slain A Dialogue between Joseph and his Mistress The Argument The shameless Wife of Potiphar whose Eyes Were full of Lawless love no sooner spies The beautiâ—s of old Jacobs captive Son But big with lust she trâ—es if he 'l be won To Act a thing that must displâ—ase his God But finding him avers and that he stood At distance with the sin her love at last Turns into rage and he 's in Prison cast Mistriss alone What a strange Passion do I feel how my heart beats and how my blushes come and go O me I am all sâ—aver so fierce my Blood boyls in my Veins this passion must be alay'd yet how nothing but the beauteous Hebrews Love can satisfie my desire Wherefore then do I refrain to let him see how much I doat upon him He 's my Slave and will not sure deny me such a favour yet methinks had he intended to be kind he might e're this have read the language of my Eyes perceived my eager gazings on his lovely face observed mâ— blushes and the many gentle grasps I 've given him these not regarded makes mâ—â—ear he will not yield me Love for Love and then O me I am miserable But see as I could wish he comes and now the House is still now now I 'll tell him all my mind and stifle this tormenting Flame no longer Wellcome my Hebrew to your Mistriss presence how does my lovely Ioseph do come wave this cringing distance anâ— be free Joseph enters What means the consort of my Lord by so much kindness to her Slave Mrs. No no 't is I'm the slave come sit sit down my Love 't is I'm the Captive fettered in the Chaines the snares of your bâ—wiâ—ching Eyes Jo. Ha! What is 't I hear A sovnd that makes my Heâ—rt to tremble and confounds my every part Mrs. O be be not so Coy nor Frighted but sit near my Love Why starts the Object of my Sole delight Why change his Looks And wherefore looks my Love so wildly Know's he not who it is that humbly sues for favour Jo. Too wâ—ll I know and thus wiâ—h low prostration on my Knees beg you 'd urge this talk no further Mrs. O rise and wound me not by a denyal How urge no further Sure could you perceive the passion that thus melt my Soul to tendâ—rness you 'd not be thus averse but pitty her whose Breast the fatal shafts of Love sent from your Eyes burn with Incessant fury Jo. Alas my Master Mrs. Your Master what of him he 's far from home his businâ—ss at the Court detains him from prying into the secrets of our Love Jo. But Gods all-seeing Eyes which pierce through the Aâ—strusest secrâ—ts and from wâ—ich the darkâ—st Councels are not hid behold us Mrs. Pish let not such vain fears keep back my Love my much Loved Hebrew from mâ—â—ting my â—ager Joyes and seeing transports in my Arms. Jo. Considâ—r well you are my Masters Wife behold my Master knows not what is with me in the House having committed all unto my Hand there is no greater in the House than I neither hath he kept any thing back from me but you because you are his Wife How then shall I do this great wickedness and Sin against God Mrs. O stand not on this niceties wave wave such fond Excuses in Compassion to a Kind Indearing Mistriss who Burns who Languishes and must Expire unless your kind complyance save her Life Still still you shall be great nay more then ever Jo. I dare not Sin against my God wer 't in your power to bribe me with the Scepter of the Vniverse Therefore lâ—t me implore you 'd name some other way that 's lawfull to oblige you and I 'm all Obedient Mrs. O 't is not in thy power in ought besides to indear me to your intrest Come come my Joy my Love my Life you shall you shall I say Jo. Horror and Mischief I 'll not stay but winged with speed and resolution leave the Tents of wickedness Mrs. O he 's gone he 's gone Stay stay my Love my Joy my Life O! Leave me not I dye I Languish if you take your presence from me hard Hearted Man and hast thou quite forsaken me O Restless Restless is my mind What shall I do Was ever Woman Slighted thus Well Hebrew well since I am thus rejected and counted unworthy of your Love I 'll turn my Paâ—sion into Mortal hate and persecute thee with all the Malice iâ—jured Love can form in Womans angry mind his Garment he has left I 'll Charge him to have attâ—mpted what I so intreâ—ted for and loaded with Chains I 'll have him in a Dungâ—on layed where Megâ—r Famine soon shâ—ll wast his Beauty and make him repent he was unkind to her who held him once as dear as hâ—r own Life The Conclusion Joseph at Potiphars returns accus'd Falsly that he his Mistriss had Abus'd Cast into Irons yet finds favour there From his Stern Ialor God being every where At hand to keep him from the Rage of Men And soon's Exaulted to highstate again A Father unto Pharoah he is made And saves from Death old Jacob with his Bread When fearfull Famine made the Nations Groan So prosper those that fear the Lord alone A Paraphrase upon the Plagues of Egypt Israels delivery from Bondage And Pharo's overthrow in the Red-Sea The mighty God of Jacob loâ—king now Vpon his sacred Covenant his Vow He made unto the Patriarch Hear 's the Groans Of his oppressed Children their sad Moans Sounded so loud that he compassiâ—nate Pittying their wretched and deplored state Sâ—nt Moses and Wise Aaâ—on to the King His Sons from Nilus Land with spâ—ed to bring And that hiâ— mighty power might more appear He loads the Land with Plagues with Death and Fear Till by a stretched out hand he brought them thence Passing the Seas whilst Waters makâ— a Fence On either side and Heav'nly Beacons Light Them over the dry dusty Sands by Night But bardâ—n'd Pharaoh's wrath at what was done Thus to his Warriours in a Rage began Hast hast my Horses and my Arms provide Let all my Chariots March on either side The Fugitives that fly us are shut in The Sea and Wilderness they are between They soon shall know their God's to weak to save When our devouring Swords will dig their Grave Thus in Blasphâ—mious boasting he prepar'd And Arm'd with Fury followed on thâ—m hard Frighting the fearfull Rout though Seas gave wâ—y And Heav'n conspir'd proud Pharoah to dismay For coming to the deep and finding all The smitten Waters turâ—'d into a Wall And Israel pâ—ssing in he venture too Though much Amaz'd for Jacobs getting through The Storm began to rise the Skies shoot flame And Rushing winds from either quâ—rter came The Horses flounce and cast their Ridâ—rs down The Wheels fly off off tumblâ—s Pharoahs Crown Swift Horror and Amazment every where Besets them anâ— in dreaâ—full shapâ—s aâ—pâ—ar Tenthousand Furys seem â—efore their Eyâ—s And
leave me my honour Is not this to speak like an Angel and to have the sentiments of those spirits who live in flames without being consumed and amidst Lightnings without being dazled But now such was the Devil of this Epyptian Woman who so eagerly persued Ioseph he was an insolent importunate furious companion His rage notwithstanding had by fits some relaxation he knew the art of dissembling and to be silent for a time his Element was solitude and the night his refuge he sighed alwayes after Ioseph and nothing pleased him when he was absent In fine he seems to have the power to possess this Soul if she be alone and if all witnesses be drawn aside Beware then Ioseph what you doe you are alone you are young you are beautifull and Esteemed Remember that the eyes of Women dart as many lightnings as glances call to mind that their mouths shed honey and poison and that their tongues cast more dangerous darts than Adders Contemn then what ever this impudent Creature can say unto you She will peradventure say she is your Mistriss and that you ought to obey her And that if she affect you you cannot hate her and if she seek you you have no reason to flye from her she will conjure you to tell her what in her displeaseth you Since she omits nothing that may content you and without injustice you cannot refuse her one single favour she expects from you especially she being ready on her part to grant all that you can ask of her There is no colour she will not employ to represent unto you her passion and her Eyes though silent will swear to you that they have often enough spoken to you when her mouth durst not utter a word that if it were possible she would believe that she hath by her words manifested to you all the thoughts of her Soul when they might have been kept secret Besides she will flatter you saying you have refused her that out of prudence which now you ought to grant her through love and goodness Moreover if you fear any thing she will assure you that she hath foreseen all that may expose you unto danger In fine she will intreat that if she hath no fortunes in the World which are not at your disposure you would yet receive her respect and affections to render you morâ— absolute and independent concluding by all these reasons that you must at last satisfie her either by violence or sweetnesse and that she will have either honour or life death or consent Mean while let us see I beseech you what strong endeavours are used to stay him They flatter him they praise him they love him they honour him they conjure him they threaten him they make him promises What will you have and what more can be done to gain him and poâ—â—ess his affections Entreaties have hitherto received but refusalls Alurements disdains and threats constancy and neglect In fine this furious Woman being no longer able to restrain her passion an attempt must be made oâ— the life of him whose honour she could not wound she leaps on his neck as it were to strangle him but presently Ioseph flies away and leaving his garment in her hands she had but the Feathers of this Bird which she thought to detain in her nests Behold then all her designs defeated Ioseph iâ— escaped he is in safety and out of the reach of this ravenous She-wolf which pursued him This inraged Woman seeing then that Ioseph waâ— fled and that he had only left her his Cloak resolved at the instant to revenge this affront and accuse him whom she knew to be too pure to excuse himself This Dame cryed out first and the fear she hath to be accused is the occasion she takes those for Witnesses of her innocency who could have prevented her After all seeing her Husband at her Door help saith she to what am I reduced Aâ— who hath given me for a Servant an importunate Devil who persecutes me beyond measure Ah my Husband my Friend what have you done And what a perfidious man have you given me Is it peradventure to try my Loyalty and Vertue tell me I pray what is your intention and whether you keep him in the quality of a Servant or Companion For my part I esteem it as a great honour to be your Hand-maid and yet I conceive not my self obliged to obey your meanest Servant He hath been nevertheless so presumptuous in your absence to sport with me and take the place you hold in my heart No I swear by the respect I owe you that I would have strangled him if my strength had been answerable to my will but he is escaped and seeing I called for help he left his garment in my hands Immediatly this man giving too much credit to the discourse of his Wife without inquiry whether what she said was true or false caused Ioseph 〈…〉 stayed and commanded him to be put in 〈…〉 Whâ—◠〈…〉 Aegyptian Lady did invite Well favour'd Joseph to unchast delight How well the motion and the place agreed A beastly place and 't was a beastly Deed A place well season'd for so foul a sin Too sweet to serve so foul a Master in Ioseph's Speech to his Brethren Go fetch your Brother saith th' Aegyptian Lord If you intend our Garners shall afford Your craving wants their so desir'd supplies If He come not by Pharaoh's life y' are Spies Ev'n as your suits expect to find our Grace Bring Him or dare not to behold my face Some little food to serve you on the way We here allow but not to feed delay When you present your Brother to our hand Yâ— shall have plenty and possess the Land Away and let your quick obedience give The earnest of your Faiths do this and live If not your willfull wants must want supply For ye are Spies and ye shall surely die Great God the Aegyptian Lord resembles Thee The Brother 's Jesus and the Suiters Wee CHAP. XXVII Giveing an Account of the wonderfull manner of Pharaoh's being swallowed up in the Red-Sea AND now methinks I see Pharaoh with all his Egyptian forces ready to be swallowed up in the Billows of an unexorable Element which will open its waves to make a dreadfull Sepulcher 〈◊〉 â—his cruel and disastrous Tyrant about whom 〈◊〉 most holy sweetness and the most amiable patience â—f Heaven is wearied Having then received news that the Israelâ—â—â—â— â—ere incamped upon the side of a little Hill situated â—etween the Fort of Magdalin and the Red-Sea and â—ery near Mount Beelsophon He believed this waâ—â—â—e best way to surround them and that in 〈◊〉 â—â—ese Rocks Dungeons and Seas serve but for 〈◊〉 â—rge Grave to bury them and to extinguish 〈…〉 the name and memory of this People which 〈◊〉 occasion'd to him so many misfortunes He saâ—â—â—em at least in a condition to dye of Hunger and â—hirst after he had ingaged them all in ' these bad â—â—ssages
〈◊〉 Land of Promise and in our Country where thou wilt 〈◊〉 us as flowâ—rs of Paradise and as so many slips of 〈…〉 Our Conquerours are already vanquished and all strangers are affrighted The Philistians already 〈…〉 all the Princes of 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 Fear hath 〈…〉 on the minds of the most Couragious and the 〈◊〉 even of 〈◊〉 are become as bodyes withâ—ut Soâ—ls or resentment 〈◊〉 them with fâ—ar and terrour whilst we shall 〈◊〉 with joy and delight into thy Sanctuary Meanâ—â—â—â—â— reign in the Ages of Ages and if it may be even â—â—yond Eternity For in fine Pharaoh is no more and 〈◊〉 all that he ever was there scarse remains so much as 〈…〉 of it and none but Mariners shall find some 〈◊〉 of those Chariots which shall be seen upon this 〈◊〉 where he intended to erect his Trophey his Throne 〈…〉 fairest hopes Well then my faithfull Companions let us sing victoâ—â— lâ—t us sing together you chast Virgins of Iudea 〈◊〉 Daughters of Sion holy Souls let us sing Canticles 〈◊〉 joy in honour of him who is our Redeemer Lucifer 〈◊〉 fallen from his Throne the Dragon is swallowed up in the billows of the Sea and all these Traytors who intended to drown us are overwhelmed with the waves and wherâ— they thought to gather Laurels and Pâ—lms they found nothing but an harvest over-spread with Cypres and a vast Sepulcher in the bottom of the Sea where they propâ—se to themselves to erect a Theater of 〈◊〉 and a field of Triumph On Jacob's Purchase How 〈◊〉 was Jacob's motion and how strange 〈…〉 how 〈…〉 was th' exchange 〈…〉 inheritance Why could not hungry Esau strive t'enhaunce His price a 〈◊〉 So much undâ—r foot Well might he give him broath and drink too boot An easie price the casâ— is ev'n our own For toys we often sell our Heaven our Crown On Esau. When hast thou 〈◊〉 Nay what shall Esau do Lâ—st both his Birth-right and his Blessing too 〈◊〉 hath poor Esau lâ—st but empty tears And plainâ—◠〈◊〉 cannot reach thâ— old Man's ears What wiâ—â— the Father 's Diâ—â— and thine own The Birth-right's 〈◊〉 and thy blessing 's gone How does one mischief overtake another In both how overtaken by a Brother Could their imperious stomach but have stay'd And if thy Father 's had not been delay'd Thou hadst not need have wept and pleaded so But kept thy Birth-right and thy Blâ—ssing too Had thy unprosperous thy unlucky hand Dispatch'd thy Ven'â—on as it did thy Land Thy sorrows had not made so great a heap That had not been so dear nor this so cheap Had thine giv'n place but to thy Father's will Th'adst thy Birth-right and thy Blessing still On Jacob's Pillow The Bed was Earth the raised Pillow Stonâ—s Whereupon poor Jacob rests his Head his Bones Heaven was his Canopie the 〈◊〉 of night Were his drawn Curtains to exclude the Light Poor state of Isaack's heir it seems to me His Cattle found as soft a Bed as he 〈◊〉 God appeared there his 〈◊〉 his Crown God us not alwayes seen in Beds of Doun O if that God shall please to make my Bed I care not where I râ—st my Bones my Head Wiâ—h thee 〈◊〉 wants can never prove extream With Jacob's Pillow give me Jacob's Dream On Zacheus Mâ—thinks I see with what a 〈…〉 Zacheus climd the Trâ—e But O how â—ast 〈◊〉 full of speed caâ—st thou imagine 〈◊〉 Our saviour call'd be powder'd down agen 〈◊〉 ne'r made tryal if the boughs were â—ound Or rotten nor how far 't was to the ground Tâ—â—re was no danger fear'd at such a Call He 'l venture nothing that dare fear to fall Needs must he down by such a Spirit driven Nor could he fall unlâ—ss he fell to Heaven Down came Zacheus ravisht from the Tree Bird that was shot ne'r dropt so quick as he Short Legg'd Zacheus 't was the happiest Tree That ever mortal clim'd I mean to thee Thy pains in going up received the Crown Of all thy labour at thy coming down Thy Statute's lowness gave thee fair occasion To mount that Tree that Tree to find Salvation But was 't the Tree Zacâ—eus No 't was he Whose â—leeding Body dy'd upon the Tree Wâ—ll clim'd Zacheus ' â—was a step wâ—ll giv'n From hence to thâ— Tree and from the Trâ—e to Heaven On Abraham's pleading for Sâ—dom â—ow â—â—ath was rightâ—ous Abraham to cease To â—eat the price of 〈…〉 pâ—ace Mâ—â—k how his hâ—ly boldness intercâ—pts Godâ—s Iustice brings his mercy down by steps He dares not biâ— so few as ten at â—irst Nor yet from fifty righteous pâ—rsons duâ—st Hiâ— zeal on sudden makâ— too great a fall Although he wisht Salâ—ation to them all 〈…〉 thy dying Son has Powâ—'r to clear A Woâ—ld of Sin tâ—at one shall not appear â—â—fâ—re thine angry Eyes What wonder then To sâ—e thee fall from fifty dâ—wn to ten On the Eâ—yptians Famine Mark but the course the pin'd Egyptians râ—n Wâ—en all thâ—ir Coiâ— when all their Corn is goâ— Thâ—y come to Iosâ—ph and their stomacks pleaâ— Thâ—y change their Beasts for Corn the I 〈…〉 Bread Yet still theâ— want Observe now what they 〈◊〉 They give their Lands yield their Bodies toâ— Now they have Corn enough and now they shâ—â— Have Seed to Sow their barren Soil withal Pâ—ovâ—ded that the fiâ—â—h of their Increase Be Pharoâ—'s Now their stomacks are at peaâ—â— Thus when the Famine of the World shall strike Our hungry Souls our Souls must do the like We first must part with as by their directions Our Flocks our Beasts our Bestial affections When they are gone and then must sinners do Give up their Lands their Souls and Bodies too O then our hearts shall be refresht and fed We shall have Seed to sow and present Bread Allowing but the fifth of our Increase We shall have plenty and our Souls have peace How art thou pleas'd good God that Man should live How slow art thou to take how free to give On Gods Law The sacred Law of God Is like to Moses Rod If we but keep it in our hand It will do wonders in the Land If we â—light and throw it to the ground 'T will turn a Serpent and inflict a Wound â— Wound that Flesh and Blood cannot endure Nor salve until the brazen Serpent cure I wish not Lord thou should'st withold it Nor would I have it and not hold it O teach me then my God To handle Moses Rod. On Balaam's Ass. â—he Ass that for her slowness was forbid â—o be imployed in God's service did â—erform good service now in being slow â—he Ass received stripes but would not go She baulk'd the way and Balaam could not guidâ— her The Ass had far more wisdom than the Rider The Message being bad the Ass was loath To be the bearer 't was a happy Sloth 'T was well for Balaam had his Ass but try'd Another step Balaam had surely dyâ—d Poor Ass And was thy faithful service pay'd With 〈◊〉 repeated stroâ—kes Haâ—'â—t
be the first Seeds of a most ample and happy posterity What pitty was it to see this poor Handmaid enter with her Son into a solitary and uninhabited Desart and leave a plentifull House where she had ever lived as a Mistriss What pitty was it to see Agar and Ishmael in the desarts of Bersheba with hunger and thirst and in a generall want of all the conveniencies of Nature will not men believe them to be as it were dead in the World and alive in a Tomb What hope is there amongst Stones and Rocks What society in the midst of Woods where nothing is heard but cryes and roarings of Monsters What succour amidst Wild places and out of the Road of men What light under the shades of Pits and Caverns where the Sun dares not approach What means of Livelihood where all Animals are dead Where nothing but frightfull Dens are seen but aride sandes and some old Trunk of a Tree without Branches Leaves or Fruits What then will Agar doe she hath no more Water nor Bread And mean while her life her Love and hear dear Ishmael can no longer endure the torments of hunger and thirst he is already constrained to stay at the foot of a Tree and there to cast forth loud cryes Distressed Mother what will you do What a happiness would it be for you to die first that you might not die twice Sara what have you done Abraham where are you Ah God! What grief is it unto a Mother to see between her Arms the Tomb of her Son Ismael hath now lost his speech he is without hope and Agar abandons him as no longer able to live seeing her heart half dead before her Eyes Farewell Ismael farewell poor Orphan farewell all the affections and hopes of Agar And when any Man shall chance to pass by this solitary place let him ingrave upon this Trunk that here Agar and her Son found their exile their Death and at lengtâ— their Monument Gen. 21. Why Weep'st thou Hagar 't is not lack of Love To thee or thine Jâ—hova from above Hath so Commanded Agar be content That 's Destiny which thou dâ—emest Punishment Agar what do you say Is this the hope you repose in God And are these the promises he made unto Abraham Ah! do you not know that Heaven hath Eyes alwayes open to Innocency and the least of Ishmaels sighs is able to draw God into this Desart In effect when Agar was removed a flight shot from Ishmael as she sent forth her Cryes after the Moanings of her Son an Angel called her by her Name and said unto her Goe Agar and return to thy Son take him by the hand and reanimate this little dying Body O God! who will not admire thy sage Providence and the miraculous conduct of thy Designs A Dialogue between Abraham and Sara c. The Argument Sarah's rebuk'd for Laughter and repents Admiring with her Lord the great Events Of Heavenly Blessings and resolves to be No more in Love with Incredulitie Abraham Now now t is with my Sarah as our glorious Guest presaged how then my Love my Life my Sole delight how cou'd it be that you durst doubt the great decree of Heaven and with a smile as at a tale Incredible reflect upon omnipotence Sara My Lord I own I could not then believe what now I find true as the Eternal Oracle that speak it and therefore blush with much confusion that I gave no more belief to so much Veritie Abra. Even so you ought and with unfeigned Tears bewaile the unadvized Laughter you deny'd and prostrate on the Ground implore his pardon for so great a crime Sar. That I have done long since and learn'd to know I am but Dust not worthy to dispute his will who maâ—e me and the World of Nought and with his Word is able to reduce all things to their Original Abra. 'T is well resolved nor ever must we dare displease that Majesty under whose feet bright blazing Thunders burn The God whose presence melts the Mountains and whose Looks dries up the deep who holds the winds in the hollow of his hand and makes Creation tremble at his Word Sar. If not for fear through Love we ought with low Submission to revere that tremendious Majesty who has done such wonders for us Aâ—ra Wonders indeed and past our numbring for who can count the Endless Blessings he with plenteous hands has showr'd upon our heads since first we lest Vrr of the Chaldees nay with what favours does he Load us still Sar. 'T is true my Lord his bounty has compleatly stored us with what ever we could wish to gain us high Esteem amongst the Nations of the East so dreaded and renowned has his signal blessings rendered you that at your sight the Suplâ— Knees of Pagans bend and sâ—epâ—â—rd Moâ—arcks court your Smile making your Friendship tâ—e 〈◊〉 hâ—pâ—s of their Ambition Aâ—ra Nay more he by his power inâ—lines the roughest Naâ—ions to such Mildness for our sakes that even Abimâ—lech the cruelest of Men haveing snatched you from my Arms return'd your unstained beauties without War repenting the rash deed and begging my devotion Sar. Happy even wonderous hâ—ppy are all they that put their â—rusâ— in him who takes such care of those that love his Name therefore O that Men wou'd praise the Lord. Abra. 'T is just they should return him with unfeigneâ— Lips tribute of Praise and ever more be thankfull for the many mercys they receive nor will we or our Children be wanting in this Duty Sar. Indeed we ought not for a thankfull heart is 〈◊〉 the mighty King requires for all he gives to Mortâ—ll Mâ—n Abra. 'T is that indeed beyond all ceremonies that can please him most but see the Glorious Sun declyns and Night with her Sable Mantle waits at the portals of the Eastern skie to cloath the World in Darkness Therefore let us to our Tent and there er'e Slumber close our Eyes pay our vows to him that is our Soveraign protector Sar. My Lord I am all obedience for so it still becomes a Wife to be to him whom Heaven appoints her head The Application Thus reader may you see a happy pair Whom Heav'ns high favours in abundance share Laying all doubts aside that so they may Their great Creators will in all obey Which should induce us so to imitate Their ways that we may reach their blessed state A Dialogue between Lots two Daughters The Argument Lots Daughters burn with lust and lay a Plott To take incesteous Wine inspired Lot The Plott takes right and from each pregnant Womb A Brother and a Son at 〈◊〉 doâ—s come First Daughter How is the famous Sodom sunk with cattaracts of Fire How dreadfully the flameing Storm on fearfull Wings decended and how narrowly we escaped the sad Destruction Second Daughter 'T is true we escaped by Miracle the Firey Clouds began to drop Ciconian Sulphur e're we reacht the Gate nor could we escape to Zoar e're Sodom
Gray Hairs with sorrow to the Grave God Well said God I know thou lovest him but must not you love me better Offer up this Son this only Son Isaack whom thou lovest Abraham But Lord though thou art righteous when I plead with thee yet let me talk with thee of thy Iudgmâ—â—ts what wiâ—l the wicked say wâ—en they shall hear â—hat thou delightest in Blood and that thy Servants must offer their Children to the Lord who will serve thee at â—his rate God Well but saith God is not all the Earth mine own and may not I do with mine own what I please I that give may take and therefore mind not you what the World will say but what I say and I say offer thy Son Abraham But Lord hast thou not commanded me to do â—o Murther and must I now embrue my Hands in Blood â—nd in mine own Blood too Oh happâ— me might my Blood â—o for his Oh! Isaack Isaack my Son Isaack my â—on my Son would to Goâ— I might die for thee Oh! â—saack my Son my Son Lord how can this stand with â—he Law that thou hast given me God Abraham saith God such things are not first â—â—st and then willed by me but willed by me and â—â—erefore just Aâ—raham Do not you know that I â—an repeal or make exceptions 'T is I that say it â—hâ—refore do it Who is this that darkâ—neth counsel â—y words without knowledge Gird up now thy â—oins like a Man sâ—ite him kill him Have not I â—ommanded thee be couragious and a Son of vaâ—our Go offer thy Son Abraham But gooâ— Lord thou hast made this exâ—â—ption when thou diâ—st shew Man what was good and â—â—asing in thine Eyes thou woulâ—st not â—haâ— he shoulâ—â—ive his first-born for his Transgression â—or the fruit of â—is Body for the sin of his Soul but to do justly anâ— to â—â—ve Mercy and to walk humblâ— with his God To â—bey thou saâ—st it is better than Sacrifice and to â—earken than the sat of Lambs God Well then saith God hearken anâ— oâ—ey â—â—is is to do Justice this is oh wonder to shew Merâ—â— this is to walk humbly with thy God A braham Seeing I have taken upon me to speak unto 〈◊〉 Lord I will yet say Lord he is the Son of the Proâ—ise in whom thou hast said that all the Nations of the Earth shall be blessed Now Lord if he die anâ— die a Child without Children where is then the blessedâ—ness thou speakest of what will become of the Blessing God Well Abraham saith God perform what â— command and I will perform what I promise what will Abraham who was once not weak in Faith anâ— considered not his own Body nor Sara's when twicâ— dead who staggered not through unbelief at mâ— Promise but was strong in Faith and gave me Gloâ—ry wâ—o was fully perswaded that what I promiseâ— I was able to perform anâ— was not disappointed oâ— his Hope though against Hope Will this Abrahaâ— now call me in question Hast thou known my Nameâ—punc and wilt thou not trust in me Am not I the Lorâ— which change not Have I said it is and shall it noâ— come to pass Is there any thing too hard for God Am not I able even of Stones to raise up Children unto Abraham Cannot I say to dry Bones Live thoâ— hast received him from the Dead in a Figure anâ— were Isaack in the Grave could not I who am the Resurrection from the Dead say Isaack come forth arise and walk that thy Father may receive thâ—â— with double joy saying Isaack my Son who waâ— dead yea who was twice dead is now alive Thereâ—fore Abraham offer thy Son Abraham My dear Lord seeing I who am but Duâ—â— and Ashes have taken upon me to speak unto thee Oâ— let not my Lord be angry if I speak once more If I maâ— not prevail oh that I might prevail to save Isaack â—â—live yet let me intreat thâ—â— that I may not be the Priesâ— let not mine hand be upon him Can I see the death 〈◊〉 the Child Good Lord let somâ— other do it Surely â— cannot lifâ— up my Hand or if I do shall I not wish 〈◊〉 may wither or be turned into a stone Will not thesâ— Eyes run down with Rivers of Tears Ah Lord I caâ— speak no more my hâ—art will break my hand will shâ—kâ— send by whom thou wilt send but let not me Oh let 〈◊〉 mâ— go God Yes Abraham thou take him thou and go thou and offer him thou none but thou Abraham Ah Lord Yet once more but this once more and I have done I am old and full of dayes past Travail spare me a little let me not go so far as the Land of Moria let it if it must be done be done at home God No Abraham Take now thy Son thine onâ—y Son Isaack whom thou lovest get thee into the Land of Moria and offer him there no where but there He is then all alone upon the way with his Son â—nd his two Servants and he advanceth directly to Mount Moria as to the appointed place My dear Reader I leave unto thy imagination what paâ—â—ed for the space of three dayes this journey â—â—sted repreâ—ent unto thy self I beseech thee â—hat thou art with him whom thou dost love above â—ll men thou seest him thou speakest to him thou â—rinkest to him and sleepest with him how will it â—e if at thy departure thou must see him die And â—f thou thy self must present him the Poyson which 〈◊〉 to stifle him Husbands and Wives Fathers and Mâ—thers Brothers Kindred A â—ociats Friends what Torments What despairs What punishâ—ents When you stand at the Beds Feet where â—ou shall behold your dearest affections and your â—ost pleasing delights in the Agony of Death what combats and what Duels â—f Love and Grief What strength and â—esolutions to receive the last worâ—s and â—â—ghs of a dying Mouth to whiâ—h a thouâ—â—nd and a thousand chast kisses have been given â—â—d whose least breath was able to wipe awâ—y all â—orts of sorrows What Prodigy of constancy to â—ose with your Hands two Eyes which served as 〈◊〉 in the saddest obscurities of Life which is but â—o much intermingled with mourning and pleasure In fine how can we see with out dying anâ— other self at the point of death Nevertheless this was but thâ— image of a dying life which Abrahaâ— led for the space of three dayes onâ— would swear that God had undertaken to make him dye ten thousand times upon thiâ— sad way every glance of Isaack was a mortal Javeâ—lin which pierced his Heart and yet he must havâ— him three times four anâ—â—wenty hours before hiâ— Eyes there was a necessity of eating drinking and speaking with him were not these entertainments and Feast of Death He was constraine during the night to lay on his Breast and in his Boâ—som that Head he was to cut off with his owâ— Hands was not this a murthering sleep and a crueâ— repose In sine he
stead shall Bleed A Sacrifice our God has for himself provided so in the dayes to come the Blessed Messia bleeding for lost Man shall purge his Sins and once more render frailâ— Mortality the favorit of Heaven The Conclusion The Ram is by Glad Abraham slain and made A Sacrifice that pleases well his God Which done with Isaack he returns to tell Vnthinking Sarah all that had befell And has his Faith imputed Righteousness Call'd Friend of God the chiâ—f in Faithfullness Now Abraham is already at the foot of the Mountain he commands his Servants away he takes his only Isaack he loads him with the Instruments of his punishment Let us go my dear Child let us go my Son let us go my Isaack my Joy my Hope and my Love Father whither do we go answered Isaack Alas what is your desire I indeed see the Fire and the Sword which you carry as also the Wood on my Shoulders but where is the Victim which must be offered as an Holocaust My Son trouble not your self for God will provide one So Abraham still persists in his fidelity to God he makes ready the Altar he sets the Wood in order he kindles the Fire he draws his Sword out of the Scabbard he takes Isaack into his Arms he placeth him near the pile he tyes his Hands and puts the cover over his forehead in sine this innocent Lamb being on both his Knees his Body half naked and his Head bowed a little forward sighing sweetly without making the least complaint or demanding any more why expected the stroak of Death when his Father as it is very probable began to acquaint him with the secret of his happy lot Isaack my most dear Son thou didst ask me at the foot of the Mountain where was the Victim of our Sacrifice I answered thee that God woulâ— provide one his Paternal Goodness hath done it and his will iâ— that thou must be the Victim and I the Priest it is very true that thou art the object of my sweetest hopes and that I should look on thee as the support of my â—ouse but it is in God we must place our only hope it is he that serves for a Basis and Piller to all fortunes and it is his sage Providence which holds in its hands good and evil favours and disgraces Life and Death Dye then cheerfully my dear Child and rest assured that I would willingly put my self in thy place if God had so ordained I adore his will and I am too happy to serve as an instrument unto his commands As for thee my poor Son I had very constant proofs of thy sweet disposition and if I had not often tryed how obedient and pliable thou art unto Gods will and mine I should endeavour more efficaciously to perswade thee but it would be fruitless and it is from Gods goodness and thy constancy I hope for the Grace of being inabled to offer and immolate thee with my own Hands What can Isaack say to this It is enough for him to assent and be silent I yet frame in my imagination that he besought his Father to give him his Sword that he might kiss it as the rod of the wise Providence of Heaven I believe also he bowed down his Head a little more forward to testifie that his thoughts accorded with his Heart and that his most real affections were ready to be immolated unto God and his Father In the mean while Abraham takes his Sword again into his Hand and having bathed it with his tears he lifts up his arm to discharge his blow upon the Neck of his Son But what will be the issue will not all the Angels of Heaven who look upon this Sacrifice put some Victim in Isaacks place Divine Spirits I call on you for Abraham and Isaack In conclusion as Abraham had already lifted up his Arm and was ready to dart the Thunder-bolt God had put into his Hand the Voice of an Angel cryes out Abraham Abraham I command thee from God not to touch the Child and to pass no farther Ah Lord never was Love like thine And thy Love O God to me Surpasseth that of Abraham to thee The word is out poor Abraham must be gone Must take his Isaack take his only Son The Son of his affections him from whom From whose blest Loins so many Kings must come Even him must Abraham slay Abraham must rise And offer Isaac a Burnt-Sacrifice God scorns the offals of our saint desires He gives the best and he the best requires Abraham forbears to question thinks not good To reason or converse with Flesh and Blood Begs not young Isaack's Life nor goes about T'object the Law of Murther makes no doubt He rises rises early leads his Son Hastes where this Holy slaughter must be done When God bids go that very Breath's a Warrant We must not linger for haste crowns the Errant His Servants must no further they must stay Private Devotions claim a private way They must abide with th' Asses whilst th' aged Sirâ— In one Hand takes the Knife in th' other Fire The sacred Wood of offering must be pil'd On the young shoulders of the innocent Child Oh here mine Eyes must spend a Tear to see Thee bear the Wood great God that since bore thee Mistrustless Isaack seeing the Wood the Fire The sacrificing Knife begins to inquire But where 's the Sacred Lamb that must be slain Resolved Abraham least the Flesh should gain Too much on Nature sayes Not thou my Son Art he But th' Almighty will provide us one Where God commands 't is not enough to effect But we must baulk the occasion of neglect The Faithful Abraham now erects an Altar Orders the Wood what Tongue can chuse but faltes To tell the rest He lays his Hand upon His innocent Isaack binds his only Son He lays him down raiseth his Priestly Knife Vp rears his Arm to take his Isaack's Life True Faith is active coveâ—s to proceed From thought to action and from will to deed Before the strengthened stroke had time to fall A sudden voice from Heaven cryes hold recall Thy threatning Arm and sheath thy Holy Knife Thy Faith hath answered for thy Isaack's Life Touch not the Child thy Faith is throughly shown That has not spared thine own thine only Son How easie is our God and Labour who Counts it as done what we have will to do CHAP. XIX Giveing an Account of the Death of Sara THe most smiling prosperities often swim amidst Tears the clearest and most serene dayes are followed sometimes by the most obscurest dusky Nights Bodies for Companions have their own shadows Roses are mixed with Thorns and even the Life of Man never ends but in Death To see Abraham Sara and Isaack after their deliverance and the tryals God had of their fidelity would not one have believed them almost immortall and exempted from all the miseries of Life And yet scarce were they returned to their own home but
thou obey'd Thy Loâ—d had bâ—ught thy travel with his blooâ— Such is Mâ—rs paâ—ment often bad fâ—r good Thâ— Ass begins to question with his Master Argues thâ— case pleads why he went no faster Nay shâ—w him Mâ—stâ—ries far beyond his reach Sure God wants Prophets when dull Aâ—s Preach The Ass pâ—râ—eives the Angel and falls down When Balaam sees him not or sees unknown Nor iâ—'t a wonâ—â—r this God's Spirit did pass From bliâ—dfold Balaam into Balaam's Ass. Davids Epitaph on Jonathan Here liâ—s the fairâ—st Flower that stood In Israâ—ls Garden now in Blooâ— Which Death to make her Garland gay Hath â—râ—pt against her Triumph-day Here hâ—re lies â—e whose Actions pend The perfect Copâ— of a Friâ—nd Whâ—se milk white Vâ—llam did iâ—ear No least suspition of a Blur Here lies the example of a Brother Not to be follow'd by another The fair intâ—nded Counter-part Of Davids joâ— of Davids heart Râ—st then for ever rest alone Thy Ashes can be touch'd by n ne Till Death hath pickt ouâ— such another Here lies a Flower a Friend a Brother On Solomon and the Queen of Sheba It spreads the sweet perfume of Solomon's Fame Affects the Coasts and his Illustrious Name Cannot be hid the â—nbeliev'd report Must fly with Eagles wings to th' honoured Court Of Princely Sheba Sheba must not rest Until her eyes become th'invited Guest Of Fame's loud Trumpet her Impatience strives With light foot Time while her Ambition drives Her Chariot-wheels and give an airy passage To th' quick delivery of her hearts Embassage True Wisdom planted in the hearts of Kings Needs no more glory than the glory 't brings And likâ— the Sun is view'd by her own light Bâ—ing by her own reflection made more bright The emulous Queen 's arriv'd she gon to the Court No eye-delighting Masque nor pricely sport To entertain her No her eye her ear â—s take up and scorns to see to hear â—nâ—eriour things Sh' allows her ear her eye No less than Oracles and Majesty â—ow empty pastimes do desolve and fly To thâ—ir true nothing when true wisdom 's by Th' arriv'd Queen has audience moves disputes Wiâ—e Solomon attends replys confutes â—he objects he answers she afresh propounds â—he proves maintains it he decides confounds â—he smiles she woâ—ders being over-daz'd â—ith his bright beams stands silent stands amaz'd â—ow Scripture-like Apocrypha's appear â—o common Boâ—ks how pâ—or when Scripture's near The Queen is pleas'd who never yet did know The blast of Faâ—e less proâ—igal than now For now the grâ—atâ—st part of what she kâ—ew By Fame is sound the least of what is true We â—ften find that Fame in prime of Youth Doâ—s add to Fâ—lshood and suâ—stract from truth Tâ—e thankful Qâ—een does with a lib'ral hand Prâ—â—ent him with the Riches of hâ—r Laâ—d Where wisâ—om goâ—s before we oftâ—n find Thâ—t temporal Blâ—ssings sâ—ldom slay bâ—hind Lord gâ—ant me Wisdom and I shall posses Enough have more or have content with less On Job's Temptation God questions Satan Boâ—â—s is Iob's desert In the perfection of a simple hâ—art Iâ—b's Faith was fervent Sâ—tan was as chill To yield it but must yield against his wiâ—â— Condems it to be servile to be bought With God's own coyn Does Iob serve God 〈◊〉 nought It is a common trick the Teâ—per uses The Faith he cannot conquer he abuses Alas that â—aith requires not so much praise 'T is a good Faith as Faiths go now adayes It is not strengthâ—'d by the indulgent hand That blest his Labours and inrich'd his Land Puff out the Fire his Faith will quickly chill Satan puff thoâ— nay Satan puff thy will Nor 〈◊〉 nor â—louâ— of small or great estate Are certain baâ—gâ—s of God's love or hate What 's now to do Poor Iob must be 〈◊〉 Of all his strongâ—r Herdâ— Fire sent from 〈◊〉 Must burn his fâ—uitful Flocks that none 〈◊〉 His house fall and all his Childer'n slain And yet not curse Alas poor Iob addreâ—ses His thoughts to heaven he worships God â— bleâ—ses The lively Faith that can retain her God May groanâ— but seldom rave beneath the Rod. But what says Satan now The hedge is broke That fenc'd my Servant Iob What further Cloak For his uprightness hath he What pretence For his continual Love and Innocence Has not thy malice had her own desire 'T was soundly pufâ—'d thy puffs has blown the fire Gods trials are like bellows Satan's blower Blows out false Faiths makes true ones blaze the more True Lord his faith is tough but Snailes as well Can thrive without as live within their shell To save alive who would not lose some skin Touch but his Horns O how hee 'l draw them in Satan I give thy malice leave be free To peel the Bark but spare to touch the Tree Fear not the liâ—â— flock The greatâ—st ill Your fâ—es can do's to scratch They cannot kill What now 's th' exploit Afflicted Iob does lie A very Hospital of â—â—â—sery I think that all the Vlcers that have bin In Egypt cur'd are broken out again In his distempered flesh Iob is still The very same not charg'd â—is God with ill A Faith thâ—t lodges in a double Brest May stand the touch nonâ—â—ut true faith the Test. If these be â—lames poor man must swelter in He needs a World of patience not to sin On Solomon's Rejoyce Young Man Rejoyce What jolly mirth is here Let thy heart char thee What deliâ—ious Cear In thy young dayes Thy caâ—es will relish sweâ—ter Walk thy own wayes Thy cares will pass the â—leeter Pleaseâ—tâ— own heart Carve where it likes thee best Delight thine Eyes And be a joyful Guest But know withal the day will come whereon Thy Iudge will doom thee for the deeds th' ast done O what a Feast O what a Reck'ning's here The Cates are sweet the Shot 's extreamly dear Lord I have been and am a daily Guest Too oft invited at the Young-mans Feast The Reckning's great although I cannot pay I can confess Great God before this day I had been dragg'd to the redeemless Jayl Hadst thou not pleased t' accept my Saviour's Bail Lord he must bear 't I doubt for I can get Nor Coin to pay nor labour out the debt I cannot Dig my Joynts are stark and lame But I can Beg although I beg with shame I have no Grace in begging can receive The first repulse I have no Faith to crave If the entertainments of the Feast be these Lord give me Famine take the Feast that please CHAP. XXVIII Choice remarks upon Daniels being cast into the Lyons Den. HOly Daniel was once chief in commission under great Darius the very first Minister of â—tate Thus you have him in the Zenith of his Honours Lord high President over all the Kings Councils and Treasures next and immediatly under himself supreme Governour together with â—he reason which justifies the Kings great Prudence â—nd Policy in promoting him to so high degree viz. Because an Excellent Spirit was found in him He
was sign'd vers 10. 'T was below his great Person and Spirit to deny or dissemble his Religion Faith and Love makes him trusty to it against all Conspiracies of Men or Deâ—vils And what know we but some were so impudent as to steal up Stairs and peep through the very Key-hole to discover but the first motion towards a Genuflection But when those Sacred joynts incline to bend to the resolved Worship how greedily do they suck in the very first Spiration and preparatory â—ighs But brave Belshazzar how little do we know what various Passions agitate thy Sacred Breast at this time What contests between Nature and Grâ—â—e â—lesh and Spirit Or wer 't thou all Soul and transported beyond the cares and remembrance of thy Moâ—tal and suâ—fering part that I hear thee 〈◊〉 iâ—to suâ—h Rapâ—ures as theâ—e Whaâ— aâ—d must I forsâ—ke my God now or not Live and forsâ—ke him too upon such unhappy Terms as thâ—se to gratifie the wishes of these malicious conâ—ederating Heathens Is Devotion become fatal and must Praâ—er it self kill Cannot I go to my God but the next stâ—p must be to the Grave 'T is worse than Dâ—ath to live â—ut one day without him who iâ— the Life of my Soul how then shâ—ll I live thirty Must I wâ—ar thes◠〈◊〉 upon minâ— affections and â—ips which thâ—se Menâ— envy and canâ—ing hâ—ve clapt on me with design to enslave me fâ—r ever Râ—ther let 〈◊〉 Beasts tear â—pâ—n a paâ—sage for this Captive within me 〈◊〉 pâ—ss into thâ— liberties of eâ—erlâ—stingness than thus to bâ— Cag'd up in so insufferable a Vâ—ssalage Do they think to immure up my Soul Let thâ—m râ—nâ— me from the Court of Daâ—iuâ— my Heaven is not there as is â—â—eirs my Bodâ— is the Kings to his pleasure and service but my Soul is Gods unto his 〈◊〉 venture an inâ—â—rgâ—ment into the Bowels of the Lioâ—s e're they shall â—lâ—ry over mine Apâ—stacy from my Religion and my God But hold whither does this Noble but Temerarious Zeal transport thâ—e Daniel Is this thâ— kindness to thy dearest self Anâ— hast thou no regard to the Glorious and sweets â—f Life Is that Holy Fire that devours its own Altar And callâ—st thou that Zeal that hurls thee into nothing and temps thee to an Annihilation Is Death so dâ—sireable and such a Death as will gratifie thine Enemies too Whose Mâ—lice will Feast it self on thy Ruines with greater Luxury than the Lyons Banquâ—t on thy Flesh What is this but to Execute the Plot against thine own Life which they cannot pâ—rfâ—ct without thee and will thy God thank thee for destroying thy sâ—lf and throwing â—way thy life for â— Nicety the Ceremony anâ— Carkâ—â— of Devotion which his Grace is so râ—ady to dispâ—nce with anâ— for so little â— time as a Mâ—nth too Is he not the Father of Spirits and regards more the Oratorâ— of a sigh than all the lusciouâ— Expr ssions of the Lips Vnâ—erstâ—nds he not the Language of the Soul â—nâ— hearkâ—ns to the very desires of the Humble Maist thou not Offer up the purâ—r Sacrifice from the sâ—cret Altar of a Flaming 〈◊〉 and be safe What an advantage hast thou to 〈◊〉 the Conspiracy by a Mental Devotion anâ— to Countermine the Villaâ—â—â—s of thâ—ir Cursed Policy by looking up thy Soul in its self Ah no! The brave Votâ—ry sâ—orns to compound with his God for his Life nor will save himself by so muâ—h as Latching the Door of his Lips he will not â—tiâ—le the vent of his Soul tho it self were sure to fly through it He will glorifie God with his speech tho he speak himself into Air he will not diâ—figure the Body of his Duty to save his own from mangling and would rather the Lyons should open their Mouths to swallow him than he by shutting up his to â—mprison his Zealand Affections He resolveâ— that his Mouth shall Confess unto God and the World â—hat his Heart believâ—th unto Salvation and while his Enemies were watching imagine this devout Supplicant thus pouring out his Soul unto God The Prayer GOD of my Soul and of my Bâ—ing the Glorious Iehoâ—â—h that 〈◊〉 everlastingness and humâ—lâ—st thy self to bâ—â—old the things that are in Heaven and Earth â—ear â—nd have mercy Thou art God alone and bâ—sides thee there is none else What is this Darius whom these mâ—n have blasphemously Exâ—ulted to Rob thee of thy Glory and Worship and 〈◊〉 a God of him that cannot help that cannot save â—â—rsâ—lf or others O Pardon their Sin And this they 〈◊〉 done with dâ—sign to Rob me too of this Glorious Liberty of Access to thee my God who art the very Life â—f my Soul and whose loving kindness is better than Life 〈◊〉 without whom Life is none at all They would shut 〈◊〉 from thy Presence but do not thou Opâ—n the Door 〈◊〉 thy Grace and my Soul that I mâ—y fly unto thee and 〈◊〉 these these mine Enemies lye in wait for my 〈◊〉 yet let me Praise thee with joyful Lips and Serve 〈◊〉 without fear What though they have decreed to 〈◊〉 away my life are not my Times in thy hand and â—ithout thee shâ—â—â—â—ot fall an hair from my Head O 〈◊〉 me a Faith beyond my Fear and a Courage beyond 〈◊〉 Malice that I may dye rather than disown thee 〈◊〉 Dâ—voting my self a Sacrifice to thy Glory may 〈◊〉 all the World know that thou Lord art the only God 〈◊〉 the Souls of thy Servanâ—s who put their 〈…〉 Râ—deem thy Church and People 〈◊〉 Noise interruptâ— him The 〈◊〉 cry out amain 〈…〉 Traitor aâ—aiâ—st our 〈◊〉 and his 〈◊〉 away with him to the Lyoâ—s Darius â—â—â—sâ—lf cannot savâ— hiâ— Thâ—se we may suâ—pose were the Evideâ— to Sweâ—r against him who could safely 〈…〉 without fear of Perjury that they hâ— making his Petitions to the God of Heaven and so breakiâ—g the Decree And now haâ— the Plot taken effect the Innoâ—ent man falls by the Councils of the Wicked 〈◊〉 art thou O Lord yet leâ— me talk with thâ—e of 〈…〉 Wherâ—fore dâ—th the 〈◊〉 of the Wicked prosper Wherâ—fore are â—hey happ◠〈…〉 Jer. 12.1 So foolish was I and ignorant Surely thou didst set them in slippery 〈◊〉 thou cast est them down inâ—o 〈…〉 are they brouâ—ht into Dâ—solâ—â—ion as in a 〈…〉 wiâ—h Terrours P â—l 73 1â— 19.22 Now may you see them troop together with jâ—y and speed to Darius Court where they subtiâ—â—y râ—peâ—t thâ— Coâ—â—entâ— of the Law to the King with a Cursed Pâ—licy of dâ—signing to oblige him to a sacred and inviolable observance of his own Eâ—ict e're ever they discover the Transgressor who they knew was so dear to him that for hiâ— sakâ— he might have straiâ—'d hiâ— Prerogative unto the length of a Paâ—don iâ—poâ—â—â—ble But having once oblig'd him by the honour of his Royal word to confirm the decrâ—e then they presume to produce the Indictment and thus Aâ—â—resâ— O King Live for Ever THat Daniâ—l who pretends so muâ—h Love anâ— Loyalâ—y
us you are Like us who vow with you perpetual War Adon. Spare spare me I repent my wicked deeds â—y Rage is lost my Heart now melts and bleeds â—our want of power this feign'd repentance breeds King No we 'll pursue you through the Gloomy Coasts â—nd tell your Story to the well pleas'd Ghosts â—ho laughing loud shall joyn with us in Mirth â—o plague you as you plagued us on Earth Adon. O wretched me how woful is my case â—ho find in Life nor Death no resting place 〈◊〉 Earth I was to Iacob's Sons betray'd â—nd here the Scorn of once my Slaves I 'm made â—herefore by me let Tyrants warning take â—â—st they are scorn'd by those their scorn they make A Dialogue between Jael and Sisera The Argument Sisera routed flys to Jael's Tent And 's Introduced with a Complement But sleeping a sharp Nail his Temples wound Till he his Death in that low Lodging found â—â—el Ha who is this that thus with hasty steps makes to my poor Abode If I miâ—â— not it is the Warriour that has troubled Israeâ— yes yes 't is Sisera Speak speak my Lord why come you thus alone where where are all the mighty Captains that were wont to wait upon you marking your Frowns and Smiles as sure portents of Life and Death the Signals of the Nations Peace or dire Calamity Sisera Alass Alass The God of Iacob has prevailed and they 're no more the Battel has devoured them and their slaughter'd Carcasses ly scattered on the Plains of Israel I. How is the mighty Jabins Army overthrown Sisera It is and still the danger is too near to admit of time to tell the dreadful ruine for the well flesh'd Foe besmear'd with blood and slaughter hastily pursue O had you seen the fearful havock Barak's Sword has made how wheeling with a swift reverse it mowed down Ranks of men You wou'd have trembled Iael My Lord I tremble at the thoughts of his wide wasting fury but see the Enemies upon the Mountain-tops Sisera 'T is true With speedy steps they hitherward advance Now now My life is in your hands secure me from their fury by denyal and stay my thirst with water and I 'll largely recompence your care Iael Doubt not my Lord of safety in my Tent Here here Drink drink thou mighty Man of War drink what my homely Tent affords Sisera 'T is Nectar most delicious and has much refreshed my weary Soul But I 'll repose and leave my safety to your conduct Iael This covering my Lord Ha whaâ— a suddain drowsiness has seized the Man of blood Why can it be that he can securely snore when Death is hovering round him Now now 's the time to be revenged for all the slaughter he haâ— caus'd for all the Widdows and sad Orphaâ—â— tears burnt Towns deflowred Virgins ravish'â— Matrons and the bleeding Wombs whence gasping Infants by rude hands were torn Heaven prompt my Zeal to act the Tragedy This sharp Instrument well fits my purpose and now to free my Country from his future rage Thus thus I seal his Eye-lids with eternal slumber The deed is done convulsive Death now triumphs over him whose breath has doom'd so many thousands to the Grave unfear'd he lyes whose name was wont to make the Sons of Iaâ—ob tremble and at whose approach the well fenced Towns were slighted whilst for safety the Amazed Inhabitants lurked in the Caves and solitary Wildernesses Conclusion The mighty Sisera slain glad Jael meets The conquering Captain and his death relates Which joyes the Israelites and makes them sing For their deliverance to the Eternal King Who grants them Peace and Plenty many dayes And chears them with the brightness of His rayes Ruth 1. Verse 16 17. And Ruth answered intreat me not to leave thee â—or to depart from thee for whether thou goest I will go â—nd where thou dwellest there will I dwell thy People â—all be my People and thy God my God Verse 17. â—here thou dyest will I dye and there I will be buried â—e Lord do so to me and more also if ought but death â—aâ— thee and me Here we have the resolution of Ruth portray'd 〈◊〉 lively colours so that if we consider her Sex 〈◊〉 Woman her Nation a Moabite we may boldly â—â—onounce of her what our Saviour did of the Cenâ—â—rion Verily I say unto you I have not found so great â—aith no not in Israel Intreat me not tâ— leâ—ve thee Some read iâ— be not 〈◊〉 against me as it is in the â—â—rgen of the neâ— Translation Where we see that tâ—â—se arâ—â—o be accounted our advâ—rsarâ—es and against us who persâ—â—â—dâ— us frâ—â— our voâ—aâ—â— to Canaâ—â— froâ— going to Goâ—s true Râ—ligion They may be ouâ— Fathâ—rs they cannoâ— bâ— our â—rienâ—s though they promise us all outwaâ—d Profits and 〈◊〉 yet in very deed they are â—or with us but againsâ— us and so must be accoâ—â—â—ed Where thou Lâ—dgest I will lodâ—e A good Companion saith the Lâ—tine Proverb iâ— proviatiâ—â— I may add also pâ—â— divers riâ— Ruth sâ— be it she may enjoy Naomie's graciâ—â—â— company wiâ—â— be content with any lodging though happily it may be no better than Iacob had Gen. 28. Thy People shall be my People Haman being offended with Mordicai as if it haâ— been lean and weak revenge to spit his spight upoâ— one person hated all the Jews for Mordicai's sake the mad Bear stung with one Bee would neeâ— throw down the whole Hive But clean contrarâ— Naomi had so graciously demeaned her self thâ— Ruth for her sake is fallen in love with all the Jewâ— Farewel Mâ—châ—n farewel Chemosh farewel 〈◊〉 Welcome Israel welcome Canaan welcome Beâ—â—leheâ— all of a suddain she will turn Convert 〈◊〉 will turn Proselite Thy God shall be my God Iehosâ—phat when he joyned wiâ—h Ahaâ— 1 King 〈◊〉 said unto him my People is as thy People 〈◊〉 Hâ—rses are as thy Hâ—â—ses that is he would comâ— with him in a politick League but Ruth goes â—â—â—ther to an unity in Religion Thy God shall be 〈◊〉 God Where thou dyest will I dy Here Ruth supposeth two things that she 〈◊〉 her mother in law should both dye It is appioâ—â— once to dy Secondly That Naomi as the eldest should dy first for according to the ordinary custom of Nature it is the most probable and likely that those that are most stricken in years should first depart this Life Yet I know not whether the Rule or Exceptions be more general and therefore let both Young and Old prepare for Death the first may dy soon but the second cannot live long And there will I be buried Where she supposed two things more first that those that survived her would do her that favour to bury her which is a common courtesie not to be denyed to any It was an Epitaph written upon the Grave of a Beggar Nudas eram vivus mortuus ecce tegor 2 ly She supposeth they would bury her according to her instructions near to her Mother Naomi Observation As
Now Monster now know there 's a God in Israel and as I promised thus I take thy head 'T is done done with the Sword thou threatenedst mine And thus I bear it to the King taking thy Armour as my lawful prize Conclusion Goliah slain the faint Philistines fly Whilst after them pursuing Israel cry And fearfull slaughter rages every where The Sword no Mercy has nor knows to spare Till all or most are slain Then David's sought And to the King in glorious Triumph brought Declaring who it is whilst Honour high Crowns him at last with Rayes of Majesty On David and Goliah SAtan's the great Goliah that so boasts And threats our Israel and defies her Hosts Those smoother stones couragious David took From the soft bosom of the silver brook Are Scriptum ests the Sling that gives them flight Is Faith that makes them fly and fly aright Lord lend me Davids sling and then I know I shall have Davids strength and courage too Give me but skill to pick such stones as these And I will meet Goliah when he please A Dialogue between David and Michal The Argument David advanc'd Saul envies his loud fame And fears his Glories will Eclipse his name Wherefore fair Michal's given a snare to be To him She loves but does not in 't agree For when death hover'd round his threaten'd head She cheats them with an Image in his stead Michal MY Lord I wonder you 'l expose your self at this rate to my Fathers rage Know you not that he seeks your life David Yet God the God of Abraham is able 〈◊〉 defend me from his rage seeing I have done nothinâ— that deserves his hate but in the uprightness of my heart go in and out before him M. Know you not that I was given to you as a snare to sound the secrets of your heart and to pry into your Councils D. I know it my dear Love my happiness and all I prize on this side Heaven but dare not think that such virtue tenderness and innate goodness can be wrought upon to prove a Traytoress to him that can admire nothing but the eternal maker of the glorious Vniverse above her M. I question not your love but sure it is my Father urges me continually to lay open your secrets that he may find occasion against your life but hitherto his threats and promises have proved ineffectual D. And ever will I hope my Ioy. Nay nay I dare not doubt it it were sin once to mistrust your Virtue It shall never sink into my thouâ—hts that Michal will betray her David M. And dare you trust to that consider well what glittering Gems a Prince in Marriage and a Kingdom at command may tempt me â—o consider I 'm a Woman and that all the Sex is â—rail D. All this and all the Splendid Pomp the haughtiest Monarch can bestow I have considered yet cannot once Imagine they can move my Love to entertain so base a thought M. Yet once more what if my Father should threaten me with Death and torture if I disobeyed his lawful will and if he finds me trifle with him rashly put in execution what he threats D. Nor can this make me once imagine my dear happiness that you would give me to his Fury though in this case I 'de willingly meet his fierce wrath when high to save my Love from such a danger There is no Torment so outragious that I would not with a smile embrace look pleasantly on Death and tamely bow my head at your rough Fathers Feet whilst his blood-thirsty Sword cut off my dayes Thank the hand that took my Life for yours and bless the King for such a Favour with my dying breath Mi. Let me embrace my Lord and let him be assured that neither hopes of Glory Threats nor promises shall move me to betray him Rather than I 'll prove false to him I love as Life I 'll undergo whatever witty Horror can invent be for ever banished from my Native Land to live in lonely Desarts and dye comfortless in some dark pathless Wilderness no all I urged waâ— but to try how much you valued me Da. O! you ravish me with too much joy I was before confined and now 't is doubly done no more but to our Chambers where the first fruits of our Love were reaped and there I will tell my Love how much I am transported Mi. I am obedienâ— and with eager Eyeâ— feedding on your manly beauties thus cast the Daughter of a King into your Arms to lead her where you please Conclusion The happy Loâ—ers scarce their Loves repeat When Saul's stern Guards a fierce Alâ—rum beat For David's head they come but Michals Wit Sends thence her Lord and with this Counterfeit Deludes the Captains whereat Saul's enrag'd But by his Daughters feigned Tale's asswag'd A Dialogue between Jonathan and David The Argument The Son of Saul to David does express A Friendship great nor does he prove it less Ion. WWhat fears my Brother David wherefore shuns he me Da. You know my Lord that Men in danger ever dread especially when they suspect the danger near Ion. Why what of danger whence do these affrighting thoughts proceed why is the mighty Warriour thus disturbed Da. Know you not that your Father seeks my Life and are not you â—is darling Son Io. And does my presence create a fear in David Da. Let my Lord pardon when thus low I beg it If I have some doubts that your Commission is to bring me to your Fathers presence Io. Far be that thought from Iesse's valiant Son whom I must chide for wronging me in such A nature O? canst thou once Imagine that an Action so ignoble can e're lurk within my breast Can you suspect the Man whâ—se Soul moves in sweet harmony with yours can be so basely tretcherous as to betray his Friend Da. Forgive me my rash fear my Lord and I 'le not dare to fear again I must confess your love to me has been so great that I condemn my selfe for once so much as harbouring a suspicion that you e're intended to harm me Io. Let this dear kind Embrace sign your free granted Pardon and in Oblivions darkest Land let your hard censures ever rest Da. O boundless Love how can I how shall I deserve it What recompence is David capable to make that in the smallest measure can requite the Heir Apparent to his Fathers Scepter thus low Io. No more this cringing distance but to my Arms I know thy Innocency and will become a shield to save you from my Fathers wrath through me he makes his way to Davids Breast if Fate decree his ruine D. O my dear Lord You make me blush and at the same time to weep for joy to hear what you express such faith such constancy such boundless Love was never known from man to man before Io. Although I know you must succed my Father in his Throne yet will not I for Empire-sake that by succession should descend
and having forsaken you I have not only violated the greatest Obligation I had upon me save that to his divine Majesty but also despised and affronted a goodness like to his whatsoever therefore I have suffered was but the just demerit of my folly and contumacy and whatsoever Sentence you shall pass upon me further I will willingly submit to and here expect my doom from you I condemn my self as no more worthy to be called your Son be pleased to admit me but into the condition of your meanest Servant and I have more than my miscarriages give me reason to hope for Whilst the Son was going on at this rate the Fathers Bowels yearned too earnestly to admit of long Apologies and therefore chuses rather to interrupt him in his Discourse than to adjourn his own Joys or the others comfort and because he thought not sufficient in this case he makes his deeds the Interpreters of his mind commanding his Servants forthwithto bring out the best Robe and put it upon his Son together with a Ring on his hand and Shoes on his feet i. e. in all points to habit him as his Son and as a Son of such a Father by all which he maketh the full demonstration of a perfect Reconciliation and not content herewith to give vent to his Joy that it might not overpower him whilst he confined it to his own bosom and perhaps those also who had shared with him in his sorrows for the loss of a beloved Son might participate also in the joy of his Recovery he goes on bring out also the fatted Calf and kill it and let us eat and be merry for this my Son was dead and is alive again was lost and is found and they began to be merry In the midst of this extraordinary Jollity it happens the elder Son who had always continued in his Duty towards his Father comes out of the Fields where he had been Negotiating his Fathers Affairs and wonders at this the unusual Iubilee And when demanding the occasion they of the Family made him acquainted with the whole matter he takes it ill and interpreting this marvellous transport of joy at his Brothers return to be in derogation from himself as if his Father was too easie and inclinable towards him but severe to himself and unmindful of the long and faithful service he had done him begins to expostulate the matter somewhat warmly with his Father but the good Old Man mildly replyes Son I am very sensible of and set a just value upon the long course of your Obedience and I have it both in my Power and in my will to reward you 'T is true I have not hitherto made such solemn expressions of my Love to you as I have now done upon this Occasion for the case did not require it you as you have been alwayes dutiful to me so you had my House and all I have constantly to accomodate you as you have never rebelled against me so you have never felt the hardships your poorBrother has undergone by his foolishness and as you that have never offended me never could distrust my Favour nor need not such demonstrations of my Reconciliation which this former Guilt and Extravagancies of your now penitent Brother renders necessary in his case so also was I never overwhelmed withGrief for you who were never lost but for as much as we have beyond â—ll â—xpeâ—taâ—â—on received your brother again whom we long â—incâ— dâ—â—paired of and had given up for lost you canno◠〈◊〉 and you must allow me this unusual transport â—or â— say again This your Brother was lost and is found was deaâ— and is alive again An Imagined Discourse between the Prodigal Son and his Father The Argument The Son return'd relates the wretched state He underwent when absent does create A tenderness in his ag'd Sire whose Love On his repentance ne're the less does prove Son ALass dear Sir my disobedience has bin so great that without shame I dare not lift my Eyes to look upon your aged Face without confusion and disordered countenance I cannot hear you speak thus kindly to the man that is unworthy to be called your Son but merits more the name of slave Fa. Come to my Arms my dear dear Child I cannot see you stand thus cringing nor can I permit you this range distance Son The more your kind indulgence showes it self the greater are my wretched Crimes to leave so good a Father leaving him in tears for my departure nay to spend the substance he had gotten on the lewd profane debauches of the flattering world whilst he was sighing for absence Fa. O! Name not what is past but let your future care prevent the like revolt the like extravigance Son I dare not think I am forgiven I am sure I could not well expect forgiveness from the man I had so much offended Fa. All all 's forgiven whilst I sign this pardon with this kiss this kind embrace nay with my aged tears that spring from streams of joy Son Thus low I bend to meet your blessing and will henceforth be circumspect and cautious how I move least I again though unwittingly offend such innate goodness such a tender Father Fa. Arise my Son and may ten thousand blessings and happinesses more than your aged Sire can wish fall all you but tell my Son tell of the strange adventures that befel your absence Son My Father shall be obeyed Then know great Sir that when I left your Mansion in my pompous Gaityes I soon betook my self to places of resort and found the joval crew that courted me to recreate my Fancy with delights made up of Pleasure Riotting and Musick was our recreation for the most though sometimes we dwelt upon a Harlots smile and spent at other times the flying hours in gaming or beholding some vain Pagentary till in the end my stock being gone I soon had lost my gay Companions who studied then to shun me more than they had done to court my Favour when ashamed to return home I wandred as a man forlorn and friendless over many a dewy Plain and through a thousand devious Paths till in the end I met a humane shape though dreadful to behold who seemed to take compassion on me and used many subtil arguments to bring to his lure till in the end I was content to yeild to his desire Imagining what he pretended was real and substantial but having got me in his power he shackled me with Chains and loaden with strong fetters sent me out to feed his swine yet scarce would suffer me to feed upon the Huskâ— nor was Famine all for still my Stripes were as grievous as my wants which lamentable case made me begin to cast about and think from what a happiness I fell bewailing sore my rashness till in the end inspired or prompted by some good Angel I resolved to leave my Hellish Tyrant and throw my self at the Feet of you my Father and to try if
peradventure I might move you to compassionate your wretched Son F. In a blessed hour were your resolves and more happy was the moment when I again receiâ—ed my much beloved Son for whose return loud Instruments of Musick shall proclaim and feasting for his sake last many a day then let us in and order it Son A thousand thanks your now obedient Son if I dare own that name returns resolving for the Future to devote my cheif indeavours to deserve such favour Matth. 25. Vers. 34. 41 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the world Then shall he say also unto them on the left Hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels I Will begin here and speak something of this sentence to the ungodly wherein every word speaks woe and wrath fire and fury death and damnation and every syllable speaks the deepest Sorrow and dreadfulest Sufferings to wicked Pilgrims The Lord Chief Iustice of the whole World the Judge of the Quick and Dead is now as it were in all his Robes and Royalty with millions of glorious Attendants in the G lory of his Father with all his holy Angels set on the Bench. The poor prisoner whose trembling Soul is newly reunited to the loathsome Carcass of his Body is drag'd to the Bar awaiting and expecting some doleful Doom He is lately come from hell to give an account of his Life on earth and to receive his Sentence and loath he is to go back to that place of torments as knowing that the pain of his Body will be a new and grievous addition to his misery when that shall burn in flames as his soul doth already in fury Therefore he pleads Prisoner Lord let me stay herâ— though poor wretch he hath his Hell about him in his accusing affrighting Conscience rather then go to that Dungeon of darkness A sight of thy beautiful Face may possibly abate my Sorrows and thy Presence may mitigate my Sufferings Iudge No saith Christ here is no abiding for thee be gone hence Thou mayst remember when my Presence was thy Torment when thou didst bid me depart from thee choosing my room before my company Now my Absence shall be thy Terror I like thee not so well to have thee 〈◊〉 me Depart I say from me â—risoner Lord If I must undergo so dreadful a doom as to depart from thee the Father of Lights and Fountain of Life yet bless me before I go One good wish of thy Heart one good word of thy Mouth will make me blessed where ever I go Those whom thou blessest are blessed indeed Bless me even me O my Father At this parting grant me thy blessing â—â—dge Sinner be gone and my Curse go along with thee Thou hast many a time despised my Blâ—ssing when it hath been offered to thee though I was made a Curse to purchase it for thee therefore I say depart from me and the Curse of an angry Lord and of a righteous Law accompany thâ—e for ever Depart I say Thou cursed Prisoner Lord if I must go and thy Curse with me send me to some good place where I may find somewhat to refresh me under thy loss and curse It 's misery enough to lose thy presence Good Lord command me to some good place Iudge No Sinner be gone with my Curse to that place which will torture and rack thee with extrâ—mity and universality of pains The time hath been that thou hast wallowed in sensual pleasures now thou must fry in intollerable flames Depart thou cursed into fire Prisoner Ah Lord if I must go with thy Curse and to so woful a place as fire I beseech thee let me not stay there long Alas who can abide devouring flames one moment material fires of man's kindling are terrible but how intollerable are those flames which thy breath like a stream of brimstone hath kindled I beseech thee if I must go to it let me pass swiftly through it and not stay in it Iudge No Sinner depart and my Curse with thee to those extream Torments that admit of no ease and no end where the worm never dieth and the fire never goeth out to the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone for ever Depart thou cursed into everlasting fire Prisoner Lord this is dismal and dreadful indeed to go from thee who art all good and to go to fire which hath in it extremity of all evil and to lose thee and fry in flames for ever ever ever yet Lord if it is thy Will it should be so hear me yet in one desire let me have such society as may mitigaâ—e at leâ—â—â— such as may not aggravate my misery Iudge No Sinner thy Company must be such 〈◊〉 evâ—r as thou didst choose in thy life time 〈◊〉 who was thy Tempter shall be thy Tormentor And they who led thee captive at their will shall be bound with thee in chains of everlasting darkness and faggoted up with thee together for unquenchable fire Such fiery Serpents gnawing Worms stinging Adders poisonous Toads roaring and devouring Lions hideous Monsters frightful Fiends must be thy eternal Companions Depart from me thou cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels But now kind Readers because particulars do â—sually most affect us we may here again at this Geneâ—al Iudgment suppose we here the Iudge crying out with a loud and angry voice saying Bring now â—ll the wicked Prisoners severally to my Bar that so â—hey may all distinctly receive their Sentence â—or those particular sins by which they have most â—ffended my Justice And first Come forth all ye ignorant persons who â—ave not known the Father nor me nor the myâ—eries of salvation Take them Devils bind â—hem hand and foot 2. Come forth all ye slothful and unprofitable persons â—ad not ye talents committed to you for my use and â—â—rvice and what have you done with them did â—ou bury them in the earth or lay them up in a â—apkin what could you lye down and slumber â—hen you had so much work to do could you triâ—â—e â—ray so many hours when time was so precious â—â—d sweet Take them Devils bind them â—and and foot 3. Come forth all ye that have neglected Family 〈◊〉 and never sought after God in your Closets Were 〈◊〉 you creatures and did the law of Creation reâ—ire no worship were not you subjects and shoâ—ld 〈◊〉 you have shewen homage to your Sovereign 〈◊〉 not you live upon God's finding and bounty every day and should not you have ackowledged your dependance did not God bring you into your Family Relations and did he require no duty Did not he threaten to pour out his wrath upon irreligious Families and yet would not you set up Religion in yours Take them Devils bind them hand and foot 4. Come forth all ye Sabbath-breakers you that have spent the
hand which Labours in my Breast C. What means my Lord the King what are his thoughts thus low I beg to be made privy to the intentions of a Monarch H. You are my faithful Counsellor and to your Care and Conduct what your King intends shall be committed all the male infants in suspicious Bethlehem and throughout every Border appertaining to that City are doom'd dead from two years old and under that amongst them him that I suspect may fall so that the madding People who are ever fond of innovation may be retained in their obedience C. 'T is brave though bloody yet the King shall be obeyed before to morrow this time not a Brat shall live beneath the Age you mention no â—ity or remâ—rse shall be of force to stay our Hands to the cries of tender Mothers we will be deaf as Seas and whilst the Younglings sprawl upon our Spears our Hearts shaâ—l be as hard â—s Adamant no lurking holes shall save them from our fuâ—y death death shall be their portion from the tender breasts we will snatch them to untimely Graves H. Your resolution fits my purpose and when put in execution will quickly hush my fears therefore about it strait makeâ— no delay whilst I retire and with impatience expect a full account of your proceedings C. My Speed shall show my willingness in what I undertake Death and Fury now inspire me for the blackest Murthers the bright Lamp of Day ever yet beheld Conclusion The Plot thus laid in practice soon is put The Throats of near six thousand Infants cut By Herods cruel Soldiers whilst the cries Of tender Mothers pierce the weeping Skies But vain the Tyrant seeks the Life of him That wears the glorious starry Diadem For he to Egypt flies but Rachel sore Laments her Sons because they are no more Imagined Discourse between Joseph and Mary upon their returning out of Egypt The Argument The blessed Pair admire Gods Providence And glorifie his great Omnipotence Who murthering Herod struck with fearful Death Briâ—ging them safely to fair Nazareth I. THe cruel Tyrant that late raged in slaughter and dyed deep his hands in blood of Innocents is tumbled in the dust his bold Ambition is sunk beneath the Grave M. In vain he strove to rob us of our only Ioy in vain he plotted to surprise the Life of our dear Son and Lord. I. All that Man does against the great decrees of Heaven is unprosperous no force nor policy can ever prevail against Omnipotence M. 'T is true but yet his murderâ—â—◠〈◊〉 have made some thousands childless I. Although his cruelty by Gods high sufferance extended to the shedding of their blood yet they are happy falling for the sake of him who came to save them from eternal Death and God that can make fruitful barren Wombs can when he pleases give their Parents a supply M. With him 't is true there is nothing impossible therefore how ought men to adore his sacred Name and at an awful distance struck with admiration contemplate his wonders I. They ought indeed with lowest reverence admire and love such boundless goodness nor shall my Tongue ever want praises for the Mercies he has shewed nor will I spare to tell of all his loving kindness M. We will praise him in the Beauty of his Holiness ' and never cease to bow before the Foot-stool of his Throne of Grace and with humility revere his tremendous Majesty I. 'T is fit we should but now Night hasts apace and we must rest our selves awhile and in this hospitable place refresh the blessed Infant the sole carâ— of Heaven M. 'T is indeed convenient that when the Sun risinâ—â—lorious in the East sends forth his Beams to chear thâ— Bosom of the Earth we may reach the much desireâ— Coast of Galilee it not being yet safe for us to go tâ— Bethlehem because the Tyrants Son reigns in Judea Conclusion Thus out of Egypt did God call his Son Whom there â—e sent the Tyrants rage to shuâ— An imagined Discourse between Jarus and his Daughter after her being raised from the dead D. ALass my Father why is it you suffered me to slumber thus unmeasurably F. Slumber my dear Child had not Heavens Favourite been propitious it had been everlasting sleep D. Indeed I could have been contented to have slept on if I thought you 'd not have chid me for my drowsiness for I was much delighted with the pleasant Visions I beheld or Fancy represented F. Vision says my Child Alass they were Visions but must needs be strange ones D. O me I must confess they were something strange for I remember whilst you and my Mother sat weeping by the Bed that a blew mist came o're my Eyes and doz'd my Senses when methoughts a lovely Youth â—lâ—d in a glorious Garb stood by me and with beaming Eyes so dazled me with rayes of Light that I was much amazed But long he pawz'd not e're he snatched me from my bed and with expanded Wings slew swift as I thought through many Regions paved with Stars a shining with glittering Fires where I beheld strange shapes and heard amazing voices when mounting still at last he brought me within sight of a most Glorious Mansion whose out-side shone with such exceeding brightness that I was obliged sometimes to shut mine eyes as not capable of steady gazing At the Gate stood throngs of Glorious Forms in Robes of purest White with Crowns of Gold upon their Heads Palms in their Hands and Golden Harps whereon they play melodious and ravish'd all my Sences with their charming voices seeming in their Songs to express much joy at our approach but being about to enter methought I heard a voice as loud as thund er cry return when on a suddain down I sunk like Lightning and starting at the supposed fall I waked F. And do you fancy then you only slept D. What more since what I saw I wakening find to be a dream the meer representation of a roving Fancy F. Mistake not my dear Daughter for to your Fathers grief your Soul was separated by the hand of Deatâ— from its loved Mansion this beauteous Form in which now streams warm blood was some hours since a cold pale lifeless course D. How was I dead How dead O speak F. Yes Death had snatched thee from me leaving me to mourn for so great a loss and thou hadst been no more had not the mighty Prophet by his word called back thy fleeting Soul D. How can it be that I should be dead but if it be no more pain to dye than what I felt I shall hereafter dread Death less yet say was that the Prophet that stood by me when I waked methought he look'd most lovely F. It was the wonder-working Prophet whose great Miracles astonish all man-kind but since my joy again is full in having my sole comfort by his power restored and rescued from the Grave let us hence and publish the amazing news to our Relations that they
their malicioâ— Rulers knew not against whom they cry'd nor whâ— it was they did P. I dare beleive as much but the sad deed is pâ—â—ecal and all you argue now is vain W. As to retrieve the fact it is but yet the glorious Prophet whom the foolish People think now dead if my Dreams inform me right lives lives Immortal never more to dye P. How lives Then fear strikes me horror chills me and I tremble at what you relate W. It was no common man that in that barbarous manner they have used but one who in his Hands has power of Life and Death A Power invincible not to be subdued by Armies had he not consented to lay down his Life P. Indeed his meekness melted me into Compassion and made me labour to deliver him W. This this was he of whom the Cibils sung in mistick numbers this this was that dear Prince of â—eace that should give Peace to the long warring World P. Then I am guilty of a horrid Crime but now it is â—ast in vain it is to argue it what I have done I in a â—anner was compelled to do therefore the Blood sâ—â—â—ed be on the guilty Nation as the clamorous Rout â—equired â—hilst I go mourn to wash away the Guilt â—f Blood so precious yet so vilely spilt W. And I likewise retire with fear and dread â—o worship him the foolish Iews think dead Zacheus in the Sycamore Tree A Prophet Risen yes a Prophet great Good just and wise if Fame the truth relâ—te â—s is wonder-working power has rais'd in me wondâ—rous longing his loved Face to see â—t still he is incompass'd with such croudâ— â—â—at each huge bulk the happy Object shrouds â—om my low stature yet I heard men say 〈◊〉 was to travel through a narrow way â—ading directly to my house if so 〈◊〉 add a height to what appears so low Upon the Branches of this shading Tree Little Zacheus shâ—ll advanced be So now I`m up and hither flows the croud With shouts with Praises and Hosannahs loud 'T is 't is the Lord now I shall see his Face O that I in his eyes may find some grace How lovâ—ly looks he O! â—ow innocent And now on me his radient eyes are bent Ha see he beckons Iâ—le with speed descend And on the wonder-working Lord attend Conclusion Thus goes the faiâ—hful Man and by command Does entertain the Lord of Sea and Land The King of all the Glâ—â—ious Heavenly Band. Nicodemus his Considerations form'd intâ— a Dialogue between him and the World The Argument By night the Ruler comes resolv'd to hear The sacred Doctrine ' câ—use the Paniâ—k fear He had of misbeleiâ—ing Juda â—w'd Morâ— than the wrath of an incâ—nsed God W. STrange it is you should neglect my motiâ—â— at this rate and pinâ— away with Imaginâ—â—tions of you know not what N. Be sâ—ill lâ—ud 〈◊〉 Fâ—lly sâ—mething witâ— commandâ— me to obey iâ—s diâ—tates and fly witâ— speed the Physitian W. To the phyâ—itian why are you disâ—ase then if so it is suâ—e I have a thousand Cordials give you ease made up of rich ingredientâ— such seldom fail man-kind N. Alâ—ss tâ—â— oft they do and aâ—e at bâ—st but luscious Pâ—isâ—n wâ—ich maâ— be antidoted fâ—r a time but in the eâ—d deâ—trâ—â—s the Patient W. How why sure the Man on whom I have â—â—stowed so many Favours câ—nnot be so much inâ—râ—â—â—ful to reject my kind advice N. Forbeaâ— tâ— trouble mâ— sâ—â—â—e it is noâ— in your â—owâ—r tâ—â—ive me ease a wounded Soâ—l you cannot câ—re but 〈◊〉 make it wâ—rse ◠〈◊〉 â—hat the thing that thuâ— disturâ—s my darling 〈◊〉 iâ— that be alâ— it is 〈◊〉 â—â—ing â—oâ—al fâ—r a day â—r â—â—o but fâ—asting â—our dull Senâ—â—s wiâ—h dâ—light and all your cares â—ill vanish N. In vâ—in you â—rge iâ— therefore uâ—ge no mâ—re frâ—m â—his daâ— I renâ—unce you and yoâ—â— guilâ—â—d vâ—nitiâ—s my 〈◊〉 Treâ—sures or whâ—teâ—â—â— you 〈◊〉 a soli◠〈…〉 hencefoâ—th be no 〈◊〉 tâ—e sâ—llâ—ce of mâ— mind bâ—t Viâ—tue that essential haâ—â—â—nâ—ss shall bâ— my deâ—r comâ—aniâ—n W. And will you then cast off â—our Grandure Gaiâ—y lay by your awful Robes anâ— leave your sumpâ—uous Fare to pine and languish to be fed with â—ears and sighs as those that do forsake me are will you I say fall under sad reproach contempt â—nd scorn N. This and much more I`le do for everlasting Life â—â—r will I argue longer least the happy motion thaâ— disâ—â—ses me to happiness should fail but with sâ—ift feet â—hilst â—arkâ—ess â—antles in the World fly â—o the Foâ—ntain â—f all â—oâ—s W. But thither I will â—ollw thâ—e and pull thâ—e â—ick if possiâ—le 〈…〉 â—our beleiâ— and stâ—ive to blind your Sence That you shall dimly see true Excellence A Memento to Hypocrites or an Imagined Dialogue bâ—tween Ananias and Saphira The Argument The Plot 's contriv'd they would have Heaven and yet Too great a price they would not give for it But purchase at a rate themselves think fit SEe how the crowding Pe ople flow to hear the new sprung Doctrine and bring dayly Gifts to those that teach it A. It is true nor must we be behind hand since we have embracâ—t it S. It is true but if we sell our poor inheritance and part with all the price how shall we afterwards subsist Indeed I 'de willingly partake of the joys the Teachers promise yet methinks I would not be poor for that will râ—nder us contemptible A. Take no care for that we`ll give and yet we will save enough to keep us from contempt S. But how if the fraud should be discovered A. O fear it not what Mâ—rtal can discover it he that bought it knows not ouâ— intention or if he does will never inquire how we bestow the coin S. I dare beleive as much therefore go you and lay a part of it at the great Teachers Feet whilst â— secure the rest and then I will follow for my Benediction A. I 'le do as you advise and hope to be as well accepted as those who part with all they have S. But if you should be asked if what you bring is the total Summ where are you then A. Why thinkest thou he that has devised cannoâ— without a blush affirm it is the whole nor let youâ— assuration be less least we should differ and by thaâ— means be detected S. I 'le warrant you I 'le have my lesson therefore be concerned no further but about it Conclusion Thus is the project laid though all in vain Yet such an one as might deceive meer man But good St. Peter fill'd with holy fire Sees through the thin device and as their hire Gives them to death by whose hard hand they dy That to the holy Ghost durst boldly lâ— A Dialogue between Satan and Simon Magus The Argument The Prince of darkness angry that his power Is baffled by Gods sacred Word a shower Of wrath designs to rain but can't devour S. HOw now my Vice-roy wherefore is it you give ground have not I
And by his word restor'd it without pain Rescued thus from the hands of cruel death Who had already seiz'd upon my breath I live a monument to glorify The Lord of Host whose dwelling is on high And henceforth will not dare offend my God Who in his mercy is to me so good A Dialogue between the Mariners after St. Pauls shipwrack The Argument The Mariner's now safe at land adâ—iâ—e The great Apostle who from Seas dread ire Preserved them safe and Heavens hot darling fire 1 M. O What a Tempest have we scaped how the rough winds assailed from all their quarters our distressed Bark and yet strong she laboured with the waves 2 M. 'T is true the â—laming Skies sent fire upon us in such dreadful sort that every moment I expected we should be a blaze 3 M. 'T is wonderful that none of us should perish in sogreat a danger 1. M. We might have prevented this sad ruine had we taken the good Prisoners word who told us what would come to pass 2 M. Sure he is some Angel that was sent to save for I never thought we could have weathered such a Tempest to have brought our Ship into the Harbour 3 M. He is a Heavenly Man past doubt some man protected by a power divine or else the Viper would have killed him 1 M. Nay â—he wicked Soldiers were about to do it and we should have perished for his blood 2 M. I wonder what he is sent to Caesar for 3 M. They say about his Doctrine If so I doubt not but he will come off for all he speaks is Heavenly and I hear him ever 1 M. Nay of us admire but now night calls us and we must to our apartments and for the future if we get another Vessel I kope our Master will regard him more and give good heed to all he says 2 M. He ought to do it and no doubt when Caesar hears of what has passed he will not frown upon a Man for whose sake Heaven has spared our lives but come for this time let us hence Conclusion Thus far the great Apostle is arriv'd In vain is all his Foes have yet contriv'd To Rome he next proceeds and wins applause In pleading his dear masters sacred cause Strengthning the weak confirming those that stand Converting many and has great command O're Hearts of men till monsterous Nero stir'd By Satans Malice kills him with a Sword On the Infancy of our Saviour HAil blessed Virgin full of Heavenly Grace Blest above all that sprang from humane race Whose Heav'n saluted Womb brought forth in One A blessed Saviour and a blessed Son O! what a ravishment'â— had been to see Thy little Saviour perking on thy Knee To see him nuzzel in thy Virgin-Breast His milk-white Body all unclad undrest To see thy busie Fingers close and wrap His spreading limbs in thy indulgent Lap To see his desp'rate Eyes with childish grace Smiling upon his smiling Mothers face And when his forward strength began to bloom To see him diddle up and down the Room O who would think so sweet a Babe as this Should e're be slain by a false-hearted Kiss Had I a Rag if sure thy body wore it Pardon sweet Babe I think I should adore it Till then O grant this Boon a Boon far-dearer The Weed not being I may adore the wearer On the Young man in the Gospel HOw well our Saviour and the landed Youth Agreed a little while And to say truth Had he had will and power in his hand To keep the Law but as he kept his Land No doubt his Soul had found the sweet fruition Of his own choise desires without petition But he must Sell and Follow or else not Obtain his Heaven O now his Heaven 's too hot He cannot stay he has no business there He 'll rather miss than buy his Heav'n to dear When broth 's too hot for hasty Hounds how they Will lick their sâ—alded lips and sneak away On Peter's Cock THe Cock crow'd once and Peter's careless ear Could hear it but his eye not spend a tear â—he Cock crow'd twice Peter began to creep â—o th' Fire side but Peter could not weep â—he Cock crow'd thrice Our Saviour turn'd about â—nd look on Peter now his tears burst out 'T was not the Cock it was our Saviour's Eye Till he shall give us tears we cannot cry On the Penny HE that endur'd the tyranny of Heat The Morning sorrow and the Mid-day-sweaâ— The Evening toil and burthen of the day Had but his promis'd Penny for his pay Others that loyter'd all the Morning stood I' th' Idle Market whose unpractis'd bloud Scarce felt the warmth of labour nor could show A blush of action had his penny too What Wages can we merit as our own Slaves that are bought with price can challenge none But only Stripes alass if Servants could Do more than bid they do but what they should When man endeavours and when Heav'n engages Himself by Promise they are Gifts not Wages He must expect we must not look t' obtain Because we Run nor do we run in vain Our running shows the effect produces none The Penny 's given alike to every one That works i' th' Vineyard Equal price was shar'd T'unequal Workers therefore no Reward Lord set my hands awork I will not serve For Wages least thou give what I deserve On Ananias THe Land was his the Land was his alone 'T was told and now the money was his own The Power remain'd in the Possessors hand To keep his money or have kept his land But once devoted to the Churches good And then conceal'd it cost his life his blood If those that give may not resume agin Without a Punishment without a Sin What shall become of those whose unjust power Despoils the widowed Temple of her Dower Who takes her profits and instead of giving Encrease to her revenues makes a liviâ—g Upon her ruins growing plump and full Upon her wants being cloathed in her Wooll While she sustains th' extreams of cold and hunger To pamper up the fat Advowson-munger To thrust their Flesh-hooks and their thirsty Pot And only leave her what they value not And whilst her sacred Priests that daily tread Their slighted Corn must beg their early Bâ—ead Or else be forc'd to purchase easie sharâ—â— With that dear priâ—e of their ungranted Prayers Let such turn back their Sacrilegious eyes And see how breathlâ—ss Ananias â—â—es Behold the Wagâ—â— that his sâ—n procures That was a Mole-hiâ—l to these Alâ—s of yours He took it from the Church did but conâ—eal Some parts he gave But your false singers steal Her main Inheritance her own Possession His was but â—are deceipt yours bold Oppression O if no less than the first death was due To him what death d' ye think's prepar'd for you So often as your paâ—per'd eyes shâ—ll look On your Estates think on the Flying-Book There is Newly Published Fifteen extraordinary pleasant and useful Books which