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
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
to me suffer my Love to lessen Da. O! My Lord no more I am confirmed that I am happy in so brave a Friend happy as Man can wish and must make it still the business of my Life to recompence so great a favour Io. All I request is that you would be kind to my Posterity when Heaven incircles your calm 〈◊〉 with the bright Diadem of Israel Da. Whatever my dear Friend can wish I 'le do nor shall there be ought wanting in me to retaliate thâ— kindness of my Io. I ask no more nor will I dare to doubt your Generosity but see the Captains of my Fathers Host approach which urges my departure but â—'re long I 'll find a â—eans to meet my Friend and tell him all my Fathers thoughts Till then ten thousand blessings on your Head Da. All thanks to my Kind Lord and may the God whose Eyes survey the secrets of each Heart shower â—lessings on you and make your Posterity flourish in the Tents of Jacob. Conclusion Ionathan goes to Court and sounds the Heart Of cruel Saul which he does soon impart To David and advises him to â—â—y who after many Ramblings fears to dy By Sauls dread hand and does at Gath remain Till Saul's o'rethrown and by his own Sword slain An Account of Solomon's Concubines with the number of his Wives â—Ne doth seldom begin wickedness at the top Vices have their degrees as well as Virtues 〈◊〉 at first began to grow cool in the worship â—he true God conversations with him were not often nor so pleasing the pleasures of the World 〈◊〉 him the delights of the Court charmed 〈◊〉 actions that are so free soon become evil 〈◊〉 evil ones turn themselves into custom and 〈◊〉 into habit this Child of God saw the Daughters of men these strange Beauties which pricked him by their Novelty he became a man and made of them his Goddesses The Daughters of the Moabites and of the Amorites those of Egypt of Sidon of Idumaea and so many others whereof God had forbidden him any alliance were the Idols of his Heart after they had been the Plague and Poison of his understanding He which had pronounced so many excellent Parables against Love which had so many times advertised Youth that the Lips of an unchast woman distilled honey at the beginning but at the end they gave a portion of Wormwood was taken by the eyes inchained with infinite afâ—fections his Love was pompous his Luxury â— sumptuous he loved as much for glory as for coâ—â—cupiscence he would act the King in his unchastnesâ— as stately as in the Furniture of his Temple 〈◊〉 had about seven hundred Women which were 〈◊〉 Queens and with that three hundred Concubineâ— which is according to the Scripture account a thoâ—â—sand wives which he had shut in the Seraglio for thâ— pleasure of his eyes and of his flesh and of so manâ— loves there is but one Son to be found Rehoboâ—â— void of wisdome and understanding What 〈◊〉 a Prince do among so many delights so many â—â—â—lurements so many charms and so many bewitâ—â—ings A Man is oft-times much hindred by 〈◊〉 troublesome brain of one Woman only What seâ—â—â—ous business could he then set himsef to that 〈◊〉 them multiplyed by hundreds These strange â—â—came each of them with all the inventions of 〈◊〉 Nation for to surprise him there was one 〈◊〉 would gain him to her another that would 〈◊〉 him another that would draw him from one 〈◊〉 another even unto the bottom of Hell It is 〈◊〉 more easie to become a fool with a woman thaâ— make her wise he had endeavour'd perhaps to 〈◊〉 them to his Religion but they perverted 〈◊〉 and drew him to theirs He took their loves and afterwards their behaviours and at last their Superstition Every one of these Women would bring her God into esteem And thought not her self to have any credit in her love if she did not make her false Deity to partake thereof THe great the Wise the Glorious Solomon For whom the Lord of Hosts so much had done By Womans subtiltie's at last beguil'd And with base Idols his great Heart 's defil'd Strange Women tempt the King to go astray To prove Ingrateful daring disobey The God of Iacob whilst with Idols vain Strange Wives his Kingdome he conniving straiâ— Exalting false pretended helpless wood In places sacred where Gods Altar stood â—amn'd Ashtaroth the cursâ—d Zidonians shame â—ilcom the wicked Amorites cheif blame With Chemosh dire by darkest fiends inspir'd â—nd cruel Moloc who mans blood requir'd â—o whos 's dire Orgies horrid Sacrafice â—ith clouds of smoak obscure the blushing Skies â—hilst he well pleas'd beholds the Rites prophane â—or which the Canaanites were sadly slain â—he Heathen Women stupifie his Sence â—nd with base charms drive sacred Wisdom thence â—ven hundred Wives three hundred Concubines 〈◊〉 State maintains who with Philterick Wines â—witch him still and sway him as they pleâ—se â—â—eir lawless Laws a Monarchs reason seize â—hich weakness in him makes Iehovah frown 〈◊〉 raise up Foes to bring his glory down â—hilst all the Tribes but Iuda from his Son â—olt and straiten his Dominion â—â—â—ares it still with those that dare rebel â—â—ainst the mighty God of Israel The disobedient Prophet slain by a Lyon THe foolish Son of Solomon bereft Of Israels Aid no Tribe but Iuda left The bold revolters Ieroboam chose Their King and Captain to subdue their Foes But he damn'd Idols made fix'd bleating Gods In Dan and Bethel to whose cur'st Abodes The mudding People soon a whoring went For whose restraint a Man from God was sent To cry aloud whose voice their Altar rent Pour'd out those Ashes which as relicts vain Of their unhallowed Sacrifice remain Which made the wicked Monarch storm and stretcâ— His Scepter'd hand commanding some to catch The Prophet but the blood it soon forsook And every Joynt was with such numbness struck That all in vain he strugl'd to draw in A Member guilty of so great a sin Till humbly he intreats and is restor'd And kindest Entertainment wou'd afford But that 's rejected and the Prophet flies The guilty City but the hasty Spies Sons to an old deluding Prophet tell What had in Iacobs Heritage befell Who soon o'retakes the loitering Seer and theâ— With feigned tales decoyes him back agen To tast forbidden food but when dismist He meets his Fate and vainly does resist The rending Lyons Death's commission'd paâ—â—s And bloody Fury of his roaring Jaws Slain is he strait but not devour'd so did The Lord whom all but Man obey and dread When soon the news was spread when soon 〈◊〉 known On whom the Execution had been done Nor stays the Man who caus'd his hapless Fate But to a Grave the Carkase does translate Commanding all his Sons when Death possest His Aged Limbs and life flew from his Breast To lay his Bones by his affirming all The Prophet said should suddenly befall A Dialogue between Elijah and the Woman of
soon clad with vile corruption loathsome putrefaction and deserted by his cringing Courtiers who will fly the scent and turn their faces to adore the rising Sun O now too plain I know that all the glories of the world are fading shadows things not worth our smallest care But see the Prophet is return'd and my heart leapeth with joy in expectation of some milder sentence Speak speak most sacred seer is there not yet some hopes of a Reprieve for poor condemned Hezekiah Isa. There is the God of mercy has inclined his Ear to your low supplication your humility has conquer'd his displeasure and melted him into compassion Fifteen years are added unto your days and for a sign of confirmation Heavens glorious Lamp shall Retrogradâ— no less than ten degrees upon the Dial of Ahaz Hez I am confirmed and dare not be so bold as to dispute ought further than the sign he is pleased to seal his mercy with Isa. See then 't is done and now it much concerns you to imploy this large addition to the Glory of the Donor Hez That shall be all my care nor will I dare to displease that God that has shew'd such favour to his worthless Servant as this to snatch him from the Jaws of death and respite his declining body from the Grave Conclusion Thus Hezekiah lives beyond his date And joys to think of his revived fate Walking uprightly till the time expires And then surrenders as grim death requires A Dialogue between Hester and King Ahasuerus The Argument The Captive Hester to a Throne is rais'd And by the great Ahasuerus prais'd Subduing him with Love whose Scepter sway'd All Eastern Nations whom greâ—t Kings obey'd Aha A Happy day unto the beauteous fair welcome thou loveliest of woman-kind welcom my Queen to the soft stretched out Arms of a transported Monarch whom your charms have 〈◊〉 beyond what words can tell Hest. Alâ—â— great Emperor I blush to think that ought in me should be of force to give delight to him whose aweful word commands so many Monarchs yet at the same time must confess a joy surprizing seizes every part that heâ—l vouchsafe thus to esteem his handmaid Aha Amongst the Beauties of the Land there 's none so charming so inchanting fair none so worthy of a glittering Diadem as my beloved Hester nor could so much amazing brightness as beams from her starry eyes shine better than upon her kind Ahasuerus O what transports found my Age when fired by those warm Joys that spread themselves throughout all your parts Hest. It shall be still the care of your obedient Queen to do what best may please her gracious Lord who from a low Estate has daignâ—d to raise her high above the Persian Princesses Aha Thou shalt be still more highly in esteem to you shall bend all Knees Princes shall wait upon your train and whatsoever conduces to the Glory of the greatest Potentate shall be at your command only be pleasing to your admirer and Life and Death shall hang upon your breath Hest. In me great Emperor Obedience still shall shine whatever you command that I can do my readiness in a compliance with my will shall testifie the high esteem I have for him that is sâ—le Monarch of the East Aha O now you charm me more than ever now fresh Joys are strugling in my Breast A passion rises not to be allayed but by the soft inspiring touch of your alluring Beautiâ—s Then let 's my fair my much beloved Queen to our retirement where feeding my insatiate Eyes with many an eager gaze I will tell thee all the secrets of my heart Hest. Lead me my Lord wheree're you please for your sole will is my law Aha Ten thousand blessings on my darling happiness who by this quaint humility makes me more indebted to her Love The Conclusion Whilst thus we haste to Ioy too great to tell To streams of Love that 'bove their banks do swell A Dialogue between Haman and Mordecai The Argument Proud Haman envies Mordecai because He will not bend and break his Nations Laws Yet thinking him too mean a sacrifice He 's not content less Jacobs remnant dies Ham. HOw 's this Will not the stubborn Jew bend to the Favourite of a mighty King To him that next his Monarch sways the Empire of the East to whom Crown'd Heads give way Mord. To man great Sir I dare not bend my knee to God alone that Tribute I must pay to him both heart and knee I bow but to no mortal dare presume it lest I rob him of his honour Ham. Seest thou not how the Servants of great Ahasuerus far above you in the rolls of Honour cringe when I pass by and yet dare you refuse to Grace my state by standing on a nicety waving what is but in it self a Complement know wretched Captain it is not veneration due to powers Divine that I expect but such obeisance as becomes a Monarchs Counsellor the chief among the Princes Mord. 'T is what I cannot give In this case vain is all you urge nor dare I pass such Complements Ham. You dare not nay you will not it is your proud and stubborn nature or a set dâ—sign to cast a stain upon my greatness which may in some measure shroud its luster But by sad experience you shall quickly know whose anger you proâ—oke by your irreverenâ—e such havock such a slaughter shall be made of your stiff-necked Tribe that e're the silver Moon twiâ—e waine her Orb not one shall live in all the Coasts of Media or the Land made fruitful by the Streams of Euphrates The thing is râ—solved and I will about it strait Mord. There is a God that limits your fierce rage that can in the midst of aâ—l your pride bring your ambition low and frustrate all your wicked purposes nor shall the means to move him to compassionate his Captive People be by Mordâ—â—ai neglected Prayers and Fasting shall be rise throughout the scattered Tribes nor must the Queens endeavours want to cross the purposes of this blood-thirsty man whose fall will let him know experimentally there is a God that can correct his insolence Yet must these measures speedily be put in execution to supersede the mischief his dire malice is swelled big with lest innocence should suffer for what is unjustly called a crime in me First then I will haste and let the Queen know his intentions Conclusion Haman his sure obtains it is decreed That all the Captive Jews shou'd quickly bleed For Mordecais neglect the day is set Which causes lamentations loud and great But Counter-plotted is the bloody man And hang'd at last for what himself had done Nor scape his Sons but fall into the snare Their wicked Father boldly durst prepare For those that were not guilty of a crime So let Ambition fall where e're it climb Haman on the Gallows HAman the Son of Amedatha of the Kindred of Agag and the People of Amalek were highly favored by Ahasuerus
will hear no more but Thus become the messenger of your death Thus make a passage for yâ—ur Rebel-Soul Abs. O! I am slain my blood and Abners be â—pon your head that blood thou-hast-so â—â—sely sh sh shed Joab So I have cropt the bold aspiring Rebel in the â—lâ—om of all his glory and given peace to Israel Here â—ake him down and cast him in this deep pit the◠〈◊〉 his Carkass with a pile of massie stones that so 〈◊〉 memory may be forgot Conclusion The Captain slain the battel ceases strait The crooked Trumpets sound a still retreat Then word is sent the King of all that 's done Who full of grief sheds Royal Tâ—ars alone For his slain Son which makes the Conqu'rors steal Into the City and themselves conceal Till Ioabs threats oblige him to descend And comfort that did his life dâ—fend A Dialogue between Solomon and Pharoah's Daughter The Argument Old David dead King Solomon inthron'd Weds Egypts Princess in his â—wn abode Rich are they both in all that men approve But more than usual are they rich in Love Sol. THrice welcom to a Monarchs Arms my lovely Queen whose Eyes inlightened swarthy Egypts face and whose inchanting Beauties charm the heart of Solomon Queen My Lord you cannot love nor yet admiâ—â— me more than blushing I must own though with â— feeling joy my fancy feeds on you Sol. Then are we happy far above â—he reach oâ— Fate and may look down as from some Towerinâ— height and pity those that toil and labour foâ— ought leâ—s than Love Qu. 'T is that indeed my Lord that can best contriâ—butâ— to mans felicity for where it is absent nothiâ—â— but disorder and confusâ—â—n rule Sol. It is true my solace and my dear delight nor has the great establisher of my exalted Thronâ—â—een wanting to add this blessing to the rest 〈◊〉 with paternal care plac'd a Spring of Cordial◠〈◊〉 Essential Love in either breast Qu. A Spring indeed that flows with Nectar and Ambrosial Ioys more than our hearts are capable without overflowing to receive Sol. 'T is such a blessing Princes seldom meet with since their Eyes make not their choice but they are still forced to take their hopes of happiness on trust Qu. Although they are yet the great wise disposer of the worlds affairs so orders it that at first sight their hearts do mostly move in a sweet harâ—ony supplying the defect of tedious Courtship Sol. Then since Heavens Architect the glorious maker of the Universe has ordered all things equal to our wish whaâ— more remains but that with unpolluted Souls â—nd Bodies day â—y day we send up Tribute-praiseâ— and with all humility adore his goodness Qu. You know mâ— Lord what Gâ—ds the sons of Egypt worship I doubt noâ— but you have heard of Isis and Osiris who are dreaded through the Memphian Coast of seven horn'd Nilus hundred pointed plain Sol. With detestation I have heard them named and tremble to think that the Sons of Adam should still bâ— so sensless as to Worship Monsters or at most 〈◊〉 stooks iâ—spir'd bâ— Hellish fâ—eâ—ds Qu Aâ—e they no Gods then Sure it is I have heard thâ—m speak and tell sâ—range things Sol. Yeâ— as the magick â—owers of darkness have inspired Gâ—ds they aâ—e nâ—t but base deluding forms to blind the eaâ—â—e â—ulgar the advice of Egypts Magi. Qu. Who is it then that guâ—rds protects and guides us in our great affairs Sol. The glorious tremâ—â—dous Majesty of Heaven whose name is known in Israel who made the wonders that are every where beheld at whose brightness Angels vall their Faces and in whose hand is all the breath of Life the God who made the World of nothing and whose power shall raise us after dâ—ath and bring us if we trust in him to Mansions of eternal bliss where with Ages numberless we shall rejoyce and joyn in Chorus with the dazling Cherubims and Seraphims to sing hiâ— praise Qu. You tell me wonders such as never entred at my Ears but where does such transcendent excellency dwell What place is capable to shrowd such Majesty Sol. His dwelling is above all lights nor is he circumscribed for though Heavâ—n is his Throne and Earth his Footstool yet the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain him he fills all places and communicates his bounty with a liberal hand to all his Creatures riding when he pleases on the Winds spread Wings and often makes the Deep his Chamber Clouds are his Pavilion and thick darkness is his secret place whilst his bright beaming Eyes behold the abstrusest things and pierce our secret thoughts Q. Wonderful and much amazing is what you relate nor could I er'e beleive that this vast Fabrick could so so many thousand years continue in perpetual Harmony unguided unsustained nor sinks it into my weak Breast â—hat Fate or chance rules all below but that each stand to the Law of over ruling Providence S. Your thoughts were not in vain were it possible that power that sacred essential Divinity would withdraw his care and his conduct by creaâ—ion so on would totter and the warring Elementâ—â—onfound the glorious Fabrick nay Heavens brighâ— Lamps would mix wâ—th Earths Impurity natures â—oncord then would break and all return to a conâ—used Chaos if not quite vanish into nothing when â—t was derived but let us at this time enquirâ— no further into these stupendious secrets but with â—oy and fear adorâ— the Lord of Lords the King of Kings Even Iacobs mighty God by whom through whom in whom all things were made preservâ—d and have continuance Q. My Lord shall be obeyed I 'll wade no furâ—her in these devious deeps but at an awful distance revere that dâ—zling brighâ—ness that essential good who shines so glorious in his creaâ—ures S. Observe what you have said and then expect for ever to be blest but now time calls away we must this moment to the House of high magnificence built to the honour of his Name who shakes Earth and rends the Clouds with Thunder before whose face when wrath goes a consuming fire to burn up Rebel Atheists that disown his power Q. My Lord I gâ—e and from this day shall make it my chief Care to contemplate him and his mighty wonders and next to admire the man I love Conclusion The promise holds not with the feeble Sex For with strange Gods she soon does Iacob vex Causing the Heart of Solomon to stray Where Wisdom dwelt and sometimes lose his way The Iustice and Magnificence of King Solomons Court Bold Adonija's hasty Treason dash't And all his hopes when but in Embrio pashâ— Old David sees his Son anointed King And to the Throne they him no sooner bring But executing his dead Fathers will Ioabs and Shimei's blood his Sword does spill The Harlots case decides wise Solomon And gets renown no sooner was this done But at hiâ— câ—oisâ— Wisdom and Honour stand With Riches more than Avarice can command But the two last as fading things he cast Behind his back
the Pastures His mind in repose and amidst the silencâ— of the Fieldâ— began to take his flight to Heaven Upon which we may now suppose the cruel monstrous TyrantSin setting forth on his first Travels into tâ—eWorld Apollyon following him close at his heâ—ls to see him do his business effectually and to assist him in every enterprize and so it fell out just as he began his Journey Cain and Abel were offering Sacrifices and having intelligence of both their Dispositions he made up to Cain's door and there lay coâ—ching down like a hurtful Beast ready to devour and secretly whispering in to his Ear to spare the best of his substance to enrich himself and also intimated to him that all that he offered to the Lord was lost and would never be rewarded and Faith not being in Cain's House he harkned to this cursed stranger and did accordingly yet he brought his Offering least he should displease his Father Aâ—am who it is thought at that time was high Priest which Office afterwards fell to the First-born in the Family But when Cain saw his Offering was not excepted and his Brothers was this Enemy being near knocked at hâ—s door Cain Who is there Sin Have you Sir any Room for a Traâ—eller Cain What are you Sin A Friend one that loves you dearly and am troubled to â—ee how you are abused and basely dealt with by your younger Brother Can you bear the thoughts that he should be in the favour of his Maker and be the only Darling of his Father and you slighted and contemned in this sort Cain By this I cannot but think thoâ— art indeed a Friend and dost bear good will to me pray come in Aâ—d he presently loâ—g'd him in the best Room he had neither do I read of any opposition made against him by any in the Hâ—â—â—e He had no sooner receiv'd him but immediately by secret inâ—tigatioâ—â— and Instructions from Apollyon who was glad to see him entertain'd he applyâ—ed himself to him after this manner Sin Let this Villain Abâ—l be the object of thy hatreâ— never speak friendly to him more in love but let thy Wrath out against him to the uttermost shall he be accepted what 's he art not thou better thâ—n him He will ere long though thy younger Brother be come thy Lord and Master and Rule â—ver thee and thou shalt be made a meer Underling Cain I am truly of your mind my Father and Mothers Heart I find alreaâ—y iâ— taken fâ—om me and sâ—t upon this caâ—â—ing Supplaâ—ter I hate him asâ—â—â—te a Toaâ— neither can I â—ndure to see him Thuâ— Cain was â—â—ll'd with Wrath and his countenance â—â—ll i. e. he shewed himself sâ—ll of Rage and Disâ—ontent Sin Most Noble Câ—iâ— Heir of the World I have a Business of great Importance to impâ—rt to thee Cain Sir what is it Sin I am a Servant to a mighty Prince whose Power and Kingdom 't is like thou hast not heard of it And he hath a dear and cordial love for thâ—â— and hath sent me to thee with certain instructions to put thee in a way to be rid of this your Canting Brother and I will assure you 't is high time for he is now at Prayer and begins to grow more and more in favour c. Cain I am Glad ro hear this News But which way can the thing â—e done Siâ— Sir you will nevâ—r be at Peace nor have any Ground to conâ—lude your Faâ—hâ—r will makâ— you his Heir or indeed ever râ—gard you untill he be rid out of the World But if this be once done all is your own Cain But how shall I do to get rid of him Sin Why since there is none you can employ secretly to do it do you kill him and then deâ—lare â—e murder'd himself being overcome with â—eâ—anchâ—lly or blown up with Pride and self-â—onâ—â—it upâ—n his late ambitiouâ— thâ—â—ghts in aspiring after Rule and Government Ill warrant you Sir this will hide the Fact and you shall never be discover'd Presently upon this motion Conscience stept in and spoke after this mâ—nnâ—r Conscience Sir do not this evil Deed he is your â—nly Brother and hiâ— Blood will cry for Vengâ—ance Sin What dost do my Cain why dost tâ—ou mâ—ke a 〈◊〉 Cain I am hinâ—â—r'd by a timorous Fâ—llow in my Hâ—â—se whom I know nâ—t some Body I think hath 〈◊〉 hâ—m hither on purpose to be a Plague to me Siâ— Reâ—ard him nâ—t I will undertake to stisâ—e him â—â—d spoil his telling Tales Go call thy Brother sâ—â—th and walk together in the â—ields Be sure â—arâ—y it lovâ—ingly to him lest he mistrust thee and I warraâ—t you he will talk with you about Religion and condemn your way of Worship and though he be your younger Brother yet will undertake to teach thee and if thou wilt be a Fool and suffer it do Cain I will try that so far I am resolv'd to take thy Counsel And immediatly away he went and call'd his Brother forth and they walked together in the Field Cain Brother what a vast Fabrick is here This World in which we are placed is full of great Wonders and excellent Rarieties and all after our Father Adam is dead will be ours all the Riches I mean and Glory thereof and my Heart Brother is wonderfully pleas'd with the thoughts of it I desire no greater Glory nor Happiness though I have heard my Father talk of a Future state beyond the Grave that exceeds all things here below Abel Brother this World and all the Wonders we do behold doth shew sorth the Glory and handy Works of Iehovah our Blessed God and Creator whose we are and whom we should serve for he is a jealous God and executes Righteousness and Justice in the Earth and is a Rewarder of all those who diligently seek him Cain You are a Fool I do not believe there is any Reward for Justice and Righteousness nor Vengeance for Vngodlâ—ness Abel Brother it grieves me to hear you speak after this manner for I have had evidence of his Merâ—y and favourable Acceptance already I am afraid truly you are misled by some Enemy The way you go in Brother is not good Think upon the World to come Cain Wisdom is only with you I see how you are swoln up with Pride and what you aim at leave off your talking of a World to come for I believe none Abel Brother you shew a very wicked naughty and unbelieving Heart I am ashamed to hear your Discourse Some things of this Nature 't is rationally suppos'd they might discourse of And Cain being aâ—reâ—h mov'd to Wrath thereby took the Devils counsel and rose up and murthered him See Reverend Mr. Answorth upon this Matter Thus this Tyrant and Monster prevail'd and in a second attempt over came the Fourth part of the World But see how Sin and the Devil deceiv'd Cain The Murther was soon discovered for lo on a sudden a mighty Cry was heard Vengeance Vengeance God who is
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
in their Mothers Womb they began the intestine Duel But what ever happens Iacob shall be vanquisher for Heaven is on his side and the supplanting of Esau shall rather proceed from the Hand of God than that of Iacob But alas What strife What Victory What â—riumphs When the Crowns we gain are but Roses staind with Blood and Lawrels which wither in a moment and transform themselves into eterâ—all Thorns It is not for this prize Iacob sought in his Mothers Womb but he assaults and supplants Esau for the purchase of Immortal Crowns CHAP. XXII Giveing an account of the Education of Esau and Jacob and the shamefull sale he made of hâ—s Birth-right Gen. 25. The twin-born Brothers are of different minds Jacob loves Cattel Esau pleasure finâ—s In hunting whence returning home be doth Sell his Birth-right to Jacob for Red-â—roath WE need not be over much versed in Physiogâ—omy to foâ—â—tâ—ll what Esau would prove for in hiâ— Birth he gave so many evident â—â—gns as we cannot be ignorant of his future inclinations His Body Hairy like a Bear could not be animated but by the Soul of a Beast Iacob on the contrary had only the qualities of a Dove and his Heart had less Gall than a Lamb. He went scarce ever out of the House and shewed so much simplicity sweetness and moderation as but to see him a Man was constrained to love him Notwithstanding Isaack had more violent inclinations towards his Eldest Son And this Love was only grounded upon Esau's constant custome in bringing him every Day some piece of Venison However it were the Liberty Isaack gave to Esau of running all the day long through Woods and Forrests was the occasion which brought him to his first misfortune For this poor Chaser comming one day weary and Hungry from hunting and meeting with Iacob who had câ—used some Pulse to be sod he intreated him to give him a share of it to which Iacob willingly agreeded upon Condition he would yield up to him his right of Primogeniture Alas â— dye for very huâ—â—er answâ—red Esau what will this Right avail thee after my death if it be so replyed Iacob take an Oath that thou wilt give it me Well in truth then I swear it saith Esau and I acknowledge thee in quality of my Elder Brother whereupon this poor wretch took immediately Bread and Pulse from his Broâ—hers Hand little valueing the loss he had made of the first advantage wherewith God and Nature had â—â—voured him CHAP. XXIII Giveing an Account of the Dexterity of Rebecca to procure for Jacob the blessing of Isaack Gen. 27. Isaack Dim-sighted Jacob takes to be Esau deceiv'd through his minds jealousie Jacob the Blessing gets Esau returnes And markes the Cheat for which he Grieves and Mourns ISaack waxing old amidst many misfortunes insensibly felt the approaches of Death and as if his â—yes abhor'd to serve as witnesses to the disasters of his old age they covered themselves with the Darkness of a lamentable Blindness Amongst these Accidentâ— his Eyes being shut against all the Claritieâ— of Life his Soul went penetrating the shade and Night of the Tomb. He calls Esau and sayes to him with a pittifull Tone Alas my Son I am upon the Brink of my Grave and yet I know not when I shall discend into it This good man feeling his life to extinguish as a Lamp whose Oyl begins to fail â—alled Esau and commanded him to take his Quiver his Bow and Arrows and to go a hunting that 〈◊〉 might bring him something to eat with this promise that at his return he would give him his beâ—ediction before his Death Esau immediatly performing what his Father commanded him Rebecca who heard Isaacks whole discourse made use of her time very seasonably to doâ— what the Spirit of God directed her Ah! how ingenious is vertuâ— and how dexterous is Love when it follows the will of God! who would believe that a Woman durst undertake what Rebecca did Her Artifiâ—es then were innocent and her intentions very just and holy when she disguised Iacob to deceive Isaack and frustrate Esau of the blessing he expected Goe then my Son saith she and make choice amongst our Flocks of the two faâ—test Kids you shall find I will so dress them that I will make them serâ—e for your Fathers repast to the end having fed on them he may bless you before his death But what replyed Iacob Mother you know that my Body is not Hairy like my Brothers I am fearfull then lest my Father touch me and believe I intend to mock him lay on me his malediction But Iacob would never have been so adventurous as to undertake an action which might irritate the gooâ—ness of Isaack if Rebecca had not relieved him in his fear and if she had not made appear to him that her Wiles were very just and her design most innocent Ah! sâ—ith she my Son leave unto me this fear I will preserve thee from this danger thou apprehendest and if any ill chance to happen I wish it may fall on me do then boldly what I shall say unto thee She presently apparelled him in Esau's Garments covered his Neck and Hands with Skins which had some resemblance of his Brothers and gave him such Bread and Meat as she knew would be pleasing to Isaacks tast Iacob presents them unto his Father who hearing his voyce asked if he were Esau he answered that he was his Eldest Son and that having exactly performed all his commands he besought him to eat of the Venison he had prepared for him But what Said Isaack to him how couldst thou take and provide it in so short a time Iacob answers it is God who hath so dispos'd it and made it as it were fall into my Hands If it be so approach my â—on and give me thy Hands that I may toâ—ch them and feel whether thou art my Son Esâ—u or not Iacob obeyed and after Isaaâ—k had touched him he saith unto him surely this is the voice of Iacob I hear but if I be not deceived these are the Hands and Hair of Esau I feel Notwithstanding this doubt Isaack gave his benediction to Iacob and madâ— good cheer of all he had presented to him Imagine whether Rebecca stood not watching to observe all that passed I represent unto my self that she incourag'd Iacob with Gestures and Signs which made up a good part of this action The time must needs seem long unto her out of the fear she might have lest Esau should come in and disturb the â—ourse of Divine providence and the conduct of her prudent designs Gen. 27. At Esau's coming Jacob is dismay'd And to get Favour Gifts before him lay'd Instead of Blows he Jacob Kisseth oft Instead of Wrestling gives Embraces soft Approach my Son saith Isaack and bestow a Kiss 〈◊〉 thy poor Father Presently Iacob leaps on his â—eck embraces him huggs him and layes his eyes â—is lips and mouth on him and then Isaack thus â—leâ—â—eâ— him
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
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
it is good to enjoy the company of the Godly while they are living so it is not amiss if it will stand with convenience to be buried with them after death The old Prophets bones escaped a burâ—ing by being buried with the other Prophets and the Man who was tumbled into the grave of Elisha was revived by the virtue of his Bones And we read in the Acts and Monuments That the body of Peter Martyr's wife was buried in a dunghil but afterwards being taken up in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth it was honourably buried in Oxford in the Grave of one Frideswick a Popish-the-Saint to this end that if Popery which God forbid should over-spread our Kingdom again and if the Papists should go about to untomb Peter Martyrs Wifes Bones they should be puzzled to distinguish betwixt the Womans body and the Reliques of that their Saint so good it is sometimes to be buried with those who some do account pious though perchance in very deed they be not so The Lord do so to me and more also To ascertain Naomi of the seriousness of her intentions herein Ruth backs what formerly she had said with an Oath lined with an execration If ought but Death See here the large extent of a Saints love it lasts till Death and no wonder for it is not founded upon Honour Beauty Wealth or any other sinister respect in the party beloved which is subject to Age or Mutability but only on the Grace and Piety in him which Foundation because it alwayes lasteth the love which is built upon it is also perpetual Part thee and me Death is that which parteth one Friend from another Then the dear Father must part with his dutiful Child then the dutiful Child must forget his dear Father then the kind Husband must leave his constant Wife then the constant Wife must losâ— her kind Husband then the careful Master must be sundred from his industrious Servant then the industrious Servant must be sundred from his careful Master Yet this may be some comfort to those whose Friends death hath taken away that as our Saviour said to his Disciples Yet a little while and â—ou shall not see me and yet a little while and you shall see me again So yet a little while and we shall noâ— see our Friends and yet a little while and we shall see them again in the Kingdom of Heaven for nâ—â— miâ—â—umur sed prâ—mittumur we do not foregoe them but they go before us A Dialogue between Naomi and Ruth Argument Kind Ruth her Husband dead to Naomi Dâ—'s cleave resolving so to live and dy In all adversity she makes a Vow To follow her and her kind Aid allow To prop her Aged years when kindly she Accepts of her dear Daughters company Naomi SEe'st thou not that Orpah thy Sister has left me and is again returned to her People why should'st thou then remain since Heaven's Eternal King has taken to himself Chilion the dear Pledge of your tender Love there live happy since all hopes are vanished that from my aged Womb more Sons should spring Ruth Have I not lived with you these many years even when wall-breaking Famine bared the sun-burnt Fields and Men as well as Beasts by thousands fell to fat the Bosom of our Common Mother Naomi 'T is true you have but then Heavens plenteous hand showred blessings on me then my Husband and my careful Sons drew breath But now Ruth Now why Can you once imagine that want can cause my love to wast no for your own and my dead Chilions sake I 'll love you still and render you â—he Duty that becomes a Daughter in Law Naomi Thy tender years can never undergo the â—ardship that poor wandring Naâ—mi may meet with 〈◊〉 she can be setled in the place where first she â—rew her Breath therefore consider and whilst â—ou are in Moabs borders think of the plenty that â—bounds in your own indulgent Mothers Womb. Ruth I have already cast the business in my Mind and am resolved that Winters chilling Storms nor Summers scorching beat attended with the sharp Contests of poverty and pining want shall never part us Death it self in all his dismal shapes is not of force to shake my fixed determination Naomi You yet are young and have not strugled with Misfortunes nor contended with the world and therefore know not of what force they are consider how belated Naomi in her long Journey must be often forced to make the Ground her Bed and underneath some spreading Tree lie stretched Exposed to all the injuries of weather whilst soft sleep flys from her careful Breast and she with sighs and groans is forced to wound the murmuring Air. Ruth If upon some bleak Mountains top whose covering is Snow and Globes of Solid Ice where Winters lasting Tyranny still Reigns you should be forced 〈◊〉 make your Bed I 'de there repose This Arm should be your Pillow whilst your Daughter your obedieâ—â— Ruth froze to your side Naomi Could you do this Yet think again and well consider that old Age comes fast on me and I shall soon be summoned to the Grave where you being left a stranger in the Land of Israel and far from your Relations meet with much contempt and scorn from the proud Daughters of the Land Then will be the time of your repentance theâ— you 'll blame that ill starr'd day you left your Country and your Friends for the sad company of wretched Naomi Ruth Let that not trouble my dear Adopted Mother for when unfâ—iendly Death with his cold Icy hand shall grasp your Life I 'll mourn much like a Widdow Turtle till in floods of swelling Grief I 'm wasted to Eternity and then our bodies shall not be disjoyned but in 〈◊〉 Grave we 'll lie till our returning Souls shall wake 〈◊〉 drowsie courses and hand in hand we take our way to Heaven Naomi Can there be such constant Faith in Woman O thou glory of our Sex let me embrace thee Thus whilst my poor heart o'reflows with Joy O thou dear recompence of all my toils who makest amends forHusband and for Sons loss may Heavens Favours shour upon your Head and you be blessed in all you undertake Ruth Your kind Expressions are too large a retribution for what I have resolved but see the Morning Dawn salutes the World let 's lose no time but strait begin our Iourney to the wish'd Bethlehem of Juda. Naomi Be it as you have said my only Comfort and blest Solace of my age Conclusion Thus setting forth they unto Bethlehem came Where Naomi desired to change her Name As griev'd at her great loss but in the end Rich Boaz weds Ruth and soon becomes her Friend Ruth Soon grows fruitful and from her does spring The Lineal Rank good David Israels King Dagons Fall before the Ark. The Sins of Israel growing great Gods rage Was bent against his Chosen Heritage Old Ely's Sons polluting holy things And with vile Haâ—ds disdain the
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
that he must Relieve his wants or prove himself unjust Revolving thus he sent a message great To his low House who thinking now his Fate A pace drâ—w on and that his doom was past Came trembling and thus to the King at last Through abrupt stammerings soft speech broke its way O pardon mighty King your slave does pray Nay prostrate on his knees implores that he A guiltlâ—ss Man for others guilt may dy The Smiling Monarch soon perceives his fears And with kind words does quickly hush his cares Commanding Royal Robes o're him be cast And he thenceforth be at his Table plac't Which banish'd Fear and made him joy as fast A Dialogue between David and Bersheba The Argument Bersheba's tempting Beauties snares the King Who strait commands his Servants and they bring Uria's charming Wife whom David wins To sport and add fresh number to his Sins 〈◊〉 WHat would my Lord with me the lowliest of his Handmaids why â—is Honour heaped on me thus unexpectedly to â—ntroduced into the closet of a King 〈◊〉 There is a mighty Cause See at your feet a â—arch bends and wounds the Air with sighs 〈◊〉 O! Rise my Lord for Heavens sake what 〈◊〉 you by this complement 〈◊〉 Thus low to beg a Favour of the fair inchanting 〈◊〉 B. Of me Beg ought of me what can the valiant the Victorious King of Israel request thâ—t is in my power to give when tribuâ—ary Nations heap on him the Riches of the Eastern World and Sceptred Princes pay him Homage D. O! Read my blushes and you 'll know what it is that I petition for or if you understand the Language of my Eyes they 'll tell you plain 't is in your power to ease my labouring restless thoughts B. Alass my Lord I understand you not or if I do I dare not D. How dare not Can so much Beauty so much brightness in whose lovely Face the Graces chose tâ— dwell be cruel when a Scepter is at her feet B. Cruel great Monarch no my nature is too soft to harbour cruelty consider I am a woman D. Yes and the wonder of your Sex the glorious Masterpiece and cheifest boast of Nature who started when she formed you to behold a work so fair and cried a lucky hit B O me You 'll make me bluâ—h to death if thus you flatter your unworthy Hand-Maid D. Such Beauty as adores the lovely Bersheba is not capable of flattery but casts it off as Christal dxâ—â— her stains the utmost praises of the smoothest Tongâ—â— cannot enough describe your rare Perfections O! how 〈◊〉 fair Cheeks the Roses and the Lillys strive for mastery How your bright Eyes more bright than rising Stars â— dart Beams of comfort what Nectre dwells upon thâ—â— ruby Lips inclosing Orient Pearls and what a fragraâ—â— send they forth what curling Amber dangles on your â—ory Shoulders and how those gentle Hills of warâ— Snow expose the happy Vails between Oh! I am â—â—â—vished with a Sight so much transporting Oh! languish and shall soon expire unless you yeild 〈◊〉 Love B. How love my Lord is that the thing 〈◊〉 press your hand-maid for D. Yes Love and an enjoyment of those Beauties I admire grant these and be sole Mistress of a Monarchs Heart B. Alass my Lord know you not I am Vria's Wife D. I do but you was born to be a Queen and this happy Womb designed to be the first aboâ—e of Pâ—inces those Breasts to nourish him who after me must weild the Scepter of Jerusalem B. O speak no more my Lord it never can be D. Yes you shall be adorned with Robes of Majesty and with an awful nod command the Knees of cringing Courtiers B. But would you have me for the trifâ—ng honours that attend on state break my marriage vows sully my Virtue and leave a lasting stain upon my Fathers House D. Uria is my Servant fighting now against the Amorites All shall be done in secret what we do shall not reach his Ears B. Yet if I should dishonour him by giving my self into the arms though of a Monarch how if he should come to know it should I look him in the face or stand the fury of an inraged Husband D. Let not such thoughts disturb my Love my Power and Credit shall protect your Fame what tongue and dâ—â—es move against the darling Favourite of a King Come come thou all composed of transport and delight trifle not with a Monarchs Passion till it quite burn out and in expiring leave him miserable B. 'T is true my Lord. I am your subject and â—ought not to dispute your will but yet methinks â—n this case D. Come come thou beauteous Object of my tâ—oughts 〈◊〉 these vain fears aside and let us retire strait to 〈◊〉 Alcove strewed all with Roses and with fragrant â—essimine shining with Saphiers dazling Diamonds â—nd Rubies overlaid with Gold Imbroidery studded every where with Orient Pearl and wrought by the most curious needle work of Egypt and Palastine a soft recumbancy that can only be sutable to the dazling beauties of my Bersheba B. My Lord I am amazed at what you tell and am unworthy to approach a place so glorious or if I should presume it might set me a longing the oâ—tner to se it than perhaps might be convenient D. O no my Love it can be only graced by your fair Eyes then let us hence and in the midst of transports I 'll relate what you must needs delight to hear B. To your conduct my Lord I recommend my self you are my Sovereign 〈◊〉 I 'll not prove disobedient to what you command D. In this your kind and thus to joys we hast A Queen thou shalt be when some dayes are past Conclusion Bersheba yields and by the King conceives Vria sent for David's Army leaves But will not bâ—d his Wife the crime to hide For which he by the sword of Ammon dy'd When David takes his Love but scarce injoy'd Is she again e're the Infant is destroy'd And Aâ—â—alom agaiâ—st him does rebell In which the Rebel and his Army fell A Dialogue between Amnon and Tamar The Argument Amnon does feign him sick and begs o' th' King That Tamar may Pâ—ovision to him bring Bâ—t 't is a Plâ—t incestuâ—usly to gain His lustful will and his chast Sister stain Am. WHy is it my lovely Sister that 〈◊〉 slight me thus what have I done thâ— you should prove regardless at this rare wherefore neglect you him that loves you as his Life Ta. My Brother it was far from Tamar 's knowledge that you were indisposed the fiâ—st news I received was from the King our Father Am. That 's strange I thought the Son of David could not have been in such disorder but the Court e re now had rung on it Tam. I fear'd indeed you was not well by reason of your absence but â—ad the relation from nonâ— but 〈◊〉 I named But what is the reason all your Sâ—râ—ants aâ—e retired Amn. It was my command because
mourns Though not a Blooâ—y Sâ—crifice as some Vainly believe but spends her dayes to come As a Recluse till Heaven is made her home Psal. 6.2 Have mercy Lord upon me for I am weak O Lord Heal me for my Bones are vexed Soul Jesus Soul Ah! Son of David help Iesus What sinfuâ—â— Crie Implores the Son of David Soul It is I. Jesus Who art thou Soul Oh! a deeply wounded Breast That 's heavie loaden and would sain have rest Jesus I have no Scraps and Dogs must not be fed Like Houshold Children with the Childrens Bread Soul True Lord yet tolerate a hungry whelp To lick your Crumbs O Son of David help Jesus Poor Soul what ail'st thou Soul O I 〈◊〉 I sry I cannot rest I know not where to fly To find some ease I turn'd my blubber'd Face From Man to Man I roll from place to place T' avoid my tortures to obtain relief But still I am dog'd and haunted with my grief My Mid-night torments call the sluggish Light And when the Mornings come they woo the Night Jesus Sir cease thy Tears and speak thy free desires Soul Quench quench my flames and swage these scorching Fires Jesus Caâ—st thou believe my Haâ—d can Curâ— thy Grief Soul Lord I believe Lord help my unbelief Jâ—sus Holâ— forth thy Arm and let my Fingers trâ— Thy Pulse where chiefly doth thy torment lye Soul From Head to Foot it reigns in every part But play 's the self-law'd tyrant in my Heart Jesus Canst thou Digest canst Relish wholsome Food How stands thy tast Soul To nothing that is good All sinfull trash and Earths unsav'ry stuff I can dig'st and relish well enough Jesus Is not thy Blood as cool as hot by turns Soul Cold to what 's good to what is bad iâ— burns Jesus How old 's thy Grief Soul I took 't at the fall With eating Fruit. Jesus T' is Epidemical Thy Blood 's infected and the infection sprung From a bad Liver 't is a Feaver strong And full of Death unless with present speed A vein be opened thou must dye or Bleed Soul O I am faint and spent that Lâ—unce that shall Let forth my Blood le ts forth my life withall My Soul wants Cordialls and has greater need Of Blood I being spent so far to bleed I faint allready if I bleed I dye Jesus T is either thou must bleed Sick Soul or I My blood 's a Cordiall He that sucks my Veins Shall cleanse his own and conquer greater pains Then these Chear up this precious blood of mine Shall cure thy Grief my Heart shall bleed thine Believe and view me with a faithfull Eye Thy Soul shall neither Languish Bleed nor Dye Epigram Canst thou be Sick and such a Doctor by Thou canst not live unless thy Doctor dye Strange kind of Grief that finds no Medicine goâ— To swage her pains but the Physicians Blood Psal. 143 2. Enter not into Judgment with thy Serâ—ant for in thy sight shall no man living â—e justified Iesus Iustice. Sinner â—esus Bring forth the Prisoner Iustice. Iust. Thy commands Are done just Judge See here the Prison'r stands 〈◊〉 What has the Prisoner done Say what is the cause Of this Commandment Iust. He hath broken the Laws Of his too Gracious God conspir'd the death Of that great Majesty that gave him breath And heaps transgression Lord on trangression 〈◊〉 How kâ—ow'st thou this Iust. Ev'n by his own confession His sins are crying and they cried aloud They cried to Heav'n they cried to Heaven for Blood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What say'st thou Sinner Hast thou ought to plead â—hat Sentence shall not pâ—ss Hold up thy head â—nd shew thy Brazen and rebellious face 〈◊〉 Ah me I dare not I 'm to vile and base â—o tread on the Earth much more to lift â—â—ine Eyes to Heav'n I need no other shrift â—han mine own Conscience Lord I must confesse â—m no more then dust and no whit less â—hen my inâ—ictment stiles me Ah! If thou â—â—arch too severe with too severe a Brow â—hat Flesh can stand I have transgressed thy Laws 〈◊〉 merits plead thy vengeance not my cause 〈◊〉 Lord shall I strike the blow Jes. Hold Iustice stay Sinner speak on what hast thou more to say Sinner Vile as I am and of my selfabhor'd I am thy handy-work thy Creature Lord Stampt with thy glorious Image and at first Most like to thee though now a poor accurst Convicted Caitiff and degen'rous Creature Here trembling at thy Bar. Just. Thy faul's the greater Lord shall I strike the blow Jes. Hold Justice stay Speak Sinner Hast thou nothing more to say Sinner Nothing but mercy mercy Lord my state Is miserable poor and desperate I quite renounce my self the World flee From Lord to Iesus from thy self to thee Just. Cease thy vain hopes my angry God has vow'd Abused mercy must have blood for blood Shall I yet strike the blow Jes. Stay Justice hold My Bowels yearn my fainting Blood grows cold To view the trembling Wretch Methinks I spy My Fathers Image in the Pris'ners eye Iust. I cannot hold Jes. Then turn thy Thirsty Bladâ— Into my sides let there the wound be made Chear up dear Soul redeem thy life with mine My Soul shall smart my Heart shall bleed for thine Sinner O groundless deeps O love beyond degree Th' offended dyes to set the offender free Epigram Mercy of mercies he that was my drudge Is now my Advocaâ—e is now my Iudge He suffers pleads and sentences alone Three I adore and yet adore but one Deutrenomy 32.29 O that Men were Wise and that they understood this that they would consider their latter end Flesh. Spirit Flesh. What means my Sisters eye so oft to pass Through the long Entry of the optick Glass Tell me what secret virtue doth invite Thy wrinkled eye to such unknown delight Spirit It helps the sight makes things remote appear In perfect view it draws the Objâ—ct near Flesh. What sense-delighting objects doth thou spye What doth the Glass present before thine eye Spirit I see thy Foe my reconciled Friend Grim Death even standing at the Glasses â—â—d His left hand holds a branch of Palm his right Holds forth a two-edg'd Sword Fle. A proper sight And is this all doth thy prospective please Th' abused fancy with no shapes but these Spirit â—â—es I behold the darkned Sun bereav'â— â—f all his light the battlâ—mâ—nts of Heav'n Shelâ—ring in flames thâ— Angel guarded Son Of Glory on his Tribunall-Throne I see a Brimstone Sea of boyling fire And fâ—inds with knotted whips of flaming Wire Torâ—er'ng poor Souls that kâ—ash their Teeth in vain Aâ—d knâ—w their flame tormentâ—d tongues for pain Look Sister how the queasy-stomack'd Graves Vâ—mit their dead and how the Purple waves Scald their Consumeless Bodies strongly Cursing All Wombs for Bearing and all Paps for Nursing Flesh. Can thy distempâ—r'd fancy take delight In view of Tortures these are shows t' affright Look in this Glass triangular look here Hear