A Looking-Glass FOR CHILDREN.
Being a Narrative of God's gracious Dealings with some Little Children; Recollected by Henry Jessey in his life-time.
Together with sundry seasonable Lessons and Instructions to Youth, calling them early to remember their Creator: Written by Abr. Chear, late of Plymouth.
The Third Edition, Corrected and Amended.
To which is added many other Poems very sutable. As also some Elegies on departed Friends: made by the said Abraham Chear.
All now faithfully gathered together, for the benefit of Young and Old: by H. P.
Psal. 66. 16.
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my Soul.
Deut. 31. 19.
Now therefore write ye this Song for you, and teach it the Children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this Song may be a witness for me, &c.
London, Printed for Robert Boulter, at the Turks-Head in Cornhil, 1673.
To the Reader.
THou hast here (gentle Reader) brought to thy view, in the first part of this Book, a Narrative of the gracious dealings of God with several Children, and what they gained in an early looking Heavenward, in which thou mayest see and behold the condescention of the Lord to such little Ones, in opening their understanding, and giving them a sight and sense of their undone estate by nature, from whence they were made to seek and enquire after a Saviour, and by Grace helped to apply and improve his gracious Calls and Invitations to a full satisfaction in, and by Faith a cleaving to His undertakings, as the alone way and means to Salvation, to their great comfort here▪ and firm hope of glory hereafter. All which was wonderfully effected, to the praise of the free Grace of God, and admiration of Relations and Beholders; and now presented to thee, being first written by that faithful Servant of the [Page] Lord, Mr. Henry Jessey; who in his life time gave it me to transcribe, in order for the then Printing: But it being small, I waited to have somewhat to adjoyn to it, which Providence hath lately brought to my hand as that which is worthy of publication, being the Fruit of some idle hours of that Servant of the Lord Mr. Abraham Chear, whilst in bonds for the truth of Christ; wherein he expresses his well-wishes to the Souls of divers poor Children, towards whom he then stood nearly related, and dearly affected, as by the second Part hereof you may largely see: and if helped of God to make improvement of it, so as carefully to mind, and heedfully to walk in the practice of what is seasonably advised in the said Discourse; you will have great cause to bless the Lord for such endeavours, now published for your profit and advantage.
The Motive provoking me thus to recollect this little Book, is chiefly from consideration of my daily observation of Youths great need of all endeavours to prompt them to that which is good, they being naturally addicted to be drawn away through their own inclinations, and the powerful prevalency of Satan to sin and disobedience; by which they wrong their precious Souls, Prov. 8. 36. thereby incurring Gods displeasure to their daily hardning their hearts from his [Page] fear, and following the sins and pleasures of this vain World, until they are prepared as Vessels of wrath fitted for Destruction and Perdition; which is the certain effect of Sin ruling and reigning without restraint in the hearts of the Children of Disobedience, Col. 3. 6. Which evil and judgment may be timely prevented, by hearkning to Gods Call, Prov. 9. 6. seeking and serving him betimes, Prov. 8. 17. believing his Word, avoiding evil company, Prov. 4. 15, 16. slighting the allurements of present pleasure, and the sinful delights of the flesh, and by making good-men examples to walk after, Prov. 2. 20. Heb. 6. 12. 2. Chron. 29. 2. and therein esteeming and highly prizing the excellency of the Lord Jesus, in all his glorious undertakings for poor sinners, Phil. 3. 8. cleaving to his Righteousness only for Justification and Salvation, 1 Cor. 1. 30. Which Mercy is greatly desired may accompany the Reader of this little Piece, whereby he may say it was worth perusing, for that by it the Lord made him to consider his latter end, and remember him in the dayes of his Youth, so as to make his Calling and Election sure, as did these pretty Children. That being my aim and end in the publishing hereof, I shall daily wait for its success, and remain yours,
In true desires after your Eternal happiness. H. P.
Go little
Book, and speak for them that be
Lanch'd with great safety to Eternity;
Engaging
Others, by what
they did find,
Their everlasting Peace chiefly to mind.
Their names are blest, and had in memory;
They served God, and thence in peace did die.
All you that read, be earnest to obtain
True faith in Christ, which will be lasting gain.
And if, while young, God do his Work begin
Ʋpon your Soul, take hee
[...], beware of sin;
It will prove to your Crown another day,
To cleave to Righteousness, whilst yet you may.
Preceed in fear, in love, with true delight,
Ʋnto the Lord, to serve him with your might,
Observe the Lessons given by
Abram Chear,
That they your Soul may unto Christ endear.
Such Songs are good, if well improved be,
Sung by experience▪ with Soul harmony.
The Truths therein inserted, make your own,
By practice in true love to Christ alone:
Mind chiefly now your everlasting Rest,
That in compare with all things is the best.
Love God, and fear him in sincerity,
So shall you praise him to Eternity.
London,
12th Month, 12 day, 1672.
H. P.
Of hopeful young Children, (the great joy of their Parents,) remembring their Creator in the dayes of their Youth; Being trained up in the Holy Scriptures from their Infancy.
First, Of Mary Warren, Born in May 1651, Aged Ten years in May 1661.
WHen his Child was about five or six years old, she had a new plain Tammy Coat; and when she was made ready, was to be carried with other Children into Morefields: But having looked upon her Coat, how fine she was, she presently went to her Chair, sate down, her tears running down her eyes, she wept seriously by her self; Her Mother seeing it, said to her, How now? Are you not well? What is the matter that you weep? The Child answered, Yes, I am well, but I would I had not been made ready, for I am afraid my fine Cloaths will cast me down to Hell. Her Mother said, It's not our Cloaths, but wicked Hearts that hurt us. She answered, Aye Mother, fine Cloaths make our hearts proud.
The Scriptures being daily read in the House, when one had read Luke 10. she laid to heart the end of the Chapter, how [Page 8] Mary sate at Christs feet and heard him: And Martha complained; and Jesus said, Martha, Martha, Thou art careful, and cumbred about many things; but one thing i [...] needful, Mary hath chosen that good part that shall not be taken from her. Hearing this, the tears ran down, and she wept sore. Being asked the cause, she said, I am not like this good Mary, I know not that one thing needful. Thus tender was her heart at that Age.
In February 1659.
The Night after General Monck had sent his Leter to the Parliament to put an end to their sitting by such a time; Bonefires being made the night following all over London, and some before her Fathers door: When some went down to see them, this Child would not: But going to the Window, and looking out, hearing such roaring and rantings in the burning of Rumps, and drinking of Healths there; she came back, and the tears running down her cheeks, she said thus, Here is a deal of wicked joy, they know not but they may be dead before the morning; methinks I see our sins fly up to Heaven as fast as the sparks fly upward.
This that next follows, was written about October 28. 1661.
It being 24 days now that she had taken nothing but Water, with a little Sugar, [Page 9] till Tuesday last; and ever since that, she will not take it with Sugar, but water only, without crying out, (her speech being of late taken away from her) and that by forcing it into her by a Syringe, she having an impostume in her stomach, as it appeared afterwards, not taking Food at all for divers dayes.
What next follows was written by her father, on Friday night, Octob. 4. 1661.
She sent for me to speak with me, and when I came, I asked her what she would have with me: She answered I have but a short time to live, I pray you be loving to my poor Mother. Afterwards he speaking of loving her, she said, I pray manifest your love to my poor Mother. Her Mother asked her if she were willing to die? She answered Aye, very willing, for then I shall sin no more, for I know that Christs Blood hath made satisfaction for my sins. [...] asked her, if I should go down? She answered, I have done with you now, you may if you please.
Next night, Octob. the 5th. her Mother going softly to the Chamber-door, she heard her speaking alone, and she listned, and heard her say this, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, & receive they poor Creature out of all my pains.
On the Lords Day, (Octob. 6.) She said thus, here is n [...]thing here but sin, I am willing [Page 10] to die, but either to live or to die, which she Lord pleaseth, his Will be done, and so it will, whether I will or no.
On Tuesday at night, Octob. 8.
Seeing her Mother weeping, she said, Mother do not weep for me, but leave me to the Lord and let him do with me what he pleaseth. And then Clasping her Arms about her Mothers Neck, her Mother said, Thou embracest me, but I trust thou art going to the embracings of the Lord Jesus: She answered, Mother, I know it, that when I go from hence, I shall go into health and happiness▪ or else I should not undergo all my pains with so much patience, (she having been in very great pain, having an Imposthume in her stomack.) One day when Nurse came to see her young Sister Sarah, her Sister Ann being with her, she said to her Sister, Go, see Nurse: Her Sister said, she was loath to leave her alone; She answered, I am not alone, for the Lord is with me, as it is in John, I am not alone, for the Father is with me. She feeling a sore pain in her side, her Mother said, she would apply something to it. She answered, No, the Lord Jesus hath undergone a great deal more for m [...].
More Expressions of Mary Warren.
She having been very ill and speechless for some dayes, her Father had desired Mr. [Page 11] John Simpson, and Mr. Palmer, late of Glocestershire, and Mr. Jessey, to come to his House and pray for his sick and much pained Daughter. On Friday Novemb. 8. 1661. these met then, and sought the Lord earnestly on her behalf, her father having first declared to them his Daughters afflicted Condition; and the more to affect them therewith, he there read to them, what he had formerly written of her gracious Expressions, (those before recited) from Octob. 4. 1661. there being present also Mr. Greensmith and his Wife; also that grave Matron Mris. Adkins, a Ministers Widow; with divers other Christian friends.
That Relation the more affecting their hearts to pray for her; After these and another Minister had prayed for her, and were gone, in hopes the Lord would some way return a gracious Answer though they could see nothing at their departure: It pleased the Lord the Evening following to open her Mouth that had been speechless for many dayes; then she spake to the Maid to call her Mother, and when she came, she said thus;
Pray you Mother take off these Plaisters, for I would not have them; I would have no Doctors, or Apothecaries for God shall be my Physician, and he will heal me: If I could have [Page 12] spoken before these Playsters were a laying on, I would not have had them laid on. If my Speech should be taken away again, do not trouble me with any more things, for the Lord hath fed me with the Food of Righteousness and Gladness.
Sometimes when you laid Victuals upon a Trencher, I snatcht it away; I would not destroy Gods good Creatures, when I am in my fits: If any thing lye on the Cloth before me, take it away. Though you take water to wash my mouth, there is none goeth down, for I have no nourishment by any thing but God, no more than by this Rag, (taking one in her hand.)
I do not value the things of this World no more than dirt. Her Mother had told one, that she thought her Daughter had assaults of Satan, she once looked very gashly: And now her Daughter said thus; Once I think I looked gashfully, and turned my head on one side and on the other; Satan stood upon my left side, and God was upon my right side, and opened the gates of Heaven for me; and he told me, Satan should not hurt me, though he sought to devour me like a roaring Lion.
Something being burning that gave her offence, she said, I perceive you burn something; but do not trouble me, for I cannot smell. I am very sore, from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot; but I am so full of [Page 13] Comfort and joy that I do feel but little of my pain; I do not know whether I shall live or die but whether I live or die, it will be well for me; I am not in trouble for my sins, God is satisfied with his Son Jesus Christ, for he hath washt them away with his Blood.
Another time when she had been speechless, and began to speak, she said, I have been so full of joy and gladness, when I was silent; I am not able to express it.
When her Mother syringed her Mouth with water, she said, she could not relish it, but desired to try a Syringe of Beer; which when she had, she said, it relished worse than the Water: then she desired a Syringe of Milk; which when she had it, she said, I cannot relish any thing: But (said she) I will wait upon the Lord to see what he will provide for me.
Then her Sister standing by, she said, Sister Betty, and Sister Ann, be sure your first Work be in the morning to seek the Lord by Prayer, and likewise in the evening; and give thanks for your Food: for you cannot pray too often to the Lord; and though you cannot speak such words as others have; yet the Lord will accept [...]f the heart: for you do not know how soon your speech may be taken away as mine was.
She desired her Mother, thus; Do not let [...] much company be here late at night, lest it [...]hould hinder them from seeking the Lord in duty [...].
[Page 14] She said further, When I was first ill, and went about the House, I was not under trouble for my sins at all, neither am I now troubled with satans temptations, for the Lord hath trampled him under his feet.
She said also, When I can hear or understand, I will tell some body, that they may come and read by me, for I love to hear the Word of God read to me, (for then she could not hear).
Another time.
She spake to the maid to call her Mother, saying, I have something to say to her; and when her Mother came, she said, If my speech be taken away, and should be a great while so, that then I may have no Doctor, Apothecary, or Chirurgion come at me; and that I may not have any more Physick given to me: and be sure to take notice of my words▪ for they look more at the Physick, than at the Power of God; and if you suffer them to give me any more things the Lord will be angry with you, and will bring a greater affliction upon you in some of my other Sisters. I know the Lord can open the passage of my Throat in a moment, and cause me to take food; or, he may let me lie a great while in this condition; As for washing my mouth with water, I find no more, but only to wash the phlegm.
But I am f [...]d with the bread of Life, that I shall never hunger; and do drink of the water, [Page 15] of Life, that I shall never thirst more.
I know not whether I shall live or die; but if I die, and if you will have a Sermon, I desire this may be the Text; the place I do not know, but the words may be comfortable to you; That David, when his Child was sick, he cloathed himself in Sackcloth, and wept; but when his Child was dead, he washed and ate Bread: For you have wept much, while I have been sick; and if I die, you have cause to rejoyce.
She said, My soul also was so full of comfort, that I would have spoken much more: But her speech being almost gone, she said, If it please the Lord that I might have my hearing and my speech, (which would be a great miracle) I should speak much more.
Novemb. 10. On the Lords day, she said as follows; When her Mother had syring'd several things into her mouth; as first water, which she not relishing, then water and vinegar, then vinegar and Sugar, then milk, and none did relish with her, she said, Here is but little comfort in these; my comfort is in the Lord, There is comfort indeed: Though we may seek comfort here, and the glory of this World, yet, what is all that? all will be nothing, when we come to lie upon a Death [...]ed, then we would fain have the love of God▪ and cannot get it: I am full of comfort and joy. [Page 16] Though the Lord is pleased to let me lie under many pains, yet he knoweth what is best for his Children; he hath enabled me, and will enable me to bear them; and though he should lay a hundred times more upon me, yet will I wait upon him, for he is my stay, and the hope of my Salvation: My pains are nothing to the pains of Hell, where they will never be at an end. And Christ he suffered a great deal more for me then all this is; he was bruised, buffeted, and spit upon; and they platted a Crown of Thorns and put upon his Head, and gave him Vinegar to drink: But I have several things to take, though I cannot relish them. And they came out against Christ with Swords and Staves, and Christ did not open his mouth against them; but rebukes Peter for cutting the High Priests Servants ear, and bid him put up his Sword into the Scabbard, and said, Shall not I drink of the Cup that my Father hath prepared for me; though my pains are very great, yet I am so full of joy and comfort: I was very full of comfort before, but I am fuller of joy this hour than I have been yet. It is better to live Lazarus's life, and to die Lazarus's death, than to live Dives his life; he had his delicates, and afterwards would have been glad to have had Lazarus dip his finger in water and cool his tongue.
Though the Lord give Satan power over my [Page 17] Body, yet he hath promised he shall not hurt my Soul. The Devil could not go into the herd of Swine till Christ had given him leave: And though he stood at my left hand, and said, I am in filthy rags; yet the Lord stands at my right hand, and saith, I am but a fire-brand newly plucked out of the fire, and he will put on me his Robes of Righteousness.
The last night I could not stir my Head. Hand, nor Foot, but by and by the Lord did help me to move my Head a little, and at length my Body.
O what a good God have I, that can cast down and raise up in a moment; but here is only looking at the Physician; as many, when they have been sick and well again, they say, Such a Physician, and such a Physician hath cured them, & they neglect looking up to the Lord.
It is true, the Lord doth appoint the means to make use of, but nothing will do us good, except he give a blessing to it. O that we had Faith as that Woman had, that had spent all upon Physicians and did her no good; & then came and touched the Hem of Christs Garment; and when Christ felt vertue go out of him he asked his Disciples, Who touched him? then she trembled, but Christ said, Rise up Daughter, thy Faith hath made thee whole.
Of the Expressions of an hopeful Child, the daughter of Mr. Edward Scarfield, that was but eleven years of Age in March, 1661. Gathered from a Letter written by one fearing God, that lived in the house with the Child.
IN August last, this Child was sick of a Feaver; in which time she said to her Father, (who is a holy, humble, precious man,) I am afraid, I am not prepared to die; and fell under much trouble of Spirit, being sensible, not only of actual sins, but of her lost estate without Christ, in unbelief, (as Ephes. 2. 12. John 16. 8, 9.) and she wept bitterly, crying out thus, My sins are greater than I can bear, I doubt God will not forgive them: telling her Father, I am in unbelief, and I cannot believe: Yet she was drawn out to pray many times in those words of Psal. 25. For thy names sake, O Lord pardon my sin, for it is great. Thus she lay oft mourning for sin, and said, I had rather have Christ than health. She would [Page 19] repeat many promises of Gods Mercy and Grace, but said, she could not believe.
When she had been complaining, that she was not prepared; her Father opening the Bible, his eyes first fixed upon these words, (in Psal. 10. 17.) Lord, thou wilt prepare the heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear; and he bid her take notice of the Lords providence therein, ordering the opening of the Book, and his eyes to pitch on these words. The next day, when she was mourning for sin, he opening it again, his eyes fixed on those words in Ma [...]th. 5. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. He bid her observe that Providence of also. But as yet her time was not come, and she still mourned under her unbelief.
The next day, being then the 24th of the 6th month 1661. he praying that morning with his godly Family, (as his usual way hath been for many years to pray with them, and read the Scriptures, or Cat [...]chise them daily morning and evening;) Behold and see what gracious incouragement the Lord gave him in his Service, as he was praying to this effect, (That we might not look for any thing in us to rest in, or trust unto for our Justitfication to stand righteous before God; but only in Jesus Christ alone, [Page 20] who died for our sins at Jerusalem, and rose again for our Justification.) Whilst he was praying to that effect, the Lord raised her Soul up to believe▪ as she told her Father when Prayer was ended, Now I believe in Christ, and I am not afraid of Death.
After this, she said, I had rather die than sin against God. Since that time she hath continued quiet in mind, as one that hath peace with God.
As for this young Child I have been comforted in seeing her, and hearing her answer some Questions propounded to her five years ago.
Her Father saith, that since she was five years old, he remembred not that either a Lie, or an Oath hath ever come out of her mouth; neither would she have wronged any to the value of a Pin.
Henry Jessey.
Here ends the first part.
Here follows now some of the Fruits of Mr. Abraham Chear's spare hours improvement, whilst a Prisoner: Made and directed to some he was nearly related to, and dearly affected.
Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy Youth.
1.
SWeet Children, Wisdom you invites,
to hearken to her Voice;
She offers to you rare delights,
Most worthy of your choice.
Eternal blessings in his wayes,
You shall be sure to find;
Oh! therefore in your youthful dayes,
your great Creator mind.
2.
The joy that other pleasure brings,
with vanities abound:
[...]ay; when in straits they take them wings,
vexations they are found.
[Page 22] Your very Vitals thus decayes,
and torments leave behind:
Oh! therefore in your youthful days,
your Great Creator mind.
3.
They may affect depraved sense
while they subject your Reason;
They say, to conscience, get you hence,
and fear it for a season.
But though a kind of sottish ease,
you hereby seem to find,
I beg you in your youthfull dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
4.
The dreadful danger heed I pray,
of such strange wayes at length;
When you have sin'd your time away,
and wasted all your strength;
Be sure, in chains of darkness, these
your hands and seet will bind:
Oh! therefore in your youthful days,
your Great Creator mind.
5.
Observe how poor mortal men,
their precious seasons spend,
To satisfie those lusts, but then
must perish in the end.
This saving Counsel, would you please
upon your heart to bind:
Oh! in your early yourthful dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
6.
Upon a World, vain toylsome, foul,
a journey now you enter:
The welfare of your living Soul,
you dangerously adventure
If as the is
[...]ue of your wayes,
yo
[...]ve happiness design'd:
Oh! in your early youthful dayes
your Great Creator mind.
7.
Friends, parents, all who you affect,
observe your budding spring;
Your prosperous Summer they expect,
a fruitful Crop will bring:
A witness in this age to raise,
to Grace of every kind:
Oh! then in these your youthful dayes,
your Great
[...] Creator mind.
8.
Young
Isaack's, who lift up their eyes,
and meditate in Fields;
Young
Jacob's, who the Blessing prize,
this age but seldome yeelds.
Few
Samuel's, leaving their playes,
to Temple Work resign'd:
Few do, as these, in youthful dayes,
their Great Creator mind.
9.
How precious
Obodiah's b
[...],
that feared God in youth;
How seldome
Timothy's we see,
[...]erst in the Word of Truth.
Few Babes and Sucklings publish praise,
th' Avengers Rage to bind.
Oh! then in these your youthful dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
10.
Few tender-hearted youths, as was
Josiah,
Judah's King;
Ho
[...]annah in the high'st (alas)
how seldom Children Sing?
Youth's rarely ask for
Zion's wayes,
they'd rather pleasure find:
But oh! in these your youthful dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
11.
What Children Pulse and Water chuse,
continually to eat;
Rather then Conscience should accuse,
for tasting Royal Meat?
[Page 24] Would you not bow, a King to please,
though tortures were behind?
Oh! then in these your youthful dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
12.
Those worthy Mirrors of thier Age,
obtain'd a precious Name;
Their living Patern should engage
your souls to do the same.
And though in this strait narrow way,
you few Companions find;
The rather in your youthful day,
your Great Creator mind.
13.
How worthy Christ is, could you learn,
to claim your Flower and Prime;
And how well pleasing 'tis, discern
to dedicate your time:
You pleasantly would make essayes,
to get your Souls enclin'd,
And gladly in your youthful dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
14.
This Garland wreath'd of youthful flowers
to Jesus you would bring:
This Morn made up of Golden Hours,
you would present the King.
You'd humbly bow, without delayes,
Grace in his sight to find;
And gladly now, and all your dayes,
your Great Creator mind.
More of Mr. Chear's Verses, Written to a young Virgin, Anno 1663.
Sweet Child,
When I bethink what need there is of care,
For precious souls to save themselves from snare;
[Page 25] That Satan, as a subtil Fouler, layes
To take and keep them captive all their dayes
In youthf
[...]l folly, and in sensual rest,
To keep them off from being truly blest;
What strange devices he hath to expel,
Their thoughts of Judgment, Death, of Heaven, or Hell;
And minding what engag
[...]ments on me lie,
To you, and others, Christ to testifie,
This Song, I thought, you now and then might sing
If God would follow it, to mind to bring
Your state by Nature, and the Gospel Path,
To set you free from everlasting Wrath.
If morn by morn, you in this Glass will dress you,
I have some hopes that God by it may bless you.
1.
WHen by Spectators I am told,
what Beauty doth adorn me:
Or in a Glass, when I behold,
How sweetly God did from me.
Hath God such comliness display'd,
and on me made to dwell
'Tis pitty, such a pretty Maid,
as I should go to Hell.
2.
When all my Members I compare,
form'd by my Maker's hand;
In what sweet order, strait and faire,
each part together stand:
How in the use of these might I,
in vertue's Walks excell.
'Tis pitty when I come to die,
all these should go to Hell.
3.
Doth God my ornaments provide,
of soft and good aray;
The which this Age converts to pride,
I am as vain as they.
But when the thoughts of Pride entice,
such temprings I should quell;
By serious heeding this advice,
I must take heed of Hell.
4.
If Parents industry and care,
should by the Lord be blest,
That they large portions could prepare,
for me and all the rest.
Though many Suitors this invites,
my Fortunes might excell:
What would become of these delights,
if I should go to Hell?
5.
Should Wisdom, Breeding, parts conspire,
my spreading fame to raise:
Should Courtly Ladies me admire,
and my perfections praise.
Though for Endowments, rare and high,
from all I bare the Bell:
What would these toys avail, if I
at leng
[...]t be lodg'd in Hell?
6.
If to seek pleasures, Pastimes, Sports,
My fancy should be bent;
Which City, Countrey, Town, or Court,
to please me can invent:
Though thus to satisfie my lust,
with greediness I fell;
By weeping-Cross, return I must
or else go quick to Hell.
7.
Doth Beauty such corruption Hide?
is comliness a bait?
Do costly Garments nouirsh pride?
hath Treasure such deceit?
Do Complements breed vanity?
doth pleasure Grace expel?
How little reason then have I
for these to go to Hell?
8.
'Tis time I should without delayes,
my
[...] state bethink;
Th
[...]gh God's forbearance, at my dayes
of ignorance did wink.
[Page 27] Repentance he doth now expect,
and learning to do well;
For plainly he doth this detect,
this broad way leads to Hell.
9.
To chuse the new and living way,
the Gospel doth beseech me;
The heart of Jesus, day by day,
is open'd to enrich me.
The tenders of New-Cov'nant Grace,
would sin and guilt expel;
The promis'd Spirit would me place,
safe from the lowest Hell.
10.
Would Christ my Spirit lead along,
these tenders to embrace,
I should have matter for a Song,
to praise his Glorious Grace.
How first of goodness I was seiz'd
from what a state I fell;
To what a glory God hath rais'd,
a Fire-brand pluckt from Hell.
To my Cousin T. H. at School.
KInd Kinsman! Complem
[...]nts apart,
Yet love exprest with all my heart;
White I bethought what way was bes
[...],
To gratifie a strong request;
And how to reach the proper
[...]nd,
That was
[...]ssign'd me by a Friend;
That I would write a seri
[...]us line,
Your tender Spirit to incl
[...]ne,
If possibly, from wanton things,
Which carry with them poysn
[...]d
[...],
[Page 28] And kindly to attract your eye,
From vanity to things on high:
My thoughts to Meeter were inclin'd,
As thinking on a Schollars mind,
It might at first with fansie take,
And after deep impressions make:
Which Oh! If God would but inspire,
Convince of folly, raise desire;
Discover Beauty, kindle Love,
Fix your delight on things Above;
These weak endeavours then may stand,
As Christ's remembrances at hand.
To warn you, folly to avoid,
Which hath such multitudes destroy'd;
And thence your nobler part incline,
To Meditations more Divine;
Which have a faculty to raise.
Immortal Souls to frames of praise:
By means of which, when you obtain,
Your Spirit in a serious strain;
when vanity hath least respect;
And thoughts are fittest to reflect;
Then from your Treasure you may bring,
This brief Solil
[...]quie, and Sing,
COme Soul! let you and I,
A few discourses have:
Shall we bethink, how near the brink,
We border of the Grave?
Shall we surveigh our time,
How vainly it is spent;
How youthful dayes consume in wayes,
Which Age must needs repent?
The things which others please;
What profit do they merit?
What are the Toyes, of wanton Boyes,
to an immortal Spirit?
How will our Reckoning pass,
Of pastim, Pleasure, play,
When every thought and Deed is brought,
Unto the Judgment Day?
[Page 29] Would not our time and strength,
Be better far imploy'd,
If every thought, were this way wrought,
How Christ may be injoy'd?
Should not a young man's way,
Be ordered by the Word?
Should not his mind, be still inclin'd?
To know and fear the Lord?
If we behold our Frame,
Our parts and powers compare;
Sure, God intends some glorious ends,
To form a piece so rare.
A Letter sent to a Friend's Child.
Sweet Child. I pray you, think not long,
E're I have sent my Pr
[...]o
[...]-Song;
To turn, after a Godly sort,
Your tongue, and thoughts, from sinful sport.
Pray let it frequently be brought,
With holy fear upon your thought;
And when indeed your So
[...]l is bent,
On things that are most permanent.
When least to foolish mir
[...]h inclin'd,
Then from the Treasure of your mind,
This serious Song, you forth may bring,
[...]ith Gospel Melody, and Sing,
LOrd what a worm am I?
what could'st thou here espie?
That ever thou, should'st humbly bow,
On me to cast an eye?
What kind of Love is this?
What reason can it have?
Shall God through Grace, himself abase,
So vile a Wretch to save?
[Page 30] How strangely was I made?
How curiously adorn'd?
I was at first, an heap of dust,
Which sin hath quite deform'd
My Matter, Earth and Clay,
Form'd by a power Divine:
Sure God would hide, all cause of pride
From every thought of mine.
My Childish thoughts would cease,
On vanity to stay,
Could I bethink, I'm on the brink
Of danger day by day,
Temp
[...]ations lead to sin;
Sin doth of good bereave me:
Cloathes, Beauty, Streng
[...]h, and Life at Length
Are all at hand to leave me.
Why then should gay att
[...]re,
Yield so much food to pride?
What glory's in a beareous skin,
That so much filth doth hide?
Why should the fond delights
Of parents puff me up?
Such boundless love, doth often prove,
To both a bitter Cup.
Why should the highest joyes
Of Sin subject my reason?
The sinful Sports of Princes Courts,
Last only for a season.
Lord let my Soul be rais'd,
And all its powers incline.
On Eagles Wings, to follow things,
That are indeed Divine.
Those depths that from the wise
Thou pleasest to conceal;
Mysterious things, obscur'd from Kings,
To me a Babe reveal,
That from an Infants Mouth,
A Suckliugs Lips inspir'd;
Thy glorious Name, may purchase same,
And Christ be more admir'd.
Let me thy Beauty see,
Thy Countenance behold:
Thy Rayes of Grace, fixt in my face,
More rich than Massy Gold.
Let Royal Robes of Praise,
And Righteousness adorn me,
Which may me bring, before the King,
How ever Mortals scorn me.
Let Treasures of thy Grace,
A portion rich endow me;
In lasting Bags, though here in Rags,
Men scarce a bit allow me.
If Comeliness I want,
Thy Beauty may I have;
I shall be fair, beyond compare,
Though cripled to my Grave.
And if above it all,
To Christ I married be;
My living Springs, Oh king of Kings,
Will still run fresh in thee.
Ʋpon a Bible sent as a Token to a young Virgin, wherein the worth of the holy Scripture is minded.
WHile I was musing what was
[...]
unto your hands to send▪
That of your Souls eternal rest,
my care I might commend▪
The Holy Scriptures I bethought,
oft tendring to your heart,
That your affections might be brought,
to choose the better part.
There you may read what guilt of sin,
into the World you brought?
And since what filthiness hath bin,
in Word, in Deed, in Thought:
How God's long-suffering, sins have prest,
as sheaves do press a Cart;
And nothing else can make you blest,
but
Mary's better part.
That God hath holy jealous eyes,
the Scriptures do unfold;
By which heart-secrets he espies,
yet cannot sin behold.
Through shades of Death, and darkest night,
these piercing Beams do dart;
He looks on nothing with delight,
but on that better part.
With flaming fire you also read,
a Judgment day design'd,
Where every idle Thought and Deed,
Must righteous Sentence find.
There Kings stand naked, Death hath harl'd
their Robes and Crowns apart;
Then, but too late, they'l give the World
for
Mary's better part.
Then to have Jesus Christ ones own,
will be admired Grace;
To stand with boldness at the Throne,
and see the Father's Face.
To sit on Thrones, when Christ shall say,
Ye wicked ones depart.
But come ye blessed in my day,
ye chose the better Part.
The tenders of his Grace so rich,
here Jesus doth display.
[Page 33] He scarlet-sinners doth beseech,
his Gospel to obey:
To let sins settered Captives free,
and heal the broken heart;
He begs them on his bended knee,
to chuse the better part.
Deep Myst'ries of eternal Love,
hid from the Saints of old;
To Babes and Sucklings from above,
these Scriptures do unfold:
Not in the words of frothy Wits,
or humane terms of art;
But such simplicity as fits,
the Spirit's better part.
The glory of the Father's Face,
the burning Law declares:
The beauty of Christ's precious Grace,
the Gospel here prepares.
Both Grace and Glory here unite,
to heal sins deadly smart.
The spirit, and the Bride invite,
to chuse this better part.
The blessed truths display'd herein,
all your dear pleasures make;
Its sharp rebukes of every sin,
as healing Balsom take.
For though convictions to the flesh,
so bitter seem and tart;
Yet is their issue to refresh,
and heal the better part.
Oh! then upon this Word of Truth,
place high and great esteem:
This point of Wisdom learn in youth,
your precious time redeem.
To know Christ's from a strangers Voice,
account the highest Art;
Your richest treasure is your cho
[...]ce
of
Mary's better part.
A Poetical Meditation, wherein the Ʋsefulness, Excellency, and several perfections of the holy Scriptures are briefly hinted, perform'd by J. C. but turn'd into more familiar verse for the use of Children, by Abr. Chear.
AMong thy glorious gifts;
Lord thou thy Word hast given,
Precious and pure, sweet, holy, sure,
To guide me hence to heaven.
Here I abound with straits,
Wants and necessities,
There I have store, heapt, running o're,
With plenteous rich supplies.
Temptations here abound,
With terrors, dangers, fears,
These petty Hels thy Word expels,
And all my passage clears.
When Satan fiercely shoots,
His fiery darts at me;
Then Lord, they Word, is shield and Sword,
Me saves and makes them flee.
The present world commends,
Its Objects fresh and fair;
But yet thy Word doth that afford,
Which proves more precious Ware.
When fleshly lusts intice,
To their alluring pleasure;
To rare delights thy Word invites,
More choice in weight and measure.
The Errors of the Times;
Their cheating Wares display;
But Scripture sayes, shun Errors wayes.
My Rule shall guide your way.
When by the Tempter's Wiles,
I tempted am to sin;
By thy Words Art, hid in my heart,
Both field and Prize I win.
Nay though I foiled be,
And sin defile my Soul,
Thy Word can cleanse these noisome Dens,
And sins best strength controul.
An unbelieving heart,
Do I till now inherit:
Lord, thy Word hath Pow'r to work Faith,
By thy most Holy Spirit.
If this be my Disease,
An hard and stony heart;
Thy Word thus deals, first kills, then heals,
And cures me by this smart.
Will not my frozen heart,
With Gospel Grace comply;
Thy Royal Law, this heart can thaw,
And cause a weeping eye.
Doth lofty towring thoughts,
Puff up my tempted Breast;
Thy word brings low, the proudest Foe,
Less makes me than the least.
Do muttering thoughts arise,
Grudge, murmur, or repine;
Thy Rod and Word, teach patience, Lord,
And still these thoughts of mine.
Am I tongue-ty'd in Prayer,
And know not what to say;
Thy Word inspires, praying desires,
Tell's how and what to Pray.
When like a lost sheep I
In darkness err and stray;
Thy word's a Light, most clear and bright,
And guides me in my way.
A simple fool I be,
And destitute of eyes;
Thy word's a Rule, Master and School,
To make its Schollars wise.
I see my self undone,
Distressed, naked, poor,
Thy Words infold a Mine of Gold,
Rich pearls, and precious store.
By sinful nature I
And God are still at odds,
Thy Word my Soul converteth whole,
From Satan's Will to Gods.
Do troubles from without.
And floods of inward grief
My Soul torment? thy Word is lent,
With Joy and Soul relief.
Or, is my Soul perplext,
With reasonings, doubts, and fears,
Thy Word of Grace, resolves the case,
My cloudy Judgment clears.
Or, do despairing thoughts,
My tempted Soul o'rtake?
Thy word doth give, me hopes to live,
For Christ my Saviour's sake.
When floods and multitudes
Of troubled thoughts me press;
I call to mind, thy word, and find,
Its joyes my Soul refresh.
Though in this vale of tears
I thirst, faint, hunger, Pine;
Thy word me feeds, in these my ne
Its Bread, and Milk, and Wine.
Or, am I weakned out,
And cannot walk alone;
Thy word then is strength to my knees,
And staff to lean upon.
And though in scorn and pain,
Forsook, and poor I be,
Thy word alone, hath all in one,
Health, Wealth, Friends, all to me,
Thus though my pained Soul
Be sick, and wounded sore,
With grievous sin, which doth begin,
To fester more and more.
Thy word directs me where,
My healing may be had,
And doth me guide, to Christ's pierc'd side,
For Balme of
Gilead.
Nay, though no life at all,
Nor quickning there remain;
Thy word is good, and liveing Food,
Which fetcheth life again.
And if I would desire,
A Life that lasts for ever;
The Scripture shows, whence water flows,
To drink and perish never.
Blest be the Lord my God,
Who evermore provides,
And filleth full, my empty Soul,
With Food that still abides.
My Soul! O bless the Lord,
Who bounteously hath given,
Strength, light, guide, way, lest thou shouldst stray,
In this thy way to Heaven.
This Holy Book of God,
These Sentences, these Lines;
Each Word and Letter, to me are better,
Than Pearls and Golden Mines.
'Tis Heaven it self transcrib'd,
And Glory lively pen'd;
God's truth, no doubt was, copied out,
When he this Gift did send.
It's Truth brought forth to light;
God did hereby intend,
Man's word should fall, Heaven, Earth, and all,
But this should never end.
Dear Soul, admiring stand,
At that blest hand and Quill;
That did produce, for sinners use.
Th'eternal Sovereign Will.
Astonished admire,
The Author too; and when,
Thou canst not raise, sufficient praise,
With wondring say,
Amen.
To my Cousin John H.
SWeet
John, I send you here,
A Song by heart to learn;
Not it to say, as Parrots may,
But wisely to discern.
Oh! lay it deep to heart,
And mind it well I pray,
God grant you Grace, to grow apace,
In virtue day by day.
As yet a Child you be,
And childish Toyes do please you;
But you'l complain, they all are vain,
When ever Grace shall seize you.
Nay, When Convictions come,
In Gospel-Power, and Truth;
You'l surely cry, Ah wretch am I,
Thus to have spent my youth!
Childhood and Youth were spent,
In things not to be nam'd:
Alas! wha
[...] praise was in those dayes,
Whereof I'm now asham'd.
Dear
John, then lay to heart,
This needful timely hint,
Before the day, of which you'l say,
What pleasure have I in't?
Begin to mind the Lord,
Who form'd you out of dust;
And did you raise, to shew his praise;
Him love and fear you must.
In things that are of earth,
Spend not your youthful strength;
Its joyes and cares, are all but snares,
To mischief you at length.
Where Christ in glory sits,
Place there your prime delight;
Let things above have all your love,
Your time, care, mind and might.
John Christ's fore-runner mind,
From whom you have your name;
Though from his birth, liv'd mean on earth,
A shining Light became.
He chose a Desart life,
Fed hard, was coorse attir'd,
He left the sport, of
Herod's Court,
Though he was there admir'd.
Sin he reprov'd in all,
And kept true witness clear:
He never sought, himself in ought,
That Christ might more appear.
Another
John you find,
The lov'd Disciple nam'd;
Who lean'd for rest, on Jesus Breast,
With Gospel-love inflam'd.
To every Truth of Christ,
A witness bold he bear;
Though an Exile, in
Patmos-Isle,
Choice Visions he had there.
A Pattern if they be
To you in word and deed;
Jehovah's eye, will make supply,
To whatsoe're you need.
To my Cousin Sam. B.
DEar Cousin
Sam, my pretty Lam,
this Song to you I send;
Whatever play, aside you lay,
learn this from end to end.
With God begin, take heed of sin,
know Jesus out of hand.
Betimes you must, flee youthful lust,
Its first assaults withstand.
Spend not your dayes, in wanton playes,
Though naughty boyes intice:
They first begin, with little sin,
but end in deadly vice.
If naughty Boyes, allure with Toyes,
to sin, or lies to tell;
Then tell them plain, you tempt in vain,
such wayes go down to Hell.
God's holy Eye, our faults do spy,
and will to Judgment call us,
We must fear God, more than the Rod,
or ought that can befall us.
[Page 41] How oft have I, been like to die?
yea Death is alwayes near:
Chuse whom you will, to follow still,
I Christ must love and fear;
Fathers best Boy, and Mothers joy,
I then shall surely be;
And that that's best, of all the rest,
God will provide for me.
To my Cousin W. L.
DEar Child, although my Father's Will
in Prison me hath bound;
Through uprightness, and patience still,
my comforts here are found.
The presence of a gracious God,
doth this a Pallace make;
It makes the bitter of the Rod,
be sweet for Jesus sake.
But Oh! when guilt brings any here,
in Fetters to be bound;
Because of God they had no fear,
but were in evil found:
To such it is a dreadful place,
here guilt to judgment binds them;
Where if they don't repent apace,
Death, Wrath, and Vengeance finds them.
Of you, dear Child, with carefulness,
my heart hath many a thought;
Least you through youthful wantonness,
to greater sins be brought:
And so by adding sin to sin,
you wast your time and strength;
And when your judgment doth begin,
in vain you mourn at length.
[Page 42] I charge you then, in any sort,
your great Creator mind;
Spend not your youthful dayes in sport,
that cannot be regain'd.
Avoid those rude and wicked Boyes,
that make a mock of sin;
Love not their playes, and sinful Toyes,
to fear the Lord begin.
Keep close to School, read Scriptures oft,
in private learn to pray;
Your Gospel-grounds keep still in thought,
Your Parents both obey.
Your Brethren love, and teach them good,
a Christian learn to be;
Then God will give you clothes and food,
and you'l be dear to me.
To my Kinsman A. L.
MY pretty Child, remember well,
you must your wayes amend;
For wicked Children go to Hell,
that way their courses tend.
But heark to me, if you to be,
the Child of God desire;
The broad and open road must flee,
which multitudes admire.
S
[...]rive every day to mend you way,
learn Christ while you are young;
Take constant heed, to every deed,
heart, feet, hands and tongue.
You may be quickly sick, and die,
and put into the Grave;
From whence to judgment you must fly,
and righteous Sentence have.
Learn then to fear, while you live here,
with Christ your time imploy.
[Page 43] Labour to live and die as one,
that leaves the World with joy.
My strength in cries I shall imploy,
that God will bless your youth;
I can have nothing like this joy,
My Children walk in truth.
To my youngest Kinsman R. L.
MY little Cousin if you'l be,
your Uncles dearest Boy;
You must take heed of every deed,
that would your Soul destroy.
You must not curse, nor fight, nor steal,
nor spend your time in games,
Nor make a lie, what e're you aile;
nor call ungodly names.
With wicked Children do not play,
for such to Hell will go;
The Devils Children sin all day,
but you must not do so.
Begin, I pray, to learn that way,
that doth to Heaven tend:
O learn a little, day by day,
which leadeth to that end.
For God and good men love such Boyes,
and will them good things give;
Father and Mother will rejoyce,
and I in comfort live.
Another to a Child insisting on Psal. 119. 9.
SInce I am naturally bent,
to take delight in Songs;
A Friend from Prison one hath sent,
that to my Soul belongs:
Which when I sing, he doth intreat,
I would not mind my play,
But frequently with weight repeat,
How may I cleanse my way?
It is the use of such as I,
to Dance, and Play, and sing;
Or else to lie, and rail, and cry,
for will in every thing,
Why should our wantonness be crost,
or pleasures night and day?
We fear no danger to be loft;
what need we cleanse our way?
Should we our jovial play-mates shun,
when we return from Schools;
Should we not fight, and climb, and run,
we should be counted fools.
If in the Hedges, Streets, and Field,
our sports you take away;
What good will food and raiment yield?
why should we change our way?
When up to youth and strength we grow,
'tis brave to have our wills;
To heed no Check whate're we do,
of lust to take our fills:
To fight, drink, game, to swear and curse,
to lie out night and day;
[Page 45] To spend and whore, grow worse and worse,
what youth will cleanse his way?
'Tis true, the Holy Scriptures teach,
our Catechisms tell;
Some Ministers we hear do preach.
Youths must take heed of Hell.
Our Parents at our wildness grieve,
exhort, reprove and pray,
But after all, we scarce believe,
we need to cleanse our way.
We see some that were thought the best,
their high profession leaving;
And greedily, as do the rest,
to earth and Pleasure cleaving.
No Check of Conscience doth appear,
in what they do or say;
This greatly hardens us from fear,
or thoughts to cleanse our way.
With Cart-ropes to draw youthful lust,
this day all help affords;
It is a sport, Christ's bonds to burst.
and cast away his Cords,
If one from wickedness dissent,
he makes himself a prey;
This yields but small encouragement,
for youth to cleanse his way.
As the young Ass that snuffs the wind,
Youth loves to have its swinge;
But hates attempts, its lust to bind,
or liberty infringe.
Yet ther's a month, in which the Lord,
our full career can stay;
And can, according to his Word.
turn, change, and cleanse our way.
No less then an Almighty Power,
such torrents can withstand,
The influences of this hour,
tempt with so high a hand,
[Page 46] Amongst a thousand, scarce one Lad,
(with weepings we may say)
Of whom assurance may be had,
he strives to cleanse his way.
Oh! with what grief upon their wayes,
should Parents then reflect;
Whose fawning in our infant dayes,
doth Word and Rod neglect;
Till our incorrigible years,
are apt by deeds to say,
Although you break your heart with tears,
we will not cleanse our way.
Were our Salvation their design,
our Souls their highest care;
They would be careful to decline,
all steps that might ensnare,
What holy walks, before our sight.
as patterns should they lay;
Which might endear us with delight,
betimes to cleanse our way?
Above deep learning, breeding, wit,
they for us grace would prize;
Rich Trades, or stocks, compar'd with it,
were dung before their eyes.
The greatest Matches they could find,
with heaps of yellow Clay;
Were no Preferment to their mind,
like to a cleansed way.
To a Virgin inclining to enquire after the Lord.
A Soliloquie.
COme pray thee, Precious Soul of mine,
let's seriously retire;
[Page 47] And under eye and aid Divine,
God's Oracles enquire.
Call in those thoughts that range about,
with awfulness incline,
To get this question out of doubt,
Is Jesus truly mine?
It's high time now to fix our thought,
O let time past suffice,
That we the lusts of flesh have wrought,
in youthful vanities.
What profit in those wayes is sound,
which down to Hell incline;
What real pleasure can redound,
if Christ be none of mine?
'Tis true, a Maid can scarce forget,
her ornamental tire;
The Virgins her at nought will set,
whose eye is fixed higher.
But should I my bright morning wast,
to make me
[...] and fine;
'Twill be but bitterness at last,
if Christ be none of mine?
With
Dinah should I gad to see,
the Daughters of the Land;
My intimates, if such should be,
who Christ don't understand:
My complements, and ga
[...]e might I,
as is the mode, refin'd;
But wretched should I live and die.
if Christ be none of mine.
Or if through deep convictions I,
my vain companions leave;
And to the Saints, for company,
in dear affections cleave.
Though they as Angels speak to me,
sweet words as spiced Wine;
Of what advantage could it be,
if Christ be none of mine?
[Page 48] Of his inestimable worth.
if I by Saints am told;
Or how the Gospel sets him forth,
transcending heaps of Gold:
Though one among a thousand he,
in full perfection shine;
What will this Glory be to me,
if Christ be none of mine;
If by reforming I essay,
self righteousness should stand;
I may conjecture I obey,
the Law's exact command.
Nay, to the Gospel's outward call,
my steps I may refine;
Yet short of glory I shall fall,
If Christ be none of mine?
How Satan acts an Angel's part,
I cannot well discern;
The windings of a treacherous heart,
I cannot quickly learn;
How close hypocrisie in all,
may hide it's deep design;
The stateliest Structure then must fall,
if Christ be none of mine.
Of a Child somewhat indulged by reason of Sickliness.
IF any would my Age be told,
this answer they may have;
A weakly Child of ten years old,
oft very near the Grave.
My Life's a wonder to my Friends,
continued to this day;
And doubtless is for higher ends,
then eat, and drink, and play.
[Page 49] To these things Childhood is inclin'd,
yea to great evils bending;
And little doth it heed or mind,
to what such wayes are tending.
If Parents give us our contents,
and take delight to please us;
We little lay to heart events,
though dreadful Plagues should seize us▪
Some Parents in this sinful Age,
will no wayes cross our course;
Whilest other's filthy rayling rage;
to desperate wayes enforce.
But did the love and fear of God,
in Parents hearts bear sway,
And were the doctrine of the Rod,
their study day by day.
Were their and our iniquities,
more deeply laid to heart;
Did love to our immortal Souls,
of fondness get the start,
They'd learn, with gravity, to smile,
and tenderness to smile;
Correct and pitty all the while,
rebuke, and yet delight.
Chastisements would with teaching meet;
reproofs be sharp, yet mild;
God's admonition would be sweet,
and wholsome to the Child.
We should grow flexible and kind,
great guilt it would prevent;
This early with a willing mind,
would lead us to repent.
It would seem bitter to the flesh,
to travel thus again;
But Ah! the forming Christ afresh,
will pay for all this pain.
A Dialogue betwixt the love of Christ and the lust of the flesh;
setting forth the deceitful nature of sin, in its alluring the Soul from goodness, to its ruine and destruction; and the powerful influence of Christ's love, engaging to an early imbracing his invitations to a well-grounded hope of Everlasting Glory.
Its Prologue.
Respected Friend,
I am obliged to tell you what's a doing;
There are at hand to you design'd for woing,
Two fair-spoke-Suitors, both look fair and fresh,
The love of Jesus
and the lust of Flesh.
They are Corrivals, each Proposals brings,
As if the Heirs apparent of some Kings,
Had terms to tender to engage your favour
Of such vast interests, their offers savour.
Hear now, and well observe a stander-by,
Who long hath known how their concerns do lie,
And who by dear experience hath been taught,
To what result such suits are often brought:
If from his great desire you be blest,
And in your choice reach everlasting rest.
He offers dear-bought light to guide your mind
That to the better part it be inclin'd;
He shews a little, in a homespun stile,
The one's simplicity the other's Guile.
What stocks they come of, and their old descents;
Their various treasures, and their plain intents,
[Page 51] What are their qualities, their differing ends;
To what plain issue each proposal tends.
Their sundry overtures your love to gain,
In way of Dialogue betwixt them twain.
The love of Christ.
SWeet Virgin stop, let Wisdom drop,
a word becoming Kings:
Pray be inclin'd to bend your mind,
unto coelestial things.
I beg your love, for things Above;
nay, all your Powers I claime:
I would adorn, your youthful morn,
and crown your early aime.
The lust of the flesh.
Should any thought to mind be brought,
that interrupts your quiet:
Shall Virgins weep, disturb their sleep,
desert their needful diet?
Tush; drink in Plate, and recreate,
your lively youthful Spirit,
Seek Courtly things delight in Kings,
which may proclaim your merit.
The love of Christ.
While Flesh pretends, these pleasing ends,
its dire intents it hides:
But pray awake, for Jesus sake,
while day of Grace abides.
Flesh lusts its Guests, between its Breasts,
convictions to expel;
But deadly Charms, are in its armes;
its Guests are lodg'd in Hell.
The Lusts of the flesh.
What strange conceits, what silly cheats,
would drive thy joys away?
These Preachers tell, but dreams of Hell.
and of the Judgment day.
[Page 52] 'Twil ne'r do well, till mirth expel,
such sullen dumps as these:
The Timbrel bring, come dance and sing;
eat, drink, and take thine ease.
The Love of Christ.
These Childish Toys, may make a noise,
to please the carnal heart;
But all the while, they but beguile,
nay wound the better part,
One glimps of love, seal'd from above,
these highest joyes transcends;
From deeps 'twill raise, to heights of praise,
when that in torment ends.
The Lust of the flesh.
Shall wordy winds, on gallant minds,
such deep impressions make;
That for a
[...]ound, of things unfound,
they joys in Hand forsake?
This day invites, to rare delights,
all Ladies who design,
To've fortunes rais'd, and beauties prais'd,
embrace thess paths of mine.
The Love of Christ.
Alas at length, you'l lose your strength,
mirth, beauty, sport, and pleasure;
And when too late, lament your state,
your mispent time and treasure,
They'l take them wings, and leave you stings,
with venom, guilt, and smart;
Then while 'tis day, I humbly pray,
chuse
Mary's better part.
The Lust of the flesh.
Are such things fit, that clogs your wit,
which now to heights aspires?
Such doatings leave, till age bereave,
of moisture, warm desires▪
[Page 53] Your budding Spring, prompts you to sing,
your warbling Princely straine;
In Courtly Modes, with amourous odes
your Gallants entertain.
The Love of Christ.
Such frothy freaks, aloud bespeaks,
how slightly youths esteem
Their nobler parts, their precious hearts,
which Earth cannot redeem.
How hardly brought, to turn a thought,
from Objects thus deprav'd;
Though Jesus cries, Oh! fix your eyes
on me, and be ye sav'd.
The Lust of the flesh.
Such looks may grace, some wither'd face,
or some grave Cloystered Nun;
Are counted blots, not beauty-spots,
where Fame's but now begun.
Tush; rather prize those Comedies,
and rare Romances use;
Attend resorts, to Princely sports,
and shades for interviews.
The Love of Christ.
What pitty 'tis such trash as this,
with heaven-born Souls should take;
While Jesus stands with stretch'd out hands,
rich overtures to make.
Gold try'd in Fire, and rich attire,
do your acceptance crave;
A crown of Bliss, prepared is,
when each an end shall have.
The treaty stops, but here you have a tast
your friend hath longings that you may be Chast,
Preserv'd a Virgin, and brought such to Christ
By love constrained, not by lust intic't.
A Description of an Elect Person, in his threefold state, by Nature, Grace, and Glory;
Ejaculation.
My blessed Father, when my heart enclines,
To sing this Song, or but to read these lines,
Let me thy Spirits Power, or leadings find,
To form their lively likeness on my mind.
Work deep convictions, and an holy fear,
To think what am I, or what once I were.
And into fellowship, Lord let it guide me,
With all this
Grace the Gospel doth provide me,
That I may claim what this thy record saith,
By sound experience, and unfeigned Faith;
And let the hope of yonder
Glory raise
My Soul to close with those reflects of praise.
(1.)
Nature. BY
Nature, and as out of Christ,
born of the flesh was I;
Grace. By
Grace, and as I stand in Christ,
I'm new born spiritually.
Glory. In
Glory I with Christ shall reign,
and heavenly freedom have.
Refl. Lord! what is man that thou shouldst daign
so vile a Wretch to save?
(2.)
Nature. Flesh did my Members and my mind,
with quietness inherit.
Grace. But now a Warfare I do find,
betwixt my flesh and spirit
Glory. The spirit promised, at length,
all glorious will make me.
Refl. For that his War's above my strength,
let not my Christ forsake me.
(3)
Nature. My sensual lusts to satisfie,
a fleshly War I waged.
Grace. But now for walking spiritually,
my spirit stands ingaged.
Glory. Nay, by Christ's quickning power at last,
transform'd I wait to be.
Refl. Lord! what am I that thou should'st cast,
a look of love on me?
(4)
Nature. To that which fleshly pleasure brings,
I wholly bent my mind:
But now unto the Spirit's things
Grace. I chiefly stand inclin'd.
Glory. At length my glorified eyes,
such sights alone shall see.
Refl. Lord! what am I that thou should'st prize,
so poor a Worm as me?
(5)
Nature. By sinful nature I was dead,
in trespasses and sins;
Grace. By Gospel-Grace now quickened,
my Soul to live begins.
Glory. The day approacheth, when from sin,
I shall be wholly free.
Refl. Lord? what am I that thou hast been,
at so great cost on me?
(6.)
Nature. In sin, as in my Proper place,
I was well pleas'd to lie;
Grace. But now I strive to walk by Grace,
in all simplicity.
Glory. I shall presented be at last,
as my dear Christ is pure.
Refl. What love is this, that Christ so chast,
should such a Wretch indure?
(7.)
Subjected to the Law of sin
Nature. and death I once did stand,
Grace. Made free, I to obey begin,
the Spirit of Life's command;
Glory. A glorious triumph's yet in store,
o're sin and death for me.
Refl. How should I Majesty adore,
that I thus sav'd should be?
(8.)
Nature. Once Gods pure Nature, Word and Law
I hated as my foes:
Grace. Now with them I in holy awe,
and dear affections close.
Glory. Desires shall into full delight,
at length resolved be.
Refl. Lord! what am I that er'e my sight
should such blest objects see?
(9)
Nature. Born ignorant of Heavenly things,
I teachings did despise;
Grace. All teachings which the Gospel brings,
my Soul doth dearly prize.
Glory. Clear apprehensions I shall gain,
when Faith is turn'd to sight.
Refl. Lord! what is man that thou shouldst daign
on him to place delight?
(10.)
Nature. With vilest Sons of men I chose,
my chief repast to take:
Grace. But now the strictest Saints are those,
whom bosome friend's I make.
With glorious saints and Angles I
Glory. eternally shall dwell.
Refl. Lord! raise me up to magnifie,
this Grace that doth excel.
(11.)
Nature. The form of godliness I loath'd,
which Sons of God profess;
Now with its power compleatly cloath'd
Grace. with all my heart I press.
Glory. The price of that high Call at last,
I am in hope to gain.
R. Lord! why should all this grace be cast
upon a Wretch so vain.
(12.)
Nature. Of earth, an earthly man I was,
and earthly things did mind:
Grace. But now am brought from earth, alas!
yet here I stay behind.
But shortly from the Earth I shall
Glory. rais'd, and translated be.
Refl. Admired kindness, that at all
God should have thoughts of me!
(13)
Nature. In Hell's black Region was my place,
dark as the blackest night;
Grace. But now enlightned I through Grace,
Walk as a Child of Light.
Glory. With Light which morta
[...]s cannot see,
I shortly hope to dwell:
Refl. What marvellous Grace is this to me,
sav'd from the lowest Hell!
(14)
Nature. A Babe was I in open field,
cast out in Blood, and loath'd;
Grace. Grace passing by, a skirt did yield,
I now am wash't and cloath'd.
Glory. With Robes immortal yet I wait,
in glory to be rais'd:
Refl. This is so surpassing great,
it cannot be display'd.
(15)
Nature. A stranger from my Fathers face,
by nature I remain'd;
Grace. But to be call'd his Friend, by Grace,
I have at length obtain'd.
Glory. His fixed favourite in bliss,
eternal I shall be.
Refl. O! what transcendent love is this,
to such a Wretch as me?
(16)
Nature. At enmity with God I stood,
a Rebel fierce and wild;
Grace. By shedding of my Saviours Blood,
I now am reconcil'd,
Glory. Then saved by his Life much more,
I hope and wait to be,
Refl. Lord, I would humbly thee adore,
who thus hast saved me.
(17)
Nature God's Righteous Law for wickedness,
my conscience did condemn,
But now through Christ's own Righteousness
Grace. I'm justifi'd in him.
Glory. I hope for that refreshing day,
which will Salvation bring:
Refl. Who can the faithfulness display,
of my dear Lord and King.
(18.)
Nature. Once as a guilty Soul astray,
from God I fled for fear.
Grace. Now by the new and living Way,
with boldness I draw near.
The day's approaching when Above
Glory. I shall with God abide.
Refl. Dear Soul, this thought surpassing love,
in silence do not hide.
(19)
Nature. In Satan's Kingdom I lay chain'd,
a willing fetter'd slave:
But Christ my liberty hath gain'd
Grace. choice freedom now I have.
Glory. Of Heavenly free
Jerusalem,
I Citizen shall be.
Refl. How can I do enough for him,
who all this did for me?
(20)
Nature. From any bond to Righteousness,
I once was wholly free:
Grace. But now made free to righteousness,
its servant I would be.
Glory. In Righteousness I hope to raign,
when sin shall tempt no more.
Refl. Let not this Grace be all in vain,
laid richly thus in store.
(21.)
Nature. Through guilt and wrath which once I saw,
my terrors did increase:
Grace. But now deliver'd from the Law,
by faith I live in peace.
Glory. Of Faith I shall obtain the end,
in full Salvation then.
Refl. How doth this grace of God transcend,
the utmost thoughts of men.
(22)
Nature. My hopes, with false foundations propt,
oft turn'd into despair.
Grace. But now its Anchor safely dropt,
doth true rejoycings rear.
Glory. Things hop'd-for shall be full injoy'd,
no work for hope in sight.
Refl. O Blessedness! to be imploy'd,
in acts of pure delight.
(23)
Nature. No right to promises had I,
or words that tend to save;
Grace. Now promises I can apply,
to all, true right I have.
Glory. All heavenly Blessings promised,
I fully shall partake.
Refl. Why stand I thus distinguished,
alone for mercies sake?
(24)
Nature. Born from beneath, as Satan's Brat,
Hell's heritage did find me;
Grace. But God, who me by grace begat,
Heir of the World assign'd me.
Glory. An heir of God, joynt-heir with Christ
in Heaven I shall dwell.
Refl. Lord! leave me not to be intic't,
this Heritage to sell.
(25)
Nature. My Fence departed, unto harms
I daily was expos'd;
Grace. But lodg'd in everlasting arms,
I safely am inclos'd.
Glory. A Mount impregnable e're long,
God will about me raise:
Refl. Oh! put an everlasting Song,
into my mouth of praise.
(26)
Nature▪ By works of my own Righteousness,
the way to Heaven I sought,
Grace. Of trusting to it more or less,
I now abhor the thought.
Glory. In Righteousness, without a spot,
I shall presented be.
Refl. Admired
[...]e my blessed Lot,
lay'd up in Christ for me.
(27)
Nature. My single self, in sensual lust,
as my chief end I sought:
Grace. But chiefly now contrive I must,
God may have honour brought.
Glory. To give him glory still in bliss,
my work will shortly be.
Refl. With joy unspeakable will this,
imployment ravish me.
28.
Nature. Like a lost Sheep, or Goat, or Son,
distresses did surround me,
Grace. But in this Desart state undone,
sweet Jesus sought and found me.
Glory. And shortly to my long'd-for home,
me in his armes will bring.
Refl. Ah! what high raised Songs become,
my beauteous glorious king?
(29.)
Nature. Through darkness then upon my mind,
I nothing knew nor learn'd;
Through gracious teachings now I find
Grace. deep things in part discern'd.
Through perfect Vision all things I
Glory. shall know as I am known:
His glory to eternity
Refl. his Praises shall be shown.
(30.)
Nature. Best services I then perform'd,
a loathsome stink did make:
Weak services are now adorn'd
Grace. and sweet for Jesus sake.
Glory. A Reward, not of Debt but Grace,
such services shall Crown.
Refl. 'Tis wonderful that God should place,
on Dust, such great renown.
(31.)
Nature. Sin did God's Image quite deface,
and like a beast besot me.
Grace. But dignities bestow'd by Grace,
rais'd like a Prince hath got me.
Glory. Yet more transform'd I want to be,
like Angels who excel:
Refl. What glorious Grace is this to me,
a firebrand pluckt from Hell?
(32)
Nature. Both Sin, and Satan, as their own,
my Members did inherit.
Grace. But now this Body is the Throne,
a Temple of the spirit.
Glory. And though in vileness 'twill be sown,
'twill Spiritually be rais'd
Since God such glorious depths makes known
Refl. how should this Grace be prais'd;
(33.)
Nature. God's glory into shame I turn'd,
and in that shame did boast;
Now things for which my lust then burn'd
Grace. I blush and loath them most.
Glory. But far above all sin and shame,
I shall be rais'd on high:
Refl. Lord set me on a gracious frame,
thy Name to magnifie
(34.)
Nature. All dirt and mire among the pots,
you might my visage see,
Grace But now, though mixt with waves and spots,
fair as the Moon I be.
Glory. My raised Glory shall at last,
The Suns bright Beams out-shine:
How could eternal life be plac't
Refl. on Souls so black as mine?
(35.)
Nature. Within the Region once I sate,
of Death's dark dreadful Shade,
Grace. In Light's Dominion now of late,
to sit down I am made.
Glory. A throne of glorious Life at length,
reserv'd in Promise lies:
Lord lead thy worm from strength to strength
Refl. such precious Grace to prize.
For young Joseph Branch.
(1.)
THe names that Holy men of old
did on their Children set,
Some mysteries tended to unfold,
some teachings to beget.
Some works of God in ancient dayes
were to remembrance brought;
Or some instructions for their wayes,
was thus kept in their thought.
(2.)
This way our wanton age disgusts;
our names have other ends:
The rich thus gratifie their Lusts,
the poor thus please their Friends.
[Page 64] Yet sometimes Providence is known
tradition to out-reach;
That names, at unawares bestown,
some Gospel truths do preach.
(3.)
And what should hinder but I might,
such lessons learn in mine;
Did Parents teach me and the light
of grace upon me shine.
Of Holy
Jos
[...]ph I might learn,
a fruitful
Bough to be,
And Christ the
Branch▪ I might discern
a living Root to me.
(4)
Alas! A brasch by nature now
of a wild Vine I be,
Of the degenerated Bough,
of thee wild-Olive-tree.
My root is rottenness like dust,
my blossoms will ascend;
My grapes are
Sodom's pride and lust,
to death my clusters tend.
(5.)
Can pricking Bryar, or grieving thorn,
good grapes in clusters bear;
Are figgs upon the Thistle born,
will any seek them there?
A root of bitterness can nought,
but gall and wormwood bring.
No wholsome water can be brought
from a corrupted spring.
(6.)
[...]anured nature forth may bring
a lovely Branch to sight,
With leaves and blossoms of the Spring,
and shades of great delight.
But if no fruit it doth afford
as Christ expects to find;
The Figg-tree dry'd, or
Jonas-Gourd,
my dreadful state do mind,
[Page 65] What (once fair) Branches may I spy,
of fruit and leaves bereft?
Who living may be said to dye,
to men, and burning left.
What great appearance once they made,
with cost were dig'd and drest,
They yielded an increasing shade,
and promis'd with the best.
(8.)
ut like the Ivy, hardly known,
on other Branches hung
Their Root was properly their own
though to the rind they clung.
But now the Fan and Axe are brought,
to purge and cast away:
Such fruitless figg-trees come to nought,
such empty Vines decay.
(9)
True, the Vine-dresser yet intreats,
that digg'd or dung'd they be;
If precepts, promises, or threats,
may better them or me.
But to our root the axe is put,
If no good fruit be found,
This is the sentence, down them cut;
why cumber they the ground?
(10)
Instruction I should learn from hence,
How vile a branch I be;
Unless, in a new-cov'nant sense,
a death shall pass on me.
Unless from
Adam I be cut
as standing in the law,
And by a new ingrafture put
Christs life and sap to draw.
(11)
Might I in that true Vine be found
a branch that bides alive;
And from that root and plant-renown'd
might fat and fruit derive.
[Page 66] Like
Joseph's would my fruitful-Bough
by Well and Wall be sent,
Nay, though the Archers griev'd me now
my Bow would bide in bent.
(12.)
Then in the schorching years of drought,
when moisture others want;
I should retain both leaves and blowth,
and flourish like a plant.
Till planted by the Crystal brooks,
in Paradice I be,
Where Gods fruit-ripening shining looks
shall still be fixt on me.
Ʋerses sent by an unknown Hand, to Captain Sampson Lark, in Exon-Prison with a Respond.
DIversion breeds delight, delight prepares
for action, action is the
[...]each of cares:
When one from t'other in this wise proceed,
Then of Diversion sometime you have need.
Cares only sinful actions must expell,
Which none but lawful actions can do well:
And lawful actions breed a chast delight,
Which flows from good diversion when its right,
It lawful actions shoot out sinful care;
And chast delight doth for such acts prepare;
And good Diversion breeds such chast delight:
Have at the mark! Sure, this will hit the white:
Though you are mostly known to me by fame,
Yet I'le make bold to descant on your name:
Names to the things sometimes do well agree,
As, in your name, whoever will may see.
When this agreement shall to light be brought,
All men will say, your name is not for nought:
Lark is your name, and Larks most sweetly sing,
When they are mounted highest on the wing:
Your towring Soul sometimes mounts up on high,
And sings its sweetest notes above the sky.
[Page 67] The Lark seeds clean and can no filth abide.
To
Common-prayer should you a month be ty'd;
I am perswaded, I may safely say,
You'ld live on that as well as Larks by Hay:
The Lark's a Princely Dish, though small to sight,
The Pestle of a Lark, is worth a Kite.
One Hour's discourse with you more gain affords,
Then years acquaintance with some greater Birds.
But there's a season when Larks may be caught,
A month in which the silly Bird doth dote:
And then the Fowlers use to set their Gin,
They leave their stall, their lure, the glass wherein
The Birds behold a false, though glistering Sun,
And tempted by it to the lure do come:
And to it play, which when the Fowler sees,
He makes no doubt but such a Lark is his.
The cunning Fowlers they have set their gin,
Good Sir, beware least they should draw you in:
Should you be caught they'l make a stall of you,
To tice in others as they use to do.
Sir keep aloft, and stoop not to their glass;
Lest what I do but hint, should com to pass.
I wish, the Proverb may in this prove true;
Till the sky falls, they'l ne'r catch such as you▪
I am no Poet nor a Poet's Son,
As you may guess by what I now have done;
Yet pray accept what I in love do send,
Although it come from—
Your concealed friend.
Respond.
DUll
Genius rouze, for shame awaken, Heark
What mourning melody salutes the Lark:
What meetred musick, what Seraphick straines,
What curious warblings eccho through the plains.
The singer to retirement is diposed,
No name, nor Character▪ must be disclosed.
The str
[...]in transcends (vail'd) in some shady bush)
The Gold-bill'd
Black-bird or the dapple
Thrush.
[Page 68] Outvies the Nightingal or turtles voice,
The notion's ravishing, th'anointing's choice.
Some Zions singer in a sable coat!
Stop, cease thus guessing, Hark, attend his note.
His quick intelligence on Eagle's wings,
Yields Piercing insight through terrestrial things▪
He sees, and smiles, at mens phanatick rage,
In cloistering unshorn-
Sampson in a Cage;
Besides the vain attempts, to clip the wing,
Or to inhibit Birds inspir'd to sing.
But here he's out, mistaking he admires
Lark's worth in act, which is but in desires;
He spies the stratagems, bewrayes the wiles,
Wherewith the Fowler silly Larks beguiles.
He warns of dangers, needful counsel drops,
Forestalls surprisal, hints coelestials props.
Both heaven and earth his lot must needs commend
Who hath such a seal'd, though concealed, Friend.
Friend do not cease, thy outcry to prefer,
Slack not thy witness from thy mount of Mirrh.
Although the Rock of ages thee immure,
Where Bread's ascertain'd, and where water's sure;
Though out of dread and gunshot thou abide,
Thy Talent in a napkin do not hide.
From Mount-Communion Gospel-depths disclose,
If not in Meeter, yet in Nervous Prose.
For, If to birds incag'd thy strains be rare,
The
[...]'l more be priz'd by birds in th'open air.
Direct thy musick to the shady Wood,
Where for a covert, and to pick their food
The sometime numerous flock, dispersed lie,
Expos'd to sinkings, and design'd to die:
Let pitty move you, yea let grace incline
Your yearning Bowels, by a power divine:
Sing heaps of Wheat; Birds of the Golden-feather,
Will fly like clouds, then flock like Doves together.
Ne'r fear the Vulturs that are now abroad,
Your Covert-work and wages, are of God▪
Ile not detain you but conclude, and end,
Your no-way tired, though retired, Friend.
A Coppy of Verses, Composed and sent me from London, by a Child of 12 years o Age.
OH what is man! that God should mindful be
Of such a Brute, of such a Beast as he!
Admire the goodness of the Lord of lords,
That he such mercy unto man affords:
Man, that's but durt, or clay, or some such thing.
Oh! then admire the goodness of our King!
When first the Lord created man, then he
Did give him grace to live eternally.
Then he did fill him with his holy Spirit,
And gave him power, eternal joy to merit.
Thus man, by his own power and strength doth stand
The subtil Serpent comes with a strong hand
To try mans power, and to shake his faith
Thus to the woman he begins and saith
Come silly woman; hath God said that ye
Are not to eat of the forbidden Tree?
The woman, answering to the Serpent, said,
We are to eat of all that God hath made,
But from the tree that in the midst doth stand,
We are commanded to refrain our hand.
The subtil Serpent gat the day at last,
And made poor
Eve and
Adam be laid fast,
In mire and dirt and filth of sinful sin;
Which made poor
Adam Gods great curse to win▪
For when the woman saw the tree was good
And that 'twould make one wise, also for food;
She takes the fruit of the forbidden tree,
And gave some to her husband; and when he
Had taken of the fruit, he condescended
To eat likewise, so to the Serpent bended.
Now God perceiving man had quite lost all
This great perfection, had before his fall;
And that there was no way for him to stand:
He thinks how he might put an helping hand.
[Page 70] Though feeble man's thus fallen, and quite lost,
God calls his Son, and therein spares no cost,
Who sure is able all their sins to bear
Yea though their sins were twice as many more.
Come, my dear Son; come wilt thou undertake
To bear those Sinners sins; do, for my sake.
Come, my dear Son! redeem lost man for me,
I have no way to save him, but by thee.
If thou wilt be a surety for mankind,
I'le covenant with thee (dear Son,) and bind
My self to give thee strength and glorious power,
For to go through the torments of that hour,
In which thou Justice art to Satisfie,
I say againe to thee, I will stand by.
Our Lord and Saviour, willing for man's sake,
To dye for him, he did his office
[...]ake,
And so well did perform his charge, that he
Poor man from chaines of darkness did set free,
By offering up himself a Sacrifice,
He paid the debt, that did for sin arise,
Go that the highest heavens doth now ascend
To God the Father, and from thence doth send
His holy Spirit, to lead in the way,
And guide us, lest we erre and go astray.
A
[...]l praise be given unto the Lord of lords,
[...] his Grace much help to us affords,
And
[...] us all our dayes express the same,
[...] honour of his great and glorious Name.
An Answer being desired, This fragment being but a part of what was intended.
[...]nd Friend,
When first I purpos'd freely to rehearse
The courteous welcome of your rare ripe verse;
With what delight, your promptness we descry
With what thanks-givings we God's teachings eye:
How wit's d
[...]xterity ascends its place,
[...] how it prostrates to enthroned grace:
On this design, there need not be impr
[...]'st,
Our rural requisites to do their best.
[Page 71] Our empty
Genius would attempt the wing;
Our home-spun dialect, its store would bring:
Wit, if its wit assistance would afford
And wanton mirth turn-out its frothy hoord.
But all their work were fitter for the plough,
Than wreath a Garland for your hopeful brow.
For, look as hazy morning-mists give way,
When glistering
Phoebus doth his beams display;
Or as with gentlest touch the fearful snail▪
Contracts his cornets, and slow silvering tail:
So slunk, and shrunk, for shame, such vain essayes,
By sound rebukes from your grave gracious layes.
Since then, no concord can be but a clash
'Twixt the best substance, and this filthy trash,
No streams, nor frames, can square with the design,
But aid and arguments throughout divine;
What great necessity upon us lies,
For that anointing to prefer our cryes;
That's promis'd and prepared to direct,
Through paths of Myst'ries secrets to detect,
Things hid from ages, from the voice to hide
Of fleshly glory, to abase the pride.
While Babes and sucklings, weak, base empty things,
Into the knowledge of these depths he brings.
Oh then what purity should such direct,
As lively leadings in such paths expect?
What chast conceptions, yea what frames refin'd
Should still accommodate the waiting mind?
And then how thankful should they trembling stand,
Who need such leadings from this Holy Hand?
Joy, watch, with Jealousie, most safely keeps
Their feet who walk through such misterious deeps.
Sweet Soul, for you is prayd in early dayes,
What
Israel's singer upon high did raise
Their mirth and musick who bare conquering palms
Prompted to sing the Lamb's and
Moses Psalms;
Which none but Zions Virgins can acquire,
Tun'd to the sacred Evangeli
[...]k lyre
[Page 72] May your dear Soul the power and vertue find
Of that great Compact which your song doth mind;
How neer how pure the blood of sprinkling makes,
What glorious priviledge the Saint partakes.
What helps to holiness it brings to hand,
On what firm Basis all his comforts stand;
What grounds for constant triumph it affords,
What sweet ingagements, still to be the Lords;
What blessed prospects through these clouds it gives
To Zions joy, that its redeemer lives:
And that he hasts to pluck from Satan's jaws,
And give reviving to his blessed cause.
A Friend his Offer towards the preserving The remembrance of that faithful servant of Christ John (e) Edwards junior, who died in the Prison of Exon. the 27th. year of his age.
John (e) Edwards. Anagram. Inward He do's or, He Do's Inward.
WHen Satan shuts up Saints
in ward, his might
Is bent to quench, at least, obscure their light,
To quel their spirits, to distract their mind
That they no heart no hand for work should find.
But here's a Conquerer in spight of foes
His fathers business, though in
Ward He Does:
He Does much
inward work, he writes, Prays, Pre
[...] ches;
The saints and sinners, through his grate he reaches.
Nay still he speaks: It don't that work obstruct,
Though, from his prison, he to reign be pluckt,
This voids that argument, we must comply,
Or, if in bonds, must cease our Ministry.
John(e) Edwards Anagram. He'd draw Sion, He'd Sion ward.
[Page 73] From Hell's black region yea through
Sinai's shade
New covenant conduct plain his passage made:
From threatned strokes, which wisely he foresaw,
And from sins hastening them
He'd Sion draw:
He'd draw souls
Sion ward, with dexterous art
Inform their Judgments, then attract their heart.
His worth and Sions lyes not much obscur'd?
Well, though he liv'd contemn'd, and dy'd immur'd
When
Jesus comes, he'l in his Lot remain:
He slept to wake, he died to live again.
Johannes Edwardus Anagram. Heav'nd Sion-wards.
THis serious Sionist his race pursues;
whilst young men languish, still his strength renews.
Through
Bacahs vale, he plyes from strength to strength,
To appear in
Sion is his scope at length.
With Princely staves, He (slighting carnal tools)
Digs pits on earth, Heaven daily fils his pools.
In this his progress through the Kings-high-way
He meets with
heaven, heaven meets him day by day:
Till of a suddain midst his travelling night.
An Heavenly Chariot caught him out of sight.
Ah wretched I! how Earth my course retards;
Lord let me be as he,
Heav'n'd Sion-wards.
Upon the Grave-stone of Anastis Mayow and her Child laid in the same Grave in Dartmouth,
Anastis Mayow Anagram. Aim at Sions way.
Till
Jesus comes, this bed the dust contains
Of a sweet Sionist, discharg'd from pains.
Whose aim at
Sions way, was took aright:
That path she travel'd, with increasing might:
That race she finish'd in her youthfulday.
Though dead, she speaketh:
Aim at Sions way.
[Page 74] On her young Child dying shortly after.
SPectators! Heed death's quick pursuit,
But now the Tree, and now the fruit:
Yet his attempts are all but vain,
For Tree and Fruit shall spring again.
On Mr. Fowler of Lime and his Wife.
William Fowler Anagram. Worm will fail.
WHat's man at best? a
worm. Can
worms avail
About eternal things? A
worm will fail.
Mortals, be warn'd by me, reclaim your trust
From man, a
worm, reducible to dust.
Martha Fowler Anagram. The formal War.
TWixt flesh and spirit once in me,
the formal war was raised:
Now grace hath got the victory,
the Blessed God be praised!
The triumphs of the Crowning day
with Jesus are not far:
Let nothing (Saints) your faith dismay,
nor dread the formal War.
In memory of that servant of Christ, Ed. Cock of Plym. Who rested from his labours the 23d. of the 5th. Month 1666.
Edward Cock Anagram. A dewed Rock.
IF
Rizoah's offer from her Princely mind,
Such Royal favour did with
David find;
When she, with tears and tenderness, had spread
A sable sackcloth to conceal the dead▪
[Page 75] Nay, clad with this attire the mournful
Rock,
Where hung the Off-spring of
Saul's Royal stock,
From Birds and Beasts, them day and night to keep
Till from above the cloudes on them did weep
Nay, till their bones the Kings command did gather
And lay in state and honor with their father:
Till Harvest's end, till three years famine cease,
Till God was pacifi'd, the Land at Peace.
Why may not I at least allowed be
This Paper Canopie to spread on thee?
Dear Heaven-born, Royally descended
Cock
Not to obscure thee, nor
thy dewed Rock.
Thou art secured, in a better way,
From teeth or claws of birds, or beasts of prey;
From strife of tongues, and from the foot of pride
Thy Fathers Royal secret tent doth hide.
As for the
Rock, whereon thou end'st thy dayes,
Its none of
Gilboa's the Dew bewrayes,
Thy roots were watered, though to stones they clung
And all night long dew on thy branches hung.
Thy sleece with drops was filled from on high,
When round about, the parched ground was dry,
Yet still as
Jacobs
[...]ountain dropt on thee
At second hand they
[...]ound should
dewed be.
From thence thy first and latter rain did drop.
Which fill'd thy ears, and so inrich'd thy crop.
Thy ear-ripe harvest God's command did shew,
Thou shouldst be blessed with mount Zions
dew.
On
[...]his high Rock where thou wert made to ride,
Honey and butter flow'd on every side.
This strong munition did thy peace secure,
Thy bread was given thee, and thy water sure.
Thy sepulcher thou in this
Rock didst hew,
Yet still remain'st;
as dew of herbs thy
dew.
Thy flesh abides in hope, though't dwell in dust;
With Christ's dead Body, rise and sing it must.
It's but a little while, untill the King
Shall make the dwellers of this
Rock to sing.
A friendly attempt to call to remembrance the precious Saviour of that gracious Soul, Mrs. Margaret Trenick, late wife of Mr. Thomas Trenick, of Plymouth: who departed this life the 30th. day of the second [...]lmth (vul. January) Anno 1665, being the 27th. year of her age. Psal. 12. 1.
Margaret Trenick, Anagram Art creating meeker.
My slumbring Muse hath me invited,
A song with sighs in hand to take:
But with such work not much delighted,
She shrunk and slunk, escapes to make:
Great indisposedness appears
In mind and Members to this thing;
Yea
[...]hrongs of doubtings, clouds, and fears,
Discouraging excuses bring.
But under great ingagements I'le go seek her,
For thy sweet sake who art creating meeker.
But Oh, How treat of Christ can I?
Or of his Grace-begetting write?
Creating is a Theam too high,
Unless th' Anointing all indite.
Besides, it is a sight so
[...]are
To see
Creating-grace display
The Everlasting Arm made Bare,
Who will believe in it one day!
Becomes me best, to own my self a seeker,
Can this thing be? Thou art creating meeker.
But when I fix my serious thought
Upon the task I'm undertaking;
A lively instance forth is brought,
Of a meek soul,
yet meeker making
[Page 77] A Lamb-like temper at the first
In nature beautifi'd her morn;
But 'twas not
Adam form'd of dust,
Whose meekness could her Soul adorn:
Till Christ in meekness comes, himself to seek her,
And speaks with power, Thou are creating meeker,
This new-Creation progress found,
From strength to strengh by meekning grace;
By oppositions gaining ground
Till she had finished her race.
Through soul distresses, doubts, delays,
Which others meekness oft times tire;
She meekly walkt to Christs high Praise
Her meekness, by these steps got higher.
Nay when grim death to ruine all did seek her,
This truth was seal'd, Th' art yet creating meeker.
Margaret Trenick Anagram Greater Mercie tak'n.
While earth's foundations cannot stand,
while powers of heaven are shaken;
Me God hath from great plagues at hand,
In greater Mercy taken.
Friends, do not grieve, then that by me
this wretched worlds forsaken;
Here to be left might mercie be,
But greater Mercy taken.
In dust I sleep now freed from tears,
But shortly shall awaken:
And shall be, when my Christ appears,
In greater Mercy taken.
Ye might have one day wept to see
Me sigh, as one forsaken;
But now, Triumph that Christ hath me
To Greater Mercy taken.
Margaret Trenick. Anagram Mark retreating.
The blessed subject of this mournful verse,
Transcends my skill, her praises to reherse.
The lively grace which in her youth did shine,
Reflects convictions on this Soul of mine.
How short of her I am in patient waiting,
And how unskil'd, aright
to make retreating.
This age of deep revolt from truths profest,
Made sad impressions on her heaven-born brest;
Such as bespoke her, griev'd in heart to see
Gods name blasphem'd (by seeming Saints) to be▪
This broke her sleep, and mixt with tears her eating
To mark the madness of this times retreating.
Its true, she talkt not much, made little noise,
Her closet-Friend, she chose should hear her voice:
But her whole walk with God, and man bewray'd
Heart full to matter, Though not much she said.
For hers and others Souls her heart was beating,
To mark the steps and issues of
retreating.
She chose to walk a mournful softly pace,
Weeping while waiting for her Father's face;
Sharp sickness seal'd home love, but seaz'd her life,
Once a choice Virgin, Then a faithful Wife.
Both life and death, this Anagram repeating,
Behold the uprights end, but
mark retreating.
Margaret Trenick, Anagram King rare matter.
A Dialogue betwixt a Querist, and her Answer.
Querist.
Dear heart! while living, Grace did much appear
In thy slow speaking, who wert quick to hear,
[Page 79] But more, when death did thy crackt pi
[...]cher break
Thy lamp shines brightest & thou dead dost speak.
In this I acquiesce, yet fain would know
Why wert so mute, why too good speech so slow?
Answer.
The Tempter on my Temper might prevail,
Some needful teaching sometimes to conceal
Pretending ease, yet brought no solid rest;
The fire increasing in my panting brest.
Which rais'd rebukes, convictions, griefs, so high,
As found no vent but through a weeping eye,
Quest.
Was't all and only thy temptations then
Thou wert so mute among the Sons of men?
So scarcely sociable, so retir'd
As made converse with thee not much desir'd?
Thy lips allow'd thy heart so little vent,
That few could fathom what thy musing meant.
Ans.
Nay sometimes reasoning of a higher kind,
Did that way Byass my poor pausing mind;
I view'd and wept on a
[...] age,
That talkt
[...] a sta
[...]ely stage:
But so reproacht it by unworthy walking,
As made me dread their fellowship in talking.
Quest.
But why among the S
[...]nts, thy dear delight,
Wert so reserved, if not silent quite?
Their gracio
[...] speeches drop as generous wine,
yet might have been more spic'd & warm'd by thine
'Tis wisdoms way these waters deep to draw,
By frequent speakings, yet with holy awe.
Ans.
Besides the T
[...]mpter's wiles, I oft bethought,
How
[...]gnorant I was, what need be taught;
How
[...]ittle I could speak to others gain,
How I had spoke already much in vain,
Then begg'd a bridle on my lips might be.
Lest I should speak what was not wrought in me.
Querist.
[Page 80]
It's true, their talk involves both guilt and dangers,
Who boast of grace, whereto they are but strangers,
But all who rightly knew thy Soul, could say
Ther's precious treasure, though a straightned way.
Nay, when death seiz'd thee, and thy strength was spent,
What glorious matter prest to have a vent!
Ans.
I must confess (though forth I could not bring)
My heart conceiv'd
rare matter for the King.
But my conceits were shatter'd, short, and bare
Of such high
matter, heavenly-Royal, rare,
I could not speak what I was apprehending,
Until my clouds, my streights, & sighs, were ending.
Margaret Trenick Anagram. Make not Grace retire.
IF this Saint's name, inverted thus, affords
Such choice variety of teaching words;
What would her nature, her new nature, yield;
Had we traversed that sweet-smelling field?
But since with gravity it was inclos'd
Not seeking entrance, most its profit los'd.
Such bosome friends as did that key acquire
Found deeply graven,
Make not grace retire.
Above the rest, her yoak-fellow is left
To wail with bitterness, as one bereft
Of a choice Jewel, whose rare vertues lay
In Bosome-strengthnings, through Christs hated-way.
Her heavenly arguments, in secret dropt,
His fainting soul hath oft with Courage propt.
When he ran hazards, still did her desire
Keep conscience tender, Make not grace retire.
Consult not wife and children, would she say;
Though we beg with you, in the Kings-high-way▪
Be
[...]ray not any truth what'ere 'twould get you,
Desert no station where the Lord hath set you.
[Page 81] Great sufferings rather choose, then little on;
A little spark may dreadful flames begin,
Set soveraign pleasure in dominion higher:
Though nature startle,
Make not grace retire▪
Such words of wisdom, dropt in gracious cools,
Speak louder than the cry that reigns with fools,
When husband slept, the pantings of her breast,
In frequent travail, held her eyes from rest.
For clearer sealings of her father's love,
For Sion's showrs, and shinings from above.
She durst not grieve, the spirit quench his fire,
Not make the least true grace
of his retire.
At last, she best appear'd on fiery tests,
When bonds, her Husband; Death, her self arrests.
When stript of strength being forc't her husband left her
Of all three sons her father had bereft her.
When friends stood trembling grace such beams did dart
As rais'd with triumph fil'd with joy her heart.
These first fruits of the Kingdom, set her higher
Than that the tempter should
make grace retire.
Sweet Soul! She now a glorious rest obtains
From all her outward pangs, her inward paines.
Relation dues she long'd so to perform.
As griev'd to leave him in this dismal storm.
They cease to bind her: These cares ended are:
To be with
Jesus she finds better fare.
To such rare patterns might my soul aspire!
Not grieving Christ,
Not making grace retire.
An Epitaph.
GIve heed, Spectators: In this grave's invol'd
A costly Cabinet to be dissolv'd;
With wondrous wisdom richly rarely wrought,
And by great exercises aptly brought
To lodge, subserve, and openly to tender
An heavenly Jewel, this age rich to render.
But its new workmanship in worth did rise it.
To such vast value this world could not prize it.
[Page 82] They'd foils indeed, to shade it wisely set,
And on its outside some distempers met:
On which the world did with contempt insist,
Till their enriching maket-time they mist.
So little knows this crooked generation
Their things for Peace, or dayes of Visitation:
Like them of old, cry,
Barrabas set free,
Dispatch the Heir, the vineyard ours shall be▪
But the great owner marks not jealous eyes
This age's aptitude to slight, despise,
And scorn his renders of the richest gem,
Crown-Jewels, nay the royal diadem;
And vext to see in this provoking world,
His precious treasure basely kick't and hurl'd.
Determines, Earth's not worthie to contain
His Royal retinue his Princely train
Or these rich treasures which they gladly bring,
And freely offer to endear their King.
In wrath he seems to speak, my Saints, retire
To your strong Tower, from my approaching Ire;
Come draw off from the gap, desert the breach,
Let me and them alone: To pray, to preach,
Reprove, or witness in the gate's, a crime.
Prudent, keep silence, 'tis an evil time:
In Deps and caves a remnant I will hide,
In Prison holes some precious ones shall bide:
Some from their homes and land dispell'd shall be,
To bear a witness, and stand ground for me.
But, from your usefulness to this vile age
More then to shew their sin, disclose their rage,
And aggravate their Judgment, I discharge you
Yet in due season Ile again enlarge you.
Nay, strange not, If I gather from your sight
Some gems of honour, stones of great delight.
I break and hide my Cabinet in dust,
Transfer my jewels where's no moth, nor rust;
With just mens souls in light to set them down,
A constellation in a splendid Crown.
Till Christ appear, his Jewels to collect,
To raise his dead, to change his quick elect;
[Page 83] Their spirits, souls, and bodies to translate
In blessed likeness to his raised state.
The King of glory swiftly thus dispos'd
Of our choice
Margaret not yet disclos'd
In her inriching worthiness to all,
Till,
Come up hither, was her blessed Call.
Ah wretched age (must we in it remain?)
Which sins away such Jewels, to their gain,
But our loss irreparable; unless
The quickening Spirit from on high possess
The Remnant that is left, but scattered lie
About the graves, as bones exceeding dry.
Lord hast, that blessing which thy truth contains
Of its descending as the latter rains;
To usher in the glory of thy day,
Thy Kingdom come! Sweet Jesus, hast away!
In Memory of that Example of the grace and power of God, Caleb Vernon, who departed this life, the 29. day of the 9th, Month 1665. being aged twelve years, and six months
Caleb Vernon Anagram Bore unclean, New clean Robe.
Through
Adam's nature I unclean was bore,
Through grace (betimes) Christ's new clean Rebe I wore,
BY nature in my first estate,
A wretched babe was I;
In open field deserving hate,
In bloud and filth did lie.
And in that state I did delight,
As in my sport and play;
And therein would with all my might,
Have wallowed night and day,
[Page 84] And though from gross enormities,
I might by men be clear'd
Yet to my maker's searching eyes
Defil'd I all appear'd.
Though nature with a pregnant wit,
And comeliness adorn me;
And education adds to it,
To teach, restrain, reform me:
What prov'd it but deceiving paint
On which defiling sin
It did not kill, but lay restraint
Where outrage would begin.
A pleasant picture to the eye
I hereby might appear;
By which to close-Idolatry:
Some might be drawn (I fear)
But God, that faithful he might be
That deadly snare to break,
And that right early unto me
He grace and peace might speak:
With tenderness on these intents
He strips me of my vaile;
My costly coverings all he rents
My countenance makes pale.
My comliness to rot he turns
My witty words to groans;
My moisture up with drought he burns,
Discloseth all my bones.
And in a day of publick Ire
Me these rebukes did meet,
When Pestilence as burning fire
flew thousands at his feet.
I who to blossom did begin,
with such fair paint before;
Now as the early fruit of sin
This Character I wore.
Despised Idol, broke to earth
A Potsheard no way fit,
To take up fire out of the hearth,
Or water from the pit.
[Page 85] But though, neer corruptible dust,
This curious Frame was brought.
By gracious pleasure stay it must,
Till nobler work were wrought,
Till deep convictions of my sin,
Till Jesus form'd in me?
Till as my portion I begin,
The Lord's dear Christ to see.
Till all my sins were done away,
Till terrours made me cease;
Till heart and mind could sweetly stay
In thought surpassing peace.
Nay till in an accepted day,
My homage I could bring,
And in his instituted way,
Devote me to the King.
Till Christ put on, his works allow'd,
His dying marks imbrac'd,
His cause confest, his works avow'd,
His sufferings boldly fac'd.
His promise for a portion took,
Saints for companions chose.
And on him plac'd a fixed look,
For future free dispose.
Since then in an unusual way
Rich Grace hath thus array'd me;
And in my young, yet dying day,
With glory overlay'd me.
What properly should I desire,
But, now dissolv'd to be:
And in this Marriage-white Attire
My Bride-groom's face to see?
In
Kedar who would not bemoan,
If there he must reside.
Oh wretched man! Who would not groan,
In sinful flesh to bide;
Who'ld lodge in such a nasty shade,
As torturing tottering stands,
That hath a palace ready made
Not with polluted hands?
[Page 86] Where sin, temptation, suffering, strife,
shall fully be destroyed.
All-Dying, swallow'd up of life,
and God at full injoy'd.
What ailes my Parents then to weep,
my friends to be dismay'd?
Relations such ado to keep,
to see a Child unray'd?
Its filthy garments lay'd in dust,
he lay'd, repose to take.
Untill the morning when he must,
with New clean Robes
awake.
May this a witness be to truth
in this back sliding day,
A Christal mirrour unto youth,
How to amend its way.
Amen.
Verses affixed to the wall of the Prison, at the Guild-hall in Plymouth: where A. C. was detained a month, and thence sent to the Island, the 27th. Sept. 1665.
NIgh four years since, sent out from hence,
To
Exon Goal was I,
but special grace in three months space,
wrought out my liberty.
Till
Bartholomew in sixy two,
that freedom did remain;
Then without Bail to
Exon Gail,
I hurried was again.
Where having layn, as do the slain,
'mong dead men wholly free;
Full three years space, my native place,
By leave I come to see.
And thought not then, I here again,
a months restraint should find,
Since, to my Den, cast out from men,
I'm during life design'd.
[Page 87] But since my lines the Lord assigns,
In such a lot to be,
I kiss the rod, confess, my God
deals faithfully with me.
My charged crime, in his due time,
He fully will decide,
And until then, forgiving men,
In peace with him I bide.
On the beginning of his recovering from a great sickness, on the Island of Plimouth.
To his truly Sacred Majesty, the High and Mighty Potentate, King of kings, and Lord of lords, Prince of Life and peace, Heir of all things, and Head over all to the Church.
The humble prostrature, and thankfull acknowledgment, of a poor Prisoner of hope, whose life upon all accompts hath been marvellously preserved, and delivered with a great Salvation from the pit of Corruption.
MOst glorious Soveraign to thy feet is brought,
The trembling of spring of a contrite thought
By a poor Captive who attempts to raise,
An
Eben-
[...]z
[...]r to his Saviours praise.
A lasting pillar as in Conscience bound,
In due remembrance of choice favours found;
With Grace to succour in a needful hour,
From death's dominion, and the Tempter's power.
But when thy worm reflects what can it bring,
Comporting with the grandeur of a King;
Of such bright Majesty, as Angels must
Their faces vaile before▪ shall sinful dust
Have bold access, and kind acceptance meer,
For self and service at thy burning feet?
[Page 88] May Hair, a Badgers-skin, a widows mite,
From willing minds, find favour in thy sight;
A pair of pidgeons, or a turtle Dove,
Find kind construction from the God of love?
Is there more over-laid by the supply,
To help such weakness in infirmity?
A costly covering doth thy grace provide,
Their blemishes to vail, their spots to hide,
Who from their sense of need and duty bring
Their lowly homage to their lofty King?
On such encouragements here trembling stands,
A contrite Waiter though with empty hands.
Whose bag and basket speak him to become,
More like a begger than a bringer home,
Who though he aimes and longs in this address,
His utmost obligations to express.
To charge his conscience, and discharge his Vow,
Abandon other lords, to Jesus bow;
Yet finds in all, that, void of Royal aid,
Nought worthy of thee can be thought or said.
Apart from Christ the best attempts (alas,)
Are tinkling cymbals and as sounding brass,
Such stately structures prove but wood and Hay.
I'th Test and contest of that burning day,
These dear experiments so often tri'd;
All boasting confidence from flesh must hide.
Of self-sufficiency in best attire,
To form that work, or breath but that desire,
Or think that thought, that can in justice claim,
One heavenly aspect on its act or aim.
What then remaines, thy worm must prostate fall,
While sentence from thy presence past on all,
Which self hath gloried in, or flesh hath gain'd,
With whatsoer'e to
Adam appertain'd,
His wisdom, will, his power, Delight, Desire,
Or what his art, or industry acquire;
His noblest faculties, acutest parts,
His liberal Sciences or rarest arts.
Nay his best righteousness, his all in all,
Must be resign'd, surrendred, left to fall,
Be sentenc'd, Crucified, Dispoil'd, Disgrac'd,
And at the feet of conquering Jesus plac'd;
That on its ruines, Gospel-grace may rear
A living pillar, thy new name to bear.
A Mourner's mite, towards the right Remembrance of that late Labourer in the Gospel, Thomas Glass, who rested from his work on earth, the 30th. day of the 7th month, 1666.
MY heart with grief and pain is prest,
As over-charged in my breast:
Its struglings of a divers kind.
Perplex and intricate my mind,
Confus'd entanglement appears,
Of se
[...]ce with faith, of hopes with fears.
Viciss
[...]tudes of ups and downs,
Of s
[...]iles that interfere with frowns;
As twins that mutually contend.
To bring which contest to an end,
I thought it ill to keep them pent,
But in this order give them vent.
Sense.
O that my head were as a springing well,
Mine eyes as rivers streaming down with tears:
O that I in some wilderness did dwell,
Where none might mark my sighs, my groans, my fears,
Where heart might break, for what is come to pass,
By Gods fresh breach, on my dear looking-glass.
Faith.
Hold, hold thy peace, for shame, the Lord's at hand,
Let moderation now to all appear,
Let faith for sole submission give command,
Let perfect love checq
[...]e such tormenting fear,
Thy standing's founded as on a mount of brass;
What mean such out-cries for a broken
Glass.
[Page 90] If this my loss were personal alone,
My sin deserves it, I should bear such stroakes;
But O methinks, I heard poor Zion groan,
'Gainst me all day his Jealousie thus smoakes;
My walls are fallen, my gates are Burnt alas,
My golden pillars are as broken
Glass.
Faith.
Such shift severe dispatches clad with wonder,
Bring teaching lessons to th' obedient care,
Who waiting in the secret place of thunder;
Attends with silence, reverence, godly fear,
At least how sojourners their time should pass,
That measures by a running shaking
Glass.
Sense.
Heark, heark, how Sion sighs as put to shame,
My Children scatter'd, plague doth thousands slay;
Poor
London, undone with devouring stame,
Distrest at land, and bloody wars at Sea.
My strength is not of stone, nor flesh of Brass,
Why am I brok' as shreds, as object
Glass?
Faith.
But what's the ca
[...]se in this confused noise,
So few speak right, few smite upon the thigh,
To get b
[...] heart the tabering Turtles voice,
What have I done, ab master is it I;
Till such re
[...]ects be made expect; (Alas!)
A toyling milstone for a fixing
Glass.
Sense.
I Captive sit by Babel's rivers brink,
My heart even broke, my harps on willows hang;
When on poor Sions Ruines I bethink,
I cannot tune the Songs which once I sang:
Her Heav'ns are Iron, and her Earth as brass,
Her silver dross, her diamonds as
Glass.
Faith.
Such worldly sorrow tends to death at length,
Not to repentance; lye not on the ground,
Take Gospel-armour, gird thy loyns with strength;
With search, the troubling
Achan may be found.
[Page 91] If grace prepare thee shoes of steel and brass
Thou mayst stand harping on this sea of
Glass,
Sense.
The righteous perish, good men snatch'd away,
The rest leave captive! how am I bereft?
Most leave their station, mighty men decay.
If any pleasant picture yet be left,
Upon its Comliness a wind doth pass
Thus all my hopes dash as a christal-
Glass.
Faith.
Those costly coverings likely did provoke,
To burning jealousie when over-priz'd;
And must be dasht by a displeasing stroke,
As
Moses Serpent
When 'twas Idoliz'd:
If that was stampt on as a pi
[...]ce of brass,
No marvel 'tis so with a beauteous
Glass.
Sense.
Have pitty (saith she) while I thus bemoan
My sin's remembred, and my Son is slain;
More natural, to care for me was none:
How can such loss
[...]s be repayr'd again?
Who'l sow and send the feet of Ox and Asse
Besides all waters, as did painful
Glass.
Faith.
Take heed, take heed, lest flesh be too much eye'd,
In what th' Anointing only can repair;
Broke Sicamores by Oaks may be supply'd:
Faln bricks by stones to make a building fair;
But by such patching 'twill be worse alas,
New generous wine will break old Shop-worn
Glass
Sense.
Alas who then shall live when God appears,
Who can the tast of such refining bear?
When Fire and furnace he in Sion rears;
Sinners in Sion must be fill'd with fear.
His eyes as slames, his feet as burning brass,
Will melt hard Adamants as fluid
Glass.
Faith.
The Fire indeed is hot, the breach is large,
But he sits by to do us, make us good;
[Page 92] If one hair fall not but with special charge;
If Lillies, Sparrows have their paint and food;
If God takes care of Oxen, Birds, and grass;
He's more concern'd in his dear precious
Glass.
Sense.
Ah that both Saints and sinners could lament,
In town and country, where this
Glass did run;
The golden hours they foolishly misp
[...]nt:
E
[...]e this his generation work was done.
Had we an
Hiram, skil'd to work in brass,
Jacin and
[...]oaz might be rear'd for
Glass,
Faith.
True, he was sick and sleeps, whom Jesus lov'd,
But they who sleep so shall do well at length:
They rest from labours, are from sin remov'd,
Weep not; he's gone but to renew his strength:
We face to face shall see him; for, alas,
We saw but darkly, through that factur'd
Glass.
Sense.
Must I be stript then of my choice attire?
To offer
Isaac, is an heavy tryal;
Must I be season'd thus with salt and fire?
How hard a lesson is this self-denial?
My nailes remov'd, its weight is fail'n, alas,
Cups, flaggons, great and small, all break as
Glass.
Faith.
Take heed of murmuring when God comes down
To bind up Jewels that on earth he finds,
To raise and six them in a glorious Crown:
He calls for chearful gifts, from willing-minds.
When he would have a laver made of brass,
Mark how each daughter offer'd up her glass.
Sense.
These are hard saying; deep to deep doth call;
My flesh begins to fail my heart to sink;
Tis hard to feed on vinegar and gall,
To eat of ashes, and with tears to drink:
From me, if it were possible, let pass
Such deadly draughts, mixt in a breaking
Glass.
Faith.
[Page 93]
Cease
Rachel's weeping, hope is in thine end;
Thy Children to their border God will bring.
He'l plead thy cause, thy right he will defend,
Then
Kedars-dwellers and the rocks shall s
[...]ag;
Thy countenance that black and scorched was,
Shall shine in brightness like transparent
Glass.
An Anagram and Elegy, on his dear deceased friend, John Vernon; who having served his Generation by the will of God, fell asleep the twenty ninth day of the third Month, vulg. called May, 1667.
For, Christ was hunted, griev'd disgrac'd,
With Christ, is
In New Honour plac'd.
I.
COme
Sions Mourners, men of holy skill
For lamentation, in the ashes lie;
Come skilful mourning women, weep your fill,
Take up a wayling, help to raise the cry,
Till from our eyes, like Rivers, tears run down,
Though in new honour, we have lost our Crown.
II.
Iniquities do more and more abound,
They that were filthy, will be filthy still.
Heaven-daring sins without controle are found;
With wickedness now doth the Ephah fill!
Saints! fill your bottle with repenting tears,
Then in new honour quickly God appears.
III.
A fixed series of rebukes of late,
Like Wave on wave, discovers dirt and mire,
In persons, Families, in Church and State,
No stone in
Sion but is tried by fire.
All old creation things with trembling mixt,
Nought stan
[...]s but what is in new honour fixt.
IV.
'Mongst other warnings of a dreadful day
Approaching on the remnant that are left;
The Righteous fail the best men caught away;
Of sense and feeling seem the rest bereft,
How swift the ruines of this old world haste,
Whilst in new honour Saints so swift are plac'd.
V.
Amid these troops of fiery Chariots prest,
The Royal Off-spring home to bring with speed;
My heart is pain'd to undergo the test,
Of parting with this
Israelite indeed.
Yet when I think how many are debasing,
I durst not grudge him in new honour placing.
VI.
But who in such a stormy wind can part
With such a Father, such a Friend indeed,
And not cry out in bitterness of heart,
A double share I of thy Spirit need?
Though carnal
Israel, Israels-troubler calls thee,
Yet in new honour
Israels-God install thee.
VII.
Poor
England little thinks, doth less bewail,
Its Chariots and best horsmen troop away:
When witnesses and loud reprovers fail,
Our grand tormentors are dispatch'd say they.
In open streets expos'd to scorn such lie,
Ere in new honour they be rais'd on high.
VIII.
What though (dear Soul) thy worth hath not appear'd,
But black among the pot-sherds thou hast lien,
Thy Visage mar'd, thy beauty been besmear'd,
By mingling
Sions dust with tears of thine.
That dust is wash'd, those tears are wip'd away,
Since in new honour thou art call'd to stay.
IX.
Earth was not worthy of thee, could not bear thee,
Profane and loose Professors far'd alike;
Thy words and walks did make them fret or fear thee,
'Gainst those defilements thou wert bent to strike.
[Page 95] In base compliances thou dread'st to bow,
Wert then in shame, art
in new honour now.
X.
Ah what a troop of weepers I descry,
Of Windows, Fatherless, Sick, Prisoners sad,
Poor, Exiles, desolate, condemn'd to die,
Shewing how they by thee were chear'd and clad.
Our loss, weep they, will scare repaired be,
Till in new honour we meet Christ with thee.
XI.
Among the Flock of Slaughter, clad with dust,
Through simpathy in Spirit oft am I;
But with
Job's Comforters sit mute I must,
Since grief amounts to such extremity:
His indignation, having sin'd, let's bear,
Till in new honour he our breach repair.
XII.
A trembling remnant 'mongst the rest I spy,
Of mourners, mark'd and seal'd in front and hands;
Whom Carnal Brethren casting out, do cry.
Where's now your God? our mount unshaken stands.
But to their shame he will appear at last,
When in new honour are markt mourners plac't
XIII.
For his blest chastned Houshold, left with God,
The pregnant Widow and her hopeful Seed.
Friends, Servants, Sojourners, that feel this Rod,
My flesh doth tremble and my heart doth bleed.
Through right to Christ, yet raised from the dead,
Ye in new honour have a better head.
XIV.
Among these mourners should I strive to sing,
Like Vinegar on nitre it would seem;
If to their sorrows I more weight should ring,
A woful Comforter they'I me esteem,
Hast to thy mountain (Soul) with mourning wings,
Till in new honour light from darkness springs.
XV.
But ah poor sinners! When will ye be wise?
They'r gone who did disturb your carnal peace.
[Page 96] But sins abiding, stones shall cry, and rise,
Rather then Gods contest with you shall cease.
With flames his controversie he'l renew
If in new honour ye no right pursue.
XVI.
His Prophets he no longer now imploies.
His slighted, scorn'd Ambassadours, withdraws;
But with heav'n-shaking, earth affrighting noise,
As if seven thunders spake, he pleads his cause.
Stout sinners▪ gird your loyns, decision's nigh;
Saints! to your Fortress, in new honour fly.
XVII.
Bac
[...]sliding
England, once professing high,
Now turning
Egipt-ward in spight of wrath;
Thy Oaths base crouchings, deep apostacie,
To sins and vengeance flood-gates opened hath.
Turn, turn at Gods reproof, break off thy sin,
Else ne're expect nue honour stepping in.
XVIII.
Yet hope's in
Israel still▪ though flesh hath none;
A shelter from the storm have Saints provided,
When desolate expos'd, left most alone,
They by Gods Eye and Counsel shall be guided:
When desolations at their height begin,
Such earth-quakes usher their nue honours in.
XIX.
Then mourning, trembling, Sionists attend,
Though heart and hand grow faint, lift up your head
The
Ach
[...]n-search, the breach and gap defend,
'Twixt porch and Altar stand 'twixt quick & dead
Peace may be made (perhaps) a pardon had.
And plowed Sion in new honour clad.
XX.
Nay though this age must needs be swept away,
That
Noah's,
Daniel's,
Job's find no regard;
Decrees be seal'd, and men have lost their day,
Yet shall your faithful work have full reward.
Th'
Assi
[...]ians floods your peace shall not annoy,
Ye in nue Honour shall your God enjoy.
A. C.
FINIS.