Faith in briefe Is a right application and a sound beliefe 7 Faith is the Bucket which hangs on Hopes string Whereby the most deepe liuing Well we sound Which if the Rope hold out vs vp will bring Such liuing Water as doth there abound When Christ his sauing Graces doth propound Faith is the Hand whereby we them receaue Faith healeth vp the clensed purged wound Beginneth where Repentance doth vs leaue Who without her seekes Faith 〈◊〉 doth himselfe deceaue 8 Faith as it 's tâ—ne for credit or beliefe Is when we credit giue to God or Man Thus he with men most Faith hath that is chiefe And in his coffer hide most money can But when to God it reference hath we than It ordinary or extr'ord'nary call By this we miracles and wonders can Ordinarie Faith is hight historicall Or iustifying Faith in some but temporall 9 But this most precious Faith whereof I write And which I formerly aright define The Faith of Gods Elect is truely hight Which when one hath doth wholly ne're decline This iustifying sauing Faith doth ioyne Vs to our Head and is the instrument And meanes whereby Gods Spirit doth refine And purge our hearts from sinfull excrement This Faith doth make Gods Children bold and confident 10 This Faith though not diuided hath degrees Beginning first encrease and consummation A little Faith to greater doth encrease Till built and rooted on a sure foundation Yet neuer had this Faith so sure a station Which conscience and hels terrours haue not shaken Remember Christ our Head his bitter passion How he cry'd out as God had him forsaken When he the guilt and curse of sinne had on him taken 11 Such as the Head the Members must endure Thus in their soules they totter faint and reele Though the foundation of the Lord stand sure And firme and hath vpon it set this seale The Lord knowes who are his yet he doth deale With vs as doth the Finer with his gold Which he doth seu'n times in the furnace neale Thus tries he those whose names he hath enrold But will heape comforts in their bosomes manifold 12 In Men and Plants and 〈◊〉 three soules wee see Of Reason Growing and the 〈◊〉 So in this Christian soule 〈◊〉 Faith there bee Three qualities alike cooperatiue And as in Man all three into one 〈◊〉 So in th'Elect both Faith historicall Temporall and the true Faith are aliue And but one sauing Faith together all This Soule Mans forme this Faith 〈◊〉 Christians life we call 13 As vegetation sheweth most in Plants So in the worldlings Faith historicall Faith temporall in false Professors hants True Faith vpon th'Elect doth onely fall And as no Plant or Beast be it great or small The things that are in Man right apprehends Yet Man what is in Beasts and Plants knowes all So those two Faiths which serue to other ends Know â—â—t true 〈◊〉 Faith yet shee both comprehends 14 God Authour is and Cause efficient Of eu'ry good and perfect gift and grace His good Will moues him first But his Intent And chiefe end is the glorie of his Grace And our saluation in the second place But when He in our soules doth Faith beget Whereby Christ and his Merits we embrace A double meanes he here on worke doth set Inward and outward whereby sauing Faith we get 15 The outward is his Word and Sacrament One workes the other strengthens what is wrought The inward is Gods Spirit into vs sent Our hearts to quicken sanctifie make soft Wherein the Word may sowne be as it ought The Gospell whereupon stands Faith's foundation Though we by Law to see our sinnes are brought As the Schoole Mistris to regeneration Yet 't is the Gospell 〈◊〉 vs wise vnto saluation 16 The 〈◊〉 most what worketh by the Word Not but without 't is all sufficient But this instruction it doth vs afford That we in hearing should be diligent The Word without the Spirits enlightenment Is as good Seede sowne on vntilled ground That neuer brings forth fruit that 's excellent For without Grace Faith temporary's found And neuer doth in good and holy workes abound 17 Prayer is not the meanes Faith to obtaine But it preserues and strengthens Faith to pray For without Faith our Prayers are in vaine Yet after Faith is wrought in vs we may Pray that Faith failes vs not wherefore I say We must giue Prayer her due commendation For by her we discourse with God alway And haue with him familiar conuersation Though none can pray aright before regeneration 18 Faith 's like the Hand and Prayer like the Key Which doth th' Almighties Coffers open wide Wherein his richest Treasures lockt vp lye The Key vnprofitably hangs beside Except that Faith it take in hand to guide Likewise the Hand doth vse her strength in vaine The Barre without the Key gainst Wards to slide Both ioyn'd the Locke to open doe constrayne And vs most glorious view of heau'nly Treasures gayne 19 'T were infinite of all Faiths fruits to tell All duties towards God all charitee Towards our Neighbours done aright and well From her proceede A holy mother's shee Of Graces all that sanctifying bee Therefore 't is plaine they want her that doe striue To make good workes Faiths mother and doe flee Vnto Saints merits For were Faith aliue In them all Pietie and Charitie would thriue 20 They 〈…〉 from Rome For then a quiet conscience and a cleare A faithfull euidence to them would come Then with true inward ioy would soone appeare Holy Securitie to cast our care Vpon the Lord for if Faith iustifie We are at peace with God Loe then our feare Is turned into sweet Securitie And inward ioy doth by afflictions multiplie 21 But if this peace and ioy doe not appeare But rather terror stormes and diâ—â—idence Let 's labour yet our conscience may stand cleare Which is to doe Gods Will and shun offence Here God beholds our will not impotence And if we doe indeauour to approue Our selues to God Faith workes in vs a sence Of heau'nly Loue whereby we plainly proue That God loues first whereby we doe begin to loue 22 Behold thus eu'n a fruit of Faith is Loue For many one whose Faith is weake and faint And cannot in themselues Spirits earnest proue Nor their hearts with true inward ioy acquaint So as in true beliefe they seeme to faint Yet find within their brests this Spirit of Loue Which is to them from sinning a restraint And 't is an euidence doth surely proue Faith's seede is sowne within when as we truely loue 23 And as Faith growes eu'n so doth Loue encrease Loe first we them that are in want releeue With spirituall comfort troubled soules appease Loue makes vs if we constantly beleeue That for our brethren we our liues will leaue By this indeed we know God's charitie That did himselfe of life for vs bereaue We therefore for our brethren ought to die This great Loue in vs comes from
but Hope keepes Faith aliue 14 When Faith beleeues Hope hopes gainst Sense and Reason Gods Promise is her soundest Argument His leisure to attend is her best season Though Faith beleeue ' boue Hope yet shee 's content To hope Present to her are things absent Shee neuer faints but holds out to the end Shee to encrease and grow is diligent Shee 's pure and cleane No shame doth her attend By Patience and Experience shee doth daily mend 15 Faith 's like Elias that by God was sent Elisha to anoint him to succeede Hope like Elisha waits most diligent And leaues her not till fiery Charets leade Faith vp to Heau'n Then Hope stayes in her stead Loe then Faiths Spirit on Hope is doubled found And though by Faith our Soules on Heau'n now feede Hope still sustaynes our Bodies on the ground And waits till all that Faith beleeues shee true haue found 16 Yea after that our bodies turne to dust It seemes that Hope still with our soules remaine What else doth meane the crying of the Iust Which for Gods Word lie vnder th' Altar slaine How long wilt thou Lord to auenge refraine Our blood on those that on the earth it spilled To whom this answere is return'd againe They should rest till the number was fulfilled Of those which for the Word as they were should be killed 17 Hope's subiect is each heart that Christ hath knowne And where in glorie he vouchsafes to dwell Shee best by Obiects is conceau'd and showne For as they doe transcend Hope doth excell All Gods good Promises which one can tell Her Obiects are which if one right would reade He must begin with that when Adam fell Gods Promise to the Woman that her seede Though Serpent bruis'd his heele should breake the Serpents head 18 Like this was that promise to Abraham All Nations should be blessed in his seede And him that King of Israel became God promis'd one should ne're want of his breede To sway great Iuda's Scepter in his stead Till Shilo came who was his Lord and Sonne Sonne as his flesh did from his Loynes proceede Lord as the God-head in the flesh did won Thus he was Dauids Christ Sonne Lord and yet but one 19 Loe God perform'd all his good Promises In Christ his sufferings birth and exaltation All tending to bring wretched Man to blisse But now behold new tidings of saluation The Gospell shewes our reconciliation Is finished as after shall be showne When all in Heau'n and Earth haue restauration What we beleeue and hope shall then be knowne Hope then shall reape in ioy what shee in teares hath sowne 20 For as the promises that God had swâ—re In Christs first comming were accomplished Eu'n so all those that in the Gospell are In 's second comming shall be finished And since that Good to Adam promised Was full foure thousand yeares ere consummation Why then should Hope that 's thus experienced Faint in lesse then two thousands expectation Nearer than when we first beleeu'd is our saluation 21 Oh! had I here Hopes wondrous memorie Then should I able be soone to make knowne All 's Promises which God cannot denie Eu'ry of which Hope doth account her owne Behold in briefe them all vnto thee showne All Faith beleeues And what doth he distrust In whom this little seede of Faith is sowne All these I say Hope doth together thrust And in them puts assured confidence and trust 22 Therefore these Vertues alwayes her attend Assurance Confidence and Patience With Perseuerance alwayes to the end And of Gods faithfulnesse Experience These and the like are her most sure defence 'Gainst troubles sâ—â—ffes her weaknesse long delay Of many Promises which made long since Are not accomplished vnto this day And when shee 's like to faint these her refresh alway 23 They that would make faithlesse vncertaintie So necessary to attend Hopes trayne And on coniect'rall probabilitie Lay Hopes foundation They demonstrate playne True Faith and Hope did ne're in them remayne And though like Faith Hope sometimes waâ—er may As who can to a perfectnesse attayne Yet Hope encreasing Doubting doth decay Vncertaintie and Hope together cannot stay 24 No more than in the Water cold and heate For as the heate all coldnesse doth expell So Hope all doubting out of vs doth beate I grant that as in luke-warme Water dwell Both heate and cold so in the hollow Cell Of vnsound luke-warme Libertines false mind Vncertaintie and wau'ring Hope doe dwell But this no true and stedfast Hope we find Else true and feigned Hope would differ in their kind 25 Though Hope hath many an open Enemie None wrong her more than her familiar Friends As Merits Doubtings false Securitie In ciuill honest dealing who depends On these quick-sands more danger him attends Than if he split on Rocke of fierce Despaire Or to distrust Gods promises intends Because so long a finishing they are Ciuill Defection hazards more than open Warre 26 Oh! who can point out all the subtilties Satan doth vse this Lady to depose How he all worldly Obiects doth deuise That shee may in them confidence repose And thereby may her heau'nly Obiect lose Who are more miserable Satan sayes Than those on things to come their Hopes repose And who liue longer and more ioyfull dayes Than they whose Hope on wealth and Princes fauours stayes 27 As Iewes two Theeues did hang on either hand When as they crucifi'd the Lord of Life So two extremes on either side Hope stands And both of them haue each with other strife On left hand stands Despaire with bloody knife On right Presumption bold doth ouer-weene Hope oftentimes may saue Despaires life Presumption railes and thinketh in her spleene If Hope could others saue shee â—ould endure such teene 28 Hope is like Iacob that went out but poore But free from danger vnto 〈◊〉 Land But when he doth returne with Wiâ—es and store Laban pursues behind Esau with band Of full foure hundred doth before him stand But Angels as Companions him attend And eu'n with God he wrestles hand to hand Who doth from churlish Laban him defend Nor suffers cruell Esau Iacob to offend 29 So when our Hope alas is faint and poore It forward walkes most free from all tentation But when it gets some strength Despaire before Behind Presumption seekes our supplantation Loe then Gods promises of our saluation Like Angels are to comfort vs at hand We wrestle with the Spirit by supplication Whereby we are inabled to withstand Despaire Presumption proud and all the Deuils band 30 Men in this World are like to ships at Sea Which stormes haue beaten and tâ—e waues haue tost That when they come to harbour in the Lea Cast Anchre out where if they find the coast Consist of quick-sands all their labour 's lost Loe then Hopes Anchre there can get no hold So they with stormes and waues againe are tost But if they find firme Land they then grow bold No wind stormes waues
By ours we must not hope to come to blisse Nor euer without ours attayne true Happinesse 63 Our Righteousnesse no cause is but the way Whereby we to our Heau'nly Citie come He that doth misse this path doth walke astray And head-long with Iniquitie doth run As in some narrow passage to a Towne He that will thither passe one way must treade Which if he misse he wanders vp and downe No path but one the right way him can leade Yet we the path no cause of comming thither reade 64 This path's like Iacobs Ladder which did reach Eu'n vp to Heau'n yet stood vpon the ground From top whereof Christ out his Arme doth stretch To helpe vp all that in good workes abound A streight long way and many steps are found Before we scale the top of Righteousnesse Gods gracious Spirit doth first this way propound And guides our feete to moue aright to blesse But onely Christ aboue doth vs thereof possesse 65 In this way Enoch's said to walke with God And Men began then holy inuocation Next Noah in his Makers grace abode A iust and perfect Man in 's generation Thus Iob Lot Abram haue their commendation For Iustice Iudgement Faith and Righteousnesse Walking with Men in vpright conuersation And towards God in Truth and Holinesse Thus shewing by her fruits the Faith which they professe 66 Thus Patriarchs Prophets Iudges Priests and Kings That did beleeue Gods future promises First fear'd and honour'd him aboue all things Next walk'd on earth in Truth and Righteousnesse Labouring in Life and Doctrine to expresse Their firme beliefe of Christ that was to come Who since is manifested in the Flesh And doth the end of Righteousnesse become Which cannot be obtayn'd vnlesse on earth begun 67 Loe Moses had an eye to this reward When he left Egypts pleasures wealth promotion The three chiefe baits which Worldlings most regard Three greatest Enemies to true Deuotion Ioseph for this despis'd his Mistris motion And rather chose that stocks his limbs should lame Than he would taste of Lusts vnrighteous potion Loe Christ a wretch for Righteousnesse became And for the Iusts reward endur'd the Crosses shame 68 If I should count all the Authorities Which of this Vertue in Gods Word abound One Volume to hold all would not suffice In eu'ry Booke Verse Chapter to be found But most of all the holy Psalmes propound Abundant matter for this Meditation The which my Reader I doe leaue to sound That willing is to make right application And follow Righteousnesse in life and conuersation 69 But though I tremble whilst I heare Paul reason Of Temp'rance Iudgement Truth and Righteousnesse Yet carelesse take a more conuenient season Like Foelix in my life it to expresse And grope for Bribes the wronged to redresse I cannot tell how soone of this my rome My Maker will a iuster Man possesse And then to strict account I needs must come And be rewarded as to others I haue done 70 Were mortall eyes but able to behold The glorious splendour and the light Diuine The Crownes Ioyes Honours Pleasures manifold Prepar'd for them that liue by righteous Line And how the Righteous like the Sunne shall shine With Sonne and Father in eternall blesse We nould at Crosse reproch or shame repine Which though they seeme some burthen to the flesh More free our soules hereby conuerse in Holinesse 71 But ah Sinne on our Nature hangs so fast And pricks with honour pleasure wealth and ease That Coward-like our Armour off we cast And for promotion flatter fawne and please Then Satan takes aduantage vs to seise As Captiues being naked and vnarm'd Whom though before perhaps he might disease Yet neuer could vs mortally haue harm'd If with brest-plate of Righteousnesse we had beene arm'd 72 Oh but 't is too great burthen to the flesh To keepe this Armour on continually And to our nature breeds great wearinesse To so great watchfulnesse our soules to tye But since it doth assure vs victorie Who would not beare this burthen for a while Besides the burthen of Iniquitie Is heauier and doth our soules defile Though for a time with pleasures false it vs beguile 73 Oh let this brest-plate then of Righteousnesse Be on my Soule and Body alwayes prest The more this burthen doth my Body presse My Soule is sure to find more ease and rest No paine shame or reproch that vs molest Are worthy of the Crowne most glorious Which God the Righteous Iudge hath readie drest For to bestow vpon the Righteous Made so by God his acceptation gracious 74 For I confesse it is thy acceptation Which makes our Righteousnesse though dung and losse Compared to the Lawes strict obseruation Most perfect Thou hast nayled to Christs Crosse All our offences By him all our drosse Is turn'd to purest Gold in fire tried Where God accepts no power of Hell can crosse If by true Faith our hearts be purified Our imperfections by Christs perfectnesse supplied 75 Oh then most perfect Sunne of Righteousnesse Vouchsafe that now thy Spirit of Grace may shine Vpon mine Heart by Truth and Holinesse Temp'rance Faith Hope Obedience Loue Diuine That all my words thoughts actions I may line And leuell out by thy pure Rule of Right All errour lying iniurie decline And hauing of thy Lawes a most cleare sight I may to walke therein place all my hearts delight 76 Make me conceiue the profit vse and end Of righteousnesse and the necessitie I of this brest-plate haue my Soule to fand Against the furie of mine enemie And grant my conscience good may testifie The armes whereby I may stand fast and sure And not those fain'd ones of Hypocrisie Which neuer can hold out me to secure Or any of the fierie darts of Hell endure 77 But it is not in him that wils or runneth For to attaine the Crowne of righteousnesse From whom each perfect gift and good grace commeth His grace it is that guides to happinesse We find amongst those gracious promises And grants which in thy holy Word we reade That who seekes first thy Kingdomes righteousnesse Shall haue all things whereof he stands in neede Doe thou Oh Lord me forth then in this right way leade 78 Thou the whole Scripture gau'st by inspiration Apt to instruct improue correct represse To make the man of God wise to saluation And perfectly instruct in righteousnesse And when the wicked turne from wickednesse Thou promisest their Soules aliue to saue So many are thy gracious promises To grant all good things that the righteous craue That I this righteousnesse doe begge and hope to haue 79 Then as a Lyon shall I be most bold My righteous way shall shine eu'n as the light The eyes then of the Lord shall me behold And he will grant me eu'n my hearts delight In all his Statutes I shall walke aright And all his iudgements iust and true obserue My death shall be most precious in his sight My righteous memorie he will reserue Yea eu'n
of Weights and Measures but one sâ—ze And Standard which true right to all doth part And Weight and Measure iustly doth comprise Eu'n so in this Worlds Market men deuise One Law to mete out eu'ry Man his due And by that Law the Iudges ought assise All their Decrees and Iudgements iust and trew And not in stead of Lawes to â—roach Opinions new 46 But as in Man we soule and body find So Lawes consist of Letter and true Sense And as the body place giues to the mind So the Lawes Letter with Obedience To the true Sense and Soule of Law consents Who Letter of the Law seeke to maintayne And leaue her mind and meanings excellence Are like them that their bodies good to gayne Both Soule and Body hazard to eternall payne 47 Some Painters Iustice without eyes describe That shee might know no Man in doing right Some without hands that shee may take no Bribe Some without pockets that may gifts inuite For gifts of wisest men doe blind the sight And words eu'n of the Righteous doe peruert Making them wrest the Law and take delight In base rewards which doe corrupt the Heart Which being once amisse doth all the rest diuert 48 But vaine it is to thinke by likelinesse Of earthly things to type out things Diuine Since none her heau'nly Nature can expresse But who the God-head can aright define O let the Sunne of Righteousnesse then shine Vpon my blinded heart with his bright rayes Which may direct my Muse aright to line And leuell out this heau'nly Ladies wayes That searching I may learne and follow Right all wayes 49 No earthly subiect now my Muse contaynes Behold of Righteousnesse Diuine I sing That Righteous Iudge that searcheth Heart and Reynes Most gracious God and yet most righteous King Who on his owne deare righteous Sonne did bring The bitter cup of wrath and indignation Due to Mankind for their dire trespassing Thus satisfying Iustice by his Passion And shewing wondrous Loue in working Mans saluation 50 This Righteousnesse in vs may be defin'd A sanctifying holy Qualitie By Gods owne Spirit vpon our Hearts consign'd To shew to Gods Law true conformitie And square our words and actions all thereby Loe thus we giue to euery one their due To God and Man for by Gods Law we trie And vnderstand what to them both is due So that conformitie thereto is Iustice true 51 To this most perfect Iustice can attayne None but our Head surnamed THAT IVST ONâ— Indeed God made Man righteous and againe In Heau'n we iust and perfect shall become But amongst Men so righteous there are none Yet reade we of a two-fold Vprightnesse One Legall which the Law to vs hath showne The other which the Gospell doth expresse Where Grace acâ—epts our will by Faith for Righteousnesse 52 The Law requires perfect Obedience Eu'n in that Man that seekes to liue thereby The Gospell Faith and a good Conscience By Faith Christs Righteousnesse especially Imputed is which rightly we apply That of the Conscience doth the whole Man frame Willing in all things to liue honestly This of Gods Spirit a powerfull worke I name And none but the regenerate obtayne the same 53 For Righteousnesse that thus from Faith doth runne Let me referre you to that Meditation Which I of Faith haue formerly begunne Whereas Christs Merits ours by Imputation Stand before God for our Iustification And thus Christ is of the whole Law the end For what the Law exacts for our Saluation Christ hath fulfilled for vs as a Friend And by the Gospell to Beleeuers doth extend 54 The Righteousnesse of a good Conscience In two things doth consist especially First to abstayne from ill with diligence Next to doe good willing and constantly To doe good and auoid iniquitie Are two essentiall parts of Righteousnesse Except they both concurre they both doe die Loe thus old Zaâ—hary and Elizabesse Were righteous before God and walkt with men blamelesse 55 We Righteousnesse of Faith from Christ receaue That of the Conscience is a worke of Grace The Righteousnesse of Faith will not there cleaue Where Righteousnesse of Conscience hath not place This right of Conscience rightly we embrace When true Repentance working change of mind Doth the old Man of sinne in vs deface With resolute purpose in a holy kind Henceforth to frame our liues as Gods Law hath assign'd 56 If thus the mind be truely altered And change of resolution throughly wrought Then the whole Man is fitly furnished To put Faiths Righteousnesse on as he ought Without true change of mind we soone are brought Like Dogge vnto his vomit to retire By sinne corrupted Nature's easily caught Againe like Sow to wallow in the mire High God doth first this inward Righteousnesse require 57 Thus by true Faith and a good Conscience With true Repentance we our selues doe presse And arme to proofe for sure and firme defence With brest-plate spirituall of Righteousnesse Which gards vs from all mortall sinfulnesse For as the brest-plate hides each vitall part So that no mortall wound can them oppresse Eu'n so this Righteousnesse defends the Heart And Conscience that no mortall sinne can thorough dart 58 Thus strongly arm'd we most assured stand Of our effectuall calling and saluation For as we God most righteous vnderstand So know we that the righteous Generation Are borne of him which brings true exultation Cladding our Names with happy memorie Makes much for true religious confirmation Doth it with Infidels much dignifie Who seeing our good workes our Maker glorifie 59 As are the windings of slie Errours trayne So are the â—y-paths of Iniquitie Yet in two Heads we may them all contayne To Neighbours wrong to God impietie Here I some ouer-iust Ones passe not by Such as must haue all Bowes by their owne bent Who by pretence of Christian libertie Allow nought but what their owne braines inuent Correctors curious of things indifferent 60 Two other Gulfes here I will onely sound One is of Pharisaicall Righteousnesse The other with false Libertines is found Who doe abuse Gods grace to wantonnesse The last Faith onely with their tongue professe But let their conscience wind at libertie The other make great boast of Vprightnesse And Merits trusting to be sau'd thereby Both put asunder those God doth together tie 61 Thus Hymeneus did and Alexander Who first did put away good Conscience And then in Schismes and Heresies did wander Till they made shipwracke of Faiths firme defence Thus some giu'n ouer to a reprobate sense Doe fall to senselesse base Idolatrie Putting in stocks and stones their confidence And in the mysterie of Iniquitie Who boasts himselfe to haue of Heau'n and Hell the Key 62 Not but Christ's immense Coate of Righteousnesse Sufficient is to cloath all that beleeue But we our Faith by good workes must expresse If of his Fulnesse we hope to receaue Yet let Presumption no Man so deceaue The rags of his inherent Righteousnesse With Christs in our Redemption for to weaue
dangerous sore Most dangerous because it was least seene But inwardly did fester more and more It was Ambition which eu'n from my Spleene Vnto mine heart had sent her poysonous teene To cure which sore shee med'cine streight applyes Before I came in presence of her Queene Who gaynes saith shee grace in my Soueraignes eyes By meekenesse not ambition seekes as I to rise 7 Many good med'cines did this Maid deuise Whereby shee might recure my dangerous sore As good examples words eke of the wise But none of these did yeeld me profit more Than mine owne wretchednesse which shee before Me laid that I might humbled be thereby And though my flesh first spurn'd against this lore Yet shee so gently did this salue apply That my proud heart it made stoupe to Humilitie 8 Thus humbled I was to Repentance brought Who was the Marshall wondrous graue and sage Ah! shee at first meâ—ickle sorrow wrought And shew'd how I vnworthy was to wage Or be admitted to Loues equipage Shee then my conscience forthwith did demand To bring my Sinnes and Follies on the stage Who streight-wayes did obey her great command And loe my sinnes appear'd in number like the Sand. 9 Sinnes done in secret and long since forgot Shee there exhibited plaine to bee seene And straight me to the Barre of Iustice got Accusing of high treason to her Queene Iustice was chiefe Iudge in the Law well seene Yet limited by bounds of her Commission Law was her rule not what shee did esteeme To extend Mercy shee had no permission They that haue sinn'd must be condemn'd without remission 10 But Faith and Hope two Patrons neare at hand To all distressed soules that craue their aide Aduis'd me not on mine owne workes to stand But on His merits that had fully paid The ransome of my sinnes and further said From Iustice I to Mercy might appeale This done the Court most willingly conuaid Me to the Throne of Mercy which should heale And all by Iustice done against me would repeale 11 Mercy a Princesse was of high degree And neare vnto the Queene of Loue allide Most pleasant was her countenance to see Knowledge the Treasurer sate by her side But Prudence most of all her Grace did guide The Secretarie Truth her Acts did write Shee Mercy yet with Iustice did diuide To all those Suitors that did craue their right And were by Faith and Hope taught how to plead aright 12 I had good audience at my first appearing But when Faith Hope began my suite to moue Repentance crau'd another day of hearing And shee would all my sinnes before them proue I answer'd that this let I would remoue For I confesse all against me laid And streight by Faith and Hope did plainely proue My Sauiours merits all my debts had paid Then all the Court gan cry I need not be afraid 13 Yet Mercy with her counsell would aduise Before that shee to sentence did proceed And first with Knowledge Prudence Truth deuise The same which was long time before decreed And though damnation be thy sinnes iust meed Yet seeing thou so rightly dost apply Christs merits thou from guilt of them art freed Wherefore by Faith Hope and Humilitie In Loues Court to abide thou hast free libertie 14 I thus absolu'd by Mercies gracious dome Was brought to Meekenesse and Obedience That they might me instruct ere I should come Into the Chamber of their Queenes presence And by the way I met with Patience These three sweet Ladies many precepts giue With charge the same t' obserue with diligence And all my wrongs past and to come forgiue If in this Court of Loue with honour I would liue 1â— Then Fortitude this Queenes great Generall Taught me'gainst all afflictions to stand fast For he that loueth well endureth all And Temperance enioyned me to fast And all immoderate lusts from me to cast This Temperance Comptroller of the Hall Of slender dyet is and body chast Bountie the Alm'ner next to me did call To doe good and distribute to poore Saints ' boue all 16 Then Lady Laetice that staid all this while Longing and wishing me this good successe On me began most graciously to smile And comfort after my great heauinesse Shee is of high trust and great noblenesse And keepes the priuy Signet of her Queene Which on the hearts of all shee doth impresse Absolu'd by Mercy from Lawes direfull teene Shee is call'd Inward Ioy more to be felt then seene 17 There met I Zeale without vaine superstition Who neuer without Knowledge durst come there So hot and fiery was her disposition As shee in peeces could stone tables teare Shee in graue comely habit did appeare As of the Tribe of Aaron shee were borne Gods Name dishonoured shee could not beare Her haire was all discheuelled and torne Which she had rent to hear wretches her queenes loue scorne 18 Shee was most earnest and patheticall And like Ioy did enflame mine inward parts Then Courtesie a Lady faire and tall Instructed me in her most pleasing Arts How first I should my lookes suite to mine heart And next according to mine heart should looke Vnfeignedly the head and euery part To loue who for loue my sinnes on him tooke This Ladies louing heart you might reade in her looke 19 Then came Gods Word of all the rest the Guide From whose Mouth went a sharpe two edged sword Which did from me all sinne and lust diuide And in my bleeding wounds sweet hony powr'd Last Prayer needes this fauour would afford My suite vnto Loues Highnesse to present Then falling on my knees shee did record My words and eu'n my secret hearts intent And them by Mediation to Loues presence sent 20 Thus was I to Loues glorious presence brought Which was beyond imagination great Who gently me enquired what I sought Madame said I This now I doe intreat Your Grace will giue me licence to repeat The goodly glorie I doe here behold Shee granted me I should of her entreat And all her Courtiers whereof I haue told Which by Gods grace I meane in order to vnfold 21 And that I may an order due obserue The first that comes forth is the Queene her Grace Then follow on such Ladies as her serue In their due order ranke and proper place Humilitie first leades the Vertues trace Loe next Repentance Faith and Hope haue rome These three are Ladies which doe guide our race Till we into the armes of Loue doe come But loe they leaue vs there for then their charge is done MEDITAT I. Of Heauenly Loue. 1 THose learned spirits that spend their youthful prime In writing Volumes large of wanton Loue Find in the end they lose most precious time And all their labour and though late oft proue That had their soules beene mounted vp aboue Whence they were sent to this fraâ—le house of clay They there had found the obiect of true Loue God true eternall which ne're fades away But when Loue there begins it doth endure
vertue doth not lend Eu'n so the Man whose loue doth fall away Doth straight in errour darknesse and delusions stray 19 Those that by reasons force and strength of wit Draw true Conclusiont by firme Argument First striue the Causes with th' Effects to fit Else they will hardly grant the Consequent To say I loue is not sufficient Except I shew the reason why I loue I know ô Lord thou art Omniscient But know no cause to loue mee should thee moue Onely I daily feele that which I cannot proue 20 God is Loues very Authour Life and Spring Yea God himselfe is also stiled Loue From him all Streames of Loue are issuing As from the Sea all other Waters moue He first fills all with Loue in Heau'n aboue Which Water plenteously the Vales below So God loues first before we doe him loue Loe what exceeding great loue he doth show God loues his Enemies first before they doe him know 21 The cause of all this Loue proceeds from thee Thou didst vs loue yet being Enemies Bond-slaues to Sinne and Satan but now â—ree And made thy Friends by Grace our loue doth rise From thee as from the Spring and multiplyes Growing from strength to strength till by thy Grace We workes of Loue in thee doe exercise Thy Members here for thee wee doe embrace Eu'n as ouâ— owne till we behold thy glorious Face 22 Into one Body we by Loue doe grow Into one Building we are all combin'd Loue that doth from the Head to Members flow And all the stones hath in this building ioyn'd Where eu'ry Members office is assign'd And eu'ry stone an others weight doth beare All liuely Stones the choisest of mankind All liuing Members of one Head which here By Loue in one close cemented and ioynted are 23 My lowly Muse dares not presume to prie Into Gods holy happy Habitation Where Loue three Persons ioynes in Vnitie And makes one Godhead to mans admiration I leaue the Mysterie of th'Incarnation Where Loue doth make both God and Man in one And eke the power of Spirits regeneration Where Loue makes Man eu'n of Gods flesh and bone Thus Loue all things in Heaueâ— and Earth vnites in one 24 Such as Loues cause is such are Loues effects Holy Transcendent Supernaturall Which publique good not priuate most respects The weakest member seruice doth to all And the most Honourable doth not call The meaner base as he did him despise They all agree in one and one in all Vnto one glorious Head by loue to rise And in him workes of Loue and Grace to exercise 25 This Loue 's long suffering gentle not enuies Not striuing boasting shamelesse for her owne Bitter ill-minded ioying in iniuries But most glad to doe right when Truth is knowne Endures beleeues hopes suffers all alone Though tongues doe cease and prophecyings faile And knowledge vanish yet Loue holds her owne We know and prophecie in part as fraile But when the perfect comes th' imperfect nought auailes 26 Had I the tongues of Men and Angels and Could prophecie and knew all mysteries Had Faith to remoue Mountaynes t' vnderstand All knowledge and should all my goods out size Amongst the Poore my body should deuise Eu'n to be burn'd yet if I want this Loue It profits not this Loue which doth arise From a pure heart oh thou then that dost proue And trâ—e the hearts of Men season mine heart with Loue. 27 And euer let the Obiect of my Loue Be the true indiuiduall Trinitie The Saints on earth and Angels all aboue That still persist in their integritie I mention here the happy memorie Of thy deceased Saints and Martyrs all Which here their Loue to thee did testifie Whom thou by Loue didst first vnto thee call And dost in heau'n reward with blisse perpetuall 28 But 't is the heart from which this Loue must flow There Loue her Court keepes there 's her Royall seate 'T is not enough with wordes this Loue to show Or fayned lookes God doth the heart intreate That must bâ—â— clens'd from sinne made sweet and neate For him that standeth knocking at the dore Then open he will enter in and eate And bring with him of heau'nly foode such store As thou shalt neuer thirst nor hunger any more 29 Clense my deceitfull heart defil'd with sinne Make it a Temple for thy Spirit of Loue Fit for the King of Glorie to come in That all my words thoughts actions pure may proue As Riuers which from purest Fountaynes moue Oh since thou wert so bountifull to spend Thy precious Blood for vs thy Foes still loue And cherish vs and 'gainst all harme defend Who will die for his Foes cannot denie his Friend 30 In all that Nature hath indued with life We find desire with like to companie Againe wee see diâ—â—â—â—tions jarres and strife 'Mongst those that are of different qualitie We oft 〈◊〉 inclinations may descrie By company they either keepe or shunne They haue of manners such a sympathie I therefore shew what heau'nly Graces wonne With royall Loue which sweetly link't together runne 31 These Vertues are Loues deare Concomitants Repentance Knowledge Faith Humilitie Fortitude Iustice Prudence Temperance Meeknesse Obedience Truth Hope Curtesie These a most sacred 〈◊〉 Societie Doe on the Court of royall Loue attend These Hate expell and her base progenie Wrath Auaâ—â—â— Pride 〈◊〉 and contend Gainst Gluttoâ—e 〈…〉 which on Hate depend 32 These Impes which of this hellish Hagge are bred Begot of her by Lucifer in Hell In wayes of errour and of darknesse leade Where damned spirits in torments euer dwell And though on earth they beare away the bell Of all one day there will a reckning bee Then shall appeare who hath done ill who well The louely Bride shall ioy her Loue to see But they which follow Hate with her shall damned bee 33 Such doe ill iudge of Loue that cannot loue Nor in their hearts feele heate of liuely flame Loue is the gift of God from heau'n aboue Sent downe mans proud rebellious heart to tame And yeeld obedience to his holy Name Though scorn'd by those whose hearts are made so blind With this worlds god they cannot see the same This World they loue and on Lusts set their mind And neuer seeke this true and heau'nly Loue to find 34 The reason is they doe not seeke to know Gods Wisedome Mercy Bountie Goodnesse Loue And these though Preachers daily to them show And their slow vnbeleeuing hearts reproue Their hearts of flint to loue they cannot moue Ah! How can they loue God they haue not seene When as their brethren here they cannot loue To loue the Head and yet to beare a spleene Vnto the Members is a thing vnknowne vnseene 35 Should they with Paul behold the glorious sight Of th' Head whose Members they doe cause to rue They would fall downe amazed with such light And humbly prostrate with submission due Crie Lord Who art and with affection new That Head and Members would intirely loue
sinne Who though shee cruell seeme yet giues sweet life When first to liue in Spirit we begin Shee vs polluted and defil'd within Doth clense in Fountayne of Regeneration Vs new-borne Babes shee teacheth to let in The milke sincere to sure Iustification Till stronger meate make strong our Faith to sure Saluation 4 And though in chaine of Gods most fâ—â—me Decree First sauing linke is his Predestination Election next then Calling yet wee see No certayne pledges here of our Saluation Till true Repentance workes Humiliation Loe then we doe by right degrees proceede Vnto the highest linke Glorification So that Repentance first to vs doth reede What is eternally in Heau'n by God decreed 5 Thou that dost Hearts with true Repentance season Making them view their owne vile wretchednesse That cast downe with Apostasie and Treason We may of thee seeke endlesse Happinesse First grant me true Repentance next to expresse What sou'raine Vertues I in her haue found And though at first my soule with bitternesse Were ouerwhelm'd yet Grace did cure that wound So where most sinne there is Mercy doth most abound 6 Repentance is a holy worke of Grace From godly Sorrow by which Man from sin Is turn'd Gods promises in Christ t' embrace And Fruits fit for Repentance to begin Repentance is Gods holy worke within To worke our Righteousnesse and Sinne deface And no Man can be exercis'd therein But he that standeth in the state of Grace For no Man turnes to God till God him first embrace 7 Grace and Repentance are in time conioyn'd As Fire and Heate but as Heate first appeares To vs when Fire in Embers is confin'd Eu'n so when sparkes of Grace our Heart first cheares Repentance manifests her selfe by teares Grace is the sap in heau'nly vegetation Repentance is the prime bud which it beares The first sure signe of true Regeneration Then follow leaues flow'rs fruits as certayne demonstration 8 This godly Sorrow differs from the care And griefe a worldling in his heart receaues By sense of Gods iust wrath or great Mens feare Or ought that their good names or goods bereaues This godly Sorrow griefe of mind conceaues That he hath sinn'd and that he did displease So good and kind a God which so close cleaues To 's heart that though no feare did him disease Of Iudge Hell Deuill yet nought but Grace can him appease 9 Man was most faire in Gods owne Image built Had with him sweet communion at 's Creation Whereby in God and God eke in him dwelt But sinne hath since enforc'd a separation And made vs sonnes of wrath by alienation Now we like prodigall and lost sheepe stray Till Grace and true Repentance restauration Doth make of all sinne doth in vs decay Then we returne and our Creators hests obay 10 But true Repentance doth repent of all And not of many or one onely sinne Herod conuerted thus at Baptists call Him gladly heard and hearing did begin For to doe many things but would not lin The sinne of incest with his brothers Loue Some like th' Adulterer doe turne from sinne When they want strength from bad to worse some moue As when the prodigall a couetous man doth proue 11 Shee hath two hands with one loe shee beginnes To presse vs downe to true mortification Whereby we may returne from all our sinnes Vs th' other rayseth by Regeneration To a new life and to Sanctification One from all actuall sinnes makes vs abstayne Suppresseth weakens natures deprauation Makes the Mind purpose and the Will full fayne And all our whole indeauours from sinne to refrayne 12 The other hand Mans purged mind doth raise Vnto a serious firme deliberation To yeeld sincere obedience to Gods Sayes And worketh in the will an inclination Him to obey as at our first creation This doth Mans life and best indeauours frame To walke here in a holy conuersation Though all we doe vnperfect is and lame Yet if the Heart be right God will accept the same 13 And as shee hath a double energie Men head-long to th' infernall Pit to throw And them againe by Faith to viuifie So though of this great worke one cause we know Gods Spirit that whereas it list doth blow Yet vseth it a twofold instrument The Law which Death to vs for sinne doth show The Gospell that doth preach attonement Thus both the Law and Gospell teach vs to repent 14 The Law first pierceth eu'n the very heart And doth by little and degrees proceede Till Knowledge foure things needfull doth impart Gods Law the guilt of Sinne and Sinnes iust meede Which is eternall Fire by God decreed Then we these rightly to our selues apply Which doth in vs a feare and horrour breed Except on Gospels comfort we rely For without that we die in hell eternally 15 Then doth the Gospell make vs comprehend Gods mercy for it seriously enquire And by the gifts of Knowledge to contend That though I iustly haue deseru'd Gods ire If I my selfe denie yet and desire My trust in Christs sole merits to repose I shall thereby escape eternall Fire Thus doth Repentance griefe and ioy impose Griefe for my sinnes but Ioy God doth me from them loose 16 Thus godly Sorrow in our heart being wrought Which brings Repentance with true change of mind We are resolu'd neuer in word deed thought So to offend God in our wonted kind But a new life to leade loe then we find Within our selues a wondrous alteration Not that it changeth substance of our mind Or body in the matter or the fashion But doth reforme their powers as in their first creation 17 Shee worldly griefe to godly sorrow turnes Our Wrath and Anger into temp'rate Zeale Presumption into Faith their heart that burnes In wanton loue to heau'nly Loue appeale Mad laughter shee with Christian ioy doth seale Mildnesse of nature turnes to spirits meeknesse Soules faculties doth all repaire and heale And brings them vnto their first perfectnesse Thus shee makes crocked streight and what 's wrong doth redresse 18 Then bring we forth fruits worthy amendment Of life the truth whereof we doe expresse When by good workes we shew how we repent Repenting soules be Trees of Righteousnesse Planted by God which Riuers doe refresh Eu'n flouds that from the Sanctuarie flow Whose boughes doe lowly stoope with fruitfulnesse There fruits for meate leaues good for medicine grow Else to the roote the Axe is laid them downe to throw 19 Repentance Subiect is a grieued heart A conscience wounded with the sight of Sinne Which nought but hell and horrour doth impart When to lay open conscience doth beginne Our sinnes without and wicked thoughts within And ' lesse shee to vs hope in Christ reueale We may with Iudas hang vp by the chin But like a skilfull Surgeon shee doth deale First corrasiue the sore and then it gently heale 20 Shee hath a double Obiect guilt of sinne And sinnes iust meede eternall condemnation Which terror breedes without horror within The second
with his taile 54 But I confesse I tremble at her rod As Moses did at his when he it cast On ground by the commandement of God And it became a Serpent that in haste He fled from it but all his feare was past When God him bid to take it by the taile Then it became a Staffe to stay him fast And wonders worke So though our hearts shee quaile At first we yet at last by Faith 'gainst her preuaile 55 We are as Satan hop'd Iob to haue found When as he said Doth Iob serue God for nought Whilst God doth hedge vs in on each side round And prospers all that by our hands are wrought Whilst by our flocks are multitudes forth brought So long we seeme his bountie to embrace But take away our goods and leaue vs nought Behold I say we curse him to his face Except as vnto Iob he grant preuenting grace 56 This is of wicked men the punishment That all their life Repentance haue despised Eu'n at their end they thinke not to repent This trade must in thy youth be exercised As Abel of his Firstlings sacrificed They that from sinne abstaine not till their last And to Worlds pleasures haue their Youth deuised Are like those that being sicke professe to fast When as alas they haue no appetite or taste 57 Such late Repentance seldome is or neuer We one example in the Scripture reade Not to despaire repent what time so euer But onely one example lest it breede Presumption 'T is meate and drinke indeede To Satan for to see youth doe his will And on the other side great ioy doth breede To th'Angels for to see young men fulfill Gods Statutes in their Youth and eke obay his Will 58 Oh! then embrace her whilst 't is call'd Today For most vncertayne is our life and fraile The longer I the lusts of sinne obay Against them I the hardlier shall preuaile Late med'cines of their cures doe most what faile Which would yeeld remedie in season taken The Serpent in the head not in the taile Is quickly kill'd young twigs are easily shaken But grow hard to remoue when they deepe roote haue taken 59 If in due time thou seekest to repent By godly sorrow which ne're comes too late And thou hells pangs dost feele Be confident Thou art by Faith in Christ regenerate Assure thy selfe most happy is thy state If thou least drop of Mercy dost obtaine The danger 's past sinnes stinging will abate The Spirit of thy mind 's renew'd againe And from least shew of sinne hereafter now refraine 60 Though like 〈◊〉 seruant first thou 〈◊〉 Nought but Hostilitie thee to confound If that thine eyes with his once open'd bee To looke vp to the Mountayne There abound Horses and Charets fiery about thee round Crie but alas Master What shall we doe Loe more for thee than there for them are found Thy light with blindnesse so confounds thy Foe Thou mayst them captiue leade and vnto others show 61 Thy Groat is found which thou before hadst lost Thy Sheepe's brought home that earst hath gone astray Thy dead sonne hath againe receau'd his ghost The prodigall 's come home that ranne away Vashti's deposed from the Scepters sway And humble Hester now hath got her place The workes of darknesse now are chac't away And in their roome are workes of Light and Grace Faith by Repentance shewes vs now Loues smiling face 62 Ioy after Sorrow after labour rest And after shipwrack the desired Port All men loue safety they discerne it best That lately haue escap'd some eminent hurt Loe light is pleasing vnto eu'ry sort To them most that in darkest Dungeon bee To passe from death to life doubles the sport Of 〈◊〉 But 〈◊〉 all the ioyes I see Is when â—â—om wounded conscience Gracâ— doth set 〈◊〉 63 And now o Lord vnabâ—â— to â—â—presse Thy wondrous bountie in 〈◊〉 first creation And much more here vnworthy to confesse Thy Loue and Grace in our regeneration Begun here first in vs by renouation And true Repentance Lord now cure my wound The sting of conscience by sweet application Of Faith the fruits whereof may still abound And to the riches of thy glorious Grace redound 64 You may be pleas'd with me to call to mind How when the humble Lady first me brought To Dame Repentance harsh I her did find And shee most strongly on my conscience wrought Yea though with teares I oft her Grace besought That I might iudged be at Mercies seate Shee mee by force before Dame Iustice brought Where all my sinnes and faults shee did repeate But Faith me iustifide of whom I next entreate MEDITAT IIII. Of Faith 1 ONe Beeing that from all eternitee Most happy is Wise Iust Omnipotent And from eternitie all things did see As present though long after they were meant Of nought created Aire Fire Firmament With all the Spirits and Powers that are aboue Made and replenished Earths Continent The Sea and all that in them both doe moue All these he made for Man Man him to serue and loue 2 Man sure a Creature was most excellent Being of all created things the end To whom that Being onely being lent That he to 's Makers seruice might intend And in his ioyfull Presence his life spend Wherefore He him in goodliest Garden plac't And one Fruit onely did from him defend Of which Fruit onely he presum'd to taste Wherefore God him for eu'r out of the Garden cast 3 But as the glorious riches of his grace Was the sole-mouing cause Man first to make So gracelesse Man he leaues not in this case But to repaire his losse will vndertake A new worke likewise for his mercies sake To free him from sinnes guilt and Satans wile God will Mans flesh and guilt vpon him take And purge him from the sinne doth him defile Thus Satan is beguil'd that sought Man to beguile 4 As 〈…〉 Canâ—'d Man from earthly Eden to be cast So true Beliefe and 〈◊〉 Obedience Cause 〈…〉 And as on paine of death he was to fast From one fruit onely so this gracious King Commands vs now one onely fruit to taste Life to restore and for to kill Death's sting This fruit is Faith in Christ whereof I next doe sing 5 Thou that when Man most blessed was created But by sinne falne from his high happinesse Thine owne Sonne sent that he regenerated Might be and winne againe more perfect blesse Who here eu'n humbled'st God in humane flesh That thou by Faith might'st Man to thee vnite And safe deliuer from all wretchednesse Direct my Muse of Faith to sing aright And grant me first 〈◊〉 Faith before of Faith I write 6 Faith is a wondrous gift of God a Grace Whereby th'Elect apply particularly Christ right and all his benefits embrace By her our hope subsiâ—ts most certainely Shee shewes vs things vnseene most euidently Faith of the Gospell is a firme beliefe Whereby Christs benefits offred we apply And rightly doe receiue So
sailes doe faile all faile in their true motion 41 Faith is our spirituall Sunne in Firmament Which Clouds may darken not put out her light Shee is sweâ—t Oile that giueth nutriment Vnto our Lamps vs to direct aright Shee is our strong Shield vnder which we fight Safe and secure'gainst all the powers of Hell Which though our brest-plate oft by force or slight They pierce of Righteousnesse Faiths shield doth quell Yet all Hells fiery darts and Satans force expell 42 Shee Morter is vs liuing Stones to ioyne In that great Building to the corner Stone The Pins and Ioynts which euery peece combine Into one goodly Frame By Faith alone Members on Earth and Head in heau'n is one Shee doth espouse the Bridegroome to the Bride Shee vs the earnest of his Spirit hath showne Shee sets vs at the Banquet by his side Then Loue vs to embrace her Armes doth open wide 43 Faith like is to the holy Martyr Steuen Who when before the Councell he did stand Look'd vp and saw Gods glorie great in heau'n And Iesus standing by on his right hand Shee 's like Tobiâ—â— Angell at command For to direct vs in our iourney right And free from danger both by Sea and Land Shee doth endue vs with such heau'nly light That we to Friends and Parents may restore their sight 44 Like Aduocate who not for priuate gayne Pleades for all sinners to Repentance brought Whom neither feare nor fauour can restrayne From pleading till our Pardon shee hath wrought Shee neuer leaues vs till shee hath vs brought To the most glorious happy Court of Loue Into his armes whose Blood vs dearely bought For Faith and Hope cease further there to moue Our state there is immutable without remoue 45 Faith like to Moses out of Egypt leades All Israelites that vnder bondage grone Baptiseth them that in her foote-steps treades As in red Sea Faith cleaues a Rocke of stone From which gush liuing Waters Faith alone The hidden Manna makes from heau'n descend Which who by Faith eate Bone become of Bone Flesh of his Flesh Faith doth before vs wend Through this worlds wildernesse but there she makes an end 46 Yet Faith like Moses doth from Mount behold And view from farre the blessed promis'd Land But leaues vs there vnto our Iosuah bold T' expell the Amorite with mightie hand And giue vs seisin of that blessed Land Loe then Faith to sure Knowledge is return'd Then we in state vnchangeable doe stand Not that Faith Hope as needlesse off are turn'd What Faith beleeu'd and Hope did waite for is confirm'd 47 Like when some friend doth promise thee to giue After his death a faire Inheritance Thou must beleeue and hope whilst he doth liue But when his change thy fortunes doth aduance And thou possessest this Inheritance Loe then thy first beliefe and hope dâ—crease Thou hold'st it now by good assurance So when we Heaâ—â—n possesse Faith Hope doe cease It is our owne for euer not a Farme by leaâ—e 48 Faith is as much as when we credit say Which is as sure as money in our hand If we trust one that able is to pay And to what he hath promised will stand If rightly then Gods power we vnderstand And Truth which fast like him hath euer stood We haue most firme assurance of heau'ns Land Yet least weake Faith make doubt of this as good Loe his last Testament sealed with his owne Blood 49 If with th'incredulous these cannot preuaile Who will beleeue no more than they can proue By Sense and Reason None of these shall faile Thee to a true and liuely Faith to moue Behold the Father vs hath shew'd such loue That we the Sonnes of God should called bee If Sonnes we be Coheires of heau'n aboue If we beleeue but what we taste and see To Sense in Sacraments exhibited is hee 50 With these authorities why should I sort Saints Monuments which in Worlds wildernesse By Faith obtayning here a good report Are now arriu'd at th' Hau'n of blessednesse Millions which haue and constantly professe And for this Faith land honours life doe leaue Accounting it their greatest happinesse They are worthy found not onely to beleeue In Christ but for his sake their liues goods friends to leaue 51 See Abraham in whose most holy Seede All Nations of the earth most happy are How Faith did arme him to performe a deede Against the promise God vnto him sware His sonne his onely sonne not Isaack spare See Iacob with his Maker hand to hand Wrestling to get a blessing nor doth care To lose his limbs so firme his Faith may stand Loe Faith brings Iosephs bones from Nile to holy Land 52 Moses by Faith the red Sea doth diuide So stroke the Rocke that Waters gâ—shed out Calls food from Heau'n with God on Mount doth bide Full fortie dayes Loe Iosuah bold and stout Commands the Sunne to stand still while he fought Gods Battailes Loe Kings Iudges Prophets all By Faith inuincible did neuer doubt Blessings Raine Haile and Foode from heau'n to call With fire and vengeance on Gods enemies heads to fall 53 Loe Christ himselfe when he on earth did preach And mightie miracles to passe forth brought What thing did he more here vnto vs teach Than Faith By which great miracles he wrought He that had Faith neede not despaire of ought Lepers by Faith are cleans'd issues are stayd Blind see Lame walke the Deuils are cast out Her Faith so great 's growne that for crummes earst pravd That Be it as thou wilt to her by Christ is said 54 Yea after that our Sauiour did ascend And had the promis'd Comforter downe sent His Church by Faith wrought wonders that transcend Loe Peters shaddow heal'd eu'n as he went Partlets and Napkins from Paules body sent Expell'd ill spirits did Blind and Lame restore Cur'd all diseases of the patient So that th' Apostles by true Faith did more And greater miracles than Christ had done before 53 I doe beleeue the World could not contayne The Bookes if one all Monuments should write Of Saints which Clouds of witnesses remayne Of Faith's great power her glorie grace and might Which though they laid their liues downe in this fight Their glorie euer doth in Heau'n remayne Where Victors they triumph in the Lambs sight And for their losse of life and mortall payne True immortalitie and endlesse pleasure gayne 56 And though in these last times and 〈◊〉 dayes Her force and vertue seeme for to decline Yet he that feeles the comfortable rayes Of her Sunne-beames vpon his heart to shine Infallibly perceaues some power Diuine In him that World of wonder hath effected Which is both God and Man in one to ioyne For this they know and feele that are elected But Satan blinds the eyes of those that are reiected 57 Oh! What great wonders worketh Faith within When first shee rayseth by regeneration And quickneth soules that lay long dead in sin Vnto the life of
Sonne for vs What can be denyde Who dares condemne who by him saued are For whom his Death and Rising doth prepare Eternall blisse Shall anguish tribulation Nakednesse famine perill sword or feare Vs sep'rate from the Horne of our saluation In these Faith makes vs conquer by Christs mediation 75 My prayer gracious Lord shall euer bee Increase my Faith And as now in some wise Thou her faire Lineaments hast made mee see For which I praise thee Open so mine eyes That seeing I her worth may truely prise And for her sake most willing be to loose My life and all this wicked world despise And rather bondage here with Faith to choose Than liue in Egypts Court with vaine deceitfull showes 76 Now as a valiant Souldier strong and wise That would in open field defeate his Foe Suffers no sleepe to come within his eyes But keepes continuall watch For he doth know His En'mie Lyon-like about doth goe By force or sleight his life for to surprize Eu'n so good Lord grant thou me grace to doe That though sleepe often close my bodies eyes My Soule may still keepe watch 'gainst Satans subtilties 77 Hope was the Patron that with Faith did ioyne When to my triall me Repentance brought Who all their might and forces did combine Vntill my absolution they had wrought These not their owne good but their Clients sought And pleaded not for friendship fees or gayne Loues fauour was their vtmost ayme and thought They shew'd no Law their Causes to maintayne But Pardons wrote in 's Blood that for our sinnes was slayne MEDITAT V. Of Hope 1 REpentance Faith and Hope be graces three Which no where but in Israel are knowne Of other Vertues some resemblance wee Do find amongst the Heathen which are showne To them by Natures light and first were sowne Most pure till they corrupted were with sin But now they most vnlike themselues are growne For till Faith Hope them to restore begin They glorious seeme without but foule and vile within 2 For though of Knowledge Loue Truth Patience Right Mercy Fortitude Humilitie Prudence Zeale Temp'rance Bountie Obedience There doe in them remayne some memorie Yet wanting Faith and Hope like either eye Their blinded soules for to direct aright In all their actions they doe moue awry For Faith and Hope like Sunne and Moones cleare light Direct repenting Soules which wander else in night 3 And though by reading in Dame Natures booke The Heau'n and Earth's most wonderfull creation They vpwards to their Maker oft did looke And saw his Power and Wisedomes manifestation And their owne wretchednesse Yet Humiliation For sinne in them no true Repentance wrought For missing these chiefe Agents of saluation The worke could not be to perfection brought For without Faith and Hope Repentance profits nought 4 Thou that the Finisher and Authour art Of eu'ry good and perfect Gift and Grace Who look'st not on the worke but on the heart Where eu'ry Vertue holds her seate and place Who lately hast me guided in the trace Of Faith the Mother now direct aright My Muse to follow on the Vertues chase And first of Hope Faiths daughter next in sight And make my Hope stand stedfast whilst of Hope I write 5 Hope is of things to come an expectation Which God hath promis'd and Faith doth beleeue For when th'Elect of their Iustification By Faith stand sure Then Hope doth them releeue With Patience to expect till God doth giue All the good things which he hath promised So that no crosse affliction can them grieue For by this Hope they stand assured The day will come their Hope shall be accomplished 6 Some Faith Hopes Mother some her Sister call Howsoe're betwixt them is so neare relation That if one faile the other needes must fall Faith brings forth Hope the Anchor of saluation But Faith is nourished by expectation A thankfull Daughter to a blessed Dame Who nonrisheth her Mother in this fashion And oft when Faith growes cold blind faint and lame Hopes brests Assurance Patience her restore againe 7 A blessed paire like Naâ—mi and Ruth Faith doth direct and Hope goes forth to gleane Faith searcheth first beleeues and finds the Truth Then Hope at Booz feete expects the meane And though at first a small reward shee gayne Yet being content Gods leisure for to stay Shee in the end doth to her Hope attayne Ruthâ—nto â—nto Booz married is that day And now may Naomi in her lap Obed lay 8 Hope is so like Faith and so neare of Kin As hardly we discerne a difference Faith is the ground whereon Hope doth begin Both haue alike assurance Patience From the same Spirit both haue their influence Both sauing Graces purge and purifie The heart and season with obedience Both last alike By both we'our selues denie Both make our conscience sound By both for Christ we die 9 But Faith is first for loe shee is Hopes ground Hope onely future sees but Faith things past Faith seales our euidence and makes it sound Hope waites till shee possession take at last Hope is the Helmet that on th' Head is plac't But Faith the Shield doth all the body hide And though our Faith oft faint our Hope stands fast From off the Shield full many a blow may slide On Helmet but there farther entrance is deni'de 10 Thus haue I shew'd how they are different The cause now As of Words immortall seede The Spirit begets Faith to giue firme assent Vnto Gods Promises Eu'n so indeede That Spirit out of those Promises doth breede A liuely Hope whose end is our saluation And that we shall haue all things which we neede In the meane time we haue our conuersation By Faith and Hope with Christ in heau'nly habitation 11 Similitudes make plaine and illustrate Things that are else mysterious darke obscure As when th' immortall Workman did create At first Man without helpe alone and pure He made him then a deepe sleepe to endure And tooke stuffe from him ere he did awake Of which he made for him a helpe most sure So the same Spirit that Faith at first did make To make now Hope Faiths help doth matter from Faith take 12 As Body Spirit Faith Lord and Baptisme's one So but one true and liuing Hope we find But as her Obiects infinite become We may distinguish her in different kind If heau'nly Obiects be to her assign'd Shee like the Obiect is Celestiall If shee on worldly Obiects set her mind As doth the Obiect shee doth rise or fall Loe then the Obiect of our Hope is all in all 13 We hope for that for vs in Heau'n's vp laid We hope to see Christs glorious Exaltation We hope for all things that Christ for vs praid We hope in Gospell that brings vs saluation We hope of all in Christ a restauration We hope Soules Bodies shall immortall liue We hope to reape what 's sowne in expectation The faithfull Pastor hopes his Flocke shall thriue Faith Author is of Hope
oft assay'd From her youth vp our Church vnto this day But neuer hath their subtiltie preuayl'd Church discipline to alter though I say Martin their spite and malice did bewray When he in scoffes and rayling spent his wit Not sauouring of the Spirit which should pray For Kings and those that at the Sterne doe sit And not ranke Martinisme in Rulers faces spit 49 These first as Theudas-like some great Man rose To whom great multitudes themselues combine And Iudas-like Church tribute did oppose But they are perisht And our fruitfull Vine Yet prospers still and yeelds abundant Wine Which proues it planted is by Gods owne Hand For were 't Mans policy not power Diuine Shee neuer could such furious Beasts withstand But long since had destroyed beene out of this Land 50 Was e're in Israel knowne or Iuda's coast So long peace and such plentie temporall Can any of the Nations like vs boast Deliuerances from bondage spirituall Our God who did vs out of bondage call Protects our Leaders by his power diuine 'Gainst Hell Pope Iesuites Sep'ratists and all And lest our Faith and Hope faile or decline Loe in Prince Charles new hope and all that Princely Line 51 But some may say What 's this to spirituall Hope These were deliuerances temporall But who knowes not by these Hell and the Pope Sought the destrnction of the Spirit and all Loe Faith and Hope now banisht from the stall Of Romes foule Beast for aide flyes to our Land Where Prince Priests People ioyne together all In the defence of Faith and Hope to stand And in their quarrell spend their liues their goods and land 52 Here both haue dwelt safe neare a hundred yeare Since they from Rome were banisht to this Land Where many Saints haue lost their bloods most deare Whilst constantly in their defence they stand And though for neare sixe yeares Romes cruell hand Did in this Land true Faith and Hope assaile Yet since Elizabeth did all command The Champions of true Faith did neuer faile But 'gainst close treason and force open did preuaile 53 And though we lately lost the likeliest Prince That euer liu'd Faith and Hope to defend Yet loe our Hope is more encreased since By Royall Charles whom God doth seeme to send Like Charlemaine his Church secure to shend 'Gainst Antichrist Hell Schisme and Saraceen And all from vs that would Hopes Anchre rend But here my Muse in order should begin To melt away in teares for losse of Anne our Queene 54 Most peerelesse Lady Nobles surest friend The Peoples safetie Clergies firme defence Who constantly did Faith and Hope defend 'Gainst subtile Schisme and Papists virulence Church Patronesse 'gainst the violence Of couetous Sacrilege and griping hands Who spoile Church-liuings vnder false pretence It 'gainst the thrift of true Deuotion stands That Churchmen should haue large possessions goods lands 55 But as when Death from Sonne and Father rent A carefull Mother and a faithfull Wife Isaac Rebecka brought to Sara's Tent To comfort both the Sonnes and Fathers life So we doe hope our Prince will take a Wife Into his Mothers Tent who shall begin Like her to comfort Sonne and Fathers life But soft my Muse this thread too long doth spin Now will I sing of Hope that ought to be within 56 These presidents of Gods Grace Faith Truth Loue Power Wisedome Prouidence and dealing kind With those that trust in him vs well may moue Vnto a stedfast Hope which if we find Within the secret Closet of our mind It is the earnest that to vs doth proue Here all things needfull shall be vs assign'd And we shall haue Hopes end eu'n Heau'n aboue Where Faith and Hope shall leaue vs in the armes of Loue 57 But Faith and Hope implicite generall Brings not to vs this blessed Habitation It must be inward liuely spirituall With true particular right application Of all Christs merits wrought for our saluation Else with vntemper'd morter stones we lay And build vpon vnsound and weake foundation Fie on the Clerkes that so abuse the Lay They vnderstand not what they hope beleeue or pray 58 Which thus would seale vp all in ignorance That they might seale their Pardons vnto all Thus they their state doe mightily aduance By binding or by loosing them that fall Mortall offences and sinnes veniall Differ not in their nature but their pay As sinnes abound their Markets rise and fall So wide to Heau'n they open now the way That loe the richest men with most ease enter may 59 The rellish and true taste of Faith and Hope They turne to ignorance and superstition Gods written Word that wont to be their scope Must now giue place to humane vaine Tradition Their inward Hope is honour wealth ambition And how they may all earthly Kingdomes sway Emp'rours and Kings to them must yeeld submission Else they their Subiects licence them to slay Thus Peters keyes like swords cut all out of their way 60 How doe these foule flagitious crying sinnes Transport my Muse from holy Meditation Which erst in Hope aboue the Seraphins Tooke sweet delight in heau'nly Contemplation Hath shee too long staid in this deuaition Loe now shee doth to Hope returne againe To heau'nly Hope and glorious expectation Which firme and stedfast euer shall remayne Till her in Loues high Court her Sauiour entertayne 61 See here how graciously our God doth deale With his in sending them such enemies Else would Worlds vaine entising pleasures steale Away our hearts to all impieties Such trialls doe the Vertues exercise Of all that set on God their confidence The greater ills that wicked men deuise The faster we doe cleaue to our defence So Hope becomes most firme by such experience 62 And therefore I might better here complayne Of too much Ease Peace and Securitie Luke-warmenesse hollow Dealing these doe trayne More soules to Hell than Popes hostilitie Loe Satan not by force but subtiltie Made our first Parents guiltie of transgression Whom Priests and Iesuites follow cunningly In plotting by auricular Confession Against States Treason and against poore Saints oppressionâ— 63 O let me wish here more than I can hope All Enuie Malice Au'rice laid aside We would make Heau'n the Obiect of our Hope And Faith and Truth may euer be our Guide Thus from Gods Statutes we shall neuer slide Thus We Pope Sep'ratist shall meete in one Whom Truth doth ioyne no Power can diuide Oh! why should Flesh of Flesh and Bone of Bone Differ where God and Christ Faith Baptisme Hope is one 64 Would our owne willing be but to confesse Their errour and returne vnto the right Aband'ning wilfull peeuish singlenesse And censuring things whereof they haue no light Oh would they striue with all their force and might To hold Spirits Vnitie in bond of Peace And not thus with indifferent things to fight Touch taste not handle not which doe encrease Schismes and Diuisions which are Enemies to Peace 65 So long and hot hath beene this
the righteous seede he will on earth preserue 80 To praise God for the blessings manifold His Word assures vnto this righteous Nation Would in discourse my Muse for euer hold And be too long for this one Meditation Oh hold me then to more strict obseruation Of Time to come than I haue had of past That I may make a daily examination Of my whole life and all my sinnes vp cast As mindfull of th' account I am to giue at last 81 And teach me that this Grace of Righteousnesse Is as a Chaine of many links close ioyn'd By which we would ascend from hence to blesse Whereof if but the least linke doth vnbind Loe the whole Chaine is to the earth declin'd Eu'n so in this strong Chaine of Law and Right Though most of all our acts be rightly lin'd If one Iniquitie our Hearts delight This one makes all the rest vnrighteous in Gods sight 82 But I vniustly my discourse extend Now I beseech the Authour of this Grace I all my force to practise it may bend And first doe Right and Iustice in my place Respecting not the Person but the Case In my Commerce with all Men dealing right Last that I may true Righteousnesse embrace That with true Faith and a good Conscience dight I in these spirituall Armes vnto the end may â—ight 83 Thus hauing chalked out the Rule of Right I should by my first Method next proceede To sing of Mercy but Truth doth inuite My Muse first her great power to areede Who doth in time eu'n Righteousnesse preceede Besides none can approch dread Mercies Throne But those whom Truth and Iustice thither leade And sure their Nature links them so in one As one without the other neuer goes alone MEDITAT II. Of Truth 1 SVch is the nature and sweet inclination Of heau'nly Graces all whereof I sing That with most kind and mutuall relation They all seeme ioyn'd together in a ring So close each one another following That who gets one doth all the rest obtayne For from one Fountayne all of them doe spring All link'd together in so strong a chayne As where one Vertue dwels there all the rest remayne 2 'T is vaine to thinke that single Graces can Make vp complete the Man spirituall More than diuided Members of a Man Can grow or thriue not ioyn'd together all Hence Poetâ— the three Graces twins doe call Ioues Daughters and them in one ring doe ioyne And hence they make the Virgins musicall All but one consort which are Sisters nine Thus by their fables shadowing things Diuine 3 For they discern'd by Natures dimmed light One Authour sole of eu'ry goodly Grace Whom Father they and King of all doe hight And him Lord ouer all their gods doe place Loe thus as in a mist they Truth did trace But missing the true path of Righteousnesse In stead of Truth they Errour did embrace For neuer was Dame Iustice Errours guesse Nor euer Truth did dwell with false Vnrighteousnesse 4 For seeming Truth without the 〈◊〉 of Right Like Summum 〈◊〉 is greatest iniurie And Righteousnesse not guided by Truths light Is Curiousnesse or false Hypocrisie Faith that brings forth fruits of Iniquitie Is base Presumption Loue Diffimulation That worketh not in vs by Charitie All from one Head haue life and sustentation And therefore all together make their habitation 5 But none more like are or of Kin more neare Than this faire paire of Truth and Righteousnesse The blessed Mother and her Daughter deare For Truth the Mother is of Vprightnesse And surely Truth and honest Simplenesse To eu'ry Vertue doth so needfull grow That all faire shewes not done in Singlenesse And Truth of Heart are but a false vaine show A splendid sinne corrupted by Mans heart below 6 Thou in whose Lips was neuer found least guile Whose Heart hates lying and iniquitie Whose Hands did neuer God or Man beguile Whose Hand Heart Word and Thought is Veritie Whose blessed Spirit of Truth doth testifie Vnto our Spirits true way of Righteousnesse By which we come to liue eternally Direct my Muse Truths nature to expresse That Truth may guide my steps to endlesse Happinesse 7 My bounded Muse here dareth not define Of boundlesse Truth from all Eternitie Which as impossible's to mete by Line As Persons three which in the Trinitie Make but one Truth and perfect Vnitie But as one God consists of Persons three And each participates of Deitie So we one Truth communicated see To Persons three which but one in the God-head bee 8 Of Father 〈◊〉 and Spirit of Truth we reade But as one God so but one Truth alone Into which Truth the Spirit of Truth doth leade Who sent is from the Father and the Sonne The Word of Truth that gloriously did won With Spirit and Father from eternitie Flesh here tooke of our flesh bone of our bone To free vs from errours captiuitie And chalk't vs out a way to walke in Veritie 9 This is the Truth whereof I meane to write Which ought to be of our whole Life the square To leuell out our words thoughts acts aright And eke our Iudgements to Gods Word to square For of this Truth foure parts there onely are Of Iudgement Action Speech and of the Heart The want of one the rest doth all impaire Wrong iudgement words and actions doth diuert But a false heart doth iudgement action speech peruert 10 And that I right and plainely may proceede I will all foure thus singled out define And first the Truth of Iudgement I doe reade A power inlightning of Gods Spirit Diuine Which doth Mans vnderstanding part refine And settles in the Doctrine of his Word Behold when Truth doth in our iudgement shine All Heresie and Schismes by vs abhord This Truth of Iudgement sacred Knowledge doth afford 11 Truth of the Heart is a sweet singlenesse And sincere meaning whereby Man constraynes His Heart to approue it selfe in Holinesse To him that searcheth both the Heart and Raynes This in the inward Man the Truth contaynes And is to God most acceptable treasure This Truth from all Hypocrisie refraynes Here doth the Deuill soonest take his seasure For loe the Heart of man's deceitfull aboue measure 12 The Truth of Speech is when our hearts agree Vnto the matter and vnto our mind For if it from our Heart doe disagree Or from the thing whereto it is design'd The first to be plaine lying is defin'd The second falshood at the best we name One doth abuse the Conscience and the Mind The other brings the Authour vnto shame Both falsifie the Truth and are alike to blame 13 The Truth of Actions honest dealing plaine Faithfull in all without dissimulation With God and Man whether we lose or gaine When we doe not deceiue by simulation And feigning things without determination Or else dissembling whereabouts we goe These are from Truth a wicked declination And when we God or Man deceauen so What we would vnto vs to others we
obay Lord grant that as I of sweet Mercy sing Her in my heart deed word I practise may Not for vaine praise or any outward thing But for thy Mercy sake my good and gracious King 75 Next Loues great Generall braue Fortitude Should enter Lists to shew her wondrous might But Rashnesse 't is not Valour to include A Christian Souldier in such dang'rous fight Till all his Armour be about him dight His vpper parts I armed haue elsewhere With Girdle Brest-plate Shield and Helmet bright But Feete and Legs I naked left and bare Now Patience them shall arme as you shall after heare MEDITAT IIII. Of Patience 1 WEll hath our valiant Guide Mans life compar'd Vnto a warfare where we alwayes stand In complete Armour readie and prepar'd The force of cruell Foe-men to withstand Where Satan World and Flesh together band By open force and treason to subdue And leade vs captiue by their mightie hand And all vnarm'd or out of order due They fetter'd dragge to Hell with cursed damned crue 2 Which to auoid he wills vs to be strong In God and in the Power of his Might And the whole Armour that doth here belong To Christian Souldiers on our Soules to dight For here with Flesh and Blood we doe not fight But Empires Powers Principalities The worldly Gouernours of darkest night Sublime spirituall subtile Enemies Which to resist he ghostly Armour doth deuise 3 The Belt of Truth Brest-plate of Righteousnesse Faiths Shield and Hope the Helmet of saluation Sword of the Spirit Prayers feruentnesse Feete shod in Peaces Gospels preparation These be the Weapons of our Militation Of Helmet Brest-plate Shield and Girdle wee Alreadie haue conceau'd a Meditation These foure the vpper parts arme to the knee But Patience Legs whâ—reon the rest supported bee 4 For so the Learned seeme to giue the Sense This preparation of the Gospels Peace To be the brasen Bootes of Patience Which doth defend from Thornes and Stones disease Our Legs and Feete And where the Belt doth cease These Bootes of Patience Armour doe supply By which in complete Armour we doe prease And stand vndanted 'gainst our Enemie This Vertue is the next my Muse seekes to descrie 5 Which well is call'd the Gospels preparation For neuer any Patience true and sound Can be but by the Gospels mediation The Heathen built not on this certayne ground And therefore this true Patience neuer found Which but by Peace of Conscience none attayne This Peace the Gospell onely doth propound By reconcilement of the Lambe Christ sâ—aine Without this Peace of Conscience Patience all is vaine 6 Thou glorious God of Peace and Patience Who sent'st thine onely Sonne our sinnes to beare And by his Suffring and Obedience Vpon the Crosse from guilt of sinne to cleare All those to whom his Crosse is sweet and deare Direct my Muse this Grace aright to reade That knowing I may neuer once forbeare To practise Patience in thought word deede But to the end my Life in Peace and Patience leade 7 Which is a gift of God whereby weare Inabled willingly and constantly All crosses that God layes on vs to beare For Goodnesse Godlinesse and Honestie Impatience 't is to beare vnwillingly And but an idle feigned false pretence To boast of Vertue without Constancie Her parts be foure of which some difference May seeme at first yet all make but one Patience 8 The first part is from Anger to abstayne The second is a constant Expectation The third is to the end Right to remayne The last consists in willing Sustentation Of all afflictions here and castigation But Man to these foure parts we onely tie For the last part which doth consist in Passionâ— Vnto th' eternall Being comes not nigh Who 's free from all Affliction and Calamitie 9 Yet is he rightly call'd the Patient God And doth in first three named parts transcend First farre from Anger when he spares his Rod He doth expect and wait till we amend And last abides the same vnto the end He fruitfull Times and Seasons of the Yeare Vnto the good and bad alike doth send Most patiently doth with our Follies beare And where he 'gins to loue he neuer doth forbeare 10 Thus Mercy Zeale Repentance may be said Inexplicably in God to bee Zealous yet not offended or dismaid Most Mercifull yet griefe did neuer see Repenting yet without remorse is hee Most Patient yet without least payne or passion Of Vertues parts which are of Frailtee And Weaknesse God hath no participation Yet want they not in Man their vse and commendation 11 As is the Cause and End of Patience So we her true or counterfet esteeme The Cause and End doe make the difference If we for Fancy Glorie Lust Wealth seeme To beare with Patience Hunger Payne Cold Teene This suffring missing her true Cause and End As falsely feigned counterfet we deeme But if for doing well or to defend The Truth we suffer this our Patience doth commend 12 The greedie 〈…〉 For Lust some doe endure 〈◊〉 basest shame The Souldier spends his blood for glorie vaine Th' Ambitious venture all to purchase Fame Loe there we carnall Ends and Causes name True Patience causes honest are and iust When for ill-doing we doe suffer blame Take paine for Glorie Honour Gayne or Lust Rewards like to the Cause and End expect we must 13 But true immediate ground of Patience Is the sweet Gospell as I said of Peace For Man deepe plung'd in sinne and foule offence No Creature could Gods wrâ—â—h but Christ appease In stead of Loue Gods wrath on Man did seise Till Christ concludes our Reconciliation And vs of our offences doth release Of which the Gospell is th' Aâ—â—unciation Therefore is Patience call'd the Gospels preparation 14 And therefore as her Cause and End is Peace So all her works to inward Peace doe tend Which in the inward Man doth most increase When outward Warres seeme most him to offâ—nd Shee doth oâ—r Soules most valiantly defend By patient bearing crosses paine and shame Which shee with Patience suffers to the end Except they crosse the Glorie of Gods Name Or Neighbours good which to endure deserueth blame 15 One euill is of Sinne and one of Payne That ill of Sinne this Dame cannot abide But that of Punishment shee counteth gayne Gods holy Name blasphem'd or Truth deni'd Or wicked Men Gods holy Saints deride Is no true Patience patiently to heare But on our selues when crosses doe betide Then Patience true doth patiently forbeare For shee her owne not others wrongs delights to beare 16 If one will take her Coâ—te iniurioâ—â—ly Shee suffereth such losse with Patience But if of Faith Loue Truth or Honestie One would depriue her that is such offence As cannot stand right with her Conscience Shee priuate wrongs most willingly doth hide But faults admitteth vnder no pretence Shee can endure Men should her selfe deride But her Profession scorn'd shee no wayes can abide 17 Compell her to a mile shee will