A SONG FOR THIS Sad Times; Composed By One of the now many Wanderers, When much Separated from the Society of Men, and somewhat incommodat for other Works to divert him from vain Ravings, and for to Humble and Recreat his own Spirit.
By Mr. JO. CASTAIRS, Minister of the Gospel at Glasgow, when under Imprisonment.
EDINBƲRGH, Printed by JOHN REID, at his Printing-House in Bells-wynd at the head of the Court of Guard. Anno 1691.
A SONG for this sad Times composed by one of t [...] now many Wanderers, when much seperated fr [...] the Society of Men, and somewhat incommodat f [...] other Works, to divert him from vain Ravings, a [...] for to Humble, and Recreat his own Spirit.
1.
I HAVE this while a Prisoner closs,
been without Libertie,
[...]nd some ti
[...] scarce accommodate,
as I had wont to be.
2.
But sure I should be well content
to lurk in hill's or cell's.
Who justly might long since have been
lodg'd in the lowest hells;
3.
And that for ills that I have done
already,
[...].
Should I not in all reason be
well pleased with my lot.
4.
It is His Presence I perceive
that sweetneth every place
O that I could then evermore
seek His most blessed Face!
5.
Whereof but one smile, doth the soul
refresh a great deal more,
Then Crowd of Friends, and of that sort
of Comforts greater store.
6.
This small Propine I have you sent,
a Coppie of some Lines,
For substance from experience drawn
and richest scripture Mynes.
7.
Whose Fields abound with Treasure hid,
and Games of greatest price,
O but the Divine scriptures be
an excellent Device!
8.
Wherein GOD's Wisdom manifold,
it self doth clearly show,
In suiting them to things and time
as if writ just but now.
9.
Did CHRISTS Word in us richly dwel.
to one another we
In Psalm's, and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs,
admonishers might be.
10.
And though we sing the lowest base,
even of the sadest port.
Yet might they then in Quiver all
some sweet notes of Comfort.
11.
Of grief and joy together mixt,
we might fine Musick make,
That would our souls some way from Earth,
to HEAVEN by transport take
12.
Where doubtles of sweet singers all
the very sweetest are,
Surpassing
David, Jeduthun,
Asaph, and
Heman fare.
13.
Their great long masters mate with them,
but like school Boys would be,
Who learn the game, and their first notes,
sing with difficulty.
14.
Their Harps are screw'd to highest page,
their voice sweet shirl and clear,
Amongst them all no jarr you will,
nor discord ever hear.
15.
Their songs above are all compos'd
of pure, but various joyes,
More sweet then those on Organs play'd,
and song by men with joyes.
16.
Our harps now hang on willows, and
by Babell streams we weep,
But then w'l sing, play, dance, and all
our holy measures keep.
17.
Disturb'd much now are all our songs,
by
[...], devils, and ill men;
But then in spite of them, we'le sing
that Heavenly
requiem.
18.
We here through sin, trouble and greif,
win scarcely one to croon
But then the Lambs songs we'l chaunt too
that new Coelestial tune:
19.
And common tunes with all their parts
as toyes will be forgot
When that comes forth not heard on Earth,
all new in every note.
20.
Those Harpers on the sea of Glass,
will make such divine sound,
That thence against the echo will
about the throne abound.
21.
Where siteth GOD, and
Christ, the
Lamb,
in robs of Majesty,
Surrounded with the elders grave,
who alwayes ravished be.
22.
Them to behold, and cannot those,
But still to chaunt and sing,
That vision blest, fresh matter doth
of new song say them bring:
23.
When all heavenly Quiristers,
shall each their own part sing,
That confort rare of voices sweet,
will make GODS temple ring.
24.
Sad as I am me thinks I am fain
their melody to hear,
Shall I once be a member of
that sweetly warbling queer.
25
When
I through cold and darkness was
forc'd to ly much on bed.
I to this song by providence,
as by the hand was led,
26.
Which did from viewing vanities,
some what at least divert,
If not chear up and humble too,
my sad, but yet light heart.
27.
I wish't might have on you the same,
or some more blest effect,
Such as it is, pray take it as
a pledge of my respect;
28.
But since it is the first I essay,
I have made of that sort,
I do expect, that you with it
the better will comport.
29.
When shall it once at last to me,
through grace to my lot fall,
From GOD above to have and hold
my expectation all
30.
If
I within these bounds.
were happily confind,
Nothing I am inclin'd to think,
would thence forth cross my mind;
31.
If in him also I my self
delighted only still,
He would according to his word,
my heart desires fulfill:
32.
Though earthly comforts were dry'd up,
and all-together spent,
Yet his own all-sufficient self
would yeild me full content.
33.
O! this a little heaven on earth,
would sure found for to be,
Unto a fainting sojurner,
like wandring weary me;
34.
But when I look to others arts,
dreaming to be made up,
It's just I should be made to drink,
out of some empty cup;
35.
Where while I drunk my self
I find
To be the dryer still,
Thus will it doubtless alwayes be,
till he my heart shall fill
36.
For sisterns that no water hold,
can never satisfy,
The immortal soul inlarg'd desires,
and vast capacity;
37.
The gratest draught, but draught provoks,
and choaks the heart with thirst,
Yea to these cisterns hastes again,
more dry then at the first
38.
A Scripture truth most plain this is,
as any there contain'd,
And after thousands of essays
In ages all mantaind.
39.
Though I but little know of GOD,
and of his works and way,
Yet from the experience clear, I can
confirm this truth to day:
40.
For I two great ills did commit,
at which amaz'd may be,
And very desolat the Heavens,
yea frighted horribly;
41.
I Cistrens broke hew'd to my self
that would no Water hold,
And living Waters Fountain did
forsake, how can't be told!
42.
I am the Person, I must grant,
that foolishly did try
Waters to seek at Winter brookes,
which Summers drought doth dry.
43.
For which I'm forc'd with
Tames Troups,
confounded to turn back,
Since there of either strip or brook,
there's now no path or track.
44.
A Childish fancy sure it was,
to dream these brooks could byd,
When Persecuting heat should rise,
or trouble Men betyde:
45.
For which I am now made to drink,
as to my self
I brew'd;
On every serious thought of which
my sorrows are renew'd;
46.
Like
Succoths Men I'm also taught
as't were with thorns and brears,
Some Lessons not well Learn'd by me,
before in many Years;
47.
And therefore in displeasures just,
of trouble in this Day,
I with a sharp go get them, better
am by him sent away:
48.
That it's an ill and bitter thing,
I am now made to know,
From Him that is the Living GOD,
to have departed so;
49.
And that His Fear before mine eyes,
as it should not have been
Before me, now both grief and wounds
and most sad things are seen;
50.
About my neck wreath'd by His Hands,
Is my transgressions yoke,
So hard that strange it would not be
though it my breath should choak;
51.
He bitter things against me writs,
and me possess doth make
Of Youth and older age, the sins
for which my heart doth aike
52.
In the light of His Countenance,
my secret sins sets he,
And with the fruit of mine own wayes
fills heart, backsliding me.
53.
My feet He putteth in the stocks,
and marketh narrowly
My footsteps all, and on my heels
a vive print setteth He.
54.
He also, now alace! hath made▪
heavy on me my chain,
O! that his reconcilled Face;
might through these dark clouds shine.
55.
Prosperity I have forgot,
my soul's from peace remov'd,
I tempted am to doubt sometimes,
if ever He me Lov'd.
56.
That sin by all, this one World think
is now much mortifi'd,
And that
I am not to the World
a little crucifi'd.
57.
But troubles great gone through may be
and sin as dead still ly:
Which yet may after make the Man,
oh, sin hath slain me cry!
58.
The thorniest cross not blest, but proves
like pricking of a pin,
Which will nor peirce, let be his heart
this Leviathan skin;
59.
Sharp pointed things in troubles mire,
spread under it may be,
And yet it not so much as groan
or move it self you'l see.
60.
At sling-stones darts spears of the cross,
it laughs, and counts them stuble
Unto this day, it slain
[...] hurt
was never by meer trouble.
61.
Nay it's courag'd sometimes and grows
more fierce, when these it prick,
And were it in the LORDS own hand
to spit, it would not stike
62.
As in our bodies humors, that
highly Malignant be,
All Cures not soveraign to reject,
and rage the more we see,
63.
For instance if we do call
of this thruch grave and sad,
Within, without, long since, and now,
too many may be had.
64.
The LORD may smile and hide His Face
yea, very angry be,
And yet we in our own hearts way,
go on most frowardly.
65.
No way there is with their mad hearts,
and desperat to deal,
Yet having seen our wayes, that He
may gloriously them heal,
66.
GODS People in the desart, He
many strange ways did kill,
Yet notwithstanding of all this.
they sinned ever still:
67.
Nay some there were GOD surely strook,
yet they transgress'd the more,
And sin is now as loath to die,
as then, or long before.
68.
Sin may with Men to troubles great,
to Prison, Bonds Exile,
Yea't may be to a scaffold go,
and yet live all the while.
69.
When I through fire and water both,
nay were I drag'd through hell,
Yet that sin liv'd in strength, I could,
from sad experience tell.
70.
What are not souls of damned men,
tormented in extream;
Yet sins so high, that now their work
is GOD still to blasphem.
71.
Nothing in HEAVEN, Earth, or Hell,
will make sin cease to live,
But grace alone, which still hath this
for its prerogative.
72.
Since devils then find in HEAVEN, and they
with men in hell do so,
That nought but grace can sin subdue,
it's high time we should know:
73.
For since
I walkt without the Sun,
companion to Owls,
My troubles of that kind, that it
some friends affections cools.
74.
Most near Relations now from me,
He hath removed farr,
Former acquaintance also do
at my affliction scare.
75.
When GOD on's Peoples sins himself
begins once to avenge,
Amongst their other tryalls, then
the world grows very strange;
76.
Their Cross, tho' Christ for substance may,
by them also nicknam'd,
By friends which will them strangely tempt,
of it to be a sham'd,
77.
Though by Mens judgement to be judg'd,
for us its a small thing,
Since GOD or long all blacks and whites,
forth to the light will bring.
78.
But here to stoup I am constrain'd
in midst of this complaint,
To tell that he's both good and kind,
which makes my grief relent,
79.
Some times he makes me hope, that all
my sins He will forgive,
And though that I be thrust at sore,
yet shall not die but live:
80.
And were it known what
I have done,
what I have also been,
It would be wondered at, that I
should ever be forgiven.
81.
But what's in our eyes marvellous,
is nothing so in his,
Who in the pardoning of sin,
a GOD most matchless is:
82.
This art of favour and of grace
shew'd me, were it proclaim'd
From misbeleif, all humbled souls
forever might be sham'd;
83.
He sometime also visits me,
and asks me? how I doe;
Come faithfull friends he doth provide,
that looks me well unto.
84.
Its taught, not talk'd, of love that works
most kindly simpathy,
That man so taught's the brother sure
born for adversity;
85.
This friend at all times loves, and is
more kind then any other;
Yea he's the very friend that sticks
more close then any brother:
86.
For sin I am made to possess,
moneths of vanity,
And nights that be right wearisome,
appointed are for me;
87.
In bed with tossing I am fil'd,
till dawning of the day
And then he mustereth up in view
my sins, in battell ray:
88.
Deaths terrours sometime me inclose,
his archers me surround,
And me my persecutors all
Between the straits have found,
89.
He in his sore displeasure hath
sad things unto me shew'd.
And sometimes against me are, alace!
his witnesses renew'd.
90.
But righteousness to him belong
and justly I'm thus serv'd,
Yea punish'd far beneath, truely
what my sins have deserv'd:
91
And that I'm yet a living man
out of the pit should I,
Complain of punishment, tho great
for mine iniquity.
92
If I at last be sav'd, and get
my soul given for a prey;
Tho I through seas of trouble sweem,
I'm well come too
I say.
93
Yet, O, He is a jealous GOD,
and on his children will
For their inventions vengeance take,
though pardon them yet still.
94.
For instance here, we may pitch one,
Moses the Man of GOD,
Who for's escapes at
Meribah,
with his foot might not trod
95.
In
Caanans Land, yea though to see it,
he pray'd most earnestly;
Yet be content, saith GOD, and speak
no more of this to me.
96.
By him, as the choise instrument,
even at the toutch of's rod,
Most dreadful signes and wonders wrought.
the great and mighty GOD.
97.
For
Israels sins, full fourty dayes,
the LORD he did intreat
Most earnestly, even all the while.
did nether drink not eat
98.
A
Mediator typicall,
'twixt them to deill did he
On
Sinai, and so represent
Christ the true one clearlie
99.
The meekest man he was on earth,
my divine testimony,
In's own concerns, though in the LORDS,
even to hoofs peremptory!
100.
He faithfull was in all GODS house,
and in his sight found grace,
To be his none such favorite,
and speak him face to face.
101.
And through his great converse with GOD,
the skin of's face did shine,
That none could speak with him, unless
a vail was drawn thereon.
102.
Nay, more with his own hands, the LORD
his body did interr,
And rais'd him up with
Jesus Christ,
transfigured to confer.
103.
So many things so great and strange,
met never in one man;
Nor to this day his parallel,
the world afford none can.
104.
Accordingly the Spirit's pen,
his Epitaph thus drew;
No Prophet since like him arose,
whom face to face GOD knew:
105.
Yet he, even he, so rare a Man,
for one slip payes thus dear,
Is this not of GODS jealousie
a demonstration clear.
106.
Had our gross ills let be our slips,
such marks on them set now,
All hopes to see GOD this side Heaven,
would be cut off I trow:
107.
And very like it may so, with
this generation be,
That he in trouble waste our dayes,
and years in vanity.
108.
But free and soveraign grace, I grant
makes such Prognosticks fail,
When not in common rule; but by
prerogative he'l deal:
109.
And if with us he take not now,
this very soveraign way,
We're gone, and in our sins we will▪
and troubles pine away:
110.
He is so very jealous, that
his love cannot endure,
That any soul espous'd to him,
should gade and play the whoor:
111.
Nay, such is his love jealousie,
that he'l not be at peace
If such, but turn the least aside,
strange bosomes to imbrace.
112.
And though it be most true, that he
putting away doth hate;
Yet even for unchaste whoorish looks,
his dear spouse he will beat.
113.
This thought sometimes rolls in my mind
that this our age quite wrack,
That of GODS jealousie and dread,
there hath been gross mistakes.
114.
The greatest rage of mortal men,
is sure their jealousie,
Wherein of the great gods, we may
some dark resemblance see.
115.
By this if Men be once inrag'd,
none may them stand before,
And this though mixt with love, yet makes
his Children dear to roar.
116.
By this if he be roused up,
and with his feet but stamp
On the most stout, or stupid sp'rits,
i
[...] puts a mighty damp
117.
His jealous frowns, his wrath rebuk
[...]
for sin, mans beauty makes
Moth like consume, so vain he proves,
when wrath hold on him takes:
118.
As when he giveth peace none dare,
to make trouble be bold;
So when in wrath to hide his face,
none can him then behold.
119.
Were all this and much more beleiv'd,
that told as truth might be,
To sport with what provokes his wrath,
so bold we durst not be.
120.
But who of's wrath the mighty power,
doth know and understand,
Sure none, but such as are in's fear,
instruct with a strong hand.
121.
This is most sure, when sense of wrath
trysts with an other crosse,
That man though dearly lov'd, yet will
be at a mighty loss.
122.
This doth dump, fright, reel, confound
and put the man in doubt,
He can but cry, ah; now alase!
my sin hath found me out.
123
For great infirmities sustain,
yea will the sprit of man,
But a wrath wounded spirit for sin,
who is he that bear can?
124.
GODS terrours, though a friend, will put
a man upon a rack,
And if they should continue long,
would him even distract.
125.
To cross'd and werstling man knew we
what but one smile would yeild
In troubles, this would most take up
to have GOD reconcil'd.
If
I unfold could all the truth
on this concerning theame,
That writen is upon my spirit,
as a bright sun beam.
127.
O child of GOD! thou would'st no more
from him to cisterns go,
But still cry out as most averse,
I'le no, I'le no, I'le no.
128.
This for the time I do declare,
should death me now approach,
For all these cisterns pits and brooks,
my soul in thirst should scorch:
129.
If but one scruple of his wrath,
were mingled in my cup,
The poyson thereof, quickly would
even all my sprits drink up.
130.
What then could cisterns, pits and pools,
In such a choak availl,
When fire from heaven sent in my bones
against them would prevail.
131
It would within me doubtless raise
such Soul inflaming drought,
That all these could not yeild what would
once cool, or wet my mouth.
132.
But
Dives like, I should be forc'd
in that hate flame to cry,
O, that the least drop watter now
to cool my tongue had I;
133.
But one wayes then my thirst to quench,
to drink life water ay,
Nothing this Fever heat to cooll,
but at lifes well to stay.
134.
O, lingering time, run swift! take wings
flee quickly and be gone,
That I in HEAVEN with him may be,
and see His Face anone.
135.
There Cristal Rivers pure and clear
from under's Throne proceeds
Wherefore the first draught, surely would
quench all my thirst with speed,
136.
There would I drink and eke forgett
all by past misery,
And never more remember would
my former poverty.
137.
Then take their last Good-night, would all
my jealousies and fears
And me for ever bid farewel,
all sighs, all groans all tears.
138.
To these the Lambs and
Moses song
Triumphant would succeed,
That revelation would surprise,
my soul in very deed:
139.
For unto it light, life, and love,
would follow allwayes no doubt,
And thence again would joyful praise
for evermore flow out.
140.
For at's right Hand most perfect joyes,
and sweetest Pleasures be,
Make haste, make haste, Lord
Jesus Christ,
O, bid me come and see!
141.
The Sp'rit and Bride did long since say,
Come, come, LORD unto me,
And thou again didst make reply,
Surely I come quickly.
142.
Then for that glorious day, my soul
do thou long cry and call,
Wherein the
LORD JEHOVAH may
to me be All in All:
143.
Till shaddows flee, and that fair day
shall break, and on me dawn,
Make me, O LORD, to live as thine,
and never more mine own!
144.
If thou at first didst make and frame,
and then redeemedst me,
Should
I not judge,
I ought to live
eternally to thee.
145.
O, if to me to live were once,
most precious
Iesus Christ!
Then death would unto me be gain,
and we should friendly tryst:
146.
Though death me found shipwrackt at sea,
or in a forraigne Land,
At home in prison or in bonds,
or in the murtherers hand
147.
Though it may meet in boots or block,
In gibbet, fire, or blood,
Even mank't or maim'd, dismembred all
it would my friend stand good.
148.
For death by
Christ, death's reconceil'd,
and will not friends annoy,
But to the place of the King
them wish and save convoy.
149.
Where what shall be our welcome home,
our best is to agree
To make a humble reference,
till we come there and see
150.
And when in that assembly, great
GOD this referr shall call,
Then what is neaven sight, will resolve,
more then did nearings alll
151.
We as amaz'd then will cry out.
the one half was not told,
Of all the glory that is here,
which now your eyes behold.
152.
As swallowed up in this great gulf,
words blushing will retire,
And thoughts tho schrew'd up to the height,
will then stand and admire:
153.
Nor so to speak, the object will
swel'd to such bigness be,
That compast by conceptions armes,
unabled be will we;
154.
In summ, there we'll not sin, nor be
tempted to sin at all,
But as his servants do him serve,
so we then serve him shall:
155.
In our fore-heads most lively then
shall His Name written be.
Like unto him we shall be made
and as he is him see.
156.
Then to believe and wonder, none
will need us to exhort,
That fight will ravish us, and as
in extasie transport.
157.
O! but the lively hope of this
strong influence, should have
Though men in
Eden dwelt, to make
us long this world to have;
158.
Much more this blest and glorious hope
would have a mighty stroak.
On the supportance of our sprits,
in this destress and choak.
159.
This losse of life and moveables,
with forfaults of estates
This losse of money out in bonds,
with gifts made of escheats;
160.
This losse of dear relations all▪
Let be a whiles divorce,
By tossings, wanderings, flights, exiles,
or what then these were worse
161.
Would make to be comported with,
for sweet
Christ Jesus sake:
For whom we're bound without refer,
even all things to forsake:
162.
For him, I say, who did for us
come down from heavenly Throne,
And as a worm, and not a Man,
did creep his foot-stool on.
163.
His entrance first into the world,
was all its pomp without,
To justice as our surety then,
he very low did lout.
164.
For when to
Bethlem Joseph goes
with's Mother, they're not able
A room to purchase in the Inn,
but they must to the stable;
165.
Where that blest Child, she forth did bring,
and with her hands him swadle,
And in a manger did him lay,
having no better cradle:
166.
Of's birth the first news came not to
Kings, Nobles, Men of might,
But to poor Sheepherds, who were there
watching their flocks by night;
167.
And to this day few worldly wise,
Noble, or Great he calls,
But for the most part, the best lot
to meanner ones still falls;
168.
His Kingdom comes not with great shew,
but glorious makes within,
Its now, and will be yet, as it
from its first rise hath been:
169.
Though we in great winds, earthquakes, fire
would have him come with noise,
Yet oft he is in none of these,
but in the still small voice;
170.
Though we, I say, would often have
him come the higher way,
Yet in the lower he delights,
himself much to convoy:
171.
In's Infamy to save his life,
to
Egypt they're made flee,
And for his sake, all
Bethlems Babes
King
Herod made slain be.
172.
CHRIST's Kingdom is too oft suspect,
as no great friend to Kings,
Which many of them, at the length,
of persecution brings.
173.
And this again doth him provoke,
to plague sore these great ones,
And if they turn not at the last,
to overturn their thrones:
174.
For with thrones of iniquity,
by law mischief that frame,
No fellowship he'l have, but will
as mortar tread the same,
175.
To loose the bonds of mighty Kings,
for him's no great attempt,
And on the Princes of the Earth,
to pour shame and contempt;
178.
Nay, he the Sp'rits of Princes great,
cuts off most easily,
And to the Kings that be on Earth,
most terrible is he:
179.
For of the Lords he is the LORD,
and of all Kings the KING,
When they're unking'd, he'l gloriously
before his Ancients reign.
180.
O! that Earths Kings, to this great KING
would all once homage pay,
And kiss the Son, least in his wrath
they perish from the way.
181.
Though great Law-giver, yet he was
made subject to the Law,
And of his Parents which he made,
when young he stood in aw.
182.
O strange! the everlasting Father
a Child and Youth to see,
And the great Potter, unto clay
stooping so rev'rently
183.
With him to worship when twelve Years
he to
Jerusalem went
Betimes to shew to keep the Law,
he in the World was sent:
184.
And that by going when so young,
for that end to the Temple,
GOD soon to worship, young ones might
be taught by his example.
185.
Thereby withal, right early he
GODS Majesty attones,
For our neglect of worship, when
we were yet younger ones.
186.
Once with the Docters then, and there
most gravely reason'd he,
That of's Prophetick office they
might have a preludie
187.
And that a Child might teach to Men,
How to manage debates,
And in all these might purge the sin
of their distempring heates.
288.
But what was done by him besides.
throughout whole thirty Years,
Wherein he lurk'd and liv'd obscure.
nothing in writ appears.
189.
Unless it be, that though he made
the World, and it adorn'd
Yet as a Carpenter to Work
With's hands he nothing scorn'd.
190.
That Lawful Callings He thereby
might to us sanctifie
And us provoke to some of these,
GOD still to Glorifie.
191.
And further more that guilt contract
by us from Day to Day,
In all our Lawful Callings might
be taken clean away.
192.
And these some four Years that to Preach,
he publickly appear'd,
He made no noise into the streets,
his cry was ever heard.
193.
When doing greatest things, how oft,
Tell no man, then said he,
Though when the least are done by us,
tell all men, cry do we.
194.
O! here to him we're most unlike,
who love so much the street,
And in our way to heaven, do make,
so greatnoise with their feet:
195.
One grace alace! we love to have,
by mens aplause sun shin'd,
And hence it comes to pass, that its
so withered, dry'd, and cryn'd;
196.
It also may be one great cause,
that faith hath now such doubting,
That
Christians of this have lov'd,
to be so much in outing.
197.
Did he not once, who could not err?
say how can ye beleive?
Who in the air of mutual praise,
do love so much to live:
198.
And sure as no true faith can be,
where reigneth this great ill;
So where that is prevails, the soul
with great doubts it doth fill,
199.
O! When religion outrings all
to have, once we shall win,
As meer constrain'd results of grace,
in life and power within:
200.
Hereby this patern blest, we would
resemble very near,
who lov'd allwayes to hide, but when
He forc'd was to appear.
201.
A longs his life, for's people he
of sorrows was a man
To make aquaintance eke with him,
sad grief betimes began.
202.
We read not he ever laugh'd,
but of the weept and groan'd,
Mens sins, and their calamities,
is most sadly bemoan'd,
203.
Him had you seen, ye would have said,
this in his face appears,
Who though but thirty four, yet look'd
like one of fifty years;
204.
His visage more then sons of men,
so very much was marr'd,
We hid as't were, our face from him,
And at his trouble scar'd.
205.
No form nor beauty was in him,
unto the carnal eye,
Why he should be desir'd, and yet
even all desires was he
206.
To
Atheism, to
Devils Worship,
self Murther, Doubt dispair,
Him for full fourty days to tempt,
the devil did never spare:
207.
In all which great tentation,
sin did him never stain,
But he a victor absolute,
did constantly remain,
208.
These Worlds Prince came, but nothing found
in him to work upon;
For the only man he was in whom
of Satans work was none.
209.
And such an
High-priest undefil'd,
us without doubt became,
Who separate from sinners was,
holy, and without harme
210.
Though sinless, yet he in all points
was tempted as are we
That when we're tempted, he to us
a succorer might be
211.
Such a
High Priest we now have then,
with our infirmities.
Who will most fellingly be touch'd,
and with us simpathize:
212.
He Weary was, and Thirsty both,
he often laiked Bread,
Though LORD of all, yet had he not
whereon to lay His Head,
213.
He though most rich for his People
took on such Poverty,
That Women of their substance did
afford him some supply.
214.
He in the Garden heavy was,
and sorrowful to death,
In's Hand a Cup Justice did put
of sin reveanging wrath.
215.
At which amaz'd trembling he stood,
the Tears rush'd in his Fyes
A grouf he fell on's face to pray,
and sometimes on his knees.
216.
And when the wrathful comflict grew,
wise Justice thinking't good,
Till he was in an agony,
and
[...]herein did sweet Blood;
217
He offered up more earnest Prayers,
with strong Cryes, and with Tears,
To him who could him save, and heard
in what were then his fears.
218.
His suit unto his Father was
On Ground, yet prostrare still,
O let this Cup depart from me
if it be thine own will;
219.
Yet not my will, O Father dear,
But thy blest will be done;
Since for the elect that it should
be thus, we griev'd upon:
220.
Even for this cause, it was that
came to this darkest hour,
Of burning wrath, that I might stand,
between them and the stour,
221.
I'le heartily then drink this cup,
that these dear souls may be
According to Redemption past,
from it made ever free.
222.
He captive was, and Prisoner,
he also was in bonds,
He very roughly used was,
among rude Souldiers hinds.
223.
Before mens courts he was araigned
and there accus'd of Treason.
Yea for the same he was condemn'd,
against all Law and Reason.
224.
O strange the Just and Righteous Judge,
of all the World to see,
By wicked, and ungodly men
judg'd, and condemn'd to be.
225.
'Mongst Theeves, & Robbers, he was rank'd
nay, they to Him prefer'd,
That He was worse then any such,
the Church-men still averr'd,
226.
He spit on was reproach'd, revil'd,
and fill'd with mocks and scorns;
Yea, buffeted, and scourged was,
and also Crown'd with Thorns.
227.
Off His blest Cheek, pluck't was the Hair,
He on the Face was struck,
Yet all this for His Peoples sake,
most Patiently he took.
228.
He Lamb like to the shambles was brought
never a Word did say,
But for his bitter enemies,
most earnestlie did pray.
229.
A Purple Rob on Him they put,
in His Right Hand a Reed;
And but a mock of him they made,
who was a King indeed.
230
It's hard now to believe that this
poor object Man was GOD,
Who as a Worm by villest men
was under foot thus trode.
231.
Stript, and rackt on the Cross He was,
the space of three full houres
Where all the while of Grief and Pain,
He had sharp Fits and Showrs,
232.
His confidence in GOD and Prayers,
unto Him were cast up,
Which not a little to Him sure,
imbittered his Cup.
233.
When wrought with pain, he thirsty was,
and for some drink did call,
Nothing was then allow'd on him,
but Vinegar and Gall:
234.
And which was yet more sad and strange
when very near to die.
He's forc'd to cry my GOD, my GOD,
forsake why hast thou me?
235.
Forsake he was as to what might
him sensibly comfort,
Though not at all, as to what did
him mightily support.
236.
All this He suffered, and was made
for thee, I say, for thee,
Believing soul, and will thou not
him love, and for him die?
237.
Ah! that about thy sufferings, thou
should with him thus debate,
Who of GODS fierce and flaming wrath,
for thee had such an heat.
238.
His sufferings were so great, that them
the Sun could not behold,
But as afraid, and blushing did
himself in cloud infold.
239.
The HEAVENS grew dark the Earth did quake,
the Rocks also were rent
At this strange sight, natures whole course,
out of course wholly went.
240.
Come suffering saints, for CHRIST come, come,
view ye the sufferings here.
They're very many great and strange,
let all your's not dispair.
241.
Be still, and of your sufferings small,
as great, talke ye no more
Like these on Earth, men shall again
be as were none before;
242.
Your greatest suffering of the Cross,
but very small chips be,
On his blest shoulders sure did ly,
the great end of the Tree.
243.
By these most dreadful sufferings, was
the Elect peace porcur'd,
On him did light GODS wrath and curse,
which ye should ay endur'd.
244.
By these for you he also bought,
all sanctifying Grace,
With right to fellowship with GOD,
and sweetest sights of's Face,
245.
By his, yours all, for him are blest.
and you thereby adorn'd;
By them your way is path'd to HEAVEN,
and you to him confirm'd;
246.
Through sufferings he was made perfect,
and stept up to his throne,
Through that same way, should ye not be
content to follow one,
247.
Come pledge him then in crosses cup,
for drunk't out was by him,
All dregs of wrath is now pure love,
from bottom even to brime.
248.
Nay so prepaird that spiritual health,
It keeps and doth restore,
This Cup then take when it's propyn'd,
and scare at it no more.
249.
He by his sufferings of GOD's wrath.
the Wine-press trod alone,
Of all the people of the World,
to help him there was none:
250.
His Agony to see, it's true,
of's friends He took the chief;
But ah! good Men they helped not,
but added to His grief;
251.
And though their sins concurr'd, to bring
on him of wrath that showr;
Yet could they not be kept from sleep,
to watch with him one hour;
252.
But left him all e're long, and each
unto his own did go,
And one of them, alas! did swear,
the MAN he did not know.
253.
Here stop we may, and sadly mark,
what Men in Tryals are,
The best, when left from following CHRIST,
a poor Maids voice will scare:
254.
Let us not then high minded be,
but fear and tremble all,
Least on the stage of Tryal we
do catch some shameful fall.
255.
No weight be laid on our most sweet,
but yet untry'd resolves,
Which the tentations close approach,
most frequently dissolves:
256.
No stocks of grace, No by past helps,
no now warm fits we see,
Will after choaks sustain, but shrink,
without CHRISTS fresh supplie.
257.
If these Tryalls, then we would
be kept from all offences
Let's Fear, Watch, Pray, and humbly wait,
for Heavens new influences,
258.
In all Christs sufferings her's the Word,
this suffering MAN was GOD
Emmanuel he was, who bare
of wrath, this heavy load.
259.
Let Men and Angells all admire,
how such a thing should be,
That GOD Eternal should be MAN,
and suffer thus and die!
260.
Let Reason stoup, stand by, and still
for ever, hold its peace,
As quite transcended in it's reach,
let it to Faith give place.
261.
Which yet none can that it is so,
in very deed believe,
But hardly can how it is so,
us satisfaction give:
262.
Here Angels intellectual Sprits,
love to be Scholars still.
And cannot at this mistery great
of wondering have their fill.
263.
Into it they with great delight,
do look, yea, dyve, and pry;
And yet they're not so much concern'd,
as stupid thou and I!
264.
Which makes me think were't possible,
that Christ of's love could rue,
We would him tempt, our thoughts of it
and wondrings are so few.
265.
But here's the wonder great, which shall
of wonder ever be,
That He loves them, that cannot love,
O! but His love is free:
266.
And now because thou cannot love,
good news I pray thee hear,
The day's at hand wherein thou-shalt
behold love, and admire.
267.
Mean time for CHRIST take up thy Cross,
and bear it patiently,
Remembering what great things, and how
he suffered hath for thee:
268.
For CHRIST, I say, take up thy Cross,
and be no more cast down,
For thou art now apparrent heir
of an immorral Crown:
269.
Which thou shalt wear e're it be long,
and be inthron'd in State,
Then thou'l be well, O! rarely well,
above reach of debate.
247.
Now unto him who lov'd us, and
from sins in's own Blood wash'd:
And the hand writing cross'd to us,
naild to his Cross out dash'd.
271.
Who from principallities, and power,
did us as spoile rescue;
And ov'r them in't triumpht, and made
of them an open shew.
272.
And to him who to this live hope,
hath us begot again,
By raising
Christ up from the dead,
all Blessing be:
Amen.
FINIS CORONAT OPƲS.