our soules doth poast It is ordayned and decree'd that all men by necessitie Through that first Adams sinfull deede are subiect made the death to die To dye for sinne t' is due for sinne to dye in sinne a heauy case To dye to sinne is to beginne to leaue to sinne and liue to grace The death in sinne without repenting in affect effect and aspecting In thinking doing and frequenting and offred grace of God reiecting I wretched wofull execrable haue plague of God by sinne for sinne Of miseries most miserable to them that liue and die therein But he that dies before he dies when he is dead he is not dead But oldeage dies and he shall rise with glory from the graue his bed And he that 's toucht with conscience pricke whose sence of sin is sharpe quicke That man is sicke ere he is sicke and when he 's sicke he is not sicke I looke poore wretch on mine estate and others monish by mine harmes That was neere death but now of late by sinne inchaunted by her charmes Had I not dyed sure I had di'de oh happie Phenix liuing death Still let my flesh be mortified let my sp'rit breath by thy spirits breath Sweete Iesu thou didst die for me and in thy death with thee I di'de Oh liue in me and J in thee shall liue and euermore abide And wormes meate thou durt clay slime thy body kill thy soule to saue Quaile vild affections whil'st hast time that life by death through grace mai'st haue Shake hands with sinnes all offences and learne to dye before thou dye When bid'st adue vnto thy sences then shalt thou liue eternally The Cause of death THe cause of death is wicked sinne for out of sin our death did flowe From thence our plagues did all begin cut of this tree our ills did grow Hunger fire death and all created were for punishment And laid on man for Adams fall and was the cause of our torment God said to Adam Scripture saith what houre soeuer thou shalt eate Thou shalt be sure to die the death god made not death but death did threat Through enuy malice of the diuell into the world came this estate Sinnes entred with all actions euill by Adams fault not by our fate Two sortes of death frō death by sin proceed as effects from their cause The death of Nature doth begin death of grace next by Gods lawes ¶ Death of two sorts BY which we are made slaues for euer in darknes called death eternall From worme of conscience freed neuer depriu'd of all the ioyes supernall As by example euident two sorts of death approued well The Glutton rich being dead was sent his body buried quicke in hell And Lazarus poore beggar dead to Abrahams bosome caried is With Angells wings with glory spread where is true ioye and comforts blisse The one hath heauen the other hell the one hath blisse the other bale The one in heauen still must d well and th' other Diuells pull and hale He died with his conscience euill in death he saw his wickednes And his dampnations with the diuell as holy Scriptures doe expresse To the elect and faithful THis is the consolation great of the that in their death-beds lie Their mindes fly vp to th mercy seate and there for mercy loudly cry By Christ which death abollished and sinne that 's clensed by his bloud Whose merits pardon purchased for all our sinnes and death withstood To vs his goodnes is imputed to him the sinnes that we committed And we for righteous are reputed and all our sinnes they are remitted For he alone by death hath bought vs from power and paine of deuill hell merly he through loue hath brought vs with him in heauen to raigne d well That no afflictions giue vs griefe that Sathan should vs not destroy And giu'th to vs eternall life and filth our hearts with heauenly ioy He made vs free-men heires to God which captiue bondslaues were to hell Beate Sathan downe with iron Rod to place where dampned diuels dwell Eternall death could not preuaile gain'st him nor ouer him haue power christ strēgthned those whō sin did quaile his might the mighty did deuoure O're death o're sinne hidious hell he gaue vs life and victory T'all those that keepe his precepts well and them installes in endles glory For as by Adam all men dy'd for sinne and by iniquity In Christ shall all men be reuiu'd to liue with him eternally FINI Si ⧠Although the body die yet they shall liue THe Godly and iust people haue most cōfort though with paine griefe They suffer death lie in graue and seeme for saken sanz reliefe They are as sheep which men ordaine to death and slaughter to be put As silly guiltles Lambes are slaine when Butchers knife their throates doe cut For we which liue shall giuen bee to death for Iesus Christ his sake If they doe not dispaire in thee noe feare of death can cause thē quake But rest assured they shall passe through death to life eternally Who aske for mercy and for grace and vnto God for faith doe cry They suffer both his hand and Rod and when he strikes are patient They put their hope and trust in God who comforts thē with hearts content Their death is good of great price they also know through Christ his passiō Death 's ouer come in wond'rous wise and soe receaue they consolation If any touch't in latest paines of dierfull death this faith hould fast In mid'st of death his life attaines and shall haue lasting life at last The Christians surely doe belieue that whē they seeme to be most dead That then they most of all doe liue and soe with ioy lift vp their head FINIS The death of the Godly is a sleepe CHrist calls the death of godly men a sleep his owne a death why The Souldiers speare was made a Pen his bloud the Inke to write thereby Quietus est for Christians all and then the same to vs was sealed A sleepe he iustly may it call cause by his stripes our wounds were healed His was a death cause death was due in him died all he di'd for all Gods Iustice vs to death doth sue he pay'd it and repair'd the fall that we moight sleep he suffer'd pains that we mought laugh he oft did weepe His was the losse ours was the gaines thus did he change Death to a sleepe FINIS To whom they that die ought to commit their Spirit TO Christ did Stephen yeald vp his spirit for hee 's the way the truth life He purchast life by death and merrit the husbandes he the Church his wife He is that Noah his Church the doue that houldes his hand for to receaue vs He bids vs come to imbrace his loue we fly to him when all deceaue vs. The heauens earth the Lord commaundes to him all Creatures runne but wee None can vs take out of his
can vnderstand thy wisdome great Nor euery one that cri'th Lord Lord shall enter into heauens gate Who is not ledd by better line then doth proceed from flesh bloud Er's from the truth and doth decline from right to wrong to ill from good Whose end is death though for a time seemes sweet to please the outward man That 's nothing else but durt and slime or like a puffe in length a spanne As honor riches frends and health preferment life and worlds delight Esteeming these true happie wealth but the true blisse is out of sight They thinke that sicknes pouertie imprisonment and enymies fell And worldlie crosses veryly are gates and entrance into hell Soe foolish and so ignorant are those thou guyd'st not in thy way Mong'st whom euen I through wisdomes haue bin misled vntill this day But hauing found the truth by tryall want that earthly ioyes are transitory When they me tempt I make deniall and only seeke th' eternall glory Now I disclaime all confidence in Honor health in wealth or feature In wit or worldly sapience or yet in any earthly creature And Lord I heere doe dedicate all thou hast giu'n me to thine honor My selfe I wholie consecrate to march and fight vnder thy banner And now I bid these ioyes adew that only please my flesh and sences Because they all are most vntrue and still doe cause so great offences Because their glorious bountie fades and leaue nought but deformities Because they are nought else but shades and bring forth grose innormities Because they are most false and fickle because they are indeed hells fewell Because their rose hath many a prickle because their slauery is most cruell Because they are not firme and stable because they are profane not holie Because they are but as a fable because they are but sottish folly Because my soule they call and kill because they giue me Iudas kisse Because my good they spot and spill draw me from mine heauenly wish because lik swords they woūd my soul because like serpents they do sting me Because my conscience doth controule saith to hell gates they will bring me Because they doe beset my sences because they dull my spirits quicknes Because they cause so great expences because they cause my sad soules sicknes Bcause all vertue hindred is by this vild worlds accused pleasure Because t' will mee bereaue of blisse and of that blessed heauenly treasure And therefore earth world farewell adue fond fancies flattering fauoures Your ioyes are toyes your heauen is hell I hate your poysoned tast and sauours And thou that art life of my life soule of my soule O Iesus Christ Poynt downe the period of worlds strife thou art that prophet Prince Priest That went'st vp to prepare that place aboue Sonne Moone planets seauen Oh saue me by thy sauing grace and bring me to that highest heauen Where are such ioyes caelestiall as cannot be expreste by penne Bring me from things terrestriall to raigne with thee for aye Amen A heauenly hymne touching the Natiuitie of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ. COme let vs sing to God with praise our Prophet Prince Priest alwaies And to the sacred holy spirit and c. Oh let vs laude the Trinitie With heart and voyce them magnifie For Christ who made vs life inherit c. Giue thankes to God with ioy mirth For his sweete sonne our Sauiours birth Of all mankind the comfort true He is the guiltles lambe alas Whose death passion brought to passe Faith hope and blisse with spirit anew Lift vp your heart with ioy abound With solace sing sweete Musicks sound In honor of Gods holy name Who Christ his Sonne the lambe did make By death mans sinnes away to take All nations sing his worthy fame He is the seede was promised To bruse and crush the serpents head Which caus'd all men for sinne to die He is the mediate to appease Gods wrath by death to giue vs ease Praise him praise him continually Finis ¶ A prayer in extreame sicknes THou God of might hast chastned me and mee corrected with thy rod Wounded my soule with misery and humbled me to know my God And soe made soft my stony brest Thy Arrowes sticke most fast in me My heart doth pant my ioynts opprest my flesh me paineth wofully My bodies members mee deceaue I languish still my strength 's decayd I am soe weake of power bereau'd I cannot stand but must be stayde Thy hand O God doth presse me sore my sicknes soe extreamely growes That I am euen at deathes dore thou do'st it Lord. my heart it knowes That I am vexed thus with payne it is for sinne and mine offence For my misdeeds and trespasse plaine the cause of wrathfull recompence Ease me O God and sucker me send comfort lay no more on me Then I can beare O suffer me to draw my breath and looke on me O Lord consider my weaknes beare with my great infirmitie Helpe me oh Lord cure my sicknes that I may giue all praise to thee Incline thine eares vnto my mones harke to the voice of my complaint Let both my crying and my grones come to thy throane oh I am faint I make my plaint to thee alone for thee alone I haue displeas'd To thee alone I make my mone may 't please thee that I may be eas'd I know not how for to appease thy high displeasure that 's gain'st me I am afraide to aske for ease or looke on thee that pain'st me I am neare drown'd with deep dispaire when I in minde doe well perpend How I did sinne sans feare or care without regard of my last end Lord I haue sind and thou hast said that at what time I doe repent My debts sor sinnes shall all be paide thy gratious pardon shall be sent On this thy promise Lord I build vpon thy goodnes I relie Mine heart doth to repentance yeelde graunt pardon Lord or else I die Though I haue often heinously offended and thy patience prou'd By sinning often grieuously yet thou with pittie hast been mou'd Art slow to strike yet strong to suffer thine hands are yron thy feete of leade Thou art more readie grace to offer then we to aske our dayly bread O now for pittie ease my paine for Iesus sake my Lord thy Sonne Restore to me my health againe if not Lord let thy will be done But graunt me strength to beare thy yoake and patience Lord vnto me lend That I may bide thine heauie stroake then send Lord whatthou wilt send Thy punishments are pursiuants that thou of faithfull loue dost send To all thy true and iust seruants to warne them of their latter end Thy rod and staffe doth comfort me and me vphold t'wixt hope and feare Thou gain'st presumption chastnest me and th' other keepe me from
showne from him no secret kept can be How I consume so many yeares mispent so many monthes and daies Both houres and minutes all appeares to God who markes my life waies Time is the meane that all things tries time worketh what mens wits deuise Time with his swiftnes euer flies and time in time will make men wise Fly from me follies of my youth packe hence my sins that burdned me Welcome to me is age and trueth now I by faith in Christ will be whose sins do make their harts to bleed let them examples take by me Whose wickednes all mens exceede come come and my repentance see Lord now let me depart in peace I feele thy rod I finde thy loue My paines doe grow my ioyes encrease this mercie comes from thee aboue My sickenes is a present meane to heale and cure my wounds of sin Lord purge all my corruptions cleane and let my death my life begin FINIS The repentant complaineth of his horrid and grieuous sinnes and in the end giueth thankes vnto Iehouah on high who is distinguised into one God and three persons HIdden O Lord are my most horred sins vnto the world though open plaine to thee He neuer betters that no time begins corruption killeth all good thoughts in mee What sin doth dwell in this vild flesh of ours but doth encrease like monsters huge in me Cōmitting them both minutes daies houres as swift as Time so fast grow they in me Rent thine owne flesh teare thy wretched haires scrape clean corruptions marrow frō thy bones Put out thine eies cut of thy tongue stop eares lame all thy sences to kill sinne at once I faine would walke that know not how to creep I am opprest with such most hainous crimes Whē I should wake sin drowneth me with sleep for one good thought I sin a thousand times Sigh O my soule weepe sorrow lament and seeke for helpe if any hope be left Pray vnto Christ for grace thou mai'st repent before his merits from thee be bereft Though by his rod afflictions humble thee and for thy sinnes thou suffer grieuous paine Yet with his staffe he still vpholdeth thee from deep dispaire in blisse with him to raigne All glory be to God on high and to his sonne our sauiour wise and iust To whom with ioy still pray and sing will I and to my comforter the holy Ghost Whose being was from all eternity one deity distinct in persons three According to the blessed Trinity distinguish 't three yet one in vnity Finis ¶ The repentant wholy flyeth vnto the mercies of God in Christ and describeth the loath somnes vglines of his sinnes aggrauating the greatnes thereof aboue all other mens O Lord behould my miseries my paine and deadly griefe No helpe no hope but thy mercies to yeeld my soule reliefe I hate my selfe and loath my sinne my heart is rent with feare To thinke what state I haue liu'd in my wits with torments teare If sinnes seeme vgly vnto mee who did the same commit How loath some Lord shew they to thee that do'st in iudgement sit Whē others sins my minde haue vext and make me search mine owne My heart with horror is perplex't for my sinnes seedes so sowne By measure iust and true I finde no man that euer liu'd Hath sinn'd so much in heart and mind as I that am thus grieu'd If all mens faults were put in one and knowne were my offences T' weare no compaire to mine alone so vil'd in all pretences O cease to sing sigh and lament turne tunes to weeping teares And learne of Dauid to repent by faith to cure thy cares True faith in Christ Lord grant to me that now liue in dispaire From Sathans bondage set me free let Christs bloud cleanse me cleare Blot out of minde my cursed crimes and my misdoings all That dayly sinne so many times and hourely sinck and fall Thou bid'st thē come that loden are with burthen of their sinne And let thy spirit my spirit prepare that I may now begin At first to creepe and then to goe and so come to thy gate And then be cured of my woe O Lord t' is not to late Whil'st I liue let me liue to loue thee for now mine heart aboue There 's nought on earth to loue can moue me my life is with my loue Where thou doest sit on cherubins and Angels sing thy praise With holy holy Seraphines Lord let me liue alwaies FINIS The poore Suppliant being visited with a grieuous sicknes sheweth how he languisheth in all the corporall parts members of his body but especially with the torture of his conscience for sinne and at the last prayeth that God would take from him this heauie yoake of miseries O Lord giue eare to my complaint attend my teares heare my cry My sinnewes shrinck my limes do faint I languish in my malady My bones are broke my flesh gon quit my strength in euery part doth faile My thighes grow thin dim'd is my sight my leggs feete with weaknes quaile My tongue doth faulter in my head my spr'its faint my hands do shake With paine and ach I tosse in bed my vaines are stiffe mine hart doth ake My bodie is with griefe opprest noe place noe part is free from anguish I grieue and groane and take no rest I faint I swoune I fall I languish I liue but dying euery houre my glasse of time is almost run I sade away as doth a floure that withers with the heate of sunne I liue and die yet not with death I lingring liue yet dead with sinne Condemn'd to die yet draw my breath in such confusion liue I in As if all tortures due for sinne were euery minute laid on mee Horrors with-out and hell with-in and all thiese things thine eie doth see I charge not Heauen I blame not earth but of this one thing am assured That flesh and world the diuell my birth and faults not fates haue this procured Lord for thy building thou dost square mee with many a strong and sturdy stroake When thy will is O Lord do spare mee and take from me this heauie yoake FINIS A feruent prayer vnto God that the repentant may find fauour in Christ whose merits and satisfaction he offereth vnto thee O Lord as a pleasing ransome for his sinnes ATtend vnto my teares O Lord regard my woefull moane And seeke to saue mee by thy word or I am ouerthrowne For sinne doth so oppresse my minde that I am damn'd to hell Vnlesse by Christ I fauour finde whose woundes must make me well Cure thou my soule so sicke with sinne by merrits of thy sonne Marke not the state that I liue in but marke what he hath done Most perfect he though I be vild to please when I offend He sits with thee though I exild in glory to the end My
nature is inclin'd to euill though his with good accord My senses seeke to serue the diuell his will to please the Lord. Wherefore O God which art most iust in him my debts to pay In his desert my soule doth trust thy wrath for to alay Finis ¶ The first Lamentation in distresse coÌ„teineth a confession of sinnes and a petition to be released of the punishments due for the same The first part ¶ The first part sheweth that a man must not only repaire vnto God in prayers in silent sighes and in inward desires and groanes But wee must also worship God with our tongue words and voice and in royall speech praise his holy name O Father full of knowledg deepe thou searchest secrets of each hart Behold'st desires we priuate keepe with hidden silence in the darke But yet thou do'st thus much require thy children should know confesse Thee for to be their lightsome fire that iudg'st their works in righteousnes As thou hast fram'd in man a heart wherewith his maker to beleeue A tongue and lippes and euery part wherewith he glory may thee giue And thou do'st challenge at his hands free sacrifice of prayers praise And honors due throughout all lands that all men can'st deâ—ect and raise Thy children must not in their minde be dumbe nor in their tongues be mute wheÌ„ they should seeke thine help to find and by petition shew their suite Thy sonne doth bid me aske and haue and find to seeke to knock and enter What they do want that they may craue by faith in him they may aduenture Thou still art ready to be found helpe thine owne in their distresse That in their faith are constant sound and patient in their heauines Therefore deere father I beset with many miseries distrest Come vnto thee thine ayde to get and after trouble to finde rest And haue thy grace with-out with-in but I that am of sinners chiefe Because thou hat'st in me my sinne many doubt thou wilt not giue reliefe Alas poore wretch what shall I doe to aske I am so far vnfit Vnapt my God to seeke vnto vnworthy to haue benefit Of what I craue or do desire and yet to cry I will not lin Till thou do'st send refining fire and purifie me from my sinne The second part ¶ The distressed prayeth to be sanctified and to inioy the renewed graces of regenerations and though his infirmitie causeth him to thinke that the Lord doth not heare his prayers but deferreth him too long yet he concludeth that Gods faithfull promises still nourish and feed him with neuer dying hope of comfortable issue O Let thy spr'it me sanctifie vntie my tongue open my lips I cannot silence keepe for why my conscience euery houre me whips My miseries grow more and more within my bones I find no rest Thy grace anew to me restore let me speake what likes thee best That thine eares euer be inclin'd to my extreame and dolefull cries Let me thy mercies ready finde to take my teares from weeping eies Thou euermore do'st heare the cries of all that feare thy holy name And comforts them with thy mercies that trust in thee and begge the same Their soules thou do'st from death defend cheares their hearts in time of need To me therefore thy comforts send and giue thy helpe with louing speede Thy seruants caÌ„not hold their tongue though oft they muse cannot see Why their afflictions last so long and they for mercy cry to thee Till at the length the fire of zeale doth kindle then it out must breake Tongue cannot hould but must reueale their grones grieues neds must speak To shew their hope which like to fire none can suppresse when they belieue T' will pierce the cloudes to thee aspire yet thou do'st seeme no helpe to giue At last thy goodnes doth appeare and thou imbracest him with ioy Time of deliuerance draweth neere thou Lord feed'st him from anoy Good God how coÌ„meth this to passe that I so long haue sought to thee And thou still seem'st to hide thy face and keep'st thy graces still from mee How long haue I vnto thee pray'd and thou seem'st not to giue me eare This makes mine hart thoughts afraid ready to faint with deepe dispaire I ready was for to surcease the suite which I so long had sought Made vnto thee for to appease thy wrath by Christ that hath me bought O Lord my God thy promises and louing kindnes only feed'st And comfort'st me in heauines with neuer dying hope in neede I know expected time will come when thou forgetting all my sinne Wil 't see my sorrowes all and some and free the bondage I am in The third part ¶ The repentant sheweth his faith confidence in Gods fatherly goodnes and wisdome who knoweth best what and when to giue his children and therefere he conditioneth not with God by appointing him a time but onely desireth that the Lord would not defer his graces too long but mercifully heare him as he did alwaies heare the righteous and holy fathers who also were subiect to the same impuritie of sinne as well as the suppliant THou art my god thy helps at hand thou art a father thou know'st wheÌ„ To giue the state do'st vnderstand of richest kings and poorest men The things most fit thou do'st bestow and helpest when all helpe is missing Those could not creep thou mak'st to goe pourest downe on them thy blessing Therefore God all sufficient repleate with mercy full of loue I doe not presse to know th' intent but pray thee doe what mercy moue To say come now or then doe this for the time when where what how What thou do'st ayme my marke may misse me to thy prouidence I bow Yet be not ouer long away for thou do'st know my feeblenes Thou see'st my troubles day by day bow'd down to extreame wretchednes Without hope of recouery I fall alas what shall I doe There is no trust but trust in thee for helpe and ayde and succour too I know by proofe that thou art bent to heare poore sinfull wretched men When they are truely penitent and when they pray deliuer'st then From troubles strife and all debate from sicknes death and deadly paine From enuy mallice sinne and hate the righteous thou wilt not disdaine But who is righteous in thy sight or in thy iudgements cleane are seene Angels before thee are bright much lesse we wretches righteous been But all are sinners all transgresse our elder fathers were impure All haue offended more or lesse yet was thy promise firme and sure And did obtaine mercy and grace reliefe hope strength saluation They saw the brightnes of thy face thou gau'st them consolation The fourth part ¶ The repentant sheweth that the Fathers were iuflified onely by grace in Iesus Christ And therefore desireth that his sinnes
shrinke though knowing this Thy wonderous power great mercies most infinite thy mercy is Yf mad'st the Rocke a water spring thy thirsty people to refresh Frō mine hard hearted foes can'st wring some comfort for my withered flesh Yf thou raind'st Manna from aboue meate by a Rauen thy saints to feede Thousands of men did feede with loue when their was little shew of bread Yf to thy people thou sendest Quailes in desert where all foode was scant And since thy goodnes neuer failes should I suppose that I should want ¶ The fift part of the ninth Lamentation COnfirme my faith for euermore that I most constantly belieue Thou can'st and wilt encrease my store and all good things thou wilt me giue All power belongeth vnto thee who can imagine or will say Thou can'st not in my neede helpe me or that thy loue is tane away Sith thou hast don such mighty things so freely for men in distresse Should not I fly with swiftest wings to thee in time of heauines But lo O Lord all things are thine the heauens are thine the earth also The Cattle Fowles the shrubs vine all things in heauen and earth belowe All things aboue all things beneath is thine who truely then can say Thou can'st not giue or them bequeath to whom thou wilt who can say nay Thou makest the corn to spring grow waterst th' earth with thy sweet showers Thou causest beasts with thankes to low with dewes thou water'st fragrāt flowers Since then thou art the Lord of all sith thou cōmaund'st do'st forbid The rich poore mak'st proud men fall that down can'st throvv raise at need Sith that thou tryest vvilt revvard sith thou dost vvhat shall please thy will And in what manner vvilt regard vvhom thou vvilt can'st saue or spill No liuing man commandeth thee not all the vvorld can thee controle O Lord I still vvill pray to thee for health of body and of soule Let it be thus O father deare for Christ his sake thy dearest sonne That dyed and rose my soule to cleare in all things Lord thy wil be done All glory to the Trinity to Father Sonne and holy Ghost Combind in holy vnity of power in might and glory most FINIS ⧠To God the Father WEll-spring of deity God God-head giuer who giu'st away yet kepest what was giuē A fountaine vndiminisht by thy riuer Riuer and fountaine both in fullnes euer Father by euerlasting generation Without precedence in paternity Whether it be of substance or relation For all things are togither in eternity Disclose the depth take frō my muse obscurity Thine hidden depth which makes my verse an oracle So shall I both attaine vnto thy purity And all that read my lines conceiue this miracle How God in getting of another yet Another not an other God did gett FINIS To God the Sonne GReat sonne of God but borne the sonne of man One subiect of a double substance fram'd wherein nor man-hood lost nor god-head wan But of thē both at once one Christ was nam'd Before all times begot in time created The Lord of Lords a seruant from retaining And yet no former forme thereby abated In seruāts forme the forme of God remaining Great sonn of God thē whō there is no greater No not the father in his great diuinitie As God creator and as aman a creature For more and lesse agree not in infinity Teach me to know how man by God assumed Ys both and yet not man by God consumed To God the holy Ghost O Spirit Diuine the cōmon knot whereby The father the sonne do loue together For sonne and father vniuersally Are loue though loue be proper vnto neither Thou that frō both Proceedest from none Vnequally but with the like authority As from one principall though from that one Principally yet without priority One all the first from two the last of three Sweete breath that ioyest euery pensiue heart Breathed from God O God breath into me Skill aboue skill and teach me how thou art The last of three and yet of three so cast As in them all is neither first nor last FINIS ¶ Diuers consolations that the life and time of affliction is short THe comfort that doth make vs bold is our afflictions transitory Cause wee of Christ do take sure hold the troubles short endlesse the glory Eye hath not seene eare hath not hard the ioyes that God for his elect In heauen already hath prepar'd though many troubles to effect Light are our troubles temporarie because Christ and his spirit diuine This waight and burthen helpe to carry and doth in yoake with vs conioyne We looke not on things seene vaine but on things vnseene cast our eie The blessed saints for Christ were slaine Christ answered when they did cry How long how long Lord wilt thou stay a little time though God doth lowre Stay till his wrath be past away t' is but a minute of an howre Christ calles the time of troubles little but Paule doth say the glori's great And in respect t' is but a tittle if 't be compar'd to heauens seate A while saith God I thee forsooke that is short time in misery But thee t'ernall mercy tooke that is to heauen's felicity I 'le feare no danger paine nor losse t' is but the twinckling of an eye I see the crowne I 'le beare the crosse for I shall liue eternally Good gratious God me patience send and then do send what send thou wilt Graunt me those ioyes that ne'r shall end for to that end Christ's bloud was spilt FINIS ⧠Of Death WHat 's death a seperation of mortall body frō our breath What 's that but a Cessation from cares and from a liuing death What 's that Cessation it t' is a sleepe by which we wholie are refreshed Yea but in sleepe who shall vs keepe he that blest all and is most blessed But who made death t'vvas made by sinne what is sin the lawes transgression Of that how should I vauntage win all sinne is weakned by confession But by death's dynt t' is ouercome and whence came sin frō hell beneath Whē wa'st first bred in mothers wombe when will it end not till our death This seemeth strange but this is true by nature sinne is hatcht in vs Old Adams rules till God renue why then I see the case stands thus As sinne goes in soe life goes out as sinne goes out so life comes in So by the Lord t' is brought about sinne conquers life Life conquers sinne Though life by sinne be still anoyde sinne of death by strength sting Yet Viprous sinne by death's destroy'd life killeth death whē death kill'th sin The death of body or of nature is that where to all subiect be Cause sinne hath tainted euery creature according vnto Gods decree When bodies life doth fade away and we giue vp our dying ghost And this our Corps is clad in clay and vnto God
by Iesus side Confessing sinnes at his last time was in his suffering sanctifide To comfort him our Lord did say this day thy soule to heauen seal'd vp On Iacobs ladder heauens high way because thou tasts with me my cup. Then sinners all that him belieue repent their sinnes mend their life As mercy them shall sure releeue and so cut off their mortall strife The suffering Martiers testifie Christ and his Gospell he vs sent The law doth sinners scourge and try faith frees their paines if they repent Whē thou sufferest for right or wrong let steadfast faith in Christ remaine Such sufferings shall ere it be long the crowne of endlesse glory gaine No man therefore ought to dispaire Christ dyed for our redemption Him aduocate did God prepaire from sinne to cause exemption And thē he wil'd his word be preached to euery creature instantly And by his Gospell his grace reached cause he would haue no sinners die The health of all he doth desire calls all to him that burdned bee And to forgiue doth vs require and all to pray that troubled bee FINIS A disputation betweene the Diuell and vs. Man IF Sathan heape vp all thy sins addresse thy selfe to God on hie Fall thus to pray when he begins Lord turne thy face heare my cry The Diuell with strong inuasion suggesteth his temptation Guarde me from Sathan death hell the Feind on me his wrath doth wreake All ill temptations Lord repell defend my soule for it is weake Looke on the face of Christ thy Sonne consider Lord what he hath donne For Christ is mine and I am his mine is his iustice mine the gaines Lord turne thy face from mine amisse Christ bear'st my sins bore the paines Thou did'st me aske and I shall haue in faith therefore thy grace I craue Diuell God heares no sinners why do'st pray thy sinnes the sandes in number passe M. Christ blood hath washt my sins away and made me righteous as he was Christs merits shall me cloath abont God will not finde my vildenesse out D. Shalt thou the sincke of sinfullnes goe on with Peter and with Paule To euerlasting blessednes noe noe to Hell downe must thou fall I but in thought did him offend and he me dampned without end M. I with the theefe reach out my hand of faith to Christ his hand of grace He holdeth me that fearefull stand and drawes me vp to heauenly place Thou neuer canst be sau'd and why for men not Angels Christ did dy D. How hast thou this assured trust Which hast done nothing that is good M. Because though god be god most iust My debts are paid with Christ his blood My sinnes are all to Christ imputed And righteous I in him reputed D. Thou shalt be haled downe to hell M. my head 's in heauen ther 's no hel fire D. with vs in chaines paines shalt dwel M. Thou art a murderer and a lyer When head 's aboue who can be drown'd Christ is the head mine head is crown'd Thou art a damned fiend no iudge T' is thou set'st God man at warrs Thou art that enuious slaue do'st grudge That man should shine as do the starrs heauē enioy whence thou wert thrown Thy malice ould false fiend is knowne D. Legions of Diuells watch sinners soules M. but Angels pitch their tents about me God me protects thee controles Diuels are in chaines I need not doubt thee If thy power stretch not to a Swine How can'st thou hurt this soule of mine D. God is not iust if for thy euils He giues thee euerlasting life Thy balefull portion is with diuels Where thou shalt haue torture strife Endles mercles remediles Due for thy monstrous wickednes M. God's iust and doth his promise keepe From iustice to his mercie seate In Christ's name I appeale and creepe And so obtaine his mercie great And by his grace in largest scope By Christ I doe erect mine hope D. Thou feed'st thy selfe with hope in vaine M. Christ is the truth he cannot lye He saith his saints with him shall raigne And such a one by Christ am I Presumptious slaue my hope 's not vaine Cause Christ is heauen cheefest gaine D. Thou see'st what thou shalt leaue behind What thou shalt haue thou seest not M. Sathan auaunt thy faith is blind From the heauens blisse is far remote That may be seene with natures eies My soule doth scorne and I dispise D. y◠part'st hence loadē with misdeed And of good workes th' art naked bare M. Christ's works merrits stand in steed Of mine by faith are mine I dare By faith in him and true repentance Still hope for blisse and scape Gods vengance D. But thy repentance comes to late Againe thy God's the God of truth I must needs say he must thee hate Cause gainst mee all thy flower of youth Think'st now that he will take the bran No ti 's to late thou wicked man M. To late it was not for the theefe D. yea but the theefe his faith was true Thine is a wauering weake beliefe Hast no more faith then hath a Iewe Now what remaineth but deepe dispaire For God of thee will take no care M. I 'le fly to God I 'le him beseech To blow this little sparke of fire And he that is in mercy rich I know will graunt me my desire Faith pleaseth God by quallitie He cares not for the quantitie D. Do'st not thou see God hath in store In earth in hell and euery where Ten thousand thousand plagues more Which makes vs Diuels quake feare Yet art so sensles foolish dull To say thy God is mercifull M. He like a good Chirurgion Doth hurt to heale they are his launces That lett out our corruption And so saues vs from worse mischances Our plagues on earth saue vs from hell diuels wel may feare for there they dwel D. It is a wretched thing to dye M. To die in Chri'st a blessed thing D. A sinners death 's a misery M. By death is lost my sin deaths sting D. god hath made thy death most biter M. the ioyes of heauen will be the sweeter D. Thou leau'st this world go'st know'st not whither M. I leaue this Hellish place on earth Mine home is heauen I l'e goe thither My soule doth claime it by hir birth Heauen is my country there was bred My soule there is Christ mine head D. Thou leau'st cōmodities behinde And many great and pleasing things Thou many moe ill things maist finde that men to care sorrow brings M. Ther 's nought on earth that 's worth the buying For that 's in heauen is worth my dying D. Thou leaust thy riches thy store M. Thay'r other mens that I do leaue I beare mine with me and no more D. Therein thou do'st thy selfe deceaue Thy wife and Children do'st forsake M. They are y◠Lords he will them take D. It 's hard to be quite pluckt away From those thou
time of neede least that I fall into the snare O let thy comfortable loue betimes into my soule distill And let thy spirit like a Doue dwell in my heart and keepe me still Vpon thee onely I depend direct me in the perfect way And guide me to my iourneyes end for thou art my support and stay Good Lord defend me from my foes for vnto thee I fly for ayd Vnder thy wings hide me from those that for my soule their snares haue layd Teach me to doe the thing a-right that may be pleasing to thy minde And amiable in thy sight that I thy fauour still may finde Thou art my God and onely guide which dost protect me with thy hand O let thy spirit with me a-bide and lead me to the holy land For thy names sake Lord quicken me and for thy righteousnes I craue O set my soule from troubles free and let it neuer see the graue And for thy goodnes sake destroy mine enemies that me pursue And to my soule would worke annoy O Lord confound that damned crew I am thy seruant O my God Deare Father guide me with thy rod. FINIS ¶ A Mistery to be noted and followed of those that are parting out of this life IN the departure of the Lord of mortall bodies vitall breath Their liues a misterie worth record which he did shew vs heere on earth Who doth prepare to die each houre must follow Christ our Sauiour For he the night before he died did single out himselfe alone Disciples all he set aside and to his Father makes his moane His mother deere he leaues with Iohn to comfort her when he is gon So Christians all when they goe hence must cast of care of worldes respect Setling their house with prouidence and then all earthly care neglect Leauing all thoughts of common wealth which too much mens affections steale Commending wife and children all to Gods protecting will Diuine Himselfe to God Coelestiall betakes from world to Gods designe Forsaking friends and kinsfolkes heere exempts his heart from care and feare He must then secret be alone who will with high Iehouah walke Distilling teares with prayers moane and seruent sighes with God to take His soule and spirit let him commend to heauenly ioyes deuoid of end At time of death Christ watch't and prai'd with earnest zeale and seruencie In Oliue Mount all Night he stay'd a place for heauenly secrecie He there thrice his disciples warnes to watch and pray gainst tempters harmes Euen so all they must watch and pray with sighes and groanes for former sinnes That from this life depart away against temptations Sathans gins Exhorting all to liue to die to Faith sure Hope and Charity Christ bow'd his knees t' was not enough he fell downe flat vpon his face His cryes the heauens pierced through to God for ayde and heauenly grace He twice retir'd to feruent praier with ardent Zeale in open ayre He bends his knees with humblenes who himselfe commits to Gods dispose He falleth flat with lowlines that takes the loue for his repose And wholy doth himselfe deny fixing his faith in God on high As Adam first in paradise had seemely corps without array So Christ from Earth on Crosse doth rise his naked selfe doth them display As Brasen Serpent was erect so he 's lift vp for his elect Euen so that soule that Heauen aspir's from earths affections must ascend Mounting with heart and his desires to heauenly life that hath no end Himselfe to th' world must crucifie nayl'd with faith hope and charity This Champion there must combate make with Dragon fierce mans enemy Till he turne backe the victory leauing the Lambe tue victory Then victour shall enioy the nest of highest heauens and be possest FINIS ¶ Short Meditations or Iaculatorie prayers to be had in memorie vppon seuerall occasions When any sodaine feare assayleth thee pray BE vnto me O Lord a Tower of strength against my mortall foe O guard and ward me with thy power which way soeuer I shall goe Then shall my heart and soule reioyce in God my Lord with cheerefull voice ¶ If an ill Suspicion ouertake thee CReate O Lord my heart anewe regenerate my spirit within Suspicious thoughts which me pursue expell and purge me from my sinne Still let thine Angels me conduct and with thy spirit my soule instruct ¶ If vndesent sadnes perplex thee LEt thy saluation be my ioy confirme me with thy spirit of grace Let sadnes not my soule annoy for pensiue thoughts too much take place Oh let my comforts still reside in Christ who for my sinnes hath dy'de ¶ If vaine-glory seduce thee NOt vnto vs but to thy name all honour Lord we attribute For thou alone deseru'st the same what can we to our selues impute Oh Lord thou knowest we are but dust yet we presume in thee to trust ¶ If despaire molest thee THou art my hope euen from my youth from my Mothers wombe my guide Why should I then despaire in truth but in thy mercies euer bide For thou O Lord wilt still protect with consolation thine elect ¶ If thou be afflicted in minde HElpe me and I shall then be safe and I will meditate alwaies Vpholde me with thy strongest Staffe that I may euer sing thee praise Thy wonted loue Lord let me finde to comfort mine afflicted minde ¶ If Slouth assaile thee LOrd with thy powre my soule excite come and confirme me in thy way That in thy lawes I may delight and from thy statuts neuer stray Rouse and reuiue my drowsie spirit that ioyes with thee I may inherit ¶ If wrath disturbe thee OH giue me patience Lord and peace least y◠my soule should lose her crowne O let thy loue to me increase and powre thy grace and mercy downe For thou hast said in thy behest in patience be your soules possest ¶ If desire of honour or promotion tempt thee LOrd vnto thee my heart incline from greedie gaine my thoughts withdrawe From vanitie direct mine eyne and rectifie me in thy lawe For in thee doth all honour rest it comes not from the East nor West ¶ If Gluttonie solicit thee THy Kingdome is not drinke nor meate but ioy and peace in heauen aboue T' is not the flesh which we doe eate can profit vs without thy loue Then with thy grace my spirit cherish for that 's the foode which cannot perish ¶ If any blessing of God happen to thee VVHat shall I render to my Lord for all his blessings powr'd on me My heart and soule with one accord shall laud and praise thy maiestie All Blessings doe from thee descend blest be thy name world without end ¶ In any grieuous persecutions IVdge them oh Lord which me pursue and ouer-throw my foes in fight And with thy sword confound that crewe which prosecut me with despight Oh be thou still my guard and guide defending me on euery
Gods workes haue none enormitie We are the workes deformitie all 's good that doth from God proceede He tempt'h to try not ouerthrow vs Yet needes not try for he doth know vs. but t' is that we our selues should know From him all 's good from vs all 's ill He makes all good wee all doe spill our selues our selues doe ouerthrow In punishments that t 'vs are ill What he doth doe he doth it still hee 's one the same and that same one Not doing ought but by not doing In him t' is good to good ensewing hee 'le see if we can stand alone Gods grace is not difficient Sinne hath not cause ifficient and thee to sinne God doth not make Suggestions by the deuill are sent And there vnto man giues consent why should not God that man forsake Our conscience is sent as a spiall Our punishments sent as a triall and oft times plagues sent as a curse God neuer was to vs a debter If all be sau'd hee 's neuer better if all be damn'd hee 's nere the worse God made all good that all good can Then looke into thy bosome man an Ambuscado there there doth lie Of hideous sinnes by good omitting And monstrous sinnes by ill committing t' is there plac't by mans enemy ¶ A comfor able Himne for the Children of God SAluation doth to God belong He blesseth all both old and young that are his chosen and elect He doth defend his Children all That are in danger griefe and thrall by his good meanes and kinde respect He hath meanes all sufficient And power all perills to preuent to those with thankes doe euer pray What comfort helpe or good soeuer Wee finde from him let vs parseuer and magnifie him night and day Let vs with humble hearts confesse His mercies loue and great kindenesse with heauenly himnes to God aboue With mirth and ioy sing euery one God heard our soules petition and sent his sonne to show his loue The Lord receaues and heares our prayer Hee heares and helpes vs in dispaire be glad my soule in him reioyce Oh spread abroad his holy fame With songes Melodious lawd his name with heart with minde with tongue voice O thou most high God art not prais'd Vnlesse from heart that praise be rais'd who onely knowst our thoughts and minde The glory all must be thine owne By prayers thy powers are euer showne to those by faith thou iust dost finde O hallowed be Gods holy name Who Heauens made and world did frame and man like to his Image pure He all his other Creatures blest Fish Cattle Foule and all the rest to comfort man while times indure FINIS A prayer against temptations especially fit for a man that findeth in himselfe a continuall Inclination to any particuler sinne OH gratious and most louing God who in beginning did'st Create Man to thy shape and image good and likenesse in most pure estate And did'st him place in holy place the garden sweete with all delight With mercies and abonnding grace dect heauenly with earthly sightes And did'st thy Creatures all ordaine in heauen and earth man for to serue Oh what was man that he should gaine Gods great respect him to preserue Yet Lord how soone he fell away from thee and from originall grace How gresly did he disobay thy secret will before thy face Which thou to him did'st then reueale by whose fall all corruption grew And sinne shut out true godly zeale and earthes corruptions did insue And all things in the earth began to disobay him instantly By God made good to comfort man who hated him forsaking thee By his transgression these proceedes of his pollutions Lyneall Haue all defild their waies and deedes and all men tainted by his fall Which first offence bred infinit sinnes in corruptions of mans nature As I my selfe both day and night doe feele know most wretched Creature Which I confesse oh Father deare to whom this chiefe offence was done How Sathans workes in me appeare who hourely into euills run Which are most vilde most meane base doe iudge my selfe of all the worst When I behold my wicked case considering how I am accurst I that confesse I cannot hide how most to sinne I am inclin'd Knowne vnto thee my God and guide who see'st the secrets of my minde Much more the deeds which I commit of darknes seene to thee aboue To whose bright eyes both darke and light at seasons all doe seeme as one And therefore find'st out all my sinne in thought in action or intent Though by each sinne death did begin yet thou do'st promise those repent That they shall be forgiuen all within which number Lord make me Who seest my sinnes for mercy call that raignes in me continually And as hit were commaund me goe drawne there vnto by violence By Sathan vilde our deadly foe that neuer ceaseth ill pretence Who workes in me corruptions corruptions more pollutions breeds Which draweth mine affections which minde inclines to wicked deeds And chiefely to that odious sinne which makes me weake for to fullfill Thy lawes and precepts iust wherein thou vs commaund'st to doe thy will Yet strong and apt for to effect those thinges forbidden by thy lawes Therefore to kill Lord sinnes conflict remoue from me the wicked cause Especially this hedious crime that hanges and stickes so fast on mee That hit doe raigne no longer time which feele it loathsome vnto me A heauy burthen to my soule which I cannot shake off at all By mine owne power or strength controule but by Gods workes parpetuall Who worketh all repentance true therefore Lord make me penitent With contrite heart my spirit renew let loathsome sinnes thy grace preuent For thou Lord seest I doe commit sinnes as hit were against my will Giue me therefore power strength and wit corrupt affections all to kill The thoughts whereof we vex and grieue and heapes of feare my soule possesse Dispaire Attemptes hopes to depriue me to deuour in all distresse FINIS ¶ An exhortation to praise God and to acknowledge our thankesgiuing to him without ceasing WE praise thee God we knowledge thee Our onely Lord and Christ to bee the earth and world doe worship thee Eternall father Heauenly King To whom aloud bright Angells sing the thrones and powers thee magnifie The Cherubins and Seraphin To cry to thee doe neuer linne holy holy most holy Lord Of Saboth God of Maiestie Heauens full and earth of thy glory all Nations laud thy name and word The glorious postles company The goodly prophets Vnitie the holy Marters noble army The holy Church the world through out Doth spread the Gospell all about the Father of true pietie Thy sacred true and onely sonne The Holy Ghost vs comfort wonne thou art of glory King oh Christ Thou art the euelasting sonne Of God whose blessed will was donne in the all people to deliuer Thou did'st not then the Virgins wombe Abhorre nor loath that sacred Tombe till thou wast borne