THE Soules Solace, OR Thirtie and one Spirituall EMBLEMS.
Sold by Thomas Ienner, at the South entrance of the Royall Exchange. 1626.
TO the Reader.
LOving and Christian Reader: Loving thou must be, else thou wilt never cover the defects of this Booke, for it is loue that covers a multitude of faults, Christian thou oughtest to be, else canst thou not conceiue of the matter herein contained Hearing many Ministers, I haue pluckt from some of their Gardens, flowers which I haue put altogether, and made a Pofie (if not for thee, yet for my selfe) to smell on: if they profit not thee, yet I am sure they haue done me good, counting [Page] one by one, I haue found out the number thirtie and one. And as they shall be accepted in the world, I shall be encouraged to add as many more, for often hearing, will bring them to my hand; and because men are more led by the eye, then eare, it may be thou looking vpon these little printes, mai'st cōceiue of that which many words would not make so plaine vnto thee. A healthy stomack turnes al that is wholesome vnto good nourishment, which I desire God this may doe: and to that end, I desire him to blesse both it, thee, and me, and rest
Thine in Christ, T. I.
1. Iustification by Faith.
FOr want of forecast and good husbandry,
It comes, that many fall to misery:
And when some vnthrifts run in debt, at last,
We see him rested, and in pryson cast:
When being in bonds, his child seekes his repreeving,
And labours with some friend, for his releeving,
The friend the money brings, which beeing payd,
The Captiue's free, and th'action forthwith stayd,
Yet none will say, the Lad, hath him enlargd;
But his fast friend which hath the debt dischargd.
Thus man for sinne (the debt) Gods Serjeants rest,
Who then for dread of wrath, and Hell's distrest;
When faith, (his child) forth stepping▪ sees that woe,
[Page] FAYTH
That he because of sinne must vndergoe:
And breaketh through the cloudes, to fetch from thence,
[Page] The price of Christ his blood, a Recompence
Sufficient, and aboue, to pay that debt;
That all the Devils spite shall not him let,
Or hinder from that freedome, placed in heaven;
Which to the faithfull ones by Christ is given.
Not that the Art of Faith can doe't alone,
The worke is Christs, whom Faith layes hold vpon:
The Boy frees not the Man, but money payd;
So frees not Faith, But, as on Christ t'is layd.
M. D.
2. The way to get Riches.
LOoke how her neede some Mayden to supply,
Seekes here and there, for water earnestly;
Her Paile's halfe full perhaps, But it's too litle
To serue her turne; she must fill vp a kettle,
Or other vessels of a larger size,
For divers necessaries to suffice.
Then wisely to the Pumpe, in hast, shee goes,
And halfe, or all, shee hath, therein shee throwes,
Where pumping, there comes backe of water store,
If 20 Pailes shee le fill; and yet there's more,
Consider this, who mournest all the day,
For want to wealth, see this, and cast away
Thy carking carefullnes; Marke well this Mayd,
And doe thou likewise, so these griefes shall fade.
[Page] [figure]
Thou hast some wealth in hand, yet wishest more,
Giue freely of that little to the poore;
For the Prophet still a'st wasted, still increast,
In Barrell and in Cruse, So thou shalt haue,
By giving, more then earst thou thoughtst to craue,
Which by mine owne experience I haue seene;
The more I sow'd more hath returned beene:
What measure thou doest meete, shall measured be,
Full pressed downe, and running ore to thee.
The Pumpe's the Poore, the water that's thy riches,
Giving is pumping, which together fetches,
And drawes such blessings from Gods hand aboue,
Thou shalt abound through his free grace and loue.
M. S.
3. A Remedy against Dispaire.
A Great large Payle of durty water throwne,
In some pau'd Hall, Or other roome of stone,
Seemes so aboundant, all the pavement flowes▪
Able to make one wet-shod, much it shewes▪
But were this powrd the Ocean Sea vpon,
T'is swallowed straight, as if there had beene none.
So if thou wilt one sinne vpon thee lay,
And dar'st for that thy selfe engage, to pay;
Thoul't find it greater, and much more, then ever
Thou canst discharge▪ For this can man doe never.
But though thy sinnes bee dipt in scarlet die;
Or as the immense sands in weight they lie,
Though they be blacke, as is the darke of Hell,
Lay them on Christ; In him doth fulnes dwell,
[Page] [figure]
To answere all; Redemption's plenteous
With Him, who sinlesse was made sinne for vs,
Which able is, thy sinnes to abolish plaine:
Doe them through Faith in sound Repentance drown,
They shall like drops in Him be swallowed downe.
E. V.
4 The meanes to get a soft heart.
THe Pible stone (experience dayly shewes)
Hurle it against the ground with fircest throwes,
Or strike a flint with Hammers blows not weak,
Yet hardly will these stones thus forced breake:
But take some Cushion, lay that stone thereon,
You'le shiver it with blowes not more then one.
This Cushion of Gods loue, put Nathan vnder
King Davids heart, which straight did breake in sunder,
Vpbraided thus; Thy Mastersthrone, (saith he)
House, wiues, and children, God hath given thee:
Which were't too little, more He meant to add,
But foolishly thou Him, requitest bad.
This made King David cry, Oh I haue sinn'd
Against my gracious God, to me most kind!
[Page] [figure]
So, to Repentance should Gods loue thee leade,
Who for his mercies chooses to be dread:
[Page] For that he is a iust revenging God,
To stand in awe of Him; and 'cause his Rod
Will force thee else; this argues servile feare,
But not th' obedience that his children beare
To Him, and to his Lawes: Gods faithfull childe
Yeelds honour, loue, and awe, because God's milde,
Long suffering, gentle, patient, slow to wrath:
And 'cause his loue no limitation hath.
If worse then stony, then be not thy heart,
Let Gods▪ great mercies thee to him convert.
M. F.
5. The course to keepe a continuall soft heart.
IN Countries hot, where running streames are seant,
In parching yeares, of water they haue want;
Which to prevent, they digg oft-times great ponds,
Wherein at winter, store of water stands:
Yet are they of no vse, when frosts doe fall;
Because they then be frozen over all;
Which to prevent, they breake one part of that,
Wherein their Beasts, those times, they water at:
And if it freezeth every day, then still
Be tampring with it, every day they will,
To keepe it ope; which three dayes, or a weeke,
Standing vntoucht, will put them to o't, to seeke
With waightey barres, and Irons, it to rend,
[Page] [figure]
And many strookes, and heavie blowes to spend.
Marke this, good Christian, and this Rule [...]ist try,
[Page] Woul'dst thou thy heart keepe soft continually?
Be breaking of it daily, with oft grones,
To God in Prayer, and with thy prayers joyne mones,
For sinne; and Practice some thing, every day
To Set thee onwards, on thy Christian way:
Or Heare, or reade; Conferre, or meditate.
But if thou let these passe, thou shalt feele streight,
Such a benumdnes, o're thy heart to fall,
That then if thou wouldst pray, heare, reade, or all
Thou canst devise, with ne're so great Devotion,
It may be hardly thou shalt get the Motion:
Of Gods good spirit, thy heart to soften so,
As formerly, before thou let'st him goe.
How prayd King David to' th' Almighty Lord,
That hee againe his spirit would afford
Vnto him; when through negligence, and pleasure,
[Page] He might, what earst he counted all his treasure?
What duties promis'd when thou wert first calld▪
Be sure, by sloth, thou let not be for-stalld;
For what thou faylst of them, who ere thou art,
So much of Ioy, be sure, thou shalt come short.
As heere this man by clearing of the way,
Daily with ease, come to the Water may:
So if thou let good duties no day lie,
Thou a soft heart shalt hold inseprably.
M. F.
6. The tryall of a true broken heart.
AS two men passing on the Kings high way,
Should be surpris'd by theeues, that would them slay;
But through much strugling, are not kild out▪right,
For both haue yet some life, and little spirit.
Yet one in mad despayre, doth dying lie,
Because he will not seeke for remedie.
But tother crawles, as weaknes will permit him,
To some good Chirurgion, timely help to get him.
Which Chirurgion doth to him his health restore,
And makes him sound, as ere he was before.
Of these two men, one's good; but tother vild,
The Divills owne, and not Iehovahs Child;
These both hath Sathan wounded in the soule,
With some grosse raigning sinne, that is most foule:
[Page] [figure]
The wicked crying mightily, so lies,
Vnder the feare of wrath; dispayrs, and dies.
That he would for Christs only sake, and loue,
Heale him from this his sinne, his soule distressing,
And from that conflict giue him due refreshing;
And ne're will leaue him, till he hath attaind,
Pardon for's sinne; and Gods sweete favour gaynd.
If thou canst say, why did I thus offend;
Against this gratious God, thus good, thus kind?
And canst withall, to that rich fountaine goe,
From whence all mercy, comfort, grace, doe flow:
Though sinne thy soule hath smitten greviously,
Thou shalt not, for it, be condemnd to die:
For then assure thy selfe, soft is thy heart,
In that thou goest, for ease of this thy smart.
False Iudas had a torturde heart and said,
Oh I haue sinn'd, in that I haue betrayd
To cry, My sinn's more then may be forgiven▪
Whil'st, they for grace and mercy, ne're did call,
Which had they done, they ne're had felt their thrall.
Sue thou for grace, Then art thou in the number
Of those, whose hearts are rightly rent in sunder.
M. F.
7. A Caveat against raigning sinne.
THe Hog tyd by th'leg, with a small cord,
Is to the slaughter driven to be goard.
Thus every man may to himselfe apply,
Though not in all grosse sinnes, I live, and die,
Yet brought I may be to' the depth of Hell,
With some one raigning sinne, with one, as well,
As if my soule with many more were fraught:
And cry with Caine, This, my damnation wrought.
The Ships at Sea are made most tite, and sure,
From every little leake, to be secure;
Least one, as well as more, them cast away.
As one disease, in stead of more, will slay
The impotent. For there's not any sinne,
That thou canst say, Gods not offended in.
[Page] [figure]
Then thus I argue; If God be displeas'd,
That wrath of his must some way be apeas'd;
Which if thou giue not o're; there is noe slacking,
But die thou must, for that fowle darling One;
Though all the others thou hadst long for-gon.
With a small Cord the Swine's to slaughter driven,
By one grosse sinne, the soule's of heaven depriven.
M. T.
8. The vse of the failings of Gods Children.
THe Marriner, when Beacons he perceiues,
Or Boyes before him; warily them leaues
On either hand; For well he knowes, that if
They be not shun'd, he hazardeth his life.
The true converted Christian likewise knowes,
Gods Children falls, and errings, scripture shewes,
Not to be followed, but forgone with heed;
For to this end, theyre given vs to reade.
May be thoult thinke, why may not, I, as they,
So sinne, and liue? For those were saved, theyle say,
Yes, truth they were: But that with much adoe:
Before they came to heaven, they hell past through.
I roar'd all day, for the disquieture
Of soule, which I for sinne did aye endure,
[Page] [figure]
(Saith David) All my bones are broke, and bed
I wash with teares, distilling from my head.
[Page] If thus thou like to morne, then like to sinne;
For none hath pardon, ere repented beene.
The wayes of sin, ne're yet produc'et true pleasure:
Whose seed is quickely sowne, but brings full measure
Of greife, paind, woe. What's good, that imitate.
Nor let vaine hope seduce thee, till too late.
Many haue stumbled at this stone, that now
In torments are; which sayd, Thus, so mayst thou
If thou wilt tread the by-paths, they haue tryd,
The bitter cup of theirs too, thou must bide.
Looke how on sea markes, sea men will not runne:
So faylings of good Christians, Christians shun.
M. D.
9. Reconciliation to God.
HE that some frame of divers peeces makes,
Of one he can doe nought; but two he takes,
Or more, according as the frame is high:
And each by other layeth them, to try
If they will fit, if not, even then he squares
The one, and some-thing from the other payres.
That done, he takes the glew, and joyns them fast,
And so of two makes one, long time to last.
So God and man, disparted are, and twayne;
And cannot of themselues be joyn'd againe;
They both are ruff, vnequall to be one;
And joyn'd together they can be by none.
But Christ, the skilfull Carpenter, doth set
On this great worke, and throughly finish it.
[Page] [figure]
He takes from God his wrath, by suffering,
And sinne from man, his grace attributing;
[Page] Then by his spirit, that combining glew,
Sweetly vnites them, which before were two.
This playne similitude beare still in mind,
Who sorely art vnto despaire inclinde,
Thy sinnes doe vex thee, Christ doth them deface;
In stead of sinnes, he giveth thee his grace;
But Oh I feare the Ire and wrath of God.
Christ also that remooues; he bore his Rod.
But how shall I this know? He giues his spirit,
That knitteth both in one. Thou shalt inherit
Heaven in this life, and when this race is or'e,
Thou shalt be joynd in blisse for evermore.
M. D.
10 The Touch-stone of Spirituall life.
MOrs is a morsell, whereof all must tast;
Some soone come to it, others make no hast.
But all at last must die; for'tis sinnes due.
Noe man can sinne escape, nor death eschew:
Yet dies not every one alike; a Traunce
Some seizes on; some slayne, as'twere by chance,
Others in downy beds, their spirits expire;
Some's vitall powers (may be) benumd, retire
To th' heare; those are not dead; for put a glasse
(Thus triall's made) against their mouth, and face,
Breath being found thereon, aliue they seeme;
If not, them to be dead doe all men deeme.
Death seizeth on the body; Not on soule,
That must liue aye▪ death can it not controule.
[Page] [figure]
But yet the soule is dead too, spiritually,
When as vpon its face, you shall apply
[...] [...][Page] Christs righteousnes; but it, like a dead stone,
Breaths not thereon; That man is such a one,
In whome's noe spirituall life, nor living grace;
For this Divines count life in the last place.
And this rule's certaine; If there shew no breath
No truer signe can be of life, or death.
Therefore though I be wounded, like to die,
I am not dead yet; for the whilst that I
Breath at my Christ, I liue, and shall liue ever,
I'n ghoastly breath, which shewes I shall die never.
Christ is the glasse, thy sinnes doe cause the sound,
If breath of faith; then life of grace is found.
M. F.
11 The sacrifice of the Masse.
THe Law Leviticall to know's much worth,
For that the offices of Christ sets forth;
And manifestly shewes, the Papists Masse
A needlesse Ceremonie euer was.
For why? They offer Christ continually;
Which you shall see confuted presently.
The Preist was one, who onely was to enter
Into the holy place; none else might venter;
Where, for the people, he did sacrifice;
And they without God worshipt otherwise,
But might not make an offering; that alone
Concern'd the Priest, that in to God was gone.
When all was done within, and he come out,
He streight in peace dismissed all the rout.
[Page] [figure]
Thus Christ our high▪ Preist enter'd is within
Holy of holiest; offering (there) for sinne,
[Page] His merrits; with an incense doth afford,
Sweete smellings in the nostrills of the Lord.
The world's the outward court, where we remaine,
Whose duties are to prayse, and laude Gods name,
Not doe the Sacrificing worke at all,
For Christ that same performed once for all.
And when himselfe He offerd vp, that day
All sacrifices else tooke end, for aye.
Leaue off then Masse, and such like trumperies;
Vnlesse Christs offring will not you suffice▪
Who as he is that one, so he's the best;
Yea to this end is entr'd in that rest.
While Nadab and Abihu brought strange fire,
God cut them off, in his provoked ire.
Then feare ye Papists, while you are at Masse,
You be not slayne; for God is as he was.
M. D.
12. A remedy against spirituall pride.
THe grasse, & hearbs, to looke on cheares the sight,
So doe the flowers, and fruits; tis mans delight;
He takes great comfort, and can glory much
To see them greene, and sprout; his joy is such
He thinks one well could liue by these; But when
He veiwes the sunne, the case is alterd then;
For though he gaze vpon them, nought he spies
That seemeth pleasant, or can glad his eyes;
Cause now a while he's blinded, though he tooke
That great delight, (before) on them to looke.
This is the cause why Christians are so proud,
Of their transcendent grace God hath bestowd,
For they themselues doe with themselues compare,
And many times with those that weaker are,
[Page] [figure]
And see not how farre they of him come short,
Who knew noe guile, and had in sinne no part.
[Page] When one shall wisely see what God desires,
What himselfe wants, and what the Law requires,
Hee's strucken blind, who did before behold
Such graces in himselfe, he grew so bold
To vaunt of them▪ This rule to make thee humble
be sure thou take, and then thou shalt not stumble
Vpon the Rock of thine owne haughty mind,
If thou'lt see what thou wantest, and whats behind.
M. B.
13. Some time spent in holy duties, hinder not a mans perticular calling.
THe Swayne that with the sweating of his browes,
Food to himselfe and family allowes;
Who Digs, and Delues, and mowes the Corne, and Grasse▪
And will no precious time in vaine let passe,
Yet whets his sythe, and time to make it keene
Spends daily much; for thereby it is seene
He cuts the Corne more smoother and a pace,
And rids more worke: And counts it no disgrace
Ost so to doe; and that way further gaines
Then if he vs'd (in cutting) greater paines.
So knowes the true Nathaniell Israelite,
By taking paines in good things, his delight,
He looseth not by that, but double gets:
[Page] [figure]
First comfort to his soule, and yet not lets
His owne peculiar calling▪ That day more
[Page] He speeds, then worldlings doe with labour sorr.
And I for my perticular can say,
I gaine more then, Then any other day.
The Lords Commandement was to Israell,
When they did come in Canaan land to dwell,
All their male Children thrice should in the yeare,
Before the Lord of Lords goe vpt' appeare;
And while they so would worship oft; The land
None should assay to get, from out their hand;
But each thing prosper, and succesfull proue,
And all occurrents turne to their behooue.
On Christian practises whet oft thy sythe;
And take't for certaine, thou and thine shall thriue.
M. D.
14. The way to please God in all our actions.
THat Archer will not ayme with both his eyes,
Which shooteth in a game to winn a prize;
But lookes with one eye narrowly, to hit
That pinn, or marke he shootes at, in the white.
So he that God will please, serue, and obey,
That eye must shut, that vseth to survey
Honours, or prayse of men, or worldly pelf;
And thus he good may purchase to himselfe.
Good things then for themselues must freely follow▪
Or else Gods name aright thou canst not hallow:
If I should seeke to please men (saith S. Paul)
Then were I not Gods Minister at all;
Who doth an heart and heart, with hate detest:
The single eye, and simple heart, are best.
[Page] [figure]
While men doe seeke the loue of men to gaine,
They saile of that; and loose the Lord, the maine.
But who alone Him loues, is blest alone.
O let my heart be in thy statutes sound,
That shame may not my soule or face confound!
The Lord all creatures for mans vse did make,
But for himselfe vouch safed man to take;
Sith so's Gods minde, let man to God surrender
Himselfe, and leaving all, God only tender.
And when these two shall meet, My profit, ease;
Gods glory, will▪ Let this, downe to their pease.
The while, Gods glory mans selfe th'eye shut quite:
Disclaimst thy selfe in all. Thou'st hit the white.
M. S.
15. The cause why wicked men, die either suddenly, sullenly, or desperately.
THe Parents to their Children wont each night,
To deale out some convenient jnch of light,
That seemelier they might to their rest resort:
Who fall parchance to wrangle, or to sport,
And so their peece of candle vainly wast;
Which being out, themselues in bed they cast
They know not how; one runns in at the feete,
Another hawles the blancket for the sheete:
And commonly that night no rest they take,
Because no better vse of light they make.
Like to these foolish Children, most men are;
Who though the Lord them time, and health doth spare,
And little light of life affords them heere,
[Page] [figure]
To serue Him still in trembling, and in feare:
This precious time mispent, to graue they goe,
[Page] As men bereau'd of sence, they care not how.
But though this life's a moment, yet depends
Eternity heereon, which never ends.
Statutum est, That thou, as all, must die,
And after that, to Gods Tribunall hie:
See therefore what the prisoners doe, that heare
Deaths doome; Noe more themselues deboist they beare,
But pensiuely tow'rd execution goe.
Take patterne then by them, and doe thou so.
Doe not the Candle of thy life extinguish,
Before thou grace pursue, and sinne relinquish;
Least thou cry (lockt in sable bed of Hell)
To late; Ah, had I life now, I'de line well!
M. D.
16. The impediments of Christian conversation.
THe Citizens for most part Hacknies hire,
And none so soone as they, their horses tier▪
Which riseth hence; With full career they Ride;
And in their Innes the beasts to th' Rack are tied
Meateles vndrest; yet are they switcht, and spurrd,
If on their way they haue a whit demurrd.
But cause they provender with-hold them from,
They grow vnable (through) to bring them home.
Like vnto these are some; those Christians sad,
Who looke not on the Gospell, which makes glad;
But on the Rigour of the Law, their eyne
Doe fix, and on their faults their soules to pine;
Considering not what Christ for them hath payd,
[Page] [figure]
And what is beate vpon so oft, and sayd,
Reioyce ye Righteous, and againe Reioyce;
[Page] And ye of perfect heart, life vp your voyce.
Those seest thou not. But tiest thee to the Rack
Of the lawes Curses, which doe make thee slacke
Thy pace vnto thy home, in heaven attending;
And so before thy time thy zeale hath ending.
When Sampson dranck that mistick spring amaine
His spirits refresht, and he reviu'd againe.
Vnto the house of David opened is
A fountaine for their fowle vncleanesses.
A proclamation's made; Ho, he that will
Come, wine to buy; without price, Take your fill.
Who hath no power, and's faint, He maketh strong.
And strength vnto the strengthlesse doth prolong.
As Eagles mount, to heaven So shall they flee;
And in that walke, or race, vnwearied be.
[Page] Drinck then of these Rich promises Collection,
And thou shalt strengthned be vnto perfection.
M. F.
17. The cause of ignorance in lay Papists.
THose Theeues that vse to pilfer, hate the light,
And seeke by all meanes, to extinguish quite
What light so ere they see; For that discouers
Their mischeife; which else in the darkenes houers,
Therefore before they'le act their wickednes,
All light shall surely out, both more and lesse.
Then they no consctence make; but all they can,
They steale▪ against the lawes of God and man.
[Page] [figure]
Those theeues are Popelings, and this light the word
Which they obscure; and will it not afford
[Page] Vnto the people, least it should discry
Their double dealing, and their villany:
For when the people nought (thence) see, or know,
They make them deeme what they say, must be so▪
Elisha once the blinded Syrian hoast
Diverted from along the Dothan coast▪
Into the midst of Samar's dreadfull bands;
Where they together by their foes strong hands,
Might soone haue perisht, ere they were aware.
Thus Papists, by the Pope perverted are.
Who suffers not the Gospell of our Christ
To shine; But his inventions gloomy▪mist
Misleades them, for the God of this world blinds
The hearts of them, and darkeneth their minds.
Wherefore with this, ye shauclings be asham'd,
And Antichrists vild brood for ere be blam'd,
[Page] That hide from people that, which should afford
Them light of life, to bring them to the Lord.
For as a lantharne serveth shining bright,
In places darke, so doth Gods word giue light.
As curst he was, of old, who drew astray
The blind man, which was going in right way.
So curst for ever be that man of sinne
That thus doth mens damnations travell in.
M. D.
18. The Reprobates vtmost bounds.
AForraine Chapman from the Country comes,
To buy much wares, & to disburse such somes
Of money, as necessity doth craue.
And heere and there he seekes about, to haue
That which is good, and good cheape as he can:
And where he lookes, and likes, he cheapens than,
And likewise mony bids; and faine them would
Haue at his price, if possibly he could:
But deeming them held at too deare a rate,
Goes thence, comes back, tis gone, then greiues too late.
To Christ the yong man comes, and thus he sayn,
Master, What shall I doe heaven to obtayne?
Commandements keepe (saith Christ) steale not, ne kill;
These from my youth I haue observed still,
[Page] [figure]
Replies he. Then Christ; one thing lack'st thou more,
Goe sell what e're thou hast, and giue the poore,
[Page] And thou in heaven shalt haue abundant treasure:
Take vp thy crosse, come follow me, such measure
For this, ere long vpon thee Ile bestow
Of good, as having thou would'st not forgoe.
At thesed▪ epe words, the man departed sad.
If at this price Gods Kingdome must be had,
He rather from his first speech will digresse,
Then leaue his Mammon of vnrighteousnes.
The Formalist or Reprobate thus farre
Goes tow'rd the purchase of this heavenly ware,
To tast the swectnes of the word some deele,
And of another world the powers to feele;
Put rather then he all his sinns will flee,
At length his soule he damns Eternally.
And like the foolish shapman, though too late,
Mourns; that he hath lost heaven, though at that fate.
M. C.
19. The first false putting on of Christ.
THe Simplest or vnmannerliestrude Clowne,
That meets his friend in feild, or in a Towne,
Or farther off, if any he espie,
He mooues his hat; that must of presently.
If in one day a hundreth friends he meets,
Off goes his hat, to every one he greets.
Like to this hat, that's oft put off, and on,
Are such as falsly Christ rely vpon.
And such are they, who only Christned are;
And being no more, in Christ haue no true share.
These seeme to haue him on, but curse, drinke, sweare,
And to dishonour God, nor care, nor feare.
This makes so many Whores, and Rogues increase,
Because they put off Christ, they never cease.
[Page] [figure]
For sanctitie Him did they ne'r assume:
And therefore falsly say, thy king dome come.
[Page] Simon the Sorcerer so far proceeded;
He made profession, with some faith was speeded,
Became baptiz'd for Christ, with Philip stayd,
And saw what workes and miracles he made,
Wondring thereat: But Peter playne him told
He was not of Christs flocke, but Divels fold.
In gall of bitternes thou art (saith he)
And in the bondage of iniquitie.
As Paul of Circumcision once did say,
To thee concerning Baptisme so I may;
The Ceremonie nothing doth availe,
If thou in keeping of Gods lawes dost faile.
Flesh of thy slesh make Christ, Bone of thy bone,
If but thy Hat, in Him part thou hast none.
M. L.
20. The second false putting on of Christ.
THis farther is of Christ a false assumption,
Thinke it not well, it's but a meere presumption▪
When forth Religion as a cloake we weare,
But downe we lay't soone when at home we are.
In Shops we will not keepe it, nor in house,
We will not haue it on; It hangs too loose.
But brush it, rub it, make it cleane, and fine,
This must be borne abroad; Then wee'le be seene.
To weare it but at home, it is too good.
By this (thou hypocrite) is vnderstood,
How thou (abroad) a Connert wilt professe
Thy selfe to be, which art in truth naughtlesse.
Yea, to their Gownes, to their indignity,
Some Clarks haue sayd, lie there Divinitie.
[Page] [figure]
In midst of my house with a perfect heart
(Saith David) I will walke. But, loe, thou art
[Page] A wretch at home and in thy private Chamber.
Which mooveth wicked men the good to slaunder.
Saint Peter to the conuert Iewes thus sayd,
Seeing you are a holy Nation made,
And a peculiar people, walke in sight
Of Gentills, like to those are brought to light
From out of darkenes, who before were not
A people, but as men of God forgot.
Walke in the Law, though you from law are free
And doe you not abuse your libertie,
Nor vse it as a cloake, to sinne; but keepe
Your selues within Christs fold, like faithfull sheepe.
As they their liberty a cloake to sinne
Might not put on; So only to be seene
Weare not thy Saviour; Certainely i f thou
Be not the same, thou dost to others shew▪
[Page] Hee▪le strip thee naked, so the Nations shall
See thou of His no member weart at all.
He that at home is one, abroad another,
Is not adorn▪d with Christ; with Sathan rather.
M. L.
21. The third false putting on of Christ.
THere is a third, which haue not truely taken
And put on Christ; such, whom the Lord doth slackers▪
Of these externall comfort's heere below,
These are like travailers, that sarre doe goe,
And being sure to meete with many a storme,
They put on Hoods, and Coates, and throughly arme
[Page] [figure]
Themselues, for Cold and Raine▪ But warme, and faire,
They cast of all, for loue of open ayre.
[Page] And merrily they passe their time away;
But otherwise it prooues a dolefull day.
Consider now God takes away thy wealth,
Thy goods, and peradventure too, thy health;
O! Then thou vow'st if God will theee restore,
Thou wilt Him better serue, then heere-to-fore.
Most grievously thou mourn'st for what is past;
And now to God thou'lt come, in all the hast:
He heares thy vowes, and granteth thy request,
But what vse mak'st thou since thou were distre'st.
Some I haue knowne haue worse become by farre,
Then e're in all their liues (before) they weare.
When as afflictions are not sanctified,
And better thee, t'is signe thou art not tri'd
For one of Gods▪ for who belong to God,
He as a father betters with his Rod.
[Page] Be thou the same in thy prosperity,
Which thou hast vow'd to be in misery▪
Nor only as a Coate, thy Christ put on;
But, Storme, or Calme, Him weare thy soule vpon.
This which one Wittily writ, may heereto be alluded.
Aegrotat Doemon, monachus tunc esse volebat
Convaluit Doemon, Doemon vt ante fuit.
The Divell was sicke; The Divell a Monke would bee:
The Divell was well; The, Divell a Monke, was bee.
M. L.
22. The benefit of keeping the Sabboth.
A Stronomers by their high skill doe finde,
The sunne doth light the skyes, of every kinde:
And by the brightnes of his beames▪ conuayes
Power to the Clouds to cast on vs their rayes;
By whose faire lustre, we haue light to goe
About our workes, or travell to and fro.
The truth whereof in Mystery to say,
Apply [...] to this sence I am sure I may.
Take the Sunne for Suns-day, or day of rest,
Or Sabbath day; or Lords day, which is best
To call it, for the Lord the same did hallow,
And blest that day, and blest those men that follow
This his ensample. And least we forget
To doe so, to it a Memento set;
[Page] [figure]
Saying, Remember thou keepe this to me,
Then in thy six dayes I will prosper thee.
That on the Sabbath takes such libertie:
But true it is of thee, who e're thou art,
That sette'st not that day for God a part.
It is but equall in seav en to take one,
Who might haue all requir'd, and spar'd vs none.
If any send his servant farre away,
To a strange Country, and him charging, say
I giue thee six dayes for thy vse, and pleasure▪
And food and cloathing and sufficient treasure
To spend, and will maintaine thee; Only this,
One day in seaven spend in my services
Wholly apart; If notwithstanding he
On that day doing his owne worke will be;
His Master may in justice with disgrace,
Both turne him from his service, and his place.
Sunne lightneth them, and Suns-day prospereth thee.
M. M.
23. The opposition of sinne and grace.
IN great and common Wells for every man,
Such as is neere the Burse in Amsterdan,
There are two Buckets fastned to a chaine,
The easier downe to sway, and vp againe.
One being alost, the tother then is vnder,
Necessity doth force them thus asunder
When one is empty t' other straight doth fill;
They ne're are both aboue; one's vnder still.
[Page] [figure]
Like to these Buckets, hanging thus a part,
Is grace and sinne; in every mortalls heart.
[Page] Seest thou a man is given much to sweare?
That man t'is sure hath not the gift of prayer.
And see'st thou one to wrath that's much inclind?
That man hath not a meeke and quiet mind.
The Scripture saith, in Amos, you may reade;
Can two together walke, not well agreede?
There's mortall Enmity twixt sinne and grace,
The one the other striveth to deface.
If the strong man keeps house, himselfe hee'le fence▪
In quiet, still a stronger driues him thence.
When the Soule garnish't is, and swept from sinne,
Then comes Gods spirit, and forthwith enters in.
When the hearts empt'ed quite, and quit of grace,
Then enters streight the Divell, and he takes place.
Soone as Gods Arke to Dagons temple came,
The Idoll falls, and brake, to Ashdods shame.
[Page] Consider this, who loue'st in sinne to liue,
Yet hop'st in heaven thy portion God will giue.
The Iron chaine compells one Bucket low,
And forceth still the other vp to goe.
So sinne and grace (Gods justice doth command)
Nor in one heaven, nor in one heart may stand.
M. D.
24. The Bridle of the Wicked.
THe greedy Dogge, whose nature is to praie
On sheepe, or fowle, and whatso'ere he may
Come ne're, he's ravening at; but marke it, when
The Cudgells o're his head, he trembles then,
[Page] [figure]
And dares not once to satisfie his lust;
Well knowing else what punishment he must
[Page] Seuerely vndergoe; which him withholds,
That otherwise would worry roosts, heards, folds.
This is the cause some runne not out so farre
In all excesse of lewdnes, and doe spare
To medle with grosse sinnes; their confidence smites them:
And feare of hell within their hearts affright's them.
That they by no meanes dare become fo grosse,
T'is not for loue to good, or doubt to lose
Vertue; Ne flesh and spirit in them striving:
But will and Conscience, one the other driving▪
The Will pursues what's wickednes amaine,
The Conscience prickt repells it backe againe.
The Righteous sinns not, cause he feareth God:
The Wicked sinns not; Why? He feares the Rod.
Good Ioseph saith, shall I commit this thing,
And so offend my God by trespassing?
[Page] Yea wicked Balaam cryed, I cannot goe
Beyond Gods word, to doe or lesse or moe;
And why? Because he knowes Gods Angell stands
To smite him through, nor can he scape his hands.
When Balack said, what hast thou done to me?
I cald thee not to blesse mine enemie.
Balam makes answere, Must I not take heedo
To speake, but what the Lord hath sure decreede?
The Dogge desires the praie, but dreads the Wan:
Gods Iudgements driues from sinne the Wicked man.
M. F.
25. The right carriage of a Christian in his calling.
THe little Children are the parents pleasure;
And fitly may be cal'd their parents treasure▪
Who please sometimes to send them to and fro,
'Tis their delight to see how they can goe.
If to his Child, one say, Sirrah goe gather
Those Chips that yonder lie; and bring them hither;
He s [...]reight way goes, and seekes his lap to fill,
Not earing for them; t'is his fathers will
That he should gather them; If any fall
Out of his lap, he vexeth not at all;
Nor lets he downe, and cryes; But what he tooke,
Vnto his father beares with chearefull looke▪
What's Wealth, but Chips? So should they be esteem'd,
[Page] [figure]
Nay worse then so, meere drosse in scripture deem'd.
And what's our calling, but the Lords command?
[Page] That not in Idlenes our dayes should stand.
If th'one, be Chips; and t'other, to obey
The Lords Command is done, you well may say;
They are but worldlings, who no other heart
Doe labour for, saue to get vp a part
Of gayne, and profit. Wealth must not be sought
For't selfe; nor for himselfe a man keepe ought.
And if perchance thou should'st great losses haue,
Thou must not greiue, because thou could'st not saue
Thy state from such disasters; and more pine,
Then if thou had'st lost heaven, and grace Divine▪
And let thy dayes on earth vnchearesull be,
That crosses doe, or losses follow thee.
Make not thy Gold, thy God, thy Calling more
Then to fulfill Gods will, and keepe His Lore.
And what thou hast, be thou content to carry
[Page] Vnto thy graue with joy, craue not to tarry
For wealth and pelfe, of God there's none respected
For these; but with these many are reiccted.
The poore mans poore cstare with grace, is more
Then rich mens rich comport, and heaped store.
Children for losse of Chips repine not, then
Droope not for losse of outward things, being men.
M. D.
26. The danger of wicked men abiding in the Church.
FAyre walkes and gardens, richly deckt with flowers
And beautified with pavements, & with bowers:
Rich men and Nobles for these pleasures care,
[Page] To keepe which seemely, they no cost will spare;
And for that purpose Gardeners doe provide
To see to them at every time and tide:
Which Gardener daily doth with industry
Trim, Prune, and Dresse it; and if he espie
A Weede, or Cockle, with his ready hand
He rootes it out; It shall no longer stand.
The Owner of his Church and bower's, the Lord,
Who doth at every turne and time, afford
A prying eye, and narrow search, to see
If in his Garden weeds, or thistles be;
These with his Hooke of Instice roots he out,
And will not let them there to grow, and sprout,
See this thou Hypocrite, that will not part
With sinne, but lou'st and hid'st it in thy heart.
Goe liue with Turkes, and Heathens, from the pale
[Page] [figure]
Of Christian people; Else God will not faile
Thee to cut vp, and cast out, for (saith He)
[Page] I'le honour'd be, by those draw neere to me.
Thy sinne is double, who dost beare a part
In grosse transgressions; yet liu'st in the heart
And bosome of Gods Church; Pagans offend
Against one Law, but thy sinne doth extend
To breach of two; Of grace, and natures light;
Which in these dayes in Gods church shineth bright.
That light they haue without excuse shall leaue them;
Which thing the Iewes worse made, and did deceiue them,
So that Gomorrah's state, and sodomes land,
In day of Iudgement, easter shall stand
Then theirs; and why? Because to them Christ gaue
Farre greater meanes, (then those) their soules to saue.
As Gardeners suffer Weeds in feilds to grow,
Because on them they never paines bestow;
But where Gods Gospell is, they must not flourish.
M. T.
27. The New Creation.
A Musick Instrument, though fitting strings,
Apt peggs, and frets, it hath; and other things
Which Instruments require; Yet t'is rejected,
If't bee but out of tune's not once respected
Of skilfull Masters; being still the same,
With all the Ornaments that they can name,
As other Instruments; which sweetly play;
Only that it's not tun'd, t'is naught they say,
[Page] [figure]
Away with▪t. Would you know the reason why?
It's out of tune, 'twill make noe melodie.
[Page] But being scrude, and tun'd, and new amended,
It soundeth pleasingly, and is commended.
So every man that's borne is a [full] creature,
Fraught with all humane faculties, as feature
And parts of body▪ and soules powers, as mind,
Will, Conscience, Memory; hee's nought behind
The perfect'st Christian; What can be desir'd?
There's all in him, that is in man requir'd.
Yet yeilds he not to God a pleasant sound,
Because he is not a new creature found.
But when Gods minister shall these vp screw,
And so doth tune and make this creature new,
He streight resounds Spirituall melody,
And in Gods eares giues heavenly harmony.
The Bones Ezechiell saw both dead and dry,
Became of vse, when he did Prophesie.
[Page] Thou nothing art, whilst thou art but meere nature.
Stocks, Stones, & Beasts, each one of them's a creature
And thou no more; But wilt thou better be?
Let Gods word new transforme, and fashion thee:
As Instruments, vnlesse in tune, are slighted;
So men, except new made, ne're God delighted.
M. D.
28. The foolishnes of Transubstantiation.
THe Bush that hangs at Tavern dore doth shew
That there is Wine within; This all men know.
Wee'de count him madd, who▪le run to that, and thinke
He can there-out sufficient liquour drinke:
[Page] [figure]
And will be sucking at the Bush, when true
It is, that hangeth there vnto the veine view
[Page] Of all men passing by; but to declare
Vendible Wines, within that house there are.
Such mad men Papists are, which verefie
That in a little Wafer (hid) doth lye
Christs very flash; While th' elements (there) be
Hung out to Commers in, that they might see,
In Christ alone stands that spirituall food▪
Which must not of these signes be vnderstood.
For bread is bread, even after Consecration;
The worke being done for Christs Commemoration▪
If to remember Him, then hee's not their.
Thus Rings for absent friends we vse to weare.
Now this bread, consecrate, nor common is
To me, for it inwraps high Mysteries.
So of this seale, that little wax, is more
Than all the rest, in the wax▪chandlers store.
But by this seale, I all my lands doe hold;
And by this bread, my title is made sure
In God, to heaven, and life, that aye shall dure.
The bread's the evidence, but not possession,
And to affirme it more, it is transgression.
The Bush doth shew within are Wines to sell▪
So shewes the bread in Christ doth fulnes dwell.
M. V.
29. The Ruine of spirituall comfort.
THe Country Hinde from feild to feild doth goe▪
And heere and there seekes narrowly, if so
That he perhaps may sewell get for fire:
Who when he finds some Log, doth much admire
[Page] His hap; and that vp-taking beares a while
On's necke, to the next gate, or combrousstyle;
Where hauing once consulted with his sloth,
Counting his way; to carry it hee's loth
So farre as home; But (fond) the paines refuses:
And so the good thereof vnwisely looses.
Examine now when some learn'd Minister
Would giue thee signes, if then thy selfe thou stir
Not vp, and think'st, O, I will these make sure!
For they will yeild me comforts, long to dure:
But trialls being many, and thou loft
To muse vpon them vsually, and oft;
Loosest that comfort; had which bin retayn'd,
Thou hadst thy coldnes lost, and zeale hadst gayn'd.
The stony ground, and worldly heart, Gods word
Receiue sometimes with gladnes in the Lord,
[Page] [figure]
As Gospell testifies; but er'e the end
Giue or'e, and to their former wayes descend.
[Page] Thy heart once wrought on; t'is thy greater sinne,
If thou that course dost not continue in.
That sonne which did his Sire deny, yet went
Into the Vineyeard, was not so much shent,
As he, who said immediately I'le goe,
But soone recanted his first speaches fro.
What gaynes the man, that finds the wood, which might
Him cherrish in a cold and frosty night,
If home he bring it not (I doe enquire?)
And warme him well therewith beeing set on fire▪
So I to thee this question thus may frame.
What doft thou gayne, by hearing of that same,
That might reviue thy soule in troublous state,
If Gods Word hearing thou forgetst it streight?
Nought gaynes that man▪ no profit thou shalt find,
Which hear'st Gods word, and keep'st is not in mind.
M. F.
30. The equality of Iustification by Christ.
PInks, Barks, or Boats, driven by wind or oare,
To ferry passengers from shore to shore;
They take in all, both halt, and blind, and lame,
Yong, old, of any qualitie, or name;
Who being there embarkt, one cannot boast
G▪ainst t'other thus, I'le come to yonder coast
Sooner then thou, for I am lusty, strong,
Able to hast, and like to travell long,
I can far (speaking to another) stride
But thou art lame; He cannot thus deride
Him, why? They're in the Ship, and that doth carry
Each one alike; If they therein doe tarry.
They are not brought to th'port by their owne power;
[Page] [figure]
The Ship beares all, all arriue at one hower.
Christ is this Ship, all his are shipt in him,
[Page] In whom all his elect to heav'n must swim.
Art thou within boord there? Then though thou say▪
I am by him sore foyld, from day to day,
Wounded I haue my soule, no hope haue I
To goe to heaven, I must despaire, and die,
Yet art thou well. Another sayes, I'me blind,
And never can the way to heaven find.
O were I with the faith of Abraham blest,
I might assure my selfe to goe to rest!
If I as Samuell could obedient be,
In after dayes none evill I should see.
There is a Christian, he can well command▪
His owne corruption; but I cannot stand:
If I could doe as he does; then t'were well;
At Christs right hand he shall sit, where pleasures dwell▪
Feare not good Christian, t'is not anye's merit
[Page] Can saue him, nor thy sinns thee disinherit
Of that blest state, if thou of this be sure,
Thou art in Christ; Reioyce, thou art secure.
For as a Ship both weake, and strong, doth beare
Together, to the haven free from feare:
So Christ the Christian soules true Ship, doth land
All his Elect in heaven, at his right hand.
M. W.
31. Tobacco.
THe Indian weed withered quite
Greene at noone, cut downe at night
[Page] Shewes thy decay, all flesh is hay,
Thus thinke then drinke Tobacco.
The Pipe that is so lilly white
Shewes thee to be a mortall weight,
And even such, gone with a touch,
Thus thinke, then drinke Tobacco.
And when the smoake ascends on high,
Thinke, thou behold'st the vanity
Of worldly stuffe gone with a puffe:
Thus thinke, then drinke Tobacco.
And when the Pipe grows foule within,
Thinke on thy soule defil'd with sinne,
And then the fire it doth require
Thus thinke, then drinke Tobacco.
The ashes that are left behind,
May serue to put thee still in minde,
That vnto dust, returne thou must,
Thus thinke, then drinke Tobacco.
Answered by G. W. thus,
Thus thinke, drinke no Tobacco.
FINIS.