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FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
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 Now FIRST PUBLISHED FROM A MANUSCRIPT OF 
 
 THE XVIth or XVIIth Century. 
 
 THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY ; 
 
 Insiitidcd 1799. 
 
 56, PATERNOSTER ROW, AND 65, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD; 
 
 AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 
 
 M.DCCC.XLVI. 
 
 v^ 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://archive.org/details/devpoetryOOIond 
 
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 preface. 
 
 N the " Catalogue of the Collection of Manuscripts formed by 
 
 the late Benjamin Heywood Bright, Esq.," sold in June, 
 
 ' 1844, by Messrs. S. Leigh Sotheby, and Co., the article 
 
 No. 186 is thus described : — 
 
 " Poems of the time of Queen Elizabeth, written in a beautiful clear 
 
 hand on vellum ; they are of a religious character, and appear not to 
 
 have been printed." 
 
 The Manuscript subsequently came into the possession of Mr. Rodd, 
 of Newport Street, where it was seen by F. H. Dickinson, Esq., m.p. 
 who mentioned it to the editor, as well deserving attention. The 
 volume having been obtained from Mr, Rodd, it was shown to several 
 persons well acquainted with the poetry and the manuscripts of the 
 sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They all concurred in express- 
 ing a high opinion of the merit of many of the pieces, and could not 
 recollect having seen any of them in print. They were, however, 
 upon the whole inclined to consider that the Manuscript was written 
 in the beginning of the seventeenth century, rather than during the 
 sixteenth ; although they, for the most part, admitted that there is 
 
nothing conclusive against the poems having been productions of the 
 reign of Queen Elizabeth, as stated in the Catalogue of Mr. Bright. 
 Mr. Rodd kindlj gave all the information in his power relative to the 
 Manuscript, and inclined to the opinion expressed in the Catalogue; 
 but nothing farther could be elicited, as to the history of the Manu- 
 script before it came into the possession of Mr. Bright. 
 
 In the course of these enquiries the editor showed the Manuscript 
 to a clerical member of the Committee of the Religious Tract Society, 
 who was much pleased with the fulness and clearness of the religious 
 views set forth in the poems. He brought them under the notice of the 
 Committee of that Institution, and it was resolved to print them, believ- 
 ing that by so doing an interesting document, illustrating the principles of 
 the immediate successors of the English Reformers, would be preserved, 
 and made known — a course especially desirable at the present day. 
 
 The Manuscript consists of sixty-nine leaves of vellum, measuring 
 five inches and a quarter, by four inches. About seven leaves at the 
 beginning, and one at the end, are wanting. This may account for 
 the total want of anything to describe the contents, indicate the 
 author, or settle the period at which the book was written. The 
 poems that remain are an hundred and six in number, chiefly sonnets 
 of fourteen lines each : they are here faithfully reprinted from the 
 manuscript : it was the more desirable that they should thus be pre- 
 sented to the public, since no other copy is known to exist, and it 
 does not appear that they have ever been printed. 
 
^preface. 
 
 The unusual forms in which many words in these poems are spelled, 
 the use of i for J, and the interchange of u and v, give the language 
 in which they are written an obsolete appearance ; but it will be 
 found on perusal, that it is obsolete in appearance only. But four 
 words have occurred to the editor as quite out of use in modern times. 
 The first is, l//n, or liii, to cease, stop, or desist, which occurs in Nos. xlii, 
 Lxxv, and xcvii. The second, although it is in Hall's Chronicle, was 
 probably never in general use. It is culjje, in No. xliv. As may be 
 seen from the context, it signifies guilt or blame, and is a mere adap- 
 tation of the Latin culpa, or Norman French coulpe. The third is 
 shent in No. Liii., from shend to condemn, blame, or disgrace. The 
 fourth, habitacle, in No. lxxiv, is a very old word for habitation. 
 
 Maugre, in spite of ; roome, a place ; thrall, a bondman ; if out of 
 use, have not yet ceased to be understood amongst us. 
 
 The other words which may possibly at first sight puzzle some few 
 unpractised readers are of two kinds ; words lengthened or contracted 
 with a view to the metre or rhythm, and words spelled in ways which 
 are now unusual. Of the first kind, the following are examples : — 
 
 brutest, for most brutish. 
 
 bests, „ behests. 
 
 reave, „ bereave. 
 
 gainst, „ against. 
 
 quite, „ requite. 
 
Prtfacc. 
 
 Of words irregularly spelled the foUowing seem to be the most difficult : — 
 
 agen, 
 
 for 
 
 again. 
 
 dide, 
 
 )j 
 
 dyed. 
 
 dieng, 
 
 » 
 
 dyibg. 
 
 groth, 
 
 » 
 
 growth 
 
 neast, 
 
 5) 
 
 nest. 
 
 ouglie, 
 
 )> 
 
 ugly. 
 
 oke, 
 
 )? 
 
 oak. 
 
 plast, 
 
 « 
 
 placed. 
 
 perfitt, 
 
 J? 
 
 perfect. 
 
 Sauer, 
 
 5) 
 
 Saviour. 
 
 sew, 
 
 )? 
 
 sue. 
 
 spright, 
 
 » 
 
 spirit. 
 
 thrid, 
 
 3) 
 
 thread. 
 
 the, 
 
 )J 
 
 thee. 
 
 A few common words which in some places were abbreviated, as 
 •\yti' ■ft'Ci" yt^ are here printed in length. 
 
 With these observations, and attention to the sound of the words, 
 rather than to the letters, the reader will not find any difficulty in 
 the perusal. 
 
 The general tone of doctrine, with the sentiments pervading the 
 whole, will, it is trusted, amply satisfy the reader, if any part should 
 not fully meet his wishes, either as to the matter or the manner 
 in which it is set forth. The rhythm is often rugged, as is usual in 
 
33«fac£. 
 
 other poetry of that day ; but it is free from the false glitter, affected 
 antithesis, and laborious pedantry, which characterize most of the 
 contemporaneous versification, while the force, beauty, and simplicity of 
 many expressions, give this little work a high place among ancient 
 English poetry. 
 
 Mr. Bruce, who has carefully examined these poems, doubts whether 
 they are all the productions of one author. It appears to him also, 
 that the manuscript consists of transcripts made by a professional copyist, 
 rather than of poems written by an author's own hand. They are 
 written in the several styles of penmanship, in use from two to three 
 hundred years ago : the facsimile lithographs, carefully executed by 
 Mr. Standidge, represent the appearance of the original now, though 
 they cannot convey an adequate idea of its extreme beauty when 
 first penned. 
 
 Mr. Montgomery, of Sheffield, says, " I have no recollection of any 
 of the specimens of verse you have sent me; but have no hesitation 
 respecting their merit, or the desirableness of putting the public in 
 possession of a volume of such devotional pieces." 
 
 The Rev. Joseph Hunter, whose extensive acquaintance with ancient 
 lore is well known, says, " You have introduced me to an acquaint- 
 ance with a little manuscript containing poems, in their kind of emi- 
 nent beauty, and scarcely any of them betraying any marks of 
 constraint or instances of a corrupt taste. They must evidently have 
 been the composition of some person of great power ; and they have 
 
every appearance of being a record of actual thought and feelings. 
 I have no recollection of ever having heard Mr. Bright speak of this 
 manuscript. He was very sagacious in finding out authors, but I think 
 if he had found out this writer he would have mentioned the subject 
 to me. I think the contents would well bear being printed in a little 
 volume, and would, I have no doubt, gratify many persons, as the 
 perusal of the poems in manuscript has gratified me." 
 
 Many other highly favourable opinions respecting these poems might 
 be added, but it seems unnecessary to do so, nor has the editor 
 considered it requisite to add any notes or remarks of his own : 
 the poems speak for themselves more powerfully than anything that 
 could be said respecting them. He quite agrees in the opinions 
 expressed, and trusts that these poems will be read by many, with 
 the same pleasure he has felt in transcribing them for the press. 
 
 G. S. 
 
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^ncwnt iStbottonal 33oftry. 
 
 I. 
 
 5WB73)!p P, sluggish Soule, awake, slumber no more, 
 fem/^ this is no time to sleepe in sin secure ; 
 
 |£^!abe ^ If once the Bridegroome passe and shutt the dore 
 
 no entrance will be gaind, thou maist bee sure. 
 
 Now thou art vp fill vp thy lampe with oile, 
 
 hast thee and light it at the fire of loue ; 
 
 Watch, and attend, what is a litle toile 
 
 to gaine thee entrance to the ioies aboue. 
 
 Go, meete the Bridegroome with low reuerence, 
 
 humbly with patience waite vpon his grace. 
 
 Follow his steppes with loue and diligence, 
 
 leaue all for Him, and only Him embrace. 
 So shalt thou enter with him into rest, 
 and at his heauenlie table sit and feast. 
 
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Ancient Stbotional ^octn?. 
 
 11. 
 Y soule, enformed by the heau'nlye truth 
 of the great danger that of syn insu'th, 
 Wisheth to walke the right thoughe narrow way, 
 
 and leaue these by-pathes leading to decay. 
 
 But ah ! my corrupt nature spumes at this, 
 
 And to my soules desire such hindrance is, 
 
 that every sparke of good deuotion 
 
 shee quencheth (ere it kindles) with the motion 
 
 of sloth, or gaine, or pleasure that is vile, 
 
 In wretched case poore Soule thou liu'st the while 
 
 enclos'd in prison of thy flesh and bloud, 
 
 That seest, knowst, wishest, lou'st, yet wantst thy Good. 
 
Ancient IStbottonal ^oetrp. 
 
 III. 
 H ! how dare I, so foule, so ouglie stained, 
 before God's pure cleare Deitie appeare ! 
 his Image, how haue I entertained ! 
 how lost ! his talent how abused here ! 
 From of my neck I shooke his easie yoke, 
 and turn'd a rebel! gainst his holy will ; 
 my hart was hardned like a hart of oka, 
 and did presumptuousKe encline to iU. 
 Thus are my actions and my thoughts defild, 
 thus vice enioyes the fortresse of my hart, 
 thus peace of conscience is from mee exild, 
 and darknes crept into my better part : 
 
 From head to foote there is no health in mee, 
 nor neuer was, O that there once might bee ! 
 
^ncunt ©tbotional ^oetrg. 
 
 IV. 
 
 OU carelesse worldlings that secvirely passe 
 yovir Hues in sin, not dreaming of your end, 
 O make the law of God your looking-glasse, 
 that you may see your foulnesse and amend. 
 Behold your selues, how much your liues digresse 
 from the iust riile of Gods most perfect lawe ; 
 O wallow not in such vile filthinesse. 
 Let not vaine gawds your minds from God withdrawe. 
 For lo ! the howre approcheth when the Sonne 
 attended on by millions of blest spiritts, 
 shall in great glory vnto iudgment come, 
 and render euery man his iust demeritts, 
 Vnto the wicked neuer-ceasing paine, 
 but to the iust glory that nere shall waine. 
 
Ancient ©ebotional JPoetrp. 
 
 V. 
 
 ACH creature in the sea, the earth, the skye, 
 retornes his tribute to th' eternall power, 
 and for his benifitts doth magnifye 
 the mightie name of God our Sauiour. 
 And as the boundlesse ocean of his loue 
 sends them forth bounteous tides of preservation, 
 So they againe to him their center moue, 
 and send back streames of thankes and inuocation. 
 And shall I barren and vnfruitefull land, 
 into whose bosome his sweete seed is cast, 
 in steed of cropp retorne him nought but sand, 
 giuing his Holy Spiritt a iust distast ? 
 O let me neuer so ingratefull proue, 
 to Him in whome I liue, exist, and moue. 
 
^ncitnt Stbotional ^ottyv. 
 
 VI. 
 
 HAT though I did possesse the greatest wealth, 
 though I were clad with honor and a crowne, 
 and aU my few and euill dales had health, 
 though no calamitie did pluck me downe ? 
 
 2. What, if in sensuall pleasures I did swym, 
 
 which mortaU men account their cheifest blis ? 
 what good shal't be for me when death with him 
 brings a diuorce from life, t' haue had all this ? 
 
 3. What plague wilt bee, for me when raisd againe 
 
 out of the bed of death, I must accompt 
 for thousand thousand faults and errors vaine, 
 that win to a number numberlesse amount ? 
 
 4. Before a Judge whose angrie breath can burne 
 
 this whole round globe of earth, fire, water, aire, 
 and all their glory into ashes tume, 
 
 that had these things allotted to their share. 
 
Ancient Sebottonal IBottn). 
 
 5. Words serue me not, nor thoughts though infinite, 
 
 to write or to imagine sinners paine, 
 or the least torment that on them shall light, 
 
 that this worlds loue preferr before heauens gaine. 
 
 6. Then couet not, mine eies, worldly delight, 
 
 Bewtie, great riches, honor, and the rest, 
 which if you had would but bereaue my spright 
 of the immortall ioyes I am in quest. 
 
 7. I am a pilgrim warriomr bound to fight 
 
 vnder the Red-crosse, gainst my rebell will, 
 and with great Godfrey to employ my might, 
 to win Jerusalem and Sion hiU. 
 
 8. More glorious is it in that war to dye, 
 
 then surfett with the worlds base delectation, 
 since this, when death shall shutt our mortal eye, 
 
 for meede shal haue eternall condempnation : 
 But that not death, but life a passage is 
 into a kingdome of perpetuall blis. 
 
Sinmnt IBtbotional l^ottvv. 
 
 VII. 
 
 HE roring Lion full of serpents gviile, 
 
 sometime by force, sometimes by fraud, assaies 
 
 to swallow v^ my soule. Alas, the while 
 
 his strenght and cunning foiles me many waies ! 
 
 2. Mean while the world with her deceiuing show, 
 
 faining to honor and to pleasure mee, 
 seekes nothing ells but my sad ouerthrow, 
 and when she smiles doth soonest iniure mee. 
 
 3. And not thus only is my soule opprest, 
 
 but euen my flesh with them plotts and conspires, 
 how I might be eternally distrest, 
 
 and they triumph, fulfilling their desires. 
 
Snct'mt Sjbottonal ^ottr». 
 
 4. Thus do they three ioyne all their force in one, 
 
 to bind me with a triple twisted cord ; 
 but O, my God ! my strenght and hope alone 
 can set me free if he but say the word. 
 
 5. And that he would vouchsafe such gratious aide, 
 
 poure forth thy humble praiers, my soule, with speede ; 
 O doubt not, weake of faith, bee not dismaide, 
 hee is our only helpe at time of neede. 
 
Snttmt ISfbottonal ^oetr». 
 
 VIII. 
 |] URNE back, my soule ! that path leades to the graue, 
 
 though it seeme pleasant, easy, profitable : 
 Beware ! vnder those flowers so fresh and braue 
 there dwells destruction ineuitable. 
 
 2. What though thou see myriades of worldly men 
 
 that walke with pleasure in that beaten way, 
 Follow them not : But O tume thou agen, 
 retire from sin while it is calld to-day. 
 
 3. The stepps thou wentest outward with delight, 
 
 in thy retome bedew with brinish teares ; 
 In token of a hart broke and contrite, 
 that for his sins a dolefull liuery weares. 
 
Snmnt ©tfiottonal l^ottxv. 
 
 4. Open the flud-gates of thy sinfull eies, 
 
 and where thou most reioyst, there most lament ; 
 let saddest grones and neuer ceasing cries, 
 helpe thy sad hart earnestly to repent. 
 
 Weepe bitterly, this is the Vale of teares, 
 where cause of sorrow at each stepp appeares. 
 
9nmnt Sfbotioital i^ottrp. 
 
 IX. 
 EARE not, my soule, thy teares-bedewed praiers, 
 and thy repentant sighes, shall haue accesse 
 before the tlu'one of heauen. Beleeue, God cares 
 for mortall men, and woidd their happinesse. 
 
 2. The Angells waite, and offer ^^p the cries 
 of soules that do repent of their amis ; 
 
 a broken hart is a sweete sacrifice, 
 whose sauour at Gods hand accepted is. 
 
 3. From him thy praiers shall not retmnie in vaine, 
 hee is so mercifuH, so kind, so good ; 
 
 from true conuerts hee doth not long detaine 
 the riches of his loue and pretious blood. 
 
 4. Was not sicke Hezikiaths praier heard ? 
 or did his bitter teares fall vnrespected ? 
 
 nor praiers nor teares were of their entrance bard, 
 both praiers and teares being so well directed. 
 
TLncimt Sfbottonal iSoctvg. 
 
 5. Swifter then swiftnesse vp to heauen they flew, 
 and to the eares of God they were presented, 
 who swift to heare his seruant humbly sew, 
 thus by his prophets mouth his dome relented. 
 
 6. I heard thy praier (said hee) and eke thy teares, 
 and where with sicknesse thou wert visited, 
 Behold ! I make thee whole, and fifteene yeares 
 thy life vjion the earth bee lenghtened. 
 
 7. Dispaire not, then, but with loud crieng craue, 
 that from the staine of sin thou maist bee free. 
 And from the vault of heauen an EccHO haue, 
 bee free ! O hart, soule, voice in one agree. 
 
 Importune all together to obtaine 
 
 that sweete reuiuing comfort in your paine. 
 
Sfnritnt Sj&otional ^oetrp. 
 
 X. 
 
 ENCE ! hence, distracting care of earthly thing, 
 hence, base distrust of Gods great prouidence, 
 the little birds that can do nought but sing, 
 haue plenteous foode from his beneficence : 
 Is he to litle birds so gratious Father, 
 and shall wee children want our daily food ? 
 we that haue meanes to sow, to reape, to gather, 
 shal we make question of his bountihood ? 
 Nay ; though meanes faile, yet will we not dispaire ; 
 Eagles haue fed his children ; his elect 
 eate Manna in the desarts that were bare ; 
 he multiplied the oile of the Sarept. 
 He gave vs bodies not to starue and perish ; 
 lie gaue vs life, which doubtles hee will cherish. 
 
Sndmt iiebotional 3Poftrp. 
 
 XL 
 WHO shall rid me from these guiltie feares, 
 { that haunt my soule for her iniquitie ? 
 
 Or who shall lend mee springs of brinish teares, 
 
 to mone enough her foule captiuitie. 
 Where may I go, or whether may I flye, 
 some comfort in this anguish to obtaine ? 
 Is there no balme that gold or loue may buy, 
 to poure into my woundes, t'aswage my paine ? 
 This greife I do sustain 's intoUerable, 
 my poore weake soule cannot indure it long ; 
 Ah, woe is mee, of men most miserable, 
 in whome faith's weake and dire despaire most strong, 
 O Lord, all good, that know'st mee in this case, 
 can there be fitter subiect of thy grace ? 
 
Ancient Stbotional Pottiy. 
 
 XII. 
 
 iY bad deserts, so many and so great, 
 when I consider, I begin to doubt, 
 whither I can obtaine the grace I entreat, 
 to haue them cleane forgiu'n and blotted out. 
 
 But yet againe when I do call to mynd 
 the power of that most blessed Sacrifice, 
 Which on the Crosse was ofFred for mankind, 
 to free vs all from Sathans cruelties. 
 
 My soule is strenghtned and confirmd with faith, 
 that what I (most \Tiworthy) merit not : 
 The eternall Preist for me obtained hath, 
 a free remission both from paine and spot. 
 
3nmnt 33cbt)tujnal JSoetru. 
 
 XIII. 
 HAUE no will nor power to keepe thy lawe, 
 for I am dead in ignorance and sjm, 
 ^^ and if thou leaue me and thy grace withdraw, 
 hells mouth stands ready to receiue me in. 
 
 therfore, gratious and powrefull Lord, 
 now magnifie thy power and sauing grace, 
 and by the virtue of thy aUmightie word, 
 breath a new spirit of life into my face. 
 That from this time vaito my dieng day, 
 
 1 may become in soule and bodie thine ; 
 aye walking (by thy grace) that holy way, 
 that leadeth to thy mantion diuine. 
 
 Where, being arriv'd, with ioy I may record, 
 in hymnes and songs thy glory, O my Lord. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient iBebotuinal poetry. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 'llEING a thrall to sin, a slaue to seuce, 
 
 ^: a bondman to the Diuell, how can I 
 
 I 
 
 looke vp to heau'n ? much lesse deriue from thence 
 
 compassion of my bonds and misery. 
 
 2. Neuer shal I find comfort in my spirit, 
 but in perpetual anguish liue tormented, 
 
 if mercy pleade not for me more than merit, 
 for I to sin and Sathan haue consented. 
 
 3. Laboring as a hireling to obtaine 
 the cursed wages of transgression ; 
 
 euen death of soule, and bodies endlesse paine, 
 at the last dreadfull general Session. 
 
^nmnt ISebottonal Poetrj). 
 
 4. Which O vndoubtedly must bee my meede, 
 if I be censured as I do deserue, 
 but Mercy neuer failing at my neede, 
 my drooping faith doth from despaire preserue, 
 and bids me hope that I by Christ shal see 
 my sinn's forgiu'n, and God at peace with mee. 
 
indent iE3ftJ0tu)nal ©ojtro. 
 
 XV. 
 
 HEN I suruey the state of that account 
 which I must render at the audite day, 
 before the Judge whose powre doth all surmount, 
 and from whose knowledge nothing's hid away. 
 
 2. I am with feare and shame confounded qviite, 
 my powres dissolue, no sence in me appeares ; 
 my hart doth tremble, and my wretched sprite, 
 her loathed mantion wilHngly forbeares. 
 
 3. O, if the bare idea of that day 
 
 doth thus affi-ight my soule, what shall I do 
 when th' instant time arriues ? what shal I say ? 
 what place to hide shal I fly \Tito ? 
 
^nmnt JBfbotional 3poetr». 
 
 4. Ah, foole ! no place hides from th' alseing eie, 
 no coynd excuse can blind his serching spirit ; 
 but that th' vniust shal haue their iust demerit. 
 
 The while the saints shal with the Lambe ascend, 
 to inherit ioy which neuer shal haue end. 
 
anctmt Sfbotional ^oetn). 
 
 XVI. 
 LTHOUGH our bodies, Lord, on th' earth abide, 
 yet are our soules fixt vpon heauen thy seate, 
 begging for grace, which neuer was denied 
 to any that with faith did it entreate. 
 
 2. We know, O Lord, thy power and mightinesse, 
 how all was made, and is preseru'd by thee ; 
 wee know likewise our great vnworthinesse, 
 and do confesse no good in vs to bee. 
 
 3. So that we durst not thee our father call, 
 nor vs thy sonnes, a name most gratious, 
 but that thy grace most free and liberall, 
 hath to this dignity adopted vs. 
 
 4. Wee were, alas ! captiues to deadly syn, 
 children of wrath, heires of perdition ; 
 Rebels to thee, and so had euer bj-n, 
 
 but that thy mercy mended our condition. 
 
^ncitnt Sfbottonal ^oetrw. 
 
 5. For by the death of Jesus, our deare Lord, 
 from syns and Sathans bondage we are freed ; 
 Death's sting's abated. Hell, so much abhord, 
 is ouercome, and thou with vs agreed. 
 
 6. By faith and baptisme in his holie name, 
 we are made members of our Sauiour, 
 who tooke our flesh, and to vs hether came, 
 to saue beleeuing soules from Sathans powre. 
 
 7. So didst thou visit and redeeme thy sheepe ; 
 
 so didst thou loue the world that lou'd not thee ; 
 so didst thou raise the fall'n, so didst thou keepe 
 thy Spouse, though black, from Sathans tyranny. 
 
 8. Yblessed be thy holy name for euer, 
 
 let euery knee and hart most humbly bend, 
 and magnifie thy mercie, failing neuer 
 to cherish those that on thy word depend. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient Stbotional J^ottrg. 
 
 XVII. 
 P CURSED syn ! O wound, O shame, O stayne ! 
 O leprouse ougly spott, because of you 
 my soule doth feele the smart of hellish payne, 
 the hire that for your guiltinesse is due. 
 
 How greuous is this torture vnto mee, 
 I hate myselfe that stoopt to such base lui'e, 
 And, for I was forewarnd and did not flee, 
 eternall torment I deserve t' indure. 
 
 Thus I arraigne myselfe, thus sentence give, 
 on thy behalf, O God, most good, most iust, 
 I neuer did, nor can deserve to liue, 
 there is no health in mee whereon to trust. 
 
Sncfmt ©ebotional -^oftrw. 
 
 Yet 6, my soule, take heede do not dispaire, 
 thy leprosy, though great, is not past cure ; 
 of salt repentant teares a bath prepare, 
 and wash therein all that sin made impure. 
 
 Unfainedly lament thy life bypast, 
 
 confesse thy sinnes, and humbly beg remission ; 
 
 and feare not though God tarry, yet at last 
 
 hee will both heare and grant thy soule's petition. 
 
ancient Scbotional ^ottw. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 [f,URNE thee, 6 Lord, \Tito mine hxunble praier, 
 6 bee not angrie witli me -euermore ; 
 despise me not, thouglie I bee poore and bare, 
 but giue me some of thy great mercies store. 
 Mercie I sue for, mercie, or I die ; 
 6 sbew some mercie for tby mercie's sake. 
 Spare me, 6 God, Lo from the deepe I crie ; 
 of my sicke soxile, 6 Lord, some pittie take. 
 Heauenly Phisition, poure thy bahne of grace 
 into my festred woundes, 6 bee intreated, 
 if thou w^'draw thy helpe a litle space, 
 my hope and life wiU be vtterlie defeated. 
 Let mee not perish, thou that neuer joyed 
 to see a sinner in his syn destroyd. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient iBtbottonal ^ottw. 
 
 'Mm 
 
 s 
 
 11 
 
 m 
 
 XIX. 
 [{ROM the lowe dungeon whereinto I fell, 
 when I offended thy great Maiestie, 
 euen from the very gates of hatefuU hell, 
 
 my soule to the incessantly doth crye. 
 
 o God almightie and most mercifuU, 
 
 remember not the folKes of my youth, 
 
 thinke on thy mercies and bee pittifull, 
 
 at length draw back thine ire that me pursu'th. 
 
 If thy feirce anger's heate bee not aUaid 
 
 with the coole streames of mercie, wretched I 
 
 must perish here and euerlastinglie ; 
 
 6 then, my God, who nere deniedst thy aide 
 
 vnto the penitent that sought to thee, 
 
 forgiue my debt, for Christ's sake sett me free. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncimt JBtbotional ^octru. 
 
 XX. 
 
 ORD ! let my praier and meditation 
 be acceptable in thy gratious eies. 
 Bee tbis my humble inuocation. 
 as a sweete-smelling euening sacrifice ; 
 For the deare merits of my Sauiom', 
 let it ascend before thy merci-seate, 
 and not descend from thine eternall bowTe, 
 Mitill it haue obtaind what I entreate ; 
 Euen free remission of my sinnes comitted, 
 with grace henceforth my waie so to direct, 
 that I may do the good I haue omitted, 
 and shun the ill I did so much affect ; 
 
 from henceforth, in comparison of thee, 
 Let this world seeme (as 'tis) but dung to mee. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient JBcbotional JPoftirj. 
 
 XXI. 
 f^^i»*^S5i-riRATI0US and allmightie, 6 bee pleasd 
 to turne thine eie of sweete compassion 
 vpon my soule thats mortally diseasd, 
 
 regard her with comiseration. 
 
 Extend thy pitty to mee, wretched wight, 
 
 naked of all desert, vnsound all ouer. 
 
 Cure me, 6 Lord, and rectifie my spright, 
 
 and with free pardon my offences couer : 
 
 For lo ! my soule is contrite and laments 
 
 that euer I rebelld 'gainst thy comaund ; 
 
 I sighe, and grone, and nothing mee contents, 
 
 for shame to thinke my sinns before thee stand ; 
 
 They call for vengance to bee pourd vpon mee, 
 
 but 6, forbeare to grant their iust request ; 
 
 I cry aloud, my God haue mercy on mee, 
 
 a greuous sinner piteously distrest ; 
 
 Be deafe vnto my sins, but heare my cry, 
 that I may Hue, and that my sinnes may dy. 
 
Sfniient iBtbotional poetry. 
 
 XXII. 
 LMIGHTIE Father, since a sinner's cries 
 and teares-bedewed praiers haue the power 
 to penetrate and to ascend the skies, 
 where thou doest sitt in thine etemall bower; 
 O grant a gratious hearing of my greife, 
 and when it please thee send mee some releife. 
 
 Shut not thine eares, nor spurne at my request, 
 thoughe I in iustice haue deseru'd no lesse, 
 and thoughe I haue contemned thy behest, 
 and wallowed in foule sin and wickednesse. 
 Yet let my sighings haue a free accesse, 
 to moue compassion of my WTetchednesse. 
 
^ncimt l3ebottonal iPoftrg. 
 
 Euen for thy swete Son Jesus Christ his sake, 
 
 who gaue his life that wee might Hue for aye, 
 
 haue mercy on mee, 6 some pittie take, 
 
 on mee a sinner, humbly I thee praye ; 
 
 For mercy dwels w*'' thee, and thou wilt heare 
 the humble sinner's sute w"' gratious eare. 
 
 Gratiously heare the praiers I make before thee, 
 with pittie veiwe the sorrowes of my hart, 
 shew mercy to the soule that doth adore thee ; 
 ah, comfort me, a new but true convert ; 
 Assiu'e me of thy pardon for what 's past. 
 And keepe mee spotlesse while my life doth last. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncimt Srbotional ^ottry. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Y sinnes stand like a wall, to stop th' accesse 
 of any praiers that from my soiile ascend ; 
 my spirit is at the brinck of deepe distresse, 
 (comfortles,) fearing her ATihappy end. 
 6 thou that seest my sorrowes manifold, 
 and canst re^^ue my spirit from deathes sad thrall, 
 on whom my Faith (although nigh dead) takes hold, 
 to scape sad sentence at thy tribunall : 
 Breake downe the wall that doth debar thy grace 
 from comforting this wTetched soule of mine ; 
 6 come, and dense thy Temple of disgrace, 
 bvirne out her drosse till she [is] pure and fine ; 
 And that shee neuer tume to vse prophane, 
 Seate thy sweete Spiritt in her, aye to remaine. 
 
 Amen. 
 
'Bncimt l3e6ottonal ^ottw. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Y sin, as red as scarlet, thou, 6 Lord, 
 
 canst make far whiter than Riphean snowe, 
 if of thy goodnesse thou woldst once afford 
 to wash mee in the streames that from thee flowe ; 
 O when shall I poore wretch obtaine such grace, 
 when shall my bondage tume to free estate ; 
 Lord, why not now ? euen in this time and place. 
 Let pitty thy just rigor mittigate : 
 And for thy only Son my Sauiour's sake, 
 purifie with thy spirit this sinfull masse ; 
 O thou that all things didst of nothing make, 
 shew forth thy power, and let it come to passe, 
 That of a sinner, I may henceforth bee 
 a Saint, and Hue and die to honor thee. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient JBebotional JPottrj. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 GAINST my selfe, lo ! freely I confesse, 
 I am the greatest sinner euer was, 
 my daily trespasses are numberlesse, 
 I cannot beare their burden, oh, alas ! 
 Woe's mee that euer I did giue consent 
 to do those things for which my soule doth mone ; 
 Woe's mee that I haue ben so negligent, 
 to leaue vndone those things I ought t'haue done. 
 Ah, Lord ! behold my anguish, see my paine ; 
 my contrite hart's sad grones with pitty heare ; 
 and what I do not merit to obtaine, 
 giue for the meritts of my Sauiour deare ; 
 
 Euen grace to leaue my sin, and cleaue to thee, 
 and that thy peace may euer dwell with mee. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient l9e&ottonal J^oetrp. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 isvae^^ssgLTJINCE, Lord, by my creacon I am bound, 
 
 to serue thee, my Creator, grant mee grace, 
 
 that sayling through this world where sins abound, 
 
 I steere my covirse right to thy holy place ; 
 
 6 let not that Leuiathan my foe, 
 
 that raging seekes to drown mee in th'abbisse ; 
 
 nor yet the Siren world with flattring show, 
 
 hinder m'arriuall at the Port of blis. 
 
 But for the glory of thy mightie arme, 
 
 guide thou my slender vessell in the deepe ; 
 
 and then nor rocks, nor sands, shall do me harme, 
 
 safe is the soule whome thou vouchsaft to keepe. 
 Take heed to mee, 6 Lord, least in a trice, 
 I perish whome thou bough tst with so deere price. 
 
Slncitnt ©fbotional ^otirv. 
 
 XXVII. 
 FTER the multitude of thy compassions, 
 
 haue mercy. Lord, on mee, most wretched wight, 
 Call not to mind the great transgressions, 
 my frailty hath comitted in thy sight ; 
 But 6 forgiue mee for my Sauiour's sake, 
 restore the sheepe once strayed, now penitent. 
 Exclude me not, let me, 6 Lord, pertake, 
 of thy sweete mercy to my soule's content. 
 And though my sins seeke to divert thy grace, 
 from clensing this vnworthy soule of mine, 
 Yet, 6 deere Father, make them to giue place, 
 and with thy Spirit my earthly drosse refine, 
 that purified from guilt, I may retaine 
 thy image, neuer to bee soild againe. 
 
 Amen, 
 
Snmnt Sebottonal iSoftry. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 BEE not wroth if I vile dust bee bold, 
 my humble suite before thy throne t'unfold, 
 If I, surcharg'd with syn-bred misery, 
 
 Fly vnto thee, my soule's sole Sanctuary. 
 
 It was thy inuitation did excite me : 
 
 thou cal'dst, I come, trusting thy grace will quite mee, 
 
 As euer thou didst simiers suite attend 
 
 a gratious eare now to my praier lend. 
 
 Behold my soule captiu'd in Sathan's band, 
 
 pressed with sins in number as the sand, 
 
 Vnder their burden lies at point to die, 
 
 for euer if thou Lord thy helpe denie. 
 
 O thinke vpon thy wonted grace, and grant 
 
 some spirituall comfort to releiue my want, 
 
 Looke not vpon my sinnes which mee displease, 
 
 but veiw my sorrowes, and afford mee ease ; 
 
 Take of this burthen which I cannot beare, 
 
 And with thy hand of mercy mee vpreare. 
 
 Amen. 
 
^ncitnt ©thotional H^ottx^. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 j UR fathers, Lord ! in troublous times repaird 
 vnto thy mercy seate for their releife, 
 and there by faith obtained to bee spar'd. 
 Now wee their sonnes strenghtned with like beleife, 
 Humbly confessing our vnworthinesse, 
 Sue for like grace from thy almightinesse. 
 
 Our hope vpon thy promise doth reKe 
 
 our soules depend vpon thy word alone ; 
 
 6 therefore let thy mercie heare our crye, 
 
 and send vs comfort thoughe wee meritt none, 
 Wee are vnworthy, yet to make vs free 
 Our Sauiour's meritts do sollicite thee. 
 
^inctent IBebottonal ^ottr^. 
 
 Regard vs for our Intercessor's sake, 
 
 thine onely Sonne, in whome thou art well pleas'd ; 
 
 6 let his suffiings thy feirce anger slake, 
 
 that our afflicted consciences may b' eas'd ; 
 
 Thy peace we seeke, thy peace aU ioy emparts ; 
 
 Speake peace, 6 Lord, vnto our troubled harts. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sittunt Seiotional JPoetpg. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 WEETE are thy testimonies, 6 my Lord, 
 enriching vs with hope of blisse eternall, 
 thy seruants that depend vpon thy word, 
 feare not the malice of the feind infernall. 
 
 2. Thou art the Sheild that doest protect from spoile, 
 the humble sinner trusting in thine aide, 
 
 whome maugre syn and hell thou doest assoile, 
 thy greatnesse maketh not the meeke afraid. 
 
 3. Therefore the Sinner penitent and sad, 
 
 the bruised reede, seekes thee in time of greife. 
 Thou hast the treasure that can make him glad 
 with thee, 6 Lord, is plentifull releife. 
 
indent IBcbotfonal 39o<trj). 
 
 4. O then when I in trouble call to thee, 
 or on my death-bed sue to thee for grace, 
 Heare me from heauen (sweete Lord,) and pitty mee, 
 and send me comfort from thy holy place ; 
 
 That I nor faint nor doubt, but cheerly die, 
 trusting to liue with thee eternallie. 
 
 Amen. 
 
^mtent IStbotuinal ^oetrj). 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 ROSTRATE before thy tlirone of grace I fall, 
 wailing my sinnes comitted in thy sight, 
 LamentiDg that I made myselfe a thrall 
 
 to Sathan, and dech'ned from the right ; 
 O to thy prostrate seruant tume thy face, 
 with mildnesse heare my praier, 6 Sauiour deere, 
 open the treasures of thy sauing grace ; 
 and with free pardon my sad spiritt cheere. 
 O let thy Holy Spiritt reside in mee, 
 and henceforth guide thy seruant in his way, 
 that I may leaue these paths that turne from thee, 
 and find the truth, which found I may obay ; 
 - So be it, etemall God, in persons three, 
 who neuer failest them that trust in thee. 
 
^ncunt I9ti)0tuinal J^ottt^. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 pY Soule with ardent loue of thee inflam'd, 
 to thee, 6 Lord my God, I do lift vp, 
 begging that for my sinnes I bee not sham'd, 
 let me not drinke, 6 Lord, of sinners' cup. 
 Tume toward mee thy fatherlie aspect, 
 pittie thy poore and humble suppliant ; 
 6 heare my praiers which I to thee direct, 
 and for thy mercie's sake some fauor grant ; 
 Thoughe I vnpure and leprous sinner bee, 
 deseruing nought but condempnation, 
 yet let thy mercy once more sett mee free, 
 and bee to mee the rock of my saluation. 
 So shall I constant bide in holy waies, 
 and for thy mercie giue thee etemall praise. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sintimt Scbottonal ^ortrw. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 EE thou more mercifuU then I deserue, 
 els sliall I die confounded in my shame ; 
 o saue thy Creatm'e that can nought but swerue. 
 
 and with my dailie trespasse purchase blame. 
 Remember not the frailties of my youth ; 
 for if thou doe I needes must die for euer. 
 Bee merciful to him that hmnblie su'th, 
 and loues thy law and would therein perseuer ; 
 I would, if thou of thy aboundant gi'ace, 
 with heau'nly giftes woldst answere my desire, 
 I cannot say, I will, thy will take place ; 
 6 let it be thy will my hart t'enspire, 
 
 that with thy gifts, Faith, Hope, and Loue, I may 
 thy due of seruice and my duety pay. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncwnt Sebotional ^oetrij. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 UMBLY before thy Mercy-seate I throw 
 my poore soule, sick to death of deadlie syn, 
 In all humihty my greifes I show, 
 hoping I may with praiers pittie vryn. 
 For thus thy Spirit within mee cries to thee, 
 Father, I know thou canst, and hope thou wilt, 
 release mee of this bvuthen, Pittie me 
 for thy Sonne's sake, let not my soule be spilt ; 
 But worke, 6 Gratious, by thy loue a wonder 
 where syn hath, let thy mercie there abound ; 
 Grant that nothing in heauen and earth do sunder 
 my soule from thee : now the lost sheepe is foimd. 
 Least from thy feare I stray abroad in sin. 
 Restore mee to thy fold, and lock mee in. 
 
 Amen. 
 
findent ISebottonal ^ottrj;. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 HOLD thy hand, thou \'pright Judge of all, 
 spare th'execution of a wretched wight ; 
 although my Conscience witnesseth my fall, 
 and aU my faults appeare before thy sight. 
 Yet stay thy hand for thine owne mercies sake, 
 and looke vpon my Sauiour, thy deare Son : 
 Heare him that to redeeme me from the lake 
 of hell so many woes hath vndergon. 
 Heare how hee intercedeth for vs all ; 
 Father, forgiue them, 6 since hee doth dayne 
 to mediate for vs that are in thrall, 
 vouchsake release from our deserued paine, 
 
 That we, freed from our sins by thy free grace, 
 may praise thy name \vithin thy holy place. 
 
 Amen. 
 
3ncimt ©ebottonal l^ottxv. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Lord, thou knowst how ignorant and blind, 
 in all good things my feeble nature is, 
 So that vnles thou doest enlight my mind, 
 
 the way to please thee I shall surely mis. 
 Shine on me therfore with thy heauenly light, 
 that I may see to walke thy holy waies, 
 and neuer may digresse from what is right ; 
 but in thy seruice spend my rest of dales. 
 And though my great and hainous sins are more 
 in nvmiber then the sands that paue the seas, 
 and euery one able to shut the dore 
 against my praier, 6 Lord, yet let not these 
 Eclipse thy light from me, but with thy raies 
 breake through, and quicken him that els decaies. 
 
^nctmt iietiottonal ^oetrp. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 ATHER eterne, almightie, merciful!, 
 
 though daily wee prouoke thee vnto ire, 
 1 
 
 6 do not quite vs sonnes vndutifuU, 
 
 as wee deserue and iustice doth require. 
 
 But after thine owne goodnes pittie show 
 to vs poore Captiues in this Gaole of syn, 
 that are with greife consumd ny dead with woe, 
 for Jesus' sake 6 let vs pittie win. 
 
 With humble contrite harts, with grones we cry, 
 Saue vs, 6 Lord, most gratious, from the hands 
 of the old Serpent our Arch-enimie, 
 Lleaue not our soules in his tormenting bands. 
 
^ncunt Stbottonat l^otttv. 
 
 Hasten wee pray tliee to deliuer vs, 
 
 that were redeem'd with Christ's most pretious hlood ; 
 
 Let not our sins many and greueous, 
 
 keepe back thy mercie that should do vs good ; 
 
 But \'isite and redeeme vs, gratious Lord ! 
 and from the power of darknes set vs free ; 
 For lo, our sovdes depend vpon thy word, 
 and looke for no saluation, but of thee : 
 
 We do beleeue, 6 helpe our vnbeleife, 
 
 and send vs not away without releife. 
 
 H 
 
^nmnt Scftotional iPoetrg. 
 
 XXXVIII. ■ 
 i ATHER of inercie, rich in grace and peace, 
 the Comforter of them that are distrest, 
 that hast no ioy in sinfull man's decease, 
 or that his soule should bee to hell deprest. 
 
 But of thy loue euen when wee were thy foes, 
 diddest send downe thy deare beloued Son, 
 that all that do there faith in him repose, 
 might Hue eternally where thou doest won. 
 
 Let not my sins for which I waile and greiue, 
 reaue me of gratious hearing of my plaint ; 
 but heare me, Lord, and tender my complaint, 
 and with the crums of mercie me relieue. 
 O say vnto my soule that waits on thee. 
 Thy guilt I pardon, rise and follow mee. 
 
Ancient iSebottonal H^oetty. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 INCE, heauenly Father ! 'tis thy will I liue, 
 thy grace I pray thee to thy seruant giue, 
 to stay me that my feete slip not at all, 
 and raise me if at any time I fall. 
 Grant that I haue desire to seeke thy face, 
 seeking to find thee, finding to embrace. 
 Superfluous care of welth weede from my hart ; 
 Vnto thy seruant sweete content impart, 
 Beare thou me vp walking on this world's waue, 
 and beare with me, though many faults I haue. 
 
 Amen. 
 
3nmnt Scbotioital Poctro. 
 
 XL. 
 
 UT from tlie depth of balefull wretchednesse, 
 wherein my sinnes haue plunged me, I cry ; 
 Let not thy iustice waighe my guiltinesse, 
 for Jesus' sake haue mercie, els I dye. 
 Lord, turne away thy wTath and fro^\^ling ire, 
 for I am weake, thou knowst I am but dust. 
 Wilt thou consume a 'worme in endles fire ? 
 6 rather spai'e, for in thee do I trust. 
 For t'honor of thy mercy let me Hue, 
 and send me space and grace to turne to thee, 
 which I can neuer do, vnlesse thou giue 
 thy holy Spirit to teach and gouerne mee ; 
 6 let my praiers vnto thy throne ascend ; 
 and for thy mercie's sake let grace descend. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncimt ©tbottonal ^Poftfu- 
 
 XLI. 
 DEERE Redeemer, that hast paid the price 
 of our saluation, euen thy deerest bloud, 
 thyselfe being Preist, and eke the sacrifice, 
 
 sufiring extremest evill for our good ; 
 
 Vouchsafe me to pertake thy sauing helth, 
 
 thy holy crosse, oh stampe vjjon my hart ; 
 
 seale me for thine, least Sathan come by stelth, 
 
 and seize vpon me with his cruell dart. 
 
 Hartily I beseech thee, guide my feete, 
 
 that I may walke the path that leades to rest ; 
 
 and when I needes must with temptations meete, 
 
 strengthen me least my weakenesse bee opprest ; 
 
 For thou alone art all my strength and stay, 
 
 in thee I conquere, sans thee I decay. 
 
Snrient Sebotional ^octrp. 
 
 XLII. 
 ATHER eteme, almiglitie God of spirits, 
 
 Creator and Redeemer of mankind, 
 liWhose iudgments are most deepe, whose wisedome merits' 
 
 that endles praise should bee to thee assign'd. 
 
 2. With fauor bow thine eare to my request, 
 
 and let thy seruant's cry come vnto thee ; 
 6 do not let my praier to thee addrest, 
 
 retorne in vaine, for thy hand framed mee. 
 
 3. Vnlose my soule chain'd with the bonds of syn, 
 
 although she hath rebeld against thy hest ; 
 for I confesse my guilt and neuer lyn, 
 with teares my penitence to manifest. 
 
indent Sebotional l^ottrv. 
 
 4. Daily I moume, nightlie I crie for grace, 
 houi'ely my sorrowes as my sins encrease ; 
 6 haue compassion of my -svretclied case, 
 
 shew mercy, my great debt, 6 Lord, release. 
 
 For if in rigor thou exact what 's due. 
 
 Who can be sau'd, or who found iust and true ? 
 
flnfimt ©fbottonal ^ottvi). 
 
 XLIII. 
 % CANNOT with this arme of flesh and blood, 
 
 or wdth my heau'n-breathd soule so highly sore, 
 T'enact the thinge. Lord ! which thy lawe calls good, 
 much lesse performe what it commands and more, 
 
 2. Thou art the God of wisedome, and thou knowst 
 
 how faiTe my nature falleth short of this, 
 of actiue righteousnesse I cannot boast, 
 
 my best wordes, workes, and thoughts being all amisse. 
 
 3. How then shall I attaine to righteousnesse ? 
 
 how shall I do the things with which tho'art pleas'd ? 
 Wliat balme is there to cure my \Tiworthinesse, 
 whereby my afflicted conscience might be eas'd ? 
 
^nfttnt Stbottonal 3^ottrv. 
 
 4. Surely in heauen and earth ther's none but thee, 
 6 gratious Redeemer, God and man, 
 that can from syn and death enfranchise mee ; 
 out from thy side both blood and water ran. 
 one drop wherof can dense and heale me quite, 
 and make me worthy in my Father's sight. 
 
Ancient iBebotional 33oftrp. 
 
 XLIV. 
 NNOCENT Lambe, that wert to slaughter led, 
 and sacrifiz'd on th' alter of the crosse, 
 to quicken those that in their sinns ly dead, 
 and to repaire our first forefather's losse ; 
 Oh heare the humble praier I make to thee ; 
 Grant that by virtue of thy sufFrings great, 
 from culpe and paine of sin, I may bee free. 
 Spare me thy seruant worthy to bee beate : 
 I haue no hope but in thy grace alone, 
 tho'art all my refuge and my siu'e defence ; 
 6 let thy sauing health to mee be showne, 
 as I repose in thee my confidence. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncunt iiebotional ^ottxv. 
 
 XLV. 
 
 jEE sonnes of men that seeke for happinesse, 
 some by vaine pleasure, some b' ambition ; 
 and some by riches, got with gredinesse : 
 cease now at length your fruitelesse inquisition. 
 Behold, a King, both mightie, rich, and young, 
 that had his fill of euery sensuall pleasure, 
 whose glorious name throughout the world hath rung, 
 whose victories stor'd him with heapes of treasure : 
 Behold, I say, this King, this Prophett, rather 
 finding this glory smoke, this treasure rust, 
 this pleasvire paine, as a most louing Father, 
 to teach vs wretches whereupon to trust, 
 
 Proclaimes him blest whose syns be quite remitted, 
 and whose transgressions couered and acquitted. 
 
Ancient iiebottonal ^oetri). 
 
 XLVI. 
 HY wilt thou perish, my vnrighteous soule ? 
 thinke on the dreadfull day of sinners' doome ; 
 be wise, at last forsake thy errors foule, 
 and striue t' obtaine in heauen a happy roome. 
 Striue euen with all thy might t' attaine that blis ; 
 Repent, beleeue, pray with a feruent hart — 
 Do good, shew mercie, and thou shalt not mis 
 of ioyes eternall to receiue a part ; 
 But if the frailty of thy flesh and blood, 
 hinder thee to performe these holy deedes; 
 fly to the giuer of each perfitt good, 
 and beg of him the grace thy weaknesse needes. 
 Beg humbly, but with confidence t' obtaine, 
 from him no faithfull praier retorns in vaine. 
 
Sncicnt JBebotional ^oetrp. 
 
 XL VII. 
 OD hath prouided meate and raiment meete, 
 
 and in due season stored mee with both ; 
 ? my cup doth overflow with wine most sweete, 
 liis plenteous dewes make mee shoote \'p in groth. 
 My bones are full of marrow, my limbs strong ; 
 my wife (my vine) beareth mee kindly frute ; 
 my ioies encrease, my sorrowes are not long, 
 for God doth neuer leaue mee destitute. 
 Hee is my buckler, fortresse, and defence, 
 therefore I Hue secure from hurt of foes ; 
 and for in him I put my confidence, ' 
 
 my soule shall neuer tast etemall woes. 
 He is my God, his power is ouer all ; 
 he is my Sauiour, how then can I faU ? 
 
Ancient ii3fbottonal ^oetrp. 
 
 XLVIII. 
 ORD, I, (as best I can,) for grace receiu'd, 
 retorne the tribute due to thy great name, 
 ^ blessing thy mercy that my soule releiu'd, 
 when she in thrall of sin was boimd with shame. 
 When she in thrall of sin was bound with shame, 
 thy loue did find mee out, and set me free, 
 without vpbraiding me with deseru'd blame, 
 or iustly punishing the faults of mee. 
 Thy power iojoi'd with th' immensnesse of thy grace, 
 wrought this great miracle of my release ; 
 which in my hart engrau'n as surest place, 
 shall a memoriall stand till my life cease. 
 Yea, after death, when I shall rise againe ; 
 and by thy fauor enter into blis, 
 among thy Saints, and thine elected traine, 
 I'le magnifie thy name that glorious is. 
 
Ancient IBebotional JPoetrj). 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 H' essentiall Image of th' Etemall Good, 
 that by his word the world of nothing made, 
 came downe from heau'n and tooke true flesh and blood 
 of Abram's daughter, Euer blessed mayde ! 
 Hee did not take the Angell's purer forme ; 
 but of his loue to vs, no loue deseruing, 
 abast himselfe, and was esteem'd a worme ; 
 and was both borne and died for our preseruing. 
 O mistery, all humaine sence transcending — 
 6 loue most infinite ! 6 grace ! 6 glory ! 
 behold heau'n ope, and God himselfe descending, 
 to saue the lost, and to make glad the sory. 
 
 Stand ope, yee lining temples of the Lord ; 
 stand ope, and entertaine this heauenly word. 
 
Ancient IBebotional J^oetrp. 
 
 L. 
 
 UEN as an organ sounds not, wanting wind, 
 
 so Lord ! without the breath of thy sweete grace, 
 I cannot sing thy praise with cheerfull mind, 
 
 or make my praiers ascend before thy face. 
 Inspire me first, and then with sounding voice, 
 my soule shall warble holie hymmes of thee ; 
 that all which heare me, shall in hart reioice, 
 and long to beare a part of praise with mee. 
 of grauest musike, sweetest tones shaU flie, 
 from me the instrument of thy due praise ; 
 nor shall their harmony in silence die, 
 till it haue fill'd the world with diuine layes. 
 Till it haue wak't some soules that sleepe in syn, 
 it shall not die ; but with attractiue power 
 allure the mindes of them that brutest byn, 
 by faith with mee t' approch thy heau'nly bower. 
 
Sinctent Stbotional 3Poftr»- 
 
 LI. 
 
 OF THE HOLIE SCRIPTURE. 
 
 HOU art a mirror that doest faire enclose, 
 til' idea of th' etemall Maker's will. 
 Thou art the simple truth that wisely showes 
 
 the path that leades to the most holy hiU. 
 
 Our Sauiour's testament thou doest containe, 
 
 the euidence of all our future blis : 
 
 thou art the star that guides vs to attaine 
 
 the blessed mantion where our Sauiour is. 
 
 6 may that wholesome word contain'd in thee, 
 
 neuer depart out of my mouth and mind ; 
 
 but euer bee a guide and light to mee, 
 
 to walke the path my Sauiour hath assign'd ; 
 
 which path leades vs vnto the heau'nly rest, 
 
 where ioyes are greater then can be exprest. 
 
Slncunt Sjbotional ^Poftru. 
 
 LII. 
 
 HOW my soule tliirsting to haue her fill, 
 of t'heauenly wisedome of thy testimonies, 
 attentiuely markes thy reuealed will, 
 
 and sucketh in thy gratious promises. 
 
 She laies them \'p in closett of my hart, 
 
 faithfully trusting in thy helpe at neede ; 
 
 for thou the God of truth and mercy art, 
 
 thy word is followed with performing deed. 
 
 Let Sathan rore, the world raise tempests on mee ; 
 
 the wanes of trouble beate against my side — 
 
 tempestuous gusts blow all their spite vpon mee, 
 
 yet will I not be faint or terrifide ; 
 
 For how can he be shaken or confounded, 
 
 that on the rock of truth is built and grounded. 
 
9nmnt Sebotional ^oftru. 
 
 LIII. 
 jAD not thy mercies far surpass'd my merit, 
 th' infernall pitt had swaUowed mee ere this ; 
 nor should my guiltie and sin-laden spirit 
 
 now call for grace to heale what is amis. 
 But thou, 6 gratious God, desiring euer 
 the sinful man's conuersion, not his fall, 
 diddest forbeare with a iust stroke to seuer 
 me from all hope of fauor spirituall. 
 And since that hitherto thy loue alone 
 hath saued mee from well-deserued shame, 
 Repent the not of that thy fauor showne ; 
 but saue my soule to glorifie thy name. 
 
 Saue me for Christ his sake, that vnderwent 
 death's paines for me that I might not bee shent. 
 
Sncunt Sebotional Pojtt^. 
 
 LIV. 
 ARDON, 6 Lord, my sins for which I moui-ne, 
 and do not cast me from thy presence quite ; 
 I waile, I weepe, my hart is inly tome, 
 to thinke how I haue liued in thy sight, 
 and how ingratefull I haue euer beene, 
 for all thy blessings I haue felt and scene. 
 
 2. I do accuse my selfe of euery sin — 
 I know my guiltinesse, my errors stand 
 before my face, shewing what I haue bin, 
 and how I still remaine in Sathan's band, 
 from whence, 6 let thy mercie set me free, 
 for his deare sake that hath redeemed mee. 
 
indent Sebotionat ^ottvw. 
 
 3. My praiers, my teares, my spirit-renting grones, 
 durst not presume to take their flight to thee ; 
 but that thy Sonne, who thee and man attones, 
 inuites all burdened soules to come to thee ; 
 
 Therefore, I come by faith on him relieng, 
 
 that thou wilt helpe mee ; sure thou hear'st my crying ! 
 
 4. Hasten, 6 God, to make me cleane within, 
 thy holy spirit purge mee of earthly drosse, 
 melt me in flames of loue, and then begin 
 to stampe on mee th)' image and thy crosse. 
 
 Marke mee for thine, for thine I long to bee, 
 Whome thoughe I serue, yet am I perfitt free. 
 
Ancient ©ebotional ^ottvp. 
 
 LV. 
 j'HAT Aduocate haue wee, 6 Christ! but thee, 
 
 ther's none in heauen, much lesse on earth, can saue 
 our sinfull soules from hell's captiuity 
 but thou : Thou to redeeme vs freely gaue 
 thy selfe to shamefull death vpon a tree, 
 where thou, 6 Lambe, wert sacrific'd and slayne, 
 to satisfie our debt and sett us free ; 
 and that wee might God's fauor reobtayne. 
 No saint but needed washing in thy blood ; 
 AngeUs refuse to be honored of vs, 
 therefore to thee alone, 6 soueraigne good, 
 wee make our praiers in seasons periUous, 
 
 beleeuing, stedfastly that thou wilt heare vs, 
 and that thy mercy in due time wiU cheere vs. 
 
Sinmnt Sebottonal ^oetro. 
 
 LVI. 
 
 H, what soule-pleasing solace do they proue, 
 that spend their daies in seruice in thy court ; 
 they tast the sweetnesse of thy grace, thy loue 
 inflames their soules with ioy aboue report. 
 
 Vnto the musique of the spheres they sing, 
 etemall praise to thee, immortall king. 
 
 O how my sonle desires to haue a seate 
 
 in that sweete quire that shee may sing thy praise ; 
 
 and magnifie thee for thy mercies great, 
 
 that mee from death to life vouchsaf st to raise. 
 
 Lord, since to mee such fauor hath ben showne, 
 by mee let thy sweete mercy bee made knowne. 
 
Ancient iBtbottonal ^ottrp- 
 
 LVII. 
 
 YEE the sonnes of men, come ioyne with mee, 
 with hart and voice to sing th' Eternall's praise ; 
 ^<. for he is gratious, and his mercies bee, 
 endles and euerlasting as his daies. 
 
 Let vs remember when wee went astray, 
 and found no place of refuge in our needes ; 
 when for great anguish wee did pine away, 
 and our soules fainted for their foule misdeedes. 
 
 How then wee cried, with troubled hart and mind, 
 to bee deliuered from that great distresse ; 
 and magnifie his mercy that inclin'd 
 to pittie vs, and vs so soone release. 
 
Smt'mt Sebotional ^otttv. 
 
 O therefore, with most chearefuU hart and voice, 
 let vs assemble in his holy place ; 
 t'extoU his name with praise, and to reioice 
 for our deliuerance by his only grace. 
 
 Let 's bend our knees with humble reuerence, 
 and banish feare, now wee approch his throne ; 
 sing cherefully, God is our sure defence ; 
 the home and rock of our saluation. 
 
 In him wee Hue, hee hath created vs ; 
 wee are the sheepe that in his pastures feede, 
 whome hee doth driue to springs delicious, 
 of lining waters, where wee nothing neede. 
 
 Wee feele no sorrowe, none hath cause to mone, 
 his rod and staff do comfort us each one. 
 
ancient ©ebotwnal J^octrp. 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 i)>^^W<'5):ESU, th' eternall life of them that die in thee : 
 thy iust and holy wiU be finished in mee, 
 whether thou please I line to serue thy holy name, 
 or that my bodie turne to dust, from whence it came. 
 Sure I am nothing 's lost, that is to thee comended ; 
 therefore, with willing hart, this flesh that oft offended, 
 I will lay downe in hope, that when the dead shall rise, 
 my soule, and it tliroughe thee, shall Hue in Paradise. 
 
Ancient iStbottonal ^ottr^. 
 
 LIX. 
 
 jgl ASH mee in the lauer of thy mercie, Lord, 
 M els dare I not appeare before thy face ; 
 M\ for, as a leper, lothsome, and abhor' d, 
 I am bespotted with my sinne's disgrace. 
 The brinish riuers of my teares cannot 
 make cleane but one of my spots infinite. 
 No helpe's in me, to perish is my lot, • 
 
 Vnles thy pittie daigne to wash me white ; 
 Therefore, to thee alone, God only good, 
 with hart contrite and broken, I repaire. 
 Vouchsafe that some of thy most pretious blood, 
 may bee obtain'd by this my humble praier ; 
 To wash away my sinnes that are so fowle, 
 and sanctifie my body and my soule. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Slnftcnt IBebotional ^^ofttrj. 
 
 LX. 
 ^'HERE shall I go or turne me, wretched \vight ? 
 WofuU and helplesse, whither shall I flie ; 
 my secret sinns will all bee brought to light, 
 nought can bee hid from God's alseeing eie. 
 
 2. O whether shall my guiltie soule repaire, 
 
 to haue some refuge from God's indignation ? 
 to whome shall I my wofuU state declare, 
 that am to heau'n and earth abhomination ? 
 
 3. The arrowes of th' offended Maiestie 
 
 of great Jehouah stick within my brest ; 
 
 the worme of conscience gnawes ; I haue no rest, 
 
 but day and night my sinnes against me crie. 
 
idtcicnt ©ebottonal ^oetrg. 
 
 4. What then, 6 wretched sinner, wilt thou do ? 
 Dispaire ? 6 God, forbid ! Call to thy mind 
 That God is mercifull, his promise true. 
 That Christ is the Redeemer of mankind. 
 
 5. Lay hold on him, sole refuge of the poore, 
 beleeue in him, the God of grace and peace ; 
 to him, the true Phisition, shew thy sore, 
 for he alone can heale thy fowle disease. 
 
 6. Come to him humbly, let thy teares expresse 
 the heauie sorrowes of thy contrite hart : 
 Cry out for grace to purge thy wickednesse, 
 Striue, get a blessing from him, ere thou part. 
 
indent Jitbottonal ^octrp. 
 
 LXI. 
 
 BISSE of mercie, heare tlie crie 
 of me th' abisse of miserie. 
 Couer my simies, I thee entreate, 
 
 put me not from thy Merci-seate, 
 
 till thou remitt offences past. 
 
 Let not thine anger euer last ; 
 
 if thou my sinnes, in Justice scan, 
 
 I am but dust, a worme, no man ; 
 
 but if thy grace remitt my sin, 
 
 then will my life and ioy begin. 
 
 6 therfore, let thy saviing grace 
 
 make my poore sovJe her dwelling-place ; 
 
 and grant me that I may obtaine 
 
 thy fauor to asswage my paine, 
 
 which grows so great that life will fade, 
 
 \Tilesse thou daigne thy present aide. 
 
^nnmt iSebotional ^oetri). 
 
 6 heare ! 6 pittie ! 6 forgiue ! 
 Let me not perish, Lord, but Hue 
 to serue thee with unfained hart, 
 for fredome from deserued smart. 
 
 Amen. 
 
3mmtt Stbotional ^ottw. 
 
 LXII. 
 
 ^H let mee walke vpright, led by thy grace, 
 
 Deere Sauiour, let not follie bHnd mee more ; 
 but take thou in my hart the cbefest place, 
 
 and raigne tbou there where Sin the sceptre bore. 
 
 Be thou my Soueraigne, as of right thou art, 
 
 goueme and rule me by thy holie law ; 
 
 Put thy yoke on me, and with cheerfull hart, 
 
 behold, thy easie burthen I will draw. 
 
 The doing of thy will shall bee my pleasure, 
 
 to honor thee, my studie and desire, 
 
 to bee content with what thou giu'st, my treasure, 
 
 thy grace, the crowne to which I wiU aspire. 
 
 Ah, Lord, vouchsafe to bring mee to this state, 
 
 rather than faile throiigh the narrow gate. 
 
 Amen. 
 
amunt i3tbotional ^ottru. 
 
 LXIII. 
 I ONNE of the Virgin most immaciilate, 
 
 who, to sett ope the heauenlie kingdome's gate 
 to true beleeuers, diddest tread alone 
 
 the winepresse, and so God and man attone ; 
 
 6 let one di'op of that most most pretious iuice, 
 
 which from thy side did flow as from a sluce, 
 
 fall to my share, one drop will satisfie 
 
 my soule, 6 Lord, do not a drop denie. 
 
 Giue to my thirstie soule that waites on thee 
 
 a tast how sweete thy sauing mercies bee. 
 
 Giue, for I meritt not ; my faith relies 
 
 on thy free grace which neuer did despise 
 
 the sinner that repented, and forsooke 
 
 the euill waies that formerly hee tooke. 
 
 M 
 
Snrimt Sebotional J^ottxv. 
 
 LXIV. 
 E thou, 6 Lambe of God, my Aduocate, 
 Vnto the heauenlie Father's maiestie : 
 
 1^ Entreate that these my teares may mitigate 
 the rigor of his iust seueritie. 
 And where for all the terme of my life past, 
 my soule hath ben a bond — slaue to the Diuell ; 
 her loue, hereafter, shall on thee be plas't, 
 and I wiU cease to do the thing that's euill : 
 Which that I may effect, 6 grant this howTe 
 that saw mee sin, may see me dy -vTito it ; 
 for, but thy holy Spirit's allmightie powre 
 aide and asist mee, I can neuer do it, 
 I'me but a branch of the corrupted tree, 
 whose roote, leaues, fruite, for euer eviU bee. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
Inmnt IBebottonal ^Poftrg. 
 
 LXV. 
 HOLY Spirit, assist me with thy grace, 
 and ope mine eies that I may see my shame 5 
 how lewdlie I haue liu'd before thy face, 
 and how I still perseuer in the same. 
 6 holy Comforter of all distrest, 
 behold my wretched state and pittie mee ; 
 Lend help at lenght, inspire within my brest 
 thy wholsome counsells to recomfort mee ; 
 6 daigne t' inhabite in my house of clay, 
 and purifie it with thy clensing power ; 
 my ouglie sins let them bee chas'd away. 
 Regenerate me,».Lord ; o let this hower 
 
 Be the last instant of my fowle offending, 
 and blest beginning of my Hue's amending. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncrnit JStbotional iPottrg. 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 HE curse that for my sinnes I well deserue, 
 I Lord, for thy mercie's sake auert from mee ; 
 Ml O do not narrowly my life obserue, 
 least there be found no wedding robe on mee. 
 Couer my faults no lesse than infinite, 
 lest veiwing them, they moue thee vnto ire ; 
 But 6, behold thy sonne, my life and light, 
 who did for me all that thy lawes require. 
 To make attonement for my foule transgression, 
 he ofired vp himself e a Sacrifice — 
 6 heare ! his wounds and stripes make intercession, 
 to saue my soule, which at thy mercy lies, 
 and hath no where to fly from thee displeas'd ; 
 but to thyselfe, by him in whome tho' art pleas'd. 
 
Ancient IBebotunal ^oetr^. 
 
 LXVII. 
 ROSTRATE I Ue before thy throne of grace, 
 prest with the waight of syn intollerable ; 
 I call, I cry. Lord ! from thy holy place, 
 send helpe, and free me, wretch most miserable, 
 only to thee I make my sorrows known, 
 my greuous sorrows for my sins forepast ; 
 Gratiouslie heare me, for in thee alone, 
 the Anchor of my hope is fixed fast. 
 The bowells of thy pittie turne to mee, 
 for I am poore, and of a broken hart, 
 fearing, 6 Lord, to bee dispis'd of thee, 
 if thou, in iustice, censure my desart. 
 
 I cannot stand in iudgment, therefore, Lord ! 
 thy sauing mercy to my soule afford. 
 
 Amen. 
 
ancient 23cbottonal JPoctrg. 
 
 LXVIII. 
 ^' OTH iieau'n and thee, 6 Lord, I haue offended, 
 
 ^' and am not worthy t' haue my sute attended, 
 
 1/ 
 
 ^ as I haue ben rebellious to thy bests. 
 
 so mighst thou iustly spurne at my requests ; 
 I am not worthy to bee call'd thy son, 
 6 that I were but of thy seruants one ; 
 thy sendee is true fredome, to be pris'd 
 aboue all things within the world compris'd : 
 Ay, me, that in my baptisme being retain'd 
 to serue thee all my life with hart vnfain'd, 
 I haue forsaken thee and seru'd my lust, 
 I do repent mee of that deed vniust ; 
 ■ and thereof hartily entreate remission, 
 into thy house giue me once more admission ; 
 among thy seruants' names my name enroule, 
 and with thy liuery cloath my naked soule ; 
 to bee thy seruant I shall more reioyce, 
 then of a thousand kingdoms t' haue the choice. 
 
anctmt JBebotional ^ottxv. 
 
 LXIX. 
 HELPING Father, though I cannot merit 
 to haue thy fauor in the least degree, 
 Daigne yet for pittie that thy holy Spirit 
 make cleane my soule that faine wold trust in thee. 
 
 The labouring spirit, the heauie loden hart, 
 thou gratiouslie doest call to come to thee, 
 promising to refresh them, and to impart 
 thy balme of grace to cure their miserie. 
 
 My spirit therfore with grones vnutterable, 
 cries out to thee, my Lord, my God, release mee ; 
 Saue me, of sinners the most miserable, 
 euen for his sake that did by his death appease thee ; 
 Let this my praier the badge of my contrition, 
 and my weake faith obtaine a free remission. 
 
 Amen. 
 
indent 33ebotional 33o«tri). 
 
 LXX. 
 
 ET once againe, most gratious louing Father, 
 thy iustly kindled indignation slake, 
 Strike not thy offending child, pittie me rather, 
 for thy deare sonne my only Sauiour's sake. 
 
 I haue neglected what I should haue done, 
 but Christ for me hath perfitly obaid ; 
 I haue done that I should haue left vndone, 
 but his great suffrings haue thy wrath allaid. 
 
 In him my confidence is firmely plac't, 
 in him I know thy Majestie's well pleased, 
 therefore I'me sure my sins shal bee defas't. 
 Who put his trust in him that was not eased ? 
 
 I shal not die, but liue, my pardon's sealed ; 
 
 Joy, angells — Lo ! a leprous sinner healed. 
 
Sncunt JBebotional iSoetru. 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 IDST thou not promise, Lord, t' our fathers old, 
 
 to spare them if they would bee penitent ; 
 j are not those gratious promises enrol'd 
 
 for our assurance in thy Testament ? 
 
 O cloth thyselfe with mercie and with grace, 
 
 And then wee shall b' imboldened t' implore thee, 
 
 for, if in iustice thou wilt waighe our case, 
 
 what mortall wight shall dare to come before thee. 
 
 Bee mild and merciful!, raine not vpon vs 
 
 the punishments that our transgressions merit, 
 
 make our hearts contrite, and haue mercie on vs ; 
 
 and 6 direct vs with thy holy Spirit, 
 
 to leaue our sinnes, and so our lines t' amend, 
 
 that we m' adhere to thee world without end. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 N 
 
Ancient ^tbotion&l H^otty^. 
 
 LXXIL 
 
 PON thy promises, Lord, wee relie, 
 for they assure vs of eternall blis ; 
 on them our faith doth easilie descrie 
 
 the land of promise where our Sauiour is. 
 Whether we know thy loue, all time outlasting, 
 will one day bring vs for Emanuell's sake, 
 that wee of ioy and pleasure euerlasting, 
 with thee, thy sonne, and spirit may partake ; 
 6 blessed Lord, assure mee of this grace, 
 to cheere me while I Hue in vale of woe, 
 and when I die let mercie mee embrace, 
 and bring mee there where thine elect shal go, 
 
 euen to the ioies which tongue cannot expresse, 
 for Jesus' sake grant me this happinesse. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient i3cbotU)nal ^oetrg. 
 
 LXXIII. 
 
 HE poore in Spirit that know their misery, 
 
 Whose contrite harte for their transgressions grone, 
 And, void of helpe elsewhere, for succor cry, 
 
 to him that heareth prayers, euen God alone, 
 
 God's word calls blessed and affirmes moreo're, 
 that unto such his kingdom doth belong : 
 Therefore my soule, prostrate at Mercie's dore, 
 WofuUy beg releife with grones most strong. 
 
 Let teares, cries, praiers, thy wretched state expresse, 
 weepe bitterly, for greuous are thy sins; 
 cry earnestly, for great is thy distresse, 
 pray faithfully, such praier pittie wins. 
 
Ancient Scbottonal iSojtrp. 
 
 LXXIV. 
 
 TERNALL God, whose dwelling is in light, 
 which mortall men's weake eies cannot behold, 
 who giuest the grace to call on thee aright, 
 
 or els our praiers are fruitlesse, dull, and cold. 
 
 2. Prepare my spirit, rowze my affection 
 to call vpon thee with vnfained hart ; 
 Vouchsafe mee thy good Spirit's direction, 
 so shall my praier be taken in good part. 
 
 3. Euen for the worthinesse of Jesus, grant 
 thy gratious pardon to my sinfull soule, 
 who, like the chased hart, doth bray and pant 
 after the streames of grace that from thee roule. 
 
 4. Nothing but mercie can my soule content, 
 her spirituall thirsting 6 vouchsafe to slake ; 
 Lord, shew thy mercie to the penitent, 
 
 be gratious to mee for thy promise sake. 
 
Tincient ©tbotional PoctrD. 
 
 5. Looke not vpon my person, but behold 
 my Mediator on thy right hand plas't ;' 
 
 See, Lord, his woundes like open mouthes are bold, 
 to mediate for thy image thoughe defas't. 
 
 6. 6 let those agonies my Sauiour bid, 
 efFectuallie quench thy consuming ire, 
 and blot out all the trespasses I did 
 when Sathan captiuated my desire. 
 
 7. Remember not the sinnes of my yong age, 
 Examyne not their foulnesse in thine ii'e, 
 thou know'st my flesh is but a filthie cage, 
 the habitacle of vncleane desu'e. 
 
 8. But ope the windows of the heauens, thy seate ; 
 let showres of grace on mee from thence descend, 
 to wash away my sinnes past measure greate, 
 which done, that I no more thy lawes offend. 
 While in this vale of error I abide, 
 
 giue mee thy Spirit of truth to bee my guide. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Snrimt iBjbottonal l^ottv^. 
 
 LXXV. 
 
 ] AN it bee hid from thee that I am weake, 
 I 6 Diuine wisedome ? nay, before I speake, 
 ^^^i thou know'st my wretched state, thou seest my teares, 
 
 my moumefull plaint beefore thy throne appeares. 
 
 Thou know'st my hunger for the spiritual! foode, 
 
 how thirst for grace euen drieth vp my bloode. 
 
 Giue me, 6 Lord, the crums fain from thy bord, 
 
 6 to my soule one sauing helth afford, 
 
 That I may be refresht before I die, 
 
 6 heare, 6 pittie, 6 regard my crie ; 
 
 6 let thy bahne of mercie cure my smart, 
 
 and heale my broken and afflicted hart. 
 
 Let a repentant sinner fauor find, 
 
 let a straid sheepe, 6 Lord, be had in mind, 
 
atuimt l3ebotujnal ^oettrp. 
 
 Seeke me, and bring mee back into thy fold, 
 and there from further straieng me withhold. 
 Thy coming was to saue vs from our sinnes, 
 my soule in humble praier neuer linnes 
 to beg for grace to purge my guilt away, 
 dense me, 6 Jesu, while it is to-day. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient iitbotional iSottrg. 
 
 LXXVI. 
 
 AUE thee, 6 Lord, I haue no God at all, 
 I trust vpon thy goodnesse and thy might, 
 Thou art my Tower of strenght and brasen wall, 
 to whome I flie now dangers mee affright ; 
 I build my confidence on thee alone, 
 God able to releiue in greatest needes ; 
 6 let thy will and power conioyne in one, 
 to wash away the guilt of my misdeedes. 
 Tume not away thy fauorable face, 
 because I merit not to haue thy fauer, 
 But let me tast of thyne abundant grace, 
 for the deare merits of Jesus Christ my Sauer, 
 who gaue himselfe to death on this condition, 
 that they which trust in him might haue remission. 
 
Siicttnt Sebotional J^ottvv. 
 
 LXXVII. 
 
 OT in my merits, but thy mercies, Lord, 
 seeke I saluation, for I am but dust; 
 the best of workes my nature doth afford, 
 is but a broken reede whereon to trust. 
 Euen to thy honor I confesse my shame, 
 my leprosie is lothsome to behold ; 
 Ah ! for the honor of thy holie name, 
 dense mee from my corruptions manifold. 
 Forget, 6 Lord, the errors of my youth, 
 forgiue the trespasses for which I mourne. 
 Pittie me. Lord, euen as a mother doth 
 her tender child with paine and anguish worne ; 
 6 say to mee, my hope and expectation, 
 Go, sin no more, I am thy soule's saluation. 
 
Sncimt Sebotional ^ottrg. 
 
 LXXVIIL 
 
 ITH face shame-couered and derected eie, 
 with hart that for her trespasses is broken 
 with soule that sorrowes more then can be spoken, 
 I sinner, Lord ! before thy footestoole lie. 
 
 Vnable vtterlie to tell my greife, 
 VTilesse thy Spirit do giue mee vtterance, 
 dispamng euer to obtaine releife, 
 vnlesse thy grace grant me deliuerance. 
 
 Ah ! for the honor of thy name encline, 
 thy gratious eare vnto my soule's request ; 
 though I bee unworthy much, yet am I thine ; 
 let not sin rob thee of thy interest. * 
 
Ancient iBEbotional JPoctw. 
 
 Why should I die in my transgression, 
 since thou delightest not in sinner's fall, 
 but do'st reioice in their conuersion, 
 and giuest them a crowne of life withall. 
 
 Millions of sinners, in the ages past, 
 haue had their free and generall pardon from thee, 
 yet art thou still as gratious as thou wast, 
 therfore I hope thou wilt haue mercie on mee. 
 
 Thou badst mee seeke, 6 Lord, and I should find ; 
 aske, and should receiue my hart's desire : 
 I aske thy pardon, let me haue it sign'd, 
 ah ! seale it to my soule I thee require. 
 
indent ©cbotional ^ojtrp. 
 
 LXXIX. 
 (A.THER'of mercie, God of peace and grace, 
 [i who wishest not a sinner's ouerthrowe, 
 but of thy tender pittie doest embrace, 
 
 and cheare the soule that for her sinnes is woe : 
 
 Heare me thy seruant, penitent and sad, 
 that in the shade of Death distressed lie, 
 Behold the sighes wherewith my praier is clad, 
 haue mercie on mee full of miserie. 
 
 6 call mee not to iudgment in thine ire, 
 for why ? my sinnes are great and infinite, 
 who shall be sau'd, 6 Lord, if thou require 
 a strickt accompt ? ther's no man Hues vpright. 
 
Snctfnt Stbottonal ^ottru. 
 
 Deare Lord, the lesse compassion I deserue, 
 
 the greater will thy mercie bee to saue mee, 
 
 Bottomelesse depth of mercie, 6 preserue 
 
 the soule which thou of thine owne goodnesse gaue mee. 
 
 Grant mee to liue thy seruant, and henceforth 
 with willing hart to do thy holy will, 
 my nakednesse cloth with my Sauiour's worth, 
 my emptinesse. Lord, with thy fulnesse fill. 
 
Sncimt Scijotianal ^octrj. 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 iSiERCIE and pittie in tliine eies abide, 
 I|{ yea, thou art mercie's selfe, 6 God of grace, 
 ^ Therfore my miseries I do not hide, 
 but vnto thee lay open my disgrace. 
 
 Ah ! pittie mee in whome no health remaines, 
 from crowne to sole no part is free from sores ; 
 Most gratious Lord, asswage my greuous paines, 
 Thou hast the balme that dead to life restores. 
 
 6 true Samaritan, powre into mee, 
 
 thy clensing wine and mollifieng oile ; 
 
 Bind vp my woimdes with bands of Charitie, 
 
 and leaue mee not abroad on the hard soile : 
 But of thy pittie let me haue some place 
 to lie within thy roofe, my line's short space. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sttcifnt 9e6ottonal iioftry. 
 
 LXXXI. 
 
 STILL bewaile the sinnes that I haue done, 
 yet do I still offend worse then before ; 
 I see the thi'id is naught that I haue s^jun, 
 I hate my sin, yet sin I more and more. 
 
 6 fraile ! 6 vaine ! 6 most inconstant man ! 
 that seest what's good, yet choosest what is ill, 
 whose sensuall lust, and most corrupted will, 
 so curbe the better part, that nought it can. 
 
 6 thou that didst create the shining light, 
 when all the world lay WTapt in duskie night, 
 my crooked will make by thy word \'pright, 
 and let my stubbome flesh yeald to my spright. 
 
 That both together may agree in this, 
 
 to do thy viiH, and so arrive at blis. 
 
 Amen. 
 
9nctmt Scbottonat 3Poftry. 
 
 LXXXII. 
 
 y humble praier and invocation, 
 
 with boldnesse to thy throne of mercie flies ; 
 6 Lord, my strenght and my saluation, 
 
 regard my humble sute with gratious eies. 
 
 Free me from the captiuitie of sin, 
 in which my humane frailtie made me fall ; 
 vnlose the chaines that I ly WTapped in, 
 6 let me be no longer Sathan's thrall. 
 
 Visite mee, Lord, and 6 performe to mee 
 thy mercie promist to the penitent. 
 Heare mee, 6 gratious Sauiour, for in thee 
 my broken hart is firmely confident, 
 
 that by thy bloodshed I shall bee releast, 
 and by thy fauor in thy kingdome feast. 
 
ancunt JBfbotional JPoetrp. 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 OW downe thine eare, 6 Lord, vnto my praier, 
 admitt my sighings to haue audience, 
 for vnto thee my faith bids mee repaier, 
 in thy sweete mercie is my confidence. 
 Saue mee, thy seruant, for I trust in thee ; 
 comfort my soule that waiteth for thy grace ; 
 6 lett mee heare thee say thou pardonst mee, 
 that word will wipe all sorrow from my face : 
 That word will make my broken bones reioice, 
 and cause a sinfull corse to Hue againe : 
 6 worke this wonder with thy gratious voice ; 
 say but the word, and it will end my paine. 
 
 Speake to my soule that on thy word relies, 
 I pardon thy sins past, henceforth bee wise. 
 
Ancient iBebottonal ^ottv$. 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 !iURNE not away thy fatherlye aspect ; 
 
 Lord, cast not of thy seruant in thine ire ; 
 as thou didst euer yet shew mee respect, 
 so grant mee now mine humble soule's desire. 
 
 Forsake mee not. that haue forsaken thee, 
 call not to mynd the faults of my past yeares ; 
 I am but dust, 6 therfore pittie mee, 
 and lett my praier come to thy gratious eares. 
 
 Forgiue my frailtie, ignorance, and syn, 
 my wilfull blindnesse, stubborn hartednesse ; 
 Remember not I haue a rebell byn, 
 and plundg'd myselfe in euery wickednesse. 
 O pardon aU that 's past, and grant I may 
 henceforth thy holie ordinance obay. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient iBebotional 3^ottw. 
 
 LXXXV. 
 
 ^ SEE what 's good, yet choose I that is ill ; 
 !^i my soule confesseth that God's lawe is holy, 
 ^! yet so corrupted is my wicked will, 
 
 that I do sell myselfe a slaue to folly. 
 
 O wretched man, I do that which I hate, 
 and what I would I cannot execute ; 
 my bodie and my soule are prostitute, 
 to euerie syn that Heth in the gate. 
 
 Thus God's pure image giuen mee in my birth, 
 is quite defas't, no signe thereof appeares ; 
 my siluer 's drosse, my gold is turned to earth, 
 my wretched soule the Diuel's image beares : 
 His heauy yoke upon my neck doth lie, 
 I am his thrall, but most vnwillinglie. 
 
ancient ©eftotional JPoJtrg^- 
 
 LXXXVI. 
 
 OW are tlie powers of my soule deepe daunted, 
 now shaken at the roote am I (weake tree ;) 
 ^^^1 I stand confounded, see, see, I am haunted 
 with feare and with despaire ; Lord ! rescue mee. 
 
 Though my deserts craue vengeance, yet be pleas'd 
 t' afford me refuge in this raging storme ; 
 Censure me not now, when thou art displeas'd, 
 for I am but a poore and wretched worme. 
 
 Prostrate before thy footstoole I remaine, 
 Deseruing death if all my synnes bee scan'd, 
 but stedfastly beleuing to obtaine 
 a free remission at thy gratious hand : 
 
 For my Redeemer lines, in whome I trust 
 to haue my sin forgiuen, and be made iust. 
 
Ancient iBjbotuinal J^oetru. 
 
 LXXXVII. 
 
 ' HOU that from heauen diddest vouchsafe descend, 
 into the wombe of the most blessed Maide, 
 and thence vnto the Crosse diddest ascend, 
 where both our guilt and paine on thee was laide. 
 
 Heare me, 6 heare mee ! truly penitent, 
 lamenting my neglects and imperfections ; 
 my soule with sorrowe is a sunder rent, 
 to thinke vpon her manifold defections. 
 
 6 pittie him that trusts on thee alone, 
 releeue my soule oppressed with her guilt, 
 comfort the comfortlesse, 6 Corner stone, 
 my confidence vpon thy grace is built : 
 
 Free me therfore from sin's and Sathan's powre, 
 
 6 thou, my Lord and onlie Sauiour. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Snmnt iiebotional Jpottrp. 
 
 LXXXVIII. 
 
 j HE sinnes that I remember oft witli teares, 
 6 Lord, do thou forgett, for if they come 
 into thy presence when my praier appeares, 
 I can exspect nought but a sinner's dome. 
 
 2. Tume, turne thy face away from my misdeedes, 
 so many, so exorbitant, so foule, 
 
 that veiwing them my hart for sorrow bleedes ; 
 oh, wofull state of my sin-burthened soule ! 
 
 3. Remitt my debt, Lord ! for thy mercie's sake, 
 for I'me non-soluent, vtterlie decaid ; 
 
 the paiment that I would I cannot make ; 
 accept-my will to paie for paiment made. 
 
^ncimt ^tbotional ^oetrp. 
 
 4. But if thy iustice, Lord, do yet require 
 a perfitt satisfaction of my det, 
 behold my Sauiour on thy right hand set, 
 hee'l pay for me all that thou can'st desire. 
 
 Is not hee. Lord ! thy Sonne that pleaseth thee ? 
 accept his paiment then, and set me free. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient IBcbottonal ^ojtrj). 
 
 LXXXIX. 
 
 that my praier had wings of loue and zeale, 
 to mount vp to the merci-seate of God, 
 that I might there my penitence reueale, 
 
 and find some fauor to escape this rod. 
 
 Ah, Lord ! behold mee, wretched man, confovmded 
 with feare and greife because I went astray ; 
 my soule with endlesse sorrow is surrounded, 
 because I chose the broad and euill way. 
 
 Behold me, but with a compassionate eie ! 
 pittie my soule that languisheth with greife ; 
 though I deserue it not, 6 heare my crie, 
 and for my Sauior's sake send me releife. 
 
Snctmt JOtbotional ^ottr^. 
 
 Hee, by his death, opened the gate of blis, 
 for euery true beleeuer t' enter in ; 
 Lord, I beleeue that painfull death of his 
 effectuallie can dense mee from my sin. 
 
 If thou but say, Bee it so, it wiU bee done, 
 Good father, comfort thus thy vnworthy sonne. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Ancient ©jfiottonal Poetrj). 
 
 
 xc. 
 
 O Lord ! my soule waites on thy gratious hand, 
 expecting all her good from thee alone, 
 o daine my humble praier to vnderstand, 
 regard my contrite hart's continual! mone ; 
 wipe out the guilt of syn that staines my soule, 
 repriue thy darling from the Diuell's pawe ; 
 6 let thy Spirit henceforth my flesh controule, 
 and my desire from worldly things withdrawe. 
 Teach me to prize obedience to thy lawe, 
 aboue the ioyes this flesh or world afibrd ; 
 6 giue me strength thy easie yoke to drawe ; 
 make mee a constant louer of thy word. 
 
 That when temptations come I may not quaile, 
 but gainst flesh, world, and feind I may preuaile. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Snct'mt l9(f)ottonal ^oetr^. 
 
 XCI. 
 NOT forgett the faultes of my yong age, 
 flagitiouslie comitted in thy sight ; 
 But, Lord, forgett thou them, least thy iust rage 
 depriue my soule of thee, my life and light. 
 The ouglinesse of mine oifences woundes mee 
 with shame, and almost with despaire to view them, 
 the terror of thy iudgments euen confoundes mee, 
 I lou'd my sinnes not more than now I rue them. 
 Be pleas'd therfore to heare the intercession 
 Of thy Sonne Jesus, that to mercie moues thee ; 
 Remember that he died for my transgression ; 
 heare him, for I am coniident he loues mee : 
 Hee came to seeke the lost, to heale the sore. 
 Now I am found, 6 Lord, my health restore. 
 
 Amen. 
 
indent Sebotional JPoftri). 
 
 XCII. 
 NHAPPIE I, of aU helpe quite forlorne, 
 
 whome God and man for sin do iustlie scorne ; 
 
 where shall I goe, or turne mee ? whether ilie ? 
 who will haue mercie of my miserie ? 
 To God I scarce dare lift mine eie for grace, 
 for 6 how haue I sinn'd before his face ; 
 on earth no refuge can I euer find, 
 that am a scorne and scandall to mankind ; 
 6 then what shall I do ? shall I despaire ? 
 Ah no : let mee not bee mine owne soide's slayer. 
 For God is mercifull, my Sauiour liues, 
 who to repentant sinners pardon giues. 
 Hee is alone my refuge and siure trust, 
 hee that first made mee of the lowlie dust 
 after his image, and when I was lost 
 redeem'd mee, will not lose the price I cost. 
 To thee, therfore, 6 Lambe of God, I crie, 
 to thee, 6 Christ ! I shew my miserie. 
 
ancttnt Scbottonal Poetri). 
 
 my broken hart to thee alone appeares, 
 
 thou hear'st the voice of my repentant teares : 
 
 my grones vnutterable 6 respect, 
 
 who neuer yet didst contrite hart neglect, 
 
 Heare not the voice of my most leud ojQPences, 
 
 the raging lion's manifold pretences ; 
 
 6 stopp, and of thy wonted fauor grant 
 
 some grace and mercie to relieue my want. 
 
 My laboring soule, seeking for rest and ease, 
 
 finds nothing in her meritts to appease 
 
 thy iust incensed wrath ; 6 therefore send 
 
 Grace to begin, where flesh and blood do end. 
 
 Behold a greater burthen lies vpon mee 
 
 then I can beare ; shew then some mercie on mee. 
 
 Remember, Jesu, what thou saidst and didst, 
 
 what torment, what reprochfuU death thou bidst, 
 
 to heale the woundes of trulie penitent ; 
 
 and since that thou hast taught mee to repent, 
 
 and rince my soule with teares of true contrition ; 
 
 heale thou my wounds with balsame of remission. Amen. 
 
Smient Stbotwnal ^ottro. 
 
 XCIII. 
 OW that the Christian flock makes their repaire 
 vnto thy house, 6 Lord ! the house of praier, 
 let not my soule sit idely in her neast, 
 but rouze her vp to celebrate thy feast. 
 Inspire me with thy Spirit, that I may sing 
 the praises due to thee, my God and King. 
 Teach me to pray with all thy holie ones ; 
 furnish mee with vnutterable grones, 
 that I may waile my sinnes, and crie for grace ; 
 and when my praier shall come before thy face, 
 heare it, and for the merit and intercession 
 of Jesus Christ, forgiue my foule transgression ; 
 and send thy spirit henceforth to goueme mee, 
 that I may loue and feare nothing but thee. 
 
 Amen. 
 
^ncimt ©tbotional J^oftrp. 
 
 XCIV. 
 
 J HE Crowne that platted on the sacred Head, 
 
 di'de both it selfe and that sweete face with blood, 
 did wee consider of vnto our good, 
 
 would quite abate our pride and lofti-head. 
 
 Those haires disordered, and that wofuU face, 
 
 all our vaineglory would at once expell ; 
 
 that bitter potion could not but displace 
 
 that lust which was the cause that Adam fell. 
 
 Who is 't can heare him with compassion 
 
 praying for his tormentors, and yet hate 
 
 his enimy, nay, brother ? when I see 
 
 earthquake and darknes at thy passion, 
 
 who diedst to bring mee to a blisfull state, 
 
 weeping, I melt, Jesus, in thankes to thee. 
 
Snmnt iSefiotional ^ottro. 
 
 XCV. 
 
 OOD Father, heare this praier of my hart, 
 and comfort me with thy most holie spirit ; 
 for, hut thou daine to ease mee of my smart, 
 
 I die the death that my offences merit. 
 
 Pittie thy creature, well nigh dead with greife 
 
 to thinke vpon my sinnes so infinite ; 
 
 be pleas'd to send me vndeserv'd releife ; 
 
 consider. Lord, my miserable plight. 
 
 I cannot long subsist, vnlesse thou giue mee 
 
 some of thy grace to wash my guilt away, 
 
 nothing but thy compassion can releiue mee ; 
 
 affoord it, Lord, that I may liue to say, 
 
 I straied in vale of Death, but mercy sought mee, 
 
 and to the ioies of life eternaU brought mee. 
 
anctmt ©Jbotional JPojtrp. 
 
 XCVI. 
 
 ITH greife of hart, with sighes, and lamentacon 
 that I haue sinn'd against thy holie lawe, 
 ^ I come to thee, the God of my saluation : 
 ah ! from my sute do not thine eare withdraw ; 
 
 hath not thy holie Spirit inlightened me, 
 to see the fouhiesse of my life forespent ; 
 and loth my sin that hath displeased thee, 
 and for thy sore displeasure to lament ? 
 
 Thus, Lord, thou hast begun to bring me home 
 from desert Syn, in which I went astray : 
 Cast not of, therefore, before I come 
 into thy fold where I so long to stay, 
 
 But finish. Lord, in me thy worke begun, 
 
 for the deare merits of thine only Son. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Sncirat Sfbotional ^oetr». 
 
 xcvri. 
 
 ■ETORNE, my Soule, to sorrow for thy faultes ; 
 let not the world from godly mourning stay thee ; 
 Lament thy weaknesse to endure assalts, 
 cry out for help, or Sathan sure will slay thee. 
 
 Doest thou not euery moment add a syn 
 vnto the brnthen that depresseth thee ? 
 and canst thou from repentant weeping lyn, 
 as if thou felt'st not what oppresseth thee ? 
 
 Remember what 's the wages of transgression 
 both here and in the life that is to come : 
 6 thinke vpon the last and generall Session, 
 where euery sinner shall receiue his dome. 
 
indent iBebottonal l^ottw. 
 
 Let these tMngs moue thee haue a liuely sence 
 
 of thy greate bvirthen, and to sue for grace 
 
 before the day come thou must go from hence : 
 
 for looke, in whatsoeuer wofull case 
 
 Death leaues thee in, the same when thou shalt rise, 
 Judgment will find thee ; Thinke this, and bee wise. 
 
ancient ©ebottonal J^oetrw. 
 
 XCVIII. 
 ORD, when I heard thy voice I was ashamed, 
 and strove to hide mee from thy wrath inflamed. 
 But thy alknowing power hath quickly found mee, 
 and on the bed of deadlie sicknesse bound mee, 
 where now I lye and cry vdth voice outstretched ; 
 shew mercie, Lord, vnto a sinner wretched : 
 6 remember not how I haue displeas'd thee, 
 but how iny Sauioiir Clirist, thy Son, hath pleas'd thee. 
 
 Heare me. Lord, let my crieng win me some fauour 
 
 from thee, my Sauiour: 
 Do not veiw what offences I haue comitted 
 
 or good omitted. 
 But for the loue of him in whome tho'art pleased, 
 
 heale mee diseased. 
 Say to my soule, 6 thou mine expectation, 
 
 I'me thy saluation. 
 
Sncunt JSefiotional ^Poctrj). 
 
 So farre, Deare Lord, from thee my ioie absented, 
 how can I Hue contented ? 
 
 This world affords no pleasure but deadlie paineth ; 
 
 this life, the more it growes, the sooner wayneth. 
 All ioies are paines without thee ; 
 
 But where thou shin'st thou gladdest all about thee ; 
 
 Thou art the Bridegroome that with ioy vnitest 
 
 thy Spouse to thee, and in her loue delightest. 
 
 6 life ! 6 light ! o Loue ! decaiyng neuer, 
 
 Joine me to thee by grace now and for euer. 
 
Sncunt iSebotuinal l^ottrv. 
 
 XCIX. 
 HE burthen of my sin's so great, tliat I 
 
 sinke downe, euen vnto hell, vnder the waight: 
 
 6 Lord, that know'st this, my soule's wretched state ; 
 
 help me, least vndemeath their lode I die. 
 
 Despise not these my grones and lamentation ; 
 slight not my teares and sighes of true contrition ; 
 but of thy wonted sweete compassion 
 comfort my soule with free remission. 
 
 Didst thou not call such burdened soules as mine 
 to come to thee, and thou woldst ease their paine ? 
 to thee I come, 6 Lord ! let me obtaine 
 to bee disburdened of my sinfull crime. 
 
 Why shold I perish. Lord, that trust in thee ? 
 
 surely I shall not, thou'lt disbiu'den mee. 
 
indent iSebottonal ^oetr». 
 
 C. 
 OULE, bee not so delected ; 
 
 feare not, thy praiers and teares shall bee respected; 
 ^^^J in faith and hope perseuer ; 
 no faithful! suiter was reiected euer ; 
 humbly before his sacred footestoole lyeng, 
 vntiU he ease thee neuer cease thy crying ; 
 ther 's none but God that 's able to releiue thee, 
 ther's nothing that in Christ he will not giue thee. 
 Aske, and thou shalt receiue, seeke and assure thee 
 thy earnest seeking comfort will procure thee. 
 
Qmimt Sefiotional iBojtro. 
 
 CI. 
 ONSIDER well, my soule, the sinfulst liuing, 
 ' to whome thou powrest out thy supplication ; 
 
 l^^^^^j is it not God, immortall, euerliuing, 
 
 that hath all sinners in abhomination ? 
 
 Ah ! let an awfull reuerence hold thee in, 
 take heed vnto thy speech and thy behauiour, 
 least that thy praier bee turned into sin, 
 and that it should appease, displease thy Sauiour. 
 
 haue thou a liuely sense of thy distresse, 
 vnto the lowest center prostrate fall, 
 with floods of teares confesse thy guiltinesse, 
 with broken sighes and grones for mercie call. 
 
Snmnt iSebotuinal ^oett^. 
 
 CII. 
 [ORD, that in loue and great humiliation 
 
 cams't downe from hesiu'n, thy glorious habitation, 
 to visit them that in their sinnes lay dead, 
 to heale the sick and giue the hungry bread. 
 
 Vouchsafe to looke vpon my wretched state ; 
 6 heare me ! lieng at thy mercie gate ; 
 see how I am captiv'd by deadlie sin, 
 ah ! view the chaines that I lie wrapped in : 
 
 and by thy word, on which my soule depends, 
 command me to be loosed from these feinds, 
 that I may freely waike in thy right waies, 
 and for my freedome dailie sing thy praise. 
 
Smunt JBjbotional JPoJtrj. 
 
 CIIL 
 HAT I haue hetherto in safety lien 
 vnder the shadow of thy gratious wing, 
 [Wifi'i^i that in thy Gospell's glorious sunshine, 
 I liue the subiect of thee, heauenly king ; 
 that when for breaking of thy holie lawes, 
 I merited etemall condempnation, 
 thou didst not giue me vp into Hell's iawes, 
 but didst forgiue my abhomination ; 
 that I haue had my health and libertie, 
 and euerie blessing my fraile nature needed, 
 all these from thy meere mercie haue proceeded ; 
 a gratious father hast thou bin to mee ; 
 6 bee so still, for his sake that was slaine, 
 to ransome sinners from eternall paine. 
 
Sncimt iifbotional ^otttv. 
 
 CIV. 
 
 HE birds that here so merily do sing, 
 and make these woods with their sweete caroUs ring, 
 methinkes do meete to praise with one accord, 
 
 th' allmighty power of their most gratious Lord, 
 
 who made them, and with plenty feeds them all, 
 
 from the greate Eagle to the Nightingall. 
 
 Then rise, my soule, my harpe and voice awake, 
 
 before the day to God confession make, 
 
 sing a new song, extoU his providence, 
 
 and magnify his great beneficence ; 
 
 let both thy Violl and thy Lute resound, 
 
 what grace in thy distresses thou hast found. 
 
 Begin thou first, and thou shalt quickly see 
 
 the Cherubins and Seraphins agree, 
 
 and ioyne their voices to the Spheres' sweete sound, 
 
 to make both heauen and earth God's praise resound : 
 
 6 joy ! when Angells ioyne with men to sing 
 
 the praises due to our immortall King. 
 
^nrimt JBetJotional ^oetri). 
 
 CV. 
 EACH me thy will, 6 Lord, that I may do it, 
 
 thathaue known long what I should do to please thee, 
 'tis time I now begin to fall vnto it, 
 
 to do thy will, and flee what will displease thee. 
 
 But when I go about it, let m' endever 
 
 with all my hart (for loue of thee, my Maker, 
 
 and not for feare) in thy waies to perseuer, 
 
 that I, with thine elect, may bee partaker, 
 
 here, in this vale of teares, of those sweete graces 
 
 that wont refresh the soules of thine elected ; 
 
 let me participate in holy places 
 
 with thy deare Sts., [saints] and with them bee protected ; 
 
 and in the world to come, for Jesus' meritt, 
 
 the blessed vision of thee. Lord, inheritt. 
 
 Amen. 
 
amtmt Scbottonal i^ottni. 
 
 CVI. 
 
 '^^T flesh that wont rebell against thy law, 
 
 Lo, Lord ! by it is now so brought in aw, 
 so castigated by thy discipline, 
 that to thy seruice it doth now incline ; 
 it goes with me viito the house of praier, 
 where it was wont but seldome to repaire, 
 it humble, prostrate, quiet, comes before thee, 
 it feruent is, and constant to adore thee : 
 if on th}*ne alter. Lord, I sacrifice it 
 to thee, I hope that thou wilt not despise it, 
 thou hast subdued it to thy will and pleasure, 
 tis thyne owne creature, part of thyne owne treasure, 
 o ! let it bee accepted in thine eies, 
 as is the holy euening sacrifice. 
 
 Amen. 
 
Jntirjr of ti)e jFirst Eines. 
 
 
 Abisse of mercie, heare the crie 
 
 LXI 
 
 After the multitude of thy compassions . 
 
 XXVII 
 
 Against my selfe lo ! freely I confesse . 
 
 XXV 
 
 Ah ! how dare I so foule, so ouglie stained 
 
 III 
 
 Almightie Father, since a sinner's cries 
 
 XXII 
 
 Although our bodies, Lord, on th' earth abide 
 
 XVI 
 
 Bee thou more merciful! then I deserue 
 
 . XXXIII 
 
 Be thou, 6 Lambe of God, my Aduocate . 
 
 LXIV 
 
 Being a thrall to sin, a slaue to sence 
 
 XIV 
 
 Both heau'n and thee, Lord, I haue offended . 
 
 LXVIII 
 
 Bow downe thine eare, o Lord, vnto my praier 
 
 LXXXIII 
 
 Can it bee hid from thee that I am weake 
 
 LXXV 
 
 Consider well, my soule, the sinfulst liuing . 
 
 c 
 
 Didst thou not promise, Lord, four fathers old 
 
 LXXI 
 
 Each creature in the sea, the earth, the skye . ' . 
 
 V 
 
^nUtv- 
 
 Eternall God, whose dwelling is in light . 
 Euen as an organ sounds not, wanting wind 
 
 LXXIV 
 L 
 
 Father eterne, Almightie God of spirits 
 Father eterne, almightie, mercifuU 
 Father of mercie, God of peace and grace . 
 Father of mercie, rich in grace and peace 
 Feare not, my soule, thy teares-bedewed praiers 
 From the lowe dungeon whereinto I fell 
 
 XLII 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 . LXXIX 
 
 XXXVIII 
 
 IX 
 
 . XIX 
 
 God hath provided meate and raiment meete 
 Good Father, heare this praier of my hart 
 Gratious and allmightie, 6 bee pleas'd 
 
 XLVII 
 
 xcv 
 
 XXI 
 
 Had not thy mercies far surpass'd my merit . 
 Hence ! hence, distracting care of earthly thing 
 Humbly before thy Mercy-seate I throw 
 
 . LIII 
 
 X 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 I cannot with this arme of flesh and blood . 
 I haue no wiU nor power to keepe thy lawe 
 Innocent Lambe, that wert to slaughter led 
 I not forgett the faultes of my yong age 
 I see what's good, yet choose I that is ill . 
 
 XLIII 
 
 . XIII 
 
 XLIV 
 
 . xci 
 
 LXXXV 
 
3)nBc)r. 
 
 I still bewaile the sinnes that I haue done 
 
 . LXXXI 
 
 Jesu th' eternall life of them that die in thee 
 
 LVIII 
 
 Lord, I (as best I can) for grace receiued 
 
 XLVIII 
 
 Lo Lord ! my soule waites on thy gratious hand 
 
 XC 
 
 Lord ! let my praier and meditation . 
 
 XX 
 
 Lord ! that in loue and great humiliation . 
 
 oil 
 
 Lordj when I heard thy voice I was ashamed . 
 
 XCVIII 
 
 Mercie and pittie in thine eies abide 
 
 LXXX 
 
 My bad deserts, so many and so great . 
 
 XII 
 
 My flesh that wont rebell against thy law . 
 
 CVI 
 
 My humble praier and inuocation 
 
 LXXXII 
 
 My sin, as red as scarlet, thou, o Lord 
 
 XXIV 
 
 My sinnes stand like a wall, to stop th' accesse . 
 
 . XXIII 
 
 My soule, enformed by the heauenlye truth . 
 
 II 
 
 My soule with ardent loue of thee inflam'd 
 
 XXXII 
 
 Not in my merits, but thy mercies, Lord 
 
 . LXXVII 
 
 Now are the powers of my soule deepe daunted . 
 
 LXXXVI 
 
 Now that the Christian flock makes their repaire 
 
 XCIII 
 
 bee not wroth if I vile dust bee bold . 
 
 . XXVIII 
 
 T 
 
Entity. 
 
 cursed syn ! o wound, o shame, o stayne 
 
 XVII 
 
 helping Father, though I cannot merit 
 
 LXIX 
 
 deere Redeemer, that hast paid the price 
 
 XLI 
 
 hold thy hand, thou vpright Judge of all 
 
 XXXV 
 
 holy Spirit, assist me with thy grace 
 
 LXV 
 
 how my soule thirsting to haue her fill . 
 
 LII 
 
 let mee walke vpright, led by thy grace 
 
 . LXII 
 
 Lord, thou knowst how ignorant and blind 
 
 XXXVI 
 
 that my praier had wings of loue and zeale . 
 
 LXXXIX 
 
 what soule-pleasing solace do they proue 
 
 LVI 
 
 who shall rid me from these guiltie feares . 
 
 XI 
 
 yee the sonnes of men, come ioyne mth mee 
 
 LVII 
 
 Our fathers. Lord ! in troublous times repair'd . 
 
 . XXIX 
 
 Out from the depth of balefull wretchednesse 
 
 XL 
 
 Pardon, 6 Lord, my sins for which I moume 
 
 LIV 
 
 Prostrate before thy throne of grace I fall 
 
 . XXXI 
 
 Prostrate I lie before thy throne of grace , 
 
 LXVII 
 
 Retorne, my soule, to sorrow for thy faultes 
 
 XCVII 
 
 Saue thee, 6 Lord, I haue no God at all 
 
 LXXVI 
 
 Since, heauenly Father ! 'tis thy will I liue 
 
 XXXIX 
 
Snlljjr. 
 
 Since, Lord, by my creacOn I am bound 
 
 XXVI 
 
 Sonne of the Virgin most immaculate 
 
 LXIII 
 
 Soule, bee not so deiected .... 
 
 c 
 
 Sweete are thy testimonies, 6 my Lord 
 
 XXX 
 
 Teach me thy will, 6 Lord, that I may do it 
 
 cv 
 
 That I haue hetherto in safety lien 
 
 cm 
 
 The birds that here so merily do sing 
 
 CIV 
 
 The burthen of my sin's so great that I 
 
 . XCIX 
 
 The crowne that platted on the sacred head 
 
 XCIV 
 
 The curse that for my sinnes I well deserue 
 
 LXVII 
 
 Th' essentiall image of th' Eternall Good . 
 
 XLIX 
 
 The poore in spirit that know their misery 
 
 LXXIII 
 
 The roring lion full of serpent's guile 
 
 VII 
 
 The sinnes that I remember oft with teares 
 
 LXXXVIII 
 
 Thou art a mirror that doest faire inclose . 
 
 LI 
 
 Thou that from heauen diddest vouchsafe descend 
 
 LXXXVII 
 
 Turne back, my soule ! that path leades to the graue 
 
 VIII 
 
 Turne thee, o Lord, vnto mine humble praier . 
 
 . XVIII 
 
 Turne not away thy fatherlye aspect 
 
 . LXXXIV 
 
 Vnhappie I, of all helpe quite forlorne 
 
 XCII 
 
 Vpon thy promises, Lord, wee relie 
 
 LXXII 
 
SinUfj:. 
 
 Vp, sluggish soule, awake, slumber no more 
 
 Wash mee in the lauer of thy mercie Lord 
 What Aduocate haue wee, 6 Christ ! but thee . 
 What though I did possesse the greatest wealth 
 When I suruey the state of that account 
 Where shall I go or tume me, wretched wight ? 
 Why wilt thou perish, my vnrighteous soule 1 . 
 With &ce shame-couered and delected eie . 
 With greife of hart, with sighes, and lamentacion 
 
 LIX 
 
 LT 
 
 VI 
 
 XV 
 
 LX 
 
 . XLTI 
 
 LXXVIII 
 
 . XCTI 
 
 Yee sonnes of men that seeke for happinesse 
 Yet once againe, most gratious louing Father 
 You carelesse woridlings that securely passe 
 
 XLV 
 
 LXX 
 
 IV 
 
 TEE RELIGIOUS TP-iCT SOCIETT, IXSTITCTED IS 1T9P. 
 
Y 
 
 V 
 
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