THE FEMALES Legacy.  
Containing, Divine POEMS, On Several Choice SUBJECTS.  
Commended to all Godly Women.  PSALM XLV. I. My Heart is Inditing a Good Matter. 
Written by Mrs. AMEY HAYWARD, Of Limmington.  
LONDON, Printed by Benj. Harris, in great Eastcheap, for the Author. 1699.   

A panegyric In PRAISE of the AUTHOR  

[ I.]  
WELL Done, poetic Soul,  
Let Envy Rage,  
And( big with Critick's poison) fret it's fill,  
To see thy Lines, drawn with a loftier Quill,  
Than ever came  
From feigned Parnassus's Hill,  
Which does Presage,  
Thy Heav'n-inrolled Name,  
Shall be Transmitted down to everlasting famed!   

[ II.]  
Indeed, thy Time's well spent,  
In teaching all  
T'improve their Talents in an Age tha●● grown  
So Paganiz'd, as Man's ashamed to own  
His Lord and King,  
When as he plainly sees,  
The World's vast Ball,  
And all that is therein,  
[ Except's Ingrateful Self] acknowledges the thing.   

[ III.]  
A Christ, [ with some] is now  
Of no Effect!  
Aloof such Moralists, with all their Train,  
Who'll all be damned, unless they're Born again!  
Can Men, by Works,  
Think ever to Obtain  
( At least, expect)  
Salvation for their Spirits,  
When they invalid both their Saviour's Blood and Merits?   

[ IV.]  
If Carpers do Despise  
This Work, because  
One of the fairer Sex it was that penned it,  
Let 'em Consult their Alcherons to mend it;  
For, sure what's in't,  
Compels me to Defend it:  
But if some Flaws,  
Those critics chance to' spy,  
I am the Person who'll Protect her Poetry.   
B. H.   

The Contents of the following Poems.  

ON Adam in paradise, and Fallen. page. 1  
A Poem between Moses, Sinner,& Christ. p. 3  
A Meditation on the Song of Solomon p. 21  
The impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda, p. 24.  
A Dialogue between Christ and a Young man, p. 26  
A meditation on the 25th of Matthew. p. 33.  
The Author's Request. p 39  
On Luke the 19th. p. 40  
On the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Exodus. p. 45  
On Solomon's Temple. p. 53  
On Christ's Ancient Vine-yard. p. 56  
A Dialogue between Christ and a Soul. p. 60  
The Author's Request to God, &c. p. 66  
On the Day of judgement, p. 68  
A meditation on the 5th of Luke. p. 69  
Upon New-Year's-Day, 1699. p. 71  
A Dialogue between the Holy Spirit& Soul, p. 73  
Between Death, and a carnal secure Sinner, p 76  
Between Death, and a Soul which fears it not, p 79  
A Dialogue between Christ and a Believer. p. 81  
The Author's Belief, &c. p 86  
A Spiritual meditation upon a Bee p 87  
An Hymn on mortality, p 89  
A Caution to the Female Sex, p 91  
A Dialogue between the Word of God, and Careless Women, Isaiah, 39, 2. p 92  
A meditation on the Deceitfulness of the World, and the Vanity of man's craving heart, p 94    

The Author on her weak POEMS.  

GO, little Book, and take thy Rounds,  
And if thou meetest with Angry Frowns,  
Then Blame thy Author, and her Quill,  
For having of so little Skill.   

But do not Blame her over much,  
Because that she is one of such  
Which counted is the weaker Sex,  
And wanteth Skill thee to correct.  
Kind Reader, though these Lines are few,  
I pray do not them scorn to view.    

A Word of Advice to the Female Sex.  

COme, Female-Sex, and Labour now apace,  
And do not spend away your Day of Grace:  
Our Souls let's value at a higher Rate,  
And look about us, e'er it be too late.   

For, Time being past, cannot re called be,  
As by Experience daily we may see;  
For as the three doth fall, so it shall Iye,  
And so remain to all Eternity,   

We do not know how soon there may appear  
A Famine of God's blessed Word, most dear;  
And that we may be forced for to fly  
From Sea to Sea, after it's sweet Supply.   

And yet there is another thing to fear,  
We know not when to us Death will draw near,  
And with a Stroke may sand us hence away,  
And suffer us no longer here to stay.   

This juggling World hath us all round beset,  
And she has spread out wide her charming Net,  
Therefore let us be watchful, and take care,  
That so we may escape her' chanting Snare.    

A few Meditations on the glorious Attributes of GOD.  

GOD's Attribute of Goodness is most great,  
And he in Goodness is a God complete;  
There is no Man nor Angel doth it know,  
It is a Fountain that doth Over-flow.   

God's Attribute of Love, it hath no end,  
It doth above all other Love transcend;  
There is no Man nor Angel doth it know,  
It is a Fountain which doth Over-flow.   

God's Attribute of Mercy is so pure,  
That now, and ever, still it will endure:  
No Man, or Angel, never can it know,  
It is a Fountain which doth Over-flow.   

God's Attribute of Glory is so Bright,  
That it doth dazzle all Beholder's Sight;  
It is a Glory which doth so prevail,  
The very Angels doth their Faces veil.   

God's Attribute of Knowledge is so high,  
That he did Know, from all Eternity,  
Adam would Fall, with his Posterity,  
And so involve themselves in Misery.   

God's Attribute of Wisdom, as we red,  
By it the Heav'ns, and the Earth was made;  
It is a Mystery which is so high,  
The Angels they desire therein to prie.   

God's Attribute of Justice none can let,  
When he upon his judgement-seat shall sit,  
To execute his Judgments Righteously,  
'twill make the Guilty Sinner loud to Cry.   

To speak of all God's Attributes,  
it is for me too high  
Which am an empty, barren Soul,  
both withered and dry.   

I Empty am, Lord, Fill me with thy Grace,  
And Barren too, here in my Spiritual Race:  
withered and Dry, thou know'st I am, O Lord,  
Therefore to me thy Saving Grace afford.    

THE FEMALES Legacy,  

I. A Meditation on Adam in paradise, and Fallen.  

1  
THE Scripture doth declare to us,  
the Mercy, Love, and Grace,  
That God from all Eternity  
upon mankind did place.   

2  
Adam he made a little lower  
than Angels in degree,  
And also gave to him a power,  
with great Felicity.   

3  
All Creatures in the spacious World,  
of him did stand in fear,  
And Adam had with them no trouble,  
for he was voided of care.   

4  
All living Substance in the world,  
this Princely Man did see,  
And whatsoever that he would,  
their Names must called be.   

5  
And when the Lord did Adam place  
in paradise upright,  
Oh then the Devil he did rage,  
with all his wrath and spite.   

6  
And then he did purpose to have  
him Captive at his Will,  
And for to make of him his Slave,  
did try his Hellish Skill.   

7  
At length into his wicked Claws  
he got this famous Creature,  
And made him for to break the Laws  
of his own Precious maker.   

8  
And when that he had broken the Law  
of his most blessed Guide,  
Oh then he soon did run away,  
and from the Lord did hid:   

9  
Unto the Fig-leaves he did go,  
to shrowded himself withall,  
Though he did hear the Voice of God,  
within the Garden call.   

10  
And when the mighty God did see,  
that man was quiter undone,  
Immediately he did reveal  
the Covenant with his Son.   

11  
My Son, he shall my Justice' swa●●,  
which burneth doth so hot  
Against poor, wretched, fallen man,  
his Sin shall be forgot.   

12  
Most willingly did Christ comply,  
in room of man to stand,  
And so would fully satisfy  
what Justice should demand.   

13  
Give Glory to this gracious God,  
praise ye his Name on high,  
Which did not leave poor, fallen Man,  
in Hell and Misery.    

II. A Dialogue between Moses, an Awakened Sinner, and JESUS CHRIST.  Sinner. 

1  
OH that I could by Faith m●●●t up on high,  
And on that splendid City fix mine Eye,  
Where my Creator sits in Glory bright,  
In presence of his Saints with great delight!   

2  
But while I wander in this Wilderness,  
Surrounded here with Trouble, more or less,  
And sinful nature doth me so surprise,  
I cannot ●●ep saith up in Exercise.   

3  
Sometimes whe●● 〈◇〉 ●o the Throne of Grace,  
The Lord doth seem from me to hid his Face,  
Then I am dead, and dead returns again,  
Which fills my Soul with Horror, Grief and Pain.   

4  
Likewise, my Heart it hath a Door, I find,  
That lets in evil Thoughts into my mind;  
Which makes my timorous Soul for to lament,  
And fills me here with Wo and Discontent.   

5  
In-born Corruptions are in me most rife,  
With me those Enemies they are at strife,  
Moreover in this Wilderness doth go,  
My furious Enemy, and potent Foe.   

6  
He runs, and goes and hurries, night and day,  
To hunt, and take my Soul, to make't his prey,  
And, lion-like, he after me doth follow,  
And frights me with the echo of his Hollow.   

7  
O which way shall I go? where shall I run,  
That so I may this fiery Dragon shun?  
For if he doth but catch me in his Paws,  
He then will me devour with his Jaws.   

8  
If that I could a counselor but find,  
For to impart to him my troub●●● mind,  
And if he in good Counsel have but Skill,  
I will it take, let it be what it will.   

9  
Perhaps he may a way for me find out,  
To ease me of my Trouble, Fear, and Doubt.  
I know that Moses is both grave and wise,  
I'll go to him, and hear what he'll advice:   

10  
But if I should my grief to him impart,  
And he do no way ease me of my Smart,  
I fear I shall go with a troubled Heart,  
Until I do this mortal life depart.   

11  
Moses I come, with weeping Tears to thee,  
Hoping some Comfort thou wilt give to me;  
And that thou wilt unto me now declare,  
Which way I shall escape this Hunter's Snare.   Moses. 

12  
Come cease thy sad complaint, and mournful Tears,  
And do not so possess thy Soul with fears,  
I'll tell thee where thou mayst some comfort find,  
If thou unto good Counsel art inclined.   

13  
Here is a Mountain in this Wilderness,  
Where thou mightst go thyself for to refresh,  
And there may hid from thy great Enemies,  
That over thee they may not cicatrise.   

14  
'tis called mount Sinai, where the Law was given,  
If wholly kept, 'twill carry Souls to Heaven  
Keep thou this Law, 'twill save thee from all evil,  
'twill keep thee from the World, the Flesh and devil.   Sinner. 

15  
I pray tell me what is contained therein,  
That I with speed to keep it may begin,  
For here I have but little time to stay,  
Therefore I would make progress in my way;   

16  
For I unto this Law a Stranger am,  
Therefore to me do thou relate the same;  
I may it keep before my Life doth end,  
And I will count thee for my dearest Friend.   

17.  
For I am weary of this Wilderness,  
And fain would blessed Canaan's Land possess,  
This Wilderness is full of Pits and briars,  
And often here my weary Soul it tires.   Moses. 

I. Command.  
18 There is but One True, living GOD you know,  
And that the Scripture plainly doth it show,  
And thou must have no other gods but He,  
Therefore beware of his Omnisciency.   

II. Command.  
19 Unto thyself no graved Image make,  
Lest that the Lord he do thee quiter forsake;  
For if this way thou dost him once provoke,  
His jealousy against thee hot will smoke.   

20 If unto any thing he likened be,  
'twill be beneath his glorious Effency,  
Therefore do thou beware of such a thing,  
For it will thee into Perdition bring.   

III. Command.  
21 God's sacred Name thou must not take in vain,  
Beware of that, lest guilty thou remain,  
Nor speak of it without due Reverence,  
But thou must strive God's Name for to advance.   

IV. Command.  
22 The Sabbath-day thou must keep Holy too,  
And thou in it no manner of work must do;  
No evil Thought must enter in thy Heart,  
For then thou doss the Sabbath-day pervert:   

23 Nor in thy House no Fire thou must make,  
For then thou dost the holy Sabbath break;  
And in breaking one thou art guilty of the whole,  
Which will bring Reprobation on thy Soul.   

V. Command.  
24 Thy Parents thou must Honour and Obey,  
The Lord's Command expressly doth it say,  
Lest he doth cut thee down from off the Earth,  
And make thee like to an untimely Birth.   

VI. Command.  
25 Thou must not Kill, that is a Crying Sin,  
And on thy Soul God's Vengeance it will bring;  
For Vengeance will pursue the bloody Man,  
And find him out, do all that e'er he can.   

VII. Command.  
26 Adultery also, thou must not commit,  
Lest God another day Judge thee for it,  
Nor in thy Heart must not conceive a Lust,  
For after Death thou then to judgement must.   

VIII. Command.  
27 Thou must not Steal, nor from thy neighbour take,  
Lest that thou dost thy guilty Conscience make,  
When on thy Death-bed then aloud to cry,  
For Stealing to relieve thy Poverty.   

IX. Command.  
28 Against thy Neighbour no false Witness bear,  
For then the Devil has thee in his Snare.  
And if thou dost long time continue there,  
Thy Soul will filled be with dismal fear.   

X. Command  
29 None of thy Neighbors Goods thou must not covet  
Nor in thy Heart desire nothing of it;  
Because 'tis counted for Idolatry,  
And God doth see with his Omniscient Eye.   

30 Thy Covetous Heart, and thy Desires too,  
And at the last will fill thy Soul with Woe,  
'Cause thou hast made an Idol unto thee,  
Which is forbid, as plainly thou mayst see.   

31 Another thing I do declare to thee,  
In Genesis the third, as thou mayst see:  
Thy first Parents did Eat Forbidden-fruit;  
And that's the cause thy bonds are put in svit.   

32 When Adam broken God's positive command;  
A perfect Man no longer could he stand;  
For the Ten Precepts he did break withall,  
Which makes thee guilty of the breach of all.   

33 That positive Command which Adam broken  
Has laid upon thee this most heavy Stroke:  
This is a Debt the Law will on thee lay,  
And thou this Debt must to a Farthing pay.   

34 And if thou hast not wherewith to defend,  
The Law will quickly thee to Prison sand  
Unless that thou a surety does get,  
To rescue thee, and pay thy dangerous Debt.   Sinner. 

35  
Thou for this honoured counsel I do thank;  
But it hath brought me to the very brink  
Of deep despair, 'cause it I cannot take,  
Though I did such a solemn Promise make.   

36  
If I do break but one of God's commands,  
Then of the rest thou sayst I guilty stands;  
And I became a debtor to them all  
When as I did in my first Parents fall.   

37  
I thought but for the Ten I was a debtor,  
But now I see and understand it better:  
Upon my Score I owe full for Eleven,  
And this great debt will keep me out of Heaven.   

38  
'twas Eve and Adam brought Sin-Original,  
When they that great command did break and Fall  
That makes me stand a naked criminal,  
Nothing but Fig-leagues me to cloath withal.   

39  
It was for Fruit of the Forbidden-Tree,  
And that great debt imputed is to me;  
But I am Poor, this debt I cannot pay,  
Therefore I must Sequest without delay.   Moses. 

40  
Hold, do not think this way thyself to flatter,  
sequestering will not serve in this great matter,  
Thou must a Surety get out of Hand,  
To pay this debt and cancil thy black bond.   

41  
A bare Confession, Soul! will never do,  
It will but bring upon thee greater woe;  
For thou dost owe a very grievous debt,  
Therefore thyself do not befool nor cheat.   Sinner. 

42  
Ah where's the Surety will undertake  
For me a Bond-Slave, Free again to make;  
The famed of such a thing so Loud will Thunder,  
That it will be the Universe's wonder.   

43  
Alas, and woe is me, I do lament:  
Oh, whether shall I go my grief to vent:  
I for my debt was troubled long before;  
But now I am afflicted ten times more.   

44  
Canst thou no other way for me find out,  
To ease me of my trouble, fear, and doubt:  
If there's no other way my debts to pay,  
I fear that I must in a Prison lie.   Moses. 

45  
There is no other way that I can see  
Whereby thou must from Prison be set free,  
Unless thou hast a worthy Surety  
To Stop the Law and Justice satisfy.   Sinner. 

46  
Dear counselor, I humbly of thee crave,  
Tell me where I this Surety may have,  
That I may hasten to him speedily,  
And in a loathsome Prison may not lie.   Moses. 

47  
There is a Prince of famed and Royal blood  
Which takes delight always in doing good:  
He is the highest that was ever Born,  
And yet thy Poverty he will not scorn,   Sinner. 

48  
If I unto this Royal Prince should go,  
I have no Present on him to bestow:  
The very truth unto thee I do show,  
It is with me so very poor and low.  
Had I a noble Present in my Hand,  
I could the bolder then before him stand.   Moses. 

49  
Mention this thing no more but take good heed,  
For of a Present he has got no need;  
And they that bring it he will not come near;  
They do but cast themselves into a Snare.   

50  
The Heavens and the Earth are all his own,  
And he beholden can be unto none:  
He will except no Present thou canst bring,  
Unless it be a broken Heart for Sin.   

51  
Then get a contrite Heart I thee advice;  
For such a Present he will not despise:  
He matters not whether they be high or low;  
The Jew, the Greek, the Barbarian also.   

52  
He kindly doth receive it of all Men  
And Women too, which brings it unto him;  
The Rich, the Poor, the Halt, the Blind, and Lame,  
That ever to him with this Present came.   

53  
The Learned and the Unlearned beside;  
He never did this Present yet deride;  
The Noble, and Ignoble, Bond, and Free;  
The King, and beggar is alike to He.   

54  
He is a mighty Prince of high Renown,  
And worthy is to wear the greatest Crown;  
He is a glorious One, of noble Birth;  
And thou a broken Potsherd of the Earth.   

55  
Go now with speed, and lay thyself down low,  
And unto him thy sad condition show;  
For he a Surety will be complete,  
To all that come and lie low at his Feet.   Sinner. 

56  
He's all divine, I nothing of it doubt;  
But where shall I go for to find him out:  
If I did know where he doth keep his Court,  
I unto him am willing to resort.   Moses. 

57  
He keeps his Court in new Jerusalem;  
If thou art willing to resort to him,  
Go often to the Foot-stool of his Grace,  
And there, by Faith, thou mayst behold his Face   

58  
Upon his Mercy-seat thou mayst him see;  
For there he always doth delight to be;  
And both his hands are full of Pardons free;  
Run now with speed, he holds one forth to thee.   

The Heavy-laden Sinner making its address from the Law, to Jesus. Gal. 3.24. Wherefore the Law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ.  

59  
My Lord and King, on me some pitty take,  
And do this thing for thy great Mercy's sake:  
Forgive the Punishment due unto me,  
And save me from eternal Misery.   

60  
I do confess I am a Sinner vile,  
And I do not deserve of thee one smile:  
Therefore I humbly lie down at thy Feet,  
And there to Perish, if thou thinkest it meet.   CHRIST. 

61  
Whence cometh this most sad and grievous cry?   Sinner. 

From one which now Lord, at thy Feet doth lie.  
A Heavy-laden Sinner, full of grief,  
Which now is come to thee for some relief.   CHRIST. 

62  
Poor wretched Soul, who sent thee unto me  
That thou dost thus implore my Majesty.   Sinner. 

63  
Moses, a faithful Servant, Lord, of thine,  
And first he sent me to the Law divine;  
But when he did my sad condition know,  
He said the Law would me no favour show.   CHRIST. 

64  
What, would the Law no comfort yield to thee;  
Nor give a clear discharge and set thee free?   Sinner. 

65  
No Lord, it is a holy righteous Law,  
Which makes all such as I am stand in awe:  
Therefore to go to it I do not dare,  
It wounds and drowns and drives me to despair  
And I alas, can have no comfort there.   CHRIST. 

66  
Come grieved Soul, which in despair art droun'd,  
Oh, turn again, that is a Sin profound:  
Come unto me, and I will thee advice;  
For I am nigh to hear poor Sinners cries.   

67  
Look in God's word, and thou mayst clearly see  
I did a ransom dearly pay for thee:  
Thou art the purchase of my precious Blood,  
As thou mayst find in God's most holy Word.   

68  
My Father's Justice I did satisfy,  
When I upon the bloody across did die;  
And all thy debt the Law doth now demand,  
When on the across I paid it out of hand.   

69  
Therefore, by Faith, do thou cleave fast to me  
For I am now, a Surety for thee;  
And while thou art in this dark Wilderness,  
I will be unto thee a strong defence.   

70  
And when thy Enemies do strive to foil thee,  
I will be nigh, with armor for to Shield the.   Sinner. 

71  
Ah, happy News, I have a Surety;  
But woe alas, here lies my Misery,  
If I should wander out of the right way;  
A guide I stand in need of every day.   CHRIST. 

72  
God's Holy-Spirit, he will be thy guide;  
Therefore do thou walk close up to his side:  
He penned the Scripture to be thy director,  
And I myself will be thy great Protector.   

73  
The Holy-Spirit, and God's Holy Word  
( For thy defence) is like a two-edged Sword,  
Which will put thy great Enemies to flight,  
If thou hast but the Skill to use it right.   

74  
God doth afford his armor great and strong,  
For unto Warr'ers it doth still belong;  
Such Warr'ers that will fight against Hell's crew  
And keep the Battle always in pursue.   

75  
Such Warr'ers as doth often Face about  
To give their inborn Sin a total rout.  
Come put on God's strong armor all complete  
And then the Tyrant thou wilt quickly beat.   

76  
Thou must begird about thy Loins with Truth  
A Girdle glorious to be worn in Youth:  
Thy breastplate must be of my Righteousness,  
Or else my Kingdom thou canst not Possess.   

77  
Thy Feet being shod with gospel preparation:  
Thou'lt seek for Peace and tidings of Salvation  
Be sure to take the Shield of Faith also;  
For through this howling Desert thou must go,   

78  
And if thou meet thy Enemy by and by,  
His fiery Darts at thee he will let fly;  
But thrô the Shield of Faith they cannot enter;  
They will return again unto the center.   

79  
The Helmet of Salvation thou must hold;  
And with the Spirit's Sword thou must be bold;  
Then fight and skirmish often with thy Sin,  
And never leave till thou the field dost win.   

80  
And do not vex me with thy cursed Sin,  
Since I for thee a Surety have been:  
Remember I from Prison thee relieved,  
And do not thou my Holy-Spirit grieve.   

81  
See in presumptuous Sins thou dost not dwell,  
And think that all things now with thee is well,  
Because for thee I did the Law revoke,  
And kept thee from the heavy dreadful stroke   

82  
Of God's offended Justice which did rage  
Against thy Sin, and would with thee engage.   Sinner. 

83  
My Lord before thee here I trembling stand,  
I willing am to be at thy command:  
Oh Lord, if thou but Strength wilt give to me,  
Under thy Fanner I will fight for thee.   

85  
Against Presumption I will sto●t●y fight,  
And strive my inborn Sin to put to flight;  
This I trust do by thy Almighty hand;  
For I am weak, I can't the Battle stand.   

85  
Thou know'st, O Lord, I am but dust and day,  
Therefore set thou the Battle in array,  
And wield thy Sword, and win the Field for me,  
And all the Glory I will give to thee.   CHRIST: 

86  
Poor Sinner now thou art come unto me,  
I'll tell in part what I have done for thee;  
I and my Father made both heaven and Earth;  
We gave all Living, Substance, Life, and Breath.   

87  
But some of the created Angels fell,  
And then my Father threw them down to Hell;  
Then all Mankind fell in Rebellion too,  
And made themselves Heirs of eternal Woe.   

88  
Then I stepped in, Mankind for to Reprieve,  
Even all such which in me shall believe;  
The fallen Angels I did them pass by,  
And left them in Eternal misery.   

89  
But after this it was my Pleasure then  
That I would come and Live with sinful Men;  
I came unto my own, my own refused me,  
And more then that they greatly did abuse me.   

90  
When I was Born, and of a Virgin pure,  
I did some hardship quickly then endure;  
As soon as I was taken from the Womb,  
Was in a Manger laid, for want of Room.   

91  
This was the manner of my noble Birth,  
Although I was then Lord of all the Earth;  
Then bloody Herod tried his hellish Skill,  
In order to fulfil his bloody Will.   

92  
He sent forth Tyrants poor young Babes to slay,  
In hopes to  shed my innocent blood that way;  
But God their Tragedy did soon prevent,  
Me and my Mother into Egypt sent.   

93  
When I was grown in stature of a Man,  
I then did go up to Jerusalem  
To Preach my holy Gospel to the Jews,  
But they my holy Gospel did refuse.   

94  
I laboured among them Night and Day.  
And all to turn their Faces Sion way:  
I healed all the Sick, and all the Lame,  
And pitied all that ever to me came,   

95  
The meanest of them I did not deride;  
But yet for all they could me not abide:  
I made the Dumb to speak, the Deaf to hear,  
The Blind to see, as plainly did appear:   

96  
Yet still they did revile me at their Will,  
And so took Counsel how they might me kill;  
They hired Judas me for to betray,  
In hast to sand me from the Earth away;   

97  
And Thirty Silver Pieces they did give,  
Because that I no longer here should live;  
Then Judas he betrayed me with a Kiss;  
No treachery was ever like to this!   

98  
But when the hour was come, as I had said,  
And not till then, I could not be betrayed,  
I bound was lead unto the Judgment-hall,  
And then on me those Rebels they did fall.   

99  
Then unto Pontius Pilate I was brought,  
And there accused, but it was for nought;  
Though I always was doing of them good,  
Yet still they longed and thirsted for my blood,   

100  
When Pontius Pilate sought to set me free,  
Mine Enemies then they did all agree:  
Of Barrabas they would not be denied;  
But as for me, I must be crucified.   

101  
Though I no evil ever did to them;  
But yet they cried away, away with him,  
It was their custom always at the Feast,  
A Prisoner should be to them released.   

102  
They did desire Barrabas for them;  
But as for me they said, away with him;  
Then very fast they bound me with their bands  
And then they smote me with their cruel hands  
They spit upon my Face, and did not spare;  
And from my Cheeks they palled off the hair.   

103  
My Body also sore they buffeted;  
And with a Reed they smote me on the head;  
Above all Men, my Visage it was marred,  
They did me crucify so cruel hard.   

104  
I was derided with their mocks and scorns;  
And I was crwoned with a Crown of Thorns;  
Also they gave me Vinegar and gull;  
And made me wear a Purple rob withal.   

105  
My Hands and Feet was nailed to a three;  
A death which they appointed had for me:  
My tender Side they pierced with a Spear;  
And then came forth both blood and water clear.   

106  
God's dreadful Cup of Justice I did drink;  
'twas very bitter, yet I did not shrink;  
I drank the dregs filled up unto the brim,  
Because thou shouldst in endless pleasure swim.   

107  
The Cup of Justice was so very hot,  
It caused me to sweat a bloody Sweat;  
Like drops of Blood falling down to the ground  
On no Man yet the like was ever found:   

108  
And when that I had overcome my smart,  
My Raiment then amongst them they did part;  
The Soldiers they did likewise all agree,  
That they would cast Lots on my Vestery.   

109  
My Body from the across was taken dead  
And in a new Sepulchre butted,  
Where never Man was ever laid before;  
Also a Seal was set upon the Door.   

110  
But when I had lain in the Grave three days,  
By my Almighty Power I did raise  
The self same Body which hung on the three;  
Here be the Wounds the Jews then gave to me:  
I suffered all this grief and pain for thee,  
And yet thou art now welcome unto me.   Sinner. 

111  
Oh boundless Love! oh Love beyond degree  
My Lord and Saviour's reconciled to me!  
Ye blessed Angels, Heavens glorious choir,  
Here is a Love for you all to admire.   

112  
Here is a Love, a matchless Love indeed;  
Ye Saints on Earth, be all astonished;  
For ther● is now no other Love but this  
Can bring your Souls to endless Happiness.     

A Meditation composed into Verse, on the Song of Solomon, where Christ is setting forth the beauty of his Church, and the Church setting forth Christ's Excellency.  Christ. 

1  
O Who is She that looketh forth so soon,  
Clear as the morning fairer than the moon?  
It is my Spouse, my Sister and my Dove,  
And it is She on whom I set my Love.   

2  
My Dove, my Undefiled is alone;  
She is her Mother's choice, and only one;  
For there is none that can with her compare,  
And I will take of her a tender care.   

3  
My Love come unto me now I invite;  
For I in thee do take a great delight;  
Thou art most White, and like the crystal fair,  
Thy Beauty I upon my heart do bear.   

4  
Thine Eyes compared is unto the dove,  
And for to look on them I dearly love,  
And' specially when thou dost cast them up  
To look on me in a well-grounded hope.   

5  
Thy Cheeks are very comely for to see,  
L●ke rows of Jewels they appear to be:  
Thou art most comely too in each degree  
When thou by Faith dost look up unto me,   

6  
Thy Temple-locks are lovely to be seen:  
Thy comely Speech doth render thee a Queen;  
When thou approchest humbly unto me,  
And by Repentance crave a pardon free.   

7  
Thy Lips are like a thread of Scarlet-silk;  
Thy Neck like to a stately Tower built;  
One Chain of thy white Neck has ravished me;  
For thou art fair, and hast no spot in thee.   

8  
Thy comely Eye doth overcome me so,  
It makes my Majesty to stoop so low  
As to place on thee my endeared Love,  
And I again will never it remove.   

The Church setting forth Christ's Excellency.  

9  
My Well-beloved is the Prince of Peace,  
And I do long to see his comely Face;  
He's white and ruddy like the Diamond fair;  
There is no beauty can with him compare.   

10  
His eyes are as the eyes of doves complete;  
His Cheeks are as a Bed of Spices sweet;  
His Lips like lilies dropping down sweet myrrh,  
No fragrant Flower can with it compare.   

11  
His Countenance it is as Lebanon,  
And excellent above the Sons of men:  
Oh all ye Daughters of Jerusalem,  
This is my Well beloved honour him.   

This is my Well-beloved, and my Friend,  
Ye Daughters see you do on him attend;  
And he is clothed in a glorious dress;  
On him he has a rob of Righteousness:   

13  
His rob is white, and reacheth to the ground,  
And in his rob his glory doth abound:  
See here's a Jasper, and a sapphire clear,  
Most lovely it upon him doth appear.   

14  
A Chalcedony and an Emarald,  
It is a pleasant fight for to behold:  
See here's a Sardius and a Chrysolite;  
Enough to dazzle all beholders sight.   

15  
Here is a Sardonix, and now look there,  
A Beril, and a Tophaz doth appear:  
Look here's a Crysophrasus with the rest,  
Also the Jacinct, and the amethyst;   

16  
Which makes me sick of love for my sweet Prince,  
And pained till I am removed hence;  
For love I find it is as strong as Death,  
And jealousy it burneth up my breath.   

17  
Oh set me as a Seal upon thy heart,  
And never let my love from thee depart:  
Ye Daughters of Jerusalem be kind,  
And if you do my well beloved find,  
I pray do you declare that it is I  
Am sick of Love for him, and like to die.   

18  
He is the sweetest Rose of Sharon's field;  
Oh come and taste the sweetness he doth yield!  
He is the lily of the Valley fair,  
Also he is the bright and morning Star.     

A Meditation on the impotent Mans waiting at the Pool of Bethesda. John 5.  

1  
THere was a Pool once at Jerusalem  
Called ●ethesda by its proper name;  
Also five P●r●●●es there was standing by  
Wherein the With'red, Blind, and Halt did lie;   

2  
For the diseased People thither came,  
Because the Waters had so great a famed;  
But that which made the Waters for to heal,  
It was an Angel sent for to reveal   

3  
The Power of the great Physician high,  
When as the People at the Pool did lie;  
For at a certain time an Angel did  
Come down, and so the Water troubled   

4  
Then whosoever slept into the Pool,  
Was cured and perfectly made whole:  
A certain man with an Infirmity  
Thirty eight years, did at Bethesda lie,   

5  
Waiting the moving of the Waters then,  
And he long 〈◇〉 had there a waiting been:  
Our blessed saviour thither did draw nigh,  
And on the poor Impotent cast his Eye.   

6  
But the impotent man did not spy  
It was the great Physician standing by:  
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he  
Long time had been in great extremity;   

7  
He said to him wilt thou be now made whole,  
Because he did his misery condole:  
The poor Impotent answered him, Sir!  
I have no Friend( when as the Waters stir)   

8  
Will lend a hand and help to put me in,  
Though I long time have here a waiting been;  
But while I coming am down to the Pool,  
Another steppeth in, and is made whole.   

9  
Our blessed Lord said to the man, arise,  
Take up thy Bed before beholders eyes;  
The man he was immediately made whole;  
None could the great Physician then control.   

The Author's Reflection.  

10  
This is an Emblem of my Misery,  
Here I a poor impotent one doth lie,  
Waiting the moving of the Waters clear,  
I mean the Spirit of my Saviour dear.   

11  
My Soul, which is the chiefest part of me,  
Both withered and dry appea●● to be  
The Faculties thereof are Halt and Blind,  
Which daily I unto my grief do find.   

12  
Oh that the great Physician would draw nigh,  
And on a poor Impotent cast an Eye!  
Oh that he would my misery condole,  
And speak the Word and I shall be made Whole.   

13  
Lord, there's no Pool on Earth can do me good,  
But the pure Ocean of thy precious Blood.  
There's nothing else can purify and cleanse  
My Wounded Soul from putrefying Sins.   

14  
Therefore, O Lord, thy precious blood apply  
Unto my Soul, that healing Remedy  
Is a sweet Cordial which will me revive,  
And keep my withered fainting Soul alive.  
Lord now with speed this Cordial to me bring,  
And fill me up a Cup unto the brim.     

A Dialogue between Christ and a Young-man.  Young-man. 

1  
I Walked have long time about to find  
Some new-found pleasure to delight my mind;  
But in my pleasure this doth me prevent,  
I in my pleasure have no true content.   

2  
When I am merry with my Jolly Boys,  
I then am checked within, which damps my Joys;  
Likewise I take delight in sports and plays,  
In it I spend away my Nights and Days;   

3  
But afterwards my heart's filled with Reflection,  
Which almost has brought me into subjection.  
Oh that I could the reason of it know,  
What is the cause it should be with me so,   

4  
I would some cure soon for it then look out,  
Although I ranged all the World about.   Conscience. 

5  
It is thy Conscience which doth trouble thee,  
And makes thee so dissatisfied to be;  
Because in merriment thou dost offend  
Thy Sov'reign Lord, on whom thou shouldst depend.   Young-man. 

6  
Conscience if it be so, I'll make thee Sleep,  
And then my mind I shall in quiet keep;  
For if thou dost thus trouble me alway,  
Then I shall never see a happy day.   Conscience. 

7  
If I do Sleep, I shall awake again,  
And then I will put thee to greater pain;  
I ll pinch and cut and lash thee bitterly,  
Until I maketh thee aloud to cry.   Young-man. 

8  
Conscience thou threat'nest me so very sore,  
I hope I never shall offend thee more;  
And seeing thou profess to be my Friend,  
I'll take my leave, and so we both will end.   

9  
This will not do with me, I am afraid,  
I must look out yet for some other aid.  
Oh that my ways were but so now directed,  
That for the future I might be protected;   

10  
And that I may some other object find,  
To give content to my unsettled mind.   Christ. 

11  
Young-man if of thy ways thou hast a fight,  
And it doth seem to thee not to be right,  
God's word doth show thee what thou ought to do,  
To cleanse thy ways by taking heed thereto.   

12  
And if thou dost desire more to know,  
I ready am and willing thee to show;  
I'll show thee objects shall give thee content,  
And give thee pleasure when thy life is spent.   

13  
Nay, more then so I'll give a promise higher,  
I'll give thee all thy heart can e'er desire,  
If thou with speed wilt now close in with me.  
Everlasting Treasure I will give to thee.   Young-man. 

14  
'tis endless pleasure which my heart doth crave  
And lasting pleasure, which I fain would have;  
If thou this promise wilt make good to me,  
I am resolved to close in now with thee.   

15  
I willing am to part with all my Sin,  
Which as I hitherto have lived in,  
My sports and pleasures and my Jolly Boys,  
I count them all even but empty Toys.   Christ. 

16  
If thou wilt close with me, then take good heed  
Thou must into my Vineyard go with speed,  
And Labour there till I do for the sand,  
Thy Labour then I'll put unto an end.   

17  
I in the Garden laboured for thee,  
Then in my Vineyard labour thou for me:  
I trod the Winepress, I myself alone,  
Which made me in my Spirit so to moan.   

18  
And of the People, there was none with me,  
To work out thy Redemption-work for thee;  
It was not for myself I took this care,  
I had no need of any thing to fear.   

19  
No, 'twas to keep thee from the Serpent's sting,  
I had been happy hadst thou never been.   Young-man. 

20  
Dear Lord, I smitten am to hear thee speak,  
My heart within me now is like to break  
To think that thou hast done so much for me,  
And I a wretch have nothing done for thee.   

21  
Into thy Vineyard now I'll go away,  
And I will labour there both Night and Day;  
But Vineyard work is hard, and I am Weak,  
Lord strengthen me this work to undertake.   

Appoint the work Lord, thou wilt have me do,  
For I am yet Stranger thereunto.   Christ. 

23  
Some of thy Work must be to plant and sow,  
And other some must be to reap and mow;  
All superfluous Branches thou must lop,  
Or else I shall not have a thriving crop.   

24  
Do thou take care my tender plants to nourish  
For I love dear to see them thrive and flourish  
Thou also must plant in the choicest Soil,  
Then of thy Fruit there's none shall thee beguile   

25  
Likewise thou must root out the stinking weed  
That they may not over top my pure Seeds;  
But first thou must with thy own self begin,  
And root out all thy own in dwelling Sin.   

26  
If thou art willing they should in thee lurk  
Thou art not fit for this my Vineyard-work;  
In Snow or Hail my work must still go on;  
Thou must not take a spell, and then be gone.   

27  
In wet and heat and thunder thou must bide,  
And not to run away whate'er betid;  
When lofty winds does blow and rain descend,  
My work thou must keep to until the end.   Young-man. 

28  
If I must labour in the Snow and Hail,  
The pinching could will over me prevail;  
If in the wet and heat, then I shall faint;  
Likewise the thunder sorely will me daunt.   

29  
When rain descend, and stormy winds do blow  
Alas, how shall I to my labour go;  
This task it is too hard for me, I fear.  
My earthen Vessel never will it bear.   

30  
Therefore do thou Lord undertake for me,  
That I thy Vineyard-work may do for thee;  
For thou dost know that I am but a worm,  
And have no strength this work for to perfor●;  
I crave the strength of thy Almighty hand,  
That I before thee in this work may stand.   Christ. 

31  
Thou art a Worm I know, and also weak,  
And I the work myself must undertake;  
When thou dost work for me in Snow or Hail,  
I will cover thee with my secure veil:   

32  
Which veil shall cover me so very warm,  
The pinching could shall never do thee harm;  
I'll shelter thee too from the parching heat,  
So that upon thy head it shall not beat.   

33  
I'll cause a gourd to spring up like a Rose,  
Where thou shalt lie and take a sweet repose;  
But if I please to take this gourd from thee  
( Like unto Jonah) do not angry be.   

34  
The lofty winds I holdeth in my First,  
And I can make them blow which way I list;  
Thee I will into my pavilion bring,  
And over thee will spread my saving wing.   

35  
When floods descend I will for thee provide,  
And in the hollow of my hand thee hid,  
Where evermore in safety thou shalt be,  
If thou art willing still to work for me;   

36  
For I will do my part as thou shalt see,  
Because my work easy be to thee:  
My Vineyard I will hedge in round about,  
To keep the wild Boar of the forest out,   

37  
That so he may not break my tender Vine,  
Which does begin about me for to twine;  
For he about the hedge doth lie and lurk,  
To enter in and spoil my Vineyard-work.   

38  
He and all other such like ravenous Beast,  
Upon my choicest Grapes delights to Feast;  
But he and they with all their strength and malice,  
My Vineyard shall not hurt nor yet demolish.   

39  
The Valleys I will fill with moderate showers,  
For to refresh my tender plants and Flowers,  
On them I will my warming dews distil,  
And cause them to sand forth their fragrant smell.   

40  
Upon my Flowers gentle Gales shall blow,  
To take off all the dust, that they may show  
Most pleasant and delightful to mine Eye,  
When I about my Vineyard do pass by.   

41  
I often walk my Vineyard, for to see  
If any of my Servants idle be,  
And if my Labourers do work and toil,  
I often give to them a pleasant smile:   

42  
But if my Servants loitering are found,  
Then I on them doth give an angry frown;  
It's for their good that I do serve them so,  
That they no more a loitering may go.   

43  
Remember thou much of thy time hast spent,  
Thy time now to redeem be diligent  
Labour therefore with all thy force and might,  
And I will give to thee what is thy right,  
A Penny thou shalt have as well as they  
Which bore the heat and burden of the day.    

A Meditation composed into Verse, on the 25th. Chapter of Matthew.  

1  
TEN Virgins took their Lamps and went  
their Bridegroom for to meet;  
But five of them their oil had spent;  
their Lamps they could not fit;   

2  
For five of them were wise ye know,  
the other foolish were,  
Yet they for company would go,  
their pains they would not spare:   

3  
And they like fools did nothing doubt,  
but took their Lamps with them,  
And did not for no oil look out,  
until the Bridegroom came:   

4  
But while the Bridegrom tarried  
a little by the way,  
All those Ten Virgins slumbered,  
and so they sleeping lay,   

5  
Until a midnight-cry there was,  
to call them from their sleep:  
Behold! the Bridegroom coming is,  
go forth ye him to meet.   

6  
Then all those Virgins did arise  
their Lamps to fit and trim,  
And the five Virgins that were wise  
their Lamps filled to the brim.   

7  
The foolish Virgins did not so;  
no oil they had in store,  
Therefore their Lamps they out did go,  
never was lighted more.   

8  
The Fools then to the Wise did say,  
give us now of your oil;  
For we must hasten soon away,  
now we have heard our call.   

9  
The Wise then said unto them no,  
we dare not be so bold;  
Rather unto the place now go  
where it is to be sold;   

10  
For if we give our oil to you,  
our Vessels be so small;  
Then we shall want it to renew,  
and trim our Lamps withal.   

11  
The foolish Virgins they had been  
lingering so long before,  
Until the Bridegroom entred in  
and shut them out of Door.   

12  
But them that ready was before  
unto the Marriage went,  
Their Bridegroom ever to adore,  
unto their hearts content.   

13  
The other Virgins with vain hope,  
said, Lord! open to us,  
And if thou wilt the Door but ope,  
then we will be thy Guess.   

14  
These Virgins unto the Door came,  
as though they oil had got:  
But then the Lord did say to them,  
verily I know you not.   

15  
But when the Son of Man shall come  
with all his glorious train,  
To sit upon his Father's Throne,  
for ever to remain.   

16  
All Nations gathered shall be,  
before him they shall stand,  
And they shall Separated be,  
by his Almighty hand.   

17  
And as a Shepherd doth divide  
clear from the Goats the Sheep;  
Christ for his Sheep will then provide;  
he will them safely keep.   

18  
His Sheep shall sit at his Right-hand,  
none shall them hunt away;  
The Goats shall stand at his Left-hand,  
but little time to stay:   

19  
And then the King will say to all  
that sits at his Right-hand,  
Enter the Kingdom great and small;  
possess my holy Land.   

20  
When I was Hungry you did Feed  
my pinched Body poor,  
And did administer to my need  
when I stood at your Door.   

21  
When I was Sick, and very Weak,  
a Stranger poor and thin,  
Then on me you did pity take,  
and you did let me in.   

22  
When Naked was you did me Cloath:  
when Thirsty gave me Drink;  
When others did my Person loathe,  
and scarce on me did think:   

23  
And when I did in Prison lie,  
oppressed there with grief,  
Ye came to see my misery,  
and gave me some relief.   

And then shall the Righteous say.  

24  
Lord when saw we thy Body so  
oppressed thus with grief,  
And when did we unto thee go,  
and gave to thee relief.    

Then shall the King answer.  

25  
Do not inquire how or when,  
now you this thing shall see,  
If done unto my Bretheren,  
you'ave done it unto me.   

26  
Enter into my Kingdom now,  
and you shall plainly see,  
All Nations do before me bow,  
and eke rejoice in me;   

27  
For it prepared was for you,  
before the World begun,  
And with my Blood purchased anew,  
which from my Side did run.   

28  
The King will say unto them all,  
which are at his left hand,  
Depart, ye Cursed great and small,  
no longer here shall stand.   

29  
Into Perdition you shall go,  
which is prepared for you,  
To weep and wail in endless wo,  
depart ye cursed Crew.   

30  
When I was Hungry, you did slight  
my pinched Body poor,  
And with your Tongues you did me smite,  
and driven me from your Door.   

31  
When I was Sick and very weak,  
a Stranger poor and thin,  
Then you of me a Scoff did make,  
and would not take me in.   

32  
When I did bare and naked go,  
you did not on me think,  
When I was faint with Thirst also,  
you gave to me no Drink.   

33  
And when I did in Prison lie  
oppressed there with Grief,  
The Prison you would not come nigh,  
to give to me relief.    

Then shall the Wicked say  

34  
Lord when did we thy Body see,  
oppressed thus with Grief,  
And did not minister unto thee,  
to give to thee Relief?    

CHRIST's Answer.  

35  
To you this Parable shall be shown,  
and now you shall it see,  
You done it not to these my own,  
you done it not to me.   

36  
And these shall go to endless wo,  
for ever to remain,  
The Righteous into Bliss also,  
like Princes for to reign.    


YE Virgins now no longer sit  
drowsing as you have been,  
For when the Bridegroom's Door is shut  
there is no entering in.   

Ye Sleepy Virgins of this Land,  
trim up your Lamps with speed,  
The Midnight Cry is near at hand  
therefore beware, take heed,   

And do no longer Sleeping lay  
but on your Watch be found,  
Then in that blessed marriage day  
your Joys they will abound.     

The Author's Request.  

1  
LORD give me oil of thy Free Grace  
my Vessel for to fill,  
And help me to run out my Race,  
in doing of thy will.   

2  
Help me to cleanse my Lamp about  
from all the stinking Snuffs,  
So that it may not Wiffer out  
with any windy Puffs.   

3  
But that my Lamp it may burn clear,  
to light me on the way,  
That I may meet my Bridegroom Dear,  
him to Adore for ay.   

4  
Lord give me Talents, Two or Five,  
which seemeth good to thee,  
Them to Improve, then I will strive,  
Lord give them unto me.   

5  
But if it be thy Pleasure, Lord,  
to give to me but One,  
And I should in the Earth it hoard,  
then I shall be Undone.   

6  
Therefore my God, for Jesus sake,  
give me a bigger Portion,  
And grant I may it double make,  
unto my great Promotion.   

7  
Oh grant I may not be like him,  
which in his Heart shall say,  
My Lord delayeth for to come,  
he will yet longer stay.   

8  
But that I may both Watch and Pray,  
and waiting be also,  
That when my Lord shall come, I may  
be ready for to go.    

A Meditation on Luke the 19th.  

1  
OUR blessed Lord and King is gone  
a Kingdom to receive,  
And for to purchase them a Crown  
that doth on him believe:   

2  
But when he will return again,  
no mortal Man can show;  
And to inquire 'tis in vain,  
the Angels do not know.   

3  
The King called his Servants then,  
which was in number Ten;  
The meaning of the Parable,  
it is all sorts of Men.   

4  
He gave a Pound to every one,  
as you may plainly see,  
In order for to trade upon,  
that none may idle be:   

5  
And when the King does come again  
those Servants he will call,  
To see where it be spent in vain,  
what they should trade withal.   

6  
The first unto the King shall say,  
thy Pound hath gained Ten;  
I willing was to trade each day,  
till thou didst come again.   

7  
The second also he shall say,  
thy Pound hath gained Five;  
I willing was to trade alway,  
that I with it may thrive.   

8  
You good and faithful Servants are,  
the King will then reply;  
You of my Treasure takes a care,  
and did not idle lie.   

9  
Enter therefore, into my rest,  
my glorious Throne to see,  
And you shall evermore be blessed,  
to all Eternity.   

10  
Another came and he did say,  
Lord, here's thy Pound again,  
I did up in a Napkin lay,  
lo! here it doth remain.   

11  
I know thou art an austere Man;  
of thee I was afraid:  
Therefore I kept it in my hand,  
and would not with it trade.   

12  
Thou gatherest, but wilt not strew,  
and reap, but wilt not sow;  
And thou dost keep all in thy view,  
nothing thou wilt let go.   

Then shall the King say;  

13  
If thou hast known me such an one,  
for to exact on thee,  
Thou shouldst my Money then have thrown  
into the Usury.   

14  
Thou wicked art, and slothful too;  
thy Mouth hath Judged thee;  
Thou shalt to outward darkness go;  
appointed 'tis by me.   

15  
When this is done, the King will rise,  
and to his Angels say;  
Bring forth all those mine Enemies,  
before me now and slay.   

16  
The Drunkards, and False Swearers all  
before me come and slay;  
They would not harken to my call,  
nor yet my Voice obey.   

17  
Both liars, Whore-mongers, and Proud,  
which live in high renown;  
They for my Vengeance cry aloud,  
on them to pour it down.   

18  
Come bring the Thief, and Covetous,  
with all the wicked Race,  
And all that hate my holy Laws,  
slay them before my Face.   

19  
Come bring forth the Lascivious crew,  
the Hypocrite also;  
For they together now must rue,  
and in the Lake must go.   

20  
The Glutten, and the Revellours,  
and Sabbath-breakers too,  
They all must share like Levellours;  
their Mirth will end in woe.   

21  
Come forth those wicked Sinners all,  
living and dying so;  
For ●ou under my Wrath shall fall,  
and into Hell must go.    

The Author's Request.  

22  
Lord, lend me thy Almighty hand,  
and I will trade for thee,  
And grant I in the Lot may stand  
with them that Saved be.     

A Meditation on the 9th. 10th. and 11th. Chapters of Exodus.  

1  
THE children of Israel  
must unto Egypt go,  
And there as Strangers they must dwell;  
the Lord had spoken so:   

2  
And for full four hundred Year,  
as you may plainly see;  
In Bondage they afflicted were,  
under Pharoah's cruelty:   

3  
For pharaoh, and his Servants they,  
on them such Burdens laid,  
Which made them to cry out and say  
we greatly are dismayed.   

4  
Their Task-masters they were so cruel,  
and did them so afflict;  
They would allow them no more Fuel  
wherewith to burn their Brick:   

5  
Yet you shall the full Tale return  
from each particular Man;  
But you shall have no Straw to burn;  
get Straw where e'er you can:   

6  
And when their Masters threatened so,  
It smote their Hearts with trouble,  
Then they unto the Fields did go,  
and plucked up the Stubble.   

7  
In order to fulfil their Tale,  
full hard to work they went,  
In hopes that they should then prevail  
their Masters to content.   

8  
But they could not their work complete,  
as they had done before,  
Then Pharoah's Servants did them beat,  
'cause they had done no more.   

9  
They were with Burdens bowed down,  
and they had no relief;  
And pharaoh that did wear the Crown,  
he added to their grief:   

10  
Then to the Lord they made their moan,  
and unto him did cry;  
So that the Lord did hear them groan  
under their misery;   

11  
And for his own great mercy's sake,  
his People he will save;  
And for the covenant he did make,  
and unto Abra'am gave.   

12  
Moses and Aaron, they must show  
this message to the King,  
Now you must let all Israel go,  
these tidings they did bring.   

13  
The Lord sent us thee to advice,  
to let this People rest;  
For they to him must Sacrifice,  
in the great Wilderness.   

14  
The King then in a rage did say,  
it never shall be so;  
Who is the Lord, I should Obey,  
in letting Israel go?   

15  
The Lord, Jehovah is his Name,  
and soon thou shalt him know,  
By Signs and Wonders of great famed,  
to morrow he will show.   

16  
The Lord then smote them all with Blood,  
throughout their Land so wide;  
They had no Water that was good,  
so that for Thirst they cried.   

17  
He sent amongst them Frogs and Flys,  
and Murrain on their Beast,  
And all to ope their darkened Eyes,  
that they from Sin might cease.   

18  
God sent them Lice, with Hail, and Fire,  
and Pestilence also;  
But pharaoh yet had no desire  
to let poor Israel go.   

19  
The Locusts they did vex them sore,  
yet all was but in vain;  
For Pharoah's heart was hardened more,  
and so he did remain.   

20  
Then God did sand them one Plague more,  
with great contempt and scorn,  
Which made th' Egyptians for to roar;  
he slay all their First born:   

21  
Then pharaoh rose up in the Night,  
and thrust them from his Land;  
For he did see the Lord did fight  
with his Almighty hand.   

22  
The wise Magicians of the Land,  
they all were sore affrighted;  
Before the Lord they could not stand;  
for they were all benighted.   

23  
But when the King did understand,  
that Israel was gone,  
And that no more into his Land  
they never would return:   

24  
Then pharaoh after Israel went,  
with all his mighty host;  
For in his heart was no content,  
he after them did Post;   

25  
And found them Campt by the Red-Sea,  
then thought they were his own;  
But pharaoh and his mighty host,  
they soon was sovereign.   

26  
Then to the Lord did Israel cry,  
for they were sore afraid,  
When they beholded their Enemy  
coming with mighty aid:   

27  
And then they did with Moses chide,  
and vexed him full sore;  
Would God we had in Egypt died,  
and had been seen no more.   

28  
Because their were not Graves enough  
in Egypt for to lie;  
Therefore you now have brought us forth  
i'th' Wilderness to die.   

29  
Then God did make the Sea to stand  
on each side on a heap;  
And God lead Israel by the hand,  
through that great mighty deep.   

30  
Then after them pharaoh did Post,  
even at their very Heels;  
Then God to trouble Pharoah's host  
took off their Chariot Wheels;   

31  
So that their Chariots could not run,  
nor after Israel go,  
Until the Waters did return,  
and them did over-throw.   

32  
Six hundred thousand great and small,  
with flocks and herds also;  
Nothing of Israel's did fail,  
but through the Sea did go;   

33  
Because the Sea it was a Wall  
for them on every side;  
Also the Lord the chief of all  
was unto them a guide.   

34  
It was not so with Pharaoh's host,  
for God on them did frown;  
Therefore they all in Sea was lost,  
and all their Army drowned:   

And on the Morrow they lay dead,  
in heaps upon the Shore;  
Their Bodies lay unburied,  
and they return'd no more.   

36  
To show the Power of the Lord,  
in doing of this thing,  
And that in all the World abroad,  
the famed thereof may ring.   

37  
But Israel out of that distress,  
they tempted then the Lord,  
And grieved him in the Wilderness;  
thus they did him reward.   

38  
His holy Laws, and Statutes pure,  
then they did not regard,  
And they could scarcely them endure,  
their hearts were grown so hard.   

39  
They murmured along the way;  
to Moses they replied,  
Oh that we had not seen this day,  
but had in Egypt died;   

40  
For when we were in Egypt fed,  
and by the Flesh-pot were;  
Then we had all our fill of Bread,  
of Onions had no spare:   

41  
But now we and our little ones,  
our flocks and herds also,  
For Thirst and Hunger often groans,  
as we along doth go;   

42  
For this light Bread our Souls do loathe,  
our Stomachs it doth cloy;  
This Manna that comes from above,  
and feeds us every day.   

43  
When Israel did murmur thus,  
the Lord straightway did hear;  
Therefore in the great Wilderness  
he lead them forty year.   

44  
Because they had provoked him so,  
the Lord did then prophess  
They should not into Canaan go,  
that good Land to possess:   

45  
But all your little ones shall go,  
your flocks and herds beside,  
Caleb, and Joshua also,  
the Land for to divide.   

46  
When into Canaan they were got,  
and in that Land did dwell,  
Then they in Wickedness were hot,  
they soon to Whoredom fell:   

47  
Then Jesuran waxed fat and thick,  
and at the Lord did kick;  
They had forgot when 'twas their Lot,  
in Egypt to make brick.    

A Meditation on Solomon's Temple.  

1  
THere was a Temple in Jerusalem  
Wherein the Lord Jehovah set his Name,  
King Solomon the Temple he did build,  
A finer Temple never was beholded.   

2  
It was a City of so great a famed;  
To traffic thither many Nations came;  
The Tribes of Israel was dwelling there,  
Which was the Jews as plainly doth appear.   

3  
God with his gracious Presence blessed them so,  
Which made them into multitudes to grow;  
Riches and Honour he to them did give,  
And made them in that pleasant Land to Live.   

4  
Also his counsel he did give to them,  
That they should Love, Obey, and Honour him,  
And more than this, likewise he did provide;  
He sent his Priests and Prophets them to guide,   

5  
And when they did of all that good partake,  
They quickly did their gracious God forsake:  
His Priests and Prophets they could not abide;  
Them they did mock and likewise sore deride.   

6  
And soon was turned out of the right way,  
The Lord they would not honour nor obey,  
The Lord Jehovah they did then contemn;  
They would not yield he should reign over them:   

7  
But made them Idol-gods, and them did serve,  
And from the true and living God did swerve:  
The Lord their City then did over-throw,  
Into Captivity he made them go:   

8  
And for their Infidelity and Pride,  
Full Seventy Years he made them there abide.  
When they were bound, and in Captivity,  
Afflicted there with grief and misery;   

9  
They thought upon the goodness of their Lord,  
Which formerly he did to them afford:  
But then said they, his goodness we did slight;  
Therefore we now are cast out of his sight.   

10  
Our dance is turned into great vexation,  
Also our Joy into a Lamentation;  
Likewise the Crown is fallen from our head;  
And Wo to us, that ever we Sinned:   

11  
For this our hearts are faint, our eyes are dim,  
Because we have so high provoked him  
Which should have swayed the sceptre over us,  
Then we should not have been afflicted thus.   

12  
Lord, show to us thy mercy speedily;  
Be not for ever with us angery:  
Draw not thine anger out against us, Lord!  
But unto us some pitty now afford.   

13  
Return, O Lord, and make thy City strong,  
For unto thee the City doth belong;  
It is thy own, and it was proved so,  
When we into Captivity did go.   

14  
The Lord did harken then unto their cry,  
And brought them out from their Captivity;  
He from their Enemies did them remove  
Because he is a God of pure Love.   

15  
He brought them back unto their situation,  
And them he visited with his Salvation.  
Oh that the People they would praise the Lord,  
For all his wondrous works he doth afford;   

16  
And for his goodness he extends to them,  
In showing mercy to the Sons of men;  
The Longing Soul he filled hath with good,  
The Hungry Soul refresheth with his food.   

17  
All of his People which did suffer wrong,  
And were in Iron Fetters bound full strong;  
When they did seriously upon him call,  
He heard their cry, and brought them out of thrall.   

18  
Oh that the People they would praise the Lord,  
For all his wondrous works he doth afford;  
And for his goodness he extends to them,  
In giving Pardon to the Sons of men.    

A Meditation on Christ's Ancient Vine-yard.  

1  
THE Lord of Glory had a Vine-yard fair,  
Whereof he took a very tender care,  
And he did hedge it in all round about,  
Also the Stones he gathered them out.   

2  
He Planted it with the most choicest Vine,  
Because it should yield him the sweetest Wine;  
I'th' midst of it he built a Tower high,  
For to be seen by all that passed by.   

3  
A winepress he did make therein also,  
That the delicious Wine might overflow;  
And when the Lord at this expense had been,  
He Let it out unto some Husband-men:   

4  
And when the time of Fruit was almost come,  
Then of the Fruit the Lord desired some;  
He sent his Servants forthwith out of hand,  
Unto his Husband-men for to demand   

5  
Some of the Fruit which did belong to him  
But the vile Husband-men abused them;  
Some of his Servants they did sorely beat,  
The other they did evilly entreat,   

6  
These wicked Husband-men they killed one,  
The other they most cruelly did ston;  
So then the Lord he sent forth Servants more  
Than he had sent out at the time before:   

7  
But they did beat and kill them too likewise,  
And did the Servants of their Lord despise:  
But last of all he sent his Son to them,  
Saying, they now will surely rev'rance him,   

8  
Whom when they saw amongst themselves did say,  
This is the Heir let's make him clear away,  
And let us seize on his Inheritance;  
For we thereby ourselves shall high advance.   

9  
Out of their Vine-yard then they did him cast,  
And their design they had on him at last;  
They caught and bound, and then they did him kill,  
And on him they fulfilled their bloody Will.   

10  
The great Lord of the Vine-yard then was wrath  
When they had slay his Son of Noble worth;  
Their wicked doings did him so provoke,  
It made his Anger hot against them smoke:   

11  
And then his Vine yard-wall he down did break  
Which wall before for safety he did make,  
And left it for the ravenous Beasts of Prey,  
Which wall is not made up unto this day.   

12  
The Vine-yard's eaten up the walls trod down,  
Which was a Vine-yard once of high Renown;  
And it is desolate unto this day,  
Because the Lord did take the hedge away.   

13  
And then the Lord did scourge the Husbandmen  
In order for to purge away their Sin;  
Their Cities he most desolate did make,  
And eke their Houses utterly forsake.   

14  
With Famine he did vex them very sore;  
They never such a Famine felt before;  
Their little ones they swooned in the Street,  
Because they had no Bread for them to Eat.   

15  
Their Skin which was so ruddy fair and fat,  
Like to an Oven it was turned black;  
The Virgins hung their Heads down to the ground,  
Because the Famine did so sore abound.   

15  
The sucking Infant at the Mother's breast,  
Their Tongues cleaved to their Mouths for very thirst;  
While they for sustenance did seek about,  
Their Souls did in their Bosoms pour out.   

17  
The delicate Women did her Children Eat  
For want of Food the Famine was so great.  
Young men and Virgins in the Streets did swoon'd,  
Like to the Slain they lay upon the gro●nd.   

18  
The Lord did fill their Cities so with anguish,  
Which made the rampart of the wall to languish,  
Because upon the Lord's Inheritance  
They seized had, themselves for to advance.   

19  
The Elders mourning sat upon the ground,  
Their loins with Sackcloth they had girded round  
The pitiful Women sod their Children dear,  
And did them Eat as plainly doth appear.   

20  
They were more cruel than the Osterige,  
When they were cut with hunger in the siege;  
The Lord to them no pitty did afford;  
He slay the Priests and Prophets with the Sword.   

21  
Into Captivity then they did go,  
And there the Lord did make them for to know  
Their Wickedness which they to him had done,  
In slaying of his dear and only Son.   

22  
Their famous City burned was with Fire,  
According as their Sin did then require:  
But yet the Lord has promised to call  
Them back again, and bring them out of thrall;   

23  
Because the Lord a Covenant did make,  
The Seed of Abra'am he will not forsake;  
Then they shall it confess, and not deny  
'twas they his only Son did Crucify.    

A Dialogue between Christ the Physician of Value, and a Soul sensible of the worth of his Cure.  Christ. 

1  
HO! every one that thirsteth come to me,  
And Living-waters I will give you free;  
Here's Milk and Wine, also it is my Will  
That you shall drink thereof and take your fill.   Soul. 

2  
Lord here am I a dry and thirsty one,  
For draft my Flesh it cleaveth to the Bone;  
My Heart is chapped, my Mouth is dried up,  
Lord of thy Wine and Milk give me one sup   

3  
For to refresh my parched Heart so dry,  
Now I am in this great Extremity:  
Thou bid'st me come, but when I strive to go,  
I am so weak I stagger to and fro.   

4  
I feeble am by reason of the Sting  
Of strong Corruption and in dwelling Sin;  
It has so wounded me in every part,  
Also it has infected my whole Heart.   

5  
It has so filled me with grief and wo,  
I know not what to say, nor what to do:  
I am all over leprous with Sin,  
And I a long time lived have therein.   

6  
This leprosy has over-run me so;  
I am so faint I know not how to go;  
And here upon my Couch of Earth I lie  
A loathsome Spectacle in my own Eye.   

7  
My putrefied Wounds corrupt and stink,  
And yet from Death I ready am to shrink;  
Because I know not whither I shall go,  
Either to Bliss, or to eternal Wo.   

8  
I weary am to live, and loathe to die,  
Because this Body in the Earth must lie  
A little while, and raised be again,  
If not to Joy, to everlasting Pain.   

9  
The thoughts of this when I it think upon,  
It makes me sand up many a sigh and groan  
Unto my ever blessed great Physician,  
To pitty me in this my sad condition.   Physician. 

10  
I even I can cure all thy pain;  
For I can kill, and make alive again:  
I bringeth down unto the Grave, and then  
Again I say, return ye Sons of Men.   

11  
I have Rich balsam which can cure thy smart,  
And Pills to purge thy putrefied Heart.  
I have Rich oil to mollify thy Bones  
When thou dost sand up to me sighs and groans.   

12  
I living water have to quench thy thirst,  
If thou wilt live, this water drink thou must;  
This water to thee I will freely give,  
That thy poor thirsty Soul may drink and live.   

13  
What thô thy Flesh do wast away with pain,  
I power have to raise it up again;  
No weakness then shall compass thee about,  
When I again shall make thee new throughout.   

14  
I am the great Physician, which can do  
All cures unto thy Soul and Body too.   Soul. 
Thou great, and Soul-Physician, speedily  
Give me these cures before, I faint and die.  Physician. 

15  
These cures they are partly of my treasure,  
And I will give them to thee at my pleasure.   

16  
First I will give to thee a Cordial pure,  
Which of itself will make a perfect cure;  
Drink up this Golden-cordial, rich and good;  
'tis a compound made of my precious Blood.   

17  
This Cordial it will make thee for to sweat,  
And out of every Vein Corruption set;  
Thy hand of Faith unto me hold it up,  
For I will give it strength to take this Cup.   

18  
Come take a draft, and nothing of it doubt,  
Drink hearty the Cordial will hold out:  
But in thy drinking take a special care,  
Waste not a drop, it cost me very dear;   

19  
And yet I freely give it unto thee,  
So that thy Soul may live again to me:  
What, though thou art corrupt in every part,  
Here is glad Tidings which will cheer thy heart.   

20  
I am a Fountain open set, for all  
Which in me trust, and on my name do call:  
And in the Fountain of my Blood, thy Soul  
I'll wash and bathe, until made perfect whole:   

21  
But when thou art relieved from thy grief,  
And hast by me obtained such relief;  
See that thou willing art, and ready then  
To strengthen thy poor feeble Bretheren.   Soul. 

22  
Yet one more heavy burden I do bear,  
Which to my great Physician I'll declare;  
An Enemy I meet with every day,  
And dreadful stroke upon me he does lay.   

23  
He with his darts of evil thoughts doth wound  
My Soul, which makes my misery abound;  
His grand design, and purpose every way  
Is, how he may my Soul and Body slay;   

24  
Therefore my Soul-Physician try thy skill,  
That on me he may never have his Will.   Physician. 

25  
Come, do not fear, I'll take this cause away,  
By purging Potions I'll give thee each day;  
For when I do but once take thee in hand,  
Thine Enemy before me cannot stand;   

26  
And when my Skill I do begin to try,  
This Enemy will quickly from thee fly.   Soul. 

27  
But I have nothing for to satisfy  
My Lord, for all his precious Remedy;  
For since those miseries on me did fall,  
In seeking of a cure, I have spent all.   Physician. 

28  
Yes, thou hast got a never dying Soul,  
Whose misery I cannot but condole;  
Resign thy Soul to me I thee advice,  
I'll take that as a living Sacrifice;   

29  
And give thyself to me and my Protection,  
And that shall be to me full Satisfaction.   Soul. 

30  
Thy offer, Lord, I will take at thy hand,  
My Soul and Body is at thy command;  
And seeing thou desirest no more gain,  
I'll give it freely, take it for thy Pain.   

31  
If I had Souls a thousand millions more,  
With all the Treasure of this floating Shore,  
They were too little for to give to thee,  
For all thy loving kindness unto me:   

32  
But I, alas, can never gratify  
My blessed Physician; therefore, till I die,  
I will be speaking of his glorious Name,  
And spread abroad a little of his famed.   

33  
Ye Sin sick Souls which are in misery,  
See that you hast to this Physician high,  
And he will quickly ease you of your smarts,  
And give a Cordial to revive your hearts.   

34  
He heals the Dumb, the Blind, the Palsy Folk,  
He makes the Deaf to hear, the Lame to walk;  
He heals the Fever, and the Withered,  
He raiseth up to Life those which are Dead,   

35  
He heals the Lepers be they never so bad,  
Also he heals the lunatic, and Mad:  
To them that comes unto him most in pain;  
He handeth forth his Medicines amain.   

36  
The poorest Creature that is on the Earth,  
Shall have of him as good a Penny worth  
As any King that ever reigned here,  
Although his Remedies they cost so dear.   

37  
And all he does require at our hands,  
Is for to close in with his Gospel-bands;  
Which is to Love, Serve, Honour, and Obey,  
And magnify him in your Souls alway.    

The Author's Request to God that the Graces of his holy Spirit may be in a lively Exercise in her Soul.  

1  
THE Graces of thy Spirit, Lord,  
they are of mighty aid,  
Them to thy poor weak Worm afford,  
whereon I may be stayed.   

2  
The Evidence of Faith I crave;  
with true Repentance too;  
I true Obedience fain would have;  
with Charity also.   

3  
The Evidence of Patience, Lord,  
and true Humility;  
To me these Graces all afford,  
and do not them deny.   

4  
Mortification I desire,  
and Sanctification;  
Justification to admire,  
and him that hath it done:   

5  
And let not self-denial fail;  
nor Hope, I humbly pray;  
But let these Graces all prevail,  
and live in me alway.   

6  
These Talents free, Lord give to me,  
I earnestly beseech,  
That with them I may trading be;  
for they will me enrich.   

7  
And guide me with thy mighty hand,  
that I may trade for thee;  
And grant I in the Lot may stand  
with them that Saved be.    

A Meditation on the Day of judgement.  
WHen as the final Judgment-day is come,  
Then Sinners look out for your fatal doom;  
And when the Lord descendeth with a shout,  
Ye Saints, do you triumphantly look out  
To meet your gracious Lord, and glorious King,  
That you to him may Hallelujahs Sing;  
Also lift up your heads, and do not fear;  
For your Redemption is a drawing near:  
The Trumpet then shall sound, the Dead shall rise,  
The Saints with Joys, the Sinners with sad cries,  
Weeping and wailing, loudly crying thus;  
Ye Rocks and Mountains fall and cover us:  
Those things they will be dreadful for to see;  
Also the glorious Sun shall darkened be.  
The Powers of the Heavens they shall shake,  
And all the Earth most grievously shall quake.  
The Heavens shall be rolled as a scroul:  
Likewise, the Stars unto the Earth shall fall;  
And then the World with Fire shall be burned,  
And all things therein will be overturned.  
And when the Judge shall sit upon his Seat,  
To Execute his Judgments all complete,  
Then all the Nations gathered shall be,  
And every Eye this righteous Judge shall see:  
But he will them again all separate,  
And then to cry, Lord, Lord, 'twill be too late.  
He will set all the Saints on his Right-hand,  
And at his Left the Reprobate shall stand:  
Immediately the Sentence will be given,  
That all the Saints shall enter into Heaven,  
And with Salvation they shall crwoned be,  
And Live with Christ to all Eternity.  
The Reprobates then they will trembling stand,  
Ready to be thrust from the Lord's Left-hand;  
For they shall all be Sentenced to Hell,  
With damned Spirits ever for to dwell,  
Where they shall evermore both weep and wail;  
But yet, alas, nothing will then prevail:  
They shall be sent away too with a Curse;  
There is no Sorrow ever can be worse.   

A Meditation on the 5th. of Luke.  

1  
OUR Lord and Saviour did fore tell  
the happiness of those,  
That his Commandments do love well,  
and with his Gospel close.   

2  
The Poor in Spirit God will bless;  
their Ransom Christ has paid,  
And they his Kingdom shall possess  
when they in Grave are laid:   

3  
Then all ye mourning Israel,  
ye comforted shall be,  
When you in paradise shall dwell,  
each one in his degree.   

4  
The Meek and Lowly shall Inherit  
the Earth, and shall be fed;  
When proud and wicked lofty Spirits  
shall want their daily Bread.   

5  
Those that both Thirst and Hunger do  
after God's Righteousness,  
They shall be filled and clothed too,  
with Heaven's Happiness.   

6  
Ye Pure in Heart, which God shall see  
his Glory all divine;  
A glimpse of his pure Righteousness.  
will make thee for to shine.   

7  
The Peace-makers are styled you see,  
the Children of their God:  
No greater Title there c●n be  
in all the World abroad.   

8  
All ye that Persecuted are  
for Christ's Righteousness sake;  
Ye need not fear, of Heaven's share  
e'er long you shall partake.   

9  
Blessed be ye Reviled ones  
whom Men do vilify;  
Although they make your very Bones  
within the Fire to fry,   

10  
If that it be for Jesus sake,  
be glad and eke rejoice;  
For he of you will surely make  
his treasure and his choice.   

11  
The Merciful that Mercy show,  
they Mercy shall obtain,  
And Mercy they shall find also  
when Christ does come again.   

12  
And now ye Blessed ones, I say,  
rejoice all in the Lord;  
Sing Praises to his Name alway,  
for He's your great Reward.    

A Meditation upon New-Years-Day, 1699.  

1  
LOrd, if I may Live one Year more,  
then let me Live to thee:  
Let me not Live as heretofore,  
in mine Iniquity:   

2  
For I have Lived hitherto,  
always provoking thee,  
Which hath fille● my Soul with wo,  
and often troubled me.   

3  
After the Flesh I would not Live  
here for to see Corruption:  
Neither myself I would not give  
to Live in high Voluption.   

4  
I fain would Live after the Spirit,  
and give to God due Praise,  
Eternal Life for to Inherit,  
and Live with him always.   

5  
The wicked Live in pleasure here,  
and wantonness also;  
The Lord of Hosts they do not fear,  
nor him desire to know.   

6  
But I would Live more Righteously,  
here in this present World,  
And when my end is come, that I  
may not in it be hurled:   

7  
Also from sinful evil Thoughts  
I fain would cleansed be;  
For it upon my Soul has brought.  
guilt in a high degree:   

8  
Therefore, good Lord, some pitty take,  
or else I am undone,  
And cleanse me for the Merits sake  
of thy beloved Son.   

2  
Oh wash me in the Fountain clear,  
which open stands for all:  
In whom thy Spirit worketh here,  
those thou art pleased to call.   

10  
Lord hear my sad complaint and moan  
I often make to thee:  
My Sin doth often make me groan,  
a burden 'tis to me.   

11  
Oh let not Sin in me prevail,  
for I am heavy-lade,  
Lest that the Spirit it should fail,  
and Soul which thou hast made.    

More Meditations Composed into a Dialogue between the Holy-Spirit, and a dejected Soul.  Holy-Spirit. 

1  
POor drooping Soul, why dost thou lie  
oppressed thus with grief?  
There was a Saviour once did die,  
to give to thee Relief.   Soul. 

2  
But my Corruptions often do  
my timorous Soul affright;  
My ghostly Enemies also,  
say on with force and might:   

3  
To wound my tired Soul, so weak,  
they do their best endeavour,  
And fain would me a Prisoner make  
in their black gulf for ever.   

4  
Is there any relief for me,  
that so surrounded am?  
Oh, that I but a place could see,  
to hid myself from them!   Holy-Spirit. 

5  
There is a Rock of Age and Might,  
a great and lofty King,  
With thy great Enemies can fight,  
and kill thy in-born Sin.   Soul. 

6  
May such a worthless Soul as I  
find Favour with this King,  
That so doth grieve continually,  
and load me with my Sin.   Holy-Spirit. 

7  
Come, rouse thy dull and sluggish Soul,  
filled with fear and doubt;  
Make hast I say, do not delay,  
Christ holds his sceptre out.   Soul. 

8  
Ah! blessed Spirit, is it so?  
then I to him will go,  
And beg the Pardon of my Sin,  
and at his Feet lie low:   

9  
And then I will hold out my hand,  
if Christ will take me up,  
And make me on my Feet to stand,  
and fill my Soul with Hope.   

10  
Now, with a holy boldness, I  
thy sceptre, Lord, do crave:  
O give it to me speedily,  
for I it fain would have.    

A Dialogue between Death, and a stout carnal Secure Sinner.  Death. 

1  
COme thou stout Sinner, prepare to go with me  
For I am come in hast to Summons thee  
Before the great Tribunal to appear,  
And there thy final Judgement thou shalt hear.   Sinner. 

2  
Hold! stay, I know not what thou art, nor who;  
Therefore in plain I will not with thee go;  
For I have other business in the way;  
Therefore to talk with thee I cannot stay.   

3  
But yet I do demand of thee thy name,  
And what thou art, also from whence thou came?   Death. 

4  
If thou desirest for to know my name;  
And what I am also, from whence I came;  
I do declare to thee, my name is Death,  
And now am come for to demand thy breath.   

5  
I am a messenger, God sent me forth  
To warn all Sinners to escape his wrath;  
And I am come to do his will and pleasure;  
Therefore I will no long wait thy leisure.   Sinner. 

6  
Death thou mistakes, I now am stout and strong,  
Get thee to Age thou must not nature wrong;  
For I am Young, and Brisk, and in my Prime,  
And have not lived yet out half my time,   Death. 

7  
Do not thou boast of thy great strength and Youth,  
For I do now tell thee the very truth,  
I'll give thee such a stroke shall make thee reel,  
And thou this day shalt my strong lashes feel,  
I Strength and Power have to conquer all  
Which on the Earth have lived since the fall.   Sinner. 

8  
Oh Death! do not so cruel be to Day;  
To take from me my precious life away!  
Oh Spare me yet a little time, for why  
I am not yet prepared now to die,   Death. 

9  
Then blame thyself, but lay no blame to me,  
Have I not warning often gave to thee?  
Even the headache, Heart-ach, and the Gout,  
Because thou shouldst in time for me look out:   

10  
And make thy Calling and Election sure,  
While oftentimes I passed by thy door,  
But now it is too late, here is my Dart,  
This very night shall pierce thee to the heart.   

11  
Delay no time, for go with me thou must,  
Now I am come to turn thee into dust,  
Thy date is out, thy Glass is near out run,  
Unto thy Center therefore, now return.   Sinner. 

12  
What is my date quiter out, my Glass near run?  
Then wo is me that ever it begun!  
Indeed I find my Breath is almost spent,  
And tis to late for me now to Repent   

13  
Of any of my Sins I have committed,  
For I of them shall never be acquitted:  
I feel in Head, and Heart, and every Vein  
horror, and Grief, and sore tormenting Pain;  
My trembling Soul is taking of her flight:  
Alas, my Day is turned into Night!   Spectator 
The Soul is Fled, the Body's turned to day,  
And Death has done his Work and Gone his way.   

A Dialogue between Death, and a Soul which fears not Death; but desires to be dissolved, and to be with Christ.  Soul. 

1  
HArk! who is this that knocketh at my door?  
If it be Death, whom I have waited for:  
Then why dost thou not unto me draw near?  
For I of thee do not much stand in fear.   

2  
I fear thee not, thou canst do me no wrong,  
Thou wilt but sand me from the Earth, along  
Unto my Home, where I desire to be:  
Come Death, and do thy Office unto me?   

3  
For I have longed for my Dissolution:  
Therefore draw near, and do the Execution:  
complete thy Work I pray thee, speedily,  
And do not keep me long in misery!   Death. 

4  
Come, weary Soul, which sayst thou dost not fear me,  
Is not my ghastly looks enough to scar thee,  
Which makes all Flesh on Earth to shake and quiver  
When as I strike my dart into their Liver.   

5  
Hast thou got Faith enough to bear thee up?  
To taste of Death, it is a bitter Cup;  
Or hast thou some Vain hope to comfort thee?  
If so, then I the same shall quickly see.   

6  
My Sting, which is thy Sin original,  
Shall cut thee off when that on thee doth fall:  
Therefore be careful now, and stand thy ground,  
Or else my Sting may give a deadly wound.   Soul. 

7  
This cannot be, since Christ my glorious King  
Has said to thee, Oh Death! where is thy Sting?  
And to the Grave, where is thy Victory?  
Thy Sting, nor Grave, shall have no power on me.   

8  
I tell thee Death, when thou hast done thy worst,  
Thou canst but lay my Body in the Dust  
Until the glorious Resurrection-day,  
When Imperfection shall be done away.   

9  
My God and King this Body then will raise,  
And I shall Sing his Everlasting Praise:  
His Grace and Love will then extended be:  
But not for any good there is in me:   

10  
But for the Merit of his only Son,  
The mighty God this good for me hath done.   Death. 

11  
What, shall I strike the stroke, and go my way?   Soul. 
Strike now with speed, and do not thou delay?  Spectator. 
The Soul is Fled, the Body's turned to Dust,  
Until the Resurrection of the Just.   

A Dialogue between Christ the mighty King, and a Believer.  Believer. 

1  
MY Lord thou art a lofty King 'tis known,  
Thou rul'st in heaven& Earth, and thereis none  
Which can the sceptre take out of thy hand,  
Thou makest all People bow at thy command.   

2  
Thou art the King of Kings, a King Peculiar;  
Thou art the Lord of Lords, and Princes Ruler;  
Thou settest up, again thou pullest down  
Great Monarchies, which are of high Renown,   

3  
My Sov'reign Lord some things I fain would know,  
If that it be thy pleasure me to show.   King. 

4  
Speak forth thy mind, poor dust and day, to me;  
For liberty I freely give to thee:  
With Men that are but dust, I do delight  
To talk with them, if humble in my sight.   Believer, 

5  
Thou art a King, most plain it doth appear  
By thy great Works, and providential care:  
But oh, how little does stout Sinners fear,  
When of thy mighty Wonders they do hear?   

6  
But that which makes me to admire more,  
Thou being such a King, becamest so Poor;  
For in the Holy-Scripture we do red,  
Thou hadst not whereon for to lay thy head.   King. 

7  
although I am a Prince of high Renown,  
I did not come to Lodge on Beds of down;  
Nor yet with Dainties up myself to fill;  
But I did come to do my Father's Will.   

8  
It was my Father's Will to lay on me  
Those miseries which did belong to thee;  
I at his hand embraced it willingly,  
That thy poor Soul may live Eternally.   Believer. 

9  
Lord shall thy Worm again once more presume  
To speak unto thy Majesty supreme:  
Another thing I also call to mind,  
Thy two Disciples thou didst sand, to find   

10  
An Ass and Colt which was together tied,  
Whereon thy glorious Majesty must Ride  
Into the City of Jerusalem,  
Thy kingly Office there for to proclaim.   

11  
Was that a Beast for such a glorious King  
To set upon? I marvel at this thing.   King. 

12  
The Beast I sat upon pleased me well;  
I then that place of Scripture did fulfil  
Isaiah's prophesy must come to pass,  
Great Sion's King must sit upon an Ass.   

13  
Lowly and Meek this Scripture I fulfils,  
although the cattle on a thousand Hills  
Were all My Father's, yet I would have none  
But my poor Asses Colt to ride upon.   Believer. 

14  
Lord, may I speak again, and not offend,  
And shall thy blessed Ear to me attend?   King. 

15  
Speak on thy mind to me, and nothing fear;  
For I am ready still to lend an Ear.   Believer. 

16  
When that great Caesar, which was called King,  
Did give command his Tribute to bring in;  
Lord, why didst thou abase thyself so low  
As to bid one of thy Disciples, go   

17  
Unto a Fish to take a piece of Coin,  
When all the Treasure of the Earth was thine?   King. 

18  
'twas for my Elect's sake I stoop't so low,  
When my Disciple I did bid to go  
Unto the Fish to take a piece of Coin,  
Also to show a Miracle divine.   

19  
And that my Peter should confirmed be,  
When such a Miracle was wrought by me:  
I gave to Caesar that which was his Right;  
Do thou do so 'tis pleasing in my sight.   Believer. 

20  
Lord, suffer me thy dust and ashes poor  
To ask of thee but this one question more:  
What was the cause, Lord, that thou thought'st it meet  
To wash& cleanse thy own Disciple's Feet,   

21  
When they should have attended all on thee,  
As other Princes they attended be?   King. 

22  
Such washings thou must daily of me crave;  
For them I wash I purpose for to Save;  
But if thou wilt not washed and cleansed be,  
Assure thyself thou hast no part in me.   Believer. 

23  
Such washings Lord, do not to me deny;  
Such washings Lord, let me have speedily.   King. 

24  
If thou by Faith such washings of me crave,  
Such washings of me thou shalt surely have;  
And what thou dost desire more to know,  
My Holy Scripture will unto thee show;  
Go search them daily, there thou mayst it see,  
That they are they which testify of me.   

25  
There thou mayst hear of my Humiliation,  
Also again of my great Exaltation;  
Which shows my kingly Office unto all,  
Likewise my Priestly, and Prophetical.   

26  
A good Example I have been to thee;  
Therefore take heed, and do thou learn by me:  
I was a Pattern of Humility.   

27  
As for stout Sinners which of my wonders hear,  
And do not of me greatly stand in fear;  
The time will come when all such fearless ones  
Shall filled be with fearf●l Sighs and groans.   

28  
Come, do not thou so curiously inquire;  
But have a care, do not too high aspire  
Into the mysteries of my sacred Will,  
Least thou thy Palsy-brain dost over-fill:   

29  
But see thou Justice do, and Mercy love,  
And walk thou humbly with thy God above;  
Then thou shalt have the benefit of all  
My Sufferings which on me hear did fall.   Believer. 

30  
My Sov'reign Lord, I am a Sinner vild,  
And my presumptuous Heart has me beguiled:  
I spoken have, but I will not proceed;  
Lord Pardon me this my presumptuous dead.  
My Hand upon my Mouth, I now will lay;  
My Mouth into the Dust, no more to say;  
Yet still an interest Lord, I crave in thee,  
And into judgement enter not with me.    

The Autho'rs Belief concerning the dealings of God towards the Sons and Daughters of Men, in order to the completing their Salvation.  
A Soul cannot Eternal Life Inherit,  
Unless the Father, Son, and Holy-Spirit,  
Do work together in a near Relation,  
In order to complete poor Man's Salvation:  
The 〈…〉 the So●l▪  
〈…〉  
The Son 〈◇〉 ●e'll im●●●● 〈…〉 again  
Would give his Body f●●ely ●o be slain▪  
The Holy-Spirit worketh too also,  
Teaching each Soul God's blessed W●●● k●●w▪  
Thus God for our good doth freely do,  
Yet for the same he will be sought unto.  
God's chiefest end in making of Mankind,  
Was to fulfil the pleasure of his mind;  
And he by all will Glorified be,  
Whether saved, or Lost, to all Eternity:  
And seeing God his Pleasure will fulfil,  
Then what is now become of Man's Free-will?  
Surely, Free-will was lost in Adam's Fall;  
And now to good, Man's Will is very small:  
But God out of his matchless Love, and Treasure,  
Makes Man to will and do of his good Pleasure.   

A Spiritual Meditation upon a Bee.  

1  
MY Soul like to a little painful Bee  
To build her Combs in Jesus Chyrist doth flee,  
And if she willing is to live and thrive,  
Then she must hast, and get into her Hive:   

2  
Because her Hive is in a Garden fair,  
Wherein she gather may, and never spare,  
Of Blossoms sweet, and Flowers fragrant;  
There is enough to give her full content.   

3  
My Bee with Honey there may fill her Combs,  
To keep her in the windy Winter-storms:  
Because in Winter forth she cannot go,  
By reason of the pinching Frost and Snow:   

4  
But when the Sumner-season is come in,  
My little painful Bee is on the Wing;  
Abroad she Flys then with a ●oyful mind,  
To work on each sweet Blossom she can find.   

5  
Over the sweetest Flower she will hover,  
And there she will her painfulness discover;  
And when she's Load, she to her Hive will hye,  
To Treasure up her Lading Joyfully,   

6  
To fill her Combs against the time of need,  
That she upon her Honey then may feed;  
But if my Bee a Shower should spy,  
Into her Hive away then she must hye;   

7  
For if that she doth long the time delay,  
The Rain may drive my Bee out of her way;  
But while my painful Bee, she is at work,  
The Hornet and the Whasp for her doth lurk,   

8  
To catch my Bee, her Honey for to take,  
And then of my poor Bee a prey to make:  
But if my Bee she should become a drone,  
My Bee will quickly then be left alone.   

9  
Out of the Hive forthwith they will her beat,  
Because their Honey she no more shall Eat;  
And of her Life they soon will her bereave,  
Because with them she shall no more receive;   

10  
For while they laboured to fill each Comb,  
She lost her Sting, and so became a drone:  
Therefore, my Soul, do not to sloth incline;  
But Labour now, the precious time is thine;   

11  
For if thou shouldst be sluggish, and delay,  
Then wo will be to thee another day:  
Labour therefore, to get in Christ, thy Hive;  
There's Honey store, which will keep thee alive:   

12  
And be not thou like to the idle drones,  
Which lie and languish in their empty Combs;  
Take care in building, 'tis a curious Art,  
In building Combs, each Bee to have his part;   

13  
And do not build thy Combs confusedly,  
So at the las● there is no room for thee;  
If thou dost build with Hay, Wood, or with Stubble,  
It will bring thee into confused trouble:  
But unto higher things thou must aspire;  
For that is Fuel sit but for the Fire.   

The Author's Request.  
THE Stock of Honey now for which I trade,  
Oh that it may unto me so be made,  
Like to the increase of the Widdow's oil,  
Which in the Widdow's Vessel never did fail  
Until that she in full her debts had paid,  
As it is in the Holy-Scripture said.    

A Meditation Composed into an Hymn of Mortality.  

1  
MAn's Life it like a shadow is  
that soon away doth fly;  
That we may know assuredly,  
all Flesh is born to die.   

2  
We are compared to the Grass,  
our Substance is so brittle;  
Or like the running of a Race;  
or like a Weaver's Shuttle:   

3  
And as a Taper that is lighted,  
full soon doth waste away;  
Or like a Traveller benighted,  
who can no longer stay.   

4  
Our mould'ring Bodies well they may  
be termed to a Flower,  
Which in the Morning's fresh and gay,  
and cropped within an Hour   

5  
Oh, thou poor weak and feeble Man,  
why dost thou lofty look?  
Thy Life is like a measured span,  
or bubble in the Brook.   

6  
Therefore let all, both great and small,  
prepare for Death, I say;  
Before into the silent Pit  
it Summons you away.   

7  
When Death shall strike the Fatal blow,  
who can him then with-stand?  
No pitty he did ever show,  
either by Sea or Land.   

8  
You must comply, as well as I,  
when Death his S the does whet,  
To mow you down unto the ground,  
wherein you must be shut.    

Word by way of Caution to the Female-Sex.  

YE Female-Sex, Do you believe,  
when first the World began,  
That God immortal Souls did give  
to you, as well as Man?   

2  
Do you believe that God did make  
both Sex upright to stand?  
Do you believe that both did break  
God's great and strict command?   

3  
If so, then how can we expect  
favour with God to find,  
If that we do his Word reject,  
and cast it out of mind?   

4  
Do you imagine to escape,  
or that you shall go clear,  
And that before God's judgement seat  
you never shall appear?   

5  
If so, then after Godliness  
you need not make such hast;  
And as for seeking Holiness,  
let that alone till last:   

6  
But oh, do not yourselves decieve,  
Satan to gratify,  
Least that you do your Souls bereave  
of blessed Felicity.   

7  
Virgins and Wives, I writ these Lines to you  
In Christian-love, and so Farewell, Adieu.   
Your Soul's Well-wisher, Amey Hayward.   

A Dialogue between the Word of God, and Careless-Women, Isa. 32.9.  Word. 

1  
RIse up 〈◇〉 ●●●●less-women which doth sit at ease,  
Befo●● th● Wo●●● 〈◇〉 much upon you seize:  
Ye carele●s Daughters, it is now high time  
To Labour after thi●●s which are divine;   

2  
Because Death follows you even at the heel,  
And will e'er long make you his lashes feel:   Careless-women. 

3  
But we are Young, and Brisk, and in our Prime,  
And we perhaps may live a longer time,  
Some of the World's Happiness for to have,  
Before we do go down into the Grave:   

4  
Besides we have great Families withal,  
which on us for our diligence doth call:  
Our Hu●bands, and our Children we must tend,  
Or else we shall not be to them a Friend.   

5  
We have also, Houses to wash and cleanse,  
In order to accommodate our Friends;  
And we have but a little time to spare,  
We of o●r business take so great a care.   Word. 

6  
Alas, such things will be to you no stay;  
Nor do you good in the great judgement day.  
Ye Careless-women, think it not enough,  
In cleansing of your House, and household-stuff;   

7  
And keep your Soul both stinking, and unclean;  
defiled with Spirituall-sloath, 'tis that I mean:  
You see that some doth out work you apace,  
In labouring for God's true saving Grace;   

8  
While you trim up yourselves, and Houses gay,  
And think that you are going Sion's way:  
I find gross Ignorance has you beset,  
Which makes you thus the best things to forget.   Careless women. 

9  
But we are them which a●e the weaker Sex,  
And if our duty we sometimes neglect,  
We hope the Lord will pardon us for it,  
And at the last our Sin also acquit:   

10  
Likewise we Breed, and many Children bear,  
Which makes us nothing doubt of Heaven's share;  
We hope of it we shall not be bereaved;  
St. Paul doth say, thereby we shall be Saved.   Word. 

11  
This will you not excuse another Day;  
Does not the Scripture to you plainly say,  
A Woman she was in the first Transgression,  
And so brought guilt upon the whole Creation?   

12  
The W●men which St. Paul doth mention there,  
They be the Women which does persevere  
In F●ith, and Charity, with Holiness,  
These be the Women Heaven shall possess:   

13  
And not all Women which doth Children bear;  
For then a wicked number would go there.   Careless-women. 

14  
St. Paul doth say, Young-women they must mary,  
And to this Rule we must not walk contrary;  
And we mu●● 〈…〉  
Therefore our ca●e 〈…〉   W●●● 

15  
Peruse that Scripture, 〈…〉, m  
St. Paul doth set you forth in 〈…〉  
And that you may no longer 〈…〉  
He therefore gives to you tha●●●berty.   

16  
Ye Careless-women, now be Labouring,  
That you may Honour to the Gospel bring;  
And if you will but bow, and bend your mind,  
The mysteries of the Gospel you shall find:   

17  
And that will make you more to shun all 'vice,  
And long to be made Heirs of paradise.  
The great Jehovah doth a Talent give  
To every Man and Woman that doth Live:  
But if this Talent any does abuse,  
Then at the last, God will them not excuse.    

A Meditation on the World's Deceitfulness, and the Vanity of Man's craving Heart.  

1  
THE Heart of Man it is Triangle:  
the World is round you see:  
Therefore the 〈◇〉 with all the World  
will not contented be:   

2  
For take the World, then if you can,  
and put in the Triangle,  
I mean, into the Heart of Man,  
and yet he still will wrangle.   

3  
See here's a Globe, the World's a Ball,  
in this Triangle p t,  
And still the Heart for more will call,  
it wants a filling up.   

4  
Then since the World unto thy Heart  
can give no true content,  
Why dost thou grieve when she does part,  
and after her Lament?   

5  
Tush, let her go, she is a cheat  
unto the Heart of Man;  
Although she seemeth to be sweet,  
dis-prove it if you can.   

6  
She'll sing to thee sweet Lulla-by,  
whilst that thou dost her keep:  
But when she takes her wings to fly,  
will trouble on thee heap:   

7  
Then put no Confidence in her;  
for she is but a Thief:  
She'll rob thee of true comforts here,  
and leave thee full of grief.   

8  
To day she charms thee with her Smiles,  
and Frowns on thee to morrow:  
She with her wil●ss, thy Heart beguiles,  
and pierces it with sorrow.   

9  
Trust not in Smiles, nor fear her Frowns;  
but trust in God alone:  
Fear him in whom true Joys abounds,  
for the World yieldeth none.   

10  
My Brethren dear, do you take care,  
when you look in this Book,  
And pray the World may not ensnare  
you with her Bait and Hook.   


THere is a little Book sent forth,  
which is not all my own:  
Some others added unto it,  
which Book I do not own.   

Although 'tis published in my Name,  
and sent unto your View:  
But the Addition to the same,  
I little of it knew.     
FINIS.