shall I admire and not enjoy so great a Treasure Rachel Alas you see 't is not in my power to yiell my self to your Arms the custome of our Country denies it Iacob Yâ—t 't was for you for you my Love â— labour'd long 〈…〉 Winters Stormy Blast anâ— Summers pâ—â—â—hiâ—g Heat whilst all your Fatherâ— tender Fâ—â—â—ks with care were tended and secured from daâ—ger by my vigilence Rachel 'T is true and for your service my Sister iâ— fallen to your share and you in her made happy Iacob 'T is so she is mine but your deluding Father gave 〈◊〉 to my Bed when I expected tâ— pass the night in transports with my beauteous Rachel for whose sake I now have undertaken 〈◊〉 years service yet to come Rachel Alas must I stay seven year longer thaâ— cruel Father why was I not given at first according you haâ— contracted Iacob Grieve not my beauteous fair since 〈◊〉 your Fathers will but give me leave to loâ— you at that rate the love of you transcending the pleasures Earth afoards will render servitâ—â— delightfull and make short the years of my inâ—â—sant labour Rachel And is your love than more to me than to Sister it cannot surely be Iacob Infinitely more by how much more thy virtues and thy beauties do excell Rachel Yet perhaps when I am yours your mind will alter and I shall be neglâ—cted Iacob Never never thou best of Earthly blessing to you my love shall stand immoved as Mountains firm as Rocks and boundless as the Oâ—ean Rachel Could I believe such constancy in Man I shâ—â—ld esteem the Sex at a high rate Iacob Witness all you shining Lamps of Heaven thâ—t nightly dance your mistick round through the 〈◊〉 Arâ—hes of the Firmameâ—t that my passions shâ—ll ne're diminish but you next the Diâ—tie that I adore shall be Admired and Loved Rachel No more I am confirmed and what I urged 〈◊〉 but to try the coâ—stancy of Heaven befriend Jacob Isaack's Son shâ—ll be the darling of my thoughts â—one else shâ—ll ever sit upon my heart Iacob Blessed Resolve O now I 'm happy above â—he World more Rich than Laâ—an and in lofty exâ—aâ—y transported beyond Expreâ—â—ion Now my dayes will seem but few and Labour will be pleasure â—ince I am assured of Rachels Love But see your Faâ—her comes I must hence to Fiâ—lâ— least the spreadâ—ng flocks shoulâ— wander Take take this dear â—ear Kiâ—s as a firm pledg of my unalterable Love Anâ— for thiâ— time farewell my only Joy Rachel All joy and my bâ—st wishes wait upon the Mâ—n on whom my Happiness depeâ—ds The Conclusion Thus Jacob flying from Stern Esau's Face Finds Comfort prospering in every place God guards his Chosen from the storms of Fate And Raises those bad men Conspire to Hate He gives him Wives and Children Flocks and Herds And saves him from bold Esau's Threatning Swords Through all Calamities he 's safely brought To'h Heavenly Canaan that he long had sought I know not whether the Day were far advanced but in some part of its course where the Sun may be seen I am well assur'd that the Eyes of Rachâ—l did cast sorth a thousand Love Darts and lights into the Soul of Iacob Râ—chel was aâ— Aurora which marcheth before the Sun and instantly these two Planets did that whiâ—h the Sun and Moon could not effect since their Creaâ—ion Iacob kiâ—â—ed Raâ—hel and knowing that she was his Câ—siâ— he began sâ—eâ—tly to cry out and presently hiâ— Eyes shâ—d some 〈◊〉 which expressed the excess of his contâ—ntmâ—â—t Rachâ—l would have done the same if her â—yes haâ— been lâ—nger fixed on Iâ—â—ob but she ran from thencâ— to aâ—vertise her Father that not far from the House she had happily met with one of her Cosen-germanâ— the Son of Isaack and Reâ—ecca Which Laâ—an hearing went to meet and bring him to his Loâ—ging as also to know the cause of his coming Iacob freely declared to him what hâ—d passed to which Laban answered he was very welâ—ome and that he reâ—eived him as his dâ—ar Nâ—phew and as a part of himself But for the râ—st although he had a desire to entertain him as his own Brother yet he must resolve to serve and merit some wayes by his labours Iacob had no mercenary Spirit nor Body trained up to labour Nevertheless of a Master he must become a Servant and learn by Serving others more prudently to Command hereafter He made a contract then with his Uncle and obliged himself to serve him for the space of seven years at the end of which Laban promised to Merry him unto Rachel the youngest but the fairest of his Daughters The â—ldest which was called Lea had a Face of Waâ— which melted through herEyes and rendred her deformed Blare-Eyed but the youngest had so many beauties and attractives as the least of her glances had power enough to render her Mistress of Iacobs affections It was for her sake and for the Love he bore her that he became a Servant Jacobs Love was not of the nature of those petty Devils which possess lascivious Souls it was neither deceitfull nor violent neither indiscreet nor arogant neither irregular nor impious neither variable nor impudent neither capricious nor sporting neither phantastick nor stupid neither remiss nor unworthy of a vertuous Man but sincere moderate prudent humble stayed constant respectfull simple condescending equall provident couragious and such as could be desired in a good Man Iacobs Courtships were most just and holy he lived like an Angel incarnate amidst the flames and arâ—orâ— of a most pure and holy affection he excited himself to patience â—nd labour by the sight and upon the hopes of Rachel and he diâ— like those who running at Rings fix only their Eyes on the prize proposed to them he found also no weariness at the enâ— of his course and saw himself upon the point of enjoying his reward after seven yâ—ars Service which scarce seemed unto him to have lasted so many dayes But what as the Hopes we repose in Men very often deceive us so after the Wedding Night the day discovered unto Iacob the cheats of Laban who instead of Rachel gave him Lea. Never was any man more astonished than Iacob who expected nothing less than such a Metamorphosis He fails not to complain unto Laban of this deceit bâ—t for answer they told him that it was not the custom to marry the younger Daughter before the Elder that if he would yet for one week accomplish this Marriage with Lea Rachel should be given him for his second Wife provided that he would again oblige him to serve for the space of seven years Behold a lively Image in the person of Laban of the deceipts and falsâ—oods of the World which gives Straws for Golâ— Briâ—rs for Roses Counterfeits for true Diamonds Chains for Liveryes Bondage for Rewards and at lâ—st fables errors and lyes which cause us to spend our lives in a detestable blindness Ah! Iacob Iacob serve then not only seven dayes but
judge More like a Dreadfull City then a Bridge And glancing then along the Northern shore That princely Prospect doth Amaze him more For in this Garden Man delighted so That rapt he wish't not if he awak't or no If he beheld a True thing or a Fable Or Earth or Heaâ—'n all more â—hen admirablâ— For such Excess his extasie was small Not having Spirit enough to muse withall He wisht him hundred-fold redoubled Senses The more to tast so rare sweet Excâ—â—lâ—ncies Not knowing whither Nosâ— or Ears or Eyes Smâ—ll heard or saw more Savours Sounds or Dies Immediatly after God resolved to give him a Companion for it was not convenient that Man should be all alone For this end he closed Adam's Eye-lids and charmed his senses by a Heavenly Sleep which thâ— Major part of the Greek Fathers according to thâ— Translation of the Septuagint call an extatick and ravishing repose This man then thus rapt in his Extasy felt not Gods hand which gently and without pain plucked out a Rib whereof he formed the first Woman who was immediatly brought unto Adam to be his Companion and his dear Moity Scarce had Adam cast his Eyes on her but he cryed out Ah these are Bones of my Bones and this Flesâ— was drawn out of my Flesh just as if he had said Come O my Love the dearest portion of my self you shall be from henceforth my Wife and I will be your Husband We will be but one Heart in two Bodies And though â—e have two Souls we will have at least but one Mind and Will Now after this profound and pleasing trance No sooner Adams ravisht Eyes did glance On the rare beauties of his New-come-half But in his Heart he 'gan to leap and laugh Kissing her kindly calling her his Life His Love his Stay his Rest his Weal his Wife His other-self his help him to refresh Bone of his Bone Flesh of his very Flesh. Source of all joyes sweet He-Shee coupled one Thy Sacred Birth I never think upon But ravisht admire how God did then Make two of one and one of two again O Blessed Bone O happy Marriage Which dost the match 'twixt that and us presage O chastest Friendship Whose pure Flames impaâ—t Two Souls in one two Hearts into one Heart Oh Holy knot in Eden instiâ—uted Not in this Earth â—ith Blood and wrongs polluted This done the Lord commands the happy pair With chast embraces to replenish fair Th' unpeopled World that while the World endures Here might succeed their living Portraictures Wives and Husbands learn then from hence a lesson which teacheth you the Laws of Conjugall Love and what powerfull Motives you have to live in Unity and in a most perfect and holy Union Let Man remember that he is the Master but not a Tyrant Let Women also never forget their own extraction and that they were not produced out of the Head as Queens nor out of the Feet as Servants and Slaves but out of the Side and near the Heart to the intent they may spend all the time of their Marriage in a most sweet Intelligence and in a most inviolable society To which Love having given a beginning nothing but Death alone is able or at least ought to Dissolve it But now the Nuptials of Adam and Eve being past nothing remains but the Banquet The Tables are already furnished and they need but choose amongst all the Disâ—es of the World that which shall appear to them the most Delicious They are Masters of all that Flys in the Air of all that Swims in the Water of all that Creeps or Walks on the Earth Bâ—iefly of all Fruits that are in the Terrestiall Paradice they have the choice and amongst all the Trees which God had Planted there hâ— only reserved the use of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil of which he Expresly and upon pain of Death forbids these two guests to gather any Fruit. In this Conjuncture of time the Moon began to assemble her shadows and God finding all his Works perfect entred into his repose with the Seventh Day Adam and Eve enjoy then at present all that their Hearts can desire They possess the Monarchy of the Universe for their Inheritance and Government Their Empire extends over all out-bounds and limits the Winds do not blow but at their pleasure the Rivers and Streams do not Rowl along but at their Command the Birds do not tune their Warblinâ— Notes but to afford them delight In a word they are as it were the Gods of the Terrestiall Paradise and partake in a manner of all the delights which can be tasted in Heaven And now therefore we may suppose Eve thus to bespeke her Husband or better self in the following manner Wherein you have a brief account of what befell them after their Fall viz. 1. Eves first addresses to Adam and her Industry in making a Garment for her Husband Sweet-heart quoth she and then she Kissed him My Love my Life my Bliss my Ioy my Gem My Souls dear Soul take in good part I prithee This pretty Present that I gladly give thee Thanks my dear all quoth Adam then for this And with three Kisses he requites her Kiss Then on he puts his painted Garment new And Peacock-like himself doth often view Looks on his Shadow and in proud amaze Admires the hand that had the art to cause So many several parts to meet in one To fashion thus the quaint Mandilion 2. Adam and Eves Winter Sutes But when the winters kâ—ener breath began To Cristallizâ— the baltick Ocean Our Grand-sire shrinking gan to shake and shiver His Teeth to Chatter and his Beard to quiver Spying therefore a Flock of Muttons coming Whose Freze-clad bodies feel not Winters numing He takes the fairest and he nocks it down Then by good hap finding upâ—n the Down A sharp great Fish-bone which long time before The Roaring flood had cast upon the shore He Cuts the Throat fleyes it and spreads the fell Then dries it pares it and he scrapes it well Then Cloathes his Wife therewith and of such Hides Slops Hats and Doublets for himself provides 3. Their Lodging and first Building A Vaulted Rock a hollow Tree a Cave Were the first Buildings that them shelter gave But finding th' one to be too-moist a hold Th' other too narrow th' other over-cold Like Carpenters within a Wood they choose Sixteen fair Trees that never Leaves do loose Whose equall front in quadran form prospected As if of purpose Nature them erected Their shady bows first bow they tenderly Then enter braid and bind them curiously That one would think that had this Harbor seen 'T had been true Seeling painted-over green 4. At length they get better Habitations Afther this triall better yet to sence Their tender flesh from th' Airy violence Vpon the top of their sit-forked Stems They lay across bare Oken boughs for Beams Then these again with Leavie boughs they load So covering close their
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
had been given him and the artifices he had used to bring them to a Head and to understand whether it were the will of God that Rebecca should be Isaacks Wife Eliezer could not doubt it and Rebecca but too much testified by her silence that her desires consented thereunto Bathuel and Laban were also of this opinion and therefore they were to dispose themselves to the commands of God The promise then of Marriage being given on both sides Eliezer made presents to Rebecca and her Brethren after this there was nothing but Feasts and adieus to the Kindred of this new promise briefly some Dayes must be spent in rendring those duties which Honour and Nature required At last Rebecca took leave of her Mother and Brethren she with Eliezer and his Servants got up upon Camels and they advanced with the best diligence they could to arrive at Aâ—rahams House Isaack who was allwayes in expeâ—tation first received the news of Rebecca's arrival I leave to your thoughts what Ioy what Kisses and what Embraces However it were Rebecca is brought into the same apartment which Sara had wâ—ile she lived and immediately the Marriage of Isaack with Rebecca was accomplished according to the Ordinances of Heaven and the desires of Abraham who after this Marriage took a Wife called Ketura by whom he had six Children who served to carry their Fathers Name and Blood through numerous Generations But here by the way we may suppose Isaack to Salute Rebecca upon her first Arrival after the following manner viz. A Dialogue between Isaack and Rebecca upon their first meeting Isaack Welcome welcome to my happy Arms so made by this Embrace my joy my life my love my better part how Gracious is the God of Abraham in sending Isaack such a treasure Rebecca Alas my Lord you make me blush to see you transported at this rate for one not worthy of Great Abrahams Son some Queen with Kingdoms to her dowâ— had been more suitable than I. Isa. Not all the Queens the Eastern Countries yield cou'd have been half so welcome to my Arms as my dear joy my much loved and much admired Rebecca O thou Phaenix of the World let not so mean a thought enter thy Breast as to conceive thine Isaack can esteâ—m the Glittering honours black Ambition brings or all the Glories that attend on pompeous Majesty comparable to the warm joys of Love that fire his Heart when his Rebecca smiles Reb. Alas Alas I blush to death if you proceed at this rate all I can afford you indeed is Love and that shall ne're be wanting my Arms shall still be open to receive you and my Brest sâ—are your Cares to do your will next his that made us shall be the height of my Endeavours never dareing to dispute what you my Lord Command Isa. This Humility makes thee more lovely in my Eye than beauteous Morn or Earth when decked with her ImbroideredLivery Innameld with ten-thousand different Fragrancys Reb. O you value me at too high a rate and I must make it the future business of my self to deserve such an Esteem Isa. Esteem Why words can ne're express the boundless love my Soul conceives thy Name was pleasant and transporting to my Ravished Ear e're I beheld thy pleasant Face adorned with so much dazling brightness that I scarce conceive my self on Earth So soft so kind so charming and so beauteous a Treasure Sceptered Monarchs would be proud to gain and count themselves in the possessions happyer than to command the Knees of supple Nations when their wastfull Sword had brought the World into subjection Reb. O you overvalue me at such a rate that you 'l make me more indebted to your tender Love than all the Service of my life can pay Isa. My Tongue cannot express thy worth nor tell the Limmits of my Love No more then but le ts to our Bridal Chamber that my Actions may supply my Tongues defect and there transported on thy dear Bosome in soft Murmurs breath my passion forth till thy bless'd Womb grows pregnant with the Issue of our Loves and thou become the soft kind Mother of a hundred Princes Reb. My Lord I 'm all obedience what your will 's my Law as now intirely yours to be disposed of at your pleasure Isa. Then thus we go a Heaven united pair To Reap the joys that past expressions are From our chast Loves let all a pattern take Which must the Sons of Men thrice happy make And be a means to lift their Soulâ— above The World where all is Joy and sacred Love But to proceed amongst all the Children of Abraham Isaack is the Master of the House and Heir to all the possessions of Abraham I leave men to think as they please in what Ocean of delights Abrahams Heart did Swim seeing all the Graces wherewith God had filled him I am astonished why he dyed not a thousand times for Joy at the sight of Isaack and his dear Wife who had no affections but for God for him and for the generall good of his family But Abraham must render unto Nature the ordinary tribute due unto her This happy old Man this Father of all the faithfull this King of Nations this incompareable Patriark having lived like a Pilgrim upon Earth was obliged at lâ—st to arrive at the Haven and to die in the Arms of Isaack and Ishmael who buried him in the saâ—e place where his Wife was intered When Natures health in Abraham was spent Death doth distraine his Life for Adams rent His Sons do leave their Fathers Corps in Grave Vnder an Oak where stands a double Cave CHAP. XXI Giveing an account of the Birth of Jacob and Esau. AT the earnest request of Isaack Heaven was obliged to grant that at last which a long time before God had promised him and in conclusion therefore behold Rebecca great with Child and ready to lye down But as the pleasures of the World are not durable so she quickly feels the approaches of her labour They are no other than pains and throws and her Womb seemed to be a thick Cloud of Thunders and a Field of Battle in which two little Children begin an intestine War against each other which cannot end but by the Destruction of the Mother or the death of her Children However it were she consulted God and God answered her that she bore too Nations in her Womb and that two People should issue forth of her Bowels one of which should Triumph over the other and the Elder be slave unto the Younger And Iacob though the Younger supplanted Esau who was his Elder Brother For this reason Iacob received his name for as his Elder Brother was stiled Esau because his whole Body was covered with rough Hair so Iacob was called Iacob because at the issuing sorth of his Mothers Womb he hâ—ld Esau by the soal of his Foot to testify that he would supplant him Is not this an early beginning to War with each other since
now is heard notâ—ing but wofull Cryes For why the Roaring Billows â—ast amain To sâ—ill the late made Valâ—y wâ—en in vain The Swiftâ—st Horse-man stâ—iâ—es agâ—inst its might In vain they Struglâ— vainlâ— urge their flight The Coâ—quering Waves their Strâ—ngth and Wit confound Plebeans with a Moâ—ark thâ—re are drowâ—d For whom whilâ— Egypt Groâ—ns glad Isra'l Sings And sends up praises to thâ— Kiâ—g of Kings Thâ—ir great D liverer and Glorifie Him in his wonderous Power and Majesty A Dialogue between Samson and Delilah The Argument Samson the strong the bold Philistines dread By a lewd Woman is at last betrayd Dâ—lilah O my Lord you once prosest you loved me dear as your Eyes And that you would lay your Trophies at the feet of her you call'd so oft your joy and your delight but now 't is plain all was but flattry meer dâ—simulating which makes it appear you love me not Samson Why weeps my only happiness sure she cannot doubt my love since 't is in her power to ask and have what ever her kind Soul can form Delilah Still still desembling O you men have alâ— the Arts to make us fancy what is not for if you loved me as you say you would not see my tears thus unprevented when 't is in your power to dry the Eyes of her you have been pleased to call your love your joy your life with a thousand such indearing soft expressions but your former kindness is forgot anâ— now 't is plain that you despise me Samson Despise thee No I love thee even to madnâ—ss would do any thing to hush thy cares use all my force to be revenged on those thâ—t injure thee if any dare be so presumptious Nay lay my life down at your feet But if I 'm ignorâ—nt and know not whence this Storm of grief that Clouds thy beauteous face arises how can I remove it Delilah You may soon guess whence since 't is caused by your unkindness in not daring trust me with the secrets of your Heart if you loved me as you say you would not hide ought from me as if afraid my Breast could not conceal it from the giddy Vulgar Samson What is 't my love wou'd know speak and it shall be told were it the inmost secret my large Breast contains Delilah You know this my meaning I have often asked the question and as often been deluded with pretended truths that proved feigned stories in the end I would know from whence that mighty courage springs that makes you dreadfull to mankind and has so often proved fatal to the Philistines Samson And wherefore would my love know this secret whom God commands me to conceal is 't as you oft attempted to betray me to my Enemies Delilah O my dear Lord how can such suspition sink into your mind that she who doats upon her glorious her redoubted warriour should act so base a paâ—t Samson Was it not once or twice attempted nor can you be ignorant by whom Delilah Pâ—ha 't was but in a way of merriment could you imagine I would have exposed you to the danger you conceived 't was all fancy through desire to see your courage tryed that your renown might rise and shine the brighter by my conduct Samson May I believe this and that nothing else is intended if I might methinks I would not hide the secret on which my life and well dos depend from one who sits so high in my esteem Delilah By this tender kiss and the indearment of all past and future joys I 'll never reveal it if you deal but faithfull with her you are pleased to call your love your Delilah and your delight Samson Methinks I'm loath to tell the mighty secret and yet love charms it from me though I tremble at the thought of trusting it in any Breast but where it has so long been treasured Delilah Still still is it you doubt your dear dear Delilah now now I see you hate me Oh! Samson Nay dry those tears and take the secret though the sad relation prove my ruin My hair my hair in that my strength is confined that shorn no more thy Samson can incounter Armies But in strength is equal to the meanest Philistine Delilah And is this true my Lord. Nay don't deceive her any more that loves you dear as life or any thing that has a name Samson By all that 's good by the Tremendious Majesty that I adore no falshood is in my words Delilah Now I believe thee and am joyed to think that you have so much confidence in Woman but come my love let us retire that with warm kisses and my soft embraces I may make you recompence for such a favour Samson With willingness I fly into thy Arms and in the midst rapture meet thy eager joys The Conclusion He goes and lull'd a sleep's deprived of that The Nations had so often trembled at Rob'd of his strength producing hair his foes In fetters his now weak grown limbs in close Make him their sport till strength returns again When midst a thousand dead himself is slain A Dialogue between Jeptha and his Daughter Daughter Long live my Father and now blessed be Heaven that haâ— made him Triumph over Iacobs Enemies and trod upon the Necks of those that spoiled Israel Father Oh! wretched wretched that I am what have I done And yet my vows are past recall Daughter What means the mighty the Victorious Ieptha to be thus dismayed what trouble can afflict the Conqueror can Pagan Blood shed in so just a cause make him relent Father O no my Daughter my dear comfort and my Ages Sollace But I hâ—ve pass'd my vows in lew of victory to offer to the mighty God who has delivered Israel what er'e I met first appertaining unto me and thou unhappy thou more dearer to me than Life with ill timed Musick art come first to meet thy wretched Father Daughter Great Sir be not dismay'd but boldly keep your vows What Glories greater then to live and dye a Virgin all I ask is time to bewaile my Virginitie and then dispose of me as you have vowed and longer trifle not with Heaven Father Thy Courage O my dear dear Child Inspires my drooping Soul though Tears burst from my Aged Eyes which dry could view whole Nations Tragedies take your freedom while you may and then let Heaven claim it's due nor shâ—ll thy memory be less lasting 〈◊〉 the World not only famous shalt thou be in sacred Story but yearly the Daughters of Israel shall bewaile thee on the Mountains Daughter O speak no more least I offend the Great Creator of the Universe with growing proud to be opprest with such a load of honour Farewell my Father and my Lord till two Months expire and then I 'll with obedience return to be at your dispose Father Tenthousand blâ—ssings waite upon my Darling Love till she return The Conclusion The dayes expir'd the â—eautious Maid returns And 's offered up while grieved Israel
of Love and want to be instructed this distance ill â—ecomes you when a kind a most obligeing lover wooes you to be frolick and complacient Youth Could I but understand your meaning I â—â—ould tell the better how to answer But as yet I 'm igâ—â—rant of your design nor know I what it is you 'd have â—e do Harlot All that I ask is that you would be kind 〈◊〉 Husband is absent and his distance from his haâ—itation gives free scope to love Peace-offerings I â—ave made and by this kiss came out on purpose to find to meet my lovely Youth to lead him to my rich Imbroider'd Bed persumed with Amber and the Civit of Ethiopiâ— strew'd all with Rosâ—s and o'respread with Gessamin Aloes and Cynamon are scatter'd round about it come than my joy le ts loose no time but whilst we may with hasty steps hie thither and upon that soft recumbancy till morning take our fills of Love where midst a thousand transports with kind kisses and low murmurs I 'll relate my passion Youth The words you speak methinks move rapture in me yet I 'm ignorant in the affairs of Love and dreaâ— the combate as not knowing how I must behave my self Harlot How dread why will my joy forsake so soft a list Will he be so fainthearted as to fly a yielding foe who fainting with a passion tho to fierce to be withstood will melt into his Arms whilst he may fâ—eâ—ly riâ—â—e all those joys that lovers meet and the Dame that loveâ— him more than life become his well plâ—aâ—'d Victim Youth Mâ—thinks I'm more and more transported with the word stâ—at â—remâ—ling 〈◊〉 rough thâ— wide Organs of my Ears and reach the 〈◊〉 seaâ—s of life yet something though I undâ—rstand not wâ—ll what 't is checks me Nay bids me forâ—ear and fly the offer you have made Harlot Alas ' â—is Youthfull fear just so was I possest beforâ— I had entâ—red loves delightfull combate long time I hoverd on its Floâ—ry Verges before I entered but being in I surâ—aited without controwl upon the swâ—ets that nearly must in course resemble Heavenly joys thâ—n stiâ—le those conspiring fancies that wou'd roâ— yâ—u of your bliss and caâ—â— your self into my open arms Youth I am convinced ther 's something more thâ—â— words can well express in loves transporting happyness a â—â—ing so generally coveted by man therefore laying 〈◊〉 side all other thoughts I resolutely throw my self inâ—o your kind embraces to be at your dispose Harlot Spoke like a lover and now will we fly with all the Wings of love to my retirement where my joy shall find far more than he with reason could expect There there my Snowy Arms shall twine about him like the clasping Ivy whilst with a declyning head he pants upon my riseing Breasts and rifles all the sweets of love The Conclusion She has prevail'd the Youth she has insnar'd In those dark Nets she for his Soul prepar'd Whilst he pursueing falls deluding joys Amidst his revels his own Soul destroys So to the snare unthinking Birds still flye So goes the Ox where he must surely dye A Dialogue between Jonah and the Mariners The Argument Jonah supposing though in vain to flye From Gods dread presence his all-seeing Eye Takes shiping but the dreadfull Storms prevenâ— His disobedience when a Whale is sent To take him in when cast into the Sea And cast him on the Coast of Niniveh 1 Mariner O what prodigeous storms arise in the dark Aiâ— what tracks of fâ—re appear how loudly roar the fighting Winds and what a hight mount up the brivy Waves whilst black faced terror does disâ—use it self throughout the Ocean no Sun nor Moon appears to cheer us with their light no Star to guide us in our course 2. Mariner 'T is true the danger 's great that the wild Ocean teems with all uncertain 'tis what Wind rough East or West we now must yield uâ—to the Clouds and Skies express the South-winds rage the murmuring Seas the North-winds fury speak not safe nor Shipwrack can we reach the port 1. Mariner See see the glareing lightning seems to set the Waves on Fire whilst Heaven powrs down its cattaracts of Rain no Fire but that in such a Storm could live how are we born by Winds and Seas fell rage up to the trembling Pole and down again to Accharons deep cave 2. Mariner Tâ—at clap of Thunder rent the Main-mast and has born it by the â—oâ—rd the shrouds are rent and now the leaking Vessel sucks the Waves apace â—ll hâ—lp is vain unless the powâ—r that rules the Winds and Seas with speed call back his angry Messengers and still thâ— boistrous Flood 1 Mariner Yet let 's use our utmost skill no hand must now be unimploy'd to save our lives Cast cast the Cargâ— forth lighten the Vessel and perhaps she then may weather the rough Tempest so so my Lads come over with it all 2. Mariner Now this is done the danger is never the â—ess the Maisen is shivered and the Rudders rent the searchingWaves suppliâ—s the weight of what we have cast forth no safety is expected from our lâ—bour for meâ—â—iâ—ks I see grim death stand a dâ—ncing on the angry Billows and each yauning surge expose wide Graves to my amazd sight no hope remains but what we can expect from prayer then with prostration let each call upon his God and seck for sâ—fety from the angry Deitie perhaps he may relent and biâ— the Winds be still Ha see her 's one regardless sâ—oring on the brink of ruin Roâ—se rouse thou drowsy wretch and call upon thy God Ionah Whos 's that disturbs me with loud clamour is 't not night the time that weary mortals should repose 1. Mariner 'T is true but know before many moments pâ—ss we are no more death horrid death is hasting 〈…〉 Lives the Ship is sinking all our skill to Ionah How then is Death so near Oh! now I hear the Storm the fighting Winds and ratling Thunder shivering the swolen Clouds and feel the heaving Ocean toos the labouring Bark 2. Mar. Yes yes too well we hear the like but for whose cause is all this wrath of Skyes sure Angry Heaven wou'd not destroy us unless some mighty Sin gave provocation Come then and let us cast each Man his Lot that we may find who has transgrest 1. Mar. Agreed agreed Ha! on the Stranger it is fallen tell O tell what thou hast done and who thou art Jonah I am a Hebrew that fled from the Face of him that maâ—e the Vniverse who lives for ever and is only God in Heaven and Earth who rouses or makes still the Seas at pleasure 'T is I 't is I that have occasionâ—d all that threatens you no way there is for safety but by casting me into the Swelling Flood 2. Mar. O wonderfull But how shall we then Answer for your Blood Let not the God whom you Aâ—ore impute to us if in this our great necessitie we do a deed we
my dear Prophet Whom the malice of ill-minded so far exposed to danger Daniel Thus low I knâ—el to meet the favoâ—â— great Darius dos vouchsafe his Servant Darius O Rise My Love my Life my Soul and say how look'd your stern assocâ—aâ—es when you first took lodging in the Den. Daniel At first great King they roard aloud in expectation of decending prey as being allmost famisht but having at a distance glar'd on me with firey Eyes they came and couch'd beneath my feet faâ—â—ing and swindging round their Tails so tame that all appearance of their natural fierceness vanish'd suffering me with much delight to stroak them and make pastime with curling Maines nor was I ignorant whose power restraind their rage but as I mused the Den at the top divided and a brightness shone throughout the gloomy place when as a man decended with refreshment for your Servant brought by an Angel from a distant land And the same way he came return'd on which repast haveing well fed I layd me down to slumber till your Royal voice awaked me Darius Amazing yea stupendiously amazing is what you relate nor hence will Darius trust in any God but him that has been able to deliver his much injured Servant to him I will pay my vows and Death shall be his Doom if subject to my Scepter that dares once bend his knee to any other Deity Nor shall the malitious and revengefull men that durst traduce my Daniel scape dire vengeance and not only they but all that appertains to them of their curst race not one shall live the Lyons shall have plenty of their Blood Than come my Faithfull Friend come to the Pallace of thy Monarck whilst I give command for the quick Execution of what ' I decree Daniel Great Sir I 'm all obedient and with joyfull steps thus wait upon my King who has vouchsaf'd to load his Servant with so many favours and next him whom I adore will make it my delight to do his just commands The Conclusion Daniel deliver'd and yet greater made His foes the Murdrous Lyons soon invade Breaking in pieces with resist less force Their feble Bodies and their Souls divorce Whilst a decree is sent through all the Coast That each fall down before the Lord of Host. CHAP. XXVI The Combats of Joseph for defence of his Chastity THe Wife of Potiphar to whom Ioseph was sold by the Ishmaelites made it sufficiently appear when she was so impudent as to attempt the Chastity of her Servant this Female Wolf had only Eyes to gaze on this Lamb all his gestures and motions were artifices to intrap him and she would have willingly preferred the inthrallment of Ioseph before the Command over her Husband All her bonds of Marriage were but Chains which kept her in Captivity and the most just and most holy Laws imposed on her a Yoke which rendred all the duties of fidelity which Wives own unto their Husbands insupportable to her It is a strange thing that we can hardly trust our selves and that the Tongue dare not speak a word or at least if she speaks it is but after she hath pondered all her discourses Wherefore the Eyes are the first solicitours of Evil and then their silence hath an Eloquent voice which is yet not heard but by those that are Confederates It is no wonder then if Ioseph heard not this unchast language when his Mistriss speak to him more from her Eyes than her Mouth This impudent Creature cast a thousand glances on him But the heart of Ioseph was a piece of Marble which could not be pierced all the Flames of this Egyptian Woman fell into a dead Sea and all her lightnings found nothing but water which instantly quenched them We must pass then further and see whether the Mouth peradventure will have more powerfull perswasions than the Eyes This shameless Woman 〈◊〉 so much inraged as to declare her design Courage then Ioseph it is a Woman who assaults and sollicites you she is light be you constant she hath stratagems be you prudent she is bold be you generous she runs fly away she Flatters disdain her she asks refuse her Ioseph what do you say For my part saith he I neither can nor will consent unto a Womans Lascivious desires nor submit unto her will preferring it before that of my Master and I should not be what I am if I forfeited the quâ—lity of a fâ—ithfull Servant and of a Person to whom the honour and remembrance of the favours I have received from him is a thousand times more precious than Life If I have been sold it was only for my Innocency and the chains of my Captivity could never force the constancy an Hebrew ought to have in the way of virtue I am Jacobs Son and my Actions shall never â—ely my Birth I am a Servant I ought to dye for fidelity Yoâ—r Husband trusts me with all his Goods and with all his Wealth which the favour of the King and his own meriâ—s have bâ—stowed on him he reserved only to himself the soly Enjoying you it is not for me then to râ—vish from him what is due by so many titles Command me with Iustice and I will serve you with sincerity perform all that you ought and I will omit no part of my duty to you Keep your self within the Laws of Marriâ—ge and leave me in the duties of my condition I should be ungratefull if I abused the favours of my Master I should be a thief if I stole away his fairest goods and no death could be cruel enough to punish me if I should attempt on that which is more dear to him than life All you flames can find in me but a heart of water and yce and all your eyes cannot inthrall the liberty of my minâ— and your rigors will never molifie a soul on which God hath imprinted his love and fear Know then that I would rather choose to dye free from blame than to live a complice in your disloyalty I prefer my bondage if it be innocent before all unjust Powers and what misfortune soever befall me I shall be too happy if I remain innocent It was in the power of my Brethren to sell my Body but they could not ingage my Soul I may serve without prostituting my self and my glory will ever be illustrious enough if I shall do no dishonourable act and unworthy of my Extraction In fine I adore a God who hath most pure eyes and should all Creatures be blind it satisfies me that he be the witness of my actions I reverence all his decrees and if all the Iudges of â—he World could authorise vice it would comfort me to have a God alwayes armed to punish them How can you wish me then to bring Adultery into your Family and to change your bed which ought to be the Altar of your glory into an infamous Pile No no Madam either leave honour to me with life or take from me my life