evermore Let this awaken thy security And make thee look about thee speedily How canst thou rest an hour â—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 sâ—ate he dies Who happy die shall happy rise again Who cursed diâ— 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 Leâ—â— into pieces he begin to tear Your souls and there be no deliverâ—r O you that now sing care and fear away Think oâ—ten of that â—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 â—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 pasâ— That all the wicked into hell be cast What horrour will your consciences â—uâ—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 togetheâ— 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 kindneâ—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 â—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 mâ—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 Bâ—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 tranâ—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 â—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 dyâ— 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 beguileâ— How many thousands hath this strong delusion Already brought to ruin and conâ—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 â—etch thy Soul away Now seek the face of God with all thy heart Acknowledge unto him how vile thou art â—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
sheep do stâ—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 offâ—nce to Christ their Judge appealed XXIII Next unto whom there find a room all Christs â—fflicted oneâ— Who being chastis'd neither despis'd nor sank amidsts their gâ—oans Who by the Rod were turn'd to God and loved him the more Nâ—â— murmuring nor quarrellingâ— 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 selâ—-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 â—or his own by ways unknown to men he sanctify'd XXVI All stand before their Saviour in long white Robes â—clad Their countenance â—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 sinâ—ul Crewâ— 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 Covetouâ— 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 flâ—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 reâ—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 â—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 uâ—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 â—ight firmly be assur'd XLV And this my gâ—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-denâ—al In suffering losses and bearing crosses when put upon the trial XLVI Their sin forsaking their cheerful taking my yoke their chariâ—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 Heirâ— 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 â—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 â—or my Names sake Receive the Crown that 's now your own come and a kingdom take
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 â—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 â—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 liveâ— 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 â—or to make us importune him more Or else to bring us duely to conâ—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 â—rom his footstool goâ— Till over thee Compassion's skirt he throw Eternal life will recompence thy pains If â—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 sinâ—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 â—eem For why The love oâ— 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 daysâ— If once thy Soul be brought to such a pass O bless the Lord and magnifie his Grace Thou that of late hadâ—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 â—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 â—hort you have to â—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 partâ— 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 dâ—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 Oâ— what is Pleasure but the Devils bait Whereby he catchâ—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 quicklâ— separate Or else their hearts may quite estranged be And all their love be turned into hate And what aâ—e Riches to be doted on Vncertain fickle and ensnaring things They draw mens Souls into Perdition And when most needed take thâ—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 begâ—ts The more he drinks the more he still requires So on this World whosâ— affection sets His Wealth 's encrease encreaseth his desires O happy man whose Portion is above Where Floodsâ— 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 satiâ—fie desire The Ear of man with hearing is not fill'd To see new sights â—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 woâ—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 Tâ—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 sleepeâ—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'â— 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 boaâ—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 iâ— Omnia praetereunt praeter Amare Deum FINIS