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
allurements Our Soules of this rich Iewell to beguile Loe Romanists adulterate and defile Eu'n Truths pure Fountaynes and sweet liuely Spring And Worldlings true sinceritie doe soile With odious name of false dissembling And eu'n with basest termes Gods Priests dishonouring 49 Ah now we with the fashion all doe run As Buildings Wares Apparell are for show So is Religion and Deuotion Where is most pompe and glorie thither flow The greatest multitude From whence doth grow To such a height the name of Poperie Yea many of vs seeke for praise to know But leaue true practise in sinceritie When not to know but doe Gods will is charitie 50 Fashion and Custome now so tyrannize As comely honest Truth they doe out-face If it the Fashion be vs to disguise It as a comely Custome we embrace That which Paul thought a Womans foule disgrace Like Man to haue her head vncouer'd shorne Amongst our Women holds a goodly grace Like vnto mens their garments now be worne As they in Truth the frailtie of their Sexe did scorne 51 But I could wish with all our power and might As in Gods presence pure we all did stand We would goe thinke know speake and practise right In Truth of Iudgement with Tongue Heart and Hand This God did vnto Abraham command To walke before him and to be vpright Walking before God makes vs vpright stand Vprightnesse shewes we walke as in Gods sight Who thinks God him beholds how dares he doe vnright 52 Let me here tell you how a holy Man A Harlot did diuert from filthy quest Who by her comely feature many wan To leaue their owne and foile her filthy nest Himselfe in habit of a Gallant drest Agreed and paid desir'd a secret rome Shee him vnto a Chamber streight addrest So close that therein not the least light shone But ah said he Gods eye vs here may see alone 53 Alas said shee no place can be so close That can vs hide from Gods all-seeing Eye Dost thou beleeue saith he God sees thy grosse Thy beastly foule sinne of adulterie And fear'st not lest his furie should destroy Eu'n whilst in this presumptuous sinne thou art And thee condemne to Hell eternally My Authour saith hereby he did conuert Her wicked life to Truth and Singlenesse of Heart 54 Though many imperfections we doe feele And our corruptions downe so sore vs presse That Vice into our Hearts doth often steale And vnawares deceaue with sinfulnesse Yet if by sorrow true and humblenesse We purge our Hearts of what is entred in And after seeke by carefull watchfulnesse Them to preserue hereafter from like sinne We may grow to some perfectnesse of Truth within 55 But I confesse that though with all my might I labour for true puritie of mind And would doe nothing but as in the sight Of God and Angels and of all Mankind Yet often my deceitfull heart I find Tempting me secretly such things to doe Which I should not dare venture in that kind If some Man present were the same to know Yet Truth the closest of them all to God doth show 56 What shall manâ— presence make me true and iust And shall not Gods that â—ees my secret thought To whom for all one day account I must And be rewarded as I here haue wrought Shall not his presence me deterre from ought That may offend his sacred Maiestie The Sonne of Truth whose blood me dearely bought And grieue the holy Spirit of Truth whereby Seal'd and redeem'd I am from Hels captiuitie 57 Oh thou that Truth requir'st in inward parts Vs secretly mak'st Wisedome vnderstand Renewing Spirits aright and clensing Hearts By whom in Truth and Righteousnesse we stand My way direct right to the holy Land Through Deserts wide of this Worlds wildernesse Feede me with heau'nly Manna from thine Hand With water from a Rocke my soule refresh And thorough Iordanes flood conduct to endlesse blesse 58 The humble thou hast promised to guide And to direct his path aright for ay Who seeke vnfeignedly in Truth t' abide Thou neuer sufferest to goe astray Oh then direct my goings in thy way My iudgement heart hand tongue in Veritie Thou readier art to heare then I to pray Then grant me Loue Faith Hope Humilitie And season eu'ry Grace with Hearts sinceritie 59 God is my Shepheard How then can I stray He is my Light Truth and my righteous Guide His rod and staffe my slipperie feete doth stay Lest they at any time doe slip aside His Truth and Mercy euermore abide Though Wine and Women and the King are strong I nothing feare if Truth be on my side Thy Truth and Mercy shall my dayes prolong Of thy great Truth and Mercy euer be my song 60 Oh let thy Word of Truth my Iudgement sway Thy Spirit of Truth mine inward Man inlight Incline mine Heart to learne will to obay And on thy Truth set thou my whole delight On it to meditate both day and night That whether I eate sleepe walke watch or pray I may remember I am in thy sight So shall I conscience make of euery way And be most carefull what I aske doe thinke or say 61 But ah dread Mercy I too long forbeare To tune my Dittie to thy sacred praise Who wert so gracious vnto me whileare When I appeal'd from Iustice stricter Sayes Vnto thy Throne of Grace where though my wayes Were all discouer'd by thy gracious dome I was absolu'd But next I will thee praise Now I with Truth and Righteousnesse haue done For none without these two to Mercies grace can come MEDITAT III. Of Mercy 1 IF any mightie Monarch chance enquire Why I sweet Mercies seate doe place so high Since shee the lowliest Cell doth most desire Her selfe delighting sole in miserie The onely Object of her pitying eye He hence for greatnesse may this lesson gaine That as he growes in Pow'r and Maiestie To Poore he ought the greater Mercy daine Thus imitating him by whom eu'n Princes raigne 2 For though this Dame be of such wondrous grace So neare in fauour to the Queene of Loue That next to her sâ—ee gaynes the soueraigne place Both here below and in the Heau'n aboue Yea though to heau'nly Loue so like shee proue That scarse the one from th' other can be knowne Though to be mercifull and truely Loue Doe differ much as after shall be showne Yet her great bounty 's not to meanest wretch vnknowne 3 For as the Sunne from highest firmament Vouchsafes on good and bad alike to shine And clouds of Heau'n doe raine indifferent On fertile Land and on the barren Mine So vnto all shee offers Grace Diuine But as the Cause is not in Sunne nor Raine But in the Soile why it doth fruitlesse line So sinne 's the cause some cannot Grace retaine Which shines and waters bad and barren hearts in vaine 4 A depth all bottomlesse I now doe sound A height which higher than the Heau'ns doth reach So wide as nothing it can compasse
said To be a worke of Mercy For as hee That most affects his Sonne is not afraid To scourge him oft for his impietie Eu'n so our gracious God to whom wee bee Than Sonne vnto his Father farre more deare Doth oft chastise to purge and purifie Vs from sinnes guilt whereby we may appeare Before him perfect pure and liue more holy here 40 For Mercy doth like skilfull Surgeon deale That hath for eu'ry sore a remedy If gentle drawing Plasterâ— cannot heale The wound because it festreth inwardly He sharper corraâ—iues must then apply And as he oft cuts off some member dead Or rotten lest the rest should putrifie So Mercy wicked Members off doth shred Lest they should noysome proue to body and the head 41 Mercy is like the glorious Cherubins Which in the holiest place their wings extend And vnder their broad spreading golden â—ins Arke Mercy â—eate Rod Manna comprehend So glorious Mercy doth her Grace forth send By ruling workes of Mercy poores defence The Arke Gods Statutes doth to vs commend The Rod his Pow'r Manna his Prouidence Mercy them all contaynes in wings circumference 42 Eu'n as one totall summe it selfe extends To all the Credits in the Merchants Bill So Mercy doth all Vertues comprehend And Men of Mercy with all Graces fill And as from foule corrupt depraued will All wickednesse abundantly doth flow So from a Heart of Mercy doth distill All Graces that in Loues faire Garden grow Mercy 's the summe of all I doe or wish to know 43 But all in vaine I seeke by Simiâ—e To shew the nature of this Grace Diuine Since earthly things to Her all shadowes be Thy Mercy Lord no where so cleare doth shine As sending of that blessed Sonne of thine Vnspotted Lambe slaine from Eternitie To saue all that their hearts to him incline From Hell Death Bale and endlesse Miserie This Mercy is without all like or paritie 44 Here will I striue to cleare the difference That I of Loue and Mercy doe conceiue To other each haue so neare reference That we one for another oft receiue Gods Loue vpon th'Elect doth onely cleaue Mercy on them in Miserie that lie Till Satan our first Parents did deceiue God them embrac'd in Loue and Charitie No Mercy needed them that felt no Miserie 45 Gods Loue doth most in our Creation shine In our Election and Predestination But his great Mercy seemes to draw her line From our Redemption and Iustification Not that I hence exclude Loues operation For Loue is as the Prince and Soueraigne Of all the Graces needfull to saluation And Mercy is the chiefest of her traine And seemes in Mans Redemption like her Queene to raigne 46 As that great Peere that in his Princes grace For Vertue and for Learning high doth stand And next to him obtaynes the second place And chiefest gouernement of all the Land In Court of Mercy doth eu'n counter-mand Acts that are sped in Iustice highest Plee So Mercy here who is Queene Loues right lâ—nd Doth vs from sentence of damnation free Which Iustice doth pronounce A hard but â—ust Decree 47 But as this Peere deriues authoritie From Prince by whom all Regiment doth moue So speciall sauing Mercy doth relie And first proceed from Gods eternall Loue. O deepe rich wisedome of our God aboue Vnsearchable thy Iudgements and thy Wayes Past finding out more hard the more we proue Most glorious Sunne of Loue which wide displayes Thy beames of Mercy bright like Phoebus golden rayes 48 But ah such knowledge soareth â—arre aboue The reach of my weake Muses waxen wing I now Mans Mercy and his heau'nly Loue Seeke to compare for their discoueringâ— Where heau'nly Loue sends her sweet lightening Shee doth of thing belou'd like Loue require But when we Mercy shew to any thing We seldome Mercy of that thing desire Mercy stil downward goes Loue most what mounteth higher 49 Mercy doth most in Miserie consist Loue reacheth Heau'n with her high mounting wing And Head and Members all in one doth twist But downe againe I my discourse must bring To Mercy which from Heart hath life and â—pring Whence shee receiueth her denomination For Misericordia whereof now I sing Is one with Mercy and is by translation A miserable Heart or piteous inclination 50 And though indeed no Miserie can fall Vpon th' eternall Being blest for ay Yet he that bare the Miserie of all And hath before vs lin'd out Mercies way His part in Miserie for vs did play When as he saw or heard of Miseries He to compassion moued was streight-way And to them ministred best remedies And oft with teares bewayled our infirmities 51 Hierusalem Oh poore Hierusalem His Heart full sad his Eyes eu'n flowing teares How oft would I you gather as a Hen Her Chickens vnder her warme wings vpreares Not inward grones and weeping he forbeares When Iewes and Mary Lazarus bemone Vpon the Crosse all Miseries he beares And cryes out for our woes not for his owne Such cryes were neuer heard Such Mercy neuer knowne 52 As our high Priest all our inâ—â—rmities Excepting sinne he in his Body bare Whereby he learn'd to know our Miseries And to releeue them that in anguish fare He now his Blood and Body doth not spare But deales it out in blessed Sacrament For Meate and Drinke to those that grafted are Into his Body by sweet couplement Sound Meate and Drinke for Soules and Bodies nourishmentâ— 53 As Ointment sweet that powr'd on Aarons head Ran downe and did perfume his garments all So this sweet Oile of Mercy doth dispread From Christ our Head and on his Members fall If I should here to your remembrance call The Names of all whose Mercies did abound I might as well here make memoriall Of all Saints Names that Bookes of Life propound Who shew'd true Mercy here in Heau'n haue Mercy found 54 Noe Abramâ— Lot Iob Isaac Israel With all the righteous Men before the Flood Good Ioseph Moses Iosuaâ— Samuel All Kings Priests Prophets Iudges that were good Behold it was sweet Israels Singers food To chant Gods Mercy earely and at night Apostles Martyrs that for Truth haue stood In workes of Mercy set their whole delight In preaching Faith Hope Loue in Almes and doing right 55 No Father on his Child more pitie takes Then doth our heau'nly Father shew compassion On vs and loues our Children for our sakes Which lasteth to the thousand Generation Oh! had he not it showne on this our Nation We had long since consumed beene with fire And brought like Sodom vnto desolation These wicked dang'rous times when sinnes conspire To draw on vs Gods vengeance and eternall ire 56 But why seeke I outward Aâ—thorities If we stand right we in our hearts shall find Of heau'nly Mercy such testimonies That all Soules Bodies Powers will be inclin'd To magnifie Gods Mercies wondrous kind That like his Truth for euer doe endure Which hath all outward needfull things assign'd And giu'n vs earnest which doth vs secure
feruent strife For Apples things of order decencie That we alas neglect religious Life Faith Hope Repentance Ioy and Charitie Of things indifferent iudge indifferently The smaller things the greater consequence There is we should with all Humilitie Yeeld vnto them vnfeign'd obedience Not we the Law The Law must rule our Conscience 66 Now could I with Compassion Prayers Teares Beseech you all as to a common flame To lend your Hands your Heads your Hearts your Eares And all your aide and helpe to quench the same 'T is to our Church a foule reproch and shame Christs Coate that is without Seame to diuide When we in substance all doe hold the same Lets humbly in one Hope Faith Loue abide And not fall out for shells to make whose peace Christ di'de 67 But they say Ceremonies now are dead Why should we them againe then viuifie I grant all were in Christ accomplished Which his last Sacrifice did typifie But those of Order and of Decencie Doe for our imitation still remayne As Ephods Offrings Tithes Prayers Prophecie Kneeling such as Deuotion true maintayne The first we doe forbeare The last we doe retayne 68 But now I stray from Hope bâ—t not from Peace Which is the thing I hope for and desire What shall our strife for Ornaments encrease Whilst Aduersaries in our gates conspire To burne our Townes and blow vs vp with fire Now by our Hope that vp in heau'n is laid I instantly you pray beseech require To lend your publique and your priuate aid That Rulers not for feare but conscience be obaid 69 Hope still pricks on my Muse in this discourse In hope hereby Peace to our Church to gayne But method here doth stop her farther course Who preacheth Order Order must maintayne Hope must not passe her Mother Faith in trayne Lest I doe hope for more than I beleeue For which if I doe pray I pray in vaine God without Faith no prayers doth receaue Hope Prayer without Faith doe oft poore soules deceaue 70 Thou then that art of Faith and Hope the Spring I â—lesse thy Name for this sweet Meditation This light of Hope which thou to me dost bring Oh let true Faith direct my Supplication Vnto my Hope thy holy Habitation That Port of blisse purchas'd by thine owne Blood Spent on the Crosse to finish our saluation This is my Hope This is my heau'nly Food On this faire Hope to rest I hold my chiefest good 71 And here I hope I may haue leaue to rest And stop my Muse a while from following The Vertues praises late so readie prest In Loues high Court for my true welcomming Yet by Gods grace I promise here to sing Of all their praises in their ranke and place If this mine entrance and first hanselling Shall but obtayne amongst those Readers grace Who by these Vertues aide hope to behold Loues face FINIS THE BRIDES ORNAMENTS Poëticall Essayes vpon a Diuine subiect THE SECOND BOOKE Viz. of Iustice and Righteousnesse Truth Mercy Patience Fortitude LONDON Printed by W. Stansby 1621. TO MY MOST LOVING AND TRVELY BELOVED WORTHY GOOD FRIEND Mr. PHILIP KING IN whom for complement there is no roome With him doth so much honesty abound And Iustice to thy Patronage will come Whom I of all men haue the iustest found Thou art no curious Critick nor of those That nothing like in Verse but all in Prose All yours R. A. MEDITAT I. Of Iustice and Righteousnesse 1 WHen first Gods mouing Spirit forth had brought Beasts Fowle Fish creeping things after their kind Loe then He Man in his owne Image wrought And him a Ruler ouer all assign'd Writing within the Tablet of his Mind His Law which should eternally endure And all the Creatures in Obedience bind To Man their King and knit his heart as sure To King of Kings This Law was naturall and pure 2 Here first the right of Soueraigntie began All subiect to the Monarchy of one For euery Creature subiect is to Man While he is subiect vnto God alone This Monarch now is seated in his Throne And the whole World doth with his Scepter sway Here 's the first president that e're was knowne Of gouernment From hence loe Princes may Learne rightly how to rule and Subiects to obay 3 Thus Man of this great World the little King To shew his Soueraigntie gaue all a name And they their Lord as Subiects reu'rencing True Vassals to this little King became Yet Man in honour could not hold the same But did become rude disobedient Breaking that Law he merits hell death shame When he offends that hath the Regiment His double sinne deserues a double punishment 4 In all his workes before the Lord had showne His Loue Power Wisedome Truth and Prouidence But now Mans sinne his Iustice must make knowne Though most notorious was the Mans offence God will not iudge till he makes his defence Man cited then appeares vile naked lame There needes no witnesse but his conscience And though on others he would lay the blame The more his cause is heard the more appeares his shame 5 Besides th' eternall Law within the heart Of Adam God had wrote with his owne Hand He did one Precept vnto him impart Which was indifferent till God did command Of all the Trees that in the Garden stand From one on paine of death he must refrayne Lawes made we may not question or withstand Who breakes them beares the forfeit of the payne When Rulers cease to punish Vice they sinne maintayne 6 Thou that the hearts of all Men dost dispose Of Kings to rule and Subiects to obay From whom all Power proceedes to bind and lose Who humble Men in iudgement guidest ay Thou Iudge of all the World direct I pray Thy humble Seruant to discerne aright Of Iustice that I her delineate may In her true shape vnto the Peoples sight That teaching I may learne and practise to doe right 7 Shee is a constant and perpetuall Will That giues to euery Man what is his right First free from passion shee continues still Constant in her disposing things aright In action next shee taketh most delight And not alone in idle speculation There 's no respect of persons in her sight The same to all without vaine alteration For Law 's the Rule and Square of her administration 8 Iustice the Vertue Law 's the Rule and Square Whereby we truely Iustice exercise Wherefore if in the abstract you declare Lawes Nature shee 's perpetuall constant wise And so with God in heau'n for ay abye But if you view her in the concrete Would Shee varies as the Subiect her employs Then blame not Lawes when wrong we doe behould It comes from Man that 's made of corruptible mould 9 As when pure Wine in putrid Vessell put Becomes vnwholesome ranke vnsauory The fault 's not in the Wine but in the Butt Which doth the sweetnesse of the Wine destroy Eu'n so it fares with Law and Equitie In their owne nature they are perfect
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
as he shame endur'd and crosse did beare So Souldiers of our valiant Generall We with vndanted resolution dare Oppose the World Flesh Sinne and Deuils all Whose Faith stands firme in Christ what dread can him apall 14 Though spirituall Enemies doe more abound In number Malice Strength and Policy Yet by these spirituall weapons we confound Them all triumphing on them valiantly This spirituall strength growes in vs inwardly As doth the new and inward Man reuiue Which stronger growes as our corruptions die And by the Fleshes weaknesse most doth thriue And when the Body's dead preserues our Soules aliue 15 Our Soule the subiect of true Fortitude Not giu'n by Nature but infus'd by Grace The spirit of Man it is that doth include This most heroike Vertue 'T is not place Wealth and preferment or a noble Race And Breeding that doth raise so high the Mind To count all fading Obiects vaine and base And wholly be to heau'nly things inclin'd Whereby our strength aboue all earthly things we find 16 True Fortitude is home eu'n from aboue And in Loues Court is of such high regard That none couragious are but they that loue And of their valour hope for Loues reward Loue conquers all oh What can be compar'd To mightie Acts of Loue whose iealous ire Consumes all that her Grace doe not regard Oh! what is stronger than Loues hot denre None e're without her did to noble acts aspire 17 Loue Fortitude her valiant Generall In all her spirituall Battels doth employ On whom these Graces wait and follow all To fight against our spirituall Enemy Long-Suffering Patience Magnanimitie Assured Faith Hope Constancy and Peace But most of all shee loues Humilitie For as great 〈◊〉 her glorie more increase So shee inclines to Meeknesse and true Lowlinesse 18 What is 't that I haue not receau'd saith shee All help 's from God Mans strength is weake and vaine If he be for vs Who can 'gainst vs bee Oh who can to true Fortitude attaine But he that from aboue doth it obtaine Boldnesse therefore and Intimiditie Which leaues Gods glorie seeking priuate gaine Is to true Fortitude an enemie As well as Cowardize and Effeminitie 19 For as all Cowards timorous and faine Discourage Friends and hearten Enemies So foolish rash vnexpert vnacquaint With spirituall Battailes and the policies Of cruell Satan and his complicees Doe desp'rately themselues and fellowes traine Vnarm'd where Satan in close ambush lâ—es Where some are stung some poyson'd and some slaine All as his captiâ—'d Slaues in bands hee doth retaine 20 Thus those that on their owne strength doe relie And haue within them selues vaine confidence Proud Boasters oft Goliah-like defie Their Enemies but take a fall at length God onely is our Rocke of firme defence Beastly presumption 't is for to depend On fleshes arme in things of consequence But deuillish madnesse 't is for to defend Our spirituall strength and as our owne it to commend 21 This spirituall Pride of all most dangerous As bodily in them doth harbour most Who are least valiant and couragious Thus Braggadochio himselfe doth boast To be fit Leader of a mightie Hoast And Merit-mongers out of foolish Pride Will merit more than their first Father lost And lay vp store for many Soules beside Who for their money may to heau'n haue entrance wide 22 No floods of teares are able to disgrace The resolution of braue Fortitude Which like pure Diamonds adorne her face And from her all hard-heartednesse seclude Oh may mine eyes like Fountaynes bee endude With floods in Warre my panting Soule to coole 'T is Satans policie first to exclude From quenching waters the besieged Soule Then burn the town with fire when he hath stopt the Poolâ— 23 When valiant Gideon went out to fight With Midian God made a Proclamation Who dreaded or did feare the Enemies might Returne should to their People and their Nation And shall we in this spirituall dimication Hope to withstand our ghostly Enemies Except our Hearts be strengthned 'gainst tentation To fight with Powers Principalities And by true Fortitude to treade downe iniuries 24 Wherefore the Sonne of Sirach doth compare The heart of Fooles to an high plast'red wall Which stormes of wind and winter cannot beare But shaking tottering at length doth fall Imaginations vaine his heart apall But a wise heart that is established By counsell to a strong and stately Hall With Beames and Ligaments so coupeled As it of Winds and Tempests neuer stands in dread 25 As Harts huge Hornes him profit not at all By reason of his faint and fearefull heart So Christian Armour yeelds defence as small If diffidence our Fortitude peruert And as none proudlier march than stately Hart In Summer faire of his prosperitie But if he heare a Dogge or see a Dart Doth faint for feare and flyeth cowardly So doth the Man whom God doth Fortitude denie 26 The heart of man's like Pilot in a ship Whose cunning in calme weather is vnseene But if Winds blow and Waues to Heau'n vp skip And all in danger great of drowning beene Then both his skill and courage may bee seene Then though the Sailes be rent and Ship be torne He faints not till the wished Port he win So though our Flesh here 's tortur'd and forlorne Yet by true Fortitude we to our Hau'n are borne 27 As Branches of the Palme the more opprest With burthens nearer Heau'n themselues doe raise So Fortitude in valiant Christians brest The more assaulted merits greater praise And as those Boughes are stronger found alwayes That are oppos'd to Boreas boystrous blast Than those on whom the South and West wind playes So that Mans mind doth stand most firme and fast Who hath through greatest torments and tentations past 28 Three wise men wrot King Women Wine are strong But aboue all Truth beares the Victorie Earth great Heau'n high Sunnes course is swift and long Yet Truth contaynes all in 's imensitie Earth Heau'n Sunne all obey Truth chearefully To Truth I perfect Fortitude compare Both one most perfect in the Deitie As Iustice Loue and other Vertues are God onely here to vs some sparkes of them doth share 29 Now onely of this Sparke is my discourse This Vertue Manlinesse the Grecians call For they that ran not valiantly their course The Heathen scarse accounted men at all By Latines Fortitudes originall Comes from a Body strong and valiant Mind They therefore count those most heroicall Who most in warre to valour are inclin'd Or whom most resolute 'gainst Fortunes stormes they find 30 With them a Man of warre was seldome found Able in Peace to conquer Iniurie The godly in examples doe abound Of suffering and doing valiantly Let captiu'd Lot declare how valourously From mightie Kings him Abram succoured Which shewes his strength and magnanimitie But his mind's valour when he suffered Cold Famine Banishment his owne Sonne slaughtered 31 Most Princely Iacob with God wresteled And therefore better might with men preuaile Yet