THE HISTORY OF THE Birth, Life, Sufferings, and Death OF Our Blessed SAVIOUR Jesus Christ.
ALSO His Resurrection, Ascension, Intercession at the Right Hand of His FATHER in Glory, and of his Comming again to JUDGEMENT.
SHEWING His Great Love to Undone Sinners, the Dreadful State of the Wicked, and Blessedness of the Righteous.
By HENRY BRETT.
Licensed 27 May 1679.
LONDON: Printed by T. J. for H. E. 1679.
An HYMNE to the Lord JESƲS CHRIST, the Saviour of the World, humbly dedicated by the Author.
1.
GReat Prince of
Peace, who from thy Fathers Throne
Wert pleased to descend, to save thine own,
Whom thou before all Ages hadst fore-known.
2.
And when the fulness of that time was come,
Did'st not abhor the Blessed Virgins Womb;
To save fall'n Man from his Eternal Doom.
3.
Thou did'st accept a mean Estate, that we
Might be inriched by thy Poverty:
And by thy Miseries might happy be.
4.
To suffer Death, Lord thou didst condescend,
Thou took'st the pain and shame, and to this end
Thou conquered'st Death, that it might be our Friend.
5.
Death, which of old of Terrors was the King,
Now vanquished by thee hath lost its Sting;
And can no other than glad Tydings bring.
6.
Tydings of Joy, our Summons to the Dust,
In a most firm Assurance that we must
Rise when thou comm'st to glorifie the Just.
7.
The Trumpet's sound shall then all Mortals raise,
Who on thy Splendor shall with wonder gaze:
And with loud Clamors eccho forth thy Praise.
8.
Then wilt thou sit on Clouds enthron'd on high,
Shining with Glory, cloth'd with Majesty.
Whil'st Earth and Hell in scorching Flames shall ly.
9.
Hard-hearted sinners then for mercy shall
Intreat and beg in vain, and loudly call
For lofty Mountains on their Heads to fall.
10.
Whil'st on the other hand thy Chosen Sheep
An Everlasting Jubilee shall keep.
And Endless Joys in thy blest Kingdom reap.
11.
There, fixed in a never-changing State,
Their pure and heavenly Joys shall ne'r abate:
And Time shall then for ever want a date.
12.
Thither, dear Lord, vouchsafe, us all to bring;
That 'mongst the Quire of Angels we may sing
Eternal Praise to thee our God and King.
H. E.
The History of the Birth, Life, Sufferings, and Death of our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ.
I.
THe God above abound in love
from all Eternity,
Eph. 2.4.
Rom. 8.29.
Unto all those whom he hath chose
to save from misery.
II.
His love was dear,
Eph. 14.
it doth appearhe chose them in his Son;
That they might be by him made free
who were by sin undone.
John 8.38.
III.
True Lord, we were all made by thee,
Gen. 1.26, 27.
Eccl. 7.29.
and form'd thy Image in:
We did possess true Holiness,
perfect without all sin.
IV.
But thou didst see, what we would be
from all Eternity;
That we would turn,
Eccl. 7.29.
Hose. 13.9.
and from thee runinto all misery.
V.
Thou didst therefore,
Pr. 8.22, 23. 1
Pet. 1.20.
Rev. 13.8.
Eph. 2.23.
long time beforethat we our being had,
Set thy Son apart, that he might smart
for us who were most bad.
VI.
This love was in thy heart, even when
from all Eternity
Thou didst design some to be thine,
Rev. 17.8.
Acts 13.48.
To save eternally.
VII.
Thou gavest them,
Joh. 17.69.
Eph. 1.4
Joh. 17.12.
Joh. 6.39.
even unto him,in whom thou didst them chuse;
That he might have, them for to save,
and none of them might lose.
VIII.
When Offerings,
Heb. 10.1, 4.
and all such things,could never take away
The sins of those, whom thou had'st chose;
when from thee gone astray.
1
Pet. 2.25.
IX.
Thou did'st prepare, for Christ most dear,
a Body to come in;
Heb. 10.5.
Rom. 8.
That he might be, like unto we,
who were all under sin.
X.
Though he was not,
Heb. 7.26. 1
Cor. 5.21.
no not one jot,defil'd with sin within;
But did appear, our guilt to bear,
Isa. 53.5, 6.
who were all full of sin.
XI.
O wonderment, to 'stonishment,
what mystery is this?
Our Lord and Saviour, who was the Father,
Rom. 9.5.
even of eternal bliss.
XII.
That he should be, yea, even that he,
Col. 1.15, 16.
Gal. 4.4.
who was the Womans Maker;
That he should e'r be made of her,
and yet was her Creator.
XIII.
He that abode, the mighty God,
Isa. 9.6.
became a little Child;
Yea, he was born, and was the scorn,
Heb. 1.3.13.8.
of those who were defil'd.
XIV.
His Birth was low, therefore we know,
but few did him esteem;
Luke 2.7.
Mat. 2.11.
But yet there were, that did appear,
and worship did to him.
XV.
This Child did grow,
Luke 2.40.
John 7.5.
Mat. 6.3.
John 8.59.
but few did knowHe was the Son of God;
He under-went great punishment,
even by the wicked's rod.
XVI.
He was anointed,
Prov. 8.23.
Isa. 61.1.
Heb. 3.2. 1
Tim. 2.5.
and appointed,of God his heavenly Father;
That he might be, 'teen God and we,
Eternal Mediator.
XVII.
Thus he abode,
Heb. 13.8.
Acts 10.38.
Luke 19.10.
Luke 24.32.
and unto Godhis Office did perform;
He went about, sought sinners out,
That he their hearts might warm.
XVIII.
And his kindness, and tenderness
unto poor men was great;
He dispossest the poor distrest,
Mat. 8.16.
and Devils did defeat.
XIX.
When he such found,
Luke 13.16.
Mark 1.25, 26.
Mat. 9.33.
as were thus bound,and fettered with Chains;
The Chains did break, the Dumb did speak,
he freed Men from all Pains.
XX.
He was so kind unto the blind,
he did restore their sight;
John 9.6, 7.
The Lame that lay along his way,
he put them in good plight.
Mat. 11.5.
XXI.
The Blind, the Sick, and Lunatick,
he healed each of them
Of all Disease, he gave all ease,
Mark 7.35, 37.
John 11.44.
whoever came to him.
XXII.
The Deaf did hear, as did appear,
for he their hearing gave;
Some that were dead, he quickened,
and raised out o'th grave.
XXIII.
All this and more, for to the poor,
he did the Gospel preach;
Mat. 11.5.
Mat. 4.23.
About he went, as he was sent,
the way to Heaven to teach.
XXIV.
And then his Name and mighty Fame
began to spread abroad,
Mat. 4.24.
Mat. 9.31, 33.
Joh. 6.15.7.46.
And many men were taken then
with this our dearest Lord.
XXV.
Many there were, that thought it clear,
he was the Son of God;
John 12.42, 43.
But dur'st not this of him confess,
they fear'd the wickeds rod.
XXVI.
But some the while did him revile,
and spake most dreadful evil;
And thought it well, thus to rebel,
and say he had a Devil.
XXVII.
What sad abuse, from the profuse,
did this Lord meet withal;
How few were there,
John 6.66, 68.
that did appearto speak one word at all.
XXVIII.
On his behalf; no not one half,
of all that did him hear:
That were so stout to stand it out,
his innocence to clear.
XXIX.
But he did not, retort one jot,
nor Men revile again;
1
Pet. 2.22, 23, 24.
But patiently, he past it by,
went on his work amain.
XXX.
'Twas his delight,
Psalm. 40.8.
Luke 6.12, 13.
John 4.34.
both day and night,to do his Fathers will;
And what was this, but Men to bliss,
and save them out of Hell.
XXXI.
This Son of God, did do much good,
but was rewarded evil,
John 10.12.8.44.
Men him abus'd, falsly accus'd,
and acted like the Devil.
XXXII.
But none of those,
John 7.45, 46.
that were his foes,could over him have power;
By mens commands, to lay their hands,
Mat. 26.55.
till his accomplish'd hour.
XXXIII.
Then one of twelve, he prov'd a Wolve,
Mat. 8.14, 15.
Act. 1.25.
did not his place abide;
He went and told, and
Jesus sold,
and to his foes was guid.
XXXIV.
Yea, one of them, that were with him,
went and did him betray;
Mat. 26.48.
He did them shew, and told them how,
on him their hands to lay.
XXXV.
Then came the hour, yea, and the power.
the pangs of Death and Hell;
Luke 2.55.
Mat. 26.37.
Oh! who does know, so as to show,
who can his sorrows tell?
XXXVI.
The sins of those, whom God had chose,
Isa. 53.6. 2
Cor. 5.21.
who were chosen in him;
Were laid upon this only Son,
He bore the sins of them.
XXXVII.
And it was they, that made him pray,
they were of such a weight;
Mat. 26.39.
Heb. 5.7.
They made him cry, and send on high,
he was in such a strait.
XXXVIII.
What drops of blood, this Son of God,
did sweat upon the ground;
Luk. 22.44.
John 8.34, 36.
And all that he, might set such free,
who were by sin fast bound.
XXXIX.
Then came again,
Judas amain,
with all his cursed crew,
Mat. 26.47.
Who went most strong, and he among,
that he his Lord might shew.
XL.
The way was fine, he gave a sign:
what was the sign but this,
He hail did say,
Mat. 26.48.
and did betrayhim, with a wicked kiss.
XLI.
This Companies authority,
they had from Hypocrits;
Mat. 26.47.
John 18.3.
Thought they were strong,
Judas among,
and on they came with lights.
XLII.
But 'lass, poor men, if Christ had then
unto his Father pray'd,
How soon he might,
Mat. 26.53.
even that same night,Angels have had for aid.
XLIII.
But this was done, on God the Son,
the Scriptures to fulfil;
Mat. 26.56.
That none of those, that God had chose,
Mat. 26.56.
might suffer Death or Hell.
XLIV.
Behold how all, whom Christ did call,
Disciples for to be,
Away did make, and him forsake,
Mat. 26.56.
when they began to see.
XLV.
Their Lord was took; they him forsook
when their Shepherd was smitten
The Sheep did flee away from hee,
Zach. 13.7.
for fear they should be bitten.
XLVI.
When these were fled, away they led
the Lord unto the Prison;
Mat. 26.56, 57.
Isa. 53.8.
And many th'are, that did appear,
against him now w'are risen.
XLVII.
O what a rout, was there about
this dear and precious Lord;
Luke 23.1, 2, 11, 65.
They did abuse, and him accuse
of things which he abhorr'd.
XLVIII.
This wicked rout, they were so stout,
more liker beasts than men.
These barking dogs,
Psal. 22.12, 16.
did cast their bogseven at the Lord of Heaven.
XLIX.
The Bulls did gore,
Psal. 22.12, 13.
Mat. 26.67.
and Lions roar,as is said in the Psalm;
Yea these were those most dreadful foes,
that smote him with the Palm.
L.
These men were they, as Scripture say,
that did spit on his face;
That did him strip, and also whip;
these men were they so base.
LI.
Observe this thing;
Luk. 23.1, 7.
they led this Kingbefore poor earthly men,
Who, 'fore had been, even until then,
at enmity; but when
LII.
This they did see, they did agree
against this blessed Lord:
That so they might thus vend their spight,
Luk. 23.8.
and to the Jews afford
LIII.
What help they could; so much as would
dispatch him out o'th way.
The Jews pretend they had good end,
and therefore they did say,
LIV.
We have a Law, and by this Law,
this Man he ought to die,
Joh. 19.7.
But they were false, Witnesses false;
Mat. 26.60.
and did most falsly lie:
LV.
For
Pilate then, the worst of men,
did then most clearly see,
They vehemently, out of envy,
Mat. 27.18.
did this, that
Christ might die.
LVI.
Therefore he would, if Water could,
his guilt have wash'd away.
But Blood was spilt,
Mat. 24.24.
therefore the guiltit still on him did stay.
LVII.
His sin and stain, do still remain;
they stand upon Record:
'Tis charg'd on him,
Mar. 15.15.
amongst all themthat crucifi'd their Lord.
LVIII.
But now let us, consider thus,
What did become of him,
Who had
Christ sold, the Money told,
he that was Guid to them
LIX.
Who did all this sad wickedness?
this Wretch did now repent,
And brought again the price with pain,
Mat. 27.3.
but was not penitent.
LX.
He then into despair did go,
where he began to sink;
And then how he should freed be,
too late began to think.
LXI.
From his sad pain, which came amain,
he then his Life dispatch'd;
Mat. 27.5.
Act. 1.18.
But head-long fell, he into Hell,
his Soul the Devil catch'd.
LXII.
Let Hypocrites, false hearted Wights,
seriously on this think,
And warning take, by this that make
Judas his Name to stink.
LXIII.
Now turn to those, his other foes,
who did him set at nought;
And take a view as Scriptures shew,
Luk. 23.11.
of them who had Christ bought.
LXIV.
The Soldiers then, those wretched men,
this precious Lord did take
Into the Hall,
Mat. 27.27, 28, 29.
common for all,at him their sport to make.
LXV.
They stripped him, and put on him
a Scarlet Robe, and when
They'd made a Crown ('twas made of thorn.)
and on him they put it then.
LXVI.
And mockingly and scoffingly,
they then did bow the knee;
O wicked thing, they mock'd this King,
Who yet their Judge must be.
LXVII.
Yea, him they smote, but he did not
at all resist again,
But patiently he past it by,
Isa. 53.7.
And under-went his pain.
LXVIII.
And then they led him to be bled,
unto a place most vile;
A place of Scull,
Mat. 27.33.
some think 'twas fullof dead mens bones the while.
LXIX.
They stripped him, and hanged him,
there up upon the Cross;
They parted then his Garments,
Mat. 27.35.
whenthis Lord did suffer loss.
LXX.
[...]ehold what shame, yea, and what blame
they then did cast on him;
[...]was numbred then, with wicked men,
Mat. 27.38.
they numbred him with them.
LXXI.
They pierc'd his Hands at mens commands,
yea, and his Feet did they
Nail to the Tree,
Psal. 22.16.
some it did see,that so they might him slay.
LXXII.
These men they mockt, and also scoft
at him, they did deride;
Some were so mad,
Mat. 27.39.
John 19.34.
their Heads they wag'd,one pierc'd his precious side.
LXXIII.
This being done, let's now look on,
into the inward side;
For to espy the Mystery
let us not here abide.
LXXIV.
Let us not lay too much on they
who crucified him thus;
But let's enlarge this dreadful charge,
and bring it home to us.
LXXV.
Our sins were they, our sins we say,
that on this Lord did lie;
Yea, they were they, that did him slay,
that did him crucifie.
LXXVI.
Our sins we say; yea they were they,
which were the Crown of Thorns;
Isa. 53.5, 6.
Th' were they,
Isa. 53.5, 6.
that bruis'd and him abus'd,and caus'd most dreadful groans.
LXXVII.
They pierc'd his Side, the Wound was wide,
so as the Blood did run,
For us his foes; for we were those,
who were by sin undone.
LXXVIII.
Sinners 'gainst thee, O Lord were we,
most filthy in thy sight,
And must have lain, even under pain,
in dreadful hellish plight.
LXXIX.
For Lord 'tis clear, by sin we were,
in wretched helpless case;
Psal. 89.19. 2
Cor. 5.21.
We had no aid, but help was laid,
on Christ to give us ease.
LXXX.
We must have sank, had not he drank,
that sowr bitter Cup;
That bitter Gall, we that did fall,
Mat. 26.42.
should have no more got up.
LXXXI.
But thou, Oh Lord, didst Grace afford;
thou didst thy favour lend,
To take away our gulilt that lay,
thus did'st thou condescend.
LXXXII.
To lay't upon thy only Son,
2
Cor. 5.21.
thy only Son most dear,
That we might be from sin made free,
and he our guilt might bear.
LXXXIII.
That he might die to satisfie,
the justice of our God,
That so poor we, might freed be,
from sins eternal rod.
LXXXIV.
We were unlike, and had dislike,
Lord of thy Majesty;
Within our hearts and inward parts,
Rom. 8.7.
was dreadful enmity.
LXXXV.
So that we would not, no, nor could
have turned unto thee;
But Christ did lay, his Life to stay
this enmity that we,
LXXXVI.
Who were unjust; but Christ most just
did feel the smarting rod,
Which made him cry,
1
Pet. 3.18.
yea, and did dieto bring us unto God.
LXXXVII.
O blessed sight, which shine most bright,
To see a broken Saviour;
Who paid his blood, even unto God,
to bring us into favour.
LXXXVIII.
We that by sin, which dwells within,
most dreadfully did stink;
And must have lain, in Hell with pain,
Psal. 38.3.
we were upon its brink.
LXXXIX.
But Christ that Box, that Spikenard Box,
did break, and its perfume
Did send on high, above the Sky,
Mar. 14.3.
our stink for to consume.
XC.
This Odour then, it filled Heaven
with such a fragant smell,
As never did ascend to God,
Eph. 5.2.
that pleased him so well.
XCI.
And Earth below, some it doth know,
it was perfum'd so well,
That scent did draw from Satans Law,
'twas such attractive smell.
XCII.
And they that know, will tell us now,
it is the best perfume
That ever we did smell or see,
its vertue ne'r consume.
XCIII.
No, though 'tis long, since that among
poor men this Box did break;
It's sweet remains, and many gain,
yea, still it Saints doth make.
XCIV.
And some of all, both great and small,
of sinners that were chief;
It hath perfum'd,
1
Tim. 1.15.
Luk. 23.43.
their lusts consum'd;of which one was the chief.
XCV.
And all that dwell on earth, and smell
the sweetness of this savour,
It makes alive, their souls, and thrive;
it brings them into favour.
XCVI.
O taste and see, Christ on the tree,
oh soul, and do not starve;
Though all be spent, Christ he was sent,
and he his flesh did carve.
XCVII.
Which to the dead is meat indeed,
John 6.50.
to 59.
his blood is also drink,
To those that eat his flesh for meat,
and of his blood do drink.
XCVIII.
This bread is good, 'tis that of God
which down from heaven did come:
And all that eat the same for meat;
in heaven shall have a room.
XCIX.
And shall not die eternally,
but live with Christ for aye;
Dwelling in him, and he in them,
and never die away.
C.
Oh take a view, as Scripture shew
of Jesus on the Cross,
How he did bleed; we might be freed
from everlasting loss.
CI.
The Case was this, the Lord of Bliss
for sinners was opprest!
Which made him cry amazingly,
Mat. 27.50.
and yielded up the Ghost.
CII.
O Mystery, that Christ should die,
he was the Lord of life,
But subject was, through death did pass,
for his dear Spouse, his Wife.
CIII.
What's all this done, O hearts of Stone,
that we cannot relent,
Oh senseless blocks, look to the rocks,
which at this thing were rent.
Mat. 27.51.
CIV.
Christ's blood did gush, the heavens did blush.
yea and the earth did quake;
The Sun with-drew his light from view,
Mar. 15.33.
what work this thing did make.
CV.
'Twas not for they; but us, we say
that this our Lord did die:
Oh let's relent now,
Heb. 5.7.
and repent,of that which made him cry.
CVI.
All this was done, on God the Son,
the Scriptures to fulfil;
But nothing more,
John 19.36.
than what beforewas written as God's will.
CVII.
And two great men, appeared then,
their loves to Christ to shew;
Who then was dead: 'Twas love indeed,
of which let's take a view.
CVIII.
The one, behold, he was so bold,
his courage was so brave,
He went unto
Pilate, that so
Christ's Body he might crave.
CIX.
He Linnen bought,
John 19.39.
the other broughtin weight an hundred pound
Of sweet Perfume; it to perfume,
and it in Linnen wound.
CX.
A Tomb was hewn, they laid him down,
to shew that he was dead;
To shew that sin was buried in
Mar. 15.46.
that grave in very deed.
CXI.
Death to consume, our Graves perfume,
and sweeten them for us;
Thus Christ our aid, in Grave was laid,
and him they buried thus.
CXII.
And now behold, the Jews most bold,
while in the Grave he lay,
Yea come and look, what pains they took,
even on the Sabbath-day.
CXIII.
When this was done, they seal'd the Stone,
Mat. 27.62.
to end.
and set a Watch thereby;
This Sacrifice he might not rise,
but in Sepulchre lie.
CXIV.
But when he had lain under the pain
of Death th'appointed hour;
The Angels then, came down from heav'n,
the Watchmen had no power.
CXV.
The Earth did quake, those men did shake,
when Angels did appear;
Those men they did become as dead,
th' were overcome with fear.
CXVI.
The Angels then, that came from Heav'n,
did roll away the stone;
He that was dead, was quickened,
for then his work was done.
CXVII.
Yea up he rose, in spight of foes
and came forth out the grave;
He loos'd its pain,
Acts 2.24.
and rose again,that he might victory have.
CXVIII.
He Victory hath now over Death,
and over Sin and Hell.
For some of those, who were his foes,
who here on Earth do dwell.
CXIX.
And it is clear, he did appear
to be the Son of God;
And that with pow'r,
Rom. 1.4.
in that same hour,he not in grave abode.
CXX.
And many they, the Saints that lay
in Graves until that hour;
Their bodies rose, in spite of foes;
Mat. 27.52, 53.
and that by Christ his pow'r.
CXXI.
[...]hen Death its strength, yea, and its sting,
was broke and took away,
[...]ully for those, whom God hath chose,
1
Cor. 15.55, 56, 57.
though here in graves they lay.
CXXII.
[...]ll they shall rise, and then shall prize
their Resurrection from
Their Graves; for then,
Phil. 3.21.
they are for heav'nin likeness of Christs form.
CXXIII.
[...]hat Jesus Christ, our great High Priest,
did rise, is very clear;
[...]or this behold,
Mat. 18.6.
the Angels toldthe Women that were there.
CXXIV.
[...]t came to pass, that of
Cephas,
then of the Twelve was seen:
Yea he alive of Hundreds five
1
Cor. 15.5, 6.
at once then was he seen.
CXXV.
[...]hen
James and all, both great and small,
1
Cor. 15.57.
John 21.27, 28.
th 'Apostles did him see,
Yea
Thomas knew, when Christ did shew
his wounds, that it was h.
CXXVI.
In forty days he shew'd his ways,
To his he gave commands,
How for to steer,
Act. 1.3, 4.
his Kingdom here,then lifting up his Hands,
CXXVII.
He them did bliss, and promis'd this,
that to them he would send
Luke 24.49, 50.
The Comforter; to his Father
he strait-way did ascend.
CXXVIII.
Then Christ alive, did lead captive
his Enemies and Foes;
He victory have,
Eph. 4.8.
and gifts he gave,to them whom he had chose,
CXXIX.
He now possess Glory and Bliss,
the Fathers right Hand by;
Heb. 10.12.
chap. 6.20.
His gone before to ope the door,
for those whom he did die.
CXXX.
He now prepare,
John 14.3.
Chap. 17.24.
1 Thes. 4,17. 1
Cor. 13.12.
for his most dear,in Heaven, a glorious place,
Where they shall be from sin set free,
and see his glorious Face.
CXXXI.
He that was dead, is quickened,
and lives for evermore;
The Keys he hath of Hell and Death,
Rev. 1.18.
he ever lives therefore.
CXXXII.
To plead for those, whom he hath chose,
the virtue of his Blood,
Doth for them plead and intercede,
Heb. 7.25.
there with the mighty God.
CXXXIII.
Christ able is to save all his;
They'r ever in his Hands:
He ever live, and answers give,
Joh. 10.28.
to Justice its demands.
CXXXIV.
He doth appear for his most dear,
Heb. 10.12, 13.
Acts 3.20, 21.
Luke 21.27.
their cause for to maintain,
Against all those who are their foes;
in Heaven he doth remain.
CXXXV.
He there reside, and shall abide
till the appointed hour,
And then again he comes amain,
with glory and with power.
CXXXVI.
With Angels strong, and Saints among,
his Spouse he'll then imbrace,
Mat. 25.31.
And will compleat that marriage great,
which is begun through Grace.
Rev. 19.7, 8.
CXXXVII.
O happy they,
Rev. 19.9. 1
Thes. 4.16.
that keep his way,and ready shall be found;
They shall have Life and be his Wife,
when that the Trumpet sound.
CXXXVIII.
They shall rejoyce, the Bridegrooms voice
will make their hearts to cheer;
They shall be glad, yea, and be clad,
with Garments cost him dear.
CXXXIX.
Then all mourning, in that morning
of that great Wedding-day.
Shall cease with them that are with him
and ever flee away.
CXL.
For Christ will then in spight of Men,
from Shame to Glory rise,
His for to sing to him their King,
Rev. 19.1, 5, 5, 6.
his everlasting praise.
CXLI.
But wo to those, who him oppose,
would not that he should reign,
Who are so stout to stand it out,
Luke 19.27.
till he appear again.
CXLII.
They will be sought, yea, and be brought
before this dreadful Lord;
And there be slain, that to their pain,
according to his Word.
CXLIII.
The Ignorant, Disobedient,
who do his Grace refuse,
2
Thes. 1.8.
When offeted and tendered,
who sinful lust doth chuse.
CXLIV.
Then wo to them who hated him,
and persecuted those
Whom he doth love, who are his dove,
2
Thes. 1.6.
his Church whom he hath chuse,
CXLV.
Yea, wo to such, who sinned much,
in scoffing at his Word;
2
Pet. 3.3, 4.
Those wicked men, will find it then,
T'was true of this our Lotd.
CXLVI.
To Hypocrites, false hearted Wights,
yea, wo to such as they,
Who 'gan to say, that he doth stay,
Mat. 24.48,
to end.
his coming he'll delay.
CXLVII.
Yea, wo to all both great and small,
who naked shall be found;
Who then must stand, at his left Hand,
Yea, and must there be bound.
CXLVIII.
And sent apace, unto their place,
whence they shall not return;
But under Chains, and endless Pains,
there must they lie and burn.
CXLIX.
More I might say, of Judgment day,
but this is done before,
One book it spake so much, I brake
off this discourse therefore.
CL.
If you would look upon that Book,
'tis call'd,
The day of doom.
It's worth is such, it spake so much,
for me it leaves no room.
A short Application.
CLI.
1. NOw unto all, both great and small,
who here on Earth do dwell,
That come to see these lines, I thee
do pray consider well.
CLII.
2. These things are such, they very much
concern both thee and me;
They us might teach, at least will reach,
our cause what e'er it be.
CLIII.
3. If the darkness yea and weakness
of my heart, head, and pen,
Do not now shade, and make to fade
Truth's glory herein, when
CLIV.
4. You come to see poor sinful me,
how darkly I have shown,
These precious things; which sweetness brings
to those to whom they're known
CLV.
5. Then this I say, these things they may
reach thee and me and all;
First, if thou be'st one of the best,
a Saint, brought out of thrall.
CLVI.
6. Oh matchless Grace, which flows apace
from God through Christ to thee;
Oh comfort take, in Christ, who make
of Sinners, Saints to be.
CLVII.
7. Oh Soul rejoyce; thou art the choice
of God in Christ above:
Oh blessed thing, that blessed King
have wrapt thee up in love.
CLVIII.
8. Thy state is good, oh Child of God,
it never shall be evil;
The beat'n, hated, persecuted,
though tempted of the Devil.
CLIX.
9.
Isa. 63.9.
Judg. 10.16.
Zech. 2.8.
Christ felt a part of all the smartthat here thou meet'st withal;
It shall not last, thou shalt at last
be free'd from it all.
CLX.
10. Though thou be'st now, so dark as thou
canst not discern the light;
Isa. 50.10.
The light will shine, for Christ is thine;
this thou shalt see, most bright.
CLXI.
11. When once the Sun shall rise upon
thy Soul, and there do shine;
Then shalt thou see Christ dy'd for thee;
that he and all is thine.
CLXII.
12. For Christ, most dear, till he appear,
now hope and wait for him:
Do not time waste,
Isa. 28.16.
nor make not haste;but wait it out with them.
CLXIII.
13. Who do believe, whom Christ reprieve,
from enemies and foes;
Who all shall be, by him made free
from miseries and woes.
CLXIV.
14. Now if Christ dwell in thee 'tis well;
oh soul 'tis not amiss
To search and try,
Eph. 3.17.
to satisfiethy self, O soul, in this.
CLXV.
15. If thou be'st he who would be free
from all mistakes herein,
Then search thy heart and inward part,
if Christ do dwell therein.
CLXVI.
16. Do'st hate thy sin, that dwell therein,
because 'tis against God?
Do'st thou therefore labour the more
therein not to abod?
Rom. 7.15.
Psal. 51.4.
CLXVII.
17. The God above his Word do'st love,
because 'tis very pure?
Is't thy delight, both day and night,
Psal. 119.140.
Rom. 7.22.
of this art very sure?
CLXVIII.
18. Do'st feel and find in heart and mind
the clearer thou do'st see
Thy Evidence?
2
Cor. 6.17, 18.7.1.
Do'st labour hencethe holier to be?
CLXIX.
19. That Christ should rule within thy soul,
this is thy liberty;
2
Cor. 3.17.
Rom. 7.23.
That Sin should be yet within thee,
is this Captivity?
CLXX.
20. Art one of those, who is sin's foes?
Do'st hate it worse than Hell?
Then sure 'tis that hope there is,
that Christ in thee do dwell
CLXXI.
21. And now let us, consider thus,
What cause thou hast to prize
What God, his Son, for thee hath done,
in causing thee to rise
CLXXII.
22. Up out of thrall; where thou didst fall
by Sin and Satan too:
But now art rais'd, the Lord be prais'd,
who saveth thee from wo.
CLXXIII.
23. Oh praises give, and praises live;
oh lead an holy life,
Like unto those,
2
Tim. 2.11, 12, 14.
whom Christ have choseto be his Spouse, his Wife.
CLXXIV.
24. 'Tis all that he, acccepts from thee,
that holy thou should'st live:
That thou should'st shew his praises now;
1
Pet. 2.9.
and to him glory give.
CLXXV.
25. Great reason 'tis, thou should'st be his
in heart and life and all:
For he did die, thou might'st not lie
in Sin, in Hell, and thrall.
CLXXVI.
26. Now unto those, who yet are foes,
who still remain in sin;
I speak to thee, exhorted be,
awake, awake, come in.
CLXXVII.
27. Accept of Grace, which flows apace
to some o'the worst of men,
From God above, through Christ in love,
Isa. 55.7.
whatever thou hast been.
CLXXVIII.
28. Come now believe; for Christ reprieve
such souls from Death and Hell.
And life he'll give, and they shall live;
ye, with him they shall dwell.
CLXXIX.
29. Oh come by faith, the Scripture saith,
that they shall not be blam'd;
Eph. 1.4.
Rom. 10.11.
That they shall not, no not one jot,
at last be made asham'd.
CLXXX.
30. Oh that I knew, what more to shew,
or further for to say,
That might perswade, thou might'st be made.
no longer to delay.
CLXXXI.
31. Christ he doth stand, and hold his hand
of Grace out unto thee;
John 7.37.
Ezek 33.11.
He calls and cry, Why will ye die?
oh soul turn unto me.
CLXXXII.
32. Christ, willing is, thou should'st be his;
he'll take away thy guilt;
He'll free thee from the wrath to come,
John 5.40. 1
Thes. 1.10.
if come to him thou wilt.
CLXXXIII.
33. Oh come I say, Oh come away,
believe in God his Son;
Believe with heart and take a part,
of all that Christ have done.
CLXXXIV.
34. Believe, and then thou shalt have Hea'n
there thou shalt have a room:
1
Thes. 3.13.
When Christ most dear, again appear,
then with him thou shalt come.
CLXXXV.
35. Thy bones revive, if not survive,
and live until that day,
But if thou do'st,
1
Thes. 4.16, 17.
then up thou go'st,and meet with him I say.
CLXXXVI.
36. Then shalt thou be, ever with he,
when Heav'n and all is thine.
There shalt thou dwell,
1
Thes. 4.17.
all will be well,with Angels shalt thou shine.
CLXXXVII.
37. For Christ will say; ev'n in that day,
Oh come and take thy Crown;
Come and possess thy Happiness,
Mat. 25.34.
the Kingdom is thy own.
CLXXXVIII.
38. But if thy sin, which dwell within,
thou be'st resolv'd to have,
And wilt delight both day and night,
in sin, till at thy grave.
CLXXXIX.
39. Oh what excuse, for thy abuse,
of Grace wilt have to make?
Oh wilt thou die eternally,
and warning never take.
CXC.
40. Consider well, the damn'd in Hell,
and what they sufter there;
They weep, they wail, their hearts do fail,
Mat. 22.13.
as Scriptures make appear.
CXCI.
41. Their Teeth they gnash, in thoughts of trash,
for which their Souls were lost;
That Sin did chuse, and Christ refuse,
they find it to their cost.
CXCII.
42. They are helpless, who can express,
one thousand part o'th wo,
That they do find in heart and mind,
Isa. 66.24.
who into Hell do go.
CXCIII.
43. What Tongues of Men, or Angels Pen,
can shew the state of those,
Who live and die in sin,
Rev. 14.10, 11.
and liein misery and woes.
CXCIV.
44. Now this I say, the only way,
for to escape that place,
Is to awake, and warning take,
Isa. 27.4, 5.45.22, 24.
and come to Christ for Grace.
CXCV.
45.
Acts 4.12.
Awake, I say, do not delay,it is the great concern,
Thou hast to mind,
Mat. 11.29.
Grace for to sind;oh come to Christ and learn.
CXCVI.
46. He is the way, where Sinners may
pass through from Earth to Heav'n;
Oh leave thy Sin,
Joh. 14.6.
oh Soul come in,happy shalt thou be then.
CXCVII.
47. His Grace is free, to such as thee,
whatever thou hast been;
Rom. 3.23, 24.
If thou do'st now, Repentance shew,
and do'st by Faith come in.
Acts 3.19.
CXCVIII.
48. Come in this hour to Christ for pow'r,
that so thou may'st repent.
And hate thy sin that dwells within,
Heb. 4.7.
and may'st be penitent.
CXCIX.
49. Oh haste and cry,
Acts 5.31. 2
Cor. 5.17.
thou may'st be newand with him ever live.
CC.
50. Pray God above, extend his love,
to thee and me and all,
That come to see these lines; that we,
may hearken to his call.
FINIS.