Youths Divine Pastime. CONTAINING Forty Remarkable Scripture Histories, turned into common English Verse. With Forty Curious Pictures proper to each Story. Very Delightful for the Virtuous employing the Vacant Hours of Young Persons, and preventing vain and vicious Divertisements. Together with several Scripture Hymns upon divers occasions. He certainly doth hit the White, Who mingles Profit with Delight. Of Death and Judgement, Heaven and Hell, Who often thinks, must needs live well. The Third Edition. LONDON, Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside. 1691. LICENCED And ENTERED. Dear Youth, True Wisdoms Precepts learn, And hearken to her Words, She to all that obey her Voice, A glorious Crown affords. THE Epistle to Youth. SWeet Children, Wisdom you invites To hearken to her voice; She offers to you rare Delights, Most worthy of your choice. Eternal Blessings in her ways, You shall be sure to find. O therefore in your youthful days, Your Great Creator mind, Upon a World vain, toilsome, foul, A Journey now you enter; The welfare of your Living Soul You dangerously adventure. The Joys that other pleasure brings, With Vanities abound, Nay, when in Streights they take their wings, Vexations they are found. Then humbly strive without delay Grace in God's sight to find, And gladly now and all your days Your Great Creator mind. R. B. I. Adam and Eve driven out of Paradise, Gen. 2. ADam and Eve were formed of dust, That was their Pedigree, Yet had a grant never to die, Would they obedient be. And to add to their happiness, In uprightness were made, And into Eden they were put, Under God's blessed Shade. They wanted nothing, but had leave This Garden to possess, And there to eat and recreate Themselves in Blessedness. They only were prohibited, The Tree of Good and Evil, Lest eating it should them betray To Sin, Death, and the Devil. But they were quickly drawn aside, By Satan's subtlety; By whose advice they took and eat What caused their misery. They God's Command forget, and what He unto them had said: The Serpent's Craft o'er them prevails Whereby they are betrayed. Being thus fallen, they next contrive Excuses how to frame, To cover their Iniquity, And to conceal their Shame. Adam doth Eve accuse, and she All on the Serpent lays, But still their guilt the more appears, Their Crime it more displays. For which th' Almighty did them cast Out of his Paradise, To make them know that Death and Woe Doth follow Sin and Vice. II. Upon Cain and Abel, Gen. 4. CAin seemed a Zealous Worshipper, Yet did he come behind His Brother, Abel is preferred, 'Cause he was best inclined. Cain saw no further than the Law, But Abel walked by Faith, Which made his Offering acceptable To God, as Scripture saith. Abel looked through his Sacrifice To Jesus, yet to come, Cain his own works o're-valued, And a Curse carried home. When God in Judging did receive Abel, and Cain reject, Cain murmurs, and complains and grieves, 'Cause he had no respect. And being proud, did much disdain The Youth should him outdo, Yet finds no way repute to gain, But what adds to his Woe. He takes his opportunity, And doth his Brother kill, 'Cause he his God did glorify, And rightly do his Will. This done, God asks, Where's Abel? Cain, He says, I cannot tell, And yet he had poor Abel slain? Oh the deceits of Hell! But Cain, a very dreadful sound I from the Earth do hear, Thy Brother's Blood spilt on the ground Doth sadly pierce mine Ear. Thou Wretch! Thou hast my Abel slain, His Blood revenge I will; Depart, see not my Face again Upon my Holy Hill. III. Upon Noah 's Flood, Gen. 6.7. WHen Men by Sin and Violence Did slain the Earth with Blood, God did resolve to wash them thence By Waters of a Flood. Yet did he warn before he struck, Noah was sent to tell They by their Sins would God provoke To cast them down to Hell. He also set an hundred years Betwixt the threat and blow, If haply they by Prayers and Tears Might yet prevent their Woe. He likewise caused Noah to make An Ark, thereby to save His House, while those who did forsake Him, might their Judgement have. Thus patience was with threatening mixed, But all did them no good; Their minds on mischief they had fixed, And so God sent the Flood. Then some unto the Mountains flee, And others climb the Trees, Here one cries out, Ah! Woe is me, He Death and Judgement sees. But now alas it is too late, Treasures of Wrath break out, Their dismal, yea Eternal Fate, Doth compass them about. Now Mercy doth to Judgement turn, Now sinful pleasures sting. The thoughts of years misspent return, Terrors in every thing. But where is Noah? In the Ark Alive, in health and well, Though at his Building they did mock, He has escaped their Hell. iv Upon the Burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19 IN Canaan's Land did Sodom stand, Amidst a pleasant Plain. Like Eden 'twas, nor want, nor loss They seemed to sustain. They eat and drank, had all things full, whate'er they could require, God liberally provides for them, They have their Heart's desire. They bought and sold; Silver and Gold They in abundance had, They decked were with Jewels fair, And with fine Silk were clad. Their Fertile Fields much Corn did yield, Their Water-Springs ran clear, Their Sheep and Kine, Figtrees and Vine Brought Plenty every year. They wanted not a Righteous Lot, To teach them how to please So good a Lord, who did afford Them Riches, Health and Ease. But Ah behold, how vile and bold These Men of Sodom were; To wantonness and all excess They all addicted are. The Poor they slight, in Lust delight, And live in Sodomy. Yea in their Pride at Lot deride, And mock his Ministry. For which th' Almighty with a Rod Of Brimstone set on Fire, Drives from the Earth to dismal Death, These objects of his Ire. To Ashes turns their Cities; Burns Their Fields, and all the Plain, Makes them a Sign of Wrath Divine, By a most Fiery Rain. V Upon Abraham 's Offering Isaac, Gen. 22. OUR Father Abraham was he Whom God the Promise made, That in his Seed we blessed should be, And thence should come our Aid. Isaac his Son he did beget, From whom that Seed should spring, Who on the Throne of God should sit As Prophet, Priest and King. But now since God his Promise kept, By giving him a Son. And since that Abraham did avouch God for the Holy One. He tempted him, and bid him go Unto his Holy Hill, And there by Sacrifice undo What he meant to fulfil. Without delay then Abraham went With Fire, with Wood, and Knife, And with a resolute intent To take his Isaac's life. Being come, he there an Altar makes, The Wood in order lay, And then the bloody Knife he takes God's Counsel to obey. Nor did he unadvisedly In this his bold Attempt, If God will have his Isaac die, Abraham won't him exempt. Accounting, had he slain his Son, And shed his innocent Blood, The Promise would be still performed, His God could make it good. For his Obedience God doth give Him Isaac back again, A sign that he by Christ should live, And in his Grace remain. VI Upon Joseph and his Mistress, Gen. 30. TO Potiphar, a Man of War, Young Joseph for a Slave was sold, And was so just unto his Trust, His Master never him controulled. Now Joseph's Mistress, void of shame Upon him cast a lustful Eye, And without fear unto him said, I prithee Joseph with me lie. O impudent, why not content, With what by Marriage was thy share, How confident, how void of grace Does this thy motion thee declare? To modest Wives thou art a shame, Who all such wickedness decry, And all such Harlots will exclude And banish from their Company. But would he be, and do as she With shameless Face did him desire? No; Sacred Story to his Glory, Says he from her did soon retire. For which a false and treacherous part She did to innocent Joseph show, Since her lasciviousness he hates, She into Prison will him throw. Therefore a cry she instantly Did feign, pretending she was Chaste, Alas, said she, he'll ravish me, Come, come, to my relief make haste. Thus Joseph, 'cause he faithful was, Did grief endure most wrongfully, While Potiphar his Wife adores, For her pretended Honesty. But into Prison Joseph's thrown, As guilty of Disloyalty; With Fetters bound, for Crimes unknown, Yet soon advanced to dignity. VII. Upon Joseph and his Brethren, Gen. 42.43. WHen Joseph's Brethren had him sold, and into Egypt he was gone, They went home, and their Father told, An evil Beast had slain his Son. This did they, 'cause their evil deeds, He to their Father used to tell, Who Vice corrects, but hardly speeds, Though by so doing he means well. They likewise hate him for his Dreams, Scorning he should above them be. Pride always runs men to extremes, And envies those that rise more high. Yet Joseph up at last is set, Made next to Pharaoh in the Land. The Cross to Dignity's not let, The purpose of the Lord shall stand. A Famine makes them hunt for Bread, Distressed, they come to Joseph's Door. What Men despise when they are Great, They'll not disdain if once grown Poor. To Joseph now they cringe and bow, And give him both the Cap and Knee. The haughty looks the Lord knows how To bring unto humility. Joseph looks strange, and speaketh rough, He charges them with being Spies. Oh! ye are served justly now, Remember your poor Brother's cries. Falshood and Theft he to their charge Doth lay; to mind them of their Sin, Imprisons, and sets them at large, To show his Dream fulfilled had been. At last he tells them who he was, He kisses and forgives them too, Tells them, the Crown he got by th' Cross; There's none but Christ the like can do. VIII. Upon Moses in the Ark of Bulrushes, Exod. 2. THY Mother when she saw thy Face, Concluded thus of thee, A Man above the common Race Of Men, my Son will be. Therefore when she no longer could Thee in her Bosom hid, To save thee from the Tyrant's wrath, An Ark she did provide, Composed of Bulrushes, wherein Being put, she down thee laid Upon the River's brink, in hope That God would send thee aid. Soon after Pharaoh's Daughter came Unto this very place, She sees the little Ark, and sends Her Maid, it to uncase. When opening this Rushy House, She there a Babe doth spy, Thou weptst, her Bowels yearn, and she Bewails thy destiny. Thy Sister comes and tells her she A Nurse for thee will call; Who thy own Mother is, what could More happily thee befall. This Child, said she, nurse thou for me, And Wages thou shalt have. His Mother now Becomes his Nurse, Nought kills when God will save. Being now grown up, he comes to Court, Where owned as the Son Of Pharaoh's Daughter, he Respect And Reputation won. And Moses called, because he was Taken out of the River, Who in his early years began His Brethren to deliver. IX. Upon Moses and the Burning Bush, Exod. 3. WHen Moses kept his Father's Sheep At Horeb, he did see What made him quake, a Bush on Fire Which could not burned be. He saw the flaming, with amaze, But whilst he viewed this wonder, There suddenly from thence proceeds A Voice much like to Thunder. Moses, thy Shoes thou must unlose, Thou standest on Holy Ground, The Lord, thy Father's God is here, Who doth with Grace abound. I've heard and seen, and long have been With Jacob' s groans affected, For help they crave, and I will save From Egypt mine afflicted. Out of this Land I them will bring, In Canaan they shall dwell, Their Cause I'll plead, I will them lead, Because I love them well. I thee will unto Pharaoh send For their deliverance; By Signs and Wonders done by thee, My Glory I'll advance. Doubt not, nor be at all dismayed To go before the King, Free from all danger, I the Lord Thee safely back will bring. Moses now saw the real cause The Bush was not consumed; He knew where God made his abode, Fire rather there perfumed. Moses and Aaron then to Court Upon God's Message go, And bid the King set Israel free, The Lord will have it so. X. Upon the Plagues of Egypt, Exod. 7, 8, 9, 10. WHen Moses unto Pharaob came, To him he did this Message bring The Lord saith, Let my People go To serve me with mine Offering. But he refused he will not hear, God therefore on him Plagues did send, Yet still he turned a deaf Ear, And God with Plagues his life did end. He turned their Waters into Blood, From whence a Plague of Frogs did spring, Which overspread the Land, and came Into the Chambers of the King. He still rebels; God next sends Lice, And swarms of Flies in all their Coasts, To make them know none can withstand Jehovah, the Lord God of Hosts. He's hardened still; the Murrain next Infects all in the Land. With Boils and Blains God next them plagues, Magicians can't before him stand. To this succeeds a Plague of Hail, With Thunder mixed and Flames of Fire, Yet all could not prevail; the King Performs not what God doth require. He will not yet let Israel go, The Locusts next by God's command Are sent to eat up all green things, Who instantly devour the Land. The Heart of Pharaoh still is proud, He yet refuses to obey, God them incompasses about With horrid darkness night and day. He still persists; till in one Night Egypt's Firstborn the Lord did slay, Which put them all in such a fright, That Pharaoh bid them go their way. XI. Upon Pharaoh and his Host drowned in the Red Sea, Exod 14. WHen Pharaoh had let Israel go, And they were marching to their place, He soon reputes his doing so, And calleth back his Act of Grace. Then furiously he them pursues, Resolving he revenged will be, For all the mischiefs he had felt, They now shall feel his cruelty. At length he doth them overtake, As they encamped by the Sea, Which filled all their Hearts with dread, They see there's now no Room to flee. They made unto the Lord their Prayer, But seeing Pharaoh was so nigh, Their Faith was mixed with despair, They all cry out, we die, we die. But Moses bid them not to fear, Stand still (saith he) and you shall see Salvation; God will now appear And your Deliverer will be. Moses his Hand stretched out; The Sea With open Arms doth them embrace. Let Israel still their God obey, And they'll be safe in any place. Pharaoh pursues; comes near; when lo An Angel doth his speed abate, Takes off his Wheels, stops his Career, A Cloud doth him infatuate. He fears, and sees God doth oppose Him in his bloody enterprise. Yet still is hardened; on he goes, Revenge and Malice blind his Eyes. Into the Sea they headlong march, Over it Moses shakes his Rod. They all are drowned in their Pride, According to the Word of God. XII. Upon the Brazen Serpent, Numb. 21. GOD's Israel ' 'gainst him rebel In Edom's Wilderness, They Manna slight, as Bread too light, Which brings them great distress. God Fiery Serpents on them sent, Their murmur to allay, Which with their biting and their stings Did very many slay. This to Repentance brought them, and They supplicate their God, He would remove this grievous Plague And take away this Rod. Yea Moses too with Prayers doth woo The Lord for Israel: When they repent, God soon provides The means to make them well. Moses was bid by God, of Brass He should a Serpent make, That those among them who were stung, Of Healing might partake. This Serpent then as on a Cross Was lifted up on high, And those who saw it were preserved, Though stung, they did not die. This Serpent Lord doth represent Thy wellbeloved Son, Who when Mankind were stung with Sin And utterly undone, Thou didst advance him on the Cross That all who do believe, And yield Obedience unto him, Assistance might receive. Let us not therefore shut our Eyes, But look to him for aid, In all our wants and miseries, And never be afraid. XIII. Upon Balaam and his Ass, Numb. 22. BAlak much fearing Israel To Balaam sends, that he Would come and curse God's Heritage, Thereby his Land to free. Balaam was ready, but forbidden By God, so great a crime, And therefore stays till Balak sent Again a second time. Then Balaam would no more refuse, But does with him comply, And thereby is at length involved In Balak's destiny. He takes his Servants, and his Ass, And so away doth go, Forgetting what God to him said, Balak will have it so. An angry Angel with his Sword Appears, him to withstand, The Ass him sees, and Balaam saves By flying from his Hand. He beats his Ass into the way, The Angel than doth stand In such a place, that Balaam now His Ass could not command. But beat him; whereupon the Ass His Master doth reprove For being cruel to him, when To keep him safe he strove. And now this seems a very strange And an unequal strife, Balaam resolves to kill his Ass Because he saves his life. Thus God by Brutes sometimes is pleased men's follies to correct, When they refuse Obedience, And his Commands reject XIV. Upon the Fall of the Walls of Jericho. Joshua 6. WHen Israel over Jordan got, To Jericho they quickly went Because it was part of their Lot, By the Great God's Commandment. They blocked it up on every side, None could get out, nor none go in, Thus God began to check the Pride O'th' Canaanites who lived in sin. Arms never heard of used must be By Israel to gain the Town, They must sound Rams-horns till they see The Walls of Jericho fall down. Six days the Ark must compass it, And Armed Men about it go, But must not speak a word as yet, Nor with a Weapon strike a blow. The seventh day they seven times go With sound of trumpet round the town, Which done, they gave a shout, and lo The Walls of Jericho fall down. Thus did the Lord let Israel see He needed not their Sword nor Bow, By strange and most unlikely means He can destroy his strongest Foe. Yea he to them a promise makes, Would they his Laws hearken unto, The rest of Canaan for their sakes Should soon become like Jericho. By this we see what Faith can do. By Faith they did Besiege the Town, By Faith they oft surrounded it, By Faith its mighty Walls fell down. Thus they that put their confidence And trust alone in God the Lord, Shall find that he deliverance Will always unto them afford. XV. Upon Samson and Dalilah, Judges 16. MUst Samson have a Dalilah? Will he that Harlot love? She'll make him bitterly repent, A Dalilah she'll prove. To her bewitching Beauty, and Her charming Tongue was he So much a Slave, whate'er she asked He nothing could deny. Who being hired by his Foes, To know where lay his strength, She tries her several Arts, and so Prevails on him at length. She makes him sleep upon her Lap, And then she cuts his Locks, And calling in the Philistines, They seize on him with mocks, Thus valiant Samson was betrayed, And given as a prey Unto his Foes; whom locked in Chains They in a Dungeon lay And now when he designs to act As he had done before; 'Tis but in vain, his strength is gone, He can do so no more. Is this the Man, the Champion who The Lion tore in sunder? Is this the Mighty Conqueror Whose Arm destroyed like Thunder? Is this the Man who only with The Jawbone of an Ass Destroyed a thousand Philistines? Yet now a Slave? Alas! Lord watch, Lord keep, Lord save us all, Be with us night and day, When tempted we are apt to fall, And often go astray. XVI. Upon Samsons pulling the House on the Philistines. Judges 16. NOW Samson thou hast lost thy Locks, Next labour to secure thine Eyes, They'll pluck them out, and then with scorn Over thee they will Tyrannize. Thou once their plague, art now their sport, See what thy crimes have brought thee to; On thy Religion they reflect And cry, God Dagon wrought thy woe. In Brazen Shackles thou dost lie, And forced art to grind their Mill. Ah! to what misery art thou brought By yielding to an Harlots will. Yet O Philistines, have a care His Locks begin to grow again, And with them that great strength whereby So many thousands he hath slain. But overjoyed, that take no thought Of that. It is a Feasting day They have him fast, and now resolve That he to them shall sport and play. Samson is brought, all sorts repair To see Blind Samson in the Hall, Who sometimes stumbles, sometimes falls, And seeks about to find the Wall. Between the Pillars they him place, Where he is scoffed at and abused. It filled his Heart with grief and rage, To find himself so basely used. He prays to God to strengthen him, And bows himself with all his power, He plucks the Palace to the ground, A thousand slays at his last hour. Thus died Heaven's Champion with renown, And at his Death more Honour won, Than by his Glorious Conquests he Even all his Life before had done. XVII. Upon David and Goliath, 1 Sam. 17. WHen Israel 'gainst the Philistines Made War under King Saul, They had a Giant in their Host Whom they Goliath call. He taller was than others far, In strength he did excel. He had an Head-piece all of Brass, And he with Pride did swell. He marches up to Israel's Tents, And boldly does proclaim Defiance to the best of them That dare at him to aim. The Israelites were much afraid And trembled at his voice, Which made their Enemies laugh and scoff And over them rejoice. Thus proud Goliath oft doth vaunt, And challenge them to Fight, But there was none the courage had To meet this Man of Might. When David comes into the Host, And hears the boasts he makes, He much disdains his Blasphemies, The Combat undertakes. Goliath doth the Youth despise, Swears he will have his life, David as vallantly replies, His death shall end the strife. Goliath comes with Sword and Spear, But David with a Sling, And though the Giant rage and swear, David him down doth bring. He only slings a little Stone And therewith lays him dead, Which done he bravely marches on And then cuts off his Head. XVIII. Upon David and Abigail, 1 Sam. 25. IN great distress to th' Wilderness Of Paran David fled, To save himself from furious Saul, Who close him followed. Being in want he sends his Men To Nabal for relief, But he instead of Food, returns What added to his grief. David he calls a Runaway, And nothing will bestow, He will not give his Bread and Drink To Men he does not know. The young Men back to David come, And Nabal's words declare, Who vows his Family to slay, And none of them to spare. When one of Nabal's Servants heard His Master so severe, He told his Wife, who instantly The Consequence did fear. Plenty of Bread and Wine she takes And unto David goes, To pacify his wrath and save Her House from Blood and Woes. Being discreet at David's Feet She falls, and favour craves, Prays he'll be pleased to be appeased, Since God him often saves. He hears her voice and does rejoice, She kept him back from Blood, He up her lists, receives her Gifts, And promises her good. Soon after God's revenging Rod Took away Nabal's Life, Then David sent for Abigail And took her to his Wife. XIX. Upon David and Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 11. When Joab against Ammon fought King David stayed at home, And on his House did use to walk Till Joab back should come. From conquering his Enemies, One Evening thus employed, Bathsheba who was very fair Bathing herself he spied. Her Beauty proved a snare to him, He sent, and she is brought, With whom he folly doth commit, Which him much mischief wrought. And to conceal his wickedness, And cover this vile deed, Her Husband poor Uriah's doomed, Though innocent, to bleed. This faithful valiant Soldier Must be exposed to die, Lest he his Wife's Adultery Should happen to descry. Joab must be employed therein, Who never asks the Cause, David then takes her to his Wife; And thus rejects God's Laws. Lord if the best of men may thus So foully sin and fall, What need have we to watch and pray! And on thy Name to call; For thy assistance and thy grace Temptations to withstand, That they may ne'er prevail on us To break the least Command. Since we observe that one sin still Is followed by another, Vainly, like David, men design The first the last shall cover. XX. Upon David and Nathan, 2 Sam. 12. DAvid a while lay quietly, And thought his Crime concealed, But foolish Man can never hid What God will have revealed. For Nathan came, and in Gods Name Laid to his charge this sin, And threatens him, that for the same The Lord will visit him. Thou didst, quoth he, this secretly, But I before the Sun Will show to all how I detest The Fact that thou hast done. Uriah 's Wife, and then his Life, Were subject to thy Lust, And now thy Wives and children's death Shall show that I am just, Thus saith the Lord, I'll draw my Sword Against thy Family, And first th' Adulterous Child now Born I do pronounce shall die. I made thee king, and gave thee Wives And all thou couldst desire, Yea more I would have done for thee, If more thou couldst require. But since mine Enemies now Blaspheme For these thy evil ways, Thy House shall have no rest nor peace Within it all thy days. Thou dost confess thy wickedness, I'll therefore thee forgive, Yet to be sure thou must endure My wrath whilst thou dost live. Thus God declares he will not spare The best, but them chastise, Let us then fear him to offend, For he is just and wise. XXI. Upon David and Absalon, 2 Sam. 13. DAvid doth still God's Judgements see, Now Absolom conspires; His best beloved Absolom, His Father's Death desires. He first contrived Amnon's Death, And now invades the Crown, David's grey Hairs with sorrow he Will bring unto the ground. The Politic Achitophel. In League with him doth join, The Rebels now grow confident Of carrying their Design. David flies from Jerusalem, Weeps as he goes along, With covered Head, and bared Feet: The Traitors still grow strong. Alas! what shall poor David do? He calls upon the Lord, And of him humbly doth implore, He would his Aid afford. God hears his Prayer, confounds his Foes, Brings all their Plots to nought. In rage Achitophel hangs himself, In his own Snare he's caught, Joab pursues young Absolom, Assured of Victory, And finds him hanging by the Locks, I'th' Branches of a Tree. And notwithstanding David's Charge He to him should be kind, He with a Dart pierces his Heart; The Youth his Life resigned. Then David mourns for Absolom, As for an only Son; Yea, his dear Absolom's Life to save, Wishes his own had gone. XXII. King Solomon and the two Harlots. 1 Kings 3. When Solomon in Peace possessed The Throne of Israel, His Wisdom far and near was known, Most King's he did excel. It happened two Harlots begged Of him to do them Right; Who having heard them plead their Cause Soon brought the Truth to light. Both dwelled together in one House, Each did a Manchild bear: One Woman over-laid her Son I'th' Night for want of Care. Then rises up, and in the dark Doth to the other come, And takes away her living Child, Leaving her dead i'th' room. The Mother wakes, the dead Child finds, But looking well thereon: At length she certainly concludes This Child is not her own. The other boldly doth affirm. Her's is the living Child. The Difference is so great that they Can not be reconciled. The King hears all, and thinks this Cause Affection must decide, Calls for a Sword, and tells them he The live Child will divide. The Mother of the living Child Fearing it should be slain, Yields that the other it should have And thereby makes it plain. That she the real Mother is, He it on her bestows, The King for Wisdom is renowned, His Name more famous grows. XXIII. Elijah fed by Ravens, 1 Kings 17. IN Ahab's Time, great Wickedness Was acted in the Land; For which, God now resolves they shall Feel his afflicting Hand. Elijah came, and in the name Of God to him declares, No Dew nor Rain upon the Earth Shall fall in full three Years. Ahab is wroth; the Prophet flies, And by the Lord's Command, At Cherith hides, till God remove The Famine from the Land. And there (saith God) by Ravens I Thee constantly will feed, They ne'er shall fail thee to supply With what thou standest in need. Elijah nothing doubts, but goes Where God did him advise: Had we but Faith to trust in God, We ne'er should want supplies, Of what is fit, and good for us; Which this good Prophet found, Who is so far from wanting, that He seemeth to abound. The Ravens every Morning come, And bring him Bread and Flesh, And every Evening do the same, Wherewith they him refresh. Thus of the most unlikely means God sometimes maketh use. Birds, Beasts and Fishes do his will, They cannot it refuse. A Lion did with Honey feed Good Samson; from the Jaw The Waters burst to quench his Thirst; All must obey God's Law. XXVI. Upon Elijah 's Fiery Chariot, 2 Kings 2. GOod Man! how weary was thy Soul of violence and strife. So great were thy Afflictions thou Wast weary of thy life. Thou hunted waste from place to place Hid in a Den, or Cave, Because thou didst Repentance preach, And Israel wouldst save. Then God gave ear unto thy Prayer, And bid thee to prepare, Thou now must into Heaven fly; Thy Heart before was there. This welcome Message having heard He goes to Jericho, And thence to Jordan he makes haste For quickly he must go. Triumphantly he marches on, Elisha doth attend, And all the way the Prophets say Thy Master must ascend. When they were unto Jordan come Elijah smites the Flood, The Waters presently give way; All turns to him for good. When safe got through, Elijah says, What shall I do for thee? Ah (says Elisha) that thy Spirit Might doubled be on me. Now as they walk, a Chariot Of Fire does appear, Takes up Elijah into th' Air, But leaves Elisha there. Swiftly he through the Sky doth ride And into Heaven's received, Elisha having lost his Lord Exceedingly is grieved. XXV. Upon the Bears destroying Forty Children. 2 Kings 2. ELijah gone, Elisha now At Jericho does stay, The Prophet's Sons persuade him that His Master find they may. He them forbids, but they persist And urge him to't again, But after three days seeking him They find it is in vain. The Citizens then him entreat He would their Waters cure, Which he performs, and healthfulness Doth unto them procure. Then doth he toward Bethel go, But as he passed along, Many young Children from the Town Him followed in a throng. And mocking him they loudly cried, Go up thou Bald-head, go, He meekly hears them for a while, Which made them bolder grow. They still mock on, at length he turns And sternly doth them eye, His angry words are worse than blows As they find instantly. He doth them in the Lords Name Curse, And quickly there appears, Out of the dismal neighbouring Wood, Two ravenous fierce she Bears, Who soon do these young Scoffers seize, And them in pieces tear; They in a moment forty slay, While others fly for fear. Thus these Youths justly lost their lives, Because they did miscall God's Prophet; Ah! Young Men, let this A warning be to all. XXVI. Upon Jezebel eaten by Dogs, 2 Kings 9 KIng Ahab was a wicked Man, And had a vicious Wife Called Jezebel; She treacherously Robbed Nabal of his life. Because he would not let her have His own Inheritance. And prospering in her wickedness She therein did advance. The Prophets of the Lord, before She caused to be slain, Yea she did strive to Murder all That there might none remain. When she her course had finished; For her Inquity, And for the Blood which she had shed, This Jezebel must die. Out of a Window she is cast, And falls upon the ground, Thus Jezebel doth find at last That God can her confound. Her Blood is sprinkled on the Wall, And on the Horses falls, She innocent Blood had often spilt, Which now for vengeance calls. The Dogs did eat up Jezebel, And nothing now remains Of this proud and ambitious Wretch But Skull, and Feet, and Hands. They than that sought for Jezebel No Jezebel could find, The rest of her devoured is, Here's all that's left behind. She that i'th' Morning painted had Her false bewitching Face, Night by Dogs is eaten, and Of Burial found no place. XXVII. Upon Haman and Mordecai, Esther 3. ESther's Beloved, Wedded, and Crowned, A Treason Mordecai betrayed, The Traitors are pursued and found, Their Lives they for their Treason paid. Haman th' Amalekite by Race, A Favourite, and in much grace. His rage to Mordecai expressed, For his not bowing as the rest. Unto the King proud Haman sues For the destruction of the Jews, The King consents, and in his Name Decrees were sent t' effect the same. The Jews and Mordecai lament Their miseries and great distresses, But Mordecai the Queen possesses With cruel Haman's foul intent. Her aid implored the Queen refuses To help them, and herself excuses. But (urged by Mordecai) consents To die, or cross their Foes intents. Unto the King Queen Esther goes, He unexpected favour shows, Demands her Suit; She doth request The King and Haman to a Feast. Mordecat's want of reverence Great Haman's haughty pride offends, Acquaints his Wife with the offence And asks her Counsel, and his Friends. The King asks Haman what respects Becomes the Man whom he affects, And with that Honour doth repay The good deserts of Mordecai. The Queen brings Haman's accusation, The King's displeased, and in a Passion And for his Crimes, commands that he Fifty Foot high shall hanged be. XXVIII. Upon the History of Job, Job 1.2. SAtan appears, and then professes Himself Man's Enemy; confesses Gods love to Job; questions his Faith, Gains power over all he hath. The frighted Messengers tell Job his fourfold loss; he tears his Robe, Submits him to th' Almighty's trust, Whom he concludeth to be Just. Satan a second time appears Before th' Eternal, boldly dares Abuse Job's tried Faith afresh, And gains th' Afflicting of his Flesh. Job plagued with Ulcers, grovelling lies Plunged in a gulf of miseries, His Wife to Blasphemy doth tempt him, His three Friends visit and lament him. Overwhelmed with grief, be breaketh forth Into impatience, 'gainst his Birth, Professes that his Heart did doubt And fear what since hath fallen out. He counts his sorrows, and from thence Excuses his impatience, Describes the shortness of his time, And makes confession of his crime. Rash Eliphaz doth aggravate The Sins of Job, and his sad State, Whom Job reproving; justifies Himself, bewails his miseries. God questions him, and proves that Man Cannot attain to things so high, As Divine Secrets, since he can Not reach to Nature's Secrecy. God speaks to him the second time, Job yields his Sin; reputes his Crime; God checks his Friends, restores his Health, Gives him new Issue, double Wealth. XXIX. Upon the three Children in the fiery Furnace, Dan. 3 When Israel was Captive led For Sin to Babylon, ●●●e Youths the King chose, and them fed With his Provision. These Children were well-favoured, Such whom he could discern, Had Wisdom, Knowledge, and were apt All Sciences to Learn. Now among these four Youths there were Who did the rest excel, Whom the King Governors did make, Which Trust they managed well. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, O'er his Affairs were set, But Daniel lived at the Court, And ruied in the Gate. The King a Golden Image made, And set it in the Plain, And whosoever won't worship it Must certainly be slain. Yet these three Men do this refuse, At which the King is wroth, And doth command that instantly Before him they be brought. Into a fiery Furnace he Order that they be thrown, But they received no hurt thereby, They trust in Heaven alone. One like the Son of God was there, Which when the King did see, He calls them forth, and doth declare Their God his God shall be. He also them restores unto Their former dignity, And doth command all shall adore Their God as the Most High. XXX. Upon Daniel in the Lion's Den, Dan. 6. DAniel escaped the Fire, but yet Was cast into the Den. He envied was because he rise Higher than other Men. And since they could not him ensnare, In matters of the Crown, Of his Religion they complain, Thereby to bring him down. They cry, O King make a Decree And Seal it with thy Ring, That those be to the Lions cast Who will not do this thing. All Men as God shall thee adore, And unto thee shall pray, And whosoever doth refuse This Edict to obey, He shall into the Lion's Den There cruelly to die. This Daniel knew, and yet did still Serve God as formerly. Then to the King they do accuse Him of Disloyalty, Because unto the King's Decree He dared not to comply. For this he's cast into the Den, Of which the King reputes, And for his Servant Daniel He woefully laments. The Lions will not touch him, but Do seem to stand in fear; Daniel in safety there remains, (For Daniel's God was there.) At which the King doth much rejoice, And soon does him deliver, His Enemies the Lion's tear. God loves his Servants ever. XXXI. Upon the History of Jonah, Jonah 1. 2. THE Word of God to Jonah came, Commanded Jonah to proclaim The vengeance of his Majesty Against the Sins of Nineveh. But Jonah toward Tarshish went, A Tempest doth his course prevent, The Mariners are sore oppressed While Jonah sleeps and takes his rest. The Pilot thumps on Jonah's Breast, And rouzeth Jonah from his rest. They all cast Lots, being sore affrighted, The Sacred Lot on Jonah lighted. They question Jonah whence he came, His Country and his People's Name, He makes reply; they moan their woe, And ask his Counsel what to do. The Prophet doth his fault discover, Persuades the Men to cast him over, They row and toil, but do no good, They pray to be excused from Blood. They cast the Prophet over board, The Storm allayed; they fear the Lord. Almighty Fish him quick devours, Where he remained many Hours. Within the Belly of the Whale He doth his misery bewail, God hears his Prayer, at whose command The Fish out casts him on the Land. The second time was Jonah sent To Nineveh; now Jonah went, Against their crying Sins he cried, And their Destruction prophesied. The Ninevites believe his Word, Their Hearts they turn unto the Lord, In him they put their only trust, Since he's both Merciful, and Just. XXXII. Upon the Prodigal Son, St. Luke 15. TWO Sons unto a certain Man Were Born; with whom they live Until they were grown up; but then The youngest seems to grieve. That he must always dwell at Home, Therefore abroad will he, Let me, says he, my Portion have, I'll Travel presently. His Father, though unwillingly, Unto him doth consent, Who taking all his Goods with him To a far Country went. Where he with Riot soon doth waste All that with him he brought, womans, and Wine, and Gluttony His Ruin quickly wrought. And which did much increase his woe, A Famine in that Land Then happened, which caused him In want of Food to stand. Yet if in this necessity On Husks he could have fed, It may be he would ne'er have thought Of coming Home for Bread. But hunger forced him to recall His Father's House to mind, Then Home he goes, and after all He finds his Father kind. With Kisses, Robe, with Shoes and Ring, And Music's lofty strain, With th' fatted Calf, and all good things, He doth him entertain. And pleads that so it ought to be, None should of it complain, For this my Son was dead, saith he, And is alive again. XXXIII. Upon Dives and Lazarus, St. Luke 16. DIves was blest with happiness, But Lazarus was poor; Dives lives high, but Lazarus Doth beg from door to door. The very worst of Dives Slaves Fared better far than he, Whose were Rags; he nothing hath But Sores and Misery. At Dives Door Lazarus begs Only some Crumbs of Bread Which from his Riotous Table fell, Wherewith he might be fed. At length both on their Death beds lie, And both now equal seem, But after death, Dives is vile And Lazarus in esteem. The Beggar goes to Heaven, and there In Abraham's Bosom lies. The Rich Man is in Hell, and there Though dying, never dies. From whence he Lazarus sees, and doth Of Father Abraham crave, He would send Lazarus back again His Brethren to save. Yea being in great misery He humbly doth entreat, A drop of Water for to cool His Tongue inflamed with heat. But this his cry, and strange request Abraham doth now reject; Upon his former Luxury He bids him to reflect. Remember Son, saith he, that then Thou good things didst enjoy, But Lazarus evil, therefore now He reaps Eternal Joy. XXXIV. Upon the death of Ananias and Saphira, Acts 5. THese two dwelled in Jerusalem, And did the Faith profess Yet these two lost their Lives because They acted wickedness. They come and deal deceitfully Before the Lord of Hosts, Yea they presume to tell a Lie Unto the Holy Ghost. For selling their Possession, they Part of the price kept back, It may be they were covetous, And feared themselves should lack. And then they falsely did affirm They nothing did retain, Thinking St. Peter to deceive, But found it was in vain. He soon discovers the deceit, And plainly doth declare, Satan had filled their Hearts with Lies, 'Cause God they did not fear. To them his word was like a Sword, He need do nothing more; Vengeance o'ertakes them; and they dead Are carried out of door. Great fear from hence falls upon all, They the Apostles dread, Since God even by their word alone, So soon strikes sinners dead. Let this a warning be to all That they avoid a Lie, But speak the truth in righteousness, And in sincerity. Lest such a sudden dismal Fate Do unto them befall, As unto these two happened, God's Justice can reach all. XXXV. Upon the Stoning of St. Stephen. Acts 6, 7. Chapters. STephon was a Man of mighty Faith, Who many Wonders wrought, The Doctrine of Christ his Lord With Power the People taught. His Spirit and Wisdom was so great He his Opposers foiled, Which made them so malicious they Would not be reconciled. False Witnesses they then set up His Life a way to take, Who swear; that he blasphemously 'Gainst th' Law and Temple spoke. He to the Council's led by those Who 'gainst him did combine, His Face when he began to plead Did like an Angels shine. Having their leave; he than gins, And shows how God did lead Of old his people Israel, And them delivered. But coming close, and charging them With guiltless Blood; they cry Out all at once; Let's him condemn For he shall surely die. Mean while he looks up steadfastly To Heaven; and there sees stand The Son of Man in glory great Placed at God's right hand. Out of the City than he's cast, And stoned till he dies, But Stephen even to the very last Like a true Martyr cries, Lord lay not to their charge this sin, My Soul receive and keep. He gained the Crown of Martyrdom, And then he fell asleep. XXXVI. Upon St. Paul 's Shipwreck, Acts 26, 27. chap. SAint Paul was sailing unto Rome, When lo a storm arose, Which was so fierce and violent, They could it not oppose. The Men were much affrighted, since They saw no hope at all, They fear destruction on them will Inevitably fall. St. Paul them comforts, and assures, Though they in danger are, Yet all shall save their Lives, for so God did to him declare. The storm more furious grows, and all Their labour doth confound, At length the Ship in pieces breaks, By being run aground. Each Man then for himself shifts; so By skilful swimming, and The broken pieces of the Ship, They all come safe to Land. Having this danger thus escaped, They are on Malta thrown, And there by the Inhabitants, Much kindness had them shown. But when St. Paul had gathered sticks To make a Fire at Land, A Viper came out of the heat And fastened on his Hand. Whereat the people look on him As he a Murderer were, Who though he had escaped the Sea, Yet vengeance followed there. But when they did observe that he Received no hurt thereby, They quickly change their minds; and now He is a God, they cry. Upon Death. CAn he be counted Fair Who withers at a blast, Or he be Strong, one breath of wind Into the Grave can cast? Can he be counted Wise Who knows not how to live, Or can he be a Rich Man called Who nothing hath to give? Can he be reckoned Young That's feeble, weak and wan? So Fair, so Strong, so very Wise, So Rich, so Young is Man. So Fair is Man, that Death Even with one parting blast, Blasts all his fair and dainty Flowers, And makes him Earth at last. So mighty Strong is Man, That with a gasping Breath, He totters, falls, and then bequeathes His boasted strength to Death. So Wise is man that if With Death he once do strive, His Wisdom never can him teach How he one Hour shall live. So Rich is Man that when He once his debts hath paid, His Wealth's his winding-sheet wherein Even he himself is laid. So Young is Man that when He's broke with care and sorrow, He's old enough this very day, That he may die to morrow. Why brag'st thou then, thou Worm Who art but five Foot long? For thou art neither Fair nor Strong, Nor Wise, nor Rich, nor Young. Upon Judgement. THE dreadful Trump shall blow, The Dead awaked shall rise, And then unto the Clouds they all Shall turn their wand'ring Eyes. The heavens shall opened be, The Bridegroom forth shall come To Judge the World, and to bestow On all the World her Doom. Joy it shall be to th' Just, To th' Wicked endless smart, To those the blessed voice bids, Come, To these it bids, Depart. Depart you must from life, Yet dying live for ever; For ever you will dying be, And yet you will die never: Depart from me like Dogs, With Devils take your Lot, Like Devils all depart from me Because I know you not. Like Dogs, like Devils go, Go cry, and howl, and bark, Depart and into Darkness fly, Because your deeds were dark. Let yells and roar be Your Music; and your Food The Flesh of Vipers and of Toads; Your Drink shall be their Blood. Let Devils you afflict With scorn, reproach and shame, Depart, depart away from me Into Eternal Flame. If Hell the Portion then Of wretched sinners be, O Lord give me my Hell on Earth, Lord give me Heaven with thee. Upon Heaven. WHen I do contemplate The New Jerusalem, Wherein there is reserved for me My Crown, my Diadem. Oh! what a Heaven of Bliss My Soul by this enjoys, All on a sudden I am wrapped Into the Heaven of Joys. Where there are Troops of Powers, Of Virtues, Cherubims, There Angels and Archangels are With Saints and Seraphims. Who still are singing praise Unto their Heavenly King. Their Songs and Hallelujahs they For ever to him sing. Where joys are full and pure, And are not mixed with mourning, Where they continue without end From which there's no returning. No Theft nor Cruelty, No Murder harbours there, No hoary headed Care afflicts Nor yet no sudden Fear. No pinching Want is there, No griping fast Oppression, Nor Death which is the just reward Of the first Man's transgression. But dearest Friendship, Love, And Everlasting Pleasure, Do there abide continually Without decay, or measure. Fullness of Riches, Joy And Comfort sempiternal Excess, yet without surfeiting, With Light, and Life Eternal. Upon Hell. HEll is beyond all thought, A state sad and forlorn, No mortal Man can here relate The Pangs that there are born. These Burn can't be quenched, No not with tears of Blood, No mournful groans, nor doleful sighs Will here do any good. Nay all that can be said, T' express the pain of those In Hell, comes short; they are enwrapped In Everlasting woes. For Time there finds no end, And Plagues find no exemption, Their cries admit no help, for from That place is no redemption. Where Fire lacks no Flame, Therewith the Flame to heat, To make their torments more severe, Their miseries to complete. Where wretched Souls for ever To tortures bound shall be, Where they shall serve a world of years, Yet never shall be free. Where nothing's heard but yells And groans, and woeful cries, And where the Fire ne'er abates, The Worm there never dies. That Worm which ever gnaws And tears their Bowels out: The Pit upon them shuts its Jaws; It's terrible no doubt. But where this Hell is placed, My Muse must needs stop there; Lord show us what its horror is, But never show us where. Scripture Hymns and Songs upon several Occasions, turned into Common English Verse. With some others. The Song of Moses, when Pharaoh and his Host were Drowned in the Red Sea. Exodus 15. Then sang Moses and the Children of Israel this Song unto the Lord, and spoke, saying. I To the Lord will sing, for he Triumphed in Glory so, The Horse he and his Rider down Into the Sea did throw. The Lord's my Strength and Song, and he Is my Salvation, My God he is, I'll him prepare An Habitation. My Father's God he is also, I will exalt his Fame, The Lord he is a Man of War, Jehovah is his Name. He Pharaoh's Chariots and his Host Into the Sea hath cast, And his choice Captains Drowned were At i'th' Red Sea they passed. The depths them hid, to th' bottom they Sunk down even as a Stone, Jehovah thy Right Hand in power Most glorious is alone. Lord thy Right Hand in pieces dashed Those that against thee risen, And in thine Excellency Great Thou hast o'erthrown thy Foes. Thou didst send forth thy wrath, which as The stubble did them waste, Together gathered were the waves Even with thy Nostrils blast. The Floods stood upright as an heap, The depths in mid-sea risen, The Foe said, I'll pursue, I'll catch, I will the spoil dispose. My Lust on them shall filled be, My Sword draw out will I, My Hand shall them again possess, Or spoil them utterly. Thou with the wind didst on them blow, The Sea them covered, They in the mighty waters sunk As if they had been Lead. Lord who's like thee among the Gods? Who's like thee? glorious In holiness, fearful in praise, In do marvellous. When thou didst forth thy Right Hand stretch The Earth them swallowed, The people whom thou hast Redeemed Thou hast in Mercy led. Thou by thy strength shalt guide them to That Holy Seat of thine, The Folk shall hear, and fear, and grieve Shall they of Palestine. Then Edom's Dukes shall be amazed, And Moab's mighty men Trembling shall seize; away shall melt All Canaan's dwellers then. Fear upon them and dread shall fall By thy Hands mightiness, They shall lie still as doth a Stone Until the People pass. Until thy People Lord shall pass, Which thou hast purchased, Till thou hast them brought in, and in Thy Mount established. The Mount of thine Inheritance, O Lord, the place wherein Thou hast prepared thy Sanctuary For thee to dwell therein. Lord, which thy Hands established; Jehovah he shall Reign For evermore, through Ages all For ever Sovereign. For Pharaoh's Horse and Chariots, And Horsemen down they went Into the Sea; Jehovah then The Sea upon them sent. The waters of the Sea on them He turned back in haste, But on dry Land i'th' midst o'th' Sea The Sons of Israel past. And Miriam answered them, Sing to the Lord for he excels In glorious renown, He hath the Horse and Rider both Into the Sea cast down. Samson 's Triumph over the Philistines, when he had slain a thousand with the Jawbone of an Ass. SAmson rejoice, be filled with mirth, Let all Judea know, And tell the Princes of the Earth How strong an Arm hast thou. How has thy dead enriched the Land, And purpled o'er the Grais, Thou hadst no weapon in thy Hand But th' Jawbone of an Ass! How does thy strength and high renown The glory of men surpass, Thine Arm hath struck a thousand down With th' Jawbone of an Ass! Let Samson's glorious name endure Till time shall bring forth One, Whose greater glory shall obscure The glory thou hast won. David 's Lamentation over Saul and Jonathan. And David lamented with this Lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his Son. 2 Sam. 1.19. THE Beauty of Israel is slain Upon the places high. How are the Mighty fallen down? In Gath this never cry. Nor tell't in Streets of Askelon Lest Philistines rejoice, Lest Daughters of th' uncircumcised Make a triumphant noise. Ye Mountains high of Gilboa, Let there be never Dew, Let neither Rain, nor Fields again Of Offering be on you For there the mighty One his Shield Received disgraceful foil. The Shield of Saul as he had not Anointed been with Oil. The Bow of Jonathan turned not Back from the Blood o'th' slain, From fat o'th' Mighty; and Saul's Sword Returned not in vain. Lovely and pleasant in their Lives Were Saul and Jonathan, And in their death, and latest breath Was no division. They swifter were than Eagles far, They Lions did excel In strength. O weep ye over Saul, Daughters of Israel. Who did in Scarlet you array With deckings manifold. Who did on your Apparel lay Rich Ornaments of Gold. O thou, my Brother Jonathan, I am distressed for thee, A pleasant, kind Companion Thou hast been unto me. Thy love to me was wonderful Past that of Women far, How are the Mighty fallen? and how Are lost the Men of War. The Prayer of Jonah to the Lord his God, out of the Whale's Belly. Jonah 2. I to the Lord in my distress Did cry, and he gave ear, Out of Hell's Belly cried I, And he my voice did hear. Into the deep, i'th' midst o'th' Sea O Lord thou didst me cast. The Floods me compassed, all thy Waves And Billows o'er me past. Then did I say, I utterly Cast from thy sight remain, Yet to thy Holy Temple I Will once more look again. The waters even to the Soul Did me encompass round, The depths me round enclosed, the weeds About my head were bound. To th' Mountains bottoms I went down, Earth's Bars did me beset, Yet Lord my God, thou broughtest my life Up from corruptions Pit. When as my Soul did faint in me The Lord remembered I, Even than my Prayer came unto thee Into thy Sanctuary. They their own mercies leave, that do Mind Lying Vanities, But with the voice of giving thanks To thee I'll Sacrifice. The thing the which I vowed have To pay I will accord, Because alone Salvation Proceedeth from the Lord. Conclusion. O Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Th' Almighty God alone, Which was, and is, and is to come, Who sittest on the Throne. Thou Glory, Honour, and great Power Lord, worthy art to take, For thou mad'st all, they are and were Made for thy pleasure's sake. A Poem upon Death and Judgement. THE Day of wrath that dreadful day, Shall the whole World in Ashes lay, As both the Psalms and Sibyls say. What horror will distract your mind, When the strict Judge who should be kind, Shall have few venial faults to find? The last loud Trumpets wondrous sound Shall through the cleaving Graves rebound, And wake the Nations underground. Nature and Death shall with surprise Behold the Conscious wretches rise, And view the Judge with frighted Eyes. Then shall with Universal dread The Sacred Mystic Roll be read, To try the Living and the Dead. The Judge ascends his awful Throne, But when he makes all secrets known, How will a guilty Face be shown? What Intercessor shall I take, To save my last important stake, When the most Just hath cause to quake? Thou mighty formidable King, Mercy and Truth's Eternal Spring, Some charitable pity bring. In Storms of guilty Terrors lost, Forget not what my Ransom cost, Nor let my dear bought Soul be lost. Thou who for me hast felt such pain, Whose precious Blood the Cross did slain, Let not thy Death and Birth be vain, Thou whom avenging Powers obey, Remit my Debt, too vast to pay, Before the last accounting day. Surrounded with amazing Fears, Whose load my Soul with anguish bears, I sigh, I weep, accept my Tears. Thou who wast moved with Mary's Grief, And by absolving of a Thief, Hast given me Hope, Oh! give Relief. Reject not my unworthy Prayers, But free me from those dreadful Snares, That hungry, gaping Hell prepares. Oh! let thy Blood my Crimes Efface, And fix me with those Heirs of Grace, That thou dost on thy Right Hand place. From that Portentous vast Abyss, Where Flames devour and Serpents Hiss, Call me to thy Eternal Bliss. Prostrate, my contrite Heart I rend; My God, my Father and my Friend, Do not forsake me in my end. Well may they Curse their second Breath, Who rise to a severer Death. Thou Great Creator of Mankind, Let sinful Souls compassion find. Can we divide a Moment to the Eye, We should see Life the Moment that we die, And Faith does fully that defect supply, For though my Body Dies, it is not I. FINIS.