The day of doom; or A description of the great and last judgment With a short discourse about eternity Wigglesworth, Michael, 1631-1705. 1666 Approx. 123 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 50 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65985 Wing W2100 ESTC R222018 99833257 99833257 37732 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. A65985) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 37732) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2163:1) The day of doom; or A description of the great and last judgment With a short discourse about eternity Wigglesworth, Michael, 1631-1705. [4], 95, [1] p. printed by J.G. for P.C., London : 1666. In verse. Cropped at head, torn and stained, with some print show-through. Reproduction of the original in the British 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 Judgment Day -- Poetry -- Early works to 1800. 2002-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-04 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-04 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion DAY OF DOOM ; OR A DESCRIPTION Of the Great and Last Judgment . WITH A SHORT DISCOURSE ABOUT ETERNITY Eccles. 12. 14. For God shall bring every work into Iudgment with every secret thing , whether it be good or whether it be evil . LONDON , Printed by I. G. for P. C. 166● A 〈◊〉 unto Christ the Iudge of the World. O Dearest dread , most glorious King , I 'le of thy justice Iudgment sing : Do thou my head and heart inspire To do 't aright , as I desire . Thee , thee alone I 'le invocate : For I do much abominate To call the Muses to mine aid : Which is the unchristian use , and trade Of some that Christians would be thought , And yet they Worship worse than naught● Oh , what a deal of Blasphemy , And Heathenish Impiety , In Christian Poets may be found , Where Heathen Gods with Praise are cr●wn● They make IEHOVAH to stand by , Till Juno , Venus , Mercury , With frowning M●rs , and thund'ring Jo●e ● Rule Earth below , and Heav'n above . But I have learn'd to pray to none , Save unto God in Christ alone . Nor will I laud , no not in jest , That which I know God doth detest . I reckon it a damning evil , To give Gods Praises to the Devil . Thou , Christ , art he to whom I pray : Thy glory fain I would display . Oh , guide me by the sacred Sprite So to indite , and so to write , That I thine holy Name may praise , And teach th● sons of men thy ways . THE DAY OF ●●OM . I. STill was the night , serene and bright , when all men sleeping lay ; Calm was the season , & car●●l reason thought so 't would last ●or ay . Soul take thine ease , let sorrow cease , much good thou hast in store ; This was their song their cups among the evening before . II. Wallowing in all kind of sin , vile wretches lay secure , The best of men had scarcely then their Lamps kept in good ure . Virgins unwise , who through disguise amongst the best were number'd , Had clos'd their eyes ; yea , and the Wise through sloth and frailty slumber'd . III. Like as of old , when men grew bold Gods threatnings to contemn , ( Who stopt their ear , and would not hear when mercy warned them ? But took their course , without remorse , till God began to pour Destruction the world upon , in a tempestuous show●● IV. They put away the evil day and drown'd their cares and fears , Till drown'd were they , and swept away by vengeance unawares : So at the last , whilest men sleep fast in their security , Surpriz'd they are in such a snare as cometh suddenly . V. For at midnight broke forth a light , which turn'd the night to day : And speedily an hideous cry did all the world dismay . Sinners awake , their hearts do ake , trembling their loyns surprizeth ; Am●z'd with fear , by what they hear , each one of them ariseth . VI. They rush from beds with giddy heads , and to their windows run , Viewing this Light , which shines more bright than doth the noon-day Sun. Straightway appears ( they see 't with ●ears ) the Son of God most dread , Who with his train comes on amain to judge both Quick and Dead . VII . Before his face the Heavens give place , and Skies are rent asunder , With mighty voice and hideous noise , more terrible then Thunder . His brightness damps Heav'ns glorious l●mps , and makes them hide their heads : As if afraid , and quite dismaid , they quit their won●ed steads . VIII . Ye sons of men that durst contemn the threatnings of Gods word , How cheer you now ? your hearts ( I trow ) are thrill'd as with a sword . Now Atheist blind , whose bru●ish min● a God could never see , Dost thou perceive , dost now believe that Christ thy Judge shall be● IX . Stout courages ( whose hardiness could death and hell out-face ) Are you as bold now you behold your Judge draw near apace ? They cry , No , no : alas and wo● our courage all is gone : Our hardiness , ( ●ool-hardiness ) hath us undone , undone . X. No heart so b●ld but now grows cold , and almost dead with fear : No eye so dry but now can cry , and pour out many a tear . Earths Po●entates and pow'rful States , Captains and men of Might Are qui●e abasht , their courage dasht . At this most dreadful sight . XI . Mean men lament , great men do r●nt their robes and tear their hair : They do not spare their flesh to tear through horrible despair . All kindreds wail , their hearts do fail : horrour the world doth fill Wi●● weeping eyes , and loud out-cries , yet knows not how to kill . XII . Some hide themselves in Caves and Delves , and pl●ces under ground : Some rashly leap into the deep , to , scape by being drown'd : Some to the Rocks , ( O sensless blocks ) and woody Mountains run , T●a● there they might this fearful ●ight and dreaded Presence shun . XIII . In v●in do they to Mountains say , Fall on us , and us hide From Judges i●e , more hot then fire , For who may it abide ? No hiding place can from his face sinners at all conceal , Whose flaming eye hid things doth spy , and darkest things reveal . XIV . The Judge draws nigh , exalted high upon a lofty Throne , Amids the throng of Angels strong , LIKE Israel's ●oly One. The excellence of whose Presence , and awful Majesty , Am●zeth Nature , and every Crea●ure doth more then terrifie . XV. The Mountains smo●k , the Hills are shook , the Earth is rent and torn , As if she should be clean dissolv'd , or from her Cen●re born . The Sea doth roar , forsakes the sho●e , and shrinks away for fear : The wild beasts flee into the Sea so soon as he draws nea● . XVI . Whose glory bright , whose wond●ous might , whose Power Imperial , So far surpass what ever was in Realms Terrestrial ; That tongues of men ( nor Angels pen ) cannot the same express : And the●efore I must pass it by , lest speaking should transgress . XVII . Before his throne a Trump is blown , proclaiming th' day of Doom : Forthwith he c●ies , Ye dead arise , and unto Iudgement come . No sooner said , but 't is obey'd ; Sepulch●es open'd are ; Dead bodies all ●ise at his call , and 's mig●●y power declare . XVIII . Both s●a and land at his command , their dead at once surrender : The fire and air constrained are also ●heir de●d to ●ender . The mighty wo●d of ●his great Lord links body and soul toge●her , Both of the just and the unjust , to part no more for ever . X●X . The same translates from mortal states ●o imm●●tality , All that survive , and be alive , i' th' twinkling of an eye . That so they may abide for ay to endless weal or woe ; Both the Renate and Reprobate are made to dye no moe . XX. His winged Hosts fly through all Coasts , together gathering Both good and bad , both quick and dead , and all to Judgement bring . Out of their holes these creeping Moles , that hid themselves for fear , By force they take , and quickly make before the Judge appear . XXI . Thus every one before the Throne of Christ the Judge is brought , Both righteous and impious , that good or ill had wrought . A sepa●ation , and diff'ring station by Christ appointed is To sinners sad ( ' ●wixt good and bad , ) ' ●wixt Heirs of woe , and bliss . XXII . At Christ's right hand the sheep do st●nd , his Holy Martyrs who For his dear Name , suffering shame , calamity , and woe , Like Champions stood , and with their blood their Testimony sealed ; Whose innocence , without off●nce to Christ their Judge appealed . XXIII . Next unto whom there find a room , all Christs ●fflicted one● , Who being chastis'd , neither despis'd , nor sank amidsts their g●oans : Who by the Rod were turn'd to God , and loved him the more , N●● murmuring nor quarrelling● when they were chast'ned sore . XXIV . Moreover such as loved much , that had not such a trial , As might constrain to so great pain , and such deep sel●-denial ; Yet ready were the Cross to bear , when Christ them call'd thereto , And did rejoyce to hear his voice , they 'r counted Sheep also . XXV . Christ's flock of Lambs there also stands , whose Faith was weak , yet true ; All sound Believers ( Gospel-receivers ) whose grace was small , but grew . And them among an infant throng of Babes , for whom Christ dy'd ; Whom ●or his own , by ways unknown . to men , he sanctify'd . XXVI . All stand before their Saviour in long white Robes ●clad , Their countenance ●ull of pleasance , appearing wondrous glad . O glorious sight I behold how bright dust heaps are made to shine , Conformed so their Lord unto , whose glory is divine . XXVII . At Christs left hand the Goats do stand , all whining Hypocrites , Who for self-ends did seem Christ's friends , but fost'red guileful sprites : Who Sheep resembled , but they dissembled ( their heart was not sincere ) Who once did throng Christ's Lambs among ; but now must not come near . XXVIII . Apostata's , and Run-away's , such as have Christ forsaken , ( Of whom the the Devil , with seven more evil , hath fresh possession taken : Sinners in grain , reserv'd to pain and torments most severe ) Because 'gainst light they sinn'd with spight , are also placed there . XXIX . There also stand a num'rous band , that no profession made Of Godliness , nor to redress their wayes at all assay'd : Who better knew , but ( sin●ul Crew● ) Gospel and Law despised ; Who all Christ's knocks withstood like blocks , and would not be advised . XXX . Moreover there with them appear a number numberless Of great and small , vile wretches all , that did Gods Law transgress : Idolaters , false Worshippers , Prophaners of Gods Name , Who not at all thereon did call , or took in vain the same . XXXI . Blasphemers lewd , and Swearers shrewd , Scoffers at Purity , That hated God , contemn'd his Rod , and lov'd security . Sabbath-polluters , Saints Persecuters , Presumptuous men , and Proud , Who never lov'd those that reprov'd ; all stand amongst this crowd . XXXII . Adulterers and Whoremongers were there , with all unchast . There Covetou● , and Ravenous , that Riches got too fast : Who us'd vile ways themselves to raise t' Estates and worldly wealth , Oppression by , or Knavery , by Force , or Fraud , or Stealth . XXXIII . Moreover , there together were Children fl●gitious , And Parents who did them undo by nature vicious . False-witness-bearers , and self-forswearers , Murd'rers and men of blood , Witches , Inchanters , and Alehouse-haunters , beyond account there stood . XXXIV . Their place there find all Heathen blind , that Natures light abused , Although they had no tidings glad of Gospel-grace re●used . There stand all Nations and Generations of Adam's Progeny , Whom Christ redeem'd not , who Christ esteem'd not throught infidelity . XXXV . Who no Peace-maker , no Undertaker to shrowd them from God's ire Ever obtained ; they must be pained with everlasting fire . These num'rous bands , wringing their hands , and weeping , all stand there , Filled with anguish , whose hearts do languish through self-tormenting fear . XXX . Fast by them stand at Christ's left hand the Lion fierce and fell , The Dragon bold , that Serpent old that hurried Souls to Hell. There also stand , under command , Legions of Sprights unclean . And hellish Fiends that are no friends to God , nor unto men . XXXVII . With dismal chains and strong reins , like prisoners of Hell , They 'r held in place before Christ's face , till he their Doom shall tell . These void of tears , but fill'd with fears , and dreadful expectation Of endless pains , and scalding flames , stand waiting for Damnation . XXXVIII . All silence kept , both Goats and Sheep , before the Judges Throne : With mild aspect to his Elect then spake the Holy One : My Sheep draw near , your sentence hear , which is to you no dread , Who clearly now discern , and know your sins are pardoned . XXXIX . 'T was meet that ye should judged be , that so the world may ' spy No cause of grudge , when as I judge and deal impartially , Know therefore all both great and small , the ground and reason why These men do stand at my right hand , and look so chearfully . XL. These men be those my Father chose before the world's foundation , And to me gave that I should save from death and condemnation . For whose dear sake I flesh did take , was of a woman born , And did inure my self t' endure unjust reproach and scorn . XLI . For them it was that I did pass through sorrows many a one : That I drank up that bitter Cup , which made me sigh and groan . The Cross his pain I did sustain ; yea more , my Fathers ire I under-went , my bloud I spent to save them from Hell fire . XLII . Thus I esteem'd , thus I redeem'd all these from every Nation , that they might be ( as now you see ) a chosen Generation . What if ere-while they were as vile and bad as any be , ●nd yet from all their guilt and thrall at once I set them free ? XLIII . My grace to one is wrong to none : none can Election claim . Amongst all those their souls that lose , none can Rejection blame . He that may chuse , or else refuse , all men to save or spill , May this man chuse , and that refuse , redeeming whom he will. XLIV . But as for those whom I have chose Salvations heirs to be , I u●derwent their punishment , and therefore set them free . I bore their grief , and their relief by suffering procur'd , That they of bliss and happiness ●ight firmly be assur'd . XLV . And this my g●ace they did embrace , believing on my name ; Which Faith was true , the fruits do shew proceeding from the same . Their Penitence , their Patience , their Love , their Self-den●al ; In suffering losses and bearing crosses , when put upon the trial : XLVI . Their sin forsaking , their cheerful taking my yoke ; their chari●ee Unto the Saints in all their wants , and in them unto me . These things do clear , and make appear their Faith to be unfeigned : And that a part in my desert and purchase they have gained . XLVII . Their debts are paid , their peace is made , their sins remitted are ; Therefore at once I do pronounce and openly declare , That Heaven is theirs , that they be Heir● of Life and of Salvation ; Nor ever shall they come at all to death or to damnation . XLVIII . Come , blessed ones , and sit on Thrones , judging the world with me : Come , and possess your happiness , and bought ●elicitee . Henceforth no fears , no care , no tears , no sin shal you annoy , Nor any thing that grief doth bring ; eternal rest enjoy . XLIX . You bore the Cross , you suffered loss of all ●or my Names sake : Receive the Crown that 's now your own ; come , and a kingdom take . Thus spake the Judge : the wicked grudge , and grind their teeth in vain ; They see with groans these plac'd on throne● which addeth to their pain : L. That those whom they did wrong and slay , must now their judgement see ! Such whom they sleighted and once de●spighte● must of their Judges be ! Thus 't is decreed , such is their meed and guerdon glorious : With Christ they sit , judging it fit to plague the impious . LI. The wicked are brought to the Bar like guilty malefactors , That oftentimes of bloody crimes and treasons have been actors . Of wicked men none are so mean as there to be neglected : Nor none so high in dignity , as there to be respected . LII . The glorious Judge will priviledge nor Emperour nor King : But every one that hath misdone doth into judgement bring ; And every one that hath misdone , the Judge impartially Condemneth to eternal wo , and endless misery . LIII . Thus one and all , thus great and small , the rich as well as poor , And those of place , as the most base , do stand their Judge before : They are arraign'd , and there detain'd before Christ's judgement seat With trembling fear their Doom to hear , and feel his angers heat . LIV. There Christ demands at all their hands a strict and straight account Of all things done under the Sun ; who●e numbers far surmount Man's wit and thought : yet all are brought unto this solemn trial ; And each offence with evidence , so that there 's no denial . LV. There 's no excuses for their abuse●● since their own consciences More proof give in of each man's sin ; then thousand witnesses . Though formerly this faculty had grosly been abused , ( Men could it stifle , or with it trifle , whenas it them accused . ) LVI . Now it comes in , and every si● unto mans charge doth lay : It judgeth them , and doth condemn , though all the world say nay . It so stingeth and tortureth , it worketh such di●tress , That each mans self against himself is forced to confess . LVII . It 's vain , moreover , for men to cover the least iniquity ; The Judge hath seen and privy been to all their villany . He unto light and open sight the works of darkness b●ings : He doth unfold both new and old , both known and hidden things . LVIII . All filthy facts and secret acts , however closely done And long conceal'd , are there reveal'd . before the mid-day Sun. Deeds of the night shunning the light , which darkest corners sought , To fearful blame and endless shame , are there most justly brought . LIX . And as all facts and grosser acts , so every word and thought , Erroneous notion and lust●ul motion , are into judg●ment brought . No sin so small and trivial , but hi●her it must come : ●or so long past , but now at last it must receive a doom . LX. ●t this sad season Christ asks a reason ( with just austerity ) Of Grace refus'd , of Light abus'd so oft , so wilfully : O● Talents lent , by them-mispent , and on their lusts bestown ; Which if improv'd as it behoov'd , Heaven might have been their own . LXI . Of time neglected , of meanes rejected , of God's long-suffering , And patience , to penitence that sought hard hearts to bring . Why cords of love did nothing move to shame or to remorse ? Why warnings grave , and councels have nought chang'd their sinful course ? LXII . Why chastenings and evil ●hings , why judgments so severe Prevailed not with them a jo● , nor wrought an awful fear ? Why promises of holiness , and new obedience , ●hey oft did make , but always break the ●ame to Gods offence ? LXIII . Why , still Hell-ward , without regard , the boldly ventured , And chose Damnation before Salvation when it was offered ? Why sinful pleasures and earthly treasures , like fools they prized more Then heavenly wealth , eternal health , and all Christs Royal store ? LXIV . Why , when he stood off'ring his Bloud to wash them from their sin , They would embrace no saving Grace , but liv'd and di'd therein ? Such aggravations , where no evasions nor false pretences hold , Exagerate and cumulate guilt more then can be told : LXV . They multiply and magnifie mens gross iniquities ; They draw down wrath ( as Scripture saith ) out of God's treasuries● Thu● all their ways Christ open lays to Men and Angels view , And , as they were , makes them appear in their own proper hue . LXVI . Thus he doth find of all ma●kind that stand at his left hand No mothers son but hath misdone , and broken God's command . All have transgrest , even the best , and merited God's wrath ●nto their own perdition , and everlasting scath . LXVII . Earth's dwellers all both great and small , have wrought iniquity , And suffer must ( for it is just ) eternal misery . Amongst the many there come not any before the Judge's face , That able are themselves to clear , of all this curled race . LXVIII . Nevertheless they all express , Christ granting liberty , What for their way they have to say , how they have liv'd , and why . They all draw near , and seek to clear themselves by making plea's . There hypocrites , false-hearted wights , do make such pleas as these . LXIX . Lord , in thy Name , and by the same we Devils dispossest : We rais'd the dead , and ministred succour to the distrest . Our painful preaching and pow'rful teaching , by thine own wond'rous might , Did throughly win from God to sin many a wretched wight . LXX . All this ( quoth he ) may granted be● and your case little better'd , Who still remain under a chain , and many irons fetter'd . You that the dead have quickened , and rescu'd from the grave , Your selves were dead , yet never ned a Christ your Souls to save . LXXI . You that could preach , and others teach wh●t way to life doth lead ; Why were you slack to find that track , and in that way to tread ? How could you bear to see or hear of others freed at last From Satans Paws , whilst in his jaws your selves were held more fa●t ? LXXII . Who though you kne● Repentance true and faith in my great Name , The only mean to quit you clean from punishment and blame , Yet took no pain true faith to gain , ( such as might not deceive ) Nor would repent wi●h true intent ●our evil deeds to leave . LXXIII . ●is Masters will how to fulfil ●he servant that well knew , ●et left undone his duty known , more plagues to him are due . ●ou against Light perverted Right ; ●herefore it shall be now ●or Sidon and for Sodom's Land ●ore easie then for you . LXXIV . ●ut we have in thy presence bin , say some , and eaten there . ●id we not eat thy flesh for meat , and feed on heavenly cheer ? Whereon who feed shall never need , as thou thy self dost say , ●or shall they die eternally , but live with thee for ay . LXXV . We may alledge , thou gav'st a pledge of thy dea● love to us 〈◊〉 Wine and B●e●d , ●hich figured ●hy grace bestowed thus . Of streng●hning seals , of s●eetest meals have we so oft partaken ? ●nd shall we be cast off by thee , and utterly forsaken ? LXXVI . 〈◊〉 whom the Lord thu● in a word ●eturns a short reply : I never k●ew any of you that wrought iniquity . You say y' have bin , my Presence in ; bu● , f●iends , how came you there Wi●h Raiment vile , that did defile and quite disgrace my cheer ? LXXVII . Durst you draw near without due fear unto my holy Table ? Du●st you prophane and render vain so far as you were able , Those Mysteries ? which whoso prize and carefully improve , Shall saved be undoubtedly , and nothing shall them move . LXXVIII . How du●st you venture , bold guests , to enter in such a ●ordid hi●e , Amongst my guests , unto those feasts that were not made for you ? How durst you eat for spir'tual meat your bane , and drink damnation , Whilst by your guile you rendred vile so rare and great salvation ? LXXIX . Your fancies fed on heav'nly bread ; your hearts fed on some lust : You lov'd the Creature more then th'Creator your soules clave to the dust . And think you by hypocrisie and cloaked wickedness , To enter in , laden with sin , to lasting happiness . LXXX . This your excuse shews your abuse of things ordain'd for good ; And do declare you guilty are of my dear Flesh and Bloud . Wherefore those Seals and precious Meals you put so much upon As things divine , they seal and sign you to perdition . LXXXI . Then forth issue another Crew , ( those being silenced ) Who drawing nigh to the most High adventure thus to plead : We sinners were , say they , 't is clear , deserving Condemnation : But did not we rely on thee , O Christ , for whole Salvation ? LXXXII . We did believe , and of receive thy gracious Promises : We took great care to get a share in endless happiness : We pray'd and wept , we Fast-days kept , lewd ways we did eschew : We joyful were thy Word to h●ar , we fo●m'd our lives anew . LXXXIII . We thought our sin had pardon'd bi● , that our estate was good , Our debts all paid , ●ur peace well made , our Souls wash● wi●h ●hy B●oud . Lord , why dost thou rej●ct us now , who have not thee rejected , Nor utterly true sanctity and holy li●e neglected ? LXXXIV . The Judge ince●sed at their pretenced self-vaunting piety , With such a look as trembling strook into them , made reply ; O impudent , impeni●ent , and guile●ul generation ! Think you that I cannot descry your hearts abomination ? LXXXV . You not receiv'd , nor yet believ●d my promises of grace ; Nor were you wise enough to prize my reconciled face : But did presume , that to assume which was not yours to take , And challenged the childrens bread , yet would not sin forsake . LXXXVI . B●ing too bold you laid fast hold where int'●est you had none , Your selves deceiving by your believing ; all which you might have known . You ●an away ( but ran astray ) with Gospel promises , And perished , being still dead in sins and trespasse● . LXXXVII . How oft did I hypocrisie and hearts deceits unmask Before your sight , giving you ligh● to know a Christians task ? But you held fast unto the last your own conceits so vain : No warning could prevail , you would your own deceits re●ain . LXXXVIII . As for your care to get a share in bliss , the fear of Hell , And of a part in endless smart , did thereunto compel . Your holiness and ways redress , such as it was , did spring From no true love to things above , but from some other thing . LXXXIX . You pray'd and wept , you Fast-days kept , but did you this to me ? No , but for ●●n you sought to win the greater liberte● . For all your vaunts , you had vile haunt's ; for which your consciences Did you alarm , whose voice to charm you us'd these practises . XC . Your penitence , your diligence to read , to pray , to hear , Were but to drown the clam'rous sound of conscience in your ea●● If light you lov'd , vain-glory mov'd your selves therewith to store , Th●t seeming wise , men might you prize , and honour you the more . XCI . Thus from your selves unto your selves your duties all do tend : And as self-love the wheels do move , so in self-love they end . Thus Ch●ist detects their vain projects , and close impiety , And plainly shews that all their shows were but hypocrisie . XCII . Then were brought nigh a company of ●ivil honest men , That lov'd true dealing , and hated stealing , ●e wrong'd their brethren : Who pleaded thus , Thou knowest us that we were blamele●s livers ; No whore-mongers , no murderers , no quarrellers nor strivers . XCIII . Idolaters , Adulterers , Church-robbers we were none ; Nor false dealers , nor couzeners , but paid each man his own . Our way was fair , our dealing square , we were no wastful spenders , No lewd toss-pots , no drunken sots , no scandalous offenders . XCIV . We hated vice , and set great price by vertuous conversation : And by the same we got a name , and no small commendation . God's Laws express that righteousness is that which he doth prize ; And to obey , as he doth say , is more then sacrifice . XCV . Thus to obey , hath been our way ; let our good deeds , we pray , Find some regard , and good rewa●d with thee , O Lord , this day . And whereas we transgressors be ; of Adam's Race were n●ne , ( No not the best ) but have confes●●● themselves to h●ve mis●one . XCVI . Then answered , un●o their dread , the Judge , True piety God doth desire , and eke requi●e no less then honesty . Justice demands at all your hands perfect Obedience : If but in part you have come sh●●● , that is a just offence . XCVII . On earth below where men did owe a thousand pounds and more , Could twenty pence it recompence ? could that have clear'd the score ? Think you to buy felicity with part of what 's due debt ? O● for desert of one small part the whole should off be set ? XCVIII . And yet that part ( whose great desert you think to reach so far For your excuse ) doth you accuse , and will your boasting mar . However fair , however square your way , and work h●th bin Before mens eyes , yet God espies iniquity therein . XCIX . God looks upon th'●ff●ction and temper of the heart ; Not only on the action , and the external part . Whatever end vain men pretend , God knows the v●ri●y● And by the end which they intend their words and deeds doth try . C. Without true faith , the Scripture saith , God cannot take delight In any deed , that doth proceed from any si●ful wight . And withou● love all actions prove but barren empty things : Dead works they be , and vanity , the which vexation brings . CI. Nor from true faith , which quencheth wrath hath your obedience flown : Nor from true love , which wont to move believers , hath it grown . Your argument shews your intent in all that you have done : You thought to ●cale heavens lofty wall , by ladders o● your own . CII . Your blinded spirit , hoping to merit by your own righteousness , Needed no Saviour , but your b●haviour and blameless ca●riages● You trusted to what you could do , and in no need you stood : Your haughty pride laid me aside , and trampled on my Bloud . CIII . All men have gone astray , and done that which God's Law● condemn : But my Purchase and offered Grace all men did not contemn . The Ninevites and Sodomites had no such sin as this : Yet as if all your sins were small , you say , All did amiss . CIV . Again , you thought , and mainly sought a name with men t' acquire : Pride bare the B●ll that made you swell , and your own selves admire . M●an frui● it is , and vile , I wis , that sp●ings from such a root : Vertue divine and genuine wants not from pride to shoor . CV . Such deeds as you are worse then poo● , they are but sins guilt over With silver dross , whose glistering gloss ●an them no longer cover . The best of them would you condemn , and ●uine you alone , Al●hough you were from faults so clear , that other you had none . CVI. Your gold is dross , you● silver brass , your righteousness is sin : And think you by such honesty Eternall life to win ? You much mistake , if for it's sake you dream of acceptation ; Whereas the same deserveth shame , and meriteth damnation . CVII . A wond'rous Crowd then 'gan aloud thus for themselves to say ; We did intend , Lord to mend , and to reform our way : Ou● true intent was to repent , and make our peace with thee ; But sudden death stopping our breath , left us no libertee . CVIII . Short was our time ; for in his prime our youthful flow'r was cropt : We dy'd in youth , before full growth ; so was our purpose stopt . Let our good will to turne from ill , and sin to have forsaken , Accepted be O Lord , by thee , and in good part be taken . CIX . To whom the Judg ; Where you alledge the shortness of the space That from your bi●th you liv'd on earth , to compass S●ving Grace : It was free-grace , that any space wa● given you at all To turn from evil , defie the Devil , and upon God to call . CX . One day , one week , wherein to seek Gods face with all your hearts , A favour was that far did pass the best of your deserts . You had a season ; what was your Reason such preciou● hours to waste ? What could you find , what could you mind that was of greater haste ? CXI . Could you find time for vain pastime ? for loose licentious mirth ? For fruitless toys , and fading joyes that perish in the birth ? Had you good leisure for Carnal pleasure in days of health and youth ? And yet no space to seek Gods face , and turn to him in truth ? CXII . In younger years , beyond your fears , what if you were surprised ? You put away the evil day , and of long life devised . You oft were told , and might behold , that Death no age would spare . Why then did you your time foreslow , and slight your Souls welfare ? CXIII . H●d your intent been to Repent , and had you it desir'd , There would have been endeavours seen before your time expir'd . God makes no ●reasure nor hath he pleasure in idle purpo●es : Such fair pretences are foul offences , and cloaks for wickedness . CXIV . Then were brought in and charg'd with sin another Compa●y , Who by Petition obtain'd permission to make apology : They argued ; We were mis-led , as is well known to thee , By their Example , that had more ample abilities than we . CXV . Such as profest we did detest and hate each wicked way : Whose seeming grace whil'st we did trace , our Souls were led astray . When men of Parts , Learning and Arts , professing Piety , Did thus and thus , it seem'd to us we might take liberty . CXVI . The Judge Replies ; I gave you eyes , a●d light to see your way : Which had you lov'd and well improv'd you had not gone astray . My Word was pure , the Rule was sure ; why did you it forsake , Or thereon trample , and men's Example your Directory make ? CXVII . This you well know , that God is true , and that most men are liars , In word professing holiness , in deed thereof deniers● O simple ●ools ! that having Rules your lives to Regulate , Would them refuse , and rather chuse vile men to imitate . CXVIII . But Lord , say they , we we●● astray , and did more wickedly , By means of those whom thou hast chose Salvations Heirs to be . To whom the Judge ; What you alledge doth nothing help the case , But makes appear how vile you were , and rend'reth you more ba●e . CXIX . You understood that what was good was to be ●ollowed , And that you ought that which was nought to have relinquished . Contrariwise , it was your guise , only to imitate Good mens defects , and their neglects that were Regenerate . CXX . But to express their holiness , or imitate their Grace , Yet little ca●'d , not once prepar'd your hearts to seek my face . They did Repent , and truly Rent their hearts for all known sin : You did Offend , but not Amend , to follow them therein . CXXI . We had thy Word , ( said some ) O Lord , but wiser men then wee Could never yet interpret it , but always disagree . How could we fools be led by Rules so far beyond our ken , Which to explain , did so much pain and puzzle wisest men ? CXXII . Was all my Word obscure and hard ? the Judge then answered : It did contain much Truth so plain , you might have run and read . But what was hard you never car'd to know , nor studied : And things that were most plain and clear , you never practised . CXXIII . The Mystery of Pie●y God unto Babes reveals ; When to the wise he it denies , and from the world co●ceals . If ●o fulfill Gods holy will had seemed good to you , You would have sought light as you ought , and done the good y●u knew . CXX●V . Then came in view ano●her Crew , and 'gan to make their plea's ; Amongst the rest , some of the best had such poor ●hifts as these : Thou know'st right well , who all canst tell , we liv'd amongst thy foes , Who the Renate did sorely hate , and goodness much oppose . CXXV . We Holiness durst not profess , fearing to be forlorn Of all our friends , and for amends to be the wicked's scorn . We knew thei● anger would much endanger our lives and our estates : Therefore for fear we durst appear no better than our mates . CXXVI . To whom the Lord returns this word ; O wonderful deceits ! To cast off aw of Gods strict Law , and fear mens wrath and th●eats ! To fear Hell-fire and Gods fierce ire less then the rage of men ! As if Gods wrath could do less scath than wrath of bretheren ! CXXVII . To use such strife to temp'ral life to rescue and secure ! And be so b●ind as not to mind that life that will endure ! This was you● case , who carnal peace more then ●●ue joyes did savour : Who fed on dus● , clave to your lust , and spurned at my ●avour . CXXVIII . To please your kin , mens loves to win , to flow in wo●ldly wealth , To save your skin , these things have bin more than Eternal health . You had your choice , wherein rejoyce , it was your portion , For which you chose your Souls t' expose unto Perdition . CXXIX . Who did not hate friends , life , and state , with all things else for me , And all forsake , and 's Cross up take , shall never happy be . Well worthy they do die for ay , who death then life had rather : Death is their due that so value the friendship of my Father . CXXX . Others argue , and not a few , is not God gracious ? His Equity and Clemency are they not marvellous ? Thus we believ'd ; are we deceiv'd ? cannot his Mercy great , ( As hath been told to us of old ) asswage his anger's heat ? CXXXI . How can it be that God should see his Creatures endless pain ? O● hear their groans or ruefull moanes , and still his wrath retain ? Can it agree with equitee ? can Mercy have the heart , To Recompence few years offence with Everlasting smart ? CXXXII . Can God delight in such a sight as sinners Misery ? Or what great good can this our bloud bring unto the most High ? Oh thou that dost thy Glory most in pard'ning sin display ! Lord ! might it please thee to release , and pardon us this day ? CXXXIII . Unto thy Name more glorious fame would not such Mercy bring ? Would it not raise thine endless praise , more than our suffering ? With that they cease , holding their peace , but cease not still to weep ; Griefe ministers a flood to tears , in which their words do steep : CXXXIV . But all too late ; Grief 's out of date when Life is at an end . The glorious King thus answering , all to his voice attend : God gracious is , quoth he , like his no Mercy can be found ; His Equity and Clemency to sinners do abound . CXXXV . As may appear by those that here are plac'd at my right hand ; Whose stripes I bore and clear'd the score that they might quitted stand . For surely none but God alone , whose Grace transcends man's thought , For such as those that were his foes like wonders would have wrought . CXXXVI . And none but he such lenitee and patience would have shown To you so long , who did him wrong , and pull'd his judgements down . How long a space ( O stiff-neck't Race ! ) did patience you afford ? How oft did love you gently move to turn unto the Lord ? CXXXVII . With cords of Love God often strove your stubborn hearts to tame : Nevertheless , your wickedness did still resist the same . If now at last Mercy be past from you for evermore , And Justice come in Mercies room , yet grudge you no● therefore . CXXXVIII . If into wrath God tu●●ed hath his Long-long ●uffe●ing , And now for Love you Vengeance prove , it is an equal thing . Your waxing worse , hath stopt the course of wonted Clemency : Mercy refus'd , and Grace misus'd , call for severity . CXXX●X . It 's now high time that every Crime be brought to punishment : VVrath long contain'd , and oft refrain'd , at last must have a vent . Justice ●evere cannot fo●bear to plague sin any longer ; But must inflict with hand mo●t strict mischief upon the wronger . CXL . In vain do they for Mercy pray , the season being past , Who had no care to get a share therein , while time did last . The men whose ear refus'd to hear the voice of Wisdom's cry , Earn'd this reward , that none regard him in his misery . CXLI . It doth agree with Equitee , and with God's holy Law , That those should dy eternally , that death upon them draw . The Soul that sin's damnation win's ; for so the Law ordains : Which Law is just● and therefore must such suffer endless pains . CXLII . Etern●l smart is the desert ev'n of the least offence ; Then wonder not if I allot to you this Recompence : But wonder more that , since so sore and lasting plagues are due To every sin , you liv'd therein , who well the danger knew . CXLIII . God hath no joy to crush or ' stroy , and ruine wretched wights : But to display the glorious ray of Justice he delights . To manifest he doth detest and throughly hate all sin , By plaguing it , as is most fit , this shall him glory win . CXLIV . Then at the Bar arraigned are an impudenter sort , Who to evade the guilt that 's laid upon them , thus retort ; How could we cease thus to transgress ? how could we Hell avoid , Whom God's Decree shut out from thee , and sign'd to be destroy'd ? CXLV . Whom God ordains to endless pains by Laws unalterable , Repentance true , Obedience new , to save such are unable : Sorrow for sin no good can win to such as are rejected ; Ne can they give , not yet believe that never were elected . CXLVI . Of man's faln Race who can true Grace or Holiness obtain ? Who can convert or change his heart , if God with-hold the same ? Had we apply'd our selves , and tri'd as much as who did most Gods love to gain , our busie pain and labour had been lost . CXLVII . Christ readily makes this reply ; I damn you not because You are rejected , or not elected ; but you have broke my Laws . It is but vain your wits to strain the E●d and Me●ns to sever : Men fondly seek to dart or break what God hath link'd together . CXLVIII . Whom God will save , such he will have the means of life to use : Whom he 'l pass by , shall chuse to di● , and ways of life refuse . He that fore-sees and fore-decrees , in wisdom order'd has , That man's free-will electing ill shall bring his Will to pass . CXLIX . High God's Decree , as it is free , so doth it none compel Against their will to good or ill ; i● forceth none to Hell. They have their wish whose Souls perish with torments in Hell-fire : Who rather chose their souls to lose , then leave a loose desire . CL. God did ordain sinners to pain ; and I to hell send none , But such as swe●v'd , and have deserv'd destruction as their own . His pleasure is , that none fr 〈…〉 ss and endless happiness Be barr'd , but such as wrong 〈◊〉 much by wilful wickedness . CLI . You ( sinful crew ! ) no other knew but you might be elect : Why did you then your selves condemn ? why did you me reject ? Where was your strife to gain that life which lasteth evermore ? You never knock't , yet say God lock't against you heavens door . CLII. 'T was no vain task to knock , to ask , whilst life continued . Who ever sought Heav'n as he ought , and seeking perished ? The lowly-meek who truly seek for Christ and for salvation , There 's no Decree whereby such be ordain'd to condemnation . CLIII . You argue then ; But abject men , whom God resolves to spill , Cannot repent , nor their hearts rent ; ne can they change their will. Not for his Can is any man adjudged unto hell : But for his Will ● to do what 's ill , and nilling to do well . CLIV. I often stood tend'ring my Bloud to wash away your guilt : And eke my Sprite to frame you right , lest your souls should be spilt . But you , vile race , rejected Grace when Grace was freely proffer'd : No changed heart , no heav'nly part would you , when it was offer'd . CLV . Who wilfully the remedy of Grace and Life contemned , Cause have the same themselves to blame , if now they be co●demned . You have your selves , you and none else , your selves have done to die : You chose the way to your decay , and perish'd wilfully . CLVI . These words apale and daunt them all ; dismai'd , and all amort , Like stocks they stand at Christs left hand , and dare no more retort . Then were brought near , with trembling fear a number numberless Of blind Heathen and b●utish men , that did Gods Law transgress . CLVII . Whose wicked ways , Christ open lays , and makes their sins appear , They making plea's the case to ease , if not themselves to clear . Thy written word ( say they ) good Lord we never did enjoy : We not refus'd nor it abus'd , Oh do not us destroy . CLVIII . You ne'r abus'd nor yet refus'd my written Word , you plead ; That 's t●ue , ( quoth he ) therefore shall ye the less be punished . You shall not smart for any part of other mens offence , But for your own transgression receive due recompence . CLIX. But we were blind , say ●hey , in mind ; too dim was natures light , Our only guide ( as hath been try●d ) to bring us to the sight Of our estate degenerate , and cu●st by Adam's fall ; How we were born and lay forlorn in bondage and in th●all . CLX . We did not know a Christ till now , nor bow fal● man he saved : Else should we not , right well we wo● , have so our selves behaved . We should have mourn'd , we should have turn'd from sin at thy reproof , And been more wise through thine advice for our own Souls behoof . CLXI . But natures light shin'd not so bright to teach us the right way : We might have lov'd it , & well improv'd it , and yet have gone astray . The Judge most high makes this reply ; you ignorance pretend , Dimness of sight , and want of light your course Heav'n-ward to bend : CLXII . How came your mind to be so blind ? I once you knowledge gave , Clearness of sight , and judgement right ; who did the same deprave ? If to your cost you have it lost , and quite defac'd the same ; Your own desert hath caus'd your smart , you ought not me to blame . CLXIII . Your selves into a pit of wo your own transgressions led : If I to none my grace had shown , who had been injured ? If to a few , and not to you , I shew'd a way of life , My Grace so free , you clearly see , gives you no ground of strife . CLXIV . 'T is ●ain to tell , you wot full well , if you in time had known Your Misery and Remedy , your actions had it shown . You , sinful crew , have not been true unto the light of Nature ; No● done the good you understood , nor owned your Creator . CLXV . He that the Light , because 't is Light , hath used to despize , Would not the Light , shining more bright , be likely for to prize . If you had lov'd and well improv'd your knowledge and dim sight , Herein your pain had not been vain , your plagues had been more light . CLXVI . Then to the Bar all they drew near who dy'd in infancy , And never had or good or bad effected pers'nally ; But from the womb unto the tomb were straightway carried , ( Or at the least , ere they transgrest ) who thus began to plead . CLXVII . If for our own transgression , or disobedience , We here did stand at thy left hand , j●st were the recompence : But Adam's guilt our souls hath spilt , his fault is charg'd upon us ; And that alone hath overthrown , and utterly undone us . CLXVIII . Not we , but he , a●e of the Tree , whose fruit was interdicted : Yet on us all of his sad fall the punishment's inflicted . How could we sin who had not bin ? or how is his sin our Without consent , which to prevent we never had a pow'r ? CLXIX . O great Creator , why was our nature depraved and forlorn ? Why so defil'd , and made so vild Whilst we were yet unborn ? If it be just , and needs we must transgressors reckon'd be , Thy mercy , Lord , to us afford , which sinners hath set free . CLXX . Behold , we see Adam ●et free , and sav'd from his tre●pass , Whose sinful fall hath split us all , and brought us to this pass . Canst thou deny us once to try , or grace to us to tender , When he finds grace before thy face , that was the chief offender ? CLXXI. Then answered the Judge most dread ; God doth such doom forbid , T●at men should die eternally for what they never did . But what you call old Adam's Fall , and only his Trespass , You call amiss to call it his : both his and yours it was . CLXXII . He was design'd of all mankind to be a publick Head , A common Root whence all should shoot , and stood in all their stead : He stood and fell , did ill or well , not for himself alone , But for you all , who now his Fall and trespass would disown . CLXXIII . If he had stood , then all his brood had been established In Gods true love , never to move , nor once awry to tread : Then all his Race my Fathers Grace should have enjoy'd for ever , And wicked Sprights by subtil sleights could them have harmed never . CLXXIV . Would you have griev'd to have receiv'd through Adam so much good , As had been your for evermore , if he at first had stood ? Would you have said , We ne'r obey'd nor did thy Laws regard ; It ill befits with benefits us , Lord , so to reward ? CLXXV . Since then to share in his welfare you could have been content , You may with reason share in his treason , and in the punishment . Hence you were born in state forlorn , with natures so dep●aved : Death was your due , because that you had thus your selves behaved . CLXXVI . You think if we had been as he , whom God did so betrust , We to our cost would ne'r have lost all for a paltry lust . Had you been made in Adam's stead , you would like things have wrought ; And so into the self-same wo your selves and yours have brought . CLXXVII . I may deny you once to try , or Grace to you to tender , Though he finds grace be●ore my face who was the chief offender : Else should my Grace cease to be Grace , for it should not be free , If to release whom I shall please I have not libertee . CLXXVIII . I● upon one what 's due to none I frankly shall bestow , And on the rest shall not think best compassions skirt to throw , Whom injure I ? will you envy , and grudge at others weal ? Or me accuse , who do refuse your selves to help and heal ? CLXXIX . Am I alone of what 's my own no Master or ●o Lord ? Or if I am , how can you claim w●at I to some afford ? Will you demand G●ace at my hand , and challenge what is mine ? Will you teach me whom to set free , and thus my Grace confine ? CLXXX . You sinners are , and such a share as sinners may expect , Such you shall have , for I do save none but mine own Elect. Yet to compare your sin with their who liv'd a longer time , I do confess yours is much less , though ev'ry sin 's a crime : CLXXXI . A crime it is : therefore in bliss you may not hope to dwell : But unto you I shall allow the easiest room in hell . The glorious King thus answering , they cease and plead no longer : Their consciences must needs confess his Reasons are the stronger . CLXXXII . Thus all mens plea's the Judge with ease doth answer and confute , Until that all both great and small , are silenced and mute . Vain hopes are cropt , all mouths are stopt , sinners have nought to say , But that 't is just , and equal most they should be damn'd for ay . CLXXXIII . Now what remains , but that to pains and everlasting smart Christ should condemn the sons of men , which is their just desert ? Oh ru●ul plights of sinful wights ! Oh wretches all forlorn ! That happy been they ne'r had seen the Sun , or not been born . CLXXXIV . Yea , now it would be good they could● themselves annihilate , And cease to be , themselves to free from such a fearful state . Oh happy Dogs , and Swine , and Frogs ! yea , Serpents generation ! Who do not fear this doom to hear , and sentence of D●mnation ! CLXXXV . This is their state so de●perate : their sins are fully known ; Their vani●ies and villanies Before the world are shown . As they are gross and impious , so are their numbers more Then motes i' th' air , or then their hair , or sands upon the shore . CLXXXVI . Divine Justice offended is , a●d Satisfaction claime●h : Gods wrathful ire kindled like fire against them fiercely flameth . Their Judge severe doth quite cashire and all their Pleas off take , That never a man , or dare , or can a further Answer make . CLXXXVII . Their mouthes are shut , each man i● put to silence and to shame : Nor have they ought within their thought Christs Justice for to blame ; The Judge is just , and plague them must , nor will he mercy shew ( For Mercy 's day is past away ) to any of this Crew . CLXXXVIII . The Judge is strong ; doers of wrong cannot his Power withstand : None can by flight run out of sight , nor scape out of his hand . Sad is their sta●e ; for Advocate to plead their Cause there 's none : None to prevent their punishment , or misery to bemo●e . CLXXXIX . O dismal day ! whither shall they for help or succour flee ? To God above , with hopes to move their greatest Enemee ? His wrath is g●eat , whose burning heat to flood of Tears can ●lake : His word stands fast , that they be cast into the burning Lake . CXC . To Chr●st their Judge ? he doth adjudge them to the Pit of Sorrow : Nor will he hear or cry , or tear , nor respite them on morrow . To Heav'n ? Alas they cannot pass , it is against them shut : To enter there ( O heavy chear ! ) they out of hopes are put . CXCI. U●to their Treasures , or to their Pleasures ? all these have been forsaken : Had they full Coffers to make large offers , their Gold would not be taken . Unto the place where whilome was their birth and education ? Lo ! Christ begins for their great sins to fire the Earths foundation : CXCII . And by and by the flaming Sky shall drop like moulten Lead About their ears , t' increase their fears and aggravate their dread . To Angels good that ever stood in their integrity , Should they betake themselves , and make their suit incessantly ? CXCIII . They neither skill , nor do they will to work them any ease : They will not mourn to see them burn , nor beg for their release . To wicked men , their brethren in sin and wickedness , Should they make mone ? their case is one ; they 're in the same distress . CXCIV . Ah , cold comfort , and mean support from such like Comforters ! Ah , little joy of Company , and fellow-sufferers ! Such shall increase their hearts disease , and add unto their wo , Because that they brought to decay themselves and many moe . CXCV. Unto the Saints with sad complaints . should they themselves apply ? They 're not dejected nor ought affected with all their misery . Friends stand aloof , and make no proof what Prayers or Tears can do : Your godly friends are now more friends to Christ then unto you . CXCVI. Where tender love mens hearts did move unto a sympathy , And bearing part of others smart in their anxiety ; Now such compassion is out of fashion , and wholly laid aside : No friend so near , but Saints to hear their judgement can abide . CXCVII . One natural Brother beholds another in this astonied fit , Yet sorrows not thereat a jot , nor pities him a whit . The godly wife conceives no grief , nor can she shed a tear For the sad state of her dear Mate , when she his doom doth hear . CXCVIII. He that was erst a Husband pierc't with sense of Wives distress , Whose tender heart did bear a part of all her grievances , Shall mourn no more as heretofore because of her ill plight ; Although he see her now to be a damn'd forsaken wight . CXCIX . The tender Mother will own no other of all her numerous brood , But such as stand at Christs right hand acquitted through his Blood. The pious Father had now much rather his graceless Son should lye In Hell with Devils , for all his evils burning eternally : CC. Then God most High should injury by sparing him sustain ; And doth rejoyce to hear Christs voice adjudging him to pain . Who having all ( both great and small ) convinc't and silenced , Did then proceed their Doom to read , and thus it uttered ; CCI. Ye ●inful wights , and cursed sprights , that work Iniquity , Depart together from me for ever to endless Misery . Your portion take in that sad Lake where Fire and Brimstone flameth : Suffer the smart , which your desert as its du● wages claimeth . CCII. Oh pierceing words more sharp then Swords ! what , to depart from Thee , Whose face before for evermore the best of Pleasures be ! What! to depart ( unto our smart ) from thee Eternally ! To be for ay banish't away with Devils company ! CCIII . What! to be sent to Punishment , and flames of Burning Fire ! To be surrounded , and eke confounded with God's Revengeful Ire ! What! to abide , not for a tide , these Torments , but for Ever ! To be released , or to be eased , not after years , but Never ! CCIV. Oh , fearful Doom ! now there 's no room for hope , or help at all : Sentence is past which ay shall last , Christ will not it recall . There might you hear them rent and tear the Air with their out-c●ies : The hideous noise of their sad voice ascendeth to the skies . CCV . They wring their hands , their caitiff-hands , and gnash their teeth for terrour : They cry , they rore for anguish sore , and gnaw their tongues for horrour . But get away without delay ; Christ pities not your cry : Depart to Hell● there may you yell and roar Eternally . CCVI. That word Depart , maugre their heart ; drives every wicked one , With mighty pow'r , the self-same hour far from the Judges throne . Away they 're cast by the strong blast of his Death-threatning mouth : They ●lee full fast , as if in hast ; although they be full loath . CCVII. As chaff that 's dry , and dust doth fly before the Northern wind : Right so are they chased away , and can no Refuge find . They hasten to the Pit of wo , guarded by Angels stout : Who to fulfil Christ's holy will attend this wicked Rout. CCVIII . Whom having brought , as they are taught unto the brink of Hell ( That dismal place far from Christ's face , where Death and Darkness dwell : Where God's fierce ire kindleth the fire , and Vengeance feeds the flame With piles of wood , and brimstone flood , that none can quench the same . ) CCIX. With Iron bands they bind their hands and cursed feet together , And cast them all , both great and small , into that Lake for ever . Where day and night , without respite , they wail , and cry , and howl For tor'●ring pain , which they sustain in Body and in Soul. CCX . For day and night , in their despight , their torments smoak ascendeth : Their pain and grief have no relief , their anguish never endeth . There must they lye , and never dye ; though dying every day : There must they dying ever lye ; and not consume away . CCXI. Dye fain they would , if dye they cou● but death will not be had● Gods dire●ul wrath their bodies hath for ev'r Immortal made . They live to lie in misery . and bear eternal wo : And live they must whil'st God is just , that he may plague them so . CCXII. But who can tell the plagues of Hell , and torments exquisite ? Who can relate their dismal state , and terrours infinite ? Who fare the best , and feel the least , yet feel that Punishment Whereby to nought they should be brought , if God did not prevent . CCXIII. The least degree of misery there felt's incomparable , The lightest pain they there sustain more then intollerable . But Gods great pow'r from hour to hour upholds them in the fire , That they shall not consume a jot , nor by its force expire . CCXIV. But ah , the wo they u●dergo ( they more then all beside ) Who had the light , and knew the right , yet would not it abide ! The sev'●-fold smart , which to their part and portion doth fall , Who Christ his Grace would not embrace , nor hearken to his call ! CCXV . The Amorites and Sodomites , although their plagues be sore , Yet find some ease , compar'd to these , who feel a great deal more . Almighty God , whose Iron Rod to smite them never ●ins , Doth most declare his Justice rare in plaguing these mens ●ins . CCXVI . The pain of loss their souls doth toss ●nd wond'rously distress , To think what they have cast away by wilful wickedness . We might have been redeem'd from si● , think they , and liv'd above , Being possest of heav'nly rest , and joying in Gods love . CCXVII . But wo , wo , wo our souls unto ! we would not happy be ; And therefore bear Gods vengeance here to all Eternitee . Experience and woful sence must be our painful teachers , Who ● ' ould believe , nor credit give unto our faithful Preachers . CCXVIII . Thus shall they lie , and wail , and cry , tormented , and tormenting Their galled hearts with poyson'd darts ; but now too late repenting . There let them dwell i' th' flames of hell , there leave we them to burn , And back agen unto the men whom Christ acquits return . CCXIX. The Saints behold with courage bold , and tha●kful wonderment , To see all those that were their foes thus sent to punishment : Then do they sing unto their King a song of endless praise● They praise his Name , and do proclaim , that just are all his ways . CCXX . Thus with great joy and melody to Heav'n they all ascend , Him there to praise with sweetest layes , And Hymns that never end . Where with long Rest they shall be blest , and nought shall them annoy : Where they shall see as seen they be , and whom they love , enjoy . CCXXI . O glorious Place ! where face to face Jehovah may be seen , By such as were sinners whilere , and no dark vail between . Where the Sun-shine , and Light divine , of Gods bright Countenance Doth rest upon them every one with sweetest influence . CCXXII . O blessed state of the Renate ! O Wond'rous Happiness To which they 'r brought , beyond what thought can reach , or words express ! Grief's water-course , and Sorrow's sourse are turn'd to joyful streams . Their old distress and heaviness a●e vanished like dreams . CCXXIII. For God above in arms of love doth dearly them embrace , And fills their sprights with such delights and pleasures in his grace ; As shall not fail , nor yet grow stale through frequency of use : Nor do they fear Gods Favour there to forfeit by abuse . CCXXIV. For there the Saints are perfect Saints , and holy ones indeed , From ●ll the sin , that dwelt within their mortal bodies , freed : Made Kings and Priests to God , through Christs dear loves transcendency , There to remain , and there to reign with him Eternally . FINIS . I Walk'd and did a little Mole-hill view , Full peopled with a most industrious crew Of busie Ants , where each one labour'd more , Then if he were to bring home Indian Ore ; Here wrought the Pioneers , there march'd the Bands , Here Colonies went forth to plant new Lands ● These hasted out , and those supplies brought in , As if they had some sudden Siege foreseen : Vntil there came an angry Spade , and cast Countrey and People to a Pit at last . Again , I view'd a Kingdom in a Hive , Where every one did wo●k , and so all thrive ; Some go , some come , some war , some watch & ward , Some make the works , & some the works do guard ● These frame their curious Waxen-cells , and those Do into them their Nectar drops dispose : Vntil the greedy Gardner brought his smoke , And , for the work , did all the workmen choke . Lo here , frail Mortals may ●it Emblems see Of their great toil , and greater vanity . They weary out their b●ain , their strength , their time , While some to Arts , and some to Honours climb : They s●arch Earth's bowels , cross the roaring Seas , Mortgage their Souls , and forf●it all their Ease , Grudge Night her sleep , and lengthen out the day , To far these B●gs , & cram those Chests with clay . They rack and charm each Creature to explore Some latent Quin●essence , not known before : Torture and squeez out all its juice and bloud , To try if they can now find out that GOOD Which Solomon despair'd of , but at last On the same shore of V●nity are cast ; The Spade stops their career of Pride and Lust , And calls them from their Clay unto their Dust ● Leave off your Circles , Archimede , away , The King of Terror calls , and will not stay : Miser , kiss all your Bags , and then lie down ; Scholar , your Books ; Monarch , yield up your Crown ; Give way Wealth , Honour , Arts , Thrones ● bac● make room● That these pale Souls may come unto their doom ● Nor shew vain men the fruit of all that pain , Which i● the ●nd nothing but Loss did gain : Compute your Lives , and all your Hours up cast● Lo here 's the total sum of All at last . I rose up early , sat up late , to know As much as Men , as Tongues , as Books could shew● I toil'd to search all Science and all Art , But died ignor●nt of mine own Heart . I got great Honour , and my Fame did stream As far as doth the Mornings shining Beam ; My Name into a page of Ti●les swell'd , My head a Crown , my ●and a Scepter held : Ado●'d without , but shameful lusts within ; Adorn'd with Titles , but defil'd with sin ● With anxious thoughts , with saddest cares a●● 〈◊〉 I gain'd these Lordships and this Soul I l●st : My greedy Heir now hovers o'r my pelf , I purchas'd Land ●or him , Hell for my self . Go on you nobler B●ains , and fill your sight As full of Learning as the Sun 's of light ; Expand your Souls to Truth as wide as Day , Kuow all that Men , know all that Angels say : Write shops of Volumes , and let every Book Be fill'd with lustre as was Moses look , Yet know , all this is but a better kind Of sublime vanity , and more refin'd● Except a saving knowledge crown the rest , Devils know more , and yet shall ●e'r be blest . Go on , ambitious Wo●●s , yet , yet aspire , Lay a sure Scene how you may yet rise higher : March forward , Macedonian Horn , add on Gaza to Tyre , Indies to Babylon ; Make stirrups of the peoples backs and bones , Climb up by them to Diadems and Thrones : Thy Crowns are all but Grass ; thine was the toil , Thy Captains come and they divide the spoil . Except one heav'nly Crown crown all the rest , Devils are Potentates , and yet not blest . Go on , base dunghil-souls , heap gold as mi●● , Sweep silver as the dust , emulate Tyre , Fill every Ware-house , purchase every Field , Add house to house , Pelion on Ossa build ; ●●t Mida's vote to transubstantiate ●hate'r you pl●ase all into golden plate ; ●uild wider Barns , sing requiem to your heart , ●eel your wealths pleasures only , not their smart : Except his Riches who for us was poor , Do sweeten those which Mortals so adore ; Except sublimer wealth crown all the rest , Devils have nobler Treasures , yet not blest . Cease then from vain delights , & set your min● T●at solid and enduring GOOD to fi●d , Which sweetens life and death , which will encrease O● an immortal Soul immor●al peace ; Which will replenish and advance you higher Then ere your own Ambition could aspire . Fear your great Maker with a child-like aw , Believe his Grace , love and obey his Law. This is the total work of man , and this Will crown you here with Peace , and there wi●● Blis● Be kind unto your selves , believe and try : If not , go on , fill up your lusts and die . Sing peace unto your selves ; 't will once be kno● Whose word shall stand , your Judg's , or your ow● Crown thee with Rose-buds , satiate thine eyes , Glut every sense with her own vanities : Melt into pleasures , until that which Lust D●d not before consume , rot into dust : The Thrones are set , the Books wil strait be rea● Hell will her Souls , & graves give up their dea● Then there will be ( and the time is not far ) Fi●e on the Bench , and Stubble at the Bar. O sinners ruminate these thoughts agen , You have been Beast enough , at last be Men. Chris● ●et intreats , but if you will not turn , Whe●e G●●ce will not convert , there Fire wil b●●● A SHORT DISCOURSE ABOUT ETERNITY . I. WHat mortal man can wi●h h●s span mete out Eternity ? Or fathom it by depth of wit , or strength of memory ? The lofty skie is not so high , hell's depth to this is small : The world so wide is but a stride , comp●red herewithall . II. It is a main great Ocean , withouten Bank or Bound : A deep Abyss , wherein there is no bottom to be found . This world hath stood now since the Floud for thousand years well near , And had before endured more then sixteen hundred year : III. But what 's the time from the worlds prime unto this present day , If we thereby Eternity to measure should assay ? The whole duration since the Creation , though long , yet is more little , If placed by Eternity , then is the smallest tittle . IV. Tell every Star both near and far in Heavens bright Canopee , That doth appear throughout the year , of high or low degree : Tell every Tree that thou canst see in this vast Wilderness , Up in the Woods , down by the Flouds , in thousand miles progress : V. The sum is vast , yet not so vast but that thou mayst go on To multiply the Leaves thereby , that hang those trees upon : Add thereunto the drops , that thou imaginest to be In April showr's , that bring forth Flowr's and Blossoms plenteously : VI. Number the Fowls and living Souls that through the air do flie , The winged Hosts in all the Coasts beneath the starry Skie : Count all the grass as thou dost pass through many a pasture land , And dewy drops that on the tops of Herbs and Plants do stand : VII . Number the Sand upon the Strand , And Atom●s of the air ; And do thy best on Man and Beast to reckon every Hair : Take all the Dust , if so thou lust , and add to thine account : Yet shall the years of sinners tears the number far su●mount . VIII . Nought joyn'd to Nought can ●e'● make ought nor Cyphers make a Sum : Nor things Finite to Infinite by multiplying come : A Cockle-shell may serve as well to lave the Ocean dry , As finite things and Reckonings to bound Eternity . IX . O happy they that live for ay with Christ in Heav'n above ! Who know withall that nothing shall deprive them of his love . Eternity ! Eternity ! Oh , were it not for thee , The Saints in Bliss and Happiness could never happy be . X. For if they were in any fear that this their joy might cease , It would annoy ( if not destroy ) and interrupt their peace : But being sure it shall endure so long as God shall live ; The thoughts of this unto their bliss do full perfection give . XI . Cheer up , you Saints , amidst your wants and sorrows many a one : Lift up the head , shake off all dread , and moderate your mone . Your sufferings and evil things will suddenly be past : Your sweet Fruitions , and blessed Visions for evermore shall last . XII . Lament and mourn you that must burn amidst those flaming Seas : If once you come to such a doom , for ever farewell ease . O sad estate and desperate , that never can be mended , Until Gods will shall change , or ●ill Eternity ●e ended ! XIII . If any one this Question shall unto me propound ; What , have the years of sinners tears no limits or no bound ? It kills our heart to think of smart , and pains that last for ever ; And hear of fire that shall expire , or be extinguish'd , never . XIV . I 'l answer make , ( and let them take my words as I intend them ; For this is all the Cordial that here I have to lend them ) When Heav'n shall cease to flow with peace , and all felicity : Then Hell may cease to be the place of wo and misery . XV. When Heav'n is Hell , when Ill is Well , when Vertue turns to Vice , When Wrong is Right , when D●rk is Light , when Nought is of great price : Then may the years of sinners tears and sufferings expire , And all the hosts of damned ghosts escape out of hell-fire . XVI . When Christ above shall cea●e to love ; when God shall cease to reign , And be no more , as heretofore , the wo●lds great Soveraign , Or not be just , or favour lust , o● in mens ●i●s delight : Then wicked men ( and not till then ) to Heav'n may take their flight . XVII . When Gods great Power shall be brought lower by forein Puissance ; Or be decay'd , and weaker made through Times , continuance : When drousiness shall him oppress , and lay him fast asleep : Then sinful men may break their Pen , and out of Prison creep . XVIII . When those in Glory shall be right sorry they may not change their place , And wish to dwell with them in Hell , never to see Christ's face : Then those in pain may freedom gain , and be with glory dight : Then hellish Fiends may be Ch●ists F●iends and Heirs of Heaven hight . XIX . Then ! Ah poor men ! what ! not till then n● , not an hour before : For God is just , and therefore must to●ment them evermore . Eternity ! Eternity ! thou mak'st hard hearts to bleed : The thoughts of thee in miseree do make men wail indeed . XX. When they remind what 's still behind , and ponder this word , NEVER , That they must here be made to bear Gods Vengeance for EVER : The thought of this more bitter is then all they feel beside : Yet what they feel , nor heart of steel , ro● flesh of brass can ' bide . XXI . To lie in wo , and undergo the direful pains of Hell , And know withal , that there they shall for ay , and ever dwell ; And that they are from rest as far , when fifty thousand year , Twice told , are spent in punishment , as when they first came there . XXII . This , Oh! this makes Hell's fiery flakes much more intollerable ; This makes frail wights and damned sprigh● to bear their Plagues unable . This makes men bite , for ●ell despite , their very tongues in twain : This makes them roar for great hor●or , and trebleth all their pain . A POSTSCRIPT UNTO THE READER . ANd now , good Reader , I return again To talk with thee , who hast been at the pain To read throughout , and heed what went before ; And unto thee I 'l speak a little more . Give ear , I pray thee , unto what I say , That God may hear thy voice another day . Thou hast a Soul , my friend , and so have I , To save or lose a soul that cannot die : A Soul of greater price than Gold or Gems , A Soul more worth than Crowns and Diadems : A Soul at first created like its Maker , And of G●ds Image made to be partaker : Upon the wings of noblest Faculties Taught for to soar above the starry skies , And no● to rest , until it understood It self possessed o● the chiefest Good● And since the Fa●l , thy ●oul retaineth still The Faculties of Reason and of Will ; But Oh! how much deprav'd and out of ●rame , As if they were some others , not the same , Thine Understanding dismally benighted , And Reasons eye in spir'tual things dim●sighted● Or else stark blind : thy Will inclin'd to evil , And nothing else , a slave unto the Devil● That loves to live , and liveth to transgress , But shuns th● ways of God and holiness , All thine affections are disordered : And thou by headstrong passions art misled . What need I tell thee of thy crooked way , And many wicked wandrings , every day ? Or that thy own transgressions are more In number , then the sands upon the shore ? Thou art a lump of wickedness become , And mayst with horrour think upon thy doom : Until thy soul be washed in the floud Of Christs most dear , soul-cleansing precious bloud ; That , that alone can do away thy sin Which thou wert born and hast long lived in . That , only that , can pacifie Gods wrath , If apprehended by a lively faith , Now whil'st the day and means of grace doth last , Before the opportunity be past● But if , O man , thou liv'st a Christless creature , And death surprize thee in a state of nature , ( As who can tell but that may be thy ●ase ) How wilt thou stand before thy Judges face ? When he shall be reveal'd in flaming fire● And come to pay ungodly men their hire : To execute due vengeance upon those That know him not , or that have been his foes : What wilt thou answer unto his demands , When he requires a reason at thine hands Of all the things that thou hast said , or done , Or left undone , or set thine heart upon ? When he shall thus wi●h thee expostulate ; What cause hadst thou thy Maker for to hate , To take up arms against thy Soveraign , And enmity against him to maintain ? What injury hath God Almighty done thee ? What good hath he withheld that might have wo● thee ? What evil or injustice hast thou found In him , that might unto thy hurt redound ? If neither felt nor ●eared injury Hath moved thee to such hostility : What made thee then the Fountain to forsake , And unto broken Pits thy self betake ? What reason hadst thou to dishonour God , Who the● with Mercies never ceast to load ? Because the Lord was good , hast thou been evil , And taken part against him with the Devil ? For all his cost to pay him with despite ! And all his love with hatred to requite ! Is this the fruit o● Gods great pa●ience , To wax more bold in disobedience ? To kick against the bowels of his love ! Is this aright his bounty to improve ? Stand still , ye Heav'ns , and be astonished , That God by man should thus be injured . Give ear , O Earth , and tremble at the sin Of those that thine Inhabitants have bin . But thou , vile wretch , hast added unto all Thine other faults , and facts so criminal , The damning sin of wilful Unbelief . Of all Transgressors hadst thou been the chief ; Yet when time was , thou mightst have been set free From sin , and wrath , and punishment by me . But thou wouldst not accept of Gospel grace , Nor on my terms eternal life embrace . As if all thy breaches of Gods Law Were not enough upon thy head to draw Ete●nal wrath , thou hast despis'd a Saviour , Rejected me , and trampled on my favour . How o●t have I s●ood knocking a● thy door , And been denied entrance evermore ? How often hath my Spirit been withstood , Whenas I sent him to have done thee good ? Thou hast no need of any one to plead Thy cause , or for thy Soul to intercede : Plead for thy self , if thou hast ought to say , And pay thy forfeitures without delay . Behold , thou dost ten thousand Talents owe : Or pay thy debt , or else to prison go . Think , think , O man , when Christ shall thus unfold Thy secret guilt , and make thee to behold The ugly face of all thy sinful errours , And fill thy face with his amazing terrours , And let thee see the flaming pit of hell , ( Where all that have no part in him shall dwel ) When he shall thus expo●●ulate the case ? How cans● thou bear to look him in the face ? What wilt thou do without an Advocate , Or plead , when as thy state is desperate ? Dost think to put him off with fair pretences ? Or wilt thou hide and cover thine offences ? Can any thing from him concealed be , Who doth the hidden things of darkness see ? Art thou of force his power to withstand ? Canst thou by might escape out of his hand ; Dost thou intend to run out of his sight , And save thy self from punishment by flight ? Or wilt thou be eternally accurst , And ' bide his vengeance , let him do his worst ? Oh , who can bear his indignations heat ? Or ' bide their pains o● hell which are so great ? I● then thou neither cans● his wrath endure , Nor any ransome after death procure : If neither Cries nor Tears can move his heart To pardon thee , or mitigate thy smart● But unto Hell thou must perforce be sent With dismal horrour and astonishment : Consider , O my Friends , what cause thou hast With fear and trembling , while as yet thou mayst , To lay to heart thy sin and misery , And to make out after the Remedy . Consider well the greatness of thy danger , O child of wrath , and object of Gods anger . Thou hangest over the infernal pit By one small thread , and car's● thou not a whit ? There 's but a s●ep between thy soul and death : Nothing remains but stopping of thy breath , ( Which may be done to morrow , or before ) And then thou art undone for evermore : Let this awaken thy security , And make thee look about thee speedily . How canst thou rest an hour , ●r sleep a night , Or in thy creature comforts take delight ? Or with vain toys thy self forgetful make How near thou art unto the burning Lake ? How canst thou live without tormenting fears ? How canst thou hold from weeping flouds of tears , Yea , tears of bloud , I might almost have said , If such like tears could from thine eyes be shed ? To gain the world what will it profit thee , And lose thy soul and self eternally ? Eternity on one small point dependeth : The man is lost that this short life mis spendeth . For as the Tree doth fall , right so it lies : And man continues in what s●ate he dies . Who happy die ; shall happy rise again : Who cursed di● shall cursed still remain . If under sin and wrath death leaves thee bound , At Judgement under wrath thou shalt be found : And then wo , wo that ever thou wert born O wretched man , of heaven and earth forlorn ! Consider this , all ye that God forget , Who all his threatnings at nought do set , Le●● into pieces he begin to tear Your souls , and there be no deliver●r . O you that now sing care and fear away , Think o●ten of that ●ormidable day , Wherein the Heav'ns with a mighty noise , And with an hideous heart-confounding voice , Shall pass away together being roll'd . As men are wont their garments up to fold : When th' Elements with ●ervent heat shall melt , And living creatures in the same shall swelt , And all together in those flames expire , Which set the earth's foundations on fire . Oh , what amazement will your hearts be in , And how will you to curse your selves begin , For all your damned sloth , and negligence , And unbelief , and gross impenitence , When you shall hear that dreadful Sentence pas● , That all the wicked into hell be cast ? What horrour will your consciences ●u●prise , When you shall hear the fruitless-doleful cries Of such as are compelled to depart Unto the place of everlasting smart ? What , when you see the sparks flie out of hell , And view the Dungeon where you are to dwell , Wherein you must eternally remain In anguish and intollerable pain ? What , when your hands and feet are bound togethe● , And you are cast into that Lake for ever ? Then shall you feel the truth of what you hear , That hellish pains are more then you can bear ; And that those torments are an hundred fold More terrible then ever you were told . Nor speak I this , good Reader , to torment thee Before the time , but rather to prevent thee From running headlong to thine own decay In such a perillous and deadly way . We who have known and felt Jehovah's terrours , Perswade men to repent them of their errours . And turn to God in time , ere his Decree Bring forth , and then there be no remedee . If in the night , when thou art fast asleep , Some friend of thine , that better watch doth keep , Should see thy house all on a burning flame , And thee almost inclosed with the same : If such a friend should break thy door & wake thee , Or else by force out of the peril take thee : What wouldst thou take his kindne●s in ill part ? Or frown upon him for his good desert ? Such , O my friend , such is thy present state , And danger , being unregenerate . Awake , awake , and then thou shalt perceive Thy peril greater then thou wilt believe . Lift up thine eyes and ●ee Gods wrathful ire Preparing unextinguishable fire For all that live and die impenitent . Awake , awake , O sinner , and repent . And quarrel not , because I thus alarm Thy Soul to save it from eternal harm . Perhaps thou harbourest such thoughts as these , I hope I may enjoy my carnal ease A little longer , and my self refresh With those delights that gratifie the flesh : And yet repent before it be too late , And get into a comfortable state . I hope I have yet m●ny years to spend , And time enough those matters to attend . Presumptuous heart ! is God engag'd to give A longer time to such as love to live Like Rebels still , who think to stain his Glory By wickedness , and after to be sorry ? Unto thy lust shall he be made a drudge , Who thee , and all ungodly men shall judge ? Canst thou account sin sweet , and yet confess That , first or last , it ends in bitterness ? Is sin a thing that must procure thee sorrow , And wouldst thou dally with 't another morrow ? O foolish man , who lovest to enjoy That which will thee distress or else destroy ! What gained Samson by his Dalilah ? What gained David by his B●thsheba ? The one became a slave , lost both his eyes . And made them sport that were his enemies : The other penneth , as a certain token Of God's displeasure , that his bones were broken . Read , whoso list , and ponder what he reads , And he shall find small joy in evil deeds . Moreover this consider , that the longer Thou liv'st in sin , thy sin will grow the stronger : And then it will an harder matter prove , To leave those wicked haunts that thou dost love . The Blackmore may as eas'ly change his skin , As old tran●gressours leave their wonted sin . And who can tell what may become of thee , Or where thy Soul in one days time may be ? We see that Death nor old nor young men spares , Bur one and other takes at unawares . For in a moment , whilst men Peace do cry , Destruction seizeth on them suddenly . Thou who this morning art a living wight , Mayst be a Corps and damned Ghost ere night . Oh dream not then , that it will serve the turn Upon thy death-bed ●or thy sins to mourn . But think how many have been snatch'd away , And had no time for Mercy once to pray . It 's just with God Repentance to deny To such , as put it off until they dy● And late Repentance seldom proveth true : Which if it fail , thou know'st what must ensue . For after this short life is at an end , What is amiss thou never canst amend . Believe , O man , that to procrastinate , And to put off until it be too late , As 't is thy sin , so is it Satans wile , Whereby he doth great multitudes beguile● How many thousands hath this strong delusion Already brought to ruin and con●usion , Whose souls are now reserv'd in Iron Chains Under thick darkness to eternal pains ? They thought of many years , as thou dost now : But were deceived quite , and so mayst thou . Oh then , my friend , while not away thy time , Nor by Rebellion aggravate thy Crime . Oh put not off Repentance till to morrow . Adventure not without God's leave to borrow Another day to spend upon thy lust : Lest God ( that is most holy , wise , and just ) Denounce in wrath , and to thy terrour say , This night shall Devils ●etch thy Soul away . Now seek the face of God with all thy heart , Acknowledge unto him how vile thou art ; ●ell him thy sins deserve eternal wrath , And that it is a wonder that he hath Permitted thee so long to draw thy breath , Who might have cut thee off by sudden death , And sent thy Soul unto the lowest Pit , From whence no price should ever ransom it , And that he may most justly do it still ( Because thou hast deserv'd it ) if he will. Yet also tell him that , if he shall please , He can forgive thy sins , and thee release : And that in Christ his Son he may be just , And justifie all those that on him trust ; That though thy sins are of a Crimson dye , Yet Christ his bloud can cleanse thee thorowly . Tell him , that he may make his glorious Name More wonderful by covering thy ●hame . That Mercy may be greatly magnify'd , And Justice also fully satisfy'd , If he shall please to own thee in his Son , Who hath paid dear for Mans Redemption . Tell him thou hast an unbelieving heart , Which hindreth thee ●rom coming for a part In Christ : and that , although his terrours aw thee . Thou canst not come , til he be pleas'd to draw thee . Tell him , thou know'st thy heart to be so bad , And thy condition so exceeding sad , That though Salvation may be had for nought , Thou canst not come and take , till thou be brought , Oh beg of him to bow thy stubborn will To come to Christ , that he thy lusts may kill . Look up to Christ for his attractive pow'r . Which he exerteth in a needful hour ; Who saith , When as I lifted up shall be , Then will I draw all sorts of men to me , Oh , wait upon him with due diligence , And trembling fear in every Ordinance , Unto his Call earnest attention give , Whose voice makes deaf men hear , & dead men live● Thus weep , and mourn , thus hearken , pray , & wait : Till he behold , and pity thine estate , Who is more ready to bestow his Grace , Then thou the same art ready to embrace . Yea , he hath might enough to bring thee home , Though thou hast neither strength nor wil to come . If he delay to answer thy Request : Know that oft times he doth it for the best ; Not with intent to drive us from his doore , But ●or to make us importune him more ; Or else to bring us duely to con●ess , And be convinc't of our unworthiness . Oh be not weary then , but persevere To beg his Grace , till he thy suit shall hear ; And leave him not , nor ●rom his footstool go● Till over thee Compassion's skirt he throw . Eternal life will recompence thy pains , If ●ound at last , with Everlasting gains . For if the Lord be pleas'd to hear thy cries , And to forgive thy great iniquities , Thou wilt have cause for ever to admire And laud his Grace , that granted thy desire . Theu shalt thou find thy labour is not lost : But that the good obtain'd surmounts the cost . Nor shalt thou grieve for loss of sin●ul pleasures , Exchang'd sor heavenly joyes & lasting treasures The yoke of Christ , which once thou didst esteem A tedious yoke , shall then most easie ●eem . For why ? The love o● Christ shall thee constrain To take delight in that which was thy pain . The ways of Wisdom shall be pleasant ways , And thou shalt chuse therein to spend thy days● If once thy Soul be brought to such a pass : O bless the Lord , and magnifie his Grace . Thou , that of late had●t reason to be sad , May'st now rejoyce , and be exceeding glad ; For thy condition is as happy now , As erst it was disconsolate and low . Thou art become as rich , as whilome poor ; As blessed now , as cursed heretofore . For being cleansed with Christs precious bloud , Thou hast an intr'est in the Chiefest Good : God's anger is towards thy soul appeased : And in his Christ he is with thee well-pleased . Yea , he doth look upon thee with a mild And gracious aspect as upon his child . He is become thy Father and thy Friend , And will defend thee from the cursed Fiend . Thou need'st not fear the roaring Lions rage , Since God Almighty doth himself engage To bear thy Soul in Everlasting Arms , Above the reach of all destructive harms . Whats'ever here thy sufferings may be , Yet ●rom them all the Lord shall rescue thee : He will preserve thee by his wond'rous might Unto that rich Inheritance in light . Oh sing for joy , all ye Regenerate , Whom Christ hath brought into this blessed state , O love the Lord , all ye his Saints , who hath Redeemed you from everlasting wrath : Who hath by dying made your Souls to live , And what he dearly bought doth freely give . Give up your selves to walk in all his ways , And study how to live unto his praise . The time is ●hort you have to ●erve him here : The day of your deliverance draweth near . Lift up your heads , ye upright ones in heart , Who in Christ's Purchase have obtain'd a part● Behold ! he rides upon a shining Cloud , With Angels voice , and Trumpet sounding loud . He comes to save his folk from all their foes , And plague the men that Holiness oppose . So come , Lord Iesus , quickly come we pray , Yea come and hasten our Redemption day . A SONG of EMPTINESS , to fill up the Empty Pages following . VANITY OF VANITIES . VAin , frail , shore-liv'd and miserable man , Learn what thou art when thine estate is best ; A restless Wave o' th' troubled Ocean , A Dream , a lifeless Picture finely drest : A Wind , a Flower , a Vapour , and a Bubble , A Wheel that stands not still , and a trembling Reed , A rolling Stone , dry dust , light Chaff , and Stubble , A Shadow of something , but nought indeed . Learn what d●ceitful Toys , and empty things , This World and all its best Enjoyments be : Out of the Earth no true Contentment springs ; But all things here are vexing Vanitee . For what is Beauty , but a fading Flower ? O● what is Pleasure , but the Devils bait , Whereby he catch●th whom he would devour , And multitudes of Souls doth ruinate ? And what are Friends , but mortal men , as we ? Whom Death from us may quickl● separate ? Or else their hearts may quite estranged be , And all their love be turned into hate . And what a●e Riches to be doted on ? Vncertain , fickle , and ensnaring things ! They draw mens Souls into Perdition , And when most needed , take th●m to their wings . Ah foolish man , that sets his heart upon Such empty shadows , such wild fowl as these , That being gotten will be quickly gone , And whil'st they stay increase but his disease ! As in a Dropsie , drinking drought beg●ts : The more he drinks , the more he still requires ? So on this World whos● affection sets , His Wealth 's encrease encreaseth his desires . O happy man , whose Portion is above , Where Floods● where Flames , where Foes cannot bereave him . Most wretched man , that fixed hath his love Vpon this World , that surely will deceive him ! For what is Honour ? what is Sov'raignty , Whereto mens hearts so restlesly aspire ? Whom have they Crowned with Felicity When did they ever sati●fie desire ? The Ear of man with hearing is not fill'd : To see new sights ●till coveteth the Eye : The croking Stomack though it may be still'd , Yet crokes again without a new supply . All earthly things mans cravings answer not , Whose little Heart would all the world contain , ( If all the world should fall to one mans Lot ) And notwithstanding empty still remain . The Eastern Conquerour was said to weep , When he the Indian Ocean did view , To see his conquests bounded by the Deep , And no more wo●lds remaining to be subdue . Who would that man in his Enjoyments bless , Or envy him , or covet his estate , Whose gettings do augment his greediness , And make his Wishes more intemperate ? Such is the wonted and the common guise Of those on Earth that bear the greatest sway : If with a few the case be otherwise , T●ey seek a Kingdom that abides for ay . Moreover they of all the Sons of men That Rule , and are in highest Places set , Are most inclin'd to scorn their Brethren , And God himself ( without great Grace ) forget . For as the Sun doth blind the gazers eyes That for a time they nought discern aright : So Honour doth befool and blind the Wise , And their own Lustre ' reaves them of their sight . Great are their Dangers , manifold their Cares : Through which , whil'st others sleep , they scarcely nap And yet are oft surprized unawares , And fall unweeting into Envies Trap. The mean Mechanick finds his kindly rest : All void of fear sleepe●h the Countrey Clown : When greatest Princes often are distrest , And cannot sleep upon their Beds of Down . Could Strength or Valour men Immortalize , Could Wealth or Honour keep them from decay , There were some cause the same to Idolize , And give the lye to that which I do say : But neither can such things themselves endure Without the hazzard of a Change one hour , Nor such as trust in them can they secure From dismal days , or Deaths prevailing power . If Beauty could the beautiful defend From Deaths dominion , then fair Absalome Had not been brought to such a shameful end : But fair and foul unto the Grave must come . If Wealth or Scepters could Immortal make , Then , wealthy Croesus , wherefore art thou dead ? If Warlike Force , which makes the World to quake , Then why is Julius Caesar perished ? Where are the Scipio'● , Thunderbolts of War ? Victorious Pompey , Cesars Enemee ? Stout Hannibal , Rome's Terrour , known so far ? Great Alexander , what 's become of thee ? If Gifts and Bribes Deaths favour might but win , If Power it force , or Threatnings might it fray ; All these and more , had still surviving bin : But all are gone , for Death will take no Nay . Such is this World with all her Pomp and Glory ; Such are the men whom worldly eyes admire : Cut down by Time , and now become a Story , That we might after better things aspire . Go boa●t thy self of what thine heart enjoys , Vain man ! triumph in all thy worldly Bliss : Thy best Enjoyments are but trash and toys ; Delight thy self in that which worthless i● . Omnia praetereunt praeter Amare Deum . FINIS .