A paraphrase upon the divine poems. By George Sandys Paraphrase upon the Psalmes of David Sandys, George, 1578-1644. 1638 Approx. 587 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 163 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A11474 STC 21725 ESTC S116693 99851909 99851909 17203

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A11474) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 17203) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1080:3) A paraphrase upon the divine poems. By George Sandys Paraphrase upon the Psalmes of David Sandys, George, 1578-1644. Lawes, Henry, 1596-1662. Sandys, George, 1578-1644. aut [22], 55, [13], 171, [1], 15, [3], 33, [1] p. : music [Printed by John Legatt, sold] at the Bell in St. Pauls Church-yard [i.e. the shop of Andrew Hebb], London : M.DC.XXXVIII. [1638] In verse. Colophon reads "London, printed by Iohn Legatt. 1637."; bookseller's name from STC. With a dedication to Charles I on title page verso. Variant 1: title page verso blank. "A paraphrase upon the Psalmes of David. .. Set to new tunes .. by Henry Lawes ..", originally published in 1636, has separate pagination, and divisional title on (g)1r. "A paraphrase upon Ecclesiastes" (caption title) begins new pagination on (Aa*)1r. "A paraphrase upon the Lamentations of Ieremiah" has separate pagination, and divisional title on 3A1r. Variant 2: with the latter divisional title cancelled. Variant 3: with two additional leaves of verses to the Queen of Bohemia. Reproduction of the original in the British Library.

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A PARAPHRASE VPON THE DIVINE POEMS.

BY GEORGE SANDYS.

LONDON, At the Bell in St. Pauls Church-yard, M.DC.XXXVIII.

TO THE BEST OF MEN, AND MOST EXCELLENT OF PRINCES, CHARLES, BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING OF GREAT-BRITAINE, FRANCE, AND IRELAND: LORD OF THE FOVRE SEAS; OF VIRGINIA, THE VAST TERRITORIES ADIOYNING, AND DISPERSED ISLANDS OF THE VVESTERNE OCEAN; THE ZEALOVS DEFENDOR OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH: GEORGE SANDYS.

THE HVMBLEST OF HIS SERVANTS, PRESENTS AND CONSECRATES THESE HIS PARAPHRASES VPON THE DIVINE POEMS, TO RECEIVE THEIR LIFE AND ESTIMATION FROM HIS FAVOVR.

THe Muſe, who from your Influence tooke her Birth, Firſt wandred through the many-peopled Earth; Next ſung the Change of Things; diſclos'd th' Vnknown: Then to a nobler Shape transform'd her Owne; Fetch'd from Engaddi, Spice; from Iury, Balme; And bound her browes with Idumaean Palme: Now Old, hath her laſt Voyage made; and brought To Royall Harbor this her Sacred Fraught: VVho to her King bequeathes the VVealth of Kings; And dying, her owne Epicedium ſings.
To the Queene. A Night-peece moſt affects the Eye; Sad VVords and Notes charme powerfully: The pleaſing Sorrow they impart, Slides ſweetly to the melting Heart. Since no ſincere Delight we taſt, Our beſt of Daies with clouds ore-caſt; VViſe Nature giddy Mirth diſdaines, And tunes our Soules to Mournefull Straines: As Aethiop's, who faire colours lack, Place Beauty in the deepeſt Black. And we are counſell'd to be Gueſts, Rather at Death's, then Hymen's Feaſts. This was that well-limn'd Face of VVoe, VVhere of we but a Coppy ſhow: To you addreſt, whoſe chearefull Ray Can turne the ſaddeſt Night to Day: Not to infect, or make it leſſe; But to ſet-off your Happineſſe. Nor are wee all of Black compos'd, Our ſetting Sun ſerenely clos'd. And, as in Iob, all Stormes diſpell'd, His Evening farre his Morne excell'd; So Iuda, in her wandring Race, At length ſhall riſe to greater Grace. Our Vowes aſcend, that you may taſt, Of theſe, the onely Firſt, and Laſt. And whereſoe're the Subject's Beſt, the Senſe Is better'd by the Speakers Eloquence. But Sir, to you I will no Trophie raiſe From other Mens detraction or diſpraiſe. That Iewell never had inherent worth, Which ask't ſuch Foyles as theſe to ſet it forth. If any quarrell your Attempt or Stile Forgive them: their owne Folly they revile. Since 'gainſt Themſelves their factious Envie ſhall Confeſſe this Worke of Yours Canonicall. Nor may you feare the Poets common Lot, Read, and Commended, and then quite forgot. The Brazen Mines and Marble Rockes ſhall waſte, When your Foundation will unſhaken laſt. 'Tis Fames beſt pay, that You your Labours ſee By their Immortall Subject crowned bee. For nere was Author in Oblivion hid, Who Firm'd his Name on ſuch a Pyramid. Henry King.
To my very much honoured Friend Mr. George Sandys, upon his Paraphraſe on the Poeticall Parts of the Bible. THeſe pure immortall Streames, theſe holy Streynes, To flow in which, th'Eternall Wiſedome deignes, Had firſt their ſacred Spring, in Iuda's Plaines. Borne in the Eaſt, their Soule of heavenly Race, They ſtill preſerve a more then Mortall Grace, Though through the Mortall Pens of Men they paſſe. For pureſt Organs ever were deſign'd To this high Worke, the moſt Etheriall Mind Was touch't, and did theſe holy Raptures finde. You Sir, who all theſe ſeverall Springs have knowne, And have ſo large a Fountaine of your owne; Seeme Borne and Bred for what you now have done. Plac'd by juſt Thoughts, above all worldly Care, Such as for Heaven it ſelfe a Roome prepare, Such as alreadie more then Earthly are. Next you have knowne (beſides all Arts) their Spring, The happie Eaſt; and ftom Iudea bring Part of that Power, with which her Ayres you Sing, Laſtly, what is above all Reach of Praiſe, Above Reward, of any fading Bayes, No Muſe like Yours did ever Language raiſe. Devotion, Knowledge, Numbers, from your Pen Mixtly and ſweetly flow; whilſt liſtning Men Suſpend their Cares, inamour'd of your Theme. They calme their Thoughts, and in their Boſoms own Better Deſires, to them perhaps unknowne; Till by your Muſicke to themſelves brought Home. Muſicke, (the univerſall Language) ſweyes In everie Minde; the World this Power obeyes, And Natures Selfe is charm'd by well-tun'd Layes. All diſproportion'd, harſh, diſorder'd Cares, Vnequall Thoughts, vaine Hopes, and low Deſpaires; Fly the ſoft Breath of theſe harmonious Ayres. Here is that Harp, whoſe Charms uncharm'd the breſt Of troubled Saul, and that unquiet Gueſt, With which his Paſsions travel'd, diſpoſſes'd. Iob. Pſalmes. Eccleſiaſtes. Iob, moves Amazement, David moves our Teares; His Royall Sonne, a ſad Apparell weares Of Language, and perſwades to Pious Feares. The Paſsions of the Firſt riſe great and high, But Salomon a leſſe concerned Eye Caſting on all the world, flowes equally. Canticles not Printed. Not in that ardent courſe, as where He woes The Sacred Spouſe, and her chaſt Love purſues, With brighter flames, and with a higher Muſe. This Work had beene proportion'd to our Sight, Had you but knowne with ſome allay to Write, And not preſerv'd your Authors Strength and Light. But you ſo cruſh thoſe Odors, ſo diſpenſe Thoſe rich perfumes, you make them too intenſe And ſuch (alas) as too much pleaſe our Senſe. We fitter are for ſorrows, then ſuch Love; LamentationsIoſiah falls, and by his fall doth move Teares from the people, Mourning from above. Iudah, in her Ioſiah's Death, doth dye All Springs of griefe are opened to ſupply, Streames to the torrent of this Elegy. Others breake forth in everlaſting Praiſe The ſeverall Hymns.Having their wiſh, and wiſhing they might raiſe, Some monument of Thanks to after-Dayes. Theſe are the Pictures, which your happy Art Gives us, and which ſo well you doe impart, As if theſe paſsions ſprung in your owne Heart. Others tranſlate, but you the Beames collect Of your inſpired Authors, and reflect Thoſe heavenly Rai's with new and ſtrong effect. Yet humane Language only can reſtore, What humane Language had impair'd before, And when that once is done, can give no more. Sir, I forbeare to adde to what is ſaid, Leaſt to your burniſht Gold I bring my Lead, And with what is Immortall, mixe the Dead. Sidney Godolphin.
To my worthy friend Mr. George Sandys. I preſſe not to the Quire, nor dare I greet The holy Place with my unhallow'd feet: My unwaſht Muſe pollutes not things Divine, Nor mingles her prophaner notes with thine; Here, humbly at the Porch, ſhe liſtning ſtayes, And with glad eares ſucks in thy Sacred Layes. So, devout Penitents of old were wont, Some without doore, and ſome beneath the Font, To ſtand and heare the Churches Liturgies, Yet not aſsiſt the ſolemne Exerciſe Sufficeth her, that ſhe a Lay-place gaine, To trim thy Veſtments, or but beare thy traine: Though nor in Tune, nor Wing, She reach thy Larke, Her Lyricke feet may dance before the Arke. Who knowes, but that Her wandring eyes, that run Now hunting Glow-wormes, may adore the Sun. A pure Flame may, ſhot by Almighty Power Into my breſt, the earthy flame devoure: My Eyes, in Penitentiall dew may ſteepe That bryne, which they for ſenſuall love did weepe: So (though 'gainſt Natures courſe) fire may be quencht With fire, and water be with water drencht. Perhaps, my reſtleſſe Soule, tyr'd with purſuit Of mortall beautie, ſeeking without fruit Contentment there; which hath not, when enjoy'd, Quencht all her thirſt, nor ſatisfi'd, though cloy'd; Weary of her vaine ſearch below, above In the firſt Faire may find th'immortall Love. Prompted by thy Example then, no more In moulds of Clay will I my God adore; But teare thoſe Idols from my Heart, and Write What his bleſt Sp'rit, not fond Love, ſhall endite. Then, I no more ſhall court the Verdant Bay, But the dry leaveleſſe Trunke on Golgotha: And rather ſtrive to gaine from thence one Thorne, Then all the flouriſhing Wreathes by Laureats worne. Tho: Carew.
To my worthy Kinſman Mr. George Sandys, on his excellent Paraphraſe upon Iob. YOu teach us a new Pleaſure, and have ſo Penn'd the ſad Story, we delight in Woe. Teares have their Muſicke too; this mournfull Dreſſe Doth ſo become Iob's ſorrows, and expreſſe Affliction in ſo ſweet a grace, that we Find ſomething to be lov'd in Miſery. Here Griefe is witty, that the Reader might Not ſuffer, in the patience you write. Let others wanton it, while I admire Thy warmth, which doth proceed from holy Fire. 'Tis Guilt, not Poetry, to be like thoſe Whoſe wit in Verſe, is downe-right Sin in Proſe: Whoſe Studies are Prophanneſſe, as if then They were good Poets only, when bad Men. But theſe are purer Flames, nor ſhall thy Heat Becauſe 'tis good, be therefore thought not Great. How vainly doe they erre, who thinke it fit A ſacred Subject ſhould be void of Wit? I boldly dare affirme, He never meant We ſhould be Dull, who bids, be Innocent. 'Tis no excuſe, when you your charme reherſe So ſweetly, not to heare, becauſe 'tis Verſe. Religion is a Matron, whoſe grave Face From Decent Veſtures doth receive more Grace. In holy duties fondly we affect A mis-becomming Rudeneſſe, and ſuſpect Cleane Offerings; wee thinke God likes the Heart Where leaſt appeares of th'Vnderſtanding part. As if Gods Meſſengers did but delude, Vnleſſe what they deliver us, be rude. Choice Language is the clothing of your Mind; Your matter (like thoſe Saints which are inſhrin'd In Gold, or like to Beauty, when the Lawne With roſie cheeks bepurpled ore, is drawne To boaſt the lovelineſſe, it ſeemes to hide, And ſhew more cunningly the bluſhing Bride.) Hath hence a greater luſtre; they not love The Body leſſe, who doe the Clothes approve. So we upon this Iewell doe not ſet Leſſe price, becauſe we praiſe the Cabinet. Dudley Digges.
To my honoured Kinſman Mr. George Sandys, on his admirable Paraphraſes. VVHy com'ſt thou thus attended to the Preſſe? Thou wants no Suffrages, the Subject, leſſe: At firſt, in confidence of thy full Worth, Single, unknowne, Thou didſt adventure forth: Thy living Works ſince oft have paſt the Teſt, And every laſt (to wonder) prov'd the beſt. Thy Proſe and Verſe each other Aemulate, From Rivals free, at home their Right debate: Divide the Iudgement, whether moſt t'admire Roabes looſely flowing, or fine ſhap't Attire. Nor art thou to be blam'd, for having paſt Pernaſſus hill, and come to Sion laſt. The Schooles from Comments on the Stagyrite, To heavenly Speculations rais'd their Flight: The Progreſſe fit, though of Philoſophy, 'Tis juſtly fear'd, they tooke too deepe a Dye. God chiefely warm'd their Breaſts with ſacred Heat, Who were in other Knowledges compleat: Though all alike to him, but that he meant To give ſome honour to the Inſtrument. He who in other Structures merits praiſe, May without diffidence a Temple raiſe. And ſure, Bezaleel-like, Heav'n did inſtill, For this intended Frame, that Matchleſſe Skill: Till then thy reſtleſſe Mind mov'd Circular, Like the touch't Needle, till it find the Starre. Well did'ſt thou from the Eaſt thy entrance make, From whence the light of Poetry firſt brake. The Hand unknowne, that God this Piece might own, (Like the two Tables) for his Worke alone. The Marke of his immediate Worke it beares, Even at the Spring a boundleſſe Sea appeares. For what his Hands, without a Second, make, At once their Being and Perfection take. His firſt Day Adam a full Man beheld; And Cana's Water choiceſt Wine exceld. This firſt of Authors, firſt of Poets, flew So high a Pitch, as almoſt out of View. And this was not of Iobs rewards the leſt, That his rare Story ſuch a Pen expreſt. What high expreſsions in ſuch depth of Woe! How ſweet his ſighes and grones in Numbers flow! When God himſelfe was pleaſed Iob to cite, Who could ſuch Language worthy Him endite! His juſt Reproofes ſo great a Terrour beare, As if each Word a clap of Thunder were. From hence in ſmaller Drilles her courſe ſhe keeps; And ſcarce diſcern'd, along the Vallies creeps Through Moſes and the Iudges; yet we may In theſe diſcover her continued Way. But when the State into a Kingdome grew, When all did with their bleſſed King renew; In the ſweet Singer then againe it flowes, Her bounds extends, and to a River growes. His large ſoul'd Son from Heaven full Light receives, For every Path and Step direction gives. Diſcovers to our long-ſeduced Eyes, Her Fucus off, the Worlds deformities. And by a Purer quenches ſenſuall Fire, The Object chang'd, preſerves the Heat entire. Theſe two, who might with Iob diſpute their Right, Rais'd Numbers to their Apogaeon height. Thence through the Prophets We her Current trace, Whoſe graver Works Poeticke Iems enchace: To ſhew how aptly both aſſume one Name, Both Heaven-inſpir'd, compos'd of Zeale and Flame: Above the Reſt, that funerall Elegy, Preſents ſad Iuda, to th'admiring Eye So lovely in her Sable Vaile and Teares; Scarce any Bride in all her Trim appeares: Of ſuch a winning ſweetneſſe: O what Heart But muſt due Pitty to her Woes impart! All theſe, for Proſe had ſtill miſtaken beene, Their Native grace our Language never ſeene: Had not thy ſpeaking Picture ſhew'd to All The wondrous beauty of th'Originall; Had lien like Stones uncut, and Oare untri'd, Their Reall Worth the ſame, though ſcarce eſpi'd, But by the skilfull Linguiſt; To the Moſt In the darke Senſe, and hard Expreſsions loſt. Thy Art hath Poliſh't them to what they were, Vnvalued Iewels for the Breaſt, and Eare. Here fixe thy Pillars, what remaines there high'r, But th'unknowne Ditties of the heavenly Quire. Francis Wiatt.
Summa Approbationis.

PErlegi haec Poëmata Sacra in Iob, Davidis Pſalmos, Eccleſiaſten, Lamentationes Ieremiae Prophetae, & alios Hymnos Sacros, in quibus omnibus nihil reperio S S. Paginae contrarium; quominus cum utilitate, ut & Summa Lectorum voluptate Typis mandentur.

Datum Lamethae Novemb. 7. 1637. Rmo. in Chriſto Patri, & Dom. D. Arch. Cant. Sacellanus Domeſticus. GVIL. BRAY.
To his worthy Friend Mr. George Sandys upon his excellent Paraphraſes. THy Lines I weigh not by th'Originall; Nor skan thy Words how evenly they fall: I moſt applaud thy Pious Choice, who mak'ſt The Sacred Writ thy Subject, and thence tak'ſt Thoſe Parts, wherein the moſt Perverſe may ſee Divinity and Poeſie agree. Afflicted Iob a Veile of Sorrow ſhrouds; But heavenly Beames diſpell thoſe envious Clouds. The Royall Pſalmiſt, borne on Angels wings, Now weepes in Verſe, now Halelu-jahs ſings. Converted Salomon to our eyes preſents Deluding Ioyes, and cureleſſe Diſcontents. That good Ioſiah's Name may never dye, Thy Muſe revives his Mournfull Elegy. With the ſame Zeale, doth to our Numbers fit All the Poeticke Parts of Holy Writ. And thus Salvation thou maiſt bring to thoſe Who never would have ſought for it in Proſe. Henry Rainsford.
To his VVorthy Friend Mr. George Sandys on his Sacred Poems. HOw bold a Worke attempts that Pen Which would enrich our Vulgar tongue With the high Raptures of thoſe Men VVho here with the ſame Spirit ſung VVherewith they now aſsiſt the Quire Of Angels, who their Songs admire? VVhat ever thoſe inſpired Soules VVere urged to expreſſe, did ſhake The Aged Deepe, and both the Poles: Their numerous Thunder could awake Dull Earth, which doth with Heav'n conſent To all They wrought, and all They meant. Say (Sacred Bard) what could beſtow Courage on thee to ſoare ſo high? Tell mee (Brave Friend) what help'd thee ſo To ſhake off all Mortalitie? To Light this Torch thou haſt climb'd higher Then he who ſtole caeleſtiall Fire. Edward Waller.
To my worthy Friend Mr. George Sandys. INſpir'd by Thee, who art thy ſelfe a Muſe, Not crown'd with Ivy, or neglected Baies; But with a ſacred Light, which doth infuſe Into our Soules her intellectuall Raies: Among theſe Starres of the firſt Magnitude, I, in affection, my dimne Taper bring: For though my Voice be horce, my Numbers rude, On ſuch a Theame who could forbeare to ſing? Immortall Sands whoſe Nectar-dropping Pen Delights, inſtructs; and with that holy Fire, Which fell from Heaven, warmes the cold breſts of men; And in their Minds creats a new Deſire. For Truth in Poeſie ſo ſweetly ſtrikes Vpon the Cords, and Fivers of the Heart; That it all other Harmony diſlikes, And happily is Vanquiſht by her Art. Theſe God-like Formes, inſpir'd with Breath divine, Bleſt in themſelves, and making others Bleſt; For us are by that curious hand of thine, In Engliſh Habits elegantly dreſt. May our great Maſter, to whoſe ſacred Name Thy Studious Houres ſuch uſuall Gifts direct, As Caeſar to his Maro, prove the Same; And equall Beames upon thy Muſe reflect. Wintoure Grant.
A PARAPHRASE VPON IOB. IN Hus, a Land which neare the Suns upriſe, And Northern confines of Sabaea lies, A great Example of Perfection reign'd: His Name was Iob; his Soul with guilt unſtaind, None with more zeale the Deitie ador'd; Affected Vertue more, Vice more abhorr'd. Three beauteous Daughters, and ſeven hopefull Boyes, Renew'd his youth, and crown'd his Nuptiall Ioyes. Lord of much Riches, which the uſe renownes: Seven thouſand broad-taild Sheepe gras'd on his Downes; Three thouſand Camels his ranke Paſtures fed; Arabia's wandring Ships, for traffick bred: His gratefull Fields a thouſand Oxen till'd; They with their rich increaſe the hungry fill'd: Five hundred Aſſes yearely tooke the Horſe; Producing Mules of greater ſpeed and force; The Maſter of a mighty Family; Well ord'red, and directed by his Eye. None was more opulent in all the Eaſt, Of greater Power; yet ſuch as ſtill increaſt. By daily turnes the Brothers entertaine Each other: with the weeke begin againe. This conſtant cuſtome held: Not to excite And pamper the voluptuous Appetite; But to preſerve the Vnion of their Blood With ſober Banquets, and unpurchas'd Food. Th'invited Siſters with their graces bleſt Their feſtivals; and were themſelves a Feaſt. Their turnes accompliſht, Iobs religious care His Sonnes aſſembles; whoſe united praier Like ſweet perfumes from golden Cenſors riſe: Then with divine Luſtrations ſanctifies. And when the Roſy-finger'd Morne aroſe; From bleating Flocks unblemiſht fatlings choſe; Proportion'd to their number: theſe he ſlew, And bleeding on the flaming Altar threw Perhaps, ſaid he, my Children in the heat Of wine and mirth, their Maker may forget; And give acceſſe to Sinne. Thus they the Round Of Concord Keepe; by his Devotions crownd. Iehova from the ſummit of the skie, Environ'd with his winged Hierarchie, The world ſurvaid. When lo, the Prince of Hell, Who whilome from that envy'd Glory fell, Like an infectious Exhalation Shot through the Spheares; and ſtood before his Throne. Falſe Spirit ſaid, th' Almighty, that all ſhapes Do'ſt counterfeit to perpetrate thy Rapes; Whence com'ſt thou? He reply'd; I with the Sun Have circl'd the round World: much People won From thy ſtrict Rule, to my indulgent Raigne: Taught that no pleaſure can reſult from paine. Haſt thou, ſaid God, obſerv'd my ſervant Iob? Is their a Mortall treading on the Globe Of Earth ſo perfect? can thy wicked Arts Corrupt his goodneſſe? all thy fiery Darts The Armour of his fortitude repels; In Iuſtice he, as thou in fraud, excels: Our power adores, with ſacrifices feaſts; Loves what thou hat'ſt; and all thy works deteſts. Hath Iob ſerv'd God for nothing? Satan ſaid: Or unrewarded at thy Altar paid His frequent vowes? Haſt thou not him, and all Which he cals his, incloſed with a wall Of ſtrength impregnable? his labours bleſt? And almoſt with proſperitie oppreſt? Left nothing to deſire? yet ſhould'ſt thou lay Thy hand upon him; or but take away What thy Indulgence gave; in foule diſgrace He would blaſpheme, and curſe thee to thy face. Iehova ſaid; his Children, all he hath, Are ſubject to the venome of thy wrath: Alone his Perſon ſpare. The tempter then Shrunke from his preſence to th'aboads of Men. As at their elder Brother's all the reſt Of that faire off-ſpring celebrate is feaſt With liberall joy; and coole th'inflaming blood Of generous grapes, with chriſtall of the flood: A Meſſenger arriv'd, halfe out of breath, Yet pale with horror of eſcaped Death, And cry'd; Oh Iob, as thy ſtrong Oxen till'd The ſtubborne fallowes; while thy Aſſes fill'd Themſelves with Herbage; all became a prey To arm'd Sabaeans, who in ambuſh lay: Thy Servants by their curſed fury ſlaine; And I the only Meſſenger remaine. Another entred, ere his tale was told, With ſinged haire; and ſaid; I muſt unfold A dreadfull Accident: At Noone, a Night Of clouds aroſe, that Day depriv'd of Light: Whoſe roaring conflicts from their breaches threw Darts of inevitable flames, which ſlew Thy Sheepe and Shepheards: I, of all alone Eſcap'd, to make the ſad Diſaſter knowne. This hardly ſaid; a third, with blood imbrew'd, Brake through the Preſſe, and thus his griefe purſu'd: The fierce Chaldaeans in three Troopes aſſaild Our Guards; till they their Soules through wounds exhal'd: Then drave away thy Camels, only I Thus wounded, live to tell thy loſſe, and Die. As thronging Billowes one another drive To murmuring ſhores; ſo thicke and faſt arrive Theſe Meſſengers of Death: The fourth and laſt, With ſtaring haire, wild lookes, and breathleſſe haſte, Ruſht in and ſaid: Oh Iob! prepare to heare The ſaddeſt newes that ever pierc'd an eare. Loe, as thy Children on ſoft Couches lay, And with diſcourſes entertain'd the Day, A ſodain Tempeſt from the Deſert flew With horrid wings, and thundered as it blew. Then whirling round, the Quoines together ſtrooke; And to the ground that lofty fabrick ſhooke: Thy Sonnes and Daughters buryed in the fall; Who, ah! deſerv'd a nobler Funerall. And I alone am living to relate Their Tragedies, that was deni'd their Fate. He, who the aſſaults of Fortune, like a rock So long withſtood; could not ſuſtaine this ſhock; But riſing, forthwith from his ſhoulders tare His purple robe, and, and ſhav'd his dangling haire Then on the Earth his Body proſtrate laid; And thus with humble adoration, ſaid: Naked I was, at my firſt houre of Birth; And naked muſt returne unto the Earth. God gives; God takes away: Oh be his Name For ever bleſt! thus free from touch of blame Iob firmely ſtood: and with a patient mind His Croſſes bare; nor at his God repin'd. Againe when all the radiant Sonnes of Light Before his Throne appear'd, whoſe only ſight Beatitude infus'd: Th'inveterate foe, In fogs aſcending from the depth below, Profain'd their bleſt Aſſembly: what pretence, Said God, hath brought thee hither? and from whence? I come, ſaid he, from compaſſing the Earth: Their Travels ſeene who ſpring from humane birth. Then God: haſt thou my Servant Iob beheld? Can his rare pietie be paralel'd; His Iuſtice equal'd? can alluring vice, With all her Sorceries, his Soule intice? His daily Oriſons attract our Eares; Who puniſhment, leſſe then the treſpaſſe, feares: And ſtill his old Integritie retaines Through all his woes, inflicted by thy traines. When he, whoſe labouring thoughts admit no reſt, This anſwer threw out of his Stygian breſt: Iob to himſelfe is next, who will not give All that he hath, ſo his owne Soule may live? Stretch out thy hand; with aches pierce his bones, His fleſh with laſhes; multiply his grones: Then if he curſe thee not, let thy dire Curſe Increaſe my torments, if they can be worſe. To whom the Lord: Thou Inſtrument of ſtrife, Enjoy thy cruell wiſh: but ſpare his Life. The Soule of Envy, from his preſence went; And through the burning Aire, made his deſcent. To execution falles: The blood within His veines inflames, and poyſons his ſmooth skin. Now all was but one ſore: from foot to head With burning Carbuncles, and Vlcers ſpread; He on the Aſhes ſits, his fate deplores: And with a pot-ſheard, ſcrapes the ſwelling Sores. His frantick wife, whoſe patience could not beare Such waight of Miſeries, thus wounds his eare: Is this the purchaſe of thy Innocence? O Foole, thy Piety is thy offence. He whom thou ſerv'ſt, hath us of all bereſt: Our Children ſlaine, and thee to torments left. Goe on; his Iuſtice praiſe: O rather flye To thy aſſur'd reliefe; Curſe God, and dye. Thou wretch thy Sexes folly; he reply'd: Shall we who have ſo long his Bounty try'd, And flouriſh'd in his favour, now not beare Our harmes with patience; but renounce his Feare? Thus his great Minde his Miſeries tranſcends: Nor the leaſt accent of his lips offends. Now was his ruine by the breath of Fame Divulg'd through all the Eaſt: when Zophar came From pleaſant Naamath: wiſe Eliphas From Theman, rich in Palmes, but poore in graſſe: And Bildad from Suïtah's fruitfull Soile; Prais'd for the plentie of her Corne and Oyle. Theſe meete from ſeverall Quarters to condole With their old Friend, and comfort his ſad Soule. Yet at the firſt, unknowne: his Miſeries Had ſo transform'd him, knowne, they joyn'd their cryes, Wept bitterly, their ſable Mantles tare, Rais'd Clouds of Duſt, that fell upon their haire. Seven Dayes they ſate beſides him on the ground; As many Nights, in ſilent Sorrow drown'd. For yet they knew the Torrent of his woe Would by reſiſtance more outragious grow. He, when exceſſe of Sorrow, had given way To the reliefe of words, thus curs'd his Day: O periſh may the Day, which firſt gave light To me, moſt wretched! and the fatall Night Of my Conception! let that Day be bound In Clouds of Pitch, nor walke the Etheriall Round. Let God not write it in his Roll of Dayes: Nor let the Sunne reſtore it with his Raies. Let Deaths darke Shades involve, no light appeare But dreadfull Lightnings: its owne horrors feare. Be it the firſt of Miſeries to all, Or laſt of Life; defam'd with Funerall. O be that diſmall Night, for ever blind! Loſt in it ſelfe; nor to the Day rejoyn'd! Nor numbred in the ſwift Circumference Of Monthes and Yeares; but vaniſh in offence. O let it ſad and ſolitary prove: No ſprightly Muſicke heare, nor Songs of Love. Let wandring Apparitions then affright The trembling Bride, and quench the Nuptiall light. O Let thoſe hate it, who the Day-light hate: Who mourne and grone beneath their ſorrowes waight. Let the eclipſed Moone, her Throne reſigne, In ſteed of Starres, let Blazing Meteors ſhine. Let it not ſee the Dawning flecke the skies; Nor the gray Morning from the Ocean riſe: Becauſe the Doore of Life it left unclos'd; And me, a wretch, to cruell fates expos'd. Oh why was I not ſtrangled in the wombe! Nor in that ſecret priſon found a Tombe! Or ſince untimely borne; why did not I (The next of bleſſings) in that inſtant die? Why kneel'd the Midwife at my Mothers throes! With paine produc'd! and nurſe for future woes! Elſe had I an eternall Requiem kept; And in the armes of Peace for ever ſlept: With Kings and Princes ranckt; who lofty frames In Deſerts rais'd, t'immortalize their Names: Who made the wealth, of Prouinces their prey: In death as mighty, and as rich, as they. Then I, as an Abortive, had not beene; Nor with the hated Light, ſuch Sorrowes ſeene: Slept, where none ere by violence oppreſt; And where the weary from their Labors reſt: No Priſoners there, inforc'd by torments, cry; But feareleſſe by their old Tormentors Lye: The Meane, and Great, on equall Baſes ſtand; No Servants there obey, nor Lords command. Why ſhould afflicted Soules in anguiſh live! And only have immunitie to grieve? Oh how they wiſh for Death, to cloſe their eyes! But oh, in vaine? ſince he the wretched flyes. For whom they dig, as Pioners for Gold; Which the darke entrales of the Earth unfold: And having found him, as their Libertie, With Ioy encounter; and contented die. Why ſhould he live, from whom God hath the path Of ſafetie hid, incompaſt with his wrath? In Stormes of ſigh's I taſte my bitter food: My grones breake from me, like a roaring flood. The Ruine which I fear'd, and in my thought So oft revolv'd, one fatall Houre hath brought. Nor durſt I on Proſperitie preſume; Or time in ſleepe; and barren Eaſe conſume; But watcht my weary ſteps: and yet for all My Providence, theſe Plagues upon me fall. Temanian Eliphas made this reply: O Friend, be it no breach of Love, that I With ſilence dare not juſtifie a wrong: For who in ſuch a Cauſe can curb his Tongue? Wilt thou, that wert to pietie a guide, That others haſt with patience fortifide: Confirm'd the Strong, given ſinewes to the Weake: Now in the change of Fortune faint, and breake Into offences? aggravate thy harmes, Forſake thy ſtrength, and caſt away thy armes? Is this thy Piety, thy Confidence, Thy hope, and Life untainted with offence? Conſult with former Ages: Have they knowne The guiltleſſe periſh, or the Iuſt ore 'throwne? But thoſe who plow with vice, and miſchiefe throw Into the furrowes; reape the Seed they ſow. God ſhall deſtroy them with his Noſtrils breath: And ſend them weeping to the caves of Death. For he the raging Lyoneſſe confounds; The roaring Lyon with his javelin wounds: Scatters their Whelps; their grinders breakes: ſo they, With the old Hunter, ſtarve for want of Prey. Now when the Night her ſable wings had ſpred; And ſleepe his Deaw on penſive Mortals ſhed: When Viſions in their aiery ſhapes appeare; A Voice, not humane, whiſpered in mine eare. My knees each other ſtruck; the frighted blood Fled to my heart; my haire like briſtles ſtood. An Angel then appear'd before my ſight: Yet could no ſhape diſcerne; ſo great a light He threw about him: forthwith, ſilence brake; And thus to me, intranc'd with wonder, ſpake: Shall mortall Man, that is but borne to die; Compare in Iuſtice, and Integritie, With him who made him? he who muſt deſcend Againe to Earth, and in Corruption end? His Angels were imperfect in his ſight, Although indu'd with Intellectuall Light; Whom he accus'd of folly: much more they, Who dwell in houſes, built of brittle clay; Which have their weake foundations in the duſt: The food of wormes, and Times devouring Ruſt. They to the Evening from the Sunnes upriſe, Are exercis'd with change of Miſeries: Then, unregarded, ſet in endleſſe Night; Nor ever ſhall review the Morning light. Thus all their Glories vaniſh with their breath: They, and their Wiſedomes, vanquiſhed by Death. Now try what Patron, can thy cauſe defend: What Saint wilt thou ſolicite, or what Friend? The Storme of his owne rage the foole confounds: And Envies rankling ſting th' imprudent wounds. Oft have I ſeene him, like a Cedar, ſpread His ample Roote; and his ambitious Head With Clouds inveſt: then, to th' amaze of all, Plow up the Earth with his prodigious fall. His wandring Orphans finde no ſafe retreat; But friendleſſe ſuffer at the Iudgement-Seat: The greedy eate the harveſt of their toile, Snatcht from the ſcratching thornes; to theives a ſpoile. Though Sorrow ſpring not from the wombe of Earth; Nor troubles from the Duſt derive their Birth: Yet man is borne to numerous Miſeries, As dying Sparks from trembling flames ariſe. Should I the burthen of thy face ſuſtaine? I would not juſtifie myſelfe in vaine: But at his feet my humble Soule deject With prayers and teares; who wonders can effect: As infinite, as great; and farre above That Spheare wherein our low Conceptions move. He waters from celeſtiall Caſements powers, Which fall upon the furrowed Earth in ſhowers: To comfort thoſe who mourne in want; and give The famiſht food, that they may eate and Live. The Counſels of the Subtill he prevents; And by his wiſedome fruſtrates their Intents: Intangles in the Snares themſelves contrive; Who deſperately to their owne Ruine drive. They meete with Darkneſſe in the cleareſt Light: And grope at Noone, as if involv'd with Night. Licentious Swords, Oppreſſion arm'd with power, Nor Envies jawes, the Righteous ſhall devoure. They ever hope, though exercis'd with care: The wicked ſilen'ſt by their owne deſpaire. Happy is he whom Gods owne hands chaſtiſe. Since ſo, let none his Chaſtiſements deſpiſe. For he both hurts and heales: binds up againe The wounds he made, and mittigates their paine. In ſixe afflictions will thy refuge be; And from the ſeventh, and laſt, ſhall ſet thee free. From meager Famines bloodleſſe Maſſacrees; And from the cruell thirſt of horrid Warres: Preſerved from the ſcourge of poyſonous tongues; The ſting of Malice, and inſulting Wrongs. Thou ſhalt in ſafetie ſmile; when all the Earth Shall ſuffer by the rage of Warre and Death. The Midian Tyger, The Arabian Beare, Nor Idumaean Lion ſhalt thou feare. They all their native fierceneſſe ſhall decline; And ſenſeleſſe Stones ſhall in thy aide combine. Thy Tents ſhall flouriſh in the Joyes of Peace; The wealth and Honour of thy Houſe increaſe: Thy Children, and their off-ſpring, ſhall abound; Like blades of graſſe, that cloath the pregnant ground. Thou, full of Dayes, like waighty ſhocks of Corne In ſeaſon reapt, ſhall to thy grave be borne. This truth, by long experience learnt, apply To thy Diſeaſe; and on the cure relye. Then Iob, Oh were my ſufferings duly waigh'd; Were they together in one Balance laid: The Sands whereon the rowling Billowes roare, Were leſſe in waight, and not in number more. My words are ſwallowed in theſe Deaths of woes; While Stormes of ſighes my ſilent griefe diſcloſe. Gods Arrowes on my breaſt deſcend in ſhowers: There ſtick, and poyſon all my vitall powers. 'Tis he, who armes againſt a Mortall beares; Subdues my ſtrength, and chils my heart with feares. Doe hungry Aſſes in freſh paſtures bray? Or Oxen low before full cribs of hay? Oh can unſeas'ned cates the gueſt invite? What taſte is in an Eggs unſavory white? My lothing ſoule abhors your bitter food; Which ſorrow feeds, and turnes my teares to blood. Oh that the Lord would favour my requeſt; And ſend my Soule to her eternall reſt! Deliver from this Dungeon, which reſtraines Her liberty, and breake Afflictions chaines! Then ſhould my Torments finde a ſure reliefe: And I become inſenſible of griefe. Oh, by not ſparing, cure his wounds; who hath Divulg'd thy truth, and ſtill preſerv'd his faith! What ſtrength have I to hope? or to what end Should I on ſuch a waſted Life depend? Was I by rocks ingendred? ribd with ſteele? Such tortures to reſiſt, or not to feele? No hope, no comfort, but in Death is left; Thus torne with wounds, of all my Joyes bereft. True Friends, who feare their Maker, ſhould impart Soft pittie to a ſad and broken Heart: But Oh, the great in vowes, and neare in Blood, Forſake me like the torrent of a Flood: Which in the winding vallies glides away; And ſcarce maintaines the Current of a Day: Or ſtands in ſolid Ice, conceal'd with Snow; But when the lowdly-ſtorming South winds blow, And mounted Sun invades it with his beames, Diſſolves; and ſcatters his exhauſted Streames. Who from the parched fields of Thema came, From Shaeba ſcorched with etheriall Flame. In expectation to aſſwage their thirſt: Deluded, bluſht; and his dry channels curſt. So you now ceaſe to be what once you were: And view my downfall with the eyes of Feare, Have I requir'd your bounty to repaire My ruin'd fortunes? was it in my praier That you for me the Mighty would oppoſe? And in a juſt revenge purſue my foes? If I have err'd inſtruct me; tell wherein: My tongue ſhall never juſtifie a Sin. Although a due reproofe informe the Senſe: Detraction is the Gall of Impudence. Why adde you ſorrow to a troubled mind? Paſſion muſt ſpeake: her words are but as wind. Againſt an Orphan you your forces bend: And banquet with the afflictions of a friend. Accuſe not now, but judge: you from my youth Have knowne and try'de me, ſpeake I more then truth? Vnveile your Eyes, and then I ſhall appeare The ſame I am; from all aſperſions cleare. Have I my heart diſguiſed with my tongue? Could not my taſt diſtinguiſh right from wrong? The life of Man is a perpetuall warre: In Miſerie and Sorrow Circular. He a poore mercenary ſerves for bread: For all his travell, only cloth'd and fed. The Hireling longs to ſee the Shades aſcend; That with the tedious Day his toyle might end, And he his pay receive: but, ah! in vaine I Monthes conſume; yet never reſt obtaine. The Night charmes not my Cares with ſleepleſſe eyes My Tornients cry: When will the Morning riſe! Why runs the Charriot of the Night ſo ſlow? The Day-Star finds me toſſing to and fro. VVormes gnaw my fleſh; with filth my ulcers run: My skin like clods of Earth, chapt with the Sunne. Like ſhuttles through the loome, ſo ſwiftly glide My feathered Howers; and all my hopes deride! Remember, Lord, my life is but a wind; VVhich paſſeth by, and leaves no print behind. Then never ſhall my Eyes their lids unfold; Nor mortall ſight my vaniſht face behold, Not thou, to whom our thoughts apparant bee, Should'ſt thou deſire, could'ſt him, that is not, ſee. As clouds reſolve to aire, ſo never more. Shall gloomy Graves their Dead to Light reſtore: Nor ſhall they to their ſumptuous Roofes returne; But lye forgotten, as if never borne. Then, O my Soule, while thou haſt freedome, breake Into Complaints: give Sorrow leave to ſpeake. Am I a raging Sea, or furious VVhale? That thou ſhould'ſt thus confine me with a wall? How often when the riſing Stars had ſpread Their golden Flames, ſaid I! now ſhall my Bed Refreſh my weary limbs; and peacefull Sleepe. My care and anguiſh in his Lethe ſteepe. But lo! ſad Dreames my troubled Braines ſurpriſe: And gaſtly Viſions wound my ſtaring Eyes. So that my yeilding Soule, ſubdude with greife, And tortur'd Body, to their laſt reliefe VVould gladly flye: and by a violence. Leſſe painefull, take from greater paine the Senſe. For life is but my curſe: reſume the breath I muſt reſtore, and fold me up in Death. O what is man, to whom thou ſhould'ſt impart So great an Honour as to ſearch his Hart! To watch his Steps, obſerve him with thine eye; And daily with renew'd afflictions try! Still muſt I ſuffer? wilt thou never leave? Nor give a little time for griefe to breath? My Soule hath ſinn'd: how can I expiate Her guilt great Guardian, or prevent thy hate? VVhy aim'ſt thou all thy darts at me alone? VVho to my ſelfe am know a Burthen growne. VVilt thou not to a broken Heart diſpenſe Thy Balme of mercy, and expunge th'offence, E're duſt returne to duſt? Then thou no more Shalt ſee my Face; nor I thy Name adore. Thus Iob. Then Bildad of Suita ſaid: Vaine Man, how long wilt thou thy God up-braid! And like the roaring of a furious wind Thus vent the wild diſtemper of thy mind! Can he pervert his Iudgements? ſhall he ſwerve From his owne Juſtice, and thy Paſſions ſerve? If he thy Sonnes for their rebellion ſlew; Death was the wages to their merit dew. Oh would'ſt thou ſeeke unto the Lord betimes, With fervent prayer, and abſtinence from crimes; Nor with new follies ſpot thy Innocence: Then would he alwayes watch in thy defence; The Houſe, that harbor'd ſo much vertue, bleſſe With fruitfull Peace; and crowne thee with ſucceſſe. Then would he centuple thy former ſtore; And make thee farre more happy then before. Search thou the Records of Antiquitie; And on our Anceſtors reflect thine Eye: For we, alas! are but of Yeſterday; Know nothing, and like ſhadowes fleet away. Thou in thoſe Mirrors ſhalt the truth behold; VVhoſe tongues un-erring Oracles unfold. Can Bulruſhes but by the River grow? Can Flags there flouriſh where no waters flow? Yet they, when greene, when yet untoucht, of all That cloth the Spring, firſt hang their heads, and fall. So double-hearted Hypocrites, ſo they VVho God forget, ſhall in their prime decay. Their ayery hopes as brittle as the thin And ſubtill webs, which toyling Spiders ſpin. Their Houſes full of wealth, and Ryot, ſhall Deceive their truſt; and cruſh them in their fall. Though like a Cedar, by the River fed, He to the Sunne his ample Branches ſpread, His Top ſurrounds with Clouds; deepe in the flood Bathes his firme Rootes; even of himſelfe a VVood: And from his heigth a night-like ſhaddow throw Vpon the Marble Palaces below: Yet ſhall the Axe of Juſtice hew him downe; And levell with the Roote, his lofty Crowne. No Eye ſhall his out-raz'd impreſſion view: Nor mortall know where ſuch a Glory grew. Thoſe ſeeming goods, whereof the wicked vaunt Thus fade, while others on their ruines plant. God never will the Innocent forſake: Nor ſinfull Soules to his protection take. Cleanſe thou thy Heart: then in thy ample breaſt Joy ſhall triumph, and ſmiles thy cheekes inveſt. He will thy Foes with ſilent ſhame confound: And their proud ſtructures levell with the ground. This is a truth acknowledg'd; Iob replies: But Oh what Man is righteous in his Eyes! VVho can not-guilty plead before his Throne? Or of a thouſand Actions anſwer one? God is in wiſedome, as in power, immenſe: VVho ever could contend without offence, Offend unpuniſh't? you who Glory moſt In your owne Strength, can you of conqueſt boaſt? Cloud-touching Mountaines to new ſeates are borne From their Foundations, by his fury torne. Th' affrighted Earth in her diſtemper quakes; VVhen his Almighty Hand her Pillars ſhakes. At whoſe command the Suns ſwift Horſes ſtay; VVhile Mortalls wonder at ſo long a Day. The Moone into her darkned Orbe retires: Nor ſeal'd up Starres extend their golden fires. He, only He, Heavens blew Pavillion ſpreads: And on the Oceans dancing Billowes treads. Immane Arcturus, weeping Pleiades, Orion, who with Stormes plowes up the Seas, For ſeverall Seaſons fram'd: and all that rowle Their radiant Flame about the Antartick Pole. VVhat wonders are effected, by his might! Oh how inſcrutable, how Infinite! Though he obſerve me, and be ever by; Yet, ah! Inviſible to mortall Eye. Can hands of Fleſh compell him to reſtore VVhat he ſhall take? or who dare aske wherefore? The great in Pride, and Power, like Meteors ſhall (If he relent not) by his Vengeance fall. And Oh ſhall I, a worme, my cauſe defend; Or in vaine Argument with God contend? I would not were I innocent diſpute; But humbly to my Judge preſent my Suite. Yet never could my hopes be confident; Though God himſelfe ſhould to my wiſh conſent: VVho with inceſſant ſtormes my peace confounds; And multiplies my undeſerved wounds: Nor gives me time to breathe; my Stomack fills With food of bitter taſt, and Lothſome pills. Speake I of ſtrength, his ſtrength the ſtrong obay: If I of Judgement ſpeake, who ſhall a Day Appoint for tryall? ſhould I Juſtifie A Vice, my heart would give my tongue the lye. If of perfection boaſt; I ſhould herein My guilt diſcloſe: thought I, I had no Sin; My ſelfe I ſhould not know. Oh bitter ſtrife! VVhoſe only Iſſue is the hate of life! Yet judge not by events: in generall. The good and bad without diſtinction fall. For he th'Appeale of innocence derides; And with his Sword the controverſe decides: He gives the Earth to thoſe that tyrannize: And ſpreads a vaile before the Judges Eyes. Or elſe what were his power? Oh you who ſee My miſeries, this truth behold in mee! My dayes runne like a Poſt, and leave behinde No tract of joy: as ſhips before the winde, They through this humaine Ocean ſayle away: And fly like Eagles which purſue their prey. If I determine to remove my care; Forget my griefe, and comfort my Deſpaire: The feare that he would never purge mee, mocks M'imbarqued Hopes, and drives them on the Rocks. For if he hold me guilty; if I ſoile My ſelfe with Sin, I then but vainely toyle. Though I ſhould waſh my ſelfe in melting Snow, Vntill my hands were whiter; he would throw Me downe to Earth: and, ah! ſo plunge in mire, That I ſhould loath to touch my owne attire: For he, is not as I: a man, with whom I might contend, and to a Tryall come. I, in my cauſe ſhall find no Aduocate; Nor Vmpire, to compoſe our ſad debate. Oh ſhould he from my ſhoulders take his Rod; Free from the awe and terror of a God: Then would I argue in my owne defence; And boldly juſtifie my Innocence. Oh I am ſick of life! nor will controule My Paſſion, but in bitterneſſe of Soule, Thus teare the Aire: what ſhould thy wrath incenſe To puniſh him who knowes not his offence? Ah! do'ſt thou in oppreſſion take delight? Wilt thou thy Servant fold in ſhades of Night, And ſmile on wicked Counſels? do'ſt thou ſee With Eyes of Fleſh? is Truth conceal'd from thee? VVhat are thy Dayes as fraile as ours? or can Thy yeares determine like the age of Man? That thou ſhould'ſt my Delinquencies exquire; And with Variety of tortures tire? Cannot my knowne Integritie remove Thy cruell Plagues? wilt thou remorſeleſſe prove? Ah! wilt thou thy owne workemanſhip confound? Shall the ſame hand that did create, now wound? Remember I am built of clay; and muſt Reſolve to my originary Duſt. Thou powr'dſt me out like milke into the wombe; Like curds conden'ſt; and in that ſecret roome My Limbs proportion'd; cloth'd with fleſh and skin; With bones, and ſinewes, fortifi'd within: The Life thou gav'ſt, thou haſt with plentie fed; Long cheriſht, and through Dangers ſafely led. All this is buryed in thy breaſt: and yet I know thou can'ſt not thy old Love forget. Thou, if I erre obſerv'ſt me with ſterne eyes: Nor will the plea of Ignorance ſuffice. Woe unto me ſhould ſinne my Soule infect Who dare not now, though innocent, erect My downe-caſt lookes: which clouds of ſhame infold. Great God, my growing Miſeries behold! Thou like a Lion hunteſt me: wounds on wounds Thy hands inflict; thy fury knowes no bounds. Againſt me all thy Plagues embattaild are: Subdu'd with changes of internall warre. Why didſt thou draw me from my Mothers wombe? Would I from thence had ſlipt into my Tombe, Before the Eye of man my face had ſeene; And mixt with duſt, as I had never beene! Oh ſince I have ſo ſhort a time to live, A little eaſe to theſe my torments give: Before I goe where all in ſilence mourne; From whoſe darke ſhores no travellers returne: A Land where Death, confuſion, endleſſe Night, And Horror reigne: where Darkeneſſe is their Light. Thus Zophar with acerbity reply'd: Think'ſt thon by talking to be juſtifi'd? Or ſhall theſe wild diſtempers of thy mind, This tempeſt of thy tongue, thus rave, and find No oppoſition? ſhall we guilty be Of thy untruths, in not reproving thee? Nor die thy cheekes in Bluſhes for the ſcorne Thou throw'ſt on us; till now with patience borne? Haſt thou not ſaid to God? my heart's upright, My Doctrine pure, I blameleſſe in thy ſight. O that he would be pleaſed to reply: And take the vaile from thy Hypocriſie! Should he reveale his wiſedome to thine eyes: How would'ſt thou thy integritie deſpiſe? Acknowledging theſe punniſhments farre leſſe Then thy offences? and his grace profeſſe? Canſt thou into thy Makers Councels dive? Or to the knowledge of his thoughts arrive? Higher then higheſt Heavens; more deepe then Hell; Longer then Earth; more broad then Seas that ſwell Above their ſhores, can man his foot-ſteps trace? Would he the courſe of Nature change? the face Of things invert? and all diſſolve againe To their old Chaos? who could God reſtraine? He knowes that man is vaine: his eyes detect Their ſecret crimes? and ſhall not he correct? Thus Fooles grow wiſe; ſubdue their ſtubborne ſoules: Though in their pride more rude then Aſſes foles. If thou affect thy cure: reforme thy wayes: Let penitence reſolve to teares, and raiſe Thy hands to heaven; what Rapine got, reſtore: Nor let inſidious Vice approach thy Doore. Then thou thy lookes ſhalt raiſe from blemiſh cleare: Walke in full ſtrength, and no diſaſter feare. As winter Torrents, tumbling from on high, Waſte with their ſpeed, and leave their channels dry: So ſhall the ſenſe of former ſorrowes runne From thy Remembrance. As the mounted Sunne Breakes through the Clouds, and throwes his golden Raies About the world; ſhall thy increaſing Dayes Succeed in Glory. Thou thy ſelfe ſhalt riſe Like that bright Starre, which laſt forſakes the skies: For ever by thy ſtedfaſt hopes ſecur'd; Intrenched, and with walles of Braſſe immur'd: Confirm'd againſt all Stormes. Soft ſleepe ſhall cloſe Thy guarded eyes with undiſturb'd repoſe. The Great ſhall honour; the diſtreſſed ſhall Thy grace implore: belov'd, or fear'd of all. The ſight of thee, ſhall ſtrike the envious blind: The wicked, with anxietie of Mind Shall pine away; in ſighes conſume their breath: Prevented in their hopes by ſudden Death. To whom thus Iob: You are the only wiſe; And when you die the fame of wiſedome dies. Though Paſſion be a foole, though you profeſſe Your ſelves ſuch Sages: yet know I no leſſe, Nor am to you inferior. What blind Soule Could this not ſee? 'Tis eaſie to controule. My ſad example ſhewes, how thoſe whoſe cries Even God regards, their ſcoffing Friends deſpiſe. He that is wretched, though in life a Saint, Becomes a ſcorne: This is an old Complaint. Thoſe who grow old in fluency and eaſe, VVhen they from ſhore behold him toſt on Seas, And neere his ruine; his condition ſlight: Pric'd as a Lamp conſum'd with his owne light. The Tents of Robbers flouriſh. Earths increaſe Foments their ryot who diſturb her peace. VVho God contemne, in ſinne ſecurely raigne: And proſperous Crimes the meed of Vertue gaine. Aske thou the Citizens of pathleſſe woods; VVhat cut the ayre with wings, what ſwim in floods; Brute beaſts, and foſtering Earth: in generall They will confeſſe the power of God in all. Who knowes not that his hands both good and ill Diſpenſe? that Fate depends upon his will? All that have Life are ſubject to his ſway: And at his pleaſure proſper, or decay. Is not the Eare the Judge of Eloquence? Gives not the Pallate to the Taſt his ſenſe? Sure, knowledge is deriv'd from length of yeares: And Wiſedomes browes are cloth'd with Silver haires. Gods power is as his prudence; equall great: In Counſell, and Intelligence, compleat. VVho can what he ſhall ruine, build againe? Looſe whom he binds? or his ſtrong Arme reſtraine? At his rebuke, the Living waters flye To their old Springs, and leave their Channels dry: When he commands, in Cataracts they roare: And the wild Ocean leaves it ſelfe no ſhoare. His Wiſedome and his Power our thoughts tranſcend: Both the Deceiver and deceiv'd depend Vpon his beck: He thoſe who others rule Infatuates, and makes the Judge a foole: Diſſolves the Nerves of Empire, Kings deprives Of Soveraignty; their Crownes exchang'd for gyves. Impoveriſht Nobles into exile leades: And on the Carcaſes of Princes treads. Takes from the Orator his eloquence; From ancient Sages their diſcerning ſenſe. Subjects the worthy to contempt and wrong: The valiant terrifies, diſarmes the ſtrong. Vnvailes the ſecrets of the ſilent Night: Brings, what the ſhades of death obſcures, to light. A Nation makes more numerous then the Stars: Againe devours with Famine, Plagues, and VVars. Now, like a Deluge, they the Earth ſurround: Forthwith, reduc'd into a narrow bound. He Fortitude and Counſell takes away From their Commanders: who in Deſerts ſtray, Grope in the Darke, and to no Seat confine Their wandring feet; but reele as drunke with wine. This by mine Eyes and eares have I convay'd Downe to my heart: and in that Cloſet laid. Need I in depth of knowledge yeild to you? Is not as much to my diſcretion due? Oh that th' All-ſeeing Judge, who cannot erre, VVould heare me plead; and with a wretch conferre! You Corraſives into my wounds diſtill: And ignorant' Artiſts, with your phyſick kill. Ah! ſhame you not to vent ſuch forgeries? Seale up your lips and be in ſilence wiſe. And ſince you are by farre more fit to heare, Then to inſtruct; afford my tongue an eare. Oh will you wickedly for God diſpute? And by deceitfull wayes ſtrive to confute? Are you, in favour of his perſon, bent Thus to prejudicate the Innocent? Need's he an Advocate to plead his Cauſe? To juſtifie untruth's againſt his Lawes? Can you on him ſuch falſities obtrude? And as a Mortall the moſt wiſe delude? VVill it availe you, when he ſhall remove. Your painted vizors? will not he reprove, And ſharply puniſh; if in ſecret you, For favour, or reward, Injuſtice doe? Shall not his Excellence your Soules affright? His Horrors on your heads like Thunder light? Your memories to aſhes muſt decay: And your fraile bodies are but built of clay. Forbeare to ſpeake, till my Conceptions ſhall Diſcharge their Birth; then let what will befall. VVhy ſhould I teare my fleſh? caſt of the care Of future life? and languiſh in deſpaire? Though God ſhould kill me, I my confidence On him would fixe; nor quit my owne defence. He ſhall reſtore me by his ſaving might: Nor ſhall the Hypocrite approach his ſight. Give me your eares, Oh you who were my Friends; VVhile injur'd Innocence it ſelfe defends, I am prepar'd, and wiſh my Cauſe were try'd: In full aſſurance to be juſtifi'd. Begin; who will accuſe? ſhould I not ſpeake In ſuch a truth, my heart with griefe would breake. Juſt Judge, two lets remove: that free from dread, I may before thy high Tribunall plead. Oh let theſe torments from my fleſh depart; Nor with thy terrors daunt my trembling heart: Then charge: ſo I my life may juſtifie: And to my juſt complaint doe thou reply. What Sinnes are thoſe that ſo pollute my breſt: Oh ſhew how oft I have thy Lawes tranſgreſt? Wilt thou thy Servant of thy ſight deprive, And as an Enemy to Ruine drive? Wilt thou a withered leafe to powder grind? Toſt in the aire by every breath of wind: Or with thy Lightning into Aſhes turne Such worthleſſe Stubble? only dry'd to burne. Thou haſt indited me of bitter Crimes: Now puniſht, for the faults of former times. Lo! my reſtrained feet thy fetters wound; Watcht with a Guard, and rooted in the ground. Like rotten fruit I fall: worne like a cloth Gnawne into rags by the devouring Moth. Ah! few, and full of Sorrow, are the Dayes Of Man from Woman ſprung: His Life decayes, Like that fraile flower which with the Sunnes upriſe Her bud unfolds; and with the Evening Dies. He like an emptie Shadow glides away: And all his Life is but a Winters Day. Wilt thou thine Eye upon a vapour bend? Or with ſo weake an oppoſite contend? Who can a pure and Chriſtall Current bring, From ſuch a muddy, and polluted Spring? Oh, ſince his Dayes are numbred; ſince thou haſt Preſcrib'd him bounds that are not to be paſt: A little with his puniſhment diſpence: Till he have ſerv'd his time, and part from hence. A tree, though hewne with axes to the ground, Renew's his growth, and ſprings from his greene wound: Although his root waxe old, his fivers dry; Although the ſapleſſe bole begin to dye; Yet will at ſent of Water freſhly ſprout: And like a plant thruſt his young Branches out. But Man, when once cut downe; when his pale ghoſt Fleets into aire; he is for ever loſt. As Meteors vaniſh, which the Seas exhale; As Torrents in the drouth of Summer faile: So periſht Man from Death ſhall never riſe; But ſleepe in ſilent Shades with ſeal'd-up Eyes: While the Caeleſtiall Orbes in order roule, And turne their flames about the ſtedfaſt Pole. Oh that thou would'ſt conceale me in the Grave; Immure with marble in that ſecret Cave, Vntill the Tempeſt of thy wrath were paſt! A time prefix, and thinke of me at laſt! Can man recover his departed Breath? I will expect untill my change in Death; And anſwer at thy call: Thou wilt renew VVhat thou haſt ruin'd, and my feares ſubdue. But now thou tell'ſt my Steps, mark'ſt when I erre: Nor wilt the vengeance due to Sinne deferre. Thou in a Bag haſt my Tranſgreſſions ſeal'd: And only by their Puniſhments reveal'd. As Mountaines, toſt by Earth-quakes, downe are throwne; Rocks torne up by the roots: as hardeſt Stone The ſoftly-falling drops of water weare; As Inundations all before them beare; And leave the Earth abandoned: ſo ſhall The aſpiring hopes of Man to nothing fall. Thy wrath prevailes againſt him every Day; Whom with a changed Face thou ſend'ſt away: Then knowes not if his Sonnes to honour riſe; Or ſtruggle with their ſtrong neceſſities. But here his waſting Fleſh with anguiſh burnes: And his perturbed Soule within him mournes. Iob paus'd: to whom the Themanite replies: Can man ſuch follies utter and be wiſe? VVhich bluſter from the Tempeſt of thy mind, As if thy breaſt inclos'd the Eaſterne wind. Wilt thou thy idle rage by Reaſon prove? Or ſpeake thoſe Thoughts which have no power to move? Thou from thy rebell Heart haſt God exil'd; Kept backe thy Prayers his ſacred Truth revil'd. Thy Lips declare thy owne impiety; Accuſe of fraud, condemne thee; and not I. Art thou the firſt of Mortals? wert thou made Before the Hils their lofty Browes diſplay'd? Hath God to thee his Oracles reſign'd? Is wiſedome only to thy Breaſt confin'd? What know'ſt thou that we know not? as compleat In Natures graces; in acquir'd, as great. There are gray heads among us: Counſellers, To whom thy Father was a Boy in Yeares. Slight thou the Comforts we from God impart? VVhat greater Secret lurkes in thy proud heart, That hurries thee into theſe extaſies? VVhat fury flames in thy diſdainfull Eyes? VVilt thou a warre againſt thy Maker wage? And wound him with thy tongues blaſphemous rage? VVas ever humane fleſh from blemiſh cleare? Can they be guiltleſſe whom fraile women beare? He truſteth not his Miniſters of Light: The radiant Stars ſhine dimnly in his Sight. How perfect then is man? from head to foot Defil'd with filth, and rotten at the root. VVho poys'ning ſinne with burning thirſt devours: As parched Earth ſucks in the falling ſhowers. VVhat I have heard and ſeene (would'ſt thou intend Thy cure) I would unto thy care commend; VVhich oft the wiſe have in my thoughts reviv'd: To them from knowing Anceſtors deriv'd; VVho God-like over happy Nations reign'd, And Vertue by ſuppreſſing Vice ſuſtein'd. Th'Unjuſt his Dayes in painefull travell ſpends: The Cruell ſodainly to Death deſcends. He ſtarts at every ſound that ſtrikes his Eare: And puniſhment anticipates by feare. VVho from the heigth of all his Glory ſhall, Like newly-kindled Exhalations, fall: Deſpaires cold breath his ſpringing hopes confounds: VVho feeles th'expected ſword before it wounds. He begs his bread from doore to doore, and knowes The Night drawes on that muſt his Day incloſe. Horror and anguiſh ſhall his ſoule affright; Daunt like a King that drawes his Troops to fight. Since he againſt the Almighty ſtretcht his hand, And like a rebell ſpurn'd at his Command; God ſhall upon his ſeven-fold target ruſh, And his ſtiffe necke beneath his ſhoulders cruſh. Though Luxury ſwell in his ſhining eyes, And his fat belly load his yeilding thighes: Though he diſmantled Cities fortifie, From their deſerted ruines rais'd on high: Yet his congeſted wealth ſhall melt like ſnow; VVhoſe growth ſhall never to perfection grow. Deſtruction ſhall ſurround him: nor ſhall he His Soule from that darke night of Horror free: God with his breath ſhall all his Branches blaſt: And ſcorch with lightning by his vengeance caſt. Will the deluded truſt to vanitie? And by the ſtroake of his owne folly die? For he ſhall be cut downe before his time: His ſpreading Branches wither in their prime. Lo, as a ſtorme which with the Sunne aſcends, From creeping vines their unripe cluſters rends; And the fat olive, ever greene with Leaves, Together of her hopes and flowers bereaves: So ſhall the great Revenger ruinate Him and his Iſſue, by a dreadfull fate. Thoſe fooles who fraud with pietie diſguiſe, And by corrupting Bribes to Greatneſſe riſe; Their Glories ſhall in deſolation mourne: While hungry flames their lofty ſtructures burne. With Miſchiefe they conceive; their bellies great With ſwelling Vanitie, bring forth Deceit. Then Iob: How long wilt thou thus vexe mine eares! You all are miſerable Comforters. Shall this vaine wind of words, ah! never end? VVhy Eliphas ſhould'ſt thou afflict thy Friend? VVere you ſo loſt in griefe, would I thus ſpeake? Such bruiſed hearts with harſhinvectives breake? VVould I accumulate your Miſeries VVith Scorne? and draw new Rivers from your Eyes? Oh no, my language ſhould your paſſions calme: My words ſhould drop into your wounds like balme. But oh my frantick Sorrow finds no eaſe? Complaints nor ſilence can their pangs appeaſe! Thou Lord haſt my perplexed Soule depreſt; Bereft of all the comforts ſhee poſſeſt: My Face thus furrowed with untimely age; My pale and meagre lookes profeſſe thy rage. VVhoſe Miniſters, like cunning foes, ſurpriſe; Teare with theirteeth, transfix me with their eyes; Againſt my peace combine: at once aſſaile. VVith open mouthes, and impudently raile. God hath deliver'd me into their Jawes VVho hunt for ſpoile, and make their ſwords their Lawes. Long ſaild I on ſmooth Seas, by fore-winds borne: Now bulg'd on rocks, and by his Tempeſts torne. He by the Neck hath hal'd, in pieces cut; And ſet me as a marke on every Butt. His Archers circle me; my reines they wound, And, ruthleſſe, ſhed my gall upon the ground. Behold! he ruines upon ruines heaps: And on me like a furious Giant leaps. For thus with ſackcloth I inveſt my Woe: And duſt upon my clouded forehead throw. My cheeks are guttered with my fretting teares: And on my falling Eye-lids Death appeares. Yet is my heart upright, my prayers ſincere; My guiltleſſe Life from your aſperſions cleare. Reveale, oh Earth, the Blood that I have ſpilt: Nor heare me, Heaven, if I be ſoil'd with guilt. My conſcience knowes her owne Integritie: And that all-ſeeing Power inthron'd on high. Yet you traduce me in my Miſeries: But I to God erect my weeping Eyes. Would I before him might my cauſe defend; And argue as a mortall with his friend: Since I ere long that precipice muſt tread, VVhence none returne, that leads unto the Dead. My ſpirits are infected, and my Tombe Yawnes to devoure mee; my laſt Dayes are come. Yet you with bitter ſcorne my pangs increaſe: Nor, ah! will ſuffer me to die in peace. VVhat Advocate will take your cauſe in hand; And for you at the high Tribunall ſtand? Since God your erring ſoules deprives of ſenſe; Nor will exalt you in your owne defence. His Children ſhall their dayes in ſorrow end, VVhoſe tongue with flattery deludes his Friend. I to the vulgar am become a Jeſt: Eſteemed as a Minſtrell at a Feaſt. My ſleepleſſe eyes their ſplendor quench in teares: My tortur'd body to a ſhadow weares. This, in the Righteous wonder ſhall excite: The Innocent ſhall hate the Hypocrite. He in the path preſcrib'd ſhall boldly goe: And his untainted ſtrength ſhall ſtronger grow. Revoke your wandring Cenſures, nor deſpiſe The wretched: you who ſeeme, but are not wiſe. My flying houres arrive at their laſt date: My thoughts and fortunes buryed in my fate. How ſoone my ſhortned Day is chang'd to Night! Abortive Darkneſſe veiles my ſetting Light. Oh can your counſell his deſpaire deferre, VVho now is houſed in his Sepulchre? I, in the ſhades of death my Bed have made. Corruption thou my Father art, I ſaid, And thou, O Worme, my Mother: by thy Birth My Siſter; borne, and nouriſhed by Earth. Where now are all my hopes? oh never more Shall they revive! nor Death her rapes reſtore! But to the graves infernall priſon muſt With me deſcend, and rot in ſhrouds of Duſt. To whom thus Bildad: when wilt thou forbeare To clamor, and afford a patient eare? Do'ſt thou as beaſts thy ancient friends deſpiſe? Are we ſo vile and triviall in thine Eyes? Oh miſerable Man, by thy owne rage In pieces torne: can fury griefe aſſwage? Will God for thee the govern'd Earth forſake? His purpoſe change, and Rocks aſunder ſhake? He ſhall their light extinguiſh who decline From Vertues pathes: their ſparkes ſhall ceaſe to ſhine. The Wicked ſhall be compaſſed about With Darkneſſe: and his oyleleſſe Lamp flye-out. His waſted ſtrength unthought-of miſchiefes ſhall Intrap; and he by his owne counſels fall. His deſperate feet their Lord to Ruine lead: And on prepared Engines raſhly tread. The Hunter ſhall intangle in his Toyle; And rav'nous theeves of all his Subſtance ſpoile: Snares, ſpread with tempting baits, for him ſhall lay; And dig concealed Pit-fals in his way. A thouſand horrors ſhall his Soule affright, Encounter; and purſue his guilty flight. Deſtruction ſhall upon his Steps attend; And famines rage into his guts deſcend: Shee ſhall the Sinewes of his ſtrength devoure, And Death's Firſt borne ſhall crop him in his flower: Cut of his confidence; and to the King Of Terrors, his accuſed Conſcience, bring. Driven from the Houſe, unjuſtly cal'd his owne; By rapine got: which flaming ſulphure, throwne From Heaven, ſhall burne: his roote within the ground Shall wither, and the axe his branches wound. He and his dying memory ſhall rot; His name even by the preſent Age forgot. From light into perpetuall Darkneſſe hurl'd; And; as a Miſchiefe, chaſt out of the World. No Sonne, or Nephew ſhall ſupply his place: Himſelfe the laſt of his accurſed Race. Poſteritie, as thoſe then living ſhall With wonder tremble at his fearefull fall. So tragicall and merited a fate Shall ſwallow thoſe, who God and Juſtice hate. How long, ſaid Iob, will you with bitter words Thus wound my Soule? your tongues more ſharpe then ſwords, Ten times have you aſperſions on me throwne: Your ſelves, as Strangers, without bluſhing ſhowne. If I have ſinn'd, my Sinnes with me remaine: And I alone the puniſhment ſuſtaine. It is inhumane crueltie in you Thus to inſult; and his reproach purſue Whom Gods owne hand hath caſt unto the ground: And in a Labyrinth of Sorrow wound. Vnheard are my Complaints: my cries the wind Drives through the aire: my wrongs no Judgement find. God, with beſieging Troopes, prevents my flight: And folds my paths in ſhades more darke then night. Hath ſtript me of my Glory; my Renowne Eclips'd: and from my Temples torne my Crowne. On every ſide deſtroy'd; trod under foot: I, as a plant, am puld up by the Root. His indignation like a furnace glowes Who, as a foe at me his lightning throwes. All his aſſembled Plagues at once devoure: And round about my tents incampe their Power. My Mothers Sonnes deſert me: left alone By my Familiars; by my Friends unknowne. My Kindred faile me: theſe alone depend On fortunes ſmiles; the wretched finds no friend. Thoſe of my Family their Maſter ſlight: Growne deſpicable in my hand-maids ſight. I of my churliſh ſervants am unheard: My ſufferings, nor Intreaties, they regard. My Wife neglects me; though deſir'd to take Some pitie on me, for our Childrens ſake. By idle Boyes, and Idiots vilifi'd: VVho me, and my Calamities deride. My Intimates farre from my ſight remove: Thoſe, whom I favor'd moſt, ungratefull prove. My skin cleaves to my Bones: of this remaines No part entire, but what my teeth containes. Oh my hard-hearted friends! take ſome remorſe Of him, whom God hath made a Living Corſe. VVill you with God in my afflictions joyne? VVil't not ſuffice that I in Torments pine? Oh that the words I ſpeake were regiſtred VVrit in a Booke, for ever to be read! Or that the tenor of my juſt complaint Were ſculpt with ſteele on Rocks of Adamant! For my Redeemer lives: I know he ſhall Deſcend to Earth, and man to Judgement call. Though wormes devoure me, though I turne to mold; Yet in my fleſh I ſhall his face behold. I from my marble Monument ſhall riſe Againe entire, and ſee him with theſe Eyes: Though ſterne diſeaſes now conſume my Reines; And drinke the blood out of my ſhrivel'd veines. T'were better ſaid: why ſhould we perſecute Our friend; whoſe cauſe is ſolid at the Roote? Oh feare the ſword; for puniſhments ſucceed Our Treſpaſſes; and crueltie muſt bleed. Thus anſwer'd the incenſt Nahamathite: I had beene ſilent, but thy words excite My ſtrugling thoughts to vindicate the wrong Caſt on our zeale by thy reproachfull tongue. This is a truth which with the world began; Since earth was firſt inhabited by man: Sinn's triumph in ſwift miſery concludes; And flattering joy the Hypocrite deludes. Although his excellence to Heaven aſpire; Though radiant Beames his ſhining Browes attire; He, as his dung, ſhall periſh on the ground: Nor ſhall the impreſſion of his Steps be found; But like a troubled Dreame ſhall take his flight: And vaniſh as a Viſion of the Night. No mortall Eye ſhall ſee his face againe: Nor ſumptuous roofes their builder entertaine. If he have Children, they ſhall ſerve the poore: And goods by rapine got, enforc't, reſtore. The puniſhments of Luxury and Luſt Shall eate his Bones; nor leave him in the Duſt. Though vice, like ſweet confections, pleaſe his taſt; Although betweene his tongue and pallate plac'd: Though he preſerve, and chew it with delight; Nor bridle his licentious appetite: Yet ſhall it in his boyling Stomack turne To bitter poyſon; and like wild-fire burne. He ſhall caſt up the wealth by him devour'd, Like vomit from his yawning Entrailes powr'd: The gall of Aſpes with thirſty lips ſuck in; The Vipers deadly teeth ſhall pierce his skin: Nor ever ſhall thoſe happy Rivers know, Which with pure oyle and fragrant honey flow. The Riches purchas'd by his Care and ſweat, He ſhall reſigne; nor of his Labors eate: But reſtitution to the value make; Nor joy in his extorted treaſure take. Since he the poore forſooke; the weake oppreſt; The Manſion, by another built, poſſeſt: His Belly never ſhall be ſatisfi'd; Nor he with his adored wealth ſupply'd. Of all his Suſtenance at once bereft: No Heire ſhall ſtrive to inherit what is left. He, in the pride of his full Glory, ſhall To Earth deſcend; and by the wicked fall. About to feed; Jehova's flaming Ire Shall blaſt his hopes, and mixe his food with fire. While from the raging ſword he vainely flyes, A Bow of Steele ſhall fixe his trembling thighes. Darts through his flowing gall ſhall force their way: Eternall terrors ſhall his Soule diſmay. Thick darkneſſe ſhall infold; a fire unblowne Devoure his Race, by their misfortunes knowne. Heaven ſhall reveale his cloſe impieties: And Earth, by him defil'd, againſt him riſe. His Subſtance in that Day of wrath ſhall waſte; Like ſodaine Torrents from ſteepe Mountaines caſt. This is the Portion of the Hypocrite: Such Horrors ſhall on the Blaſphemer light. The Huzite ſigh'd, and ſaid: my words attend Afford this only comfort to your friend. Suffer my tongue to ſpeake my thoughts: and then Renew your ſcoffes: doe I complaine to Men? Since God ſuch dreadfull Armes againſt me beares: Oh why ſhould I ſuppreſſe my ſighes and teares! My ſufferings with aſtoniſhment ſurvay: And on your ſilent lips your fingers lay. For ſhould my Enemy endure the like; The Story would my Soule with horror ſtrike. Why live the wicked? they by vices thrive; Saile on ſmooth Seas, and at their port arrive: Confirme a long ſucceſſion; and behold Their numerous off-ſpring: in exceſſe grow old. Their Houſes on ſecure foundations ſtand: Nor are they humbled by the Almighties hand. Their luſty Bulls ſerve not their Kine in vaine: Their Calves the Breeders their full time retaine. Abroad like flocks their little ones they ſend: Their Children dance, in active Sports contend; Strike the melodious Harpe, ſhrill Timbrels ring: And to the warbling Lute ſoft Ditties ſing. Life is to them a long-continued Feaſt: And ſleepe is not more calme then Deaths arreſt. To God they ſay; Enjoy thy Heaven alone: Be thou to us, as we to thee, unknowne. For what is he, that we ſhould him obey? Or fruitleſſe vowes before his Altar pay? Yet their Felicitie from him proceeds: Nor am I culpable of their miſdeeds. When are their tapers quencht? doe they expire, Struck by the Thunderer, with Darts of fire? How oft are they like chaffe by whirl-winds toſt? Or early Bloſſomes bitten by the Froſt? When are their Vices puniſh't in their ſeed? When for their owne offences doe they bleed? How often tread deſtructions horrid Path? And drinke the dregs of the Revengers wrath? Care they for their deſerted Families; When Deaths all-curing hand ſhall cloſe their eyes? Shall Man his Maker teach, who ſits on high; And ſwayes the worlds inferior Monarchy? Two Men at once behold: the one poſſeſt Of his deſires, with peace and plenty bleſt: From whoſe ſwolne breaſt a ſtreame of milke diſtils; Whoſe bones high feeding with hot marrow fils: The other, miſerable from his birth: A burthen to himſelfe, and to the Earth. Who never could his Hungers rage ſuffice. That in perfection; This in Sorrow dies. Yet Death, more equall; theſe extreames conformes; And covers their corrupting fleſh with wormes. I know your Councels; can your thoughts detect: The forged Crimes you purpoſe to object. Where are, ſay you, thoſe Palaces that blas'd With burniſht Gold, on carved Columns rais'd? Built on the Ruines of the poore; the ſoile By extortion purchas'd; and adorn'd with ſpoile? Be judg'd by travellers: they will confute What falſely you ſuggeſt, and ſtrike you mute. For theſe, and thoſe, who high in Vice command, Againſt the Thunders rage ſecurely ſtand: And flouriſh in the Day of wrath, when all About them by the ſtroake of Slaughter fall. Who dare againſt the great in Miſchiefe plead? Or turne his Injuries upon his head? They ſhall his Corps with funerall Pompe interre: And lodge him in a ſumptuous Sepulchre. The Flowers which in the cirkling valley grow, Shall on his Monument their odors throw. All that ſurvive ſhall follow him; and tread That common path, b'innumerable led. Why vainely then pretend you my reliefe? And with falſe comforts aggravate my griefe? Can Man his Maker benefit (replide The THEMANITE) as he by wiſedomes guide. May his owne joyes advance? can he delight From him receive, becauſe his heart's upright? Availes it him that thou from vice art cleare? Makes he thee guilty? or condemnes for feare? No Iob, thy Sinnes theſe puniſhments beget: Thy Sinnes which are as infinite as great. Thou of their garments oft haſt ſtript the poore; Thy Brothers pledge refuſing to reſtore: No water would'ſt unto the thirſty give; Nor with thy bread the Hungry Soule relieve: While mighty men, and thoſe who more poſſeſt Then ſerv'd for Ryot, ſurfeit at thy feaſt. Sad widowes, by thee rifled, weepe in vaine: And ruin'd Orphants of thy Rapes complaine. For this unthought of ſnares begirt thee round; And ſodaine feares thy troubled Soule confound: Darke clouds before thine Eyes their Vapors ſpread; And thronging Billowes roule above thy head. Perhaps theſe fumes from thy diſtemper riſe: Sits not Jehova on the arched Skies? Behold the Stars, which underneath diſplay Their ſparkling fires; how farre remov'd are they? What can he at ſo great a diſtance know? Can he from thence behold our deeds below? Thicke interpoſing Miſts his eye-ſight bound: Who free from trouble treads th'Etheriall Round. Haſt thou obſerv'd thoſe crooked paths, wherein They blindly wander who are ſlaves to Sin? Snatcht from their hopes by an untimely end: Caſt downe like Torrents, never to aſcend. Who ſaid to God; us to our fortunes leave: From thee what benefit doe we receive? Yet he their Houſes with aboundance ſtor'd. With Showers of Gold: the God their ſoules ador'd. Oh how my Soule, their wicked Counſell hates! The Righteous ſhall behold their tragick fates; Joy at their early-Ruine: then deride Their flattered Glory, and now-humbled Pride. But we, and ours, ſhall flouriſh in his Grace; When ſearching Flames devoure their curſed Race. Conſult with God; thy troubled mind compoſe: So he ſhall give a period to thy woes. Receive the Lawes his ſacred Lips impart: And lodge them in the cloſet of thy heart. If thou returne; he will thy fall erect: Nor ſhall contagious Sinne thy Roofe infect. Then ſhalt thou gather ſhining heaps of Gold, As pebles which the purling Streames infold: Trod under foot like duſt. Thy God ſhall be A Silver ſhield, a Tower of Gold to thee. For thou on him ſhalt thy affections place: And humbly to his Throne exalt thy face. Thou at his Altar ſhalt devoutly pray: He ſhall conſent; and thou thy vowes ſhalt pay. He ſhall thy wiſhes to fruition raiſe: And ſhed celeſtiall Beames upon thy Wayes. When Men are from their Noone of Glory throwne; And under Sinne and Sorrowes burthen grone: Then ſhalt thou ſay; Th'Almighty from the grave Hath me redeem'd: He will the humble ſave. Thoſe guilty Soules who languiſh in Diſpaire, God ſhall reſtore; and ſtrengthen at thy Prayer. Then Iob: though my complaints obſerve no bounds; Yet Oh, how farre leſſe bitter then my wounds! Would his divine Receſſe to me were knowne; That I at length might plead before his Throne. I would ſuch waighty arguments inforce, As ſhould convert his Fury to Remorſe. Then ſhould my longing Soule his anſwer heare: Would be object his power? or daunt with feare? Oh no, his Goodneſſe rather would impart New vigor, and repaire my broken Heart. He would the Plea of Innocence admit: And me for ever by his Sentence quit. But is not to be found: though I ſhould runne To thoſe diſcloſing Portals of the Sunne; And walke his way, untill his Horſes ſteepe Their fiery fetlocks in the Iberian Deepe: Or ſhould I to the oppoſed Poles repaire; Where equall cold congeales the fixed aire: And yet his ſearching Eyes my paths behold When he hath try'd me I ſhall ſhine like gold: For in his tract my wary feet have ſtept; His undeclined wayes preciſely kept: Nor ever, have revolted from his Lawes: To me more ſweet then food to hungry Jawes. But he is ſtill the ſame: (oh who can ſhun, Or change his Fate!) what he decrees is done. This truth behold in me: His Miſteries Are Sacred, and conceal'd from mortall Eyes. I therefore tremble at his dreadfull ſight: Diſtracted thoughts my troubled Soule affright. For oh, his terror melts my heart to teares; Diſſolves my braine, and harrowes me with feares. Who neither would by Death prevent my woes; Nor eaſe my Soule in theſe her bitter Throes. Why are the puniſhments by God decreed To wicked men, and their rebellious Seed, Since times to come are preſent in his ſight, Conceal'd from thoſe who in his Lawes delight? Some ſlily markes remove from bordering Lands; Feed on the Flocks they purchaſe, with ſtrange hands: The Orphants only Aſſe they drive away; And make the Widowes morgag'd Oxe their prey: Who force the frighted poore to turne aſide; Whom milder Rocks in their darke Cavernes hide. Like Aſſes in the Deſert, they their Toile With Day renew; and riſe betimes for Spoile. The barren Wilderneſſe preſents them food To feed themſelves, and their adulterate brood. Their Sicklers reape the Corne another ſowes: They drinke the Blood which from ſtolne cluſters flowes. The poore, by them diſrobed, naked Lie: Veild with no other covering but the skie. Expos'd to ſtiffning froſts, and drenching ſhowers, Which thickned Aire from her blacke boſome powres: To Torrents which from cloudy Mountaines ſpring; And to the hanging Cliffs for ſhelter cling. They from their mothers Breaſts poore Orphants rend; Nor without gages to the needy lend. For want of clothes they force them ſtarve with cold: From hungry Reapers they their ſheaves withhold. Thoſe faint for thirſt who in their vintage toyle; And from the juicie Olive preſſe pure oyle. Oppreſſed Cities grone; the wounded cry To Heaven for Vengeance: yet in peace they die. Others, that truth oppoſe; deſpiſe the way Of her preſcriptions, and in Darkneſſe ſtray: Sterne Murtherers, that riſe before the light To kill the Innocent; and rob at night: Vncleane Adulterers, whoſe longing Eyes VVaite for the twy-light; enter in diſguiſe, And ſay, who ſees us? Theeves who daily marke Thoſe Houſes which they plunder in the Darke: Theſe Strangers are to light; the Morning Rayes By them are hated as their laſt of Dayes: The Agonies of Death are on them, when They are but knowne, or ſpoken of by Men: And yet they periſh by Jehova's Curſe; And faile like roaring floods that have no Sourſe. Vnlike the generous Vine, which cut, abounds With budding Jems; and proſpers in her wounds. As ſcorching heat the mountaine ſnow devours; As thirſty Earth drinks up the falling Showres: Even ſo the Graves inſatiable Jawes Thoſe Rebels ſwallow, who infringe his Lawes. The Wombs that bare, their Burthens ſhall forget: And greedy wormes their fleſh with pleaſure eate. No tongue or Pen ſhall mention their Renowne: But lye like trees by ſodaine Stormes caſt downe. The barren they more miſerable make: And from the Widow all her Comfort take. The Mighty fall in their ſeditious ſtrife: When once they riſe, who can ſecure his life? Though they be reſolute and confident: Yet are Jehova's eyes upon them bent. But oh, how ſhort their glory! rais'd to fall: Loſt in the Aſhes of their funerall. For they as others die: like Eares of Corne By lightning blaſted; or with ſickles ſhorne. Who doubts theſe contraries? who will diſpute Againſt me? and my Inſtances confute? SHVETIAN BILDAD made this ſhort reply: Dominion, and awefull Majeſtie, To him belong, who crown'd with ſacred Rayes, The Hoſt of Heaven in perfect concord ſwayes. VVho can his Armies number? infinite, And full of Fate! on whom ſhines not his light? Can Mortals righteous in his Eyes appeare? Can they be ſpotleſſe whom fraile women beare? To him the radiant Sunne is but obſcure; The Moone ſtill in Eclipſe; the Stars impure. VVhat then is Man? polluted in his Birth; An uncleane Worme that crawles upon the Earth? All tongues, ſaid Iob, of thy perfections ſpeake; Thou he that renders vigor to the weake: Thy ſtrength the feeble Arme with Nerves ſupplies; Thou by thy Counſell makes the fooliſh wiſe: No ſecret from thy Knowledge is conceal'd; Caeleſtiall Oracles by thee reveal'd. To whom art thou ſo prodigall of breath? Or by what vertue do'ſt thou raiſe from Death? Gods Workes, Oh Bildad, we admire no leſſe: His prudence in their Government confeſſe. Dead things within the Deepe were form'd by him; And all that in the curled Ocean ſwim. The ſilent vaults of Death, unknowne to Light; And Hell it ſelfe, lye naked to his ſight. He faſhion'd thoſe Harmonious Orbs, that roule In reſtleſſe Gyres about the Artick Pole. The maſſie Earth, ſupported by his Care, On nothing hangs in ſoft and fluent Aire. He in thicke Clouds the pendant water binds; Not thaw'd with heat, nor torne with ſtrugling winds: Before his radiant Throne like Curtaines ſpred; Yet at his becke in ſhowres their ſubſtance ſhed. With conſtant bounds the raging floods confines; Till Day his Throne to endleſſe Night reſignes. Heavens Columns, when his Stormes and Thunder rake The troubled Aire, with ſodaine Horror ſhake. Lo, at his Breath the ſwelling waves divide: His awefull Scepter calmes their vanquiſh't pride. Whoſe hand the adorned Firmament diſplai'd; Thoſe Serpentine yet conſtant Motions, made. Theſe but in part his power and wiſedome ſhow: For Oh how little doe we Mortals know! Although his Fame reſound through all the world; Like Thunder from aëriall vapors hurl'd. They ſilenc't, Iob proceeds in his Defence: As the Lord Lives, who knowes my Innocence; Yet will not judge: but hath my Soule depriv'd Of all her Joyes; to Miſery long-liv'd: VVhile theſe my vitall Spirits ſhall receive The food of Aire, and through my Noſtrils breath: No falſehood ſhall defile my Lips with Lies: Or with a vaile the face of Truth diſguiſe. Nor will I wound my cleare Integritie, By yeilding to your wrongs, but rather die. Shall I my ſelfe betray, my Strength refuſe, Deſert my Juſtice, and my truth accuſe? Firſt may I ſinke by Torments yet unknowne: That thoſe which now I ſuffer may ſeeme none. Let ſuch as hate me in their Sinnes rejoyce; And ſurfeit with the pleaſant Baites of Vice: What hope hath the prevailing Hypocrite, When God ſhall chaſe his Soule to endleſſe Night? Will God relieve him in his Agonies? Or from the Depth of Sorrow heare his Cries? Will he in God delight, his aide implore Inceſſantly, and his great Name adore? Oh be inſtructed by theſe Characters Of his impreſſion, which my Body beares! I his more ſecret Judgements will diſcloſe: Which you have ſeene, yet deſperately oppoſe. This is the Portion which the wicked hath; He ſhall inherit the Almighties wrath: The lawleſſe Sword his Childrens blood ſhall ſhed; Increaſt for ſlaughter; borne to begge their bread. Death ſhall the Remnant in his Dungeon keepe: No Widow at his funerall ſhall weepe. Although he gather Gold like heaps of Duſt, The fuell of his Luxury and Luſt: His Cabinets with change of Garments fraught By ſilke-wormes ſpun, and Phrygian Needles wrought: Yet for the Juſt reſerv'd; who ſhall divide His Treaſure, and diveſt him of his pride. Though he his Houſe of poliſht Marble build; VVith Jaſper floor'd, and carved Cedar ſeil'd: Yet ſhall it ruine like the Moth's fraile cell; Or ſheds of Reedes, which Summers heat repell. He ſhall lye downe, neglected, as unknowne: And when he wakes, ſee nothing of his owne. Terrors, like ſwallowing Deluges, ſhall fright: Swept from his Bed by Tempeſts in the Night: Like ſcatter'd Downe by howling Eurus blowne; By rapid Hurl-winds from his Manſion throwne. God ſhall transfix him with his winged Dart: Though he avoyd him like the flying Hart: Men ſhall purſue with merited diſgrace; Hiſs, clap their hands, and from his Country chaſe. There are rich Veines of Gold, and ſilver Mines; VVhoſe Ore the fire in crucibles refines. So dig'd up Ir'on is in the furnace blowne: And Braſſe extracted from the melting Stone. Men through the wounded Earth inforce their way; And ſhew the under Shades an unknowne Day: While from her bowels they her Treaſure teare; And to their avarice ſubject their feare. Their they with Subterranean Waters meet; And Currents, never touch't by humane feet: Theſe, by their bold endeavors, are made dry; And from the Induſtry of Mortals flye. The Earth with yellow eares her browes attires; Although her Jawes exhale imboſom'd fires. Torne Rocks the ſparkling Diamond unfold; The bluſhing Ruby, and pure graines of Gold. Thoſe gloomy vaults no wandring foule deſcries: Nor are they pierced by the Vultures eyes. Swift Tygres, which in pathleſſe Deſerts ſtray, Nor ſolitary Lyons tread that way. Their reſtleſſe Labors cleave the living Stone: Cloud-touching Mountaines by their Roots ore'throwne. New ſtreames through wondering Rocks their tract purſue; VVhile they the Magazines of Nature view: VVho ſwelling Floods with narrow bounds incloſe; And what in Darkneſſe lurkt, to Light expoſe. But where above the Earth, or under ground, Can VViſedome by the ſearch of Man be found? Her worth his eſtimation farre excels: Conceal'd from ſence, nor with the living dwels. The Seas reply; ſhee lies not in our Deeps: Nor in our floods her radiant treſſes ſteeps. Nor are her rare endowments to be ſold For ſilver Hils; or Rivers pav'd with gold. Nor for the glittering ſand by Ophir ſhowne; The blew-ey'd Saphir, or rich Onix ſtone: For Rocks of Chriſtall from the Ocean brought: Nor Jewels by the rareſt workeman wrought. Can blazing Carbuncles with her compare? Or groves of Corrall hardned by the Aire? The Tophas ſent from ſcorched Meroë? Or Pearles preſented by the Indian Sea? VVhence comes ſhee? from what undiſcover'd Land? Or where doth her concealed palace ſtand? Since O, inviſible to mortall Eye: Or winged Travellers that trace the skie. Death and Deſtruction ſay; her fame alone Hath reach'd our Eares; but to our Eyes unknowne. God onely underſtands her ſacred wayes: The Temple knowes where ſhee her Light diſplayes. For he at once the Orbe of Earth beholds; And all that Heav'ns blew Canopie infolds: To meaſure out the ſtrugling Winds by weight; That elſe the world would teare in their debate: And bridle the wilds Floods; leaſt they their bound Againe ſhould paſſe, and all the Earth ſurrown'd. When he in Clouds the dropping waters hung, And through their roaring jawes his Lightning flung; Then he beheld her face, her light diſplaid, Prepar'd her paths, and thus to Mortals ſaid: The feare of God is wiſedome; and to flye From Evill, is of vertues the moſt high. Iob paus'd; forthwith theſe words his ſigh's purſue: O that thoſe happy Dayes would now renew; When God beneath his ſhield my ſafety plac'd! When his cleare lamp a ſacred Splendor caſt About my Browes? by whoſe directing light I trod ſecurely through the Shades of Night? That now I had what I in youth poſſeſt, VVhen he my Manſion with his preſence bleſt! VVhen thoſe who from my veines deriv'd their blood, Like ſpringing Lawrels round about me ſtood! VVhen Butter waſht my Steps, when Streames of oyle Guſht from the Rocks, and Plenty free from toyle! VVhen through the gazing Streets I paſt in State To my Tribunall, in the Cities Gate! The bluſhing Youth their vertuous awe diſcloſe, And from their Seats the reverend Elders roſe. Attentive Princes ſuch a ſilence kept, As if their Soules had in their Bodies ſlept. Th'aſtoniſh't Nobles ſtood like men that were Depriv'd of all their Sences but the eare. All eares that heard, my equall Juſtice prais'd: All eyes that ſaw, their Lids with wonder rais'd. I from Oppreſſors did the Poore defend; The Fatherleſſe, and ſuch as had no friend. Thoſe ſav'd, whom wicked Power ſought to deſtroy: And made the widowes heart to ſpring with joy. I put on Truth: ſhee cloth'd me with renowne: My Juſtice was to me a precious Crowne. Eyes lent I to the blind; feet to the Lame: A Father to the Comfortleſſe became. I ſearch't what from my knowledge was conceal'd: And clouded Truth by her owne light reveal'd. Oft with my Scepter brake the Lyons jawes And ſnatcht the prey out of his armed pawes. Then ſaid; my Dayes ſhall as the Sand increaſe: And I in my owne neſt ſhall dye in peace. My Root was by the living water ſpred: And Night her dew upon my Branches ſhed. My Glories Creſcent to a Circle grew: And I my Bow with doubled vigor drew. When I but ſpake, they hung upon my looke: And as an Oracle my Counſell tooke. None ſpake but I; each his owne Judgement feares: My words like honey dropt into their eares; Which readily with joy they entertaine, As Yawning Earth devoures the latter Raine. Although I ſmil'd, none would my thoughts ſuſpect: Nor on my Mirth a frowning looke reflect: But trod the path which I their Chiefe propos'd. I King-like ſate, with armed troopes inclos'd: Gave timely Comforts to the Soule that mourn'd; Rais'd from the Duſt, and teares to Laughter turn'd. O bitter change! now Boyes my grones deride; The wretched object of their ſcorne and pride: Whoſe Fathers I unworthy held to keepe, With leſſe contemned Dogs, my Flocks of ſheepe. How could their youth to my advantage turne? Or elder age, with weakning vices worne? Who, pale with famine, to the Deſert fled; On roots of Juniper and Mallowes fed: Whom Men from their Societie exclude; Deteſted, and like Theeves with cryes purſu'd: Conceal'd in hollow Rocks, in gloomy Caves, And Cliffes deepe vaulted by the fretting waves: Among the Buſhes they like Aſſes braide: And in the Brakes their Conventicles made. The Sonnes of Idiots, of ignoble Birth: Contaminate, and viler then the Earth. Yet now am I obnoxious to their wrongs: A By-word, and the Subject of their ſong's. Who exerciſe their tongues in my diſgrace; Abhorre my paths, and ſpit upon my face. They, ever ſince the inrag'd omnipotent Diſſolv'd my Sinewes, and my Bowunbent; Like head-ſtrong Horſes, twixt their teeth have tane The maſterd Bridle, and contemn'd the reyne. Lo, Boyes againſt me riſe, and ſtrow my way With Snares; then watch the cruell traps they lay: Who now my path's pervert; their hate extend To multiply his woes, that hath no friend. As Seas againſt the Shores ſtrong Rampires ſtretch Their battering waves, and force a dreadfull breach: With equall fury they upon me roule; Even to the deſolation of my ſoule. Beſieging Terrors ſtorme-like roare aloud; Purſue, and chaſe me like an emptie Cloud. O how my ſoule is powr'd upon the ground! Full growne Affliction hath a ſubject found. Torments by Night my waſted marrow boyle: My Pulſes labour with unequall toyle. My ſoares pollute my garments: Plagues infeſt My poyſoned skin, and like a Coat inveſt. O I am Duſt and Aſhes! Lord, thou haſt Downe in the durt the broken-hearted caſt. Thy eares the incenſe of my prayers reject: No teares nor vowes can alter thy neglect. Ah! haſt thou loſt thy mercy! Wilt thou fight Againſt a worme, and in his groanes delight! Thou ſetſt me on the winds; with every blaſt Toſt too and fro, while I to nothing waſt. I ſee my Death approach: I to the wombe Of earth am cal'd, of all the generall Tomb. Thou never wilt the Dead to Life reſtore: Though heere in Sorrow they thy grace implore. How oft have I for thoſe that ſuffer'd, wept! Afflicted for the poore, when others ſlept: Yet when I lookt for joy, for cheerefull light; Then griefe fell on, and ſhades more blacke than night. My tortur'd Bowels found no hower of reſt: By troopes of ſodaine miſeries oppreſt. Unknowne to Day, I mourn'd: my clamors tare The eares ſoft Labyrinth, and cleft the Aire. The hiſſing Dragon, and the ſcreeching Owle, Became Companions to my penſive Soule. My fleſh is cover'd with a vaile of jet: And all my Bones conſume with burning heat. My Harp her mournfull Straines in Sorrow ſteep's. My Organ ſighes ſad aires, as one that weepes. I with my Eyes a Covenant made, that they Should not my Soule, nor ſhe their lights betray To the deceit of ſin: why then ſhould I Behold a Virgin with a burning eye? What Judgements are reſerv'd, what Vengeance due To thoſe, who their intemperate Luſts purſue! Deſtruction and eternall Ruine ſhall From Heaven, like lightning, on the wicked fall. Do not his ſearching Eyes my wayes behold? Are not my ſteps by him obſerv'd and told? If tempting Sinne could ever yet entice My feet to wander in the Queſt of Vice: Let that great Arbiter of Wrong and Right: Waigh in his Scales; and caſt me if to light. If I from vertues path have ſtept awry; Or let my heart be govern'd by mine eye: If I, oh Juſtice, have thy Rites profan'd; If bribes or guiltleſſe blood my hands have ſtain'd: Then let another reape what I have ſowne; Nor let my Race be to the Living knowne. If ever woman could to ſinne allure; If I have waited at my Neighbours doore: Let my laicivious wife with others grin'd; And by her luſt repay my guilt in kind. This were a hainous crime; ſo foule a fact, As would due vengeance from the Judge exact: A waſting fire, which violently burnes; And all to povertie and ruine turnes. If I by Power my Servants ſhould oppreſſe; Nor would their crying Grievances redreſſe: What ſhould I doe, or ſay, when God ſhall come To judge the world, that might divert his Doome? Both made he in the wombe, of equall worth: Though to unequall Deſtiny brought forth. If from the poore I did their hopes detaine; Or made the widowes Eyes expect in vaine: If I alone have at my Table fed; Or from the fatherleſſe withheld my bread: Nor foſterd from my youth, their wants ſupplide; To him a father, and to her a guide: If I have ſeene the naked ſtarve for cold; While Avarice my Charitie controld: If their cloth'd Loines have not my bounty bleſt; Warme with the fleeces which my flocks diveſt: If I my armes have rais'd to cruſh the weake; The Judge prepar'd, the witneſſe taught to ſpeake: Be all their ligaments at once unbound; And their disjoynted bones to powder grownd. Divine Revenge my Soule from ſinne deterr'd: For I the anger of th'Almighty fear'd. I never Idolized Gold embrac'd: Nor ſaid; In thee my Confidence is plac'd. Nor on decitfull Riches fixt my heart; Together ſcrap'd by no omitted Art. If when I ſaw the early Sunne aſcend, Or the new Moone her ſilver hornes extend; I bowing kiſt my hand, thoſe Lights ador'd As Deities, and their releife implor'd. The Sinne had beene flagitious; and had cry'd To him for vengeance whom my Deed's defi'd. Have I with joy beheld my ruin'd foe? Have I exulted in his overthrow? Or in the tempeſt of my paſſion burſt Into offences, and his Iſſue curſt? Though my Domeſticks ſaid; oh let us teare His hated fleſh, nor after death forbeare. Who made the Stones their bed, or ſigh'd for food, If knowne? my houſe to ſtrangers open ſtood. Suppoſe I were corrupt, and foule within: Yet to what end ſhould I diſguiſe my Sinne? Need I ſo much contempt or cenſure dread; As not to ſpeake my thoughts, or hide my head? Where ſhall I meet with an indifferent Eare? Oh that the Soveraigne Judge my Cauſe would heare, Peruſe the Adverſaries evidence; Try, and determine, my ſuppos'd offence! I on my ſhoulders their complaints would beare: And as a Diadem their Slanders weare. More like a Prince then a Delinquent, would Approach his preſence; and my life unfold. If the uſurped Fields againſt me cry; Their raviſht Furrowes weepe: if ever I Have forced from them their unpaid for Graine; Their Husbandmen, and ancient Owners ſlaine: For wheat, let thiſtles from their clods aſcend; For barley, cockle. Iobs complaints here end. Nor would his Friends proceed in their replyes; Since he appear'd ſo pure in his owne Eyes. When Elihu Barachels ſonne, who drew His Birth from Aram, much incenſed grew: Not only againſt Iob, that durſt defend His Innocency, and with God contend: But with his three auſtere Companions; ſince They would condemne before they could convince. When he perceiv'd the reſt no anſwer made, But like dumb Statues ſate; the Buzite ſaid: Till now I durſt not venture to unfold My labouring thoughts, to you that are ſo old. For gray Experience is with wiſedome fraught; And ſacred knowledge by the aged taught. Yet oh, how darke is mans preſuming ſence, Not lightned with caeleſtiall Influence! The great in Honor are not alwayes wiſe: Nor Judgement under ſilver Treſſes lies. Since ſo; at length vouchſafe to heare a youth, And his opinion, in the ſearch of Truth. For I your words have weigh'd, your reaſons heard; The Inſtances by each of you inferr'd: And yet in all the heate of your diſpute, Not one could anſwer Iob; much leſſe confute. Know therefore, leaſt too raſhly you conclude, It is not Man, but God that hath ſubdu'd. Againſt me Iob did not his ſpeech direct: No more will I your Arguments object. You all were at his Confidence amaz'd; And ſilently upon each other gaz'd: VVhen I your anſwers had expected long, Nor could diſcerne the motion of a tongue; I ſaid; behold I now will act my part, And utter the Conceptions of my heart. My Soule is rapt with fury; and my breſt Containes a flame, that will not be ſuppreſt. My Bowels boyle like wine that hath no vent; Ready to breake the ſwelling Continent. Words therefore muſt my toiling thoughts relieve; And to reſtrained Truth inlargement give. No perſonall Reſpects my thoughts ſhall move; Nor will I Man with flattering titles ſmooth. Should I ſo proſtitute my ſervile Breath; My Maker ſoone would cut me of by Death. And now, O Iob, what I ſhall utter heare: As I my lips, ſo open thou thine eare. I ſacred knowledge clearely will impart; Drawne from the fountaine of a ſingle heart. God made us both, with breath of Life inſpir'd; In ſhrouds of fraile Mortalitie attyr'd: Then ſince we ſhall with equall Armes contend; Ariſe, and if thou canſt, thy cauſe defend. Behold, according to thy wiſh I ſtand In ſteed of God; though made of ſlime and Sand. I will not with ſterne Menaces affright: Nor ſhall my hand on thee like Thunder-light. For I with griefe, O Iob, have heard thee vaunt; And breake into this paſſionate Complaint: My Heart is uncorrupt, my Innocence Without a Staine, my life free from offence: Yet he occaſion ſeekes to overthrow, And trample on me as his mortall foe: Who, leaſt I ſhould eſcape, in fetters binds; Obſerves my ſteps, and makes the faults he finds. How raſh is thy bold charge? God is compleat In his owne Eſſence; much than man more great: And yet dar'ſt thou contend? his patience grieve? Will He a reaſon for his Actions give? Oft he to Mortals ſpeaks: yet will not they The Counſell of his Oracles obey. Sometimes by Dreames in ſilence of the Night; Sometimes by Viſions he informes their ſight: When ſleepe his Poppy on their Temples ſheds; Or they lye muſing on their reſtleſſe beds. The cauſe of their afflictions then reveales; And on their Hearts his reprehenſion ſeales: That he may man prevent, his pride repell; Save from the ſword, and greedy jawes of Hell. For this, diſeaſed on his bed he groanes; While unrelenting Torments gnaw his bones: The ſight of Food his emptie ſtomack fils; And Dainties to his taſte are lothſome Pils: By waſting Hecticks of his fleſh bereft; Bones late unſeene, alone apparant left: His Soule ſits mourning at the gates of Death; While anguiſh ſtrives to ſuffocate his breath. But if a Prophet, or Interpreter, One of a thouſand, with the ſicke conferre: Before his eyes, his ugly ſinnes detect; And to a better life his Steps direct: Then Mercy thus will cry; Releaſe the bound From Sinne and Hell: I have a Ranſome found. Then ſhall his bones the fleſh of Babes indue: His youth and beauty like the ſpring renew. He ſhall his God implore; his glorious Face VVith joy behold, and flouriſh in his grace. For God will his Integritie regard: His vertue with a Bounteous hand reward. His Eyes the ſecrets of all hearts ſurvay. VVhen the contrite and bleeding Soule ſhall ſay; How have I Juſtice forc'd! the poore undone! Sinne heapt on Sinne! to my owne Ruine run! Then God ſhall raiſe him from the ſhades of Night: And he ſhall live to ſee th'etheriall Light. Thus oft to man that Power which wounds and heales, The way to Joy by Miſery Reveales: That he may longer with the living dwell; Snatcht from th'extended jawes of Death and Hell. O thou of men moſt wretched! heare me ſpeake: Nor in thy frantick paſſion ſilence breake. If thou thy ſelfe canſt cleare, at large reply: For I thy life would gladly juſtifie. If not; my words with wiſedome ſhall informe Thy erring Soule, and mitigate this Storme. Then Elihu his ſpeech directs to thoſe Who in a Ring the Diſputants incloſe. You that are wiſe, ſaid he, my Doctrine heare: You who have knowing Soules, afford an Eare. For ſence is by that Organ underſtood; Even as the taſte diſtinguiſheth of Food. By Equitie let us our Judgements guide: And this long controverted Cauſe decide. Iob cries; I guiltleſſe fall, to God appeale: Yet will not he the clouded truth reveale. Shall I with lyes betray my Innocence? My wound is mortall: ô, for what offence! VVho of himſelfe but he ſo vainely thinks? Who contumacy like cold water drinks. He is in ſhackles by the wicked led; And walkes the way which his Aſſociates tread. VVhat bootes it man (ſayes he) to take delight In God! and live as alwayes in his ſight! O heare me, you who high in knowledge ſit: Is it with God that he ſhould Sinne commit? No, each according to his Merit ſhall Receive his hire: to Juſtice ſtand, or fall. O can Compaſſion in Deſtruction joy? Or will the righteous Judge the juſt deſtroy? Shall he the world by mans direction ſway; VVhom Heaven and Powers Angelicall obey? In his diſpoſure is the Orbe of Earth; The Throne of Kings, and all of humane Birth. O, if he ſhould the heart of man ſurvay; Reduce, and take the breath he gave, away: All Living in a moment would expire; And ſwiftly to there former duſt retire. Then Iob, if thou haſt reaſon; if a mind Not partiall; let my words acceptance find. Shall he who Juſtice hates, rule by his luſt? Or will't thou him condemne who is moſt juſt? Shall Subjects taxe their Kings? their Princes blame? And with detractions poys'nous breath defame? Much leſſe upbraid his juſt Dominion, To whom both Lords and vaſſals are all one. Who Rich and Poore alike regards; ſince they By him were form'd from the ſame lump of clay. Pale Death ſhall in an inſtant quench their light; Whole Nations raviſh, in the dead of Night, Sweep from the Earth: the mightie in Command Shall from their Thrones be ſnatcht without a hand. He all beholds with eyes that never cloſe: Obſerves their Steps, and their Intentions knowes, No mufling Clouds, nor Shades infernall, can From his inquiry hide offending Man. Nor ſhall the Puniſhment, which guilt purſues, Exceed the Crime; leſt he ſhould God accuſe. He ſhall for ſinnes unknowne the mighty breake; And to their empty thrones advance the weake: The Miſteries of Night reveale to Day; And in their falls their ſecret faults diſplay. Nor his exemplary revenge deferre; Preſented on the Worlds great Theatre: Since they revolt from God, with open jawes Blaſpheme his Juſtice, and deſpiſe his Lawes. So that the cries of their oppreſſions rend The ſuffering Aire, and to his eares aſcend. Who can diſturbe the peace which he beſtowes? VVhat tumult waken their ſecure repoſe? VVhat Nation, or what one of Mortall Race, Shall God behold, if he withdraw his Face? That Hypocrites no more may tyrannize: Nor in their ſnares the credulous ſurprize. Say thou; I will not with my God contend; But beare his Chaſtiſements, nor more offend. My Ignorance informe, if I have lent An Eare to vice, leſt I my ſinnes augment. VVill he with thy Arbitrement comply? VVhither thou ſhould'ſt conſent, or ſhouldſt deny, His cenſure is the ſame. Shall I tranſgreſſe In not reproving? what thou know'ſt, profeſſe. And you my Auditors, by God indu'd VVith ſacred wiſedome, will I hope conclude, That Job on Juſtice hath aſperſions flung; And ſpoken indiſcreetly with his tongue. O Father, give his Miſeries no end; VVhile he ſhall his impietie defend. They to their ſinnes rebellion adde, who jeſt At their Inſtructors, and with God conteſt. Theſe Arguments thus urg'd; the zealous youth Proceeds, and aid: Art thou inform'd by truth, That dar'ſt preferre thine owne integritie; As if more juſt then he who ſits on high? And ſay; ô I am innocent in vaine: Have to no end preſerv'd my life from ſtaine. Now give me leave to anſwer thee, and thoſe, Who Gods all-guiding Providence oppoſe. O Iob from Heaven to Earth erect thine eyes; Behold the vaſte extenſion of the skies: The ſayling Clouds by Exhalations fed; How farre are theſe advanc'd above thy head? Can thy accumulated vices reach Yet higher? and his Happineſſe impeach? What can thy Righteouſneſſe to him bequeath? Can God a Benefit from Man receive? Although thy Sinne a Mortall may deſtroy; Thy Juſtice ſuccour, and confirme his joy. Thoſe whom too-powerfull Inſolence oppreſſe; Weepe-out their eyes, and howle in their diſtreſſe: None cry; where is my God! who all our wrongs Will vindicate, and turne our ſighes to Songs: Enobles with an Intellectuall Soule; More rationall then beaſt, more wiſe then fowle, None ſhall the others ſufferings regard: The eares of Pittie by their vices barr'd. For God will not relieve th'unpenitent: Nor to the prayer's of wicked Soules conſent: Much leſſe to his, who ſayes; I never more Shall ſee his face, nor he my Joyes reſtore. Let no ſuch deſperate thoughts thy ſoule infect; But calmely ſuffer, and his grace expect. In both to blame: Though thou his wrath incenſe; Thy puniſhment is leſſe then thy offence. Judge you how undiſcreetly Iob complaines: And by extolling his owne Juſtice ſtaines. A little longer ſuffer me, while I Proceed in this Divine Apology: And from a far-remov'd Originall His Judgements vindicate, who made us all. No Fucus, nor vaine ſupplement of Art, Shall falſifie the Language of my Heart. He who is perfect, and abhors untruth, With heavenly Influence inſpires my youth. For the Omnipotent is onely wiſe: Nor will the great in Power the weake deſpiſe. His Hands the poore from violence defend; While Sin-defiled Soules to Hell deſcend: Beholds the juſt, with Eyes that ever wake: With Princes ranck't, whoſe thrones no Tempeſts ſhake. Or if their vices caſt them to the ground, If in the fetters of affliction bound: He to their trembling Conſciences diſplayes Their former lives, and errours of their wayes. Then opens wide the porches of their eares; And their long vailed eyes from darkneſſe cleares: That they themſelves may ſee, inſtructions heare, Returne from Sin, and their Creator feare. They ſhall their happy Dayes in pleaſure ſpend: And full of yeares in peace their progreſſe end. But if they diſobey; the Sword ſhall ſhed Their guilty blood, and mix them with the Dead. For the Deluder haſtens his owne fall: Nor will in trouble on the Almightie call; Who on the Beds of ſinne ſupinely lye; They in the Summer of their age ſhall die. God will the penitent to Grace reſtore: Taught by affliction to offend no more. So from theſe fearefull ſtraights would thee have led, Inlarg'd thy paſſage, and with marrow fed: But thou, through wicked Counſels, haſt rebell'd; And therefore juſtly by his Judgements held. O feare his wrath! ſhould'ſt thou be ſwept away; Not Mines of Treaſure could thy Ranſome pay. Cares he for wealth? Though Gold on Earth command; No Gold, or force, can free thee from his hand. Let not thy deſperat ſoule deſire that Night, Which from the living takes the laſt of Light: Nor by the guide of ſorrow blindly erre; And Death before due Chaſtiſements preferre. Lo! he his truth exalts: who ſo compleat. As he in Power! whoſe Knowledge is ſo great! Who can to him preſcribe a Path? or ſay, Thy Judgements from the tract of Juſtice ſtray? O rather praiſe the workes his hands have wrought; By all beheld: with Admiration fraught. His Glory but in part to man appeares: Who knowes him, or the number of his yeares? He the congealed vapors melts againe; Extenuated into drops of Raine: VVhich on the thirſtie Earth in ſhowers diſtill; And all that life poſſeſſe with plenty fill. VVho can the extenſion of his Clouds explore? Or tell how they in their colliſions roare? Guilt with the flaſhes of their horrid light: Yet darken all below with their owne Night. Judgement and bountie each from hence proceeds; With theſe his Creatures puniſheth and feeds: With theſe the Beautie of the Day immures; And all the Ornaments of Heaven obſcures: Forthwith aeriall Tumults wound the Eare; Whoſe heat and cold the Clouds aſunder teare. O how they terrifie my panting heart! Ready to breake my fivers, and depart. Hearke, how his thunder from their entrailes breakes! The voyce of God when he in fury ſpeakes: Which roles in globes of pitch below the skies. To Earths extent his winged lightning flies, Purſu'de by hideous fragors: though before The flames deſcend, they in their breaches roare. His farre-reſounding voyce reports his ire: His Indignation flowes in ſtreames of fire. O who can apprehend his excellence; Whoſe wonders paſſe the reach of humane ſenſe! He gives the winters Snow her aërie birth: And bids her virgin fleeces cloth the Earth. Now he her face renew's with fruitfull ſhowres: Now Cataracts upon her boſome powres; VVhoſe falling ſpouts the Hands of Labour tie. VVhen Swaines for ſhelter to their houſes flye; Yet on their former toyle reflect their care: Then ſalvage Beaſts to their darke dennes repaire. Loud Tempeſts from the Cloudie South breake forth; And cold out of the Cloud-repelling North. The fields with rigid froſt grow ſtiffe and gray: The rivers ſolid, and forget their way. Sad clouds with frequent teares themſelves impaire; And thoſe that ſhone with lightning, fleet to ayre: At his obey'd decree returne againe; T'afflict the Earth, or comfort it with raine. Thus Judgement and ſweet Mercy, which depend Upon his beck, to men in Clouds deſcend. This heare, ô Job; with ſilence fixed, ſtand: Review the wonders of his mighty Hand. Know'ſt thou how God collects the muſt'red Clouds? How in their darkneſſe he his lightning ſhrouds? How by him ballanc'd in the weightleſſe Aire? Canſt thou the wiſedome of his workes declare? Or know'ſt thou how thy Garments warmer grow, VVhen dropping Southerne gales begin to blow? Wer't thou then preſent, when his hands diſplaid The firmament; of liquid Chryſtall made? If ſo; inſtruct what we to God ſhould ſay; Who in ſo darke a night have loſt our way. What can we urge that is to him unknowne? Or who contend and not be overthrowne? Who on the Sunne can gaze with conſtant eyes, When purging winds from vapors cleare the skies, And Northerne gales his ſhining face unfold? Much leſſe the Majeſtie of God behold. O how inſcrutable! his equitie Twins with his Power. Will he the Juſt deſtroy? For this to be ador'd: yet cannot find Among the Sonnes of men a prudent mind. Then from a Globe of curling Clouds, which brake Into a radiant flame, Jehova ſpake: What Mortall thus through ignorance profanes My darkned counſels? of his God complaines? Come, buckle on thy Armor: let us end This controverſe; ſince thou wilt needs contend. Tell, if thou canſt; where wert thou when I made The food-full Earth, and her foundation laid? Who thoſe exact dimenſions did deſigne? Who on her ſuperficies ſtretch'd his Line? Or fixt as Centre to the world? upon What Baſis built? who laid the Corner Stone? Where wert thou when the Stars my prayſes ſung? When Heaven with ſhouts of joyfull Angels rung? Or who ſhut up the ſeas with Dores; when they, As from the tortur'd womb, inforc'd their way? By me inveſted with a veile of Clouds: And ſwadled, as new-borne, in ſable ſhrouds. For theſe a receptacle I deſign'd: And with inviolable Barres confind. Then ſaid: thus farre your Empire ſhall extend; Nor ſhall your prouder waves theſe bounds tranſcend. Haſt thou appointed where the Moone ſhould riſe, And with her purple light adorne the skies? Scor'd out the bounded Suns obliquer wayes; That he on all might ſpread his equall rayes? And by the cleare extenſion of his Light, Chaſe from the Earth the impious Sonnes of Night? Whoſe Beames the various formes of things diſplay; Like multitudes of Figures wrought in Clay: By which the Beautie of the Earth appeares; The divers-colour'd Mantle which ſhe weares: Conceal'd offendors by their luſtre found; Attached, and in Deaths darke priſon bound. Say, haſt thou div'd into the Deep's below? And trod thoſe bottome ſands where fountaines flow? Or boldly broken-up the Seales of Hell, And ſeene the Shadowes which in Darkneſſe dwell? Tell if thou canſt, how farre the Earth extends? Haſt thou diſcover'd her remoteſt ends? Beheld the Chambers of the ſpringing Light? Or travel'd through the Regions of the Night? To their abodes canſt thou reveale the way? And their alternate rule to men diſplay? Wer't thou then borne? haſt thou theſe ſecrets knowne Through length of time? art thou ſo aged growne? Haſt thou ſurvay'd the Magazines of Snow? Seene where the melting drops to haile-ſtones grow? With theſe I puniſh: theſe the weapons are, By me prepar'd againſt the Day of warre. Why breakes the Lightning from the troubled skies, While Eaſterne winds in horrid Tempeſts riſe? Who Deluges from Heaven in Torrents powres? Or gives a paſſage to the roaring Showres? That they on Deſerts un-inhabited By Mortals, may their fruitfull moyſture ſhed? Hence vegetives receive their fragrant birth: And cloth the naked Boſome of the Earth. What, hath the Raine a Father? tell me who Begot the ſhining Drops of Morning Dew? Whoſe wombe produc'd the glaſſie Ice? who bred The hoary froſts that fall on winters head? The waters then in Chriſtall are conceal'd: And the ſmooth viſage of the Sea congeal'd. Canſt thou the pleaſant influence reſtraine, Of Pleiades, which bathes the Spring with raine? Or boiſterous Orions chaines unbind, VVho drawes along the bitter Eaſterne wind? In Summer, ſcorching Mazaroth diſplay? Or teach Arcturus, and his Sonnes, their way? Canſt thou the Motions of the Heavens direct? Or make their vertue on the Earth reflect? Will the condenſed Clouds, at thy command, Deſcend in Shoures upon the thirſty Land? Or in their roaring ſtrife aſunder part, And at thy Foes their fearefull Lightning dart? VVith wiſedome who renownes the Nobler parts? VVho underſtanding gives to humane Hearts? Whoſe wiſedome cleares the Saphirs of the skies? Or who the ſwelling Clouds in Bladders ties? To mollifie the ſtubborne clods with raine; And ſcattered Duſt incorporate againe. Wilt thou for the old Lyon hunt? or fill His hungry whelps? and for the killer kill? When couch'd in dreadfull Dens; when cloſely they Lurke in the Covert to ſurpriſe their prey? VVho feeds the Ravens when their young-ones cry. To God for food and through the Deſerts flye? Know'ſt thou when Salvage goates doe teeme among The craggy rocks? when Hinds produce their young? Can'ſt thou their Recknings keepe? the time compute VVhen their ſwolne Bellies ſhall inlarge their fruit? VVithout a Midwife theſe their Throwes ſuſtaine; And bowing, bring their Iſſue forth with paine. They at full udders ſucke, grow ſtrong with corne: Depart, and never to their Dams returne. VVho ſent forth the wild Aſſe to live at large? VVhom neither Haltar binds nor Burthens charge: Inhabiting the barren VVilderneſſe, And rocky Caves, remov'd from mans acceſſe. He from the many-peopl'd Citie flyes; Contemnes their labors, and the Drivers cryes: The Mountaines are his walkes; who wandring feeds On ſlowly-ſpringing hearbs, and ranker weeds. VVill the fierce Vnicorne thy voyce obey, Stand at the Crib, and feed upon the hay? Or to the ſervile yoake his freedome yeild; Plough-up the Glebe, and harrow the rough field? Wilt thou upon his ready ſtrength relye? VVill he ſuſtaine thee with his Induſtry? Bring home thy Harveſt? to thy will ſubmit? Put of his fierceneſſe, and receive the Bit? The Peacock, not at thy Command, aſſumes His glorious traine: Nor Eſtrige her rare plumes. She drops her Egges upon the naked Land; And wraps them in a bed of hatching Sand: Expoſed to the wandering Traveller; And Feet of Beaſts, which thoſe wild Deſerts reare. Shee as a Step-mother betrayes her owne; Left without care, and preſently unknowne: By God depriv'd of that Intelligence VVhich Nature gives: of all moſt voide of Senſe. Her feet the nimble Rider leave behind; And when ſhee ſpreads her ſayles, out-ſtrip the wind. Haſt thou with Strength indu'd the generous Horſe? His necke with Thunder arm'd, his breaſt with Force? Him canſt thou as a Graſhopper affright? Who from his Noſtrils throwes a dreadfull light; Exults in his owne courage; proudly bounds; With trampling hoofes the ſounding Centre wounds: Breakes through the ordred Rancks with eyes that burne; Nor from the Battle-Axe, or Sword, will turne. The ratling Quiver, nor the glittering Speare, Or dazling Shield, can daunt his heart with feare. Through rage and fierceneſſe he devoures the ground: Nor in his fury heares the Trumpet ſound. Farre of the Battaile ſmels; like Thunder neighes: Loud ſhouts and dying groanes his courage raiſe. Do's the wild Haggard towre into the skie, And to the South by thy direction flye? Or Eagle in her gyres the Clouds imbrace, And on the higheſt cliffe her Aëry place? Shee dwels among the Rocks; on every ſide With broken Mountaines ſtrongly fortifi'd: From thence what ever can be ſeene ſurvayes; And ſtooping, on the ſlanghtred Quarry preys: From wounds her Eglets ſuck the reaking blood; And all-devaſting Warre provides her food. Since ſuch my power, wilt thou with me contend? Inſtruct thy Maker? and thy fault defend? Now anſwer thou that darſt thy God up-braid. Then humbled Iob, transfixt with ſorrow, ſaid: Can one ſo vile to ſuch a truth reply? Too long my griefe hath rav'd: no more will I Purſue a folly, and my Sinne extend: But curbe my tongue, ſo ready to offend. Once more Jehova from that radiant Throne Of Clouds thus ſpake: O Iob, thy armes put on: If thou haſt will or courage left, prepare T'encounter me in this Gigantick warre. Wilt thou my Judgements diſanull? defame My equall Rule, to cleare thy ſelfe of blame? Is thy weake Arme as ſtrong as Gods? can'ſt thou In thunder ſpeake? the Sea with Tempeſts plow? Come deck thy ſelfe with Beauties Excellence; VVith Majeſtie; and Sun-like Rayes diſpenſe: The fury of thy wrath like lightning fling On bold offenders: Pride to ruine bring. Thoſe with the ſurfeits of exceſſe deſtroy, Who in their uncontrouled vices joy: Hide them together in the Caves of Night; There bind them, never to behold the Light: Then will I ſay that thou thy ſelfe can'ſt ſave From waſting Age, Deſtruction, and the Grave. With thee, I made the mighty Elephant; VVho Oxe-like feeds on every herbe and plant. His mighty ſtrength lyes in his able Loynes: And where the flexure of his Navell joynes. His ſtretcht-out tayle preſents a Mountaine Pine; The Sinewes of his Stones like Cords combine. His Bones the hammer'd Steele in ſtrength ſurpaſſe: His ſides are fortifi'd with Ribs of Braſſe. Of Gods great workes the chiefe: lo, he who made This knowing Beaſt, hath arm'd him with a blade. He feed's on lofty Hils, nor lives by prey: About their gentle Prince his Subjects play. His limbs he coucheth in the cooler ſhades: Oft, when Heavens burning Eye the fields invades, To Mariſhes reſorts; obſcur'd with Reedes, And hoary Willowes, which the moyſture feeds. The chiding Currents at his entry riſe; VVho quivering Jordan ſwallowes with his Eyes. Can the bold Hunter take him in a Toyle? Or by the Trunck produce him as his Spoyle? Can'ſt thou with a weake Angle ſtrike the Whale? Catch with a hooke, or with a nooſe inthrall? Drag by a ſlender Line unto the Shore? His huge Jaw with a twig or Bulruſh bore? VVill he his pittifull complaints renew? For freedome with afflicted Language ſue? Become thy willing Vaſſall? canſt thou ſtill Subject him to the Service of thy Will? And like a Sparrow, fetter'd in a String, The plaid-with Monſter to the Virgins bring? Shall thy Companions feaſt upon his ſpoile? Or wilt thou to the Merchant ſell his Oyle? Can'ſt thou with Fiſgigs pierce him to the quicke? Or in his skull thy barbed Trident ſticke? Then haſten to the charge. Yet Souldier feare: Thinke of the Battaile, and in time forbeare. Vaine are their hopes who ſeeke by force or ſlight To vanquiſh him, who conquers with his ſight. VVhat Mortall dare with ſuch a foe contend? Much leſſe his hand againſt his Maker bend? Can gifts my grace ingage? when all below The lofty Sunne is mine, what can I owe? This wonder of the Deepe, his mightie force, And goodly forme, ſhall furniſh our diſcourſe. Who can deveſt him of his waves? beſtride His monſtrous Backe? and with a Bridle ride? His Heads huge Dores unlocke? whoſe jawes with great And dreadfull teeth in treble rankes are ſet. Arm'd with refulgent Shields, together join'd, And ſeal'd-up to reſiſt the ruffling wind; The neather by the upper fortifi'd: No force their Combination can divide. His ſneezings ſet on fire the foaming Brine: His round Eyes like the Mornings Eye-lids ſhine. Infernall Lightning ſallies from his Throat: Ejected Sparkes upon the Billowes float. A cloud of Smoake from his wide Noſtrils flyes; As Vapors from a boyling Furnace riſe. He burning Coles exhales, and vomits flames: His ſtrength the Empire of the Ocean claimes. Loud Tempeſts, roaring flouds, and what affright The trembling Sailer, turne to his delight. The flakes of his tough fleſh ſo firmely bound. As not to be divorced by a wound. His Heart a ſolid Rocke, to feare unknowne: And harder than the Grinders nether Stone. The ſword his armed ſides in vaine aſſailes: No Dart nor Lance can penetrate his Scales. Who Braſſe as rotten wood; and Steele, no more Regards then Reeds, that briſtle on the Shore. Dreads he the twanging of the Archers String? Or ſinging Stones from the Phaenician ſling? Darts he eſteemes as Straw, aſunder torne: The ſhaking of the Javelin laughes to ſcorne. He ragged Stones beneath his Belly ſpreads; To his repoſe as ſoft as downye Beds. The Seas before him like a Caldron boyle: And in the fervour of their Motion foyle. A Light, ſtroke from the floods, detects his way; Who covers their aſpiring heads with gray. Of all whom ample Earths round ſhoulders beare, None equall this: created without feare. What ever is exalted, he diſdaines: And as a King among the Mightie raignes. O Father, I acknowledge (Job repli'd) Thy all effecting Power. O who can hide His thoughts from thee! who can reverſe, or ſhun Thy juſt Decree! what thou would'ſt doe, is done, I heard thee ſay; Dare brutiſh Man profane My darkned Counſels? and of God complaine? Great Judge, I in thy Mirror ſee my ſhame: Thoſe Lips that juſtifi'd, my guilt proclaime. Our knowledge is but ignorance, and wee The Sonnes of Folly, if compar'd with thee. Thy wayes, and ſacred Myſteries, tranſcend Their Apprehenſions, who in Death muſt end. O to my Prayers afford a gracious Eare! Inſtruct thy Servant, and his Darkneſſe cleare! I, of thy Excellence, have oft beene told: But now my raviſh't eyes thy Face behold. Who therefore in this weeping Palinod Abhorre my ſelfe, that have diſpleas'd my God: In Duſt and Aſhes mourne. Nor will my feares Forſake me, till I cleanſe my Soule with teares. VVhen contrite Job had this ſubmiſſion made; The Lord to Eliphas of Theman ſaid: Againſt thee, and thy two Aſſociates, My Anger burnes, and haſtens to your fates: Since you, unlike my Servant Iob, have err'd; And Victory before the Truth preferr'd. Seven ſpotleſſe Rams, ſeven Bulls that never bare The yoake, ſelect; with theſe to Iob repaire: Their bleeding Limbs upon my Altar lay, His ready Charitie for you ſhall pray, And reconcile my wrath: Elſe merited Revenge ſhould forthwith ſend you to the Dead; VVho have my Rule and providence profan'd: Nor, like my Servant Iob, the truth maintain'd. Then Bildad, Eliphas, and Zophar, came To their old Friend: The feaſted Altars flame. For whom that injur'd Saint devoutly pray'd: And with the Incenſed their attonement made. Even in that pious Duty, the moſt High Beheld his Patience with a tender Eye: From envious Satans tyranny releaſt; Dry'd-up his teares, and with aboundance bleſt. His Brothers and his Siſters, all the traine That follow'd his Proſperitie, againe Preſent their viſits; at his table feed: Bemone, and Comfort. Joyes his griefe ſucceed. With Gold and Silver they increaſe his Store: And gave the precious Earerings which they wore. So that Jehova bleſt his latter Dayes More then the firſt: His Loſſe with Intereſt payes. His Droves of Aſſes, Camels, heards of Neat, And flocks of Sheepe, grew ſhortly twice as great. Bleſt with Seven ſonnes: three Daughters; who for faire Might with the Beauties of the Earth compare. One call'd Jemima, of the riſing Light: A ſecond, for her ſweetneſſe, Caſſia hight: The youngeſt Kerenhappa; of the powre And rayes of beauty. Rich in Natures Dowre; As in their Fathers Love: who gave them ſhares Among his Sonnes, and joyn'd them with his heires. Iob ſeven-ſcore yeares his Miſeries ſurviv'd: His Childrens Children ſaw; thoſe who deriv'd From them their birth, even to the fourth deſcent: And in Tranquilitie his old-Age ſpent. Then full of Dayes, and deathleſſe Honour, gave His Soule to God: his Body to the Grave.

A PARAPHRASE VPON THE PSALMES OF DAVID.

By G. S.

Set to new Tunes for private Devotion: And a thorow Baſe, for Voice, or Inſtrument. BY HENRY LAWES Gentleman of His Majeſties Chappell Royall.

To the King. OVR graver Muſe from her long Dreame awakes, Peneian Groves, and Cirrha's Caves forſakes: Inſpir'd vvith Zeale, ſhe climbes th' Aethereall Hils Of Solyma, where bleeding Balme diſtils; VVhere Trees of Life unfading Youth aſſure, And Living VVaters all Diſeaſes cure: VVhere the Svveet Singer, in coeleſtiall Laies, Sung to his ſolemne Harp Iehovah's Praiſe. From that falne Temple, on her vvings ſhe beares Thoſe Heavenly Raptures to your ſacred Eares: Not that her bare and humble Feet aſpire To mount the Threſhold of th'harmonious Quire; But that at once ſhe might Oblations bring To God; and Tribute to a god-like King. And ſince no narrovv Verſe ſuch Myſteries, Deepe Senſe, and high Expreſsions could compriſe; Her labouring VVings a larger compaſſe flie, And Poeſie reſolves vvith Poeſie: Leſt ſhe, vvho in the Orient clearly roſe, Should in your Weſtern World obſcurely cloſe. 〈1 page duplicate〉
To the Queene. O You, vvho like a fruitfull Vine, To this our Royall Cedar joyne: Since it vvere impious to divide, In ſuch a Preſent, Hearts ſo ty'd; Vrania your chaſt eares invites To theſe her more ſublime Delights. Then, with your zealous Lover, daigne To enter Davids numerous Fane. Pure Thoughts his Sacrifices are; Sabaean Incenſe, fervent Prayer; This holy Fire fell from the Skies; The holy VVater from his eyes. O ſhould You with your Voice infuſe Perfection, and create a Muſe! Though meane our Verſe, ſuch Excellence At once would raviſh Soule and Senſe: Delight in Heavenly Dwellers move; And, ſince they cannot envy, Love: VVhen they from this our Earthly Spheare Their owne Coeleſtiall Muſick heare.
To my Noble Friend Mr. George Sandys upon his excellent Paraphraſe on the PSALMES. HAd I no Bluſhes left, but were of Thoſe, Who Praiſe in Verſe, what they Deſpiſe in Proſe: Had I this Vice from Vanity or Youth; Yet ſuch a Subject would have taught me Truth: Hence it were Baniſht, where of Flattery There is nor Vſe, nor Poſsibility. Elſe thou hadſt cauſe to feare, leſt ſome might Raiſe An Argument againſt thee from my Praiſe. I therefore know, Thou canſt expect from me But what I give, Hiſtoricke Poetry. Friendſhip for more could not a Pardon win; Nor thinke I Numbers make a Lie no Sinne. And need I ſay more then my Thoughts indite, Nothing vvere eaſier, then not to write. Which now were hard; for whereſoere I Raiſe My thoughts, thy ſeverall Paines extort my Praiſe. His Travels wherein he relates the Hiſtory of the Pyramides.Firſt, that which doth the Pyramids diſplay: And in a worke much laſtinger then they, And more a wonder, ſcornes at large to ſhew, What were Indifferent if True or No: Or from its lofty Flight, ſtoope to declare What All men might have known, had All bin There. But by thy learned Induſtry and Art, To Thoſe, who never from their Studies part, Doth each Lands Laws, Beliefe, Beginning ſhow; Which of the Natives but the Curious know: Teaching the frailty of all Humane things; How ſoone great Kingdoms fall, much ſooner Kings: Prepares our Soules, that Chance cannot direct A Machin at us, more then we expect. We know,Athens. That Towne is but with Fiſhers Fraught, Where Theſeus Govern'd, and where Plato Taught: That Spring of Knowledge,Greece. to which Italy Owes all her Arts, and her Civility, 〈1… pages missing〉
Another. SVch is the Verſe thou Writiſt, that who reades Thine Can never be content to ſuffer Mine: Such is the Verſe I Write, that reading Mine, I hardly can beleeve I have read Thine: And wonder, that their Excellence once knowne, I nor correct, nor yet conceale mine owne. Yet though I Danger feare, then Cenſure leſſe; Nor apprehend a Breach, like to a Preſſe: Thy Merits, now the ſecond time, inflame To ſacrifice the Remnant of my Shame. Nor yet (as firſt) Alone, but joyn'd with Thoſe Who make the loftieſt Verſe, ſeeme humbleſt Proſe. Thus did our Maſter, to his Praiſe, deſire That Babes ſhould with Philoſophers conſpire: And Infants their Hoſanna's ſhould unite With the ſo Famous Areopagite. Perhaps my Stile too, is for Praiſe moſt fit; Thoſe ſhew their Iudgment leaſt, who ſhew their wit: And are ſuſpected, leaſt their ſubtiller Aime Be rather to attaine, then to give Fame. Perhaps whil'ſt I my Earth doe interpoſe Betwixt thy Sunne and Them, I may aid thoſe Who have but feebler Eyes and weaker Sight, To beare thy Beames, and to ſupport thy Light. So thy Ecclipſe, by neighbouring Darkeneſſe made, VVere no injurious, but a uſefull Shade: How e're I finiſh heere, my Muſe her Daies Ends in expreſsing thy deſerved Praiſe: VVhoſe fate in this ſeemes fortunately caſt, To have ſo juſt an Action for her Laſt. And ſince there are, who have been taught, that Death Inſpireth Prophecie, expelling Breath. I hope, when theſe foretell, what happie Gaines Poſteritie ſhall reape from theſe thy Paines: Nor yet from theſe alone, but how thy Pen, Earth-like, ſhall yearely give new Gifts to Men: And Thou freſh Praiſe, and we freſh Good receive (For he who Thus can write can never Leave) How Time in them ſhall never force a Breach; But they ſhall alwayes Live and alwaies Teach: That the ſole likelihood which theſe preſent, Will from the more rais'd Soules command Aſſent; And the ſo taught, will not Beliefe refuſe, To the laſt Accents of a Dying Muſe. Falkland.
To my much honoured Friend Mr. George Sandys. IT is, Sir, a Confeſt Intruſion here, That I before your Labours doe appeare: VVhich no loud Herald need, that may proclaime, Or ſeeke acceptance, but the Authors fame. Much leſſe that ſhould This Happy Worke commend, VVhoſe Subject is its Licence, and doth ſend It to the World to be Receiv'd and Read, Farre as the glorious Beames of Truth are ſpread. Nor let it be imagin'd, that I looke Only with Cuſtomes Eye upon your Booke; Or in this ſervice that 'twas my intent T'exclude your Perſon from your Argument. I ſhall profeſſe, much of the Love Iowe Doth from the Root of our Extraction grow. To which though I can little contribute; Yet with a Naturall joy, I muſt impute To our Tribes honour, what by You is done, VVorthy the Title of a Prelates Sonne. And ſcarcely have Two Brothers farther borne A Fathers Name, or with more Value worne Their Owne, then Two of you: whoſe Pens, and Feet Have made the diſtant Points of Heav'n to meet: Hee by exact diſcoveries of the Weſt, Sr. Edwin Sandys view of Religion in the Weſterne parts. Your Selfe by painfull Travels in the Eaſt. Some more like you would powerfully Confute Th'Oppoſers of Prieſts Mariage by the Fruit. And (ſince 'tis knowne, for all their Strait-vow'd life, They Like the Sexe in any ſtile but Wife) Cauſe them to change their Cloiſter for that State, Which Keeps men Chaſt by Vowes legitimate. Nor ſhame to Father their Relations, Or under Nephewes Names diſguiſe their Sons. This Child of yours, borne without ſpurious blot, And Fairely Midwivd as it was begot, Doth ſo much of the Parents goodneſſe Weare, You may be prou'd to owne it for your Heire. Whoſe Choice acquires you from the Common Sin Of ſuch, who finiſh worſe, then they Begin. You mend upon your ſelfe, and your Laſt Straine Does of your Firſt the ſtart in judgement gaine. Since, what in Curious Travell was begun, You here conclude in a Devotion. Where in delightfull Raptures we deſcry; As in a Map, Sions Chorography: Lay'd out in ſo direct, and Smooth a Line, Men need not goe about through Palaeſtine. Who ſeeke Chriſt here, will the Streight Rode preferre, As neerer much then by the Sepulchre. For not a Limbe growes here, but is a Path Which in Gods City the bleſt Centre hath, And doth ſo ſweetly on each Paſsion ſtrike, The moſt phantaſtick taſte will ſomewhat Like. To the Vnquiet Soule Iob ſtill from hence Speaks in th'Example of his Patience. The Mortifi'd may heare the Wiſe King Preach, When his Repentance made Him fit to Teach: Here are choice Hymnes and Carolls for the Glad; And melancholy Dirges for the ſad. Laſt, David (as he could his Art transferre) Speaks like Himſelfe by an Interpreter. Your Muſe, rekindled hath the Prophets Fire, And Tun'd the Strings of his neglected Lyre; Making the Note and Ditty ſo agree, They now become a perfect Harmony. I muſt confeſſe, I have long wiſht to ſee The Pſalmes reduc'd to this Conformitie: Grieving the Songs of Sion ſhould be ſung In Phraſe not diff'ring from a Barbarous Tongue. As if, by Cuſtome warranted, we may Sing that to God, we would be loth to Say. Farre be it from my purpoſe to upbraid Their honeſt meaning, who firſt offer made That Booke in Meter to compile, which you Have mended in the Forme, and Built anew. And It was well, conſidering the Time Which ſcarcely could diſtinguiſh Verſe and Rhime. But now the Language, like the Church, hath won More Luſter ſince the Reformation; None can condemne the Wiſh, or Labour ſpent Good Matter in Good Words to repreſent. Yet in this jealous Age ſome ſuch there be So (without cauſe) afraid of Noveltie; They would by no meanes (had they power to choſe) An Old Ill Cuſtome, for a Better looſe. Men who a Ruſtick Plaineſſe ſo affect, They thinke God ſerved beſt by their neglect. Holding the Cauſe would be Prophan'd by it, VVere they at Charge of Learning or of Wit. And therefore bluntly, what comes next, they bring Courſe and ill ſtudy'd Stuffe for Offering; Which, like th' Old Tabernacles Covering, are Made up of Badgers skins and of Goats haire. But Theſe are Paradoxes they muſt uſe Their Sloth and bolder Ignorance to excuſe. Who would not laugh at one will Naked goe, 'Cauſe in Old hangings Truth is pictur'd ſo? Though Plainneſſe be reputed Honours note, They Mantles adde to beautifie the Coat. So that a Curious (unaffected) dreſſe Addes much unto the Bodies comelineſſe: In Vice and Barbariſme ſupinely rowles; Their Fortunes not more ſlaviſh then their Souls. Thoſe Churches,Eaſterne Churches. which from the firſt Hereticks wan All the firſt Fields, or led (at leaſt) the Van; In whom thoſe Notes, ſo much required, be; Agreement,Of Doctrine. Of Perſons. As Antioch. Miracles, Antiquity: Which can a Never-broke Succeſsion ſhow From the Apoſtles down; (Here bragg'd of ſo:) So beſt confute Her moſt immodeſt claime, Who ſcarce a Part, yet to be All doth aime; Lie now diſtreſt, betweene two Enemy-Powers, Whom the Weſt damnes, & whom the Eaſt devoures. What State then Theirs can more Vnhappy be, Threatned with Hell, and ſure of Poverty. The ſmall Beginning of the Turkiſh Kings, And their large Growth, ſhew us that different Things May meet in One Third; what moſt Diſagree, May have ſome Likeneſſe: For in this we ſee, A Muſtard-ſeed may be reſembled well To the Two Kingdomes, both of Heaven and Hell. Their Strength, & wants this work hath both unwound; To teach how theſe t'increaſe,Turks. and that confound: Relates their Tenets; ſcorning to diſpute With Errors, which to tell, is to confute: Shews how even there, where Chriſt vouchſaft to Teach, Their Dervices dare an Impoſtor Preach.Prieſts. For whilſt vvith private Quarrels vve Decaid, We vvay for them, and Their Religion made: And can but Wiſhes novv to Heaven preferre,Ovids Metamorphoſis. May They gaine Chriſt, or We his Sepulchre. Next Ovid cals me; vvhich though I admire, For Equalling the Authors quickning Fire, And his pure Phraſe: yet More; remembring It Was by a Mind ſo much diſtracted Writ: Bus 'neſſe and Warre, Ill Midvvives to produce The Happy Off-ſpring of ſo ſweet a Muſe: Whilſt every unknowne Face did Danger Threat; For every Native there was twice a Gete. More;om mentar. when (return'd) thy Work review'd, expos'd What Pith before the hiding Bark inclos'd: And with it that Eſſay,Virg. Aen. lib. 1. which lets us ſee Well by the Foot, what Hercules would be. All fitly offer'd to his Princely Hands; By whoſe Protectiō Learning chiefly ſtands: Whoſe Vertue moves more Pens, then his Power Swords; And Theme to thoſe, and Edge to theſe affords. Who could not be diſpleas'd,Panegyrick. that his great Fame, So Pure a Muſe, ſo loudly ſhould proclaime: With his Queenes praiſe in the ſame Model caſt; Which ſhall not leſſe, then all their Annalls, laſt. Yet, though we wonder at thy Charming Voice; Perfection ſtill was wanting in thy Choice: And of a Soule, vvhich ſo much Povver poſſeſt, That Choice is hardly Good, vvhich is not Beſt. But though Thy Muſe vvere Ethnically Chaſt, When moſt Fault could be found; yet novv Thou haſt Diverted to a Purer Path thy Quill; And chang'd Parnaſſus Mount to Sions Hill: So that bleſt David might almoſt Deſire To heare his Harp thus Echo'd by thy Lyre. Such Eloquence, that though it were abus'd, Could not but be (though not Allow'd) excus'd. Ioin'd to a Work ſo choice, that though Ill-done, So Pious an Attempt Praiſe could not ſhun. How ſtrangely doth it darkeſt Texts diſcloſe, In Verſes of ſuch ſweetneſſe; that even Thoſe, From whō the unknown Tongue conceales the Senſe, Even in the Sound, muſt finde an Eloquence. For though the moſt bewitching Muſick could Move men, no more than Rocks; thy Language would. Thoſe who make wit their Curſe, who ſpend their Brain Their Time, and Art, in looſer Verſe, to gain Damnation, and a Miſtres; till they ſee How Conſtant that is, how Inconſtant ſhe; May from this great Example learne, to ſway The Parts th'are Bleſt-with, ſome more Bleſſed way. Fate can againſt Thee but two Foes advance; Sharpe-ſighted Envy, and Blind Ignorance: The firſt (by Nature like a ſhadow, neare To all great Acts) I rather Hate then Feare: For them, (ſince whatſoever moſt they Raiſe In Private, That they moſt in Throngs Diſpraiſe; And know the Ill they Act Condemn'd within) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Who envies Thee, may no man envy Him. The laſt I Feare not much, but Pity more For though they cannot the leaſt Fault explore; Yet, if they might the high Tribunall Clime, To Them thy Excellence would be thy Crime: For Eloquence with things Prophane they joine; Nor count it fit to Mixe with what's Divine; Like Art and Paintings laid upon a Face, Of it ſelfe ſweet; which more Deforme then Grace. Yet, as the Church with Ornaments is Fraught, Why may not That be too, which There is Taught? And ſure that Veſſell of Election, Paul, Who Iudais'd with Iewes, was All to All: So, to Gaine ſome, would be (at leaſt) Content, Some for the Curious ſhould be Eloquent: For ſince the Way to Heaven is Rugged, who Would have the Way to that Way be ſo too? Or thinks it fit, we ſhould not leave obtaine, To learne with Pleaſure, what we Act with Paine? Since then Some ſtop, unleſſe their Path be Even, Nor will be led by Soloeciſmes to Heaven; And (through a Habit ſcarce to be control'd) Refuſe a Cordial, when not brought in Gold; Much like to them to that Diſeaſe Inur'd,Tarantula Which can be no way, but by Muſick cur'd: I Ioy in Hope, that no ſmall Piety Will in their Colder Hearts be Warm'd by Thee. For as none could more Harmony diſpenſe; So neither could thy flowing Eloquence So well in any Task be us'd, as this: To Sound His Praiſes forth, whoſe Gift it is. Virg. Georg. 2. —Cui non certaverit ullae Aut tantum fluere, aut totidem dur are per annos. FALKLAND.
An Ode to my worthy Kinſman Mr. George Sandys upon his excellent Paraphraſe on the Pſalmes. O Breath againe! that holy Lay Did convay, Vnto my ſoule ſo ſweet a Fire, I deſire, That all my Senſes charm'd to Eare, Should fix there. O might this ſacred Anthem laſt, Till Time's paſt: Vntill we warble forth a higher, In the Quire Of Angels, till the Spheares keepe time, To your Rime. Amphion did a Citie raiſe, By his Layes: The Stones did dance into a Wall, At his call. But your divinely-tuned Aire, Doth repaire Ev'n Man himſelfe, whoſe ſtony Heart, By this Art, Rebuildeth of its owne accord, To the Lord, A Temple breathing holy Songs, In ſtrange Tongues. You fit both Davids Lyre, and Notes, To our Throats. See, the greene Willow now not weares, Of their Teares The ſadly ſilent Trophyes, we From the Tree, Take downe the Hebrew Harps, and reach, In our ſpeech, What ever we doe hate, what feare, What love deare. Now in faint Accents praiſing God, For his Rod: Since that his puniſhing a Child, Muſt be ſtil'd A Bleſsing. But our thankfull Layes, Doe his Praiſe Sound in the loudeſt Key, when e're He drawes neare In Mercy, not affrighting Power; In that Houre, New Life approacheth: Then our Ioy Doth employ Each Facultie, and Tune each Aire To a Prayre. But by and by our Sins doe cauſe A ſad Pauſe. Our Hands lift-up, and caſt-downe Eyes, Our faint Cryes, Doe in their ſadly-pleaſing Tones Speake our Mones. In ſtead of Harps we ſtrike our Breſts: All the Reſts Attend this Muſicke, are a Teare, Which Sighes beare, In their ſoft Language, up on high, To the Skie; Whence God, delighted with our Griefe, Sends Reliefe. Thus unto You we owe the Ioyes, The Sweet Noiſe Of our raviſht Soules; we borrow Hence our Sorrow; Repentant Sorrow, which doth glad, Not make ſad. We weepe in your Lines, we rejoyce In your Voyce: Whoſe pleaſing Language fanns the Fire Of Deſire, Which flames in Zeale, and calmly faſhions All our Paſsions. Which you ſo ſweetly have expreſt, Some have gueſt, We Hallelu-jahs ſhall reherſe, In your Verſe. Then be ſecure, your well-tun'd Breath Shall now out-live the Date of Death; And when Fate pleaſes, you ſhall have Still-Muſick in the ſilent Grave: You from Above ſhall heare each day One Dirge diſpatcht unto your Clay; Theſe your owne Anthemes ſhall become Your laſting Epicedium. Dudly Digges.
To the Reader.

THe Paraphraſe upon the Pſalmes, though here ranck't according to the Chronology, was firſt writ and publiſhed, and therefore theſe verſes doe in time precede thoſe that are fixt in the Front of the Volume.

A PARAPHRASE VPON THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE PSALMES OF DAVID.
PSALME. 1.

BASS. 〈♫〉

CANT. 〈♫〉

THat man is truely bleſt, who never ſtrayes By falſe advice, nor walks in Sinners wayes; Nor ſits infected with their ſcornefull pride, VVho God contemne, and Pietie deride. But wholly fixeth his ſincere delight On heavenly Lawes; thoſe ſtudies day and night. He ſhall be like a Tree that ſpreads his root By living ſtreames, producing timely fruit: His leafe ſhall never fall: the Lord ſhall bleſſe All his indeavours with deſir'd ſucceſſe. Men loſt in Sinne unlike rewards ſhall find, Diſperſt like chaffe before the furious wind: Their guilt ſhall not that horrid Day indure, Nor they approach th' Aſſemblies of the Pure: For God approves thoſe wayes the Righteous tread; But ſinfull Paths to ſure deſtruction leade.
PSALME. II.

BASS. 〈♫〉

CANT. 〈♫〉

HOwe are the Gentiles all on fire! Why rage they with vaine menacings; Earths haughtie Potentates and Kings, 'Gainſt God againſt his Chriſt conſpire: Breake we, ſay they, their ſervile bands, And caſt their cords from our free hands. But God from his coeleſtiall Throne Shall laugh, and their attempts deride; Then high incenſt, thus checke their pride; (His Wrath in their confuſion ſhowne) Loe, I my King have crown'd, and will Inthrone on Sions ſacred Hill. That great Decree I ſhall declare: For thus I heard Iehovah ſay; Thou art my Sonne begot this day: Requeſt, and I will grant thy praier; Subject all Nations to thy Throne; And make the Sea-bound Earth thine owne. Thou ſhalt an Iron Scepter ſway, Like earthen veſſels breake their bones. Be wiſe, O you who ſit on Thrones; And Iudges grave advice obey: With joyfull Feare O ſerve the Lord; With trembling Joy embrace his Word. In due of Homage kiſſe the Sonne, Leſt He his wrathfull lookes diſplay; And ſo you periſh in the way, His anger newly but begunne: Then bleſſed onely are the Juſt, Who on th' Anointed fixe their truſt.
PSALME III.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

MY God, how are my foes increaſt! What multitudes againſt me riſe! Who ſay, Give we his Soule no reſt; Whom God forſakes, and Men deſpiſe. But thou art my Support, my Tower, My Safetie, my choiſe Ornament. Before thy Throne my Prayers I powre, Heard from thy Sions high aſcent. No feares affright my ſoft repoſe; Thou my Night-watch, my Guard by day: Not Myriads of armed Foes, Nor Treaſons ſecret hands diſmay. Ariſe; ô vindicte my Cauſe! My Foes, whom wicked Hate provoke, Thou, Lord, haſt ſmit their cancred jawes, And all their teeth aſunder broke. Thou Lord, the onely Hope of thoſe, Who thee with holy Zeale adore; Whoſe all-protecting Armes incloſe Their Safetie, who thy Aid implore.
PSALME IV.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THou Guardian of my truth and me, That from theſe ſtraits haſt ſet me free, O heare my prayer! Be I thy care; For mercie lives in thee. You ſonnes of men, how long will you Eclipſe my glory, and purſue Lov'd vanities; Delight in lies, To Man, to God untrue? Know, God my innocence hath bleſt, And will with ſoveraigntie inveſt: His gentle eare Prepar'd to heare My never vaine requeſt. Sinne not, but feare; ſurceaſe, and try Your hearts, as on your beds you lie: Pure gifts preſent With pure intent, And place your hopes on high. But earthly Mindes falſe wealth admire, And toyle with uncontrol'd deſire. With cleare aſpect Thy beames reflect, And heavenly thoughts inſpire. O let my joy, exempt from feares, Their joyes tranſcend, when Autumne beares His pleaſant wines On cluſtred vines, And graine-repleniſht eares. Now ſhall the peacefull hand of Sleep In heavenly Deaw my ſenſes ſteep; Whom thy large wings, O King of Kings, In ſhades of ſafety keep.
PSALME V.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

TO heare me, Lord, be thou inclin'd; My thoughts O ponder in thy minde: And let my cryes acceptance finde. Thou hear'ſt my morning Sacrifice: To thee, before the Day-ſtar riſe, My prayers aſcend, with ſtedfaſt eyes. Thou lov'ſt no vice; none dwells with thee; Nor glorious Fooles thy Beautie ſee; All ſinne-defil'd deteſted bee. Liars ſhall ſinke beneath thy hate; Who thirſt for blood, and weave deceit, Thy Rage ſhall ſwiftly ruinate. I to thy Temple will repayre, Since infinite thy Mercies are; And thee adore with Feare and Praier. My God, conduct me by thy Grace; For many have my Soule in chaſe. Set thy ſtrait Paths before my face. Falſe are their tongues, their hearts are hollow, Like gaping Sepulchres they ſwallow; Fawne, and betray even thoſe they follow. With vengeance girt theſe Rebels round; In their owne counſels them confound; Since their Tranſgreſſions thus abound. Joy they with an exalted voice, That truſt in thee, who guard'ſt thy Choice: Let thoſe who love thy Name rejoyce. Thy bleſſings ſhall in ſhowers deſcend; Thy favour as a shield defend All thoſe, who Righteouſneſſe intend.
PSALME VI. As the 3. LOrd, thy deſerved Wrath aſſwage; Nor puniſh in thy burniug Ire; Let Mercie mitigate thy Rage, Before my fainting life expire. O heale! my bones with anguiſh ake; My penſive heart with ſorrow worne. How long wilt thou my ſoule forſake! O pitie, and at length returne! O let thy Mercies comfort me, And thy afflicted Servant ſave! Who will in death remember thee? Or praiſe thee in the ſilent Grave? Vext by inſulting enemies, My groanes diſturbe the peacefull Night; My bed waſht with my ſtreaming eyes: Through griefe growne old, and dim of ſight. All you of wicked life depart; The Lord my God hath heard my cry: He will recure my wounded heart, And turne my teares to tides of joy. Who hate me, let diſhonour wound, Let feare their guiltie ſoules affright; With ſhame their haughtie lookes confound, And let them vaniſh from my ſight.
PSALME VII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

O Thou that art my Confidence, And ſtrong Defence; From thoſe who my ſad fall intend, Great God, defend. Leſt Lion-like, if none controule, They teare my perſecuted Soule. If I am guiltie; if there be Deceit in me; If ill I ever to my friend Did but intend; Or rather have not ſuccour'd thoſe, Who were my undeſerved foes: Let them my ſtained Soule purſue, With hate ſubdue; Let their proud feet in Triumph tread Upon my head: My life out of her manſion thruſt, And lay my Honour in the duſt. Againſt my dreadfull Enemies, Great God, ariſe. Juſt Judge, thy ſleeping Wrath awake, And vengeance take: Then all ſhall Thee adore alone. O King of Kings aſcend thy Throne! Judge thou my foes; as I am free, So judge thou me: Declare thou my integritie; For thou do'ſt trie The heart and reines: the Juſt defend; The malice of the Wicked end. God is my ſhield; he helpe imparts To ſincere hearts; The good protects; but menaceth The bad with death; Nor will, unleſſe they change, relent: He whets his ſword, his bow is bent. Dire inſtruments prepared hath Of deadly wrath: And will at thoſe, who perſecute, ſwift arrowes ſhoot: Who wicked thoughts conceiv'd; now great With Miſchiefe, travell; hatch Deceit. Who digg'd a pit, firſt fell therein, Caught by his ſinne; On his owne head his outrage ſhall Like ruines fall. But I, O thou eternall King, VVill of thy Truth and Juſtice ſing.
PSALME. VIII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

LOrd, how illuſtrious is thy Name! VVhoſe Power both Heav'n & Earth proclame! Thy Glory thou haſt ſet on high, Above the Marble-arched Skie. The wonders of thy Power thou haſt In mouthes of babes and ſucklings plac't: That ſo thou might'ſt thy foes confound, And who in malice moſt abound. When I pure Heaven, thy fabricke, ſee, The Moone and Starres diſpoſ'd by thee; O what is Man, or his fraile Race, That thou ſhouldſt ſuch a Shadow grace! Next to thy Angels moſt renown'd; With Majeſtie and Glory crown'd: The King of all thy Creatures made; That all beneath his feet haſt laid: All that on Dales or Mountaines feed, That ſhady Woods or Deſerts breed; What in the aierie Region glide, Or through the rowling Ocean ſlide. Lord, how illuſtrious is thy Name! Whoſe Power both Heaven and Earth proclame.
PSALME IX.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THee will I praiſe with Heart and Voice, Thy wondrous Workes aloud reſound: In thee, O Lord, will I rejoyce; Thy Name with zealous praiſes crown'd. My Foes fell by inglorious flight, Before thy terrible Aſpect: Thy powerfull Hands ſupport my Right; Thou Judgement juſtly doſt direct. The proud are falne, the Heathen flie; Oblivion ſhall their names intombe: Deſtruction, O thou Enemie, Hath now receiv'd a finall doome. Thou Townes and Cities haſt deſtroy'd; Their memorie with them decayes: But God for ever ſhall abide, And high his Throne of Juſtice raiſe. A righteous Scepter ſhall extend; And Judgement diſtribute to all: He will oppreſſed Soules defend, That in the time of Trouble call. Who know thy Name in thee will truſt; Thou never wilt forſake thine Owne. Praiſe Sions King, O praiſe the Juſt, And make his noble Actions knowne. Bloud ſcapes not his revenging hand; He vindicates the Poore mans Cauſe. Lord, my inſulting Foes withſtand, And draw me from Deaths greedy Jawes; That I may in the Royall Gate Of Sions Daughter raiſe my Voice; Thy ample Praiſes celebrate, And in thy ſaving health rejoyce. They (falne into the Pit they made) Are caught in Nets themſelves prepar'd. The Lord his Judgements hath diſplayd: The Wicked in their workes inſnar'd: The Wicked downe to Hell ſhall ſinke, And all that doe the Lord diſdaine. But God will on the Needy thinke; Nor ſhall the Poore expect in vaine. Lord, let not Man prevaile; ariſe; Th' Inſulting Heathen judge: O then Let trembling Feare their heart ſurprize; That they may know they are but Men.
PSALME X.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

VVIthdraw not, O my God, my guid: In time of trouble doſt thou hide Thy cheerfull face? Who want thy Grace, The poore purſue with cruell pride: O be they by their owne Inventions overthrowne. The wicked boaſt of their ſucceſſe; The covetous profanely bleſſe, By thee, O Lord, So much abhorr'd. Their pride will not thy power confeſſe; Nor have thy favour ſought, Or had of thee a thought. They in oppreſſion take delight; Thy Judgements farre above their ſight: Their enemies Scoffe and deſpiſe: Who ſay in heart, No oppoſite Can us remove, nor ſhall Our greatneſſe ever fall. Their mouths deteſted curſes fill; Fraud, miſchiefe; ever prone to ill: In ſecret they Lurke to betray; The Innocent in corners kill: His eyes with fierce intent Upon the poore are bent. He like a Lion in his den, Awaits to catch oppreſſed men, Who unaware Light in his ſnare. His couched limbs contracts, that then with all his ſtrength he may Rush on his wretched prey. His heart hath ſaid, God hath forgot; He hides his face, he mindes it not. Ariſe, O Lord, Draw thy juſt ſword; Nor out of thy remembrance blot The poore and deſolate: O ſhield them from his hate! Why ſhould the wicked God deſpiſe, And ſay he lookes with careleſſe eyes? Their well ſeene ſpight Thou ſhalt requite. The poore, O Lord, on Thee relies; Thou help'ſt the fatherleſſe, Whom cruell men oppreſſe. Aſunder breake the armes of thoſe, VVho ill affect, and good oppoſe: Their crimes explore, Untill no more Lurke in their boſomes to diſcloſe. Eternall King, thy Hand Hath chac'd them from thy Land. Lord, thou haſt heard thy Servants prayer; Thou wilt their humble hearts prepare: Thy gracious Eare Inclin'd to heare. The Fatherleſſe, and worne with care Judge thou; that Mortalls may No more with outrage ſway.
PSALME XI. As the 9. MY God, on Thee my hopes relie: VVhy ſay they to my troubled Soule, Ariſe, up to your Mountaine flie; Flie quickely, like a chaced Foule? For loe, the wicked bend their bowes, Their arrowes fitt with ſecret Art; That cloſely they may ſhoot at thoſe, VVho are upright and pure in heart. If their foundation be deſtroy'd, VVhat can the Righteous build upon? God in his Temple doth abide; Heaven is the great Jehovah's Throne. His Eyes behold, his Eye-lids trie The Sonnes of men; allowes the beſt: But ſuch as joy in crueltie The Lord doth from his Soule deteſt. Snares, horrid Tempeſt, Brimſtone, Fire (Their portion) on their heads ſhall light: Th'intirely Juſt affects th'Intire; For ever precious in his ſight.
PSALME XII.

〈♫〉

HElpe Lord, for Godly men decay; From Mortalls Faith, enforced, flies: And with their ſins Companions they, Talke of affected Vanities: Their flattering Tongues abound with Lies; Their double Hearts bent to betray. God ſhall thoſe flattering Lips confound, And Tongues which ſwell with proud Diſdaine: Whoſe boaſtings arrogantly ſound; Our Tongues the conqueſt ſhall obtaine; They are our owne, who ſhall reſtraine? Or to our Wills preſcribe a bound? But forth' Oppreſſion of the Poore, And VVretches ſighes which pierce the Skies, VVho pitie at his Throne implore, The Lord hath ſaid, I will ariſe, And from their Foes, who them deſpiſe, Deliver all that me adore. Gods Vvord is pure; as pure as Gold In melting Furnace ſeven times try'd: His Armes for ever ſhall infold All thoſe, who in his truth abide. The wicked range on every ſide, VVhen vitious men the Scepter hold.
PSALME. XIII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

HOw long! Lord, let me not For ever be forgot! How long my God, wilt thou Contract thy clouded brow! How long in mind perplext Shall I be daily vext! How long ſhall he controll, Who perſecutes my ſoule! Conſider, heare my cries; Illuminate mine eyes; Leſt with exhauſted breath I ever ſleepe in Death; Leſt my inſulting Foe Boaſt in my overthrow; And thoſe who would deſtroy, In my ſubverſion joy. But I, Thou ever Juſt, Will in thy Mercie truſt; And in thy ſaving Grace My conſtant Comfort place: My Songs ſhall ſing thy Praiſe, That haſt prolong'd my Dayes.
PSALME XIIII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THe foole hath ſaid in his falſe heart; God cares not what to Man ſucceeds. Abominable are their deeds; All ill affect, from Good depart. Jehovah Mans rebellious Race Beheld from his celeſtiall Throne; To ſee if there were any one That underſtood, or ſought his Face. All from forſaken Truth are flowne; Corrupt in Bodie, ſuch in Soule, Defil'd within, without as foule; None Good indeavours, no, not One. Are all, that worke Iniquitie, By Ignorance ſo blindly led? My People they devoure like Bread; Nor call on him who ſits on high. Their Conſciences with terrour quake; Since God doth with the Juſt abide: For Poore mens Counſels they deride, VVho him for their Protection take. O that unto thy Iſrael Salvation might from Sion Spring! When God ſhall us from Bondage bring, No joy ſhall Jacobs joy excell.
PSALME. XV.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

VVHo ſhall in thy Tent abide? On thy Holy Hill reſide? He that's Juſt and Innocent; Tells the truth of his intent; Slanders none with venom'd Tongue; Feares to doe his Neighbour wrong; Foſters not baſe Infamies; Vice beholds with ſcornefull Eyes; Honours thoſe who feare the Lord; Keepes; though to his loſſe, his Word; Takes no Bribes for wicked ends, Nor to Uſe his Money lends: Who by theſe directions guide Their pure ſteps, ſhall never ſlide.
PSALME XVI. As the 8. PReſerve me, my undoubted Aid: To whom, thou, O my Soule, haſt ſaid, Thou art my God; no good in me, Nor Merit can extend to Thee; But to thy bleſſed Saints that dwell On Earth, whoſe Graces moſt excell: Thoſe raviſh me with pure delight. Their ſorrowes ſhall be infinite, Who other Gods with gifts adore: Their bloudie Offerings I abhorre; Nor ſhall their Names my Lips profane. But God my Lot will ſtill maintaine: He is my Portion, he beſtowes The Cup, that with his Bountie flowes. I have a pleaſant Seat obtain'd, A faire and large Poſſeſſion gain'd. The Lord will I for ever praiſe, Whoſe Counſels have inform'd my VVayes: And my inflamed Zeale excite To ſerve him in the ſilent Night. He is my Object; by his Hand Confirm'd, immoveable I ſtand. Joy hath my Heart and Tongue poſſeſt: My Fleſh in conſtant Hope ſhall reſt. Thou wilt not leave my Soule alone In Hell; nor let thy Holy One Corruption ſee: but that High-way To Everlaſting Life diſplay. Thy Preſence yeelds intire delight: At thy Right hand Joyes infinite.
PSALME XVII. As the 31. LOrd, grant my juſt Requeſt; O heare my crie, And Pray'rs that lips, untoucht with guile, unfold! My Cauſe before thy High Tribunall try, And let thine Eyes my Righteousſneſſe behold. Thou prov'ſt my Heart even in the Nights receſſe, Like mettall try'ſt me, yet no Droſſe haſt found: I am reſolv'd, my Tongue ſhall not tranſgreſſe; But on thy Word will all my Actions ground. So ſhall I from the Paths of Tyrants flie: O, leſt I ſlip, direct my Steps by Thine! I Thee invoke; for thou wilt heare my Crie: Thine Eare to my afflicted Voice incline. O ſhew thy wondrous Love! Thou from their Foes Preſerveſt all that on thy Ayd depend. Lord, as the Apple of the Eye incloſe, And over me thy ſhadie Wings extend. For Impious men, and ſuch as deadly hate My guiltleſſe Soule, have compaſt me about; Who ſwell with Pride, inclos'd with their owne fat, And words of contumely thunder out. Our traced ſteps intrap as in a Toile; Low-couched on the Earth with flaming Eyes; Like famiſht Lions eager of their Spoile, Or Lions Whelpes; cloſe lurking to ſurpriſe. Ariſe! prevent him, from his Glory hurl'd; My penſive Soule, from the Devourer ſave: From Men which are thy ſcourge, Men of the World, VVho in this Life alone their Portion have. Fill'd with thy ſecret Treaſure, to their Race They their accumulated Riches leave: But I with Righteouſneſſe ſhall ſee thy Face; And riſing, in thy Image, joy receive.
PSALME XXVIII. As the 72. MY Heart on Thee is fix'd, my Strength, my Power, My ſtedfaſt Rocke, my Fortreſſe, my high Tower, My God, my Safetie, and my Confidence, The Horne of my Salvation, my Defence. My Songs ſhall thy deſerved Praiſe reſound: For at my Prayers thou wilt my Foes confound. Sorrowes of Death on everie ſide aſſail'd, And dreadfull flouds of Impious Men prevail'd: Sorrowes of Hell my compaſt Soule dismayd; And to intrap me, deadly Snares were layd. In this Diſtreſſe I cry'd, and call'd upon The Lord, who heard me from his Holy Throne. He trembling Earth in his fierce Anger ſtrooke; Th'unfixed roots of aierie Mountaines ſhooke; Smoke from his Noſtrils flew; devouring Fire Brake from his Mouth; Coles kindled by his Ire. In his Deſcent bow'd Heaven with Earth did meet, And gloomy Darkneſſe roll'd beneath his Feet, A Golden-winged Cherubin beſtrid, And on the ſwiftly flying Tempeſt rid. He Darkneſſe made his ſecret Cabinet; Thicke Fogs, and dropping Clouds about him ſet: The Beames of his bright Preſence theſe expell; VVhence ſhowres of burning Coles and Haileſtones fell. From troubled Skies loud claps of Thunder brake; In Haile and darting Flames th'Almightie ſpake: VVhoſe Arrowes my amazed Foes ſubdue; And at their ſcatred Troups his Lightning threw. The Ocean could not his deepe Botome hide; The Worlds conceal'd Foundations were deſcri'd At thy rebuke, Jehovah; at the blaſt Even of the breath which through thy noſtrils paſt. He with extended armes his Servant ſaves, And drew me ſinking from th'inraged waves: From my proud foes by his aſſiſtance freed, VVho ſwolne with hate, no leſſe in ſtrength exceed. VVithout his aid, I in that ſtormie Day Of my affliction, had become their prey: VVho from thoſe ſtraits of danger by his Might Enlarg'd my Soule; for I was his delight. The Lord according to my innocence, And Juſtice, did his ſaving grace diſpence. The narrow Path by him preſcrib'd, I tooke; Nor like the wicked, my Great God forſooke. For all his Judgements were before mine eyes; I with his ſtatutes daily did adviſe, And ever walkt before him, void of guile: No act or purpoſe did my ſoule defile. For this he recompenc'd my righteouſneſſe And crown'd my innocence with faire ſucceſſe. The Mercifull ſhall flouriſh in thy Grace; Thy Righteouſneſſe the Righteous ſhall embrace: Thou to the Pure thy purity wilt ſhow; And the perverſe ſhall thy averſeneſſe know. For thou wilt thy afflicted People ſave; The proud caſt down, downe to the greedy grave. Thou Lord wilt make my taper to ſhine bright, And cleare my darkeneſſe with celeſtiall Light. Through Thee I have againſt an Hoſt revail'd, And by thy aid a loftie Bulwarke ſcal'd. Gods path is perfect, all his words are juſt; A ſhield to thoſe that in his promiſe truſt. What God is there in Heaven or Earth but ours! What Rocke but He againſt aſſailing Powers! He breath'd new ſtrength and courage in the day Of Battell, and ſecurely cleer'd my way. He makes my feet outſtrip the nimble Hinde, Upto the Mountaines, where I ſafetie finde. 'Tis he that teacheth my weake hands to fight: A Bow of ſteele is broken by their might. Thou didſt thy ample Shield before me ſet; Thy Arme upheld, thy Favour made me great. The paſſage of my ſteps on every ſide, Thou haſt inlarged, leſt my feet ſhould ſlide. I followed, overtooke; nor made retreat, Untill victorious in my Foes defeat; So charg'd with wounds, that they no longer ſtood; But at my feet lay bathed in their blood. Thou arm'ſt me with prevailing Fortitude, And all that roſe againſt me haſt ſubdu'd: Their ſtubborne necks subjected to my Will, That I their bloud, who hate my Soule, might ſpill. They cry'd aloud; but found no ſuccour neere: To thee, Jehovah; but thou would'ſt not heare. I pounded them like duſt, which Whirle-winds raiſe: Trod under-foot as dirt in beaten wayes. From Popular Furie thou haſt ſet me free; Among the Heathen haſt exalted me; Whom unknowne Nations ſerve: as ſoone obey As heare of me; and yeeld unto my ſway. The Stranger-borne, beſet with horror, fled; And in their cloſe Retreats betray their dread. O praiſe the living Lord, the Rocke whereon I build; the God of my Salvation! 'Tis he who rights my wrongs; the People bends To my Subjection; from my Foe defends. Thou raiſeſt me above their proud controule; And from the violent Man haſt freed my Soule. The Heathen ſhall admire my Thankefulneſſe: My Songs ſhall thy immortall Praiſe expreſſe. A great and manifold Deliverance God gives his King: his mercie doth advance In his Anointed; and will ſhowre his grace Eternally on David and his Race.
PSALME. XIX. As the 8. GOds glory the vaſt Heavens proclame; The Firmament, his mightie Frame. Day unto Day, and Night to Night The wonders of his Workes recite. To theſe nor ſpeech nor words belong, Yet underſtood without a Tongue. The Globe of Earth they compaſſe round; Through all the world diſperſe their ſound. There is the Sunnes Pavillion ſet; Who from his Roſie Cabinet Like a freſh Bride-groome ſhewes his face; And as a Giant runnes his race. He riſeth in the dawning Eaſt, And glides obliquely to the Weſt: The World with his bright Raies repleat; All Creatures cheriſht by his heat. Gods Lawes are perfect, and reſtore The Soule to life, even dead before. His Teſtimonies, firmely true, With Wiſedome ſimple men indue. The Lords Commandments are upright, And Feaſt the Soule with ſweet delight. His Precepts are all Puritie, Such as illuminate the Eye, The feare of God, ſoil'd with no ſtaine, Shall everlaſtingly remaine. Jehovah's Judgements are Divine; With Judgement hee doth Juſtice joyne: Which men ſhould more then Gold deſire, Then heapes of Gold refin'd by Fire: More ſweet then Honey of the Hive, Or Cels where Bees their Treaſure ſlive. Thy Servant is inform'd from thence: They, their Obſervers recompenſe. Who knowes what his Offences be? From ſecret ſinnes O cleanſe thou me! And from preſumptuous Crimes reſtraine; Nor let them in thy Servant reigne: So ſhall I live in Innocence, Not ſpotted with that great Offence. My Fortreſſe, my Deliverer; O let the Prayers my Lips preferre, And Thoughts which from my heart ariſe, be acceptable in thine Eyes.
PSALME XX. As the 7. THe Lord in thy Adverſitie Regard thy crie; Great Jacobs God with Safetie arme, And ſhield from harme: Helpe from his Sanctuarie ſend, And out of Sion thee defend, Thy Odors, which pure flames conſume, Be his Perfume. May he accept thy Sacrifice, Fir'd from the Skies. For ever thy indeavours bleſſe; And crowne thy Counſels with ſucceſſe. We will of thy Deliverance ſing, Triumphant King: Our Enſignes in that prayd-for Day VVith Joy diſplay; Even in the Name of God. O ſtill May he thy juſt Deſires fulfill! Now know I his Anointed He VVill heare, and free; VVith ſaving Hand and Mightie Power, From his high Tower. Theſe truſt in Horſe; in Chariots thoſe; Our truſt we in our God repoſe. Their wounded limbs with anguiſh bend, To Death deſcend: But we in fervour of the fight Have ſtood upright. O ſave us, Lord; thy Suppliants heare: And in our aid, Great King, appeare.
PSALME XXI. As the 15. LOrd, in thy Salvation, In the Strength which thou haſt ſhowne, Greatly ſhall the King rejoyce. How will Joy exalt his Voyce! Thou haſt granted his requeſt; Of his Hearts deſire poſſeſt; Bleſt with Bleſſings manifold; Crown'd with ſparkling Gemmes and Gold. Praid-for Life thou granted haſt; Length of Dayes which never waſte; By thy Safe-guard glorious made; VVith high Majeſtie array'd: Of reſiſtleſſe Pow'r poſſeſt; By thy favours ever bleſt. Lo! his Joyes are infinite; Joy reflected from thy ſight: For the King in God did truſt. Through the Mercie of the Juſt, He ſhall ever fixed ſtand. For thy Hand, thy owne right Hand, Shall thy Enemies deſtroy, Who would in thy ruine joy. When thy Anger ſhall awake, Them a flaming Furnace make. God ſhall ſwallow in his Ire, And devoure them all with fire. From the Earth deſtroy their Fruit; Never let their Seed take root. Miſchievous was their intent; All their Thoughts againſt me bent; Thoughts which nothing could performe. Let thy Arrowes, like a Storme, Put them to inglorious flight; On their daunted faces light. Lord, aloft thy Triumphs raiſe, While we ſing thy Power and Praiſe.
PSALME XXII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

MY God! ô why haſt thou forſooke! Why, ô ſo far, with-drawne thine Aid! Nor when I roared, pity tooke! My God, by day to Thee I pray'd, And when Nights Curtaines were diſplaid: Yet wouldſt not Thou vouchſafe a looke. Yet thou art holy; thron'd on high; The Iſraelites thy Praiſe reſound. Our Fathers did on thee relye; Their Faith with wreaths of Conqueſt crown'd: They ſought, and thy Deliverance found; They truſted, and thy Truth did trie. But I, a worme, no man, am made The ſcorne of men; deſpis'd by all: Who ſhake their Heads, make mouths, upbraid. Let God, ſay they, redeeme from thrall, On whom thy Hopes ſo vainely call: Now let him his Beloved aid. Thou drew'ſt me from the wombe; by Thee Confirmed at my Mothers breaſt: When borne, Thou took'ſt the charge of me; Even from my Birth, my God profeſt. O ſuccour me with feare diſtreſt! Thou canſt alone thy Servant free. Incenſed Bulls about me ſtare; Strong Buls of Baſhan girt me round: Who their inflamed mouths prepare, Like ravenous Lions, to confound. I'm ſpilt like water on the ground; And all my Bones disjointed are. My Heart like Wax within me thawes; My vigour as a Pot-ſheared dry'd: My thirſtie Tongue cleaves to my jawes; In duſt of Death thou do'ſt me hide: Dogs compaſſe me on every ſide; And multitudes, who hate thy Lawes. My hands and Feet transfixed are; Bones, to be told, with anguiſh waſte: This ſeene with joy, my robes they ſhare; Lots on my ſeamleſſe garment caſt. My Strength, to my redemption haſte! Nor ô be deafe to my ſad praier! Let not the Sword thy Servant wound; My Dearling from the Dog protect: From Lions that in rage abound; From Unicornes guard thy Elect. I then my Brethren will direct; Among the Saints thy Praiſe reſound. O praiſe him you who feare the Lord; You Sons of Jacob, God adore: Let Iſraels Seed his praiſe record; For from their cryes who helpe implore, His Face he hides not, nor the Poore In their Affliction hath abhorr'd. I in the great Aſſembly ſhall Declare his Works, which words exceed; And pay my Vowes before them all. The Meeke abundantly ſhall feed; The Faithfull praiſe their Helpe at need, Nor by the ſtroke of Death ſhall fall. All who behold the Suns Vp-riſe, Shall God profeſſe, and ſerve alone: And all the Heathen Families Shall caſt themſelves before his Throne; Becauſe the Kingdome is his owne: For over all his Empire lies. Who in proſperity abound, Nor undeſerved Honours gaine; VVho poorely creepe upon the ground, And ſcarce their needy lives ſuſteine; Shall eat, and to his eaſie reigne Submit, with joyes eternall crown'd. Their ſanctifi'd Poſteritie Shall ever celebrate his Name; Adopted Sons of the moſt High: They ſhall his Righteouſneſſe proclame, And Works of everlaſting fame, To their believing Progeny.
PSALME XXIII. As the 8. THE Lord my Shepheard, me his Sheepe Will from conſuming Famine keepe. He foſters me in fragrant Meads, By ſoftly-ſliding waters leads; My Soule refreſht with pleaſant juice: And leſt they ſhould his Name traduce, Then when I wander in the Maze Of tempting Sinne, informes my wayes. No terrour can my courage quaile, Though ſhaded in Deaths gloomy vale; By thy Protection fortifi'd: Thy Staffe my Stay, thy Rod my Guide. My Table thou haſt furniſhed; Powr'd pretious Odors on my head: My Mazer flowes with pleaſant Wine, VVhile all my Foes with envy pine. Thy Mercy and Beneficence Shall ever joyne in my Defence; Who in thy Houſe will ſacrifice, Till aged Time cloſe up mine eyes.
PSALME XXIV. As the 8. THE round and many-peopled Earth, What from her wombe extract their birth, And whom her foodfull breſt ſuſtaines, Are his, who high in glory raignes. The Land in moving Seas hath plac'd, By ever-toiling Floods imbrac'd. Who ſhall upon his Mountaine reſt? Who in his Sanctuary feaſt? Even he, whoſe hands are innocent; His heart unſoil'd with foule intent; Whom ſwoln Ambition, Avarice, Nor tempting Pleaſures can intice: VVho only their infection feares; And never fraudulently ſweares: The Lord his Saviour him ſhall bleſſe, And cloth him with his Righteouſneſſe. Such are of Jacobs faithfull Race, Who ſeeke him, and ſhall find his Face. You lofty Gates, your Leaves diſplay; You everlaſting Doores, give way; The King of Glory coms. O ſing His Praiſe! Who is this glorious King? The Lord in Strength, in Power compleat; The Lord in battaile more then great. You lofty Gates, your Leaves diſplay; You everlaſting Doores give way; The King of Glory comes. O ſing His praiſe! Who is this glorious King? The Lord of Hoſts, of Victory, Is King of glory; thron'd on high.
PSALME. XXV. As the 2. ON Thee with Confidence I call, To thee my troubled Soule erect: Lord, let not Same my looke deject, Nor Malice triumph in my fall. Thy Servants ſave; but thoſe confound, Who Innocence with ſlander wound. In thy diſcloſed paths direct; Thy Truth, that leading Starre, diſplay: O my Redeemer! every day My dangers thy reliefe expect. Thinke of thy Mercies ſhowne of old; Thy Mercies more then can be told. The ſinnes of my unbridled Youth, Nor fraile Tranſgreſſions call to minde: Let thoſe that ſeeke, thy Mercie finde, Even for the honour of thy Truth. God, ever juſt and good, the way Of life will ſhew to ſuch as ſtray. The Meeke in righteouſneſſe ſhall guide; To ſuch his heavenly Will expreſſe: Which ſhall with Truth and Mercie bleſſe All ſuch as in his Lawes abide. My ſinnes, ſo numerous and great O for thy honour, Lord, forget! VVhat's he who feares The ever-Bleſt? To him ſhall he his Paths diſcloſe: His Soule refreſht with calme repoſe; The Land by his faire Race poſſeſt: To him his Counſels ſhall impart, And ſeale his Covenants in his heart. On thee with fixed Eyes I wait: My feet inlarge thou from their ſnares. O pittie me ſo worne with cares; Deſpiſed, poore, and deſolate! The troubles of my mind increaſe; Lord, from their galling yoke releaſe! Behold thou my affliction, The toile and ſtraits, wherein I live: My ſinnes, ſo infinite, forgive. Behold my Foes, how potent growne! How are they multipli'd of late, VVho hate me with a deadly hate! Deliver, ô! from ſhame ptotect; Since from my Faith I never ſwerve: Let Innocence and Truth preſerve, VVho conſtantly thy ayd expect. Redeeme thy choſen Iſrael, And ſorrow from his breſt expell.
PSALME XXVI, As the 4. LOrd, judge my cauſe: thy piercing Eye Beholds my Soules integritie. How can I fall; VVhen I, and all My hopes on thee relie? Examine, try my reines and heart; Thou, Mercies Source, my object art: Nor from thy Truth Have I in Youth, Or will in Age depart. Men ſold to ſinne offend my ſight; I hate the two-tongu'd Hypocrite: Thoſe who deviſe Malicious lies, And in their crimes delight. But will, with hands immaculate, And offerings, at thy Altar wait: Thy Praiſe diſperſe In gratefull verſe; Thy Noble Acts relate. Thy Houſe, in my eſteeme, excels: The Manſion where thy Glory dwels. My life ô cloſe Not up with thoſe, VVhoſe ſinne thy Grace expels! 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 VVho guiltleſſe bloud with pleaſure ſpill: Subverting bribes their right-hands fill; Bold in offence. But Innocence And Truth ſhall guard me ſtill. Redeeme; O with thy Grace ſuſtaine! My feet now ſtand upon the plaine. Thy Juſtice I VVill magnifie, VVith thoſe who feare thy Name.
PSALME XXVII. As the 10. GOD is my Saviour, my cleare light: VVho then can my repoſe affright? Or what appeare Worth ſuch a feare, My life protected by his Might? Vaine hatred, vaine their power, That would my life devoure. Theſe fell, when they againſt me fought: The Wicked ſuffer'd what they ſought. Though troops of foes At once in cloſe, Of feare I would not lodge a thought: Should Armies compaſſe me; So confident in thee. One thing I have, and ſhall requeſt; That I may in thy Manſion reſt, Till Death ſurprize My cloſing eyes: That they may on thy beauty feaſt; That in thy Temple ſtill I may enquire thy Will. When ſtormes ariſe on every ſide, He will in his Pavillion hide: How ever great, In that retreat I ſhall conceal'd and ſafe abide. He, to reſiſt their ſhocke, Hath fixt me on a Rocke. Now is my head advanc'd, renown'd Above my foes, who gird me round; That in my Tent I may preſent My ſacrifice with Trumpets ſound: There I thy praiſe will ſing, Set to a well-tun'd ſtring. O heare thou my afflicted cry; Extend thy pitty, and reply. VVhen thus the Lord In ſweet accord; Seeke thou my Face with ſearching Eye. Directed by thy Grace, Lord, I will ſeeke thy Face. Thy Face O therefore never hide! Nor in thine anger turne aſide From him that hath Serv'd thee with faith. Forſake me not, my ancient Guide; So oft in dangers knowne: O leave me not alone. Although my Parents ſhould forſake; Yet, Lord, thou wouldſt to Harbour take. O leſt I ſtray Teach me thy Way, And in thy Precepts perfect make: Becauſe my enemies Watch like ſo many Spies. Expoſe me not to their deſire; For lying witneſſes conſpire, Who in their breath Beare Wrath and Death. My Soule had ſunke beneath their ire, But that I did relye On thy benignity. In hope to ſee (within the Land Of thoſe that live) thy ſaving hand. He ſhall impart Strength to thy heart. Wait on the Lord, undanted ſtand; His heavenly Will attend, VVho timely aide will ſend.
PSALME XXVIII. As the 5. MY God, my Rocke, regard my Crie; Leſt I unheard, like thoſe that die, In ſhades of darke Oblivion lie. To my aſcending Griefe give eare, VVhen I my hands devoutly reare Before thy Mercie-ſeat with feare. VVith wicked men mix not my Fate; Nor drag me with the Reprobate, VVho ſpeake of Peace, but foſter hate. Such as their workes, their dire intent, And practices to circumvent; Such be their dreadfull puniſhment. Since they will not thy Choice renowne, But hate whom thou intend'ſt to crowne; O build not up, but pull them downe! He heares! his Name be magnifi'd! My Strength, ſecur'd on everie ſide, Since all my hope on him rely'd. Theſe Seas of Joy my teares devoure. My Songs ſhall celebrate thy Power, O thou that art to thine a Tower. O thou my ſtrong Deliverance, Thy People, thine Inheritance, Bleſſe, feed, preſerve, and ſtill advance.
PSALME XXIX.

〈♫〉

YOu that are of Princely Birth, Praiſe the Lord of Heaven and Earth; Glorie give, his Power proclame; Magnifie and praiſe his Name. VVorſhip; in the Beautie bleſſe, Beautie of his Holineſſe. From a darke and ſhowring Cloud, On the floods that roare aloud, Harke! his Voice with terrour breakes: God, our God in Thunder ſpeakes. Powerfull in his Voice on high, Full of Power and Majeſtie: Loftie Cedars overthrowne, Cedars of ſteepe Libanon, Calfe-like skipping on the ground. Libanon and Sirion bound, Like a youthfull Unicorne, Lab'ring Clouds with Lightning torne. At his Voice the Deſert ſhakes; Kadiſh, thy vaſt Deſert quakes. Trembling Hindes then calve for feare; Shadie Forreſts bare appeare: His renowne by everie tongue Through his Holy Temple ſung. He the raging Flouds reſtraines: He a King for ever raignes. God his People ſhall increaſe, Arme with Strength, and bleſſe with Peace.
PSALME XXX. As the 14. MY Verſe ſhall in thy praiſes flow: Lord, thou haſt rais'd my head on high; Nor ſuffered the proud Enemie To triumph in my overthrow. I cry'd aloud; thy Arme did ſave; Thou drew'ſt me from the ſhades of Death, Repealing my exiled breath, When almoſt ſwallow'd by the Grave. You Saints of his, oh ſing his praiſe! Preſent your Vowes unto the Lord; His perfect Holineſſe record, Whoſe Wrath but for a moment ſtayes. His quickning Favour life beſtowes: Teares may continue for a night; But Joy ſprings with the Morning Light; Long-laſting Joyes, ſoone-ending Woes. In my Proſperitie I ſaid, My feet ſhall ever fixt abide: I, by thy favour fortify'd, Am like a ſtedfaſt Mountaine made. But when thou hid'ſt thy cheerfull Face; How infinite my Troubles grew! My cries then with my griefe renew, VVhich thus implor'd thy ſaving Grace: VVhat profit can by bloud afford, VVhen I ſhall to the Grave deſcend? Can ſenſeleſſe Duſt thy Praiſe extend? Can Death thy living Truth record? To my Complaints attentive be; Thy Mercie in my aid advance: O perfect my Deliverance, That have no other Hope but Thee! Thou, Lord, haſt made th'Afflicted glad; My Sorrow into Dauncing turn'd: The Sack-cloth torne wherein I mourn'd, And me in Tyrian Purple clad: That ſo my Glorie might proclame Thy Favours in a joyfull Verſe; Unceſſantly thy Praiſe rehearſe, And magnifie thy ſacred Name,
PSALME XXXI.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

VVHo truſts in Thee, ô let not ſhame deject! Thou ever Juſt, my chaſed Soule ſecure: Lord, lend a willing eare, with ſpeed protect; Bee thou my Rocke; with thy ſtrong Arme immure. My Rocke, my Fortreſſe, for thy Honour aid, And my ingaged feet from Danger guide: Pull from their ſubtill Snares in ſecret laid, O thou my onely Strength ſo often try'd. To thy ſafe Hands my Spirit I commend, O my Redeemer, O thou God of Truth. Who Lies invent, or unto Idols bend, I have abhorr'd, but lov'd Thee from my Youth. I will rejoyce, and in thy Mercie boaſt, That in his trouble wouldſt thy Servant know: Deliver, when in expectation loſt; Nor yeeld him to the Triumph of his Foe. Now helpe the Comfortleſſe: my Sight decayes, My Spirits faint, my Fleſh conſumes with care: My Life is ſpent with griefe, in ſighes my Dayes; My Strength through Sin diſſolves, my Bones impare. To all my Foes I am become a ſcorne; Nor leaſt to thoſe, who ſeem'd in love moſt neare: By all my late familiar friends forlorne; VVho when they meet me, turne aſide for feare. Forgot like thoſe, who in the Grave abide, And, as a broken veſſell, paſt repaire: Traduc'd by many, (feare on everyſide) VVho counſell take, and would my life inſnare. But, Lord, my Hopes are on thee fixt: I ſaid, Thou art my God; my Dayes are in thy Hand: Againſt my furious Foes oppoſe thy Aid; And thoſe, who perſecute my Soule, withſtand. O let thy Face upon thy Servant ſhine; Save for thy Mercies ſake; from Shame defend. Shame cover thoſe who keepe no Lawes of thine; And undeplored to the Grave deſcend. The lying lips in endleſſe ſilence cloſe, That with deſpite and pride traduce the Juſt. VVhat Joy haſt thou reſerv'd! what wrought for thoſe, (In ſight of all) who feare, and in Thee truſt! Thoſe ſhalt Thou in thy ſecret Preſence hide From their Oppreſſors violence and wrongs; They in thy cloſe Pavilion ſhall abide, Secured from the ſtrife of envious Tongues. Bleſt he! who in a walled Citie hath To me his wonderfull Affection ſhowne. I raſhly ſayd, I am the food of VVrath; Cut off; for ever from his Preſence throwne. Yet thou, O ever bleſſed, heardſt my Prayer, VVhen to thy Mercie I addreſt my Cry. O love the living Lord, all you that are His choſen Saints, and on his Aid relie: For he the Faithfull ever will preſerve; And render to the Proud their full deſerts. Couragious be all you, who hope, and ſerve The Lord of life, who will confirme your hearts.
PSALME XXXII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

BLeſt, ô thrice bleſt is he, Whoſe Sinnes remitted be; And whoſe Impieties God covers from his Eyes. To whom his Sinnes are not Imputed, as forgot: His Soule with guile unſtain'd. While ſilent I remain'd, My bones conſum'd away; I rored all the day: For on me day and night Thy Hand did heavie light. My moiſture dri'd throughout, Like to a Summers drought. I then my Sinnes confeſt, How farre I had tranſgreſt: When all I had reveal'd, Thy Hand my Pardon ſeal'd. For this, who Godly are Shall ſeeke to Thee by Prayer; Seeke, when thou mayſt be found; In Deluges undrown'd. Thou art my ſafe Retreat, My Shield, when dangers threat; Shalt my Deliverance With Songs of Joy advance. I will inſtruct, and ſhow The way which thou ſhouldſt goe; The way to Pietie; And guide thee with mine eye. Be not like Mule and Horſe, VVhoſe reaſon is their Force; VVhoſe mouth the Bit and Reine, Leſt they rebell, reſtraine. Innumerable Woes The Wicked ſhall incloſe: But thoſe who God affect, His Mercy ſhall protect. O you, who are upright, In God your God delight: You Juſt, his bleſſed Choice, In Him with Songs rejoyce.
PSALME XXXIII. As the 8. TO God, you Juſt, your Voices raiſe; It you beſeemes to ſing his Praiſe. O celebrate the King of kings On Inſtruments ſtrung with ten Strings: To Harp and Lute new Dities ſing; Sing loud with skilful fingering. His Words are crown'd by their event; And all his Works are permanent. Juſtice and Judgement he affects: His Bountie upon all reflects. His Word the arched Heavens did frame; His Breath, the Starres eternall Flame. He the collected Seas confines, And folds the Deepe in Magazines. The Lord, O all you Nations, feare; All whom the Earths round ſhoulders beare. He ſpake, 'twas done as ſoone as ſaid; At his Commandment ſtedfaſt made. The People counſell take in vaine; Their Projects no ſucceſſe obtaine. The Counſels of the Lord are ſure; His Purpoſes no Change indure. Bleſt they, whoſe God Jehovah is; The Nation ſet apart for his. The Lord looks from the lofty Skis; On carefull Mortals caſts his Eyes; The Lord looks from his Reſidence; The Sonnes of men beholds from thence. He faſhioned their hearts alone: To him their Thoughts and deeds are knowne. No King is ſaved by an Hoſt; No Giant in his ſtrength ſhould boaſt: There reſts no Safetie in a Horſe; None are delivered by his force. Gods eyes are ever on the Juſt, Who feare, and in his Mercie truſt; To free their Soules from ſwallowing Earth, And keepe alive in time of Dearth. Our fervent Soules on God attend, Our helpe, who onely can defend: In whom our Hearts exult for joy; Becauſe we on his Name relie. Great God to us propitious be, As we have fixt our Hopes on thee.
PSALME. XXXIV.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THe Lord I will for ever bleſſe; My Tongue his praiſes ſhall profeſſe, In him my Soule ſhall boaſt: The Meeke, ſhall heare the ſame, and joy: His Name, with me, ô magnifie; Extoll the Lord of Hoſt. My prayers aſcending pierc't his eare; Who ſnatcht me from thoſe ſtormes of feare. The Meeke who God expect, Who flow to him like living Brookes, Shame never ſhall diſtaine their lookes, nor with foule guilt infect. This VVretch in his adverſitie (Then men ſhall ſay) to God did crie, Whoſe Mercie him ſecur'd. The Angels of Jehovah thoſe, Who feare him, with their Tents incloſe, By Strength divine immur'd, How good our God, O taſte and ſee! Who truſt in him thrice happie be; You Saints, ô feare him ſtill: Such feele no want; the Lions rore For hunger; but who God implore, He ſhall with Plentie fill. Come children, with attention heare, I will inſtruct you in his feare. VVhat man delights in life? Seekes to live happily and long? From evill guard thy warie tongue, Thy lips from fraud and ſtrife. Doe good, and wicked deeds eſchew; Seeke ſacred Peace, her ſteps purſue. Gods Eyes are on the Juſt; Their cries his open Eare attends: But on the Bad his wrath deſcends, Their Names reduc'd to duſt. He heares the Righteous, and their crie; Preſerv'd in their adverſitie: A broken heart affects, And Soules contrite which in Him truſt. Great are the afflictions of the Iuſt; But He in all protects: Keepes every bone of theirs intire. The VVicked ſwallowes in his Ire, And who the Righteous hate. The Lord his Servants ſhall redeeme; Thoſe ever deare in his eſteeme, Who on his promiſe wait.
PSALME XXXV. As the 3. LOrd, plead my cauſe againſt my foes; With ſuch as fight againſt me, fight: Ariſe, thy ample Shield oppoſe, And with thy Sword defend my right. Addreſſe thy Speare; thoſe in their way Encounter, who my Soule invade: To her, O let thy Spirit ſay, I am thy God, and ſaving Aide. Let thoſe, who my diſgrace contrive, Hang downe their heads, for flight deſign'd: Who ſeeke my fall, let Angels drive Like Chaffe before the bluſtring Wind. Obſcure and ſlippery be their path; Let winged Troups purſue their foile; Since they for me with cauſeleſſe wrath Have dig'd a pit, and pich't a Toile. Let ſodaine ruine them deſtroy; Meſht in the Nets themſelves had laid: Then in the Lord my Soule ſhall joy, And glory in his timely Aide. My Bones ſhall ſay, O who like thee, That arm'ſt the Weake againſt the Strong! That do'ſt the Poore and Needy free From outrage, and too powerfull wrong! Falſe witneſſes againſt me ſtood, Who unknowne accuſations brought: That Evill rendered for Good, And cloſely my confuſion ſought. I in their ſickneſſe did condole; Vnfainedly in Sack-cloth mourn'd. VVith faſting humbled my ſad Soule, And often to my Prayers return'd: Him viſited both Night and Day, As if an ancient Friend or Brother: In Blacke upon the Earth I lay, And wept as for my dying Mother. Yet theſe rejoyced in my woe; Falſe Comforters, about me crowd: And leaſt I ſhould their cunning know, They rent their Clothes, aud cry'd aloud. Like Hypocrites at Feaſts, they jeere; Whoſe gnaſhing teeth their hate profeſſe: O Lord, how long wilt thou forbeare, And onely looke on my diſtreſſe? O ſave from thoſe, who ſmile, and kill; My Dearling from the Lions jawes: I in the great Aſſembly will Then praiſe thy Name with full applauſe. Let not my cauſeleſſe Enemies Rejoyce in my afflicted ſtate: Nor winke at me with ſcornefull eyes, Who ſwell with undeſerved hate. Of Peace they ſpeake not; rather they The peaceable with fraud purſue: Who wry their mouths at me, and ſay, Ha, Ha! our eyes thy ruine view. This ſeene, O ſtand no longer mute; Nor, Lord, deſert my Innocence. Awake, ariſe: O proſecute My Cauſe, and plead in my Defence. With Juſtice judge: nor let them ſay In triumph; VVe our wiſh poſſeſſe: Nor in their mirthfull hearts, Ha, Ha! VV'have ſwallow'd him in his diſtreſſe. VVrath and confuſion ſeaſe on thoſe, VVho in my tribulation joy: Let them who glory in my woes, Be cloth'd with ſhame and infamy. Let thoſe eternally rejoyce, VVho favour and aſſiſt my right: For ever with exalted voyce The goodneſſe of our God recite. And ſay, O magnifie his Name, VVho glories in his ſervants peace. My tongue his Juſtice ſhall proclaime, Nor ever in his praiſes ceaſe.
PSALME XXXVI. As the 34. VVHEN I the bold Tranſgreſſor ſee, My thoughts thus whiſper unto me, He never feard the Lord: He ſmooths himſelfe in his owne eyes, Till his ſecure impieties Become of all abhorr'd. Their words are vaine, and full of guile: They Wiſdome from their hearts exile; Forſaken Vertue hate: Who miſchiefe on their beds contrive; Through by-wayes to bad ends arrive, And vices propagate. Thy Mercy, Lord, is thron'd on high; And thy approv'd Fidelity The loftie Skie tranſcends: Thy Juſtice like a Mountaine ſteepe; Thy Judgements an unfathom'd Deepe; Who man and beaſt defends. O Lord, how precious is thy Grace! The ſonnes of men, their comfort place, Beneath thy ſhady wings: They with thy Houſhold dainties ſhall Be fully ſatisfi'd, and all Drinke of thy pleaſant Springs. For O! from thee the Fountaine flowes, VVhich endleſſe Life on thine beſtowes; Inlightned with thy Light. On ſuch as known thee ſhowre thy Grace; O let thy Juſtice thoſe embrace, Who are in heart upright. Let not the feet of Pride defeat; Nor ſuch as are in miſchiefe great My guiltleſſe Soule ſurprize. The workers of iniquity Are falne like Meteors from the skie: Caſt downe, no more to riſe.
PSALME XXXVII. As the 1. VEX not thy ſelfe at the impiety Of wicked men, nor their fraile height envy. For they ſhall ſoone be mow'd, like Summers Hay; And as the verdure of the Herbe decay. Truſt thou in God; doe good, and long in peace Poſſeſſe the Land; refreſht by her increaſe. Be He thy ſole delight; He ſhall inſpire Thy raiſed thoughts, and grant thy hearts deſire Relye, and to his care thy wayes commend, Who will produce them to a happy end. He ſhall thy Juſtice, like the Light diſplay, And make thy Judgement as the Height of Day. Reſt on the Lord, and patiently attend His Heavenly Will: nor let it thee offend, Becauſe the wicked in their courſes thrive; And proſperouſly at their deſires arrive. Abſtaine from anger, heady wrath eſchew: Nor fret thou, leſt ill Deeds ill Thoughts purſue. God will cut off the Bad, the Faithfull bleſſe; VVho ſhall the ever-fruitfull Land poſſeſſe. After a while th'Vnjuſt ſhall ceaſe to be; Thou ſhalt his place conſider, but not ſee. The Meeke in heart ſhall reape the Lands increaſe, And ſolace in the multitude of peace. Againſt the Godly wicked Men conſpire, Gnaſh their malicious teeth, and fome with ire, But God ſhall laugh at their impiety; Becauſe he knowes their Day of Doome is nigh. They draw their bloudy Swords, their Bowes are bent, To kill the needy, Poore, and Innocent. But their proud hearts ſhall periſh by the ſtroke Of their owne Steele, their Bowes aſunder broke. That little which the Righteous hath, excels Th'abundant wealth, wherein the Wicked ſwels. For God the armes of violent Men will breake: But ſhield the Righteous, and ſupport the Weake. His eyes behold the ſufferings of the Poore: Their firme poſſeſſions ever ſhall endure. They in the time of danger ſhall not dread; But ſhall in Famin's rage be fill'd with Bread. When vitious men ſhall ſpeedily decay: And thoſe who ſlight Jehovah, melt away As fat of Lambs, which ſacred Fires conſume; And forthwith vaniſh like the riſing fume. The Wicked borrow, never to reſtore: The Juſt are gracious and relieve the Poore. Whom God ſhall bleſſe, they ſhall the Land enjoy: Whom God ſhall curſe, them vengeance ſhall deſtroy. The ſteps of Righteous men the Lord directs; For He, even He their ordred paths affects. Although they fall; yet fall to riſe againe: For his, His Care and powerfull Hand ſuſtaine. I have beene young, am old; yet never ſaw The Juſt abandoned; nor thoſe, who draw From him their birth, with beggery oppreſt. He lends in mercy, and his Seed are bleſt. Doe good, ſhun evill, and remaine unmov'd; For righteous Soules are of the Lord belov'd: His undeſerted Saints protecting ſtill; Their Plants up-rooting, who tranſgreſſe his Will. Juſt men inherit ſhall the promis'd Land; And dwell therein, while Mountaines ſtedfaſt ſtand. The Righteous Soule of ſacred Judgement ſpeaks, And from his lips a ſpring of wiſdome breaks. Gods Law is in his Heart; his Light, his Guide; Nor ſhall his Feet in ſlippery places ſlide. Men ſeeke his bloud; but God defends: nor ſhall He by the ſentence of the Wicked fall. Wait on the Lord, nor his ſtraight paths tranſgreſſe; And evermore this pregnant Soile poſſeſſe. But thoſe who in iniquity delight, Shall be cut off, and periſh in thy ſight. The Wicked I have ſeene in wealth to flow, Exceed in power, and like a Laurell grow: Yet vaniſh hence, as he had never beene; I ſought him, but he was not to be ſeene. Obſerve the perfect, and the pure of heart; They die in peace, and happily depart. But the Vngodly are at once cut downe, And periſh without pitty, or renowne. The Lord is the ſalvation of the Juſt; Their ſtrength in trouble, ſince in him they truſt: Will thoſe aſſiſt, who on his aide depend; Deliver, and from impious Foes defend.
PSALME XXXVIII. As the 4. NOT in thy wrath againſt me riſe; Nor in thy fury, Lord, chaſtiſe: Thy Arrowes wound, Naile to the Ground, Thy hand upon me lies. No Limb from paine and anguiſh free; Becauſe I have incenſed thee: Nor reſt can take, My bones ſo ake; Such ſinne abounds in me. Like Billowes they my head tranſcend; Beneath their heavy load I bend: My Ulcers ſwell, Corrupt, and ſmell; Of Folly the ſad end. Perplext in mind I pine away, And mourning waſt the tedious day; My Fleſh no more Then all one Sore; All parts at once decay. Much broken; all my ſtrength o'rethrowne; Through anguiſh of my Soule I groane. Lord, thou doſt ſee My thoughts and mee; My Sighs to thee are knowne. My ſad Heart pants, my nerves relent, My Sight growes dim; and to augment My miſeries, All my Allies And Friends themſelves abſent. Who ſeeke my life, their Snares extend; Their wicked thoughts on Miſchiefe bend: Calumniate, And lye in wait To bring me to my end. But I as deafe to them appeare, As mute, as if I tongueleſſe were: My paſſion rul'd, Like one that could At all not ſpeake nor heare. Becauſe my hopes on thee relye: My God, I ſaid, O heare my cry; Leſt they ſhould boaſt, Who hate me moſt, And in my ruine joy. For O! I droop, with ſtruggling ſpent: My thoughts are on my ſorrowes bent. My ſinnes exceſſe I will confeſſe; In ſhowres of teares repent. My foes are full of ſtrength and pride; Who cauſeleſſe hate, are multipli'd: Who good with ill Repay; would kill, Becauſe I juſt abide. Depart not, Lord; O pity take! Nor me in my extremes forſake! Salvation Is thine alone; Haſt to my ſuccour make.
PSALME XXXIX.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

I Said, I will my wayes obſerve, Leſt I ſhould ſwerve: VVith Bit and Reines my Tongue keepe in, Too prone to Sinne. Nor to their calumnie replie, VVho glorie in Impietie. I, like a Statue, ſilent ſtood, Dumbe even to good: My Sorrowes boyling in my breſt Exil'd my reſt: But when my Heart incenſt with wrong Grew hot, I gave my Griefe a tongue. Of thoſe few dayes I have to ſpend, And my laſt End, Informe me, Lord; that I may ſo My Frailty know. My time is made ſhort, as a Span; As nothing is the Age of man. Man nothing is but Vanitie, Though thron'd on high; Walks like a Shadow, and in vaine Turmoiles with paine: He heaps up wealth with wretched care, Yet knowes not who ſhall prove his Heire. Lord! what expect I? thou the Scope Of all my Hope: Him from his loath'd Tranſgreſſions free, Who truſts in Thee: Nor O ſubject me to the Rule, And proud deriſion of a Foole! With ſilence, ſince thy Will was ſuch, I ſuffered much: O now forbeare! leſt inſtant Death Force my faint breath. VVhen thou doſt with thy Rod chaſtiſe Offending man, his courage dies: His Beauty waſted, like a cloth Gnawne by the Moth: Himſelfe a ſhort-lif'd vanitie, And borne to die. Lord, to my Prayers incline thine Eare; And thy afflicted Servant heare. Nor theſe ſalt rivers of mine Eyes, My God, deſpiſe: A Stranger, as my Fathers were, I ſojourne here. O let me gather ſtrength, before I paſſe away, and be no more.
PSALME XL. As the 2. FOR God I patiently did looke; He to my cryes inclin'd his Eare: And when invironed with feare, From that Abyſſe of horror tooke: Drew from the Mud, and on a Rocke Eſtabliſht, to indure the ſhocke. Then did into my mouth convey Songs of his Praiſe, unſung before. Many ſhall ſee, with feare adore; And truſting in th'Almighty, ſay: Who on the Lord depend, are bleſt; Who Liers, and the Proud deteſt. Many, and full of wonder, are The Works, O Lord, which Thou haſt wrought: What Thou to raiſe our joyes haſt thought, O who in order can declare! 'Twere loſt endeavour to expreſſe Their number, that are numberleſſe. Thou Gifts, nor Offerings doſt deſire; But pierced haſt thy Servants eare: To Thee Oblations are not deare, Nor Sacrifice conſum'd with fire. Then ſaid I; Lo, I come: thus it Is of me in Thy Volume writ. Thy Lawes are written in my Heart: My Joy Thy Pleaſure to fulfill. I in the great Aſſembly ſtill Thy Righteouſneſſe to all impart: My lips are unreſtrein'd by me, Which, Lord, is onely knowne to Thee. Thy Juſtice I have not conceal'd Within the cloſure of my breſt: But Thy Fidelity profeſt; And ſaving health at large reveal'd: Amidſt the Congregation Thy conſtant Truth and Mercy ſhowne. Withdraw not, Lord, thy long'd for Aide; With Truth and Mercy ſtill incloſe: For O! innumerable woes On every ſide my Soule invade: So changed with Iniquities, That they even blind my fearefull eyes. In number they my haires exceed; My fainting heart pants in my breſt: Be pleas'd to ſuccour the Diſtreſt; And Lord deliver me with ſpeed. 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Let Shame at once confound them all, That ſeeke my Soule, and plot my fall. Be they repulſt with Infamy, Who perſecute with deadly hate: Deſervedly left deſolate, Who Ha, Ha! in deriſion cry. Let all who ſeeke thy Helpe, rejoyce, And praiſe Thee with a cheerfull Voice. Let them, who thy Salvation love, Still ſay; The Lord be magnifi'd! Though I be poore, and caſt aſide; Yet he regards me from above. My Safety, my Deliverer, No longer thy reliefe deferre.
PSALME XLI. As the 7. VVHo duly ſhall the Poore regard, Hath his Reward: The Lord in time of Trouble, ſhall Prevent his fall: He ſhall among the Living reſt, And with the Earths increaſe be bleſt. Lord, render him not up to thoſe, VVho are his Foes: VVhen he in ſorrow languiſheth, Neere unto Death; Let him by Thee be comforted, And in his Sickneſſe make his bed. I ſaid, O Lord, thy Mercy ſhow, And Health beſtow: For O! my Soule the lothſome ſtaines Of Sin retaines. My Foes have ſaid, VVhen ſhall he die, And yet out-live his Memory? If any viſit, they deviſe Deceitfull Lies: Their hollow Hearts with Miſchiefe load, Divulg'd abroad: Who hate me, whiſper, and contrive, How they may ſwallow me alive. Behold, ſay they, this Puniſhment From Heaven is ſent: He, from the bed whereon he lies, Shall never riſe. Yea, even my Friend, my Confident, My Gueſt, his heele againſt me bent. But, Lord, thy Mercy I implore; My Health reſtore: O raiſe me! that forthwith I may Their Hate repay. In this thy Love thou doſt expreſſe, That none triumph in my diſtreſſe. For thou art of my Innocence The ſtrong Defence. I ſhall, inlightned by thy Grace, Behold thy Face. Jehovah, Iſraels God, be bleſt; VVhile Day and Night the World inveſt. Amen. Amen.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE PSALMES OF DAVID.
PSALME XLII. As the 34. LORD! as the Hart, imboſt with heat, Braies after the coole Rivulet: So ſighs my Soule for thee. My Soule thirſts for the living God: VVhen ſhall I enter his Abode, And there his Beautie ſee! Teares are my Food both night and day; While, Where's thy God; they daily ſay. My Soule in plaints I ſhed; When I remember, how in throngs We fill'd thy Houſe with Praiſe and Songs; How I their Dances led. My Soule, why art thou ſo depreſt! VVhy O thus troubled in my breſt! With Griefe ſo overthrowne! VVith conſtant Hope on God await: I yet his Name ſhall celebrate, For Mercy timely ſhowne. My fainting Heart within me pants: My God, conſider my Complaints; My Songs ſhall praiſe thee ſtill: Even from the Vale where Jordan flowes; VVhere Hermon his high Fore-head ſhowes, From Mitſars humble Hill. Deepes unto Deeps inraged call, VVhen thy darke Spouts of waters fall, And dreadfull Tempeſt raves: For all thy Flouds upon me burſt, And billowes after billowes thruſt To ſwallow in their Graves. But yet by Day the Lord will charge His ready Mercy to inlarge My Soule, ſurpris'd with cares: He gives my Songs their Argument; God of my life, I will preſent By night to thee my prayers. And ſay; My God, my Rocke, O why Am I forgot, and mourning die, By Foes reduc'd to Duſt! Their words like weapons pierce my bones; While ſtill they Echo to my Grones, Where is the Lord thy Truſt? My Soule, why art thou ſo depreſt! O why ſo troubled in my breſt! Sunke underneath thy Load! With conſtant Hope on God await: For I his Name ſhall celebrate; My Saviour, and my God.
PSALME XLIII. As the 34. MY God, thy Servant vindicate: O plead my Cauſe againſt their hate, Who ſeeke my utter ſpoile! Deliver from the Mercileſſe, Who with bold Injuries oppreſſe, And proſper in their guile. For of my Strength thou art the Lord. Why like to one by thee abhorr'd Doſt thou my Soule expoſe! Why wander I in blacke araid! My body worne, my mind diſmaid! Purſu'd by cruell Foes! Thy Favour and thy Truth extend; Let them into my Soule deſcend, Conducted by their light; Conducted to thy holy Hill, And Houſe bleſt with thy Preſence ſtill; There to injoy thy ſight. Then will I to thy Altar bring An acceptable Offering, That doſt ſuch Joyes afford: There on a tunefull Inſtrument, With Songs that joyne in ſweet conſent, Thy ſacred praiſe record. My Soule, why art thou ſo depreſt! VVhy O thus troubled in my breſt! Sunke underneath thy load! With conſtant hope on God await; For I his Name ſhall celebrate, My Saviour and my God.
PSALME XLIV. As the 3. LORD! we have heard our Fathers tell The Wonders wrought by thee of old, To them by their great Grandſires told; How by thy Hand the Heathen fell; Of fruitfull Canaan diſpoſſeſt, And Iſrael planted in their roome; They periſht by a fearefull Doome, While ours in growth and ſtrength increaſt. Not their owne Swords that pleaſant Land Did conquer, and their Foes eject; Nor did their armes their lives protect: It was thy Arme and powerfull Hand; It was the Spendor of thy Face; And by thy Favour they o'rcame. My King, my God, O ſtill the ſame! Salvation ſend to Jacobs Race. For by thy Aide our Enemies Lay bleeding on the ſtained ground; And in thy Name we did confound VVho ever durſt againſt us riſe. Our Sword's unable to defend; We will not truſt in our weake Bowes. Thou, Lord, haſt ſav'd us from our Foes, And brought them to aſhamefull end. For this with praiſes we adore, And ever celebrate thy Name: But now Thou caſts us off to ſhame, Nor lead'ſt our Armies as before. Our faces from our Foes reverſt; A Spoile to ſuch as hunt for blood: Thou giv'ſt us up as Sheep for food, Among th'uncircumcis'd diſperſt. For nought thou doſt thy People ſell, Nor art inriched by their price; Our Neighbours in our fall rejoyce; A Scorne to all that neare us dwell. A By-word to the Heathen growne, Who ſhake their heads in our diſgrace: My ſhame is ſtill before my face; My eyes to Earth with bluſhes throwne. Sprung from the bold blaſphemers taunts, And proud Avengers threatning looke: Yet, Lord, we have not thee forſooke, Nor falſify'd thy Covenants. Our hearts have not their Faith diſſolv'd; Our Steps the Path preſcribed keep: Though Thou haſt cruſht us in the Deep, And with the ſhades of Death involv'd. For ſhould we from the Lord depart, Or to ſtrange Gods our hearts upreare; O would not this to him appeare, Who knowes the Secrets of our Heart? Yet for thy ſake are daily ſlaine; For ſlaughter mark'd like butcher'd Sheepe. Awake, O Lord, why doſt thou ſleepe? Riſe, nor for ever Vs diſdaine. O to thy Owne at length returne! Why doſt Thou hide thy chearfull face? With-drawing thy accuſtom'd Grace From ſuch as in Affliction mourne? For lo! our Soules, are wrapt in duſt; Our bellies to the Centre cleave: O, for thy Mercies ſake receive, And ſuccour thoſe who in Thee truſt!
PSALME XLV. As the 8. VVITH heat divine inſpir'd, I ſing A Panegyrick to the King: High Raptures in a numerous ſtile I with a ready Pen compile. Much fairer then our Humane Race; Whoſe lips like Fountaines flow with Grace: For this the Lord thy Soule ſhall bleſſe With everlaſting Happineſſe. Gird, O moſt Mightie, on thy Thigh Thy Sword of Awe and Majeſtie: In triumph, arm'd with Truth, ride on; By Clemencie and Juſtice drawne. No mortall vigour ſhall withſtand The fury of thy dreadfull Hand. Thy piercing Arrowes in the Kings Oppoſers hearts ſhall dye their wings. Thy Throne no waſte of Time decayes; Thy Scepter ſacred Juſtice ſwayes. Thou Vertue lov'ſt; but haſt abhorr'd Deformed Vice: for this, the Lord Hath thee alone preferr'd, and ſhed The Oyle of Joy upon thy head. Thy Garments, which in Grace excell, Of Aloës, Myrrhe, and Caſſia ſmell; Brought from the Ivory Palaces: Which more then other Odors pleaſe. Kings Daughters, to augment thy State, Among thy noble Damſels wait. The Queene inthron'd on thy Right hand, Adorn'd with Ophyr's golden Sand. Harke Daughter, and by me be taught; Thy Countrey baniſh from thy thought, Thy Houſe and Family forget, His Joy upon thy Beauty ſet. He is thy Lord; O bow before, And him eternally adore! The Daughters of Sea-circled Tyre Shall bring their Purple, and deſire Even they whom Wealth and Honour grace) To ſee the ſweetneſſe of thy Face. Her Mind all Beauties doth infold; Her faire limbs clad in purfled Gold, She ſhall unto the King be brought, In Robes with Phrygian Needle wrought: VVhile Virgins on her Traine attend, VVhoſe Faith and Friendſhip know no end: VVhom they with joy ſhall lead along; Eterniz'd in a Nuptiall Song: And with renew'd Applauſes bring Vnto the Palace of the King. Thou in thy Royall Fathers place, Of Sons ſhalt ſee a numerous Race; VVho over all the Earth ſhall ſway, VVhile the cleere Sunne directs the Day. My Song ſhall celebrate thy Name, And to the world divulge thy Fame.
PSALME XLVI.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

GOd is our Refuge, our ſtrong Tower; Securing by his mightie Power, VVhen Dangers threaten to devoure. Thus arm'd, no feares ſhall chill our blood; Though Earth no longer ſtedfaſt ſtood, And ſhooke her Hills into to the flood. Although the troubled Ocean riſe In foaming billowes to the Skies; And Mountaines ſhake with horrid noiſe. Cleare ſtreames purle from a Cryſtall Spring, Which gladneſſe to Gods City bring, The Manſion of th'eternall King. He in her Centre takes his place: What Foe can her faire Towers deface, Protected by his early Grace? Tumultuary Nations roſe, And armed Troops our walls incloſe; But his fear'd Voice unnerv'd our Foes. The Lord of Hoſts is on our ſide; The God by Jacob magnifi'd; Our Strength, on whom we have reli'd. Come, ſee the wonders he hath wrought; Who hath to deſolation brought Thoſe Kingdomes, which our ruine ſought. He makes deſtructive Warre ſurceaſe; The Earth, deflowr'd of her Increaſe, Reſtores with univerſall Peace. He breaks their Bowes, unarmes their Quivers, The bloody Speare in pieces ſhivers, Their Chariots to the Flame delivers. Forbeare, and know that I the Lord Will by all Nations be ador'd; Prais'd with unanimous accord. The Lord of Hoſts is on our ſide; The God by Jacob magnifi'd; Our Strength, on whom we have reli'd.
PSALME XLVII.

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LEt all in ſweet accord Clap Hands, their Voices raiſe, In Honour of the Lord; And loudly ſing his praiſe: VVho From above, Dire Lightning flings: The King of Kings, Of all that move. VVhole Nations of our Foes Beneath our Feet hath throwne: A faire Poſſeſſion choſe, For us that are his Owne: The dignitie Of Iſrael; Belov'd ſo well By the moſt High. In Triumph God aſcends, VVith Trumpet ſhrill, and Shalmes; Praiſe him, who his defends; O praiſe our King with Pſalmes! For God is King Of all the Earth; With ſacred Mirth His Praiſes ſing. God o're the Heathen reignes; Sits on his holy Throne: All whom the Earth ſuſtaines, Shall worſhip him alone. His Shield extends In their Defence; His Excellence All height tranſcends.
PSALME XLVIII. As the 8. THe Lord is moſt Majeſticall; Moſt highly to be prais'd by all, Within the Citie of our God, And Manſion bleſt by his abode. Faire Sion hath a pleaſant Site; Of Earth the Beautie and Delight: Upon the North-ſide bordering, The Citie of the Mightie King. God dwels within her loftie Towers; Secur'd from all aſſailing Powers. Conſpiring Kings her ruine ſought; Who armed Troupes before her brought. At once they ſaw, admir'd, and fled; Their hearts ſurpriz'd with ſudden Dread. Such feare, ſuch pangs poſſeſt our foes; As women ſuffer in their Throwes. At thy command blacke Eurus rores, And ſpreads his wracks on Tharſian ſhores. VVe, what we heard our Fathers tell, Have ſeene, who in this Citie dwell; The Citie of our God, which Hee Shall ever from deſtruction free. Thy Favours, Lord, with Thankfulneſſe VVe in thy Temple ſtill profeſſe. As is thy Name, thou God of Might, So are thy Praiſes infinite; And ſtretch to Earths remoteſt Bound: Thy Hand for Juſtice farre renown'd. O Sion, Judah's Diadem, You Daughters of Jeruſalem, Unite your Joyes, and glory in His Judgement, which your eyes have ſeene. Goe walke the Round of Sion; tell Her Towers; obſerve her Bulwarks well: On her faire Buildings caſt thine eye; Declare it to Poſteritie. For God will ſtill our God remaine, And us unto our Laſt ſuſtaine.
PSALME XLIX. As the 1. ALL you who dwell upon the foodfull Earth; Both Rich and Poore; of baſe and noble birth; Attend: my Tongue deep wiſdome ſhall impart; And knowledge from the fountaine of my heart. I unto light darke Parables will bring, And to my ſolemne Harpe Aenigmaes ſing. In Miſery and Age why ſhould I feare, When Sin purſues my ſteps, and Death draws neare? O you, who Riches as your God adore, And glory in your ſcarce poſſeſſed Store: VVho can redeeme his Brother for one Day, Or to the Lord his high-pris'd Ranſome pay? (For O, not all the Gold, which Streames conceale, Or Hils incloſe, can baniſht Life repeale,) That he might live unto Eternity, Nor in the Earths corrupting Entrailes lye. They ſee the Wiſe, and Fooles, to Death deſcend, While others their congeſted treaſures ſpend: Yet hoping to perpetuate their fame, Proud Structures raiſe, and call them by their Name. But Man in honour is a Vanitie, That fleets away; and as a Beaſt muſt die. In this vaine courſe, they circularly move, And their Poſterity their words approve. Death ſhall as Sheep devour them in the Duſt; Till that great Day ſubject them to the Juſt. Their Strength and Beauty ſhall to nothing waſt: All naked, from their ſumptuous Houſes caſt. But God ſhall from the greedy Sepulchre My Soule redeeme, and to his Joyes preferre. Deſpaire not, when a man growes Opulent, And that the Glories of his Houſe augment: For with his thread of Life his Riches end; Nor ſhall his Honours with his Soule deſcend. Though here he live in luxury and eaſe; And thoſe are prais'd, who their owne Genius pleaſe; Yet as his Fathers, he ſhall ſet in Night; Nor ever riſe to ſee the cheerfull Light. Man high in honour, whoſe ignoble breſt No knowledge holds, ſhall periſh like a beaſt.
PSALME L. As the 1. THE God of Gods, Jehovah, ſhall convent All from the Orient to the Suns deſcent. From Sions Towers (of Beauty the Divine And full Perfection) ſhall his Glory ſhine. Nor ſilent comes: devouring flames before, And round about him horrid Tempeſts rore. The righteous Judge, to judge his People, ſhall High Heaven and conſcious Earth to witneſſe call. Aſſemble all my Saints, who with one mind My Teſtaments with Sacrifice have ſign'd. Then thundring Skies ſhall make his Juſtice knowne; When he our God aſcends his Judgements Throne. My People, heare; Thy God, O Iſrael. Will thee convince, and thy Tranſgreſſions tell. I blame not thy unfrequent Sacrifice, Nor fumes, which rarely from my Altars riſe: I from thy Stall will take no well-fed Steere, Nor from thy Folds a Male-goat of that yeare: For all are Mine, that Woods or Deſerts breed, And Herds which on a thouſand mountaines feed: I know all Fowle, which Hils or Valleys yield, And number all the Cattell of the Field. Will I, if hungry, unto Thee complaine, When all is Mine which Sea and Land containe? Will I eat fleſh of Bulls? or canſt thou thinke, That I the blood of ſhaggy Goats will drinke? A thankfull heart upon my Altar lay; And righteous Vowes to high Jehovah pay. Then call on me in trouble; I will raiſe Thy Soule from Death, and thou my Name ſhalt praiſe. But O thou Hypocrite! Dar'ſt thou explaine My Law? My Covenants with thy lips prophane? That ſcorn'ſt inſtruction; doſt my Word deſpiſe; Conſent'ſt with Theeves, and haſt adulterous eyes? Deceit, and ſlander tip thy impious tongue: Thy brother woundſt with Infamy and Wrong. Thus didſt thou; this did I with ſilence ſee; So as thou thought'ſt, that I was like to thee. But I will thy Hypocriſie uncaſe; And lay thy ugly crimes before thy face. Conſider this, O you, who God neglect: Leſt I deſtroy you, when none can protect. Who praiſe for Incenſe offer, honour Me; And upright Soules ſhall my Salvation ſee.
PSALME LI. As the 3. LORD, to a ſinner Mercy ſhow: Which ſince in Thee ſo infinite; Let all thy ſtreames of Mercy flow, And purifie me in thy ſight. O waſh thou my polluted Soule! O cleanſe me from my bloudy Deed! That to my Selfe appeare ſo foule; And now in true Contrition bleed. My ſinnes, unmask't, before Thee lye; Who have deſerv'd thy wrath alone: Which I confeſſe, to teſtifie Thy Truth, and make thy Juſtice knowne. In ſinne conceiv'd, brought forth in ſin; Sin ſuckt I from my Mothers breſt: Thou lov'ſt a heart ſincere within, Where Wiſdome is a conſtant gueſt. With Hyſope purge, from blemiſh cleare; O waſh, then falling Snow more white! Lord, let me thy remiſſion heare: The Bones, which thou haſt broke, unite. Blot out my crimes; O ſeparate My trembling Guilt far from thy view! A cleane Heart in my breſt create; A Mind, to Thee confirm'd, renew. Nor caſt me from thy Preſence, Lord; Nor O thy holy Spirit withdraw! But thy life-quickening Grace afford; Inlarge my Will t'imbrace thy Law. Then Sinners I with heavenly Food Will feed, directed in thy Wayes: O my Redeemer, cleanſe from blood The Soule, that will thy Mercie praiſe. Give Thou my Verſe an argument; And they thy Goodneſſe ſhall reſound. No Sacrifice will Thee content; Nor Altars with Oblations crown'd. Elſe, I would Hecatombs impart: True ſorrow is Thy Sacrifice. A broken and a contrite Heart, My God, Thou never wilt deſpiſe. Thy Sion with accuſtom'd Grace (Leſt my foule crimes her ſhame procure) In thy protecting Armes imbrace; And faire Jeruſalem immure. Then we, with due Solemnitie, To Thee our gratefull Vowes will pay; And Buls, which never Yoke did try, Vpon thy flaming Altar lay.
PSALME LII. As the 32. O Thou in Miſchiefe great, Why boaſts thou in deceit? Gods greater Mercy will Protect his Servants ſtill. Thy Tongue with ſraud abounds, And like a Raſor wounds; All evill doſt affect; All that is good neglect. Lies are thy low delight; To Vertue oppoſite: Thy words with treachery The innocent deſtroy. God ſhall repay thy hate, Thy Stuctures ruinate; And make thee curſe thy birth: Then teare thee from the Earth. The Juſt thy fall ſhall ſee, Feare Him, and laugh at thee. Lo he, who God forſooke, Nor for his refuge tooke; Selfe-ſtrengthning with exceſſe Of Wealth, and Wickedneſſe. But I ſhall planted be, Like a greene Olive-tree, In Gods owne Houſe; and will Truſt in His Mercies ſtill. For this, I evermore Shall thy great Name adore: Thy Promiſes expect; The joy of thy Elect.
PSALME LIII. As the 12. FOoles, flattering their owne vices, ſay Within their hearts; God is a Name Devis'd to make the Strong obey; To ſetter Nature; quench her flame: When all this Vniverſall Frame The hands of potent Fortune ſway. Secure and proſperous in ill, The feare and thought of God exile, To follow their rebellious will; Thinke nothing that delights them vile: Their Soules with wicked thoughts defile; And all their foule Deſires fulfill. God from the Tower of Heaven his eies On men, and their endeavours, threw: Not one beheld beneath the Skies, That ſought him, or his Statues knew: All Vice with winged Feet purſue; But none forſaken Vertue priſe. O deafe to good! in knowledge blind! By Sinne through clouds of errour led! Dull ſenſuall Formes, without a Mind! Nor ſlow, though certaine, Vengeance dread! The Righteous they devoure like bread; All piety at once declin'd. Theſe, idle terrors ſhall affright; Their ſleeps diſturb'd by guilty feare. God ſhall their Bones aſunder ſmite, Who impious Armes againſt him beare; Nor they their infamy out-weare; Since deſpiſeable in his ſight. O that unto thy Iſrael The Day-ſtarre might from Sion ſpring! And all the ſhades of Night expell! When Thou ſhalt us from Bondage bring, How would we Lord thy Praiſes ſing! No joy ſhould Jacobs joy excell.
PSALME LIV. As the 4. LORD, for thy Promiſe ſake defend, And Thy All-ſaving Shield extend: O heare my cries, VVhich with wet Eyes And ſighs to Thee aſcend! For cruell men my life purſue; And who thy Statutes never knew. Suppreſſe my Foes: O ſide with thoſe, VVho to my Soule are true! VVith vengeance recompenſe their hate; And in an inſtant ruinate. Then will I bring My Offering, And Thy great Acts relate. Thy Name for ever praiſed be; VVho from thoſe ſnares haſt ſet me free: For loe, theſe eyes My Enemies Deſir'd ſubverſion ſee.
PSALME LV. As the 39. LORD, to my Prayers incline thine Eare; Th'afflicted heare: Nor be thou Deafe to my complaint, For O I faint! Regard the ſighes, the grones, the cries, VVhich from my penſive Soule ariſe. Rais'd by the threatnings of my Foe, VVhich ſtorme-like grow; And by blood-thirſty Violence; Truth my offence: VVho ſlander with their wounding tongues, And preſſe me unto Death with wrongs. My heart, a ſtranger unto reſt, Throbs in my breaſt: The terrours of approching Death Exhauſt my breath. My ſinews trembling Feare diſſolves, And Horror all my Powers involves. O that with Dove-like wings I might Take my ſwift flight, To calme Retreats of reſt, where I Conceal'd might lie! Then would I finde ſome Wilderneſſe, Removed farre from mans acceſſe. Then all theſe Tempeſts, which ariſe With hideous noiſe; And with their dreadfull Tumults make My Heart to quake; I would, far ſwifter then the VVind, Or winged Lightnings leave behind. Lord, ſwallow thoſe, who ſwell with pride; Their Tongues divide: For Strife, and Violence, bent to kill, The City fill: Both Day and Night they walke the Round, Rape, Miſchiefe, Teares, within abound. Wild Outrages her ſtreets profane, And boldly Reigne: Fraud lurking in her Palaces, Conſpires with theſe. For I, had he his hate profeſt, Had ſhunn'd, or ſhould his wrongs digeſt. But thou, my Friend, even of my Heart The better Part; To ſo intire a union growne, As if but one: Gods Houſe we daily viſited, Both ſweetly by one Counſell led. Let Death devoure them; let them dive To Hell alive. With miſchiefe their proud roofes abound Their hearts unſound: But God my Soule ſhall diſ-enthrall; For I upon his Name will call. My prayers ſhall with the Suns up riſe, Aſcend the Skies; Renew'd, when he at Noone diſplayes His fervent Rayes; When he behinde the Earth deſcends, And Day, out-worne with labour, ends. My Cries ſhall penetrate the Spheares, And pierce his Eares. He ſhall my captive Soule releaſe, And crowne with Peace. For in the Fervor of the Fight, His Angels ſhall protect my Right. Th'Eternall Judge, Jehovah, ſhall Confound them all; Who onely change from bad to worſe, Nor feare his Curſe. Sweet Peace he violated hath, And broken his obliged Faith. His Words then Butter ſmoother farre; His Thoughts of Warre: Words ſofter then the fluent Oile; Yet bent to Spoyle. But thou, my Soule, thy cares impoſe On God, who will redreſſe thy woes. The Juſt he ſhall confirme with Joy; Th'Unjuſt deſtroy. Thoſe who in bloud and fraud delight, Shall ſet in Night, Before their Noone of Life be paſt. But I on God my hopes have plac'd.
PSALME LVI. As the 4. O Lord, protect me by thy Power From ſuch as would my Life devoure; VVho mercileſſe Strive to oppreſſe; Nor grant me Truce one houre. That would devoure me every Day, And make my chaſed Life their prey: Yet, Lord, will I On thee relie; VVhen Dangers moſt diſmay. Thy Promiſe I will celebrate; In conſtant hope thy Pleaſure wait; With patience beare Thy Stay; nor feare Fraile man, or his vaine hate. My words and deeds they daily wreſt, And in their thoughts my fall digeſt; Vnite in ill, And lurke to kill: My Feet can finde no reſt. O ſhall they with impunity Eſcape, and thus their ſins enjoy! Let Death thy rage Alone aſſwage; Them in their guilt deſtroy. My Wanderings thou haſt numbered; Even every Teare mine Eyes have ſhed Thy Viall holds: All in the Folds Of thy large Volume read. Aſſur'd, that when on God I call, My Foes ſhall by his Fury fall. His Promiſe I Will magnifie; His Truth divulge to All. To him my ready Vowes will pay; My Vowes of Thanks, both night and day: In whom I truſt: Nor ſhall th'Unjuſt My ſtedfaſt Hopes diſmay. For he hath ſnatcht me from the Night Of Death, and kept my foot upright: That I may ſtill Obſerve his Will, And ſee the cheerfull Light.
PSALME LI. As the 10. O Thou, From whom all Mercy ſprings, Compaſſionate my Sufferings; And pity me, That truſt in Thee! O ſhelter with thy ſhady Wings, Vntill theſe ſtormes of Woe Cleare-up, or over-blow! Thee I invoke, O thou Moſt High, Thou All-performer! from the Skie Thy Angels ſend; Let them defend My Soule from him that would deſtroy: O ſend thy Mercy downe; VVith Truth thy Promiſe crowne! For Salvage Lions girt me round, And they whoſe Malice knowes no bound; Their cruell Words More ſharp then Swords; Their Teeth like Speares and Arrowes wound. To Heaven thy Glory raiſe; Let Earth reſound thy Praiſe. They ſubtill ſnares prepared have, And bow'd my Soule even to the Grave: With wicked wit Have digg'd a pit, From which themſelves they could not ſave: But juſtly fell therein, Intrapt by their owne Sin. My raviſht Heart flames with deſire; I to the Muſicke of my Lyre, Eternall King, Thy Praiſe will ſing. Awake my Glory! Zeale inſpire! Awake my Harp and Lute, Nor in his Praiſe be mute! To thee, before the Morning riſe, My Lips their Calves ſhall ſacrifice: Thy Mercy farre The higheſt Starre, Thy Truth tranſcends the loftie Skies. To Heaven thy Glory raiſe; Let Earth reſound thy Praiſe.
PSALME LVIII. As the 46. PErnicious Counſellors! Give you Sincere advice? to Juſtice true? Or Vertue but in ſhow purſue? Your Hearts are ſtill on Miſchiefe bent; Your Hands impure and violent; Nor favour Truth, nor Wrong prevent. Even from the womb they blindly ſtray; Borne, and perverted in one day; Lie, ſlander, flatter, and betray: Like Serpents, with black poyſon ſwell; And charme th'Inchanter ne're ſo well, More deafe then Aſps, his Charms repell. Lord, ſlit their Tongues, before they ſpeak; Strike out their Teeth, which teare the Weak; And the young Lions grinders break. As Sun-beat Snow, ſo let them thaw; And when their weakned Bowes they draw, Let their crackt Arrowes flie like ſtraw. Let them like Snailes conſume away; And as untimely Births decay, VVhich never ſaw the cheerful Day. Before their pots can feele the brier, God in the Whirl-wind of his Ire, Shall blaſt alive, and burne with fire. Sinne with Revenge at length ſhall meet; The Godly ſhall rejoyce to ſee't; And in their blood ſhall waſh their feet. Then erring Mortals ſhall confeſſe, There are Rewards for Righteouſneſſe, And Plagues for ſuch as doe tranſgreſſe.
PSALME LIX. As the 34. LORD, ſave me from mine Enemies; From thoſe, who thus againſt me riſe, Like an incenſed Floud: From thoſe, who in Impietie Place their delight, and long to die Their hands in guiltleſſe bloud. Lo! for my Soule they lie in wait: The Mightie joyne their power and hate, VVithout my blame or crime. VVithout my crime they weapons take; And perſecute my Soule. Awake My God! aſſiſt in time. Great God of Hoſts, of Iſrael, Theſe all-oppreſſing Tyrants queſt; Nor be to Mercy won: At night their miſchiefe they begin; Incenſt like ſnarling Dogs they grin, And through the Citie run. Behold! they vomit bitter words; Betweene their lips they brandiſh ſwords; Yet ſay; Can theſe be knowne? But, Lord, thou ſhalt their threats deride; The empty terrour of their pride And Malice, vainly ſhowne. I and my ſtrength are in thy Power. In Thee I truſt, my Shield! my Tower! Thy Mercie, Lord, how great! My Foes ſubjecteſt to my will: Subdue, and ſcatter; but not kill, Leſt we thy Truth forget. O be they in their Pride ſurpris'd! Even for the Lies they have devis'd, Their curſes, and cloſe Arts. Conſume them, from the Land expell: To ſhew, God reignes in Iſrael, To Earths remoteſt parts. Hopeleſſe let them returne with Night, Like grinning Dogs bark, but not bite; About the City rome: Pale, meager, and halfe famiſhed; Like vagabonds howle they for bread; VVithout or food, or home. But I, before the Day-ſtar ſpring, Will of thy Power and Mercy ſing; My Safety in diſtreſſe. Thou art my Rock, my ſtrong Defence; My living Verſe thy Excellence And Bounty ſhall expreſſe.
PSALME LX. As the 2. CAST off, and ſcattered in thine Ire: Lord on our woes with pity look. The Lands inforc'd Foundations ſhook; VVhoſe yawning ruptures Sighs expire. O cure the Breaches Thou haſt rent, And make Her firmely permanent! Our Souls thou haſt with ſorrow fed; And mad'ſt us drinke of deadly Wine: Yet now thy Enſignes giv'ſt to Thine, Even when beſet with trembling dread; That we thy Banner may diſplay, Whil'ſt Truth to Conqueſt makes our way. O heare us, who thy Aide implore; Lord, with thy owne Right hand defend: To thy Beloved ſuccour ſend. God by his Sanctity thus ſwore; I Succoths Valley will divide; In Shechems Spoiles be magnifi'd. Mine Gilead is, Manaſſeh mine; Ephraim my ſtrength, in battell bold; Thou Judah ſhalt my Scepter hold: I will triumph on Paleſtine. Baſe Servitude ſhall Moab waſte; O're Edom I my Shooe will caſt. Who will our forward Troups direct, To Rabbah ſtrongly fortifi'd? Or into ſandy Edom guide? Lord, wilt not thou, that didſt reject, Nor wouldſt before our Armies goe, Now leade our Hoſt againſt the Foe? O then, when Dangers moſt affright, Doe thou our troubled Souls ſuſtaine! For loe! the helpe of Man is vaine. Through Thee we valiantly ſhall fight: Our flying Foes thou ſhalt tread downe; And Thine with wreaths of Conqueſt crowne.
PSALME LXI. As the 13. MY God, thy Servant heare; O lend a willing eare! In exile my ſad heart, From Earths remoteſt part, O'rewhelm'd with Miſeries, To Thee for ſuccour cries. To that High Rock O leade, So farre above my head! That wert, and art my Tower, Againſt oppreſſing Power. For to thy ſacred Court I ever ſhall reſort; Secure beneath thy wings, From all their menacings: Even Thou my ſuit haſt ſign'd; A King by Thee deſign'd, To governe ſuch as will. Thy holy Law fulfill. Whom Thou long life wilt give, He Ages ſhall out-live; His Throne ſhall ſtand before Thy Face for evermore Thy Mercy, Lord, extend; Him for thy Truth defend. Then I in chearfull Layes Will celebrate thy praiſe; And to Thee every day My Vowes devoutly pay.
PSALME LXII. As the 15. LORD, thou art the only Scope Of my never-fainting Hope; My Salvation, my Defence, Refuge of my Innocence: Thou the Rock I build upon, Not by man to be o'rethrown. How long will you machinate! Perſecute with cauſleſſe hate! You ſhall like a tott'ring wall, Like a batter'd Bulwark, fall. All conſpire to caſt me downe; From my browes to teare my Crowne: Full of fraud, they bleſſe in ſhow, When their Thoughts with curſes flow. Yet my Soule on God attends; All my Hope on him depends; He the Rock I built upon, Not by man to be o'rethrown. He my Glory, he my Tower, Guards me by his ſaving Power. You, who are ſincere and juſt, In the Lord for ever truſt: Powre your Hearts before his Throne; His, who can protect alone. All that are of high Deſcent, To the Poore and Indigent, Nothing are but Vanitie; Nothing but deceive and lye: Balanc'd, altogether they Lighter then a Vapour weigh. In Oppreſſion truſt thou not; Nor in Wealth by Rapine got: If thy Riches multiply, See thou prize them not too high. God ſaid once; twice have I heard; Power is his, by Him conferr'd: His is Mercy; He rewards, And, as we deſerve, regards.
PSALME LXIII. As the 34. TO Thee, O God, my God, I pray, Before the dawning of the Day. My Soule and waſting fleſh, VVith thirſty Ardor Thee deſire, In Soiles ſcorcht with aethereall Fire, VVhoſe drought no ſhowres refreſh: That in thy Sanctuary I May ſee thy Power and Majeſty, Once more with raviſht eyes: My lips ſhall celebrate thy Praiſe; Thy Goodneſſe, more then length of daies, Or life it ſelfe, I priſe. Extoll'd while I have utterance: To Thee will I my Palmes advance; That wilt with marrow feaſt. My Verſe thy Wonders ſhall recite; Remembred in the ſilent Night, As on my Bed I reſt. Secur'd beneath thy ſhady Wing, I will in ſacred Raptures ſing; And to thy Promiſe cleave. Thy Hand upholds; but who with hate My Soule ſeeke to precipitate Hels entrails ſhall receive. The raging Sword ſhall ſhed their blood; A prey for Wolves; for Foxes, food. Yet God his King ſhall bleſſe; And ſuch as ſweare by his great Name: But thoſe, whoſe Tongues the Juſt defame, Confuſion ſhall ſuppreſſe.
PSALME LXIV. As the 10. THou great Protector, heare my Cry; Save from my dreadfull Enemy: O vindicate From their cloſe hate, VVho for my Soule in ambuſh lie. From their blind Rage protect, VVho Truth and Thee reject. Who whet their Tongues, more ſharp then Swords, Their Arrowes draw, even bitter words; To wound th'Vpright, VVith fierce delight, VVhen Time to their deſire accords: Then on a ſudden ſhoot; Nor feare divine purſuit. Confirm'd in skilfull Malice; they Conſpire, their Nets in ſecret lay: And ſay; VVhat eye Can this deſcry? Firſt counſell take; and then betray: On miſchiefe ſet their hearts, Purſu'd by wicked Arts. But God ſhall let his Arrowes flie; Wound in the twinckling of an Eye: Each deadly ſtung By his owne Tongue, Shall with that fatall Poyſon die. Who this behold, or heare, Shall tremble with cold feare. Men ſhall their Eyes with wonder raiſe, Rehearſe his Deeds, and ſing his Praiſe. Eternitie Shall crowne their Joy, Who walke in his preſcribed wayes. He to the Pure of Heart His Glorie ſhall impart.
PSALME LXV. As the 8. DUe Honours, Lord, on Thee attend, Where Sions ſacred Towers aſcend: There thy devoted Iſraelites Shall pay their Vowes, with ſolemne Rites. To Thee ſhall all Man-kinde repaire: Since thou vouchſaf'ſt to heare our Prayer. Our Sinnes thy Mercies expiate, When burthen'd with their loathed waight. Thrice happy he, of whom thou mak'ſt Thy Choice; and to thy ſervice tak'ſt; That may within thy Courts reſide; There with thy Goodneſſe ſatisfi'd; And taſte of that ſincere Delight, VVhich never cloyes the Appetite. From thee, O God, our Safetie ſprings; Thy Judgement threatens dreadfull things. Their Hope, whom Soiles remote ſuſtaine; VVho flote upon the toiling Maine. Great is thy Power: propt by thy Hand, Cloud-touching Mountaines ſtedfaſt ſtand. Thou with thy Scepter doſt appeaſe The roaring of the high-wrought Seas: And the tumultuarie jarres Of People breathing Blood and VVarres. Who dwell upon the Earth's Confines, They tremble at thy fearefull Signes. VVhere firſt the Sun his beame diſplaies; And where he ſets his golden Raies, They triumph in the fruits of Peace; Inriched by the Earth's increaſe. He Raine upon her Boſome powres; His ſwelling Clouds abound with Showres: And ſo prepares the luſty Soile To recompenſe the Reapers toile. Mellowes the Glebe with fatning juyce, VVhoſe furrowes hopefull blades produce: With Plenty crownes the ſmiling Yeares, Shed from the influence of the Spheares: The Deſert with ſweet Claver fils; And richly ſhades the joyfull Hils. Flocks cover all the higher Plaine: The rancker Valleyes cloth'd with Graine. Theſe in Abundance ſolacing, VVithout a tongue thy Praiſes ſing.
PSALME LXVI. As the 29. HAppy Sons of Iſrael, Who in pleaſant Canaan dwell, Fill the Aire with ſhouts of Joy; Shouts redoubled from the Skie. Sing the great Jehovah's Praiſe; Trophees to his Glory raiſe: Say; How wonderfull thy Deeds! Lord, thy Power all power exceeds! Conqueſt on thy Sword doth ſit; Trembling Foes through feare ſubmit. Let the many-peopled Earth, All of high and humble birth, Worſhip our eternall King; Hymnes unto his honour ſing. Come, and ſee what God hath wrought; Terrible to humane thought. He the Billowes did divide; Wall'd with waves on either ſide, While we paſſed ſafe and dry: Then our Soules were rapt with joy. Endleſſe his Dominion; All beholding from his Throne. Let not thoſe, who hate us moſt; Let not the Rebellious boaſt. Bleſſe the Lord; his Praiſe be ſung, While an eare can heare a tongue. He our feet eſtabliſheth; He our Souls redeem's from Death, Lord, as Silver purifi'd, Thou haſt with Affliction tri'd: Thou haſt driv'n into the net; Burthens on our ſhoulders ſet: Trod on by their Horſes hooves; Theirs, whom Pity never moves. VVe through fire, with flames imbrac'd; We through raging flouds have paſs'd: Yet by Thy conducting hand, Brought into a wealthy Land. I will to thy Houſe repaire; Worſhip, and thy Power declare: Offerings on thy Altar lay; All my vowes devoutly pay, Vtter'd with my heart and tongue, VVhen oppreſt with powerfull Wrong. Fatlings I will ſacrifice; Incenſe in perfumes ſhall riſe; Bullocks, ſhaggy Goats, and Rams Offer'd up in ſacred flames. You, who great Jehovah feare, Come, O come, you bleſt, and heare VVhat for me the Lord hath wrought, Then, when neere to ruine brought. Fervently to Him I cry'd; This Goodneſſe magnifi'd. If I Vices ſhould affect, VVould not He my Prayers reject: But the Lord my Prayers hath heard, VVhich my tongue with teares preferr'd. Sourſe of Mercy, be Thou bleſt, That haſt granted my Requeſt.
PSALME LXVII. As the 47. LORD, ſhowre on us thy Grace, Inrich with Gifts divine: Let thy illuſtrious Face Upon thy Servants ſhine: That all below The arched Skie, May Thee, and thy Salvation know. 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Let all thy Praiſe rehearſe, With one united Voyce: Sing in melodious Verſe; Eternally rejoyce. Thy Power obey, Whoſe Juſtice ſhall Diſpoſe of All; All Scepters ſway. Let all extoll thy Worth: Then ſhall the ſmiling Earth Her pleaſant fruits bring forth; Nor ever mourne in Dearth. We who implore, Thy Bleſſings find; And all Mankind With feare adore.
PSALME LXVIII. As the 8. LET God, the God of Battaile, riſe; And ſcatter his proud Enemies. O let them flee before his face, Like ſmoke, which driving tempeſts chace. As Wax diſſolves with ſcorching Fire; So periſh in his burning Ire. But let the Juſt with joy abound: In joyfull Songs his Praiſe reſound: VVho riding on the rowling Spheares, The Name of great Jehovah beares. Before his Face your joyes expreſſe: A Father to the fatherleſſe. He wipes the teares from Widowes eyes; The ſingle plants in Families; Inlarging thoſe who late were bound: VVhile Rebels ſtarve on thirſty Ground. When he our numerous Army led, And march't through Deſerts, full of dread; Heaven melted, and Earths Centre ſhooke, With his majeſticke Preſence ſtrooke. VVhen Iſraels God in Clouds came downe, High Sinai bow'd his trembling Crowne. He in th'approach of meager Dearth, VVith ſhowres refreſht the fainting Earth: VVhere his owne Flocke in ſafety fed; The Needy unto plenty led. By Him we conquer: Virgins ſing Our Victories, and Timbrels ring. He Kings with their vaſt Armies foiles; While women ſhare their wealthy ſpoiles. You who among the Pots have laine In Soot and Smoke, ſhall ſhine againe; Bright, as the ſilver-feather'd Dove, VVhoſe wings with golden Splendor move. VVhen he the Kings had overthrowne, Our Land like ſnowy Salmon ſhone. Gods Mountaine Baſhans Mount tranſcends; Though he his many Heads extends. VVhy boaſt you ſo, ye meaner Hils? God with his Glory Sion fils: This his beloved Reſidence; Nor ever will depart from hence. His Chariots twenty thouſand were, VVhich Myriads of Angels beare; He in the midſt, as when he crown'd High Sinai's ſanctified ground. Lord, Thou thy Selfe haſt rais'd on high; Thou captivat'ſt Captivitie. Deckt with the trophees of his Foes, The gifts receiv'd on his beſtowes: Reducing thoſe who did rebell; That both might in his Sion dwell. O praiſed be the God of gods, VVho his with daily bleſſings loads: The God of our Salvation, On whom our hopes depend alone. The Controverſe of Life and Death Is arbitrated by his Breath. He on their heads his Foes ſhall wound; Their hairy ſcalps, whoſe ſins abound, And in their treſpaſſes proceed. Thus ſpake Jehovah; Jacobs Seed I will from Baſhan bring againe, And through the bottome of the Maine: That Dogs may lap their enemies bloud; And they wade through a crimſon Floud. We in thy Sanctuary late, My God, my King, beheld thy State. The ſacred Singers marcht before; VVho inſtruments of Muſicke bore, In order followed: every Maid Vpon her pleaſant Timbrell plaid, His Praiſe in your Aſſemblies ſing, You who from Iſraels Fountaine ſpring. Nor little Benjamin alone, But Judah from his Mountaine-throne; The farre removed Zebulun; And Naphtali which borders on Old Jordan, where his ſtreame dilates; Joyn'd all their Powers and Potentates. For us his winged Souldiers fought: Lord ſtrengthen, what thy hand hath wrought. He that ſupports a Diadem, To Thee, divine Jeruſalem, Shall in Devotion treaſure bring, To build the Temple of his King. Break through their Pikes; the multitude Of Buls, with ſavage ſtrength indu'd; Till they with gifts ſweet Peace invite: But ſcatter thoſe, whom Wars delight. Far off from Sun-burnt Meroë, From falling Nilus; from the Sea VVhich beats on the Aegyptian ſhore, Shall Princes come, and here adore. You Kingdomes, through the VVorld renown'd, Sing to the Lord; his praiſe reſound: He who Heavens upper Heaven beſtrides, And on her aged ſhoulders rides: VVhoſe voyce the Clouds aſunder rends; In Thunder terrible deſcends. O praiſe his Strength; whoſe Majeſty In Iſrael ſhines, his Power on high. He from his Sanctuary throwes A trembling horror on his Foes: VVhile us his Power and Strength inveſt. O Iſrael, praiſe the Ever-bleſt.
PSALME LXIX. As the 22. LORD, ſnatch me from the raging Floud; Now in deepe Eddies almoſt drown'd: That ſtruggle in the yeelding mud, There, where no bottome can be found: The riſing waves my head ſurround, And with their terrors chill my Bloud. Tir'd with complaining; hoarſe, and ſore; Sight failes my long-expecting Eyes: My Haires are not in number more; Then my uninjur'd Enemies. The great in wrong againſt me riſe; I, what I never tooke, reſtore. My God, Thou know'ſt my Innocence: Let not the faithfull bluſh for me, Traduc'd by ſlanderous Impudence: Nor ô! let thoſe that call on Thee, Their ſhame in my Confuſion ſee; Since Thou art our profeſt Defence. For Thee I ſuffer Calumnies; To Men become a generall ſcorne; Deſerted by my neare Allies; By children of my Mother borne: Through zeale unto thy Honour worne, While thy reproch upon me lies. I faſted, wept, in Sack-cloth mourn'd; My anguiſh in my lookes expreſt: Yet this to my deriſion turn'd; By Drunkards ſung at every Feaſt: Even Judges at my ſorrow jeſt; My Innocence by ſlander ſpurn'd. Yet ſhall my Praiers and Sighes aſcend Even in an acceptable houre. Thy Mercie, gracious Lord, extend; And ſave by thy Almightie Power. Let not the ſwallowing mud devoure: Preſerve from ſuch a ſhamefull end. Deliver from th'inſulting Foe; My ſtrugling Feet from ſinking keepe: Let not the Billowes overflow, Nor Whirle-pits ſucke into their Deepe. O pitie Thou the Eies that weepe: And thy Tranſcendent Mercie ſhow. Heare, and redeeme without delay; Nor in my trouble hide thy Face: Leſt I become a wretched prey To ſuch as have my Soule in chaſe. My ſhame, indignities, diſgrace And all their crimes before Thee lay. Reproach my bleeding heart hath pierc't: VVas ever Sorrow halfe ſo great! Compaſſion hath her Eyes averſt; My Griefe no comfort could intreat: They gave me bitter Gall to eate; And Vineger to quench my Thirſt. O be their board a ſnare to thoſe! Proſperitie it ſelfe a Bait! Their Eyes in clouds of darkeneſſe cloſe; And let them fall by their owne weight: Powre on them thy Eternall hate; VVith vengeance multiply their woes. In Ruines let their Houſes lie; None in their ſilent Tents be found; That would, whom thou haſt ſmit, deſtroy; And wounded Soules with ſlander wound. Let their iniquities abound; Nor ever in thy Mercie joy. Their names out of thy Volume blot; Nor with the Juſt inthrone their Dayes. Though poore; to miſery begot; Yet Thouſhalt my dejection raiſe: Then will I celebrate thy Praiſe: My thankefull Heart no time ſhall ſpot. This will Jehovah more delight, Then Buls prepar'd for Sacrifice: Their guilded Hornes with Garlands dight. This ſhall the Meeke with pleaſed Eyes Behold, and centuple their joyes: Their Day ſhall never ſet in Night. For God the Poore regards, and thoſe, VVho for his ſake affliction trie. Round Earth, deepe Seas, what Seas incloſe; You Orbs, that move ſo orderly; Our great Jehovah magnifie, VVho crownes his Saints with ſweet Repoſe. For God his Sion ſhall immure, And Judah's Cities build againe: VVhere they ſhall ever live ſecure; A faire inheritance obtaine: There ſhall their bleſſed Seed remaine; And ſafely that rich Soile manure.
PSALME LXX. As the 5. HAst, Lord; from ſuch as would devoure, Defend by thy almightie Power: Delay not in ſo fear'd an Houre. But let confuſion ſeaze on thoſe, Who ſeeke my Soule; to ſhame expoſe: Be ſudden in their overthrowes. Let thoſe with infamie returne; Dejected, and unpittied, mourne; Who laugh, and blaſt me with their ſcorne. Who love thy Name, with joy inveſt: Let them in ſhades of Safetie feaſt; And ever ſay, The Lord be bleſt. But I am poore, and full of need: Haſt, Lord; deliver me with ſpeed; Our Strength, our Help, from Thee proceed.
PSALME LXXI. As the 34. I To thy Wing for refuge flie; Protect me from foule Infamy; Lord, in thy Juſtice ſave. Deliver from their treacherous Snares: O favourably heare my Prayers; Snatch from the yawning Grave. Be thou my Fortreſſe of Defence; There let me fix my Reſidence. O Thou, my Rocke! my Tower! Who haſt thy Angels given in charge, That they thy Seruants ſhould inlarge From circumventing Power. Deliver from their cruell might, Whoſe wicked hands in blood delight: Leſt I their prey become. Thou art my hope; even from my Youth Have I reli'd upon thy Truth; By Thee kept in the wombe: From thence extracted by thy Care. Though, as a Prodigie they ſtare On me with wondring eyes; Yet thee, my ſtrength, my Song ſhall praiſe, And to the Starres thy glory raiſe, While Sunnes ſhall ſet and riſe. O caſt not off, when full of dayes; Forſake not, when my Strength decayes: Watcht by conſpiring Foes. God hath abandon'd him, ſay they; Now let us make his life our prey: VVho ſhall our power oppoſe? My God cloſe to thy ſervant ſtand, And helpe him with a ſpeedy hand: Thoſe in their pride confound, Who perſecute my wretched Soule; Let Death their impious rage controule, And with diſhonour wound. But I will ever hope, and raiſe My Voice to multiply thy Praiſe, Thy Righteouſneſſe diſplay, Thy manifold Deliveries: VVhich ô! no number can compriſe; Thus ſpend the harmeleſſe Day. I in thy Strength, though old and weake, VVill walke, and of thy Juſtice ſpeake; Of thine, even thine alone. Thou haſt inform'd me from my Youth: I, to this houre, with ſingle Truth, Thy wondrous workes have ſhowne. Now in the VVinter of my yeares; VVhen Time hath ſnow'd upon my haires, Abandon not, ô Lord; Till I unto this Age proclame Thy Mightie Power; in Songs the ſame Unto the next record. Thy Counſels depth our ſearch exceeds: How admirable are thy Deeds! O who is like to Thee! Thou haſt afflictions on me laine; Yet ſhalt thou quicken me againe, And from Earths entrailes free. Still thou my glorie wilt increaſe, And comfort with the joyes of Peace. I, in a living verſe, Unto my warbling Harpe will ſing Thy praiſes, O eternall King; Thy noble Acts rehearſe. Unto my Voice, and Inſtrument Shall my exalted Soule conſent; By Thee redeem'd from Death: Thy Juſtice every Day proclaime; That now haſt cloth'd my Foes with Shame, Diſperſed by thy breath.
PSALME LXXII.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THe King, Jehovah, with thy Juſtice crowne; And in a God-like reigne his Son renowne. He ſhall with equitie thy People ſway; And Judgement in the ſcales of Juſtice waigh. Then little Hils ſhall riot with increaſe; And Mountaines flouriſh in the fruits of Peace. He ſhall the Poore from Violence protect; Exalt the Humble, and the Proud deject. They, while the reſtleſſe Sunne directs the Yeare; While Moones increaſe and waine, thy Name ſhall feare. He ſhall deſcend like plenty-dropping Showres, Which cloath the Earth, and fill her Lap with flowers. The Juſt ſhall flouriſh in his happy Dayes, And Peace abound, while Stars extend their Raies. He ſhall from Sea to Sea inlarge his Reigne; From ſwift Euphrates to the fartheſt Maine. The wilde Inhabitants, that live by prey In ſcortched Deſerts, ſhall his Rule obey. His Foes ſhall licke the Duſt, rich with their Spoyles. Kings of the Ocean, and Sea-graſped Iles, Shall orient Pearle, and ſparkling Stones preſent; Gold from the Sun-burnt Aethiopians ſent. The ſwart Sabaeans, and Panchaia's King, Shall Caſſia, Myrrhe, and ſacred Incenſe bring. All Kings ſhall homage to this King affoord; All Nations ſhall receive him for their Lord. He ſhall th' Oppreſſed heare, the Poore defend; The Needie ſave, and ſuch as have no friend: Redeeme their Soules from Fraud, and Violence; And ſhall with Blood revenge their Bloods expenſe, For this, he long and happily ſhall live: To him they ſhall the Gold of Sheba give. The People for their King ſhall hourely pray: His Praiſes ſing, and bleſſe him Day by Day. Ranke crops of Corne ſhall on high Mountaines grow, And ſhake like Cedars when rough Tempeſts blow. The Citizens ſhall proſper and abound; Like blades of Graſſe, which cloath the pregnant ground His Name ſhall laſt to all Eternitie: Even while the Sunne illuminates the Skie. All Nations ſhall in Him be bleſt: Him all The habitable Earth ſhall bleſſed call. O praiſed be our God! That King of Kings, Who onely can accompliſh wondrous things! For ever celebrate his glorious Name, And fill the World with his illuſtrious Fame. Amen, Amen.
Here end the Prayers of David the Sonne of Ieſſe.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE PSALMES OF DAVID.
PSALME LXXIII. As the 1. THat Power of powers, who Iſrael protects, The Pure of heart eternally affects. Yet I began to ſtagger in my Faith; My Feet almoſt had ſwerved from his Path, VVhen I the Foole beheld with envious eyes; Saw proſperous Vice to Wealth and Honour riſe. Their Thread of Life is cloſe and firmly ſpun; Whom feeble Age, and pale Diſeaſes ſhun. They, while we ſuffer, ſurfeit in content; As if alone exempt from puniſhment. Pride hangs like precious Chains about their necks; And Violence in robes of Purple decks. Their ſwolne eyes ſhine with uncontroll'd exceſſe; Who more, then what their hearts can wiſh, poſſeſſe. Even glory in their foule Impietie; And ſpeake like Thunder from the troubled Skie. Dire Blaſphemies againſt high Heaven they caſt; The ſuffering Earth their Pride and Slander blaſt. The Good not ſeldome through their Scandall ſtray, And preſt with Miſeries, in Paſſion ſay; O how can we the Lord All-ſeeing call! Or think he cares what unto men befall! When lo! the Wicked with ſucceſſe are crown'd, And in the pleaſures of this world abound. I to no end have purg'd my heart of ſtaine; In Innocence have cleans'd my hands in vaine; That thus with daily puniſhments am worne, And ſtill chaſtiſed with the riſing Morne. If I gave words unto ſuch thoughts as theſe, I ſhould th'aſſemblies of thy Saints diſpleaſe: For then, what were it to be juſt, or good? My Soule this ſecret never underſtood; Till I into thy Sanctuarie came, And there beheld their honour end in Shame. Thou haſt on ſlippery hights their greatneſſe plac'd; Downe Head-long from their Noone of glory caſt. How are they unto Deſolation brought! Conſumed in the moment of a thought! Such as a pleaſant dreame when Sleepe forſakes Our flattered ſenſe: ſo, when thy Wrath awakes, Thou in thy dreadfull furie ſhalt deſtroy Their emptie and Imaginary joy. Theſe former thoughts did my weake Soule moleſt; So ignorant; ſo vaine; ſo like a beaſt. Yet I by thy Divine ſupportance ſtand: Thou heldſt me up by thy Almightie hand. Thou by thy counſell ſhalt direct my waies; And after to eternall Glorie raiſe. For whom have I but Thee in Heaven above? Or what on Earth can my Affections move? My Thoughts and fleſh are fraile: yet Lord, thou art My Portion, and the Vigour of my Heart. Who thee abandon, ſhall to Death deſcend; And they whoſe knees to curſed Idols bend. I as my dutie, will to God repaire; On Him relie, and his great Acts declare.
PSALME LXXIV. As the 14. LORD; why haſt Thou abandoned! O why for ever! ſhall thine Ire Conſume, like a devouring Fire, The Sheepe which in thy paſtures fed! O thinke of thoſe, who were thy owne; By Thee of old from bondage brought: Th'Inheritance which thou haſt bought, And Sion thy affected Throne. Come, O come quickly, and ſurvey VVhat ſpoile the barbarous Foe hath made. Lo! all in heaps of ruines laid; Thy Temple their accurſed prey. Like Lions, with ſharpe Famine whet, They in thy Sanctuarie roare; All purple in thy Peoples gore; And there their conquering Enſignes ſet. It was eſteem'd a great renowne With Axe to ſquare the Mountaine Okes: Now they demoliſh with their ſtrokes, And hew the carved Fabricke downe. Who lo! with all-infolding flame, The beautie of the Earth devoure: Profanely proſtrate on the floore That Temple ſacred to thy Name. Now (ſaid they) with a ſudden hand, Give we a generall End to all. By Fire the holy ſtructures fall, Through this depopulated Land. No Miracles amaze our Foes; There are no Prophets to divine, That might our miſeries decline; None know the period of our woes. Ah! how long ſhall our Enemies Exult, and glory in our ſhame! How long ſhall they Blaſpheme thy Name, Great God, and thy ſlow Wrath deſpiſe! Thy Hand out of thy Boſome draw; Nor longer thy Revenge with-hold: My God, thou waſt our King: The old Amazed World thy Wonders ſaw. Thou ſtruck'ſt the Erythraean waves, VVhen Seas from Seas in tumult fled; Brak'ſt the Aegyptian Dragons head, And mad'ſt the joyning Flouds their Graves. That great Leviathan of Nile, To Beaſts and Serpents, which poſſeſſe The drie and foodleſſe VVilderneſſe, By Thee delivered for a Spoile. Thou clav'ſt the Rock, from whoſe greene wound The thirſt expelling Fountaine brake: 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Thou mad'ſt the heady Streames forſake Their Chanels, and become dry ground. The cheerfull Day, Night cloth'd in ſhade; The Moon and radiant Sun are Thine: Thy Bounds the ſwelling Seas confine; Summer and VVinter by Thee made. Great God of gods, forget not thoſe VVho Thee reprochfully deſpiſe. Remember, Lord, the Blaſphemies, Caſt on thee by our frantick Foes. O! to the wicked Multitude Surrender not thy Turtle-dove: Nor from thy tender care remove The Poore, by powerfull VVrong purſu'd. Thy Cov'nant, bound by Oath, maintain: For Darkneſſe over-ſpreads the Face Of all the Land; in every place Deſtruction, Rape, and Slaughter reign. Let not th' oppreſt returne with ſhame; But crown thee with deſerv'd applauſe: O patronize thy proper Cauſe: Remember, Fooles revile thy Name. O let their Sorrowes never ceaſe, VVho blaſt Thee with their Calumnies. The tumuls of their Pride, who riſe Againſt Thee, every day increaſe.
PSALME LXXV. As the 8. THY Praiſes, O eternall King, Our Soules in ſacred Verſe will ſing. The wonders of thy Works declare; Thy Preſence in thy Power and Care. VVhen I ſhall weare the Hebrew Crown, High Juſtice ſhall my Reign renown. The Land with weakning Diſcord rent, The People without Government, Faint and diſſolve. Her Pillars I Support, her Breaches fortifie. Proud Man, I ſaid, renounce thy Pride; Thou Foole, thy Folly caſt aſide. Doe not ſo high your Hornes erect; Nor bellow, as with yoke uncheckt. Preferment from the Orient, Nor from the Evening-Suns Deſcent, Nor Deſert comes: God guides our Fates, He raiſeth, and He ruinates. A cup of red and mingled VVine He poureth out to me and mine: But every Rebell in the Land Shall drink the Dregs, ſqueez'd by his Hand. His noble Acts I will relate; The God of Jacob celebrate; Suppreſſe the VVicked, and their wayes; The Juſt to VVealth and Honour raiſe.
PSALME LXXVI. As the 29. GOD in Judah is renown'd; Salem with his Temple crown'd: He in ſacred Sion dwels; Iſrael his wonders tels. He their flying Enſignes teares; Shivers the Aſſyrian Speares. He their Swords, Shields, Arrowes, broke; Kill'd, ſubdu'd, without a ſtroke. Thou more excellent then they, That on Juries Mountains prey: VVho the Great in battell foil'd; Of their lives and honours ſpoil'd. Not the Mightie could with-ſtand, Nor ſo much as find a hand. Princes, by thy onely breath, VVith the Vulgar ſleep in Death. Terrible unto thy Foes: O, who can thy Wrath oppoſe! When as they thy Thunder heare, Mortals ſtand amaz'd, and feare: VVhen from thy eternall Reſt Thou deſcend'ſt, to ſave th'Oppreſt. Malice but it ſelfe betraies; And converts into thy praiſe. Future rage thou ſhalt reſtrain, Making their indeavours vain. Jacobs Seed, with one accord, Pay your Vowes unto the Lord. Holy Levites, Offerings bring; Of his glorious Conqueſt ſing. He, who Princes overthrowes, O, how fearefull to his Foes!
PSALME LXXVII. As the 5. TO God I cri'd; He heard my cries: Againe, when plung'd in miſeries, Renew'd with raiſed hands and eyes. My feſtred wounds ran all the Night; No comfort could my Soule invite To reliſh long out-worn delight. I call'd upon the Ever-bleſt: And yet my troubles ſtill increaſt; Almoſt to Death by ſorrow preſt. Thou keep'ſt my galled eyes awake: Words faile my griefe; ſighs onely ſpake, Which from my panting boſome brake. Then did my Memory unfold The wonders, which thou wrought'ſt of old, By our admiring Fathers told. The Songs, which in the Night I ſung; When deeply by affliction ſtung: Theſe thoughts thus mov'd my deſperate tongue; Wilt thou for ever, Lord, forſake! Nor pity on th' afflicted take! O ſhall thy mercy never wake! Wilt thou thy promiſe falſifie! Muſt I in thy diſpleaſure die! Shall Grace before thy Fury flie! This ſaid; I thus my Paſſions checkt: His changes on their ends reflect, To puniſh and reſtore th'Elect. His great Deliverance ſhall dwell In my Remembrance; I will tell What in our Fathers daies befell. His counſels from our reach are ſet; Hid in his ſacred Cabinet. What God like ours! ſo Good! ſo Great! VVho wonders can effect alone; His Peoples great Redemption; To Jacobs Seed, and Joſephs knowne. The yielding Floods confeſſe thy Might; The Deeps were troubled at thy Sight; And Seas recoil'd in their affright. The Clouds in ſtorms of raine deſcend; The Aire thy hideous Fragors rend; Thy arrowes dreadfull flames extend. Thy Thunders rorings rake the Skies; Thy fatall Lightning ſwiftly flies; Earth trembles in her agonies. Thy VVayes even through the Billowes lie: The Flouds then left their Chanels dry; No Mortall can thy ſteps deſcry. Like Flocks through Wilderneſſe of Sand, Thou led'ſt us to this pleaſant Land; By Moſes and by Aarons hand.
PSALME LXXVIII. As the 42. MY People, heare my VVords; I will unfold Darke Oracles, and VVonders done of old; By our great Anceſtors both heard and knowne, Succeſſively unto their Children ſhowne; VVhich we will to Poſterity relate; That People, yet unknowne, may celebrate Gods Power, his Praiſe, and glorious Acts: ſince He Will's this Tradition by divine Decree; Vntill one Day ſhall give the World an end: That all their hopes might on his Help depend. Nor ever let his noble Actions ſleep In darke oblivion, but his Statutes keep. Vnlike their rebell Sires, a ſtubborn Race; VVho fell from God, nor ſought his ſlighted Grace. The Ephraimites, though expert in their Bowes, Though arm'd, ignobly fled before their Foes: Who vainly brake the Cov'nant of their God; Nor in the wayes of his preſcription trod, Forgot his famous Acts, his Wonders ſhown In Zoan, and the Plaines by Nile o'reflown. He brought them through the bowels of the Floud; The parted Waves like ſolid Mountaines ſtood. By day with leading Clouds affords a ſhade; By night a flaming Pyramis diſplaid. Hard Rocks, He in the thirſty Deſerts, clave, And drink out of their ſtony Entrails gave: Even from their barren ſides the waters guſht, And down in rivers through the vallies ruſht. Yet ſtill they ſinn'd, and meat to ſatisfie Their Luſt demand, provoking the moſt High. Blaſpheming thus; Can God our wants redreſſe? A Table furniſh in the Wilderneſſe? Though from the cloven Rocks freſh Currents drill, Can he give bread? with fleſh the hungry fill? Thus tempted by their hourely murmurings, He to his long retarded Wrath gives wings: Their infidelity inrag'd the Juſt, That would not to his ſure Protection truſt. Who all the Curtaines of the Skies withdrew, And made the clouds reſolve into a dew. With Manna, Food of Angels, Mortals fed; And fill'd with plenty of coeleſtiall Bread. Then caus'd the early Eaſtern winds to riſe, And bade the dropping South obſcure the Skies: VVhence ſhowres of Quailes deſcend; as thick as ſand On Sea-waſht ſhores, or duſt on Sun-dri'd Land; VVhich fell among their Tents: They their delights Injoy, and feaſt their deadly appetites. For lo! while they thoſe fatall Dainties chew, And their inordinate Deſires purſue; The Wrath of God ſurpriz'd them, and cut down The choice of all; even thoſe of moſt renown. Nor, by their owne miſ-haps admoniſhed, Would they his Works believe, or Judgements dread. So He their ſpirits quencht with daily feares; In Vanity and Toile conſum'd their yeares. But when by Slaughter waſted, the forlorn Return'd, and ſought Him in the early Morn: They then confeſt, and ſaid; Thou art our Tower, Our Strength; alone protecteſt by thy Power. Yet their ſlie Tongues did but their Souls diſguiſe; Full of deluding flatteries, and lies. Their faithleſſe hearts revolted from his VVill; Nor ever would his juſt Commands fulfill. How oft would He, whoſe Mercy hath no bound, Their pardon ſigne! nor in their Sins confound! How oft did He his burning wrath aſſwage! How oft divert the furie of his Rage! Conſider'd them as fleſh, in frailtie borne; A paſſing Winde, that never can returne. Yet ſtill would they his ſacred Lawes tranſgreſſe; Provok'd him in th'unpeopled Wilderneſſe: Confin'd the Holy One of Iſrael; Againſt their Saviour frantickly rebell: Forgetfull of his Power, nor ever thought Of that Great Day, when from long Bondage brought. His dreadfull Miracles to Aegypt knowne, And Wonders in the Field of Zoan ſnowne. The River chang'd into a Sea of blood; Men faint for thirſt, t'avoid th'infected Flood. Huge ſwarmes of unknowne Flies diſplay their wings, Which wound to death with their invenom'd ſtings. Loath'd Frogs even in their Palaces abound; And with their filthy ſlime pollute the ground. Their early fruits the Caterpillars ſpoyle: And Graſhoppers devoure the Plow-mans toile. Long Vines with ſtormes their dangling burdens loſt: The broad-leav'd Sycamores deſtroi'd with froſt. Their Flocks beat down with Hail-ſtones, breathles lie: Their Cattell by the ſtroke of Thunder die. The Vengeance of his Wrath all formes of woes, More Plagues, then could be fear'd, upon them throwes VVhom evill Angels to their ſinnes betray. He to the Torrent of his Wrath gave way; Nor would with man or ſinleſſe beaſts diſpenſe; Shot by the Arrowes of his Peſtilence. Slew all the flower of Youth; their Firſt-borne Sons; There where old Nilus in ſeven Chanels runs. But like a flocke of Sheepe his People led; Safe and ſecure through Deſerts, full of dread: Even through unfathom'd Deeps: which part and cloſe Their tumbling waves to ſwallow their proud Foes. Then brought them to his conſecrated Land; Even to his Mountaine purchas'd by his Hand. Caſt out the Giant-like Inhabitants; Aud in their roomes the Tribes of Iſrael plants. Yet they (ô moſt ingratefull!) falſifie Their vowes, and ſtill exaſperate the moſt High: Who in their faithleſſe Fathers traces goe; And ſtart aſide; like a deceitfull Bow. Their Altars on the tops of Mountaines blaze, VVhile they their hands to curſed Idols raiſe. Theſe objects fuell to his wrath affoord: Whoſe Soule revolted Iſrael abhor'd. The ancient Seat of Shiloh then forſooke; Nor longer would that hated Manſion brooke. His Arke even to Captivitie declin'd; His Strength and Glorie to the Foe reſign'd: And yeelded up his People to the Rage Of barbarous ſwords; nor would his wrath aſſwage. Devouring flames their able Youth confound; Nor are their Maids with Nuptiall Garlands crown'd. Their Mitred Prieſts in heat of Battell fall; No Widowes weeping at their Funerall. Then as a Giant, folded in the Charmes Of Wine and Sleepe, ſtarts up, and cries, To armes: So rous'd, his Foes behinde, Jehovah wounds; And with Eternall Infamie confounds: Yet would in Joſephs Tents no longer dwell; Nor Ephraim choſe, who from his Cov'nant fell: But Judahs Mountaine for his Seat elects; And ſacred Sion, which he moſt affects. There our great God his glorious Temple plac'd, Firme as the Centre, never to be ras'd. And from the bleating Flockes his David choſe, When he attended on the yeaning Ewes; And rais'd him to a Throne, that he might feed His people; Iſraels ſelected Seed. Who fed them faithfully; and all the Land Directed with a juſt and equall hand.
PSALME LXXIX. As the 39. THe Gentiles waſte thy Canaan, Lord, VVith Fire and Sword. Thy holy Temple they prophane; VVith Slaughter ſtaine. Beneath her ruines Salem grones; Now nothing but a heape of Stones. The dead no Funerall pompe attends, Nor weeping friends: Their carkaſes our barbarous Foes To Beaſts expoſe: The ravenous VVolves become their tombe Or elſe the greedie Vulturs wombe. VVith blood of Saints, the Streames grow red, Like VVater ſhed: Thy People now a generall Reproach to all. The Syrian, and baſe Edomite Deride, and in our woes delight. How long, Lord, ſhall thy jealous ire Devoure like Fire! Thy Anger, in a dreadfull ſhowre Of vengeance, powre On thoſe, who know not thy great Name: And thinke thy Worſhip but a ſhame. For they have laid our Country waſte: Our Cities ras't. Lord, O remember not the crimes Of former times! But for thy tender mercy ſave Our ſoules; now humbled to the grave. Lord, for the glory of thy Name, Redeeme from ſhame. O purge us, and propitious be! From thraldome free. VVhy ſhould the Heathen thus blaſpheme, And ſay, Your God is but a Dreame! Againſt them let thy Vengeance riſe; Before our eyes: And for our blood, ſhed by their guilt, Let theirs be ſpilt. O heare the ſighing Priſoners cry! And ſave, whom they have doom'd to die. Our ſpitefull Neighbours, Lord, deride Thee, in their pride. With ſeven-fold vengeance recompenſe Their inſolence. So we, thy flocke, our God will praiſe; And to the Stars thy Glory raiſe.
PSALME LXXX. As the 3. THou Shepheard of thy Iſrael, That, Flock-like, leadeſt Joſephs Race: Who twixt the Cherubims doſt dwell, O heare! ſhew thy inlightning Face. Exalt thy ſaving power before Manaſſeh, Ephraim, Benjamin: O from Captivity reſtore! And let thy beames upon us ſhine. Great God of Battaile, wilt thou ſtill Be angry, and our prayers deſpiſe? Bread, ſteept in teares, our ſtomacks fill; We drinke the rivers of our eyes. Our ſcoffing Neighbours fall at ſtrife Among themſelves, to ſhare our right: Great God, reſtore the dead to life; And comfort by the quickning light. This Vine, from Aegypt brought, (the foe Expeld) was planted by thy hand: Thou gav'ſt it roome and ſtrength to grow, Vntill her branches fill'd the Land. The Mountaines tooke a ſhade from theſe, Which like a grove of Cedars ſtood: Extending to the Tyrian Seas, And to Euphrates rowling Floud. O why haſt thou her Fences ras't? Whilſt every Stragler puls her fruit: The browſing Heard her branches waſte; And ſalvage Boores plow-up her root. Great God, returne; this trampled Vine From Heaven behold with mild aſpect: Once planted by that Hand of thine; The branches of thy owne Elect. Which now cut downe, wild Flames devoure; Through thy fierce wrath to ruine brought: Protect thy People by thy Power; And perfect what thy ſelfe hath wrought. Reviv'd, we will thy Name adore; Nor ever from thy Pleaſure ſwerve. O from Captivity reſtore, And by thy powerfull grace preſerve!
PSALME LXXXI. As the 8. TO God our Strength your voices raiſe: In ſacred numbers ſing his praiſe. The warbling Lute, ſweet Violl bring, And ſolemne Harp: loud Timbrels ring. The new Moone ſeene, ſhrill Trumpets ſound: Your ſacred Feaſts with Triumph crown'd. Theſe Rites our God eſtabliſhed, VVhen Iſrael He from Aegypt led: Their necks with Yokes of bondage wrung; Inured to an unknowne tongue. Your burdens I have caſt away, Said he, and cleans'd your hands from clay: Then ſav'd, when in your feares you cri'd; And from the thundring Cloud repli'd. I tri'd you; heard your murmurings, At Meribahs admired Springs. You Sons of Iſrael, give eare; I will inſtruct you, would you heare. Beware; no foraigne gods adore; Nor their adulterate Powers implore. I Thee alone brought from the Land Of Bondage, with a mighty Hand. I know, and will ſupply thy need; When naked, clothe; when hungry, feed. Yet would not they my Counſell brooke; But deſperately their God forſooke: Whom I unto their luſts reſign'd, And errors of their wandring Mind. O that they had my voyce obei'd, Nor from the paths of Vertue ſtraid! Then Victory their brows had crown'd: Their ſlaughter'd Foes had ſpread the ground: Then had I made their enemy Submit, and at their mercy lie: Themſelves bleſt with eternall Peace; Inriched with the Earths increaſe: VVith floure of Wheat, and Honey fill'd, From breaches of the Rocke diſtill'd.
PSALME LXXXII. As the 4. GOD ſits upon the Throne of Kings, And Judges unto judgement brings: Why then ſo long Maintaine you wrong, And favour Lawleſſe things? Defend the Poore, the Fatherleſſe; Their crying injuries redreſſe: And vindicate The Deſolate, Whom wicked men oppreſſe. For they of knowledge have no Light, Nor Will to know; but walke in Night. Earths Baſes faile; No Lawes prevaile; Scarce one in heart upright. Though Gods, and Sons of the moſt High; Yet you, like common men, ſhall die; Like Princes fall. Great God, judge all The Earth, thy Monarchy.
PSALME LXXXIII. As the 1. LORD, ſit not ſtill, as deafe unto our cries: For lo! our Enemies in tumults riſe. Even thoſe, who thy Omnipotence deny, And hate thy Name, advance their Creſts on high: Darke counſels take, and ſecretly contrive Their ſlaughter, whom thy Mercy keeps alive. Come, ſay they, let us with inceſſant ſtroks Hew downe this Nation, like a grove of Okes Till they no longer be; and Iſrael die Both in his Race, and ruin'd Memory. They all, in one Confederacy, have made A ſolemne League; ſuppli'd with foraigne aide. Fierce Idumaeans, who in Nomades ſtray, And ſhaggy Iſmaelites, that live by prey; Th'inceſtuous Race, that border on the Lake Of ſalt Aſphalthis: Savage Thieves, who take Their name from ſervile Hagar; they, who dwell In Gebal; Ammonites, who Peace expell; Sterne Palaeſtines; and wild Amalekites; Falſe Tyrians; Aſhur with Lots Sons unites. Let them like Midian fall, by mutuall wounds; Like Siſera; fall like Jabin, on the bounds Of Endor, where ſwift Kiſon takes his birth; Who lay like Dung upon the fatned Earth: Like Zeb, and Orebs Princes; made a prey For Wolves: like Zeba and proud Zalmuna: VVho ſaid, let us theſe Iſraelites deſtroy, And all the Cities of their God enjoy. O let them, like a wheele be hurried round; Like chaffe, which whirl-winds raviſh from the ground; As Woods grown dry with age, imbrac'd with fire. VVhoſe flames above the ſinged Hils aſpire: So in the Tempeſt of thy Wrath purſue; And with thy Stormes thy trembling Foes ſubdue. O fill their Hearts with griefe; their lookes with ſhame; Till they invoke thy late blaſphemed Name. Confound them with eternall Infamie; That they, through anguiſh of their Soules, may die. That men Jehovah's VVonders may rehearſe; The great Commander of this Univerſe.
PSALME LXXXIV. As the 29. O How amiable are Thy Aboads, great God of warre! How I languiſh through reſtraint! How my longing Spirits faint! Lord, for thee I daily crie; In thy abſence hourely die. Sparrowes there their young ones reare; And the Summers Harbinger By thy Altar builds her neſt, Where they take their envi'd reſt. O my King! O thou moſt High! Arbiter of Victorie! Happie men! who ſpend their Dayes In thy Courts; there ſing thy Praiſe! Happy! who on Thee depend! Thine their Way, and thou their End. VVho through Baca travelling, Make that thirſty Vale a Spring; Or ſoft Showres from Clouds diſtill, And their emptie Ciſterns fill: Freſh in ſtrength, their courſe purſue, Till they thee in Sion view. Lord of Hoſts, incline thine Eare. O thou God of Jacob heare! Thou our Rocke, extend thy Grace; Looke on thy Anointed's Face. One Day in thy Courts alone. Farre exceeds a Million Let me be contemn'd and poore; In thy Temple keepe a Doore: Then with wicked men poſſeſſe All that they call Happineſſe. O thou Shield of our Defence! O thou Sun, whoſe influence Sweetly glides into our Hearts! Thou, who all to thine imparts! Happy! O thrice happy hee, VVho alone depends on Thee!
PSALME LXXXV. As the 2. AT length thou haſt thy Mercie ſhowne; Drawne from the Babylonian yoke; Our Sinnes remov'd, which did provoke Thy Wrath; even that now overblowne. Great God, our ruin'd State reſtore; And let thy Anger flame no more. O ſhall it like a Comet raigne! Extending to the yet unborne! Wilt thou not quicken the forlorne; That thine in Thee may joy againe! O ſhowre thy Mercie from above; Preſerve, and fix us in thy love! I will the Voice of God attend, Who to his People ſpeakes of Peace. Such as in Sanctitie increaſe; Nor to their Sinnes againe deſcend: Theſe ſoone with Freedome ſhall be bleſt, That Glory may our Land inveſt. Thoſe Dayes ſhall conſumate our Bliſſe: Sweet Clemencie with Truth ſhall meet; High Juſtice gentle Peace ſhall greet, Saluting with a holy Kiſſe: For Truth ſhall from the Earth ariſe, And Righteouſneſſe looke from the Skies. Then ſhall Jehovah diſtribute His Bleſſings with a liberall Hand: The rich, and ever gratefull Land Abundantly produce her fruit. For Juſtice ſhall before him goe, And her faire ſteps to Mortals ſhow.
PSALME LXXXVI. As the 13. MY God, thy Suppliant heare; Afford a gentle Eare: For I am comfortleſſe, And labour in diſtreſſe. My righteous Soule relieve, So readie to forgive. Thy Servant, Lord, defend; Whoſe hopes on Thee depend. Me from the Grave reſtore, VVho daily Thee implore: From waſting Sorrow free The Heart long vow'd to Thee. For thou art God alone, To tender pity prone, Propitious unto all, VVho on thy Mercy call. O heare my fervent prayer, And take me to thy care: Then ready to be found, VVhen troubles moſt abound. VVhat God, like Thee, O Lord, Of all by men ador'd! Or underneath the Sun, Such miracles hath done. Zeale ſhall all hearts inflame T'adore and praiſe thy Name. For thou art God alone; Thy Power in VVonders ſhown. Direct me in thy VVay; So ſhall I never ſtray. My thoughts from Tempeſts cleare; Vnited in thy Feare. My Soule ſhall celebrate Thy Praiſe; thy Power relate. That haſt advanc'd my head, And rais'd me from the Dead. The Proud againſt me riſe, And pow'rfull Enemies (All Rebels to thy Will) My guiltleſſe bloud would ſpill. But, O thou King of kings, From Thee ſweet Mercy ſprings; Still gracious, ſlow to wrath; True to thy Servants Faith. Lord, for thy Mercies ſake, Into thy boſome take: Thy Hand-maids Son O ſave From the devouring Grave! Some happy Signe expoſe To my aſhamed Foes; That they thy Hate may ſee To them; thy Love to me.
PSALME LXXXVII. As the 8. THE Lord hath with his Temple crown'd Moriah, by his Choice renown'd. Not all the Tents of Iſrael, Or Mountains which in height excell, He ſo affects, or celebrates, As lofty Sions ſtately Gates. Jeruſalem, thou Throne of Kings, Of Thee they utter glorious things. Not by Judea's narrow bounds Preſcrib'd; the Land which Nile ſurrounds, Great Babylon, proud Palaeſtine, Rich Tyre, which circling Seas confine; And black-brow'd Aethiopians, Shall yield thee Citizens and Sons. All ſorts of People, foraign-bred, As Natives there indenized; In Sion, built by immortall Hands: Firme as the Mountaine where it ſtands. The Lord in his eternall Scroll, Shall theſe, as Citizens, inroll. Their Muſick ſhall th'Affections raiſe, And Songs ſung in Jehovah's praiſe; Whoſe Bleſſings on this City ſhall, Like Streames from Heavenly Fountains, fall.
PSALME LXXXVIII. As the 39. MY Saviour! both by night and day To Thee I pray. O let my Cries tranſcend the Sphears, And pierce thy Eares! Leſt Sorrow ſtop my fainting breath; Now neare the Jawes of greedy Death. My light extinguiſht, numbered Among the Dead: Like men in battaile ſlaine; the wombe Of Earth their Tombe: Forgotten, as if never known; By thy tempeſtuous Wrath o'rethrown. By Thee lodg'd in the lower Deeps, Where Horrour keeps; In Dungeons, where no Sun diſplaies His cheerfull Raies. Cruſht by thy Wrath; on me thy Waves Ruſh, like ſo many rolling Graves. My old Familiars, now my Foes, Deride my Woes. My Houſe becomes my Gaole; where I In Fetters lie. Blind with my teares; with crying hoarſe; Hands rais'd in vaine; a walking Coarſe. Wilt thou to thoſe thy Wonders ſhow, VVho ſleep below? The Dead from their cold Manſions raiſe, To ſing thy Praiſe? Shall Mercy find us in the Grave? Or wilt thou in Deſtruction ſave? VVilt thou thy Wonders bring to light, In Deaths long Night? Or ſhall thy Juſtice there be ſhown, VVhere none are known? I have, and ſtill to Thee will pray; Before the Sun reſtore the Day. O, why haſt thou withdrawn thy Grace, And hid thy Face; From me, who from my Infancy But daily die? VVhil'ſt I thy Terrours undergoe; Diſtracted by theſe ſtormes of woe. Thy Anger, like a Gulph, devoures My trembling Powers: With troups of Terrours circled round; In Sorrow drown'd; Depriv'd of thoſe, that lov'd me moſt; To all in dark oblivion loſt.
PSALME LXXXIX. As the 72. OVr gratefull Songs, O thou eternall King, Shall ever of thy boundleſſe Mercies ſing: And thy unalterable Truth rehearſe To after Ages, in a living verſe. For what is by thy Clemency decreed, Shall orderly, and faithfully ſucceed: Even like thoſe never reſting Orbs above, VVhich on firme hinges circularly move. Thus God unto his ſervant David ſwore; This Cov'nant made: I will for evermore Thy Seed eſtabliſh, and thy Throne ſuſtaine; Whilſt Seas ſhall flow, or Moones increaſe, and waine. The heavenly Hierarchy thy Truth ſhall praiſe; The Saints below thy glorious Wonders blaze. For who is like our God above the Clouds! Or who ſo great, whom humane frailty ſhrowds! He to his Angels terrible appeares; And daunts the Tyrants of the Earth with feares. Great God! how great, when dreadfull Armies joyne! What God ſo ſtrong! what Faith ſo firme as thine! Thy Bounds the Billowes of the Sea reſtraine; Thou calm'ſt the tumults of th'incenſed Maine. Proud Rahab, like a Coarſe, with bloud imbru'd; Hew'n downe: the ſtrong with greater ſtrength ſubdu'd. Thine are the Heavens; thoſe Lamps which guild the Skies; Round Earth; broad Seas, and all which they compriſe. Thou mad'ſt the Southern and the Northern Pole, Whereon the Orbs coeleſtiall ſwiftly rowle. Hermon inveſted with the Morning Raies, And Tabor with the Evening's, ſing thy praiſe. Thy Arme excels in Strength: thy hands ſuſtaine The World they made: And guide it with a reine. Juſtice with Judgement joyn'd, thy Throne uphold: Mercy and Truth thy ſacred browes infold. Thrice happy they, who, when the Trumpet cals, Throng to thy celebrated Feſtivals! They of thy Beauty ſhall injoy the ſight, And guide their Feet by that informing light: Thy Name ſhall daily in their mouthes be found; And in thy Juſtice ſhall their Joyes abound. Our Ornament in Peace, our Strength in Wars; Thy Favour ſhall exalt us to the Stars. Thou, Holy One of Iſrael, our King; Thou our defence; ſecure beneath thy VVing. Thus ſpake Jehovah by his Prophets voice; Of ſtrenuous David have I made my choice, (On that Heroë powr'd my Sacred Oyle) To guide my People, and preſerve from ſpoile. I will ſupport him with my powerfull Arme; No Foe ſhall Tribute force; nor Treaſon harme: His enemies before his Face ſhall flie, And thoſe, who hate his Soule, by ſlaughter die. Our Truth and Clemencie ſhall crowne his Daies, And to the Firmament his Glory raiſe. He, from the Billows of the Tyrian Maine, To ſwift Euphrates ſhall extend his Reigne. Who in his oft renew'd Devotions ſhall, Me Father, God, and great Protector call. My Favorite he ſhall be, and my Firſt birth; Rais'd above all the Princes of the Earth. My Mercy him for ever ſhall preſerve: And from my Promiſe I will never ſwerve. His Seed ſhall alwaies reigne; his Throne ſhall laſt, While Daies have light, and Nights their ſhadows caſt: If they my Judgements ſlight, forſake my Law, My Rites neglect, and from my Rule withdraw; Then I with whips will their offences ſcourge, With labour, miſery, and ſorrows urge: Yet will not utterly my King forſake, My Vow infringe, or alter what I ſpake. I by my Sanctity to David ſware, That he, and his ſhould never want an Heire, To ſway the Hebrew Scepter, while the Sun His uſuall Race ſhould through the Zodiack run; VVhile Men, the Moone and radiant Stars ſhould ſee, The faithfull witneſſes of my Decree. But thou art angry with thy owne Elect, And doſt thy late affected King reject; Infringe the Cov'nant to thy Servant ſworne; Thou from his Browes his Diadem haſt torne, Caſt downe the Rampier, which his ſtrength renown'd, And all his Bulwarks level'd with the ground: VVhom now his Neighbours ſcorne; a common prey, And ſpoile to all that travell by the way. Thou addeſt ſtrength and courage to his Foes, VVho now rejoyce and triumph in his woes; Rebateſt his ſharpe Sword, unnerv'ſt his might, And mak'ſt him ſhrinke in fervor of the fight: His ſplendor haſt Eclipſed; his renowne In ruines buried, and his Throne caſt downe: His Youth conſumed with untimely Age; Markt out for ſhame; the object of thy Rage. How long ſhall he in thy diſpleaſure mourne! Still ſhall thy Anger like a Furnace burne! O call to mind the ſhortneſſe of my daies; That dreame of Man, which like a Flower decaies. VVho lives, that can the ſtroke of Death defend; Or ſhall not to the ſilent Grave deſcend? Where is thy ancient Love! thy plighted Troth, Confirm'd to David by a ſolemne Oath! Remember the Reproches I have borne; Thoſe of the Mighty; and their bitter ſcorne: Traduced; by thy enemies abhorr'd. Yet, O my penſive Soule, praiſe thou the Lord. Amen, Amen.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE PSALMES OF DAVID.
PSALME XC. As the 34. O Thou the Father of us all, Our refuge from th'Originall; That wert our God, before The aëry Mountaines had their birth, Or Fabricke of the peopled Earth; And art for evermore. But fraile man, daily dying, muſt At thy Command returne to Duſt: Or ſhould he Ages laſt; Ten thouſand yeares are in thy ſight But like a quadrant of the Night, Or as a Day that's paſt. He by the Torrent ſwept from hence; An empty Dreame, which mocks the Senſe, And from the Phanſie flies: Such as the beauty of the Roſe, Which in the dewy Morning blows, Then hangs the head and dies. Through daily anguiſh we expire: Thy anger a conſuming Fire, To our offences due. Our ſinnes (although by Night conceal'd, By ſhame, and feare) are all reveal'd, And naked to thy view. Thus in thy wrath our yeares we ſpend; And like a ſad diſcourſe they end, Nor but to ſeventy laſt: Or if to eighty they arrive, We then with Age, and Sickneſſe ſtrive; Cut off with winged haſte. Who knowes the terror of thy wrath, Or to thy dreadfull anger hath Proportion'd his due feare? Teach us to number our fraile Daies, That we our hearts to Thee may raiſe, And wiſely ſinne forbeare. Lord, O how long! at length relent! And of our miſeries repent; Thy Early Mercy ſhew: That we may unknowne comfort taſte: For thoſe long daies in ſorrow paſt, As long of joy beſtow. The works of thy accuſtom'd Grace Shew to thy Servants: on their Race Thy chearefull beames reflect, O let on us thy Beauty ſhine! Bleſſe our attempts with aide divine, And by thy Hand direct.
PSALME XCI. As the 9. VVHo makes th'Almighty his retreat, Shall reſt beneath his ſhady Wings; Free from th'oppreſſion of the Great, The rage of Warre, or wrath of Kings. Free from the cunning Fowlers traine; The tainted aires infectious breath: His Truth in perils ſhall ſuſteine, And ſhield thee from the ſtroke of Death. No terrors ſhall thy ſleeps affright; Nor deadly flying Arrowes ſlay: Nor Peſtilence devoure by Night, Or Slaughter maſſacre by Day. A thouſand and ten thouſand ſhall Sinke on thy Right hand and thy Left: Yet thou ſecure ſhall ſee their fall; By vengeance, of their lives bereft. Since God thou haſt thy Refuge made, And do'ſt to him thy Vowes direct; No evill ſhall thy ſtrength invade, Nor waſting plagues thy roofe infect. Thee ſhall his Angels ſafely guide; Upheld by winged Legions, Left thou at any time ſhould'ſt ſlide. And daſh thy Foot againſt the Stones. Thou on the Baſiliske ſhalt tread; The Mountaine Lion boldly meet, And trample on the Dragons Head; The Leopard proſtrate at thy Feet. Since he hath fix't his love on me, Saith God, and walked in my wayes; I will his Soule from danger free, And from the reach of Envie raiſe. To him I his deſires will give; From danger guard; in honour place: He long, long happily ſhall live, And flouriſh in my ſaving Grace.
PSALME XCII. As the 29. THou, who art inthron'd above; Thou, by whom we live, and move; O how ſweet, how excellent, Is't with tongue and hearts conſent, Thankefull hearts and joyfull tongues, To renowne thy Name in Songs! When the Morning paints the Skies, When the ſparkling Starres ariſe; Thy high favours to rehearſe, Thy firme faith, in gratefull Verſe, Take the Lute, and Violin; Let the ſolemne Harpe begin; Inſtruments ſtrung with ten ſtrings; While the Silver Cimbal rings. From thy VVorkes my joy proceeds: How I triumph in thy Deeds! VVho thy Wonders can expreſſe! All thy Thoughts are fathomleſſe; Hid from Men in Knowledge blinde; Hid from Fooles to Vice inclin'd. Who that Tyrant Sin obey; Though they ſpring like Flowers in May Parch't with Heat, and nipt with Froſt, Soone ſhall fade, for ever loſt. Lord, thou art moſt Great, moſt High; Such from all Eternitie. Periſh ſhall thy Enemies, Rebels that againſt thee riſe. All, who in their Sins delight, Shall be ſcatter'd by thy Might. But thou ſhalt exalt my Horne, Like a youthfull Vnicorn; Freſh and fragrant Odors ſhed On thy crowned Prophets head. I ſhall ſee my Foes defeat, Shortly heare of their retreat: But the Juſt like Palmes ſhall flouriſh, VVhich the Plains of Judah nouriſh: Like tall Cedars mounted on Cloud aſcending Lebanon. Plants ſet in thy Court, below Spread their roots, and upwards grow; Fruit in their Old-age ſhall bring; Ever fat and flouriſhing. This Gods Juſtice celebrates; He, my Rocke, Injuſtice hates.
PSALME XCIII. As the 47. NOw great Jehovah raignes, VVith Majeſty aray'd; His Power all powers reſtraines, By men and gods obey'd. The round Earth hung In liquid Aire; Eſtabliſht there But by his Tongue. Thy Throne more old then Time, And after, as before. The Flouds in billowes clime, And foming loudly rore. VVith horrid Noiſe The Ocean raves, And breaks his Waves Againſt the Skies. But thou more to be fear'd, More terrible then theſe: Thy Voice in Thunder heard; Thy Nod rebukes the Seas. Thee Truth renowns; Pure Sanctitie Eternally Thy Temple crowns.
PSALME XCIV. As the 10. GReat God of Hoſts revenge our Wrong On thoſe, who are in Miſchiefe ſtrong. Vpon thy Foes Inflict our VVoes: For Vengeance doth to Thee belong. Judge of the World, prevent The Proud and Inſolent. How long ſhall they the Juſt oppreſſe, And triumphin their Wickedneſſe! How long ſupplant! Ah! how long vaunt, And glory in their dire ſucceſſe! Thy Saints aſunder break, Inſulting o're the Weak! Who Strangers, and poore VViddowes kill; The blood of wretched Orphans ſpill: And ſay, Can he Or heare, or ſee? Doth God regard what's good or ill? Brute Beaſts, without a mind! O Fools in knowledge blind! Shall not th'Almighty ſee and heare, VVho form'd the Eye, and fram'd the Eare? VVho Nations ſlew, Not puniſh you? VVho taught, not know? to him appeare Darke Counſels, ſecret Fires, Vaine Hopes, and vaſt Deſires. But O! thrice bleſſed he, whom God Chaſtiſeth with his gentle Rod; Informes, and awes By ſacred Lawes. In ſtormes brought to a ſafe aboad: VVhile the Unrighteous ſhall By winged Vengeance fall. For he will not forſake th'Elect; Nor who adore his Name reject: But Judgement then Shall turne agen To Juſtice, and her Throne Erect: VVho are in Heart upright Shall follow that cleare Light. VVhat mortall will th'Afflicted aid? Depend when impious Foes invade? Lord, hadſt not thou, My Soule ere now In ſilent ſhades of Death had laid: For he my Out-cries heard; And from the Centre rear'd. VVhen Griefe my labouring Soule confounds; Thou powreſt Balme into her wounds. Shall Tyrannie VVith thee complie? VVho Miſchiefe for a Law propounds? VVho ſwarme to circumvent, And doome the Innocent. But thou, O Lord, art my Defence, My Refuge, and my Recompence. The Vicious ſhall By Vices fall; By their owne Sinnes be ſwept from hence. God ſhall cut off their breath, And give them up to Death.
PSALME XCV. As the 34. COme Sing the great Jehovah's Praiſe, VVhoſe Mercies have prolong'd our Dayes; Sing with a joyfull voyce. VVith bending Knees, and raiſed Eyes Adore your God: ô ſacrifice; In ſacred Hymnes rejoyce. Great is the God of our Defence, Tranſcending all in eminence: His Hand the Earth ſuſtaines; The Depths, the loftie Mountaines made; The Land and liquid Plaines diſplaid, And curbs them with his Reines. O come, before his Foot-ſtoole fall, Our onely God, who form'd us all; Through Stormes of danger led. He is our Shepheard, we his Sheepe; His Hands from Wolves and Rapine keepe, In pleaſant Paſtures fed. The Voice of God thus ſpake this Day; Repine not as at Meribah, As in the Wilderneſſe: Where your Fore-fathers tempted me; Who did my Workes of Wonder ſee, And to their ſhame confeſſe. VVhen vex't for fortie yeares, I ſaid; This People in their hearts have ſtrai'd; Rebellious to command: To whom I in my Anger ſwore, That Death ſhould ſeiſe on them, before They knew this pleaſant Land.
PSALME XCVI. As the 29. NEw compoſed Ditties ſing To our Everlaſting King: You, all you of Humane birth, Fed and nouriſht by the Earth, Celebrate Jehovah's Praiſe, Daily his Deliveries blaſe. His Glory let the Gentiles know; To the VVorld his wonders ſhow. O how gracious! ô how great! Earth his Foot-ſtoole, Heaven his Seat. To be fear'd and honor'd more Then thoſe gods, whom Fooles adore; Idols by their Servants made: But our God the Heavens diſplay'd. Honour, Beautie, Power Divine, In his Sanctuarie ſhine. All, who by his Favour live, Glory to Jehovah give; Glory due unto his Name, And his Mightie Deeds proclame. Offerings on his Altar lay; There your Vowes devoutly pay. In his beauteous Holineſſe To the Lord your Prayer addreſſe. All, whom Earths round ſhoulders beare, Serve the Lord with Joy and Feare. Tell Mankinde, Jehovah raignes: He ſhall bind the world in Chaines, So as it ſhall never ſlide; And with ſacred Juſtice guide. Let the ſmiling Heavens rejoyce; Joyfull Earth exalt her Voice: Let the dancing Billowes rore; Ecchoes anſwer from the Shore: Fields their flowrie Mantles ſhake; All ſhall in their Joy partake: VVhile the VVoods Muſicians ſing To the ever-youthfull Spring. Fill his Courts with ſacred Mirth; He, He comes to judge the Earth. Juſtly He the VVorld ſhall ſway, And his Truth to men diſplay.
PSALME XCVII. As the 8. O Earth! joy in Jehovah's Raigne; You numerous Iles, claſpt by the Maine. Him rolling Clouds and Shades infold. Judgement and Truth his Throne uphold. VVho fierie Darts before him throwes; VVith winged flames conſumes his Foes. His Lightning made a Day of Night; Earth trembled at ſo fear'd a ſight. The Mountaines at his Preſence ſweat, Like pliant VVax diſſolv'd with Heat; At his Deſcenſion from the Skie, VVho rules the VVorlds great Monarchie. The Heavens declare his Righteouſneſſe; His Glorie wondering men confeſſe. Let thoſe with ſhame to Hell deſcend, VVhoſe Knees to curſed Idols bend; VVhoſe rockes for Deities implore: O all you gods, our God adore. Rejoycing Sion heard her King: Her Daughters of his Judgements ſing. Thou art exalted above all Mankinde, and Pow'rs Angelicall. Thoſe Saints thy ſhady Wings protect, VVho Sin abhorre, and thee affect. For thou haſt ſown the Seeds of Light, And joy, which ſhall inveſt th'Vpright. You Juſt, your joyfull Hearts elate; His bleſt Memoriall celebrate.
PSALME XCVIII. As the 47. SING to the King of kings, Sing in unuſuall Laies; That hath wrought wondrous things, His Conqueſt crown with Praiſe: Whoſe Armes alone, And ſacred Hands, Their impious Bands Have overthrown. He Juſtice brings to light; His ſaving Truth extends, Even in the Gentiles ſight, To Earths remoteſt Ends. His Heavenly Grace At full diſplayd, And promiſe made To Jacobs Race. Let all that dwell on Earth Their high Affections raiſe, VVith univerſall Mirth, And loudly ſing his Praiſe: To Muſick joyne The warbling Voice, Let all rejoyce With Joy divine. The ſprightly Trumpet ſound; The ſhrill-voic'd Cornet bring: Let all with Joy abound Before the Lord our King. Rore out you Seas, You ſpangled Skies, All you compriſe, Rejoyce with theſe. Flouds clap your thronging waves; You Hils exalt your mirth: He, who his People ſaves, Now comes to judge the Earth: The round World ſhall VVith Juſtice trie; His Equitie Diſpenſt to all.
PSALME XCIX. As the 29. LEt our Foes with terrour quake; Let the Earths Foundation ſhake: Now the Lord his Raigne begins, Thron'd betweene the Cherubins. O how great in Sions Towers! High above all Mortall Powers. Great and terrible his Name: Since ſo holy, praiſe the ſame. Judgement his great Power affects; Yet by Equitie directs. Theſe celeſtiall Twins imbrace; Theſe reflect on Jacobs Race. O how holy! above all Honour; at his Foot-ſtoole fall, Moſes: Aaron heretofore Among thoſe who Mitres wore: Samuel by Vow deſir'd, Among thoſe who were inſpir'd. Theſe to him their Praiers preferr'd, Theſe by him as ſoone were heard. Theſe his Statutes rarely brake: Unto theſe th' Almightie ſpake, In the Pillar of a Cloud: To his Service ever vow'd. He did their Petitions heare, Mercifull, and yet ſevere. The Holy, on his holy Hill Glorifie, and worſhip ſtill.
PSALME C. As the 47. All from the Suns upriſe, Unto his Setting Raies, Reſound in Jubilees The great Jehovah's Praiſe. Him ſerve alone; In triumph bring Your Gifts, and ſing Before his Throne. Man drew from Man his Birth, But God his noble Frame Built of the ruddy Earth, Fill'd with caeleſtiall Flame. His Sons we are; Sheep by him led, Preſerv'd, and fed With tender care. O, to his Portals preſſe In your divine reſorts: VVith Thanks his Power profeſſe, And praiſe him in his Courts. How good! how pure! His Mercies laſt: His promiſe paſt For ever ſure.
PSALME CI. As the 46. OF Juſtice I and Mercy ſing, Which, Lord, from thee, their Fountain ſpring; The Graces that adorn a King. Grave Wiſdome ſhall my ſteps direct, No Vice my heart nor Roofe infect. When wilt thou viſit thine Elect! No pleaſure ſhall mine eyes miſguide: Who from the Tract of Vertue ſlide, Juſt Hate ſhall from my Soul divide. Who miſchief in their Hearts contrive, Delight in Wrong, in Factions ſtrive, I from my peacefull Court will drive. Who hath his Friend with Slander ſtrook, I will cut off; nor ever brook A proud Heart, and a haughty Look. Mine Eyes the Faithfull ſhall obſerve; Thoſe in my Family ſhall ſerve, Who never from pure Vertue ſwerve, But who are exercis'd in Guile, Whoſe Tongues malicious Lies defile, I from my Preſence will exile. And all the VVicked in the Land VVill cut off with a timely Hand; Nor ſhall they in Gods Citie ſtand.
PSALME CII. As the 22. ACcept my Prayers, nor to the Cry Of my Affliction ſtop thine Eare: Lord, in the time of Miſery And ſad reſtraint ſerene appeare: The Sighings of my Spirit heare; And when I call, with ſpeed reply. As Smoke, ſo fleets my Soule away; My marrow dry'd, as Harths with heat: My heart ſtruck down, like withered Hay; Through Sorrow I forſake my meat, While meagre cares my Liver eate: The clinging Skin my Bones diſplay. Like Deſert-haunting Pelicans; In Cities not leſſe deſolate: Like Screech-Owles, who with ominous ſtraines Diſturb the Night, and day-light hate: A Sparrow which hath loſt his Mate, And on a Pinacle complaines. Reviling Foes my Honour blaſt, And frantick men my ruine ſweare. For Bread, I roll'd-on aſhes taſt; Each drop I drink mixt with a teare. For, Lord, O who thy Wrath can beare Thou raiſeſt, and doſt head-long caſt. My Daies ſhort, as the Evening ſhade; As Morning Dew conſume away: As Graſſe cut downe with Sithes, I fade, Or like a flower cropt yeſterday But, Lord thou ſuffer'ſt no decay: Thy Promiſes ſhall never vade. For thou ſhalt from thy Reſt ariſe, (Since now th'appointed time drawes neare) And look on Sions miſeries, Her Walls and batter'd Buildings reare; VVhoſe ruins to thy Saints are deare; For they her Duſt as ſacred priſe. Thy Name then ſhall the Gentiles praiſe; All Kings thy Honour celebrate: For when the Lord ſhall Sion raiſe, His Glory ſhall aſcend in State: So prone to heare the Deſolate, And ſuccour them in all aſſaies. Unto eternall Memory Our Hiſtories ſhall this record; And all that are created by His pow'rfull Hand, ſhall feare the Lord, Who doth ſuch Grace to his afford, And on the Earth looks from on high; To heare the penſive Captives grone; The Sons of Death by him unbound: His Name againe in Sion known, That Salem may his Praiſe reſound: When in his Service all the Round Of Earth ſhall there be joyn'd in one. Yet, Lord, amidſt theſe Hopes thou haſt Conſum'd my ſtrength, abridg'd my yeares: Before my Noon of Life be paſt Let me not die thus drown'd in teares. Time waſts not thee, which all out-weares; Thy happy Daies for ever laſt. Thou mad'ſt the Earth, thou didſt diſplay The Heavens in various motion roll'd: Theſe and their Glories ſhall decay; But thou ſhalt thy exiſtence hold: They like a Garment ſhall grow old, And in their changes paſſe away. But thou art ſtill the ſame: before The World, and after ſhalt remaine. You bleſſed Soules, who God adore, VVith Patient Hope your harmes ſuſtaine: For you ſhall proſper in his Reign And yours, ſubſiſt for evermore.
PSALME CIII. As the 8. MY Soule, and all my Faculties Jehovah praiſe; ſing till the Skies Re-eccho his aſcending Fame: My Soule, O celebrate his Name! Nor ever let the memory Of his ſurpaſſing Favours die. He gently pardons our miſdeeds, And cures the VVound which inward bleeds. Hath from the Chains of Death unbound; With Clemency and Mercy crown'd. VVith Food our Hunger he ſubdues: And Eagle-like our Youth renues. His Juſtice he extends to all; Oppreſſors by his Vengeance fall. His ſacred Paths to Moſes ſhown; His Miracles to Iſrael known: From Him the Springs of Mercy flow; Swift to forgive, to anger ſlow. For he will not for ever chide; Nor conſtant to his VVrath abide: But mildly from his Rage relents, And ſhortens our due Puniſhments. For as the Heavens in amplitude Exceed the Centre they include: So ample is his Clemencie To all who on his Grace relie. As farre as the bright Orient Is distant from the Suns Deſcent; So farre he ſets from his Aſpect Their Cuilt, who him with feare affect. And as a Father to his Child, So ſoft, ſo quickly reconcil'd. He knowes the Fabrick of us all; That duſt is our Originall. Man flouriſheth like Graſſe, a Flower That blowes and withers in an houre: By ſcorching heat, by blaſting Wind Deflowr'd, and leaves no print behind. But his firme Mercy ſhall imbrace His Saints for ever, and their Race: Thoſe who his equall Lawes fulfill, Remember, and performe his VVill. In Heaven the great Jehovah reigns, And governs all that Earth contains: You Angels, who in ſtrength exceed, VVho him obey with winged ſpeed; You ordred Hoſts of radiant Stars; O you his flaming Miniſters; All, whom his VViſdome did create; Through his large Empire celebrate His glorious Name with ſweet accord: Joyne thou, my Soule, to praiſe the Lord.
PSALME CIV. As the 72. MY raviſht Soule, great God, thy praiſes ſings; VVhom Glory circles with her radiant VVings, And Majeſty inveſts: then Day more bright; Cloth'd with the beames of new-created Light. He, like an all-infolding Canopy, Fram'd the vaſt concave of the ſpangled Skie: And in the Aire-embraced Waters ſet The Baſis of his hanging Cabinet. VVho on the Clouds, as on a Chariot, rides; And with a reine the flying Tempeſt guides. Bright Angels his attendant Spirits made; By flame-diſperſing Seraphims obey'd. The ever-fixed Earth cloth'd with the Floud; In whoſe calme boſome unſeene Mountains ſtood; At his rebuke it ſhrunke with ſudden dread, And from his voices Thunder ſwiftly fled. Then Hils their late concealed Heads extend, And ſinking Valleies to their Feet deſcend. The trembling VVaters through their bottomes winde, Till they the Sea, their Nurſe and Mother, finde. He to the ſwelling Waves preſcribes a bound; Leſt Earth againe ſhould by their rage be drown'd. Springs through the pleaſant Medows powre their drils, VVhich Snake-like glide betweene the bordring Hils; Till they to Rivers grow; where beaſts of prey Their thirſt aſſwage, and ſuch as man obey. In neighbouring Groves the Ayr's Muſicians ſing, And with their Muſicke entertaine the Spring. He from coeleſtiall Caſements ſhowres diſtills, And with renew'd increaſe his Creatures fills. He makes the food-full Earth her fruit produce; For Cattell graſſe, and Herbs for humane uſe. The ſpreading Vine long purple cluſters bears, VVhoſe juyce the hearts of penſive Mortals chears: Fat Olives ſmooth our browes with ſuppling Oyle; And ſtrengthning Corne rewards the Reapers toile. His Fruit affording trees with ſap abound. The Lord hath Lebanon with Cedars crown'd: They to the warbling Birds a ſhelter yield, And wandring Storks in lofty Fir-trees build. Wild Goats to craggy Cliffs for refuge flie; And Conies in the Rocks darke entrails lie. He guides the changing Moones alternate face: The Suns diurnall and his annuall Race. T'was he that made the all-informing Light; And with darke ſhadowes cloths the aged Night. Then Beaſts of prey breake from their Mountaine Caves; The roring Lion pinch't with hunger craves Food from his hand. But when Heavens greateſt Fire. Obſcures the Stars, they to their dens retire. Men with the Morning riſe, to labour preſt; Toile all the Day, at Night returne to reſt. Great God! how manifold, how infinite Are all thy works! with what a cleere fore-ſight Didſt thou create and multiply their birth! Thy riches fill the far extended Earth. The ample Sea; in whoſe unfathom'd Deep Innumerable ſorts of Creatures creep: Bright-ſcaled Fiſhes in her Entrailes glide, And high-built Ships upon her boſome ride: About whoſe ſides the crooked Dolphin playes, And monſtrous Whales huge ſpouts of water raiſe. All on the Land, or in the Ocean bred, On Thee depend; in their due ſeaſon fed. They gather what thy bounteous Hands beſtow, And in the Summer of thy Favour grow. When thou contract'ſt thy clouded Brows, they mourn; And dying, to their former duſt return. Againe created by thy quickning breath, To reſupply the Maſſacres of Death. No Tract of Time his Glory ſhall deſtroy: He in th'Obedience of his Works ſhall joy: But when their wild revolts his Wrath provoke, Earth trembles, and the aery Mountains ſmoke. I all my life will my Creator praiſe; And to his Service dedicate my Daies. May he accept the Muſicke of my Voice, While I with ſacred Harmony rejoyce. Hence you profane, who in your Sins delight; God ſhall extirp, and caſt you from his Sight. My Soule, bleſſe thou this all-commanding King: You Saints and Angels, Hallelu-jah ſing.
PSALME CV. As the 72. TO God O pay your vowes; invoke his Name, And to the VVorld his noble Acts proclaime! O ſing his praiſes in immortall Verſe, And his ſtupendious Miracles rehearſe! You Saints, rejoyce, and glory in his Grace; His power adore; for ever ſeeke his Face. Old Abrahams Seed, you Sons of the Elect; You Iſraelites; O you, who God affect, Report the Wonders by his finger wrought, VVhen in your cauſe th'inferiour creatures fought. Jehovah rules the many-peopled Earth; His judgement knowne to all of humane birth. He never will forget his Promiſe paſt; His Covenants inviolable laſt, VVhich he to faithfull Abraham made before, And after to the holy Iſaac ſwore: To Jacob ſign'd, confirm'd to Iſrael; That their large Off-ſpring ſhould in Canaan dwell. VVhen they, but few in number, wandered In unknowne Regions, and their Cattell fed: He did their lives from violence protect, And for their ſakes even mighty Princes checkt. Touch not, ſaid he, my Anointed: feare to wrong Thoſe ſacred Prophets, who to Me belong. VVhen raging Famine in theſe Climats reign'd, He broke the Staffe of Bread, which life ſuſtain'd: But Joſeph ſent before them; ſold to ſave His Brethren, by whoſe envy made a ſlave. There for th'Accuſers guilt in priſon throwne; With galling fetters bound, for crimes unknowne; Tri'd with affliction, at the time decreed, At once by Pharaoh both advanc'd and freed. He of his houſhold gave him the command, And made him Ruler over all his Land: His Princes to his government Subjects. The prudent Youth grave Senators directs. Then aged Jacob into Egypt came, And ſojourn'd in the fruitfull Fields of Ham. God in that Land his people multipli'd; Their Foes, which now their greater ſtrength envi'd, Hate what they feare: he alienates their hearts, To ſeeke their ruine by deceitfull Arts. Then Moſes on a ſacred Embaſſie And Aaron ſent; th'Elect of the moſt High. There wrought his dreadfull Wonders; from the Ile Of Sea-girt Pharo's to the Fals of Nile. He bade Cimmerian darkneſſe dim the Day: Th'aſſembled Vapours his commands obey. He their ſeven chanel'd VVaters turn'd to Bloud; The Fiſhes ſtrangled intheir native Floud. Frogs from the ſlimy, Earth in Millions ſpring; And skip about the Chambers of the King. All parts with ſwarms of noiſome Flies abound: And Lice, like quickned duſt, crawle on the ground. He ſtorms of killing Haile, for Showers, beſtowes; And from the breaking clouds his lightning throws: Blaſts all the Vines, and Fig-trees in the Land; The VVoods, with Tempeſts torne, or naked ſtand. Innumerable Locuſts theſe ſucceed; And Caterpillars on their leavings feed: They bite the tender Herbe, the bud, and flower; And all the virdure of the Earth devoure. Their Strength (the Firſt-borne) ſlew: which fill'd their eares VVith Female ſcreeches, and their hearts with feares. Then He the Hebrews out of Goſhen brought, In able health, with Gold, and Silver fraught. Th'inhabitants, whoſe teares augment the Nile, At their departure Joy, and Feare exile. A Cloud to ſhade them from the Sun was ſpread; And Nightly by a flaming Pillar led. At their requeſt he ſends them ſhowres of Quailes; And Bread from Heaven, like Coriander, hailes. Cleaves the hard Rocks, from whence a Fountaine flowes, And unknowne Rivers to thoſe Deſerts ſhowes: For he his ſacred Promiſe call'd to minde, To Abraham his Friend and Servant ſign'd. Thus he his People brought from ſervitude, VVhoſe long-felt miſeries in joy conclude. From hence the Heathen by our Weapons chac'd; And us his ſonnes in their poſſeſſions plac'd: That from his Statutes we might never ſwerve. O praiſe the Lord, and him devoutly ſerve!
PSALME CVI. As the 72. VVITH gratefull hearts Jehovahs praiſe reſound; In goodneſſe great; whoſe Mercy hath no bound. VVhat Language can expreſſe his mighty deeds, Or utter his due praiſe, which words exceeds! Thrice bleſſed they, who his commands obſerve, Nor ever from the tract of Juſtice ſwerve. Great God, O with benevolent aſpect (Even with the love thou bear'ſt to thine Elect) Behold and ſuccour; That my raviſht Eyes May ſee a period of their miſeries, VVho Thee adore: that I may give a voice To thy great Acts, and in their joy rejoyce. We as our Fathers, have thy Grace exil'd; Revolted, and our Souls with Sin defil'd. They, of thy Miracles in Egypt wrought, So full of Feare and Wonder, never thought; Thy Mercies, then their haires in number, more: But murmur'd on the Erythraean Shore. Yet for his Honour ſav'd them from the Foe, That all the VVorld his wondrous Power might know. There the commanded Sea aſunder rent, VVhile Iſrael through his duſty Chanel went: VVhom He from Pharaoh and his Army ſaves; The ſwift-returning Flouds their fatall Graves. Then they his VVord believ'd, and ſung his Praiſe; Yet ſoone forgot: and wandred from his VVaies. VVho long for fleſh to pamper their exceſſe; And tempt him in the barren Wilderneſſe. He grants their wiſh, and with a Flight of Fowles Sent meager Death into their hungry Soules. They, Moſes gentle Government, oppoſe; And envy Aaron, whom the Lord had choſe. The yawning Earth then in her ſilent womb Did Dathan and Abirams Troups intomb. A ſwiftly-ſpreading Fire among them burnes, And thoſe Conſpirators to Aſhes turnes. Yet they, the ſlaves of Sin in Horeb made A Calfe of Gold, and to an Idol prai'd. The Lord, their Glory, thus exchanged they For th'Image of a Beaſt that feeds on Hay: Forgot their Saviour, all his Wonders ſhown In Zoan, and the Plains by Nile o'reflown; The VVonders acted by his pow'rfull Hand; VVhere the Red-Sea obey'd his ſtern Command. God had pronounc'd their ruine: Moſes then, His Servant Moſes, and the beſt of Men, Stood in the Breach, which their Rebellion made; And by his Prayer the hand of Vengeance ſtaid. Yea they this fruitfull Paradiſe deſpis'd, Nor his ſo-oft-confirmed Promiſe priz'd: But mutined againſt their faithfull Guide, And baſely wiſht they had in Egypt dy'd. For this, the Lord advanc'd his dreadfull Hand, To overthrow them on th'Arabian Sand; To ſcatter their rebellious Seed among Their Foes; expos'd to Poverty and Wrong. Beſides; Baal-Peor they ador'd, and fed On Sacrifices offer'd to the Dead. Thus their Impieties the Lord incenſe, Who ſmote them with devouring Peſtilence. But when with noble anger Phinees ſlew The bold Offenders, He his Plagues with-drew. This was reputed for a righteous Deed, Which ſhould for ever conſecrate his Seed. So they at Meribah his Anger mov'd; The ſacred Prophet for their ſakes reprov'd: Their Cries his Saint-like ſufferance provoke; Who raſhly in his Soules diſtemper ſpoke, Nor ever entred the affected Land. They, ſtill rebellious to divine Command, Preſerv'd thoſe Nations by his Wrath ſubdu'd; Mixt with the Heathen, and their Sins purſu'd. Their curſed Idols ſerve with Rites profane, (Snares to their Soule) and from no Crime abſtaine. Their Sons and Virgin daughters ſacrifice To Divels; and looke on with teareleſſe eyes. Defil'd the Land with innocent blood, which ſprung From their owne loines, on flaming Altars flung. Vnto adulterate Deities they praid, And worſhipped thoſe Gods their hands had made. Theſe crying Sins exaſperate the Lord; VVho now his owne inheritance abhorr'd: Given up unto the Heathen for a Prey; Slaves to their Foes; who hate them moſt, obey. Deliver'd oft; as oft his Wrath provoke, And with increaſing Sins renew their Yoke. Yet he compaſſionates their miſeries, And with ſoft pity heares their mournfull Cries: His former Promiſe calls to mind, relents; And in his Mercy of his Wrath repents. In ſalvage Hearts unknowne Compaſſion bred, By whom but lately into thraldome led. Great God of gods, thy Votaries protect, And from among the Barbarous recollect: That we to Thee may dedicate our Daies, And joyntly triumph in thy glorious Praiſe. Bleſt, O for ever bleſt, be Iſraels King: All you his People, Halelu-jah ſing. Amen, Amen.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE FIFTH BOOKE OF THE PSALMES OF DAVID.
PSALME CVII. As the 8. EXtoll, and our good God adore, Whoſe Sea of Mercy hath no Shore. O you by Tyrants late oppreſt, Now from your ſervile Yokes releaſt; Praiſe him, who your Redemption wrought, And home from barbarous Nations brought. From where the Morn her Wings diſplaies; From where the Evening crowns the Daies; Beneath the burning Zone, and neare The Influence of the freezing Beare. They in unpeopled Deſerts ſtraid; The Heavens their Roofe, the Clouds their ſhade: Their Soules with thirſt and hunger faint; None by, to pity their Complaint: VVhen to the Lord their God they cry'd, His Mercy their extreams ſupply'd. He led them through the Wilderneſſe, And gave them Cities to poſſeſſe. O you, his Goodneſſe celebrate! His Acts to all the World relate! For he in foodleſſe Deſerts fed The Hungry with coeleſtiall Bread. From wondring Rocks new Currents roule, To ſatisfie the thirſty Soule. Thoſe Rebels, who his Counſell ſlight, Impriſon'd in the ſhades of Night; Horrors of Guilt their Souls ſurpriſe: When humbled with their miſeries, They to the Lord addreſt their Praiers; His Mercy comforts their Deſpaires, From Darkneſſe drawes, diſſolves their Gieves; And from Deaths Jawes preſerves their lives. O you his Goodneſſe celebrate! His Acts to all the World relate? He breaks Steel-barres, and Gates of Braſſe, To force a way for His to paſſe. Thoſe Fools, whom pleaſing Sins intice, Are puniſht by their darling Vice. Their Souls all ſorts of Food diſtaſte: Whom Troops of pale Diſeaſe waſte. When they to God direct their Praiers, His Mercy comforts their Deſpaires. His Word reſtores them from their Graves, And from a dreadfull Ruine ſaves. O you his Goodneſſe celebrate! His Acts to all the World relate! Due Praiſes to his Altar bring, And of your great Redemption ſing. VVho ſaile upon the toiling Maine, And traffick in purſuit of Gaine, To ſuch his Power is not unknowne, Nor wonders in the Ocean ſhowne. At his Command black Tempeſts riſe; Then mount they to the troubled Skies, Thence ſinking to the Depths below. The Ship Hulls as the Billowes flow; And all Aboord at every ſeele, Like Drunkards, on the Hatches reele. VVhen they to God direct their Prayers, His Mercy comforts their Deſpaires. Forthwith the bitter Storms aſſwage, And foming Seas ſuppreſſe their Rage: Then, ſinging, with a proſperous gale To their deſired Harbour ſaile. O you his Goodneſſe celebrate! His Acts to all the World relate! His Fame in your Aſſemblies raiſe, And in the ſacred Senate praiſe. He Rivers turnes t' a Wilderneſſe; Springs dry'd up by the Suns acceſſe. To ſcourge their Sins, he makes the Soile Vngratefull to the Owners toile: Turnes ſandy Deſerts into Pooles, And parched Earth with Fountains cooles: There plants his hungry Colonies, VVhere ſtrongly-fenced Cities riſe: The Fields their yellow Mantles weare, And ſpreading Vines full cluſters beare. They infinitely multiply: Their Heards of no diſeaſes die. But when their Sins his Wrath incenſe, Then Famine, Warre, and Peſtilence, Their miſerable Lives devoure: Their Princes he deprives of Power, Who in the Path-leſſe Wilderneſſe Conceal'd themſelves from Mans acceſſe. The Poore he raiſeth from the ground; Their Families like flocks abound. The Juſt ſhall this with joy behold; Th'Unjuſt with feare and ſhame controll'd. The Wiſe theſe Changes will record, That they may know and ſerve the Lord.
PSALME CVIII. As the 2. MY Thoughts the Lord their Object make; Before the ruddy Morning ſpring, My Glory of his Praiſe ſhall ſing: Awake, my Lute; my Harp, awake; While I to all the VVorld rehearſe His praiſes in a living Verſe. Thy Mercy (O how great!) extends Above the Starry Firmament; Still unto tender pity bent: Thy Truth the ſoaring clouds tranſcends. Thy Head above the Heavens erect; Thy Glory on the Earth reflect. O heare us, who thy aide implore; And with thy owne Right hand defend: To thy Beloved Succour ſend. God by his Sanctitie thus ſwore; I Succoths Valley will divide: In Sichems Spoils be magnifi'd. Manaſſeh, Gilead, both are mine: Ephraim my Strength, in Battaile bold. Thou Judah, ſhalt my Scepter hold. I will triumph o're Palaeſtine. Baſe Servitude ſhall Moab waſte. O're Edom I my Shooe will caſt. Who will our forward Troups direct To Rabbah ſtrongly fortifi'd? Or into ſandy Edom guide? Lord, wilt not thou, that didſt reject, Nor wouldſt before our Armies goe, Now lead our Hoſt againſt the Foe? VVhen Death and Horrour moſt affright, Doe thou our troubled Souls ſuſtaine. For O, the helpe of Man is vaine! Lead; and we valiantly ſhall fight. Thy Feet our Foes ſhall trample downe; Thy Hands our Browes with Conqueſt crowne.
PSALME CIX. As the 1. MY God, my Glory, leave not in Diſtreſſe; Nor let prevailing Fraud the Truth oppreſſe. They who delight in Subtilties and Wrongs, Afflict me with the Poiſon of their Tongues. VVith Slander and Detraction gird me round, And would, without a Cauſe, my life confound. Good turnes with evill proudly recompenſe, And Love with Hate; my Merit, my offence. But I in theſe Extremes to thee repaire, And poure out my perplexed Soule in Praire. Subject him to a Tyrants ſterne command; Subverting Satan place at his Right hand; Found guilty, when arraign'd: in that fear'd time Let his rejected Prairs augment his Crime. May he by violence untimely die, And let another his Command ſupply. Let his diſtreſſed Widow weep in vaine; His wretched Orphans to deaſe Eares complaine. Let them the wandring Paths of Exile tread, And in unpeopled Deſerts ſeeke their bread. Let griping Vſurers divide his ſpoile; And Strangers reape the harveſt of his toile. In his long miſery may he find no Friend; None to his Race ſo much as Pity lend. Let his Poſterity be overthrowne; Their Names to the ſucceeding Age unknowne. Let not the Lord his Fathers Sins forget; His Mothers Infamy before him ſet. O let them be the Object of his Eye, Till hee out-root their hated Memory: That to the wretched would no Mercy ſhow; But cruelly purſu'd his Overthrow. Laid Trains to kill the Broken and Contrite. On his owne head let his dire Curſes light. He hated Bleſſing; never be he bleſt: Let curſing like a Robe his Loines inveſt; And like a fatall Girdle gird him round; As he with Execrations did abound. Let them like Water in his Bowels boile, And eate into his Bones like burning Oyle. Thus let the Lord reward my Enemies, VVho ſeeke to blaſt me with malicious lies. But, Lord, in my deliverance proclaime Thy Mercy, for the honour of thy Name. For I am poore, with miſery oppreſt; My wounded heart bleeds in my panting breſt. I like the Evening ſhadow am declin'd, And like the Locuſt toſs'd with every Wind. My feeble knees beneath their burden bend; My Fleſh with faſting falls, my Bones aſcend. Reproch hath ſeis'd on me; my Foes revile; And in deriſion ſhake their heads, and ſmile. My God, O ſnatch me from the ſwallowing grave! Thy ſervant with accuſtom'd Mercy ſave: That they may know it was thy powerfull Hand; And how I by divine Supportance ſtand. Still may they vainely curſe whom thou doſt bleſſe; And pine with envy at my good ſucceſſe. Let them be cloth'd with ſhame: O be their owne Confuſion on them like a Mantle throwne. But I thy praiſe will duly celebrate; And to the multitude thy Deeds relate: That haſt th'afflicted Soule from ſorrow freed, And from their ſnares who had his death decreed.
PSALME CX. As the 34. THE Lord unto my Lord thus ſpake, Sit at my right hand, till I make A Foot-ſtoole of thy Foes. He will thy Rod from Zion ſend, Unto whoſe Power all powers ſhall bend, That dare thy Rule oppoſe. 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Thy People willingly ſhall pay Their vowes in that triumphant Day, VVith their united Powers: Aray'd in Ephods; nor ſo few As are thoſe Pearles of morning-dew, VVhich hang on Herbs and Flowers. He ſwore, who never Oath did breake, Of th'order of Melchiſedek That thou a Prieſt ſhould'ſt raigne: Even while the Sun diſperſt his Light; VVhile Moones ſhould rule th'alternate Night, Or Stars their courſe maintaine. God, in that Day at thy right hand, Their Bloud, who Tyrant-like command, Shall in his fury ſpill. He, in his Juſtice ſhall confound The Heathen, and the purple ground VVith heaps of ſlaughter fill. VVho over many Nations ſway, And onely their owne Wils obey, Shall ſinke beneath his rage. Then ſhall this all-ſubduing King VVith VVater of the Chryſtall ſpring His burning thirſt aſſwage.
PSALME CXI.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

MY Soule the honor of our King, Shall in the great Aſſembly ſing. Great are the wonders He hath ſhowne; With joy by their admirers knowne. His glorious deedes all praiſe tranſcend; His equall Juſtice knowes no end: Left in eternall Monuments; VVhoſe Mercy Death and Hell prevents: Feeds thoſe who feare his Name, and will His Promiſe faithfully fulfill. VVho planted with a powerfull Hand His people in this pleaſant Land. Juſt Judgement executes; directs By ſacred Lawes; and Truth affects. Theſe fretting Time ſhall never waſte; But ſquar'd by Juſtice ever laſt. His Word to us confirm'd by deed; So often from oppreſſion freed. His Name is terrible to all: His feare is the Originall Of VViſdome; and they onely wiſe VVho make his Lawes their Exerciſe. His praiſe, while men have memory, And power of ſpeech, ſhall never die.
PSALME CXII. As the 111. Hallelu-jah. THat man is bleſt who feares the Lord, And chearfully obeies his VVord. His Seed ſhall flouriſh on the Earth; Their Off-ſpring happy from their birth. His Houſe with riches ſhall abound: His truth with endleſſe honour crown'd. To him in darkneſſe light aſcends: Mild, gracious, juſt in all his ends. His bounty for the poore provides: Diſcretion all his actions guides. No violence ſhall caſt him downe; No time deface his juſt renowne; Nor rumours ſhake his confidence: The Lord his Hope, and ſtrong Defence: Confirm'd in feareleſſe fortitude, Till he have all his Foes ſubdu'd. He the neceſſitated feeds. The honour of his vertuous Deeds Shall live in ſacred memory; His Glories ſhall aſcend on high. Th'unjuſt inrag'd their teeth ſhall grin'd, And languiſh with the griefe of mind: Pale envy ſhall their fleſh conſume, And all their hopes convert to fume.
PSALME CXIII. As the cxi. Hallelu-jah. O You, who ſerve the living Lord, Due praiſes to his Name afford: Now and for ever celebrate; Let all his noble Acts relate. Even from the purple Morn's upriſe, To where the Evening flecks the Skies. All power to his Dominion bends: His Glory the bright Stars tranſcends. What God can be compar'd with ours? VVho Thron'd in Heavens ſuperiour towres Submits himſelfe to guide and move All that is done in Heaven above: And from that height vouchſafes to throw His eyes on us, who creepe below. The poore he raiſeth from the Duſt: Even from the Dunghill lifts the Juſt; Whom he to height of honour brings, And ſets him in the Thrones of Kings. He fructifies the barren Wombe; The Childleſſe, Mothers now become. Hallelu-jah.
PSALME CXIV. As the cxi VVHen Iſrael left th'Egyptian Land, Freed from a tyrannous command; God his owne People ſanctifi'd, And he himſelfe became their Guide. Th'amazed Seas, this ſeeing, fled; And Jordan ſhrunke into his Head: The cloudy Mountaines skipt like Rams; The little Hils like frisking Lambs. Recoyling Seas, what caus'd your dread? Why Jordan, ſhrunk'ſt thou to thy Head? Why, Mountaines, did you skip like Rams? And why you little Hils, like Lambs? Earth, tremble thou before his Face; Before the God of Jacobs Race; VVho turn'd hard Rocks into a Lake; VVhen Springs from flinty intrailes brake.
PSALME CXV. As the 9. VVE nothing can of merit clame: Not for our ſakes thy aide afford; But for the honour of thy Name, Thy Mercy, and unfailing VVord. VVhy ſhould th'inſulting Heathen cry; VVher's now the God they vainly praiſe? Our Lord inthron'd above the Skie, All underneath at pleaſure ſwaies. Their Gods but Gold and ſilver be, Made by a fraile Artificer: For they have eyes, that cannot ſee; Dumbe mouthes, and eares that cannot heare, Fooles on their Altars incenſe throw, VVho nothing ſmell; their Feet are bound, Nor have they power to moove or goe: Their throats give paſſage to no ſound. Their hands can neither give nor take; Unapt to puniſh or defend: As ſenſeleſſe they who Idols make, Or to their carved Statues bend. Your hopes on God, O Iſrael, place; He is your Helpe, and ſtrong Defence: Be he, you Prieſts of Aarons Race, The object of your confidence. In him, all you that feare him, truſt; He ſhall protect you in diſtreſſe. The Lord is of his Promiſe juſt, And will his faithfull Servants bleſſe: The Houſe of choſen Iſrael, And Aarons holy Family: The poore, and who in power excell; That love, and on his aide relye. They ſhall a mighty People grow; Their Children happy from their birth: He will increaſe of gifts beſtow, VVhoſe hands created Heaven and Earth. He in the Heaven of Heavens reſides, And over all his Creatures reignes: Among the ſonnes of men divides The Earth, and all that Earth containes. VVho ſleepe within the vaults of Death, No Offerings to his Altars bring: O praiſe his Name, while we have breath; And loudly Halelu-jah ſing.
PSALME CXVI. As the 4. MY Soule intirely ſhall affect The Lord, whoſe eares my grones reſpect. In miſery He heard thy cry; To him thy Prayers direct. Sorrows of Death my Soule aſſail'd; The greedy jawes of Hell prevail'd: Depreſt with griefe, When all reliefe, And humane pitty fail'd; I cri'd; My God, O looke on me; Thou ever Juſt, th'afflicted free. O from the Grave Thy Servant ſave; For mercy lives in thee. The Innocent, and long diſtreſt; The humble minde by wrongs oppreſt; Thy Favour ſtill Preſerves from ill: My Soule then take thy reſt. God ſtaid my feet, and dry'd my teares; Redeem'd from Death, and deadly feares: That ſtill I might Walke in his ſight, And number many yeares. Thus with a firme beliefe I prai'd: Yet in extreames of trouble ſaid; All on the Earth Of mortall birth, Even all of Lies are made. VVhat ſhall I unto God reſtore For all his Mercies? Fall before His holy Throne, And him alone With ſacred Rites adore. I will performe my Vowes this day, VVhere they frequent, who God obey. Right precious is The Death of His: He ſees, and will repay. Lord, I am thine, thy Hand-maids Seed; By Thee from raging Tyrants freed. My Prayers ſhall riſe In Sacrifice; My thanks thy Altar feed. I will performe my Vowes this day, Where thy frequent who God obey: Even in his Court; Within thy Fort, Renowned Solyma.
PSALME CXVII. As the 47. YOu Nations of the Earth, Our great Preſerver praiſe. All you of humane birth, To Heaven his Glory raiſe: Whoſe Mercy hath No end, nor bound: His Promiſe crown'd VVith conſtant Faith.
PSALME CXVIII. As the cxi. PRaiſe our good God, that King of kings, From whom eternall Mercy ſprings. Let Iſrael, let Aarons Race, Let all that flouriſh in his Grace, Confeſſe, that from the King of kings Eternity of Mercie ſprings. He in my trouble heard my Prayers, And freed me from their deadly ſnares: He fights my Battailes; then how can I feare the Power of feeble Man? Aſſiſts my Friends; my Enemies Shall with their ſlaughter feaſt mine eyes. Farre better to have Confidence In God, then truſt to mans Defence: On him much ſafer to relie, Then on the ſtrength of Monarchy. The Nations all at once aſſail'd; But by his Aid my Sword prevail'd. Their Armies had beſet me round; I with their Bodies ſtrew'd the ground. Though they like Bees about me ſwarme; His holy Name and pow'rfull Arme Shall ſoone conſume their numerous powers, As Fire the crackling Thorne devoures. Mad men! his Fall you ſeeke in vaine, VVhom great Jehovah's Hands ſuſtaine. He is my Strength; his Praiſe my Song: By him preſerv'd from powerfull Wrong. Our Tents with publike Joy ſhall ring: The Juſt of their Deliverance ſing. He with his owne Right hand hath fought; His owne Right hand hath Wonders wrought, I ſhall not die, but live to praiſe The Lord, who hath prolong'd my Daies. He with his Scourge my Sin corrects; Yet from the Darts of Death protects. You to his Service ſanctifi'd, The Temple Doores ſet open wide; That I may enter in his Name, And celebrate his glorious Fame. Thoſe are the Doores, at which all they Shall enter, who his Will obey. His Praiſe with Hymnes immortallize! My Saviour, who hath heard my Cries. That Stone the Builders from them caſt; Is higheſt on the corner plac't. God hath reveal'd theſe Myſteries, So full of Wonder, to our Eyes. This is his Day; a Day of Joy; Of everlaſting Memory. Great God of gods, thy King protect; Propitious prove to thy Elect. O bleſt be he, whom God ſhall ſend! We, who within his Courts attend, You from his Sanctuary bleſſe; And daily pray for your ſucceſſe. God, even the Lord, hath ſhed his light Into our Soules, and clear'd our ſight. Bind to the Altars hornes a Lambe, New-weaned from the bleating Dam. Thou art my God; my Songs ſhall praiſe, And to the Stars thy Glory raiſe. Praiſe our good God, The King of kings; From whom eternall Mercy ſprings.
PSALME CXIX. ALEPH. As the 1. BLeſt are the Undefil'd, who God obey; Seeke with their hearts, nor from his Precepts ſtray. Not tempting Vice ſhall thoſe from Vertue draw, Who with unfainting Zeale obſerve his Law. Lord, by thy ſacred Rule my ſteps direct. Thoſe ſhall not bluſh who thy Commands affect. Thy Juſtice learnt, my Soule ſhall ſing thy Praiſe. Forſake me not, O guide me in thy Waies! BETH. Young man, thy Actions by his Precepts guide: From theſe let not thy zealous Servant ſlide. Thy Word, writ in my heart, ſhall curb my Will. O teach me how I may thy Lawes fulfill! Thoſe, by thy Tongue pronounc'd, I will unfold. Thy Teſtaments by me more pris'd then Gold. On theſe I meditate, admire; there ſet My Souls delight: theſe never will forget. GIMEL. O let me live t'obſerve thy Lawes: mine Eyes Illuminate to view thoſe Myſteries. Me, a poore Pilgrim, with thy Truth inſpire: For whom my Soule even fainteth with deſire. The Proud is curſt, who from thy Precepts ſtraies. Bleſſe, and preſerve my Soule, which theſe obeies. No hate of Princes from thy Law deters: My Study, my Delight, my Counſellers. DALETH. My down-caſt Soule, as thou haſt promis'd, raiſe. Thou know'ſt my Thoughts; direct me in thy Waies. Informe, and I thy Wonders will profeſſe. O ſtrengthen me, that labour in Diſtreſſe! Shew thy cleare Paths, falſe Errours miſt remov'd. I have thy choſen Truth and Judgement lov'd. To theſe I cleave: O ſhield me from Diſgrace. Inlarge my heart to runne that heavenly race. HE. Teach thou, and I thy Statutes will obſerve: Nor from that ſacred Knowledge ever ſwerve. My Soule to thoſe delightfull Paths confine: From Avarice purge, and to thy Lawes incline. Divert from vaine deſires, my darkneſſe cleare: Confirme the Soule devoted to thy Feare. Free from fear'd ſhame: thy Judgements are upright. O quicken me, who in thy Word delight. VAV. His Soule protect, who on thy VVord relies; And ſilence my reprochfull Enemies. O thou my Hope, in me thy Truth preſerve: So I thy Lawes for ever ſhall obſerve; Will freely walke in thy affected way: Will boldly before Kings thy Truth diſplay. For in thy Statutes I my comfort place; Thoſe ſtudy, love, and with my Soule imbrace. ZAIN. Thinke of thy Promiſe, which my Hopes hath fed, All ſtormes appeas'd, and rais'd me from the Dead. Nor for proud ſcoffs have I thy Lawes declin'd: Confirm'd, when I thy Judgements call to mind. They, who thy Lawes deſert, incenſe my rage: Sung in the manſion of my Pilgrimage. Thy Name, great God, I prais'd, when others ſlept; This comfort had, ſince I thy Statutes kept. CHETH. Thou art my Portion: I will thee adore, They Lawes obſerve, and promis'd Grace implore. My Actions by thy ſacred Rules direct; Aud thy Commands with forward Zeale effect. The Wicked rob; but I thy Statutes priſe: At Midnight to applaud thy Juſtice riſe. VVho feare and keepe thy Lawes, ſuch are my Friends. Inſtruct; thy Mercie through the World extends. TETH. Thou to thy Servant haſt perform'd thy VVord: Diſcerning knowledge to his Faith afford. Thu Sea of Goodneſſe, that my Soule conformes Unto thy Statutes, by Afflictions ſtormes. The Proud, fat at the Heart, baſe Slanders raiſe: But I will truſt in thy affected Waies. Me bleſt Affliction to thy Courts hath brought. Thy Lawes more pris'd then Ships with treaſure fraught, JOD. Informe me, my Creator, in thy Lawes; That thine may ſee thy Obſerver with applauſe, Thou ever juſt, in favour doſt correct. With promis'd Mercy comfort thine Elect. That I may live, who in thy Precepts joy; Thoſe keepe: the Proud, who cauſleſſe hate, deſtroy. VVho feare and know thy Lawes, to me unite: O, leſt I periſh, guide me by their light! CAPH. With Expectation faint, and blind; yet ſtill My Soule expects. Thy Promiſe, Lord, fulfill. I, though a bladder, on thy Word depend. Confound my Foes: when ſhall my Sorrows end! The Proud have pitcht their toils; infring'd thy Laws: O ſacred Juſtice, ſnatch me from their jawes. They had almoſt devour'd; but I affect Thy Precepts: quicken, and by thoſe direct. LAMED. Thy faithfull Promiſes are fixt above; Firme as the Poles, or Earth; which never move: By thy eternall Ordinance diſpos'd. Thy Lawes my Life; elſe Griefe my eyes had clos'd. Nor will I theſe forget; by theſe renew'd. Thy choſen ſave, who hath thy Truth purſu'd. The VVicked chaſe my Soule, which thee obeies. Thy Word ſhall laſt, when Heaven and Earth decaies. MEM. O how I love thy Lawes! thoſe exerciſe! By them made wiſer then my Enemies. More then my Teachers know, more then the Old: VVith Vertue theſe inflame, from Vice with-hold. That they may guide me, I have cleans'd my Heart: And from thy Precepts never will depart: Then Hermons Honey to my taſte more ſweet. By-waies I hate; by thine become diſcreet. NVN. Thy Word, my Light; a Lamp to guide my way. I ſware t'obſerve thy Truth, and will not ſtray. My wounded Soule with promis'd mercy heale: Accept my offerings, and thy Will reveale. Although inclos'd with Death; though Foes have laid Snares for my Soule; yet have I thee obei'd. My comforts, my eternall Heritage. O may I keepe them, till I die for age. SAMECH. I love thy Law; my hate to ſin is great: O thou my hope, my Shield, my ſafe retreat! My Will ſhall thine obey. Hence you prophane. Lord, ſave my Soule, nor let me hope in vaine. Uphold; and I thy Juſtice ſhall applaud. Thou haſt intrapt thy Foes in their owne fraud; Caſt out like Droſſe. My heart affects thy path, Yet trembles with the horror of thy wrath. AIN. O leave me not to my outragious Foes: Nor to their ſcorne my righteous Soule expoſe. Mine Eyes even faile, while I thy aide expect. Be mercifull, and in thy Wayes direct. Inlarge my mind, thy Wayes to underſtand: 'Tis time; for they infringe thy juſt Command, Which more then Gold; then Gold refin'd I priſe; In all upright. But hate deceitfull lies. PE. Thy Word, the Gate of Life, even Babes inſpires With Knowledge: this my obſequious Soule admires: This I with thirſty appetite devoure. Thy ſtreams of Mercy on thy Servant powre. Compoſe my ſteps: ſo ſhall not ſinne ſubject, Nor man oppreſſe: for I thy Lawes affect. Shine on my Soule; thy Statutes teach: mine Eyes Shed ſhowres of teares, when men thy Lawes deſpiſe. TSADDI. As Thou thy Selfe, ſo all thy Lawes are juſt: Faithfull to thoſe, who in thy Promiſe truſt. Zeale hath conſum'd me, for my Foes neglect Of thy pure Lawes, which I in heart affect. Thoſe to obſerve, though meane and ſcorn'd, intend, Truth crownes thy Word; thy Juſtice without end. Theſe in my griefe, and trouble comfort give. Informe with Knowledge, that my Soule may live. COPH. O heare my cries! preſerve his life, who will Thy Laws obey, and juſt Commands fulfill. My Eies out-watch the Night; my cries prevent The early Morne, in due Devotion ſpent. Heare, and revive; thy Juſtice execute On lawleſſe men: preſerve from their purſuit. Thy oft-tri'd Mercy ever is at hand. Thy Judgements on eternall Baſes ſtand. RESCH. Behold my ſorrowes; patronize my cauſe. Thy Word performe to him, that keepes thy Lawes. Death ſhall devoure, who thy Commands neglect. Thou, great in Mercy, my ſought life protect. In all extreames I have thy VVill obſerv'd: Griev'd, when Tranſgreſſors from thy Statutes ſwerv'd, To me, who love thy Lawes, thy Grace extend: Thy Truth began with Time, and knowes no end. SCHIN. Tyrants oppreſſe; thy VVord reſtraines my Minde: VVherein I joy, like thoſe who Treaſure finde. Fraud I abhorre; inamour'd on thy VVaies. Seven times a Day my Lips thy Juſtice praiſe. VVho love thy Lawes, ſweet Peace, and Safetie bleſſe. In Thee I hope, nor thy juſt Will tranſgreſſe. Thy Word obſerve: thy Statutes I affect; Which through theſe humane Seas my courſe direct. TAV. Accept my Prayers: with Knowledge, Lord, indue; From Death redeeme; ſince to thy Promiſe true. Thy Statutes taught, I will thy Praiſe reſound. Thy Word extoll, and Lawes with Juſtice crown'd. Theſe are my choice: uphold with thy right Hand; Who feed on Hope, and joy in thy Command. Prolong my life, that I thy Praiſe may ſing. Lord, thy ſtraid Sheepe backe to thy Paſture bring.
PSALME CXX. As the 5. DIſtreſt, and in my minde diſmay'd, When deſtitute of humane aid, To Thee ſucceſſefully I prai'd. Lord, ſhield me from the Fraudulent; From thoſe that are on malice bent; Who envious Calumnies invent. O thou falſe tongue, ſteep't in the gall Of Serpents! what reward, for all Thy miſchiefe, ſhall to thee befall! Like Arrowes ſhot from Parthian ſtrings, Fir'd Juniper, and Scorpions ſtings; Such art thou, ô thou worſt of things! Wo's me, that I from Iſrael Exiled, muſt in Meſech dwell; And in the Tents of Iſmael! O how long ſhall I live with thoſe, Whoſe ſavage minds ſweet Peace oppoſe; Where Fury by diſſwaſion growes:
PSALME CXXI. As the 15. TO the Hils thine Eies erect, Helpe from thoſe alone expect. He who Heaven and Earth hath made, Shall from Sion ſend thee aid. God thy ever-watchfull Guide, Will not ſuffer thee to ſlide. He, even he, who Iſrael keepes, Never ſlumbers, never ſleepes. He, thy Guard, with Wings diſplay'd, Shall refreſh Thee in their Shade: Suns ſhall not with heat infect, But their temperate beames reflect: Nor unwholſome Serene ſhall From the Moones moyſt influence fall. When thou travel'ſt on the way, VVhen at home thou ſpend'ſt the Day, VVhen ſweet Peace thy life delights, VVhen imbroil'd in bloudie Fights, God ſhall all thy ſteps attend, Now, and evermore defend.
PSALME CXXII. As the cxi, O Happy Summons! to the Court And Temple of the Lord reſort. Jeruſalem, our Feet ſhall tread VVithin thy VValls! O thou the Head Of all the Earth and Judah's Throne; Three Cities ſtrongly joyn'd in one! The Tribes in throngs to Thee aſcend; The Tribes which on the Lord depend: Fat Offerings to his Altar bring, And his immortall Praiſes ſing. There ſhall he his Tribunall place, The Judgement-ſeat of Davids Race. Your joyes ſhall with your daies increaſe, VVho love and pray for Salems Peace, May Peace within thy VValls abound; Thy Palaces with joy reſound: Even for my Friends and Kindreds ſake, May never VVarre thy Bulwarkes ſhake: Even for the hope of Iſrael, And Houſe, where God vouchſafes to dwell.
PSALME CXXIII. As the 34. THou mover of the rolling Spheares, I through the Glaſſes of my Teares, To Thee my Eies erect. As Servants marke their Maſters hands: As Maids their Miſtreſſes commands, And liberty expect: So we, depreſt by enemies, And growing troubles, fixe our Eies On God, who ſits on High: Till he in mercy ſhall deſcend To give our miſeries an end, And turne our teares to joy. O ſave us, Lord, by all forlorne; The ſubject of contempt, and ſcorne. Defend us from their pride, VVho live in fluency and eaſe; VVho with our woes their malice pleaſe, And miſeries deride.
PSALME CXXIV. As the 72. BVT that God fought for us, may Iſrael ſay; But that God fought for us, in that ſad Day; VVhen men inflam'd with wrath; againſt us roſe: VVe had alive beene ſwallowed by our Foes: Then had we ſunke beneath the roaring Waves, And in their horrid entrailes found our graves: Then had their violence, like torrents powr'd From melting Hils, our wretched lives devour'd. O bleſt be God! who hath not given our bloud To quench their thirſt, nor made our fleſh their food. Our Soules, like Birds, have ſcap't the Fowlers Net; The ſnares are broke, which for our lives were ſet. Our onely confidence is in his Name, VVho made the Earth, and Heavens immortall frame.
PSALME CXXV. As the 9. THey, who the Lord their Fortreſſe make, Shall like the Towers of Sion riſe; VVhich dreadfull Earth-quakes never ſhake, Nor raging tumults of the skies. Lo! as the Hils of Solyma Divine Jeruſalem encloſe: So ſhall his Angels in the Day Of danger, ſhield them from their Foes. The Wicked ſhall not long ſubject Their holy Race; leſt through deſpaire They ſhould the Lawes of God neglect, And be as their Commanders are. Lord, to the Good be good; the Juſt Protect: Their puniſhments increaſe, Who follow their rebellious luſt: But crowne thy Iſrael with Peace.
PSALME CXXVI. As the cxi VVHen God had our deliverance wrought, And Sion out of Bondage brought; It ſeem'd to us a Dreame; who were Diſtracted betweene Hope and Feare. Then ſacred Joy fill'd every Breſt: In flowing Mirth, and Songs expreſt. The wondring Heathen oft would ſay; How good! how great a God have they! Great things for us the Lord hath wrought; Above the reach of humane thought: We therefore will his praiſes ſing. The Remnant, Lord, from Bondage bring; As Rivers through the parched Sand, Or ſhowres which fall on thirſty land. VVho ſow in Teares, ſhall reape in Joy. We after long Captivity, Unto our native Soile retire; The ſcope and crowne of our deſire.
PSALME CXXVII. As the 7. VNleſſe the Lord the houſe ſuſtaine, They build in vaine; In vaine they watch, unleſſe the Lord The City guard. In vaine you riſe before the Light, And breake the ſlumbers of the Night. In vaine the bread of ſorrow eat, Got by your ſweat; Unleſſe the Lord with good ſucceſſe Your labours bleſſe: For he all good on his beſtows, And crownes their eyes with ſweet repoſe. Increaſing ſons, his Heritage, Renew their age; The pledges of their fruitfull love, Given from above: As formidable to the Foe, As Arrows from a Giants bow. He is belov'd of God, and bleſt Above the reſt; Whoſe Quivers with ſuch Shafts abound; By men renown'd: Nor ſhall his adverſary dread; VVhen they at the Tribunall plead.
PSALME CXXVIII. As the 15. HAppy he, who God obeys, Nor from his direction ſtraies: Thou ſhalt of thy labours feed; All ſhall to thy wiſh ſucceed: Like a faire and fruitfull Vine, By thy Houſe, thy Wife ſhall joyne: Sons, obedient to command, Shall about thy Table ſtand; Like greene plants of Olives, ſet By the moiſtning rivulet. He who feares the Power above, Thus ſhall proſper in his love. God ſhall thee from Sion bleſſe; Thou ſhalt joy in the ſucceſſe VVhich the Lord will Salem give, While thou haſt a day to live: Thou ſhalt ſee our Iſraels peace, And thy childrens large increaſe.
PSALME CXXIX. As the cxi. OFt from my early youth have they Afflicted me, may Iſrael ſay: Oft from my early youth aſſaild; As oft have their endeavours fail'd. My backe with long deepe furrowes wound; As Plow-ſhares teare the patient ground. The ever Juſt hath broke their bands, And ſav'd me from their cruell hands. Let Sions Foes with infamy Be clothed, and untimely die. Be they like Corne on Houſes tops, Which Reapers ſickle never crops, Nor Binder in his boſome beares: But withers ſtill before it eares. No Travailer their labours bleſſe, Nor ſay, We wiſh you good ſucceſſe.
PSALME CXXX. As the 10. OVT of the horrour of the Deepe, Where feare and ſorrow never ſleepe, To thee my cries In ſighes ariſe: Lord from deſpaire thy ſervant keepe: O lend a gracious eare, And my petitions heare. For if thou ſhould'ſt our ſinnes obſerve: And puniſh us, as we deſerve: Not one of all But then muſt fall; Since all from their obedience ſwerve: Yet art not thou ſevere, That we thy Name might feare. Thy mercies our miſ-deeds tranſcend: My hopes upon thy Truth depend: Diſconſolate On thee I waite; As weary Centinels attend The chearefull Morns upriſe With long-expecting eyes. O you that are of Jacobs Race, In him your Hopes, and Comforts place; His praiſes ſing; The living Spring Of Mercy and redundant Grace: For he will Iſrael Redeeme from Sin and Hell.
PSALME CXXXI. As the 32. THou Lord my witneſſe art; I am not proud of heart; Nor looke with lofty eyes; None envy, nor deſpiſe; Nor to vaine pomp apply My thoughts, nor ſore too high: But in behaviour mild; And as a tender child, Wean'd from his Mothers breſt, On thee alone I reſt. O Iſrael, adore The Lord for evermore: Be He the onely ſcope Of thy unfainting hope.
PSALME CXXXII. As the 72. REmember David, Lord; remember Thou His Troubles; thy Redemptions; and the Vow He to the mighty God of Jacob made; Bound by an Oath; and in theſe words convay'd: No Roofe ſhall cover me, nor ſweet repoſe Refreſh my Limbs, or ſleepe my eye-lids cloſe, Till I have found a place for his Abode; Even for the Temple of the living God. The Arke, we heard, in Ephrata long ſtood; And found it in the valley cloth'd with Wood. We will into thy Tabernacle goe, And there our ſelves before thy Foot-ſtoole throw. Aſcend to thy eternall Reſt at length; Thou, and the Arke of thy admired ſtrength. O let thy Prieſts be cloth'd with ſanctitie, And all thy Saints ſing with triumphant joy: For Davids ſake receive into thy Grace: From thy Anointed never turne thy Face. For thus thou ſwor'ſt who never wilt forget; Thy Son ſhall long poſſeſſe thy royall Seat: And if thy Children my commands obſerve, Nor from the rules of my preſcription ſwerve; Their Off-ſpring ſhall the Hebrew Scepter ſway, Even while the Sun illuminates the Day. For Sion I have choſen; Sion great In my affections, my eternall Seat. I will abundantly increaſe her ſtore; And with the flower of Wheat ſuſteine her poore: Her Prieſts ſhall bleſſings to her People bring; Her joyfull Saints in ſacred meaſures ſing. There ſhall the Horne of David freſhly ſprout; Their lamp of glory never ſhall burne out: His Diadem ſhall flouriſh on his head: But Nets of ſhame his Foes ſhall over-ſpread.
PSALME CXXXIII. As the cxi O Bleſt eſtate! bleſt from above! When Brethren joyne in mutuall love. 'Tis like the precious Odors ſhed On conſecrated Aarons head: Which trickled from his Beard and Breaſt, Downe to the bordes of his Veſt. 'Tis like the pearles of Dew that drop On Hermons ever-fragrant top: Or which the ſmiling Heavens diſtill On happy Sions ſacred Hill. For God hath there his favours plac't, And joy, which ſhall for ever laſt.
PSALME CXXXIV. As the 47. YOu, who the Lord adore, And at his Altar wait; VVho keepe your watch before The threſhold of his Gate; His praiſes ſing By ſilent Night, Till cheerefull light I'th'Orient ſpring. Your hands devoutly raiſe To his divine Receſſe; The Worlds Creator praiſe, And thus the People bleſſe; The God of Love, From Sions Towers, To you and yours Propitious prove.
PSALME CXXXV. As the 72. O You, who Ephods weare and Incenſe fling On ſacred flames; Jehovah's praiſes ſing. You, who his Temple guard, O celebrate His glorious Name; his noble Acts relate. How great a joy with ſuch ſincere delight To crowne the Day, and entertaine the Night! For Iſrael is his choice; and Jacobs Race His treaſure, and the object of his Grace. In power how infinite! how much before Thoſe mortall gods, whom franticke men adore! All on his Will depend; all homage owe, In Heaven, in Earth, and in the Depths below. At his command exhaled Vapors riſe, And in condenſed clouds obſcure the Skies. From thence, in ſhowres He horrid Lightning flings; And from their Caves the ſtrugling Tempeſts brings. He the firſt-borne of Men and Cattell ſlew; Freſh ſtreams of bloud the Towns and Plains imbrew. Th'inhabitants that drinke of Nilus floud, At his confounding Wonders trembling ſtood. Great Princes, who excell'd in fortitude, And mighty Nations by his power ſubdu'd. Strong Sihon, whom the Amorites obey'd; And ſtrenuous Og, who Baſhans Scepter ſway'd; With all the Kingdomes of the Cananites, Who to the Conquerours reſigne their rights: To whom he their diſmantled Cities grants, And in thoſe fruitfull fields his Hebrews plants. Thy Name ſhall laſt unto eternity; And thy immortall Fame ſhall never die. Thou doſt thy Servant pardon and protect; Advance the Humble, and the Proud deject. Thoſe helpleſſe gods, ador'd in forraign Lands, Are Gold, and Silver; wrought by humane hands: Blind Eyes have they, deafe Eares, ſtill ſilent Tongues: Nor breath exhale from their unactive lungs. VVho made, reſemble them; and ſuch are thoſe, VVho in ſuch ſenſeleſſe ſtocks their hopes repoſe. O praiſe the Lord, you who from Iſrael ſpring; His Praiſes, O you Sons of Aaron, ſing: You of the Houſe of Levi praiſe his Name: All you who God adore, his Praiſe proclaime. From Sion praiſe the onely Good and Great; Who in Jeruſalem hath fixt his Seat.
PSALME CXXXVI.

CANT. 〈♫〉

BASS. 〈♫〉

THe Bountie of Jehovah praiſe: This God of gods all Scepters ſwaies. Thankes to the Lord of lords afford; And his amazing Wonders blaze: For from the King of kings Eternall Mercie ſprings. Him praiſe, who fram'd the arched Skie; Thoſe Orbs that move ſo orderly. Firme Earth above, The Flouds that move Diſplay'd, and rais'd the Hils on high. For from the King of kings Eternall Mercy ſprings. Who Sun and Moone inform'd with Light, To guide the Day, and rule the Night: The fixed Starres, And Wanderers Created by divine fore-ſight. For from the King of kings Eternall Mercy ſprings. The firſt-borne of Aegyptians ſlew; VVhoſe wounds the thirſty Earth imbrew: And from that Land, With powerfull hand, Th'oppreſſed ſonnes of Jacob drew. For from the King of kings Eternall mercy ſprings. The parted Seas before them fled, VVho in their empty chanels tread: The joyning waves, Aegyptian graves: And his through food-leſſe Deſerts led. For from the King of Kings Eternall mercy ſprings. VVho numerous Armies put to flight, And mighty Princes ſlew in fight: Og proſtrate laid, VVho Baſhan ſwai'd; And Sihon the crown'd Amorite. For from the King of kings Eternall mercy ſprings. By his ſtrong hand thoſe Giants fell; And gave their Lands to Iſrael: Confirm'd by deed Vnto their Seed: VVho in their conquer'd Cities dwell. For from the King of kings Eternall mercy ſprings. Remembred us in our diſtreſſe; And freed from thoſe, who did oppreſſe. He food doth give To all that live. The God of Heaven, O Iſrael, bleſſe. For from the King of kings Eternall Mercy ſprings.
PSALME CXXXVII. As the 1. AS on Euphrates ſhady banks we lay, And there, O Sion, to thy Aſhes pay Our funerall teares: our ſilent Harps, unſtrung, And unregarded, on the Willowes hung. Lo, they who had thy deſolation wrought, And captiv'd Judah unto Babel brought, Deride the teares which from our Sorrowes ſpring; And ſay in ſcorne, A Song of Sion ſing. Shall we prophane our Harps at their command? Or holy Hymnes ſing in a forraigne Land? O Solyma! thou that art now become A heape of ſtones, and to thy ſelfe a Tomb! When I forget thee, my deare Mother, let My fingers their melodious skill forget: When I a joy disjoyn'd from thine, receive; Then may my tongue unto my palate cleave. Remember Edom, Lord; their cruell pride, Who in the Sack of wretched Salem cry'd; Downe with their Buildings, raſe them to the ground, Nor let one Stone be on another found. Thou Babylon, whoſe Towers now touch the Skie, That ſhortly ſhalt as low in ruines lie; O happy! O thrice happy they, who ſhall VVith equall cruelty revenge our fall! That daſh thy Childrens braines againſt the ſtones: And without pity heare their dying grones.
PSALME CXXXVIII. As the 46. MY Soule, applaud our glorious King; Before the Gods his praiſes ſing: His Mercy an eternall Spring. For this, on conſecrated ground Will I adore; thy Truth reſound; Thy VVord above all Names renown'd. Thou heard'ſt me, when to thee I cri'd; VVhen Danger charg'd on every ſide; By thee confirm'd and fortifi'd. All thoſe, who awfull Scepters beare, VVhen they of thy Performance heare, Shall worſhip thee with reverent feare. They ſhall his Truth and Mercy praiſe, VVho all the World with Juſtice ſwaies; VVhoſe VVonders Adoration raiſe. Although inthron'd above the Skies, He on the lowly caſts his eyes, But doth the Inſolent deſpiſe. Though ſtormes of Troubles me incloſe; Yet thou ſhalt ſave me from my Foes, And raiſe me in their overthrowes. For God his Promiſe will effect; The Faithfull faithfully protect; Nor ever his owne Choice reject.
PSALME CXXXIX. As the cxi. THou know'ſt me, O thou onely Wiſe; Seeſt when I ſit, and when I riſe; Canſt my concealed thoughts diſcloſe; Obſerv'ſt my Labours and Repoſe; Know'ſt all my Counſels, all my Deeds, Each word which from my Tongue proceeds: Behind, before, by thee inclos'd; Thy Hand on every part impos'd. Such knowledge my capacitie Tranſcends; ſo wonderfull, ſo high! O which way ſhall I take my flight? Or where conceale me from thy ſight? Aſcend I Heaven; Heaven is thy Throne: Dive I to Hell; there art thou knowne. Should I the Mornings wings obtaine, And flie beyond th'Heſperian Maine; Thy powerfull Arme would reach me there, Reduce, and curb me with thy feare. Were I involv'd in ſhades of Night; That Darkneſſe would convert to Light. VVhat Clouds can from diſcovery free! VVhat Night, wherein thou canſt not ſee! The Night would ſhine like Daies cleare flame; Darkneſſe and Light, to Thee the ſame. Thou ſift'ſt my reines, even thoughts to come: Thou cloth'dſt me in my Mothers womb. Great God, that haſt ſo ſtrangely rais'd This Fabrick; be thou ever prais'd. O full of Admiration Are theſe thy VVorks! to me well-knowne. My bones were to thy view diſplaid, VVhen I in ſecret ſhades was made; VVhen wrought by thee with curious art, As in the Earths inferiour part. On me, an Embryon, didſt thou looke: My members written in thy Booke Before they were: which perfect grew In time, and open to the view. Thy Counſels admirable are; And yet as infinite as rare. O could I number them, farre more Then Sands upon the murmuring ſhore! VVhen I awake, thy VVorks againe My thoughts with wonder entertaine. The VVicked thou wilt ſurely kill. Hence you, who bloud with pleaſure ſpill. Their tongues thy Majeſtie profane; They take thy ſacred Name in vaine. Lord, hate not I thy Enemies? And grieve, when they againſt thee riſe? I hate them with a perfect hate; And, as my Foes, would ruinate. Search and explore my heart: O try My thoughts, and their Integritie. Behold, if I from Vertue ſtray: And lead in thy eternall Way.
PSALME CXL. As the 14. LOrd, ſave me from the Violent; From him who takes delight in ill: Whoſe heart Deceit and Miſchiefe fill; On bloudy Warre and Outrage bent. Their wounding Tongues, like Serpents whet; Poiſon of Aſps their Lips incloſe. O ſave from fierce and Wicked Foes; Who toiles, to overthrow me, ſet! The Proud have hid their cords and ſnares; Spread all their Nets; their Gins have laid. To God, Thou art my God, I ſaid; O gently heare thy Suppliant's pray'rs. My ſtrong Preſerver in the fight, As with a Helme, my head defends. Let not the Wicked gaine their ends; Lord, leſt their pride riſe with their might. Themſelves let their owne Slanders wound: Deſtroy Him who their fury leads. Let burning coles fall on their heads; And quenchleſſe flames imbrace them round. Caſt them into the Depths below; From thence, O never let them riſe! Let Death the Slanderer ſurpriſe; And Miſchiefe ſalvage Wrath o'rethrow. God to th'Afflicted aid will give; The Poore defend from Death and Shame. The Juſt ſhall celebrate thy Name; And ever in thy Preſence live.
PSALME CXLI. As the 22. TO Thee I cry; Lord, heare my cries; O come with ſpeed unto my aid: Let my ſad Prayres before Thee riſe, Like Incenſe on the Altar laid; Or as when I, with hands diſplaid, Preſent my Evening Sacrifice. Before my mouth a Guardian ſet; My Lips with barres of Silence cloſe. O let me not thy Lawes forget; And wickedly combine with thoſe, VVho Thee, and all that's good, oppoſe; Nor of their deadly Dainties eat. But let the Juſt wound and reprove; Such ſtripes and checks, an argument Of their ſincere and prudent love; Like Odours of a fragrant Sent, Pour'd on my head, no breaches rent. My prayres ſhall for their ſafety move. Mongſt Rocks their Chiefes in ambuſh lie: Yet have my ſuff'rings underſtood. Our ſevered bones are ſcattered by The mouthes of graves, like clefts of VVood. Lord, ſave from thoſe, that hunt for bloud: On Thee with faith I caſt mine eye. O from their Machinations free, That would my guiltleſſe Soule betray; From thoſe who in my wrongs agree, And for my life their engines lay. May they by their owne craft decay; But let me thy Salvation ſee.
PSALME CXLII. As the 4, VVIth ſighes and cries to God I praid; To him my ſupplication made; Pour'd out my teares, My cares and feares; My wrongs before him laid. My fainting ſpirits almoſt ſpent: He knew the path in which I went. Yet in my way Their ſnares they lay, With mercileſſe intent. My Eyes I round about me throw; None ſee, that will th'Oppreſſed know; No refuge left; Of hope bereft; Vaine pity none beſtow. Then unto God I cri'd, and ſaid, Thou art my Hope, and onely Aid; The Portion I build upon, While with fraile fleſh araid. O Sourſe of Mercy, heare my cry, Leſt I with waſting ſorrow die: Shield from my foes, Who now incloſe; Since of more ſtrength then I. My Soule out of this Priſon bring, That I may praiſe thee, O my King. VVho truſt in thee, Shall compaſſe me, And of thy Bounty ſing.
PSALME CXLIII. As the 39. LOrd, to my cries afford an eare, Th'afflicted heare; According to thy Equity, And Truth reply; Nor prove ſevere: for in thy ſight None living ſhall be found upright. The Foe my Soule beſiegeth round, Strikes to the ground: In darkneſſe hath inveloped, Like men long dead: My mind with ſorrow overthrowne; My heart within me ſtupid growne. I call to minde thoſe ancient Daies Fill'd with thy praiſe: Thy Works alone poſſeſſe my thought, With wonder wrought. To thee I ſtretch my zealous Hand; Deſir'd like raine by thirſty land. Approach with ſpeed; my Spirits faile; Thy Face unveile: Leaſt I forthwith grow like to thoſe, Whom graves incloſe. O let me of thy Mercy heare, Before the morning Sun appeare. My God, thou art the onely ſcope Of all my hope: O ſhew me thy preſcribed way, Leſt I ſhould ſtray. For to thy Throne I raiſe mine eyes; My Soule, and all my faculties. Save from my Foes: to Thee loe I For refuge flie: Informe me, that I may fulfill Thy ſacred Will. My God, let thy good Spirit lead, That in thy paths my Feet may tread. O for thy Honour quicken me, VVho truſt in Thee: Out of theſe Straights, for Juſtice ſake, Thy Servant take. In mercy cut Thou off my Foes, Whoſe hate hath multipli'd my woes.
PSALME CXLIV. As the cxi THE Lord, my Strength, be onely prais'd; The Lord, who hath my courage rais'd: In doubtfull Battell given me might, And skill how to direct, and fight. My Fautor, Fortreſſe, high-built Tower; My Rocke, Redeemer, Shield and Power; My onely Confidence; who ſtill Subjects my People to my will. Lord, what is Man, or his fraile Race, That thou ſhould'ſt ſuch a vapour grace! Man nothing is but vanitie; A ſhadow ſwiftly gliding by. Great God, ſtoope from the bending Skies, The Mountaines touch, and Clouds ſhall riſe; From thence thy winged Lightning throw; Rout and confound the flying Foe; Stretch downe thy hand, which onely ſaves, And ſnatch me from the furious Waves. Free from rebellious Enemies, Inur'd to perjuries, and lies: Their Hands defil'd with fraud and wrong. Then will I in a new-made Song, Unto the ſoftly-warbling ſtring, Of thy Illuſtrious Praiſes ſing. Thou Kings preſerv'ſt; haſt me preſerv'd; Even David, who thy Will obſerv'd; Free from rebellious Enemies, Inur'd to perjuries and lies: Foule deeds their violent hands defile; Hands prone to treacherie and guile: That in their Youth our Sonnes may grow Like Lawrell Groves; our Daughters ſhow Like poliſh't pillars deck't with Gold; Which high and Royall roofes uphold: Our Magazines abound with Graine, Proviſion of all ſorts containe: Increaſing Flockes our Paſtures fill, And wel-fed Steeres the Fallowes till; That no incurſions Peace affright; No Armies joyne in dreadfull fight; No daring Foe our Walls inveſt, Nor fearefull ſhriekes diſturbe our reſt. Bleſt People! who in this eſtate Injoy your ſelves without debate: And happie, ô thrice happy they, Who for their God, the Lord obey!
PSALME CXLV. As the cxi I Still will of thy Glorie ſing; Thy Name extoll, my God, my King. No day ſhall paſſe without thy praiſe; Prais'd while the Sunne his Beames diſplayes. Great is the Lord, whoſe praiſe exceeds: Inſcrutable are all his Deeds. One Age ſhall to another tell Thy Workes, which ſo in power excell. The Beautie of thy Excellence, And Oracles intrance my Senfe. Men ſhall thy dreadfull Acts relate; My Verſe thy Greatnes celebrate; To memory thy Favours bring, And of thy noble Iuſtice ſing. For in Thee Grace and Pitie live; To anger ſlow, ſwift to forgive. All on thy Goodneſſe, Lord, depend: Thy Mercies all thy Workes tranſcend; Even all thy Workes ſhall praiſe thy Name; Thy Saints ſhall celebrate the ſame: Of thy farre-ſpreading Empire ſpeake; Thy Power, to which all Powers are weake; To make thy Acts to Mortals knowne, And glory of thy awefull Throne. Thy Kingdome never ſhall have end: Thy Rule beyond Times flight extend. The Lord ſhall thoſe, who fall, ſuſtaine; And Soules dejected raiſe againe. All ſeeke from Thee their livelyhood; Thou in due ſeaſon giv'ſt them food: Thy liberall Hand, Men, Birds, and Beaſts, Even all that live, with plenty feaſts. The Lord is Juſt in all his VVaies, VVho Mercie in his VVorkes diſplaies; Is preſent by his power with all, VVho on his Name ſincerely call: For he will their deſires effect; Regard their cries; from Foes protect. VVho love Him, Safetie ſhall enjoy: The Lord the VVicked will deſtroy, My Tongue his Goodneſſe ſhall proclame. Man-kinde, for ever praiſe his Name.
PSALME CXLVI. As the 29. Halelu-jah. O My Soule, praiſe thou the Lord: Whilſt thou liv'ſt, his praiſe record. Whilſt I am, eternall King, I will of thy praiſes ſing. O, no hope in Princes place; Truſt in none of humane race; Who can give no helpe at all, Nor prevent his proper fall. VVhen his parting breath expires, He againe to Earth retires. Ev'n in that uncertaine day All his thoughts with him decay. Happy he, whom God protects; He, on whom his Grace reflects. Happy he, who plants his truſt On the onely Good and Juſt. He who Heavens blew Arch diſplai'd; He who Earths Foundation laid; Spread the Land-imbracing Maine; Made what ever all containe: True to what his Word profeſt; He revengeth the oppreſt; Hungry Soules with food ſuſtaines, And unbinds the Priſoners chaines: To the blind reſtores his ſight; Reares, who fall by wicked might. Righteouſneſſe his Soule affects. Friendleſſe Strangers he protects, Widdowes, and the Fatherleſſe; Thoſe confounds who theſe oppreſſe. Zion, God, thy God ſhall raigne, While the Poles their Orbs ſuſtaine. Halelu-jah.
PSALME CXLVII. As the CXI IEhovah praiſe with one conſent. How comely! ſweet! how excellent, To ſing our great Creators praiſe! Whoſe hands late ruin'd Salem raiſe, Collecting ſcattered Iſrael, That they in their owne Townes may dwell: He cures the ſorrowes of our minds; Our wounds imbalmes, and ſoftly binds. He numbers Heavens bright-ſparkling Flames, And calls them by their ſeverall Names. Great is our God, and great in might; His knowledge O moſt infinite! The Humble unto Thrones erects; The Inſolent to Earth dejects. Preſent your thanks to our great King; On ſolemne Harps his Praiſes ſing; Who Heaven with gloomy Vapors hides, And timely Raine for Earth provides. With graſſe he cloths the pregnant Hils, And hungry beaſts with Herbage fils. He feeds the Ravens croaking brood, (Left by the Old) that cry for food. He cares not for the ſtrength of Horſe, Nor mans ſtrong limbs, and matchleſſe force: But thoſe affects, who in his Path Their feet direct with conſtant Faith. O Solyma, Jehovah praiſe; To God thy Voice, O Sion, raiſe: Who hath thy City fortify'd; Thy ſtreets with Citizens ſupply'd: Firme peace in all thy borders ſet, And fed thee with the flowre of Wheat. He ſends forth his Commands, which flie More ſwift then Lightning through the Skie: The Snow-like VVooll on Mountains ſpreads; And hoary Froſts like Aſhes ſheds; While ſolid Flouds their courſe refraine, VVhat Mortall can his cold ſuſtain? At this Command, by Wind and Sun Diſſolv'd, th'unfetter'd Rivers run. His Lawes to Jacob he hath ſhowne; His Judgements are to Iſrael knowne. Not ſo with other Nations deales, From whom his Statutes he conceales.
PSALME CXLVIII. As the 29. Halelu-jah. YOu, who dwell above the Skies, Free from humane miſeries; You whom higheſt Heaven imbowres, Praiſe the Lord with all your powers. Angels, your cleare Voices raiſe; Him you Heavenly Armies praiſe: Sun, and Moone with borrow'd light; All you ſparkling Eyes of Night: Waters hanging in the aire; Heaven of Heavens his Praiſe declare. His deſerved Praiſe record; His, who made you by his Word; Made you evermore to laſt, Set you bounds not to be paſt. Let the Earth his Praiſe reſound: Monſtrous Whales, and Seas profound; Vapors, Lightning, Haile, and Snow; Stormes, which when he bids them, blow: Flowry Hils, and Mountains high; Cedars, neighbours to the Skie; Trees that fruit in ſeaſon yield; All the Cattell of the Field; Salvage beaſts; all creeping things; All that cut the Aire with wings. You who awfull Scepters ſway; You inured to obey; Princes, Judges of the Earth; All of high and humble birth; Youths, and Virgins, flouriſhing In the beauty of your ſpring: You who bow with Ages weight; You who were but borne of late: Praiſe his Name with one conſent: O how great! how excellent! Then the Earth profounder farre; Higher then the higheſt Starre. He will his to honour raiſe. You his Saints, reſound his Praiſe; You who are of Jacobs Race, And united to his Grace. Halelu-jah.
PSALME CXLIX. As the 29. TO the God, whom we adore, Sing a Song unſung before: His immortall Praiſe reherſe, Where his Holy Saints converſe. Iſrael, O thou his Choice, In thy Makers Praiſe rejoyce: Zions Sons, rejoyce, and ſing To the Honour of your King. In the Dance his Praiſe reſound; Strike the Harp, let Timbrels ſound. God in Goodneſſe infinite, In his People takes delight. God with ſafety will adorne Thoſe, whom men afflict with ſcorne. Let his Saints in glory joy; Sing as in their Beds they lie: Highly praiſe the living Lord; Arm'd with their two-edged Sword, All the Heathen to confound; And the Nations bordering round; Binding all their Kings with cords; Fettring their captived Lords: That they in divine purſuit, May his judgements execute; As 'tis writ, ſuch Honour ſhall Unto all his Saints befall. Halelu-jah.
PSALME CL. As the 29. Halelu-jah. PRaiſe the Lord inthron'd on high; Praiſe him in his Sanctitie; Praiſe him for his mighty Deeds; Praiſe him who in Power exceeds; Praiſe with Trumpets, pierce the Skies; Praiſe with Harps and Pſalteries; Praiſe with Timbrels, Organs, Flutes; Praiſe with Violins, and Lutes; Praiſe, with ſilver Cymbals ſing; Praiſe on thoſe which loudly ring. Angels, all of humane birth, Praiſe the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Halelu-jah.
A PARAPHRASE VPON ECCLESIASTES. THis Sermon the much-knowing Preacher made: King Davids Sonne; who Judah's Scepter ſwai'd. O reſtleſſe vanitie of Vanities! All is but vanitie, the Preacher cries. What profit have we by our Labors won, Of all beneath the Circuit of the Sun? The Earth is fix't, we fleeting: as one Age Departs, another enters on the Stage. The ſetting Sunne reſignes his Throne to Night: Then haſtens to reſtore the morning Light. The Winde flyes to the South, ſhifts to the North; And wheeles about to where it firſt brake forth. All Rivers run into th'inſatiate Maine; From thence, to their old Fountaines creepe againe. Inceſſantly all toyle. The ſearching Minde, The Eye, and Eare, no ſatisfaction finde. What is, hath beene; what hath beene ſhall enſue: And nothing underneath the Sun is new. Of what can it be truely ſaid, Behold This never was? The ſame hath beene of old. For former Ages we remember not: And what is now, will be in time forgot. Lo I, the Preacher, King of Iſrael; Who in abilitie and power excell; In wiſedomes ſearch apply'd my Induſtrie, To know what ever was beneath the skie: (For God this toile, on Mans ambition layes, To travell in ſo intricate a Maze.) I all their workes have ſeene: all are but vaine; Conceiv'd with ſorrow, and brought forth with paine The crooked never can be rectifi'd; Nor the defective numbred, or ſupply'd. Thus in my Heart I ſaid; Thou art arriv'd At Honors hight; more wiſedome haſt achev'd Then all that liv'd in Solyma before: Thy Knowledge, Judgement, and Experience more. As wiſedome, ſo I folly did purſue; And madneſſe try'de: theſe were vexations too. Much wiſedome great anxieties infeſt: And griefe of Minde by Knowledge is increaſt. I ſaid in my owne Heart, Goe on, and prove What Mirth can do: taſt the delights of Love. In Pleaſures change thy careleſſe Houres imploy: This alſo was a falſe and emptie Joy. Avaunt, ſaid I, O Laughter thou art mad! Vaine Mirth, what canſt thou to contentment adde? Then ſought the cares of Study to decline With liberall feaſts, and flowing Bowles of Wine. With all my wiſedome exercis'd, to try If ſhe at length with folly could comply: And to diſcover that Beatitude, VVhich Mortals all their lives ſo much purſu'd. Great workes I finiſh'd; ſumptuous Houſes built: My Cedar roofes with Gold of Ophir guilt. Choice Vineyards planted: Paradiſes made; Stor'd with all ſorts of fruits, with Trees of ſhade: And water'd with coole Rivolets, tha dril'd Along the Borders: theſe my Fiſh-pooles fil'd. For ſervice, and Delight, I purchaſed Both Men and Maides: more in my Houſe were bred. My Flocks and Heards abundantly increa'ſt: So great, as never King before poſſeſt. Silver and Gold, the Treaſure of the Seas, Of Kings, and Provinces, foment mine eaſe: Sweet Voices, Muſicke of all ſorts, invite My curious Eares; and feaſt with their delight. In greater fluencie no Mortall raign'd: In height of all, my wiſedome I retain'd. I had the Beauties which my Eyes admir'd; Gave to my Heart what ever it deſir'd: In my owne workes rejoyc'd. The recompence Of all my Labours was deriv'd from thence. Then I ſurvey'd all that my hands had done: My troubleſome delights. Beneath the Sun VVhat ſolid good can mans indeavour finde? All is but vanitie, and griefe of Minde. At length I wiſedome pond'red in my thought; And madneſſe weigh'd: for folly is diſtraught. VVhat man can my untraced Steps purſue? Or doe that Act which to the King is new? Then found, how wiſedome folly did excell; As much as brighteſt Heaven the Shades of Hell. The wiſemans Eyes are towred in his head: The foole in Darkneſſe walkes, by Error led: Yet equall Miſeries on either waite; And both we ſee obnoxious to one fate. Thus in my heart I ſaid; The foole, and I Suffer alike, and muſt together Dye: Why then vexe I my braines to grow more wiſe? Even this was not the leaſt of Vanities. Both muſt be ſwallowed by Oblivion; What is, will not to after times be knowne: The wiſe and fooliſh to the Earth deſcend; And in the grave their various travels end. For this I hated Life, which only feeds Increaſing Sorrowes: fruitleſſe are our Deeds, And weariſome; Man no content can find: For all is vanitie, and griefe of Mind. I hated all the Glory I had wonne; My State, my Structures; all my hands had done: Fore-ſeeing how that certaine houre would come, When I muſt leave them; Nor yet know to whom. VVho can divine if prudent or a foole? Yet he muſt over all my Labours Rule; Of all my wiſedomes purchaces poſſeſt: This vanitie was equall with the reſt. I therefore ſought to make my Heart deſpaire; To ſlight the fraile ſucceſſe of all my Care. What by Integritie, and honeſt toyle, A wiſe man gathers; muſt become his ſpoile Who only pleas'd his Sence: this is a great Vexation, and an undiſcern'd deceit. What hath a Man for all his Induſtry, And griefe of Soule, ſuſtain'd beneath the sky? All is but ſorrow from the Houre of Birth; Till he with age returne unto the Earth: His Travell, paine; night yields him no repoſe: This vanitie from our firſt Parents flowes. To eate, to drinke, t'enjoy what we poſſeſſe With freedome, is the greateſt Happineſſe That Mortals can attaine unto: A good Deriv'd from God, by Men not underſtood. Who feaſted more then I? who ſpent his ſtore More liberally? or cheer'd his Genius more? God wiſedome gives, gives Knowledge and Delight, To thoſe whoſe hearts are perfect in his ſight: To Sinners trouble; who their time employ To gather what the Righteous ſhall enjoy; By their owne A varice in plenty pin'd: This is a vanitie, and griefe of Mind. Lo all things have their times, by God decreed In Natures changes; all things which proceed From Mans Intentions under the vaſt skie: A Time when to be borne, a Time to Dye: A time to plant, to extirpe; to Kill, to Cure: A time to batter downe, a time to immure: A time of laughter, and a time to turne Our ſmiles to teares: a time to dance, to mourne: To ſcatter Stones, to gather them againe; A time to embrace, embraces to refraine: A Time to get, to looſe; to ſave, to ſpend: To teare aſunder, and the torne to mend: A time to ſpeake, from ſpeaking to ſurceaſe: A time for Love, for hate; for warre, for Peace. What good can humane Induſtry obtaine, When all things are ſo changeable and vaine? For God on Man theſe various Labours throwes; To afflict him with varietie of woes. He in their times all beautifull hath made; The world into our narrow hearts convay'd: Yet cannot they the cauſes apprehend Of his great workes; the Originall, nor End. What other good can Man from theſe produce, But to take pleaſure in their preſent uſe? To eate, to drinke, t'enjoy what is our owne; Is ſuch a gift as God beſtowes alone. His purpoſe is Eternall; nor can wee Adde or Subſtract from his Divine Decree: That Mortals might their bold Attempts forbeare; And curbe their wild affections by his feare. What hath beene, is; what ſhall be, was before: And what is paſt, the Almighty will reſtore. Beſides; the ſeats of Juſtice I ſurvay'd: There ſaw how favour and corruption ſway'd. Then ſaid I in my heart; God ſurely ſhall Reward the juſt; the unjuſt to Judgement call. All Purpoſes and Actions have their Times: A time for Vengeance to purſue our Crimes. As much as ſenſe concernes, God manifeſts To Men how little they diſſent from Beaſts: One end to both befals; to equall Death Are lyable; and breath the ſelfe ſame Breath. Then what preheminence hath Man above A Beaſt; ſince both ſo Tranſitory prove? Both travell to one home: are Earth, and muſt Returne to their Originary Duſt. Who knowes that Soules of men aſcend the sky? That thoſe of Beaſts with their fraile Bodies dye? What Mortall then can make ſo good a choice, As in his owne acquirements to rejoyce? This is his Portion: for of things to come, None can informe him in the Graves darke wombe. Then I obſerv'd the Bold oppreſſions done, In Preſence of the all-ſurvaying Sun: Beheld the teares that fell from Sorrowes Eyes; No Comforter t'aſſwage her Miſeries: With all th' oppreſſors powerfull Violence; While weake Integritie found no defence. For this, before the Living I prefer'd Thoſe whom the quiet Caves of Death interr'd: Before them both, ſuch as have yet not beene; Nor theſe diverſities of evils ſeene. Againe obſerv'd, how our beſt Actions bred Ignoble Envie; by our Vertue fed: Nor friendſhip could ſo great a vice controule. This was a Vanitie, and griefe of Soule. The foole ſits with his Armes a-croſſe; his houres In ſloth conſumes, and his owne fleſh devoures. Better, ſaith he, a handfull is obtain'd With happy eaſe, then two by trouble gain'd. While I this chace of Vanitie purſue; A worſe preſents her folly to my view: Lo, one who hath no Second, Child, nor Heire, VVeares out his Life in reſtleſſe toyle and care, To gather Riches; nor can ſatisfie, VVith all his ſtore, the Avarice of his Eye: Nor thinks, for whom doe I my Soule deceive? And injur'd Nature of her Dues bereave? This is a ſore diſeaſe, if truly knowne: And ſuch a vanitie, as yields to none. Two better are then one; of more regard: Their Labour leſſe, and greater their reward. If either fall, one will the other raiſe; When he who walkes alone, his Life betrayes. If two together lye, both warmth beget; But he who lies alone receives no heat. If one prevaile; two may that one reſiſt: Coards hardly breake, which of three lines conſiſt. More reall worth a poore wiſe child adornes; Then an old Fooliſh King, who counſell ſcornes. He from a Priſon, to a Throne aſcends: This, borne a Prince, his Life obſcurely ends. His Subjects after his ſucceſſor runne; As from the ſetting to the riſing Sunne. The vulgar are inconſtant in their choice; Nor in the preſent Government rejoyce: The following, as the firſt, to change inclin'd. This is a vanitie, and griefe of mind. Whether thou goeſt conceive, and to what end, When thy bold feet the Houſe of God aſcend. There rather heare his Life-directing Rules; Then offer up the ſacrifice of Fooles. For ſinfull are their gifts, who neither know What they to God ſhould give, or what they owe. The Ryot of thy tongue let feare reſtraine: Nor with raſh Oriſons his Eares profane. God ſits in Heaven, with Rayes of Beauty crown'd; Thou a poore Mortall creep'ſt upon the ground: Since nothing lies concealed from his view, Nor ſcapes his knowledge, let thy words be few. As Dreames proceed from multitude of Cares: So multitude of words a foole declares. Performe thy vowes to God without delay: Fooles pleaſe not him: thy vowes ſincerely pay. Since they are offerings of the gratefull will; Vow not at all, or elſe thy vowes fulfill. Let not thy tongue oblige thy fleſh to ſinne: Nor ſay, I err'd: by that pretext to winne Thy Angels Pardon. Why ſhouldſt thou incenſe Thy God, and draw his wrath on thy offence? In multitudes of words and Dreames appeare Like vanities: my Sonne, Jehova feare. Nor let it quench thy Piety, when thou Shalt ſee the poore beneath the mighty bow; All Lawes perverted, Juſtice caſt aſide; As if the Vniverſe had loſt her guide: That Power to whom all are ſubordinate, Shall cruſh them with an unſuſpected fate. The Mother Earth, to all her boſome yields: Even Princes are beholding to the fields. Who ſilver Covet, and Exceſſe of Gaine, Shall ever want: this folly is as vaine. As Riches multiply; even ſo doe they VVho feed thereon, and on their Plenty prey. What profit to the owner can ariſe, But to behold them with his carefull Eyes? Sweet is the ſleepe, which honeſt toyle begets; Whether he liberally, or little eates: When ever-troubleſome Abundance keeps The wealthy waking, and affrights his ſleeps. What Penury than Riches can be worſe, If by the Owner turn'd into a Curſe? Or to conſuming vice become a ſpoyle? Who Sonnes begets to miſery and toyle. Naked he iſſu'd from his Mothers wombe: And naked muſt deſcend into his Tombe. Of all, with travell got, and kept with feare, He nothing to the Houſe of Death ſhall beare: But muſt returne as Emptie as he came; His Entrie, and his Exit, but the ſame. What bootes it then to Labour for the winde? This is a ſore affliction to the Minde. He feeds his ſorrow in continuall Night: Repleat with Anguiſh, Fury, and Deſpight. This truth have I found out in her purſuite: To feed our Bodies, to enjoy the fruit Of our enricht endeavours, and to give Our ſelves their comforts, whil'ſt on Earth we live; Is good and Pleaſurable: this alone Is all we have, that can be call'd our owne. For, to have Riches, and the Power with all To uſe them freely, is the Principall Of earthly Benefits: for God on thoſe He moſt affects, this Happineſſe beſtowes. That man retaines no ſence of former Ill's: VVhoſe Heart the Lord of Life with gladneſſe fills. This, as a Common Miſery, have I With ſorrow ſeene beneath the ambient Sky: God Riches and Renowne to men imparts; Even all they wiſh: and yet their narrow hearts Cannot ſo great a fluency receive; But their fruition to a Stranger leave. What falſer vanitie, or worſe diſeaſe, Could ever on the life of Mortals ſeaze? Though he a hundred Children ſhould beget, Though many yeares ſhould make his Age compleat; Yet if he to himſelfe his owne deny, Then want a Grave, and violently dye: Better were an abortive, borne in vaine, That in obſcuritie departs againe, Enveloped with ſhrouds of endleſſe Night; Who never ſaw the Sunne diſplay his Light, Nor Good or Evill knew: he is more bleſt; And ſoone deſcends to his perpetuall Reſt. Though th'other twenty Ages have ſurviv'd; His Miſery is but the longer Liv'd. Yet both muſt to that fatall Manſion goe, Where they to none are knowne, nor any know. All that Man Labours for is but to Eate: Yet is his ſoule not ſatisfi'd with Meate. VVhat therefore hath the wiſe more then the foole? VVhat wants the poore that can his Paſſions rule? Farre better is a cleare and pleas'd aſpect; Then meagre lookes, which vaſt deſires detect; Such as can never ſatisfaction find: Yet this is vanitie, and griefe of Mind. For be he what he will, he muſt be Man; A Name repleat with Miſery: nor can But deſperately with ſuch a Power contend, On whom himſelfe, and all the world depend. As Riches, ſo our cares and feares increaſe: O diſcontented Man, where is thy peace! VVho knowes what's good for thee in theſe thy Dayes Of Vanitie. A Shadow ſo decayes. Or can informe thy Soule what will befall, When thou art loſt, in greedy Funerall? An honeſt Name, acquir'd by vertuous deeds, The fragrant ſmell of Precious Oyles exceeds. Even ſo the Houre of Death, that of our Birth: Which Fame ſecures, and Earth reſtores to Earth. Better to be at Funerals a Gueſt; Then entertained at a Nuptiall feaſt: For all muſt to the ſhades of Death deſcend; And thoſe that live ſhould thinke of their laſt End. Sorrow then Mirth, more to perfection moves: For a ſad Countenance the Soule improves. The wiſe will therefore ioyne with ſuch as mourne: But fooles into the Bowers of Laughter turne. A wiſe mans reprehenſions, though ſevere, More then the ſongs of Fooles ſhould pleaſe the eare. As thornes beneath a Caldron catch the fire, Blaze with a noiſe, and ſuddenly expire; Such is the immoderate laughter of vaine fooles: This Vanitie in our diſtemper rules. Oppreſſions purchaſes the Judgement blind; Make wiſe men mad; a Guift corrupts the Mind. Beginnings in their Ends, their meed obtaine: Humility more conquers then Diſdaine. Nor be thou to diſtracting Anger prone: By her deformities a foole is knowne. Nor murmuring ſay: Why are theſe dayes of ours Worſe then the former? doth the chiefe of Powers So differently the affaires of mortals ſway? Such queſtions but thy Arrogance diſplay. Wiſedome, with Ancient Wealth, not got by care, Great bleſſings heape on thoſe who breath this Aire. Both are to mortals a protecting ſhade, When bitter ſtormes, or ſcorching beames invade: But if divided; he who is poſſeſt Of Life-infuſing Wiſedome, is more bleſt. Gods works conſider: who can rectifie, Or make that ſtreight which he hath made awry? In thy proſperitie let joy abound; Nor let adverſitie thy patience wound: For theſe by him ſo intermixed are, That no man ſhould preſume, nor yet deſpaire. All perturbations, all things that have beene, I, in my dayes of vanitie, have ſeene: How their owne juſtice have the juſt deſtroy'd; And how the vicious have their vice enjoy'd. Be therefore not too righteous, nor too wiſe: For why ſhould'ſt thou thy ſafetie ſacrifice? Be not too wicked, nor too fooliſh: why Should'ſt thou by violence untimely dye? Tis beſt for thee, that thou to neither leane; But warily obſerve the ſafer Meane. For they ſhall all their miſeries tranſcend, Who God adore, and on his will depend. A wiſe man is by wiſedome fortifi'd: More ſtrong then twenty which the Citie guide. For Juſtice is not to be found on Earth: None good, nor innocent, of humane Birth. Give not to all that's ſaid an open eare; Leaſt thou thy Servants execrations heare: For thy owne heart can tell, that thou haſt done The like to others. Thy example ſhun. All this by wiſedome try'd, I ſeemed wiſe: But ſhee from humane apprehenſion flyes. Can that which is ſo farre remov'd, and drown'd In ſuch profundities, by Man be found? Yet in her ſearch I exercis'd my Mind; Of things the Cauſes, and Effects to find: The wickedneſſe of Folly ſought to know; Folly and Madneſſe from one fountaine flow. More ſharpe then Death I found her ſubtle Art, Who nets ſpreds in her Eyes, ſnares in her Heart; Her Armes inthralling chaines: the prudent ſhall Eſcape; the foole by her enchantments fall. Of all the Preacher hath experience made; The reaſons, one by one, diſtinctly waigh'd: Yet could I not attaine to what I moſt Deſir'd to know: in my inquiry loſt. One good among a thouſand Men have knowne: Among the female, ſex of all, not one. Though in perfection God did Man create; Yet we through vanitie degenerate. Is any equall to the truly wiſe? To him that can interpret Myſteries? For wiſedome makes the face of Man to ſhine With awefull Majeſtie, and Light Divine. Obſerve the Kings Commands: Remember thou, Even in that Dutie, thy Religious vow. Depart not diſcontented; nor Diſpute With him, who can with Puniſhments confute. For Power is throned in the Breath of Kings: And who dare ſay, they charge unlawfull things. He who obayes, Deſtruction ſhall eſchew: A wiſe man knowes both when, and what, to doe. For all our Purpoſes on Time depend, And Judgement; to produce them to their end. They wander in the Penſive ſhades of Night; Who want the guide of this directing Light: Surpriz'd by unexpected Miſeries; Nor can Inſtruction make the fooliſh wiſe. What Guard of Teeth can keepe our parting Breath? Or who reſiſt the fatall Stroake of Death? None ſhall returne with conqueſt from that field: Nor Vice Protection to the vitious yield. This Vanitie I ſaw beneath the Sun; The Mighty by abuſed Power undone: And though intomb'd with ſumptuous funerall; In his owne Citie ſoone forgot by all. Impiety delights in her miſdeeds; In that Revenge ſo tardily ſucceeds. Although a Sinner, ſinne a hundred times; And were his Yeares as numerous as his Crimes: Yet God to thoſe his Mercy will extend, Whoſe humble Soules are fearefull to offend. But bold Tranſgreſſors with deſtruction meet: Their ſhortned Dayes ſhall like a ſhadow fleet. Among the Sonnes of Men, this miſchiefe raignes; Exalted Vice the meed of Vertue gaines: And thoſe afflictions which to Vice are due, Suppreſſed Vertue furiouſly purſue. Then I commended Life-prolonging Mirth: To feed upon the Bounty of the Earth, And drinke the generous Grapes refreſhing juyce; Is all the good our Labours can produce. This is the beſt of Life: by God alone Beſtow'd on Man; and only is his owne. When I aſpir'd to know, how God th'affaires Of Men diſpos'd: obſerv'd the reſtleſſe Cares, The travels, and diſturbed thoughts, which keepe The toyling Braine from the reliefe of ſleepe: I then perceived that humane induſtry Could not the wayes, nor workes of God deſcry. Though Men endeavour, though the wiſe ſuppoſe They apprehend; yet none his wiſedome knowes. But this have found; that both the juſt and wiſe, Their induſtry, even all their faculties Are in his Rule, and by his Motion move: Nor can determine of his Hate or Love. All under Heaven ſucceeds alike to all; To good and bad, the ſame events befall; To pure, impure; to thoſe who Sacrifice, To thoſe who Pietie, and God deſpiſe; To th'innocent, the guiltie; ſuch who feare Flagitious Oathes, and thoſe who feareleſſe ſweare. What greater miſchiefe rules beneath the Sunne, Than this; that all unto one period runne? Men, while they live are mad; profanely ſpend Their flight of time; then to the dead deſcend. Yet thoſe have hope, who with the living dwell: For living Dogs dead Lyons farre excell. The living know that they at length muſt dye: They nothing know who in Earths entrailes lye. What better times can they expect, who rot In ſilent graves, and are by All forgot? Aboliſh'd is their Envy, Love, and Hate: Bereft of all, which they poſſeſt of late. Then take my Counſell; eate thy Bread with joy: Let wine the Sorrowes of thy heart deſtroy. Why ſhould unfruitfull Cares our Soules moleſt? Pleaſe thou thy God, and in his favour reſt. Be thy Apparell ever freſh, and faire; Powre breathing Odors, on thy ſhining haire: Enjoy the pleaſures of thy gentle Wife, Through all the Courſe of thy ſhort-dated Life. For this is all thy Induſtry hath wonne: Even all thou canſt expect beneath the Sunne. Since Time hath wings, what thou intend'ſt to doe, Doe quickly; and with all thy Power purſue: No wiſedome, knowledge, wit, or worke, will goe Along with thee unto the Shades below. I ſee the ſwift of foot winnes not the Race; Nor wreathes of Victory the Valiant grace; The wiſe, to feed his hunger wanteth Bread; Riches are not by knowledge purchaſed; Nor Popular ſuffrages Deſert advance: All rul'd by Opportunity and Chance. Man knowes not his owne fate. As Birds are tane With Tramels; Fiſhes by th'intangling Saine: Even ſo the Sonnes of Men are un-awares Prevented by Deſtructions ſecret Snares. This alſo have I ſeene beneath the Sun, So full of wonder; and by wiſedome done: A little Citie man'd but by a few; To which a Mightie King his Army drew, Erected Bulwarkes, and intrench't it round: A poore wiſe man within the walles was found, Whoſe wiſedome rais'd the ſiege: But they ingrate Neglected him who had preſerv'd their State. Then wiſedome before Strength ſhould be preferr'd: Yet is, if poore, deſpis'd; her words unheard. Men more ſhould liſten to her ſober Rules, Then to his Cryes, who governes among fooles. Wiſedome th'habilaments of warre exceeds: But Folly is deſtroy'd by her owne Deeds. Lo as dead flyes with their ill ſavour ſpoyle Th'Apothecaries Aromaticke oyle: Even ſo a little folly damnifies The Dignitie and Honour of the wiſe. A wiſe mans Heart to his right hand enclines: A foole t'his left; and ſuch are his deſignes. His owne diſordred Paths his life defame: His geſture and his lookes a foole proclaime. Although thy Ruler frowne, yet do not thou Reſent his Anger with a cloudie Brow: Nor with obedience or thy faith diſpence; For yeelding pacifies a great offence. This in a State no ſmall diſorder breeds; Which from the errour of the Prince proceeds: When vicious fooles in Dignitie are plac'd; The rich in worth, trod under and diſgrac'd. Oft have I Servants ſeene on Horſes ride: The Free and Noble lacky by their ſide. Who ſnares for others ſets, therein ſhall light: Who breakes a Hedge, him ſhall the Serpent bite. The Stones ſhall bruiſe him who pulls downe a wall: Who hewes a Tree, by his owne Axe ſhall fall. If th'edge be blunt, in vaine his Strength he ſpends: But Wiſedome all directs to their juſt ends. If Serpents bite before the charme be ſung, What then availes th'Inchanters babling tongue? A wiſe-mans words are full of grace and power: A fooles offending lips himſelfe devoure. His words begin in folly; which extend To Acts of miſchiefe, and in madneſſe end. He gives his tongue the reines; as if he knew More then Man knowes: th'events that muſt inſue. VVho in the endleſſe Maze of Errour treads; Nor knowes the way which to his purpoſe leads. VVoe to that Land, that miſerable Land, VVhich gaſpes beneath a Childes unſtai'd Command: VVhoſe Nobles riſe betimes to perpetrate Their Luxuries; the ruine of the State. Happy that Land, whoſe King is Nobly Borne: VVhoſe Lords with Temperance his Court adorne. By Sloths ſupine neglects the building falls: The hands of Idleneſſe pull downe her walls. Feaſts are for Laughter made, VVine cheares our hearts: But ſoveraigne Mony all to all imparts. Curſe not thy Rulers though with vices fraught; Not in thy Bed-Chamber, nor in thy thought: For Birds will beare thy whiſperings on their wings, To the wide eares of Death-inflicting Kings. Scatter thy Bread upon the hungry Maine: This thou, in tract of time, ſhalt finde againe. Thy Almes diſpence to many; yet to more: Famine or VVarre perhaps may make thee poore. Be like the Clouds in bountie; which on all The thirſtie Earth, in ſhowers profufely fall. Like pregnant Trees, that ſhed on every ſide Their riper fruit; to none that ſtoope deny'd. They ſhall not ſow who for a Calme deferre: Nor ſhall they reape whom gloomy skies deterre. Know'ſt thou from whence the ſtrugling Tempeſts come? Or how our bones are faſhion'd in the wombe? Much leſſe his greatneſſe canſt comprize; who made The Globe of Earth, and radiant Heaven diſplai'd. The ſeed of Charitie at Sunne-riſe ſow; And when he ſets, into the furrowes throw: Know'ſt thou if this, or that, increaſe ſhall yeeld? Or both with gratefull Eares inveſt thy Field? How ſweet is Light! how pleaſant to behold, The mounted Sun diſcend in beames of Gold! Yet, though a Man live long; long in delight: Let him remember that approching Night Which ſhall in endleſſe darkeneſſe cloſe his Eyes: Then will he all, as vanitie, deſpiſe. Young man, rejoyce; thy hearts deſires fulfill; No other Lord acknowledge but thy will; Thy Sences freely feaſt: yet ſhalt thou come To Gods Tribunall, and receive thy Doome: Decline his wrath, and Sin-infflicting paine: For both the bud and flower of Youth are vaine. Thinke of thy Maker in thy better dayes; Before the vigour of thy age decayes: Before that ſad and tedious time draw nigh, When thou ſhalt loath thy life, and wiſh to die. Before th'informing Sun, the cheerfull Light, The various Moone, and Ornaments of Night, In vaine for thee their ſhining Tapers beare: Or fretting drops of Raine deepe furrowes weare. When they ſhall tremble, who the Houſe defend: And the ſtrong Columnes which ſupport it bend: The Grinders faile, reduced to a few; The Watch no Objects through their Caſements view: Thoſe Doores ſhut up that open to the Street; And when th'unarmed Guarders ſoftly meet: The Bird of dawning raiſe thee with his voyce; Nor thou in women, or their Songs rejoyce. When thou ſhalt feare the roughneſſe of the way; When every Peble ſhall thy paſſage ſtay: When th'Almond-tree his boughs inveſts with white; The Locuſt ſtoopes: then dead to all delight. Man muſt at length to his long home deſcend: Behold, the Mourners at his gates attend. Adviſe; before the Silver Cord growes ſlacke; Before the golden Boule aſunder crack: Before the Pitcher at the fountaine leake; Or waſted Wheele beſides the Ciſterne breake. Man, made of Earth, reſolves into the ſame: His Soule aſcends to God, from whom it came. O Reſtleſſe Vanitie of Vanities! All is but Vanitie, the Preacher Cryes. He who was wiſe, the People knowledge taught: His Lines with well-digeſted Proverbs fraught. He found out matter to delight the mind: And every word he writ, by Truth was ſign'd. Wiſe Sentences are Goads; Nailes cloſely driven By grave Inſtructors: by one Paſtor given. And now my Sonne, be thou admoniſhed By what thou haſt already heard, and read. There is of making many Bookes no End: And ſtudious Night th'intentive Spirits ſpend. Of all the Sum; feare God, his Lawes obay: Mans Dutie; to Felicitie the way. For He ſhall every worke, each ſecret thing, Both good and bad, to publike Judgement bring.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE LAMENTATIONS OF IEREMIAH. HOW like a Widow, ah! how deſolate This Citie ſits! throwne from the pride of State! How is this Potent Queene, who lawes to all The neighbouring Nations gave, become a Thrall! Who Nightly teares from her ſalt fountaines ſheds: Which fall upon her Cheekes in liquid Beads. Of all her Lovers, none regard her woes: And her perfidious Friends increaſe her Foes. Judah in exile wanders: ah! ſubdu'd By vaſt afflictions, and baſe ſervitude. Among the Barbarous Heathen finds no reſt: At home, abroad, on every ſide oppreſt. Ah! ſee how Sion mournes! Her Gates, and wayes, Lye unfrequented on her ſolemne Dayes. Her Virgins weepe; her Prieſts lament her fall: And all her ſuſtenance converts to gall. A wretched vaſſall to her ſalvage Foes: Her numerous Sinnes the Authors of theſe Woes. Behold, how they, who by her loſſes thrive, Into captivitie her Children drive! O Sions Daughter, all thy Beauty's loſt! Thy chaſed Princes are like Harts imboſt, Which find no water; and infeebled flye Before the Eager Hunters dreadfull Cry. Jeruſalem in theſe her Miſeries, And Dayes of Mourning, ſets before her Eyes Thoſe vaniſh't Pleaſures which ſhee once enjoy'd; Her People now by hoſtile ſwords deſtroy'd: Whil'ſt none afford Compaſſion to her woes; Her Sabbaths ſcorn'd by her inſulting foes. Jeruſalem hath ſinn'd; is now remov'd For her uncleanneſſe: thoſe who lately lov'd, As much deſpiſe; her nakedneſſe deſcry'd: Who ſighes for ſhame, and turnes her face aſide. Pollution ſtaines her skirts; yet her laſt end Remembred not: for this without a friend Stupendiouſly ſhee fell. Great God behold My Sorrowes, ſince the Foe is growne ſo bold! Hath raviſh't all wherein ſhee tooke delight; His Inſolence contending with his Might. Ah! ſhee hath ſeene th'uncircumcis'd profane Thy Temple, whoſe approach thy Lawes reſtraine. Her People, ſighing ſecke for bread; who give Their wealth for food, that their faint ſoules may live. Conſider Lord; ô looke on the forlorne! Who am to all the world a generall Scorne. Who Paſſengers, though this concerne not you, Here fixe your Steps, and my ſtrange Sufferings view. Was ever ſorrow like my Sorrow knowne! Which God hath on me in his fury throwne! He from the breaking Clouds his flames hath caſt; Which in my Bones the boyling Marrow waſt: Hath ſet ſnares for my feet, throwne to the ground; Left deſolate, and fainting with my wound. Who of my Sins hath made a yoake, to check My Inſolence; and caſt it on my Neck. My Strength hath broken; to my Enemies Subdu'd my Powers: now, ah! too weake to riſe. He, in the mid'ſt of me, hath trodden downe My mighty Men; and thoſe of moſt Renowne. His Troopes on my ſtrong youth like Torrents ruſh't: As in a wine-preſſe, Judah's Daughter cruſh't. For this I weepe! my eye, my galled Eye, Diſſolves in Streames: for he who ſhould apply Balme to my wounds, farre, ô farre of is fled! My Children deſolate; their Foe, their head. Her Hands ſad Sion rais'd; no Comfort found: Jehova charg'd her foes to guir'd her round. Jeruſalem, O thou of late belov'd; Now like a Menſtruous Woman art remov'd. The Lord is juſt: tis I that have rebell'd; And by my wild revolt his Grace expell'd. Heare, and behold my woes: my Orphans torne From my forc'd Armes, and into exile borne. I to my boaſting Lovers call'd for ayd: But they their vowes infring'd, my truſt betray'd. My Prieſts and Princes, while they ſeeke for bread To feed their hungry Soules, augment the Dead. Lord looke on me! my heart roules in my Breaſt: My Bowels stoyle, like Seas with Stormes oppreſt. I have provok't thy Vengeance with my Sinne: Without the Sword deſtroyes, and Dearth within. My ſighes no pitty move: my cruell Foes Enjoy thy Wrath, and glory in my Woes. Yet that preſaged Time will come, when they Shall equall Sorrowes to thy Juſtice pay. O ſet their impious deeds before thine eyes; And preſſe them with my waighty Miſeries: (The Birth of Sinne) which breake into complaint; My groanes are numberleſſe, my Spirits faint. How hath Jehova's wrath, ô Sion, ſpread A vaile of Clouds about thy Daughters head! From Heaven to Earth thy beauty, Iſrael, throwne! Nor in his fierce diſpleaſure ſpar'd his owne! How hath he ſwallow'd Judah's Manſions! ra'ſt His Holds! and to the ground his Bulwarks caſt! The Land in his relentleſſe rage profan'd; And with the Blood of her owne Princes ſtain'd! He, in his Indignation, hath the Horne Of Iſrael from his bleeding forehead torne. Before the Foe, O forc't to flye with ſhame! His wrath to Jacob a devouring flame. Foe-like hath bent his Bow; his Hoſtile hand Advanc't, and ſlaine the Beauty of the Land: All that the eye attracted with Deſire; And powr'd his anger forth like floods of Fire. Againſt thee, Solyma, Converts his Powers: Sad Iſrael, and his Pallaces, devoures. His ſtrong built Fortreſſes to ruines turnes: Whil'ſt Judah's Daughter for her Children mournes. His Tabernacle He with Violence Hath now demoliſh't, like a Garden Fence. None Sions feaſts and Sabbaths celebrate; Both King and Prieſt abnoxious to his hate. Deteſts his Sanctuary, and forſakes His flameleſſe Altar: while the Enemy takes His Palaces and Walles, fill'd with their Cryes: As late by us in our Solemnities. The ruine of Jeruſalem deſignes: And levels the Foundation with his Lines. Nor his fierce hand withdrawes: the tottering walls And ſtooping Turrets, languiſh in their falls. Her Gates ſinke to the Earth, with ſhiver'd bars: Her King and Princes Slaves, or ſlaine in wars. All Lawes ſurceaſe. Jehova to her Seers No more by Viſions or by Dreames appeares. Her Elders ſit on earth, with ſilent Woe; And Duſt upon their Silver Treſſes throw: In ſack-cloath mourne. Her Virgins hang their heads, Like drooping Flowers that bow to their cold Beds. My Bowels toyle; mine eyes with teares are drown'd; My bleeding Liver powr'd upon the Ground: To ſee my tender Babes, unpittied, lye On flinty Pavements, and through famine dye. While others to their weeping Mothers ſay: O give us Food, our hunger to allay! Then, fainting by the bloodleſſe wound of Death, In their infolding Armes ſigh out their Breath. How ſhall my tongue expreſſe, ô how compare Thy matchleſſe Sorrowes, to aſſwage thy Care, Diſtreſſed Sions Daughter! for thy breach Is like the Seas; whoſe rage no bounds impeach. Vaine tales, and fooliſh, have thy Prophets told; Nor would they thy exiling Sins unfold: Falſe Burthens, and falſe Prophecies, invent; The fatall Authors of thy Baniſhment. The Paſſengers, they wry their heads aſide; Hiſſe at thee, clap their hands, and thus deride: Is this their only Joy? which they of all The world the Beauty and Perfection call? Thy Foes make mouthes, ſcoffe, grind their teeth, and ſay; Now have we ſwallow'd our deſired prey: This is that Day we did ſo long expect, VVherein our hopes have had their wiſh't effect. God hath accompliſhed his old Decree; VVe thy oft-menaced Deſtruction ſee: Hath ruin'd without pitie; made a Scorne To thy Triumphant Foe, and rais'd his Horne. To him their hearts now cry: O Sions Towers! All Day, all Night, let teares deſcend in Showers. O never give thy labouring Thoughts repoſe! Nor let the humid Night thy eye-lids cloſe! Ariſe, and cry; cry from the Nights firſt houre: Thy Heart before thy God, like water, powre. O raiſe thy Hands to Heaven; leaſt Famines force Thy Childrens ſoules from their pale corps divorce. Lord, ſee thy Maſacre's! ſhall curſed wombes Become their new-borne childrens fatall Tombes! Thy Prieſts and Prophets by the ſword are ſlaine: And with their Blood thy Sanctuary ſtaine. Lo! in the Streets old Men and Infants lye: My Virgins and bold Youth by ſlaughter dye. Thou with their Blood thy Vengeance didſt imbrew: Thy burning Fury without pitty ſlew. As in a ſolemne Day, thy Terrors have Inviron'd me: thy Anger cloyes the Grave. Thoſe whom I ſwatled, in my Boſome bred; The Barbarous Foe hath ſent unto the Dead. Lo, I, the Man, who by the wrath of God, Have ſeene afflictions ſtormes, and felt his Rod! He hath depriv'd me of the cheerefull Light; Inveloped with Shades more darke then Night: Againſt me his revengefull Forces bent; Nor ſets his Anger with the Suns deſcent. My ſleſh hath waſted; wrinckled my ſmooth skin With Sorrowes age, and broke my Bones within. Againſt me digg'd atrench, caſt up a mound; With travels bitter gall beſieg'd me round. Impriſon'd where no beames their brightneſſe ſhed Like that darke Region people by the Dead. On every ſide my Flight with Barres reſtraines: And clogs my galled Legs with maſſie Chaines. Who ſtops his eares againſt my Cryes and Prayers: With Stone immures, and ſpreads my Path with ſnares. He like a Beare, or Lion, lyes in waite: Diverts, in pieces teares, leaves Deſolate. At me, as at a marke, his Bow he drew: Whoſe Arrowes in my Blood their wings imbrew, He lets the People circle me in Throngs; Who all the Day deride, with ſpitefull Songs. With wormewood made me drunke, with gall hath fed: My teeth with gravell broke, with Aſhes ſpread. My ſoule to Peace is ſuch a Stranger growne; As if I never better Dayes had knowne. When I my wrongs to memory recall; My Miſeries, my Wormewood, and my Gall; My Paſſions thus exclaime: Ah! Periſhed Are all my hopes! from me my ſtrength is fled! Theſe thoughts my Soule have humbl'd: trod to Earth My Pride; and given my Hopes a ſecond Birth. T'was thy abundant goodneſſe, Lord, that all Did not together in one Ruine fall. Thy Mercies with the riſing Light renue: And thy Fidelitie, as large as true. My ſoule is arm'd with ſtedfaſt Confidence: Since thou my Portion art, and ſtrong Defence. To thoſe, how gracious, who on thee relye! Who ſeeke thee with unfainting Induſtry! Tis good to hope, and reſt upon thy Truth: Tis good to beare thy yoake in early youth. Alone he ſilent ſits; nor will diſtruſt Thy Promiſe, when he hides his head in Duſt. His cheeke ſubmits to blowes, by all revil'd: Yet knowes at length thou wilt be reconcil'd. When God with griefe hath fixt thee to the ground: His Mercy will powre balme into thy wound. For He delights not in our Miſery; On thoſe to trample who in fetters lye: Hates that the weake ſhould be oppreſt by might; Or Juſtice ſuffer in the Judges ſight. O tell, what can befall beneath the Sun, That is not by the Lords appointment done? Both good and bad from Him proceeds: why then Grudge you at puniſhment; vaine ſinfull Men? Turne we to God by tryall of our wayes: To Heaven our hearts, our hands, and voyces, raiſe. We have transgres'd, rebell'd; no pardon gaine: The Food of Wrath; by thee purſu'd and ſlaine. Thou haſt with Cloud's thy ſelfe inclos'd of late: Through which no Prayers of ours can penetrate. With Men, the refuſe and off-skouring made: Whom all our Foes with open mouthes upbraid. Fill'd with vaſtation, ruines, ſnares, and feares? While for my Childrens loſſe I melt in Teares. Nor ſhall thoſe briny Rivers ceaſe to flow, Till God looke downe with pitie on our woe. Mine eye, ah! wounds my heart; when I behold My Cities Daughters to Afflictions ſold. Thoſe who thy Beauty, Solyma, deface, My ſoule like a retrived Partridge chace: Cut from the living, in a Dungeon throwne; And over-whelmed with a Pile of Stone. Stormes ore my head their rowling billowes toſt: Then cry'd I, ah! I am for ever loſt! Thou from the Dungeon, Lord, my cryes didſt heare: O never from my ſighes divert thine Eare! Thou ſtood'ſt beſides me in that horrid Day: And ſaid'ſt; Take courage; nor thy feare obey. My cauſe, thou Lord, haſt pleaded in this ſtrife: And from their greedy jawes redeem'd my Life. Thou that haſt ſeene my wrongs, reſtore my right: Thou haſt their vengeance ſeene, and curſed ſpight. The malice heard which their falſe tongues diſcloſe: The thoughts and machinations of my Foes. VVhen they ſit downe, and when they riſe, I ſtill Become their Muſick, and their Laughter fill. Rewards according to their works disburſe: Their Hearts with Sorrow wound, blaſt with thy Curſe. Purſue, deſtroy: nor, Lord thy wrath reſtraine; Till none beneath the arch of Heaven remaine. How is our Gold growne dimme! of all the moſt Refin'd and pure, hath now his Luſtre loſt. That Marble, which the Temple beautifi'd; Torne downe by impious Rage, and caſt aſide. The wretched Sons of Sion, ah! behold! Of late ſo precious; more eſteem'd then Gold: How ſlighted! to how low a value brought! Like Earthen veſſels by the Potter wrought. The Monſters of the Sea, and Salvage Beaſts, Their young ones gently foſter at their Breaſts: My Daughters, ah! more cruell are then theſe: Or then the deſert-haunting Eſtriges. Their Children cry for Bread, but none receive: Whoſe thirſty tongues to their hot pallats cleave. VVho fed Deliciouſly, now ſit forlorne: And thoſe who Scarlet wore, on dung-hils mourne. The Puniſhments, as did their ſinnes, excell That which from Heaven on wicked Sodom fell, Devour'd with ſodaine flames. No Creature found To whom his wrath could adde another wound. Her Nazarites, late pure, as falling Snow; More white then Streames which from ſtretcht udders flow: Not Rubies of the rocke ſuch red inſphear'd; Nor poliſht Saphires like their Veines appear'd: Their faces now more blacke then Cinders growne; To ſuch as meet them in the Streets, unknowne. VVhoſe wither'd Skins, more dry then ſapleſſe wood, Cleave to their fleſhleſſe Bones, for want of Food. O farre leſſe wretched they, whoſe parting Breath Breaks through their wounds, then thoſe who ſtarve to death! For they in lingring torments pine away: And find not Death ſo cruell as Delay. Soft-hearted Mothers live by horrid ſpoile: And their beloved Babes in Caldrons boyle. On theſe with weeping Eyes, and hearts that bleed, The famiſht Daughters of my People feed. The Lord his vengeance now accompliſh't hath; And powred forth the Viols of his wrath: Forſaken Sion ſets on fire; whoſe Towers And Palaces the hungry flame devoures. You Kings that ſway the many-Peopled Earth; All who from groaning Mothers take your birth: O would you have believ'd, that thus the Foe Should have triumpht in her ſad overthrow! Her Prieſts and Prophets ſins, who ſhould have taught By their Example, have her ruine wrought: VVith humane fleſh her flaming Altars fed; And blood of Innocents profuſely ſhed. VVho blindly wander; ſo defil'd with gore, That none would touch the Garments which they wore. Depart, they cry'd, Depart, and touch us not: Depart ô you whom foule pollutions ſpot. Thus chid, they ſtray'd, and to the Gentiles fled: Yet ſaid, ere long we ſhall from hence be led. For this, the Lord hath ſcatter'd in his Ire; Nor ever ſhall they to their homes retire: Their unregarded Prieſts ſlaine by the Foe; Who would no pitie to the aged ſhow. Yet vainely we, in theſe our Miſeries, With expectation have conſum'd our eyes; And foſtered flattering hopes: built on their word, Who can no ayd to our Extreames afford. Like cruell Hunters they our ſteps purſue: While we in Corners lurke from publike view. That Fatall Day drawes neere; wherein we muſt Deſcend to Death, and mingle with the Duſt. Not Eagles fearefull Doves ſo ſwiftly chace; As they with winged feet our foot-ſteps trace: Purſue o're Mountaines; watch at every Streight; And to intrap us in the Defart waite. The Lords Anointed, even our noſtrils Breath, They have enſnar'd, and rendred up to Death. Of whom we ſaid; Among the Heathen wee, Beneath his wings, ſhall live in exile free. Daughter of Edom, thou that dwelſt in Hus, Exalt thy Joy: This Cup to thee from us Shall ſwiftly paſſe: thy braines inebriate ſo, As thou thy nakedneſſe ſhalt boldly ſhow. Yet when thy Sins deſerved Puniſhment, O wretched Sions Daughter, ſhall be ſpent: Jehova will thy Baniſhment repeale; Foment thy wounds, and all thy bruiſes heale. Then he on Edoms Iſſue ſhall impoſe Our yoake, and her deformitie diſcloſe. Remember Lord the Afflictions we have borne: See how we are to all the world a Scorne! Our Lands and Houſes forreiners poſſeſſe: Our Mothers, Widdowes; and we Fatherleſſe. To us our wood the greedy Strangerſels; And dearely purcha'ſt water from our wels. Our necks with heavy burthens are oppreſt: All Day we toyle, at Night depriv'd of Reſt. We, in the Egyptian and Aſſyrian Lands, Are forc't to beg our bread with ſtretcht-out hands. Our Fathers, who tranſgreſt, in Death remaine: And we the preſſure of their ſins ſuſtaine. Who were our vaſſals, now our Soveraignes are: And none ſurvive to comfort our deſpaire. With perill of our lives we ſeeke our food; The ſword in pathleſſe Deſerts thirſts for blood: While Stormes of Famine mutiny within; And like a furnace tan the ſapleſſe skin. In Judah's Cities Virgins they deflowre: In Sion, raviſht wives their wrongs deplore. They crucifie our Princes in their rage; Nor honour the aſpect of reverend Age. Our Youth enforce to grind, with laſhes gall: And Boyes beneath their cruell Burthens fall. No Judge on high Tribunals now appeares: No Muſick drawes our Soules into our Eares. Joy, from our broken hearts exiled, flyes: Our mirth is chang'd to mourning Elegies. The crowne from our ecclipſed Browes is torne: By all, except thy puniſhments, forlorne. Woe to our Sins! for theſe we waſte our yeares In Servitude. We drowne our Eyes with teares For thee deſerted Sion: Foxes dwell Among thy ruines! who our woes can tell! Yet, Lord, thou ever liv'ſt: Thy Throne ſhall laſt, When funerall Flames the World to Cinders waſte. O why haſt thou ſo long forgot thine owne! Wilt thou forſake us as if never knowne! O call us back, that we thy face may view: Thoſe happy Dayes we once enjoy'd, renew. But thou haſt caſt us off to tread the path Of Exile: made the Object of thy wrath.
A PARAPHRASE VPON THE SONGS COLLECTED OVT OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.
EXODVS 15. As the 8. Pſalme. THE Praiſe of our triumphant King And of his Victory we ſing: Who in the Seas with horrid force O'rethrew the Rider and his Horſe. My Strength, my God, my Argument, My Fathers God, hath ſafety ſent. To him will I a Manſion raiſe; There celebrate his glorious Praiſe. His Sword hath won eternall fame; And great Jehovah is his Name. Lo Pharaoh's Chariots, his proud Hoaſt, Are in the ſwallowing Billowes loſt. God, in the fathomleſſe Profound, Hath all his choice Commanders drown'd. Downe ſunk they, like a falling ſtone, By raging Whirl-pits ovethrowne. Thy pow'rfull Hand theſe VVonders wrought; Our Foes by Thee to ruine brought. Thou all that durſt againſt thee fight Haſt cruſht by thy prevailing Might. Thy VVrath thy Foes to Cinders turnes, As Fire the Sun-dri'd Stubble burnes. Blowne by thy Noſtrils breath, the Floud In heaps, like ſolid Mountains, ſtood. The Seas divided Heart congeal'd; Her ſandy Bottom firſt reveal'd. Purſue, o're take, th'Aegyptians cry'd; Let us their wealthy Spoile divide; Our Sword theſe Fugitives deſtroy, And with their Slaughter feaſt our Joy. Thou blew'ſt; thoſe Hils their Billowes ſpread: In mightie Seas they ſunke like Lead. What God is like our God! ſo high! So excellent in Sanctitie! Whoſe glorious Praiſe ſuch terror breeds! So wonderfull in all thy Deeds! Thy Hand out-ſtretcht; the cloſing VVomb Of VVaves gave all his Hoſt one Tomb. But us, who have thy Mercy try'd In our Redemption, thou wilt guide: Guide by thy Power, till we poſſeſſe The Manſion of thy Holineſſe. Our Foes ſhall this with terrour heare; Sad Palaeſtine grow pale with feare. Thoſe who the Edomites command, And Moabs Chiefs ſhall trembling ſtand. The Hearts of Canaan melt away, Like Snow before the Suns bright Ray. Horror ſhall ſeize on all; not one But ſtand like Statues cut in Stone: Vntill thy People paſſe; even thoſe, VVhom thou haſt ranſom'd from their Foes. Thou ſhalt conduct, and plant them, where Thy fruitfull Hils their Shoulders reare: By thy Election dignifi'd; VVhere thou for ever ſhalt abide. Thy Reigne, eternall King, ſhall laſt, VVhen Heaven and Earth in vapours waſte. While Pharaoh's Chariots and his Horſe 'Twixt walls of Seas their way inforce: Thy Hand reduc'd th'obedient Waves, VVhich clos'd them in their rowling Graves: But Iſrael through the bottome ſand Securely paſt, as on dry Land.
DEVTERONOMY. XXXII. As the 1. Pſalme. LEND, O you Heavens, unto my voyce an eare: And thou, O Earth, what I ſhall utter, heare. My words ſhall fall like Deaw, like April ſhowers On tender Herbs, and new-diſcloſed Flowers; VVhile I the Goodneſſe of our God proclaime: O celebrate his great and glorious Name! Our Rocke, whoſe VVorks are perfect. Juſtice leads, And equall Judgement walks the VVay he treads. In him unſtain'd Sincerity excels; The God of Truth, in whom no falſhood dwels. But you are all corrupt, perverſe; nor beare Thoſe Marks about you, which his Children weare. O fooles! depriv'd of intellectuall Light! Doe you your great Preſerver thus requite? Your Father? He who made you? did ſelect From all the World, and with his Beauty deck'd? Remember; aske the Ancient: They will tell What in old times, and Ages paſt, befell: VVhen the moſt High did diſtribute the Earth, VVith liberall hand, to all of humane birth: VVhen yet you were not, He, according to Your numerous Race, deſign'd a Seat for you. His People are his Portion: Jacobis Th'Inheritance alone reſerv'd for His. He, when he wandred through a deſert land, And in a horrid Wilderneſſe of ſand; Conducted, taught him his high Myſteries; And kept him as the Apples of his Eyes. As the old Eagle on her Ayery ſpreads Her foſtring Plumes; renewes their downy beds, Feeds, traines them for the flight, ſubdues their feares; And on her ſoaring wings her Eaglets beares: So he ſuſtein'd, So led him; He alone: No ſtranger-Gods to Iſrael then were knowne. Whom like a Horſe the towring Mountaines bore; That thoſe rich fields might feaſt him with their ſtore. With Honey the hard Rocks ſupply'd his want; And pure Oyle dril'd from cliffes of Adamant: Him with the Milke of Ewes, with Butter fed; With fat of Lambs, and Rams in Baſhan bred; With fleſh of Goats, with Wheats pure Kernels fill'd; And dranke the Bloud, which from the Grape diſtill'd. But Jeſurun grew fat; kickt like a Horſe, Full of high feeding, and untamed force: Forſooke his God, who made, ſuſtein'd, adorn'd; And that ſtrong Rocke of his Salvation ſcorn'd: VVith barbarous Gods, and execrable Rites, His Jealouſie and Wrath at once excites. To Divels they profanely ſacrific'd; Gods made with hands, before their Maker priz'd: Gods brought from forraigne Nations; ſtrange and new: Gods, which their Anceſtors nor fear'd, nor knew. Their Father, their firme Rocke, remembred not; And Him, who had created them, forgot. This having ſeene with burning eyes, the Lord His Daughters, and degenerate Sons, abhor'd: Said, from theſe Rebels I will hide my face, And ſee the end of this unfaithfull Race. Since they with Gods, that are but Gods in Name, My Soule with ſo great Jelouſie inflame; And through their vanities my wrath incenſe; I, by the like will puniſh their offence. Their Glory to an unknowne Nation grant, And in their roome a fooliſh People plant. A fire is kindled in my wrath, which ſhall Even in the depth of Hell devoure them all: Polluted Earth with her productions burne; And ayery Mountaines into aſhes turne. One miſery another ſhall invite, And all my arrowes in their boſomes light: Famine ſhall eate them, hot Diſeaſes burne; And all by violent deaths to Earth returne. The teeth of ſalvage Beaſts their blood ſhall ſpill; And Serpents with their fatall poyſon kill. The Sword without, and home-bred Terrors ſhall Devoure their lives. Their Youth untimely fall; Betrothed Virgins, ſuch as ſtoope with Age, And ſucking Babes, ſhall ſinke beneath my Rage. Scatter I would like Chaffe by Tempeſts blowne, Nor ſhould their Memory to Man be knowne: If not withheld by their inſulting Foe; Leſt he ſhould triumph in their overthrow: And boaſting ſay; This our owne hands have done; Our Swords, the Gods which have their battaile won. A Nation which hath no Intelligence: Vncapable of Councell; void of ſenſe. O that my Words could to their hearts deſcend; To make them wiſe, and thinke of their laſt End! How would One man a Thouſand put to flight! And Two a Myriad overthrow in Fight! But that their Strength hath ſold them to their Foes; And left them naked to their deadly blowes. For, though our Enemies ſhould judge, their Powers Are faint to His; their Rocke no Rocke to ours: Their Vine of Sodom, of Gomorrahs fields; Which Grapes of Gall, and bitter cluſters yields. Poiſon of Dragons is their deadly Wine; To which cold Aſpes their drowſie venome joyne. Is not all this unto my Sight reveal'd? Laid up in ſtore? and with my Signet ſeal'd? To me belongs Revenge and Recompence: Which I will in the time decree'd diſpenſe. The Day is neere which their deſtruction brings; And Puniſhment now flies with ſpeedy wings. God will his People judge; at length relent; And of his Servants miſeries repent: Then when they are of all their power bereft, No ſtrength, no hope of humane ſuccour left. And ſay, Where are the Gods of your defence, Thoſe Rockes of your preſuming confidence; Whoſe flaming Altars you ſo often fed VVith fat of Bieves, and VVine profuſely ſhed? Now let them from their crowned Banquets riſe, And ſhield you from your furious enemies. Behold! I am your God; I, onely I, Aſſiſted by no forraigne Deity. I kill, revive; I wound and heale; no hand Or power of Mortals can my ſtrength withſtand. I, to the Heavens I made, my armes extend; Pronounce, I ever was, and have no end. VVhet I my glittering Sword; if I advance My hand in Judgement; woes paſt utterance, And vengeance, equall to their merits, ſhall Vpon my Foes, and thoſe who hate me, fall. The hungry Sword ſhall eat their fleſh, like Food, My thirſty Arrows ſhall be drunke with bloud: For Captives ſlaine, and for the bloud they ſpilt, I will with horrour recompence their guilt. You wiſer Nations, with his People joy; For he will all their Enemies deſtroy: His Servants vindicate from their proud Foe; And to their Land, and them, his Mercy ſhow.
JUDGES V. As the 8. Pſalme. YOUR great Preſerver celebrate: He who reveng'd our wrongs of late; When you, his ſonnes, in Iſraels Aid Of life ſo brave a Tender made. You Princes, with attention heare; And you who awfull Scepters beare; While I in ſacred Numbers ſing The Praiſe of our eternall King. When he through Seir his Army led, In Edoms fields his Enſignes ſpread; Earth ſhooke, the Heavens in drops deſcend; And Clouds in teares their ſubſtance ſpend. Before his Face the Mountaines melt: Old Sinai unknowne fervor felt. When Iſrael Sangars Rule obey'd, And Jael, that Virago, ſway'd; She bold of heart, He great in Warre; Yet to the fearefull Travailer All wayes were then unſafe: who crept Through Woods, or paſt when others ſlept, The Land uncultivated lay: When I aroſe, I Deborah, A Mother to my Countrey grew; At once their Foes, and feares ſubdue. When to themſelves new Gods they choſe, Then were their Wals beſieg'd by Foes. Did One of Forty Thouſand weare A Cote of Steele? or ſhooke a Speare? You, who with ſuch alacrity Led to the Battaile; O how I Affect your Valour! with me raiſe Your voyces; Sing Jehovahs Praiſe. Sing You who on white Aſſes ride, And Juſtice equally divide: You, who thoſe VVayes ſo fear'd of late, VVhere now no Thieves aſſaſſinate: You lately from your Fountaines barr'd, VVhere you their clattering Quivers heard: There, with united joy record The righteous Judgements of the Lord. You who your Cities repoſſeſſe, VVho reape in peace, his Praiſe profeſſe. Ariſe, O Deborah, ariſe; In heavenly Hymnes expreſſe thy Joyes. Ariſe, O Barak; Thou the Fame And Off-ſpring of Abinoam; Of Iſrael the renowned Head, Captivitie now captive lead. Nor ſhall the noble Memory Of our ſtrong Aids in ſilence die: The Quiver-bearing Ephramite March't from his Mountaine to the Fight: Thoſe who on Amalek confine, The ſmall Remaines of Benjamin: From Machir, Princes: Not a few VViſe Zebulun with Letters drew: The valiant Chiefes of Iſſachar, VVith Deborah, troopt to this Warre; VVho downe into the Valley tread The way which noble Barak led. But Reuben from the reſt disjoyn'd By Hils and Flouds, was ſo in mind. Did'ſt thou theſe glorious VVars refuſe, To heare the bleating of the Ewes? O great in Councell! O how wiſe! That couldſt both Faith and Fame deſpiſe. Gilead' of thundring Drums afraid, Or ſlothfull, beyond Jordan ſtaid. Dan his ſwift-ſailing Ships affects, And publique Liberty neglects: VVhile Aſhur on his Cliffes relides, And fortifies againſt the Tides. But Zebulun, and Nepthali, VVho never would from danger flye, VVere ready, for the publike good, On Tabors top to ſhed their bloud. Then Kings, Kings of the Canaanites, On Taanach Plaines addreſt their Fights; VVhere ſwift Megiddo's VVaters ran: Yet neither Spoile nor Trophee wan. The Heavens 'gainſt Siſera fought; The Stars Mov'd in Battalia to thoſe VVars: By ancient Kiſhon ſwept from thence; VVhoſe Torrent ſalling Clouds incenſe. Thou, O my joyfull Soule, at length Haſt trod to Dirt their puiſſant Strength. Their wounded Horſe with flying haſte Fall head-long, and their Riders caſt. Thus ſpake an Angel; Curſed be Thou Meroz, all who dwell in thee; That baſely would'ſt no aid afford, In that great Battaile to the Lord. Cinoeian Hebers VVife, thou beſt Of VVomen, be thou ever bleſt; Bleſt above all: Let all that dwell In Tents, thy Act, O Jaell, tell. She brought him Milke, above his wiſh; And Butter in a Princely Diſh. A Hammer, and a Naile ſhe tooke, This into Siſera's Temples ſtrooke. He fell, fell downe, downe to the Flore; Lay where he fell, bath'd in his Gore; Lay groveling at her Feet: and there His wretched Soule ſigh'd into Aire. His Mother at her window ſtaid, And thruſting out her ſhoulders ſaid; Why are his Chariots wheeles ſo ſlow! Nor yet my Sonne in Triumph ſhow! VVhen her wiſe Ladies ſtanding by, (Yea ſhe her ſelfe) made this reply; Have not their Swords now won the Day? Have they not ſhar'd the wealthy Prey? Now every Souldier for his paines An Hebrew Dame or Virgin gaines: VVhile Siſera, chooſing, layes aſide Rich Robes, in various Colours dy'd; Rich Robes with curious Needles wrought On either ſide, from Phrygia brought: The Thread ſpun from the Silk-worms womb, Such as a Conquerer become. Great God! So periſhall thy Foes; Love ſuch as love thee: O let thoſe Shine like the Sun, when he diſplaies I'th' Orient his increaſing Raies.
1 SAMVEL. II. As the 29. Pſalme. GOD hath rais'd my head on high: O my Heart, inlarge thy joy! God hath now my Tongue unti'd, To retort their ſcorne, and pride. In thy Grace I will rejoyce; Praiſe thee, while I have a voyce. VVho ſo holy as our Lord! VVho but he to be ador'd! VVho ſuch Wonders can effect! Who ſo ſtrongly can protect! Be no longer arrogant, Nor in Folly, proudly vaunt: God our ſecret thoughts diſplaies; All our works his Ballance weighes. Giants Bowes his Forces breake; He with ſtrength inveſts the Weake. Who were full, now ſerve for bread; Thoſe who ſerv'd, infranchiſed. Barren VVombs with Children flow; Fruitfull Mothers childleſſe grow. God fraile Man of life deprives; Thoſe who ſleepe in Death, revives: Leads us to our ſilent Tombes; Brings us from thoſe horrid Roomes: Riches ſends; ſends Poverty: Caſteth downe, and lifts on high. He from the deſpiſed Duſt, From the Dunghill takes the Juſt; To the height of Honour brings; Plants them in the Thrones of Kings. God, Earths mighty Pillars made; He the World upon them laid. He his Servants feet will guide: Wicked Soules, who ſwell with Pride, Will in endleſſe Darkneſſe chaine; Since all humane ſtrength is vaine. He ſhall grind his Enemies; Blaſt with Lightning from the Skies: Judge the habitable Earth, All of high and humble birth: Shall with ſtrength his King renowne, And his Chriſt with Glory crowne.
II. SAMUVEL I. As the 39. Pſalme. THY Beauty, Iſrael, is fled, Sunke to the Dead. How are the Valiant fal'n! the Slaine Thy Mountaines ſtaine. O let it not in Gath be knowne; Nor in the ſtreets of Aſcalon! Leſt that ſad Story ſhould excite Their dire delight: Lest in the Torrent of our woe Their pleaſure flow: Leſt their triumphant Daughters ring Their Cymbals, and curs'd Paeans ſing. You Hils of Gilboa, never may You Offrings pay; No Morning Deaw, nor fruitfull ſhowers Cloth you with Flowers: Saul, and his Armes there made a Spoile; As if untoucht with ſacred Oyle. The Bow of noble Jonathan Great Battailes wan: His Arrows on the Mighty fed, With Slaughter red. Saul never rais'd his Arme in vaine; His Sword ſtill glutted with the Slaine. How lovely! O how pleaſant! when They liv'd with Men! Then Eagles ſwifter; ſtronger farre Then Lions are: Whom love in life ſo ſtrongly ty'd, The ſtroke of Death could not divide. Sad Iſraels Daughters, weepe for Saul; Lament his fall; Who fed you with the Earths increaſe, And crown'd with Peace: With Robes of Tyrian Purple deckt, And Gems, which ſparkling light reflect. How are thy Worthies by the Sword Of Warre devour'd! O Jonathan, the better part Of my torne Heart! The ſalvage Rocks have drunke thy bloud: My Brother! O how kind! how good! Thy love was great; O never more To Man, Man bore! No Woman, when moſt paſſionate, Lov'd at that rate! How are the Mighty fal'n in fight! They, and their Glory ſet in Night!
II. SAMVEL VII. As the 4. Pſalme. MY Lord,my God, O who am I! Or what is my poore Family, That thou ſhould'ſt crowne, With Power renowne, And raiſe my Throne on high! As this were little; in my place Haſt promis'd to confirme my Race, Doe men, O Lord, To men afford Such, ſuch tranſcendent Grace! Not to be hop'd for, nor deſir'd; Not to be utter'd, but admir'd: My Thoughts to me, Then they to thee, Leſſe knowne, when moſt retir'd. Theſe great things did'ſt Thou, to fulfill Thy Word and never-changing Will. Into my Sight This knowing Light, Thy Wiſdomes Beames, diſtill. In Goodneſſe, as in Power compleat: No God but thee: O who ſo great! All this of old Our Fathers told; And often did repeat. What Nation breaths, who can or dare With thee, O Iſrael, compare? For whom alone God left his Throne, As his peculiar Care. To amplifie his Name; to doe Such great, ſuch fearefull things for you: Such Wonders wrought; From Aegypt brought; From men, from gods withdrew. Eſtabliſht by divine Decree; That thou might'ſt be our God, and we For evermore Thy Name adore; As conſecrate to Thee. Now, Lord, effect what thou haſt ſaid; The Promiſe to thy Servant made. Confirme by Deed, What to his Seed Thy Word long ſince diſplaid. Great God, O be thou magnifi'd! VVhoſe Hands the ſtrife of VVarre decide: Let Davids Race, Before thy Face For ever fixt abide. Thou ſaidſt (who Iſrael doſt protect) I will my Servants Houſe erect. My Thoughts indu'd With gratitude Theſe Prayers to Thee direct. Thou Lord, in Goodneſſe infinite! VVhoſe VVord and Truth like Twins unite. Thy Promiſe hath Confirm'd my Faith, And fill'd me with delight. Be then my Houſe for ever bleſt, Of thy deare Preſence ſtill poſſeſt. Thus haſt thou ſaid; This Promiſe made: O with thy Grace inveſt!
ESAY V. As the 9. Pſalme. NOw I, to my Beloved, will A Song of my Beloved ſing: He hath a Vineyard on a Hill, VVhich all the Yeare enjoy'd the Spring. This he incloſed with a Mound, Pickt up the Stones which ſcatter'd lay: VVith generous Vines plants the rich Ground; Dig'd, pruin'd, and weeded every day. To preſſe the Cluſters made a Frame, Plac'd in a new erected Tower: But when th'expected Vintage came, For good, the Grapes prov'd wild and ſowre. You who on Judah's Hils reſide, VVho Citizens of Salem be; Doe you the Controverſe decide Betweene my Vineyard judge, and me. Though partiall Judge. Could I have more To my ungratefull Vineyard done? Yet ſuch unpleaſant Cluſters bore, Vnworthy of the ſoyle, or Sunne. Then know; This Vineyard, late my Joy, Manured with ſuch diligence; Wild Bores, and Foxes ſhall deſtroy, When I have trampled downe her Fence. Then ſhall ſhe unregarded lye, Vndig'd, unpruin'd, with Brambles ſpread: No gentle Clouds ſhall on her dry And thirſty Wombe their moiſture ſhed. That ancient Houſe of Iſrael, The great Jehovahs Vineyard is: They who on Judah's Mountaines dwell, Thoſe choice, and pleaſant Plants of his: From whom he Juſtice did expect, But Rapine, and Oppreſſion found: Thought they ſweet Concord would affect; When all with Strife, and Cryes abound.
ESAY XXVI. As the 2. Pſalme. OVR Sion ſtrongly is ſecur'd, Which God himſelfe hath fortifi'd; High Bulwarks rais'd on every ſide, And with immortall Walls immur'd: Her Gates at their approach diſplay, Who Juſtice love, and Truth obey. Who fix on him their confidence, He will in conſtant Peace preſerve. O then with Faith Jehovah ſerve; Your ſtrong and ever ſure Defence: VVho hurles the Mighty from their Thrones, And Cities turnes to Heaps of ſtones. Their Structures levels with the Floore, VVhich Sepulchres of Duſt incloſe: Trod underneath the Feet of thoſe, That were of late Deſpis'd and Poore. Straight is the VVay the Righteous tread; By Thee at once inform'd and led. For we thy Judgements, Lord, expect, And onely on thy Grace relye: To thy great Name and Memory Th' Affections of our Soules erect. My Soule purſues thee in the Night, And when the Morne diſplayes her Light. Didſt thou thy Judgements exerciſe, Then Mortals ſhould the Truth diſcerne: And yet the Wicked would not learne; But thy extended Grace deſpiſe: Among the Juſt to Injuſtice ſold; Nor will thy Majeſty behold. Shouldſt thou advance thine Arme on High, Though wilfull-blind, yet ſhould they view The Shame and Vengeance which purſue All thoſe, who thy deare Saints envy: Thoſe vindicating Flames, which burne Thy Foes, ſhall them to Cinders turne. Thou our eternall peace haſt wrought, And in our works, thy Wonders ſhowne. Though other Lords, beſides our owne, Had us to their ſubjection brought; Yet, through thy onely Goodneſſe, we Remembred both thy Name and Thee. Dead are they, never more to riſe From thoſe darke Caves of endleſſe Night; Nor ever ſhall the cheerefull Light Reviſit with their cloſed eyes. Thy Vengeance hath expel'd their Breath, And clos'd their Memories in Death. Thou, Thou haſt given us wounds on wounds; In puniſhing thy Glory ſhowne: Far from thy chearfull Preſence throwne; Even to the Worlds extreameſt bounds: Amidſt our ſtripes, and ſighings, we Addreſt our zealous Prayers to Thee. As Women groaning with their Load, The time of their Delivery neere, Anticipating paine with feare, Screeke in their Pangs; So we to God: So ſuffer'd, when in thy Diſgrace; So cry'd out, when thou hid'ſt thy Face. For we, with Sorrow's burthen fraught, Paine, and anxiety of Mind, Brought onely forth an empty Wind; Nor our deſir'd Delivery wrought. We neither could repulſe our Foes, Nor give a period to our Woes. The Lord thus to his People ſpake; Thy Dead ſhall live; thoſe who remaine In peacefull Graves, ſhall riſe againe. O you who ſleepe in Duſt, awake; Now ſing: on you my Plants I'le ſhed My Deaw; the Graves ſhall caſt their Dead. Goe, hide thee in thy inward Roomes A little, till my Wrath paſſe by: To puniſh Mans impiety, The Lord from Heaven in Thunder comes: The Earth then ſhall your Bloud reveale, Nor longer ſhall the Slaine conceale.
ESAY XXXVIII. As the 39. Pſalme. IN the ſubſtraction of my yeares, I ſaid with Teares; Ah! now I to the Shades below Muſt naked goe: Cut off by Death before my Time; And like a Flower cropt in my Prime. Lord in thy Temple I no more Shall Thee adore: No longer with Mankind converſe, In my cold Herſe. My Age is paſt ere it be ſpent; Removed like a Shepheards Tent. My fraile Life, like a Weavers thred, My Sins have ſhred: My vitall powers Diſeaſes waſte With greedy haſte: Even from the Evening to the Day I languiſh, and conſume away. And when the Morning Watch is paſt, Thinke that my laſt. Thou like a Lion break'ſt my bones, Nor hear'ſt my groanes: Even from the Dawning to the Night, Death waites to cloſe my failing Sight. Thus Swallow-like, like to a Crane, My Woes complaine: Mourne like a Turtle-Dove, but late Rob'd of his Mate. I my dim eyes to Thee erect: The Weake ô ſtrengthen, and protect! What praiſe can reach thy Clemency, O thou Moſt High! Thy Words are ever crown'd with Deeds: Joy Griefe ſucceeds. My bitter pangs at length are paſt; And long my peacefull dayes ſhall laſt. My lively vigour doſt reſtore, Increa'ſt with more: My Yeares prolong'd, now flouriſhing In their new Spring: Thou haſt with Joy dry'd up my Teares; And with my Griefe exil'd my Feares. Thy Love hath drawne me from the Pit, Where Horrors ſit: My Soule-infecting Sins thou haſt Behind Thee caſt. The Grave can not thy Praiſe relate; Nor Death thy Goodneſſe celebrate. Can they expect thy Mercy, whom Cold Earth intombe? The Living muſt thy Truth diſplay; A I this Day. This Fathers to their Sons ſhall tell, While Soules in humane Bodies dwell. The Lord as ready was to ſave, As I to crave: I therefore to the warbling ſtring His Praiſe will ſing: And in his Houſe, till my laſt Day, My gratefull Vowes devoutly pay.
JONAH I. As the 9. Pſalme. ON Thee my captiv'd Soule did call; Thou, who art preſent every where, From the darke Entrailes of the Whale, Didſt thy intombed Servant heare. Thy Hand into the Surges threw, The Seas blacke armes forthwith unfold; Downe to the horrid Bottom drew, And all her Waves upon me rould. Then ſaid my Soule; For ever I Am banisht from thy glorious ſight: And yet thy Temple with the Eye Of Faith review'd, in that blind Night. The Flouds my Soule involv'd below; The ſwallowing Deeps beſieg'd me round: And Weeds, which in the bottom grow, My Head with funerall Dreſſes bound. I to the roots of Mountaines div'd, Whom bars of broken Rocks reſtraine: Yet from that Tombe of death reviv'd, And rais'd to ſee the Sun againe. I, when my Soule began to faint, My Vowes and Prayers to thee prefer'd: The Lord my paſſionate complaint, Even from his holy Temple heard. Thoſe who affect falſe vanities, The Mercy of their God betray: But I my Thankes will ſacrifice, And Vowes to my Redeemer pay.
HABAKKVK. III. As the 72. Pſalme. GReat God, with terror I have heard thy Doome; The fearefull puniſhments that are to come: Yet in the midſt of thoſe devouring Yeares, Then when thy Vengeance ſhall exceed our Feares, Thy Worke in us revive; confirme our Faith, And ſtill remember Mercy in thy Wrath. God came from Theman, and the Holy-one From Parans Mountaine, where his Glory ſhone: VVhich fil'd the heav'ns themſelves with brighter Raies; And all the Earth repleniſht with his Praiſe. His Brightneſſe as the Suns: his Fingers Streames Of Light project; his Power hid in thoſe Beames. Devouring Peſtilence before him flew, And waſting Flames his dreadfull Steps purſue. Then fixt his Feet, and meaſur'd with his Eyes The Earths Extent: pale Feares her Sons ſurpriſe, The ancient Mountaines ſhrunke; eternall Hils Stoopt to their Baſes; All Amazement fils. His Glory and his Terrour he diſplaies, In his unknowne and everlaſting Waies. I ſaw th' afflicted Tents of Cuſhan quake, And Midians Cortines in that Tempeſt ſhake. VVhen thou, O Lord, the Rivers didſt divide; And on the Chariots of Salvation ride, Through the congeſted Billowes of the Seas: VVas it becauſe thou waſt diſpleas'd with theſe? According to thy Oath thou drew'ſt thy Sword; Thy Oath ſworne to our Tribes; thy conſtant Word. From cloven Rocks new Torrents tooke their flight, And ayery Mountaines trembled at thy ſight: The over-flowing Streames inforce their Wayes; The Deeps to Thee their Hands and Voyces raiſe; The Sunne and Moone obedient to Command, Till then in reſtleſſe Motion, made a Stand. Thy Darts and flaming Arrowes, ſwift as Sight; Confound thy Foes, but give thy People Light. He, in his Fury, marched through the Land; And cruſht the Heathen with a vengefull Hand. Th' Anointed, with thy Sword, their Leaders ſlew; The Joynts diſclos'd, where Heads of Princes grew. VVith thy transfixing Speare their Subjects ſtrake: VVho like a blacke and dreadfull Tempeſt brake Vpon our Front, with purpoſe to devoure, And triumph over our deſpiſed Power. He through the roaring Flouds his People guides: Through yielding Seas on fiery Horſes rides. When I thy Threatnings heard, my entrails ſhooke; And my unnerved knees each other ſtrooke. My lips with panting ſwell, my cheeks grow wan; Through all my bones a ſwift Conſumption ran. O where may I repoſe in that ſad Day, When armed Troups upon my Countrey prey! Although the Fig-tree ſhall no bloſſomes beare; Nor Vines with their pure bloud the penſive cheare: Although the Olive no requitall yield; Nor Corne apparell the deſerted Field: Though then our Flocks be raviſht from the Fold, And though our Stalls no well-fed Oxen hold: Yet will not I deſpaire, but chearfully Expect, and in thy knowne Salvation joy. For thou my Strength and my Protection art: My feet, more nimble then the flying Hart, Aſcend the Hils; where I, with holy fire, VVill ſing thy Praiſes to my ſolemne Lyre.
LVKE I. As 〈…〉 MY raviſht ſoule extols his Name, VVho rules the VVorlds admired Frame: My Spirit, with exalted Voyce, In God my Saviour ſhall rejoyce: VVho hath his glorious Beames diſplayd, Vpon a poore and humble Maid. Me all ſucceeding Ages ſhall The bleſſed Virgin-Mother call. The Great, great things for me hath wrought; His Sanctity paſt humane thought. His Mercy ſtill reflects on thoſe, VVho in his Truth their Truſt repoſe. He with his Arme hath Wonders ſhowne: The Proud in their owne pride re throwne; The Mighty from their Thrones dejects: The Lowly from the duſt erects. The Hungry are his welcome Gueſts; The Rich excluded from his Feaſts. He mindfull of his Promiſe, hath Maintain'd, and crowned Iſraels Faith: To Abraham promis'd, and decreed For ever to his holy Seed.
LVKE I. As the 46. Pſalme. O Praiſe the Lord, his VVonders tell, VVhoſe Mercy ſhines in Iſrael; At length redeem'd from Sinne and Hell. The Crowne of our Salvation, Deriv'd from Davids royall Throne, He now hath to his People ſhowne. This to his Prophets did unfold; By all ſucceſſively foretold, Vntill the infant World grew old. That he our wrongs would vindicate, Save from our foes inveterate hate, And raiſe our long depreſt eſtate. To ratifie his ancient Deed, His promis'd Grace, by oath decreed, To Abraham, and his faithfull Seed. That we might our Preſerver praiſe, VValke purely in his perfect wayes, And feareleſſe ſerve him all our dayes. His path thou ſhalt prepare, ſweet Child, And run before the Vndefil'd; The Prophet of th'Almighty ſtil'd. Our knowledge to informe, from whence Salvation ſprings: from penitence, And pardon of each foule offence. Through mercy, O how infinite! Of our great God, who cleares our ſight, And from the Orient ſheds his Light. A leading Starre t'enlighten thoſe, VVhom Night, and ſhades of Death incloſe; VVhich that high Tract to glory ſhowes.
LUKE II. As the 34. Pſalme. O Thou who art inthron'd on high, In peace now let thy Servant die, Whoſe hope on thee relies: For thou, whoſe words and deeds are one, At length haſt thy Salvation ſhowne To theſe my raviſht Eyes. By thee, before thy Hands diſplaid The Heavens, and Earths Foundation laid, Vnto the VVorld decree'd: A Lampe to give the Gentiles Light; A Glory, O how infinite! To Iſraels faithfull Seed. FINIS. Gloria Deo in excelſis.
DEO OPT. MAX. O Thou who All-things haſt of Nothing made, Whoſe Hand the radiant Firmament diſplai'd, With ſuch an undiſcerned ſwiftneſſe hurl'd About the ſtedfaſt Centre of the World: Againſt whoſe rapid courſe the reſtleſſe Sun, And wandring Flames in varied Motions run; Which Heat, Light, Life infuſe; Time, Night, and Day Diſtinguiſh; in our Humane Bodies ſway: That hung'ſt the ſolid Earth in fleeting Aire, Vein'd with cleare Springs, wch ambient Seas repaire. In Clouds the Mountaines wrap their hoary Heads; Luxurious Valleies cloth'd with flowry Meads: Her trees yield Fruit and Shade; with liberall Breaſts All creatures She (their common Mother) feaſts. Then Man thy Image mad'ſt; in Dignity, In Knowledge, and in Beauty, like to Thee: Plac'd in a Heaven on Earth: without his toile The ever-flouriſhing and fruitfull Soile Vnpurchas'd Food produc'd: all Creatures were His Subjects, ſerving more for Love then Feare. He knew no Lord, but Thee. But when he fell From his Obedience, all at once rebell, And in his Ruine exerciſe their Might: Concurring Elements againſt him fight: Troups of unknowne Diſeaſes; Sorrow, Age, And Death, aſſaile him with ſucceſsive rage. Hell let forth all her Furies: none ſo great, As Man to Man. Ambition, Pride, Deceit, Wrong arm'd with Power, Luſt, Rapine, Slaughter reign'd: And flatter'd Vice the name of Vertue gain'd. Then Hils beneath the ſwelling Waters ſtood; And all the Globe of Earth was but one Floud: Yet could not cleanſe their Guilt: the following Race Worſe then their Fathers, and their Sons more baſe. Their God-like Beauty loſt; Sins wretched Thrawle: No ſparke of their Divine Originall Left unextinguiſht: All inveloped With Darkneſſe; in their bold Tranſgreſsions dead. When thou didſt from the Eaſt a Light diſplay, which rendred to the World a clearer Day: Whoſe Precepts from Hels jawes our Steps withdraw; And whoſe Example was a living Law: Who purg'd us with his Bloud; the Way prepar'd To Heaven, & thoſe long-chain'd-up Doores unbar'd. How infinite thy Mercy! which exceeds The World thou mad'ſt, as well as our Miſdeeds! Which greater Reverence then thy Iuſtice wins, And ſtill augments thy Honour by our Sins. O who hath taſted of thy Clemency In greater meaſure, or more oft then I! My gratefull Verſe thy Goodneſſe ſhall diſplay. O Thou who went'ſt along in all my way; To Where the Morning with perfumed Wings From the high Mountaines of Panchaea ſprings: To that New-found-out World, where ſober Night Takes from th'Antipodes her ſilent flight; To thoſe darke Seas where horrid Winter reignes, And binds the ſtubborne Flouds in Icie chaines: To Lybian Waſts, whoſe Thirſt no ſhowres aſſwage; And where ſwolne Nilus cooles the Lions rage. Thy Wonders in the Deepe have I beheld; Yet all by thoſe on Iudah's Hils excell'd: There where the Virgins Son his Doctrine taught, His Miracles, and our Redemption wrought: Where I by Thee inſpir'd his Praiſes ſung; And on his Sepulchre my Offering hung. Which way ſo e're I turne my Face, or Feet; I ſee thy Glory, and thy Mercy meet. Met on the Thracian Shoares; when in the ſtrife Of frantick Simoans thou preſerv'dſt my Life. So when Arabian Thieves belaid us round, And when by all abandon'd, Thee I found. That falſe Sidonian Wolfe, whoſe craft put on A Sheepe ſoft Fleece, and me Bellerephon To Ruine by his cruell Letter ſent, Thou didſt by thy protecting Hand prevent. Thou ſav'dſt me from the bloudy Maſſacres Of faithleſſe Indians; from their treacherous Wars; From raging Feavers, from the ſultry breath Of tainted Aire; which cloy'd the jawes of Death. Preſerv'd from ſwallowing Seas; when towring Waves Mixt with the Clouds, and opened their deep Graves. From barbarous Pirats ranſom'd: by thoſe taught, Succeſſefully with Salian Moores we fought. Then brought'ſt me Home in ſafety; that this Earth Might bury me, which fed me from my Birth: Bleſt with a healthfull Age; a quiet Mind, Content with little; to this Worke deſign'd: Which I at length have finiſht by thy Aid; And now my Vowes have at thy Altar paid. Iam tetigi Portum,—Valete.

LONDON, Printed by Iohn Legatt. 1637.