mire among the pots you might my visage see Grace But now though mixt with waves and spots fair as the Moon I be Glory My raised Glory shall at last The Suns bright Beams out-shine How could eternal life be plac't Refl on Souls so black as mine 35. Nature Within the Region once I sate of Death's dark dreadful Shade Grace In Light 's Dominion now of late to sit down I am made Glory A throne of glorious Life at length reserv'd in Promise lies Lord lead thy worm from strength to strength Refl such precious Grace to prize For young Joseph Branch 1. THe names that Holy men of old did on their Children set Some mysteries tended to unfold some teachings to beget Some works of God in ancient dayes were to remembrance brought Or some instructions for their wayes was thus kept in their thought 2. This way our wanton age disgusts our names have other ends The rich thus gratifie their Lusts the poor thus please their Friends Yet sometimes Providence is known tradition to out-reach That names at unawares bestown some Gospel truths do preach 3. And what should hinder but I might such lessons learn in mine Did Parents teach me and the light of grace upon me shine Of Holy Josâ—ph I might learn a fruitful Bough to be And Christ the Branch I might discern a living Root to me 4 Alas A brasch by nature now of a wild Vine I be Of the degenerated Bough of thee wild-Olive-tree My root is rottenness like dust my blossoms will ascend My grapes are Sodom's pride and lust to death my clusters tend 5. Can pricking Bryar or grieving thorn good grapes in clusters bear Are figgs upon the Thistle born will any seek them there A root of bitterness can nought but gall and wormwood bring No wholsome water can be brought from a corrupted spring 6. â—anured nature forth may bring a lovely Branch to sight With leaves and blossoms of the Spring and shades of great delight But if no fruit it doth afford as Christ expects to find The Figg-tree dry'd or Jonas-Gourd my dreadful state do mind What once fair Branches may I spy of fruit and leaves bereft Who living may be said to dye to men and burning left What great appearance once they made with cost were dig'd and drest They yielded an increasing shade and promis'd with the best 8. ut like the Ivy hardly known on other Branches hung Their Root was properly their own though to the rind they clung But now the Fan and Axe are brought to purge and cast away Such fruitless figg-trees come to nought such empty Vines decay 9 True the Vine-dresser yet intreats that digg'd or dung'd they be If precepts promises or threats may better them or me But to our root the axe is put If no good fruit be found This is the sentence down them cut why cumber they the ground 10 Instruction I should learn from hence How vile a branch I be Unless in a new-cov'nant sense a death shall pass on me Unless from Adam I be cut as standing in the law And by a new ingrafture put Christs life and sap to draw 11 Might I in that true Vine be found a branch that bides alive And from that root and plant-renown'd might fat and fruit derive Like Joseph's would my fruitful-Bough by Well and Wall be sent Nay though the Archers griev'd me now my Bow would bide in bent 12. Then in the schorching years of drought when moisture others want I should retain both leaves and blowth and flourish like a plant Till planted by the Crystal brooks in Paradice I be Where Gods fruit-ripening shining looks shall still be fixt on me Verses sent by an unknown Hand to Captain Sampson Lark in Exon-Prison with a Respond DIversion breeds delight delight prepares for action action is the â—each of cares When one from t'other in this wise proceed Then of Diversion sometime you have need Cares only sinful actions must expell Which none but lawful actions can do well And lawful actions breed a chast delight Which flows from good diversion when its right It lawful actions shoot out sinful care And chast delight doth for such acts prepare And good Diversion breeds such chast delight Have at the mark Sure this will hit the white Though you are mostly known to me by fame Yet I 'le make bold to descant on your name Names to the things sometimes do well agree As in your name whoever will may see When this agreement shall to light be brought All men will say your name is not for nought Lark is your name and Larks most sweetly sing When they are mounted highest on the wing Your towring Soul sometimes mounts up on high And sings its sweetest notes above the sky The Lark seeds clean and can no filth abide To Common-prayer should you a month be ty'd I am perswaded I may safely say You 'ld live on that as well as Larks by Hay The Lark's a Princely Dish though small to sight The Pestle of a Lark is worth a Kite One Hour's discourse with you more gain affords Then years acquaintance with some greater Birds But there 's a season when Larks may be caught A month in which the silly Bird doth dote And then the Fowlers use to set their Gin They leave their stall their lure the glass wherein The Birds behold a false though glistering Sun And tempted by it to the lure do come And to it play which when the Fowler sees He makes no doubt but such a Lark is his The cunning Fowlers they have set their gin Good Sir beware least they should draw you in Should you be caught they 'l make a stall of you To tice in others as they use to do Sir keep aloft and stoop not to their glass Lest what I do but hint should com to pass I wish the Proverb may in this prove true Till the sky falls they 'l ne'r catch such as you I am no Poet nor a Poet's Son As you may guess by what I now have done Yet pray accept what I in love do send Although it come from Your concealed friend Respond DUll Genius rouze for shame awaken Heark What mourning melody salutes the Lark What meetred musick what Seraphick straines What curious warblings eccho through the plains The singer to retirement is diposed No name nor Character must be disclosed The strâ—in transcends vail'd in some shady bush The Gold-bill'd Black-bird or the dapple Thrush Outvies the Nightingal or turtles voice The notion's ravishing th'anointing's choice Some Zions singer in a sable coat Stop cease thus guessing Hark attend his note His quick intelligence on Eagle's wings Yields Piercing insight through terrestrial things He sees and smiles at mens phanatick rage In cloistering unshorn Sampson in a Cage Besides the vain attempts to clip the wing Or to inhibit Birds inspir'd to sing But here he 's out mistaking he admires Lark's worth in act which is but in desires He spies the
Milk which when she had it she said I cannot relish any thing But said she I will wait upon the Lord to see what he will provide for me Then her Sister standing by she said Sister Betty and Sister Ann be sure your first Work be in the morning to seek the Lord by Prayer and likewise in the evening and give thanks for your Food for you cannot pray too often to the Lord and though you cannot speak such words as others have yet the Lord will accept â—f the heart for you do not know how soon your speech may be taken away as mine was She desired her Mother thus Do not let 〈◊〉 much company be here late at night lest it â—hould hinder them from seeking the Lord in duty 〈…〉 She said further When I was first ill and went about the House I was not under trouble for my sins at all neither am I now troubled with satans temptations for the Lord hath trampled him under his feet She said also When I can hear or understand I will tell some body that they may come and read by me for I love to hear the Word of God read to me for then she could not hear Another time She spake to the maid to call her Mother saying I have something to say to her and when her Mother came she said If my speech be taken away and should be a great while so that then I may have no Doctor Apothecary or Chirurgion come at me and that I may not have any more Physick given to me and be sure to take notice of my words for they look more at the Physick than at the Power of God and if you suffer them to give me any more things the Lord will be angry with you and will bring a greater affliction upon you in some of my other Sisters I know the Lord can open the passage of my Throat in a moment and cause me to take food or he may let me lie a great while in this condition As for washing my mouth with water I find no more but only to wash the phlegm But I am fâ—d with the bread of Life that I shall never hunger and do drink of the water of Life that I shall never thirst more I know not whether I shall live or die but if I die and if you will have a Sermon I desire this may be the Text the place I do not know but the words may be comfortable to you That David when his Child was sick he cloathed himself in Sackcloth and wept but when his Child was dead he washed and ate Bread For you have wept much while I have been sick and if I die you have cause to rejoyce She said My soul also was so full of comfort that I would have spoken much more But her speech being almost gone she said If it please the Lord that I might have my hearing and my speech which would be a great miracle I should speak much more Novemb. 10. On the Lords day she said as follows When her Mother had syring'd several things into her mouth as first water which she not relishing then water and vinegar then vinegar and Sugar then milk and none did relish with her she said Here is but little comfort in these my comfort is in the Lord There is comfort indeed Though we may seek comfort here and the glory of this World yet what is all that all will be nothing when we come to lie upon a Death â—ed then we would fain have the love of God and cannot get it I am full of comfort and joy Though the Lord is pleased to let me lie under many pains yet he knoweth what is best for his Children he hath enabled me and will enable me to bear them and though he should lay a hundred times more upon me yet will I wait upon him for he is my stay and the hope of my Salvation My pains are nothing to the pains of Hell where they will never be at an end And Christ he suffered a great deal more for me then all this is he was bruised buffeted and spit upon and they platted a Crown of Thorns and put upon his Head and gave him Vinegar to drink But I have several things to take though I cannot relish them And they came out against Christ with Swords and Staves and Christ did not open his mouth against them but rebukes Peter for cutting the High Priests Servants ear and bid him put up his Sword into the Scabbard and said Shall not I drink of the Cup that my Father hath prepared for me though my pains are very great yet I am so full of joy and comfort I was very full of comfort before but I am fuller of joy this hour than I have been yet It is better to live Lazarus's life and to die Lazarus's death than to live Dives his life he had his delicates and afterwards would have been glad to have had Lazarus dip his finger in water and cool his tongue Though the Lord give Satan power over my Body yet he hath promised he shall not hurt my Soul The Devil could not go into the herd of Swine till Christ had given him leave And though he stood at my left hand and said I am in filthy rags yet the Lord stands at my right hand and saith I am but a fire-brand newly plucked out of the fire and he will put on me his Robes of Righteousness The last night I could not stir my Head Hand nor Foot but by and by the Lord did help me to move my Head a little and at length my Body O what a good God have I that can cast down and raise up in a moment but here is only looking at the Physician as many when they have been sick and well again they say Such a Physician and such a Physician hath cured them they neglect looking up to the Lord. It is true the Lord doth appoint the means to make use of but nothing will do us good except he give a blessing to it O that we had Faith as that Woman had that had spent all upon Physicians and did her no good then came and touched the Hem of Christs Garment and when Christ felt vertue go out of him he asked his Disciples Who touched him then she trembled but Christ said Rise up Daughter thy Faith hath made thee whole Of the Expressions of an hopeful Child the daughter of Mr. Edward Scarfield that was but eleven years of Age in March 1661. Gathered from a Letter written by one fearing God that lived in the house with the Child IN August last this Child was sick of a Feaver in which time she said to her Father who is a holy humble precious man I am afraid I am not prepared to die and fell under much trouble of Spirit being sensible not only of actual sins but of her lost estate without Christ in unbelief as Ephes 2. 12. John 16. 8 9. and she wept
A Looking-Glass FOR CHILDREN Being a Narrative of God's gracious Dealings with some Little Children Recollected by Henry Jessey in his life-time Together with sundry seasonable Lessons and Instructions to Youth calling them early to remember their Creator Written by Abr. Chear late of Plymouth The Third Edition Corrected and Amended To which is added many other Poems very sutable As also some Elegies on departed Friends made by the said Abraham Chear All now faithfully gathered together for the benefit of Young and Old by H. P. Psal 66. 16. Come and hear all ye that fear God and I will declare what he hath done for my Soul Deut. 31. 19. Now therefore write ye this Song for you and teach it the Children of Israel put it in their mouths that this Song may be a witness for me c. London Printed for Robert Boulter at the Turks-Head in Cornhil 1673. To the Reader THou hast here gentle Reader brought to thy view in the first part of this Book a Narrative of the gracious dealings of God with several Children and what they gained in an early looking Heaven-ward in which thou mayest see and behold the condescention of the Lord to such little Ones in opening their understanding and giving them a sight and sense of their undone estate by nature from whence they were made to seek and enquire after a Saviour and by Grace helped to apply and improve his gracious Calls and Invitations to a full satisfaction in and by Faith a cleaving to His undertakings as the alone way and means to Salvation to their great comfort here and firm hope of glory hereafter All which was wonderfully effected to the praise of the free Grace of God and admiration of Relations and Beholders and now presented to thee being first written by that faithful Servant of the Lord Mr. Henry Jessey who in his life time gave it me to transcribe in order for the then Printing But it being small I waited to have somewhat to adjoyn to it which Providence hath lately brought to my hand as that which is worthy of publication being the Fruit of some idle hours of that Servant of the Lord Mr. Abraham Chear whilst in bonds for the truth of Christ wherein he expresses his well-wishes to the Souls of divers poor Children towards whom he then stood nearly related and dearly affected as by the second Part hereof you may largely see and if helped of God to make improvement of it so as carefully to mind and heedfully to walk in the practice of what is seasonably advised in the said Discourse you will have great cause to bless the Lord for such endeavours now published for your profit and advantage The Motive provoking me thus to recollect this little Book is chiefly from consideration of my daily observation of Youths great need of all endeavours to prompt them to that which is good they being naturally addicted to be drawn away through their own inclinations and the powerful prevalency of Satan to sin and disobedience by which they wrong their precious Souls Prov. 8. 36. thereby incurring Gods displeasure to their daily hardning their hearts from his fear and following the sins and pleasures of this vain World until they are prepared as Vessels of wrath fitted for Destruction and Perdition which is the certain effect of Sin ruling and reigning without restraint in the hearts of the Children of Disobedience Col. 3. 6. Which evil and judgment may be timely prevented by hearkning to Gods Call Prov. 9. 6. seeking and serving him betimes Prov. 8. 17. believing his Word avoiding evil company Prov. 4. 15 16. slighting the allurements of present pleasure and the sinful delights of the flesh and by making good-men examples to walk after Prov. 2. 20. Heb. 6. 12. 2. Chron. 29. 2. and therein esteeming and highly prizing the excellency of the Lord Jesus in all his glorious undertakings for poor sinners Phil. 3. 8. cleaving to his Righteousness only for Justification and Salvation 1 Cor. 1. 30. Which Mercy is greatly desired may accompany the Reader of this little Piece whereby he may say it was worth perusing for that by it the Lord made him to consider his latter end and remember him in the dayes of his Youth so as to make his Calling and Election sure as did these pretty Children That being my aim and end in the publishing hereof I shall daily wait for its success and remain yours In true desires after your Eternal happiness H. P. Go little Book and speak for them that be Lanch'd with great safety to Eternity Engaging Others by what they did find Their everlasting Peace chiefly to mind Their names are blest and had in memory They served God and thence in peace did die All you that read be earnest to obtain True faith in Christ which will be lasting gain And if while young God do his Work begin Vpon your Soul take heeâ— beware of sin It will prove to your Crown another day To cleave to Righteousness whilst yet you may Preceed in fear in love with true delight Vnto the Lord to serve him with your might Observe the Lessons given by Abram Chear That they your Soul may unto Christ endear Such Songs are good if well improved be Sung by experience with Soul harmony The Truths therein inserted make your own By practice in true love to Christ alone Mind chiefly now your everlasting Rest That in compare with all things is the best Love God and fear him in sincerity So shall you praise him to Eternity London 12th Month 12 day 1672. H. P. Of hopeful young Children the great joy of their Parents remembring their Creator in the dayes of their Youth Being trained up in the Holy Scriptures from their Infancy First Of Mary Warren Born in May 1651 Aged Ten years in May 1661. WHen his Child was about five or six years old she had a new plain Tammy Coat and when she was made ready was to be carried with other Children into Morefields But having looked upon her Coat how fine she was she presently went to her Chair sate down her tears running down her eyes she wept seriously by her self Her Mother seeing it said to her How now Are you not well What is the matter that you weep The Child answered Yes I am well but I would I had not been made ready for I am afraid my fine Cloaths will cast me down to Hell Her Mother said It 's not our Cloaths but wicked Hearts that hurt us She answered Aye Mother fine Cloaths make our hearts proud The Scriptures being daily read in the House when one had read Luke 10. she laid to heart the end of the Chapter how Mary sate at Christs feet and heard him And Martha complained and Jesus said Martha Martha Thou art careful and cumbred about many things but one thing iâ— needful Mary hath chosen that good part that shall not be taken from her Hearing this the tears ran down and she wept sore Being
asked the cause she said I am not like this good Mary I know not that one thing needful Thus tender was her heart at that Age. In February 1659. The Night after General Monck had sent his Leter to the Parliament to put an end to their sitting by such a time Bonefires being made the night following all over London and some before her Fathers door When some went down to see them this Child would not But going to the Window and looking out hearing such roaring and rantings in the burning of Rumps and drinking of Healths there she came back and the tears running down her cheeks she said thus Here is a deal of wicked joy they know not but they may be dead before the morning methinks I see our sins fly up to Heaven as fast as the sparks fly upward This that next follows was written about October 28. 1661. It being 24 days now that she had taken nothing but Water with a little Sugar till Tuesday last and ever since that she will not take it with Sugar but water only without crying out her speech being of late taken away from her and that by forcing it into her by a Syringe she having an impostume in her stomach as it appeared afterwards not taking Food at all for divers dayes What next follows was written by her father on Friday night Octob. 4. 1661. She sent for me to speak with me and when I came I asked her what she would have with me She answered I have but a short time to live I pray you be loving to my poor Mother Afterwards he speaking of loving her she said I pray manifest your love to my poor Mother Her Mother asked her if she were willing to die She answered Aye very willing for then I shall sin no more for I know that Christs Blood hath made satisfaction for my sins â— asked her if I should go down She answered I have done with you now you may if you please Next night Octob. the 5th her Mother going softly to the Chamber-door she heard her speaking alone and she listned and heard her say this Come Lord Jesus come quickly receive they poor Creature out of all my pains On the Lords Day Octob. 6. She said thus here is nâ—thing here but sin I am willing to die but either to live or to die which she Lord pleaseth his Will be done and so it will whether I will or no. On Tuesday at night Octob. 8. Seeing her Mother weeping she said Mother do not weep for me but leave me to the Lord and let him do with me what he pleaseth And then Clasping her Arms about her Mothers Neck her Mother said Thou embracest me but I trust thou art going to the embracings of the Lord Jesus She answered Mother I know it that when I go from hence I shall go into health and happiness or else I should not undergo all my pains with so much patience she having been in very great pain having an Imposthume in her stomack One day when Nurse came to see her young Sister Sarah her Sister Ann being with her she said to her Sister Go see Nurse Her Sister said she was loath to leave her alone She answered I am not alone for the Lord is with me as it is in John I am not alone for the Father is with me She feeling a sore pain in her side her Mother said she would apply something to it She answered No the Lord Jesus hath undergone a great deal more for mâ— More Expressions of Mary Warren She having been very ill and speechless for some dayes her Father had desired Mr. John Simpson and Mr. Palmer late of Glocestershire and Mr. Jessey to come to his House and pray for his sick and much pained Daughter On Friday Novemb. 8. 1661. these met then and sought the Lord earnestly on her behalf her father having first declared to them his Daughters afflicted Condition and the more to affect them therewith he there read to them what he had formerly written of her gracious Expressions those before recited from Octob. 4. 1661. there being present also Mr. Greensmith and his Wife also that grave Matron Mris. Adkins a Ministers Widow with divers other Christian friends That Relation the more affecting their hearts to pray for her After these and another Minister had prayed for her and were gone in hopes the Lord would some way return a gracious Answer though they could see nothing at their departure It pleased the Lord the Evening following to open her Mouth that had been speechless for many dayes then she spake to the Maid to call her Mother and when she came she said thus Pray you Mother take off these Plaisters for I would not have them I would have no Doctors or Apothecaries for God shall be my Physician and he will heal me If I could have spoken before these Playsters were a laying on I would not have had them laid on If my Speech should be taken away again do not trouble me with any more things for the Lord hath fed me with the Food of Righteousness and Gladness Sometimes when you laid Victuals upon a Trencher I snatcht it away I would not destroy Gods good Creatures when I am in my fits If any thing lye on the Cloth before me take it away Though you take water to wash my mouth there is none goeth down for I have no nourishment by any thing but God no more than by this Rag taking one in her hand I do not value the things of this World no more than dirt Her Mother had told one that she thought her Daughter had assaults of Satan she once looked very gashly And now her Daughter said thus Once I think I looked gashfully and turned my head on one side and on the other Satan stood upon my left side and God was upon my right side and opened the gates of Heaven for me and he told me Satan should not hurt me though he sought to devour me like a roaring Lion Something being burning that gave her offence she said I perceive you burn something but do not trouble me for I cannot smell I am very sore from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot but I am so full of Comfort and joy that I do feel but little of my pain I do not know whether I shall live or die but whether I live or die it will be well for me I am not in trouble for my sins God is satisfied with his Son Jesus Christ for he hath washt them away with his Blood Another time when she had been speechless and began to speak she said I have been so full of joy and gladness when I was silent I am not able to express it When her Mother syringed her Mouth with water she said she could not relish it but desired to try a Syringe of Beer which when she had she said it relished worse than the Water then she desired a Syringe of
bitterly crying out thus My sins are greater than I can bear I doubt God will not forgive them telling her Father I am in unbelief and I cannot believe Yet she was drawn out to pray many times in those words of Psal 25. For thy names sake O Lord pardon my sin for it is great Thus she lay oft mourning for sin and said I had rather have Christ than health She would repeat many promises of Gods Mercy and Grace but said she could not believe When she had been complaining that she was not prepared her Father opening the Bible his eyes first fixed upon these words in Psal 10. 17. Lord thou wilt prepare the heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear and he bid her take notice of the Lords providence therein ordering the opening of the Book and his eyes to pitch on these words The next day when she was mourning for sin he opening it again his eyes fixed on those words in Maâ—th 5. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted He bid her observe that Providence of also But as yet her time was not come and she still mourned under her unbelief The next day being then the 24th of the 6th month 1661. he praying that morning with his godly Family as his usual way hath been for many years to pray with them and read the Scriptures or Catâ—chise them daily morning and evening Behold and see what gracious incouragement the Lord gave him in his Service as he was praying to this effect That we might not look for any thing in us to rest in or trust unto for our Justitfication to stand righteous before God but only in Jesus Christ alone who died for our sins at Jerusalem and rose again for our Justification Whilst he was praying to that effect the Lord raised her Soul up to believe as she told her Father when Prayer was ended Now I believe in Christ and I am not afraid of Death After this she said I had rather die than sin against God Since that time she hath continued quiet in mind as one that hath peace with God As for this young Child I have been comforted in seeing her and hearing her answer some Questions propounded to her five years ago Her Father saith that since she was five years old he remembred not that either a Lie or an Oath hath ever come out of her mouth neither would she have wronged any to the value of a Pin. Henry Jessey Here ends the first part Here follows now some of the Fruits of Mr. Abraham Chear's spare hours improvement whilst a Prisoner Made and directed to some he was nearly related to and dearly affected Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy Youth 1. SWeet Children Wisdom you invites to hearken to her Voice She offers to you rare delights Most worthy of your choice Eternal blessings in his wayes You shall be sure to find Oh! therefore in your youthful dayes your great Creator mind 2. The joy that other pleasure brings with vanities abound â—ay when in straits they take them wings vexations they are found Your very Vitals thus decayes and torments leave behind Oh! therefore in your youthful days your Great Creator mind 3. They may affect depraved sense while they subject your Reason They say to conscience get you hence and fear it for a season But though a kind of sottish ease you hereby seem to find I beg you in your youthfull dayes your Great Creator mind 4. The dreadful danger heed I pray of such strange wayes at length When you have sin'd your time away and wasted all your strength Be sure in chains of darkness these your hands and seet will bind Oh! therefore in your youthful days your Great Creator mind 5. Observe how poor mortal men their precious seasons spend To satisfie those lusts but then must perish in the end This saving Counsel would you please upon your heart to bind Oh! in your early yourthful dayes your Great Creator mind 6. Upon a World vain toylsome foul a journey now you enter The welfare of your living Soul you dangerously adventure If as the isâ—ue of your wayes yoâ—ve happiness design'd Oh! in your early youthful dayes your Great Creator mind 7. Friends parents all who you affect observe your budding spring Your prosperous Summer they expect a fruitful Crop will bring A witness in this age to raise to Grace of every kind Oh! then in these your youthful dayes your Greatâ— Creator mind 8. Young Isaack's who lift up their eyes and meditate in Fields Young Jacob's who the Blessing prize this age but seldome yeelds Few Samuel's leaving their playes to Temple Work resign'd Few do as these in youthful dayes their Great Creator mind 9. How precious Obodiah's bâ— that feared God in youth How seldome Timothy's we see â—erst in the Word of Truth Few Babes and Sucklings publish praise th' Avengers Rage to bind Oh! then in these your youthful dayes your Great Creator mind 10. Few tender-hearted youths as was Josiah Judah's King Hoâ—annah in the high'st alas how seldom Children Sing Youth 's rarely ask for Zion's wayes they 'd rather pleasure find But oh in these your youthful dayes your Great Creator mind 11. What Children Pulse and Water chuse continually to eat Rather then Conscience should accuse for tasting Royal Meat Would you not bow a King to please though tortures were behind Oh! then in these your youthful dayes your Great Creator mind 12. Those worthy Mirrors of thier Age obtain'd a precious Name Their living Patern should engage your souls to do the same And though in this strait narrow way you few Companions find The rather in your youthful day your Great Creator mind 13. How worthy Christ is could you learn to claim your Flower and Prime And how well pleasing 't is discern to dedicate your time You pleasantly would make essayes to get your Souls enclin'd And gladly in your youthful dayes your Great Creator mind 14. This Garland wreath'd of youthful flowers to Jesus you would bring This Morn made up of Golden Hours you would present the King You 'd humbly bow without delayes Grace in his sight to find And gladly now and all your dayes your Great Creator mind More of Mr. Chear's Verses Written to a young Virgin Anno 1663. Sweet Child When I bethink what need there is of care For precious souls to save themselves from snare That Satan as a subtil Fouler layes To take and keep them captive all their dayes In youthfâ—l folly and in sensual rest To keep them off from being truly blest What strange devices he hath to expel Their thoughts of Judgment Death of Heaven or Hell And minding what engagâ—ments on me lie To you and others Christ to testifie This Song I thought you now and then might sing If God would follow it to mind to bring Your state by Nature and the Gospel Path To set you free from everlasting Wrath. If morn by morn you in this Glass
will dress you I have some hopes that God by it may bless you 1. WHen by Spectators I am told what Beauty doth adorn me Or in a Glass when I behold How sweetly God did from me Hath God such comliness display'd and on me made to dwell 'T is pitty such a pretty Maid as I should go to Hell 2. When all my Members I compare form'd by my Maker's hand In what sweet order strait and faire each part together stand How in the use of these might I in vertue 's Walks excell 'T is pitty when I come to die all these should go to Hell 3. Doth God my ornaments provide of soft and good aray The which this Age converts to pride I am as vain as they But when the thoughts of Pride entice such temprings I should quell By serious heeding this advice I must take heed of Hell 4. If Parents industry and care should by the Lord be blest That they large portions could prepare for me and all the rest Though many Suitors this invites my Fortunes might excell What would become of these delights if I should go to Hell 5. Should Wisdom Breeding parts conspire my spreading fame to raise Should Courtly Ladies me admire and my perfections praise Though for Endowments rare and high from all I bare the Bell What would these toys avail if I at lengâ—â—t be lodg'd in Hell 6. If to seek pleasures Pastimes Sports My fancy should be bent Which City Countrey Town or Court to please me can invent Though thus to satisfie my lust with greediness I fell By weeping-Cross return I must or else go quick to Hell 7. Doth Beauty such corruption Hide is comliness a bait Do costly Garments nouirsh pride hath Treasure such deceit Do Complements breed vanity doth pleasure Grace expel How little reason then have I for these to go to Hell 8. 'T is time I should without delayes my 〈◊〉 state bethink Th â—â—gh God's forbearance at my dayes of ignorance did wink Repentance he doth now expect and learning to do well For plainly he doth this detect this broad way leads to Hell 9. To chuse the new and living way the Gospel doth beseech me The heart of Jesus day by day is open'd to enrich me The tenders of New-Cov'nant Grace would sin and guilt expel The promis'd Spirit would me place safe from the lowest Hell 10. Would Christ my Spirit lead along these tenders to embrace I should have matter for a Song to praise his Glorious Grace How first of goodness I was seiz'd from what a state I fell To what a glory God hath rais'd a Fire-brand pluckt from Hell To my Cousin T. H. at School KInd Kinsman Complemâ—nts apart Yet love exprest with all my heart White I bethought what way was besâ— To gratifie a strong request And how to reach the proper â—nd That was â—ssign'd me by a Friend That I would write a seriâ—us line Your tender Spirit to inclâ—ne If possibly from wanton things Which carry with them poysnâ—d 〈◊〉 And kindly to attract your eye From vanity to things on high My thoughts to Meeter were inclin'd As thinking on a Schollars mind It might at first with fansie take And after deep impressions make Which Oh! If God would but inspire Convince of folly raise desire Discover Beauty kindle Love Fix your delight on things Above These weak endeavours then may stand As Christ's remembrances at hand To warn you folly to avoid Which hath such multitudes destroy'd And thence your nobler part incline To Meditations more Divine Which have a faculty to raise Immortal Souls to frames of praise By means of which when you obtain Your Spirit in a serious strain when vanity hath least respect And thoughts are fittest to reflect Then from your Treasure you may bring This brief Solilâ—quie and Sing COme Soul let you and I A few discourses have Shall we bethink how near the brink We border of the Grave Shall we surveigh our time How vainly it is spent How youthful dayes consume in wayes Which Age must needs repent The things which others please What profit do they merit What are the Toyes of wanton Boyes to an immortal Spirit How will our Reckoning pass Of pastim Pleasure play When every thought and Deed is brought Unto the Judgment Day Would not our time and strength Be better far imploy'd If every thought were this way wrought How Christ may be injoy'd Should not a young man's way Be ordered by the Word Should not his mind be still inclin'd To know and fear the Lord If we behold our Frame Our parts and powers compare Sure God intends some glorious ends To form a piece so rare A Letter sent to a Friend's Child Sweet Child I pray you think not long E're I have sent my Prâ—â—oâ—-Song To turn after a Godly sort Your tongue and thoughts from sinful sport Pray let it frequently be brought With holy fear upon your thought And when indeed your Soâ—l is bent On things that are most permanent When least to foolish mirâ—h inclin'd Then from the Treasure of your mind This serious Song you forth may bring â—ith Gospel Melody and Sing LOrd what a worm am I what could'st thou here espie That ever thou should'st humbly bow On me to cast an eye What kind of Love is this What reason can it have Shall God through Grace himself abase So vile a Wretch to save How strangely was I made How curiously adorn'd I was at first an heap of dust Which sin hath quite deform'd My Matter Earth and Clay Form'd by a power Divine Sure God would hide all cause of pride From every thought of mine My Childish thoughts would cease On vanity to stay Could I bethink I 'm on the brink Of danger day by day Tempâ—ations lead to sin Sin doth of good bereave me Cloathes Beauty Strengâ—h and Life at Length Are all at hand to leave me Why then should gay attâ—re Yield so much food to pride What glory 's in a beareous skin That so much filth doth hide Why should the fond delights Of parents puff me up Such boundless love doth often prove To both a bitter Cup. Why should the highest joyes Of Sin subject my reason The sinful Sports of Princes Courts Last only for a season Lord let my Soul be rais'd And all its powers incline On Eagles Wings to follow things That are indeed Divine Those depths that from the wise Thou pleasest to conceal Mysterious things obscur'd from Kings To me a Babe reveal That from an Infants Mouth A Suckliugs Lips inspir'd Thy glorious Name may purchase same And Christ be more admir'd Let me thy Beauty see Thy Countenance behold Thy Rayes of Grace fixt in my face More rich than Massy Gold Let Royal Robes of Praise And Righteousness adorn me Which may me bring before the King How ever Mortals scorn me Let Treasures of thy Grace A portion rich endow me In lasting Bags though here in Rags Men scarce a bit allow me If
These Sentences these Lines Each Word and Letter to me are better Than Pearls and Golden Mines 'T is Heaven it self transcrib'd And Glory lively pen'd God's truth no doubt was copied out When he this Gift did send It 's Truth brought forth to light God did hereby intend Man's word should fall Heaven Earth and all But this should never end Dear Soul admiring stand At that blest hand and Quill That did produce for sinners use Th' eternal Sovereign Will Astonished admire The Author too and when Thou canst not raise sufficient praise With wondring say Amen To my Cousin John H. SWeet John I send you here A Song by heart to learn Not it to say as Parrots may But wisely to discern Oh! lay it deep to heart And mind it well I pray God grant you Grace to grow apace In virtue day by day As yet a Child you be And childish Toyes do please you But you 'l complain they all are vain When ever Grace shall seize you Nay When Convictions come In Gospel-Power and Truth You 'l surely cry Ah wretch am I Thus to have spent my youth Childhood and Youth were spent In things not to be nam'd Alas whaâ— praise was in those dayes Whereof I 'm now asham'd Dear John then lay to heart This needful timely hint Before the day of which you 'l say What pleasure have I in 't Begin to mind the Lord Who form'd you out of dust And did you raise to shew his praise Him love and fear you must In things that are of earth Spend not your youthful strength Its joyes and cares are all but snares To mischief you at length Where Christ in glory sits Place there your prime delight Let things above have all your love Your time care mind and might John Christ's fore-runner mind From whom you have your name Though from his birth liv'd mean on earth A shining Light became He chose a Desart life Fed hard was coorse attir'd He left the sport of Herod's Court Though he was there admir'd Sin he reprov'd in all And kept true witness clear He never sought himself in ought That Christ might more appear Another John you find The lov'd Disciple nam'd Who lean'd for rest on Jesus Breast With Gospel-love inflam'd To every Truth of Christ A witness bold he bear Though an Exile in Patmos-Isle Choice Visions he had there A Pattern if they be To you in word and deed Jehovah's eye will make supply To whatsoe're you need To my Cousin Sam. B. DEar Cousin Sam my pretty Lam this Song to you I send Whatever play aside you lay learn this from end to end With God begin take heed of sin know Jesus out of hand Betimes you must flee youthful lust Its first assaults withstand Spend not your dayes in wanton playes Though naughty boyes intice They first begin with little sin but end in deadly vice If naughty Boyes allure with Toyes to sin or lies to tell Then tell them plain you tempt in vain such wayes go down to Hell God's holy Eye our faults do spy and will to Judgment call us We must fear God more than the Rod or ought that can befall us How oft have I been like to die yea Death is alwayes near Chuse whom you will to follow still I Christ must love and fear Fathers best Boy and Mothers joy I then shall surely be And that that 's best of all the rest God will provide for me To my Cousin W. L. DEar Child although my Father's Will in Prison me hath bound Through uprightness and patience still my comforts here are found The presence of a gracious God doth this a Pallace make It makes the bitter of the Rod be sweet for Jesus sake But Oh! when guilt brings any here in Fetters to be bound Because of God they had no fear but were in evil found To such it is a dreadful place here guilt to judgment binds them Where if they don't repent apace Death Wrath and Vengeance finds them Of you dear Child with carefulness my heart hath many a thought Least you through youthful wantonness to greater sins be brought And so by adding sin to sin you wast your time and strength And when your judgment doth begin in vain you mourn at length I charge you then in any sort your great Creator mind Spend not your youthful dayes in sport that cannot be regain'd Avoid those rude and wicked Boyes that make a mock of sin Love not their playes and sinful Toyes to fear the Lord begin Keep close to School read Scriptures oft in private learn to pray Your Gospel-grounds keep still in thought Your Parents both obey Your Brethren love and teach them good a Christian learn to be Then God will give you clothes and food and you 'l be dear to me To my Kinsman A. L. MY pretty Child remember well you must your wayes amend For wicked Children go to Hell that way their courses tend But heark to me if you to be the Child of God desire The broad and open road must flee which multitudes admire Sâ—rive every day to mend you way learn Christ while you are young Take constant heed to every deed heart feet hands and tongue You may be quickly sick and die and put into the Grave From whence to judgment you must fly and righteous Sentence have Learn then to fear while you live here with Christ your time imploy Labour to live and die as one that leaves the World with joy My strength in cries I shall imploy that God will bless your youth I can have nothing like this joy My Children walk in truth To my youngest Kinsman R. L. MY little Cousin if you 'l be your Uncles dearest Boy You must take heed of every deed that would your Soul destroy You must not curse nor fight nor steal nor spend your time in games Nor make a lie what e're you aile nor call ungodly names With wicked Children do not play for such to Hell will go The Devils Children sin all day but you must not do so Begin I pray to learn that way that doth to Heaven tend O learn a little day by day which leadeth to that end For God and good men love such Boyes and will them good things give Father and Mother will rejoyce and I in comfort live Another to a Child insisting on Psal 119. 9. SInce I am naturally bent to take delight in Songs A Friend from Prison one hath sent that to my Soul belongs Which when I sing he doth intreat I would not mind my play But frequently with weight repeat How may I cleanse my way It is the use of such as I to Dance and Play and sing Or else to lie and rail and cry for will in every thing Why should our wantonness be crost or pleasures night and day We fear no danger to be loft what need we cleanse our way Should we our jovial play-mates shun when we return from Schools Should we not fight and
from his great desire you be blest And in your choice reach everlasting rest He offers dear-bought light to guide your mind That to the better part it be inclin'd He shews a little in a homespun stile The one's simplicity the other's Guile What stocks they come of and their old descents Their various treasures and their plain intents What are their qualities their differing ends To what plain issue each proposal tends Their sundry overtures your love to gain In way of Dialogue betwixt them twain The love of Christ SWeet Virgin stop let Wisdom drop a word becoming Kings Pray be inclin'd to bend your mind unto coelestial things I beg your love for things Above nay all your Powers I claime I would adorn your youthful morn and crown your early aime The lust of the flesh Should any thought to mind be brought that interrupts your quiet Shall Virgins weep disturb their sleep desert their needful diet Tush drink in Plate and recreate your lively youthful Spirit Seek Courtly things delight in Kings which may proclaim your merit The love of Christ While Flesh pretends these pleasing ends its dire intents it hides But pray awake for Jesus sake while day of Grace abides Flesh lusts its Guests between its Breasts convictions to expel But deadly Charms are in its armes its Guests are lodg'd in Hell The Lusts of the flesh What strange conceits what silly cheats would drive thy joys away These Preachers tell but dreams of Hell and of the Judgment day 'T wil ne'r do well till mirth expel such sullen dumps as these The Timbrel bring come dance and sing eat drink and take thine ease The Love of Christ These Childish Toys may make a noise to please the carnal heart But all the while they but beguile nay wound the better part One glimps of love seal'd from above these highest joyes transcends From deeps 't will raise to heights of praise when that in torment ends The Lust of the flesh Shall wordy winds on gallant minds such deep impressions make That for a â—ound of things unfound they joys in Hand forsake This day invites to rare delights all Ladies who design T o've fortunes rais'd and beauties prais'd embrace thess paths of mine The Love of Christ Alas at length you 'l lose your strength mirth beauty sport and pleasure And when too late lament your state your mispent time and treasure They 'l take them wings and leave you stings with venom guilt and smart Then while 't is day I humbly pray chuse Mary's better part The Lust of the flesh Are such things fit that clogs your wit which now to heights aspires Such doatings leave till age bereave of moisture warm desires Your budding Spring prompts you to sing your warbling Princely straine In Courtly Modes with amourous odes your Gallants entertain The Love of Christ Such frothy freaks aloud bespeaks how slightly youths esteem Their nobler parts their precious hearts which Earth cannot redeem How hardly brought to turn a thought from Objects thus deprav'd Though Jesus cries Oh! fix your eyes on me and be ye sav'd The Lust of the flesh Such looks may grace some wither'd face or some grave Cloystered Nun Are counted blots not beauty-spots where Fame 's but now begun Tush rather prize those Comedies and rare Romances use Attend resorts to Princely sports and shades for interviews The Love of Christ What pitty 't is such trash as this with heaven-born Souls should take While Jesus stands with stretch'd out hands rich overtures to make Gold try'd in Fire and rich attire do your acceptance crave A crown of Bliss prepared is when each an end shall have The treaty stops but here you have a tast your friend hath longings that you may be Chast Preserv'd a Virgin and brought such to Christ By love constrained not by lust intic't A Description of an Elect Person in his threefold state by Nature Grace and Glory Collected by Va. Powel in the close of his Catechism translated into familiar Verse for Childrens better remembrance by A. Chear Ejaculation My blessed Father when my heart enclines To sing this Song or but to read these lines Let me thy Spirits Power or leadings find To form their lively likeness on my mind Work deep convictions and an holy fear To think what am I or what once I were And into fellowship Lord let it guide me With all this Grace the Gospel doth provide me That I may claim what this thy record saith By sound experience and unfeigned Faith And let the hope of yonder Glory raise My Soul to close with those reflects of praise 1. Nature BY Nature and as out of Christ born of the flesh was I Grace By Grace and as I stand in Christ I 'm new born spiritually Glory In Glory I with Christ shall reign and heavenly freedom have Refl Lord what is man that thou shouldst daign so vile a Wretch to save 2. Nature Flesh did my Members and my mind with quietness inherit Grace But now a Warfare I do find betwixt my flesh and spirit Glory The spirit promised at length all glorious will make me Refl For that his War 's above my strength let not my Christ forsake me 3 Nature My sensual lusts to satisfie a fleshly War I waged Grace But now for walking spiritually my spirit stands ingaged Glory Nay by Christ's quickning power at last transform'd I wait to be Refl Lord what am I that thou should'st cast a look of love on me 4 Nature To that which fleshly pleasure brings I wholly bent my mind But now unto the Spirit 's things Grace I chiefly stand inclin'd Glory At length my glorified eyes such sights alone shall see Refl Lord what am I that thou should'st prize so poor a Worm as me 5 Nature By sinful nature I was dead in trespasses and sins Grace By Gospel-Grace now quickened my Soul to live begins Glory The day approacheth when from sin I shall be wholly free Refl Lord what am I that thou hast been at so great cost on me 6. Nature In sin as in my Proper place I was well pleas'd to lie Grace But now I strive to walk by Grace in all simplicity Glory I shall presented be at last as my dear Christ is pure Refl What love is this that Christ so chast should such a Wretch indure 7. Subjected to the Law of sin Nature and death I once did stand Grace Made free I to obey begin the Spirit of Life's command Glory A glorious triumph 's yet in store o're sin and death for me Refl How should I Majesty adore that I thus sav'd should be 8. Nature Once Gods pure Nature Word and Law I hated as my foes Grace Now with them I in holy awe and dear affections close Glory Desires shall into full delight at length resolved be Refl Lord what am I that er'e my sight should such blest objects see 9 Nature Born ignorant of Heavenly things I teachings did despise Grace
All teachings which the Gospel brings my Soul doth dearly prize Glory Clear apprehensions I shall gain when Faith is turn'd to sight Refl Lord what is man that thou shouldst daign on him to place delight 10. Nature With vilest Sons of men I chose my chief repast to take Grace But now the strictest Saints are those whom bosome friend 's I make With glorious saints and Angles I Glory eternally shall dwell Refl Lord raise me up to magnifie this Grace that doth excel 11. Nature The form of godliness I loath'd which Sons of God profess Now with its power compleatly cloath'd Grace with all my heart I press Glory The price of that high Call at last I am in hope to gain R. Lord why should all this grace be cast upon a Wretch so vain 12. Nature Of earth an earthly man I was and earthly things did mind Grace But now am brought from earth alas yet here I stay behind But shortly from the Earth I shall Glory rais'd and translated be Refl Admired kindness that at all God should have thoughts of me 13 Nature In Hell's black Region was my place dark as the blackest night Grace But now enlightned I through Grace Walk as a Child of Light Glory With Light which mortaâ—s cannot see I shortly hope to dwell Refl What marvellous Grace is this to me sav'd from the lowest Hell 14 Nature A Babe was I in open field cast out in Blood and loath'd Grace Grace passing by a skirt did yield I now am wash't and cloath'd Glory With Robes immortal yet I wait in glory to be rais'd Refl This is so surpassing great it cannot be display'd 15 Nature A stranger from my Fathers face by nature I remain'd Grace But to be call'd his Friend by Grace I have at length obtain'd Glory His fixed favourite in bliss eternal I shall be Refl O! what transcendent love is this to such a Wretch as me 16 Nature At enmity with God I stood a Rebel fierce and wild Grace By shedding of my Saviours Blood I now am reconcil'd Glory Then saved by his Life much more I hope and wait to be Refl Lord I would humbly thee adore who thus hast saved me 17 Nature God's Righteous Law for wickedness my conscience did condemn But now through Christ's own Righteousness Grace I 'm justifi'd in him Glory I hope for that refreshing day which will Salvation bring Refl Who can the faithfulness display of my dear Lord and King 18. Nature Once as a guilty Soul astray from God I fled for fear Grace Now by the new and living Way with boldness I draw near The day's approaching when Above Glory I shall with God abide Refl Dear Soul this thought surpassing love in silence do not hide 19 Nature In Satan's Kingdom I lay chain'd a willing fetter'd slave But Christ my liberty hath gain'd Grace choice freedom now I have Glory Of Heavenly free Jerusalem I Citizen shall be Refl How can I do enough for him who all this did for me 20 Nature From any bond to Righteousness I once was wholly free Grace But now made free to righteousness its servant I would be Glory In Righteousness I hope to raign when sin shall tempt no more Refl Let not this Grace be all in vain laid richly thus in store 21. Nature Through guilt and wrath which once I saw my terrors did increase Grace But now deliver'd from the Law by faith I live in peace Glory Of Faith I shall obtain the end in full Salvation then Refl How doth this grace of God transcend the utmost thoughts of men 22 Nature My hopes with false foundations propt oft turn'd into despair Grace But now its Anchor safely dropt doth true rejoycings rear Glory Things hop'd-for shall be full injoy'd no work for hope in sight Refl O Blessedness to be imploy'd in acts of pure delight 23 Nature No right to promises had I or words that tend to save Grace Now promises I can apply to all true right I have Glory All heavenly Blessings promised I fully shall partake Refl Why stand I thus distinguished alone for mercies sake 24 Nature Born from beneath as Satan's Brat Hell's heritage did find me Grace But God who me by grace begat Heir of the World assign'd me Glory An heir of God joynt-heir with Christ in Heaven I shall dwell Refl Lord leave me not to be intic't this Heritage to sell 25 Nature My Fence departed unto harms I daily was expos'd Grace But lodg'd in everlasting arms I safely am inclos'd Glory A Mount impregnable e're long God will about me raise Refl Oh! put an everlasting Song into my mouth of praise 26 Nature By works of my own Righteousness the way to Heaven I sought Grace Of trusting to it more or less I now abhor the thought Glory In Righteousness without a spot I shall presented be Refl Admired â—e my blessed Lot lay'd up in Christ for me 27 Nature My single self in sensual lust as my chief end I sought Grace But chiefly now contrive I must God may have honour brought Glory To give him glory still in bliss my work will shortly be Refl With joy unspeakable will this imployment ravish me 28. Nature Like a lost Sheep or Goat or Son distresses did surround me Grace But in this Desart state undone sweet Jesus sought and found me Glory And shortly to my long'd-for home me in his armes will bring Refl Ah! what high raised Songs become my beauteous glorious king 29. Nature Through darkness then upon my mind I nothing knew nor learn'd Through gracious teachings now I find Grace deep things in part discern'd Through perfect Vision all things I Glory shall know as I am known His glory to eternity Refl his Praises shall be shown 30. Nature Best services I then perform'd a loathsome stink did make Weak services are now adorn'd Grace and sweet for Jesus sake Glory A Reward not of Debt but Grace such services shall Crown Refl 'T is wonderful that God should place on Dust such great renown 31. Nature Sin did God's Image quite deface and like a beast besot me Grace But dignities bestow'd by Grace rais'd like a Prince hath got me Glory Yet more transform'd I want to be like Angels who excel Refl What glorious Grace is this to me a firebrand pluckt from Hell 32 Nature Both Sin and Satan as their own my Members did inherit Grace But now this Body is the Throne a Temple of the spirit Glory And though in vileness 't will be sown 't will Spiritually be rais'd Since God such glorious depths makes known Refl how should this Grace be prais'd 33. Nature God's glory into shame I turn'd and in that shame did boast Now things for which my lust then burn'd Grace I blush and loath them most Glory But far above all sin and shame I shall be rais'd on high Refl Lord set me on a gracious frame thy Name to magnifie 34. Nature All dirt and
Exon. the 27th year of his age John e Edwards Anagram Inward He do's or He Do's Inward WHen Satan shuts up Saints in ward his might Is bent to quench at least obscure their light To quel their spirits to distract their mind That they no heart no hand for work should find But here 's a Conquerer in spight of foes His fathers business though in Ward He Does He Does much inward work he writes Prays Preâ—ches The saints and sinners through his grate he reaches Nay still he speaks It don't that work obstruct Though from his prison he to reign be pluckt This voids that argument we must comply Or if in bonds must cease our Ministry John e Edwards Anagram He 'd draw Sion He 'd Sion ward From Hell's black region yea through Sinai's shade New covenant conduct plain his passage made From threatned strokes which wisely he foresaw And from sins hastening them He 'd Sion draw He 'd draw souls Sion ward with dexterous art Inform their Judgments then attract their heart His worth and Sions lyes not much obscur'd Well though he liv'd contemn'd and dy'd immur'd When Jesus comes he 'l in his Lot remain He slept to wake he died to live again Johannes Edwardus Anagram Heav'nd Sion-wards THis serious Sionist his race pursues whilst young men languish still his strength renews Through Bacahs vale he plyes from strength to strength To appear in Sion is his scope at length With Princely staves He slighting carnal tools Digs pits on earth Heaven daily fils his pools In this his progress through the Kings-high-way He meets with heaven heaven meets him day by day Till of a suddain midst his travelling night An Heavenly Chariot caught him out of sight Ah wretched I how Earth my course retards Lord let me be as he Heav'n'd Sion-wards Upon the Grave-stone of Anastis Mayow and her Child laid in the same Grave in Dartmouth Anastis Mayow Anagram Aim at Sions way Till Jesus comes this bed the dust contains Of a sweet Sionist discharg'd from pains Whose aim at Sions way was took aright That path she travel'd with increasing might That race she finish'd in her youthfulday Though dead she speaketh Aim at Sions way On her young Child dying shortly after SPectators Heed death's quick pursuit But now the Tree and now the fruit Yet his attempts are all but vain For Tree and Fruit shall spring again On Mr. Fowler of Lime and his Wife William Fowler Anagram Worm will fail WHat 's man at best a worm Can worms avail About eternal things A worm will fail Mortals be warn'd by me reclaim your trust From man a worm reducible to dust Martha Fowler Anagram The formal War TWixt flesh and spirit once in me the formal war was raised Now grace hath got the victory the Blessed God be praised The triumphs of the Crowning day with Jesus are not far Let nothing Saints your faith dismay nor dread the formal War In memory of that servant of Christ Ed. Cock of Plym Who rested from his labours the 23d of the 5th Month 1666. Edward Cock Anagram A dewed Rock IF Rizoah's offer from her Princely mind Such Royal favour did with David find When she with tears and tenderness had spread A sable sackcloth to conceal the dead Nay clad with this attire the mournful Rock Where hung the Off-spring of Saul's Royal stock From Birds and Beasts them day and night to keep Till from above the cloudes on them did weep Nay till their bones the Kings command did gather And lay in state and honor with their father Till Harvest's end till three years famine cease Till God was pacifi'd the Land at Peace Why may not I at least allowed be This Paper Canopie to spread on thee Dear Heaven-born Royally descended Cock Not to obscure thee nor thy dewed Rock Thou art secured in a better way From teeth or claws of birds or beasts of prey From strife of tongues and from the foot of pride Thy Fathers Royal secret tent doth hide As for the Rock whereon thou end'st thy dayes It s none of Gilboa's the Dew bewrayes Thy roots were watered though to stones they clung And all night long dew on thy branches hung Thy sleece with drops was filled from on high When round about the parched ground was dry Yet still as Jacobs â—ountain dropt on thee At second hand they â—ound should dewed be From thence thy first and latter rain did drop Which fill'd thy ears and so inrich'd thy crop Thy ear-ripe harvest God's command did shew Thou shouldst be blessed with mount Zions dew On â—his high Rock where thou wert made to ride Honey and butter flow'd on every side This strong munition did thy peace secure Thy bread was given thee and thy water sure Thy sepulcher thou in this Rock didst hew Yet still remain'st as dew of herbs thy dew Thy flesh abides in hope though 't dwell in dust With Christ's dead Body rise and sing it must It 's but a little while untill the King Shall make the dwellers of this Rock to sing A friendly attempt to call to remembrance the precious Saviour of that gracious Soul Mrs. Margaret Trenick late wife of Mr. Thomas Trenick of Plymouth who departed this life the 30th day of the second â—lmth vul January Anno 1665 being the 27th year of her age Psal 12. 1. Margaret Trenick Anagram Art creating meeker My slumbring Muse hath me invited A song with sighs in hand to take But with such work not much delighted She shrunk and slunk escapes to make Great indisposedness appears In mind and Members to this thing Yea â—hrongs of doubtings clouds and fears Discouraging excuses bring But under great ingagements I 'le go seek her For thy sweet sake who art creating meeker But Oh How treat of Christ can I Or of his Grace-begetting write Creating is a Theam too high Unless th' Anointing all indite Besides it is a sight so â—are To see Creating-grace display The Everlasting Arm made Bare Who will believe in it one day Becomes me best to own my self a seeker Can this thing be Thou art creating meeker But when I fix my serious thought Upon the task I 'm undertaking A lively instance forth is brought Of a meek soul yet meeker making A Lamb-like temper at the first In nature beautifi'd her morn But 't was not Adam form'd of dust Whose meekness could her Soul adorn Till Christ in meekness comes himself to seek her And speaks with power Thou are creating meeker This new-Creation progress found From strength to strengh by meekning grace By oppositions gaining ground Till she had finished her race Through soul distresses doubts delays Which others meekness oft times tire She meekly walkt to Christs high Praise Her meekness by these steps got higher Nay when grim death to ruine all did seek her This truth was seal'd Th' art yet creating meeker Margaret Trenick Anagram Greater Mercie tak'n While earth's foundations cannot stand while powers of heaven are shaken