Divine SONGS and MEDITATIONS Composed By An Collins.  
LONDON, Printed by R. Bishop. Anno Dom. 1653   

To the Reader  
Christian Reader,  
I inform you, that by divine Providence, I have been restrained from bodily employments, suiting with my disposition, which enforced me to a retired Course of life; Wherein it pleased God to give me such enlargedness of mind, and activity of spirit, so that this seeming desolate condition, proved to me most delightful: To be brief, I became affected to Poetry, insomuch that I proceeded to practise the same; and though the helps I had therein were small, yet the thing itself appeared unto me so amiable, as that it inflamed my faculties, to put forth themselves, in a practice so pleasing.  
Now the furtherances I had herein, was what I could gather (by the benefit of hearing,) at first from profane Histories; which gave not that satisfactory contentment, before mentioned, but it was the manifestation of Divine Truth, or rather the Truth itself, that redu●●● my mind to 〈◊〉 peaceful temper, and spiritual calmness, taking up my thoughts for Theological employments.  
Witness hereof, this Discourse, Songs and Meditations, following; which I have set forth (as I trust) for the benefit, and comfort of others, Chiefly for those Christians who are of disconsolat Spirits, who may perceive herein, the Faithfulness, Love, & Tender Compassionatnesse of God to his people, in that according to his gracious Promise, He doth not leave nor forsake them. Heb. 13.5. But causeth all things to work for their good. Rom. 8.28. This I doubt not, but most Saints in some measure, do experimentally know, therefore I will not seek by argument, to prove a thing so perspicuous. And now (Courteous Reader) I have delivered unto you, what I intended, only it remains that I tell you, That with my Labours, you have my Prayers to God through Jesus Christ; whose I am, and in him,  
Yours, in all Christian affection AN COLLINS.   

The Preface.  

BEing through weakness to the house confined,  
My mental powers seeming long to sleep,  
were summoned up, by want of waking mind  
Their wont course of exercise to keep,  
And n●t to waste themselves in slumber deep;  
Though no work can be so from error kept  
But some against it boldly w●ll except:   

Yet sigh it was my morning exercise  
The fruit of intellectuals to vent,  
In Songs or counterfeits of Poesies,  
And having therein found no small content,  
To keep that course my thoughts are therefore bend,  
And rather former works to vindicate  
Than any new conception to relate.   

Our glorious God his creatures weakness sees,  
And therefore deals with them accordingly,  
Giving the means of knowledge by degrees,  
Vnfoulding more and more the Mystery,  
And opening the Seals successively, 
Rev. 6.   
So of his goodness gives forth demonstrations,  
To his Elect in divers Dispensations.   

In legal wise he did himself express  
To be the only Lord Omnipotent  
A just avenger of all wickedness,  
A jealous God in power eminent,  
Which terror works, and pale astonishment;  
Sith plagues for sin are holden forth thereby,  
But with no strength to crush inniquity.   

Now with the Law the Gospel oft appears,  
But under veils, perspicuous unto f●w  
Who were as those which of good tidings hears,  
Rejoicing much at the report or show  
Of that the Saints now by possessing know;  
Oft spoke the Prophets Evangelicall,  
Whose words like kindly drops of rain did fall.   

But when the plenerie of time was come  
The springs of grace their pleasant streams out deald  
Felicity did evidence on her some  
Salvation and the way thereto revealed,  
Who wounded were in spirit, might be healed;  
Here God declares the Beauties of his Face.  
Great Love, rich Mercy, free Eternal Grace.   

This time was when the Son of Righteousness  
His Luster in the world began to spread,  
Which more and more to his he doth express  
●n terms so large that they that run may read,  
And to himself he doth the weaker lead;  
●●e to his bosum will his Lambs collect,  
●nd gently those that feeble are direct. 
Isa. 40.11    

And so in them a life of grace instill  
Whereby they shall be able to obey  
All Gospel's precepts su●ing with his will,  
And that without regard of sprvill pay,  
But with free hearts, where Christ alone doth sway  
Causing the apprehensions of his love,  
To gender love, which still doth active prove.   

Where Christ thus ruleth, I suppose remains  
No heart that hankers after Nov●lities  
Whose ground is but the Scum of frothy brains  
Perhaps extracted from old Heresies,  
New formed with Glosses to deceive the eyes  
Of those who like to Children, do incline  
To every new device that seems to shine.   

I am persuaded they that relish right,  
The Dainties of Religion, Food d●vine,  
Have thereby such a permanent delight,  
And of best Treasures, such a lasting m●ne,  
As that their hearts to change do not ●cline,  
I therefore think their tastes of Truth is ill,  
Who Truth's profession quickly alter will.   

I speak not this to manifest despite  
To true Religion's growth or augmentation,  
Nor do I take offence of greater L●ght  
Which brings probatum est or commendation  
From Truth itself, having thereto relation,  
But rather with the Saints I do rejoice,  
When God appears to his in Gospel voice.   

Now touching that I hasten to express  
Concerning these, the offspring of my mind,  
Who though they here appear in homely dress  
And as they are my works, I do not find  
But ranked with others, they may go behind,  
Yet for their matter, I suppose they be  
Not worthless quite, whilst they with Truth agree.   

Indeed I grant that sounder judgements may  
(Directed by a greater Light) declare  
The ground of Truth more in a Gospel-way,  
But who time passed with present will compare  
Shall find more mysteries unfolded are,  
So that they may who have right information  
More plainly show the pathway to Salvation.   

Yet this cannot prevail to hinder me  
From publishing those Truths I do intent,  
As strong perfumes will not concealed be,  
And who esteems the favours of a Friend,  
So little, as in silence let them end,  
Nor will I therefore only keep in thought,  
But tell what God still for my Soul hath wrought.   

When Clouds of Melancholy overcast  
My heart, sustaining heaviness thereby,  
But long that sad condition would not last  
For soon the Spring of Light would blessedly  
Send forth a beam, for helps discovery,  
Then dark discomforts would give place to joy,  
Which not the World could give or quite destroy.   

So sorrow served but as springing rain  
To ripen fruits, endowments of the mind,  
Who thereby did ability attain  
To send forth flowers, of so rare a kind,  
Which whither not by force of ●un or Wind:  
Retaining virtue in their operations,  
Which are the matter o● those Meditations.   

From whence if evil matter be extracted  
'tis only by a ●●ider generation,  
Whose natures are of vennom so compacted,  
As that their touch occasions depravation  
Though lighting in the fragrantest plantation:  
Let such conceal the evil hence they pluck  
And not disgorg themselves of what they suck.   

So shall they not the humble sort offend  
Who like the Bee, by nature's secret act  
Convert to sweetness, fit for some good end  
That which they from small things of worth extract,  
Wisely supplying every place that lacked,  
By helping to discover what was meant  
Where they perceive there is a good intent.   

So trusting that the only Sov'rain Power  
Which in this work always assisted me,  
Will still remain its firm defensive Tower,  
From spite of enemies the same to free  
And make it useful in some sort to be,  
That Rock I trust on whom I do depend,  
Will his and all their works for him defend.    

The Discourse.  

YOu that endeared are to piety,  
And of a gracious disposition are,  
Delighting greatly in sincerity  
As your respects to godly ones declare;  
For whose society you only care:  
Dain to survey her works that worthless seem,  
To such as honest meanings .   

But those that in my love I have preferred  
Before all creatures in this world beside,  
Me works, I hope, will never disregard,  
Though some defects herein may be espied;  
Which those that have their judgement's rectifide:  
Can but discern, yet not with scornful eye,  
As their mild censures chiefly testify.   

Unto the public view of every one  
I did not purpose these my lines to send,  
Which for my private use were made alone:  
Or as I said, if any pious friend  
Will once vouchsafe to read them to the end:  
Let such conceive if error here they find,  
'twas want of Art, not true intent of mind.   

Some may desirous be to understand  
What moved me, who unskilful am herein,  
To meddle with, and thus to take in hand,  
That which I cannot well, end or begin;  
But such may first resolve themselves herein,  
If they consider, 'tis not want of skill,  
That's more blame worthy, than want of good will   

1 Then know, I chiefly aim that this should be  
Unto the praise of Gods most blessed name,  
For by the mouths of sucking babes doth he,  
Reveal his power, and immortal fame; 
Psal. 8.   
Permitting Children to extall the same:  
When those that were profound, and worldly wise  
In ignominious sort did him despise.   

2 Next in respect of that I have received  
Is nothing to that some have, I do confess,  
Yet he to whom one Talent was bequeathed,  
Was called to strict account, nevertheless;  
As well as he that many did possess, 
Mat. 25.   
From which I gather, they have no excuse,  
Which of ability will make no use.   

3 Moreover this is thirdly in respect  
Of some near Kindred, who survive me may,  
The which perhaps do better works neglect,  
Yet this, they may be pleased to survey  
Through willingness to hear what I could say,  
Whereby they may be haply drawn to look,  
And read the Scriptures touched in this book.   

4 And lastly in regard of any one,  
Who may by accident hereafter find,  
This, though to them the Author be unknown,  
Yet seeing here, the image of her mind;  
They may conjecture how she was inclined:  
And further note, that God doth Grace bestow,  
Upon his servants, though he keeps them low.   

Even in my Cradle did my Crosses breed,  
And so grew up with me, unto this day,  
Whereof variety of Cares proceed,  
Which of myself, I never could allay,  
Nor yet their multiplying brood destroy,  
For one distemper could no sooner die,  
But many others would his room supply,   

Yea like the messengers of job, they hast,  
One c●me; before another can be gone,  
Al● motions of delight were soon defaced,  
Finding no matter for to feed upon,  
They quickly were dispersed every one,  
Whereat my mind itself, would much torment,  
Upon the rack of restless discontent.   

The summer's day, though cheerful in itself,  
Was wearisome, and tedious, unto me,  
As those that comfort lack, content or health,  
To credit this may soonest persuaded be,  
For by experience truth hereof they see.  
Now if the summer's day, cause no delight.  
How irksome think you was the winter's night.   

'Twere to no end, but altogether vain,  
My several crosses namely to express,  
To rub the scar would but increase the pain,  
And words of pity would no grief release,  
But rather aggrevate my heaviness,  
Who ever chose my crosses to conceal  
Till to my grief they would themselves reveal   

So (to be brief) I spent my infantcy,  
And part of freshest years, as hath been said  
Partaking then of nothing cheerfully  
Being through frailty apt to be afraid,  
And likely still distempered or dismayed,  
Through present se●ce of some calamity,  
Or preconceipt of future misery.   

But as the longest w●nter hath an end  
So did this fruitless discontent e●●●re,  
And God in mercy ●me refreshing ●end,  
whereby I learned h ● goodness to admire,  
And also larger blessings to desire;  
For those that on●e, ●a●e 〈◊〉 grace ●ndeed,  
Will thirst for more and ●●a●e it till they speed.   

But that I may proceed Me●●●all,  
When first ●●e ●e●t e●●e w●n●e● ngs o● my m●nde,  
Began to ●et●e and ●e ●●●e with a●l  
No more to be 〈…〉 with every wind  
It such a p●e●●ng exerci●e did find,  
Which was 〈…〉 Wo●●●● day,  
The ●e●●e o● Hearing show d ●o it convey.   

But living where profaneness did abound,  
Where little goodness might be seen or heard;  
Those consolations, could be but unsound  
Having to godliness no great regard:  
Because that of the means I was debarred,  
Through ignorance of better exercise  
I then delighted pleasant histories   

Whereof the most part were but feigned I knew  
Which notwithstanding I not whit despised,  
Imagining although they were not true,  
They were convenient being moralised;  
Such vanities I then too highly prised:  
But when profane discourses pleased me best  
Obscenities I always did detest.   

But all this while, the sums of vanities  
Did interpose between my soul's week sight,  
And heavenly bliss, divine felicities;  
Until that morning star so matchless bright  
The Sun of righteousness revealed his light  
Unto my soul, which sweet refresh brings,  
Because he comes with healing in his wings,   

Whose blessed beams my mind eradiates  
And makes it sensible of piety, 
Mal 4 2   
And so by consequence communicates  
Celestial health to every faculty:  
Expeling palpable obscurity;  
Which made my soul uncapable of grace,  
Which now she much desires for to embrace.   

Perceiving well that nothing can afford  
Her either final rest, or full content,  
But saveing Graces, and Gods holy word,  
Which is a means those Graces to augment;  
With Prayer, and the blessed Sacrament:  
Which means with reverence my soul affects  
And former pleasing vanities rejects.   

Together with unnecesary grief,  
Whose ill effects can hardly be expressed,  
For certainly it argues unbelief  
Which hinders many from eternal rest,  
who do not seek in time to be redressed; 
Heb. 3.19   
Therefore I would establish inward peace,  
However outward crosses do increase.   

If cross disgrace or dismal accident,  
Indignity or loss, befalleth me,  
Immediately distempers to prevent,  
I called to mind how all things ordered be,  
Appointed, and disposed, as we see.  
By Gods most gracious providence, which is,  
I am persuaded, for the good of his.   

Yet am I not so firm I must confess  
But many times discomforts will intruded,  
Which oft prevails to hinder quietness,  
And by that means, some sorrows are re●●'d:  
Which hope will help me quickly to excl●'d▪  
So though distress contin● for a night, 
Psal. 30. ●   
Yet joy returneth by the morning light.   

Wi●h confidence these favours will increase  
My soul hath recolected all her powers,  
To praise the author of this blissful peace,  
Which no untimely cross event devovers;  
So permanent are the celestial Flowers:  
Those graces which are ever converse●t,  
Where holiness combinds with true content.   

O! what trancendant ravishing delights  
What bliss unspeakable they do po●esse,  
Whose mirth to holy praises them excites,  
And cheers them to go on, in godliness,  
The very quintessence of happiness,  
As is attainable, or may be had  
In this life present, which were else but bad.   

There is a kind of counterfeit content,  
Wherewith some are deceived, 'tis to be feared,  
Who think they need not sorrow, or lament,  
Being to sensual pleasures so endeared;  
Whose minds are stupid, & their conscience ceard  
Else might they see all Earthly delectation,  
To be but vanity, and hearts vexation. 
Eccl. 2.    

To lightning, carnal mirth we may compare,  
For as a flash it hastes and soon is gone,  
Foretelling of a Thunder clap of care,  
It also blasts the hear● it lighteth on;  
Makes it to goodness, senseless as a stone;  
Disabling every part, and faculty,  
Of soul and body unto piety.   

But sacred joy i● like the Sun's clear light,  
Which m●y with clouds, be sometimes overcast,  
Ye breaks it forth anon, and shine● more bright,  
Whose lively force continually doth last;  
And shows most Orient, when a storm is past:  
So true delight may be eclipsed we see,  
But quite extinguished, can it never be.   

So now I will go on with my Discourse,  
When knowledge, plefant to my soul became,  
Unto God's word, I often had recourse,  
Being informed rightly that the same;  
Would be as fuel to enc eace the flame  
Of holy Zeal, which must with knowledge dwell,  
For without other, neither can do well, 
Rom. 10    

Then sought I carefully to understand,  
The grounds of true Religion, which impart  
Divine Discreshion, which goes far beyand,  
All civil policy or humane Art;  
W●ich sacred principles I got by heart:  
Which much enabled me to apprehend,  
The e●ce of that whereto I shall attend.   

First touching God, there is one God I know,  
who hath his being of himself alone, 
Rom. 1.20.   
The fountain whence all ●ream of goodness flow  
But body p●●●s, or passions hath be none: 
ja. 1 7   
And such Deity ●e●e is but one; 
1 Cor. 8.4.   
Eternal, Infinite, ●●●ne i● ee, 
1 john. 5.7.   
One p●●●ct Essen●● 〈◊〉 Persons Three.   

The first whereof for order, is the Father,  
The Glorious Fountain of the Trinity,  
Having his being, nor beginning neither  
Of no one but himself, undoubtedly;  
Begets his Son, from all eternity,  
And with his Son, the Holy-Ghost forth sends  
From everlasting which for aye extends.   

The Son, the second Glorious person is,  
For Power, Substance, and Eternity,  
Alone as is the Father, who it is,  
Of whom he hath his being, too, only;  
Yea the whole being of his Father, by  
A Sacred and Eternal Genneration,  
A mistrey past all imagination. 
Jsaiah. 53.8    

In Trinity the Holy-Ghost is third,  
Proceeding and so sent forth equally, 
john. 15.7.   
Both from the father & the son, or word, 
john. 1.1   
Being of their Power, Substance, Magisty;  
And thus distinguished are the Trinity:  
By whom were all things made, that ever were,  
And by whose Providence preserved are.   

What hath been said of God shall now suffice,  
Of whom I frame no Image in my mind,  
But I conceive him by his properties,  
He is incomprehensible I find;  
Filling all places, in no place confined;  
I will therefore his wondrous works admire,  
Not vainly after secret things inquire.   

Next unto God, myself I sought to know,  
A thing not so facile, as some suppose,  
But that I may the faster forward go,  
I leave to speak, what may be said of those,  
And haste to that I purpose to disclose:  
Which being well considered may convert,  
To lowest thoughts, the proudest haughty heart.   

Touching myself and others I conceive,  
That all men are by nature dead in sin, 
Eph. 2.1.   
And Satan's slaves; not able to receive,  
The things of God, which brings true comfort in:  
Good actions still they fail in managing;  
But apt they are to every vanity,  
As vowed servants to inniquity.   

Do but observe the carnallist how he  
Neglects all callings, fit to be professed,  
Waits all occasions, ill implyd to be,  
Consumes his wealth, deprives himself of rest;  
To please that darling sin that likes him best:  
judge what a hellish bondage he is in,  
That's Satan's slave, and servant unto sin;   

As all men in the state of nature be,  
And have been ever since man's woeful fall,  
Who was created first, from bondage free,  
Until by sin he thrust himself in thrall;  
By whose transgression we were stained all,  
Not only all men but all parts of man,  
Corrupted was: since sin to reign begun.   

The Soul who did her maker's Image bear,  
Which made her amiable fair and bright,  
Right Orient and illustrious to appear,  
To his omniscient eye and pure sight,  
Who doth the inward Purity delight,  
Lost all her beauty, once so excellent,  
As soon as unto sin she did consent.   

The eye of understanding was so bleared,  
That no spiritual thing it could behold,  
The will corrupted, and the conscience ceared,  
And all th'affections were to goodness cold,  
But hot to evil, not to be controlled;  
The members of the body than proceeds  
As instruments to execute bad deeds.   

But see what was the consequence of this,  
The curse of God which did the fault ensue,  
Thus man by sin deprived was of bliss,  
The thoughts hereof might cause us to eschew  
That bitter root whence all our sorrows grew:  
Sickness of body, and distress of mind,  
With all afflictions laid upon mankind.   

Whether in body goods or name it be,  
And which is wo●c●, the souls perplexity,  
Whose conscience is awake, from deadness free  
When she considers what felicity,  
She hath exchanged for endless misery;  
Can but torment herself with bootless care,  
Fore-see-ing that her pains eternal are.   

If this be so, the vilest living creature  
Is in a better case than man; for why?  
When this life ends with such by course of nature,  
There with is ended all his misery;  
But man tormented is eternally;  
'tTwere so, but that our God we gracious find,  
Who sent a Saviour to restore mankind.   

The second person of the Trinity, 
john. 1.1   
The only Son of God omnipotent,  
Who being God from all eternity,  
To take our nature freely did assent, 
Heb. 2.16.   
With all afflictions thereto incident:  
In all things, like to other men was he,  
Save that from sins he still remained free.   

So that two whole and perfect natures were,  
In the same person joined really.  
And neither of them both, confounded are,  
Nor do●h the Humane of itself rely;  
But it subsisteth in the Deity,  
Nor can these natures separated be,  
Both perfect God, and perfect man was he.   

This much touching our Saviour's person; Now,  
His Offices we ought to know likewise,  
And what he hath performed for us, and how  
He freed us from the foresaid miseries,  
And how God's dreadful wrath he satisfies;  
His Offices shall briefly named be,  
A Priest, a Prophet, and a King, is he.   

A Priest, for that he hath for man's transgression  
Full satisfaction made to God the father, 
Heb. 7.15.   
And likewise makes continual intercession  
For those who to his fold he means to gather;  
Or to eternal heavenly mansions, rather:  
The means whereby God's wrath he satisfies,  
Was his obedience and his sacrifice.   

The Law of God he perfectly fulfilled,  
With full obedience and integrity,  
As God had preordained, than did he yield  
A painful ignominious death to die,  
The wrath of God appeased was thereby,  
Which in full measure came upon him then,  
Even what was due unto the sins of men.   

A Prophet to instruct his Church he is,  
Which doth him honour by sincere profession,  
His Spirit qualifies the hearts of his,  
And makes them pliable to such profession,  
His word doth take when grace shall have possession,  
For by the word no good effect is wrought  
But where the heart is by God's spirit taught.   

Our Saviour is a King undoubtedly,  
Although he seems to have no Kingdoms here,  
Yet in their hearts he means to Glorify,  
A Kingdom he erects of grace, and there  
He reigns, and by his spirit rule doth bear,  
But here appears his matchless dignity  
He King of Glory is Eternally.   

For when he by his death had finished  
The work of our redemption, freed from pains,  
He took his body that before was dead,  
With all that to a perfect man pertains;  
With which he gloriously ascends and reigns:  
At the right hand of God he doth remain  
Until to judgement he returns again.   

Christ's sufferings are sufficient for to free,  
All men from woe and endless misery, 
2 Thes. 3.2   
But all men have not faith, and therefore be,  
Unlikely to have benefit thereby,  
For it is Faith with which we must apply,  
The merits of our blessed Redeemer  
And to ourselves each in particular.   

Faith is a Grace which doth the soul refine,  
Wrought by the Holy-Ghost in contrite hearts,  
And grounded on Gods Promises divine,  
Things superexcellent this same imparts,  
To those that have it planted in their hearts:  
But ere this faith is wrought, the heart must be,  
Made capable of it, in some degree.   

First God doth take the hammer of his Law,  
And breaks the heart which he for Grace will fit●  
Then the seduced soul is brought in awe,  
And doth immediately itself submit,  
When sight of sin, and sorrowing for it,  
Hath wrought humility, a virtue rare  
Which truly doth the soul for Grace prepare.   

The Law of God is most exact and pure  
Requireing of us perfect holiness, 
Psal. 19.1.   
To which is life eternal pr●mis'd sure,  
But curses unto them that it transgress,  
Whether by frailty or by wilfulness;  
Though none but Christ, and Adam ere his fall  
Can keep this Law, yet it may profit all.   

For here we may perceive how much we fail,  
Withal what danger we incur thereby,  
Then if we can our own de●ects bewail,  
We may for succour to our Saviour fly,  
Whose Righteousness will all our wants supply:  
Then here are Rules set down for Gods Elect  
Whereby they will their course of life direct.   

This Law by Gods most skilful Hand was wrote,  
And placed in two Tables orderly,  
Showing what's to be done, and what is not;  
Withal what good or evil comes thereby,  
In Ten Commandments so distinctly,  
Wherewith as with a Touch stone try we may,  
How we offend our God, or him obey.   

1 They sin against the first who think or say,  
As doth the fool, there is no God at all,  
So they that through profaneness disobey,  
And want of knowledge is a breach not small,  
Who loves or fears a creature most of all,  
And puts trust therein and seeks there to  
Makes that their God, and so break this they do.   

2 The second violated is by those  
That Images erect, or them adore,  
By such also who in devotion goes  
To Saint or Angel, succour to implore,  
Who set by superstisious Relics store,  
And worship God after men's fantasies,  
And not as he commands, breaks this likewise   

3 When those that seem religious prove profane  
God's name is much dishonoured thereby;  
Even so likewise their error is the same,  
Who use his word, or works, or Titles high,  
For evil ends, or else unreverently:  
By witchcraft, cursing, swearing, blasphemy,  
This violated is undoubtedly.   

4 Whoso by preparation doth not fit  
Himself to keep the Sabbath, breaks the same,  
As those that holy exercise omit,  
Or come thereto only for fear of blame,  
Nor have delight or profit by the same;  
So it is broke by carnal recreations,  
By worldly works, by speech, or cogitations.   

5 When that inferiors disobedient are,  
Ungrateful, stubborn, saucy, impudent,  
Failing in reverence, love, respective care,  
To their superiors, hating Government,  
Such grossly break this Fift Commandment:  
As those superiors whose bad Discipline  
Or ill example, makes inferiors sin.   

6 This is transgressed by murder, or debate,  
By being mindful of revenge likewise,  
By sinful anger, envy, malice, hare;  
By vexing words, and scornful mockeries,  
Which are occasions of extremities,  
Distress of mind, heartgrief, perplexity,  
And life hath often prejudice thereby,   

7 All thoughts impure this Commandment breaks,  
So lewd pastimes, light gesture, wanton looks,  
Wearing apparel contrary to Sex,  
Ill company, vain ●alk, lascivious books,  
An all that may entice like baits or hooks,  
To Fornication or Adultery,  
Which breaks this Precept most apparently.   

8 This is transgressed by any kind of stealing,  
By coveting our nighbours' goods also,  
By fraud oppression, or deceitfu●l dealing,  
By n●t disposing well of that we owe,  
Refusing honest works to undergo,  
By being not content with our estate,  
Not helping those we should commiserate.   

9 This violated is by false witness bearing,  
Likewise by any Lie we bre●k the ●ame,  
By raiseing false reports, or gladly hearing  
Ill of our nighbour, touching his good name,  
By not maintaining his deserved fame,  
By speaking truth of him maliciously  
And not exhorting him in secrecy.   

10 This is transgressed by lusts, and motions vain  
Though we thereto give no consent at all, 
Ro. 7.7   
As the rebellion of the flesh, or stain  
And blot, we have by sin Original,  
Corrupsion of our nature we it call;  
From which because that no one can be free,  
Then all transgressors of the Law must be.   

Who by the moral Law beholds his sin  
And sees withal there's left him no defence,  
To sorrow therefore now he doth begin,  
His Conscience being touched with lively sense  
Of God's displeasure for his great offence,  
Despairing of salvation, in respect  
Of aught that by himself he can effect.   

The curse contained in this exquiset Law,  
Doth work this sorrow so effectually,  
For truly he alone is brought in awe,  
Whose Conscience is informed of this hereby;  
Who breaks but one commandment only  
In all his life, and that in coggitation,  
Is notwithstanding subject to damnation.   

Thus when the heart is fitted and prepared,  
The seeds of Faith foth-with are cast therein,  
Which in their orders briefly are declared:  
The first is when one wearied under sin,  
To feel the wiaght thereof doth now begin  
And thereupon acknowledgeth with speed  
That of a Saviour much he stands in need;   

The second is a vehement desire,  
Or ardent longing to participate  
Of Christ, and eke his benefits entire  
And nothing else can this desire abate,  
Consume o● limit, quench or mitigate:  
As doth the Hart the water brook desire,  
So humble Souls a Saviour doth require.   

The third i● flying to the Throne of grace,  
Even from the sentence of the Law so strict,  
Which doth profane security deface,  
Because that thereby the Conscience is pricked,  
Which doth the humble man for good afflict  
By showing such the danger of their case,  
And for a ever, sending them to grace.   

Now this is done by fervent supplications,  
By constant prayer, most prevailing known,  
expressed with hearty strong ejacculations,  
For Gods especial grace in him alone,  
In the forgiveness of his sins each one;  
And in his prayer, persevear will he  
Until the thing peticioned, granted be.   

Then God, as he hath promised, will prove  
Propicious to the sinner penitent,  
And let him feel th'assurance of his Love,  
His Favour, Grace, and Mercy Excellent  
The which in Christ, appears most eminent:  
A lively Faith this full assurance is,  
Wr●●● 〈◊〉 by God's Spirit, in the hearts of his.   

But there are divers measures or degrees  
Of Saving Faith, the least whereof is this,  
When he that hath a humble Spirit sees  
He cannot feel, his Faith so little is,  
As yet the full assurance, inward bliss,  
Of the forgiveness of his sins so free,  
Yet pardonable findeth them to be.   

And therefore prayeth they may be pardoned,  
And with his heart the same of God requires,  
Recals himself, as formerly misled,  
Giving no rest unto his large desires,  
His Soul it faints not, nor his Spirit tires,  
Although he be delayed yet still he prays,  
On God he waits, and for an answer stays.   

That such a man hath Faith it doth appear  
For these desires do plainly testify,  
He hath the Spirit of his Saviour dear,  
For 'tis his special work or property,  
To stir up long after purity:  
Now where his Spirit is there Christ resides,  
And where Christ dwells is true Faith though weak abides   

Of saveing Faith the largest quantity,  
Is when a man comes on in Faith until,  
He finds the full assurance happily  
Of God's free mercy, favour, and good will,  
To him in Christ, which doth his joy fulfil:  
Finding he hath obtained free remission,  
And that he's safe in Gods divine tuision.   

This full assurance of his grace and love,  
The Lord vouchsafes his servants true who he,  
Doth for their inward sanctity approve,  
Whose outward do also righteous be,  
For such alone the evidence may see,  
Of his inheritance, true happiness,  
Which for Christ's merits sake they shall possess.   

A Christian in his insantcy in grace  
Finds not this full assurance usually,  
Until he hath been practised for a space  
By sound Repentance with Sincerity:  
And finds God's Love to him abundantly  
Then shall his soul this full persuasion see,  
Which is the strength of Faith or highest degree.   

By Faith in Christ much profit we do gain,  
For thereby only are we justifide,  
At peace with God free from eternal pain,  
And thereby only are we sanctified,  
Where faith is, by those friuts, it may be tried:  
True faith being by friuts discovered  
A barren faith must deeds be false and dead.   

Now to be justifide, is to be freed,  
From gilt and punishment of sin likewise,  
To be accepted as for just indeed,  
With God, whose grace it is that justifies;  
And not our works, as vainly some surmise:  
But that we may still orderly proceed,  
It followeth next how we from sin are freed.   

The sins of those that God will justify,  
Were by Chri●●s sufferings so abolished.  
As that they ca●not hurt them finally,  
Were they as Scarlet or the Crimson ●ed  
They shall be w●ite as Snow and cleared, 
Esay 16.16   
Even by Christ's Blood, the w to free was sp n●  
The faithful, from deserved punishment.   

Now comes to b● considered how t●ey may  
Wi●h God, for Perfect just, accepted be,  
Who of them-selves by nature (truth to say)  
Are in no part from sin's corruption free,  
How such are ta'en for just, here may we see,  
Christ's righteousness is theirs, by imp●●●cion,  
And so esteemed by gracious acceptation.   

The true believers benefits are great,  
Wh ch they by beig just●fi●● po●●esse  
For such shall stand be o'er God's judgement seat,  
As worthy of Eterna●l Happiness,  
Even by the merits of Christ's Righteousness,  
For of themselves, they cannot merit aught,  
Who are not able to think one good thought.   

Then far from doing any work whereby  
They might deserve Salvation on their part,  
For God whose only perfect purity,  
Will f●nd in our best works not true disart,  
But rather matter of our endless smart:  
For in Christ's Blood the Saints which be most dear  
Must wash their Robes before they can be clear.   

Though by good works we do not gain Salvation  
Yet these good Duties that our God requires,  
We must perform in thi● our conversation,  
With all our might, endeavours, and desires,  
Before this short uncertain time expires,  
And at perfection must we always aim,  
Though in this life we reach not to the same.   

For he that by his Faith is justifide,  
It followeth also necessarily,  
That such by Faith are likewise Sanctified,  
Corruption of our nature is thereby  
Disabled so, as that inniqu●ty  
No longer rules, being by grace subdued,  
Whereby the heart to goodness is renewed.   

Corruption of our nature purged is,  
By virtue of Christ's Precious Blood only  
Which when by Saving Faith applied is,  
Serves as a corrasive to mortify  
And kill the power of inniquity,  
Whence 'tis that those who Sanctified be,  
From sins dominion, happily are free.   

The other pa●t of true Sanctification,  
Is life or quickenning to holiness,  
And may therefore be called renovation,  
Like a Restorative it doth redress,  
And him revive, that is dead in trespass;  
'tis by the power of Christ's Resurrection,  
That we are raised from sin to such perfection.   

Sanctification must be then entire,  
Not for the present, perfect in degree,  
Yet in respect of parts and true desire,  
Each part and power Sanctified must be,  
Although no part from all Corruption's free;  
Yet every power must with goodness suit,  
Though in this life no part be absolute,   

Like as a Child new born without defect,  
A perfect man he may be said to be,  
Because his body's perfect, in respect  
Of parts, though not in stature or degree  
Of growth, until of perfect age he be;  
So have the faithful imperfections some,  
Till to a perfect age in Christ they come.   

The graces of the Spirit will appear,  
And spring up in his heart that's Sanctified,  
And these the fruits of Righteousness will bear  
Which in his conversation are descried,  
These graces hath he that is Sanctified,  
A detestation of inniquity,  
And love to goodness, Zeal and Purity,   

Whereof Repentance blessedly proceeds,  
Which is endeavour, purpose or intent  
To leave all sin which causeful sorrows breeds  
And not to give allowance or consent  
To break God's Law, or least Command●ment:  
But ever walk exactly there-unto,  
Though to the flesh it seems too much to do.   

So that continual combats will arise,  
Between God's image, on the soul renewed,  
And Satan's image, greatest contraries  
Which ever seek each other to exclude,  
Though in the end the worst shall be subdued:  
Yet in this life it wil● in no wise yield;  
Against whose force, Faith is the only shield.   

Now when a man ha●h got the victory,  
In such a conflict or extreme temptation  
He sees God's love to him abundantly,  
By reason of his special conservation,  
Which of his favou● is a demonstration;  
Now this increaseth peace of conscience most  
Together with joy in the Holy-Ghost.   

But if the wicked do so far prevail,  
By God's permission by some provocation  
To overcome the faithful being frail,  
And subject to be snared with temptation  
When not suspecting such abomination;  
But this their fall i● through infirmity  
Who shall not be forsaken utterly.   

For soon a Godly sorrow will arise  
And overflow the ●eart of such a one,  
Which blessedly the same so mollifies,  
That it relents for hauling so misgone  
Which godly grief or sorrow is all one  
For having so displeased God by sin,  
Who hath to him a loving Father been.   

Yea he for this abhors himself as vile  
Acknowledging his execrable case,  
Till he be reconciled to God, that while  
Himself by lowest thoughts he doth abase,  
As far unworthy to find any grace;  
Yet cries to God in this humiliation  
For the return of wont consolation.   

And when he hath attained recovery,  
The breach without delay he fortifies  
With stronger resolution manfully,  
And with a Watch impregnable likewise,  
Against assaults of this his enemies,  
And all assays of their re-entery  
Through which so many perish finally.   

This much touching the ground of Truth I hold,  
Which sith at first they rectified my mind,  
I will not cast them off, as worn and old,  
Nor will be so alone to them confined  
As not admit of things of higher kind;  
But will as God shall light dispense to me,  
(By aid divine) walk up to each degree.    

A Song expressing their happiness who have Communion with Christ.  

WHen scorched with distracting care,  
My mind finds out a shade  
Which fruitless Trees, false fear, despair  
And melancholy made,  
Where neither bird did sing  
Nor fragrant flowers spring,  
Nor any plant of use:  
No sound of happiness.  
Had there at all ingress,  
Such comforts to produce,  
But Sorrow there frequents,  
The Nurse of Discontents,  
And Murmuring her Maid  
Whose harsh unpleasant noise  
All mental fruits destroys  
Whereby delight's conveyed.   

Whereof my judgement being certifide  
My mind from thence did move,  
For her conception so to provide,  
That it might not abortive prove,  
Which fruit to signify  
It was conceived by  
Most true intelligence  
Of this sweet truth divine  
Who form thee is thine, 
Esay. 54.5.   
Whence sprang this inference;  
He too, that's Lord of all  
Will thee beloved call,  
Though all else prove unkind;  
Then cheerful may I sing  
Sith I enjoy the Spring,  
Though Sesterns dry I find.   

For in our Union with the Lord alone,  
Consists our happiness.  
Certainly such who are with Christ at one  
He leaves not comfortless,  
But come to them he will  
Their Souls with joy to fill,  
And them to Fortify  
Their works to undergo  
And bear their Cross also,  
With much alacrity:  
Who his assisting grace  
Do feelingly embrace,  
With confidence may say,  
Through Christ that strengthens me  
No thing so hard I see  
But what perform I may. 
Phillip 4.14    

But when the Soul no help can see  
Through sins interposition,  
Then quite forlorn that while is she,  
Bewailling her condition;  
In which deplored case  
Now such a Soul hath space,  
To think how she delayed  
Her Saviour to admit  
Who should to her for it,  
And to this purpose said,  
Open to me my Love,  
My Sister, and my Dove, 
Can. 5.   
My Locks with dew wet are  
Yet she remissive grew,  
Till he himself withdrew  
Before she was ware.   

But tasting once how sweet he is,  
And smelling his perfumes,  
Long can she not his presence miss,  
But grief her strainth consumes:  
For when he visits one  
He cometh not alone,  
But brings abundant grace  
True Light, and Holiness  
And Spirit to express  
Ones wants in every case;  
For as he wisdom is,  
So is he unto his  
Wisdom and Purity, 
1 Cor. 1.30   
Which when he seems to hid,  
The ●oul missing her guide,  
Must needs confused lie.   

Then let them know, that would enjoy  
The firm fruition,  
Of his Sweet presence, he will stay  
With single hearts alone,  
Who [● u●●] their former mate,  
Do qui●e exterminate:  
With all things tha● defi●e  
They that are Christ's, truly,  
The Flesh do Crucify  
With its affections vile  
Than grounds of truth are sought  
New Principles are wrought  
Of gra●e and holiness, 
Gal. 5.   
Which plantings of the heart  
Will spring in every part,  
And so itself express.   

Then shall the Soul like morning bright  
Unto her Lord appear, 
Can. 6. 1●   
And as the Moon when full of Light  
So fair is she and clear,  
With that inherent grace  
Tha s darted from the Face  
Of Christ, that Sun divine,  
Which hath a pu●ging power  
Corruption to devour,  
And Conscience to refine;  
Per ection thu● begun  
As pure as the Sun,  
The Soul shall be likewise  
With that great Blessedness,  
Imputed Righteoussenesse  
Which freely Justifies.   

They that are thus complete with Grace  
And know that they are so,  
For Glory must set Sail apace  
Whilst wind doth fitly blow,  
Now is the tide of Love.  
Now doth the Angel move;  
If that there be defect  
That Soul which sin doth wound,  
Here now is healing sound,  
If she no time neglect;  
To whom shall be revealed  
What erst hath been concealed,  
When brought unto that Light,  
Which in the Soul doth shine  
When he that's most divine,  
Declares his presence bright.   

Then he will his beloved show  
The reason wherefore she  
Is seated in a place so low,  
Not from all troubles free;  
And wherefore they do thrive  
That wicked works contrive;  
Christ telleth his also  
For who as friends he takes  
He of his Council makes,  
And they shall secrets know: 
john 15.15   
Such need not pine with cares  
Seeing all things are theirs,  
If they are Christ's indeed; 
Cor. 3.21.   
Therefore let such confess  
They are not comfortless,  
Nor left in time of Need.    

A Song showing the Mercies of God to his people, by interlacing cordial Comforts with fatherly Chastisements.  

AS in the time of Winter  
The Earth doth fruitless and barren lie,  
Till the Sun his course doth run  
Through Aries, Taurus, Gemini;  
Then he repairs what Cold did decay,  
Drawing superfluous moistures away,  
And by his lustre, together with showers,  
The Earth becomes fruitful & pleasant with flowers  
That what in winter seemed dead.  
There by the Sun is life discovered.   

So though that in the Winter  
Of sharp Afflictions, fruits seem to die,  
And for that space, the life of Grace  
Remaineth in the Root only;  
Yet when the Son of Righteousness clear  
Shall make Summer with us, our spirits to cheer,  
Warming our hearts with the sense of his favour,  
Then must our flowers of piety favour,  
And then the fruits of righteousness  
We to the glory of God must express.   

And as when Night 〈◊〉 pa●●ed,  
The Sun ascending our Hemisphere,  
Ill fumes devovers, and opes the powers  
Which in our bodies are, and there  
He draws out the spirits of moving and sense  
As from the centre, to the circumference;  
So that the exterior parts are delighted,  
And unto motion and action excited,  
And hence it is that with more delight  
We undergo labour by day then by night.   

So though a Night of Sorrows  
May stay proceed in piety  
Yet shall our light like morning bright  
Arise out of obscurity,  
Then when the Sun that never declines  
Shall open the faculties of our minds,  
Stirring up in them that spiritual motion  
Whereby we make towards God with devotion  
When kindled by his influence  
Our Sacrifice is as pleasing incense.   

Now when we feel God's favour  
And the communion with him we have,  
Alone we may admit of joy  
As having found what most we crave,  
Store must we gather while such gleams do last  
Against our trials sharp winterly blasts  
So dispairation shall swallow us never,  
Who know where God once loves, there he loves ever  
Though sense of it oft wanting is  
Yet still God's mercies continue with his.   

So soon as we discover  
Our souls benumbed in such a case,  
We may not stay, without delay  
W must approach the Throne of Grace,  
First taking words to ourselves to declare  
How dead to goodness by nature we are,  
Then seeking by him who for us did merit  
To be enliv'd by his quickening Spirit,  
Whose flame doth light our Spark of Grace,  
Whereby we may behold his pleased face.   

From whencc come beams of comfort,  
The chiefest matter of true Content,  
Who taste and see, how sweet they be,  
Perceive they are most excellent,  
Being a glimce of his presence so bright,  
Who dwelleth in unapproachable light:  
Whoso hath happily thi● mercy attained,  
Earnest of blessedness endless hath gained,  
Where happiness doth not decay  
There Spring is eternal, and endless is day.    

A Song declaring that a Christian may find true Love only where true Grace is.  

NO Knot of Friendship long can hold  
Save that which Grace hath tied,  
For other causes prove but cold  
When their effects are tried;  
For God who loveth unity  
Doth cause the only union,  
Which makes them of one Family  
Of one mind and communion.   

Commotions' will be in that place,  
Where are such contraries,  
As is inniquity and grace,  
The greatest enemies,  
Whom sin doth rule she doth command  
To hold stiff opposition  
'Gainst grace and all the faithful band  
Which are in her tuision.   

This is the cause of home debates,  
And much domestic woes,  
That one may find his household mates  
To be his greatest foes,  
That with the Wolf the Lamb may bide  
As free from molestation,  
As Saints with sinners, who reside  
In the same habitation.   

By reason of the Enmity  
Between the woman's Seed  
And man's infernal enemy,  
The Serpent and his breed,  
The link of consanguinity  
Can hold true friendship never,  
Neither hath near affinity  
United friends for ever.   

For scoffing Ishmael will scorn  
His only true born brother:  
Rebeckahs' sons together born  
Contend with one another,  
No bond of nature is so strong  
To cause their hearts to tarry  
In unity, who do belong  
To masters so contrary.   

The wicked ordinarily  
Gods dearest children hate,  
And therefore seek (though groundlessly)  
Their credits to abate,  
And though their words and works do show  
No colour of offences  
Yet are their hearts most (they trow)  
For all their good pretences.   

And those that strongest grace attain,  
Whereby sin is vanquished,  
By Satan and his cursed train  
Are most contraried;  
Because by such the Serpent feels,  
His head to be most bruised,  
He turns and catches at their heels,  
By whom he is so used.   

His agents he doth instigate,  
To vex, oppose, and fret,  
To slander and calumniate,  
Those that have 'scaped his net,  
Who servants are so diligent,  
That like to Kain their father  
They whose works are most excellent  
They mischief will the rather.   

Yet there are of the graceless crew  
Who for some private ends  
Have sided with prefessors true  
As truly pious friends,  
But to the times of worldly peace  
Their friendship was confined.  
Which when some crosses caused to cease  
The thread of league untwined.   

Such friends unto the Swallow may  
Be fitly likened,  
Who all the pleasant Summer stay  
But are in Winter fled:  
They cannot 'bide their friend to see,  
In any kind of trouble,  
So pitiful (forsooth) they be  
That have the art to double.   

Such will be any thing for one  
Who hath of nothing need,  
Their friendship stands in word alone,  
And none at all in deed,  
How open mouthed so  they are,  
They be as closely handed,  
Who will (they know) their service spare,  
They're his to be commanded.   

Therefore let no true hearted one  
Relief at need expect,  
From opposites to virtue known,  
Who can him not afect:  
For his internal ornaments,  
Will ever lovely make him  
Though all things pleasing outward sense  
Should utterly forsake him.   

In choice of Friends let such therefore  
Prefer the godly wise,  
To whom he may impart the store  
That in his bosom lies:  
And let h●m not perniciously  
Communicate his favours,  
To all alike indifferently,  
Which shows a mind that wavers.   

God's children to each other should  
Most open hearted be;  
Who by the same precepts are ruled,  
And in one Faith agree,  
Who shall in true felicity,  
Where nothing shall offend them  
Together dwell eternally,  
To which I do commend them.    

A Song demonstrating The vanities of Earthly things.  

SHall Sadness persuade me never to sing  
But leave unto Sirens that excellent thing,  
No that may not be, for truly I find,  
The sanguine complexion to mirth is inclined.   

Moreover, they may who righteousness love,  
Be soberly merry, and sorrows remove,  
They only have right to rejoicing always  
Whose joy may be mixed with prayer and praise.   

Wherefore rejoiceth the epicure?  
As though his fadeing delights would endure,  
Whereas they are ended, as soon as begun,  
For all things are vanity under the Sun.   

Riches and Honour, Fame and Promotion,  
Idols, to whom the most do their devotion;  
How fadeing they are, I need not to show,  
For this by experience, too many do know.   

They that delight in costly attire,  
If they can compass the things they desire,  
Have only obtained, what sin first procured,  
And many to folly are thereby allured.   

Learning is sure an excellent thing,  
From whence all Arts and Sciences spring,  
Yet is it not from vanity free,  
For many great Scholars profane often be.   

Whoso hath studied Geometry,  
Or gained experience in Geography,  
By tedious labour much knowledge may gain,  
Yet in the conclusion, he'll find all is vain.   

He that hath studied Astronomy,  
Though his meditation ascend to the Sky  
He may miss of heaven and heavenly bliss,  
If that he can practise no study but this,   

But they that delight in Divinity,  
And to be exquisite in Theology,  
Much heavenly comfort in this life may gain,  
And when it is ended their joys shall remain.   

What should I speak more of vanities,  
To use many words when few may suffice,  
It argueth folly, therefore I have done,  
Concluding, all's vanity under the Sun.    

A Song manifesting The Saints eternal Happiness  

SOund is the Mind  
Which doth that Hope possess  
Whose object is Eternal joy  
Or Heaven's Happiness;  
Such healthful hearts  
Their spirits do sustain,  
In thinking on the Rest which for  
God's people doth remain,  
A Treasure inaccessible,  
Or Everlasting Life,  
A blessed State which never shall  
be cumbered with strife   

Salvation  
With endless Glory clear, 
Heb. 4.6  
2 Tim. 2.10   
And each good thing to be desired  
Are in their Fountain there;  
Flowers are here,  
Together with the weeds  
Exposed to all kind of storms,  
Which much confusion breeds:  
Some for weakness are dismayed,  
And some are comfortless,  
because of some defect of sense,  
Or want of comeliness.   

Grant some may have  
Proportion so complete,  
That correspondency o● parts  
Declares Perfections seat  
Yet doub les ●uch  
Than burden have also  
By reason of their travel which  
They needs must undergo,  
For in every calling is  
A tedious weariness  
Which whoso fol●owe● carefully  
Is driven to confess   

Further suppose  
One might be freed from all  
Afflictions which external are,  
Or crosses corporal  
Yet if the soul  
Be sensible of sin  
It cannot be but such will have  
Enough to do within:  
For to Preserve the heart and ways  
From being over grown  
With fruits of that contagious seed  
That's in our nature sown.   

Doubting some times  
The Soul with anguish tires,  
Who must anon encounter with  
inordinate desires:  
Lust oft prevails,  
And then the consequence,  
Will be a great eclipse of grace,  
And loss of comfort sense,  
In striving to recover peace,  
The soul is oft oppressed.  
As he that's conscious of his sin,  
Hath here but little rest.   

From all those woes  
And many more that be,  
T e Sa●nt that finished hath his course  
Shall be for ever free,  
And likewise have  
For ever to posesse  
A most exquisite Diadem,  
The Crown of righteousness, 
2. Tim. 4.8.   
Of that divine inheritance  
Which fadeth not away, 
1. Pet. 1.5.   
They shall be really posest,  
And ever it enj y.   

Bodies which here  
Are matter thick and gross,  
Attaining to thi● happiness,  
Are freed from their dross:  
And as the Sun  
Appears in brightest Sky, 
Mat. 13.43.   
So every body glorified  
Shall be for clarity,  
And likewise be impassable,  
Uncapable of pain  
Having agility to move.  
Whose vigour shall remain.   

Glorified Souls,  
Are filled with all delight,  
Because the spring of B●u●y is  
The object of their sight:  
Also they have,  
(Their joy to amplify)  
Immediate sweet communion with  
The blessed Trinity.  
Which satisfies the appetite,  
Which else were empty still,  
Because no finite c mfort can  
Content the mind and will.   

Briefly a word  
O● place and company  
Which Saints in G o●y shall enjoy,  
The place is heavenly  
jerusalem, 
Heb. 12.   
The city of the Lord:  
Discovered by such precious things  
As pleasure most affo d, 
Rev. 21.   
The consorts, Angels numberless,  
The whole Assembly  
Of Saints, 
Heb. 12.  who shall for ever dwell  
With Christ Eternally.   

Why hath the Lord  
For his, such joys prepared  
Because their patient sufferings  
He richly will reward,  
This light distress  
Which for a moment dures  
An excellent eternal weight  
Of Glory his procures, 
2 Cor. 4.17   
But our afflictions merit not  
This Glory that exceeds  
But it as Gods all other gifts, 
Rom. 8.18.   
Of his free-Love proceeds. 
Rom. 6.23.    

Now they that have  
This Hope of Heaven sure,  
Show it by striving to be clean  
As Christ our Lord is pure, 
1 john: 3.3.   
Also they take  
Their croses cheerfully  
Because a substance they expect,  
Eternal heavenly, 
Heb. 10.34.   
To which my Soul aspired still  
And cannot settled be,  
Till she returns again to him  
That gave her unto me. 
Ecl 12.7.     

A Song exciting to spiritual Alacrity.  

DIscomforts will the hear● contract  
And joy will cause it to dilate;  
That every part its part may act,  
A heart enlarged must animate.   

Unfruitful ones therefore they are  
That planted be in sorrows shade,  
Sith by the blasts of cloudy care  
They are unfit for action made.   

The ill effects of fruitless grief  
Are in this place no further shown,  
Because the means of true relief  
Is more e convenient to be known.   

Now he in whom all fullness dwells  
All good and means of good must be, 
Col. 1 9   
His presence Satan's rule expels  
And doth ●rom Legal terror free. 
Gal. 3.13.    

So that their Souls which are so blessed  
His sacred presence to enjoy,  
Can never be so much distressed  
But consolation find they may.   

Having a hiding place secure, 
Isay. 32.1.2   
And covert from the stormy wind,  
And streams of water perfect pure  
To vivify and cheer the mind.   

If scorched with afflictions heat  
They to their shady rock may fly,  
And be in safeties bosom seat  
And lap of true felicity.   

Where are delights Angelical,  
The quintessence of all good things,  
Refined wine to cheer withal  
And food which life eternal brings.   

Which though the Saints by faith posesse,  
Do not suppose it solace give,  
But truly real happiness,  
As they that feel alone believe.   

Who thence abundant strength collect,  
In all conditions to support,  
No ● oubles can them much deject,  
Who have this souls defensive Fort.   

Suppose temptation sift them sore,  
Sufficient grace will them relieve, 
2 Cor. 12.9.   
And make their Faith appear the more,  
Which will to them the Conquest give.   

Or be their Scourge some outward Cross,  
As causeless hate, or poverty,  
Decay of parts, disease, or loss  
Of Credit, Friends, or Liberty.   

Nay were their state composed of woes,  
In whom the Morning Star doth shine,  
Whose lively lustre will disclose,  
To his a heritage divine,   

Which he of Love did them procure,  
With freedom, not to Adam deigned  
To taste the Tree of Life most pure,  
Whereby the soul alone's sustained   

The sense of Love-Eternall, doth,  
with Love, Obedience still produce,  
Which active is, and passive both,  
So sufferings are of special use.   

Bearing the soul with joy and peace,  
Through true believing, evermore,  
Whose sweet contentments take increase,  
From heavens never-failing store.    

Another Song exciting to spiritual Mirth.  

THe Winter being over  
In order comes the Spring,  
●hich doth green Herbs discover  
●nd cause the Birds to sing;  
●he Night also expired,  
●hen comes the Morning bright,  
●hich is so much desired  
〈◊〉 all that love the Light;  
●his may learn  
●hen that mourn  
〈◊〉 put their Grief to flight.  
●●e Spring succeedeth Winter,  
●●d Day must follow Night.   

●e therefore that sustaineth  
affliction or Distress,  
●hich every member paineth,  
●nd findeth no release;  
●●t such therefore despair not,  
●at on firm Hope depend  
●●ose Griefs immortal are not,  
●●d therefore must have end:  
●●ey that faint  
●●h complaint  
Therefore are too blame,  
They add to their afflictions,  
And amplify the same.   

For if they could with patience  
A while posesse the mind,  
By nward Consolations  
They might refreshing find,  
To sweeten all their Crosses  
That little time they 'dure;  
So might they gain by losses,  
And sharp would sweet procure;  
But if the mind  
Be inclined  
To Unquietness  
That only may be called  
The worst of all Distress.   

He that is melancholy  
Detesting all Delight,  
His Wits by sottish Folly  
Are ruinated quite:  
Sad Discontent and Murmors  
To him are incident,  
Were he posest of Honours,  
He could not be content:  
Sparks of joy  
Fly away,  
Floods of Cares arise.  
And all delightful Motions  
In the conception dies.   

But those that are contented  
However things do fall,  
Much Anguish is prevented,  
And they soon freed from all;  
They finish all their Labours  
With much felicity,  
Their joy in Troubles savours  
Of perfect Piety,  
cheerfulness  
Doth express  
A settled pious mind  
Which is not prone to grudging  
From murmoring refined.   

Lascivious joy I praise not,  
Neither do it allow,  
For where the same decays not  
No branch of peace can grow;  
For why, it is sinister  
As is excessive Grief,  
And doth the Heart sequester  
From all good: to be brief,  
Vain Delight  
Passeth quite  
The bounds of modesty,  
And makes one apt to nothing  
But sensuality.    

This Song showeth that God is the strength of his People, whence they have support and comfort.  

MY straying thoughts, reduced stay,  
And so a while retired,  
Such observations to survey  
Which memory hath registered,  
That were not in oblivion dead.   

In which reveiw of mental store,  
One note affordeth comforts best,  
Chiefly to be preferred therefore,  
As in a Cabinet or Chest  
One jewel may exceed the rest.   

God is the Rock of his Elect  
In whom his grace is incoate,  
This note, my soul did most affect,  
It doth such power intimate  
To comfort and corroberate.   

God is a Rock first in respect  
He shadows his from hurtful heat,  
Then in regard he doth protect  
His servants still from dangers great  
And so their enemy's defeat.   

In some dry desert Lands (they say)  
Are mighty Rocks, which shadow make,  
Where passengers that go that way,  
May rest, and so refreshing take,  
Their sweltish Weariness to slake.   

So in this world such violent  
Occasions, find we still to mourn,  
That scorching heat of Discontent  
Would all into combustion turn  
And soon our souls with anguish burn,   

Did not our Rock preserve us still,  
Whose Spirit, ours animates,  
That wind that bloweth where it will  
Sweetly our soul's refrigerateth, 
john. 3.8   
And so destructive heat abates.   

From th●s our Rock proceeds likewise,  
T●o 〈◊〉 streams, which graciously  
Relieves the ●oule which scorched lies,  
Through sense of God's displeasure high,  
Due to her for inniquity.   

So this our Rock refreshing yields,  
To those that unto him adhere,  
Whom likewise mightily he shields,  
So that they need not faint nor fear  
Though all the world against them were.   

Because he is their strength and tower,  
Whose power none can equalise,  
Which only gives the use of power  
Which justly he ●o them denies,  
Who would against his servants rise.   

Not by self power nor by might,  
But by God's spirit certainly, 
Zach. 4. ●   
Men compass and attain their right,  
For what art thou O mountain high!  
Thou shalt with valleys, even lie.   

Happy was Israel, and why,  
Jehovah was his Rock alone, 
Deu. 33.29.   
The Sword of his Excellency,  
His shield of Glory mighty known,  
In saving those that are his own.   

Experience of all ages shows,  
Tha● such could never be dismayed  
Who did by Faith on God repose,  
Confessing him their only aid,  
Such were alone in safety stayed.   

One may have friends, who have a will  
To further his felicity,  
And yet be wanting to him still,  
Because of imbecility,  
In power and ability.   

But whom the Lord is pleased to save,  
●uch he is able to defend,  
●is grace and might no limits have,  
And therefore can to all extend  
Who do or shall on him depend.   

Nor stands he therefore surely,  
Whose Friends most powerful appear,  
Because of mutabillity  
●o which all mortals subject are,  
Whose favours run now here, now there.   

●ut in our Rock and mighty Fort,  
●f change no shadow doth remain,  
●is favours he doth not Transport  
●s trifles movable and vain,  
●is Love alone is lasting gain.   

●herfore my soul do thou depend,  
●pon that Rock which will not move,  
●hen all created help shall end  
●hy Rock impregnable will prove,  
●hom still embrace with ardent Love.    

Another Song.  

THe Winter of my infancy being overpast  
●hen supposed, suddenly the Spring would hast  
Which useth every thing to cheer  
●ith invitation to recreation  
●is time of year.   

The Sun sends forth his radiant beams to warmthe ground  
The drops distil, between the gleams delights abound,  
Ver brings her mate the flowery Queen,  
The Groves she dresses, her Art expresses  
On every Green.   

But in my Spring it was not so, but contrary,  
For no delightful flowers grew to please the eye,  
No hopeful bud, nor fruitful bough,  
No moderate showers which causeth flowers  
To spring and grow.   

My April was exceeding dry, therefore unkind;  
Whence 'tis that small utility I look to find,  
For when that April is so dry,  
(As hath been spoken) it doth betoken  
Much scarcity.   

Thus is my Spring now almost passed in heaviness  
The Sky of pleasure's overcast with sad distress  
For by a comfortless Eclipse,  
Disconsolation and sore vexation,  
My blossom nips.   

Yet as a garden is my mind enclosed fast  
Being to safety so confined from storm and blast  
Apt to produce a fruit most rare,  
That is not common with every woman  
That fruitful are.   

A Love of goodness is the chiefest plant therein  
The second is, (for to be brief) Dislike to sin,  
These grow in spite of misery,  
Which Grace doth nourish and cause to flourish  
Continually.   

But evil motions, corrupt seeds, fall here also  
when of springs profaneness as do weeds where flowers grow  
Which must supplanted be with speed  
These weeds of Error, Distrust and Terror,  
Lest woe succeed   

So shall they not molest, the plants before expressed  
Which countervails these outward wants, & purchase ●est  
Whi●h more commodious is for me  
Then outward pleasures or earthly treasures  
Enjoyed would be.   

My little Hopes of worldly Gain I fret not at,  
As yet I do this Hope retain; though Spring be lat  
Perhaps my Sommer-age may be,  
Not prejudicial, but beneficial  
●n● g●● for me.   

Admit th● worst it be not so, but stormy too,  
I'll learn myself to undergo more than I do  
And still content myself with this  
Sweet Meditation and Contemplation  
O● heavenly b is,   

Which for the Saints reserved is who persevere  
In Piety and Holiness, and godly Fear,  
The pleasures of which bliss divine  
Neither Logician nor Rhetorician  
〈…〉    

Another Song.  

HAving restrained Discontent,  
The only Foe to Health and Wit,  
I sought by all means to prevent  
The causes wh c● did nourish it.  
Knowing that they who are judicious  
Have always held it most pernicious.   

Looking to outward things, I found  
Not that which Sorrow might abate,  
But rather cause them to abound  
Then any Grief to mastigate  
Which made me seek by supplication  
Internal Peace and Consolation   

Calling to mind their wretchedness  
That seem to be in happy case  
Having external happiness  
But therewithal no inward grace;  
Nor are their minds with know●●●dg poll sht  
In such all virtues are abolished   

For where the mind's obscure and dark  
Th●re is no virtue resident,  
Of goodness there remains no spark  
Distrustfullnesse doth there frequent  
For Ignorance the cause of error  
May also be the cause of terror   

As doth the Sunbeams beutify  
The Sky, which else doth dim appear  
So Knowledge doth exquisitely  
The Mind adorn, delight and clear  
Which otherwise is most obscure,  
Full of enormities impure.   

So that their Souls polluted are  
That live in blockish Ignorance,  
Which doth their miseries declare  
And argues plainly that their wants  
More hurtful are then outward Crosses  
Infirmities, Reproach, or Losses.   

Where saving Knowledge doth abide,  
The peace of Conscience also dwells  
And many Virtues more beside  
Which all absurdities expels,  
And fills the Soul with joy Celestial  
That she regards not things Terrestrial.   

Sith then the Graces of the Mind  
Exceeds all outward Happiness,  
What sweet Contentment do they find  
Who are admitted to possess  
Such matchless Pearls, so may we call them:  
For Precious is the least of all them.   

Which when I well considered  
My grief for outward crosses ceased,  
Being not much discouraged  
Although afflictions still increased,  
Knowing right well that Tribulation  
No token is of Reprobation.    

Another Song.  

EXcessive worldy Grief the Soul devovers  
And spoils the actiunesse of all the Powers,  
Through indisposing them to exercise  
What should demonstrate their abilities,  
By practical  of the same  
Unto the Glory of the giver's name.  
Though Envy wait to blast the Blossoms green  
O● any We tu soon as they are seen,  
Yet none may therefore just occasion take  
To shun wha● Virtue manifest should make,  
For like the Sun shall Virtue be beheld  
When Clouds of Envy shall be qui●e dispeld;  
Though there be some o● no di●a●● at all  
Who no degree in worth can lower fall.  
Preferred before the Virtuous whom they taunt  
Only because of some apparent want,  
Which is as if a Weed without defect  
Before the Damask Rose should have respect,  
Because the Rose a leaf or two hath lost,  
And this the Weed of all his parts can boast;  
Or else as if a monstrous Clout should be  
Preferred before the purest Lawn to see,  
Because the Lawn hath spots and this the Clout  
Is equally polluted throughout  
Therefore let such whose virtue favours merits,  
Show their divinly magnanimous spirits  
By disregarding such their approbation  
Who have the worthless most in estimation,  
For who loves God above all things, not one  
Who understands not that in him alone  
All causes that may move affection are,  
Glimpses whereof his creatures do declare,  
This being so, who can be troubled  
When as his gifts are undervalved,  
Seeing the giver of all things likewise  
For want o● knowledge many underprise.    

A Song composed in time of the Civil War, when the wicked did much insult over the godly.  

With Sibells I cannot Divine  
Of future things to treat,  
Nor with Parnassus Virgins Nine  
Compose in Poems neat  
Such mental motions which are free  
Conceptions of the mind,  
Which notwithstanding will not be  
To thoughts alone confined.   

With Deborah 'ttwere joy to sing  
When that the Land hath Rest,  
And when that Truth shall freshly spring,  
Which seemeth now deceased,  
But some may waiting for the same  
Go on in expectation  
Till quick conceit be out of frame,  
Or till Life's expiration.   

Therefore who can, and will not speak  
Betimes in Truth's defence,  
Seeing her Foes their malice wreak,  
And some with smooth pretence  
And colours which although they gloze  
Yet being not ingraind,  
In time they shall their lustre lose  
As clothe most foully stained.   

See how the Foes of Truth devise  
Her followers to defame.  
First by Aspersions false and Lies  
To kill them in good Name;  
Yet here they will in no wise cease  
But Satan's course they take  
To spoil their Goods and Wealths increase,  
And so at Life they make.   

Such with the Devil further go  
The Soul to circumvent  
In that they seeds of Error sow  
And to false Worships tempt,  
And Scriptures falsely they apply  
Their Errors to maintain,  
Opposing Truth implicitly  
The greater side to gain.   

And to bind Soul and Body both  
To Satan's service sure  
Thereto they many tie by Oath,  
Or cause them to endure  
The Loss of lightsome Liberty  
And suffer Confiscation,  
A multitude they force thereby  
To hazard their Salvation.   

Another sort of Enemies  
To Lady Verity,  
Are such who no Religion prize,  
But Carnal Liberty  
Is that for which they do contest  
And venture Life and State,  
Spurning at all good means expressed,  
The force of Vice to bate.   

Yet these are they, as some conceit,  
Who must again reduce,  
And all things set in order straight  
Disjointed by abuse,  
And waking wits may think no less  
if Fiends and Furies fell,  
May be supposed to have success  
Disorders to expel.   

However Truth to fade appear,  
Yet can she never fall,  
Her Friends have no abiding here,  
And may seem wasted all;  
Yet shall a holy Seed remain  
The Truth to vindicate,  
Who will the wrongeds Right regain  
And Order elevate.   

What time Promotion, Wealth, and Peace,  
The Owners shall enjoy,  
Whose Light shall as the Sun increase  
Unto the perfect Day  
Then shall the Earth with blessings flow,  
And Knowledge shall abound.  
The Cause that's now derided so,  
Shall then most just be found.   

profaneness must be fully grown,  
And such as it defend  
Must be ruind or overthrown,  
And to their place defend,  
The Sons of stri●e their force must cease,  
Having fulfilled their crime,  
And then the Son of wished peace  
Our Horizon will climb.   

That there are such auspicious days  
To come, we may not doubt,  
Because the Gospel's splendent rays  
Must shine the World throughout:  
By Iewes the Faith shall be embraced  
The Man of Sin must fall,  
New Babel shall be quite defaced  
With her devices all.   

Then Truth will spread and high appear,  
As grain when weed a●e gone,  
Which may the Sain●s afflicted cheer  
Oft thinking hereupon;  
Sith they hav● union with that sort  
To whom all good is tied  
They can in no wise want support  
Though most severely tried.    

Another Song  

TIme past we understood by story  
The strength of Sin a Land to waste,  
Now God to manifest his Glory.  
The truth hereof did let us taste,  
For many years, this Land appears  
Of useful things the Nursery,  
Refreshed and fenced with unity.   

But that which crowned each other Blessing  
Was evidence of Truth Divine,  
The Word of Grace such Light expressing,  
Which in some prudent Hearts did shine,  
Whose Flame inclines those noble minds  
To stop the Course of Profanation  
And so make way for Reformation.   

But He that watcheth to devour,  
This their intent did soon descry,  
For which he straight improves his power  
This worthy work to nullify  
With Sophistry and Tyranny,  
His agents he forthwith did fill  
Who gladly execute his will.   

And first they prove by Elocution  
And Hellish Logic to traduce  
Those that would put in execution,  
Restraint of every known abuse;  
●hey separate and ' sturb the State,  
●nd would all Order overthrow,  
●he better sort were charged so.   

●ch false Reports did fill all places,  
●orr●●ting some of each degree,  
〈◊〉 whom the highest Title graces  
●rom hearing slanders was not free,  
●hich Scruple bred, and put the Head  
●ith primest members so at bate  
●hich did the Body dislocate.   

Lying Spirit misinformed  
〈◊〉 common people, who suppose  
things went on to be reform  
●●ey should their ancient Customs lose,  
●d beside to courses tied  
●hich they nor yet their Fathers knew,  
●d so be wrapped in fangles new.   

●eat multitudes therefore were joined  
〈◊〉 Satan's pliant instruments,  
●ith malice, ignorance combined,  
●d both at Truth their fury vents;  
●st Piety as Enemy  
●ey persecute, oppose, revile,  
●en Friend as well as Foe they spoil.   

●e beauty of the Land's abollisht,  
●h Fabericks by Art contrived,  
〈◊〉 many of them quite demollisht,  
〈◊〉 many of their homes deprived  
Some mourn for friends untimely ends,  
And some for necessaries saint,  
With which they parted by constraint.   

But from those storms hath God preserved  
A people to record his praise,  
Who sigh they were therefore reserved  
Must to the height their Spirits raise  
To magnify his lenity,  
Who safely brought them through the fire  
To let them see their hearts desire   

Which many faithful ones deceased  
With tears desired to behold,  
Which is the Light of Truth professed  
Without obscuring shadows old,  
When spirits free, not tied shall be  
To frozen Forms long since composed,  
When lesser knowledge was disclosed.   

Who are preserved from foes outrageous,  
Noting the Lords unfound-out ways,  
Should strive to leave to after-ages  
Some memorandums of his praise,  
That others may admiring say  
Unsearchable his judgements are,  
As do his works always declare.    

Meditations  

The first Meditation.  

THe Morning is at hand, my Soul awake,  
Rise from the sleep of dull security;  
Now is the time, anon 'twill be to late,  
Now hast thou golden opportunity  
For to behold thy natural estate  
And to repent and be regenerate.   

Delay no longer though the Flesh thee tell,  
'tis time enough hereafter to repent,  
Strive earnestly such motions to expel,  
Remember this try courage to augment  
The first fruits God required for sacrifice,  
The later he esteemed of no price.   

First let's behold our natural estate  
How dangerous and damnable it is,  
And thereupon grow to exceeding hate  
With that which is the only cause of this;  
The which is Sin, yea Disobedience  
Even that which was our first parent's offence.   

The reasonable Soul undoubtedly  
Created was at first free from offence,  
In Wisdom, Holiness, and Purity,  
It did resemble th● Divine Essence,  
Which being lost, the Soul of man became  
Like to the Serpent, causer of the same.   

The Understanding Will, Affections clear,  
Each part of Soul and Body instantly  
Losing their purity, corrupted were  
Throughout as by a loathsome Leprocy  
The rays o● V●rtu were extinguished quite  
And Vice usurpeth rule with force and might.   

This sudden change from sanctitude to sin  
Can but prognosticat a fearful end,  
Immediately the dolour did begin,  
The Curse that was pronounced, none might defend,  
Which Curse is in this life a part o● some,  
The fullness thereof in the life to come.   

The Curse that to the Body common is  
The sense of Hunger, Thirst, of Sickness, Pain:  
The Souls Calamities exceedeth this,  
A Taste of Hell, she often doth sustain,  
Rebukes of Conscience, threatening plagues for sin,  
A world of Torments oft she hath within.   

Unless the Conscience dead and seared be,  
Then runs the soul in errors manifold,  
Her danger deep she can in no wise see,  
And therefore unto every sin is bold,  
The Conscience sleeps, the Soul is dead in sin,  
Near thinks of Hell until she comes therein.   

Thus is the Conscience of the Reprobate,  
Either accusing unto desperation,  
Or else benumbed, cannot instigate  
Nor put the Soul in mind of reformation;  
Both work for ill unto the castaway,  
Though here they spent their time in mirth and play.   

Yet can they have no sound contentment here,  
In midst of laughter oft the heart is sad:  
This world is full of woe & hellish fear  
And yields forth nothing long to make us glad  
As they that in the state of nature die  
Pass but from misery to misery.   

Consider this my soul, yet not despair,  
To comfort thee again let this suffice,  
There is a Well of grace, whereto repair,  
First wash away thy foul enormities  
With tears proceeding from a contrite heart,  
With thy beloved sins thou must departed.   

Inordinate affections, and thy Will,  
And carnal wisdom, must thou mortify,  
For why, they are corrupt, profane and ill,  
And prone to nothing but impiety,  
Yet shalt thou not their nature quite deface,  
Their ruins must renewed be by grace.   

If that thou canst unfeignedly repent,  
With hatred thereunto thy sins confess,  
And not because thou fearest punishment  
But that thereby thou didst God's Laws transgress  
Resolving henceforth to be circumspect,  
Desiring God to frame thy ways direct.   

Each member of thy body thou dost guide,  
Then exercise them in God's service most  
Let every part be throughly sanctified  
As a mere Temple for the Holy Ghost;  
Sin must not in our mortal bodies reign  
It must expelled be although with pain   

Thou must not willingly one sin detain,  
For so thou mayst debarred be of bliss,  
Grace with inniquity will not remain,  
Twixt Christ and Belial no communion is,  
Therefore be careful every sin to fly,  
And see thou persevere in piety.   

So mayst thou be persuaded certainly,  
Th● Cur●e shall in no wise endanger thee,  
Although the body suffer misery  
Yet from these and death thou shalt be free;  
They that are called here to Holiness  
Are sure elected to eternal bliss.   

A Taste of blessedness here shalt thou say,  
Thy Conscience shall be at Tranquillity,  
And in the Li●e ●o come thou shalt enjoy  
The sweet frui●i n of the Trinity,  
Society with Saints then shalt thou have,  
Which in this life thou didst so often crave.   

Let this then stir thee up to purity,  
Newness of life, and speedy Conversion,  
To Holiness and to integrity,  
Make conscience of impure thoughts unknown  
Pray in the Spirit with sweet Contemplation  
Be vigilant for to avoid Temptation.    

The Preamble.  

Amid the Oceon of Adversity,  
Near whelmed in the Waves of sore Vexation,  
Tormented with the Floods of Misery,  
And almost in the Gulf of Despairation,  
Near destitute of Comfort, full of Woes,  
This was her Case that did the same compose:   

At length Jehovah by his power divine,  
This great tempestuous Storm did mitigate.  
And cause the Son of Righteousness to shine  
Upon his Child that seemed desolate,  
Who was refreshed, and that immediately,  
And Sing● as follows with alacrity.    

The second Meditation.  

THe storm of Anguish being overblown,  
To praise God's mercies now I may have space,  
For that I was not finally o'erthrown,  
But was supported by his special grace;  
The Firmament his glory doth declare, 
Psal. 19.1   
Yet over all his works, his mercies are. 
Psal, 145.9    

The Contemplation of his mercies sweet,  
Hath rav shed my Soul with such delight  
Who to lament erst while was only meet,  
Doth now determine to put grief to flight,  
Being persuaded, hereupon doth rest,  
She shall not be forsaken though distressed.   

God's Favour toward me is hereby proved,  
For that he hath not quite dejected me;  
Why then, though c ostes be not yet removed  
Yet so seasoned with patience they be,  
As they excite me unto godliness,  
The only way to endless happiness.   

which earthly muckworms can in no wise know  
Being of the Holy Spirit destitute,  
They savour only earthly things below;  
Who shall with them of saving Grace dispute,  
Shall find them capable of nothing less  
Though Christianity they do profess.   

Let Esau's portion fall unto these men,  
The Fatness of the Earth let them possess  
No other thing they can desire then,  
Having no taste of Heaven's happiness,  
They care not for God's Countenance so bright,  
Their Corn and Wine and Oil is their delight.   

To compass this and such like is their care,  
But having past the period of their days,  
Bereft of all but miseries they are,  
Their ●weet delight with mortal life decays,  
But godliness is certainly great gain, 
●. Tim. 6.6   
Immortal bliss they have, who it retain.   

They that are godly and regenerate,  
Endued with saving Knowledge, Faith, and Love,  
When they a future bliss premeditate,  
It doth all bitter passion quite remove;  
Though oft they feel the w●nt of outward things  
Their heavenly meditations, comfort brings.   

They never can be quite disconsolate,  
Because they have the only Comforter  
Which doth their minds always illuminate,  
And make them fleshly p easures much abhor,  
For by their inward light they plainly ●ee  
How vain all transitory pleasures be.   

Moreover, if they be not only void  
Of earthly pleasures and commodities,  
But oftentimes be greivously an oyd  
With sundry kinds of great Calammities,  
Whether it be in Body, Goods, or Name,  
With patience they undergo the same.   

And why? because they know and be ware  
That all things wo●k together for the best,  
To them that love the Lord and ca led be, 
Ro. 8 28.   
According to his purpose, therefore blest  
Doubtless they be, his knowledge that obtain,  
No Loss may countervail their blessed Gain.   

Which makes them neither murmur not repine  
When God is pleased with Crosses them to try,  
who out of darkness caused light to shine. 
2 Cor 4.6.   
Can raise them Comfort out of Misery  
They know right well and therefore are content  
To bear with patience any Chastisement.   

This difference is betwixt the good and bad;  
When as for sin the godly scourged are,  
And godly Sorrow moves them to be sad,  
These speeches or the like they will declare:  
O will the Lord absent himself for ever?  
Will he vouchsafe his mercy to me never?   

What is the cause I am afflicted so?  
The cause is evident I do perceive.  
My Sins have drawn upon me all this woe,  
The which I must confess and also leave,  
Then shall I mercy find undoubtedly, 
Pro. 28.13.   
And otherwise no true prosperity.   

Whilst sin hath rule in me, in vain I pray,  
Or if my Soul inniquity affects,  
If this be true, as 'tis, I boldly say,  
The prayer of the wicked, God rejects; 
Pro. 15, 8.   
If in my heart I wickedness regard  
How can I hope my prayer shall be heard. 
Psal. 66    

If I repent, here may I Comfort gather,  
Though in my prayers there be weakness much  
Christ siteth at the right hand of his Father  
To intercede and make request for such, 
Rom. 8.33   
Who have attained to sincerity,  
Though something hindered by infirmity.   

I will forthwith abandon and repent,  
Not only palpable iniquities,  
But also all allowance or consent  
To sinful motions or infirmities;  
And when my heart and ways reform be,  
God will withhold nothing that's good from me   

So may I with the Psalmist truly say, 
Psal. 84.   
'tis good for me that I have been afflicted,  
Before I troubled was, I went astray, 
Psal 119   
But now to godliness I am addicted;  
If in God's Laws I had not took delight,  
I in my troubles should have perished quite.   

Such gracious speeches usually proceed  
From such a Spirit that is Sanctified,  
Who strives to know his own defects and need  
And also seeks to have his wants supplied;  
But certainly the wicked do not so  
As do their speeches and distempers show.   

At every cross they murmur, vex and fret,  
And in their passion often will they ●ay,  
How am I with Calamities bes●t!  
I think they will me utterly destroy,  
The cause hereof I can in no wise know  
But that the Destinies will have it so   

Unfortunate am I and quite forlorn,  
Oh what disastrous Chance befalleth me!  
Under some hurtful Planet I was born  
That will (I think) my Confusion be,  
And there are many wickeder than I  
Who never knew the like adversity.   

These words do briefly show a carnal mind  
Polluted and corrupt with Ignorance,  
Where godly Wisdom never yet hath shined  
For that they talk of Destiny or Chance;  
For if God's Power never can abate,  
He can dispose of that he did created   

If God alone the True Almighty be  
As we believe, acknowledge, and confess,  
Then supreme Governor likewise is he  
Disposing all things, be they more or less;  
The eyes of God in every place do see  
The good and bad, and what their actions be.   

The thought hereof sufficeth to abate  
My heaviness in great'st extremity,  
When Grace unto my Soul did intimate  
That nothing comes by Chance or Destiny,  
But that my God and Saviour knows of all  
That either hath or shall to me befall   

Who can his servants from all troubles free  
And would I know my Crosses all prevent,  
But that he knows them to be good for me  
Therefore I am resolved to be content,  
For though I meet with many Contradictions  
Yet Grace doth always sweeten my Afflictions.    

The third Meditation.  

FAint not my Soul, but wait thou on the Lord  
Though he a while his answer may suspend,  
Yet know (according to his blessed word)  
He will vouchsafe refreshing in the end,  
Yea though he seem for to withdraw his grace,  
And doth not always show his pleasing face.   

As by the Sun, though not still shining bright,  
We do enjoy no small Commodity,  
Whilst that the day is governed by his Light,  
And other works of Nature testify  
His wonderful and rare Effects always,  
Though often veiled be his shining rays.   

So it is no small mercy, though we see  
God's Countenance not always shining bright,  
That by the same our minds enlightened be,  
And our affections guided by that Light,  
And whilst the winter-fruits as it were we find  
In Patience, Sufferings, and Peace of mind.   

Then let it not be told in Ashkelon,  
Neither in Gath let it be published,  
That those that seek the Lord and him alone  
In any case should be discouraged,  
Lest it rejoice the wicked this to see,  
Who think the ways of grace unpleasant be.   

Where as they are most pleasant, sweet, and fair  
Yielding delights which only satisfy  
Our minds, which else transported are with care  
And restless wander continually,  
But those that do no taste hereof attain  
Seek rather for content in pleasures vain.   

When Kain had lost the happy harmony,  
He by a peace ●ull Conscience might enjoy  
His nephew ●ball then most skilfully  
Invented Music, thereby to convey  
Unto the outward ear some melody,  
But no true joy come; to the heart thereby.   

For it is only a Certificate  
Brought by God's Spirit from the Throne of Grace  
That may delight the Soul Regenerate,  
Which certifies her of her happy case,  
That she's already in a gracious state,  
Which will in endless glory consummate.   

Again, the blessed Soul may take delight,  
To think on Zions great prosperity,  
In that the Gospel long hath shined bright,  
Sustaining no Eclipse by Heresy,  
So that the means of knowledge is so free,  
God's Worship rightly may performed be.   

If then my Soul, the Lord thy Portion be  
Delight'st his Word and sacred Covenants  
Whereby his Graces are conveyed to thee,  
As Earnests of divine inheritance,  
And which may cause true comfort to abound  
Thy Lot is fallen in a pleasant ground,   

Then let not any trouble thee dismay  
Seeing the Light of Grace to thee hath shon●  
The sable Weed of Sadness lay away,  
And put the Garment of salvation on.  
With cheerfulness, God's blessings entertain  
Let not the object of thy mirth be vain,   

Which as a Cloud would stop the influence  
Of that true Light that doth the Soul refine  
And predi●poseth it through lively sense  
To that eternal brightness most divine;  
Then chiefly to admit that joy, accord,  
Which cometh by the Favour of the Lord.   

God's Favour ever highly estimate,  
As the prime motive of true happiness,  
Whereof, since that thou didst participate,  
In Life or Death, fear no kind of distress;  
When humane help sha' l fail thee utterly  
Then is Gods saving opportunity.   

Deadness of spirit that thou mayst avoid,  
The lively means of godliness embrace,  
And cease not seeking though thou be delayed,  
But wait till God do manifest his grace,  
For thy deliverance, prefix no day,  
But patiently the Lords due leisure stay.    

The fourth Meditation.  
ALas my Soul, oft have I sought thy Peace,  
But still I find the contrary increase,  
Thou being of a froward disposition,  
Perceivest not thy merciful Physician  
Doth give thee for●hy health these strong purgations  
So may we call out daily molestations,  
Which how to bear, that thou mayst understand  
Take heed of two extremes under God's hand,  
The one is, too light taking thy Distress,  
The other's, hopeless Grief or pensiveness;  
Between these two, observe with heedful eye  
A middle course or mediocrity;  
Consider for the first, if one correct  
His Child, who seemeth it to disrespect,  
Warding the blow or setting light thereby,  
How is he beat again deservedly;  
So if that thou shouldst seem to disregard,  
The Chastisements of God, or seek to ward  
The same by ways or means impenitent,  
How just shall God renew thy punishment:  
If Physic for our Body's health be ta'en,  
We hinder not the working of the same,  
Strong Physic if it purge not, putrifies,  
And more augments than heals our maladies,  
And as is s●yd, our manifold Temptations,  
Are nothing but thy scouring Purgations,  
Wherein a dram too much, hath not admission,  
Confected by so Skilful a Physician  
Who will not have their bitterness abated,  
Till thy ill humours be evacuated;  
Then lose it down for thy Humilliation,  
And hinder not its kindly Operation,  
As thou mayst by untimely voiding it  
By vain contentments, which thou mayst admit,  
Which makes us drive repentant thoughts away,  
And so put far from us the Evil day;  
But that content which is by such means got  
Is like cold water, ta'en in fevers hot,  
Which for the present, though it seem to ease,  
Yet after it increaseth the disease;  
But thou dost rather unto Grief incline,  
At Crosses therefore, subject to repine,  
Supposing oft, thy present troubles are  
Intolerable, and thy bane declare;  
Whilst thou for this, thyself dost maserate  
Dispair unto thee doth intimate,  
That none hath been afflicted like to thee,  
Unparaleld thy visitations be;  
The byways being thus discovered,  
Endeavour in the right way to be led,  
With true Repentance, hope of pardon join,  
Deny thyself, and trust for help divine,  
Seek first with God in Christ to be at peace,  
Who only can thy Tribulation cease,  
For he that laid the Rod (affliction) on,  
The power hath to pull it off alone;  
'tTwere but in vain for one that were in debt,  
To see the Officers a discharge to get,  
Till with his Creditor he doth agree  
He cannot walk out of his danger free;  
So vain are they, which think their course is sure,  
When in the use of means they rest secure,  
Whereas if God his blessing doth restrain  
We by the creature can no help attain:  
Though it hath pleased God out of his grace,  
Natural cau●es over things to place.  
Yet keeps he to himself, (blest be his name)  
The staff and operation of the same;  
Then do not think my Soul to find redress  
By means of Friends, or by self Skillfulness,  
But rather all created helps deny,  
Save as they serve for God to work thereby:  
Now forasmuch as God is just alone,  
Know, without cause he hath afflicted none,  
Sith without doubt, his ways so equal be,  
For some great fault he thus correcteth thee,  
Therefore to lowest thoughts thyself retire,  
To seek the cause that moved God to ire.  
Which when thou findest, whatsoever it be  
As thy right hand or eye so dear to thee,  
Resolve for ever to abandon it,  
Be watchful lest the same thou recommit,  
Renew thy Covenant with God, and vow  
In the remainder of thy days, that thou  
Wilt walk before him with an upright heart  
If for that end his grace be on thy part,  
If when hereto thou dost thy forces try,  
In them thou find a disability,  
Then look to Christ, who doth thy weakness view  
And of compassion will thy strength renew,  
From him alone thou mayst that grace derive  
Which like a Cordial or Restorative,  
Will strengthen and repair thy faculties,  
Which else are dead to holy exercise,  
'twill make thy Understanding apprehend  
God as a Father, who in Love doth send  
Correction to his Children when they stray,  
When without check the wicked take their sway;  
This grace once tasted, so affects the will,  
As it forsaketh that which cannot fill;  
The well of living waters, to frequent,  
Can only fill the Soul with true content;  
The memory it doth corroberate,  
To keep a store, the Soul to animate,  
God's precious promises the treasures be,  
Which memory reserves to comfort thee;  
The overflowings of this grace divine  
To goodness the affections will incline,  
Turning the hasty current of thy love  
From things below, unto those things above,  
Seeing it is the grace of Christ alone,  
Which makes the Soul to be with God at one,  
Endeavour for it, give thyself no rest,  
Till feelingly thereof thou be possessed.   

The fifth Meditation.  
SUch is the force of each created thing,  
That it no solid happiness can bring,  
Which to our minds may give contentments sound  
For like as Noah's Dove no succour found,  
Till she returned to him that sent her out,  
Just so the Soul in vain may seek about,  
For rest or satisfaction any where,  
Save in his presence, who hath sent her here.  
God's omnipresence I do not deny,  
Yet to the Faithful he doth spec'ally,  
Alone his gracious presence evidence,  
Who seeing all true blessings flow from thence,  
Are troubled only when he hides his Face,  
Desiring still to apprehend his Grace,  
This Grace of God is taken diversely  
And first it doth his Favour signify,  
That independent Love of his so free,  
Which moved him to his merciful Decree,  
His Merum beneplacitum it is  
That's motive of all good conferred on his:  
The fruits of this his Love or Favour dear,  
Are likewise called Graces every where,  
Election and Redemption, graces are,  
And these his Favour chiefly do declare.  
Faith, Hope, Repentance, Knowledge, and the rest,  
Which do the new Creac'on manifest,  
Now these are counted Grace habitual.  
And lastly, this the Grace of God we call,  
His actual Assistance on our side,  
Whereby we overcome when we are tried;  
How ever then the word is understood  
Grace is the chief desirable good.  
'tis Summum bonum; is it so? for why?  
Because without it no Prosperity,  
Or earthly Honours, in the highest degree,  
Can make one truly happy said to be,  
For as we might their miseries condole  
Who should inhabit near the Northern-Pole,  
Though Moon & Stars may there appear most bright  
Yet while the Sun is absent, still 'tis night,  
And therefore barren, cold, and comfortless,  
Unfit for humane creatures to possess:  
More fruitless, empty comfort is the Mind,  
Who finds the Sun of Righteousness declind,  
Yea, though all earthly glories should unite  
Their pomp and splendour, to give such delight,  
Yet could they no more sound contentment bring  
Then Starlight can make grass or flowers spring;  
But in that happy Soul that apprehends  
His Loving kindness, (which the Life transcends)  
There is no lack of any thing that may  
Felicity or true delight convey;  
As whilst the Sun is in our Hemisphere,  
We find no want of Moon nor Starlight clear,  
So where the Fountain of true Light displays  
H●●●●●nes, there is no need of borrowed joys,  
For w●●re he is who made all things of nought,  
T●e●● 〈…〉 presence still ●resh joys are wrought  
Nor ●e●d he ●elp to m●ke a happy one,  
Sith all perfection is in him alone,  
Grant th●n hi● Grac● is most to be desired  
And nothing else to be so much required;  
But here a carnal crew are to be blamed,  
By whom the Grace of God so much is named  
Who are experienced in nothing less  
As do their course and practices express,  
For though they say the Grace of God's worth all  
Yet will they hazard i● for Trifles small,  
Hereof they'll put you out of all suspicion  
When God's Grace comes with men's in competition  
For holy duties lightly such neglects,  
Whereby God's Love is felt with its effects,  
The favour of a mortal man to gain  
Though but a show thereof he do attain,  
And that perhaps for some employment base  
Which one cannot perform and keep true Grace,  
Therefore 'tis probable, how ere they prate,  
God's Grace they value at too low a rate  
For to be purchased by them, sigh they leave  
Their hold of it, a shadow to receive;  
But they that do in truth of heart profess  
That they have found this Pearl of Blessedness  
Will not adventure it for any thing,  
Whatever good it promiseth to bring,  
Because they know the choicest quintessence  
Of earthly pleasures greatest confluence,  
Cannot procure that sweet blissful peace  
Which from God's Favour ever takes increase;  
Yet many times it comes to pass we see,  
T●at those who have true grace so senseless be  
Of it, that they in seasons of distress,  
Abundance of impatience do express,  
But 'tis their sin, and brings an ill report  
Upon their chiefest Comfort, Strength, and Fort;  
Such therefore should endeavour patiently,  
To bear whatever cross upon themly,  
And that by strength of this consideration  
Tha● they have need of this their tribulation  
It may be to mind them of some offence  
Which they committed have (perhaps) long since  
Yet they remain unhumbled for it, 
1 Pet 1.6.   
Or else (may be) some Duty they omit,  
In which remissive course they will remain,  
Till with a Rod they be brought home again;  
Or if they would consider how they prove  
The Lords great Patience towards them, and Love  
In waiting for their turning to his ways,  
They would not think so grievous of delays,  
Of restitution to that solace sound,  
Which in the sense of Grace is ever found,  
Which whoso will in Heart and Life preserve,  
These following directions must observe;  
The first is, to purge out iniquities  
With all that might offend God's puer eyes,  
The next is, to have Faith in Christ, and Love  
Of God, and that which he doth best approve;  
Humility must likewise have a place  
In them that will be sure of true Grace, 
jam. 4.6   
Then there must be sincear Obedience  
To all Jehovah's just Commandments,  
For God will manifest himself to those,  
Who by Obedience, Love to him disclose. 
joh. 14   
Now lastly, that which fits one to embrace  
The sense of God's exceeding Love and Grace  
Is skilfulness in that most blessed Art  
Of walking with the Lord with upright heart,  
That is to manage all things heedfully,  
As in the view of God's omniscient eye,  
And so, by consequence, by Faith to join  
In union with the Trinity divine;  
This is the very life of happiness,  
Which one may feel far better than express:  
But lest whilst being wrapped above my sphere,  
●ith sweetness of the Theme, I should appear  
Quite to forget the nature of a Song,  
●nd to some this might seem overlong,  
●y thoughts their workings, speedily suspends,  
●nd at this time my Meditation ends.   
Finis.   

Verses on the twelfth Chapter of Ecclesiastes.  

ALl Earthly Glories to their periods post,  
As those that do possess them may behold,  
Who therefore should not be at too much cost  
With that which fades so soon, dies & grows old  
But rather mind him in their youthful days,  
Who can give glory which shall last always.   

Ere Light of Sun or Moon or Stars expire,  
Before the outward sense eclipsed be,  
Which doth direct the heart for to admire  
These works of God which obvious are to see,  
The Fabric of the Earth, the Heaven's high,  
Are to the mind discovered by the eye.   

Again, before the strong men, low shall bow,  
And they that keep the house shall tremble sore  
Ere nature's force be spent, or quite out-flow;  
And wont courage shall be found no more,  
When weakness shall each part emasculate  
And make the stoutest heart effeminate.   

Moreover, ere the grinders shall be few  
Which for concoction doth the food prepare,  
And Dames of music shall be brought so low  
That for their melody none much shall care;  
Harsh and unpleasant, than the voice shall be  
The breast being not from obstructions free.   

Also before that, causeless fears arise,  
By reason of much imbecility,  
Conceit of harms will in the way surprise  
Such feeble ones, which would from shadows fly  
When chilling Frost of sad decrepit age,  
The force of vital vigour shall assuage.   

The Almond Tree shall blossoms than declare,  
Grey hairs presage to them the end is nigh,  
Natural heat having no more repair,  
Desires fail, as flames wanting fuel, die,  
Nothing remaining whe●●y strength s supplied  
The marrow wasted, and the moisture dried.   

And ere the ●l●er co●d ●e lose and weak,  
Before the ve●n● be stopped, and sinews shrink  
And 〈…〉 or Pi●cher break,  
●e 〈…〉 for want of spirit shrink  
The ●e●● whereas he animals reside,  
Now full of maladies, and ●●upyfide.   

The Body thus outworn and quite decayed,  
The dust returneth to the Earth again;  
To God who gave it, is the Soul conveyed  
Who doth with it as be did preordain,  
How ever some to vent their fallacy  
Conclude the Soul doth with the Body dy.   

Which if were truth why did our Saviour say?  
Fear him not which the Body kills alone, 
Mat 10   
And hath no might the Soul for to destroy,  
If with the one the other must be gone;  
But that they may declare impostors skill  
Twixt Soul and Spirit they distinguish widow l.   

The Soul (say they) doth with the Body dy,  
Then there's a third part which they Spirit call,  
Who doth return to God immediately  
Leaving the Dead till judgement general,  
And then returning breathing doth infuse  
In Soul and Body, whereby life ensues.   

For which they have no Scripture (I suppose)  
Save what they wrist unto their own Perdition,  
As this, where 'tis said, the word with power goes  
Twixt Soul & Spirit by divine commission  
Twixt joints and marrow it doth penetrate, 
H●b. 4.12.   
Seeing all secrets, heart can meditate.   

The joints and marrow of the Body be  
Not several species, but of kind the same,  
The Body to support, each part agree,  
And every member hath its several name;  
So Soul and Spirit is one entire thing,  
Immortal by the virtue of its Spring.   

More texts of Scripture these Deceivers wrest,  
Which should be answered, Truth for to defend;  
But seeing here I have so long digressed,  
What I begun, I hasten now to end,  
Which is to stir up youth their God to mind,  
Before effects of evil days they find   

All here is vanity the Preacher says,  
Yea use of many books are wearisome,  
If chiefly done for self-respect or praise  
It doubtless will to such a snare become:  
Of all the matter, than the End let's hear,  
Keep God's commandments with sonlike fear,   
FINIS.