A SONG FOR THIS Sad Times; Composed By One of the now many Wanderers, When much Separated from the Society of Men, and somewhat incommodat for other Works to divert him from vain Rave, and for to Humble and Recreate his own Spirit. By Mr. JO. CASTAIRS, Minister of the Gospel at Glasgow, when under Imprisonment. EDINBURGH, Printed by JOHN REID, at his Printing-House in Bells-wynd at the head of the Court of Guard. Anno 1691. A SONG for this sad Times composed by one of t●… now many Wanderers, when much separated fr●… the Society of Men, and somewhat incommodat f●… other Works, to divert him from vain Rave, a●… for to Humble, and Recreate his own Spirit. 1. I HAVE this while a Prisoner closely, been without Liberty, ●nd some ti●… scarce accommodate, as I had wont to be. 2. But sure I should be well content to lurk in hill's or cell's. Who justly might long since have been lodged in the lowest hells; 3. And that for ills that I have done already, 〈…〉. Should I not in all reason be well pleased with my lot. 4. It is His Presence I perceive that sweeteneth every place O that I could then evermore seek His most blessed Face! 5. Whereof but one smile, doth the soul refresh a great deal more, Then Crowd of Friends, and of that sort of Comforts greater store. 6. This small Propine I have you sent, a Copy of some Lines, For substance from experience drawn and richest scripture Mynes. 7. Whose Fields abound with Treasure hid, and Games of greatest price, O but the Divine scriptures be an excellent Device! 8. Wherein GOD's Wisdom manifold, itself doth clearly show, In suiting them to things and time as if writ just but now. 9 Did CHRIST'S Word in us richly dwell. to one another we In Psalm's, and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, admonishers might be. 10. And though we sing the lowest base, even of the saddest port. Yet might they then in Quiver all some sweet notes of Comfort. 11. Of grief and joy together mixed, we might fine Music make, That would our souls some way from Earth, to HEAVEN by transport take 12. Where doubtless of sweet singers all the very sweetest are, Surpassing David, Jeduthun, Asaph, and Heman far. 13. Their great long master's mate with them, but like school Boys would be, Who learn the game, and their first notes, sing with difficulty. 14. Their Harps are screwed to highest page, their voice sweet shirl and clear, Amongst them all no jar you will, nor discord ever hear. 15. Their songs above are all composed of pure, but various joys, More sweet than those on Organs played, and song by men with joys. 16. Our harps now hang on willows, and by Babel streams we weep, But then w'l sing, play, dance, and all our holy measures keep. 17. Disturbed much now are all our songs, by 〈◊〉, devils, and ill men; But then in spite of them, we'll sing that Heavenly requiem. 18. We here through sin, trouble and grief, win scarcely one to croon But then the Lambs songs we'll chant too that new Celestial tune: 19 And common tunes with all their parts as toys will be forgot When that comes forth not heard on Earth, all new in every note. 20. Those Harpers on the sea of Glass, will make such divine sound, That thence against the echo will about the throne abound. 21. Where siteth GOD, and Christ, the Lamb, in robs of Majesty, Surrounded with the elders grave, who always ravished be. 22. Them to behold, and cannot those, But still to chant and sing, That vision blest, fresh matter doth of new song say them bring: 23. When all heavenly Choristers, shall each their own part sing, That comfort rare of voices sweet, will make GOD'S temple ring. 24. Sad as I am me thinks I am fain their melody to hear, Shall I once be a member of that sweetly warbling queer. 25 When I through cold and darkness was forced to lie much on bed. I to this song by providence, as by the hand was led, 26. Which did from viewing vanities, some what at least divert, If not cheer up and humble too, my sad, but yet light heart. 27. I wished might have on you the same, or some more blessed effect, Such as it is, pray take it as a pledge of my respect; 28. But since it is the first I essay, I have made of that sort, I do expect, that you with it the better will comport. 29. When shall it once at last to me, through grace to my lot fall, From GOD above to have and hold my expectation all 30. If I within these bounds. were happily confined, Nothing I am inclined to think, would thence forth cross my mind; 31. If in him also I myself delighted only still, He would according to his word, my heart desires fulfil: 32. Though earthly comforts were dried up, and altogether spent, Yet his own all-sufficient self would yield me full content. 33. O! this a little heaven on earth, would sure found for to be, Unto a fainting sojurner, like wand'ring weary me; 34. But when I look to others arts, dreaming to be made up, It's just I should be made to drink, out of some empty cup; 35. Where while I drunk myself I find To be the dryer still, Thus will it doubtless always be, till he my heart shall fill 36. For sisterns that no water hold, can never satisfy, The immortal soul enlarged desires, and vast capacity; 37. The gratest draught, but draught provoks, and chokes the heart with thirst, Yea to these cisterns hastes again, more dry than at the first 38. A Scripture truth most plain this is, as any there contained, And after thousands of essays In ages all mantaind. 39 Though I but little know of GOD, and of his works and way, Yet from the experience clear, I can confirm this truth to day: 40. For I two great ills did commit, at which amazed may be, And very desolate the Heavens, yea frighted horribly; 41. I Cistrens broke hewed to myself that would no Water hold, And living Water's Fountain did forsake, how be told! 42. I am the Person, I must grant, that foolishly did try Waters to seek at Winter brooks, which Summer's drought doth dry. 43. For which I'm forced with Tames Troops, confounded to turn back, Since there of either strip or brook, there's now no path or tract. 44. A Childish fancy sure it was, to dream these brooks could bid, When Persecuting heat should rise, or trouble Men betide: 45. For which I am now made to drink, as to myself I brewed; On every serious thought of which my sorrows are renewed; 46. Like Succoths Men I'm also taught as't were with thorns and brears, Some Lessons not well Learned by me, before in many Years; 47. And therefore in displeasures just, of trouble in this Day, I with a sharp go get them, better am by him sent away: 48. That it's an ill and bitter thing, I am now made to know, From Him that is the Living GOD, to have departed so; 49. And that His Fear before mine eyes, as it should not have been Before me, now both grief and wounds and most sad things are seen; 50. About my neck wreathed by His Hands, Is my transgressions yoke, So hard that strange it would not be though it my breath should choke; 51. He bitter things against me writs, and me possess doth make Of Youth and older age, the sins for which my heart doth aike 52. In the light of His Countenance, my secret sins sets he, And with the fruit of mine own ways fills heart, backsliding me. 53. My feet He putteth in the stocks, and marketh narrowly My footsteps all, and on my heels a vive print setteth Herald 54. He also, now alace! hath made▪ heavy on me my chain, O! that his reconcilled Face; might through these dark clouds shine. 55. Prosperity I have forgot, my soul's from peace removed, I tempted am to doubt sometimes, if ever He me Loved. 56. That sin by all, this one World think is now much mortified, And that I am not to the World a little crucified. 57 But troubles great gone through may be and sin as dead still lie: Which yet may after make the Man, oh, sin hath slain me cry! 58. The thorniest cross not blest, but proves like pricking of a pin, Which will nor pierce, let be his heart this Leviathan skin; 59 Sharp pointed things in troubles mire, spread under it may be, And yet it not so much as groan or move itself you'll see. 60. At sling-stones darts spears of the cross, it laughs, and counts them stubble Unto this day, it slain 〈◊〉 hurt was never by mere trouble. 61. Nay it's couraged sometimes and grows more fierce, when these it prick, And were it in the LORDS own hand to spit, it would not stick 62. As in our body's humours, that highly Malignant be, All Cures not sovereign to reject, and rage's the more we see, 63. For instance if we do call of this thruch grave and sad, Within, without, long since, and now, too many may be had. 64. The LORD may smile and hid His Face yea, very angry be, And yet we in our own hearts way, go on most frowardly. 65. No way there is with their mad hearts, and desperate to deal, Yet having seen our ways, that He may gloriously them heal, 66. GOD'S People in the desert, He many strange ways did kill, Yet notwithstanding of all this. they sinned ever still: 67. Nay some there were GOD surely struck, yet they transgressed the more, And sin is now as loath to die, as then, or long before. 68 Sin may with Men to troubles great, to Prison, Bonds Exile, Yeaed may be to a scaffold go, and yet live all the while. 69. When I through fire and water both, nay were I dragged through hell, Yet that sin lived in strength, I could, from sad experience tell. 70. What are not souls of damned men, tormented in extreme; Yet sins so high, that now their work is GOD still to blaspheme. 71. Nothing in HEAVEN, Earth, or Hell, will make sin cease to live, But grace alone, which still hath this for its prerogative. 72. Since devils than find in HEAVEN, and they with men in hell do so, That nought but grace can sin subdue, it's high time we should know: 73. For since I walked without the Sun, companion to Owls, My troubles of that kind, that it some friends affections cools. 74. Most near Relations now from me, He hath removed far, Former acquaintance also do at my affliction scare. 75. When GOD on's People's sins himself gins once to avenge, Amongst their other trials, than the world grows very strange; 76. Their Cross, tho' Christ for substance may, by them also nicknamed, By friends which will them strangely tempt, of it to be a shamed, 77. Though by men's judgement to be judged, for us its a small thing, Since GOD or long all blacks and whites, forth to the light will bring. 78. But here to stoop I am constrained in midst of this complaint, To tell that he's both good and kind, which makes my grief relent, 79. Some times he makes me hope, that all my sins He will forgive, And though that I be thrust at sore, yet shall not die but live: 80. And were it known what I have done, what I have also been, It would be wondered at, that I should ever be forgiven. 81. But what's in our eyes marvellous, is nothing so in his, Who in the pardoning of sin, a GOD most matchless is: 82. This art of favour and of grace showed me, were it proclaimed From misbeleif, all humbled souls forever might be shamed; 83. He sometime also visits me, and asks me? how I do; Come faithful friends he doth provide, that looks me well unto. 84. It's taught, not talked, of love that works most kindly sympathy, That man so taught's the brother sure born for adversity; 85. This friend at all times loves, and is more kind than any other; Yea he's the very friend that sticks more close than any brother: 86. For sin I am made to possess, months of vanity, And nights that be right wearisome, appointed are for me; 87. In bed with tossing I am filled, till dawning of the day And then he mustereth up in view my sins, in battle ray: 88 Death's terrors sometime me enclose, his archers me surround, And me my persecutors all Between the straits have found, 89. He in his sore displeasure hath sad things unto me showed. And sometimes against me are, alace! his witnesses renewed. 90. But righteousness to him belong and justly I'm thus served, Yea punished far beneath, truly what my sins have deserved: 91 And that I'm yet a living man out of the pit should I, Complain of punishment, though great for mine iniquity. 92 If I at last be saved, and get my soul given for a prey; Tho I through seas of trouble sweem, I'm well come too I say. 93 Yet, O, He is a jealous GOD, and on his children will For their inventions vengeance take, though pardon them yet still. 94. For instance here, we may pitch one, Moses the Man of GOD, Who for's escapes at Meribah, with his foot might not trod 95. In Caanans Land, yea though to see it, he prayed most earnestly; Yet be content, saith GOD, and speak no more of this to me. 96. By him, as the choice instrument, even at the toutch of's rod, Most dreadful signs and wonders wrought. the great and mighty GOD. 97. For Israel's sins, full forty days, the LORD he did entreat Most earnestly, even all the while. did nether drink not eat 98. A Mediator typical, 'twixt them to deill did he On Sinai, and so represent Christ the true one clearly 99 The meekest man he was on earth, my divine testimony, In's own concerns, though in the LORDS, even to hoofs peremptory! 100 He faithful was in all GOD'S house, and in his sight found grace, To be his none such favourite, and speak him face to face. 101. And through his great converse with GOD, the skin of's face did shine, That none could speak with him, unless a vail was drawn thereon. 102. Nay, more with his own hands, the LORD his body did inter, And raised him up with Jesus Christ, transfigured to confer. 103. So many things so great and strange, met never in one man; Nor to this day his parallel, the world afford none can. 104. Accordingly the Spirit's pen, his Epitaph thus drew; No Prophet since like him arose, whom face to face GOD knew: 105. Yet he, even he, so rare a Man, for one slip pays thus dear, Is this not of GOD'S jealousy a demonstration clear. 106. Had our gross ills let be our slips, such marks on them set now, All hopes to see GOD this side Heaven, would be cut off I trow: 107. And very like it may so, with this generation be, That he in trouble waste our days, and years in vanity. 108. But free and sovereign grace, I grant makes such Prognostics fail, When not in common rule; but by prerogative he'll deal: 109. And if with us he take not now, this very sovereign way, We're gone, and in our sins we will▪ and troubles pine away: 110. He is so very jealous, that his love cannot endure, That any soul espoused to him, should gade and play the whore: 111. Nay, such is his love jealousy, that he'll not be at peace If such, but turn the least aside, strange bosoms to embrace. 112. And though it be most true, that he putting away doth hate; Yet even for unchaste whorish looks, his dear spouse he will beat. 113. This thought sometimes rolls in my mind that this our age quite wrack, That of GOD'S jealousy and dread, there hath been gross mistakes. 114. The greatest rage of mortal men, is sure their jealousy, Wherein of the great gods, we may some dark resemblance see. 115. By this if Men be once enraged, none may them stand before, And this though mixed with love, yet makes his Children dear to roar. 116. By this if he be roused up, and with his feet but stamp On the most stout, or stupid spirits, i● puts a mighty damp 117. His jealous frowns, his wrath rebuke for sin, man's beauty makes Moth like consume, so vain he proves, when wrath hold on him takes: 118. As when he giveth peace none dare, to make trouble be bold; So when in wrath to hid his face, none can him then behold. 119. Were all this and much more believed, that told as truth might be, To sport with what provokes his wrath, so bold we durst not be. 120. But who of's wrath the mighty power, doth know and understand, Sure none, but such as are in's fear, instruct with a strong hand. 121. This is most sure, when sense of wrath trysts with an other cross, That man though dearly loved, yet will be at a mighty loss. 122. This doth dump, fright, reel, confound and put the man in doubt, He can but cry, ah; now alase! my sin hath found me out. 123 For great infirmities sustain, yea will the spirit of man, But a wrath wounded spirit for sin, who is he that bear can? 124. GOD'S terrors, though a friend, will put a man upon a rack, And if they should continue long, would him even distract. 125. To crossed and werstling man knew we what but one smile would yield In troubles, this would most take up to have GOD reconciled. If I unfold could all the truth on this concerning theme, That written is upon my spirit, as a bright sun beam. 127. O child of GOD! thou wouldst not more from him to cisterns go, But still cry out as most averse, I'll not, I'll not, I'll no. 128. This for the time I do declare, should death me now approach, For all these cisterns pits and brooks, my soul in thirst should scorch: 129. If but one scruple of his wrath, were mingled in my cup, The poison thereof, quickly would even all my spirits drink up. 130. What then could cisterns, pits and pools, In such a choke availl, When fire from heaven sent in my bones against them would prevail. 131 It would within me doubtless raise such Soul inflaming drought, That all these could not yield what would once cool, or wet my mouth. 132. But Dives like, I should be forced in that hate flame to cry, O, that the least drop water now to cool my tongue had I; 133. But one ways then my thirst to quench, to drink life water ay, Nothing this Fever heat to cool, but at life's well to stay. 134. O, linger time, run swift! take wings flee quickly and be gone, That I in HEAVEN with him may be, and see His Face anon. 135. There Crystal Rivers pure and clear from under's Throne proceeds Wherefore the first draught, surely would quench all my thirst with speed, 136. There would I drink and eke forget all by past misery, And never more remember would my former poverty. 137. Then take their last Good-night, would all my jealousies and fears And me for ever bid farewel, all sighs, all groans all tears. 138. To these the Lambs and Moses song Triumphant would succeed, That revelation would surprise, my soul in very deed: 139. For unto it light, life, and love, would follow always no doubt, And thence again would joyful praise for evermore flow out. 140. For at's right Hand most perfect joys, and sweetest Pleasures be, Make haste, make haste, Lord Jesus Christ, O, bid me come and see! 141. The Spirit and Bride did long since say, Come, come, LORD unto me, And thou again didst make reply, Surely I come quickly. 142. Then for that glorious day, my soul do thou long cry and call, Wherein the LORD JEHOVAH may to me be All in All: 143. Till shadows flee, and that fair day shall break, and on me dawn, Make me, O LORD, to live as thine, and never more mine own! 144. If thou at first didst make and frame, and then redeemedst me, Should I not judge, I ought to live eternally to thee. 145. O, if to me to live were once, most precious jesus Christ! Then death would unto me be gain, and we should friendly tryst: 146. Though death me found shipwrackt at sea, or in a foreign Land, At home in prison or in bonds, or in the murderer's hand 147. Though it may meet in boots or block, In gibbet, fire, or blood, Even manked or maimed, dismembered all it would my friend stand good. 148. For death by Christ, death's reconceiled, and will not friends annoy, But to the place of the King them wish and save convoy. 149. Where what shall be our welcome home, our best is to agree To make a humble reference, till we come there and see 150. And when in that assembly, great GOD this refer shall call, Than what is neaven sight, will resolve, more than did nearings all 151. We as amazed then will cry out. the one half was not told, Of all the glory that is here, which now your eyes behold. 152. As swallowed up in this great gulf, words blushing will retire, And thoughts though schrewed up to the height, will then stand and admire: 153. Nor so to speak, the object will swelled to such bigness be, That compassed by conceptions arms, unabled be will we; 154. In sum, there we'll not sin, nor be tempted to sin at all, But as his servants do him serve, so we then serve him shall: 155. In our foreheads most lively than shall His Name written be. Like unto him we shall be made and as he is him see. 156. Then to believe and wonder, none will need us to exhort, That fight will ravish us, and as in ecstasy transport. 157. O! but the lively hope of this strong influence, should have Though men in Eden dwelled, to make us long this world to have; 158. Much more this blessed and glorious hope would have a mighty stroke. On the supportance of our spirits, in this destress and choke. 159. This loss of life and moveables, with forfaults of estates This loss of money out in bonds, with gifts made of escheats; 160. This loss of dear relations all▪ Let be a while divorce, By toss, wander, flights, exiles, or what then these were worse 161. Would make to be comported with, for sweet Christ Jesus sake: For whom we're bound without refer, even all things to forsake: 162. For him, I say, who did for us come down from heavenly Throne, And as a worm, and not a Man, did creep his footstool on. 163. His entrance first into the world, was all its pomp without, To justice as our surety then, he very low did lout. 164. For when to Bethlem Joseph goes with's Mother, they're not able A room to purchase in the Inn, but they must to the stable; 165. Where that blessed Child, she forth did bring, and with her hands him swadle, And in a manger did him lay, having no better cradle: 166. Of's birth the first news came not to Kings, Nobles, Men of might, But to poor Shepherds, who were there watching their flocks by night; 167. And to this day few worldly wise, Noble, or Great he calls, But for the most part, the best lot to meanner ones still falls; 168. His Kingdom comes not with great show, but glorious makes within, It's now, and will be yet, as it from its first rise hath been: 169. Though we in great winds, earthquakes, fire would have him come with noise, Yet oft he is in none of these, but in the still small voice; 170. Though we, I say, would often have him come the higher way, Yet in the lower he delights, himself much to convoy: 171. In's Infamy to save his life, to Egypt they're made flee, And for his sake, all Bethlems Babes King Herod made slain be. 172. CHRIST's Kingdom is too oft suspect, as no great friend to Kings, Which many of them, at the length, of persecution brings. 173. And this again doth him provoke, to plague sore these great ones, And if they turn not at the last, to overturn their thrones: 174. For with thrones of iniquity, by law mischief that frame, No fellowship he'll have, but will as mortar tread the same, 175. To lose the bonds of mighty Kings, for him's no great attempt, And on the Princes of the Earth, to pour shame and contempt; 178. Nay, he the Spirits of Princes great, cuts off most easily, And to the Kings that be on Earth, most terrible is he: 179. For of the Lords he is the LORD, and of all Kings the KING, When they're unking'd, he'll gloriously before his Ancients reign. 180. O! that Earth's Kings, to this great KING would all once homage pay, And kiss the Son, lest in his wrath they perish from the way. 181. Though great Lawgiver, yet he was made subject to the Law, And of his Parents which he made, when young he stood in awe. 182. O strange! the everlasting Father a Child and Youth to see, And the great Potter, unto clay stooping so reverently 183. With him to worship when twelve Years he to Jerusalem went Betimes to show to keep the Law, he in the World was sent: 184. And that by going when so young, for that end to the Temple, GOD soon to worship, young ones might be taught by his example. 185. Thereby withal, right early he GOD'S Majesty atones, For our neglect of worship, when we were yet younger ones. 186. Once with the Doctors then, and there most gravely reasoned he, That of's Prophetic office they might have a preludie 187. And that a Child might teach to Men, How to manage debates, And in all these might purge the sin of their distempring heats. 288. But what was done by him besides. throughout whole thirty Years, Wherein he lurked and lived obscure. nothing in writ appears. 189. Unless it be, that though he made the World, and it adorned Yet as a Carpenter to Work With's hands he nothing scorned. 190. That Lawful Callings He thereby might to us sanctify And us provoke to some of these, GOD still to Glorify. 191. And further more that guilt contract by us from Day to Day, In all our Lawful Callings might be taken clean away. 192. And these some four Years that to Preach, he publicly appeared, He made no noise into the streets, his cry was ever heard. 193. When doing greatest things, how oft, Tell no man, than said he, Though when the least are done by us, tell all men, cry do we. 194. O! here to him we're most unlike, who love so much the street, And in our way to heaven, do make, so greatnoise with their feet: 195. One grace alace! we love to have, by men's applause sun shined, And hence it comes to pass, that it's so withered, dried, and cryned; 196. It also may be one great cause, that faith hath now such doubting, That Christians of this have loved, to be so much in outing. 197. Did he not once, who could not err? say how can ye believe? Who in the air of mutual praise, do love so much to live: 198. And sure as no true faith can be, where reigneth this great ill; So where that is prevails, the soul with great doubts it doth fill, 199. O! When religion outrings all to have, once we shall win, As mere constrained results of grace, in life and power within: 200. Hereby this pattern blest, we would resemble very near, who loved always to hid, but when He forced was to appear. 201. A longs his life, for's people he of sorrows was a man To make acquaintance eke with him, sad grief betimes began. 202. We read not he ever laughed, but of the wept and groaned, Mens sins, and their calamities, is most sadly bemoaned, 203. Him had you seen, ye would have said, this in his face appears, Who though but thirty four, yet looked like one of fifty years; 204. His visage more than sons of men, so very much was marred, We hid as't were, our face from him, And at his trouble scared. 205. No form nor beauty was in him, unto the carnal eye, Why he should be desired, and yet even all desires was he 206. To Atheism, to Devil's Worship, self Murder, Doubt despair, Him for full forty days to tempt, the devil did never spare: 207. In all which great tentation, sin did him never slain, But he a victor absolute, did constantly remain, 208. These World's Prince came, but nothing found in him to work upon; For the only man he was in whom of Satan's work was none. 209. And such an Highpriest undefiled, us without doubt became, Who separate from sinners was, holy, and without harm 210. Though sinless, yet he in all points was tempted as are we That when we're tempted, he to us a succorer might be 211. Such a High Priest we now have then, with our infirmities. Who will most fellingly be touched, and with us sympathize: 212. He Weary was, and Thirsty both, he often laiked Bread, Though LORD of all, yet had he not whereon to lay His Head, 213. He though most rich for his People took on such Poverty, That Women of their substance did afford him some supply. 214. He in the Garden heavy was, and sorrowful to death, In's Hand a Cup Justice did put of sin reveanging wrath. 215. At which amazed trembling he stood, the Tears rushed in his Fies A grouf he fell on's face to pray, and sometimes on his knees. 216. And when the wrathful comflict grew, wise Justice thinkinged good, Till he was in an agony, and ●herein did sweet Blood; 217 He offered up more earnest Prayers, with strong Cries, and with Tears, To him who could him save, and heard in what were then his fears. 218. His suit unto his Father was On Ground, yet prostrare still, O let this Cup departed from me if it be thine own will; 219. Yet not my will, O Father dear, But thy blessed will be done; Since for the elect that it should be thus, we grieved upon: 220. Even for this cause, it was that came to this darkest hour, Of burning wrath, that I might stand, between them and the stour, 221. I'll hearty then drink this cup, that these dear souls may be According to Redemption past, from it made ever free. 222. He captive was, and Prisoner, he also was in bonds, He very roughly used was, among rude Soldiers hinds. 223. Before men's courts he was arraigned and there accused of Treason. Yea for the same he was condemned, against all Law and Reason. 224. O strange the Just and Righteous Judge, of all the World to see, By wicked, and ungodly men judged, and condemned to be. 225. 'Mongst Thiefs, & Robbers, he was ranked nay, they to Him preferred, That He was worse than any such, the Churchmen still averred, 226. He spit on was reproached, reviled, and filled with mocks and scorns; Yea, buffeted, and scourged was, and also Crowned with Thorns. 227. Off His blessed Cheek, plucked was the Hair, He on the Face was struck, Yet all this for His People's sake, most Patiently he took. 228. He Lamb like to the shambles was brought never a Word did say, But for his bitter enemies, most earnestly did pray. 229. A Purple Rob on Him they put, in His Right Hand a Reed; And but a mock of him they made, who was a King indeed. 230 It's hard now to believe that this poor object Man was GOD, Who as a Worm by villest men was under foot thus trodden. 231. Stripped, and racked on the Cross He was, the space of three full hours Where all the while of Grief and Pain, He had sharp Fits and Showers, 232. His confidence in GOD and Prayers, unto Him were cast up, Which not a little to Him sure, imbittered his Cup. 233. When wrought with pain, he thirsty was, and for some drink did call, Nothing was then allowed on him, but Vinegar and Gall: 234. And which was yet more sad and strange when very near to die. He's forced to cry my GOD, my GOD, forsake why hast thou me? 235. Forsake he was as to what might him sensibly comfort, Though not at all, as to what did him mightily support. 236. All this He suffered, and was made for thee, I say, for thee, Believing soul, and will thou not him love, and for him die? 237. Ah! that about thy sufferings, thou should with him thus debate, Who of GOD'S fierce and flaming wrath, for thee had such an heat. 238. His sufferings were so great, that them the Sun could not behold, But as afraid, and blushing did himself in cloud enfold. 239. The HEAVENS grew dark the Earth did quake, the Rocks also were rend At this strange sight, nature's whole course, out of course wholly went. 240. Come suffering saints, for CHRIST come, come, view ye the sufferings here. They're very many great and strange, let all yours not despair. 241. Be still, and of your sufferings small, as great, talk ye no more Like these on Earth, men shall again be as were none before; 242. Your greatest suffering of the Cross, but very small chips be, On his blessed shoulders sure did lie, the great end of the Tree. 243. By these most dreadful sufferings, was the Elect peace porcured, On him did light GOD'S wrath and curse, which ye should ay endured. 244. By these for you he also bought, all sanctifying Grace, With right to fellowship with GOD, and sweetest sights of's Face, 245. By his, yours all, for him are blest. and you thereby adorned; By them your way is pathed to HEAVEN, and you to him confirmed; 246. Through sufferings he was made perfect, and stepped up to his throne, Through that same way, should ye not be content to follow one, 247. Come pledge him then in crosses cup, for drunked out was by him, All dregs of wrath is now pure love, from bottom even to brim. 248. Nay so prepaird that spiritual health, It keeps and doth restore, This Cup then take when it's propyned, and scare at it no more. 249. He by his sufferings of GOD's wrath. the Wine-press trod alone, Of all the people of the World, to help him there was none: 250. His Agony to see, it's true, of's friends He took the chief; But ah! good Men they helped not, but added to His grief; 251. And though their sins concurred, to bring on him of wrath that shower; Yet could they not be kept from sleep, to watch with him one hour; 252. But left him all e'er long, and each unto his own did go, And one of them, alas! did swear, the MAN he did not know. 253. Here stop we may, and sadly mark, what Men in Trials are, The best, when left from following CHRIST, a poor Maid's voice will scare: 254. Let us not then high minded be, but fear and tremble all, Lest on the stage of Trial we do catch some shameful fall. 255. No weight be laid on our most sweet, but yet untried resolves, Which the tentations close approach, most frequently dissolves: 256. No stocks of grace, No by past helps, no now warm fits we see, Will after chokes sustain, but shrink, without CHRIST'S fresh supply. 257. If these Trials, than we would be kept from all offences Let's Fear, Watch, Pray, and humbly wait, for Heaven's new influences, 258. In all Christ's sufferings her's the Word, this suffering MAN was GOD Emmanuel he was, who bore of wrath, this heavy load. 259. Let Men and Angels all admire, how such a thing should be, That GOD Eternal should be MAN, and suffer thus and die! 260. Let Reason stoup, stand by, and still for ever, hold its peace, As quite transcended in its reach, let it to Faith give place. 261. Which yet none can that it is so, in very deed believe, But hardly can how it is so, us satisfaction give: 262. Here Angels intellectual Spirits, love to be Scholars still. And cannot at this mystery great of wondering have their fill. 263. Into it they with great delight, do look, yea, dyve, and pry; And yet they're not so much concerned, as stupid thou and I! 264. Which makes me think were't possible, that Christ of's love could rue, We would him tempt, our thoughts of it and wonder are so few. 265. But here's the wonder great, which shall of wonder ever be, That He loves them, that cannot love, O! but His love is free: 266. And now because thou cannot love, good news I pray thee hear, The day's at hand wherein thoushalt behold love, and admire. 267. Mean time for CHRIST take up thy Cross, and bear it patiently, Remembering what great things, and how he suffered hath for thee: 268. For CHRIST, I say, take up thy Cross, and be no more cast down, For thou art now apparrent heir of an immorral Crown: 269. Which thou shalt wear it be long, and be enthroned in State, Then thou'lt be well, O! rarely well, above reach of debate. 247. Now unto him who loved us, and from sins in's own Blood washed: And the hand writing crossed to us, nailed to his Cross out dashed. 271. Who from principalities, and power, did us as spoil rescue; And o'er them in't triumphed, and made of them an open show. 272. And to him who to this live hope, hath us begot again, By raising Christ up from the dead, all Blessing be: Amen. FINIS CORONAT OPUS.