holy land And faine would haue since thus thransported hether All sorts and sects associate me thether But all alas woe worth doe me disdaine one my Palmers weed with scorn complaine Vp-brayding me that I sometime of yore Triumphant vertues vestures viuely wore which thogh those lines a prisners pace do walk Which whilom did in Courtly measure stalke To open view now they expose their faults Though like a weakling that on crowches haults The fading flower of those youthfull times Now rest of power bewailes her ruthful crimes And ruminating on a sea of sinne Bewraies without what her betrayes within Then with my Poems plaine wreck't dispence Deuour'd in zeale is oft distrac't in sence Let not the rashnes of demolish't Time Explode my harshnes and vnpolisht rime Nor shun me now though I like lowly Ioh This leprous Corps of sin with raggs enrobe But sit by me read me and turne me o're And with thine vngments gently salue my sore within this Port wee 'le Anchour safe frō rockes Frō swelling billowes rageing gusts shockes Til Thetis Halcion Neptunes storke doth haile Then shall our Gallion spread a loftier saile And frō outragious stormes tempests stand For safe arriuall in the holy land ¶ Idillion in eximii Millitis Leightonis laudem THese dulcid layes which heere thy Muse doth sing sound most melodious to the heauenly King Thy zealous Emulation heere aspires To Parallel thy selfe in Angels quires If such ambition from thy Muse can glide Be more ambitious t' is a heauenly pride Still with this Emulation thee inuest For t' is a habit that becomes thee best And as thy selfe thy selfe dost most controule Seeming afflicted with a wounded soule Know for thy comfort thus Iehouah cries Offer to me a liuing sacrifice Thē these Oblations are more pleasing notes Then flesh of Bulls many thousand goates To him that saith in his Diuine behest Giue me thy heart then shalt thou please me best Better then he who all at once exhausts Chiliads of Hecatombs and Holocausts Nor weigh's he Psalmes composures prickt by art Till first the Psalmists soule be prickt in heart Thē yeeld thy simphonies which best accord With Dauids harmonies that pleas'd the Lord As when the women sung this sweet Idillion Saule slew his 1000. Dauid slew his million Hould on thy course and be assur'd at last Heauens will raise thee some Encomiast That like Apollo's Pean shall disperse The sacred diapason of thy verse In spight of Zeallesse Zoylus all abroad And make proud Momus chaunt his palinode Ed. Cooke ¶ In laudem authoris presentes operis sui Antonii dyat Arm. All euill deedes in darkenes doe delight the perfect good surmoūts the Sun shine bright The cardinall vertues yeald to thē their right Doe vertues lead that are Diuine in sight The former frame to honesty of life The latter are to soules saluation rife The former hath our author lately showne In Goulden verse and matter choycly apt The Latter leading vnto heauenly throwne Will be applauded as the onely that Doth ioyes angelicall and eternall blisse By sweete repenting bring from darke abisse Names do the Nature of the man declare Leighton our authors name from true light floweth To blisse the way to show he doth not spare His name eternal therefore each man knoweth God graunt the soyle where these good seedes do fall may bring forth fruit to rid the soule from thrall ¶ Vnto the troubles and sorrowes of the worthy Knight Sir William Leighton CHrists yoake is sweet see how it workes the Heart with steam's of sigh's with throw's of suppcation Say Well-i am whē griefes Leight-on my part soul's are sublim'd in fire of tribulation No meruaile Marble weepes on gloomy day Since griefe yeeldes Hunny dewes griefe to allay Io. Layfeilde To the Right Worshipfull Sir William Leighton Knight his endeared friend and kinsman concerning his diuine Lamentations EVē as some curious Image wrought in gold is a rich obiect stately to behold And we not only doe the wealth desire But doe asmuch the workmanship admire Yet if it turn'd be to a vse prophane What men did loue as soone they loath the same For all the cost and curious Art bestow'd Is counted base if worship to 't be show'd So stately posey oft is put in vse To sing laciueously her owne abuse And being rich and curious often times Is wrongd with base foule vnchristian rimes Then Poets all this heauenly verse come view Which bringes sweet Art and ripe conceipts to And doth thereby your Poetrie refine And teach it how for to become deuine you A second Dauid here soules health doth sing And thereby honor doth to Poets bring Here is no forged tale of loue or lust To sot the simple and deceiue the most No ticeing baud or foule abusing scoule No Art of loue but Phisicke for thy soule He that the Cardnall vertues late did bring For to vse conference with our mightie King Now likewise bringes a liuely verse to winne Faith vnto all that all may hate their sinne The flintie eye this worthy Knight doth moue To shed salt teares fore-wronging him aboue And as himselfe so is his verse likewise Most Deuine Noble Ciuill good and wise Then let no blasting tongue abuse the tree That beareth fruite to saue thy soule thee Ar. Hopton MVsicke is then Diuine and not but then when words notes in aptnes do concord Composed so by zealous cunning men as words notes both praise the heauenly Lord Such Musique is Diuine none but such be conceit cunning ne'reso much And such is worthy Leightons true intention whose heauēbred Muse Musiqu do conspire Both to Demonstrate his Diuine inuention and to Illustrate his most iust desire Oh let not then his patterne be neglected who hath Gods praise by Notes to him directed Luke Iones I Inlaudem Authoris THis is the second time thou hast appear'd in publick print wel willing worthy knight First thy Tryumphant vertue highly rear'd thy fame aboue our Moderne Poets flight For why those lines in serious wise I write do with such generall learning richly shine As if some blessed or Caelesticall spright possessed had that heart and soule of thine But in this second worke much more Diuiue thy Lamentations woefully cōposed thou dost thy thoughts in such low verse combine as wondrous skill thou hast in thē disclosed That mē may see thou canst write high or low in both so well as none thy worth can show Iohn Lepton THE TEARES OR LAMENTAtions of a Sorrowfull Soule A prayer vnto Almightie God to preuent prepare and dispose our hearts rightly vnto prayer Lord teach me how to pray Luke 11. 1. Verse O Louing God and Father deere I humbly thee beseech pray For Iesus sake my prayers heare and harken what my soule shall say My heart thoughts Lord sanctifie thine holy spirit inspire within mee Mee from corruptions mundifie and let thy louing mercies win me Oh let me
In that thou hast this day now past me strongly guarded with thy handes With loue refresh't me first and last with mercies more thē sea shore sandes That hast me brought to this daies end blacke night darknes drawing neere Wherein all creatures rest attend and lay them downe t'il day appeare I finding my debilitie poore creature run to thee Diuine Oh strengt'h mine imbecilitie and ayde this soule and body mine Thou hast me made of matter grosse and brittle substance out of clay Which still is subiect to the crosse a tennis ball for worldlings play He wanting comfort cannot liue after great sorrow and much griefe Therefore I doe my body giue and soule to thee Lord graunt reliefe O Lord I doe thee humbly pray as thou art fountaine of all rest Be thou my succour helpe and Stay let me by thee this night be blest Consider me in my weaknes and let thy carefull eies behold My miseries and my distresse to cry for mercy make me bold And since t' is time that night now brings of bodies rest quiet sleep Oh shadow me vnder thy wings let thy protection safe me keepe Looke ouer me with watchfull eies when this corrupted flesh of mine In flumbering sleepe and dulnes lies depriu'd of sence with closed eyne Vnnable my poore selfe to saue from dangers of the darksome night Keepe me my bedd else is my graue and I shall neuer see the light Lord thou that onely mak'st me dwell and in sure saftie to abide Thou watchest ouer Israell watch ouer me be by my side Thou art my Castle and my fort my Sword my Buckler defence My Rocke my Refuge Comfort saue me from force and violence Alasse without thee what am I a beast that rightly nothing knowes A senceles block a sillie flie that no good doe nor no good showes Thy louing fauour Lord extend ouer the house wherein I rest My bed with Angels Lord defend my spr'it by thy spr'it be possest Oh lie me downe in rest and peace in rest and peace O let me rise In rest and peace O giue some ease from torments troubles teares cries Let not the sleights of sinne deceaue nor wicked practize ouertake me Let nothing me of hope bereaue Oh doe not thou though all forsake me Lord I am poore Oh make me rich with those great riches of thy blessing My soule my soule is blacke as pitch let pardon follow my consessing In hope of this I lie me downe depending on thy prouidence I care not if the world doe frowne for I am safe by thy defence Lord let it be for I am thine my rest make sweete comfortable To thee I doe my selfe resigne lord graunt all this for thou art able FINIS ¶ A Nosegay gathered in the holy Paradice ALmighty God which hast me brought in saftie to this present day Keepe me from sinne in hart thought and teach me what to doe and say Prosper me Lord in all my workes helpe me with thy continuall grace Keepe me from Sathan vilde that lurkes to trappe my soule in euery place Almightie Lord and God ofloue direct mine heart and guide my waies Amend my misse my minde remoue from all that from thy glorie straies Thou that of wisdome art true sprung and fountaine of felicitie Let mercie meere my prayers bring by faith in me to sight of thee Thou which art Author of all peace and the true louer of concord Keepe me from foes that neuer cease to take my life from me O Lord. Thy seruice is most perfect free to know thee t' is eternall life Reach out thy helping hand to me against my foes that gain'st me striue O God from whom all good desires from whō all iust workes doe proceed Whose counsells wise all men admires assist me in the time of neede O Lord whose power and qualitie is sinners trespasse to forget Being ti'de and bound with chaines loose me of sinne for pittie I intreate Assist me in this mortall age what chaunge or chaunce so e're befall From Sathan sinne and enimies rage Lord still defend me from them all Almightie God which giuest vs grace now in thy name to pray to thee And promiseft in any place when Ioynes together two or three Tho'wilt giue graunt what they request now lord doe the desires fulfill Of vs thy seruants as seemes best and most expedient to thy will In this world knowledge vs granting of thy pure truth and sanctitie And after death let our newe being belife with thee eternally O God that noe time do'st despise the sighing of a contrite heart Nor the desires of sinners cries in troubles anguish griefe and smart Assist our prayers in distresse and gratiously vouchsafe to heare When sudden euills vs oppresse and subtill craft of foes vs feare Let thē oh Lord be brought to nought and by thy goodnes scattered bee That so to vs noe heart be brought we may giue thankes praise to thee Oh God of mercie wee thee pray to looke on our infirmities And all those euils turne away which we deserue continually Graunt that in troubles and sickenes we put our trust hope in thee And serue thee in true holines of life and praise thy deitie Through Christ the only Aduocate and mightie Lord of all mankinde To worke Gods loue frō wrath hate towards his elect to be most kinde Oh God to whom all hearts are seene and hid desires are plainely knowne My life reforme minde make cleane my spr'it inspire to be thine owne That I may loue thee perfectly and magnifie thy holy name Through Christ my Sauiour worthely and all the world confesse the same Lighten my darknes Lord I pray thee from this nights dangers me defend Let not flesh world nor diuell dismay me keepe me both to and in the end Thy mightie hand arme protect me thy mercy in Christ be my saluation Lord euer let thy word direct me and thy spr'it giue me consolation The peace of God which far exceedes all vnderstanding of mans wit Preserue my soule from wicked deedes and guide mine heart to doe what 's fit Finis ¶ A particuler confession of a sorrowfull sinner MOst mightie and al-knowing Lord true spring of consolation I doe confesse with heart and word thou art my preseruation I haue offended grieuously by my transgression don gain'st thee And haue drawne down a weight on me of thy great Iudgements wilfully Vnder which burden cannot I but faint and fall in wofull sort Vnlesse thy hand and thy mercy through Iesus Christ doe me support Thou know'st good father I am weake and cannot beare thine heauie ire Not knowing what to doe or speake or how to saue mee from this fire Vnlesse thou poynt mee out the way with thy wise spr'it me directing Vnto the deuill I am made a pray were not thy power me protecting Not euery one that heares thy word
Gods workes haue none enormitie We are the workes deformitie all 's good that doth from God proceede He tempt'h to try not ouerthrow vs Yet needes not try for he doth know vs. but t' is that we our selues should know From him all 's good from vs all 's ill He makes all good wee all doe spill our selues our selues doe ouerthrow In punishments that t 'vs are ill What he doth doe he doth it still hee 's one the same and that same one Not doing ought but by not doing In him t' is good to good ensewing hee 'le see if we can stand alone Gods grace is not difficient Sinne hath not cause ifficient and thee to sinne God doth not make Suggestions by the deuill are sent And there vnto man giues consent why should not God that man forsake Our conscience is sent as a spiall Our punishments sent as a triall and oft times plagues sent as a curse God neuer was to vs a debter If all be sau'd hee 's neuer better if all be damn'd hee 's nere the worse God made all good that all good can Then looke into thy bosome man an Ambuscado there there doth lie Of hideous sinnes by good omitting And monstrous sinnes by ill committing t' is there plac't by mans enemy ¶ A comfor able Himne for the Children of God SAluation doth to God belong He blesseth all both old and young that are his chosen and elect He doth defend his Children all That are in danger griefe and thrall by his good meanes and kinde respect He hath meanes all sufficient And power all perills to preuent to those with thankes doe euer pray What comfort helpe or good soeuer Wee finde from him let vs parseuer and magnifie him night and day Let vs with humble hearts confesse His mercies loue and great kindenesse with heauenly himnes to God aboue With mirth and ioy sing euery one God heard our soules petition and sent his sonne to show his loue The Lord receaues and heares our prayer Hee heares and helpes vs in dispaire be glad my soule in him reioyce Oh spread abroad his holy fame With songes Melodious lawd his name with heart with minde with tongue voice O thou most high God art not prais'd Vnlesse from heart that praise be rais'd who onely knowst our thoughts and minde The glory all must be thine owne By prayers thy powers are euer showne to those by faith thou iust dost finde O hallowed be Gods holy name Who Heauens made and world did frame and man like to his Image pure He all his other Creatures blest Fish Cattle Foule and all the rest to comfort man while times indure FINIS A prayer against temptations especially fit for a man that findeth in himselfe a continuall Inclination to any particuler sinne OH gratious and most louing God who in beginning did'st Create Man to thy shape and image good and likenesse in most pure estate And did'st him place in holy place the garden sweete with all delight With mercies and abonnding grace dect heauenly with earthly sightes And did'st thy Creatures all ordaine in heauen and earth man for to serue Oh what was man that he should gaine Gods great respect him to preserue Yet Lord how soone he fell away from thee and from originall grace How gresly did he disobay thy secret will before thy face Which thou to him did'st then reueale by whose fall all corruption grew And sinne shut out true godly zeale and earthes corruptions did insue And all things in the earth began to disobay him instantly By God made good to comfort man who hated him forsaking thee By his transgression these proceedes of his pollutions Lyneall Haue all defild their waies and deedes and all men tainted by his fall Which first offence bred infinit sinnes in corruptions of mans nature As I my selfe both day and night doe feele know most wretched Creature Which I confesse oh Father deare to whom this chiefe offence was done How Sathans workes in me appeare who hourely into euills run Which are most vilde most meane base doe iudge my selfe of all the worst When I behold my wicked case considering how I am accurst I that confesse I cannot hide how most to sinne I am inclin'd Knowne vnto thee my God and guide who see'st the secrets of my minde Much more the deeds which I commit of darknes seene to thee aboue To whose bright eyes both darke and light at seasons all doe seeme as one And therefore find'st out all my sinne in thought in action or intent Though by each sinne death did begin yet thou do'st promise those repent That they shall be forgiuen all within which number Lord make me Who seest my sinnes for mercy call that raignes in me continually And as hit were commaund me goe drawne there vnto by violence By Sathan vilde our deadly foe that neuer ceaseth ill pretence Who workes in me corruptions corruptions more pollutions breeds Which draweth mine affections which minde inclines to wicked deeds And chiefely to that odious sinne which makes me weake for to fullfill Thy lawes and precepts iust wherein thou vs commaund'st to doe thy will Yet strong and apt for to effect those thinges forbidden by thy lawes Therefore to kill Lord sinnes conflict remoue from me the wicked cause Especially this hedious crime that hanges and stickes so fast on mee That hit doe raigne no longer time which feele it loathsome vnto me A heauy burthen to my soule which I cannot shake off at all By mine owne power or strength controule but by Gods workes parpetuall Who worketh all repentance true therefore Lord make me penitent With contrite heart my spirit renew let loathsome sinnes thy grace preuent For thou Lord seest I doe commit sinnes as hit were against my will Giue me therefore power strength and wit corrupt affections all to kill The thoughts whereof we vex and grieue and heapes of feare my soule possesse Dispaire Attemptes hopes to depriue me to deuour in all distresse FINIS ¶ An exhortation to praise God and to acknowledge our thankesgiuing to him without ceasing WE praise thee God we knowledge thee Our onely Lord and Christ to bee the earth and world doe worship thee Eternall father Heauenly King To whom aloud bright Angells sing the thrones and powers thee magnifie The Cherubins and Seraphin To cry to thee doe neuer linne holy holy most holy Lord Of Saboth God of Maiestie Heauens full and earth of thy glory all Nations laud thy name and word The glorious postles company The goodly prophets Vnitie the holy Marters noble army The holy Church the world through out Doth spread the Gospell all about the Father of true pietie Thy sacred true and onely sonne The Holy Ghost vs comfort wonne thou art of glory King oh Christ Thou art the euelasting sonne Of God whose blessed will was donne in the all people to deliuer Thou did'st not then the Virgins wombe Abhorre nor loath that sacred Tombe till thou wast borne
whō God sent hether When thou the serpents head had'st broken The heauens Kingdomes gate set'st open for true belieuers to come thether Thou sit'st on Gods right holy hand Thy fathers will dost vnderstand whence thou shalt come our iudge to be Wee therefore thy poore seruants pray Thy sucker ayde and helpe that day whose pretious Bloud redeem'd vs free Let them with saints be numbered In endles glory comforted thy people Lord keepe saue and stay Blesse saue thine owne inheritage Lift vp their hearts from age to age we magnifie thee day by day Wee worship thee world without end This day from sinne Lord vs defend haue mercy mercy on vs Lord Lord let thy mercy on vs light Our trust is on thee day and night we trust in thee with one accord O Lord I put my trust in thee Let neuer me confounded bee all glory to the Trinitie To God the Father and the sonne And Holy Ghost all praise be done for euer and euer eternally FINIS ⧠Adams fall INiurious Adam in thy selfe accurst cease to cōplaine of God natures thrall Since he that made man good left him at first a power to stand and yet a will to fall fetch not thy fault frō heauens determinatiō but blame thy mind to weake insufficient Sinne is no being but a meere priuation and hath no cause efficient but deficient For such is his respect that all things moueth that all thinges hold there motion condition Error he neyther liketh nor approueth but suffreth onely by a iust permission Soe hast thou Adam in thy wish rebelling Thy faults not fates nor ought there else compelling FINIS The Table 1 A Prayer vnto Almighty God to preuent prepare and dispose our hearts rightly vnto prayer fol. 1. 2. 2 A generall confession of sinnes fol. 3. 3 A Morning Meditation fol. 4. 5. 6 7. 8. 4 An Euening Meditation fol. 9. 10. 11. 12. 5 A Nosegay gathered in the holy Paradice fol. 13. 14. 15. 16. 6 A particuler confession of a sorrowfull sinner fol 17. 18. 19. 20. 7 An heauenly Hymne touching the natiuitie of our Lord Sauiour Iesus Christ. fol. 21. 22 8 A prayer in sicknes fol. 22. 23. 24. 25. 9 Precepts of duties fol. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 10 An inuocation to God humbly praying for remission of sinne fol. 31. 32. 33. 34. 11 A Godly Meditation wherein the distressed sheweth that he is vnfeinedly grieued that he hath offended God fol. 35. 36 37. 12 The second part of the same Meditation fol. 38. 39. 40. 13 A prayer wherein the distressed humbly confesseth his sinnes c. fol. 41. 42. 14 The repentant complaineth of his horred and grieuous sinnes c. fol. 43 44. 15 The repentant flyeth vnto the mercies of God in Christ c. fol. 44. 45. 46. 16 The poore Suppliant visited with great sicknes c. fol. 47. 48. 17 A feruent prayer vnto God that the repentant may find fauour in Christ c. fol. 49 50 18 The 1. 2. 3. and 4. parts of the first Lamentation in distres fol. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 19 The 1. 2. 3. and 4. parts of the second Lamentation in distresse fol. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 20 A thankesgiuing to God with magnifiing of his holy name c. fol. 70 21 The 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. and 7. Lamentation in distresse fol. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 22 The 1. 2. 3. 4. and 5. parts of the 8. Lamentation in distresse fol. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 23 The 1. 2. 3 4. and 5. parts of the 9. Lamentation in distresse fol. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 24 A Petition to God the Father fol. 118. 25 Another to God the Sonne fol. 119. 26 Another to God the holy Ghost fol. 119. 120 27 Diuers consolations shewing that the life and time of affliction is short fol. 120. 121. 28. Of death fol. 122. 123. 124. 125. 29 The cause of death fol. 125. 126. 30 Death of 2. sorts fol. 126. 127. 128. 31 Although the body dye yet they shall liue fol. 129. 130. 32 The death of the Godly is but a sleepe fol. 131. 33 To whom those that die ought to commit their spirit fol. 132. 34 How the body is buried but shal be raised vp againe at the last day fol. 133. 35 Remedies to be learned in the suffrings of Christ c. fol. 134. 135. 36 An exhortation to forgiue one another c. fol. 136. 137. 138. 37 Diuers consolations shewing that the life and time of affliction is short fol. 139. 140 38 A consolation for them that suffer for their offences fol. 141. 142. 39 A disputation betweene the Diuell and vs fol. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 40 How the poore and distressed soule being loaden with the burthen of sinne feruently prayeth c. fol. 151. 152. 41 Seauen Psalmes of repentance commonly called Penitenciall Psalmes fol. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 42 A Mistery to be noted of all those that are parting out of this life fol. 166. 167 168 43 Certaine short Meditations or Iaculatorie prayers c. fol. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 44 A prayer for a good conscience a prayer against temptations fol. 181 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 45 An exhortation to praise God fol. 187. 188 46 Adams fall fol. 189. FINIS Psa. 51. 2. Luke 51. 9. Mat. 7. 7. 21. 22. 11. 24. Iohn 14. 13 I am 1. 5. 4 Mat. 6. 13 Luke 11. 4 22. 4. 1. Peet 5. 5. 8. Iohn 3. 5. 6. 7. Eph. 5. 16. Collo 4. 5. Iohn 20. 27. 28. Iam. 5. 16. 17. Eph. 2. 8. 9. Iohn 1. 17 Mat. 15. 24. Luke 15. 14. 1. Peet 2. 27. 1. Iohn 1. 9. 5. Iam. 5. 16. Psal. 3. 5. Psal. 90. 20 Psal. 5. 3 Psa. 59. 16. Psal. 92. 2. Luke 18. 10. 11. Luke 18. 12. 13. Prou. 15. 4. Psa. 138. 7. Psal. 93. 16 Psal. 126 2 1. Kings 17. 6. Dan. 24. 33 1 Corr. 10. Collo 3. 17 Psal. 6. 3. 11. Psal. 50. 10. Psa. 33. 20. Psa. 120. 4. Psal. 2. 9. Reue. 12. 9. Reue. 20. 2. Mat. 3. 8. Psal. 51. Ro. 7. 24. Gala. 5. 6. 17. Psal. 16. 8. Iam. 1. 3. Psa. 13. Psal. 89. 17. Psal. 1. 3. 4. 5. Osa 11. 4. Canti 1. Psal. 3. 5. Ephe. 5. 14. Psal. 89. 5. Psal 108. 16. 106. 12. Psal. 51. Psal. 9. 12. 1. Thes. 5. 7 Psal. 16. 8. Psal. 56. 2. Mat. 5. 13. Iohn 11. 11 Psal. 120. 4 Psal. 18. 2. Psal. 3. 5. Psal. 1019. 112. 1. Peeter 5 8. Reue. 7. 17 Ph. 4. 9. Iohn 17. 3. Ier. 11. 20. Ier. 17. 10. Luke 18. 13 Psal. 6. 3. Psal. 24. 5. 9 10. 26. 11. Verse Mat. 11. 50.
aske and haue of thee let me by faith my suite obtaine Thy louing fauour shew to mee all other fauour is but vaine Restraine my vaine imaginations preuent by grace Sathans intrusions Let not him taint my cogitations nor blind mine eies with false illusions Which are th'nticements the baites of that great ghostly enemy That still for worldlings seekes waites within which rancke poore wretch am I. But as my mouth and lipps haue said wordes of a faithfull seruant true So let my soule of Christ craue ayde with inward spirit to liue a new For now my poore soule is a-fraide and time mispent alasse I rewe To thee I run imploreing ayde within me do thy spirit renue O Lord I see the bloudy woundes of thy sweete sonne my Sauiour I see thy mercies there aboundes and promised by thy fauour And therefore I by sinfull deedes that er'st liu'd carelesse in dispaire Do fly vnto those woundes that bleedes plucke down grace by force of praier Oh in that grace graunt me to liue and in that grace grant me to die And when I die Lord grace me giue to reigne with thee perpetualy A generall confession of sinnes OMnipotent and gratious Father froÌ„ thy waies haue I strayed er'd Like a lost sheepe follow'd rather Mine harts deuises and prefer'de My foolish fancies fond desires broake the lawes set downe by thee I haue not done what thou requires but done those thinges that should not be No health 's in me but thou O God haue mercy on me sinfull wretch Spare me oh spare me hould thy rod that to offendors thou dost stretch I do confesse my faults restore me that doe repent for Iesus sake That promis'd euer is before thee which thou in Christ to man did'st make And graunt for his sake liue I may a godly righte and sober life To thy names glory still for aye possessing heauen that shuts out strife All laude and praise be to thy name for euer and euer now and then To whom all nations sing with fame sweete psalmes of ioy Amen Amen A Morning meditation I Laide me downe to rest and slept and in the morning rose againe God me sustain'd and safely kept and by his grace did me maintaine His Angels pitch't me round about sleeping and waking keeping me Both comming in and going out they guarde me with securitie Lord here my voice in morning bright when I my praiers do direct And waite till thou the God of light doe heere and helpe me with effect O Father full of power and might mercie and loue how dare I cast Mine eies into thy heauenly sight If thou remember my sinnes past How can I thinke or hope for good heere in the earth to come from high Hauing so much thy lawes withstoode And sin'd against thy maiesty Thou in thy power knowledg deepe lord seest the wicked waies of mine Whether in sinne I wake or sleepe they are all open to thine eyne My vaine corrupt and euill deeds my imperfections more and more With my pollutions which still breedes thine anger worse then was before Thy iudgement I might iustly feare if thou should'st note what 's don amisse Thou might'st in torture be seuere but thou giu'st rest sleepe peace blisse And hast me rais'de vp by thy hand for onely thou preseruest mee And me defend'st by sea and land a wake or sleepe I seruing thee whether I walke worke eate or drinke or what ere else doe what I will Thou blessest all that I can thinke without thy blessings all were ill For I a creature weake and faint subiect to daungers that are rife And closly workes my soule to taint in this corrupt and euill life I lie alasse in night and blindenes and haue no watch mee to defend Yet am preseru'de by thy kindnes from them that ill to mee intend Whose owlish eies doe shun the light who lay their traps snares in darke But thou defend me with thy might with bright eie their worke do'st marke Thou deare kinde Father full of loue regardest thy weake and little ones Thy many mercies do thee moue tinuiron them soule blood bones O gratious God I giue thee thankes for all thiese mercies maniefold Saue me from all the perilous prankes of sinne and of that Serpent ould Forgiue me mine offences Lord with true repentance Lord me right Let thankes with life reform'd accorde with trewe obedience in thy sight I am inclin'd to vanitie to slide into one sinne or other No day nor houre true peace finde I since first I came froÌ„ wombe of mother With many foes I am beset corruptions in me dayly fight Which workeing of thy graces let and gain'st my faith vse all their might Wresting my will and settled minde rom true sincerity to sinne From good desires to be inclin'de to deepe dispaire and die therein To make one trust in blandishment of wiâ—ked world my soule deceauing And in my soules sad languishment of comforts all my soule bereauing I flie vnto the sanctuary of thy deare care and prouidence Assured I shall not miscarry when I depend on thy defence Keepe me therefore O King of Kings as precious Apple of thine eie This day me shroud vnder thy winges for by thy sauing health liue I. Teach me the truth me knowledg giue and wisdome with all humblenes Obedience zeale and faith relieue my soule with hope in all distresse Chaunge me from sinne to sanctitie from the nights darknes vnto light Let my colde zeale most ardent be to serue the Lord both day night Teach me iustly to execute my outward calling giue successe And happie issue to my suite and all my lawfull labours blesse To brethren loue and equitie to me and mine in godly care With heart and minde true pietie to God alone let me repaire And let thy holy spirit so nourish and gouerne me that more more I may increase beare fruit and florish in godlines and goodnes store Vntill thou shalt cut off this life that is corrupt with deadly sinne And by Christs merrites end the strife of mortall warres my soule liues in And draw me then with cords of loue to thee and thy Tuition To new Ierusalem aboue and giue mee there fruition Off thee those that raign with thee with Christ and all that in thy word Thou promi'st me graunt this to mee for the same Christ his sake O Lord. An Euening Meditation I Le lie me downe to sleepe in peace for thou Lord only mak'st me dwell In saftie with great quietnes and do'st ill dreames from me expell My body to innormitie is subiect without rest and sleepe Because of mine infirmitie my life and health it cannot keepe Good father all sufficient my louing God I yeelde thee praise For this dayes blessings to me sent and guiding me in all my waies
then say giue or doe what payne can gaine my fauour lost Riuers of Oyle or ought thereto they are thine owne and of thy cost Accept yet Lord the sacrifice of Heart Calues of lippes vnfained This is that Offring did'st deuise to haue thy grace to be obtained The free will offringe of my Zeale in sence of sighing still assending They to thy mercies seate appeale would make peace for mine offending faulter Although mine heart tongue doe yet in Christ Iesus meditation Receaue this offering on thine Alter with all my best imagination Heare me in him in him relieue me for without him noe helpe can be None can my soules or harts ease giue me nor can I inward comforts see Till I know that thy wraths appeas'd and haue thy charter of thy pardon Then shall I finde mine heart so eas'd that I desire noe further guerdon And now I most vnhappie man that did offend my God soe kinde By grace of him in all I can I 'le seeke with heart with soule minde To honor serue obey and please him that is mine al-seeing maker Whom I beseech to graunt me peace and make me of his ioyes partaker Finis A Godly meditation wherein the distressed sheweth he is vnfeignedly grieued hat he hath offended God who is so powerfull and so dread a iudge who also as the repentant thinketh hath armed man and all creatures against him for his sinnes But aggrauating the greatnes of his miseries and afflictions at the last heresolueth to goe vnto God in Christ his name with whom he is well pleased and in whom he will accept the prayers of the offendant ALas that I offended euer this God of Gods this Lord of powers That can in peeces all men shiuer and ouerturne the stateliest towers Ah woe is me that I offended and iustly God stir'd vpp to ire Who by his lawe hath sin condempned vnto the pit of endles fire I dayly see Gods creatures all iustly for sinne displeas'd with mee Mens hearts are hardned and with gall feede mee that haue offended thee My God thy blessings all one earth thou doest witholde from me keepe Alas my soule sustaines a dearth of grace vnto thy grace I creepe But what to doe or what to say I know not Lord but I know this My grieses encrease more day by day my mirth is moane bane is my blisse One euill doth another call like waues on waues in raging seas My weary burthen makes me fall I find no comfort helpe nor ease I hope of helpe but that hope quailes in crosses are my comforts ended I fly to faith but then faith failes when I neede most to be defended As if I were the onely man prepos'd by thine intendement Whom heauen earth must curse ban as subiect of all punishment Thy iustice dams me I appeale to mercy then appeald I feare To be reiected thus colde zeale and secret sinnes with griefe I beare Shall I thinke it a fruitles taste vnto my God for to repaire That Sinners calles and bids them aske and they shall haue all things by praier Can it be bootles downe to fall beâ—oâ—e his throne of maiestie And with repentant tongue to call for pardon for my iniquitie May not vnfained cries at last preuaile with him that 's pittifull To pardon my offences past moue my spr'its which now are dull I 'le frame my heart to meditate my tongue to vtter what may please Him whom best knoweth mine estate and seeke his wrath for to appease To him I 'le goe in Christ his name in whom I know hee is well pleased And will confesse my sinne with shame and so mine heart shall sure be eased ¶ The second part of the meditation FOr Christs sake looke on me againe hee is God all sufficient Hee doth behold and see my paine my inward faithfull hearts intent Hee knoweth what I goe about all I thinke speake or doe amisse He writes or noates without all doubt in his remembrance booke it is I know he will in worth accept what iustly I intend to doe And cannot it performe except He put his helping hand thereto He knoweth that I am but flesh and what is flesh but fraile and ill And what is man a lumpe of trash whom vaine desires do fully fill And will this God Iehouah high so strong and powerfull set his might Against a worme so weake as I a silly man a shade of night What conquest can there be in God to worke reuenge on mee poore soule Who still corrects me with his rod whose iustice doth my sinnes controle shall I dispute with thee nay rather poore wetch I should fal prostrate down And humbly kneele vnto my father pray with teares wheÌ„ he doth frowne If he afflict more be it so if further plague me let be so If he will kill with paines and woe do what he list let it be so For I am his do what he will with mee and all that mine can bee It is his owne and must be still there 's no disputing God with thee There is noe Art or Eloquence can quench thy coales of burning ire It is not words can make defence nor friends can saue me from they fire Nor take me from the powerful hands so full of might force strength power Or breake a sunder thy strong bands nor ease one minute of an houre I le yeelde me therefore to his will Lord doe what thy good pleasure is Turne me as may thy minde fullfill I 'le waite the time of happie blisse I le waite thy pleasure time will come wherein I may the issue see Of my afflictions all and some and what thy purpose is with mee The meanetime I will with thy word consult and vse my exercise And comfort take though hope O Lord refresh dull spr'ites cleare dim'd eies With dewe of thy sweete promises laying aside all fleshly ayde I onely rest on thy mercies in holy word as thou hast said And in true faith will I remaine and seeke thee beeing the true way Wherein who walkes at length shal gaine true blisse and happines foraye Who this embraceth shall not erre wherein who liues shall neuer die But weare a crowne past reason farre to liue with God etetnally FINIS ¶ A prayer wherein the distressed humbly confesseth his sinnes and the vanities of his former times lewdely mispent desiring others to take example by him and to returne to God by reptntance before it be to late And at the last preparing to die commendeth his soule to God with whom after death he hopeth to liue foreuer AN heart that 's broken contrite to God is a sweete sacrifice Repentant sinners him delight far more then iust men in their eies what I haue bin my God hath knowne what I now am the Lord doth see What I shal be to him is
showne from him no secret kept can be How I consume so many yeares mispent so many monthes and daies Both houres and minutes all appeares to God who markes my life waies Time is the meane that all things tries time worketh what mens wits deuise Time with his swiftnes euer flies and time in time will make men wise Fly from me follies of my youth packe hence my sins that burdned me Welcome to me is age and trueth now I by faith in Christ will be whose sins do make their harts to bleed let them examples take by me Whose wickednes all mens exceede come come and my repentance see Lord now let me depart in peace I feele thy rod I finde thy loue My paines doe grow my ioyes encrease this mercie comes from thee aboue My sickenes is a present meane to heale and cure my wounds of sin Lord purge all my corruptions cleane and let my death my life begin FINIS The repentant complaineth of his horrid and grieuous sinnes and in the end giueth thankes vnto Iehouah on high who is distinguised into one God and three persons HIdden O Lord are my most horred sins vnto the world though open plaine to thee He neuer betters that no time begins corruption killeth all good thoughts in mee What sin doth dwell in this vild flesh of ours but doth encrease like monsters huge in me Cōmitting them both minutes daies houres as swift as Time so fast grow they in me Rent thine owne flesh teare thy wretched haires scrape clean corruptions marrow frō thy bones Put out thine eies cut of thy tongue stop eares lame all thy sences to kill sinne at once I faine would walke that know not how to creep I am opprest with such most hainous crimes Whē I should wake sin drowneth me with sleep for one good thought I sin a thousand times Sigh O my soule weepe sorrow lament and seeke for helpe if any hope be left Pray vnto Christ for grace thou mai'st repent before his merits from thee be bereft Though by his rod afflictions humble thee and for thy sinnes thou suffer grieuous paine Yet with his staffe he still vpholdeth thee from deep dispaire in blisse with him to raigne All glory be to God on high and to his sonne our sauiour wise and iust To whom with ioy still pray and sing will I and to my comforter the holy Ghost Whose being was from all eternity one deity distinct in persons three According to the blessed Trinity distinguish 't three yet one in vnity Finis ¶ The repentant wholy flyeth vnto the mercies of God in Christ and describeth the loath somnes vglines of his sinnes aggrauating the greatnes thereof aboue all other mens O Lord behould my miseries my paine and deadly griefe No helpe no hope but thy mercies to yeeld my soule reliefe I hate my selfe and loath my sinne my heart is rent with feare To thinke what state I haue liu'd in my wits with torments teare If sinnes seeme vgly vnto mee who did the same commit How loath some Lord shew they to thee that do'st in iudgement sit Whē others sins my minde haue vext and make me search mine owne My heart with horror is perplex't for my sinnes seedes so sowne By measure iust and true I finde no man that euer liu'd Hath sinn'd so much in heart and mind as I that am thus grieu'd If all mens faults were put in one and knowne were my offences T' weare no compaire to mine alone so vil'd in all pretences O cease to sing sigh and lament turne tunes to weeping teares And learne of Dauid to repent by faith to cure thy cares True faith in Christ Lord grant to me that now liue in dispaire From Sathans bondage set me free let Christs bloud cleanse me cleare Blot out of minde my cursed crimes and my misdoings all That dayly sinne so many times and hourely sinck and fall Thou bid'st thē come that loden are with burthen of their sinne And let thy spirit my spirit prepare that I may now begin At first to creepe and then to goe and so come to thy gate And then be cured of my woe O Lord t' is not to late Whil'st I liue let me liue to loue thee for now mine heart aboue There 's nought on earth to loue can moue me my life is with my loue Where thou doest sit on cherubins and Angels sing thy praise With holy holy Seraphines Lord let me liue alwaies FINIS The poore Suppliant being visited with a grieuous sicknes sheweth how he languisheth in all the corporall parts members of his body but especially with the torture of his conscience for sinne and at the last prayeth that God would take from him this heauie yoake of miseries O Lord giue eare to my complaint attend my teares heare my cry My sinnewes shrinck my limes do faint I languish in my malady My bones are broke my flesh gon quit my strength in euery part doth faile My thighes grow thin dim'd is my sight my leggs feete with weaknes quaile My tongue doth faulter in my head my spr'its faint my hands do shake With paine and ach I tosse in bed my vaines are stiffe mine hart doth ake My bodie is with griefe opprest noe place noe part is free from anguish I grieue and groane and take no rest I faint I swoune I fall I languish I liue but dying euery houre my glasse of time is almost run I sade away as doth a floure that withers with the heate of sunne I liue and die yet not with death I lingring liue yet dead with sinne Condemn'd to die yet draw my breath in such confusion liue I in As if all tortures due for sinne were euery minute laid on mee Horrors with-out and hell with-in and all thiese things thine eie doth see I charge not Heauen I blame not earth but of this one thing am assured That flesh and world the diuell my birth and faults not fates haue this procured Lord for thy building thou dost square mee with many a strong and sturdy stroake When thy will is O Lord do spare mee and take from me this heauie yoake FINIS A feruent prayer vnto God that the repentant may find fauour in Christ whose merits and satisfaction he offereth vnto thee O Lord as a pleasing ransome for his sinnes ATtend vnto my teares O Lord regard my woefull moane And seeke to saue mee by thy word or I am ouerthrowne For sinne doth so oppresse my minde that I am damn'd to hell Vnlesse by Christ I fauour finde whose woundes must make me well Cure thou my soule so sicke with sinne by merrits of thy sonne Marke not the state that I liue in but marke what he hath done Most perfect he though I be vild to please when I offend He sits with thee though I exild in glory to the end My
nature is inclin'd to euill though his with good accord My senses seeke to serue the diuell his will to please the Lord. Wherefore O God which art most iust in him my debts to pay In his desert my soule doth trust thy wrath for to alay Finis ¶ The first Lamentation in distresse coÌ„teineth a confession of sinnes and a petition to be released of the punishments due for the same The first part ¶ The first part sheweth that a man must not only repaire vnto God in prayers in silent sighes and in inward desires and groanes But wee must also worship God with our tongue words and voice and in royall speech praise his holy name O Father full of knowledg deepe thou searchest secrets of each hart Behold'st desires we priuate keepe with hidden silence in the darke But yet thou do'st thus much require thy children should know confesse Thee for to be their lightsome fire that iudg'st their works in righteousnes As thou hast fram'd in man a heart wherewith his maker to beleeue A tongue and lippes and euery part wherewith he glory may thee giue And thou do'st challenge at his hands free sacrifice of prayers praise And honors due throughout all lands that all men can'st deâ—ect and raise Thy children must not in their minde be dumbe nor in their tongues be mute wheÌ„ they should seeke thine help to find and by petition shew their suite Thy sonne doth bid me aske and haue and find to seeke to knock and enter What they do want that they may craue by faith in him they may aduenture Thou still art ready to be found helpe thine owne in their distresse That in their faith are constant sound and patient in their heauines Therefore deere father I beset with many miseries distrest Come vnto thee thine ayde to get and after trouble to finde rest And haue thy grace with-out with-in but I that am of sinners chiefe Because thou hat'st in me my sinne many doubt thou wilt not giue reliefe Alas poore wretch what shall I doe to aske I am so far vnfit Vnapt my God to seeke vnto vnworthy to haue benefit Of what I craue or do desire and yet to cry I will not lin Till thou do'st send refining fire and purifie me from my sinne The second part ¶ The distressed prayeth to be sanctified and to inioy the renewed graces of regenerations and though his infirmitie causeth him to thinke that the Lord doth not heare his prayers but deferreth him too long yet he concludeth that Gods faithfull promises still nourish and feed him with neuer dying hope of comfortable issue O Let thy spr'it me sanctifie vntie my tongue open my lips I cannot silence keepe for why my conscience euery houre me whips My miseries grow more and more within my bones I find no rest Thy grace anew to me restore let me speake what likes thee best That thine eares euer be inclin'd to my extreame and dolefull cries Let me thy mercies ready finde to take my teares from weeping eies Thou euermore do'st heare the cries of all that feare thy holy name And comforts them with thy mercies that trust in thee and begge the same Their soules thou do'st from death defend cheares their hearts in time of need To me therefore thy comforts send and giue thy helpe with louing speede Thy seruants caÌ„not hold their tongue though oft they muse cannot see Why their afflictions last so long and they for mercy cry to thee Till at the length the fire of zeale doth kindle then it out must breake Tongue cannot hould but must reueale their grones grieues neds must speak To shew their hope which like to fire none can suppresse when they belieue T' will pierce the cloudes to thee aspire yet thou do'st seeme no helpe to giue At last thy goodnes doth appeare and thou imbracest him with ioy Time of deliuerance draweth neere thou Lord feed'st him from anoy Good God how coÌ„meth this to passe that I so long haue sought to thee And thou still seem'st to hide thy face and keep'st thy graces still from mee How long haue I vnto thee pray'd and thou seem'st not to giue me eare This makes mine hart thoughts afraid ready to faint with deepe dispaire I ready was for to surcease the suite which I so long had sought Made vnto thee for to appease thy wrath by Christ that hath me bought O Lord my God thy promises and louing kindnes only feed'st And comfort'st me in heauines with neuer dying hope in neede I know expected time will come when thou forgetting all my sinne Wil 't see my sorrowes all and some and free the bondage I am in The third part ¶ The repentant sheweth his faith confidence in Gods fatherly goodnes and wisdome who knoweth best what and when to giue his children and therefere he conditioneth not with God by appointing him a time but onely desireth that the Lord would not defer his graces too long but mercifully heare him as he did alwaies heare the righteous and holy fathers who also were subiect to the same impuritie of sinne as well as the suppliant THou art my god thy helps at hand thou art a father thou know'st wheÌ„ To giue the state do'st vnderstand of richest kings and poorest men The things most fit thou do'st bestow and helpest when all helpe is missing Those could not creep thou mak'st to goe pourest downe on them thy blessing Therefore God all sufficient repleate with mercy full of loue I doe not presse to know th' intent but pray thee doe what mercy moue To say come now or then doe this for the time when where what how What thou do'st ayme my marke may misse me to thy prouidence I bow Yet be not ouer long away for thou do'st know my feeblenes Thou see'st my troubles day by day bow'd down to extreame wretchednes Without hope of recouery I fall alas what shall I doe There is no trust but trust in thee for helpe and ayde and succour too I know by proofe that thou art bent to heare poore sinfull wretched men When they are truely penitent and when they pray deliuer'st then From troubles strife and all debate from sicknes death and deadly paine From enuy mallice sinne and hate the righteous thou wilt not disdaine But who is righteous in thy sight or in thy iudgements cleane are seene Angels before thee are bright much lesse we wretches righteous been But all are sinners all transgresse our elder fathers were impure All haue offended more or lesse yet was thy promise firme and sure And did obtaine mercy and grace reliefe hope strength saluation They saw the brightnes of thy face thou gau'st them consolation The fourth part ¶ The repentant sheweth that the Fathers were iuflified onely by grace in Iesus Christ And therefore desireth that his sinnes
may also bee couered in Christ his righteousnes and then complaining that his prayers are not heard commendeth himselfe to God whose good pleasure he still attendeth in steadfast faith hope OVr fathers Lord were comforted steength'ned relieued blest Onely by grace and iustified as righteous men in Iesus Christ. Impute not sinne vnto my charge not for my merrit and desert Thou Lord art loue in loue inlardge all those that bee of contrite heart Thou Lord full of compassion and in thy mercies infinite Beare with my imperfection and let me in thy lawes delight Couer my sinnes as right'ous take me and right'ous shall I euer bee That right'ous am not right'ous make me in Christ O Lord cosider mee O Lord what can it profit thee mee to forsake or leaue in thrall As though thou did'st disualew mee my dayly cries and offerings all My troubles yet continue still I seeke thee and am yet denied Of earthly blessings do thy will thy name be alwaies glorified Wretch that I am what end shall be I still complaine I sigh and cry I cry and call yet heerest not me I still will seeke thee till I die Thou mai'st be found be as thou wilt Into thy hands I me commend Thou full of mercy I of guilt in faith and hope do still attend Finis ¶ The second Lamentation containeth Godly and deuout prayers for constancie in afflictions and to beare malicious slaunders patiently ⧠The first part of the second lamentation ¶ The repentant sheweth that his miseries and troubles increase dayly and therefore his aduersarie that iudge with a carnall cie say that God hath for saken him but he replieth to them that God alwaies chastiseth them whom he loueth and doth but correct his children as a louing father doth for the amendment and bettering of their life O Lord how doe my woes encrease how many are my miseries My troubles rise and neuer cease men iudge thou wilt not heare my cries They say thou wilt me quite forsake that ther 's no helpe for me in thee But Lord they are but such that make their sensure with a carnall eye And do not spiritually discerne thy secret purpose and intents Correcting thē whō thou would'st learne to know thy law cōmaundements Chastizing them whom thou do'st loue and scourging them oft with thy rod that thou their harts minds maist moue to feare and serue thee mightie God The wicked outward meanes preferre worldly helps at neede they muster And not to God themselues referre nor comfort take from heauenly lustre Who workes by meanes his sacred will and without meanes brings to effect And against meanes can saue or kill for those him serue his true elect Therefore let not their mallice moue nor yet their taunts dismay my mind I will hould fast by God aboue whose promise iust true I find I striue thy statutes Lord to keepe what thou cōmaund'st I will performe Direct me right to thee I creepe O Lord doe thou my life reforme Defend me Lord from their dispight that watch to catch me in their snare And to intrap me day and night with nettes and ginnes er'e I be ware And scoffe me basely with reproach with shamefull scandalls and disgrace With thy protection Lord approach and let thy mercy me imbrace Let not me come within the reach of their inuentions and deuice whose facts are foule they faire in speach and by base flattery me entice Nor such as lie in waite for me obtaine their wish who doe desire Fit time and oportunitie to worke the euill as they conspire FINIS ⧠The second part of the second lamentation ¶ The repentant prayeth that God would direct him in the right path that so he may grow from grace to grace and from vertue to vertue he also confesseth that his sinnes deserue very sharpe punishments and yet desireth that the Lord would spare him in his mercy O Let me treade in the right path walke frō faith to faith in loue Obserue thy lawes and shun thy wrath and forward to all vertue moue And let my conscience witnes beare of my saith and integritie Let all men see the christall cleare and pure heart of conformitie Though I good father cannot liue free from all sinne and all offence And some take cause though I none giue yet keepe thou cleare my conscience Shall I deserue still as I doe mens iust reprouffes though in discretiō And that against my meaning too and suffer carnall mens oppression That breake forth into bitternes against me that am weake and lame And vomit out their filthines that thou hast don they count my shame And take it as an argument that I am in deiection And thinke it is thy full intent to keepe me from protection Indeed O Lord I must confesse my sinnes deserue sharpe punishment Worthy of more and not of lesse then all the plagues on me hast sent I more should tast then I can beare or able them for to endure Thy mercies yet they doe me spare and make me cleane that am impure But in my weakenes of mine hauiour I this haue done which caus'd me fall And therefore trust in Christ my sauiour his pretious bloud hath paid for all Depending on thy mighty power to saue keepe and deliuer me Least miseries doe me deuour and enemies my sorrowes see And take occasion to pursue pretending to my soule no good Inuettred hatred they renue to eate my flesh drinke my bloud ¶ The third part of the second lamentation ¶ The poore suppliant complaineth that God doth refuse to assist and helpe him and hideth his face from him to his seemming Neuertheles he continueth importunate and will not be denied as pleading the merits and mediation of Christ in whom God the father is well pleased O Lord consider my great moanes preuēt the dangers cōming nigh me My heart is rent with grieues groanes I fly to thee O Lord stand by mee Why standest thou a loofe a lasse seem'st not my troubles to regard Why turnst thou Lord away thy face mine heart doth hope for some reward Why hidest thou thy selfe me fro when troubles are so much abounding As though thou lord did'st me not know thy darts are always mine hart wounding There is no helpe for me in thee they say thou nothing do'st respect me I ne'rethelesse will come to thee in Christ his name wilt not reiect me The rather therefore me relieue that righteous men may well perceiue Thou ready art thine ayde to giue and their desires wilt not deceiue And not to faint when they are tride with like affections any waies But shall with patient minde abide thy will and giue thy name the praise The dullest hearts thou dost prepare to call on thee and thou againe Do'st heare their cries them do'st spare and easest them
striue to speake these words vtter helpe me opprest hide not thy face Though father that did me begett my mother that frō wombe me bare And all my frindes forsake me yet thou Lord of me tak'st charge care O Lord thou wilt me not forsake for so ha'st promis'd in thy word In all distresse noe feare I 'le take but fourthwith fly to thee O Lord. Thou giu'st not like our earthly Sires nor wants suppli'st like carnall friends That would but cannot our desires performe in deedes as heart pretends Hopeles I should downe faint fall did I not in thee surely trust That holdeth noe respect at all but vnto those whom Christ makes iust And thou accept'st not vaine glorie as worldings do nor thinges eternall Thou look'st not to thinges transitory but to the thinges that are internall A lowly and obedient heart a troubled spirit thou do'st elect Of poore opprest thou tak'st the part proud men downe thou do'st deiect frame thou therefore my inward zeale that outward busines me deceiue not Of comforts which thou dost reueale to thine and me of ioyes bereaue not When at thy mercy gate I knocke do not as rich men vse the poore That gain'st them fast the gates do locke but quickly Lord set ope the dore Let not my miseries depriue my spirits of ioy or soules comfort Let noe vaine thinges ill men deuise drawe me to be of their consort make strong my faith hope lord giue me and I 'le take hould of thy protection Be my defence and panoplie and guide me safe to thy election Thou hast O Lord my troubles seene Hast knowne my soule in bitternes Thou hast mine helpe succour beene O helpe me now in my distresse In mercies thou hast mightily sau'd me from perills infinite My life consumes mine heart doth die my yeares do waste my daie is night the day telles day the night the morrow the base reproach of my disaster Yea friendes foes add griefe to sorrow each base mate doth me or'e-maister I am now at the point to pine O let it be thy blessed pleasure To ease my griefe for I am thine my paines asswage lord in some measure For thou my paines ha'st measured and all that 's good for those that feare Lord thou in store hast treasured to me Lord let the same appeare In sight of those that are my foes that thinke there is noe period Of all my tortures paine and woes graunt this for Christ his sake O God ⧠The fift Lamentation in distresse ¶ Wherein the distressed prayeth God to keepe him from dispaire howsoeuer men goe about to make him afraide IN thee O Lord I put my trust and yet there are which dayly say There is no helpe for me vniust but Lord thy word cannot decay Thou art my God how can they then proue that thou wilt none helpe me send I am brought lowe in sight of men there 's none will helpe or comfort lend My basket and my store is spent they say it was by thee accurst Thou did'st it take that had'st it sent but they take all thinges at the worst At me they gape at me they wonder as at a monster seldome seene On all their works and words I ponder What I now am what haue I beene I faint at nought thou know'st my smart th' art my Father do'st me foster what words or workes can daunt my hart I am in thee become a boaster Thiese men thy might power disable or else thy loue to man diminish Or else they thinke thou art vnstable or do'st begin and wilt not finish Or that the poore wilt not support nor helpe thee needy in distresse But as thou know'st what they report so make them feele their wickednes But I do know thou failest neuer them that in thee their trust repose If they be constant and perseuer all things are for the best to those Thou art in deed a iealous God and first thy children thou dost monish Thou bear'st with loue beat'st with rod if they mend not wilt further pūnish Yet cal'st thy chosen children backe by gentle stroakes from running riot And sufferst them to suffer lacke and do'st prescribe to them their diet We may condignely then deride the iudgments of such foolish men That vnto thee Lord wilt prescribe the measure what the time when Such fleshly men by wealth woe censure thy loue or thy displeasure As natures friend or graces foe by humaine reason all things measure They thinke thou lou'st whom thou feed'st fatt with plentie pleasures worldly riches And that all others thou do'st hate thiese world flesh deuils bewiches And great is this temptation vnlesse our natures thou assist Infeebled with affliction whose helpe doth rest in Iesus Christ When thou therefore do'st me correct with one hand hould me with the other Let faith in thee make thee accept me for thy sonne by Christ my brother Lay not vpon me greater loade then I poore wretch can well indure If I do sincke stay my aboad and if I fall then keepe me sure thou know'st lord whereof I am made I am a silly simple man A worme a flea a puffe a shade that no good doe nor no good can Try by the crosse true to the crowne that we may proue by wants losses But to dispaire pull me not downe but vnto comforts turne my crosses I am not able beare thy yoake least Christ thy son doth with me draw I am not able fend thy stroake lesse he O Lord doth beare the blow Lord with thy mercies compasse me protection draw out of dispaire O let me thy saluation see and all things fit obtaine by pray'r Thou showest mercy to thee meeke that trust in thee in all mens sight Thy children shall finde that they seeke thou shalt to sunshine turne their night a place whēce worldlings are excluded and all that hellish rable rout though here on earth they haue intruded to roote Gods faithfull children out And such as haue with hate pursu'de and trusted in the arme of flesh And would their hands in blood imbru'd shall say in iudgement they were rash god 's on my sid who cā or'ethrow me Christ pleades my cause cā god refuse me As iust in Christ the Lord doth know me he doth acquite who can accuse me Wee thought that this mans life was madnes then shall the wicked worldlings say But see his words are turn'd to gladnes whom we haue deem'd a cast away his hād hath wrought that he would haue yea I my selfe shall say I er'd That thought poore wretch would'st not me saue because my ioyes were then defer'd I thought my cries thou would'st not heare when I thee sought thy selfe did'st hide When I complaind thou cam'st not neare I would no time and place thee tide But now I knowledge and confesse thy wisdome great in humbling me Thy loue sustain'd me in distresse thy prouidence
our soules doth poast It is ordayned and decree'd that all men by necessitie Through that first Adams sinfull deede are subiect made the death to die To dye for sinne t' is due for sinne to dye in sinne a heauy case To dye to sinne is to beginne to leaue to sinne and liue to grace The death in sinne without repenting in affect effect and aspecting In thinking doing and frequenting and offred grace of God reiecting I wretched wofull execrable haue plague of God by sinne for sinne Of miseries most miserable to them that liue and die therein But he that dies before he dies when he is dead he is not dead But oldeage dies and he shall rise with glory from the graue his bed And he that 's toucht with conscience pricke whose sence of sin is sharpe quicke That man is sicke ere he is sicke and when he 's sicke he is not sicke I looke poore wretch on mine estate and others monish by mine harmes That was neere death but now of late by sinne inchaunted by her charmes Had I not dyed sure I had di'de oh happie Phenix liuing death Still let my flesh be mortified let my sp'rit breath by thy spirits breath Sweete Iesu thou didst die for me and in thy death with thee I di'de Oh liue in me and J in thee shall liue and euermore abide And wormes meate thou durt clay slime thy body kill thy soule to saue Quaile vild affections whil'st hast time that life by death through grace mai'st haue Shake hands with sinnes all offences and learne to dye before thou dye When bid'st adue vnto thy sences then shalt thou liue eternally The Cause of death THe cause of death is wicked sinne for out of sin our death did flowe From thence our plagues did all begin cut of this tree our ills did grow Hunger fire death and all created were for punishment And laid on man for Adams fall and was the cause of our torment God said to Adam Scripture saith what houre soeuer thou shalt eate Thou shalt be sure to die the death god made not death but death did threat Through enuy malice of the diuell into the world came this estate Sinnes entred with all actions euill by Adams fault not by our fate Two sortes of death frō death by sin proceed as effects from their cause The death of Nature doth begin death of grace next by Gods lawes ¶ Death of two sorts BY which we are made slaues for euer in darknes called death eternall From worme of conscience freed neuer depriu'd of all the ioyes supernall As by example euident two sorts of death approued well The Glutton rich being dead was sent his body buried quicke in hell And Lazarus poore beggar dead to Abrahams bosome caried is With Angells wings with glory spread where is true ioye and comforts blisse The one hath heauen the other hell the one hath blisse the other bale The one in heauen still must d well and th' other Diuells pull and hale He died with his conscience euill in death he saw his wickednes And his dampnations with the diuell as holy Scriptures doe expresse To the elect and faithful THis is the consolation great of the that in their death-beds lie Their mindes fly vp to th mercy seate and there for mercy loudly cry By Christ which death abollished and sinne that 's clensed by his bloud Whose merits pardon purchased for all our sinnes and death withstood To vs his goodnes is imputed to him the sinnes that we committed And we for righteous are reputed and all our sinnes they are remitted For he alone by death hath bought vs from power and paine of deuill hell merly he through loue hath brought vs with him in heauen to raigne d well That no afflictions giue vs griefe that Sathan should vs not destroy And giu'th to vs eternall life and filth our hearts with heauenly ioy He made vs free-men heires to God which captiue bondslaues were to hell Beate Sathan downe with iron Rod to place where dampned diuels dwell Eternall death could not preuaile gain'st him nor ouer him haue power christ strēgthned those whō sin did quaile his might the mighty did deuoure O're death o're sinne hidious hell he gaue vs life and victory T'all those that keepe his precepts well and them installes in endles glory For as by Adam all men dy'd for sinne and by iniquity In Christ shall all men be reuiu'd to liue with him eternally FINI Si ⧠Although the body die yet they shall liue THe Godly and iust people haue most cōfort though with paine griefe They suffer death lie in graue and seeme for saken sanz reliefe They are as sheep which men ordaine to death and slaughter to be put As silly guiltles Lambes are slaine when Butchers knife their throates doe cut For we which liue shall giuen bee to death for Iesus Christ his sake If they doe not dispaire in thee noe feare of death can cause thē quake But rest assured they shall passe through death to life eternally Who aske for mercy and for grace and vnto God for faith doe cry They suffer both his hand and Rod and when he strikes are patient They put their hope and trust in God who comforts thē with hearts content Their death is good of great price they also know through Christ his passiō Death 's ouer come in wond'rous wise and soe receaue they consolation If any touch't in latest paines of dierfull death this faith hould fast In mid'st of death his life attaines and shall haue lasting life at last The Christians surely doe belieue that whē they seeme to be most dead That then they most of all doe liue and soe with ioy lift vp their head FINIS The death of the Godly is a sleepe CHrist calls the death of godly men a sleep his owne a death why The Souldiers speare was made a Pen his bloud the Inke to write thereby Quietus est for Christians all and then the same to vs was sealed A sleepe he iustly may it call cause by his stripes our wounds were healed His was a death cause death was due in him died all he di'd for all Gods Iustice vs to death doth sue he pay'd it and repair'd the fall that we moight sleep he suffer'd pains that we mought laugh he oft did weepe His was the losse ours was the gaines thus did he change Death to a sleepe FINIS To whom they that die ought to commit their Spirit TO Christ did Stephen yeald vp his spirit for hee 's the way the truth life He purchast life by death and merrit the husbandes he the Church his wife He is that Noah his Church the doue that houldes his hand for to receaue vs He bids vs come to imbrace his loue we fly to him when all deceaue vs. The heauens earth the Lord commaundes to him all Creatures runne but wee None can vs take out of his