HnBHI ""Himinnini Tffffflttr a **** ooBHa ■HHH HWfclfl J WMHU BmH hhBHkb JHHBHGL ■■BHH iJiywuiuuM u K mm - ililg ■■■HL ^Hfl8BH9flHHHHHHHHDI SiiSi 1 ;. . mm amm HHbBh &SP H832BBB8B&9I ■I . '■■-.. rpif : Y< ; A 6 °« -J » * o ** * **0« .* > .0 T A V ** v \ ^ < • "* according to the opinion of the true Church declared, that those Scriptures are every whit as useful and necessary for us, as for them, in whose times, and for whose particular occasions they were first written. And before each Hymn I have prefixed also a Irief Preface, to shew in what sense the congregation, or men may privately, and ought to, repeat them. " Moreover, having with grief observed, how the Church of England, like Jesus Christ crucified between two thieves, is traduced and abused be- tween Papists and Schismatics ; the one falsely- charging her with want of order and christian dis- cipline ; the other as unjustly upbraiding her with popish and superstitious observations: and having experience, that there are great multitudes of well- affected people, easy to be led aside for company into the later oversight, through want of some to inform them better, who would with small ado be conformable, if they had means of instruction con- cerning their particular mistakings : yea^ many of these being well inclined towards me, and I not knowing which way to use that affection better than to make it a means of increasing christian unity and devotion, I resolved to publish somewhat, to stir up in them that obedience and reverence which they ought to express towards the pious ordinances of the Church : and if I lost any men's esteem for so conscionable an attempt, I assured myself I lost nothing but what was never worth the saving, " To that end, therefore, having received en- couragement, and taken advice from some of the inost devout and learned of our Divines, I com- posed certain Hymns and Songs,* appropriated to the ordinary public occasions of our Congrega- tions, and to those times observable by command of the Church, and by the authority of the State ; that so God might be glorified in every solemnity j and those times not so much profaned and contemn- ed, as heretofore. iC And because I had heard some Teachers in Israel profess themselves ignorant concerning the lase of the Holydays observed in our Church, I took the more pains, though not presuming to teach them, to express before the proper Song, of every observable time or other occasion, their religious * 162-L 1623. JErfttor, XI ase ; briefly, and in such a manner as I hope every reasonable capacity may thereby understand our Church's discipline, in that point, to be far from a needless, popish, or superstitious tradition. t€ Moreover, that I might not trouble any man's charity or devotion, in the use of these Hymns, I was as watchful as possibly I could be, to make all my expressions free from bitterness, or touches of those controversies, which might give offence to the weak members of our Church. And God so prosper me, as I was, and am, clear from meaning to grieve, offend, or discontent, the souls or consciences of any. " Thus, with a good purpose, I began and finished those Hymns and Songs, which make up the book called, the Hymns and Songs of the Church. So named, not for that I would have them accounted part of our Liturgy, as I have de- livered to his Majesty in my Epistle 5 but because they do for the most part treat of such particulars as concern the whole Church of God. And this is that Book, for which his Majesty vouchsafed me the privilege before mentioned, and which he piously and graciously commanded to be annexed to the Singing Psalms, that it might be the more generally and more conveniently divulged among his subjects, for their instruction. " And indeed, by that means, these poor people, Xll whose pastor's suffer them, or cause them to be mis- informed concerning that point, shall carry about with them, in their most usual book, what may at one time or other open their understandings, to per- ceive their error. " This is that Book, for which I, ever worst used for my best intentions, suffer more than for all my former indiscretions 5 and for which I have re- ceived those affronts, that may well be ranked among my greatest injuries 5 notwithstanding it had besides the ordinary allowance of authority, the particular approbation and commendation both of the King himself, and of many the Members of this most reverend Convocation. <( Yea, this is that Book, for which the Com- monwealth of Stationers, a tyranny unheard of in former ages, desire to make me as odious, as if I had employed my whole study to the oppression of this weal public, or to the subversion of religion : and for which they have pursued me with such violence and clamour, as hath seldom or never been exampled in any cause. " Hear, therefore, I beseech you, their particular objections \ and for his sake, who hath honoured you with high places and holy callings, be you Judges between me and them. For, though in regard of myself, I should take no more notice of xm their malicious wrongs, than the nightingale, in a summer's night, doth of the barking of dogs, and whooping of owls $ but sing on without distemper, to the contentment of mine own soul : yet, since their clamorous noise hinders others from hearing the voice of the charmer, and through my side wounds the credit of Authority ; and may perhaps hereafter encourage them presumptuously for the bringing in of greater inconveniences 5 I desire their dealing with me may be taken notice of by this most Reverend Assembly. To which end I have here set down, what they cry out, to the disparagement of me and my Book, instead of dispersing it abroad, according to his Majesty's royal command, " Some give out that my Book contains nothing but a few needless Songs ; which I composed, and got privileged by Patent, merely for my private benefit, to the oppression of the Commonwealth. for there is so much evil? even in the best XXV111 of my actions, that contempt is the fairest reward which they can justly challenge. Yet when I call to mind with w r hat Christian intentions I was em- ployed upon those Hymns ; and how many hours at midnight I spent about them, whilst, it may be, my traducers were either sleeping out their time, or worse employed : when I consider also how many learned and religious men have approved them, and how much their pious use might further the re- verence and practice of devotion to the praise of God ; it grieves me that there should be in this na- tion any so wicked as to oppose so Christian a work to so frivolous an end. But when I remember by whom and by what authority that book was allowed and commanded to be made public $ and withal, what mystery of iniquity it is that hath conspired against the same, methinks it is an injury not to be tolerated* " Is it reason, they, who live by books, should \>e permitted to abuse the authors of their livelihood > Or is it seemly, that those, who, as I said before, are but the pedlars of books, should become their censurers > and, by consequent, both the censurers and depravers of that authority which allowed them } If this be tolerated, the fairest draughts of Apelles shall be daily subject to the foolish criticisms of those arrogant coolers ; and the State shall not be able, xxlx ere long to publish any thing but what they haVe a fancy to approve. For to this pass it is already come, that whatsoever the state dislikes, shall be imprinted and divulged by them, though both absurd and scandalous, with twice more seriousness, than any book lawfully commanded : but let it tend to schism, and they will disperse more underhand in. one week, than the Royal Authority shall be able to divulge in a year, toward the settling of unity in the Church. tc I know not what it is which should make my Book of Hymns appear so ridiculous unto them, or so unworthy to be annexed to the English Psalm- Book, as they pretend. In respect of the matter, it cannot justly be excepted against ; for a great part thereof is Canonical Scripture ; and the rest also is both agreeable thereunto in every particular, and consonant to the most approved discipline of the Church of England. So that, how squeamishly soever some of their stomachs brook it, they, being allowed by authority, are as fit, I trust, to keep company with David's Psalms, as Robert Wis- dome's Turk and Pope, and those other apocryphal Songs and Prayers, which the Stationers add to the Psalm-Book, for their more advantage. Sure. I am, that if their additions shall be allowed of by the most XXX voices, yet mine shall be approved of, before those^ by the best judgments. " Now, as for the manner of the expression which I have used,, I hope it is such as no just ex- ception can be taken thereunto -, seeing I have, as well in that, which is of mine own invention, as in the translations, used that simplicity of speech, which, being commendable in other things, would have obcured the majesty of those inventions. To this I had so much regard, especially in my transla- tion of the Canonical Hymns, that, if I mistake not, I have as naturally and as plainly expressed the sense of them, as most prose translations have done. And if those indifferent men, who know the poesy and power of the English tongue, may be my judges, they will censure my expressions to be such, as shall neither be obscure to the meanest capacities, nor contemptible to the best judgments 5 but observing a middle way best becoming that purpose, for which they were intended. 40 THE SONG OF SONGS. THE PREFACE. Such is the mercy of God, that he taketh advan- tage even of our natural affections, to beget in our souls an apprehension of his love, and of the mys- teries which tend to our true happiness 5 so fitting his divine expressions to the several inclinations of men, that means might be provided to win some of all. For otherwhile he doth it by comparing the same to the glories of a temporal kingdom, to win such as are most desirous of honours. Sometimes he illustrates it by treasures, gold, and precious stones., &c. the better to allure such as are tempted with things of that nature. And divers other ways also, as appears throughout the book of God. But in this Song of Solomon (wherein is mystically ex- pressed the mutual affection betwixt Christ and his Church, with the chief passages thereof throughout all ages, from Abel to the last judgment, at which time their blessed marriage shall be fully consum- mated), he doth most movingly impart unto us the ravishing contentments of the divine love, by comparing it to that delight which is conceived in the strongest, the commonest, the most pleasing, 41 the most natural,, and the most commendable of our affections. And doubtless it powerfully prevail- eth to the enflaming their spiritual love, who seek rightly to understand and apply the mysteries and expressions herein contained. Let no man, there- fore, presume to sing, or repeat in a carnal sensey, what is here spiritually intended, upon pain of God's heavy indignation. Nor let the wisdom of flesh and blood vainly neglect God's favour, in offering this for the comfort of such as will rightly apply the same : because some atheists and sensual men shall perhaps turn this grace of God into wanton- ness, to their own condemnation. THE FIRST CANTICLE. In this Canticle is first expressed that longing which the whole Catholic Church had for the embraces of her Redeemer (from the time of Abel till his first coming), with her acknowledgment of his ravish- ing excellencies ; her desire to be drawn after him ; and her confession of that joyful happiness which w r ill arise from his favours. Secondly, the particu- lar Church of the Gentiles is brought in, entreat- ing an undespised union with the Synagogue of the 42 Jews,, both confessing and excusing her blemishes. Thirdly, the whole Catholic Church is again intro- duced, as desiring to be fed and guided by her be- loved Shepherd. Fourthly, her petition is most graciously answered, and she directed to follow the steps of the holy Patriarchs and Prophets. Finally, Christ setteth forth the power and rich graces of his Spouse, with what other ornaments he will pre- pare for her. This Canticle we may sing to the stirring up of our spiritual love ; having first se- riously meditated these things, to wit, That desire we ought to have in our souls to be joined to Christ; the excellency of his perfections ; the backwardness of our human nature to entertain his love ; the de- formity and damage we sustain a till we be received into the communion of saints ; the readiness of Christ to receive and direct us 5 the pleasure he will take in our love; and the provision he will make for the further beautifying of our souls. SONG IX. Come, kiss me with those lips of thine ; Far better are thy loves than wine; And as the powered ointments be, 43 Such is the savor of thy name. And for the sweetness of the same. The virgins are in love with thee. 2. Begin but thou to draw me on, And then we after thee will run 3 Oh, King, thy chambers bring me to; So we in thee delight shall find, And more than wine thy love will find, And love thee as the righteous do. 3. And, daughters of Jerusalem, I pray you do not me contemn, Because that black I now appear 3 For I as lovely am (I know) As Kedar tents (appear in show) Or Solomon his curtains are. Though black I am, regard it not 5 It is but sun-beam I have got, Whereof my mother's sons were cause ; Their vineyard keeper me they made, (Through envy which to me they had) So mine own vine neglected was. 44 5. Thou whom my soul doth best affect, Unto thy pastures me direct, Where thou at noon art stretch' d along 5 For why should I be straggling spied, Like her that loves to turn aside, Thy fellow shepherds' flocks among ? 6. Oh, fairest of all woman kind ! (If him thou know not where to find) Go where the paths of cattle are ; Their tracks of footsteps stray not from, Till to the shepherds* tents thou come, And feed thy tender kidlings there. V My love thou art, of greater force Than Pharaoh's troops of chariot horse $ Thy cheeks and neck made lovely be, With rows of stones, and many a chain, And two gold borders well ordain, Beset with silver studs for thee. *►►►► ►►►►»►► * 45 THE SECOND CANTICLE. This Song seemeth to set forth the mystery of Christ his Incarnation, whereby the Church's first petition (mentioned in the former Cantide) is ?e- complisheci. And herein these particulars appfear to be mystically expressed : — His birth and repose between the two Testaments, with his sweet and sanctifying operations. Secondly, the Church's ac- knowledgment of her Redeemer's beauty, inno- cency, and delightfulness; with how pleasant and incorruptible an habitation is prepared for these lovers •, and what excellent privileges she hath by his favour. Thirdly,, Christ and his Church do (as two lovers) interchangeably prefer one another be- fore all others, by way of comparison. Fourthly, the spouse's spiritual love-sick passions are express- ed. And lastly (she having declared how she is en- closed in his embraces), there is warning given that their sweet union be not disturbed. — This Canticle may be properly sung upon the feast of Christ's Na- tivity, or at any other time 5 we having first pre- pared ourselves by a fruitful meditating the particu- lar mysteries of the Song. AG SONG X. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. While that the King was at repast, Thy Spikenard his perfumings cast ; And 'twixt my breasts repos'd my dearj My love, who is as sweet to me As myrrh or camphor bundles be, Which as Engeddi vineyards are. 2. Lo, thou art fair ; lo thou, my love ! Art fair, and eyed like the dove ! Thou fair and pleasant art, my dear ; And lo, our bed with flowers is s trowed, Our house is beam'd with cedar wood, And of the fir our rafters are. 3. I am the Rose that Sharon yields, The Rose and Lily of the fields $ And, flower of all the dales below, My love among the daughters shows, As when a sweet and beauteous rose Amid her bush of thorns doth grow. 47 4. Among the sons, such is my dear, As doth an apple-tree appear, Within a shrubby forest plac't $ I sat me down beneath his shade, (Whereto a great desire I had) Arid sweet his fruit was to my taste. Me to his banquet-house he bare, E'en where his wine provisions are, And there his love my banner was$ With flagons, me from fainting stay, With apples comfort me, I pray, For I am sick of love (alas) ! 6. My head with his left hand he stay'd, His right hand over me he laid ; And by the harts and roes (said he) You, daughters of Jerusalem, Stir not (for you I charge by them) Nor wake my love, till pleas'd she be. 48 THE THIRD CANTICLE. By contemplating this Canticle we may be mys- tically informed of Christ's calling his Church in the apostles, and of her estate in the beginning of Christianity, when he went from place to place (as a hind over the mountains), to further the work of our redemption, moving his disciples (and in them his Church) to follow him, by shewing his divinity a little and a little (as it were) through the grate and from behind the wall of his humanity. More- over, the spring-like season of the Gospel, after the cloudy and winter-like time under the law, is here set forth. And then the Church, having petitioned that the curtains of the ceremonial law might be so drawn away, as that she may both hear and see her Beloved in his unvailed perfections ; she requesteth also, that the sly enemies of his vineyard may be destroyed. She rejoiceth likewise in their mutual looks j and prayeth him, that whilst the day of grace lasteth, she may on all occasions enjoy his speedy consolations. Lastly, the Church confesseth how blindly she sought Christ during the night of the law; how diligently (and through what afflic- tions) she searched after him 5 how at length she found him 5 where also, and with what affections, 49 she entertained him 5 and so concludes,, as in the former Canticle. It ought therefore to be sung with reverence, and consideration of the mysteries therein contained. SONG XT. Sing this as the Fifth Song. 1. I hear my Love, and him I see Come leaping by the mountains there 5 Lo, o'er the hillocks trippeth he, And roe or stag-like doth appear. Lo, from behind the wall he pries ; Now at the window- grate is he : Now speaks my dear, and says, Arise, My love, my fair, and come with me ! 2. Lo, winter's past, and come the spring, The rain is gone, the weather's clear ; The season wooes the birds to sing, And on the earth the flowers appear $ The turtle croweth in our field, Young iigs the fig-tree down doth weigh, The blossomed vines a savour yield 5 Rise, love, my fair, and come away. £ 50 3. My Dove, that art obscured where The rock's dark stairs do thee infold 5 Thy voice (thy sweet voice) let me hear, And thee (that lovely sight behold) . Those foxes' cubs, the vines that mar, Go take us while the grapes be young. My love's am I, and mine's my dear, Who feeds the lily flowers among. 4. While break of day, when shades depart, Return, my well-beloved one, E'en as a roe or lusty hart, That doth on Bether mountains run. For him that to my soul is dear, Within my bed by night I sought ; I sought, but him I found not there; Thus therefore with myself I thought : 5. I'll rise, and round the city wend ; Through lanes and open ways 111 go. That I my soul's delight may find. So there I sought and miss'd him too. The city-watch me lighted on, Then ask'd I for my soul's delight; 51 And, somewhat past them being gone, My soul's beloved found I straight. 6. Whom then in my embrace I caught, And him forsook I not, till he Into my mother's house I brought, Her chamber, who conceived me. You daughters of Jerusalem, Stir not (by field-bred harts and roes, For you I do adjure by them) Nor wake my love, till she dispose. THE FOURTH CANTICLE. Here the Royal Prophet first singeth Christ, his going forth to preach the gospel, metaphorically expressing it (and, as it were) by way of admira- tion, at the excellent name thereof. Next he men- tioneth his couch (or resting-place), meaning either the church, or else that bed of his humanity, which the holy fathers and pastors of the church (as her valiant champions), defended by the sword of God's word against infidels, hereticks, and all the powers and terrors of the kingdom of darkness. Then he £ 2 52 mystically describeth that palace, throne, or abiding place of Christ, together with the glory of it, as well in regard of the precious matter of each several part, as in respect of the form and beauty of the whole fabrick. And lastly, he exhorteth all the faithful (under the name of the daughters of Sion) to contemplate seriously the excellent glory of Christ, when (by his incarnation) the Deity was espoused to the humanity. In singing this, we are to meditate in what security and glorious contentment we shall enjoy the embraces of our Redeemer 3 seeing his bed and place for entertainment of the daughters of Jerusalem (that is, the souls of the faithful) is so excellently built and furnished, as this allegory im- plieth. SONG XII. Sing this as the Fifth Song, * 1. What's he, that from the desert, there, Doth like those smoky pillars come, Which from the incense and the myrrh, And all the merchant spices fume? His bed (which, lo, is Solomon's) Threescore stout men about it stand j 53 They are of Israel's valiant ones, And all of them with swords in hand. 2. All those are men expert in fight, And each man on his thigh doth wear A sword, that terrors of the night May be forbid from coming there. King Solomon a goodly place, With trees of Lebanon, did rear ; Each pillar of it silver was,, And gold the bases of them were. 3. With purple covered he the same, And all the pavement (thoroughout) Oh, Daughters of Jerusalem! For you, which charity is wrought. Come, Sion's Daughters, come away $ And crowned with his diadem, King Solomon behold you may. That crown his mother set on him, When he a married man was made, And in his heart contentment had. 54 THE FIFTH CANTICLE. That loveliness which is found in the most beau- tiful body,, endowed with the riches of the mind, and adorned with the goods of fortune (being of all objects the most powerful over human affections), the Holy Ghost, in this Song of Songs hath there- by mystically expressed the Church's estate in her several ages -> that so it might the better work into our souls an apprehension both of those excellent perfections Christ hath bestowed on his church, and the better inform us also of that unspeakable affection which he beareth unto her. And it seem- eth (the metaphors in this allegory being expound- ed), that the state of the Church, in her several members, is here described -, with her lover's affec- tion shewed towards her, about the time of the gospel's entrance, even when our blessed Saviour was abiding on the earth. But the explanation of each several metaphor will be too large for this place. Nor will every capacity reach unto the par- ticular application of them. It may suffice, there- fore, if such do (by an implicit faith) sing these mysteries with a general application of them to Christ and his Church, believing themselves mem- bers of that spouse 5 and that Jesus Christ is he, 55 who in this Song professeth an entire affection, not only to the whole mystical body of the faithful, but even to every member of it in particular. SONG XIII. l. Oh, my Love ! how comely now, And how beautiful art thou ! Thou of dove-like eyes a pair Shining hast within thy eyes, And thy locks like kidlings be, Which from Gilead Hill we see. Like those ewes thy teeth do show, Which in rows from washing go, When among them there is none Twinless, nor a barren one. And thy lips are of a red, Like the rosy coloured thread. 3. Speech becoming thee thou hast : Underneath thy tresses plac'd, 66 Are thy temples (matchless fair) Which, o'ershadow'd with thy hair, Like pomegranates do appear, When they cut asunder are. 4. To that fort thy neck's compared, Which with bulwarks David rear'd, Where a thousand shields are hung, All the targets of the strong. Breasts thou hast, like twinned roes, Feeding where the lily grows. 5. While day-break, and shades are gone, To the mountains I will run -, To that hill, whence myrrh doth come, And to that of Lebanon ; Thou, my love, all beauty art, Spotless fair in ev'ry part. 6. Come, my spouse, from Lebanon, Come with me from Lebanon. From Amana turn thy sight, Shenir's top, and Herman's height) From the dens of lions fell, And the hills where leopards dwell. 51 7- Thou, my sister, thou art she, Of my heart that robbeth me ; Thou, my spouse, oh,, thou art she, Of my heart that robbeth me ) With one of thine eyes aspect, And with one lock of thy neck. 8. Sister, and espoused peer, Those, thy breasts, how fair they are ! Better be those dugs of thine, Than the most delicious wine \ And thine ointments odours are Sweeter than all spices fan 9- Love, thy lips drop sweetness so, As the combs of honey do 5 Thou hast underneath thy tongue Honey mixt with milk among -, And thy robes do scent as well As the frankincense doth smell. 10. Thou, my sister and espous'd, Art a garden, fast enclos'd ; 58 Walled-spring, a fountain seal'd $ And the plants thy orchard yield Are of the pomegranate tree, With those fruits that pleasant be. 11. Camphor, there, with nard doth grow, Nard commix' d with crocus too 5 Calamus, and cinnamon, With all trees of Lebanon ; Sweetest aloes, and myrrh, And all spice that precious are. 12. All the gardens ev'ry where Take their first beginning there j There the precious fountain lies, Whence all living waters rise ; Even all those streams that come Running down from Lebanon. #<§>####<#<§> t #### THE SIXTH CANTICLE. In this Canticle is mystically set forth the death and passion of Jesus Christ 5 from whence all the sacraments and spiritual graces bestowed on the 59 Church took their beginning. First, Christ desir- eth that, by the blowing of these two contrary winds, the charitable will of God, and the mali- cious will of his adversaries, the work of our re- demption might be wrought : to which purpose the Church also addeth her request. Secondly, Christ sheweth, that he hath accomplished his, with the Church's desire therein : and (expressing the ful- filling of his bitter-sweet passion) inviteth all the faithful to come and take benefit thereof. Thirdly, here is wondrously movingly intimated, both our Redeemer's watchfulness to secure us (even while he slept in the grave), and those love passages of his, wherewith he came to woo us in his human nature (as it were a lover knocking and calling at his beloved's window) in the dark night of his pas- sion, and unheeded afflictions. Lastly, here is described the Church's readiness to open to his Be- loved ) with that love distemperature, which ap- peared in her, when the women and the disciples missed him in the grave ; and when, through fear of the high priests, they were for a time spoiled of their robe and veil of faith. This Canticle may pro- perly be sung in commemoration of our Redeemer's sufferings, and of his Spouse's fear and sorrow be- fore his Resurrection. 60 SONG XIV. 1. Arise, thou north wind, from the north, And from the south, thou south wind, blow 5 Upon my garden breathe ye forth,, That so my spices (there that grow) From thence abundantly may flow 5 And to thy garden come, my dear, To eat thy fruits of pleasure there, 2. My sister and espoused peer, Unto my garden I am come 5 My spice I gather' d with my myrrh, I ate my honey in the comb, And drunk my wine with milk among ; Come friends, and best belov'd of me, Come eat and drink, and merry be. 3. I slept, but yet my heart did wake - y It is my love I knocking hear $ It was his voice, and thus he spake, Come, open unto me, my dear, My love, my dove, my spotless peer y For with the dew my head is dight, My locks with droppings of the night. 61 4. Lo, I have now undressed me, Why should I clothe me as before ? And since my feet clean washed be, Why should I soil them any more ? Then through the crevice of the door Appear'd the hand of my belov'd, And towards him my heart was mov d* 5. I rose, unto my love to ope, And from my hands distilled myrrh 5 Pure myrrh did from my fingers drop Upon the handles of the bar ; But then departed was my dear. When by his voice I knew 'twas he, My heart was like to faint in me. 6. I sought, but seen he could not be ; I call'd, but heard no answer sound. The city watchmen met with me, As they were walking of the round, And gave me stripes that made a wound : Yea, they that watch and ward the wall. E'en they have took away my veil. 62 THE SEVENTH CANTICLE. Here is allegorically expressed the majesty, power, and excellency of Christ ; and is the effect of that which was evangelically sung of him after his Re- surrection and Ascension. First, the bride is intro- duced adjuring the faithful Israelites, that when they have attained the knowledge of Christ, her spouse, they should profess and teach him to the rest of their members. Secondly, those who long to find him, desire again of the Church to know the excellencies of that beloved of hers j and (by doubling the question) seem to imply a two-fold excellency. Thirdly, the Church speedily answers those that inquire after her spouse ; and (by de- scribing his excellency in his ten principal mem- bers) mystically notifieth his tenfold spiritual per- fection 5 whereupon to insist were not here con- venient. Lastly, the faithful crave the Church's direction to help her find him out ; to receive her gracious answer to that purpose. 63 SONG XV. Sing this as the Thirteenth Song, 1. Oh 1 if him you happen on, Who is my beloved- one. Daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you seriously To inform him how that I Sick am grown of love for him* 2. Fairest of all women, tell How thy lover doth excel., More than other lovers do. Thy beloved, what is he, That thou dost adjure us so r 3. He in whom I so delight, Is the purest red and white 5 Of ten thousand chief is he 5 Like fine gold his head doth show, Whereon curled locks do grow 5 And a raven -black they be. 4. Like the milky doves that bide By the rivers, he is ey'd; 64 Full and fitly set they are : Cheeks like spicy-beds hath he ; Or like flowers that fairest be : Lips like lilies dropping myrrh. 5. Hands like rings of gold, beset With the precious chrysolet; Belly' d like white ivory, Wrought about with sapphires rich ; Legs like marble pillars, which Set on golden bases be. Fac'd like Libanus is he, Goodly as the cedar tree, Sweetness breathing out of him : He is lovely ev'ry where. This, my friend, is this my dear, Daughters of Jerusalem. 7. Oh, thou fairest (ev'ry way) Of all women ! whither may Thy beloved turned be? Tell us whither he is gone ? Who is thy beloved-one, That we seek him may with thee? 65 s. To his garden went my dear, To the beds of spices there ; Where he feeds, and lilies gets : I my love's am, and (alone) Mine is my beloved- one, Who among the lilies eats. THE EIGHTH CANTICLE. Herein is contained a continuation of the praises of the Bride, and of that ardent affection expressed by her Beloved in the fifth Canticle; yet it is no unnecessary repetition -, for it seemeth to have re- spect to the Church's estate, and the passages be- tween her and Christ in another age ; even when the Gentiles began to be called and united unto the church of the Jews, according to what is desired in the first Canticle : and therefore she is here com- pared to Tyrzah and Jerusalem for loveliness. Her glorious increase, her singular purity, her extraor- dinary applause, the splendour of her majesty, and the powerfulness of her authority, is here also de- scribed. Moreover, the fears and hinderances sus- tained in her first persecutions are here mystically F 66 shewn. And,, lastly, they who through fear or ob- stinacy are separated from her, are called to return, in regard of her apparent power. This we may sing to remember us of those graces God hath be- stowed on his Church. To comfort our souls, also, with that dearness which Christ expresseth towards her of whom we are members, and on diverse other occasions, according as he that useth it hath capa- city to understand and apply the same. SONG XVI. Si?7g this as the Thirteenth Song, 1. Beautiful art thou, my dear ! Thou as lovely art as are Tirzah or Jerusalem, (As the beautiful'st of them,) And as much thou mak'st afraid, As arm'd troops with flags display'd. Turn away those eyes of thine ; Do not fix them so on mine ; For there beam forth (from thy sight) 67- Sweets that overcome me quite : And thy locks like kidlings be, Which from Gilead-hill we see. 3. Like those ewes thy teeth do show. Which in rows from washing go 5 When among them there is none Twinless, nor a barren one. And (within thy locks) thy brows Like the cut pomegranate shows. 4. There are with her sixty queens ; There are eighty concubines 5 And the damsels they possess Are in number numberless : But my dove is all alone, And an undefined one. 5. She's her mother's only dear, And her joy that her did bear ; When the daughters her surveyed, That she blessed was they said : She was praised of the queens, And among the concubines. f 2 68 6. Who is she (when forth she goes) That so like the morning shows ? Beautiful, as is the moon j Purely bright, as is the sun : And appearing full of dread, Like an host with ensigns spread ! To the nut-yard down went I, (And the vale's increase to spy) To behold the vine-buds come., And to see pomegranates bloom 5 But the prince's chariots did Vex me so, I could not heed. 8. Turn, oh turn, thou Shulamite ! Turn, oh turn thee to our sight ! What, I pray, is that which you In the Shulamite would view, But that (to appearance) she Shews like troops that armed be. 33 3» <5& J35 SB m 35 3R §B M 69 THE NINTH CANTICLE. Solomon, in the first part of this Canticle, com- mending the Church's universal beauty in her seve- ral parts, is understood to have respect to that time after the conversion from Paganism, wherein she was endowed and made lovely by the variety of those offices, states, and degrees, into which her mem- bers were for order's sake distinguished; as well as by the addition of those other graces formally receiv- ed : which states and degrees are here mystically understood by the parts of a beautiful woman (as doth excellently appear, the allegory being particu- larly expounded.) The second part of this Hymn expresseth the. mutual interchange of affections be- tween the Bridegroom and his bride -, and these sweet contentments they enjoy in each other's loves. Lastly, here is set forth both the Church's desire to be freed from those persecutions, which hinder her open and full fruition of her beloved ; and mention is here made also of those public and undisturbed embraces which they shall at length enjoy. The first part hereof we ought so to sing, that it may remember us to shun their blindness, who discern not the beauty of order and degrees in the Church. The second part puts us in mind that she is the 70 treasuress both of those graces which cause content- ment within ourselves, and make us acceptable to God. By the last part we may apprehend the com- fort that will foHow, when we desire that the open profession of Christ may be granted merely for the love of him. SONG XVII. Sing this as the Ninth Song. Thou daughter of the royal line, How comely are those feet of thine, When their beseeming shoes they wear ! The curious knottings of thy thighs Is like the costly gems of price, Which wrought by skilful workmen are. Thy navel is a goblet crown'd, Where liquor evermore is found ; Thy fair and fruitful belly shews, As doth a goodly heap of wheat, With lilies round about beset, And thy two breasts like twinned roes. 71 3. Thy neck like some white tower doth rise; Like Heshbon fish- pools are thine eyes, Which near the gate Bath-rabbim lie. Thy nose (which thee doth well become) Is like the tower of Libanum, That on Damascus hath an eye. Thy heart like scarlet doth appear ; The hairs thereof like purple are 5 And in those threads the King is bound. Oh, Love ! how wondrous fair art thou ! How perfect do thy pleasures show ! And how thy joys in them abound! 5. Thou station'd art in palm-tree wise ; Thy breasts like clusters do arise : I said unto this palm, I'll go, My hold shall on her branches be 5 And these thy breasts shall be to me Like clusters that on vines do grow. 6. Thy nostrils savour shall as well As newly-gathered fruits do smell. 72 Thy speech shall also relish so, As purest wine, that for my dear As fitting drink, and able were To cause an old man's lips to go. 7. I my beloved's am, and he Hath his affection set on me. Come, well-beloved, come away, Into the fields let's walk along 3 And there the villages among, E'en in the country he' will stay. We to the vines betimes will go, And see if they do spring or no 5 Or, if the tender grapes appear : We will, moreover, go and see If the pomegranates blossom'd be ; And I my love will give thee there. 9. Sweet smells the mandrakes do afford, And we within our gates are stor'd, Of all things that delightful be : Yea, whether new or old they are, Prepared they be for my dear, And I have laid them up for thee. 73 10. Would as my brother thou might'st be, That suck'd my mother's breast with me $ Oh, would it were no otherwise ! In public then I thee would meet, And give thee kisses in the street, And none there is should thee despise. 11. Then 1 myself would for thee come, . And bring thee to my mother's home : Thou likewise shouldst instruct me there ; And wine that is commixt with spice (Sweet wine of the pomegranate juice) I would for thee to drink prepare. 12. My head with his left hand he staid - } His right hand over me he laid 5 And being so embrac'd by him, Said he, I charge you, not disease, Nor wake my love, until she please, You daughters of Jerusalem. 74 THE TENTH CANTICLE. In this last part of Solomon's Song he first sing- eth that sweet peace and extraordinary prosperity vouchsafed unto the Church after her great perse- cutions ; and expresseth it by putting the question, who she was that came out of the wilderness lean- ing on her Beloved. Secondly,, he introduceth Christ putting the human nature in remembrance from what estate he hath raised it, and requiring the dear- est of our affections, in regard of the ardency, un- quenchableness, and inestimable value of his love. Thirdly, having remembered the Church of the affection due to him, Christ teacheth her the cha- ritable care she ought to have of others -, and that she being brought into his favour and protection, should seek the preferment of her younger sister also, even the people who have not yet the breasts of God's two testaments to nourish their souls. Fourthly, the Church's true Solomon, or Peace- Maker (meaning Jesus Christ) having a vineyard in Baal-hammon (that is) wheresoever there are people 5 herein is declared the reward of such as are profitably employed in that vineyard. And lastly, the confirmation of Christ's marriage upon 4he hills of spice (meaning Heaven) is hastened. 75 In singing this Canticle we ought to meditate what estate God hath raised us from ; what love he hath vouchsafed \ what our charity should be to others 5 what we should have to the comfort of the world to come. SONG XVIII. 1. Who's this,, that leaning on her friend, Doth from the wilderness ascend ? Mind how I raised thee, E'en where thy mother thee conceiv'd, Where she that brought thee forth conceiv'd, Beneath an apple-tree. # 2. Me in thy heart engraven bear, And seal-like on thy hand- wrist wear ; For love is strong as death ; Fierce as the grave is Jealousy, The coals thereof do burning lie, And furious flames it hath. 3. Much water cannot cool love's flame, No floods have power to quench the same. 76 For love so high is priz'd, That who to buy it would essay, Though all his wealth he gave away., It would be all despis'd. 4. We have a sister, scarcely grown, For she has such a little one, That yet no breasts hath she ; What thing shall we now undertake To do for this our sister's sake, If spoken for she be ? 5. If that a wall she do appear, We turrets upon her will rear, And palaces of plate ; And then with boards of cedar-tree Enclose, and fence her in will we, If that she be a gate. 6. A wall already built I am, And now my breasts upon the same, Do turret-like arise -, Since when, as one that findeth rest, (And is of settled heart possest) I seemed in his eyes. 11 A vineyard hath King Solomon, This vineyard is at Baal-hammon, Which he to keepers put -, And ev'ry one that therein wrought, A thousand silver-pieces brought, And gave him for the fruit. 8. My vineyard, which belongs to me, E'en I myself do oversee : To thee, O Solomon, A thousand-fold doth appertain, And those that keep the same shall gain Two hundred-fold for one. 9- Thou whose abode the gardens are, (Thy fellows unto thee give ear) Cause me to hear thy voice : And let my Love as swiftly go, As doth a hart or nimble roe, Upon the hills of spice. 78 THE FIRST SONG OF ESAI. Esa. V. In this Song the Prophet, singing of Christ and his vineyard, first sheweth, that, notwithstanding his labour bestowed in fencing and manuring thereof, it bringeth sour grapes. Secondly, he summoneth their consciences whom he covertly upbraided, to be judges of God's great love, and their unprofit- ableness. Thirdly, he shows both how he intends to deal with his vineyard, and who they are whom he pointeth out in this parable. Now, seeing it hath befallen the Jews according to this prophetical hymn, we are to memorize the mercy and justice of God, both which are manifested in this song: his mercy in forewarning, his justice in punishing even his own people. Secondly, we are so to meditate thereon, that we may be warned to consider what favours God hath vouchsafed us, and what fruits we ought to bring forth $ lest he leave us also to be spoiled of our adversaries : for in this parable the Holy Spirit speaketh unto every congregation who abuseth his favours. And doubtless all such (as it hath fallen out in Antioch, Laodicea, and many other particular churches) shall be deprived of God's protection, of the dews of his Holy Spirit, 79 and of the sweet showers of his word, to be left to thorns and briers, the fruit of their own natural cor- ruptions. SONG XIX. Sing this as the Fourteenth Song. 1. A Song of Him whom I love best ; And of his Vineyard sing I will. A vineyard once my love possest, Well-seated on a fruitful hill 5 He kept it close-immured still : The earth from stones he did refine, And set it with the choicest vine. 2. He in the midst a fort did rear, (A wine-press therein also wrought ;) But when he look'd it grapes should bear, Those grapes were wild ones that it brought, Jerusalem, come speak thy thought, And you of Judah judges be, Betwixt my vineyards here, and me. 80 3. Unto my vineyard what could more Performed be, than I have done? Yet looking it should grapes have bore, Save wild ones it afforded none. But go to, (let it now alone) Resolv'd I am to shew you too, What with my vineyard I will do. 4. The hedge I will remove from thence, That what so will, devour it may. I down will break the walled-fence, And through it make a trodden way. Yea, all of it I waste will lay. To dig or dress it none shall care: But thorns and briers it shall bear. The clouds I also will compel, That there no rain descend for this; For lo the house of Israel The Lord of Armies' vineyard is : And Judah is that plant of his, That pleasant one, who forth hath brought Oppression, when he judgment sought. lie seeking justice, found therein, In lieu thereof, a crying sin. 81 THE SECOND SONG OF ESAI. Esai. xii. Isaiah having a little before prophesied of the In- carnation of Jesus Christ, and the excellency of his kingdom, doth in this Hymn praise him for his mercy ^ and foreshows the Church also, what her Song should be in that day of her redemption, the principal contents whereof are these : A confession of God's mercy, a prediction concerning the sacra- ment of baptism, and an exhortation to a joyful thanksgiving. This Song the Church should still sing to the honour of Jesus Christ for our redemp- tion. Yea, in regard the Prophet (foreseeing the good cause we should have to make use hereof) hath prophesied it should be the Church's Hymn, it seemeth not improper to be used on those days, which are solemnized in memorial of our Saviour's Nativity ; or whensoever we shall be moved to praise God, in memorizing the gracious comforts pro- mised us by his Prophets, and fulfilled by his own coming. And to fit the same the better to that pur- pose, I have changed the person and the time in this translation. 82 SONG XX. l. Lord, I will sing to Thee, For thou displeased wast, And yet withdrew'st thy wrath from me, And sent me comfort hast. Thou art my health, on whom A fearless trust I lay ; For thou, oh Lord ! thou art become My strength, my song, my stay ! 2. And with rejoicing now, Sweet waters we convey, Forth of those springs whence life doth flow; And, thus, we therefore say, Oh, sing unto the Lord ; His name and works proclaim; Yea, to the people bear record That glorious is his name. 3. Unto the Lord, oh sing, For wonders he hath done, And many a renowned thing, Which through the earth is known* S3 Oh sing aloud, all ye On S ion- hill that dwell ; For, lo, thy Holy One in thee Is great, oh Israel ! THE THIRD SONG OF ESAI. Esai. xxvi. Esai composed this Song to comfort the Israelites id their captivity ; to strengthen their patience in affliction. First, it remembereth them that God's protection being every where as available as a de- fenced city, they ought always to rely on the firm peace which that affordeth. Secondly, he sheweth that the pride of sin shall be overthrown ; and that the faithful are resolved to fly unto their Redeemer,, and await his pleasure in their chastisements. Third- ly, he singeth the utter desolation of tyrants; the increase of the Church ; her afflictions j her deli- verance 5 and the resurrection from death through Christ. Lastly, the faithful are exhorted to attend patiently on the Lord their Saviour, who will come shortly to judgment, and take account for the blood of his saints. This Song is made in the person of the Church, and may be sung to comfort and con- 84 firm us in all our chastisements and persecutions; by bringing to our consideration the short time of our endurance,, and the certainty of our Redeemer's coming. It may be used also to praise God both for his justice and mercy. SONG XXL Sing this as the Third Song. 1. A city now we have obtained, Where strong defences are 5 And God salvation hath ordain'd For walls and bulwarks there. The gates thereof wide open ye, That such as justly do, (And those that Truth's observers be) May enter thereunto. 2. There thou in peace wilt keep them sure, Whose thoughts well grounded be -, In peace that ever shall endure, Because they trusted Thee. For ever, therefore, on the Lord, Without distrust, depend ; 85 For in the Lord, th' eternal Lord, Is strength that hath no end. 3. He makes the lofty city yield, And her proud dwellers bow ; He lays it level with the field, E'en with the dust below. Their feet that are in want and care, Their feet thereon shall tread -, Their way is right, that righteous are, And thou their path dost heed. 4. Upon the course of judgments we, Oh, Lord, attending were, And to record thy name and thee, Our souls desirous are. On thee our minds, with strong desire, Are fixed in the night j And after thee oar hearts inquire, Before the morning light. 5. For when thy righteous judgments are Upon the earth discern' d, By those that do inhabit there, Uprightness shall be learn'd. 86 Yet sinners for no terror will Just dealing understand, But in their sins continue still, Amid the Holy Land. 6, To seek the glory of the Lord They unregardful be ; And thy advanced hand, oh Lord, They will not deign to see. But they shall see, and see with shame, That bear thy people spite ; Yea, from thy foes shall come a flame, Which will devour them quite. 7. Then, Lord, for us thou wilt procure That we in peace may be, Because that e\ery work of ours Is wrought for us by thee. And, Lord our God, though we are brought To other lords in thrall, Of thee alone shall be our thought, Upon thy name to call. 8, They are deceas'd, and never shall Renewed life obtain : 87 They die, and shall not rise at all To tyrannise again : For thou didst visit them, therefore, And wide dispers'd them hast; That so their fame for evermore May wholly be defac'd. But, Lord, increased thy people are, Increas'd they are by thee; And thou art glorified as far As earth's wide limits be ; For, Lord, in their distresses, when Thy rod on them was laid, They unto thee did hasten then, And without ceasing pray'd. 10. As one with child is pain'd, when as Her throes of bearing be, And cries in pangs (before thy face;) O lord, so fared we. We have conceiv'd, and for a birth Of wind have pained been. The world's unsafe, and still on earth ' They thrive that dwell therein. 88 H. Thy dead shall live, and rise again With my dead body shall. Oh, you , that in the dust remain, Awake, and sing you all ! For as the dew doth herbs renew, That barren seern'd before, So earth shall through thy heavenly dew Her dead alive restore. 12. My people, to thy chambers fair ; Shut close the door to thee. And stay a while (a moment there) Till past the fury be : For lo, the Lord doth now arise, He cometh from his place, To punish their impieties, "Who now the world possess. *wxx«fr*xx:«» 89 THE PRAYER OF HEZEKIAH. Esai. xxxvii. 15. In this Prayer, Hezekiah, having first acknow- ledged God's majesty and almighty power, desires him, both to hear and consider his adversaries' blas- phemy : then (to manifest the necessity of his pre- sent assistance) urgeth . the power his foe had ob- tained over such as served not the true God : and, as it seemeth, importunes deliverance, not so much in regard of his own safety, as that the blasphemer, and all the world, might know the difference be- tween the Lord's power, and the arrogant brags of men. This Song may be used whensoever the Turk, or any other great adversary (prevailing against false worshippers) shall thereupon grow insolent, and threaten God's Church also 3 as if, in despite of him, he had formerly prevailed by his own strength. For the name of Sennacherib may be mystically applied to any such enemy. We may use this Hymn also against those secret blasphemies which the Devil whispers unto our souls 5 or when by temptations he seeks to drive us to despair, by laying before us how many others he hath destroyed, who seemed to have been in as good assurance as we ; for he is indeed that mystical Assyrian Prince, who hath 90 overthrown whole countries and nations, with their gods in whom they trusted. Such as are these, temporal power, riches, superstitious worship, car- nal wisdom, idols, &c. which being but the works of men (and yet trusted in as gods), he hath power to destroy them. SONG XXII. O Lord of Hosts, and God of Israel ! Thou who between the Cherubims dost dwell ; Of all the world thou only art the King, And heaven and earth unto their form dids r t bring. 2. Lord, bow thine ear ; to hear attentive be $ Lift up thine eyes, and deign, O Lord, to see What words Sennacherib hath cast abroad, And his proud message to the living Lord ! 3. Lord, true it is, that lands and kingdoms all Are to the king of Ashur brought in thrall ; Yea, he their gods into the fire hath thrown, For gods they were not, but of wood and stone. 91 4. Mans work they were, and men destroyed them have ; Us, therefore, from his power vouchsafe to save, That all the kingdoms of the world may see That thou art God, that only thou art he. HEZEKIAH'S THANKSGIVING. Esai. xxxviii. 10. Hezekiah, having been sick, and recovered, made this Song of Thanksgiving ; and setteth forth the mercy of God, by considering these particulars : The time of his age j the fears of his soul ; the root- ing out of his posterity 3 the violence of his disease; and the forgiveness of his sins, added to the restor- ing of his health. Then (seeming to have entered into a serious consideration of all this) he confess- ed! who were most bound to praise God, and vow- eth this deliverance to everlasting memory. This Song may be used after deliverance from temporal sickness. But, in the principal sense, it is a spe- cial Thanksgiving for that cure which Jesus Christ wrought upon the human nature, being in danger of everlasting perdition : for Hezekiah which sig- nifieth helped of the Lord, typifieth mankind labour- 92 ing under the sickness of sin and death. Isaiah, who brought the medicine that cured him (and is interpreted the Salvation of the Lord,) figured our blessed Redeemer, by whom the human nature is restored $ and whose sending into the world was mystically shewed by the miracle of the sun's re- trograde action. To praise God for that mystery therefore, (the circumstances being well considered) this Hymn seemeth very proper. And doubtless for this cause it was partly preserved for these our times, and ought often and heartily to be sung to that purpose. SONG XXIII. Sing this as the Fourth Song. 1. When I suppos'd my time was at an end, Thus to myself I did myself bemoan : Now to the gates of hell I must descend, For all the remnant of my years are gone. The Lord (said I) where now the living be, Nor man on earth shall I for ever see. 2. As when a shepherd hath remov'd his tent, Or as a weaver's shuttle slips away, 93 Right so, my dwelling and my years were spent $ And so, my sickness did my life decay ; Each day, ere night, my death expected 1 5 And ev'ry night, ere morning, thought to die. 3. For he, so lion-like, my bones did break, That I scarce thought to live another day ; A noise I did like cranes or swallows make, And, as the turtle, I lamenting lay. Then, with uplifted eye-lids, thus I spake, Oh Lord, on me oppressed, mercy take ! 4. What shall I say ? he did his promise give, And as he promis'd he performed it -, And, therefore, I will never, whilst I live, Those bitter passions of my soul forget : Yea, those that live, and those unborn, shall know What life and rest thou didst on me bestow. My former pleasures sorrows were become -, But in that love, which to my soul thou hast, The grave, that all devours, thou keptst me from, And didst my errors all behind thee cast 5 For, nor the grave, nor death, can honour thee 3 Nor hope they for thy truth that buried be. 94 Oh ! he that lives, that lives as I do now, E'en he it is that shall thy praise declare : Thy truth the father to his seed shall shew. And how thou me, oh Lord, hast deign'd to spare ! Yea, Lord, for this I will, throughout my days, Make music in thy house unto thy praise. THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH. As useful as any part of the Old Testament, for these present times (nigh fallen asleep in security) are these Elegiacal Odes ; for they bring many things to our consideration. First, what we may and should lament for. Secondly, how careful we ought to be of the common- wealth's prosperity; because, if that go to ruin, the particular Church therein cherished must needs be afflicted also, and God's worship hindered. Thirdly, thev teach us, that the overthrow of kingdoms and empires fol- lows the abuse and neglect of religion -, and that (sin being the only cause thereof) we ought to en- dure our chastisements without murmuring against God. Fourthly, they warn us not to abuse God's 95 merciful long-suffering. Fifthly, they persuade tts to commiserate and pray for the Church and our brethren in calamities, and not to despise them in their humiliations. Sixthly, they leave us not to judge the truth of professions, by those afflictions God lays upon particular churches, seeing the Jew- ish religion was the truth, and those idolaters, who led them into captivity. Seventhly, they shew us, that neither the antiquity, strength, fame, or formal sanctity of any place (no, nor God's former respect thereunto) shall privilege it from destruction, if it continue in abusing his grace. And lastly, they (as it were, limiting our sorrows) mind us to cast our eyes on the mercies of God; and to make such use of his chastisements, as may turn our lamentations into songs of joy. LAMENT. I. This Elegy first bewaileth, in general terms, that calamity and destruction of Judah and Jerusalem, which is afterwards more particularly mentioned. Secondly, it makes a confession of their manifold sins committed ; and is full of many passionate and penitential complaints, justifying the Lord in his judgments, and confessing the vanity of human 96 consolations. Lastly, it containeth a short prayer for God's mercy, and a divine prediction of those judgments which will fall on them, by whom his people have been afflicted. This Elegy may be sung whensoever any general calamity falleth on the commonwealth in which we live ; we having first considered and applied the particular circumstances, as there shall be cause. We may sing it also his- torically, to memorize the justice of God, and the miserable desolations of Judah and Jerusalem, re- corded for our example. SONG XXIV. 1. How sad and solitary now (alas !) Is that well-peopled city come to be, Which once so great among the nations was ! And, oh, how widow-like appeareth she ! She rule of all the provinces hath had, And now herself is tributary made ! 2. All night she maketh such excessive moan, That down her cheeks a flood of tears doth flow ! And yet among her lovers there is none 97 That consolation doth on her bestow ! For they that once her lovers did appear> Now turned foes, and faithless to her are ! 3. Now Judali in captivity complains That (others) heretofore so much opprest, For her false service, she herself remains Among those heathens, where she finds no rest, And apprehended in a strait is she, By those that persecutors of her be ! The very ways of Sion do lament ; The gates thereof their loneliness deplore j Because that no man cometh to frequent Her solemn festivals, as heretofore. Her priests do sigh, her tender virgins be Uncomfortable left, and so is she! 5. Her adversaries are become her chiefs ; On high exalted, those that hate her are > And God hath brought upon her all those griefs, Because so many her transgressions were. Her children, driven from her by the foe, Before him into loathed thraldom go, H 98 6. From Sion's daughters (once without compare) Now all her matchless loveliness is gone : And like those chased harts, her princes fair, Who seek for pasture, and can find out none. So (of their strength deprived, and fainting nigh) JBefore their abler foes they feebly fly, 7. Jerusalem now thinks upon her crimes, And calls to mind (amid her present woes) The pleasure she enjoy'd in former times, Till first she was surprised by her foes : And how (when they perceived her forlorn) They at her holy sabbaths made a scorn. 8. Jerusalem's transgressions many were ; And therefore is it she disdained lies : Those who in former time have honour'd her, Her baseness now behold, and her despise. Yea, she herself doth sit bewailing this, And of herself herself ashamed is. 9. Her own uncleanness in her skirt she bore, Not then believing what her end would be : 99 This great destruction falls on her therefore, And none to help or comfort her hath she. Oh, heed thou, Lord ! and pity thou my woes, For I am triumph'd over by my foes ! JO. Her foe hath touch'd with his polluted hand Her things that sacred were, before her face : And they, whose entrance thou didst countermand, Intruded have into her holy place ; Those, that were not so much approv'd by thee. As of thy congregation held to be. 11. Her people do, with sighs and sorrows, get That little bread, which for relief they have : And give away their precious things for meat, So to procure wherewith their life to save : Oh, Lord! consider this, and ponder thou, How vile and how dejected I am now ! 12. No pity in you, passengers, is there ? Your eyes, oh! somewhat hitherward incline^ And mark, if ever any grief there were, Or sorrow that did equal this of mine ! This which the Lord on me inflicted hath, Upon the day of his incensed wrath, h 2 100 13. He from above a flame hath hurled down, That kindles in my bones prevailing fire : A net he over both my feet hath thrown, By which I am compelled to retire. And he hath made me a forsaken one, To sit and weep out all the day alone. 14. The heavy yoke of my transgressions now His hand hath writhed, and upon me laid ; Beneath the same my tired neck doth bow, And all my strength is totally decay'd. For me to those the Lord hath given me o'er, Whose hands will hold me fast for evermore. 15. The Lord hath trampled underneath their feet E'en all the mighty in the midst of me : A great assembly he hath caus'd to meet, That all my ablest men might slaughter' d be j And Judah's virgin daughters trod upon, As in a wine-press grapes are trodden on. 16. For this (alas ! ) thus weep I ; and mine eyes, Mine eyes drop water thus, because that he, On whose assistance my sad soul relies, 101 In my distress is far away from me : E'en while (because of my prevailing foe) My children are compell'd from me to go. 17. In vain hath Sion stretched forth her hand, For none unto her succour draweth nigh ; Because the Lord hath given in command, That Jacob's foes should round about her lie: And poor Jerusalem, among them there, Like some defiled woman doth appear. 18. The Lord is justified, nay-the-less, Because I did not his commands obey; All nations, therefore, hear my heaviness, And heed it (for your w r arning) you, I pray ; For into thraldom (through my follies) be My virgins, and my young men, borne from me. 19. Upon my lovers I have cried out ; But they my groundless hopes deceived all ; I for my rev'rend priests inquir'd about ; I, also, did upon my elders call 5 But in the city up the ghost they gave, As they were seeking meat, their lives to save. 102 20. Oh, Lord ! take pity now in my distress 5 For, lo, my soul distemper'd is in me -, My heart is overcome with heaviness, Because I have so much offended thee ! Thy sword abroad, my ruin doth become, And death doth also threaten me at home ! 21. And of my sad complaints my foes have heard; But to afford me comfort there is none : My troubles have at full to them appear d, Yet they are joyful that thou so hast done : But thou wilt bring the time set down by thee, And then in sorrow they shall equal me, 22. Then shall those foul offences they have wrought Before thy presence be remembered all : And whatsoe'er my sins on me have brought, (For their transgressions) upon them shall fall: For so my sighings multiplied be, That, wherewithal, my heart is faint in me. 103 LAMENT. II. In this Elegy the Prophet useth a very pathetical exordium, the better to awaken the people's consi- deration; and to make them the more sensible of their horrible calamity ; which he first illustrateth in general terms, by comparing their estate to the miserable condition of one fallen from the glory of heaven to the lowest earth: and in mentioning their being deprived of that glorious temporal and eccle- siastical government, which they formerly enjoyed. Afterwards, he descends to particulars j as the de- struction of their palaces, forts, temples, walls, and gates j the profaning of their sabbaths, feasts, rites, &c. ; the suspending of their laws, priests, prophets -, the slaughter of young men and virgins, old men and children ; with the famine and reproaches they sustained, &c. All which acknowledging to be the just judgments of God, he adviseth them not to hearken to the delusions of their false prophets, but to return unto the Lord by tears and hearty repent- ance. For the use and application, see what hath been said, before the former Elegy. 104 SONG XXV, Sing this as the Twenty -fourth Song. I. How dark, and how be-clouded (in his wrath) The Lord hath caused Sion to appear ! How Israel's beauty he obscured hath, As if thrown down from heav'n to earth he were ! Oh! why is his displeasure grown so hot? And why hath he his footstool so forgot ? The Lord all Sion's dwellings hath laid waste ; And, in so doing, he no sparing made : For in his anger to the ground he cast The strongest holds that Judah's daughter had. Them, and their kingdom, he to ground doth send, And all the Princes of it doth suspend. 3. When at the highest his displeasure was, From Israel all his horn of strength he broke ; And from before his adversary's face His right-hand (that restrained him) he took. Yea, he in Jacob kindled such a flame, As, round about, hath quite consum'd the same. 105 4. His bow he as an adversary bent, And by his right-hand he did plainly shew He drew it with an enemy's intent -, For all that were the fairest marks he slew. In Sion's tabernacle this was done ; E'en there the fire of his displeasure shone. 5. The Lord himself is he that was the foe \ By him is Israel thus to ruin gone. His palaces he overturned so 3 And he his holds of strength hath overthrown : E'en he it is, from whom it doth arise, That Israel's daughter thus lamenting lies. 6. His tabernacle, garden-like that was, The Lord with violence hath took away : He hath destroyed his assembling-place ; And there no feasts nor sabbaths now have they : No, not in Sion 5 for in his fierce wrath He both their King and Priests rejected hath! 7. The Lord his holy altar doth forego 5 His sanctuary he hath quite despis'd, 106 Yea, by his mere assistance hath our foe The bulwarks of our palaces surpriz'd : And in the Lord's own house rude noises are As loud as heretofore his praises were. 8. The Lord his thought did purposely incline, The walls of Sion should be overthrown : To that intent he stretched forth his line, And drew not back his hand till they were down. And so, the turrets, with the bruised wall, Did both together to destruction fall. 9- Her gates in heaps of earth obscured are j The bars of them in pieces broke hath he : Her king, and those that once her princes were, Now borne away among the Gentiles be. The law is lost, and they no prophet have, That from the Lord a vision doth receive. 10. In silence, seated on the lowly ground, The senators of Sion's daughter are: With ashes they their careful heads have crown'd, And mourning sackcloth girded on them wear. Yea, on the earth in a distressed- wise, Jerusalem's young virgins fix their eyes. 107 n. And, for because my people suffer this, Mine eyes with much lamenting dimmed grow$ Each part within me out of quiet is, And on the ground my liver forth I throw; When as mine eyes with so sad objects meet, As babes half dead, and sprawling in the street, 12. For, to their mothers called they for meat ; Oh where shall we have meat and drink! they crt< And in the city, while they food entreat, They swoon, like them that deadly wounded lie i And some of them their souls did breathe away, As in the mother's bosom starv'd they lay. 13. Jerusalem ! for thee what can I say ? Or unto what may'st thou resembled be ? Oh ! whereunto, that comfort thee I may, Thou Sion's daughter, shall I liken thee } For, as the seas, so great thy breaches are -, And to repair them then, ah, who is there ? 14. Thou by thy prophets hast deluded been $ And foolish visions they for thee have sought. 108 For, they revealed not to thee thy sin, To turn away the thraldom it hath brought. But lying prophecies they sought for thee, Which of thy sad exile the causes be. 15. And those, thou daughter of Jerusalem, That on occasions pass along this way, With clapping hands, and hissings, thee contemn $ And, nodding at thee, thus in scorn they say : Is this the city men did once behight The flower of beauty, and the world's delight? . 16. Thy adversaries (every one of them) Their mouths have open'd at thee, to thy shame : They hiss, and gnash at thee, Jerusalem ; We, we (say they) have quite destroy 'd the same : This is that day hath long expected been : Now cometh it, and we the same have seen. i;. But, this the Lord decreed, and brought to pass; He, to make good that word which once he spake, (And that which long ago determin'd was) Hath hurled down, and did no pity take. He thus hath made thee scorned of thy foe, And rais'd the horn of them that hate thee so; 109 18. Oh wall of S ion's daughter, cry amain ; E'en to the Lord set forth a hearty cry : Down,, like a river, cause thy tears to rain, And let them neither day nor night be dry. Seek neither sleep, thy body to suffice, Nor slumber for the apples of thine eyes. 19- At night, and when the watch is new begun, Then rise, and to the Lord Almighty cry : Before him let thy heart like water run, And lift thou up to him thy hands on high. E en for those hunger- starved babes of thine, That in the corners of the streets do pine. 20. And thou, oh Lord, oh be thou pleas 1 d to see, And think on whom thy judgments thou hast thrown ! Shall women fed with their own issue be, And children that a span are scarcely grown ? Shall thus thy priests and prophets, Lord, be slain, As in thy sanctuary they remain ? 21. Nor youth, nor age, is from the slaughter free 5 For in the streets lie young, and old, and all. 110 My virgins and my young men murdered be; E'en both beneath the sword together fall. Thou, in thy day of wrath, such havoc mad'st, That in devouring thou no pity hadst. 22. Thou round about hast call'd my feared foes, As if that summoned to some feast they were; Who in thy day of wrath did round enclose, And shut me so, that none escaped are. Yea, those that hate me, them consumed have, To whom I nourishment and breeding gave. LAMENT. III. Here the Prophet Jeremy, having contemplated his own afflictions, with the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem, seemeth, by that material object, to have raised his apprehension higher, and, by the spirit of prophecy, both to foresee the particular sufferings of Jesus Christ, and to become sensible also of those great afflictions which the church mili- tant (his mystical body) should be exercised withal. And in this most passionate Elegy, either in his own person bewaileth it, or else personates Jesus Christ, Ill the head of that mystical body; taking upon him- self those punishments, with that heavy burden of God's wrath, and that unspeakable sorrow, which mankind had otherwise been overwhelmed withal. In brief, this Elegy contains an expression of God's heavy anger for our sin ; the severity and bitterness of his judgments; the greatness of his mercies ; the hope and patience of the faithful in all afflictions ; the unwillingness of God to punish ; the hearty re- pentance of his people ; and a prophetical impreca- tion concerning the enemies of the spiritual Jerusa- lem. This may be sung to move and stir us up with a feeling of our Redeemer's Passion ; to remember us of our miserable condition through sin ; to move us to repentance; and to comfort and instruct us amid our afflictions. SONG XXVI. Sing this as the Twenty -fourth Song, 1. I am the man, who (scourged in thy wrath) Have in all sorrows throughly tired been : Into obscurity he led me hath ; He brought me thither, where no light is seen; 112 And so adverse to me himself he shows, That all the day his hand doth me oppose* My flesh and skin with age he tired out ; He bruis'd my bones, as they had broken been] He with a wall enclosed me about, With cares and labours he hath shut me in : And me to such a place of darkness led, As those are in, that be for ever dead. , 3. He shut me where I found no passage out, And there my heavy chains upon me laid -, Moreover, though I loudly cried out, He took no heed at all for what I pray'd : My way with hewed stones he stopped hath, And left me wand' ring in a winding path. 4. He was to me like some way-lying bear ; Or as a lion that doth lurk unseen ; My course he hind'ring, me in pieces tare, Till I quite ruin'd and laid waste had been. His bow he bended, and that being bent, I was the mark at which his arrow went. 113 5. His arrows from his quiver forth he caught, And through my very reins he made them pass : E'en mine own people set me then at naughty And all the day their sporting song I was. From him my fill of bitterness I had, And me with wormwood likewise drunk he made. 6. With stones my teeth he all to pieces brake He dust and ashes over me hath strown $ All rest he from my weary soul did take, As if contentment I had never none. And then I cried, Oh ! I am undone ! All my dependance on the Lord is gone ! 7. Oh mind thou my afflictions and my care, My miseries, my wormwood, and my gall For they still fresh in my remembrance are, And down in me my humbled soul doth fall. I this forget not 5 and when this I mind. Some help again I do begin to find. 8. It is thy mercy, Lord, that we now be, For had thy pity fail'd, not one had liv'd, 114 The faithfulness is great that is in thee, And ev'ry morning it is new reviv'd : And, Lord, such claim my soul unto thee lays, That she will ever trust in thee, she says. For thou art kind to those that wait thy will, And to their souls, that after thee attend : Good therefore is it, that in quiet still, We hope that safety, which thou, Lord, wilt send, And happy he, that timely doth enure His youthful neck the burden to endure. 10. He down will sit alone, and nothing say ; But since 'tis cast upon him, bear it out : (Yea, though his mouth upon the dust they lay) And while there may be hope will not misdoubt. His cheek to him that smite th offers he, And is content, though he reviled be. 11. For sure is he (whatever doth befall) The Lord will not forsake for evermore \ But that, he having punish'd, pity shall, Because he many mercies hath in store. For God in plaguing take no pleasure can, Nor willingly afflicteth any man. 115 12. The Lord delighteth not to trample down Those men that here on earth enthralled are; Or that a righteous man should be overthrown, When he before the Highest doth appear. Nor is the Lord well-pleased in the sight, When he beholds the wrong subvert the right. 13. Let no man mutter then, as if he thought Some things were done in spite of God's decree $ For all things at his word to pass are brought, That either for our good or evil be. Why then lives man, such murmurs to begin? Oh, let him rather murmur at his sin ! 14. Our own lewd courses let us search and try 5 We may to thee again, O Lord, convert. To God, that dwelleth in the heav'ns on high,, Let us (oh, let us) lift both hand and heart : For we have sinned, we rebellious were, And therefore was it that thou didst not spare. 15. For this (with wrath o'ershadow'd) thou hast chas'd, And slaughter made of us, without remorse ; 1 2 116 Thyself obscured with a cloud thou hast, That so our prayers might have no recourse, ^nd lo, among the heathen people, we As outcasts and off-scourings reckon'd be. 16. Our adversaries all (and ev'ry where) Themselves with open mouth against us set ; On us is fallen a terror and a snare, Where ruin hath with desolation met : And for the daughter of my people's cares, Mine eyes doth cast forth rivulets of tears. 17. Mine eyes perpetually were overflown, And yet there is no ceasing of my tears ; For if the Lord in mercy look not down, That from the heav'ns he may behold my cares^ They will not stint : but for my people's sake Mine eyes will weep until my heart doth break. 18. As when a bird is chased to and fro, My foes pursued me, when cause was none - 7 Into the dungeon they my life did throw, And there they rolled over me a stone. The waters, likewise, overflow' d me quite, And then, met bought, I perished outright. 117 19- Yet on thy name, oh Lord ! I called there, (E'en when in that low dungeon I did lie) Whence thou wert pleased my complaint to hear, Not slighting me, when I did sighing cry j That very day I called, thou drew'st near, And saidst unto me, that I should not fear. 20. Thou, Lord, my soul maintainest in her right $ My life by thee alone redeemed was 5 Thou hast, oh Lord ! observed my despight : Vouchsafe thy judgement also in my cause : For all the grudge they bear me thou hast seen, And all their plots that have against me been. 21. Thou heardst what slanders they against me laid, And all those mischiefs they devis'd for me : Thou notest what their lips of me have said, E'en what their dayly closest whisperings be; And how, whene'er they rise, or down do lie, Their song and subject of their mirth am I. 22. But, Lord, thou shalt reward and pay them all, That meed their actions merit to receive - } 118 Thy heavy malediction seize them shall $ E'en this, sad hearts, they shall for ever have $ And by thy wrath pursued they shall be driven^ Till they are chased out from under heaven. LAMENT. IV. As in the two first Elegies, the Prophet here begins by way of exclamation, and most passionately sets forth the cause of his complaining by a threefold explication : First, by expressing the dignity, sex, and age, of the persons miserably perishing in this calamity -, as, princes, priests, men, women, and children. Secondly, by paralleling their estate with that of brute creatures, and their punishment with Sodom's. Thirdly, by shewing the horrible effects which followed this calamity $ as, the nobility be- ing driven to clothe themselves from the dunghill, and women to feed on their own children, &c. After this he sheweth what are the causes of all that misery which he bewaileth. Secondly, declar- eth the vanity of relying on temporal consolations. Thirdly, setteth forth the power and fierceness of the Church's adversaries. Fourthly, prophesieth £hat even Christ was to suffer the fury of their ma- 119 lice, before God's wrath could be appeased. And lastly, assureth that the Church shall be at length delivered, and her enemies rewarded according to their wickedness. This Song may be sung to set before our eyes the severity of God's wrath against sin, to win us to repentance, and to comfort us upon our conversions. SONG XXVII. Sing this as the Fifth Song, How dim the gold doth now appear ! (That gold, which once so brightly shone : ) About the city, here and there, The sanctuary- stones are thrown. The sons of Sion, late compar'd To gold (the richest in esteem) Like potsheards are, without regard, And base as earthen vessels seem. 2. The monsters of the sea have care The breasts unto their young to give 5 But crueller my people are 5 And, Estridge-like, in deserts live. 120 With thirst the sucklings' tongues are dry, And to their parched roofs they cleave : For bread young children also cry, But none at all they can receive. 3. Those, that were us'd to dainty fare, Now in the streets half- starved lie : And they, that once did scarlet wear, Now dunghill rags about them tie. Yea, greater plagues my people's crime Hath brought on them, than Sodom's were \ For that was sunk in little time, And no prolonged death was there. Her Nazarites, whose whiteness was More pure than either milk or snow, Whose ruddiness did rubies pass, Whose veins did like the sapphire show, Now blacker than the coal are grown} And in the streets unknown are they : Their flesh is clung unto the bone, And like a stick is dried away. Such, therefore, as the sword hath slain, Are far in better case than those, 121 Who death for want of food sustain, Whilst in the fruitful field it grows. SONG XXXIX. 1. In God the Father I believe, Who made all creatures by his word ; And true belief I likewise have In Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord -, 156 Who by the Holy Ghost conceiv'd, Was of the Virgin Mary born ; Who meekly Pilate's wrongs receiv'd, And crucified was with scorn. Who died, and in the grave hath lain ; Who did the lowest pit descend : Who on the third day rose again, And up to Heaven did ascend. Who at his Fathers right hand there Now throned sits, and thence shall come To take his seat of judgment here ; And give both quick and dead their doom. 3. I in the Holy Ghost believe, The holy Church Catholick too, (Atfd that the Saints communion have) Undoubtedly believe I do. I well assured am, likewise, A pardon for my sins to gain -, And that my flesh from death shall rise, And everlasting life obtain. 157 A FUNERAL SONG. The first stanza of this Song is taken out of St. John's Gospel, cap. xi. ver. 25, 2d. The second stanza, Job xlx. 25, 26, 2J. The third stanza, 1 Tim. yi. J, and Job i. 21. The last stanza, Rev. xiv. 13. And in the Order of Burial appointed by the Church of England, it is appointed to be sung or read, as the minister pleaseth : that therefore it may be the more conveniently used either way, according to the Church's appointment, it is here turned into lyric verse. It was ordained to comfort the living, by putting them in mind of the Resur- rection, and of the happiness of those who die in the faith of Christ Jesus. SONG XL. Sing this as the Ninth Song. I am the Life (the Lord thus saith) The Resurrection is through me ; And whosoe'er in me hath faith, Shall live, yea, though now dead he be : And he for ever shall not die, That living doth on me rely. 158 2, That my Redeemer lives, I ween, And that at last I rais'd shall be From earth, and, cover'd with my skin In this my flesh, my God shall see. Yea, with these eyes, and these alone, E'en I my God shall look upon. 3. Into the world we naked come, And naked back again we go : The Lord our wealth receive we from ; And he doth take it from us too : The Lord both wills^ and works the same, And blessed therefore be his name. 4. From Heaven there came a voice to me, And this it will'd me to record ; The dead from henceforth blessed be, The dead that dieth in the Lord : The Spirit thus doth likewise say, For from their works at rest are they. 159 SONG OF THE THREE CHILDREN. This Song hath been anciently used in the Liturgy of the Church, as profitable to the stirring up of devotion, and for the praise of God : for it earnestly calleth upon all creatures to set forth the glory of their Creator, even angels, spirits, and reasonable creatures, with those also that are unreasonable, and unsensible. And this speaking to things with- out life is not to intimate that they are capable of such like exhortations 5 but rather, that upon con- sideration of the obedience which beasts and insen- sible creatures continue towards God, according to the law imposed at their creation, men might be provoked to remember the honour and praise, which they ought to ascribe unto their Almighty Creator, as well as all his other creatures. SONG XLI. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 3. Oh ail you creatures of the Lord, You Angels of the God most high $ 160 You heavens, with what you do afford; And waters all above the sky : Bless ye the Lovely him praise, adore. And magnify him. evermore. 2. Of God, you everlasting Powers, Sun, moon, and stars, so bright that show; You soaking dews, you dropping showers - 7 And all you winds of God that blow : Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore. 3. Thou fire, and what doth heat contain ; Cold winter, and thou summer fair ; - You blustering storms of hail, and rain ; And thou, the frost-congealing air : Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore, 4. Oh praise him both, you ice and snow ; You nights and days, do you the same, With what or dark or light doth show ; You clouds, and ev'ry shining flame . Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore. 161 Thou earth, you mountains, and you hills, And whatsoever thereon grows ; You fountains, rivers, springs, and rills $ You seas, and all that ebbs and flows : Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore. 6. You whales, and all the water yields 5 You of the feather'd airy breed ; You beasts and cattle of the fields 5 And you that are of human seed : Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore. 7. Let Israel the Lord confess ; So let his priests, that in him trust j Him let his servants also bless ; Yea, souls and spirits of the just : Bless ye the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore^ 8. You blessed Saints, his praises tell < 9 And you, that are of humble heart, 162 With Ananias, Misael ; And Azarias (bearing part) : Bless you the Lord, him praise, adore, And magnify him evermore. THE SONG OF ST. AMBROSE; OR TE DEUM. This Song, commonly called Te Beum, or the Song of St. Ambrose, was repeated at the baptizing of St. Augustine 5 and (as it is recorded) was composed at that very time by those two reverend Fathers, answering one another, as it were by immediate in- spiration. It is one of the most ancient Hymns of the Christian Church, excellently praising and con- fessing the blessed Trinity -, and therefore is daily and worthily made use of in our Liturgy, and reck- oned among the sacred Hymns. SONG XLIL Sing this as the Forty-fourth So?ig. I. We praise thee, God, we knowledge thee To be the Lord, for evermore : 163 And the eternal Father we, Throughout the earth, do thee adore : All Angels, with all powers within The compass of the heavens high ; Both Cherubin, and Seraphin, To thee perpetually do cty. 2. Oh holy, holy, Holy One, Thou Lord and God of Sabbath art 5 Whose praise and majesty alone Fills heaven and earth in ev'ry part : The glorious troop apostolick, The Prophets' worthy company 5 The Martyrs' army royal eke Are those whom thou art praised by. Thou through the holy Church art known, The Father of unbounded power : Thy worthy, true, and only Son : The Holy Ghost the Comforter : Of glory, thou, oh Christ, art King -, The Father's Son, for evermore ; Who men from endless death to bring The Virgin's womb didst not abhor m 2 1 64 When Conqueror of Death thou wert, Heaven to the faithful openedst thou ; And in the Father's glory art At God's right hand enthroned now : Whence we believe that thou shalt come To judge us in the day of wrath. Oh, therefore, help thy servants, whom Thy precious blood redeemed hath. 5. Them with those saints do thou record, That gain eternal glory may : Thine heritage and people, Lord, Save, bless, guide, and advance for aye. By us thou daily prais'd hast been, And we will praise thee without end. Oh keep us, Lord, this day from sin, And let thy mercy us defend. 6. Thy mercy, Lord, let us receive., As we our trust repose in thee: Oh, Lord, in thee I trusted have y Confounded never let me be. 165 ATHANASIUS'S CREED; OR; QUICUNQUE VULT. This Creed was composed by Athanasius (after the wicked heresy of Arius had spread itself through the world), that so the faith of the Catholic Church, concerning the mystery of the blessed Trinity, might be the better understood, and professed, to the over- throw and preventing of Arianism, or the like here- sies. And to the same purpose it is appointed to be said or sung upon certain days of the year in the Church of England. SONG XLIII. Sing this as the Third So??g. 1. Those that will saved be, must hold The true Catholick Faith, And keep it wholly, if they would Escape eternal death. Which faith a Trinity adores In One, and One in Three : So, as the substance being one, Distinct the persons be. 166 2. One Person of the Father is, Another of the Son, Another of the Holy Ghost, And yet their godhead one : Alike in glory 5 and in their Eternity as much 5 For as the Father, both the Son And Holy Ghost is such. 3. The Father uncreate, and so The Son and Spirit be : The Father he is infinite j The other two as he. The Father an eternal is, Eternal is the Son : So is the Holy Ghost 5 yet these Eternally but One. 4. Nor say we there are infinites, Or uncreated Three ; For there can but one infinite Or uncreated be. So Father, Son, and Holy Ghost All three Almighties are; 167 And yet not three Almighties though, But only One is there. 5. The Father likewise God and Lord ; And God and Lord the Son ; And God and Lord the Holy Ghost, Yet God and Lord but One. For though each Person by himself We God and Lord confess, Yet Christian faith forbids that we Three Gods or Lords profess. 6. The Father not begot, nor made; Begot (not made) the Son ; Made, nor begot, the Holy Ghost, But a proceeding One. One Father, not three Fathers^ then ; One only Son, not three 3 One Holy Ghost we do confess^ And that no more they be, 7. And less, or greater than the rest,. This Trinity hath none j But they both co-eternal be, And equal ev'ry one. 168 He therefore that will saved be, (As we have said before) Must One in Three, and Three in One, Believe, and still adore. 8. That Jesus Christ incarnate was, He must believe with this ; And how that both the Son of God And God and Man he is. God, of his Father's substance pure, Begot ere time was made : Man of his mother's substance born, When time his fulness had. 9- .Both perfect God, and perfect Man, In soul,' and flesh, as we : The Father's equal being God, As man beneath is he. Though God and Man, yet but one Christ j And to dispose it so, The Godhead was not turn'd to flesh, But manhood took thereto. 10. The substance unconfus'd 5 he one In person doth subsist : 169 As soul and body make one man, So God and Man is Christ ; Who suffer'd, and went down to hell, That we might saved be $ The third day he arose again, And Heaven ascended he. 11. At God the Fathers right hand there He sits ; and at the doom, He to adjudge both quick and dead, From thence again shall come. Then all men with their flesh shall rise, And he account require : Well-doers. into bliss shall go. The bad to endless fire. VENI CREATOR. This is a very ancient Hymn, composed In Latin rhyme, and commonly called Veni Creator, because those are the first words of it. By the canons of our Church it is commanded to be said or sung at the consecration of Bishops, and at the ordination of Ministers, &c. It is therefore here translated syllable for syllable, and in the same kind of mea- sure which it hath in the Latin. 170 SONG XLIV. l. Come Holy Ghost, the Maker, come 5 Take in the souls of thine thy place 5 Thou whom our hearts had being from,, Oh, fill them with thy heavenly grace. Thou art that Comfort from above, The Highest doth by gift impart 5 Thou spring of life, a fire of love, And the anointing Spirit art. 2. Thou in thy gifts art manifold; God's right-hand finger thou art, Lord : The Father's promise made of old ; Our tongues enriching by the word. Oh ! give our blinded senses light 5 Shed love into each heart of our, And grant the body's feeble plight May be enabled by thy power. 3. Far from us drive away the foe, And let a speedy peace ensue : Our leader also be, that so We every danger may eschew. 171 Let us be taught the blessed Creed Of Father, and of Son, by thee : And how from both thou dost proceed, That our belief it still may be. To Thee, the Father, and the Son, (Whom past and present times adore) The One in Three, and Three in One, All glory be for evermore ! SERE ENDS THE FIRST PART OF THE HTMNS AND SONGS OF THE CHU8.CE. THE SECOND PART OF THE HYMNS AND SONGS OF THE CHURCH. APPROPRIATED TO THE SEVERAL TIMES AND OCCASIONS MOST OBSERVABLE IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. * Every thing hath his season,' saith the Preacher, Eccl. iii. And St. Paul adviseth, ' That all things should be done honestly, in order,, and to edifica- tion/ 1 Cor. xiv. Which counsel the Church reli- giously heeding (and how, by observation of times, and other circumstances, the memories aud capaci- ties of weak people were the better assisted) it was provided, that there should be annual commemora- tions of the principal mysteries of our redemption : and certain particular days were dedicated to that purpose, as nigh as might be guessed (for the most 174 part) upon those very seasons of the year, in which the several mysteries were accomplished. And, in- deed, this is not that heathenish or idolatrous heed- ing of time, reprehended in Isaiah xlvii. ; nor such a Jewish or superstitious observation of days, and months, and times, and years, as is reproved by St. Paul, Gal. iv. Nor a toleration for idleness, con- trary to the fourth commandment $ but a Christian and warrantable observation, profitably ordained, that things might be done in order, that the under- standing might be the better edified 5 that the me- mory might be the oftener refreshed ; and that the devotion might be the more stirred up. It is true, that we ought to watch every hour: but if the Church had not by her authority ap- pointed set days and hours to keep us awake in, some of us would hardly watch one hour: and, therefore, those who have zeal according to know- ledge, do not only religiously observe the Church's appointed times, but do, by her example, voluntarily also appoint unto themselves certain days, and hours of the day, for Christian exercises. Neither can any 175 man suppose this commendable observation of feasts (neither burdensome by multitude, nor superstitious by institution ) to be an abridgment of Christian liberty, who, as he ought to do, believe th that the service of God is perfect freedom. We persuade not, that one day is more holy than another in his own nature ; - but admonish that those be reverently and christianly observed, which are, upon so good ground, and with prudent moderation, dedicated to the worship of God: for, it cannot be denied, that even those who are but coldly affected to the Church's ordinances in this kind, do nevertheless often apprehend the mystery of Christ's Nativity and Passion, upon the days of commemorating them, much more feelingly than at other times : and that they forget also some other mysteries altogether, until they are remembered of them by the distinc- tion and observation of times used in the Church. These things considered -, and because there be many, who, through ignorance rather than obsti- nacy, have neglected the Church's ordinance in this point, here are added (to those Songs of the 176 Church which were either taken out of the canonical Scripture, or anciently in use) certain other Spiritual Songs and Hymns, appropriated to those days and occasions which are most observable throughout the year. And before each several Hymn is prefixed a brief Preface also, to declare their use, and the purpose of each commemoration 3 that such, who have heretofore through ignorance contemned the Church's discipline therein, might behave them- selves more reverently hereafter, and learn not to speak evil of those things they understand not. fc#fc#^#*####<**? 177 ADVENT SUNDAY. The Advent is that for Christmas, which John Baptist was to Christ (even a forerunner for prepara- tion) : and it is called the Advent (which signifieth coming) because the Church did usually, from that time until the Nativity, commemorate the several comings of Christ, and instruct the people concern- ing them. Which comings are these, and the like: His Conception, by which he came into the Virgin's womb : His Nativity, by which he came (as it were) further into the world: His coming to preach in his own person : His coming by his Ministers : His coming to Jerusalem : The coming of the Holy Ghost : His spiritual coming, which he vouchsafeth into the heart of every regenerate Christian : And finally, that last coming of his, which shall be unto judgment, &c. All which comings are compre- hended in these three; his coming to men, into men, and against men ; to men, by his Incarnation; into men, by Grace ; against men, to Judgment, N • 178 SONG XLV. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. When Jesus Christ incarnate was, To be our brother then came he : When into us he comes by grace, Then his beloved spouse are we : When he from Heaven descends again, To be our judge returns he then. And then despair will those confound, That his first comings nought regard 5 And those, who till the trumpet sound, Consume their leisures unprepar'd: Curst be those pleasures, cry they may, Which drove the thought of this away. 3. The Jews abjected yet remain, That his first advent heeded not; And those five virgins knock' d in vain, Who to provide them oil forgot : But safe and blessed those men are, Who for his comings do prepare. 179 4. O let us therefore watch and pray, His times of visiting to know 5 And live so furnish'd, that we may With him unto his wedding go : Yea, though at midnight he should call, Let us be ready, lamps, and all. 5. And so provide before that feast, Which Christ his coming next doth mind. That he to come, and be a guest Within our hearts, may pleasure find ; And we bid welcome, with good cheer, That coming, which so many fear. 6. Oh come, Lord Jesu, come away 5 (Yea, though the world it shall deter) Oh let thy kingdom come, we pray, Whose coming most too much defer : And grant us thereof such foresight, It come not like a thief by night. es©©0©©0©00 N 2 180 CHRISTMAS DAY. This day is worthily dedicated to be observed in remembrance of the blessed Nativity of our Re- deemer Jesus Christ : at which time it pleased the Almighty Father to send his only begotten Son into the world for our sakes ; and by an unspeakable union to join in one person God and Man, without confusion of natures, or possibility of separation. To express, therefore, our thankfulness, and the joy we ought to have in this love of God, there hath been anciently, and is yet continued in England (above other countries), a neighbourly and plentiful hospi- tality in inviting, and (without invitation) receiving unto our well-furnished tables, our tenants, neigh- bours, friends, and strangers \ to the honour of our nation, and increase of amity and free-hearted kind- ness among us. But, most of all, to the refreshing of the bowels of the poor, being the most Christian use of such festivals. Which charitable and good English custom hath of late been seasonably re-ad- vanced by his Majesty's gracious care, in command- ing our Nobility and Gentry to repair (especially at such times) to their country mansions. 181 SONG XLVI. l. As on the night before this blessed morn A troop of Angels unto Shepherds told, Where in a stable he was poorly born, Whom nor the earth nor heaven of heavens can hold, Through Bethlehem rung, This news at their return 5 Yea, Angels sung, That God with us was born : And they made mirth, because we should not mourn. CHORUS. His love, therefore, oh! let us all confess; And to the sons of men his woi^ks express. 2. This favour Christ vouchsafed for our sake : To buy us thrones he in a manger lay 3 Our weakness took, that we his strength might take, And was disrob'd, that he might us array : Our flesh he wore, Our sin to wear away : Our curse he bore, That we escape it may ; And wept for us, that we might sing for aye. His love, therefore, oh! let us all corf ess ; And to the sons of men his works express. 182 SONG XLVII. ANOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS - DAY. Sing this as the Forty-sixth Song. 1. A Song of Joy unto the Lord we sing, And publish forth the favours he hath shown : We sing his praise, from whom all joy doth spring, And tell abroad the wonders he hath done ; For such were never since the world begun. His love, therefore, oh! let us all confess; And to the sons of men his works express. 2. As on this day the Son of God was born, The blessed Word was then incarnate made ; The Lord to be a servant held no scorn ; The Godhead was with human nature clad, And flesh a throne above all Angels had. His love, therefore, $c. 3. Our sin and sorrows on himself he took, On us his bliss and goodness to bestow : To visit earth, he Heaven awhile forsook - 3 183 And to advance us high, descended low ; But with the sinful angels dealt not so. His love t therefore, $c. 4. A maid conceiv'd, whom man had never known : The fleece was moistened, where no rain had been : ^ A virgin she remains that had a son : The bush did flame that still remained green : And this befell, when God with us was seen. His love, therefore, Qc. 5. For sinful men all this to pass was brought, As, long before, the Prophets had forespoke : So he, that first our shame and ruin wrought, Once bruis'd our heel, but now his head is broke : And he hath made us whole, who gave that stroke. His Ime, therefore, §c. 6. The Lamb hath play'd devouring wolves among, The morning star of Jacob doth appear ; From Jesse's root our tree of life is sprung, And all God's words (in him) fulfilled are : Yet we are slack his praises to declare. His love, therefore, $c. 184 THE CIRCUMCISION, OE NEW YEAR'S DAY. The Church solemnizeth this day, commonly called New Year's Day, in memorial of our Saviour's Cir- cumcision ; that remembering how, when he was but eight days old, he began to smart and shed his blood for us, we might praise him for the same; and that with due thankfulness, considering how easy a sacrament he hath left us (instead of that bloody one, which the law enjoined) we might be provoked to bring forth the fruits of regeneration. SONG XLVIII. Sing this as the Forty-fourth So?ig. This day thy flesh, oh Christ, did bleed, Mark'd by the circumcision- knife 5 Because the law, for man's misdeed, Requir'd that earnest of thy life : Those drops divin'd that shower of blood, Which in thine agony began : And that great shower foreshew'd the flood, Which from thy side the next day ran. 185 2. Then,, through that milder sacrament, Succeeding this, thy grace inspire ; Yea, let thy smart make us repent, And circumcised hearts desire. For he that either is baptiz'd, Or circumciz'd in flesh alone, Is but as an uncircumciz'd, Or as an unbaptized one. The years anew we now begin, And outward gifts receiv'd have we; Renew us also, Lord, within, And make us new year's gifts for thee : Yea, let us, with the passed year, Our old affections cast away; That we new creatures may appear, And to redeem the time essay. TWELFTH-DAY, OR THE EPIPHANY. Twelfth -Day, otherwise called the Epiphany, or the Day of Manifestation, is celebrated by the 186 Church to the praise of God,, and in memorial of that blessed and admirable discovery of our Sa- viour's birth, which was vouchsafed unto the Gentiles shortly after it came to pass. For as the Shepherds of the Jews were warned thereof, and directed to the place by an Angel from Heaven $ so the Magi of the Gentiles received the same particular notice of it by a star in the East, that both Jews and Gen- tiles might be left inexcusable, if they came not to his worship. This day is observed also in comme- moration of our Saviour's Baptism, and of his first miracle in Canaan, by which he was likewise ma- nifested to be the Son of God. «8>©©©©©<8>0©©©©©* SONG XLIX. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. That so thy blessed birth, oh Christ, Might through the world be spread about, Thy star appeared in the East, Whereby the Gentiles found thee out ; And offering thee myrrh, incense, gold, Thy three- fold office did unfold. 187 2. Sweet Jesus, let that star of thine, Thy grace, which guides to find out thee, Within our hearts for ever shine, That thou of us found out may'st be : And thou shalt be our King, therefore, Our Priest and Prophet evermore. 3. Tears, that from true repentance drop, Instead of myrrh, present will we : For incense we will offer up Our prayers and praises unto thee ; And bring for gold each pious deed, Which doth from saving faith proceed. 4. And as those Wise Men never went To visit Herod any more ; So , finding thee,, we will repent Our courses follow'd heretofore : And that we homeward may retire, The way by thee we will inquire. 188 THE PURIFICATION OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN. According to the time appointed in the law of Moses, the blessed Virgin fet. Mary reckoned the days of Purification, which were to be observed after the birth of a male child 5 and then, as the law commanded, presented both her son and her appointed offering in the Temple. Partly, there- fore, in commemoration of that her true obedience to the law, and partly to memorize that presenta- tion of our Redeemer (which was performed by his blessed mother at her Purification) this anniversary is worthily observed. SONG L. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. No doubt but she that had the grace, Thee in her womb, oh Christ, to bear, And did all womankind surpass, Was hallow'd by thy being there ; And where the fruit so holy was, The birth could no pollution cause. 189 2. Yet in obedience to thy law, Her purifying rites were done, That we might learn to stand in awe, How from thine ordinance we run j For if we disobedient be, Unpurified souls have we. 3. Oh keep us, Lord, from thinking vain, What by thy word thou shalt command : Let us be sparing to complain, On what we do not understand ; And guide thy Church, that she may still Command, according to thy will. 4. Vouchsafe that with one joint consent We may thy praises ever sing ; Preserve thy seamless robe unrent, For which so many lots do fling : And grant that, being purified From sin, we may in love abide. 5. Moreover , as thy mother went (That holy and thrice blessed maid) ISO Thee in thy Temple to present. With perfect human flesh array'dj So let us, offer'd up to thee, Replenished with thy Spirit be. 6. Yea, let thy Church, our mother dear, (Within whose womb new-born we be) Before thee at her time appear, To give her children up to thee 5 And take, for purified things, Her, and that offering which she brings. *b *& *£ *b *$? *b *b *b *b *b ►£ *b *b *h *& *b *b THE FIRST DAY OF LENT. The observation of Lent is a profitable institution of the Church, not abridging the Christian liberty of meats, but intended for a means to help to set the spirit at liberty from the flesh : and therefore this fast consisteth not altogether in a formal for- bearance of this or that food, but in a true mortifi- cation of the body : for abstinence from flesh only (wherein also we ought to be obedient to the higher powers) more tendeth to the increase of plenty and 191 well-ordering things in the commonwealth, than to a spiritual discipline. Because it is apparent we may overpamper ourselves, as well with what is permit- ted as with what is forbidden $ this commendable observation (which every man ought to observe so far forth as he shall be able,, and his spiritual neces- sity requires) was appointed -, partly to commemo- rate our Saviour's miraculous fasting, whereby he satisfied for the gluttony of our first parents ; and (at this season) partly to cool our wanton blood, which at this time of the year is aptest to be en- flamed with evil concupiscences ; and partly, also, to prepare us the better both to meditate the passion of our Saviour, which is always commemorated about the end of Lent, and to fit us to receive the blessed Sacrament of his Last Supper to our greater comfort. SONG LI. Sing this as the Forty -fourth Song, 1. Thy wondrous fasting to record, And our rebellious flesh to tame, A holy fast to thee, oh Lord, We have intended m thy name : Oh sanctify it, we thee pray,, That we may thereby honour thee; And so dispose us, that it may To our advantage also be. Let us not grudgingly abstain, Nor secretly the gluttons play, Nor openly, for glory vain, Thy Church's ordinance obey ; But let us fast, as thou hast taught, Thy rule observing in each part, With such intentions as we ought, And with true singleness of heart. 3. So thou shalt our devotions bless, And make this holy discipline A means that longing to suppress, Which keeps our will so cross to thine : And though our strictest fastings fail To purchase of themselves thy grace, Yet they to make for our avail (By thy deservings) shall have place. 4. True fasting helpful oft hath been, The wanton flesh to mortify; 193 But takes not off the guilt of sin, Nor can we merit ought thereby: It is thine abstinence, or none, Which merit favour for us must 5 For when our glorioust works are done, We perish, if in them we trust. THE ANNUNCIATION OF MARY. The Church hath dedicated this day to memo- rise the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin St. Mary, who was about this time of the year saluted by the Angel Gabriel^ and we ought to sanctify it with praising God for that inexpressible mystery of our Saviour's conception, which was the happy news the holy Angel brought unto his mother. Nothing in the world is more worthy to be spoken of than this favour, and yet nothing more unspeakable. SONG LII. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. 1. Our hearts, oh blessed God, incline, Thy true affection to embrace ; 194 And that humility of thine, Which for our sakes vouchsafed was, Thy goodness teach us to put on, As with our nature thou wert clad; And so to mind what thou hast done, That we may praise thee, and be glad. 2. For thou not only held'st it meet To send an angel from above, An humble maid on earth to greet, And bring the message of thy love : But laying (as it were) aside Those glories none can comprehend, Nor any mortal eyes abide, Into her womb thou didst descend. 3. Bestow thou also thy respect On our despis'd and low degree ; And, Lord, oh, do not us neglect, Though worthy of contempt we be : But through thy messengers prepare And hallow so our hearts, we pray, That thou conceived being there, The fruits of faith bring forth we may. 195 PALM SUNDAY. Palm Sunday is so called, by reason it was upon that day in which Jesus riding to Jerusalem (ac- cording to the Prophets), the people strewed the way for him with their garments, and the branches of the Palm Tree. And, indeed, it was in a man- ner the day of proclaiming him King, as the Friday following was the day of his coronation. Worthily, therefore, is it commemorated 5 and many excel- lent mysteries are thereby brought to remembrance, which, but for this anniversary, most would forget, and many, perhaps, never come to know. *♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ * SONG LIII. Sing this as the Third Song. 1. When Jesus to Jerusalem, (And there to suffer) rode, The people all the way for him With palm and garments stTOw'd : And though he did full meekly ride. And poorly on an ass, o 2 195 " Hosanna to the King!" they cried, As he along did pass. 2. His glory, and his royal right, (E'en by a power divine) As if, in worldly pomp's despite, Through poverty did shine 5 And though the greater sort did frown, He exercis'd his power, Till he himself did lay it down, At his appointed hour. 3. Possession of his house he got, The merchants thence expell'd $ And though the priests were mad thereat, His lectures there he held. Oh ! how should any be so dull, To doubt who this might be ? When they did things so wonderful, And works so mighty, s ee. Lord, when to us thou drawest nigh, Instruct us thee to know 5 And to receive thee joyfully, 197 How mean so ere in show : Yea, though the rich and worldly-wise, When we thy praises sing, Both thee, and us, therefore despise, Be thou approv'd our King. THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER. As upon this day our blessed Saviour, eating the Passover with his disciples, instituted the blessed Sacrament of his Last Supper ; afterward he washed their feet ; prayed for them, and for the faithful ge- neration ; instructed them; confuted them; warned them of what should come to pass, both concerning themselves, and his own death and resurrection ; promised to send them a Comforter; and expressed many other excellent things for the confirmation of their faith. Then departing to a garden, he pray- ing, fell into his most bitter agony, which having overcome, he was that night betrayed, and for- saken of all his disciples. In commemoration of which passages, the Church holds this yearly as- sembly, that our pious affections towards our Re- deemer may be stirred up, to his glory, an £15 But, when thou bid'st us to believe, Let us obey, let reason go : Faith's objects true, and surer be, Than those that reason's eyes do see. 3. Yet, as by looking on the sun, Though to his substance we are blind, And by the course we see him run, Some notions we of him may find : So, what thy brightness doth conceal, Thy word and works in part reveal. 4. Most glorious essence, we confess, In thee, whom by our faith we view, Three Persons, neither more nor less, Whose workings them distinctly shew : And sure we are, those Persons Three Make but One God, and thou art he. 5. The sun a motion hath, we know, Which motion doth beget us light , The heat proceedeth from those two, . And each doth proper acts delight : The motion draws out time a line, The heat doth warm, the light doth shine. c 2\6 6. Yet,, though this motion, light, and. heat, Distinctly by themselves we take, Each in the other hath his seat, And but one sun we see they make : For whatsoe'er the one will do, He works it with the other two. So in the Godhead there is knit A wondrous threefold true-love-knot, And perfect union fastens it, Though flesh and blood perceive it not -, And what each Person doth alone, By all the Trinity is done. 8. Their work they jointly do pursue, Though they their offices divide -, And each one by himself hath due His proper attributes beside : But One in substance they are still, In virtue one, and one in will. 9- Eternal all the Persons be, And yet Eternal there's but One 5 217 So likewise Infinite all Three, Yet Infinite but One alone : And neither Person aught doth miss., That of the Godhead's essence is. 10. In Unity and Trinity, Thus, oh Creator, we adore Thy ever-praised Deity, And thee confess for evermore, One Father, One begotten Son, One Holy Ghost, in Godhead One. SUNDAY IN GENERAL, Sunday is our natural appellation, the Sabbath the Hebrew term, and the Lord's Day the Christian name, whereby we entitle God's Seventh Day; and (if wilful affectation be avoided) either name is allowable. It is a portion of time sanctified by God, immediately after the world's creation, and by the divine law dedicated to be perpetually observed to the honour of our Creator : and though some things accidentally pertinent to the observation thereof have been changed, yet that which is essential 218 thereunto is for ever immutable. Our Saviour hath by his Resurrection hallowed for us that which we now observe, instead of the Jewish Sabbath, which being the day whereon he rested in the grave, the observation thereof, and of all other Jewish ceremo- nies, was buried with him ; because they were to continue but till the accomplishment of those things whereof they were types. This is that day wherein our Redeemer began (as it were) his eternal rest, after he had finished the work of our reparation, and conquered Death, the last that was to be de- stroyed. This day we ought, therefore, to sanctify, according to God's first institution : not Jewishly, that is, by a strict or mere outward abstaining from the servile works of the body only, according to the letter ; but Christianly, to wit, in spirit and truth, both inwardly and outwardly y so recreating our bo- dies and souls, that we may, with a sanctified plea- sure (and, as much as may be, without weariness) spend that day to the glory of God, according to his command, and the Church's direction; even to the use of bodily labours and exercises, whensoever (without respect to sensual or covetous ends) a rec- tified conscience shall persuade us, that the honour of God, the charity we owe to our neighbours, or an unfeigned necessity requires them to be done. 219 SONG LX. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. 1. Six days, oh Lord, the world to make, And set all creatures in array, Was all the leisure thou wouldst take, And then didst rest the seventh day : That day thou therefore hallowed hast, And rightly, by a law divine, Which till the end of time shall last, The seventh part of time is thine. 2. Then teach us willingly to give The tribute of our days to thee ; By whom we now both move and live, And have attain' d to what we be. For of that rest, which by thy word Thou hast been pleased to enjoin, The profit all is ours, oh Lord, And but the praise alone is thine. 3. Oh, therefore, let us not consent To rob thee of thy Sabbath Day, 220 Nor rest with carnal rest content, But sanctify it all we may, Yea, grant that we from sinful strife, And all those works thou dost detest \ May keep a Sabbath all our life, And enter thy eternal rest. ST. ANDREW'S DAY. The holy Church celebrate th this day to glorify God for that favour which he vouchsafed unto her by the calling and ministry of blessed Andrew his Apostle ; and that, by the remembrance of his rea- diness to follow and preach Christ, both the honour- able and Christian memorial, due to an Apostle, might be preserved, and we stirred up also to the imitation of his forwardness in our several callings, advancing God's honour and gospel: in which ge- neral sense every the meanest Christian hath a kind of apostleship, to build up (not only in himself, but in others also) the temple of the living God, and to increase and establish the kingdom of Christ. vvvvvvvvv 221 SONG LXI. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. As blessed Andrew,, on a day, By fishing did his living earn, Christ came, and called him away, That he to fish for men might learn : And no delay thereat he made, Nor questions fram'd of his intent, But quite forsaking all he had, Along with him that call'd he went 2. Oh, that we could so ready be, To follow Christ when he doth call ! And that we could forsake, as he, Those nets that we are snar'd withal : Or would this fisherman of men, (Who set by all he had so light) By his obedience shewed them (And his example) win us might. 3. But precepts and examples fail, Till thou thy grace, Lord, add thereto j Oh grant it, and we shall prevail 222 In whatsoe'er thou bid'st us do : Yea, we shall then that bliss conceive, Which in thy service we may find, And for thy sake be glad to leave Our nets, and all we have, behind. ST. THOMAS'S DAY. This day was set apart by the Church, that it might be sanctified to the praise of God for his holy Apostle St. Thomas, by whose preaching the Christian generation was multiplied 5 and that we might strengthen the belief we have of our Saviour's undeniable Resurrection, by taking a yearly occa- sion to refresh our memories with that part of the evangelical story, which mentioneth both this Apos- tle's doubting, and the confirmation of his faith by a sensible demonstration. SONG LXII. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. When Christ was risen from the dead, And Thomas of the same was told, 223 He would not credit it, he said, Though he himself should him behold, Till he his wounded hands had eyed, And thrust his fingers in his side. 2. Which trial he did undertake, And Christ his frailty did permit, By his distrusting sure to make Such others, as might doubt of it : So we had right, and he no wrong, For by his weakness both are strong. 3. Oh, blessed God, how wise thou art ! And how confoundest thou thy foes! Who their temptations dost convert, To work those ends which they oppose : When Satan seeks our faith to shake, The firmer he the same doth make. 4. Thus whatsoe'er he tempts us to, His disadvantage let it be 5 Yea, make those very sins we do, The means to bring us nearer thee : Yet let us not to ill consent, Though colour'd with a good intent. 22-i ST. STEPHEN'S DAY. Stephen was one of the seven Deacons mentioned Acts vi. and the first Martyr of Jesus Christ; whose truth having powerfully maintained by dispute, he constantly sealed it with his blood. The Church, therefore, hath appointed this anniversary in remem- brance thereof, that so God might perpetually be glorified for the same ; and the story of his martyr- dom the oftener mentioned, to the encouragement and direction of other men in their trials. SONG LXIII. Sing this as the Fourth Song, I, Lord, with what zeal did thy first Martyr breathe Thy blessed truth, to such as him withstood! With what stout mind embraced he his death ! A holy witness sealing with his blood ! The praise is thine, that him so strong didst make, And blest is he, that died for thy sake. Unquenched love in him appear' d to be, When for his murd'rous foes he did intreat j % c 25 A piercing eye made bright by faith had he. For he beheld thee in thy glory set ; And so unmov'd his patience he did keep, He died, as if he had but fallen asleep. 3. Our lukewarm hearts with his hot zeal inflame, So constant, and so loving, let us be 5 So let us living glorify thy name ; So let us dying fix our eyes on thee : And when the sleep of death shall us o'ertake, With him to life eternal us awake. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. This day is celebrated by the Church to praise God for his blessed Evangelist and beloved Disciple, St. John, who hath been an admirable instrument of his glory, and the Church's instruction : for, the mystery of the sacred Trinity, and the Divinity of Christ, is by him most plainly expressed in his writings, among many other great mysteries and excellent doctrines concerning our redemption; for which we are bound particularly to honour God, and worthily stirred up thereunto by this annual commemoration. a 226 SONG LXIV. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song,, 1. Teach us by his example, Lord, For whom we honour thee to day, And grant his witness of thy Word Thy Church enlighten ever may : And as belov'd, oh Christ, he was, And therefore leaned on thy breast, So let us also in thy grace, And on thy sacred bosom rest. 2. Into us breathe that love divine, Whose testimony he intends $ About us cause thy light to shine, That which no darkness comprehends . And let that ever-blessed Word, Which all things did create of nought,. Anew create us now, oh Lord, Whose ruin sin hath almost wrought. 3. Thy holy faith we do profess, Us to thy fellowship receive $ 227 Our sins we heartily confess. Thy pardon therefore let us have : And as to us thy servant gives Occasion thus to honour thee, So also let our words and lives As lights and guides to others be, INNOCENTS' DAY. King Herod understanding that a King of the Jews was born in Bethlehem Juda ( and fearing that by him he might be dispossessed), he mur- dered all the young infants of that circuit, in hope among them to have slain Jesus Christ : but he was sent into Egypt by God's special appointment -, and so the tyrant's fury proved vain. In honour, there- fore, of the Almighty's providence, the Church ce- lebrateth this day $ to put us in mind, also, how vainly the Devil and his members rage against God's decree; and, that the c r uel slaughter of those poor infants may never be forgotten 5 which, in a large sense, may be called a Martyrdom j as in the gene- rality of the cause (being for Christ), and in the passion of the body, though not in the intention of the mind: and so in proper sense doth St. Stephen hold still the place of the first captain of that band* GU2 22S SONG LXV. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. I. That rage, whereof the Psalm doth say, ' Why are the Gentiles grown so mad V Appear' d in part upon that day, When Herod slain the Infants had : Yet (as it saith) they storm'd in vain, (Though many Innocents they slew) For Christ they purpos'd to have slain, Who all their counsels overthrew. Thus still vouchsafe thou to restrain All tyrants, Lord, pursuing thee - } Thus let our vast desires be slain, That thou may'st living in us be y So whilst we shall enjoy our breath, We of thy love our songs will frame ; And, with those Innocents, our death Shall also glorify thy name. In type those many died for one -, That one for many more was slain ; And what they felt in act alone, 229 lie did in will and act sustain. Lord, grant that what thou hast decreed,, In will and act, we may fulfil , And though we reach not to the deed, From us, oh God, accept the will. THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL. St. Paul, as appears, Acts ix. having been a great persecutor of the Christian faith before his conver- sion, was extraordinarily called to embrace the same profession, even as he proceeded in a journey pur- posely undertaken to suppress the truth : and so, of a wolf became afterward a Pastor, and the most la- borious Preacher of Jesus Christ : which mercy of God, that we may still remember it to the praise of his name, and our own comfort, the Church hath appointed a yearly commemoration thereof. zmxumzuUn SONG LXVL Smg this as the Forty -fourth Song. 1. A blest conversion, and a strange, Was that, when Saul a Paul becime j 230 And, Lord, for making such a change, We praise and glorify thy name : For whilst he went from place to place, To persecute thy truth and thee, (And running to perdition was) By powerful grace calFd back was he. 2. When from the truth we go astray, (Or wrong it through our blinded zeal) Oh come, and stop us in the way, And then thy will to us reveal $ That brightness shew us from above, Which proves the sensual eye- sight blind j And from our eyes those scales remove, That hinder us thy way to find. 3. And as thy blessed servant Paul, When he a convert once became, Exceeded thy Apostles all, In painful preaching of thy name : So grant that those who have in sin Exceeded others heretofore. The start of them in faith may win, Love, serve, and honour thee the more, 231 ST. MATTHIAS. Mathias was the Disciple which was chosen in the room of Judas Iscariot; and his anniversary is commanded to be observed, that it might give us continual occasion to praise God for his justice and favour j for his justice shewed in discovering and not sparing Judas the traitor, abusing his apostle- ship ; for his favour, declared in electing Matthias a faithful Pastor of the Church. Moreover, the remembrance of divers other mysteries is renewed by the observation of this day. And by taking oc- casion to read publickly the story of Judas' s apos- tacy, men are that day put in mind to consider what judgments hang over their heads, who shall abuse the divine callings, &c. «>::::.::::.::o:x:>::.x> SONG LXVH. When one among the twelve there was, That did thy grace abuse, Thou leftst him, Lord, and in his place Didst just Matthias choose : So, if a traitor do remain Within thy church to day, 232 To grant him true repentance deign, Or cast him out, we pray. Though horned like the lamb he shew, Or sheep-like clad he be, Let us his dragon language know, And wolfish nature see 5 Yea, cause the lot to fall on those. The charge of thine to take, That shall their actions well dispose, And conscience of them make. 3. Let us, moreover, mind his fall, Whose room Matthias got, So to believe, and fear withal, That we forsake thee not : For titles, be they ne'er so high, Or great, or sacred place, Can no man's person sanctify, Without thy special grace . mmmmmw& 233 ST. MARK'S DAY. St. Mark, being one of the four blessed Evangelists, by whose pen the Gospel of Jesus Christ was record- ed 3 this day is purposely appointed to praise God for those glad tidings he brought, and that we might honour him also with such a Christian memorial, as becometh the Ambassador of so great a King as our Redeemer : w r hich civil honour, due to the Saints of God, it is hoped none will deny them ; nor con- ceive such institutions superstitious, or to have been .purposed to an idolatrous end. SONG LXVIII. Sing this as the Forty -fourth Song, 1. For those blest Penmen of thy Word, Who have thy holy Gospel writ,, We praise and honour thee, oh Lord, And our belief we build on it : Those happy tidings which it brings, With joyful hearts we do embrace, And prize, above all other things, That precious token of thy grace. 234 2. To purchase what we hope thereby, Our utmost wealth we will bestow j Yea, we our pleasures will deny, And let our lives and honours go : And whomsoe'er it cometh from, No other Gospel we will hear $ No, though an Angel down should come From heav'n, we would not give him ear. 3. Our resolutions, Lord, are such, But in performance weak are we 5 And the deceiver's craft is much ; Our second, therefore, thou must be : So we assuredly shall know, When any doctrines we receive, If they agreeing be, or no, To those which we professed have, •#9?**as*«p«**## '23S ST. PHILIP AND JACOB. This day is celebrated to the honour of God, and -the Christian memorial of the two blessed Apostles, Philip and Jacob : at which time the Church taketh occasion to offer to our remembrance such myste- ries, as Christ delivered nnto them, that we might the oftener consider them, receive further instruc- tion concerning them, and praise God, both for such *his favours and for those instruments of his glory. SONG LXIX. Sing this as the Third Song, 1. To thy Apostles thou hast taught What they, oh Christ, should do ; And those things which believe they ought, Of thee they learned too : And that which thou to them hast shewn, Hath been disposed thus, They unto others made it known, And those have told it us. > 2. With them we do confess and say, (What shall not be denied) 236 Thou art the Truth, the Life, the Way, And we in thee will bide : By thee the Father we have known, Whom thou descend est from j And unto him, by thee alone, We have our hope to come. 3. For thou to Philip didst impart, (Which our belief shall be) That thou within the Father art, And that he is in thee ; And saidst, whatever in thy name We should with faith require, Thou wouldst give ear unto the same. And grant us our desire. 4. Of thee, oh Lord, we therefore crave, (Which thou wilt deign, we know) The good belief which now we have We never may forego : And that thy sacred truth, which we Thy Word have learned from, From age to age deriv'd may be., Until thy kingdom come. ST. BARNABAS'S DAY. This day is solemnized in commemoration of St. Barnabas, a faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ 5 and to honour God for the benefit vouchsafed to the Church by his ministry 5 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith, as St. Luke testifieth, Acts xi. 24. He was also, by the Holy Ghost's immediate appointment (together with Paul) separated for the ministry of the Gospel, and con- firmed in the Apostleship by the laying on of hands, Acts xiii. 2. SONG lxx; Sing this as the Forty -fourth Song. 1. Thy gifts and graces manifold, To many men thou, Lord, hast lent,. Both now, and in the days of old, To teach them fakh, and to repent : Thy Prophets thou didst first ordain, And they as legates did appear 5 Then cam'st thyself, and in thy train Apostles for attendants were. 238- For legier, when thou went'st away*. The Holy Ghost thou didst appoint 5 And here, successions, till this day, Remain of those he did anoint 5 Yea, thou hast likewise so ordain' d, That to make good what those have taught^ An army royal was maintained Of Martyrs, who thy battles fought. 3. For those, and him, for whom we thus- Are met, to praise thy name to day, We give thee thanks, as they for us, That should come after them, did pray y And by this duty we declare, Our faith assures that they and we (In times divided though we are) Have one communion still with thee* ST. JOHN BAPTIST, John, called the Baptist, was he (as Christ himself testifieth) who was promised to be sent before him to prepare his way, Luke vii. 2J, and by his preach- 239 ing and baptism the people were accordingly pre- pared to receive him that was to follow. He was the true expected Elias, and slain by Herod, for reproving the incest which the said Herod com- mitted., in taking his brother's wife. That we might praise God, therefore, for this Forerunner of our Saviour (and by his example remember to provide for his entertainment) the Church hath set apart this day. SONG LXXI. Sing this as the Ninth Song, 1. Because the world might not pretend It knew not of thy coming day, Thou didst, oh Christ, before thee send A cryer, to prepare thy way : Thy kingdom was the bliss he brought, Repentance was the way he taught, 2, And, that his voice might not alone Inform us what we should believe. His life declar'd what must be done, If thee we purpose to receive : His life our pattern, therefore, make, That we the course he took may take. vm 3. Let us not gad to Pleasure's court, With fruitless toys to feed the mind y Nor to that wilderness resort, Where reeds are shaken with the wind ; But tread the path he trod before, That both a Prophet was, and more^ 4. Clad in repentant cloth of hair, Let us, oh Christ, (to seek out thee) To those forsaken walks repair,. Which of so few frequented be : And true repentance so intend, That we our courses may amend. 5. Let us hereafter feed upon The honey of thy Word divine y Let us the world's enticement shun, Her drugs, and her bewitching wine y And on our loins (so loose that are) The leather-belt of temperance wear* 6. Thus from the cryer let us learn. For thee, sweet Jesus, to prepare, And others of their sins to warn, ' 241 However for the same we fare : So thou to us, and we to thee, Shall when thou comest welcome be. ST. PETER'S DAY. We observe this day to the honour of God, and to the pious memory of his blessed Apostle St. Peter 5 that we may thereby be put in mind to be thankful . for those continuing favours received by his minis- try 5 that Pastors also may make him their pattern, in discharging the charge Christ committeth unto them j that by considering his weakness, we may all learn not to presume on our own strength 5 and that, by his Christian example, we may be taught to bewail our escapes with bitter tears of true re- pentance. SONG LXXIL Sing this as the Third Song. 1. How watchful need we to become, And how, devoutly pray, That thee, oh Lord, we fall not from, Upon our trial day : R 242 For, if thy great Apostle said,, He would not thee deny, Whom he that very night deny'd, On what shall we rely ? 2. For of ourselves we cannot leave One pleasure for thy sake ; No, not one virtuous thought conceive^ Till us thou able make : Nay, we not only thee deny, When persecutions be, But, or forget, or from thee fly, When peace attends on thee. Oh ! let those prayers us avail, Thou didst for Peter deign, That when our foe shall us assail, His labour may be vain : Yea, cast on us those powerful eyes. That mov'd him to lament, We may bemoan, with bitter cries, Our follies, and repent. 4. And grant that such as him succeed, For Pastors of thy fold, 243 Thy sheep and lambs may guide and feed, As thou appoint'st they should : By his example speaking what They ought in truth to say, And in their lives confirming that They teach them to obey. ST. JAMES'S DAY. This day we praise God for his blessed Apostle St. James, the son of Zebedeus, who was one of those two that desired of Christ they might sit at his right hand, and at his left, in his kingdom, as the Gospel for the day declare th: and by occasion of that ignorant petition (proceeding from their carnal weakness) Christ taught both them, and the rest of the Apostles, and all other Christians also, what greatness best becometh his followers 5 and that we are to taste the cup of his passion, before we can be glorified with him: so this holy Apostle didj for he was slain by Herod, as it is declared in the Epistle appointed for the day. R 2 244 SONG LXXIII. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. I. He that his father had forsook, And followed Christ at his commands, By human frailty overtook, For place and vain preferment stands, Till by his Master he was taught, Of what he rather should have care, How undiscreetly he had sought, And what his servants honours are. 2. Whereby we find how much ado The best men have this world to leave ; How, when they wealth and friends forego, Ambitious aims to them will cleave : And sure this angel-sin aspires In such men chiefly to reside, That have " put off" those brute desires, Which in the vulgar sort abide. To thee, oh God, we therefore pray, Thy humble mind may in us dwell t 245 And charm that fiend of pride away, Which would thy graces quite expel v But, of all other, those men keep From this delusion of the foe, Who are the Shepherds of thy sheep, And should each good example show. 4. For such as still pursuing be That greatness which the world respects, Their servile baseness neither see, Nor feel thy Spirit's rare effects : And doubtless they, who most of all Descend to serve both thee and thine, Are those, who in thy kingdom shall In seats of greatest glory shine. ST. BARTHOLOMEW. This day is consecrated to the honour of God, and the pious memory of his blessed Apostle St. Bartho- lomew, that (as appeareth in the Epistle appointed for the day) we might take occasion to praise our Redeemer for those many wonders which were wrought by his Apostles, to the great increase of the Christian faith, and open confusion of the Church's adversaries. 246 SONG LXXIV. Sing this as the Ninth Sojig. 1. Exceeding gracious favours, Lord, To thy Apostles hast thou shown ; And many wonders by thy Word, And in thy name, by them were done : The blind did see, the dumb could talk, The deaf did hear, the lame did wa\k. They all diseases took away -, The dead to life they did restore ) Foul spirits dispossessed they, And preach' d the gospel to the poor : The Church grew strong, thy faith grew plain, Their foes grew mad, and mad in vain. 3. Oh ! let their works for ever be In honour to thy glorious name $ And by thy power vouchsafe that we (Whom sin makes deaf, blind, dumb, and lame) May hear thy word, and see thy light, And speak thy truth, and walk aright. 247 4. Each deadly sickness of the soul, Let thy Apostles' doctrines cure : Let them expel the spirits foul, Which make us loathsome and impure, That we the life of faith may gain, Who long time dead in sin have lain. © ^ *b >b *h *b *h £ ^ 4* *£ & *b *b *b ^ *$< >3 3 ST. MATTHEW. St. Matthew, otherwise called Levi, was a pub- lican, that is, a custom- gatherer 5 from which course of life (being hateful in those countries) he was called to the Apostleship, and became also one of the four Evangelists : to his religious memory, there- fore, and to honour God, for the favour vouchsafed (both to him and us) by his ministry, this day is ob- served by the Church's authority. SONG LXXV. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. 1. Why should unchristian censures pass On men, or that which they profess ? £48 A publican St. Matthew was, Yet God's beloved ne'ertheless ; And was elected one of Christ's Apostles and Evangelists : For God doth not a whit respect Profession, person, or degree; But maketh choice of his elect From every sort of men that be, That none might of his love despair, But all men unto him repair. 3. For those, oh let us therefore pray, Who seem uncalled to remain ; Not shunning them, as cast away, God's favour never to obtain : For some awhile neglected are. To stir in us more loving care. 4. And for ourselves, let us desire, That we our avarice may shun, When God our service shall require, As this Evangelist hath done, And spend the remnant of our days In setting forth our Maker's praise. 249 ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. This day we glorify God for the .victory of St. Michael and his Angels obtained over the Dragon and his angels ; whereby the Church is freed from being prevailed against by the furious attempts or malicious accusations of the Devil. This comme- moration is appointed, also, to mind us thankfully to acknowledge God's mercy to us, in the daily mi- nistry, of his Angels, who are said to pitch their tents about his children, and to defend them from the temptations and mischievous practices of evil spirits, watching every moment for advantage to de- stroy them : which, if we oftener considered, and how there be armies of Angels and Devils, night and day, fighting for us, and round about us, we would become more careful how we grieved those good Spirits (who attend us for our safety), to the rejoicing of them that seek our destruction. By St, Michael, who was Prince of the good Angels (and termed by St. Jude an Archangel), some under- stand Jesus Christ; for he is indeed the principal Messenger or Angel of our salvation, and the chief of the Princes, as holy Daniel called him; yea, to him alone this name Michael (which signifleth ivho is like God) doth most properly appertain, seeing he only is the perfect image of his Father. 250 SONG LXXVI. Sing this as the Forty-fourth Song. 1. To praise, oh God, and honour thee, For all thy glorious triumphs won, Assembled here this day are we, And to declare thy favours done : Thou took'st that great Archangel's part, With whom in Heaven the Dragon fought ; And that good army's friend thou wert, That cast him and his angels out. •2 Whereby we now in safety are, Our dangers all secured from j For to increase thy glory here, Thy kingdom with great power is come : And we need stand m dread no more, Of that enraged fiend's despite, Who in thy presence, heretofore, Accused us both day and night. 3. In honour of thy blessed name, This hymn of thanks we therefore sing; And to thine everlasting fame, 251 Through Heav'n thine endless praise shall ring: We praise thee for thy proper might, And, Lord, for all those Angels too. Who in thy battles came to right, Or have been sent thy will to do. 6. For many of that glorious troop, To bring us messages from thee, From Heav'n vouchsafed have to stoop, And clad in human shape to be i Yea, we believe they watch and ward About our persons evermore, From evil spirits us to guard ; And we return thee praise therefore. K0000000000000000E ST. LUKE. This day we memorize the benefit the Church re- ceived by the blessed Evangelist St. Luke, a phy- sician both for soul and body, and the first eccle- siastical historiographer; for he was author, not only of that Gospel, which beareth his name; but also of that book called the Acts of the Apostles, and an eye-witness of most part of that which he hath written, remaining a constant companion of St. Paul 252 in his tribulations: worthily, therefore, ought we to honour him with a Christian memorial, and praise God for the grace vouchsafed us by his means. SONG LXXVIL Sing this as the Forty -fourth Song. ]. If those physicians honour' d be, That do the body's health procure, Then worthy double praise is he, Who can both soul and body cure. In lifetime both ways Luke excell'd, And those receipts hath also left, Which many soul-sick patients heal'd, Since from the world he was bereft. 2. And to his honour this beside, A blessed witness hath declar'd, That constant he did still abide, When others from the truth were scar'd : For which the glory, Lord, be thine, For of thy grace those gifts had he, And thou his actions didst incline, Our profit, and his good, to be. 253 3. By his example, therefore, Lord, Uphold us, that we fall not from The true profession of thy Word, Nor by this world be overcome ; And let his wholesome doctrine heal That leprous sickness of the soul, Which more and more would on her steal, And make her languish and grow foul. SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES. This day is dedicated to the praise of God, and the pious memory of the two blessed Apostles of Jesus Christ, Simon called Zelotes, or the Canaanite, and Jude the brother of James. And in this solemnity we are, among other things, principally put in mind of that love, which Christ commandeth to be con- tinued among us, and of that heed we ought to have unto our abiding in that state of grace, whereunto God hath called us, as appeareth in the Epistle and Gospel appointed for the day. 254 SONG LXXVIII. Sing this as the Third Song. 1. No outward mark we have to know Who thine,, oh Christ, may be, Until a Christian love doth show Who appertains to thee : For knowledge may be reach'd unto, And formal justice gain'd, But till'each other love we do, Both faith and w T orks are feign'd. 2. Love is the sum of those commands, Which thou with thine dost leave - 9 And for a mark on them it stands, Which never can deceive : For when our knowledge folly turns, When shows no shew retain, - And zeal itself to nothing burns, Then love shall still remain. 3. By this were thy Apostles knuV And joined so in one, 255 Their true-love-knot could never yet Be broken, nor undone :_ Oh let us, Lord, received be Into that sacred knot, And one become, with them and thee,, That sin undo us not. 4. Yea, lest when we thy grace possess, We fall again away, Or turn it into wantonness, Assist thou us, we pray : And, that we may the better find What heed there should be learn' d^ Let us the fall of Angels mind, As blessed Jude hath warn'd. ALL SAINTS DAY. This day the Church hath appointed, that, to the praise of God, and our comfort, we should commo- rate that excellent mystery of the Communion of Saints (which is one of the twelve articles of Chris- tian belief) : and that (considering how admirably -the divine wisdom hath knit all his elect into one 256 body, for their more perfect enjoying both of his love, and the love of one another) we might here receive a taste of the pleasure we shall have in the full fruition of that felicity, and be stirred up also to such mutual love and unity, as ought to be betwixt us in this life. This is the last Saint's Day in the ecclesiastic circuit of the year, generally observable by the ancient ordinance of the Church : and it seemeth to have a mystery in it, shewing, that when the circle of time is come about, we shall, in one everlasting holiday, honour that blessed communion and mystical body, which shall be made perfect, when all those (whom we have memorized apart) are united into one 5 that is, when the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, the Angels, and all the holy Elect of God, shall be incorporated together into a joyful, unspeakable, and inseparable union in the kingdom of Heaven; which the Almighty hasten, Amen. SONG LXXIX. Sing this as the Ninth Song. 1. No bliss can so contenting prove, As universal love to gain, i 257 Could we with full requiting love All men's affections entertain : But such a love the heart of man Nor well contain, nor merit can. 2. For though to all we might be dear, (Which cannot in this life befall) We discontented should appear, Because we had not hearts for all: That we might all men love, as we Beloved would of all men be. 3. For love in loving joys as much, As love for loving to obtain ; Yea, love unfeign'd is likewise sucrr, It cannot part itself in twain : The rival's friendship soon is gone, And love divided loveth none. 4. Which causeth that with passions pain'd, So many men on earth we see ; And had not God a means ordain'd, This discontent in Heaven would be : For all the Saints would jealous prove Of God's, and of each other's love. 258 5. But he whose wisdom hath contrived His glory, with their full contents, Hath from himself to them deriv'd This favour (which that strife prevents). One body all his Saints he makes, And for his spouse this one he takes. 6. So each one of them shall obtain Full love from all, returning to Full love to all of them again, As members of one body do : None jealous, but all striving how Most love to others to allow. For as the soul is all in all, And all through every member too, Love in the body mystical Is as the soul, and fills it so; Uniting them to God as near. As to each other they are dear* 8. Yea, what they want to entertain, Such overflowing love as his, He will supply, and likewise deign 259 What for his full delight they miss \ That he may all his love employ, And they return his fill of joy. 9- The seed of this content was sown, When God the spacious world did frame, And ever since the same hath grown, To be an honour to his name ; And when his Saints are sealed all, This mystery unseal he shall. 10. Meanwhile (as we in landscape view Fields,, rivers, cities, woods, and seas, And though but little they can shew, Do therewithal our fancies please, Let contemplation maps contrive To shew us where we shall arrive. 11. And though our hearts too shallow be, That blest communion to conceive, Of which we shall in Heaven be free, Let us on earth together cleave : For those who keep in union here, Shall know by faith what will be there. s 2 g$0 12. Where all those Angels we admir'd, With every Saint since time begun, Whose sight and love we have desir'd, Shall be with us conjoin'd in one : And we and they, and they and we, To God himself espoused be. 13. Oh happy wedding ! where the guests, The bride and bridegroom shall be one $ Where songs, embraces, triumphs, feasts., And joys of love are never done : But thrice accurst are those that miss Their garment when this wedding is. 14. Sweet Jesus, seal'd and clad, therefore, For that great meeting let us be, Where people, tongues, and kindreds, more Than can be told, attend on thee, To make those shouts of joy and praise, Which to thine honour they shall raise.- 2(51 ROGATION WEEK. This is called Rogation Week, being so termed by antiquity a rogando, from the public supplications; for then the Litany, which is full of humble peti- tions and intreaties, was, with solemn procession, usually repeated ; because there be, about that sea- son, most occasions of public prayer, in regard princes go then forth to battle 5 the fruits and hope of plenty are in their blossom; the air is most sub- ject to contagious infections; and there is most la- bouring and travelling, both by land, and sea also, from that time of the year forward. Which laud- able custom (though it be lately much decayed, and in some countries abused from the right end, and mingled with superstitious ceremonies) is in many places orderly retained, according as the Church of England approveth it; and we yearly make use also of those processions, to keep knowledge of the true bounds of our several parishes, for avoiding of strife. And those perambulations were yearly appointed likewise, that, viewing God's yearly blessing upon the grass, the corn, and other fruits of the earth, we might be the more provoked to praise him, £62 SONG LXXX, Sing this as the Forty -fourth Song. It was thy pleasure, Lord, to say, That whatsoever in thy name We pray'd for, as we ought to pray, Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant the same i Oh, therefore, we beseech thee now, To these our prayers which we make, Thy gracious ear in favour bow, And grant them for thy mercy's sake. 2. Let not the seasons of this year, As they their courses do observe, Engender those contagions here, Which our transgressions do deserve: Let not the summer worms impair Those bloomings of the earth we see \ Nor blastings, or distempered air, Destroy those fruits that hopeful be. 3. Domestic brawls expel thou far, And be thou pleas'd our coast to guard $ 263 The dreadful sounds of in -brought war Within our confines be not heard : Continue also here thy Wordy And make us thankful, thee we pray ; The pestilence, dearth, and the swords Have been so long withheld away. And, as we needfully observe The certain limits of our grounds, And outward quiet to preserve, About them walk our yearly rounds : So let us also have a care, Our soul's possessions, Lord, to know, That no encroachments on us there Be gained by our subtile foe. 5. What pleasant groves, what goodly fields ! How fruitful hills and dales have we ! How sweet an air our climate yields ! How stor'd with flocks and herds are we ! How milk and honey doth o'erflow! How clear and wholesome are our springs ! How safe from ravenous beasts we go ! And oh, how free from poisonous things ! 2G4 For these, and for our grass, our corn -, For all that springs from blade or bough - x For all those blessings that adorn Or wood, or field, this kingdom through : For all of these, thy praise we sing, And humbly, Lord, entreat thee too, That fruit to thee we forth may bring, As unto us thy creatures do. So in the sweet refreshing shade Of thy protection sitting down, Those gracious favours we have had, Relate we will to thy renown ; Yea, other men, when we are gone, Shall for thy mercies honour thee, And famous make what thou hast done. To such as after them shall be. ST. GEORGE'S DAY. This may be called the Court Holiday; for with us it is solemnized upon command in the court royal of the Majesty of Great Britain only, or in, Q65 the families of those Knights of the Order, who are constrained to be absent from the solemnity there held, which is usually on the day anciently dedi- cated to George the Martyr. Nevertheless, Ave be- lieve not that it was he whom they anciently chose to be the Patron of the forenamed order ; for the relation of him who delivered the lady from the dragon is only a Christian allegory, invented to set forth the better the Church's deliverance. Jesus Christ is the true St. George, and our English tute- lary Saint ; even he that cometh armed upon the White Horse, Rev. xix. 11. The Dragon he over- lhroweth is the Beast mentioned in the same chap- ter, and called (a liitle before) *■ the Dragon with seven heads and ten horns:' the lady he delivers is that woman whom the Dragon persecutes, Rev. xii. And to the honour of him I conceive the most ho- nourable order of St. George to be continued, and this day consecrated. Nor is there any irreverence in imposing this name on our Redeemer; for George signified! a Husbandman, which is a name or attri- bute that even Christ applied to his Father, John xv. 2. ' My Father,' saith he, (o Tsxpyoc sen) < is the George,' or the Husbandman. And, indeed, very properly may this nation call God their George or Husbandman, for he hath (as it were) moted this island with the sea, walled it with natural bul- 266 warks, built towers in it, planted his truth here, weeded, dressed, and replenished it like a garden ; and, in a word,, every way done the part of a good Husbandman thereon. Howsoever, therefore, the first occasion of this day's great solemnity seem but mean (as the beginnings of many noble inventions were) yet I conceive that institution to have been ordained to weighty and Christian purposes : even to oblige the Peers of this kingdom, by the new and strict bands of an honourable order, to imitate their Patron's care over his vineyard, to remember them, that they are the band-royal, to whom the guard thereof is committed, to stir up in them virtuous emulations, and to shew them how to make use of their temporal dignities to the glory of God. For, beside many other reverend officers, there belongs a Prelate also to these solemnities ; and, methinks, we should not imagine that the Founderof it (being a Christian Prince, assisted by a wise and religious counsel) would have so profaned the most excellent dignity of the Church, as to make it wait on cere-^ monies ordained for ostentation, or some other vain ends. More discreetly they deal, who apprehend the contrary, and are not in danger of this sentence* r Evil to him that evil thinketh.' vvvvvvvvv 267 SONG LXXXL , Sing this as the Third Song, i. All praise and glory that we may, Ascribe we,, Lord, to thee, From whom the triumphs of this day, And all our glories be : For of itself, nor east, nor west, Doth honour ebb or flow, But as to thee it seemeth best, Preferments to bestow. 2. Thou art, oh Christ, that valiant Knight, Whose order we profess, And that Saint George, who oft doth fight For England in distress : The Dragon thou o'erthrew'st is he, That would thy Church devour, And that fair lady, Lord, is she, Thou savest from his power. 3. Thou like a Husbandman prepar'd Our fields, yea sown them hast $ 268 And, Knight-like, with a warlike guard, From spoil inclos'd them fast. Oh deign, that those, who in a band More strict than heretofore, Are for this vineyard bound to standi May watch it now the more : 4. Yea grant, since they elected are, New orders to put on, And sacred hieroglyphics wear, Of thy great conquest won, That those, when they forget, may tell Why such of them are worn, And inwardly inform as well, As outwardly adorn $ 5, That so their Christian Knighthood may No Pagan order seem; Nor they their meetings pass away, As things of vain esteem ; And, that we may our triumphs all To thy renown apply, Who art that Saint, on whom we call. When we Saint George do cry. 269 FOR PUBLIC DELIVERANCES. God hath vouchsafed unto this kingdom many pub- lic deliverances, which ought never to be forgotten, but rather should be celebrated by us, as the days Purim by the Israelites, Hester ix. 26. Especially that of the fifth of November : for the celebration whereof there is a statute enacted : and it is hoped we shall never neglect or be ashamed to praise God for that delivery, according to provision made to that purpose. For that, and the like occasions, therefore, this Hymn is composed. SONG LXXXII. Sing this as the Ninth Song. With Israel we may truly say, If on our side God had not been, Our foes had made of us their prey, And we this light had never seen: The pit was digg'd, the snare was laid, And we with ease had been betray'd. 270 2. But they that hate us undertook A plot they could not bring to pass j For he that all doth overlook,, Prevented what intended was : We found the pit, and 'scap'd the gin. And saw their makers caught therein. 3. The means of help was not our own, But from the Lord alone it came $ (A favour undeserved shown) ; And therefore let us praise his name * Oh, praise his name, for it was he That broke the net, and set us free. Unto his honour let us sing, And stories of his mercy tell; With praises let our temples ring, And on our lips thanksgiving dwell : Yea, let us not his love forget, While sun or moon doth rise or set, 5. Let us redeem again the times/ Let us begin to live anew, 271 And not revive those heinous crimes, That dangers past so near us drew } Lest he that did his hand revoke. Return it with a double stroke. 6. A true repentance takes delight To mind God's favours heretofore ; So, when his mercies men recite, It makes a true repentance more : And where those virtues do increase, They are the certain signs of peace. 7- But where increasing sins we see, And to such dulness men are grown, That slighted those protections be, Which God in former time hath shown, It shall betoken to that land Some desolation near at hand. 8. Our hearts, oh, never harden so, Nor let thine anger so return ; But with desire thy will to do, For our offences let us mourn : And mind to praise, e'en tears among, Thy mercies in a joyful song. Z1Z FOR THE COMMUNION. We have a custom among us, that, during the time of administering the blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, there is some Psalm or Hymn sung, the better to keep the thoughts of the Communicants from wandering after vain objects : this Song, there- fore (expressing a true thankfulness, together with what ought to be our faith concerning that mystery, in such manner as the vulgar capacity may be capa- ble thereof) is offered up to their devotion, who shall please to receive it. @>®«x®> I despise the world's respect; And most comforts entertain me, When I suffer most neglect : Yea, I then am best rewarded, When I seem the least regarded. For, oh, when I mind my Saviour, And how many a spiteful tongue Slander'd his most pure behaviour. And his pious't works did wrong : 303 I contented am, and care not, Though my life detraction spare not. Therefore, when that I shall blamed, Or with cause, or causeless be, So thy truth be not defamed, Fall what can befall on me : Let my fame of none be friended, So- thy Saints be not offended. That is most my fear, oh Father; Thy assistance therefore lend $ And, oh let me perish rather, Than thy little ones offend : Let my life some honour do thee, Or by death return me to thee. For thy praise I wish and love it \ . And, oh, let my end be shame, If for mine own sake I covet Either life, or death, or fame : So it may be to thy glory, Let detraction write my story. But to thee which way availing; Can my shame or honour be ? Truth shall ever be prevailing, Whatsoe'er is thought of me: 504 Thou nought losest through my folly, Nor gain' st aught by the most holy. And, I know, that whatsoever Hath thy glory in esteem, Will accept this good endeavour, Whatsoe'er the workman seem ; Let, oh therefore, be fulfilled That which thou, oh Lord, hast willed. And when I, with Israel's Singer, . To these Songs of Faith shall learn Thy ten-stringed law to finger, And that music to discern 3 Lift me to that angel quire, Whereunto thy Saints aspire ! THE EjNP, T, Betitley, Printer* Boil Court, Meet Street) Lcndw* 305 TO THE READER. That such as have skill, and are delighted with music, may have the more variety, to stir up the soon cloyed affections, these Hymns are fitted with many new tunes ; nevertheless, all (but some few of them) may be sung to such tunes as have been heretofore in use. For the benefit, therefore, of those who have no experience in music, I have here set down which songs they be, and to what old tunes they may be sung. To the tune of the 1, 2, 3, and of an hundred other Psalms, may be sung Songs 2, 21, 32, 33, 35, 38, 43, 53, 57, 58, 67, 69, 7% 7%> 81, 83, 85, 86, 87, 90. To the tune of the 51, 100, 125 Psalms, and the Ten Commandments, &c may be sung Songs 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 27, 38, 34, 42, 44, 48, 51, 52, 56, 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 73, 76, 77 > 80, 88. To the tune of the 112, 127 Psalms, and the Lord's Prayer, &c. may be sung Songs 7» 40, 41, 45, 49, 50, 54, 5Q f 62, 71, 74, 75, 79> 82, 84, 89. To the tune of the 113 Psalm may be sung Songs 9, 10, 17. To. the tune of the 25 Psalm may be sung Song 20. To the tune of the 124 Psalm may be sung Song 47. x The following ERRATA of the original Edition were overlooked by the Transcriber of the copy for the p-ess. Page 1, in the title of the Song, read Exod. xv. — P. 5, in the title of the Song, read Beut, xxxii. — P. £3, 1. 12, read the pave- ment of it: 1. 14, read with charity. — P. 88, 1. 8, for alive, read to life.— P. 197, 1. 11, for confuted, read comforted. — P. 206, for Song LVIL read Song LVL H 451 85 ■r* mm y, si r < i i DeacidifiecJ using the Bookkeeper process. % ^ Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Feb. 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-2111 ^ • Jfe- V* A- *"♦* # „ & ^ . •■ • C^ '>' - W 11 •, ^/ » **, ^°^ - HECKMAN BINDERY INC. 1985 N. MANCHES- ^^ INDIANA 46962 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 093 023 4 IfflflflF JHHHHHH " Hii m i n iiHi Wmsm $ hHL ^|Mg: ■:.--.;■■;■ iJgljs "" 11111 1 1 JBs BHHHL ■I a ^i^&M WeSmsmgSMm Hi