brought  
Both what he did, and by what means he wrought,  
And being then so generally known  
And talked of, they so credulous were grown,  
As to believe it true, and so instead  
Of clearing his good Name, they thought him mad,  
And out they went, with a resolved mind,  
Him, as one Frantic, with strong Chains to bind:  
But Jesus, who as they supposed was mad,  
Far other thoughts than his Relations had,  
Of what the Pharisees did go about,  
And had of him in secret given out:  
He knew they had in a most high degree  
Injured his Father, and notoriously  
Himself had slandered, telling it about,  
The Power, by which he cast the Devils out,  
Was to the Prince of the Insernal Club  
To be ascribed, The mighty Be'lzebub.  
Whereas the Power by which he this did do,  
Did solely and of right belong unto  
His Father, who in Justice ought to have  
That Honour, which to Be'lzebub they gave.  
Calling therefore the Pharisees to him,  
Who to his Charge had laid so foul a Crime;  
And intimating to them, that he knew  
Their thoughts, and how behind his Back as true,  
They had reported that he went about,  
By Beelzebub casting Devils out;  
He plainly told them, that it could not well  
Be thought that he should those damned Fiends expel  
In such a manner as they said he did;  
Since Reason needs must such vain thoughts forbidden:  
Because it could not in the least consist  
With Hell's Imperial Monarch's Interest,  
Herein to help him; for suppose he should  
Lend his Infernal Aid to him, it would  
Among his Subjects a division make,  
And the Foundation of his Empire shake,  
Laying the Pillars of his burning Throne  
In Fatal Ruin and Destruction.  
Herein his Kingdom being like unto  
Our Earthly Prince's Kingdoms, which we know  
Cannot subsist, unless upheld they be  
By Concord, and among themselves agree.   

Again, those Men who do the Titles bear  
Of my Apostles, and your Children are,  
Do cast out Devils in my Name, and yet  
From you they meet with no reproof for it:  
If they such Wonders do, and in my Name,  
And by my Power, and receive no blame,  
Why then do ye so basely go about  
To censure me, for casting Devils out?  
Since in God's Name, and for his Glory too,  
And your Relief and Comfort this I do?  
Were ye but with ingenious Souls possessed,  
Not Slaves to Envy or Self-Interest,  
You would not thus defame me as you do,  
But would ascribe my Miracles unto  
The power of God, and by thus doing show,  
You own his Kingdom is now come to you.  
That this the time of the Messiah is,  
Whose Mission God hath testified with these  
Amazing wonders, which he'd ne'er have done,  
Had I not been his true but feigned Son.  
Besides I do not (as ye fancy) stand  
In need of Hell's black Monarch's helping hand  
To cast out Devils, for let Reason sway,  
You must me free from this unlawful way;  
For I am stronger than he is, and so  
Into his closest dwelling-place can go,  
Bind him, and spoil his goods, when ever I  
Shall think it fit his sturdy force to try.  
His power I know, compared to mine's so small,  
That let him use his utmost force, it shall  
Not hinder me from turning of him out  
Of them, he hath into's possession got.   

Once more, ye most ungrateful Wretches, I  
Declare unto you, that I work not by  
That Stygian Prince, for he's my mortal Foe,  
And truly merits to be reckoned so:  
For who's not for me, must against me be,  
He being therefore so implacably  
Mine enemy, and no way to be brought  
And reconciled to me, it can't be thought  
Worthy of credit, that he ever should  
Help me to cast the Damned from their hold.  
So that, what ever Miracles I do,  
Must needs be owned the work of God by you,  
And by his power wrought, who thinks not this,  
Thinks both of God and of my works amiss.  
Wherefore the causeless malice which you bear  
To me your Friend, let me no more of't here,  
And done't, against your Consciences, defame  
My famous deeds, and my immortal Name;  
For seeing they were by the Spirit wrought  
Of the Eternal one, to go about  
To slander and oppose them, is a Crime  
So horrid, and so odious unto him,  
That if till death with an obdurate heart  
It meet, there can be no forgiuness for't.  
And ye most justly merit to receive  
This rigid doom, since sland'rously ye have  
Imputed these my Miracles unto  
Man's restless Foe, and have affirmed too  
I work them by his Spirit, whereas I  
Do by his Spirit work, who's throned on High.  
For by so doing, if we must the Tree  
Judge by the fruit it bears, then surely ye  
Imply, that the eternal-Holy-Ghost,  
A Spirit is of the Infernal Host,  
Which is the highest blasphemy I know  
Can be imagined to affirm him so.   

Shall I (ye whited Sepulchers) declare,  
That ye a wretched sort of people are,  
And an infectious brood of Vipers? truly less  
I cannot, must not say of you than this,  
For what you are, your Language doth relate,  
Men of unhallowed hearts and reprobate.  
Your words, which issue from them as the stream  
Doth from the Fountain, verify this same.  
And as your words (which the true Tables are  
To show your hearts & all that's treasured there)  
Are highly sinful, so by you they ought  
To be esteemed as such, and think them not  
Too light or worthless (as ye seem to do)  
To be accounted for one day by you.  
For I declare, that every idle word  
That men shall speak, before the dreadful Lord  
Shall be computed for in that great day  
Of Judgement, when he will their Sins display;  
Much more shall they be to a reckoning brought,  
Who have such words, as yours are, given out;  
Words full of Defamations and of Lies,  
Great slanders and notorious Blasphemies:  
For these they shall the dreadful doom receive  
Of the damned Spirits, and their Torments have,  
As they shall cleared and rewarded be  
For words that good are, to Eternity.   

Then, when the Scribes and Pharisees had heard  
These stabbing truths, which Jesus had declared,  
Dissembling in their hearts the deadly hate  
They bore unto him, humbly did entreat  
That he a Token would from Heaven give,  
Whereby they might upon good grounds believe,  
That the undoubted Christ of God he was,  
Sent from him to instruct them in his Laws.   

But Jesus, who did never guests amiss,  
Knowing they had a different end in this,  
That notwithstanding all their fair pretence,  
'Twas but a snare to trap his innocence,  
That their chief cause in ask such a Sign  
Was but to take occasion to begin  
A quarrel with him, which with much more ease  
They might commence about such things as these,  
Than about them, which in their natures are  
Unto the outward Senses much more near.  
Thus said— A vile and wicked People call  
And seek for Signs, but there shall none at all,  
But that of Ionas, granted to them be,  
Who is a true and lively Type of me.  
For as three days and nights the Prophet lay  
(Excluded from a life-infusing Ray)  
Within his moving Scaly-Tomb shut fast.  
And was by God restored alive at last;  
So shall the Son of Man (of heavenly Birth)  
Almost three days and nights within the Earth  
Entombed lie, and then again shall rise  
The third day, crowned with lasting Victories;  
And they who by this means will not be wrought,  
And to conviction and repentance brought,  
Nor to the preaching of my Follo'wers give  
A willing ear, and what they teach believe,  
Shall by the Ninivites adjudged be,  
Because though they were in a high degree,  
Sinful, so sinful, that before the Face  
Of the great God came up their wickedness,  
Crying aloud, on them to shower down  
His dreadful vengeance from his sacred Throne:  
Yet, from the Prophet's freedom from his Goal,  
The slimy Belly of the monstrous Whale,  
And Preaching to them, they in Sackcloth went,  
And did sincerely of their Sins repent.  
Whereas against my Preaching you are now.  
So stubborn, and so stiffly bend, that though  
I am by much a greater Prophet known,  
Than Ionas, being the Eternal Son,  
God having testified of me this same  
By a loud Voice, which from the Heavens came;  
Yet to my Resurrection you'll not give  
Credit, nor be persuaded to believe  
What my Apostles by my Spirit shall  
Instruct you, so as to repent at all.  
That Famous Aethiopian Queen likewise,  
Shall up i'th' Judgement 'gainst this Nation rise,  
And it condemn, because she came from far,  
The Wisdom of King Solomon to hear:  
Whereas against me you have entertained  
So great displeasure, that you won't be gained  
To come and be informed of me, although  
To do't, you need no tedious Steps to go.  
And sure to most of you it must be known,  
That I am greater much than Solomon,  
And highly him in Wisdom do surpass,  
And therefore abler am, than e'er he was,  
To give you both instructions, and advice,  
How to attain to be divinely wise.  
His Wisdom being in such things as here  
Occurred, and Natural and Humane were;  
Not such a Wisdom as was like to mine,  
Perfect in matters Sacred and Divine,  
And such a Wisdom, that would you but be  
Persuaded to embrace it hearty,  
Would mrke you wise, and so direct your feet,  
That you at last with endless Joys should meet.  
But as for you, and likewise for the rest  
Of this your Nation, who have been so blest  
With all-sufficient means to bring you to  
A timely Sorrow for your Sins, and who  
Have had so many Wonders 'mong you wrought,  
So many Fiends of the Possessed cast out,  
And yet so far have hitherto been known  
From walking worthy of these Mercies shown,  
That ye the God of Love blasphemed have,  
By whom I Work, and who me Power gave,  
That let me tell you, ye are highly in  
A sad Condition through your wilful Sin,  
And that your State is much more hopeless now,  
By Satan's second coming into you,  
Than 'twas before I lived among you here;  
Or than it would have been, if I had ne'er  
Cast Satan out, for now he'll with him take  
(That he may safe his regained Conquest make)  
More, and worse Spirits, than he did before,  
To tempt you unto Sin, and make you more  
Wicked each day than other, until he  
Hath you involved in endless Misery.   

Many more Wonders than we here do write,  
Jesus performed in his Disciples sight:  
These are recorded, that you all might know  
Him, the Messiah, which was promised you;  
And that, believing him to be the same,  
You might have Life, through his Eternal Name.     

The Prayer of the Most Holy Jesus, before his Apprehension. Saint John.  

1.  
NOw when the great and glorious Son of Love  
Who for our Bliss forsook his own above,  
Had ended his Discourse, with lift up Eyes,  
And elevated Hands, to Heaven he cries,   

2.  
Father the hour of my Death draws on  
For all Mankind, now glorify thy Son,  
That I may be enabled to go through,  
The weighty business which I come to do.   

3.  
And as my Power doth extend to All,  
To give Eternal Life, permit the fall  
Of none of those whom I came down to save,  
Let them the Merits of my Passion have.   

4.  
All thou requirest to Enthrone Men there  
Where Joys most perfect and Eternal are,  
Is this, to own thee as the Supreme One,  
Thy Laws obey, and to embrace thy Son.   

5.  
This I have published since I came below,  
I have not failed thy sacred Will to show,  
Having now finished what I came for here,  
Attend, O heavenly Father, to my Prayer.   

6.  
When I have suffered what is due to Man,  
Receive me up unto thy Joys again,  
Give me that Glory which I had with Thee,  
Before the World was, from Eternity,   

7.  
As for those Men, whom from their Callings thou  
Gav'st to attend me hear, thy Will they know;  
From thee I did receive them, thine they were,  
My Will, as thine they have obeyed with care.   

8.  
Those glorious things for which I did come down,  
I have not secret kept, but made them known,  
They have embraced that Message brought by me,  
Firmly believing that I came from thee.   

9  
For these peculiar Men to thee I pray,  
Confirm their Faith that no Temptation may  
Seduce their hearts, nor Terrors  withdraw  
Their skilful Tongues from publishing thy Law.   

10.  
For th' impenitent I not mention make,  
Let them the fruit of all their Sins partake;  
For them I pray, and for their constancy,  
Who are thy Gift, and who have served me.   

11.  
These I commend unto thy gracious care,  
Now I am going hence, protect them here:  
I come to thee, O holy Father, keep  
From the devouring Wolves these harmless Sheep.   

12.  
O let no Error in their Doctrine be,  
Make them in that, as thou and I, agree,  
That in the end when they their course have run,  
They may sit down with an Immortal Crown.   

13.  
While I was with them I have lost not one,  
But that same Rebel of Perdition,  
Of whom the Prophet Prophesied to be  
Ordained of Old, for this Apostasy.   

14.  
But now I come to thee, yet, Lord, before  
I leave this World, I publicly implore  
That they may always, in my absence, have  
That joy and courage which my Presence gave.   

15.  
They'll be exposed, because they heavenly are,  
To Perils and Afflictions, every where,  
Where they shall Preach that Faith they had from me,  
They'll find the World their mortal Enemy.   

16.  
Yet I entreat thee not to take them hence,  
But keep them safe, and be their sure defence,  
That the approaching danger may not be  
Of force enough to shake their Constancy:   

17.  
The World to them, as well as me, they'll find  
Will always prove most envious, and unkind;  
Yet sanctify them so to Preach thy Word,  
That it may fruitful prove where'er 'tis heard.   

18.  
To preach thy Will into the World I came,  
I have empowered them to do the same;  
For them I intercede, and give to thee  
Myself, to fit them for the Ministry.   

19  
Yet pray I not for these alone, but all  
Who by the power of their Preaching shall  
Conform unto thy Word, that they, as we;  
May here be one, and in thy Faith agree.   

20.  
That all who yet are unconverted, may  
Acknowledge thee, and all thy Laws obey,  
And of their gross Idolatries repent,  
And be convinced that I from thee was sent.   

21.  
That Power, Father, which thou gav'st me here,  
Of working Wonders, my Disciples are  
Invested with the same, grant them to be  
No whit inferior in their Works to Me.   

22.  
That by those mighty Deeds which they shall do,  
When I am gone, the stubborn World may know  
I came from thee, that thy affections are  
To them as great, as unto me they were.   

23.  
Father, I will that all my Servants may  
Be where I am, for ever to enjoy  
Thy gracious Love, that they may all behold  
The Glory which I had with thee of Old.   

24.  
O Righteous Father, though the Worldly-wise  
Dis-own my Message, and thy Love despise,  
I know thy Will, my Servants know the same,  
From thy Eternal-Self they know I came.   

25.  
Therefore those glorious Attributes of thine,  
And Will, I have, and will declare to mine;  
All things I'll give them which thou gav'st to me,  
Both Wisdom, Power, and Fidelity.    

On Jesus his Apprehension, Examination, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.  

WHen the Eternal Son these words had spoke,  
Unto the Mount of Olives o'er the Brook  
Of Cedron, with his Followers he went,  
Where was a Garden, which they did frequent.   

Jesus, who knew the Tragedy of Sin,  
Must in that hallow'd-Plot of Ground begin,  
Bid his Disciples at the Door to stay,  
And thence not move, while he went in to Pray.  
Then taking with him Peter, James and John,  
(The three which once beheld th' Eternal Son,  
Clothed with a dazling-Cloud of shining Light  
Upon the Mount, that they the dismal Night  
Might see of Sorrow, which his Soul for Sin  
Was in that instant to be clouded in)  
Came to the place which he designed should be,  
The doleful Theatre of his Agony.  
When to three he freely did impart,  
What pungent Sorrows did assail his Heart,  
Commanding them upon their Guard to stand,  
And pray against the threatening Storms at hand;  
Not suffering Sleep upon their Eyes to creep,  
But a strict Watch over their Souls to keep,  
While he the troubles of an Innocent,  
And spotless Soul, in Prayer to Heaven sent.  
Sad unto Death he found himself now brought,  
When he beheld the deadly bitter draught,  
The Cup of Vengeance, flowing to the Brim,  
Filled by the Hand of God, and reached to him.  
Then did the pressures of that monstrous Load,  
Our crying Sins, and the fierce Wrath of God,  
Cause his most guiltless Soul to groan and bow,  
Under the weight, and purple drops to flow  
Down his most sacred Body, through each Poor,  
Dying his Garments, and the Ground all o'er.  
On which he thrice did fall, and thence sent up,  
As oft this Prayer— Father remove this Cup—  
With such an humble Resignation still,  
That he submitted to his heav'ny Will.   

The careful Shepherd, whom no Sorrows could  
Withhold from looking to his little Fold,  
Betwixt the intervals of fervent Prayer  
Went, and awoke them, who fast sleeping were.  
And twice the Three he gently did reprove,  
That they for him should show no greater Love,  
Amidst his troubles, than they had expressed,  
Sleeping, while he with Sorrow was depressed.  
But at his third return, their fill of Sleep  
He bid them take, in vain it was to keep  
A Watch, since now what he had oft foretold  
Was come to pass, the Son of Man was sold  
Into the hands of Sinners, who were now  
Entering with that bold-Wretch, who this did do,   

His Apprehension.  

When lo, the Traitor to the Garden Door  
Was come, and entered with a number more  
Of armed Men, who by the Sanhedrim  
Were ordered as a Guard to wait on him.  
Jesus, who this, and all things else foreknew,  
Instead of flying meets the armed Crew,  
And boldly asks them, wherefore they came out  
With Lights, and Weapons, whom it was they sought?  
Strait as one Voice the servile Slaves do cry,  
Jesus of nazareth; Jesus made reply,  
I am the Man ye seek; no sooner he  
Had this confessed, but they immediately  
Fell to the Ground, as if with Lightning struck  
At his Almighty Voice, and dreadful look;  
groveling upon the Earth they speechless lay,  
Till he again the second time did say,  
Whom do ye seek? At this they all arise,  
With trembling Limbs, and with distorted Eyes,  
And told him Jesus, Jesus, was his Name  
Who preached Sedition, and for whom they came.  
Lo, said the Holy Jesus, I am he,  
If you seek me, give these their liberty:  
Then had that saying of his, I lost not one  
Of all thou gav'st me, its completion.  
Now Simon Peter, all enraged drew  
His long-sheath'd-Sword, into the Crowd he flew  
With a most zealous Courage, void of fear,  
At the first stroke he cuts off Malchus Ear,  
And while his sturdy Arm was dealing blows  
On every hand amidst his Master's Foes,  
Jesus calls out, and bids him sheathe his Sword,  
His Fury stopped at his commanding Word,  
Peter, said he, shall I not drink the Cup  
Sent by my Father, yes I'll drink it up.  
Since 'tis determined, Soldiers come away,  
What Heaven commands, I must, and will obey.   

Then came the Soldiers, and the sacred Hands  
Of Jesus bound, with their thrice-twisted-Bands.  
Unto the house of Anna's (who then was  
Prince of the Sanh'drim, and to Cajaphas'  
Father in Law) immediately they go,  
And with big looks their willing Captive show.    

His Examination.  

Forth of the env'ous-Crowd the Judge calls out  
The blessed Jesus, questions him about  
His Servants, and his Doctrine, why he taught  
In Corners, that which such dissension wrought.  
Jesus replied, what from my Lips hath fell,  
Most of this Nation can inform thee well,  
In the Assembly of the Jews have I  
Published that Faith, for which I now must die.  
ne'er in forbidden Corners did I sneak,  
But in their Temples publicly I spoke;  
If these my Words no Credit can command,  
Ask them the Truth of this who here do stand.  
At this a Sergeant who was standing near,  
Up with his impious Fist, and on the Ear  
Gave him a rude Salute, ask him why  
Unto the Judge he talked so saucily!  
Jesus replied, if I have spoken ill,  
Prove then the Crime, but if no words have fell  
Which do deserve such a rebuke from thee,  
How comes it then to pass thou smitest me?   

Now Annas, who no Power had to declare  
Judgement, except the seventy present were,  
Fast bound unto the House of the Highpriest,  
To be examined, sent the ever-blessed.  
Him follows Peter, and his dearest John,  
The rest were trembling to their Houses gone,  
This last Disciple was to Cajaphas known.  
He with his Fettered Master 'mongst the rest,  
Enters the Palace of the Jews High Priest,  
But missing Peter in the numerous Rout,  
Who at the Door stood Sorrowing without,  
Unto the Maid he goes, at his request,  
Simon admittance had among the rest.   

It being cold, within the Palace-Hall  
A Fire was made, the Soldiers round it all  
Stood warming of themselves, by the Hearths side,  
The pensive Peter stood while Christ was tried.  
By a Divine-Impulse a Damsel goes  
And Simon asks, Art thou not one of those  
Who served this Jesus, whom they here have brought?  
The daunted Servant said he knew him not.  
He who but even now had drawn his Sword  
In the Defence of his beloved Lord,  
That matchless Courage, by a Maid alone,  
Was made to tremble, and his Lord disown.   

The Lamb of Life, who a long time had been  
Under the snaring Test o'th' Sanhedrim,  
When they perceived from his own Mouth they could  
Not force the least unwary word that would  
Give a pretence to bring his Death about,  
False Witnesses the murderous Villains sought.  
Several there came, who sundry things did bring,  
But none of weight, nor two that vouched one thing.  
At length a Pair of daring-Rogues were found,  
Whose Souls ne'er felt a penitential-Wound,  
That said, This Man affirmed— Do you destroy  
The Temple which is now all Isr'els' Joy,  
And from the Ground again I'll easily raise  
Its Head (as now it stands) within three days.  
Then from his Seat arose the Jews Highpriest,  
With Eyebrows knit, and Eyes which Rage's confessed,  
Demanding sternly what his Silence meant,  
Whether he Guilty was, or Innocent?  
But Jesus held his peace; which when he saw  
That from his Mouth his Threats could nothing draw,  
Clothing his Face with a more peaceful Look,  
To a more cunning Wile himself betook;  
Adjuring him by a most sacred Oath,  
The living God, to tell the naked Troth,  
Whether the Christ he were, the Great God's Son,  
Who from the Clouds in Glory should come down.   

Jesus whose Tongue was never used to Lie,  
Knowing the hour of his Death drew nigh,  
Confessed he was the same, and likewise told,  
That he whom now they did with Scorn behold,  
They Reassumed into the heavens should see,  
And Throned on the right Hand of Majesty,  
As visibly as at the Gen'ral-Doom,  
By those dire Judgements which on them should come.  
Then Cajaphas his  with Fury rend,  
And to's embosom'd Hellish-Flames gave vent;  
What farther need is there of Proof, said he,  
Since we have heard this horrid Blasphemy;  
Your Judgements, Sirs; Doth he deserve to Die?  
The Vote was Death, and that deservedly.   

Then Jesus forth into the Hall was brought,  
Unto the Soldiers, to be set at naught;  
Upon whose Face the devilish Monsters spit,  
And on his sacred Sides their Cudgels split.  
Hoodwinked, they Beat him, on the Muffled-Face,  
And bid him Proph'cy who the Smiter was.  
All the outrageous Cruelties that Men  
Can Muster up, were Executed then  
On the most innocent Lamb, until the Light  
Drew back the Curtains of that grizly-Night.   

Peter, who boldly once resolved to Die  
The worst of Deaths, rather than Christ deny,  
Who once already, by the Fireside,  
The ever-blessed had cowardly denied;  
And still there senseless stood, and saw the Jews  
The World's great Ransom barbarously abuse,  
Was by a Maid again, amidst the Throng,  
Asked if he did not unto Christ belong;  
But he although forewarned, disowned once more  
His lovely Service; as he did before.  
One of the High-Priests Servants, who was near  
Relied to Malchus, that had lost his Ear,  
To the forgetful Peter came, said he,  
Art thou not one of those which I did see  
With this Man in the Garden, tell me now?  
Simon for-swore it, than the Cock did Crow.  
When at that instant Jesus cast an Eye  
Upon his Servant, who immediately  
Struck both with Shame and Sorrow, forth did go,  
And by his Tears his true Repentance show.   

Thirsty for Blood, just at the dawn of Day,  
The Sanhedrim triumphingly away  
Their Prisoner Led unto the Pretor's Hall;  
Come to the Door, they did for Pilate call;  
Within the Hall they would not set a Foot,  
Fond conceiting that they should pollute  
Themselves, in mingling with the Heathen there,  
Being they were to eat the Passover.  
Pilate informed that at his Palace-gate,  
A great Convention of the Jews did wait,  
To speak with him, that they had Jesus brought,  
Strait he arose, and to the Jews came out.  
Jesus presented, Pilate asked the Jews,  
What was the Crime, for which they did accuse  
Him whom they brought, what evil he had done?  
Moved by a furious Zeal, the Scribes begun  
To tax him of Sedition, and that he  
Stirred up the People to a Mutiny.  
How that his Doctrine was against their Laws,  
And that no Tribute due to Caesar was;  
That he declared himself the Christ to be,  
And saying so spoke horrid Blasphemy.  
He proudly vaunted that he was their King,  
And Death did merit for that only thing;  
Therefore they all made it their earnest Suit,  
That this Seducer he would Execute.   

Pilate perceiving more of Rage to be  
In their request, than aught of Piety;  
Take him, said he, and by your own Law try,  
Whether he doth deserve to Live or Die.  
Thou knowst, said they, the Romans of this Right,  
Which once we had, have now deprived us quite,  
Leaving no power in us to punish those  
With Death, who have transgressed against our Laws;  
To thee we come, and e'er we'll stir from hence,  
We do expect thou'lt Judge this Man's offence.  
Back to the Judgment-Hall the Praetor went,  
Seated within the dreadful Chair, he sent  
One for the Prisoner, who was strait brought in,  
With whom th' imperious Judge did thus begin.  
Tell me, said he, art thou the King o'th' Jews?  
Jesus replied, do they without accuse  
Me of this Crime, or doth this Question spring  
From thy own Brain, to say I am a King?  
Am I a Jew, said Pilate? Do I read  
Their Books, to know what they are promised,  
Or whom they do expect? Not I, but they  
Who are without, charge thee with what I say.  
Tell me the great Offence which thou hast done  
To make them bring this Accusation.   

The blessed Jesus, not at all dismayed,  
At this their Charge, unto his Judge thus said,  
As for an earthly Kingdom, I ne'er sought,  
Had I done this, my Servants would have sought,  
And not have suffered what you see, these Bands,  
But rescued me from my Oppressor's Hands.  
Now since they did not Fight in my Defence,  
You may conclude my Kingdom's not from hence.   

What dost thou own, said Pilate, unto me  
Thou art a King, and hast Authority.  
Jesus replied, 'tis true, a King I am,  
To be a Witness to the Truth I came  
Into the World, the Pious do submit  
Unto my Rule, and never question it.  
Then Pilate asked him, what by Truth he meant,  
But waited not his Answer, out he went  
Unto the Jews, & asked them why they brought  
This Man to him, in whom he found no fault.  
You know you have a Custom every Year,  
When you do celebrate your Passover,  
That I release a Prisoner, whom ye choose,  
Will ye that I set free the King o'th' Jews?  
Enraged at this, they all Barrabas cry,  
Barrabas we will have, let this Man die.  
Now this Barrabas was a Robber known,  
And cast in Prison for a Murder done.   

Pilate much fearing that the stubborn Jews  
Would make an uproar, if he should refuse  
To punish Jesus, forthwith gave command  
Unto a Soldier of the Roman-Band,  
To Scourge the Prisoner, hoping they would be  
Appeased with this, and Vote his Liberty.  
From Head to Foot the Villain strips him bare,  
And with his Scourge his tender Flesh doth tear,  
A Crown of Thorns the Soldier's wreath, which done,  
Upon his sacred Brow they crush it on.  
Pierced to the Skull, down trills the purple Gore,  
In trembling drops upon the blushing Floor.  
A purple Robe of Tyrian-dy they throw,  
Upon his Shoulders, with the Knee they bow,  
And thus salute him,— Hail great King o'th' Jews,  
His tender Sides with cruel Rods they bruise,  
Thus rudely used, Pilate goes forth again,  
And tells the Jews he finds no fault i'th' Man.  
Him follows Jesus with their marks of Scorn,  
A purple Robe, and Diadem of Thorn.  
Pilate presents him to them, lo, said he,  
What's here of Terror, or of Majesty?  
Neither his Wounds, nor Tears of Blood, could move  
Their Savage-Breasts to show one spark of Love.  
The sight of them increased their Thirst the more,  
After his Death, the Soldiers o'er and o'er,  
With the Chief Priests importunately cry,  
To have him judged to Death immediately.  
When Pilate found that nothing would assuage  
But Death, the burning Passion of their Rage,  
Take him, said he, for I profess I find  
No fault in him, and if you have a mind  
To have him die, do you yourselves the deed,  
I dare no farther in this Case proceed.   

We have a Law, and by that Law you may,  
Reply the Jews, the great Blasphemer slay;  
Who makes himself the Son of the Most High,  
As he hath done, ought by our Laws to Die.  
The Son of God, the Jews no sooner said,  
But Pilate trembled, and was sore afraid;  
With hasty Steps unto the Judgment-Hall  
He goes again, and doth for Jesus call.  
The tortured Prisoner was no sooner come,  
But he demands what Lineage he came from.  
To him no Answer Jesus doth afford,  
Long he expects, but doth not get one word.  
Wilt thou not speak, said Pilate, unto me,  
Who have the power to kill, or set thee free?  
I own thy power said Jesus, and submit  
Unto the Cross when thou shalt sentence it.  
Yet know, the power thou hast over me  
From God proceeds, 'tis he who gives it thee.  
Therefore the greater Sins the Jews commit,  
Who make thy power to their Wills submit,  
To crucify the great Creator's, Son,  
Merely because they will it should be done.   

Appalled at this, from henceforth Pilate sought  
To free his Prisoner, but the Jews cried out,  
Thou art not Caesar's Friend, nor dost discharge  
Thine Office truly, shouldst thou him enlarge;  
Who makes himself our King; and he doth so,  
Deserves to Die, for he is Caesar's Foe.   

Then Pilate hearing what the Jews did say,  
Into the place he went called Gabbatha.  
Down on the Seat of Judgement strait he sat,  
Commanding Jesus forthwith to be brought,  
This on the Preparation-day was done  
Of their great Feast, & 'twas towards the Noon;  
Behold your King, said Pilate, they all cry,  
Away, away with him, and let him Die.  
Will ye consent unto so foul a thing,  
Said Pilate, as to Crucify your King?  
Caesar's our King, no other King we'll own,  
For this bold Wretch who claims a sovereign Throne,  
Replied the Jews, we know his Father's Name,  
And the despised Town from whence he came;  
And scorn to yield our Necks to such a One,  
Who a Blasphemer is, and Rebel known.    

His Death.  

Pilate, with this their Envy overcome,  
Past from his trembling-Lips the final Doom,  
Decreed by the great God, to drink the Cup,  
And then most vilely gave his Prisoner up  
Unto their Rage, who to the Slaughter goes,  
Dumb as a Lamb midst his insulting Foes;  
Bearing his Cross, most of that tedious way  
As he ascended unto Golgotha.  
Where being come, and nailed upon the Wood  
Through both the Hands and Feet, these Monsters stood,  
And with reproachful Terms did him revile;  
Though for their Sins his Wounds did bleed the while.  
Two guilty Villains one on either side,  
Of this most spotless Lamb they Crucify'd.  
Such an inglorious End to him they gave  
Who had no Sin, but Sinners came to save.  
Over his Cross after the Roman Rite,  
Pilate his Accusation thus did Write,  
Jesus of nazareth the King of the Jews,  
In Syriack, Greek, and Latin, he did choose  
To have it Writ, because the place was nigh  
To Salem, where this Victim hung on high.  
And many People were assembled there  
To celebrate the Feast and Passover.  
When the Chief Priests and Scribes the Title read  
They humbly begged to have it altered,  
And in the Room of it upon the Cross  
To write, he said, the King o'th' Jews he was.  
But Pilate told them what is writ, is writ,  
I am resolved, I will not alter it.   

Now when the Soldiers had their duties done,  
And crucified the great Jehovah's Son,  
Before his spotless Soul had took its flight,  
From its most pure abode, they in his sight  
Seized on his Garments, to division went,  
And in four parts his under Vest they rend;  
Each took his share, but when the seamless Coat  
All of one piece, wove from the top throughout,  
They had well viewed, they judged 'twould useless be  
If it were torn, therefore they all agree,  
That he who with the Dice could highest throw,  
The whole entire Vest to him should go.  
These things they did that David's Prophecy,  
Which he foretold of them, fulfilled might be.   

Now by the Cross of Jesus, full of grief  
The ever-blessed Virgin, with the Wife  
Of Cleophas were standing, and with them  
The pen'tent Mary, all in Tears for him.  
When Jesus midst his Tortures did espy  
These three, and John lamenting bitterly,  
He calls his Mother, and his dearest John,  
Woman, says he to her, behold thy Son;  
To the Disciple he did likewise say,  
Behold thy Mother; from that very day  
Unto his house she went, as if she were  
His aged Mother he did treat her there,  
With great respect, and tenderness of care.   

Jesus considering that his work was done,  
Each Prophecy fulfilled, but only one,  
That that might have its full completion.  
He said I thirst— well might that Tongue be dry,  
Whose Soul was scorched with such an Agony.  
Who bore a Burden none could bear but him,  
The Wrath of God due to the World for Sin.  
When lo the comfort which these Tigers yield,  
Tied to an Hysop-stalk a Sponge they filled,  
Out of a Vessel which was standing near,  
Full to the top of Gall and Vinegar;  
This to his sacred mouth they put, which he  
No sooner tasted, but immediately  
He bowed the Head, and bowing did commend  
His Soul to God, and so his Life did end.  
Then did the Sun, astonished at the sight,  
From twelve to three, obscure his glorious Light.  
O'er all the Land th' affrighted Earth did quake,  
And made that stately Pile the Temple shake,  
So that its strong Partition-Wall of Stone  
Clavae in two parts, with the Convulsion.  
The Graves were opened, and the Saints arose  
From their cold Lodgings, and appeared to those  
Within the City; the Centurion,  
Who guarded Jesus, seeing what was done;  
Trembling confessed he was th' Almighty's Son.  
Yet the remorseless Jews would not relent,  
At these prodigious Signs, but jointly went  
To Pilate, and maliciously request,  
That since the morrow was a day of Rest,  
And the great day of their unleavened Feast,  
He'd give command, their Legs first being broke,  
Down from the Cross their Bodies might be took.   

Pilate commands his Officers to do  
What they desired, to the first they go,  
And broke his Legs, they served the other so.  
But when they came to Jesus, and perceived  
How that already he his last had breathed;  
They broke not his, but in his sacred Side,  
One of the Soldiers broached a Wound so  
That from the bloody Fountain gushing came wide,  
Unmixed Water, with the purple Stream.  
He who stood by, and saw these things doth give  
This true Relation, that ye might believe;  
With this do both those Prophecies agree,  
That in the Psalms, and that in Zachary.   

Now when this horrid Tragedy was done,  
And from the Cross the Son of God ta'en down,  
Joseph of Arimathea, a devout  
But secret Follower of the Lord, besought  
Pilate to have the freedom to Inter  
The blessed Jesus, in his Sepulchre.  
Pilate consents, come where his Master lay,  
His sacred Body he removes away  
Unto a Garden of his own hard by,  
Where was a Tomb hewn for himself to lie.  
Him follows Nicodemus, (who was one  
That in the night to Jesus oft was known  
To come) into the Garden with Perfumes,  
Of Myrrh and Aloes, those embalming Gums.  
Which rich Perfumes were then among the Jews  
For the Interment of their Dead in use.  
With these in Linnen-Swaths upon the Ground,  
Joseph and he, their dearest Master wound,  
And then the Body both of them convey,  
Unto a Tomb wherein no man yet lay,  
Having no time, their Sabbath drawing near,    

His Resurrection.  

To hue him out another Sepulchre.  
Early upon the first day of the Week  
Unto the Tomb, just as the day did break,  
With Aromatic Spices Mary came  
The Body of her Sauveur to embalm.  
When she perceived (what she took care to have)  
The massy Stone rolled from the mouth o'th' Grave,  
She stooping looked into the sacred Vault,  
But found not him whom her Affection sought.  
Seized with a dreadful fear, she nimbly run  
Unto the house, where Peter was, and John,  
And told them how some envious Jew away  
Had stole her Master, but where now he lay  
She could not tell, nor light of any one  
That could inform her, who the deed had done.  
Both the Disciples hearing what she said,  
In haste arose, and to the Garden made;  
But John the nimbler of the two did come,  
Long before Peter, to the empty Tomb.  
And stooping down, he looked and did espy,  
Within the dreadful Grave the Swaths to lie,  
Yet went not in but trembling waited there,  
Till Simon came unto the Sepulchre.  
Who boldly entering saw upon the Ground,  
The Linnen-Swaths, which once his Master wound,  
And neatly folded up, by them he found  
The Napkin lying which his Temples bound.  
But in no Corner, as he idly thought,  
Can he perceive him in the silent Vault.  
Then forth he came, and John went in to view,  
Both saw, and both believed the Story true,  
Which Mary told, though they had heard him say,  
Often that he should rise on the third day,  
Neither to him, nor Scripture did they give  
So much regard, as either to believe.  
But to their homes they both, amazed to see  
The Body gone, returned immediately.  
Now Marry Magdalene who did outgo,  
In an obsequious Love, the other two;  
Stayed weeping at the Grave, and looking down,  
Within the Tomb she saw two men unknown,  
One at the Head, the other at the Feet,  
Sat where her Lord had lain, clothed all in White.  
Both asked the reason why she sorr'wing stood,  
And from her Eyes showered down that pearly Flood.   

Why should you ask me this, since him I loved,  
Who here was buried, they have hence removed;  
And what is now become of him, said she,  
Feign would I know, but none will tell it me.   

Why 'mong the Dead, should you suppose to find  
The Living, said the Angels, call to mind,  
Did he not tell you he would rise again  
On the third day, he hath performed the same.  
To his Disciples go, and tell them He  
Is risen, and will go to Galilee.  
As she was turning from the Sepulchre,  
Doubting the Tr●●● of what they told to her,  
She saw the Person whom she weeping sought  
Standing behind her, but she knew him not;  
Jesus, who knew her Love, and saw her Fears;  
Willing to dry them up, and ease her Fears;  
Asked her why she lamented, and for whom  
She was in Search into the Garden come?   

Sir, if thou art the Gardener who dost look  
Unto this place (said she) and hence hast took,  
The Body, tell me now but where it lies,  
And it shall never more offend thine Eyes,  
For at my own expense I will take care  
To find for it another Sepulchre?   

Marry, saith Jesus; strait the Voice she knew,  
And cried Rabboni, Master, Is it you?  
Prostrate upon the earth to kiss his Feet,  
She threw herself, ravished again to meet  
Him raised to Life, whom she thought dead, but he  
Would not allow her love such liberty.  
Forbear, said he, as yet I have not been  
Up with my Father, to my Brethren  
Haste, and assure them to my God I go,  
In Heaven to provide a place for you.   

Then to the place where the Disciples were,  
The joyful Mary came, and did declare  
How she had seen the Lord, and likewise what  
He did command, but they believed her not.  
When in the Evening of that day, they were  
Assembled, with the Doors close shut, for fear  
Of the malicious Jews, in Jesus came  
They knew not how, another's saluted them—  
Peace be unto you— when he had so said  
They trembling stood, most terribly afraid,  
Concluding that it could not Jesus be,  
But a delusion which they t●ere did see.  
Yet when he showed his Hands and wounded Side  
Those Marks which he received when Crucify'd,  
The Souls rejoiced, and all with one accord  
Acknowledged him to be their sovereign Lord.   

He therefore to confirm their Faith, begun  
T'expound the Scriptures, which had long foreshown  
His cruel Death, and Resurrection.  
And by his Spirit made them plainly see  
The full import of every Prophecy.  
And now farewell, said he, yet before I go,  
The same Commission I do give to you,  
Which I received, to plant a Church I came,  
Do ye succeed me, and complete the same.  
Be of good comfort, to assist you here  
I'll send you down the blessed Comforter.  
But here attend ye, till he doth come down  
Then did he go, and breath on every one,  
And by so doing did his Followers fit  
For that unerring guide the Holy Spirit.  
Which at the Feast of Pentecost came down,  
And sat like flaming-Fire, on every one.   

He gave the Keys of heavens glorious Gate  
Into their Hands, to Excommunicate  
The stubborn Sinner, to absolve or bind  
They Power had, as they just cause did find.   

But Thomas, called Dydimus, the Twin,  
Who was not with them when the Lord came in,  
Now being come, they up and told him how  
Jesus had with them been but even now.  
But he declared, unless his Eyes did see,  
And Hands did touch his Wounds, he'd faithless be.   

When his Disciples that day sev'nights were  
Met at their usual Place to join in Prayer,  
The Lord of Life the second time did come,  
They knew not how into the close-shut Room  
Thomas, said he, since you will not believe  
Your Fellow-Servants that I am alive,  
Except your Hands do touch, and Eyes do see,  
Those cruel Marks bestowed on me;  
Behold my Wounds, thy Fingers thrust into  
This Side of mine, and be not faithless now.  
My Lord and God said Thomas, now I know  
And am convined, the very God art thou.   

Hadst thou before believed what thou hast seen,  
Thy Faith, said Jesus, had then nobler been  
Than now it is, my blessing I do give  
To them who see me not, and yet believe.    

His Ascension.  

Full forty days th' Eternal Son of God,  
After he risen again, on Earth abode.  
Teaching his Followers what they ought to do,  
To make the World his Father's Will to know,  
And now just ready to ascend his Throne,  
To take possession of his purchased Crown,  
He went unto Mount- Olivet with them,  
seven Furlongs distant from Jerusalem.  
Upon whose lofty Brow with Hands lift high,  
Unto the sacred Throne of Majesty,  
He blessed them, which having done, a bright  
And shining Cloud conveyed him from their sight,  
Up to the glorious Seat of Bliss where He,  
Triumphant sits to all Eternity.  
To the Eternal Three above,  
Father, Son, and Spirit of Love,  
By all the glorious Host in Heaven,  
And Men on Earth, be Glory given.    

On Christ's Sufferings.  

LOrd, what is Man! that thou from Bliss,  
Where Love in full perfection is,  
Shouldst send thy Son, thine only One,  
To be contemned, and spit upon,  
To be the abject and the scorn,  
Of every Villain, to be torn  
With cruel Rods, to be reviled,  
And live as 'twere a live exiled;  
And after all this ignomy,  
To hang on the accursed Tree.   

That the eternal God above  
Should choose this way, to show his love  
To such as we, who do return,  
Instead of gratitude, our scorn;  
That he his only Son should send,  
To suffer an inglorious end,  
And make the Innocent to be  
An Offering for Impiety,  
It raises wonder, but 'twas so,  
Jesus did all this undergo;  
Not by compulsion, 'twas his choice  
He suffered, that we might rejoice.  
All this he did for to regain  
Lost Souls from an eternal pain.  
And, Jesus, shall not we express  
Our thanks to thee for happiness;  
Hadst thou not died we had remained,  
As Satan's Victims, ever chained;  
No act of ours could e'er have wrought  
That Reconcilement, thou hast bought,  
With thy dear Blood; thou heavens Rage  
Didst fully with thy Death assuage.  
Such obligations, Lord, should move  
Our stony-hearts to melt with Love,  
And in the strictest duty bind  
To thee the Souls of all Mankind.      


CANTATE DOMINO CANTICUM NOVUM.  
Praise the Lord up on the harp sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.   woodcut frontispiece   

EIGHTEEN OF David's PSALMS paraphrased.  
By the same Hand.  
LONDON, Printed by R. E. for R. Bentley, and M. Magnes, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, 1680.   

Eighteen of David's Psalms paraphrased.  

PSALM 22.  

MY God, my God Why am I left  
Helpless, in my distress bereft  
Of that protection I have had,  
Why are my Foes with Conquest clad?  
I call and weep both day and night,  
To thee, my God, to thee for right.  
But, O my Cries and Tears are vain,  
There's no redress, no ease of pain.  
All this shall not discourage me,  
Since I do know thou just wilt be;  
And true to every promise, Thou  
Hast bound thyself to me by Vow.  
And though Thou lettest mine Enemy's  
Insult, and deaf art to my Cries,  
Yet, Lord, thou holy art, and still  
Deservest the praise of Israel.   

Our Fathers they relied on thee,  
Thou, Lord, wast their security.  
When dangers did their Souls surround,  
To thee they called, and freedom found.  
But I my Foes most deadly scorn  
With patience hitherto have born;  
The vulgar and ignobler sort  
Do make my misery their sport,  
In an insulting way they cry,  
Let his Salvation now draw nigh,  
He trusted in the Lord, that he  
Would help him in adversity,  
Let him stretch out his arm and save,  
If either strength or power he have.   

But, Lord, their scorn and cruelty,  
Shall not dismay or trouble me;  
Since I have always found thine arm  
Able to rescue me from harm;  
Since from the Womb I came, alone  
Thou hast been my Salvation;  
And from my Mother's tender Breast,  
My God, my hope wert, and my rest.  
Now be not far from me, but save,  
Permit not the triumphing Grave,  
Insa●●te as my cruel-Foes,  
My Life untimely to enclose.  
Redeem my Soul, there's none, I know,  
Except my God, can help me now;  
For I am close besieged, and brought  
To that distress I can't get out.  
Like as a ravening Lion doth,  
Roaring pursue with open mouth  
The helpless Creature, that he may  
Affrighted fall, and be his Prey;  
So do my Foes threaten, and rave,  
To bring my Soul unto the Grave.  
So week and feeble I am grown,  
Wasted to nothing, every bone  
Disjointed, from its place doth start,  
Like Wax dissolved so is my Heart.  
And as a Potsheard so my strength  
Is dried up, my Tongue at length  
Cleaves to my Jaws, my earthly-Frame  
Is now returning whence it came.  
For the bloodthirsty have beset  
And closed me round, my Hands and Feet  
They have transfixed, distended on  
The shameful Cross, I every Bone  
Can truly count, as if I were  
A Monster, they upon me stare.  
And having got me in their Toil.  
They reckon all I have their Spoil.  
They part my Garments, but the Lot  
Is cast upon my seamless Coat;  
Contented rather than it tear  
The whole should go to one Man's share.  
But be not far from me, O Lord,  
My chiefest strength, thy help afford;  
And from these bloody-Men set free  
Thine only One, O rescue me!  
And as in former time thine Ear  
Hath open been unto my prayer,  
Be ready now my Life to save,  
From the devouring Jaws o'th' Grave.  
Then in the Congregation I  
Will sing thy praise contin'ally,  
And to thy Faithful there declare,  
How great thy Love and Mercies are.  
Ye Seed of Jacob spend your days  
In Songs of Thanks, and hearty Praise,  
For he hath not despised my Prayer  
When in Affliction, but his Ear  
Hath been attentive, and his Face  
He hath not veiled in my disgrace.  
All my discourses Lord shall be  
Of these thy Favours shown to me;  
My Vows within thine House I'll pay,  
Among the Faithful, that they may  
Join in Devotion, and each one  
Send up their thanks unto thy Throne;  
Remembering that in times of want  
Thou evermore art pleased to grant  
Unto the poor, when they do call,  
Refreshments, to rejoice them all.  
Those Nations who thy Laws do scorn,  
When they hear this, shall to thee turn,  
And jointly yield with one accord  
To worship thee, as Supreme Lord,  
For thou art Governor of all,  
And all must to thy Footstool fall.  
Those thou hast filled with good shall bow  
And they who to the Pit do go,  
Who none of all thy Wonders know,  
Their Seed shall serve thee, they thy worth  
And righteousness shall warble forth,  
From age to age shall be made known  
This that thou Lord for me hast done.  
That all men may as well as I,  
Confide in thee for Victory.    

PSALM 23.  

1.  
THe Lord my Shepherd is, whose care  
Doth over me preside;  
No want, nor any torturing fear,  
Shall long with me abide.   

2.  
He into flowery Meads doth bring  
Me, where I feed all day,  
And leads me to the bubbling Spring,  
Where I my thirst allay.   

3.  
His Spirit doth my Soul revive,  
And for his Namesake he  
Doth gently lead me, while I live,  
In paths of Piety.   

4.  
Though I should greatly be distressed,  
O'erwhelmed in deep despair,  
On thy protection, Lord, I'd rest,  
And would no evil fear.   

5.  
For thou my Shepherd art, thy Sheep  
Thou never dost neglect,  
My Soul thou wilt from danger keep,  
And safely me protect.   

6.  
In presence of envious Foes,  
Thou dost my Table spread,  
My Cup with sprightly Wine overflows,  
Sweet Oils anoint my Head.   

7.  
Mercy and Truth in a full Tide  
Shall ever follow me,  
Within thine House I will reside,  
And sing my praise of thee.    

PSALM 25.  

1.  
MY God, in deep distress,  
I lift my Soul to thee,  
There's none so timely can redress,  
As thou, my misery.   

2.  
Since I my trust repose  
In thee my sure defence,  
Exalt my name, lest that my Foes  
Deride my confidence.   

3.  
Shame none who love thy Laws,  
Let the perfidious be  
Clothed with contempt, who without cause  
contemn thy Saints, and Thee.   

4.  
Each minute I implore  
Thy special Grace, O show  
Thy Servant how he evermore  
Thy sacred Will may do.   

5.  
Keep me as thou hast done,  
In thine unerring way,  
Thou God of my Salvation,  
Permit me not to stray.   

6.  
But call to mind that love  
And bounty I have seen,  
A God of tender mercies prove,  
As thou of old hast been.   

7.  
As for those days I spent  
In Sins of high degrees,  
Remember not, now I repent  
Those grand impurities.   

8.  
But as thy mercy's great,  
Let thy compassions shine  
Upon a wretched Profligate,  
Who humbly now is thine.   

9  
Thou art most good and just,  
And 'tis thy glory, Lord,  
To teach transgressors how they must  
Conform unto thy Word.   

10.  
All those who humble are,  
In Judgement he will guide,  
From virtuous paths he doth declare  
Their Feet shall never slide.   

11.  
His mercy ever lives,  
His truth doth never die,  
Of these the fruits he ever gives  
To his continually.   

12.  
Forgive me then, O Lord,  
Those Sins of high degree,  
Which I have wrought, O lose the Cord  
Of mine Iniquity.   

13.  
Who dreads to disobey,  
The Lord will not refuse  
To teach that man the saving way,  
His Soul should always choose.   

14.  
His Barns and Coffers shall  
Enjoy the richest store,  
His Seed shall here inherit all  
He leaves, and ten times more.   

15.  
Nor will he e'er conceal  
Those duties he should do,  
What is of moment to reveal  
He shall be sure to know.   

16.  
So now what ever straight  
Attends my wand'ring Feet,  
On my Salvation I will wait,  
Who'll free me from the Net.   

17.  
Thy help I now implore,  
Have mercy, Lord, on me,  
Make bare thine Arm as heretofore,  
For I have need of thee.   

18.  
Free me in my distress,  
The pressures of my heart  
Do every minute, Lord, increase,  
O show thy saving art.   

19  
Forgive those Sins which are  
The cause of all this hate,  
Which my malicious Foes declare,  
My ease commiserate.   

20.  
For daily they increase,  
And hate mine innocence,  
Unjustly they disturb my peace,  
Chastise their insolence.   

21.  
And in thine arms enfold  
My Soul which trusts in thee,  
Mine innocence, O God, uphold,  
As thou hast promised me.   

22.  
O free thine Israel  
From troubles which enclose  
His habitations, make him dwell  
Secure amidst his Foes.    

PSALM 31.  

1.  
IN thee, O Lord, I place my trust,  
Bow down thine Ear, and from the Grave  
Preserve my Life, as thou art just,  
And show thy mighty Arm can save.  
O let me never suffer shame  
For my affiance in thy Name.   

2.  
Be thou my Rock, and Castle strong,  
When any threatening storms appear,  
Where I may rest secure from wrong,  
Till all the Clouds dispersed are.  
Direct and guide me all my days,  
Through all the labyrinths of my ways.   

3.  
Into thy hands I do commit  
My very Soul, redeemed by thee,  
Enlarge my Feet, from out the Net  
In secret laid to mischief me.  
Thou knowst, O Lord, thou God of truth,  
Thine I have been up from my youth.   

4.  
In thee the Saviour of the Just,  
Not in the Gentile Vanities,  
I have reposed my chiefest trust,  
Lord I abhor their practices;  
And always thought their Auguries,  
And Divinations to be lies.   

5.  
All my delight and joy shall be  
To reckon up thy mercies shown,  
In Troubles thou hast thought on me,  
And set my Feet in a large room,  
Free from the rage of all my Foes,  
Whose malice did my Life enclose.   

6.  
Yet I no end of trouble know,  
I sigh, and mourn, my years away,  
My Sins have brought me very low;  
For want of Flesh my Bones decay.  
Mine Eye it is consumed with grief,  
Have mercy Lord, and send relief.   

7.  
For I am made the mirth and scorn  
As well of Friends, as Enemies,  
They count me as a man forlorn,  
Because thou deaf art to my cries;  
Strangers and Friends, as men afraid,  
Fly from me, and withdraw their Aid.   

8.  
Like as a man that's dead and gone,  
Or as a Potter's broken Pot,  
Fit for no use I'm looked upon,  
Thrown out of Doors and quite forgot;  
But show thy skill, and save my Soul,  
As thou hast broke, so make me whole.   

9,  
Lord I have heard the slanderous lies,  
And scoffs of my inveterate Foes,  
Up in Rebellion they devise  
To cut me off, but interpose,  
For I have put my trust in thee,  
Thou art my God, O rescue me.   

10.  
Thou better knowst, O Lord, than I  
When is the fittest time to send  
Thy ready Succours, then draw nigh,  
To all my troubles put an end;  
Upon me make thy Face to shine,  
And save him who was ever thine.   

11.  
For since I have addressed my Prayers  
To thee, thine honour lies at stake,  
To set me free from all my fears.  
The Wicked who thy Laws forsake  
Cut off, but Lord my Life defend,  
And let confusion be their end.   

12.  
Silence the lying Lips of those  
Who in a proud and scornful way,  
Asperse thy Saints, the righteous,  
Before the Sons of Men, one day  
Thou wilt their injured Fames restore,  
To their full Shine they had before.   

13.  
Under thy Wings they shall abide,  
Secure from the Oppressors wrongs,  
In thy Pavilion thou shalt hid,  
And keep them safe from strife of Tongues.  
Blessed be my God, whose help I found,  
When numerous Foes begirt me round.   

14.  
Yet I was tempted in my flight,  
To think I should a Victim fall,  
Though thou hadst often shown thy might,  
Unto the furious Rage of Saul;  
But I no sooner did address  
My Prayers to thee, but found redress.   

15.  
Let all his Saints with me adore,  
And love the Lord, who doth preserve  
The faithful, but doth evermore  
Reward the proud as they deserve;  
Courage like Men, but act your parts,  
And God shall strengthen all your hearts.    

PSALM 40.  

3.  
FUlly resolved with patience to attend,  
Until the Lord had granted my request,  
I found at length my Prayers obtained their end,  
He calmed those fears which gave my Soul no rest.   

2.  
And brought me safe out of that dreadful Pit  
Of misery wherein I long was held,  
As on a Rock he firmly set my feet,  
And all my go afterwards upheld.   

3.  
For these his Mercies I'll extol his Name,  
And will from day to day extol his praise,  
Many shall fear him when they hear this same,  
And render true obedience to his ways.   

4.  
That Soul is blest who wholly doth rely  
Not in the strength of Man, whose frame is dust,  
Who dis-regards the Proud, and those that lie,  
Contemns their aid, but in the Lord doth trust.   

5.  
Those gracious works which thou for us hast done,  
Should I endeavour to recount them all  
In order, Lord, I cannot set them down,  
Not the one half to my remembrance call   

6.  
I know full well thou dost no pleasure take  
In Sacrifices, or Burnt-Offerings,  
These are but Shadows and will prove too weak,  
To take away the guilt of all our Sins.   

7.  
Thy Son must come, and then our sins they shall  
By an Oblation of himself, Lord, be  
For ever pardoned, and thy Servants all  
From the observance of these Rites set free:   

8.  
Lo he will come, O God, to do thy Will,  
To live a life most spotless in thine Eyes,  
Thy Laws he will most perfectly fulfil,  
And then give up himself a Sacrifice.   

9  
Thy Righteousness and Truth, as thou canst tell,  
And thy Salvation, I have published forth,  
To all thy Saints who in thy Courts do dwell,  
I have not hid but magnified thy worth.   

10.  
Do thou, O God, my fainting heart preserve,  
Against those Foes who seek my overthrow,  
And though I justly for my Sins deserve  
Thy greatest Plagues, yet, Lord, thy mercies show.   

11.  
Confound with shame all those who lie at watch  
To take away my life, do thou afford  
Thy timely succour, and their own lives catch  
In those same snares, which they have set, O Lord.   

12.  
As for the bitter scoffs  thrown at me,  
Return them on themselves, as their reward;  
Let me, O God, their speedy ruin see,  
And when they call let not their cries be heard.   

13.  
Then shall those pious Souls who trust in thee  
Rejoice, that thou art just in all thy ways,  
Inflamed with love they shall contin'ally  
Applaud thy Mercies, and sing forth thy Praise.   

14.  
When I am low and in great misery,  
Thou art my Help, my Fortress, and my Stay,  
To thee, O God, for succour do I fly,  
To my Salvation haste, make no delay.    

PSALM 41.  

1.  
Blessed is the Man who takes a tender care,  
Of those who on the Bed of Sickness lie,  
He need not in his Visitation fear,  
But to find favour, and that speedily;  
In all his troubles God will interpose,  
For his relief, and bless him from his Foes.   

2.  
When that Diseases on his Body seize,  
And on the Bed of Sorrow he is cast,  
Where others tumble, and can find no ease,  
Racked with tortures of their actions past,  
Then will the Lord for mercies he hath shown  
Soften his Bed, and strengthen him when down.   

3.  
I humbly therefore at the Throne of Grace,  
Beg that the guilt of all my Sins may be  
For ever pardoned, hid not, Lord, thy face,  
But heal my Soul as thou hast promised me;  
Though I deserve thy Wrath, yet love express,  
And every thought and crooked act redress.   

4.  
My Foes a thousand ways my ruin plot,  
Concerning me they speak maliciously;  
When will he die, say they, and be forgot,  
Let his name perish to Eternity;  
Before my Face none more obliging are,  
Behind my back their hatred they declare.   

5.  
Thus underhand they secretly combine  
To make me odious in the Eyes of all,  
Invention's racked to compass this design,  
And Slanders are contrived to work my fall;  
Defamed they think my Name shall never rise,  
Under the load of all their Calumnies.   

6.  
My own familiar Friend who always eat  
At my own Board, and in my Bosom lay,  
Whom with the great'st endearments I did treat,  
My most retired Counsels did betray;  
But, Lord, restore me to my Throne, and Right,  
That their perfidious acts I may requite.   

7.  
By this I guess thou hast a love for me,  
Because I find thy watchful Providence,  
Hath disappointed them of Victory,  
And hitherto preserved mine Innocence;  
For which both I, and all with one accord  
Will sing Eternal Hymns to israels Lord.    

PSALM 51.  

1.  
CLeanse me, O Lord, from that most horrid Sin  
Of guiltless Blood, which Lust hath brought me in,  
And from the boundless Ocean of thy Love,  
Let not my other sins my ruin prove;  
To such an high degree I have transgressed,  
That wheresoever I go I find no rest.   

2.  
And though no earthly Judge can claim a right  
To punish my Transgressions in thy sight,  
I stand arraigned, and to thy Sentence must  
Or stand, or fall, as to a doom most just.  
If to eternal Flames, I must obey,  
No rescue thence, though I a Sceptre sway.   

3.  
Thou better knowest O Lord my frame, than I,  
How I was shapen in iniquity,  
When in my Mother's Womb I then put on  
The spotted-Garment of Corruption;  
But this is no excuse for this foul fact,  
Which my unbridled Lust hath made me act.   

4.  
Full well I know, that in the inward-part,  
Thou lov'st a spotless, and a sincere heart;  
I have suffic'ent Grace from thee to know  
What to forbear, and what I ought to do;  
Yet into wilful Sin I headlong run,  
Against a clear and full Conviction.   

5.  
Purge me with Hyssop and I shall be clean,  
Whiter than is the purest Snow from stain.  
Let not Vriah's blood, which to thee cries  
For vengeance, Lord, to my confusion rise:  
But be thou reconciled, release from pain  
My tortured Soul unto her joys again.   

6.  
Return once more unto thy wont Love,  
And from thy sight for evermore remove  
My weighty Sins, and by thy work of Grace  
Within my heart each lustful thought deface,  
That I may never by a wanton glance  
Offend again, and so my Crimes enhanse.   

7.  
Shouldst thou for ever banish me thy sight,  
And from my Soul withdraw thy saving Light,  
I were undone, but Lord afford thy Grace,  
And veil not from mine Eyes thy glorious Face;  
With thy free Spirit me to those Joys restore  
Which once I had, and let me fall no more.   

8.  
Then shall I Sinners by thy Grace convert,  
And make Transgressor's in thy ways expert,  
Then shall my Tongue, when once my Soul is  
From the pollutions of this bloody deed,  
Declare thy Truth, my Lips and Mouth shall be freed  
From day to day employed, in praising thee.   

9  
Didst thou a legal Sacrifice desire,  
Thousands of Bulls & Rams consumed with Fire,  
Upon thy flaming-Altar thou shouldst see  
These offered up for my Adultery;  
A broken and a contrite heart for Sin,  
Is the burnt-Off'ring thou delightest in.   

10.  
Do good to Zion, show thy Love to all  
Who tread her Courts, and on thy Name do call;  
Then shall the smoke of Bulls which we consume,  
Upon thine Altar yield a sweet Perfume,  
And with our Prayers and Praises reach thy Throne;  
And Blessings thence upon our Heads pull down.    

PSALM 55.  

1.  
ALmighty God, who evermore art near  
With thy Relief to those who injured are,  
Give ear unto my Prayer, hear how I mourn,  
Thrust from my Kingdom, and pursued with scorn.   

2.  
My Son and Subjects on my ruin bend,  
Tax me as guilty of misgovernment,  
They do complot my final overthrow,  
With all the rancour that their hearts can show.   

3.  
At this I tremble, and the dismal thought  
Of my apparent danger, Lord, hath brought  
Such apprehensions to my troubled mind,  
That all the Terrors of the Grave I find.   

4.  
O that I had but Wings, than would I flee  
Into some desert place, where I might be  
Safe from the Storms and Tempests which my Son  
And Subjects raise, by their Rebellion.   

5.  
But thou, O Lord, who always dost deride  
The Wisdom of the Wise, do thou divide  
Their Consultations, make them disagree  
In their rebellious projects against me.   

6.  
I have heard from a most faithful Friend,  
〈◊〉 the Archite, whom I back did send,  
〈◊〉 strife & violence is their whole discourse,  
〈◊〉 Tutelars to whom they have recourse.   

7.  
●●e guard the City day and night, the round  
〈◊〉 walk about the Walls, within is found  
●●●ief and Wrong, and all the Cruelties  
〈◊〉 Villainy can act, or wit devise.   

8.  
〈◊〉 my reproach and all this misery  
〈◊〉 ●●eded from an open Enemy,  
〈◊〉 have born it, sure I had foreseen,  
●●so prevented this I now am in.   

9  
〈◊〉 was thou whom I esteemed above  
●●ther men, and as my Soul did love;  
〈◊〉 who didst all my secret Counsels know,  
●●ith me to the house of God didst go.   

10.  
●●●s  act of his he shall  
〈◊〉 to perfect his designs, but fall  
〈◊〉 all his horrid Crimes down quick to Hell,  
〈◊〉 wickedness in all his thoughts doth dwell.   

11.  
〈◊〉 for me, I'll call in my distress,  
〈◊〉 every day my Prayer I will address,  
〈◊〉 is Mercy-Seat, and he shall hear.  
●●om the danger save me which I fear.   

12.  
Though this Rebellion with great strength ●●  
Is managed and contrived, God takes my pa●●  
Who will in peace restore me to my right.  
Maintain my Cause, and all my Battles fig●●●.   

13.  
He will afflict them, and my Feet uphold,  
Even that God who doth abide of Old;  
But they despise his Rod, because they are  
Successful in the courses which they steer.   

14.  
The Laws of their Allegiance they have 〈◊〉  
They make, and at their pleasure Oaths re●  
Words smooth as Oil were dropped, when a 〈◊〉  
They were inventing how to do me wro●●   

15.  
But let their base designs be what they will  
Never so wicked, my concerns shall still  
Be cast upon the Lord, who will no doubt  
Restore me to my Throne, though now 〈◊〉   

16.  
But the Bloodthirsty, and the Perjured 〈◊〉  
In their full strength into destruction fall,  
As for myself I'll put my confidence  
In thine Almighty-Arm for my defence.    

PSALM 73.  

1.  
ALL who are sincere shall find  
God most gracious, just, and kind,  
Ever ready to reward  
Those who do his Laws regard.   

2.  
Yet my Faith was well-nigh gone,  
When I saw the Wicked run  
In forbidden Paths at will,  
And escaped unpunished still.   

3.  
When as those who do obey  
Thy Commands, and seldom stray,  
Thine afflictive Rod do bear,  
While these Wretches prosperous are.   

4.  
Full of Health, and likely long  
Here to live, of Body strong,  
None of all those Plagues they know  
Which others feel and undergo.   

5.  
Rapine and Oppression  
As a Garment they put on,  
In such base unlawful means  
They more Pride, than in just gains.   

6.  
They in Wealth and Grandeur grow  
Suddenly, and know not how,  
And are Masters of a Mine  
Which they never did divine.   

7.  
To oppress is all their talk,  
Those who piously do walk,  
They profanely take a pride  
God and goodness to deride.   

8.  
Therefore when the godly see  
This their horrid Blasphemy,  
And those evils which they do,  
Some their Eyes with Tears o'erflow.   

9  
Thus they argue, can God see  
And permit such Sins to be  
Here unpunished, sure his Eye  
Can't discern Iniquity.   

10.  
These in worldly-wealth increase,  
Flourish here, and are at peace,  
In an even course they run  
Till their Web is almost spun.   

11.  
But each Morning when I rise,  
Thou, O Lord, dost me chastise;  
Under pressures sore I live,  
While the Wicked grow and thrive.   

12.  
Wherefore then have I in vain,  
Kept my hands from unjust Gain,  
Been in all my ways exact,  
As to Thought, as well as Act?   

13.  
Such sad thoughts did me confound,  
But I soon mine error found,  
That it was a grand Offence  
To distrust thy Providence.   

14.  
Yet I was perplexed in mind,  
That the Wicked, Lord, should find  
So much favour, this to me  
Seemed at first a Mystery.   

15.  
Till I with my Feet drew high,  
Lord, unto thy Sanct'ary,  
Then I understood thy ways,  
And the end of these men's days.   

16  
Sure on High thou dost them set,  
That their fall may be more great,  
In a moment they come down  
Headlong in destruction.   

17.  
O, those Horrors that possess  
Their sad Souls, who can express!  
Sins like Furies on each hand  
In most dreadful Forms do stand.   

18.  
Thou shalt make their Shadow fly  
In the twinkling of an Eye,  
Riches, Pleasures, and their All  
Vanish, and to nothing fall.   

19  
Then what Folly was't in me  
To conceive a slight from thee;  
Like a Beast to show dislike  
When thy Rod did friendly strike?   

20.  
For thou hadst a careful Eye  
Over me partic'larly,  
Free from danger did I stand  
By thine All-protecting hand.   

21.  
Thou shalt me most safely lead  
Through those troubles which I dread,  
Bringing me to great Renown,  
And a never-fading Crown.   

22.  
Than thyself I do not know  
Any God that can do so,  
Thou the God art whom I love,  
Other Gods I don't approve.   

23.  
For I find thou ever art,  
When Afflictions seize my Heart,  
Always to me a strong Fort,  
Whereunto I may resort.   

24.  
As for those who put their trust  
In another, 'tis but just  
That they should for ever die,  
For their base Apostasy.   

25.  
But for me I will adhere,  
Lord, to thee while I am here,  
And excite Men to a Sense  
Of thy gracious Providence.    

PSALM 49.  

HEar all ye People; my Discourse will be  
A Meditation fit for each degree;  
I'll treat of Wisdom, that both Rich and Poor,  
May gather Knowledge from her immense Store.  
When Death and the Distempers of old Age,  
Knock at my Door to leave this earthly Stage,  
Wherefore should I repine, and show more Love  
To this low Mansion than that blessed above;  
Where I shall far more lasting Treasures find,  
In value greater than those left behind?   

They who in Riches trust, and do adore,  
Within their Iron-Shrines, their Idol Oar,  
Cannot with it themselves or others save,  
From the close Hug of the respectless Grave.  
Riches were never known to have that strength  
To rescue Men from Death, they must at length  
Turn to their Mother Earth, from whence they all  
Had their first Birth, and back again must fall.  
The Wise this Fate as well as Brutish have,  
Death takes not one, and doth the other leave;  
Yet do these Wretches live as if they were  
Exempt in this same Doom to bear a share;  
They heap up Riches, but their Treasures will  
Fly from their own, and others Coffers fill.  
For die they must, and when they die who knows  
But all their Stores go to enrich their Foes;  
Yet their Possessions by their Names they call,  
And fond think their Dwellings firmly shall  
Last while the World remains, their Heirs we see  
Have the same thoughts of their Posterity;  
But Death will come, where in the Grave, that hold,  
They all must lie, as Flocks together fold,  
Until the Resurrection of the Just,  
Who with the Lord that day in Judgement must  
Help to condemn them; Lord, I hope that Morn  
Thou wilt my Temples with a Crown adorn.   

As for the Honours, and the large increase  
Of the Ungodly, and his short-lived peace,  
None should be troubled, for that dismal night,  
In which he sets, his Glories take their flight.  
Though while he lived he thought himself most blest,  
And said unto his Soul, ' Soul take thy rest,  
‛ For I have laid me up a lasting Store  
‛ Of Wealth & Honour, which the World adore;  
‛ These high will raise me on the Wings of Fame,  
‛ And give me here a never-dying Name.  
‛ But when Death comes (in that same needful day)  
‛ These, like deceitful Friends, will slip away:  
‛ Nor can they (as thou thinkest) an Arch of praise,  
‛ Upon their Airy-Bottoms for thee raise.  
‛ Nothing but heavenly Wisdom can ensure  
‛ Praises unto thy Name, which shall endure.  
‛ Wisdom, which for the future doth take care,  
‛ And seeks for Treasures which immortal are.  
‛ Man that in Honour & in Wealth doth grow,  
‛ And understands not whence these Blessings flow,  
‛ Than the dumb Beasts doth no more Wisdom show.  
Such Fools as he shall never have a sight  
Of those eternal Joys of the upright.    

PSALM 78.  

ATtend ye Sons of Jacob, I'll unfold  
To you those Parables, our Fathers told  
To us, that we should to our Children show  
What mighty deeds God did for Isr'el do.  
That all succeeding Ages may sing forth  
His noble Acts, the greatness of his Worth.  
This duty God did lay on Israel,  
And strictly charge they should their Children tell,  
That Generations, which were yet unborn,  
Might know the wondrous-Work of their return,  
And not his Mercies and his Judgements scorn:  
And like their Father's slight his easy Yoke,  
Contemn this God, and other Gods invoke.   

The Ephramites, well Armed with Swords and Bows,  
Able to Conquer, fled before their Foes;  
And why, they did forsake their chiefest stay,  
Forgot the Wonders done the other day.  
How God had brought them out of Pharoah's Land,  
From their hard Tasks by his all-conquering hand;  
The Sea divided, and the Waters round  
As Bulwarks stood, they passed through on dry ground:  
A Cloud did Veil them as they walked by day,  
I'th' night a Firy-Pillar showed the way.  
He watered them, as Shepherds do their Flocks,  
Not in hew'n-Cisterns, but from unhew'n Rocks;  
Streams from those craggy-Pyramids did flow,  
And step by step did with his Isr'el go.  
Yet still they murmured as they did before,  
And with fresh Sins provoked him more & more;  
They quarrelled God, and did his care distrust,  
They asked for Meat, not for their wants, but Lust.  
Can God, say they, here furnish us a Table  
Of Flesh and Bread? he can't, he is not able;  
'Tis true he quenched our thirst from yonder Rock,  
But where's the Flesh to feed his hungry Flock?  
When God heard this, his wrath like Fire did burn,  
His long-tryed Mercy did to anger turn,  
Because they disbelieved what he had done,  
And gave no credence to's Salvation.  
Though he had shown such tokens of his Love,  
By opening all the Clouds of Heaven above,  
And raining Manna that they all might eat,  
That heav'nly-Bread he gave them for their Meat;  
He filled and fed them with the Angel's Food,  
And as the Waters when they make a Flood  
Come tumbling down, so Flesh showered on the ground  
Vast heaps of Quails, did all their Camps surround.  
Yet though at their requests he sent this Meat,  
They disbelieve him still, and murmuring eat,  
Then was his Anger kindled, and the Chief  
Of all their Tribes he slew for disbelief.  
Though Plagues throughout their Camps like Lightning run,  
Their hearts were stubborn, and they would not turn;  
But still they Sinned, and sinning did declare  
They'd not believe, in vain his Wonders were;  
Therefore their Rebel-lives he made them waste  
In that same place, but two escaped at last.  
But when exemplar punishments did fall,  
They then returned, and on their God did call;  
Then they acknowledged that they were his Flock,  
He was their Saviour, and their mighty Rock;  
Their Tongues did this declare, their Hearts the while  
Were as before as hollow, and as vile.  
But God being full of Mercy did forgive  
Their feigned Repentance, willing they should live;  
His Justice to his Mercy did give way,  
Unwilling to consume them in one day:  
For he remembered what they were, alas,  
But as a Wind which soon away doth pass.   

Ten times their diffidence they did express,  
And longed for Egypt in the Wilderness.  
So senseless were they that they never thought  
What there they suffered, nor how God had brought  
Them forth from thence, and by their Moses hand  
Destroyed the Pride and Glories of that Land.  
He turned their wholesome Rivers into Blood,  
Vast Swarms of Flies, and Frogs devoured their Food.  
The fruitful burdens of the Earth were lost,  
Their Vines with Hail were killed, their Trees with Frost.  
Their Cows, their Sheep, their Asses, and their Colts;  
Either with Hail were slain, or Thunderbolts.  
So great his Anger was, his Wrath so fierce,  
He did his Plagues throughout the Land disperse.  
But while poor Egypt was thus fore oppressed,  
To have their firstborn slain of Man and Beast;  
His Mercies and his care did still attend  
On Israel, he did their All defend.  
He led them through the Sea as on dry ground,  
In which proud Pharaoh, and his Hosts were drowned.  
He led them all along, and Wonders wrought,  
Till at the length he them to Zion brought.  
Then dreadful Fears upon the Heathen fell,  
These Tribes o'ercome them, in their Tents did dwell.  
They had not long possessed, but soon were cloyed,  
They wanted something, though they all enjoyed;  
And as their Fathers did Apostatise,  
So they to Idols offered Sacrifice.   

When God heard this, he suffered Ark and all  
His chosen Ones in Heath'nish hands to fall.  
So sore displeased, and angry was the Lord,  
He gave them up to the devouring Sword;  
Their youngmen were destroyed, their Virgins now  
Lived single lives, by force, and not by Vow.  
Their sacred Priests did perish by their Swords.  
Their Wives expressed no sorrow by their words;  
But Grief sat lively painted on each Face,  
Such consternations were in every place;  
That God took pity, and arose at length,  
Gave their enfeebled-Hearts, and Arms fresh strength,  
He smote with Botches in their hinder parts  
The Philistims, and gave them timorous Hearts;  
Their Dagon-God, they in their Temple found,  
Before the Ark, lie shattered on the ground.  
So what they got they durst not now defend,  
But richly laded back again it send.   

Moreover Judah of all jacob's race  
God chose, and Zion for his restingplace.  
And this conspic'ous-Hill 'bove all he blest,  
Decreeing here his Ark should ever rest.  
He lowly- David from his Sheep did take,  
From that Employ, he made him undertake  
The care of all his People, which with skill  
He did perform, according to his William.  
He governed them with Wisdom, and with Art,  
Walking before his God with all his heart.    

PSALM 90.  

1.  
THou who art God from all Eternity,  
Long 'fore this Globe of Earth was formed by thee.  
Thou who hast since, blessed be thy glorious Name,  
Upheld both us, and this same earthly Frame,  
Hear thou the fervent Prayers, the hearty-Groans,  
That are sent up by thine afflicted Ones.   

2.  
When Man, thine Image which thou didst create,  
Apostatised from his first happy State,  
Unhappy we by our Forefathers deed,  
Have an entail of Death upon our Seed;  
Our times are in thy Hands, and 'tis but just  
When thou command'st, we should return to dust.   

3.  
Should we be suffered, Lord, to linger here  
A tedious Life, as our Forefathers were,  
That length of time Methusalah did see,  
What is it, Lord, to thy immensity?  
A thousand years are nothing in thy sight,  
As yesterday, or as a Watch i'th' night.   

4.  
Death as a Torrent sweeps us clean away,  
And in a moment all our Joys decay,  
Like as the Grass i'th' Morn, so every one  
Doth flourish then, but is at Noon cut down.  
So vain are we, and of so short a time,  
That all our Glories whither in their Prime,   

5.  
Thus are we snatched from off this worldly-Stage,  
In the full strength and verdure of our Age;  
For thou hast set before thy searching Eyes,  
As well our close, as known Apostasies;  
In thy displeasure all our days we spend,  
And as a Vapour so our Lives do end.   

6.  
Threescore and ten is the computed length  
Of our Terrestrial Lives, but if through strength  
We do attain unto the fourthscore year;  
Then they are interwove with Grief and Care;  
Like as a Dream so soon they pass away,  
So fading are our Joys, so short's our stay.   

7.  
And though thy Wrath is equal to our fear,  
Yet we so sensess are, and void of care,  
That we contemn thy Rod, and think we shall  
Inhabit here, and never die at all;  
But teach us so to number all our days,  
That we may hate the Follies of our ways.   

8,  
Return, O Lord, at length; how long wilt thou  
Look on thy Servants with an angry Brow?  
O give us now thine everlasting Love,  
And from our harrass'd-Souls do thou remove  
The sentence of Excision, long have we  
Expected, Lord, thy promis'd-Land to see.   

9  
Give days of Joys so many as may last,  
Longer than all those years of Sorrows past,  
Now magnify thy glorious work of Grace,  
Not only unto us, but to our Race;  
Thy gracious Favour and thy Mercy show,  
And frame our Wills, thy sacred Will to do.    

PSALM 91.  

1.  
He who his whole concern entirely flings  
Under the Shadow of the Almighty's Wings,  
Shall find a powerful God, a faithful Friend,  
A certain Refuge to his Journeys end.   

2.  
This never-failing Axiom makes me go  
To him, as to a Fort in which I know  
No bloody-Wars, nor sweeping Pestilence,  
Nor wit of Man, can snatch my Life from thence.   

3.  
For as the stately Eagle guards from wrong,  
Under her spreading Wings, her helpless Young;  
So will the God of all the Earth be sure  
Under his care that I shall live secure.   

4.  
Though Death's empoisoned Arrows take their flight,  
And slaughter thousands both by day & night,  
Not one of all these deadly Shafts shall be  
So rightly levelled, as to mischief me.   

5.  
Yet I shall see the Wicked's just reward,  
Vast piles of those who did not fear the Lord,  
〈◊〉 in these heaps my Carcase shall not lie,  
Because I did upon the Lord rely.   

6.  
For he his holy Angels shall command,  
When heavy Judgements post throughout the Land,  
That neither I, nor those within my Wall,  
Shall taste those evils on the Wicked fall.   

7.  
The Lion and the Adder, without dread,  
I shall encounter, on their Necks shall tread;  
The ravenous Beasts like tame ones shall submit,  
And yield themselves as conquered at my Feet.   

8.  
Because my whole delight was to fulfil  
The Laws of God, and to obey his Will,  
Because I did respect his glorious Name,  
With honour he'll exalt me for the same.   

9  
I shall no sooner call but he will hear,  
And free me from those Judgements others bear,  
He'll crown my Life with length of days below,  
And me above will his Salvation show.    

PSALM 111.  

1.  
I'll ever bless the Lord, and praise  
His Name in secret with th' upright,  
And in his Courts extol his ways,  
Those Wonders done in Isr'els' sight.   

2.  
His Works so great and many are,  
They are a Meditation fit  
For the most Pious, and by far  
Than other studies, benefit.   

3.  
He great and glorious things hath done,  
His Truth for ever shall abide,  
He made us, and to every one  
Hath been a Fort, and constant guide.   

4.  
Those worthy deeds which he hath wrought  
Within each breast, have left behind  
Impressions, time can never blot,  
The Lord is merciful, and kind.   

5.  
Whatever it is the Faithful want,  
They never fail of a supply,  
He will perform his Covenant,  
To all his Servants faithfully.   

6.  
The Virtue of his Works were shown  
Unto his People, in their sight  
The Heathen from their Lands were thrown▪  
And Israel enjoyed their Right.   

7.  
His Actions just and righteous are,  
All his appointments stand so fast,  
And that exact uprightness bear,  
They never alter to the last.   

8.  
From the Egyptian-Yoke he freed,  
As he did vow to Abraham,  
The Jews his own peculiar Seed,  
Holy, and Reverend his Name.   

9  
Then let us all his Laws obey,  
And of his Judgements stand in dread,  
These teach us Wisdom, and the way  
To our eternal Joys they lead.   

10.  
And while we here a Being have,  
Let's celebrate our Maker's praise,  
Translated hence we never leave  
To chant above the self same Lays.    

PSALM 134.  
HAd not the Lord in a most signal way,  
Stood up against our Foes, may Isr'el say,  
Had not the God of Jacob set us free,  
When held in Fetters of Captivity,  
The Torrent of their Fury had o'errun  
Our Souls, with ruin and destruction.  
But now his glorious Name be ever praised,  
He to renown our abject State hath raised;  
And hath preserved us from their cruel Rage  
Which nothing, but his Power, cowl assuage.  
Safely at length our Souls escaped are,  
Though late entangled, from the Fowler's Snare;  
Yet not our Strength, nor Merits do we own  
To be the Cause of our Salvation;  
It was the Arm of the Almighty Lord,  
Who Fought, and Conquered, and our Joys restored.   

PSALM 125.  

1.  
WHoso on God relies, stands fixed & sure,  
As Zions holy Mount, which shall endure,  
Upon whose sacred Top the Lord declares  
He will reside, and hear his Servants Prayers.   

2.  
As Salem's safe from storms on every hand,  
Fenced with those lofty-Hills which round her stand,  
So are the Faithful, in th' Almighty's Arms  
Impailed secure from all destructive harms.   

3.  
Yet for a while Oppression may take place,  
And prosper here, disturbing Isr'el's peace,  
But the ungodly shall not long bear sway,  
Lest that the Righteous prove as bad as they.   

4.  
For God is good, his care is over those  
Who are sincere in heart, who do repose  
Their confidence in him, he'll Crown their Love  
With all those Joys the Blessed reap above.   

5.  
As for those Souls who basely turn aside  
From all his Laws, and wont his Yoke abide;  
Whom none of all his Judgements can forewarn,  
In endless-Flames they shall for ever burn.  
While in perpet'al peace his Israel,  
That Her'tage of his own, shall ever dwell.    

PSALM 133.  

1.  
Lord,  
How glorious in thine Eyes do those appear  
Who follow peace, and as Religion binds,  
In perfect union, communion are,  
Having no discords in their ways and minds.   

2.  
Such happy concord yields a fragrant smell,  
Like to that precious Ointment which was shed  
Upon thy High Priests Crown, and downwards fell  
Upon his Beard, and o'er his Garments spread.   

3.  
As the refreshing-Dew did gently fall  
And cherish Hermon, and bless Zions Hill,  
So on the peaceful Heads of such Men shall  
The blessings of the Lord, each Morn distil.    

PSALM 140.  

1.  
DEfend me, Lord, from Malice and Deceit,  
From all those Snares, the Proud have laid in wait  
To catch my Soul, my ways they have beset  
With treacherous Gins, and Nets my Life to get;  
But, Lord, their Wiles, without thy leave I know,  
Cannot effect my wished-for overthrow.   

2.  
Like as a Serpent from his poisonous Tongue,  
Darts forth his Venom, so they all day long  
From their destructive Tongues, without just ground  
With slaund'rous Lies, my spotless Life do wound;  
But thou my Shield art, under whom I dwell  
Secure, or in this Conflict I had fell.   

3.  
Yet, Lord, lest these Men should exalted be,  
As sure they will, if that they should go free,  
Let their Device take no effect at all,  
Wherein they thought to make me, make them fall,  
And rise no more, let them in Flames expire,  
And with thy burning Wrath, Lord, Fan the Fire.   

4.  
This fatal Doom let it for ever be  
The Wicked's Portion, that the Just may see  
Thou wilt maintain their Cause, and from thy Throne  
Confound the lying and backbiteing-Tongue;  
Then shall the Righteous flourish in thy sight,  
And Laud thy Name who dost defend their Right.    
The end of the Psalms.   

THRENODIA: OR, THE LAMENTATIONS OF Jeremiah.  
paraphrased. WITH A PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH.  
By James Chamberlain.  
LONDON, Printed by R. E. for R. Bentley, and M. Magnes, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, 1680.   

LAMENTATIONS.  

CHAP. I. 1. The miserable estate of Jerusalem by reason of her Sin. 12. She complaineth of her Grief. 18. And confesseth God's Judgement to be Righteous.  

1.  
HOw doth the City, she that once was known  
To have her Temples circled with a Crown,  
Sat with a mournful Wreath of Cypress now,  
Like a forsaken Widow, on her Brow?  
She that was once among the Nations great,  
And as a glorious Princess ruling sat  
Among the lesser Provinces, is made  
Unto the Foe to bow her stately Head.   

2.  
Down her pale Cheeks the pearly drops do trill  
Both Day and Night, which from her Eyes distil,  
Amongst her Lovers she hath found not one,  
That doth the troubles of her Soul bemoan,  
And that which adds fresh Fuel to her Woes,  
Is, that her Friends are now become her Foes.   

3.  
Judah, for all those Cruelties which She  
Hath done, is gone into Captivity,  
She dwells among the Heathen, where her mind  
Doth no repose from all her Trouble find,  
All her Pursuers, who did for her look  
Have in the narrow ways her overtook.   

4.  
The Ways of Zion mourn, because no Guests,  
As they were wont, approach her solemn Feasts:  
All her frequented Gates forsaken are,  
No more Oblations in her Courts appear:  
Because these fail, her Reverend Priests do grieve,  
Her lovely Virgins do in Sorrow live,  
And She who once an undisturbed Peace  
And plenty had, sits now in heaviness.   

5.  
Her Foes the only Chief are, who command  
Within her Gates with an imperious Hand,  
They prosper, happy and successful are,  
While She the Judgements of the Lord doth bear,  
For her Transgressions, are her Children gone  
Captives before her Foes to Babylon.   

6.  
From Zions' Daughter all the lovely Grace  
Departed is, that once adorned her Face;  
Her Princes are with Hunger almost pined,  
Become like Hearts that can no Pasture find;  
Vainly they think with fainting Limbs to fly  
Before the Hunter, but fall down and die.   

7.  
Jerusalem did to remembrance call  
When she afflicted was and made to fall,  
Those pleasant and delightful things which she  
Lost, when she went into Captivity.  
Her jeering Foes upon her Sorrows played,  
And May-Games at her sacred Sabbaths made.   

8.  
Jerusalem hath sinned grievously,  
And is removed for her Impiety.  
All that adored her, do her now despise  
Having beheld her lewd Adulteries:  
Sighing she turns her mounful Face aside,  
And vents her Sorrows in a Briny Tide.   

9  
Filled with Pollution, in her wanton mind  
Her fearful end could no admittance find:  
Therefore, when least she did of Judgement dream,  
Down from her fancied Bliss she headlong came  
In a most fearful manner, and no Eye  
Let fall a Tear at her Calamity.  
Behold, O Lord, the troubles of my Breast,  
And how they are by a proud Foe increased.   

10.  
His impious hand hath from her Eyes removed  
Those sacred things, which she so dearly loved:  
Within her Courts the Heathen have been seen,  
Who were forbade by Thee to enter in.   

11.  
Her starving People for the want of Bread  
Do sighing sit, not to be comforted,  
All their delightful things they given have  
For Food, to save them from the noisome Grave:  
Behold, O Lord, consider how I now  
Am held in no esteem, and made to bow.   

12.  
Have ye no sense of my afflicted case,  
Ye savage Monsters, who this way do pass?  
Stay but a while, and tell me if your Eyes  
Have seen such sad amazing Miseries,  
As my incensed God is pleased to lay  
Upon my Soul, in this his wrathful day.   

13.  
He from above into my Bones hath sent  
Consuming-Fire, as a punishment:  
He for my Feet an unseen Net hath spread,  
Amidst those sinful Paths I used to tread,  
And backwards turned me; so that now I lie  
Wasting, and fainting in my Misery.   

14.  
He round my Neck hath put the heavy Band,  
Of my Transgressions with his angry Hand:  
And my Herculean Strength hath weakened so,  
That I am captived by a feeble Foe;  
Nor shall I ever able be again  
To burst asunder my uneasy Chain.   

15.  
The Lord hath trampled under foot the strong  
And valiant Men, which did to me belong:  
In fury he hath sent an armed Host  
To slay my Youth, and spoil my fertile Coast:  
As in a Winepress, the Almighty hath  
Trod Judah's Daughter, in his burning Wrath.   

16.  
No downy Sleep can on mine Eyelids creep,  
For these Afflictions day and night I weep;  
Adown my Cheeks the briny Tears do roll,  
Because the Lord, who should relieve my Soul,  
Is far from me; my Children des'olate are,  
And Prisoners made unto the Foe in War.   

17.  
Zion for Succour hath her Hands stretched out,  
But all in vain; the Lord hath round about  
Gird Jacob with his Foes; Jerusalem  
Is as a menstr'ous Wretch, abhorred by them.   

18.  
The Lord is Righteous, and his Judgements all,  
For my notorious Sins, do justly fall  
Upon my wanton head: I all my days  
Have been a Rebel to his sacred ways:  
Hear, I beseech you, all ye passers by,  
Look how forsaken I in Sorrow lie:  
My Maids, and young Men by a conq'ring-hand  
Are Captives led, into another Land.   

19  
I called on those, whom I my Lover's thought,  
To come and help me, but they helped me not:  
My Priests and Elders in the Streets fell Dead;  
Famished with Hunger for the want of Bread.   

20.  
Behold, O Lord, the Judgements of my Sin;  
My Bowels work, my heart can't rest within;  
Sad and dejected in the midst of Woes  
I trembling sit, to see the slaughtering Blows  
Of the devouring Sword abroad; the while  
Within my Gates pale Famine makes a spoil.   

21.  
My treacherous Friends have heard how sadly I  
Have mourned, but none would to my help draw nigh:  
My Foes have likewise all my Trouble known,  
And greatly joy at what thy Hand hath done:  
But thou wilt bring their established day at last,  
And plague them sorely, who have laid me waste.   

22.  
Then let their Sins in their full measure come  
Before thy Face, and let them have their Doom;  
A Doom as sharp as I have found from thee,  
Do unto them as thou hast done to me:  
It's time, O Lord, that thou shouldst take my part,  
And ease the Pains of my afflicted Heart.    

CHAP. II. 1. Jeremiah lamenteth the Misery of Jerusalem. 20. He camplaineth thereof to God.  

1.  
HOw hath the Lord forsaken his delight,  
And masked his Zion in the Shade of Night,  
Took from her lovely Brow the awful Crown,  
And hath from Heaven to Earth her Beauties thrown,  
Rememb'ring not in this his wrathful day  
The sacred Temple, where we used to Pray.   

2.  
He ruin'd hath, and utterly destroyed  
Those pleasant Tents, which Jacob long enjoyed:  
Thrown down the Holds of Judah's Daughter round,  
And razed, and made them levelly with the ground:  
Yea as a thing unclean hath made the Land,  
And all her Princes in his Eyesight stand.   

3.  
He in his Fury israel Strength hath quelled,  
And his all-sisting-Arm from him withheld  
Before the Foe, in his consuming Ire  
Hath Jacob wasted with devouring Fire.   

4.  
To its full bent, like a revengeful Foe,  
His sin'wy-Arm hath drawn the fatal Bow;  
And slew whate'er in Zions Tent was known  
To be with pleasure, and delight looked on,   

5.  
He, as a Foe, hath Isr'els' Land laid waste,  
And all his Forts, and Palaces defaced:  
In universal sorrow Judah lies,  
Rending the gentle Air with mournful Cries.   

6.  
He from his Temple hath his presence took,  
Like an unfruitful Garden it forsook:  
In Rubbish laid his hallowed House, and those  
Scattered, who there to serve in Course were chose:  
Hath caused the solemn Feasts, and Sabbaths too  
Of Zion to forgotten be, and go  
Without their due observance; and in's Wrath  
The sacred King and Priest, despised hath.   

7.  
No mounting Flames upon his Altar rise;  
His Temple hateful is unto his Eyes:  
Her Walls within whose Guards we used to stand,  
Are given up into the Heathens Hand:  
As in a solemn Feast, their Voices are  
Herd in our Courts to rend the sounding Air.   

8.  
The Lord hath purposed level as the ground  
To lay the Walls that compass Zion round:  
And hath stretched out a Line, resolved on  
Her utter Ruin and Subversion:  
Therefore the shielding-Rampart, and the Wall  
Together sunk, and to the ground did fall.   

9  
Her Brass-ribbed Gates, (which none could ever wound,)  
And Iron-Bars lie broken on the ground:  
Her Kings and Princes, who in Purple sat  
Dispencing Justice in her peaceful Gate,  
Are Captives now among the Heathen gone;  
No Law nor Justice in her Gates are known,  
Her Prophets find no Vision from the Lord,  
Nor in his House sounds forth the sacred Word.   

10.  
In a deep silence on the dusty ground  
The Elders sit, with Woes encompassed round;  
With fulsome Dust strowed on each hoary-Head,  
And with repenting Sackcloth covered:  
The lovely Maids of Zion, who would not  
Within their Breasts admit a ruffling thought,  
Pressed down with sorrow like the Aged go,  
With palsied Limbs and Heads that downwards bow.   

11.  
My spongy Eyes, which from their Channels ne'er  
Failed to assist me with a moistening Tear,  
Keep back their kind asswaging Dews from me,  
Now I should use them in my Misery:  
My Bowels tremble to behold the Fall,  
And fatal Ruin of my People all,  
To hear the little Sucklings make complaint,  
Seeking for Food, and as they seek it faint.   

12.  
They to their Mothers say with mournful Voice,  
O where's the Corn and Wine that should rejoice  
Our drooping Souls? In vain for Food they cry,  
Fainting they sink within their Arms and Dye.   

13.  
Tell me, forsaken Zion, tell what thing  
Shall I to Witness take for thee, or bring,  
That can with thee compare? O how shall I  
Think on a way to ease thy Misery?  
No 'tis beyond my Art thy Wound to reach,  
For like the Sea, so wide and deep a Breach  
Thy Sins have made, that to close up thy Wound,  
And make it whole, no Balsam can be found.   

14.  
Thy Prophets have been busied with the Wind,  
Taught thee according to thy wanton Mind,  
They have not as they ought displayed thy Sin,  
To turn thee from the Bondage thou art in;  
But have pronounced instead of Truth's false Lies,  
Which have ensnared thee in these Miseries.   

15.  
All that pass by, insulting o'er thy Bands,  
Do hissing wag their Heads, and clap their Hands;  
Saying, is this the City that Men call,  
The joy of the whole Earth, and chief of all?   

16.  
Thy hellish Foes, joyful to see thy day,  
As they walk by, do gnash their Teeth, and say,  
What we have looked for long, proud Zions Doom,  
Is on her now in all its rigour come:  
Now we her Judgements have both seen and found,  
Zion destroyed, and levelled with the ground.   

17.  
What God hath purposed in the days of Old,  
And by his Prophets long ago foretold,  
He hath fulfilled: unto the Earth hath thrown  
Thy stately Buildings without pity shown:  
Nay, he hath made thee to thy Foes a scorn,  
And over thee exalted hath their Horn.   

18.  
They cried unto the Lord, O Zions Wall,  
How art thou ruined and forsaken by all?  
Let Tears, like an overflowing River, roll  
Down from thy weeping Eyes, and to thy Soul  
Give no repose, no respite to thine Eye,  
Let it for ever flow, and ne'er be dry.   

19  
Arise, and cry in the first Watch o'th' Night:  
Pour out thine Heart like water in the sight  
Of the Almighty; and with Hands lift high,  
Implore thy Sucklings Lives, that fainting lie  
With Hunger in the top of every Street;  
Beg till thou canst with his Compassion meet.   

20.  
See and consider, Lord, on whom it is,  
That thou hast laid so great a Plague as this:  
Shall Women eat the tender fruit o'th' Womb,  
Their Span-long-childrens? Shall thy House a Tomb  
Both to the Priest and Prophet now become?   

21.  
In every Street the youthful Heads are found,  
With the Gray-hairs to kiss the flinty ground:  
Thou hast my Virgins and my Youngmen all  
Slain, and made pit'less by the Sword to fall.   

22.  
As in a Solemn Day thou hast called out  
Thy Terrors, and beset me round about,  
So that not one in this thy wrathful Day  
Remained, or could by Flight escape away:  
Those that I swaddled, and brought up, the Foe  
Hath now, O Lord, consumed to my Woe.    

CHAP. III. 1. The Faithful bewail their Calamities. 31. They acknowledge God's Justice.  

1.  
I Am the Man that hath Afflictions known,  
By that smart Rod which he hath sent me down.   

2.  
Into sad darkness he my Soul hath brought,  
And from mine Eyes the cheerful Light shut out.   

3.  
Hath me forsaken, and hath turned his Hand  
Against me, that I now do trembling stand.   

4.  
He hath my tender Flesh, & Snow-white Skin  
Shriveled; and broken all my Bones within.   

5.  
He hath Besieged me, that I can't get free,  
Walling me round with dreadful Misery.   

6.  
In dark and hideous places hath me put,  
As are the Dead, who in the Grave are shut,   

7.  
Hath round about me made so strong a Fence,  
So weighty made my Chains, I can't get hence.   

8.  
When I with a loud cry assail his Ear,  
He shuts my Prayer out, and will not hear.   

9  
He hath blocked up my ways, made me forsake  
The beaten Road, and unknown Paths to take.   

10.  
Like as a ravening Bear, he was to me,  
Or as a Lion lurking secretly.   

11.  
He stopped me, and in pieces did me Tear,  
And left me mangled and unpityed there.   

12.  
He bent his murdering Bow, & made me stand,  
Like a most certain Mark to guide his Hand.   

13.  
He caused the winged-Darts from's horned-Bow,  
With a swift flight into my Reins to go.   

14.  
I was a scorn to all my People, they  
Made me the Subject of their Mirth all day,   

15.  
He hath me filled with bitter things, and me  
Made drunk with Wormwood, to my Misery.   

16.  
He hath me wounded with afflictions sore,  
And me with Ashes covered all o'er.   

17.  
He also hath my Soul removed from peace,  
And I forget my former happiness.   

18.  
And said my Courage, and my strength is fled,  
And from the Lord my hope is perished.   

19  
When I remember all those Sorrows I  
Have undergone, and under which I lie.   

20.  
My Soul keeps them in mind, and for all this  
She in my Bosom truly humbled is.   

21.  
This gives me hopes, that the Almighty will.  
Be my Defence, and my Preserver still.   

22.  
And this must say, that of his Mercy 'tis,  
That we are not consumed, because that his   

23.  
Compassions fail not; daily they increase,  
And great's to us his Love and Faithfulness.   

24.  
The Lord my Portion is, and therefore I  
Will hope in him in all my Misery.   

25.  
Good is the Lord, and gracious to those  
Who seek him, and their Trust in him repose.   

26.  
'Tis good for Man to wait the leisure time  
Of God's Salvation, and to trust in him.   

27.  
'Tis good for Man, in's Youth his Neck to fit  
Unto the Yoke, and to God's Laws submit.   

28.  
Used to the Yoke, he doth no murmurs vent,  
But bears with patience Heaven's punishment.   

29.  
Humbles himself, and doth with hopes attend,  
When the Almighty will his succour lend.   

30.  
Reproached by those, who do his Ruin seek,  
Unto their Strokes he gives his tender Cheek.   

31.  
Knowing that God want him forsake, but be  
A just Avenger of his Injury:   

32.  
That though he send Afflictions, yet at last  
They, who them suffer, shall his Mercies taste.   

33.  
He takes no pleasure to chastise at all,  
Or let Afflictions on his Creatures fall.   

34.  
To crush the Fettered Prisoner of the Earth  
Under his Feet, to whom he did give Birth:   

35.  
To turn aside the Right of any one,  
That craves admittance to the sacred Throne:   

36.  
To overthrow the Cause, that righteous is,  
The Lord doth not, nor will approve of this.   

37.  
Who is't that says a thing, and when 'tis brought  
To pass, dares say, that Heaven willed it not?   

38.  
Out from the sacred Lips of God can't come  
Both Good and Bad, he gives a righteous Doom.   

39  
Why then doth Man repine, when struck by God?  
Were't not for's Sin, he'd never feel his Rod.   

40.  
Let's search and try our ways, let's turn unto  
Our angry God, and see what he will do.   

41.  
Let's, with our Hands, lift up our Hearts on high,  
And thus bespeak the dreadful Deity;   

42.  
We all have sinned, we all have Rebels been,  
Therefore thou hast us plagued for our Sin.   

43.  
With Wrath thou hast overwhelmed, and closed us all;  
And made us pit'less to thy Fury fall.   

44.  
In a thick Cloud thou hast thyself enshrined,  
That through't our Prayers should no passage find.   

45.  
We are by all men the Off-scouring deemed,  
And looked on as unfit to be esteemed.   

46.  
With open Mouths our Foes their Joys express,  
Glad to behold us plunged in deep distress.   

47.  
Fear, and a Snare are come on us, and we  
Destroyed are with great severity.   

48.  
Mine Eyes with Rivers of salt Tears, gush out,  
For the Destruction on my People brought.   

49.  
Adown my Cheeks they glide, and will not cease  
Till from my troubles he doth me release:   

50.  
Till that the Lord in mercy will look down,  
They'll never stop, but Day and Night will run.   

51.  
My very Heart with grief within me's torn,  
To hear the Daughters of my City mourn.   

52.  
Like as a Bird, so am I chased by those,  
Who are, without just cause, my mortal Foes.   

53.  
Into a Dung'on dark they have me thrown,  
And overwhelmed me with a Massy-Stone.   

54.  
Billows of Sorrows o'er my Head did pass;  
Then I concluded that I ruin'd was.   

55.  
I called upon thy Name, O Lord most high,  
Out of the Dung'on in my Misery.   

56.  
Unto my Voice thou hast inclined thine Ear,  
Withhold not now, and be not deaf, but hear.   

57  
Thou, in the day when I did call, drewest near,  
Didst answer, and command me not to fear.   

58.  
Thou, & thou only, Lord, maintain'st my Cause,  
And didst my Life redeem from Bloody Paws.   

59  
And now, O Lord, since thou hast seen my wrong,  
Judge thou my Cause, it doth to thee belong.   

60.  
Thou hast with watchful Eye their Vengeance seen,  
And all their thoughts, that have against me been.   

61.  
Thou hast, O Lord, both heard their Scoffs and known  
All, that against me in their hearts is done.   

62.  
Unto those Lips, who do against me rise,  
Thou art no Stranger, nor to their device.   

63.  
When they uprise, or when they lie along,  
I am the Subject of their mirthful Song.   

64.  
Give them, O Lord, their due, and speedy Doom,  
Full Cups of Vengeance, let them flowing come.   

65.  
Let kill Sorrow sit on every Heart;  
Let not thy Fatal Curse from them departed.   

66.  
Pursue; and chase them in thine anger, Lord,  
And from the Earth destroy them with thy Sword.    

CHAP. IU. 1. Zion bewaileth her pitiful estate. 13. She confesseth her Sins.  

1.  
HOw is the beamy-Gold grown dim as Night?  
How is the pure Gold changed, which was most bright?  
How are the Temple-stones with dirty Feet  
Defiled, and scattered into every Street?   

2.  
The Noble Men of Zion, likened to  
The most fine Gold, how are they looked on now?  
But as the Potter's handiwork of Clay;  
No other Honour, or esteem have they.   

3.  
The watry-Monsters ne'er deny the Breast,  
But give their Young the Teat, when they request:  
My People cruel to their Young Ones are,  
Like th' unnatural Ostrich, void of care.   

4.  
With scorching thirst the tender Suckling's Tongue,  
Cleaves to the vaulted Roof of's Mouth: the Young  
And harmless Infants, that can scarcely speak,  
Ask of their Parent's Bread, but none they break.   

5.  
They, who did use on choicest Food to feed,  
Perish i'th' Streets, and none their cries do heed:  
They who were Robbed with Cloth of Tyrian-Dy,  
Naked upon a loathsome Dunghill lie.   

6.  
My People for their Sins more chastened are,  
Than e'er the People of lewd Sodom were:  
Their City soon consumed was to th' Ground,  
And no appearing Foe Encamped it round.   

7.  
Her Nazarites, who were more purely White  
Than is the Fleecy Snow, and Milk to sight,  
More Ruddy than the Rubies ever were,  
And than the polished Saphyr, shined more clear;   

8.  
So changed are, as to their Faces, now  
That one them cannot for their Blackness know:  
Close to their Iv'ry-Bones their Skin is shrunk,  
And withered like a dead Trees Sapless Trunk.   

9  
Those, who are killed by the Sword, are far  
Better, than they, who slain by Famine, are:  
For these, when stricken by it, lingering lie,  
And by degrees do pine away, and Dye.   

10.  
The half starved Mothers forced were to Eat  
The Fruit of their own Wombs, for want of Meat,  
So much distressed, and to this dismal pass  
Were they reduced, when Zion ruin'd was.   

11.  
The Lord his furious Indignation hath  
Accomplished, and poured out his burning Wrath;  
He such a Fire hath in Zion made,  
As hath in Rubbish her Foundations laid.   

12.  
The Crowned Heads, and those of meaner Birth,  
That trod the globous-Surface of the Earth,  
Would not have thought, that ever any Foe  
Should have on Zion seized, and brought it low.   

13.  
For the notorious Sins of those, who were  
Her Priests & Prophets, all these Judgements are  
Upon her brought, they are the Cause of all  
The Purple Blood, that in her Streets did fall.   

14.  
Defiled with Blood, which in the Streets they shed,  
Like Blind Men up and down they wandered,  
And were so foul, that Men did them detest,  
And durst not come to touch their sacred Vest.   

15.  
The Rabble with a loud Stentorean cry  
Called to the Priests, and bid them thence to fly;  
Depart, depart, ye are unclean, said they,  
Therefore they fled, and roved Night and Day:  
The Heathen followed with a dreadful Yell,  
And said they should no more in Zion dwell.   

16.  
The Wrath of God hath them dispersed quite,  
He will no more abide them in his sight:  
Because they neither to their Priests did give  
A due respect, nor did their Age relieve.   

17.  
Whilst we expecting looked towards the Coast  
Of Egypt, waiting for a succouring Host,  
Our gazing Eyes were dim and weary grown,  
Looking for help, from whence we could have none.   

18.  
From Street to Street they did pursue us so,  
That we could not where from their Fury go:  
Upon our Lives is passed the fatal Doom,  
Our Days are finished, and our End is come.   

19  
Our deadly Foes in Flight much swifter are  
Than is the quick Wing'd Eagle of the Air:  
They have pursued us on the Mountains, and  
Have waited for us in the Desert Sand.   

20.  
The Lord's Anointed in their Nets are ta'en,  
In whom we hoped, & by their Hands is Slain;  
Of whom we said, under his Shadow we  
Shall live secure, and from our Fears be free.   

21.  
Rejoice, O Edom's Daughter, be thou joyed  
Who didst insult, when Zion was destroyed:  
Thou shalt erewhile the Cup of Fury taste,  
Be shamed, as She was, and like her laid Waste.   

22.  
Thy Woes, O Zion, are fulfilled, no more  
Shalt thou be Captive made, as heretofore:  
But, O thou Edom, Heaven will begin  
To visit thine Offence, and show thy Sin.    

CHAP. V A pitiful Complaint of Zion in Prayer to God.  

1.  
BE mindful, thou, of all our Woes, whose Throne  
In Heaven is: on our reproach look down.   

2.  
The Land, thou gav'st us to Possess, is Tilled  
By Heathens, and our Houses with them filled.   

3.  
No King we have, our Cities all are left,  
As mournful Widows, of their Loves bereft.   

4.  
We can't fetch Water from the Crystal Spring,  
Nor Fuel get, unless its price we bring.   

5.  
Our Necks are with a grievous Bondage pressed,  
Wearied we are, and can obtain no rest.   

6.  
We have for Bread implored Egypt's Aid,  
And a firm League with wicked Ashur made.   

7.  
Our Fathers have transgressed, and are no more;  
We their Transgressions, and our own have boar.   

8.  
Servants have ruled, and had o'er us command;  
None would us free from their imperious Hand.   

9  
We ran the hazard of our lives for Meat,  
Because the Sword around did for us wait.   

10.  
Our Skin did black (as is the Oven) look,  
Because lank-Famine raged in every nook.   

11.  
They forced the Wives in Zion, and in wild,  
And burning Lust their lovely Maids defiled.   

12.  
They hanged our Princes up, and had no care  
To honour them, who Priests or Aged were.   

13.  
They made the Youngmen labour at the Mill,  
With weighty Burdens did the Children kill.   

14.  
No Law-dispensing-Elder now doth sit  
In Zions Gate, nor's Music heard in it.   

15.  
The Joy and Pleasure of our Heart is fled,  
Our Dance we now in mournful Measures Tread.   

16.  
The State and glory of our Realm is gone,  
Woe to us, for our Sins have it undone.   

17.  
For this our Hearts are Faint, our Griefs increase,  
And for these things our Eyes ne'er Weeping cease.   

18.  
But chief for that Zion (famed of Old  
To be thy Joy) is now the Foxes hold.   

19  
But why, O Lord, thou sole Eternal One,  
Who hast an everlasting settled Throne,   

20.  
Dost thou so long forget, and leave us here;  
And to our Out-cries will't not lend an Ear?   

21.  
Turn thou, Lord, and we shall turned be,  
And let us have the Days, we once did see:   

22.  
But thou hast cast us off; thine angry look  
Shows, that thou hast thy Zion quite forsaken.    

CONCLUSION.  
THus hath my Pen through various Troubles passed,  
Traversed the Woes of Zion, and at last  
Unto the end of her Complaint is come:  
Grant that our Zion may not find her Doom.  
In Thee we hope, in Thee we Trust alone,  
To thee we fly, save us, Thou Mighty One:  
This Favour from our Princes can't be had;  
Thou only canst preserve, and make us glad.   

A Prayer for the Church.  

ETernal God, to whom all Knees shall bow,  
Unto whose goodness we our Being's own:  
How have we all from thy Commandments  
Following our vain Imagination?  
Hast thou not seen thy Mercies slighted, all gone,  
Thy Laws and Judgements in contempt to fall?  
And heard how we, with impious Mouths, have said,  
There is no God, no God who hath us made?  
I cannot, Lord, but tremble, when I muse  
On these our fearful Sin; nor can I choose  
But burst into a sad and doleful Cry;  
What merit we for our Impiety?  
We here deserve to feel thy heaviest Doom;  
And those eternal Flames i'th' World to come.  
But thou, who art an ever gracious God,  
To anger slow, unwilling with thy Rod  
To grieve the Sons of Men: who ready art  
Fully to pardon the returning heart,  
But a consuming Fire, that will burn  
The Soul that will not be induced to turn;  
Make us sincerely sorrowful for all  
Make us sincerely sorrowful for all  
Our crying Sins, that for thy Vengeance call.  
Forgive us all our secret, and our known  
Transgressions, which we against thee done:  
And grant, that we may willingly no more  
Provoke thy furious Wrath, as heretofore.   

And since our Hearts are in thy Hands, O Lord,  
Make them obed'ent to thy Will and Word:  
Send into every Breast that peaceful Dove,  
Thy holy, and eternal Spirit of Love,  
To rule and lead us in the way of Peace;  
Whose end is everlasting Happiness.  
That, for the future, there may not arise  
Amongst us, baneful Animosities.   

Be gracious to thy Church, and scatter all  
That daily seek and Plot to make her Fall.  
Make them to perish in their strange device,  
And never rise to work her Miseries.  
But let thy Goodness, and thy Mercies flow  
Upon her Head, & with her always go.   

And since a dismal Cloud with frowning Brow,  
Hovers o'er thy despised Zion now;  
O let thy Goodness, a quick-piercing-Ray  
Send down, and chase this direful Cloud away;  
That it upon her may not fall, and we  
For our Offences thereby Ruined be.  
But chief, Lord, we here do thee invoke,  
To save her from Rome's hateful hellish Yoke.  
Let not that Man of Sin, wh' exalts his Throne  
Above the Powers that on Earth are known,  
Subject her to his most imperious Sway,  
And make her to his Avarice a Prey.  
Infat'ate his Designs, and on him lay  
The Mischiefs purposed to Her day by day.   

Cover with thy outstretched Wings the Great  
And Gracious sovereign of our Church & State:  
In spite of those, who rage, and cursing stand,  
To see the Sceptre flourish in his Hand;  
Preserve his sacred Life, and make them all,  
Who seek his Ruin, by his Hand to fall.  
Here Crown him with a long and blessed Peace,  
And, when he Dies, with endless Happiness.  
Bless likewise those, who at thy Altar serve;  
Grant that their Lips may righteous Truths preserve:  
Let both their Lives and Doctrines be sincere,  
And let them, like the Stars, shine bright and clear.  
Bless all inferior Ministers of State,  
Fill them with wholesome Justice in the Gate;  
Let well weighed Judgement from their Mouths proceed,  
And not the name of Friend or Foe to heed.  
Be good to all thy People every where,  
And keep them in thy Faith, and in thy Fear;  
Convert the unconverted; make us all  
To own one Shepherd, and to know his Call.  
Then we thy People, who to thee belong,  
From day to day will with a thankful Song  
Set forth thy Praise, and to the World declare  
How great thy Goodness and thy Mercies are.     

POEMS ON SEVERAL Occasions.  
By the same Hand.  
LONDON, Printed by R. E. for R. Bentley, and M. Magnes, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, 1680.   

Poems on several Occasions.  

The Sinners Wish.  

AH could I, Lord, at thy blessed Hands,  
Receive a Freedom from my Bands,  
From kill Sins and worldly-Cares,  
From future Torments, dismal Fears,  
Were I as certain of thy Love,  
As Angels that enjoy't above,  
Beauty with her bewitching-Smiles,  
Which Fetters Millions with her Wiles,  
Should ne'er embrace me in her Arms,  
I'd stand unconquered at her Charms;  
Those wealthy Treasures of the Shoar,  
The costly Gems, the glittering Oar,  
These I'd contemn upon this score;  
That I might Heavens Treasures know,  
And when I die may thither go,  
Say, Lord, the Word and it shall be so.    

On Lazarus raised.  

Lord!  
THe Grave obeyed, Death's Bands did fall  
Asunder, at thy powerful Call,  
And all those faithless Looker's on,  
Beheld his Resurrection,  
Such charming Rhet'rick's in thy Voice;  
The Dead Revive, the Sad Rejoice,  
And the loved Laz'rus did return  
From the close Prison of his Urn.  
As thou was pleased to raise from dust  
His senseless Carcase, so I trust  
Thou'lt call my Soul from every trust  
And from this earthly Prison free  
It, to a glorious Liberty.    

To Death.  

1.  
SInce Adam sinned, and by that fatal Fall,  
Gave thee a sovereign Power over all,  
It is decreed, we must obey thy Call.   

2.  
To thy dark Cell when thou command'st I'll go,  
Since my dear Lord, hath trod that Path, I know  
No Terrors I shall meet in th' Shades below.   

3.  
Pale Fear adieu, go find some other Breast  
For thine abode, ne'er think that thou shalt rest  
Within my Bosom, I'll have no such Guest.   

4.  
And since it is decreed my Body must  
Return from whence it had its Birth at first,  
Pronounce thy Sentence, & discharge thy Trust.   

5.  
But know thy conq'ring-Dart in time will fly  
Into thy cruel-Heart, than thou shalt die,  
But ne'er with me enjoy Eternity.   

6.  
Yet I declare thou art my real Friend,  
Since from this earthly Prison thou dost send  
My Soul, unto those Joys which have no end.    

The Morning Sacrifice.  

1.  
NO sooner doth the cheerful Light  
Dispel the Horrors of the Night,  
But like the Lark my Soul aloft  
Mounts to her God, in Notes most soft  
Recounts to Him with great delight,  
All her past Mercies of the Night.   

2.  
And since thou, dearest Lord, dost prise  
A thankful Heart, since in thine Eyes  
It is of value every day,  
This grateful Tribute I will pay,  
And 'twere a madness since no more  
Thou dost exact, to run o'th' Score.   

3.  
For, O my Soul, what more befits  
Thee to return for benefits,  
Than what the Angels do always?  
Chant forth his most deserved Praise,  
Who every dawn doth give new Birth  
To all thy solid Joys on Earth.    

On Reprobation.  

1.  
I Cannot think my God thou didst create  
Some Men on purpose for no happier State  
Than endless Torments, which shall know no date.   

2.  
Nor dare I own a thought that Christ did die  
Only for Some, not All intention'lly,  
These Doctrines I abhor most perfectly.   

3.  
That Man the noblest of thy Works should be,  
By thee designed for endless Misery,  
To show thy Justice, and thy Sovereignty.   

4.  
My Soul shall never entertain a thought  
Of so much horror, of that God who sought  
Our Restauration, and redemption bought.   

5.  
When all along thou promises dost make,  
To all Mankind who will their Sins forsake,  
Thou wilt forgive, shall I thy Word not take?   

6.  
Yes, Lord, I will; though boldly some declare,  
Thy known and secret Will so  are,  
When thou sayest live, thou ne'er intend'st to spare.   

7.  
'Tis strange they should some few dark places wrest  
To speak their Sense, when, Lord, thou dost protest  
Such thoughts were never harboured in thy Breast.   

8.  
How viles that Man whose heart doth not agree  
With's Tongue, good God and just! how is't that we,  
What Man's ashamed of, attribute to thee?   

9  
What in my heart I think, to All I'll tell,  
Such contradictions sure can never dwell,  
With perfect Purity, their Mansions Hell.   

10.  
Were I to represent to th' publick-View  
A Devil, Hypocrite, or Traitorous Jew,  
I would delineate them, as these do you.   

11.  
What strange presumption do these Gnostics show,  
To make as if they did thy Secrets know,  
Which none can tell, who doth converse below?   

12.  
In thy most sacred Writ 'tis manifest  
There's none excluded, all Men may be blest,  
If they are willing, with eternal Rest.   

13.  
For thou art good and gracious unto all,  
Long-suffering to us Sinners, and dost call  
All to repentance, wouldst have none to fall.   

14.  
And for this purpose Christ for all did die,  
He hath affirmed this Truth who cannot lie,  
To doubt of which confronts Divinity.   

15.  
Most safe it is to rest on this belief,  
Most satisfactory, it eases Grief,  
And yields a poor desponding Soul relief.    

A Meditation on Man's Folly.  

LOrd, what a foolish thing is Man,  
How fond is he of Toys?  
How doth he spend that little Span  
Of his, in empty Joys?  
But for that precious Soul of his  
He takes no future care,  
To fit it for immortal Bliss,  
Such thoughts too serious are.  
Himself to every pleasure gives,  
And drowns his Soul in Lust,  
In all destructive Sins he lives,  
Till levelled with the Dust.   

Give me, O Lord, that pious care  
And that obsequious love,  
That all my Actions may declare,  
I seek that place above,  
Where we from Sin exempt shall be,  
From Sorrow, and from Tears,  
And where no Trouble we shall see,  
Nor frighted be with Fears.    

A Vow.  
I Vow, Lord give me grace, no beauteous smile,  
No Wedg nor Honour shall my Soul beguile  
From strict obedience, no not all the art  
Of the seducing Fiend shall tempt my Heart,  
Though all the Glories of the World should be  
Amassed together in one Treasury,  
And by him tendered, yet I would not bow  
To his damned Sceptre, but I'd keep my Vow.   

Deus mi.  
BLess me with peace of Conscience,  
And in my Soul with innocence,  
Love of my God, and dearest Friends,  
And my Ambition hath its ends.  
This, Lord's the All, I must confess,  
I dare on Earth call happiness,  
I limit not thy Providence  
To act according to my sense:  
Dispose of me as thou thinkest fit,  
And make my Will to thine submit.   

Domine Jesus.  

1.  
THe Virtue of that Balm which did distil  
From thy pierced side, infuse into my Will,  
That thy good pleasure here I may fulfil.   

2.  
Make me to Thee as to the Centre move,  
Each thought and act refine, inflame my love  
To all thy ways, that I may faithful prove.   

3.  
And since to thee, the Cross must be my guide,  
That joy which made thee, make me to abide  
Its weight, till I in Paradise reside.    

To a young Person that was about to Vow Celibacy.  1 Tim. Chap. 5. Ver. 14. 
I will therefore that the younger Women marry, bear Children, guide the House, give none occasion to the Adversary to speak reproachfully.  

SHe who her Reason lays aside,  
And Superstition makes her Guide,  
Can never hope by that false Light,  
To do an action that is right.  
In all religious Duties know,  
Most principally,  we Vow,  
Right Reason should be sought unto.  
Those which endure her rigid Test,  
Them to embrace and leave the rest.   

Then must thou love that state as best,  
Which God in Paradise hath blest,  
There marriage took its early Date,  
There they began to Procreate. 
Gen. 2.18. 1.21.   
A single Life He did foresee  
Was inconvenient, Multiply  
The great Creator did command,  
And what he Wills none should withstand.  
Had not his Wisdom liked by far  
The married Life, though linked to care,  
As tending to a nobler end  
Than Celibacy can pretend,  
Thy Sex had never had its Birth,  
Thy Being was to Man the Earth,  
And not to live a strict Recluse  
Neither to God or Man of use.   

Is it in thee a pious part,  
The great Design of Heaven to thwart,  
To vow a Virgin cloister'd Life,  
Since thou art fit to be a Wife?  
No, 'tis an impious act in thee,  
Being young, to vow Virginity;  
'Tis, though Devotion's the pretence,  
'Gainst God and Nature an offence.  
For, whatsoever thou thinkest, sure  
Destructive Vows God can't endure;  
And none can more destructive be  
Than those of Cloister'd Chastity.  
Should all thy Sex be of this mind,  
The Peopled Earth would quickly find  
Its self bereft of either Kind.  
Of Millions now, a He, or She,  
In one short Age there would not be.   

Then think not on so rash a Vow,  
Which aims at Ruin, quickly now  
Be thou a Pros'lyte to that state,  
For which God did thy Sex create,  
And be not tempted to do ill,  
By a misguided Zeal, or Will,  
To undertake what cannot be  
Safely resolved on by thee.   

Perchance thou fond thinkest that they  
Who married are want time to Pray,  
And exercise their Piety;  
This is a great mistake in thee,  
They have their times of Vacancy.  
'Tis true, so long they cannot be  
As Sanctimon'alists on the Knee,  
Because attended with more care,  
And business than the Cloistered are;  
Yet this their care their duty is,  
Time so employed doth lead to Bliss,  
And is no bar to Happiness.   

Reiigion's active, hates a Drone,  
Who buzzing spends each day alone  
In Prayer and Contemplation.  
Both fitting duties to be done,  
Great Pillars of Religion,  
But she who wholly rests on these,  
Though she may fancy what she please,  
Spends but her days in idleness.   

So lives the lazy Nun, the Wife  
Who truly virtuous is, a Life  
Devouter leads than any she  
Who vows Recluse Virginity.  
No sullen humour clouds her mind,  
Nor superstitious Zeal doth blind  
Her Reason, so much to despise  
That state, which Heaven dignifies.  
Her God she honours, honours too  
Her Husband, as she ought to do.  
Hazards with an undaunted mind,  
Her Life to propagate her kind.  
Shuns not the World, nor business here,  
But walks in both with so much care.  
That neither proves her Conqueror.  
And though Temptations do around  
Beset her Soul, she keeps her ground.  
Sure such a courage bears away  
The Palm from her who shuns the fray,  
And out of fear to be o'ercome,  
Within close Walls her Life doth doom.   

Too tedious 'twere to tell the ways,  
And pious actions of her days,  
She loves, industrious is, obeys,  
Each morn she brings a Sacrifice  
Of Prayer and Thanks, before her Eyes  
Close up at Night a holy Flame  
Dissolves her Soul in Prayer again.  
Nor doth the duty of the day,  
From Heaven steal her heart away;  
For while her hands most busied are,  
In managing her house-affair,  
She breathes a short, yet grateful Prayer.   

Such grapple Blessings, prove more strong  
Than cloistered Prayers a whole day long,  
They mount, and with a quicker Wing  
To all her Wants fresh Succours being  
Than a more tedious Offering.  
And for the good of all Mankind,  
As full and quick returns do find.   

Thus lives the virtuous Wife, and so  
Thou, being young, should marry too,  
And live, as she's described to do.  
For, 'tis not good to live alone, 
Eccl. ●. 9, 10.   
Two being better much than one  
In Health, or sad Affliction.   

In the chaste, blessed Nuptial Twine,  
Women gives much a brighter shine,  
More good Examples in that State  
Shows, than the fruitless Celibate.  
To God more grateful presents gives,  
Holy'r, and full as chastely lives  
(If not much more) than any She  
Immured within a Nunnery.   

I'll say no more— but choose that Life,  
Which God approves off, be a Wife.    

Justice.  

JUstice should all our Actions steer,  
It our embodied Souls will rear  
Above the reach of anxious Fear.  
When Death our earthly-Frame destroys,  
'Twill crown our Souls with perfect Joys,  
'Twill free our Bodies from the Grave,  
That they a Resurrection have,  
And safely seat us in that Bliss  
Which fades not, but eternal is.    

The Prodigal Son.  

1.  
WHile liberal Fortune did dispense  
Her Favours, in great affluence,  
And his beloved God, his Chest,  
Denied his Riots no request,  
He like a frantick-Beast did run  
The Stages of Destruction.   

2.  
But when a total emptiness  
Did his consumptive Bags possess,  
His Belly pinched, his Treasure gone,  
He then considered what he had done,  
And to his Father goes in haste,  
Implores forgiveness for what's past.   

3.  
Thus want a reformation wrought,  
And the luxurious Youth was taught,  
To choose the good, with care to shun  
Those Follies he so doted on.  
O happy change! which made him know.  
The danger which he ran into.    

Thou didst hid thy Face and I was troubled.  

WHen from my sinful Soul that glorious Sun,  
Thy blessed Spirit, Lord, was forced to run,  
Soon did the actions of my Life betray  
The want of that pure Light, than did I stray  
In those dark Regions, where no heavenly Ray  
Affords one lightsome glance to guide my way.  
Immortal God in what a dismal case  
Was my poor Soul, when thou withdrew'st thy grace?   

As in a Garden the enameled Flowers,  
When the Sun's masked with sullen Clouds or Showers,  
Close up their Leaves, and sad and pensive look  
To miss that warmth which from his Beams they took,  
Till he again doth dart a liv'ning Ray,  
Their Beauty fades, and sweetness doth decay;   

So when thy Beams of Mercy thou didst quite  
Veil from my Soul, what an Egyptian-Night  
Did cover it, how did its Beauty fade  
And Glory whither in that dismal Shade?  
But when again that Sunshine did appear,  
Which doth inspirit all our actions here,  
My Soul forthwith revived, and vows to sing  
Perpet'al Hallelujahs to my King.    

On Mary Magdelene weeping.  

THe Scene is changed, that lovely Grace  
Which sat triumphing in her Face,  
Which whosoever beheld, straight found  
The Darts of Love his Soul to wound,  
Grief hath o'ercast; those wanton Eyes,  
Whose Glances challenged Victories,  
Shed penitent Showers, and that Hair,  
Each Curl of which did prove a Snare  
To fetter Youth, dishevelled lies,  
And serves for Towels to those Eyes,  
Which overflow with happy Tears,  
Whose drops gained Heaven, and calmed her Fears.    

On the ten Lepers made clean.  

THe ten were healed, and all but one  
Unthankful proved, for what was done,  
You may as well confine the Wind  
To constancy, as think to bind  
With kindness an ungrateful Mind;  
Yet when afflictions pressed them sore,  
How ready were they to implore  
Their Saviour's help, his Cross once o'er  
They never thought upon him more.  
Good God that mercies oft should prove  
Destructive Rocks to Shipwreck Love!    

Riches and Beauty are deceitful, but a faithful Friend is the Medicine of Life.  

1.  
THat glittering Idol most adore,  
Within her Temple others may  
Pay their Devotions; I ne'er more  
Will Idolise what will destroy;  
What though she wealthy Treasures plead,  
Gold-Chains will unto Torments lead.   

2.  
Beauty shall ne'er my Soul debase,  
Under that form there oft do lie  
A rotten Soul, though lovely Face,  
Full of mis-shaped deformity,  
Scarce one of thousands can we find  
Who lovely is, in Shape, and Mind.   

3.  
'Tis not a Fabric reared on high,  
Nor Riches that can ease the Mind,  
'Tis not a lovely Face, nor Eye,  
Wherein we can contentment find,  
'Tis none of all these things, that can  
Yield solid comforts to a Man.   

4.  
It is a faithful-hearted-Friend,  
Whose kindness to me knows no date,  
Though Poverty should be my end,  
Scorns to convert his Love to hate,  
Who when I sin will always be  
A Faithful Monitor to me.   

5.  
Unto whose breast I dare commit  
A secret, safe as in my own,  
Who ne'er will in angry fit  
Betray his Trust to any One,  
Nor from my Interest will be  
Withdrawn by Frowns or Flattery.   

6.  
If such a Friend I chance to find,  
I'll Centre all my Joys in this—  
I have a Jewel to my mind,  
There's not on Earth a greater Bliss,  
Ambition may eck on desire,  
Mine here shall rest, and soar no higher.    

The Sensualist.  

ALL that below this heavenly Orb doth move,  
For Man was made, and so ordained above.  
What reason is there that he should deny  
Himself the Pleasure, to content his Eye?  
Woman that lovely Creature here was placed,  
For his delight to gaze on, and to taste  
That fragrant Balm which on her Lips doth grow,  
For him to wanton in her Vale below.  
All those rich Treasures both of Sea and Land,  
Were they not made to bow to his Command?  
And whatsoever his vast mind doth crave,  
Was he not freely his desires to have?  
Then where's the Sin, or how doth he amiss,  
If he doth use them as his pleasure is?  
Sure Man, by God, above the Brutes was graced  
With Reason, and for nobler ends here placed,  
As Sovereign over all, than to allow  
His Reason should to's Will and Passions bow:  
This never could be the Creator's thought,  
When out of Clay this curious piece he wrought;  
And none but Folly will pretend to own,  
This he designed in his Creation.   

'Tis true, that Woman by the liberal hand  
Of Heaven was framed to be at Man's command,  
So as to make a loyal, loving Wife,  
And prove a Comfort in his tedious Life,  
But not to gaze on with a lustful Eye,  
Much less unmarried in her Arms to lie.   

And though the Treasures of the wealthy Shoar,  
And Sea are subject to Man's lordly Power,  
Yet can't he without yielding up his sense,  
And proving guilty of an high offence,  
Claim (as a Sovereign) with a wanton Hand,  
At will to rifle both the Sea and Land,  
And make them bow unto his boundless Lust,  
Then own the action not to be unjust.  
He had not his Dominion to abuse  
The things created for his needful use,  
But was to have a most regardful Eye,  
Not to enslave them to his Luxury.   

If so there's no Man but a Fool will say,  
He, as his pleasure is, may them enjoy.    

A Prayer.  

1.  
GReat God whose providential Care  
Is over all, bow down thine Ear  
Unto my Prayer, permit not Thou  
The Devil, my inveterate Foe,  
To work my final overthrow.   

2.  
So closely on our Souls he waits,  
With his bewitching-tempting-Baits,  
That strait our Sensual parts we please,  
Embrace a short and transient ease,  
And hazard all than Flesh displease.   

3.  
Withhold not then thy saving-Grace  
From me, my God, one Minutes space,  
Lest this my brittle House of Clay,  
With my immortal Soul, a Prey  
Becomes to him the damned obey.   

4.  
O let thy Love procure for me  
An easier Fate, than Misery,  
'Tis just in thee, my God, I know,  
Since unto Satan's Lure I bow,  
Not to exalt; but cast me low.   

5.  
Low as that Pit of Horrors, where  
The Damned Howl, and tortured are,  
Where 'midst those Flames which them torment,  
Which ever Blaze, but ne'er are spent,  
They day and night their Curses vent.   

6.  
Although my Sins these Flames deserve,  
Yet from their lasting Heats preserve  
My trembling Soul, this I implore;  
Except the same thing o'er and o'er,  
I know not what to ask Thee more.    

God's Goodness and Man's Folly.  

WHen trembling Dust with awful fear  
Unto thy Throne of Grace draws near,  
And in an humble posture brings  
To Thee his Catalogue of Sins;  
No sooner he imparts his Grief,  
But thou afford'st thy quick Relief,  
And with forgiveness ready art  
To ease the Sorrows of his Heart.   

Yet rather than we will forgo  
Some short-liv'd-Pleasures, endless Woe  
We fond Court, and slight that Love  
Which will at length our Ruin prove.  
Whereas would we obey thy Will,  
Not suffering ours to have their fill;  
If we thy Laws would not refuse,  
Nor Favours willingly abuse,  
We should enjoy that happiness,  
The glorious Saints in Heaven possess.    

An Admonition.  

1.  
Soldier let thy Contemplation be  
On Heaven and Eternity,  
To fix thy thoughts on this base Earth,  
Becomes not Thee of heavenly Birth.   

2.  
Since all these worldly-Glories quite,  
Will (like thy empty Dreams i'th' Night)  
Vanish e'er thy bright Morn doth break.  
Why shouldst thou pleasure in them take.   

3.  
When the last dreadful Trump shall all  
(With its shrill Voice) to Judgement call,  
Those who their God this World did make,  
Must not of heavenly Joys partake.   

4.  
The Crown of Glory only shall,  
As a Reward to Virtue fall,  
It never shall the Temples bind  
Of those, who earthly things did mind.    

The Penitent.  

1.  
I Who that precious time which thou hast lent,  
Have, dearest God in sinful courses spent;  
I, who have chose to feed on Husks with Swine,  
Rather than live under thy Rules Divine;  
I, thy ungracious Son, unto thee, home  
With bleeding heart & weeping Eyes do come,  
Ashamed that I so miserably have  
Misspent those Favours, which thy bounty gave.   

2.  
And yet what reason have I to presume,  
That e'er thy Lips will pass a gentle Doom  
On my rebellious Life, since it hath been  
wholly devoted to the ways of Sin?  
No, I in Justice cannot think thou'lt own.  
Such an ungrateful Wretch to be thy Son,  
Whose wanton Ear would never yield to hear,  
The wholesome counsels of a Parent dear.   

3.  
But, O my Father! by that powerful word,  
Look on thy humbled Creature, and afford  
Some glimpse of Comfort to my troubled mind;  
And as thou stillest thyself to be a kind  
And gracious Father, be thou so to me,  
Forgiving him who truly turns to Thee.  
Look not upon me with a rigorous Eye  
Of Justice, but of Mercy, lest I die.    

A Prayer before the Sacrament.  

THou, God, who always tak'st delight to be  
Conferring good on those who trust in Thee;  
Who from thy Bosom (by eternal Doom)  
Didst send thy Son (from whence all Joys do come  
To take our nature on him, and to die  
Th' accursed death for our Impiety,  
Let me adore Thee for this mighty Love;  
For this, my Soul, do thou obedient prove.  
And grant, dear Lord, that I, who humbly now  
Approach thine Altar, to remember how,  
And what Christ suffered, may of Thee obtain  
Those dear-bought Mercies, which his Death did gain.   

I must confess, when I consider, Lord,  
How I have sinned against thy sacred Word,  
How oft I have refused to come and eat,  
When I was summoned to this heavenly Treat,  
I have not left within my troubled Breast,  
A glimmering hope to be a welcome Guest.   

Yet should I still absent, should I forbear  
T' approach thy Table, where such offers are,  
How can I ever hope, dear Christ, to be  
Partaker of thy Love and Victory?  
No I must never think, thou'lt own me, when  
Thou sits in Judgement on the Sons of Men.   

Therefore to thee, my God, I come, and bring  
My Soul and Body, for an Offering.  
Vouchsafe that at thy Hands they may a kind  
And gracious entertainment this day find:  
And be enabled by thy Grace to move  
In the delightful Steps of holy Love.  
Let not my Sins of Youth, or riper Years,  
Engage thee to forsake me, to my Tears  
Have some regard, and let me now partake  
Of thy Sons Mercies, for his merits sake.  
Amen, and Amen.    

A Farewell to the World.  

THou glorious Nothing, now adieu,  
I'll be no more a Slave to you:  
Henceforward all my time will I  
To a more serious Court apply.  
Heaven and all its Joys above  
Shall be the Object of my Love,  
And study of my Life each day,  
Till I my borrowed Earth repay.   

And thou immortal God, who art  
The rightful sovereign of my Heart,  
Dispose my Thoughts and Actions now,  
Strictly to keep this sacred Vow.  
Thou knowst what mighty Foes they are.  
I must engage with in this War:  
The World, on one hand, will be sure  
To bring its Glories to allure;  
And its Temptations will combine  
To shake this firm Resolve of mine.  
My Flesh will all its vigour show,  
To make me to its Dictates bow.  
And the industr'ous-wily-Fiend,  
Against me all his Powers will bend.  
Forces too great to be withstood,  
By a Compound of Flesh and Blood.  
Needs must I Faint, and be subdued,  
Unless with heavenly force endued.  
Yet I am fully bend to try  
Their Strength, and Fight them till I die,  
And do not doubt but at my Death,  
To have the never-fading-Wreath.    
SOLI DEO GLORIA.  
FINIS.