The sovles exercise in the daily contemplation of our Saviours birth, life, passion, and resurrection William Vavghan, knight. Vaughan, William, 1577-1641. 1641 Approx. 484 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 160 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A64772 Wing V156 ESTC R29264 11058199 ocm 11058199 46189 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. A64772) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 46189) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1433:2) The sovles exercise in the daily contemplation of our Saviours birth, life, passion, and resurrection William Vavghan, knight. Vaughan, William, 1577-1641. [20], 299 p. Printed by Thomas and Rich. Cotes for Humphrey Blunden, and are to be sold at his shop, London : 1641. Reproduction of original in the Bodleian 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 Jesus Christ -- Poetry. 2004-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-08 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-08 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE SOVLES EXERCISE , In the daily Contemplation of our Saviours Birth , Life , Passion , and Resurrection . BY WILLIAM VAVGHAN , Knight . LONDON , Printed by Thomas and Rich. Cotes , for Humphrey Blunden , and are to be sold at his shoppe in Cornehill , at the signe of the Castle , 1641. TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAIESTY . 1. WHile Mammon blurr'd the Word within o●r West , Which rose , like Lightning , from the radiant East , God lent me Zeale , and clear'd my Inward sight To draw the Type of our Incarnate Light. 2. Within this Map your Royall Grace shall find Some Sparkes to raise a true Nathaniels mind Above the Clouds , in spite of tempting vice , By the review of the Soules Exercise . 3. Here Men may see in Christian Crystall glaesse , That None from Earth shall up to Heaven passe , Unlesse they be Refin'd , and from Above Baptiz'd with Flaming zeale and streaming Love. 4. Here wrangling Wits and Make-bates may behold , What shall become of them who plot for Gold To crucifie the Sonne of God againe , By wronging of his Members , Saints for Gaine . 5. Here Age may learne some harmelesse Rapsody To rap the Soules of Youth with Melody , Like that which Saul found for his Malady , Except they stop their Eares , and raving dy . 6. Here Peace is taught , Old Simeons swan like song , To wavering Minds , to Sick Folkes , & the strong , With Notice cleare ( to speake it without boast ) Why Some receive ? Some lose the Holy Ghost ; 7. What Milder means can be for Jarres Correction Then Christ his Cratch , Life , Crosse , and Resurrection In Numbers sung with an attracting voyce ? Since Babes and Bees are charm'd with tinkling Noise ? 8. What more can please the Fancies curious Tast Than Types before the Vnderstanding plac't In tuned Forme ? the Senses to rouze up When surfeited with Copious prose they droup ? 9. Nay Soules perhaps , which Sermons faile to win , They may Convert , asswage , or scare from Sin , If , as Raines many Drops hard Marble pierce , The Agents play on them with fluent Verse . 10. So Moses , Miriam , Job , and Debora , When Hebers wife had hammer'd Sisera , So David did , and Jeremias call Men to praise God by vowes Numericall . 11. The like rare Sound shapes the New Testament , In Zacharies and Maries Ravishment , In Simeons Ode , and in Our Saviours Deed , Who sung a Psalme , ere He in Sweat did bleed . 12. The Soule , some write , consists of Harmony : And that good Angels sing , none can deny , Witnesse their Musick , which Saint John describes . Who then dares breake on Sions Muse his Jibes ? 13. Among the Actes which Canterburies Sire , Grave Cutbert made , within the Churches Quire , He will'd his Clergie every day to sing In Saxon Tongue , the Praise of Heavens King. 14. Among the Gifts rankt of Scholasticke Scope , Which grace Great Vrban , now the Romaine Pope , His Booke of Poems wins him most renowne ; The Laureat Wreath excells his Triple Crowne . 15. But if my Layes seeme to some Worldlings light , Excuse the Scribe , O Britaines sweete Delight , Say that he aim'd at Love , not bubbling Fame , Reward , nor Strife , nor Justice to defame . 16. My Straine is plaine , the Matter most sublime , No Levite I. Then what doth grace my Rime ? With willing mind the New-mans praise I sing , For moulding in shrewd times so milde a King. Whom with his Royall Spouse and Hopefull Fruite , Like Saints , I pray the New-mans Lord to suite . Amen . So Prayes your Majesties most Humble Subject , William Vaughan . The Preface . To the Queenes most Excellent Majesty . ACcept , great Queen , from a poore Cambrian Knight This sparkling Pile , wherewith the Soules delight , You may discerne an Empresse most divine , The Glory of the Gender Feminine , The Lady Grace , I meane , Gods gracious Light , Which saves Mankind from a despairing plight , If they in Will their Outward Man resist , And daily waigh the Birth and Death of Christ , But since we are bath'd in her streaming Love , I know you will my New-mans Flames approve ; Cull out the best , which with Gods Word agree ; And leave the rest , as Fire-drakes unto me . If I sing well , as Seraphins require , Then take my Sparklings like Nehemies Fire , Which in the Pit lay hid , late found againe , Not kindled by the New-mans Zeale in vaine , But for a Pious end : by Numbers dint Our Saviours Forme in weakelings to imprint . This Forme through worldly fraud lay hidden long None durst translate it to the Mother tongue , Untill the Lord of his unbounded Grace , In pitty of his Churches wretched Case , Lookt downe of late on his two Prophets slaine , And breath'd New life into their Corpse againe . With Heavenly Oyle He sent the Holy Ghost To scoure Faiths rust , when we were almost lost , Lost through our sloth and Pride , neere in Despaire To be snatcht up by Fiends into the Aire , There , till Doomes-day to Goblin it at least , Or , which is worse , with Tophets Dampe to feast . But if my Tune , like gaggling Noise of Geese , Displease , I then reserve it as a Peece , Or Fragment fit for some Sidanens Eare Of sleighted Wales , with hooboobs Bray to feare Night-walkers from purloyning of her Flocke Rather then I become a flouting-stocke To English wits , I will at night retire , ( Couurez le feu ) put out my Light and Fire , And live immur'd , as in a Cynicks Cell , Untill I can in sweeter Layes excell . Howere this proves , I lay it at your Feete , Not daring starres with glozing phraze to greete , Nor stare too long upon the Sun-shine Light , Least I be chang'd into a Bird of Night ; Or as Old Poets faign'd of Niobe , Contesting with a Goddesse , least I be Transmuted to a stone , or stupid wight , For thrusting forth to Your Majesticke sight , This Ghostly taske , my New-mans Exercise , With Oaten Pipe , and in a poore disguise , Before I know your Pleasure and your Will , Whether you can affect a Mountaine Quill , And brooke that a rude Bardh , or Corydon Should screw his Songs with your Court-Helicon . Sometime Great Dames the Blossomes of the Field Have paralell'd with those which Gardens yeeld ; So though by Fits or Chance I may expose Old Edens Good and Ill , the Thorne as Rose : Shall a few Slips of thorny Doubts downewaigh My New-mans Hopes more faire then Flowers in May ▪ But least some say , that Sybill-like I rave , Or that I doe the Higher Thrones outbrave ; I here submit , and humbly sue to sing These Layes : A Cat may looke upon a King. Both Towne and Countrey strive for Courtly Grace : And shall not I then wish to see your Face ? To see of Kings the Daughter , Sister , Wife , And Mother borne to calme great Nations strife ? Not fawning wise , but hoping that you stand For Our New man , I long to kisse your Hand ; Like Philips Greekes , who Christ desir'd to see , Like One , who to that end climb'd up a Tree . And thus I bid Great Britaines Queene Adieu , With Sacrifice , my vowes , and Service due . To the Princes Highnesse . MOst Noble Prince , Great Britaines Royall Heire , The Hope of Wales , where first I breathed Aire , And where I live from Troubles Home-retir'd , But never for your Good with Prayers tir'd : If harsh my Tune seemes to your tender Ear● Let Your mild Grace with my plain meaning beare , As well because the matter I rehearse , Requires bare naked Truth in simple Verse ; As that I might the vulgar sort allure , To our New-man from their Old wayes impure , Since Gentle words may for their Babes afford A winning Call to Jordans Bathing Ford ; And that I might hold on my Countries Guise , Course Russet , yet sincere , without disguise Of Art or Sense , lest that you might suspect , That I on Truth no Exercise erect , For if I cring'd with Charmes adulterate Of Pick-thank Soothes , or borrowed Termes of state , I should then cast before your Eyes a Mist , Not spreading Truth , like an Evangelist , For Christian Peace with pure Devotions Flame , But Wilde conceites blowne up for worldly Fame ; And so , instead of noysing her Effects , I wrong her worth , and shew my owne defects . Truth is the Starre , which grac'd my New-Mans Flame ; O would I could to you so blaze her Fame , As once fell out before the Persian King , When her Renowne Salathiels Sonne did ring With such a Peale , that all the Court confest Truth onely Great , fit for a Monarches Breast ! Our Onely God Created but One Sunne From Pole to Pole , Times yearely Race to runne : No more lent He then this Gift Vniforme , One Truth , to sway our Soules , and to informe All Adams Seed of the Right way to Heaven , One safe High way , not Labyrinth'd , but Even . This Royall Way is Jesus Christ alone , Who left us Truth our Discords to atone , To guide our steps into his Churches Fold Without hard Yokes , or selling soules for gold ; And to confound , as with a Lightning Sword , The Obstinate by his Mysterious Word . Upon this Words bright Substance we depend , Fixing on Christ our Faith and Soveraigne End , With Will prepar'd , enfranchised by Grace , His holy Life and Gospels Light to trace , And to take up with zeale ( when so he please ) His Crosse and bitter Cup before soft Ease . Besides this Way , to gaine the Top of Heaven , All Paths like Quicke sands are , or puft up Leaven ; Of which false steps are Ladders for the Turkes From Mecha rapt , and those stupendious Workes Father'd on Saints by Men possest with Fiends , In Legends fam'd for base Simonious ends , Not for One Faith , one God , one Advocate , But many Christs , and Idols to create . To shun such Bogges , By-wayes , and Fallacies , I have set forth the Soules sweet Exercise , Kindled by Truth , Jehovahs bosome Daughter , Who by his Son wrapt in the Scriptures brought her . By her mild Rayes reflecting on my strains Your Grace may reap some fruit . And for my pains Sweet Prince , I crave no other recompence , Then that you take them into your Defence , With my true vowes ; till in your riper Age You them oppose against the Old Mans Rage . The preface to the Reader . OVr New-mans Lord be prays'd for evermore , Who with New Layes augmented hath our store And by his Rayes hath lately rais'd my wil To Sacrifice above Acquired skill . He stirr'd me up with Zeale , on Sions stage To act a Part , though in my drouping Age , Having outgone the step which Sages call Lifes Fatall Yeare , the Climactericall . My Morals He turn'd to Diviner wayes , My Romane Dactyles into English Layes . My rugged Prose He chang'd to Smoother Lines , That with New-straines I might win Libertines , Maugre his Spleene , who doth this Worke confine : Will Poets preach , or sing of things Divine ? Shall Knights usurpe the place of Clergie men ? To praise Gods Church ? or Christ his Life to pen ? He may as well Apollinarius taxe , Or as enrag'd against Old Ephres waxe , Both which by Tunes on Grecian Lyre did strive To settle Faith in the Church Primitive . He may aswell blame Nazianzens Quill , Prudentius , Claudians , or S. Austines skill , As strike at Poets for recalling Soules From Darknesse unto Light by Sacred Scrowles . Were Sions Muse to Clearks alone entail'd , The Criticke might with Semeies sting have rail'd On the sweet Post hume of our Royall James , Which ravish English Eares with Davids Psalmes . He might with Theons Tooth good Bartas bite , Or for Doomes-Day our Noble Sterline smite . Or if he feares to hit so high a Mark , Why claimes he not Zoiles priviledge , to bark At Him , whose worth deserves Vlisses style ? Whom Grotius taught Christs Passion to compile ? Our starres late grac't my Raptures of the Bride : How then dare Momes the Bridegroomes praise deride ? But can a Prophet rise from Galilee ? Or Wa●es in Tune shape Truths Evangelee ? Or can her Geese compare with English Swans ? To sing good Newes to Contrite Publicans ? To paint such Flights no Mortall should presume , Unlesse his Pen were of a Cherubs Plume , Unlesse the Poet rapt above the Pole Charme Men from Jarres , & Fiends from taking Toll . So that the End be good , Truth ought to passe , Though by a Scythian nois'd , or Balaams Asse , And whilst we not Divine● Flames profane With false Poetique Dreames , Devotions Bane . There is no Sexe in Soules . Aswell the Least As Greatest here shall shine at Christ his Feast . At the Lambs Feast where Saints for ever sing , The Simplest Swaine on Earth joyes as the King. Now if our Wales such Novelties relates , Disdaine them not , Yee Noble English States , But pry into them , ( like her Silver Mine , ) For which of late her Alpes yee undermine . And since yee see her Wombe and Bowels yeeld Lime , Coale , and Marle to raise the wearied Field : Then why likewise may not her Streames affoord Some Swans , aswell as Thames , or Humbers Foord ? If not to chaunt their Native Melody , At least to tune a harmelesse Rhapsody , Whereby from Fiends some Converts may bee drawne To ransome Wares , which they had left in pawn That with our Head the Members sympathize , God breathes into mens Hearts New Faculcies , For when his Sonne ascended up on High , He captive led our Wils Captivity , Renew'd of Grace our Charters Liberties , And gave rare Gifts with Flaming Novelties , Which if some hide , or Miser like engrosse They frustrate make their Freedome by the Crosse , Least therefore I encurre that Prejudice I publish here my New-mans Exercise , With this true Warning shot , or Tolling Bell , That the Old Man , Yee Readers , first expell , Before yee mend these Raptures , or proscribe With Catoes Broach or Brand a Christian Scribe By a non licet , least your Negatiue Barre that which sorts with Saints Affirmative : That this my Worke in substance comprehends An Offering which to Christ his Glory tends ; Not Noised forth , like Chymiques Quintessence ; For sordid Gaine , but strife and Carnall Sence , ( The Gangrenes of this Age ) to cauterize , I freely vent my Soules W●●kes Exercise . And though my Tone , like Gileads shibbeleth , Suits not nice Tongues , nor Davids Leekes your Breath , Yet doth my Muse with Englands Faith agree , And hopes by Trance our Saviour Christ to see In Bethlems Cratch , and on Mount Calvary ; His Rising vp , and Triumph I descry , And blunder forth by the like Mystery . But with sharpe Hounds , my Muse , and Memory , I 'le first assay Ol● Reinards Brood to stoup . View then the Game : Behold , the Hunt is up . THE SOVLES EXERCISE . The Argument . Before the Great and Fearefull Day of Doome , Which by true Signes neere past will shortly come , Great Brittain's warn'd the Old Mans tricks to scan , And with more Love to lodge the Inward Man. O That Men would think on the Latter day ! Whose Signes began with Horror and Dismay , Since Sathan was let loose to rack and scorch With Martyrs Flame our late Reformed Church ! No Preterperfect nor the Future Tense , But then the Praesent suits the Creatures Sence , When Time shall be no more , but ever Light Or ever Darke . From this Perpetuall Night Of Sadnesse , Lord , defend my Spotted Soule , That canst at Will the Gates of Hell controule , And by sweet Trance canst ope the Milk-white way , To lead my steps to that Eternall Day . How oft hast thou from Weaklings rays'd thee Prayse ▪ Then grant me Grace to warble out these Layes ; Which I began with th'Hunt is up to day : That I may chase Hels Instruments away , The wily Foxe , the Wolfe , and ravenous Beare ; But not with Y●alpes poore silly Sheepe to feare , No● to disturbe , like Taverns roaring Boyes , Good Christians Nightly Rest with Hellish Noise , Or with base Fidlers Tunes , who gape for Gaine Their Lusts from Strangers Windows to maintaine ▪ ( Fly Buff●ons hence ; no flouts , nor wanton glance , Nor scuffling Tones , suit w th . our Newmans trance ) Not for wits Froth , nor Poets potting Pen , Nor for Old Dreames shall any Godly men Taxe me withall . My ayme is Libertines And Sluggards to rouze up by Christian Lines ; And that th'Elect of Brittaines Ile may blush To jarre for Trifles , Nifles , or a Rush ; At least , to let them know , that we should side With him , whose Rights with Mammon they divide . But let Divines without Scholastick Cavell And Politicks without damn'd Machiavell , Tell us how comes Mankind so prone to Evill ? 〈◊〉 from O●d Adam ? Custome ? or the Divell ? Or rather from this mixt Triplicity By Gods just Doome for mens Impiety ? Our States-men stand here gravel'd , nor define Can Nature such deepe Points , but the Divine On these Resolves assures our Pilgrimage : That , to secure from the Old Creatures Rage Our New-mans Sparke , we must contend & buckle With Men & Fiends , ere Grace this Infant suckle ; We must Believe , and Pray , do Fruitfull Workes , And crush the Snake , which in our bosome lurkes . For these Attempts , the Serpent to unmaske In Eden first Mans Crosse row is : my Taske . The two , from whom our Heralds all agree With one Consent to draw Mens Pedegree . Be they Crown'd Kings , or Subjects , bond , or Free , Adam and Eve , the Male & Female Tree , Were form'd by Him , who both the Globs Created , Whereof the One with Goodly Rights estated God gave to them from Taxe or Tribute free ; And so their Race enjoyed it , till the Fee By Giants wav'd and Nemhrods Tyranny . The upper like a Spangled Canopy With Christall propt , to lift their minds with wonder , He left for Breath , for Heat , to seat them vnder ; And to observe the Influence , Motion , Height , Not racking Starres with Negromanticke Sleight ? Because Man should with Angels linkt in One Harmonious League on God depend alone , To do his Will , who rais'd him from the dust , To praise his Name , without the least distrust , Not Creatures , Thrones , or Principalities , Nor courting other Gods with Sacrifice , ( For who would sue to an Inferiour Lord , The King in place that heareth every word ) God for this End , and for his Glories sake Assigned Man his Comforts to partake . He left all things to his Elections Sway , Except One Tree in Eden to assay , And try by One Command his Creatures mind , Whether he would prove Constant , or Unkind : Yea , God forbad to tast the Curious Tree Of Good and Ill , because He did foresee " That Longing Fits in Maladies would end , " That worldly Craft did restlesse Cares portend , " That Innocence once lost , Man would divide " Christs Soveraignty , and with the Divell side ; " That he the Golden meane would soone neglect , " And fall into Excesse , or the defect ; " That Will uncurb'd to damned Actions tends , " That Pride much knowledge puffes , shame Pride attends , " For when good knowl●dge with the Ill did match , " Then they began a Mungrell Brood to hatch , " Like those who heretofore with Pagan Rite " And Schoolemens Glosse disguis'd Gods ho●y Light. Although such Plagues ensued by the Breach Of Gods Command , yet doth Experience teach The Fruit it selfe so strange in Operation , Perhaps might bring with it some Alteration , And helpe the Humours to exasperate , As the Breach did the Soule contaminate : " So Meales without Thanksgiving cause disease , " And Physicke with Gods blessing turnes to Ease . Do not all things on which our Bodies feed , Blood , Choler , Fleame , and Melancholy breed ? Do not we see , that things Inanimate ; As Roots and Gummes ; nay Minerals , abate Or raise the force of things more excellent ? Doth not dimm'd Eyes the Saphire blew content ? And Hemlocks Juice , like Vapors of strong Wine , Disturbe the Braine , and Humour Christaline ? Doth not the Jet insult upon a Straw ? As Steele is by the Loadstone kept in awe ? What Franticke Lust comes by Cantharides ? What Flames by Circes charm'd Hippomanes ? How luckily Quicksilver mortifi'd Hath for the Wormes , and the great Poxe bin tri'd ? Yet Sublimate doth like to Hell inflame , To Poyson turnes , and kils the Vitall Flame . How have the Lungs by Orpiment beene cur'd ? And the Faint Heart by Liquid Gold secur'd ? How forcible 'gainst Plagues and Feavers are , Mirrhe , Saffron , Aloes , Stibium , Bezoar ? Garlicke allayes raw Ayre and watrish Food , But Mads like Wine , the Dry Braine , and the Blood. Wine-bibbers know , that Vines with Coleworts war ; As rampant Lust is cool'd by Nenuphar . Sometimes I saw a Glutton crost in Will , His Trencher daub'd with Colloquintids Pill . How by the Sunne Glasse things remote may fire , To yeeld the reason , would not Reason tire ? Or why Tobacco , or the Vomick Nut , Opium , or Henbane , do the Sences glut ? Or why the Juice of Spurge , or Tithimall , Held to the Gummes , cause all the Teeth to fall ? If such as these with us worke Mira●les , And growing plants yet more , what Obstacles Can Atheists plead to barre Our Fatall Tree ? Or that of Life ? but that it grew so free ? Whereby on Man no ferall Deaths disease , The Fruite once tane by him , could ever seize , Untill God did th' impaled Garden fence , Or drowne it by the Flood for Lusts Offence ? This Fruit we reap't by knowing Good and Ill , When as the Precepts Breach defil'd the will. But to returne where now I did digresse , Man stayd not long before he did transgresse , And violate the Law with Carnall sence , Slighting his Makers Love and Providence . Man had large Grace and Freedome of Election , But he of Both did quickly make defection , He knew th' Events , the Covenant , his Doome For Life or Death , and what would sure become Of him , and his , if he Gods will transgrest , Yet would he be of Knowledge more possest Than well became a Creature limited : Yea , and perhaps the Woman coveted , Assoone as Sathan told his form all Tale , With Carnall taste that fruit of sugred Bale , And longed too , because she was forbidden ; Or else because , like to a Gues● unbidden , The Tempter , which is likely , watcht the houre , When she was lesse Devout , ere he could powre His Ban● on her in a Corporeall shape , That in the Fi● shee for the fruit might gape . She sooner might all Enemies withstand Than Pythons mists unseene alwayes at hand . " Wher once he welcom finds he ther doth bring " Moe Spirits like himselfe that Soule to sting : " As to a Frier chanc'd , who tempted chose " Once rather to be drunke than Soule to lose " By Lust or Murthers Choyce . But by that feate , " He whoor'd , and slew the Husband in his heat ▪ So Sathan playes at this time with us all , Old Adams seede ; he knowes in Generall , That we by Nature fraile and wavering are , Lu●tfull , and Proud , then in particular " He knows to what vain pleasure more than other " We are most prone , whilst we Devotion smother ; " Which so observ'd by him with damned Craft , " He Guilds that Pleasure faire before his shafts " He shoots ; from which , ô Christ , we have no fence " Nor helpe , but thy deare Crosse and Innocence To put them by with daily watch and Cares , Least like to Eve he catch us unawares . When Sathan saw that God to Man assign'd The worlds whole Rule , he by a masked kind Of shape devis'd with Lies to tempt Eves mind , And by her meanes her Husbands wits to blind . O subtle Fiends inevitable Fetch ! Above a Cheaters or Projectors reach ! To set upon the weakest of the Twaine , Before he dar'd the Husband in to traine ! He knew the power of a Favorite , And what Man 's second selfe , the Night-Crow might Suggest to bring strange matters to effect . This mov'd the Fiend the Woman to select , And worke upon her Frailties imperfection , Because he knew the Man had more perfection . He knew the Man had more Composed wit , More ancient , stay'd , and harder to be hit : He knew the Woman had a moyster Braine , More shallow , nice , and of a smoother graine , " More pliant than the Male to be allur'd " With Tales and Toyes , whereof he stood assur'd ▪ " Therefore , Yee Men , beware of Womens guiles ; " Take heed , Yee Women , of Old Sathans wiles , " Tempt not your Husbands unto vanity , " To Idols , Pride , nor sloths Infirmity : " And let us hence both Men and Women all " The Divell chase , the Author of our Fall. He grudg'd to see those of an Earthly F●ature Above him set , sometimes a Heavenly Creature ; That Humane-kind , such Creatures New & strange Should breathe that Aire , where he did hope to range , Rage & despight to have Man thrown below Or at the least in Furies fell his Fellow , Wrought on his Spirit , all to Vengeance bent , Till at the last he got his Lewd Intent . About that time more Wise than any Beast With speckled skin , like Golden Damaske drest , The Serpent stalk't in Edens Paradise , Him Sathan seaz'd , and in his shapes disguise Thus with his Charmes to hide his cunning Hate , He tempted Eve in absence of her Mate : Faire Dame , more fit for thy sweet Beauties Grace , As Goddesse , to possesse the Highest Place , And all the world to Rule , then to be curb'd Of thy Freewill , or in thy Choice disturb'd : Hath God forbidden you that Fruit to taste ? The fruit of Knowledge which shall ever last ? Which Life renewes , and makes an Ideot wise ? Eate it , and spare not ; Be not too Precise . Yee shall not Die : that 's but a scaring Crow To bleare your fight , least you this secret know . For God well knowes , that tasting of this Tree , You like Himselfe will soone Immortall be . The woman fir●d with Sathans faire discourse Resisted not , but ranne th' Ambitious Course Of Lucifer ( who climb'd the highest staire Of Mysteries ) built Castles in the Ayre , And rapt with false Imaginary Toyes Of being wise , like God , with hope of Joyes , She started not with that odde Tree to grapple , But thence she pluckt , what God forbad , the Apple ; One , two , or more , as likt her Palate best , With whose sweete Taste her Husband she possest : As likewise with the vertue of the Fruite , Which did with their high towring Fancies suit . Ev's haughty mind was soon , too soon persawded And Adams too , wherby they were degraded Of Innocence , true Joyes , and Quiet Life , Made Slaves to Vices , Death , and Endlesse strife . The Devill too , which ranged then unbound , With borrow'd shape , in stricter Chains was bound Yet mounting a●d descending with his Mates , To try and sting , as Faith grows , or abates . Hence Passions from Hels poyson soone began since To make Young Adam an Old worldly m●n : With vaine Proud thoughts his Seede were ever since Swolne , & ban'd in every State & Province . The Elder Part against the New rebels With wily Plots , till Grace the Foxe expels . Hence spring those Plagues which now defile the Earth : " Cold Charity , our sly and needlesse Dearth , " Distrust of God , Ambition , Simony , " Base Idlenesse , Carowsing , Gluttony , " Damn'd mungrell Matches , Saints with Reprobates , " High purchast Names , Envy in all Estates , " Malice , Law-suites , Deceits , and Avarice , " Pride , Thriftlesse Pompe , and every other vt●e : Whose foule Excesse , like Fire's abuse , I blame , So to prepare roome for Devotions Flame . For such as those , the first Old world was drown'd As Our shall shortly burne about us round : For such , the Lord our Tongues did first confound At Babels Towre from one H●rm●nious sound . For such as those , the Hebrew● were rejected , And unto such are most of us subjected By that Old Pythons Sat●●ns subtilty , Unlesse Faith helpe and 〈◊〉 Humility : We are indeed beset by him , that speaks , And through a thousand throats now playes the Reaks , In tempted Braines suborning men for Pelfe To sell the Spirits Gifts , yea Hea●en it selfe , Our mother Eve in Serpents shape he tempted , To gull and gaine-How shall our Earthlings now Escape ? when that Bad Humours overflow The Bodies State ? when Tares do over top The Gospels Seede ? and when we see him hop , Sweare , and Carowse , even on the Sabatth Day ? And every other Day to catch some Prey ? O wits bewitcht by the false Serpents Art ! Who sacrifice to Fiends your Noblest Part ! " Ther 's nothing more than Prayer which they feare , " Because they know that 's musick in Gods Eare. " When they heare Abbaes Peale ring from Mans Heart , " With hate of present sinne , they soone depart , " And leave the Forts , which they usurped then , " The Humours , Braine , and Heart of Man I meane . And where they finde no Catechizing is , Nor weekely Sermons us'd , but All amisse For want of Meanes , Gods Tythes kept backe like spoiles , There , Sports with Oathes , with Healths they mingle broyles . " But woe to them , who do Gods Tythes ingrosse , " Whereby ensues of Christian Soules such losse : " If Curst they were , who ravish'd them at first , " Who dimme Faith 's Light , are they not more accurst ? " Transferring by those Pr●yes to yawning Hell , " Like Antichrist , more Soules than Tongue can tell ? And here with drery eyes I must lament The Fate of my poore Native Soile neere rent By Fiends a sunder through the Words defect : For though the Tithes some Annually collect Amounting in each Parish to the summe Of hundreds twice , yet the poore Curates roome Is scarcely worth nine or ten pounds a yeare ; Nay , some there be , which counting that too dear Hire yearely Cocks for halfe that sum to crow , And what Soule-food such creatures chaunt you know . Nor Parish-poore helpe they , nor Churches Rate , But as it were in sinne Inveterate , Cloath with Church-goods their Sacrilegious backs , Not dreaming once of Hell , or inward Racks , For their converting Tythes to private store , Which were ordain'd for Churchmen & the Poore ; " Nor weighing yet what Temporal● despight , " And fearefull plagues on tythe-ingrossers light , " Upon their house , and Crime-partaking fry Here in this world , to rot their memory . And some of these I knew in Jayles to lye For Treason● , Debts ; and some die sodainly . And some likewise I knew , their Widows , Heires And Children tir'd with Broyles & Law-affaires . Take Learnings hire away , Learning decayes , Unlesse Gods Spirit by unusuall wayes , Immediately to bring rare things to passe , Inspire some wits with new Cae●estiall grace ; But if both faile , what Chaos may ensue , I le leave to scan till Time brings them to Rue , And waile with howling paine and soule-sicke groane , Alacke the Day that we our Mothers moane Contemn'd , and pill'd her bare , since Saracens , Her dues to keepe , fear'd like the Pestilence . " All Labourers deserve their Day-reward , " But much more they , who watch the soule to guard . To this I adde the scandall and offence , Which they procure to sects of tender sence , Who taxe our Church , and Levites Common-weale With Jeroboams Plot , and want of zeale , For gracing Clerkes of blind inferior ranke , As though we had no Church , but Babels Banke On Willow trees our Trumpets up to hang , Or those sad Layes , which there the Captives sang , Denouncing Fate , farre worse then Iewries woes , With Plagues to light on Sions jeering foes . So Romish Scribes quip us with scurrile songs Unjustly for conniving at such wrongs , And twit our Church with Coblers and Sow-gelders , When as the fault lies not upon our Elders , But on some gracelesse greedy minded wights , Who seizing on the Tithes put out our Lights ; As formerly their Monkish Hypocrites , Had like to Kites snatcht up those Tithing Rights , ( So Popes were taxt for granting Tythes and Tolles To men more fit to feed their Mules then Soules ) So though Carmarthins Clerkes for Parishes Enrowl'd fourescore , yet fifty three of these The Popes for Drones improperly assign'd Their Tythes which were of Old by Caesars sign'd For painefull Bees , and made Authenticall To their sole use by Councells Generall . Whence Sions Vines , like Osneyes , nipt at first By Wolsey in the Spring quencht Henries thirst In Summers rage ; and serv'd in Autumne since As baites for sinne : but now gone from the Prince To Chapmens hands in time of Winters cold , Church-Farmes by them are dearely set and sold , With small regard to Clerkes , or the New-borne , As if Hels-stormes their consciences had torne ; Hence grow Mault-wormes , unlicenc'd Ale and Beere With Shifts to rack for what men farm'd so deere . O would these Lines like pricking Goades might prove , To stirre up zeale with more Seraphicke Love , Or now at last , that some would imitate Those few , which rendred backe unto the State , Tith-spoyles , as did the Noble Huntington , And in our dayes Religious Dodington . For I avow , they Achans stile deserve , Who rob the Church , & her good Shepherds starve ; Or cause in them the New-mans zeale to freeze , By their unjust purloyning of her Fleece : I speake not of that Fleece , which Orpheus sung , But of true Prophets there by worldlings wrung Of their Fee simple rights , and lawfull Fees , Not due to Drones , but to industrious Bees , Whoss Art spreads Sermons forth , like Chrysostomes , Sweeter than Honey , or the Honey-combes ; For if they starve , how can the Flocks survive ? How can they rise to Faith ? in Knowledge thrive ? Since Faith by hearing springs , Love by Gods word ? Since both waxe dark , where Prophets are abhor'd ? Hearts unprepar'd for vowes and Fasting dy , Or rave with Pride , or pine with Malady : And then their soules , like Slaves , are bought and sold , When Sathans Ambush breaks into the Hold For want of Guides , and watchfull Centinels , Whose Meanes were stopt by worldly Machivils . Our Parliament mov'd with their Brethrens teares , Their Civill Iarres , their grievances and feares , Proclaim'd some publicke Fasts for Sacrifice , With vowes of late for their enormious vice , That so they might the wrath of God allay , And by good Jacobs Ladder make their way With Abstinence to stint the fuming blood , As with Soule-sighes , our Angell Guardians Food . But if the Shepheards Limbes with Frost benumme Lye languishing , or of the Palsie dumbe ; How shall their Flocks the use of Fasts discerne ? Or learn what may the minds true health concern How shall they Fast ? and feele for Discord griefe ? If they be barr'd of Sermons , Soules reliefe ? How shall they Fast from inbred Avarice , If none shew them the way to Sacrifice ? How shall they fast from foule Conspiracies ? From Rapines , Bribes , Deceits , and Piracies ? How shall they stand secure from Perjurers ? If no man them from cursed Oathes deterrs ? And when such Slaves uncatechized sweare , Who lives not of false proofes in dayly feare ? How shall our Juries wave Knights of the Post , If they as these contemne the holy Ghost ? How shall we scape these last nam'd Philistines , Dwelling in Mesech , or with Libertines ? Hence I collect , that there ensues this curse : " Where Teaching failes , there Soules grow worse and worse . Proud Nemrod will not leave his rufling Port , Nor crouch to Christ in Penitentiall sort With vile Attire , much lesse with inward Shrift , As for sinnes Guilt hath been old Suppliants drift ; But fool'd by Lust , he knowes Dame Pleasures house , More than Gods Church ; or the Old man to touse ; Nay , in the Church he dares his Bravery Of Plumes to shew , or rather Ravery . The Drunkard still goes on to play the Sott , And more then Fasting Rules , to ply the Pot. By heath'nish healths , mad fits , and lavish cost , Polluting gifts breath'd from the Holy Ghost , " So that moist vapours to the Head ascend , " And Rheums from thence into the lungs descend ▪ " The fourefold humours foame , the blood inflames , " More capable of Pestilentiall Flames , " Then of mild Natures heat , vowd for impression " Of Gifts divine , to hinder Fiends Oppression . Our Gluttons will not cease to breake the Law , Nor spare one dish , to ransome Lazars Jaw , But what the Earth , the Sea , and Aire produce , Their Panders dresse for their full panches use , With Spice exchang'd for Englands dearest wealth , Without regard to Soules or Bodies health . For which delight , Dayes Fasting to prophane Some wish they had the long necke of a Crane , That so they might , like to the ravenous Wolfe , Powre downe more store into the Gurmands gulfe ; And though their penance were to take a Purge , To have the Cramping Gout , or the like scourge , " Yet will they feed on Cates varieties " At the same meale in spight of Maladies , " Of Lawes , advice of friends , Physitians threats , " And the repugnant Nature of the meates . Nay , though they know some meats may cause offence Unto the Weake , the Old man will dispence , That on a Friday in a Papists sight , They feast on Flesh , his Conscience to despight , Against the rules of Civill Modesty . As if they meant their Neighbours Swine to tye To Meazeld troughs against the Owners Will , Who bred them up with other kind of Swill As bad perhaps as Sugar-sops or Fish , Which raise up Lust more than the fleshy dish : Of old it was not so ; Good Christians then , In feeding with the Jewes , like Prudent men , Abstain'd from Porke and puddings stuft with Blood , They liv'd content with their Mosaicall Food ; To win weak soules to Christ they seem'd content lawes With all things , except sinne , indifferent , For whose deare sake , they would each Countryes Observe , and weare a Fooles coate , were there cause . And so sometimes we play the Humourists , Faiths essence sav'd , to raise up Catechists . But since our Head commands a Publicke Fast , How dare the Members gape for much Repast ? But mutually joyne with their Christian mates Of the same Church to calm the threatning Fates ? On Jonathan a thundring sentence past , Because he brake unwittingly a Fast : And shall our Gulles unpunished escape ? Who wilfully commit an Heath'nish Rape ? And violate the Law with carnall taste , Out of crosse-spleene , conceite , and wanton waste ? Nor for restraint of Wind , necessity , Or for raw Ayre , but of meere Vanity ? A little serves the Hungry Maw to heale : Why then will they devoure more at a Meale " Than twice five ounces of substantiall Food ? And so much weight of drinke to do them good ? More frugall yet , when Fasting dayes commence , ( Least Fumes oppresse the Braine , Sleepe presse th● sence To keepe in plight thereby the Bodies Frame For the Soules Feast , and Belly Gods to shame ? Such Food , as will not over soone corrupt , Bisket , Rice , Pulse , or soft Panades supt ? " A smal thing cheeres the heart , & Midriffe calm● " As wines one draught kept Timothy from Qualmes . Why then will Christians play the Epicures ? And frustrate make the Soules and Bodies Cures ? By causing Fumes to breath up to the Braine , Where they beget the Soules and Bodies paine ? " Excesse of Meats beyond the Golden Meane " Turnes into Fat , and Excrements uncleane ; " It taints the blood , breeds Dropsies , Feavers , Gouts " Or duls the wit , and makes them heavy Louts , " Unweildy for Faiths Active Qualities " To please our God with humble Sacrifice . Of Vessels some are Rough , some Porcellane , Of Bodies , some turne Pure and some Prophane : Note this in Beasts , their dung lets us to weet That Swine and Dogs smell rancke , the Stags more sweet Now Gryllus chuse thy mould , Hogs , Stags , or Dogs . If Stags be scant , Dogges stinke , then take the Hogs , And wallow in his mire , untill thou feele The meazell'd Plague , and like a Dizzard reele . These Points , and others moe grave Levites preach Where they enjoy their Rights , & how the breach Of Fasting comes , which makes me tel my friends : " He , that neglects the Churches moane , offends . For which , and the like crimes , he ought to sob , Who thinkes it no offence Gods Tythes to rob . " The Arts contempt , and robbing them of Hire , " Cause many Plots and strange combustions fire " In humane brea●ts , Divines to Simonize , " And other Wits to raile and Libellize " At Lawes or Times ; or else they fly from home , " To Doway , Spaine , Saint Omers , or to Rome : Whence what ensues I leave for Politiques To judge , while others turne home-Empiriques , False Sycophants , or Mountebanks , to seeme More wise or skilfull in the worlds esteeme , When to themselves they guilty are of fraud . But Need allures dame Be●uty , like a Baud , To prostitute , or rather want of Grace , That makes the Whore , the Modest to outface , Yet now I hope our forraigne-built Plantations Will Britaine free from many Imputations , When Drones remov'd ; the rest more elbow roome Shall have to thrive , like Honey-Bees , at home , Unlesse ( which God avert ) the Pestilence , Abate our swarmes , and crosse good mens Intents . Mean time the world on wheels runs mad , by f●ends And furies led , whom they mistake for friends : One while they tempt to Apish imitation , Whilst Pygmies swell with Gya●●s transformation , With ●urld bold Ruffians Haire , immodest face , Proud costly robes , with Gold and needlesse Lace , And thriftlesse puffes winkt at perhaps to raigne , For Trades increase , Customes , or Mercers gaine . For whose support with rich Caparizons T●ades with Coach-mares make oft comparisons , By these our Off-springs tainted 〈◊〉 Turne Harpyes , Peacockes , or Hermaphrodites , By these high sailes hath Hospitality Sunke in deepe Gulfes with Christian Charity . The multitude of sinners gone amisse , Makes ●inne to seeme the lesse , and so doth this . Another while our Gentry with delights They traine to tread Gods gifts with dogs & kites ; Or else to gape for Others goods at Play , Oft to the losse of their owne worldly stay , Whilst Satans wily fiends subordinates Confirme such Gamesters for his Reprobates , But late they triumph'd when against the Rheume Some did create a God of Indian Fume , Whereby men craz'd their memory and wits , And parcht their Vitall Blood more then befits . O Custome charm'd , besotting Christendome ! Besotting Braines against the day of Doome ! Tobaccoes smoake no other Humour drawes Then Spawling , which it selfe doth chiefly cause , Nor doth this Hells evaporating Puffe , End here , although worse then a Candles snuffe , To qualify the Dampish sooty Braine , It must be moistned oft for Tavernes Gaine , With Wine or Beere , that the heate Naturall May swim with Flegme , as the Moist Radicall Lies dampt with drouth of sense-benumming smoake , And this they doe so long , untill the Heate Of Nature failes , corrupt with sulphures sweate : The Braine thus soild , how shall Gods grace erect The Spirits Temple in the Intellect ? By hearing Faith gets roome : but if by fits Their senses quaile , their quailing hurts the wits . " Then let this be in Brasse , or Marble plac't : " Who smoakes Tobacco much , he doates at last . " Who can deny but Satan in our Age " Is let more loose with violence to rage ? " And with his Angels daily goes about " To batter Faith ? and true Zeale to roote out ? " He is let loose to range about at Pleasure , " And more then Love pricks men to dreame of Treasure . " We prate of Faith , but Pride eates up the fruites , " We talke of Peace , but that ends in Law-suites . For feare of humane Plots Saints oft are dumbe , And Love is by the Dragons wiles become A thing of naught , a Cypher without fellowes , Whilst Golden hopes of Lucre blow the bellowes . As Passengers their ship being weake and riven , To s●ndry Coasts for many Leagues are driven Of gusts and stormes , of Gulfes they make report , Before they can arrive at Safeties Port : So now are Saints by Gog and Magog vext , And glad to fly with civill Broyles perplext Out of their Native soyle to Strangers Armes For refuge against Mars his fierce alarmes . As witnesse now of late the Valtoline ; France , Belgia , Hesse , all Dutchland , and the Rhine . So others are by suits and quarrells faign'd To sundry Courts for many miles constrain'd , Through thicke and thin to travell for small cause , Vnder pretext to answer breach of Lawes , To lose their precious time and spend the same In strife , which Christ injoyn'd to Holy flame , To satisfy Officialls greedy willes More than need is for moulture to their Mills , As our King James of famous memory , With lightning glaunce checkt this foule injury , Our coyne by bribing Tongues grows scant of late ; And men for want of meanes waxe desperate . How many Motions do some make in vaine ? And endlesse Pleas with in ward joy retaine ? Such Sophisters in Paper-length to draw , And spin rich Suites will white the blackest D●w , And blurre the Candor of the holyest man ; But seldome helpe to save the weake and wan . But O! are not those Christians whom they gull ? Christians they are , O worldlings , whom ye Lull A sleepe to feed upon , like Canniballs , They looke not like those Popes or Cardinalls , Or those great mighty men , whose flesh and Soules , Are to be prey'd on by the Mysticke Foules At Gods triumphant Supper ; No , these are Your Brethren , whom to pill and poll ye dare : " Like to the Aierie fiends typ'd by those foules " Who feed upon the jarres of carnall Soules , " On whose weake passions , wits , and fits ye work " Whilst under Sugred Pills doth danger Iurke . Who knowes not that the fiends of Hell rejoyce At these your broiles ? to heare your screaming noise ? Therefore repent , before th●s waning light ●huts up the world with terrours of the Night ▪ Be sparing of your Crotchets for his sake , Who spar'd not on himselfe our sinnes to take , Let to your brawles sixe months a period fixe ; Submit to friends award without Law-trickes , Or costly fees , what ye suggest for wrong , Not vaunting of a Mercenary tongue . I need not warne our Gravest Counsellours , Who for the New-man spend more pretious houres In grieving at debates then taking Fees , For they decline Gods wrathfull cup of Lees ; But I exclaime , and raise with Hue and Cry My Wits against our Petty-fogging fry , Those Mountebankes , that Hollow-hearted crue , Which cogge with Truth , and stir up Guls to sue ; Who make no Conscience in an honest cause , To vexe Good men , and scandalize the Lawes . Such men I onely blurre . Let Honey Bees Live by their painefull Hire , and well-gain'd Fees : I envy not their Station , nor their store , But pray that they in Grace grow more and more . I wish to them all Happinesse and Joy , That they with Love their Labours fruite enjoy . For unto such our Patriots Common-weale , Can not more portions then they merit deale , Yea , those ripe silver haires I honour most , Who with good Lawes helpe to entrench Gods host From raving Ravening Wolves , which but for them Had long since spoyl'd our Tents , & stil contemne Our Clergies Rites reform'd , and their intents , Supported by our Christian Parliaments , These were indeed the Champions of our State , Against Romes Bulles and the degenerate From their Allegeance to our Native Prince ; They Abbots sloth , and Legates did convince , By casting out Romes painted Wares and Trash , For which brave Act , and memorable Lash , Besides the Gospels Light , God yet is pleas'd , To leave their Ranke a prop for the diseas'd : So some are blest with an Immortall Lot , Whilst uselesse Drones , like shooting Meteors , rot . They merit too in Britaines Orbe to shine , Like Starres , that move in the Eclipticke Line . " Who waigh the Lawes with Reason , Right , and Ruth , " And at the first acquaint men with the Truth ▪ " What the Event will be , what danger lies , " For daring Justice with surmized Lies . And specially , those Lawyers I commend , Who Clients suites with expedition end ! Scan well my Lawes , ye Masters of the Law , And ye , that be their Clients , stand in awe Of Judgement justly due for your dis-union , For your contempt of Love and Christian Vnion . " Be slow to wrath , speake faire , doe good to all ; " Forgive your foes , and raise up them that fall , " Look that false Mammons wiles tempt not your zeale , " Lest for your bribes Astraeas Common-weale " Grow to contempt , like that Monasticke state " Of Ghostly forme , which ye supprest of late . " Through many tongues the devill moves despight , " And yet may seeme an Angell of the Light. That Spirit , which through Ahabs Prophets spake , Now tempts most men in falshood to partake , And likewise workes in nimble factious pates , That they for cursed hire spread more debates , Which but for their suggestions would expire , Or dormant lye , as under ashes Fire . God loves a mild , a free , and open heart , Which melts like wax , to see his neighbors smart . As I went on our discords to attone , My Zeale broke forth into a Prophets Tone : Unkennell ye that old and crafty Fox Whom having catcht , cease not to thumpe & box Him other whiles . If for the Palsies griefe , To nose his scent , ye yeeld him some releife , Be sure in Chaines to keepe him alwayes bound , For if let loose , and he abroad be found , Your tender Lambes , the hope of all your flocke , Can never scape , nor well endure the shocke Of his slye trickes ; O therefore let him now Be wisely lookt unto , that he may bow , Make roome for Lambes from spoyle and theft secure Wash , rince , and scoure , and keep your vessels pure , Flay not Christs sheepe ; but feed them without strife , As he for you hath sacrific'd his life . " Let none Gods place of judgement undertake " For Coine ; but for true zeale , & Conscience sake ▪ " Let none for wealth accept a Benefice . " For the Soules gaine was Christ his chiefest prize . " Let Dives bid his golden gods avant , " Cashiering quite all things extravagant . Let Christian Dames leave off the Peacockes traine , And now resume their modest Garbes againe . " Let Souldiers of the Fort , Ship , Tent or Toung , " Live with their hires content , not offering wrong . Let them of all degrees , both Old and Young , Both High and Low , of Sexes weake and strong , Let all Repent , before th' Eternall Day Breakes forth , which shortly without more delay Will fatally conclude their civill jarres , Their greedy wiles , their Pomp , and bloody wars . But put the case , that Day comes not so soone , As Fooles conceive , yet Orbed , like the Moone , Mans braine receives the forme of glistering notions Except betimes he curbes the Old mans motions , Whence if they break through those Ideaes roome Into the Heart , there , Idols they become . The New man is sent backe by Carnall sinnes , As was Gods Arke by Dagons Philistines , And in his Place those Puppets he observes , Whom more then Christ he loves , & oftner serves . Thus Worldlings wise in darkenesse roame about As well as they , whose Light strife hath put out . The Way unto Gods Paradise is streight , Narrow , and steepe , to which transcendent height " Fraile flesh and blood must not ascend , unlesse " The Soule be in this world purg'd more or lesse " By twofold Flames : whereof the one Hels paine " Resembles ; th' other heates with zeale the Braine . Like as the Body growes in Quantity , And in the Fourefold Humours Quality : So the New man shootes up , drawes us to grace If we doe stop the Old mans wily race . " Deatb Crownes a Saint , and none can dy in Christ " Except he living here become his Priest. " For Gods Elect must lead a Righteous Life , " Subject to Christ , as to her head the Wife ; " She knowes no male but one , she stands in Aw , " Yet loves him deare , and his Advice is Law. " Sweet heart ( quoth he ) lose not the mornings Prime " But , as Christ thee , doe thou redeeme the Time " With Prayers , Zeale , true Love and Fruitfull Deeds ; " For of ten thousand Soules scarce one well speeds . Now he , that hath discretion in his pate , Must marke these Maximes , ere it be too late : When strife for Love , & dreames we take for watching , When Praise for Preyes , and Grace we looke for Catching ; And when from Fasts we fal to Feasts and bibbing , Then Abbaes streame stayes in the lowest Ebbing . Our Advocate craves it to flow againe , The Father yeelds , and so to every veine Their streame flowes faire , untill our changling fooles Have sought to other Streames from Muddy Pooles . The Trinity then loathing Braines so sicke Their Motions stop , and men dye Lunaticke ▪ From which Relapse , Distrust , and Lunacy , Blesse we our selves , as from Apostacy . If I speake well , or rave with puft up Learning , Judge they , who have the Spirit of Discerning . In the meane time keepe we Gods Trumpets Feast , And watch , till it shall summon us to Rest. All Feastes expir'd in Christs his Oracles , Or were exchang'd for our Soules Spectacles , In memory to keepe our Saviours Name , The Blessed Virgins , and th' Apostles Fame , With watch against the brats of Antichrist , Which beare Christs Name , but not the markes of Christ. To blaze these Newes I finde none more Divine , Then Epiphanius , and Saint Augustine Since the decease of those good Fishermen , Which toyl'd to free soules from the Devils den ; For he that markes them blazing Heretickes , May soone convince our moderne Catholickes , Who were baptiz'd and styl'd Regenerate , Went out from us , but since degenerate . Christs Oracles next to th' Apostles Time Shone , as bright starres six hundred yeares in prime : But afterwards by Pompe , and Sodomy They were left Breathlesse for Anatomy , Yet to the Spirits Feast of Shavelings slighted Our West hath beene by Prophets late invited , To cleanse Christs Church from Superstitious Feasts Proclaiming Truth against the Mounted Beasts Mysterious charmes , Soule-gulling Merchandize , Which Gospel seem'd , till Wickliff prov'd them lies Truthes Oracles , which Antichrist supprest , Are freely now in our owne Tongue exprest ; Each Parable made plaine , to Babes reveal'd , And every Mysticke Leafe lyes now unseal'd In spight of the Red Dragons Floud and Fraud , And maugre all the Trickes of Babels Baud , So that we may ( unlesse our Riots let ) Escape , and breake out of the Hunters Net. Strange Fires & croaking noise from Balaams lips Cannot dash out our Light , nor yet eclipse Those Rayes whereby the murthered Lamb of late , Cheares up his Faithfull Bride , and Sions state Relying on his Ayd and powerfull Arme His Spirit warmes , and keeps from Leaguers harm ▪ But clandestine and by sly cheating trickes Some winne more Games to Babels Meretrix . He that deceived Eve by subtill Traine , Would our returne into her stewes againe Perswade . By Sions Rents they shortly hope To blurre our Church , and re-invest the Pope With his Old Keyes , and with his Golden Crosse In Gods owne Temple Graces to ingrosse ; And for small cause to excommunicate , Nay , for neglect of Fees to shut Heavens Gate , They hope to put ( by Satans Tares late sowne ) Our Laymens ward of Premunire downe . But why cast I such Goblin doubts abroad ? When the Last Knell determines our aboad , Our short aboad on Earth ? O let us then Repent , and waile our sinnes , deare Country-men , Let us renew , whilst that it is to Day , Our Sacrifice , and vowes of Love repay , Oft musing on Saint Paules advice , that now We Christ no more after the flesh must know ; But as it were in traunce , the New-mans way , To waigh his Crosse and Passion every day . The Service , which belongs to Him alone ; Withdraw not from that All-sufficient One , By kneeling to our fellow-servants downe For Ghostly helpe , who saved but their owne Deare Soules by vertue of that Costly Blood , Which on the Crosse was shed for our joynt good . If we beleeve , as Saints have done before us , In Christ alone , Hels sting can never gore us . Thinke on my words , O ye backe-sliding Soules , Who pay to Saints your vows , like Market Tolles , " Thinke on your owne , and Christ his painefull death , " The Judgement day , and gaping hell beneath . Our dayes are few : Times period is at hand , And Christ his Arke will shortly saile from Land. The waves of sinne swell high ; Love growne too cold In most mens Hearts , Mens ruines doth unfold , True Faith for want of more Devotions heat Exiled pleads before Gods Judgement seate Against Mankind , as at the Flood of Noah . To plague the world with flames , & worse annoy ▪ Mens hearts are hardned , like the Fiends of Hell , For if a Prophet doe sinnes doome foretell , Disswading them from Broiles , O how they swell At the Good man , with rage and passions fell , Imposing for his paines , Rackes , shackles , shame ▪ Or silencing , or blacking his good Name ! Before Doomes-day this darke Prodigious fault Must follow next upon the Whores assault , For though the Church Triumphant doth rejoyce To see her Fall , our Jarres supplant our Joyes , And so instead of Psalmes to Heaven sent We temporize , or with her Complement . Awake therefore , ye watch-men with your flocke , Lest you and they be hurld against the rocke Of scandall to our Churches infamy , Ending in Schismes , Broyles , or Phlebotomy . Thinke on the Fowles , which ere the Sunne did set , Abram had watcht , and then huge darkenesse met . Awake , I say , out of your slumbring sleepe , Look to your charge in time , Christs wandring sheep : Behold our Soules great Shepherd is at hand , Though some are loath the Signes to understand ; The last dayes Bell , or Clocke of Mortals time , ( Be watchfull ye were best ) will shortly chime , Christ shortly comes , the Faithfull to requite , And to confound our Mysticke Gyants might : No Tyrants threats , no double tongue will serve , Fee , nor Reward , the guilty to preserve . Gods Darts , like Comets , threate our Westerne Orbe , And Justice will the Austrian faction curbe ; Gods Angell now beginnes to goe about To warne before Doomes-day the Christian Rout ▪ Already hath his Holy Trumpets sounded , Christ shortly comes to save the sick and wounded . Watch , Fast , and Pray , and cheare up one another ; This is Gods will , by Christ our Elder Brother ; ( His warning peale rung forth unto the Jewes ) But scorn'd by them he left to us these Newes . Because they slighted what they might have held , The Word of Life , the Light , which they beheld , The Lord remov'd his precious Candlesticke , Clear'd others sight , and left them blind and sick ; The Obstin●te , I meane , not all of them , For some beleev'd before Jerusalem Demolisht lay , yea , thousands were baptiz'd Both then and since of the Crew Circumciz'd , Some Jewes baptiz'd were by th' Apostles , some At Christ his death , when Saints rose from their Tombe , How many Jewes turn'd Christians in one day , Who had the gift of Tongues on Whitsunday ? Some Christian Jewes , when Roman Rage had rent Judaeas state , to Jordans Pella went To Antioch , Tyre , Arabia , Babylon , To Corinth , Creet , Damascus , Macedon , And to remoter Coasts in hope of rest , Whence after James decease , in time distrest . Some fell , some grew . By these the Gentiles rose From darkenesse to Soules light , tooke up the Crosse , Preacht Christ , & mixt with Jewes they were ingraft In one faire stocke , untill by Satans craft , The Nicholaites , and the Nestorian Sect Did with false drugges the Easterne world infect . " In vaine therefore we looke for more Conversion " Of moderne Jewes before the Worlds subversion " Then what is past , unlesse ( which Jewes abhor ) " Our Romanists leave off Shrines to adore ; " Much lesse , Elias to descend in Flesh " With Enoch , since their Spirit some possesse , " And since the Formers gift infus'd in John , " He clear'd the way for the Creators Sonne . Already hath the Gospels Larum rung To quicken soules , whom the Red dragon s●ung , Yea Nations to our Auncestors unknowne Heard lately of Mount Olivets renowne ; " And might unto the Christian Faith be wonne , " If Britaine , Spaine , and Holland joyne in one " Religious League to traffique on the Mayne " For Indian Soules more than for Worldly Gaine . As Spaine exchang'd her wares for Gold and spice , So we by Peters Net may sacrifice , And catch more Preyes for Christ then Spaine hath done , Except henceforth our New Mans course she run : What braver gaine can be , then Soules to win , From Heath'nish spoyles and superstitious sin ? What taske can Pilgrims take more happily Then th' Abissine for Manuscripts to try ? Who , as they say , hath those unknowne to us , Which will strike dumbe all Sects Idolatrous ? What easy meanes and secondary wayes Hath God lent us now in these latter dayes ? Since Printing and the Loadstone he made knowne , To cleare the darke , and put the Po●e-starre downe ? That so his Word might with the setting Sunne , Conclude the worke , which in the East begun . O Noble Europe , how I pitty thee ! If that great Plague , which some Divines foresee , Due for thy Wiles and Pride , light on thy flocke , Americans raised to the Living Rocke , Whereof sometime thou vauntst in Aprill-youth , While Feasts for Fasts , and Lies thou take for Truth . But I leave these , as secrets of the Lord ; As yet thou hast his Pledges and his Word , Which may till Doomes-day last , if thou repent , And banish Schisme , the Ba●e of Loves content . How many stout Confes●ou● like bright Starres , Hath God inspir'd to 〈◊〉 our jarres ? How many men of Ghostly Ranke as Lay , Yea , Mitred Saints have gone the Martyrs way ? Grave Cranmer , Ridley , Hooper , Latimer , And Ferrar fam'd in Englands Register , Not fearing , like true Members of their Head , To suffer rather death then be misled ? Or to connive with false dissembling Brow , At Babels Charmes , though ne're so faire of show ? How many Heraulds hath he sent of late , Yet slighted all , to warne each Christian state , To sue for Grace , their follies to forbeare And to prepare with true Religious feare For their New Birth and Spirits Renovation , Before the day of wrath , Earths conflagration ? Among the rest his Grace enlightned me In Britaines Isle , Soule-dangers to foresee , And by a Sparke lent from his Heavenly Flame , To Sacrifice and spread the Newmans Fame . To this effect , and that I might regaine Some swarmes for Christ , I chose a tinckling strain Wherewith I found , like John in Jewry-Land : Repent , Repent ; Gods Kingdome is at hand . Admonitio Christiana . EXitus Orbis adest , Chaos & fatale diei Extremae subit , atra brevi Campana sonabit . Vos igitur moneo Praeconis more , Litate Pectoris ex imis Christo Nova sacra Monarchae . Ille Dei Sermo concludet Ovesque Luposque Judicii extremi Sermone : Venite ; vel Ite , Ite hinc in Furias , in Tophe● ite Ferae ; Fida sed ad Ferias Turba venite Poli. A Christian Admonition . THe Fatall end , which shal the world confound Draws neere , & Doomes-dayes Bell will shortly sound . In Preachers Type , I warne you then to bring New Offerings from the Heart to Christ our King. For He Gods word will cloze the Latter day Thus by his word : Come Sheep : Wolves pack away ▪ Packe hence to Hell , ye Creatures wild ; To Heaven Come ye , the True and milde . A Hymne of Repentance to be sung for the ease of an afflicted Conscience . WHat strange assaults of sins surrounding tide , Breake in upon our Soules on every side ? How fearefully Gods darts of vengeance glide ? So neere they glide , we cannot turne aside ? We feele enough to pull downe Pride , More terrours then we can abide . It is no wrong , but Justice which we feele Though we were scourg'd with Wires of keenest steele Or broiled on the Coales , or flay'd alive . We merit not Doomes respite , nor reprieve . Because in time we did not grieve For sinne , nor sought in Grace to thrive . Sinne is the cause of our Law-suits and jarres , Sinne is the cause of our late Civill warres . The former robs us of our meanes of Thrift , The latter of our friends with bloodier drift . For want of shrift , and hearts uplift ; Fiends doe as Wheate our Passions sift . We ought indeed more god●y to have beene , Before we felt Gods Judgements for our sinne : We ought indeed his Arrowes to prevent With Prayers , Vowes , and houres more frugall spent ▪ Yet we repent , with heart neere rent His Talents use , by us mis-spent . We will not yet of Freedome quite despaire : No , Gracious God ; we know thou canst repaire , Our drooping state , though plunged in the mire Of mangie sinne , or scortcht with Troubles fire . Thou canst refraine thy Judgements Ire , Our Temples cleanse , our Soules inspire . Thou at a becke Soules-tortures canst remove , Or else asswage our griping fits above Straind Natures reach , as thy Sonne Jesus did Poore Publicans of their diseases rid . Yea , though griefes were of causes hid , Their utmost sting thou canst forbid . To thee alone for Mercy we appeale , Who heretofore the Israelites didst heale By Serpents stung , and sundry others cure By Miracle , thou canst Soule-ease procure . Nay , health assure , and cleanse us pure , As thou didst Naaman , though impure . Lord pitty us , and blesse our Second Birth , As thou with heate & showres dost barren earth , As Peter , Paul , the Thiefe in Calvary And her , whom Jewes tooke in Adultery , Thou didst cheere up in misery , Because they did for Mercy cry . Behold how Satan wheeles about our braine , More busy now than ever with his traine Of fiends unseene to circumvent our will ; He knows us weake , and therefore bends his skill , The more his mallice to fulfill , Because we are so craz'd and ill . He stiles our Heathenish spoiles states purging pills , Our jarring Pleas as necessary ills , Our Niggardize good thrift , Pride decency , Our drunken healths kind Fellowship : and why ? He knowes that Carnall fallacy Enwraps the Soule in Lunacy . Against his snares we have no other fence , Then thy Sonnes merits , Blood , and Innocence , O God most Just , and for his sake we trust , Thou of meere Grace wilt us repute as Just , Before we be by Satan crusht ; Before our Bones lye in the dust . Now is the Time , or never , to us ayd ; For after death when we in earth are layd What Sacrifice ? what Offering wilt thou have ? Thy Christ hath ransom'd us , and thou dost crave No more then his deserts , to save Sinners from Hels devouring grave . Christ is our Head , him onely we adore , Christ is the Saint , whose helpe we still implore . Christ is the Light , which harts more cold then Ice Hath warm'd and chear'd by the Soules Exercise . Christ is the Lambe , that paid the price To Justice due for humane vice . This Sacrifice regardfull of the strife Twixt Heaven & Earth , for our sicke soules releife , Most gracious Lord , we to thy Grace present , Not to fulfill Romes Amulets intent , Or unction charm'd for Sacrament , But with pure Faith , Loves Balme to vent ; Both which thou hast from Heaven sent , Both which on Earth yeeld thee content . Amen . The Second Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . The Mystery explain'd of Christ his Birth ; Why he came poore , and strange to Carnall Mirth . Here they are toucht , who soile his Feastivalls , With Riot , Pomp , or drunken Bacchanalls . THe Scribe , of late who blaz'd the Churches state From Christs Ascent till this yeares present date , Now represents a more Soule-quickning part , And to win strayes drops on the stony heart , Alluring them by sacred charmes to watch And waite on Him , who made poore Bethlems cratch ( Borne there without Male-Sire in Judaes Land , Like Daniels Mountaine-Stone cut without hand ) More glorious than the Romane Capitoll , Or Rhodes Colosse in the Sev'n Wonders Roll. For this sweet Trance , to rebaptize the Will , To rowze the Braine , the Soule with zeale to fill , Draw , Christians , neere : and view the Stable-Cratch Where lay the Virgins Son ; Draw neere , dispatch , And humbly greet this Heav'ns & Earths umpeere , Whose Joyfull Feast good Christians every yeere Do solemnely renew for twelve Dayes space , Till that bright Starre ends at his Native place . Wisemen they were , who did this Light partake Led by that Flame , which through the Prophets spake . Had we their Star , or Iacobs Staffe for Guide , Diviner Dreames our Fancies would betide . We might then hope with safety and with Ease To passe the Spanish Straights and Mid-land Seas In spite of Moorish Pirates , or Algiere , And without feare of Turkes to domineere , Till we arriv'd at last on Joppaes Strand , And so from thence survey that Holy Land , Where dwelt sometime a Shepheard Royaliz'd , Out of whose Ligne Our Saviour Humaniz'd , The second Adam , our soules Shepheard came As well from God as from Just Abraham . But how cam'st thou , quoth Zeale , to found out Truth In tuned forme ? a worke for Joviall Youth ? No humane skill can ancient yeares exchange : From whence then spring these Tunes ? these motions strange In thee , whose Beard bewrayes that Melancholy Strives to supplant the sanguine humour wholy ? He that inspir'd poore Fishermen to rowle Deep Mysticks with New Tongues , and to enrowle For after-times his Gifts on them conferr'd , Hath now fresh Heat into my veines transferr'd : To scare the Proud , to cure the crazed Foole , Like that which sometimes stirr'd Bethesdaes poole . He guided me to Bethlem , Nazareth , To Jordan , Salem , and Gennes●reth . Whence by Christs Birth , Deeds , Crosse , and rising up From death to Life , we cheere up Soules that droop For there is no distemper , nor disease , But if we fixe on Christ , we shall find ease . Christ paid the Price for our infirmities , Christ onely is the New mans Sacrifice . To honour Him , with Soule-rapt Extasie God breath'd in me sweet-working Poes●e . Slight not then , Readers , my conceites , but heare With spungy eares what I deliver here . God grant that these work more sung of his Sonne Then all my former workes ; and I have done . Old things are done ; we must be borne anew Rise , Libertine , and Christ his Birth renew . Rise up , thou lazy Soule , thou pampred Sot , T is neere Sun-set ; leave we this sensuall Cot For Castawayes , who spend their time in pleasure , And cannot in a yeare find one dayes leasure To meditate upon Christ crucifyed , With humble thoughts and vessels sanctifyed ; Nor on Christs Birth , how that his Incarnation Availes us more than Adams first Creation O why , came he into the world a stranger ? And would be borne in a poore homely Manger ? Why did the Lord of Lords himselfe abase To take on him our faults ? but to give place To Justice , which equality requir'd ? Which to shame Pride harmoniously desir'd ? Gods Righteous Zeale did satisfaction aske , But Man could not performe so great a taske The infinite high Wisdome was offended , And for a price as infinite intended . The whole world shooke ; the Elements did warre ; The Planets , starres , and humours fell to jarre ; All chang'd their former course ; The Sun lookt pale ; Fiends into Hell were like Mankind to hale . There were but two : and they from goodnesse fell ; How could their Race then be but slaves to Hell ? Soft , hasty wit : I saw the New man comming Just at their Fall to curbe the Devils cunning I saw their Griefe , their Penitence and Crosse ; I saw Gods Grace Conditionall after Losse ; I saw Gods Seale of Pardon for their Sinnes , When their bare Limbs he cloth'd with Coates of Skinnes , For when our Parents sinn'd they were asham'd , Sh●me wrought remorse . Then Christ Gods Mercy claim'd ; The second of the Glorious Trinity Tooke pitty on Mans losse of unity ; The Word , that spake when Light and Life began , Claim'd share of Grace for his Reformed Man. As a Just Sire and his Mild wife do treat , How their lewd Child they might reclaim , or beat ▪ So Justice did , and Gra●e expostulate , What should become of Adam and his Mate : Justice alleadg'd their voluntary Fall , But Grace oppos'd the Serpents Charmes and Gall ▪ The One protested Death , but the kinde Other Sought with Gods Love the sting of Sinne to smother . The One did Man a Turne-coat Tra●tour name , The Other on his Frailty layd the blame . The One Mans wicked Thoughts insisted on , The Other Mans Repentance stood upon . Justice strict Law , but Grace against Laws Scourg● Gods Court of Conscience did most strongly urge , And sweetly pray'd her Sister not to ranke Mankind with Fiends for One , though mortall Prank . This Matter then of mighty consequence Betwixt them Both yet standing in suspence , With various Pleas concerning our Salvation , Or in Hells Flames our finall Reprobation : The Virgins two did mutually agree To compromit the same to Gods De●ree ; On which Suspence these Glorious Attributes With Zeale and Love concluded their Disputes . Th' Almighty then consulted not with any Of Angels Ranke , though there he had full many , Not for their Zeale with Seraphins approv'd , Nor Cherubins , though them he dearely lov'd , ( They Spirits were but of a Creatures mould . ) Then mystickly the Father did unfold The Matter to his Sonne and Holy Ghost , Gods Honour sav'd , how Man might not be lost , Nor left depriv'd of Light and Favour who●ly , Like those proud Angels darkned for their Folly. There was no way to make Legitimate Mans Bastard slips , nor to repaire our state With Faiths Free-will , Divine , and absolute , Of whose essentiall Forme Some now dispute ; There was no way for Adam , nor his Seed , Nor Nature left to do this Glorious Deed , Since that the vapour of the Dragons Gall Had fouly blackt their Gifts Organicall ; There was no way this worke to bring to passe But by Regeneration to deface The sting of sinne , and by a New-made Creature Borne of the Spirit and of Humane Nature To do Gods will , which Adam fail'd to doe , One that could live here poore , and patient too Voyd of s●nne spleene , and thoughts deformitie● Voyd of all guile , and lustfull vanities ; One that could fixe his Faith on God alone Of Power earth with Heaven to attone ; One that could breake the Devils combinations , One that could brook the triall of Temptations ▪ One who mankind was able to renue ; And with New gifts their nature to endue ; Yea , such a one , that could endure the rod Of his , for Sinnes of men displeased God ; And that partaking of Divinity Could with the Head unite Humanity ; And lastly One , that able was to tread Downe s●nnes delight , the wily Serpents Head ▪ This Rares● One the Trinity did see Could not among Mens Race , nor Angels be ( For the brightest Angels unfaithfull prov'd , And the best men were bad , though well belov'd To satisfy Gods wrath there needed then A Higher power for the Sinnes of men To sacrifice before their full attonement . No Blood of Be●sts could make this reconcilement ▪ No Prayers made to Angels , Starres , nor Saints ; No Purging Flames could stint sad Soules complaintes ; No Dove-like Sighes , nor Cataract of Teares , No Fasts , nor Hermits Garbs could ease their fears ; Not Incense , not the blood of all the World , Nor all their merits yet together hurld ; But blood of Man that never had offended , Of a New-man downe from Above descended , Of a New Mould endowed with Free will , Which Adam lost , with power to barre all ill Who taking on himselfe all mens transgressions Would dy that death , which by their owne confessions They had deserv'd , and by that meanes t' asswage Gods Justice , and supplant the devils rage . The Fathers Word then , and his bosome Sonne , By whom , & for whose sake all things were done Consented to be borne of Humane flesh With dowries meet the fainting to refresh , Whereby their eyes might see his reall light , Though Infinite , yet not to hurt their sight : Gods owne true Heire , the light and Spring of Life , Did willingly assume to end all strife , To bound himselfe , although ubiquity , To Calendar in Time Eternity . Christ undertooke a new to represent The second Adams Part , to which Intent , And to redeeme us from his Fathers Doome , He our fraile flesh tooke in a Virgins wombe , For Nine Moneths space shut up in narrow place , Whose strength no place can hold , no Time , nor space . Almighty God , his Promise to make good To his adopted Saints of Adams Brood , That One of Evaes Seed in time to come , Should at the last the Serpent overcome , And triumph by his Death on Hellish Sinnes As Sampson did on Dagons Philistines , Had moved Joseph one of Davids House To take the Virgin Mary for his Spouse , Both knowne to be of Zorobabels Race , Which branch'd from Davids Root hold up to grace Their Pedegree , though they were clouded then Through poverty . Whereby appeares to men How much to Lawfull meanes Gods Purenesse tends Whilst thus by Wedlocks veile He shrouds his Ends ; How Maries lowly minde by Grace Divine For her Babes worth did Evaes pride decline : But leaves the Rich with Mammons Pitch defil'd . For She was Poore , and He a Carpenter , Yet God did them before Great Folkes preferre , A Slighted Paire , his two-fold Instrument , To bring Christs Birth to full accomplishment . Now Sixe Moneths came , since Grave Elizabeth Of John conceiv'd : And then to Nazareth God sent againe the Angel Gabriel Glad Tidings of much wonder to foretell , That there the Blessed Virgin should with Child Conceive , not by the Male , but by the Mild And Gentle Sparks breath'd from the Holy Ghost ; And that likewise in Judaes Hilly Coast Elizabeth her Cosen then was blest , Though Old and barren , with an Embrion Guest , Who born should roome make for the highest King , As his Tong-loos'd would shortly sing . This Signe the Angell added to Confirme The Maidens Faith , and make his Message firme , For Malachy had prophesied , that John E●ias-like should preach ere Christ came on . The Angell gone : in hast the Virgin-Saint Went with these newes her Cousen to acquaint , At whose Approach the Sixe months Embryon sprung , And she a Psalme God Magnifying sung . I need not , since Old Wives of it can prate , The Angels Ave Mary here relate . His words to her were Newes Miraculous , But wrest for vowes they prove Idolatrous , When mumbling on fine Beades , like Parrats Cha● , They beg in a strange tongue they know not what . Yet by the New-mans leave we paraphraze , And paint her Dowries forth in modest phraze , Not Supp●iant wise to court Imagery , But to renew , like Saints , her memory , All haile to thee , O Mary full of Grace , Happy be they , who see thy Virgins face Among the Angels Legions rais'd on high , And there advanc'd for thy Humility ; Which didst Christ by the Holy Ghost conceive , As Clay Gods stamp did by his Word receive . Blest be thy Name , O Mayd , Gods Spouse , & Mother . Which broughtst a Sonne , our Saviour , and our Brother , Such Greetings thou didst from the Angell merit Before thou knew'st Conception by the Spirit , Whereby thou didst Manoahs Wife excell , Though Sampsons birth an Angell did foretell But why seeke I to overcloud thy Praise With these poore lines , lame hobling sorry Laies ? To pray to thee would derogation be To his high worth , who saved thee and me ( For not the Woman , but the Womans Seed Did Satan foile , and ransome Adams Deed ) To praise thee more then thy deare Son in Bookes , That were to racke thy praise on Tenter-hookes , As if God thee a goddesse did install , Conceiv'd without sinnes sting Originall . In Heav'n thou shin'st no more to be molested With Sinners songs to superstition wrested ; Where leaving thee Gods Treasures to contemple I greet on Earth thy Infants former Temple , Concluding thee of Female kind the best The mother of my Saviour , ever Blest , The Type of that true Church , in which we thrive , And therefore Blest in the Superlative . But when that Joseph knew his Bride with Child By him untoucht , he thought he was beguil'd In his late choyce , and therefore privately , Like a Just man , most loath her publiquely To shame , by letting all their Neighbours know Her fault suppos'd with Indignations Brow , He purposed the matter to protract , Or to give up the Note of the Contract . He studyed how this new Affinity , He might shake off , and shun her company . One while he thought to pocket up the Fraud , Yet fear'd to be to his owne house a Baud. Love , Griefe , & Shame perplext him with remorce ; It griev'd his heart to sue out a divorce : He pittyed her , yet never more intended To dwell with her : but while he so contended With netled Cares , behold an Angells voice Thus in a dreame chang'd all his cares to joyes : Be not affraid , O Joseph Davids Sonne , To take thy Spouse . In her the Worke begun Proceeds from none but God. The Mayde is not By Man defil'd , but is with Child begot By Gods owne Breath , whi●h over-shadow'd her ; He to her wombe did his sweet Rayes transfer , For which above all women she is blest , And of that Sexe for ever ranked Best . That Sonne , which she brings forth , shall called be Jesus , that is , a Saviour , because He Shall many save , and from Damnation free , Which they deserved had by Adams Tree ; Both God and Man , Prince , Priest , Emanuel , Hee shall redeeme men from the Bonds of Hell. When Joseph had awakt , he plainly knew It was Gods Will , and for a Vision true Acknowledging the same , her hallowed Wombe He honour'd as Gods Seat , and tooke her home ; And during Life , as a true Saint became , He liv'd with her without reproach or blame . O Happy Saint , a Foster-Sire become To Him , whose Sentence shall all creatures doome ! Who God and Man , God by the Fathers Side , Man by the Mothers , through the Earth did glide ! Thrice Blest is He , who with the Mornings L●●ke Doth Christ his Birth , his Life , and Passion marke ; And , ere the Sable veile invites the Braine To slumbring Rest , repeates his Part againe : Christ is our New-mans Crowne , the Womans Seed , Gods Word , Mens Light , who su'd for men unfeed , Who trod on Satans Head , on Death Sinnes Hire , Sinaies Thund'rer , who spake in Flames of Fire , Jacobs Shiloh , Moses his Prophet Great , Of Whom did David and Gods Prophets treat , Daniels Messias , Esayes Emanuel , The Virgins Sonne , who strangely conquer'd Hell By Lowlinesse , and scorne of worldly Fame ; Yeelding himselfe a Spectacle of Shame Vpon the Crosse with Nailes tormenting woes For most unthankefull Men , his mortall Foes . To this High Priest , Melchisedech of Peace , Stick , Christians , fast : and let home Quarrells cease ; For None get in through heavens narrow Gate But Men of Faith in Christ Regenerate , Men vow'd to lead like Him a Godly Life , Men that would leave Wealth , Honors , Pleasures , Wife , Rather then they would blurre Gods tendred Grace , Detract from Christ , or his poore Saints disgrace . With this Beliefe , and Mysteries of Old Well Catechiz'd , like Saints , Come on , behold , And kisse Gods Sonne , keeping th● Evangelles Path , Lest Jealous He consume you in his Wrath. Faiths Curtain is remov'd , the Cloudy Barre , View then the Root of Jesse , our Mornings Starre . About the end of Jacobs Prophesie , That out of Judaes Land their Po●icy And th' Execution of their Lawes Decree , Till Shiloh came , should not extinguisht be , Nor that untill he came Time should deface , As with a Floud , the Lot of Judaes Race : Heav'ns true Shiloh , Gods great Embassadour Arriv'd on Earth , & yet could scarce have harbour Although the Jewes did see their Scepter gone Under proud Aliens , and their Lawes undone Except a shew of Policy with staine , Which likewise ended in Vespasians Raigne : Yet few observ'd Old Jacobs testament , Thinking that he and all the Prophets meant A Temporall Prince by him that was to come , Who as they dream'd , a David might become With a Camp Royall , and the warlike drum To Triumph , Conquer , and the world to doome To free faire Sion , and the Land of Jury From Caesars yoke , and th' Idu●●ans fury . But their Messias , while the Jewes thus raved , Of Judaes Tribe descended , and from David , Typ'd in that Kings dream't stone hewne without hand , Begot without the Male , in Jewry Land , Was borne at Bethlem , lodg'd among the Beasts . ( Such pitty Innes shew to distressed Guests ) Soone as th'Autumnall season of the yeare Had Ballanced the two-fold Hemisphere , The Temples Porch of Romes Bi●ronted Saint Shut up , whom they the God of Peace did paint : Augustus , then the Roman Emperour , When he had swayd by his Triumphant pow'r The Land of Egipt , Syria , Palestine , And what did next the Parthian state confine , And more then forty yeares the Soveraignty Had held , grew bold upon their Lenity , Their vassalage , long Peace , and dandling rest , Thence he resolv'd to hoord into his Chest Much Easterne Gold , as he had oft before Vext them with Rates , and with his Cohorts more About that Time , when Annuall Contributions , Or Subsidies by Senates Constitutions Were pay'd unto the Officialls of the Prince For Legions Hire by the Subjected Province , Which was September by Romes Audit Booke , And then belike they for this Toll did Looke , Unlesse they for this New , and speciall Rate Prolong'd the time , untill Decembers date , As Statesmen to prevent tumultuous Arme● , In Winter use to taxe repining swarmes , To this effect did Caesar Writs direct To Syriaes Pre●our , that he should collect This Rate : And sent withall a Proclamation With these Contents , on paine of Confiscation Of goods and states , and for their sloth Rebukes , That all the Kings , and Tributary Dukes Should cause Romes Easterne Vassalls to resort To their Birth Place of the Espoused Sort To pay a Rate , by Name , the Head , or Poll , And this by Booke the Pretour to inroll . This strict Edict made all Men hast away Into their Native Soile , the Taxe to pay . Among the rest went Joseph to be taxt With his true Virgin Bride , by that time waxt Ready to Child of Israels fairest Hope , The Womans Seed which promis'd was to cope With Carnall Sinne , and to smite Lucifer , So to save them , who lost in Adam were ; Her Time was come , and then the blessed Spouse With Joseph tooke in hast that homely House , For wa●t of other lodging at the Inne , Which being full would not let poore Folkes in . Christ in the World this Entertainement had , And who are truly his shall finde as bad Among his Foes , unlesse they bring them Gold , Or Projects their Ambition to uphold ; Vnlesse they come in Ruffling Vestiments They are but held poore Snakes , or Innocents ; Or if such crave Reliefe , they with a P — Will packe them to the Bead●e , or the Stockes . What Patron now will his poore Members foster ? Few but for Gaine . No Coine , no Pater noster . " The Crosse is Christians Badge , or Poverty , " The Antichristians Marke is Dignity " With Pride , and Wealth . Lord , temper our vagaries , " When thee we doe neglect , with Contraries . Though few then knew the Lord of Heaven & Earth , Nor heeded much the Cause of his poore Birth , At which , although no Ladyes of Renowne Did meet of Salems , or of Bethlems Towne , Nor giddy Gossips trig'd to Gurmandize , To cheate the Time with idle Chat , or Lies , Yet let our Inward man , his Swathes behold , And this Childs Swathes the Scriptures shall unfold . Here they shall find another Hercules Than that which Poets faigne , to crush in lesse Than a Thoughts while two Snakes from Juno sent To Murther him within his Cradle pent . Here they shall find a Theame beyond all Theames Truth wrapt in Flesh , to thratle Tales & Dreames . Here they shall find despis'd by worldly Men Saints basely layd , as in a Dungeon Den. Here they shall finde Gods Babe in poorest Bed , Though borne to tread upon the Serpents Head. Yet though Dull Men were silent in his Praise , The holy Angels with Harmonious Layes , And shouts of Joy , divulg'd his Horoscope ; They sung of his sweet Grace , and future hope ; They chanted out Gods Glorious Name with Mirth , Good Will , and Peace to men through Christ his Birth ; For at this Time , when All One Colour wore , Whilst Epicures out-slept their Dainties store , Some Shepheards watch't their Flockes neere Bethlems Towne , To whom the Angels made these Tidings known . For Drowzy Drones here is Authenticke warning : Some Mysteries disclosed for their Learning ; " The first Man in the Spring was form'd of Earth ; " Of God and man in Autumne Christ his Birth Began , and with more Light rose from the East , But now it sets in Stormy Winter West . Some thinke Christs-Tide false beares Decembers Date , Because the Taxe was by the Romane State Exacted in September , as they prate : And S. Johns Birth beares March for antedate , Abiaes Course cast up for Zachary : Yet this supposed true , to shunne their Cry , I say , what if the Fiery Comforter ( Christs Deputy , the Churches wise Supporter ) Indifferently Dispenc'd with this Exchange ? That with S. Mathewes Memory we change The same , and with S. Michaels Jubilee ? Whereof the first records Christs Pedegree , And Birth , as th' other serves to represent His Churches State , through Civill Discord rent ? Or else because the World shrunke to old Age , This changed Feast calmes Melancholies rage , To comfort us amidst our Stormes , and Snowes , When to the Root the Sap fall from the Boughes ? Perhaps rude Goates Coucht under Capricorne Now Good Men tame , or Tares divide from Corne , New Hearts presenting , with the New yeares Sunne For Incense , Gold , and Myrrh unto Gods Sonne , Who at this Feast tooke Flesh and Circumcision , Whereto his Starre led Wisemen in Procession , Proclaiming him in Salem , King of Jewes , For all fierce Herods craft vext with the Newes : That Israels Prince , Whose Spring of Pedegree Eternall was , in Bethlem borne should be ; His Craft availd him not , for they by God Were the same way home to Returne forbod , And though in stead of Christ poore Babes he slew , He did by death his Deed soone after rue . But why came they to Christ with Gold & Store Of precioue Gummes , who might from Heav'n have more ? Was it to shew , that Christ our Royall Head , High Priest , and Judge Commands the Quick and Dead By vertue of his God-heads Triple Mace Of Justice , Mercy , and Inspiring Grace ? Vniting Man to Gods Conformity ●y these three Gifts , Types of the Trinity ? A Priest to Mediate , Preach , and Sacrifice : A King to Raigne , a Judge to Punish vice ? " And that more oft than Incense , Myrrh or Gold , " God might with Faith perfumed Hearts behold ? Or did these Sages of their owne accord Present such Gifts , as welcome to the Lord ? Or which is likely , did Gods Spirit move Those holy Pilgrims to expresse his Love And Care for his Beloved in Distresse ? Who at that sudden pinch were Money-lesse ? That with such needfull Meanes they might supply Their wants , when he forewarned them to fly To Egypt from the Tyrants bloody sword , Till their Returne from Exile by his Word ? When they that sought the Infants Life were dead , And Herods Sonne Installed in his stead ? This Passage sure beleeve it as your Creed , " God never failes the New Man in his Need ; But gives his Angels charge , as for his Sonne , That he dash not his Foot against a Stone . But missing Christ , why were poore Infants slaine ? " That for the Head the Members suffer paine : " And that their Types as Blazing Stars display : Who Christians slay , they Christ himselfe wou●d slay . And why blest He a Virgin with his Birth ? And made her first Christs Temple here on Earth , That was no Lady Crown'd with worldly Honor ? Nor with Rich glaring Robes tooke State upon her ? And why grac'd he poore Shepheards with these Newes ? Not full-fed Peeres , Princes , nor wealthy Jewes ; Not Rabbies , Popes , nor Lordings of the Church , Who lookt for Christ , ye● liv'd upon the Lurch ? Let Dogmatists resolve these Doubts , that know Why Thunder smites high Trees , & spares the Low. " Gods Grace , & Pride , can never brooke each other , " Nor dwells Humility , and Pomp together : The Former doth our Breach with Heaven repaire , The Latter whilst it swells , bursts into Aire : For there , some play with Aiery Fancies Elves , Till Hell devowrs the Tempters , and themselves . Gods Church seemes poore to Carnall Libertines : " In Heavens she sups , though hard on Earth she dines , " God chose the weakest to confound the Wise , " That Man with Christ by simple means migh● rise , Embracing more his Crib for Soules behoofe Than Satan● Crowne in this our world of proofe : " Yet God allowes , to shun an Anarchy , " For Orders sake a kinde of Hierarchy , " With Pastours Pow'r in every Christian State , " To Bind , or Loose , or Excommunicate ; " To heale the sickly , and to bath his Flocke " With Waters streaming from the Living Rocke , " More fishing for Mens Soules then Carnall Preyes , " More glorying in the Crosse than worldly swayes : " Whom Christ bids Feed , and not like Wolves to bite us : " Whom Christ bids Watch , as Paul exhorted Titus . Yet , Little Flocke , that bleat'st through Tyrants Rage , Grudge not , there shortly comes a Newer Age. He that reveng'd on Herod and his House The Blood of Bethlems Babes , will right his Spouse . The Blood late spilt in our West Christian Lands God will require at Gogs and Magogs hands : God will his Servants wrongs ease , or conclude , Whom Tyrants snar'd in Aegypts Servitude . God will revenge their Cause , Complaints , and Teares , Whom our Make-bates by Tricks set by the Eares . " No Motion , Plea , Decree , nor false Demurre " Of Jarring Braines can Heavens Sentence blurre , For with the Beast and Lords that tooke his part , They shall in T●phets Flames for ever smart ; The Members for their Plots , Bribes , & Misdeeds , Their Perking Heads for iustifying their Deeds , For suffering Elies Sonnes on Saints to prey , For sparing Agags , whom the Lord bids slay . Be patient then , Yee Servants of the Lord , Poore Nabaoths , who feare the slaughtring Sword : The Sunne will shine after some Thunderclaps , New Heavens Joyes will smoother all Missehaps ; And God will plague those Lords , who make a Prey Of Christians Goods , nay worse , who Christians flay . Let none , that holds of Faith the smallest Graine , Despaire , but that with cheerefull minde againe , Though girt with Flames , as the three Children were , He may without Annoy , or Servile Feare Of the Soules Guilt escape from his Distresse , If he beleeves that Gods bright Word tooke Flesh And di'd for him , he cannot doe amisse . " Gods Grace appeares in dangers most extreme " Betwixt the Bridge and the devouring streame ; Nay , plunged in the Deepe ore Head and Eares , God may reprieve , or rid him of his Feares , Transplanting him to that Eternall Rest , Where griping Griefe shall never him molest , As the good Thiefe , whom they did Crucifie With Christ and others sav'd can testifie . " Let this suffice : None ever miss'd Reliefe ; " Who fixt on Christ alone his Hearts Beliefe . From hence poore Josephs , though in Closest ward , May looke for Liberty with Angels Guard. From hence good Davids , though in Banishment , May hope for Calmer Dayes , and some Content . From hence Gods Prophets may in their distresse , Like Jeremy and Paul , expect Redresse . From hence may Saints , though in their Tents beset By Millions of proud Foes , deliverance get . He that warn'd Joseph with the Babe to fly From Herods Sword to Egypt , will supply Their wants , and ayd them in their Pilgrimage Against insulting Foes and Satans Rage . And though they feele the Plague , Saints may respire , Casting , like Paul , the Viper in the Fire . Or were their Eyes drawne out , their Noses slit , Or all their Members rackt , they may hope yet With Inward Joyes to be more ravished , Than if unmaim'd their Bodyes flourished . Nay , were they flay'd for crossing Hells Decrees , Like the sev'n Brethren in the Maccabees , They shall o'recome those Furies Insurrection , And joy like Job , to see the Resurrection ; For they well know that their Redeemer lives , And for that Martyrs Sight dare pawne their lives , S· Stevens Sight who here on Earth entraunc't Saw Jesus first on Gods Right hand advanc't , Which with his stoning seal'd confirmes our Creed , " That Martyrs Blood became the Churches Seed ; " And that al those , who would see Christ in glory , " Must beare his Markes , & heed his Passions story . In Spirit where saw John th' Evangelist The Throned Lambe but in his Banisht List ? In Pathmos , where he saw by Revelation , The Churches State , and Babells Fornication ? To feele Remorse , some feede their Ravishments With Herods Sword unsheath'd on Innocents , " That bloody Sword , wherewith the Eagles Peeres " Did persecute neere for Three hundred yeeres " The Christians Race ; And which lay then suspended , " Till Satan it to Babells Whore Commended , " As witnessed old Chaucers Pellican " Against the Griffon , and his Vatican ; " Which Berengarius long before discry'd , " Which the Waldenses and Albigians try'd ; " And which as yet our Mother Christendome , " Like Rachel , feeles in her seeds Martyrdoome . To shew Faiths Tree more pregnant by the Fruite , Some Lazars feed , some with Apparell suite . One while they Chaunt the New Mans Sacrifice , And how the Lambe un●eal'd hid Mysteries . Another while they Co●●t these Festivals , With Sions Songs , Or Bethlems Pastoralls ; Yet so , that whil'st they kisse the Babes Memoriall , The Crosse be not forgot , nor F●ery Tryall . Some hold it Joy , and great Felicity , To keepe for Saints Kind Hospitality No Wassailes Cup , nor Cates variety Doth relish them , like Good Society . The Reason is , God gave them their Request , That Lady Conscience be their Dayly Guest ; Dame Prudence doth the Household charge o're-looke , Her Cousen Thrift is Cater , Care the Cooke , Sobriety the Butler ; Will the Page , And Manners set in comelie Equipage The Pots and Messes full , where Zeale sayes Grace , And honest Love points every one his Place : Content with Wellcome carves ; then Doctour Diet , Old Merry man , and the Peace maker Quiet By stemme recite what morall Tales conduce To cheere the Heart for Soules or Bodyes use . " Thrice blest are they , who passe the Time away " With them , be it in Talke , at Boord , or Play : " For living so , like Angells , with the wise , " Their Mansion seemes a Second Paradise , " With safer Fate than Palaces of State , " Than Balthazar 's with all their gods of Plate . Others steale Houres from the Immortall Part With Games and Gambolls to delude the Heart , Or which is worse , with Bacchanalian Potting , And surfeiting , oft to their Bodyes rotting , Which wanton Jiggs more oft accompany Then Sacred Hymnes , with Soule-rapt Harmony . " Mirth fits the Time , so doth good Cheere and wine , " But the excesse bewrayes a Libertine , That never quakes at the rich gluttons Fate , Nor ever strives to be Regenerate . Drowne Hoary Cares with Healthes , & hang up sorrow , For who will care , what may befall the Morrow ? Let Papists fast , let Puritans goe whistle : They are but Turkes , who against Wine will Bristle : No sullen Stoick , no crabbed Criticke Foole Shall tast the sweets of Aristippus Schoole : Such Revells keepe our Roring Epicures , Whilst they protract the New Mans wholsome Cures . But no such Course shall my new Sparkling Breast Conceive to Counterpoize my Saviours Feast . I love his Cratch , & feare his Judgements Thunder , Both which warne me to slight a nine Dayes wonder , For Pampred Sin can hardly be kept under , Except vaine things from the Divine we sunder ; " Who will be puft with windy Lushious Fare , " And leave the Soule halfe starv'd in Satans Snare ? " How dare they spend in Drinke , like Franticke Elves , " Thrice more than serves men abler than themselves ? " Or wast in Smoke , at Games , or such Abuses " The meanes left them for more convenient Uses ? When as such Deeds stinke in our Makers sight , And waigh'd , they prove with in his Ballance Light ? How dare our Sots on Carnall Sense rely When as they know , that they at last must Dye ? And after Death feele Hellish paine for ever With Rackes & Flames worse than a Bedlem Feaver ? Where Dives fail'd to have with Tortures wrung One waters Drop , to coole his scorched Tongue ? But why touch I licentious Saturnalls ? Christian I am , and Christ his Festivalls I humbly with new Raptures celebrate , From whence I bar the Hare-brain'd Reprobate , Whose Lampes may dimme our Altars of Devotion , Therefore I leave them to their Frantick Motion , And to be fatned for those Mysticke Fowles , Which at Gods Feast shall snatch their Flesh and Soules . Yet now , because at Newyeares-tide they say , They will turne New , I greet them on that Day , Not with Rich Plate , nor Bowls of Liqour'd Sin , But Gifts fetch 't from the Spirits Magazin , Not with Delights of Putrif●actions Kind , But which preserves to fortifie the Mind . Doth Flesh and Bloud , distrust what I have written ? Let Flesh and Blood be circumciz'd or Smitten ; Let the Old Man with will uncircumciz'd Be puncht , or else with quickning fire Baptiz'd . So that our Thoughts be New , Christ represented In sacred Swathes , and with New vowes presented , I weigh fierce Herods Threats no more than chips , And lesse I prize his Plot , his Sword , or whips . For with the Magies rapt , I more behold Gods Babe in Manger layd than Thrones of Gold. O would I had beene living in those dayes , To feede mine eyes with that New Comets Rayes , Which led those wise Arabians from the East To see him , whom I glaunce at in the West ! But whither hath my zeale transported me , At this great Feast , our Wimers Iubilee ? To place poore dust and Ashes neere Divine Conceits , like Romane Coleworts by the Vine ? Yet not so great is the Antipathy , But that true Saints may feele some Sympathy Betwixt the Members and their Generall , Sith a mild Sence will make them Musicall . Indeed sweet Love , and union helpe to hide , Like Masticks velvet , what they finde too wide A Blemish , or a Scarre on Faces foule , " But causelesse Nips can never harme the Soule . Then , let not worldly wits our New Man Scorne , Though vile he seeme , or of the Hope forlorne , For he , that outwardly lookes vilified , May passe yet for a Creature Justified , Whil'st that he beares the Cribbe , where Christ was borne In mind , with his Red Crosse , and Crowne of Thorne . Be meeke therefore ye States and people all , All from the Kings Bench to the Coblers Awle : Thanke God for them , whom for your Good he sends , And ponder that which to your safety tends . " Repent ye of your Sinnes , depend on Grace , " That so Christs merits may your sinnes deface . " Thinke Daily on the New Mans Crucifixe ; " And Christ his Cratch in your Remembrance fixe . " Pray oft against lewd Francies Provocation ; " And let your Deeds to Love have more relation . " Compare our yeares from Christ his Incarnation " With the Floods Time from Adams first Creation , " And one Thousand sixe Hundred fifty sixe " May to the World a Fatall Period fixe ; In Desolation to all hardned Hearts , In Dissolution of our Earthly Parts , If all the Signes foretold by Daniel , Christ , Paul and S. John , fall out with Antichrist ; True Signes indeede , which Faith and Love withdraw By Warres , Pride , Schismes , and Wiles in winding Law ; " Besides this Signe : that Gods two Prophets lay Martyr'd , ere Babel could her charmes display . And who can tell , but when th' Electors fayle Romes Empire sets ? and Doomes Day shall prevaile ? " That Empire , which began when Christ was borne , " Ere he returnes , shall set and be forlorne ? " Since that which barr'd in Paules time his Revealing , Lies waste : what bootes the Antichrists Concealing ? Now whilst we looke for Times extreamest Date , And Christ his Comming , either soone or late , Let us salute his Cratch , his Birth admire , And pay our vowes to him wiih zealous fire . Great Abraham rejoyc'd to see his Dayes , When rapt to Paradise , he felt his Rayes . So did that Baptist Babe in Mothers Wombe Spring by Instinct with Joy , to heare him come Conceiv'd in Flesh of that Immortall Flame , Which promis'd was Sinne , Death and Hell to shame . So Angells sung of him Propheticke Layes : So Simeon sung with Anna songs in praise Of Bethlems Babe , both ravisht at his sight , ( When Mary cloz'd her due Mosaicall Rite , ) Acknowledging the true Messias Borne Of Evahes seed to save the Soule forlorne . And so shall we in minde feele Musick rare , If we muse on our New Mans Birth with care ; " I meane , that Sparke , which at our Baptisme rose " Within our Hearts three Monsters to oppose . Then freely we his Gospell may imbrace , And sing this Lullaby with measur'd pace : The Holy Ghost , to save fraile Adams Race , Breath'd a sweet Flame in Mary full of Grace . This Flame infus'd in Flesh , both Man and God , We greet and cloze his Birth with Simeons Ode : Thy Birth and Name doe saving Health betide , O Maide-borne Man , God by the Fathers side . Thou art the Gentiles Light , Emanuel ; The Glory , Head , and Crowne of Israel : Whose Glimpse we having seene in sacred Trance , Lord , now in Peace us to that Light advance : That Light , which thou conceived'st in our Flesh To save Mankind , and Satan to suppresse : The Light of Soules , thy true essentiall Forme Of Mary borne , Eves Off-spring to reforme ; Whom with Thee and thy Spirit , three in one , We honour , praise , and serve , Great God , alone , Without depending upon Angels , Saints , Or such whom Baal for Advocates be Saints . A Hymne in Memory of our Saviours Birth and Incarnation , ALL yee , that are of Spirit mild , And long to greete the Virgins Child : Lay by a while your worldly Cares , The Outward mans bewitching snares , And let us now submissive sing The Cradle-cratch of Heavens King. Blest be the wombe which Jesus bare ; Blest be his Name , that saves from care Fraile Adams seed , if they repent Their time mispent , to Satan lent . Christs onely Name doth Satan shame , Then , let us all sound Christ his Fame , Let every Heart submit to Christ , For without Christ , none can subsist . Blest be the Brests , which gave him sucke . Blest be thy Cratch which hadst the lucke , O Bethlem , with a Starre to boote , To spread abroad King Davids roote . In thee was the Messias borne , Jewes Shiloh Prince , yet held in scorne , Because he did not personate A Royall Babe with open state ; But that he lay in Manger base , They waigh'd not well the Mysticke Case , That Mary did Eves want supply , Our New-man Adams qualify ; How Christ was come to humble Pride , And by Low Ebbes Flouds to divide : That Christ at first grew , like a Graft From Heaven sent , to put downe Craft : Whence like a shrub , but Cedar now , The hugest Tree he makes to bow : And so must we stoope often Low , Ere we shall like this Cedar grow , We must embrace his Cribbe and Crosse , Ere parted be our Gold from Drosse ; We must Cashiere wilde Fancies wags , Our high Conceits , and Merits brags . Then Yee , that hope Gods Babe to meet , Waigh more then Plumes your Peacocks feete . Sith Christ before a bed of Downe Preferr'd a Cratch , beate Pleasures downe , I meane , those snares , which ye shall f●nd To cheat good Time , and mad the mind , And beare about you more his Markes Then Carnall Toyes , or Nine dayes sparkes . Observe what things ye vow'd of late At your New Birth to shun and hate , Ere ye presume to kisse this Child , O yee that are by Nature wild . The Third Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . The Life , which Christ led in our vale of Teares , Vntill of Age he grew to Thirty yeares , How then he was Baptiz'd by Holy John , And tempted thrice by Satan thereupon . THough Christ a Child inherent Righteousnesse Originall and Actuall did possesse , And in his Youth sufficient gifts inherit To cope with Hell , yet by the Sacred Spirit He was not led into the Wildernesse , Till to more yeares he grew of Manlinesse , That in all points like us , excepting sinne , He might on Earth his Humane course begin , " Cloath'd with our f●esh , expos'd to scorners gall , " Temptations , Death , and yet o'recomming all . " ( For never God his children leaves for trials , " Till he them armes gainst Satans false espials ) Now I review the shadow of his Diall , Backe to his Swathes , with a short true Memoriall Of his rare gifts , and Heavenly Qualities , Which more & more shot forth with properties Convenient for his greene , and tender Age , Whil'st here he went his earthly Pilgrimage , " From his Conception , Birth , and Cradle Blest , " I doe proclaime of Babes this Babe the Best . Nature and Grace contended in his Feature , Till they it form'd a peerelesse lovely Creature , And what they did ( if ought at all ) let slip , His God-head made compleat their workmanship . O would my Lord now doe the like for This , This weakeling , which with awfull sense I kisse , This Embryon , or Conception of my braine , Christs Portraiture , which I shall draw in vaine , Except the Spirit of th' Evangelists ; The Holy Flame , which guided to the lists Of the Triple Combat this Man of men , Doe purify my style from Blots uncleane , And my swift Trance , from Superstitious fury , Whilst I from Wales to Galilee in Jury Am carryed with a rapid zealous Flame , To see how Christ a Child , a Man became , A Man Baptiz'd , as we his Members ●e , Tempted by Satan , yet got bravely free . Though Jesus had escapt the Hunters snare , Yet Judgement crost the Tyrants jealous Care , For out of hand , after the Butchery Of Bethlems Babes deceas'd in Misery With entrailes scorcht proud Herod , to his Sons Leaving his State waving in dissentions ; First having caus'd even in deaths agony , His Eldest Sonne to beare him company ; When three of them stood for their Fathers place , And each of them would beare a Royall Mace. With factious sides , to make their challeng good , These Aliens borne of Edoms-viper-Brood , Contended for their Sires usurped Throne , The Rule of Laws from Jewries People gone ; Since Shiloes Birth , Gods messenger of Peace , The vigour of their Lawes began to cease , As afterwards by Titus came to passe ; Who did their Laws and Nations state deface ; As likewise when in fierce Domitians raigne And Trajans , Davids stock were sought and slaine . But all their claimes appealed unto Rome , The Brethren stood confind to Caesars doome , Who by Decree for taming of their fury Most Politique then Tripartited Jewry , To Archelaus by style of Ethnarchy South-jewries Land he gave , the Tetrarchy Of Galilee and Jordans Land betwixt The other two he left for portions mixt . The Brothers broyles thus quieted at last ; When all those stormes were overgone and past , Joseph advis'd from Heaven with his Bride Brought backe the Child from Aegipt . But aside Turn'd ( doubting Archelaus the Tyrants Son , Who then to sway South-judaes Land begun ) To Nazareth Northwards in Galilee ; Where suckled was the Infant Jesus , free From worldly Broiles , as to a Nazarite Belong'd , His head unpoll'd by Legall Rite . There Mary not omitting any mild Or watchfull care for nursing up her Child , Directed him now weaned from her breast , One while to goe , another while to rest , His Infants time beguil'd wi●h Lullabies With gentle smiles , sweete songs , or soft replies . She fed him not with Suckets nor Conserves , But with that meate , which strengthens tender nerves ▪ " To dyet him for health , was her chiefe Care , " Not urging him to eate of dainties rare , But victuals fit for Nature thin and spare : Butter and Honey were his daintiest fare . " She knew that Soules in pampred bodies pine , " That Both corrupt through lushious cheere and Wine . But no man him with Idolls durst present , Nor with those sights whose pictures represent Horn'd Bugges , or Houshold gods , for she her selfe Could never brooke to see a Labans Elfe : Woe to those fondling dads , who tempt the soules And pliant braine of their soft little Fooles With such Trim trash , the unmarkt Nursery Of Faithlesse Feares , and blind Idolatry . She those defects with sacred Care repair'd Which Mother Eve by Satans fraud impair'd , Gods Instrument to beare and breed that Child , Which jarring Earth with Heaven reconcil'd . And when more yeares came on , she did assay To teach his tongue a Psalme , or else to Pray ; Whereto his Will became more forward bent Then Courtly Lads to learne smooth Complement ▪ " No Boye 's permitted she her house to haunt , " Such Rakehel Boyes , which us'd to lie and taunt , Like those rude Impes , which heretofore did yalp , And call Bald pate Elishaes reverend scalp , " No Mayd of hers durst sing a wanton song " Within her eares or his ; nor to the Throng Of Reprobates , those whom she knew defil'd , Would she from home adventure out her Child . And if she had ( such was his Inclination , ) His inward Lore prevented Education . There is no doubt but by Infusion He Had needfull what the Spirit knew to be . Soone as his Childhoods Stature did encrease , His mirthfull-fits began soone to decrease ; For without griefe how could that Heavenly spark Heare men to sweare , like fiends , like curres to bark ? How could he but lament to see them crouch To Stockes ? and yet the Godhead to avouch ? How could he chuse but grieve at their Extortions ? Debates , and spending of their dearest portions ? To see a Brother fight , the Courtier faigne , The Lawyer lye ; and all for cursed gaine ? To see men strive for Place and Soveraignety , Like fiends for pride who lost their dignity ? To see the Townesman pawne his soule for wealth ? The Husbandman Cornes price to raise by stealth ? Successively there budded every yeare New Hopes of him , which did his Mother cheare : His godly talke delighted Josephs heart , And made him oft his labours lay apart ; Both Joseph and the blessed Virgin much Astonisht were to heare his Childhood touch On such profound and Heavenly Mysterie● Concerning Faith and Love , how they arise In Adams Sonnes ? and why they set againe ? Wherefore it stormes and why God sends us raine ? His onely Reading was the Prophets Booke , He would not once on lying Legends looke , But on his Fathers Lawes both day and night He fixt his mind with all his will and might . While other Lads were aw'd with Tutors curbe , He serv'd the Lord , that swayes the Heavenly Orbe . " He never tooke a meale , but still the Lord " He glorify'd with his Thankes-giving word . And as himselfe liv'd Innocent and pure So by his faire ensample from impure And childish crimes , he many Children drew To give God praise , as still in yeares he grew . When Jesus had twelve tedious Winters past , He travell'd to Jerusalem at last In company of his supposed Sire And his deare Mother-maid , in whom the fire Of zeale then burnt to see , and solemnize In Abibs month the Legall Sacrifice . Where when they had beheld the Rites past over At their great Feast then stil'd , the Lambs Passeover , These sacred Saints returned homewards bound ; But with the Stuffe when Jesus was not found , They after search their friends and company Forsooke , and backe againe most heavily They hyed fast , and lookt him all about Among their Kinsfolke every where throughout The City , till they found Him in the Temple , Where Saints Gods works accustome to contemple ; And there amidst the Doctors of the Law , They saw , and heard how Jesus put in awe , And pos'd Grave Rabbies , whom he out did single For Questions deepe , that made their eares to tingle His Arguments their Fallacies did quash , That they were stroke , as with a Lightning flash . So faire a square , so just a Symmetry The Godhead held with his Humanity , His Actions sure his Godhead did expresse ( Yet in his Flesh we mortall him confesse , ) That to dash Lyes brave Flames he never wanted , With smiles he pleas'd , and with his frownes he daunted . His Godhead darted Awe and Majesty , His Humane Presence shone with Lenity . They wondred at his words well coucht , so sage , So well compos'd to put by wrangling rage , On Scriptures Ground , without Chymeres of Clerkes , Without Latriaes or Douliaes Quirkes . Such Doctrine in a Child , such sparklings rare Amazed them , as late did Bethlems Starre , Such thoughts confus'd , most sensible of Signes , Doubting th' effects rack't & perplext their minds Whilst with the Scribes Christ thus disputing stood Mary to meet her darling almost proud , Betwixt Seraphicke Love and Ravishment , Lay , like the Doctors in Astonishment . As men rejoyce in a darke Cloudy day To see the Sunne his suddaine Beames display , So did they startle at Christs Lightning words Whilst her soft greetings Mary thus affords : My loving Sonne , why hast thou stayd behind , And not as doth thee Natures duty bind , Return'd with us : Behold , I and thy Father Have sought thee sad for three dayes space together ; Soone as we found thee missing by the way , We hither came and sought thee night and Day . We searcht with carefull thoughts most diligent , The City where we used to frequent ; With heavy hearts God knows we lookt for thee ; Whom Christ undaunted answer'd grave , and free , I st possible that you forget so soone The favours late , which God for you hath done ? Deare mother , wot you not that I must goe About my Fathers Businesse , t' undergoe More travels yet ? you know the Prophesies Of Ancient Seers : you know the Mysteries Disclosed by the Angell Gabriel , That I am sent to ransome Soules from Hell , That I must preach to Spirits thrall'd in Jaile My Fathers will , which shall o're sinne prevaile . You know what meanes Heavens word , mens Light , Gods Breath From Simeon , Anna , and Elizabeth ; And in your selfe the Spirits ravishment Reveales the cause of my Birth and Discent . ( My Fathers zeale so burnt within my breast Against these strayes I could not but contest ) Whose Oracles of me and many more Your true Beleeving heart layes up in store ; Although the same as yet you seeme to smother You cannot but remember them , good Mother . These words of his the blessed Virgin waigh'd , And safe them up within her mind she layd . Out of the Temple then wtth her he goeth , And presently they set for Nazareth , Where Mary found his Will with hers agreeing , Though Him she held the Authour of her being , And her sole Head , yet then the Head subjected Unto the Limbes , and nothing he rejected To Undergoe in his Minority For their behoofe and best commodity , Or murmur'd at , which his deare Mother Maide , Or Josephs voyce of charge upon him laid : But as a Sonne , or rather Servant true , He yeelds them Honour and Obedience due : What they at home , or else abroad assign'd , Labour or care in Body or in minde , As an Apprentice , Carpentary Drudge , To toyle for them he never once did grudge , But wrought his Taske and servile Trade uprigh● Not needing checkes , nor frowning oversight . " Base idlenesse by Nature he abhorr'd , " Which made him worke , when some as Outlawe● roar'd . For he accounted meat not duely got , If daily for the same he labour'd not . " He for our sakes sustained poverty , " To purchase wealth for us and Dignity . In this poore plight the curse Christ underwent , To earne his bread with sweate and small content , Yet what he gain'd would scarce weak Nature feed And it griev'd him to see his friends in need , What therefore he of meat earn'd by his sweat , The Overplus he gave the Poore to eate . Thus Christ shot up in shape , and thriv'd in Grace , And all Good men lov'd him that saw his face , For he preferr'd Gods praise before his owne ; More prizing Truth then they Judae as Crowne . But to describe his worth , his modest lookes , And qualities would fill up many Bookes . The matter farre exceeds my strength and wit , My Forme turnes proud except thou temper it , O Holy Ghost , and curb'st my swelling sense Above fraile Natures botched excellence , With humble thoughts Christs Innocence to quote , To note his plaine Attire , and seamelesle Coat Worne in his Youth , but parted since , which now To burne as tainting Rage , false Christians vow ; To seeke gay cl●a●hes never did curious Pride Tempt him , he onely car'd his skin to hide . " He knew that Man attir'd in ruffling Robes " Begs seldome Grace , and vents but faigned sobbes ▪ " Nor can he shed salt teares , our Guardians food , " Nor well submit for his perpetuall good ; As for this cause they used heretofore In vilesi weeds Gods Favour to implore ; He knew that our First Parents bare and poore Went , till Figge leaves & Coates of Skins they wore , Which , like these L●nes , our Gallants now would scorne , For Satan prompts they were more Nobly borne , Wherefore to rob , their Factours must persever Silke wormes and Beasts for Shamois , Plush & Bever . No Pleasures shape so farre his minde endeares , To Idolize the same , though young of yeares . No Envious Stings , nor motions Arrogant Once prickt his heart , nor thoughts extravagant , For he was so sincere , sweete Natur'd , mild , That none with Passions knew him once defil'd , Though from without he often Temptings had , As Man , while he conversed with the Bad , Yet with contempt , and a most brave disdaine He past them by , not soyled with one staine . For as the Sunne , the worlds faire radiant Eye , Doth Dunghils touch , and stinking Jakes survey And yet his Beames escape from tainting free : So this blest Youth , though he did daily see Notorious sinnes , and Beast-like filthinesse , Himselfe he kept untoucht from wickednesse . He labour'd oft in Childing woman-wise Of our fraile Passions and infirmities . " He had , as Man , our Naturall Affects , " But yet without Excesses or defects , " And not as we , orecome with their delight , " Or seeming Good , or spurr'd on with despight . In midst of Darkenesse shone Divinest Light , Errour he turn'd to knowledge , wrong to Right , The words contempt he changed into Grace Fables to Truth , our slips to surer pace . He did exchange our Lustfull sports to sorrow And on to worke our Humane Natures borrow . For Lazarus he shed forth Teares of Griefe , And he much Griev'd for Salems unbeleefe . Ambition did his Man-heads Fancies raise , But that Flight was to raise his Fathers praise , His High desires stretcht plyant Soules to win To blissefull Joyes from Sathan , death , and sinne . His mounting sparkes to Magnanimity Extended , mixt with zeale and Charity , " His lofty thoughts aspir'd but to the Crosse , " That Theater which ransom'd Adams losse . " He Chastly long'd , yea and he lusted too " With flames of Love , for he the Church did wooe , " He sought her Love with zealous Oracles , " Sometimes with teares , sometimes with Miracles . " He Coveted for wealth , not worldly wealth , " But for Eternall Goods , mens saving Health . He felt within his Soules essentiall Parts Great Joy to heare of True Beleevers hearts . For barbed Steed , he chose a bare-backt Asse , Fishers for Mates , for Pallace the Low Grasse ; He burn'd with wrath , when he drove from Gods House Those Huckesters out , whom he with whips did touze ▪ " But his short wrath converted into zeale , " Not for Revenge , but for the sinners weale . He seem'd to grudge , or Envy at the Priests , Because he saw them live like Antichrists ; " He much repin'd that Purenesse went to wracke , That Satans sway did keepe Gods Kingdome backe ; He languished with Feares and Agonies The night before his deaths Extremities ; " But those deepe Feares sprung of weake natures sense , " Not of Despaire , or want of Innocence . So from our Passions Christ , as Mithridate Of Vipers wrought , good Motions New begat . For Jewish Thalmuds , he the Gospel taught ; For their Old Types , substantiall Truth he brought And our New-man in him Regenerate Shall doe the like , if we cooperate ; We shall Gods word love more than Superstitions , And follow Truth more than Humane Traditions . The which Christ grant , who felt , excepting sinne , All Natures griefes , which we are plunged in . From those Ten Lawes in stony Tab●es wrot By God himselfe , he never swarv'd one Jot , But them observ'd inviolated all , Yea , and the Morall , as the Ceremoniall . On Sabbath daies no man could him prevent , But that he would the Synagogue frequent . Which N●●e I may not silent overslip , How sacredly Christ did all men outstrip In honouring the Seaventh feastfull Day , At which time he most joyfully did pray , With Davids Tunes both Hymnes and Psalmes he sung , His heart whole Peales to his deare Father rung Of Jubilees and Thankes for Humane Good , For sending him to save his Flesh and Blood. " Yet nerethelesse , he seem'd not to gainsay , " But that Good deeds might well be done that day , " Or Casuall workes forc'd of Necessity : " Those would not barre the workers Piety , " No more then Davids deed , when as he fed " Constrain'd by Hunger on the Holy Bread. " For , as he said , God made the Sabbath day " For Man , not Man for it ; On it to pray , " On it to satisfy weake Natures Need , " And yet with mounting thoughts , to save his Creed , " He must Praise God , the Authour of his Calling " And others by his steps confirme from Falling " More often on that dayes Solemniz'd Feast , " Then other dayes not limited for rest . Sixe dayes God left for Natures wordly Carke , But that day to refresh th' Immortall Sparke . Gods Lawes he kept unabrogated Holy , Which none besides himselfe did ever wholly . Above all sinnes , which he saw raigning here , Idolatry he loathed most : for deare His Fathers Honour was to him , and next To this great sinne , his soule was oft perplext , To see debate amongst his Neighbours , Those Of Abrahams seed , whom of meere Grace God chose And singled out from Superstitious Nations Peculiar to avoid their profanations . For He ( the Sonne of Love ) borne from Above Could not endure the Opposites to Love. He could not brooke without anxiety And troubled thoughts to see Cold Charity , To see them with fat gifts the Lawyers feed , To nourish Pride , whilst others starv'd for need . Therefore against all Malice he contested , Nay them , who hated Good men , he detested . He spent the best part of his Youthfull houres In hearty suite unto the Heavenly Powers For their conversion from such carnall pleasure , And for their Wils restraint with Graces measure Because his life he might securely lead Till thirty yeares were full accomplished , Himselfe he mated with the simplest Jew , But seldome with the Proud , or Heathenish Crew . To shunne Vaineglory , and the Serpents rage , With Servants forme he cloakt his Parentage . " To Old and Young , though but of meane Repute " With whom he met , he gave the first salute ; " With Peace , God speed , Good morrow , or Adieu ; " And chiefely to the vertuous , whom he knew " So stampt in Soule , after the New-mans Forme , " Who did their best the Old man to reforme , With gracious words he ever heartned those According to his Naturall dispose . To such as griev'd in body or in minde , He shew'd himselfe most pittifull and kind , With word and deed he sought their Amity , And to accord their strife and enmity . Though he no thankes for Peace-endeavours had , More then in Aegipt , Moses of the Bad. He never Place nor puft up Glory sought , Nor what he not perform'd did promise ought . " His Word and Meaning still agreed in one " Grounded upon their substance , Truth alone . " He for ill use his Tongue did never traine , " Nor ever tooke the Name of God in vaine . All wrangling Sects he shun'd , the Pharisees , For Pride , and for Faith wrackt the Sadduces . " He hated them , who scandaliz'd the Law , " And nourisht strife for Profit without aw " Of God or Man , as likewise their lewd Members " Which kindled needlesse fires rak't up in Embers . " He scorn'd for Gold our Mercenaries hire , " To cloake the Right , or Clients draw like wire . " He loathed wyles , and lyes , and loved Truth " More than his life . In hottest time of Youth " When choller , gall , and passions domineere , " In him no signe of wrath did once appeare . " He used more to hold his Peace then speake , " Comparing those to Sives which secrets leake . Against the Bodies loathsome Maladies To live , as if he were in Paradise , A diet spare both to the whole and sicke He still advis'd , and Fasting the best Physicke ; This moved him to fast in Youth farre more , Than in his Greene , more springing yeares before . " He knew the worth of Dyets Excellence , " That a small thing workes Chyles nutriments . " Because the Blood and Humours Eb●●litions " Deriv'd from Food evapourate pollutions " Toward the braine , and soules chiefe faculties " Distemp'red by the Bodies Qualities , " He affected Dyet , even at a Feast , Whereat ( Good man ) he came a seldome Guest . By this stay'd course , of Constitution sound His Body grew ; no Humours did abound Pernicious , but with Daniels might compare , Or the like choycest Saints for sober fare , And by this stint to Nature , his Complexion Most rare arriv'd to Beauties chiefe perfection . As Carbuncles doe in the darkest Night Afford to all the Roome about them Light , So was Christs Life of all the Neighbors seene , To shine , that none could taxe him of one sinne , Or justly say , that he at wealth did ayme , Or Honour , for he did them both disclaime , As opposite to what the Trinity Affects in Man : divine Humility . With daily Prayers , Fasts , and watchfullnesse He still repulst the Darts of wickednesse : He had so much ( and yet he made no boast Thereof ) Divine gifts of the Holy Ghost , That Satan fail'd to peepe in , or contemple The smallest chinke of his faire Spirits Temple , Perhaps not thinking , that the Godhead would Descend so low , but leave Hell uncontroul'd : " Yet our defects , that were most miserable , " He had as Man , but not one damnable ; " Which might have beene to Purity a Barre , " Or for our Ransome which might work a Jarre . He honour'd God , the Authour of his Good ; He loved Man , as his owne Flesh and Blood : His whole pure Heart not mixt by halves or hire He vow'd to God ; and kept his vow entire . He never halted betwixt God and Baal , Nor ever made of Soules Mechanique sale ; Which was the cause he went by day unshot , And with those shafts that fly by night unsmote , Gods holy Angels guarded him without , Gods holy Spirit guided him throughout From those close Baites of the Infernall Angle , Which more or lesse all Adams Brood entangle , For proofe or Losse , according to their Creed ; But Saints at last God succours in their need With Patience , strength , and Faith Apostolicke , Whereby they may unto their Saviour sticke . As God inspiring Gifts , and their true sence , As God and Man Christ drew their Quintessence , And left the same within the Gospell coucht , Which Saints have since with Martyrs seales avoucht . Thus Jesus liv'd , and spent his youthfull dayes , And yet my Pen sets out not halfe his Praise . No Oratours , nor Poets wit can Limme At full the gifts , wherewith God furnisht him , For as the Sunnes bright shining Lampe at Noone , Excells the lesser Starres , and pale fac't Moone : So Christ more Just , more Meeke , and Patient was Then Enoch , Moses , Job ; and did surpasse As well in Mysticke , as in Actuall Flames , Whereof indeed we mortals know no Names ; Unlesse we terme them Graces most Transcendent , To him alone from Our Great God descendent , All Adams Sonnes , with Josephs Mayden wife For Zeale , for Faith , for Holynesse of life ; Nay more , were all their Vertues joyn'd in One , They would look foule , compar'd with his alone , Comparing him with other men , the Light Of Heaven you must confound with darkest night ; " For without his Habilliments of Grace " No Mortall man can see Gods Heavenly Face : " Without his Helpe the Godhead full of Ire " Consumes Mankind as Stubble in the fire . " Without his Merits veile , as Wedding suite , " No Humane wight can win a Saints Repute ; Cloath'd with his Robes none ever went amisse , The Alpha and Omega of all blisse . At last Christ grew to thirty yeares of Age , Which was the time , that in his Pilgrimage He from thenceforth till death should exercise His Priesthoods place to open Israels Eyes , Melchisedechs predestinated place , Whose Order Time should never more deface . But they more blind then Bats were in those times , When Zeale and Love were Snares and Nets for crimes : He therefore now to grace his Legate John To Jordan went , and by him thereupon Would be baptiz'd , although the Prophet strove To put him by , as worthyer from Above , Christs will was such , he Baptisme would receive That to his Church he might that Patterne leave , And that , as he perfected Moses Lawes , So he for us would plead the New mans Cause . Which at ●he Font from sinne Originall Doth cleanse , and to New life invites us all , If we goe on , as we were Catechiz'd , And crave with Flames of zeale to be baptiz'd . " For Baptisme is Heavens gate , the which to ope " Grace gives to us the Keyes of Faith and Hope . No sooner did that heavenly Dove descend , And Satan markt to what those words did tend ; This is my Sonne in whom I am well pleasd , But all amaz'd he stood , and sore displeas'd . And hearing John before himselfe Him prize The Lambe of God , that should with Fire baptize , He doubted much lest this was He should tread , As on a footestoole , his Old Serpents Head. To crosse therefore the doome of Gods Edict ; And Justice force her selfe to contradict , This Prince of Fiends , the Python of the East , Our Antichristian Dragon of the West ; Bent al his thoughts ; his plots , and machinations Gods Heire to win , and raze our Hopes foundations . Which when the Searcher of all Hearts had read With deepe insight , he by the Spirit led His Sonne from Jordan to a desart , where He might be try'd with Fasting and with feare , Aswell to satisfie for Adams Deed , As us to warne the Dragons wiles to heed . Satan , as shadow , dogs him at the heeles , And cunningly , ere he his Pulses feeles , Physitian●like ●like , who first the Signes and Dyet Notes , and what brought the Patient out of quiet , He waites aloofe , and finds our Saviour still Watch , Fast , and Pray , to save Mankind from ill . But at the last , with fasting forty dayes , To Christ supposed weake , the Fiend bewrayes His fraudulent and perillous designe , " Which was at Hels instinct to worke a signe " Or Miracle , and by that act repaire " His Pride-falne state , or drive Christ to despaire . Thou dost beleeve ( saith he ) that thou art Holy , The Child of God not dimm'd with Carnall folly , A Saint foretold by Prophets Oracles , And canst , like them , worke some rare Miracles . Now in this Place make Triall of the Spirit , Whether such precious gifts thou dost inherit To equall Moses ; and the Thesbites Fame , Both which thou may'st by working wonders shame : I see from Food thou fastest over-long , Whereby thy Body faints , and feeles much wrong . " Loose not the Substance for the Accident , " Nor thy deare life , for what 's impertinent . Thou art but Young , and in thy flow'r of Age , And may'st doe wonders on this worldly Stage , If thou cheare up thy selfe this present day , Else beauty , strength , and Body will decay . " Some I have knowne so long to mortifie " Their Flesh , in hope their Soules to purifie , " That by such fasts they were much stupifide , " Light heads , and all to seeme Soule-glorifide ; Be thou more wise to shun the fatall rod Of Famine . If thou be the Sonne of God , Command these present Stones to be converted Into pure bread , or else thou art perverted . When Satan thus had ended his discourse , Christ to Gods word did hasten his Recourse ; No other Shield then Scripture did he use , Which by heav'ns leave I paraphras'd produce : I doe renounce the Flesh , and World●y guile , Thy tempting Baites shall not my heart beguile , To long for Earthly Food , more then Gods Word , To breake the vow I made at Jordans Foord ; The Covenant of Baptisme , which I seal'd I meane to keepe , whereby Mankind is heal'd And purg'd : I will not once distrust the Lord , Nor in least thought traduce his written Word : He can by many meanes releeve my wants , That cloathes the Lillies , and renews the Plants . " Mans Body here not onely lives by Bread , " But with Gods word his Spirit must be fed . The Holy Ghost for Light to after - Saints , And to divulge our Ghostly Foes attaints , To force them to confesse : their wiles and pride Doe try , not daunt those whom the heavens guide , Permitted Satan yet to tempt him more With all his slights , but not to hurt or gore His Body which reserv'd for Sacrifice Himselfe would shortly yeeld for sinnefull vice . The Fiend would not so let him passe away , He had more Trickes upon Mankind to play : Because our Saviour Satan did contemne , He rapt him up into Jerusalem ; And set him on the Temples Pinac●e : Now shew thy selfe ( quoth he ) by Miracle The Sonne of God by casting thy selfe downe From hence headlong , for God will guard his owne . Be confident , and take it as thy Creed , Saints may performe all things , t is so decreed . I see thou shin'st replenished with Faith , And know●st full well what sacred Scripture saith ; By this great Act thou mayst thy Fame advance Above the Starres , and now on earth enhaunce Thy Praise among the vulgar Multitude , Who will be wean'd from their old , grosse , & rude Traditions , and thee for their Great Messias More will beleeve , then John their new Elias , Who with new Rites of Baptisme now of late At Jordan toyles men to regenerate . Proceed then boldly to this famous Act , And never doubt the Issue of the fact , For God hath given his Angels charge of thee To save thy Body , and defend thee free From all Annoyes , Perils , or hurts of Stones , That might against thee dash , or bruise thy bones . With such or like surmizes Satan sought Our Saviour to entrap , and turne his Thought From lowlinesse , and worldly Pompes contempt , The chiefest meane Mans Freedome to attempt And bring to passe , which Satan well foreknew , Although he strove Gods Judgements to eschew , In vaine he strove our Sun-shine to eclipse Where such as these come from a Christians lippes : Alas , what poore weak Fame , a Nine dayes wonder Doe worldlings rove at , if their Ends they ponder ! " When men ground Faith on Humane Policy , " The Lord reputes it but Hypocrisie . " When he vouchsafes to lend some Miracles , " He doth it to confirme his Oracles " To be divine , and not Humane positions , " He doth it freely without Compositions , " And with a Caveat too , that none waxe proud , " As though the gift were for their Owne allow'd " Why should a Saint expect for Miracles ? " Whilst he enjoyes Faith and Truthes Oracles ? For this regard did Jesus put to flight With Holy writ the Fiend with all his slight ; Thou shalt not tempt by any meanes , said he , The Lord thy God who first Created thee , That is the Scripture thou shouldst muse upon , And if infring'd what vengeance hangs thereon . Thus Jesus twice already for our faults Endured had the Devils bold assaults ; Him now againe the third time he assayles To captivate , or make him strike his sayles . " And knowing nothing in this worldly frame " Can tempt a Saint like to Ambitions Flame ; " Nor sooner can the finest wits defile , " As is Recorded on old Athens File , " Then to be pointed at by Peoples Prease : " Loe this is he , the rare Demosthenes ! He comes no more with Scripture in his mouth , But with the whole worlds Empire , North , and South , The E●st , and West ; he labours to entangle Christs Senses , like to Tybers Fishing Angle , Wherewith his Vicar Crownes like Gudgeons tooke , That Beast with Lambes two Hornes & Dragons hooke So long agoe described by Saint John ; The man of sinne , and that Perditions Sonne , Whom Cardinalls at his Installment Grace With Triple Crowne , and on Masse Altar place ; He rapt him in the twinkling of an eye , To a high Mountaines Top , thence to descry , As from Mount Ne●o , where Canaan was showne To Moses , many Kingdomes of his owne , All the round world he there made to appeare In a false Mappe , doubling the Hemisphere . The like Romes Prelate scarcely could install For his to Right Castile and Portingall . So Satan did his Monarchy contrive , As Neptune stood on his Prerogative : That great Command with triple forked Mace By Lot to me , and not to him did passe . Out of meere Grace and Love I beare to thee ( Sayes he to Christ ) if thou wilt worship me , And homage doe , these Crownes I give in Fee , These States for thee and thine for ever be . No greater snare could Lucifer invent Our Second Adams minde to circumvent ▪ No Motive , nor more working Argument Then Scepters , or a Mitred Governement ; As Mahomet tooke hold upon the First With th' Alcoran , and of them all the worst Of Christian men usurp'd , aspiring higher Both swords to manage , and approaching nigher To the red Dragons claymed Jurisdiction With Soules and Bodies sale , and interdiction . But Gods deare Sonne did out of hand Controule These Lofty towring Flames , Soules tainting foule . He would not listen to Supremacies , Nor to the worlds suggeste Primacies ; His Kingdome was not of this worldly station Of mortall Stampe , but for sick soules translation By Fiery Tryalls to Jerusalem Not built with hands , a place which fooles contemne . To coole therefore our Thoughts irregulare , Our Saviour thus put by the Serpents snare ; Not asking him , as our late Exorcists Vaine questions , but him packing from the Lists . He could no longer his Just zeale refraine , But instantly repuls'd him with disdaine , Avant Satan , make here no more abode , Packe hence I charge thee in the Name of God : Thou of my Faith hast made sufficient Triall , But of his Rights I cannot brooke denyall ; I cannot heare with Patience Blasphemy Against my Fathers endlesse Royalty , Who swayes this Globe by Aristocracies , Democracies , and awfull Monarchies . The Lord thy God , as Scriptures doe observe , Thou worship shalt , and him alone must serve . Such Checking Words spoke with a Conscience cleane , " Free from ambitious thoughts , and Deedes obsceane , " With vowes and Fasts aswell to purifie " Themselves , as the Old man to mortifie , " Oft naming Jesus Christ our Advocate , " Will quickly Satan chase , or subjugate . " There needs no Charmes , Masses , nor Exor●ismes , " No holy water , Reliques , Crosse nor Chrismes , " To dispossesse or send the Devill packing : " Let such those trust where Faith & Love are lacking . When as I know ( as who is free ? ) my selfe ● braine or dreame neere cast upon this shelfe . With Gales of worldly winds in shew most faire , Gulling my Sense , like Atomes in the Aire , With false Selfe-love , by him an Idoll prays'd , With subtle Theames by his suggestions rays'd , Such as on wits for want of vowes have play'd , Or with such Quirkes , as our late Sects display'd , Or with wild fits , and moods extravagant : Let me but say with Jesus Christ , Avant , At their first comming with a pious mind , At Christs sweete Name God sends them backe confin'd " Let me review his Wounds , I may be bold " To conjure Satan from his strongest hold . This Shield I take , no other helpe I looke From Heaven or Earth against this Fishers ●ooke . " Christs coate I weare , no other Ayd I crave , " Then His : who other crave , doe surely rave . " To other Saints , whom they Gods Courtiers ca●● " I say with Job : Poore helpers are ye all . Against Sinnes Rage , and Satans proud Bravad●●s Against his Plots , his wiles , and Ambus●adoes My Faith , though weake , supported mee wit● Armes , Contritions Grones prevented all my Harmes ; In Christ his Robes I feared no Annoyance , Fenc'd with his shield , I ●●ung at him defyance , After Resisting I did ever finde My Foes departed , and good motions sign'd , Or printed in my Heart unknowne to me . From brutish Elves to guard my New-man free . " This should be writ in Cedar , or in Gold ; " The man Newborne , who is for Grace enrold " Shall sure be tempted by some wicked Fiend , " Whom if at first he doe suspect for Friend , " And not receive his Baytes with hearts delight , " That Man shall winne the Field through Christ his Might , And from thenceforth with greater dowries blest Shall surely live and dye a Saint profest ; His Soule with Christ shall rest in Paradise , His Body at Doomes-day with Joy shall rise . In this we have our Master for Example , Who by the Crosse on Satans head did trample , As living he his motions had repell'd , And with Gods Word three times had him refell'd ; Although he was alone , and destitute Of Humane helpe , yet he made Satan mute . After his Conflicts to congratulate , And him releeve in the like hungry State , As was Elias , who in Horeb past His Forty daies by meanes of fore-repast , It is recorded that the Angels came , Which shewes Gods Care , Faiths strength , & Satans shame . But here 's a doubt , a question scrupulous , Which to decide for me were perillous , Lest that I seeme in Negromanticks vers'd , Or that my Rule by Saints might be revers'd ; Whether these Assaults Reall were ? or visions ? Or mixt with Satans Jugling Apparitions ? To argue that Gods Sonne , the worlds bright Light , Should be transported by the Prince of Night From thence , up to the Temples pinnacle With unextinguisht breath by Miracle , Like to a Bird , in person through the Ayre , Deserves small thankes for pleading to impaire Gods Glory in his wondrous workemanship Of the New-man : That were by doubts to clip His Providence for carelesse watch and ward Over his Sonne , to whom the Angels Guard He promised by Satans owne Confession ; The Fiend durst not , had Jesus made expression , That he was God , have mov'd him to Transgression , To shoot at Soules , which took his markes Impressions " To play upon the wits of Reprobates ; " Yea and for Triall of Regenerates , " Who like to wanton Apes , or stubborne Boyes , " Must smart till they leave off their prankes and toyes : " To charme the sense of witches who have rang'd " Their bodies resting still in roomes unchang'd " On Hackneyes , as they dream'd , borne through the sky " With Nightly feasts their Wills to satisfie , " ( So Anodines , and Poppies drugger intrance " Their heavy Nerves , that their wild fancies dance ) " The Lord indeed permits him still to range " With lyes , false showes , & seeming wonders strange . Yea too , and other whiles to play the Ape , Ghost , Goblin , Faiery , in fantastique shape , Whereby mens outward senses he beguiles , As their Craz'd braines , with visions , dreames , and wiles . The greatest Clerkes sometimes he traines to folly , Some for their Pride , and some for Melancholy , Our Youth he leades with Fancies wild vagaries , As at Full Moone Apes dancing the Canaries . He wheeles about the world , the Articke Pole , As Southerne Coasts ; the vertuous , sicke and whole . All 's Fish alike : but his most dainty spoyle Is Learned Men with Crotchets to embroyle ; Whom rather than they shall escape his clawes , He tempts to jarre for words , bare Names , & strawes . In Samuels shape he Saul by Endors Witch , And in the Serpents forme did Eve bewitch ; Hating the Womans Seed , he sought by sleight And Angels maske to bleare our Saviours sight ; But through the Aire to beare his Body up , I feare to pledge Scribes in that curious Cup : For in the Place , where he first met him , there , We read he left our Saviour void of feare , Although he did by Vision or in Trance , Or Actuall forme his highest Plots advance ▪ And Jesus might through his Humanity , Like Peters Trance , see Satans subtilty Within that uncouth place , or Desart coast , As opposite to that which Adam lost ; Because he found Christ in distressed plight , Sole , and fasting , he thought to hit the White . " Satan might tempt his Outward sight & Braine , " But at his Will and Heart he shot in vaine , " The God-head sway'd those parts , his Angels Guard " About his Person kept both watch and ward ; So that nor Satan could , nor all his Bands Without his leave once touch his sacred hands , Much lesse against his Will him to transport , Whom God alwayes did strengthen and support , Till he by Judas sold should pay the Price , Or Ransome due for our Enormities . Yet where Gods Word doth not my Light advance , With Humble sailes I vaile my Ignorance . Since Seraphins their zeale were faine to cover : How then dare I nice Problems to discover ? " A modest wit affects the New-mans straine : Packe hence therefore ye wormelings of the Braine . Yet would I had the skill of Augustine ; Such knotty doubts to canvase and define , Or that I were rapt with Poeticke Flam● , Sedulius-like , or Ara●o , to tame Wits puffes , that so I might in English stile , As they in Latine Layes , a worke compile Whereby our Saviours deeds , the New-mans Glasse , Might with faire Rayes reflect on Hearts of Brasse : I would imprint by his Lifes Innocence In Britaines thoughts an imitable sence , To shun fond Quirkes , and Plainesse to embrace , I would assure them then of Heavens Grace ; Whereas most Wits now hover in the Aire , Betwixt fraile Hope , Presumption , and Despaire . Who knowes not that the Fiend from his restraint Late loos'd goes on the Saints with doubts to taint ? But some will say , An Angell cloath'd in flesh Cannot the stings so punctually represse Of raging Sinne , as I have painted here ; Nor from Hels tempting baites his Passions cleare , For borne in sinne how can we chuse but erre ? By our first Parents sold to Lucifer ? " The wisest Man some touch of madnesse hath , " Of Pride , or Lust , of Niggardize , or wrath . Doe what we can , our Glosse and Merits store Looke like a menstruous cloath , or mattry Core. I grant that None but Jesus Christ alone , The Fathers Essence and his Holy One , Did wholly live according to this forme , Or spot-lesse could the Will of God performe : But yet know this ( O worldly shifting man ) That thou art bound thy second Birth to scan ; Enamour'd more on Grace and Charity Then on the World , and carnall Jollity , And in all points to imitate thy Head , Or else thou art cut off , as Member dead . Thou must at first repell the Tempters snares , Be they Ambitions ●ookes , or Golden wares ; And if through Faith thou struggle and dost strive Against lewd thoughts , thou shalt o're come , and thrive ; If his lives Type for Precepts thou avow , Thou quickly shalt attaine thy selfe to know , And be assoyld by Faiths Prerogative Of Raigning sinne , at least imputative . For which Intent , and Saints encouragement God many meanes both Old and Moderne lent , To rouze the Slothfull up , to looke about , Before that Satan puts their Torches out . Among the rest , I hope , Good men will heare , Or read my Lines , and with my plainnesse beare , Since my ayme is proud sinne to mortifie , And by the New-Mans Lampe to edifie The Lowly minded and the Penitent , Who more prize Truth then Falsehoods blandishment . Let others trim their Muse with Gaudy Tires : I envy not their Layes , nor labours hires . A simple Robe I like without a Seame , ( For such a Coate Christ wore ) and such a Theame Consorts most fit with an Evangelist , Whether he English , French , or Latinist , For publique use the Praise of Christ compose ; Be it in Numbers , or in Copious Prose ; And so for Truth he sound a thankefull Peale ; Ere vowes he hoord up , for his private weale ; Not like to Clownes , who when they gaine good turnes , Neglect their Patrons , or pollute their Vrnes , And memory with Vrine , Spittle , spight ; Instead of thankes tyth'd out to doe them right . But howsoe're Young Gallants censure this , The Graver sort will cleare me from amisse , And for the Cloze , these Golden Rules inferre : Plaine Poems best become a Gospeller : The Strayned phraze , puffes up : Truth suits a Saint ; Those women fairest looke , who never paint . A Hymne of Thankesgiving to the Lord for his Churches preservation from Antichristian Tyranny . 1. WHile Natures Sonnes at randome rove , Our New-Man fixt on things Above By holy Trance doth Christ descry , In Bethlems Cratch , and Calvary . Now , we Gods word and wonders sing , Anon , we scan , O Glorious King , Thy Triumph ; how thy faithfull Crew , While Tyrants rav'd , the stronger grew , And how bright starres , Hells stormes withstood , Till Mungrells on Mans Merits stood . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease , Or them Release , if so thou please . 2. As thou didst drowne proud Pharaohs Host , And guid'st thine owne through Marine Coast , So thine Elect through every Age Thou didst preserve from Satans rage ; So didst thou raise to life againe Thy Prophets twaine in Sodome slaine ; So didst thou , Lord , in Judgement meete , In Eighty eight the Spanish Fleete ; And save us then , and since againe From Ruine , Losse , and Powder-traine . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease , Or them release , if so thou please . 3. Their Leaguers force thou did'st divide When we most fear'd Hels raging Tide , Reforming Faith in Publicans Among the Britaines , Dutch , and Danes , Bohemians , Swethens , Polanders , The Swizzers , French , and Hollanders , To counterpoize Great Babels side And by thy Word to tame her Pride ; Which neere hath rent her Triple Crowne , When every Bird requir'd their owne . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease ; Or them release , if so thou please . 4. O Gracious God , how strange is this ! That thou hast cal'd blind Strayes to Blisse ! And didst for us New Kings beget , When Old Elizaes Sunne was set ! The Tent she pitcht , James setled sure ; And Charles now Raignes , like Cynosure , With Golden starres encircled round ; He doth not slight the Gospels sound , But still renues the Holy Fire , Bequeath'd him by his Royall Sire . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease , Or them release , if so thou please . 5. When Bavares Duke , and Ferdinand Had yok't thy Flocke in Germane Land , There rose up from the Northerne Zone A Machabee , who eas'd their moane . Nor is it lesse miraculous , That thou hast rais'd great Bourbons House , Against the Eagle to make head , When Both would gripe thy Turtles dead ; And this diverting of their Force Spinnes Truce for us , in them Remorse . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease ; Or them release , if so thou please , 6. A thousand yeares the Fiend was curb'd , And no great Plague true Saints disturb'd ; He made no fierce prodigious warre , Till Wichliffe preacht what Berengare And former Saints had vow'd with cares Against the Masse and Mauzzimes wares . But afterwards , when by thy Word Some were Reform'd , with Fire and Sword He then pursu'd thy New borne Flocke , Because they chose Faiths living Rocke . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease , Or them release , if so thou please . 7. Even to this day , Hels Magogs still Thy Servants racke , their Blood doe spill . O when shall we poore Pilgrimes be From Satans wiles and tumults free ? O when shall we their Period see ? And sing to thee our Jubilee , Exempt from cares and Carnall stings , O Glorious God and King of Kings ? Not in this world , till Christ doth come In person first all Soules to doome . Lord , grant us Peace , our Crosses ease , Or them release ; if so thou please . Amen . The Fourth Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . Christ having Preacht the Gospel , and New-Birth , Confirm'd the same by wondrous signes on Earth ; The Priests conspire his Death . Judas revolts . His Supper , Bloody Sweate , and sore Assaults . " IF I had dranke at pale Pirenes well , " As to the wise Bellerophon befell ; " Or that I had Vrania for my guide , " I might transcend the Starres , and hope to ride " On the Pegasean Steed with Azur'd Reines , " Untill the Poles resounded with my Straines . Such Lofty wishes through Poeticke guile Farre be they from my Low and trembling stile . Not Phaeton , nor waxe-wing'd Icarus , But Lucifers and Adams Fall should scare us From mounting high to Pinacles and Towers , Where Lightnings Flash , where raigne the Aiery Powers , Which may our Carnal thoughts blow to despaire ( Such mighty sway beare Spirits in the Aire ) Like them , whose Hearts once toucht with hallowed Fire , Have quencht the Flame by ruff●ing to aspire , Or like our Eves , who in this Evening Age , When they should kneele , climbe up proud Honours stage , Where Mammon they adore , and Christ by halves , As if Gods Grace would breathe on Golden Calves . No sure ; his Spirit loathes Ambitious Fires , But the milde Soule and humble he inspires : Such as of Yore were Jewries Fishermen , The Virgin Mary , Anna , Magdalen . " God will not hold him guiltlesse that presumes " To touch his Ark with Flanting robes or plumes . Avaunt then , Gallants , with your Idoll-Fumes ; Depart , ye Ladies , with your nice perfumes ; Kisse not Gods Sonne , ye proud imperious Lords , For he abhorres High lookes , Bug-beares , bigge-words ! A simple Garbe contents our Saviours Cratch : " Smooth glozing Termes take those who Termely catch " Sad Sackeclothes weed becomes this age of Our , " Where Fiends unseene waite ready to devoure , As lawfull spoyles , our Kingdomes fairest flower . This suites me plaine ; my Applications sowre , Yet wholesome , like to Lemmons in a Fever , To curbe those putrid Fumes of Head and Liver , Which now of late the Gentry of this Isle With Riot , Pride , and costly Feasts defile . Then , O Great Britaine , take it for no wrong , If I enchaunt thine eares with a meane song Not grounded on false Druydes Antique Tales , But wrapt in Christ his Swathes , & found in Wales , From that wild Place , where Satans Policy Failed to tempt his Will and Phantasie , Arrived then to thirty yeares of Age , Our Saviour , to perfect his Pilgrimage , Returned backe to Galilee againe In the third lustre of Tiberius Raigne , Where he on Truth at Nazareth commented But thence repuls'd , the next Coast he frequented , With this true Note by that respectlesse Towne , " No Nation heeds a Prophet of their Owne : And having chose his Prime Apostles there , Who to that end predestinated were , He Preacht good Newes unto the true Beleeve● , To cherish his New Church and to releeve her ; Good Newes indeed , which thralled Soules restore To greater Grace then Adam lost before . The Tree of Life that of Old Adams foiling , And it of all Luxuriant Sappe dispoyling Christ did transferre to Mortall men on Earth , Who hardly could beleeve the Second Birth ; They thought that none but an Old Serpent could Cast off his Skin , and so renue his Old Inveterate New ; None but the Phaenix dead Could of his Ashes reare another Head , With lively Parts as burnisht as the First . This seem'd a worke Divine , which no man durst Attempt , before our Saviour made it plaine , That Humane Impe must here be Graft againe And re-baptiz'd by the bright Holy Ghost , Whose Name and Gifts he blaz'd through Jewries Coast. Elixirs dreame , nor Pythagorean Change Could work this Feate , & Ghostly Willes exchange . Not Sun , nor Stars , not Humane s●ed , nor Sence Could breed or cause this quickning Quintessence ; That spirit , which breath'd on the Waters crude , When that earths Lumpe confused lay and rude ; From a thicke Chaos th' Elements did sever , And with all - quickning Thaw did Ice dissever , Transforming what he would have new & straite Harmoniously by Number , Measure , waight ; This Love-bred Flame , grac'd the pure Virgins wombe , And none but him , such wonders great become . This Doctrine Christ to Nich●demus taught , Who then of him Soule-Consolation sought ; When at the bruite of his strange Miracles This Learned Scribe , to heare Christs Oracles , Had stole to him at Salem in the night Fearing the Factions of th' Herodians Might , Who nere about that time got Captiv'd John , And through a frisking Wench slaine thereupon : I heare ( quoth he ) that thou a Prophet art , From Heaven sent Salvation to impart , Thy Deeds import no lesse : for who but One Of Gods owne Choyce , or his beloved Son , Can doe such workes beyond set Natures reach , Or utter such deepe points as thou dost preach . Enflamed with the sparkes of thy renowne , Which flyes abroad throughout our spacious Towne , I come to thee desirous to be taught , In the true way : and so to Heaven brought . Our Saviour turn'd to our Faiths Alphabet And him to learne Truths A.B.C. did set . Not Principles of mens Philosophy ; But Rules which Stony hearts doe mollify ; " He must ( said Christ ) who will Gods Kingdome see , Become New-borne , and so an Infant be ▪ That saying is ( quoth Nichodemus ) strange , How can I now my Ancient yeares exchange For a New Birth : I shall get sooner roome In an old Tombe than in my Mothers wombe . Jesus convinc'd his Errour , and mistake , With this reply ; Thou dost my speeches take In a wrong sense , for truth I tell to thee , None enters Heav'n , nor shall Gods Kingdome see , Except he be of Water and the Spirit First borne , and then that place he shall inherit . " That part of Man borne of the Flesh , is Flesh , " More Old , than of the Spirit , which is fresh , " Young , and Gallant , he which is borne hence " Leads a new Life , and voyd of Lusts Offence . When the wind blowes , thou hear'st a noyse and sound , But know'st not whence it comes , nor whither bound : So fares it with the Holy Spirits man , How he came rapt with Blisse he can not scan ; He knowes not how his Spirit New became By Grace unseene from the Great Spirits Flame . When Nicodemus heard this Lesson rare , He answered , these things not likely are , How can it be that Man without Commotion Of Natures sense should apprehend this Motion Of his New-Birth by the quicke Spirits Seed , And grow so strong except some thing him feed ? Except some Rayes , which we not Outward see , Or God-head rap the Mind : how can this be ? Bear'st thou a Doctours Style ? and dost thou teach ( Said Christ ) and know'st not this which I doe Preach ? I speake the Truth , and what my Soule hath seene , I testify , yet all in vaine hath beene . If when I speake of Earth , you●le not beleeve , Sure if I tell of Heaven , you will grieve " None ever yet that Glorious place ascended , " But through the word , which from that Place descended . " Yea , none comes there , but who by faith on earth " Beleeves Gods Word , the second Adams Birth . " The Womans seed foretold in Paradise , " Who should confound the Charmers Sorceries , " Who was fore-doom'd to be s●ung in the Heele " By the Old Serpent , and Gods wr●th to feele , " Whom men lift up , and wicked Satan stung , " As the Brasse-Serpent in the Desart hung . Out of this Text all ye who are misled With glozing sinnes , your destiny may read , " That no man shall behold Gods Glorious Face ▪ " Unlesse by Grace Regeneration raze " Sinnes aspicke stings , & for those stings that zeale " And Love be stampt in him with Heavens Seale ; " Unlesse we leave to serve the Old Mans Lord , " And hate his Life and Lawes in thought and word : " Unlesse we looke on Him , who was lift up " On Calvares Crosse , and pledge him in his Cup , " Unlesse we leave our sinnes , and to conspire " Against his Saints : Hell is indeed our Hire . " Hell is Mans Hire , Except his Earthly Clod " Be sanctify'd and rebaptiz'd from God : " His Braine , Heart , Tongue , and Soules chiefe Faculties , " In one must with Christs Nature sympathize ; " Which spight of sinne Gods Spirit soone or late , " By Grace effects in the Regenerate : " Which comes to passe by pondring Truths Record , " Christs Testament , his Covenants , and word ▪ " Shunning Scandall the cause of foule offence " By a pure Life , Faith , Love , and Penitence . " And lastly by oft cheering up the Soule " With that Repast , which Nature doth controule , " That Mysticke Lambe unseene , yet reall flesh , " Slaine , yet living now Soules to refresh . Thus doth the Holy Ghost worke and Create A new borne Babe , a Soule Regenerate ; Ev'n He , that quickned Christ in Maries wombe , Will breath on him , and make him then become By Motion calme , unseene , and secret meane , Christs lively Member , pure , Reformed , Cleane , Conformed to the Head , our Elder Brother , Whose last command was this : Love one another . Now by these signes our Britaines sure may know , Whether they be of his true Christian Row. To be Baptiz'd without the Sacred Spirit , Is surely never Heaven to Inherit . They be but Nurles , half Christians , dwarfes , or elves , Nor Hot , nor Cold , which doe perswade themselves By Baptisme bare with Water , the Communion , And Outward workes to be of Saint-like union ; For what will our great Charters Seale availe ? If to performe the Covenants we faile ? " That is , to love our New mans Lord and Head , " Learne his New Law , and a New life then lead ? God by Christ's death more power did restore With that Free-will , which Adam lost before . " Grace gave to us this Supernaturall " Free gift to cope with the Will Naturall . " This Will our New-man hath from Bondage free , " Because true Faith brought Bondage on his knee , " Which , as Love-tokens , each good Christian hath " Left him by Grace , to lead him in Christs path . But if he slights this Path being Catechiz'd , How can he be with Flames Characteriz'd ? How dares he say that he doth harmelesse save His Sureties triple vow , except he rave ? " If he delights in Carnall talke , or Lust " More than Gods Word : his Faith lies in the dust . " Devotion failes , whilst sinne in Man doth raigne , " Whilst Satans raigning fancy guides his braine " Nor can Gods Gra●e within his heart fix anchor " Till it be cleans'd of rust and Natures rancour ; " Or if it burne , it quickly may expire " By Carnall meanes and blasts , except the Fire " Of zeale be kept still in by daily use , " With watch and ward from Holy things abuse : " Except the Soule for God Faiths Tything powres " Heapt daily from the foure and twenty houres . This is a Mystery , which few observe ; And fewer like : but give themselves to serve The vicious Times : more for Promotion striving Or Plots to please rich humourists contriving , Then Grace to beg with humble hearts and sorry , Then first to seeke before their owne Gods Glory . " Joyne we our wills to his , we shall be pure , For Christ his death Old Adams Plagues did oure . But now a dayes in worldly Policy Some temporize , to hide their Lunacy , Like Adams nakednesse , till time more mellow , And ripe shall change their Youthfull haires & yellow , Or else because against the Holy Ghost For sinning they doe tremble to be lost , If once New borne of the same Flaming Spirit They lose their Talent , or chance to bury it . O causelesse doubts , like to Hob-goblins Feares ! As though Gods spirit loathes the sighs and teares Of his poore Converts , nay , he will assure And helpe to make their rathe Election sure . No Fits stop them , like Agues , stormes , or Raine , But Grace moves to their Centred Hearts againe . Though I confesse that great Presumptuous sinne Concernes them much , who have New-formed bin , ( As many were soone after Christs Ascent Possest with Gifts to Schooles Astonishment ) By the Immediate wondrous Inspiration Of Gods bright Flame , though by the Instigation Of Satan , they chance afterwards to fall To Lunacies , yet let them hope with Paul And Peter falne by Christ his Blood Remission , For who dares judge Grds Grace without misprision ? Or sentence our Grave Cranmer for his feares ? Since at his Death he purg'd his Fall with Teares , And sacrific'd his Hand first to the fire , Because it did against his Heart conspire ? Let them take up these words with Job , and say : " Ile put my trust in him , though he me slay . " T is true I fell : which Fall I will not Cover . " I was Soule-sicke : but God may me recover . " Barre Aire and Bloud of motion Circulare , " Meteours the one , Heart-griefes the other scare , " The Body feeles sins Symptomes and diseases ; " So feeles the Soule , till Grace them both releases , " Which never failes a Saint , though for a while , " Foule Lustfull fogges Faithes working may defile . " Let none despaire that hath Repentant beene , " Or can but once a day sigh for his sinne . Many grave Rules and Documents profound Christ left , and did unto the Jewes expound Amongst which others here I will relate : " The Lowly , Pure , the Poore and desolate , " The Peace-maker , and for the Faith opprest , " These with the Zealous he pronounced Blest ▪ Christ termes those Blest , of Spirit Poore and Mild , " Then what is Mans Great Spirit ? Satans Child . " His bristling up with Braggadochian vaunts , " With fuming Spleene , with Gall , and Girding Taunts ; " His standing on fond Natures brittle Pinion , " Or his owne Merits puffe , or Wits opinion ; " His sleighting of a Saint that favour craves , " As if himselfe were Pope ; Christs Members slaves ▪ " His thundring peales of Penalties high rackt , " As if his owne swell'd Head no Surgeon lackt ; " His false designes to bring home Massy Crimes " From Forraigne Climes in Antichristian Times ; " His Challenges for Honours wrong'd repaire , " Or by Law-suites Saints Fortunes to impaire : " What Spirit swayes , shewes the Red Dragons Mace , " Not of the Lambes , but wicked Belials Race . So farre was Christ from wrath , or vengeance taking So farre from spoyling foes , or greedy raking , That he bad Peter to put up his Sword , When he had Malchus smote ; and at his word Confessing he was Jesus , though they were Scar'd at his voyce , he will'd them not to feare ; And when his owne Disciples did presume To urge him , like Elias ? to consume Those men with fire , which wilfully deny'd To harbour him ; the fiend then undescry'd By them he checkt , and said , that they did rave , " For he came not to kill , but Soules to save . Who then beleeves Saint Patrickes Oracles ? That Irish Kernes he kild by Miracles ? Or credit our New Sects , who doe conspire To plant our Saviours Church by Sword and Fire ? So farre liv'd Christ from Pride ; at once he had But one plaine Robe , wherewith his backe was clad ; One Coate he wore to shrow'd his naked skinne , A Seamelesse Coate to cover Adams sinne ; A Coate indeed wrought uniforme and plaine , To shew that he recover'd backe againe Our former suite of Innocence entire Without those seames of Schoolemens nice atti●e , Which likewise we , like Turtle Doves , must weare At our New Birth with Love and filiall feare , Not slashing it , like Schismatiques unbid , Nor casting Lots , as Romes fell Souldiers did , Who not content to gore his Guiltlesse side And Body slay , his Rayment did divide . " The Fóxes had their Holes , the Aiery Foule " Their proper Nests : But he poore harmelesse Soule , " Like Noahs Dove , on earth could scarce have footing ; " No certaine Lodg , nor comforts worth the booting , " Glad in his Travels to receive releife " Of them , who for his sake received Life . Instead of Ease , he Persecution felt , Chose Desarts oft , and into Brine did melt His Eyes with griefe to see such Combination ; Such Pride among his owne selected Nation . He spent the day in Preaching and good deedes , The night in Prayer for their foule Misdeedes : Yet liv'd he more contented with his Fate Than Solomon with all his Royall state , Before whose pompe & traines Illustrious muster , He priz'd the Lillies for their native Lustre . Such Artlesse flowers he saw of goodlier hew And Glaring more then any Maske or shew . This Christ exprest with Gospels Majesty , With Practicke patience , Love , and Poverty ; Teares often shed , true zeale , and thereupon His Fathers Doome for Sinners undergone . To stint our daily Cares for worldly pelfe , " The Morrowes Carke he bids leave to it selfe . For why should we distrust our Fathers Ayd , When we see Fieldes with various Robes array'd ? And Sparrowes bred without Mans industry ? Then how much more will he our Need supply ? Before we thinke on things meere Transitory , Seeke first , said Christ , the Joyes of Heavenly glory , And then be sure of this : you shall have more Than serves your turn out of his bounteous store , Or at the least , what Nature may suffice , Food , Rayment , Lodging , or the like supplies : Have you forgot the many Thousands fed With a few Fish , and Barley Loaves of Bread ? To teach us thrift , the scraps when they were fil●d Most frugally to be laid up he will'd : Looke carefully the Fragments be not lost , Or cast away ( quoth he , the Gentle Oast . ) " A faire advice to them that spend on Hounds , " What serves for Humane use , though wealth abounds . " This Rule likewise a warning Type I place " For them that waste their Inward Food of Grace , " Distributing in Playes , some Pearles to Hogges , " Christs holy scrappes , as Huntsmen cheere their Dogges . " When we must keepe the Reliques of our boord , " Ought we not more the Sacred Word to hoor'd ? " The smallest crummes and passag●● of Grace , " May stead the weake in their New holy Race , O let us then without Sophisticke Brabble Reserve all Remnants of the Mysticke Table , Least that the Seed , which Christ the better Part Most needfull calls , misse rooting in the Heart , Least Martha-like with Household toyle ●pprest We want the Food which Mary liked best , The Word , which she so well disgested then , That her best Choyce crownes her Saint Magdalen . To weane us from aspiring to Promotion , The Old mans plot , the Serpents shining Motion , When some of his Apostles strove for place , Jesus did thus their lofty mindes abase : He tooke and rank't a Child in midst of them , Protesting that , though he of scorned stem Were held by them : yet Meeke and Innocent , His Spirit might an Elders worth prevent , And that unlesse a Child we imitate In harmelesse Love , we seeke Gods Lambe too late ▪ Doubtlesse there is a great Antipathy Betwixt the World and Heaven for Quality And Motion : when the Church here Militant Failes to Consort her Tunes extravagant With the Elects Allelujahs Vnion , The Greatest here may misse of Saints Communion But if our thoughts shine circled in the Ring Of mutuall Love with constant Faith , ( a thing That may not be except the Holy Ghost Infuse those flaming Twinnes ) then will the Hoas● Of Angels Quire by the like Sympathy , As Load stones , meete our Willes conformity . Though Nature doth Impostumated swell , Or burne with Feavers , like the fits of Hell , The Spirit yet more strong in the Vacation Will overcome , and settle our Vocation ; Gods Mercy will with Natures moods dispence , If fixing on his Sonne our Confidence And Rest , we kneele twixt Love and reverend feares To Him alone with contrite sighes and teares , Unfaignedly sweet Abbaes sound to greet , Oft looking downe on our vile Peacockes feete . O would these Layes might now rebound with Ecchoes ! And pierce the Eares of Earths Magnificoes , With sad Portents reverberating Rue , And Wormwood moods for slighting what is true ! Because they doate , despising Saints Correction , On Idoll-praise of Good my Lords reflection , And derogate from Gods Prerogative , Not giving thankes to him by whom they thrive With Titles more than Don● , then Gundamore , Like Herod , or proud Babels scarlet Whore : Gods wrath in spight of all their brave reputes Will squeeze their Pompe and Popelike Attributes . Truth echoed Ruth : and he that scornes her Eccho Pigma●ion turnes , Don Quishot , or a Hicco . Truth spake this doome with Trumpets sounding loud : " God helpes the meeke , and tumbles downe the proud . " So spake her voyce in them that bad us shunne " High Seats , rich Robes , to weare the homely spun " Old Sackecloathes weed , plaine stuffe , or Camels haire , " Contritions Garbes , puft Honours to impaire . So spake bright shining Truth , that Noble Dame , In them that warn'd the Outward man to tame , Who by Saint John at the Lambes Feast records That Fou●es shall eate the flesh of Mighty Lords , When poorest Saints and meanest of Esteeme Shall feed with Christ , though they unworthy seeme To Carnall Eyes , and whilst those Potentates , Or pamp'red Lords with all their Glistring states . For want of Wedding Robes shall be excluded . And to become a shamefull prey concluded . Meane while to gaine a Name like Alexander , Some live by Bloudy spoyles , or else they squander Their surest Meanes on Earth for the support Of their high pompe , and blazing starres report . But after death , O Fooles ; what Harvest shall Ye reape by Fame ? or Port Pontificall ? Or if perchance ye live to dappled Age , Will not a lingring hell abate your Rage ? Would God these Lines might prove Angelicall That they were stampt in Letters Capitall , For never Age durst be so bold to call Like Ours , Damn'd Pride of Graces Principal● . Christ wils us not to Judge men for that sinne , Whereof we know our selves have guilty beene , For looke with what rough measure we doe mete To others , God will make the like complete Upon our score : To cure a Brothers sight T is fit our owne be cleare to Judge aright . We must not give Gods holy things to dogges , Nor Minister his Mysteries to hogges , For hogge● in Mire the finest Pearles will tread , And envious dogs with Bruitish Passions led , Will snarling-wise their Masters Guests molest , Whom he invited to his marriage Feast . These dogs and ●ogs , Christ warnes us to prevent Full cautiously , lest us they circumvent , And interrupt our entry into blisse , The Gate whereof is straite , and many misse To find it out ; Although they have been Call'd , Yet very few are chosen and install'd True Saints : ( so narrow is the heavenly Gate . ) Some know the Way , but comming there too late They are repuls'd ; some boast of Miracles , And of great Merits , yet find Obstacles , And for their vaunts are dasht ; Not every one That cals Lord , Lord ; or knowes Gods murthered Son , Shall enter there with glozing snares and Nets : The hollow Hearts prove then the greatest Lets , As doe their Bragges of Meritorious workes , Or naked Faith. Here the slie Serpent lurkes Unseene of Carnall eyes , and will betray Soules with faign'd Ecchoes , till they lose their way . But if they like our highest Fathers will , They must shun ill , and so climbe up his Hill. How many thousands doate on worldly Pleasure So long , untill they lose Soules sacred Treasure ? Sometimes Hels theeves breake in , and all is gone ; Some other time wanting the Corner stone , Their house fals downe , which whilst they build againe , Death summons them , or tortures them with pain That they forget their Master and their charge , And lose thereby his Grace , and their discharge . All yee therefore , that mind the Heavenly Palace , Take Christs advise ; Build not for carnall solace , On Bog , or Sand : but build upon the Rocke Your Temple , where you need not feare the shocke Of Tyrant-waves , nor foggy Earths eruptions , Nor undermining Fankes , nor Theeves irruptions . And then you shall be sure though Natures date Concludes your State , to meet with happier Fate . " To Counterfeits much blame Christ did impute , " And such as gave their Almes for vaine repute ; " He willes us not to strive for Wealth or Place , " Nor for Good workes to looke for Humane Grace , " To love his Friends , and not on them to prey , " Nay , to forgive , and for our Foes to pray . " We must not on a Brother wrecke our teene , " Nor let the Sunne goe downe upon our spleene ; We must remit not onely seven Times , But Seventy times seven ; and that betimes , Lest that we run that wretched Stewards race , To whom his Lord compassioning his Case Suspended all his Debts , untill he heard How he had dealt with others sore and hard . He God forbad with Babling to abuse , But when we pray , the briefest Termes to use , " More tending to his Praise , then our supplies , " Which last wee season must sometimes with sighes : " Not Parrot-like by roate , but from the Roote , " And Bottome of the Heart with Abbaes Note ; The Module whereof himselfe declar'd , Thus having us from tedious Formes debarr'd : " Father most High , thy Name be glor●fide : " Thy Kingdome come : As doth in heaven betide , " Thy will on Earth be done : Food daily give , " To us : As we our Foes ; Lord , us forgive : " And let us not be tempted by the Devill , " The World , or Flesh , but free us from all Evill . This pithy Forme the Lord to us did leave For patterne pure , if we it well conceive . We must in chiefe looke on Gods Sacred Power , And sanctifie his Name before we powre Devotions forth for our owne Private Ends. We must doe nothing worldly , but what tends More to his Praise than to our owne respect . He warnes that we false Christians must expect , Who the true Faith to bring into neglect Will forge strange things well-nere to foole the Elect ; False Balaams , who not holding Love for Roofe , Would cover Faith with Golden Clouds aloofe , " False Teachers , like the Scribes and Pharisees " Who should seduce the world with Dreames and lies , " Who like Jewes Rabbies for Supremacies , " Should gape , and Hunt for Lordly Primacies , " Over his Members , whom he Brethren styles , A Caveat true for Antichristian Wiles . Yea , and for Lords , if they good Christians grieve Under pretext of Gods Prerogative . To these he other addes , signes that portend The Judgement day at hand , and the worlds End. " When that we see strange Plagues , Fraud , Famine , Jarres , " With Massacres of Saints , and Bloody warres , " When Mauzzims Type raignes in Gods holy place , " Like Caesars set for Sions last disgrace : " When Frogs , or Locusts wast our meanes of Light ; " When the Baptiz'd our New mans Gifts do slight , " And sell mens Soules ; when one betrayes another , " And of Christs flocke the Brother hurts the Brother ; " When Children to their Sires rebellious prove , " And Wives to Husbands faile in mutuall Love : " These tearing Vnions Bond by loves divorce , " Those razing Natures Fort without remorce : " When both these States , the Churches mysticke type , " Each other cloy with Tares , or fruite unripe : " When men create New Christs both here & there , " Or , then in Heaven , Christs body seeke elsewhere ; " When his bright Light shines in the utmost West , " Which , like to Lightning , rose first from the East ▪ " When most mens zeale shall frozen be and cold , " Then every houre looke for the End foretold ; " Which End steales on , like Daniels desolations , " Or Noahs Flood , which overtooke all Nations , " Whilst they were feasting , like our Libertines , Who slight these Flames , as they those Crystall signes . Heed , Readers , then your Monitors advise , And scorne not this his Servants Sacrifice . Other good Rules to us Christ left behind To cleare the sight of the most sinfull blind , And those in solid words more comprehending In one short Parable , more by descending From Generals to formes Particular , Conducting Saints to the Archangels war , With easie steps , and edifying phraze , More than by thorny doubts , Meanders maze . " Which course if Preachers now adayes would trace " With Catechizing Lectures to make place " For Seed to spring , not halfe so many Tares " Would choke pure-seeded hearts with worldly cares . " If in their Sermons to the simpler sort " They leave to canvase and to make report " Of matters past their reach and Apprehensions , Or such deepe points , which might provoke contentions : As Gods Essentiall Forme , Pelagian doubts , The Soules Free-will , hels place , or whereabouts Departed Saints are seated till Doomes-day ; And not the Pulpit beate with an Affray On Bellarmine , and other Clerkes unknowne , Whō they with Latine there would tumble down . If they shoot not Wits Squibs against the Truth , Nor Legend-dreames to sindge the eares of Youth ; If they Preach nothing but Christ Crucified , And saving Faith , sinne would lye mortifyed : Their zeale would spring , if they with zealous mood , Expound Christs Gospell to be understood . Men would repent , sinnes Baites if they disgrace , Dividing the Lawes Thunder from mild Grace . Some kind of sinnes , which daily he beheld Committed by poore humble Soules , he held More veniall , of compassionate regard : He pittyed them , and their petitions heard , If with Contritions Grones they did lament , And of their sinnes unfainedly repent . To shew his Love unto the Convertite , To lift up Soules from discontented plight , And that none should despaire of Clemency , He did these short similitudes apply . A man had lost one sheepe of many score , But finding it with toyle , rejoyced more , Than for the rest , which never stray'd at all From their owne Ranke , his whistle , or his call . A Woman next he cited , who did boast , More of one silver peece , which she had lost And after search recovered , then of nine Left in her purse , that never made her whine . For further proofe , he brought the Prodigall , Who spent his meanes , both use and Principall , Most lavishly , yet afterwards Repenting , With teares he found his Fathers hearts relenting , That his Returne a New-man from a Beast He welcom'd with a Calfe , and made a Feast . " Such Joy ( Christ said ) transports the Angels Quire , " When men Repent , and seeke their Heavenly Sire . " They triumph more for One poore Convertite " Then for lesse Strayes , or more in life upright . So pittifull was Christ , that to unfold His Love , Remorce , and mercies manifold : Were endlesse paines above Capacity Of Humane wit clog'd with Infirmity : As may appeare by that Adulteresse Led by the Scribes , when seeing her heavinesse He bad her to goe home , and sinne no more ; And when himself stood tortur'd at deaths doore He comforted the Theefe with Paradise , Because he askt for Grace with dolefull eyes . " But for the Higher sort , who proudly dar'd " Maskt under Lawes pretence with burdens hard " To Tyrannize upon mens Consciences , " And by Schoole Quirkes , or wrested sentenc●s " Of Scripture to molest the Churches union , " Those with a woe he doomed for disunion , With such who force the gift of Chastity , Unlesse God gave it , on Humanity ; Who barring Saints Gods Im age to beget , Would weave for foule Asmod●eus Priests a Net. Christ utterly mislikt such Scandalists , Like them who dare , beyond Religions Lists As petty Kings , to Lord it by their gripes , Wounding the Poore , worthy of many stripes , Those he Judg'd to be , for above all sins Then raigning strong , and whereby Satan wins Most in our Age , smooth-fac'd Hypocrisy He loathed as foule thoughts , Soules Leprosie . Eight severall woes therefore against the Scribes He thundred for their hollow deeds and Bribes : " Who knew his Masters will and did it not , " But wilfully would loyter , play , or plot " Some lewd designe against his Masters profit , " Or saw his losse , and not informes him of it ; Such witting slaves he sentenced to be Worthy of smart in a most high degree . It griev'd him much to see Wisemen contend , Like Ideots , and fond children to no end , For shaddowes on the wall , for Dignity , Short lasting Pompe , for so true Liberty Quite losing through their Pride , and vaine desires They quench the flame of Intellectuall fires : Christ saw these Flashes , Dreames , and Fooleries , And oft lamented them with weeping eyes . To shun therefore Gods wrath , and to fulfill , While we on earth survive , his Fathers will , " Of force we must ( he said ) forsake our owne , " Though dearest , Lusts , and tread Temptations downe : " We must take up his Crosse , and that prefer , " As Heavens doore , and our Remembrancer , " Before our Parents , Children , or Alliance , " And on his Blood to fixe our whole Affiance . To Penitents through Faith , hee preach't Remission Of sinnes , but Plagues for temporiz'd omission , The which with Teares hee Prophesied would light For wilfull sinne on every faithlesse wight . This Judgement on Jerusalem foretold By Romes proud Conquests afterwards tooke hold , When Abrahams seed , the Circumcized Ligne , Were quite expulst the Land of Palestine . And sithence we , the Christians of the West , Yea , and the East , whom Infidels molest , Have felt for sinne Gods Plagues of Vengeance due , And shall feele worse , unlesse we change our hue , With better Leaven then the Pharisees , Our Faith , like ill bak't bread , soone putrifies . O hardned hearts ! O most unhappy men ! How oft sought Christ , like to a carefull Hen Her wandring Chickens , or a loving Brother , To reunite your strayes ? and wrongs to smother ? How oft likewise hath he recalled home , Into his Flocke our Westerne Christendome ? God grant our B●itaines may regard this pittance , These crummes of mine , not slighting their admittance Into his Fold , least Antichristian foule Devoure their seed and their New man controule ; " Lest for their want of Faiths Lampe-oyle in Heaven , " They be like to the Foolish Virgins driven " From the Kings Feast ; or that they hide their Talents ; " Or they shut out for want of wedding rayments ; " Or like those Clownes , who their Lords Servants stript , " Murtherd his Sonne , and were themselves extirpt . These severall sorts of Temporizers toucht , We find by Christ himselfe , and sharpely coucht Under these pithy Parables , like them ; Which praise the Tree , and yet the Fruite contemne For some there are , as Jesus did rehearse , Who by the High way side , good Corne disperse , And this the Birds catch up , and prey upon . Some sow in Barren ground too neere the Stone ; Which wanting Earth & moisture wants encrease ; " So hardned Faith can never harvest Peace . " And though Gods word be Preacht on Sabbath dayes , " Yet lacking Roo●e , it withers & decayes . Such Auditors , and outward Formalists Stand both excluded out of Christian Lists . " Some seed springs faire , but choakt with thornes and Tares , " Soone faile , like braines too full of worldly cares . " When Satans weedes of vanity , or Lust " Grow up with Faith , then Faith lies in the dust . So in Gods Church spring Heresies accurst , Unlesse Good Pastours weed them up at first . " But blest be they , who sow in Fruitfull ground , " Their Graine shall sure a hundred fold abound ; " Like Mustard seed , though at the Prime but smal , " Yet at the Harvest , it growes full and Tall. If Adams Sonnes could with a zealous mind Receive Gods Word , his Spirit they should finde , His holy Gifts would multiply with store ; From blisse to blisse they should rise more & more . Such Prophesies of Christs are come to passe , Where we may see , as in a steely glasse , How some ●ay for Gods Messengers a traine , Yea and to slay their Masters Sonne againe . How neere some runne into damnations brinke , Like Beares to eate his Flesh , his Blood to drinke ? " For doe not they with Blasphemy mistake ? " To bragge , that they did Flesh materiall take ? " When Christ before his Passion , as he sate " At Supper , did no such communicate . " In reall forme ? nor yeeld for them to gnaw " His Limbes , which then and there entire they saw ? " His Flesh and Blood Christ consters to be Life , " And Quickning Spirit , and to end all strife . " He saith , that Man must have another Birth , " The Elder borne of flesh , or Carnall earth . " The second of the Spirit , New and quicke ; " Whereto a Saint with constant faith must sticke , " For as the flesh subsists with earthly Bread , " So by his Deaths Record the Soule is fed : " His Sacrificed flesh with mouthes Confession " And Hearts Beliefe receiv'd , heales all Transgression ; " And doth through Grace the Spirits food impart " Unto Gods Image pure , Mans noblest part . " This made Christ say : The flesh cannot availe , " For Blisse , but that his quickning words prevaile . " This quickning food Christs Spirit satisfide , " When Satan try'd his Body mortifide : " Mans person here not onely lives by Bread , " But with the word of God he must be fed . " This unseene meate Christ had , as he did tell , " Whereof they knew not , at Samariaes Well . " On which Eternall ●ates those Soules that feed , " Of Carnall food shall never stand in need , " Nor at Doomesday , when Hagges howle out , Alasse ! " Shall Soule-fed Saints to condemnation passe . This Living water free'y without sale , Christ cry'd to all a ●hirst , both great an small ; " To drinke , beleeve , and feed on Christ , implyes " The selfe same thing in our great Sacrifice . Our Bodies food by Nature rots at last , Converts to dung , and to the draught is cast , Or is to Humours chang'd ; but Christ his food Transformes us to his quickning flesh and blood , Of the like Substance form'd and Quality As the New mans by Christs Conformity . " The Rocke a figure was , the Vine a signe ; " Blest be the Branches grafted in this Vine , " So blest be they , who make true Ghostly use " Of this Rocke , Vine , and Blood without abuse . " As here our Soules feed on Christs flesh and blood , " By faith : so musing on his Sacred food , " We shall raisd up to higher Dignity " Feed on Christs God●ead and Humanity ; " Where now we feed on Christ the Lambe divine , " We then shall Feast through Christ , with God in Trine . " Gods word begat the Churches Sacraments , " Of sundry formes , yet One in their intents ; " The Circumcision and the Easter Lambe , " Our Baptisme and the Eucharist became ; " Mysterious signes Christs Image to renew " By Grace in man , the Gentile as the Jew , " In which , as they their Faith infolded fixt , " So we on Christ Baptiz'd , and C●ucifixt ; " For in the Cloud the Nation circumciz'd " Were in the Desart to Faiths Rocke baptiz'd , " An easie yoake for us , two Objects free , " Both which they darkling saw , through Crystall we : ●They God admir'd in their old Sacrifice , " As we doe Christ in ours with Extasies . " Faith saved them and did their soules releeve , " And the same God saves us , if we beleeve . " Since they were sav'd beleeving in the Shadowes , " Then why not we receiving him that made us ? " Yea sure , we may according to our Creed " And zeale , feed on his Flesh , true Flesh indeed , " Not Chymicke-like , with changing Accidents , " But as our New-man feeds with Soule-rapt sense ; " Not with our Teeth , nor yet Fantasticke flesh , " But as himselfe at Supper did expresse " It for Soules Food to his Disciples then , " As now , with his Deaths type , to Christian men . Who this beleeves and helpes the wounded man , Without a Fee , like the Samaritane , If he be Lowly , as the Publican , Asham'd of sin , and doth the best he can To please the Lord ▪ he shall be borne anew , Of Gods bright Spirit , and see all things New , " The Sacraments typ'd with New properties ; " The one doth cleanse the Babes impurities , The other cheeres us up by Sacrifice Of Bread and Wine , Food of new Qualities , Vnder whose veile they blest by sacred Word We minde in Trance the Body of the Lord , And then we checke the World , the Flesh , the Devill ; For Saints wel know , that nothing which is evil , Nor yet that Flesh , wherein our Spirits move , Shall Heaven see , till Grace our sins remove : ( Which may not be , unlesse we will Repent To Natures griefe , and Fiends astonishment ▪ ) How we become New borne , no more we know Than Nicodemus , how the wind did blow , But by our Faith : that Gods Sonne crucified Doth now on his Right hand sit glorified Above all Thrones , A Saviour , Priest , and King , Triumphant over sin , the Dragons sting , And may heale us , as the Brasse Serpent hung Did Israelites by fiery Serpents stung , If we receive this Viands excellence With Inward taste more than with Outward sense . But why did Christ Evangelize Salvation In mysticke sort ? and aime at Reprobation By sentences to carnall wits so darke , Was it that we more seriously might marke , The Sence , when they should moralized be By Clerkes of our Leviticall Degree . Perhaps such Tropes propt with Divinity , May worke in some with greater Majesty " So Saints sometimes to States Tyrannicall " Have read by Riddles , or in Generall " Grave Lectures on the Gospels Lightning Text , " Least their seeds growth by spleene or by pretext " Of winding Lawes were dasht with dis-respect , " Or silenced themselves with foule neglect , " If bluntly they , or headlong out of Season " Preach much of Peace to Tyrants voyd of Reason . Christs flocke well knowes his voyce : but on the rest That stray , let Wolves and Roamers Feast , Let carnall Sots poare on Carnalities , Whilst we Christs Body see with Angels eyes , Or at the least , while with our New mans sight , We doe discerne from Carnall Sense his Light : After this way hid from the Old mans brood Our Noblest part receives Christs mysticke Food . Some other times He prov'd his Oracles Concerning fruitlesse faith by Miracles ; As when he to a Figge-tree did repaire For fruite ; which a farre off seem'd greene & faire In show , but finding there not ought but Leaves , Incens'd , he it with indignation leaves , Because he found it backward in the yeelding , And not well Graft , he left it for a Hielding , And from thenceforth a Reprobated Tree : For when he said , Let never fruite on thee , Ripe or unripe , ●e from ●ence forward found , The Boughes fell dead , & withered to the Ground . What shall I write of Tabors Mount the Story ? Where three Disciples saw his shining glory ? In all his workes of greatest Eminence , He ever had his end and Reference To Constant Faith , and to his Fathers Will , Which for Mans good he thirsted to fulfill . The number of the signes which Jesus wrought , Were infinite , beyond mans Wit or Thought : Whereof the first was water turn'd to Wine , To grace a Marriage-feast by Deedes divine At Cana wrought a Towne of Galilee : Which him confirm'd the Mysticke Vine to be ; That as raw water tooke the taste and shape Beyond mens reach of Natures rarest Grape , So might dull Thoughts , though cold , receive impression Of the Fire-cloven tongu'd zeales expression . He by his word made simple Fishermen , More wise then Doctours without Booke or Pen. He made the Blinde to see , the Lame to goe , The dumbe to speake ; the sicke past cure , forgoe Their Palsies , Dropsies , and Issues of blood Yea , from his Vesture toucht proceeded good . He forc't his Foes , the Luciferian rout , To quake , and at his word he chas'd them out . He many freed with Reall fiends possest ; Cleansed Lepers , and all as were distrest With Feavers Fire , or Humours foaming Rage , Or were diseas'd of Young or Elder Age , In Body , or in Minde ; He raisd the Dead To Life , and Lazar in his Earthy Bed For foure dayes space entombed he reviv'd , And thousands with small victuals he reliev'd : Which deeds his Power prov'd Omnipotent , That could raise Food , and make his guests content . He walked dry-foote on the liquid Seas : He calm'd rough stormes with words : Be still & Peace ; Words cyphring him Gods mighty Sonne , and Word , Which could so soone both windes and waves accord . Not one , who had of Faith the smallest graine , Departed from his sight uncur'd of paine . He cur'd their Bodies griefes , their sinnes remitted , He calm●d Gods wrath , and nothing he omitted Expedient for the Soules salvation here , Whereby we might before Gods Throne appeare , Made pure by Faith : free from Concupiscence Originall , and sinnes deriv'd from thence By meanes of his great Merits excellence , His words , his workes , and Virgin-Innocence . He knew the thoughts and Plots of Salems Clerk● , And did strike home at their slye muttring quirks . And all these wonders of amazement full , Christ acted to provoke a Nation dull , Yea to confirme his Gospels Oracles Transfer'd from God , he wrought such Miracles , To make our Soules to see the Heavenly Light With Eyes of Faith , and here to live upright , According to his Patterne : more to raise Our Makers Glory , then our causelesse praise ; To muse on more the New mans lasting Food , Then Transubstantiate Toyes of Flesh and blood , That we by fiends and worldly wiles perplext , Might find sound Cure in his true Gospels text , Christs Testament , which in the Church more bold Then wise , some in their hands , not Hearts do hold But t is in vaine to turne the Scriptures over , To quote some Text , and presently to hover About our worldly businesse , as if borne , Like Butter flies , or Natures shamefull scorne , To flutter time away with painted wings ; But we must plod on these Eternall things With serious care , that when our Tempters come ( As come they will ) they may not find us dumbe , Or Planet strucke , but finding us prepar'd , With Jesus in our mouthes , and hearts ; out dar'd , They out of hand will from our Lodge depart To other Rankes their venome to impart . Such wonders were atchieved for three yeares space , To witnesse Christ Gods Sonne , and in Gods place , The first at Canaes Marriage did appeare , The last concludes by healing Malchus Eare. More Miracles were by our Saviour wrought , To satisfie the true Believers Thought Then living in that Age. But these suffice To manifest his God head to the Wise , To Penitents , and hopefull Catechists , Which were left by the foure Evangelists . For if the Precepts all , which Jesus taught , With Wonders wrought , were to our knowledge brought , They would confound the Hearers memories , And fables seeme in Baals blind Oratories . Gods word is pithy , short , and ponderous , Where Humane Glosse is long and frivolous . We have enough Christs Gospel to confirme ; We crave no more to keepe our Inside firme , Than what we by the Spirits Pen-men finde Recorded there to edify the Minde . If any cover more , let them take heed , That they smart not for their Presumptuous deed ▪ As sometime sought a Princesse fond with zeale , Of Christ his deeds to adde an ampler deale ; Those which Saint John omitted she desir'd To bring to Light , but while she thus aspir'd , A wandring Fryer of like Holynesse From Italy arriv'd ; and did possesse Her mind so much , that he by Revelation , False dreames , deceites , and Satans provocation , And faigning , that he got into his hand Saint Peters Relique sho●e in Jewrie● Land Had soone perswaded her , that from her wombe A Prophet borne should afterwards become The man , that should those Miracles omitted , Divulge to Light , whereby he was admitted , Because more Holy in her vaine opinion , Then other men , to be her Carnall Minion , Untill at last , z A Dukes Inheritrix With a great Belly turn'd a Meretrix . BUt all Christs workes could not from Martyrdome Protect his Life , such was the Godheads Doome , That him to sting the Serpent should aspire , And him to slay now men and fiends conspire : That Yeare , when Caiphas sate in Aarons roome By Deputation from Imperious Rome , In th' Eighteenth yeare of Old Tiberius Raigne , When Pontius Pilate for ambitious gaine , And bloody spoyles had rackt Judaeaes Land About seven yeeres with his Praetorian Band : Then Christ his Fame for raising Lazarus From death , and for such deeds Miraculous , Began to spread abroad with glorious wings , And then it pleas'd the Soveraigne King of Kings To free his Sonne from Earthly cares and feares , And to recall him from this vale of teares , Where he had liv'd among the Jewish Route For three and thirty yeares , or thereabout . The period now approacht of that Decree Foredoomed by the Sacred Trinity : That Gods deare Sonne , New Creatures to create , Should for Old Adam dye a shamefull Fate . The Jewish Scribes of Salems Hierarchy Had long before with plots begun to try , How him they might intangle in his speech , But his wise answers still outstript their reach . Sometime they did with questions him assay , To know , if they should unto Caesar pay Tribute or no ; whereby they might for Treason Attach him : but they failed for that season . So wary in his talke they found him still , They could no way entrap his Tongue for ill , Nor taxe his life with the least hainous Fact. At last the bruite of his late famous Act , How Lazarus revived from his Grave , Where he had laine for foure dayes space , that gave More cause of envy and astonishment , New Jealousies , fewell of discontent ; But most of all when loud Hosannae● shout To welcome him the City rang throughout . How many griefes on his Humanity ? How many wrongs on his Divinity Did they from time to Time , when they should render Him gratefull thankes , inflict ? though thankes were slender : Instead of thankes his Favours they requited With Adders stings ; his wonders they backebited , And tooke him for a Witch or Conjurer , With Belzebub in League ; that he did erre , Dislodging F●iends but by the Prince of hell . But how Christ raisd the dead , they could not tell Which way that chanc'd before the latter date Of crooked Time doom'd to a flaming fate . That some reviv'd , they had some instances , But they were few , or but few houres in trances . Never did Enoch pay his debt to death , Death never stopt the zealous Thesbites breath : For these they had their Schoole-distinctions cleare , But Christs late Act amazed them with feare . They fear'd the losse of their high Temporall sway , Lest this New man might turne mens hearts away From Moses Lawes , and make their Offerings lesse : They had of late by Rome felt some distresse . Their yearely gaines , which did support their pride , They doubted much would fall with his Spring-tide . This mov'd the Scribes , with their High Priest and Judge , Proud Caiphas , so at Christ his Fame to grudge ; Which to deface a Councell they did call Of their chiefe Priests and Scribes in Caiphas Hall , Where Annas styl'd the High Priests Suffragan , Or SAGAN to Jewes Metropolitan , Whose Daughter was that time to Caiphas Wife , Conspired thus against our Saviours life : Right Reverend Rabbies , and renowned Scribes , The Countenance of our most holy Tribes , Have we not suffer'd griefes enough of late ? But that more cares must now infest our state ? A Counterfeit Messias , a New Man , Jesus of Galile , a Puritan , Thinkes now because he is a Nazarite Profest , to change the Priesthoods Ancient Rite , And Ceremonies of Mount Sinaies Law. Behold , how he doth labour to withdraw The fraile and giddy-headed multitude From our Traditions , which he tearmeth rude , Humane , and not Divine . If this World hold , Farewell Peace offrings , which our State uphold . We must bid Moses , with Gods Lawes adieu , And Aarons Tinkling Bells shall lose their due . We shall no more meete here before the Lord , If this upstart with his unlettred word Shall by New dreames raise up a Newer sect Than Holy Johns , whom none of us suspect Of Fraud . To Schismes this matter sure will tend , Which in short time our Synagogue will rend . Romes greedy Kites will of these Newes be glad , Nor Herod will be thereof very sad . But both will joyne to share our finest wooll , And downe they will our goodly Temple pull . How shall our Levites then themselves sustaine ? Nay , how shall our Grand Mitred Prelate raigne , To represent great Aarons Majesty ? If this Impostour maskt with poverty Doe stop the gap , through which to Paradise We leade Mens Soules , the simple and the wise . I doe protest it grieves me to the Heart , And I foresee , we shall hereafter smart , If he goes on in this his New-found motions , Though Begger-wise , yet may it breed Commotions . For did you note , when through the Streetes hee past Upon a bare-backt Asse , how some did cast Their Garments on the way , with Branches greene Held in their hands , like Fooles , to have him seene , And for a Demy-god observ'd , the Crowd Hosanna with great Shouts proclaiming loud ? And all because he had by Satans Ayd To Lazarus late dead new Life convayd . Indeed some signes he workes , and men possest With Fiends he cures , having some league profest With Belzebub : for which he hath no warrants From God , or us , to execute such arrants . Annas had scarce exprest himselfe at full : When Caiphas , like to Basans bellowing Bull , Began to roare : Shall we put up this wrong ? And not suppresse him , ere he be too strong ? Have we not yet both Swords at our Command ? Pilate will not deny , if we demand His Armed helpe to take a Mutineere , Who calles himselfe Gods Sonne , to domineere The sooner by that high and lofty style . But let us now attache him by some wile , Lest to some Desart he depart againe , When he shall heare , that we would take him fain ; And thither will a world of people flocke , Itching to heare what of the Living Rocke , Or the New Birth he blunders out , to bleare Their silly sight , and so away to beare The Palme from us , or draw them to despise Our Ancient Rites , and Stately Sacrifice . T is meeter for one man , though Innocent , To dye , then that we live in discontent ; Yea , and that Lazarus , his late raisd minion , Shall suffer too , to stay the worlds opinion . And then with shame the Rabble rout shall see , That Prophets never rose from Galilee ; For our new King in Bethlem must be borne With state and pompe , not like this wretch forlo●n Who for a Throne , shall mount the Crosse most royall , And for a Mace , shall beare a Reed as loyall . This is his doome , though he the dead revive , That dares affront our high Prerogative Deriv'd from God , with Ephod● golden Gard , With Vrim which and Thummim we regard ; Which evermore Jehovah did assigne Over his Church to us of Levies Ligne ; At least untill our Great Messias come Of Judaes stocke in Kingly Davids roome , Before which day Elias must descend From Heaven downe , things crooked to amend . In the meane time let us our State defend Against New wits , which labour it to rend , By broaching forth a New Religions Forme , Under pretence the Ancient to reforme From all Traditions and Formalities By their New f●ames , the Spirits Novelties . Before his fame soare up a higher pitch , Clip we his wings , lest his New Sect bewitch The better sort with Hells attractive charmes : His sudden fall will stop all future harmes . So Caiphas yalpt ; and all the Sadduces Approv'd his plot with some proud Pharises . From that time out they sought to apprehend The Lambe of God. And Satan to that end , Because he thrice fail'd in the Wildernesse To Tempt him with his Baltes to wickednesse , With all his Art began to play his part , And to his Mates his poyson to impart , Ayming at Peter , whom he thought to sift As whea●e . He had already to his drift Snar'd Judas in by Nets of Avarice To gape for gaine , and some of those supplies , Which by Free-hearted men for their Reliefe Had beene conferr'd , to turne , like a false Thiefe To his owne use . With him therefore the Fiend Conspir'd to bring to passe his damned End ; Which was to ruine Christ , and all his Crew Before he could on Earth Gods Church renew : But could none other of th' Apostles winne Save this Perditions Child to act that sinne . Judas suborned thus his Instrument Against his Lord and Master did invent An ambushment Christs Body to betray , Though he his owne , and Soule did cast away To Satan for a Prey . For when he saw , As Purser , that he could no money draw More than he had by Christ his Company , And that at Simons house in Bethany , Whilst he summ'd up with avaricious Care His Theft , he markt how Christ went poore and bare , Not caring for the world , or worldly gaine ( His chiefest ayme ) and would not then restraine The woman which powr'd Nard upon his Head And feete ; an Oyle , that might him much bestead , If to the Druggist sold ; he murmur'd sore , He could not catch , as he had done before . This when our Saviour mark'd : Why doest thou grudge , Judas , said he , like a pelfe-serving drudge ? This Oyntment sold disposed to the poore , I grant , might have their wants relieved more ; But they are alwayes here , so am not I. Embalmed thus , know , I shall shortly dye ; And through the world , where shall be read my story , Her loving deed shall publisht be with glory . These words distasted foule Iscariots thought , And to betray him now he hourely sought . Away he went to the Chiefe Priests in hast , And told them of Christs life , and of this waste . Now is the Time , quoth he , for you to take him , Whilst he at night to Prayers doth betake him . He names himselfe the Christ. I heard him say , He would Gods Temple raze and ●ast away , And afterwards r●build it up as well In three dayes space in spight of Men and Hell. The Priests were all of such a Chapman glad , And presently a Contract with him made , That their Catch-poles might without jeopardy Arrest him by the Nights obscurity , For thirty peeces of that Countrey Coyne , Which to their Treasure house they did purloyne By shifts and fraud , for which they were reprov'd Of Christ before ; which them to malice mov'd Farre more for that than any other cause , Though they surmiz'd the breach of Moses Lawes , For plucking Corne upon the Sabbath day , Or bringing downe their Temple to decay . About that time , the Paschall feast to hold , On Maundy Thursday , so enstyl'd of Old , Jesus did sup that Evening tide his last At Salem in an upper roome ; where plac't With his Disciples twelve he first tooke Bread , B●est , brake , and gave it them , whereon they fed After his blessing : This my Body is , " His body sure Mans sacrifice for Blisse , " If rightly tane by a Just true Receiver " With Inward taste , and of a true Believer " ( For otherwise who toucht Christ in the Prease " Aswell as the Blood-flux'd had found more ease ) " In the remembrance of his body naild " Vnto the Crosse , whereby the Saints stand baild " From terrours here and in the world to come ; Nay , warranted in Spirit they become Against doomes-day from the darke second death . He blest the Cup alike with holy Breath " After the New mans way , and bad them drinke " The Sacred Wine , and on his Blood to thinke ; As lately at our New mans Sacrifice With bright day-light confounding Heresies , My ravisht Muse beheld the Heavenly Vine With Purple Grapes for Mortals prest to Wine . ●This costly food , Soules Manna purging vice , " The figure of his Bodies Sacrifice , " This Type of Blood ▪ unbloudyed Mystery , " Christ left for Saints to keepe in memory " His death , untill his comming from above , " Where yet he sits to intercede , and move " For Penitents his Father wrong'd by Man ; " This way I feed through Faith : And who dares scan " Another sense , yet with Humility " Let him here stop , as with the Trinity " Of Persons in the Godhead , which he ought " More to admire than by transcendent thought " To soare more high than Eagles to the Sunne , " Where , by the stame his sense may be undone ; " Since how wee change to Christ no more hee knowes " Then Babes the manner how the Spirit blowes . " The Sunne drawes up Earths vapours : And so can Christ lift like Stephen up our Inward Man. This humblenesse of mind , when Christ had supt That Evening , as it were to interrupt Our Future doubts , he shew'd by stooping downe To wash his Servants feete with Love unknowne . " To which he added , that the Marke for ever " True hearted Christians from the false to sever , " Was mutuall Love , which a Commandment New " He styl'd , for without Love Faith proves untrue . " Our soules , and bodies are the Church , where God " In the third person holds his sweete abode . " But if we hate good men , God dwels not there , " For the true Churches Roofe Love ought to beare . The Sacrifice all done , Christ went his way Out of the City , as he us'd , to Pray , Accompanyed with his Disciples true , For Judas was departed to his crue , ( His Masters nippe made him the sooner goe : Doe quickely that which thou intend'st to doe . ) To execute his Treason and Compact , And to receive his bire ; while Jesus rackt With griefe prepar'd by Fervent Love aswell As Faith and vowes , against Sin , Death and Hell. With his ensuing griefes he had acquainted His Chosen Mates , how he should be attainted , Bound , and arraign'd that night , how thereupon , As scattered Flo●kes , his servants would be gone , And him would leave amidst his Bloody foes Enthrall'd , and sore distrest with dismall woes . But Peter trusting to his rusty sword Seem'd to distrust his Lords Propheticke word ; No Mortals force , nor death , nor Furies grimme From Gods deare Sonne should ever sever him . Before the Cocke crow thrice , thou wilt deny , Replyed Christ , me and my Company ; Thou and thy Mates before the Mornings peepe Will flye for feare , like weake and heartlesse Sheep . There close unto Jerusalem confin'd Neere Olives Mount , a place for him assign'd By Destiny , which was his Fathers Will , To vent the throbs which did his Inside fill , A Garden styl'd of Old Gethsemanee , Secure at Nights from Worldlings Company . There , Jesus felt what might the stoutest quell , A world of griping cares , of Torments fell , The dreadfull vengeance which the Godhead past Upon Mankind , his owne so over cast And almost sunke with Agonies of sorrow , That one had thought he could not live till morrow . His tender Body did extreamely languish , And did partake of more and sadder anguish Then other mens , wanting the Nature Male In the mixt frame of his Conception Female , Or weaker earthly Flesh , whereby he stood So tortur'd , that he sweated drops of Blood : " So sensible , so full of piercing paine , " That he could not but more then man complain ; " Like him , whose youthfull Lockes chang'd into Gray " In one nights space , on fame that the next day " He should be slaine . But Sweates to sacrifice " Of streaming Blood exceedes all prodigies , " And shewes that Saints by meanes most violent , " Win Grace , to Natures sore astonishment . Christ by this Strange Pro-passion tortured Shewes that his Mind as Body languished . His Agony surmounted all mens Feares , Whose eyes for sin gush seldome out with teares : Nor can they force one brinish pearly drop , Nor fetch true sighs , thogh sighs might vengeance stop : To which I joyne the burden which he bare Of Adams sins , which did augment his care . His delicate smooth mortall Flesh did strive With Hell , and as it were sought to reprieve The comming vengeance of the Godheads Doome To every Mortall due , even from the wombe ; And after he had crav'd his Fathers Ayd For his true Church , thus for himselfe he pray'd : Deare Father , now let not my Soule become For Sinners debts charg'd with a greater summe , Than Nature can repay . But let me passe Without more paine ; poore man is like to glasse , Soone broke & bruis'd ; or like the wither'd grasse , Unlesse he be supported by thy grace ; " Unlesse thou please the Torture to abate , " Or give him strength ▪ hard is the Martyrs Fate . I st possible thy Lees and wrathfull Cup To passe , that I shall not sins banquet sup ? Ah no ; The Ordred course of things to come Must correspond with thy Eternall Doome . Therefore my will to thine , Lord , I submit , I kisse thy Crosse , I love and honour it . Such piteous plaints Christ with a troubled spirit Powr'd , when no curse he for himselfe did merit . And no marvell , for he endur'd the scourge For all mens sins , and all he sought to purge : " He tooke on his owne backe , on his owne score , " The whole burthen , which made him groan the more . " Of meere Free will , and Love , not by constraint , " He tooke on him our frailties , as our shape , " That from the Hunters snare we might escape . " Our Pride , our lusts , mallice , and wiles he bare , " And bath'd them in his sweat , teares , blood and care " He suffred for all Adams Progeny , " Unlesse some madly crosse their Destiny , " And chuse the Kite , the Foxe , and Leopard " Before the Spirits Dove or Lambe for Guard. All Christians reape his Passions benefit , Save those who had renounc'd him of despite : Or those who fixt their hope on others Fate , Distrusting him to be Sole Advocate . O that men markt what their Redemption cost , How Christs deare Blood hath Gods Hand-writing crost ! And that they waigh'd the Persons dignity Abased thus out of meere charity ; To Sacrifice his owne most guiltlesse Blood For saving from hell-fire fraile Adams Brood . With weeping eyes and with a bleeding heart He came to his Disciples gone apart , And in this posture sad besmear'd with signes Of griefes excesse , Teares shed like brackish Brines , He calls to them , whom fast he found asleepe : Awake my Friends , from sleepe can you not keep Your selves one houre to watch and pray with me Arise , I say , for now my time I see Drawes neere , I may not shunne what is decreed In Heav'n , that I must ransome Adams Seed . The Fatall Houre drawes neere , that I must smart For Humane kinde , Come , let us hence depart . With such Propheticke words he them awakt , Although his heart strove with deepe sorrowes rackt . And thereupon the beaten path they tooke Neere Olivet to crosse Old Cedrons Brooke , Which running through Jehosaphats faire vale Did , where they were , bedew the Garden pale . A Hymne in honour of the blessed Trinity , for our New Birth and Spirituall Regeneration . LEt us extoll with Sacred Mirth The Triple Spring of our New Birth . The Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost Recalled us from every Coast , When we were tost , And almost lost . The Father chose us for our Good , The Sonne redeem'd us through his Blood , The Holy Ghost came from Above And seal'd us Faith with Flaming Love , Yea , Jordans Dove Taught us to Love. The Turtle Dove loves onely One , But losing Him , she lives alone : And so doe we , as heretofore , ●n Persons three one God adore , One God implore For evermore . The Sonne of God , who represents The Fathers Person , Excellence , And Majesty , we daily blesse , And sue unto in our distresse , For wrongs redresse , Or more or lesse . Above the Starres three persons shine Of God-head One , One will Divine , Who bath'd our Wounds , and gave us Wine , When we for paine were like to pine . Christ is the Vine , His Crosse the signe . By them we change from Death to Life ; By them we hate fell Passions strife ; By them we doe these Rayes partake , That Pride and Lust we must forsake , And Fiends , which rake For Tophets Lake . For our Old Lord the Tempter , now We Christ for our New Lord avow , And for old Plots and Carnall lies , With our New man we sympathize , And Christian-wise We Sacrifice . By his deare Blood we doe confesse He ransom'd hath our wretchednesse ; If we represse the Rebell Flesh , He will not leave us comfortlesse , But us will blesse With Joyes Excesse . He , as our Head , Faiths Living Rocke , Both God and Man of Judaes stocke Was borne , and bath'd in Jordans streame , To wash us from sins foule extreame . This Holy Theame The New-mans Dreame , We to thy Throne present , O King Supreame , Dipt in the Spring , which from thy side did stream . The Fifth Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . Christ is surpriz'd , and Peter him forsweares , But soone repents . False Judas raves with feares . Led after floutes to Caesars Judgement Hall , Christ is condemn'd , to stint the Jewish brawle , By Pilate to the Crosse , where pain'd he dies ; Then Joseph begges the Bodies Obsequies . HE that affects th' eternall Sabbaths Rest , There with the Lambe to live for ever Blest ; He that desires to be a Saint profest , And to the Sonne of God a joyfull Guest , Must in this world for sad Good Frydayes Feast Reserve one Day within the Weeke at least : He must take up the Crosse with Love-dread Note And weare with Abbaes sound Christs seameles coate : He must lay cares aside , be mov'd to pitty , And for his sake sing out a dolefull Ditty . T is not a Poets feast of Prognes Cooking Her guiltlesse Child ; but heere 's one worth the booking And looking on without nice wits rebukes By Men of Lowest Ranke , as Greatest Dukes . A Feast in blood before the Father laid By his deare Sonne to save the Soule dismayd ; A Feast indeed , which Carnall mindes despise , Because it types the New-mans Sacrifice . O Happy Guests , for whom this Feast is drest ! O Happy me , if I could cooke this Feast According to the New-mans appetite , And without blame to doe the Founder right ! If it be drest like to a Hodge-podge , say : What meate God sent , the Scullion marr'd to day ; If well , give God the praise , and not to me , Give Him the Thankes , who sent these Cates to thee , Bought at a Costly rate to cleare from Lust And passions Gall thy Soule , and mine I trust . To further this , we must first Purify Our selves with Fasts , and Nature mortify , Not like our Gulles , or gutling Libertines , Who slight all Fasts , vowes , and Religious Lines . Packe hence therefore , ye carnall Epicures , Touch not this feast , nor our Mount Calvares cures . Good Frydayes Priest warnes them that went astray , With Peters Teares to greete that mournefull day , Which puts the Soule in minde twixt Love and Feare To heed the Crosse each Fryday in the Yeare , Or oftner , if Occasion so require , To watch , and cast Sinnes viper in the fire . Now had the Priests the silent Night chose out To act their plot , which they to bring about By Day-light fear'd , lest that the vulgar sort , Who late Hosanna cry'd , might Christ support , Or rescue from their foule injurious hands , In spite of all their Scribes , and bribed Bands . Whilst He the path with his Disciples tooke Which led from Olives Mount to Cedrons Brooke , That Brook , which gliding through the Royall vale Did teares then from Gethsemane exhale ; Judas arriv'd , who , his Compact to gloze , Thus with a kisse betray'd him to his foes : Master , All-haile ; at which watch-word a Band Of Armed men commanded him to stand , And yeeld himselfe to the High Priests command . Christ soone obey'd , not willing to withstand The Serpents Hisse , but like a Lambe gave way To their Arrest , as to sterne Wolves a prey , Knowing that now the Fatall time was come To satisfie Gods wrath for Adams Doome : For at their first Approach , to their demand , Which Jesus was ? He them to understand Gave without false Equivocations wiles , Wherewith Hels Dragon now the world beguiles : I am the man , said he ; But why come ye To apprehend with Clubs and Halberds me , As if I were a Thiefe . I dayly taught Among you in the Temple , yet none sought Me to impeach . Though at his Lightning word They backward fell , and Peter drew his Sword In his Defence , and lopt off Malchus Eare , Yet he control'd the Fact , bad them not feare , Heal'd the Cropt Eare , and voluntary went Along with them without astonishment To Annas house , who to his Sonne in Law Transfer'd him bound , whom when proud Caipha● saw , He on some points examined , but still The witnesses produc'd agreed but ill , For the chiefe Article they stood upon , Or in blind zeale so seem'd to stand thereon , Was for their high towr'd Temples casting downe , And in three dayes to build it with Renowne : Which words he spake by figure or a signe , As he term'd Bread his flesh , himselfe the Vine . Unto the which when Jesus stood still mute , Not answering with cavilling dispute , Caiphas adjur'd him in the Name of God , As him he lov'd , or fear'd his smarting rod , To tell ; if he were Christ , Jehovahs Sonne , Who Israel should restore then neere undone ? Our Saviour then engag'd to shew the Truth , Undauntedly , though Inward toucht with Ruth , I am , said he , the very same , and yee Shall me the Sonne of Man hereafter see A Judge from Heaven descending on you all , I am that Christ , Messias whom yee call . When Caiphas heard this constant Protestation , He rent his cloathes with yelling acclamation : O Cursed speech , Intollerable Tongue , Worthy of stoning both by Old and Young. So fum'd the Fiend , so cry'd the Orgian Priest , As at Gods Word did since the Foes of Christ , As likewise to this day , blood-sucking Rome His Members tempts with taunts and fiery doome . No other proofe than this his Blasphemy Need we produce worse than Idolatry . Who hearing this can from Revenge containe ? With outcryes loud they roar'd , and did arraigne Christ guilty of a foule notorious crime , Of Sinners the most capitall and prime ; They rail'd on him , and could no longer brooke , But buffeted , and with their fists him strooke . They strove who first his Person should deface , And with a Reed they smote his Head and Face . They bound his eyes , and rapt with Lunacy , With Girdes and Blowes they said : Now Prophesie . They spat on him , who with his spittle cur'd The Blind mans Eyes , and him his sight assur'd . One while his tender Flesh the Serjeants nipt , Another while with drunken Songs they quipt His Doctrine ; which they term'd New Oracles , And by and by they mockt his Miracles . Such spite they wrought on him with revel reakes Till word was brought to them , The Morning breakes . When Peter had observ'd , who present was , How all things did against his Master passe , And that some charg'd him borne in Galilee , Bewray'd by Speech of Christ his crew to be , He utterly denyed , and Christ renounc'd , Which he with Oaths to save his life pronounc'd He never knew the man. This thrice he swore , But then the Cocke warn'd him , that he forswore . By which sure reall signe poore Peter knew , That he had broke his Vow , and prov'd untrue . With trickling teares distilling downe his cheeks He then retires aside , Gods Mercy seekes , And with such words as these bewailes his fault : " Why did I wretch twixt God and Belial hault ? " Why did I play the base Dissemblers part " For feare of rage , or momentary smart " The Son of God , my Saviour to deny ? " Who for my sinnes fear'd not deaths agony ? Why did I not thinke better on my Fate ; Whereof my Lord forewarn'd me so of Late ? That Satan watcht to winnow me like Wheate ? Why did I not his Prophesie repeate ? That I would him thrice , Craven like , not know Before the Cocke should clap his wings to Crow ? Alasse , that I a Member from my Head Disjoynted prove , like Judas , false , and dead ! Alas that I Baptiz'd to Grace , once feeling Good motions , pine with Falling sicknesse reeling ! That I a Saint in Possibility Am turn'd Apostate by impiety ! That I late taught by Christs eternall word Am now become a Traytor to my Lord ! Alas , that I , whose feet my Saviour washt , Should now so soone with Durty sinnes be dasht ! Sinnes paine I doe deserve , and foule disgrace , Because I strove ambitiously for place ; Because I stood too much upon my worth , I well deserve from grace to be thrust forth . O what is Man , if destitute of Grace He shall presume with Saints to gaine a Place ? In stead of place with Saints he merits well With Lucifer to tumble into Hell. But I disclaime Mens merits , Grace intreat , And fly from Justice to Gods mercy Seate . Mercy I crave , for Mercy still I cry , And if that failes , no other meanes I le try . If for this fault I meete with Mercies streame , I will take heed how ever I blaspheame . I le clense my Heart with Folly lately stung , And will henceforth reforme my erring Tongue . I will redeeme my foule Apostacy , That all the World shall see my Constancy . " I will protest the Truth , that t is Damnation " To cloake the Truth with mentall reservation . " Let him retaine Hels Scribe for Advocate , " That traines his Fellowes to Equivocate : " Though with his Tongue he hath untruely sworne , " Yet in his Heart he beares a Minde unsworne . " But I was taught within a better Schoole " At Truthes Well-head , than so to play the Foole. My Conscience , upon whom my thoughts relied , This Hearts true Judge tels me , I foulely lyed . There needs no tricke , nor traverse in my Plea : One may the Sands count sooner of the Sea , Then reckon up the many sinnes I did ; Of Sinners chi●fe I vouch my selfe unbid . Yet of all sinnes none troubles me so deepe , As this my last , for which I waile and weepe . O would my eyes a Fountaine were of Teares ! If teares would please my God , and ease my feare● , I would then hope to shew a Converts Love , And to my Lord a constant Soule yet prove . But though salt teares doe faile , sighs shall abound , Which with my Heart well-nigh in sorrowes drown'd , I once againe present to thee , Dread Lord , And without shift here of mine owne accord I humbly doe confesse my grievous crimes , For which I merit Hell , unlesse betimes It please thy Grace some pitty to extend On me vile wretch , & my weake thoughts to bend Towards thy Lawes , forgiving what is past , That my sinnes be from thy memorials rack't ; The which I begge for thy Sonne Jesus sake , Whom I henceforth will never more forsake . Thus poore Saint Peter bitterly complain'd , And liv'd to Christ a servitour unfaign'd Chiefe Elder of that memorable Towne , Where , by that Name first Christian men were known ; One of the Prime Apostles in Commission With James , and others for all doubts decision , Toyling with them to feed the New-mans flocke , Which built their Faith upon the Living Rocke . Which Pastours place he did so well improve , That all true Saints Saint Peters deeds approve . Nay , he that roome did since so well discharge , That roaming Rome doates on Saint Peters charge , And till this day , to gratifie his Fame , Our chiefest Townes hold Temples of his Name . This happy Lot did to this Saint befall , " Whereas the Traitor Judas by his Fall " Exemplifies to us what Carnall Scribes " Shall reape at last for their Truth-choaking bribes " For sale of Soules , and what great dangersly " For them in store , who plot most wickedly " Good Christians ruines , hir'd for Golden Fees " To play the Waspes by wronging painfull Bees . But we have now more sobs of griefe to vent , For Pilates Doome recalls us to lament . Scarce did the day , sad Frydayes Morne , begin To dawne , when that about their Bloody Sin The Clergie met , consulted , and arraign'd Of Treason Christ with Accusations faign'd . Nor paused they too long , what should become Of him . They had already read his Doome , That Christ should dye for their whole Nations good , Lest his New sect might put downe Levies Brood . And to this end , soone as the Sun had rose , Because they would not the least minute lose , Themselves not daring on that Sabbaths Eve Him to condemne , lest they their Nation grieve Or scandalize for sitting then on Blood. When they should more prepare to do some good They Jesus led to Caesars Judgement Hall , Who had reserv'd Offences Capitall , Such as concerned not Religions Breach , Or their Misdeeds , who did false Doctrine teach To be heard by his President alone : To Pilate there with glozing bitter mone They Christ accus'd , how he himselfe a King Had styl'd to Caesars wrong . About which thing When Jesus was demaunded , he stood mute , Griev'd at his Nations spite , loath to dispute , Or make his power knowne unto his Foes , For whose Salvation he resolv'd those woes To undergoe , and his deare Blood to give In Sacrifice for them that would believe . But when the Judge had oft to him reply'd ; He said , that never he on Man reli'd ; " His Kingdome was not earthly , but Divine , " To which high Orbe he did his thoughts confine ; Which by this signe and Argument he prov'd : For if he were a King on Earth belov'd , His Armed troopes his Scepter would defend : Whereas the cause , which made him to descend From Heaven downe , was Sacred Truth to shew To sinfull men , who for Gods Grace would sue Truth was to Pilates Eares so rare , divine , And mysticke , that he could not it define , But askt him what Truth was , yet would not stay To heare it blaz'd , but wondring went away , And told the Jewes : I find no heinous fault , No Treason , Theft , no Criminall assault , Nor crying sinne . In utt'ring of which speech One whispred him , his Wife did him beseech , As he himselfe did love , not to proceed In Judgement against Christ for any deed Pretended by the Jewes , but to take heed Of their false Bills . It makes my heart to bleed Said she , to thinke what troubles most extreame I for his sake have suffred in a Dreame . This Message I scarce risen from my Bed Have sent to thee , lest that thou be misled To yeild consent for shedding guiltlesse blood . Therefore for mine and for thy Future Good Be not severe against that Righteous man. When Pilate did this dreame and message scan , And knew the Priests had of meere Envy brought Jesus before him without cause , he sought By all faire meanes to free him from their spite , And him of causelesse Treason to acquite . " Feare , pitty , fraud , wrought on his Policy , " But Fraud at last got the supremacy : And thereupon he shifted for a while To lengthen out the cause , or them beguile , To satisfie his Wife , or else to brew A plot to make the Envious King to rue ; To curry favour , or to Complement , Because he was of Herods Government , At Nazareth bred up in Galilee , ( That part , which Caesar●●yl'd ●●yl'd the Tetrarchy ) Who at that time lay in Jerusalem , He Christ transferr'd to him , and caused them What circumstance or proofe that might conduce Before the Tetrarchs Throne there to produce , And to obey what Herod would adjudge , Whom you shall find , quoth he , a Meeter Judge , A man that Better knowes your Countries Laws Than I a stranger doe , shew him the cause . Herod seem'd glad at first the Man to see , Of whom he heard such Fame in Galilee ; Or that John Baptist was rose up againe , Whom for a Dauncing wench he late had slaine ; In hope he might behold some Miracle Wrought in his sight , or heare some Oracle , Which might delight his curious carnall sence With Courtly Newes , or Projects excellence . But finding Christ in outward habit plaine , Of sad aspect , and that he could not gaine What he desir'd from him to see , or heare , With Thankes to Pilate now his Friend most deare , By this late act of tendred Amity , ( For till that time both liv'd in enmity ) He sent Christ backe to the Pretorian Barre , Despis'd by him , his Guard , and men of warre . Yet morall-wise betokening Innocence They veil'd the Lambe in white , and packt him thence . Thus was the Lambe of God , Mens Saviour , tost By wicked men from pillar unto post . When that Romes Praetour saw , he must content , Or move the Jewes to wrath or discontent , And thinking that some corporall correction Might qualifie their spleene or Insurrection , He scourged him . But that they deem'd too light , For they , like Dragons , gap'd his blood outright To sucke . Yet Pilate seem'd to calme their spite , " Like to those rash and partiall Politicians , " Who punish Saints to pleasure Antichristians . Because they had a Customary Right , Or Indulgence to bleare the vulgars sight , To pardon one against that Festivall , He sought to save , or else to make reprivall Of Jesus . But they all cry'd out amaine : Not him , but Barrabas . Jesus in vaine Thou offrest us , for this man may amend . If Jesus scape , thou art not Caesars friend . This Barrabas was a notorious Thiefe With murther stain'd , the more was Pilates griefe , ( For of the both he Jesus favoured ) . Yet seeing their Hate , he at the last agreed To please the Rout , whom Caiphas with his mates Of Herods side to murther animates . And thereupon the Roman Hypocrite First washt his hands , as if he were upright And cleane from Blood shed by his owne command , Alluding that he could not them withstand , " When as he might the Prisoners Life defend , " Or him before the Romane Senate send , " Or conster with mild sense Jewes wrested Laws , " Or on the cause , like grave Gamaliel , pause . But to content the giddy multitude , He chose the suite with slaughter to conclude , Adjudging to the Crosse in Caesars Name Christ to be nail'd , whom he found void of blame , Whom neither he , nor yet th' Incestuous King Could once in compasse of set Treason bring : Nay , when he heard the People Christ upbraid With Tide of Gods Sonne , he seem'd afraid : As witnessed his Conscience prickt within , As openly he said : I find no sinne Deserving Death , what evill hath be done ? They yelling still , he stiles himselfe Gods Sonne , Himselfe a King , to Caesars wrong a King : The former merits Death , the Latter thing No lesse than death . The first is Blasphemy , The other Treason in a High Degree : By our just Lawes he well deserves to dye Without delay , demurre , or remedy ; Let then your Judgement passe securedly . His Blood on us and on our children lye , His Death on us and on our Nation rest . Yells ominous . And so they live unblest : For ever since their Nation far'd the worse By this entail'd hereditary curse . The Romans since , on whom they did rely , Like Aegipts Reed , in stead of Aydes supply , Or humane Ruling Lords , prov'd Hellish Rookes , With rapines , spoyles , and circumventing Hookes Imbru'd in blood by Albines Briberies , Felix , Florus , and others Butcheries , Such griping Tyrants prov'd at last their Foes , Ransackt their City , turn'd their weale to woes , Burnt their Temple , and made them slaves abhor'd As they had scorn'd and Crucified the Lord ; And to this day they either live in Bonds Of servitude , or , like Caine , vagabonds ; To Christians odious for their bloody workes , For killing Christ , as odious to the Turkes ; For their Religion , or patcht Alcoran Beares Christian showes , as lies Mahumetan . " They breathe , and that is all , by Brokery , " Onely to keepe the Nations Memory , " Least if they perisht quite , some doubts againe " Might grow perhaps of the Messias slaine . Their Land , which once with milke and honey flow'd , Lies waste , and curst as with a Fatall Cloud ; In stead of Wine , Figs , Balsame , and good seedes , Repleate with Snakes , wilde Beasts , & stinking weeds Like a rude desert growne , for where the Horse Of Ottoman once swayes , he leaves a Curse . When that the Judge had so deliver'd him To his Praetorian Band , or Sergeants grim With the Mad Jewes applause , they Christ attir'd In Purple Robes , as if he had aspir'd By mutiny to make himselfe a King , Which he worse loath'd then they the Serpents sting● A Crowne of Thornes they plaited on his Head , And him blasphem'd with abase Sceptred Reed Saluting him : All haile thou King of Jewes , With bended knees wee le pay thee all thy dues . Yea , Pilate too for all his Inward sting Proclaim'd : Behold the Man , the Jewish King , And to the Crosse he fixt that style alike In Characters of Hebrew , Latine , Greeke . When they had mockt their fill , with many bobs And scornes they took from him those royall robes Apparrell'd him in his owne Coate againe , And fell anew to their deriding veine , Besmearing him with spittle on the Face , And with a Cane they lasht him in disgrace . O bloody Folke ! the grieved Soule to gore ! To torture him , who tortur'd was before ! Hood-winking him , like Boyes at blind mans Buffe , With Frumps , who smote ? they did him lately cuffe And now againe vext him , till Nature stoupt , And but for Heavens strength had deadly droopt . The Thornes , wherewith they crown'd his tender Head Put him to so much paine , that almost dead His Soule was forc't most grievously to grone , The thought whereof would melt ev'n hearts of stone . They heard the Praetours doome , yet would they adde More fewell to the flame to make him sad . They heard his groaning sighs , & that no sorrows were like to his ; his face seem'd plow'd like furrows They wreath'd his Head with thornes , and yet that wreath Saves us from prickling Thornes of sinne and Death When Judas now had seene his Master bound Reviled , beaten , spet upon , and found Guilty of Death , he grieved , but too late , Felt deadly gripes , and therewith desperate , He to the Temple speedily resorted , There left his hire , and to the Priests reported : Loe , here I yeeld you backe the Price of Blood , The man , quoth he , did never harme but good ▪ He , whom I sold I know is Innocent , A Righteous man , from God a Saviour lent . Your Eyes have seene his mighty Miracles : Your Eares have heard his Gospels Oracles . His words and life his Innocence expresse : For who with sin can taxe him more or lesse ? Ah woe is me , that I have liv'd the day For a base Bribe my Master to betray . Looke thou , said they , to that ; for dy he shall , Were he more Just , to save us from a Fall : For , if he liv'd , opinions would arise , And Caesar then would stop our Sacrifice . T is better that one dye , than many fall ; That one miscarry , then we perish all . This policy the Jewish Church profest ; And the same course Great Babels whore possest , As testifies her Hate to Protestants , Whom for no cause shee calls Extravagants ( Excluding them from Romes Society , Although one God they serve in Trinity ) But that she feares the Radiant Gospels Light With their New-man might quite expel the night Of Ignorance , and Superstitious mists , Which darken yet her roaming Romanists With bribing sale of Pardons meritorious : Redeeming Flames to sinners most notorious . For so that Whore her Lovers beares in hand , If they bequeathe unto her Goods or Land , Or Fight for her Croisadoes Liberty ; Under her guard they need not feare to dy : She will appease , like an Indulgent Mother , Gods Justice , though for murth'ring of a Brother . But from the West returning to the East : See here what rage seaz'd on the Traitours brest . Judas distract with furious discontent By Satan , and his Spirits Instrument Choller adust , departed out of hand , And wanting Grace his Passions to withstand , He hang'd himselfe , and to be markt the more , The Lunaticke his waight downe headlong bore , Till all his Bowels gusht to publique view , And at his death such words as these did spew : And shall I live , quoth he , a Traitour nam'd , For selling guiltlesse Blood , alwayes defam'd ? What hope of Rest , when God doth me debarre Of inward Peace ? When he proclaimes me warre ? And lets those slaves , which I was wont to tame , Base Passions , now to blacke my former Fame ? O let the Sea on me Christs quarrell wreake With vengeance , with a Milstone at my necke . Curst be the houre that ever I was borne , I am undone , My Wife all quite forlorne , My Children must unpittyed vagabonds Range through the world , my self in satans bonds For t is decreed that I in Hell must lye And that Another must my charge supply . Nothing but horror sounds without , within My Soule , like Zims and Oyms full of sinne Scritcheth out aloud : Judas Iscariot , Come away to Hell , for thou hast forgot And renounc't thy Baptisme , betraying God , The Sonne of God , make here no more abode On Earth . I come , I come , a Damned Ghost By you , O Furies , to be ever tost . God frownes , because my Master I did sell : And now , because God frownes , I le downe to hell . The fearefull end , which Judas made , so knowne , So common ranne disperst through all the Towne , That Salems Clergie stood as men agast , And doubting lest for their rash sentence past , And treachery , the hand of God might strike With vengeance them for their false deedes dislike : They all agreed their Church not to defile With Bloods Reward , but so to reconcile The fact with workes of Merits bastard kind , That God might seeme to them , like Mortals , blind . This made them play for cloaking of abuses Bo-peepe with Faith , and turne to Pious uses The Thirty pence , the hire of treachery , As Zachary foretold their Salary , Buying therewith the Potters field to Bury Poore strangers in , thereby to slacke Gods fury . O fond conceit ! to doe an Injury , And afterwards , like Hallifaxes Jury , To fit , and see the wronged man redrest , When doome forepast could never be reverst , Nor ransomed with guerdon Competent , Chiefely for Blood , to which they gave consent Against Gods Lambe , not of Religious care , But factiously the Churches Fleece to share Without reproofe , or Shepherds Brow severe ; For this made them to Christ such mallice beare , Fearing lest that in time the Cautious wise Might counterchecke their maskt hypocrisies , If this New man in that luxurious Age Should draw their Flocke to his New Pasturage , With Parables infolding Charity , Repentance , Faith , and Hearts Humility . No doubt but they acknowledged the Word To be Divine , and worthy of Record , Which Jesus taught confirm'd with Miracles , But Satan had cast forth such Obstacles Of Merits Clouds before their Carnall sence , That they might slight the Spirits Quintessence , The Bread of Life , the New mans nourishment , As crosse to that which they for Lucre vent : Gods holy Writ corrupting with Traditions , With Thalmuds Quirkes , and thorny Expositions . For Juries Church with Carnall Pharisees Was branded then , and with dull Saduces , Which with their Monkes Essences would deface By Merits bragges Gods Covenant of Grace , Making the weaker sort of Soules beleeve , That they could stint Gods wrath , or it reprieve . But why blame I the Jewes Apostacy ? When now the time of Daniels Prophesie Was come , that their Messias should be slaine ? Not for himselfe ; but for Anothers staine ? ( The more vile wretches we , that gave the cause By the flat breach of our Creatours Lawes . ) " He Legions might of Angels to his Ayd " Have cal'd , but then Mans ransome was not paid . " He might to Hell all Adams race have cast , " But then he had left none his Grace to tast . And this sweet Grace of his made him to beare Such wrongs in Jewry Land , and to forbeare With us our debts , which none could satisfie , But he alone , whose Merits Justifie . " This is my Faith , the upshot of my Creed : " Thy Blood , O Christ , can save fraile Adams seed " If they Repent , believe , and turne to God , " Thou wilt absolve them from thy Fathers rod , " Yea , from Hell-flames , for thy worths excellence " Restor'd what Adam lost , Soules Innocence ; Thy humble Life and Death upon the Crosse Have crost Gods Sentence , and repair'd our Losse . Let therefore to his Crosse our zeale returne , And never cease with Holy Flames to burne , Untill we end sad Fridayes Sacrifice , And see what Christ paid more for Humane vice , " I meane not onely that which Helene found " With rubbage soil'd , but the Crosse , solid , sound , " Which scorching Soules for new Jerusalem " A●ords to Saints a more expedient Theame . We never saw the Crosse , where Christ was fixt ▪ Yet we beleeve , that he was Crucifixt . Now to his Death , his sore tormenting Death , They led Gods Lambe to end his wearyed breath . With floutes and shoutes they led him to the Crosse , The waight whereof by force they did impose ( Because his Lambe-like strength began to faint , And could no longer beare it by constraint ) On Simon of Cirean , a labouring man , A good poore Soule , an honest Publican , Whom there by chance the Ruffian Souldiers met Upon the Raised Crosse they Jesus set With loud Out-cryes as at a May-pole Game , And to the same with Contumelious shame His hands and feete with piercing Nailes they fixt , And , like a Judge , plac'd him two Theeves betwixt The more to spite him . But the Morall is , Some he shall doome to Hell , and some to Blisse , For these two Theeves were of a diffrent Faith , Th' one railes at him , the other meekely saith , We faulty are , but this man guiltlesse dyes . Remember me , Good Lord , when thou doest rise● To whom sweet Jesus instantly replyes : This day thou shalt with me to Paradise . Which words well markt , who will not thence inferre But Grace workes more than Merit ? and averre " That Christ Gods power had ; when Crucified " He could so soone a Theefe make Justified , " To reape that Harvest , where he never sow'd , Even Blisse , which with their Caterwalling loud Some hunted for , yet could not with it meet , Like Cats for Fish , that would not wet their feete . But th' unbaptiz'd , that liv'd not to restore What he had rob'd , doth wonder-rap me more To see him Crown'd a Saint in Heaven Above , Then that I dare discusse Gods hidden Love , Who of meere Grace payes some at Sun-set hires Equall with them , whom earlier he inspires ; Or aske the King , why he to Honour screwes Some men of lesse desert than mine in shewes . Faith wins us Grace , So while proud Rabbies laught , Poore Women wept , and at the Crosse were taught . With Swan-like Song , though in deaths Agony , Christ warned them by way of Destiny : Shed not , yee Daughters of Jerusalem , Your Teares for me , but for your selves shed them . My Father , to whose care I recommend My Soule , will to his children comfort send . The dayes will come , when they that Barren are , More safely shall then Women Fruitfull share ; When many shall in perills dolorous Cry out , yee Caves and Mountaines cover us : For if a Blooming Tree of verdant sap Be thus cut off , how shall the dry escape ? To shew what Love is unto Parents due , His Mother Mary at his last adieu , ( Whose Soule with his , as Simeon did relate , Was , as with sword , pierst in that Bloody fate , ) Having with constant mind , whilst others fled , Staid by the Crosse , till she should see him dead , He comforted with John , Behold thy Sonne , With charge to him : Behold thy Mother , John. ( Two sacred Saints joyn'd in one Legacy , Two Soules fast knit in Saint-like Amity ) John therefore home the blessed Virgin tooke , And never she her Sonne bequeath'd forsooke , But in his house remain'd a Widow-Mayd , Untill her debts to Nature she had paid . These pithy Types of Charity and Grace Christ dying left for his New Church to trace . God grant , that they may sink with some remorce Into our Hearts , and that they Nature force With her proud wanton brats to lay aside Our pranks , and view what from our Saviours side , Two-fold , besides his Hands and Feete did slow : That to Christs Yoke they by those signes may bow ; An easie yoke ▪ if on those double Rillets They humbly poare without vaine quirkes and quillets ; If inwardly his Crosse they muse upon , As Mary did with dolefull teares , and John ▪ While Natures Light , the New mans Glory , lay Thus on the Crosse in dolefull paines dismay , The Sunnes Noone-light mourn'd for such cruelty From twelve to three with Sable Canopy , At sight whereof Romes fierce Centurion quakt , And like to Aspen leaves most Newtrals shakt . " Note here the Nature of the Clay and Waxe : " The one turnes hard , the other soft doth waxe " By the Sunnes Heate , or Fire . And so were then " The lookers on , some mild , some hardned men ; " Some mollifyed by Grace griev'd with remorce ; " Some scorch'd by fiends yell'd out till they were hoarse , Chiefly , some Scribes were hardned more & more , For they Christ still derided , as before : Though Nature did her childrens deeds deplore , Some 〈◊〉 - necked Jewes held on with taunts to gore The fainting Lambe : Now , if thou he Gods Sonne , Come downe from thence , or else thy Fame is done : Where are become thy famous Miracles ? Thy latest vaunts , stupendious Oracles ? That Gods faire Temple ruin●d to the ground Thou in three daies couldst build it up more sound Physiti●n , heale thy selfe . Couldst others cure , And raise to life ? and not thine owne assure ? Some mockt his comming forth from Galilee , His Native home suppos'd : Hurle downe the Tree , Great Nazari●e , and teare those boring Nailes , Which trouble thee . At him another railes : Couldst thou a man from death to life restore , Which in the Grave had laine foure dayes before ? And canst not now thy dearest selfe redeeme ? Thus did they , like mad Bedlems , scoffe & skream , While the poore Lamb almost brought to despaire Soules by his Crosse and patience to repaire , Perplext as well for their obduracy Of heart , as for their foule conspiracy , Like a Childing Woman o'recome with Throes He cryed out in height of all his woes , ( Borne downe with waight of mans mortallity ▪ His Fathers wrath , his Nations Cruelty , And prest with Satans threats of Tyranny ) Eli , Eli , Lamasabachthani ? In English , why hast thou forsaken me My God , my God ? When I forsake not thee ? Some hearing that , and doth our Great Messias Vouchsafe , said they , to call upon Elias ? Well , let him come , and save this Royall man With Fatall Fire from Heaven , if he can . Neere to deaths point he made his Mone : I thirst , That is , for Soules Salvation , which accurst By Justice stand in a suspended plight , Like to be chain'd with Spirits of the night , Unlesse , O Father , this my Sacrifice Thou wilt accept to purge their damned vice . But his leud Foes with unrelenting Gall , In stead of drinke to quench his thirst withall , Soone dipt a Spunge in gally vinegar , Which on a Reed reacht him , although eager And bitter too , he tasted to fulfill The Prophesie , as thereby Lust to kill In Adams Seed , and likewise to distaste The Fatall Apples sweete delicious taste . Since now all needfull things for Humane good Christ had fulfill'd by shedding of his Blood , Which through his Nailed Hands and Feete did streame With paine in Soule and Body most extreame , The New-mans Offring , powr'd out to asswage Gods wrath conceiv'd against the Old mans rage ; And knowing that all Prophesies relation Were to the bottome brought by his Oblation , He said : Now all is at a finall End. Into thy hands , O Father , I commend My Spirit . O forgive this Crying sinne , Which they of Blindnesse are now plunged in . At which Last words groan'd out with Sacred breath , The Lambe of God , mens Saviour , seal'd his death . Assoone as He had yeelded up the Ghost , Whilst at his death the rout insulted most , Blacke hideous clouds , which had begunne before , Quite dimm'd the Sunne ; The Earth then labour'd sore , As if her wombe some uncouth Birth would vent ; Her Center shooke with Throes so violent , That Salems Temple veile asunder cleft ( A signe that Levies brood should be bereft Of the Holy of Holies , by Entaile The High Priests roome , and parted by that vaile Then rent ) so that the vulgar gazed on The Mysticks hid , and Tetragrammaton With great Jehovahs Name , which Satan feares , They saw disclosed in Hebrew Characters . This Rupture chanc'd soone as by Pilates T●●ine Our Prince Messias on the Crosse was slaine , When Nature was , or Natures God perplext , As one then glossd at Athens on the Text Of this Eclipse , if Credit be to Greekes . But Holy Writ informes us that with shriekes Some Jewes that saw those signes , disclaim'd their crimes , And beating of their brests , bewail'd the Times . Others stood still , and lookt on him with feare , When they beheld his side pierc'd with a speare . God grant their race , which roam as yet , like Cain ▪ May turne to Christ , and so redeeme their staine , Preferring more the Crosse , than Aarons Ri●es , Christs living Temple more than Carnall sights . Now yee , that read , or heare this Tragedy , Tell me , did any man more causelesse dye ? " If ye retaine a sympathyzing sense " With ours on Earth , and know what past from hence , " Yee Passengers , who saw that bloody day , " Was any griefe like his ? declare I pray . That harmelesse Soules should for leud soules attaint Be pain'd , deserves a pitteous sad complaint . " When faithfull Pythias should for Damon dye , " A Tyran● could not brooke that Tragedy ; " But that Gods Sonne , to free men from hell-●●ares , " Should suffer death , might Tygers more to ●●ares His Cares transcend all mens Capacity ; His Love surmounts Seraphicke Charity . O thinke on Christ his Passion , sinnefull Man ; What here I pen'd , with understanding scan ; And never let his Bloody Crosse depart By worldly charmes or wiles , out of thy Heart ; " But every day in spite of tempting vice , " Thinke on the Crosse , the New mans Sacrifice ; How he spent yeares , Man to regenerate , Who did the World but in few Daies Create . Thinke how He dy'd to ransome us from Death , By whose sweet Word man first receiv'd his breath . At Evening tide , on this their Sabbaths Eve , Among the Jewes , who then for Christ did grieve , One Joseph was of Arimatheas Towne , An upright Man , a Counsellour well knowne In Salem for his zeale , good deeds , and wealth , One that Believ'd , but as it were by stealth In visits close , for feare of Factious Scribes , Which in those dayes possest the Jewish Tribes With doubtfull Schismes : He griev'd the Priests to see So fierce and so unnaturall to be , Like to those Cains , Spaines Inquisitions bounds , Who trounce poore Soules beyond Religions bounds , As to complot the murther of their Brother ; But now his griefe he could no longer smother , Undauntedly , not caring to be shent , He for Christs Body unto Pilate went , Entreating him , that from the Crosse he might Remove the same , and bury it in the night : For with our Feast suits not this sight of sorrow , You know ( quoth he ) our Sabbath is to morrow , And by our Law , we are by Moses Taught , That but till night no hanged Body ought To lye unburied , lest it taint the Aire , Defile the Land , or Health with smels impaire ▪ We vow'd our selves , a Nation consecrate To God , who hates all things contaminate , Such as might barre us to be Sanctified In Soule , and in our Bodies purified . Our Soile likewise , while we from vices stand Absolv'd , is styl'd Jehovahs Holy Land ; Which Holinesse of Body , Soule , and Soile Makes for his Buriall me to keepe this coile . O let not then the Nailed Coarse endure Polluted long for want of Sepulture ; Since not so much as any Carrion Beast Is left uncover'd at our sacred Feast . My Countrey men have wreackt their ut-most teene On him , and you their bloody minds have seene , When Barrabas , that Robber , they preferr'd Befor his Life , whom now to be enterr'd I beg and crave at your most gracious hands . And none of them , I thinke , this Boone withstands , Or if they should by scrupulous surmise Oppose my suit , that he againe will rise Within three dayes from Death to Newer Life , Because he did so Prophesie : In briefe , I am content they watch the silent Grave ; Or seale it up ; And what more would they crave ? When Pilate knew , that Christ was dead indeed , After some pause , he at the last agreed With this Proviso , that the Priests should set His Seale , and with a Guard the Tombe beset . Then instantly , unto his great renowne , Good Joseph tooke the breathlesse Body downe , Enwrapt it in a shrowd , and it convey'd To a New Tombe , where no man else was layd . An Epitaph upon our Saviours Corpse hanging upon the Crosse. MArke , Worldling , heere a Tragicke Mira●le , Suspend vaine Hopes , and view this Spectacle : The Sonne of God hanges fixed to that Tree With nayled Hand● and Feet , thy Soule to free From his Dread Fathers Curse , and the same paine , Which thou of right shouldst feele , Hee doth sustaine ; Gods wrathfull Cup , to ransome Adams F●ll And lustes , he drinkes with vinegar and Gall. To adde more woes , in presence of his Mother , Like Kid●-flesh boyl'd in the Dammes Milke , their Brother See how the Priests doe flout , the Romans mangle His Harmelesse Corpse , whom they could neere entangle In the least Word or Act , whilst he did Preach His Fathers Will , and in the Temple teach . He tendred Grace , and eas'd Lawes Penalties , He cur'd their Feavers , Palsies , Leprosies ; Restor'd their Lame , gave Sight to Blinded Eyes ; Rais'd up the Dead , and for these gifts he dies , He Praying dyes ; and then Gore-Blood did come From his pierst side with that cleare water from The Pericardion Skinne about his Heart , Which late it held to coole that Moving part . O wretched Men , who did Gods wrath provoke , And were the cause of this great Bloody stroke ! A Lamentable Hymne in the Memoriall of our Saviours Passion . AS our sinnes did Our Saviour pie●ce , So must we bathe with teares his Hearse , Though One of his Bloods many drops Exceeds all Teares , and Passion stops . How can our Soules chuse but complaine To see our Prince Messias slaine ? Not for himselfe , but for our Cause , Who daily breake our Makers Lawes ? How can the Members chuse but weepe , That the Good Shepherd for the Sheepe , The Head of all our Humane Race Should lose his life with such disgrace ? With bitter ●ibes , more bitter stripes , And dismall Deaths most bitter Gripes ? His Forehead Crown'd with pricking Thorne , His Hands and Feete Crosse-naild and torne ? Christs senses all pay'd for that sinne , Which the first Man delighted in . For the faire Fruite of Paradise , The Jewes hood-wink'd his harmelesse Eyes ; For Adams lis●ning to his Wife , His Eares heard s●outes and raylings rife . For hand-reaching to the Tree , His feeling grip'd with Tortures see . For the sweet fruites delicious taste , With bitter gall he brake his Fast ; And where the Fruite Eve Fragrant smelt , He Skulles foule scent at Golgoth felt . This dolefull doome to Christ besell , Though he dislodg'd the Fiends of Hell ; And though their Prince fail'd him to win With his three snares , or charmes to sinne Within that wilde or Desart place , Where Christ withstood him to his Face : Yet now in part he got his Will , And to that end with poisned skill By Judas meanes had made his way For greedy gaine him to betray : He got his Will , bruiz'd Adams Heele , And mad with Rage made Christ to feele , As he was Man , his utmost shaft , Since him he miss'd to gull with craft ; Nor could him charge in thought , or word , That he transgrest against the Lord. Onely because our sinnes he bore , God suffer'd Satan him to gore By Sinners hands , hells Instruments , The Guiltlesse Lambe with Punishments ; Which we indeed , and none but we , Had well deserv'd for Adams Tree To Undergoe from Crowne to foote , With all the Paine of Hell to boot , The Sixth Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . The foure great wonders wrought at Christ his Death . How Paradise receiv'd his Ghostly Breath , Purgatory condemn'd , and Tombes expence , The Crosse is prais'd , what profit comes from thence . I Sing no songs of antique Saturnalls , Emblemes of Time , Sithes mowing Festivalls ; Though Saturnes name I wrest to that set day , On which our Saviours Corpse entombed lay : Nor daigne I once his memory to greete , Who fled to Latium from his Native Creete . Nor strike I at that Melancholique Spheare , Whose Motion ends not till the Thirtieth yeare . No such conceites intoxicate my Braine , To thinke , that Ovids Ta●es might grace my strain No such Capricious Toyes , wits whimsey-dances Nor dreames of Raving Pates take me with trances Improper for a Christian Scribe to hold , Or them to blaze abroad , like Bardhs too bold , Who in this Age of impudence and scorne Turn'd more Baboones then Babes for Christ New-borne , Would gul the world with leud Fantastique fables , Our Youth with Cupids baits , or E●vish Bables : No line shall glide through my New sacred Pen Save that , whereto Gods Angels say Amen . But who will heare , or credit our Reports ? When men wax deafe , bewitcht with Babels sports When though they know , that her Chiefe Forts were taken , Her Lovers sundred , and her Basans shaken By them that hate the Whore , yet still they strive By the Old Dragons false prerogative To build her Walles , like Jerichoes againe ? And blow up Sion , with Hels Powder-traine ? Looke how they Plot to undermine our walles ! And to repaire their owne , Just ruin'd , falles ! See how Romes Mungrels , mercenary whelpes , Goe on to bite the Saints ! And how she helpes Some , viper-like , their Neighbours hearts to teare Under pretence of Purgatories feare ! Behold how Mammon tempts our brightest starres To fall downe from the Orbe of Peace to Jarres ; Whilst Humane Arts doe want no Licencing , They threat Gods Heraulds with a silencing . But O! are not those wordlings much too blame ? Or doe they not obscure the Spirits Flame ? Well meriting from Heaven punishment Exemplified with Arrowes Pestilent For their Ecclipse of zeale ? if that they feare To favour those Choyce workes , which every yeare Some New borne Spirits in these dayes of evill Present from Christ , to conjure downe the Devill ? I feare no such false Squibs , nor cloudy Brow , That some with Benets Badge might overcrow , Or clog my Conscience , like an Ape , in Hell ; I feare no such Bug-beares , nor Magicke spell , Wherwith Masse-mongers , Flamines most prophane Bragge to fetch Fiends from out a Puritane . For in my Will the markes of Christ I beare , His Image on the Crosse , which thus I weare : " Like as the Fiery Serpent made of Brasse " Within the Desart rais'd an Object was " To cure all such as were by Serpents stung , " Onely by seeing that which Outward hung : " So the Resemblance of Christ Crucifixt , " With constant Faith in our Remembrance fixt " Heales up the wounds and scars which Python old " Procur'd to sinne , when our first Parents sold " Themselves for slaves . There is no Antidote " More strong than Christ his Crosse , or Seamelesse Coate " Against our Foes ; The which with more impression We shall believe , if following our Profession , We marke what dismall change the whole world crost , When Natures God on Earth gave up the Ghost . Even then ( O strange ) Apparent to the Eye " Foure Miracles amaz'd Mortallity , " Which foure likewise soure Creatures made agast , " For Nature they , Sinne , Death , and Hell defac't . The first , that rapt the standers by with wonder , Was Salems Temples vaile then rent asunder : ( A Signe , that shadowes of Reallities Ceas'd with the Jewish Rites and Sacrifice ) The third did Tombes and Monuments uncase , With Trembling Motion of the solid Base , ( A Signe , that Satans Kingdome was undone , And by the Crosse , the Gentiles should be wonne . ) The Fourth , the Resurrection did make cleare , For certaine Saints did visibly appeare Unto their Friends out of their Monuments , When Christ fulfill'd the Prophesies Contents ; ( A certaine signe , that God will , like to those , Others through Christ into New life transpose ) In the meane time the Souldiers stood not Idle , Nor would their spite , nor greedy Passions bridle . Some swagger'd for their Robes with open throat , Some did cast lots about Christs seamelesse coate ; Some broke the Prisoners Bones ; but finding sure Jesus deceas'd , yet they to keepe in ure Their Bloody hands , them would not then forbeare , But one of them his side pierst with a speare . " A Souldier of proud Rome then pierst his side " As now that City would his Limmes divide . " Out of whose wounds two Sacramentall signes " Did Water flow and Blood , like juyce of Vines " Both White and Red ; The One for Circumcision , " Pre-figur'd Baptisme ; th' other Sinnes Remission " By Blood unseene within the Vine presented " Instead of Carnall Altars represented " By Moses Lawes , and abrogated since " By our great Prophet , Saviour , Priest , and Prince . The Guardian Chiefe , whom they Centurion stil'd , Began to quaile , and to become more milde , When he had seene those strange and fearefull signes From Heaven sent for Pilates fierce Assignes To warne Mankind of Judgements Doome to come : That God for wrong was neither deafe , nor dumb He ( to conclude ) did make this Protestation , That Jesus was most Just , and Gods owne Sonne . View here ye Mortals , the effects of Blood , Of Crying sin , wherewith the Jewish Brood , And the Old Romane state imbru'd their hands . O let their Deeds amaze our Christian Lands With horrour , dread , and true relenting Feares Mixt with the Hearts Compunction & sad teares , To see the Sonne of God slaine for our sakes , For our defaults Felonious , as Mistakes ; A●ive his hands and feete , transfixed were With Iron Nayles ; And after death his side So gor'd through with a Souldiers speare beside , That many there dismay'd in sight and Breast Most earnestly behold him , whom they pierst . ( Which dolefull sight likewise thrice happy we , Could it in our deepe Breast reposed be ) But what ensu'd to them , that were the cause Of this sad Feast , you heard in Frydayes Clause . As for the Judge , false Pilate , Romes Records Authenticke shew , that by the Senate-Lords , And the Imperiall doome , a Banisht wretch , ( Because his deedes beyond the Laws did stretch ) He went forth in despaire , and slue himselfe . And for Romes state , then Proud for worldly pelfe Triumphant , Great , and Potent over Nations , She never found one yeare without vexations . Her Consuls , Knights , and Legionary Bands , Her Tribunes , and her Pretours had their hands So full of Treasons , Treacheries , and Blood , That seldome since but she Confused stood . Yea , and her Caesars , like to Cedars fell , Whilst Christian shrubbes , mauger the plots of hell Gayn'd Rooting firme through both the Hemispheres , Spreading our Saviours Fame with filiall feares . The Parthians , and Arabians robb'd her East , The Gothes and Vandals spoyl'd her in the West : " And her huge Scepter to the Thracian straite " Transferr'd , she staid behinde for Babels Baite , " Or tempting Bath unto the Man of sinne " For Sale of Soules to plunge the Faithlesse in , Such Plagues Rome felt , and shall feele yet far more , If she holds on Christ through his Limbs to gore . So suffred Christ for our Infirmities , Whilst his divinest part to Paradise Rapt up with Joy , expatiated free From Satans spite , where tasting of the Tree Of Life , to his Elect perpetuall Life He gaind instead of those darke Passions rife , Which Adams sinne with deaths Calamity Had heapt on him and his Posterity . Such comforts there , of Immortality , Christ of his owne , above capacity Of our weake knowledge did no doubt possesse , As he deserv'd . And yet our Schoole-men presse So farre to know of his departure hence In those two dayes , before he did commence The Resurrection of his Bodies hew , That some have broacht what Curious Wits did brew By Satans fraud . And thence did schismes ensue , To yoke , and Christ to Crucifie anew . What Croaking noise in our decrepit yeares , Have lately beene stirr'd up by Mauzzims Peeres , Like Hellish Frogges , for Purgatories seate ? The Quintessence of Superstitions heate Extracted from the Dregges of Gods just wrath , Because they did forsake the beaten Path ? And worshipped a God not knowne before , Which Christ his Primer Church did ne're adore ? These Lees made Fryers bray , like Balaams Asse , Made Schoolemen prate , and both like Chymists rash , New Bodies Formes by crotchets to create , By Sophistry strange termes to procreate . Such Gibbrish stuffe , and Mettals blinde Projection Bewitcht Grave Clerkes , and caus'd true Faiths defection ; Whilst their Craz'd Braines commixt Divinity With dunghill heapes of mens Philosophy : ( As Curious Chinois hatch their Ducklings rathe , Like Chymists Temper of Saint Maries Bathe ) With Apish Art the Spirit to disguise And more then God was pleas'd with , to seeme wise ; " Bare Accidents by Whymsyes of the Braine " To Substances turn'd of Promethean straine , " With Moone-sicke sense , and Carnall Apetite , " Like Capernaites , eating their God outright . Out of such Egges many a Cockatrice Hatcht to uphold the Old mans Sacrifice . Were fostred since the Time of Hildebrand , The Westerne Churches scourge , Plague and Firebrand . Out of such Nests came words of Giants growth , Huge Mungrels fit for Garagantuaes mouth Baals sophistry , and Chymickes Transmutation Begot and coyn'd Transubstantiacion . Then , Vulcans built Soules Purgatories Forge , And by those Flames phantasticke lies did forge . For neere about that time did Alchymy Begin to raigne with Schoole-Theology , When Satan was let loose from his Restraint To play upon the Conscience of a Saint . Woe to the Time that our W●st Church forsooke The New-Mans way , which Berengarius tooke , And dar'd Christ Body so to understand Which till Doomes day doth sit on Gods Right hand Since his Ascent , and there in Heaven stayes , Till Saints at rest , his Foes supprest he layes . Thence Purgatory sprung , Romes forged Bull , Of Satans plot to fill their Bellies full Like Bels false Priests , by making men believe They could Redeeme , or Purge poore Soules that grieve In that Third place for their Offences past , Which Pardons bought with money might lay wast , And frustrate , if Romes Indulgence assure , When she her selfe of Sicknesse cannot cure By Miracle or Charme ; nor stop one houre Of Deaths Arrest by her Transcendent power : Much lesse can she , fraile Mortall wight , abate Anothers paine , when Physicke comes too late . Some Fathers dream't at doomesday , not before , Soules should be purg'd with flames , or lesse or more . But in this Life , where time is limitted , Soules must be purg'd , or they are forfeited : " Soules may be purg'd with Sighs , Fasts , & Contrition ; " By Faith with workes , which some hold in derision " Soules may be purg'd , and that with Sacred fire , " If them Gods Grace with Faith and Love inspire . T is not enough to have a Christians Name , Except we be Baptiz'd with Christ his Flame . The Jewes did vaunt of Abraham for their Father , Where they should joy of Abrahams Faith the rather . T is not enough to be Baptiz'd alone , For so were Jewes in Jordans Floud by John ; Nor yet sufficient to Communicate ; So Judas did , yet Excommunicate . The gentle Sparke , that stirres the Heart and Braine , Must pray Gods Spirit in those Seates to raigne , For whose Content , as he was Catechiz'd , So with Loves Flame he would be Re-baptiz'd ; Which done , he harmelesse growes , an Infant twice In worldly Craft , and in Christ onely wise ; Though tempting fiends with carnall baites he feares Yet , Serpent-wise , a newer Coate he weares , A Coate quite voyd of Seames , or Factious Schismes , Which with Gods Word he weares for Exorcismes . Soules Comforter then to Gods Sonne doth marry The Vnderstanding , Conscience , Memory , Those Three-fold parts of this adopted Soule Whose Name with Saints New Man hee doth enroule , And signes with Abbaes Seale . The Man vowes Love , And this rare vow the Trinity approve , Thence-forward giving him the Two fold Flame Of Christ his Crosse , and Zeale , with Christian Name To purge his Outward Man of Earthly drosse , Which may be styl'd our Purgatories Glosse . Long since God earn'd the New man for his Sonne , " And gave through Christ him Free-will thereupon , " Which for his Faiths support can never faile him " But in the proofe and combat shall availe him ; " The Sonne , by whose deare Blood he 's Justified , " Loves him , because his Will is purified : " He loves , and makes his first Election firme " By sending One his Conscience to confirme . " Because he chose his Patterne and his Crosse " When as he mought false joyes and wealth ingrosse " According to the Freedome of his Will , " Which Grace restor'd , and Faith had School'd from ill : " He carkes for him , and sues for his Persev'rance , " He heares his griefes , & warrants his delivrance . " The Holy Ghost , as Mans Love ebbes and flowes , " His sweet gifts more or lesse into him blowes ; " And chiefely him he graceth , who is mild , " Free-hearted , Just , and not with wiles defild : " One that adores not creatures , nor yet swells " With Merits puffe : In such a one he dwels , " In such a mind He breathes Truthes gentle gales , " Which scornes old charmes , vaine legends , dreams and tales . Thus Sanctified , with Christ incorporate , A Bastard slip becomes Legitimate , 〈◊〉 with Christ , partaking of that Feast Of Vnity , which brings eternall Rest. Thus is a Man borne of Immortall seed , A Saint new-made , a Priest , a Prince indeed , Nay , a true King commanding Lordly passions , Which Monarches have enthrall'd in fearefull fashions . Thus Saints are Crown'd and thus is tendred grace If men doe not their Charters Seales deface . But not , before the Old man be supprest , Shall any mortall wight be this way blest . O Grace more rich then Chinaes glittring Treasure , O Love more sweet then Mahomets faign'd pleasure Elected tby he Father without merit At the Sonnes suite , and sealed by their Spirit . This Grace , suite , and Seale of Gods Majesty The persons working in the unity For dust and ashes , sinfull Mans Salvation , And with New flames his Spirits inspiration Doe wonder-rap my Soule with Extasies , In gazing on their Lights supremacies With glaun●es more beseeming Prophets visions Then those , which Arrians blurr'd with blind misprisions : That to speake much of their Transcendencie , Would me confound , halfe put in Jealousie , Lest I offend my God , or goe awry With narrow bounds to stint this Mystery , Like Lucifer , who for opposing Christ Was throwne to Hell , to father Antichrist . Thence with his Mates to tempt and poyson such As dare to scan Gods Secrets over much . ●ith our weake Braines can hardly apprehend Those Axiomes , which to Quadrate circles tend : How dare we Clouded with infirmity Rake for more Light of Heavens Trinity ? Whose knowledge long lay hid from sinfull Men For our first Parents fall , till Christs time , when It pleased God , three persons to reveale By Him , which he did formerly conceale . From Carnall wits ? as from Crownd Popes he did The Gospels use , and which as yet lyes hid From their crownd-shaven Crew , and Babels Rable Who darkling grope for Christs Communion Table ; As they doe likewise for that Orbe of Rest , Which for good Soules departed God hath blest . Yet our New man sees by his rayes reflection , As through a glasse , enough of Gods perfection , And roome enough without such purging flames For Saints to sing Allelujahs Psalmes To satisfie our Faith ; whilst by high mounting Some meet with Aiery foes their strength surmounting . Nor must we scale the Sun-beams with those Eagles Whom glory , pride , or curious Art inveagles To know Gods will , conceal'd from humane breast Or to eate more than gluttons can digest . This sure I know by Holy Inspirations , " God breathes in humblest mindes most Revelations ; " For when our Hearts with lofty thoughts arise , " Fiends scrue themselves into our phantasies . " Yea , they will tempt the most Regenerate " And Holiest Men , as the most reprobate . Some under Forme of Art they slily Charme With hired plots to work their Neighbors harme That by their sowing daily Tares of strife , The Father , Sonne , the Husband and the wife , Friends , kindred , Towne , and Country Folkes may vary , So as with Christ their Soules can hardly marry . " Such sleights use Hellish Fiends , though few suspect " Their shining Baytes , yet surely Gods Elect " Know , that all make-bates have just cause to tremble " As well as they , who being at Masse dissemble . " These Members helpe to make up Antichrist : " For without Parts how can the head subsist ? But chiefly Hell claimes those men , who beleeve They may for Gaine coyne doubts our Church to grieve , To yoke weake Soules , and Faith to falsifie , Which through Christs death alone doth Justifie , Without Romes purging flames , or Humane deeds , Trentals , Masses , or ringing more then needs , To foole weake minds , which knew not Paradise Was promised by Christ , where in a trice His Spirit did arrive with the Good Thiefe , And there for ought we know , might find reliefe With Abram , Moses , Daniel , and the rest Of Saints , untill his Body rose releast From Josephs Tombe , wherein it lay interred , As Jonas staid within the Whale as buryed , " Or , to speake plaine , his Spirit without s●int " Vnited with his Sire in Triumph went. As for the certaine place of Paradise , Let this our curious Intellect suffice , That Gods high Orbe hath many glorious Mansions Unlimited by Locall spans dimensions ; Like as to us on Earthly Many Lands Beyond New-Guiny , which none understands As yet ; If sundry Starres our world exceed In compasse , why doe some their Fancies feed With hopes of Limboes Rest , Elisian Groves , Or the like Place , which none but Rome approves ? But leaving these for wits Fantasticke flim-flams More fit for Apes or Owles then New borne Lambs , God give me Grace the Scriptures sense to follow , The solid Truth , without Abysses hollow , Not daring to maintaine Hels Paradox With the old Serpent , and the Wily Fox : That after death Christ suffred more unres● , Since he himselfe said : Consummatum est . The manner how Christs Soule went downe to hell Before his Body rose , I dare not tell , Nor search that depth . Yet who can safe deny , But that his Soules Triumphant Majesty Did there descend , or from some Higher place By vertue of his God-head , hell deface ? ( Which whether part in sulphurd cavernes glowes , Or at the Poles part Frozen hard , who knowes ? ) Christ did descend , Hels fury to asswage , For , where his Spirit is not , fiends doe rage . So undiscern'd by sense some fiends may dwell Within the Aire , as in the utmost Hell. T is probable a Battell might be fought By fiends , although unknown to mortall thought In that darke time , when Christ gave up the Ghost ; Which battell soone they through his Godhead lost Whilst that in Spirit quickned up he went , And preacht to them in Errours prison pent ; For by his Death Christ spoyl'd them in a trice Of their chiefe sway and Principalities ; ( When in Mens hearts the Gospels buds did bloom And at the noyse Hels Oracles fell dumbe . ) This mov'd Saint Paul to publish for Christs glory , Death , where 's thy sting ? And Hell , thy victory ? Yet my Rule is , where Holy writ , for Guide I find obscure ; when gravell'd I abide , Another Theame I take , another Lampe I light anew , and quite forsake the dampe Of Sulphur'd Meteours , and erroneous spels , Which smoakt out first from blind Monasticke cels For of Deepe Gulfes a holy Ignorance I farre preferre before a curious Trance . I now returne backe to my Saviours Grave , Where yesterday I left , a Virgin-Cave Afforded by the Arimatheans care , Which ever since did to the Church declare This Mystery , that as a Virgins Wombe Became his Birth , so dead a Virgin-Tombe . When Joseph had the Body there transferr'd , He decently forthwith the same enterr'd , 〈◊〉 Nichodemus ayded in the Night , To doe their Master this last pious Right , Without much pompe , or Prides solemnities , Or Ceremonies us'd at Exequies , By carnall Friends , who oftentimes consume In Glozing showes , for Ostentations fume , More substance to set out a Funerall , Then would well serve to build an Hospitall . ●o shew the Fruites of Love at Obsequies 〈◊〉 not amisse , but not Hels Sacrifice ; ●o pacify Dis or Persephone , 〈◊〉 Masses Orphean Harpe , or Orgian Plea. This Baal and Bacchus did , the One for Gaine , The other his mad Revels to maintaine . This Dives doth , whilst at his Lordly Gate , Poore Lazarus with Christ incorporate Begges needfull Almes for his deare Passions sake , Yet cannot have them , though his Head doth ake . This Dives did , while the Prince Palatine With Britaines royall seed forc'd from the Rhine , Their proper Right , as from Bohemian Prague , Stood to our shame confined to the Hague . This Dives did , when thousands did lament In London streetes with Fevers pestilent . What Obeliskes with teares of Crocodiles ? What Mourning weedes with cryes maskt under wiles Doe our false Christians sumptuously prepare , Perhaps for cursed bones , with care on care ? Did Dives to his Tombe with pompe convayd Passe Lazarus in Abrams Bosome layd ? Leave off for shame such Heathnish Sacrifice , And for your Dead build roomes of richer price , Nay , for your selves with lasting Royall State , Whereby you may passe for Regenerate . More Hives for Bees with necessary stuffe Heere or abroad , to shunne vaine glories puffe , Ye may erect with lesser cost and charge , Your duties in some measure to discharge , " Redeeming Plagues , I meane the Temporall , " Which on frayle men for carnall pleasures fall . That way will help to expiate , and to cover Those sins , for that great vengeance which hangs over Your heads unmarkt ; Lo , how Virginea vents Forth heavy grones , and new-found Land laments . See how New-England under noble Gorge Against the Dragon craves a new S. George ; All three looke for their Infant Age no more Out of their Mothers ranke superf●uous store Then what shee riots . There , brave Monuments , May be set up to Christian mens contents Farre fitter , then in needlesse shewes at home . And these will passe old Peters pence to Rome . Or if you be home-tide , and wealth betide , Christs Members feed , but doe it without Pride . Above all things I wish you to forbeare From Burying Coarses in Gods Temple , where His Word is Preacht ; O doe not taint the Aire With G●lgothaes , which can not but impaire Your tender healthes by damps and exhalations From sulphurs sweat , Earths put id oppilations . Our Saviours deeds should for a patterne stand , Who from the Temple , with a Whip or Wand Drove Chapmen out , and such , who over bold With in that sacred place wares dayly sold. My Fathers House ( sayd he ) appointed was For Prayer , not a Money-changing place . Why may not in the Fields a heape of stones Serve as the Church for Graves to rotten Bones , Resembling that , which neere to Mamre sold Dead Abrams Wife , for Sepulture did hold ? Or the Church-yard crost by Masse-Mongers old From G●blins haunt their Carkasses might hold ? For shall the words of that Mahumetan Spoke at his death confound a Christian man ? To Saladine one winding Sheet is left , Of all his state by cruell death berest . Who then will doate on Shrines and Mauzzim● Wares ? Give mee the Quick ; let Satan take his Tares , With them in Reliques who Religion place , Besainting Bones within a Silver Case . Let not the Church , nor glozing Epitaph Grace my poore Corpse . From Crowes the Cynicks s●●ffe May guard me for a need . Were Martyrs bones Quite burnt in Flames ? And shall rich Marble stones Enclose my Coarse ? Farre be it from my thought , Who higher place crave then for Money bought . That station I expect through Christ his Crosse , Which worldly minds prize lesse then chaffe or drosse . Another kind of Body I expect , Which like to his my Saviour will erect . This moved mee my Children three to bury In the Church-yard , whilst I saw most men hurry Proud Carkasses into the Church , polluting Gods house , and zeale with superstition suting This moved mee New Cambrioll to Baptize In New found land , whilst others Idolize Their native smoake with sloath & griping Cares , Caught with false Pleasures baytes in Satans snares . This moves good wits , whilst here they make abode , To send so oft ●oud sounding B●okes abroad , To cure or curbe litigious Braines that Rave , And by such Fruits , to build them selves a Grave , A quickning Grave , that when their Sinewes rot The Saints for them might praise the New mans As I doe for Great Brittaines shining Lights , Or them , whom Andrewes Posthume now invites Lot Andrewes , that shames Beauford and Gardiner , And yet all Three were styled Winchester : For how shall wee discerne another Man , Then with bright Trueth his living workes to Scan ? Whether a Lambe or Wolfe he led his Life ? In Peace with Christ or with Hell Fiends in strife ? What more then Swan like Songes keep Men alive ? Or can on Earth their Noble deeds revive ? Beare witnesse then , my two-fold Epitaph , Whilst Windy wits lye swill'd , like Swine with draffe This Glasse renewes brave Roberts Memory Of Essex Earle , the Flower of Chevalry : Whō Flanders , Lisbon , Cales , Spaines Iles , nor France , Nor Irish Force could daunt with Shot or Launce , Home-Ostracisme this Famous man did foile , Whom Mars durst not affront in Forraigne Soile . " But his sweet Soule , because he Sacri●●c●d , " Christ Cleer'd from Guilt , and Saints him Canoniz'd . Or if the Seas and Land contend for Roome , The Seas will Ebbe , and shew us Desmonds Tombe . " Scotland his Birth , England his Tilting Fame , " Venice claim'd his venture , Ireland his Name . " Whilst these Foure strove to build a Monument ▪ " For Desmonds Corpse , the Seas crost their intent . " Because the Seas for Worthyes might appeare " To match the Land , they took this Noble Peere . Thus Two by Sea and Land have Lawrelles got , While worthlesse Lords , like Falling Fire-drakes rot . Thus Vertue some Crownes with a Living Tombe Which more doth them then Coronets become , And longer will then Mausolaeans last , When Time shall Pomp , and nine dayes Wonders blast . " Hence I inferre , that God hid Moses Tombe " Lest men might Saint his Bones in time to come . " Hence I resolve : from Graves old Folkes began " To make an Idoll of a Mortall man. Hence I conclude , to hang a Hearse with Scutcheons , Serves for a Bait to catch our Heyrs , like Gudgeons : For without worth Guilt honours proves but vaine , And Styles the scumme of a Fantasticke Braine . " Without the New mans Robes none are indeed " True Noble Men , but borne of Mungrell seed . Let men therefore besides the Cynicks Staffe Upon my Grave Engrave this Epitaph : Taint not the Church with Skulles ; O yee that mourn ; Nor with Wormes-meat ; the Yard will serve my turne Rob not the quick , a dead man to adorne , But bury me as poore , as I was borne . Only a Shrowd for decencie I crave , Such as my Saviour wrapt in Josephs Grave . I hated Pompe , and Drunken Sacrifice When I breath'd Ayre , much more in Paradise . " Man here is but a Steward of his Pelfe , " For others bound , aswell as for himselfe , " To cark and care according to the Talent , " Which so to him was on Condition lent ; " For which mispent he must one day account " Be he a Knight , a Baron , or a Count. " Looke how Christ did , the second Adam , live , " So must we sure , if we intend to thrive " In Piety ; we must esteeme the Crosse , " Though sad , true wealth ; & pamp'ring ease soules losse . " Therfore when Honour , Gaine , or worldly Pleasure " Doe thee befall , suspect the Heavens displeasure , " Unlesse thou out of hand to some good use " Convert them without Riot or Abuse , " Looke where so e're thy worldly Treasure is , " There lyes thy Bane , thy hindrance into Blisse . " No man two Masters serves with conscience cleane , " God , and the World , but he becomes uncleane " And quickly soild with sense-alluring Toyes , " Which him bereaves of true Immortall Joyes . " For by superfluous Cares and Worldly Wealth " The way is quite blockt up from Saving wealth . The serious thought of which Impediments Made wisest Men amidst their sweet Contents , ( As sometime did the Samian Tyrant fling , To season Joyes , into the Sea a Ring ) To mixe some Worme-wood Cares and Objects sad , To live , like Angells , here in Sack-cloth Clad , To fly to Celles from Warres and worldly wrath , Like Austriaes Charles , and Turkish Amurath : To choose a dying Life , retir'd from Ease Rather like Monkes , then like nice Damocles , ( Or like some Kings maligned Favorite , That dreames not of a Fall , till Envy smite , ) To live with Lushious Cheer , and pleasing plenty ; Fore-seeing that at last scarce one of twenty , Which gives himselfe to Carnall Liberty , Escapes unstung with some Calamity , If not living , yet surely at Deaths Gaspe The Libertine shall feele the Hellish Aspe Poison his Soule unseene with Mortall sence , Mauger his Heires vaine Obits and expence . ( For after death all Sacrifice is vaine , Nor can Rewards redeeme the Soule from Paine ) The which empoisoned thus , barr'd of Gods sight , Of the least glimpse of comfortable Light With the rich Glutton in the lowest Hell Till Doomesday roves among the Furies fell ; And then the Body in more hideous state Joyn'd with his Spirit , he cryes out too late For Mercy , when the second Death is come , Which by the first he might have smitten dumbe , And Conquer'd too , if like our Saviour , He Had living di'd , or living sought to be Reborne , and form'd after his Image true With Faith and zeale ( contending to eschew His Spirits Foes , the Letts unto the Crosse ) Which every Christian Soule ought to ingrosse , As Mysticke Type , and Seale of Mans Adoption , His Ransome lent from Lordly Sinnes Irruption . " Unhappy is that Wight , that never felt " The Crosses waight , whose Heart did never melt " At others smart , but living all at Randon " Gods Justice to dull ease did him abandon : " Since it is hard to have smooth comforts twice , " Both in this World and in the Heavens likewise . " Yea , most unhappy He , who for his sinne " Was never Chastned , but hath suffred beene , ( As Epicure , not Checkt by Sickenesse , Griefe , ( As Epicures till checkt by Sicknesse , Griefe , By Shipwrack , Fame , Friends losse , want of Reliefe ) By our Creatour to consume amisse His usefull Talent , and to swarve from Blisse , Without controule , or maisterly reproofe , As if God slept ; or sleighted mans behoofe . So on the other side I count him Blest , Who in this World felt Sorrow and unrest , " For we ne're feele the comforts of Gods Spirit , " Till our Flesh quailes , or outward troubles stirre it . " Fraile Flesh & Bloud may not in Heaven reside , " Till Christ his flames the same have purified . The Crosses sight the Carnall mind confounds , But it lookes bright , and with perfumes abounds Within Gods sight , who thereby maketh roome For his rare gifts to lodge in , with the broome Of Discipline sweeping foule Lusts away And the Worlds love , which bring into decay The Heavenly Seed , choakt up with Pompe & cares , Like Earthly Graine with Cockle , Thornes , & Tares . What makes a Surgeon use Corroding Waters For Festred Soares ? but that they are Abaters Of the proud Flesh ? why doe Physitians give Their Bitter Pilles unto the Sicke that grieve Of causes hid ? but that the bodyes sink Cannot be Purg'd of Filth and Humours stink , " By sweet Receipts ? no more should Gods E●ect " The Joyes of New Jerusalem expect " Without first passing through the Bloud red Seas " Of Sorrowes deepe , to gaine perpetuall ease , " I meane not Griefe for losse of worldly wealth , " Or Carnall Friends , but losse of Saving health ; " Griefe for the wordes ecclipse , Griefe for our sinne , " Griefe for the Snares , which Saints are toyled in . Who to this dying Doctrine will encline His Heart , and to Austerity confine His Life , he shall be crowned for his durance With Heavens Blisse , whereof Christ gives assurance With these true Golden Rules seal'd in the Heart : None gaines the Godheads love without some Smart . Who Christ his markes more here of Torture beares , In Heaven be the brighter Garland weares . A Hymne explaining the cause of our Saviours Sufferings on the Crosse , together with the effects of his Buriall . WE were the Cause , and none but we , Why Christ was naild unto the Tree , We were the Cause worse then the Scribes , Nay , worse then Judas with his Bribes Of Christ his death , and Guiltlesse Bloud ; We tore his Flesh , like Vipers Brood ; We drunk his Bloud , like Cannibals , Who men Redeem'd , when they were Thralles . The Jewes misus'd Him but one day , Whereas we dayly him betray , And Crucify the Lord againe , Saints in his Limmes , for spite or Gaine ; We rave farre worse then did the Jewes : Our Carnall Lusts , and Ghostly stewes , Our Pride , Deceites , and Avarice , Our Riots , Feasts , and Fopperies , Our Healthes , Debates , and losse of Time , Shew why Christ up the Crosse did climbe . Let us then waigh with Penitence Sinnes fiery sting , the Crosses sence , Let us bewayle our wretchednesse , Which brought our Saviour to distresse , And think upon these Rules with Feare : " That Trees , which are both dry and seare , " Shall sure be fell'd , since blooming Wood " Hath beene destroyed as with a Floud ; " And that all Soules shall suffer losse , " Unlesse they muse upon the Crosse , " And thereby hope for inward Peace , " The Spirits gifts , and sinnes release , " By vertue of that Costly Price , " Which hung thereon for Sacrifice . For which high Deed while we have breath , We never will forget his Death , But in our Mindes wee will infixe His Merites , Love , and Crucifixe . " His Living Rock can hide our Soares , " As Josephs Vault entomb'd his Coarse : " We may to Blisse rise up from Bale , " As Jonas did from out the Whale , " If on his Wounds wee fixe our Soules , " Like Doves that pitch on Rocky Holes . The Seventh Dayes EXERCISE . The Argument . Old thinges made New : now is Jewes Sabbath Day Chang'd to the Lords , to mind our Saviours sway , Who Rose , stay'd here sixe Weekes , then went his way To Heav'n , & Men Inspir'd on Whit-sunday . OUr two Dayes storme is cleer'd : come , let us sing , And Tribute pay to our Triumphant King Who trampling on our Foes hath led the way To Resurrections Port on the third Day After his Death , which first of their Weekes Date ●ld Hebrewes Calendar did Calculate . O Blessed Day ! most blest in the Exchange ! Whilst we do not from zeale like worldlings range ! " But all with joy for this our Worlds Creation , " And Christ his Rising , minding our vocation , " As likewise for the Holy Ghosts descent " On Whit-sunday , ten dayes from Christs Ascent , " We Holy keepe our Lords , this Seaventh day , And in his Prayse our thankfull Hymnes display , Who did , because our sinnes the Old withstood , Transferre a newer Feast cleer'd by his Bloud . Though Christ was Lord , & Sabbaths prime perfection , The manheads Crowne , yet he to make defection , Of that Dayes Rest did never Condescend , But left it us untill Times finall End. He left it us to mind th' Eternall Day ; When Time with baldnes never shall decay ; That Feast of Feasts , with none can paralell , For it above all Triumphs beares the Bell , The Harmony whereof no Tongue can tell , And more doth Our then Our the Sixe excell . The which whilst we looke for , let us foregoe Our Deeds prophane , and Pious dutyes doe On this High day . Let us congratulate With Jubilees our Resurrections state , And our through Christ redinte-gratious Peace With God the Father in his Flockes increase . Let us cheere up our Soules with Joyfull Psalmes ' And shew our Love by Prayers , Vowes , and Almes . Let all the Earth , let Christians all rejoyce , And heare Gods word , the Lord of Sabaoths voice , Not in a Language strange , or Noise unknowne , But in that Tongue which men doe terme their owne . Let them with understanding sound his Fame , And Glorify Jehovahs awfull Name , With Voices Musick , sound , and Symphony , With Davids zeale , and Asaphs Harmony . Unanimous let us proclaime his Glory , Not dreaming wise , but in a reall story , To be admir'd of all the Sonnes of Men , And Registred with adamantine Pen : All Glory be to thee , as heretofore , In Persons three , one God for evermore , " Who , least that Cares might dull our Inward sight , " Hast Weekely left us one of brighter Light , " Aswell to match the Hebrewes , as to rayse " New zeale on it for our Redeemers Praise . Because Christs Faith stood firme , not shakt at all , His Manhead calling God , God heard his Call. Because his Manhead spurn'd Hells Crown of strife , Preferring here on Earth an Humble Life , And constantly endur'd the dreadfull shock Of Perills , like a Shepheard for his Flocke , And to his Father deare did pray alone For helpe ; he at the last did heare his Mone : When he his Bloud had on the Altar shed , Soone as he sayd : All is now finished , His sacred Soule straight way to Paradise Leaving the Crosse and his Body●●yes ●●yes . Whence in Earths wombe after two Nights repose , Brave Gyant-like refresht with wine he Rose , His Body Rose from Grave , from the Whales Belly , Rays'd Jon●s-like to live Triumphantly ; For how could he , whom God ordain'd to save Old Adams Seed , be captiv'd in the Grave ? Thou art my Sonne , Mens Light , whom I begot , Sayd his just Father , and here take thy lot In choisest Soile . The H●ath●n I give to thee For Heritage , and all the world in Fee , To bruize or breake , for thy owne pretious merits ▪ Thou by thy bloud hast tam'd the wily Spirits , O murther'd Lambe ▪ Hence-forth on my Right hand Sit in thy Humane shape , none shall withstand Thy Powerfull will in Heaven , Earth , or Hell , For thou shalt judge all Men and Furyes fell . My sentence just thou hast appeas'd alone , For which mysterious deed wee both are One. Because the Wine-presse thou alone hast trod , Thy Flock shall ever dwell with mee their God. Because for Sinne thou hast endured wrong Thou shalt divide the lest spoyle with the strong . And for thy love to Man bought with thy Bloud , I Cancell quite against Old Adams Brood , Their Bodyes Death excepted , my Decree Of vengeance due , if they beleeve in thee , Without adhering to Idolatry , To their owne works , and humane Foppery . " Be thou their Patron , and sole Advocate , " ( Who trust to other Courtiers , I doe hate ) " Sue thou for them in thy Humanity " Before our Throne of endlesse Majesty ; " And for thy sake , I will Elect them sure , " For unto thee all Glory I assure , " Till th'Elect come in , and thy Foes in Thrall , " That then our God head may be all in all . To this effect our Heavenly Father spake , When his deare Sonne his Body Rais'd did take From Josephs Tombe ; when by the dawning day Those Women came there , where his Body lay Entomb'd , with mind to sacrifice their woes For Him , whom they saw Martyr'd by his Foes . To solemnize his sacred Funerall Out of true Zeale and hearty love withall , Thither they came , not Superstitiously , Nor yet for Fashion sake , but really With an intent on his Dead Corpse to powre Most pretious Oyles , but by the Heavenly Pow're They were debarr'd . For as they did adventer To shew their Love , and in the Vault would enter , An Angell all in white of lightning hew Them interrupted with these Tidings true : What would yee now , poore Soules , embalme his Coarse , Whom late your Nation wrong'd without remorse ? Why seeke yee here the Quick among the Dead ? " God 's living Sonne within an Earthly bed ? " God would not let his Sonne Corruption see , Nor could his Body long enclosed be Within this Rock . The third day now is come ; Christ Risen is from Tombe , as from earths wombe . Then goe your wayes , and his Disciples tell , What Newes yee heare , what Lot to him befell . The women shudder'd and distract almost With the strange sight , as if some wondrous Ghost Had them encountred , ran away from thence ( Such is the nature of weake mortall sense , When they meet Objects of Immortall Frame , Reason lyes hid , as under Ashes Flame ) But Pilates watch with horrour sore agast Forsook their charge , and fled away more fast Then did the women at the Angells Noise , For they ( good Soules ) were soone repleat with Joyes ; And when their Witts they recollected had , ●hrists true Disciples they acquainted made With these glad Tidings , who them held too good To be so true , untill in zealous mood Christ did himselfe expostulate the cause With two of them , who travell'd to Emaus The selfe same day , when he did Rise from Death : O simple Soules voyd of Caelestiall breath , Ought not ( quoth he ) Messias to be slaine By sinners hands ? and all these wrongs sustaine ? Do not the Prophets all agree in one , Which men refus'd should be the Corner stone ? That evermore Melchisedech's high Priest By David sung should rule ? that Jesus Christ Messias should be first smote with the Rod Due for your sinnes , by your Dread-loving God ? Though , as Gods Sonne , he might have chose to feele The Taunts and Nippes of men more hard then steele , Yet he of meere good will , not by constraint , Enthrall'd himselfe to sinners false complaint . " He opened not his mouth , nor them withstood , " But , as a Lambe before the shearer stood Dumbe , Patient , Meeke , whilst for your Treacheries He wounded was . And these perplexities With Tortures , Stripes , and scornes he underwent To ransome Adams seed from Punishment . But now yee are by his Afflictions heal●d , And through his Crosse shall shortly be enseal'd " A Gospell New , a Testament of Grace ; An easy yoake with covenants to raze The former Curse . If yee beleeve that Christ Is Gods owne Sonne , your Saviour , Prince , and Priest : If , like to him , yee humbly live together , As he rose up , so shall each faithfull Brother . These say'd , and more then my weake thoughts record By giving thankes , and breaking Bread , the Lord They knew , and then he vanisht from their sight ; He vanisht from them Twaine , and in the Night He did appeare to his Apostles , where For zeales devotion they assembled were , And catechized them for Faith and Love , With other points which might their Soules improve . Nor can I overship my ready Pen From laying downe his love to Magdalen : Whilst her confused thoughts twixt doubt and Feare Rov'd what became of his Dead Corpse elswhere ; He kindly call'd her by her proper name , Shew'd her his person , and confirm'd the same By Message , which unto his friends he bid Her to declare . Thus sundry times he did Appeare to them , whom formerly he knew To be th'Elect , and his Disciples true , That they might be Eye-witnesses , and blaze To all the world this wonder of amaze . " And that true Flesh his Body was become , " He eate with them Bread , Fish , and Honey-combe . " To shew himselfe a Perfect Man indeed , " And not a Ghost , Christ hungred , and did feed ; " Immortall he with Mortalls , as a Guest , " Tooke what was next at hand , not curious drest , " To let men know what Nature might suffice , " And that with Men He man did sympathize . Among the rest when Thomas Didymus Was absent first , and all unanimous , Excepting him , believed what they saw : Although the Newes might well his senses draw To credit them , yet he stood off , and sayd , Unlesse I see , I am not well appayd ; Unlesse these Eyes his Person shall behold , How can these Newes for currant true be told ? Unlesse my selfe shall feele his nayled hands " And side late pierst by the fell soldiers Bands , " At sight of which deepe Wound by Romane Speare " The lookers on appalled were with feare , I will not you beleeve . Therefore the Lord His wavering Creed to settle , and record To future times his love , a sev'night after His first appearance , he againe did enter Into the Roome , where Thomas with his Mates Were then shut up , and there Christ animates , Commanding him to tou●h him , and to ponder With Faith and understanding rapt with wonder His misbeliefe , and told him for our Rest , Who so beleeves what he had seen is blest . When Jesus had conversed forty dayes On Earth , halfe way twixt Sions walls he stayes And Bethany , where his Disciples met Upon the Summet of Mount Olivet , The place where he the night before his Passion Had powr'd forth bloudy sweates , his antepassion , Which over-peeres Jerusalem , and all The Countrey round about with stately fall : Where likewise some do Critickly conceive , That all men shall their Finall doome receive ; There , He full Powr ' to his Disciples gives , Their sinnes to loose , that vow to lead new lives : As also those to Excommunicate , If they offend , that were Regenerate . " This Charge to them and Peter Christ prescribes " Joint , as to judge hereafter Israells Tribes : " Thus speaking in the Plurall : Go your wayes , And Preach ; to bind or loose yee have the keyes . Above all rules , on Faith he most insisted And fruitfull Love , both which who so resisted With wanton spleen , or contumacious willes , He prophesied Damnation for their Illes : But saving-health to them , who should confesse Such faithfull love , as Peter did expresse . Assoone as Christ his documents had ended , Some did presume , who on him there attended , To aske him , whether then he would restore To Israel the Kingdome as before ? ( Forgetfull so of Jesus Crucifixt Were they , and to a Carnall Monarch fixt ) Whereto Christ answer'd : It concernes not you To know the times and seasons which ensue . Such secrecies the Father doth reserve Unto himselfe . Do you my words observe , Who am your King , the Head of humane-kind , As I to you , so to my Flock be kinde ; My Gospell Preach , the weak ones Catechize ; See , that my Sheepe yee feed , my Lambes Baptize , Invoking on , as you have learn'd of me , The Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost , all three ; Which Last shall shortly you Baptize with Fire , As John with Water , and your Soules inspire , As Gods Viceroy , or Angell of the Lord , By Heat of what I taught , the saving word , Untill I come in Person from Above , See that yee Watch , and one another Love. Such or like words when Christ had fully ended , He in a Cloud up to the Heavens ascended , Where he as God and Man all thoughts beholds Preferred by the Father , and there holds As Man for Men , a Mediatours place On Gods right hand , Saints joyfull to imbrace As God and Man , Paules Fury he did fright : As God and Man , Saint Steven saw his Light. So did Saint John from Pathmos see his glory , When he reveal'd his future Churches story . By Visions have some others ravisht beene , That they from Earth his Power there have seen : " For had we seen him here with Carnall sight , " Our Darknesse could not comprehend his light . Whilst his Disciples there with carefull Eyes Watcht as he went , two Angells humane-wise Apparell'd white appearing to them said : Yee Galileans , why are yee dismai'd ? Why gaze yee up ? This Jesus , who is hence , To Heaven gone , shall so returne from thence . Seeke not therefore his reall presence heere On Earth , untill as Judge he do appeare : Meane time on Gods right hand a Prince and Priest He raignes , and doeth you in your vowes assist . On Whitsunday next after Christs ascent He ravisht his Disciples with content , Who then attended at Jerusalem For the last promise , which he made to them : That he would send Gods Spirit in his steed , To rectify and ayde them in their need , And , while the world should last , his Church informe In some or other place with wondrous Forme . When that high feast of Pentecost was come , And for that end they meeting in one Roome With one consent : there fell a bustling noise , Or suddaine sound , replete with stirring joyes , As of a mighty Breath , and rushing Wind , Which fill'd the House , and wonder-rapt the mind : For Cloven Tongues appear'd to them , like Fire ; And sate on each of them , and did inspire Their Soules with giftes of the great Holy Ghost : So that the Standers by of Aliens Coast Astonisht were th'Apostles joyes to heare , Men of a diff'rent Tongue and Climate there , Poore Hebrew Fishermen , that never went Far out of Jewry Land , extatick bent With them in their owne Language to agree , And in their zeale to God to be so free , And fluent of their Phrase , that Babels Breach Seem'd reconcil'd by their harmonious speech Some thought they were like Bardhs Enthusian rapt , Or that strong Wine in them such Blabs had clapt ; That men before the third houre of the day Should rave with Wine , they wondred with dismay : They were amaz'd , till Peter made it knowne , That for Christs sake God sent this wonder downe , Not for Mad fits , but for Soules joyfull feast , God sent the Holy Ghost this wondrous Guest . O Wondrous Guest , that vents forth Abbaes Cry Within the Heart , the will , and memorie ! O wondrous Guest , the Heavens Harbinger , That scornes not to become the Messenger Betwixt our Soules and God to beare our Love , And our weak Faith to strengthen and improve ! That sever'd Earth from Chaos medley Puddle , And rays'd our Orbe out of the lumpish Huddle ! And though the Earth were heavy , hung it faire , With store of stuffe in the loose fleeting Aire ! This is that Prime and ever quickning Mover Of all the world , Angells and Mens approver ; That spirit , which through all Gods Prophets spoke , Which taught the sense of Mysticks to unlock ; Which clear'd the Wits of simple Fishermen To preach those Newes , which Doctours fayl'd to pen : " Which rul●d in every Age since Christs Ascent " The Church , and dayly yeelds Soule-nourishment : " Which at our feast Christs Body doeth convay " Into our Hearts by his Spirituall way : " Which sent the gift of Printing now of late , " Old Babels spelles and mists to dissipate ; " And by the Word to rescue Thralles from death " As he at first the gift of Tongues did breath : " Which animates the Saints with courage rare " In midst of Tortures Tyrants to out dare : " Which glads the Lowly , and the Penitent , " And thousands doth unite in one Consent " Of Christian Faith , though sundred much in place , " Tongues , rites , or forme , yet one in sacred race . O Holy-ghost , how strange is thy proceeding ! Angells and mens capacities exceeding ! No pen can limne thy Raptures most profound , No humane voice can thy hid Graces sound . One thing I blunder out ; what thou conceal'st From carnall Clarkes , to Children thou reveal'st . Then let my Soule , O Lord , be like these last , Whilst others feast on Peacocks , let me fast , Or tast no other Food , but what conduces To praise thy Name without prophane abuses : And let all them , who view these humble Lines , Prove better'd in their thoughts with contrite signes , If the old man they labour to deface , And do their best the new man to imbrace , Not like our moderne Gulles , who grow Profane , Lest they be markt with brand of Puritane . Let us Gods Spirit by these Wonders seeke ; These Wonders wrought the first day of the Weeke , Our sevenths Light , now styled The Lords day , Thrice hallowed and sanctifi'd for Ay ; For this rare Blisse to Christian Soules accrewes , That Christ his rising up their hopes renewes , To Rise , like him , ingrafted in his stock , To quench their thirst with him , the living Rock , To bud a new , as Branches of his Vine , To feed on Angells food , his word divine . He led the way to Resurrections blisse , And us invites to follow him in this High flight , without diverting towards Earth , But with due care of the new Spirits Birth , Our former resurrection in this Life , To gaine th' immortall prize through strong beliefe , With those true joyes , which did but Monarchs know , They would foregoe their Crownes the same to ow ; A glimpse whereof for undestanding Soules Wee read by John reveal'd in mystick scroules With those delights , wreathes , and immunities ; Which God allots to Saints in Paradise : But for the Temper , Place , Degrees , or Site No Astrolabe , nor Braine of worldly wight Can apprehend the height , Dimension , Rayes , Unlesse they fall on false Poetick wayes . Yet Paradise some to the Moone confine , And there to be another World define Of moving Groves by Galilees late Glasse , Where Apuleius found his Golden Asse : Whence likewise came Dame Errours Charmed Lamp Which kindled Legends of th' Elisian Camp , And Limboes field , which Royall James ( to hit False Dreamers home ) conceiv'd for Hauking fit . Others more Sage in Types describe that Place : A Starry Soile eng●rt with Crystall Glasse , Or Sea translucent with stones pretious rankes , Pearle , Amber , Beds of Corall on the Bankes . These may , as Tropes , rowze up the drowzy mind , " But to empale Gods Mansions , were to blind " The Artizans , and to confound the Sense , " If curiously they break to Edens fence . " The azur'd Spheare , wherto my hopes are bound , " Spirituall stands , above this massy Round : " Of lively frame , not like our mortals Land , " Or Temples built by carnall Creatures hand ; " A Common-wealth secur'd from fiendes alarmes , " Wonne by our Saviours bloud , and Ghostly Armes , Which long before he promis'd to prepare For them that would through Faith his Foes out-dare . " There , in the midst of Saints God rear'd for them " A Metropole , the New Jerusalem , " Not of Materialles wrought in Earthly mould , " But of Celestiall stuffe more bright then Gold , " Then Diamonds , which Liquids may deface " Or Canker-fretting Time the Fabrick raze . The structure might be one with Fixed Starres , Or like that Lamp , which ●●●ting stints our cares ; An Orbe so farre transcending Edens site , As doeth the Sunne the Moone , the Day the Night ; Where He , that made the Sunne , more glorious spred The New mans giftes then Schoolemen ever read : " A Region of incomparable Light , " The Globe or Seat whereof no Humane sight , " Till Glorified , can pry into , nor Art " By reason of the Lustre can impart , No more then Paul by Christ in spirit brought Up to that Orbe , of it could utter ought ; No more then we dare scan the Trinity , Or weak Eyes see the Sunnes resplendencie . Since puzled we in Natures secrets be : What Natures Lord conceal'd , how can we see ? Nay , why should we presumptuously aspire To peep into Gods Ark ? or steale his Fire ? Old Scribes Prometheus voucht of Grace bereft For robbing Joves bright Fire ( a heynous theft ) Now more then this ( least Fancies me deceive ) I blaze not of that Orbe what I conceive : " Mansions of endlesse Joyes , and sweet Repose " God made for Men and Angels , whom hee chose , " For Men and Angels , who should side with Christ " Against Hell-fiendes , the Beast , and Antichrist . But whether in our Zones chang'd , or refin'd , Or Higher Orbes , I leave it undefin'd . " Let this suffice : no object represents " There , more then God to Soules departed hence , " Which honour'd Christ , nor can divert their Sight " From fixing on his Beames their whole delight , Chiefly , at that Eternall Jubilee , When Saints shall from Hell-squadrons parted be . " By his great Light through Christ Saints there shall shine " So bright , that their new shape will turne Divine , " Compacted of the purest Quintessence , " Which Aire and Flame could work in Humane sence . The Body , which on Earth so clog'd the Soule Terrestriall , shall no more that Guest controule , But mounted up in Ovall Coach of Fire , Elias-like , doeth to the Heavens aspire , " And , like high Eagles wings , both here and there " Comports with Christ the Manhead up to beare ; " Of Motion swift , of Strength without compare , " Like Seraphins all Love , of beauty rare , " Leagu'd with the Soule in sympathizing frame , " Of Qualities aethereall mixt with flame , " Of glorious mould , not subject unto sinne , " Disease , or griefe , as the first man hath been ; " Like Cherubins all Light , compos'd of Light , Saints then shall raigne in a farre happier plight Install'd then Chinaes King , or Tibers Priest With triple Crowne , which cannot long subsist , For these at death leave Corpse and States behind : As those beare Bodies new , like Christs refin'd , With whom they reap more pleasures and content Then Tongue can tell , Eares heare , or Fancies vent . " No Sexes Forme shall then preoccupate " The Sense , since Fate had procreations date " Worne out , and cancell'd Lust in Evaes Race , " Her Choisest blest with even blooming Grace . " Because on Earth they trusted God alone , " And lov'd his Saints , he made them with Christ One. " Both Young and Old , though maimed , burnt , or drown'd , " Shall flourish then alike with Members sound , Of Body span'd , yet purg'd of Drossy Masse , Perhaps , like Christs ( which some would force to Masse ) With Knowledge ripe of Goodnesse , voyd of Ill , From Passions free , and rectified in Will ; " Perhaps at the same Age , when Adam fell , " Or Christ Rose up triumphant over Hell. There they shall sing and prayse the Lord alway ; Not having need at all to sue or Pray . O how they move with mutuall zealous fire To prayse the Lord for sparing in his Ire Old Jacobs Tribes ! for chusing him and them , While he did Esau and his Brood contemne ! They see themselves cull'd from the Gentiles throng , Though they deserv'd to sing their howling Song : " For though God did all future things foresee , " He did till then no Reprobates decree , " But them reserv'd with Divells to partake , " Till Christ judge them to Tophèts burning Lake . They know the state of all the damned Crew , And thereupon their thankfull shoutes renew , Ascribing Prayse with Hymnes Angelicall To Alpha and Omega , God in all : " Of one consent , one will , one yea and nay , With the like Musick , and Harmonious Lay. Such Blisse on the eternall Sabbath day Crownes them , when God their Bodies shall array , Who in the Lambe believ'd , and did their best By doing Good to gaine his Sabbaths Rest. As meaner Men made Lords weare Habites new , So shall our Bodies then be chang'd anew , The good invested with perfections rare : The bad with hideous shapes , and hellish Care. Then many , now which stalk with Peacocks Plumes , With various Garbes , with Licks , and Baudes perfumes , More ugly shall appeare then Toades , or Bugges , Which Children scare from screaming for the Dugges . " Nor will the Good then pitty the Distrest , " Because Gods love had Natures Foames supprest . Embosom'd Couples , which on Earth embrast , The one shall be receiv'd , the other cast : " Where humble Saints shall surely be preferr'd , " And Tenants set above their Lords that err'd . " Our Saviour , Enoch , and Elias led " The way , to shew that God the Quick and Dead " Can raise : that Mortalls have regain'd their Breath , Yea , from their Graves Saints rose at Christs his Death . This Doctrine seemes to Carnall Sadduces ●carce true , although they see in Summer Trees ●nd Corne to sprout with other vegetalles ; ●hough they see yearly many Animalls , ● Swallowes are , Silkwormes , and Butterflies , ●evived when the Sunne doth hotter rise . Then , since Those Life by the Sunnes heat have wonne , Why should not Men by Him that made the Sunne ? Such Sotts have been , and such ( I feare ) there are Too many Faithlesse ones , that never care Here in this Life the certaine meanes to gaine Of glorious Shape in time to come againe , ( Like skittish Maydes , who at the fairy Game Do Daunce , untill their Bellies swell with shame . ) Nor how fares Truth , nor what a Christian ailes ; Will they yet learne , untill the Fiend prevailes , What shall become of Body or of Soule , So they may Feast and drinke without controule . The Mirrours of the Moone are trimm'd a new , Whose Face the foure Weekes Terme had dimm'd the Hew . See they not bred of Putrefaction Flies ? And Barnacles from Wood or Pitch to rise ? To heare the Birth of the Arabian Bird With Golden wings from Ashes Pile they gird . They see huge Pompions of small seedes renew , Yet they make doubt that men shall Rise anew . They see the Salamander in the Flame Unscorched lives , yet they are void of shame . Some in our Time quite dead againe have liv'd By Miracle ; and some by drinks reviv'd : Yea , when the Bird out of the Cage did roame , The Soule reverted back into her home . In heavy sleepe they feele the Soule to range , And yet they doubt of the Immortall change . But thou hast sent , O bright Celestiall Light , Into our thoughts a Guest to teach us right . " O sacred Faith , our Charter , Aarons Rod , " Great wonder-worker betwixt Soules and God , The chiefest Barre betwixt our Sinnes and Hell , The Quintessence of Flowrs of sweetest smell . " Faith conquers all , Mountaines of Sinnes removes , " Makes Lions Lambes , and Kites more mild then Doves , " And may be styl'd the Gospells Golden Glosse , " To know aright the meaning of the Crosse. This is that Rock unseen with Carnall Eyes , Whereon our Church stands firme , in spite of Spies Late sent from Hell Christs Building to deface , And with false Newes disperst to darken Grace . This is our New mans sure and constant Rock , Whose sense from Lambs old Reynard seekes to lock . This pretious Gift we gaine from Grace above , ●ut flyes away , if we prophane Gods Love ●lipsing it on the Lords glorious day ●ith worldly mist , false Fire , or Heathnish play , ●he old Mans Tricks , his stale and stinking Leaven ; For if that Day we Rest not , we lose Heaven : " I meane from Gaine , Lust , and unlawfull Playes , " Or Worke , which might be done on other dayes " We must refrayne , and our owne Carnall wayes " Set farre behinde the course of Sabbath dayes , " Except our Mother Church , which holds the Keyes " To binde or loose , dispence with Exercise , " Or with some harmles Joyes at vacant howres " To sweeten Cares , and raise the vitall Powres , " Which might grow drowzie , sad , or drooping dry " For want of Motion and due Symmetry . " Provided that the Soules chiefe faculties " Be not betwitcht too much with vanities : " And that our sportes , or Recreations bee " From Spleen , or G●ll , Bibbing , or swearing free : That we rejoyce in presence of the Lord , Like Man and Wife , of one minde and Accord . Provided , that what Money we shall Play , Or hap to winne , we count it lent away , And so Conferre it to avoyd Abuse , For mending wayes , the Church , or Lazars use : " But in this Point let Saints be circumspect , " Lest at their Play the Serpent them infect . " Provided still , we may Advantage winne " On that set day to put downe Raigning Sinne , And glorify with mutuall one Accord , And holy Hearts our Sabbaths gracious Lord Who knowes that Man is full of Imperfections , And by degrees must climbe to more Perfections . So have I seene some Children from the Dugges By leasure wean'd , then , terrify'd with Bugges From screaming lowd , and afterwards with Bells Appeas'd , like Angry Bees , untill their Yelles They quite left off , ashamed of their Folly , And grew in time more stayd , devout , and Holy. So I have know'n , where men were most Precise , In Forraigne Partes , that some did exercise At Buttes with Arrowes , or with Bullets Play Between the Sermon While on this High day . The like Effects our Elders Tolerations May bring to passe amidst our Profanations , That when our sweaty Hobs have daunc'd their fill , They and their Marians mount to Sions Hill ; Or else deferre their Games and Alchouse Bowles , ●ill sacred Liquour hath bedew'd their Soules , ●or then I hope our New man will extend ●is quickning Heat , that their Old man will bend , ●nd stoope , like Josephs Brethren , overcome ●ith th'Awfull splendour of succeeding Doome , ●hat shall inflicted be on Libertines ●or slighting Prophets , and their sacred lines , 〈◊〉 their abuse of Christian Liberty , 〈◊〉 causing scandall with Impiety ; ●or keeping back Gods Tythes , and starving those , " Who might Soul-fed our Sabbaths Foes oppose . O would my words might pierce into the Flint , And strike remorse with Numbers feeling dint In them , who to support their Pride , ingrosse The Meanes , whereby ensues the Churches Losse ; In them , that put no cautious difference Betwixt the Lords and other Dayes in sence , Good ends , and use , like those who sometimes fed On the Lords Body , as on Common Bread. But leaving these , like Achans , to themselves , Or to be rankt among the Fairy Elves , I hope the Gospells Light , which now shines bright In Brittaines Ile , will so confound the Night Of misty sinnes , that we shall shunne the Rock Of Scandall , and be grafted in one stock , As Members of our All-puissant Head , Whose Ten-fold Lawes the greatest States must dread , And by their Light twixt Motion , Love , and 〈◊〉 Cause Lesser Starres , like Charles his Waine , to draw That Head and Parts may joine in unity , While Charles his Name renewes whole Charity . Membra Caputque ligant Charites , quas Carolus ambi● Dum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 renovat Rex nomen & omen . Blest be that Light , which late in Oxford shone , And there Inspir'd faire Englands Royall Throne : " Our Carriers , Carts , and Wayne-men to restraine , " Who sullied Sabbath dayes for greedy Gaine . Blest be that Act , which served for a Charme Amidst our vowes , to stay Gods Thundring Arme , That scar'd from Westminster our Parliament With Fiery dartes and Arrowes Pestilent . No strict Edict could cease the Dismall knells : No Judges Writ could stay sad Londons Bells . " No Golden Fee , the Soule of Eloquence , " Could further Suits against the Pestilence . Our Gallants then , ( so for their Out-side styl'd , ) Thence hurryed fast away , like Creatures wilde . The Courtiers fled , so did Rich Londoners ; The Coachmen fled : so did the Waggoners . Both Sexes fled , yea , Men of all degrees ; Grave-diggers Gaine downe waigh'd the Lawyers Fees , Though sithence some complain'd of Fees abate : For many weekely Graves but few of late . Our Fashions , Beauties , and daub'd Jezabels Tooke then for Fiends the Noise of Tolling Bells . Few stay'd behind , save some in hope of Gaine , Or those for Christ who shrunkt not to be slaine . Nay they , who bragg'd of Aromatick Pots , Cures for the Poxe , and soveraigne Antidotes Against the Plague , then brookt not London streets , Lest they might daunce the winding of the Sheets . But now attend , a Wonder great I tell , Which thousands can as yet remember well : " Assoone as that New Act came published , " The Plague abated , and few perished . This an Eye-witnesse of their Desolations , Their Trades Decrease , their Woes , and Lamentations , In that great Citty , where the Sicknesse raign'd , I then their Guest undaunted , not constrain'd , Do testify for our Preservers prayse And to reclaime them , who shall read these Layes , With Dalilaes from dallying over-long , Their sweetest sinnes , I meane , Gods day to wrong ; " Gods day of Rest his Wonders to display , " Gods day for mans best part , Soules Holy-day ; On which High day the Spirits Gate stands ope , And we may then for store of Graces hope . I●t not absurd New sweet Wine to put in Old Butts not first well purified within ? And is it not Profane to Sacrifice To God , before the Soule be cleans'd of Vice ? How many wayes may we redeeme the Times , If we apply our Willes thereto betimes ? The Mornings prime in Prayer to the Lord We ought to Sacrifice , and to record His wondrous Acts unto our Families , Or Neighbours , whom with Charitable Ties The Chaine of Faith hath linked in together , As Fellow Saints . The Noone-tide we may either In sober Meales , or in Almes-giving spend . The Afternoone to gentle Walkes may tend , There , more to prayse the Flowers variety , Then Salomon in all his Royalty , To suck the Hilles , or fragrant Gardens Aire ; " Or it may tend to make the Soule more faire , " By reading Scriptures , or the Martyrs wrongs , " Choise Catechismes , Sermons , or sacred Songs . To shew us zeale against a Graven Elfe , Moses broke the Tables of God himselfe . The like pure Flame burnt in Phinehes Soule , When he with Steele foule Whoredome did controule . Do we contend in Lawfull Warres debate ? Or in defence of our Religions state ? Who in Old time more constantly did brook Proud Giants scornes ? Or with more Patience took Their Flouts , which did at his good Sermons bark Then Noe , whilst he built his famous Ark ? Who better did Gods Chosen Souldiers guide Then Abram , Josuab , and the valiant David ? Who more resolv'd to fight in a good Cause Then the brave Maccabees for Moses Lawes ? Would you observe a Kings , or Judges Part ? Their lawfull Charge grave Moses doeth impart ; As Subjects Dammage by their winkt at Bribes , And Tyrannies old Samuels Book describes . Would yee Rule well your selves ? a House ? or State ? These Salomon and Sirach moderate . Ere Sidrach , Misach , and Abednego Would Idolize , the Fire they undergo ; Nor could the Lions Den , nor Medes decree , From serving God enforce good Daniels Knee . Do we desire to see a harmelesse Mask With Daunces , Songs , and Shoutes ? Here is a Task For our New man with David to consult And Judaes Kings ; whilst Incest doeth insult On that great Baptists Life from Jordan led To pay unto a Frisking Mayd his Head. Comforts for Griefe wee feele in Davids Psalmes , By Jeremy , by Job , or Tobiths Almes . What wonders do the Spirits Penmen teach Perform'd by Saints beyond Dame Natures reach ? Do we affect to drink most wholesome Wine ? Go we to Cana , or to Christ the Vine , Where without charge both White and Red abound To cheere sad Soules , while Christ his Health goes round . Would wee see acted a rare Convertite ? Damascus shewes us Paul Christs Favorite . Would we discerne the Newman in his strength ? The Gospell paints his Portraiture at length . Would we behold She-paragons of Beauty ? Or of that Sexe some others False and Haughty ? Sara , Rebecca , Rachel , Debora , Miriam , and she that nailed Sisera : So Hanna , Ruth , Priscilla , Magdalen , And Philips Nunnes deserve a Prophets Pen. So Judith , Ester , and Susanna Chast ; And she within all Glorious , that 's embrac't By Heavens King , with Sunny Robes adorn'd , Maugre the plots of men by Fiendes suborn'd , Whose prayse we find blaz'd in the Canticles , Extended then , and since by Oracles . So for her Zeale , with them I parallel Christs Prophetesse , the Widow Phanuel . These Female sparkes invite my Soule a Guest , And so the Churches Type at the Lords Feast Sweet Mary blest in the Superlative Cheeres me , with her whom Zachary did wive , Who brought , like Sara , forth in Ancient Age A Prophet to proclayme Christs Pilgrimage . The Elect Lady , Hulda the Prophetesse , Lydia , and Dorcas make a Holy Messe . Then , Jezabel I read , and Babels Whore , Both rampant bent the Church of God to gore . Last , Athaliaes Fate from Bloudy snares , Saphiraes me from Double dealing scares ; As likewise do from Gadding Dinaes Fall , Lots wife , and Evaes Doome good Dames recall . These Histories , or such in Holy writ Exemplified this sacred Day befit . Good Bookes advance the Newmans Sacrifice , But Bad to Heathnish vice soft Braines entice . Therefore let us borne of the Spirits seed , Immortall , scorne our Christian Mindes to feed With Tales , vaine Sports , or fond Lascivious Bookes , Which Fiendes suggest for Soules as shining Hookes . Exploites belied on Patrick , Arthur , Guy , The Peeres of Fraunce , or Spaines bald knightly Fry ; To the intent , that from Gods word the Will Might be seduc'd , t' apprehend more Ill. Arming our Mindes , let us our Bodyes too , The Parcels of Christs Temple , not undoe With Drunken Healthes , the Divells Sacrifice In these last Times , nor yet Apicius-wise , " With various kindes of Gurmandizing Cheere , " Which dimmes with noysome Fumes the Spirits Cleere , " And the Five senses so intoxicates " That Pulpits blush to see such Nodding Pates . How oft saw we some at this Holy Tide More Sensuall bent then any day beside ? Some haunting more the Taverne then the Church ? Some on the Spoile , some living on the Lurch ? And some farre more to deck their Out-side bent , Then by Gods word to feele Soule-ravishment ? Strutting more oft to Church with Painted Wings , Then to beare thence Soule-wares & sacred things ? Yet presse I not too peevishly Precise , " But Christians may in comely modest wise " Weare what they list , so that their glittring Port " Cause no offence unto the weaker sort : " So that their Pomp do not Devotion let , " I care not how in Forraigne Robes they jet . What Hurrying Noise ? what March ? and rumbling Coile , As if they went unto a Play , or Broile , Do Gallants keep wirh Coaches in the Street ? When they at Church should Saints most humbly greet ? Since God allowes to the Domestick Beast , Which labour'd the sixe Dayes , our Sabbaths Rest : How dare they then his Creatures put to Paine ? More to proclaime their Pomp , then Peace to gaine ? Such Sabbath-breakers ( I do greatly feare ) Before the Lambe preferre proud Lucifer . Yet for this Clause let not the Courtly Eare Mistake my sence : for I do not averre , But that in their Caroach , or their Sedan , Without Disgust to the most Puritan , The Aged , Weak , or those of tender feet May use what Meanes they please in Church to meet , When with lowd Threates tempestuous Winds do raigne , Or When the Cloudes dissolve to dropping Raine ; So that their Hearts be voyd of swelling Pride , And that their Journey be with Christ to side , Who , when he did in greatest Triumph passe On Earth as Man , rode on a Simple Asse . Nor do I waigh such points so strict a way , But Fishers , Cookes , and Pothecaries may Labour , or save what would be cast away , If on the Eve they toyle not for that Day . But I could wish good Christians not to play The Epicures on the Lords Sabbath Day , Causing their Cookes to dresse more Choice of Meate Then Heliogabale could digest to eat , Whilst that ten Quailes or Phesants in one Dish His Panda●s sauc'd with Pearle and Ambergriese . God graunt , that we more suting our Vocation May ruminate with serious Meditation This wholesome Feast , which I have plainely drest , And those New Rules , which I have now exprest For Boyling Braines swelld up with Arrogance , That they may stoup , and feele the Spirits Traunce , To do Gods Will , to muse on Heavenly Joyes , And not to clinche those Joyes through worldly Toyes . Lord , here we yeild thee thanks , though soyld with Errours , And round about beset with many Terrours , For turning Brittaines Iland from a Beast To be Baptiz'd , and of Baptiz'd the Best , While she doeth firmely to thy Pledges stick , To thy true Seales , and Spirits Candlestick . Praysed be thou , who hast to us reveald The Certaine Meanes , whereby we may be heal'd Of Natures Spots , and those Contagious Evills Heapt on us by the World , the Flesh , and Devills , More in these Latter Times then heretofore , When our Great Tempter lay enthralled more , And of his Stings curb'd by the Holy Ghost , Till Babels Whore perk'd up , and rul'd the rost . Which sacred Meanes we humbly pray thy Grace May still support us in our New-mans Race , As we begunne so with more Love to burne , Untill thy Sonne Incarnate shall returne With Finall Doome to judge the Dead and Quick , The Dead in Faith , and the Church Catholick . A joyfull Hymne to be sung on the Lords Day , winding up the Sevenths Dayes Exercise . REjoyce , yee Saints , hoyse up your highest Sayles , And magnify with loud Hosa●●aes hayles The Lord , that first saluted from the Grave Fraile Adams Sonnes , and them their debts forgave . Spread forth his Sabbaths Palmes , sing joyfull Psalmes , Attend his word , and to the Poore give Almes . How Amiable and Cordiall is thy Word Above all Objects els , O mighty Lord ! How ravishing with Pleasures Manifold Surmounting Musick , Pomp , or heapes of Gold , Sounds in our Hearts the Heavenly Bridgroomes voice ! How sweetly ring those Peales of Hallowed Noise , Thrice Holy sung by Hoasts of Cherubins ? Thrice answer'd by Love Flaming Scraphins ? " O Unity thrice blest in Trinity ! " O Trinity thrice blest in Unity ! For the pursuit of which Harmonious straine , Though fully we cannot as yet attaine To that brave Pitch by reason of our Fogges , Thy Grace yet drawes the will , and dries our Bogges . So if we glaunce , as through a Glasse , a while At their sweet Tunes , and in thy Laud Compile Some zealous worke to testify our Love , And ready will , which therewithall may move Thy Saints on Earth to warble forth thy Prayse , Thou art well pleas'd as with the Widowes Mite , Who Abrams deed didst by a Ramme acquite . Teach us , O Christ , to waigh th' effect and Cause Of this Dayes Rest , like those whom at Emaus Thou mad'st with zeale to burne the selfe same day , When thou didst Rise and metst them by the way ; That we with Vowes , and Sabbaths true Delight May think on thee without the least despite Of Spleene , or Gall , which might prophane the Time , And blacke our Soules with a Notorious Crime , If we neglect our Duties and thy Call , Now to appeare at this thy Feastivall . W●thdraw our mindes from Natures fond desires , Or Ruffling showes which might put our Fires , And make some justly call our Day of Rest A Carnall Time , or Saturnalian Feast . " Restraine our Longing Fits from all excesse " Of Meats and Drinke , which might our Wits oppresse , " And by their mounting Fumes up to the Braine , " Thee to neglect our Noblest Part constraine , " And cause us , Nabal-like , the Sots to play , " When we to Thee our Thankfull vowes should pay ; For on this Day thy Cabinet stands ope , And we on it for store of Jewells hope . O let us not , like to that Thorny Ground , Be choakt with worldly Cares , but Fruitfull found , And watchfull still , attending on thy Word At this thy Sabbaths Feast , it to record , And edify our Neighbours as our selves , Before our Crimes link us with frantick Elves ; Or to Conclude , before thou do remove , As Sonne of Man , in Person from Above , To judge Mankinde , which shortly we expect , And on the seventh Day , as some suspect . Good Lord , by vertue of thy Sabbaths Rest , According to thy will grant our Request ; That , as thou didst with Body Glorified Rise up from Death , so we Soule-purified May Rise from Sinne , and up to Heav'n ascend , And not to Hell , like damned Ghosts , descend . All Glory be to Thee , as heretofore , In Persons three , one God for evermore . Amen . Another Hymne in our Redeemers Prayse . LEt all that soil'd the Precepts Ten , New Day-light crave through Christ. Amen . And let all Angells , Saints , and Men For ever blesse Christs Name . Amen . Amen , Amen sound we , like Thunder , That at our Zeale the World may wonder , That at our Noise the World agast , May turne to Christ now at the last , To tune his Prayse with Newer Tongues , And with the Heart more then the Lunges . Let Christ be Alpha in our Songes , And our Omega , as belonges To Catholickes of Christian stock , The Spirits seed , Sheep of one Flock . Let all our Thoughts conspire in One , To fixe our Faith on Christ alone , And with one voice aloud to Sing : " Christ is our Head , Judge , Saviour , King : " The Prince of Angells , Gods Delight , " The Crowne of Saints , Mens only Light ; " The Womans Seed , the Sonne of God , " Which on the Head of Satan trod ; " The Lion borne of Judaes Ligne , " The Root of Jesse , Mount Calvares Signe ; " The Glorious Starre of our New Birth , Whence springs our Peace , and sweetest Mirth . The second part . BOth First and Last , as we begunne , Let us applaud our Makers Sonne With lowd Hosannaes every day , Like chirping Birds in Moneth of May ; Like Consorts Tune , or Ring of Bells , Let us shew how our Love excells , And never cease Christs Name to ring , Till we meet all as in one Ring , Or Circle round : whence no Disunion Shall ever part our Hearts Communion . Like Nightingales in Summers Bowre , Let us on Christ thinke every howre , And never leave to blaze his Story , Untill we meet this Lord of Glory , This Lord of Lord , that crusht the sting Of our great Foe : for which we sing All prayse to him that conquerd Sinne , And did for us the Triumph winne . Amen . The New-mans Song , of Thankesgiving after the Receiving of the Communion . WE took this Day Christs Flesh and Bloud Drest in the Forme of sacred Food . We fed on Bread surmounting Wealth , We drank Christs Wine of Saving Health . O Mystick signes ! O Grace Divine Transferred from the Heavenly Vine , And Living Bread that came from God To warme and change our Earthly Clod ! We took those Signes , like Baskets rare , But opening them most dainty Fare We found to please our Spirits Tast , We found enough to break our Fast. We felt our Soules cast in New Mould , And changed from the Creature Old. Love made us all of one consent , Faith wrought in us the Lords Intent : To mind his Passion , Death , and Love , Till He to Judge comes from Above . By these two Gifts we grow to be Christs Body from disunion free . By them , like Floure bak't in one Loafe , The Lord feedes us under our Roofe . By them , like Lines we meet in one Firme Center , in Gods Truth alone , Gods Truth , that blest our Christian spouse With happy Lot , like Obeds House Blest for the Ark , while there it stayd , When Others were by it dismayd . The second part . WE yeeld thee Thanks , most Gratious Lord , Who doest Faiths Light to us record ; That they , who at thy Table feed , In spirit must Christs Passion heed . O let us then with Holy Traun●e From Carnall sense our Thoughts advance . Let Christ behold us in the West , Like to those Wise men of the East , Greeting his Crosse and his Vprising , As they his Birth and Manger Prizing . Let Christ our vowes of Thankes behold , Our Faith more Pure then Ophirs Gold , Our Hearts more bruis'd then Myrrhes Perfume , Our Love more sweet then Incense-fume . This good Advise we will ingrosse Within our Soules , and mount the Crosse. His Crosse we feele . But now we heare An Angell say , He is not here . Christ , whom yee seek , is Risen up Having now made your Foes to stoup . Untill Doomesday his Body none Shall see on Earth , for he is gone To Heaven . There , behold your Christ On Gods Right hand , a King , a Priest , An Advocate without a Fee Pleading to have Faiths Household free . Draw neere his Throne , and without doubt The Golden Scepter he holds out . He will extend his Spirits Grace , Whilst yee in Spirit seek his Face , Not wresting your Soule-Feast more reall Then Paul , who termes it Christs Memoriall . This Traunce stirres up true Saints to Joy Like Him , who , though an Embryon Boy , Within the Wombe seem'd to rejoice , Soone as his Damme heard Maries voice . The Babe did spring , and so do we At our Soule-feast with Jubilee . Unto the Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost Be Prayse both here and throughout every coast , As of Old time hath been , is now their due , And ever shall in Heaven and Earth renew . Let Heaven and Earth by Angells , Saints , and Men To God rebound with Glories sound . Amen . The New mans Song of Thanksgiving after our Ordinary Meales . 1. THe Lord be Blest , who gave us Food In season for the Bodyes Good. Our God be prais'd for evermore , Who our desires supply'd with store Of Meat and Drinke more then would serve For Natures use or we deserve . No Need we feele , no want we know : So doth the Lord his Giftes bestow . 2. He never leaves his Saints in need , But Carks for them , and for their Seed . He leaves them not with Beggers shame To starve , if they call on his Name , He taught them how to blesse their Meate , By giving Thankes for what they Eate , No Need we feele , &c. 3. Unto his Flock , just Abrams stock , He Water gave out of the Rock : With Manna fill'd their Hungry Mawes : And Cloyd with Quayles their longing Crawes He Car'd for Ravens and their Breed , And Ravens made Elias feed . No need we feele &c. 4. He David holpe in Banishment : He Daniel made with Pulse content : He with wilde Fruit did John sustaine , And his Elect from Dearth maintaine . He Thousands in the Desert fed With a few Fish and Loaves of Bread. No need we feele &c. 5. One Day He sends us store of Flesh ; Another time Fish salt and Flesh , And commonly Bread , Ale , and Beere , Milke , Fruite , and Wine , our Hearts to cheere . Yea , Junckets fetcht from Sun-burnt Spaine , Which do too oft our Tables staine . No need we feele &c. 6. How Gratious is Almighty God Unto vile Man , an Earthly Clod ! Thus to provide and Carke for him , That oft himselfe filles to the Brimme With more then serves for Nourishment , For hungers sauce , or Soules content . No need we feele &c. 7. God graunt that we his Creatures use Do Thankfull take without abuse , Not loathing them as over-cloyd , Nor them devouring over-joy'd ; That as of Need Saints toyle for Wealth , So we Feast not for Lust , but Health . No need we feele , no want we know ▪ So doth the Lord his Giftes bestow . The New mans Triumph in English and Latine measures presented to the Kings most excellent Majesty . WHo Christ his Birth , Life , Death , and Rising up From Death to Life observes , He soone shall stoup And quash the plots of Hells black Darkned Troup , And likewise make the Outward man to droup With all his false Designes , and fond Conceits Sprung from the Flesh , or from the Worlds Deceites ; For as the Morning spreades the Dawning Light : So Faith by Teaching shines , and Daunts the Might Of that Huge Whale , which waites with triple throat To swallow Soules , as Preyes of Chiefest Note . So much new Light spreades by the Gospells sound , They now prayse Christ , who were in Fetters bound ; And Sinnes keen Edge , wherewith the Divell was wont To boare our Hearts , turnes on the suddaine blunt ; And so remaines , unlesse they grinde againe Their Augurs on the Whetstone of the Braine . But how fares then our Souldier in that plight ? With Davids sling he doth the Monster smite ; Whether the Fiend within , or from without Shootes Fire , he doth for Christ stand bravely out ; For at the Broile his Inward Guardian springs , Baptiz'd , Fire-sindg'd , and Grac'd mith Burnisht wings Of mounting zeale , who thus the Triumph sings : O happy wight , which hath escapt the stings Of Mortall Jarres ! who , though he understood His Foes Allures , yet loath'd them and their brood ! O happy Soule , which dar'd with Saints to side Against Gods Foes , the Luciferian side : Whom with Christs Merits arm'd nor swelling Tide , Nor fiery Triall could from Christ divide ; Whom neither Charmes , nor yet a thousand Braves Could terrify , nor yet the rowling waves : But to safe Port with Joy she brings the Crosse And Christ his Ship , which Pirats did ingrosse , Where she with Saints the Crosse Triumphant reares , That Crosse , which Saints on Earth have wonne ●ith Teares , Happy is he , who brooks a wrong-attaint , For by the Crosse he lives a Canon'd Saint , A Name indeed , which overtops so farre The highest Spire , or style of worldly Starre , As doth Gods Grace above mens sinnes abound , Or the Lambes Bloud more then our Merits sound . Thrice happy Man , I say , whom Angells greete ; And whom Christs Will made for that Honour meete ! So Happy be the Best of Kings , , if these Our New mans Songs to judge he gently please : For with our Crosse there growes sweet Inward Ease And with Our Crowne of Thornes a wreath of Peace . The same in Latine Hexameter . Novi Hominis Laurea Triumphalis . QVi Natalitium , Vitam , Miracula , Mortem , Et Christi Corpus Redivivum mente revolvit , Ille tenebrosae reddet Molimina Gentis Irrita , Conatus Hominis veterisque repellet , Seu de Carne fluant , seu sint Phantasmata Mundi . Sicut enim radiis Primordia Mane Diei Dilatat , per opaca Fides sic sparsa coruscat , Tergeminumque domat Monstrum , Caetumque Trifaucem , Qui vorat omne pecus , Praedasque absorbet opimas . Tantum Numen inest Fidei , ut modo Carmine Christum Compede qui vincti quondam latuere salutant ; Quin & acuta , quibus terebrabat Pectora Daemon , Tela repentino fiunt obtusa reflexu ; Sic que hebetata manent , nisi devia forte voluntas Illa super Cerebri renovet Terebrata molare . Quomodo tum Miles valet in discrimine tanto ? Nempe studet monstrum Jaculis superare Davidis . Seu vis Hostilis tonat , aut Civilis amictu . Fraudis in orbe furit , Christo Constanter adhaeret . Nam Novus ex gemina Genius Baptismatis aura , Numinis afflatu , Zeloque micantibus alis Nascitur , intus agit , victoris & ille Triumphum Sic canit : O Faelix , qui tot Certamina vidit Illaesus ! qui vafra Hostis stratagemata novit ! Et tamen haec spernit generoso pectore Miles ! O Faelix , qui sacra Dei Praedonibus aufert , Ausus ad extremum Fidei defendere causam Contra Luciferum Meritis innixus Jesu ! Non scloppi reboante sono , non Marte , nec arte , Non Pugnis , non mille Minis , nec territus undis , Donec in optati Navem ferat ostia Portus ! Et Crucis abductae renovata Piacula Christo Immolet , Aetherea Laudes resonante Caterva ! Faelix , quem signat Crux Ignea Nomine Sancti , Nomine Pyramidas tanto exsuper ante vel Astra , Quanto Peccatis existit Gratia major , Quanto Hominum Meritis Sanguis praestantior Agni . Ter Felix , inquam , quem Christi summa Potestas Angelicos inter Coetus dignatur Honore . Sic quoque tu Faelix , qui nostros imbibis Hymnos Judicio sensuque pio , Rex optime Regum : Cum Cruce nam crescit dulce Levamen . Amen ▪ Eccho . Cum Spina Sertum fulget O vale . Vale ▪ Eccho . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A64772-e73880 z This Story is largely set out in that Treatise entituled , Les Comptes du monde Adventureux Imprinted at Paris . 1572.