Poems in two parts first, an interlocutory discourse concerning the creation, fall, and recovery of man : secondly, a dialogue between faith and a doubting soul / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1679 Approx. 170 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 65 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A60349 Wing S3967 ESTC R37559 16973849 ocm 16973849 105571 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A60349) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 105571) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1159:12) Poems in two parts first, an interlocutory discourse concerning the creation, fall, and recovery of man : secondly, a dialogue between faith and a doubting soul / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. [4], 64, [8], 52 p. Printed for Tho. Cockeril ..., London : 1679. Each part has caption title. Imperfect: stained and torn. Reproduction of original in the Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Christian poetry, English -- Early modern, 1500-1700. 2003-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-04 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2003-04 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion POEMS IN TWO PARTS . First , An Interlocutory Discourse concerning the Creation , Fall , and Recovery of Man. Secondly , A Dialogue between Faith and a Doubting Soul. By SAMVEL SLATER . LONDON : Printed for Tho. Cockeril at the Three Legs in the Poultry , 1679. TO THE READER . Courteous Reader , AN itch of Scribling and appearing in Print , hath not seiz'd me , though I must confess my self easily perswaded to draw up this following Discourse . An account of my publishing the Dialogue between Faith and a doubting Soul you will find before it . That being delivered to the Book-seller , and by him communicated to some of my Brethren , they were pleased to signifie their approbation thereof , wishing withal , it might be accompanied with something about the Fall of Man. The motion I readily closed with , and so set to work in the midst of many affairs , and under a very tenacious and afflictive distemper . Yet I have in short time finished it , and now send it abroad . Be pleased to give it a fair and friendly reception . If thou dost not like some things in it , no more do I , yet have not leisure to mend them . I was much taken with Learned Mr. Miltons Cast and Fancy in his Book , viz. PARADISE LOST . Him I have followed much in his method , and have been otherwise beholding to , how much I leave thee to judg ; but I have used a more plain and familiar stile , because I conceive it most proper . Cast a mantle of love over failings wherever thou findest them , and either do better , or accept this from Thy Cordial Friend , SA . SLATER . Febr. 6. 1678 / 9. A DISCOURSE CONCERNING The Creation , Fall and Recovery of Man. Iehovah Elohim . I Am that which I am ; this is His Name , Who happy always is , always the same . He Essence and Existence owes to none . Whom can he owe it to , being God alone ? Himself he his own happiness doth call ; What can he want , who in himself hath all ? Both life and light , and love , and every thing , Which may delight and satisfaction bring . Of company there is no want , for he Hath in himself a Blessed Trinity . Before the World was , he was not alone ; He then was , and is still full Three in One. And in this happy , that the Trinity Doth not divide his perfect Unity , For the Three Persons are one Essence still , One therefore in affection , one in will. The Son set up from everlasting , is His Father's great delight , the Father his . Before him always he rejoiceth , he Causeth and findeth matchless joy to be . The Spirit too , which doth from them proceed , Doth the same joy both feast upon , and feed . But though no want of any thing could be Consistent with his sacred Deity ; His Goodness did not love to stay at home , Communications did it become . He did no Heaven need , is his own place ; Yet for th' eternal glory of his Grace , Heaven he fram'd , and Earth , both by a word Of power ; in both he is the Soveraign Lord. Above , he Angels plac'd , who all once shone As Morning-Stars about that Glorious Throne , On which he sits an everlasting Sun , Whose influence and beams can ne're be done . A Law to them he gave , that Law some brake , And down he kickt them to the burning Lake ; Where they in everlasting chains shall lie ; Wishing for death , though they can never die . Yet Heaven is not empty , for although Many did fall , many do stand , who do Attend upon him : Thousands ▪ yea , and more , Ten thousand times ten thousand do adore His Majesty with veiled face , and sing In th' highest glory to their God and King. But besides Angels , he from Earth did take A despicable clod , and of it make A Creature , whom he nobly did endue With Will and Understanding , and did shew In him his own Image ; than Angels less He was but little , for with Holiness God did invest him , and resolv'd to make Him of ne're-ending happiness partake : And with his chosen Progeny to fill His stately Palace , his most holy Hill. So he resolv'd , so did , and formed man , One and no more ; in one the World began . Of dust he formed him , dust of the ground ; Yet he with Honour him , and Glory crown'd ▪ His own similitude he gave him , and Sov'raign authority for to command Fishes of Sea , with Fowls , and Beasts of sield , Who all obedience unto him must yield . And having made him for his pleasure-sake , He commun'd with him , and thus to him spake . GOD. Adam who art my Workmanship , know , thou Unto none shalt , but thy Creator bow . Others shall bow to thee , thee I have given All things that are under the cope of Heaven . The world is thy dominion ; but my love Hath for thy Court chosen this pleasant Grove ; Eden I call 't , a Garden where thou hast Varieties to please both eye and tast . One fruit alone 's with-held , and therefore see , Thou do not venture once to taste that Tree Which knowledg doth of Good and Evil give , Forbear to taste it , as thou hop'st to live . I , who am Truth it self , and cannot lie , Say , In the day thou eatest , thou shalt die . Death 't is I threaten , therefore have a care ; Who e're shall tempt thee to 't , Adam beware . All other fruits I give thee for thy meat , Of them thou hast free leave freely to eat . Be then content , if this thou tastest , sin Will draw the latch , and so grim Death comes in . ADAM . O God my Maker , I do thee adore For mine own being , and this bounteous store : Which thou providest hast , O let my love Always flame high to thee my God above . Yet grant me leave to speak , and make my moan Unto thy gracious ear : I am alone , In midst of comforts comfortless , since I My days do pass without society . Whatever creatures in the world there are , Of each sort of them I do find a pair . Which I together see associate , And sweetly please themselves , each in his Mate . But betwixt me and them 's disparitie ; No pleasure therefore , 'cause no harmonie . Man should not turn a bruit , and no bruit can Be a companion suitable to man. GOD. Canst not thou find pleasure enough alone ? What Prince would have another in his Throne ? Look round about thee , see , how I have made Others to serve , and thee to be obey'd . On thee shall all attend , from thee take Law , And of thee every one shall stand in awe . Before thee they shall come to sport and play , And various delights yield every day . Names thou hast given them , and so dost know Their nature : and their duty they know too . Be satisfied then , and mind my charge , Great are thy comforts , thy dominion large . Besides , look up to me , I am alone , From everlasting beside me is none . Heaven view , & Skie , with Sea , & Earth , and Air , And who is there that can with me compare ? All Creatures I have made , and all to me Be more inferior than they are to thee . Yet be assured , that I do possess In mine own self most perfect happiness . ADAM . Lord , pardon me , thy dust , if I reply , And once more speak unto thy Majesty . I cannot comprehend thee , but admire Thy glorious being , and thou art still higher Than is mine admiration ; thou above ▪ My highest thoughts art placed , or my love . In thee do all perfections abound , No one deficiency in thee is found . In essence , Lord , I know , thou art but one Yet being all in all , thou needest none . In thy self thou hast all , so have not I. A creature cannot grasp Infinity Of bliss and happiness in its own arms , And therefore cannot but look out for charms , And beauties , and delights ; one that may be Fit to serve God , fit to converse with me . One that may be my com●ort every way , My help at all times , both in night and day . GOD. Adam , thou know'st me God , who do full well My Creatures understand , and who can tell Whatever may thought necessary be To render perfect thy felicity . I Information do need from none , But knows it's bad for man to be alone . And among all my Creatures do not see One that is a companion meet for thee . My bounty hath run over , ne'retheless My bounty to thee I 'le yet more express . All that I do intend , thou hast not yet Received from my gracious hand ; it 's fit My pleasure thou should'st wait , but Adam know , What is my purpose , what for thee I 'le do . To work again I will , one I will make , In whom thou pleasure and delight maist take . Into a comely body I 'le inspire A noble Soul , which to thy hearts desire Shall most completely suit , and I will bring Her to thee , and in her thou every thing Most lovely and desirable shalt find , All that 's now wanting to thy craving mind . For with a deep sleep I thine eyes will close , And bind thy senses up : and not unlose That bond again , until out of thy side A Rib I take , and of it make a Bride . I will a rib take , flesh and spirits warm , And vital blood , without doing thee harm . For th' operation shall cause no pain , And when it 's done , I 'le heal the wound again . This Rib thus taken out , I my self will Form curiously by mine own power and skill Into an humane creature , thou shalt see Thy soul and body in her sampled be . Sex only shall be diff'rent , all things fair In her thou shalt conclude contained are . From her converse thou maist receive new store Of pleasing sweets thou didst not know before . No sooner said than done ; Adam , see here A Virgin for thee , a companion dear . ADAM . Blessed Creator , of thine own good will , Heaven and Earth with goodness thou dost fill . On all thy works great beauty is imprest , But of all Fairs , this fair one is the best . My self I in her see , bone of my bone , Flesh of my flesh she is , my lovely one . Woman she shall be called , because she Extracted was from man , even from me . And for this cause he shall most gladly leave Father and Mother , and to 's Wife shall cleave . Let nothing their joint-happiness controul , For they one flesh shall be , one heart and soul. GOD. Adam consider well , and throughly know , What love , praise , and obedience thou dost owe Unto me thy Creator , who did rear Thee out of dust , and then inclin'd mine ear . To thy request , and gave thee one that might Make great addition unto thy delight . Now have a care , sin not , but stand in awe . Do not thou disobey me ; and the Law I gave thee think upon . Do not thou eat Of that one tree , its fruit is deadly meat . In framing of thy Wife , I 've done my part , She hath thine image , and thou hast her heart . Act thou thy part also , thou art the Head ; It becomes thee to lead , her to be led . She is to help thee , and with thee to live ; But counsel and advice are thine to give . More wisdom therefore I on thee confer , Use but that wisdom , and thou wilt not err , Or wander from the path of life . Be thou Her guide , for such I do ordain thee now . She is a lovely Creature , therefore she Deserveth love and cherishing from thee . In a just ballance yet be sure to weigh With her thy self , and do not overlay Her worth with thy esteem . The greatest grace Attends not always on the sweetest face . The side from whence she came , keep thou her by , And over her a tender watchful eye . Let her not from thee go , lest she alone Be by another , thou by her undone . Thus have I set thee up , thus I advise , My charge do not forget , Adam be wise . ADAM . Come , dearest Consort , of my self a part , Who of me formed wast , who hast my heart : By our Creators gift , Eve , thou art mine ; And by bond-conjugal I too am thine . May nothing , nothing , nothing ever be Cause of disquiet unto thee or me . Look round about thee , all things here below Are subject unto us , to us they owe Obedience , and we to God above , All whose commands speak him a God of love . For present there is none but thou and I , But he hath said , Increase and multiply . While we do live , let us rejoice together ; Yea , let us still rejoice one in another ; Yet most in God himself , for he will be , If we sin not , ours to eternitie . He hath this Garden given us to tend , We must both dress and keep it ; we must bend Our labours that way : but our labour will Breed us no pain nor weariness , but still Our recreation prove ; this blest estate , In which we are , hath nothing to abate Our full-grown pleasures ; here will be no let Of sickness , tyring none , no grief nor sweat . See what variety of trees God made For our use and delight : Now in the shade Of this we 'l sport together , then at root Of that we 'l sit , then go and pluck the fruit Of one and other freely ; there 's no fear , No none at all , of catching surfeits here . Avoid the Tree forbid , and then there 's none , But we may feed upon , all are our own . EVE . Our lines are fallen well ; we with delight May feast in day , and then may rest at night In sweet embraces . Our great Lord thought meet T' appoint a place of pleasures for our seat . As for our work , we may not quarrel it , Since by him ordered , by whom 't is fit All things should order'd be , because all made ; His will , whate're it is , must be obey'd . And therefore , Adam , let us up and do The work which our Creator set us to ▪ And if you do consent , we 'l part a while , And work asunder , because every smile Which passeth us between , will prove a let , Taking us off from business ; when we get Alone , our work we follow harder may , And comfortably end it with the day . Continual enjoyment may abate Sweetness , so that we may it nauseate . A little absence now and then will prove Sauce to our dainties , fewel to our love . When after that we two again do meet , We shall with fresh delight each other greet . ADAM . Silence , my Dearest , I cannot abide To think thou shouldst be absent from my side . Because our business doth not call away , We may dispatch it , and together stay . We were not made to toil , but work with pleasure , And so may do what 's to be done at leisure . Nor will some distance more advance our joy , For in this state communion can't annoy . Fruition in Heaven's always full , And yet delight in Heaven never's dull . And prithee tell me why it mayn't be so On Earth too , in a Paradise below . But more , my Love , I fear lest thou shouldst be In danger , when out of my companie ▪ For though we Happiness our own may call , Yet there is possibility of fall . Angels in Heaven did sin , and Heaven did lose , And then became of God and man the foes . God they grudg honour , and us happiness , Endure they cannot that we should possess An Heaven now on Earth , nor that at last , We should that Heaven have whence they were cast . And therefore doubtless some of them will try , Us two to bring to endless misery . Our frame they know , that we were made of dust ; And if that we should sin , we again must Unto the dust return , whence we were taken , Being of God and Happiness too forsaken . Malicious spirits they are , and understand How any base design to take in hand , And how to manage it ; they full well know , Which way will take best , whether so , or so . 'T is true , they cannot force us , we may chuse Whether we 'l yield unto them or refuse . Both these are in our power ; never can The power of Hell compel the will of man. And I do know , my Love , that thou art wise ; But I know too , there may be a surprise . My God made thee , because I was but one , He saw it was not good to be alone ; Wherefore since for my comfort thou wast made , Do not depart from my securing-shade . Thy honour and thy safety both do lie In keeping in thy Husbands companie . When we together are , my help thou 't be , And I shall give protection unto thee . EVE . What means all this , my Lord ? doth Jealousie ( That bane of conjugal Society ) Peep up already in thy breast ? dost fear My faithfulness to God or thee ? To hear Ought to this purpose I expected not ; Unto mine Honour it 's a stain , a blot . Since force and violence cannot prevail , Fraud and enticements sure shall not avail . Since I was framed by the hand of Heaven , What have I done ? or what occasion given ? What hast thou found either in look or word , Or in one single carriage , which afford Ground of suspicion may ? I pray thee tell ; For me , I know , thou hast observed well . I from thy side was without fault transmitted Into thy bosome , and have I committed Any fault since ? If thou dost answer , None , Let me know why I may not be alone . ADAM . Sweet Creature , made by God , and made of me : Who under God art my felicity , My Love , my Second-self , my Hearts delight , In whom I do rejoyce both day and night . Think not that I would an Inditement draw Against thee , for I cannot , there 's no flaw In thy perfections , but thou dost stand A Creature worthy of thy Makers hand . No spot in thy most perfect beauty is , Nothing at all in thee I find amiss , Nor yet in thy deportments ; thou dost do Nothing but what becomes , and pleaseth too . And may this still continue , may that grace Rest always on thy brow , that lovely face Never be veiled with a blush for shame , Let blemish never light upon thy name . But though thou art , through innocency , fair , Yet thou art mutable , so we both are . And ere we are aware of it , may fall , And thereby ruine both our selves and all From us that shall proceed . One fatal blow May us and our posterity undo . Wherefore I judg it needful to unite Our strength and reason , that we may keep right What we have found so ; if we stay together , We may hold bravely up , and all storms weather . Should an Assailant come , then would I be To thee a Monitor , and thou to me . If thou be wise , this counsel thou wilt hear , And follow , mov'd with love , nay mov'd with fear . But if for all this , Eve , thou hast a mind Alone to go , and wouldst not be confin'd Unto thy Husbands Elbow ; if to try A combat single with an Enemy Do seem more glorious , than in the field To have a Second that some help may yield ; Unwillingly I condescend , you may Go , only God be with thee all the day . Go in thy strength , thy native innocence , And may integrity be thy defence . Consider what thou art , and whose , and why , These things considering , do not comply With a temptation , that would withdraw Thee from thy duty , but then stand in awe . God and his threatning fear with all thy heart ; To fear him is from evil to depart . Of Virtues thou art full , summon them all , If need be ; to thy help me also call . EVE . Having obtained leave , away I 'le go , And arm'd with uprightness not dread a foe . Likely it is , we are more nice than wise , What mischief can lurk in a Paradise ? Surely the envious one will never bend Hither his steps , where Angels do attend Upon us as a Guard. Or if to vex Man be his choice , me thinks the weaker Sex He should not first attempt . So great a foe Will think it scorn for him to stoop so low . But say he should , He 's fall'n , Why may not I With ease resist a fallen enemy ? SATAN . I now that opportunity have met , Which I so much have long'd for , and will set My trap immediatly ; for in my pain Nothing can ease me unless her I gain ; Not for a Spouse : Carnal embraces do Not with Angelic Beings suit . We , who Have nothing terrene in us , soar much higher , And unto things more noble do aspire . It 's for a slave I 'd have her , that she may Fry in Hell-flames with me another day . Lovely she is : But what is that to me ? Before my fall I fairer was than she . And since revenge I do resolve , I must No beauty like , but as it draws to lust . What God and man doth please , doth me offend ; I shall by spoiling that attain my end . That soul shall lose its rectitude , that face Shall be devested of its comely grace ; And when I have once drawn her into sin , How shall I laugh to see what case She 's in ? Among the creatures I have been to chuse An instrument , by whom I may abuse This new-made couple , and find none so meet As is the Serpent for this devillish cheat . Of beasts he is most subtle , the whole field Doth not another half so crafty yield . With him my self I now incarnate will , And in a Serpent be a Devil still . It matters not though I my self abase , So I Gods image may in man deface . This Serpent then I 'le use my mind to break ; He , taught by me , thus unto Eve shall speak . SERPENT . Lady Supreme , unto whose great command , We all are subject , and obedient stand . Vouchsafe a pardon to me , who am bold Your presence thus to enter , and behold With ravisht spirit , and with humbled eye Your person which resembles Deity . Put on a smile , and do not that brow bend . Where Majesty and Love seem to contend . I was created dumb , but do rejoyce , That now I can with an articulate voice , Applaud the charms of thy beauty Divine , And tell thee I by gift and love am thine . Yea so are all things else , and were there more , They all thy beauty always would adore . Yet they of me fall short , for lately I Some distance hence did happily espy A goodly tree laden with fruit , which might Tempt the most dull and sluggish appetite . I had no sooner seen it , but my mind Was for a tast sharp set . So I did wind About the body of it , and at last I did get up ; being so , I could not cast Mine eye on any twig , but I did meet With numberless temptations to eat . Restrain my self I could not any more ; Sin it was not to eat , where was such store . Venture therefore I did , and don 't repent , For I return much better than I went. Here is my former shape , my former skin , But there 's great alteration made within . The strings that once my tongue ti'd , now are loos'd , Into my mind a glorious light 's infus'd . I that before was beast throughout , now can Hear , and discourse , and understand like man. When upon me this great effect was wrought , Duly I it considered , and thought It crime unpardonable should I smother Such an advantage , and acquaint no other With what my self had found . 'T was in my heart , Good groweth better when we it impart . My Lord I dar'd not tell of this . His brow Is with such Majesty array'd , we bow Before him all amaz'd ; without dispute , His very look will strike a speaker mute . But from thy milder aspect I did take Encouragement humble address to make , And tell thee what I find . This is the Tree , Which in a moment wrought this change in me . If such a Servitor would please , in haste I 'd up again , and fetch you down a taste . Do it your self , sweet Lady , look up , and Gather an Apple with your lilly-hand . Had I but ought to pawn , it pawn would I , That eating would advance you ; Lady , try . EVE . Serpent , thou mightst of thus discoursing me Have sav'd thy self the labour . 'T is a Tree , We are forbidden ; thou may'st go and boast What good thou foundest , to the numerous host Of creatures lately made , and let them try , If eating of it will them edifie , As thee it seems it did ; what is thy gain , Should I tast too , would surely be my bane . Our great Creator did by words express , Command us to forbear , and ne'rtheless Would'st thou have me to meddle ? Shall a Law So strict be given , and I not stand in awe ? Is disobedience the way to rise ? Or can sin be the way to become wise ? What e're advantage this Tree hath thee brought I do conclude thy counsel now is naught . SERPENT . My Sovereign Mistris , I thy pardon crave , If I in any thing offended have . For that offence did from pure love proceed , And love deserves a pardon when there 's need . With mine own gain I could content have stood , Had I not zealously desir'd thy good . At what else could I aim ? As for this Tree , I could have kept its virtues hid from thee . Yea , had I thought its fruit forbid , sure I Should not have dar'd to cross that Majesty Whose great creating-Word did being give To thee and me , and by whose Word we live . Your patience yet most humbly I implore , And beg you would consider well , before You positively determine any thing In this one case . Unto your mind first bring What God indeed did say , so you may see You 're under some mistake ; I will be free . Did he say , Madam , did he say ; indeed , On all these Garden-trees ye shall not feed ? Did he not constitute you Lords of all ? Hath he not made you owners general Of Fish , and Fowl , and Beasts ? Did he not give Unto you all things that on earth do live ? And all the herbs that bear seed in the field , With fruit of all Trees too that seed do yield ? And hath he after all excepted one , Bounding thereby your vast Dominion ? Have you at last a confin'd liberty ? Freedom that is not , where all is not free . EVE . I well remember what our Lord did say , As well as if he spoken had to day . We may the fruit eat of all Trees that do Within this most delightful Garden grow . But for the fruit of this Tree , which doth stand In th' midst of Garden , this is his command , This , I am sure he said , for I was by , Ye shall not eat , nor touch it , lest ye die . And though , what Death is , I as yet can't tell , I judg , that Death containeth in it Hell. SERPENT . Lo here the reason of a rigid Law , Meerly to keep inferiors in awe . Did God say thus , when ye do eat ye dye ? Look down and see that threat a foppery . See 't so in me , a kind of pious cheat ; I live , and yet I of that Tree did eat . Nay that my eating quickly was attended By nobler life than e're was me intended . The best was thee design'd , sure then at least , Eat thou maist what is eaten by a beast . Shake off vain fear , I tell thee , even I , What e're he said , surely ye shall not die . For God himself doth know it , what day ye Do eat thereof , your eyes shall open'd be . Yea , unto gods ye shall be like , for so Both what is good and evil ye shall know . Good , the more known it is , the more enjoy'd ; By knowing evil , you may it avoid . And doth not this invite ? Knowledg is one , Nay a great part of Gods perfection . With it you should be filled , since the fates Have made you Universal Potentates . For he that is advanc'd to highest Rule , Should be at furthest distance from a Fool. Nor can your knowledg hurt God , if he be , As we suppose , from imperfection free . He knoweth all things , sure ; and what if you , Who bear his Image , be made knowing too ? When your eyes opened are , you will thereby Resemble him the more who is all eye . But why should we more words thus spend in waste ? Stretch out thy hand , gather , and freely taste . That tasting will us change , but with these odds , Me it makes like to you , you like to Gods. EVE . What time of day is it ? Hath the swift Sun His morning up-hill-course already run ? Me-thinks I feel a sharpned appetite , Which calls for food , and this Tree doth invite To come and eat thereof . If I compare All Fruits together , there is none more rare Presents it self in th' Garden , none so well Doth with its fragrancy delight my smell . And sure some hidden virtues in it lie , Concealed hitherto from human eye And understanding , yea the very name , God gave it , doth greatly confirm the same : Himself the Tree of knowledg did it stile , Can such a Tree destroy ? can it defile ? Besides experience good now hath me taught , This lovely Tree was not design'd for nought But a shew only , for one taste did raise And teach a creature dumb to speak its praise . Which is an argument , I shall not dye , The Serpent eat and dy'd not , why should I ? Are only we restrain'd ? Death only found Us two to fright , and keep us within bound ? Was this rare fruit designed for a beast ? And must we die the death , if taste the least ? I 'le not believe it , I will take and trie , Yea , and taste too , although I taste and die . But if when I have eaten I do live , And like , I will some unto Adam give . ADAM . My Dear , where hast thou spent so many hours ? What work could thee detain ? what pleasant Could keep thee from me ? or what could supply bow'rs Thy Husbands room so long ? for certain I Did greatly miss thee , and do find it true , Upon this earth is nothing like to you . Nor only so , for I did strangely find A discomposure in my thoughts and mind , Which boded ill , methought , a sudden blow Was given , though by what hand I did not know . The earth beneath did tremble , and withall , Off from their trees the fading leaves did fall ; Upon a sudden beauty left their fruit , And all the pretty warbling birds stood mute . Some creatures fearful grew , and others fierce , Their looks were stern . Eve , I cannot rehearse All that I did observe : My blood waxt chill , My heart misgave me , there was something ill Had fallen out ; and though I had e'en wove Of choicest flowers a Garland for my love , Out of my hands I threw it , would not stay A minute longer , but did come away . In haste to find thee , glad to meet thee here . How dost thou feel thy self , how is 't my dear ? EVE . It never better was , never so well , Unless I judg amiss , since I could tell What Being means . Thy company indeed Most sorely I did miss , and shall take heed Of future absence ; for I felt such pain Upon that score , I would not feel again . But that which me detain'd so long was this : The subtle Serpent ( who advanced is Unto a nobler state than what he had , And is of that advancement very glad ) Most humbly came , desirous to acquaint Me with his change , and did most sweetly paint In lively colours virtues of that tree Which you and I by God forbidden be A taste of . This he did in humane voice , With words that were most eloquent and choice . This secret , not being selfish , but most free , Others should with him share , he did to me Kindly impart , and withal much perswade Me for to take and eat — ADAM . Ah! but I hope he did perswade in vain . My Dearest tell me , for I am in pain To know thee issue — EVE . My Lord , he did perswade , and did prevail I saw , I took , I eat . What wil't avail Now to deny the fact ; neither despise Me for what 's done , much clearer are mine eyes , Scales off did fall , my mind is more sublime , Than e're I found it was before this time . My spirits are dilated , my thoughts flie Hither and thither with full libertie , All my affections are rais'd , I do Conclude my self a kind of Goddess too . ADAM . My soul is troubled ; thou hast troubled me , Who formed wast my Comforter to be . Upon me hath amazement taken hold ; My joints are loosed all ; and horror cold Runs through my veins , this 't is to be undone By her that is my dear and only one . Oh! that I ever suffer'd thee to go Alone , expos'd alone unto thy so . Had I deny'd thee then , I had not now Known those sad sinking sorrows which I do . Lately thou wast most lovely and most sweet , In thee did all create Perfections meet . But now thou art defac'd , thou now art lost , Which will a thousand , thousand sorrows cost . Oh! hadst thou ne'er been made , or being made , Wouldst have my counsel given thee , obey'd . Poor ruin'd Eve ! for I must change my note , What e're thou think'st , thou art to death devote . Thy wound 's incurable , who can it heal ? God never will the sentence past repeal . EVE . Did I feel what thou fearest , I would be Alone a victim to that Deitie Which thou supposest angry , and so end All that displeasure thou dost apprehend . But whence these fears ? I pray and pray again , That thou wouldst tell me . Is not the case plain ? The Serpent did eat first , afterward I , And we do live , why shouldest thou then die If thou shouldst eat ? but grant it , hadst not rather , If die we must , that we die both together ? Where is thy love ? or where thy noble heart ? Art thou afraid to die ? shall death us part ? But where , where is he , if his fatal blow Must cut me off , why don't he strike it now ? Come let me hug thee in my tender arm , And so infolded fear not any harm . I tell thee , and with twenty kisses seal The truth of these my words , I ne'r did feel Such extasies of joy as did insue My tasting of that tree . Taste thou it too . ADAM . Since thou dost give , my Dear , I 'le take , although I 'm not deceiv'd like thee , but better know . I know that eating this will do me harm , But I am carried captive by thy charm . My flesh and bone thou hast , with them my heart , We two are one , and therefore will not part . In happiness thou didst partake with me ▪ In miseries I will partake with thee . My great delight thou hast been , even thou ; Whatever comes I will not leave thee now . What though this hour I fetch my dying groan ? It would be death to me to live alone . Or if thou die , and then another come , That other never would fill up thy room . Let God his pleasure do , I will do mine , In life and death resolved to be thine . Eve , I have eaten , and now own my love To thee , which threatn'd death could not remove . DEVIL . Of my ends thus I master am , thus I With ease have triumph'd o're mine enemy . God did intend to honour dust to raise , And make these despicable worms a praise . A race of men , he was resolv'd , should spring From Adam's loins , forsooth , them he would bring To those coelestial places whence we fell , And while we do tormenting pains in hell Suffer without all hope ; there they should be As favourites crown'd with felicity . And that at which my spirit most recoils , Is , they should be enriched with our spoils . And could we Angels brook it ? though we are Fallen and ruin'd , yet we cannot bear Such an affront . I gladly would have prey'd On his Imperial Throne , I would invade His stately Royal Palace , if that it Would but a siege , or storm , or myne admit . But its walls are too high for me to scale . It 's gate so fastned , no strength can prevail To force it open , there he sits secure In happiness for ever to endure . Well , though his lofty Throne I could not shake , I now have that atchieved , which will make Some breach upon his peace , and spoil in part His matchless joys , and grieve him to the heart . I call to mind how greatly he was pleas'd VVith our confusion , when he had eas'd Heaven of us as its burden , and in chains Of darkness clapt us , while himself still reigns In light and glory ; therefore now will we Be pleas'd at his disturbance , now that he Is to repentance brought for making man , Yea , grieveth inwardly for making man. VVhere is the beauty now of his Creation ? He that his darling was , is his vexation . I have him so seduc'd , that even he Novv is become his Makers enemy . Man , whom before he in his arms did cherish Of Love , is now worse than the beasts that perish . Hasten , sin , now , him with all evil fill ; Death feast upon him , but be hungry still . Both air and earth your territories call , And exercise dominion over all . But specially o're man , diseases cast , Sorrows throwe on him , and him killl at last ▪ Thus Devil , Sin , Death , and the Triplicity Infernal , after all victorious be . Let our grand enemy rejoyce , that out Of Heaven he hath tumbled at one bout So many thousand Angels . I can tell Almost as great a feat perform'd by Hell At once , and by one little Strat'gem I Have Adam ruin'd , and his progeny , Millions and Millions of them , who shall now 'Gainst God rebel , and to our Scepter bow . Henceforth to make man happy shall cost more A great deal than it would have cost before . ADAM . Night most uncomfortable I have had ; None such till now , a thousand thousand sad And frightful thoughts have taken up my mind : And now , Eve , at my waking I do find My head much discompos'd , yea out of frame I feel my self all o're , find not the same Serenity within , nor strength without ; There is , alas ! there is a total rout Of purity , and peace , and joy ; All 's gone : Instead of being made , we are undone . Our eyes indeed are open'd , for I see Our selves expos'd to shame and misery . Now we are naked , and that very thing Which was our glory , doth now blushes bring ▪ Our rectitude is lost , our beauty is Turn'd to deformity . All is amiss , And out of order quite : where e'r mine eye Fixeth , on self or thee , I faults espy . An hapless hour it was , when without fear Thou didst incline thy over-curious ear Unto that ill-taught Serpent , who did feign An humane voice , that he thereby might gain Closer attention from thee , and infuse Notions would thy credulity abuse T' our ruin , he a very counterfeit Was , and his promises an arrant cheat . It 's true , our eyes are open'd , and we do Know good , as he said , and what 's evil too . But that 's bad knowledg , which increaseth sorrow , Something to day we feel , more shall to morrow ; And daily more . The good we had , is lost : And evil we do know unto our cost . How evil is it for us to be stript Of innocencies robes , and to be whipt With lash of Consciences ! within are fears Which do perplex our Spirits , in our ears A dreadful sound is always ; in our face Marks of sin are instead of wonted grace . With boldness now I cannot look on thee ; And how shall I with confidence then see The face of God , whom we so much offended After he had us both so much befriended ? Nay , how shall we upon the Angels look ? Or how will they such loathsome Creatures brook ? Let us go seek a place as dark as night , Where we may be removed from that light Which will our spots and blemishes discover : For now we nothing are , but spots all over . EVE . Go then , I follow ; for my cheeks are dy'd Red with a blush : and first let us both hide Some way or other those parts which do seem Of all the most uncomely , which we deem Most fit to be concealed . Let us sow Broad and thick leaves together , which may go About our middles , and so cover round Such parts as now with shame do most abound . For if we them with modesty do hide , Better we may Spectators eyes abide . With Fig-leaves we are cloath'd , but sad the story , We fallen are down from our former glory . ADAM . A covering this is , but such as will Neither secure nor beautifie ; we 're still More cloath'd with shame ; within we have no rest : Oh how do frightful thoughts our Souls molest ! Deep springs of fruitless sorrow do arise , And streams of brinish tears flow from mine eies ; In which I may be drenched all the day , And I no hand know will them wipe away . All things I find now in an uproar are , All turned up-side down ; my passions dare Rebel against my Reason . That great Queen Who was inthron'd by God , and should have been , Sole Governess , doth now a Captive stand , Devested of its power , at the command Of base unruly lusts , that strive to be Controllers unto it , masters to me . So Understanding rules not , but my will Scorns to obey its dictates ; they both still Bow to a bruitish appetite , and I Can only groan under its tyranny . For this , Eve , thee I thank ; to thee I owe All , even all the miseries I know . Wouldst thou have kept thy place , hadst thou obey'd Thy Husbands counsels , wouldest thou have stay'd By me , as I advis'd , this had not been ; Such a sad case as this we had not seen . Learn henceforth to keep home ; without dispute , Of womans wandring , mischief is the fruit . EVE . Be not so partial , Adam , prethee , come , Lay not the fault on me alone ; bear some Of it thy self ; it cannot be deny'd But we between us should the blame divide . When was that charge giv'n forth ? When did God say Be sure that you together always stay . I did conclude kind Heaven did us permit Sometimes to be alone , and judg'd it fit So to be then ; and being innocent , Thought where I would I might go , so I went. My head thou wast ; if therefore thou didst know Mischief would follow , why didst let me go ? One positive command of thee had made My purpose change , and me with thee have staid . I did not , would not go without thy leave ; I had it , thou didst me permission give . And likely 't is , had I been by thy side , We both had fallen , had we both been tri'de . ADAM . I am undone by thee , and yet must I Be charged as cause of our misery ? By granting leave to go , I did approve My self to thee ; yet blam'd am for my love . And is 't indeed just matter of complaint , That I on thee laid not a full restraint ? Alas ! that could not be impos'd by me , For God himself had us created free . Advise I did , and warn'd , yea did foretel What en'mies were abroad , and what might well Fall out unto our hurt and prejudice Even in this delightful Paradise . But when I all had said , thy confidence Was rais'd , being built on thine own innocence And strength . But to speak fully to thee , I Knowing thy rare perfections , did rely Upon thy virtue ; but see since that time Errour in love may prove a fatal crime . And henceforth may all men be warn'd by me , And may all women too be warn'd by thee . Husbands , away with jealousies , you must Love wives with dearness , but not overtrust Them with self-rule . Wives don 't your selves abuse And then your Husbands for their love accuse . GOD. Let all be quiet , nothing's come to pass But what by me foreseen most fully was . For known to me from everlasting are My works ; also the works of all that were By me created , both Angels and Man , All I most easily grasp with my span Of knowledg . Had I pleas'd , I in that state Could them confirm in which I did create . But them to have confirm'd , did not comport With my great Counsels . In my Supreme Court , Many attendants stand , many to fall I freely left , freedom I gave them all ; And strength enough , that so it might appear Who did me truly love , who did sincere Obedience to me yield , and all might see Justly they cannot charge their destiny Nor my decrees , but they themselves must blame ; For from their own free choice their ruin came . Angels innumerable tell ; though they In Heaven were plac'd , they would not Heaven obey . Wherefore I spurn'd them from me with disdain , And made them know 't impossible to regain Their first estate , first habitation ; Fetter'd they lie in Hells dark region , And in its flames they shall for ever fry ; Repentance shall be hidden from mine eye . Their chieftain Belzebub my sworn foe , Out of his spite to me sought to undo Poor man my Creature , and he hath it done , And thinks he now of me the day hath won . But he shall quickly know , I can outdo His policy and pow'r , in his own bow I can out-shoot him . It 's resolv'd , I will ; And when all 's done , man shall be happy still . These broken potsherds I 'le again repair , And make them full as beautiful and fair As erst they were . In spite of Hell , a place For justice shall be found and saving grace . Of man I was the Maker . When made , He Unmade himself . Who shall repairer be ? That work I 'l have accomplisht . I will not Upon my honour suffer such a blot As Hell design'd to cast . But I will be Prais'd and admir'd to all Eternity . Son of GOD. No sooner was this said , but Heav'n did ring , The Angels there did Allelujah sing . But above all , Gods only Son did grace That great assembly ; in his radiant face Pity and love did sit triumphant . He Man dearly lov'd , pity'd his misery . Both now were at their full , and for mans sake His Father he approach'd , and thus he spake . Father , I did thy resolution hear With joy superlative ; and can't forbear Such goodness to extol with highest praise , Which will poor man out of his ruins raise . Should he be lost for ever , how should flame Rise from thy Altars ? What one would thy Name Exalt ? would not thy glory , Father , fade , Should they be lost , who for thy glory made All know ? Consult thy goodness , let it shine ; Never let Hell , by frustrating of thine , Be master of its ends . Go on , and do What ever thine own grace doth prompt thee to . GOD the Father . Difference , my Son , between us there is none , But full agreement ; for we two are One. I see my self in thee , my glory bright , My Son thou art , in whom I do delight . Thou liest in my bosom , and to thee All mine eternal counsels open be . Full well thou know'st , from everlasting we , Mercy to man together did decree . How sad soever matters now appear Between us two , counsels of peace then were . All which shall stand unshaken , for I will My thoughts perform , my pleasure all fulfil . All mankind sha'nt be lost . I 'le offer grace , Which when once offer'd many shall embrace ; And those that do , shall find it , and shall be Not to themselves beholding , but to me . Conquer at last they shall their deadly foe , And to their God that victory shall owe. Unto all those I will my grace impart ; On them I will bestow a gracious heart , In which I 'le write my law , and put my fear ; And so in duty they shall persevere . Love them I will ev'n for mine own names sake ; Leave them I never will , never forsake . Yet on mine Honour I do stand , and will Have the world know me good , but righteous still . For who will reverence a Deity , If they may sin with full impunity ? Yea , man being fal'n , must his folly rue ; For if he do not , I cannot be true . My threatning is gone forth ; I said , that he Eating should die , with his posterity . That sentence cannot be reverst , one shall Dye for lost mankind , or they must dye all , who 'l pay the debts that men contracted have ? What one will dye himself , their lives to save ? Can the Angelic nature shew such love ? Will the Angelic stock sufficient prove ? I see , they all are nonplust , there is none Of them to interpose , there is not one . Among them all I know none is that can Satisfie Justice , or help ruin'd man. Both love and power enough they all do lack ; Sins weight would quickly break an Angels back . Son of GOD. It 's too too great a work . Created pow'r Would utmost weakness prove , in that same hour It should engage unto 't ; who recompence Can return for an infinite offence ? Such as sin is , unless he be some one That 's infinite himself , and can alone Infinite price lay down , and th' injury Compensate , which was done Gods Majesty ? Man himself can't do this , he hath lost all , And is become a Bankrupt by his fall . He might have kept the happiness he was in , But he can never answer for his sin . Nor can the Angels for him , though they be Stars of the morning , high in dignity . Their stock together put , immense may seem ; Yet were it all laid down , it can't redeem Man from destruction : should they all be weigh'd , And in the ballance against one sin laid , They would be found too light . But what of this ? Because among the Creatures no help is , Shall there be none ? Though they this cannot do , Shall wisdom infinite be nonplust too ? Shall mercy be resolv'd , yet want a way , By which its selfe to man it might convey ? May threatned judgments oft prevented be ; But grace shall always have its passage free . It is my Fathers glory , also mine ; By magnifying of it we shall shine In th' eyes of all ; all will Us love for this , When they shall find with Us forgiveness is . Therefore , O Father , be it known this day , There shall not want one to pave mercies way , And to remove obstructions . I will be Saviour to man , and sacrifice to Thee . In thy most wise eternal counsels thou Didst me appoint Redeemer ; therefore now , Lo now I come to do thy will , and be A Mediator between man and thee . His debts and sins to a great sum amount ; Yet , Father , put them all on mine account . I fully will discharge them , and will see , By him thy glory shall no loser be . I well this undertaking understand ; What it will stand me in , I well know , and What brook I must drink of , before that I Come to lift up my Head. I am the High And lofty One , whom Seraphims adore , And veil their faces when they 'r me before ; Yet I must act low condescention , And be made of no reputation . Instead of glory I must take the dress Of one that hath no form nor comeliness . In form of God I am , and robbery Do think it none to claim equality With him ; but yet I must a man become , And be found in a sorry servants form . Nay more , if I to man would bring relief , Sorrows must my familiars be , and grief Mine intimate acquaintance . I must be Most sorely bruis'd for his iniquity , For his transgressions wounded . In that day On me thou their iniquities wilt lay . Yet this doth not discourage , nor much more , I have of love and bowels as great store As thou canst have of wrath . This pleaseth me , Full out as much as Vengeance pleaseth thee . More thou art not displeased with his sin , Than I am pleas'd Salvation him to bring . Him I will draw out of the horrid pit , And on a rock most sure I 'le set his feet . Thy Justice honour I will so secure , As that thy Mercy shall for ay endure . Look on me , Father , then , and take my word , Which it's impossible for me to break , great Lord , Thou know'st me faithful , thou dost know that I Can upon no account my self deny . Look then again . I here as surety stand To pay what e're thy Justice shall demand . Ask what thou wilt , thou canst not ask amiss , Performed it shall be what e're it is . Can only blood pardon procure ? If so , Rather than not a pardon , mine shall go ; My life I 'le give for his , and part with all Which I can part with . Let thine Anger fall On me thine only Son , that burden I Will take , to take away iniquity , In all its guilt and power . And that I may Be a fit object for it , in the day Thou shalt appoint , I will to my Godhead The Manhood joyn , and so have blood to shed . Blood thou canst not except against , for I As man will suffer , as God satisfie . Let men me as a worm tread underfoot , And laugh , and shake the head , and the lip shoot . Let Bulls , yea Bulls of Bashan me beset , And come like hungry Lyons me to eat . Let me be poured out like water ; and Let all my bones as dislocated stand . What though my heart melted must be , and I Shall have my strength like to a potsherd dry . What though in sorrows thou do me immerse , And cruel ones my hands and feet will pierce : I 'le bear , yea welcome all , since thus I can Redeem from wrath poor , but beloved Man. Nay when I am thus brought upon the stage , Let death it self spend on me all its rage . Let it strike fiercely with its Iron Rod , And then boast it hath kill'd the Son of God. My heart is glad , my glory joys , also My flesh shall rest in hope , because I know My precious Soul thou wilt not leave in grave , I incorrupt shall resurrection have . Of life the path thou wilt me shew , to store Of joys and pleasures , which forevermore Are in thy glorious presence . Thus , although I seem to yield unto that mighty foe , By him to be devoured , yet will I Fall like my self , and a brave Conquerour die . My very weakness shall much stronger be Than men and Devils ▪ Devils and men shall see , I at my lowest can their pride abate , And be above them in their greatest height . 'Gainst man the hand-writing shall not prevail : Out of the way I 'le take it , and will nail It to my Cross. All adverse powers I 'le spoil , And give to principalities the foil ; So be triumphant o're th' infernal crew , And also of them all make open shew . My people I will ransome from the grave , From death I will , them all redeemed have . O cruel death , even I thy plagues will be : O grave , I will destruction bring to thee , And utterly root out mine enemies ; Repentance shall be hidden from mine eies . In death I 'le fall , that death may die by me , In grave I 'le lie , that graves may sweetned be To mine that shall come after . I my head Will lay in dust , that dust may prove a bed Of fragrant Roses yielding to them rest Who by sin were ty'rd out , by world opprest . Yea that same death which was brought in by Sin , And was intended only to have been A way to Hell , shall through my dying-love For mine be made the way to joys above . A way to Heav'n for them I will it make , When out of grave I shall rise for their sake As their head and first fruits : I will disarm Death of its sting , that it shall do no harm To mine . As victor then in triumph high I , I will captive lead captivity . And to my Chariot-wheels will firmly bind All those mine Enemies , who were combin'd Me to disgrace , mine to destroy ; attend My triumph , as slaves , they shall : when I ascend In clouds to Heaven , and direct my course Father , with gladness unto thee , the source And spring of happiness , when I will sit On thy right hand , until under my feet My foes by thee be brought . At length I will Descend again in state , and so fulfil My joys and thy Decrees . Father , I 'le go , Waited upon by Angels , who shall blow , And by their mighty breath that Trumpet sound Whose noise shall rough the Seas , and shake the ground , And make them both surrender up my dead , Who with those living then shall me their Head Follow into thy presence , where I shall Resign my Scepter , that God all in all May be . Father , this I 'le perform , and thus We shall rejoyce in them , and they in Us. GOD. None could have spoken thus , but He that is The brightness of my glory , the express Image of mine own person ; in whom be All the perfections of the Deity . My Son thou art , my most beloved Son , In whom I am well-pleas'd , mine only one . My works I took delight in , because good ; Much more in man mine image , while he stood : Nor am I so incensed by his fall , As utterly to ruin him and all Who shall of him proceed . Now he is lost , I am resolv'd to be at much more cost For his to be admired Restauration , Than ever I was at for his Creation . I made him with my word alone , but will Ransome him with thy life , and thereby fill Both Heaven and Earth with wonder , that I part With thee , who art so near unto my heart . For man's Redemption I do not care What charges I am at , I will not spare For cost , but freely will deliver up Thee unto death ; and mingle such a cup For thee to drink , as never one did taste For bitterness , and yet I will no waste Admit of , though it wormwood be and gall , My pleasure is , thou drink it , dregs and all . But thine own love will sweeten it ; for I Know , for man's sake thou lovest to deny Thy glorious self , and never wilt repine To shed thy blood , so man may have the wine . And as thy love doth prompt thee , so I do Set everlasting joy before thee too , For thy encouragement . A just regard Shall be had to thee , and a full reward Shall crown thy labours ; thou at last shall see Such fruit as will most fully satisfie . Heaven and Earth shall be fill'd with thy Fame : A Name I 'le give thee above every name ; Wonderful , Counsellor , thou call'd shalt be , A mighty God , that is , equal with me . And what thine honour greatly will increase , The everlasting Father , Prince of Peace . Yea more , that Manhood , which thou shalt assume , Shall be exalted , and with thee have room Upon that lofty Throne , where I do sit . For after such abasement , it is fit Thou shouldest be exalted as a Prince As well as Saviour ; I 'le never mince Nor clip thy dues , but all the world shall know Thee their supreme , and every knee shall bow To thy Authority . When thou shalt rise Out of the grave thou chusest , I in no wise Will be unmindful of thy love to men , Nor thine obedience unto me , but then I thee in Heaven will with power clothe , And in Earth too ; so that thou shalt in both Do what thou wilt , for thou wilt always be Like to thy self , and faithful unto me . Above thy fellows I do thee anoint With oil of gladness , and do thee appoint Lord over Men and Angels , 't is my will , Ev'n as my self they do thee honour still . Unto thine en'mies thou shalt give thee soil , And with the mighty shalt divide the spoil . Supply thou shalt poor mans necessity ; And proclaim to the captives liberty ; Opening of prison-doors unto the bound , With perfect healing to the deepest wound . Souls weary and opprest , under thy wing Shall comfort find , and finding , bless their King. All that accept thee , I with pleased face Will look upon , and cheerfully embrace In arms of love , though they be ne'r so poor , Yea , though they were grand enemies before . My Glory thou design'st ; and if for me All this thou 't do , what w'ont I do for thee ? Not stick at pardons sure , I have them ready For all those lost ones , which are poor and needy In their own eyes , and will repair to thee , All those shall find they welcome are to me . And when those many shall be call'd , that now I give unto thee , when they 're brought to bow Unto thy ruling Scepter , when once they Who called are , shall all the call obey , And follow thee where-ever thou dost go , In paths of Holiness ; when they shall grow Into a meetness for their purchas'd right , The sweet Inheritance of Saints in light : All then shall plainly see what love I bear Both unto thee and thine . Thou shalt appear A Judg on the Tribunal ; quick and dead Shall come before thee . Some shall hang the head For fear and shame : But all thine at that day , Shall lift up theirs with boldness , knowing they Shall then receive full absolution , With their long longed for Redemption From sin and sorrow . Then the world shall burn , And by that burning into ashes turn , Losing thereby its filth ; yet in no wise Will I it quite consume , for there shall rise Out of its ashes a new Heaven , and A new Earth also . Both at my command Shall spring , and both the present shall excel , For in them righteousness alone shall dwell . No wicked men shall there lift up the horn ; No vexing brier there , no pricking thorn : Nothing , nothing at all , that may offend , Or thee , or me , or thine . Nothing to mend , No wants to be suppli'd ; sorrows away Shall vanish quite , and nothing shall allay The sweetness of their pleasures ; I will be Their portion , and their full felicity . For thy sake this is done ; the new Creation Shall ascribe all unto thy mediation . Ye Angels worship this my Son , and raise Your joyful acclamations to his praise . ANGELS . Ever be thou admir'd , O God above ! Ever admired this thy wondrous love ! Thou art Eternal , Infinite , thy treasures , Like to thy Self ; thy Grace beyond all measures . Father , thou art Father of Mercies too , All things thou mad'st , and dost all things out-do In goodness . Thou art all invisible , Dwelling in light that 's inaccessible . Thy Greatness , Glory , Goodness we adore , And bless thy name , that we may stand before Thy Throne ; for 't is our happiness to be Always in presence of thy Majesty . And thee we bless , thy Father 's only one , His great delight , his most beloved Son. In whose most gracious countenance doth shine Beauties perfection , Glory divine . By thee all things created were , by thee We placed were in this felicity . By thee Rebellious spirits were cast down ; Thine was the Victory , thine be the Crown . Heavens peace thou didst restore , & by thy might Those en'mies were o'recome , and put to flight . 'Fore thee they could not stand , no , down they fell ; And falling down , they stopt not , until Hell Gaping had them receiv'd , where they shall be In flames tormented to eternitie . For that thy mighty conquest we do sing Praise unto thee , to thee victorious King. We do admire that noble Act , but more Thy glorious grace , whereby thou hast a dore Of hope open'd to man ; Thy Grace exprest On undone Adam , now less than the least Of mercies through his sin . That thou dost lay His ruin to thy heart ; Offer to pay His debt , his burden bear , his sin take up , And for his sake drink off a wrathful cup. That thou should'st leave the Heaven thou dost possess , And carry sins into a wilderness . We never could have thought of this , and we Admire it now it is resolv'd by thee . Such love eternal obligation lays On man. Such love transcends Angelick praise . But what exceeds our praises , that will we Admire thee for , Lord , to eternitie . GOD. Know , in their order all things shall proceed : And since that foolish man hath done this deed ; Since Adam , made by me upright , hath sought Many inventions out , he must be taught By sad experience , what it is to sell All Paradise for one tree ; what to rebell Against the God that made him . Justice now Requires that sentence pass ; and who but thou My Son should pass it ? I my self judg none ; All judgment I commit to thee , my Son. By doing which it shall appear to all , That to man ruined by his own fall , Healing and faving-mercy I intend , Not utter misery , because I send His Friend to be his Judg , and have no other Sentence to pass , but Him , who shall his Brother Be one day , and Redeemer , who his blood Will shed most willingly to do him good . SON of GOD. Father , thy will reveal'd is , shall be done With cheerful readiness by me thy Son. That so thou mai'st for ever pleased be With me , as I am ever pleas'd with thee . I therefore go , according to thy will , These Criminals to judg ; but I know still , As I to judg go now , so that one day , I must to suffer go , for thou wilt lay On me all their offences . Of that cup Which they but taste , I must the dregs drink up . Yet though the worst of all on me must light , I will , as Judg of all the earth , do right . Justice and Mercy shall together meet , And being satisfi'd , each other greet . With speed all shall be done ; away I go With Angels not attended , for I do No Witness want nor Jury ; and the Sun Almost to th' end of this days race hath run . Evening approaches , at which time blow fair And gentle gales of wind to cool the air , A time fit for mans milder Judg , and he Shall find that fury doth not dwell in me . Where art thou Adam ? what ! dost thou not know My being in the Garden ? can I go So near thee unperceiv'd ? Hath not my voice ' Waken'd thine ear ? and made thy heart rejoice , As it was wont to do ? it seemeth strange , From me thou should'st absent ! Is any change In thee a cause thereof ? come and impart The matter as it is ; Adam where art ? ADAM . Lord , I thy voice did in the Garden hear , And thereupon my soul did fill with fear . My self I naked saw ; seeing , did hide : For being so , Lord , I could not abide Thou should'st look on me , but away I fled Among the thickest trees to hide my head . SON of GOD. Adam , my voice hath often reach'd thine ear ; As oft it was thy joy my voice to hear . It was thy sovereign delight ; and how Comes it to be a terror to thee now ? I see indeed that thou art naked ; well , Of this thy nakedness who did thee tell ? Hast thou adventur'd to eat of that tree , Concerning which I gave command to thee , Eat thou should'st not ? — ADAM . — The Woman thou did'st give With me as my Companion to live , Whom I did count a token of that love Which thou to me dost bear , could disapprove Nothing of all I saw in her , but stood Inamour'd on her as a perfect good . She thou did'st give , gave of that tree for meat ; And being by her given , I did eat . SON of GOD. Hast for thy self nothing to say beside ? Was she by me given to be thy Guide ? An help she was intended for thee , and Fitted for such by her Creator's hand . But know , God never did unto thee say , Rather than me , thou shalt thy Wife obey . He did not thee subject to her , nor none ; Him thou should'st have obey'd , yea him alone . But , Woman , say , what is 't that thou hast done ? EVE . I was beguil'd by th' Serpent , and did eat . SON of GOD. Serpent , 'cause thou art guilty of this cheat , And this hast done , there 's nothing shall thee shield From vengeance . Above every beast of field Thou art accurst , and above cattel all . Henceforth upon thy belly thou shalt crawl ; Yea dust shall be thy food , dust thou shalt eat , All the days of thy life be that thy meat . And further know , between the woman and thee feel , I now will put a mortal enmity , Which 'twixt your seeds shall last . Thou shalt it Her seed shall bruise thy head , and thou his heel . As for thee , Woman , Be it known , that I Sorrows on thee will greatly multiply In thy Conception ; yea for this thing , In sorrow thou thy Children forth shalt bring . Unto thy Husband thy desire shall be ; Learn to submit , he shall rule over thee . Now , last of all , Adam , to thee I come , And so will end th' Assizes with thy Doom , Which thus I do pronounce : Because that thou Hast to thy Wifes voice hearkened , and now Of that tree eaten hast , about which I Said , Thou shalt not eat of it , lest thou die . For thy sake cursed is the very ground ; Sorrows shall thence spring up , and much abound . Out of it thou with toil shalt fetch thy meat , And that in sorrow all thy days shalt eat , Till thy return unto the ground thou make , For out of that at first I did thee take . Know thy self , Adam , that thou art but dust , And unto it again return thou must . All this shall be accomplish'd . But I do Your misery behold , pity it too . You both before me naked stand and bare , Cover'd with shame all over ; now you are Exposed unto storms without a fence , And to the changing-weathers violence . My Bowels yearn to see your Poverty , How low y' are fallen into misery . Wherefore your nakedness I 'le hide with skins . And with my Robe of Righteousness your sins . But now out of the Garden I thee send , In tilling of that Ground thy time to spend , Whence thou wast taken . Therefore now be gone , Adam , from hence away . Eden alone For Innocency was . A Wilderness Will serve him well enough , whose holiness Is altogether lost . Nor shall there be Of return hither any Hope for thee . For straight upon the Gardens eastern side , I will appoint some Cherubims t' abide ; A Flaming-Sword also , which night and day Brandish'd shall be , and turned every way , The way unto the Tree of Life to guard , That Man may never taste it afterward , Unless from me . For know , that I 'le give leave And power to all who me by Faith receive ; Ev'n all that shall under my Banner fight , And fighting overcome , I 'le give them right Of th' Tree of Life to eat , which always stood In the midst of the Paradise of God. ADAM . How am I fallen ! my tongue can't express That depth of misery , which fathomless Is to my understanding ! I ere while Had God my Friend , under whose gracious smile With joy I liv'd , and gladly did embrace All opportunities to see his face . But now alas ! from him I 'm fain to hide , And his approaches can no more abide . Being from Eden thrust , where shall I flee To seek relief in this my misery ? Creatures avoid me , or stand gazing on Me as a monster , or man quite undone . Having transgrest my great Creators Law , Of me the Brutes refuse to stand in awe . My former blessing is turn'd to a curse , My comforts into crosses . And what 's worse , Both Sin and Curse I propagate to all Who shall of me descend . For by my Fall My whole race ruin'd is ; They all will be Conceiv'd in sin , born in iniquity ; Born unto Trouble , as sparks upward fly ; No sooner born , but they 'l begin to dye . Oh that I might be childless ! and that God Would put a period to this earthy clod ! And grant that in the long'd-for silent Grave , Sense of these sorrows I no more may have . Yet what if Death a full end should not make , But cast me down into a burning Lake , Where I a drop of water shall not get , My Tongue to cool in that tormenting-heat ? I tremble to think on 't ; The case stands so , What thing I should desire I do not know . Eve , from my sight be gone , make no delays , Sorrow and indignation thou dost raise In me when e're I see thee ; get thee gone ; By thee , by thee it is I am undone . It was thy self-conceit , thy wretched pride Of parts and beauty , drew thee from my side . A Serpent , and a Devil in him , were sit Companions for thee , rather than to sit And talk or work with me . Oh that alone I had remain'd , and never woman known ! A Rib thou art , crooked by nature , sent By God for comfort , but to mischief bent . All the ingredients of future woe To mankinds Grand-dame doth all mankind owe. Thou Mother of all living call'd shalt be , Mother of Death too , for that sprung from thee . EVE . My Lord , I have transgrest , and do with tears Confess my fault . Oh let thy gracious ears To my request incline ; and let the heat Of kindled wrath abate ; now at thy feet I prostrate lye . God knows , my heart is thine , My Love , and high esteem , whate're is mine . Through my means , true is is , thou art accurst ; But know , the Serpent hath beguil'd me first . Dost think I would have done 't , had I foreseen What would the consequence thereof have been ? Oh! pity me , dear Adam , for I do My crime acknowledg , and bewail it too . And if that such intreaties might have sped , I 'd beg the punishment upon my Head Might wholly light , and God would thee restore To all the happiness thou hadst before . On those terms welcome sorrow , welcom pain , I all would freely bear , of none complain . Be kind unto me , Adam , me forgive My great offence , and let me with thee live . Broken my heart is , multipli'd my fears , My sighs consider , and observe my tears . In this my sore distress do not me leave ; Me , a part of thy self , do not bereave Of thine advice and aid . A look give down , A look of love on her who is thine own . ADAM . Here 't is , my Dearest , for thee ; come , arise , And those o'reflowing tears wipe from thine eyes , Which my displeasure caus'd ; alas ! that is The least effect of what thou didst amiss . His wrath I dread whom we provoked have , And from that wrath I gladly would thee save By bearing all my self . I 'd loudly cry , Let Eve live in thy sight , and let me dye . But this discourse is vain ; though I am loath To see thy miseries , yet since we both Have sinned , both must suffer , and feel smart ; Our Judges sentence carv'd us both our part . What then remains , but that we study do Love to each other , how to shew it too In all ways possible ? for so may we Somewhat alleviate our misery . EVE . My Lord , with thankfulness I do admire Thy love to me , just object of thine ire . Which great and undeserved love doth raise Hope toward God , that we shall speak his praise . For if man thus forgiveth , how much rather Will he forgive , of Mercy who 's the Father ? ADAM . Most sweet these words , dear Consort ! and my mind Gives me , that we and ours shall favour find In the eyes of our God. Methought there did Great comfort lye in th' very sentence hid . A sudden death was look'd for ; but lo ! He In stead of death , only impos'd on thee Travailing sorrows . And it 's richly worth Considering , thou Children shalt bring forth , For all those pains ; and when a Child thou hast , Forget thou wilt all sorrows that were past . In stead of me ; our Judg did curse the ground , Which now will grow more wild , and will abound With thorns and thistles . It s face will be marr'd With vexing weeds , so I must labour hard . But sleep by labour will be made more sweet , And I by labour shall get bread to eat . But above all , this hath my comforts fed , One day thy seed shall bruise the Serpents head . On these encouragements let us both fly Unto his mercy-seat , and there let 's lye Cover'd with shame , and drown'd with tears ; let 's now Before him like poor malefactors bow . Of this our sin let full confessions , Mixed with fervent supplications , Ascend before his Throne . He may relent And mercy shew unto us penitent . It is the only way to scape the Rod , Humbly to seek our refuge in our God. SON of GOD. Father , the Sentence I have past . Thy will And pleasu●e therein I did all fulfill . Nor have I finished that work alone , But from th' offenders took their heart of stone , And gave them one of flesh , so that they melt , For now the burden of their sin is felt . Yea more , behold , they pray , and sue for grace , Nothing will please them , but thy pleased face . As Priest , their names upon my breast I bear , And now an Advocate for them appear , Presenting their requests all incens'd , and With Intercession back them . Let thy Hand Of Love reach out a Pardon . Let them obtain Thy choicest favour , for my sake , again . From those deep sighs rising from hearts opprest And kindly broke , smell a savour of Rest. Now that they seek thee , be thou of them found , And where Sin hath , let Grace much more abound , Despise them not , who unto thee do fly ; If thou dost them , thou shalt me too deny . I will their sins for ever take away , For their offences I by death will pay . What is done I would not have thee undo , Most highly it becomes thee to be true Unto thy righteous threats . They did forsake Thy Law , and thy Commandments did break ; And visited let their transgressions be With Rods , and with stripes their iniquity . Let their own wickedness correction give , And backslidings reprove them while they live . May they and theirs by sad experience know , It is an evil thing , and bitter too , That they forsook God , and made it appear , By that departure they cast off his fear . Yet thine own purposes of Grace fulfill , Do thou them good , and be their Father still . Some sign of favour give them . Let them see That thou art reconcil'd with them in me . GOD. Be it , my Son , according to thy will , Whatever thou hast spoken , I 'le fulfill . In thee I reconciled am , and can For thy sake pardon all the sins of man. He shall be sure to feel my smarting Rod , Yet I will be to him a loving God. When thou art suitor , what shall not be done ? What 's too much for thy Intercession , Which , I know , thou wilt ever live to make With me in Heaven for poor Sinners sake ? Therefore to th' utmost thou shalt Saviour be Unto all those that come to God by thee , Who shall be happy . Go ye Angels then , And Peace proclaim on Earth , Good will to men . ANGEL . Adam , I hither come Tydings to bring From our and your Creator , Heavens King. Unto thy Pray'rs he hath inclin'd his ear ; Although a sinner , thou to him art dear . Upon thy sin Death might have seizure made ; And if it had done 't , thou must have obey'd Its summons ; but behold ! there 's a reprieve Which Grace hath issu'd forth , and thou shalt live Many and many days , that thou thereby , When e're Death comes , mai'st be prepar'd to die . Unto thy Makers pleasure it is fit , Having offended , humbly thou submit . Bad will be mixt with good ; thy days will be Sunshine and cloudy ; God lays out for thee Sore trials . But of sin do thou repent , And learn in every state to be content . One called Abr'am shall from thee descend , Whom God will own and honour as his Friend . From him , in David's line , also shall spring The promised Messiah . Zions King , Born of a Virgin overshadow'd by The Holy Ghost , power of the most High. He upon David's Throne shall sit full sure , His Kingdom shall for evermore endure . From Gentiles he thick darkness shall dispell , And be the Glory of his Israel . He out of love to thee and thine will die , And shall by Death obtain the Victorie , Nailing unto his Cross each enemie . But unto man by death bring peace and rest , So that whoe're believe in him , are blest . He judged you , and he will come at last To judg the World , when Judgment shall be past By him in Righteousness . And then his own He will advance to his most Glorious Throne , Where they shall reign in all felicity , Without disturbance , to eternity . Mans Hymn of Praise . Tune our Hearts , Lord , that we may speak thy praise ; Flat they are yet , do thou them higher raise . Affect us thoroughly . Let us admire Thy Love , and call in help from all the Quire Of Angels , who with wonder have all seen How great thy goodness unto us hath been ; Who gav'st thy Son , that he might for us die ; Who gav'st thy self for our Recoverie . How freely did'st thou stoop , when we did fall ? That we might Honey have , thou drankest Gall. We eat the Fruit , thou hung'st upon the Tree , Which Life brought unto us , Death unto thee . Thy stripes our healing are , thy thorn our flower ; Thy Blood our Balsom ; and thy Cross our Tower ; Thy wounds our Refuge ; and thy sighs our Song ; Of thee we 'l make our boast all the day-long . Thou art the first-begotten of the Dead ; Thou of all earthly Princes art the Head. Thou love'st us , and washt us from our sins In thine own Blood , making us Priests and Kings To God thy Father . Therefore we will never Cease saying , Glory be to thee for ever . For we , O Lord , thy ransom'd Ones shall come Unto the Heavenly Zion as our Home , With Songs ( caus'd by that blood which thou did'st shed ) And everlasting joy upon our head . We shall obtain all gladness in that day , When sorrow and sighing shall flee away . FINIS . A Dialogue BETWEEN FAITH AND A DOUBTING SOUL . TO THE READER . Courteous Reader , ABout seventeen years ago , a gracioas Woman ( one of that Flock which was by Divine Providence committed to my charge ) sorely laboured under many Doubts , which created her much disquiet . In her agonies she frequently repaired to me for help , which according to the Grace given , I did most readily afford her . But by those Convulsion-sits , which almost every day returned , her memory was rendered so labil and unfaithful , that all I said made no abiding impression . Every time she came to me , she brought with her the same perplexing thoughts , and I had my work to do again . Thereupon I resolved to draw up in Verse her Doubts , and my Answers , and gave them to her in writing , in hope that her memory would more easily retain something which might befriend her ; at least , that having these things by her , she would make use of them as occasion required , and so save both me and her self much labour . Through the goodness of God , my expectation was not disappointed , she found much benefit , as she did most freely and thankfully acknowledg ; and through mercy past the remainder of her days in a pleasant calm . But , good Soul , she could not hide Gods loving kindness within her breast , but communicated to others these lines , which she counted a treasure ; several Copies were taken and disperst , some sent into remote parts , which found good acceptance , and were not without their fruit . Mine own Copy of them lay dormant long after ; indeed I concluded it lost , until about two years since one of my Children found it among my loose Papers , and with joy brought it to me . Since then , one borrowed it , and another , and more , of which several took the pains to transcribe it . And I have of late been so prest to make it publick , that contrary to my own thoughts and resolution , I have been constrained to yield unto their importunity . Certain it is , that Doubtings do abound in gracious Souls , though wicked men enjoy a fatal peace , and are not in trouble like them . The Devil like a roaring Lion gapes upon , and worries those that have escap'd out of his snares ; whilest he rocks his vassals , and doth his utmost to keep them asleep in the cradle of carnal security . Those that have true Faith , have also many fears . But those that are strangers to Faith , are commonly free from them . Doubts are good signs , yet bad company . They damp the spirit , and weaken the hand , and cover with a cloud that face which should shine . They keep Faith from flourishing ; they deprive the Christian of that comfort which the breasts of Gospel-promises would yield him ; they rob God and Godliness of that honour which the cheerful lives of Saints would bring them ; and they render the converses of holy persons many times very unacceptable to their brethren ; though we should bear one anothers burdens , and be very compassionate unto such as are deserted , buffeted , and disconsolate . It is the unquestionable duty of Christs Ministers to be Messengers of peace as well as Sons of thunder ; as to startle and affright sleeping sinners , so to revive drooping and sinking Saints . We are to comfort the people of God , by speaking to their case , and to their hearts . To strengthen the weak hands , and confirm the feeble knees , is a part , yea a very sweet part of our work . We have no dominion over their faith , no , none at all ; but should be helpers of their joy , and rejoice to be so . Vpon this Errand and Design is this little piece sent abroad into the world ; without question many will find themselves concerned in the things contained in it , and I hope some will find advantage . The answer to these Doubts are fetcht from the Word of God , and grounded upon it , and such are most cordial . Nay none but such will bring healing to a wounded , and settlement to a tumultuating spirit . Let none be offended at the manner of composure , but remember the reason before given , and call to mind Davids Psalms , together with the Apostles Exhortation , To admonish one another in Psalms and Hymns , and spiritual Songs . A blessing from heaven go along with this little work ; and if thou receivest any spiritual benefit by it , he hath his end , who is A Friend and Servant to the Houshold of Faith , SAMVEL SLATER . A Dialogue between Faith and a Doubting Soul. FAITH . WHat joys like those which from above descend ! They know no bounds , are strangers to an end . My comforts overflow , I sit and sing ; The night is day to me , and Winter Spring . While others think I want , I enough have , My heritage is good , I nothing crave . Come , Soul , put on a smile , chase sorrow hence ; Whence flow these tears ? why is this great expence Of deep fetcht sighs & groans ? thy Saviours voice Should clear thy brow , & make thy heart rejoice . Husht ! dost not hear 't ? Salvations Captain comes With sound of Trumpets , & with beat of Drums . 'T is not th' alarm of War ; he takes thy part , His actions all along have spoke his heart . For thee he did engage , he fought , and di'd , And now triumphs . All , all makes on thy side . Himself did tell me so ; be of good chear , Away with doubtings , and defie all fear . Shake off these causeless dumps , arise and shine ; The victory is Christs , th' advantage thine . SOVL. What mine ? canst prove it ? thou tak'st all on trust , And so maist be deceived ▪ try I must , And look , and search , examine , and enquire , Ask question after question . Yet no higher Can I attain than to faint hopes ; which cost A thousand thousand labours ; but are lost In twinkling of an eye . I cannot rest , Nor lasting peace enjoy . When things are best , I am disturb'd , my sleep scarce lasts an hour , And when I ' wake again , Lord ! what a pow'r Of sad perplexing thoughts assault my mind ? That I conclude both Heav'n and Earth combin'd To make me miserable . Faith , speak out , Hast thou more cause of joy , or I of doubt ? FAITH . Thou bid'st me speak , and yet deny'st to hear ; When I unlock my lips , thou bolts thine ear . There are such sobs and sighs , bitter bewailings , Such weeping , wringing hands , such loud complainings , That all my labour 's lost . Alas ! my skill In vain is tri'd , for out of meer self-will Thou spillest all my Cordials , and wilt none Of my choice Heaven-born comforts , no , not one . Yet since I know thy sickness , know , I do Both pity it , and long to cure it too . We 'l argue things once more , for I don't dread Thy reas'nings , nor the crafty Serpents head . My cause is good , my blessed Seconds are , ( Though thou think'st otherwise ) without compare . Enter the lists then , yet the Judg shall be Not sense , nor carnal reason , much less he That 's stil'd God of this world ; these neither can Nor will speak comfort to poor humbled man. The Scripture I make choice of , for it is Divine , impartial , cannot judg amiss . Thou canst not quarrel it ; and therefore say , Say on , dejected Soul , I 'le yield the day To Fears , if Scriptures do . Objections raise , Thou shalt have answer , and thy God the praise . Doubt . 1. From the apprehension of Gods Holiness . SOVL. Trembling takes hold upon me , when I see A God above of spotless puritie . The Seraphims his glory do proclaim , And it admire , most holy is his name . The garnisht Heavens are unclean in 's sight , The noon-day Sun is darkned by his light . His eyes are flames of fire , piercing and pure , Which can't the least iniquity endure . But I am full of sin , all over stains ; From top to toe is nought but boils and blains . My head , heart , life with sin are over run ; Sin I did chuse , by sin I am undone . FAITH . Yet there is hope : a ruin'd Bankrupt may Set up again ; the night gives place to day . Adam his beauty lost , and by one sin Defac'd the image God had made him in . The Nazarite became an Ethiope , And in himself had neither help nor hope ; Yet found both in another . God prepar'd More lasting beauty for him , and repair'd His Image on him , and the sinner then , Washt from his filth , waxt fresh and fair agen . This may be done for thee , the fountain still Stands open for all comers ; whoso will May go and bathe his sooty soul , and so Come sorth a Creature new , and white as snow . Thy God is holy , so is Christ , and he Hath Grace sufficient for himself and thee ; Thy wound is not incurable ; thy sore He can so heal , that it shall run no more . Thy Maker can , O soul , form thee anew , Thy holy God can make thee holy too . Nay more , by Covenant he 's bound t' impart To his a spirit right , and a new heart . Go to him then , his faithful promise plead , And so he will richly supply thy need . Doubt . 2. From Gods Iustice. SOVL. But God is just , and will not see his Law Broken without revenge . I stand in awe , And dread his iron-rod . Doth he not say , The soul that sins shall die ? ah ! who then may Once hope for life , since we are sinners all , And lost our righteousness in Adam's fall . Behold me cloth'd with rags , once but one story Lower than Angels , who are cloth'd with glory . These rags are filthy too , and so the shame Which they should cover , they to all proclaim : I do condemn my self , though self I love : What favour then can I expect above ? The Law hath past its sentence , it doth crie , All men are sinners , and as such shall die . My guilt is great , my God is just , who can Satisfie justice , and clear guilty man ? FAITH . I have a Friend will do 't . Did I say , will ? Pardon , dear Jesus : Oh , how I do fill With joy , since I can say , he hath it done , And God is pleas'd with thee in Christ his Son. Thy debt was great , empty thy purse , that friend Became thy surety , and did put an end To the Law-suit , by saying he would pay What thou wast charged with , upon the day Justice should set ; and when that day came , he Paid to a farthing , and discharged thee . The sum was great , but his far greater love Bogled not at it , nor did he once remove From his resolved kindness , but hath given What did redeem lost earth , & purchase Heaven . He laid his life down , his heart-blood he gave , That sparing thy blood , he thy life might save . What more can Justice ask ? surely if I Be once arrested , I 'le plead , Christ did die . If God be not appeas'd with death of God , I will for ever bear his flaming rod. Besides , I spi'd white linnen in his grave , And soon concluded that I this must have . Christ saw me naked , and then did provide A perfect Robe my nakedness to hide . What more is lacking ? let strict Justice see ; My Saviour saith , there is no spot in me . Doubt 3. From the comparatively small number of Redeemed Ones . SOVL. I grant there is in Christ sufficient merit To purchase Heaven , and make his inherit Those peaceful blissful mansions , where he Crowns all their hopes with full felicity . His blood can make the blackest Blackmoor white , And loathsome sinners lovely in Gods sight . Of his Almighty power doubt who can , I do believe him God as well as man. But what of that , I hear , the number 's small For which he died . Had he dy'd for all , I might have fill'd with comfort . But alas ! A little part of this corrupted mass Was chosen out for honourable use , Vessels of glory , whom the Lord did chuse For his Coelestial Temple ; the rest will As worthless silver be rejected still . My reason tells me , if he would not crie And pray for all , for all he would not die . I fear of his dear little Flock I 'm none , Others may saved be , and I undone . FAITH . Be it acknowledged , that few there are , Whom Christ redeem'd , shall in his merits share . He saves not all the world , dy'd not for all , Did not alike affect Iudas and Paul. Grant that , yet do not sink , the door is ope To all that will come , 't is a door of hope . Christ dy'd for sinners , why then not for thee ? Either give reason , or believe with me . Gods Decrees secret are , and who can read His everlasting purpose ? Nay what need Of climbing Heaven , curiously to look , Whether thy name be written in his Book ? That is a vain attempt , that course once take , Thy soul thou'lt wound , & work for sorrow make . There is enough in Christ , and none shall die But such as do not to that refuge flie . In him are safely Arkt persons unclean , Who grievous sinners like to thee have been . Haste thou for shelter too . Why this delay ? O soul , it must be done . Do it to day . Wouldst thou destroy thy self ? shall black despair O'rewhelm and drown thee , now there 's such a fair And ready passage , leading to the Ark In which thousands of thousands do imbark , And are conveyed to a land of rest , Where neither sin nor sorrow can molest . Up , up , for shame , away to him with speed , Who 's call'd a Saviour , and is one indeed . Do but go to him , yea go at a venture , Into his gracious presence all may enter . He never said to any , seek in vain , All humble seekers shall his favour gain . His promise is , if any one will rise And make address to him , he in no wise Will cast him off . Flee thou unto his grace , So he in arms of love shall thee imbrace . None e're departed empty from him . He Is infinitely full , full out as free . Haste to him therefore , haste , thy days do spend ; End thou thy danger , e're thy days do end . Put in thy sickle , reap what he hath sown ; He 's not thy foe , if thou be not thine own . The invitation is , Whoever will , Let him come hither , and here take his fill . If thou wilt take , then Christ will give , believe ; Stretch out thy hand , he will thy wants relieve . He is the God of Love , then to him go , Thou canst not ask the thing he will not do . Others have sought and found , asked and had , Who sinners were like thee , as old , as bad . Their good success should ease and chear thy heart , Christ will do his , if thou wilt do thy part . Doubt 4. From uncertainty of interest . SOVL. I question still mine interest in God , And cannot call him Father . Mine abode Is yet in darkness , I want light to read Mine Evidences by . Oh! could I feed My joys with full assurance ; did I know That God is reconciled , Christ did do And suffer all for me , I soon would chase All sorrow hence , and with a smiling face Look on my dearest Lord : nothing should hinder , His love should be the spark , my heart like tinder Should quickly kindle , and be all in slame With love and praises to his holy name , Thrice happy Paul could say Christ dy'd for him , Which fill'd his soul with joy up to the brim . Did I know that , my comforts would run o're ; I 'd sit and sing , but sigh and sob no more . FAITH . Dost thou desire to know it ? Look within . Is no discov'ry made ? then look agen . Beg light from Heaven when 't is dark below ; Thou shalt know , if thou follow on to know . Christ dy'd for all in whom he lives , make out His living in thee , and thou needst not doubt . If thou canst say , O Lord , my heart is thine ; Thou well maist say , O Lord , thy death is mine . He enters no House , but he sprinkles first The Door-posts of it with that blood which burst Out of his precious side . That sincere love , Which glows within thy breast , came from above , And is a sweet reflection of that fire And purer flame in him , and doth aspire To its own Element ; 't will carry thee To that blest place , where is no room for me . Cease groundless fears , God will not him deny That saith , Lord give me Christ , or else I dye . Deal faithfully in thine own case , and own With thankfulness what God for thee hath done . Thou canst not choose but say , many a time Christ hath himself shewn willing to be thine . Thou dost accept him , dost not ? Then all 's done , The match is made , and Jesus is thine own . God saith , wilt have my Son ? thou say'st , yea Lord , Be it to me according to thy word ; His Love and Law also , both I would have , His Peace without his Grace I do not crave . I am as willing he in me should reign , As that by him I happiness may gain . Let this be thy return , for so shall he Fill thee with grace , and Heaven with such as thee . Doubt 5. From inward Corruptions . SOVL. With such as me ! believ 't who will ; I can't , Whoever enters Heaven , sure I shan't . Nought that defiles shall thither come ; that place Is fill'd with Glory for Souls fill'd with Grace . But mine is stuff'd with sin , numberless evils , Ill thoughts , affections , Legions of Devils , Haunt and inhabit here . Lord ! what a pow'r Of lusts are crawling in it every hour ! I never set my self to look within , But I discover filthy heaps of sin . Did others see what I do , they with shame And scorn would shun me ; I disgrace that name Which graceth me , Christ's holy name I bear . Him I profess , his Livery I wear , With him I live , his word I hear , yet feel No yielding to him in this heart of Steel . Filthy I was , and so am still ; How can An holy Christ dwell in so soul a man ? Sure he his habitation sweepeth clean ; There are not in his Temple heaps of sin . Sin dies in him that liveth ; therefore I Have no true life , not finding sin to dye . FAITH . Sin is in thee . But is there nothing more ? There may be Grace , though of corruption store . In midst of enemies thy Saviour reigns , And of those enemies still ground he gains . That mighty one hath girt his Sword to 's side , And conquering , to conquer he doth ride . Thou feelest thy corruptions are rife , Such feeling is a mercy , sign of life . Dead men feel nothing , load them , load again , They do not groan , they do not once complain . It 's well when sin doth trouble and molest , Which did thee please ; for Christ hath promis'd rest To heavy laden souls ; nor is he slack To take that burden off which galls thy back . He will not pass thee by , because so ill ; Thou art the fitter for his Sov'reign skill . A good Phisician overlooks the sound , And goes where sicknesses do most abound . Hate and abhor thy sins , thy self bemoan ; If sin lose love , it cannot keep the throne . Where 't is endear'd it lives , loathed it dies . Christ at one time humbles and sanctifies . As for the stirrings of thy lust , at most , They 'r but death-pangs , it shall give up the Ghost . Sampson did at his death make greatest sport . The Devils rage grows high , when 's time is short . Be thou so wise in th' case which thou art in , As to discern 'twixt reign and rage of sin . What speak thy bleeding heart , & weeping eyes ? Sure this , that sin don't reign but tyrannize . Danger of death is past , because I see By these complainings , sin doth die in thee . Doubt . 6. From want of Godly sorrow . SOVL. Could I indeed mourn kindly , then at last I 'd think the bitterness of death were past . Could I with weeping mingle all my drink , Or make my bed to swim ; could I so think On my corruptions , as to dissolve Into a flood of tears , I should resolve My doubts , and banish fears . Were e're a vein Of godly sorrow breath'd , 't would ease my pain . Then I should smile at table , rest in bed , A bleeding heart would cure an aking head . But mine , alas ! is stupid , brawnie , dry Will scarce afford a tear , will scarce supply Me with desired groans ; sometimes I see My brethren furnisht with a treasurie , Or ocean of tears . How soon can they With laden clouds o'recast their clearest day ! One thought of Christ , or word of sin doth make Their eyes run over , and their hearts to ake . I can't command a drop , when they have store ; And therefore grieve 'cause I can grieve no more . FAITH . Poor soul ! oh that thy head were waters , and Thy chamber Bochim . Oh! that a command Would sweetly break thine heart , and make it melt , Feeling such sorrow as it never felt . I wish that these dry cheeks bedew'd may be With tears for him that shed his blood for thee . They would be Aqua vitae , gen'rous wine , Quickly reviving this faint heart of thine . Those tears would drown thy sorrow , & that rain Would make the inward chaps to close again . Well , take a turn upon that fatal mount Where Christ was crucifi'd , and there recount His pressing sorrows ; there behold the Sun Of Righteousness eclips'd , and having run His race of life , setting at last in dark , Wrapt up in clouds , stand still a while and hark How deep his sighs were fetcht in that black night , Who brought for us immortal life to light . His soul was sorrowful , ev'n unto death . Yet in that sorrow not the smallest breath Of comfort reacht him ; he was fain to ' bide The rage of enemies ; nay God did hide . Men reak'd their rage , his Father too did pour His wrath upon him in the self-same hour . And all this for thy sin ; lay that to heart , Thou did'st transgress , and he endur'd the smart . Dwell on these thoughts , for sure a Saviour's groan May pierce and mollifie an heart of stone . Repeated thoughts , that God did him forsake , May kindly work , and cause thy heart to ake . Since Peter wept with one cast of Christs eye , Thou mai'st to hear him say , for thee I die . Yet measure not repentance by thy tears . Sorrow is deepest when it least appears . Don't always judg of inward sorrows by The tongue complaining , or the weeping eye . For full-charg'd vessels frequently run least , Through want of vent , so doth the heart opprest . Many have words , yea tears too at their will , Who Christ rejecting hug their Idols still . Esau did weep , and yet could find no place For wisht repentance , nor for saving grace . Again , there may true Penitents be found O'rewhelm'd with grief , with brinish tears not drown'd . Some mens complexions are hot , and they Buckets of water must needs want to lay The fire that burns within , whilst others are So full of moisture , they 've enough to spare . Grace sanctifieth , and makes better , yet Natures defects are not suppli'd by it . Divers affections too are in the heart . Now one , anon another acts its part ▪ Thy grief once wrought , and then thou couldst have stood . Under Christs Cross , till thou had'st wept a flood . Holy revenge now is upon the stage , And prosecutes with never-ending rage The murderer , that Christ did crucifie , And nothing but its blood will satisfie . Despond not then , O soul , that sacred fire Of holy anger ( which shall not expire Upon the altar of thine heart ) doth dry That dew which once upon thy cheeks did lie . Come , dost thou feel the heavy weight of sin ? Wouldst give a world , there were not one within ? Is that thy misery , thy plague , thy sore ? Wouldst willingly offend thy God no more ? If God should bid thee ask a boon , wouldst cry , Lord , that my soul might live ; my sin might die ? Canst part with Delilah ? canst Agag hew , Thy Kingly-darling-lust , canst bid adieu To all the Idols of thine heart ? then he Who dy'd for sinners , also dy'd for thee . That sense of sin , those inward pains that cause A man to loath himself , yield to Christs laws , The Gospel calls enough . Do thou not cover One of thy sins , God will them all pass over . What e're is wanting in thy tears , Christs blood To th' utmost will supply , and make it good . Huge mountainous transgressions of man Small rivers cannot hide , but th' Ocean can . Doubt 7. From spiritual unfruitfulness . SOVL. But my heart is a barren soil : that lays My comforts dead ; did I fill up my days , Place and Relations ; ah ! did I find A fruitful soul , I should not faint in mind . I cannot weep , yet if my work went on , Were this my straitned heart enlarg'd to run The ways of Gods Commandments , then my peace Would like a river be , and still increase . Abundant fruits of holiness would be Proofs of my love to God , Gods love to me . God justly doth expect from every one Returns of love and duty . There is none Deserves a servants name , unless he do Perform the work his master sets him to . God likes not idle drones , that drink and eat At others cost , and live on others sweat . His people are industrious , and can say , Lord we our work have finisht in our day . Whereas mine lieth dead upon my hand , While time flies swiftly , I do idle stand . Many commands before me present are , But where 's obedience ? if I compare My life with God's law , I most plainly see , Of much that should , little is done by me . I stand and wonder at my Masters cost , Then sit down sighing , when I think all lost . FAITH . Suppose it true , that little fruit is found Upon thy branches ; thou dost not abound In service ; though thy reck'ning-day doth haste , Yet days for working do run out to waste . The best of servants oft have cause to say , I have not done a days-work in a day . But what 's thy duty now ? sure not to throw All hope away , and utterly undo Thy precious high-born soul by black despair ; Rather mend former faults by future care . Is one day gone , and yet its work not done ? Then if thou canst , do two days work in one . And having been too too remiss before , Double thy diligence , and strive the more . Didst sleep away thy golden morning hours ? Then in the afternoon call up the pow'rs Of soul and body , working each amain , Not leaving till thy losses thou regain . This doth become a Christian , not to sit Doubting and drooping only in a sit Of Melancholy , which his comfort kills , And him with spiritual distempers fills . But is 't a just charge which thou dost put in Against thy self , poor soul ! O do not sin In false-accusing ; act not Satan's part To make him all the sport , thy self the smart . Let the best laden branches hang the head . Be thankful for some fruit , the tree's not dead That hath one cluster . Though more would do well , Out of that one thou mal'st a blessing spell . Acknowledg what thy God to thee hath been , And overlook not thy returns to him . Thankfully own receipts of Grace ; withall Do not disown thy gracious acts , though small . There 's no day thou dost all thy work ; but pray Dost not do something for God ev'ry day ? Canst thou pass one without an holy thought , And thankful mindfulness of him that brought Thee up from th' womb ? canst for the world be free Without some intercourse 'twixt God & thee ? Tell me the truth ; where hast bestow'd thy love , Unless upon thy dearest friends above ? Whom dost desire ? whose absence dost bemoan , Like that of God , who is thine only one ? In Ordinances thou dost most delight ; And would'st do all thy duties with thy might . Now springs a sigh , then drops a pearly tear ; Here 's grief for sin , longings for God be there . Call this good fruit ; thou hast not barren been , Something thou findest , more remains unseen . All Saints do not improve alike ; some yield A larger crop than others . Every field Bears not an equal burden . Some Saints prove More fertile than their Brethren , and their love Being stronger is more active ; ne'rtheless Not one doth know a total barrenness . The Father purgeth every branch that is Truly in Jesus , so that none doth miss Wholly of bearing . And if now small store Of holy fruit , there may next year be more . Besides thou readest , Christians life is hid ; So are their vital acts sometimes . Who did Discover ought in David , while the fall Of leaf was on him : ah ! how sadly all His graces lay for dead ! the sap in 's root Yet rose again , and brought forth precious fruit ▪ Be not discourag'd , God will not despise A day of small things . In his gracious eyes Blossoms are acceptable ; if there be One little cluster , Oh! how sweetly he Doth smile upon it ! 't is his holy will , It should not be destroyed , because still There is a blessing in it . If God do Own poor beginnings , see thou own them too . Doubt 8. From want of Growth . SOVL. Where grace is true , it thrives . The rising Sun Doth with a swift incessant motion run , Until he reacheth the Meridian . At last the tender Infant is a man. Thus 't is in nature , thus in grace ; the way of just men shineth to the perfect day . At first they live , after they lively grow , Add grace to grace till they a fulness know . From strength to strength they do advance , until They before God appear in Zion-hill . They flourish in his holy Courts , and do Improve in youth , and in their old age too . The outward man is subject to decay , But th' inward man's renewed day by day . So should it be with me , who sit and feed At a full table , where I nothing need . Yet though I keep my meals , and eat my fill , There 's cause to cry , Ah Lord , my leanness still ! I have the Sun-shine , and the fat'ning rain Of Gospel-Doctrine , but yet nothing gain . I suck the flowers of truth , thereby to thrive , Yet carry little honey to my Hive . Others began since me with Heaven to trade , Better advantage yet by far have made . When I my spiritual strength or stock do trie , I do at first weakness and wants espie . Look what an one I was sometime ago , Just such I am ; my Stature's very low . My hand of faith yet trembles , and mine eye Sees very dim , the Gospel mysterie I can scarce peep into ; my love is chill . My patience hardly brooketh any ill . My zeal for God is cold . Flat my desire . My heart is ice , which should be all on fire . Thus it was formerly , thus it is now , I am but what I was , and do not grow . Which want of progress makes me sadly fear I am not what to others I appear . FAITH . It is not always safe from present sense To judg of thy condition , for from hence Thousands upon mistakes have fill'd with fears , And cast away those comforts which were theirs . Thou dost deny thy growth in grace ; dost know For certain thine estate some years ago ? If thou reflect only on yesterday , Or a month since , 't is plain , thy progress may Be wholly undiscern'd ; look further back , Look curiously , and so what thou dost lack For evidence of growth , thou mai'st discover , Whereby the present trouble will go over . Thou dost not see the motion of the Sun , Though in a day thousands of miles he run . Thy childrens growth , thy plants increase may be Hid for a time , and not perceiv'd by thee . Bread daily thou dost eat , and yet assoon As dinner 's past , know'st not what good is done . Thereby thou nourisht art , and strength hast got , Although immediately thou feel'st it not . A Tradesman doth his Calling follow hard , Yet cannot tell his gain till afterward . Wares he buys in , and sells them out again , Others he doth supply , himself maintain ; But scarce can tell whether he get or waste , Until at the years end he comes to cast His shop-books up ; which being done , he can Make it appear , he is a better man Than last year left him . He with joy hath found , There 's added to his weight an hundred pound . So if thou wilt consider what thou wast In spiritual strength and stature some years past , Thou't find the babe in Christ is grown a man , And to thy graces great addition . Only consider wisely , and compare With faithfulness things past , with things that are . And thy attainments do thou not deny , Because thou hast not all that 's in thine eye . Besides in nature are more ways than one Of growing and increase . For when the Sun Makes his approach in Spring , the plants do shoot , And flourish upward , then again their root On his withdrawing from them , spreads , and so Now upward and anon downward they grow . Both growths in season are , both needful be , One graceth , t' other stablishes the tree . Thus in the Christian ; sometimes Faith improves And makes advance ; then the next turn is Loves , Which riseth to a flame , from whence there springs Raptures of joy . The soul then sits and sings , The table now is spread , the cup runs o're , In which it doth delight , and God adore ; Of him it makes its boast ; th' affections To Christ wax vehement ; injections From Satan cool , the Lion doth not roar . Now evidences are clearer and more For present grace , and everlasting bliss . Most easie 't is to see such growth as this . But it 's not thus with thee ; well , don't despair , Improvement now may be some other where . Ricketty growth doth never please a mother , She 'd see it in all parts , both one and other . And so would Christ , who to his holy race Out of his fulness giveth grace for grace . And influenceth each with dews and raies , That so his people may be to his praise . All this he doth not all at once , but yet He doth it as in wisdom he sees fit . Search then , yea dig , dig deep , so mai'st thou find Those hidden treasures that will please thy mind ▪ In barren places oft rich Mines are found ; Gods workings are not seldom under ground . Perhaps thou dost not seast it with delight , But dost not feel a craving appetite ? Thou wants assurance of thy Father's heart ; But thou for this humbler in spirit art . Thou at the spring of comforts dost not lie ; Yet now thou canst for Christ thy self deny . Once thy affections were fonder far ; But at this day they more judicious are . For sin thou weep'st not , as thou could'st before ; But now thou seest it worse , and hat'st it more . Thou to more spiritual knowledg hast attain'd , Much in experiences thou hast gain'd . Art lower now than e're in thine own eyes , Canst worldly Vanities much more despise Than in thy younger time . Bless God for this , He that grows thus , shall never do amiss . Doubt 9. From wandring Thoughts . SOVL. Another vexing thorn and pricking briar Is , that my fluttering mind can mount no higher In holy duties . When I up would flie , Upon the earth my heart doth groveling lie . Or if sometimes it be upon the wing , It doth not stay above ; but every thing Allures it down again . Trifles divert This foolish , worldly , and unstable heart ; And draw it from Gods service , when I 'd fain Keep close to him . There is cause to complain ; Evil is present with me when I wou'd Walk with my Father , and do what is good . My reason tells me , One present with God Seeing his Scepter , and his Iron-rod ; One that such mercies hath humbly to crave , As that God pardon would , accept and save . One that ' doth see the sinfulness of sin , And doth desire to conquer all within . One that doth know the plague of his own heart , And hath been made to feel its dreadful smart . One that hath looked down into the deep , And fears his own damnation doth not sleep . One that for life prays , and coelestial pleasure , With endless glory , should not be at leisure Any divertisements that time to own , He from such weighty work should not come down . But my inconstant spirit 's drawn aside By every fawning trifle ; can't abide To stick to serious work , or dwell upon Its own concerns by meditation . Though to a boiling heat my heart be wrought ; Yet even then many an idle thought Will bubble up : In midst of fervent cries , A filthy and most lothsome scum doth rise . Methinks , when I most gladly do repair To hear Gods Word , 't is pleasant to be there ; That duty 's my delight , fain would I sit A daily Learner at my Saviour's feet . All earthly business I lay by , and go Where I may know him whom 't is life to know . But while my greedy ear to him I bow , My heart is stoln away I know not how , Carri'd I know not where , but moan my cross In fullest chase to find my self at loss . So when in sense of sin or want I pray And put up my petitions , I lay Strict charge upon my soul to go along , And with affections to back my tongue . But a temptation comes , and knocks at dore , And then my fickle heart will pray no more . Up then it gets , and strait away doth run , Its heat is spent before my suit is done . What ground is there for hope I prosper may , When frequently in prayer I don't pray . I greatly fear , my heart from wickedness Is not yet washt , since vanities do press Continually into 't , and quickly find Most ready welcome with my vainer mind . FAITH . Christian , this ev'n thy soul-distempers speaks ; 'T is sure , thy heart hath too too many leaks , Which sacred things let out , and then let in Satans suggestions , the world , and sin . All is not as it should be , in this life Grace will imperfect be , corruptions rise . Mourn therefore that this Cabinet of thine Framed by Gods own hand for things divine , And to be fill'd with Christ and Grace should be Thus stufft with dross , and dung , and vanitie . Our souls our glory are , on purpose made To carry on a never ceasing trade With Heaven , and upon their God attend , Like Angels in his presence without end . Grieve then that thine thus should the Lacquey play On every toy that summons it away . Let mourning upon wanderings attend , Sadly bewail what yet thou canst not mend . But be not out of heart , these spots are seen On Gods own children , that have washed been In Christs most precious blood . All of them do Hate wandring thoughts , and yet they have them too . That soul which upon Christ is fixt in love , May in its duties often fluttering prove . Wandrings either from carelesness procede , Or unto them meer weakness doth thee lead . If carelesness be cause of them , thy God Will visit for them with a smarting rod. If they arise only from weakness , he Will never charge those failings upon thee . He is a Father , with loves mantle can Hide multitudes of such in humbled man. The child is troubled with a Palsie , and Cannot hold fast what he hath in his hand . His Father is not angry with him sure , But first him pities , then looks out for cure . God is a Father too , none such , and so Accepteth what thou dost with weakness do . Know further , this is not thy case alone , On this side Heaven of all the Saints there 's none But will with sadness say , Just so am I : This is the burden under which I lie . When they mount upward unto God , they feel Their weaker minds all on a sudden wheel , And downward rowl again . Though Heaven be Their Element , place of felicitie , Yet like to fishes in the water , they E're and anon frisk out in wanton play . Then do not with despair thy self bemoan , Thy case is sad , but not thy case alone . Let that be thy support , in misery It is some comfort to have company . Further , I know , as vanity doth mix With thy best duties , when thou wouldest six Only on God , and bid'st all things be gone , That thou mai'st please thy self with him alone ; So as these cheating vanities do steal Some of thy precious time ; thy soul doth feel ( In midst of this incroaching worlds affairs Which fills thy mind with many thoughts and cares , Secret withdrawings of thine heart from all , Holy ascendings at thy Father's call . As there are heavy weights that do depress And bear thee down in solemn services : So there 's a mighty principle of love , Which sweetly carrieth thy soul above . When other things needs would it here detain , Upon that mighty wing it flies amain . And when 't is fetter'd with the world , what smart Dost feel until ( those fetters broke ) thou art Again restor'd to spiritual libertie , And made for holy meditation free . If Satan and the world have crouded in To Church and Closet , cheer up , God hath been With thee in house and street . This wandring heart Out of its six days hath carv'd God apart . As in thy purest manchet there is leaven , So in thy daily bread there 's some of Heaven . But since , O Soul ▪ thy stay with God is short , See that to him thou frequently resort . Do not thy thoughts with him abide ? be sure Long absence from him thou do not endure . Thy head indeed is weak , thy grace not strong , Pray therefore oft , because thou canst not long . While others visit once , do thou go twice ; Thy falls are frequent , frequent be thy rise . Thy duties interrupted are , this do , Piece duty unto duty , mend all too . Since all thy lambs are blemisht , without fail Of all thy flock offer to God the male . And since thy thoughts wiil from thee often part , Be sure in all thy work there be thy heart . And know , this weakness shall be cur'd , God will Give thee of fellowship with him thy fill When once thou com'st to Heaven , thou shalt be Fixed upon him to eternitie . He that is thy desire and thy delight , Shall minded be , and serv'd with all thy might . Thy thoughts and thy affections shall come And dwell on him their everlasting home . Thine enemies shall all away be flown , Temptation there sha'nt be , corruption none . Thine heart shall then be rais'd , and no more fall To earth or sin , God shall be all in all . Grieve not too much , though here thou wander still , Thou shalt not wander , when up Zion-hill . Doubt 10. From fear of Apostacy . SOVL. I know if I were there , I soon should be Eas'd of these loads , and from corruption free . No Devil 's there to tempt , sin to perplex , No clog to hinder , Canaanite to vex . All is serene and pleasant , all delight ; Withdrawings there are none , no clouds , no night . There sights of God are clear , communion sure , Uninterrupted , always to endure . But I uncertain am , and sadly fear , I shall my labour lose , and not come there . Heaven I mind for Gods sake , 't is the scope Of all mine actions , yet I dare not hope At last to reach it ; no , I may fall short , And be the Angels scorn , and Devils sport . Experience tells me , if at any time I plead a title , and call glory mine , Strait I receive a check , because it is So difficult to get , easie to miss . I have indeed been walking in the way ; That thither leads , some steps I take each day . I for salvation pray , and wrestling groan , Resolved not to let my God alone Until he bless me . Prayer is the thing That to me doth my sweetest comforts bring . Unto the Church I go , the Word I hear , As 't is Gods Word , with reverence and fear . I daily stand upon my guard , and do Watch against sin , as my most mortal foe : I put on all my armour , and maintain A constant war with all , thereby to gain The victory at length over each one , And sit triumphant on my Saviour's throne . I labour with my might , if so I may Commended be by God another day . I make what haste I can , that so I might Reach safely to my Father's house by night . By this means I have got near Heaven , and From Pisgah can look to the holy land . But what of this ? many an one hath lost All his profession , his pains and cost . Not only buds are nipt , which tender are , But lovely blossoms , which did promise fair , Are blasted with the cold and winds . Nay more , Oft have I seen the earth thick sown with store Of fruit near ripe , which in a Summers morn A furious tempest hath blown down with scorn . Many a stately Ship , the owners pride , Backt at its setting forth with wind and tide , Hath swiftly plow'd the Main , and safely past , Trading from Port to Port , until at last , It doth return rich fraught , and every one Sweetly discourseth of his long'd for home , And Wife , and Children , with his Friends , that do Long every whit as much to see him too : The Mariners conclude their danger o're , The Merchants smile , & dread their loss no more ; Yet near the Haven it is cast away , And by the mighty waters made a prey . When all thought with success their labour own'd , The Ship is sunk , goods lost , and Seamen drown'd . With many in Religion thus it is , Who aim at Heaven , but of Heaven miss . Their lives are blameless , & their hopes are high , Yet when their days are done , their hopes do die . To day they think all well ; but on the morrow Death summons them , & down they lie in sorrow . Thus did the foolish Virgins at last get Unto the Bridegrooms chamber-door , and yet No entrance could obtain . This was their doom , I know you not , depart , here is no room For such as you . Pack , pack out of my sight , Your vessels want their oil , your lamps their light . The young man went a great way , and got near To Heaven , but fell short , and ne're came there . Admir'd the progress , terrible the falls Have been of some professed Saints , which calls Loudly on all to fear , lest in the close Of all their labours they their labour lose . Of such why may not I , poor I be one , Who after all their doings are undone . Such are the workings of mine heart , I do Watch daily , ply mine oar , and tremble too . I have made fair beginnings , but do fear , Unto the end I shall not persevere . Some weight may press me down , some sin beset And with ease master my affections , get A conquest over me , clap on its chain , From which I never may get loose again . As yet I do proceed as I began , But may be driven back by fear of man. My zeal now seemeth hot , but cool it may Upon the sight of Lions in the way . And how shall I appear ? or with what face Can I look upon God ? if in this race I tire or turn my back ; since it is sure , Apostate Christians he cannot endure . Better it had been never to have known Pure ways of righteousness , than to disown And leave them afterward ; none sink in Hell Deeper than those fall from a Pinacle . Many from thence have tumbled , why not I ? Whose head is weak , whose standing slipperie . Who every foot am ready to turn o're , Religion to throw up , and do no more . The footmen weary me , what shall I do , When I am call'd to run with horsemen too ? If in a land of peace I fainted have , How shall I live on Jordans swelling wave ? FAITH . Apostacy indeed 's a dreadful evil , Transforming man into an ugly Devil . Blind Turks and Heathens jewels are , if we Compare them with those that Apostates be . Hells first-born these are , Satans eldest sons , And shall receive their double portions Of plagues and miseries ; God will repay In punishment their falshood at that day Which he appointed hath , when for what 's done By men , he men will judg by Christ his Son. Oft these are found within the Churches line ; Oft seeming sheep have proved sordid swine . Some that were thought furnisht with oil enough To feed their lamps , have ended in a snuff . Some that seem'd orient stars of light do fail , And down are drag'd by th' fiery Dragons tail . Demas forsook that Paul he followed ; Shewing thereby , he only borrowed The Christian name himself a while to grace , Which done , he did the flattering world embrace . But know the fruit which falls , though 't was before Lovely in skin , was rotten at the core . Members that seem'd alive , and now are dead , Never united were to Christ the head . Hangby's they were , and base pretenders , who Mystical union unto Christ ne'r knew . False grace is always failing grace ; the sound , Instead of sailing shall still more abound . Not that this holy firmness doth proceed Or spring from natures power in Abra'ms seed , Or from the grace in them , that 's but a creature , And might be master'd soon , were not a greater rout . And alsufficient strength by God put out , Which doth maintain their ground , prevent their Even Peters faith had fail'd , had not Christ pray'd And also secretly afforded aid . Saints eminent ( if God withdraw his hand For one poor moment from them ) cannot stand . Should he with-hold his influence , they die ; Should he leave them , they soon would him deny . Angels themselves would fall , but that they be By grace confirm'd in their felicitie . Much more would Adam's seed , who have within Back-sliding principles , and seeds of sin . They soon would God forsake , and soon undo The Cov'nant made to love and serve him too . The root they do not bear , the root bears them , They are both holy Saints , and sinning men . Undone thou soon wouldst be , if God should take Away his Spirit , and thy soul forsake . By thine own strength , O man , thou dost not stand But thy dear Father is at thy right hand , Holding thee up , and he will carry thee In arms of love to blest eternitie . Thy Cistern leaks , but it shall not be dry , Because the upper springs will send supply . Dangers and clouds shall vanish ; God shall be An everlasting Sun and shield to thee . Consider in how much thou Christ hast stood , Not one whit less than his most precious blood . For thee his Head with thorns was crown'd , his side Was pierc'd , for thee he sweat , he bled , he di'd , And will he cast away a soul , that cost So great a price as this ? shall that be lost Which he prefer'd before his life ? no , he Will be his purchas'd Saints securitie . His own thou art , with thee he will not part , Who once didst cost his blood , still hast his heart . Thou art a member of his body , one Part of his fulness , and he 'l part with none Of them or that , but will them save and love ; Christ will not be a maimed Christ above . Nay more , he stands oblig'd . His Father gave A people to him , that he might them save . He is accountable for every one : Must raise them all at last day , losing none . Yea , and in such a state he must them raise , As they may be unto his name a praise . Now in pursuance of his Father's will , He that hath always kept , will keep thee still . And therefore he hath promis'd to impart His fear unto thee , and write in thine heart His sacred law , that though thou mai'st be tri'd With fierce assaults , none of thy steps may slide . He in himself hath laid up all thy store , And if thou little hast , he 'l give thee more . Adam thy father had a pow'r to stand , Which pow'r was wholly plac'd in his own hand , But he did quickly lose the stock that was Committed to him ; hence Christ will not pass All thine estate to thee at once , lest thou Run out of all , and prove a beggar too . Himself thy fulness is , and therefore sure , He being rich , thou never shalt be poor . So poor as to depend , thou still shalt be , But never know undoing povertie . Eden was once indeed fill'd with more grace , Or rather holiness , yet that sweet place Was never so secure , as is thy Ark , Thy floating little cock-boat now ; for mark , God is its skilful Pilot , constant stay , Who by his spirit steereth night and day Its course ; upholding , strengthening thee likewise , When tempests rage , & threatning waves arise . Thus chear thy self , when thou dost fear to fall , Remembring God will be thine all in all , Thy rock and refuge , thy treasure and guard , Who keepeth for thee constant watch and ward . His eye doth neither slumber , nor once-sleep , He keepeth Israel , and thee doth keep . He is no land of darkness , barren heath , His everlasting arms are underneath . He knows full well when ought would thee annoy ; Will always be thy comfort and thy joy . Do thou thy duty , and then know that God Will with his staff support thee , with his rod Will guide thy steps , until at last thou be Above a sinning possibility . Doubt 11. From Satans Temptations . SOVL. If God my keeper were , I should not doubt My spiritual safety , nor my holding out . Mine enemies should fall , and I should be At peace , because in full securitie . Iachin and Boaz I 'd my pillars call , Did God make his Salvation my wall . The Lion should not rend , nor Serpent bite , Because he watcheth his both day and night . But sure the Lord hath left me , for I feel The Serpent always nibling at my heel . I now am walking in a wilderness , Where Lion's always roaring more or less . Hardly a day doth pass , nay scarce an hour , But Satan doth assault me with his power . With utmost rage the mighty gates of Hell Assault and storm my crazie Cittadel . And how is 't possible , poor I should be An equal match for such an enemie ? What may a worm do ? what resistance can Be made by foolish weak and naked man ? Alas , I quake and tremble every hour , Expecting when he will my soul devour . Now he doth play with me , and my fears feed His mirth ; me at his pleasure he can lead An helpless captive , hurrying me to sin ; He can me post to th' torments he is in . Great is his strength , and numberless his wiles , Many his famous conquests , trophies , spoils . Run through the world , sinners & Saints compare , You 'l see , the greatest part falls to his share . Here he hath spread a net , there set a gin , Thousands of thousands are intrapt therein . Of men , the most he orders at his pleasure , His sport he makes them , when he 's most at leisure . He knows and is assur'd they are his own ; If but a bait be laid , the work is done , They 'r caught , his hook sticks , and they caanot free Themselves from sin , nor him , nor misery . Lord of this world he is , whom they adore , Fear him they do , and yet they love him more . Nay , he 'l encounter any , he fears none ; But counts himself a match for ev'ry one . Those that are built on the eternal rock , And stand immovable , have felt his shock . Experience tells us , that those Saints who be Strongest in grace are not temptation free . Adam in Paradise ( though perfect , and Armed with strength sufficient to withstand All foreign force , and bravely keep the field ) Was set upon , and set upon did yield . So did this subtle enemy undo A world of men in one man at a blow . That first attempt succeeded to his heart ; Since , he is grown a master in the Art Of tempting ; at the first he had his will ; Six thousand years have much increas'd his skill . That victory did flesh him , ever since He is courag'ous , bids fear get it hence . He set on David , Ioshua the Priest ( When in Gods presence ) found he had not ceast From troubling Saints . Although Iob did outshine All men on earth that lived in his time , He could not be at quiet . This foul Fiend Desir'd on him his sharp'ned darts to spend . Paul was a valiant champion , yet still On him the Devil needs would try his skill . He had his buffets , and in 's flesh a thorn ; And had not help come , had been overborn . Saints then he troubles , and of all there 's none Reacht Heaven but through sore temptation . Yea , as he hath desi'd the blessed Host Of great Jehov ' , so he can likewise boast Of his assaulting Christ their chief ; he did Not only bruise the heel , but strike the head . This beast of prey hath set upon the sheep , And on the shepherd too that doth them keep . And what , shall I , sighting with such a soe , Hope to make good my ground , & worst him too ? Shall I victorious be , and cause to flie Those troops of Devils that in ambush lie , And have a party too in mine own breast , By which I am continually opprest ? Mine own corruptions do me betray To their temptations oft ev'ry day . How can it be , that I who thus beset Am with such en'mies , should the conquest get ? I can't believe it , for it cannot be : The strength of Hell and sin 's too strong for me . FAITH . Be of good courage , dread not Satans might , By Christ thou listed art , resolve to sight . He of Salvation the Captain is : Do what he bids , thou canst not do amiss . Put on thine armour , man , one piece and other , From head to foot it will thee safely cover . Only there is no back-piece : such as flie Lose their defence , then either fight or die . Gird on thy sword , and Faith take for thy shield , So shall the Devil slie , thou keep the field . Hath he his trophies by him ? doth he tell Of captives he hath led in chains to Hell ? Hath he near fill'd his prison ? and made sure Of thousands that did think themselves secure , And out of gun-shot ? what ! doth he recall To mind with triumph , David's , Peter's fall ? Remember how Goliah did defie Israels army ; but proud fool did die By a young striplings hand ; a little stone Did turn his vapours to a dying groan . And in thy fainting-sits remember how Blaspheming Rabshakeh did brave it too ; With a profane foot on the holy land By fair Ierusalem's walls he did stand Crying , Where are the gods of Hamath ? where Ivah's and Sepharvaim's gods ? were there Any of them could my great power withstand , Or keep Samaria from Assyria's hand ? But what'of that , one Angel in one night Did near Two hundred thousand slay outright . All were dead corpses , when next morn men rose , And so in sear away Sennacherib goes . That God who thus the pow'rs on earth did quell , Knows how to do the same to th' gates of Hell. Poor weaklings have through him stood out the shock , And being built on the eternal Rock , Laugh'd Beelzebub to scorn ; assisted by Christs strength , babes win the day , and make him flie . Cedars have tumbled , when a bruised reed Hath stood unbroken . The immortal seed Once sown shall root & grow , though Satan fain Would be at work to pick it up again . The first of Creatures he did make to fall ; But the new Creature shall stand after all ; Yea , after all 's attempts , and shall at length With triumph say , My soul th' ast trod down strength . In mad Bravadoe he did Christ engage , But thereby lost his pow'r , though not his rage . He of his Holiness long'd to bereave him , But when his worst was done , was forc'd to leave him . And then was vanquisht , spoil'd ; see , see his loss , Which openly was shewn upon the Cross. E're since the Lion's muzzl'd , roar he may , But cannot make the meanest Saint his prey . With his own filthy swine he may be bold , He there hath leave , but must not touch the fold , Nor seize a lamb thereof ; or if he dare , Our watchful David in his tender care Steps in and makes a rescue . Jesus will Be , as his name imports , a Saviour still . David his Type appointed was to keep And tend his aged Father Iess's sheep , A Lion and a Bear to thin his stock , Did take a tender Lamb out of the flock ; Then David kill'd the Lion , slew the Bear. A greater far than David , Soul , is here . David thy Shepherd is , the mighty God , Who in his hand carrieth an Iron rod , With which he can in pieces break with ease Any devourer that his Lambs would seize . Thou mai'st be tempted , Satan is not ty'd From worrying thee ; Gold in the fire is tri'd ; And so is Grace , the more thou hast , the more Will Satan envy thee ; thy well-known store Doth tempt him thee to plunder , and to cheat : 'T was Peter he would winnow as the wheat . But Christ thy Captain hath him in a chain ; When he gives him a Link , he can again At pleasure draw him in , and shut him up In his own proper place , and make him sup On flames of wrath , when he had thought to dine And feast himself on this poor soul of thine . Under authority he is , can't go One step without permission , cannot do Ought without leave from Christ , who is so dear Over thine interest , thou need'st not fear . Engage thou never dost , but he stands by , Ready to help in thy necessity . When Peter wounded was , and going over Unto the en'mies tent , Christ did recover Him with one gracious look ; so did he save His precious soul , and kept him from the grave . This he will do for all that do him own , Of those the Father gave him , he 'l lose none . For he hath promised , that they shall be Crowned at last with happy victorie . Wherefore the combat do thou not refuse . For God thy God this enemy shall bruise Under thy foot , and when his worst is done , By the Lambs blood thou shalt him overcome . And as a conquerour in Heaven dwell , When this dire foe shall be confin'd to Hell. Doubt 12. From Afflictions . SOVL. I 'le name but one thing more which doth create Perplexing thoughts , and very much abate The vigour of my joy , who fain would grace My high profession with a smiling face . Afflictions manifold attend upon , Just as its shadow , pure Religon . With inward gain is joined outward loss ; Before a Crown we must expect a Cross. Disciples must stoop down and take it up , Pledging their Saviour in his bitter cup. All things uncertain are under the Moon ; These comforts quickly spring , wither as soon . Estates are bubbles , broke as soon as blown , We hardly know what thing to call our own . Iob was a great man , did not want for ought , And yet was quickly to a dunghill brought . Poor Ionah in his gourd did much delight ; But Ionah's gourd was blasted in a night . All are uncertain , Saints more so , who stand Compast with enemies on ev'ry hand , And when for nothing they deserv'd the rod , Have suffer'd for the matters of their God. Because to their Religion firm they stood , Home they have been sent through a Sea of blood . Walk through the world , in ev'ry place you 'l find The men of earth against the Saints combin'd ; Consult the Ages past , and read their story , You 'l see Gods children went through shame to glory . And 't is not easie for us to deny Our life , our peace , or our prosperity . The young man at this stumbling-block did fall , He 'd rather part with Christ , than part with all . And many have at first fairly set out ; Who , when the storm waxt great , have tackt about . Christ they este●m'd far less than an Estate , And would not have him at too dear a rate . Christ and pleasures are good , Christ & earth too , But they thought Christ alone would never do . Now who can tell , what we may meet before Our journey ended is , and time no more ? Though now we fallow lie , yet plowers may Make long their surrows on our back one day : And in those surrows may , my little store Of seeming-grace be buried , rise no more . If God should leave me , ah ! how soon should I Desert his cause , and from my colours slie . In Sun-shine-days 't is nothing not to fear , And challenge enemies when none appear . It 's nothing to be good , when seeming so Brings credit with it , and preferment too . Who would not hug a Christ , when hugging him We may in Pleasures river daily swim ? But it is difficult for one to crie Hosanna , when Rulers say , Crucifie . To bear a Cross for Christ , and all forego Rather than shipwrack Faith and Conscience too . To be disgrac'd , a beggar , nay to die Of deaths the worst , rather than him denie : This , this is hard , and calls for greater store Of Grace than I have , though I had much more Than yet I have . The very thought doth pinch ; Sure when I come in traces I shall slinch And break the yoke , and he that doth not bear Christs heavy Cross , his Crown shall never wear . FAITH Why troublest thou thy self about the morrow ? The present day is big enough with sorrow . Dangers at distance are the worst by far ; They lose their terrours as they nearer are . A Lion's not so fierce as he is painted ; We sufferings may like , when once acquainted . Such as in corner sit by sire-side , Say , weather 's cold , and who can it abide ? But when they once are up , and out , they find The day befriends them more than did their mind . Such is the present case , persons at ease Count flea-bites , symptoms of some sad disease . Nothing more certain is , than thou shouldst be Ready to part with all for God , when he Calls thee unto it , no enjoyment shou'd Sever thee from his love , no , not thy blood . But possibly thou shalt not thus be tri'd ; God in the hollow of his hand may hide Both thee and thy concernments ; thou mai'st have A sweet and easie passage to thy grave . He in his Chambers may thee hide , and then Safe thou shalt be from all the rage of men . When storms abroad , thy Halcyon-days shall last Until the Indignation's overpast . Yet grant , that he in wisdom number out Afflictions to thee , compass thee about With gall and travel , know that he can roul In sugar bitter pills , lay in thy soul With such surpassing joys , as thou shalt be Even in Heaven , whilest in misery . Men can no further reach than th' outward part ; He can by speaking peace ravish thy heart . Of crosses the world hath not half such store As God of comforts ; for he can do more To chear thee in an hour , than all the rage Of enemies to trouble in an age . He can with grace so fortifie thy heart , So shed his love , as thou shalt not depart From him , nor from his ways , his power can Perfect the work of grace it once began . And will he stick at either ? surely no , He 'l bare his arm , and broach his comforts too . If thou shouldst lose thy land , silver and gold , He will to thee restore an hundred-fold . If for his sake thou have a thousand foes , He , he alone will far out-number those . When all these Stars are darkned , that Sun will By his resplendent beams make day-light still . If thou imprison'd be , he at that time Will carry thee into his house of wine , And feast thee richly there , so in a trice Turn thy dark dungeon into Paradise . So he hath done for others , who have found Sweet unseen consolations most abound When they were heavy-laden with the cross ; Whereby their gains did much outweigh their loss . They suffer'd all with joy , in prisons sung . Accounting all for Christ meer dross and dung . When the Apostles whipt were for Christs name , Away they went rejoicing in that shame . And sure that God who strengthen'd them , will be , Act but thy faith , full out as good to thee . Burdens shall be proportion'd to thy back : When strength is small , yet strength thou shalt not lack . If that thy way at last be dirt and mire , Thou shalt get thorough it , and shalt not tire . Weather and way fear not , no , fear thou neither , Both strength & steps thou shalt renew together . In arms of love Christ will thee carry through All the sharp trials , which he calls thee to . Therfore though weak , fear not the wickeds rod , Weak ones shall be as David , he as God. SOVL. All will be well : within a change I find Some settlement in mine once shaking mind . Time was , I never could hold up my head , But a doubt came , and struck my comforts dead , Making me droop again . Did I but take Hold of a promise , heart and hand would shake . I thought my self too bold , and still did fear Such high presumption would cost me dear . But now the clouds begin to scatter , and Darkness doth vanish , I now can see land , Who farely saw nothing but swelling Seas Of deep and boundless , endless miseries . When I go out , methinks I see above God smiling on me with his beams of love . And when at home I sit , there is good store Of Gospel-comforts knocking at my dore , Commanding entrance , which do smooth my brow , And I wax cheerful , though I know not how . It s calm within , without I see it fair : Those things that threatned , now dispersed are . Risen the Sun is , and a glorious light Comes from him , chasing hence my dismal night . Where fears were rank , sweet consolations grow , Rejoice I must , whether I will or no. But how comes this about ? what hand hath brought Such Cordials in , when of them least I thought ? My peace beginning hath , my fears an end ; But how , I 'd gladly know , and who 's my friend . Oh! it is Faith , precious and high born Faith. Faith's voice alone it is , which to me saith , Shake off thy dust , fear not , arise and shine , Thy light is come , God and his all are thine . Fool that I was ! that so long time should be Spent in such strangeness between Faith and me ! That I the door should ope to every doubt , And shut at the same time , believing out . So I will do no more ; Faith's my relief , I will believe , Lord help mine unbelief . Get thee hence , Satan . Doubts be gone , I will Relie upon my God , and trust him still . My sins end sorrows , though they 'r manifold , Shall never force me to let go my hold : But I upon his grace will hang , and say Mine thou hast been , art now , shalt be for ay . He is Immutable , and why should I Doubt of that love which hath Eternity ? Abiding frowns such love cannot abide , I 'le trust him therefore though he from me hide . This is my fixt resolve , which is not made In mine own strength , but thine ; Lord , faith would fade , And soon give way to doubts , were 't not each hour Preserved by thine own Almighty pow'r . And so still let it be ; grant thou that I May live believing , and believing die . Faith is my strength , be thou Faith's strength , till we In Heaven meet once for eternitie . When of these Creature-comforts I have none , Let me rejoice in thee mine only One. Whatever I do want , let me all make Up in thy self , Lord , for dear Jesus sake . Yea when thou frownest , and lay'st on thy rod , Let me relie upon an angry God Grant me to cast my self , and each affair , At all times on thy tender love and care . And Father , while that I by Faith adhere Unto thy boundless grace , make it appear Thou hast accepted me . Lord feed my sense With thine own love ; draw up mine evidence And seal it by thy Spirit ; that I may Glory in thee my God throughout the day . And when I leave the world , let Angels be My convoy in my passage unto thee . Let Hope at last end in fruition , And Faith be swallowed up of Vision . Conduct me to that place , where I shall sing Eternal praise to thee my God and King. FINIS .