<■'■■ 
 
I  wJ     y     ^     PRESENTED  TO  THE  LIBRARY 
 
 PRINCETON  THEOLOGICHL  SEMINfiRY 
 
 Professor  H^^^fy  van  Oyke,  D.D.,  LiIi.O. 
 
/        -i 
 
THE 
 
 PRACTICAL  WORKS 
 
 Of    the  Reverend 
 
 RALPH    ERSKINE,  ^.tW: 
 
 CONSISTINGOFHIS 
 
 Sermons  and  Poems. 
 
 IN    TEN    LARGE    VOLUMES    OCTAVO. 
 VOLUME     THE     TENTH. 
 
cy  The  Editors  of  the  prefcnt  handfome  Edition 
 of  the  Kcv.  Mr.  Ralph  Erskine's  Fra&ical  Works ^ 
 in  0(5lavo,  purchafed,  fome'time  ago,  from  the  Heirs 
 of  Mr.  Newlands,  the  original  Proprietor  of  thefe 
 V/orks,  the  folc  right  of  Printing,  Publifliing,  and 
 Vending  thera:  and  judge  it  proper  to  notify  this  to 
 the  Public,  that  none  may  imagine  they  are  invading 
 the  late  Proprietor's  right ;  and  to  afiure  all  others, 
 that  if  any  prefume  to  incroach  upon  theirs,  in  any 
 refpccl,  they  will  fubjed  themfelves  to  a  profecuti- 
 on. 
 
I 
 
 THE 
 
 E    R    M    O 
 
 AND     OTHER 
 
 Practical  Works, 
 
 Of  the  Late  Reverend  and  Learned 
 
 Mr.  R  a  L  P  H    E  R  S  K  I  N  E, 
 
 Minifter  of  the  Gofpel  in  Dunfermli ne. 
 
 CONSISTING    OF 
 
 Above  One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Sermons, 
 befides  his  Poetical  Pieces. 
 
 In  Ten  Large  Volumes  Octavo, 
 
 To  which  is  prefixed, 
 
 Aji  Account  of  the  Author's  Life  and  Writings, 
 with  an  Elegiac  Poem,  and  large  Contents. 
 
 Ifif  are  einhnjfadors  for  Chrijl^     2  CoR.  v.  20. 
 
 V  O  L.     X. 
 
 Cntcrct!  in  €)tationcrj3  =  |)niU 
 
 GLASGOW: 
 
 Printed  by  W  i  l  l  i  a  m   S  m  i  t  h. 
 Sold  by  W,  Smith  and  j.  BRYCE,bookfelleus5  SaUmei'cai. 
 
 M  D  C  C  L  X  X  V  I  I  I. 
 
I 
 
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 PREFACE 
 
 B  Y    T  H  E 
 
 PUBLISHERS. 
 
 POETICAL  compofitions,  it  will  readily  be  ad- 
 mitted, are  of  a  very  antient  original ;  and  very 
 early  Ipecimens  of  this  kind  of  writing  are  yet  to  be 
 found  on  record,  both  in  facred  ^  and  profane  ftory. 
 — Writings  in  poefy  have  many  peculiar  excellencies 
 in  them,  and  particular  advantages  attending  them : 
 and  when  men,  endued  with  poetical  talents,  em- 
 ploy them  on  fubjectsof  real  importance,  thefparkling 
 and  flowery  images,  the  magnificent  and  lofty  ex- 
 preflions,  and  the  ftriking  figures  and  retorical  embel- 
 lifliments,  add  fuch  a  native  grandeur,  dignity,  and 
 majefty  to  the  fubjecl,  that  the  mind  is  not  only  truly 
 elevated,  the  attention  gained,  the  affections  moved, 
 and  devotion  excited ;  but  the  memory  is  gradually 
 prepared  to  retain  and  be  benefited  by  them,  on  ac- 
 count of  the  beautiful  and  elegant  manner  in  which 
 the  various  topics  are  elucidated. 
 
 *  See  the  Song  of  Mofes  at  the  Red-fea,  Exod.  xv.  i, — 2r. 
 This  Song  is  the  moft  antient  and  fublinie  piece  of  poetry  in  the 
 world  :  the  images  are  natural  ;  the  arangement  of  its  ideas  is 
 beautiful  ;  and  the  drain  of  piety  which  breathes  through  tha 
 whole,  is  truly  evangelical. 
 
6  PREFACE. 
 
 No  fubjecl  is  more  interefting,  or  can  be  a  fitter 
 theme,  for  thofe  vefted  with  a  poetical  genius,  than 
 thefe  of  an  evangelical  nature,  either  directly  founded 
 upon  fome  particular  portion  of  facred  writ,  or  drawn 
 from  it,  by  juft  and  neceffary  confequence.  No 
 writings,  for  juihiefs  of  fentiment,  and  fublimity  of 
 ftile,  can  equal  or  compare  with  thefe  of  divine  infpi- 
 ration :  and  though  the  myfteries  of  Chriftianity,  and 
 the  wonders  of  our  holy  religion,  ftand  in  no  need  of 
 gay  trimings  and  poetical  embellilhments  to  fet  them 
 off;  yet,  fuch  is  the  fuperior  excellency  of  infpired 
 poefy,  that  the  brighteft  and  moft  elevated  defcrip- 
 tions  of  a  mortal  pen  muft  vail  to  it :  and  therefore, 
 fays  a  celebrated  writer,  '  If  any  would  attempt  to  be 
 '  maftcr  of  true  eloquence,  and  aim  at  a  proper  ele- 
 *  ration  of  Itilc,  let  him  read,  with  unremitting  dili- 
 '  gencc,  the  antient  prophets,  and  infpired  apoftles; 
 '  for  their  writings  are  an  abundant  fource  of  all  the 
 '  riches  and  ornament  of  fpeech.' 
 
 Where  will  you  find  fuch  ftrong  figures,  bold  me- 
 taphors, and  furprifingly  beautiful  images,  than  in 
 the  writings  of  Mofes,  the  Ifraelitifh  law-giver,  whom 
 Lonfjinus  himfelf,  a  Gentile  critic,  cites  as  mafter  of 
 the  true  fublimc  ftile  ?  Where  can  there  be  feen,  a- 
 mong  all  our  celebrated  moderns,  fuch  grandeur,  va- 
 riety, and  juflnefs  of  ideas,  or  more  pomp  and  beauty 
 of  expreflion,  than  in  the  writings  of  Job  ?  And  is 
 not  poetical  excellencies,  depth  of  thought,  and  fub- 
 limity of  ftile,  carried  to  its  utmoft  pitch,  in  the 
 writings  of  David,  the  prophet  liaiah,  and  in  fome 
 pafliiges  of  the  lefler  prophets? — When  this  is  the  cafe, 
 is  it  not  furprifing  that  fo  many,  endued  with  fine 
 poetical  abilities,  fhould  fo  mucli  ncglccf,  in  their 
 various  compofitions,  to  read  their  Bibles,  adopt  the 
 fentiments,  and  attempt  to  imitate  tl;e  fublimc  ftile  of 
 the  infpired  writers? 
 
PREFACE.  7 
 
 It  hath  been  now  a  long  and  juft  complaint,  that 
 poefy,  which  is  of  a  divine  original,  fliould  have 
 been  fo  much  debafed  to  the  worft  of  purpofes,  in  de- 
 corating vice  and  profanenefs  ;  and  that  men,  endued 
 with  fuch  a  happy  talent,  Ihould  fo  much  employ  it, 
 in  furnifliing  out  theatrical  entertainments,  or  upon 
 ludicrous  and  profane  trifles.  How  happy  would  it 
 have  been  for  the  world,  what  an  ornament  to  Chri- 
 ftianity  and  advantage  to  the  church ;  and  how  ho- 
 nouring to  themfelves,  as  well  as  beneficial  to  the 
 interefts  of  religion,  had  they  employed  it  on  evange- 
 lical and  divine  fubjefts,  in  pointing  out  the  beauties 
 of  creation,  the  bounty  of  providence,  the  depths  of 
 redeeming  love  and  grace,  and  the  excellency  and 
 fweetnefs  of  true  religion  and  practical  godlinefs! 
 
 The  Rev.  Mr.  Erskine,  Author  of  the  following 
 Poems,  was  happy  in  employing  his  poetical  talent  to 
 the  beft  of  purpofes :  the  fubjecls  he  made  choice  of 
 to  handle,  were  of  the  utmoft  importance  for  man- 
 kind to  know;  his  manner  of  treating  them,  truly 
 evangelical ;  and  the  fpirit  that  breathes  through 
 them,  heavenly  and  divine;  tending  to  warn  the 
 heart,  excite  to  genuine  devotion,  and  to  infplre  the 
 mind  with  juft  and  proper  fentiments  of  God  and 
 true  religion. 
 
 The  fentiments  of  Dr.  Bradbury,  relative  to  our 
 Author's  poetical  talent,  is  very  juft.  '  Mr.  Erfkine's 
 '  Poems,  fays  he,  are  greatly  to  be  efteemed,  for  the 
 
 *  fweetnefs  of  the  verfe,  the  difpofitlon  of  the  fubjecls, 
 
 *  the  elegancy  of  the  compofition,   and,    above  ail, 
 
 *  for  that  which  animates  the  whole,  the  favour  of 
 '  divine  and  experimental  knowledge." 
 
 The  following  lines  of  two  celebrated  Englifh  poets, 
 in  commendation  of  another,  may  not  improperly  be 
 applied  to  our  Author; 
 
8 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Say,  human  feraph,  whence  that  charming  force, 
 That  flame!   that  foul !  which  animates  each  hne ; 
 And  how  it  runs  with  fuch  a  graceful  eafe. 
 Loaded  with  pond'rous  fenfe !  Say,  did  not  He, 
 The  lovely  Jesus,  who  commands  thy  breaft, 
 Infpjre  thee  with  himfelf? Grove. 
 
 No  vulgar  themes  thy  pious  mufe  engage, 
 
 No  fcenes  of  lull  pollute  thy  facred  page. 
 
 You  in  majeftic  numbers  mount  the  Ikies, 
 
 And  meet  defcending  angels  as  you  rife. — 
 
 Regard  the  man,  who  in  feraphic  lays 
 
 And  flowing  numbers  fings  his  Maker's  praife: 
 
 He  needs  invoke  no  fabled  mufe's  art. 
 
 The  heavenly  fong  comes  genuine  from  his  heart ! 
 
 From  that  pure  heart  which  God  hasdeign'd  t*infpirc, 
 
 With  holy  raptures  and  a  facred  fire. 
 
 Thrice  happy  man ! Euseb. 
 
 GLASGOW,  Sept. 
 24th,  1778. 
 
THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 TABLE  of  the  GOSPEL  SONNETS. 
 
 The  Publifhers  Preface  to  the  poetical  Works,  -  j 
 
 A  Defence  of  rhyme  and  mLificai  metre,  -  27 
 
 A  general  Preface,  fhevving  the  Author's  intention  of  writing  the 
 
 Sonnets,  viz.  to  open  up  fome  of  the  great  myfteries  of  the  gof- 
 
 pel,  and  commend  Chnft  to  the  foul ;   to  point  out  fome  of  the 
 
 Ipecial  dodrines   he  intends  to  elucidate  ;    to  affij^n  rules  to  be 
 
 obferved  for  reading  them  with  profit  and  advantage,     35, — 45: 
 
 A  Recommendatory  Poem  on  reading  them,  wrote  by  a  Lady,   46 
 
 PARTI. 
 
 The  Believer's  Espousals. 
 
 Preface,  containing  a  pathetic  call  to  read  the  Efpoufals  with  at- 
 tention, and  displaying  the  myfterious  nature  of  the  fpiritual 
 marriage,  -  -  =  47 
 
 CHAP.     I. 
 
 A  general  account  of  man's  fall  in  Adam,  and  the  re- 
 medy provided  in  Chrift  ;  and  a  particular  account 
 of  man's  being  naturally  wedded  to  the  law  as  a  co- 
 venant of  works,  -  -  48 
 
 54-^7.   I.  The  fall  of  Adam,                       -                   -  il>icf. 
 
 Se6i.   2.  Redemption  through  Chrift,                •■                 -  49 
 
 Sefi.   3.  Man's  legal  difpofition,                   -                   -  52 
 
 Ss&.  4.  Man's  ftridl  attachment   to  legal  terms,  or  to  the  law  as 
 
 condition  of  life,  -  -  5  3 
 Si'^.   5.  Mens  vain  attempt  to   fcek  life  by  Chrift's  righteoufnefs, 
 
 joined  with  their  own  j  and  legal  hopes  natural  to  all,  55 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 The  manner  of  a  fmner's  divorce  from  the  law  in  a  work 
 of  humiliation,  and  of  his  marriage  to  the  L^rd  Jefus 
 Chrift  j  or,  the  way  how  a  hnner  comes  to  be1f  be- 
 liever, -  -  -  59 
 
 Seel.  I.  OPa  law-work,  and  the  workingsof  legal  pride  under  It,  z^. 
 SccJ.  2.  Conviction  of  fin  and  wrath  carried  on  more  deeply  and 
 
 efPeJlually  on  the  heart,  -  -  62 
 
 So!}.  ^.  The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved  vvich  fome.  fl^ving  dif- 
 
 coveries  of  Chrilt  the  RedeciViCr,  -  64 
 
 Vol.  X.  B 
 
X  CONTENTS. 
 
 Se^.  4.  The  workings  of  the  Spirit  of  faith,  id  feparating  the 
 heart  from  all  felf-righteoufnefs,  and  drawing  out  its  confent 
 to,  and  defire  after  Chrill,  alone  and  wholly,  66 
 
 Se^.  5.  Faith's  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  cordial  renunciation 
 of  ail  its  own  ragged  ri^hteoufnefs,  and  formal  acceptance  of, 
 and  clofing  with  the  perfon  of  glorious  Chrift,  69 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 The  fruits  of  the  behever's  marriage  with  Chrift,  parti- 
 cularly gofpel-holinefs,  and  obedience  to  the  law  as  a 
 rule,  -  -  -  71 
 
 SeSi.  I.  The  fweet  folemnity  of  the  marriage  now  over,  and  the 
 fad  cfFefts  of  the  remains  of  a  legal  fpirit,  ibid. 
 
 SeSl.  2.  Faith's  vidories  over  fin  and  Satan,  through  new  and 
 further  difcovcries  of  Chrift,  making  believers  more  fruitful  in 
 holinefs  than  all  other  pretenders  to  works,  -  73 
 
 S£&.  5.  True  faving  faith  ma'gnifying  the  law,  both  as  a  cove- 
 nant and  a  rule.      Falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruining,  75 
 
 SeSi.  4-  The  believer  only,  being  rn.u'ried  to  Chrift,  is  juftified  and 
 fanftified  ;  and  the  more  gofpel-freedom  from  the  law  as  a  co- 
 venant, the  more  holy  conformity  to  it  as  a  rule,  7S 
 
 Ssii.  5.  Gofpel-grace  giving  no  liberty  tolln,  but  to  holy  fervice 
 and  pure  obedience,  -  -  81 
 
 CHAP.     IV. 
 
 A  caution  to  all  againft  a  legal  fpiiit,  efpecially  to  thofe 
 that  have  a  profelnon  without  power,  and  learning 
 "without  grace,  -  -  82 
 
 CHAP.     V. 
 
 Arguments  and  encouragements  to  gofpel-minifters  to 
 avoid  a  legal  ftrain  of  dodrine,  and  endeavour  the 
 fmner's  match  with  Chrift  by  gofpel  means,  85 
 
 SeH.    I.   A  'eg'-^I  fpirit  the  root  of  damnable  error.?,  ibiJ. 
 
 Sefi.  2,  A  legal  ftrain  of  doctrine  difcovered  and  difcarded,  86 
 Se^'  3.  The  hiirtfuluefs  of  not  preaching  Chrift,  and  diftinguifh- 
 
 ing  duly  between  law  and  gofpel,  -  88 
 
 SeJf.   4.  Damnable  pride  and  felf-righteoufnefs,  fo  natural  to  all 
 
 men,  have  little  need  to  be  encouraged  by  legal  preaching,  89 
 Sif^r.   5.  The  gofpel  of  divine  grace  the  only  means  of  converting 
 
 fmners  ;   and  therefore  fliould  be   preached  moft  clearly,  fully, 
 
 and  freely,  -  -  -  92 
 
 C  II  A  P.     VI. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  all  that  are  out  of  Chrift,  in  order  to 
 their  clofing  the  match  with  him  ;  containing  alfo 
 motives  and  dircdions,  .  .  96 
 
CONTENTS.  xi 
 
 Sefl.  I.  Convidion  offered  to  finners,  efpecially  fuch  as  are  wed- 
 ded ftriftly  to  the  law,  or  felf-righteous  ;  that  they  may  fee 
 therr  need  of  Chrift's  righteoufnefs,  -  ibid. 
 
 Se(f.  2.  Diredion  given  with  reference  to  the  right  ufe  of  the 
 means,  that  we  reft  not  on  thefe  indead  of  Chrilt  the  glorious 
 Hufband,  in  whom  alone  our  help  lies,  -  99 
 
 Sefl.  3.  A  call  to  believe  in  Jefus,  with  fome  hint  at  the  ad  and 
 objedt  of  faith,  -  -  _  J02 
 
 SeB.  4.  An  advice  to  finners  to  apply  to  the  fovereign  mercy  of 
 God,  as  it  is  difcovered  through  Chrift,  to  the  higheft  honour 
 of  jufticc,  and  other  divine  attributes,  in  order  to  further  their 
 faith  in  him  unto  falvation,  -  -  105 
 
 Sefl,  ^.  The  terrible  doom  of  unbelievers  that  rejcdl  the  gofpel- 
 match,  the  offered  Saviour  and  falvation,  -  loS 
 
 PART        II. 
 The  Believer's  Jointure. 
 
 CHAP.    I. 
 
 Containing  the  privileges  of  the  believer  that  is  efpoufed 
 ■  to  Chrifl  by  faith  of  divine  operation,  113 
 
 Sect.  I.  The  believer's  perfed  beauty,  free  acceptance,  and  full 
 fecurity,  through  the  imputation  of  Chrift's  perfed  righteouf- 
 nefs,  though  imparted  grace  be  imperfefl,  -  ibid. 
 
 Sect.  2.  Chriil  the  believer's  Friend,  Prophet,  Prieft,  King,  De- 
 fence, Guide,  Guard,  Help,  and  Healer,  -  iij 
 
 Sect.  3.  Chrift  the  believer's  wonderful  Phyfician,  and  wealthy 
 Friend,  -  -  -  -  117 
 
 Sect.  4.  The  believer's  Safety  under  the  covert  of  Chrift's  atoning 
 blood  and  powerful  interceffion,  -  -  iir) 
 
 Sect.  5.  The  believer's  faith  and  hope  encouraged  even  in  the 
 darkeft  nights  of  defertion  and  diftrefs,  -  121 
 
 Sect.  6.  Benefits  accruing  to  believers  from  the  offices,  names,  na- 
 tures, and  fufferings  of  Chrift,  -  -  123 
 
 Sect.  7,  Chrift's  fuftarings  further  improved,  and  believers  called  to 
 liveby  faith,  both  when  they  have  and  want  fenfible  influences,  125 
 
 Sect.  8.  Chrift  the  believer's  enriching  treafure,  -  127 
 
 Sect.  9.  Chrift  the  believer's  adorning  garment,  -  128 
 
 Sect.  10.  Chrift  the  believer's  fweet  nourilhment,  -  129 
 
 CHAP.     IT. 
 
 Containing  marks  and  charafters  of  believers  in  Chrift  ; 
 together  with  fome  farther  privileges  and  grounds  of 
 comfort  to  the  faints,  -  -  130 
 
 Sect .  I.  Doubting  believers  called  to  examine  themfelves  by  marks 
 drawn  from  their  lov€  to  him  and  his  prefence,  their  view  of  his 
 glory,  and  iheir  being  emptied  of  felf-righteoufuefs,  6f.     ibid. 
 
 B  2 
 
xii  CONTENTS. 
 
 Sect.  2.  Believers  defcribed  from  their  faith  ading  by  divine  aid, 
 and  fiying  quite  out  of  themfelves  to  Jefus  Chrift,  132 
 
 Sect.  ?,  Believers  charadterized  by  the  objedts  and  purity  of  their 
 defn-e,  delight,  joy,  hatred,  and  love,  difcovering  they  have  the 
 Spirit  of  Chrift,  -  -  -  1 34 
 
 Sect.  4.  Believers  in  Chrift  affeft  his  counfel,  word,  ordinances,  ap- 
 pearance, full  enjoyment  in  heaven,  and  Iweet  prefence  here,  136 
 
 Sect.  5.  The  true  believer's  humility,  dependence,  zeal,  growth,  ad- 
 miration of  free  grace,  and  knowledge  of  Chrlft's  voice,  13S 
 
 Sect.  6.  True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and  examined.  Alfo 
 comforts  arifing  to  them  from  Chrift's  ready  fupply,  real  fim- 
 pachy,  and  relieving  names  fuiting  their  needs,  14O 
 
 Sect.  7.  The  believer's  experience  of  Chrift's  comfortable  prefence, 
 or  of  former  comforts,  to  be  improved  for  his  encouragement 
 and  fiipport  under  darkuefs  and  hidings,  -  143 
 
 Sect.  S.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  ftability  of  the  promife, 
 notwithftanding  heavy  chaftifements  for  fin,  -  145 
 
 Sect.  9.  Comfort  to  believers  from  Chrift's  relations,  his  dying 
 Jove,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  which  he  will  lead  them  through 
 death,  and  fupply  them  with  aU  necellaries  by  the  way,        147 
 
 Sect.  10.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  text,  T/)y  Maker  is  thy 
 Hujhand,  inverted  thus.  Thy  Hujoanct is  thy  Maker  ;  and  the 
 conclufioa  of  this  fubjedt,  -  -  149 
 
 PART.         III. 
 
 The  B E  L I E VE  R 's  R I  D  D  L  E  ;  or,  Z/:?^  Myjlery  oj Faith. 
 
 The  preface,  fhswing  the  ufe  and  defign  of  the  Riddle,  and  how 
 
 all  fatal  errors  proceed  from  ignorance  of  fuch  myfteries,  iji 
 Sect.  I.  The  myftery  of  the  faint's  pedegree,  and  efpecially  of  their 
 
 relation  to  Chrift's  wonderful  perfon,  -  154 
 
 Sect.  2.  The  myfteries  of  the  faint's  life,  ftate,  and  frame,  160 
 Sect.  3.  Myfteries  about   the  faint's  work  and  warfare,  fins,  for-. 
 
 rows,  and  joys,  ...  K^^ 
 
 Sect.  4     Myfteries    in  faith's   extradions,  way  and  walk,   prayers 
 
 and  anfwers,   heights  and  depths,  fear  and  love,  169 
 
 Sett.  5.  Myfteries  about  flefh  and  fpirir,  liberty  and  bondage,  life 
 
 and  death,  -  -  -  177 
 
 Sect.  6.  The  myftcry  of  freejuftification  through  Chrift's  obedience 
 
 and  farisfadion,  -  -  180 
 
 Sect.'].  The   myftery  of  God   the  Juftifier  ;     and  failh  juftifying 
 
 him,  both  in  his  juftifying  and  conjeiiming  ;   or,  foul-juftifica- 
 
 tion  and  felf-condcmnation,  -  -  1S4 
 
 Sect.  8.  The  myftery  of  fan^ification  imperfeifl:  in  this  life;  or,  tlie 
 
 believer  doing  all,   and  doing  nothing,  -  189 
 
 Sect.  9.   The  myftery  of  various  names   given  to  faints  ;    or,   the 
 
 flefh  and  fpirit  defcribed  fiom  inanimate  things,  vciretables  and 
 
 lenlitivcs,  ,  -  .  193 
 
 Scct^  10.  The  myftcry  of  the  faints  old   and  new  man  further  de- 
 
 liiribQd,  and  thi;  means  of  their  fpiritual  life,  -  197 
 
CONTENTS.  xiii 
 
 Sect.  1 1.  The  myftery  of  Chrift,  his  names,  natures,  and  offices,  202 
 Sect.  12.  The  nayftery  of  the  believer's  mixed  ftate  further  enlarg- 
 ed, and  his  getting  out  of  evil,  -  207 
 Sect.  13.  The  myftery  of  the  faint's  adverfaries  and  adverfities,  211 
 Sect.  14.  The  myftery  of  the  believer's  pardon  and  fecurity  from 
 revenging  w^rath,  notwithftanding  his  fin's  deferc,  214 
 Sect.  15,  The  myftery  of  faith  and  fight,                  -  219 
 Sect.  16.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  works,                 -                 ,222 
 And  of  rewards  of  grace  and  debt,                 -  225 
 The  conclufion,             -                     -              ,217 
 
 PART         IV. 
 
 The   B  E  L  I  E  V  E  R  '  S    LOD  G  I  N  G. 
 
 A  paraphrafe  upon  Pfalm  ixxxiv.                        -  228 
 
 A  fourfold  exercife  for  the  believer  in  his  lodging,  2'>4 
 
 1.  The  holy  law  ;   or,  the  ten  commindments,  ibid. 
 
 2.  The  unholy  heart,  the  reverfe  of  God's  Jaw,  ibij, 
 
 3.  The  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift,  the  remedy,  -              i:^g 
 
 4.  The  prayer  of  faith  exemplified,                       -  ibiJ. 
 
 PART         V. 
 
 Tke  Believer's  Soliloq.uy;  efpecially  in 
 Times  of  Defer  t  ion.  Temptation^  Ajjiiciion,  &C. 
 
 Sect.  I.  The  deferted  believer  longing  for  perfefl  freedom  from 
 fin,  -  -  -  -  236 
 
 Sect.  2.  The  deferted  believer's  prayer  under  complaints  of  unbe- 
 lief, darknefs,  deadnefs,   and  hardnefs,  -  2;8 
 
 Sect.  3.  The  believer's  wading  through  depths  of  defertion  and 
 corruption,  -  -  -  -  241 
 
 Sect.  4.  The  believer's  complaint  of  fin,  forrow,  and  want  of 
 love,  -  -  -  241 
 
 Sect.  5.  The  deferted  foul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's  gracious  and 
 fin-fubduing  prefence,  -  -  244 
 
 Sect.  6.  The  fong  of  heaven,  defired  by  faints  on  earth,  246 
 
 PART         VI. 
 The  Believer's  Principles. 
 
 C  H  A  P.     I. 
 
 Containing  creation  and  redemption  ;  or,  fome  of  the 
 firfl  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God,  248 
 
 Sect.  I.  Of  creation.  The  firft  chapter  of  Genefiscompendifed,  ibi<^. 
 The  fum  of  creation,  -  ibid. 
 
 Sect.  2.  Of  redemption.  The  myftery  of  the  Redeemer's  incarna- 
 tion j  or,  God  munifefted  in  the  flclli,  -  2<;o 
 
xiv  CONTENTS. 
 
 The  fum  of  redemption,  -  251 
 
 Sect.  5.  The  Redeemer's  work  ;  or,  Chrift  all  in  all,  and  our  com- 
 plete redemption.  AgofpcichatechifmforyoungChriftians,  ibid. 
 Sect.  4.  Faith  and  works  both  excluded  from  the  matter  of  juftifi- 
 cation  before  God,  that  redemption  may  appear  to   be  only  in 
 Chrift,  -  -  -  255 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 Concerning  the  law  and  thf  gofpd,  257 
 
 SeB.  I.  The  myftery  of  law  and  gofpel,  -  ibid. 
 
 Si^.  2.  The  difference  between  the  law  and  the  gofpel,  267 
 
 Se^.  3.  The  harmony  between  the  law  and  the  gofpel,  270 
 
 Sed.  4.  The  proper  place  and  Aation  of  the  law  and   gofpel,    in 
 four  paragraphs,  -  -  273 
 
 Parag.  I.  The  place  and  ftationoflawand  gofpelin  general,  274 
 Parag.  2-  The  place  and  ftation  of  law  and  gofpel  in  particu- 
 lar, -  -  -  275 
 Parag.  3.  The  gofpel  no  new  law;  but  a  joyful  found  of  grace 
 and  mercy,                         -                          -                          279 
 Parag.  4.  The  gofpel  further  defcribed,  as  a  bundle  of  good 
 news  and  gracious  promifes,                           -  281 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 
 Concerning  juflification  and  fandification,  their  differ- 
 ence and  harmony,  -  283 
 
 Se8.  I.  The  difference  between  juftification  and  fanftification  ;  or, 
 righteoufnefs  imputed  and  grace  imparted,  in  upwards  of  thirty 
 particulars,  -  -  -  ibid. 
 
 Seh.  2.  Theharmony  between  juftification  and  fandification,  288 
 
 C  H  A  P.     IV. 
 Concerning  faith  and  fenfe,  290 
 
 ' Sed}.  I.  Faiih  and  fenfe  natural,  compared  and  diflinguifhed,  ibid. 
 
 SfSl.  2.  Faith  and  fenfe  fpi ritual,  compared  and  diftinguiflied,  292 
 
 Sc0.  3.  The  harmony  and  difcord  between  faith  and  fenfe,       294 
 
 5i,'<7.  4.  The  valour  and  vic'^ories  of  faith,                   -                   295 
 
 Se^.  5.  The  heights  and  depths  of  fenfe,                    -                   297 
 
 Seci.  6.  Faith  and  frames  compared,  or  faith  building  upon  fenfe 
 
 difcovered,  -                      -                 '                     298 
 
 CHAP.    V. 
 
 Concerning  heaven  and  earth,  301 
 
 iS^^.  I.  The  work  and  contention  of  heaven,  -  ibid. 
 
 ScCl.  2.  Earth  defpicable,  heaven  dcfn-eable,  -  303 
 
 Smoking  fpiriiualized,  in  two  parts,  -  306 
 
CONTENTS.  XV 
 
 T  ABLE  of  the  SONG  of  SOLOMON. 
 
 A  Paraphrafe,  or  large  Explicatory  Poem  on  the  Song 
 of  Solomon.  -  -  309 
 
 Preface  to  the  curious  reader,  containing  the  Author's  apology  for 
 the  undertaking  ;  fhewing  his  defign  in  writing  the  poem,  his 
 manner  of  doing  it  j  with  what  is  to  be  his  proper  theme,       308 
 
 Preface  to  the  ferious  reader  j  pointing  out  the  divine  warrant  for 
 fuch  productions,  afcertaining  the  proper  fenfe  of  the  Song,  of- 
 fering a  fuitable  key  for  underftanding  it,  guarding  it  aguinft 
 the  cavils  of  profane  wits,  affirming  its  authenticity,  and  plead- 
 ing for  favourable  allowances  for  want  of  a  proper  degree  of 
 fpirituality  in  treating  it,  -  v  gio 
 
 CHAP.     I. 
 
 The  church's  love  unto  Chrift. — She  confcfieth  her  de- 
 formity, and  prayeth  to  be  direfted  to  his  flock, — 
 Chrift  diredeth  her  to  the  Ihepherds  tents  ;  and  fliew- 
 eth  his  love  to  her,  giving  her  gracious  promifes. 
 — The  church  and  Chrift  congratulate  one  ano- 
 ther, -  -  -  315 
 
 The  title  of  the  fong,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 The  church's  love  unto  Chrift,  verfes  i, — 4.  -  ihid. 
 
 She  confefleth  her  deformity,  ^erfes  5,6.  -  218 
 
 She  prayeth  to  be  directed  to  Chrifl's  flock,  verfe  7.  ^20 
 
 Chrift  dirc£leth  the  fpoufe  to  the  ihepherd's  tents,  verfe  8.  ^21 
 Sheweth  his  love  to  her  by  corameHdations,  verfcs  9,  10.  322 
 Giveth  her  gracious  promifes,  vcfe  11.  -  j2; 
 
 The  church  and  Chrift's  congratulations,  vcr.  12, — 17.  324, — 329 
 The  church's  commendation  of  Chrift,  verfes  13,  14.  325 
 
 Chrift  commendeth  the  fpoufe's  beauty,  verfe  15.  327 
 
 The  church  returns  the  commendation,  and  extolleth  her  Be- 
 loved's beauty,  verfcs  16,  17.  -  527,328 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 The  mutual  love  of  Chrift  and  his  church. — The  hope 
 and  calling  of  the  church. — Chrift's  care  of  the 
 church. — The  profeffion  of  the  church,  her  faith  and 
 hope,  -  -  '  ?>?>o 
 
 Chrift's  fpeech  concerning  himfelf  and  the  church,  v.  i,  2.  330,  331 
 The  fpoufe  commends  her  Beloved,  and  prefers  him  above  all  o- 
 
 thers,   verfe  3.  -  -  332 
 
 Remembers  the  pleafure  and  fatisfadlon  fhc  had  in  communion 
 
 with  Chrift,  verfe /^.  -  -  334 
 
xvi  CONTENTS. 
 
 Entertains  herfelf  with  tlie  prefent  tokens  of  his  favour,  verfa 
 5»6.  -  -  -  335,  336 
 
 Takes  care  that  nothing  happen  to  intercept  him,  ver.  7.    ihicl. 
 
 Triumphs  in  his  approaches  towards  her,  verfes  8,  Q  336 
 
 Repeats  the  gracious  calls  he  had  given  her  lo  go  with  him,  in- 
 forced  bythe  pie  nfures  of  the  returning  fpring,  v.  10, — 13.  341 
 Chrift's  care  of  the  church,  verfes  14,  IJ.  -  34J 
 
 In  calling  her  from  her  obfcurity,  vtrfe  14.  -  ibid. 
 
 In  giving  ch;irge  to  deftroy  whatever  could  hurt  her,  v.  15.  346 
 The  church  proreifcth  her  fiich  and  hope,  verfes  id,  17.  347 
 
 Invites,  by  prayer,  his  glorious  return,  veife  17.  349 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 
 The  church's  fight  and  vidlory  In   temptation. — The 
 church  glorieth  in  Chrifl,  -  350 
 
 The  church's  exercife  on  her  Beloved's  being  withdrawn  from  her, 
 
 verfe  \.  -  -  -  ihid. 
 
 The  pains  fhe  was  at,  and  the  means  flie  ufed  to  find  him,  verfes 
 
 2,  3.  -  -  -  351 
 
 Her  behaviour  when  fhe  found  him,   verfc  4.  -  352 
 
 Her  care  that  nothing  might  difturb  him,  verfe  5.  356 
 
 The  daughters  of  Jerufalem  admire  the  church's  excellencies,  v.  6.  ib. 
 
 The  church's  admiration  of  Chrift  under  the  perfon  of  Solomon, 
 
 verfes'], — 10.  -  -  357 
 
 From  the  grandeur  and  (latelinefs  of  his  bed,  verfe  7.  ibid. 
 
 From  his  numerous  and  magnificient  guard,  ver.  7,  8.  357,  35S 
 From  the  fplendor  and  incomparablenefs  of  his  chariot,  verfes 
 
 9,  10.  -  -  -  360 
 
 She  calls  the  daughters  of  Sion  to  admire  the  dignity  of  his  royal 
 
 perfon,  with  his  brilliant  crown,  verfe  w.  -  361 
 
 C  H  A  P.     IV. 
 
 Chrlft  fetteth  forth  the  graces  of  the  church. — He  iJiew- 
 eth  his  love  to  her. — The  church  prayeth  to  be  made 
 fit  for  his  prefence,  -  -  363 
 
 Chrifl;  highly  commends  the  church's  beauty,  v.  1, — 7.  363, —  368. 
 
 Condefcends  on  feveral  particular  inftanccs  of  her  beauty,  verfes 
 
 1,-5.  .  -  -  363 
 
 Pronounces  her  all  f.^ir,  without  any  fpot,  verfe  7.  36S 
 
 Retires  himfelf  and  inviies  her  with  him,    from  the  mountains 
 
 of  terror,  to  thofe  of  delight,  verfes  6, — 8.  367,  368 
 
 Profelfeth  his  great  love  to  her,  and  his  delight  in  her  indeared 
 
 alT^ion  to  him,  verfes  9, — 15.  -  269, — 374 
 
 The  church  implores   the  influences  of  the  bleiTed  Spirit  to  make 
 
 her  garden  fragrant,  and  invites  Chrift  to  the  beft  cniertain- 
 
 meut  it  affords,  verfc  16.  -  375 
 
CONTENTS.  xvii 
 
 CHAP.    V. 
 
 Chrift  awaketh  the  church  with  his  calling — The  church, 
 having  a  tafte  of  Chrifl's  love,  is  Tick,  of  love — A  de- 
 fcription  of  Chrift  by  his  graces,  -  '}^']'j 
 
 Chrift  gracloufly  accepts  the  church's  invitation,  and  mcikes  a 
 kind  vifit  to  her,  verfi  i.  -  -  ihid. 
 
 The  fpoufe's  account  of  her  foily  in  putting  a  flight:  upon  her  Be- 
 loved, and  the  diftrefs  fhe  wx%  in  by  re.ifon  of  his  wirhdrav-r- 
 ing,  verfes  2, — S.  -  -  378, — 381 
 
 Mentions  her  indifpofitlon,  and  repeats  her  Beloved's  kindly 
 addrefs  to  her,  verfe  2.  -  -  37S 
 
 Condefcends  on  the  excufe  fhe  made  to  put  ofF  her  compliance, 
 verfe  ^.  -  -  -  379 
 
 Narrates  the  means  ufed  that  gained  her  compliance,  verfes- 
 4, 5.  -  -  -  il>i(/. 
 
 Her  fad  difappointment  when  flie  opened  to  her  Beloved,  and 
 the  courfe  Cue  takes  on  that  melancholy  event,  ver.  6,  7.    3§o 
 
 Gives  acharge  to  thedaughtersof  ^enifalemtoaffiiHier,  v.S.  38 1 
 The  daughters  of  jerufalcni's  queftion  to  the  fpoule,  in  confe- 
 quence  of  the  charge  fhe  had  given  them,  vc'r/e  9.  il^sd. 
 
 The  fpoufe's  particular  reply  to  the  enquiry  of  the  daughters  of 
 Jerufalem,  concerning  the  amiable  perfections  of  her  Belov- 
 ed, ver/es  10, — 16.  -  -  3S2, — 3S6 
 
 She  aflures  them  in  general,  that  he  is  one  of  incomparable 
 perfedions  and  unparallclled  excellencies,  ver.  10.  382 
 
 She  then  gives  a  particular  detail  of  his  fmgular  accomplilh- 
 ments,  verfes  11, — 16.  -  383, — 386 
 
 As  ia  particulars  fhe  falls  fhort,  fo  flie  concludes  with  a  general 
 encomium  concerning  his  excellency,  and  her  own  Interelt  in 
 hira,  ver/}  16.  -  -  386 
 
 CHAP.     VI. 
 
 The  church  profeiTeth  her  faith  in  Chrift. — Chrift  ftiew- 
 eth  the  graces  of  the  church,  and  his  love  towards 
 her.  -  -  -  287 
 
 The  daughters  of  Jerufdem's  enquiry  at   the  fpoufe  concerning 
 
 the  departure  of  her  Beloved,  verfe  \.  -  ibid. 
 
 The  fponfe's  reply  to  the  enquiry,  verfe  2.  -  "  3S8 
 
 She  aifcrts  herjntcreft  in  him,  verfe  3.  -  ibid. 
 
 Chrift  pronounceth  the  fpoufe  to  be  truly  amiable,  verfe  j^.     389 
 
 Acknowledges  himfelf  in  love  with  her,  verfe  5.  390 
 
 Gives  a  minure  defcription  of  her  beauty,  and  prefers  her  before 
 
 all  competitors,  verfe  5, — 9.  -  390, — 592 
 
 Manifefts  his  love  towards  her,  and  his  regiird  for  her,  vsrfes 
 
 10,  II,  12.  -  -  393 
 
 He  kindly  Invites,    and  moft   earneftly  prefTes   her  to  return, 
 
 verfe  13.  -  -  -  395 
 
 Vol.  X.  C 
 
xviii        CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP.     VII. 
 
 A  farther  defcrlption   of  the  church's  graces. — The 
 church  profefTeth  her  faith  and  defire.  396 
 
 Chrift  gives  a  very  large  and  ample  defcriptlon  of  the  fpoufe's 
 beauty  and  excellency,  zerfes  \, — 5.  -  396, — 399 
 
 He  exprefl'es  his  love  to  her,  and  the  great  complacency  and  de- 
 light he  has  in  her  thus  beautified  and  adorned,  v.  6, — 9.  401 
 The  fpoufe  triumphs  in  her  relation  to  Chrift,  and  her  great  de- 
 light in  him,  verfe  \0.  -  -  404 
 
 She  earneftly  defires  communion  with  him,  v.  11,  12.   403,  404 
 
 She  defires  to  be  belter  acquaint  with  the  ftate  of  her  own  foul, 
 and  the  prefent  pofture  of  its  affairs,  verfs  12.  404 
 
 Promifeth  her  Beloved  her  beft  affeftion?,  and  befl:  provifion  and 
 entertainment,  verfcs  12,  13.  -  ibid. 
 
 CHAP.     VIII. 
 
 The  love  of  the  church  to  Chrift. — The  vehemency  of 
 love. — The  calling  of  the  Gentiles. — The  church 
 prayeth  for  Chrift's  coming.  -  405 
 
 The  fpoufe  evidencelh  her  great  love  to  Chrift,  in  her  ardent  defire 
 of  more  intimate  ftllowlliip  with  him,  ver.  i,  2,  3.    4O),  406 
 She   charges  the  daughters  of  Jerufalem  not  to  interrupt  her 
 communion  with  him,  verft  4.  -  407 
 
 The  daughters  of  Jerufalem  admire  the  fpoufe's  dependence  on 
 her  Beloved,  verfe  S'  '  '  4^8 
 
 The  fpoufe  addreifeth  herfelf  to  her  Beloved,  putting  him  in  mind 
 of  the  former  experience,  flie  and  others  had  of  his  love, 
 verfe  5.  -  -  -  ibid. 
 
 The  ardency  of  her  love  exprelFeJ,  verfs  6,  7.  40y, — 41  £ 
 
 She  intercedetli  in  behalf  of  her  little  filter,  the  Gentile  church, 
 verfe  8 .  -  -  -  411 
 
 Chrift  foon  determines  what  fliall  be  dene  for  her,  verfe  9.       412 
 The  fpoufe  acknowlegeth  with  thankfulnefs  his  kindneis  to  her, 
 verfe  10.  -  -  -  413 
 
 She  is  alfo  concerned  about  a  vineyard  at  Baul-hamon,  or  the 
 church  of  Chrill  on  earth,  verfe  11.  -  414 
 
 Chrift's  propriety  in,  and  care  for  his  vineyard,  verfe  12.       ibid. 
 The  fpoufe  owns  the  charge  that  the  vineyard  is  in  part  committed 
 to  her,    and  that  the  principal  revenue  appertains  to   the 
 ov^'ner,  vtrfe  12.  -  -  41^,415 
 
 Chrilt   being  to  part  from  the  fpoufe,  for  a  lime,  defircs  to  hear 
 frequently  from  her,  verfe  1^.  -  416 
 
 The  fpoufe  warmly  foliciLs  hib  fp'ecdy  return,  verf  14.  ibid. 
 
CONTENTS.         xlx 
 
 ATABLEof  theSCRlPTURE  SONGS, 
 
 According  to  the  Order  of  the  Books,  Chapters, 
 and  Verses  they  are  taken  from. 
 
 BOOK        T. 
 
 Old-Testament  Songs  ;    or.    Songs  upon  feveral 
 feleft  paffages  in  the  Old  Teftament. 
 
 The  preface,  fhcvving  the  occafion  and  defign  of  the  following 
 poems.  -  -  -  421 
 
 PART      I. 
 
 Songs  felecled  from  the  Hijiorical  Books. 
 
 An  introduftion,  fhewing  that  poetical  compofitions  were  very 
 antient;  and  that  thel'e  in  the  facred  writings  are  truly  excellent, 
 and  quite  inimitable,  -  -  424 
 
 Song 
 
 1.  Gen.  I.  The  firil;  fix  days  work  ;    or,    the  firft  chapter   of 
 
 Genefis  compendifed,  -  424 
 
 2.  Gen,  3.15.  The  firll  gofpel  promife,  -  42 j 
 
 3.  Exod.  7,  8,  9,  10,  and  12.  The  ten  plagues  of  Egypt  named, 
 
 and  juftified,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 4.  15.  1, — 21.  The  fong  of  Moles,  426 
 
 5.  20,  3, — 18.  The    ten    commandments  abridged    and 
 
 verfified,  -  -  42S 
 
 6.  Gen.  22.  6, — 19.  Submlffion  and  deliverance  ;  or,  God's  ap- 
 
 pearing in  extremity,  in  Abraham  oiFerIng  his 
 fon,  -  -  429 
 
 7.  Deut.  32.  I, — 43-  The  prophetical  fong  of  Mofes,    fetting 
 
 forth  God's  mercy  and  vengeance,  430 
 
 8.  33.26, — 29,  Mofes*  lafl  words  j    or,   the  excellency  of 
 
 Ifrael,  -  -  436 
 
 9.  Judges  f.  1, — 31.  The  fong  of  Deborah   and  Barak,  on  If- 
 
 rael's  iignal  vidtory  over  king  Jabin,  ihiJ. 
 
 10.  I  Sam.  2.  I, — 10,  Hannah's  fong  of  thankfgiving  to  God  foi* 
 
 his  giving  her  Samuel,  -  441 
 
 11.  2  Sam.  I.    19, — 27.  David's  fong  of  lamentation  over  Saul 
 
 and  Jonathan,  -  -  442 
 
 12.  7.  18, — 29.   David's  prayer  and  thankfgiving,   after 
 
 God's  promife  to  build  him  a  fure  ho'if;-,  and  to 
 blcfs  him  in  his  feed  ;  pointing  at  Chriit  and  his 
 kingdom,  -  ■  4/^3 
 
 13.  1  Chron,  29.  10, — 19.  David's  thankfgiving  and  prayer,  when 
 
 he  and  the  princes  offered  willingly  tor  building 
 of  the  temple,  -  445 
 
 14.  2  Sam.  23.  3, — 7,  David's  lall:  words,  viewed  in  a  twofold 
 
 lii^ht,  -  -  447 
 
 C  2 
 
XX  CONTENTS. 
 
 PART       II. 
 
 Job's    Hymns. 
 
 An  introduction,    containing  feme  obfervations  relative  to  tlie 
 
 j  ..  nman,  and  the  manner  of  his  writing,  -  449 
 
 A  i    em  in  commendation  of  his  book,  -  451 
 
 Song 
 
 1.  Job  1.  2  1.  Lofles  thankfully  received,  -  ihid. 
 
 2.  2.  10.  Patience  in  tribulation,  -  452 
 
 3.  3-17'  Repofe  in  the  grave,  -  ibid, 
 
 4.  4.  17, —  21.  The   excellency    of  man   laid   low   before 
 
 God,  .  -  453 
 
 5.  5.6,7.  Sin  the  caufe  of  trouble,  -  ibid. 
 
 6.  8.  A  faint's  refolution  how  he  ftiould  behave  when  in 
 
 affliction,  -  -  454 
 
 7.  9, — 16.  God'sgreatworkin  the  kingdom  of  Chrift,  455 
 
 8.  17, — 27.  Affliiftion  born  well,  ends  well,  ibid. 
 ^.            6.  2,  3,  4.  Terrors  of  Gnd  invading  the  foul,  458 
 
 10.  7.  17,  <b'c.  God's  Hooping  to  contend  with  man  admir- 
 
 ed, -  .  -     _  459 
 
 1 1.  8.  5,  6,  7.  Good  counfcl,  and  good  hope  given  to  the 
 
 afllided,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 12.  9.  Time  and  life  fhort,  -  460 
 
 13.  II, — 14.  The  ho))e  of  the  hypocrite  vanifhing,     ibid. 
 
 14.  9.  2,  3,  4.  Go'i  jiift  in  jud_,.;ing,  -  461 
 
 15.  15,  20,  21.  The  righlconrnefs  of  works  difcarded,  ibid. 
 
 16.  10.  I,  2,  14,  15.  Thcafllicted  lourscomplainttoGod,  462 
 
 17.  11,7,8,9.  God's  wifdoin  uniearchable,  ibid. 
 
 18.  12,  6,  10.  That  God  may  luffer  the  wicked   to  profper, 
 
 exemplified  in  beafts,  birds,  fifhes,  itc  463 
 
 19.  1  i.  Do(5trine  to  be  tried  ere  it  be  trufted,  464 
 
 20.  12,  13.  The  wifdom  of  antient  men  nothing   to  the 
 
 wifdorn  of  the  antient  of  days,  ibid. 
 
 21.  13, — 16.  Proofs  of  God's  power  in  doing  his  pleafure 
 
 and  ferving  his  own  purpofes,  465 
 
 22.  17, — 25.  Proofs  of  his  power  and  wifdom  in  the  re- 
 
 volution of  itaies  and  kini;doms,  ihid. 
 
 15.  Strong  faith  in  the  hot  furnace,  466 
 
 .  I, — 15.  The  origin,    nature,    and  iifue,    of  human 
 life,  -  -  467 
 
 14, — 17.  Sc'.f-juftification  extremely  odious,         469 
 24, — 30.  Tile  ruin  of  thefe  that  biddefiancetoGod,  ib. 
 14, — jy.  Afflidions  heaped  up,  and  come  to  an  ex- 
 tremity, -  -  470 
 9.  The  growing  ftrength  of  the  righteous,          ibid. 
 13,  14.   Death  and  the  grave,  the  faints  familiars,  471 
 iS.  5,  6,  10,  I  J,  14, — 20.  The  calamities  that  await  the 
 v/icked,                         -                       -                         ibid. 
 19.  r,  3,  22.  Reproof  to  reproachcrs,                         472 
 
 23. 
 24. 
 
 13- 
 
 25. 
 26. 
 
 27. 
 
 15 
 
 16. 
 
 28. 
 29. 
 
 17- 
 
CONTENTS.  xxi 
 
 Song 
 
 32.  Job  19.  II, — 14.  Friends  turned  to  enemies,    and  brethren 
 to  aliens,  -  -  4^5 
 
 25, — 28.  The  happinefs  that  awaits  the  godly  ;    or, 
 the  bleffed  hope  of  the  righteous,  4^^ 
 
 '28,  29.  Rafh judging  condemned;  or,  Job's  warning 
 to  his  cenforious  friends,  -  ^y  ^ 
 
 20.  5, — 9,  II, — 14.  The  profperity  of  the  wicked  fhort, 
 and  their  ruin  fure,  .  z'^/,/. 
 
 ,21.  7, —  IS-  The  wicked   hardened   in  their   impiety  by 
 their  profperity,  -  4^5 
 
 17, — 26,  God's  way  of  providence  towards  men  at- 
 tended with  great  variety,  -  ^^g 
 22.21, — 30.  The  benefit  of  acquaintance  with  God,  480 
 
 23.  3,  8,  9,  10.  God  hiding  and  trying,  481 
 
 24.  I,  2, — 12,  13, — 24.  Many  nioft  wicked  and  mif- 
 chievous,  yet  live  and  die  in  outward  peace,  and 
 never  vifibly  reckoned  with  here,  ib/d. 
 
 25.  2, — 6.  The  greatnefs,  goodnefs,  and  holinefs  of  God, 
 evidencing  the  guiltinefs  and  impurity  oi  man,  48:; 
 
 26.  5, — 14.  The  proofs  of  God's  power  and  wililom  iii 
 the  creation  and  prefervation  of  the  world,        484 
 
 27.  2, — 6.  Job  folemnly  maintaining  his  integrity  againll 
 the  falfe  accufation  of  his  friends,  a86 
 
 7, — 10.  The  hopelefs  ftate  of  the  hypocrite,  487 
 
 28.  12, — 28.  Wifdom's  price  great,  and  its  place  a  fe- 
 cret,  (tc.  -  -  488 
 
 29.  2, — 5.  The  heart's  wifh  of  a  deferted  famt,  490 
 
 30.  1,8, — 12,26, — 31.  Great  honour  turned  to  extreme 
 contempt,  and  profperity  to  calamity,  ifjzd. 
 
 31.  I, — 4,  16,  17,  19,20.  Chaftlty  and  charity  exempli- 
 fied, and  whoremongers  and  adulterers  judged,  492 
 
 32.  8.  The  immateriality  and  immortality  of  the  Ibul,  493 
 7,  8,  9.  True  wifdom  not  actiuired  by  old-ap-e,  nor 
 
 by  teaming,  but  by  grace,  -  494 
 
 "  33,  12, — 18.  God  infinitely  above  us,  not  accountable  to 
 us,  yet  merciful,  both  in  hiding  what  he  hides, 
 and  revealing  what  he  reveals,  495 
 
 19, — 30.  The  patient  defcribed  in  extremity,  and  re- 
 lieved by  the  great  ranfomer,  -  4(^5 
 §   I.  Sicknefs  come  to  an  extremity  ;    or,  a  fick  man 
 brought  to  the  gates  of  death,                             il/i'd. 
 §   2,  Afaithful  foul's  phyfician  an  inftrument  of  bring- 
 ing back  the  Tick  penitent  from  the  gates  of  death  ; 
 or,  the  gofpel  remedy  Ikilfully  applied,  and  Chrift 
 the  only  i"anfom,                  -                  .  407 
 S3'           34-  lO' — I?-   God  cannot  be  charged  with  injuftice,  and 
 being  omnipotent  cannot  be  unjuil,  499 
 54.                 21,  22.  God's  omnifcience,  from  which  no  fm  can 
 be  hid,                      -                         .  500 
 55.                 29,  God's  power  irrefillihJe,                  -  501 
 
sxii         CONTENTS. 
 
 Song 
 
 56.  Job  34.  31,  32.  The  affli<5led  perfon  humbled,  501 
 
 57*  35'  5» — ^'  God's  highnefs  cannot  be  hurt  with  mens 
 
 wlckednefs,  -  -  502 
 
 58.  9> — 13-  Godjuftlfied,  though  deaf  to  the  cry  of  the 
 
 opprefled,  -  -       •  ibid. 
 
 50.  36.  8,  9,  10.  God's  gracious  defign  in  bringing  his  own 
 
 people  under  affliftlon :  with  light  in  darknefs ;  or, 
 
 God's  favour  in  man's  fury,  a  digrefllon,  i}*.  504 
 60.  12,  13,  14.  The  doom  of  hypocrites,    that  rebel  a- 
 
 gainft  the  rod,  -  -  506 
 
 <Si.  15.  Schola  crucis,  fchflalucis ;  or,  affliction,  inftruc- 
 
 tion,  -  -  507 
 
 62.  21.    Quarrelling    with    God    in    affliflion,    denge- 
 
 rous,  -  -  ibid, 
 
 63.  22,  23.  God  an  abfolute  fovereign,    incomparable 
 
 teacher,  unexceptionable  ruler,  508 
 
 64.  24, — 33.  God's  works  manifefting  his  incomprehenf- 
 
 ible  greatnefs,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 6y.  37.  1, — 5.  God's  glory  noticed  in  the  thunder  and  light- 
 
 ening, -  -  510 
 
 66.  6, — 13.  God's  power  in  the  froft  and  fnow,    rains 
 
 and  winds,  -  -  511 
 
 67.  14. — 20.  Mens  ignorance  of  the  works  of  nature, 
 
 Ihews  what  incompetent  judges  they  are  of  the  pro- 
 ceedings of  divine  providence,  5:13 
 
 68.  2  [, — 24.  God's  greatnefs  and  majefly  require  that  he 
 
 be  greatly  reverenced,  -  <fi4 
 
 69.  38.  I,  2,  3.   God  fpeaking  unto  Job,  and  challenging 
 
 him,  -  -  si6 
 
 70.  4, —  7.  God's  queftions,  i.  Concerning  the  founding 
 
 of  the  earth,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 yi.  8, —  II.  0^2.  Concerning  the  limits  of  the  fea,   51S 
 
 ^2.  12. — 15.  0^3-  Concerning  the  fprings  of  the  morn- 
 
 ing, -  -  ibid. 
 
 73.  16.  Q;_4.  Concerning  the  fprings  of  the  fea,       520 
 
 74.  17.  0^5.  Concerning  the  gates  of  death,  ibid. 
 ^5.  18.  0^6.  Concerning  the  breadth  of  the  earth,  ibid. 
 j6.                 19,  20,  21.  0^7-  Concerning  the  place  and  path  of 
 
 light  and  darknefs,  -  521 
 
 77,  22,  23.  Q;^8.  Concerning  the  treafures  of  fnow  and 
 
 hail,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 75.  24.  0^9.  Concerning  the  daily  changes  of  morning 
 
 and  evening,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 79.  25.  0:^10.    Concerning    thunder    and    lightening, 
 
 clouds  and  rain  ;  by  what  fecret  counfel   they  are 
 directed,  and  by  whofe  order  emitted,  522 
 
 80.  28.  Q^il.  Concerning  the  due,  the  ice,  and  hoary 
 
 frolt,  -  -  523 
 
 81.  3i»32,33.Q^i2.  Concerning  the  direding  of  the 
 
 (lais  and  their  inPiucnce,  -  524 
 
CONTENTS.         xxiii 
 
 82,  Job  38.  36.  0^13.  Concerning  the  formation  and  renovation 
 of  the  foul,  -  -  525 
 
 gj.  [[Digreffion  concerning  the  foul's  fpirituality,  and  its 
 
 nature;  quite  diftinft  from  the  body  and  its  fenfcs.] 
 A  number  of  proofs  and  demonllrations  thereof,  ib. 
 
 8^,  37.  0^14.  About  flaying  the  clouds,    and  flopping 
 
 the  rain,  -  -  528 
 
 85.  39.  0^15.  About  provifion  for  the  lions  and  ra- 
 
 vens, -  -  ibid. 
 
 86.  39.  I J — 4-  Q^i6.  Concerning  the  wild  goats  and   the 
 
 hinds,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 87.  5, — 8.  Qj_i 7.  Concerning  the  wild  afs,  529 
 
 88.  9, — II.  Q^i8,  Concerning  what  is  called  the  uni- 
 
 corn, -  -  ibid, 
 
 S9.  13, — iS.  0^19.   Concerning  the   peacock  and  the 
 
 oftrich,  -  -  530 
 
 90.  19, — 25.    0^20,    Concerning   the    horfe    for    the 
 
 battle,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 91.  -26, — 30.  0^21.  Concerning  the  hawk  and  eagle,  531 
 
 92.  40.  I,  2.  0^22.  Concerning  contending  with  God  ;  or, 
 
 a  humbling  challenge  given  to  fuch  as  quarrel 
 God's  proceedings,  -  532 
 
 93.  3,  4,  5.  Job's  humble   fubmiffion,    the    murmuring 
 
 mouth  flopped,  and  unjuft  complaints  filenced,  533 
 
 94.  6,  7,  8.  0^23.  Moe  challenges  given  to  Job  for  his 
 
 further  humiliation.  The  vanity  of  vying  with 
 God  for  juflice,  or  of  charging  him  with  unrighte- 
 oufnefs,  -  -  534 
 
 95.  9, — 14.  0^24.  The  vanity  of  vying  with  God   for 
 
 power,  and  majefty,  and  dominion,  over  proud 
 and  wicked  enemies.  -  j,-;^ 
 
 96.  15, — 24.  An  inftance  of  divine  power  In  behemoth  ; 
 
 that  is,  as  fome  think,  the  elephant,  536 
 
 97.  41.  I, — 10.  Of  the  leviathan   in  general;    that  is,   the 
 
 whale,  or  crocodile;  man  being  unable  to  fubdue 
 and  tame  him,  mufl  own  himfelf  to  be  utterly 
 unable  to  ftand  before  the  great  God,  538 
 
 58.  II. — 3§.  The  power  of  God   fet  forth   in   a  more 
 
 particular  dcfcrlption  of  the  leviathan,  539 
 
 99.  42.  I, — 4.  Job's  humble  confeffion  and  petition,  a  peni- 
 
 tential prayer,  -  543 
 
 100.  5,  6.   Job's  deep  humiliation,    which  made  way  for 
 
 his  remarkable  exaltation  ;  or,  the  happy  ifliie  of 
 fandlified  afliiiSlion,  accompanied  with  divine  in- 
 ftruition,  -  -  544 
 
 PART      III. 
 A  New  Version  of  the  Song  of  Solomon. 
 
 Introdii(5lion,  pointing  out  the  defign  of  this  new  verfion,        ^46 
 
 Cocip.  I.  The  church's  love  unto  Cbrift,  and  his  efleem  for  her  ; 
 
 with  their  mutual  congratulations  of  each  other,  5.^7 
 
xxiv         CONTENTS. 
 
 Chap.  1.  The  mutual  love  of  Chrift  and  the  church,  with  her 
 hope  and  calling  ;  and  Chrift's  care  of  her,  with  the  profeffion 
 of  her  faith  and  hope,  -  -  ^49 
 
 Chap.  3.  The  figlit  and  vitftory  of  the  church  in  temptation,  nnd 
 her  gloriation  in  Chrill,  -  -  5^1 
 
 Chap.  4.  Chrift  fetteth  forth  the  graces  of  the  church,  and  (heweth 
 his  love  to  her  :  (he  prayeth  to  be  made  Ht  for  his  prefence,   553 
 
 Chap.  5.  Chrift  awakelh  the  church  by  his  callin^^.  She,  having 
 a  tafte  of  his  love,  is  fick  of  love.  A  defcription  of  Chrift  by 
 his  graces,  -  -  -  55J 
 
 Chap.  6.  The  church  profelTeth  her  faith  in  Chrift.  He  fheweth 
 the  graces  of  the  church,  and  his  love  towards  her,  557 
 
 Chap.  7.  A  further  defcription  of  the  church's  graces.  She  pro- 
 fefteth  her  faith  and  defire,  -  -  559 
 
 Chap.  8.  The  churches  love  to  Chrift,  and  the  vehemency  thereof. 
 She  interccdeth  for  the  Gentiles,  and  prayeth  for  Chrift's  com- 
 ing, -  -  -  561 
 
 PART      IV. 
 
 Songs  felefted  from  the  Prophet  Jfaiah,  kc. 
 
 An  Introduiflion,  pointing  out  the  fublimity  and  efiicacy  of  the 
 prophetical  writings,  -  -  565 
 
 Song 
 
 1.  Pfalm  92.  2.  Morning  and  evening  mercies  to  be  acknow- 
 
 lcdi>;ed,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 2.  Eccl.  II.  9.  The  day  of  youth,  and  the  day  of  judgment,  566 
 
 3.  12.  I.  7.  The  young  and  old  ilnner  warned  ;  and  death 
 
 dreadful  to  the  unconverted,  567 
 
 4.  Ifaiah  2.  2, — 6.  The  glory,  peace,  and  piety,  of  the  gofpel 
 
 church,  in  the  latter  days,  -  ibid. 
 
 5.  5.  I, — 7.  The  fong  of  the  vineyard,   juftifying  God's 
 
 feverity,  -  -  568 
 
 6.  12.  1, — 6.  A  fong  of  praife  to  God,   the  Saviour  and 
 
 falvation  of  Zion,  for  his  mercies,  569 
 
 7.  25.  I, — 12.  A  fong  of  praife  10  God   for  his   merciful 
 
 judgments,    faving  benefits,  and  vi>5torious  falva- 
 tion, -  -  570 
 
 8.  26.  I, — 21.  A  fong  inciting  to  faith,  patience,   hope, 
 
 and  confidence  in  God,  -  572 
 
 9.  27.  2, — 6.  A  fong  of  God's  care  over  his  vineyard,  575 
 10.  38.  10, — 20.  The  Song  of  Hezekiahwhen  his  life  was 
 
 lengthened,  after  a  meiTage  of  death,  576 
 
 ir.  40.  6,  7,  8.  Flcili  fiiding,  the  word  of  the  Lord  abid- 
 
 ing, -  -  577 
 
 12.  27, — 31.  Unbelieving  fears  checked,    and  ftrength 
 
 from  heaven  promifcd,  -  578 
 
 13.  42.  I, — 5.  Chrift's  mediatory  fervicc  graced  with  meck- 
 
 nefs  and  conftancy,  -  ihid. 
 
CONTENTS.  XXV 
 
 Song 
 
 14.  Ifa.  42.  5, — 13.  Chrift's  commiffion  opened,  which  he  re- 
 ceived from  the  Father  ;  and  the  joyful  fingiug 
 with  which  the  glad  tidings  thereof  fhould  be  re- 
 ceived, -  -  576 
 
 I^.  ^2,  i^ — ^,   Chrift  fhcwing  his  name,  and  his  vidory  over 
 
 his  and  our  enemies,  -  580 
 
 16.  45.  21, — 2 J.  Salvation,  righteoufnefs,  and  ftrength,  in 
 
 Chrift  alone,  -  -  581 
 
 37.  53.  I, — 12.  Unbelief  lamented,    and   the  benefit,   I'uc- 
 
 cefs,  and  fufferings  of  the  church  declare*!,         582 
 
 18.  54.  I, — 17.  The  engagements,  glory,  and  fafety  of  the 
 
 church,  -  -  584 
 
 19.  55.  I,  2,  3.  The  free  gofpel  call,    prelTed  with  the  pro- 
 
 mife  of  folid  and  fure  mercy,  587 
 
 20.  6, — 9.  Faith  and  repentance  urged  upon  finners,  from 
 
 motives  of  grace  and  mercy  ;    or,  God's  drawmg 
 them  to  himfclf  with  cords  of  ]ove,  58S 
 
 21.  Jer.8.  18, — 22.  Thedefperateftateofthechurch bewailed,  589 
 
 PART       V. 
 
 .  The  Lamentations  of  Jeremiah. 
 
 An  jntrodu(5lion,  containing  fome  reflexions  on  the  book,  the 
 manner  in  which  it  is  wrote,  with  the  occafion  and  ufe  of  it,  590 
 
 Chap.  I,  Jerufalem's  miferable  ftate,  by  reafon  of  her  fin,  bitterly 
 bewailed  :  fiie  complaineth  of  her  calamities  and  grief,  both  to 
 God  and  to  friends  ;  folicits  commiferation,  and  confeffeth 
 God's  judgments  to  be  righteous,  -  59 '^ 
 
 Chap.  2.  Jeremiah  lamenteth  the  mifery  of  Jerufalem  ;  taking 
 notice  of  the  anger  of  the  Lord  as  the  caufe  of  her  calamities, 
 and  the  forrow  that  took  place  as  the  etFcdl  of  thefe.  He  mak- 
 eth  his  complaint  unto  God,  referring  the  matter  to  his  com- 
 paffionate  confideration,  -  -  59  7 
 
 Chap.o,.  The  faithful  bewail  their  calamities,  viewing  them  as 
 the  fruits  and  effects  of  God's  difpleafure.  By  the  mercies  of 
 God  they  encourage  their  hope,  acknowledging  his  jiiftice, 
 praying  for  deliverance,  and  vengeance  on  their  enemies,    602 
 
 Chap.  4.  Zion  bewaileth  her  miferable  eftate,  occafioned  by  the 
 direful  efFeifls  of  the  famine,  the  facking,  and  taking  of  Jeru- 
 falem. She  confeileth  her  fins,  and  acknowledgeth  that  the 
 iniquities  of  her  leaders  Avere  the  caufe  of  all  thde  calamities. 
 Edom's  deftrudion  foretold,  and  the  return  of  Zion's  capti- 
 vity, -  -  -  607 
 
 Chap,  5.  Zion's  pitiful  complaint  to  God  in  prayer.  In  which 
 Ihe  remonftrates  her  prefent  calamitous  ftate  in  her  captivity, 
 and  protefts  her  concern  for  God's  fanduary,  with  a  humble 
 fupplication  to,  and  expoftulation  with  God  for  the  returns  of 
 mercy,  -  -  -  612 
 
 Vol.  X.        '  D  '         ' 
 
xxvi         CONTENTS. 
 
 PART      VI. 
 
 Songs  fcleded  from  the  Minor  Prophets. 
 An  introdudlon,  containing  fome  obfervations  on  the  minor  pro- 
 phets, and  their  writings,  -  -  615 
 Song 
 
 1.  Jonah  2.  I, — 10.  Jonah's  prayer  out  of  the  fTfli's  belly,    i'jiJ. 
 
 2.  H^ib.   3.  2. — 19.  A  prayer  of  Habakkuk,  the  prophet,  upon 
 
 Sigionoth,  -  -  616 
 
 3.  Zeph.  3.  14, — 20.  Ifrael  excited  to  Ting  praifes  for  their  fal- 
 
 vation  and  reiloration,  -  619 
 
 4.  Zcch.  9.  9, — 12.  The  church  exhorted   to  fing  and   rejoice 
 
 for  the  coming  of  Chrift,  and  his  peaceable  king- 
 dom, -  -  620 
 ^.         *    13.  I.  The  fountain  of  purification  opened,             621 
 6.              14' ?•  Chrlft's  fufferings  and  glory,                            622 
 
 BOOK       II. 
 
 New-Testament  Songs;  or,  Songs  upon  fe- 
 
 \trc\\ /elect  pajfages  of  the  New  Teflanaent. 
 
 P  A  R  T      I. 
 
 Songs  felecled  from  the  Four  Evangelrjis. 
 
 AnIntrodu>5iion,ihewing  the  utility  of  enlarging  our  pfalnaody,  623 
 Song 
 
 1.  Luke  2.  7,  16.  A  prefatory  poem  on  the  Babe  in  the  man- 
 
 ger, -  -  ibiJ. 
 
 2.  Mat,  5.  3, — 12.   The  eight  beatitudes,  62J 
 
 3.  6.9,-^13.  The  Lord's  prayer,  -  626 
 ^.              11.  25,  26,  Chrift's  addrcfs  to  God;  or,   the  fovereign- 
 
 ty  of  grace's   benefits,    in  Chrift's  thankfgiving  to 
 the  Father,  -  -  ibid. 
 
 5.  27,  28,  29.  Chrift's  addrefs  to  man;    or,  his  invita- 
 
 tion to  finners,  -  -  627 
 
 6.  Luke  I.  46, — 55.  Tiie  fong  of  Mary,  628 
 
 7.  68, — 79.  The  fong  of  Zacharias,  629 
 
 8.  8, — 14-    Chrift's   nativity   celebrated;    or,  the   firll 
 
 good  news  of  our  Saviour's  birth,  by  an  angel  to 
 the  fhepherds  in  Bethlehem  ;  together  with  the  fong 
 of  a  numerous  company  of  angels  thereupon,  630 
 (J.  2.  9, — 32.  The  fong  of  Simeon,  having  the  babe  Jefus, 
 
 in  his  arm";,  -  -  63 1 
 
 10.  4.  16, — 23.  Chrift's    preaching,    oflice,    and    commii- 
 
 fion,  -  -  632 
 
 I  r.  I).  13. — 2  ^  The  returning  prodigal,  633 
 
 12.  14.  16, — 24.  The  gofpel-feaft,  and  the  price  of  it,  634 
 
 13.  John  I,  I,  3,  14.  The  deity  and  humanity  of  Chrift  ;  or,  the 
 
 God-man,  -  -  ibiJ. 
 
 14.'  3.  16,  17,  18.  Believers  fared,  unbelievers  damned,i6;6 
 
 I3-.  ii  'iS-  Chrift  prcfent  to  faith,  upon  the  goipcl-table,  and 
 
 in  the  facramcntal  fupper. 
 
CONTE     NTS.        xxvli 
 
 Song 
 
 i6.  14.   I, — 6.  Chrift  the  way.  636 
 
 17.  Chrift's  miracles,  wrought  by  him,  to  prove  his  God- 
 
 head and  divine  miffion.     Recorded  by  Matthew, 
 Mark,  Luke,  and  John.  657 
 
 PART    II. 
 
 Songs  felected  out  of  the  ApoJlolicalEpiJiles. 
 
 The  introduction,  pointing  out  how  appofite  the  Epiftles  are 
 for  divine  hymns.  6^  i 
 
 gong 
 
 1.  Rom.  5.  12,  21.  Ruin  by  fin,  relief  by  Chrift.  ih'id. 
 
 2.  8.33, — 39.    The  believer's  fecurity  in  Chrift;  or,    the 
 
 grounds  of  faith's  a/Turance  about  the  believer's  un- 
 changeable happy  ttate.  -         -  -  642 
 
 3.  II.  33, — 36.    The  unfearchable  depths  of  divine  wif- 
 
 dom  and  fover-eignty,  in  the  reje(5tion  of  the  Jews, 
 and  calling  of  the  Gentiles.  -  643 
 
 4.  16.  25,  26,  27.  The  apoftle'sdoxology  for  the  revela- 
 
 tion of  Chrift  by  the  gofpel :  or,    a  fong  of  praife 
 to  the  power  and  wifdom  of  God.  644 
 
 5.  I  Cor.  I.   24.  The  glory  of  God  in  Chrift.  ibid. 
 
 6.  30.    Chrift's  fourfold  name,    fulted  to  the  fmner's 
 need.  -  .  .  6^^ 
 
 7.  13.   I, — 13.  The  excellency  and  preference  of  love.  646 
 
 8.  15.  54. — 58.  The  fong  of  triumph  over  death  and  the 
 
 grave.  -  -  .  64S. 
 
 9.  Gal.  6.  14.  The  world  crucified  by  the  crofs  of  Chrift.     649. 
 
 10.  Eph.   I.   3, — 7.  A  doxology,  or  fong  of  praife,  for  ele(Sl:ing, 
 
 regenerating,  and  redeeming  grace,  and  all  fpiritu- 
 al  bleftlngs  in  Chrift.  -  -  ibiJ. 
 
 11.  3-  *9'  20,  21.    The  apoftle's  fong,  or  doxology;   or,  'a 
 
 fong  to  the  love  and  power  of  God.  650 
 
 12.  Phil.   2.  5, —  II.  Chrift's  deep  humiliation,  and  high  exalta- 
 
 tion. -  -  -  ,  -  -  Hfid. 
 
 3.  7,  8,  9.  Juftification  by  faith  alone  in  Chrift's  righ- 
 oufnefs.  -  -  -  651 
 
 14.  I  Tim.   I.   15,   16,   17.    Paul's  doxology,  or  thankfgiving  for 
 
 faving  mercy.  -  -  -  -  652 
 
 15.  3.    16.  The  great  gofpel-myftery.  -  -  ibid, 
 
 16.  5.   16.  A  fong  of  praife  to  God,  as  a  powerful,  immor- 
 
 tal, and  invifihii;  Being.  -  -  653 
 
 17-2  Tim.  4.  7,  8,  16,  17,  18.  Paul's  departing  fong.  6ji| 
 
 18.  Heb.  6.  17,^18,  19.  The  fteady  promife  ;  or,  the  fure   ground 
 
 of  the  believer's  faith.  -  -  ibid. 
 
 19.  Heb.  13.  20,  21.  A  fong  to  the  God  of  peace  and  grace.    655 
 
 20.  I  Pet.  I.  3,  4,  J.  A  fong  of  praife  to  God  for  regeneration  to 
 
 a  lively  hope  of  ctcrnaliife.  -  -  656 
 
 21.  5.  S, — II.  A  doxology  prefaced  with  a  precept  and  a 
 
 prayer  :  or,  the  devil  defeated  by  faith,  well  fixed 
 and  furnifiied.  657 
 
 D   2  • 
 
 '6- 
 
xxviii         CONTENTS. 
 
 Song 
 
 22.    2  Pet.  3.  18.  Growth  in  grace,  with  a  Joxology.  657 
 
 2^.   I  John  2.  15,16.  The  world's  three  great  temptations.    658 
 
 24.  Jude  ver.  24,  25.  The  apoftle  Jiide's  doxology  :  or,  a  fong  of 
 
 praife  for  the  ground  and  hope  of  perfeverance  and 
 
 perfeftion.  ibid. 
 
 PART.     III. 
 
 Songs  fele£ted  from  the  Revelation. 
 
 The  introdudion,    (hewing  what  fuitalle  matter  this  book 
 
 contains  for  pfalmody.  659 
 
 Song 
 
 I.  Rev.  r.  5, — 8.  A  fong  to  the  Redeemer.  660 
 
 2  5.    I, — 10.  The  fong  of  the  church  to  the  Lamb,  upon 
 
 the  opening  of  the  fealed  book.  ibid. 
 
 3.  II,  1 2. The  fongof  the  angelsand  church  together.  661 
 
 4.  13,  14.  The  fong  of  all  the  creatures.  662 
 
 5.  7.  10, — 17.  Thefong  of  falms  and  angels,  after  the  feal- 
 
 ing  of  the  fervantr,  of  God  :   alfo,    the  happinefs  of 
 ,  faithful  fuftercrs  for  Chri  ft.  -  -after  the 
 
 6.  II.  15, — 18.  The  fong  of  the  faints  and  angels  665 
 
 founding  of  the  feventh  trumpet:   or,  the  kingdom 
 ofChrift,  and  the  day  of  judgment.  664 
 
 7.  12.  7, — 12,  The   church's  fong  upon  the    devil's   being 
 
 vanquifhed;  or,  upon  Michael's  war  with  the  dra- 
 gon. -  -  -  665 
 
 8.  14.  13.    A  fong  concerning  the  blefTednefs  of  the  dead 
 
 that  die  in  the  Lord.  -  -  666 
 
 9.  15.  2,  3,  4.  The  fong  of  Mofes  and  the  Lamb;  or,  Ba- 
 
 bylon falling.  -  -  ibid. 
 
 10.  I?.  20,  21.  A  fong  on  Babylon's  being  fallen.  667 
 
 11.  19.  I, — 4.  The  triumphant  fong  of  faints  and  angels,  for 
 
 the  fall  of  Babylon.  -         -         .  ibid. 
 
 12.  5, — 9.  The  epithalaraiumj  or,  marriage  fong.     668 
 
 13.  21.   I, — 9.  The  new  heaven  and  the  new  earth.  669 
 
 14.  22, — 27.  Heaven  a  glorious  and  holy  ftate.  670 
 
 15.  22.20.  The  church's  prayer  for  ChrilVsfecond  coming,  ib. 
 
 16.  21.  The  conclufion  ;  or,  ending  prayer:  or,  the  apo- 
 
 ftle's  benedldion.  -  -  -  671 
 
 TABLE  of  the  Miscellaneous  Poems. 
 
 An  elegiac  poem  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  James  Cuthbert.  677 
 
 An  elegy  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Patrick  Plenderlieth.  689 
 
 funeral  poem  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  Alexander  Hamilton.  694 
 riptu'-e   authorities  for  fubjeding   unto,    and  praying  for  civil 
 
 1,1.1  CM  ilrates.              -              -              .              .              .  ^03 
 
 A  monumental  infcriplion  on  Mr.  Henry  Erfkine.  707 
 
 • on  Mr.  Bollon.                 -  ibid. 
 
 An  epitaph  on  Mr.  John  Hunter.             ...  HiJ. 
 
 on  Mr.  Wilfon.              -                       -              -  708 
 
 on  Mr.  Ballantine.              ...  ihid. 
 
 An  infcription  on  the  grave-llone  o^  provoPc  Brown.  709 
 
 A  facred  ode  on  Margaret  Dewar.  710 
 
(    29    ) 
 
 THE 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS       NAMES. 
 
 Mr  Tho.  Allan,  portioner  in  Langlon 
 
 —  VVil.  Anderfon,  warper  in  Glafgow 
 
 —  "Wil.  Aitken,  weaver  in  Paifley 
 
 —  John  Aitken,  fliocmaker  there 
 
 —  W.  Alexander,  flaoemakcr,  Greenock 
 
 —  James  Alexander,    weaver  in  Craw- 
 
 ford's-dyke 
 
 —  Archibald  Angus,  fkipper  in  Rofa 
 
 —  David  Anderfon,  gloTer  in  Perth 
 
 Mr  David  Dowie,  grocer  in  Paifley 
 
 —  James  Dick,  mafon  in  Polloklliaws 
 
 —  James  Duncanfon,  merchant  there 
 
 —  William  Dalzel,   farmer  in  Shots 
 
 —  J.  Donaldfon,  farmer  in  Kippocli-hill 
 
 —  James  Downie,  merchant  in  Ardric 
 
 —  Alexander  Davidfon,   flax-drcfler  in 
 
 Kennoway 
 
 —  "WilUam  Drew,  weaver  in  Glafgow 
 
 B 
 
 Mr  Tho.  Buchanan,  merchant,  Glafgow 
 
 —  J.  Brown,  bookfeller  in  Dunfe,  14  fctt 
 
 —  James  Brock,  weaver  in  Glafgow 
 
 —  James  Blyth,  taylor  in  Kennoway 
 
 —  Matthew  Biown,  weaver  in  Pailley 
 
 —  Thomas  Beveridgc,  ftudent  in  Pailley 
 
 —  William  Black,  weaver  in  Monkland 
 
 —  Robert  Black,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Gavin  Bell,  portioner  in  Langlon 
 
 —  William  Bell,  fchoolmafter  in  Paifley 
 
 —  Robert  Bonnet,  weaver  there 
 
 -7—  Arch,  Brown,  flioe-maker,  Greenock 
 
 —  Alexander  Brown,  (hoe-maker  there 
 
 —  Alexander  Black,  baker  there 
 
 —  John  Barr,  fiax-drcfTer  in  Pomillen 
 
 —  James  Bred,  weaver  in  Treuchic-mill 
 
 —  John  Buift,  merchant  in  Perth 
 
 —  John  Barlai.d,  glover  there 
 
 —  John  Black,  portioner  in  Gorbals 
 
 Mr  Archibald  Crofs,  ftudent  in  Glafgow 
 ■ —  Ch.  Charnley,  bookfeller,  NewcaHle 
 
 —  Ga.  Cutherhertfon,  ftudent,  Inchney 
 
 —  George  Caldwell,  bookfeller,  Paifley, 
 
 18  fctt 
 
 —  Henry  Cilder,  wright  in  Glafgow 
 
 —  John  Cochrane,  merchant  in  Pailley 
 
 —  William  Cochrane,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Johu  Cochrane,  weaver  there 
 
 —  John  Craig,  in  Lawndfdale 
 • — •  Robert  Campbell,  there 
 
 —  Robert  Campbell,  gartliner  in  Paifley 
 
 —  James  Clark,  copptr-finlth,  Grennork 
 
 —  {.lines  Caldwell,  farmer  in  Giblellon 
 
 —  D.ivid  Cowans,  glover  in  Perth      i 
 
 —  John  Cameitn,  weavn  '.\)i:ic 
 
 E 
 
 Mr  G.Elliot,  bookfeller  in  Kslfo,  a  fett 
 
 Mr  William  Finlay,  flioemakcr,  Lanark 
 
 —  John  Finlay,  farmer  in  Gatfcube 
 
 —  James  Fleeming,  merchant,  Langloa 
 
 —  James  Finlay,  diftiller  in  Paifley 
 
 —  Daniel  Fleeming,  wright  there 
 
 —  David  Fleeming,  tennant  in  Fortkat 
 
 —  John  Faric,  portioner  in  Shettlcftouu 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  William  Graham,  tninifler  in 
 Newcaftle 
 
 , James  Greg,  of  New-mills 
 
 Mr  William  Gray,    bookfeller  in  Edin- 
 burgh, 6  fett 
 J.  Gillies,  bookfeller  in  Perth,  ij  fctt 
 
 —  Alexander  Gow,  weaver  there 
 
 —  George  Greenhiil,  dyer  there 
 
 —  James  Goudie,   weaver  in  Paifley 
 
 —  Robert  Gilmour,  weaver  there 
 
 —  J.  Gardiner,  flioe-maker  in  Greenock 
 
 —  rho.  Glen,  malt-man  in  Polloklliaws 
 John  Gillies,  weaver  in  Cumbernauld 
 
 —  John  Gilmour,  taylor  in  Glafgow  ^ 
 
 H 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  J.  Hufband,  of  Dunfermline 
 Mr  David  Hepburn,  fludcnt  in  Perth 
 
 —  Ch.arles   Houfliold,    fugar-refiner    in 
 
 Gi.ifgow 
 
 —  William  Hume,  wrlolit  in  PaiHcy 
 --  Johu  Hen'v,  cloalh-hpper  ther- 
 
(     30     ) 
 
 Mt  John  TTail,  fchool-mafier  in  Largs 
 
 —  William  Hart,  baker  in  Greenock 
 
 —  John  Hepburn,   fiioe-niaker  there 
 
 —  Thomas  Hendrie,  weaver  in  Perth 
 
 —  John  Hill,  colier  in  Carmine 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  James  Jack,  minifter  in  Irvine 
 Mr  J.  Johnflon,  portioner  in  Monkland 
 
 —  John  Jack,  bookfeller,  Bo-nefs,  7  fett 
 
 —  Ihoniis  Johnfton,  weaver  in  Paifley 
 
 —  Archib^^ld  jamifon,  farmer  in  Largs 
 
 Mr  Peter  Mafon,  weaver  in  Neilfton 
 
 —  Lauchlan  M'Lean,  wright  in  Craw- 
 
 ford's-dyke 
 
 —  Andrew  M'Kean,  weaver,  Anderfton 
 
 —  John  Moodic,  farmer  in  Colfton 
 
 —  Robert  M'Allum,  weaver  in  Lergs 
 
 —  JohnM'Arthur,weaver,  Pollokfliaws 
 
 —  Robert  Maiwcll,  farmer  ia  Cathcart 
 
 N 
 
 Mr  Robert  Nicol,  bookfeller  in  Dundee, 
 7  fett 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  Joh«  Kyle,  minifter  at  Kinrofs     ^^^'5^°? ,"'  ^"'  maltman,  Lochwinoch 
 
 John  Ker,  minifter.  Beirs-hill     ~  J'^Tn      'f'""^^  •     ^M        •, 
 
 Mr  J.  Kiliock,  weaver,  Crawford's-dvkc     ~  '  °"'  ^*™"  '°  K.Imacolm 
 
 am  Orr,  wearer  in  Paifley 
 
 Mr  "William  Lang,  merchant,  Greenock 
 
 —  James  Loudon,  farmer  in  Shots 
 
 ■ — John  Little,  flax-drefTer  in  Carliflc 
 
 —  John  Laird,  farmer  in  Kilmacolm 
 
 —  William  Lochhead,    fen,  weaver  in 
 •*  Pollokfliawt 
 
 —  John  Watfon,  weaver  there 
 
 —  William  Lochhead,  jun.  weaver  there 
 
 —  David  Wclih,  (locking-maker  there 
 
 —  John  Wallace,  flioe-maker  in  Weft- 
 
 Miields 
 
 —  Alexander  Lyon,    wright  at  Govan 
 
 Coal-work 
 
 M 
 
 Mr  Archibald  Mafon,  fludent,   Glafgow 
 
 —  Willinm    M'Arthur,    bookfeller    in 
 
 Paifley,  a 8  fett 
 
 —  John  M'Auflane,  merchant  in  Gree- 
 
 nock, 40  fett 
 
 —  Duncan  M'Lcarn,  cooper,  Glafgow 
 
 —  Alexander  Millar,  fclater  there 
 
 -<-  S.  M'Kiiizic,  merchant.  Thorn-hill 
 
 —  John  M'Ewcn,  in  Laundfdale 
 
 —  James  Millar,  weaver  in  Langlonc 
 
 —  John  Millar,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Andrew  Muir,  wright  in  Paifley 
 
 —  John  M'Kcan,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Martin  Monro,   laylor  there 
 
 —  J.  M'Donald,  flioc-maktr,  Greenock 
 
 —  John  M'Keliar,  taylor  there 
 
 —  John  Millar,   merch..nt  there 
 
 —  Mofcs  M'Lell.in,  merchant  there 
 
 —  Diincan  M'.'\ufl.ine,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Archibald  M'Keliar,  wjight  tliere 
 
 —  LaiiitJ  W'Kcnzic,  fivot-ma^.;cr  there 
 
 —  James  M'Alaficr,  fl)oc-iii„L-i  there 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Porteous,   minifter, 
 
 at  Orwell 
 
 • J.  Patifon,  minifter,  Glencairn 
 
 • James    Punton,    minifter    at 
 
 Hamilton 
 
 J.  Proudfoot,  minifter  at  Lieth 
 
 Mr  John  Petticrew,  farmer,  Hyndlliaw 
 
 —  William  Porterfield,    flioe-maker  in 
 
 Greenock 
 
 —  "William  Paterfon,  vintner  in  Largs 
 
 —  William  Park,  wright  in  Kilmacolm 
 
 —  John  Park,  weaver  in  Polloklhaws 
 
 —  John  Pirie,  glover  in  Perth 
 
 —  George  Paton,  glover  there 
 
 —  James  Pedie,  ftudent  there 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  William  Richardfon,  of  Craw- 
 ford's-dyke 
 
 Lau.  Reid,  of  Pethacondie 
 
 Mr  James  Ruflel,  preacher  of  the  gofpcl 
 
 —  Fr.incis  Rattray,  preacher  of  thegofpel 
 
 —  John  Ronald,  preacher  of  the  gofpel 
 
 —  William  Ruflel,  cliandicr  in  Glafgow 
 
 —  J.imes  Rugh,  weaver  in  Andcrfton 
 
 —  William  Robcrtfon,  fvom  Perth 
 
 Rtv.  Mr   Archib.ild  Simpfon  minifter, 
 nt  Port-GlaJgow 
 
 James  Sommcrvil,  of  Stravin 
 
 Mr  Smith  and    Dinning,    tobaccoiiifls  in 
 Glafgow 
 
 —  Walter  Sommcrvil,  ftabler  there 
 
 —  William  Sttcl,  baker  tlurc 
 
(     31     ) 
 
 Mr  William  Stevcnfon,  in  Laundfdafle 
 
 —  James  Shields,  warper  in  Neilfton 
 
 —  William  Smith,  taylor  in  Paiflcy 
 
 —  William  Speir,  weaver  there 
 
 —  Ann  Speir,  refidenter  there 
 
 —  William  Speir,  farmer  in  Brides-mill 
 
 —  John  Shearer,  Ihoe-maker,  Greenock 
 
 —  William  Shaw,  flioe-maker  there 
 
 —  Robet  Simpfon,  weaver  in  Crawford's- 
 
 dyke 
 
 —  James  Spiers,  farmer  in  Kilmaurs 
 
 —  Alexander  Stark,  weaver  in  Kilfyth 
 
 —  John  Shepherd,  merchant  in  Perth 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  Andrew  Thomfon,    miniller 
 
 in  Malms 
 Mr  Michael  Thomfon,  fenior,  weaver  in 
 
 Monkland 
 
 —  Michael  Thomfon,  jun.  weaver  there 
 
 —  A.  Turner,  fhoe-maker  in  Glafgow 
 
 —  Steven  Torrence,  farmer  in  Neilfton 
 
 —  James  Thomfon,  in  Gartflicre 
 
 —  Robert  Tennant,  mafon  in  Perth 
 
 —  Peter  Turner,  Imith  in  Greenock 
 
 Mr  John  Taylor,  farmer  in  Giblefton 
 Mis  Mary  Threlkeld,  in  Greenock 
 
 U 
 
 Mr.  Jolin  Uric,  farmer  in  Cathcart 
 
 W 
 
 Mr  William  Wilfon  of  Kailey,  in  Largs 
 
 —  Thomas  Watfon,    manufaiflurcr   in 
 
 Clydc-ftieet 
 
 —  W.  White,  bookfeiler  in  Beith,  7  fett 
 
 —  Ebenezer  White,  weaver  in  Paiflcy 
 
 —  David  Wylie,  weaver  there 
 
 —  James  White,  jun.  weaver  there 
 
 —  Mat.  Whyic,  weaver  in  Lawndfdale 
 
 —  Walker,  thread-manufaiSturcr 
 in  Paifley 
 
 —  Rob.  Walker,  flioc-maker,  Greenock 
 
 —  James  Wilfon,  farmer  in  Largs 
 
 —  Archibald  Wilfon,  ftioe-maker  there 
 
 —  J.  Walker,  farmer  in  Glenfl)innoch 
 
 —  Thomas  White,  fmith  in  Pcith 
 
[     27     3 
 A 
 
 DEFENCE 
 
 O    F 
 
 Rhyme  and  Musical  Metre.  "^ 
 
 As  all  the  Poems  and  Songs  here  are  written  in  the 
 form  of  what  is  called  llhyme  and  Common  Metre, 
 fo  the  reafon  thereof  is  to  anfwer  the  defign  propofed  to 
 me,  of  making  the  Scripture  Songs  adapted  to  our  com- 
 mon tunes,  fo  as  it  may  be  prafticable  to  fmg  them,  as 
 we  do  the  Pfalms  of  David  :  and  it  is  owned,  that  as 
 to  the  rhyme  here,  it  is  not  defignedly  neglefted,  but 
 rather  exadly  ftudied,  notwithftanding  that  blank  verfe 
 is  now  become  very  falhionable ;  that  is,  where  the 
 meafure  is  kept  without  rhyme. 
 
 The  Author  of  the  book,  intitled,  The  Art  of  Englifi 
 Poetry,  p.  35.  fays,  "  Shakefpear,  to  avoid  the  trou- 
 "  blefome  conftraint  of  rhyme,  was  the  firfl:  that  in- 
 "  vented  blank  verfe  ;  that  our  poets,  fmce  him,  have 
 "  made  ufe  of  it  in  many  of  their  comedies  and  trage- 
 "  dies  ;  but  that  the  mod  celebrated  poem  of  this  kind 
 "  of  verfe,  is  Milton's  Paradife  LoJlJ*  In  a  fhort  pre- 
 face to  which  book  of  Milton's,  I  fee  an  encomium  upon 
 that  kind  of  verfe  that  is  written  without  rhyme,  as  is 
 that  of  Homer  in  Greek,    and  Virgil  in  Latin,    &c. 
 
 *  This  Defence  of  Rhyme  and  Musical  Metre,  was  firft 
 prefixed  by  our  Author  to  his  poems  on  the  book  ot  |oB  ;  but  in 
 regard  the  molt  of  his  poetical  compofitions  are  of  this  kind,  it 
 w.ts  judged  proper  now  to  make  it  hone  the  whole  ot  his  Poetical 
 Works. 
 
 B  2  «  Rhyme, 
 
28  yiDEFEl^GEo/'RHVME 
 
 ''  Rhyme,  fays  that  author,  being  no  neceflary  adjunft, 
 "  or  true  ornament  of  poems,  or  good  verfe,  in  longer 
 "  works  efpecially,  but  the  invention  of  a  barbarous 
 "  age,  to  fet  off  wretched  matter,  and  lame  metre.'* 
 The  fame  author  goes  on  to  difparage  rhyme  as  "  a 
 thing  in  itfelf,  to  all  judicious  ears,  trivial  and  of  no 
 true  mufical  delight ;  which  confifts  only  of  apt  num- 
 bers, fit  quantity  of  fyllables,  &c.  not  of  jingling 
 founds  of  like  endings,  O'c.  \  a  fault  avoided  by  the 
 *'  learned  antients  both  in  poetry  and  all  good  oratory." 
 Upon  which  he  adds,  in  favour  of  that  blank  verfe, 
 *'  that  the  neglect  of  rhyme  is  fo  little  to  be  taken  for 
 "  a  defed,  though  it  may  feem  lb  to  vulgar  readers, 
 *'  that  it  rather  is  to  be  efleemed  an  example  fet  (the 
 "  firft  in  Englilh)  of  antient  liberty  recovered  to  heroic 
 "  poems,  from  the  troublefome  and  modern  advantage 
 "  of  rhyming.'* 
 
 It  is  neceffary,  in  fetting  forth  a  book  of  Scriptural 
 Songs,  wherein  fo  much  rhyme  is  ufed,  that  we"  hear 
 vindicate  the  ufe  thereof;  which  I  am  not  to  do,  by 
 faying  any  thing  to  the  difparagement  of  blank  verfe, 
 wherein  fo  many  fine  and  cx^cellent  thoughts  are  now 
 delivered,  but  by  offering  a  juft  defence  of  rhyme  a- 
 gainlt  fuch  mighty  attacks,  as  tend  to  the  utter  difpa- 
 ragement thereof.  Seeing,  therefore,  that  fuch  public 
 advertifements  of  that  kind,  though  they  feem  to  make 
 an  exception  of  fliorter  poems,  yet  may  tend  to  make 
 any  performance,  coming  forth  in  rhyme,  to  be  the 
 more  defpicable,  and  thereby  the  benefit  that  otherwife 
 might  be  reaped  by  the  following  poems,  in  a  great 
 meafure,  be  marred  to  fome  readers,  I  Ihall  here  en- 
 deavour to  roll  that  ftumbling-block  out  of  the  way,  by 
 giving  the  judgment  of  fome  of  the  moll  modern 
 writers  in  favours  of  rhvme,  who  will  be  acknowledo:- 
 ed,  by  all  the  readers  ol  poefy,  to  be  very  competent 
 judgcs.^ 
 
 By  the  way,  fuch  as  are  ready  to  conceive  prejudice 
 at  rhyme,  in  favours  only  of  modifii  blank  verfe,  may 
 remember,  that  rhyme,  even  as  thcfewho  difparage  do 
 acknowledge,  "  hath  been  graced  by  the  ufe  of  our 
 "  n:o(l  fumous  Englilh  poets,  both  old  and  Lite,'*  v/ith- 
 
 out 
 
^Ki  Musical  Metre.  29 
 
 out  feeming,  in  the  leaft,   to  be  under  any  reflraint  or 
 bondage  thereby,  any  more  than  thefe  that  ftudy  blank 
 verfe  are  confined,  by  makhig  them  confift  of  apt  num- 
 bers, and  fit  quantity  of  fyllables,  and  the  proper  mea- 
 fure  :    befides,    that  that  kind  of  verfe  appears  to  very 
 many  to  agree  much  better  with  the  Greek  and  Latin 
 dialeds,    than  with  the  Englifli ;    and  that  the-  proper 
 paufe,  at  the  end  of  Latin  verfes  particularly,   feems  to 
 be  much  more  eafy  and  natural,    than  it  is  in  Englifli 
 blank  verfe  ;    which,  for  the  mofl  part,   feems  to  have 
 fuch  a  blank,  to  their  apprehenfion,  that  they  are  ready, 
 either  in  humouring  the  meafure,  to  lofe  the  fenfe  ;  or, 
 in  feeking  the  fenfe,    to  lofe  the  meafure  ;    efpecially 
 where  the  periods  are  long.     This  feems  to  be  the  fcn- 
 timent  even  of  a  renowned  poet,  the  famous  and  inge- 
 nious Dr.  Watts,    in  his  preface  to  his  Lyj-ic  Poar.s  ; 
 where,    after  his  very  high  commendation  of  Milton's 
 works,  he  hath  thcfe  words  ;     "  Yet  all  that  vafl  rever- 
 "  ence,    with  which  I  read  his  Faradifc  Loji,   cannot 
 *'  perfuade  me  to  be  charmed  with  every  page  of  it : 
 "  the  length  of  his  periods,  and  fome  times  of  his  pa- 
 "  ranthcfes,  run  me  out  of  breath ;  fome  of  his  numbers 
 feem  too  harflj  and  uneafy.    I  could  never  believe  that 
 roughnefs  and  ohfcurity  added  any  thing  to  the  true 
 grandeur  of  a  poem  ;    nor  will  I  ever  affecc  a  quaint 
 uncoiithnefs  of  fpeech,    in  order  to  become  perfedly 
 Miltonian,    &c.     The  oddnefs  of  any  antique  found 
 gives  but  a  falfe  pleafure  to  the  ears,  and  abufe  the 
 ^ri^^  r£'///^  even  where  it  works  delight,"  6y.     Thefe 
 being  the  fentiments  of  fuch  an  eminent  Poet,  concern- 
 ing the  meafure  and  model  of  fome  blank  verfe,  I  have 
 thought  the  lefs  ilrange,    that  fome  very  judicious  per- 
 fons,   of  my  acquaintance,  have  wifhed,  that  Milton's 
 Faradifc  Loji,  Young's  Night  Thoughts^  he.    had  been 
 written  rather  in  poetic  profe,  fuch  as  Hervey's  Medita- 
 tions, and  the  like,  that  they  might  be  the  more  eafily 
 and  pleafantly  read  by  them. 
 
 But  further,  that  I  may  vindicate  rhyme  from  the 
 forementioncd  talk;  in  cafe  any  {liould  think  that  I  have 
 ftudied  too  much  exaftnefs  in  humouring  the  found,  I 
 fliall,  on  this  head,  citer  the  judgment  of  fome,  whofe 
 
 Ikil' 
 
30  ^Defenceo/'Rhyme 
 
 fkillj  in  poetry,  cannot  well  be  queftioned.  One  is 
 Mr.  Edward  13yssh&,  the  author  of  the  forefaid  book, 
 intitled,  The  Art  of  Englijh  Poetry,  who  fays,  that  "  the 
 "  office  of  RHYME  is  to  content  and  pleafe  the  ear  ;  and 
 "  being  defigned  for  mufic,  the  found  muft  be  regarded, 
 "  as  well  as  the  meafure  ;  and  that  if  care  be  not  taken, 
 in  the  propriety  of  the  rhyme,  that  the  found  of  the 
 lall  fyllable-  be  not  too  weak  and  languilhing,  the 
 verfes  can  never  be  graceful  in  the  delivery,  nor  pleaf- 
 ing  to  the  ear."  And  in  his  Preface  to  his  Dictionary 
 of  Rhymes,  he  fays,  p.  7.  that  "  rhyme  is  by  all  allowed 
 to  be  the  chief  ornament  of  verfification,  in  many  of 
 the  modern  languages ;  and  therefore  the  more  exaft 
 we  are  in  the  obfervation  of  it,  the  greater  applaufe 
 our  produftions  of  that  nature  will  defervedly  chal- 
 "  lenge  and  find." 
 
 Another  author  I  quote  is  the  defervedly  celebrated 
 Mr.  Pope,  who,  in  our  Scots  Magazine,  is  defigned  the 
 Britijh  Homer,  and  of  whofe  death  it  is  faid,  The  power 
 of  fong,  and  force  of  Miific  died.  In  his  Preface  to  his 
 E[fay  on  Man,  he  gives  this  as  one  of  his  reafons  for 
 writing  it  in  rhyme :  "  This,  fays  he,  might  have  been 
 "  done  in  profe,  but  I  choofe  verfe,  and  even  rhyme, 
 "  for  two  reafons  ;  the  one  will  appear  obvious,  that 
 "  principles,  maxims,  and  precepts,  fo  written,  both 
 "  itrike  the  reader  more  ftrongly  at  firft ;  and  are  more 
 '-  eafily  retained  by  him  afterward." 
 
 By  thefe  inftances  given,  from  fuch  as  cannot  but  be 
 reckoned  amongil  the  bed  judges  of  poetry,  the  readers 
 of  the  following  Poems  may  be  guarded  againft  the 
 temptations  of  vilifying  and  undervaluing  the  facred 
 matter  thereof,  on  account  of  the  ftritl  obfervance  of 
 the  rhyme  and  metre,  which,  according  to  what  is  faid 
 above,  ought  rather  to  recommend  them  ;  and  which 
 is  here  fludied,  not,  I  hope,  for  the  fake  of  vain  ap- 
 plaufe, fuch  as  Mr.  Basshe  feems  to  fpeak  of,  but  that 
 the  divine  truths  may  be  delivered  in  a  (train  tending 
 both  to  pleafe  the  ear,  and  by  that  to  ftrike  the  heart 
 of  the  reader,  and  facilitate  the  retention  or  remember- 
 ance  of  the  poems,  which,  in  that  foria,  as  Mr.  Pops 
 obfervcs,    are  more  eafily  committed  to  the  memory, 
 
 cfpccially 
 
and  MusicalMetre.  31 
 
 efpecially  if  the  truths  delivered  therein  be  duly  appre- 
 hended by  the  mind,  and  embraced  in  the  heart :  and, 
 indeed,  I  cannot  imagine  that  the  verfes  need  be  the 
 lefs  agreeable  to  the  judgment  that  they  are  not  harlh 
 and  ungrateful  to  the  ear. 
 
 Though  the  verfes  in  the  book  of  Job  have  rhyme, 
 for  the  mod  part,  not  only  in  the  fecond  and  fourth, 
 but  even  in  the  firft  and  third  lines  of  every  flanza ; 
 for  the  negied  of  which.  Dr.  Watts  hopes  his  reader 
 will  forgive  him,  in  fome  of  his  hymns  :  yet  I  cannot 
 fay  that  I  was  thereby  brought  under  much  reflriclion 
 and  confinement ;  becaufe,  when  the  matter  was  once 
 conceived,  the  fimilar  endings,  together  with  the  pro- 
 per quantity  of  fyllables,  natively  enough  occurred, 
 without  much  ftudy :  and  if  they  be  rendered  thereby 
 the  more  mufical,  I  hope  it  iliall  not  hence  be  the  more 
 exceptionable,  at  lead  to  the  ordinary  ferious  readers, 
 for  whofe  fake  1  have  not  induftrioufly  neglefted  it. 
 
 It  is  evident,  indeed,  from  the  examples  we  have  in 
 the  Greek  and  Latin  poets,  and  alfo  the  Englifli,  fince 
 Shakefpear's  time,  that  rhyme  is  not  eflential  to  poetical 
 writings,  and  that  there  may  be  the  mufic  of  poetry, 
 without  the  ornament  of  rhyme  ;  but  yet  it  feems  as  e- 
 vident,  that  this  ornament  is  no  novelty.  Bailey's  Dic- 
 tionary informs,  that  Mr.  Skinner  is  of  opinion,  that 
 rhyme  was  firfl  brought  into  Europe  by  the  Arabians, 
 but  that  inftances  are  given  of  rhymes  in  the  Saxon 
 poetry  long  before  the  Arabians  made  fuch  a  figure  in 
 the  world.  But  if  that  be  reckoned  a  barbarous  age, 
 it  is  of  more  confcquence  that  is  farther  told  us,  that 
 Mr.  Dryden  fays,  Monfeur  le  Clerc  has  made  it  out, 
 that  David's  Pfalms  were  written  in  as  arrant  [merej 
 rhyme  as  they  are  tranflated  into.  And  if  fo,  then  this 
 ornament  has  a  very  antient  original,  and  is  no  modern 
 invention. 
 
 Though  I  will  never  defend  rhyme,  without  reafon  ; 
 or  bafe  jingling  metre,  without  folid  matter,  and  fome 
 fprightly  metal  (the  great  want  whereof  makes  me  far 
 from  commending  my  own  :)  nor  would  I  ever  commend 
 whac  is  only  mufical  in  the  ear,  without  being  alfo  in- 
 flrudlve  to  the  mind ;  for,  no  doubt,  right  rhyme  will 
 
 both 
 
32  A   D  E  V  E  K  C  E    of  R  U  Y  ^1  E,    <^'C. 
 
 both  delight  the  fenfe,  and  unprove  the  intelleftuals : 
 yet  fuch  as  have  little  tafte  for  mufic  at  all,  muft  allow 
 others,  yea,  even  all  good  judges,  to  agree  with  the 
 forefaid  eminent  Mr.  Popr,  (in  his  encomium  he  makes 
 ot  this  heavenly,  art^  as  one  exprelles  it,  and  in  the  ad- 
 vantage, as  well  as  pleafure,  it  may  always  furnifh  to  a 
 well  turned  mind,)  in  the  following  words : 
 
 Mufic  ihe  Jierccji  grief  can  charm 
 And  fate' i  fever eji  rage  dfarm  : 
 Ehfic  can  foften  pain  to  caf\ 
 And  make  defpair  and  madnefs  pleafe  : 
 Our  joys  below .f  it  can  improve .^ 
 And  antidate  the  blip  above. 
 
 And  hence  it  may  be  faid,  efpecially  of  facred  and  fpiri- 
 tual  fongs,  the  more  mufical,  the  more  celeftial. 
 
 The  following  Poems,  of  whatever  fort,  are  fubje£led 
 to  what  they  cannot  efcape,  namely,  the  cenfure  of  the 
 public  ;  a  gantlet  not  eafily  run  in  fuch  a  learned  and 
 critical  age,  efpecially  as  the  Songs  are  fpiritual,  fet  out 
 into  the  midft  of  a  carnal  and  corrupt  age,  moft  part 
 whereof  will,  indeed,  never  beftow  a  glance  of  their 
 eye  upon  them,  and  therefore  their  cenfure  needs  not 
 be  feared ;  or  if  they  do,  it  is  like  it  may  be  with  fuch 
 contempt  of  them,  in  comparifon  of  wanton  and  pro- 
 fane fonnets,  as  a  certain  Englifh  poet  expreffes,  in  the 
 following  lines  : 
 
 This  lewd  and  ivicked  aoe  can't  bear  the  luit 
 Of  hymns  a)id  fonnets,  from  the  facred  writ  : 
 But  let  one  blafphemy  and  bandy  write. 
 The  lewd  and  modcft  both  will  take  delight : 
 The  blujlnng  virgin  pleased  does  love  to  look. 
 And  plants  the  poem  next  her  prayer-book. 
 
 RALPH    L  11  S  K  I  N  E. 
 
GOSPEL    SONNETS; 
 
 O    R, 
 
 SPIRITUAL     SONGS, 
 
 IN     SIX    PARTS. 
 
 I.  The  Believer's  Espousals. 
 II.  The  Believer's  Jointure. 
 
 III.  The  Believer's  Riddle. 
 
 IV.  The  Believer's  Lodging. 
 V.  The  Believer's  Soliloq.uy. 
 
 VI.  The  Believer's  Principle's, 
 
 C  ON  C  ERN I  NG 
 
 Creation  and  Redemption, 
 Law  and  Gospel, 
 Justification  and  Sanctification, 
 Faith  and  Sense, 
 Heaven  and  Earth. 
 
 3{ira  canam,  fed  vera  canam.        Buchan.  Ffalm.  Ixxviii. 
 
 Vol.  IX. 
 
t    35    3 
 
 *i'i  '^  *i*i'  'S^  i*i'  *i*i'  'i'i*  'i*i  ifc'  'if  "i'i"  'ifi'  'if  ■;*-•■  \t-"'  *i*'"'  'i»'''  '>»-■'  is'i'-iH-  \»/'  \»  ■■■  \«,'  ■•«.•■■  »  -•  ••  t^' 
 
 THE 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO       THE 
 
 READER. 
 
 THE/r/?  edition  of  the  firfl:  five  parts  of  this  little  book 
 came  forth  under  the  title  of  Gospel-Canticles  :  and 
 though  I  own  a  copy  was  got  out  of  my  hand  under  that  name, 
 and  fo  was  carried  to  the  prefs  by  another  hand ;  yet,  upon  the 
 publication  thereof,  I  was  fometimes  uneafy  at  its  going  abroad 
 under  that  title,  feeing  one  of  the  books  of  the  holy  fcripture  is 
 ordinarily  defigned  by  the  nams  of  Canticles.  And  though  the 
 name,  in  itfeif,  is  much  of  the  fame  fignificancy  with  that  which 
 is  now  affigned  to  this  book;  yet,  left  it  fliould  not  be  reckoned 
 fo  fober  and  becoming  as  were  needful,  I  have  embraced  the  firft 
 opportunity  of  altering  the  fame,  only  allowing  the  other  part  of 
 the  title,  which  is  but  an  adjunfl,  to  (land  •  becaufe  the  main  de- 
 fign  of  the  book  being,  to  hold  forth  fome  evangelical  truths,  I 
 thought  I  might  prefume  to  allow  it  to  pafs  under  the  title  of 
 Gospel  Sonnets. 
 
 Several  places  and  books  of  fcripture,  fuch  as  the  book  of  Job, 
 the  Pfalms  of  David,  the  Song  of  Solomon,  the  Lamentations  of 
 Jeremiah,  ^c.  in  the  original  Hebrew,  or  firft  language,  are  de- 
 livered to  us  in  a  certain  kind  of  verfu,  or  holy  poefy;  and  fincc 
 the  great  God,  by  his  holy  Spirit,  pleafed  to  fpeak  to  us,  as  it 
 were,  in  metre,'  I  hope  that  any  poor  effay,  to  fet  forth  fome  of 
 the  moft  neceffary,  fcriptural,  and  gofpel  truths,  fhall  not  be  the 
 lefs  regarded,  that  it  is  framed  into  the  mould  of  common  metre 
 and  homely  rhyme.  I  own,  that  thefe  who  are  fkilled  this  way, 
 M'ill  eafily  difcern  that  I  cannot  pretend  to  lofty  poefy ;  but  per- 
 haps it  is  beter  ordered,  that  my  talent  is  not  of  fuch  a  foaring 
 nature,  as  to  pleaie  the  critical  palate  of  a  learned  age  :  feeing 
 that,  as  there  are  heroic  poems  in  abundance  gone  abroad, 
 fitted  for  gracifying  thofe  of  a  polite  education;  Co  the  exalted 
 
 E   2  turn 
 
36  Tie      V    R    E    T    A    C    E 
 
 turn  of  thought,  and  poetical  flights,  which  would  have  made 
 thefe  lines  capable  of  giving  delight  to  the  refined  tafte,  would, 
 in  all  likelihood,  have  rendered  them  unintelligible,  and  confe- 
 quently  unferviceable  to  thofe  of  a  meaner  capacity,  and  to  the 
 common  fort  of  people,  for  whofe  inftruflioQ  and  edification  thefe 
 lines  are  principally  defigfied. 
 
 I  am  abundantly  fatisfied,  on  the  one  hand,  that  the  matter 
 contained  in  thefe  Sonnets,  is  not  below  the  confideration  of  the 
 moil  learned  and  knowing  perfons,  fmce  there  is  a  brief  effay, 
 therein,  at  the  elucidation,  or  opening  up  of  feme  of  the  great 
 myfteries  of  the  gofpel,  nvhich  things  the  angels  dejire  ti  pry  into  ; 
 and  therefore  cannot  but  adminifter  a  fpecious  field  for  exercifmg 
 the  moft  elevated  thoughts  of  meUj  yea,  they  are  fuch  as  tran- 
 fccnt'  their  raotl  fublimated  apprehenfions,  and  none  but  thefe  that 
 are  Oio<PiS'a.K7Qt,  or  taught  of  od,  can  have  the  f^ivingand  fpi- 
 ritual  uptaking  of.  I  am  fufficiently  apprifed,  on  the  other  handy 
 that  the  manner  wherein  thefe  truths  arc  here  delivered,  is  for 
 the  mofl  part  fo  low  and  flat,  as  may  be  difagreeable  to  the  gull 
 of  the  moft  learned  and  intelligent,  into  whofe  hands  thefe  lines 
 may  perhaps  fall ;  yet  I  could  wifh,  that  fuch  perfons  would  be  fo 
 merciful  to  the  reft  of  the  rude  and  illiterate  world,  as  to  be  well- 
 pleafed  and  content  that  fome  efTays  of  this  nature  are  funk  to  the 
 level  of  vulgar  capacities,  confidering  that  to  the  poor  the  gofpel 
 is  preached. 
 
 I  can  offer  no  other  apology  for  my  rudenefs  of  expreflion,  be- 
 fides  the  want  of  a  cultivated  poetical  genius,  than  this.  That 
 moft  of  thefe  lines  are  fet  down  in  the  very  firft  unrefined  drefs, 
 wherein  they  were  prefented  to  my  mind,  when  I  thought  and 
 wrote  upon  thefe  fubjefts  ;  nor  could  the  vacant  minutes,  borrow- 
 ed  from  my  other  weighty  work,  allow  me  leifure  to  lludy  that 
 politenefs  and  elegancy  of  phrafe,  which  more  time,  leifure,  and 
 pains  might  have  hammered  out :  Which  is  the  reafon  alfo,  that, 
 in  the  whole  book,  I  have  confined  myfelf  to  four  forts  of  metre, 
 •which  are  fuch  as  moft  natively  occurred  to  myfelf ;  and  yet,  I 
 fuppofe,  moft  adapted  for  gratifying  only  of  the  moft  common 
 tafte.  The  favour,  therefore,  that  I  afk  of  the  mere  judicious 
 Readers  efpecially  is,  that  their  Chriftian  charity  may  escufe  what 
 \veaknefs  is  found  in  the  raanner  of  treating  ;  and  that  they,  to- 
 gether with  all  the  ferious  Readers,  may  have  their  minds  prin- 
 cipally intent  upon  the  weight  of  the  matter. 
 
 If  there  be  any  miftake,  as  well  as  defefts,  in  the  viattir  of 
 thefe  Sonnets,  it  may  be  an  excufe,  that  you  have  this  trca- 
 fiire  in  earthen  vejfels  :  only  let  not  the  treafure  be  rejedled, 
 becaufe  of  either  the  coarfcnefs  or  chinks  of  the  veflel.  As 
 the  falvation  of  finners  is  not  of  the  free-will  of  man,  nor  of 
 works  ;  but  of  the  free-wiil  of  God,  and  of  grace  :  fo  the  main 
 defign  of  the  gofpel,  is,  to  deprefs  felf,  :^nd  felf-rightcoufn^fs,  to 
 the  loweft,  and  to  exalt  Chrift,  and  his  righteoufnefs,  to  the 
 liighcft  ;  and  my  great  defire,  in  thefe  lines,  is  to  iail  in  with  this 
 defign.  I  am  convinced  that  many  dark  ajiprcbcnfion,  couceTi- 
 ing  the  gofpel,  flow  frcni  miilakirg  the  naiurc  of  the  covenant  -f 
 
 grace, 
 
to    //;f    R    E    A    D    E    R.  57 
 
 grace,  and  the  proper  parties  therein,  and  confeqnentiy  the 
 proper  condition  thereof.  And  though  many  excellent  Divines 
 (for  whofe  character  I  have  a  very  great  reverence  and  regard) 
 have  rcprefented  it  as  a  mutual  bargain  between  God  and  man, 
 •vr'xth  Jiipulation  and  rejiipulation  :  yet,  without  difparagement  to 
 them,  I  ow^e  more  regard  to  our  excellent  Standards,  agreeable  to 
 the  word  of  God,  (to  which  I  own  myfelf  folemnly  bound)  where- 
 in it  is  held  forth  as  a  covenant  that  nvas  7nade  ivitA  Chr'Jl  as  the 
 fccond  Ada?n,  arid  ifi  him  'with  all  the  clefl  as  his  feed.  And  if 
 God  and  Chrift  be  the  parties,  we  may  thence  confider  what  are 
 the  proper  terms,  or  what  is  the  condition  thereof,  and  by  whom 
 performed.  Hence  our  Standards  bring  in  faith,  not  as  the  pro-. 
 per  condition  of  the  covenant,  but  as  the  condition  (or  mean)  to 
 iniereft  us  in  Chriji ;  and  fo,  as  a  part  of  the  divine  method  in  the 
 application  of  the  covenant,  and  a  promife  thereof,  he  promifmg 
 and  giving  his  holy  Spirit  to  all  his'  ele£l,  to  ivork  in  thtvi  that  faith- 
 I  know  that  many  found  Divines,  who  either  never  ufed,  or  have 
 gone  off  from  this  way  of  fpeaking  in  our  Standards,  concerning 
 the  covenant  of  grace,  as  landing  betv;een  God  and  Chriil,  have 
 explained  themfelves  into  the  moll;  orthodox  and  found  knfe  ;  yet, 
 I  am  perfuaded,  that  the  general  receding  from  this  good  old 
 way  and  manner  of  fpeaking,  and  the  confounding  of  the  parties 
 eontrading  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  namely,  Goo  and  Christ, 
 with  the  parties  confenting  in  a  day  of  power,  and  brought  into 
 the  covenant,  namely,  elefl  believers ;  together  with  the  confound- 
 ing of  the  proper  condition  of  the  covenant,  with  the  proper  qua- 
 lities of  the  covenanted  ;  and  even  the  covenant  itfelf,  with  the 
 manner  of  its  manilellation,  and  the  method  .of  its  application; 
 and  the  not  duly  attending  and  adhering  to  our  Standards,  in 
 this  and  the  like  matters,  is  at  the  root  of  a  great  deal  of  mifta- 
 ken  views,  even  among  thofe  that  would  feem  to  be  the  moll:  zea- 
 lous efpoufers  of  our  excellent  Confeffion  and  Catechifms. 
 
 My  principal  dcfign,  efpeciaily  in  the  fixth  part  of  this  book, 
 was  to  rid  marches  between  the  la--w  and  the  gofpel,  jujlifcatio?: 
 zv\d  fan^lification,  &;c.;  from  the  confounding  whei^eof,  many  er- 
 roneous apprehenfions  and  pofitions  do  proceed.  And,  abtlrac- 
 tmg  from  what  may  be  called  poetical  licence,  I  have  endeavour- 
 ed, in  my  manner  of  expreflion,  to  keep  clofe  by  the  form  of  found 
 words,  the  fcriptures  of  truth,  our  received  Standards,  and  the 
 fentiments  of  the  mod  eminent  orthodox  Divines. 
 
 I  am  not  fond  «f  novelties,  ne'vj  fchcines  of  doctrine,  nor  new 
 ways  of  fpeaking,  which  1  find  fome  l.tte  writers  have  rvin  into, 
 in  the  heat  of  their  difputes  ;  fuch  as.  That  the  fins  of  telicvers, 
 though  in  a  jufiifiedflate,  bring  on  them  a  liablenefs  to  the  threaten' 
 ed  and  dtferved  punijhincnt,  fro7n  the  penal  fan^ion  of  the  laiu  : 
 That  believers  are  under  the  threatening  of  eternal  death  and 
 ixrath  :  That  they  are  under  the  penal  fan^ion  of  the  moral  lanu  : 
 That  they  ought  to  he  influenced  in  their  obedience  by  the  threaten- 
 ings  and  fears  of  hell,  ivhich  are  filial,  and  of  falling  into  eternal 
 ivrath,  and  by  the  fear  of  lofing  their  fonfloip  and  being  difinherited  : 
 Thil  their  obedience,  as  fuch,   and  good  '•jj-yrks  have  the  promife  cf 
 
 life 
 
38  r>5^      P    R    E    F    A    C    E 
 
 life  and  glory  annexed  to  them,  &c.     Thefe,  and  che  like  expreffi- 
 ons,  Teem  to  import  fome  Jtenu  fcheme  of  divinity,  fome  ne'VJ  noti- 
 ons of  doclrine,  and  wd-iu  modes  oi  fpeaking,  not  known   in   our 
 Standards.     In  oppofition   to   which,  I   prefer   the   truths,    and 
 ways  of  exprefling  the  fame,  which  are   laid  down  in  our  excel- 
 lent Confeffion  of  Faith  and  Catechifms  plainly  founded  on  the 
 fcriptures  of  truth,  and  which  we  in  this  church  are  ftricftly  and 
 folemnly  bound  to  maintain.  The  language  whereof,  on  thefe  points^ 
 feems  to  have  another  fort  of  a  found,  while  it  is  there  declared, 
 Thdit  tl^efs,   that  are  juflified,   can  never  fall  from  the  Jlate  of jujii- 
 f  cation  ;  yet  they  may^  by  their  Jins.  fall  under  God's  fatherly  dif- 
 thafure  *  :  That  they  are  delivered  from  the  moral  lam)  as  a  cove- 
 nant 'ofiuorks^  fo  as  thereby  they  are  neither  juflified  nor  condein- 
 ned\:  That  they  are  freed  from  the  guilt  of  Jin,  the  condemning 
 nurath  of  God,  and  the  curfe  of  the  moral  lanv  ^  :   Th3.t  jujiif  cation 
 doth  equally  free  all  believers  frot?t  the  revenging  ivrath  ofGody  and 
 that  perfeiily  in  this  life  §  :  That  they  are  to  yield  obedience  to  God, 
 not  out  of  flavijlofear,  but  a  child-like  love  and 'willing  mind  ;  and, 
 being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  their  enemies,  are  to  ferve  the 
 l.ord  'without  fear.,  in  holinefs  and  rightcmfntfs  before  him  all  the 
 days  of  their  lije\  :  That   the  perfons  of  believers    being  accepted 
 through  Chriji,  their  good  'works  are  alfo  accepted  in  him,  he  looking 
 upon  them  in  his  Son  ^*,  &c.     Thefe  are  a  part   of  our  form  of 
 found  of  words,  worthy  to  be  confidered  and  compared  with  the 
 former  different  found  above-mentioned,  in  order  to   try  if  they 
 can  make  a  confort.     But  it  is  not  my  work  to  enlarge  on  thefe 
 things  at  prefent ;  only,  it  is  upon  thefe,  and  the  like  pofitlons 
 in  our  Standards,  that  the  foundation  of  the  moft  of  the  following 
 Sonnets  is  laid,  not  upon  any  new  notions. 
 
 I  fear,  indeed,  the  tendency  of  fome  new  phrafes,  expreflions,  and 
 pofilions,  that  have  been  fpread  abroad,  befide  thefe  now  menti- 
 oned ;  fuch  as, 
 
 1.  Th.'iK.  fnners  muji  leave  their  fins  in  order  to  come  to  Chriji  ; 
 whereas,  it  is  certainly  a  fafer  way  of  fpeakiug,  to  fay,   That, 
 
 finners  vmfl  come  to  Chrijt  thai  he  may  fanP.if  them,  and  take  a-way 
 their  fins,  his  name  being  Jesus,  becaufe  he  faves  his  people  from 
 their  Jins  ;  or  rather,  to  ufe  the  words  of  our  Confeffion,  name- 
 ly, that  their  duty,  Vv-ith  refped  to  faving  faith,  lies  in  accepting, 
 receiving,  and  rejling  upon  Chri/l  alone  for  jujlif cation,  santifica- 
 TION,  and  eternal  life,  by  virtue  of  the  covenant  of  grace  \\.  The 
 former  way  of  fpeaking,  in  contradiftinc^ion  from  this,  tends  to 
 make  people  think  their  falvation  depends  partly  on  themfelves, 
 and  partly  upon  Chrifl. 
 
 2.  That  gofpdl  repentance  is  necejjary  as  a  condition,  in  order  to 
 cur  jujiif cation  in  the  fight  of  God.  Whereas  it  is  fafer  to  fland  by 
 the  words  of  our  Confeffion  ;  That  repentance  is  not  to  be  refted  in 
 as  any  faliifadionforfm,  or  any  cau^e  of  the  pardon  thereof,  'which 
 
 *  Confeffion  of  Faith,  Cliap.  li.  Scdb.  s-  t  Larger  Citcchlfm,  Q^eft.  97- 
 i  Confef.  Chap.  xx.  Stdl.  i  §  Larger  Cat.  Qiieft.  77.  H  Contel.  Chap. 
 XI.   Sea.  1,  3.       ,•  Ibid.  Chap,  xvj,  Sedt    6.       ft  Itid.  Cu^p.  xiv.Sedi.  a. 
 
 If 
 
to      the     R     E     A    D     E     R.  39 
 
 it  God^s  a&  of  free  grace  in  Chriji  ;  and  yet  is  of  juch  nerefity  io  all 
 Jinners^  that  none  may  expeSl  pardon  'without  it*,  no  more  than 
 they  can  expe£l  pardon  without  amendment ;  for  only  he,  that 
 confejftth  and  forfaketh  foall  find  mercy  :  and  yet  who  will  fay, 
 that  this  amendment  of  life  is  a  neceffary  condition,  in  order  to 
 our  juftification? 
 
 3.  That  tmhelievers  are  not  under  the  commanding  ponver  of  the 
 covenant  ofiuorks  ;  why,  hecaufe  they  are  not  obliged  to  feek  juftifi- 
 cation hy  their  onvn  ivorks  ;  as  if  the  ieeking  juftification,  that  way, 
 were  the  precife  form  of  that  covenant ;  whereas  Adam  might 
 have  been  juftified  by  his  works,  though  he  had  never  fought  ju- 
 ftification that  way  ;  fince,  as  hath  been  well  cleared  by  others, 
 the  annexing  of  the  projuife  of  life,  and  threatening  of  death,  to  the 
 precept,  and  making  perfeB  obedience,  the  covenant-condition  upon 
 'which  thefe  'were  fufpended,  was  the  precife  form  of  the  covenant 
 of  works  ;  and  not  man's  being  obliged  X.o  feek  or  aim  at  juftifi- 
 cation by  his  works,  which  was  but  a  conlequent  thereof;  for, 
 if  he  had  fulfilled  the  condition  of  that  covenant,  or  yielded  that 
 perfeifl  obedience,  to  which  life  was  thus  annexed,  without  feek- 
 jng  or  aiming  at  any  thing  elfe,  but  the  pleafing  and  glorifying  of 
 God,  he  had  been  juftified  by  his  works.  Hence,  even  thefe  that 
 are  obliged  to  feek  life  and  juftification  by  the  obedience  of  ano- 
 ther ;  yet  while  they  do  it  not,  but  remain  in  unbelief,  they  abide 
 under  the  commanding,  as  well  as  the  condemning  power  of  the 
 covenant  of  works;  that  is,  under  an  obligation  to  perfeifl  obedi- 
 ence, upon  pain  of  death,  and  the  forfeiture  of  eternal  life  and 
 all  title  thereto,  by  reafon  of  their  want  of  that  obedience,  and  the 
 violation  of  that  covenant :  hence  our  Standards  make  it  the  pri- 
 vilege only  of  believers,  That  they  are  not  under  the  moral  laiv  as 
 a  covenant  of 'W'jrks,  to  be  thereby  either  juftified  or  condemned  \  : 
 which  plainly  fays,  not  only  that  the  moral  law  was  turned 
 Into  the  form  of  a  covenant  of  works,  by  its  being  made  a 
 covenant  of  life  and  juftification  upon  doing,  and  of  death 
 and  condemnation  upon  not  doing ;  but  alfo,  that  as  unbe- 
 lievers are  under  the  condemning  power  ot  that  covenant,  which 
 condemns  the  difobedient  to  eternal  death  for  their  fins;  fo  they 
 are  under  the  commanding  power  of  that  fame  covenant, — which 
 juftifies  all  that  can  and  do  obey  it,  and  would  juftify  them  alfo, 
 il  they  had  the  power  and  did  yield  obedience  to  it,  in  the  man- 
 ner it  requires;  which  is  not  fo  with  the  believer,  who,  though 
 he  had  a  perlbnal  righteoufnefs  in  perfecHiion,  as  he  will  have  it 
 in  heaven,  yet  there  is  no  connexion  between  it  and  his  juftifica- 
 tion, or  title  to  eternal  life,  which  is  to  him  the  gift  of  God  through 
 Jefus  Chrft  ;  he  being  brought  under  another  covenant,  which 
 makes  his  title  to  life  ftand  upon  another  foundation  :  but  now, 
 to  tree  unbelievers  from  being  under  the  ccnimandtng  power  of  the 
 covenant  of  works,  is,  in  my  opinion,  to  'ive.t  them  alio  from  the 
 condcmniig  power   of  it  ;   for,  if  they  were  not  under  obligation 
 
 *  ConfefTion   of   Faith,  Chap.    xv.    Sea.   i.        f  VA.l.   Chap,  iv,  Se^.  3. 
 i   IVul  Chap,  xix    £c(a.  6. 
 
 to 
 
/O 
 
 The      PREFACE 
 
 to  the  cnmni^nd  of  it,  how  could  they  jufllv  be  condemned  by  it 
 for  want  of  obedience  thereto,  or  tr.xnf^refling  thereof?  Where 
 no  command,  no  tranfgrefllon  ;  where  no  irarfgrefilon,  no  pe- 
 ■nnlty.  N.^y.  Reader,  the  debt  ftands  upon  their  head,  though 
 they  be  infolvent  debtors  and  bankrupts,  and  that  is  the  very- 
 thing  that  narikes  them  need  to  feek  the  aHivc,  as  well  as  paffivco- 
 bedience  of  Chrift,  (who,  as  Surety,  came  to  fulfil  the  righteouf- 
 nefs  of  the  law  only  as  a  covenant  of  works)  for  ihcir  juftification 
 and  eternal  life  :  whereas,  if  they  were  not  under  obligation  to  the 
 connnavd  of  the  covenant  of  works,  I  fee  no  need  they  would  have 
 of  Chrift's  aClive  obedience  in  their  roon  .  Our  old  way  of  fpeak- 
 ing  hath  been  to  this  pur  pofe,  That  all  men  are  under  a  covenant 
 of  works  intirely,  fo  long  us  they  remain  out  ot  Chrift,  and  lb  out 
 of  the  covenant  of  grace  ;  and  that  they  need  his  complete  righte- 
 oufnefs,  both  of  doing  and  fufTering,  lor  their  juftification ;  and 
 it  is  not  meet  that  we  be  driven  out  of  the  good  old  rxiaj,  by  Jieiv 
 quirks  and  fophifms. 
 
 4.  Another  way  of  fpeaking,  that  I  find  amidll  thcfe  late  alter- 
 cations or  debates,  is,  Th:\t /aif/j  having  its  chief  feat  in  the  'will, 
 doubting  is  not  contrary  to  faith  ;  and  that,  to  efpoufa  the  definition  of 
 faith  that  paft  current  at  the  Reformation,  or  av/ong  the  Reformers, 
 is  a  receding  from  our  Standards.  As  the  Reader  will  find  fome  little 
 hint  concerningyi///^  in  the  following  Son  NETS,foI  agree  cordially 
 with  our  Standards  in  their  definitions  ot  iaith  ;  and  alfo  think  that 
 the  complex  aifurance  therein  mentioned  (including  that  of  fpiritu- 
 ^1  I'enfe  as  well  as  faith,  that  which  is  reflex  as  well  as  diredj  //  not  of 
 the  e fence  0/ faith,  erfo  of  the  eJJ'ence  of  it,  but  that  a  true  believer  may 
 "^ait  long,  and  confliSl  ivith  7nany  difficulties,  before  he  be  partaker  of 
 it  *.  But  I  am  not  fond  of  confining  faith  to  the  will  asits  chieffeat ; 
 but  rather  with  the  learned  and  judicious  Dr.  Owen,  judge, 
 That  it  is  fated  in  the  underfanding,  as  to  its  being  and  fubfiflence  ; 
 and  in  the  nuill  and  hearty  as  to  its  cffedual  ^working;  which  makes 
 It,  under  the  conduct  of  the  Spirrt  of  faith,  to  be  a  cordial  afjent 
 to  the  divine  teflinior.y  concerning  Chrif,  who  can  be  no  otherwife 
 believlngly  received  by  us,  but  in  nivord,  or  as  offered  in  the  gofpcl. 
 Far  lefs  am  I  fond  of  making  faith  confident  with  doubting  in  its 
 nature,  (though  faith  and  doubting  may  both  be  in  the  fame  fub- 
 jedl)  feeing  Chrift  hath  fct  them  at  odds,  faying,  0  thou  of  little 
 faith,  '■therefore  didft  thou  doubt  ?  Where  I  fee  the  believer  may 
 have  doubts  :  yea,  and  be  wholly  over-run  with  them,  becaufe  he 
 hath  unbelief;  and  yet  his  faith  and  doubting  differ,  as  faith  and 
 unbelief  do.  But  leaftof  all  am  I  fond  of  making  our  Standards 
 clafli  WMth  the  dodrine  of  our  Reformers;  efpecially,  feeing  our 
 AfTcmbly  1647,  in  their  acfts  receiving  thefe  Standards,  declared, 
 That  upon  due  examination  thereof,  they  ivere  fund  to  he  jnofl  agree- 
 aile  to  the  ixioril  of  Cod :  ard  in  nothing  contrary  to  the  received 
 do^ri'U'  of  this  Kirk  ;  which  was  the  doctrine  of  the  Reformation, 
 und  of  other  reformed  Churches,  on  thefe  points. — Several  Qther 
 new  and  ftrange  ways  of  fpeaking  arc  interfperfed  among  fome  late 
 
 *  ronfcnion  o.Tiith,   C'v^p-  TVJii.  fc^Sl.  3. 
 
 writings. 
 
to    the    R   E    A   D   E   R.  ^         4j 
 
 v.Tuings,  but  it  was  not  my  purpofe  to  infift  fo  long  as  1  have  done 
 upon  thefe  matters. 
 
 Serious  Reader,  I  fhall  only  add  here,  that  my  principal  de- 
 fign  in  the  followiug  Sonnets,  was  toe  ornmend  Chrift  to  your 
 foul  ;  efpecialiy  as  he  is  the  Lord  your  righteoufnefs.  And,  I 
 hope,  you  know  that  I  cannot  hyperbolize,  or  exceed  in  the  com" 
 mendation  of  Chrift's  righteoufnefs  alone,  as  the  matter  of  our  juf- 
 tilication  before  God.  I  think  ic  worth  the  remarking  here,  Ijow 
 ftri>fl  and  accurate  the  words  of  our  Confefllon  are,  in  excluding 
 all  works  from  having  any  fliare  in  this  matter,  faying,  ♦'  Thcfe 
 *'  <who7?i  God  effedually  calleth,  he  alfo  freely  juftifieth  ;  not  by 
 *'  infufing  righteoufnefs  into  them,  but  by  pardoning  their  fins, 
 *'  and  accounting  and  accepting  their  perfbns  as  righteous;  not 
 <«  for  any  thing  wrought  in  them,  or  done  by  them,  but  for 
 '«  Chrift's  fake  alone  ;  cot  by  imputing  faith  itfeif  the  a<5t  of  be- 
 *«  lieving,  or  any  other  evangelical  obedience  to  them,  as  their 
 '*  righteoufnefs,  but  by  imputing  the  obedience  and  fatisfadion  of 
 **  Chrift  unto  them,  they  receiving  and  refting  on  him  l)y  faith  ; 
 "  which  faith  they  have  not  of  themfelves,  it  is  the  gift  of 
 <'   God."  * 
 
 Reader,  in  all  your  mental  debates,  or  verbal  altercations  about 
 thefe  things,  and  this  fubjed  in  particular,  ferioufly  bethink  your- 
 felf  what  is  like  to  be  your  opinion  thereof,  when  you  come  to 
 die,  and  are  about  to  face  the  awful  tribunal  of  a  juft  and  holy 
 God,  And,  in  all  fuch  points  of  eternal  moment,  ever  think 
 that  part  the  fafell,  which  doth  leaft  humour  man's  pride,  and 
 moft  exalt  God's  glory j  fince  the  fcope  of  the  gofpel  is,  to  fhut 
 out  boafting,  to  bring  in  felf-denial,  and  to  magnify  the  righte*. 
 oufnefs  of  Chrift,  by  which  he  hath  magnified  the  law,  and  made 
 it  honourable;  and  in  the  true  and  lively  faith  of  which,  all  true 
 peace,  heart-holinefs,  and  praclical  godlmefs  is  rooted,  Rom.  v.  i. 
 A6is  XV.  9.  Titus  iii.  5,  8.  Gal.  iii,  16,  19.  Many  oppofers  of  this 
 do(5trine  in  their  lives,  have  owned  it  as  the  beft  divinity  at  their 
 death,  and  before  it ;  fuch  as  Bellarmine,  v/ho  was  not  alone  in 
 his  Tui}fumi7n  eji,  &;c.  "  It  is  the  flifeft  way  to  reft  upon  the 
 "  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift  alone  for  falvation," 
 
 Reader,  whatever  other  apologies  this  book  has  formerly  been 
 prelaced  withf,  (as  to  the  ruanner  in  which  many  lines  in  it  are 
 written)  ihall  be  here  altogether  dropt  and  forborn.  I  now  difmifs 
 it  as  it  is,  under  the  condud  of  divine  providence,  to  take  its  ha- 
 zard in  the  world  :  fince  it  has  already  ferved  its  apprenticeftiip 
 under  feveral  impreffions,  and  gone  through  both  kind  and  hard 
 ufage  ;  through  good  report  and  bad  report.  It  never  promifed 
 much  to  them  that  feek  nothing  but  pUafure  and  faiisfaBion  to 
 
 *  Confcflion  of  Faith,  chap    xi.    Sedl.  r. 
 
 f  What  follows  is  all  the  Preface  ufually  of  lite  prefixed  to  the  fmall  copy 
 ■^f  the   Gofpel  Sonnets. 
 
 V  0  1..   IX.  F  their 
 
42  r/v      P    R    E    F    A    C    E 
 
 their  fancy  ;  but  I  have  heard,  that  it  has  done  fome  fervice  (and, 
 I  hope,  through  the  bledlny;  of  Heaven,  it  may  yet  do  more)  to 
 them  that  feek  profit  and  edificati-jn  to  their  fouls. 
 
 The  late  edition  of  this  book  at  London  being  more  full  and  com- 
 plete than  any  that  was  formerly  emitted,  it  is  fit  here  to  acquaint 
 the  reader,  that  this  is  printed  ex:^ftly  off  the  Lond^.n  copy,  with- 
 out any  material  addition  or  alteration,  except  in  the  t\i\vd  part  of 
 the  Bo'A,  that  come  under  the  name  of  Riddles,  or  mylleiies; 
 and  y>A\-\.  fixth,  chap.  ii.  fedt.  i.  infilled,  The  Believer's  Principles 
 concerning  the  niyjleries  of  the  laiv  and  gofpel ;  both  of  which  (bc- 
 caufe  there  were  feveral  demands  in  this  country  for  a  new  edition) 
 I  thought  fit  to  confirm  by  fcripture-texts,  cited  at  the  bottom  of 
 the  page,  for  the  benefit  of  thofe  that  are  weak  in  knowledge,  and 
 unacquainted  with  the  fcripture*.  I  have  directed  them  by  a 
 letter  of  the  alphabet,  at  every  branch  of  the  fentence  that  is 
 either  feeminglyor  really  oppofite  to  the  other,  unto  fome  fcriptu- 
 ral  text,  one  or  more,  for  evincing  the  truth  thereof:  by  which 
 means,  the  weakcit,  that  is  willing,  may  come  to  underftand  the 
 molt  diflicult  paradox,  or  myftery,  mentioned  in  this  book;  at 
 Jeafl;  fo  far  as  to  fee  that  every  part  of  it  is  founded  on  the  word 
 of  God,  either  diredly,  or  by  plain  and  necefl'ary  confequence. 
 
 Only  this  general  rule  is  to  be  obferved,  namely,  That  the  Rea- 
 der always  confider  what  is  the  fubjecfl  treated  in  every  fe(5lion,  or 
 rtanza;  and  this  for  the  fake  of  the  more  illiterate,  I  fhall  illuft- 
 rats  by  two  examples,  the  one  concerning  the  lanxi,  and  the  other 
 concerning  the  believer.  The  former  you  fee,  part  III.  fe(5l.  vi. 
 ver.  25.   where  it  is  faid, 
 
 Pf/i  not  obliged  to  keep  it  more  ; 
 Tct  i!;orc  obliged  than  e'er  before. 
 
 Here  your  are  to  remark,  that  as  the  fabje(5l  fpoken  of,  is  the 
 LAW;  fo  the  law  in  fcripture  is  confidered  two  ways,  viz.  both 
 as  a  covenant  of  luorkst  and  as  a  rule  of  duty.  Now  that  the 
 believer  is  under  no  obligation  to  the  law  as  it  is  a  covenant 
 rf  iy;r//,  or  to  perform  obedience  to  it  as  a  ground  of  juf- 
 juftification,  (which  is  alfo  the  fubjeift  treated  in  that  fe<5tion) 
 is  confirmed  in  the  foot-notes,  by  the  following  fcriptures, 
 to  which  you  arc  direfled  by  the  letter  (s),  Rom.  vi.  i^. 
 Gal.  V.  I, — 4.  where  you  may  fee  believers,  are  faid  to  bs  not  un^ 
 der  the  laiv,  but  toidcr  gr:;ce  ;  and  exhorted  to y?<?/;i//C7/? /';;  the  li- 
 berty ivkereiuith  Chrijl  hath  made  them  free  :  and  affured  that  Chrijl 
 is  becoyne  of  no  effcii  to  them.,  ivhsfoever  of  them  are  jujlifed  by  the 
 laiv  ;  they  are  fallen  from  grace.  Again,  that  the  believer  is  under 
 more  obligation  than  ever  before  he  was  juflified,  to  yield  obedi- 
 ence to  the  law  as  it  is  a  rtile  cf  life,  (wliich  is  the  other  branch 
 of  tbat  paradox),  is  confirmed  by  thefe  following  texts  of  fcrip- 
 ture, to  which  ycu  are  direded  by  the  letter  (t),  Rom.  vi.  i,  2,  i  5 
 where  it  is  faid,   Shall  nue  continue  injhi,  that  grace  may  abound? 
 
 *  The  Scriptures  in  this  edition  ire  extended. 
 
 GoJ 
 
to     the     R    E     A    D     E    R.  43 
 
 God  forbid',  bona  Jh  all  nue  that  are  dead  to  Jin,  live  any  longer  then- 
 in  P  What  then  P  Jloall  nwe  Jin,  becauje  ive  are  not  under  the  laiv, 
 but  under  grace  ^.  God  forbid.  From  which  texts,  together  with 
 their  contexts,  it  is  evident,  that  the  believer's  freedom  Irom  the 
 law  as  a  covenant,  does  not  at  all  free  him  from  obligation  to  it 
 as  a  rule,  but  fuperadds  to  the  natural  obligation,  that  of  grace, 
 which  both  argumentatively  and  affcdtivcly  teaches  what  the  law 
 does  authoritatively  and  preceptively,  namely,  To  deny  ungodli- 
 nefs,  and  nxwrldly  lujii,  and  to  live  foherly,  righteoiijly,  and  godly, 
 in  ihii prefent  ivorld,  Titus  ii.  II,    12. 
 
 The  other  example  I  adduce,  you  may  read,  part  III.  feft.  x. 
 ver.  47.  where  the  words  are : 
 
 To  good  and  evil  equal  bent  ; 
 Vm  both  a  devil,  and  a  faint. 
 
 Here  the  Reader  may  notice,  that  the  fubjedt  fpoken  of,  is  the  be- 
 liever, or  the  faint's  old  and  new  man  defcribcd,  (which  is  part 
 of  the  title  of  that  feftiou),  or  confidered  as  to  his  regenerate  and 
 unregenerate  part;  in  which  view  he  is  frequently  fpoken  of  ia 
 fcripture  ;  ex.gr.  John  iii.  6,  9.  it  is  faid  of  the  believer,  or  the 
 perfon  born  of  God,  lh^.t  he  Jinneth  not,  and  that /^d-  cannot  Jn, 
 becaufe  he  is  born  of  God :  there  he  is  fpoken  of  as  to  his  new  na- 
 ture, or  regenerate  part.  But,  i  John  i.  8.  the  words  are,  Ifive 
 fay  that  nue  have  no  fin,  ive  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in 
 us  :  where  the  apoftle  fpeaks  of  believers  unregenerate  and  cor- 
 rupt part.  Now,  this  being  the  fcriptural  reprefentation  of  the 
 believer,  the  forfaid  paradox  is  eaiily  proven  from  fcripture. 
 
 ThzfirJi  branch  is.  That  he  is  equally  bent  to  good  and  to  evil. 
 For  the  proof  of  this  you  are  diredfed  in  the  foot-note  to  Rom.  vii. 
 21.  v.'here  the  apoftle  Paul,  fpeakingboth  of  his  corrupt  and  re- 
 newed part,  fays,  Ifndalanu,  that 'vjhen  I  ivould  do  good,  evil  is 
 prefent  nviih  me.  And  if  you  read  the  preceding  and  following 
 context,  you  will  find  him  complaining  how  corruption  bends  him 
 as  far  one  way  as  grace  another. 
 
 The  other  part  of  the  fame  paradox  is,  That  the  believer  is, 
 on  thefe  accounts,  both  a  devil  and  a  faint.  Now,  that  the  be- 
 liever is,  by  nature  and  corruption,  a  devil,  is  one  branch  of  this 
 pofition  here  to  be  confirmed.  That  he  is  fo  by  nature,  is  proven 
 by  the  following  fcriptures,  in  the  forecited  place  at  the  bottom, 
 John  vi.  70.  and  viii.  44.  compared  ;  where  Chrilt  fpeaking  of 
 fome  that  were  in  a  natural  ftate,  viz.  of  Judas  and  the  Je-v^s, 
 dilcovers  what  is  the  Itate  of  all  men  by  rt^aure,  that  they  are  of 
 their  father  the  devil,  Jtnce  the  lujfs  of  their  father  they  ivill  do  ;  and 
 therefore  may  be  called  devils,  as  our  Lord  calls  Judas,  faying, 
 /  have  chojen  you  t'voelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil.  And  fuch  are  be- 
 lievers alfo  naturally  as  defcendants  of  the  firlt  Adam,  being  chil" 
 dren  ofdifobedience,  and  children  ofirrath  by  nature,  even  as  others, 
 Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  And  that  the  believer  is  fo,  not  only  by  nature, 
 but  alfj  by  reafon  of  remaining  crru^tion,  is  proven  at  the  foot 
 
 F  2  in 
 
44  nc      T    R     E    F    A    C    E 
 
 in  the  fame  place,  from  James  lii.  15.  where  that  apoftle,  fpeaVmg 
 ot  ftrife  and  envy  that  may  he  even  amona:  the  children  of  God, 
 (which,  indeed,  has  too  much  taken  place  in  all  ages),  fays, 
 7/^is  ivifdom  defcendsth  tiotfrojji  above,  hut  is  earthly,  fetij'ual,  devil- 
 ijh.  Again,  that  though  the  believer  be  by  nature  and  corruption  a 
 devil,  yet  he  is  by  grace  and  regeneration  ^  faint,  is  documented 
 alfo  in  the  fame  place,  from  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  Such  iverefome  cfyou  ; 
 hut  ye  arefan£iified,  &c. 
 
 In  thismanner  you  may  go  over  all  the  reft  of  the  paradoxes, riddles, 
 or  mylleries  contained  in  this  book,  and  find  them  evidently  con- 
 firmed by  thefcriptures  of  truth,  the  word  of  God.  This  might  be 
 no  unprofitable  exercile,  but  tend  to  lead  you  to  the  true  know- 
 ledge of  the  golpel,  to  which  myfteries  are  fo  eflential,  that  it  is 
 defigned  by  them,  and  called  the  ivifdotn  of  Cod  in  a  myjlety,  1 
 Cor.  ii.7. ;  and  the  knowledge  of  which  is  fo  eifential  to  Chriltian- 
 jty,  and  fo  abfolutely  necefiary  to  falvation,  that  the  fime  apoftle 
 declares,  that  if  our  gofptl  he  hide,  it  is  hid  to  them  th*:t  are  loji  ; 
 in  ivhom  the  god  of  this  ivorld  hath  blinded  the  minds  of  them  ivhich 
 believe  not,  left  the  light  of  the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrifl,  nsjlo  is  the 
 imace  of  Cod  Jhould  fhine  unto  them,   2  Cor    iv.  3^  4 
 
 Again,  if  you  fearch  the  fcriptures,  you  will  fee  many  more 
 proofs  for  every  point  than  I  have  adduced,  and  perhaps  many 
 much  more  appoiite  ;  for  thefe  only  are  fet  down  at  the  bottom  of 
 the  page  that  firlt  occurred  to  me  :  yet,  I  fuppofe,  though  feme- 
 times  but  one,  and  lometimes  more  fcriptures  are  pointed  out, 
 they  are  fuch  as  fufficiently  confirm  the  pofitions  they  relate  to. 
 But  that  other  fcriptures  might  have  been  adduced  in  plenty,!  ftiall 
 give  one  inftance  in  the  paradox  jull  now  mentioned,  viz.  That 
 every  believer  while  in  this  world,  is  both  a  devil  and  a  faint.  The 
 latter  clauie  is  what  none  will  deny,  namely,  That  every  believer 
 is  a  faint;  for  further  proof  of  which,  you  might  fee.  Ads  xv.  9. 
 and  xxvi.  18,  &c.  But  becaufe  tliefirft:  claufe  may  feem  more  harfh, 
 it  may  by  fcripture  be  alfo  farther  evinced  two  ways:  (1.)  In  re- 
 fpeft  of  the  daily  comviijfon  of  fin  he  has  to  challenge  himfelf  with  ; 
 for  the  fcripture  fays,  Etclef.  vii.  20.  There  is  not  u  jufi  man  up- 
 on earth,  that  doth  good,  and finneth  not.  And  with  this  compare 
 1  John  iii.  8.  He  that  commitieth  fin,  is  of  the  devil.  Hence  it  is 
 plain,  there  is  not  a  juft;  man  upon  earth,  but  may,  in  relpedl:  of 
 the  coramiffion  of  fin,  be  called  a  devil.  (2.)  In  refpecl  of  preva- 
 lent  temptations,  by  wiiich  he  may  be  hurried  into  thofe  things 
 that  favour  not  of  Cod,  hut  of  men  ;  on  which  account  Chrift  f  tys 
 to  Peter,  Matth.  xvi.  23,  Cet  thee  behind  me,  Satan.  And  if 
 Chrift  calls  I'eter  a  devil,  whom  he  had  defcribcd  as  a  faint  of  the 
 firft  magnitude,  ver.  17.  one  divinely  blefled  and  enlightened; 
 what  occafion  may  every  believer  have  to  call  himlelf  a  devil  i 
 \ea,  it  is  a  part  oi  his  faith  and  fandbty,  to  fee  and  acknowledge, 
 with  fliime  beiore  the  Lord,  his  own  devilifh  and  defperattly 
 wicked  heart  and  nature,  which  a  blind,  felf-conceitcd  world  are 
 ignorani.  ot,  being  neither  acquainted  with  thcnikives,  nor  with. 
 Ci'j.d  and  his  word,     liowcvcr,  fo  it  ii,  tliat  the    moie  any  fiiail 
 
 ilaii-h 
 
(0    th     R    E    A    D.    E    "R.  45 
 
 fearch  the  fcripture,  the  more,  I  hope,  will  they  difcern,  not  on- 
 ly by  the  texts  I  have  quoted,  but  from  many  others  alfo,  rhe 
 truth  and  evidence  of  every  part  of  this  book,  however  myfterious 
 feme  palfages  of  it  m<iy  feem  to  many. 
 
 Though  fome  of  thcfe  lines  may  want  the  politencfs  that  can 
 pleafe  the  curious  age  ;  yet,  while  they  ftandfirm  upon  afcriptural 
 foundation,  none  of  them  want  authority,  and  that  of  the  higii- 
 eft  nature,  except  in  the  account  of  mockers,  and  thoie  {of  v.hom 
 there  are  too  many  in  our  day)  that  are  either  Deifts,  who  under- 
 value the  fcripture,  or  Athiefts,  who  deride  il  :  and  it  is  fadly 
 to  be  regretted,  that  thofe  people  are  hardened  in  their  v.icked 
 principles  and  pradices,  by  fome  that  perhaps  have  a,  higher  pro- 
 feffion.  For  I  have  feen  two  prints,  one  called  the  Croan,  and 
 another  the  Laugh,  wherein  fome  lines,  picked  out  among  others, 
 have  been  expofed  to  ridicule:  but  however  fuch  gentlemen  may 
 laugh  at  their  own  fport,  and  wickedly  divert  themfelves  with  fe- 
 rious  matters  for  a  time,  I  fear  their  laughing  will  iifue  in  weep- 
 ing for  ever  j  if  God,  by  giving  them  repentance,  do  not  make 
 them  groan  to  purpofe,  for  the  evidences  they  thus  give  of  either 
 their  grievous  ignorance  of  the  fcripture,  or  their  grofs  profanity, 
 and  of  their  readinefs  to  yield  themfelves  inftruments  of  the  devil, 
 to  promote  the  athieftical  fpirit  of  the  age,  which  is  bent  enough 
 (without  any  fuch  provocations)  to  laugh  at  every  thing  ferious,fa- 
 cred,  and  fcriptural.  This  is  fo  palpable,  without  my  obfervatlons 
 upon  it  and  lo  felf-evident  to  all  that  fear  God,  and  have  had  the 
 patience  to  read  fuch  prints,  that  I  would  not  have  thought  them 
 worth  my  noticing  fo  far,  as  to  make  this  bare  mention  of  them, 
 had  not  Providence  put  the  pen  in  my  hand  to  preface  this  editi- 
 on, wherein  fcriptural  proofs  are  added  to  that  part  of  the  book. 
 
 Reader,  It  gives  me  fatisfacflion  enough  to  underftand,  that  this 
 book  has  already  been  ufeful  and  edifying  to  fome,  however  it  is 
 entertained  by  others.  The  gofpel  itfelf  is  to  fome  the  favour  of 
 life,  to  others  the  favour  of  death  ;  to  fome  ivifdom,  to  others 
 fooliflonefs  ;  to  fome  matter  of  taith,  love,  and  con)fort  ;  to  others 
 matter  of  mockery  and  fcorn.  I  fliall  be  far  from  thinking  it  any 
 difcredit  or  difparagement  to  this  book,,  if  it  meet  with  the  like  en- 
 tertainment. 
 
 May  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  over-rules  all  things, 
 accompany  it  in  its  journeys,  abroad  or  at  home,  with  his  blefllng 
 to  their  fouls,  for  their  holy  recreation  and  their  fpiritual  edifica- 
 tion and  comfort  :  and  to  jiis  care  I  commend  it,  in  the  words  of 
 a  famous  and  juftly  celebrated  Scots  poet,  upon  Pfalm  xxxv.  i. 
 
 Reruvi  fanHe  OpifsXy  ades, 
 
 Et  pa/rcctuio  protege  me  tuo.  BuCH»' 
 
 Which  may  be  adapted  to  the  matter  in  hand  thus. 
 
 The  truth  ijjhich  hell  jJiay  critlcifc^ 
 Great  God,  be  near  to  patronize. 
 
 R.   £  R  S  ICI  N  E 
 
(     46     ) 
 
 A  POEM,  dedicated  to  the  Reverend 
 Mr.  Ralph  Erskine,  by  a  Lady  in  Ntw- 
 Englandf  on  reading  his  Gospel  Sonnets. 
 
 ERSKINE,  thou  bleiTed  herald,  found, 
 Till  fin's  black  empire  totter  to  the  ground. 
 Well  haft:  thou  Sinai*s  awful  flames  difplay'd. 
 And  rebels  doom  before  their  confcience  laid : 
 From  fm,  from  felf,  from  truft:  in  duty  fly. 
 Commit  thy  naked  foul  to  Chrift;,  or  die. 
 Go  on  and  profper  in  the  name  of  God, 
 Seraphic  preacher,  through  the  thorny  road  : 
 The  gracious  Chrifl:  thy  labours  will  reward  ; 
 His  angel-bands  be  thy  perpetual  guard  : 
 Though  hell's  dark  regions  at  the  prefent  hifs. 
 The  God  of  glory  thy  ft:rong  refuge  is. 
 Mere  moral  preachers  have  no  pow'r  to  charm, 
 Thy  Hues  are  fuch  my  nobler  paifions  warm  ; 
 Thefe  glorious  truths  hath  fet  my  foul  on  fire. 
 And  while  I  read,  I'm  love  and  pure  defire. 
 May  the  black  train  of  errors  hatch'd  in  hell ; 
 No  longer  in  this  globe  in  quiet  dwell : 
 May  more  like  you  be  rais'd  to  fhow  their  fhamc. 
 And  call  them  by  their  diabolic  name. 
 Exalt  the  Lamb  in  lovely  white  and  red, 
 Angels  and  faints  his  lading  honours  fprcad  ; 
 My  trembling  foul  fhall  bear  her  feeble  part, 
 'Tis  he  hath  charm'd  my  foul,  and  won  my  heart. 
 Blefs'd  be  the  Father,  for  cledling  love  ; 
 Blcfs'd  be  the  Son,  who  does  my  guilt  remove  ; 
 Blcfs'd  be  the  Dove,  who  does  his  grace  apply. 
 Oh  !  may  I  praifing  live,  and  praifing  die ! 
 
 GOSPEL 
 
'*• 
 
 ..<>,...<..<..<..<..<..<..<..<..<..<..«..<.•<.•<••<••<••<•■<•  <ll'-<-*-<- <•<••<•<•■<•■<■•<••<•■<■•<■■<■■<■■<■■■<■■■<••<•■<<  ^ 
 
 GOSPEL    SONNETS/^ 
 
 PART         I. 
 
 The  Believer's  Espousals: 
 
 7^  POEM  upon  Is  A.  liv.  5.   Thy  Maker  is  thy  Hujband» 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 T-JARK,  dying  mortal,  iftbe  Sonnet  prove, 
 
 Afong  of  living  and  immortal  love, 
 "Tis  then  thy  grand  concern  the  theme  to  knoiv, 
 ^life  and  immortality  he  fo. 
 Are  eyes  to  read,  or  ears  to  hear  a  truft  f 
 Shall  both  in  death  be  cranfd  anon  with  dufl  f 
 Then  trijle  not  to  pleafe  thine  ear  and  eye. 
 But  read  thou^  hear  thou,  for  eternity. 
 Furfue  not  fhadows  wing*d,  but  be  thy  chafe. 
 The  God  of  glory  on  the  field  of  grace  : 
 The  mighty  hunter's  na?}ie  is  lofl  and  vain. 
 That  runs  not  this  fubjlantial prize  to  gain. 
 Thefe  hu?nble  lines  affume  no  high  pretence. 
 To  pleafe  thy  fancy,  or  allure  thy  fenfe  ; 
 But  aim,  if  everla  fling  life's  thy  chafe. 
 To  clear  thy  mind,  and  warm  thy  heart  through  grace. 
 
 A  marriage  fo  ?nyfierious  I  proclaim. 
 Betwixt  two  parties  offuch  di-ff Went  fame. 
 That  human  tongues  may  blufli  their  names  to  tell. 
 To  wit,  the  Prince  c/'hrav'n,   the  heir  of\vQ^X  \ 
 
 *  Such  is  the  kind  reception  that  this  piece  hath  met  with  from 
 the  public,   that  ic  has  ah-eady  undergone  eighttcn  editions. 
 
48        GOSPEL  SONN  ETS.       Part  L 
 
 jBz//,  onfo  vaji  a  fuhjed  who  can  find 
 
 Words  Juiiing  ihe  conceptions,  of  bis  mind  f' 
 
 Or,  if  our  language  with  our  thought  could  'vie. 
 
 What  mortal  thought  can  raife  itfclffo  high  f 
 
 When  ivords  and  thoughts  both  fail,  may  faith  and  prayer 
 
 Afccnd  by  climbing  up  ihe  fcripture  flair  : 
 
 From  facrcd  ivrit  thefe  jl range  efpoufah  may 
 
 Be  explicated  in  the  following  way, 
 
 CHAP.         I. 
 
 h.  general  account  Q>i  Mans  Fall  in  Adam,  -and  the 
 Remedy  provideil  in  Christ  ;  and  a  particular  ac- 
 count of  man's  being  naturally  wedded  to  the  Law, 
 
 as  a  covenant  of  works. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 ^be  F  ALL  of  At)  a  m. 
 
 OL  D  Adam  once  a  heav'n  of  pleafure  found, 
 While  he  with  perfect  innocence  was  crown'd  : 
 His  wing'd  affections  to  his  God  could  move 
 In  raptures  of  defire,  and  drains  of  love. 
 Man  (landing  fpotlefs,  pure,  and  innocent. 
 Could  well  the  law  of  works  with  works  content ; 
 Though  then,  (nor  hnce),  it  could  demand  no  lefs 
 Than  perfonal  and  perfect  righteoufncfs : 
 Thefe  unto  hnlefs  men  were  eafy  terms. 
 Though  now  beyond  the  reach  of  withered  arms. 
 The  legal  cov'nant  then  upon  the  field, 
 Pcrfeftion  fought,  man  could  perfeftion  yield. 
 Rich  had  he  and  his  progeny  remain'd, 
 Had  he  primeval  innocence  maintain 'd  : 
 His  life  had  been  a  reft  without  annoy, 
 A  fcene  of  blifs,  a  paradifc  of  joy. 
 But  fubtile  Satan,  in  the  ferpent  hid, 
 Propofmg  fair  the  fiuit  that  God  forbid, 
 Man  foon  fcduc'd  by  hell's  alluring  art, 
 Did,  difobedient,  from  the  rule  depart, 
 
 Devon  r'd 
 
Chap.  I.     T^^^  Believer's  Espousals.        49 
 
 Devour'd  the  bait,  and  by  his  bold  offence 
 
 Fell  from  his  bhfsful  llate  of  innocence  "^. 
 
 Proftrate,  he  loft  his  God,  his  life,  his  crown. 
 
 From  all  his  glory  tumbled  headlong  down, 
 
 Plung'd  in  a  deep  abyfs  of  fm  and  wo, 
 
 Where,  void  of  heart  to  will,  or  hand  to  do  : 
 
 For's  own  relief  he  can't  command  a  thought. 
 
 The  total  fum  of  what  he  can  is  nought. 
 
 He's  able  only  now  t'  increafe  his  thrall, 
 
 He  can  deflroy  himfelf,  and  this  is  all. 
 
 But  can  the  hellifh  brat  Heav'n's  law  fulfil  ? 
 
 Whofe  precepts  high  furmount  his  flrcngth  and  fkill. 
 
 Can  filthy  drofs  produce  a  golden  beam  ? 
 
 Or  poifon'd  fprings  a  falutif 'rous  ftream  ? 
 
 Can  carnal  minds,  fierce  enmity's  wide  maw, 
 
 Be  duly  fubje£t  to  the  divine  law  ? 
 
 Nay,  now  its  direful  thrcatnings  mufl  take  place 
 
 On  all  the  difobedient  human  race. 
 
 Who  do  by  guilt  Omnipotence  provoke. 
 
 Obnoxious  ftand  to  his  uplifted  ftroke. 
 
 They  mufl  ingulf  themfelves  in  endlefs  woes, 
 
 Who  to  the  living  God  are  deadly  foes  j 
 
 Who  natively  his  holy  will  gainfay, 
 
 Mull  to  his  awful  juftice  fall  a  prey  : 
 
 In  vain  do  mankind  now  expert,  in  vain 
 
 By  legal  deeds  immortal  life  to  gain  : 
 
 Nay,  death  is  threatned,  threats  mufl  have  their  due. 
 
 Ot  fouls  that  fin  mufi  die  \  ;  as  God  is  true. 
 
 S  E  C  T.    IT. 
 Redemption  through  Christ. 
 
 H  E  fecond  Adam^  fov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
 __     Did,  by  his  Father's  authorizing  call. 
 From  bofom  of  eternal  love  defccnd. 
 To  fave  the  guilty  race  that  him  offend  ; 
 To  treat  an  everlafting  peace  with  thofe. 
 Who  were,  and  ever  would  have  been  his  foes. 
 
 *  Gen.  iii.  i, — 6.  f  Ezek.  xvlii.  4. 
 
 Vol.  IX.  G  His 
 
so        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  I. 
 
 His  errand,  never-ending  life  to  give 
 
 To  them,  whofe  malice  would  not  let  him  live ; 
 
 To  make  a  match  with  rebels,  and  efpoufe 
 
 The  brat  which  at  his  love  her  fpite  avows. 
 
 Himfelf  he  humbled,  to  deprcfs  her  pride, 
 
 And  make  his  mortal  foe  his  loving  bride. 
 
 But,  ere  the  marriage  can  be  folemniz'd. 
 
 All  lets  muil  be  remov'd,  all  parties  pleas'd. 
 
 Law-righteoufnefs  rcijuir*d,  mufl  be  procur'd, 
 
 Law-vengeance  tbreatjud,  muft  be  full  endur'd, 
 
 Stern  juftice  muft  have  credit  by  the  match, 
 
 Sweet  mercy  by  the  heart  the  bride  mufl  catch. 
 
 Poor  Bankrupt !  all  her  debt  mufl  firft  be  paid, 
 
 Her  former  hufband  in  the  grave  be  laid : 
 
 Her  prefent  Lover  mufl  be  at  the  cofl, 
 
 To  fave  and  ranfom  to  the  uttermoll. 
 
 If  all  thefe  things  this  Suitor  kind  can  do, 
 
 Then  he  may  win  her,  and  her  bleifing  too. 
 
 Hard  terms  indeed  !  while  death's  the  firlt  demand  : 
 
 But  love  is  Jirong  as  death  ^,  and  will  not.  fland 
 
 To  carry  on  the  fuit,  and  make  it  good. 
 
 Though  at  the  dearefl  rate  of  wounds  and  blood. 
 
 The  burden's  heavy,  but  the  back  is  broad, 
 
 The  glorious  Lover  is  the  rnighty  God  f. 
 
 Kind  bowels  yearning  in  the  eternal  Son, 
 
 He  left  his  Father's  court,  his  heav'nly  throne  : 
 
 Afide  he  threw  his  moil  divine  array. 
 
 And  wrapt  his  Godhead  in  a  vail  of  clay. 
 
 Angelic  armies,  who  in  glory  crown'd. 
 
 With  joyful  harps  his  awful  throne  furround, 
 
 Down  to  the  cryftal  frontier  of  the  fky. 
 
 To  fee  the  Saviour  born  did  eager  fly  %  ; 
 
 And  ever  fmce  behold  with  wonder  frefli 
 
 Their  Sov'reign  and  our  Saviour  wrapt  in  fleili. 
 
 Who  in  this  garb  did  mighty  love  difplay, 
 
 Rcftoring  %vhat  he  never  took  azi^ay  ||  ; 
 
 To  God  his  glory,  to  the  law  its  due, 
 
 To  heav'n  its  honour,  to  the  earth  its  hue  ; 
 
 To  man  a  righteoufnefs,  divine,  complete, 
 
 A  royal  robe,  to  fuit  the  numptial  rite. 
 
 *  Songviii.  6.     \  Ifu.  is.6.     t  Luke  11.  o, — 14.     \\  Pfal.  Ixit.  4. 
 
 He 
 
Chap.  I.     T/fe^  Believer's  Espousals.        51 
 
 He  in  her  favours,  whom  he  lov'd  fo  well. 
 
 At  once  did  purchafe  heav'n,  and  vanquiih  hell. 
 
 O  !  unexampled  love  !  fo  vail,  fo  flrong. 
 
 So  great,  fo  high,  fo  deep,  fo  broad,  fo  long ! 
 
 Can  finite  thought  this  ocean  huge  explore, 
 
 Unconfoious  of  a  bottom  or  a  fliore  ? 
 
 His  love  admits  no  parallel ;  for  why, 
 
 At  one  great  draught  of  love  he  drank  hell  dry. 
 
 No  drop  of  wrathful  gall  he  left  behind, 
 
 No  dreg  to  witnefs  that  he  was  unkind. 
 
 The  fword  of  awful  juflice  pierc'd  his  fide, 
 
 That  mercy  thence  might  gufh  upon  the  bride. 
 
 The  meritorious  labours  of  his  life, 
 
 And  glorious  conquefls  of  his  dying  flrife  ; 
 
 Her  debt  of  doing,  fuff'ring,  both  cancell'd, 
 
 And  broke  the  bars  his  lawful  captive  held. 
 
 Down  to  the  ground  the  hellilh  hofts  he  threw, 
 
 Then  mounting  high,  the  trump  of  triumph  blew, 
 
 Attended  with  a  bright  feraphic  band. 
 
 Sat  down  enthron'd  fublime  on  T-od's  right  hand  ; 
 
 Where  glorious  choirs  their  various  harps  employ 
 
 To  found  his  praifes  with  confed'rate  joy. 
 
 There  he,  the  bride's  ftrong  Interceffor  fits, 
 
 And  thence  the  bleffings  of  his  blood  tranfmits. 
 
 Sprinkling  all  o'er  the  ilaming  throne  of  God, 
 
 Pleads  for  her  pardon  his  atoning  blood  ; 
 
 Sends  down  his  holy  co-eternal  Dove, 
 
 To  fliew  the  wonders  of  incarnate  love. 
 
 To  woo  and  win  the  bride's  reluctant  heart, 
 
 And  pierce  it  with  his  kindly  killing  dart : 
 
 By  gofpel-light  to  manifeft  that  now 
 
 She  has  no  further  with  the  law  to  do  ; 
 
 That  her  new  Lord  has  loos'd  the  fed'ral  tye. 
 
 That  once  hard  bound  her,  or  to  do  or  die  ; 
 
 That  precepts,  threats,  no  fmgle  mite  can  crave. 
 
 Thus  for  her  former  fpoufe  he  digg'd  a  grave  ; 
 
 The  law  fafl  to  his  crofs  did  nail  and  pin,  "^ 
 
 Then  bury'd  the  defund  his  tomb  within,  > 
 
 That  he  the  lonely  widow  to  himfelf  might  win.  J 
 
 G  2  SECT. 
 
52        GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  I. 
 
 SECT.    III. 
 Man's  legal  disposition. 
 
 BUT,  after  all,  the  bride's  fo  malecontent,  "^ 
 
 No  argument,  fave  pow'r,  is  prevalent  > 
 
 To  bow  her  will,  and  gain  her  heart's  confent.  j 
 
 The  glorious  Prince's  luit  fhe  difapproves, 
 The  law  her  old  primordial  hufband  loves ; 
 Hopeful  in  its  embraces  life  to  have. 
 Though  dead  and  bury'd  in  her  Suitor's  grave ; 
 Unable  to  gave  life,  as  once  before  ; 
 Unfit  to  be  a  huftand  any  more. 
 Yet  proudly  flie  the  new  addrefs  difdains. 
 And  all  the  blefl  Redeemer's  love  and  pains  ; 
 Tho'  now  his  head,  that  cruel  thorns  did  wound, 
 Is  with  immortal  glory  circled  round  ; 
 Archangels  at  his  awful  footffool  bow. 
 And  drawing  love  fits  fmiling  on  his  brow. 
 Though  down  he  fendo  in  gofpel-tidings  good 
 Epiflles  of  his  love,   fign'd  with  his  blood  : 
 Yet  lordly  flie  the  royal  fuit  rejedts. 
 Eternal  life  by  legal  works  afFeds  ; 
 In  vain  the  living  fecks  among  the  dead  ^, 
 Sues  quickning  comforts  in  a  killing  head. 
 Her  dead  and  bury'd  hufband  has  her  heart, 
 Which  can  nor  death  remove,  nor  life  impart. 
 Thus  all  revolting  Adanih  blinded  race 
 In  their  firft  fpoufe  their  hope  and  comfort  place. 
 They  natively  expe£l:,  if  guilt  them  prefs. 
 Salvation  by  a  home-bred  righteoufnefs  : 
 They  look  for  favour  in  Jehovah's  eyes. 
 By  careful  doing  all  that  in  them  lies. 
 'Tis  IVill  their  primary  attempt  to  draw 
 Their  life  and  comfort  from  the  vet'ran  law  ; 
 They  flee  not  to  the  hope  the  gofpel  gives  ;  ^ 
 
 To  truft  a  promife  bare,  their  minds  aggrieves,  > 
 
 "Which  judge  the  man  that  does,  the  man  that  lives.      J 
 As  native  as  they  draw  their  vital  breath, 
 Their  ford  rccourfe  is  to  the  legal  path. 
 
 *  Luke  xxlv    5, 
 
 Why, 
 
Chap.L    77?^  Believer's  Espousals.       53 
 
 Why,  fays  old  nature  in  law-wedded  man, 
 
 "   Won't  Hcav'n  be  pleas'd,  if  I  do  all  I  can  ? 
 
 **  If  1  conform  my  walk  to  nature's  light, 
 
 "  And  ftrive,  intent  to  praftife  what  is  right  ? 
 
 "  Thus,  won't  1  by  the  God  of  heav'n  be  blefs'd, 
 
 "  And  win  his  favour,  if  I  do  my  bed  ? 
 
 "  Good  God !  he  cries,  when  prefs'd  with  debt  and  thrall, 
 
 '*  Have  patience  with  tne,  and  Vll  pay  thee  all  f." 
 
 Upon  their  all,  their  beji^  they're  fondly  mad, 
 
 Though  yet  their  all  is  naught,  their  beji  is  bad. 
 
 Proud  man  his  can-does  mightily  exalts, 
 
 Yet  are  his  brighteft  works  but  fplendid  faults. 
 
 A  finner  may  have  fliews  of  good,  but  ftill 
 
 The  befl:  he  can,  even  at  his  beft,  is  ill. 
 
 Can  heav'n  or  divine  favour  e'er  be  win 
 
 By  thofe  that  are  a  mafs  of  hell  and  fm  ? 
 
 The  righteous  law  does  num'rous  woes  denounce 
 
 Againfl  the  wretched  foul  that  fails  but  once  : 
 
 What  heaps  of  curfes  on  their  heads  it  tears. 
 
 That  have  amafs'd  the  guilt  of  num'rous  years  1 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 Man's  Jlrid  attachment  to  legal  terms,    or  to  the  law  as 
 a  condition  of  life. 
 
 SA  Y,  on  what  terms  then  Heav'n  appeas'd  will  be  ? 
 Why,  fure,  perfection  is  the  leafl  degree. 
 Yea,  more,  full  fatisfadion  mull  be  giv'n 
 For  trefpafs  done  againft  the  laws  of  Heav'n. 
 Thefe  are  the  terms  :  what  mortal  back  fo  broad, 
 But  mud  for  ever  link  beneath  the  load  ? 
 A  ranfom  mull  be  found,  or  die  they  muft. 
 Sure,  even  as  juftice  infinite  is  juft. 
 But,  fays  the  legal,  proud,  felf-righteous  heart, 
 Which  cannot  with  her  antient  confort  part, 
 "  What !  won't  the  goodnefs  of  the  God  of  heaven 
 "   Admit  of  fmalls  when  greater  can't  be  given  ? 
 "  He  knows  our  falls  diminifli'd  all  our  funds, 
 *'  Won't  he  accept  of  pennies  now  for  pounds  ? 
 
 t  Mntth.  XV  i.  26. 
 
 "  Sincere 
 
54        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part. I. 
 
 "  Sincere  endeavours  for  perfeftion  take, 
 
 "  Or  terms  more  pofiible  for  mankincj  make  ?" 
 
 Ah  !  poor  divinity,  and  jargon  loofe  ; 
 
 Such  hay  and  draw  will  never  build  the  houfe. 
 
 Miftake  not  here,  proud  mortal ;   don't  millake  ; 
 
 God  changes  not,  nor  other  terms  will  make. 
 
 Will  divine  faithfulnefs  itfclf  deny. 
 
 Which  fwore  folemnly,  Man  fliall  do  or  die  r* 
 
 Will  God,  mod  true,  extend  to  us,  forfooth, 
 
 His  goodnefs  to  the  damage  of  his  truth  ? 
 
 Will  fpotlefs  holinefs  be  ballled  thus  ? 
 
 Or  awful  juftice  be  unjuft  for  us  ? 
 
 Shall  faithfulnefs  be  faithlefs  for  our  fake, 
 
 And  he  his  threats,  as  we  his  precepts  break  ? 
 
 Will  our  great  Creditor  deny  himfelf? 
 
 And  for  full  payment  take  our  filthy  pelf? 
 
 Difpenfe  with  judice,  to  let  mercy  vent  ? 
 
 And  (tain  his  royal  crown  with  'minifli'd  rent  ? 
 
 Unworthy  thought !     O  let  no  mortal  clod 
 
 Hold  fuch  bafe  notions  of  a  glorious  God. 
 
 Heav'n's  holy  cov'nant,  made  for  human  race, 
 
 Confifls,  or  whole  of  works,  or  whole  of  grace. 
 
 If  works  will  take  the  field,  then  works  raufl  be 
 
 For  ever  perfetfl  to  the  lail  degree  : 
 
 Will  God  difpenfe  with  lefs  ?     Nay  fure,  he  won't 
 
 With  ragged  toll  his  royal  law  affront. 
 
 Can  rags,  that  Sinai  flames  will  foon  difpatch. 
 
 E'er  prove  the  fiery  law's  adequate  match  ? 
 
 Vain  man  mufl:  be  divorc'd,  and  choofe  to  take 
 
 Another  hulband,  or  a  burning  lake. 
 
 We  find  the  divine  volume  no-where  teach 
 New  legal  terms  within  our  mortal  reach. 
 Some  make,  though  in  the  facrcd  page  unknown, 
 Sincerity  affume  perfcdion's  throne  : 
 But  who  will  boafl:  this  bafe  ufurpcr's  fway,  ") 
 
 Save  miniflers  of  darknefs,  that  difplay,  > 
 
 Invented  night  to  (lifle  fcripture-day  ?  j 
 
 The  nat'raliits  fincerity  is  naught ; 
 That  of  the  gracious  is  divinely  taught ; 
 Which  teaching  keeps  their  graces,  if  fincere. 
 Within  the  limits  of  the  gofpel-fphere, 
 
 Where 
 
Chap.  I.     7";^^  Believer's  Espousals.        sS 
 
 Where  vaunting,  none  created  graces  Ting, 
 
 Nor  boaft  of  Areams,  but  of  the  Lord  the  fpring. 
 
 Sincerity's  the  foul  of  ev'ry  grace, 
 
 The  quality  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race. 
 
 Of  promis'd  favour  'tis  a  fruit,  a  claufe  ; 
 
 But  no  procuring  term,  no  moving  caufe. 
 
 How  unadvis'd  the  legal  mind  confounds 
 The  marks  of  divine  favour  with  the  grounds,    ~ 
 And  qualities  of  covenanted  friends 
 With  the  condition  of  the  cov'nant  blends  ? 
 Thus  holding  gofpel-truths  with  legal  arms, 
 Miflakes  new-cov'nant_/>7^//j  for  fed'ral  terms. 
 The  joyful  found  no  change  of  terms  allows, 
 But  change  of  perfons,  or  another  fpoufe. 
 The  nature  fame  that  finn'd  muft  do  and  die  ; 
 No  milder  terms  in  gofpel-ofFers  lie. 
 For  grace  no  other  law-abatement  Iliews, 
 But  how  law-debtors  may  reftore  its  dues  ; 
 lleftore,  yea,  through  a  Surety  in  their  place, 
 With  double  in'treft  and  a  better  grace. 
 Here  we  of  no  new  terms  of  life  are  told. 
 But  of  a  hulband  to  fulfil  the  old  ; 
 With  him  alone  by  faith  we're  calPd  to  wed, 
 And  let  no  rival  "^  hruik  the  marriage-bed. 
 
 SECT.     V. 
 
 Mens  vain  atte?npt  tofeek  life  by  Christ's  right coufnefs^ 
 joined  with  their  own  ;  and  legal  hopes  natural  to  all, 
 
 U  T  dill  the  bride  relutlant  difallows 
 The  junior  fuit,  and  hugs  the  fenior  fpoufe. 
 Such  the  old  felfifli  folly  of  her  mind. 
 So  bent  to  lick  the  duft,  and  grafp  the  wind, 
 Alledging  works  and  duties  of  her  own 
 May  for  her  criminal  offence  atone  ; 
 She  will  her  antic  dirty  robe  provide. 
 Which  vain  ihe  hopes  will  all  pollution  hide. 
 The  filthy  rags  that  faints  away  have  flung. 
 She  holding,  wraps  and  rolls  herfelf  in  dung. 
 
 *  Enjov. 
 
 Thus, 
 
$6        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       PartL 
 
 Thus,  maugre  all  the  light  that  gofpel  gives, 
 
 Unto  her  nat'ral  confort  fondly  cli^aves. 
 
 Though  mercy  fet  the  royal  match  in  vew. 
 
 She's  loth  to  bid  her  antient  mate  adieu. 
 
 When  light  of  fcripture,  reafon,  common  fenfe. 
 
 Can  hardly  mortify  her  vain  pretence 
 
 To  legal  righteoufnefs  ;  yet  if  at  laft 
 
 Her  confcicncc  rous'd  begins  to  Hand  aghafl:, 
 
 Prefs'd  with  the  dread  of  hell,  fhe'll  ralhly  ;;atch. 
 
 And  halve  a  bargain  with  the  proferr'd  match ; 
 
 In  hopes  his  help,  together  with  her  own, 
 
 Will  turn  to  peaceful  fmiles  the  wrathful  frown. 
 
 Though  grace  the  rifing  fun  delightful  fmgs, 
 
 With  full  falvation  in  his  golden  winsrs. 
 
 And  righteoufnefs  complete  ;   the  faithlefs  foul, 
 
 Receiving  half  the  light  rejects  the  whole  ; 
 
 Revolves  the  facred  page,  but  reads  purblind 
 
 The  gofpel-melfage  with  a  legal  mind. 
 
 Men  dream  their  Itate,  ah  !  too  too  fiightly  view'd, 
 
 Needs  only  be  amended,  not  renew'd  ; 
 
 Scorn  to  be  wholly  debtors  unto  grace, 
 
 Hopelul  their  works  may  meliorate  their  cafe. 
 
 They  fancy  prefent  pray'rs  and  future  pains 
 
 Will  for  their  former  fallings  make  amends : 
 
 To  legal  yokes  they  bow  their  fervile  necks,  "^ 
 
 And,  lealt  foul  flips  their  falfe  repofe  perplex,  > 
 
 Think  Jefus'  merits  make  up  all  defefts.  j 
 
 They  patch  his  glorious  robe  with  filthy  rags. 
 
 And  burn  but  incenfe  to  their  proper  drags^  * 
 
 Difdaln  to  ufe  his  righteoufnefs  alone,  "^ 
 
 But  as  an  aiding  fllrr'p  to  mount  their  own  ;  > 
 
 Thus  in  Chrill's  room  his  rival  fclf  enthrone,  j 
 
 And  vainly  would,  drefs'd  up  in  legal  trim, 
 
 Divide  falvation  'twixt  themfelves  and  him. 
 
 But  know,  vain  man,  that  to  his  fhare  mufc  fail 
 
 The  glory  of  the  whole,  or  none  at  all. 
 
 Jn  him  all  ic^ifdoin^s  hidden  treafurcs  lie,  t 
 
 And  all  the  fidncfs  of  the  Deity.  \ 
 
 This  ftore  alone,  immcnfe  and  never  fpent. 
 
 Might  poor  infolvent  debtors  well  content ; 
 
 •  H.ib.  i.  16.  t  Col.  ii.  ;;.  %  Col.  ii.  9. 
 
 But 
 
Chap.  II.     Ty^^?  Believer's  Espousals.      57 
 
 But  to  hell-prifon  juflly  Heav'n  will  doom 
 
 Proud  fools  that  on  their  petty  ftock  prefunie. 
 
 The  fofteft:  couch  that  gilded  nature  knows 
 
 Can  give  the  waken'd  nature  no  repofe. 
 
 When  God  arraigns,  what  mortal  pow'r  can  ftand 
 
 Beneath  the  terror  of  his  lifted  hand  ? 
 
 Our  fafety  lies  beyond  the  nat'ral  line, 
 
 Beneath  the  purple  covert  all  divine. 
 
 Yet  how  is  precious  Chriil  the  way,  defpis'd. 
 
 And  high  the  way  of  life  by  doing  priz'd  ? 
 
 But  can  its  votaries  all  its  levy  Oiow  ? 
 
 They  prize  it  moft,  who  leaft  its  burden  know  • 
 
 Who  by  the  law,  in  part,  would  fave  his  foul. 
 
 Becomes  a  debtor  to  fulfil  the  tvhole  "^ 
 
 Its  pris'ner  he  remains,  and  without  bail, 
 
 'Till  ev'ry  mite  be  paid  ;  and  if  he  fail, 
 
 (As  fure  he  mufl,  fince,  by  our  iinful  breach, 
 
 PerfetSion  far  furmounts  all  mortal  reach) 
 
 Then  curd  for  ever  muft  his  foul  remain  ; 
 
 And  all  the  folk  of  God  nutjifay.  Amen  f. 
 
 Why,  feeking  that  the  law  fliould  help  afford  j 
 
 In  honouring  the  law,  he  flights  its  Lord, 
 
 Who  gives  his  law-fulfilling  righteoufnefs 
 
 To  be  the  naked  fmner's  perfect  drefs, 
 
 In  which  he  might  with  fpotlefs  beauty  fhine 
 
 Before  the  face  of  majefty  divine  : 
 
 Yet,  lo !  the  fmner  works  with  mighty  pains 
 
 A  garment  of  his  own  to  hide  his  flains  ; 
 
 Ungrateful,  overlooks  the  gift  of  God, 
 
 The  robe  wrought  by  his  hand,  dy'd  in  his  blood. 
 
 In  vain  the  Son  of  God  this  web  did  weave. 
 Could  our  vile  rags  fufficient  fhelter  give. 
 In  vain  he  ev'ry  thread  of  it  did  draw, 
 Could  fmners  be  o'ermantled  by  the  law. 
 Can  mens  falvation  on  their  works  be  built, 
 Whofe  fairefl  a£tions  nothing  are  but  guilt  ? 
 Or  can  the  law  fupprefs  th'  avenging  flame. 
 When  now  its  only  office  is  to  damn  ? 
 Did  life  come  by  the  law,  in  part  rr  whole, 
 Bleft  Jefus  dy'd  in  vain  to  fave  a  foul. 
 
 *  GaI.  v.  3,  t  Deut.  xxvii.  26. 
 
 Vol.  IX.  H  Thofe 
 
58        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  I. 
 
 Thofe  then  who  life  by  legal  means  expeft, 
 To  them  is  Chriji  become  of  710  ejf'c6l ;  ^ 
 Becaufe  their  legal  mixtures  do,  in  fad, 
 Wifdom's  grand  projeft  plainly  counteraft. 
 How  clofe  proud  carnal  rcafonings  combine, 
 To  fruftrate  fov' reign  grace's  great  defign  ? 
 Man's  heart  by  nature  weds  the  law  alone. 
 Nor  will  another  paramour  enthrone. 
 
 True,  many  feem  by  courfe  of  life  profane. 
 No  favour  for  the  law  to  entertain  ; 
 But  break  the  bands,  and  calf  the  cords  away, 
 That  would  their  raging  lulls  and  paflions  flay  : 
 Yet  ev'n  this  reigning  madnefs  may  declare. 
 How  ftridly  wedded  to  the  law  they  are  ; 
 For  now  (however  rich  they  feem'd  before)  "p 
 
 Hopelefs  to  pay  law-debt,  they  give  it  o'er,  > 
 
 Like  defp'rate  debtors  mad,  dill  run  therafelves  in  more.  J 
 Defpair  of  fuccefs  fliews  their  ftrong  defires, 
 'Till  legal  hopes  are  parch'd  in  luftful  fires. 
 "  Let's  give,  fay  they,  our  lawlefs  will  free  fcope, 
 "  And  live  at  random,  for  ibcre  is  7w  hope  f." 
 The  law,  that  can't  'em  help,  they  flab  with  hate, 
 Yet  fcorn  to  beg,  or  court  another  mate. 
 Here  lulls,  mofl  oppofite  their  hearts  divide. 
 Their  beaflly  paflion,  and  their  bankrupt  pride. 
 In  pafTion  they  their  native  mate  deface. 
 In  pride  difdain  to  be  oblig'd  to  grace. 
 Llence  plainly,  as  a  rule  'gainfl  law  they  live, 
 Yet  clofely  to  it  as  a  cov'nant  cleave. 
 Thus  legal  pride  hes  hid  beneath  the  patch, 
 And  flrong  averfion  to  the  gofpcl-match. 
 
 *  Grd.  ii.  21.  V.  2,  4.         T  Jer.  xvlii.  12^ 
 
 CHAP. 
 
Chap.il    T/^^  Believer's  Espousals.      59 
 
 CHAP.         II. 
 
 The  manner  of  a  Shiner's  divorce  from  the  law  in  a 
 work  of  humiUation,  and  of  his  marriage  to  the 
 Lord  Jlsus  Christ;  or,  the  way  how  a  Sinner 
 comes  to  be  a  Believer. 
 
 SECT.    I. 
 
 Of  a  LAW-WORK,  and  the  workings  of  legal  -pride  under  it, 
 
 SO  proud*s  the  bride,  fo  backwardly  difpos'd  ; 
 How  then  fhall  e'er  the  happy  match  be  clos'd  ? 
 Kind  grace  the  tumults  of  her  heart  mud  quell. 
 And  draw  her  heav'nward  by  the  gates  of  hell. 
 The  Bridegroom's  Father  makes  by's  holy  Sp'rlt 
 His  ftern  command  with  her  fliif  confciencc  meet ; 
 To  dafh  her  pride,  and  (hew  her  utmoll  need, 
 Purfues  for  double  debt  with  awful  dread. 
 He  makes  her  former  huiband's  frightful  ghoft 
 Appear  and  damn  her,  as  a  bankrupt  lofl ; 
 With  curies,  threats,  and  Sinai  thunder-claps, 
 Her  lofty  tow'r  of  legal  boafting  faps. 
 Thefe  humbling  llorms,  in  high  or  low  degrees, 
 Heav'n's  Majefty  will  meafure  as  he  pleafe ; 
 But  dill  he  makes  the  fiery  law  at  leail 
 Pronounce  its  awful  fentence  in  her  breafl, 
 'Till  through  the  law  ^  convift  of  being  loft. 
 She  hopelefs  to  the  law  gives  up  the  ghoft  : 
 Which  now  in  rigour  comes  full  debt  to  crave. 
 And  in  clofe  prifon  caft ;  but  not  to  fave. 
 For  now  'tis  weak,  and  can't  (through  our  default) 
 Its  greateft  votaries  to  life  exalt. 
 But  well  it  can  command  with  fire  and  flame, 
 And  to  the  lowed  pit  of  ruin  damn. 
 Thus  doth  it  by  commifTion  from  above, 
 Deal  with  the  bride,  when  heav'n  would  court  her  love. 
 Lo  !  now  fhe  ftartles  at  the  Sinai  trump. 
 Which  throws  her  foul  into  a  difmal  dump  j 
 
 *   G:il.  ii.  10. 
 
 H  2  Confcious 
 
6o        GOSPFL  SONNETS.       Part  I. 
 
 Confcious  another  hufband  fhe  muft  have, 
 Elfe  die  for  ever  in  deflru6;ion*s  grave. 
 
 While  in  conviction's  jail  fhe's  thus  inclos'd, 
 Glad  news  are  heard,  the  royal  mate's  propos'd. 
 And  now  the  fcornful  bride's  inverted  ftir 
 Is  racking  fear,  he  fcorn  to  match  with  her. 
 She  dreads  his  fury,  and  defpairs  that  he 
 Will  ever  wed  fo  vile  a  wretch  as  (lie. 
 And  here  the  legal  humour  Itirs  again. 
 To  her  prodigious  lofs  and  grievous  pain : 
 For  when  the  Prince  prefents  himfelf  to  be 
 Her  Euiband,  then  flie  deems  ;   Ah  !  is  not  he 
 Too  fair  a'  match  for  fuch  a  filthy  bride  ? 
 Unconfcious  that  the  thought  bewrays  her  pride, 
 Ev'n  pride  of  merit,  pride  of  righteoufnefs, 
 ExpedTmg  Heav'n  fhould  love  her  for  her  drefs  ; 
 Unmindful  how  the  fall  her  face  did  {lain, 
 And  made  her  but  a  black  unlovely  fwain, 
 Her  whole  primeval  beauty  quite  defac'd. 
 And  to  the  rank  of  fiends  her  form  debas'd  ; 
 Without  disfigur'd,  and  defil'd  within. 
 Incapable  of  any  thing  but  fin. 
 
 Heav'n  courts  not  any  for  their  comely  face,  'y 
 
 But  for  the  glorious  praife  of  fov'reign  grace,  > 
 
 Elfe  ne'er  had  courted  one  of  Adam's  race,  j 
 
 Which  all  as  children  of  corruption  be, 
 Heirs  rightful  of  immortal  mifery. 
 Yet  here  the  bride  employs  her  foolifli  wit, 
 For  this  bright  match  her  ugly  form  to  fit ; 
 To  daub  her  features  o'er  with  legal  paint, 
 That  with  a  grace  (he  may  herfelf  prcfent. 
 Hopeful  the  Prince  with  credit  might  her  wed. 
 If  once  forae  comely  qualities  flie  had. 
 In  humble  pride,  her  haughty  fpirit  flags  ; 
 She  cannot  think  of  coming  all  in  rags. 
 Were  fhe  a  humble,  faithful  penitent, 
 She  dreams  he'd  then  contract  with  full  content. 
 Baff  varlet !  think  llie'd  be  a  match  for  him, 
 Did  file  but  deck  herfelf  in  handfome  trim. 
 Ah  !  foolifli  thoughts  !   in  legal  deeps  that  plod  ; 
 Ah  '  forry  notions  of  a  fov'reign  God  I 
 
 Will 
 
Chap. II.     77j^  Believer's  Espousals.       6i 
 
 Will  God  expofe  his  great,  his  glorious  Son, 
 
 For  our  vile  baggage  to  be  fold  and  won  ? 
 
 Should  finful  modefty  the  match  decline. 
 
 Until  its  garb  be  brilk  and  luperfine  ; 
 
 Alas  !  when  (hould  we  fee  the  marriage-day  ? 
 
 The  happy  bargain  muft  flee  up  for  ay. 
 
 Prefumptuous  fouls,  in  furly  modefty, 
 
 Half-faviours  of  themfelves  would  fondly  be. 
 
 Then  hopeful  th'  other  half  their  due  will  fall, 
 
 Difdain  to  be  in  Jefus'  debt  for  all. 
 
 Vainly  they  firft  would  wafli  themfelves,  and  then 
 
 Addrefs  the  fountain  to  be  wafh'd  more  clean  ; 
 
 Firft  heal  themfelves,  and  then  expeO:  the  balm  : 
 
 Ah  !  many  flightly  cure  their  fudden  qualm. 
 
 They  heal  their  confcience  with   a  tear  or  pray'r ; 
 
 And  feek  no  other  Cbrijl^  but  perifti  there. 
 
 O  fmner,  fearch  the  houfe,  and  fee  the  thief  "s 
 
 That  fpoils  thy  Saviour's  crown,  thy  foul's  relief,         > 
 
 The  hid,  but  heinous  fm  of  unbelief.  j 
 
 Who  can  poflefs  a  quality  that's  good, 
 
 'Till  firft  he  come  to  Jefiis^  cleanfmg  blood  ? 
 
 The  pow'r  that  draws  the  bride,  will  alfo  flicw 
 
 Unto  her  by  the  way  her  hellifh  hue. 
 
 As  void  of  ev'ry  virtue  to  commend. 
 
 And  full  of  ev'ry  vice  that  will  offend.  , 
 
 'Till  fov'reign  grace  the  fullen  bride  fhall  catch, 
 
 She'll  never  fit  herfelf  for  fuch  a  match. 
 
 Moft  qualify'd  they  are  in  heav'n  to  dwell. 
 
 Who  fee  themfelves  moft  qualify'd  for  hell  \ 
 
 And,  ere  the  bride  can  drink  falvation's  cup. 
 
 Kind  Heav'n  muft  reach  to  hell  and  lift  her  up : 
 
 For  no  decorum  e'er  about  her  found. 
 
 Is  flie  belov'd  ;  but  on  a  nobler  ground. 
 
 Jehovah's  love  is  like  his  nature,  free  ; 
 
 Nor  muft  his  creature  challenge  his  decree  ; 
 
 But  low  at  fov'reign  grace's  footftool  creep, 
 
 Whofe  ways  are  fearchlef^?,  and  his  judgments  deep. 
 
 Yet  grace's  fuit  meets  with  refiftance  rude 
 
 From  haughty  fouls ;  for  lack  of  innate  good 
 
 To  recommend  them.     Thus  the  backward  bride 
 
 Affronts  her  Suitor  with  her  modeft  pride. 
 
 Black 
 
6^         GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  I. 
 
 Black  hatred  for  his  cover'd  love  repays, 
 Pride  under  mafk  of  modefly  difplays: 
 In  part  would  fave  herfelf ;   hence,  laucy  foul ! 
 Rejccls  the  matchlefs  mate  would  fave  in  whole. 
 
 SECT.    II. 
 
 Convidion  0/  s  i  n  and  wrath,  carried  on  more  deeply 
 and  effeclually  in  the  heart. 
 
 SO  proudly  forward  is  the  bride,  and  now. 
 Stern  Heav'n  begins  to  flare  with  cloudier  brow ; 
 Law-curfes  come  with  more  condemning  pow'r, 
 To  fcorch  her  confcience  with  a  fiery  fhow'r, 
 And  more  refulgent  flafhes  darted  in  ; 
 For  by  the  law  the  knowledge  is  of  fin  ^. 
 Black  Sinai,  thund'ring  louder  than  before. 
 Docs  awful  in  her  lofty  bofom  roar. 
 Hcav'n's  furious  ftorms  now  rife  from  ev'ry  airth  |, 
 In  ways  more  terrible  to  Jhake  the  earth  J, 
 '"T///  haughtinefs  of  men  be  funk  thereby, 
 That  Chrifl  alone  may  be  exalted  high. 
 Now,  ftable  earth  feem  from  her  centre  tofl. 
 And  lofty  mountains  in  the  ocean  loft. 
 Hard  rocks  of  flint,  and  haughty  hills  of  pride, 
 Are  torn  in  pieces  by  the  roaring  tide. 
 Each  flalli  of  new  conviction's  lucid  rays 
 Heart-errors,  undifcern'd  till  now,  difplays  ; 
 Wrath's  maffy  cloud  upon  the  confcience  breaks, 
 And  thus  menacing  Heav'n  in  thunder  fpcaks ; 
 "  Black  wretch,  thou  madly  under  foot  haft  trode 
 *'  Th'  authority  of  a  commanding  God  ; 
 "  Thou,  like  thy  kindred  that  in  Adam  fell,  "? 
 
 "  Art  but  a  law-renverfing  lump  of  hell,  > 
 
 *'  And  there  by  law  and  jullice  doom'd  to  dwell."     j 
 Now,  now,  the  daunted  bride  her  ftate  bewails. 
 And  downward  furls  her  fclf-cx;i!ting  fails  ; 
 With  pungent  tear,  and  piercing  terror  brought 
 To  mortify  her  lofty  legal  thought. 
 
 •  Rom.  iii.  20.         f  Wind,  or  qiv.irter.         X  ^^'^'  ''•   i7«   ip- 
 
 Why 
 
Chap.  II.     77^^  Believer's  Espousals.       63 
 
 Why,  the  commandment  comes,  finis  revived  ^, 
 
 That  lay  fo  hid,  while  to  the  law  flie  liv'd  j 
 
 Infinite  majefty  in  God  is  feen, 
 
 And  infinite  malignity  in  fin  : 
 
 That  to  its  expiation  muft  amount 
 
 A  facrifice  of  infinite  account. 
 
 Juftice  its  dire  feverity  difplays, 
 
 The  law  its  vafl  dimenfions  open  lays. 
 
 She  fees  for  this  broad  ft:andard  nothing  meet, 
 
 Save  an  obedience,  finlefs  and  complete. 
 
 Her  cob-web  righteoufnefs,  once  in  renown, 
 
 Is  with  a  happy  vengeance  now  fwept  down. 
 
 She  who  of  daily  faults  could  once  but  prate. 
 
 Sees  now  her  (inful  miferable  flate. 
 
 Her  heart,  where  once  flie  thought  fome  good  to  dwell, 
 
 The  devil's  cab'net  fill'd  with  tralh  of  hell. 
 
 Her  boafled  features  now  unmaflied  bare, 
 
 Her  vaunted  hopes  are  plung'd  in  deep  defpalr. 
 
 Her  haunted  flielter-houfe  in  bypafi:  years 
 
 Comes  tumbling  down  about  her  frighted  ears. 
 
 Her  former  rotten  faith,  love,  penitence. 
 
 She  fees  a  hiving  wall,  and  toit'' ring  fence. 
 
 Excellencies  of  thought,  and  word,  and  deed, 
 
 All  fwimming,  drowning  in  a  fea  of  dread  : 
 
 Her  beauty  now  deformity  flie  deems ; 
 
 Her  heart  much  blacker  than  the  devil  feems. 
 
 With  ready  hps  flie  can  herfelf  declare 
 
 The  vilefh  ever  breath'd  in  vital  air. 
 
 Her  former  hopes,  as  refuges  of  lies, 
 
 Are  fwept  away,  and  all  her  boafling  dies. 
 
 She  once  imagin'd  Heav'n  would  be  unjufl 
 
 To  damn  fo  many  lumps  of  human  duft, 
 
 Form'd  by  himfelf ;  but  now  (lie  owns  it  true, 
 
 Damnation  furely  is  the  finner's  due  : 
 
 Yea,  now  applauds  the  law's  jufl  doom  fo  well, 
 
 That  juftly  Ihe  condemns  herfelf  to  hell ; 
 
 D.oes  herein  divine  equity  acquit, 
 
 Herfelf  adjudging  to  the  lowefl  pit. 
 
 Her  language,  "   Oh  !  if  God  condemn,  I  mufl 
 
 "  From  bottom  of  my  foul  declare  him  juft. 
 
 'S  Rom.  vii.  9- 
 
 "  But 
 
6^        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part.L 
 
 But  if  his  great  falvation  ine  embrace, 
 
 How  loudly  will  I  fing  furprifing  grace  ? 
 
 If  from  the  pit  he  to  the  throne  me  raife, 
 
 I'll  rival  angels  in  his  endlefs  praife. 
 
 If  hell  deferving  me  to  heaven  he  bring. 
 
 No  heart  fo  glad,  no  tongue  fo  loud  fhall  fmg. 
 
 If  wifdom  has  not  laid  the  laving  plan, 
 
 I  nothing  have  to  claim,  I  nothing  can. 
 
 My  works  but  fm,  my  merit  death  I  fee  ; 
 
 Oh  !  mercy,  mercy,  mercy  !  pity  me/* 
 Thus  all  felf-j unifying  pleas  are  droppM, 
 Moll  guilty  Ihe  becomes,  her  mouth  is  flopp'd. 
 Pungent  remorfe  does  her  pad  conduft  blame. 
 And  Audi  her  confcious  cheek  with  fprcading  fliame. 
 Her  felf-conccited  heart  is  fclf-convid, 
 With  barbed  arrows  of  compunction  prick'd  : 
 Wonders  how  juflice  fpares  her  vital  breath. 
 How  patient  Heav'n  adjourns  the  day  of  wrath  ; 
 How  pliant  earth  does  not  with  open  jaws 
 Devour  her,  Korah-like,  for  equal  caufe  ; 
 How  yawning  hell,  that  gapes  for  fuch  a  prey, 
 Is  fruflrate  with  a  further  hour's  delay. 
 She  that  could  once  her  mighty  works  exalt. 
 And  boafl  devotion  fram'd  without  a  fault. 
 Extol  her  nat'ral  pow*rs,  is  now  brought  down. 
 Her  former  madnefs,  not  her  pow'rs,   to  own. 
 Her  prcfent  beggar  flatc,  moll  void  of  grace. 
 Unable  even  to  wail  her  woful  cafe. 
 Quite  pow'rlefs  to  believe,  repent,  or  pray  ; 
 Thus  pride  of  duties  flies  and  dies  away. 
 She,  like  a  harden'd  wretch,  a  flupid  flone, 
 Lies  in  the  dufl,  and  cries,  Undone^  undone* 
 
 SECT.     III. 
 
 T/je  deeply  bumbled  foul  relieved  luith  fomefavin^ 
 difcoveries  of  Cuk  i  st  the  Redeemer. 
 
 WHEN  thus  the  wounded  bride  perceives  fall  well 
 Herfelf  the  vilefl:  finner  out  of  hell, 
 The  blacked  monfler  in  the  univerfe  : 
 Penfive  if  clouds  of  wo  ihall  e'er  difperfe. 
 
 Whrn 
 
Chap.  II.     The  Believer's  Espousals.     6^ 
 
 When  in  her  breaft  Heaven's  wrath  fo  fiercely  glows, 
 
 'Twixt  fear  and  guilt  her  bones  have  no  repofe. 
 
 When  flowing  billows  of  amazing  dread 
 
 Swell  to  a  deluge  o'er  her  finking  head  ; 
 
 When  nothing  in  her  heart  is  found  to  dwell. 
 
 But  horrid  atheifm,  enmity,  and  hell ; 
 
 When  endlefs  death  and  ruin  feems  at  hand. 
 
 And  yet  ihe  cannot  for  her  foul  command 
 
 Aftgh  to  eafe  it,  or  a  gracious  thought^ 
 
 Though  heaven  could  at  this  petty  rate  be  bought. 
 
 When  darknefs  and  confufion  overcloud, 
 
 And  unto  black  defpair  temptations  croud  ; 
 
 When  wholly  without  (Irength  to  move  or  ftir, 
 
 And  not  a  ftar  by  night  appears  to  her  : 
 
 But  (lie,  while  to  the  brim  her  troubles  flow. 
 
 Stands  trembling  on  the  outmofl:  brink  of  wo. 
 
 Ah  !  weary  cafe  !  But,  lo  !  in  this  fad  plight 
 The  fun  arifes  with  furprifing  light. 
 The  darkeil  midnigh*;  is  his  ufual  time 
 Or  rifmg  and  appearing  in  his  prime. 
 To  flicw  the  hills  from  whence  falvation  fprings, 
 And  chafe  the  gloomy  fliade  with  golden  wings. 
 The  glorious  Hu£band  now  unvails  his  face, 
 And  fliews  his  glory  full  of  truth  and  grace  ;  ^ 
 Prefents  unto  the  bride  in  that  dark  hour, 
 Hlmfelf  a  Saviour,  both  by  price  and  pow'r  ; 
 A  mighty  helper  to  redeem  the  lofi:. 
 Ptelieve  and  ranfom  to  the  uttermoft ;  f 
 To  feek  the  vagrant  flieep  to  defert  driv'n, 
 And  fave  from  lowefl:  hell  to  highefl:  heav*n. 
 Her  doleful  cafe  he  fees,  her  bowels  move. 
 And  make  her  tiqje  of  need  a  time  of  love.  || 
 He  fliews,  to  prove  himfelf  her  mighty  fliield> 
 His  name  is  Jesus,  by  his  Father  feaPd  :  % 
 A  name  with  attributes  engrav'd  within. 
 To  fave  from  every  attribute  of  fm. 
 With  loifdom  fm's  great  folly  to  cxpofe, 
 And  righteoufnefs  its  chain  oi guilt  to  loofe, 
 
 =*  John  1.  14.     \  Heb.  vli.  25.     [j  Ezek.  xvi.  6,  8.      X  ^l^^t.  I.  21. 
 Vol.  IX.  I  Sanai- 
 
66     GOSPELSONNETS.      Part  I. 
 
 Snndijication  to  fubdue  \\.s,f'way, 
 
 Rede?nption  all  its  woful  brood  to  flay.  ^ 
 
 Each  golden  letter  of  his  glorious  name 
 
 Bears  lull  deliv'rance  both  from  fin  and  (hame. 
 
 Yea,  not  privation  bare  from  fin  and  wo,  -^ 
 
 But  thence  all  pofitive  falvations  flow,  C 
 
 To  make  her  ivife,  jujl,  boly^  happy  too.  J 
 
 He  now  appears  a  match  exa(5lly  meet, 
 
 To  make  her  every  way  in  bim  complete. 
 
 In  zubom  the  fubiefs  of  the  Godhead  dwells,  -j- 
 
 That  ihe  may  boaft  in  him,  and  nothing  clfe. 
 
 In  gofpel-lines  flie  now  perceives  the  dawn 
 
 Of  'Jefus'  love  with  bloody  pencil  drawn; 
 
 How  God  in  him  is  infmitely  pleas'd. 
 
 And  Heav'n's  revenging  fury  whole  appcas'd  : 
 
 Law-precepts  magnify'd  by  her  belov'd, 
 
 And  ev'ry  let  to  Hop  the  match  remov'd. 
 
 Now  in  her  view  the  prifon-gatcs  break  ope. 
 
 Wide  to  the  walls  flies  up  the  door  of  hope  ; 
 
 And  now  fhe  fees  with  pleafure  unexprefs'd 
 
 For  fliatter'd  barks  a  happy  fliore  of  reft. 
 
 SECT      IV. 
 
 The  ivorkings  of  the  Spirit  of  faith  in  feparating  the  heart 
 from  all  f elf -right  eoiifnefs,  and  drawing  out  its  conjent  to, 
 and  dfire  after  Christ  alone  and  wholly. 
 
 THE  bride  at  Sinai  little  underfliood,  -a 
 
 How  thefe  law-humblings  were  defign'd  for  good,  C 
 T'  enhance  the  value  of  the  Hufband's  blood.  S 
 
 The  tow'r  of  tott'ring  pride  thus  batter'd  down, 
 Makes  vv'ay  for  Chrifl  alone  to  wear  the  crown. 
 Convidion's  arrows  pierc'd  her  heart  that  fo 
 The  blood  from  his  pierc'd  heart  to  hers  might  flow. 
 The  law's  fliarp  plough  tears  up  the  fallow-ground, 
 Where  not  a  grain  of  grace  was  to  be  found. 
 Till  flraight  perhaps  behind  the  plow  is  fovvn, 
 The  hidden  feed  of  faith,  as  yet  unknown. 
 Hence  now  the  once  reluctant  bride's  inclin'd 
 To  give  the  gofpel  an  afflnting  ??iind, 
 
 •  I  Cor.  i.  30.        I  Col.  ii.  0,  10. 
 
 Difpos'd 
 
Chap.  II.    The  Believer's  Espousals-     67 
 
 Difpos'd  to  take,  would  grace  the  pow'r  impart, 
 
 Heav'n's  offer  with  a  free  confenting  heart. 
 
 His  Spirit  in  the  gofpel-chariot  rides, 
 
 And  iliews  his  loving  heart  to  draw  the  bride's  "\ 
 
 Though  oft  in  clouds  his  drawing  pow'r  he  hides,      C 
 
 His  love  in  gracious  offers  to  her  bears,  J 
 
 In  kindly  anfwers  to  her  doubts  and  fears, 
 
 Refolving  all  objections,  more  or  lefs, 
 
 From  former  fms,  or  prefent  worthleffnefs. 
 
 Perfuades  her  mind  oPs  conjugal  confent. 
 
 And  then  impowers  her  heart  to  fay,  Content, 
 
 Content  to  be  divorced  from  the  law. 
 
 No  more  the  yoke  of  legal  terms  to  draw. 
 
 Content  that  he  diffolve  the  former  match. 
 
 And  to  himfelf  alone  her  heart  attach. 
 
 Content  to  join  with  Cbrijl  at  any  rate, 
 
 And  wed  him  as  her  everlafling  mate. 
 
 Content  that  he  fliould  ever  wear  the  bays, 
 
 And  of  her  whole  falvation  have  the  praife. 
 
 Content  that  he  fliould  rife,  though  fhe  fhould  fall. 
 
 And  to  be  nothing,  that  he  may  be  all. 
 
 Content  that  he,  becaufe  flie  nought  can  do, 
 
 Vio  for  her  all  her  work,  and  in  her  too. 
 
 Here  fhe  a  peremptory  mind  difplays. 
 
 That  he  do  all  the  work,  get  all  the  praife. 
 
 And  now  fhe  is,  which  ne'er  till  now  took  place, 
 
 Content  intirely  to  be  fav'd  h^  grace. 
 
 She  owns  that  her  damnation  jufl  would  be. 
 
 And  therefore  her  falvation  mufl  be  free  : 
 
 That  nothing  being  hers  but  fm  and  thrall. 
 
 She  mufl  be  debtor  unto  grace  for  all. 
 
 Hence  comes  fhe  to  him  in  her  naked  cafe, 
 To  be  inverted  with  his  righteoufnefs. 
 She  comes,  as  guilty^  to  a  pardon  free; 
 As  vile  7m<l  filthy,  to  a  cleanfing  fea  ; 
 As  poor  and  empty,  to  the  richefl  flock  ; 
 As  weak  and  feeble,  to  the  flrongefl  rock  ; 
 k%  perijhing  unto  a  fliield  from  thrall  ; 
 As  worfe  than  nothing,  to  an  all  in  all. 
 She,  as  a  blinded  mole,  an  ign'rant  fool. 
 Comes  for  inftruclion  to  the  Yropheth  fchool. 
 
 1   2  She 
 
6S     GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  I. 
 
 She,  with  a  hell-deferving  confcious  breafl. 
 
 Flees  for  atonement  to  the  worthy  Prieji. 
 
 She,  as  a  flave  to  fin  and  Satan,  wings 
 
 Her  flight  for  help  unto  the  King  of  kings. 
 
 She  all  her  maladies  and  plagues  brings  forth 
 
 To  this  Phyfician  of  eternal  worth. 
 
 She  fpreads  before  his  throne  her  filthy  fore. 
 
 And  lays  her  broken  bones  down  at  his  door. 
 
 No  mite  file  has  to  buy  a  crumb  of  blifs. 
 
 And  therefore  comes  impov'rifli'd  as  fhe  is. 
 
 By  fm  and  Sntan  of  all  good  bereft. 
 
 Comes  e*en  as  bare  as  they  her  foul  have  left. 
 
 To  fenfe,  as  free  of  holinefs  within. 
 
 As  Chrifl,  the  fpotlefs  Lamb,  was  free  of  fm. 
 
 She  come  by  faith,  true  ;  but  it  fliews  her  want. 
 
 And  brings  her  as  a  finner,  not  a  faint ; 
 
 A  wretched  fmner  flying  for  her  good 
 
 To  juftifying,  fandtifying  blood. 
 
 Strong  faith  no  ftrength  nor  pow'r  of  ailing  vaunts- 
 
 But  ads  in  fenfe  of  weaknefs  and  of  wants. 
 
 Drain'd  now  of  ev'ry  thing  that  men  may  call 
 
 Terms  and  conditions  of  relief  from  thrall ; 
 
 Except  this  one,  that  Jesus  be  her  all. 
 
 When  to  the  bride  he  gives  efpoufing  faith. 
 
 It  finds  her  under  fin,  and  guilt,  and  wrath  ; 
 
 And  makes  her  as  a  plagued  wretch  to  fall 
 
 At  Jefus*  footftool  for  the  cure  of  all. 
 
 Her  whole  falvation  now  in  him  fhe  fceks. 
 
 And  mufing  thus  perhaps  in  fecret  fpeaks  : 
 
 "  Lo  !   all  my  burdens  may  in  him  be  eas'd  ; 
 *'  The  juflice  I  offended,  he  has  pleas'd  ; 
 "  The  blifs  that  I  have  forfeit,  he  procured  ; 
 "  The  curfe  that  I  deferved,  he  endur'd  ; 
 "  The  law  that  I  have  broken,  he  obey'd  ; 
 "  The  debt  that  I  contraded,  he  has  paid  : 
 *'   And  though  a  match  unfit  for  him  1  be, 
 *'  I  find  him  ev*ry  way  mofl  fit  for  me. 
 
 "  Sweet  Lord,  I  think,  would  thou  thyfelf  impart, 
 **  rd  welcome  thee  with  open  hand  and  heart. 
 "  But  thou  that  fav'fl:  by  price,  mufl  fave  by  pow'r; 
 **  O  fend  thy  Spirit  in  a  fiery  fliow'r, 
 
 «  This 
 
Chap.  II.     7"^^  Believer's  Espousals.       69 
 
 **  This  cold  and  frozen  heart  of  mine  to  thaw, 
 
 *'  That  nought  fave  cords  of  burning  love  can  draw. 
 
 *«  O  draw  me.  Lord  ;  then  will  I  run  to  thee, 
 
 "  And  glad  into  thy  glowing  bofoni  flee. 
 
 "  I  own  myfelf  a  mafs  of  fm  and  hell, 
 
 "  A  brat  that  can  do  nothing  but  rebel : 
 
 "  But  didji  thou  not^  as  facred  pages  fliew  *, 
 
 '*  (When  rifmg  up  to  fpoil  the  hellifh  crew, 
 
 "  That  had,  by  thoufands,  fmners  captive  made, 
 
 "  And  hadfl  in  conqu'ring  chains  them  captive  led) 
 
 "   Get  donatives,  not  for  thy  proper  gain, 
 
 *'  But  royal  bounties  for  rebellious  men  ; 
 
 ■"  Gifts,  graces,  and  the  Spirit  without  bounds,  > 
 
 *'  For  God's  new  houfe  with  man  on  firmer  grounds  ' 
 
 "  O  then  let  me  a  rebel  now  come  fpeed, 
 
 '*  Thy  holy  Spirit  is  the  gift  1  need. 
 
 ''  His  precious  graces  too,  the  glorious  grant, 
 
 *'  Thou  kindly  promis'd,  and  1  greatly  want. 
 
 "  Thou  art  exalted  to  the  higheft  place, 
 
 *'  To  give  repentance  forth  and  ev*ry  grace,  f 
 
 "  O  giver  of  fpiritual  life  and  breath, 
 
 "  The  author  and  the  finijher  of  faith  ;  X 
 
 "  Thou  Hufband-like  mud  ev'ry  thing  provide, 
 
 *'  If  e'er  the  like  of  me  become  thy  bride.'* 
 
 SECT.    V. 
 
 FaitFs  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  cordial  renunciation 
 of  all  its  own  ragged  righteoufnefs,  and  formal  acceptance 
 of  and  clofing  with  the  perfon  of  glorious  Christ. 
 
 TH  E  bride  with  open  eyes,  that  once  were  dim. 
 Sees  now  her  whole  falvation  lies  in  him  ; 
 The  Prince,  who  is  not  in  difpenfmg  nice. 
 But  freely  gives  without  her  pains  or  price. 
 This  magnifies  the  wonder  in  her  eye. 
 Who  not  a  farthing  has  wherewith  to  buy ; 
 For  now  her  humbled  mind  can  diilivow. 
 Her  boafled  beauty  and  affuming  brow : 
 With  confcious  eye  difcern  her  emptine^. 
 With  candid  lips  her  poverty  ccnfefs. 
 "   O  glory  to  the  Lord  that  grace  is  free, 
 "  Elfe  never  would  it  light  on  guilty  me. 
 
 *  Pfalm  Ixviii.  i8.         \  Ad:i  v.  31.         t  Heb.  x;i.  2. 
 
70        GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  I. 
 
 "  1  nothing  have  with  me  to  be  its  price, 
 "  But  hellifh  blacknefs,  enmity,  and  vice.'* 
 In  former  times  flie  durfl  prefuming  come, 
 
 To  grace's  market  with  a  pretty  fum 
 
 Of  duties,  prayers,  tears,  a  boafled  fet. 
 
 Expecting  heav'n  would  thus  be  in  her  debt. 
 
 Thefe  were  the  price,  at  leall  Ihe  did  fuppofe. 
 
 She'd  be  the  welcomer  becaufe  of  thofe  : 
 
 But  now  file  fees  the  vilcnefs  of  her  vogue, 
 
 The  dung  that  clofe  doth  ev'ry  duty  clog. 
 
 The  fm  that  doth  her  holincfs  reprove. 
 
 The  enmity  that  clofe  attend  her  love, 
 
 The  great  heart-hardnefs  of  her  penitence. 
 
 The  ftupid  dulnefs  of  her  vaunted  fenfe. 
 
 The  unbelief  of  former  blazed  faith, 
 
 The  utter  nothingnefs  of  all  fhe  hath. 
 
 The  blacknefs  of  her  beauty  flie  can  fee. 
 
 The  pompous  pride  of  ftrain'd  humilitie. 
 
 The  naughtinefs  of  all  her  tears  and  pray'rs ; 
 
 And  now  renounces  all  her  worthlefs  wares  ; 
 
 And  finding  nothing  to  commend  herfelf. 
 
 But  what  might  damn  her,  her  embezzled  pelf  j 
 
 At  fov'reign  grace's  feet  doth  proftrate  fall, 
 
 Content  to  be  in  Je/us'  debt  for  all. 
 
 Her  noifed  virtues  vanifh  out  of  fight. 
 
 As  flarry  tapers  at  meridian  light ; 
 
 While  fweetly,  humbly,  fhe  beholds  at  length 
 
 Chrift,  as  her  only  righteoufncfs  and  ftrength. 
 
 He  with  the  view  throws  down  his  loving  dart, 
 
 Imprefl  with  pow'r  into  her  tender  heart. 
 
 The  deeper  that  the  law's  fierce  dart  was  thrown, 
 
 The  deeper  now  the  dart  of  love  goes  down  : 
 
 Hence,  fweetly  pain'd,  her  cries  to  heav'n  do  flee ; 
 
 "  O  none  but  Jefus,  none  but  Chri/i  for  me  ! 
 
 "   O  glorious  Cbri/i  !  O  beauty,  beauty  rare  ! 
 
 "  Ten  thoufand  thoufand  heav'ns  are  not  fo  fair. 
 
 "  In  him  at  once  all  beauties  meet  and  fliine, 
 
 "  The  white  and  ruddy,  human  and  divine. 
 
 *'  As  in  his  low,  he's  in  his  high  abode, 
 
 "  The  brightcfl  image  of  the  unfeen  God.  "^ 
 
 •  Heb.  i.  3. 
 
 ♦*  How 
 
Chap. II.    716^  Believer's  Espousals.        71 
 
 "  How  juftly  do  the  harpers  fmg  above, 
 "  His  doing,  dying,  riHng,  reigning  love  ? 
 "  How  juftly  does  he,  when  his  work  is  done, 
 "  PolTefs  the  centre  of  his  Father's  throne  ? 
 "  How  juftly  do  his  awful  throne  before 
 "  Seraphic  armies  proftrate,  him  adore ; 
 "  That's  both  by  nature  and  donation  crown'd, 
 "  With  all  the  grandeur  of  the  Godhead  round  ? 
 
 "  But  wilt  thou.  Lord,  in  very  deed  come  dwell 
 "  With  me,  that  was  a  burning  brand  of  hell  ? 
 "  With  me,  fo  juftly  reckon'd  worfe  and  lefs 
 "  Than  infeft,  mite,  or  atom  can  exprefs  ? 
 "  Wilt  thou  debafe  thy  high  imperial  form, 
 "  To  match  with  fuch  a  mortal,  crawling  worm  ? 
 "  Yea,  fure  thine  errand  to  our  earthly  coaft, 
 "  Was  in  deep  love  to  feek  2a\Ajavc  the  loji  :  f 
 "  And  fmce  thou  deign'ft  the  like  of  me  to  wed, 
 "  O  come  and  make  my  heart  thy  marriage-bed. 
 "  Fair  Jcfus^  wilt  thou  marry  filthy  me  ! 
 *'  Amen,  Amen,  Amen  5  fo  let  it  be/' 
 
 CHAP.         III. 
 
 The  Fruits  of  the  Believer's  Marriage  with 
 Cpirist;  particularly  gofpel-hohnefs,  and 
 obedience  to  the  law  as  a  rule. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 
 Tbefwcet  folemnity  of  the  marriage  now  over^  and  the  fad 
 etFe£ls  vf  the  remains  of  a  legal  fpirit. 
 
 TH  E  match  is  made,  with  little  din  'tis  done  ; 
 But  with  great  pow'r  unequal  prizes  won. 
 The  Lamb  has  fairly  won  his  worthlefs  bride  ; 
 She  her  great  Lord,  and  all  his  ftcre  befide. 
 He  made  the  pooreft  bargain,  though  moft  wife  * 
 And  ftie,  the  fool,  has  won  the  worthy  prize. 
 
 Deep  floods  of  everlafting  love  and  grace. 
 That  under  ground  ran  an  eternal  fpace, 
 
 f  Luke  xix,  10. 
 
 Now 
 
72         GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  L 
 
 Now  rife  aloft  *bove  banks  of  fin  and  hell, 
 And  o*er  the  tops  of  mafly  mountains  fwell. 
 In  dreams  of  blood  are  tow'rs  of  guilt  o'erflown, 
 Down  with  the  rapid  purple-current  thrown. 
 
 The  bride  now^  as  her  all  can  J  ejus  own, 
 And  proftrate  at  his  footftool  call  her  crown, 
 Difclaiming  all  her  former  groundlefs  hope, 
 While  in  the  dark  her  foul  did  weary  grope. 
 Down  tumble  all  the  hills  of  feU'-conceit, 
 In  him  alone  flie  fees  herfelf  complete  ; 
 Does  his  fair  perfon  with  fond  arms  embrace. 
 And  all  her  hopes  on  his  full  merit  place  ; 
 Difcard  her  former  mate,  and  henceforth  draw 
 No  hope,  no  expectation  from  the  law. 
 
 Though  thus  her  new-created  nature  foars. 
 And  lives  aloft  on  Jcfus'  heav'nly  ftores  ; 
 Yet,  apt  to  flray,   her  old  adult'rous  heart 
 Oft  takes  her  old  renounced  hufband's  part : 
 A  legal  cov'nant  is  fo  deep  ingrain'd 
 Upon  the  human  nature,  laps'd  and  ftain'd. 
 That,  till  her  fpirit  mount  the  pureil  clime, 
 She*s  never  totally  divorc'd  in  time. 
 Hid  in  her  corrupt  part's  proud  bofom  lurks 
 Some  hope  of  life  Hill  by  the  law  of  works. 
 
 Hence  flow  the  following  evils,  more  or  lefs  ;  "^ 
 
 Preferring  oft  her  partial  holy  drefs,  > 
 
 Before  her  Hufband's  perfedl  righteoufnefs.  J 
 
 Hence  joying  more  in  grace  already  giv'n. 
 Than  in  her  Head  and  flock  that's  all  in  heav'n. 
 Hence  grieving  more  the  want  of  frames  and  grace,    . 
 Than  of  himfelf  the  fpring  of  all  iblace. 
 
 Hence  guilt  her  foul  imprifons,  lulls  prevail,  "p 
 
 While  to  the  law  her  rents  infolvent  fail,  > 
 
 And  yet  her  faithlefs  heart  rejefts  her  Hufband's  bail.  J 
 
 Hence  foul  difordcrs  rife,  and  racking  fears, 
 While  doubtful  of  his  clearing  pa(t  arrears  ; 
 Vain  dreaming,  fince  her  own  obedience  fails. 
 His  likcwiie  little  for  her  help  avails. 
 
 Hence  duties  are  a  tafk,  while  all  in  view- 
 Is  heavy  yokes  of  laws,  or  old  or  new  : 
 
 Whereas, 
 
Chap.  II.     r>^f  Believer's  Espousals.       73 
 
 Whereas,  were  once  her  legal  biafs  broke, 
 She'd  find  her  Lord's  commands  an  eafy  yoke. 
 No  galling  precepts  on  her  back  he  lays. 
 Nor  any  debt  demands,  fave  what  he  pays 
 By  promis'd  aid,  but,  lo  !  the  grievous  law 
 Demanding  brick,  won't  aid  her  with  a  ftraw. 
 
 Hence  alfo  fretful  grudging,  difcontent,  "? 
 
 Crav'd  by  the  law,  finding  her  treafure  fpent,  > 
 
 And  doubting  if  her  Lord  will  pay  the  rent.  j> 
 
 Hence  pride  of  duties  too  does  often  fwell, 
 Prefuming  flie  performed  fo  very  well. 
 
 Hence  pride  of  graces  and  inherent  worth 
 Springs  from  her  corrupt  legal  biafs  forth  ;  ' 
 
 And  boafting  more  a  prefent  with'ring  frame. 
 Than  her  exalted  Lord's  unfading  name. 
 
 Hence  many  falls  and  plunges  in  the  mire, 
 As  many  new  converfions  do  require  :  < 
 
 Becaufe  her  faithlefs  heart's  fad  follies  breed 
 Much  lewd  departure  from  her  living  Head, 
 Who  to  reprove  her  aggravated  crimes. 
 Leaves  her  abandon'd  to  herfelf  at  times  ; 
 That,  falling  into  frightful  deeps,  fhe  may 
 From  fad  experience  learn  more  flrefs  to  lay,  ; 
 
 Not  on  her  native  efforts,  but  at  length 
 On  Chrifl  alone,  her  righteoufnefs  and  flrength  : 
 Confcious,  while  in  her  works  fhe  feeks  repofe. 
 Her  legal  fpirit  breeds  her  many  woes. 
 
 SECT.    11. 
 
 Faith^s  vidories  over  Jin  and  Satan,  through  7iew  and 
 farther  difcoveries  of  Christ,  making  believers  more 
 fruitful  in  holinefs  than  all  other  pretenders  to  works. 
 
 ^jT^HE  gofpel-path  leads  heavenward ;  hence  the  fray, 
 
 JL     Hcll-pow'rs  flill  pufli  the  bride  the  legal  way. 
 So  hot's  the  war,  her  life's  a  troubled  flood, 
 A  field  of  battle,  and  a  fcene  of  blood. 
 But  he  that  once  commenc'd  the  work  in  her. 
 Whole  working  finger's  drop  the  fwceteff  myrrh. 
 Will  [fill  advance  it  by  alluring  force. 
 And,  from  her  antient  mate,  more  clean  divorce  : 
 V  0  L.  X.  K  Since 
 
74        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part. I. 
 
 Since  'tis  her  antiquated  fpoufe  the  law 
 
 The  ftrength  of  fin  and  hell  did  on  her  draw. 
 
 Piece-meal  flie  finds  hell's  mighty  force  abate. 
 
 By  new  recruits  from  her  almighty  Mate. 
 
 Frefh  armour,  fent  from  grace's  magazine. 
 
 Makes  her  proclaim  eternal  war  with  fin. 
 
 The  ihield  of  faith  dipt  in  the  Surety's  blood, 
 
 Drowns  fiery  darts,  as  in  a  criinfon  flood. 
 
 The  Captain's  ruddy  banner,  lifted  high, 
 
 Makes  hell  retire,  and  all  the  furies  fly. 
 
 Yea,  of  his  glory  ev'ry  recent  glance 
 
 Makes  (in  decay  and  holinefs  advance. 
 
 In  kindnefs  therefore  does  her  heav'nly  Lord 
 
 Renew'd  difcov'ries  of  his  love  aflbrd. 
 
 That  her  enamour'd  foul  may  with  the  view 
 
 Be  cart,  into  his  holy  mould  anew  : 
 
 For  when  he  manifefls  his  glorious  grace. 
 
 The  charminfT  favour  of  his  fmilinp-  face. 
 
 Into  his  image  fair  transforms  her  foul  *, 
 
 And  wafts  her  upward  to  the  heav'nly  pole, 
 
 From  glory  unto  glory  by  degrees, 
 
 'Till  vifion  and  fruition  Ihall  fuffice. 
 
 And  thus  in  holy  beauty  Jefi/s*  bride 
 
 Shines  far  beyond  the  painted  fons  of  pride. 
 
 Vain  merit-vouchers,  and  their  fubtile  apes. 
 
 In  all  their  mofl:  refin'd,  delufive  Ihapes. 
 
 No  lawful  child  is  ere  the  marriage  born  ; 
 
 Though  therefore  virtues  feign'd  their  life  adorn, 
 
 The  fruit  they  bear  is  but  a  fpurious  brood. 
 
 Before  this  happy  marriage  be  made  good. 
 
 And  'tis  not  flrange,  {oxfroju  a  corrupt  tree 
 
 No  fruit  divinely  good  produced  can  be  ||. 
 
 But,  lo  !  the  bride,  graft  in  the  living  root. 
 
 Brings  forth  mod  precious  aromatic  fruit. 
 
 When  her  new  heart  and  her  new  Hulband  meet, 
 
 Her  fruitful  ivo?nb  is  like  a  heap  cf  wheat, 
 
 Befet  ivith  fragrant  lilies  round  about  f,  1 
 
 All  divine  graces  in  a  comely  root,  ^ 
 
 Burning  within,  and  fliining  bright  without.  J 
 
 *  2  Cor.  iii.  I'i.         \\  Matth    vii.  17,   18.         f  Cant.  vli.  2. 
 
 And 
 
Chap.IIL    rZ^f  Believer's  Espousals,     ys  ■ 
 
 And  thus  the  bride,  as  facred  fcripture  faith, 
 
 When  dead  unto  the  law  through  Jefus'  death  t, 
 
 And  matched  with  him,  bears  to  her  God  and  Lord 
 
 Accepted  fruit,  with  incenje  pure  decor'' d. 
 
 Freed  from  law-debt,  and  blefsM  with  gofpel-cafe, 
 
 Her  work  is  now  her  dearefl  Lord  to  pkafe. 
 
 By  living  on  him  as  her  ample  flock, 
 
 And  leaning  to  him  as  her  potent  rock, 
 
 The  fruit  that  each  law-wedded  mortal  brings, 
 
 To  felf  accrefces,  as  from  felf  it  brings, 
 
 So  bafe  a  rife  mufl  have  a  bafe  recourfe, 
 
 The  fpring  can  mount  no  higher  than  its  fourfe. 
 
 But  Jefus  can  his  bride's  fweet  fruit  commend. 
 
 As  brought  from  him  the  root,  to  him  the  end. 
 
 She  does  by  fuch  an  offspring  him  avow 
 
 To  be  her  Alpha  and  Omega  too. 
 
 The  work  and  warfare  he  begins,  he  crowns, 
 
 Though  maugre  various  conflifts,  ups  and  downs. 
 
 Thus  through  the  darkfome  vail  fhe  makes  her  way. 
 
 Until  the  morning  dawn  of  glorious  day. 
 
 SECT.    in. 
 
 True  faving  Faith  magnifying  the  law,  both  as  a  covenant 
 and  as  a  rule.     Falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruiniyig. 
 
 ROUD  nature  may  rejeft  this  gofpel-theme, 
 And  curfe  it  as  an  Antinomian  fcheme. 
 Let  flander  bark,  let  envy  grin  and  fight, 
 The  curfe  that  is  fo  caufelefs  fhall  not  light  [j. 
 if  they  that  fain  would  make  by  holy  force 
 'Twixt  fmners  and  the  law  a  clean  divorce. 
 And  court  the  Lamb  a  virgin  chafle  to  wife. 
 Be  charg'd  as  foes  to  holinefs  of  life. 
 Well  may  they  fuffer  gladly  on  this  fcore, 
 Apoflles  great  were  fo  malign'd  before. 
 Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith  t  ?  nay,  why, 
 We  do  it  more  fulfil  and  magnify 
 Than  fiery  feraphs  can  with  holiefl  flafli  j 
 Avaunt,  vain  legalifts,  unworthy  trafli. 
 
 X  Rom.  vii,  4.         [j  Prov.  xxvi.  c.         f  Rom.  iil.  21. 
 
 K  2  When 
 
76        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       PartL 
 
 When  as  a  covenant  ftern  the  law  commands, 
 Faith  puts  her  Lamb's  obedience  in  its  hands  : 
 And  when  its  threats  hufli  out  a  fiery  flood. 
 Faith  flops  the  current  with  her  vidimus  blood. 
 The  law  can  crave  no  more,  yet  craves  no  lefs, 
 Than  aftive,  pafllve,  perfect  righteoufnefs. 
 Yet  here  is  all,  yea,  more  than  its  demand. 
 All  render'd  to  it  by  a  divine  hand. 
 Mankind  is  bound  law-fervice  flill  to  pay. 
 Yea,  angel-kind  is  alfo  bound  t'obey. 
 It  may  by  human  and  angelic  blaze 
 Have  honour,  but  in  finite  partial  ways. 
 Thefe  natures  have  its  luftre  once  defac'd,      \ 
 'Twill  be  by  part  of  both  for  ay  difgrac'd. 
 Yet,  had  they  all  obfequious  flood  and  true. 
 They'd  giv'n  the  law  no  more  than  homage  due. 
 But  faith  gives't  honour  yet  more  great,  more  odd. 
 The  high,  the  humble  fervice  of  its  God. 
 
 Again,  to  view  the  holy  law's  command,  ' 
 
 As  lodged  in  a  Mediator's  hand  ; 
 Faith  gives  it  honour,  as  a  rule  of  life. 
 And  makes  the  bride  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife. 
 Due  homage  to  the  law  thofe  never  did. 
 To  whom  th'  obedience  pure  of  faith  is  hid. 
 Faith  zvorks  by  love  t,  and  purifies  the  heart  t. 
 And  truth  advances  in  the  inward  part ; 
 On  carnal  hearts  impreffes  divine  flamps. 
 And  fully'd  lives  inverts  to  fhining  lamps. 
 From  Abram's  feed,  that  are  moft  flrong  in  faith, 
 The  law  mofl  honour,  God  mofl  glory  hath. 
 But  due  refpeft  to  neither  can  be  found,  "y 
 
 Where  unbelief  ne'er  got  a  mortal  wound,  > 
 
 To  flill  the  virtue-vaunter's  empty  found.  j* 
 
 Good  works  he  boafts,  a  path  he  never  trode. 
 Who  is  not  yet  the  workmaifjip  of  God  II, 
 In  Jefus  thereunto  created  new  ; 
 Nois'd  works  that  fpring  not  hence  are  but  a  fliew. 
 True  faith,  that's  of  a  noble  divine  race. 
 Is  flill  a  holy,  fanftifying  grace  j 
 
 f  Gal.  V.  6.         t  A(5ls  XV.  9.         |!  F.ph.  il.  9. 
 
 And 
 
Chap.  III.    77?^  Believer's  Espousals.      77 
 
 And  greater  honour  to  the  law  does  fliare. 
 Than  boafters  all  that  breathe  the  vital  air. 
 E'en  heathen  morals  vaftly  may  outfliine 
 The  works  that  flow  not  from  a  faith  divine. 
 Pretenfions  high  to  faith  a  number  have^ 
 But,  ah !  it  is  a  faith  that  cannot  fave  : 
 JVe  truji,  fay  they,  in  Chriji,  we  hope  in  God ; 
 Nor  blufli  to  blaze  their  rotten  faith  abroad. 
 Nor  try  the  trufl  of  which  they  make  a  fhew. 
 If  of  a  faving  or  a  damning  hue. 
 They  own  their  fins  are  ill ;  true,  but,  'tis  fad. 
 They  never  thought  their  faith  and  hope  were  bad. 
 How  evident's  their  home-bred  nat'ral  blaze, 
 Who  dream  they  have  believ'd  well  all  their  days ; 
 Yet  never  felt  their  unbelief,  nor  knew 
 The  need  of  pow'r  their  natures  to  renew  ? 
 Blind  fouls  that  boafl  of  faith,  yet  live  in  fin. 
 May  hence  conclude  their  faith  is  to  begin  ; 
 Or  know  they  fliall,  by  fuch  an  airy  faith. 
 Believe  themfelves  to  everlafling  wrath. 
 Faith  that  nor  leads  to  good,  nor  keeps  from  /*//, 
 Will  never  lead  to  heav'n,  nor  keep  from  hell. 
 The  body  zuiiboiit  breath  is  dead  no  lefs  "^  :  no  lefs 
 Is  faith  vrithout  the  works  of  holinefs  f . 
 How  rare  is  faving  faith,  when  earth  is  cramm'd 
 With  fuch  as  will  believe,  and  yet  be  damn'd ; 
 Believe  the  gofpel,  yet  with  dread  and  awe 
 Have  never  truly  yet  believ'd  the  law  ? 
 That  matters  fliall  be  well,  they  hope  too  foon. 
 Who  never  yet  have  feen  themfelves  undone. 
 Can  of  falvation  their  belief  be  true. 
 Who  never  yet  believ'd  damnation  due  ? 
 Can  thefe  of  end  lefs  life  have  folid  faith. 
 Who  never  fear'd  law-threats  of  endlefs  death  ? 
 Nay,  fail'd  they  ha'nt  yet  to  the  healing  fliore. 
 Who  never  felt  their  finful,  woful  fore. 
 
 Imaginary  faith  is  but  a  blind. 
 That  bears  no  fruit,  but  of  a  deadly  kind  ; 
 Nor  can  from  fuch  a  wild  unwholefome  root 
 The  lead  produftion  raife  of  living  fiiuit. 
 
 *  Jfimes  ii.  26.  f  James  ii.    17,   20, 
 
 But 
 
78        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  I. 
 
 Bat  favlng  faith  can  fuch  an  offspring  breed, 
 Her  native  produdt  is  a  holy  feed. 
 The  fairefl  iffucs  of  the  vital  breath 
 Spring  from  the  fertile  womb  of  heav'n-born  faith  ; 
 Yet  boafts  (he  nothing  of  her  own,  but  brings 
 Auxiliaries  from  the  King  of  kings, 
 Who  graves  his  royal  law  in  rocky  hearts, 
 And  gracious  aid  in  foftning  fhow'rs  imparts  : 
 This  gives  prolific  virtue  to  the  faiih, 
 Infpir'd  at  firfl  by  his  almighty  breath. 
 Hence,  fetching  all  her  fuccours  from  abroad, 
 She  (till  employs  this  mighty  pow'r  of  God. 
 Drained  clean  of  native  pow'rs  and  legal  aims. 
 No  flrength  but  in  and  from  Jehovah  claims. 
 And  thus  her  fervice  to  the  law  o'ertops 
 The  tow' ring  zeal  of  Parifaic  fops. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 The  Believer  only ^  beiitg  married  io  Christ,  /Vjuftified 
 and  fanclified  ;  and  the  inore  gofpel-freedom  from  the 
 law  as  a  covenant,  the  more  holy  conformity  to  it  as  a 
 rule. 
 
 THUS  doth  the  Plufband  by  his  Father's  will 
 Bothy^r  and  in  his  bride  the  law  fulfil : 
 For  her,  as  'tis  a  covenant  ;  and  then 
 In  her,  as  *tis  a  rids  of  life  to  men. 
 Firfl  all  law-debt  he  mod  completely  pays  ; 
 Then  of  law-duties  all  the  charge  defrays. 
 Docs  firfl  affume  her  guilt,  and  loofe  her  chains ; 
 And  then  with  living  water  wafli  her  flains  : 
 I^cr  fund  reflore,  and  then  her  form  repair. 
 And  make  his  filthy  bride  a  beauty  fair  ; 
 His  perfeft  righteoufnefs  moll  freely  giant, 
 And  then  his  holy  image  deep  implant ; 
 Into  her  heart  his  precious  feed  indrop, 
 Which,  in  his  time,  will  yield  a  glorious  crop. 
 But  by  alternate  turns  his  plants  he  brings 
 Through  robbing  winters  and  repairing  fprrngs. 
 Hence,  pining  oft,  they  fuller  fad  decays. 
 By  dint  of  fhady  nights  and  flormy  davs. 
 
 But 
 
Chap.  II.     T/?^  Believer's  Espousals.       79 
 
 But  bled  with  fap,  and  influence  from  above 
 They  Hve  and  grow  anew  in  faith  and  love  ; 
 Until  tranfplanted  to  the  higher  foil. 
 Where  furies  tread  no  more,  nor  foxes  fpoil. 
 While  Chrifl  the  living  root  remains  on  high, 
 The  noble  plant  of  grace  can  never  die  : 
 Nature  decays,  and  fo  will  all  the  fruit, 
 That  merely  rifes  on  a  mortal  root. 
 Their  works,  however  fplendid,  are  but  dead. 
 That  from  a  living  fountain  don't  proceed  j 
 Their  faireft  fruit  is  but  a  garnilh'd  flirine, 
 That  are  not  grafted  in  the  glorious  vine. 
 Devoutefl  hypocrites  are  rank'd  in  rolls 
 Of  painted  puppets,  not  of  living  fouls. 
 
 No  offspring  but  of  Chrift's  fair  bride  Is  good. 
 This  happy  marriage  has  a  holy  brood. 
 Let  fmners  learn  this  myftery  to  read,  -y 
 
 We  bear  to  glorious  Chrifl  no  precious  feed,  > 
 
 'Till  through  the  law,  zue  to  the  lazu  be  dead  ^.     '         j 
 No  true  obedience  to  the  law,  but  forc'd. 
 Can  any  yield,  'till  from  the  law  divorc'd. 
 Nor  to  it  as  a  rule,  is  homage  giv'n, 
 T'lWfrom  it,  as  2i  covenant,  men  be  driven. 
 Yea  more,  till  once  they  this  divorce  attain, 
 Divorce  from  fm  they  but  attempt  in  vain ; 
 The  curfed  yoke  of  fm  they  bafely  draw, 
 'Till  once  unyoked  from  the  curfed  law. 
 Sin's  full  dominion  keeps  its  native  place, 
 While  men  are  under  hnv,  not  under  grace  f . 
 For  mighty  hills  of  enmity  won't  move, 
 'Till  touch'd  by  fov'reign  grace  and  mighty  love. 
 
 Were  but  the  gofpel-fecret  underftood, 
 How  God  can  pardon  where  he  fees  no  good  ; 
 How  grace  and  mercy  free,  that  can't  be  bought, 
 Pveign  through  a  righteoufnefs  already  wrought : 
 Were  woful  reigning  unbelief  depos'd, 
 Myflerious  grace  to  blinded  minds  difclos'd  : 
 Did  heav'n  with  golpel-news  its  pow'r  convey,  ") 
 
 And  fmners  hear  a  faithful  God  but  fay,  > 
 
 "  No  more  law-debt  remains  for  you  to  pay  ;  j 
 
 *  Gill.  ii.  \^.         -i-  Rem.  vi.  14. 
 
 "  Lo: 
 
8o         GOSPEL   SONNETS.       Part  I, 
 
 "  Lo !  by  the  loving  Surety  all's  difcharg'd.'* 
 
 Their  hearts  behov'd  with  love  to  be  enlarg'd  : 
 
 Lcve,  the  {\xc(:\n&.  fulfilHng  of  the  lazu  f. 
 
 Were  then  the  eafy  yoke  they'd  fweetly  draw. 
 
 Love  would  conflrain  and  to  his  fervice  move 
 
 Who  left  them  nothing  elfe  to  do  but  love. 
 
 Slight  now  his  loving  precepts  if  they  can  ; 
 
 No,  no  ;  his  conqu'ring  kindnefs  leads  the  van. 
 
 When  everlafting  love  exerts  the  fway, 
 
 They  judge  themfelves  more  kindly  bound  t'obey  ; 
 
 Bound  by  redeeming  grace  in  fhrider  fenfe 
 
 Than  ever  u4dam  was  in  innocence. 
 
 Why  now  they  are  not  bound,  as  formerly, 
 
 To  do  and  live,  nor  yet  to  do  or  die  ; 
 
 Both  hfe  and  death  are  put  in  Jefus'  hands, 
 
 Who  urges  neither  in  his  kind  commands, 
 
 Not  fervile  work  their  life  and  heav'n  to  win. 
 
 Nor  flaviih  labour  death  and  hell  to  fliun. 
 
 Their  aims  are  purer,  fmce  they  underftood 
 
 Their  heav'n  was  bought,  their  hell  was  quench'd  with 
 
 blood. 
 The  oars  of  gofpel -fervice  now  they  (leer. 
 Without  or  legal  hope  or  flavilli  fear  : 
 
 The  bride  in  fweet  fecurity  can  dwell, 
 Nor  bound  to  purchafe  heav'n,  nor  vanquifli  hell : 
 But  bound  for  him  the  race  of  love  to  run, 
 Whofe  love  to  her  left  none  of  thefe  undone  ; 
 She's  bound  to  be  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife : 
 And  in  his  ftrength  to  ferve  him  during  life  , 
 To  glorify  his  loving  name  for  ay. 
 Who  left  her  not  a  fingle  mite  to  pay 
 Of  legal  debt,  but  wrote  for  her  at  large. 
 In  characters  of  blood,  a  full  difcharge. 
 Henceforth  no  fervile  talk  her  labours  prove. 
 But  grateful  fruits  of  reverential  love. 
 
 t  Rom,  \iu.  10. 
 
 3  K  C  T. 
 
Chap,  IIL    ri?^  Believer's  Espousals,    Si 
 
 SECT.     V. 
 
 Gospel-grace  giving  no  liberty  ?wr  freedom  to  fin^    but 
 to  holy  fervice  and  pure  obedience. 
 
 TH  E  glorious  Hufband's  love  can't  lead  the  wife 
 To  whoredom,  or  licentioufnefs  of  life  : 
 Nay,  nay ;  ftie  finds  his  warmed  love  within, 
 The  hotted  fire  to  melt  her  heart  for  fin. 
 His  kind  embrace  is  ftill  the  ftrongefl:  cord 
 To  bind  her  to  the  fervice  of  her  Lord. 
 The  more  her  faith  infures  this  love  of  his, 
 The  more  his  law  her  deleclation  is. 
 Some  dream,  they  might,  who  this  afTurance  win^ 
 Take  latitude  and  liberty  to  hn. 
 
 Ah  !  fuch  bewray  their  ignorance,  and  prove  ") 
 
 They  want  the  lively  fenfe  of  drawing  love,  > 
 
 And  how  its  fweet  conflraining  force  can  move.  j 
 
 The  ark  of  grace  came  never  in  to  dwell. 
 But  Dagon-Xn^is.  before  it  headlong  fell. 
 Men  bafely  can  unto  lafcivioufnefs 
 Abufe  the  dodrine,  not  the  work  of  grace. 
 Huggers  of  divine  love  in  vice's  path. 
 Have  but  the  fancy  of  it,  not  the  faith. 
 They  never  foar'd  aloft  on  grace's  wing. 
 That  knew  not  grace  to  be  a  holy  thing ; 
 When  regnant  fhe  the  pow'rs  of  hell  appaleSj    > 
 And  fm's  dominion  in  the  ruin  falls. 
 Curfl  is  the  crew,  whofe  Antinomian  drefs 
 Makes  grace  a  cover  to  their  idlenefs. 
 The  bride  of  Chrift  will  fure  be  very  loth  ' 
 
 To  make  his  love  a  pillow  for  her  floth. 
 Why,  mayn't  (he  Jin  the  more  that  grace  abounds  f' 
 Oh  !  God  forbid!  the  very  thought  confounds. 
 When  dead  unto  the  law,  file's  dead  to  fm  ; 
 How  can  flie  any  longer  live  therein  ^  ? 
 To  neither  of  them  is  fhe  now  a  flave. 
 But  {hares  the  conqueft  of  the  great,  the  brave, 
 The  mighty  Gen'ral,  her  victorious  Head, 
 V/ho  broke  the  double  chain  to  free  the  bride, 
 
 *  Kom.  X'i,  I,  2. 
 Vol.  X.  L  Hence 
 
82        GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  I. 
 
 Hence,  prompted  now  with  gratitude  and  love, 
 
 Her  chearful  feet  in  fwift  obedience  move. 
 
 More  flrong  the  cords  of  love  to  duty  draw, 
 
 Than  hell  and  all  the  curfes  of  the  law. 
 
 When  with  feraphic  love  the  breafls  infpir'd. 
 
 By  that  are  all  the  other  grace's  firM  ; 
 
 Thefe  kindling  round,  the  burning  heart  and  frame 
 
 In  life  and  walk  fend  forth  a  holy  flame. 
 
 CHAP.         IV. 
 
 A  Caution  to  all  againfl  a  legal  /pint ;  efpe- 
 cially  to  thofe  that  have  a  profeflion  with- 
 out power,  and  learning  without  grace. 
 
 W 
 
 H  Y,  fays  the  haughty  heart  of  legalifls, 
 '^     Bound  to  the  law  of  works  by  nat'ral  twifls. 
 
 "  Why,  fuch  ado  about  a  law  divorce  ; 
 
 "  Mens  lives  are  bad  and  would  you  have  'em  worfe  ? 
 
 "  Such  Antinomian  fluff,  with  labour'd  toil, 
 
 "  Would  human  beauty's  native  luftre  fpoil. 
 
 "  What  wickednefs  beneath  the  cov'ring  lurks, 
 
 "  That  lewdly  would  divorce  us  from  all  works  ? 
 
 "  Why  fuch  a  flir  about  the  lazu  and  graced 
 
 "  We  know  that  7nerit  cannot  now  take  place, 
 
 "  And  what  need  more  ?"     Well,  to  let  flander  drop. 
 
 Be  merit  for  a  little  here  the  fcope. 
 
 Ah  !  many  learn  to  lifp  in  gofpel-terms. 
 Who  yet  embrace  the  law  with  legal  arms. 
 By  wholefome  education  fome  are  taught 
 To  own  that  human  merit  now  is  naught ; 
 Who  faintly  but  renounce  proud  merit's  name, 
 And  cleave  rclin'dly  to  the  Popifli  fcheme. 
 For  graceful  works  expecting  divine  blifs  ; 
 And,  when  they  fail,  truft  Chrift  for  what's  amifs. 
 Thus  to  his  righteoufnefs  proftfs  to  flee ; 
 Vet  by  it  flill  would  their  own  faviours  be. 
 They  feem  to  work«  of  merit  bloody  foes ; 
 Yet  feck  falvation,  as  it  ivcrc  ^,  by  tb-ofc. 
 
 *  Rom.  ix.  3^. 
 
 Blind 
 
Chap.  IV.    The  Believer's  Espousals,     83 
 
 Blind  Gentiles  found,  who  did  not  feek  nor  know  ; 
 But  Ifra^l  loft  it  whole,  who  fought  it  fo  ^. 
 Let  all  that  love  to  wear  the  gofpel-drefs, 
 Know  that  as  fin,  fo  daftard  righteoufnefs 
 Has  ilain  its  thoufands,  who  in  tow'ring  pride 
 The  righteoufnefs  of  Jefus  Cbriji  deride  j 
 A  robe  divinely  wrought,  divinely  won. 
 Yet  call  by  men  for  rags  that  are  their  own. 
 But  fome  to  legal  works  feem  whole  deny'd. 
 Yet  would  by  gofpcl-works  be  juftify'd, 
 By  faith,  repentance,  love,  and  other  fuch  :  "p 
 
 Thefe  dreamers  being  righteous  overmuch  t,  > 
 
 Like  U-zza  give  the  ark  a  MTongful  touch.  3 
 
 By  legal  deeds,  however  gofpeliz'd. 
 Can  e'er  tremenduous  juftice  be  appeas'd  ? 
 Or  fmners  jullify'd  before  that  God, 
 "Whofe  law  is  perfed  and  exeeedi?ig  broad  %  ? 
 Nay,  faith  itfelf,  that  leading  gofpel-grace. 
 Holds,  as  a  work,  no  juftifying  place. 
 Jufl  Heav'n  to  man  for  righteoufnefs  imputes 
 Not  faith  itfelf,  or  in  its  ads  or  fruits  ; 
 But  Jefus*  meritorious  life  and  death, 
 Faith's  proper  objetl,  all  the  honour  hath. 
 From  this  doth  faith  derive  its  glorious  fame, 
 Its  great  renown  and  juftifying  name  ; 
 Receiving  all  things,  but  deferving  nought ; 
 By  faith  all's  begg'd  and  taken,  nothing  bought. 
 Its  higheft  name  is  from  the  wedding-vote. 
 So  inftrumental  in  the  marriage-knot. 
 Jehovah  lends  the  bride,  in  that  bleft  hour, 
 77y  exceeding  greainefs  of  his  inighty  poiv'r  \; 
 AVhich  fweetly  does  her  heart-confent  command 
 To  reach  the  wealthy  Prince  her  naked  hand. 
 For  clofe  to  hi«  embrace  ihe'd  never  ftir. 
 If  firft  his  loving  arms  embrac'd  not  her  : 
 But  this  he  does  by  kindly  gradual  chafe, 
 Ot  rouhng,  reaching,  teaching,  drawing  grace. 
 He  fhews  her,  in  his  fweeteft  love-addrefs, 
 His  glory,  as  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  ; 
 
 *  Rom.  ix.  30,  31,  t  Eccl.  vii,  i6.  i  Pfal,  x!"   7.   Rom. 
 
 vii.  12,  !l  Eph.  i.  19. 
 
 L  2  At 
 
84     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  L 
 
 At  which  all  dying  glories  earth  adorn 
 
 Shrink  like  the  fick  moon  at  the  wholefome  morn. 
 
 This  glorious  Sun  arifmg  with  a  grace, 
 
 Dark  Ihades  of  creature-righteoufnefs  to  chafe, 
 
 Faith  now  difclaims  itfelf,  and  all  the  train  ^ 
 
 Of  virtues  formerly  accounted  gain  ;  ^ 
 
 And  counts  them  ^zm^^,  with  holy,  meek  difdain.     3 
 
 For  now  appears  the  height,  the  depth  immcnfe 
 
 Of  divine  bounty  and  benevolence  ; 
 
 Amazing  mercy,  ignorant  of  bounds  ! 
 
 Which  mofl  enlarged  faculties  confounds. 
 
 How  vain,  how  void  now  feem  the  vulgar  charms, 
 
 The  monarch's  pomp  of  courts,  and  pride  of  arms  r 
 
 The  boafted  beauties  of  the  human  kind. 
 
 The  pow'rs  of  body,  and  the  gifts  of  mind  ? 
 
 To  !  in  the  grandeur  of  Immanuel's  train. 
 
 All's  fwallow'd  up,  as  rivers  in  the  main. 
 
 He's  feen,  when  gofpel-light  and  fight  is  giv'n, 
 
 Encompafs'd  round  wath  all  the  pomp  of  heav'n. 
 The  foul,  now  taught  of  God,  fees  human  fchools 
 
 Make  Chrifllefs  Rabbi's  only  lit'rate  fools  ; 
 
 And  thai,  till  divine  teaching  pow'rful  draw. 
 
 No  learning  will  divorce  them  from  the  law. 
 
 Mere  argument  may  clear  the  head,  and  force 
 
 A  verbal,  not  a  cordial  clean  divorce. 
 
 Hence  many,  taught  the  wholefome  terms  of  art. 
 
 Have  gofpel-heads,  but  ftill  a  legal  heart. 
 
 'Till  fov'reign  grace  and  pow'r  the  fmner  catch. 
 
 He  takes  not  jfefus  for  his  only  m?.tch. 
 
 Nay, works. compete!  Ah!  true,  however  odd. 
 
 Dead  works  are  rival  with  the  living  God. 
 
 'Till  Heav'n's  preventing  mercy  clear  the  fight, 
 
 Confound  the  pride  with  fupernat'ral  light  ; 
 
 No  haughty  foul  of  human  kind  is  brought 
 
 To  mortify  her  felf-exaltiiig  thought. 
 
 Yet-  holicft  creatures  in  clay-tents  that  lodge. 
 
 Be  but  their  lives  fcann'd  by  the  dreadful  Judge ; 
 
 How  Ihall  they  e'er  liis  awful  fearch  endure. 
 
 Before  whofe  pureft  eyes  heaven  is  not  pur ^? 
 
 *  Phil,  iii.  7.  8. 
 
 How 
 
Chap.V.    T/^^  Believer's  Espousals.       Sj* 
 
 How  muft  their  black  indiftment  be  enlarg'd. 
 When  by  him  angels  are  with  folly  chargdf 
 What  human  worth  fliall  ftand,  when  he  Ihall  fcan  ? 
 O  may  his  glory  (lain  the  pride  of  man. 
 
 How  wondrous  are  the  trails  of  divine  grace  ? 
 How  fearchlefs  are  his  ways,  how  vaft  th'  abyfs  ? 
 Let  haughty  reafon  (top,  and  fear  to  leap  j 
 Angelic  plummets  cannot  found  the  deep. 
 With  fcorn  he  turns  his  eyes  from  haughty  kings, 
 With  pleafure  looks  on  low  and  worthlefs  things ; 
 Deep  are  his  judgments,  fov'reign  is  his  will. 
 Let  ev'ry  mortal  worm  be  dumb,  be  ftill. 
 In  vain  proud  reafon  fwells  beyond  it's  bound  ;  -v 
 
 God  and  his  counfels  are  a  gulf  profound,  C 
 
 An  ocean  wherein  all  our  thoughts  are  drown'd.  j 
 
 CHAP.     V. 
 
 Arguments  and  Encouragements  to  Gofpel- 
 miniflers  to  avoid  a  legal  Jl rain  of  doclrine^ 
 and  endeavour  the  fmner's  match  with 
 Christ  by  gofpel-means, 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 A  legal  Spirit  the  root  of  damnable  Errors. 
 
 YE  heralds  great,  that  blow,  in  name  of  God, 
 The  filver  trump  of  gofpel-grace  abroad  ; 
 And  found,  by  warrant  from  the  great  1  am. 
 The  nuptial  treaty  with  the  worthy  Lamb : 
 Might  ye  but  (loop  th'  unpolifli'd  mufe  to  brook. 
 And  from  a  flirub  an  wholefome  berry  pluck  j 
 Ye'd  take  encouragement  from  what  is  faid,  -n 
 
 By  gofpel-means  to  make  the  marriage-bed,  C 
 
 And  to  your  glorious  Lord  a  virgin  chaife  to  wed.      J 
 
 The  more  proud  nature  bears  a  legal  fway, 
 The  more  fliould  preachers  bend  the  gofpel-way  : 
 Oft  in  the  church  arife  deftrudive  fchifms 
 From  anti-evangelic  aphorifms  ; 
 A  legal  fpirit  may  be  juftly  nam'd 
 The  fertile  womb  of  ev'ry  error  danin'd. 
 
 Hcncf 
 
S^        GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part!. 
 
 Hence  Popery,  fo  connat'ral  fmce  the  fall, 
 Makes  legal  works  like  faviours  merit  all ; 
 Yea,  more  than  merit  on  their  Ihoulder  loads. 
 To  fupererogate  like  demi-gods. 
 
 Hence  proud  Socinians  fet  their  reafon  high, 
 'Bove  ev'ry  precious  gofpel-myftery, 
 Its  divine  author  ftab,  and  without  fear 
 The  purple  covert  of  his  chariot  tear. 
 
 With  thefe  run  Arian  monftcrs  in  a  line. 
 All  gofpel  truth  at  once  to  undermine  ; 
 To  darken  and  delete,  like  hellilh  foes, 
 The  brighteft  colour  of  the  Sharon  Rofe. 
 At  befl  its  human  red  they  but  decry. 
 That  blot  the  divine  wliite,  the  native  dye. 
 
 Hence  dare  Ar?ninians  too,  with  brazen  face, 
 Give  man's  free-will  the  throne  of  God's  free  grace  j 
 Whofe  felf-exalting  tenets  clearly  fliew 
 Great  ignorance  of  law  and  gofpel  too. 
 
 Hence  Neonomiam  fpring,  as  fundry  call 
 The  new  law-makers,  to  redrefs  our  fall. 
 The  law  of  works  into  repentance,  faith. 
 Is  chang'd,  as  their  Baxterian  Bible  faith. 
 Shaping  the  gofpel  to  an  eafy  law. 
 They  build  their  tott'ring  houfe  with  hay  and  Ilraw; 
 Yet  hide,  like  RacheVs  idols  in  the  fluff, 
 Their  legal  hands  within  a  gofpcl-muff. 
 
 Yea,  hence  fpring  Antinomian  vile  refufe, 
 Whofe  grofs  abettors  gofpel-grace  abufe  ; 
 Unfkill'd  how  grace's  filken  latchet  binds 
 Her  captives  to  the  law  with  willing  minds. 
 
 SECT.    II. 
 A  legal  Strain  of  Do^rine  dlfcovcrcd  and  difcardcd. 
 
 NO  wonder  Faul\\\t  legal  fpirit  curfe. 
 Of  fatal  errors  fuch  a  feeding  nurfe. 
 He,  in  Jehovah's  great  tremendous  name. 
 Condemns  perverters  of  the  gofpcl-fcheme. 
 He  damn'd  the  fophifl:  rude,  the  babbling  prieft 
 Would  venture  to  coirupt  it  in  the  lead  ; 
 
 Yea, 
 
Chap.V.     77?^  Believer's  Espousals.       87 
 
 Yea,  curft  the  heav'nly  angel  down  to  hell, 
 That  daring  would  another  gofpel  tell,  "^ 
 Which  crime  is  charg'd  on  thefe  that  dare  difpenfe 
 The  felf-fame  gofpel  in  another  fenfe. 
 
 Chrijl  is  not  preach'd  in  truth,  but  in  difguife, 
 If  his  bright  glory  half  abfconded  lies. 
 "When  gofpel-foldiers,  that  divide  the  word, 
 Scarce  brandifh  any  but  the  legal  fword. 
 While  Chriji  the  author  of  the  law  they  prefs. 
 More  than  the  end  of  it  for  righteoufnefs  ; 
 Chrijl  as  a  feeker  of  our  fervice  trace. 
 More  than  a  giver  of  enabling  grace. 
 The  king  commanding  holinefs  they  fliow. 
 More  than  the  Prince  exalted  to  beflow  ; 
 Yea,  more  on  Chrijl  the  fm-revenger  dwell, 
 Than  Chrijl  Redeemer  both  from  fm  and  hell. 
 
 With  legal  fpade  the  gofpcl-field  he  delves. 
 Who  thus  drives  fmners  in  unto  themfelves  ; 
 Halving  the  truth  that  fliould  be  all  reveal'd. 
 The  fweeteft  part  of  Chrijl  is  oft  conceal'd. 
 We  bid  men  turn  from  fm,  but  feldom  fay. 
 Behold  the  Lamb  that  takes  alljhi  away  !  f 
 Chi-ijl^  by  the  gofpel  rightly  underftood. 
 Not  only  treats  a  peace  but  makes  it  good. 
 Thofe  fuitors  therefore  of  the  bride,  who  hope 
 By  force  to  drag  her  with  the  legal  rope, 
 Nor  ufe  the  drawing  cord  of  conqu'ring  grace, 
 Purfue  with  flaming  zeal  a  fruitiefs  chafe  ; 
 In  vain  lame  doings  urge,  with  folemn  awe, 
 To  bribe  the  fury  of  the  fiery  law  : 
 With  equal  fuccefs  to  the  fool  that  aims 
 By  paper  walls  to  bound  devouring  flames. 
 The  law's  but  mock'd  by  their  moft  graceful  deed, 
 That  wed  not  firft  the  law-fulfilling  Head  ; 
 It  values  neither  how  they  wrought  nor  wept, 
 T\\2.t  flight  the  ark  wherein  alone  'tis  kept. 
 Yet  legalifts,  D  O,  D  O,  with  ardour  prefs,  ~) 
 
 And  with  prepoft.'rous  zeal  and  warm  addrefs,  > 
 
 Would  feem  the  greatefl:  friends  to  holinefs :  J 
 
 «  Gal.  ;.  7,  8.         t  John  i.  29. 
 
 But 
 
SS     GOSPEL    SONNETS.     Part  L 
 
 But  vainly  (could  fuch  oppofites  accord) 
 Refpect  the  law,  and  yet  rejed  the  Lord. 
 They  Iliew  not  Je/us  as  the  way  to  bllfs. 
 But  JuJiis-Wkc  betray  him  with  a  kils 
 Of  boaited  works,  or  mere  profellion  puft, 
 Law-boafters  proving  but  law-breakers  oft. 
 
 SECT.     III. 
 
 The  HuRTFULNESS  of  ?2ot  preaching  Christ,  and  diji'm- 
 gn'J^yif^g  duly  between  law  and  gofpel. 
 
 HELL  cares  not  how  crude  holinefs  be  preach'd, 
 If  fmner's  match  with  Chrift  be  never  reach'd  j 
 Knowing  their  holinefs  is  but  a  iham, 
 Who  ne'er  are  marry'd  to  the  holy  Lamb, 
 Lee  words  have  never  fuch  a  pious  fhew. 
 And  blaze  aloft  in  rude  profelfor's  view, 
 With  facred  nromatics  richly  fpic'd, 
 If  they  but  drown  in  filence  glorious  Chrijl ; 
 Or,  if  he  may  fome  vacant  room  fupply. 
 Make  him  a  fubject  only  by  the  by  ; 
 They  mar  true  holinefs  with  tickling  chat, 
 To  breed  a  baftard  Pharifaic  brat. 
 They  wofully  the  gofpel  meffage-broke, 
 Make  fearful  havock  of  their  Mafter's  flock  ; 
 Yet  pleafe  themfelves  and  the  blind  multitude. 
 By  whom  the  gofpel's  little  underftood. 
 
 Rude  fouls,  perhaps,  imagine  little  odds 
 Between  the  legal  and  the  gofpel  roads  : 
 But  vainly  men  attempt  to  blend  the  two  ; 
 They  differ  more  than  Chrijl  and  Mofes  do. 
 Mofes^  evangelizing  in  a  fhiide, 
 By  types  the  news  of  light  approaching  fpread  ; 
 But  from  the  law  of  works,  by  him  proclaim'd. 
 No  ray  of  gofpel-grace  or  mercy  glcani'd. 
 By  nature's  light  the  law  to  all  is  known, 
 But  lightfome  news  of  gofpel-grace  to  none. 
 The  doing  cov'nant  now,  in  part  or  whole, 
 Is  flrong  to  damn,  but  weak  to  lave  a  foul. 
 It  hurts,  and  cannot  help,  but  as  it  tends 
 Through  mercv  to  fubferve  fonie  s^ofocl-ends. 
 
 Law- 
 
Chap.  V.     Tl^-r  Believer's  Espousals.       89 
 
 Law-thunder  roughly  to  the  gofpel  tames, 
 
 The  gofpel  mildly  to  the  law  reclaims. 
 
 The  fiery  law,  as  'tis  a  covenant. 
 
 Schools  men  to  fee  the  gofpel-aid  they  want ; 
 
 Then  gofpel-aid  does  fweetly  them  incline 
 
 Back  to  the  law,  as  'tis  a  rule  divine. 
 
 Heav'n's  healing  work  is  oft  commenc'd  with  wounds. 
 
 Terror  begins  what  loving-kindnefs  crowns. 
 
 Preachers  may  therefore  prefs  the  fiery  law, 
 
 To  flrike  the  Chriftlefs  men  with  dreadful  awe. 
 
 Law-threats  which  for  his  fins  to  hell  deprefs. 
 
 Yea,  damn  him  for  his  rotten  righteoufnefs  ; 
 
 That  while  he  views  the  law  exceeding  broad. 
 
 He  fain  may  wed  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 
 
 But,  ah  !  to  prefs  law- works  as  terms  of  life, 
 Was  ne'er  the  v/ay  to  court  the  Lamb  a  wife. 
 To  urge  conditions  in  the  legal  frame. 
 Is  to  renew  the  vain  old  cov'nant  game. 
 The  law  is  g&od,  when  lawfully  ^tis  tis^d  t> 
 But  mofl  deftrudive,  when  it  is  abus'd. 
 They  fet  not  duties  in  the  proper  fphere. 
 Who  duly  law  and  gofpel  don't  fevere  ; 
 But  under  mafly  chains  let  fmners  lie. 
 As  tributaries,  or  to  DO  or  DIE. 
 Nor  make  the  law  a  fquaring  rule  of  lifcj 
 But  in  the  gofpel-throat  a  bloody  knife. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 Damnable  Pride  and  Self-righteoufnefs,  fo  natural  tv  all 
 meUf  has  little  need  to  be  encouraged  by  legal  -preaching, 
 
 r^jpi  H  E  legal  path  proud  nature  loves  fo  well, 
 
 JL     (Though  yet  'tis  but  the  cleaned:  road  to  hell) 
 That,  lo  !  e'en  thefe  that  take  the  fouleft  ways, 
 Whofe  lewdnefs  no  controuling  bridle  fhays  ; 
 If  but  their  droufy  confcience  raife  its  voice. 
 Twill  fpeak  the  law  of  works  their  native  choice. 
 And  echo  to  the  roufmg  found,  "  Ah  !  true  : 
 *'  I  cannot  hope  to  live,  unlefs  I  D  0." 
 
 t  I  Tim.  i.  8. 
 Voi.  X.  M  No 
 
90        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part. I. 
 
 No  confcious  bread  of  mortal  kind  can  trace 
 The  myll'ry  deep  of  being  fav'd  by  grace. 
 Of  this  nor  is  the  nat'ral  confcience  (Ivill'd  ; 
 Nor  will  admit  it,  when  it  is  reveal'd  ; 
 But  pulhcs  at  the  gofpel  like  a  ram, 
 As  proxy  for  the  law,  againft  the  Lamb. 
 
 The  proud  fclf-righteous  Pharifiiic  ftrain 
 Is,  "  Blell  be  God  I'm  not  like  other  men  ; 
 
 I  read  and  pray,  give  alms,  I  mourn  and  fafl: ;  ^ 
 And  therefore  hope  to  get  to  heav'n  at  lad  : 
 For  though  from  ev'ry  fm  I  be  not  free, 
 Great  multitudes  of  men  are  worfe  than  me. 
 Fm  none  of  thofe  that  fwear,  cheat,  drink,  and  whore !" 
 Thus  on  the  law  he  builds  his  Babel  tow'r. 
 
 Yea,  ev'n  the  vileft  curfed  debauchee  ~\ 
 
 Will  make  the  law  of  works  his  very  plea  ;  > 
 
 "  Why,  fays  the  rake,  what  take  you  me  to  be  ?         j 
 "  A  Turk  or  infidel  (you  lie)  I  can't  "^ 
 
 "  Be  term'd  fo  bafe,  but  by  a  fycophant  ;  > 
 
 "  Only  I  hate  to  aft  the  whining  faint.  j 
 
 "  I  am  a  Chridian  true  ;  and  therefore  bode, 
 "  It  fliall  be  well  with  me,  1  hope  in  God. 
 "  An't  I  an  honed  man  ?     Yea,  1  defy 
 "  The  tongue  that  dare  aflert  black  to  mine  eye." 
 Perhaps,  when  the  reprover  turns  his  back. 
 He'll  vend  the  viler  wares  o'  's  op'ned  pack, 
 And  with  his  fellows,  in  a  drain  more  big, 
 Bid  damn  the  bafe,  uncharitable  whig. 
 Thefe  fcoundrel  hypocrites  (he'll  proudly  fay) 
 Think  none  (hall  ever  merit  heav'n  but  they. 
 And  yet  we  may  compete  with  them  ;  for  fee, 
 The  bed  have  blcmiflies  as  well  as  we. 
 We  have  as  good  a  heart  (we  trud)  as  thefe, 
 Though  not  their  vain  fuperfiuous  (hew  and  blaze. 
 '  Bigottcd  zealots,  whofe  full  crimes  are  hid, 
 '  Would  damn  us  all  to  hell ;   but,  God  forbid. 
 '  Whatever  fuch  a  whining  led  profefs, 
 '  'Tis  but  a  nice,  morofe,  aff'ecled  drefs. 
 '  And  though  we  don't  profefs  fo  much  as  they. 
 '  We  hope  to  compafs  heav'n  a  (liorter  way  j 
 
 *  Luke  xviii.  11,12. 
 
 We 
 
Chap.V.     r/>^  Believer's  Espousals.     91 
 
 "  We  feek  God's  mercy,  and  are  all  along 
 
 "  Mod:  free  of  malice,  and  do  no  man  wrong. 
 
 "  But  whims  fantaftic  fha'n't  our  heads  annoy, 
 
 "  That  would  our  focial  liberties  deftroy. 
 
 *'  Sure,  right  religion  never  was  defign'd 
 
 "  To  mar  the  native  mirth  of  human  kind. 
 
 "  How  weak  are  thofe  that  would  be  thought  nonfuch  ! 
 
 "  How  mad,  that  would  be  righteous  o'ermuch  ! 
 
 *'  We  have  fufficient,  though  we  be  not  cram'd  : 
 
 "  We'll  therefore  hope  the  befl,  let  them  be  damn'd»" 
 
 Ah  !  horrid  talk  !  yet  fo  the  legal  ftrain 
 Lards  ev'n  the  language  of  the  moft  profane. 
 Thus  devilifh  pride  o'erJooks  a  thoufand  faults. 
 And  on  a  legal  ground  itfelf  exalts. 
 This  DO  and  LIVE,  though  doing  pow'r  be  loft. 
 In  ev'ry  mortal  is  proud  nature's  boaft. 
 How  does  a  vain  conceit  of  goodnefs  fwell 
 And  feed  falfe  hope,  amidfl  the  fliades  of  hell  ? 
 Shall  we,  who  fliould  by  gofpcl-methods  draw, 
 Send  fmners  to  their  nat'ral  fpoufe  the  law  j 
 And  harp  upon  the  doing  firing  to  fuch, 
 Wl:io  ignorantly  dream  they  do  fo  much  ? 
 Why,  thus,  inftead  of  courting  Cbi-'i/i  a  bride, 
 We  harden  rebels  in  their  native  pride. 
 
 Much  rather  ought  we  in  God's  name  to  place 
 His  great  artill'ry  ftraight  againft  their  face  ; 
 And  throw  hot  Sinai  thunderbolts  around, 
 To  burn  their  tow'ring  hopes  down  to  the  ground. 
 To  make  the  pillars  of  their  pride  to  fhake. 
 And  damn  their  doing  to  the  burning  lake. 
 To  curfe  the  doers  unto  endlefs  thrall. 
 That  never  did  continue  io  do  all  ^. 
 To  fcorch  their  confcience  with  the  flaming  air. 
 And  fmk  their  haughty  thoughts  in  deep  defpair  ; 
 Denouncing  Ebcd''?,  black  revenging  doom. 
 To  blafl  their  expeftation  in  the  bloom  ; 
 'Till  once  vain  hope  of  life  by  works  give  place 
 Unto  a  folid  hope  of  life  by  grace. 
 The  vig'rous  ufe  of  means  is  fafely  urg'd, 
 When  prelfmg  calls  from  legal  dregs  are  purg'd ; 
 
 *  G;il,   iii,   10. 
 
 M  2         .  But 
 
92        GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartL 
 
 But  moft  unfafdy  in  a  fed'ral  drefs, 
 Confounding  terms  of  life  with  means  of  grace. 
 Oh !  dang'rous  is  th'  attempt  proud  fleih  to  pleafe, 
 Or  fend  a  fmner  to  the  law  for  eafe  ; 
 Who  rather  needs  to  feel  its  piercing  dart, 
 'Till  dreadful  pangs  invade  his  trembling  heart  ^ 
 And  thither  only  ihould  be  fent  for  flames 
 Of  fire  to  burn  his  rotten  hopes  and  claims ; 
 That  thus  difarm'd,  he  gladly  may  embrace, 
 And  grafp  with  eagerneis  the  news  of  grace. 
 
 SECT-    V. 
 
 The  Gofpel  of  di\v\nt  Grace  the  only  means  of  converting 
 fmners'  ;  and  Jhoiild  be  preached  therefore  moft  clearly y 
 fidly,  and  freely. 
 
 THEY  ought,  who  royal  grace's  heralds  be, 
 To  trumpet  loud  falvation,  full  and  free ; 
 Nor  fafely  can,  to  humour  mortal  pride. 
 In  filence  evangelic  myft'ries  hide. 
 What  heav'n  is  pleased  to  give,  dare  we  refufe ; 
 Or  under  ground  conceal,  leaft  men  abufe  ? 
 Supprefs  the  gofpel-tlow'r,  upon  pretence 
 That  fome  vile  fpiders  may  fuck  poifon  thenee  ? 
 Chrifi  is  ■&  Jliimhling-bhck  ^\  fhall  we  negle£t 
 To  preach  him,  lead  the  blind  fhould  break  their  neck  I 
 That  high  he's  for  i\itfall  of  many  fet 
 As  well  as  for  the  rife  f ,  mufl:  prove  no  let. 
 No  grain  of  precious  truth  mufl:  be  fuppreft, 
 Though  reprobates  fhould  to  their  ruin  wreft. 
 Shall  heav'n's  corrufcant  lam.p  be  dimm'd,  that  pays. 
 Its  daily  tribute  down  in  golden  rays  ? 
 Becaufe  fome,  blinded  with  the  blazing  gleams, 
 Share  not  the  pleafure  of  the  lightning  beams. 
 Let  thofe  be  hardned,  petrify'd,  and  harm'd. 
 The  refl  are  mollify'd  and  kindly  warm'd. 
 A  various  favour  ||,  flowers  in  grace's  field. 
 Of  life  to  fome,  of  death  to  others  yield. 
 Mufl  then  the  rofe  be  vail'd,  the  lily  hid. 
 The  fragrant  favour  ftifled  ?  God  forbid. 
 
 *   1  Cor.  i.  23.         f   Luke  ii.  34.  |]  2  Cor.  ii.  i6. 
 
 The 
 
Chap.V.     TT'^  Believer's  Espousals.       93 
 
 The  revelation  of  the  gofpel-flow'r. 
 Is  {till  the  organ  fram'd  of  faving  pow'r 
 Mofl  juftly  then  are  legal  minds  condemn'd, 
 That  of  the  glorious  gofpel  are  afham'd  : 
 For  this  the  divine  arm,  and  only  this, 
 The  poii/r  of  God  unto  f ah  at  ion  is  ^, 
 For  therein  is  reveaFd^  to  fcreen  from  wrath, 
 The  righteoiifnefs  of  God,  from  faith  to  faiths 
 The  happy  change  in  guilty  linners  cafe 
 They  owe  to  free  difplays  of  fov'reign  grace  ; 
 Whofe  joyful  tidings  of  amazing  love 
 The  minijiration  of  the  Spirit  prove. 
 The  glorious  vent  the  gofpel-news  exprefs. 
 Of  God's  free  grace,  thro'  Chrift's  full  righteoufnefs. 
 Is  Heav'n's  gay  chariot,  where  the  Spirit  bides. 
 And  in  his  conqu'ring  pow'r  triumphant  rides. 
 The  gofpel-field  is  ftill  the  Spirit's  foil. 
 The  golden  pipe  that  bears  the  holy  oil ; 
 The  orb  where  he  outfhines  the  radiant  fun. 
 The  filver  channel  where  his  graces  run. 
 Within  the  gofpel-banks  his  flowing  tide 
 Of  lightning,  quickning  motions  fweetly  glide. 
 Received  ye  the  Spirit,  fcripture  faith  f. 
 By  legal  works,  or  by  the  word  of  faith  f 
 If  by  the  gofpel  only,  then  let  none 
 Dare  to  be  wifer  than  the  wifefl  one. 
 
 We  muft,  who  freely  get,  as  freely  give 
 The  vital  word  that  makes  the  dead  to  live. 
 For  ev'n  to  fmners  dead  within  our  reach 
 We  in  his  living  name  may  moft  fuccefsful  preach. 
 
 The  Spirit  and  the  fcripture  both  agree 
 Jointly  (fays  ChrijV)  to  tejhfy  of  me  %, 
 The  preacher  then  will  from  his  text  decline. 
 That  fcorns  to  harmonize  with  this  defign. 
 Prefs  moral  duties  to  the  lafl  degree  ; 
 Why  not?  but  mind,  leall  we  fuccefslefs  be. 
 No  hght,  no  hope,  no  Itrength  for  duties  fpring. 
 Where  Jefus  is  not  Prophet,  Prieft,  and  King. 
 No  light  to  fee  the  way,  unlefs  he  teach  ;  ~\ 
 
 No  joyful  hope,  fave  in  his  blood  we  reach  ;  C 
 
 No  ilrength,  unlefs  his  royal  arm  he  flretch.  ) 
 
 ♦  Rom.  1.  16,  17.         +  Cal.  iii.  2.         %  John  sv    id.  v.  39. 
 
 Then 
 
94         GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part!. 
 
 Then  from  our  leading  fcope  how  grofs  we  fall,  "^ 
 
 If,  like  his  name,  in  ev'ry  gofpel-call,  i 
 
 We  make  not  him  the  Fir/l,  the  Lq/l,  the  JII^ !  j 
 
 Our  office  is  to  bear  the  radiant  torch, 
 
 Of  gofpel-light,  into  the  daikned  porch 
 
 Of  human  underftandings,  and  difplay 
 
 The  joyful  dawn  of  everlafting  day; 
 
 To  draw  the  golden  chariot  of  free  grace, 
 The  darkned  (hades  with  fhining  rays  to  chafe, 
 'Till  Heav'n's  bright  lamp  on  circling  wheels  be  hurlM, 
 With  fpark'ling  grandeur  round  the  dufky  world  ; 
 And  thus  to  bring,  in  dying  mortals  fight. 
 New  life  and  inwiortality  to  light  ^. 
 We're  charg'd  to  preach  the  go/pel^  unconfinM, 
 *To  ev^ry  creature"^  of  the  human  kind  ; 
 To  call,  with  tenders  of  falvation  free, 
 All  corners  of  the  earth  to  come  and  fee  '^ : 
 And  ev'ry  fmner  mufl  excufelefs  make, 
 By  urging  rich  and  poor  to  come  and  take  c  : 
 H(?,  evry  one  that  thirfts  ^  is  grace's  call 
 Dired  to  needy  finners  great  and  fmall  ; 
 Not  meaning  thofe  alone,  whofe  holy  thirft 
 Denominates  their  fouls  already  bled. 
 If  only  thofe  were  call'd,  then  none  but  faints  ; 
 Nor  would  the  gofpel  fuit  the  finner's  wants. 
 But  here  the  call  does  fignally  import 
 Sinners  and  thirfty  fouls  of  every  fovt ; 
 And  mainly  to  their  door  the  meffage  brings. 
 Who  yet  are  thirfting  after  empty  things  ; 
 Who  fpend  their  means  no  lining  bread  to  buy^ 
 And  pains  for  thai  which  camiot  fatisfy. 
 Such  thirlty  finners  here  invited  are, 
 Who  vainly  fpend  their  money,  thought,  and  care, 
 On  palling  fliades,  vile  lufts  and  trafli,  fo  bafe 
 As  yield  the  immortal  fouls  no  true  folace. 
 The  call  directs  them,  as  they  would  be  blcil, 
 To  chufe  a  purer  object  of  their  thirft. 
 All  are  invited  by  the  joyful  found 
 To  drink  who  need,  as  does  the  parched  ground, 
 
 a  Rev.  i.  ii.   Col.  iii.  ii.      h  2  Tim.  i.  lo.      .:  Mark  xvi.  ij. 
 d  If.i.  xlv.  22.  John  i.  37,  ^6.      e  Rev.  >.xii.  17,     /Tu.  Iv.  i,  2. 
 
 Whofe 
 
Chap.V.     r^^  Bel  I  everts  Espousals.       95 
 
 Whofe  wide-mouth' d  clefts  fpeak  to  the  brazen  {ky 
 Its  paffive  thirft,  without  an  adive  cry. 
 
 The  gofpel-preacher  then  with  holy  ikill 
 Mud  offer  Cbriji  to  whofoever  will, 
 To  finners  of  all  forts  that  can  ht  nam'd ; 
 The  blind,  the  lame,  the  poor,  the  halt,  the  maimed  *. 
 Not  daring  to  reflrid  th'  extenfive  call, 
 But  op'ning  wide  the  net  to  catch  'em  all 
 No  foul  mufl  be  excluded  that  will  come, 
 Nor  right  of  accefs  be  confin'd  to  fome, 
 Though  none  will  come  till  confcious  of  their  v.  ant, 
 Yet  right  to  come  they  have  by  fov'reign  grant  ; 
 Such  right  to  Chrift,  his  promife,  and  his  grace. 
 That  all  are  damn'd  who  hear  and  don't  embrace  : 
 So  freely  is  th'  unbounded  call  difpens'd. 
 We  therein  find  ev'n  fmners  unconvinc'd  ; 
 Who  know  not  they  are  naked,  blind,  and  poor  j-,  ") 
 
 CounfelPd  to  buy,  or  beg  at  Jcfus'  door,  > 
 
 And  take  the  glorious  robe,  eye-falve,  and  golden  Jiore,    .  J 
 This  prize  they  are  oblig'd  by  faith  to  win, 
 Elfe  unbelief  would  never  be  their  fin. 
 Yea,  gofpel-offers  but  a  Iham  we  make. 
 If  ev'ry  finner  has  not  right  to  take. 
 
 Be  gofpel-heralds  fortify'd  from  this 
 To  trumpet  grace,  howe'er  the  ferpsnt  hifs. 
 Did  hell's  malicious  mouth  in  dreadful  fliape 
 'Gainfl  innocence  itfelf  malignant  gape  ; 
 Then  facred  truth's  devoted  vouchers  may 
 For  dire  reproach  their  meafures  conftant  lay. 
 With  cruel  calumny  of  old  commenc'd, 
 'This  fett  will  evry  where  be  f poke  againjl  \~ 
 While  to  and  fro  he  runs  the  earth  acrofs 
 Whofe  name  is  adelphon  kategoros  ||. 
 In  fpite  of  hell  be  then  our  conllant  ftriie 
 To  win  the  glorious  Lamb  a  virgin-wife. 
 
 *  Luke  xiv.  21.  t  Rev.   iii.   17,  i3.  %  Aifls  xxviii,    22, 
 
 jl  Or,  The  accufcr  of  the  brethren.  Rev,  xil.  lO- 
 
 CHAP 
 
i^S        GOSPEL  SONNETS.       PartI. 
 
 CHAP.        VI. 
 
 An  Exhortation  to  all  that  arc  out  of  Cpi  R  i  st  ; 
 in  order  to  their  clofing  the  match  with 
 hini:   containing  Mo  motives  and  directions, 
 
 READER,  into  thine  hands  thefe  lines  are  giv'n. 
 But  not  without  the  providence  of  heav'n  ; 
 Or  to  advance  thy  bhfs,  if  thou  art  wife  ; 
 Or  aggravate  thy  wo,  if  thou  defpife. 
 For  thee,  for  thee,  perhaps  the  omnifcient  ken 
 Has  forin'd  the  counfel  here,  and  led  the  pen. 
 The  writer  then  does  thy  attention  plead. 
 In  his  great  name  that  gave  thee  eyes  to  read. 
 
 SECT.    1. 
 
 Cowoiclion  cffcred  to  finners,  efpcc'ialh  fiich  as  are  wedded 
 Jlriclly  to  the  law^  or  fclf -righteous,  that  they  may  fee 
 the  need  o/"  Christ's  righleoufnefs. 
 
 IF  never  yet  thou  didfl  fair  Jefus  wed, 
 Nor  yield  thy  heart  to  be  his  marriage-bed  ; 
 But  hitherto  are  wedded  to  the  law. 
 Which  never  could  thy  chain'd  aftedions  draw 
 From  brutifli  lufts  and  fordid  lovers  charms ; 
 Lo  !  thou  art  yet  in  Satan's  folded  arms. 
 Hell's  pow'r  invifible  tliy  foul  retains 
 His  captive  flave,  lock'd  up  in  mafly  chains. 
 O  fmner  then,  as  thou  regard'fl:  thy  life,  "^ 
 
 Seek,  feek  with  ardent  care  and  earneft  ftrife  > 
 
 To  be  the  glorious  Lamb's  betrothed  wife.  j 
 
 For  bafe  corrivals  never  let  him  lofe 
 Thy  heart,  his  bed  of  conjugal  repofe. 
 Wed  Chrijl  alone,  and  with  fevere  remorft  ") 
 
 From  other  mates  purfue  a  clean  divorce  ;  >• 
 
 For  they  thy  ruin  feek  by  fraud  or  force.  J 
 
 As  lurking  ferpents  in  the  ihady  bow'rs 
 Conceal  their  malice  under  fpreading  flow'rs ; 
 So  thy  deceitful  lufts  with  cruel  fpite 
 Hide  ghaftly  danger  under  gay  delight. 
 
 Art 
 
Chap.  V.     T^^  Believer's  Espousals.       9] 
 
 Art  thou  a  legal  zealot,  foft  or  rude  ? 
 Renounce  thy  nat'ral  and  acquired  good. 
 As  bafe  deceitful  lufts  may  work  thy  fmart. 
 So  may  deceitful  frames  upon  thy  heart. 
 Seeming  good  motions  may  in  fome  be  founds 
 Much  joy  in  hearings  like  the  ftcny  ground  j  "^ 
 Much  forrow  too  in  prayings  as  appears 
 In  Efau\  careful  fuit  with  rueful  tears,  f 
 touching  the  law^  they  blamelefs  tnay  appear,  % 
 From  fpurious  views  mod  fpecious  virtues  bear* 
 Nor  merely  be  devout  in  mens  efteem. 
 But  prove  to  be  fuicerely  what  they  feem. 
 Friends  to  the  holy  law  in  heart  and  life, 
 Suers  of  heav'n  with  utmoft  legal  (Irife  ; 
 Yet  ftill  with  innate  pride  fo  rankly  fpic'd^ 
 Converted  but  to  duties,  not  to  Chriji  ; 
 That  Publicans  and  harlots  heav'n  obtain  }| 
 Before  a  crew  fo  righteous  and  fo  vain. 
 Sooner  will  thofe  Ihake  off  their  vicious  drefs, 
 Than  thefe  blind  zealots  will  their  righteoufnefs> 
 Who  judge  they  have  (which  fortifies  their  pride) 
 The  law  of  God  itfelf  upon  their  fide. 
 Old  nature,  new  brufh'd  up  with  legal  pains. 
 Such  ftricl  attachment  to  the  law  retains, 
 No  means,  no  motives  can  to  Jefus  draw 
 Vain  fouls,  fo  doubly  wedded  to  the  law. 
 
 But  wouldft  the  glorious  Prince  in  marriage  havCj 
 Know  that  thy  nat'ral  hufband  cannot  fave. 
 Thy  bed  effays  to  pay  the  legal  rent 
 Can  never,  in  the  leall,  the  law  content. 
 Didll  thou  in  pray'rs  employ  the  morning-light. 
 In  tears  and  groans  the  watches  of  the  night, 
 Pafs  thy  whole  life  in  clofe  devotion  o'er  j 
 'Tis  nothing  to  the  law  ftill  craving  more. 
 There's  no  proportion  'twixt  its  high  commands,         ■^ 
 And  puny  works  from  thy  polluted  hands  j  > 
 
 Perfedion  is  the  lead  that  it  demands.  J 
 
 IVoidciJi  enter  into  life,  then  keep  the  laiu  \  ; 
 But  keep  it  perfedly  without  a  flaw. 
 
 *  Lnke  viii.  i;.      |  Heb.  xii.  17.      X  Phil.  iii.  6.       !|  Matth. 
 Vol.  X.  N  It 
 
98        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part.  I. 
 
 It  won't  have  lefs,  nor  will  abate  at  lad 
 
 A  drop  of  vengeance  for  the  fin  that's  pad, 
 
 Tell,  fmful  mortal,  is  thy  flock  fo  large 
 
 As  duly  can  defray  this  double  charge  ? 
 
 "  Why  theie  are  mere  impolhbles,"  fayfl:  thou  : 
 
 "  Yea,  truly  fo  they  are  ;  and  therefore  now, 
 
 That  down  thy  legal  confidence  may  fall. 
 
 The  law's  black  doom  home  to  thy  bofom  call. 
 
 "  Lo  !  I  (the  divine  law,)  demand  no  lefs 
 
 "  Than  perfe£l,  everlafting  righteoufnefs ; 
 
 «'  But  thou  haft  fail'd,  and  loll  thy  ftrength  to  D  0  : 
 
 "  Therefore  I  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo  ; 
 
 "  In  prifon  clofs  to  be  Ihut  up  for  ay, 
 
 "  Ere  I  be  baffled  with  thy  partial  pay. 
 
 "  Thou  always  didft,  and  doft  my  precepts  break  ; 
 
 "  I  therefore  curfe  thee  to  the  burning  lake. 
 
 "  In  God,  the  great  Lawgiver's  glorious  name, 
 
 "  I  judge  thy  foul  to  everlafting  fhame." 
 
 Nojiejh  can  by  the  law  be  jujlified'^. 
 
 Yet  dareft  thou  thy  legal  duties  plead  ? 
 
 As  Faul  appeal'd  to  Cefar^  wilt  thou   fo  '} 
 
 Unto  the  law  ?  then  to  it  thou  Ihalt  go,  r 
 
 And  find  it  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo.  .  -^ 
 
 What !  would  ye  have  us  plung'd  in  deep  defpair  ? 
 Amen  ;  yea,  God  himfelf  would  have  you  there. 
 His  will  it  is  that  you  defpair  of  life. 
 And  fafety  by  the  law  or  legal  ftrife  ; 
 That  deanly  thence  divorc'd  at  any  rate 
 His  faireft  Son  may  have  a  faithful  mate. 
 'Till  this  law-fentence  pafs  within  your  breaft. 
 You'll  never  wed  the  law-difcharging  Prieft. 
 You  prize  not  heav'n,  till  he  through  hell  you  draw  ; 
 Nor  love  the  gofpel,  till  ye  know  the  law. 
 
 Know  then,  the  divine  law  moft  perfetl  cares 
 For  none  of  thy  imperfedl  legal  wares  ; 
 Dooms  thee  to  vengeance  for  thy  fmful  ftate. 
 As  well  as  linful  actions  fmall  or  great. 
 If  any  fin  can  be  accounted  hnall. 
 To  hell  it  dooms  thv  foul  for  one  and  all. 
 
 *  Rom.  iii.  20. 
 
 For 
 
Chap.VL    Ty^^  Believer's  Espousals.    99 
 
 For  fins  of  nature,  praftice,  heart,  and  way. 
 Damnation-rent  it  fummons  thee  to  pay. 
 Yea,  not  for  fin  alone,  which  is  thy  ihame, 
 But  for  thy  boafled  fervice  too,  fo  lame. 
 The  law  adjudges  thee  and  hell  to  meet, 
 Becaufethy  righteoufnefs  is  incomplete. 
 As  towering  flames  burn  up  the  wither'd  flags, 
 So  will  the  fiery  law  thy  filthy  rags. 
 
 SECT.    II. 
 
 Direction  given  with  reference  to  ihc  right  iije  of  the 
 Means,  that  we  rej^  not  on  thefe  injiead  0/ Christ, 
 the  glorious  Hujbajidy  in  ivhom  our  help  lies. 
 
 yfDAM,  where  art  thou^}  Soul,  where  art  thou  now? 
 •'^  Oh!  art  thou  faying,  5/>,  what  jhall  I doW 
 I  dare  not  ufe  that  proud  felf-raifmg  flrain, 
 Go  help  yourfelf  and  God  will  help  you  then. 
 Nay,  rather  know,  O  Ijrael,  that  thou  haji 
 De/lroy*d  thy  felf,  and  canft  not  in  the  leail 
 From  fin  nor  wrath  thyfelf  the  captive  free. 
 Thy  help,  fays  Jefus,  only  lies  in  me  \. 
 Heav*n*s  oracles  dired  to  him  alone, 
 ¥ull  help  is  laid  upon  thy  mighty  One. 
 In  him,  in  him  complete  falvation  dwells ; 
 He's  God  the  helper,  and  there  is  none  elfe  \\. 
 Fig-leaves  won't  hide  thee  from  the  fiery  fliow'r, 
 'Tis  he  alone  that  faves  by  price  and  pow'r. 
 
 Muft  we  do  nothing  then,  will  mockers  fay. 
 But  reft  in  floth  till  Heav'n  the  help  convey  ? 
 Pray,  flop  a  little  finner ;   don't  abufe 
 God's  awful  word,  that  charges  thee  to  ufe 
 Means,  ordinances,  v/hich  he's  pleas'd  to  place. 
 As  precious  channels  of  his  pow'rful  grace. 
 Reftlefs  improve  all  thefc,  until  from  heav'n 
 The  whole  falvation  needful  thus  be  giv'n. 
 Wait  in  his  path  according  to  his  call, 
 On  him  whofe  pow'r  alone  effefteth  all. 
 
 *  Gen.  iii.  9.  f  Mark  x.  17.  -^  Haf.  xili.  9. 
 
 'i  lU.  xlv.  22. 
 
 N  2  Would'ft 
 
100      GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartL 
 
 Would'fl  thou  him  wed  ?  in  duties  wait,  I  fay  ; 
 
 But  marry  not  thy  duties  by  the  way. 
 
 Thou'It  wofuUy  come  fliort  of  faving  grace^ 
 
 If  duties  only  be  thy  rcfting  place. 
 
 Nay,  go  a  little  further  ^  through  them  all. 
 
 To  him  whofe  office  is  to  fave  from  thrall,. 
 
 Thus  in  a  gofpel-manner  hopeful  wait. 
 
 Striving  to  enter  by  the  narrow  gate  •■*  j  '         • 
 
 So  (Irait  and  narrow,  that  it  won't  admit 
 
 The  bunch  upon  thy  back  to  enter  it. 
 
 Not  only  bulky  lufts  may  ceafe  to  prefs, 
 
 But  ev'n  the  bunch  of  boafted  righteoufncfs* 
 Many,  as  in  the  facred  page  we  fee. 
 
 Shall Jirive  to  enter,  but  unable  be  ^ : 
 Becaufe,  mtftaking  this  new  way  of  life, 
 
 They  pufli  a  legal,  not  a  gofpel-ilrife: 
 
 As  if  their  duties  did  Jehovah  bind, 
 Becaufe  'tis  WTitten,  Seek,  and  ye  jh  all  find  ^. 
 Perverted  fcripture  does  their  error  fence, 
 Tliey  read  the  letter,  but  negleft  the  fenje. 
 "While  to  the  word  no  gofpel-glofs  they  give; 
 Theirylryt  and  Jindh  the  fame  with  do  and  live^ 
 Hence  would  they  a  connection  native  place 
 Between  their  moral  pains,  and  faving  grace  : 
 Their  nat'ral  poor  eflays  the  judge  won't  mifs, 
 In  juft-ice,  to  infer  eternal  blifs. 
 
 Thus  commentaries  on  the  word  they  make, 
 IVhich  to  their  ruin  are  a  grand  miftake  : 
 For,  through  the  legal  bias  in  their  bread, 
 They  fcripture  to  their  own  deibudion  wred. 
 Why,  ifivefeek,  we ^et,  they  gather  hence  ; 
 Which  is  not  truth,  fave  in  the  fcripture-fenfe. 
 There  Jefus  deals  with  friends,  and  elfewhere  faith, 
 Thefe  feckers  only  fpecd  that  ajlc  in  faith  ^. 
 The  prayer  of  the  ivieked  is  ab.horrd, 
 J.S  an  abomination  to  the  Lord  ^ 
 Their  fuits  are  fms,  but  their  negle^s  no  lefs. 
 Which  can't  their  guilt  diminifli,  but  increafe. 
 
 <?  SoQg  iji.  r, — ^..         h  Matth.  vii,  13,  14.         c  Luke  xiil.  24. 
 4[     Matth.  vii,  7.  e  J-imes  i,  6.         f  Prov,  xv.  9.  xxviii  9. 
 
 They 
 
Chap.  VI.  TT^/r  Believer's  Espousals,     loi 
 
 They  ought,  like  beggars,  lie  in  grace*s  way  ; 
 
 Hence  Peter  taught  the  forcerer  to  pray  "^  ; 
 
 For  though  mere  nat'ral  mens  addrefs  or  prayers 
 
 Can  no  acceptance  gain  as  work  of  theirs, 
 
 Nor  have,  as  their  perforinance,  any  fway  ; 
 
 Yet  as  a  divine  ordinance  they  may. 
 
 But  fpotlefs  truth  has  bound  icfelf  to  grant 
 
 The  fuit  of  none  but  the  believing  faint. 
 
 In  Jefus  perfons  once  accepted,  do 
 
 Acceptance  find  in  him  for  duties  too. 
 
 For  he,  whofe  Son  they  do  in  marriage  take, 
 
 Is  bound  to  hear  them  for  their  Hufband's  fake. 
 
 But  let  no  Chrijllcfs  foul,  at  pray'r  appear, 
 As  if  Jehovah  were  oblig'd  to  hear  : 
 But  ufe  the  means,  becaufe  a  fov'reign  God 
 May  come  with  alms  in  this  his  wonted  road. 
 He  wills  thee  to  frequent  kind  wifdom's  gate. 
 To  read,  hear,  meditate,  to  pray  and  wait ; 
 Thy  Spirit  then  be  on  thefe  duties  bent. 
 As  gofpel  means,  but  not  as  legal  rent. 
 
 From  thefe  don't  thy  falvation  hope  nor  claim. 
 
 But  from  Jehovah  in  the  ufe  of  them. 
 
 The  beggar's  fpirit  never  was  fo  dull, 
 
 While  waiting  at  the  gate  call'd  Beautiful, 
 
 To  hope  for  fuccour  from  the  temple-gate, 
 
 At  which  he  daily  did  fo  careful  wait: 
 
 But  from  the  rich  and  charitable  fort. 
 
 Who  to  the  temple  dailymade  refort. 
 
 Means,  ordinances,  are  the  comely  gate. 
 
 At  which  kind  heav'n  has  bid  us  conflant  wait : 
 
 Not  that  from  thefe  we  have  our  alms,  but  from 
 
 The  lib'ral  God,  who  there  is  wont  to  come. 
 
 If  either  we  thefe  means  Ihall  dare  negleft ; 
 
 Or  yet  from  thefe  th'  enriching  blifs  expeft, 
 
 "We  from  the  glory  of  the  King  defalk  ; 
 
 Who  in  the  galleries  is  won't  to  walk  ; 
 
 "VVe  move  not  regular  in  duties  road, 
 
 But  bafe,  invert  them  to  an  idol-god. 
 
 Seek  then,  if  gofpel-means  you  would  effay. 
 Through  grace  to  ufe  them  in  a  gofpel-wav  > 
 
 •    A(fts  vlii      22. 
 
 Nft 
 
I02       GOSPEL  SONNETS.       Part  L 
 
 Not  deeming  that  your  duties  are  the  price 
 
 Of  divine  favour,  or  of  Paradife  ; 
 
 Nor  that  your  befl  efforts  employed  in  thefc 
 
 Are  fit  exploits  your  awful  Judge  to  plcafe. 
 
 Why,  thus  you  bafely  idolize  your  trafli, 
 
 And  make  it  with  the  blood  of  Jefus  clafli. 
 
 You'd  buy  the  blcfling  with  your  vile  refufe. 
 
 And  fo  his  precious  righteoufnefs  abufe. 
 
 What !  buy  his  gifts  with  filthy  lumber  ?  nay,  "^ 
 
 Whoever  offers  this,  muft  hear  him  fay,  V 
 
 Thy  money  perijh  with  thy  foul  for  ay  ^.  j 
 
 Duties  are  means,  which  to  the  marriage-bed 
 Should  chaftly  lead  us  like  the  chamber-maid; 
 But  if  with  her  inflead  of  Cbrifl  we  match, 
 We  not  our  fafety,  but  our  ruin  hatch. 
 To  Cefar,  what  is  Cefar\^  fliould  be  giv'n  ; 
 But  Cefar  mud  not  have  what's  due  to  Heav'n  : 
 So  duties  fliould  have  duty's  room,  *tis  true; 
 But  nothing  of  the  glorious  HuA)and's  due. 
 While  means  the  debt  of  clofe  attendance  crave, 
 Our  whole  dependance  God  alone  muft  have. 
 If  duties,  tears,  our  confcience  pacify, 
 They  with  the  blood  of  Chrijl  prefume  to  vie. 
 Means  are  his  vafTals ;  fliall  we  without  grudge 
 Difcard  the  mafter,  and  efpoufe  the  drudge  ? 
 The  hypocrite,  the  legalift  does  fin, 
 To  live  on  duties,  not  on  Cbrift  therein. 
 He  only  feeds  on  empty  difhes,  plates. 
 Who  dotes  on  means,  but  at  the  manna  frets. 
 Let  never  means  content  thy  foul  at  all. 
 Without  the  Hufband,  who  is  all  in  all \. 
 Cry  daily  for  the  happy  marriage  hour : 
 To  him  belongs  the  mean,  to  him  the  pow'r. 
 
 SECT.    III. 
 
 A  Call  to  believe  in  Jesus  Chrlst,  with  fome  hints  at 
 the  Aa  and  OhjeB  of  Faith. 
 
 FRIEND,  is  the  queftion  on  thy  heart  cngrav'd. 
 What  fliall  I  do  to  be  for  everfav'df  X 
 *  Acts  viii.  20.         \  Col.  ill.  3.         J  Acts  xvi.  50. 
 
 Lo! 
 
Chap.  VI.     T^^  Believer's  Espousals.    103 
 
 Lo  !  here's  a  living  rock  to  build  upon  ; 
 
 Believe  in  yefus  *  ;  and  on  him  alone 
 
 For  righteoufnefs  and  (Irength  thine  anchor  drop, 
 
 Renouncing  all  thy  former  legal  hope. 
 
 *'  Believe,  lay  thou  !  I  can  no  more  believe, 
 
 "  Than  keep  the  law  of  works,  the  Do  and  Live.*^ 
 
 True  ;  and  it  were  thy  mercy,  didft  thou  fee 
 
 Thine  utter  want  of  all  ability. 
 
 New  covenant  graces  he  alone  can  grant, 
 
 Whom  God  has  giv'n  to  be  the  covenant ;  \ 
 
 E'en  Jefus,  whom  the  facred  letters  call 
 
 Faith's  objed,  author,  finiflier,  and  all  j 
 
 In  him  alone,  not  in  thy  aft  of  faith. 
 
 Thy  foul  believing  full  falvation  hath. 
 
 In  this  new  cov'nant  judge  not  faith  to  hold 
 The  room  of  perfect  doing  in  the  old. 
 Faith  is  not  giv'n  to  be  the  fed'ral  price 
 Of  othei*  blellings,  or  of  paradife  : 
 But  Heav'n  by  giving  this,  ftrikes  out  a  door 
 At  which  is  carry'd  in  flill  more  and  more. 
 No  fmner  muft  upon  his  faith  lay  ftrefs, 
 As  if  it  were  a  perfect  righteoufnefs. 
 God  ne'er  affign'd  unto  it  fuch  a  peace  ; 
 'Tis  but  at  bed  a  bankrupt  begging  grace. 
 Its  objeft  makes  its  fame  to  fly  abroad. 
 So  clofe  it  grips  the  righteoufnefs  of  God ; 
 Which  righteoufnefs  receiv'd,  is,  without  flrife. 
 The  true  condition  of  eternal  life. 
 
 But  (till,  fay  you,  pow'r  to  believe  I  mils. 
 You  may  ;  but  know  you  what  believing  is  ? 
 Faith  lies  not  in  your  building  up  a  tow'r 
 Of  fome  great  aftion  by  your  proper  pow'r. 
 For  Heav'n  well  knows,  that  by  the  killing  fall 
 No  pow'r,  no  will  remains  in  man  at  all 
 For  ads  divinely  good  ;  'till  fov'reign  grace 
 By  pow'rful  drawing  virtue  turn  the  chafe. 
 Hence  none  believe  in  Jefus,  as  they  ought,  "5 
 
 'Till  once  they  do  believe  they  can  do  nought,  > 
 
 Nor  are  fujjicicni  e'en  to  form  a  thought  \.  ^ 
 
 *  Acls  xvi.  31.         I  lia.  xlii,  6.         t   2  Cor.  iil.  j. 
 
 They're 
 
I04         GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  I. 
 
 They're  coni'cious  in  the  right  believing  hour. 
 
 Of  human  weaknefs,  and  of  divine  pow'r. 
 
 Faith  a£ls  not  in  the  fenfe  of  ilrength  and  mighty 
 
 But  in  the  fenfe  of  weaknefs  acls  outright. 
 
 It  is  (no  boaiting  arm  of  pow'r  or  length) 
 
 But  lueakncfs  acting  on  almighty  flrength  \, 
 
 It  is  the  pow'rlefs,  helplefs  fmner's  flight 
 
 Into  the  open  arms  of  faving  might : 
 
 'Tis  an  employing  Jefus  to  do  all 
 
 That  can  within  falvation's  conipafs  fall ; 
 
 To  be  the  agent  kind  in  ev'ry  thing 
 
 Belonging  to  the  Prophet,  Pried,  and  King  j 
 
 To  teach,  to  pardon,  fanclify,  and  fave. 
 
 And  nothing  to  the  creature's  pow'r  to  leave. 
 
 Faith  makes  us  joyfully  content  that  he 
 
 Our  Head,  our  Hufband,  and  our  All  fliould  be ; 
 
 Our  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength,  our  flock  and  florc, 
 
 Our  fund  for  food  and  raiment,  grace  and  glore. 
 
 It  makes  the  creature  down  to  nothing  fall, 
 
 Content  that  Chri/i  alone  be  all  in  all. 
 
 The  plan  of  grace  is  faith's  delightful  view. 
 With  which  it  clofes  both  as  good  and  true. 
 Unto  the  truth,  the  inincTs  ajfent  is  lull ; 
 Unto  the  good,  a  free  confcnting  ivill. 
 The  holy  Spirit  here,  tlic  agent  chief, 
 Creates  this  faith,  and  daihes  unbelief. 
 That  very  God  who  calls  us  to  believe, 
 The  very  faith  he  feeks,  mull  alfo  give. 
 Why  calls  he  then  ?  lay  you.    Pray,  man,  be  wife  j 
 Why  did  he  call  dead  Lazarus  to  rife  ? 
 Becaufe  the  orders  in  their  bofom  bear 
 Almighty  pow'r  to  make  tlie  carcafc  hear. 
 
 But  Heav'n  may  not  this  mighty  pow'r  difplay. 
 Moil:  true  ;  yet  iVill  thou  art  oblig'd  t'  obey. 
 But  God  is  not  at  all  oblig'd  to  ilretch 
 His  faving  arm  to  fuch  a  liniul  wretch. 
 All  who  within  falvation-rolls  have  place. 
 Are  fav'd  by  a  prerogative  of  grace  : 
 But  veflels  all  that  fhall  with  wrath  be  cramm'd. 
 Are  by  an  aft  of  holy  juflice  damn'd. 
 
 •f  2  Cor.  xii.  5. 
 
 Take 
 
Chap.  VI.  7)6^  Believer's  Espousals,     ioj 
 
 Take  then,  dear  foul,  as  from  a  friendly  heart. 
 The  counfcl  which  the  following  lines  impart. 
 
 SECT    IV. 
 
 An  Advice  to  Sinners  to  apply  to  the  fu'uereign  Mercy  of 
 God,  as  it  is  difcovered  through  Christ,  to  the  high" 
 eft  honour  of  Jujiice  and  other  divine  attributes,  in  or^ 
 der  to  further  their  Faith  in  him  unto  fahation. 
 
 GO,  friend,  and  at  Jehovah's  footflool  bow  : 
 Thou  know'ft  not  what  a  fov'reign  God  may  do. 
 Confefs,  if  he  comniiferate  thy  cafe, 
 'Twill  be  an  act  of  powerful  fov'reign  grace. 
 Sequeftarte  carefully  feme  folemn  hours. 
 To  fue  thy  grand  concern  in  fecret  bow'rs. 
 Then  in  th'  enfuing  (train  to  God  impart 
 And  pour  into  his  bofom  all  thy  heart. 
 
 '  O  glorious,  gracious,  pow'rful,  fov'reign  Lord, 
 
 *  Thy  help  unto  a  fmful  worm  afi'ord  ; 
 
 *  Who  from  my  wretched  birth  to  this  fad  hour, 
 
 *  Have  ftill  been  deftitute  of  will  and  pow'r 
 
 '  To  clofe  with  glorious  Chrifi  ;  yea,  fill'd  with  fpite  p 
 '  At  thy  fair  darling,  and  thy  faints  delight,  > 
 
 '  Refifting  all  his  grace  with  all  my  might.  j 
 
 '  Come,  Lord,  and  fap  my  enmity's  Itrong  tow'r  j 
 '  O  hafte  the  marriage-day,  the  day  of  pow'r  ; 
 
 *  That  fweetly,  by  refiitlefs  grace  inclin'd, 
 
 *  My  once  reludant  be  a  willing  mind. 
 
 '  Thou  fpak'ft  to  being  ev'ry  thing  we  fee, 
 
 '  When  thy  almighty  will  faid.  Let  it  be, 
 
 '  Nothings  to  being  in  a  moment  pafs : 
 
 '  Let  there  be  light,  thoufaidfl ;  andfo  it  was  %. 
 
 '  A  pow'rful  word  like  this,  a  mighty  call, 
 
 '  Muft  fay.  Let  there  be  faith,  and  then  it  fhall. 
 
 '  Thou  feek'fl:  my  faith  and  light  from  fin  and  guilt ; 
 
 '  Give  what  thou  feek'ft.  Lord ;  then  feek  what  t-hou  wilt. 
 
 *  What  good  can  iifue  from  a  root  fo  ill  ^. 
 
 *  This  heart  of  mine's  a  wicked  lump  of  hell ; 
 
 *  'Twill  all  thy  common  notions  /till  refiit, 
 '  Unlefs  with  fpecial  drawing  virtue  bleft. 
 
 4:  Gen    i,  3. 
 Vox.  X.  O 
 
io6         GOSPEL  SONNFTS.      Part  I. 
 
 Thou  calls,  but  with  the  call  thy  pow'r  convey  ;       ^ 
 Command  me  to  believe,  and  I'll  obey,  > 
 
 Nor  any  more  thy  gracious  call  gainfay.  j 
 
 Command,  O  Lord  ;  effectually  command,  "> 
 
 And  grant  I  be  not  able  to  withftand  ;  S 
 
 Then  pow'rlefs  I  will  ftretch  the  witherM  hand.        3 
 '  I  to  thy  favour  can  pretend  no  claim. 
 But  what  is  borrow'd  from  thy  glorious  name  ; 
 Which  though  mofl:  juflly  thou  may'ft  glorifie , 
 In  damning  fuch  a  guilty  wretch  as  me, 
 A  f^^ggot  fitted  for  the  burning  fire 
 Of  thine  incenfed  everlafting  ire  : 
 Yet,  Lord,  fmce  now  I  hear  thy  glorious  Son, 
 In  favour  of  a  race  that  was  undone. 
 Did  in  thy  name,  by  thy  authority. 
 Once  to  the  full  ftern  juilice  fatisfy  ; 
 And  paid  more  glorious  tribute  thereunto 
 Than  hell  and  all  its  torment  e'er  can  do. 
 Since  my  falvation  through  his  blood  can  raifc  "^ 
 
 A  revenue  to  juftice'  highefi:  praife,  > 
 
 Higher  than  rents  which  hell  for  ever  pays  :  J 
 
 Thefe  to  tremendous  juftice  never  bring 
 A  fatisfa^lion  equal  and  condign. 
 But  Jcfus,  our  once  dying  God,  performs 
 What  never  could  by  ever-dying  worms : 
 Since  thus  thy  threat'ning  law  is  honourM  more 
 Than  e'er  my  fms  affronted  it  before  : 
 Since  juftice  ftern  may  greater  glory  won, 
 By  juftifying  in  thy  darling  Son, 
 Than  by  condemning  ev'n  the  rebel  me  ; 
 To  this  device  of  wifdom,  lo  !  I  flee. 
 Let  juftice.  Lord,  according  to  thy  will, 
 Be  glorify'd  with  glory  great  and  full ; 
 Not  now  in  hell,  where  juftice'  petty  pay 
 is  but  extorted  parcels  minc'd  for  ay : 
 But  glorify'd  in  Cbrij?,  who  down  has  told 
 The  total  fum  at  once  in  liquid  gold. 
 In  loweft  hell  low  praife  is  only  won. 
 But  juftice  has  the  highcft  in  thy  Son, 
 The  Sun  of  righteoufncfs  that  fet  in  red, 
 To  Ihew  the  glorious  morning  would  fuccccd. 
 
 '  In 
 
Chap.  VI.  The  Believer's  Espousals.    107 
 
 '  In  him  then  fave  thou  me  from  fm  and  fhame, 
 
 '  And  to  the  higheft  glorify  thy  name. 
 
 '  Since  this  bright  iccne  thy  glories  all  exprefs, 
 
 '  And  grace  as  emprefs  reigyu  through  righieoufnefs  -, 
 
 '  Since  mercy  fair  runs  in  a  crimfon  flood, 
 
 *  And  vents  through  juftice-fatisfying  blood  : 
 '  Not  only  then  for  mercy's  fake  1  fue, 
 
 '  But  for  the  glory  of  thy  juftice  too. 
 
 *  And  fmce  each  letter  of  thy  name  divine  ^ 
 '  Has  in  fair  Jefui*  face  the  brighteft  fhine,  r 
 
 *  This  glorious  Hufband  be  for  ever  mine.  -^ 
 '  On  this  flrong  argument  fo  fweet,  fo  bled, 
 
 '  With  thy  allowance,  Lord,  I  muft  infift. 
 '  Great  God,  fmce  thou  allow'fl  unworthy  mc 
 '  To  make  thy  glorious  name  my  humble  plea  j 
 
 *  No  glory  worthy  of  it  wilt  thou  gain 
 
 '  By  calling  me  into  the  burning  main. 
 
 '  My  feeble  back  can  never  fuit  the  load, 
 
 '  That  fpeaks  thy  name  a  fm-revenging  God. 
 
 '  Scarce  would  that  name  feem  a  confuming  fire 
 
 '  Upon  a  worm  unworthy  of  thine  ire. 
 
 '  But  fee  the  worthy  Lamb,  thy  chofen  Prieft, 
 
 '  With  juftice'  burning-glafs  againft  his  breaft, 
 
 '  Contrafting  all  the  beams  of  'venging  wrath, 
 
 '  As  in  their  centre,  'till  he  burnt  to  death. 
 
 '  Vengeance  can  never  be  fo  much  proclaimed 
 
 '  By  fcatter'd  beams  among  the  millions  damn'd. 
 
 '  Then,  Lord,  in  him  me  to  the  utmoft  fave, 
 
 '  And  thou  (halt  glory  to  the  higheft  have  : 
 
 '  Glory  to  wifdom,  that  contriv'ft  fo  well ! 
 
 '  Glory  to  powW^  that  bore  and  bury'd  hell ! 
 
 *  Glory  to  holinefs,  which  fin  defac'd, 
 
 '  With  finlefs  fervice  now  divinely  grac'd  ! 
 
 *  Glory  to  Jiijlice'  fword,  that  flaming  ftood, 
 '  Now  drunk  to  pleafure  with  atoning  blood  1 
 
 *  Glory  to  truths  that  now  in  fcarlet  clad, 
 
 '  Has  feaFd  both  threats  and  promifes  with  red  ! 
 
 '  Glory  to  mercy^  now  in  purple  ftreams,  "^ 
 
 *  So  fweetly  gliding  through  the  divine  flames  > 
 
 *  Of  other  once  offended,  now  exalted  names !  j 
 
 O  2  '  To 
 
io8    GOSPELSONNETS.       Part  L 
 
 '  Each  attribute  confpires  with  joint  embrace,  ~\ 
 
 *  To  fliew  its  fparkling  rays  in  Jefuf  face  ;  > 
 
 *  And  thus  to  deck  the  crown  of  matchlefs  grace.       J 
 
 *  But  to  thy  name  in  hell  ne'er  can  accrue 
 
 *  The  thoufandth  part  of  ihis  great  revenue. 
 
 '  O  ravifhing  contrivance  !  light  that  blinds 
 '  Cherubic  gazers,  and  feraphic  minds. 
 
 *  They  pry  into  the  deep,  and  love  to  learn 
 
 '  What  yet  ihould  vaftly  more  be  my  concern. 
 
 *  Lord,  once  my  hope  mod  reafonlefs  could  dream 
 
 *  Of  heav'n,  without  regard  to  thy  great  name  ; 
 
 *  But  here  is  laid,  my  lading  hope  to  found, 
 '  A  highly  rational,  a  lalling  ground. 
 
 *  *Tis  reafonable,  I  expecl  thou'lt  take 
 
 *  The  way  that  mod  will  for  thine  honour  make. 
 
 *  Is  this  the  plan?     Lord,  let  me  build  my  claim 
 
 *  To  life,  on  this  high  glory  of  thy  name. 
 
 *  Nor  let  my  faithlefs  heart  or  think,  or  fay, 
 
 *  That  all  this  glory  {liall  be  thrown  away 
 
 *  In  my  perdition  ;  which  will  never  raife 
 
 *  To  thy  great  name  fo  vaft  a  rent  of  praife. 
 
 *  O  then  a  rebel  into  favour  take  ; 
 
 '  Lord,  ihield  and  fave  me  for  thy  glory's  fake. 
 
 *  My  endlcfs  ruin  is  not  worth  the  cod,  ^ 
 
 *  That  fo  much  glory  be  for  ever  lod. 
 
 *  I'll  of  the  greated  fmner  bear  the  diame, 
 
 '  To  bring  the  greated  honour  to  thy  name. 
 
 *  Small  lofs,  though  I  fhould  perifli  endlefs  days, 
 
 *  But  thoufand  pities  grace  fliould  lofe  the  praife. 
 
 *  O  hear,  Jehovah,  get  the  glory  then, 
 ^  Aud  to  my  fupplication  fay,  Amln.' 
 
 SECT.     V. 
 
 The  terrible   Doom    uf  Unbelievers,   and  R(jeclers   of 
 Christ,  or  Defpifers  of  the  Gofpcl. 
 
 TH  U  S,  fmncr,  into  Jejus*  bofom  dee, 
 Then  there  is  hope  in  Ifrdl  fure  for  thee. 
 Slight  not  the  call,  as  running  by  in  rhime, 
 I-ell  thou' repent  for  ay,  if  not  in  time. 
 *Tis  moit  unlawful  to  contemn  and  Ihun 
 All  wUolcfome  counfels  that  in  metre  run  : 
 
Ghap.VI.    37;^  Believer's  Espousals.     109 
 
 Since  the  prime  fountains  of  the  facred  writ 
 
 Much  heav'nly  truth  in  holy  rbimes  tranfmit. 
 
 If  this  don't  pleafe,  yet  hence  it  is  no  crime 
 
 To  verify  the  word,  and  preach  in  rhime. 
 
 But  in  whatever  mould  the  do6lrine  Hes,  •) 
 
 Some  erring  minds  will  gofpel-truth  defpife  C 
 
 Without  remede,  till  heav'n  anoint  their  eyes.  j 
 
 Thefe  lines  pretend  no  conqu'ring  art  nor  {kill, 
 
 But  fhew  in  weak  attemps  a  ftrong  good-will. 
 
 To  mortify  all  native  legal  pride. 
 
 And  court  the  Lamb  of  God  a  virgin  bride. 
 
 If  he  thy  conjundt  match  be  never  giv*n, 
 
 Thou'rt  doom'd  to  hell,  as  fure  as  God's  in  heav'n. 
 
 If  gofpel-grace  and  goodnefs  don't  thee  draw, 
 
 Thou  art  condemn'd  already  by  the  law. 
 
 Yea,  hence  damnation  deep  will  doubly  brace, 
 
 If  ftill  thy  heart  contemn  redeeming  grace. 
 
 No  argument  from  fear  or  hope  will  move. 
 
 Or  draw  thy  heart,  if  not  the  bond  of  love  : 
 
 Nor  flowing  joys,  nor  flaming  terrors  chafe 
 
 To  Cbriji  the  hav'n,  without  the  gales  of  grace. 
 
 O  flightcr  then  of  grace's  joyful  found, 
 
 Thou'rt  over  to  the  wrathful  ocean  bound. 
 
 Anon  thou'lt  fmk  into  the  gulf  of  woes. 
 
 Whene'er  thy  wafting  hours  are  at  a  clofe  ; 
 
 Thy  falfe  old  legal  hope  will  then  be  lofl:. 
 
 And  with  thy  wretched  foul  give  up  the  ghofl. 
 
 Then  far.ewel  God  and  Chriji^  and  grace  and  glore  ; 
 
 Undone  thou  art,  undone  for  evermore, 
 
 For  ever  fmking  underneath  the  load 
 
 And  preflure  of  a  fm-revenging  God. 
 
 The  facred  awful  text  aflerts,  T^o  fall 
 
 Into  his  livi72g  hands  is  fearful  thrall } 
 
 When  no  more  facrlficc  for  ftn  remains  "^, 
 
 But  ever-living  wrath,  and  lafl:ing  chains  y 
 
 Heav'n  ftill  upholding  life  in  dreadful  death, 
 
 Still  throwing  down  hot  thunderbolts  o-f  wrath^ 
 
 As  full  of  terror,  and  as  manifold, 
 
 ■As  finite  veflTels  of  his  wrath  can  hold. 
 
 *  Heb.  X.  29,  31. 
 
 Ther. 
 
no         GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  I. 
 
 Then,  then  we  may  fuppofe  the  wretch  to  cry       "^ 
 
 Oh  !  if"  this  damning  God  would  let  me  die,  > 
 
 And  not  torment  me  to  eternity  !  J 
 
 Why  from  the  filent  womb  of  Itupid  earth 
 
 Did  Heav'n  awake,  and  pufh  me  into  birth  ? 
 
 Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  gave  me  Hfe  ; 
 
 CursM  be  the  cruel  parents,  man  and  wife. 
 
 Means  of  my  being,  inftruments  of  woe  ; 
 
 For  now  I'm  damn'd,  I'm  damn'd,  and  always  fo  ! 
 
 Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  made  me  hear 
 
 The  gofpel-call,  which  brought  falvation  near. 
 
 The  endlefs  found  of  flighted  mercy's  bell. 
 
 Has  in  mine  ears  the  mod  tormenting  knell. 
 
 Of  offer'd  grace  I  vain  repent  the  lofs. 
 
 The  joyful  found  with  horror  recognofce. 
 
 The  hollow  vault  reverberates  the  found,  T 
 
 This  killing  echo  flrikes  the  deepefl:  wound,  > 
 
 And  with  too  late  remorfe  does  now  confound.         j 
 
 Into  the  dungeon  of  defpair  I'm  lock'd, 
 
 Th'  once  open  door  of  hope  for  ever  block'd  : 
 
 Hopelefs  I  link  into  the  dark  abyfs, 
 
 Banifh'd  for  ever  from  eternal  blifs. 
 
 In  boiling  waves  of  vengeance  muft  I  lie  ? 
 
 O  could  1  curfe  this  dreadful  God,  and  die  ! 
 
 Infinite  years  in  torments  Ihall  I  fpend, 
 
 And  never,  never,  never  at  an  end  ! 
 
 Ah !  muft  I  live  in  torturing  defpair 
 
 As  many  years  as  atoms  in  the  air  ? 
 
 When  thcfc  are  fpent,  as  many  thoufands  more 
 
 As  grains  of  fand  that  croud  the  ebbing  Ihore  ? 
 
 When  thefe  are  done,  as  many  yet  behind 
 
 As  leaves  of  foreil  fhaken  with  the  wind  ? 
 
 When  thefe  are  gone,  as  many  to  enfue 
 
 As  ftems  of  grafs  on  hills  and  dales  that  grew  ? 
 
 When  thefe  run  out,  as  many  on  the  march 
 
 As  ftarry  lamps  that  gild  the  fpanglcd  arch  ? 
 
 When  thefe  expire,  as  many  millions  more 
 
 As  moments  in  the  millions  paft  before  ? 
 
 When  all  thefe  doleful  years  are  fpent  in  pain. 
 
 And  multiplied  by  yiiyriads  again, 
 
 'Tis  numbers  drown  the  thought;  could  I  fuppofe 
 
 That  then  my  wretched  years  were  at  a  clofe, 
 
Chap.V.     Tl&f  Believer's  Espousals,     irr 
 
 '  This  would  afford  fome  eafe  :-  but,  ah  !  I  ihivcr 
 
 *  To  think  upon  the  dreadful  found,  for  ever  ! 
 «  The  burning  gulph,  where  I  blafpheming  ly, 
 '  Is  time  no  more,  but  vafl  eternity. 
 
 '  The  growing  torment  I  endure  for  fm, 
 '  Through  ages  all  is  always  to  begin. 
 '  How  did  I  but  a  grain  of  pleafurc  fow, 
 '  To  reap  an  harveft  of  immortal  wo  ? 
 
 *  Bound  at  the  bottom  of  the  burning  main, 
 
 '  Gnawing  my  chains,  I  wifh  for  death  in  vain. 
 
 *  Juft  doom  !  fmce  I  that  bear  th'  eternal  load 
 '  Contemn'd  the  death  of  an  eternal  God. 
 
 '  Oh  !  if  the  God   that  curs'd  me  to  the  lafli, 
 
 *  Would  blefs  me  back  to  nothing  with  a  daih  ! 
 '  But  hopelefs  I  the  jufl  avenger  hate, 
 
 '  Blafpheme  the  wrathful  God,  and  curfe  my  fate !' 
 
 To  thefe  this  word  of  terror  I  direft. 
 Who  now  the  great  falvat'wn  dare  negled:  ^  : 
 To  all  the  Chriji  defpifing  multitude, 
 That  trample  on  the  great  Redeemer's  blood  ; 
 That  fee  no  beauty  in  his  glorious  face. 
 But  flight  his  offers,  and  refule  his  grace. 
 A  meffenger  of  wrath  to  none  I  am. 
 But  thofe  ihat  hate  to  wed  the  worthy  Lamb. 
 For  though  the  fmailell  fins,  if  fmall  can  be, 
 Will  plunge  the  Chrijllefs  foul  in  mifery  : 
 Yet,  lo  !  the  greatefl  that  to  mortals  cleave 
 Shan't  damn  the  fouls  in  Jefus  that  believe  j 
 Becaufc  they  on  the  very  method  fall 
 That  well  can  make  amends  to  God  for  all. 
 Whereas  proud  fouls,  through  unbelief,  won't  let 
 The  glorious  God  a  reputation  get 
 Of  all  his  honour,  in  his  darling  Son, 
 For  all  the  great  difhonours  they  have  done. 
 A  faithlefs  foul  the  glorious  God  bereaves 
 Of  all  the  fatisfaction  that  he  craves ;  \ 
 
 Hence  under  divine  hoteft  furv  lies. 
 And  with  a  double  vengeance  juHly  dies. 
 The  blacked  part  oi'Topbet  is  their  place, 
 Who  ilicrht  the  tenders  of  redeeming  orace. 
 
 *  Heh.   ii,   -i 
 
 That 
 
112    GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  L 
 
 That  facrilegious  mcnfter,  Unbelief, 
 
 So  hard'ned  'gainft  remorje  and  pious  grief, 
 
 Robs  God  of  "all  the  glory  of  his  names, 
 
 And  ev'ry  divine  attribute  defames. 
 
 It  loudly  calls  the  truth  of  God  a  lie ; 
 
 ^he  God  of  truth  a  liar  *,  horrid  cry  ! 
 
 Doubts  and  denies  his  precious  words  of  grace, 
 
 Spits  venom  in  the  royal  Suitor's  face  ! 
 
 This  monfter  cannot  ceafe  all  fm  to  hatch, 
 
 Becaufe  it  proudly  mars  the  happy  match. 
 
 As  each  law-wedded  foul  is  joinM  to  fm, 
 
 And  deftitute  of  holinefs  within  ; 
 
 So  all  that  wed  the  law,  muft  wed  the  curfe. 
 
 Which  rent  they  fcorn  to  pay  with  Chrifih  full  purfc. 
 
 They  clear  may  read  their  dreadful  doom  in  brief, 
 
 Whofe  fefter'd  fore  is  final  unbelief: 
 
 Though  to  the  law  their  life  exalted  fram'd,  -y 
 
 For  zealous  acls  and  paflions  too  were  fam'd  ;  > 
 
 Yet,  lo  !  He  that  believes  not,  Jhall  be  danin'd  \.  J 
 
 But  71010  'tis  proper,  on  the  other  fide. 
 With  words  of  confort  to  addrefs  the  bride. 
 She  in  her  glorious  Hufband  does  poffefs 
 Adorning  grace,  acquitting  righteoifnefs  : 
 And  hence  to  her  pertain  the  golden  mines 
 Of  confort  opened  in  the  following  lines » 
 
 *  John  V.  lo.         f  John  iii.  18- 
 
 GOSPEL 
 
Chap.  L    716^  Believer's  Jointure,        113 
 
 GOSPEL     SONNETS. 
 
 PART         11. 
 7>6^  Believer's  JoiNTURF.:  or^  the 
 
 Poem  continued  on  Isa.  liv.  5.  Thy  Maker  is  thy  Hujhand, 
 
 N.  B.  "The  following  lines  being  primarily  intended  for  the 
 ufe  and  edification  of  pioujly-exerci fed  fouls ^  and  efpecially 
 ihofe  of  a  more  coinmon  and  ordinary  capacity  ;  the  Au- 
 thor thought  ft^  through  the  whole  of  this  fecond  part  of 
 the  book^  to  continue,  as  in  the  former  editions,  to  repeat 
 that  part  of  the  text.  Thy  Hulband,  in  the  lajl  line  of 
 every  verfe :  becaufe,  however  it  tended  to  limit  him,  and 
 reftrid  his  liberty  of  words  in  the  conipofition  ;  yet,  hav- 
 ing ground  to  judge,  that  this  appropriating  compellation^ 
 Jiill  refumed,  had  rendered  thefe  lines  formerly  the  more 
 favDury  to  fome  exercifed  Chrf/iians,  to  whom  the  name 
 £>/"  Christ  (particularly  as  their  Head  and  Hufh and) 
 is  as  ointment  poured  forth  ;  he  chofe  rather  to  fubjecl 
 himfelf  to  that  reflridion,  than  to  with-hold  what  may 
 tend  to  the  fatisfaElion  and  comfort  of  thofe  to  who?n 
 Christ  is  all  in  all ;  and  to  whofii  his  name,  as  their 
 Hujband,  fo  many  various  ways  applied,  will  be  ns  nau- 
 feous  repetition, 
 
 CHAP.         I. 
 
 Containing  the  Privileg  es  of  the  Believer 
 that  is  efpoufed  to  Christ  by  Faith  of  di- 
 vine Operation. 
 
 SECT.     L 
 
 The  Believer's  perfect  Beauty,  free  Acceptance,  and  full 
 Security,  through  the  Imputation  o/"  Christ's  perfect 
 Rightcoufncfs,  though  imparted  Grace  be  imperfect. 
 
 O  Happy  foul,  Jehovah's  bride, 
 The  Lamb's  beloved  fpoufe  ; 
 Strong  confolation's  flowing  tide, 
 
 Thy  riuiband  thee  allows. 
 Vo,L.  X,  P  In 
 
114      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  IL 
 
 In  thee,  though  like  thy  father's  race, 
 
 By  nature  black  as  hell ; 
 Yet  now,  fo  beautityM  by  grace 
 
 Thy  Hulband  loves  to  dwell. 
 
 Fair  as  the  7noon  thy  robes  appear, 
 
 While  graces  are  in  drefs : 
 Clear  as  the  fun  ^,  while  found  to  wear 
 
 Thy  -Hufband's  righteoufnefs. 
 Thy  moon-hke  graces,  changing  much, 
 
 Have  here  and  there  a  fpot : 
 Thy  fun-like  glory  is  not  fuch, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  changes  not. 
 Thy  white  and  ruddy  vefture  fair 
 
 Outvies  the  rofy  leaf ; 
 For  'moncr  ten  thoufand  beauties  rare 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  the  chief. 
 Cloth'd  with  the  fun,  thy  robes  of  light 
 
 The  morning-rays  outfliine  ; 
 The  lamps  of  heav'n  are  not  fo  bright. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  decks  thee  fine. 
 Though  hellifli  fmoak  thy  duties  ftain. 
 
 And  fm  deforms  thee  quite  \ 
 Thy  Surety's  merit  makes  thee  clean. 
 
 Thy  Huiband's  beauty's  white. 
 Thy  prayVs  and  tears,  nor  pure  nor  good. 
 
 But  vile  and  lothfome  feem  ; 
 Yet  gain,  by  dipping  in  his  blood. 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  high  efteem. 
 No  fear  thou  flarve,  though  wants  be  great. 
 
 In  him  thou  art  complete  t. 
 Thy  hungry  foul  may  hopeful  wait. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  gives  thee  meat. 
 Thv  money,  merit,  pow'r,  and  pelf, 
 
 Were  fquander'd  by  thy  fall ; 
 Yet,  having  nothing  in  thyfelf. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  all. 
 
 Law-precepts,  threats,  may  both  befet 
 
 To  crave  thee  of  their  due  ; 
 But  juflice  for  thy  double  debt 
 
 Thy  Hulband  did  purfue. 
 
 ♦  Song  vi.  S.         t  Col.  ii.  lo. 
 
Chap.  I.    'The  Believer's  Jointure.      115 
 
 Though  juftice  ftern  as  much  belong 
 
 As  mercy  to  a  God  ; 
 Yet  juftice  fuffered  here  no  wrong. 
 
 Thy  Huiband's  back  was  broad. 
 He  bore  the  load  of  wrath  alone, 
 
 That  mercy  might  take  vent ; 
 Heav'n's  pointed  arrows  all  upon  , 
 
 Thy  Huiband's  heart  were  fpent. 
 No  partial  pay  could  juftice  ftill. 
 
 No  farthing  was  retrench'd  ; 
 Vengeance  exacted  all,  until 
 
 Thy  HuftDand  all  advancM. 
 He  paid  in  liquid  golden  red. 
 
 Each  mite  the  law  requir'd, 
 Till,  with  a  loud,  "Tis Jinijhed^, 
 
 Thy  Huft)and's  breath  expirM. 
 No  procefs  more  the  law  can  'tent ; 
 
 Thou  ftand'ft  within  its  verge. 
 And  may'ft,  at  pleafure,  now  prefent 
 
 Thy  HuftDand's  full  difcharge. 
 Though  new-contraded  guilt  beget, 
 
 New  fears  of  divine  ire  ; 
 Yet  fear  thou  not,  though  drowned  in  debt, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  the  payer. 
 
 God  might  in  rigour  thee  indite 
 
 Of  higheft  crimes  and  flaws  ; 
 But  on  thy  head  no  curfe  can  light. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  the  caufc. 
 
 SECT.    II, 
 
 Christ  the  Believer^s  Friend,    Prophet,   ^rieji.  King, 
 Defence,  Guard,  Help,  and  Healer. 
 
 DEAR  foul,  when  all  the  human  race 
 Lay  welt'ring  in  their  gore, 
 Yaft  numbers  in  that  difmal  cafe. 
 Thy  JHuiband  paffed  o'er. 
 
 But,  pray,  why  did  he  thoufands  pafs. 
 
 And  fet  his  heart  on  thee  ? 
 The  deep,  the  fearchlefs  reafon  was. 
 
 Thy  Huftjand's  love  is  free. 
 
 *  John  xii,  30. 
 
 P  2  The 
 
u6     GOSPEL   SONNETS.      PartIL 
 
 The  forms  of  favour,  names  of  grace. 
 
 And  offices  of  love, 
 He  bears  for  thee,  with  open  face, 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  kindnefs  prove. 
 'Gainft  darknefs  black,  and  error  blind. 
 
 Thou  haft  d.jun  2Ji6.J}neld\  ; 
 And,  to  reveal  the  Father's  mind, 
 
 Thy  fiufband  Prophet  feal'd, 
 He  likewife,  to  procure  thy  peace. 
 
 And  fave  from  fin's  arreft, 
 Refign'd  hinifelf  a  facrifice  ; 
 
 Thy  Hulband  is  thy  Priejl. 
 And  that  he  might  thy  will  fubje£t, 
 
 And  fweetly  captive  bring. 
 Thy  fins  fubdue,  his  throne  ereft. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  King. 
 
 Though  num'rous  and  aflaulting  foes 
 
 Thy  joyful  peace  may  mar  ; 
 And  thou  a  thoufand  battles  lofe. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  wins  the  war. 
 
 Hell's  forces,  which  thy  mind  apall. 
 
 His  arm  can  foon  difpatch  ; 
 How  ftrong  foe'er,  yet  for  them  all, 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  mare  than  match. 
 Though  fecret  lufts  with  hid  conteft. 
 
 By  heavy  groans  reveal'd. 
 And  devils  rage  ;  yet,  do  their  beft, 
 .    Thy  Hufband  keeps  the  field. 
 
 When,  in  defertion*s  ev'ning  dark, 
 
 Tliy  fteps  are  apt  to  Aide, 
 His  condud  leek,  his  counfel  mark, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  Guide. 
 In  doubts,  renouncing  felf-conccir. 
 
 His  v.'ord  and  Spirit  prize  : 
 He  never  counfell'd  wrong  as  yet, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife. 
 -When  weak,  thy  Refuge  feed  at  hand. 
 
 Yet  cannot  run  the  length  ; 
 *Tis   prefcnt   pow'r  to  underftand 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  Itrength. 
 
 f  Pt'alm  Ixxxir.  ii. 
 
Chap.  I.       27;<r  Believer's  Jointure.      117 
 
 When  fhaking  ftorms  annoy  thy  heart, 
 
 His  word  commands  a  calm  : 
 When  bleeding  wounds,  to  eafe  thy  fmart 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  blood*s  the  balm. 
 Trufl  creatures,  nor  to  help  thy  thrall, 
 
 Nor  to  aflwage  thy  grief; 
 Ufe  means,  but  look  beyond  them  all, 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  thy  relief. 
 If  Heav'n  prefcribe  a  bitter  drug. 
 
 Fret  not  with  froward  will ; 
 This  carriage  may  thy  cure  prorogue  ; 
 
 Thy  Hufband  wants  not  fkill. 
 
 He  fees  the  fore,  he  knows  the  cure 
 
 Will  moft  adapted  be  ; 
 *Tis  then  moft  reafonable,  fure, 
 
 Thy  Husband  choofe  for  thee. 
 
 Friendfliip  is  in  his  chaftifements. 
 
 And  favour  in  his  frowns  ; 
 Then  judge  not  then  in  heavy  plaints, 
 
 Thy  Husband  thee  difowns. 
 
 The  deeper  his  fharp  lancet  go 
 
 In  ripping  up  thy  wound. 
 The  more  thy  healing  fhall  unto 
 
 Thy  Husband's  praife  redound. 
 
 SECT.     III. 
 
 Christ    the    Believer^ s    wonderful  Fhyficiiin,   and 
 zuealthy  Friend. 
 
 KIND  Jefus  empties  whom  he'll  fill, 
 Cafts  down  whom  he  will  raife  ; 
 He  quickens  whom  he  feems  to  kill ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  thus  gets  praife. 
 When  awful  rods  are  in  his  hand. 
 
 There's  mercy  in  his  mind  ; 
 When  clouds  upon  his  brow  do  ftand. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  heart  is  kinc^. 
 In  various  changes  to  and  fro, 
 
 He'll  ever  conftant  prove  ; 
 Nor  can  his  kindnefs  come  and  go. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  name  is  Lore. 
 
ii8     GOSPEL    SONNETS.  Part  II 
 
 His  friends,  in  mod  afflided  lot, 
 
 His  favour  moil  have  felt ; 
 For  when  they're  try'd  in  furnace  hot, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  bowels  melt. 
 When  he  his  bride  or  wounds  or  heals, 
 
 Heart-kindnefs  does  him  move  ; 
 And  wraps  in  frowns  as  well  as  fmiles 
 
 Thy  Husband's  lading  love. 
 In's  hand  no  cure  could  ever  fail. 
 
 Though  of  a  hopelefs  ftate  ; 
 He  can  in  defp'rate  cafes  heal, 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  art's  fo  great. 
 The  medicine  he  did  prepare. 
 
 Can't  fail  to  work  for  good  : 
 O  balfam  pow'rful,  precious,  rare. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  facred  blood  ; 
 
 Which  freely  from  his  broached  bread 
 
 Gufh'd  out  like  pent-up  fire. 
 His  cures  are  bed,  his  wages  lead, 
 
 Thy  Husband  takes  no  hire. 
 
 Thou  had  no  worth,  no  might,  no  good  ; 
 
 His  favour  to  procure  : 
 But  fee  his  dore,  his  pow'r,  his  blood; 
 
 Thy  Hud)and's  never  poor. 
 Himfelf  he  humbled  wondroufly 
 
 Once  to  the  lowed  pitch. 
 That  bankrupts  through  his  poverty 
 
 Thy  Husband  might  enrich. 
 His  treafure  is  more  excellent 
 
 Than  hills  of  Ophir  gold  : 
 In  telling  dorcs  were  ages  fpcnt, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  can't  be  told. 
 All  things  that  fly  on  wings  of  fame,  - 
 
 Compar'd  with  this,  arc  drofs  ; 
 Thy  fearchlefs  riches  in  his  name 
 
 Thy  Husband  doth  ingrofs. 
 The  great  Immanuel,  God-man, 
 
 Includes  fuch  dore  divine  ; 
 Angels  and  faints  will  never  fcan 
 
 Thy  Husband's  golden  mine. 
 
 He's 
 
Chap.  I.  The  Believer*s  Jointure.     119 
 
 Yith  full  of  grace  and  truth  ^  indeed, 
 
 Of  Spirit  +,  merit,  might ; 
 Of  all  the  wealth  that  bankrupts  need 
 
 Thy  Husband's  heir  by  right. 
 Tho'  heanPn^s  his  throne  X,  he  came  from  thence, 
 
 To  feek  and  fave  the  lojl ;  \ 
 Whatever  be  the  va(l  expence. 
 
 Thy  Husband  s  at  the  coft. 
 Plcas'd  to  expend  each  drop  of  blood 
 
 That  fiU'd  his  royal  veins. 
 He  frank  the  facred  vidini  ftood  j 
 
 1  hy  Husband  fpar'd  no  pains. 
 
 His  cofl  immenfe  was  in  thy  place  ; 
 
 Thy  freedom  coft  his  thrall ; 
 Thy  glory  coft  him  deep  difgrace. 
 
 Thy  Husband  paid  for  all. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 The  Believer's  Safety  under  the  Covert  of  Christ's 
 atoning  Blood,  and  powerful  Intercejfion. 
 
 'IT  7  HEN  Heav'n  proclaim'd  hot  war  and  wrath, 
 W     And  fm  increas'd  the  ftrife  ; 
 _  By  rich  obedience  unto  death 
 
 Thy  Husband  bought  thy  life. 
 The  charges  could  not  be  abridg'd. 
 
 But  on  thefe  noble  terms  ; 
 Which  all  that  prize,  are  hugg'd  amidft 
 
 Thy  Husband's  folded  arms. 
 When  law  condemns,  and  juftice  too 
 
 To  prifon  vould  thee  hale  ; 
 As  fureties  kind  for  bankrupts  do. 
 
 Thy  Husband  offers  bail. 
 
 God  on  thefe  terms  is  reconcil'd. 
 
 And  thou  his  heart  has  won  ; 
 In  Chr'i/l  thou  art  his  favour'd  child, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  his  Son. 
 Vindictive  wrath  is  whole  appeas'd, 
 
 Thou  needft  not  then  be  mov'd; 
 In  J  ti.  s  u  s  always  he^s  well  pleased. 
 
 Thy  Husband  \\\%  Bclov* d  [. 
 
 *  John  i.  14  f  John  iii,  54.  ±  lA.  Ixvi,  r 
 
 i-  Luke  xix.  xo.  |  Matth.  iii.  17. 
 
I20       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartIL 
 
 What  can  be  laid  unto  thy  charge, 
 
 When  God  does  not  condemn  ? 
 Bills  of  complaint  though  foes  enlarge, 
 
 Thy  Husband  anfvvers  them. 
 When  fear  thy  guilty  mind  confounds. 
 
 Full  ranfom  this  may  yield ; 
 Thy  ranfom  bill,  with  blood  and  wounds, 
 
 Thy  Husband  kind  has  feal'd. 
 His  promife  is  the  fair  extract 
 
 Thou  haft  at  hand  to  fhew ; 
 Stern  juftice  can  no  more  exafl, 
 
 Thy  Husband  paid  its  due. 
 No  terms  he  left  thee  to  fulfil. 
 
 No  clog  to  niar  thy  faith  ; 
 His  bond  is  fign'd,  his  latter-will 
 
 Thy  Husband  feal'd  by  death. 
 
 The  great  condition  of  the  band 
 
 Of  promife  and  of  blifs, 
 Is  wrought  by  him,  and  brought  to  hand, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  rightcoufnefs. 
 
 When  therefore  prefs'd  in  time  of  need 
 
 To  fur  the  promis'd  good. 
 Thou  haft  no  more  to  do  but  plead 
 
 Thy  Husband's  fealing  blood. 
 
 This  can  thee  more  to  God  commend. 
 
 And  cloudy  wrath  difpel. 
 Than  e'er  thy  fmning  could  offend  j 
 
 Thy  Husband  vanquiih'd  hell. 
 
 When  vengeance  feems,  for  broken  laws, 
 
 To  light  on  thee  with  dread. 
 Let  Chrift  be  umpire  of  thy  caufc 
 
 Thy  Husband  well  can  plead. 
 He  pleads  his  rightcoufnefs  that  brought 
 
 All  rents  the  law  could  crave  ; 
 Whate'cr  its  precepts,  threat'nings,  fought. 
 
 Thy  Husband  fully  gave. 
 
 Did  holinefs  in  precepts  ftnnd, 
 
 And  for  perfedion  call, 
 Juftice  in  threatnings  death  demand  ? 
 
 Thv  Husband  gave  it  all. 
 
 Hij 
 
Chap.  I.      T^^  Believer's  Jointure.       121 
 
 His  blood  the  fiery  law  did  quench, 
 
 It  fummons  need  not  fcare  ; 
 Tho't  cite  thee  to  Heav'n's  awful  bench^ 
 
 Thy  Husband's  at  the  bar. 
 This  Advocate  has  much  to  fay, 
 
 His  clients  need  not  fear  ; 
 For  God  the  Father  hears  him  ay. 
 
 Thy  Husband  hath  his  ear. 
 
 A  caufe  failM  never  in  his  hand. 
 
 So  ftrong  his  pleading  is  ; 
 His  Father  grants  his  whole  demand. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  will  is  his. 
 Hell-forces  all  may  rendezvous, 
 
 Accufers  may  combine ; 
 Yet  fear  thou  not  who  art  his  fpoufe, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  caufe  is  thine. 
 
 By  folemn  oath  Jehovah  did 
 
 His  priefthood  ratify ; 
 Let  earth  and  hell  then  counterplead. 
 
 Thy  Husband  gains  the  plea. 
 
 S  E  C  T.    V. 
 
 The  Believer's  Faith  and  Hope  encouraged^  e'uen  in  thi 
 darhji  Nights  of  Defertion  and  Dijirefs„ 
 
 TH  E  cunning  ferpent  may  accufe. 
 But  never  mall  fucceed  ; 
 ^he  God  of  peace  will  Satan  bruife^ 
 Thy  Husband  hroke  his  head  ^o 
 
 Hell  furies  threaten  to  devour. 
 
 Like  lions  robb'd  of  whelps : 
 But,  lo  !  in  cv'ry  perilous  hour. 
 
 Thy  Husband  always  helps. 
 
 That  feeble  faith  may  never  fail. 
 
 Thine  Advocate  has  pray'd  ; 
 Though  winnowing  tempefts  may  alTails 
 
 Thy  Husband's  near  to  aid. 
 
 Though  grievous  trials  grow  apace, 
 
 And  put  thee  to  a  (land ; 
 Thou  may  "ft  rejoice  in  ev'ry  cafe. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  help  at  hand. 
 *  Rom.  xvi.  20. 
 
 Vo!„X,  "        Q^  Truft, 
 
122        GOSPEL  SONNETS.    PartII. 
 
 Trud,  though,  when  in  defertion  dark. 
 
 No  twinkling  ftar  by  night, 
 No  ray  appear,  no  gliinm'ring  fpark  j 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  Hght. 
 His  beams  anon  the  clouds  can  rent. 
 
 And  through  the  vapours  run  j 
 For  of  the  brighteft  firmament 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  fun. 
 TFithout  the  fun  who  mourning  go, 
 
 And  fcarce  the  way  can  find, 
 He  brings  through  paths  they  do  not  know  ^  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  leads  the  blind. 
 'Through  fire  andivater  be  ivith  Jkill 
 
 Brings  to  a  ivealthy  land  ; 
 Rude  flames  and  roaring  flames  be  still, 
 
 Thy  Husband  can  command. 
 When  fin  diforders  heavy  brings. 
 That  prefs  thy  foul  with  weight ; 
 Then  mind  how  many  crooked  things 
 
 Thy  Husband  has  made  ft r eight. 
 Still  look  to  him  with  longing  eyes, 
 
 Though  both  thine  eyes  fliould  fail ; 
 Cry,  and  at  length,  though  not  thy  cries. 
 
 Thy  Husband  fliall  prevail. 
 Still  hope  for  favour  at  his  hand. 
 Though  favour  don't  appear : 
 When  help  fecms  mofl  aloof  to  (land  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband's  then  mofl:  near. 
 In  cafes  hopclefs-like,  faint  hopes 
 
 May  fail,  and  fears  annoy ; 
 But  mofl:  when  ftript  of  earthly  props, 
 
 Thy  Husband  thou'lt  enjoy. 
 If  providence  the  promife  thwart. 
 
 And  yet  thy  humbled  mind 
 'Gainji  hope  believes  in  hope  }-,  thou  art 
 
 Thy  Husband's  dearell  friend. 
 Art  thou  a  weakling,  poor  and  faint. 
 
 In  jeopardy  each  hour  ? 
 Let  not  thy  weaknefs  move  tliy  plaint. 
 Thy  Husband  has  the  pow'r. 
 
 ♦   Ifa.  xlii.  16.  t  l^om.  iv.   18. 
 
Chap. I.      T^^^  Believer's  Jointure.       123 
 
 Dread  not  thy  foes  that  foird  thee  long, 
 
 Will  ruin  thee  at  length  : 
 When  thou  art  weak  then  art  thou  ftrong. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  ftrength. 
 When  foes  are  mighty,  many  too, 
 -    Don't  fear,  nor  quit  the  field  ; 
 'Tis  not  with  thee  they  have  to  do, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  (liield. 
 'Tis  hard  to  ftrive  againft  an  hoft. 
 
 Or  ftrive  againft  the  ftream  ; 
 But,  lo  !  when  all  feems  to  be  loft, 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  redeem. 
 
 SECT.    VI. 
 
 Benefits  accruing  to  Believers,  from  the  Offices,  Names, 
 Natures,  and  Sufferings  of  Christ. 
 
 AR  T  thou  by  lufts  a  captive  led. 
 Which  breeds  thy  deepeft  grief? 
 To  ranfom  captives  is  his  trade. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  thy  relief. 
 His  precious  name  is  Jesus,  why? 
 
 Becaufe  hey2z'L'^j/;-<97«y/«|; 
 Redemption's  right  he  won't  deny. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  near  of  kin. 
 His  wounds  have  fav'd  thee  once  from  woes. 
 
 His  blood  from  vengeance  fcreen'd ; 
 When  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell  were  foes, 
 
 Thy  Husband  was  a  friend  : 
 And  will  thy  Captain  now  look  on. 
 
 And  fee  thee  trampled  down  ? 
 "When,  lo  !  thy  Champion  has  the  throne, 
 
 Thy  Piusband  wears  the  crown. 
 Yield  not,  though  cunning  Satan  bribe. 
 
 Or  like  a  lion  roar; 
 The  Lion  ftrong  of  Judahh  tribe. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  to  the  fore. 
 
 *  Matth.  i.   21. 
 
 Q  2  And 
 
124     GOSPELSONNETS.    Part  IL 
 
 And  that  he  never  ivillforfake  t. 
 
 His  credit  fair  he  pawned  ; 
 In  hotted  broils,  then,  courage  take. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  at  thy  hand. 
 
 No  ftorni  needs  drive  thee  to  a  flrait, 
 
 "Who  doft  his  aid  invoke: 
 Fierce  winds  may  blow,  proud  waves  may  beat ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  rock. 
 Renounce  thine  own  ability, 
 
 Lean  to  his  promis'd  might ; 
 The  ftrength  of  IfraU  cannot  lie, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  pow'r  is  plight. 
 An  awful  truth  does  here  prefent, 
 
 Whoever  think  it  odd ; 
 In  him  thou  art  omnipotent, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  a  God. 
 
 Jehovah's  ftrength  is  in  thy  head. 
 
 Which  faith  may  boldly  fcan  j 
 God  in  thy  nature  does  refide. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  a  man. 
 
 Thy  flefh  is  his,  thy  Spirit  thine; 
 
 And  that  you  both  are  one. 
 One  body,  fpirit,  temple,  vine. 
 
 Thy  Husband  deigns  to  own. 
 Kind,  he  affum'd  thy  flefh  and  blood 
 
 This  union  to  purfue  ; 
 And  without  fliame  his  brotherhood 
 
 Thy  Husband  does  avow. 
 
 He  bore  the  crofs  thy  crown  to  win, 
 
 His  blood  he  freely  fpilt : 
 The  holy  One  afTuming  fin, 
 
 Thy  Husband  bore  the  guilt. 
 Lo !  what  a  blefs'd  exchange  is  this  ? 
 
 What  wifdom  fhines  therein  ? 
 That  thou  mighfjt  be  made  righteoujnefs j 
 
 Thy  Husband  was  made  fin  ^, 
 The  God  of  joy  a  man  of  grief. 
 
 Thy  forrows  to  difcufs; 
 Pure  Innocence  hang'd  as  a  thief: 
 
 Thy  Husband  lov'd  thee  thus. 
 
 t  Hcb.  xiii.  5.  •  2  Cor.  v.  2 1. 
 
Chap. I.     T/^^  Believer's  Jointure.       125 
 
 Bright  Beauty  had  his  vifage  marrM. 
 
 His  comely  form  abus'd  : 
 True  Reft  was  from  all  reft  debarred, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  heel  was  bruis'd. 
 The  God  of  bleffings  was  a  curfe^ 
 
 The  Lord  of  lords  a  drudge  ; 
 The  Heir  of  all  things  poor  in  purfc  : 
 
 Thy  Husband  did  not  grudge. 
 The  Judge  of  all  condemned  was. 
 
 The  God  immortal  llain  : 
 No  favour,  in  the  woful  caufe. 
 
 Thy  Husband  did  obtain. 
 
 SECT.    vir. 
 Christ's  Sufferitigs  further  improved;  and  Believers  call- 
 ed to  live  by  faith,  both  when  they  have  and  ivant  fen- 
 fible  Influences. 
 
 LOUD  praifes  fing,  without  furceafe. 
 To  him  that  frankly  came, 
 And  gave  his  foul  a  facrifice  ; 
 Thy  Husband  was  the  Lamb. 
 
 What  waken'd  vengeance  could  denounce. 
 
 All  round  him  did  befet ; 
 And  never  left  his  foul,  till  once 
 
 Thy  Husband  paid  the  debt. 
 And  though  new  debt  thou  ftill  contrad, 
 
 And  run  in  deep  arrears  ; 
 Yet  all  thy  burdens  on  his  back 
 
 Thy  Husband  always  bears. 
 Thy  Judge  will  ne'er  demand  of  thee 
 
 Two  payments  for  one  debt ; 
 Thee  with  one  viftim  wholly  free 
 
 Thy  Husband  kindly  fct. 
 
 That  no  grim  vengeance  might  thee  meei, 
 
 Thy  Husband  met  with  all ; 
 And,  that  thy  foul  might  drink  the  fweet. 
 
 Thy  husband  drank  the  gall. 
 Full  brcafts  of  joy  he  love  t' extend, 
 
 Like  to  a  kindly  nurfe  ; 
 And,  that  thy  blifs  might  full  be  gain'd. 
 
 Thy  Huft)and  was  a  curfe. 
 
126       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  11. 
 
 Thy  fins  be  glu'd  unto  the  tree, 
 
 His  blood  this  virtue  hath  ; 
 For,  that  thy  heart  to  fin  might  die, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  fuffer'd  death. 
 To  purchafe  fully  all  thy  good, 
 
 All  evil  him  befel ; 
 To  win  thy  heav'n  with  flreams  of  blood. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  quenched  hell. 
 
 That  this  kind  Days-man,  in  one  band. 
 
 Might  God  and  man  betroth. 
 He  on  both  parties  lays  his  hand ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  pleafes  both. 
 The  blood  that  could  ftern  juftice  pleafe. 
 
 And  law-demands  fulfil, 
 Can  alfo  guilty  confciencc  eafe  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  clears  the  bill. 
 Thy  higheft  glory  is  obtain'd 
 
 By  his  abafement  deep  ; 
 And,  that  thy  tears  might  all  be  drain'd, 
 
 Thy  Husband  chofe  to  weep. 
 His  bondage  all  the  freedom  brought, 
 
 He  ftoop'd  fo  lowly  down  ; 
 He  grappling  all  thy  grandeur  brought. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  crofs  thy  crown. 
 *Tis  by  his  fhoke  thy  fceptre  fways. 
 
 His  warfare  ends  thy  ftrife  ; 
 His  poverty  thy  wealth  conveys. 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  death  thy  life. 
 Do  mortal  damps  invade  thy  heart, 
 
 And  deadnefs  feize  thee  fore  ? 
 Rejoice  in  this,  that  life  t*  impart 
 
 Thy  Hufband  has  in  ftore. 
 And  when  new  life  imparted  feems 
 
 Eftablilh'd  as  a  rock, 
 Boaft  in  the  fountain,  not  the  dreams  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  ftock. 
 Tiic  ftrcams  may  take  a  various  turn. 
 
 The  fountain  never  moves  : 
 Ceafe  then  o'er  failing  flreams  to  mourn, 
 
 Thv  Husband  thus  thee  proves. 
 
 That 
 
Chap.  I.     T^^?  Believer's  Jointure.        127 
 
 That  glad  thou  mayft,  when  drops  are  gone, 
 
 Joy  in  the  fpacious  fea  : 
 When  incomes  fail,  then  ftill  upon 
 
 Thy  Husband  keep  thine  eye. 
 But  can't  thou  look,  nor  moan  thy  (trait. 
 
 So  dark's  the  difmal  hour  ? 
 Yet,  as  thou'rt  able,  cry,  and  wait 
 
 Thy  Husband's  day  of  pow'r. 
 Tell  him,  though  fm  prolong  the  term. 
 
 Yet  love  can  fcarce  delay  : 
 Thy  want,  his  promife,  all  affirm, 
 
 Thy  Husband  muft  not  ftay. 
 
 SECT.   viri. 
 Christ  the  Believer* s  enriching  Treafure. 
 
 KIND  Jefus  lives,  thy  life  to  be 
 Who  mak'fl  him  thy  refuge  ; 
 And  when  he  comes,  thou'lt  joy  to  fee 
 
 Thy  Husband  fhall  be  judge. 
 Should  paffing  troubles  thee  annoy, 
 
 Without,  within,  or  both  ? 
 Since  cndlefs  life  thou'lt  then  enjoy. 
 
 Thy  Husband  pledg'd  his  truth. 
 What  won't  he,  ev'n  in  time,  impart 
 
 That's  for  thy  real  good  ? 
 He  gave  his  love,  he  gave  his  heart, 
 
 Thy  Husband  gave  his  blood/ 
 
 He  gives  himfelf,  and  what  lliould  more  ? 
 
 What  can  he  then  refufe  ? 
 If  this  won't  pleafe  thee,  ah  !  how  fore 
 
 Thy  Husband  doll:  abufe  ! 
 Earth's  fruit,  heav'n's  dew,  he  won't  deny, 
 
 Whofe  eyes  thy  need  behold  : 
 Nought  under  nor  above  the  iky 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  with-hold. 
 
 Doft  loifes  grieve  ?    Since  all  is  thine. 
 
 What  lofs  can  thee  befal  ? 
 All  ihings  for  good  to  thee  combine  ^, 
 
 Thv  Husband  orders  all. 
 
 *  Rom.  viii.  28. 
 
 Thon'rt 
 
128        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  II. 
 
 Thou'rt  not  put  ofFwith  barren  leaves. 
 
 Or  dung  of  earthly  pelf; 
 More  wealth  than  heav'n  or  earth  he  gives 
 
 Thy  Husband's  thine  himfelf. 
 
 Thou  hafl:  enough  to  ftay  thy  plaint, 
 
 Elfe  thou  coniplain'ft  of  eafe  ; 
 For  having  all,  don't  fpealc  of  want, 
 
 Thy  Husband  may  fuffice. 
 From  this  thy  ftore,  believing,  take 
 
 Wealth  to  the  utmoft  pitch  : 
 The  gold  of  Opbir  cannot  make, 
 
 Thy  Husband  makes  thee  rich. 
 Some  flying  gains  acquire  by  pains. 
 
 And  fome  by  plund'ring  toil ; 
 Such  treafure  fades,  but  thine  remains, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  cannot  fpoil. 
 
 SECT.     IX. 
 
 Christ  the  Believer* s  adorning  Garment. 
 
 YE  A,  thou  exccirfl:  in  rich  attire 
 The  lamp  that  lights  the  globe ; 
 Thy  fparkling  garment  heav'ns  admire, 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  robe. 
 
 This  raiment  never  waxes  old, 
 
 'Tis  always  new  and  clean  : 
 Form  fummer-hcat  and  winter-cold. 
 
 Thy  Husband  can  thee  fcreen. 
 
 All  who  the  name  of  worthies  bore, 
 
 Since  Adam  was  undreft. 
 No  worth  acquir'd,  but  as  they  wore 
 
 Thy  Husband's  purple  veil. 
 
 This  linen  fine  can  beautify 
 
 The  foul  with  fm  begirt. 
 O  blefs  his  name,  that  e'er  on  thee 
 
 Thy  Husband  fpread  his  fldrt. 
 
 Are  dunghills  deck'd  with  flow'ry  glorc. 
 
 Which  SoIo?7wn's  outvie  ; 
 Sure  thine  is  infinitely  more. 
 
 Thy  Husband  decks  the  fky, 
 
 Thv 
 
Chap.  I,     7Z?r  Believer's  Jointure*        129 
 
 Thy  hands  could  never  work  the  drefs. 
 
 By  grace  alone  thou'rt  gay. 
 Grace  vents  and  reigns  through  righteoufnefs. 
 
 Thy  Husband*s  bright  array. 
 To  fpin  thy  robe  no  more  doft  need 
 
 Than  lilies  toil  for  theirs  ; 
 Out  of  his  bowels  ev'ry  threed 
 
 Thy  Husband  thine  prepares. 
 
 SECT.    X. 
 
 Christ  the  Believer's  fwect  NouriJhjnenU 
 
 TH  Y  food  conform  to  thine  array. 
 Is  heav'nly  and  divine ; 
 On  paflures  green,  where  angels  play. 
 
 Thy  Husband  feeds  thee  fine. 
 Angelic  food  may  make  thee  fair 
 
 And  look  with  chearful  face ; 
 The  bread  of  life,  the  double  fliare. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  love  and  grace. 
 What  can  he  give,  or  thou  defirc,,  ^   ^ 
 
 More  than  his  flefli  and  blood  ? 
 Let  angels  wonder,  faints  admire. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  food. 
 His  flefh  the  incarnation  bears, 
 _    From  whence  thy  feeding  flows  ; 
 His  blood  i\\Q  fatisfadion  clears: 
 
 Thy  Husband  both  bellows. 
 Th*  incarnate  God  a  facrifice,  "   ' 
 
 To  turn  the  wrathful  tide. 
 Is  food  for  faith  ;  that  may  fufficc 
 
 Thy  Husband's  guilty  bride. 
 This  ftrength'ning  food  may  fit  and  fence 
 ^  For  work  and  war  to  come ; 
 Till  through  the  croud,  fome  moments  hence, 
 
 Thy  Husband  bring  thee  home  : 
 Where  plenteous  fcafling  will  fucceed 
 
 To  fcanty  feeding  here  ; 
 And  joyful  at  the  table-head 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  appear. 
 
 Vox.  X.  ^    R  ,p 
 
 ^  Ten 
 
I30      GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartIL 
 
 Then  crumbs  to  banquets  will  give  place. 
 
 And  drops  to  rivers  new  : 
 While  heart  and  eye  will  face  to  face 
 
 Thy  Husband  ever  view. 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 Containing  the  Marks  and  Characters  of 
 the  Believer  in  Christ;  together  with 
 fome  farther  Privileges  and  Grounds  of 
 Comfort  to  the  Saints. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 
 Doubting  Believers  called  to  examine,  by  Marks  draivti 
 from  their  Love  to  him  and  his  Prefence,  their  View 
 of  his  Glory,   and  their  being  emptied  of  Self-righte- 
 oufnefs,  he. 
 
 GOOD  news !  but,  fays  the  drooping  bride. 
 Ah  !  what's  all  this  to  me  ? 
 Thou  doubt'fl  thy  right  when  ihadows  hide 
 
 Thy  Husband's  face  from  thee. 
 Through  fm  and  guilt  thy  fpirit  faints, 
 
 And  trembling  fears  thy  fate  : 
 But  harbour  not  thy  groundleCs  plaints, 
 Thy  Husband's  advent  wait. 
 
 Thou  fobb''fl:,  "  O  were  I  fure  he's  mine, 
 
 "  This  would  give  glad'ning  eafe  ;" 
 And  fayft,  Though  wants  and  woes  combine. 
 
 Thy  Husband  would  thee  pleafe. 
 
 But  up,  and  down,  and  feldom  clear, 
 
 Inclos'd  with  hellilh  roots  ; 
 Yet  yield  thou  not,  nor  fofter  fear  : 
 
 Thy  Husband  hates  thy  doubts. 
 Thy  cries  and  tears  may  flighted  feem. 
 
 And  barr'd  from  prcfcnt  eafc  : 
 Yet  blame  thyfelf,  but  never  dream 
 
 Thy   Hulband's  ill  to  pleafe. 
 Thy  jealous  unbelieving  heart 
 
 Still  droops,  and  knows  not  why  ; 
 Then  prove  thy  fclf,  to  eafe  thy  fmart. 
 
 Thy  Hulband  bids  thee  try. 
 
Chap. II.    T^hc  Believer's  Jointure.     131 
 
 The  following  queflions  put  to  thee, 
 
 As  fcripture-marks,  may  tell 
 And  (hew,  whate'er  thy  failings  be, 
 
 Thy  Husband  loves  thee  well. 
 
 MARKS. 
 
 AR  T  thou  content  when  he's  away ; 
 Can  earth  allay  thy  pants  ? 
 If  confcience  witnefs,  won't  it  fay. 
 Thy  Husband's  all  thou  wants  ? 
 
 When  he  is  near^  (though  in  a  crofs), 
 
 And  thee  with  comfort  feeds : 
 Do  thou  not  count  the  earth  as  drofs, 
 
 Thy  Husband  all  thou  needs  ? 
 In  duties  art  thou  pleas'd  or  pain'd. 
 
 When  far  he's  out  of  view  ? 
 And  finding  him,  think'fl  all  regain'd. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  always  new? 
 Though  once  thou  thought'ft,  while  ^inai  mift 
 
 And  darknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
 Thou  waft  undone  ;  and  glorious  Chrijl 
 
 Thy  Husband  ne'er  would  be  : 
 
 Yet  know'ft  thou  not  a  fairer  place. 
 
 Of  which  it  may  be  told, 
 That  there  the  glory  of  his  grace 
 
 Thy  Husband  did  unfold  ? 
 Where  heav'nly  beams  inflam'd  thy  foul. 
 
 And  love's  feraphic  art. 
 With  hallelujahs,   did  extol. 
 
 Thy  Husband  in  thy  heart  ? 
 Couldft  then  have  wifli'd  all  Adanh  race 
 
 Had  join'd  with  thee  to  gaze  ; 
 That,  viewing  fond  his  lovely  face, 
 
 Thy  Husband  might  get  praife  ? 
 Art  thou  disjoin'd  from  other  lords  f* 
 
 Divorc'd  from  fed'ral  laws  f 
 While  v.ith  moft  loving  gofpel-cords 
 
 Thy  Huft)and  kindly  draws  ? 
 
 R  2  A'n't 
 
132    GOSPEL    SONNETS.  Part  IL 
 
 A*n*t  thou  enlighten'd  now,  to  fee 
 
 Thy  righteoufnefs  is  naught 
 But  rags  ^,  that  cannot  cover  thee  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  fo  has  taught. 
 
 Doft  fee  thy  bed  performances 
 
 Deferve  but  hell  indeed  ? 
 And  hence  are  led,  renouncing  thefe. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  blood  to  plead  ? 
 "When  ftrength'ned  boldly  to  addrefs 
 
 That  gracious  throne  of  his, 
 Doft  find  thy  ftrength  and  righteoufnefs 
 
 Thy  Husband  only  is  ? 
 Canft  thou  thy  moft  exalted  frame 
 
 Renounce,  as  v/ith'ring  grafs. 
 And  firmly  hold  thine  only  claim. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  worthinefs  ? 
 Canft  pray  with  utmoft  holy  pith  f , 
 
 And  yet  renounce  thy  good  ? 
 And  walh  not,  with  thy  tears,  but  with 
 
 Thy  Husband's  precious  blood  ? 
 
 SECT.    IL 
 
 Bei-Ikvers  defcribed  from  their  Faith  aSling  by  divine 
 Aid,  and  jiccing  quite  out  of  themfelves  to  Christ. 
 
 CA  N  nothing  lefs  thy  confcience  eafe, 
 And  pleafe  thy  heart ;  no  lefs 
 Than  that  which  jullice  fatisfies, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  righteoufnefs  ? 
 Doft  fee  thy  works  fo  ftain'd  with  fm. 
 
 That  thou  through  fm  art  mov'd 
 To  feek  acceptance  only  in 
 
 Thy  Husband,  the  Belov'd? 
 Doft  thou  remind,  that  once  a  day 
 
 Free  grace  did  ftrengthen  thee. 
 To  gift  thy  guilty  foul  away, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  bride  to  be  ? 
 Or  doft  thou  mind  the  day  of  pow'r. 
 
 Wherein  he  broke  thy  pride. 
 And  gain'd  thy  heart  ?     O  happy  hour  I 
 
 Thy  Husband  caught  the  bride  ! 
 
 *  Ifa.  Ixi'.'.  6.  t    Vigour  orjlrcngth: 
 
Chap.  II.     77?<r  Believer's  Jointure.      133 
 
 He  did  thy  enmity  fubdue. 
 
 Thy  bondage  fad  recall, 
 Made  thee  to  choofe,  and  clofe  purfue 
 
 Thy  Husband  as  thy  all. 
 What  reft,  and  peace,  and  joy  enfu'd 
 
 Upon  this  noble  choice  ? 
 Thy  heart,  with  flow'rs  of  pleafures  ftrewM^ 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  rejoice. 
 
 Doft  know  thou  ne*er  could'fl  him  embrace. 
 
 Till  he  embraced  thee  ? 
 Nor  ever  fee  him,    till  his  face 
 
 Thy  Husband  open'd  free  ? 
 
 And  findeft  to  this  very  hour. 
 
 That  this  is  ftill  the  charm ; 
 Thou  canft  do  nothing,  till  with  pow'r 
 
 Thy  Husband  fhew  his  arm  ? 
 
 Canft  thou  do  nought  by  nature,  art, 
 
 Or  any  ftrength  of  thine. 
 Until  thy  wicked  froward  heart 
 
 Thy  Husband  ftiall  incline  ? 
 
 But  art  thou,  though  v/ithout  a  wing 
 
 Of  pow'r  aloft  to  flee. 
 Yet  able  to  do  every  thing. 
 
 Thy  Husband  ftrength'ning  thee  ? 
 
 Doft  not  alone  at  duties  fork  ^, 
 
 But  foreign  aid  enjoy  ? 
 And  ftill  in  ev'ry  piece  of  work 
 
 Thy  Husband's  ftrength  employ  ? 
 
 Thy  motion  heav*nly  is  indeed, 
 
 Whilft  thou  by  faith  doft  move. 
 And  ftill  in  ev'ry  time  of  need 
 
 Thy  Husband's  grace  improve. 
 No  common  natVal  faith  can  ftiew 
 
 Its  divine  brood  like  this  ; 
 Whofe  objeft,  author,  feeder  too. 
 
 Thy  Husband  only  is. 
 
 Doft  thou  by  faith  on  him  rely  : 
 
 On  him,  not  on  thy  faith  ? 
 If  faith  ftiall  with  its  objed:  vie. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  fet  beneath. 
 
 *   labjur,  ivrejlle^  OT  toil. 
 
134     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartII. 
 
 Their  hands  receiving  faculty 
 
 Poor  beggars  never  view  ; 
 But  hold  the  royal  gift  in  eye  : 
 
 Thy  Husband  fo  wilt  thou. 
 
 Faith,  like  a  gazing  eye,  ne'er  waits 
 
 To  boaft  its  feeing  pow'rs  ; 
 Its  obje^l  views,  itfelf  forgets, 
 
 Thy  Husband  it  adores. 
 
 It  humbly  ftill  itfelf  denies, 
 
 Nor  brags  its  a£ts  at  all ; 
 Deep  plung'd  into  its  objed  lies, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  its  all. 
 
 No  ftrength  but  his  it  has,  and  vaunts, 
 
 Nor  (lore  but  his  can  Ihow  ; 
 Hence  nothing  has,  yet  nothing  wants, 
 
 Thy  Husband  trains  it  fo. 
 
 Faith,  of  its  own,  no  might  can  Ihew, 
 
 Elfe  would  itfelf  deftroy  ; 
 But  will,  for  all  it  has  to  do, 
 
 Thy  Husband  ftill  emply. 
 
 Self-faviours  none  could  ever  be 
 
 By  faith  or  grace  of  theirs  ; 
 Their  fruitlefs  toil  fo  high  that  flee. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  praife  impairs. 
 
 The  feemingly  devouteft  deed. 
 
 That  would  with  fliamelefs  brow 
 His  faying  trade  take  o'er  his  head, 
 
 Thy  Husband  won't  allow. 
 Doft  therefore  thou  to  him  alone 
 
 Commit  thy  finful  foul  ? 
 Knowing   of  thy    falvation 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  whole  ? 
 
 SECT.     III. 
 
 Bei-  lEVERS  characlerized  by  the  Ohjcch  and  Piirit)'  of  i heir 
 Dejtre^  Delight,  "Joy,  Haired ,  and  Love,  dif covering 
 ihey  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 
 
 DOST  thou  his  Spirit's  conduct  wait  ^. 
 And,  when  compar'd  to  this, 
 All  worldly  wifdom  undcr-rate  ? 
 Thy  Husband  waits  to  blcfs. 
 
Ghap.  II.    The  Believer's  Jointure.     135 
 
 Tak*ft  thou  his  Spirit  for  thy  guide 
 
 Through  Baca's  valley  dry, 
 Whofe  flreams  of  influences  glide 
 
 Thy  Husband's  garden  by  ? 
 In  digging  wells  here  by  his  pow'r, 
 
 Dofl  find  it  not  in  vain, 
 While  here  a  drop  and  there  a  fliow'r. 
 
 Thy  Husband  makes  to  rain  ? 
 Hence  dofl  thou  through  each  weary  cafe 
 
 From  ftrength  to  ftrength  go  on, 
 From  faith  to  faith,  while  grace  for  grace 
 
 Thy  Husband  gives  anon  ? 
 The  good,  the  gracious  work  begun, 
 
 And  further 'd  by  his  ftrength. 
 Shall  proip'rous,   though  with  wreftling,  win 
 
 Thy  Husband's  crown  at  length. 
 
 Sin's  pow'r  and  prefence  canft  thou  own 
 
 Is  thy  moft  grievous  fmart. 
 That  makes  thee  fob  and  weep  alone  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  knows  thy  heart. 
 Does  love  to  him  make  thee  diftafte 
 
 Thy  lufts,  with  all  their  charms  ? 
 And  moft  them  loath'ft,  when  moft  thou  haft 
 
 Thy  Husband  in  thine  arms  ? 
 Are  cords  of  love  the  fweeteft  ties 
 
 To  bind  thee  duty-ways  ? 
 And  beft  thou  ferv'ft,  when  moft  thou  fpies 
 
 Thy  Husband's  beauteous  rays  ? 
 Didft  ever  thou  thy  pardon  read 
 
 In  tears  of  untold  joy  ? 
 When  mercy  made  thy  heart  to  bleed. 
 
 Thy  Husband  v/as  not  coy  ? 
 Do  pardons  fvveetly  melt  thy  heart  ? 
 
 And  moft  imbitter  fm  ? 
 x^nd  make  thee  long  with  drofs  to  part, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  throne  to  win  ? 
 When  he  arifes  lufts  to  kill, 
 
 Corruptions  to  deftry, 
 Does  gladnefs  then  thy  fpirit  fill  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thv  iov. 
 
 Doft 
 
IS6       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  IL 
 
 Doft  thou  his  perfon  fair  embrace, 
 
 Beyond  his  bleffings  all  ? 
 Sure,  then,  thou  boldly  may'ft  through  grace 
 
 Thy  Husband  Jefus  call. 
 What  company  dofl  thou  prefer  ? 
 
 What  friends  above  the  reft  ? 
 Of  all  relations  every  where, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  beft. 
 Whom  in  the  earth  or  heav'n  doft  thou 
 
 Moft  ardently  defire  ? 
 Is  love's  afcending  fpark  unto 
 
 Thy  Husband  fet  on  fire  ? 
 Haft  thou  a  hatred  to  his  foes, 
 
 And  doft  their  courfe  decline  ? 
 Lov'ft  thou  his  faints,  and  darft  fuppofe 
 
 Thy  Husband's  friends  are  thine  ? 
 Doft  thou  their  talk  and  walk  efteem. 
 
 When  moft  divinely  grave  ? 
 And  favour'ft  beft  when  moft  they  feem 
 
 Thy  Husband's  Sp'rit  to  have  ? 
 
 SECT.     IV, 
 
 Believer's  in  Christ  qfeci  bis  Counfel,  Word,  Ordi' 
 nances.  Appearance,  full  Enjoyment  in  Heaven,  and 
 Jwect  Frefence  here. 
 
 WHERE  go'ft  thou  firft  when  in  a  ftrait, 
 Or  when  with  grief  oppreft  ? 
 Fleeft  thou  to  him  ?     O  happy  gate  ! 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  reft. 
 His  counfel  feek'ft  thou  ftill  prepar'd. 
 
 Nor  canft  without  him  leave  ? 
 Wifdom  to  guide,  and  ftrcngth  to  guard, 
 
 Thy  Husband  hath  to  give. 
 Canft  thou  produce  no  pleafant  pawn, 
 
 Or  token  of  his  love  ? 
 Won't  fiimets,  bracelets  from  his  hand, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  kindncfs  prove  ? 
 Mind'ft  when  he  fcnt  his  healing  word, 
 
 Which  darting  from  on  high  ; 
 Did  light,  and  life,  and  joy  aftbrd  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  then  was  nigh. 
 
Chap. II.     The  Believer's  Jointure.       137 
 
 Canft  thou  the  promife  fweet  forget. 
 
 He  dropt  into  thy  heart  ? 
 Such  glad'ning  pow'r,  and  love  with  it. 
 
 Thy  Husband  did  impart. 
 
 Doll  thou  affed  his  dwelling-place, 
 
 And  mak'fl  it  thy  repair ; 
 Becaufe  thine  eyes  have  feen,  through  grace. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  glory  there? 
 
 Doft  love  his  great  appearing  day. 
 
 And  thereon  mufe  with  joy  ; 
 When  duiky  fhades  will  fly  away. 
 
 Thy  Husband  death  deflroy? 
 Doft  long  to  fee  his  glorious  face 
 
 Within  the  higher  orb, 
 Where  humid  forrows  lofing  place. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  rays  abforb  ? 
 Long'ft  to  be  free  of  ev'ry  fault. 
 
 To  bid  all  fin  adieu  ? 
 And  mount  the  hill,  where  glad  thou  Ihalt 
 
 Thy  Husband's  glory  view  ? 
 
 Life  where  it  lives,  love  where  it  loves. 
 
 Will  moft  defire  to  be. 
 Such  fick-like  longing  plainly  proves 
 
 Thy  Husband's  love  to  thee. 
 
 What  is  the  beft  can  eafe  thy  plaint. 
 
 Spread  morning  o'er  thine  ev'n  ? 
 Is  his  approach  thy  heart's  content. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  prefence  heav'n  ? 
 
 And  when  deny'd  this  fweet  rehcf, 
 
 Canft  thou  alfert  full  well, 
 His  hiding  is  thy  greateft  grief. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  abfence  hell  ? 
 Let  thy  experience  be  difclos'd ; 
 
 If  confcience  anfwer,  Yea, 
 To   all  the  queries  here  propos'd. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  thine  for  ay. 
 
 Pertain  thefe  charaders  to  thee  ? 
 
 Then,  foul,  begin  and  praife 
 His  glorious  worthy  name,  for  he. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  always. 
 Vol.  X.  '    S  SECT. 
 
1 38        G  O  S  P  E  L  S  O  N  N  E  T  S.    Part  II. 
 
 SECT.    V. 
 
 The  true  Believer's  Humilify,  Dependance,  Zeal, 
 Growth,  Admiration  of  Free  Grace,  and  Knowledge  oj 
 Christ's  Voice. 
 
 PERHAPS  a  faint  may  figh  and  fay, 
 "  I  fear  I'm  yet  to  learn 
 "  Thefe  marks  of  marriage-love."     Yet  flay. 
 Thy  Husband's  bowels  yearn. 
 
 Though  darknefs  may  the  light  obfcure, 
 
 And  florms  furmount  thy  calms, 
 Day  yield  to  night,  and  thou  be  poor. 
 
 Thy  Husband  yet  has  alms. 
 Doft  fee  thyfelf  an  empty  brat, 
 
 A  poor  unworthy  thing, 
 With  heart  upon  the  duft  laid  flat  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  there  doth  reign. 
 Art  in  thine  own  efteem  a  beaft. 
 
 And  doft  thyfelf  abhor  ? 
 The  more  thou  haft  of  felf-diftafte. 
 
 Thy  Husband  loves  thee  more. 
 Can  hell  breed  no  fuch  wicked  elf. 
 
 As  thou  in  thine  own  fight  ? 
 Thou'ft  got  to  fee  thy  filthy  felf. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  pureft  light. 
 Canft  find  no  names  fo  black,  fo  vile, 
 
 With  which  thou  wouldft  compare, 
 But  call'ft  thyfelf  a  lump  of  hell  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  calls  thee  fair. 
 When  his  kind  vifits  make  thee  fee 
 
 He's  precious,  thou  art  vile  ;  _ 
 Then  mark  the  hand  of  God  with  thee, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  gives  a  fmile. 
 He  knows  what  vifits  fuit  thy  ftatc. 
 
 And,  though  moft  rare  they  be. 
 It  fets  thee  well  on  him  to  wait, 
 
 Thv  Husband  waits  on  thee. 
 
 ^  Doft 
 
Chap.  II.     T/^^  Believer's  Jointure.       139 
 
 Doft  fee  thou  art  both  poor  and  weak. 
 
 And  he  both  full  and  ftrong  ?  1 
 
 O  don't  his  kind  delays   miftake. 
 
 Thy  Husband  comes  ere  long. 
 Though,  during  Sinai's  flormy  day. 
 
 Thou  dread'ft  the  difmal  blaft, 
 And  fear'fl:  thou  art  a  caft  -  away. 
 
 Thy  Husband  comes  at  laft. 
 The  glorious  Sun  will  rife  apace. 
 
 And  fpread  his  healing  wings. 
 In  fparkling  pomp  of  fov'reign  grace, 
 
 Thy  Husband  gladnefs  brings. 
 Canft  thou,  whate'er  fhould  come  of  thee, 
 
 Yet  wifli  his  Zion  well, 
 And  joy  in  her  profperity? 
 
 Thy  Husband  loves  thy  zeal. 
 Doit  thou  admire  his  love  to  fome, 
 
 Tho*  thou  Ihouldfl:  never  fhare  ? 
 Mercy  to  thee  will  alfo  come. 
 
 Thy  Husband  hath  to  fpare. 
 
 Poor  foul !  doft  grieve  for  want  of  grace. 
 
 And  weep  for  want  of  love. 
 And  Jefus  feek'ft  ?  O  hopeful  cafe  ! 
 
 Thy  Husband  lives  above. 
 Regretting  much  thy  falling  fhort, 
 
 Doft  after  more  afpire  ? 
 There's  hope  in  IfraU  for  thy  fort. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  thy  defire. 
 Art  thou  well-pleas'd  that  fov'reign  grace 
 
 Through  Chrift  exalted  be  ? 
 This  frame  denotes  no  hopelefs  cafe. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  pleas'd  with  thee. 
 Couldft  love  to  be  the  footftool  low. 
 
 On  which  his  throne  might  rife, 
 Its  pompous  grace  around  to  fhow  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  does  thee  prize. 
 
 If  but  a  glance  of  his  fair  face 
 
 Can  chear  thee  more  than  wine  ? 
 Thou  in  his  loving  heart  haft  place, 
 
 Thy  Husband  place  in  thine. 
 
 S  2  Doft 
 
140     GOSPELSONNETS.    Part  IL 
 
 Doft  make  his  blood  thy  daily  bath  ? 
 
 His  word  and  oath  thy  ftay  ? 
 His  law  of  love  thy  lightfome  path  ? 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  way. 
 
 All  things  within  earth's  fpacious  womb 
 
 Doft  count  but  lofs  and  dung. 
 For  one  fweet  word  in  feafon  from 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  learned  tongue  ? 
 Skill  to  difcern  and  know  his  voice 
 
 From  words  of  wit  and  art, 
 Wilt  clearly  prove  thou  art  his  choice, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  thine  in  heart. 
 The  pompous  words  that  fops  admire. 
 
 May  vagrant  fancy  feaft ; 
 But  with  feraphic  harmlefs  fire 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  burn  the  breaft. 
 
 SECT.    VI. 
 
 True  Believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and  examined. 
 Comforts  arifing  to  them  from  Christ's  ready  Sup- 
 ply, real  Sympathy,  and  relieving  Names,  fuiting  their 
 Needs. 
 
 DOST  thou  upon  thy  traitorous  heart 
 Still  keep  a  jealous  eye  ? 
 Moft  willing  that  thine  inward  part 
 
 Thy  Huiband  ftriaiy  try  ? 
 The  thieving  croud  will  hate  the  light, 
 
 Left  ftoFn  elFe6:s  be  ftiown  : 
 But  truth  defires  what  v/rong  or  right 
 Thy  Hufband  would  make  known. 
 
 Doft  then  his  trying  word  await, 
 
 His  fearching  dodrine  love? 
 Fond,  left  thou  err  through  felf-dcceit, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  would  thee  prove  ? 
 
 Docs  oft  thy  mind  with  inward  fmart, 
 
 Bewail  thy  unbelief? 
 And  confcious  fue  from  plagues  of  heart 
 
 Thy  Husband  for  relief ! 
 
 Whv 
 
Chap. II.    The  Believer's  Jointure.     H^ 
 
 Why  doubt'ft  his  love  ?     And  yet  behold. 
 
 With  him  thou  wouldft  not  part 
 For  thoufand  thoufand  earths  of  gold  : 
 
 Thy  Husband  has  thy  heart. 
 Though  darknefs,  deadnefs,  unbelief. 
 
 May  all  thy  foul  attend ; 
 Light,  life,  and  faith's  mature  relief. 
 
 Thy  Hufbind  has  to  fend. 
 Of  wants  annoying,  who  complain  ? 
 
 Supply  arifes  hence, 
 What  gifts  he  has  received  for  men,  ^ 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  difpenfe. 
 He  got  them  in's  exalted  ftate 
 
 For  rebels  fuch  as  thou  ; 
 All  then  that's  needful,  good,  or  great, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  will  allow. 
 
 Thy  wants  he  fees,  thy  cries  he  hears  ; 
 
 And,  marking  all  thy  moans. 
 He  in  his  bottle  keeps  thy  tears. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  notes  thy  groans. 
 
 All   thine   infirmities   him   touch, 
 
 They  flrike  his  feeling  heart ; 
 His  kindly  fympathy  is  fuch. 
 
 Thy  Husband  finds  the  fmart. 
 Whatever  touches  thee  afFeds 
 
 The  apple  of  his  eye  ; 
 Whatever  harms,  he  therefore  checks. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  aid  is  nigh. 
 
 If  foes  are  fpar'd,  thy  need  is  fuch, 
 
 He  flays  them  but  in  part : 
 He  can  do  all,  and  will  do  much, 
 
 Thy  Husband  a6ts  by  art. 
 
 He  often  for  the  faddefl  hour 
 
 Referves  the  fweeteft  aid  :  i 
 
 See  how  fuch  banners  heretofore 
 Thy  Husband  has  difplay'd. 
 
 Mind  where  he  vouched  his  good-will. 
 
 Sometimes  at  Hennon  \  mount. 
 In  yordan  land,  at  Mizar  hill ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  keeps  the  count. 
 
 *  Pfalm  Ixvili.  i§.         f  Pfalm xlii.  6, 
 
142       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  II. 
 
 At  fun  dry  times  and  divers  ways. 
 
 To  fuit  thy  various  frames, 
 Hafl  feen,  like  riling  golden  rays, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  various  names. 
 When  guilty  confcience  ghaftly  ftar'd, 
 
 JeHOVAH-TSIDKENU  a, 
 
 The  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs  appeared. 
 Thy  Husband  in  thy  view. 
 
 "When  in  thy  (traits  or  wants  extreme. 
 
 Help  fail'd  on  ev'ry  fide, 
 Jehovah- jiREH  ^  was  his  name. 
 
 Thy  Husband  did  provide. 
 
 When  thy  long  abfent  Lord  did  moan, 
 
 And  to  his  courts  repair  ; 
 Then  was  Jehovah-shammah  '^  known, 
 
 Thy  Husband  prefent  there. 
 When  thy  aflaulting  foes  appear'd 
 
 In  robes  of  terror  clad, 
 Jehovah-nissi  ^  then  was  rear'd, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  banner  fpread. 
 When  furies  arm'd  with  fright'ning  guilt, 
 
 Dunn*d  war  without  furceafe  ; 
 Jehovah-shalmon  *=  then  was  built. 
 
 Thy  Husband  fent  thee  peace. 
 
 When  thy  difeafes  death  proclaim'd. 
 
 And  creature-balfams  fail'd, 
 Jehovah-rophi  ^  then  was  faui'd, 
 
 Thy  Husband  kindly  heard. 
 Thus,  as  thy  various  needs  require. 
 
 In  various  modes  like  thefe, 
 The  help  that  fuits  thy  heart's  defire 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  name  conveys. 
 To  th'  little  flock  %  as  cafes  vary. 
 
 The  great  Jehovah  (hews 
 Himfclf   a    little  fanduary  ^, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  gives  the  views. 
 
 a  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  h  Gen.  xxii,  14.  c  Ezek.  xlviii.  55. 
 
 d  Exo'.!.   xvii.   15.  e  Judges  vi.   24.  /"  Exod.  xv.   26. 
 
 g  i-uke  xii.  32.  k  E/ck.  xi.  16. 
 
 SECT. 
 
Chap.  II.     T/?^  Believer's  Jointure.       143 
 
 SECT.     VII. 
 'The  Believer's  Experience  0/" Christ's  comjortahk  Pre- 
 fence,  or  of  former  Comforts^  to  be  improved  for  bis  En- 
 couragement and  Support,  under  Darknefs  and  Hidings, 
 
 DOST  mind  the  place,  the  fpot  of  land, 
 Where  Jefus  did  thee  meet  1 
 And  how  he  got  thy  heart  and  hand  ? 
 Thy  Husband  then  was  fweet. 
 
 Dofl  mind  the  garden,  chamber,  bank, 
 
 A  vale  of  vifion  feemM  ? 
 Thy  joy  was  full,  thy  heart  was  frank. 
 
 Thy  Husband  much  efteem'd. 
 
 Let  thy  experience  fweet  declare. 
 
 If  able  to  remind  ; 
 A   Bochim   here,    a  Bethel   there, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  made  thee  find. 
 
 Was  fuch  a  corner,  fuch  a  place, 
 
 A  paradife  to  thee, 
 A  Peniel,   where  face  to  face 
 
 Thy  Hufband  fair  didft  fee 
 There  he  did  clear  thy  cloudy  caufe, 
 
 Thy  doubts  and  fears  deflroy  ; 
 And   on  thy   fpirit   feal'd   he   was  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  with  great  joy.'' 
 
 Couldfl  thou  have  faid  it  boldly  then. 
 
 And  feal'd  it  with  thy  blood .? 
 Yea,  welcome  death  with  pleafure,  when 
 
 Thy  Husband  by  thee  flood  ? 
 
 That  earth  again  fliould  thee  infnare, 
 
 O  how  thy  heart  was  pain'd  ! 
 For    all    its   fading    glory    there 
 *"        Thy  Hufband's  beauty  flain'd. 
 
 The  thoughts  of  living  more  in  fin 
 
 Were  then  like  hell  to  thee  ; 
 The  life  of  heav'n  did  thus  begin. 
 
 Thy  Hufband  fct  thee  free. 
 
 Whate'er  thou  foundff  him  at  thy  befi, 
 
 He's  at  thy  worfl  the  fame  ; 
 And  in  his  love  will  ever  refl, 
 
 Thv  Husband  holds  his  claim. 
 
144        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartII. 
 
 Let  faith  thefe  vifits  keep  in  ftore. 
 
 Though  fenfe  the  pleafure  mifs  ; 
 The  God  of  Bethel,  as  before. 
 
 Thy  Husband  always  is. 
 
 In*s  meas'ring  his  approaches  kind, 
 
 And  timing  his  delcents  ; 
 In  free  and  fov'reign  ways  thoul't  find 
 
 Thy  Husband  thee  prevents. 
 
 Prefcribe  not  to  him  in  thy  heart ; 
 
 He's  infinitely  wife. 
 How  oft  he  throws  his  loving  dart. 
 
 Thy  Husband  docs  furprife. 
 
 Perhaps  a  fudden  gale  thee  blefl, 
 
 While  walking  in  thy  road  ; 
 Or    on    a    journey    ere    thou    wifl. 
 
 Thy  Husband  look'd  thee  broad. 
 
 Thus  was  the  eunuch  fam'd  (his  ftagc 
 
 A  riding  on  the  way, 
 As  he  fevolv'd  the  facred  page  ^  ) 
 
 Thy  Hulband's  happy  prey. 
 In  hearing,  reading,  finging,  pray'r. 
 
 When  darkncfs  compaft  thee, 
 Thou  found'ft  or  e'er  thou  waft  aware. 
 
 Thy  HuftDand's  light'ning  free. 
 
 Of  heav'nly  gales  don't  meanly  think : 
 
 For,  though  thy  foul  complains, 
 They're  but  a  fliort  and  pafling  blink  ;  ^ 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  love  remains. 
 
 Think  not,  though  breezes  haft  away. 
 
 Thou  doft  his  favour  lofe  ; 
 But  learn  to  know  his  fov'reign  way, 
 
 Thy  husband  comes  and  goes. 
 
 Don't  fay  he's  gone  for  ever,  though 
 
 His  vifits  he  adjourn  ; 
 For  yet  a  little  while,    and  lo  I 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  return. 
 In  worftiip  focial,    or  retir'd, 
 
 Doft  thou  his  abfence  wail  ? 
 Wait  at  his  Ihore,  and  be  not  fear'd. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  ftiip's  a-fail. 
 
 *  Ads  viii.  27. — 3y. 
 
Chap.  II.    The  Believer's  Jointure.     145 
 
 Yea,  though  in  duties  fenfe  may  mifs 
 
 Thy  foul's  beloved  One  ; 
 Yet  do  not  faint,    for  never  is 
 
 Thy  Husband  vi^hoUy  gone. 
 
 Though  Satan,  fin,  earth,  hell  at  once, 
 
 Would  thee  of  joy  bereave  ; 
 Mind  what  he  faid,  he  v^ron't  renounce,  . 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  not  leave. 
 Though  foes  alTail,  and  friendfliip  fail. 
 
 Thou  haft  a  friend  at  court ; 
 The  gates  of  hell  fhall  ne'er  prevail. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  fort. 
 
 SECT    VITI. 
 
 €omfori  to  Believers  from  the  Stability  of  the  Vromife^ 
 
 notwiihftanding  heavy  Chajiifements  for  Sin. 
 
 TAKE  well  howe'er  kind  Wifdom  may 
 Difpofe  thy  prefent  lot ; 
 Though  heav'n  and  earth  fhould  pafs  away, 
 
 Thy  Husband's  love  will  not. 
 All  needful  help  he  will  afford. 
 
 Thou  haft  his  vow  and  oath ; 
 And  once  to  violate  his  word 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  be  loth. 
 To  fire  and  floods  with  thee  he*ll  down. 
 
 His  promife  this  infures, 
 Whofe  credit  cannot  burn  nor  drown : 
 
 Thy  Husband's  truth  endures. 
 Doft  thou  no  more  his  word  believe. 
 
 As  mortal  man's,  forfooth  ? 
 O  do  not  thus  his  Spirit  grieve. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  Truth. 
 Though  thou  both  wicked  art  and  weak, 
 
 His  word  he'll  never  rue  ; 
 Though  heav'n  and  earth  ftiould  blend  and  breaks 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  be  true. 
 77/  never  leave  thee  ^,    is  his  vow  ? 
 
 If  Truth  has  faid  the  word. 
 While  truth  is  truth,  this  word  is  true, 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  the  Lord. 
 *  Heb.  xiii.  5. 
 Vol.  X.  T  Thy 
 
146      GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  11. 
 
 Thy  covenant  of  duties  may 
 
 Prove  daily  more  unfure : 
 His  covenant  of  grace  for  ay 
 
 Thy  Husband  does  fecure. 
 Dofl  thou  to  him  thy  promife  break, 
 
 And  fear  he  break  to  thee  ? 
 Nay,  not  thy  thoufand  crimes  can  make 
 
 Thy  Husband  once  to  he. 
 He  vi/it  will  thy  fins  with  Jirokes  f, 
 
 And  lift  his  heavy  hand  ; 
 But  never  once  his  word  revokes. 
 
 Thy  Husband's  truth  will  ftand. 
 Then  dream  not  he  is  chang'd  in  love, 
 
 When  thou  art  chang'd  in  frame  ; 
 Thou  mayft  by  turns  unnumber'd  move, 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  ay  the  fame. 
 He  for  thy  follies  may  thee  bind 
 
 With  cords  of  great  diflrefs  ; 
 To  make  thee  moan  thy  fms,  and  mind 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  holinefs. 
 
 By  wounds  he  makes  thee  feek  his  cure. 
 
 By  frowns  his  favour  prize  ; 
 By  falls  affrighting,  (land  more  fure. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  fo  wife. 
 
 Proud  Peter  in  the  dirt  of  vice 
 
 Fell  down  exceeding  low  ; 
 His  tow'ring  pride,  by  tumbling  thrice, 
 
 '1  hy  Husband  cured  fo. 
 Before  he  fufFer  pride  that  fvvells. 
 
 He'll  drag  thee  through  the  mire 
 Of  fms,  temptations,  little  hells  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  faves  by  fire. 
 He  in  afiliftion's  mortar  may 
 
 Squeeze  out  old  Adani's  joice. 
 Till  thou  return  to  him,  and  fay. 
 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  choice. 
 Fierce  billows  may  thy  veiTcl  tofs, 
 
 And  croffes  curfes  fecm  ; 
 .     But  that  the  curfe  has  fled  the  crofs, 
 
 Thy  Husband  bids  thee  deem. 
 
 •j-  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  32. 
 
Chap. II.    ^be  Believer's  Jointure.     147 
 
 Conclude  not  he  in  wrath  difowns, 
 
 V/hen  trouble  thee  furrounds; 
 Thefe  are  his  favourable  frowns. 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  healing  wounds. 
 Yea,  when  he  gives  the  deepefl  lafli, 
 
 Love  leads  the  wounding  hand  : 
 His  ftroke,  when  fin  has  got  a  dafli, 
 
 Thy  Husband  will  remand. 
 
 SECT.     IX. 
 
 Comfort  to  Believers,  in  Christ's  Relations,  in  his 
 dying  Love,  his  Glory  in  Heaven,  to  which  he  will  lead 
 them  through  Death,  and  fupply  with  necejfaries  by  the 
 
 way. 
 
 BE H  OLD  the  patrimony  broad 
 That  falls  to  thee  by  line  ; 
 In  him  thou  art  an  heir  of  God, 
 Thy  Hufband's  Father's  thine. 
 He  is  of  relatives  a  flore, 
 
 Thy  Friend  will  help  in  thrall ; 
 Thy  Brother  much,  thy  Father  more. 
 Thy  Hufband  moft  of  all. 
 
 All  thefe  he  does  amafs  and  fhare. 
 
 In  ways  that  moft  excell : 
 'Mong  all  the  husband's  ever  were. 
 
 Thy  Husband  bears  the  bell. 
 Whence  run  the  ftreams  of  all  thy  good, 
 
 But  from  his  pierced  fide  ? 
 With  liquid  gold  of  precious  blood 
 
 Thy  Hufband  bought  his  bride. 
 
 His  blood  abundant  value  bore. 
 
 To  make  his  purchafe  broad, 
 'Twas  fair  divinity  in  gore, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  is  thy  God. 
 Who  purchas'd  at  the  higheft  price, 
 
 Be  crown'd  with  higheft  praife  ; 
 For  in  the  higheft  paradife 
 
 Thy  Huft)and  wears  the  bays. 
 
 T  2  ^  He 
 
14B     GOSPEL    SONNETS.     Part  IL 
 
 He  is  of  heav'i  the  comely  rofe, 
 
 His  beauty  makes  it  fair  ; 
 Hcav'n  were  but  hell,  couldft  thou  fuppofe 
 
 Thy  Hufoand  were  not  there. 
 fie  thither  did  in  pomp  afccnd, 
 
 His  fpoufe  along  to  bring  ; 
 That   hal/e/ifjab's  without  end 
 
 Thy  Hulband's  bride  may  fmg» 
 Ev*n  there  with  him  for  ever  fix'd 
 
 His  glory  fhalt  thou  fee  ; 
 And  nought  but  death  is  now  betwixt 
 
 Thy  Huiband's  throne  and  thee. 
 He'll  order  death,  that  porter  rude, 
 
 To  ope  the  gates  of  brafs ; 
 For,  lo  !  with  characters  of  blood 
 
 Thy  Husband  wrote  thy  pafs. 
 At  Jordan  deep  then  be  not  fcar'd. 
 
 Though  difmal-like  and  broad  ; 
 Thy  fun  will  guide,  thy  (hield  will  guard,. 
 
 Thy  Husband  pav*d  the  road. 
 He'll  lead  thee  fafe,  and  bring  thee  home. 
 
 And  ftill  let  bleffings  fall 
 Of  grace  while  here,  till  glory  come  : 
 
 Thy  Husband's  bound  for  all. 
 His  (lore  can  anfwer  ev'ry  bill. 
 
 Thy  food  and  raiment's  bought ; 
 Be  at  iiis  will,  thou'lt  have  thy  fill. 
 
 Thy  Husband  wants  for  nought. 
 What  can  thy  foul  conceive  it  lacks  ? 
 
 His  ftore,  his  pow'r  is  thine  ; 
 His  lib'ral  heart  to  lib'ral  a6ts 
 
 Thy  Husband  does  incline. 
 Though  on  thy  hand,  that  has  no  might 
 
 He  Ihould  no  tafk  enlarge  ^ 
 Nor  work,  nor  warfare,  needs  thee  fright. 
 
 Thy  Husband  bears  the  charge. 
 Thou  v/ould'H:  (if  left)  thyfclf  undo, 
 
 So  apt  to  fall  and  flray  : 
 But  he  uplifts,  and  leeds  thee  too  ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  knows  the  way. 
 
 ■  SECT 
 
Chap.il     77?^  Believer's  Jointure,      i^t^ 
 
 SECT.    X. 
 
 Comfort  to  Believers  fro?n  the  text.  Thy  Maker  is  thy 
 Husband,  inverted  thus.  Thy  Husband  is  thy  Maker  j 
 and  the  conclufion  of  this  fubjed. 
 
 OF  light  and  life,  of  grace  and  glore, 
 In  Chrijl  thou  art  partaker. 
 Rejoice  in  him  for  evermore, 
 Thy  Husband  is  thy  Maimer. 
 
 He  made  thee,  yea,  made  thee  his  bride. 
 
 Nor  heeds  thine  ugly  patch  ; 
 To  what  he  made  he'll  ftill  abide. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  match. 
 
 He  made  all,  yea,  he  made  all  thine. 
 
 All  to  thee  Ihall  be  giv'n. 
 Who  can  thy  kingdom  undermine  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  heav'n. 
 
 What  earthly  thing  can  thee  annoy  ? 
 
 He  made  the  earth  to  be  : 
 The  waters  cannot  thee  deftroy. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  fca. 
 
 Don't  fear  the  flaming  element 
 
 Thee  hurt  with  burning  ire. 
 Or  that  the  fcorching  heat  torment  : 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  fire. 
 Infe£tious  ftreams  fliall  ne'er  deftroy. 
 
 While  he  is  pleas'd  to  fpare ; 
 Thou  fhalt  thy  vital  breath  enjoy. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  air. 
 The  fun  that  guides  the  golden  day. 
 
 The  moon  that  rules  the  night. 
 The  ftarry  frame,  the  milky  way. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  for  light. 
 
 The  bird  that  wings  its  airy  path. 
 
 The  fifli  that  cuts  the  flood, 
 The  creeping  croud  that  fwarms  beneath. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  for  good. 
 The  grazing  herd,  the  beafts  of  prey. 
 
 The  creatures  great  and  fmall. 
 For  thy  behoof  their  tribute  pay  j 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  them  all. 
 
ij-o     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartIL 
 
 Thine's  Paul,  Apollos,  life  and  death. 
 
 Things  prefent,  things  to  be ; 
 And  ev'ry  thing  that  being  hath. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  for  thee. 
 In  Tophct  where  the  damn'd  refort, 
 
 Thy  foul  fhall  never  dwell, 
 Nor  needs  from  thence  imagine  hurt ; 
 
 Thy  Husband  formed  hell. 
 Satan  with  inftruments  of  his 
 
 May  rage,  yet  dread  no  evil; 
 So  far  as  he  a  creature  is. 
 
 Thy  Husband  made  the  devil. 
 His  black  temptations  may  afflid. 
 
 His  fiery  darts  annoy  ; 
 But  all  his  works,  and  hellifli  trick, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  will  deftroy. 
 Let  armies  flrong  of  earthly  gods 
 
 Combine  with  hellifh  ghofts, 
 They  live,  or  languilh,  at  his  nodsj 
 
 Thy  Husband's  Lord  of  holts. 
 
 What  can  thee  hurt  ?  whom  doll  thou  fear  ? 
 
 All  things  are  at  his  call. 
 Thy  Maker  is  thy  Husband  dear, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  all  in  all. 
 
 What  doll  thou  feek  ?  what  dofl  thou  want  ? 
 
 He'll  thy  defires  fulfil ; 
 He  gave  himfelf,  what  won't  he  grant  ? 
 
 Thy  Husband's  at  thy  will. 
 The  more  thou  doft  of  him  defire. 
 
 The  more  he  loves  to  give  : 
 High  let  thy  mounting  aims  afpire, 
 
 Thy  Hufband  gives  thee  leave. 
 
 The  lefs  thou  feek'fl,  the  lefs  thou  doft 
 
 His  bounty  fet  on  high  ; 
 But  highefl  feekers  here  do  mofl 
 
 Thy  Husband  glorify. 
 Wouldft  thou  have  grace  ?  Well  ;  but  'tis  meet 
 
 He  fhould  more  glory  gain. 
 Wouldft  thou  have  Father,  Son,  and  Sp'rit  ? 
 
 Thy  Hufband  fays,  Amen. 
 
 He'll 
 
77?^  Believer's  Riddle.  i^t 
 
 He*ll  kindly  aft  the  llb'ral  God, 
 
 Devifing  liberal  things  ; 
 With  royal  gifts  his  fubjefts  load : 
 
 Thy  Husband's  King  of  kings. 
 No  earthly  monarch  have  fuch  ftorc 
 
 As  thou  haft  ev'n  in  hand; 
 But,  O  how  infinitely  more 
 
 Thy  Hufband  gives  on  band  ! 
 
 Thou  haft  indeed  the  better  part, 
 
 The  part  v^^ill  fail  thee  never  : 
 Thy  Husband's  hand,  thy  Husband's  heart. 
 
 Thy  Hufband's  all  for  ever. 
 
 «S^  •MO  O0*«  COM  0000  .^V^  0*00  ••••  aMOVVOO -^V^CM*  VMS  »«MO«00  «M 
 
 GOSPEL     SONNETS. 
 
 PART       iir. 
 The   Believer's    Riddle:    or, 
 
 The  Mystery  o/"  F  a  i  t  h. 
 
 The  PREFACE,  fhevv^ing  the  Ufe  and  Defign 
 of  the  Riddle. 
 
 J^  E  AD  E  R,  the  following  enigmatic  Song 
 
 Does  not  to  wife/}  nat^ralijis  belong : 
 'Their  wifdoin  is  but  folly  on  this  head  ; 
 They  here  may  ruminate^  but  cannot  read. 
 For  though  they  glance  the  words ,  the  7neaning  chokes  ; 
 They  read  the  lines ^  but  not  the  paradox. 
 The  fubjed  will,  however  the  phrafe  be  blunt:. 
 Their  mojl  acute  intelligence  fur ?nount. 
 If  with  their  natural  and  acquired  fight 
 They  fi are  not  divine  evangelic  light. 
 
 Great  wits  may  roufe  their  fancies,  rack  their  brains ^ 
 And  after  all  their  labour  lofe  their  pains  : 
 Their  wife/i  comments  were  but  witlefs  chat. 
 Unapt  to  fratne  an  explication  pat. 
 No  unrcgcn  rats  mortaPs  bcjl  engines 
 Can  right  unriddle  thefe  few  rugged  lines  ; 
 
 Nor 
 
152        G  OSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  II. 
 
 Nor  any  proper  notions  thereof  reach ^ 
 ^tjough  jiihllmated  to  ihe  high  eft  fir  etch. 
 Majiers  of  reafon,  plodditig  fne?i  offenfe, 
 Ti^'ho  fcorn  to  mortify  their  vain  pretence^ 
 In  this  myjierious  deep  might  plod  their  fill ; 
 It  overtops  the  top  of  all  their  fkill. 
 ^he  more  they  vainly  hujf\  and  [corn  to  read, 
 ^he  ?nore  it  does  their  foolijh  wit  exceed. 
 
 Thofe  finners  that  arefancliffd  in  part. 
 May  read  this  Riddle  truly  in  their  heart. 
 Tea^  weakefi  faints  may  feel  its  trueft  fenfe. 
 Both  in  their  fad  and  five  et  experience. 
 D(/nt  overlook  it  with  a  rambling  view. 
 And  rajhfuppofe  it  neither  good  nor  true. 
 Let  Heaven's  pure  oracles  the  truth  decide ; 
 Renounce  it,  if  it  cant  thy  tejl  abide. 
 Noble  Bereansyoo;2  the  fen fe  may  hit, 
 JVho  found  the  divine  depth  of  facred  writ ; 
 Not  by  zvhat  airy  carnal  reafon  fdth. 
 But  by  the  golden  line  of  heav  nfpun  faith. 
 
 Let  not  the  naughty  phrafe  make  you  difprove 
 'The  weighty  matter  which  defervcs  your  love. 
 The  fubjed  treated  may  be  moft  profound, 
 Though  words  may  rattle  with  a  ru(lic  found. 
 High  fir ai7is  would  fpoil  the  Riddle^ s  grand  intent ^ 
 To  teach  ihe  weakefi,  mofl  illif  rate  faint. 
 That  Mahanaim  is  his  proper  name  ; 
 In  whom  twoflruggling  hojls  make  bloody  game. 
 That  fuch  may  know,  whofe  knowledge  is  but  rudest 
 IJoiu  good  confifls  with  ill,  and  ill  with  good. 
 That  faints  be  neither  at  their  worjl  nor  bcfi. 
 Too  much  exalted,  or  too  much  deprefl. 
 
 This  paradox  is  fitted  to  difclofe 
 The  fkill  of ' LxoVi  ^  friends  above  her  foes  ; 
 To  diffrence,  by  light  that  heav'n  tranfmits. 
 Some  happy  fools  from  mifcrable  wits. 
 And  thus,  if  blefs\i,  it  may  in  fome  degree 
 Make  fools  their  wit,  and  wits  their  folly  fee. 
 Slight  not  the  Riddle  then  like  jargon  vile, 
 Becaufe  tiot  garnif^d  with  a  pompous  Jl He. 
 Could  tiy  author  a6l  the  lofty  poets  part. 
 Who  make  their  fonnets  f oar  on  wings  of  art, 
 
 Hg 
 
P  R  E  F  A  C  E    ^0    ^^<?    R  I  D  D  L  E.  1 53 
 
 He  on  his  theme  had  blujh'd  to  ufe  his  Jkill, 
 And  either  dipt  his  wings,  or  broke  his  quill. 
 
 Why,  this  enigma  climbs  fuch  divine  heights^ 
 Asfcorn  to  be  adorned  with  human  flights. 
 Thefe  gaudy  ft  rains  would  lovely  truth  difgrace^ 
 As  pur  eft  paint  deforms  a  comely  face. 
 Heaven's  myfieries  are  'bove  art's  ornament, 
 immenfely  brighter  than  its  brightefi  paint. 
 No  towering  literature  could  e'er  outwit 
 The  plainefi  diBion  fetch' d from  facred  writ ; 
 By  which  mere  blazing  rhet'ric  is  outdone, 
 As  twinkling  Jlars  arc  by  the  radiant  fun, 
 Thcfoaring  orators,  who  can  with  eafe 
 Strain  the  quintcfence  of  hyperboles. 
 And  clothe  the  barefl  theme  with  pureft  drefs. 
 Might  here  expatiate  much,  yet  fay  the  lefs. 
 If  wi  'th'  majefiical  fimplicity 
 Of fcripture-orat' ry  they  difagree. 
 
 Thefe  lines  pretend  not  to  affecl  the  flcy. 
 Content  among  inglorious  /hades  to  lie. 
 Provided  facred  truth  be  fitly  clad. 
 Or  glorious  JJnne  ev'n  through  the  dufhy  flmde. 
 Mark  then,  though  thou  Jhould  7nifs  the  gilded  fir  ain, 
 J  ft  hey  a  ft  ore  of  golden  truth  contain  : 
 Nor  undcr-ratc  a  jewel  rare  and  prime, 
 Though  wrapt  up  in  the  rags  of  homely  rhime. 
 
 Though  haughty  Deifts  hardly  fioop  to  fay. 
 That  nature's  night  has  need  of fcripture-day  ; 
 ITet  gofpel-light  alone  will  clearly  fioefuj 
 How  cv  ry  fentence  here  isjufi  and  true. 
 Expel  thefhades  that  may  the  mind  involve. 
 And  foon  the  fceming  contradiction-  f)lve. 
 All  fatal  errors  in  the  world  proceed 
 From  want  offkillfuch  myfteries  to  read. 
 Vain  men  the  double  branch  of  trade  divide. 
 Hold  by  the  one,  and  flight  the  other  fide. 
 
 Hence  proud  Arminians  cannot  reconcile      ' 
 Freedom  of  grace  with  freedom  of  the  will. 
 The  blinded  Papift  ivon't  difcern  nor  fee. 
 How  'works  are  good  unlefs  they  juflify. 
 Thus  Legalifts  diflingidjh  not  the  odds 
 Between  their  homebred  righteoufnefs  and  God's. 
 
 Vol.  X,  U  *        Ami- 
 
154         GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartUT. 
 
 Antinomifls  the  faints  ferfefiiofi  plead, 
 IN  or  duly  fever  tto-ecn  tbem  and  their  head. 
 Socinians  ivonU  thefe  feeming  odds  agree, 
 Hozv  heavn  is  bought^  and  yet  fihation  free. 
 Bold  Arians  hate  to  reconcile  or  fcau, 
 How  Chrift  is  truly  God,  and  truly  wan  ; 
 Holding  the  one  part  ^/"Immanuei/j  name. 
 The  other  part  outrageoufly  blafpheme. 
 The  found  in  faith  no  part  of  truth  control ; 
 Heretics  oivn  the  half,   but  not  the  ivhole. 
 
 Keep  then  the  facred  myf^ry  fill  entire  ; 
 To  both  the  fides  of  truth  due  favour  bear, 
 JSfot  quilting  one  to  hold  the  other  branch  ; 
 But  paffi'ig  judgment  on  an  equal  bench. 
 The  Riddle  has  two  feet,  and,  ivere  but  one 
 Cut  off",   truth  falling  to  the  ground  were  crone. 
 ^Tis  all  a  contradi^ion,   yet  all  true  ; 
 ^nd  happy  truth,   if  verify' d  in  you. 
 Go  forward  then  to  read  the  lines,  but  flay, 
 To  read  the  Riddle  alfo  by  the  way. 
 
 The         RIDDLE. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 
 'The  My  fiery  of  the  Saints  Pedigree,  and  efpe  daily  of 
 
 their  Relation  to  Christ's  wonderful  P  erf  on. 
 
 MY  life's  a  maze  of  feeming  traps  ', 
 A  fcene  of  mercies  and  mifliaps  ^  ; 
 A  h'j.ip  of  jarring  to-and-froes  ^, 
 A  field  of  joys,  a  Hood  of  woes  ''. 
 
 n  Jofli,  xxiii.  I  J  And  Jofliua  faid,  Know  for  a  rcrtiiiny,  tfut  the  Cord 
 your  God  will  no  more  drive  out  any  of"  tliefe  nitions  trom  l)cfijre  you  ;  but 
 they  fliall  be  ihares  and  traps  unto  you,  ..nd  fcourges  in  your  fides,  and 
 thorns  in  your  eves,  <irc.  Pfahn  cxxiv.  7  Our  fmil  is  efcapcd  as  a  bird  out  of 
 the  (iiirc-  of  t!ic  fowlers;   the  fnare  is  broken,  and  we  are  efcaped. 
 
 b  Or  nufcrics,  Laiw.  iii.  19  Remembering  mine  ajllidlion  and  my  mifery, 
 the  wormwood  and  the  gall.  Ver  li.  It  is  of  the  Lor  !'s  mercies  that  wc  aie 
 not  confumcd,  bi.-c.iufc  his  comp-ifiions  f.iil  not  Pfalm  ci.  i.  I  will  fing  of 
 mercy  and  judgment  :  unto  thee,   O  Lord,  will  I  i^ng 
 
 c  Tulm  cii.  10.  Thou  haft  lifted  me  up,  and  caft  mc  down.  P.alm.  cix. 
 »3.    I  am  toHed  up  and  down  as  the  locuil 
 
 d  Hab.  iii.  17,  t8.  Alihout)l»  the  fig-tree  fliall  not  bhiilom,  neither  (ImII 
 fruit  be  in  the  vines,  the  labour  oT  the  oliv  s  fh.ll  fail,  and  the  fields  lliall 
 yield  no  nieit,  'lie  flock  lliiU  'ic  rut  of  from  die  fold,  and  there  fliall  be  no 
 herd  in  the  ftalls  :  yet  I  will  rejoice  in  tlic  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the  God  ot  my 
 falvation. 
 
Sect.  I.       The  Believer's  Riddle.         155 
 I'm  in  my  own,  and  others  eyes, 
 A  labyrinth  of  myileries  c 
 I'm  fomething  that  from  nothing  canief ; 
 Yet  fure  it  is  I  nothmg  am  s. 
 Once  I  was  dead,  and  bhnd,  and  lame  \ 
 Yea,  I  continue  ftiU  the  fame  » ; 
 Yet  what  1  was,  I  am  no  more  ^^ 
 Nor  ever  iliall  be  as  before  •. 
 My  father  lives '",  my  father's  gone  ", 
 My  vital  head  both  loil  and  won  -. 
 My  parents  cruel  are  and  kind  P, 
 Of  one,  and  of  a  diif  rent  mind  ^i. 
 
 ,Ifa    viii.    .8.   Behold.  I  and  the  children  whom  the   Lora  hath  given  n.e, 
 
 arc  for  fi 'n     nd  for  wonders  ,n  If-ael;  from  the  Lord  ol  hofcs,  wh.ch  dwcl  eth 
 
 arc  tor  ^^^"  j  O  jofl^^a  the  hioh-pricft,  thttu  and 
 
 IhyTl    ws    h  t  fif  b'j:t£;e  :  for  they  are  men  wondered  at.  ^^c.     Pfalm 
 
 S  1  am  as  a  wonder  unto  many  ;   but  thon  art  my  ftrong  u.  w.  r 
 
 /-Gen  1^.  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the  e.rth  Heb. 
 ,iii  r  Through  faith  we  underftand  that  the  worlds  were  traned  by  the 
 wo;d  of  God,  fothat  things  v^hich  are  feen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do 
 
 "^fKa  xl.  17.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing  and  they  are  e  .untcd 
 tolnm  iefs  tJL  nothing,  and  vanity.  Dan.  iv.  35-  Ail  the  n.hab.tants  of  the 
 f-arfh  are  reputed  as  nothing.  ,      ,  .  r    rr         j 
 
 rEpl  .  ii  I.  And  you  htth  he  quickened  who  were  dead  .n  trefpalTcs  and 
 fm  Rev  iii.  17.  Becaufe  t^,ou  faUt,  lam  rich,  and  increakd  wuh  goods, 
 Ind  have  need  of  nothing;  and  knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  m.- 
 fer  be  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  Ifa  xxxv.  6  Then  Ihall  the  lame 
 i^ln  leap  .s  L  hirt,  and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb  hng:  for  m  the  wildernefs 
 fliall  waters  break  out.  and  dreams  in  the  deCert,  ^  .  .       ,      ,        _  , 
 
 rkrm  vii.  17.  For  we  know  that  the  law  Is  fp.r.tua  :  hut  am  carnal, 
 fold  und";  fin.     Ver.z4    O  w.etched  man  that  I   ami  who  fl.all  deliver  me 
 
 '^TVom';?^rrtw  tn.  it  is  n.  moe  I  thatdo  it.  but  fin  thaj  d  wcU 
 kthH°^e.  Ve;..o.  Now,  if  I  do  that  I  would  not.  it  ,s  no  more  I  that  do 
 t  bm  fin  hat  dwelleth  in  i^e.  John  ix.  .5  He  [viz.  the  blind  man]  anfwer- 
 ed  and  fald,  Wh^her  he  be  a  finner  or  no,  1  know  not:  one  thing  1  know, 
 timr  whereas  1  was  blind,  now  I  fee. 
 
 ;  Rom  "i    I9    For  the  gitts  and   calling  of  God  are  without  repentance 
 Te     xx"      40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlafting  covenant  with  .hem,  that  I  w.l 
 ^.ot  turn   away  from   ihem.    to   do    them  good  ;   but  I  w.U  put  my  tear  in  the.r 
 hearts     that  thty  fliall  not  depart  from  me.  ,„.,-,         t>         •      q 
 
 "  I'fa  ix  6.  lilsna.aie  lliall  be  called-The  everlad.ng  F.ther.  Rev  ..  x8. 
 I  am  !e  that  livedi.  and   was   dead;  and   behold,   I   am   ahve  tor  cve.more, 
 
 ^Ttiofea  xiv.  3  .  In  thee  the  fatherlefs  findeth  mercy  Zech  i  5.  Yo.r  fa- 
 thers   where  arc  they  :   and  the  prophets,  'd»  they  hve  for  ever  ?  _       ... 
 
 ;  ;  Conxv!  45.  It  .s  written.  The  full  Adam  was  made  a  living  foul,  the 
 lafl  Ad  u-n  was  made  a  quickening  fpirit.  ./-.,„    t  nrrl  ninrth 
 
 *  Plalm  ciii.  .3.  Like  as  a  father  pit.eth  h,?  children  :  fu  the  Lord  pu.eth 
 .henrtha'/elrhim.  Ifa.  xliii.  .7.  Thy  fuA  father  hatT.  l.nned,  and  thy  t- ach- 
 .TV  K^vf  iranr'rtficd  aijainft  r.iC  ,  .      1         11 
 
 ;  r.b  xi.U  But  he  is  iu  one  mind,  nnd  wh,  can  turn  hinr?  and  wh.n 
 iJfLldelueth'  even  that  be  doth.     Rom,  vlii.  5-   For   they   that   are  atter 
 
 u  2  ■'■^^y 
 
JS^    GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 My  father  poifonM  me  to  death  % 
 My  mother's  hand  will  ftop  my  breath  •"; 
 Her  womb,  that  once  my  fubflance  gave, 
 Will  very  quickly  be  my  grave  \ 
 My  fifters  all  my  flefli  will  eat  ^ , 
 My  brethren  tread  me  under  feet  ^'  ; 
 My  nearefl  friends  are  mod  unkind  "■', 
 My  greateft  foe's  my  greateft  friend  ^'^. 
 He  could  from  feud  to  friendfhip  pafs, 
 Yet  never  change  from  what  he  was  ^. 
 He  is  my  Father,  he  alone, 
 Who  is  my  Father's  only  Son  ". 
 
 the  flefli,  do  mind  the  things  of  the  flefli:  luit  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit, 
 the  things  of  the  Spirit  Ver.  7.  BecauCe  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  agiinft 
 God  :  for  it  is  not  fubjedt  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 
 
 r  Rom  V.  ii.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  fin  entered  into  the  worhl,  and 
 death  by  fin;   and  fo  deatli  pafled  upon  all  men,   for  tliat  all  have  finned. 
 
 /  Gen.  iil.  i<S.  Unto  the  woman  he  faid,  I  will  greatly  multiply  thy  for- 
 low,  and  tl  y  conception  :  in  forrow  thou  flialt  bring  forth  children,  &c. 
 
 s  Pfalm  cxlvi  4-  His  breath  goeth  forth,  he  returncth  to  his  earth  :  in  that 
 Tery  day  liis  tho\ights  perifli.  Eccl.  ili.  10.  All  go  into  one  place  ;  all  are  of 
 the  durt,  and  all  turn  to  the  duft  again. 
 
 t  Job  xvii  14.  1  have  faid  to  corruption,  Thou  art  my  father  ;  and  to  the 
 ivorm.  Thou  art  my  filler.  Chap.  xix.  16  And  though  after  my  Ikin,  worms 
 dtftroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  flefli  fliall  I  fee  God. 
 
 K  Even  in  a  moral fenfe,  Jcr.  xii.  10.  Many  paltors  have  deflroycd  my  vine- 
 yard, they  have  trodden  my  portion  under  foot,  they  have  made  my  pleafant 
 portion  a  defolate  wildernefs.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  18.  Seemeth  it  a  fmall  thing  unto 
 you,  to  have  eaten  up  the  good  pafluie,  but  ye  muft  tread  down  with  your 
 feet  the  refidue  of  your  paftures  ?  and  to  have  drunk  of  the  deep  waters,  but  ye 
 muft  foul  the  refidue  with  your  feet 
 
 V  Pfalm  iv.  Ii,  13.  For  it  was  not  an  enemy  that  reproached  me,  then  I 
 could  have  borne  it;  neither  was  it  he  that  hated  me,  that  did  magnify  himfelf 
 againfl:  me,  then  I  would  have  hid  myfelf  from  him  :  But  it  was  thou,  a  man, 
 mine  equal,  my  guide,  and  mine  acquaintance.  Micah  vii.  s,  6.  Trufl  ye 
 not  in  a  friend,  put  ve  not  confidence  in  a  {;uide:  ketp  the  doors  of  iliy  mouth 
 from  her  that  lieth  in  thy  bofom.  For  the  fon  diflionoureth  the  father,  the 
 daughter  rifeth  up  againfl  her  mother,  the  daughter-in-law  againfl  htr  mother- 
 in-law  :  a  man's  enemies  are  the  m^n  of  his  own  houfe. 
 
 11'  Pfjim  vii.  II.  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every  da.y.  a  Cor.  v.  19. 
 Cod  was  in  Chrifl,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himfelf,  not  imputing  their 
 trcfpiiTes  unto  the.n. 
 
 .  X  Mil  iii  6.  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not  :  therefore  yc  fons  of  Jacob 
 3.rc  not  confumed.  Hofea  xiv,  4.  I  will  heal  ti.cir  backfliding,  I  will  love 
 tluni  freely  ;   for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him. 
 
 y  John  XX.  17.  Jefus  laith  unto  her  [viz.  Mary],  T'juch  me  net:  for  I  am 
 not  yet  afcendcd  to  my  Father  :  but  go  to  my  brethren,  and  fay  unto  the m, 
 I  afccnd  unto  my  Father  and  your  Father,  and  to  my  God  and  your  God. 
 Ka.  ix  6.  Unto  us  .t  Son  is  given — :  ard  his  name  fliall  be  called — The  cvcr- 
 J.fVin;;  Fa  her.  John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  w.\s  made  flefli,  and  dwelt  -imong 
 lis,  and  we  hthelJ  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father^ 
 (bU  of  grace  and  truth. 
 
 I  am 
 
Sect.  I.     77?^  Believer's  Riddle.  157 
 
 I  am  his  mother's  fon  ^,  yet  more, 
 A  Son  his  mother  a  never  bore ; : 
 But  born  of  him  b,  and  yet  aver 
 His  Father's  fons  my  mother's  vvere"^. 
 I  am  divorc'd,  yet  marry 'd  Hill  ^\ 
 With  full  confent,  againft  my  will  «■. 
 My  Huiband  prefent  is  *,  yet  gone  '^, 
 We  differ  much,  yet  ftill  are  one  ^. 
 He  is  the  firft,  the  lafl,  the  all  ', 
 Yet  numbered  up  with  infeds  fmall  ^. 
 The  firft  of  all  things  ',  yet  alone 
 The  fecond  of  the  great  three  one  "'. 
 A  creature  never  could  he  be, 
 Yet  is  a  creature  llrange  I  fee  "  ; 
 
 z  Song  iii.  4.  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  pafTed  from  tliem,  but  I  foiincl  him 
 ■whcmi  my  foul  lovrth  :  1  held  him,  and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had 
 brought  him  into  my  mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  con- 
 ceived me.  Verfo  ii.  Go  forrh,  O  ye  daughters  ot  Zion,  and  behold  king 
 Solomon  with  the  crown  wherewith  his  mother  crowned  him  in  the  day  of  his 
 cfpoufals,  and  in  the  day  of  tlie  gladnefs  of  his  heart. 
 
 e  viz.  his  natural  moihcr  according  to  theflcfl). 
 
 h  John  i.  13.  Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flefli, 
 nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God. 
 
 c  Gal.  iv.  3.6.  But  Jcrufalctn  which  is  above,  is  free,  which  is  the  mother 
 of  us  all. 
 
 d  Rom.  vii  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  become  dead  to  the 
 law  by  the  body  of  Chrift  ;  that  ye  fliould  be  married  to  another,  even  to 
 him  who  is  raifed  from  the  dead. 
 
 e  Pfalm  ex.  3.  Thy  people  iliall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power. 
 
 /  Matth.  xxviii.  ac.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway  even  unto  the  eud  of  the 
 world. 
 
 g  John  xiv.  1.   I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 
 
 h  John  xvii.  11.  That  they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me, 
 and  I  in  thee  ;  that  thev  may  be  one  in  us. 
 
 i  Rev.  i.  II.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  fufl  and  the  lafl.  Col.  iii.  11. 
 Chrift  is  all,  and  in  all. 
 
 k  Pfalm  xxii-.  6.   But  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man. 
 
 /  Col.  i.  ij,  1(5.  Who  is  the  image  of  the  inviuhle  God,  the  firfl-born  of 
 every  creature  ;  for  by  Iiim  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and 
 that  are  in  earth,  vihble  and  invifihle,  whether  they  be  thrones,  or  dominions, 
 or  principalities,  or  powers;   all  things  were  created  by  him,  and  for  him. 
 
 m  I  John  V.  7.  For  there  are  thrct-  thit  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father, 
 the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghofl:  and  thefe  three  are  one.  Matth.  xxviii.  19. 
 Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
 ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft. 
 
 r  John  i.  I,  2,  3.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with 
 God,  and  ihe  Word  was  God.  The  fame  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
 All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without  him  was  not  any  thing  made  that 
 was  made.  Vcrfe  14.  And  llie  Word  was  made  flefli,  and  dwelt  among  us 
 (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  liie  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father) 
 full  of  grace  and  truth. 
 
isS      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartIII. 
 
 And  own  this  uncreated  One, 
 The  Son  of  man,  yet  no  man's  fon  °. 
 He's  omniprefcnt  all  may  know  P  j 
 Yet  never  could  be  wlioliy  fo  '. 
 His  manhood  is  not  here  and  there  ■■, 
 Yet  he  is  God-man  every  where  '. 
 
 He  comes  and  goes,  none  can  him  trace  ^ ; 
 Yet  never  could  he  change  his  place    . 
 But  though  he's  good  ',  and  every  where. 
 No  good's  in  hell,  yet  he  is  there  ' . 
 
 I  by  him  '  ,  in  him  •'^  chofen  was  ■' , 
 Yet  of  the  choice  he's  not  the  caufe  ^ : 
 For  fov'reign  mercy  ne'er  was  bought  * 
 Yet  through  his  blood  a  vent  is  fought  '"•. 
 
 0  Mattli.  i.  13.  Behold  a  virgin  fliall  be  with  child,  and  (liall  bring  forth  a 
 fon,  and  they  fnall  call  his  name  Emm.mutl,  which  being  interpreted,  is, 
 God  with  us  Luke  i.  34,  35.  Then  faid  Mary  unto  the  angel,  How  ihall 
 this  be,  feeing  I  know  not  a  man  ?  And  the  angel  anlwercd  and  iaid  unio 
 her,  The  Holy  Ghoft  fliall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  oi'  The  Higheft: 
 fliall  ovcrfliadow  thee  :  therefore  alfo  that  holy  thing  which  lliall  be  born  of 
 thee,  fliall  he  called  the  Son  ot  God 
 
 f.  Pfalm  cxxxix.  7,  8,  9,  10.  Whither  lliall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  or,  whi- 
 ther fi;all  I  flee  from  thy  prcfence  ?  If  I  afcend  up  into  hcavtn,  thou  art  there  : 
 if  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold,  thou  art  there.  If  I  take  the  wings  of  the 
 morning,  and  dwell  in  the  utterniod  parts  ot  the  fea  :  even  there  Ihall  thy 
 hand  lead  nie,  and  thy  right  hand  fliall  hold  me. 
 y  Luke  xxiv.  6.  He  is  not  here,  but  is  rikn. 
 
 r  Jolm  xvi.  s6.  A  little  while  and  ye  fliall  not  fee  me  :  and  again,  a  little 
 while,  and  ye  fliall  fee  me,  becaufe  I  go  to  the  Father. 
 
 /  Matthv  i,  13.  See  letter  5'  Chap  xxvlii.  lo.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  al way- 
 even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
 
 s  John  iii.  8.  The  wini  bloweth  where  it  lifteth,  and  ihoo  hearefl  the  found 
 thereof,  hut  ranfl  not  tell  whence  it  conicth,  and  whither  it  goeth  :  fo  is  every 
 one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 
 
 t  Ifaiah  Ixvi.  I.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  The  heaven  is  my  throne,  and  the 
 earth  is  my  fooiftool  :  where  is  the  boufe  that  ye  build  unto  me  f  and  where 
 is  the  place  of  my  reft  .' 
 
 u  Pfalm  c.  5.   The  Lord  is  good  ;  his  mercy  is  evcrlarting. 
 T  Pfalm  cxxxix.  8.   If  I  make  my  bed  in  lull,  behold,  thou  art  there. 
 It)  Ai  God.  X  yii  Mcdialr.r. 
 
 y  Eph.  i.  4  According  as  he  hath  chofen  us  in  him,  before  the  foundation' 
 of  the  world,  that  we  fliuuld  be  holy  and  without  bhme  before  him  in  love. 
 
 z  'Rul  h'lnij'clf  the  Father's  firji  ekiL^  Ifa'ah  xlii  I.  Behold,  my  fervant,  whom 
 J  uphold;  mine  clfifl,  in  whom  my  foul  dclight'Jth.  Matth.  x'i  18.  Behold, 
 my  fervant  whom  I  have  chofen,  my  beloved  in  whom  my  foul  is  wclipkafcd. 
 a  John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world,  that  In  gave  his  only  begotten 
 Son,  &c.  Rom.  ix.  11.  For  the  children  bring  not  yet  born,  ntiilier  having 
 done  anv  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpofe  of  God,  according  to  election  might 
 fl.ind,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that  ciHcih.  Verfe  13  It  is  written,  Jacob 
 hive  J  lo-.'cd,  but  Efau  have  I  hated.  Verfe  15.  God  faith  to  Mofcs,  I  will 
 hive  mercy  on  who.Ti  I  will  hive  mercy,  and  1  will  hivc  compalfion  on  whom 
 J  wi  1  have  conipiffion. 
 b  Rem.  iii.  24,  *;.  Bein^  juflifird  freely  by  Ms  grace,  through  t!ic  rcJemp- 
 
Sect.  I.      7"^^  Believer's  Riddle.  i^^ 
 
 In  him  concenter'd  at  his  death 
 
 His  Father's  love  ',  his  Father's  wrath  d: 
 
 Ev'n  he  whom  paflion  never  fciz'd  *=, 
 
 Was  then  mod  angry,  when  mod  pleas'd  ^. 
 
 Juftice  requir'd  that  he  fliould  die  '\ 
 
 Who  yet  was  flain  unrighteoufly  "  ; 
 
 And  dy'd  in  mercy  and  in  wrath, 
 
 A  lawful  and  a  lawlefs  death  '. 
 
 With  him  I  neither  liv'd  nor  dy'd, 
 
 And  yet  with  him  was  crucify'd  '^  / 
 
 Law-curfes  flopt  his  breath,  that  he 
 
 Might  flop  its  mouth  from  curfing  me 
 
 'Tis  now  a  thoufand  years  and  moe 
 Since  heav'n  receiv'd  him  ;  yet  I  know, 
 When  he  afcended  up  on  high 
 To  mount  the  throne,  ev'n  fo  did  I  "\ 
 
 tion  that  is  in  Jcfus  Chrifl  :  whom  Goc\  huh  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation 
 through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufiiels  for  the  remiffio:'  of 
 fins,  &c.  Chap.  v.  <>,  Being  jufHlled  by  his  Mood,  we  fliall  be  C.wtd  from 
 wrath  through  him.  Vcrfe  ii.  That  as  fin  hath  reigntd  unto  de.ith,  even  fo 
 mighc  grace  reign  through  righteoufneis  unro  eternal  life,  by  jefus  Chrift  our 
 Lord . 
 
 c  John  X.  17.  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me,  bccaufe  I  lay  down  my 
 life,  that  I  may  take  it  ag^in. 
 
 d  Iliiiih  liii.  8.   Yet  it  {ilcafeJ  the  Lord  to  bruife   him,  he  hath   put  him  ta 
 
 e  If.iiah  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me. 
 
 /  Rom.  vii.  3Z.  He  fpaie-l  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  u?  all. 
 Eph.  V.  i.  Chrift  hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  oiTi;ring  and  a  facrifice  to  God 
 fur  a  rweet-i'mell.ng  favour. 
 
 g  Heb.  vii.  a  I.  By  To  much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  tefVamenr. 
 Chap.  ix.  16.  For  where  a  tcftameu'  is,  there  muft  alfo  of  ncccffity  be  the  death 
 of  the  teftator.  Verfe  21,23.  And  almoft  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged 
 witii  blood  ;  and  without  lliedding  of  blood  there  is  no  reniiflion.  It  was 
 therefore  neccflary  that  the  patterns  of  things  in  the  heavens  fliould  be  puii- 
 ficd  with  thcfe  ;  but  the  heavenly  things  theinfelvts  with  better  facriScts  than 
 thefe. 
 
 h  Matth.  xxvii.  4.  T  viz.  Judas]  have  finned,  in  th.\t  I  have  betrayed  the 
 innocent  blood.  Vcrfe  13.  And  the  governor  faid.  Why,  what  evil  hath  he 
 done  ?     But  they  cried  out  the  more,   Let  him  be  crucified. 
 
 i  Adts  ii.  13.  Jefus  of  Nazareth,  being  delivered  by  the  determinate  counfel 
 and  foreknowledj^e  of  God,  ye  have  taktn,  and  by  wii.ked  hands  have  crucified 
 and  flain.  Chap.  iv.  27.  For  of  a  truth  againft  thy  holy  child  Jefus,  whom 
 thou  haft  anointed,  both  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gtiuiks,  antl 
 the  people  of  Ifracl  v.'erc  gathered  together,  &c. 
 
 k  Gal.  ii.  10.   I  am  crucified  with  Chrift. 
 
 ;  Gal  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being 
 made  a  curfc  for  us :  for  it  is  wiitten,  Curfcd  is  every  one  that  hapgcth  upon  a 
 tree. 
 
 ,  ni  Col.  iii.  I.  If  yc  then  \^  rifen  with  Chrift,  <b-c.  Hcb.  vi.  so.  Whither 
 the  forerunuer  is  for  u«  entered,  even  Jclus,  i-C). 
 
i6o       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 H<?iice,   though  earth's  dunghill  I  embrace 
 I  fit  with  him  in  heav'nly  place  '■■. 
 In  divers  diftant  orbs  I  move, 
 Inthrall'd  below,  inthron'd  above. 
 
 SECT.    11. 
 T/je  myjlery  of  the  Saint's  Life,  State,  and  Frame, 
 
 Y  life's  a  pleafure  ^,  and  a  pain  ^ ; 
 
 x\  real  lofs,  a  real  gain  *^  j 
 A  glorious  paradife  of  joys  ^, 
 A  grievous  prifon  of  annoys  ^. 
 
 I  daily  joy,  and  daily  mourn  *^, 
 Yet  daily  wait  the  tide's  return  ?> : 
 Then  forrow  deep  my  fpirit  chears, 
 I'm  joyful  in  a  flood  of  tears  h. 
 
 n  Epli.  ii.  s,  C.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  fins  he  hath  quickened  us  to- 
 gether with  Chrirt,  and  hath  raifed  us  up  together,  and  made  us  fit  together  ia 
 heavenly  places  in  Chrift  Jefus. 
 
 a  Prov.  iii.  17.  Her  ways  arc  ways  of  pleafantnefs,  and  all  her  paths  are 
 peace. 
 
 b  Pfalm  cxx.  j.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  fojourn  in  Mefech,  that  I  dwell  in  the 
 tents  of  Kedar. 
 
 c  Phil.  iii.  7.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  thoTe  T  counted  lofs  for 
 Chrift.  Chap.  i.  n,  zi,  aj,  24.  For  to  me  to  live  is  Chrift,  and  to  die  is  gain. 
 But  if  I  live  in  the  flcfli,  this  is  the  fruit  of  my  labour  :  yet  what  I  flial!  choofe, 
 I  wot  not.  For  I  am  in  a  ftrait  hetwixt  two,  having  a  defire  to  depart,  and  to 
 be  with  Chrift  ;  which  is  far  better  :  neverthckfs  to  abide  in  the  (lefli,  is  more 
 needful  for  vou. 
 
 d  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  havin.!j  not  feen,  ye  love;  in  whom  thcugh  now  ye  fee 
 him  not,  ytt  believing,  ye  rejoice  with  joy  unfpeakablc,  and  full  of  glory. 
 
 e  Pfalm  cxlii.  7.  Bring  my  foul  out  of  prifon,  that  I  may  praife  thy  name. 
 /  I  I'et.  i.  6.  Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  nov.'  tor  a  fcafon  (if  need 
 be)  ye  are  in  hcavincfs  through  manifold  temptations.  1  Cor.  i.  4.  Who  coni- 
 fortcth  us  in  al!  our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them  which 
 are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfoit  wherewith  we  ourfclvcs  arc  comforted  of 
 God.      Job  XXX.  28.   1  went  niotuuing  without  the  fun,   &c. 
 
 g  Ifaiah  viii.  17.  And  1  will  wait  upon  the  Lord  that  hidcth  bis  face  from 
 ihe  hoiife  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for  him. 
 
 /;  Zcch.  xii.  lo.  And  I  will  power  upon  the  houfe  of  D.ivid,  and  upon  the 
 inhabii.ints  of  Jcrufalein,  the  Spirit  of  grace  an  J  ot'  fupplicuions,  and  they 
 lliall  look  upon  me  whom  iliey  have  pierced,  and  they  Hull  mourn  for  him, 
 as  one  niournetli  for  his  only  fon,  and  lliall  be  in  bitternefs  tot  him,  as  one 
 that  is  in  bitternefs  for  his  firft-born.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31,  31.  Then  fliall  ye  re- 
 member your  ovvn  evil  ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  fliall 
 loihe  youtftlves  in  your  own  light,  for  your  iniquities  and  for  your  abomina- 
 tions. Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto 
 you  :  be  afliamed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfc  of  Ifrael. 
 Hof.  xii.  3,  4.  He  [vi:.  jacoLJ  took  his  brother  by  the  heel  in  the  womb,  and 
 by  his  ftrength  he  had  power  with  Cjod  :  yea,  lie  had  power  over  the  angel, 
 and  prcv.iikd  ;    he  wept  a;;d  made  fuppliiaiiou  un;o  Lin.i  ;   he  found  him  in 
 
Sect.it.       n?^  Believer's  Riddle.       i6i 
 
 Good  caufe  I  have  ftill  to  be  fad  ', 
 Good  reafon  always  to  be  glad  K 
 Hence  ftill  my  joys  with  forrows  meet  i. 
 And  ftill  my  tears  are  bitter  fweet '". 
 I'm  crofs'd,  and  yet  have  all  my  will ", 
 I'm  always  empty,  always  full  ". 
 I  hunger  now,  and  thirft  no  more  p. 
 Yet  do  more  eager  than  before  'i. 
 With  7ngat  and  drink  indeed  I'm  bleft  % 
 Yet  feed  on  hunger,  drink  on  thirft  <". 
 
 Bethel,  and  there  he  fpakc  with  us  Luke  vii.  38.  And  [a  woman  that  was 
 a  finner]  flood  at  his  feet  behind  him  weeping,  and  began  to  walli  his  teet  with 
 tears,  and  di,d  wipe  them  with  the  hairs  of  her  head,  and  kiCfed  his  feet,  and 
 anointed  them  with  the  ointment.  John  xx.  is,  16.  Jefus  f..ith  unto  her,  Vv'o- 
 man,  why  weepeft  thou  ?  whom  fetkeft  thou  ?  She  fuppoQng  hira  to  be  the 
 gaidener,  faith  unto  him.  Sir,  if  thou  hafl  borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where 
 thou  haft  laid  him,  and  I  will  take  him  away.  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  Mary. 
 She  turned  herfelf,  and  faith  unto  him,  Rabboni,  which  is  to  lay.  Maftcr. 
 Ver.  so.   Then  were  the  difciples  glad  when  they  faw  the  Lord. 
 
 i  Rom.  vii.  14.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am!  who  lliall  deliver  me  from  the 
 nody  of  this  death?  . 
 
 k  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  Thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always  caufeth  us  to  triumph 
 ill  Chrift. 
 
 /  1  Cor.  vi.  10 — as  forrowful,  yet  always  rejoicing. 
 
 m  Zech.  xii.  10.  See  letter  /)  Plalm  cxxvi  j.  They  that  fow  in  tears,  fiiall 
 reap  in  joy.  Ila.  Ixi.  z,  3.  The  Lord  hath  fcnt  me  to  comfort  all  that  mourn : 
 to  appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto  them  beauty  for  aOies, 
 the  oilof  jovfor  mourning,  the  garment  of  praife  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs,  &c. 
 Rlit.  V.  4,   Bleffcd  are  they  that  mourn  ;  for  they  fliall  be  comforted. 
 
 n  Luke  xxii.  41.  Father,  if  thou  be  willing,  remove  this  cup  from  me: 
 nevcrthelefs,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done.  Adts  xxi.  14.  And  when  he 
 W:z    Paul]  would  not  be  perfuaded,  we  ccafed,  faying,  The  will  of  the  Lord 
 
 be  done. 
 
 0  z  Cor.  vi.  10.— as  having  nothing,  and  yet  pofreOing  all  things. 
 
 p  John  vi.  3S.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of  hte :  he  that 
 cometh  to  me,  lliall  never  hunger:  and  he  that  believeth  on  me,  fliall  never 
 
 q  Pfalmxlii.  1,1.  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water-brooks,  fopanteth 
 my  foul  after  thee,  O  God.  My  foul  thirfteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God  :  whea 
 n/all  I  come  and  appear  before  God?  And  Ixiii.  i.  O  God,  thou  art  my  God. 
 earlv  will  I  feek  thee  :  my  foul  thirfteth  for  thee,  mv  fleili  longeth  for  thee  m 
 a  drV  and  thirfty  land,  where  no  water  is.  And  Ixxiii.  zs-  Whom  have  I  in 
 heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  the  earth  that  I  defirc  behdes  thee. 
 Ila.  XXV  8,  9  Yea,  in  the  way  of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord,  have  we  waited  for 
 thee  ;  the  def.re  of  our  foiil  is  to  thy  name,  and  to  the  rememherance  of  thee. 
 With  my  foul  have  1  defired  thee  in  the  night,  yea,  with  my  fpint  within  me 
 will  I  feek  thee  early.  ,  ■    j  ■   1   •    j     a 
 
 r  John  vi.  55.  For  my  flefli  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drin^  .ndeea. 
 /  Job  xxix.  i,  3,  4.  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  paft,  as  in  the  days  when 
 G<^d  prefervcd  me  :  when  his  candle  fliined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by  his 
 li.-ht  I  walked  through  darknefs :  as  I  was  in  the  days  of  my  youth,  when  the 
 fetret  of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle.  Pfal.  Ixxvn.  10,  ir,  12.  1  will  re- 
 member the  years  of  the  right-hand  of  the  Mofl  High.  I  will  remember  the 
 works  of  the  Lord  :  furdy  1  will  remember  thy  wonders  of  old.  I  will  mcai- 
 tate  alfo  of  all  thy  work,  and  talk  of  thy  doings.     Song  v,  8,  I  charge  you. 
 
 Vol.  X.  X 
 
i6z        GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 My  hunger  brings  a  plenteous  (tore  % 
 My  plenty  makes  me  hunger  more  '. 
 Strange  is  the  place  of  my  abode, 
 I  dwell  at  home,  I  dwell  abroad  ". 
 I  am  not  where  all  men  me  fee. 
 But  where  I  never  yet  could  be  ""'. 
 I'm  full  of  hell  '\  yet  full  of  heaven  ^  j 
 I'm  {1111  upright  y,  yet  (lill  uneven  ^. 
 Imperfect  *,  yet  a  perfect  faint  ^  ; 
 I'm  ever  poor  c,  yet  never  want  ^. 
 No  mortal  eye  fees  God  and  hves  c, 
 Yet  fight  of  him  my  foul  revives^. 
 
 0  diUgliters  of  Jtrufalem,  if  ye  find  my  Beloved,  that  ye  tell  him,  that  lam 
 fick  of  love.  Chap.  viii..i.  O  that  thou  wert  as  my  biotiier,  that  fucked  the 
 brcafts  of  my  mother  !  whin  I  llioukl  find  thee  without,  I  would  kifs  thee;  yea, 
 
 1  fnould  not  be  defpifed. 
 
 J  Matth.  V.  d.  Blcffed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  ihirft  after  riohtcouf  ■ 
 nefs ;  for  they  lliall  be  filled. 
 
 /  i  Cor.  V  X.  For  in  tliis  wc  groan  earneflly,  defiring  to  be  clothed  upon 
 with  our  houfe  v.-hich  is  from  heaven.  Phil.  i.  z^.  For  I  am  in  a  flrait  betwixt 
 two,  having  a  dcfire  to  dipart,  and  to  be  with  Chrilt;  which  is  far  better,  &c. 
 Song  ii.  3,  4,  S.  I  fat  down  under  his  fliadow  with  great  delight,  and  his  tvuit 
 was  fiveet  to  my  tafte.  He  brought  me  to  the  banquetting-houfe,  and  his  ban- 
 ner over  me  was  love.  Stay  mc  with  {l.iggons,  comfort  me  with  apples  ;  for  I 
 am  fick  of  love. 
 
 u  Job  iv.  19.  How  much  lefs  them  that  dwell  in  houfes  of  clay,  whofe  foun- 
 dation is  in  the  dnfV,  which  are  cruflied  before  the  moth  ?  Pfal.  xc.  i.  Lord, 
 thou  haft  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all  generations.  And  xci.  1.  He  that 
 dvvelleth  in  the  fecret  places  ot  the  Mofk  High,  fliall  abide  under  the  fliadow 
 of  the  Almighty,  i  Johii  iv.  16.  God  is  love;  and  he  tliat  dwellcth  in  love, 
 dwclkth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 
 
 V  Ifa  xxxiii.  16.  He  lliall  dwell  on  high;  his  place  of  defence  fliall  be  the 
 munition  of  rocks.  Eph-  ii.  5.  And  h.ith  r^ifcd  us  up  together,  and  made  us 
 fit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Clirift  Jefns. 
 
 IV  Eccl.  ix.  3.  The  heart  of  the  fens  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  madncfs  is  in 
 their  heart  while  they  live,  and  after  that  they  ^<>  to  the  de.id. 
 
 a:  P!.ph.  iii  17.  And  to  know  the  love  of  CInift,  which  palFcth  knowledge, 
 that  vc  might  be  tilled  with  all  the  fulncTs  of  GuA. 
 
 y  PCaI   xviii.  13 .  1  was  alfo  upright  before  him  :  and   I  kept  myfelf  from 
 mine  iniquity. 
 z  Ezck.  xvii.  zj.  Hear,  now,  O  houfc  of  Ifrael,  Are^ot  your  waysunequal .' 
 (7  Rev.  iii.  Be  watchful,  and  ilrrngthcn  the  tl.ings  that  remain,  which  are  ready 
 to  die:  for  I  have  not  found  thy  works  perfeiH;  before  God. 
 
 b   I  Cor  ii.  6.  Howbcit  wc  fpeak  wiidom  among  them  that  are  perfctft,  &c. 
 
 c  Pfal.  xl.  17.   But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lord  thin'icth  upon  me. 
 
 ^  Pfal.  xxiii.  I.   The  Lord  is  my  Sheplicrd  I  fliall  not  want.     And  xxxiv.  10. 
 
 The  young  lions  do  lack  and  ffTer  hunger  :    but  they  that  feek  the  Lord  lliall 
 
 not  want  any  good  thing. 
 
 e  Kxod.  xxxiii.  xo  And  he  faid,  Thou  canfl  not  fee  my  face  :  for  thcie  fliall 
 no  man  lee  me,  and  live. 
 
 /  John  vi.  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  that  fent  me,  that  every  one  which 
 feeth  the  Son,  and  bclieveth  on  him,  may  have  cvtrlafting  life.  Chap.  xx.  »o, 
 Then  were  the  difciples  olxd  when  they  faw  tiic  Lord. 
 
Sect.!.       The  Believer's  Riddle.         163 
 
 I   live  befl:  when  I  fee  moft  bright  g  ; 
 Yet  Hve  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight''. 
 I'm  hb'ral  i,  yet  have  nought  to  fpare  «  ; 
 Moft  richly  cloth'd ',  yet  ilript  and  bare  ""•. 
 My  ftock  is  rifen  by  my  fall "  ; 
 For,  having  nothing,  I  have  all  ", 
 
 I'm  finful  P,  yet  I  have  no  fm  1  ; 
 All  fpottcd  o'er  \  yet  wholly  clean  ^. 
 Blacknefs  and  beauty  both  1  (hare, 
 A  hellifh  black,  a  heav'nly  fair  ^ 
 They're  of  the  devil,  who  fin  amain  '  ; 
 But  I'm  of  God,  yet  fm  retain  "  : 
 
 g  3,  Cor.  iii.  i8  But  we  all  with  open  f,cc,  beholding  as  in  a  glafs  the  gl  ry 
 of  the  Lord,  we  are  changed  into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even 
 as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Chap  iv.  0.  For  God  who  commanded  the 
 light  to  fl\ine  out  ofdarlcnefs,  hath  fliincd  into  your  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of 
 the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Cinifl:. 
 
 h  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  cruci'-ed  with  Chiift  :  Ntverthelefs  1  live  ;  yet  not  1,  but 
 Chriftliveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flcfli,  I  live  by  the 
 faith  o*  the  Son  'f  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf  for  mc.  3,  Cor, 
 V.  7      For  vvc  walk  by  faith,   not  by  fight. 
 
 i  I'fal.  :ixxvii  21.  The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth  not  again  :  but  the 
 righteous  fheweth  mercy,   and  giveth. 
 
 k  Zeph  iii.  iz-  I  will  alfo  leave  in  the  midft  of  thee  an  afRIAed  and  poor 
 people,  and  they  fliall  trufl  in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord. 
 
 /  Ifa.  Ixi.  10,  I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  my  foul  lliall  be  joyful  in 
 my  God,  for  he  hath  clothed  me  with  the  garments  of  falvation,  he  hath  co- 
 vered me  with  the  robe  of  rightcoufnefs,  as  a  bridegroom  dcckelh  himfelf 
 with  ornaments,  and  as  a  bride  adcrncth  herfclf  with  her  jewels. 
 
 m  Ezek.  xvi.  7.  I  have  caiifed  thee  to  multiply  as  the  bud  of  the  field,  and 
 thou  haft  increafcd  an^  w.ixen  great,  and  thou  art  come  to  excellent  orna- 
 ments :  thy  breafts  are'falliioned,  and  thine  hair  is  grown,  whereas  thou  waft 
 naked  and  bare.  Rev.  iii.  t6.  Becaufe  thou  fay  ft,  f  am  rich,  and  inrreaftd 
 with  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing  ;  and  knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretch- 
 ed,  and  miferablc,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked. 
 
 n  Rom.  viil.  i8.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to 
 them  that  love  God,  to  them  wlio  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 
 
 0  2  Cor.  vi.  10. — as  having  nothing,  and  yet  poftcffing  all  things. 
 
 p  Rom.  vi;.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritual  :  but  I  am  carnal, 
 fold  under  fin.  Ver.  24.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  fliall  deliver  me 
 from  the  body  of  this  death  !  ^jy 
 
 q  Num.  xxiii.  zi .  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Jacob,  neither  hath  he 
 feen  perverfencfs  in  Ifratl.  1  John  iii.  9.  \Vhofoever  is  born  of  God,  doth 
 not  commit  fin  ;  tor  his  feed  remaineth  in  him  :  and  he  cannot  fin  becaufe  he 
 is  born  of  God. 
 
 r  Pial.  xiv  3.  They  are  all  gone  afide,  they  are  altogether  become  filthy  ; 
 there  is  none  that  doth  good,  no  not  one. 
 
 f  Song  iv.  7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  no  fpot  in  thee. 
 
 s  Song  i  4.  I  am  black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  as  the 
 tents  of  Ktdar,  as  the  curtains  of  Solomon.  Ver.  i5.>Behold,  thou  art  fair, 
 my  love;   behold,  thou  art  fair,  thou  baft  doves  eyes. 
 
 t  I  John  iii.  8.  He  that  comniittcth  fin,  is  of  the  devil ;  for  the  devil  fin- 
 neth  from  the  beginning 
 
 u  I  John  i.  8.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive  ourfelvcs,  and  the 
 truth  is  not  in  us. 
 
 X     2 
 
1(^4    GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 This  traitor  vil'e  the  thorne  affumcs  , 
 Prevails,  yet  never  overcomes  *"■ . 
 I'm  without  guile  an  Ifr 'elite  '^, 
 Yet  like  a  guileful  hypocrite  y  ; 
 •,    Maintaining  truth  in  th'  inward  part  =*, 
 With  fallhood  rooted  in  my  heart  ^. 
 Two  mafters,  fure,  I  cannot  ferve  ^, 
 But  mull  from  one  regardlefs  fwerve ; 
 Yet  felf  is  for  my  mafter  known  *=, 
 And  Jefus  is  my  Lord  alone  ^. 
 
 I  feek  myfelf  inceflantly  ^, 
 Yet  daily  do  myfelf  deny  ^. 
 To  me  'tis  lawful  evermore 
 Myfelf  to  love  and  to  abhors. 
 
 V  Rom.  vii.  13.  But  I  fee  anoiher  law  in  my  membcrj,  warring  againft 
 the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin  which 
 is  in  my  members. 
 
 w  Pfal.  Ixv.  3.  Iniquities  prevail  againfl  me:  as  for  cur  tranfgreflions,  thou 
 flialt  purge  them  away.  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  fin  fliall  not  have  dominion  over 
 vou  ;  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 
 
 X  yohn  i.  47.  Jefus  faw  Nathaniel  coming  to  him,  and  faith  of  him,  Behold 
 an  Ifraelite  indeed,  in  whom  there  is  no  guile.  Pfal.  xxxii.  i.  iileffed  is  the 
 man  unto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whofc  fpirit  there  is 
 no  guile. 
 
 y  Pfal.  xix.  ii.  Who  can  underftand  his  errors  ?  Cleanfe  thou  me  from  fe- 
 crtt  faults. 
 
 z  Pfal.  li.().  Behold,  thou  defirefl  truth  in  the  inward  parts :  and  in  the 
 liidden  part  thou  flialt  make  me  to  know  wifdom. 
 
 a  Matth.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  /vii  thoughts,  murders, 
 adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  falfe  witnefs,  blafphertiics. 
 
 b  Matth.  vi.  14.  No  man  can  ferve  two  raafters :  for  either  he  will  hate  the 
 one,  and  love  the  other ;  or  clfe  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and  defpife  the  other, 
 ye  cannot  ftrve  God  and  mammon. 
 
 c  Hof.  X.  I-  Ifracl  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringetli  forth  fruit  unto  himfelf : 
 according  to  the  multitude  of  his  fruit,  he  hath  increafed  the  altars  ;  according 
 to  the  goodncfs  of  his  iand,  tlicy  have  made  goodly  images.  Matth.  xvi.  14, 
 Then  faid  Jefus  unto  his  difciples.  It'  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  de- 
 ny himfelf,  and  take  up  bis  crofs,  and  follow  mc. 
 
 4.  Ifa.  xxvi.  13.  O  Lord  our  God,  other  lords  befides  thee  have  had  domini- 
 on over  us  :  lout  by  thee  only  will  we  make  mention  of  thy  name.  John  xx. 
 ab.     And  Thomas  anfwercd  and  ftid  unto  him,   My  Lord,  and  my  God. 
 
 e  James  iv.  3.  Ye  afk,  and  ye  receive  not,  becaiile  ye  alk  amifs,  that  ye 
 r^.ay  confumc  it  upon  your  lufls.  Jtr.  xlv.  z,  5.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifraei.  unto  thee,  O  Baruch  And  fcekcft  thou  nrc.it  things  for  thylclf  .■'  feck 
 tl.cm  not:  for  behold,  1  will  bring  evil  upon  all  fleni,  faith  the  Lord:  but  thy 
 lite  will  i  give  unto  thee  for  a  prey  in  all  places  where  thou  gocfl. 
 
 /  Matth.  xvi    14.      See  Idler  c 
 
 g  Lev.  xix.  18.  Thou  flialt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any  grudge  againft  the 
 childien  of  my  people,  but  thou  flialt  love  thy  neighbour  as  tliyfcU:  I  am  the 
 Lord.  Eph.  v.  zp.  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flcfli;  but  nourilheth 
 and  cheriflietli  it,  even  as  the  Lord  the  church.  John  xii.  ij.  He  that  lovctb 
 his  life,  fliall  lofe  it :  and  he  that  hateth  his  life  in  this  world,  fliall  kctp  it 
 vnio  lii-e  tttrnal.  Job  xlii.  6-  Wherefore  I  abhor  mvfclf,  and  rcptnt  iu  duft 
 aud  alhcs. 
 
Sect.  V.      7-6^  Believer's  Riddle.         165 
 
 In  this  vain  world  I  live,  yet  fee 
 I'm  dead  to  it,  and  it  to  me  '\ 
 My  joy  is  endlefs  %  yet  at  beft 
 Does  hardly  for  a  moment  laft  ^. 
 
 S  E  C  T.    V. 
 
 lAjJlerles  about  the  SainCs  Work  and  Warfare,  Sins,  Scr- 
 roivs,  and  Joys. 
 
 TH  E  work  is  great  I'm  call'd  unto  ^, 
 Yet  nothing's  left  for  me  to  do  ^  ? 
 Hence  for  my  work  Heav'n  has  prepar'd 
 No  wages  *^,  yet  a  great  reward  ^. 
 To  works,  but  not  to  working  dead  ^  j 
 From  fin,  but  not  from  fmning  freed  -. 
 
 h  Col.  iii.  5.  For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Chrifl  in  God. 
 Gal.  vi.  14.  But  God  forbid  that  I  fliould  glory,  fave  in  the  crofs  of  our  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,   and  I  unto  the  world. 
 
 I  John  xvi.  zi.  And  ye  now  therefore  have  forrow;  but  I  will  fee  you  again, 
 and  your  heart  fliall  rejoice,  and  your  j^  y  no  man  taketh  from  you.  i  ThcfT. 
 ii.  16.  Now  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrill  himfelf,  and  God  even  our  Father,  which 
 hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  us  tverlafling  confolation,  and  good  hope  through 
 grace,  ire. 
 
 k  Pfaim  XXX.  7.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  made  my  mountain  to  ftand 
 flrong  :  thou  didft  hide  thy  face,  and  1  was  troubled.  Jfaiah  xlix.  ij,  14. 
 Sing,  O  heavens ;  and  be  joyful,  O  earth  ;  and  l>rcak  forth  into  fnxfing,  O 
 moimtains  :  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have  mercy  up- 
 on his  ainid:ed.  But  Zion  faid,  The  Lord  hath  forfaken  me,  and  my  Lord 
 hath  forgotten  me. 
 
 a  Phil.  ii.  iz.  Wherefor?,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always  obeyed,  not  as 
 in  my  prefence  only,  but  now  much  mere  in  my  abfence  :  work  out  your  own 
 falvation  with  fear  and  trembling. 
 
 b  Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  workcth  in  you,  both  to  will  and  to  do 
 of  his  good  pleafurt.  Lev.  xx.  7,  8.  Sani^lify  yourfelves  therefore,  and  be  ye 
 holy  :  for  1  am  the  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  fliall  keep  my  flatutcs,  and  do 
 them  :   I  am  the  Lord  which  f.indlify  you. 
 
 c  Rom.  vi.  zj.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  death  :  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal 
 life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  it  is 
 no  more  ot  works  :  otherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace.  Kut  if  it  be  of  works, 
 then  it  is  no  more  grace :  otherwife  works  is  no  more  works. 
 
 rf  Pfalm  six.  II.  Moreover,  by  them,  [viz.  the  judgments  of  the  Lord,] 
 is  thy  fervant  warned  :  and  in  keeping. them  tliere  is  great  reward.  Pfalm 
 Iviii.  II.  Verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous  :  verily  he  is  a  God  that 
 judgeth  in  the  earth. 
 
 e  Rom.  vii.  4.  Vv'herefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  become  dead  to  the 
 law  by  the  body  of  Chrift  ;  that  ye  ftjould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him 
 who  is  raifed  trom  the  ckad,  that  we  fliould  bring  forth  fruit  luuo  God.  Gai. 
 ii.  19.  For  I,  through  the  law,  am  dead  to  the  law,  th.it  I  nnght  live  unto 
 God. 
 
 /  1  John  i.  8.  If  w' fay  that  we  have  no  Hn,  we  deceive  ourftlvcs,  and  the 
 truth  is  not  in  us.  Chap.  iii.  9.  WJiofoever  is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit 
 fin  ;  fci  his  feed  remaincth  in  him  :  and  he  cannot  iin,  bteaufc  he  is  bom  of 
 God. 
 
\G(y      GOSPFL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 I  clear  myfelf  Iroiii  no  oftence  g, 
 Yft  wafli  my  hands  in  innocence  '\ 
 My  Father's  anger  burns  like  fire  *, 
 Without:  a  fpark  of  furious  ire     : 
 Though  iliil  my  fins  difpleafing  be  '  ; 
 Yet  itill  I  know  he's  pleas'd  with  me  '"t 
 
 Triumphing  is  my  conllant  trade  ". 
 Who  yet  am  oft  a  captive  led     ; 
 My  bloody  war  does  never  ceafe  P  j 
 Yet  I  maintain  a  ftable  peace  'U 
 My  foes  affaulting  conquer  me. 
 Yet  ne'er  obtain  the  victory    ; 
 For  all  my  battles  loft  or  won. 
 Were  gain'd  before  they  were  begun  ^ 
 I'm  ftill  at  eafe  and  ftill  oppreft ; 
 Have  conilant  trouble,  conltant  reft  ^  ; 
 
 g  Rom.  vii.  i8.  For  I  knovt',  that  in  me,  (that  is,  in  my  flefli)  dwellcth 
 no  good  tiling:  tor  to  will  is  prtltnt  with  mej  but  how  to  perform  that  which 
 is  good,   1  find  not. 
 
 h  Prahn  xxvi.  6  I  will  wafli  mine  hands  in  innocency  :  fo  will  I  compafs 
 thine  altar,   O  Lord. 
 
 i  I  Kings  xi.  9.  And  the  Lord  was  angry  with  Solomon,  becaufe  his  heart 
 was  turned  from  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  which  had  appeared  unto  him  twice. 
 
 k  Haiah  xxvii  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me.  CInp.  hv.  9,  10.  For  this  is  as  the 
 waters  of  Noali  unto  me:  for  as  \  have  fworn  that  the  waters  of  No.ih  iliould 
 no  more  go  over  the  earth  ;  fo  have  I  Avorn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth  with 
 thee,  n;)r  rtbuke  tlicc.  For  the  mountains  fliall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  re- 
 moved, Init  my  kindnefs  fliall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  flull  the  covenant 
 of  my  piece  bcremo\cd,   fiith  tht  Lord,  'hat  hatli  mercy  on  thee 
 
 /  hab.  i.  15.  Thou  ait  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evl,  and  canfl  not  look 
 on  iniquity.  Jer.  xliv  4.  Howbeit,  I  fcnt  unto  all  my  fervants  the  prophets, 
 rifmg  early,  and  fending  them,  fjying,  Oh  do  not  this  abominable  thing  that 
 I  hate. 
 
 m  IVIatth  iii.  17  Audio,  a  voice  from  heaven,  faying.  This  is  my  beloved 
 Son,  in  whom  I  am  wcli-plcatcd  Ri'm  v.  10.  When  we  were  enemies,  we 
 were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  t.f  his  Son. 
 
 H  X  Cor  ii.  14  Now,  tlvanks  be  unto  God,  which  always  caufc  thus  to  triumph 
 inCI;:i(l. 
 
 0  Rom.  vii.  13.  But  T  fee  another  law  in  my  members,  warring  aj;ainfl  the 
 law  ot  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is  in 
 my  members. 
 
 f  Rom.  vii  13.  See  letter  o.  1  Tim.  vi  ii.  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith, 
 &c.  Gal  V,  17.  For  the  fiefli  k^fleth  againft  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  againfl 
 the  nefli  :  and  thcfe  arc  contrary  the  out  to  the  other  ;  lo  that  yc  cannot  do 
 the  things  tliit  ye  would. 
 
 ,;  Rom.  V.  I.  Therefore  being  juflified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
 thioiigh  our  Lord  Jtfus  Chrift.      Ifaiih  liv.  10    See  Idler  k. 
 
 r  Rom  vii.  13.  See  letter  o.  Chap.  vlii.  37.  Nay,  in  all  thefe  things  we  are 
 more  than  conquerors,  through  him  th.it  loved  us. 
 
 /  I  Cor   XV.  $7.   But  thanks  be  to  God,  wiiich  givcth  us  the  vidlory,  through 
 our  Lord  Jc  lus  Chrift. 
 i  1  Cor.  iv.  V.    Wc  arc  troubled  on  every  fl-Jc,  yet  not  diflrcHcd  ;    wc  arc 
 
Sect.V.      r^f  Believer's  Riddle.  16^ 
 
 Both  clear  and  cloudy  %  free  and  bound  " ; 
 Both  dead  and  hving    ,  loft  and  found  ' . 
 Sin  for  my  good  does  work  and  win  '^  ; 
 Yet  'tis  not  good  for  me  to  fm  v. 
 My  pleafure  iffues  from  my  pain  -  ; 
 My  lofles  ftill  increafe  my  gain  ». 
 I'm  heal'd  ev'n  when  my  plagues  abound  ^, 
 Cover'd  with  duft  ev'n  when  I'm  crown'd  ^ : 
 As  low  as  death,  when  living  high  ^  j 
 Nor  fhall  I  live,  yet  cannot  die  *^. 
 
 perplexed  but  not  in  defpair.  John  xvi.  33.  Thefe  things  T  have  fpoken  unto 
 you,  that  in  me  ye  might  have  piece  In  the  world  ye  lliall  have  tribulation  : 
 but  be  of  good  chear,  1  have  overcome  the  world,  ilcb.  iv.  3.  For  we  which 
 have  believed,  do  enter  into  reft. 
 
 t  Zech.  xiv.  6,  7.  And  it  (hiW  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  the  light  flialt 
 not  be  clear,  nor  dark.  But  it  fliall  be  one  day,  which  ilia!!  be  known  to  the 
 .Lord,  not  day  nor  night,  but  it  fliall  conio  tu  pafs,  that  at  evening-iime  it 
 fiiall  be  light.  Micah  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  enemy  :  when 
 I  fall,  I  fliall  arife,  when  I  fit  in  darknefs,  the  Lord  fliall  be  a  light  unto  me. 
 ti  John  viii.  36.  If  tht  Son  therefore  flial!  make  you  free,  ye  Ihail  be  free 
 indeed.  Adts  xx.  13.  The  Holy  Ghofl  witnefling  in  every  city,  laying,  that 
 bonds  and  afflicflions  abide  me. 
 
 V  z  Cor.  vi.  9. — as  dying,  and  behold,  v/e  live.  Col  iii.  3.  For  ye  are 
 dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Chrifl:  in  God. 
 
 IV  Matth.  xviii.  1 1.  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  favc  that  which  was  loft. 
 Pfalra  ciix.  176.  1  have  gone  aftray  like  a  loll  flieep  ;  feck  thy  fervant  Phil. 
 iii.  J).  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufncfs,  which  is  of 
 the  law,  but  thAt  which  is  through  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righteoufneis  which  is 
 of  God  by  faith. 
 
 X  Rom.  viii.  z8.  And  wc  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to 
 them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  acconiing  to  his  purpofe. 
 Chap.  xi.  II.  I  fay  then.  Have  thty  flumb'.cd  that  they  fliould  fall  ?  God  for- 
 bid :  but  rather  through  their  fall  falvation  is  come  unto  the  Gentiles,  for  to 
 provoke  them  to  jtaloufy. 
 
 y  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  31,31.  If  they  break  my  ftatutes,  and  keep  not  ray  com- 
 mindments,  then  will  1  vifit  their  tranrgreflion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity 
 with  ftripes. 
 
 z  Pfahn  cxix.  67.  Before  T  was  afHidled,  I  v.-eiit  aflray  :  but  now  I  have 
 kept  thy  word.  Verfe  yi.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  affiidted  :  that 
 I  might  lorn  thy  ftatutes.  jarnes  i.  x.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye 
 fall  into  divers  temptations. 
 
 a  Matth.  x.  39.  He  that  lofeth  his  life  for  my  fake  fiiall  find  it.  Mark  x.  39, 
 30.  And  Jefus  anfwered  and  (aid,  Verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Tliere  is  no  man 
 that  hath  left  houfc,  or  brethren,  or  fifttfi,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or 
 children,  or  lands,  for  my  fake  and  the  gofpel's,  but  he  fliall  receive  an  hun- 
 dred fold  now  in  this  time,  houl'es,  and  brethren,  and  fifters,  and  mothers, 
 and  children,  and  lands,  with  perfecutions  ;  and,  in  the  world  to  come,  eter- 
 nal life. 
 
 b  Rom.  vii.  14,  15.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  fli.ill  deliver  me  from 
 the  body  of  this  death  .'     I  thank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 c  Viz.  -with  meicy.  Job  xlii.  j,  6.  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  tl.c  hearing  of  the 
 ear  :  but  now  mine  eye  feeth  thee.  Wherefore,  I  abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in 
 duft  and  aflies.  Ezek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayft  remember  and  be  confounded, 
 and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  m^re  becaufe  of  thy  fliame,  when  I  am  pacified 
 toward  thee  for  all  that  thou  haft  done,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 d  z  Cor.  vi  9. — \i  ..lyi.ig,  and  behold,  wc  live. 
 e  Hcb.  is.  j;.      It  is  appoipt?d  unco  men  once  to  die,     John  v.  14.  Ycrilv. 
 
i6S       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 For  all  my  fins  my  heart  is  fad, 
 
 Since  God's  difhonour'd  -,  yet  I'm  glad, 
 
 Though  once  I  was  a  flave  to  fin  s, 
 
 Since  God  does  thereby  honour  win  '\ 
 
 My  fins  are  ever  in  his  eye  •, 
 
 Yet  he  beholds  no  fin  in  me  ^  : 
 
 His  mind  that  keeps  them  all  in  flore. 
 
 Will  yet  remember  them  no  more  '. 
 
 Becaufe  my  fins  are  great,  I  feel 
 Great  fears  of  heavy  wrath  '"  ;  yet  ftill 
 For  mercy  feek,  for  pardon  wait, 
 Becaufe  my  fins  are  very  great  ". 
 
 verily  I  fay  unto  you,  He  that  heareth  my  word,  and  believetli  on  him  that 
 fent  nic,  hath  everlafting  life,  and  lliall  not  come  not  into  condemnation  ; 
 but  is  pafTed  from  death  unto  life.  Chsp.  vi.  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  him 
 that  fent  me,  that  every  one  which  fttth  the  Son,  and  believeih  on  liim,  may 
 have  everlafiing  life.  Vcr.  50,  ji.  This  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down 
 from  heivcn,  that  a  mMn  may  cat  thereof,  and  not  die.  I  am  the  living 
 bre<id  which  came  down  from  heaven  :  if  any  m.in  eat  of  this  bread,  he  fhall 
 live  for  ever  :  and  the  bread  that  I  will  give,  is  my  flclli,  wliich  I  will  give 
 for  the  life  of  the  world. 
 
 /  Pfal.  li.  4.  Agaiiift  thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned,  and  done  this  evil  in 
 thy  fight. 
 
 g  Rom  xvi.  17.  But  God  be  thanked,  rlut  ye  were  the  fervants  of  fin  ; 
 but  ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that  form  of  dodlrine  which  was  delivered 
 vou. 
 
 h  Ifa.  xliv.  23.  Sing,  O  heavens ;  for  the  Lord  hatii  done  it;  fliout  ye  low- 
 er paits  of  the  earth  :  hreak  forth  into  fingiug,  ye  mountains,  O  forefts,  and 
 every  tree  therein  :  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  jacob,  and  glorified  himfelf  ia 
 Ifrael.  Eph.  i  6.  To  the  praife  of  the  glory  of  his  grace.  Ver.  la.  That  we 
 fhoiild  be  to  the  praife  of  his  glory. 
 
 i  Rev.  iii.  I.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  liaft  a  name  that  thou  livcft, 
 and  art  dead.  Ver.  ij.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thouart  neither  cold  nor  hot. 
 k  Numb,  xxiii.  11.  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Jacob,  neither  hath  he 
 feen  perverfenefi  in  Ifrael.  Song  iv.  7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is 
 no  fpot  in  thee.  Eztk.  xvi.  14.  And  thy  renown  went  forth  among  the  hea- 
 then for  thy  beauty  :  for  it  w.is  periecSt  through  my  comelinefs  which  I  had 
 put  upon  ihet,   f.tith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 /  ifa.  xliii.  ZS'  1,  even  J,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  tranfgreffions  for 
 mine  own  fake,  and  will  not  renic;ubc-r  thy  fins.  Jer.  xxxi  4.  I  will  forgive 
 their  iniquity,  and  I  will  remember  their  lin  no  more.  Htb.  vlii.  li.  I  will 
 be  merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  re- 
 member no  more. 
 
 m  Ezra  ix.  13,  14.  And  after  all  tliat  is  come  upon  us  for  our  evil  deeds, 
 and  for  our  great  trefpafs,  feeing  that  thou  our  Goti  haft  puiiiflied  us  Icl's  than 
 our  iniquities  defcrv^,  and  hifl  giv'n  us  fuch  dclivtranrc  as  this  :  fliould  we 
 again  bre.ik  tliv  commandments,  and  join  in  aflinity  with  tiie  people  of  thefe 
 abomination*.  ?  wouldfl  nc)t  thou  be  angry  with  us  ti'l  thou  hadft  confumed 
 us,  fo  th.it  thert  f}iou!d  be  no  remnant  nor  efcaping  ?  Pfal.  xxxviii.  i.  O 
 Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wratli:  neither  challcn  me  in  thy  hot  difpleafure. 
 
 «  Pfal.  XXV.  II.  For  thy  name's  lake,  C  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity:  fnr 
 it  is  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7  O  Lord,  though  our  iniquities  tcflify  againft  us,  do 
 thou  it  for  thy  name's  fake  :  for  our  ba.hflidings  are  many,  wc  have  Gnocd 
 sgainft  thee. 
 
Sect.  IV.       T^^  Believer's  Riddle.       169 
 
 I  hope  when  plung*d  into  defpair^, 
 I  tremble  when  I  have  no  fear  p. 
 Pardons  difpel  my  griefs  and  fears  ^, 
 And  yet  dilloive  my  heart  in  tears  ■■. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 Myjieries  in  Faith'j  Extradions,  Way  and  Walk,  Fray-' 
 ers  and  Anfwers,  Heights  and  Depths,  Fear  and  Love* 
 
 WITH  wafps  and  bee's  my  bufy  bill 
 Sucks  ills  from  good,  and  good  from  ill  * : 
 Humil'ty  makes  my  pride  to  grow, 
 And  pride  afpiring  lays  me  low  ^. 
 
 0  Rom.  iv.  18.  Who  [viz.  Abraham]  againft  hope  believed  in  hope  a  Cor. 
 s.  8,  9.  For  we  would  not,  brethren,  have  you  ignorant  of  our  trouble  which 
 came  to  us  in  Afia,  that  we  were  prefled  out  of  nitafure,  above  ftrength,  in- 
 fo much  that  we  defpaired  even  of  life  :  but  we  had  the  I'cntence  of  death  in 
 curfelves,  that  we  iliould  not  trufl:  in  ourfelves,  but  in  God  which  raifeth  the 
 dead. 
 
 p  Phil.  ii.  I.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always  obeyed  not  as  in 
 my  prefence  only,  but  now  much  r^ore  in  my  abfencc :  work  out  your  own 
 falvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  Luke  i.  74.  That  he  would  grant  us,  that 
 we  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  mij^ht  ferve  him  without 
 tear. 
 
 q  Matth.  ix.  z.  Jefus  faid  unto  tlie  fick  of  the  palfy,  Son,  be  of  good  cheer, 
 thy  fins  be  forgiven  thee. 
 
 r  Kzck.  xxxvi.  15,  i<S-  Then  will  I  fprinkle  clean  water  upon  you,  and  ye 
 jliall  be  clean:  from  all  your  lilthinefs  and  from  all  your  idols  will  I  clcanfe 
 you.  A  new  heart  alfo  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  fpirit  will  1  put  within 
 you ;  and  I  will  take  away  the  ftony  heart  out  of  your  ilefli,  and  1  will  give 
 you  an  heart  of  flefli.  Ver.  31.  Then  fliall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways, 
 and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  lliall  lothe  yourfelves  in  your 
 own  light,  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your  abominations.  Chap.  xvi.  63. 
 That  thou  mayfl:  remember  and  be  confounded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth 
 any  mere  becaufe  of  thy  fliame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for  alL  that 
 thou  haft  done,   faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 a  Rom  ii.  4.  Or  defpiicft  thou  the  riches  of  his  gondntfj,  and  forbearance, 
 and  long-fufierlng,  not  knowing  that  the  goodnefs  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  re- 
 pentaiKie?  Chap  vii.i.i.  What  fliall  we  lay  then  ;  Sh^ll  we  continue  in  fin,  tliat 
 grace  may  abound  ?  God  forbid :  how  i]iall  vvc;  ;hat  are  dead  to  iin,  live  any  long- 
 er therein  ?  Ver.  15  .  W'hat  then  I  fhall  we  fin,  becau/e  wc  are  not  under  tlie  law, 
 but  under  grace  .''  God  forbid.  Chap.  vlii.  a3.  And  we  know  that  all  things 
 work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  called  ac- 
 cording to  his  purpofe.  Phil.  i.  ii.  But  I  would  ye  fliould  underftand,  bre- 
 thren, that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me,  have  fiUen  out  rather  unto 
 the  furtherance  of  the  gofpel.  Pfal.  cxix.  71.  It  is  good  for  nie  that  1  have 
 been  afflicfted  :   that  I  might  learn  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 b  a  Cor.  xil.  7.  And  led:  I  fliould  be  exalted  above  meaAire,  through  the 
 abundance  of  the  revelations,  there  wis  given  to  me  a  tlnrn  in  the  flelb,  the 
 mef  enger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me,  left  1  fli  .uld  be  exalted  above  nie.ifnre.  Prov. 
 xxix.  13.  A  man's  pride  fliall  bring  him  low  :  but  honour  HmII  uphold  the 
 humble  in  fpirit  a  Chron  xxxii.  i4  Hezekiah  humbled  hiiDfvlf  tor  the 
 pride  of  his  heart,  (both  he  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jcrufalem),  10  that  the 
 wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  tliem  in  the  days  of  Hezc'^i.ih. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Y      ' 
 
I70       GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  lit. 
 
 My  ftanding  does  my  fall  procure  '^, 
 My  falling  makes  mc  ftand  more  fure^. 
 My  poifon  does  my  phyfic  prove  % 
 My  enmity  provokes  my  love  ^. 
 My  poverty  infers  my  wealth  s, 
 My  ficknefs  ilfues  in  my  health'', 
 My  hardnefs  tends  to  make  me  foft ', 
 And  killing  things  to  cure  me  oft  ^. 
 While  high  attainments  cafl  me  down. 
 My  deep  abafements  raife  me  foon   . 
 My  beft  things  oft  have  evil  brood  •"  ; 
 JNIy  word  things  work  my  greateil  good  ". 
 
 c  Pfal  XXX.  6,  7.  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,  I  {IiaII  never  be  moved. 
 Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  liaft  made  n)y  mountain  to  ftand  ftiong ;  thou  didft 
 hide  thy  face,  and  I  w.is  troubled. 
 
 d  Frov.xxiv  16  For  a  juft  man  filleth  feven times,  and  rifeth  up  again.  Pfal. 
 ■xxxvii.  24  Thougli  lie  fall,  he  fliall  not  be  utterly  caft  down:  for  the  Lord 
 upholdeth  him  with  his  hand. 
 
 e  1  Cor.  xii.  7,  8.  And  left  I  fliould  be  exalted  above  meafure  through  the 
 abundance  of  the  revelations,  there  was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  llefli, 
 the  mcflenger  oi  Satan  to  buffet  mc,  left  I  fliouId  be  exalted  above  mea- 
 fure. For  this  thing  I  htfought  the  Lord  thrice,  that  it  might  depart  from 
 me.  Ifa  xxvii.  8,  9.  In  miaiure  when  it  fliooteth  forth,  thou  wilt  debate  with 
 it;  he  ftayeth  his  rough  wind  in  the  day  of  the  eaft  wind.  By  this  therefore 
 fliali  the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  his 
 fin. 
 
 ♦/  Gal  V.  17.  The  fleHi  lufteth  againft  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  againft  the 
 fledi.  Ver.  14  And  they  that  are  Chrift's,  have  crucified  the  flefli,  with  the 
 afreclions  and  lufts 
 
 g  Rf^v  ii.  9.  I  know  Jthy  poverty,  but  thou  art  lich.  2  Cor  svi.  10. — as 
 having  nothing,  and  ytt  polTciring  all  things 
 
 i  Matth  ix.  ii.  They  that  be  whole  need  not  a  phyfician,  but  thev  that  are 
 fick  Ifa  Ivii.  17,  18  For  the  iniquity  of  !>is  covetoufncfs  was  I  wroth,  and 
 imote  him  :  I  hide  me,  and  was  wroth,  and  he  went  trowardly  in  the  wav  of 
 his  heart.  I  have  feen  his  ways,  and  will  heal  him  ;  1  will  lead  him  alfo,  and 
 reftore  comforts  unto  him,  and  to  his  mourners. 
 
 i  Ifa.  1-xlii  17.  O  Lord,  why  haft  thou  m.ide  us  to  err  from  thy  ways  .-anti 
 hardened  our  heart  from  thy  fear.'  Return  for  thy  fervauts  fake,  the  trihcs  of 
 thine  inheritance. 
 
 k  1  Cor.  i.  9.  But  we  had  the  ftntence  of  death  in  ourfchcs,  that  we  flio-ild 
 nottruft  in  ourfclvcs,but  in  G'ld  wliieh  raifcth  the  dead.  Hof.  v.  15.  I  will  go 
 and  return  to  my  place,  till  they  acknowledge  their  oftcnce  and  fcek  my 
 face  :  in  their  aJlliiflion  they  will  feck  me  e.irly.  Chap.  j.  6.  Come  and 
 let  us  return  unto  the  Lord:  for  he  hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us;  he  hatli 
 fmittcn,  and  he  will  bind  us  up. 
 
 /  I  Pet.  v.  J,  6.  Be  fubjccb  one  to  another,  and  be  clothed  with  humility: 
 for  God  rcfiftcth  the  proud,  and  givetii  grace  to  the  humble.  Humble  your- 
 feivcs  therefore  under  the  mighty  hand  of  Gnd,  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due 
 time.     Pfahn  cxvi.  6.   I  w.is  brou);ht  low  and  he  hclp-.d  me. 
 
 r,i  Pfal.  XXX.  (J,  7.  And  in  my  protpe  ity  I  Ihnll  never  be  moved.  Lord, 
 by  thy  favour  thou  haft  mnde  my  mountain  to  ftand  ftrong:  tliou  didft  hide 
 thy  face,  an.i  I  was  troubled.  Deut  xxxii  14,  15.  Batter  of  kin,'a1id  millc 
 of  fli(  cp,  with  fat  of 'aiubi,  and  rams  ot  the  breed  of  Biflian,  r.nd  goats,  with 
 the  fat  of  kidneys  of  wh'at,  and  thou  dicift  drink  the  putc  blood  of  the  grape. 
 
Sect.  IV.     The  Believer's  Riddle.       171 
 
 My  inward  foes,  that  me  alarm, 
 
 Breed  me  much  hurt,  yet  little  harm  ". 
 
 I  get  no  good  by  them  *,  yet  fee 
 
 To  my  chief  good  they  caufe  me  flee  p. 
 
 They  reach  to  me  a  deadly  (Iroke  '3, 
 
 Yet  fend  to  me  a  living  rock  . 
 
 They  made  me  long  for  Canaan''^  banks  ^ ; 
 
 Yet  fure  1  owe  them  little  thanks. 
 
 I  travel  %  yet  {land  firm  and  faft^j 
 
 I  run^,  but  yet  I  make  no  halle  ^'•' . 
 
 I  take  a  way  both  old  and  new  ', 
 
 Within  my  fight  y,  yet  out  of  view  ^. 
 
 But  Jefliurun  waxed  fat,  and  kicked:  thou  art  waxen  fat;  thou  art  grown 
 thick;  thou  art  covered  witli  fatnefs :  tlien  lie  forfook  God  which  made  him, 
 and  lightly  efteemed  the  Rock  of  his  falv.ation.  Pfalm  cvi.  7.  Our  fathers  un- 
 derftood  not  thy  wonders  in  Egypt,  they  remembered  not  the  multitude  of  thy 
 mercies,  but  provoked  him  at  the  fea,  even  at  the  Red-fea. 
 
 «  Pfalm  ixx.  II.  Thou  half  turned  lor  me  my  mourning  into  dancing:  thovi 
 hafl  put  ofFmy  fackcloth,  and  girded  me  with  gladucfs.  Rom.  viii.  aS.  See 
 letter  a. 
 
 0  Jer.  X.  19.  Wo  is  me  for  my  huit,  my  wound  is  grievous:  but  I  faid, 
 Tiuly  this  is  a  grief,  and  I  mufl  bejr  it.  i  Pet.  iii  13.  And  who  is  he  that 
 will  harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good? 
 
 •  In  them/elves,  hut  much  mil,  1  Pet  ii.  11.  Dearly  beloved,  I  bef  ech  you 
 as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims,  abft-iin  from  flcibly  lufts,  which  war  againft  the 
 foul.  James  i.  14,  15.  But  erery  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away  by 
 his  own  lufV,  and  enticed.  Then  when  luft  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth  forth 
 lin;   and  fin  when  it  is  finifiied,  bringeth  forth  death. 
 
 p  Pfalm  cxliii.  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  enemies :  I  flee  unto  thee 
 to  hide  me. 
 
 q  Rom.  viii.  13.   If  ye  live  after  the  fiefli,  ye  fliall  die, 
 
 r  Pfalm  xviii.  46,  47.  The  Lord  livcth,  and  blelTed  dc  my  rock:  and  let 
 the  God  of  my  falvation  he  exalted  It  is  God  that  avengeth  me,  an.',  fub- 
 ducth  the  people  under  me, 
 
 s  Pfalm  Iv.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  !  for  then  would 
 I  fly  away  and  be  at  reft.  And  cxx.  j.  Wo  is  me  that  I  fojourn  in  McUch, 
 that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar.  Uom.  viii.  lo, — 13.  For  the  creature  was 
 made  fubjedt  to  vanity,  not  willinily,  but  by  reafon  of  him  who  had  fubjcc- 
 ted  the  fame  in  hope:  becaufe  the  creature  itfcif  alfo  fliall  be  dtlivcred  fr..ni 
 the  bondage  of  corruption,  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. 
 For  we  know  that  the  whole  creation  groaneth,and  travaileth  in  pain  together 
 until  now;  and  not  only  they,  but  ourfelves  alfo  which  have  the  firftfinits 
 of  the  Spirit,  even  we  Ourfelves  grone  within  ourielves,  waiting  for  the  adop- 
 tion, to  wit,  the  reilemption  of  our  body. 
 
 t  Heb  xi.  13. — and  confefled  that  they  were  ftrangers  and  pilgrims  on  the 
 earth. 
 
 u  I  Cor.  xvi.  13.  Watch  ye,  ftand  fafl  in  the  faith,  quit  you  like  men,  be 
 ftrong  _  ^ 
 
 V  ileb.  xli.  I.  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  tiiat  is  fet  Before  us. 
 
 ■w   Ifa.  X'.viii.  16.   He  that  bclievelh,  fliall  not  make  haftc. 
 
 X  Jer.  vi  16.  Thus  faith  ihc  Lord,  Stand  ye  in  the  ways,  and  fee  and  afk 
 for  the  old  paths,  where  is  the  good  way,  and  walk  therein,  and  ye  fliall  find 
 reA  for  your  fouls.     Heb.  x.  ip,  ao.   Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldnefs  to 
 
 Y    2  '  - 
 
172     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  111. 
 
 ,  My  way  directs  me  in  the  way  *, 
 And  will  not  fuffer  me  to  ftray  b : 
 Though  high  and  out  of  fight  it  be, 
 Vm  in  the  way,  the  way's  in  me  *=. 
 'Tis  ilraight  %  yet  full  of  heights  and  depths  ^  j 
 
 1  keep  the  way  ' ,  the  way  me  keeps  ?. 
 And  being  that  to  which  i  tend. 
 
 My  very  way's  my  journey's  end  '^ 
 "When  I'm  in  company  I  groan, 
 Bccaufc  I  then  am  mofl  alone  '  j 
 
 enttr  into  the  iiolieft  by  the  blood  of  Jefus,  by  a  new  and  living  way,  which 
 ht  hatli  confe.Tuted  tor  us,  through  th«'vail,  ihat  is  to  fay,  his  flefli. 
 
 y  T  Cor.  xiii.  :i-  For  now  we  fee  through  a  glafs,  daikly  ;  but  then  face  to 
 face  :  now  1  know  in  part ;  but  then  fliall  I  know  even  as  alfo  I  am  known. 
 
 2  John  XVI.  10.    I  go  to  my  Fither,  and  ye  fee  mc  no  more- 
 
 a  Jolm  xiv  6.  Jelus  faith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way  : — no  man  cometh  unto 
 the  Fa'htr,  but  by  me. 
 
 b  Ifaiah  xlli.  i6.  And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not ; 
 I  win  lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have  not  known  :  I  will  make  darknefs 
 light  before  them,  and  crooked  things  flraight.  Thefe  things  will  1  do  unto 
 them,  And  not  forfake  them.  Chap.  Iv.  4.  Behold,  1  have  given  him  tor  a, 
 leader  and  commander  to  the  people. 
 
 C  Tfaiah  xxxv.  8,  And  p.n  high-way  fliall  be  there,  and  a  way,  and  it  fhall 
 te  caiicd  the  way  ot  holinefs  ;  the  unclean  fliall  not  pafs  ovtT  it,  hut  it  fliill 
 bt  for  thofe  :  the  wayfaiing  men,  though  fools,  fliall  not  err  therein.  John 
 XV.  4.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you  Chap.  xvii.  zj.  1  in  them,  and  thou  in 
 nic,  that  they  mny  be  made  perfeA  in  one,  and  that  the  world  may  know 
 that  thou  haft  fent  me,  and  haft  loved  them,  as  thou  hafl:  loved  me.  Verle  z6. 
 And  I  have  declared  unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it :  that  the  love 
 vhsrewith  th'JU  hafl  loved  me,  may  be  in  them,  and  I  in  them. 
 
 d  Matth.  iii  3.  This  is  he  that  was  fpoken  of  by  the  prophet  Efaias,  faving. 
 The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderncfs.  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord, 
 maiiC  his  paths  (Iraight. 
 
 e  Ifaiah  x\,  3,  4.  The  voice  of  him  that  crielh  in  the  wildernefs.  Prepare 
 ye  the  way  of  che  Lord,  make  flrcighc  in  the  defart  a  hi^h-way  for  our  God. 
 Every  valley  fliall  be  exaited,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  fliall  be  made  low; 
 and  the  crooked  flull  be  made  ilrcight,  and  the  rough  places  plain.  Chap, 
 xlii.  16.  See  If  tier  b.  Pfahu  Ixxvii.  1  3.  Thy  way,  O  Goii,  is  in  the  fandluary, 
 Verfe  19.  T  hy  way  is  in  the  fca,  aud  thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  thy 
 foot^eps  are  not  known. 
 
 /  Pfalm  xxxvii.  34.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  aud  keep  his  way,  and  \ie  fliall  exalt 
 thee  to  inherit  the  land. 
 
 g  Pfalni  cxxi.  3,  4.  He  will  not  fuffer  thy  foot  to  he  moved  :  he  that  kctp- 
 «th  thee  will  not  flumber.  Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Ifrael,  fliall  neither  flum- 
 bcr  nm-  deep. 
 
 A  Heb.  xii.  **,  *3,  14.  But  ye  arc  come  unto  mount  Sion,  and  unto  the 
 city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerufalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  com- 
 pany ot  angels,  to  the  general  ajTcnibly  and  church  of  the  firft-horn,  which  are 
 wtiltcn  in  heaven,  aud  to  God  the  judge  of  all,  and  to  the  fpirits  of  jurt  men 
 iii.uit  pevfetSl:,  and  to  Jelus  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  Mood 
 of  Ipriukling,  thit  fpeaktth  better  things  than  that  of  Abel,  i  Thefl".  iv.  17. 
 Then  wc  which  are  alive  and  remain,  fliall  be  caught  up  together  with  them 
 in  the  clondsj  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air  :  and  fo  fliall  we  ever  be  wiih  the 
 J.t  ru 
 
 i  Song  I   7.    Tell  njc,   O  thou  whom  thy  foul  loveth,  where  thou  fccdcft. 
 
Sect.  IV.     77:>^  Believer's  Riddle.         173 
 
 Yet,  in  my  clofeft  fecrecy, 
 
 I'm  joyful  in  my  company  ^. 
 
 I'm  heard  afar  ',  without  a  noife ; 
 
 I  cry  without  a  Hfted  voice      : 
 
 Still  moving  in  devotion's  fphere  ", 
 
 Yet  feldom  fteady  perfevcre  ". 
 
 I'm  heard  when  anfwcr'd  foon  or  late  r". 
 
 And  heard  when  I  no  anfwer  get ''  ; 
 
 Yea,  kindly  anfwer'd,  when  refus'd  ^, 
 
 And  friendly  treat  when  harfhly  us'd  *. 
 
 My  fervent  pray'rs  ne'er  did  prevail  % 
 
 Nor  e'er  of  prevalency  fail  ^ 
 
 where  tliou  makefl  thy  flock  to  reft  at  noon  :    for  why  fliould  I  be  as  one  that 
 turncth  afidc  by  the  flocks  of  thy  companions  ? 
 
 k  Song  vii.  II,  11.  Come,  my  beloved,  let  us  go  forth  into  the  field  :  let  us 
 lodge  in  the  villages.  Let  us  get  up  early  to  the  vineyards ;  let  us  fee  if  the  vine 
 flourifli,  whether  the  tender  grape  appear,  and  the  pomegranates  bud  forth  : 
 there  will  I  give  thee  my  loves. 
 
 /  Pfalm  XX.  6.  Now  know  I,  that  the  Lord  faveth  his  anointed  :  he  will  hear 
 him  from  his  holy  heaven,  with  the  faving  ftrength  of  his  right-hand. 
 
 m  I  Sam  i.  13, — is  Now  Hannah,  llie  fpake  in  her  heart,  on-ly  her  lips 
 moved,  but  her  voice  was  not  heard  :  therefore  Eli  tliought  flie  had  been 
 drunken.  And  Eli  faid  unto  her,  How  long  wilt  thou  be  drunken  ;  put  away 
 thy  wine  from  thee.  And  Hannah  anfwered  and  faid,  No,  my  lord  ;  I  am  a 
 women  of  a  forrowful  fpirit  :  I  have  drunk  neither  wine,  nor  flrong  drink, 
 but  have  poured  out  my  foul  before  the  Lord. 
 
 «   I  Thefi'.  V.  17.  Pray  without  ccafing. 
 
 0  Hofea  vi.  4.  O  Ephraim,  what  fliall  I  do  unto  thee  ?  O  Judah,  what 
 fliall  I  do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  goodnefs  is  as  a  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early 
 dew  it  goeth  away. 
 
 p  Ifaiah  xlix.  8.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  In  an  acceptable  time  have  1  heard 
 thee,  and  in  a  day  of  falvation  have  I  helped  thee. 
 
 q  Matth.  xxvi.  39.  And  Jcfus  went  a  little  further,  and  fell  on  his  face, 
 and  prayed,  faying,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  poffible,  let  this  cup  pafs  from  me: 
 neverthelefs,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 
 
 r  Pfalm  xxii.  i, — 3.  My  God,  my  God,  why  haft  thou  forfaken  me  ?  why 
 art  thou  fo  far  from  helping  me,  and  from  the  words  of  my  roaring  ?  O  my 
 God,  I  cry  in  the  day-time,  but  thou  heareft  not;  and  in  the  night-feafoa, 
 and  am  not  fdent.  But  tliou  art  holy,  O  thou  that  inhabiteft  the  praifes  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 /  Heb.  xii.  5, — 10.  And  ye  have  forgotten  the  exhortation  which  fpeaketh 
 unto  you  as  unto  children,  My  fon,  defpife  not  thou  the  chaftening  of  the 
 Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him.  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth, 
 he  chafteneth,  and  fcourgeth  every  fon  whom  he  recelveth.  If  ye  endure  chaf- 
 tening, God  dealeth  with  you  as  with  fons  :  for  what  fon  is  he  whom  the  fa- 
 ther chafteneth  not?  gut  if  ye  be  Avithout  chaftifemcnt,  whereof  all  are  partak- 
 ers, then  are  ye  baftards,  and  not  fons.  Furthermore,  wc  have  Lad  f.uhcrs 
 of  our  flefti,  which  corrected  us,  and  we  gave  them  reverence  :  fliall  we  not 
 much  rather  be  in  fubjeclion  unto  the  Fatlicr  of  fpirlts,  and  live  '  For  they 
 verily  for  a  few  days  chaftened  us  after  their  own  pleafure;  but  he  for  our  pro- 
 fit, that  we  might  be  partakers  of  his  holincfs. 
 
 s  Dan- ix.  1 8,  i().  OmyGod,  incline  thine  ear,  and  hear;  open  thine  cvt- 
 and  behold  our  de(oiationsj  and  the  cicy  v/hich  is  called  by  thy  name  :  foj  -.v 
 
174     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  III. 
 
 I  wrcflle  till  my  (Irength  be  fpent  ", 
 Yet  yield  when  ftrong  recruits  are  fent  ^. 
 
 I  languifli  for  my  Husband's  charms  '^'j 
 let  iaint  away  when  in  his  arms  "^. 
 My  fwecteft  health  does  ficknefs  prove ; 
 When  love  me  heals,  I'm  feek  of  love  y. 
 
 I  am  moft  merry  when  I'm  fad  ■"  ; 
 Moll  full  of  forrow  when  I'm  glad  ^ : 
 MoH  precious  when  I'm  moft  vile  ^, 
 And  moft  at  home  when  in  exile  ^. 
 
 do  not  prefent  our  fupplications  before  thee  for  our  righteoufnefTes,  but  for 
 thy  great  mercies.  O  Lord,  hear;  O  Lord  forgive;  O  Lord,  hearken  and  do; 
 defer  not,  for  thine  own  fake,  O  my  God  :  tor  thy  city,  and  thy  people  are 
 called  by  thy  name. 
 
 /  James  V.  16.  The  cflcdlual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth 
 much. 
 
 u  Gen.  xxxii.  24,  15.  And  Jacob  was  left  alone  :  and  there  wreflled  a  man 
 •with  him  until  the  breaking  of  the  day.  And  when  he  faw  that  he  prevailed 
 not  againft  him,  he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thi^h  :  and  the  hollow  of  Jacob's 
 thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he  wreflled  with  him. 
 
 V  Pfalm  cxxxviii.  3.  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  anfweredfl:  me  :  and 
 ftrengthenedft  me  with  ftrength  in  my  foul.  Gen.  xviii.  31,  33.  And  he  faid, 
 O  let  not  the  Lord  be  angry,  and  I  will  fpeak  yet  but  this  once  :  ptradvcnture 
 ten  fliall  be  found  there.  And  he  faid,  I  will  not  deftroy  it  for  ten's  fake.  And 
 the  Lord  went  his  way,  as  foon  as  he  had  left  communing  with  Abraham  :  and 
 Abraham  returned  unto  his  place. 
 
 -lV  Pfalm  Ixiii.  z.  My  flefli  longeth  to  fee  thy  power  and  thy  glory,  fo  as  I 
 have  feen  thee  in  the  fandluary.  And  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  dclired  of  the 
 Lord,  that  will  I  feck  alter,  that  J  may  dwell  in  the  houle  of  the  Lord  all  the 
 days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  tiie  Lord,  and  to  cm^uire  in  his 
 temple. 
 
 X  Rev.  i.  1 7.  And  when  I  faw  him,  I  fell  at  his  feet  as  dead :  and  he  laid  his 
 light-hand  upon  me,   faying  unto  me,   Fear  not  ;   J  am  the  firfl  and  the  laft. 
 
 y  Song  ii.  4,  s-  He  brought  me  to  the  banquetting-houfe,  and  his  banner 
 over  me  was  love.  Stay  me  with  flaggons,  comfort  me  with  apples ;  for  I  am 
 fick  of  love. 
 
 z  a  Cor.  vii.  10.  For  godly  forrow  worketh  repentance  unto  falvation  not  to 
 be  repented  of.  Eccl.  vii.  3.  Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter;  for  by  the  fadncfs 
 of  the  countenance  the  heart  is  made  belter. 
 
 a  Prov.  xiv.  13.  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is  forrowful  ;  and  the  end  of 
 that  myrth  is  hcaviiiefs. 
 
 b  Job  x!.  4.  Behold,  I  am  rile  !  what  fliall  I  anfwer  thee  ?  I  will  lay  mine 
 hand  upon  uiy  mouth.  Chap  xlii.  5,  6  J  have  heard  of  thee  by  tlie  hearing 
 of  the  eir  :  but  now  mine  eye  fecth  thee.  Wherefore  I  abhor  myfelt  and  re- 
 pent in  diift  and  aflies.  Jcr.  xxxi  iS, — io.  J  hivc  furely  heard  Ephraim  be- 
 moaning himfelf  thus,  Thou  hafl  chaftifcd  me,  and  1  was  chaftifed,  »s  a  bul- 
 lock unaccuflomed  to  tlie  yoke :  turn  thou  me,  and  I  will  be  turned  ;  for  thou 
 art  the  Lord  my  God.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented  ;  and  atter 
 that  I  was  inflrutfled,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh  :  I  was  .ifliamed,  yea,  eveo 
 confounded,  hecaufe  I  did  bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth.  Is  Rphralm  my 
 deaf  fon  1  is  he  a  ple.ifant  child  ?  for  fince  1  fpake  againft  him,  1  do  carneftly 
 remember  him  flill  :  therefore  my  bowels  are  troubled  for  him  ;  I  will  furely 
 have  merry  upon  him,   faith  the  Lord. 
 
 f  Ezck.  i.  I.  Now  it  came  to  pals  in  the  thirtieth  year,  in  the  fourth  month, 
 
Sect.  IV.     ^he  Believer's  Riddle.        175 
 
 My  bafe  and  honourable  birth 
 
 Excites  my  mourning  and  my  mirth  ^. 
 
 I'm  poor,  yet  (tor'd  with  untold  rent  ^ ; 
 
 Mod  weak,  and  yet  omnipotent  ^. 
 
 On  earth  there's  none  fo  great  and  high  '", 
 
 Nor  yet  fo  low  and  mean  as  I  ^  : 
 
 None  or  fo  fooliih  ',  or  fo  wife  ^  ; 
 
 So  often  fall,  fo  often  rife  K 
 
 in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  (as  I  was  among  the  captives  hy  the  river  of 
 Chebar,)  that  the  heavens  were  opened,  and  i  faw  vifions  of  God.  Rev.  i.^ 
 9,  10.  I  John,  who  alfo,  am  your  brother,  and  companion  in  tribulation,  and 
 in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jcfus  Chrlft,  was  in  the  ille  that  is  called  Pat- 
 mos,  for  the  word  ot  God,  and  for  the  teftimony  of  Jefus  ClirifV.  I  was  in 
 the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  hcari  behind  me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a  trum- 
 pet, &c.  Jolm  xvi.  31.  Behold,  the  hour  cornet!),  yea,  is  now  come,  that 
 ye  fliali  be  fcattered,  ever  man  to  his  oivn,  snd  Ihail  leave  mc  alone  :  and 
 yet  I  am  not  alone,  becaiife  the  Father  is  wiih  me. 
 
 d  Ezek.  xvi.  3,  4.  Thus  fdith  the  Lord  God  unto  Jerufalenj,  Thy  birth, 
 and  thy  nativity  is  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  thy  Father  was  an  Ainorite,  and  thy 
 mother  an  Hittite.  And  as  for  thy  nativity  in  the  day  thou  waft  born,  thy 
 navel  was  not  cut,  neither  waft  thou  vvaflied  in  water  to  fupple  thee  :  thou 
 waft  not  felted  at  all,  nor  fw.iddlcd  at  all.  John  i.  13.  Which  were  bc"n, 
 not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flefli,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God. 
 Pfalm  li.  5.  Behold,  I  was  fhapen  in  iniquity  :  and  in  fin  did  my  mother  con- 
 ceive me.  I  Pet  i.  3.  Blefled  be  the  God  uid  Fatiier  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift, 
 wiiich  according  to  his  abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a  lively 
 hope,  by  the  refurredlion  of  Jefus  Ciirift  from  the  dead. 
 
 e  Rev.  iil.  17,  18.  Becaufe,  thou  fayeft  I  am  rich,  and  increafed  with  goods, 
 and  have  need  of  nothing;  and  Icnowtft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  mi- 
 ferai'le,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  I  counfe!  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold 
 tried  in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayft  be  rich  ;  and  white  raiment,  that  thou  niayft 
 be  clothed,  and  that  the  fiiamc  of  thy  nikednefs  do  not  appear  ;  and  anoint 
 thine  eyes  with  eyc-falvc,  that  thou  mayft  fee.  Eph.  iii.  8.  Unto  me  who  am 
 lefs  than  tlie  Icaft  of  all  (aints,  is  this  grace  given,  that  1  fliould  preach  amon? 
 the  Gentiles  the  unfearchable  riches  of  Chrift. 
 
 /  John  XV  5.  Without  me  yc  cin  do  nothing.  Phil.  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all 
 thini;s  through  Chrift  which  ftrengtheneth  me 
 
 g  Pfdmxvi  3  But  to  the  faints  tliat  ars  in  the  earth,  and  to  the  excellent 
 in  whom  is  all  my  elight.  Ifaiah  xliii.  4.  Since  thou  waft  precious  in  my  fight, 
 thou  haft  been  honourabie,  and  I  have  loved  thee;  tlicrefore  will  I  give  men 
 for  thee,  and  people  for  thy  life. 
 
 /;  tph  iii.  8  Sec  letter  f.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  (liyino;,  and 
 worthy  of  all  acceptation,  ^hat  Chrift  jelus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  finners ; 
 of  whom  I  am  chief. 
 
 i  Plahii  Ixxiii  ii.  So  foollfli  was  I  and  ignorant :  I  w:is  as  a  heart  before 
 thee  t'rov.  xxx.  i,  3.  Surely  I  am  more  br'atiHi  ch  in  any  man,  and  have  not 
 the  und^rftanding  of  a  man.  I  neither  learned  wildom,  nor  have  the  know- 
 ledge of  the  holy. 
 
 k  I  Cor  i.  30  But  of  hirn  are  ye  in  Cluift  Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  unfn 
 us  wildom,  &c.  Matth.  xi.  15,  16  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  fn'd,  I 
 thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe  thmf  haft  hid  thcfe 
 things  from  the  wife  and  prndcnr,  and  haft  rcavealcd  thtm  vnto  babes.  Even 
 fo.  Father,  for  fo  it  feemcd  good  in  thy  fight.  Chap  xiii.  ti  Jelus  .-nfwered 
 and  faid  unto  them,  Becaufe  it  is  given  un?o  you  to  t.now  the  ■nyfteries  ot  the 
 kingnom  of  luavjn,   but  to  t-hem  if  is  not  liven. 
 
 /  Prov.  xxlv.  16.  A  juft  man  falieth  fcveu  times,  and  rifcth  up  again. 
 
17^       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartIII. 
 
 1  feeing  him  I  never  faw  '", 
 
 Serve  without  tear,  and  yet  with  awe  ". 
 
 Though  love,  when  perfect,  fear  remove  °  ; 
 
 Yet  moll  1  fear  when  molt  i  love  p. 
 
 All  things  are  lawful  unto  me  'i. 
 
 Yet  many  things  unlawful  be  '  : 
 
 To  feme  I  per  fed  hatred  bear  ^, 
 
 Yet  keep  the  law  of  love  entire  \ 
 
 l*m  bound  to  love  my  friends  t,  but  yet 
 
 1  fm  unlefs  i  do  them  hate  u : 
 
 I  am  oblig'd  to  hate  my  foes  % 
 
 Yet  bound  to  love  and  pray  for  thofe  '^. 
 
 m  1  Pet.  I.  8.  Whom  having  not  fcen,  ye  love;  in  whom  tliough  now 
 ye  fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  with  joy  unfpeakahle,  and  full  of 
 glory.  Heb.  xi.  i.  Now  faith  is  the  fiibftance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evi- 
 dence of  things  not  feen. 
 
 K  Luke  i.  74.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we  being  delivered  out 
 of  the  hand  of  our  entmies,  mii^ht  ferve  him  without  fear.  Heb.  xii.  jg. 
 "Wherefoie  we  receiving  a  kiiigt'om  which  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace 
 wljcreby  we  may  ferve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence  and  goJIy  fear. 
 
 0  I  John  iv.  1 8-  There  is  no  fear  in  love  ;  but  perfedt  love  caftcth  out  fear: 
 bccaufc  fear  hath  torment  :  he  thattcareth,  is  not  made  perfedt  in  love. 
 
 f  Jcr.  xxxiii.  9.  And  it  fliall  be  to  me  a  name  of  joy,  of  praifc,  and  an  ho- 
 nour before  all  the  naions  of  tlie  eartli,  which  fliall  hear  all  the  good  that  I 
 do  unto  them  :  and  they  (\\.\.\\  fe:u-  and  tremble  for  all  the  goodnefs,  and  for 
 all  the  profperity  that  1  procure  unto  it.  Hofea  iii.  5.  Afterwards  fhail  tlie 
 children  of  Ilracl  retiun,  and  feck  the  Lord  tiuir  God,  and  David  their  king; 
 and  fliall  fear  the  Lord,  and  his  goodnefs  in  the  latter  days. 
 
 q  I  Cor.  vi.  11.  All  things  aie  lawful  unto  me,  but  all  things  are  not  expe- 
 dient: all  things  are  lawful  for  me,  but  1  will  not  be  brought  under  the  povycr 
 of  any. 
 
 r  Exod.  XX.  I, — 17.  And  Cod  fpake  all  thefe  words,  faying,  I  am  the  Lord 
 thy  GoJ,  which  have  brought  ihce  out  of  the  laud  of  E^yP't  out  of  the  boufe 
 of  bondage.     Thou  flialt  have  no  other  gods  before  me,  &c. 
 
 f  Pfalm  cxxxix.  ii,  iz.  Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord,  that  hate  tliee  .'  and 
 am  not  I  grieved  with  thofe  that  rife  up  againfl  thee  :  I  hate  them  with  perfect 
 hatred  :    I  count  them  mine  enemies 
 
 s  X  Chron.  xlx.  z.  And  Jeliu  the  fon  of  HananI  the  fcer,  went  out  to  meet 
 him,  and  f.iid  to  kin'^  Jehofliapliat,  Shouldft  thou  help  the  ungodly,  and  love 
 tbem  that  hate  the  Lord  ?  tliercforc  is  wrath  u[)on  thee  from  beTorc  the  Lord. 
 
 /  Lev.  xix.  16.  Thov*  fhall  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any  grudge  sgainft  the 
 children  of  thy  people;  but  thou  flialt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfclf:  lam 
 the  Lord. 
 
 u  Luke  xiv.  x6.  If  any  man  come  tome,  and  hate  not  his  father,  and  mo- 
 ther, and  wife,  and  children,  and  brethren,  and  fillers,  yea,  and  his  own  life 
 aifo,  he  cannot  be  my  difciplc. 
 
 V  Viz.  yJs  they  are  t  be  foes  of  Cod.  Judg.  v.  ji.  So  let  tliinc  taemles  perifli, 
 O  Lord  :  but  let  them  that  love  him,  be  as  the  fun  when  he  i;octh  forth  in  his 
 alight.  Pfalm  xvii.  i^,  ij.  Arifc,  O  Lord,  difappt)int  him,  ca(t  him  down  ^ 
 deliver  my  foul  from  'lie  wicked,  which  is  thy  fworj  :  from  men  wiiich  are  thy 
 hand,  O  Lord,  from  men  ui  the  world,  which  have  their  pettion  in  this  life, 
 and  whofc  belly  thou  filKft  with  tliyhid  treafure  :  they  *re  full  of  children, 
 and  leave  the  reflof  tijeir  (ubflance  to  tiieir  babes. 
 tv  Matth.  V.  44.    But  (  fay  unto  you,    Love  your  f  neniics,  blcfs  them  ih.-iT 
 
Segt.V.       27^^  Believer's  Riddle.       177 
 
 Heart-love  to  man  I'm  call'd  t'  impart. 
 Yet  God  flill  calls  for  all  my  heart  ^. 
 I  do  him  and  his  fervice  both 
 By  nature  love  -",  by  nature  lothe^. 
 
 SECT.    V. 
 
 Myjleries  about  Flejh  and  Spirit,  Liberty  and  Bondage, 
 Life  and  Death. 
 
 U  C  H  like  my  heart  both  falfe  and  true  % 
 1  have  a  name  both  old  and  new  ^» 
 No  ncvf  thing  is  beneath  the  fun  ^ ; 
 Yet  all  is  new,  and  old  things  gone  ^. 
 Though  in  my  flefh  dwells  no  good  thing  ^, 
 Yet  Chri/i  in  me  I  joyful  fing  f, 
 
 ciirfe  you,  do  good  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  defpitefully 
 ufeyou,  and  pcrfecutj  you. 
 
 X  Matth.  xix  ip.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  Thou  flialt  love  thy  neighbour  as 
 thyfelf.  Chap,  xxii  37.  Thou  flialt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart, 
 and  with  all  thy  foul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 
 
 y  I  John  V.  z.  By  this  we  know  that  we  love  the  children  of  God,  when  we 
 love  God  and  keep  his  commandments 
 
 r  Rom.  viii.  7.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  againft  God:  for  it  is  not  fub- 
 je<£l  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  Col.  i.  a  i.  And  you  that  were 
 fjmetime  alienated,  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by  wicked  works,  yet  now  hath 
 he  reconciled. 
 
 a  Jcr.  xvii.  9.  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  defperately  wic- 
 ked, who  can  know  it.  Heb.  x.  az.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in 
 full  affurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts  fprinkled  from  an  evil  confciencc, 
 and  our  bodies  waflied  with  pure  water. 
 
 h  Rom.  ix.  15,  i6.  As  he  faith  alfo  in  Ofee,  I  will  call  them  my  people, 
 which  were  not  my  people;  and  her,  beloved,  which  was  not  beloved.  And 
 it  fliall  come  to  pafs,  that  in  the  place  where  it  was  faid  unto  them,  Ye  are  not 
 my  people  ;  there  fliall  they  be  called,  The  children  of  the  living  Gud.  Rev. 
 ii.  17.  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  Spirit  faith  unto  the  church- 
 es. To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hidden  manna,  and 
 •will  give  him  a  white  ftone,  and  in  the  flone  a  new  name  written,  which  no 
 man  knowtth,  faving  he  that  receiveth  it.  Ciiap.  iii.  iz.  Him  that  over- 
 cometh will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the  temple  of  my  God,  and  lie  fliall  go  no  more 
 out  :  and  I  will  write  upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of  the 
 city  of  my  God,  which  is  new  ferufalem,  which  cometli  down  out  of  heaven 
 from  my  God,  and  I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  name. 
 
 c  Eccl.  i.  9.  The  thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  that  which  fliall  be  ;  and  that 
 which  is  done,  is  that  which  fliall  be  done  :  and  there  is  new  no  thing  under 
 the  fun. 
 
 d  a  Cor.  v.  17.  If  any  man  be  in  Chrifl;,  he  is  a  new  creature  :  old  things 
 are  pad:  away  ;  behold,  all  things  are  become  new.  Rev.  xxi.  5.  And  he  that 
 {■\t  upon  the  throne,  faid.  Behold,   I  make  all  things  new. 
 
 (  Rom.  vii.  18.  For  1  know,  that  in  me,  (that  is,  in  my  flefli)  dwelleth  n» 
 good  tiling :  for  to  will  is  prefent  with  me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is 
 good,   I   find  not. 
 
 /  Col.  i  17.  To  whom  God  would  make  known  what  is  the  riGhes  of  the 
 glory  of  this  myftcry  among  the  Gentiles ;  which  is  Chrift  in  you,  the  hope 
 of  glory. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Z 
 
178      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 Sin  I  confefs,  and  I  deny: 
 For,  though  I  Cm,  it  is  not  I  s. 
 I  fin  againft,  and  with  my  will  ^  ; 
 I'm  innocent,  yet  guilty  ilill '. 
 Though  fain  i'd  be  the  greatefl  faint  k. 
 To  be  the  leaft  I'd  be  content  K 
 My  lownefs  may  my  height  evince  '^, 
 I'm  both  a  beggar  and  a  prince  ". 
 With  meanefl  fubjefts  I  appear". 
 With  kings  a  royal  fceptre  bear  i'. 
 
 g  Rom.  vii.  14, — 10  For  we  know  that  the  l.iw  is  fpiritual :  but  I  am  car- 
 nal, fold  under  I'm.  For  that  which  I  do,  I  allow  not  :  tor  that  I  would,  that 
 I  do  not ;  but  what  1  hate  that  do  I.  If  then  I  do  that  wliich  I  would  not,  I 
 confcnt  unto  die  law,  that  it  is  good.  Now  then,  ic  is  no  more  I  that  do  it, 
 but  fin  that  dwelleth  in  mc.  For  I  know,  that  in  me,  (that  is,  in  my  flefli) 
 dwelleth  no  good  thing  :  for  to  will  is  prtfent  with  me,  but  how  to  perforni 
 that  which  is  good,  I  find  not.  For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not ;  but  the 
 evil  which  [  would  not,  that  I  do.  Now,  if  1  do  that  I  would  not,  it  is  no 
 more  I  that  do  it,  but  (in  that  dwelleth  in  me.  1  John  iii.  p.  Whofoever  is 
 bom  of  God,  doth  not  commit  fin;  for  his  feed  rcmaincth  in  him:  and  he 
 cannot  Qn,  becaufe  he  is  born  of  God. 
 
 /;  Rom.  vii.  21, — 15.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I  would  do  good,  evil 
 Is  prefent  with  me.  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God,  after  the  inward  man. 
 But  I  fee  another  law  in  my  members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind, 
 and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law   of  lin,  which  is  in   my  members. 
 
 0  wretched  man  that  I  am  !   v.'ho  fliall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ? 
 
 1  thank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.     So  then,  with  the  mind  1  my- 
 fclf  ferve  the  law  of  God;  but  with  the  flelli  the  law  of  fin. 
 
 i  Pfal  xix.  1  3  Keep  back  thy  fcrvant  alio  from  prefumptuous  fins,  let  them 
 not  have  dominion  over  me:  then  Iball  1  be  upright,  and  I  iliall  be  innocent 
 from  the  great  tranfgreffion  And  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  iLouldft  mark  ini- 
 quities ;   O  Lord,  who  lliall  ftand  } 
 
 k  Pfal  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defircd  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  feek  af- 
 ter, that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  all  the  d.iys  of  my  life,  to  be- 
 hold the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  cm^uirc  in  hii  temple. 
 
 /  Pfal  Ixxxiv.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thoufand  :  I  had 
 rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  hoaic  of  ray  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
 wicktdnefs. 
 
 »/  Job  V.  II.  To  fct  up  on  high  tliofe  that  be  low;  that  thofe  which  mourn 
 may  be  exalted  to  fafety. 
 
 n  I  Sam.  ii.  8.  The  Lord  raiftth.,up  the  poor  out  of  theduft,  and  lifttt'i  up 
 the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,  to  '  t  them  among  princes,  and  to  m  ke  them 
 inherit  tlie  throne  of  glory  ;  for  the  pillars  of '.lie  eartli  are  the  Lord's,  and  he 
 hath  fet  the  world  upon  them.  Gen.  xxxii.  28.  And  the  angel  fald,  Thy  name 
 Jliall  be  called  no  more  Jacob,  1  uc  Jfracl  :  for,  as  a  prince  thou  haft  power 
 with  God  and  with  men,  and  hift  prevaile<I.  Rev,  i.  j,  6.  Unto  him  that 
 loved  us,  and  waflied  us  from  our  fins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath  m.idc  us 
 kitigs  and  priefts  unto  God;  to  him  be  glory  anj  domiaion  for  ever  and  ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 0  Phil  ii  10.  That  at  the  name  of  Jefus  every  knee  llumld  bow,  of  things 
 in  heaven,  and  things  in  ejrth,  and  things  under  the  earth.  Heb  i  6.  And  a- 
 gain,  when  he  bringctii  the  fii  ft-hcgotte.i  into  the  world,  he  faith,  And  let  all 
 the  angels  of  God  wurfliip  him. 
 
 p  Rev.  ii.  a6,  17.  And  he  that  overcomctli,  and  kccpclh  my  words  unto  the 
 end,  to  him  will  I  give  power   over   tiic  nations  :  (and  he   fluU  rule   thcra 
 
Sect.V.     The  Believer's  Riddle.         179 
 
 I'm  both  unfetter  d  and  involved  "^  ; 
 
 By  law  condemn'd,  by  law  abfolv'd'. 
 
 My  guilt  condignly  punifli'd  fee. 
 
 Yet  I  the  guilty  wretch'd  go  free  K 
 
 My  gain  did  by  my  lofs  begin  ^ ; 
 
 My  righteoufnefs  commenc'd  by  fin"; 
 
 My  pcrfed  peace  by  bloody  ftrife  ''  ; 
 
 Life  is  my  death,  and  death  my  life  ^''. 
 
 I'm  (in  this  prefent  life  I  know) 
 
 A  captive  and  a  free-man  too  '^  ; 
 
 And  though  my  death  can't  fet  mc  free. 
 
 It  will  perfe6:  my  liberty  >'. 
 
 I  am  not  worth  a  dufly  grain, 
 
 Yet  more  than  worlds  of  golden  gain ; 
 
 with  a  rod  of  Iron :  as  the  vefTels  of  a  potter  flial!  they  be  broken  to  flilvcrs) 
 even  as  I  received  of  my  Father. 
 
 q  Pfdl.  cxTi.  16.  Oh,  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fervant,  I  am  thy  fervant,  and 
 the  fon  of  thy  handmaid  :  thou  hall  loofed  my  bonds.  Rom  vii  13.  But  I 
 fee  another  law  in  my  members,  warring  ajainfl  the  law  of  my  mind,  and 
 bring  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  lln,  which  is  in  my  members. 
 
 r  John  iii.  lo.  For  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is  greater  than  our  heart, 
 and  knoweth  all  things.  Rom.  viii.  i.  There  is  tlierefore  now  no  condemna- 
 tion to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after 
 the  Spirit.  Ver.  33,  34.  Who  fliill  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  tledt? 
 It  is  God  that  juftifieth  :  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died, 
 yea,  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right-hand  of  God,  who  alfo 
 make  h  interceffion  for  us. 
 
 s  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrifl  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being 
 made  a  curfe  for  us :  for  it  is  writen,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a 
 tree. 
 
 t  Rom.  iii.  13,  24.  For  all  have  finned,  and  come  fliort  of  the  glory  of  God; 
 being  juflified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus 
 Chrifl. 
 
 u  Rom.  iii.  5.  But  if  our  unrightcoufnefs  commend  the  righteoufnefs  of 
 Gotl,  what  fliall  we  fay  ?  Chap.  v.  ao,  21.  But  where  fin  abounded,  grace 
 did  much  more  abound  :  that  as  fin  hath  reij;ned  unto  death,  even  fo  might 
 grace  reign  tliroiigh  rigliteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 V  Col.  i.  lo.  And  (having  made  peace  through  the  blood  of  his  crofs)  by 
 him  to  reconcile  all  things  unto  himfeif ;  by  him,  I  fay,  whe  her  they  be  things 
 in  earth,   or  things  in  heaven. 
 
 w  The  life  of  fin  is  our  death,  i  Tim.  v.  6.  But  flie  that  liveth  in  pleafure,  is 
 dead  while  file  livfth.  The  death  of  Chriji  our  life,  z  Cor  v.  14,  ij.  For  the 
 love  of  Chrid  conflraincth  us,  becaufc  we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for  all, 
 then  were  all  dead  :  and  thit  he  died  for  all,  -Jiat  they  which  live,  fliould  not 
 henceforth  live  unto  ihemfelves,  but  unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and  rufe 
 again. 
 
 X  Rom.  vii.  13.  ?ee  letter  y.  Chap,  viii  2.  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life, 
 in  Chrift  :e<us,  hath  made  me  free  fiom  the  law  of  fin  ancj  de.uh. 
 
 y  John  viii.  3*;!.  Ifih«  Son  thereforefliall  makeyou  free, y,  fliall  befree  indeed. 
 Rev.  xiv.  13.  And  T  heard  a  vo.cc  frons  heaven,  faying  unto  me,  Write,  Blef- 
 fed  arc  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henreforth:  Yea,  faith  ibe  Spi- 
 rit, that  they  may  refl  from  their  labours,  and  their  wc-ks  do  follow  them. 
 2  Cor.  V.  4.  For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened  : 
 
 I    2 
 
i8o    GOSPFL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 Though  worthlefs  I  myfelf  indite. 
 Yet  fhall  as  worthy  walk  in  white  ='. 
 
 SECT.     VI. 
 
 ^he  Myjiery  of  Free  Justification  through  Christ's 
 Obedience  and  Satisfadion, 
 
 NO  creature  ever  could  or  will 
 For  fin  yield  fatisfa£tion  full  a  ; 
 Yet  juftice  from  the  creature's  hand 
 Both  fought  and  got  its  full  demand  •*. 
 Hence  though  I  am,  as  well  I  know, 
 A  debtor^,  yet  I  nothing  owe^. 
 My  creditor  has  nought  to  fay% 
 Yet  never  had  1  aught  to  pay  f. 
 He  freely  pardon'd  every  mite  s. 
 Yet  would  no  (ingle  farthing  quit  '\ 
 
 nor  for  that  we  would  be  unclothed  but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  mighty 
 be  fwallowcd  up  of  lift. 
 
 :  Gen.  xxxii.  lo.  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  leaft  of  all  the  mercies,  and  of  all 
 the  truth,  which  thou  haft  fliewtd  unto  thy  fervant;  for  with  my  fiaff  I  paffed 
 over  this  Jord.tn,  and  now  I  am  become  two  ban  Is.  Rev.  iii.  4.  Thou  haft  a 
 tew  narnes  even  in  Sardis,  which  have  not  defiled  their  garments ;  and  they  fliall 
 walk  with  me  in  white;   for  they  are  worthy. 
 
 a  Pfal.  xlix.  8.  For  the  redemption  of  their  foul  is  precious,  and  it  ceafeth 
 for  ever.  I/a.  xl.  16.  And  Lebanon  is  not  fuJEcient  to  burn,  nor  all  the 
 loeafts  thereof  for  a  burnt-ofFering. 
 
 b  Pfal.  xl.  <5.  S.icrifice  and  offering  thou  didft  not  defire,  mine  ear  thou  haft 
 opened  :  burnt-offering  and  lin  offering  haft  thou  not  required.  Heb.  x.  j,  (J,  7. 
 Wherefore  when  he  cometh  into  the  world,  he  faith,  S.icrifice  and  offering 
 thoii  wouldft  not,  but  a  body  haft  thou  prepared  me  :  in  burnt-offerings  and 
 /acriiices  for  fin  thou  haft  had  no  pUafure  :  then  faid  I,  Lo,  I  come  (in  the 
 volume  of  the  book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy  will,  O  God.  Eph.  v.  z. 
 Chrift  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  offering  and  a  facrifice 
 to  God  for  a  fweet-fmelling  favour. 
 
 c  Mat.  vi.  iz.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors. 
 a  Rom.  iii.  24,  zj.  Being  juftified  freely  by  his  gace,  through  the  redem- 
 tion  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift  :  whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation, 
 through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  rightcoufnefs  for  the  reniiffion 
 of  fins  that  arc  paft,  through  the  forbearance  of  God.  Heb.  x.  14.  For  by 
 one  offering  he  hath  perfedled  for  ever  them  that  are  {andliiicd. 
 
 e  Rom.  viii.  33,  34,  Who  lliall  lay  any  thini;  to  the  charge  of  God's  elccT:  ? 
 It  is  God  tl.at  juftifieth  :  who  is  he  that  condcmncth .'  It  is  Chrift  thjt  died, 
 yea,  rather,  that  is  riftn  again,  who  is  even  at  tht  right-hand  of  God,  who  al- 
 io maketh  interceffion  for  us. 
 
 /  Rom  v.  6.  For  when  we  were  yet  without  ftrength,  in  due  time  Chrift 
 died  (or  the  ungodly.  Ver.  8  But  God  commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in 
 that  while  we  were  yet  finners,  Crift  died  for  us. 
 
 g  Acfls  xiii  38,  3p.  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  br;thren, 
 that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgivcnefs  of  fins :  and  by  him 
 all  that  believe  arejuftifitd  from  all  things  from  which  ye  could  not  be  juftified 
 by  the  law  of  Mofts. 
 
 'J  Rom.  iii,  24,  15.  See  letter  rf.  Chap.  viii.  zi.  He  fparcd  not  his  own 
 Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all. 
 
Sect,  VI.    Tib^  Believer's  Riddle.         i8i 
 
 Hence  ev'ry  blifs  that  falls  to  me 
 Is  dearly  bought,  yet  wholly  free'. 
 All  pardon  that  I  need  I  have, 
 Yet  daily  pardon  need  to  crave  K 
 The  law's  arreft  keeps  me  in  awe ', 
 But  yet  'gainft  me  there  is  no  law '". 
 Though  truth  my  juft  damnation  crave  ", 
 Yet  truth's  engag'd  my  foul  to  lave  «. 
 My  whole  falvation  comes  by  this, 
 Fair  truth  and  mercy's  mutual  kifs  P. 
 Law-breakers  ne'er  its  curfe  have  mifs'd ; 
 But  1  ne'er  kept  it,  yet  am  blefs'd  <i. 
 
 i  I  Pet.  i.  i8,  19.  Forafmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with 
 corruptible  things,  as  filver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  converfation  received 
 by  tradition  from  your  fathers;  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Chnft,  as  of 
 a  lamb  without  blemifli  and  without  fpot.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  wLom  we  have  re- 
 demption through  his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of  fins,  according  to  the  riches 
 of  his  grace,  z  Tim.  i.  9.  Who  hath  laved  us,  and  called  us  with  an  holy 
 calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpofe  and 
 grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Chrifl:  Jcfus,  bL-fore  the  workl  began. 
 
 k  Pfal.  ciii.  3.  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities:  who  heakth  all  thy  dif- 
 cafes.  And  xxv.  ii.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity : 
 for  it  is  very  great.  Luke  xi.  4.  And  forgive  us  our  fins  ;  for  we  alfo  forgive 
 every  one  that  is  indebted  to  ns.  Dan.  ix.  19  O  Lord,  heir;  O  Lord,  tor- 
 give;  O  Lord,  hearken  and  do  ;  defer  not.  for  thine  own  lake,  O  my  God: 
 for  thy  city,  and  thy  people  are  called  by  thy  name. 
 
 /  Pfal.  cxix.  110.  My  flefli  trembleth  for  tear  of  thee,  and  I  am  afraid  of  thy 
 judgments.  Rom.  vii.  9.  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once:  but  when  the 
 commandment  came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.  Ver.  13.  Was  then  that  which 
 is  good,  made  death  unto  mc  ?  God  forbid.  But  fin  that  it  might  appear  fin, 
 working  death  in  me  by  th.u  which  is  good ;  that  fin  by  the  commandment 
 might  become  exceeding  finful. 
 
 m  Gal.  v.  13.  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is— meeknefs,  temperance;  againft 
 fuch  there  is  no  latv.  i  Tim.  i.  9-  Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not  made 
 for  a  righteous  man,  but  for  the  lawlcfs  and  difobedient,  &c. 
 
 n  Ezek.  xviii.  4.  The  foul  that  finneth,  it  fliall  die. 
 
 0  I  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
 that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  finners ;   of  whom  I  am  chief. 
 
 />  Plal.  Ixxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together:  righteoufnefs  and 
 peace  have  kifled  each  other. 
 
 }  Gal.  iii.  20.  As  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the  curfe: 
 for  it  is  written,  Girfed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  written 
 in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  Ver.  13,  i4-  Chnft  hath  redeemed  us 
 from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed 
 is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree  :  that  the  bleffing  of  Abraham  might  come 
 on  the  Gentiles  through  Jefus  Chrift;  that  we  might  receive  the  promife  of  the 
 Spirit  through  faith.  n  n    1 
 
 r  Rom.  iii.  10.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  fliall  no  flefli  be 
 juftified  in  his  iloht  :  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fui.  Gal.  11.  i5. 
 Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  juftified  by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faiih 
 of  Jefus  Chrift;  even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chrill;  that  wc  nug.U  be  juiti- 
 fied  bv  the  faith  of  Chrift,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law :  tor,  by  the  works 
 cf  the  law fliill  no  flefli  be  juftif.cJ.     Chap.  iii.  1 1.  Bu.  that  no  man  is  lufti- 
 
iS2      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 I  cJin't  be  juflified  by  it  % 
 And  yet  can't  but  me  acquit  ^ 
 I'm  not  obliged  to  keep  it  more*, 
 Yet  more  oblig'd  than  e'er  before  ^ 
 By  perfecl  doing  life  I  find  " , 
 Yet  do  and  live  no  more  me  bind  ^. 
 Thefe  terms  no  change  can  undergo, 
 Y"et  fvveetly  chang'd  they  are  "^  ;  for  lo, 
 ]\ly  doing  caused  my  life  ",  but  now. 
 My  lifc''s  tlie  caufc  that  makes  me  do  >'. 
 
 fied  by  the  law  iu  the  fight  of  God,  it  is  evident ;  for,  The  jufb  fnall  live  by 
 I'aith. 
 
 /"Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  theref>^ire  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in 
 Chrift  Icfus.  Ver.  3,4.  For  what  the  hwcould  notdo,in  that  it  was  weak  through 
 the  flefli,  God  did,  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  fltfli,and  for  fin 
 condemned  fin  in  the  flefli  ;  tiiat  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfil- 
 ed  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after  the  Spirit.  2  Cor.  v.  it.  For 
 he  hath  made  him  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin;  that  we  might  be  made 
 the  rijihteoufhefs  of  God  in  him.  Rum.  iii  i6.  To  declare,  J  fay,  at  this  time 
 his  righteoufnefs ;  that  he  might  be  jufl:,  and  the  juftifier  of  him  which  believ- 
 cth  in  Jcfus. 
 
 s  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  fliall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are  not  under 
 the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal.  v,  i, — 4.  Stand  faft  therefore  in  tlie  liberty 
 wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  he  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke 
 ofbont!apc.  Bthold,  I  Paul  fay  untn  yo",  that  if  ye  be  circumcifcd,  Chrift 
 fiiall  profit  you  noiliing.  For  I  teflify  again  to  every  man  that  is  circumcifed, 
 that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the  whole  law.  Chrill  is  become  of  no  effecft  unto 
 you,  whofcever  of  you  are  juflified  by  the  law  ;   ye  are  fallen  from  grace. 
 
 t  Rom.  vi.  I,  z.  What  fliall  we  fay  then  .'  fliall  we  continue  in  fin  that 
 grace  may  abound  ?  God  forbid  :  how  fliall  we  that  are  dead  to  fin,  live  any 
 Jon"cr  therein?  Ver.  15.  What  then  ?  Shall  we  fin,  becaufc  we  are  not  unlcc 
 the  law,  but  under  grace?  God  forbid. 
 
 ?f  Rom.  V.  17,  18,  19.  They  which  receive  abundance  of  grace,  and  of  the 
 gift  of  rightcoufnefs,  fliall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jeius  Chnll. —  By  the  righte- 
 oufnefs  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  jufbficatio;i  of  life  — rBy 
 the  obedience  of  one  fliall  many  be  made  righteous. 
 
 V  R01T1.X.5, — 9.  For  Mofes  defcribeth  the  ri<;hteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the 
 law.  That  the  man  which  doth  thofe  things,  fliall  hve  by  them.  But  the 
 ligbteoufncfs  which  is  of  faith  fpcakcih  on  this  wife,  Say  not  in  thine  I-.eart, 
 Who  fliall  af-end  into  heaven  ?  (that  is,  to  bring  Chrift  down  from  above) ; 
 Or,  who  flull  defccnd  into  the  deep  ?  (that  is,  to  bring  up  Chrift  again  from 
 the  dead) :  But  what  faith  it?  The  w^rd  is  ni^h  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and 
 in  thy  heart:  that  is  the  word  of  f^ith  wJiich  we  preach,  That  if  thou  flialt 
 confcfs  villi  tby  mouth  the  Lord  Jcfus,  and  flialt  believe  in  thine  heart,  that 
 God  bath  r.iifca  him  from  the  dead,  thou  flialt  he  favcd. 
 
 •u'  Rom.  iii.  ?!.    Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?     God  for- 
 bid :  vea,  wc  cftablilh  the  law. 
 X  Rom.  T    J.   Seehttcrv. 
 
 y  John  xlv.  rp.  Becaufe  I  live,  ye  fliall  live  alfo.  Chap.  xv.  j.  I  am  the 
 ▼ine,  ye  are  the  branches  ;  he  tliat  abidcih  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  f.imc 
 luingeth  forth  much  fruit;  for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Rom.  rii.  4. 
 Wl.creforc,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  arc  bccnme  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of 
 Chrirt  ;  th.it  ye  flicukl  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed  from 
 the  dead,  that  we  fliould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.     Eztk.  xxxvi.  17.    And 
 
Sect.VL      T/^f  Believer's  Riddle.         183 
 
 Though  works  of  righteoufnefs  I  ftore  ^, 
 
 Yet  righteoufnefs  of  works  abhor  a  5 
 
 For  righteoufnefs  without  a  flaw  ' 
 
 Is  righteoufnefs  without  the  law  ^. 
 
 In  duty's  way  I'm  bound  to  ly  % 
 
 Yet  out  of  duties  bound  to  fly  ^  : 
 
 Hence  merit  I  renounce  with  fhame  % 
 
 Yet  right  to  life  by  merit  claim  *". 
 
 Merit  of  perfect  righteoufnefs 
 
 I  never  had  8,  yet  never  mifs  ^  ; 
 
 On  this  condition  1  have  all «, 
 
 Yet  all  is  unconditional  ^, 
 
 I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  caufe  you  to  walk  in  my  flatutes,  anJ  yc 
 fhall  k^p  my  judgments,  aad  do  them. 
 
 z  Fhil.  i.  J  I.  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteoufnefs,  which  are  by  Je- 
 fus  Chrift  unto  the  glory  and  praife  of  God. 
 
 a  Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufnefs, 
 which  ii  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righte- 
 oufnefs which  is  of  God  by  f.iith.  Ifaiah  Ixiv.  6.  All  our  righteoufnefs  are  as 
 filthy  rags.  Rom.  iv.  d.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcribed  the  blcfl'cdncfs  of  the 
 man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteouihefs  without  works. 
 
 b  Rom.  iii.  io, — xi.  Therefore,  by  the  deads  of  the  law,  there  fliall  no 
 flefli  be  juflificd  in  his  fight  :  for  by  the  Uw  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  But  now 
 the  righteoufnefs  of  God  without  tl>e  law  is  manifeficd,  being  witncfied  by  the 
 law  and  the  prophets  ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which  is  by  laith  of  Jefus 
 Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  nil  them  that  believe  ;   fcr  there  is  no  difference. 
 
 c  Prov.  viii.  34.  Blefled  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  watching  daily  at  my 
 gates,  waiting  at  the  pofts  of  my  doors. 
 
 d  li'aiah  Ivii.  ii.  1  will  declare  thy  righteoufnefs,  and  thy  works,  for  they 
 {liall  not  profit  thee.  Luke  ivii.  10.  W  hen  ye  Ihall  have  done  all  thofe  things 
 winch  are  cominanded  you,  fay,  Wc  arc  unprofitable  fervants :  we  have  done 
 that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 
 
 e  Pfalm  xvi.  a.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my 
 Lord:  my  goodnefs  ertendeth  not  to  thee.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31,  Not  for  your 
 fakes  do  1  this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  afliamtd  and 
 confounded  for  your  own  ways,   O  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 f  Rom.  V.  18,  19.  By  the  righteoufnefs  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all 
 men  unto  juftification  of  life — By  the  obedience  of  one,  fhall  many  be  made 
 righteous.  Ffaiah  xlv.  14,  z5.  Surely,  iliall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have  I 
 righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  :  even  to  him  fliall  men  coine,  and  all  that  are  in- 
 cenfed  agaiiift  him  fliall  be  afliamed.  Jn  the  Lord  fliall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael 
 be  juftified,  and  fliall  glory 
 
 g  Rom  iii.  9,  10.  What  then  ?  arc  we  bftte-r  than  tliev  ?  No,  in  no  wifi: ; 
 for  we  have  before  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all  under  fin  ; 
 as  it  is  written.  There  is  none  righteous,  no  not  one.  Verfe  19.  Now  we 
 know,  that  what  things  foever  the  l,;w  f^ith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under 
 the  law:  that  every  mouth  m.ay  be  ftoped,  and  all  the  world  mav  become  guilty 
 before  God. 
 
 h  I  Cor.  1   30.  But  of  him  are  yc  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto 
 us, — righteoufnefs.      Ifaiah  xlv.  ^^.     See  letter  f.      Jer    xxiii.  6.     In   his   days 
 Jud.di  ihall  he  faved,  and  Ifrael  fliall  dwell  fafely :  and  this  is  h's  name  whereby 
 ■     he  fliall  be  called.  The  Lord  oui  r  ighteousnes  1 
 
 :  Uaiah  ilii.  zi.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his  righteoufnefs'  fake;    he 
 
1 84 
 
 GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 Though  freed  mercy  I  implore  ', 
 Tet  I  am  fafe  on  jultice"  fcore  '", 
 Which  never  could  the  guilty  free  ", 
 "Yet  fully  clears  moft  guilty  me  ''. 
 
 SECT.    vir. 
 
 The  Myjlsry  of  God  the  Jiifiifier^  Rom.  iii.  26.  jujiijied 
 both  in  his  jifjiifying  and  condemning  ;  or^  Soul-jujlifi- 
 cation  and  Self-condemnation. 
 
 MY  Jefm  needs  not  fave  3,  yet  mufl  ^ ; 
 He  is  my  hope  ^,  I  am  his  truft  ^. 
 He  paid  the  double  debt,  "well  known 
 To  be  all  mine,  yet  all  his  own  ^ 
 
 will  inagniTy  the  law,  and  make  it  honourable.  IMatth.  iii.  ij.  Thus  it  bc- 
 cometh  us  to  fulfil  all  rij^htcoufnefs.  Vcrle  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven, 
 laying.  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  1  am  well-pleafed. 
 
 k  Ifaiah  Iv.  i.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirfleth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he 
 that  hath  no  money  ;  come  ye,  buy,  and  cat ;  yea,  come,  by  wine  and  milk 
 without  money  and  without  price.  Rev.  xxii.  17.  Whofoevcr  will,  let  hiiu 
 take  the  water  of  life  freely 
 
 /  Pfahn  li.  i.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  loving  kind- 
 nefs  :  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot  out  my  tranfgref- 
 ilons. 
 
 m  Rom.  iii.  14, — z<5.  Being  jnflified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  re- 
 demption that  is  in  Jefus  Clirifl  :  whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitia- 
 tion, through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufneis  for  the  remitSoH 
 of  fins  that  are  pafb,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at 
 this  time  his  rightcoufnefs :  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of  him 
 which  believeth  in  Jefus.  i  John  i.  9.  If  we  ccntcls  our  fins,  he  is  faithful, 
 ar.d  juft  to  forgive  us  our  fins,  and  to  cleanfc  us  from  all  unrighteoufnefs. 
 
 «  F.xod.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the  Lord  pafled  by  before  him,  and  proclaimed. 
 The  Lord,  The  Lord  God, — that  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty. 
 
 0  Rom.  iv.  5.  To  him  that  worketli  not,  but  bciicveth  on  him  that  juftificth 
 the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righlcoufiicfs. 
 
 a  Rom.  ix.  s-  Chrifl:  is  over  all,.  God  blelTcd  lor  ever. 
 
 b  John  X.  16.  And  other  flieep  I  have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold  :  them 
 alfo  I  mufl  bring,  and  they  fliall  hear  my  voice ;  and  there  fliall  be  one  fold, 
 and  one  Oupherd.  Verfe  18.  No  man  taketh  it  [xnz.  my  life]  from  me  ;  but 
 .1  lay  it  down  of  myfelf:  1  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I  have  powi  r  to 
 take  it  again.  This  commandment  have  I  received ^of  my  Father.  Luke  ii. 
 49.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them  [7);;.  Jofepii  and  his  mother,]  How  is  it  that  yc 
 lought  me  !  wift  ye  not  that  I  muft  be  about  my  Father's  buijncfs  1 
 
 c  Jer.  xiv.  8.  O  the  hope  of  Ifrael,  the  Saviour  thereof  in  time  of  trouble, 
 &c.  Chap.  xvii.  17.  Be  not  a  terror  unto  me  ;  thou  art  my  hope  in  the  day 
 of  evil.  I  Tim.  i.  i.  Paul  an  apoflle  of  Jtfus  Chrifl,  by  the  commandment 
 of  Go«l  our  Saviour,  and  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrilt,  which  is  our  hope. 
 
 A  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifcfted  thy  n.iinc  unto  the  men  which  diou  gavcft 
 meoiitof  the  world:  thine  they  were,  and  tliou  gavtfl  them  me.  x  Tim.  i.  la. 
 J  know  whom  I  have  believed  ;  and  I  am  perfuaded  that  he  it  able  to  keep 
 that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  agaiud  that  day. 
 
 e  Jfiiah  liii.  4, — 6.  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  for- 
 lows  ;  yet  we  did  eftecm  him  ftricken,  fmictcn  of  God,  and  afflldled.     But  he 
 
Sect.VIII.     7/6^  Believer's  Riddle.      i^S 
 
 Hence,  though  I  ne'er,  had  more  or  lefs 
 Of  juftice-pleafing  righteoufnefs  ^, 
 Yet  here  is  one  wrought  to  my  hand. 
 As  full  as  juftice  can  demand  s. 
 By  this  my  Judge  is  more  appeas'd 
 Than  e'er  my  fm  his  honour  les'd  h  : 
 Yea,  juftice  can't  be  pleas'd  fo  well 
 By  all  the  torments  borne  in  hell  \ 
 Full  fatisfadion  here  is  fuch, 
 As  hell  can  never  yield  fo  much  ^  ; 
 Though  juftice  therefore  might  me  damn, 
 Yet  by  more  juftice  fav'd  I  am  '. 
 
 xvas  wounded  for  our  tranfgreffions,  he  was  bruifed  for  our  iniquities :  iKo 
 chaftifement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and  with  his  (tripes  we  arc  heal- 
 ed. All  we  like  flieep  have  gone  aftray  :  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
 way,  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  Verfe  8.  For  the 
 tranfgreffion  of  my  people  was  he  ftricken.  Heb.  vii.  aa.  By  fo  much  was  Je- 
 fus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  teilament. 
 
 /Rom    iii.  9,  10,  19.     See  letter  g  forcclted. 
 
 g  Dan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon 
 thy  holy  city,  to  finifli  the  tranfgreirion,  and  to  make  an  end  of  (ins,  and  to 
 make  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everbfting  rightioufnefs,  &t. 
 Zech.  xiii.  7.  Awake,  O  fword,  againft  my  Shepherd,  and  againft  the  man 
 that  is  my  fellow,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts :  fniite  the  Shepherd,  and  the  flicep 
 (hall  be  fcattered  ;    and  I  will  turn  mine  hand  upon  the  little  ones, 
 
 h  Rom.  V.  8, — II.  But  God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that  while 
 we  were  yetfinners,  Chrift  died  for  us.  Much  more  then,  being  now  juftified 
 by  his  blood,  we  (liall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  For  if  when  we 
 were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God  by  llie  death  of  his  Son  ;  much  mo»e 
 being  reconciled,  we  fliall  be  faved  by  his  life.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfo 
 joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received 
 the  atonement.  Heb.  ix.  14,  How  much  more  fliall  the  blood  of  Chrift,  who, 
 through  the  eternal  Spirit,  offered  himfelf  without  fpot  to  God,  purge  your 
 confcience  from  dead  works  to  ferve  the  living  God  ? 
 
 i  Heb.  X.  5,6.  Wherefore  when  he  cometli  into  the  world,  he  faith.  Sacri- 
 fice and  olTeiing  thou  wouldft  not,  hut  a  body  haft  thou  prepared  me  :  in  burnt- 
 offerings  and  (acrifices  for  fin  thou  haft  had  no  pleafure.  Verfe  14.  By  one 
 offering  he  hath  pcrfeAed  for  ever  tliem  that  are  fanihtified.  Verfe  19.  Of  how 
 nmch  forer  punifliment,  fuppofe  ye,  (liall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who  hath 
 trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  cove- 
 nan',  wherewith  he  was  fansftificd,  an  unl)oly  thing,  and  hath  done  dcfpite 
 unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  ? 
 
 k  Rom.  vi.  II.  See  lelterh.  Eph.  v.  a.  Chrift  hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  aft 
 ofFeriiij;  and  a  facrifice  to  God  for  a  fweet-fmelling  favour,  i  Pet.  i.  18,  19. 
 Forainiuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as 
 lilver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  converfation  received  by  tradition  from  your 
 fatheri,  ;  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Chrifl,  as  of  a  Lamb  without  blemiilv 
 and  v.'idiout  fpot.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the 
 law,   b'-ing  made  a  curfe  for  us. 
 
 /  I  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift  hath  once  fuffered  for  fins,  the  juft  for  the  nnjuft, 
 (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God,)  being  put  to  death  in  the  flclh,  but  quicken- 
 ed by  the  Spirit.  Rom  iii.  i(J.  To  declare,  1  fay,  at  this  timt  his  rigliteouf 
 nefs  :  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of  h'm  vhich  belirveth  in  Jefus. 
 1  John  ii.  a.  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  fins ;    and  not  for  ours  onlv, 
 
 Vol.  S.  ■  Aa  ,         ' 
 
iS6      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 Here  ev'ry  divine  property 
 Is  to  the  highefl  fet  on  high  '^■'  ; 
 Hence  God  his  glory  would  injure. 
 If  my  falvation  were  not  fure  ". 
 
 My  peace  and  fafety  lie  in  this. 
 
 My  Creditor  my  Surety  is  ". 
 
 The  judgment-day  I  dread  the  lefs, 
 
 My  Judge  is  made  my  righteoufnefs  P. 
 
 He  paid  out  for  a  bankrupt-crew 
 
 The  debt  that  to  himfelf  was  due  ; 
 
 And  fatisfy*d  himfelf  for  me, 
 
 When  he  did  juftice  fatisfy  ^. 
 
 He  to  the  law,  though  Lord  of  it. 
 
 Did  moif  obediently  fubmit '. 
 
 hut  alfo  for  the  fms  of  the  whole  world.  Chap.  W.  lo.  Herein  is  love,  not 
 that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us,  and  feat  liis  Son  to  be  the  propitia- 
 tion for  our  fins. 
 
 m  Rom  iii.  15.  Whom  God  hath  fct  forth  to  he  a  propitiation,  through 
 faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufueis  for  the  remiflion  of  Gns  that  arc 
 paft,  through  the  forbearance  of  God.  Pialm  Ixxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are 
 met  together:  righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kilTed  each  otUer.  i  Cor.  v.  i3,  19- 
 And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hith  reconciled  us  to  himfelf  by  Jefus 
 Chrift,  and  hath  given  to  us  the  miniftiy  of  reconciliation  ;  to  wit,  tliat  God 
 was  in  Chrifl  reconciling  the  world  unto  himfelf,  not  imputting  their  trefpafies 
 unto  them;  and  hath  committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Verfe  ii. 
 For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  liu  ;  that  we  might  be 
 made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Luke  ii.  14.  Glory  to  God  in  the 
 highefl,  and  on  eartii  peace,  good-will  towardj  men. 
 
 «  Ifaiah  xliv.  13.  Sing,  O  heavens ;  for  the  Lord  hath  done  it  :  fliout,  ye 
 lower  parts  of  the  earth  :  break  forth  into  fui^iii ;,  ye  mountains,  O  forelt, 
 iud  every  tree  therein  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  glorified  him- 
 felf in  Ifrael.  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praifc  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he 
 hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  Verfe  11,  That  we  Ihould  be  to  the 
 praife  of  his  glory,  who  firft  trufted  in  Chrifl. 
 
 0  Pfalm  cxix.  izi.  Be  furety  to  thy  fcrvant  for  good  :  let  not  tlie  proud  op- 
 prefs  mc.  Heb.  vii.  az.  By  fo  much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  tcfta- 
 mcut. 
 
 p  I  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrifl  Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto 
 us, — righteoufnefs.  Chap.  xv.  55, — j;.  O  death,  where  i^  thy  fling  .'  (>  grave, 
 where  is  thy  vidlorv  ?  The  fling  of  death  is  lui  ;  and  the  ftrength  of  fin  is  the 
 law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  givtth  us  the  vitftory,  through  our  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrifl. 
 
 q  Zech.  xili.  7.  See  letter  g.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Clirift  is  over  all,  God  blefTed  for 
 evrr.  Phil.  ii.  6, — 3.  Chrifl  Jefus  hcinj;  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not 
 robbery  to  be  equal  with  God  :  but  made  himfelf  of  no  reputation,  and  took 
 upon  him  the  form  of  a  fervant,  and  was  made  in  the  likcneA  of  men  :  and 
 being  found  in  falhion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himfelf,  and  became  obedient 
 vino  death,   even  the  death  of  the  crofs. 
 
 r  Ibid.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But  when  the  fulncfs  of  the  time  was  come,  God  ftnt 
 forth  hi<.  Son  made  of  a  wom.an,  made  under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were 
 uudcr  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  Ibns.. 
 
Sect.  VIII.     l^he  Believer's  Riddle.     187 
 
 What  he  ne*er  broke,  and  yet  mud  die, 
 
 I  never  kept,  yet  live  mult  I  ^. 
 
 The  law,  which  him  its  keeper  kill'd, 
 
 In  me  its  breaker  is  fulfiU'd  ^  ; 
 
 Yea,  magnify'd  and  honoured  more 
 
 Than  fin  defac'd  it  e'er  before  \ 
 
 Hence  though  the  law  condemn  at  large. 
 
 It  can  lay  nothing  to  my  charge  ^'  ; 
 
 Nor  find  fuch  ground  to  challenge  me, 
 
 As  Heaven  hath  found  to  juftify  ^ . 
 
 But  though  he  freely  me  remit, 
 
 I  never  can  myfelf  acquit  "■''', 
 
 My  Judge  condemns  me  not,  I  grant ; 
 
 Yet  juftify  myfelf  I  can't  \ 
 
 From  him  I  have  a  pardon  got. 
 
 But  yet  myfelf  I  pardon  not  >'. 
 
 /  I  Pet.  iii.  i3.  See  Utter  1.  i  Cor.  v.  zi.  See  letter  m.  i  Jolm  iv.  19.  In 
 this  was  manifefted  the  love  of  God  towards  us,  becaufe  that  God  ftnt  his  ouly 
 begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that  we  might  leave  througli  him. 
 
 s  Rom.  vii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  hiw  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through 
 the  flefli,  God  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  fiafal  fleili,  and  for  fin 
 condemned  fin  in  the  flefli :  that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled 
 in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
 
 /  Ifaiah  xlii.  at.  The  Lord  is  well-pleafed,  for  his  righteoufnefs'  fake,  he 
 will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  honourable.  Rom.  v.  18, — ii.  Therefore 
 .^s  by  tlie  oiTcnce  of  one,  judgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation;  even 
 fo  by  the  righteoufnefs  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  juHiifica- 
 tion  of  life.  For  as  by  one  man's  difobedieace,  many  were  made  finners  ;  fo 
 by  the  obedience  of  one,  fliall  many  be  made  righteous.  Moreover,  the  law 
 entered,  that  the  oifence  might  abound  :  but  where  fin  abounded,  grarc  did 
 much  more  abound  :  that  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace 
 reign  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 u  Rom.  viii.  i.  There  is  therefore  now,  no  condemnation  to  them  which 
 are  in  Chrifl  Jcfus.  Vcrfe3,4.  See  later  s.  Verfe  33,  34.  Who  fliall  lay  .:ny 
 tiling  to  the  charge  of  God's  eleQ  .'  It  is  God  that  juftificth  :  who  is  he  that 
 condenineth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea,  rather  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is 
 even  at  the  right-hand  of  God,  who  alfo  maketh  intcrcelTion  for  us 
 
 V  Job  xxxiii.  14.  Then  he  is  gracious  imto  him,  and  faith.  Deliver  him 
 from  going  down  to  the  pit,  I  have  found  a  ranfom.  Rom.  iii.  aj,  16.  Whom 
 God  hath  fct  forth  to  he  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare 
 his  righteoufnefs  for  tlie  remifTion  of  fins  that  are  pafl,  through  the  forbearance 
 of  God ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufneis :  that  he  might  be  juft, 
 and  the  juftifier  of  him  that  believeth  in  Jefus. 
 
 w  I  Sam.  xii.  13.  And  David  faid  unto  Nathan,  I  have  finned  againft  the 
 Lord.  And  Nathan  faid  unto  David,  The  Lord  alfo  hath  put  ?.way  thy  fin  ; 
 thou  flialt  not  die.  Pfalm  li.  i,  3.  Wafh  me  throughly  from  mine  iniquity, 
 and  cleanfe  me  from  my  fin.  For  I  acknowledge  my  tranfgreflions ;  and  my 
 fin  is  ever  before  me. 
 
 .V  Rom.  viii.  i,  33.  See  letter  u.  Job  ii.  jo.  If  I  juflify  myfelf,  mine  own 
 mouth  fliall  condemn  me  :  if  I  fay,  I  am  perfeift,  it  fli.di  alio  prove  me  per- 
 verfe. 
 
 y  a  Cor.  vii.  11.     For  behold  this  felf-fame  thing   that  ye  forrowed  after  a 
 
 A  a  2 
 
i88     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 His  rich  forgivenefs  flill  I  have, 
 Yet  never  can  myfelf  forgive  ^ 
 The  more  he's  toward  me  appeas'd, 
 The  more  I'm  with  myfelf  difpleas'd^. 
 ■   The  more  I  am  abfolv'd  by  him. 
 The  more  I  do  myfelf  condemn  ^. 
 When  he  in  hcav*n  dooms  me  to  dwell, 
 Then  I  adjudge  myfelf  to  hell  ^ ; 
 Yet  ilill  I  to  his  judgment  'gree. 
 And  clear  him  for  abfolving  me  ^. 
 
 godly  fort,  what  carcfulnefs  it  wrought  in  you  ;  yea,  what  clearing  of  your- 
 felves ;  yta.,  what  indignatioB  ;  yea,  what  fear ;  yea,  what  vehement  defirc  ; 
 yea,  what  zeal ;  yea,  what  revenge  ? 
 
 z  Haiah  xxxviii.  is-  What  fliall  I  fay  ?  he  hath  both  fpoken  unto  mc,  and 
 himfelt"  hath  done  it :    I  fliall  go  foftly  all  my  years  in  the  bitteinefs  of  my 
 
 ibul. 
 
 a  Ezek.  xvi.  tfj  That  thatmayft  remember  and  be  contnunded,  and  never 
 rpeu  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of  thy  fliame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward 
 thee  fcr  all  that  thou  hall;  done,  laith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 b  Luftt  xviii.  13,  14.  And  the  publican  ftanding  afar  off,  would  not  lift  up 
 fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  fmote  upon  his  brealt,  faying,  God  be 
 merciful  to  me  a  fmncr.  I  tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to  his  houfe  juftifi- 
 cd  rather  than  the  other  :  for  every  one  that  exaltetli  himfelf,  fliall  be  abaftd; 
 and  he  that  humblcth  himfelf,  fliall  be  exalted.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  3  i,  31.  Then 
 Ihall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways,  and  your  d  ings  that  were  not  good, 
 and  fliall  lothe  yourfelves  in  your  own  fight,  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your 
 abominations.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known 
 vnto  you  :  be  afliamed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  ffrtel. 
 fer.  xxxi.  19.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  1  repented  ;  and  alter  that  I  was 
 inftradled,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh  :  I  was  afliamed,  yea,  even  confounded, 
 because  I  did  bear  the  reproach  at  my  youth. 
 
 c  Matth.  XXV  34, — 39.  Then  fliall  the  King  fay  unto  them  on  his 
 licht-hand,  Come,  ye  biefied  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepar- 
 ed for  you,  from  the  foundation  of  the  work).  For  J  was  an  hungred,  and 
 ve  cave  .reiTieai  .  f  was  thirfly,  and  ye  gave  me  drink:  I  was  a  flranger,  and 
 and  yc  took  me  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  :  I  was  fick,  and  ye  vifittd  mc : 
 1  was  in  prifon,  and  ye  came  unto  me.  Then  fliall  the  righteous  anfwer  him, 
 lavin^,  Lord,  when  faw  we  thee  an  hungred,  and  fed  thee  ?  or  thiifly,  and 
 slave  1'hcc  drink  ?  When  <aw  wc  thee  a  flrangtr,  and  took  thee  in  ?  or  naked, 
 and  clothed  thee?  Or,  when  faw  we  thee  fick,  or  in  prifon,  and  came  unto 
 thee  ?  »•  Cor.  xi.  31.  If  wc  would  judge  ourfelves,  we  fliould  not  be  judged. 
 Lvikc  XV.  10,  II.  And  he  ivi:.  the  prodigal  fon,J  .:rofe,  and  came  to  his  fa- 
 ther. But  when  he  was  a  great  way  olF,  his  father  faw  him,  and  had  com- 
 pafQon,  and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neik,  and  kiiVed  him  And  the  fon  faid  un- 
 to hnn,'  Father,  I  have  fuiued  againft  Heaven,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  he 
 tailed  thy  Ion.  Gen.  xxxii.  9,  lo.  And  Jacob  faid,  O  God  of  my  father  Abra- 
 ham and  God  of  my  father  Ifaac,  the  Lord  which  faidft  unto  me,  Return 
 unto  thy  country,  and  to  thy  kindred,  and  I  will  deal  well  with  thee:  I  :m 
 yot  worthy  of  t'le  leaft  of  all  the  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which  tlion 
 haft  fliewcd  unto  thy  Krvaut;  for  with  ray  ftaff  1  paffcd  over  tlis  Jordan,  and 
 now  1  am  become  two  bands. 
 
 4  rfal.  li  4.  Againll  thee,  thcc  only,  have  I  finned,  and  done  this  evil  in 
 th.\  &'ht  :  thtt  tlioii  mightd  be  juflified  when  iliou  fpcakert,  and  be  clcjr  when 
 t-.'^u  fudged.     And  xi.  7.  The  lightcous  Lord  lovfih  lighicoufnefs ;  his  coun- 
 
Sect.  VII.    7he  Believer's  Riddle.       189 
 
 Thus  he  clears  me,  and  I  him  clear  ; 
 I  juftify  my  Juflificr  '. 
 Let  him  condemn  or  jullify, 
 From  all  injuftice  I  him  free  ^ 
 
 SECT.    VIII. 
 
 The  My  fiery  of  Sanctification  imperfed  in  ibis  Life  ; 
 or,  the  Believer  doing  all,  and  doing  nothing. 
 
 MINE  arms  embrace  my  God  ',  yet  I 
 Had  never  arms  to  reach  fo  high  ^  j 
 His  alone  me  holds'^,  yet,  lo  ! 
 I  hold  and  will  not  let  him  go  ''. 
 
 tenance  doth  behold  the  upright.  And  cxlv.  16,  17.  Thou  openeft  thine  hand, 
 and  fatisfieft  the  dciirc  of  every  living  thing.  The  Lord  is  righteous  ims  11  his 
 T»ays  and  holy  in  all  his  works.  Rev.xv.  3.  And  they  ling  the  fong  ot  M^ics  the 
 fervant  of  God,  and  ihe  ibng  of  the  L.imb,  faying,  Great  and  marvellous  are 
 thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty;  jufl:  and  true  are  tiiy  ways,  thou  King  ot  faints, 
 
 e  Rom.  iii.  z(S.  To  declare,  1  fay,  at  this  time  h)S  righttoulneJs  ;  tint  lie 
 might  be  juft,  and  the  juftiiier  of  him  which  believetl^  in  Jcfus.  ff^.  xlv.  21. 
 There  is  no  God  elfe  befidc  me,  a  jult  God  and  a  Savirmr  Ver.  24  .^^urelv 
 fliail  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  Chap  Ixiii  j. 
 Who  is  this  that  cometh  from  Edom,  with  dyed  garments  rrom  Ijozrah  .'  '  .,is 
 that  is  glorious  in  his  apparel,  travelling  in  the  greatneis  of  his  ftrength  ?  !  that 
 fpeak  in  rightcoufiiefs,  mighty  to  favc  Zech.  ix.  9  Kejoice  greatly,  O  daugh- 
 ter of  Zion  ;  fliout,  O  daughter  of  Jerufalem  :  behold,  thy  king  cometh  unto 
 thee:  he  is  juft,  and  having  falvation,   &c. 
 
 f  Job  XXV.  4,  5,  6.  How  then  can  man  bt  juftificd  with  God  ?  or  bow  cm 
 he  be  clean  that  is  born  of  a  woman  ?  Behold  even  u,  ihe  moon,  and  it  llniuth 
 not  ;  yea,  the  (tars  are  not  pure  in  his  fight.  How  much  lefs  man  that  is  a 
 worm;  and  the  fbn  of  man  which  is  a  worm.  Pfalni  Ixxxix  14.  Juftice  and 
 judgment  are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne:  mercy  and  truth  fliall  go  before 
 t'hy  face.  And  xcvii.  2.  Clouds  and  darknefs  are  round  about  him:  righttouf- 
 nefs  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  iiis  throne.  Rom  iii.  19,  10.  Now 
 we  know  that  what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  un- 
 der the  law;  th;it  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
 guilty  before  God.  Theretoie,  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  fliall  no 
 fleib  be  juftificd  in  his  fight  :  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  Ver. 
 43,  14,  15.  For  all  have  finned,  and  come  fliort  of  the  glory  of  Gcd;  heinjj 
 freely  juftificd  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift  : 
 whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  the  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood 
 to  declare  his  rightcoufncfs  for  the  rtmiifion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through  the 
 forbearance  of  God.  Pfalm  xxii.  1,  3.  O  my  God,  1  cry  in  the  day-time,  but 
 thou  heareft  not ;  and  in  the  night  feafun,  aiid  am  not  filent.  Ikit  thou  ait 
 holy,  O  thou  that  inhahitcfl  the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 
 
 a  Song  iii.  4.  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  paflcd  from  thetp,  but  I  found  him 
 whom  my  foullovtth;  1  held  hitn,  and  would  not  let  liim  go,  until  J  had 
 brought  him  into  my  mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  con- 
 ceived me. 
 
 b  Plalm  Ixi.  X.  From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  cry  unto  tliz-e,  wiien  mv 
 heart  is  overwhelmed  :   lead  me  to  the  rock  that  is  iiigher  than  f. 
 
 e  Pfalm  Ixiii.  8.  My  foul  foUoweth  hard  after  thee :  thy  riglit  hand  uphold- 
 eth  me.  Ifa.  xli.  10,  feai  thou  not,  for  I  am  witii  thee  ;  he  not  difmayed, 
 for  I  am  thy  God  :  I  will  (trengthen  thee,  yea,  I  will  help  thee,  yea,  J  wijl 
 uphold  thee  with  the  righl-Iiand  of  my  righteoufnefs. 
 
 d  Gen.  xxxii.  16.  And  he  [the  angel]  f;iid.  Let  me  go,  for  the  day  hreaketh  '■ 
 and  he  {viz.  J.icob]  faid,  1  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  bkfs  me. 
 
ipo      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 I  do  accordiiifi:  to  his  call ; 
 And  yet  not  1,  but  he  does  all  ^: 
 But  though  he  works   to  will  and  do  ^, 
 I  without  force  work  freely  too  s. 
 
 His  will  and  mine  agree  full  well'^, 
 Yet  difagree  like  heaven  and  hell '. 
 His  nature's  mine^,  and  mine  is  his^; 
 Yet  fo  was  never  that  nor  this  ^. 
 I  know  him  and  his  name,  yet  own 
 He  and  his  name  can  ne'er  be  known  ". 
 His  gracious  coming  makes  me  do  j 
 1  know  he  comes,  yet  know  not  how  °. 
 
 e  I  Cor.  XV.  lo.  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am  :  and  his  grace 
 •which  was  bt  (towed  on  me,  was  not  in  vain;  but  I  laboured  more  abundantly 
 than  they  al!  :  yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me.  Ver.  58. 
 Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  (l^dfaft,  unmoveable,  always  abound- 
 ing in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forafmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labour  is  not  vain 
 ia  the  Lord. 
 
 /  Phil.  ii.  13.  It  is  God  which  worketh  in  you,  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his 
 good  pleafure. 
 
 g  Pfalm  ex  3.  Thy  people  fliall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power.  Aiid 
 cxvi.  Oh,  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fervant,  I  am  thy  fervant,  and  the  fou  of  thy 
 handmaid:   thou  haft  loofed  my  bonds. 
 
 h  Matth.  vi.  10.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Pfalm  xl. 
 8.   1  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God  :   yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart. 
 
 i  Matth.  xxii.  18,  29.  A  certain  man  had  two  Ions,  and  he  came  to  the  firft, 
 and  faid,  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  my  vineyard.  Ileanfwcred,  and  faid,  I  will 
 not,  ire.  John  v.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye  might  have  life.  Matth. 
 xxiii.  37.  O  Jcrufalem,  Jerufalem!  thou  that  killtfl  the  prophets,  and  floneft 
 them  which  are  fent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  chikiren 
 together,  even  as  a  htn  gathtreth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and  yc  would 
 not  I 
 
 k  1  P<t.  I,  4.  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great  and  precious  pro- 
 mifcs.;  that  by  thcfe  you  might  be  partakers  of  the  divine  nature. 
 
 /  Htb.  ii.  14.  For.ifniuch  then  as  the  chiltiicn  are  partakers  of  fledi  and 
 blood,  he  alfo  himfelf  likewife  took  part  of  the  fame.  Ver.  i<3.  For  verily 
 he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of 
 Abraham. 
 
 m  Ifa.  xl  17,18.  AU  n.uions  before  him  arc  as  nothing,  and  they  arc  count- 
 ed to  him  lefs  than  nothing,  and  vanity.  To  whom  will  ye  liken  God  ?  or 
 what  likciiefs  will  ye  compare  unto  him  .' 
 
 n  Pfalm  ix.  10.  They  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their  trufl  in  thee.  Prov. 
 XXX.  3,4-  l[ytz  Agur.j  neither  learned  wifdom,  nor  have  the  knowledge  of 
 the  holy,  M'ho  hath  af>;cndcd  up  into  heaven,  or  dcfccndcd  .'  who  hath  ga- 
 tlicred  the  wind  in  his  fills  ,'  who  hath  bound  the  waters  in  a  garment  .'  who 
 hath  tflabliflud  all  the  ends  of  the  earih  ?  what  is  his  name,  and  what  is  his 
 fon's  name,  ii:  thou  cinfl  tell  ] 
 
 u  Song  iv.  16.  Awake,  O  north  wind,  and  come,  thou  fouth,  blow  upon 
 my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof  miy  flow  out:  let  my  iJcloved  come 
 into  li's  garden,  and  cat  his   pieafaut  fruits.     John  iii.  8.  The  Avind  blowcth 
 
Sect.  VIII.    T^^  Believer's  Riddle.       191 
 
 1  have  no  good  but  what  he  gave  p, 
 Yet  he  commands  the  good  1  have  ^. 
 And  though  my  good  to  him  afcends% 
 My  goodnefs  to  him  ne'er  extends  ^. 
 I  take  hold  of  his  cov*nant  free  s ; 
 But  find  it  muft  take  hold  of  me  '. 
 Vm  bound  to  keep  it",  yet  'tis  bail, 
 And  bound  to  keep  me  without  fail  ^ 
 
 where  it  lifteth,  and  thou  hearcft  the  found  thereof,  but  canll  not  tell  whence 
 it  cometh,  and  whether  it  goeth  :   fo  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 
 
 p  I  Chron.  xxix  14.  And  David  laid, — But  who  am  I,  and  what  is  my 
 people,  that  we  fliould  be  able  to  ofler  lo  willingly  after  this  fort?  for  all 
 things  come  of  thee,  and  of  thine  own  have  we  given  thee,  a  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not 
 that  we  are  fufBcient  of  ourfclves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourfelves  :  but  our 
 fufficiency  is  of  God. 
 
 q  I  Cor.  X.  18.  For  not  he  that  commcndeth  himfelf  is  approved,  but  whom 
 the  Lord  cemmendeth.  Rom.  lii.  i,i.  I  b  feech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by 
 the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  prefent  your  bodies  a  living  facrifice,  holy,  ac- 
 ceptable unto  God,  which  is  your  rcafonable  fervice.  And  be  not  conformed 
 to  this  world  :  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye 
 may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfcA  will  of  God. 
 
 r  Pfalm  xxv.  i.  Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  foul.  And  cxii.  i.  Let 
 my  prayer  be  fet  before  thee  as  incenfe  ;  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands  as  the 
 evening  facrifice.  Eph.  iii.  iz.  In  whom  [y'lz.  Je.'us  Chrifl:,]  we  have  Ijold- 
 ncfs  and  accefs  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb.  x.  19.  FJaving 
 therefore,  brethren,  boldnefs  to  enter  into  the  holieft  by  the  blood  of  Je- 
 fus,  (b-c. 
 
 f  Pfalm  xvi.  1.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my 
 Lord  :  my  goodnefs  extcndeth  not  to  thee. 
 
 J  Ifa.  Ivi.  4.  Thus  faiili  the  Lord  unto  the  eunuchs — that  take  hold  of  my 
 covenant,  ire.  Vcr    6    Alfo  the  fons  of  the  ftr.niger,  thjt  join   themfelves  to 
 the  Lord,  to  ferve  him,  and  to  love  tlie  name  of  the  Lord,  to  be  his  fervants 
 every  one  that — takcth  hold  of  my  covenant,  &c. 
 
 t  Zech.  i.  6.  But  my  words  and  my  Ilatutes,  which  I  commanded  my  fer- 
 vants the  prophets,  did  they  not  tike  hold  of  your  fathers  ?  and  they  return- 
 ed and  faid,  Like  as  the  Lord  of  hofts  thoufjht  to  do  unto  us,  according  to 
 our  ways,  and  according  to  our  d.)ings,  fo  h.ith  he  dealt  with  us.  Pfal.  xc.  j,  3. 
 The  Lord  fliall  fend  the  rod  of  thy  ftrength  outoFZion  :  rule  thou  in  the  midft 
 of  thine  enemies.  Thy  people  fliall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power,  lirc. 
 Rom.  i.  16.  I  am  not  afliamed  of  the  gofpei  of  Chrifl  :  for  it  is  the  power  of 
 God  unto  f.il^iltion,  to  every  one  that  believeth,  to  the  Jew  lirfV,  and  alfo  to 
 tlie  Greek,  z  Cor  ii.  16. — to  the  other  we  are  tlie  favour  of  life  unto  life  : 
 and  who  is  fuflicieot  for  tiiefe  things  .■' 
 
 a  Pfaim  ciii.  17,  18.  The  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlafling  to  evcrlafl- 
 ing  upon  them  that  fear  hira  :  and  his  righteoufnefs  unto  children's  children  : 
 to  fuch  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to  thofe  th^t  rememher  his  commandments 
 to  do  them.  John  x^ii.  (S.  I  have  manifeftcd  thy  name  unto  the  men  which 
 thou  gavefl  mt  out  of  the  world  :  thine  they  were,  and  thou  gaveft  them  me ; 
 and  tluy  iuve  kept  thy  word. 
 
 V  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  35, — ^6.  Neverthekfs,  my  ioving-kjndncfs  will  I  not  ut- 
 terly take  from  him,  nor  futftr  my  faithfulnefs  to  fail  My  covenant  will  [ 
 not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  lips.  Once  have  I  fworn 
 by  tr.y  holinefs,  that  I  will  not  lye  uii£o  David,  His  feed  fliall  endure  for  ever, 
 \uA  his  throne  as  the  fun  l)tfore  mc. 
 
192       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  IIL 
 
 The  bond  on  my  part  cannot  laft  ^' , 
 Yet  on  both  fides  Hands  firm  and  fafl  ^, 
 1  break  my  bands  at  ev'ry  fhock, 
 Yet  never  is  the  bargain  broke  „. 
 
 Daily,  alas  !  I  difobey  z. 
 Yet  yield  obedience  ev'ry  day  a« 
 I'm  an  imperfed  perfeft  man  h. 
 That  can  do  all,  yet  nothing  cane. 
 I'm  from  beneath  <i,  and  from  above  e, 
 A  child  of  wrath  f,  a  child  of  love  ". 
 A  ftranger  e'en  where  all  me  know ; 
 A  pilgrim,  yet  I  no  where  go  h- 
 
 •w  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  3c,  31,  31.  If  his  children  forfake  my  law,  and  walk  not 
 in  my  jndmcnts;  if  they  break  my  rtatutes,  and  kept  not  my  commandments: 
 then  will  I  vifit  their  tranfgrcflion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  flripes. 
 
 X  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  x,  3,4.  For  I  have  faid,  Mercy  fliaK  be  built  up  for  ever  : 
 thy  faithfulnefs  flialt  thou  eftablilli  in  the  very  heavens.  I  have  made  a  cove- 
 nant with  my  chofen  ;  I  have  fworn  unto  David,  my  fervant.  Thy  feed  will  I 
 eftablifli  for  ever,  and  build  up  thy  throne  to  all  generations.  Ver.  18,  ap. 
 My  mercy  will  I  keep  for  him  for  evermore,  and  my  covenant  fliall  fland  fafl 
 with  him.  His  feed  alfo  will  I  make  to  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as 
 the  days  of  hearen.  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlafting  covenant 
 with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  I  will 
 put  my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they  fliall  not  depart  from  me. 
 
 y  Pfalm  Ixxviii.  37.  Their  heart  w<is  not  right  with  him,  neither  were 
 they  ftedfaft  in  his  covenant.  Ifa  liv.  10.  The  mountains  fliall  depart,  and 
 the  hills  be  removed;  but  my  kindnefs  fliall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither 
 fliall  the  coveaanc  of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  tiiat  hath  mercy 
 on  thee. 
 
 z  James  iii.  z.   In  many  things  we  oftVnd  all. 
 
 a  Pfalm  Ixi.  8  So  will  I  fing  praifes  unto  thy  name  for  ever,  that  I  may 
 daily  perform  my  vows.  Heb.  iii.  13.  But  exhort  one  another  daily  while  it 
 is  called,  To-day  ;  left  any  of  you  be  hardened  through  the  dcccitfulnefs  of 
 fin. 
 
 b  Pfalm  xxxvii.  37.  Mark  the  perfect  man  and  behold  the  upright;  for 
 the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.  Rev.  iii.  a.  Be  watchful,  and  fliengthcn  the 
 things  whicli  remain,  that  are  rcadv  to  die :  for  1  have  not  found  thy  works 
 perfect  before  God. 
 
 c  Phil.  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all  things  through  Chrift  which  flrengthcncth  me. 
 John  XV.  5.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches  :  he  that  abidfth  in  me,  and 
 1  in  him,  the  fame  bringcth  forth  much  fruit:  for  without  me  ye  can  do  no- 
 thing. 
 
 d  John  viii.  13.  And  Jefus  faith  unto  the  Jews,  Ye  are  from  beneath; —  ye 
 ate  of  this  world,  &c. 
 
 e  Gal.  iv.  x6.  Jcrufalem  which  is  above,  is  free,  whicli  is  the  mother  of  us 
 all.  Ver.  18.  Now  we,  brethren,  as  Ifaac  was,  are  the  children  of  promife. 
 John  i.  13.  Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  ot  the  flcfli,  nor 
 of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God.  And  iii.  5,  6.  cfus  .inrwtred.  Verily,  verily, 
 I  fay  unto  thee,  {viz.  Nicodemus,]  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water,  and  of 
 the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  ot  God  — That  winch  is  born  of 
 the  Spirit,  is  fpirit. 
 /  Eph.  ii  3.  Wc — were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  otiicrs. 
 g  Rom.  ix.  8. — The  children  of  the  pioniifc  are  counted  for  tiic  fctcf. 
 
 h  Hcb.  xi   II.  Thefc  all — ccnfclTcd  that  tlicy  were  firangers  and  pilgtirr-. 
 
Sect.  IX.     T-^^  Believer's  Riddle.        193 
 
 I  trade  abroad,  yet  ftay  at  home  '  j 
 
 My  tabernacle  is  my  tomb  ^. 
 
 I  can  be  prifon'd,  yet  abroad ; 
 
 Bound  hand  and  foot,  yet  walk  with  Godi. 
 
 SECT.     IX. 
 
 T/je  Myjlery    of  various  Names  givsn    io  Saints  and 
 Church  of  Chrijl ;  or,  the  FhJJj  and  Spirit   defcribed 
 from  inanimate  Things,  Vegetables  and  Senfitives. 
 
 TO  tell  the  world  my  proper  name. 
 Is  both  my  glory  and  my  fhame  *  : 
 For  like  my  black  and  comely  face. 
 My  name  is  fin,  my  name  is  grace  ^. 
 Moft  fitly  Tm  afiimilate 
 To  various  things  inanimate. 
 A  ftanding  lake'^,  a  running  flood*', 
 A  fixed  ftar  ^,  a  pafling  cloud  ^. 
 
 on  tlie  earth.     iPet.  ii.  ii.  Dearly  beloved,  I  befeech  you  as  ftiangers  and 
 p!l;;rims,  (trc. 
 
 i  Pliil.  iii.  20.  For  our  convcrfation  is  in  heaven,  from  whence  alfo  we  look 
 for  the  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jcfus  Chrifl:. 
 
 k  X  Cor  V.  I,  2,  For  we  know,  that  if  our  earthly  lioufe  of  this  tabernacle 
 were  diflblvcd,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  houfe  not  made  wit!\  hands, 
 eternal  in  t!ie  heavens.  For  in  this  we  groan  earneftly,  defiring  to  be  clothed 
 upon  with  our  houfe  which  is  from  heaven.  Vcr.  4.  For  we  in  this  taberuacle 
 do  groan,  being  burdened  :  not  for  that  we  flioald  be  urclo'hed,  but  clothed 
 upon,  that  mortality  might  be  fwallowed  up  of  life. 
 
 /  Adts  xvi.  24.  25.  The  jailor  having  received  fuch  a  charge,  thrnfl  them  in- 
 to the  inner  prifon,  and  made  their  feet  f.ift  in  the  flocks.  And  at  miJnight 
 Paul  and  Silas  prayed,  and  fang  praifes  unto  God.  2  Tim.  ii.  9.  Wherein  t 
 furter  trouble  as  an  tvil  dorr,  even  unto  bonds  ;  but  thee  word  is  not  bound, 
 a  Cor.  vi.  4,  J.  But  in  all  things  approving  oiufelves  as  the  miniders  of  God, 
 jn  much  patience,  in  afllidtions,  in  necelTities,  in  diftreffes,  in  ftnpes,  in  im- 
 prifonments,  in  tumults,  in  labours,  in  watchings,    in  faftings. 
 
 a  Hof.  i  9.  Then  faid  God,  Call  his  name  Lo  amnii;  for  ye  are  not  my 
 people,  and  I  will  not  be  your  God.  Chap.  ii.  i  Say  ye  unto  your  brethren, 
 Ammi,  and  to  your  fifters,  Ruhamah.  Ver.  25.  And  I  will  have  mercy  upon 
 her,  that  had  not  obtained  mercy;  and  F  will  fay  to  them  which  were  not  my 
 people,   Thou  arc  my  people;   and  they  fliall  f.iy.    Thou  art  my  God. 
 
 h  Son2;  i.  5.  I  am  black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  as  the 
 tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of  Solomon,  i  Tim.  i  14.  This  is  a  faithful 
 faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrlil:  Jefus  came  intr»  the  world 
 to  fave  finners;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  If.i.  Ixii.  2,  3.  And  the  Gentiles  fliall 
 fee  thy  righteoufnefs,  and  all  kings  thy  glory:  and  thou  llialc  be  called  by  a 
 new  name,  v/hich  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  fliall  naroe.  Thou  iTialt  alfo  be  a 
 crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of 
 thy  God. 
 
 c  Jer.  xlviii.  ir.  Moab  hatji  been  at  eafe  from  his  youth,  and  he  hath  fet- 
 tled on  his  lees,  and  hath  not  been  emptied  from  vefTel  to  veHel,  neither  hath 
 he  gone  into  captivity  :    therefore  his  tafte  r;;maincd  in  him,  and  his  fcent  is  not 
 changed. 
 d  Jfa.  xiix.  3.  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thiiftv,  and  floods  upon 
 
 Vol.  X.  B  b 
 
194      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 A  cake  unturn'd,  nor  cold,  nor  hot  s  ; 
 A  veiiel  found  '%  a  broken  pot  i : 
 A  rifing  fun  ^,  a  drooping  wing  '  : 
 A  flinty  rock  '",  a  flowing  fpring  °. 
 A  rotten  beam  «,  a  virid  fl:em  P  ; 
 A  menfl:r'ous  cloth  i,  a  royal  gem  ^ : 
 A  garden  barr'd  r,  an  open  field  * ; 
 A  gliding  fliream  *,  a  fountain  feaPd  ". 
 
 the  dry  ground  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon   thy  fted,  and  my  bleffing  upon 
 thine  ofTspting. 
 
 e  Dan.  xii.  3.  And  tliey  that  l)e  wife,  fliall  fliine  as  the  brightncfs  of  the 
 firmament ;  and  they  that  turn  many  to  righreoulncfs,  as  f  e  flars  for  ever  and 
 ever  :  And  in  oppofition  to  ikofi  called  wanclering  (brs,   Jude  ver.  13. 
 
 /  Hcfea  vi  4.  O  Ephraim,  wliat  fliall  I  do  unto  thee  ?  O  Judah,  what  fliall 
 do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  goodnefs  is  as  a  morning-cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew, 
 it  goetli  away. 
 
 g  Ilofea  viii.  8.  Ephraim,  he  hitli  mixed  lamftlf  among  the  people,  Ephra- 
 im is  a  cake  not  turned.  Rev.  iii.  15.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  nei- 
 ther cold  nor  hot  :    \  would  thou  wtrt  cold  or  hot. 
 
 h  Rom.  ix.  ii-  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the  clay,  of  the  fame  lump 
 to  make  one  velTel  unto  honour,   and  another  unto  diflionour  ? 
 
 i  Pfalm  xxxi.  ii.  I  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of  mind  :  I  am  like  a 
 broken  velTel. 
 
 k  Matth.  xili.  43.  The  fliall  the  righteous  fliine  forth  as  the  fun  in  thm 
 kingdom  of  their  Father. 
 
 /  Pfalm  Iv.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  I  for  then  would 
 I  fly  away,  and  be  at  reft. 
 
 in  Zech.  vii.  11.  They  made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant-done,  left  they 
 fhould  hear  the  law,  and  the  words  which  the  Lord  of  hods  hath  fent  in  his 
 Spirit  by  the  former  prophets. 
 
 «  John  iv.  13,  14.  Jcfus  anfwered  and  laid  unto  her, — Whofuever  drinketh 
 of  the  water  that  I  fliall  give  him,  fliall  never  thirft :  but  the  water  that  I 
 fliall  give  him,  fliall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water  fpringing  up  into  evtrlafting 
 life. 
 
 0  Ifa.  xvii.  9,  10.  In  that  day  fliall  his  ftrong  cities  be  as  a  forfakcn  bough, 
 and  an  uppermoft  branch,  which  they  left,  because  of  the  children  of  llVael  : 
 and  there  fliiU  be  dcfolation.  BecauCe  tliou  haft  forgotten  the  (iod  of  thy  fal- 
 vation,  and  haft  not  been  mindful  of  the  rock  ot  thy  ftrength  :  therefore  fliait 
 thou  pl.int  pleafant  plants,  and  flialt  fctit  with  ftrangellips.  Chap,  xxvii.  it. 
 When  the  boughs  thereof  arc  withered,  they  fliall  be  broken  olT:  the  women 
 come  and  fct  them  on  fire  ;  for  it  is  a  people  ot  no  underftanding  :  therefore 
 he  that  made  thcin  will  not  have  mercy  on  them,  and  he  tliat  formed  them  will 
 fliew  them  no  favour. 
 
 p  Prov.  xi.  i8.  The  rigliteous  fliall  flourifli  as  a  branch.  Pfalm.  xcii.  12,  T3. 
 The  rigiitcous  Ihall  flourifli  like  the  palm-tree  :  he  ihall  grow  like  a  ced.ir  in 
 Lebanon.  Thofe  that  be  planted  In  the  hou'c  of  the  Lord,  fliall  flourifli  111 
 the  courts  of  our  God. 
 
 q  Ifa.  XXX.  2*.  Ye  fliall  dfielc  alfo  the  covering  of  thy  graven  images  of  fil- 
 ver,  and  the  ornament  ofthy  molttn  iniagis  of  gold  :  thou  flialt  caft  them  a- 
 ivay  as  a  menftruous  cloth  ;  thou  fli.ilt  fay  unto  it.  Get  thee  hence.  Chap. 
 Ixiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteoufncffcs  are 
 as  filthy  rags. 
 
 r  Ifa.  Ixii.  3.   Thou  flialt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord, 
 and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God 
 /  Song  iv.  f  z.   A  garden  inclofcd  is  my  fiftcr,  my  fpoufe. 
 s  Mitth.  xiii.  14,  25,  Another  parable  Jcfus  put  forth  unto  ihcm,  faying, 
 
Segt.IX.     The  Believer's  Riddle.       195 
 
 Of  various  vegetables  fee 
 
 A  fair  and  lively  map  in  me. 
 
 A  fragrant  rofe  ^',  a  noifom  weed  ^' ; 
 
 A  rotting  '-,  yet  immortal  feed  7. 
 
 I'm  vi^ith'ring  grafs  ',  and  growing  corn^; 
 
 A  pleafant  plant  ^\  an  irkfom  thorn  *= ; 
 
 An  empty  vine  <*,  a  fruitful  tree  ^  ; 
 
 An  humble  llirub  ^",  a  cedar  high  s. 
 
 A  noxious  brier  h,  a  harmlefs  pine' ; 
 
 A  fapplefs  twig  ^^  a  bleeding  vine  ' : 
 
 The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a  man  whlcli  fowed  good  feed  in  his 
 field:  but  v\rhile  his  men  ilept,  his  entray  came,  and  fowed  tarts  among  the 
 wheat,  and  went  his  way, 
 
 /  Songiv.  13.  I  My  fifter  is]  a  fountain  of  gardens,  a  well  of  living  waters, 
 and  ftreams  from  Le!)anou. 
 
 «  Song  iv.  II.  A  fpring  fliut  up,  a  fountain  fealed,  is  my  fiflcr,  my  fpoufe. 
 
 V  Id.  XXXV.  I .  The  -wildernefs  and  the  folitary  place  fliall  be  glad  for  them  : 
 and  the  dcfart  fliall  rejoice,  and  blolTom  at  the  rofe. 
 
 w  Ifa.  V.  4.  Whit  could  have  betn  done  more  to  my  vineyard,  that  I 
 have  not  done  in  it  ?  wherefore  when  I  looked  that  it  fliouid  bring  forth  grapes, 
 brought  it  forth  wild  grapes  ? 
 
 X  Gen.  iii.  19.  In  the  fwe.it  of  thy  face  fhalt  thou  eat  tliy  bread,  till  thou 
 return  unto  the  ground  ;  tor  out  of  it  thou  waft  taken  :  for  duft  thou  art,  and 
 unto  duft  thou  flialt  return. 
 
 y  I  Pet.  i.  23.  Being  born  again,  not  of  corruptible  feed,  but  of  incorrup- 
 tible, by  the  word  of  God  which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 
 
 z  Ifa.  xl.  7.  The  grafs  withereth,  the  flower  fadcth;  becaufc  the  Spirit  of 
 the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it  :  furcly  the  people  is  grafs. 
 
 a  Hofea  xiv.  7.  They  that  dwell  under  his  fliadow  fliall  return,  they  fliall 
 revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as  the  vine ;  the  fcent  thereof  fliall  be  as  the 
 wine  of  Lebanon. 
 
 b  Ifa.  V.  7 .  The  vineyard  of  the  Lord  of  hofls  is  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  and 
 the  men  of  Judahis  his  pleafant  plant. 
 
 c  Micah  vii  4,  The  bcfl  of  them  is  a  brier  :  the  mod  upright  is  fliarper  thau 
 a  thorn-Iiedge. 
 
 d  Hofea  x.  i.   Ifrael  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth  fortli  fruit  unto  himfelf. 
 
 e  Pfil  I.  3.  And  he  fliall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  rivers  of  water,  that 
 bringeth  forth  fruit  in  his  feafon  ;  his  leaf  alfo  (lull  not  wither,  and  whatfo- 
 ever  he  doth  fliall  profper. 
 
 /  Ezek.  xvii.  s,  6.  He  \viz.  a  great  eagle]  took  alfo  of  the  feed  of  the  land, 
 and  planted  it  in  a  fruitful  field,  he  placed  it  by  great  waters,  and  fet  it  as  a 
 v.illow-tree.  Andit  grew,  and  became  a  fpr^ading  vine  of  low  ftature,  whofe 
 branches  turned  toward  him,  and  the  roots  Jiereof  were  under  him  :  fo  it 
 became  a  vine,  and  brought  forth  branches,  and  fliot  forth  fprigs.  Ver.  24. 
 And  all  the  trees  of  the  field  fliall  know  diat  I  the  Lord  have  brought  down 
 the  high -tree,  have  ex.ilted  the  low  tree,  have  dried  up  the  green  tree,  and 
 havt  made  the  dry  tree  to  flourifli  :  I  the  Lord  have  fpokenand  have  done  it. 
 ALirk  IV.  30,  31.  And  Jefus  faid,  Whereunto  fliiU  we  liken  the  kingdom  of 
 God  :  or  with  what  comparifon  fliall  wc  compare  it?  It  is  like  a  grain  of 
 muftard  feed,  whiLli  when  it  is  fown  in  the  earth,  is  lefs  than  all  the  feeds 
 that  be  in  the  eaith. 
 g  Pfai.  xcii.  li  The  righteous  fliall  grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
 h  Micah  vii.  4.  The  bcit  of  them  is  as  a  biier;  the  nioft  upright  is  fliarper 
 thau  a  thorn-hedge. 
 
 i  Ifa  xlii  19  1  will  fet  in  the  defart  the  (ir-trec,  and  the  pine,  and  the 
 box- tree  together. 
 
 Bb  2 
 
1^6    GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 A  liable  fir  i",  a  pliant  bufh  " ; 
 A  noble  oak  ",  a  naughty  rufli  P. 
 \N"ith  fenjtti-ves  I  may  compare. 
 While  I  their  various  natures  Ihare : 
 Their  diflincl  names  may  juftly  fuit 
 A  (Irange,  a  realonable  brute  i. 
 The  facred  page  my  ftate  defcribes 
 From  volatile  and  reptile  tribes  ; 
 From  ugly  vipers  %  beautious  birds  ^ ; 
 From  foaring  hofts  %  and  fwinifh  herds  ^ 
 Fm  rank'd  with  beafts  of  difF'rent  kinds, 
 AVith  fpiteful  tygars  ",  loving  hinds  ^  j 
 
 k  John  XV.  4.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit 
 of  itfelf,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine;  no  more  can  ye,  except  yc  abide  in 
 me.  Ver,  <5.  If  a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is  cad  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is 
 withered. 
 
 /  John  XV.  s  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches :  he  that  abideth  in  me, 
 and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth  forth  much  fruit:  for  without  me  ye  can  do 
 nothinji,  Song  ii.  13.  The  fig-tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs,  and  the  vines 
 with  the  tender  grape  give  a  good  fmell  Ver.  15.  Take  us  tlie  foxes,  the  lit- 
 tle foxes  that  fpoil  the  vines:  for  our  vines  have  tender  grapes. 
 
 m  Jfa.lv.  13.  Inflead  of  the  thorn  fliall  come  up  the  fir-tree;  and  inflead 
 of  the  brier  fliall  come  up  the  rsyrtle-tree  :  and  it  fliall  be  to  the  Lord  for  a 
 name,  for  an  everlafting  llgn  that  fliall  not  be  cut  ofl".  And  Ix.  13.  The  glory 
 of  Lebanon  fliall  come  unto  thee,  the  fir-tiee,  the  pine-tree,  and  the  box  to- 
 gether, to  beautify  the  place  of  my  fanciuary;  and  I  will  make  the  place  of 
 my  feet  glorious. 
 
 n  Matth.  xii.  7.  And  as  they  departed,  Jefus  began  to  fay  unto  the  multi- 
 tudes concerning  John,  What  went  ye  into  the  wildernefs  to  fee .'  A  reed 
 fhaken  with  the  wind? 
 
 0  Ifa.  vi.  13.  But  yet  in  it  fliall  be  a  tenth,  and  it  fliall  return,  and  it  fliall 
 be  eaten  :  as  a  teil-trec,  and  as  an  oak  whofc  fuhflance  is  in  them,  when  they 
 caft  their  leaves :   fo  the  holy  feed  fliall  be  the  fubfbncc  thereof. 
 
 p  Ifa.  Iviii.  s-  Is  it  fuch  a  fall  that  I  h-ivc  chofcn.'  a  d.iy  for  a  man  to  afllidt 
 his  foul.'  js  it  to  bow  down  his  head  as  a  bulrufli,  and  to  fprcad  lackcioth 
 and  aflies  under  him  ?  wilt  thou  call  this  a  fafl,  and  an  acceptable  day  to  the 
 Lord  ? 
 
 g  Pfalm  Ixxiii.  za.  So  foolifli  was  I,  [viz.  Afaph]  and  ignorant ;  I  was  as 
 a  beafl:  before  thee.  Prov.  xxx.  2.  Surely  I  [r;j.  Agur]  am  moie  brutifli  than 
 any  man,  and  have  not  the  underftaiiding  of  a  man. 
 
 r  Matth.  iii.  7.  But  when  John  faw  many  ot  the  Pharifccs  and  Sadducees 
 come  to  his  baptifm,  he  faid  iinio  them,   O  generation  ot  vipers,  &c. 
 
 J  Song  ii.  Ii.  The  time  of  the  fiuging  of  birds  is  come,  and  the  voice  of  tlie 
 turtle  is  heard  in  oux  land. 
 
 J  Ifaiah  Ix.  8.  Who  arc  thefc  iht  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  the  doves  to  their 
 windows. 
 
 /  Matth.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  c.ifl  yc 
 your  pearls  before  fwinc,  Jefi:  tliey  trample  tlicni  under  tlicir  ftct,  and  turn 
 again  and  rent  you.  ;  Pet.  ii  iz.  But  it  is  happened  unto  thtm  accordmg  to 
 the  true  proverb.  The  dog  is  turned  to  iiis  own  vomit  again  ;  and,  Tlic  fow 
 that  was  waflied,   to  lier  wallowing  in  the  mire. 
 
 u   Pfalm  xxii.  i(S,   For  dogs  have  coinpafleci  me,  the  anVmbly  of  the  wicked 
 Lave  iuclofed  me  :  they  pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet.     J'liil.  iii.  a.     Beware 
 ot  dugs,  bcw.uc  of  cvii-workers,   beware  of  the  contilion. 
 V  Pfalm  xviii.  33.  Gad  m.i!4cth  my  fcec  liku  hiu.h  fciC,  .ini  1'.-::j:Ii  -.u:  jooa 
 
Sect.  X.      T^^  Believer's  Riddle.         197 
 
 And  creatures  of  diitinguifli'd  forms, 
 
 "With  mounting  eagles  ^'',  creeping  worms  ^. 
 
 A  mixture  of  each  fort  I  am  ; 
 
 A  hurtful  fnake  -• ,  a  harmlefs  Lamb  ^  ; 
 
 A  tardy  afs  ^,  a  fpeedy  roe  b  j 
 
 A  lion  bold  ^j  a  tim'rous  doe  ^. 
 
 A  llothful  owl  e^  a  bufy  ant  ^ ; 
 
 A  dove  to  mourn  ",  a  lark  to  chant  '^  : 
 
 And  with  Icfs  equals  to  compare, 
 
 An  ugly  toad  ■',  an  angel  fair  ^. 
 
 SECT.    X. 
 
 The  Myjiery  of  the  Saint's  Old  and  New  Man  further  de- 
 fcribcd  ;  and  the  Means  of  their  fpiriiual  Life, 
 
 T 
 
 E  MPT  ATI  ON  S  breed  me  much  annoy  a. 
 Yet  divers  fuch  I  count  all  joy  ^. 
 
 my  high  places.  Prov.  v.  19.  Let  her  [viz.  the  wife  of  thy  youth.]  be  as  the 
 loving  hind,  and  plcafant  roe,  let  her  breafls  iatisfy  thee  at  all  times,  and  be 
 thou  raviflied  always  with  her  love. 
 
 •w  Ifaiah  xl.  3  i. — They  fliail  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles. 
 
 X  Pfalm  xxii.  6.  Hut  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  naan.  Ifaiah  xli.  14.  Fear  not, 
 thou  worm  Jacob,  and  ye  nun  of  lirael,  ire. 
 
 y  rialm  Iviii.  4.  Their  poifon  is  like  the  poifon  of  a  ferpcnt ;  they  are  like 
 the  deaf  adder  that  ftoppeth  her  ear. 
 
 z  John  xxi.  15,  So  when  they  had  dined,  Jefus  faith  to  Simon  Peter,  Simon 
 fon  of  Jonas,  loveft  thou  me  more  than  thefe  ?  He  faith  unto  him.  Yea, 
 Lord  ;   thou  knowefl  tli.it  I  love  thee.      He  fjith  unto  him.  Feed  my  lambs. 
 
 a  Job  xi.  iz.  Vain  man  would  be  wife,  though  man  be  boin  like  a  wild 
 afes's  colt. 
 
 h  Prov.  vi  5.  Deliver  thyfclf  [my  fon]  as  a  roe  from  the  hand  of  the 
 hunter. 
 
 c  Prov.  xxviii.  I.   The  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion. 
 
 d  Ifaiah  ii.  19.  And  they  lliall  go  int®  the  holes  of  the  rocks,  and  into  the 
 caves  of  the  earth,  for  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majefty,  when 
 he  arifeth  to  fliake  terribly  the  earth. 
 
 e  Pfalm  cii.  6.   J  am  like  an  owl  of  the  defart. 
 
 /  Prov.  vi.  6.  Go  to  the  ant,  ihou  llcggard,  confideJ  her  ways  and  he 
 vrife,  ib-c. 
 
 g  Ifaiah  xxxviii.  r4.  Like  a  crane  era  fwallow,  fo  did  I  chatter  :  I  did 
 mourn  as  a  dove  :  mine  eyes  fail  with  looking  upward  :  O  Lord,  I  am  oppref- 
 fed,  undertake  tor  me.  Ezek.  vil.  i6.  But  they  that  efcape  of  them  [7;iz.  Ifraei], 
 fliall  cfcape,  and  fli.ill  be  on  the  mountains  like  doves  of  tlve  valleys,  allot' 
 them  mourning,  every  one  for  his  iniquity. 
 
 /;  Song  ii.  n.  The  time  of  the  fiuging  of  birds  is  come,  and  the  voice  of  the 
 turtle  is  heard  in  our  land. 
 
 i  Rom.  iii.  13. — The  poifon  of  afps  is  under  their  lips.  Job  xl.  4.  Behold, 
 I  am  vile,  what  fliall  I  anfv.cr  thee  ?      I  will  lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 
 
 k  Acfts  vi.  ij.  And  all  that  fat  in  the  council,  looking  ftedfaflly  on  him 
 [viz.  Stephen],  faw  his  face  as  it  had  been  the  (azg  of  an  angel.  2  Cor.  iii.  18. 
 But  we  all  with  open  face,  beholdiug  as  in  a  glafs,  the  ^lory  of  the  Lord,  are 
 
198      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 On  earth  I  fee  confufions  reel  «=, 
 
 Yet  wifJom  ordVing  all  things  well  d, 
 
 I  ficep,  yet  have  a  walking  ear  ^  ; 
 
 I'm  blind  and  deaf,  yet  fee  and  hear  '  : 
 
 Dumb,  yet  cry,  Abba,  Father,  plain  s  5 
 
 Born  only  once,  yet  born  again  ''. 
 
 My  heart's  a  miror  dim  and  bright  ', 
 A  compound  flrange  of  day  and  night  ^  : 
 O  dung  and  di'monds,  drofs  and  gold  '  5 
 Of  fummer  heat,  and  winter  cold  '". 
 
 changed  into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  tbe  Spirit  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 a  Heb.  xii.  Ii.  Now  no  chaftening  for  the  prefent  feemeth  to  be  joyous, 
 but  grievous,  ire.  i  Pet.  i.  6.  Wherein  wc  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a 
 feafcn  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heavinefs  through  manifold  temptations. 
 
 b  James  i.  z.  My  brethren  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers  tempta- 
 tions. 
 
 c  Pfalm  hxxii.  j.  They  know  not,  neither  will  they  underftand  ;  they  walk 
 on  in  darkncfs  :   all  the  foundation  of  the  earth  are  out  of  courfe. 
 
 d  Pfaim  xxix.  lo.  The  Lord  fitttth  upon  tlie  flood  :  yea,  the  Lord  fitteth 
 King  for  ever.  And  Ixxxix.  9.  Thou  rukfl:  tiit-  raging  ot  the  fea  :  when  the 
 waves  thereof  arife,  thou  ftileft  them.  Rom.  viii.  z8.  And  we  know  that  all 
 things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the 
 called  according  to  his  purpofe. 
 
 e  Song  V  1.  I  fleep,  but  my  heart  vvaketh  :  it  Is  the  voice  of  my  beloved 
 that  fcnotketh,  faying.  Open  to  me,  my  fifter,  my  love,  my  dove,  my  unde- 
 filed  :  for  my  head  is  filled  with  due,  and  my  locks  with  the  drops  of  the 
 night. 
 
 /  Ifaiah  xlii.  18,  19.  Hear,  yc  deaf,  and  lock,  ye  blind,  that  ye  may  fee. 
 Who  is  blind,  but  my  fervant  ?  or  df  af,  as  my  mcflenger  that  1  fent  .'  who  is 
 blind  as  he  that  is  perfeA,  and  blind  as  the  Lord's  (ervant  ?  And  xxxv.  5. 
 Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind  fliall  be  opened,  and  the  tars  of  the  deaf  fliall  be 
 unflopped. 
 
 g  llaiah  xxxv.  6.  Then  fhall — the  tongue  of  the  dumb  fing  :  for  in  the  wii- 
 dtrnefs  Oiall  waters  break  out,  and  flrcanis  in  thedelart.  Rom.  viii.  t5  For 
 ye  have  not  received  the  f;  irit  of  bondage  again  to  tear  ;  but  ye  have  received 
 the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  wc  cry,  Abba,   Father. 
 
 h  |i)!ia  iii.  3, — 6.  Jefus  anfwercd  and  faid  unto  him  [viz.  Nicodemus], 
 Verily,  verily,  I  fay  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  fee 
 the  kini'dom  cf  God.  Nicodemus  fdith  unto  liiiu,  How  can  a  man  lie  ht^xn 
 when  he  is  old  1  can  he  enter  the  fecond  time  into  his  mother's  womb,  anii  be 
 b&rn  .'  [efus  anfwercd,  Verily,  verily,  I  f^y  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
 bom  of  water,  and  of  the  Spiiit,  he  c.mnot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 That  which  is  born  ot  flcfli,  is  flelh  ;  and  that  whidi  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  is 
 fpirit. 
 
 u  Lam.  v.  17.  For  this  our  heart  is  faint,  for  thtfe  things  our  eyes  arc  dim. 
 Ifiiah  xxxii.  3.   And  the  eyes  of  them  th  it  fee,  tliall  not  be  dim,   i;c. 
 
 k  Zcth.  xiv.  7.  But  it  fli.ill  be  one  d.iy,  which  lliall  be  known  to  the  Lord, 
 not  day,  ner  night  :  but  it  fliall  come  to  uafs,  th.at  at  evtning-time  it  lliall  be 
 light. 
 
 /  Mai  ii.  3.  Behold,  I  will  corrupt  your  feed,  and  fpread  dung  upon  your 
 faces,  even  the  dung  of  your  folcmn  feafls,  and  one  fliall  take  you  away  with 
 it.  Phil.  iii.  8.  Yea  dou'otlefs,  and  I  count  all  things  but  i0<"s,  for  the  excel- 
 lency of  the  knowledge  of  Cluift  Jcfus  n;y  Lord  :    toi  whom  1  have  fufltfcd 
 
Sect.X.       Ti6^  Believer's  Riddle.         190 
 
 Down  like  a  ftone  I  fink  and  dive  °, 
 Yet  daily  upward  foar  and  thrive  '\ 
 To  heav'n  1  fly,  to  earth  I  tend  P  ;     - 
 Still  better  grow,  yet  never  mend  1. 
 My  heav'n  and  glory's  fure  to  me. 
 Though  thereof  feldom  fure  I  be  '^ ; 
 Yet  what  makes  me  the  furer  is, 
 God  is  my  glory  ^,  I  am  his  '. 
 
 the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung  that  I  may  win  Chrift. 
 Ifaiah  Ixii.  3.  Thou  flialt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord' 
 and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God.  If.uah  i.  2$.  And  1  will  turn 
 my  hand  upon  thee,  and  purely  pur;^e  away  thy  drofs,  and  take  awav  all  thy 
 tin.  Job  xxni.  10.  God  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take  :  when  he  luth  tried 
 me,   I  Oiall  come  forth  as  gold. 
 
 r,i  Pfalm  xxxix.  3.  My  heart  was  hot  within  me;  while  I  was  mufing  the 
 fi  e  burned.  Luke  xxiv.  31.  And  they  faid  one  to  anorher.  Did  not  our  heart 
 burn  within  us,  while  he  talked  with  us  by  the  way,  and  while  he  opened 
 to  us  the  fcnptures  ?  Matth.  xxiv.  ,i.  And  becaufe  iniquity  fluJl  abound, 
 the  love  of  many  fliall  wax  cold.  Rev.  ii.  4.  Neverthelefs,  1  have  fomewhat 
 againlt  thee,  becaufe  thou  haft  left  thy  firft  love. 
 
 «  Pf.tlm  xlii.  6,  7.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  caft  down  within  me  :  therefore 
 vy.ll  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and  of  the  Harmonites,  jrom 
 the  hill  Mizar.  Deep  calleth  unto  deep,  at  the  noifc  of  the  water-fpouts  :  all 
 thy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me. 
 
 0  Pfalm  xlii.  8,  9.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  loviuT-kindncfs  in  the 
 day-time,  and  in  the  night  his  fong  fliall  be  with  me,  and  my  praye.  unio  the 
 God  of  my  lite.  I  wdl  fay  unto  God  my  rock,  U  hy  haO  thou  forgotten  me  ' 
 why  go  ]  mourning  becaufe  of  the  oppreilion  of  the  enemy  ?  Verfc  i  t  Vvhv 
 art  thoit  caft  down .  O  my  foul  ?  and  why  art  thou  difquieted  within  me'?  hope 
 thoy  m  God  for  I  fliall  yet  praife  him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance, 
 and  my  God.  ' 
 
 p  Col.  iii.  I,  z.  If  ye  then  be  rifen  ivith  Chrift,  feek  thofe  things  which  arc 
 above,  where  Chnft  futeth  on  the  right-hand  of  God.  Set  your  affeaion  on 
 things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth.  Pfalm  xliv.  23.  Our  foul  is  bowed 
 down  to  the  duft;  our  belly  cleaveth  unto  the  earth. 
 
 q  Hofea  xiv.  5.   I  iviU  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifiael :  he  fliall  grow  a^  the  lily, 
 and  caft  forth  h.s  roots  as  Lebanon.     Verfe  7.   Tbev  that  dwell  under  his  ftia- 
 dow  fliall  return ;   they  fliall    revive  as   the  corn,  and   grow  as    the  vine  •   the 
 fcent   the.eof  fliall   be  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon.     Phil.  iii.  li,— 14.    Not  a. 
 though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect  :  but  I  follow  af^er 
 if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which  alfo  I  am'  ;ipprehended  of  Chrift  Tcfus' 
 Brethren,   I  count  not  myfclf  to  have  apprehended  :    but  this  one  thin^  1  do 
 torgeiting  thofe  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  thofe'^things 
 wnuh  are  before,   1  piefs  toward  the  mark,  for  the  pri::c  of  the  high  calling  of 
 God  in  Cnr.ft  Jefus.      Rom.  vii.  13, 14.  Rut  I  fee  another  law  in  mv  member, 
 warnng  aga.nft  the  l.iw  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivit;  to  the  law 
 ot  lin,  which  15  m  my  members.     O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  ihaii  de- 
 liver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  .' 
 
 r  John  xiv.  1,  3.  In  my  Father's  houfe  are  many  manGons ;  if  It  were  not 
 fo,  1  w,)uid  have  told  you  :  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  00  and 
 prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myfcif.  that 
 where  lam  there  ye  may  be  abb.  z  Pet.  i.  ,0.  Whererorc  the  ra'ther,  bre- 
 thren,  give  dihgence  to  mike  your  calling  and  dzAim  fure.  Heb  iv  i  I  ct 
 us  therefore  fear,  left  a  promile  being  lelt  us  of  entering  into  his  reft,  any^of 
 you  ihoald  fccm  to  come  fl;art  of  it. 
 
 /  Plalm  iii.  3.  Bat  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  P.\Ad  for  me:  my    glory,  and  the 
 
200       GOSPEL  SON  NFTS.     Part  III. 
 
 My  life's  expos'd  to  open  view  % 
 Yet  clofely  hid,  and  known  to  few". 
 Some  know  my  place,  and  whence  I  came. 
 Yet  neither  whence,  nor  where  I  am  v. 
 
 1  live  in  earth,  which  is  not  odd  ; 
 
 But,  lo  !  I  alfo  live  with  God  "' : 
 
 A  Spirit  without  flefh  and  blood, 
 
 Yet  with  them  both  to  yield  me  food  ^. 
 
 I  leave  what  others  live  upon, 
 
 Yet  live  I  not  on  bread  alone  ; 
 
 But  food  adapted  to  my  mind, 
 
 Bare  words,  yet  not  on  empty  wind  >'. 
 
 Vm.  no  Anthrcpopagite  rude. 
 
 Though  f'::d  with  human  flefh  and  blood  : 
 
 But  live  fuperlatively  fme. 
 
 My  food's  all  fpirit,  all  divine  '■. 
 
 lifter  up  of  mliie  head.  If*.  Ix.  19.  The  fun  .{hall  be  no  more  tliy  light  bv 
 day,  neither  for  brightnefs  fliall  the  niocn  give  light  unto  thee  :  but  the  Lord 
 fhall  be  unto  thee  su  cverlafting  Ii|ht,  and  thy  God  thy  glory. 
 
 5  Ifa.  slvi.  13.  I  will  place  falvation  in  Zlon  for  Ifracl  my  glory.  *  Cor. 
 viii.  23.  Whether  any  do  enquire  of  Titus,  he  is  my  partner,  and  fellow  hel- 
 per concerning  you  :  or  our  brethren  be  enquired  of,  they  are  the  mefleDgers 
 of  the  churches,  and  the  glory  of  Chrifh 
 
 .  t  Pfalm  xlix.  13.  Thou  makefl  us  a  reproacii  to  our  neighbours,  a  fcorn  and 
 derifion  to  them  that  are  rvund  about  us. 
 
 a  Col.  iii.  3.   Your  life  is  hid  with  Chrifl  in  God. 
 
 ■V  John  iii.  y,  10.  Nicodemus  anfwercd  and  faid  unto  him.  How  can  thcfe 
 things  be  ?  Jelus  anfwcrred  and  f.iid  unto  him,  Art  thou  a  maftcr  of  [frael, 
 and  knoweli  not  tliefe  things?  Prov.  xiv.  jo.  The  her^rt  knowefl  his  own 
 bitttrnefs ;  and  a  ftranger  doth  not  intermeddle  with  his  joy.  i  John  iv.  16. 
 And  we  have  kaown  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  us.  God  is  love  ; 
 and  he  that  dwelktl\  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 
 
 w  Gal.  ii.  13.   I  am  crucified  with   Chrifl  :  ueverthclels   f  live;  yet  not  I,    , 
 but  Ch.rift  liveth  in  mc  :  and  tlie  lite  which  I  now  live  in  the  flclli,   I  live  by 
 the  faith  of  thj  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  aofl  gave  Iiimfclf  for  me. 
 
 .V  John  iv.  14.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worfliip  him,  muft  worflifp 
 him  in  fnirit  and  in  triuli.  And  vi.  53,  54,  5J.  Then  Jefusfiid  unto  them  [?;ir. 
 the  Jews],  Verily,  vtiily  I  iay  unto  you,  Except  ye  eat  the  flelh  of  the  Son  of 
 man,  and  drink  his  blood,  yc  have  no  life  in  you.  Whofo  eateth  my  fiefli, 
 and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life,  and  I  will  raifc  him  up  at  the  laft 
 day.    For  my  llefn  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 
 
 V  IVIatih.  iv.  4.  But  Jefus  anfwcred  and  faid  [unto  the  tempter,]  It  is  writ- 
 ten, Man  Uiall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  v/crd  that  proceedeth 
 rut  of  the  moi;th  of  G(h1.  Jer.  xv.  iC.  Tliy  words  were  found,  and  I  did  eat 
 them  ;  and  thy  word  was  unto  me  the  joy,  and  rejoicing  of  mine  heart,  for  I 
 am  called  by  tliy  name,  O  Lord  God  of  hofls. 
 
 z  John  vi.  57,  53.  As  the  living  Father  hath  fcnt  me,  and  I  live  by  the  Fa- 
 ther :  fo  he  tliat  eateth  mc,  even  he  fiiall  live  by  me.  This  is  that  bread 
 which  came  down  from  heaven:  not  as  your  fathers  did  eat  manni,  and  are 
 dead:  he  that  eateth  ot  this  bread,  fliall  live  forever.  Ver.  63.  It  is  the  Spirit 
 th.it  (jiiiekcneth,  the  flcfli  profitcth  nothing:  the  words  th.it  !  fpeak  unto  you, 
 they  are  Spirit,  and  ihiy  arc  life. 
 
Sect.  XI.      716^  Believer's  Riddle.      201 
 
 I  feafl:  on  fulnefs  night  and  day  ^  ; 
 Yet  pinch*d  for  want,  I  pine  away  ^. 
 My  leannefs,  leannefs,  ah  !  1  cry  ^ ; 
 Yet  fat  and  full  of  fap  am  I  d. 
 
 As  all  amphibious  creatures  do, 
 I  live  in  land  and  water  too  ^ : 
 To  good  and  evil  equal  bent  ', 
 I'm  both  a  devil  s,  and  a  faint  ^\ 
 
 "While  fome  men  who  on  earth  are  gods  ', 
 Are  with  the  God  of  heav'n  at  odds  ^^  j 
 My  heart,  where  hellifli  legions  are  ', 
 Is  with  the  hods  of  hell  at  war  "'. 
 
 a  Ifa.  iKv.  6.  And  in  this  mountain  fl»ill  the  Lord  of  hoHs  make  unto  all 
 people  a  fcaft  of  fat  things,  a  feaft  of  wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat  things  hill  of 
 marrow,  of  wioes  on  the  Ices  well  relined.  Pfalin  i.  z.  But  his  di  light  is  in 
 the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law  dotji  he  medita'e  day  and  night 
 
 b  Ifa.  xli.  17.  When  the  poor  and  needy  fttk  water,  and  there  is  none,  and 
 their  tong«e  faileth  for  thirft,  I  the  Lord  will  hear  them,  I  the  God  i>f  ifriel 
 will  not  forfake  them.  Pfalm  xi.  17.  But  I  am  poor  and  nttdy,  yet  the  Lord 
 thinketh  upon  me  :  thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliverer,  make  no  tarrying,  O 
 my  God. 
 
 c  Ifa.  XXV.  16.  From  the  uttermofl  part  of  the  earth  have  we  heard  foijgs, 
 even  glory  to  the  righteous;  but  I  faid,  My  leannefs,  my  leannefs,  wo  unto 
 rae  :  the  treacherous  dealers  have  dealt  treacheroufly  ;  yea,  the  treacherous 
 dealers  have  dealt  very  treacheroully. 
 
 d  Pfalm  xcii.  13,  14.  Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  fliall 
 flourlfli  in  the  courts  of  our  God.  They  flia!!  ftill  brin^  forth  fruit  in  old 
 age:  they  fliall  be  fat  and  flourlfliing.  And  civ  i«.  The  trees  of  the  Lord 
 are  full  of  fap;   the  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  he  hath  planted 
 
 e  Pfalm  xcvi.  9.  I  will  walk  before  the  Lotd  in  the  land  of  the  living.  And 
 Ixix  I,  i.  Save  me,  O  God,  for  the  waters  are  come  in  unto  my  foul.  I  iinlc 
 in  deep  mire,  where  there  is  no  rtariding:  I  am  come  into  deep  waters,  where 
 the  floods  overflow  me.  And  Ixxxviii.  17.  Thy  terrors  came  round  about  me 
 daily  like  water,  thry  compafTed  me  about  togctlier. 
 
 /  Rom.  vii.  ai.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I  would  do  good,  evH  is  pre- 
 fent  with  me. 
 
 g  John  vi.  70.  Jeflis  anfwercd  them.  Have  I  not  chofen  you  twelxe,  and 
 one  of  you  is  a  devil.'  And  viii.  4.4.  Ye  are  of  your  Father  the  devil,  anJ  the 
 lufts  of  your  father  ye  will  do.  James  iii.  15.  This  wifdom  deicendeth  not 
 from  above,   but  is  earthly,  fenfual,  dcvill/li. 
 
 h  %  Cor.  vi.  II.  And  fuch  were  fome  of  you  :  but  ye  aTewaflied,  but  ye  are 
 iTindtiCcd,  but  ye  are  juftified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  by  the  Spi- 
 rit of  our  God. 
 
 i  Pfalm  Isxxii.  6.  I  have  faid,  Ye  are  gods :  and  all  of  you  are  children  of  the 
 Mofl  High. 
 
 k  Pfalm  Ixsxii  1,1.  God  ftindeth  in  the  congregation  of  the  mighty:  he 
 judgeth  among  the  gods.  How  long  will  ye  judge  unjuftly,  and  accept  the 
 perfons  of  the  wick.d  ;  Selah.  Ver.  5.  They  know  not,  neither  will  they  un- 
 derfl.nd;  thty  walk  on  in  darkncfs  :  all  the  founditions  of  the  earth  are  out 
 of  co'jrfc. 
 
 /  Mitth.  XV  19.  For  ou'  of  the  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts,  murders,  adul- 
 teries, fornications,  thefts,  talfe  witneis,  blafphemits.  Luke  iii  ?o  And  |e- 
 ftts  alked  him,  faying,  What  is  thy  name?  And  he  fail.  Legion:  bccaufe 
 naany  d>.-vih  v/cre  entered  into  him 
 
 ■m  Eph.  vi.  la.  For  we  wijftle  not  ag  linfl  flefli  and  blood,  but  .^giinft  prin- 
 
 Vol.  X.  C  c 
 
202      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  lit. 
 
 My  will  fulfils  what's  hard  to  tell, 
 The  counfel  both  of  Heav'n  n  and  hell  °  : 
 Heav'n,  without  fin,  will'd  fin  to  be  P  j 
 Yet  will  to  fin,  is  fin  in  me  ^5. 
 
 To  duty  feldom  I  adhere  % 
 
 Yet  to  the  end  I  perfevere  '. 
 
 1  die  and  rot  upon  beneath  the  clod  ^  ; 
 
 Yet  live  and  reign  as  long  as  God  f 
 
 SECT.    XL 
 
 "The  Myjlery  (?/"  Christ,  bis  Names,  Natures,  and  Ojfices. 
 
 MY  Lord  appears  ;   awake  my  foul  ; 
 Admire  his  name  the  Wonderful^, 
 
 cipalitits,  agjiiifl  powers,  againfl  the  nilcis  of  the  darkncfs  of  this  world,  a- 
 gainfl;  fpiritu^l  witkeilnefs  in  high  places. 
 
 n  Rev.  xvii  17.  For  Goil  huh  put  in  their  hearts  to  fulfil  his  will,  and  10 
 agree,  and  give  their  kingilcm  unto  the  bcalt,  until  the  words  of  God  ihaii  be 
 fulfilled. 
 
 0  Kph.  ii.  3  Arjong  whom  alfo  we  ail  had  our  converf^tion  in  times  pafl,  in 
 the  lulls  of  our  flelli,  fulfilling  the  dtfirts  of  the  fielli,  and  of  the  mind;  and 
 were  hy  nature  the  children  ot  wrath,  even  as  otiicrs. 
 
 ■p  James  i.  13.  Let  no  man  fay  when  he  is  tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God  : 
 for  God  cannot  be  tempted  with  evil,  neither  tcmpttth  he  any  man.  Acts  i. 
 15,  16  Atid  in  thofe  days  Peter  ftood  up  in  the  miilft  of  the  difciples,  and 
 faid.  Men  and  brethren,  tliis  fcriptjre  nnifl  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which 
 the  Holy  Ghofl,  by  the  mouth  .'f  DaviJ,  fpike  before  concerning  Judas, 
 ■which  w.is  guide  to  them  thit  took  Jelus.  And  ii.  13.  Icfus  of  Nazareth,  be- 
 ing delivered  by  the  determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye  h.i\e 
 taken,  and  hy  wicked  hinds  have  crucified  and  flain.  And  iv.  17,  z3.  For  of 
 a  truth  aoainfl  thy  holy  rhilcl  Jefiis,  whom  th.iu  iLift  anointed,  both  Hercul 
 and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  ilrael  were  gathered 
 together,  for  to  do  whatfoever  thy  hand  and  thy  counfel  determined  bcfore  to 
 be  done. 
 
 q  Hofea  v.  11.  Ephraim  is  opprefied,  and  broken  in  judgment ;  bccaufe  he 
 "willingly  walked  after  the  commuidmeiit  i  Cor.  viii.  ii,  iz.  Now  therefore 
 perform  th?  doing  of  it ;  that  as  there  was  a  rcadinefs  to  will,  fo  there  may  be 
 »  performance  alio  out  of  that  which  you  have.  For  if  there  be  firft  a  willing 
 mind,  it  is  accepted,  according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  that 
 he  I'.ath  not. 
 
 r  Plaliia  exix  I  yd  I  have  gone  aflray  like  a  loft  flieep,  fcek  thy  fervant  : 
 for  I  do  not  forget  thy  rommandmcnts. 
 
 /  Heb.  X  39.  I5ut  we  are  not  of  them  that  draw  back  unto  perdition  :  but 
 of  thtm  that  belitve  to  the  faving  of  the  fuil 
 
 r  Pfalm  xc.  3.  Thou  turncfl  man  to  dcflruction  :  and  f^yfl,  Return  ye 
 cliildrtn  of  Acii. 
 
 t  John  V.  14.  Verily,  vcrilv  I  fiy  unto  you,  He  that  heareth  my  word,  and 
 bellevtth  on  hini  that  fent  me,  hath  everlailm^  life,  .-ind  fliall  not  come  into 
 condemnation;  but  is  iiafled  from  ^Uatlj  unto  life  :  Rev.  iii.  1 1.  To  him  that 
 overcoiiutli  will  I  gram  to  fit  with  me  in  my  thrrmc,  even  as  I  alfo  overcame, 
 and  am  fct  down  with  my  Father  in  his  throne.  And  xxii  5.  And  iherc  fliall 
 be  no  ni;;ht  tliere;  and  ihcy  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  t'lc  fini  ;  for  the 
 Lord  God  givcth  them  light  :   and  thty  fli.ill  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 a  Ifa.  ix.  6  For  unto  us  a  child  is  b(jin,  tmto  us  a  fon  is  given,  and  the 
 government  lliall  be  upon  his  fliouldcr :  and  his  name  ihall  be  called,  Wonderfuh 
 
Sect.  XL      The  Believer's  Riddle.     203 
 
 An  infinite  and  finite  mind  ^, 
 
 Eternity  and  time  conjoin'd  ^. 
 
 The  everlajiing  Father  ftyl'd, 
 
 Yet  lately  born,  the  virgin's  child  ^. 
 
 Nor  father  he,  nor  mother  had, 
 
 Yet  full  with  both  relations  clad  ^ 
 
 His  titles  differ  and  accord, 
 
 As  David's  fon,  and  David's  Lord  ^ 
 
 Through  earth  and  hell  how  conqu'ring  rode, 
 
 The  dying  man,  the  rifing  God  s? 
 
 My  nature  is  corruption  doom'd  ^  ; 
 Yet,  when  my  nature  he  affum'd, 
 
 b  Pfilm  cxlvii.  s-  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  power  :  his  ucderftand- 
 inij  is  infinite  Luke  ii  51.  And  Jefus  incrcafed  in  wifdom  and  ftature,  and 
 in  favour  v?ith  Gid  and  man 
 
 c  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was  come,  God  fcnt  forth  his 
 Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law 
 
 d  Ifa.  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  ,1  ihild  is  born —  :  and  his  name  {hall  be  called — 
 The  everlafting  Father.  Mattii  i.  13  Brhold,  a  virgin  flu  Ii  be  with  child, 
 and  fliall  bring  forth  a  fon,  and  thty  (liail  caU  his  name  I.mmanuel,  which 
 being  interpreted,  is,   God  with  us. 
 
 e  Heb.  vii.  3.  For  tliis  Mekhi/edec — w'tliout  father,  without  mother,  with- 
 out dcfcent,  having  neither  beginnin^j;  of  diys,  nor  end  of  liie  ;  luit  made  like 
 unto  the  Son  of  God,  abidtth  a  prieft  continually.  Luke  ii.  48,  iy.  And 
 ■when  tiiey  faw  him  they  weie  amazed  :  and  his  mother  laid  unto  him,  Son, 
 why  haft  thou  thus  dealt  with  us.'  beheld,  thy  father  and  I  have  foui  ht  thee 
 fonowing.  And  he  (ai  i  unto  them,  How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  ?  wid  ye  not 
 that  I  muft  be  about  my  Father's  bulinefs  ? 
 
 /  Matth.  xxii.  41, — 45.  M  hile  the  Pharifecs  were  gathered  together,  Jefus 
 afked  them,  faying,  What  think  ye  ot  Chrift  .'  whofe  fon  is  he  ?  They  fay  un- 
 to him,  The  fon  of  David,  f'e  faith  unto  them,  How  then  doth  David  in 
 fpirit  call  him  Lord,  (aying.  The  Lord  faid  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my 
 right-hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footdocl?  It  David  then  call  him 
 Loid,  how  is  he  his  fon  ?  &c. 
 
 g  Matth.  xxi  5.  Tell  ye  the  daughter  of  Sion,  Behold,  thy  King  cometh  un- 
 to thee,  nieek,  and  fitting  upon  an  als,  and  a  colt  the  Rile  of  an  afs.  Vtr.  8, 
 p.  And  a  very  great  multitude  fpriad  their  garments  in  the  '.ay,  others  cot 
 down  branches  from  the  trees,  and  lira  wed  them  in  the  way.  And  the  multitudes 
 that  went  before,  and  that  followed,  ciicd,  fayin^;,  Hofanna  tothc  fon  of  Da- 
 vid :  BlelTed  is  he  that  ccmeth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Hofanna  in  the  high- 
 eft.  Ver.  II.  And  Jc  fi  s  went  into  the  temple  ot  God,  and  raft  out  all  them 
 that  fold  and  bought  in  the  temple,  and  overthrew  the  labUs  ot  the  money- 
 changers, and  the  feats  of  them  that  fold  doves.  Col.  ii  ij.  And  having 
 fpoiled  principalities  .ind  powers,  he  made  a  fliciv  of  them  openly,  t.iumphing 
 over  them  in  it  [viz.  his  crofs].  Rom  iv.  25  fcfu  our  Lcrd  was  delivered 
 for  our  OiTences,  and  wis  railed  again  for  our  juftification  Fph.  iv.  8.  Where- 
 fore he  [viz.  DavidJ  Hiith,  WJicn  he  aicendcd  on  hi^h,  ht  ltd  captivity  cap- 
 tive, and  gave  gifts  unto  men.  Rom  i.  4.  cfus  Chrifl  our  Lord  was  declar- 
 ed to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to  the  fpirit  ot  holinels,  by  the 
 refurreclion  from  the  dead. 
 
 h  Rph.  iv    ii.   Put   off  concerning  the   former  ccnveifation,   the  eld  man, 
 which  is  corrupt,  according  to  the  deceitful  lulls. 
 
 C   C    2 
 
204     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 He  nor  on  him  (to  drink  the  brook  >) 
 My  perfon  nor  corruption  took*'. 
 Yet  he  aiTum'd  my  fin  and  guilt  \ 
 For  which  the  noble  blood  was  fpilt. 
 Great  was  the  guilt  o'erflowing  flood, 
 'I'he  creature's  and  Creator's  blood  '"  ! 
 The  Chief  of  chiefs  amazing  came  ", 
 To  bear  the  glory  and  the  fhame  o  ; 
 Anointed  chief  with  oil  of  joy  p, 
 Crownd  Chief  with  thorns  of  fharp  annoy  *3. 
 Lo  !  in  his  white  and  ruddy  face 
 Rofes  and  lilies  ftrive  for  place  '^  ; 
 
 i  rfdl  ^x.  7  He  fliall  diink  of  the  brook  in  the  way  :  therefore  fhall  he 
 lift  up  tht  held. 
 
 *  Kom.  vili  3.  God  fent  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefli,  and 
 for  fin  condemned  fin  in  thefltfli.  John  i.  14  And  the  Word  was  made  fltfli, 
 and  dwtlt  ..mo  g,  us  (and  we  bthelrl  his  glory,  the-  };laiy  as  of  the  only  begot- 
 tfu  of  ilie  ta'hti)  full  cf  frace  and  truth  Luke  i  35.  And  the  angel  anfwcr- 
 cd  am  i.nd  unto  M.ry,  The  I-h'ly  Ghoft  fliall  Lome  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
 of  thi  higiieft  thall  ovtifliadow  thee  :  thtnfore  aHo  tliat  holy  thing  which  flial! 
 bt  born  ot  thtt,  fliall  be  called  the  -i  n  of  God  Htbi.  ii.  16.  for  verily  he 
 took  not  in  him  the  nature  of  aB<^els  ;  hut  he  to'k  on  him  the  feed  of  Abra- 
 ham And  vii.  z6,  ly .  For  fuch  an  Hij^h-prieft  became  us,  wt».o  is  holy, 
 hirnileis,  undefiltd,  (ep.irate  from  finncrs,  and  made  higher  than  thehtavtns; 
 >y!io  needed  not  dady,  as  thofe  high-pritfts,  to  otTcr  up  facrificc,  firfl  for  his  own 
 fins,  and  then  tor  the  peoples;  tor  this  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up  liim- 
 felf. 
 
 /  Ifa  liii  J.  6  All  we  like  flieep  have  gone  aftray :  we  have  turned  every  one 
 to  bis  own  way;  and  tht  Lord  hath  laid  on  Irim  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  t  Cor. 
 T  ai .  God  hath  nia<  e  Chrifl  to  be  fin  for  os,  who  knew  no  fin:  that  we  mi^ht 
 be  made  the  ri^'hteoufnefs  nf  Geid  in  him.  Matth.  xx.  i8.  The  Son  of  man 
 can  e  to  give  his  li'e  a  ranfom  tor  many. 
 
 m  Rom.  iii  15.  Whom  God  hath  let  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
 faith  in  his  hlooel,  to  (Icelare  his  righttoufuefs  ^br  the  rcmiiBon  of  fins  that  are 
 paft.  through  the  lorbearanct  of  God.  Av.'^s  xx.  28.  Feed  the  church  of  God, 
 w!ii  h  he  hath  piTchaAd  with  his  own  hlcod.  i  I'ct.  i.  18,  19.  Forafiiiuch  as 
 yt  km.w  tliat  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  lilver  and  gold, 
 from  your  V. ill  convcrf  itiim  received  by  tradition  from  your  father;  but  with 
 the-  (jitiif>us  l>li  od  'f  Chrifl,  as  of  a  Lan.b  without  blemifli  and  without  fpot. 
 T  J'hniii.  16.  Hereby  perceive  we  the  Jove  Of  Goii,  bcciutc  he  laid  down  his 
 liie  'OT  us. 
 
 M  Rev  1.  4,  s  Grace  be"  unto  you,  and  peace  from — Jefus  Chrifl,  who  is 
 the  'a  thul  "itn  :s,  and  the  firfl-!)eg  itten  of  the  de.id,  and  the  Prince  of  the 
 kings  of  the  caitli. 
 
 0  Zech.  vi  li,  15  Behold,  the  man  whofe  name  is  the  Branch, — he  fliall 
 buil<i  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  ant!  he  flial)  bear  the  gl  iry  Heb.  xli  x.  Jclus, 
 for  the  joy  that  was  let  before  him,  tndvned  thccrols,  elefpifing  the  fliame,  c>-c. 
 
 p  Pf  Im  ilv.  7  Thou  lovefl  riglteoiifncfs,  .ind  hateff  wiekedntfs  :  there- 
 fore Cod.  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  gladucfs  above  thy 
 ftlloves. 
 
 q  Matth  xxvii  15.  And  when  they  had  plated  a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put 
 It  iip"n  Ids  hn(\,  and  a  reed  in  his  right-hand:  and  ihcy  bowed  the  kntc  bf- 
 fore  him,  and  mockcei  him,   f  )ing.   Hail  k'ng  of  the    ews. 
 
 r  '^ong  ii.  i  I  am  tlic  role  of  Sh.iron,  and  the  lily  of  the  valleys.  Vcr.  10. 
 My  beloved  ii  white  dud  ruddy,  the  chiefcft  among  ten  thoufand. 
 
Sect.  XI.    The  Believer's  Riddle.        205 
 
 The  morning-flar,  the  rifing  fun 
 With  equal  fpeed  and  fplendor  run  ^. 
 
 How  glorious  is  the  church's  Head, 
 The  Son  of  God,  the  woman's  feed  ^ ! 
 How  fearchlefs  is  his  noble  clan  % 
 The  firit,  the  laft,  the  fecond  man  "  ! 
 With  equal  brightnefs  in  his  face, 
 Shines  divine  juitice,  divine  grace  ^  : 
 The  jarring  glories  kindly  meet. 
 Stern  vengeance,  and  compaiTion  fweet  "^. 
 
 God  is  a  Spirit ;   feenis  it  odd 
 To  fmg  aloud  the  blood  of  God  ^  ? 
 Yea,  hence  my  peace  and  joy  refult. 
 And  here  my  laiiing  hope  is  built  •> . 
 
 /  Rev  xxii  16  I  [Jefus]  am  the  root  and  the  ofTspring  of  Davicf,  and  the 
 bright  and  moraing-ftAr.  Mai.  iv.  a.  But  unto  you  that  fear  my  name,  fliall 
 the  Sun  of  rightioulnels  arife  with  ht-aling  in  his  wings;  and  ye  fliaii  go  torth 
 and  grew  up  us  calvts  of  the  ftall. 
 
 S  Col.  i.  18.  And  Chiift  is  the  head  of  the  hody,  the  church;  who  is  the 
 beginning,  the  firft  horn  hom  the  dead  :  that  in  all  thin;j,s  he  might  have  the 
 pre-eminence.  John  ili.  \6.  God  fo  loved  the  woild,  that  he  gave  his  only 
 isegotttn  Son,  that  wholoevcr  believtth  m  him,  fliould  not  periOi,  but  have 
 everlafiing  lifV.  Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  viz.  the  Lord  God]  will  put  enmity  he- 
 tween  thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  feed  ana  hcrieed:  it  fliall  Lruifc 
 thy  held,   and  thou  fli.ilt  rruite  his  heel- 
 
 /  Ifaiah  liii.  8.  He  was  taken  frim  prifon  and  from  judgment  :  and  wlio 
 fliall  declare  his  generation  ?  Prov.  xxx.  4.  "V^'ho  hath  afcended  up  into  hea- 
 ven, or  dtfcended  ?  who  liath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  lifts  r  -ho  hath  biuind 
 the  v/ateis  in  a  garment  ?  who  hath  eftabliflied  all  the  ends  ot  the  earth  ?  what 
 is  his  name,  and  what  is  his  Son's  name,  it'  thou  canft  tell  ' 
 
 u  Rev.  i.  I  J.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firft  and  the  laft.  i  Cor.  xv.  4J. 
 The  laft  Adam  uas  made  a  quickening  Ipirit.  VcrJc  47.  The  ficond  man  is 
 the  Lord  from  heaven 
 
 V  i  Cor.  iv.  6  For  God  who  rommanded  the  light  to  fliine  out  of  darkncfs, 
 hath  fliincd  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of 
 God,  in  the  Uce  of  Jctus  (  hrift  Rom.  iii.  i4, — 16  Being  juftifitd  frttlv  hy 
 his  grace,  thrnu^'h  the  reiiemption  tinat  is  in  Jelus  Chiift  :  whom  God  hath  fee 
 forth  'olie  a  propliiation,  llirough  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteouf- 
 nefs  tor  the  rtmiflion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  throujjh  the  torbtarance  of  God  ; 
 to  declare,  I  fay,  at  tl  is  time  his  righteoufncfs  :  that  lie  miglit  be  juft,  and  the 
 juftifier  of  him  which  btlievcth  in  Jefus.  Eph.  i.  6,  7.  To  the  praife  of  the 
 glory  ot  his  grace,  wherein  he  haili  made  us  accepted  in  the  Eelovtd  :  in  whom 
 we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of  fins,  according  to 
 the  riclies  of  Lis  grace. 
 
 IV  Rom.  V.  10,  II.  But  where  fin  abounded,  grace  did  murli  more  ahound  : 
 that  as  iln  huh  reigned  unto  dtaili,  even  lo  might  grace  reign  through  righ- 
 teoufntfs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Clirift  our  Lord.  Piahn  Jxxxv.  10.  Mer- 
 cy and  truth  are  met  toyt  ther  :    righteoufnefs  .ind  pearc  h:ive  hified  e.i<  h  other. 
 
 X  John  iv.  14.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  tlicy  that  wmfliip  j-.im,  niuft  worfliii* 
 him  in  fpirit  and  in  truth.  Ads  xx.  a8.  Feed  the  churtii  of  God,  which  he 
 hath  purchaftd  witli  h.is  own  blood. 
 
 y  Rom.  V.  i.  Therefore,  being  juftifled  by  faith,  we  liave  peace  w'th  God, 
 through  our  Lord  JcAis  Chiift.  Vcrfe  10.  For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  wc 
 wtrc  rwCOnJJtd  ro  Gcd  by  the  death  of  liis  Sun;  much  more  btinv;  reconciled. 
 
2o6     GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 Love  through  his  blood  a  vent  has  fought, 
 Yet  divine  love  was  never  bought : 
 Mercy  could  never  purchas'd  be, 
 Yet  ev'ry  mercy  purchas'd  he  ^ 
 
 His  triple  ftation  brought  my  peace, 
 
 The  Altar,  Pried,  and  Sacrifice*; 
 
 jHis  triple  office  ev'ry  thing, 
 
 My  Prieft,  my  Prophet  is,  and  King  h. 
 
 This  King,  who  only  man  became; 
 
 Is  both  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  ^ : 
 
 A  King  of  kings,  and  kingdoms  broad  ^  ; 
 
 A  fcrvant  both  to  man  and  God  ^. 
 
 we  (lull  be  faved  by  his  life,  i  Pet.  ili.  ij.  Be  ready  always  to  give  an  an- 
 fwer  10  evtry  man  that  afketh  you  a  reafon  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with 
 mecknefs  and  fear.  Verfe  i8.  For  Chrift  iiatli  alfo  once  (uflered  for  fins,  the 
 juft  for  the  unjufl,  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God,)  being  put  to  death  in  the 
 flefli,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit. 
 
 z  Rom,  V.  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  juftificd  bv  his  blood,  we  fhall 
 lie  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  Verfe  i  i .  Sec  letter  w.  John  iii  16.  God 
 {o  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whofocver  be- 
 lieveth  in  him,  fliould  not  perifh,  but  have  everlafting  life.  Rom.  ix  15. 
 God  faith  to  Mofcs,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  1  will  have  mercy  ;  and  I 
 will  have  companion  on  whom  I  will  have  compaffion.  Eph  i  3.  Blefled  be 
 the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jefus  ChriCl,  who  hath  blefled  us  with  all 
 Spiritual  bleffings  in  heavenly  places  in  Chrilt. 
 
 a  Heb.  xiii  ro.  We  have  an  altar  whereof  they  have  no  right  to  eat,  which 
 ferve  the  tabernacle.  And  ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to 
 be  made  like  unto  his  bretliren ;  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  Hiiih- 
 priell,  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  rec(mciliation  for  the  tins  of  the 
 people.  And  iv-  art.  But  now  once  in  the  end  of  the  world,  hath  Ch rift  ap- 
 peared to  put  away  fin  by  the  facrifice  of  himfelf. 
 
 b  .■\d:s  vii.  57.  This  is  that  Mofes  which  faiJ  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  A 
 prophet  fliall  the  Lord  your  God  raife  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  un- 
 to me;  him  fliall  ye  hear.  Ifaiah  xxxiii.  11.  The  Lord  is  our  judge,  the 
 Lord  is  oar  lawgiver,  the  Lord  is  our  king,  he  will  fave  us. 
 
 c  I  Tim.  iii.  i(5.  And  without  controvcrfy,  great  is  the  myftery  of  godiinefs; 
 God  was  maoifefted  in  the  flcfli,  &c.  Rev.  v.  j,  6.  And  one  of  the  elders 
 faith  unto  me  [:;(;.  John,]  Wei  p  not :  behold,  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Jud.ih, 
 the  root  of  David,  luth  prevailed  to  open  the  hook,  and  to  loofc  the  fcvtn 
 fcals  tlitreof.  And  I  beheld,  and  lo,  in  the  midft  of  the  throne,  and  of  the 
 fi'ur  hearts,  and  in  the  niidll  of  the  ciders  flood  a  Lamb  as  it  had  been  flain, 
 having  icven  horns,  and  ft^ven  eyes,  which  are  the  fevcn  fpirits  ot  God  ftnt 
 forth  into  all  the  earth.  Vcrfe  i*.  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  flain,  to  re- 
 ceive power,  and  riches,  and  wifdora,  and  ftrengih,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
 and  bicfling. 
 
 d  Rev.  six.  T(J.  And  he  [viz.  the  Word  of  God]  hath  on  his  vcfture  and  on 
 his  thigh  a  name- written,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.  Ifaiah 
 xixvii.  15,  Id.  And  Hcztkiah  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  fiying,  ()  Lord  of  hofts, 
 God  of  Ifrael,  that  dwelled  between  the  chcrubims,  thou  art  the  God,  e^  en 
 thou  alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms  pr  the  earth,  thou  liaQ  made  heaven  and  eaith. 
 Rev.  xi.  I  J.  And  the  feventh  angtl  founded,  and  there  were  great  voices  in 
 heaven,  faying,  The  kinydoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our 
 Lord,   and  of  his  ChriH  ;   and  he  f!iall  reign  for  ever  and  evtr. 
 
 e  M.itth.  XX.  s8.    The  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  miniftcred  unto,   but  to 
 
Sect.  XII.      T"/'^  Believer's  Riddle.       207 
 
 This  Prophet  kind  himfelf  has  fet 
 To  be  my  book  and  alphabet,  , 
 
 And  ev'ry  needful  letter  plain. 
 Alpha,  Omega,  and  Amen  ^. 
 
 SECT.    XIL 
 
 T/je  Myfiery  of  the  Believf  r's  mixed  State  further  enlarg- 
 ed ;  and  his  getting  Good  out  of  Evil, 
 
 BEHOLD,  I'm  all  defil'd  with  fin  ^ ! 
 Yet,  lo  !  all  glorious  am  within  '', 
 In  Egypt  and  in  Go/hen  dwell  *=  ; 
 Still  movelefs,  and  in  motion  fiill  ^. 
 Unto  the  name  that  mod  I  dread, 
 I  flee  with  joyful  wings  and  fpeed  ^ 
 My  daily  hope  does  mod  depend 
 On  him  I  daily  moil  oficnd  *'. 
 
 miniftef,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ranrom  for  mmy.  Phil.  ii.  7.  Chrifl  Jefiis  made 
 himlelf  of  no  reputation,  and  ■;onk  upon  him  the  form  of  a  ftrvant,  and  was 
 made  in  the  iikenefs  of  men.  Ifaiah  xlii.  1.  Behold  my  fervant,  whom  I  up- 
 hold ;  mine  eledi,  in  whom  my  foul  delighteth.  And  liii.  ii.  By  hii  knowledge 
 fliali  my  righteous  fervant  juftify  many. 
 
 /  Rev.  i  8  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  Ijeginning  and  the  ending,  faith 
 the  Lord,  which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which  is  to  come,  the  Almighty, 
 Verfe  11.  I  am  Alpha  ami  Omega,  the  firft  and  the  lad  :  and.  What  thou 
 [John]  fceft,  write  in  a  bo<ik,  and  (tnd  it  unto  the  feven  churches  which  are 
 in  Afia.  And  xxi.  6.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end  :  I 
 will  give  unto  him  that  is  athirfl:,  of  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely. 
 And  xxii.  13.  1  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end,  the  firft 
 and  the  laft.  And  iii.  14.  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  of  the  Laodiceans, 
 write,  Thefe  things  faith  the  Amen,  the  faithful  and  true  witnefs,  the  begin- 
 ning of  the  creation  of  God,  ire. 
 
 a  Ifaiah  Ixiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteouf- 
 nefies,  are  as  filthy  rjgs. 
 
 b  Pfalm  xlv.  15,  The  King's  daughter  is  all  glorious  within;  her  clothing  is 
 of  wrought  gold. 
 
 c  I'falm  cxx.  5,  6.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  fojourn  in  Mefech,  that  f  dwell  in  the 
 tents  of  Kedar.  My  foul  hith  long  dwelt  with  him  that  hateth  peace.  And 
 xvi.  J,  6.  The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance,  and  of  my  cup  :  thou 
 main:ainefl  my  lot.  The  lines  arc  fallen  unto  m.e  in  plcal'ant  places;  yea,  I 
 hive  a  goodly  heritage. 
 
 d  I  Cor.  XV.  58.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  fVedfaft,  unmove- 
 able,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forafmuch  as  ye  know  that 
 your  l.ihour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 
 
 €  Pfalni  cx'iii  i.  O  Lord,  enter  not  into  jadgnient  with  thy  fervant  :  for 
 in  thy  fight  fliall  no  man  living  be  juHified.  Verie  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord, 
 from  mine  enemies  :    I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 
 
 /  i'l'alm  XXV.  II.  For  thy  n.ime's  fake,  O  Lord,  p.irdon  mine  iniquity  :  for 
 it  is  great.  J.  r.  xiv.  vii.  ()  L'^rd,  th'iigh  our  iniquities  ttdify  agaiiift  us,  do 
 thou  it  for  thy  name's  fake  :  for  our  ba^kilidings  are  many,  wc  have  fuined  a- 
 gainft  thee. 
 
-o8       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 All  things  ngainfl  me  are  combin'd, 
 Yet  working  for  my  good,  I  find  8. 
 I'm  rich  in  midft  of  poverties' '  ; 
 And  happy  in  my  miferies  '. 
 Oft  my  Comforter  fends  me  grief; 
 My  helper  fends  me  no  relief  ^. 
 Yet  herein  my  advantage  lies, 
 That  help  and  comfort  he  denies  '. 
 
 As  feamfters  into  pieces  cut 
 The  cloath  they  into  form  would  put; 
 He  cuts  me  down  to  make  me  up, 
 And  empties  me  to  fill  my  cup  '". 
 I  never  can  myfclf  enjoy, 
 Till  he  my  woful  felf  deftroy  ; 
 And  moft  of  all  myfelf  I  am, 
 When  mofl  I  do  my  felf  difclaim  ". 
 
 f  Gen.  xlii.  36.  And  Jaco'>  their  fatlier  fiid  unto  them.  Me  have  ye  bereav- 
 ed of  my  children  ;  JoCph  is  not,  and  Simeon  is  not,  and  yc  will  take  Benja- 
 min away  :  all  thele  things  are  againft  me.  Rom.  viii.  xS  And  we  know  that 
 all  thing*  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
 the  call'.d  according  to  his  purpofe 
 
 h  Ri-v.  ii.  8,  9.  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Smyrna,  write,  Thefe 
 thin'Ts  fa'th  the  firft  and  the  1  ift,  which  was  dead,  :;nd  is  alive ;  1  know  thy 
 ■works,  and  tribulation,  and  poverty,   (but  thou  art  rich). 
 
 i  Rom.  V  3, — s-  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  glory  in  tribulations  alfo,  know- 
 in*  that  tribulation  worketh  patience  ;  and  patience,  experience  ;  and  expe- 
 rie^nce,  hope:  and  hope  maketh  not  aH'amerf,  becaufe  the  love  of  God  is  fhed 
 abroad  in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  vdiich  is  given  unto  us  z  Cor.  xii.  lo. 
 Therefore  I  [Paul]  take  picafure  in  infirmities,  in  reproaches,  in  neccllitics, 
 ^n  pcrfecutions,  in  diflrciTcs  lor  Chrill's  lake  :  for  when  I  am  weak,  then  am  I 
 
 flrong. 
 
 k  Lam.  i.  \6.    For  thefe  things  1  weep  ;   mine  eye,  mine  eye  runneth  down 
 
 with  water,  becaufe  trie  comforter  tJiat  Ihould  relieve  my  foul,  is  far  from  me. 
 
 Ifaiah  xlv.  is-    Verily  thou  art  a  God  that  hideft  thyfclf,   O  God  of  ifrael  the 
 
 Saviour. 
 
 /  Ifaiah  xxx.  iS.  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  w.^it,  that  he  may  be  gracious 
 
 wntoyou;  and  therefore  will  hi.  be  exalted,  that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you  : 
 
 for  the  Lord  is  a  God  of  judgment  ;   hleliVd  are  3I!  they  that  wait  for  him. 
 
 m  Hofeav.  15.  1  will  go  and  return  to  my  pi  ire,  till  thf  y  acknowledge  their 
 offence,  and  feek  mv  f  ice  ;   in  their  afllidlion   tlity  will    feck  me  early.     And 
 
 vi.  1  1.  Come  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord  :  for  he  hath  torn,  and  he  will 
 Ileal  VIS  ;  he  hath  fmitten,  and  he  will  hind  us  up.  After  two  days  will  he  re- 
 vive us,  in  the  third  day  he  will  raife  us  up,  and  we  Oiall  live  in  his  fight. 
 Pfalm  cvii.  9.  God  faiisficth  the  longing  foul,  and  filleth  the  hungry  foul  with 
 goodnefs.  Luke  i.  S3.  And  Mary  iaid, — Kc  hath  filled  the  hungry  with  good 
 things,  and  the  rich  he  hath  frnt  empty  aw.iy. 
 
 n  Luke  ix.  13,  14.  And  Jefus  faid  to  them  all.  If  any  man  will  come  after 
 me,  let  him  deny  himfeU",  and  take  up  his  crofs  daily,  and  follow  me.  For 
 •vvhofocvtr  will  fave  his  life,  lliall  lofe  it  :  but  whofoever  will  lofe  his  life  for 
 my  fake,  the  Tame  fliall  fc^vc  it.  Rom.  viii.  13.  If  ye  live  after  the  flefli,  ye 
 flxall  die  :  but  if  ye  through  the  .Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  t!ic  body,  ye 
 fl)aU  livir.     a  Cor.  xii.  10.     Sts  Utter  i. 
 
Sect.  XII.     T/^^  Believer's  Riddle.      209 
 
 I  glory  in  infirmities  °, 
 Yet  daily  I'm  afham'd  of  thefe  P  ; 
 Yea,  all  my  pride  gives  up  the  ghoftj 
 tVhen  once  1  but  begin  to  boalt  <3. 
 My  chemiilry  is  mod  exaft, 
 Heav'n  out  of  hell  1  do  extrad  ^ : 
 This  art  to  me  a  tribute  brings 
 Of  ufeful  out  of  hurtful  things  C 
 
 I  learn  to  draw  well  out  of  woe. 
 And  thus  to  difappoint  the  foe  * ; 
 The  thorns  that  in  my  flefh  abide. 
 Do  prick  the  tympany  of  prided 
 
 By  wounding  foils  the  field  I  win. 
 And  fm  itfelf  deltroys  my  fm  ^  : 
 
 0  1  Cor.  xii.  9,  Moft  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirmities, 
 that  the  po^ver  of  Chrift  may  refi:  upon  me. 
 
 p  Pfaim  Ixxiii.  15,  16.  If  I  fay,  I  will  fpeak  thus,  beholJ,  I  fliould  offend 
 againft  the  generation  of  thy  children.  When  I  fought  to  know  this,  it  was  too 
 painful  for  me,  <iTC.  And  Ixxvii.  8,  9,  10.  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever  ? 
 doth  his  promife  fail  for  evermore?  hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious  ?  hath 
 he  in  anger  fliut  up  his  tender  mercies  ?  Selah.  And  I  faid,  This  is  my  iniir* 
 mity  :  but  I  will  remember  the  years  of  the  right-hand  of  the  Moft  High. 
 
 q  Ifa.  xlv.  24,  as.  Surely,  Ihall  one  fay,  lu  the  Lord  have  1  righteoufneft 
 and  ftrength  :  even  to  him  fliall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  againft 
 him.  flvali  be  afliamed.  In  the  Lord  fliall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael  be  juftified, 
 and  fliall  glory.  Pfalm  xUv.  6.  I  will  not  triift  in  my  bow,  neither  fhall  my 
 fword  i'.xvc  me.  Ver.  8.  In  God  wc  boaft  all  the  day  lon^  :  and  praile  thy  name- 
 for  ever.     Selah. 
 
 r  Jonah  ii.  1,2.  Then  Jonah  prayed  unto  the  Lord  his  God  out  of  the 
 fith's  belly,  and  faid,  I  cried  by  rcafon  of  niineafFliclion  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
 heard  me  ;  out  of  tht-  belly  of  hell  cried  I,  and  thou  heardfl  my  voice.  Ver.  4. 
 Then  faid  I,  I  am  caft  out  of  thy  fight :  yet  I  will  look  again  toward  thy  holy 
 temple.  Matth  xv.  26,  27,  18.  But  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  [unto  the  woman 
 of  Canaan,]  It  is  not  meet  ro  take  the  childrens  bread,  and  to  cad  it  to  dogs. 
 And  file  faid,  Truth,  Lord  :  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  whicii  fall  from 
 their  maker's  table.  Then  Jefus  anfwcred  and  faid  unto  her,  O  woman,  great  is 
 thy  faith  :  be  it  unto  thee  even  as  thou  wiit.  And  her  daugliter  was  made 
 whole  from  that  very  hour.  Pfalm  xlii.  6,  7,  8.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  ca(t 
 down  within  m.e :  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and 
 of  the  llermonites,  from  the  hill  Miz.ir.  Deep  calleth  unto  deep,  at  the  nolfe  of 
 thy  water-fpouts  :  all  ihy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me.  Yet  the 
 Lord  will  command  his  loving-klndnefs  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night  his 
 fong  fliall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  mv  life. 
 
 /  Rom.  V.  3,4,  5.     See  letter  i. 
 
 s  Micah  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  enemy  :  when  I  fall,  T  fliall 
 arifc  ;   when  I  fit  in  darknefs,  the  Lord  fliall  be  a  light  unto  me. 
 
 /  2  Cor.  xli.  7.  And  left  I  fhould  he  e.K.ilted  above  meaf^.ire  through  the  a- 
 bundiuce  of  revelations,  there  was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  fl:.'lh,  the  mef- 
 fengcr  of  Satan  to  buitet  me,  left  I  Ihould  be  exUted  above  meifnre. 
 
 u  Rom.  viii.  55,  37.  Who  fhall  feparatc  v.s  from  the  love  of  Chrift  ?  Shall 
 tribulation,  or  diftrefs,  or  pcrfccutiois,  or  famine,  or  nakedn'-fs,  or  peril,  or 
 
 Vol.  X.  Dd 
 
2IO       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 My  lufts  break  one  another's  pate, 
 
 And  each  corruption  kills  its  mate  ^'. 
 
 J  fmell  the  bait,  1  feel  the  harm 
 
 Of  corrupt  ways,  and  take  th*  alarm. 
 
 I  tajle  the  bitternefs  of  fm. 
 
 And  then  to  relifh  grace  begin  ^\ 
 
 I  hear  the  fools  profanely  talk, 
 
 Thence  wifdom  learn  in  word  and  walk  ^ : 
 
 fword  ?  Nay,  in  all  tbefe  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him 
 that  loved  us.  Pfahii  Ixv.  3.  Iniquities  prev.iil  againfl:  me  :  as  for  our  tranf- 
 greffions,  thou  flialt  purge  them  away,  a  Chron.  14,  15,  z6.  In  thofe  days 
 Heztkiah  was  fuk  to  the  death,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  he  fpake  un- 
 to him,  and  he  gave  him  a  fign.  But  Hczekiah  rendered  not  again,  accord- 
 ing to  (he  benefit  done  un:o  him  :  for  his  heart  was  lifted  up  ;  therefore  there 
 was  wrath  upon  him,  and  upon  Judah  and  Jcrufalem.  Notwithfl.inding,  He- 
 zekiah  humbled  himfclf  for  the  pride  of  his  heart,  (both  he  and  tlie  inhabi- 
 tants of  Jtrufalem,)  fo  that  tlie  wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the 
 days  of  Hczekiah 
 
 V  Rom.  vii.  7,  8,  9  ^X"hatfllaII  we  fay  then  ?  Is  the  law  Gn  ?  God  forbid. 
 Nay,  I  had  nt.t  known  (in,  but  by  the  law  ;  for  I  had  not  known  lufl,  except 
 the  law  had  faid,  Thou  Oialt  not  covet.  But  (in  taking  occafion  by  the  coni- 
 manduKnt,  wrought  in  me  all  manner  of  concupifceace.  For  without  the  law 
 fin  was  dead.  Foi  1  was  alive  without  the  law  once  :  but  when  the  commandment 
 came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.  Vcr.  11.  For  fin  taking  occafion  by  the  com- 
 in^ndmtnt,  deceived  me,  and  by  it  flew  me.  Vcr.  13.  Was  then  ih.it  which 
 is  good  made  death  unto  me  ?  God  forbid.  But  fin  that  it  might  appear  (iu, 
 working  death  in  me  by  (hit  whicn  is  good  ;  that  fin  by  the  commandment 
 might  become  exceeding  finful.  Where  pu  fie  :  be  fight  and  ficlir.g  of  fin  killed 
 Jelf.  John  ix.  39,  40,  41,  And  J>.fus  faid.  For  judgment  I  am  come  into 
 this  world  :  that  thty  vvhicii  fee  not,  might  fee  ;  and  that  they  which  fee, 
 maybe  midc  blind  And  fomc  of  the  Pharifecs  which  were  with  him,  heard 
 'thefe'wordi,  and  faid  unto  him.  Arc  we  l>!ind  alfo  ?  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  If 
 ye  w  '■'  blind,  yc  fliould  have  no  fin  :  but  now  ye  fay.  We  ice  ;  therefore 
 yi  ur  fin  remaincth.  Pfalm  lix.  ir.  Slay  tliem  not,  lefl:  my  people  toi'gtt ; 
 Icatit;  t'lem  by  thy  power;  and  bring  thctn  doivn,  O  Lord  our  fhicld.  Mat. 
 xxvi  33,  34  I'ctcr  anfwercd  and  faid  unto  irm.  Though  all  men  fli.ill  be  of- 
 fended becaufe  of  thee,  yet  will  I  nevtr  he  ^'ilcndtd  Jcfus  f.xitli  unto  hi;n, 
 Vetily  I  fay  unto  thee,  that  this  night,  !)•.  fore  tlie  cock  crow,  thou  flult  de- 
 ny me  thrice.  Ver.  75.  And  Peter  rem<-mbercd  the  words  of  Jefus,  wiiich  faid 
 unto  him.  Before  the  cock  crow,  thou  llialt  deny  me  thrice.  And  he  went  out, 
 and  wept  bitterly. 
 
 w  R'lm  vi.  at.  What  fruit  hid  ye  then  in  thofe  things,  whereof  ye  nreu">w 
 afliame  I  ?  fo:  the  end  of  tliofe  tliinus  is  death.  Pfal.  xix.  ri.  Moreover,  by 
 them  Ti'ir.  the  judgmtnts  ofthe  Lord]  is  thy  ftrvant  warned  :  and  in  keeping  of 
 t'lem  there  is  great  reward.  Anil  Ixxiii  17,  18,  ip.  Until  I  wsnt  into  tlic  fandku- 
 ary  of  God  ;  then  undcrftood  I  tli.ir  end.  Surely  thou  didfl:  fct  tlum  in  flip- 
 pery  places  :  tliou  c^ftedfl  them  down  into  dcftrudiion.  How  arc  they  brought 
 into  dcfolatlon,  as  in  a  moment!  ttieyare  utterly  coufumed  with  terrors.  Jer. 
 ii.  19.  Thine  own  wicktdntfs  iliall  corre^^  thee,  and  thy  backfliilings  fhall 
 reprove  thee  :  know  therefore  and  fc-e,  that  it  is  an  evil  thin^  and  bitter,  that 
 thou  hafl  forfaken  the  Lord  hy  God,  and  lliat  my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  faith 
 the  L.-iril  God  of  hofls. 
 
 X  Job  xxi  13,  14,  15.  Thry  fpend  their  d.iys  in  wealth,  and  in  a  moment 
 gn  d  iwn  to  tiic  grave.  Therefore  th'y  fiy  unto  God,  Depart  fro-n  us  ;  for 
 we  defire  not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.     What  is  tlic  Almigluy,  that   we 
 
Sect.  XIII.      The  Believer's  Riddle.     2U 
 
 Ifee  them  throng  the  paflage  broad, 
 And  learn  to  take  the  narrow  road^. 
 
 SECT.    XIII. 
 The  Myjiery  of  the  Saint's  Adverfaries  and  Ad-verftties. 
 
 A  Lump  of  woe  affliftion  is, 
 Yet  thence  I  borrow  lumps  of  blifs  ^ : 
 Though  few  can  fee  a  bleiiing  in't, 
 It  is  my  furnace  and  my  mint  ^. 
 Its  fharpnefs  does  my  lulls  difpatch  ^ ; 
 Its  fuddennefs  alarms  my  watch 'J ; 
 Its  bitternefs  refines  my  taftc. 
 And  weans  me  from  the  creature's  breafl^  j 
 
 Its  weightinefs  doth  try  my  back, 
 That  faith  and  patience  be  not  ilack^: 
 
 fliould  fervc  him  ?  and  what  profit  fhall  we  have  if  we  pray  unto  hini .'  Eph.  ir. 
 ao,  11,  12.  But  ye  have  not  fo  learned  Chrift  ;  if  fo  be  that  ye  hive  heard  him, 
 and  have  been  taught  by  him,  as  the  truth  is  in  [efus .'  tliat  ye  put  off  con- 
 cerning, the  former  convcrfation,  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt  according  to 
 the  deceitful  lufts.  And  ver  6,  7,  8.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words : 
 for  becaufe  of  thefe  things  comcth  tlie  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  ofdifo- 
 tedience.  Be  not  ye  therefore  partakers  with  them.  For  ye  were  fomeimcs 
 darknefs,  hut  now  are  ye  liglu  in  the  Lord  :  walk  as  children  of  light.  Ver. 
 II.  And  have  no  fellowfliip  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darknefs,  hue  rather 
 reprove  thera. 
 
 y  Matth.  vii.  13,  14.  Enter  ye  in  at  the  the  ftrait  gate  ;  for  wide  is  the  gate, 
 and  broad  is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  deilruAion,  and  many  there  be  which  go 
 in  thereat  :  becaufe  ftrait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way  which  leadeth  un- 
 to life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it. 
 
 a  Heb.  xii.  ii.  Now,  no  chaftening  for  the  prefent  fcemcth  to  be  joyous,  but 
 grievous:  neverthelefs,  afterward  it  yieklcth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteouf- 
 neis,  unto  them  which  are  exercifcd  thereby.  James  i.  \x.  Blcfled  is  the  roan 
 ihatendureth  temptation  :  for  when  he  is  tried,  he  ihall  endure  the  crown  of 
 life,   which  the  Lord  hath  promifed  to  them  that  love  him. 
 
 b  Ifa.  xxxi.  9.  And  he  {viz.  the  AfTyrian]  fliall  pafs  over  to  his  flrong  hold 
 for  fear,  and  his  princes  fliall  he  afraid  of  the  enfign,  faith  the  Lord,  wiiofe 
 fire  is  ill  Zion,  and  his  furnace  is  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 c  Pfalm  xlv.  5.  Thine  arrows  arc  fliarp  in  the  heart  of  the  king's  enemies; 
 whereby  the  people  fall  under  thee. 
 
 '  d  Mark  xiii.  55,  36,  37.  Watch  ye  therefore,  (for  ye  know  not  when  the 
 mafter  of  the  houfe  cometh  :  at  even,  or  at  midni^jht,  or  at  the  cock-crowing, 
 or  in  the  morning,)  left  coming  fuddenly  he  find  you  fleeping.  And  what  I 
 fay  unto  you,   I  fay  unto  all,    Watch. 
 
 c  Jcr  i;.  19.  Sec  Ic.tcr  w  forcdted.  And  iv.  i8.  Thy  way  and  thy  doings 
 have  procured  thtfe  things  unto  thee,  this  is  thy  wickednefs,  becaufe  it  is  bit- 
 ter, becaufe  it  reacheth  unto  thine  heart. 
 
 f  James  i.  i,  3,4  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers 
 temptations ;  knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh  patience. 
 But  let  patience  have  her  pcrtc(5L  work,  that  ve  may  be  perfevfl  and  entire, 
 wanting  nothing. 
 
 Dd  2 
 
212     GOSPELSONNETS.    Part  IIL 
 
 It  is  a  fanning  wind,  whereby 
 
 I  am  unchafF'd  of  vanity  s, 
 
 A  furnace  to  refine  my  grace  ^, 
 
 A  wing  to  lift  my  foul  apace  '; 
 
 Hence  ftill  the  more  I  fob  diftrefl. 
 
 The  more  I  fing  my  endlefs  reft  K 
 
 Mine  enemies  that  feek  my  hurt, 
 
 Ot  all  their  bad  defigns  come  fhort ' ; 
 
 They  ferve  me  duly  to  my  mind, 
 
 With  favours  which  they  ne'er  defign'd  ^. 
 
 The  fury  of  my  foes  makes  me 
 
 Fafl  to  my  peaceful  refuge  flee  "  ; 
 
 And  ev'ry  perfecuting  elf 
 
 Does  make  me  underftand  myfelf  °. 
 
 g  Ifa.  xxvii.  7,  p.  In  meafure  when  it  fliooteth  forth,  thou  ivilt  debate  with 
 it ;  he  flayeth  his  rough  wind  in  the  day  of  his  eaft-wind.  By  this  therefore 
 fliall  the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  his 
 fill. 
 
 h  Mai.  iii.  3.  And  he  [viz.  the  meflengcr  of  the  covenant]  fhall  fit  as  a 
 icfiner  and  purifier  of  filver  :  and  he  fliall  purifv  the  fons  of  Levi,  and  purge 
 them  as  gold  and  filver,  that  they  may  offer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in  righ- 
 teoufnefs. 
 
 i  Pfalm  cxliii.  p.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  enemies :  I  flee  unto  thee 
 to  Iiidc  nic. 
 
 k  a  Cor.  iv.  1(5,  17.  For  which  caufe  we  faint  not ;  but  though  our  outward 
 man  perifli,  yet  the  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day.  For  our  light  afflic- 
 tio.i,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  lor  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  e- 
 lerndl  weight  of  glory. 
 
 /  Pfalm  xxxiii  10.  The  Lord  hringcth  the  counfel  of  the  Heathen  to  nought: 
 lie  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none  effcdl 
 
 m  Gfn.  1.  20.  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  brethren, — As  for  you,  ye  thought 
 evil  againfl  me  ;  hut  God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pafs,  as  it  is  this 
 day,  to  favc  much  people  alive. 
 
 It  Pfalm  Iv.  zg.  But  thou,  O  God,  flialt  bring  them  down  into  the  pit  of 
 dcrtrudtioii  :  bloody  and  deceitful  men  fliall  not  live  out  half  their  days  ;  but 
 1  will  trufl  in  tliec  / 
 
 9  My  fill  ;  in.  xlii  24.  Who  gave  Jacob  for  a  fpoil,  and  Ifrael  to  the  roh- 
 ■t»trs  ?  did  n<t  the  Lord,  he  againft  whom  we  have  finntd  ;  for  tiny  would  not 
 walk  in  liis  ways,  neither  were  thty  obedient  unto  l-,is  law. — My  duty  ;  a  Sam. 
 xvi.  ri,  12.  Ami  Pavid  faid  to  Abifhii,  and  to  all  his  fcrvants,  Behold,  riiy 
 fon  which  came  forth  of  my  b'  wils,  fecketh  my  life  :  Iiow  much  more  now 
 may  this  Benjamite  do  it  '  Itt  him  alone,  and  let  him  curfe  :  for  the  Lord  h.ith 
 bitidcn  him.  It  may  b'  th.ic  the  Lord  will  look  on  mine  affli<5tion,  and  that 
 the  Lord  will  requite  nae  good  for  his  curfing  this  d;iy  Micah  vii.  8,  p.  Re- 
 joice not  a^'ainft  me,  Ominetncmy:  when  I  fall,  I  fliall  arifc  ;  when  I  fit 
 in  d.irknefs,  the  Lord  fiiall  be  a  light  unto  me.  I  will  bear  the  indignation 
 of  the  IvOrd,  bccaufe  I  have  finned  agiinfl  him,  until  he  plead  my  caufe,  and 
 execute  judgment  for  me:  he  will  bring  me  forth  to  the  light,  and  \  fhall  be- 
 hold his  ri^hceoufnefs. —  My  Jafcty  ;  I'falm  ix.  9,  ro.  The  I  ord  alio  will  be  a 
 refuge  for  the  opprcfi'cd,  a  retugr  in  timts  of  trouble.  A.ik1  they  that  know 
 »hy  n  ime,  will  j<ut  their  trufi  in  thee  :  for  thou,  L<'>rd,  haft  not  forf.ikc-n 
 Uictn  tlu;  icck  thee    Vcr  16.  The  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  he 
 
Sect.  XIII.     T^f  Believer's  Riddle.         213 
 
 Their  flanders  cannot  work  my  fhame  p, 
 Their  vile  reproaches  raife  my  name  "^  ; 
 In  peace  with  Heav'n  my  foul  can  dwell. 
 Even  when  ihey  damn  me  down  to  hell  ''. 
 Their  fury  can't  the  treaty  harm  ^, 
 Their  paflion  does  my  pity  warm  '^  : 
 Their  madnefs  only  calms  my  blood  ^ ; 
 By  doing  hurt,  they  do  me  good  ". 
 They  are  my  fordid  fiaves  I  wot ; 
 My  drudges,   though  they  know  it  not  ''■' : 
 
 executeth  :    the  wicked  is  fnared  in  the  work  of  his  own  hands.     Higgaion, 
 Selah 
 
 p  Pfalm  xxxi.  13,  14.  For  I  Iiave  heard  the  flander  of  many,  fear  was  on 
 every  fide,  while  they  took  coiinfel  together  againfl  me,  they  deviled  to  take 
 away  my  life.     But  I  trufted  in  thee,   O  Lord  :   I  faiti.  Thou  art  my  God. 
 
 g  I  Pet.  iv.  14.  if  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name  of  Chrift,  happy  are  ye; 
 for  the  Spirit  of  glory  and  ot  God  refteth  upon  you  :  on  their  part  he  is  evil 
 fpoken  of,  but  on  your  part  he  is  glorified. 
 
 r  Numb,  xxili.  7,  8.  And  B.il.um  took  up  his  parable,  and  faid,  Balak  the 
 king  of  Moab  hath  brought  me  t'rom  Aram,  out  of  the  mountains  of  the  eaft 
 faying,  Come,  curfe  me  Jacob,  and  come,  defy  Ifiael.  How  lli^ill  I  curfe 
 whom  God  hath  not  curfed  ?  or  how  fliall  I  defy,  whom  liie  Lord  hath  not 
 defied?  Verfe  13.  Surely  there  is  no  enchantment  a;^ainf}  Jacob,  ncitiitr  is 
 there  any  divination  againft  Ifrael  :  accor;!inj  to  this  time  it  Iball  be  faid  of 
 Jacob,  and  of  Ifrael,   What  hath  God  wrought  ! 
 
 /  Prov.  xxvi.  1.  As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as  the  fwallow  by  flyin",  fo  the 
 curfe  caufelefs  fliall  not  come. 
 
 5  I  Pet.  iii.  8,  9.  Finally,  be  ye  all  of  one  kiiid,  having;  rompaffion  one 
 of  another,  love  as  brethren,  be  pitiful,  be  courteous  ;  not  reudering  evil  for 
 evil,  or  railing  for  railing  :  but  contrariwife,  bltiTing;  knowing  that  ye  are 
 thereunto  called,  that  ye  lliouid  inlierit  a  bkiEng. 
 
 t  Pfalm  Ixix.  li,  13.   They  that  fit  in  the  gate  fpcak  againil  me  ;   and  I  was 
 the  fong  of  the  drunkards.     But  as  for  me,  my  prayer   is  unto  thee,    O  Lord 
 in  an  acceptable  time  :  O  God,  in  tlie  multitude  of  thy  mercy  hear  me,  in  the 
 truth  of  thy  falvation. 
 
 it  Gen.  1.  10.  See  l(tter  m  foreched.  Edherix.  xo, — zj.  And  MorJe.-ai  wrote 
 thefe  things,  and  fent  letters  unto  all  the  Jews  that  v.ere  in  all  the  provinces 
 of  the  king  Ahafiurus,  both  nigh  and  far, 'to  flablifli  this  among  them,  tl)at 
 they  fhould  keep  the  fointeenth  day  of  the  month  Adar,  and  the  fifteenth  >.' iv 
 of  the  fame  yeaily  :  ss  the  days  wherein  the  Jews  rcfted  from  their  enemies, 
 and  the  month  which  was  turned  unto  them  from  forruw  lO  joy,  and  from 
 mourning  into  a  good  day  :  that  tliey  fliould  make  them  days  of  feafting  and 
 joy,  and  of  fending  portions  one  to  another,  and  gifts  to  the  poor.  And  th.e 
 Jews  undertook  to  do  as  they  had  begun,  and  as  Mordicai  had  written  unto 
 them.  Becaufe  Haman  the  fon  of  Hammedatha  the  Agagite,  the  enemy  of  ail 
 the  Jews,  had  advifcd  againfl  the  Jews  to  delboy  them,  and  had  cafl:  Pur  (that 
 is,  the  lot)  to  confnme  thtm,  and  to  deftroy  them  :  but  when  Efther  came  be- 
 fore the  king,  i.c  commanded  by  letters,  that  his  wicked  device  which  he  de- 
 vifcd  againfi  the  Jews,  fiiould  return  upon  his  own  head,  and  that  he  and  his 
 fons  fliouid  tie  hanged  on  the  gallows. 
 
 V  Jer.  XXV.  b,  9.  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  Beraiife  ye  have 
 not  heard  my  words,  Ikhold,  I  will  ft-nd  and  take  all  the  Umihts  of  the  north, 
 faith  the  Lord,  and  Nibuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Bahylon  my  krvanr,  and  will 
 bring  them  againft  this  land,  and  againfl  the  inhahitints  therco',  and  againfl 
 all  thefe  natio.is  round  about,  and  will  utterly  deflroy  them,  and  make  theni 
 an  aftouifamcnt,  and  an  hilu'.ij,   and   p.'ri)etual  dcfol.uions.     Virft.  ..-       AtiJ 
 
2  14      GOSPELSONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 They  aft  to  me  a  kindly  part, 
 With  little  kindnefs  in  their  heart  ^\ 
 They  fvveep  my  outer-houfe  when  foul, 
 Yea,  walh  my  inner  filth  of  foul  '^  : 
 They  help  to  purge  away  my  blot. 
 For  Moab  is  my  wafhing-pot  y. 
 
 SECT.     XIV. 
 
 7be  lSiyfi,ery  of  the  Believer's  Pardon  and  Security  from 
 revenging  Wrath,  fioiwithjianding  his  Sin's  Defert. 
 
 Thoti  from  condemnation  free, 
 )  Find  fuch  condemnables  in  me, 
 
 it  {liall  come  to  pafs  when  feventjr  years  are  accompIiHied,  that  I  will  punifli 
 the  king  ot  Babylon,  aud  that  nation,  faith  tiie  Lord,  for  their  iniquity,  and 
 the  lasid  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  will  make  it  perpetual  defolations.  Kaiah  i. 
 5,  (J.  O  Aflyrian,  the  rod  of  mine  anger,  and  the  flafFin  their  hand  is  mine  in- 
 dignation. I  will  fend  him  againfl  an  hypocritical  nation  ;  and  againft  the 
 people  of  my  wrath  will  I  give  him  a  charge  to  take  the  fpoil,  and  to  take  the 
 prey,  and  to  tread  them  down  like  the  mire  uf  the  ftreeis.  Verfe  la.  ^\'here- 
 fore  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  wlien  the  Lord  hath  performed  his  whole  work 
 upon  mount  Zion,  and  on  Jerufalem,  I  will  puniLli  the  fruit  of  the  ftout  heart 
 of  the  king  of  AlFyria,  and  the  glory  of  his  high  looks.  And  xliv.  14,  28. 
 Thus  f.iith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer,  and  he  that  formid  thee  from  the  womb, 
 lam  the  Liird — that  faiih  of  Cyrus,  He  is  my  Piicphtrd,  and  fliall  perform  all 
 my  pkafurc,  even  faying  to  Jerufalem,  Thou  flialt  be  built  ;  and  to  the  tem- 
 ple. Thy  foundations  fliall  be  laid.  And  xlv.  i.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  to  his 
 anointed,  to  Cyrus,  whofe  right  hand  I  have  holden,  to  fubdue  nations  before 
 him  :  and  I  vviil  loofe  the  loins  of  kings  to  op:n  before  him  the  two-leaved 
 tjates,  and  the  gates  ihall  net  be  fliut.  Verfe  4.  For  Jacob  my  fervant's  fake, 
 and  Jfracl  mine  eiedl,  1  have  even  called  thee  by  thy  name  :  1  have  Crnamcd 
 thee,  though  thou  hafl  not  Icnown  me. 
 
 iu  Matth.  V.  10, —  li.  BlcfTed  are  thty  which  arc  perfccuted  for  righteouf- 
 ncfs  fake  :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  BlefTed  arc  ye  when  men 
 fliall  revile  you,  am!  pcrfecute  you,  and  fliall  fay  all  m.inner  of  evil  againfl 
 vou  fahtly  for  my  fake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad  :  for  great  is  your 
 reward  in  heaven  :  for  fo  perfecuted  they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you. 
 Luke  vi.  ii,  13.  BlelTtd  are  ye  when  men  lliall  hate  you,  and  when  they  fliall 
 feparate  you  from  their  company,  snd  fliall  reproach  you,  and  cart  out  your 
 name  as  evil,  for  the  Son  of  ra.:n's  lake.  Rejoice  ye  in  that  day,  and  leap 
 for  joy  :  for  behold,  your  reward  is  great  iu  heaven  :  for  in  the  like  manner 
 did  tluir  fathers  unto  the  prophets. 
 
 X  Ifaiah  iv.  ?, — 5.  And  it  fliall  come  to  pafs,  that  he  that  is  left  in  Zion, 
 and  he  that  remain'-th  in  Jerufalem,  flial!  be  called  holy,  even  every  one  that 
 is  wriilcn  among  the  living  in  Jcrufaicni  :  when  the  Lord  Hiall  have  wadied 
 away  the  filth  of  the  daiighters  of  Zion,  and  fliall  have  purged  the  blood  of  Je- 
 rufalem from  the  mid  ft  thereof,  by  the  fpirit  of  judgment,  and  by  the  fpi- 
 rit  of  burning.  And  the  Lord  v/ill  create  upon  every  dwelling-place  of  mount 
 zion,  and  upon  her  afl'cmblics  a  (loud,  and  fmoke  by  day,  and  the  fliining  of 
 a  flaming  fire  by  night :  for  upon  all  the  glory  fhall  be  a  defence.  And  xxvii. 
 9.  Bv  this  therefore  fhall  the  inquity  of  Jacob  be  ptir;;ed,  and  this  is  all  the 
 fruit  'o  take  away  his  fin  ;  wiien  hemaketh  all  theflones  of  the  altar  as  thalk- 
 ftonts  that  are  beaten  in  fundtr,  the  grovts  and  images  fliall  not  fland  up. 
 y  Fulm  i».  8.  Moab  is  oiy  waHi-not,  <tc. 
 
Sect.  XIV.    The  Believer's  Riddle.     215 
 
 As  make  more  heavy  wrath  my  due 
 
 Than  falls  on  all  the  damned  crew  *. 
 
 But  though  my  crimes  deferve  the  pit, 
 
 I'm  no  more  liable  to  it ; 
 
 Remiffion,  feal'd  with  blood  and  death. 
 
 Secures  me  from  deferved  wrath  ^. 
 
 And  having  now  a  pardon  free. 
 
 To  hell  obnoxious  cannot  be. 
 
 Nor  to  a  threat,  except  ^  anent  ^  about. 
 
 Paternal  wrath  and  chaftifement  *^. 
 
 My  foul  may  oft  be  fill'd  indeed 
 With  flavifli  fear  and  hellifli  dread  '^ : 
 This  from  my  unbelief  does  fpring  ^, 
 My  faith  fpeaks  out  fome  better  thing. 
 Faith  fees  no  legal  guilt  again, 
 Though  fm  and  its  defer t  remain  ^ : 
 
 a  Rom.  viiJ.  i.  There  is  theiefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are 
 in  ChriO:  Jcfus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after  the  Spirit.  And  vii.  i8. 
 For  I  know,  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my  flefli)  dwelltth  no  good  thing  :  for  to 
 will  is  prefcnt  with  me,    but   how  to  perform  that  which   is  jjood,   1  lind  not. 
 
 1  Tim.  i.  IS,  1(5.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
 Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the-  world  to  fave  finners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  How- 
 beit,  for  this  caufe  I  obtained  mercy,  that  in  me  firft  Jefus  Chrifl  might  fliew 
 forth  all  long  fufFering,  for  a  pattern  to  them  which  fliould  hereafter  believe 
 on  him  to  everlafting  life. 
 
 b  Gal   iii.  13.  Chrifl:  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made 
 
 2  curfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 
 Rom.  V.  9.  Much  more  then  being  nov/ juftiiied  by  his  blood,  we  fliall  be 
 faved  from  wrath  through  him.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption 
 through  his   blood,    the   forgivenefs   of  fins,    according   to   the  riches  of  his 
 
 c  I  TheiT.  I.  10.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven,  whom  he  raifed  from 
 the  dead,  even  Jefus  which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come.  Ifaiah  liv. 
 P,  10.  For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me  :  for  as  I  have  fworn  that 
 the  waters  of  Noah  fliouId  no  more  go  over  the  earth  ;  fo  have  I  fworn,  that 
 I  would  not  be  wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  tliee.  For  the  mountains  fhall 
 depart,  and  the  hills  he  removed,  but  my  kindnefs  fliall  not  depart  from  thee, 
 neither  flull  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath 
 mercy  on  thee.  Pfalm  hxxis.  jc, —  33  If  his  children  forfake  my  law,  and 
 walk  not  in  my  judgments  ;  if  they  break  iny  flatutes,  and  keep  not  my  com- 
 mandments :  then  will  I  vifit  their  tranfgrefrinn  with  the  rod,  and  their  ini- 
 quity with  flripes.  Neverthelefs,  my  loving-ki[idnefs  will  1  not  utterly  take 
 from  him,  nor  fufFcr  my  faithfulnefs  to  fail. 
 
 J  Matth.  xiv.  26.  And  when  the  dilciples  faw  Jefus  walking  on  the  fea,  they 
 were  troubled,  faying.  It  is  a  fpirit;    and  thc-y  ciied  out  for  fear. 
 
 e  Mark  iv.  40.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  bis  dii'ciples,  Why  are  ye  fo  fearful  ? 
 how  is  it  that  ye  have  no  faith  ? 
 
 /  Rom.  vii.  6.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  being  dead 
 vherein  we  were  held  ;  that  we  fliouifl  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fjiirit,  nnd  nut  in 
 the  oldnefs  of  the  letter  Chap.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
 that  it  Wis  weak  tluough  the  flcQi,  God  did,  f.-ndin^  his  own  Son  in  the  likcacfs 
 
2i6      GOSPEL  SONNFTS.     Part  Iir. 
 
 Some  hidden  wonders  hence  refult ; 
 
 I'm  full  of  fin,  yet  free  of  guilt  s  : 
 
 Guilt  is  the  legal  bond  or  knot. 
 
 That  binds  to  v/rath  and  vengeance  hot  '^  ; 
 
 But  fm  may  be  where  guilt's  away, 
 
 And  guilt  where  fm  could  never  flay. 
 
 Guilt  without  any  fm  has  been. 
 
 As  in  my  Surety  may  be  feen  ; 
 
 The  cleft's  guilt  upon  him  came. 
 
 Yet  ftill  he  was  the  holy  Lamb '. 
 
 Sin  without  guilt  may  likewife  be, 
 
 As  may  appear  in  paidon'd  me  : 
 
 For  though  my  fm,  alas !  docs  flay. 
 
 Yet  pardon  takes  the  guilt  away  ^. 
 
 Thus  freed  I  am,  yet  (lill  involv'd  ; 
 
 A  guilty  finner,  yet  abfolv'd  ''  : 
 
 Though  pardon  leave  no  guilt  behind, 
 
 Yet  fin's  defert  remains  I  find  '". 
 
 of  finful  flefli,  and  for  fin  condemned  fm  in  the  flefli  :  that  the  righteoufncfs 
 of  the  law  might  be  fuiiiUed  in  us,  who  walk,  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after  the 
 Spirit. 
 
 g  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  kw  is  fpirirual ;  but  I  am  carnal, 
 fold  under  lln.  Chap.  viii.  33,  34.  Who  fliall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of 
 God's  eledt  .'  It  is  God  that  juftilieth  :  who  is  he  that  condemneth  .'  Jt  is 
 Chrift  that  died,  yea,  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  ii  even  at  the  right  hand 
 of  God,   who  alfo  maketh  intcrcefliou  for  us. 
 
 A  Dcut.  xxvii.  a(S.  Curfed  be  he  that  coiifirmeth  not  all  the  words  of  this 
 •law  to  do  them  :  and  all  the  people  fliall  fay,  Amen.  Rom.  i.  18.  For  the 
 ■wrath  cf  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  againft  all  ungodiiucfs,  and  unrightcouf- 
 ncfs  ot  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  unrightcoufr.efs. 
 
 i  Ifaiafi  liii.  c.  The  Lord  h.^.th  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  Heb. 
 vii.  x6.  For  fuch  an  Iligii  priefl  became  us,  who  is  lioly,  harmlefs,  undefilcd, 
 fcperatc  from  finners. 
 
 k  Roju  vii.  J4.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  fliall  deliver  me  from  the 
 body  of  tnis  death  .'  Acfls  xiii.  38,  39.  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men 
 and  brethren,  that  throu;;h  this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgivensfs  of 
 fais  :  and  by  him  ail  that  believe,  are  juflifieJ  from  all  things,  from  which  yc 
 tould  not  be  jufliiied  by  the  law  of  Mofes. 
 
 /  Rom.  fii.  ly.  Now  we  know,  tliat  what  tilings  foever  the  law  faith,  it 
 faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and 
 all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  Vtric  13,  24.  For  all  have  fin- 
 ned, and  come  il.ort  of  the  glory  of  God  :  being  ju.flified  freely  by  his  grace, 
 through  the  redemption  th.^t  is  in  Jefus  Chrifl. 
 
 m  Rom.  iv.  0, — 8.  Even  as  DaviH  alfo  dcfcribeth  the  bleTedncfs  of  the  man 
 tinto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  righteoufncfs  without  works,  faying,  Bicfled 
 arc  they  whofc  iniquities  arc  forgiven,  and  wiiofe  fins  are  covered.  Rlefled  is 
 the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  fin.  Pfal.  li.  3,4.  For  I  acknow- 
 ledge my  tranfgrcOions  ;  and  my  fin  is  ever  before  me.  A-,iinft  thee,  thee 
 only  have  1  finned,  and  done  this  evil  in  thy  fight :  that  thou  inightfl  be  jufti- 
 fied  when  thou  fpeakcft,  and  be  clear  when  thou  judgcft.  And  cxiii.  a.  O 
 Lord,  enter  not  into  judjmen:  with  thy  fcrvaut  :  for  in  thy  fijht  fliall  no  roan 
 living  be  jufllficd. 
 
Sect.  XV.     7^^^  Believer's  Ri  ddle,      217 
 
 Guilt  and  demerit  differ  here. 
 Though  oft  their  names  confounded  arc 
 I'm  guilty  in  myfelf  2i\vi/a.ySy 
 Since  fin's  demerit  ever  flays  ". 
 Yet  in  mj  Head  Tm  always  free 
 From  proper  guilt  affeding  me  ; 
 Becaufe  my  Surety's  blood  canceU'd 
 The  bond  of  curfes  once  me  held  °. 
 The  guilt  that  pardon  did  divorce, 
 From  legal  threat'nings  drew  its  force  P  ; 
 But  fm's  defert  that  lodges  flill. 
 Is  drawn  from  fin's  intrinfic  ill  '^. 
 Were  guilt  nought  elfe  but  fin's  defert. 
 Of  pardon  I'd  renounce  my  part ; 
 For,  were  I  now  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 
 I'd  ov/n  my  fins  deferved  hell  ^ 
 
 This  does  my  higheft  wonder  move 
 At  matchlefs  juftifying  love, 
 
 n  Rom.  vii.  13,  14.  Was  then  that  which  is  good,  made  death  unto  me  ? 
 God  forbid.  But  (in  that  it  might  appear  fin,  working  death  in  me  by  that 
 which  is  good  ;  tliat  fin  by  the  commandment  might  become  exceeding  finful. 
 For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritual  :  but  1  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  Eph. 
 V.  <J.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words  :  for  becaufe  of  ihefe  things 
 cometh  the  wratli  of  God  upon  the  children  of  difobcdicnce. 
 
 0  Rom.  V.  I.  Therefore,  being  juftificd  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
 through  Our  Lord  Jefus  Chrifl.  Vcrfc  9.  Much  more  thtn,  being  now  juftified 
 by  his  blood,  we  fhall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  Verfe  ti.  And  not 
 only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrill,  by  whom 
 wc  have  now  received  the  atonement. 
 
 />  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the 
 curfe  ;  fpr  it  is  written,  Curfcd  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
 which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  Verfe  13.  Chrifl:  hatli 
 redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us  ;  for  it  is 
 written,  Curfcd  is  every  one  that  haugeth  on  a  tree. 
 
 q  Pfalm  li.  4.  Sec  letter  m  forccited.  Luke  xv.  18.  I  will  arlfe,  and  go  to  my 
 farhcr,  and  will  fay  nnto  him,  Father,  I  have  finned  againft  heaven  and  be- 
 fore thee. 
 
 r  Luke  xv.  19,  And  am  no  more  worthy  to  he  called  t'ly  fon.  Rev.  v.  4. 
 And  I  [John]  wept  much  becaufe  no  man  was  found  worthy  to  open,  and  to 
 read  the  hook,  iieiihcr  to  look  thereon.  Verfe  9.  And  they  fung  a  new  fong, 
 faying.  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  book,  and  to  optn  the  fcals  tlicrcof :  for 
 thou  waft  flain,  and  has  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood,  out  of  every  kin- 
 dred, and  tongue,  an.i  people,  ant!  nation.  Verfe  ii. — 15.  And  I  beheld, 
 and  I  heard  the  voice  of  many  angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the  beafls, 
 and  the  ekleri  :  nnd  the  number  of  them  was  ttn  thoofind  times  ten  thoufand, 
 and  thoufands  cf  thoufands;  faying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
 thit  was  flain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wifdom,  anc  ftrength,  and 
 honour,  and  glory,  and  hieffing.  Aud  every  creature  which  is  in  heaven,  and 
 on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  fuch  as  are  in  the  fea,  and  all  that  are 
 in  them,  heard  I,  f.\ying,  BltiTing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power  be 
 unto  him  that  fittcth  upcn  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  fov  ever  aud  ever. 
 
 VoL^  X,  E  e 
 
2i8       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartIII. 
 
 That  thus  fee u res  from  endlefs  death 
 
 A  wretch  deferving  double  wrath  '. 
 
 Though  well  my  black  defert  I  know. 
 
 Yet  I'm  not  liable  to  woe  ; 
 
 While  full  and  complete  righteoufnefs 
 
 Imputed  for  my  freedom  is  ^ 
 
 Hence  \\\j  fecurity  from  wrath, 
 
 As  firmly  Hands  on  Jefus'  deaths 
 
 As  does  my  title  unto  heav'n 
 
 Upon  his  great  obedience  giv'n  ". 
 
 The  fentence  Heav'n  did  full  pronounce, 
 
 Has  pardon'd  all  my  fms  at  once  ; 
 
 And  ev'n  from  future  crimes  acquit, 
 
 Before  I  could  the  facts  commit'*'. 
 
 /  Rom.  vii.  24,  15.  O  wretched  itun  th.it  I  am  I  who  lliall  deliver  me  from 
 the  body  ot  this  death  ?  I  tliank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap, 
 vii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Chrift 
 Jefus,  who  v/aVs.  not  after  the  flclli,  but  after  the  Spirit.  1  Tim.  i.  13.  Who 
 ■was  before  a  blalpliemer,  and  a  perfecutor,  and  injurious  ;  but  I  obtained 
 mercy,  becaufe  1  did  it  ignorantly,  in  unbtlief.  Verl'e  15, — i;-  This  is  a 
 faitliful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  tliat  Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the 
 world  to  lave  finners ;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  Howbeit,  for  this  caufe  I  ob- 
 tained mercy,  that  in  me  firft  Jefus  Clirift  miglit  ("hew  forth  all  long-futfering, 
 for  a  pattern  to  tiiem  which  fiiould  lurcaftcr  believe  on  him  to  life  e.'crlaftlng. 
 Now  unto  the  Kin;^  eternal,  immortal,  invifible,  the  only  wife  God,  be  ho- 
 nour and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 
 
 s  I  Cor.  i.  30.  But  nf  hini  arc  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  un:a 
 ns — righteoufnefs — and  redemption,  i  Cor,  v.z\.  God  hath  made  Clirift 
 to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  Im  ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs 
 of  God  in  him.  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  \jnz.  Abr.iham]  received  the  llgn  of  cir- 
 ciimclfion,  a  feal  of  the  right«oufnefs  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  un- 
 circumcifed  :  that  he  might  be  the  fatlier  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they 
 be  not  cireumcifed;  that  rJghteoiifnels  may  be  imputed  unto  them  alio.  Vcr. 
 22, — 25.  And  therefore  it  was  imputed  to  him  for  righteoufnefs.  Now  it  was 
 not  written  for  his  fake  alone,  that  it  w.is  imputed  to  him  ;  but  for  Lis  alfo, 
 to  whom  it  fli.ill  be  imputed,  if  wc  believe  on  him  that  raifed  up  Jefus  our 
 Loid  trom  the  dead,  who  v^.-.s  delivered  for  our  olTences,  and  was  raifed  again 
 for  our  juftification. 
 
 /  Rom.  V.  9.  Much  more  then  being  novvf  juftilitd  by  his  blood,  we  lliall  be 
 faved  from  wrath  through  him. 
 
 u  Rom.  V.  17,  18,  19. — They  which  receive  abund.ince  of  grace,  and  of  the 
 gift  of  righteoufnefs,  ihall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jefus  Chrift — By  the  righte- 
 oufncis  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  juftilication  of  life. — Bjr 
 the  '.bedience  of  one  fliall  many  he  made  riglitcous.  Ver.  11.  Grace  reigns 
 tlucugh  ri^liteoufnefs  unto  eternal  li'e,  by  Je^is  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 7  Pf.ilm  ciii.  5.  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul. — who  f)rgivcth  all  thine  ini- 
 quities; w.ho  he:ileth  all  thy  dif^afes.  a  Cor.  vi.  19.  God  was  in  Cinift,  rc- 
 conciiing  the  world  unto  himfelf,  not  imputing  their  trefpalTcs  unto  them. 
 Vtr.  I  I.  Ste  letter  s  abavccaeJ.  Dan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weeks  arc  determined 
 upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holyeity,  to  finilb  the  tranfgreflion,  and  to 
 make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconciliation  (or  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in 
 everlaftiag  rigliteiufnefs.  Ifa.  liv.  lo  For  the  mountains  lliall  depart,  and 
 the  h'lis  lliall  be  removed  ;  but  my  ki  idncfs  (hdl  not  depart  from  thee,  nei- 
 ther {lull  the  covenant  of  my  pca(.c  be  reniov!.d,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath 
 
Sect.  XV.     ^he  Believer's  Riddle.     219 
 
 I'm  always  in  a  pardon'd  itate 
 Before  and  after  fin  ^^  ;  but  yet, 
 That  vainly  I  prefume  not  hence, 
 I'm  feldom  pardon'd  to  my  fenfe  '^. 
 Sin  brings  a  vengeance  on  my  head, 
 Though  from  avenging  wrath  I'm  freed  >'» 
 And  though  my  fms  all  pardon'd  be, 
 Their  pardon's  not  appl-fd  to  me  ". 
 Thus  though  I  need  no  pardon  more. 
 Yet  need  new  pardons  ev'ry  hour  ^, 
 In  point  of  application  free  : 
 Lord,  wafh  anew,  and  pardon  me. 
 
 SECT.    XV. 
 T^he  Myjiery  of  Faith  and  Sight.     See  Part  vi.   chap.  4. 
 
 STRANGE  contradiftions  me  befal, 
 I  can't  beheve  unlefs  I  fee  ^ ; 
 
 mercy  on  thee.    Heb.  viii,  la.   For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unri^htcoufnefs, 
 and  thi.ir  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. 
 
 ■w  Rom.  viii.  i.  There  isiherefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  wliich  are 
 in  Clirifl:  Jcfus,  who  walk  not  after  the  fltfli,but  .ifter  the  Spirit.  Ver.  35, — 39. 
 Who  lliall  lay  any  thing  to  the  chaige  of  God's  elt<5t  .■'  It  is  God  that  juflifieth : 
 who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  ChriQ  that  died,  ve  rather,  that  is  rilen  again, 
 who  is  even  at  the  right-hand  of  God,  who  alfo  makcth  interttffion  for  us. 
 Who  fliall  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  Chrift  ?  Ihall  tribulation,  or  diftrefs, 
 or  perfecution,  or  famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  peril,  or  fword  ?  Nay,  in  all 
 thefe  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him  that  loved  us.  For  I 
 am  perfuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor 
 things  prefcnt,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
 creature,  fliall  be  able  to  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  God  which  is-  in  Chrifl 
 Jefus  our  Lord. 
 
 X  Pfal.  XXV.  II.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity;  for 
 it  is  great.  And  li.  8,  9.  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladuefs ;  that  the  bones 
 ■which  thou  hafl:  broken  may  rejoice.  Hide  thy  face  from  uiy  fins  ;  and  b'oc 
 out  all  mine  iniquities.  Reftore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  falvation  :  and  uphold 
 me  with  thy  free  Spirit. 
 
 y  PCal.  xcix.  8.  Thou  anfweredft  them,  O  Lord  our  God  :  thou  waft  a 
 God  that  forgaveft  them,  though  thou  tookeft  vengeance  of  their  inventions. 
 I  Their,  i.  10.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven,  whom  he  rai'fed  from 
 tliC  dead,  even  Jefus  which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
 
 z  Pfal.  XXXV.  1.  O  Lord,  fiy  unto  ray  foul,  I  am  thy  falvation.  And  Ixxxv. 
 8.  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  fpeak  ;  for  he  will  fpeak  peace  unto 
 his  people,  and  to  his  faints:  but  let  ihtm  not  turn  again  to  folly.  Matth. 
 jx.  1.  And  behold,  tl-.ey  brought  to  liim  a  man  fick  of  the  palfy,  lying  on  a 
 bed  :  and  Jefus  feeing  their  faith,  faid  unto  the  fick  of  the  palfy,  Son,  be  of 
 good  chear,  thy  fins  !jc  forgiven  thee. 
 
 *  Matth.  vi.  iz.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors,  i 
 John  i.  7,  8.  If  we  wilk  in  tlu  light,  as  God  is  in  the  llglit,  we  have  fellow- 
 fliip  on  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  jefus  Chrifl  his  Son  cleanfeth  us  from 
 all  fin.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth 
 uot  in  us. 
 
 a  John  vi.  40.  And  tliis  is  the  will  of  him  that  fent  me,  that  every  one  which 
 feeth  the  Son,  and  believcih  on  him,  may  have  cverlafting  life. 
 
 E  e  2 
 
220      GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  III. 
 
 Yet  never  can  believe  at  all, 
 
 Till  once  I  Ihut  the  feeing  eyeK 
 When  fight  of  fvveet  experience 
 
 Can  give  my  faith  no  helping  hand  c. 
 The  fight  of  found  intelligence 
 
 Will  give  it  ample  ground  to  (land  d. 
 1  walk  by  faith  and  not  by  fight  •= ; 
 
 Yet  knowledge  does  my  faith  refound  ^, 
 Which  cannot  walk  but  in  the  light  3, 
 
 Ev'n  when  experience  runs  a-ground  ^. 
 By  knowledge  I  difcern  and  fpy 
 
 In  divine  light  the  object  fhown ' ; 
 By  faith  I  take  and  clofe  apply 
 
 The  glorious  objeQ:  as  mine  owni^. 
 My  faith  thus  (lands  on  divine  light, 
 
 Believing  what  it  clearly  fees  '  ; 
 Yet  faith  is  oppofite  to  fight, 
 
 Trufting  its  ear,  and  not  its  eyes  "\ 
 
 i  John  XX.  ap.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  Thomas,  becaufe  thou  haft  fcen  me, 
 ihoii  haft  believed  :  blelled  are  they  that  have  not  fecn,  and  yet  have  bclicv- 
 
 cd. 
 
 c  Ifa  viii.  17.  And  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord  that  hideth  his  face  from  the 
 houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for  him.  Chap  I  lo.  Who  is  among  you  that 
 feareth  the  Lord,  that  obeyetii  the  voice  of  his  fcrvant,  that  walketh  in  dark- 
 Dcfs,  and  hath  no  light  ?  let  him  truft  in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord,  and  ftay  up- 
 on his  God. 
 
 d  Eph-  i.  IS, — '9.  Wlietefore  I  alfo,  after  I  heard  of  your  faith  in  the  Lord 
 Jcfus,  and  love  unto  all  the  faints,  ceafe  not  to  give  thanks  for  you,  making 
 mention  of  you  in  my  prayers;  that  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  the 
 Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  Spiiit  of  wifdom  and  revelation,  in 
 the  knowledge  of  him  :  the  eyes  of  your  underftancling  being  enlightened  ; 
 that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of  the 
 slory  oi  his  inheritance  in  the  faints,  and  what  is  the  exccc<iing  greatncfs  of 
 his  powir  to  us-nard  who  believe,  according  to  the  working  of  his  mighty 
 power,  <b-c.  And  z  Cor.  iv.  6.  And  God  who  commanded  the  light  to  fliine  out 
 of  darkncfs,  hath  fliine.l  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  li<;;ht  of  the  knowledge  of 
 the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chrift. 
 
 e  i  Cor.  V.  7     For  we  wilk  by  faith  not  by  fight. 
 
 /  John  ii.  II.  This  beginning  of  mir^ides  did  Jcfos  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and 
 manilcfted  forth  his  glory  ;  and  his  difciples  believed  on  him. 
 
 g  Pialm  ix.  >o.   And  they  tliat  know  thy  name,  will  put  their  truft  in  thee. 
 
 h  Pfalm  xxvii.  14.  Vv'ait  on  tlv:  Lord  :  be  of  good  courage,  and  he  fliall 
 ftrengthen  tliine  heart  :  wait,   1  f<ty,  on  the  LonL 
 
 i  2  Cor.  ili.  18.  But  we  all  witii  open  iic?,  beholding  as  in  a  glafs  the  glory 
 of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as 
 by  .he  '^pU■it  of  the  Lord. 
 
 k  John  i  IX  But  as  many  a;  received  liim,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  be- 
 come the  fons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  l>is  name. 
 
 /  Gal.  i.  ifl  But  when  it  plcafed  God — to  reveal  his  Son  in  me,  that  I 
 might  preach  him  among  the  Heathen  ;  immediati-ly  I  conferred  not  with  flcfti 
 and  blood. 
 
Sect.  XV,    The  Believer's  Riddle.      221 
 
 Faith  lift'oing  to  a  fweet  report, 
 
 Still  comes  by  hearing,  not  by  fight '"'  ; 
 
 Yet  is  not  faith  of  faving  fort, 
 But  when  it  fees  in  divine  light °. 
 
 In  fears  1  fpend  my  vital  breath  ; 
 
 In  doubts  I  wafte  my  pafling  years  p  ; 
 Yet  flill  the  life  I  live  is  faith. 
 
 The  oppofite  of  doubts  and  fears  'i. 
 'Tween  clearing  faith  and  clouding  fenfe, 
 
 I  walk  in  darknefs  and  in  light '. 
 I'm  certain  oft,  when  in  fufpence. 
 
 While  fure  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight  ^ 
 
 m  Eph.  i.  13.  Tn  Clirift  ye  aifo  trufled,  after  that  ye  heard  the  word  of 
 truth,  the  gofpel  of  your  falvation. 
 
 n  Rom.  X.  17.  So  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word 
 of  God. 
 
 0  Pfal.  xxxvi.  7,  How  excclknt  is  thy  loving-klndnefs,  OGod!  therefore 
 the  children  of  men  put  their  truft  andcr  the  fliadow  of  thy  wings.  Ver.  9. 
 For  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  lire  :  in  thy  hght  fliall  we  fee  h'ght. 
 
 p  Pfalm  Ixxvii.  3,  4.  I  remembered  God,  jod  was  trouMcd  :  I  complained, 
 and  my  fpirit  was  overwhelmed.  Selah.  Tliou  hoidefl:  mine  eyes  waking  :  I 
 was  fo  troubled  that  I  cannot  fpeak.  John  xx  25.  But  l^homas  faid  unto  the 
 other  difciples,  Except  I  fliall  fee  in  his  hands  Mit-  print  ot  the  nails,  and  put 
 my  finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  thrufl  my  hand  into  his  fide,  I  will 
 not  believe.  Luke  xxiv.  x\.  We  truftcd  that  it  had  been  he  which  Iliould 
 have  redeemed  Ifrael. 
 
 q  Gal.  ii.  zo  I  am  crucified  with  Ch  ri  fc :  neverthtlefs  T  live;  yet  not  I 
 but  Chrifl  livcth  in  me  :  ami  the  life  whifh  I  now  live  in  the  ficih,  I  live  by 
 the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gav  himfclf  tor  me.  Mark 
 V.  36.  As  foon  as  Jefus  heard  the  word  that  was  fpol<cn,  he  faith  unto  the 
 ruler  of  the  fynagogue,  Be  not  afraid,  only  bJieve.  Matth.  viii.  z{j.  And  Je- 
 fus faith  unto  his  difciples,  Why  are  ye  fearful,  O  ye  of  little  faith  r  Chap  xiv. 
 31.  And  Jefus  faith  unto  Peter,  O  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore  didft  thou 
 doubt. 
 
 r  Job  xxix.  i,  i,  3.  Moreover  Job  continued  his  parable,  and  faid.  Oh 
 that  I  were  as  in  months  [lan:,  as  in  the  days  when  God  preferved  me  :  when 
 his  candle  fliined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by  his  light  I  walked  through 
 darknefs.     Pfalra  cxii.  4.  Unto  the  upri;jht  there  arifeth  light  in  darWnefs. 
 
 s  I  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  fccn,  ye  love  :  in  whom  thougli  now  ye 
 fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  reinice  with  joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glorv. 
 Rom.  iv.  18, — z  I.  Ahriham  againfl  hope  believed  in  hope,  that  he  might  be- 
 come the  father  of  many  nations;  according  to  that  which  was  fpokeu.  So 
 fliall  thy  feed  be.  And  being  not  weak  in  faith,  he  confidered  not  his  own 
 body  now  dead,  when  he  was  about  an  hundred  years  old.  neither  yet  the 
 deadnefs  of  Sarah's  womb.  Pie  flaggercd  not  at  the  promife  of  God  throuoh 
 unbelief;  but  was  drong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God  :  and  being  fully  per- 
 fuaded,  tli.it  what  he  prcmifed,  he  was  .able  alfo  to  perform.  J'falni  Ixxxix. 
 36, — 39.  liis  feed  flia'l  endure  forever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  Ixfne  me. 
 It  fliall  be  f  fl^bliditd  for  ever  as  tiic  moon,  and  as  a  faithful  witiHis  in  heaven. 
 Sclah.  But  thou  haTi  caft  oiT  and  abhorred,  thou  haft  hf-en  wii'ilt  with  thine 
 anointed,  I'hou  haft  made  void  the  covenant  of  Jiy  fervant  :  t!;ou  hart  pro- 
 faned his  crown  by  cafting  it  to  the  ground. 
 
222      GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 SECT.    XVI. 
 
 The  Myjiery  of  Faith  and  Works ^  and  Reward  of  Grace 
 and  Debt. 
 
 I.  Of  F  A  I  T  H  and  Works. 
 
 HE  that  in  word  ofFendeth  not. 
 Is  caird  a  perfect  man  I  wot  ^  ; 
 Yet  he  whofe  thoughts  and  deeds  are  bad, 
 The  la\v-perfe6tion  never  had  ^. 
 I  am  defign'd  a  perfed:  foul, 
 Ev'n  though  1  never  kept  the  whole, 
 Nor  any  precept "" ;   for  'tis  known, 
 He  breaks  them  all  that  breaks  but  one  ^. 
 By  faith  I  do  perfed.ion  claim  % 
 By  works  I  never  grafp  the  name  ^ : 
 Yet  without  works  my  faith  is  nought  S, 
 And  thereby  no  perfection  brought. 
 Works  without  faith,  will  never  fpeed  ^, 
 Faith  without  works  is  wholly  dead  ' : 
 
 a  James  iii  «,.  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  fame  Is  a  perfect  man, 
 and  able  alfo  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 
 
 I  James  ii,  lo.  For  whofoever  fhall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in 
 one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all. 
 
 c  Rom.  iv.  5,  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  belicveth  on  him  that  jufti- 
 fitth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  tor  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alfo 
 dekribeth  the  blcffednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs 
 witliout  works.  Job  i.  i.  There  was  a  man  in  the  land  of  Uz,  whofe  name  was 
 Job,  and  that  man  was  perfeA  and  upriglit,  and  one  that  feared  God,  and 
 efJicvved  evil.  Pfalm  Ixxi.  iC.  J  will  go  in  the  ftrength  of  the  Lord  God  :  1 
 will  make  mention  of  thv  righteoufnefs,  even  of  thine  only  Ecclcf.  vii.  ao. 
 For  there  is  not  a  juH  man  upon  earth,  that  doth  good,  and  Cnneth  not. 
 
 d  James  ii.  lo.   Sec  letter  b. 
 
 e  Phil.  iii.  9.  I  count  all  things  but  dung  that  I  may  win  Clirifi:,  and  be 
 found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  hut 
 that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrifi,  the  righteoufneft  which  is  of  God  by 
 faith. 
 
 /  Gal.  ii  i<5.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  jurtifi»^d  by  the  woiks  of  the  Jaw, 
 but  by  ihc  faith  of  Jcfiis  Chrill;  even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chrifl  ;  that 
 we  might  hejnflificd  \;y  the  faith  of  Chrifl,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law: 
 for  by  the  works  of  the  iawfiiall  no  flefh  be  juftified. 
 
 g  James  ii.  14.  \Vh.u  doth  it  profit,  my  brethren,  though  a  man  fay  he 
 liath  faith,  and  have  not  xvoiks  '!  can  faith  Live  him  } 
 
 h  Jleb.  xi.  6.  With  iit  faith  it  is  impofublc  to  pleafc  God  :  for  he  that  com- 
 «th  to  God,  miift  t-elieve  that  he  is,  and  th^t  he  is  a  rcwardcr  of  them  that 
 diligently  feck  him.     Rom.  xiv.  23.   Whatfocver  is  not  of  faith,  is  fin. 
 
 i  [ames  ii  17.  Even  lo  fai:h,  if  it  hath  networks,  is  de-id,  being  alone. 
 Ver.  16.  For  as  the  body  wiihout  the  fpirit  is  dead,  fo  faiih  without  works  is 
 dead  alfo. 
 
Sect.  XVI.     77j^  Believer's  Rid  dle.       223 
 
 Yet  I  am  juftify'd  by  faith, 
 Which  no  law -works  adjutant  hath  '^. 
 Yea,  gofpel-works  no  help  can  lend  ', 
 Though  ilill  they  do  by  faith  attend '"  : 
 Yet  faith  by  works  is  perfed  made. 
 And  by  their  prefcnce  juitify'd  ". 
 But  works  wnth  faith  could  never  vie. 
 And  only  faith  canjuRify'^  :. 
 Yet  (fill  my  juflifying  faith 
 No  juftifying  value  hath  p.  • 
 
 k  Rom.iii.  ar,  u.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  without  tlie  law  is 
 manifefted,  being  witnefltd  by  the  law  and  the  prophets  :  even  the  righteouf- 
 nefs of  God,  whicli  is  by  faith  of  Je fits  C:hrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
 believe;  for  there  is  no  difference.  Ch;ip.  iv.  4,  5,  6.  Now  to  him  that 
 worketh,  is  the  reward  not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that 
 worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him  th  it  juflificth  tlie  unoodly,  his  faith  is 
 counted  for  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  D.ivid  alfo  deforibeth  the  bleifednefs  of 
 the  man  unto  whom  God  imputcth  righteoufnefs  without  works. 
 
 /  Phil,  iii  4, — 9.  If  any  other  man  thinketh  that  lie  hath  whereof  lie  might 
 trufl  in  the  flefli,  I  more  ".—touching  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  in  the  law, 
 blanielcfs.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  thofe  I  counted  lofs  for  ChriR. 
 Yea  doubtlefs,  and  I  count  all  things  but  lofs,  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
 ledge of  Chrift  Jefus  my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have  fufFered  the  lofs  of  all  things, 
 and  do  count  them  dung  that  I  may  win  Chrlfl,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
 having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  ot  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through 
 the  faith  of  Chrifl,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  God  by  faith.  Jfa.  Ixiv.  9. 
 But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteoufnefs  are  as  filthy  rags. 
 Hof.  xiii.  9.  O  Ifrael,  thou  haft  dcftroyed  thyfslf;  but  in  me  is  thy  help.  Ifa. 
 sXv.  J4,  15.  Surely  fliall  one  fav,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and 
 ftrength :  even  to  him  fliall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  inceufed  a^ainlt  him 
 fliall  be  afliamed.  In  the  Lord  fliall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael  be  juftiiied,  aud 
 fliall  glory. 
 
 m  Tit.  iii.  8.  This  a  faithful  faying,  and  thefe  things  I  will  that  thou  affirm 
 conflantly,  that  they  which  have  believed  in  God,  might  be  careful  to  main- 
 tain good  work  :  thefe  tilings  are  good  and  profitable  unto  men.  James  ii. 
 18.  "Yea,  a  man  may  fay,  Thou  halt  faitii,  and  I  have  works  :  fliew  me  thv 
 faith  without  thy  work,  and  I  will  fliew  thee  my  faith  by  my  works. 
 
 ti  James  ii.  ai,  li.  Was  not  Abraham  our  father  juftified  by  works,  when 
 he  had  offered  Ifaac,  his  fon,  upon  the  altar  ?  Seeft  thou  how  faith  wrought 
 with  his  works,  and  by  works  w,is  faith  made  pc-rfe(£l:  ?  Ver.  14.  Ye  fee  then 
 how  that  by  works  a  man  is  jufllfitd,  and  not  by  faith  only. 
 
 0  Rom  iv.  id.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  be  by  grace;  to  the 
 end  the  promife  might  be  fure  to  all  the  feed.  Tit.  iii.  3, — 7.  But  after  that 
 the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by 
 works  of  righteoufnefs,  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he 
 faved  us  by  the  wafliing  of  regeneration,  aud  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghofl; 
 which  he  flied  on  us  abundantly,  through  Jefos  Chrift  our  Saviour  ;  that  being 
 jurtifitd  by  his  grace,  we  fliould  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eter- 
 nal life.  Acts  X.  43.  To  hiin  give  all  the  prophets  witnefs,  that  through  his 
 name,   whofoevtr  bellevcth  in  him,  fliali  receii.e  remifTi'in  of  fins. 
 
 p  Gal  iii  ii,  zi.  Is  the  law  then  againfl  the  promifes  ofGnd  ?  God  for- 
 bid :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given,  whicli  could  have  given  life,  verily 
 righteoufnefs  fliould  have  been  by  the  lavv.  Eat  the  fcripture  hath  concluded 
 all  under  fin,  that  the  promife  by  faith  of  Jefus  Clirift  might  be  given  to  thcnv 
 that  believe.     Luke  xxi.  3!,  si.   And  th':  Lord   faid,  Simon,  Simou,  behold, 
 
224      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 Lo  !  juHif)  ing  grace  from  heav'n 
 
 Is  foreign  ware,  and  freely  giv'n  ^'.  : 
 
 And  faving  faith  is  well  content 
 
 1  c  be  a  mere  recipient ''. 
 
 Faith's  a  dive  in  my  f audit y  ^ ; 
 
 But  here  its  adt  it  will  deny  % 
 
 And  frankly  own  it  never  went 
 
 Beyond  ?l  pajfive  indrumcntt. 
 
 I  labour  much  like  holy  Paid ; 
 
 And  yet  not  1,  but  grace  does  all "  : 
 
 1  try  to  fpread  my  little  fails, 
 
 And  wait  for  powerful  moving  gales  ^. 
 
 Satan  hath  defired  to  have  you,  that  he  ir.ay  fift  you  as  wheat  :  but  I  have 
 prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  taith  fail  net;  and  when  thou  art  converted,  flrenj;th- 
 en  thy  brethren,  i  Cor.  iii.  j.  Not  t!Mt  we  are  uiiriuient  of  ourfclvcs  to  tliink 
 any  tiling  as  ot  oiiifelves  :  bui  our  fufficiency  is  of  God.  Chap  xii.  %.  Of  fuch 
 an  one  will  I  glory  :   yet  of  myfelf  1  will  not  g'ory,  but  in  mine  infirmities. 
 
 q  Rom.  V.  \6,  17  — The  free  gift  is  of  many  offences  unto  junification  — 
 They  which  receive  abundance  of  grace,  and  of  the  ^\h  of  rightcoufnefs,  fliall 
 reign  in  life  by  one,  Jcfus  Chrill.  Chap.  iii.  Z4.  Being  juftidcd  freely  by  his 
 grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift. 
 
 r  Rom.  V.  1 1.  And  not  only  fo,  but  wc  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord 
 Jelus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  liavc  now  received  the  atonement.  Ver.  17.  Sec 
 letter  q. 
 
 f  Gal.  V.  6.  For  in  Jcfiis  Chrift,  neither  circumcifion  availeth  any  thing, 
 nor  uncircumcifion,  but  faith  which  workcth  by  love.  Adts  rv.  9.  God  put 
 no  dilTerence  between  us  and  them,  purifying  their  hearts  by  faith.  Chap, 
 xxvi.  18.  To  open  tlieir  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darknefs  to  light,  and 
 from  tlic  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins, 
 and  inlicritance  among  them  wliich  arc  fandlificd  by  fuitli  that  is  in  me. 
 
 s  Roni.iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faitli,  that  it  might  be  by  grace  Cliap. 
 XI.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more  of  uur'K.s  :  otherwifc  grace  is  no 
 more  grace. 
 
 t  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  faved,  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of 
 yourfelvcs:  it  is  the  gift  of  God;  not  of  works,  left  any  man  fliould  boaft. 
 1  Cor.  iv.  ?•  For,  who  makcth  thee  to  dilfer  from  another  ?  and  what  haft  thou 
 that  thou  didft  not  receive  .■'  now,  if  thou  didft  reciive  it,  why  doft  thou  glory 
 as  if  thou  hadft  not  received  it  .'  Heb.  xi.  ii.  Through  faith  alfo  Sarali  hcr- 
 felf  received  ftrength  to  conceive  feed,  and  was  delivered  of  a  child  when  flie 
 was  paft  age,  becaufe  flie  judged  him  faithful  who  had  promifed.  Ver.  17. 
 ]\y  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  tried,  offered  up  Ifaac,  and  he  that  had  received 
 the  promifes,  ofiered  up  his  only  begotttn  Son.  Vcr.  19.  Accouniing  that 
 God  was  able  to  laifc  him  up,  even  from  the  dead;  from  whence  alio  he  re- 
 ceived him  in  a  figure,  Ver.  35.  Women  received  their  dead  raifcd  to  lite  a- 
 jjain  :  and  others  were  tortured,  not  accepting  deliverance  ;  tlia:  ihcy  might 
 obtain  a  better  refurret'^ioA. 
 
 »  I  Vcr.  XV.  10.  liut  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am  :  and  his  grace 
 ■which  was  beftowcd  upon  me,  was  not  in  vain  ;  but  I  laboured  more  abun- 
 dantly than  they  all  :  yet  not  I,  but  ihe  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me. 
 
 v  )Tal.  Ixxi.  16.  1  will  go  in  the  ftrength  of  the  Lord  God:  1  will  maV:c 
 mention  of  thy  rightcoufntfs,  even  of  thine  only.  Song  iv.  i(J.  Awake,  O 
 north  wind,  and  come  thou  fouth  ;  blow  upon  my  jjaidcn,  that  the  fpices  there- 
 of may  flow  out. 
 
Sect.  XVI.     T/j^  Believer's  Riddle.     22s 
 
 When  powVs  convey'd,  I  work  ;  but  fee, 
 'Tis  ftill  his  pow'r  that  works  in  me. 
 I  am  an  agent  at  his  call, 
 Yet  nothing  am,  for  grace  is  all  ''^* 
 
 II.  Of  Rewards  of  Gk  ace  and  Debt. 
 
 IN  all  my  works  I  ftill  regard 
 The  recompence  of  full  reward  ^  j 
 Yet  fuch  my  working  is  withal, 
 I  look  for  no  reward  at  all  ''. 
 God's  my  reward  exceeding  great. 
 No  leffer  heaven  than  this  I  wait  -^ : 
 But  where's  the  earning  work  fo  broad. 
 To  fet  me  up  an  heir  of  God  ^  ? 
 Rewards  of  debt,  rewards  of  grace, 
 Are  oppofites  in  ev'ry  cafe  ^  ; 
 Yet  fure  I  am,  they'll  both  agree 
 Moft  joifitly  in  rewarding  me  '-\ 
 
 ■w  Phil.  ii.  li,  13.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  alwaj-^s  obej'cd,  nOl  as 
 in  my  prcfencc  only  but  now  much  more  in  my  abfence  ;  work  one  your  owil 
 falvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you,  both 
 10  will  and  to  do  of  his  gwod  pleafure.  Gal.  ii.  lo.  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift: 
 neverthtlefs  I  live;  yet  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  which  I 
 now  live  in  the  flefli,  1  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me, 
 and  gave  himfelf  for  me.  a  Cor.  xii.  y.  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  My  grace 
 is  fufficient  for  thee  :  for  my  flrength  is  xnade  perfedl  in  weaknefs^  Moft  gladly 
 therefore  will  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Chrift  may  reft 
 upon  me. 
 
 X  Heb.  xi.  14, — i6.  By  faith  Mofes,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refufed 
 to  be  called  the  fon  of  Pharoah's  daughter  ;  chuling  rather  to  fufter  affli(£tioa 
 with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleafuies  of  fin  for  a  feafon;  efteem- 
 ing  the  reproach  of  Chrifl  greater  riches  than  the  trcafurcs  in  Egypt  :  tor  he 
 had  refpedt  unto  the  recompence  of  the  reward. 
 
 y  X  Tim.  i.  9.  God  hath  faved  us,  and  c.illed  us  with  an  holy  calling,  not 
 according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpofe  and  grace  which  was 
 given  us  in  Chrift  Jefus,  before  the  world  began.  Titus  iii.  s-  Not  by  works 
 of  righteoufnefs,  which  we  have  done,  hut  according  to  his  mercy  he  iaved  us 
 by  the  wafliing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Hciy  Ghoft. 
 
 z  Gen.  XV.  i.  After  thefe  things  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Abram  in  a 
 vlhon,  faying.  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I  am  thy  fliield,  and  thy  exceeding  great 
 reward.  Pfahn  Ixxiii.  ij,  a6.  Whom  have  I  in  heav'n  but  thee  ?  and  there 
 is  none  upon  earth  that  Idefire  bcfides  thee.  My  fiefli  and  my  heart  faileih  : 
 but  God  is  the  ftrength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever. 
 
 a  Ezek.  xxivi.  31.  Not  for  vour  fakes  do  1  this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it 
 known  unto  you  :  be  afhamcd  and  confounded  for  yi^mr  own  ways,  O  houfe 
 of  Ifrael.  Kum.  viii.  16,  17  The  Spirit  itfelf  beareth  witnels  with  our  fpirit, 
 that  we  arc  the  children  of  God.  And  if  children,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God, 
 and  joint-heirs  with  Chrift 
 
 b  Rom.  iv.  4.  Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward  not  reckoned  of 
 grace,  but  of  debt. 
 
 c  Pfalm  Ivii.  11.    Verilv  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous  :  verily  he  is  a 
 
 Vol.  X.         '  Ff 
 
226       GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  III. 
 
 Though  hell's  my  juft  reward  for  fin'', 
 Heav'n  as  my  juil  reward  I'll  win  "=. 
 Both  thefe  my  jufl:  rewards  I  know. 
 Yet  truly  neither  of  them  fo  ^. 
 Hell  can't  in  juftice  be  my  lot, 
 Since  juftice  fatisfaftion  got  '  ; 
 Nor  heav'n  in  juftice  be  my  fhare, 
 Since  mercy  only  brings  me  there  ?. 
 Yet  heav'n  is  mine  by  folemn  oath. 
 In  juftice  and  in  mercy  both  ^ : 
 
 God  that  ju'lgcth  in  tlie  earth.  Ifaiah  Ixii.  ii.  Behold  the  Lord  hath  pro- 
 claimed unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Say  ye  to  the  daughters  of  Zion,  Behold, 
 thy  falvation  cometh  ;  behold,  his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  work  before 
 him.  And  xl.  ic.  Behold,  the  Lord  God  will  come  with  firong  hand,  and 
 his  arm  lliall  ruk  for  him  :  behold,  his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  work  be- 
 iore  him. 
 
 d  Rom.  vi.  ai.  'V^'liat  fruit  had  ye  then  in  thofe  things,  whereof  ye  are  now 
 alliamed  :  for  the  end  of  thofe  things  is  death.  Verfe  13.  The  wages  of  fin 
 is  death.  Eph.  v.  6  Let  no  mm  deceive  you  with  vain  words  ;  for  becaufc 
 of  thefe  things  Cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  of  difobcdience. 
 Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  u^er  the  curfe  : 
 tor  it  is  written,  Cuifed  is  everyone  that  continueth  not  in  ail  things  which 
 are  writteu  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 
 
 c  Gal.  iii.  13,  14.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  fr«m  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being 
 made  a  curfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangcth  on  a 
 tree  :  tiiat  the  blcffing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jefus 
 Ciirift  ;  that  we  migiit  receive  the  proniife  of  the  Spirit  through  faith.  Eph. 
 i.  13,  14.  In  Chrift  alio  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were  fealed  with  that  holy 
 Spirit  of  promile,  which  is  the  earnefl  of  our  inhcritauce,  until  the  redemption 
 of  the  purclnfed  pofielljon,  unto  the  praifc  of  his  glory.  Rom.v.  xi.  Grace 
 reigns  through  rightcoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrlft  our  Lord.  And 
 vi.  13.   The  gift  of  God  is  eternal  lile,  through  Jefus  Chrifl  our  Lord. 
 
 *  Viz.   Through  ihife  oppojite  voices  of  law  uud  goj'pel. 
 
 f  Rom.  iii.  15,  i(S.  Vv  horn  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
 faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remifTion  of  fins  that  arc 
 pafl,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righ- 
 teoufncls  :  tliat  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juflificrof  him  which  belie veth  in  Jehis. 
 
 g  Rom.  ix.  15,  16.  CJod  faith  to  Mofes,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  1  will 
 have  mercy;  and  I  will  have  compafTion  on  whom  I  will  have  compaiTion.  So 
 then  it  is  not  of  him  that  wiUtth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that 
 flieweth  mercy.  Tit.  iii.  4, — 7.  But  alter  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God 
 our  Saviour  tow.rd  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righteoufncfs,  which  we 
 have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  favtd  us  by  the  watliing  of  regene- 
 ration, and  renewing  of  the  Holy  GhoQ  :  which  he  flied  on  us  abundantly, 
 through  Jefus  Chrifl  our  Saviour  ;  that  being  juftified  by  his  grace,  we  lliould 
 be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 
 
 /;  Pfalm  lixxix.  35,  3(3.  Once  have  I  fworn  by  my  holinefs,  that  I  will  not 
 lye  unto  David.  His  feed  fliall  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  be- 
 fore me.  Hcb.  vi.  17,  i8  \^'hcrein  God  willing  more  abundantly  to  fiiew 
 inito  the  heirs  of  pron.ife  the  iiiiniutablliLy  of  his  counfel,  confirmed  it  by  an 
 oath  :  that  by  two  immutable  things,  in  whi-h  it  was  impoirible  for  God  to 
 lye,  we  might  have  a  flvong  confolation,  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold 
 upon  the  hope  fet  before  us.  Pfalm  lxx;vix.  14.  Juftice  and  judgment  are  the 
 habitation  of  thy  throne  :  mercy  and  trutli  lliall  go  before  thy  face.  Verfe  \6. 
 In  thy  name  lliall  they  rejoice  all  the  day  :  and  in  thy  righteoufnefs  fliall  they 
 be  exalted.     Verfe  14.     B.it  my  faith'uhitfs   and  my  mercy  fliall  be  with  hiui 
 
Sect,  XVI.      77>^  Believer's  Riddle.     227 
 
 And  God  in  Chrijl  is  all  my  truft, 
 3ecaufe  he's  merciful  and  jiifl: '. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 HE  R E  is  the  Riddle,  where's  the  man 
 Of  judgment  to  expound  ? 
 For  mafters  fam'd  that  cannot  fcan, 
 
 In  Ifrael  may  be  found  '^t 
 We  juftly  thofe  in  wifdom's  lift 
 
 Eltablifh'd  faints  may  call, 
 Whofe  bitter-fweet  experience  bled 
 
 Can  clearly  grafp  it  all  '. 
 Some  babes  in  grace  may  mint  ^  and  mar,  *  €■'> 
 
 Yet  aiming  right  fucceed  '"  : 
 "^mX.  ft  rangers  they  in  Ifrel  are, 
 
 Who  not  at  all  can  read  ". 
 
 [viz.  David  my  fervant] :  and  in  my  name  fliall  his  horn  be  ex<iltfd.  Ver.  i8. 
 My  mercy  will  I  keep  for  him  for  evermore,  and  my  covenant  ihall  fland  faft 
 with  him. 
 
 i  Heb.  il.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to  be  made  like  unto 
 his  brethren  ;  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faitliful  High-prieft,  in  things 
 pertaining  to  God,  to  make  reconciliatifin  for  the  fins  of  the  people,  i  John 
 i.  7, — 9.  If  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  God  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellowfliip 
 one  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Jefus  ChriH:  his  Son,  clcanfeth  us  from  all 
 fin.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive  ourfelvcs,  and  the  truth  is  not 
 in  us.  If  we  confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  and  jiift  to  forgive  us  our  fins, 
 and  to  cicanfe  us  from  all  uniightcournefs. 
 
 k  John  iii.  lo.  Jefiis  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Nicodemus,  Art  thou  a  mailer 
 of  Ifrael,  and  knoweft  not  thefe  things  ? 
 
 I  Matth.  xi.  15.  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid,  I  thank  thee,_  O  Fa- 
 ther, Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe  thou  haft  hid  thefe  things  from  the 
 wife  and  prudent,  and  hafl  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Chap.  xiii.  ii.  Jefus 
 anfwered  and  faid  unto  his  difciples,  Becaufe  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know 
 the  myfteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,   but  to  them  it  is  not  given. 
 
 m  1  Cor.  iii.  i,  i.  And  J,  brethren,  could  not  fpeak  unto  you  as  unto  fpi- 
 ritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,  even  as  unto  babes  in  Chiift.  1  have  fed  you  with 
 milk,  and  not  with  meat  :  for  hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it,  nether  yet 
 now  are  ye  able.  Ileb.  v.  ii, — 14.  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be 
 teachers,  ye  have  need  tliat  one  teach  you  igain  which  be  the  firft  priiiciples 
 of  the  oracles  of  God  ;  .ind  are  beconie  fuch  .is  have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of 
 ftrong  meat.  For  every  one  th  t  ufcth  milk,  is  unfkilr'ul  in  the  worJ  cf  righ- 
 teouluefs  :  for  he  is  a  babe.  But  ftrong  me.at  belongeth  to  them  that  are  of 
 full  age,  even  thofc  who,  by  reafon  of  ufe,  have  their  finfes  excrcifed  to  dif- 
 cern  both  good  and  evil.  Chap.  vi.  i.  There'nre,  leaving  the  principles  of 
 the  dodtrinc  ofChrift,  let  us  go  on  unto  pertetFtinn  ;  not  Ityinc;  agiin  the  foun- 
 dation of  repentance  iiom  dead  works,  and  of  faith  towards  God,  ire.  i  John 
 ii.  iz,  13  I  write  unto  you,  little  children,  bccaule  your  fins  are  forgiven  you 
 for  his  name's  fake. — I  write  unto  you,  little  children,  becaufe  ye  have  known 
 the  Father. 
 
 «  1  Cor.  iv.  3,  4.  But  if  our  pofpel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to  them  that  are  loft  ; 
 in  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath  blinded  the  minds  of  them  which  believe 
 not,  left  the  light  of  the  glorious  gofpel  ot  Chrift,  who  is  the  image  of  God, 
 fliiould  flilne  unto  them. 
 
 Ff  2 
 
228     G  O  S  P  E  L  S  O  N  N  E  T  S.  Part  IV. 
 
 ^-^  ^-^  '^-^  ^-^  ^*^  ^-^  ^^^  ^-^  «^-^ 
 
 GOSPEL    SONNETS- 
 
 PART         IV. 
 
 The  Believer's  Lodging  and  Inj 
 while  on  Earth  :  or^ 
 
 A  Poem  and  Parapi^rase  on  Pfal.  Ixxxiv. 
 
 Ver.  1 .  Hozu  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  0  Lord  ofhojls  f 
 
 JEHOVAH,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft, 
 Sole  Monarch  of  the  univerfal  hoft, 
 Whom  the  attendant  armies  ftill  revere, 
 "Which  in  bright  robes  furround  the  higher  fphere ; 
 Whofe  fov'reign  empire  fways  the  hcllifh  band 
 Of  ranked  legions  in  th'  infernal  land  ; 
 Who  hold'lf  the  earth  at  thy  unrivall'd  beck, 
 And  ftay'fl  proud  forces  with  a  humble  check  ; 
 Ev'n  thou  whofe  name  commands  an  awful  dread. 
 Yet  deigns  to  dwell  with  man  in  very  deed  : 
 O  what  refrefiiment  fills  the  dwelling-place 
 Of  thine  exuberant  unbounded  grace  ! 
 Which  with  fweet  pow'r  does  joy  and  praife  extort,. 
 In  Zion's  tents,  thine  ever-lov'd  refort : 
 Where  glad'ning  ftreams  of  mercy  from  above 
 Make  fouls  brim-full  of  warm  feraphic  love. 
 Of  fweetcfl:  odours  all  thy  garments  fmells ;  "\ 
 
 Thy  difmal  abfence  proves  a  thoufand  hells,  > 
 
 But  heav'ns  of  joy  are  where  thine  honour  dwells.       3 
 
 Ver.  2.  My  foul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts 
 of  the  Lord:  my  heart  and  my  flejh  crieth  out  for 
 the  living  God. 
 
 Therefore  on  thee  I  centre  my  defire, 
 Which  veh'mently  burfls  out  in  ardent  fire. 
 Deprived,  ah  !  I  Janguifli  in  my  plaint. 
 My  bones  are  feeble,  and  my  fpirits  faint. 
 
Part  IV.    T^^  Believer's  Lodging.        229 
 
 My  longing  foul  pants  to  behold  again 
 
 Thy  temple  fill'd  with  thy  rnajeftic  train  ; 
 
 Thofe  palaces  with  heav'nly  odour  flrew'd. 
 
 And  regal  courts,  where  Zionh  King  is  view'd : 
 
 To  fee  the  beauty  of  the  higheft  One, 
 
 Upon  his  holy  mount,  his  lofty  throne  : 
 
 "Whence  virtue  running  from  the  living  Head   ' 
 
 Reftores  the  dying,  and  revives  the  dead. 
 
 For  him  my  heart  with  cries  repeated  founds, 
 
 To  which  my  flefh  with  echoes  loud  rebounds  ; 
 
 For  him,  for  him,  whofe  life  in  death  can  give,  "^ 
 
 For  him,  for  him,  whofe  fole  prerogative  S 
 
 Is  from  and  to  eternity  to  live.  j 
 
 Ver.  3.  Tea,  the  fparrozv  hath  found  an  houfe,  and  the 
 pwallow  a  nejl  for  herfef,  where  foe  may  lay  her  youngs 
 even  thine  altars,  0  Lord  of  ho/Is,  my  King  and  my  God, 
 
 Alas  !  how  from  thy  lovely  dwellings  I, 
 Long  banifh'd,  do  the  happy  birds  envy  ; 
 "Which,  chuhng  thy  high  altars  for  their  neil, 
 On  rafters  of  thy  tabernacle  reft ! 
 Here  dwells  thtfparroiv  of  a  chirping  tongue. 
 And  here  the  fwallow  lays  her  tender  young  : 
 Faint  facrilege  !  they  feize  the  facred  fpot, 
 And  feem  to  glory  o'er  my  abfent  lot. 
 Yet  fure  1  have  more  fpecial  right  to  thee 
 Than  all  the  brutal  hofts  of  earth  and  fea: 
 That  Sov'reign,  at  whofe  government  they  bow. 
 Is  wholly  mine  by  his  eternal  vow ; 
 My  King  to  rule  my  heart,  and  quell  my  foes,  "^ 
 
 My  God  t'  extraft  my  well  from  prefent  woes,  > 
 
 And  crown  with  endlefs  glory  at  the  clofe.  j 
 
 Ver.  4.  Bleffed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  hotife  :  they  will 
 be  flill  praifing  thee. 
 
 O  happy  they  that  haunt  thy  houfe  below. 
 And  on  thy  royal  fanduary  flow  ; 
 Not  for  itfclf,  but  for  the  glorious  One, 
 Who  there  inhabits  his  eredled  throne  ! 
 Others  pafs  by,  but  here  their  dwelling  is ; 
 O  happy  people  crown'd  with  bays  of  bHi'^ ' 
 
230       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartIV. 
 
 Blefs'd  with  the  fplendid  luflre  of  his  face, 
 
 Biefs'd  with  the  high  melodious  found  of  grace. 
 
 That  wakens  fouls  into  a  fweet  amaze, 
 
 And  turns  their  fpirits  to  a  harp  of  praife  ; 
 
 Which  loudly  makes  the  lower  temple  ring 
 
 With  Hallelujahs  to  the  mighty  King : 
 
 And  thus  they  antedate  the  nobler  fong  -\ 
 
 Of  that  celeftial  and  triumphant  throng  S 
 
 Who  warble  notes  of  praife  eternity  along.  j 
 
 Ver.  5.   Bleffed  is  the  man  whofe  Jlrength  is  in  thee  : — 
 
 What  w^eights  of  blifs  their  happy  flioulders  load, 
 WhokJireJigth  lies  treafur'd  in  a  potent  God? 
 Self-drained  fouls,  yet  flowing  to  the  brim, 
 Becaufe  void  in  themfelvcs,  but  full  in  him. 
 Adam  the  firR  difcufs'd  their  flock  of  flrength. 
 The  fecond  well  retrieved  the  fum  at  length  ; 
 Who  keeps 't  himfelf,  a  furer  hand  indeed. 
 To  give  not  as  they  lift,  but  as  they  need. 
 When  raging  furies  threaten  fudden  harms. 
 He  then  extends  his  everlafting  arms  ; 
 When  Satan  drives  his  pointed  fiery  darts, 
 He  gives  them  courage  and  undaunted  hearts. 
 To  quell  his  deadly  force  with  divine  (kill, 
 And  adds  new  ftrength  to  do  their  Sovereign's  will : 
 When  fore  harafs'd  by  fome  outragious  luft,  -^ 
 
 He  levelling  its  pow'r  unto  the  duft,  C 
 
 Makes  faints  to  own  him  worthy  of  their  trufl.  j 
 
 Ver.  6.   In  whofe  hearts  are  the  ways  of  them.     Who  paf- 
 fin<^  through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  well: 
 the  rain  alfo  fillet h  the  pools. 
 
 Such  heav'n-born  fouls  are  not  to  earth  confin'd, 
 Truih'ij  high-way  fills  their  elevated  mind: 
 They  bound  for  Zion,  prefs  with  forward  aim, 
 As  Ijrels  males  to  old  Jerufalem. 
 Their  holy  path  lies  through  a  parched  land. 
 Through  oppofitions  numerous  and  grand. 
 Traverfmg  fcorched  deferts,  ragged  rocks. 
 And  Baca's  wither'd  vale,  like  thirfly  flocks  j 
 Yet  with  unfhaken  vigour  homeward  go. 
 Not  mov'd  by  all  oppofmg  harms  below. 
 
PartIV.    The  Believer's  Lodging.      23^ 
 
 They  digging  wells  on  this  Gilboa  top, 
 
 The  vale  of  Achor  yields  a  door  of  hope  : 
 
 For  heav*n  in  plenty  does  their  labour  crown, 
 
 By  making  filver  fhow'rs  to  trickle  down  ; 
 
 Till  empty  pools  imbibe  a  pleafant  fill,  -\ 
 
 And  weary  fouls  are  heart'ned  up  the  hill,  C 
 
 By  mafly  drops  of  joy  which  down  diftill.  j 
 
 Ver.  7.  They  go  from  firength  to  Jlrength,  every  one  of 
 them  in  Zion  appeareth  before  God. 
 
 Thus  they,  refrefhed  by  fuperior  aid, 
 Are  not  defatigated  nor  difmay'd ; 
 Becaufe  they  are,  O  truth  of  awful  dread  ! 
 As  potent  as  Jehovah  in  their  Head. 
 Hence  they  fhall  travel  with  triumphant  minds, 
 In  fpite  of  ragged  paths  and  boift'rous  winds. 
 The  roughed  ways  their  vigour  ne'er  abates, 
 Each  new  aflault  their  ftrength  redintegrates. 
 When  they  through  mortal  blows  feem  to  give  o'er. 
 Their  ftrength  by  intermitting  gathers  more. 
 And  thus  they,  with  unweary'd  zeal  endu'd. 
 Still  as  they  journey  have  their  ftrength  renew'd. 
 So  glorious  is  the  race,  that  once  begun. 
 Each  one  contends  his  fellow  to  out-ruu  ; 
 Till  at  uniting  in  a  glorious  band,  "^ 
 
 Before  the  Lamb's  high  throne  adoring  ftand,  > 
 
 And  harp  his  lofty  praife  in  Zion-Jand.  3 
 
 Ver.  8.  0  Lord  God  of  hofts,  hear  my  prayer :  give  ear^ 
 0  God  of  Jacob. 
 
 Great  God  of  numVous  hofts,  who  reigns  alone 
 The  fole  pofleffor  of  th'  imperial  throne  ; 
 Since  mental  taftes  of  thy  delicious  grace 
 So  fv/eetly  relifli  in  thy  holy  place. 
 This  is  the  fubjeft  of  my  tabled  pray'r, 
 To  have  the  vifion  of  thy  glory  there. 
 O  let  my  cry  pierce  the  etherial  frame. 
 And  mercy's  echo  follow  down  the  fame. 
 Omnifcient  Being,  favour  my  defire. 
 Hide  not  thy  goodnefs  in  paternal  ire  : 
 Why,  thou  haft  giv'n  in  an  eternal  band 
 To  Jacob  and  his  feed  thy  royal  hand, 
 
W32       GOSPEL  SON  NFTS.     Part  IV. 
 
 And  promis'd,  by  thy  facred  Deity,  -x 
 
 His  King  and  covenanted  God  to  be  ;  C 
 
 Therefore  my  hopes  are  center'd  all  in  thee.  3 
 
 Ver.  9.  Behold,  0  God,  our  /hi eld ;  and  look  upon  the 
 face  of  thine  atiolnted. 
 Omnipotent,  whofe  armour  none  can  wield, 
 Zion'^s  great  buckler  and  defenfive  fhield  ; 
 Thy  pure  untainted  eyes  cannot  behold 
 Deformed  mortals  in  their  hnful  mold, 
 Unlefs  their  names  be  graved  on  the  breaft 
 Of  Zion's  holy  confecrated  Prieft. 
 When  they  his  white  and  glorious  garments  wear. 
 Then  fm  and  guilt  both  wholly  difappear  : 
 Becaufe  o'erwhelmed  in  the  crimfon  flood, 
 And  ocean  of  a  dying  Surety's  blood  : 
 They  alfo,  vefted  with  his  radiant  grace, 
 Reflect  the  luflre  of  his  holy  face. 
 They're  not  themfelves  now,  but  divinely  trim  ; 
 For  wholly  what  they  are,  they  are  in  him  : 
 And  hence  Jehovah's  all-difcerning  eye  ^ 
 
 Cannot  in  them  efpy  deformity.  > 
 
 Then  look  on  him,  Lord  j  and  in  him  on  me.  J 
 
 Ver.  I  o.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thou  fund  : 
 I  had  rather    be  a  door-keeper   in  the  houfe  of  my 
 God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickednefs. 
 May  I  poiTefs  as  thy  domefliic  child. 
 The  houfe  that  by  Jehovah's  name  is  flyl'd  : 
 For  royal  glories  deck  thofe  courts  of  thine, 
 Which  with  majeflic  rays  fo  brightly  fhine, 
 That  fliould  my  mind  prefent  an  earth  of  gold, 
 As  full  of  worldly  joys  as  earth  can  hold  ; 
 Sweet  grace  fo  fills  my  houfe,  I'd  grudge  to  fpare. 
 One  moment  here,  for  thoufand  ages  there. 
 No  earthly  objed:  fliall  my  love  confine, 
 That  Being  which  pofleilcs  all,  is  mine. 
 My  fpirit  therefore  rather  would  embrace 
 The  meanefi-  office  in  his  holy  place. 
 And  by  the  thrcfliold  of  his  houfe  within, 
 Than  fit  in  fplendor  on  a  throne  of  fin. 
 In  Jefus*  courts  I'd  chufe  the  lowed  place. 
 At  his  faints  feet,  fo  I  might  fee  his  face. 
 
Part.  IV.     Th^  Bsliever's  Lodging.     233 
 
 Yea,  though  my  lamp  of  outward  peace  ftiould  burn  ^ 
 Moll  brightly,  yet  I  would  inceflant  mourn,  ^ 
 
 While  in  a  wicked  Mefech  I  fojourn.  3 
 
 Ver.  II.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  fun  andjljidd:  the  Lord 
 will  give  grace  and  glory  :  no  good  thing  will  he 
 with -hold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly. 
 
 For  God  the  Lord,  whofe  courts  I  love  to  haunt. 
 Is  ev'ry  thing  that  empty  fouls  can  want ; 
 A  fun  for  light,  a  fliield  for  ftrength  ;  yea,  more. 
 On  earth  he  gives  his  grace,  in  heav'n  his  glore. 
 This  radiant  fun,  of  life  and  light  the  fource. 
 Scatters  the  fliadcs  by's  circumambient  courfe; 
 Yea,  guides  bemifted  fouls  with  heartfome  beams, 
 And  glorioufly  irradiating  gleams. 
 -This  maify  fhield  is  polifh'd  bright  with  pow'r. 
 For  helping  weaklings  in  a  perilous  hour. 
 Here's  all  that  weary  travellers  would  have  ; 
 A  fun  to  cherifh,  and  a  fhield  to  fave. 
 Grace  alfo  here  is  giv'n  t'  adorn  the  foul, 
 And  yield  to  glory  in  the  heav'nly  pole. 
 All  divine  treafure  to  the  faint  is  due ; 
 Nothing's  deny'd,  if  truth  itfelf  be  true. 
 The  treafure  is  fo  V2!fl  it  can't  be  told  ; 
 Nothing  that  God  ca-t  give,  will  God  with-hold. 
 To  whom  he  doth  his  faving  grace  impart, 
 To  them  he  gives  himfelf,  his  hand,  his  heart : 
 Uprightnefs  too  of  heart  and  life  does  fall 
 Unto  their  fliare,  who  having  him,  have  all. 
 In  them  the  grace  he  gives,  he  dill  regards ; 
 Gives  holinels,  and  then  his  gift  rewards. 
 For  to  his  own  upright  and  divine  brood  -) 
 
 He's  bound  to  grant  ev'n  all  that's  great  and  good,      > 
 By's  own  word,  lirm  oath,  and  facred  blood.  J 
 
 Ver.  12.  0  Lord  of  hofls,  hleffed  is  the  man  that  irufieth 
 in  thee. 
 
 O  then,  Jehovah,  God  of  armies  ftrong. 
 To  whom  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  heav'n  belong  ; 
 How  vaftly  bleifed  is  the  fixed  man, 
 Who  by  a  firm  fiducial  boldnefs  can. 
 
 Vol,  X.  Q  ^ 
 
234      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  IV. 
 
 Through  grace  and  flrength  difpenfed  from  above. 
 
 So  fweetly  fcan  the  height  of  divine  love, 
 
 As  to  derive  his  comfort  wholly  thence, 
 
 And  on  this  rock  to  found  his  confidence  ? 
 
 Whofe  faith  has  rear'd  up  for  a  firm  abode 
 
 A  ftable  building  on  a  living  God  ? 
 
 "Who,  fpoil'd  of  human  props  both  great  and  fmall, 
 
 Does  chufe  a  triune  Deity  for  all  ? 
 
 What  fcrolls  of  blifs  are  in  this  all  inrolPd, 
 
 Is  too  fublime  for  feraphs  to  unfold. 
 
 Sift,  human  v^'ifdom,  in  a  deep  amaze!  ^ 
 
 Let  rapid  floods  of  life  his  glory  raife,  ?• 
 
 Till  time  be  drown'd  in  his  eternal  praife.  J 
 
 A  fourfold  Exercife  for  the  Believer  in 
 his  Lodging. 
 
 L   The    HOLT  L  AW;    Or, 
 
 The  'Ten  Commandments,  Exod.  xx.  3, — 17. 
 
 My 
 
 O  God  but  me  thou  fiialt  adore. 
 No  image  frame  to  bow  before, 
 holy  name  take  not  in  vain. 
 4.  My  facred  Sabbath  don't  prolane. 
 ^.  To  parents  render  due  refpeft. 
 
 6.  All  murder  fhun  and  malice  check. 
 
 7.  From  filth  and  v^^horedom  bafe  abftaln. 
 
 8.  From  theft  and  all  unlawful  gain. 
 
 9.  P'alle  witnefs  flee,  and  fland'ring  fpite. 
 
 10.  Nor  covet  what's  thy  neighbour's  right. 
 
 11.  The  UN  HOLT  HEART,  the  dired  oppofite 
 
 to  God's  law,  Rom.  vii.  14;   Or, 
 
 The  Knowledge  of  Sin  by  the  Law,  Rom.  iii. 
 
 I.  1\  /l"  ^'^  heart's  to  many  gods  a  flave. 
 
 2«  XV JL    ^^f  imagery  an  hideous  cave. 
 
 3.  An  hoard  of  God-diflion'ring  crimes. 
 
 4.  A  wafter  bafe  of  lioly  times. 
 
 20. 
 
Part.  IV.     77?^  Believer's  Lodging.      22s 
 
 5.  A  throne  of  pride  and  felf-conceit. 
 
 6.  A  flaughter-houfe  of  wrath  and  hate. 
 
 7.  A  cage  of  birds  and  thoughts  unclean. 
 
 8.  A  den  of  thieves  and  frauds  unfeen. 
 
 9.  An  heap  of  calumnies  unfpent. 
 10,  A  gulph  of  greed  and  difcontent. 
 
 III.  The  GLORIOUS  GOSPEL;  Or, 
 Christ  the  End  of  the  Law  for  Righteoufnefs,  Rom.  x.  4. 
 
 And  the  abfolute  Need  of  this  Remedy  inferred  from 
 the  Premiifes. 
 
 HE N  C E  I  conclude,  and  clearly  fee. 
 There's  by  the  law  no  life  for  me ; 
 Which  damns  each  foul  to  endlefs  thrall, 
 Whofe  heart  and  life  fulfils  not  all. 
 What  Ihall  I  do,  unlefs  for  bail 
 I  from  the  law  to  grace  appeal  ? 
 She  reigns  through  jfefus'  righteoufnefs, 
 Which  giving  juftice  full  redrefs, 
 On  grace's  door  this  motto  grav'd, 
 Let  ft n  be  damned,  and  finners  fav' d. 
 O  wifdom's  deep  myflerious  way  !  "^ 
 
 Lo,  at  this  door  Til  waiting  (lay,  > 
 
 Till  fm  and  hell  both  pafs  away.  j 
 
 But  in  this  blifs  to  fliew  my  part,  -\ 
 
 Grant,  through  thy  law  grav'd  in  my  heart,  > 
 
 My  life  may  fliew  thy  graving  art.  j 
 
 IV.  The  ?  RATER  o^  FAITH  : 
 
 Which  may  be  conceived  in  the  following  Words  of 
 a  certain  Author. 
 
 VU  M  iiius  in  vifa^  tiiafunt  me  a  finer  a  ^  Chrifte  ; 
 
 Da^  precor,  imperii  fceptra  tencre  lui. 
 
 Cur  etenim,  moriens,  tot  viilnera  fava  ti'Jifli, 
 
 Si  non  fum  rcgni  portio  parva  tuif 
 
 Cur  rigido  latuit  iua  vita  inclufa  fepulchro. 
 Si  non  eft  mea  mors  morte  fugata  tua  ? 
 
 Ergo  niihi  certam  prafles,  O  Chriite,  falutem  ; 
 Meque  tuo  lotum  f anguine ,  Chrifte,  juva. 
 G  g  2 
 
iz6     GOSPEL    SONNETS.     Part  V. 
 
 Which  may  be  thus  englished. 
 Jefus^  I'm  thine  in  life  and  death  ; 
 
 Oh  let  me  conqu'ring  hold  thy  throne. 
 Why  fhar'd  the  crofs  thy  vital  breath, 
 
 If  not  to  make  me  fhare  thy  crown  ? 
 Why  laid  in  jail  of  cruel  grave, 
 
 If  not  thy  death  from  death  me  free  ? 
 Then,  Lord,  infure  the  blifs  I  crave, 
 
 Scafd  with  thy  blood,  and  fuccour  me. 
 
 GOSPEL  SONNETS- 
 PART     V. 
 
 The  Believer's  Solilo  clu  y  ; 
 efpecialiy  in  times  of  Defertion^ 
 TeinptatiGtij   y^jjii&ion,  &c. 
 
 SECT.    I. 
 
 The  def cried  Believer,  longing  for  perje6l  Freedom 
 from  Sin. 
 
 H  !  mournful  cafe  I  what  can  afford 
 Contentment,  when  an  abfent  Lord 
 Will  nov/  his  kindnefs  neither  prove 
 By  fmiles  of  grace,  nor  lines  of  love  ? 
 What  heart  can  joy,  what  foul  can  fmg, 
 While  winter  over-runs  the  fpring  ? 
 1  die,  yet  can't  my  death  condole  : 
 Lord,  fave  a  dying,  drooping  foul. 
 In  pain,  yet  unconcern'd,  I  live  ; 
 And  languilh  when  I  fiiould  believe. 
 Lord,  i[  thou  ceafe  to  come  and  flay 
 My  foul  in  fm  will  pine  away. 
 In  fm,  whofe  ill  no  tongue  can  tell. 
 To  live  is  death,  to  die  is  hell : 
 O  fave,  if  not  from  thrall's  arrefl:. 
 Yet  fave  me,  Lord,  from  fm  at  lead. 
 
Sect.  I.    77?^  Believer's  Soli loq.uy.         237 
 
 This  for  his  merit's  fake  I  feek, 
 
 Whofc  blood  and  wounds  do  mercy  fpeak  ; 
 
 Who  left  the  rank  of  glorious  choirs. 
 
 And  heav'nly  flow'rs  for  earthly  briars. 
 
 Our  Samfon  took  an  holy  nap 
 
 Upon  our  feeble  nature's  lap : 
 
 He  wand'ring  in  a  pilgrim's  weed, 
 
 Did  tafte  our  griefs,  to  help  our  need. 
 
 Earth's  fury  did  upon  him  light ; 
 
 How  black  was  Herodh  cruel  fpite ! 
 
 Who,  to  be  fure  of  murd'ring  one. 
 
 Left  he  be  fpar'd  did  pity  none  ! 
 
 Hell  hunts  the  babe  a  few  days  old, 
 
 That  came  to  rifle  Satan's  fold  : 
 
 All  hands  purfu'd  him  ev'n  to  death. 
 
 That  came  to  fave  from  fin  and  wrath. 
 
 O  mercy  !  ignorant  of  bounds  ! 
 
 Which  all  created  thought  confounds  ; 
 
 He  ran  outright  a  faving  race  "^ 
 
 For  them  that  unto  death  him  chafe. 
 
 O  fm  !  how  heavy  is  thy  weight. 
 
 That  prefs'd  the  glorious  God  of  might. 
 
 Till  proftrate  on  the  freezing  ground. 
 
 He  fweat  his  clotted  blood  around ! 
 
 His  hand  the  pond'rous  globe  does  prop, 
 
 This  weight  ne'er  made  him  fweat  a  drop : 
 
 But  when  fm's  load  upon  him  lies. 
 
 He  falls  and  fweats,  and  grones  and  dies. 
 
 Alas  !  if  God  fmk  under  fin, 
 How  ftiall  the  man  that  dies  therein  ? 
 How  deeply  down,  when  to  the  load 
 He  adds  the  flighted  blood  of  God  ? 
 Lord,  let  thy  fall  my  rife  obtain. 
 Thy  grievous  fliame  my  glory  gain ; 
 Thy  crofs  my  lafting  crown  procure. 
 Thy  death  my  endlefs  life  infure. 
 O  fend  me  down  a  draught  of  Ioyc, 
 Or  take  me  hence  to  drink  above  : 
 Here  Marab\  water  fils  my  cup, 
 But  there  all  griefs  are  fwallow'd  up. 
 
238      GOSPEL   SONNETS.       PartV. 
 
 Love  here  is  fcarce  a  faint  defire  j 
 But  there  the  fparks  a  flaming  fire. 
 Joys  here  are  drops  that  paffing  flee ; 
 But  there  an  ever-flowing  fea. 
 My  faith,  that  fees  fo  darkly  here, 
 Will  there  refign  to  vifion  clear  : 
 My  hope,  that's  hear  a  weary  groan, 
 Will  to  fruition  yield  the  throne. 
 Here  fetters  hamper  freedom's  wing  j 
 But  there  the  captive  is  a  king : 
 And  grace  is  hke  a  burry'd  feed  5 
 But  fmners  there  are  faints  indeed. 
 My  portion's  here  a  crumb  at  befl ; 
 But  there  the  Lamb's  eternal  fcaft : 
 My  praife  is  now  a  fmother'd  fire  j 
 But  then  I'll  fing  and  never  tire. 
 
 Now  dufliy  fliadows  cloud  my  day ; 
 But  then  the  fhades  will  flee  away  : 
 My  Lord  will  break  the  dimming  glafs, 
 And  fliew  his  glory  face  to  face. 
 
 My  num'rous  foes  now  beat  mc  down ; 
 But  then  I'll  wear  the  vidor's  crown  : 
 Yet  all  the  revenues  I'll  bring 
 To  Zion\  cverlafling  King. 
 
 SECT.     II. 
 
 l^he  deferted  Believer's  Prayer  under  Co?nplaints  ofXIn- 
 beliefs  Darknefs,  Deadnefs,  and  Hardnefs, 
 
 7  H  AT  means  this  wicked  wand'ring  heart  ? 
 This  trembling  ague  of  my  foul? 
 Would  Jefus  but  a  look  impart ; 
 
 One  look  from  him  would  make  me  whole. 
 But  will  he  tu^n  to  me  his  face, 
 
 From  whom  he  juftly  did  withdraw  ? 
 To  me  who  flighted  all  that  grace 
 
 I  in  my  pafl:  experience  faw  ? 
 Lord,  for  thy  promife  fake  return. 
 
 Apply  thy  pard'ning,  cleanfing  blood  j 
 Look  down  with  pity  on  a  worm. 
 
 With  cov'nant-mercy  do  me  ^ood. 
 
Sect.  II.  7/^^  Believer's  Sol iloqlUy.       239 
 
 When  thy  free  Sp'rit  the  word  applies, 
 
 And  kindly  tells  me  thou  art  mine, 
 My  faithlefs  finking  heart  replies, 
 
 Ah  ;  Lord  !  I  wifli  I  could  be  thine. 
 My  faith's  fo  'nighted  in  my  doubts, 
 
 I  caft  the  ofFer'd  good  away ; 
 And  lofe,  by  raifing  vain  difputes, 
 
 The  wonted  bleffings  of  the  day. 
 Was  e'er  one  prefs'd  with  fuch  a  load. 
 
 Or  pierc'd  with  fuch  an  unfeen  dart ; 
 To  find  at  once  an  abfent  God, 
 
 And  yet,  alas !  a  carelefs  heart  ? 
 Such  grief  as  mine,  a  grieflefs  grief. 
 
 Did  ever  any  mortal  fliare  ? 
 An  hopelcfs  hope,  a  lifelefs  life. 
 
 Or  fuch  unwonted  carelefs  care  ? 
 'Tis  fad,  Lord  !  when  for  night's  folace 
 
 Nor  moon,  nor  (larry  gleams  appear  ; 
 Yet  worfe,  when  in  this  difmal  cafe 
 
 My  heart  is  hard'ned  from  thy  fear. 
 'Twas  not  becaufe  no  fhow'rs  did  flow 
 
 Of  heav'nly  manna  at  my  door  ; 
 But  by  my  folly  I'm  into 
 
 A  worfe  condition  than  before. 
 Come,  Lord,  with  greater  pow'r ;  for  why, 
 
 Mine,  fure,  is  not  a  common  cafe : 
 Thou  ofFer'ft  to  unvail  ;  yet  I 
 
 Do  fcarce  incline  to  fee  thy  face. 
 
 Such  languid  faint  defires  I  feel 
 
 Within  this  wicked  ftupid  heart ; 
 I  fliould,  I  would  ;  but  that  I  will 
 
 I  hardly  dare  with  truth  affert. 
 
 0  to  be  free  of  that  vile  wrack, 
 
 That  bafcly  keeps  me  from  my  God  ! 
 
 1  flee  from  thee.  Lord  ;  bring  me  back 
 
 Bytender  love,  or  by  thy  rod. 
 
 In  paths  of  righteoufnefs  direct. 
 
 New  proofs  of  thy  remilTion  give  ; 
 Then  of  thy  name  I'll  mention  make 
 
 Vv^ith  grateful  praifcs  while  i  live  : 
 
240       GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartV. 
 
 On  banks  of  mercy  boundlefs  deep 
 
 With  fweeter  eafe  I'll  foar  and  fmg. 
 Than  kings  of  feather'd  hods,  that  fweep 
 
 The  oozy  ihore  with  eafy  wing. 
 But  if  thy  mind  omnifcient  know 
 
 Pm  for  this  abfent  blifs  unfit, 
 Give  grace  to  hate  my  fins,  and  to 
 
 Their  righteous  punifliraent  fubmit. 
 But  let  me  ne'er  thy  Spirit  lack, 
 
 That  by  his  aid  my  pray'rs  may  come 
 Before  him,  who  can  wifely  make 
 
 Ev'n  diftance  lead  his  people  hom.e. 
 Deep  wifdom  can  my  foul  prepare 
 By  prefent  woes  for  abfent  blifs. 
 By  acid  griefs  that  now  I  fliare. 
 
 He  can  convey  the  joys  I  mifs. 
 Who  all  from  nothing's  womb  difclos'd. 
 Can  make  th'  amazing  produd  ceafe  ; 
 With  him  our  order  is  confus'd. 
 
 By  him  confufion  brings  forth  peace. 
 Then,  Lord,  ne'er  let  me  bafely  fpurn 
 
 Againft  thy  fearchlefs  unknown  ways  ; 
 But  magnify  thy  work,  and  turn 
 
 My  groans  and  murmers  into  praife. 
 Let  me  fubmiiTive,  while  I  live. 
 
 Thy  awful  juftice  own  with  fear : 
 Yet  penfive  let  me  never  grieve 
 Thy  tender  mercy  by  defpair. 
 Since  though  by  fin  I  foully  fwerv'd, 
 
 And  lewdly  from  my  glory  fell ; 
 Pm  chaflen'd  here,  and  not  refervM 
 To  feel  the  weight  of  fin  in  hell : 
 Thy  high  right  hand's  once  joyful  days 
 
 In  my  diftrefs  PIl  call  to  mind  ; 
 And  own  that  all  thy  darkefl  ways 
 
 Wi'.l  clearly  prove  thee  good  and  kind. 
 
Sect. III.  r>^^  Believer's  Soli loq.uy.     241 
 
 L 
 
 SECT.     IlL 
 
 The  Believer  wading  through  Depths  of  Defertmi  and 
 Corruption. 
 O  R  D,  when  thy  face  thou  hidfl, 
 And  leav'ft  me  long  to  plore, 
 I  faithlefs  doubt  of  all  thou  didft 
 And  wrought'!!:  for  me  before. 
 No  marks  of  love  I  find. 
 
 No  grams  of  grace,  but  wracks  } 
 No  track  of  heav'n  is  left  behind, 
 No  groan,  no  fmoaking  flax. 
 
 But  fay,  if  all  the  gufls 
 
 And  grains  of  love  be  fpent, 
 Say,  Farewel  Chrijl,  and  ^welcome  lufls  ; 
 Stop,  flop,  I  melt,  I  faint. 
 Lord,  yet  thou  hafl  my  heart, 
 This  bargain  black  I  hate  ; 
 I  dare  not,  cannot,  will  not  part 
 With  thee  at  fuch  a  rate. 
 Once,  like  a  Father  good, 
 
 Thou  didfl  with  grace  perfume ; 
 Waft  thou  a  father  to  conclude 
 
 "With  dreadful  judge's  doom  ; 
 Confirm  thy  former  deed. 
 Reform  what  is  defil'd  ; 
 1  was,  I  am,  I'll  ft  ill  abide 
 
 Thy  choice,  thy  charge,  thy  child. 
 
 Love-feals  thou  didft  impart, 
 Lock'd  up  in  mind  I  have  ; 
 Hell  cannot  rafe  out  of  my  heart 
 
 What  heav'n  did  there  engrave. 
 Thou  once  didft  make  me  whole 
 By  thy  almighty  hand  ; 
 Thou  mad'ft  me  vow  and  gift  my  foul ; 
 Both  vow  and  gift  fhali  ftand. 
 But  fince  my  folly  grofs  ^ 
 
 My  joyful  cup  did  fplll. 
 Make  me  the  captive  of  thy  crofs, 
 
 SubmifTive  to  thy  will. 
 Vol.  X.  H  h 
 
242        GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartV. 
 
 Self  in  myfelf  I  hate. 
 
 That's  matter  of  my  groan  ; 
 Nor  can  I  rid  me  from  the  mate 
 That  caufes  me  to  moan. 
 O  frail,  unconftant  flefh  ! 
 Soon  trapt  in  ev'ry  gin  ; 
 Soon  turn'd,  o'erturn'd,  and  fo  afrefli 
 Plung'd  in  the  gulph  of  fm. 
 Shall  I  be  flave  to  fin. 
 
 My  Lord's  mofl  bloody  foe  ? 
 I  feel  its  pow'rful  fway  within  j 
 How  long  fhall  it  be  fo  ? 
 How  long,  Lord,  fhall  I  flay  ? 
 How  long  in  Mefech  here  ? 
 Dillion'ring  thee  from  day  to  day, 
 Whofe  name^s  to  me  fo  dear  ? 
 While  fm,  Lord,  breeds  my  grief. 
 And  makes  me  fadly  pine  ; 
 With  blinks  of  grace,  O  grant  relief. 
 Till  beams  of  glory  fliine  ! 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 Complaint  o/"(S/«,  Sorrow,  and  luant  of  Loise. 
 
 F  black  doom  by  defert  fiiould  go, 
 Then,  Lord,  my  due  defert  is  death  ; 
 Which  robs  from  fouls  immortal  joy. 
 
 And  from  their  bodies  mortal  breath. 
 But  in  fo  great  a  Saviour, 
 
 Can  e'er  fo  bafe  a  worm's  annoy 
 Add  any  glory  to  thy  pow'r. 
 
 Or  any  gladnefs  to  thy  joy  } 
 Thou  juflly  mayft  mc  doom  to  death. 
 
 And  everlafting  flames  of  fire  ; 
 But  on  a  wretch  to  pour  thy  wrath 
 
 Can  never  fure  be  wroth  thine  ire. 
 Since  Jefus  the  atonement  was, 
 
 Let  tender  mercy  rne  releafe  ; 
 Let  him  be  umpire  of  my  caufc. 
 
 And  pafs  the  glaJfome  doom  of  peace. 
 
Sect,  VL    3^6^  Believer's  Soliloquy.     243 
 
 Let  grace  forgive,  and  love  forget 
 
 My  bafe,  my  vile  apoflacy  ; 
 And  temper  thy  deferv'd  hate 
 
 With  love  and  mercv  toward  me. 
 The  ruffling  winds  and  raging  blafts 
 
 Hold  me  in  conftant  cruel  chace ; 
 They  break  my  anchors,  fails,  and  marts. 
 
 Allowing  no  repofmg  place. 
 The  boift'rous  feas  with  fwelling  floods, 
 
 On  ev'ry  fide  againft  me  fight. 
 Heav'n,  overcaft  with  ftormy  clouds. 
 
 Dims  all  the  planet's  guiding  light. 
 The  hellifli  furies  ly  in  wait 
 
 To  win  my  foul  into  their  pow'r ; 
 To  make  me  bite  at  ev'ry  bait, 
 
 And  thus  my  killing  bane  devour. 
 
 I  lie  inchain'd  in  fm  and  thrall. 
 
 Next  border  unto  black  defpair ; 
 Till  grace  reftore,  and  of  my  fall 
 
 The  doleful  ruins  all  repair. 
 My  hov'ring  thoughts  would  flee  to  glore. 
 
 And  neftle  fafe  above  the  fky  j 
 Fain  would  my  tumbling  fliip  afliore 
 
 At  that  fure  anchor  quiet  lie. 
 But  mounting  thoughts  are  haled  down 
 
 With  heavy  poife  of  corrupt  load  ; 
 And  bluft'ring  ftorms  deny  with  frown 
 
 An  harbour  of  fecure  abode. 
 To  drown  the  wight  that  wakes  the  blaft, 
 
 Thy  fm-fubduing  grace  aftbrd  ; 
 The  florm  might  ceafe,  could  I  but  caft 
 
 This  troublous  Jonah  over-board. 
 Bafe  flefh,  with  flelhly  pleafures  gain'd. 
 
 Sweet  grace's  kindly  fuit  declines  ; 
 When  mercy  courts  me  for  its  friend. 
 
 Anon  my  fordid  flefh  repines. 
 Soar  up,  my  foul,  to  Tahor  hill, 
 
 Caft  off  this  loathfome  prelfmg  load  ; 
 Long  is  the  date  of  thine  exile, 
 
 While  abfent  from  the  Lord,  thy  God. 
 Hh  2 
 
244    GOSPELSONNETS.    Part  V. 
 
 Dote  not  on  earthy  weeds  and  toys. 
 
 Which  do  not,  cannot  fuit  thy  tafte : 
 The  flow'rs  of  everlafting  joys 
 
 Grow  up  apace  for  thy  repaft. 
 Sith  that  the  glorious  God  above 
 
 In  Jefiis  bears  a  love  to  thee  ; 
 How  bafe,  how  brutifli  is  thy  love 
 
 Of  any  being  lefs  than  he  ? 
 Who  for  thy  love  did  chufe  thy  grief. 
 
 Content  in  love  to  live  and  die  : 
 Who  lov'd  thy  love  more  than  his  life. 
 
 And  with  his  life  thy  love  did  buy. 
 Since  then  the  God  of  richefl;  love 
 .   With  thy  poor  love  enamour'd  is  ; 
 How  high  a  crime  will  thee  reprove. 
 
 If  not  enamour'd  deep  with  his  ? 
 Since  on  the  verdant  field  of  grace 
 
 His  love  does  thine  fo  hot  purfue ; 
 Let  love  meet  love  with  chafi:  embrace. 
 
 Thy  mite  a  thoufand-fold  is  due. 
 
 Rife,  love,  thou  early  heav'n,  and  fmg. 
 
 Young  little  dawn  of  endlefs  day  : 
 ril  on  the  mounting  fiery  wing 
 
 In  joyful  raptures  melt  away. 
 
 SECT.     V. 
 
 The  deferied  Soul's  Prayer  for  the  Lord''s  gracious  and 
 
 Sin-fubduing  Prefence. 
 
 KIND  Jefus,  come  in  love  to  me, 
 And  make  no  longer  ftay  ; 
 Or  elfe  receive  my  foal  to  thee, 
 
 That  breathes  to  be  away. 
 A  Lazar  at  thy  gate  I  lie. 
 As  well  it  me  becomes, 
 For  childrens  bread  afham'd  to  cry  : 
 O  grant  a  dog  the  crumbs. 
 
 My  wounds  and  rags  my  need  proclaim. 
 
 Thy  neediul  help  infure  : 
 My  wounds  bear  wimefs  that  I'm  lame  j 
 My  rags,  that  I  am  poor. 
 
Sect.  V.   77?^  Believer's  Soliloquy.      245 
 
 Thou  many  at  thy  door  doft  feed, 
 
 With  mercy  when  diftrefl,; 
 O  wilt  thou  not  fhew  an  aim's  deed 
 
 To  me  among  the  reft. 
 None  elfe  can  give  my  foul  relief. 
 
 None  elfe  can  eafe  my  moan, 
 But  he  whofe  abfence  is  my  grief: 
 
 All  other  joys  be  gone. 
 How  can  I  ceafe  from  fad  complaint  ? 
 
 How  can  I  be  at  reft  ? 
 My  mind  can  never  be  content 
 
 To  want  my  noble  gueft. 
 Drop  down,  mine  eyes,  and  never  tire, 
 
 Ceafe  not  on  any  terms, 
 Until  I  have  my  heart's  defirc. 
 
 My  Lord  within  my  arms. 
 My  heart,  my  hand,  my  fpirits  fail, 
 
 When  hiding  ojEF  he  goes  ; 
 My  flefli,  my  foes,  my  lufts  prevail. 
 
 And  work  my  daily  woes. 
 When  fliall  I  fee  that  glorious  fight 
 
 Will  all  my  fms  deftroy  ? 
 That  Lord  of  love,  that  lamp  of  light, 
 
 "Will  banifli  all  annoy  ! 
 
 O  could  I  but  from  finning  ceafe. 
 
 And  wait  on  Fifgah's  hill. 
 Until  I  fee  him  face  to  face. 
 
 Then  ftiould  my  foul  be  ftill. 
 
 But  fince  corruption  cleaves  to  me, 
 
 While  I  in  Kedar  dwell ; 
 O  give  me  leave  to  long  for  thee, 
 
 For  abfence  is  a  hell. 
 
 Thy  glory  ftiould  be  dear  to  me. 
 
 Who  me  fo  dear  has  bought : 
 O  fave  frorr;  rend'ring  ill  to  thee 
 
 For  good  which  thou  haft  wrought. 
 
 With  fear  I  crave,  with  hope  I  crv. 
 
 Oh  promis'd  favour  fend  ! 
 Be  thou  thyfelf,  though  chang'ling  I 
 
 Ungratefully  oft'end. 
 
246      GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  V. 
 
 Out  of  the  way  remove  the  lets, 
 
 Cleanfe  this  polluted  den  ; 
 Tender  my  fuits,  cancel  my  debts  : 
 
 iSweet  yefus,  fay,  Amen. 
 
 S  E  C  T.    VI. 
 
 The  Song  of  Heaven  deftred  by  Saints  on  Earth, 
 
 /fUR  OR  A  vails  her  rofy  face, 
 ■^      When  brighter  Fhxbus  takes  her  place  j 
 So  glad  will  grace  refign  her  room 
 To  glory  in  the  heav'nly  home. 
 Happy  the  company  that's  gone 
 From  crofs  to  crown,  from  thrall  to  throne  ; 
 How  loud  they  fmg  upon  the  fliore. 
 To  which  they  fail'd  in  heart  before ! 
 Blejs'd  are  the  dead,  yea,  faith  the  word, 
 That  die  in  Chri/i  the  living  Lord. 
 And  on  the  other  fide  of  death 
 Thus  joyful  fpend  their  praifing  breath : 
 "  Death  from  all  death  hath  fet  us  free, 
 "  And  will  our  gain  for  ever  be  ; 
 "  Death  loos'd  the  maflfy  chains  of  woe, 
 "  To  let  the  mournful  captives  go. 
 "  Death  is  to  us  a  fweet  repofe ; 
 *'  The  bud  w:is  op'd  to  fhcw  the  rofe  ; 
 "  The  cage  was  broke  to  let  us  fly, 
 "  And  build  our  happy  neft  on  high. 
 "  Lo !  here  we  do  triumphant  reign, 
 "  And  joyful  fmg  in  lofty  drain. 
 "  Lo  !  here  we  reft,  and  love  to  be, 
 "  Enjoying  more  than  faith  could  fee. 
 
 «'  The  thoufandth  part  v/e  now  behold, 
 
 "  By  mortal  tongues  was  never  told ; 
 
 "  AVe  got  a  tafle,  but  now  above 
 
 "  We  forage  in  the  fields  of  love. 
 
 *'  Faith  once  ftole  down  a  diflant  kifs  ; 
 
 "  Now  love  cleaves  to  the  cheek  of  blifs ; 
 
 "  Beyond  the  fears  of  more  mifliap 
 
 "  We  gladly  reft  in  glory's  lap. 
 
Sect. VI.    The  Believer's  Soliloq.uy.   247 
 
 "  Earth  was  to  us  a  feat  of  war  ; 
 
 "  In  thrones  of  triumph  now  we  are. 
 
 "  We  long'd  to  fee  our  Jefus  dear, 
 
 "  And  fought  him  there,  but  find  him  here. 
 
 "  We  walk  in  white  without  annoy, 
 
 *'  In  glorious  galleries  of  joy  ; 
 
 "  And  crown'd  with  everlailing  bays, 
 
 "  We  rival  Cherubs  in  their  praife. 
 
 "  No  longer  we  complain  of  wants, 
 
 "  We  fee  the  glorious  King  of  faints, 
 
 "  Amidft  his  joyful  hofts  around, 
 
 "  With  all  the  divine  glory  crown'd. 
 
 «  We  fee  him  at  his  table-head 
 
 "  With  living  water,  living  bread, 
 
 "  His  chearful  guefts  inceffant  load 
 
 "  With  all  the  plenitude  of  God. 
 
 "  We  fee  the  holy  flaming  fires, 
 
 «  Cherubic  and  feraphic  quires  ; 
 
 '<  And  gladly  join  with  thofe  on  high, 
 
 ««  To  warble  praife  etern»illy. 
 
 «  Glory  to  God  that  here  we  came, 
 
 «  And  glory  to  the^glorious  Lamb  : 
 
 «  Our  light,  our  life,  our  joy,  our  all 
 
 "  Is  in  our  arms,  and  ever  ihall. 
 
 *'  Our  Lord  is  ours,  and  we  are  his  : 
 
 '*  Yea,  now  we  fee  him  as  he  is : 
 
 "  And  hence  we  like  unto  him  are, 
 
 "  And  full  his  glorious  image  (hare. 
 
 "  No  darknefs  now,  no  difmal  light ; 
 
 "  No  vapour  intercepts  the  light ; 
 
 "  We  fee  for  ever  face  to  face 
 
 ••'  The  higheft  Prince  in  highefl:  place. 
 
 "  This,  this  does  heav'n  enough  afford, 
 
 "  We  are  for  ever  with  the  Lord  : 
 
 "  We  want  no  more,  for  all  is  giv'n  ; 
 
 "  His  prefcnce  is  the  heart  of  heav'n. 
 
 While  thus  I  laid  my  lift'ning  ear 
 
 Clofe  to  the  door  of  heav'n  to  hear ; 
 
 And  then  the  facred  page  did  view. 
 
 Which  told  me  all  I  heard  v;^s  true  ; 
 
248       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVI. 
 
 Yet  fliew'd  me  that  the  heav'nly  fong 
 Surpaflfes  ev'ry  mortal  tongue. 
 With  fuch  unutterable  drains 
 As  none  in  fett'ring  flefh  attains : 
 Then  faid  1,  "  O  to  mount  away, 
 *'  And  leave  this  heavy  clog  of  clay  ! 
 "  Let  wings  of  time  more  hafly  fly, 
 "  That  I  may  join  the  fongs  on  high/' 
 
 GOSPEL    SONNETS. 
 
 PART       VL 
 The  Believe  r's  Princ  i  ple  s 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 1.  Creation  and  Redemption. 
 
 2.  Law  and  Gospel. 
 
 3.  Justification  and  Sanctificatiok. 
 
 4.  Faith  and  Sense. 
 
 5.  Heaven  and  Earth. 
 
 CHAP.         L 
 
 The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 
 Creation  and  Redemption ;  or,  Some  of  the 
 firll  Principles  of  the  Oracles  of  God. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 Of  Creation. 
 The  firfl  chapter  of  Genefis  compendized ;  or  the  firll 
 feven  days    work,    from  the  following  Latin   lines 
 Engl^JJjed. 
 D  R  I M  A  dies  ccelum,  &  icrram,  Ii(ce?nque,  creavit. 
 
 Altera  dijlendit  fpatiwn,  difcrimcn  acquarum. 
 Tertia  fecernens  iindas^  dat  gramina  terris. 
 ^uarta  creat  folem  6"  lunam,  caleftiaqi'.e  aflra. 
 ,^inta  dedit  pifces,  eadem  genus  ornne  '■colaniinn. 
 Sexta  tulit  pecudes,  hominem  quoque  qucm  Deus  ipfc 
 Condidit ;  inde  operis  requics  lux  feptimo  fidflt. 
 
Chap.  L    7"^^  Believer's  Principles.     249 
 
 In  English  Thus. 
 
 1.  The  fir fl  daj^,  heaven,  earth,  light,  Jehovah  fent, 
 
 2.  The  next,  a  water-fund'  ring  firmament. 
 
 3.  The  third  made  dry  land  fpring  nvith  flow* ry  pride. 
 
 4.  The  fourth  fet  up  bright  lamps  times  to  ditiide. 
 
 5.  The  fifth  brought  fwimming  fijh  arJ  flying  fowl. 
 
 6.  Theftxth,  earth* s  herds,  and  man  to  bear  the  rule. 
 
 7.  The  f event h  brought  forth  no  more,  yet  brought  the  be/}. 
 The  laboring  creature* s  and  Creator's  refi. 
 
 Or  THU  s  : 
 
 The  firft  day,  at  Jehovah's  word, 
 Did  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  light  afford. 
 
 The  next,  a  firmament  fo  wide 
 As  might  the  water's  courfe  divide. 
 
 The  third,  fevering  lands  from  feas. 
 
 Made  earth  produce  herbs,  grafs,  and  trees. 
 
 The  fourth,  fun,  moon,  and  flars  of  light 
 Set  up  to  rule  the  day  and  night. 
 
 The  fifth  made  fifh  in  depths  to  move, 
 And  fowls  to  fly  in  air  above. 
 
 The  fixth  all  earthly  beaQs  did  bring. 
 And  man  to  be  the  creatures  king. 
 
 The  feventh,  of  all  thefs  days  the  bell. 
 Was  made  for  God  and  man  to  refl. 
 
 Redemption-work  doth  bring  again 
 The  firfl  of  thefc  to  be  the  main. 
 
 Fetching  new  heavens  and  earths  in  fight, 
 And  immortality  to  light. 
 
 Since  then  tht  firfl  is  now  the  befi. 
 Keep  well  this  pledge  of  endlefs  refi. 
 
 The  Sum  c/"  G  R  E  A  T  I  o  N. 
 
 All  things  from  nothing,  to  their  fov'reign  Lord 
 Obedient  rofe,  at  his  commanding  word. 
 Fair  in  his  eye  the  whole  creation  flood  ; 
 He  faw  the  building,  and  pronounc'd  it  cood. 
 Vol.-  X.  I  i 
 
2SO     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 And  now  each  work  (while  nature's  fabric  ftands) 
 Loud  for  its  wife  and  mighty  Lord  demands 
 A  rent  of  praife,  a  loud  and  lofty  fong 
 From  ev'ry  rational  beholder's  tongue. 
 
 S  E  C  T.     II. 
 
 0/*  Redemption. 
 
 The  My  fiery  of  the  Redeemer's  Incarnation^  or,  God 
 ?nanifej}ed  in  thejie/h,   i  Tim.  iii.  i6.  John  i.  14. 
 
 WHAT  though  the  waters,  ftruck  with  dread. 
 Rife  up  and  form  a  pyramid  ? 
 Though  floods  fhould  gufh  from  rocks  and  (tones. 
 Or  living  fouls  from  withered  bones  ? 
 To  hear  of  an  incarnate  God, 
 Is  yet  more  wonderful  and  odd; 
 Or  to  behold  how  God  mofl  high 
 Could  in  our  nature  breath  and  die, 
 "What  though  the  bright  angelic  forms 
 Degraded  were  to  crawling  worms  ? 
 Thcfe  creatures  were  but  creatures  ftill, 
 Transform'd  at  their  Creator's  will. 
 Though  creatures  change  a  thoufand  ways, 
 It  cannot  fuch  amazement  raifc. 
 Nor  fuch  a  fcene  as  this  difplay, 
 Th'  eternal  Word  a  piece  of  clay. 
 God-man  a  flrange  contexture  fix'd. 
 Yet  not  confufed  nor  commix'd  ; 
 "Yet  ftill  a  myft'ry  great  and  freih, 
 A  Spirit  infinite  m:ide  fteflj. 
 What  though,  when  iictbing  heard  his  call. 
 Nothing  obey'd  and  brought  forth  all* 
 What  though  he  nothing's  brood  maintain, 
 Or  all  annihilate  again  ? 
 Let  nothing  into  being  pafs, 
 Or  back  again  to  what  it  was  ? 
 But,  lo  1  the  God  of  beings  here. 
 As  turn'd  to  nothing  doth  appear. 
 All  heav'n's  aftonifh'd  at  his  form, 
 The  mighty  God  became  a  worm. 
 
Chap.  I.     7)6^  Believer's  Principles.     251 
 
 Down  Arian  pride  to  him  fliould  bow. 
 He's  Jefus  and  J.hovah  too. 
 
 The  Sum  of  Redemption. 
 
 With  haughty  mind  to  Godhead  man  afpir'd, 
 "With  loving  mind  our  tnanhood  God  defir'd  : 
 Man  was  by  pride  from  place  of  pleafure  chas'd, 
 God  man  by  love  in  greater  pleafure  plac'd. 
 Man  feeking  to  afcend  procur'd  our  fall ; 
 God  yielding  to  defcend  removed  our  thrall : 
 The  Judge  was  caft,  the  guilty  to  acquit ; 
 The  fun  defac'd  to  lend  the  Ihades  the  light. 
 
 SECT.    III. 
 
 The  Redeemer's  Work;  Or,  Cmaisr  all  in  alL 
 and  our  complete  Redemption. 
 
 A  Gofpel'Catechifm  for  Toung  Chrijlians, 
 
 Question. 
 
 KIND  teacher,  may  I  come  to  learn 
 In  this  abrupt  addrefs, 
 By  framing  queftions  that  concern, 
 My  endlefs  happinefs .'' 
 
 Answer. 
 Yea,  child  ;  but  if  you'd  learn  to  run 
 
 The  great  falvation-race, 
 Know  that  the  name  of  Chrift  alone, 
 
 Can  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe. 
 
 ^  By  fm  my  God  and  all  is  loft, 
 
 O  where  may  God  be  found  ? 
 A.  In  Chri/i  ;  for  fo  the  Holy  Ghofl 
 
 Shews  by  the  joyful  found. 
 
 ^  But  how  will  God  with  fmful  me 
 
 Again  be  reconcil'd  ? 
 A>  In  Chrijl,  in  whom  his  grace  to  thee 
 
 And  favour  is  reveal'd. 
 ^  O  how  (hall  I  (harer  prove, 
 
 And  fee  his  glorious  grace  ? 
 A.  In  Chri/f,  the  image  of  his  love, 
 
 And  brightnefs  of  his  face, 
 li  2 
 
252       GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 ^  Where  fliall  I  feek  all  divine  {lore. 
 
 And  without  fail  obtain  ? 
 A.  In  Chrijl^  in  whom  for  evermore 
 
 His  fulnefs  does  remain. 
 ^  But  how  ihall  I  efcape  and  flee 
 
 Th*  avenging  wrath  of  God  ? 
 A.  In  Chri/i,  who  bore  upon  the  tree 
 
 That  whole  amazing  load. 
 ^  Alas  !  I'm  daily  apt  to  ftray, 
 
 How  fhall  1  heav'n-ward  make  ? 
 A.  Through  Chriji  the  confecrated  way, 
 
 DefignM  for  thee  to  take. 
 ^  Ah  !  where's  my  title,  right,  or  claim 
 
 To  that  eternal  blifs  ? 
 A.  In  ChriJi  alone,  that  glorious  name, 
 
 ^The  Lord  our  right eoufnefs. 
 Qj  But  who  unfit  can  enter  there. 
 
 Or  with  fuch  nafty  feet  ? 
 ^.  ChriJl  by  his  blood  prefents  thee  fair y 
 
 His  Spirit  makes  thee  meet. 
 Qj  But  may'nt  my  Spirit,  weak  as  grafs. 
 
 Fail  ere  it  reach  the  length  ? 
 ■^'  J^f^'^->  ^^  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs. 
 
 Will  be  the  Lord  \.\\y  Jlrength. 
 
 Qj  May'nt  hellifh  hofts  and  wicked  foes 
 
 Sore  by  the  way  molefl:  ? 
 ^.  Chriji  is  a  friend  to  bridle  thofe, 
 
 And  give  the  weary  rejl. 
 Qj  Mdiyn't  ^^uiliy  confcience  loudly  brand. 
 
 And  all  my  comfort  chafe  ? 
 A.  ChriJ}  with  a  pardon  in  his  hand 
 
 Can  (hew  his  fmiling  face. 
 Qj  But  how  can  divine  mercy  vent, 
 
 Where  fins  are  great  and  throng  ? 
 A.   Chriji  is  the  channel  with  defcent 
 
 That  mercy  runs  along. 
 
 Q.  But  may  v^ot  jujiice  interpofe. 
 
 And  fland  in  mercy's  way  ? 
 Jl.  Jefus  did  all  the  debt  thou  owes 
 
 To  dirine  juftice  pay» 
 
Chap.  I.    rZ7^BELiEvER's Principles.       253 
 
 ^  Where  fhall  mine  eyes  the  pardon  fpy, 
 
 Unto  my  favin^-  good  ? 
 A.  In  CbriJI's  free  promife  fee  it  lie, 
 
 In  his  atoning  blood. 
 ^  What  ground  have  I  to  truft  and  fay, 
 
 The  promife  is  not  vain  ? 
 A,  In  Chrijl  the  promifes  are  7^ea, 
 
 In  him  they  are  Ajiien. 
 J^  But  where  is  Chriji  himfelf,  O  where 
 
 With  promifes  fo  fweet  ? 
 A.  Chri/rs  in  the  promifes,  and  there 
 
 Thy  faith  and  he  may  meet. 
 ^  Is  Chrift  in  them,  and  they  in  Chriji^ 
 
 How  fliall  1  thus  defcry  ? 
 ^.  His  blood  and  Spirit  therein  lift 
 
 To  feal  and  to, apply. 
 Qj  'Gainft  legal  fiery  threats  of  wrath, 
 
 Pray,  what  defence  is  beft  ? 
 A.  Chrtjlh  full  obedience  eye'd  by  faith  : 
 
 There  fliould  the  guilty  reft. 
 
 But  how  fliall  faith  be  had  ?  Alas  ! 
 
 I  find  I  can't  believe. 
 Chrijl  is  the  Author  of  that  grace  ; 
 
 And  faith  is  his  to  give. 
 Qj  Ah  !  when  may  faithlefs  I  expeft 
 
 He'll  fuch  a  blifs  bequeath  ? 
 ^.  He  will  of  unbelief  convift. 
 
 And  pave  the  way  for  faith. 
 O.  Repentance  nxn^^Xiend,  but  whence 
 
 Shall  I  this  grace  receive  ? 
 ^.  Chriji  is  exalted  as  a  prince 
 
 All  needful  grace  to  give. 
 Qj  How  can  fo  vile  a  lump  of  dufl 
 
 Heart-holinefs  expefl  ? 
 A.  Chrijl  by  his  holy  Spirit  muft 
 
 This  gradual  change  eflcct'. 
 Qj  How  fliall  I  do  the  works  ariglit 
 
 I'm  daily  bound  unto  ! 
 ^.   Chrijl  in  thee,  by  his  Spirit's  might 
 
 Works  both  to  ivill  and  do. 
 
254      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 ^  How  {hall  my  maladies  be  heal'd, 
 
 So  fore  molefting  me  ? 
 A.  Chriji  is  the  great  Phyfician  feal'd, 
 
 The  Lord  that  healeth  thee. 
 ^  By  prayer  I  ought  to  feek  his  face  j 
 
 This  courfe  how  fhall  I  drive  ? 
 A.  'lis  Chriji  alone  that  has  the  grace 
 
 And  Sp'rit  of  pray'r  to  give. 
 ^  Salvation-ivork  is  great  and  high ; 
 
 Alas  !  what  fhall  I  do  ? 
 A.  Chriji  as  the  Alpha  thereof  eye, 
 
 And  the  Omega  too. 
 ^  What  pillar  then  is  moft:  fecure 
 
 To  build  my  hope  upon  ? 
 A.  Chriji  ou\y  xho.  foundation  Jure, 
 
 The  living  corner-ftonc. 
 
 ^  When  I'm  with  black  pollution  ftain'd. 
 
 How  fhall  I  cleanfed  be  ? 
 A.  Chriji  is  2l  fountain  for  that  end 
 
 Set  open  wide  for  thee. 
 
 ^  What  fhall  I  do,  when  plagues  abound, 
 
 Withyorrott'j-,  griefs,   and  fears  ? 
 A.  Chriji  has  a  balfam  for  thy  wounds, 
 
 A  bottle  for  thy  tears. 
 ^  But  is  there  any  help  for  one 
 
 I'hat  utterly  is  lofl ! 
 A.  Chriji  faves  from  fm,  and  he  alone. 
 
 Even  to  the  uttermoji. 
 ^  But  where  fhall  1  be  fafe  at  lafl 
 
 From  hell  and  endlefs  death  ? 
 A.  Chriji  is  a  refuge  from  the  blafl 
 
 Of  evcrlafting  wrath. 
 ^  But  mayn't  ev'n  nat'ral  death  to  mc 
 
 Becon^e  a  dreadful  thing  ? 
 A.  Chriji  by  his  death  in  love  to  thee 
 
 Did  ev'ry  death  unfling. 
 
 j^  Why,  Sir,  is  Chrjl  the  whole  you  fay  ? 
 
 No  anfwer  elfe  I.  find. 
 A.  Becaufe,  were  Chrift  our  all  away, 
 
 There's  nothing  left  behind. 
 
Chap.  I.     7ib^BELiEVER*s  Principles*     255 
 
 ^  How  can  he  anfwer  ev*ry  cafe. 
 
 And  help  in  every  thrall  ? 
 A,  Becaufe  he  is  the  Lord  of  grace, 
 
 Jehovah,  all  in  all. 
 ^  How  is  he  prcfent  to  fupply. 
 
 And  to  relieve  us  thus  ? 
 A.  Becaufe  his  glorious  name  is  high, 
 
 Immanuel  God  with  us, 
 ^  Has  he  alone  all  pow'r  to  fave ; 
 
 Is  nothing  left  to  man  ? 
 A.  Yea,  without  Chr'i/i  we  nothing  have. 
 
 Without  him  nothing  can. 
 ^  May*nt  fome  from  hence  take  latitude 
 
 And  room  their  lulls  to  pleafe  ? 
 If  Cbr'i/i  do  all,  then  very  good^ 
 
 Let  us  take  carnal  eafe. 
 A.  Chriji  will  in  flaming  vengeance  come, 
 
 "With  fury  in  his  face, 
 To  damn  his  foes  that  dare  prefume, 
 
 And  thus  abufe  his  grace. 
 
 S  E  C*T.    IV. 
 
 Faith  and  Works  both  excluded  from  the  Matter  of  Juf- 
 t'lficaiion  before  God,  that  Redemption  may  appear  to  be 
 only  in  Christ. 
 
 WH  O  dare  an  holy  God  addrefs. 
 With  an  unholy  righteoufnefs  ? 
 Who  can  endure  his  awful  probe, 
 Without  perfection  for  their  robe  ? 
 None  could  his  great  tribunal  face. 
 Were  faith  itfelf  their  faireft  drefs  : 
 Faith  takes  the  robe,  but  never  brags 
 Itfelf  has  got  but  filthy  rags. 
 Faith  claims  no  fliare,  and  works  far  lefs. 
 In  juflice-pleafing  righteoufnefs  : 
 The  fervant  were  to  mc  abhorr'd. 
 Would  claim  the  glory  of  his  Lord. 
 
 Blafphemous  unbelief  may  claim 
 The  praifes  of  the  woitJiy  Lamb  : 
 But  faith  dlfclaiming  all  its  bcH:, 
 No't  on  itfelf,  but  Chri/},  will  ren.-. 
 
 ^ 
 
 // 
 
2s6     GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 I'm  fav'd  and  juftify'd  by  faith, 
 Which  yet  no  faving  value  hath  ; 
 Nor  e'er  pretends  to  fave  from  thrall, 
 But  in  its  object  has  its  all. 
 
 ' Tis  Cbriji  alone  fave's  guilty  me, 
 And  makes  my  right  to  life  fo  free. 
 That  in  himfelf  it  ftands  alone  : 
 Faith  takes  the  right,  but  gives  me  none, 
 I  dare  not  aft  with  this  intent, 
 For  adls  of  mine  to  draw  the  rent ; 
 Nor  do  good  works  with  this  defign, 
 To  win  the  crown  by  works  of  mine. 
 I'd  thus  the  promis'd  grace  forfake. 
 Nor  Jefus  for  my  Saviour  take  ; 
 Yea,  thus  would  dreadfully  prefume. 
 And  work  mine  own  eternal  doom. 
 Prefumption  cannot  rife  more  high, 
 I'd  make  the  truth  of  God  a  lye. 
 The  God  of  truth  a  liar  too  ; 
 What  more  mifchief  could  Satan  do  ? 
 
 Why  I'd  difcredit  God's  record 
 Concerning  Jefus  Cbrijl,  the  Lord, 
 His  glorious  and  eternal  S'on, 
 Whofe  blood  has  life  eternal  won. 
 
 In  him,  fays  God,  this  life  I  give. 
 In  him  (hall  therefore  men  believe. 
 My  gift  embracing  in  their  arms  : 
 None  fl^iall  be  fav'd  on  other  terms. 
 Vain  man  mufl  ftoop  and  freely  take. 
 Or  elfc  embrace  a  burning  lake  : 
 Proud  nature  mud  fubmit  to  grace. 
 And  to  the  divine  righteoufnefs. 
 In  vain  on  works  our  hope  is  built. 
 Our  adions  nothing  are  but  guilt : 
 The  befl  obedience  of  our  own 
 Dane  not  appear  before  his  throne. 
 What  finite  worm  can  bear  the  load, 
 The  fury  of  an  angry  God  ? 
 What  mortal  vigour  can  v/ithftand 
 The  vengeance  of  his  \ih':A  hand  ? 
 
Chap. II.  TZ?^  Believer's  Principles.     257 
 
 The  law  can  never  fave  us  now. 
 To  damn  is  all  that  it  can  do. 
 Heav'n  calls  all  righteoufnefs  of  ours. 
 The  law  of  works  is  out  of  doors. 
 No  merit,  money,  more  or  lefs, 
 Can  buy  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs. 
 O  may  I  take  what  Heav'n  does  give  : 
 Jehovah,  help  me  to  believe  ; 
 And  in  that  righteoufnefs  to  truft. 
 Which  only  makes  a  fmner  juft. 
 And  then,  the  truth  of  faith  to  prove. 
 Lord,  make  my  faith  to  work  by  love. 
 
 CHAP.         II. 
 
 The  Believer's  Princi  ples  concerning 
 the  Laijo  and  the  Go/pel; 
 
 PARTICULARLY, 
 
 I.  The  Myjlery  "] 
 
 1.  The  Diiference  [      r  t  a  r^ 
 
 „.,     jr-^  >  or  Law  and  Gospel. 
 
 3.  1  he  tiannony  \ 
 
 4.  The  Flace  and  Station  J 
 
 SECT.    T. 
 The  Mystery  o/'Law  and  Gofpel. 
 
 THOUGH  law-commands  and  gofpel-grace 
 Agree  in  mutual  joint  embrace  ^  j 
 Yet  law  and  gofpel  in  a  Ihock 
 Can  never  draw  an  equal  yoke  ^, 
 
 a  Rom.  iii.  51.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid  : 
 yea,  we  eftablifli  the  law.  Gal.  iii.  2.1.  Is  the  law  then  againft  the  piomifts 
 of  God  ?  God  forbid  :  for  if  there  had  been  a  iaw  given  which  could  have 
 given  life,  verily  righteoufnefs  Hiould  have  been  by  the  law. 
 
 b  Pfalm  cxxx.  3,  4  If  thou,  Lord,  fliouldft  mark;  iniquities,  O  Lord,  who 
 fliall  ftand  ?  Put  there  is  forgivenefs  with  thee,  that  thou  mayfl  be  feared. 
 Verfe  7,  8.  Let  Ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord  ;  for  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy, 
 and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption  :  and  he  ihall  redeem  Jfrael  from  all  his 
 iniquities.  And  cxiiii  t.  O  Lord,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  fervant ; 
 for  in  thy  Gght  fnall  no  man  living  be  juftified.  Verfc  8.  Caufc  me  to  hear  thy 
 loving-kindnefs  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  I  truft  :  caufe  mc  to  know  the 
 way  wherein  I  fliould  \v.ilk,  fur  I  lift  up  my  foul  unto  thee. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Kk 
 
2sB      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 The  law  of  works,  the  law  of  grace, 
 Can't  fland  together  in  one  place  ; 
 The  brighter  icene  deftroys  the  dark, 
 As  Dago n  fell  before  the  ark  ^. 
 They  harmonize  hke  marry'd  pairs  ^, 
 Yet  are  at  odds,  and  keep  not  fquares  ^ : 
 As  ??iercy  Hands  from  ?nerit  far. 
 The  letter  and  the  Spirit  jar  ^ 
 
 The  law  does  gofpel-comforts  harm. 
 The  gofpel  breaks  the  legal  arm  ?  ; 
 Yet  both  exalt  each  other's  horn. 
 And  garlands  bring  their  head  t'  adorn  ^. 
 I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  it. 
 To  legal  works  and  felf-conceit '  ; 
 
 c  Rom.  vi.  14,  15.  sin  fliall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are  not 
 iintler  the  law,  tnit  under  grace.  \^'hat  then  ?  Oiall  we  fin,  becaufe  we  are 
 not  under  tlie  law,  hut  under  grace  ?  God  forbid.  Chap.  vii.  4, — c.  Where- 
 fore, mv  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  become  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrifl ; 
 that  yc  fliould  be  marrit<l  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed  from  the  dead 
 that  we  lliould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.  For  when  we  were  in  the  flelli 
 the  motions  of  fins  wlii^h  were  by  the  law,  did  work  in  our  members  to  brin-r 
 forth  fruit  unto  death.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  beiiitj 
 dead  wherein  we  were  held;  that  we  lliould  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and 
 nut  in  tlie  olducA  of  tiie  letter,  z  Cor.  iii.  7, — 10.  But  if  the  miniflration  of 
 death  written  and  in);raven  in  ftones,  was  glorious,  <o  that  the  children  of  Jf- 
 rael  could  not  fledfaftly  behold  the  face  of  Mofes,  for  the  glory  of  his  counte- 
 nance, whicii  glory  was  to  be  done  away  ;  how  iLall  not  the  miniflration  of 
 the  Spirit  be  rather  glorious.'  For,  if  the  miniftratiou  of  condemn  itioii  be 
 glory,  much  more  doth  the  miniftration  of  righteoufncfs  exceed  in^lory.  For 
 even  that  which  Avas  made  glorious,  had  no  glory  in  this  refpecl,  by  reafon  of 
 the  glory  that  excelleth. 
 
 d  Gal.  iii.  14.     Wherefore  the  law  was   our  fchool-maflcr  to   bring  us  unto 
 Chrift,  that  we  might  be  juftified  by  faith. 
 
 e  Rom  xi  6  And  if  [tleClion  be]  by  grac?,  then  it  is  no  more  of  works  ; 
 otherwifc  grace  is  no  more  grace;  but  if  it  be  of  works,  then  it  is  no  more 
 grace;  otherwife  work  is  no  more  work. 
 /  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  — The  letter  killeth  ;  but  the  Spirit  givtth  life. 
 g  !'eb.  ii.  15.  And  deliver  them  who  through  fe.ir  of  death  were  all  their 
 life-time  fubjeiSt  to  bondage.  J'hil.  iii.  7, — 9.  But  what  things  were  gain  to 
 me,  thofe  1  counted  lofs  for  Chrift.  Yea,  doubtlefs,  and  I  count  all  things 
 but  lofs,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jefus  my  Lord  ;  for 
 whom  I  have  fufTjrcd  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung  that 
 I  may  win  Chiifl,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  rightcoulhers, 
 whi'.h  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrifl,  the  righte- 
 uulne's  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 
 
 /;  Cal.  ii.  ip.  For  I  througli  the  law  am  dead  to  the  Jaw,  that  I  might  live 
 unto  God 
 
 i  Rom.  vii  <j.  Cut  now  we  arc  delivered  from  the  l.\w,  that  being  deaii 
 wherein  we  wtie  held  ;  that  we  flioultl  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpiiit,  and  not  in 
 the  oldncfs  of  the  letter.  Vcrfe  9.  For  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once;  but 
 when  the  commandment  came,   f.ii  rcviveil,  and  I  died. 
 
Chap.JL     T^y^^  Believer's  Principles.     259 
 
 Yet,  lo  !  through  gofpel-grace  I  live, 
 And  to  the  law  due  honour  give  ^. 
 The  law  great  room  for  boafting  makes. 
 But  grace  my  pride  and  boafting  breaks  '  ; 
 Yet  all  my  boads  the  law  does  kill  "', 
 And  grace  makes  room  to  boaft  my  fill  ". 
 The  gofpel  makes  me  keep  the  law  °  ; 
 Yet  from  its  painful  fervice  draw  P  : 
 It  does  all  law-demands  fulfil  "i, 
 Yet  makes  them  wholly  void  and  null  "■. 
 
 The  gofpel  gives  me  no  command  ^, 
 Yet  by  obeying  it  1  fland  \ 
 To  ftridl  obedience  though  it  call  % 
 Does  bind  to  none,  but  promife  all  ". 
 
 k  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  arc  become  dead  to  the 
 law  by  the  body  of  Chrift  ;  tliat  ye  fliould  be  married  to  anotlier,  even  to  liiin 
 who  is  raifed  from  the  dead,  that  we  Oiculd  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God  And 
 X.  4.  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs  to  every  one  that  be- 
 lieveth. 
 
 /  Rom.  iii.  27.  Where  is  boafling  then  ?  It  is  excluded.  By  what  law  ? 
 of  works  }     Nay,  but  by  the  law  of  faith. 
 
 m  Rom.  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith 
 to  them  who  arc  under  the  law  :  that  every  mouth  may  be  ftoped,  and  all  the 
 world  may  become  guilty  before  God. 
 
 rt  I  Cor.  i.  19,-31.  That  no  flefli  fliould  glory  in  his  prefencc.  But  of 
 him  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  \»ho  of  Ged  is  made  unto  us  wifdom,  and  righteoufnefs, 
 and  fandbification,  and  redemption;  that,  according  as  it  1%  written,  He  that  glo- 
 rieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord. 
 
 0  Tit  ii.  II,  II.  For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  falvation  hath  appeared 
 to  all  men ;  teaching  us,  that  denying  ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  lufls,  we  fliould 
 live  Ibberly,  lighteoufly,  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world. 
 
 p  Gal.  V.  I.  Stand  fafl  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Chrifl  hath  made 
 us  free,  and  be  not  intaugled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 
 
 g  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  througli 
 the  flefli,  God  fendinj;  his  own  Son,  in  tlie  likcnefs  of  finful  flefli,  and  for  fin 
 condemned  fin  in  the  flcili ;  that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled 
 in  us,   who  walk  not  after  the  flefli,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
 
 r  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  fliall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are  not  under 
 the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal.  iv.  4,  $.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was 
 rome,  God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  to  re- 
 deem them  that  were  under  the  law. 
 
 /  Gal  iii.  8.  And  the  fcripture  forefeting  that  God  would  juflify  the  heathen 
 through  faith,  preac;  ed  before  the  gofpel  unto  Abraham,  faying.  In  thee  fhall 
 all  nations  be  IdefTed. 
 
 s  Mark  xvi.  le.   He  that  believeth,  and  is  baptized,  fliall  be  fived 
 
 /  2  Theff.  i.  7,8.  rhe  Lord  Jcfus  fliail  be  revealed  from  heaven,  with  his 
 mighty  angels,  in  flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God, 
 and  iliat  ohty  not  the  gofpel  of  our  Lord  Jcfus  Chrifl. 
 
 «  John  iii.  17.  God  ftnt  not  his  Son  into  tlie  world  to  condemn  the  world  ; 
 but  that  the  world  through  him  niiglit  be  favtd.  And  xii.  47.  And  if  any  m.in 
 licar  my  words,  and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not;  for  I  came  net  to 
 judge  the  world,  but  to   fave  the  world.     IJeb.  viii.  10, — ii.    For  this  is  the 
 
 Kk  2 
 
26o    GOSPEL    SONNETS.  Part  VL 
 
 The  law  does  ftri<Et  commandment  give, 
 That  I  the  gofpel-news  believe  ^  ; 
 But  yet  it  teaches  no  fuch  thing. 
 Nor  e'er  could  gofpel-tidings  bring  ^^. 
 When  I  the  gofpel  truth  believe. 
 Obedience  to  the  law  I  give  ^  ; 
 And  when  I  don't  the  law  ^  obferve, 
 1  from  the  gofpel-method  fwerve  y. 
 
 Yet  if  I  do  the  law  f  obey, 
 
 I  am  not  in  the  gofpel-way  ^, 
 
 Which  does  to  fweet  obedience  draw  ^ : 
 
 Yet  is  the  gofpel  no  new  law  ^. 
 
 All  precepts  to  the  law  belong, 
 
 Yet  in  the  gofpel-field  are  throng  '^. 
 
 Cursed  ev'ry  gofpel-llighter  is  ", 
 
 Yet  all  its  office  is  to  blefs  "=. 
 
 covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  after  thofe  days,  faith  the 
 l-Ord  ;  f  will  put  my  laws  into  their  mind,  and  write  them  in  iheir  hearts  ; 
 anti  1  wiil  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  fhall  be  to  me  a  peo[)le.  And  they 
 ilrall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  man  bis  brother,  faying. 
 Know  the  Lord  :  for  all  fliall  know  nie  from  the  Icaft  to  the  grcateft.  For  I 
 will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will 
 1  remember  no  more. 
 
 V  John  iii.  i8.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not  condemned  :  but  he  that 
 believcth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaufc  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name 
 of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 
 
 •w  Rom.  X.  $■  For  Mofes  dtfcribeth  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  the  law, 
 That  the  man  which  doih  thofe  things  fliall  live  by  them.  And  iii.  i^.  Now 
 ve  know  that  what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  iaith  to  them  who  are  under 
 the  law  :  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
 guilty  before  God. 
 
 X  John  iii.  i8.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not  condemned. 
 
 *   Viz,   ai  It  is  a  rule. 
 
 y  Tit.  ii,  IT,  12.   See  letter  o  foreciled. 
 
 f  Viz.  as  it  is  a  covenant. 
 
 z  Gal.  V.  3,  4.  For  I  tcllify  agun  to  every  men  that  is  circumcifed,  that  he 
 is  a  debtor  to  do  the  whole  law.  Chrifl  is  become  of  no  efFert  unto  you;  who- 
 loever  of  you  are  juflificd  by  the  law,  ye  are  fallen  from  grace 
 
 a  Rom.  x'vi.  25,  x6. — The  niyftery  that  w.is  kept  fecret  llnce  the  world  be- 
 gan,— -now  is  made  manifeft,  and  by  the  fcriiuures  of  the  prupcts,  according 
 to  the  commandment  of  the  evcilarting  God,  made  known  to  all  nations  for 
 the  obedience  of  faith. 
 
 b  Gal.  iii.  11.  Is  the  law  tlien  againfl  tlie  promifes  of  God  .'  God  forbid  : 
 for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could  have  given  lite,  verily  righteouf- 
 nefs fliould  have  been  by  the  law. 
 
 c  Matth.  V.  1  7,  48.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  dcflroy  the  law  or  the 
 prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to  deflroy,  but  to  fulfil.  For  verily  I  Hiy  unto  you, 
 Till  heaven  and  earth  pafs,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  lliall  in  no  wife  pafs  from  the 
 law,  till  all  be  fulfilje;),  cif.  Pfat.  cxix.  piJ.  1  have  feen  an  end  of  all  per- 
 fcc'tion  ;   but  thy  comin-unlment  is  exceeding  broad. 
 
 d  Heb  X.  z6, — 19.  For  if  we  fin  willfully  after  that  we  have  received  the 
 knowled;^e  of  the  truth,  there  remaineth  no  more  facrifice  for  fins,  but  a  cer- 
 tain feaitul  looking  for  of  judgment  and  fiery  Indignation,  which  fliall  de- 
 
Chap.  II.     T/?^  Believer's  Principles.    261 
 
 It  from  the  law  has  pow'r  to  kiW^ ^ 
 YGtfaving  does  its  pow'r  fulfil  ^  \ 
 No  favour  but  of  life  it  hath  '\ 
 Yet  mofl  the  favour  is  o^  death  '. 
 Weaknefs  perfedion  doth  exclude, 
 The  law  is  perfed,  juft,  and  good '^  : 
 Yet  can  it  nothing  per  fed  make. 
 But  all  the  comers  to  it  break  '. 
 Strength  to  the  gofpcl  does  belong, 
 Mighty  through  God  it  is,  and  firong  '•'  : 
 It  to  the  law  does  ftrength  emit, 
 Yet  'tis  the  law  gives  ftrength  to  it, 
 
 vour  the  adverfaries.  He  that  defpircil  Mofcs  law,  died  without  mercy,  under 
 two  or  three  witneiTc-s  ;  of  how  much  iorer  puniflimcnt,  fuppofc  ye,  (liall  li-e 
 be  thought  worthy  of,  wlio  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Sen  of  God,  and  hath 
 counted  the  blood  of  the  covenint,  wherewith  he  WaS  fancTtified,  an  unholy 
 thing,  and  hath  done  defpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  ?  C!iap.  xii.  25.  See  that 
 ye  rtfufe  not  him  that  /peaketh  :  for  if  they  efcaped  not  who  refufed  him  that 
 ipake  on  earth,  much  more  iliail  not  we  elcape,  if  we  turn  away  from  him 
 that  fpeaketh  from  htaven. 
 
 e  Rom.  XV.  29.  Ard  I  am  fure  tliat  when  I  come  unto  you,  I  fliall  come  in 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  hleirintj  cf  the  gofpel  of  Chrift.  AtHrs  iii  26.  Unto  you  firft, 
 God  having  raifcd  uj)  his  Son  Jefus,  lent  him  to  Lil.j  you,  in  turning  away 
 every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities. 
 
 /  John  iii.  18. — He  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaufe  he 
 hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  l>egotun  Son  of  God.  Maikxvl.  i<j, 
 —  He  that  believeth  not,  fliall  be  damned.  Heb.  li.  3.  How  lliall  we  elcape  if 
 we  negledt  fo  great  faivation  ? 
 
 g  Eph.  i.  13.  Jn  Chrift  ye  alfo  trufled  after  that  ye  heard  the  word  of  truth, 
 the  gofptl  of  your  faivation.  i  Tim.  i.  ij.  This  is  a  faithful  laying,  and 
 •worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  lave  lin- 
 ners;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 
 
 /;  Phil.  ii.  \6.  Holding  forth  the  word  of  life,  drc.  z  Tim.  i.  i.  Paul  an  a- 
 poftle  of  Jefus  Chrift  by  the  will  of  God,  according  to  th-  promife  or  life, 
 which  is  in  Chrift  Jefus.  Vcr.  10. — Our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift — hath  ahoiillied 
 de<ith,  and  h.uh  brought  life  ?nd  imniurtiiity  to  liyht,   through  the  gofpel. 
 
 ;  2  Cor.  ii.  \6.    To  the  one  we  are  the  favour  cf  deuh  unto  death,  trr. 
 
 k  Pfalmcxix.  96.  I  have  i\:tn  an  end  of  all  perfedicn  ;  hut  tliy  command- 
 ment is  exceeding  broad.  Pvom.  viii.  12.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy  ;  and  the 
 commandment  holy,  and  juft,  and  good.  Heb.  vii.  19.  For  the  law  made  no- 
 thing perfeA,  but  the  bringing  in  ot  a  better  hope  did  ;  by  the  which  we  draw 
 nigh  unto  God. 
 
 /  Hcb.  viii.  19.  See  letter  k.  Ch.ip,  x.  i.  For  the  law  having  a  fliadow  of 
 good  tilings  to  come,  and  not  the  very  image  of  the  things,  can  never  with 
 thole  facrificcs  which  they  olFered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the  comas 
 thereunto  perfect. 
 
 m  Worn.  i.  16.  For  I  am  not  afliamed  of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift  :  for  it  is  the 
 poucr  of  God  (uitn  faivation,  to  every  one  th.)t  believeth,  to  the  Jew  firft, 
 and  alfo  to  the  Cireek.  2  Cor  x.  4,  5.  For  t!ie  weapon.-;  of  our  waifarc  is  not 
 carnal,  but  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  ftroc^g  holds  ;  caftint; 
 down  imiginations,  and  eveiyhigh  thing  that  exalteth  itfelf  .igainft  iho  know- 
 ledge of  God,  and  bringing  iuto  captiviiv  cviiry  thou"ht  io  th.-  ■al'tdicnt"  of 
 Chrift. 
 
2^2     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      Part  VI. 
 
 The  gofpel  gives  the  law,  I  fee. 
 Sufficient  flrength  to  juftify  "  j 
 Yet  I  may  fay  in  truth  it  is 
 The  law  that  gives  the  gofpel  this°. 
 For  as  the  law  no  finner  clears, 
 But  who  the  gofpel-garment  wears ; 
 So  none  are  juftify'd  by  grace, 
 Unlefs  the  law-demand  have  place  P. 
 Again  the  law,  which  yet  feems  worfe. 
 Gives  gofpel-news  condemning  force  'i ; 
 Yet  they  are  news  that  never  can, 
 Nor  ever  will  condemn  a  man". 
 
 Dread  threat'nings  to  the  law  pertain  % 
 Not  to  the  gofpcl's  golden  chain  ^ : 
 Yet  all  law -threats  and  Si?2ai*s  ire 
 To  gofpel-grace  are  walls  of  fire". 
 
 n  Rom.  vjii.  i.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are 
 in  Chrift  Jei'us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flcfli,  but  after  the  Spirit.  Ver.  3,  4. 
 For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the flefli,  God  J/V, 
 feuding  his  own  Son  in  the  likenefs  of  Cnful  flefli,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin 
 in  the  flefli;  that  the  rightenufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who 
 walk  net  after  the  flefli  but  after  the  Spirit. 
 
 e  Rom  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid : 
 yea,  we  tftablifli  the  law.  Chap.  x.  4.  For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
 righteoufntfs  to  every  one  that  believeth. 
 
 p  Rom.  iii.  19, — ii.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever  the  law  faith, 
 it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  ;  that  every  mouth  may  be  ftopped, 
 and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds 
 of  the  law,  there  fliall  no  flefli  be  juftified  in  his  fight:  for  by  the  law  is  the 
 knowledge  of  fin.  But  now  the  rlghteoufnefs  of  God  without  the  law  is  ma- 
 nifefltd,  being  witnelTed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets;  even  the  righttoufncfs 
 of  God  wliich  is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  be- 
 lieve: for  thtre  is  no  difference.  Chap.  v.  19. — By  the  obedience  of  one  fhall 
 many  be  mide  righteous.  Vtr.  11. — Grace  reigns  through  rightcoufncfs  unto 
 cteinal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 g  John  i  i  18.  He  that  believe  h  on  him,  is  not  condemned  :  but  he  that 
 htlicvtth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaufc  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name 
 uf  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 
 
 r  Luke  ii.  10,  li.  And  the  angel  faid  unto  them  [viz.  the  fhcphcrds,]  Fear 
 rot;  for  bihold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  »f  great  joy,  which  fliall  be  to  ail 
 people:  For  unto  you  is  bora  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which 
 Chrift  the  Lord.  John  iii.  17.  For  God  fent  not  his  Son  into  the  world, 
 to  condemn  the  world ;  but  that  the  v/oild  through  him  might  be  faved.  Chap, 
 xiii.  47  Ai  d  if  any  n)<>n  hear  my  words,  and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not; 
 for  I  cjmc  not  to  judge  the  world,  but  to  fave  the  world. 
 
 J  Gal.  iii  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the 
 curfc  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
 wliieh  ar<^wiittcn  in  trie  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 
 
 t  Atf^s  siii-  i<5.  Men  and  brethren,  children  of  the  flock  of  Abraham,  and 
 ivhofoevtr  among  you  fcarcth  G'  d,  to  you  is  the  word  of  this  falv.ition  fcnt. 
 
 Ii  Mirk  xvi.  16. —  He-  that  believeth  not,  fli.ill  be  damned.  Hcb.  li.  j. 
 How  fli.-.ll  wc  efcjpe,  if  wc  n-cg'.cClfo  ^.rcat  falvatioc  .'  Chap.  x.  i(S, — 19.  Sc<r 
 letter  d  forcciteel 
 
Chap,  II.     Ji^^  Believer's  Principles.    263 
 
 The  righteous  law  alToileth  none 
 Of  Adam's  guilty  race,  fave  one  ^  ; 
 Who  being  guilty,  for  this  caufe 
 By  God's  juft  law  condemned  was  ^^. 
 Yet  free  of  guilt  it  did  him  fee  ; 
 Hence  fully  clear'd,  and  fet  him  free  ^  : 
 Yet,  had  not  guilt  his  foul  involv'd, 
 By  law  he  could  not  been  abfolv'd  >'. 
 But  he  withal  condemned  and  fpoil'd 
 The  law  of  works,  which  him  afibil'd  ^ : 
 And  now  the  law  is  (in  thefe  views) 
 llie  marrow  of  the  gofpel-news  ^* 
 The  law  can  juftify  no  man 
 That  is  a  fmner  b ;  yet  it  can 
 
 V  Rom.  V.  rp.  For  as  by  one  man's  difobedience  many  were  made  finaers ; 
 fo  by  the  obedieuce  of  one  fiiall  many  be  made  righteous.  John  xvii.  4.  1  have 
 glorified  thee  on  the  earth  :  I  have  finiflied  the  work  which  thou  gaveft  me  to 
 do. 
 
 ■m  Ifa.  liii.  6. — The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  Gal. 
 i.  13.  Chrift  hath  redetmed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe 
 for  us  ;  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 
 
 X  Heb.  vii.  i6.  For  fuch  an  High-priefl  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmlefs, 
 undcfi'lcd,  fcparatc  from  finners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens.  Dan  ix. 
 14.  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city, 
 to  Cnifli  the  tranfgreffion,  and  to  make  an  end  ot  fins,  and  to  make  reconcili- 
 ation for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everiafting  righteoufncfs,  and  to  feal  up  the 
 viGon  and  prophecy,  and  to  anoint  the  molt  holy,  a  Tim.  iii.  16.  And  with- 
 out controverfy,  great  is  the  myltery  of  godlinefs  :  God  was  manifeftin  the  flefij, 
 juflified  in  the  Spirit,  feen  of  angels,  preached  unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on 
 in  the  world,  received  up  into  glory.  Rom.  ii.  13  For  not  the  hearers  of 
 the  law  are  juft  before  God^  but  the  doers  of  the  law  fliall  be  juftified.  Ifa.  I. 
 8.  He  is  near  that  juftifieth  me,  who  will  contend  vvitii  me  ?  let  us  ftand  to- 
 gether :  who  is  mine  advcrfary  .'  let  come  him  near  to  me. 
 
 y  z  Cor.  V.  zi.  God  hath  made  Chrift  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin  ; 
 that  we  might  be  made  the  rightcoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  i  Pet.  iii.  r8.  Chrift 
 hath  once  fufFertd  for  fins,  the  juft  for  the  unjuft  (that  he  might  bring  us  to 
 God  ;)  being  put  to  death  in  the  flcfli,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit. 
 
 z  Col  ii  r4,  IS  Blotting  out  the  hand-writing  of  ordinances  that  was  a- 
 gainft  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to 
 hiscrols:  and  having  fpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  fliew  of 
 them  openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it.  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law 
 could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  tlefli,  God  fending  his  own  Son, 
 in  t!ie  likcnefs  of  finful  flclli,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the  flefh. 
 
 a  Rom  X.  4  For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  rightcoufnefs  to  every  one 
 that  belle veth.  Ifa.  xlv.  14.  Surely,  fliall  one  fay.  In  the  Lord  have  I  righ- 
 teoufnefs  and  ftrength.  Jcr.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah  fhall  be  faved,  and 
 Ifrael  fliall  dwell  fafely  :  and  this  is  his  name  whereby  he  fliall  be  called, 
 Tk  E  Loud  our  righteousness. 
 
 h  Rom  iii.  19,  lo.  Now  we  know,  that  what  things  f^ever  the  law  faith, 
 it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law:  t!ut  every  mouth  may  be  ftoppcd, 
 and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  dte<is 
 of  the  law,  there  fliall  ho  Hcih  be  juftified  i.T  Iiis  fiijht :  fur  by  the  law  is  the 
 knowlcds'e  01  fin. 
 
2^4       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVL 
 
 Thus  favour  finful  men,  and  free 
 The  chief  of  finncrs,  guihy  me  <=. 
 The  gofpel  too  acquitteth  none 
 That  have  not  put  perfection  on  -^ ; 
 And  yet  it  cleareth  none  (I  grant) 
 But  thofe  who  all  perfection  want  ^. 
 
 Thofe  that  with  gofpel-clearancc  meet, 
 Mud  by  the  law  be  found  complete  ^ ; 
 Yet  never  could  (again  I  grant) 
 The  gofpel  juflify  a  faint  y. 
 
 All  perfect  perfons  it  controls  '■•, 
 Andjuflifies  ungodly  fouls'  ; 
 
 r  The  Iniu  of  -works,  ns  fulfilled  Jy  C.hriff,  can  and  does  fo,  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For 
 rvhat  the  law  could  not  do,  in  tliat  it  was  weak  through  the  flefli,  God  fend- 
 ing his  own  Son  in  the  likcncfs  of  finful  flcfli,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in 
 the  flefli  ;  that  the  righteoufm  fs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk 
 not  after  the  flelli,  but  after  the  Spirit.  Ver.  5?,  54..  \\'ho  dial!  by  any  thing 
 to  the  charge  of  God's  elett .'  It  is  God  that  juflifieth  ;  who  is  he  that  condem- 
 ncth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died  ;  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the 
 right-hand  of  God,  who  alfo  maketh  iiuerceffion  for  us. 
 
 d  R.om.  iii.  zt,  zr.  Bnt  now  the  rigiitcoufncfs  of  God  without  tlic  law  is 
 maniftfted,  bein^  witnen'e<l  by  the  law  and  the  propliets  ;  even  the  righteotif- 
 ncfs  of  God,  which  is  by  the  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  tliem 
 that  believe;  for  there  is  no  difference. 
 
 e  Rom-  iv.  5.  To  him  that  workcth  not,  but  belicveth  on  him  that  juHificth 
 the  un'Todly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  rijhteoufnefs. 
 
 /  I  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrifl  Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto 
 us  wifdcm,  and  righteoufncfs,  and  fintfli(ii:ation,  and  redemption.  Col.  ii. 
 10.  And  ye  are  complete  in  him,  which  is  the  Head  ot  all  principality  and 
 power. 
 
 •■  Matth.  ix.  1 3. — I  am  not  come  to  call  the  rigliteous,  but  finncrs  to  re- 
 pentance. Rom  iii.  lo-  There  is  none  righteous,  no  not  one.  Chap.  ix.  30, 
 31,  31.  What  fli.ill  we  fay  then  ?  That  the  Gentiles,  which  followed  not  after 
 riohteoufnefs,  have  attained  to  rightcoufnefs,  even  the  righteoufnefs  which  is 
 of  f.iith  :  but  llrael,  which  followed  after  the  law  of  righteoufncfs,  hath  not 
 attained  to  the  law  of  righteoufncfs.  Wherefore  .'  Recaufe  tiicy  fouglit  it 
 not  by  faith,  but,  as  it  were,  by  tlie  works  cf  the  law.  Chap,  x  3.  Jfracl  be- 
 ing ignorant  of  God's  rigliteoufnet's,  and  going  about  to  eflablifli  their  own 
 righteoisfnefs,  have  not  fubmittcd  thcmfelvcs  umo  the  righteoufncfs  of  God. 
 rf^  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  fiying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
 Cliiift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  {i\c  finncrs;   of  whom  I  am  chief. 
 
 h  Matth.  xxi.  31.  Jefus  faith  unto  them  \v\z.  the  I'hariftes,]  Verily  I  fay 
 )in:o  you,  that  the  publicans  and  the  harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  before 
 you.  Luke  xviii.  9, — 14.  And  Jefus  fpike  this  parable  unto  certain  which 
 truttcd  in  themfclves  that  they  were  righteous,  and  dcl'pifed  others  :  Two  men 
 wect  up  into  the  temple  to  pray;  the  one  a  I'harifee,  and  x\\c  other  a  publi- 
 c.in.  The  Phaiifee  flood  and  prayed  thus  with  himfcif,  God,  I  thank  thee, 
 that  I  am  not  as  other  men  .\re,  extortioners,  unjufl,  adidtercrs,  or  even  as 
 this  publican  I  faff  twice  in  t!ie  week;  I  give  tithes  of  all  ih.Tt  I  poffcfs. 
 And  the  publican  ftanding  af.iroff,  would  not  lift  up  fo  mu'-h  as  his  eyes  unto 
 heaven,  but  fmote  upon  his  breafh  faying,  God  be  mercitiil  to  me  a  (inner. 
 1  ttll  you,  this  man  went  down  t'>  his  houfc  jutlified  rather  tlian  the  other: 
 for  every  one  th  it  exalteth  himfcif,  fl.all  he  abaf  d  ;  and  he  th.n  luimbicth 
 i.imfelf,  fiull  be  exalted.    Vcr.  11.  zi.   And  lie  [viz.  t!ir  ruler  fuid,  AU  thefc 
 
Chap.  II.  T6<?  Believer's  Principles.     26^ 
 
 Yet  Oill  no  man  its  grace  partakes, 
 But  whom  it  truly  godly  makes  ^. 
 The  law  withdands  the  gofpel  path  ', 
 Which  yet  its  approbation  hath  '"  : 
 The  gofpel  thwarts  the  legal  way  ", 
 Yet  will  approve  the  law  tor  ay  ". 
 Hence  though  the  gofpel's  comely  frame 
 Doth  openly  the  law  condemn  P  ; 
 
 have  I  kept  from  my  youth  up.  Now  when  Jefas  h?ard  thefe  things,  he  faid 
 unto  him,  Yet  lackeft  thou  one  thing;  fell  all  that  thou  haft,  and  diflribate 
 unto  the  poor,  and  thou  flialt  have  treafure'in  heaven  :  and  come,  follow  nif. 
 
 i  Rom.  iv.  5,  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  bclieveth  on  him  that  jufti- 
 ficth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righteoiifncfs.  Even  a?  David  alf'O 
 defcribeth  the  blefTednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputcth  righteoufucfs 
 without  works. 
 
 k  Tit.  ii.  II, — 14.  The  grace  of  God  th.at  bringeth  falvation,  hath  appear- 
 ed to  ail  men  ;  teaching  us,  that  denying  ungodliiiefs,  and  worldly  lufis,  we 
 fhould  live  foberly,  righttoully,  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world;  looking  for 
 that  blefTed  hope,  and  the  gloriou-;  appearing  of  the  great  God,  and  our 
 Saviour  Jefus  Chrifl:  who  gave  himfeif  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us 
 /rom  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himfeif  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
 works.  Chap.  iii.  4,  j.  After  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our  Siviour 
 toward  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righteoufnefs  which  wc  have  done, 
 but  according  to  his  mercy  he  fave.l  us,  by  the  wafliing  of  regeneration  ahd  re- 
 newing of  the  Holy  Ghoft.  Ver.  8.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  thefe  things 
 i  will  that  thou  affirm  conftantly,  that  tliey  which  have  believed  in  God,  might 
 be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  :  thefe  things  arc  good  and  profitable  unto 
 men. 
 
 /  I  Cor.  XV.  $6. — The  Qrength  of  fin  is  the  law.  Rom.  iv.  f  4..  Sin  fliall 
 not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 
 Chap.  X.  3.  Ifrael  being  ignorant  of  God's  riphteoufnefs,  and  going  about  tc» 
 eftablifli  their  own  righteoufnefs,  have  not  fubmitted  themfelves  unto  the 
 J-ighteoufnefs  of  God. 
 
 m  Ifa.  xlii.  ii.  The  Lord  is  weli-pleafed  for  his  righteoufnefs  fake;  he 
 will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  honourable.  Matth.  iii.  17.  And  lo,  a 
 voice  from,  heaven,  faying.  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well- 
 pleafcd. 
 
 n  Rom.  is.  31,  31,  33.  But  Ifrael,  which  followed  after  the  Hw  of  righte- 
 oufnefs, hath  not  attained  to  the  law  of  righteoufnefs?  Wherefore  ?  Becaufe  they 
 fought  it  not  by  faith,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law :  for  they  ffumb- 
 Icd  at  that  flumbling-flone  ;  as  it  is  written.  Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  ftumbling- 
 '  ftone,  and  rock  of  ofFciice ;  and  whofoever  believeth  on  him,  fliall  not  be 
 alhamed. 
 
 9  Rom.  vil.  7.  What  fl\all  we  fay  then  ?  Is  the  law  (in  .'  God  forbid.  Nay, 
 I  had  not  known  fin,  but  by  the  law;  for  I  had  not  known  liift,  except  the 
 Jaw  had  fiid.  Thou  flult  not  covet.  Vcr.  10.  And  the  commandment  which 
 WHS  ordained  to  life,  I  found  to  be  unto  deatli.  Ver.  11.  Wherefore  the  U^v 
 is  holy  ;   and  the  commandment  holy,  and  jul^,  and  good. 
 
 ■f)  Rom.  X.  S, — 9.  For  Mofes  defcribeth  the  rightcoufiiefs  which  is  of  the  law. 
 That  the  man  which  doth  thefe  things,  Hiall  live  by  theni.  But  the  righicoufoifs 
 which  is  of  faith  fpeakcth  on  this  wife.  Say  not  in  thine  heart,  Who  iliall  af- 
 cend  into  heaven  ?  that  is,  to  bring  Chriftdown  from  above  :)  or.  Who  fliall 
 dffcend  into  the  deep?  (that  is,  to  bring  up  Chvilt  again  from  the  dead.)  Hut 
 what  laith  it  ?  The  word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  lieart  : 
 that  is  the  word  of  fjith  which  we  preach.   That  if  tliOu  llia't  confefi  v.'iih  thy 
 
 Vol..  X.  L  I 
 
i(>6     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  VL 
 
 Yet  they  are  blind,  who  never  faw 
 
 The  gofpeljuftify  the  lawi. 
 
 Thus  gofpcl-grace,  and  law-commands, 
 
 Both  bind  and  loofe  each  other's  hands ; 
 
 They  can't  agree  on  any  terms  ' , 
 
 Yet  hug  each  other  in  their  arms  ^, 
 
 Thofe  that  divide  them,  cannot  be 
 
 The  friends  of  truth  and  verity  ^  ; 
 
 Yet  thofe  that  dare  confound  the  two, 
 
 Deftroy  them  both,  and  gender  woe^ 
 This  paradox  none  can  decipher. 
 That  plov/  not  with  the  gofpel-heifer. 
 
 mouth  the  Lord  Jefns,  and  fhalt  believe  in  thine  heart,  that  God  hatli  raifed 
 liim  from  the  dead,  thou  fhalt  be  faved. 
 
 q  Rom.  iii  31  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid; 
 yea,  wc  eftablifli  the  law. 
 
 r  Gal  iv.  zi,' — art.  Tell  me,  ye  that  dcfire  to  lie  under  the  law,  do  ye  not 
 hear  the  law  .'  For  it  is  Written,  tliut  Abraham  had  two  fons  ;  the  one  by  a 
 hond-maid,  the  other  by  a  free  woman.  But  he  who  was  of  the  bond-woman, 
 was  born  afti  r  the  flefli ;  but  he  of  t!ie  free-woman  was  by  promife.  WMiich 
 things  are  an  allegory  ;for  thefe  are  the  two  covenants ;  tht  one  from  the  mount 
 Sinai,  which  gendereth  to  bondage,  wliich  is  Agar.  For  this  Agar  is  mount 
 Sinai  in  Arabi.i,  and  anfwereth  to  ferufalem,  which  now  is,  and  is  in  bon- 
 dage with  her  children.  But  Jerufalem  which  is  above,  is  free,  which  is  the 
 mother  of  us  all. 
 
 /  Pfal.  Ixxiv.  23.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together:  righteoufucfs  and 
 truth  liave  kifTed  each  other. 
 
 i  Matlh.  xxiii  zj.  Wo  unto  you,  fcrihes  and  Pharifees,  hypocrites;  for  yc 
 pay  lithe  of  mint,  and  annife,  and  cummin,  and  have  omitted  tbe  weightier 
 matteis  of  tlic  law,  judgment,  mercy,  aud  faith  :  thefe  ought  ye  to  have 
 done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  uudone.  Rom,  ii.  13.  Thou  that  makefl 
 thy  boaft  of  the  law,  through  breaking  the  law,  dillionourcfl  thou  Goil  .' 
 Ver.  4S,  4<5.  For  circumcifion  verily  profitcth,  if  tliou  keep  the  I.iw  ;  but  if 
 thou  be  a  brenker  of  the  law,  thy  circumcifion  is  made  uncircumcifion.  There- 
 fore, if  the  untircumcifion  keep  the  riyhteoufnefs  of  the  law,  fliall  not  his 
 uncircumcifim  be  counted  for  circumcifion  ?  Matth.  six.  6.  What  God  haih 
 joined  together,  let  no  man  put  a'undcr  Chap.  iii.  ij  And  Jefus  anfweriiig, 
 faid  unto  him  [viz.  John,]  Sutler  it  to  be  fo  now:  for  thus  it  becorneth  us  ta 
 fulfil  all  rightcourncfs,  Tlicn  he  fuficred  him.  Cliap.  v.  17.  Think  not  that 
 I  am  come  to  deflroy  the  law  or  the  prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to  dcflroy,  but 
 to  fulfil.  Ver.  19,10.  Whofoever  therefore  fliall  break  one  of  tliele  leafl 
 commandments,  and  fliall  reach  men  fo,  he  lliall  he  called  the  le.aft  in  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven  :  but  whofoever  fliall  do,  and  teach  them,  tlie  fame  fliall 
 be  Ccillcd  great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  For  I  fiy  unto  you.  That  except 
 youi  righteoufnefs  fliall  cxcetd  the  rightcoufnefs  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees, 
 ye  llull  in  no  cafe  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  i  John  v.  6.  This  is 
 he  that  came  hy  water  and  blood,  even  ■crus  Chrift;  not  by  water  only,  but 
 by  water  and  blood:  and  it  is  tbe  Spirit  that  bcareth  witnefs,  bccaufc  the  Spi- 
 rit is  truth 
 
 /  Gal  1  6,  7,  8.  I  marvel,  that  ye  are  To  foon  removed  from  him  that 
 called  you  into  tlic  grace  of  Chrift,  unto  another  gofpel :  which  is  not  another; 
 but  there  be  fome  that  trouble  you,  ami  wcuKl  pervert  the  gofpel  of  Chrifl. 
 But  th'-.ugh  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven,  prcaih  any  other  gofpei  unto  you, 
 than  that  which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accurfcd.    Zcpb.  i.  4. 
 
Chap.  II.    T/^^  Believer's  Principles.     267 
 
 SECT.    II. 
 
 The  Difference  betwixt  the  Law  and  the  Gofpel. 
 
 TH  E  law  fuppofing  I  have  all^ 
 Does  ever  for  perfedion  call. 
 The  gofpel  fuits  my  total  want^ 
 And  all  the  law  can  feek  does  grant. 
 The  law  could  promife  life  to  me. 
 If  my  obedience  perfedi  be  : 
 But  grace  does  promife  life  upon 
 My  Lord's  obedience  alone. 
 The  law  fays,  Do,  and  life  you'll  win  ; 
 But  grace  fays,  Live,  for  all  is  done  : 
 The  former  cannot  eafe  my  grief; 
 The  latter  yields  me  full  relief. 
 By  law  convinced  of  fmful  breach  ; 
 By  gofpel-grace  I  comfort  reach  : 
 The  one  my  condemnation  bears  ; 
 The  othex  juftifies  and  clears. 
 The  law  (hews  my  arrears  are  great ; 
 The  gofpel  freely  pays  my  debt : 
 The  firfl:  docs  me  the  bankrupt  curfe  j 
 The  lafl:  does  blefs  and  fill  my  purfe. 
 The  law  will  not  abate  a  mite  ; 
 The  gofpel  all  the  fum  will  quite : 
 There  God  in  tbreafni^igs  is  array M, 
 But  here  in  promifes  difplay*d. 
 The  law  and  gofpel  difagree. 
 Like  Hagar,  Sarah,  bond  and  free  : 
 The  former's  Hagar\  fervitude  ; 
 The  latter  Sarah's  happy  brood. 
 
 — T  will  cut  ofF— ver.  5. — them  that  worfliip,  and  that  Avear  hy  the  Lord,  and 
 that  fwearby  Malcham.  Ads  iv.  7.  And  when  there  had'been  much  difput- 
 ing,  Peter  rofe  up  and  faid  unto  them,  Men  and  brethren,  ye  know  how  that 
 a  good  while  ago,  God  made  ciioice  among  us,  that  the  Gentiles  by  my  mouth 
 fliould  hear  the  word  of  the  gofpel,  and  believe  Ver.  10,  11.  Now  therefore, 
 why  tempt  ye  God,  to  put  a  yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  dlfciples,  which  nei- 
 ther our  fathers  nor  we  are  able  to  bear  ?  But  we  believe  that  throunh  the 
 grace  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  we  fliall  be  faved  eren  as  they.  Gal.  v.  i. 
 Stand  faft  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be 
 not  int^nglcd  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage.  Ver.  4  Chrift  is  become  of 
 none  effect  unto  you,  whofoever  of  you  art  juflified  by  the  law ;  yc  aic  fallen 
 from  grace. 
 
 LI  2 
 
268      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    PartVI. 
 
 To  Sinai  black,  and  Zion  fair, 
 
 The  word  does  law  and  grace  compare. 
 
 Their  curhng  and  their  blefling  vye 
 
 With  Ebdl  and  Gerizz'wi  high. 
 
 The  law  excludes  not  boa/ling  vain. 
 
 But  rather  feeds  it  to  my  bane : 
 
 But  gofpel-grace  allows  720  boafts. 
 
 Save  in  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofls. 
 
 The  law  ftill  irritates  my  fin. 
 
 And  hardens  my  proud  heart  therein  j 
 
 By  grace's  melting  pow'r  renews. 
 
 And  my  corruption  ^rov\g  fubdues . 
 
 The  law  with  thunder,  Sinai-\\k.Q., 
 
 X)oes  always  dread  and  terror  fpeak  ^ 
 
 The  gofpel  makes  2^  joyful  noiie. 
 
 And  charms  me  with  71  Jlill,  calm  voice. 
 
 The  legal  trumpet  war  proclaims. 
 
 In  wrathful  threats,  and  fire,  and  flames : 
 
 The  gofpel-pipe,  a  peaceful  found, 
 
 Which  fpreads  a  kindly  brealh  around. 
 
 The  law  is  weak  through  finful  fleih  y 
 
 The  gofpel  brings  recruits  airelh  : 
 
 The  firfh  a  killing  letter  wears  ; 
 
 The  lafl  a  quick' iiing  fpirit  bears. 
 
 The  law  that  feeks  perfe£tion's  height. 
 Yet  gives  no  ftrength,  nor  offers  might ; 
 But  precious  gofpel-tidings  glad 
 Declare  where  all  is  to  be  had. 
 
 From  me  alone  the  law  does  crave. 
 What  grace  affirms  in  Chrifi  1  have : 
 When  therefore  law-purfuits  inthral, 
 I  fend  the  law  to  grace  for  all. 
 The  law  brings  terror  to  moled. 
 The  gofpel  gives  the  weary  refi. 
 The  one  docs  flags  of  death  difplay,, 
 The  other  fliews  the  living  way. 
 
 The  law  by  Mofes  was  exprefl: ; 
 The  glorious  gofpel  came  by  Chrijl : 
 The  f]r(t  dim  nature''^  light  may  trace  \_ 
 The  lailis  only  known  by  grace. 
 
Chap.  ir.   TT^/?  Believer's  Principles.      269 
 
 The  law  may  roufe  me  from  my  lloth. 
 To  faith  and  to  repentance  both  : 
 And  though  the  law  commandeth  each. 
 Yet  neither_of  them  can  it  teach. 
 
 Nor  will  accept  for  current  coin 
 
 The  duties  which  it  does  injoin  : 
 
 It  feeks  all,  but  accepts  no  lefs 
 
 Than  conftant,  perfed  righteoufnefs. 
 
 The  gofpel,  on  the  other  hand, 
 
 Although  it  iffue  no  command^ 
 
 But  ftriaiy  view'd,  does  whole  confift 
 
 Inpromifes  and  o^ers  bleft ; 
 
 Yet  does  it  many  duties  teach. 
 
 Which  legal  light  could  never  reach  : 
 
 Thus  faith,  repentance,  and  the  like, 
 
 Are  fire  that  gofpel-engines  ftrike. 
 
 They  have  acceptance  here  through  grace. 
 
 The  law  affords  them  no  fuch  place  : 
 
 Yet  dill  they  come  through  both  their  hands, 
 
 1  hrough  z<^{^^tUeachings,  hw-commands. 
 
 The  law's  a  houfe  of  bondage  fore  j 
 
 The  gofpel  opes  the  prifon-door : 
 The  firft  me  hampered  in  its  net  -, 
 The  laft  ^i  freedom  kindly  fet. 
 The  precept  craves,  the  go^^p^X  gives  ; 
 While  that  me  preffcs,  this  relieves  ; 
 And  or  affords  the  ftrength  I  lack. 
 Or  takes  the  burden  off  my  back.' 
 The  law  requires  on  pain  of  death  ; 
 The  gofpel  courts  with  loving  breath : 
 ^hile  that  conveys  a  deadly  wound; 
 This  makes  me  perfed,  whole,  and  found. 
 There  viewing  how  difeas'd  I  am, 
 1  here  perceive  the  heaUng  balm  : 
 AfPiided  there  with  fenfe  of  need, 
 But  here  refrefii'd  with  meet  remide. 
 The  law's  a  charge  for  what  I  owe  : 
 The  gofpel  my  difcharge  to  f]:>ow  : 
 The  one  a  fcene  oi fears  dcth  ope  ; 
 The  other  is  the  door  of  hote. 
 
270      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    PartVL 
 
 An  angry  God  the  law  reveal'd  ; 
 
 The  gofpel  (hews  him  recondl*d : 
 
 By  that  I  know  he  was  difpleas^d ; 
 
 By  this  I  fee  his  wrath  appeased,  ' 
 
 The  law  thus  fhews  the  divine  ire. 
 
 And  nothing  but  confuming  fire. 
 
 The  gofpel  brings  the  olive-branch. 
 
 And  blood  the  burning  fire  to  quench. 
 
 The  law  ftill  fhaes  a  fiery  face ; 
 
 The  gofpel  fhews  a  throne  of  grace  : 
 
 ^here  Jujiice  rides  alone  in  ftate  j 
 
 But  here  fhe  takes  the  mercy-feat. 
 
 In  Sum: 
 
 Lo !  in  the  law  Jehovah  dwells, 
 
 But  ye/us  is  conceal'd  ; 
 AVhereas  the  gofpePs  nothing  elfe 
 
 But  Jefus  Chri/i  reveal'd. 
 
 SECT.    III. 
 The  Harmony  betwixt  the  Law  and  the  Gofpel. 
 
 TH  E  law*s  a  tutor  much  in  vogue. 
 To  gofpel-grace  a  pedagogue  ; 
 The  gofpel  to  the  law  no  lefs 
 Than  its  full  end  for  righteoufnefs. 
 When  once  the  fiery  law  of  God 
 Has  chas'd  me  to  the  gofpel-road  j 
 Then  back  unto  the  holy  law 
 Mod  kindly  gofpel-grace  will  draw. 
 
 "When  by  the  law  to  grace  Vmfchool'd; 
 Grace  by  the  law  will  have  me  ru/^d  : 
 Hence,  if  1  dor/t  the  law  obey, 
 I  cannot  keep  the  gofpel-way. 
 
 When  I  the  gofpel-news  believe. 
 Obedience  to  the  law  I  give  : 
 And  that  both  in  hsfcd'ra!  drefs, 
 And  as  a  rule  of  holinefs. 
 
Chap.  II.     7A;<?  Believer's  Principles.     271 
 
 Lo  !   in  my  Head  I  render  all 
 For  which  the  fiery  law  can  call : 
 His  blood  unto  \t%Jire  was  fuel. 
 His  Spirit  fhapes  me  to  its  rule. 
 When  law  and  gofpel  kindly  meet. 
 To  ferve  each  other  both  unite : 
 Sweet  promifes,  and  ftern  commands. 
 Do  work  to  one  another's  hands. 
 The  divine  law  demands  no  lefs 
 Than  human  perfeft  rightcoufnefs : 
 The  gofpel  gives  it  this  and  more. 
 Ev'n  divine  righteoufnefs  in  ftore. 
 Whate'er  the  righteous  law  require. 
 The  gofpel  grants  its  whole  defire. 
 Are  law-commands  exceeding  broad  ? 
 So  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 
 How  great  foe'er  the  legal  charge. 
 The  gofpel-/>^j;;/(?«/'s  equal  large  : 
 No  lefs  by  man  the  law  can  bray. 
 When  grace  provides  a  God  to  pay. 
 
 The  law  makes  gofpel-banquets  fweet ; 
 
 The  gofpel  makes  the  law  complete : 
 
 Law-fuits  to  grace's  florehoufc  draw  5 
 
 Grace  decks  and  magnifies  the  law. 
 
 Both  law  and  gofpel  clofs  combine. 
 
 To  make  each  other's  luftre  (hine  : 
 
 The  gofpel  all  law-breakers  ihames  ; 
 
 The  law  all  gofpel-flighters  damns. 
 
 The  law  is  holy,  juft,  and  good  ;  -^^ 
 
 All  this  the  gofpel  feals  with  blood. 
 
 And  clears  the  royal  law's  .juft  dues 
 
 With  dearly  purchas'd  revenues. 
 
 The  law  commands  me  to  believe  ; 
 The  gofpel  faving  faith  does  give : 
 The  law  injoins  me  to  repent ; 
 The  gofpel  gives  my  tears  a  vent. 
 What  in  the  gofpel-mint  is  coin'd, 
 The  fame  is  in  the  law  injoin'^  : 
 Whatever  gofpel-tidings  teach, 
 The  law's  authoritv  doth  reach. 
 
272      GOSPEL   SONNETS.     PartVL 
 
 Here  join  the  law  and  gofpel  hands, 
 What  this  me  teaches  that  commands  : 
 What  virtuous  forms  the  gofpel  pleafe 
 The  fame  the  law  doth  authorife. 
 And  thus  the  law-commandment  feals 
 Whatever  gofpel-grace  reveals : 
 The  gofpel  alfo  for  my  good 
 Seals  all  the  law-demands  with  blood. 
 The  law  mod  perfed;  flill  remains, 
 And  ev'ry  duty  full  contains : 
 The  gofpel  its  perfection  fpeaks, 
 And  therefore  gives  whate'er  it  feeks. 
 Next,  what  by  law  I'm  bound  unto, 
 The  fame  the  gofpel  makes  me  do  : 
 What  preceptively  that  can  crave. 
 This  ejf'eclively  can  ingravc. 
 All  that  by  precepts  Heav'n  experts, 
 Free  grace  by  promifes  efleCls : 
 To  what  the  law  hy  fear  may  move, 
 To  that  the  gofpel  leads  by  love. 
 To  run  to  work,  the  law  commands ; 
 The  gofpel  gives  mcfeet  and  hands  : 
 The  one  requires  that  I  obey  ; 
 The  other  does  the  pow'r  convey. 
 What  in  the  law  has  duty^s  place. 
 The  gofpel  changes  to  a  grace  : 
 Hence  legal  duties  therein  nam'd. 
 Are  herein  gofpel-graces  fam'd. 
 The  precept  checks  me  when  I  ft  ray ; 
 The  promife  holds  me  in  the  way  : 
 That  (licws  my  folly  when  I  roam  ; 
 And  this  moft  kindly  brings  me  home. 
 Law-threats  and  precepts  both,  I  fee, 
 With  gofpel-promifes  agree  ; 
 They  to  the  gofpel  are  Tifena;^ 
 And  it  to  them  a  raainicnancc. 
 
 The  lav/  will  juftify  all  thofe 
 Who  with  the  gofpel-ranfom  clofc  ; 
 The  gofpel  too  approves  for  ay 
 All  thofe  that  do  the  law  obey. 
 
Chap.il  r^<?  Believer's  Principles.     273 
 
 The  righteous  law  condemns  each  man 
 That  dare  rejeft  the  gofpel-plan  : 
 The  holy  gofpel  none  v/ill  jfave, 
 On  whom  it  won't  the  law  ingrave. 
 When  Chrift  the  tree  of  life  did  climbj 
 I  fee  both  law  and  grace  in  him: 
 In  him  the  law  its  end  does  gain  ; 
 In  him  the  promiie  is  A?nen, 
 
 The  law  makes  grace's  pafture  fweet, 
 Grace  makes  the  law  my  fav'ry  meat ; 
 Yea,  fv/eeter  than  the  honey-comb, 
 When  grace  and  mercy  brings  it  home. 
 The  precepts  of  the  law  me  Jhow 
 What  fruits  of  gratitude  I  owe  ; 
 But  gofpel-grace  begets  the  brood. 
 And  mo'ues  me  to  the  gratitude. 
 
 Law-terrors  panfe  the  putrid  fore  ; 
 And  gofpel-grace  applies  the  cure  : 
 The  one  ploivs  up  the  fallow-ground  ; 
 The  other  fnvs  the  feed  around. 
 A  rigid  mafter  was  the  law. 
 Demanding  brick,  denying  ftraw; 
 But  when  with  gofpel-tongue  it  frngs^ 
 It  bids  me  fly,  and  gives  me  wings. 
 
 In  S  u  M. 
 
 Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  unite, 
 
 Are  feen  with  more  folace, 
 Where  truth  and  mercy  kindly  meet, 
 
 In  fair  Inunanuel^s  face. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 
 The  proper  Place   and   Station  of  the  Law 
 and  the  Gofpel. 
 
 Note,  That  In  the  four  following  Paragraphs,  as  well  as  in  the 
 three  preceding  Sedions,  by  Law,  is  moftly  underllood  the 
 do<5lrine  of  the  Covenant  of  Worki  -^  and  by  Gospel,  the  doc- 
 trine of  the  Covenaiit  of  Grace. 
 
 Vol.  X.  M  m 
 
274      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVI. 
 
 Paragraph  I. 
 The  Place  and  Station  of  Law  and  Gofpcl  in  general. 
 
 \T  THEN  we  the  facred  record  view, 
 W     Or  divine  Teft'ments  old  and  new  j 
 The  matter  in  moft  pages  fix'd. 
 Is  law  and  gofpel  intermixed. 
 Yet  few,  ev*n  in  a  learned  age, 
 Can  fo  refolve  the  facred  page. 
 As  to  difcern  with  equal  eye, 
 AVhere  law,  where  gofpel  fever'd  lie. 
 One  divine  text  with  double  claufe 
 May  fpeak  the  gofpel's  voice  and  laws  "^ : 
 Hence  men  to  blend  them  both  are  apt. 
 Should  in  one  fcnicnce  both  be  wrapt. 
 
 But  that  we  may  the  truth  purfue, 
 And  give  both  law  and  grace  their  due. 
 And  God  the  glory  there  difplay'd  ; 
 The  following  rules  may  give  us  aid. 
 Where-e'er  in  facred  writ  we  fee 
 A  word  o^ grace  or  promife  free, 
 With  bleffings  dropt  for  Jefus'  fake  ; 
 "VVe  thefe  for  gofpel-news  may  take. 
 But  where  ?i  precept  (Irid  we  find 
 "With  promife  to  our  doing  join'd, 
 -  Or  threatening  with  a  wrathful  frown ; 
 This  as  the  lav/  we  juftly  own. 
 
 •  Ex  Gr.  Lev.  xs.  7,  8.  Sanctify  yourfclvcs  tlierefore,  and  be  yc  haly  ; 
 for  I  am  ihe  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  fliall  keep  my  ftatutes,  and  do  them  ; 
 I  am  the  Lord  which  fancftificth  you.  i  John  iv.  7.  Beloved,  let  us  love  one 
 another  :  for  love  is  of  God  ;  and  every  one  that  loveth,  is  born  of  God,  and 
 knoweth  God.  Rom.  v.  21.  That  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto  dc.uh,  even  lu 
 might  grace  reign  through  righteoufnefi  unto  etern^tl  life,  by  Jcfus  Chrift  our 
 Lord.  Chjp.  vi.  15.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  jleath  :  but  tlie  giit  of  God  is  c- 
 ttrnal  life,  throiigli  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  M.irk  xvi.  15,  16.  And  he  faid  un- 
 to them,  Cioye  into  all  the  woriil,  and  preacli  the  gofptl  to  every  creature. 
 He  that  liellcveih  and  is  baptized,  Hull  he  f.ived  ;  hut  he  that  beJieveth  not, 
 fliall  be  da-nned.  John  iii.  18  He  that  bclicvtth  on  him,  is  not  condemned  : 
 but  he  that  helicveth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaufe  he  hath  not  believ- 
 ed in  ihc  name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God,  &c. 
 
Chap. II.    TA^  Believer's  Pringiples,    275" 
 
 Paragraph  II. 
 
 The  Place  and  Station  of  Law  and  Gofpel  in  particular. 
 Where  the  Difference  is  noted  betwixt  the  Go/pel  largely 
 viewed  in  its  Difpenfation,  and  flridly  in  itfelf;  and 
 betwixt  the  Gofpel  and  faith  receiving  it. 
 
 \T7  OULDST  thou  diflinaiy  know  the  found 
 '  '     Of  law  and  grace,  then  don't  confound 
 
 The  difpcnfation  with  the  grace  ; 
 
 For  thefe  two  have  a  diftind:  place. 
 
 The  gofpel  thus  difpens'd  we  fee, 
 
 Believe^  and  thou  fh alt  faved  be  ; 
 
 If  not  ^  thou  fh  alt  be  damned  to  hell. 
 
 And  in  eternal  torments  dwell. 
 
 Here  precepts  in  it  are  difpens'd, 
 
 With  threat* nings  of  damnation  fenc'd  ; 
 
 The  lcgd.\fandion  here  takes  place, 
 
 That  none  may  dare  abufe  free  grace. 
 
 Yet  nor  does  that  command  of  faith, 
 
 Nor  this  tremendous  threat  of  wrath. 
 
 Belong  to  gofpel  ftrictly  fo  ; 
 
 But  to  its  difpenfation  do. 
 
 The  method  of  difpenfmg  here. 
 
 Does  law  and  gofpel  jointly  bear  ; 
 
 Becaufe  the  law's  fubfervient. 
 
 Unto  the  gofpel's  bleft  intent. 
 
 Precepts  and  threat'nings  both  make  way 
 
 The  gofpel-bleffings  to  convey ; 
 
 Which  differs  much,  though  thus  dii'pens'd. 
 
 From  laws  and  threats  whereby  'tis  fenc'd. 
 
 Believe,  and  thou  fh  alt  favsd  be. 
 Is  gofpel,  but  improperly  ; 
 Yet  fafely  men  may  call  it  thus, 
 Becaufe  'tis  fo  difpens'd  to  us. 
 
 But  fure,  the  gofpel-news  we  fing,  ^^''' 
 
 Mufl  be  fome  other  glorious  thing. 
 Than  precepts  to  believe  the  fame. 
 Whatever  way  we  blend  their  name. 
 M  m  2 
 
27^    GOSPEL    SONNETS.  Part  VL 
 
 The  gofpel-treafure's  fomething  more 
 
 Than  means  that  do  apply  the  ftore : 
 
 Beheving  is  the  method  pav'd  ; 
 
 The  gofpel  is  the  thing  behev'd. 
 
 The  precious  thing  is  tidings  fweet. 
 
 Of  Chriji  a  Saviour  mod  complete, 
 
 To  fave  from  fin,  and  death,  and  wrath  ; 
 
 "Which  tidings  tend  to  gender  faith. 
 
 Faitb  comes  by  hearing  God's  record 
 
 Concerning  Jcfus  Chriji  the  Lord  ; 
 
 And  is  the  method  Heav'n  has  bleft 
 
 For  bringing  to  the  gofpel-reft. 
 
 The  joytul  found  is  news  of  grace. 
 
 And  hfe  to  Adam*s  guilty  race, 
 
 Through  Jefus'  righteoufnefs  divine. 
 
 Which  bright  fro?)!  faith  to  faitb  does  fhinc. 
 
 The  promife  of  immortal  blifs 
 
 Is  made  to  this  full  righteoufnefs  : 
 
 By  this  our  right  to  life  is  bought ; 
 
 Faith  begs  the  right,  but  buys  it  not. 
 
 True  faith  receives  the  offer'd  good. 
 
 And  promife  (eal'd  with  precious  blood  : 
 
 It  gives  no  title  to  the  blifs. 
 
 But  takes  th'  entitling  righteoufnefs. 
 
 This  objed  grt2X  of  faving  faith. 
 
 And  this  alone  the  promife  hath  ; 
 
 For  *tis  not  made  to  faith's  poor  a6i 
 
 But  is  the  prize  that  faith  does  take  : 
 
 And,  only  as  it  takes  the  fame. 
 
 It  bears  a  great  and  famous  name  ; 
 
 For  felf  and  all  its  grandeur  down 
 
 It  throws,  that  Chriji  may  wear  the  crown. 
 
 But  if  }iezu  laws  and  threats  were  all 
 
 That  gofpel  properly  we  call. 
 
 Then  were  the  precept  to  believe^ 
 
 No  better  news  than  Jo  and  live. 
 
 If  then  we  won't  didinguifh  here. 
 We  cloud,  but  don't  the  gofpel  clear  j 
 We  blend  it  with  the  fiery  law. 
 And  all  into  confufion  draw. 
 
Chap.  II.    7)6^  Believer's  Principles.    277 
 
 The  law  of  works  we  introduce, 
 
 As  if  old  merit  were  in  ufe, 
 
 "When  man  could  life  by  doing  won, 
 
 Ev'n  though  the  work  by  grace  were  done. 
 
 Old  Adam  in  his  innocence 
 
 Derived  his  power  of  doing  hence  : 
 
 As  all  he  could  was  wholly  due  ; 
 
 So  all  the  workingT?/-^;?^//;,  he  knew. 
 
 Was  only  from  the  grace  of  God, 
 
 Who  with  fuch  favour  did  him  load : 
 
 Yet  was  the  promife  to  his  aB^ 
 
 That  he  might  merit  by  cojiipad. 
 
 No  merit  but  oi  padion  could 
 
 Of  men  or  angels  e'er  be  told  ; 
 
 The  God-man  only  was  fo  high 
 
 To  inerit  by  condignity. 
 
 Were  life  now  promisM  to  our  aSl, 
 
 Or  to  our  works  by  padion  tack'd  ; 
 
 Though  God  fliould  his  ajfijlance  grant, 
 
 'Tis  (till  a  doing  covenant. 
 
 Though  Heav'n  its  helping  grace  fliould  yield. 
 
 Yet  merit\  flill  upon  the  field  ; 
 
 We  cafl  the  name,  yet  flill  'tis  found 
 
 Difclaim'd  but  with  a  verbal  found. 
 
 If  one  fhould  borrow  tools  from  you, 
 That  he  fome  famous  work  might  do  j 
 When  once  his  work  is  well  prepar'd. 
 He  fure  deferves  his  due  reward  ; 
 Yea,  juflly  may  he  claim  his  due. 
 Although  he  borrow'd  tools  from  you  ; 
 Ev'n  thus  the  borrow'd  ftrength  of  grace 
 Can't  hinder  merit  to  take  place. 
 From  whence  foe'er  we  borrow  pow'rs, 
 If  life  depend  on  works  of  ours  j 
 Or  if  we  make  the  gofpel  thus 
 In  any  fort  depend  on  us ; 
 
 We  give  the  law  the  gofpel-placc, 
 Rewards  of  debt  the  room  o^  grace  ; 
 We  mix  heav'n's  treafures  with  our  rralh. 
 And  magnify  corrupted  ticfh. 
 
27S     GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 The  new  and  gofpel  covenant 
 No  promife  to  our  works  will  grant 
 But  to  the  doing  of  our  Head, 
 And  in  hun  to  each  gofpel-deed. 
 To  godlinefs,  which  is  great  gain, 
 Promife  is  faid  to  appertain  : 
 But  know,  left  you  the  gofpel  mar, 
 In  whom  it  is  we  godly  are  : 
 
 To  him  and  to  his  righteoufnefs 
 
 Still  primar'ly  the  promife  is  ; 
 
 And  not  ev'n  to  the  gracious  deed. 
 
 Save  in  and  through  the  glorious  Head. 
 
 Pray  let  us  here  obferve  the  odds, 
 How  law  and  grace  take  counter  roads. 
 The  law  of  works  no  promife  fpake 
 Unto  the  age?it,  but  the  aci  ; 
 It  primar'ly  no  promife  made 
 Unto  the  perfon,  but  the  deed  : 
 Whate'er  the  doing  perfon  fhar'd, 
 'Twas  for  his  deed  he  had  reward. 
 The  law  of  grace  o'erturns  the  fcale. 
 And  makes  the  quite  reverfe  prevail : 
 Its  promife  lights  not  on  the  deed. 
 But  on  the  doing  perfon's  head ; 
 Not  for  his  doing,  but  for  this, 
 Bccaufe  in  Cbriji  his  portion  is  ; 
 Which  union  to  the  living  Prince, 
 His  living  works  and  deeds  evince. 
 Good  fruits  have  promife  in  this  viev/, 
 As  union  to  the  Branch  they  fliew  j 
 To  whom  the  promifes  pertain, 
 In  him  all  Tea,  and  all  Jnien. 
 Obferve,  pray  ;  for  if  here  we  err. 
 And  do  not  Cbri/f  alone  prefer, 
 But  think  the  promife  partly  ftands 
 On  our  obeying  new  commands  ; 
 Th'  old  cov'nant-place  to  works  we  give. 
 Or  mingle  grace  with  do  and  five  ; 
 We  overcloud  the  gofpd-cbarms. 
 And  alfo  break  our  working  arms. 
 
Chap. II.     7"/?^  Believer's  Principles.    279 
 
 More  honour  to  the  law  profefs. 
 But  giving  more,  we  give  it  lefs  : 
 Its  heavy  yoke  in  vain  we  draw, 
 By  turning  gofpel  into  law. 
 We  robe  grace  of  its  joyful  found. 
 And  bury  Chrijl  in  Mofes  ground : 
 At  beft  we  run  a  legal  race 
 Upon  the  field  oi  gofpel-gv2,cc. 
 
 Paragraph  III. 
 
 The  Gofpel  no  Ntw  Law  ;    but  a  joyful  found  of  Grace 
 and  Mercy. 
 
 LA  W-precepts  in  a  gofpel-mold. 
 We  may  as  gofpel-dodrine  hold. 
 But  gofpel-calls  in  legal  drefs, 
 The  joyful  found  of  grace  fupprefs. 
 
 Faith  and  repentance  may  be  taught, 
 And  yet  no  gofpel-tidings  brought ; 
 If  as  mere  duties  thefe  we  prefs, 
 And  not  as  parts  oi promised  biifs. 
 If  only  precepts  we  prefent, 
 Though  urg*d  with  llrongeft  argument. 
 We  leave  the  weak'ncd  fmner's  hope 
 In  darknefs  of  defpair  to  grope. 
 The  man  whom  legal  precepts  chafe. 
 As  yet  eflrang'd  to  fov'reign  grace, 
 Mifiaking  evangelic  charms. 
 As  if  they  flood  on  legal  terms. 
 Looks  to  himfelf,  though  dead  in  fm. 
 For  grounds  of  faith  and  hope  within  : 
 Hence  fears  and  fetters  grow  and  fwell. 
 Since  nought's  within  but  fm  and  hell. 
 But  faith  that  looks  to  promis'd  grace. 
 Clean  out  of  felf  the  foul  will  chafe. 
 To  Chrijl  for  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength. 
 And  finds  the  joyful  reft  at  length. 
 
 Proud  flefli  and  blood  will  ftartle  here. 
 And  hardly  fuch  report  can  bear, 
 That  Heav'n  all  faving  ftore  will  give 
 To  thcin  that  %vork  ?iot,  but  belie-ve. 
 
28o       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVI. 
 
 Yet  not  of  works,  but  'tis  the  race 
 Of  faith,  that  it  may  be  of  grace  : 
 For  faith  does  nothing  but  agree 
 To  welcome  this  falvation  free. 
 "  Come  down,  Zaccheus  ;  quickly  come, 
 "  Salvation's  brought  unto  thy  home  : 
 "  In  vain  thou  climb'fl  the  legal  tree  ; 
 *'  Salvation  freely  comes  to  thee. 
 
 *'  Thou  dream'ft  of  coining  up  to  terms, 
 *'  Come  down  into  my  faving  arms  ; 
 "  Down,  down,  and  get  a  pardon  free, 
 *'  On  terms  already  wrought  by  me. 
 "  Behold  the  blefiings  of  my  blood, 
 "  Bought  for  thy  evcrlafling  good, 
 "  And  freely  all  to  be  convey'd 
 "  Upon  the  price  already  paid. 
 
 "  I  know  thou  had  no  good,  and  fee- 
 "  I  cannot  ftand  on  terms  with  thee, 
 "  Whofe  fall  has  left  thee  nought  to  claim, 
 "  Nor  aught  to  boafl:  but  fin  and  fliame." 
 The  law  of  heavy  hard  commands 
 Confirms  the  wak'ned  finner's  bands  ; 
 But  grace  proclaims  relieving  news. 
 And  fcenes  of  matchlefs  mercy  Ihews. 
 No  precept  clogs  the  gofpel-call, 
 But  wherein  grace  is  all  in  all ; 
 No  law  is  here  but  that  of  grace. 
 Which  brings  relief  in  ev'ry  cafe. 
 
 The  gofpel  is  the  prornife  fair 
 
 Of  grace  all  ruins  to  repair, 
 
 And  leaves  no  finner  room  to  fay, 
 
 "  Alas !  this  debt  I  cannot  pay  ; 
 
 *'  This  grievous  yoke  I  cannot  bear, 
 
 "  This  high  demand  I  cannot  clear." 
 
 Grace  flops  the  mouth  of  fuch  complaints, 
 
 And  ftore  of  full  fupply  prefents. 
 
 The  glorious  gofpel  is  (in  brief) 
 
 A  fov'reign  word  of  fvveet  relief; 
 
 Not  cloggM  with  cumberfome  commands, 
 
 To  bind  the  foul's  receiving  hands. 
 
Chap.  II.    T'/^f  Believer's  Principles.     281 
 
 'Tis  joyf^il  news  of  fov'reign  grace. 
 That  reign's  in  ftate  through  righteoufnefs. 
 To  ranfom  from  all  threatening  woesy 
 And  anfwer  ail  commanding  do's  : 
 This  gofpel  comes  with  he/p  indeed. 
 Adapted  unto  fmners  need. 
 Theie  joyful  news  that  fuit  their  cafe. 
 Are  chariots  of  his  drawing  grace  : 
 'Tis  here  the  Spirit  pow'rful  rides, 
 The  fountains  of  the  deep  divides  ; 
 The  King  of  glory's  fplendor  fliews. 
 And  wins  the  heart  with  welcome  news. 
 
 Paragraph  IV. 
 
 The  Go(pt\  further  defer ibed,  as  a  Bundle  of  good  News 
 
 and  gracious  Fromijes. 
 
 TH  E  firfl  grand  promife  forth  did  break 
 In  threats  againfl  the  tempting  fnake  ; 
 So  may  the  gofpel  in  commands^ 
 Yet  nor  in  threats  or  precepts  flands  : 
 But  'tis  a  doctrine  of  free  grants 
 To  fmners,  that  they  may  be  faints : 
 A  joyful  found  of  royal  gifts 
 To  obviate  unbelieving  fhifts  : 
 A  promife  of  divine  fupplies, 
 To  work  all  gracious  qualities 
 In  thofe,  who  pronelt  to  rebel, 
 Are  only  qualify'd  for  hell. 
 Courting  vile  fmners,  cv'n  the  chief. 
 It  leaves  no  cloak  for  unbelief; 
 But  ev'n  on  grofs  Manaffehs  calls 
 On  Mary  Magdalens  and  Sauls. 
 
 'Tis  good  news  oi  2.  fountain  ope 
 For  ftn  Tindflth;  a  dcor  of  hope 
 For  thofe  that  lie  in  blood  and  gore, 
 And  of  3.falve  for  ev'ry.  fore. 
 Glad  news  oifight  unto  the  blind  ; 
 Of  light  unto  the  darkened  mind  ; 
 Of  healing  to  the  deadly  fick ; 
 And  mercv  both  to  Jeiv  and  Greek. 
 Vol.   X;  Nn 
 
282     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  VL 
 
 Good  news  of  gold  to  poor  that  lack  ; 
 
 Of  raiment  to  the  naked  back  ; 
 
 Of  binding  to  the  wounds  that  fmart ; 
 
 And  re/i  unto  the  weary  heart. 
 
 Glad  news  of  freedom  to  the  bound  ; 
 
 Ofjlore  all  lofles  to  refound  ; 
 
 Of  eddlcfs  life  unto  the  dead  ; 
 
 And  prefent  help  in  time  of  need. 
 
 Good  news  of  beav*n^  where  angels  dwell, 
 
 To  thofc  that  well  deferved  hell ; 
 
 Oijirengtb  to  weak  for  work  and  war. 
 
 And  accefs  near  to  thofe  afar. 
 
 Glad  news  ofjoy  to  thofe  that  weep. 
 
 And  tender  care  of  cripple  Iheep  j 
 
 Of  JJjelter  to  the  foul  purfu'd, 
 
 And  cleaiifing  to  the  hellifh-hew'd : 
 
 Of  floods  to  fap  the  parclied  ground, 
 
 AViA/treams  to  run  the  defert  round  ; 
 
 Of  ranfom  to  the  captive  caught. 
 
 And  harbour  to  the  found'ring  yacht : 
 
 Of  timely  aid  to  weary  groans  ; 
 
 Of  joy  refhor'd  to  broken  bones  : 
 
 Of  grace  divine  to  gracelefs  preys. 
 
 And  glory  to  the  vile  and  bafe  : 
 
 Of  living  water  pure  that  teems 
 
 On  fainting  fouls  refrelhing  dreams  ; 
 
 Of  gen'rous  wine  to  chear  the  ftrong, 
 
 And  7nilk  to  feed  the  tender  young  ; 
 
 Of  faving  faitli  to  faithlefs  ones  ; 
 
 Of fof tuning  grace  to  flinty  flones; 
 
 Of  pardon  to  a  guilty  crew, 
 
 And  mercy  free,  where  wrath  was  due. 
 
 Good  news  of  welcojue  kind  to  all, 
 
 That  come  to  Jefus  at  his  call ; 
 
 Yea,  news  of  drawing pow*r,  when  fcant. 
 
 To  thofe  that  fain  would  come,  and  can't. 
 
 Glad  news  of  rich  myfterious  grace. 
 
 And  mercy  meeting  ev'ry  cafe  ; 
 
 Of  /} ore  immenfe  all  voids  to  fill. 
 
 And  free  to  whocfo'vcr  will : 
 
Chap.  III.     ^^6^  Believer's  Principles.     283 
 
 Of  Chrijl  exalted  as  a  Prhice, 
 Pardons  to  give  and  penitence  ; 
 Oi grace  o'ercoming  flubborn  wills, 
 And  leaping  over  Bether  hills. 
 Faith  comes  by  hearing  thefe  reports  ; 
 Straight  to  the  court  of  grace  reforts, 
 And,  free  of  mercenary  thought, 
 Gets  royal  bounty  all  for  nought. 
 Faith's  wing  within  the  clammy  fea 
 Of  legal  merit  cannot  fly  ; 
 But  mounting  mercy's  air  apace, 
 Soars  in  the  element  of  grace. 
 But  as  free  love  the  blefiing  gives 
 To  him  that  works  not,  but  believes ; 
 ^o  faith,  once  reaching  its  denre. 
 Works  hard  by  love,  but  not  for  hire. 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 
 The  Believer's  Principles  concern- 
 ing Jujiification  and  Sanftijication,  their  Diffe- 
 rence and  Harmony. 
 
 SECT.     L 
 
 The  DiFFERF.NCE  between  Jujiification  and  S>anBifica- 
 tion  ;  or  Right eoufnefs  itnputed  and  Grace  imparted; 
 in  upwards  of  thirty  particulars  ^. 
 
 I N  D  Jefus  fpent  his  life  to  fpin 
 My  robe  of  perfeft  righteoufnefs ; 
 But  by  his  Spirit's  work  within 
 
 He  forms  my  gracious  holy  drcfs. 
 He  as  a  Priejl  me  juftifies, 
 
 His  blood  does  roaring  confcience  Hill  j 
 But  as  a  King  he  fandifies. 
 
 And  fubjugates  my  flubborn  v/ill. 
 
 *  Note,  That  (metri  caufa)  Justificatjon  ;/  fovietimss  here 
 expreff'ed  by  the'words,  imputed  grace,  juUifying  grace,  righteoul- 
 nefs,  6"^.  Sanctification  by  the  names,  imparted  grace,  grace, 
 graces,  holinefs,  lanctity,  cbc. ;  luhich  the  judicimu  ixill  eajily  un- 
 derjland, 
 
 .     '      •?  N  n  2 
 
 K 
 
:84      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 He  juftifying  by  his  merit, 
 
 hnpides  to  me  his  righteoufncfs  j 
 But  fandifying  by  his  Spirit, 
 
 Infufes  in  me  faving  grace. 
 My  juftifying  righteoufnefs  * 
 
 Can  merit  by  condignity  ; 
 But  nothing  with  my  ftrongeft  grace 
 
 Can  be  deferv'd  by  naughty  me. 
 This  juftifying  favour  fets. 
 
 The  guilt  of  all  my  fin  remote : 
 But  fanftifying  grace  delets 
 
 The  filth  and  blacknefs  of  its  blot. 
 By  virtue  of  this  righteoufnefs 
 
 Sin  can't  condemn  nor  juftly  brand  : 
 By  virtue  of  infufed  grace 
 
 Anon  it  ceafes  to  command. 
 The  righteoufnefs  vi^hich  I  enjoy. 
 
 Sin's  damning  pow'r  will  wholly  ftay  ; 
 And  grace  imparted  will  deftroy 
 
 Its  ruling  domineering  fway. 
 The  former  is  my  Judge's  aB 
 
 Of  condonation  full  and  free  : 
 The  latter  his  commencedyj7<f?. 
 
 And  gradual  work  advanc'd  in  mc. 
 The  former's  injiantaneous. 
 
 The  moment  that  I  firft  believe  : 
 The  latter  is,  as  Heav'n  allows, 
 
 Progrejfive  while  on  earth  I  live. 
 The  firft  will  peace  to  confcience  give. 
 
 The  laft  the  filthy  heart  will  cleanfe  : 
 The  firfts  effiefts  a  relative^ 
 
 The  laft  a  real  inward  change. 
 The  former  pardons  t\*ryftn. 
 
 And  counts  m.e  righteous,  free,  and  juft  : 
 The  latter  quickens  grace  within. 
 
 And  mortifies  my  fin  and  luft. 
 Imputed  gra<:e  i?ititlcs  me 
 
 Unto  eternal  happinefs ; 
 Imparted  grace  will  qualify 
 
 That  heav'nly  kingdom  to  poftefs.      ^ 
 
Chap.  III.   77;^  Believer's  Principles.     285 
 
 My  righteoufnefs  is  infinite. 
 
 Both  fubjetfli vely  and  in  kind ; 
 My  holinefs  moft  incomplete, 
 
 And  daily  wavers  like  the  wind. 
 So  lafting  is  my  outer  drefs, 
 
 It  never  wears  nor  waxes  old  ; 
 My  inner  garb  of  grace  decays 
 
 And  fades,  if  Heav'n  do  not  uphold. 
 My  righteoufnefs  and  pardon  Is 
 
 At  once  moft  perfeft  and  complete  ; 
 But  fanclity  admits  degrees. 
 
 Does  vary,  fluctuate,  and  fleet. 
 
 Hence  fixM,  my  righteoufnefs  divine 
 
 No  real  chanze  can  undergo  ; 
 But  all  my  graces  wax  and  wane, 
 
 By  various  turnings  ebb  and  flow. 
 
 I'm  by  the  firft  as  righteous  now. 
 
 As  e'er  hereafter  1  can  be  : 
 The  laft  will  to  perfeflion  grow, 
 
 Heav'n  only  is  the  full  degree. 
 The  firft  is  equal,  wholly  giv'n. 
 
 And  ftill  the  fame  in  ev'ry  faint ; 
 The  laft  unequal  and  unev'n. 
 
 While  fome  enjoy  what  others  want. 
 My  righteoufnefs  divine  is  frefli. 
 
 For  ever  pure  and  heav'nly  both  ; 
 My  fanftity  is  partly  ^(/Z:), 
 
 And  juftly  term'd  a  jiienjlrous  cloth. 
 My  righteoufnefs  I  magnify, 
 
 ^Tis  my  triumphant  lofty  flag  ; 
 But,  pois'd  with  this,  ray  fandity 
 
 Is  nothing  but  a  filthy  rag. 
 I  glory  in  my  righteoufnefs. 
 
 And  loud  extol  it  with  my  tongue  ; 
 But  all  my  grace,  compar'd  with  this, 
 
 I  under-rate  as  lofs  and  dung. 
 By  juftifying  grace  I'm  apt 
 
 Of  divine  favour  free  to  botift  j 
 By  holinefs  I'm  partly  fhap'd 
 
 Inio  his  image  I  had  loft. 
 
2S6      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 The  firfl  to  dWmeju/iice  pays 
 
 A  rent  to  ftill  the  furious  ftorm  j 
 The  lad  to  divine  bolinefs 
 
 Inflruds  me  duly  to  perform. 
 
 The  firfl:  does  quench  the  fiery  law. 
 
 Its  rigid  cov'nant  fully  flay  ; 
 The  laft  its  rule  embroider'd  draw. 
 
 To  deck  my  heart,  and  gild  my  way. 
 
 Thtfubjed  of  my  vighteoufnefs 
 
 Is  Chrift  himfelf,  my  glorious  Head  j 
 But  I  the  fubject  am  of  grace, 
 
 As  he  fupplies  my  daily  need. 
 The  matter  of  the  former  too 
 
 Is  only  Chrifli's  obedience  dear  j 
 But,  lo  !  his  helping  me  to  do 
 
 Is  all  the  work  and  matter  here. 
 I  on  my  righteoufnefs  rely 
 
 For  Heav'n's  acceptance  free,  and  win  j 
 But,  in  this  matter  mufl:  deny 
 
 My  grace,  ev'n  as  I  do  my  fm. 
 Though  all  my  graces  precious  are, 
 
 Yea,  perfeft  alfo  in  defire  ; 
 They  cannot  fland  before  the  bar 
 
 Where  awful  juftice  is  umpire : 
 But,  in  the  rob  that  Chrifl:  did  fpin, 
 
 They  are  of  great  and  high  requefl; ; 
 They  have  acceptance  wrapt  within 
 
 My  elder  Brother's  bloody  vefl:. 
 My  righteoufnefs  proclaims  me  great 
 
 And/j/V,  even  in  the  Jigb I  of  God  ; 
 But  fanclity*s  my  main  offset 
 
 Before  the  gazing  world  abroad. 
 More  juftify'd  1  cannot  be 
 
 By  all  my  mofl:  religious  ads  j 
 But  thefe  increafe  my  iandity. 
 
 That's  ftill  attended  with  defeds. 
 My  righteoufnefs  the  fafcft  ark 
 
 'Midft  ev'ry  threatening  flood  will  be  ; 
 My  graces  but  a  leaking  bark 
 
 Upon  a  ilormy  raging  fea. 
 
Chap.  III.   7/?^ Believer's  Principles.     287 
 
 I  fee  in  juftifying  grace 
 
 God's  love  to  me  does  ardent  burn  ; 
 But  by  imparted  holinefs 
 
 I  grateful  love  for  love  return. 
 My  righteoufnefs  is  that  which  draws 
 My  thankful  heart  to  this  refped  : 
 The  former  then  is  firft  the  caufe. 
 
 The  letter  is  the  fweet  effe^, 
 Chrift  is  in  juftifying  me, 
 
 By  name,  T^he  Lord  my  righteoufnefs  : 
 But  as  he  comes  to  fantlify, 
 
 The  Lord  rnyflrength  and  help  he  is. 
 In  that  I  have  the  patient*^  place. 
 For  there  Jehovah's  aft  is  all : 
 But  in  the  other  I'm  through  grace 
 
 An  agent  working  at  his  call. 
 The  frjl  dots  favijh  fear  forbid. 
 
 For  there  his  wrath  revenging  ends  ; 
 The  ia/2  commands  mjflia/  dread. 
 
 For  here  paternal  ire  attends. 
 The  former  does  annul  my  woe, 
 
 By  God's  judicial  fcntence  paft  ; 
 The  latter  makes  my  graces  grow. 
 
 Faith,  love,  repentance,  and  the  reft. 
 The  firft  does  divine  pard'ning  love 
 
 Moft  freely  manifeft  to  me  ; 
 The  laft  makes  lliining  graces  prove 
 
 Mine  int'reft  in  the  pardon  free. 
 My  foul  in  juftifying  grace 
 
 Does  full  and  free  acceptance  gain  ; 
 In  fandlity  I  heav'nward  prefs 
 By  fweet  affijiance  I  obtain. 
 
 The  firft  declares  I'm  free  of  debt. 
 
 And  nothing  left  for  me  to  pay  ; 
 The  laft  makes  me  a  debtor  yet. 
 
 But  helps  to  pay  it  ev'ry  day. 
 
 My  righteoufnefs  with  wounds  and  blood 
 DifchargM  both  law  and  juftice'  fcore  ; 
 
 Hence  with  the  debt  of  gratitude 
 I'll  charge  myfelf  for  evermore. 
 
288      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 SECT.     II. 
 The  Harmony  between  Jufiificaiion  and  Sancltfication. 
 
 HE  who  me  decks  with  righteoufnefs, 
 With  grace  will  alfo  clothe  ; 
 For  glorious  Jefus  came  to  blifs 
 By  blood  and  ivater  both. 
 
 That  in  his  righteoufnefs  I  truft, 
 
 My  fanclity  will  fhow ; 
 Though  graces  cannot  make  me  juft, 
 
 Thcyjhezu  me  to  be  fo. 
 
 All  thofe  who  freely  juftify'd 
 
 Are  of  the  pardon'd  race, 
 Anon  are  alfo  fanctify'd 
 
 And  purified  by  grace. 
 Where  juftice  flern  does  juflify, 
 
 There  holinefs  is  clear'd  ; 
 Heav'n's  equity  and  fanftity 
 
 Can  never  be  fever'd. 
 Hence,  when  my  foul  with  pardon  deckt. 
 
 Perceives  no  divine  ire. 
 Then  holinefs  I  do  affecl 
 
 With  paflionate  defire. 
 His  juflifying  grace  is  fuch 
 
 As  wafts  my  foul  to  heav'n  : 
 I  cannot  chufe  but  love  him  ?}iueb. 
 
 Who  muc/j  has  meforgiv'n. 
 The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  brings 
 
 Remiflion  in  his  rays. 
 The  healing  in  his  golden  wings 
 
 Of  light  and  heat  conveys. 
 Where-ever  Jefus  is  a  Prieji, 
 
 There  will  he  be  a  King  ; 
 He  that  affoils  from  fin's  arreft. 
 
 Won't  tolerate  its  reign. 
 The  title  of  a  precious  grace 
 
 To  faith  may  juftly  fall, 
 Becaufe  its  open  arms  embrace 
 
 A  precious  Chrift  for  all. 
 
Chap. III.  H?^  Believer's  Principles.    289 
 
 From  precious  faith  a  precious  ftrife 
 Of  precious  virtues  flow  ; 
 
 A  precious  heart,  a  precious  life. 
 And  precious  duties  too. 
 
 Where-ever  faith  does  juftify. 
 It  purifies  the  heart ; 
 
 The  pardon  and  the  purity- 
 Join  hands  and  never  part. 
 
 The  happy  ftate  of  pardon  doth 
 An  holy  hfe  infer  : 
 
 In  fubje6ls  capable  of  both 
 They  never  funder'd  were. 
 
 Yet  in  defence  of  truth  muft  w€ 
 
 Diflinftly  view  the  twain  ; 
 That  how  they  differ,  how  agree. 
 
 We  may  in  truth  maintain. 
 Two  natures  in  one  perfon  dwell. 
 
 Which  no  divifion  know, 
 In  our  renown'd  Immanuel,  ^ 
 
 Without  confufion  too. 
 Thofe  that  divide  them,  grofsly  err, 
 
 Though  yet  diftindt  they  be : 
 Thofe  who  confufion  hence  infer. 
 
 Imagine  blalphemy. 
 
 Thus  righteoufnefs  and  grace  we  muft 
 
 Nor  funder  nor  confound  ; 
 Elfe  holy  peace  to  us  is  loft, 
 
 And  facred  truth  we  wound. 
 While  we  their  proper  place  maintain. 
 
 In  friendfhip  fweet  they  dwell ; 
 But  or  to  part  or  hlend  the  twain. 
 
 Are  errors  hatch'd  in  hell. 
 To  feparate  what  God  does  join. 
 
 Is  wicked  and  profane : 
 To  mix  and  mutilate  his  coin. 
 
 Is  damnable  and  vain. 
 Though  plain  diftindlion  muft  take  place. 
 
 Yet  no  divifion  here, 
 Nor  dark  confufion,  elfe  the  grace 
 
 Of  both  v.ill  difappear. 
 Vol..  X.  Oo 
 
290      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVI. 
 
 Lo  !  errors  grofs  on  ev'ry  fide 
 
 Confpire  to  hurt  and  wound  ; 
 Antinomifls  do  them  divide, 
 
 And  legalifti  confound. 
 
 CHAP.       IV. 
 
 The  Believer'sPringiples  concerning 
 Faith  and  Senfe, 
 
 I .  Of  Faith  and  Senfe  natural, 
 
 1.  Of  Faith  and  Senfe  fpiritual. 
 
 3.  Fhe  Harmony  and  Difcord  between  Faith  and  Senfe. 
 
 4.  The  Valour  and  Viclories  of  Faith. 
 
 5.  The  Heights  and  Depths  of  Senfe. 
 
 6.  Faith  and  Frames  compared^  or  Faith  building  upon 
 Senfe  dif covered. 
 
 SECT.     I. 
 
 Faith  and  Senfe  Natural,  compared  ayid  difiinguifhsd. 
 
 WW  E  N  Jlbramh  body,  Sarah's  womb, 
 Were  ripe  for  nothing  but  the  tomb, 
 Exceeding  old,  and  wholly  dead, 
 Unlike  to  bear  the  promis'd  feed: 
 Faith  faid,  J  [hall  an  Ifaacyi'^  ; 
 No.,  no^  faid  fenfe  ;  it  cannot  be  : 
 Blind  reafon,  to  augment  the  itrife. 
 Adds,  How  can  death  engender  life  ? 
 
 My  heart  is  like  a  rotten  tomb, 
 More  dead  than  ever  Sarah's  womb ; 
 0  !  can  the  promis'd  feed  of  grace 
 Spring  forth  from  fuch  a  barren  place ! 
 Senfe  gazing  but  on  flinty  rocks, 
 My  hope  and  expectation  chokes  : 
 But  could  I,  flvill'd  in  Abram's  art, 
 O'erlook  my  dead  and  barren  heart ; 
 
 And  build  my  hope  on  nothing  lefs 
 Than  divine  pow'r  and  faithfulnefs  ; 
 Soon  would  I  find  him  raife  up  fons 
 To  Abram,  out  of  rocks  and  (tones. 
 
Chap. IV.  27?^  Believer's  Principles.   291 
 
 Faith  a6:s  as  bufy  boatmen  do, 
 Who  backward  look,  and  forward  row : 
 It  looks  intent  to  things  unfeen, 
 Thinks  objeds  vifible  too  mean. 
 Senfe  thinks  it  madnefs  thus  to  fteer, 
 And  only  trufts  its  eye  and  ear ; 
 Into  faith's  boat  dare  thrufl  its  oar 
 And  put  it  further  from  the  fliore. 
 Faith  does  alone  the  promife  eye ; 
 Senfe  won't  believe  unlefs  it  fee  ; 
 Nor  can  it  trull  the  divine  guide, 
 Unlefs  it  have  both  wind  and  tide. 
 Faith  thinks  the  promife  fure  and  good ; 
 Senfe  doth  depend  on  likelihood  : 
 Faith  ev'n  in  florms  believes  the  feers  ; 
 Senfe  calls  all  men,  ev'n  prophets,  liars. 
 Faith  ufes  means,  but  reds  on  none  ; 
 Senfe  fails  when  outward  means  are  gone  ; 
 Trufts  more  in  probabilities, 
 Than  all  the  divine  promifes. 
 It  refls  upon  the  rufty  beam 
 Of  outward  things  that  hopeful  feem  j 
 Let  thefe  its  fupport  fmk  or  ceafe. 
 No  promife  then  can  yield  in  peace. 
 True  faith  that's  of  a  divine  brood, 
 Confults  not  bafe  with  flefli  and  blood ; 
 But  carnal  fenfe,  which  ever  errs, 
 With  carnal  reafon  ftill  confers. 
 What !  won't  my  difciples  believe 
 That  I  am  rifen  from  the  grave  ? 
 Why  will  they  pore  on  duft  and  death, 
 And  overlook  my  quick'ning  breath  ? 
 Why  do  they  flight  the  word  I  fpake .? 
 And  rather  ferry  counfel  take. 
 With  death,  and  with  a  pow'rlefs  grave, 
 If  they  their  captive  can't  relieve  .'* 
 Senfe  does  enquire,  if  tombs  of  clay 
 Can  fend  their  guefts  alive  away  ; 
 But  faith  will  hear  Jkhovah's  word, 
 Of  life  and  death  the  Sov'reign  Lord. 
 O  0  2 
 
292    GOSPEL    SONNETS.  Part  VI. 
 
 Should  1  give  ear  to  rotten  duft, 
 
 Or  to  the  tombs  confine  my  truft  ; 
 
 No  refurreclion  can  I  fee, 
 
 For  duft  that  flies  into  mine  eye. 
 
 What !  Thomas,  can't  thou  truft  fo  much 
 
 To  me  as  to  thy  fight  and  touch  ? 
 
 Won't  thou  believe  till  fenfe  be  guide. 
 
 And  thruft  its  hand  into  my  fide  ? 
 
 Where  is  thy  faith,  if  it  depends 
 
 On  nothing  but  thy  finger-ends  ? 
 
 But  blefs'd  are  they  who  truth  do  feal 
 
 By  faith,  yet  neither  fee  nor  feel. 
 
 SECT.     II. 
 
 Faith  and  Senfe  Spiritual,  compared  and  dijlinguijhed. 
 TVhere  alfo  the  Difference  heizveen  the  AJfiirance  of 
 Faith,  and  the  Affiirance  of  Senfe, 
 
 TH  E  certainty  of  faith  and  fenfe 
 Wide  differ  in  experience  : 
 Faith  builds  upon,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  ; 
 Senfe  views  his  work,  and  not  his  word. 
 God*s  word  without  is  faith's  refort ; 
 His  work  within  doth  fenfe  fupport. 
 By  faith  we  truft  him  without  ^  pawns  ;         *  pledges. 
 By  fenfe  we  handle  with  our  hands. 
 By  faith  the  word  of  truth's  received; 
 By  fenfe  we  know  we  have  believ'd. 
 Faith's  certain  h^  fiducial  ads  ; 
 Senfe  by  its  evidential  fafts. 
 Faith  credits  the  divine  report  ; 
 Senfe  to  his  breathings  make  refort : 
 That  on  his  word  oi  grace  will  hing  ; 
 This  on  his  Spirit  witnejfing. 
 By  faith  I  take  the  Lord  for  mine  ; 
 By  fenfe  I  feel  his  love  divine  : 
 By  tJ^at  I  touch  his  garment's  hem  ; 
 By  this  find  virtue  thence  to  ftream. 
 By  faith  I  have  mine  all  on  hand  ; 
 By  fenfe  I  have  fomc  ftock  in  hand  : 
 ]3y  that  fome  vifion  is  begun  j 
 By  this  I  iomc  fruition  win. 
 
Chap.  IV.    31?^  Believer's  Principles.  293 
 
 My  faith  can  fend  ev'n  in  exile  ; 
 Senfe  cannot  live  without  a  fmile. 
 By  faith  1  to  his  promife  fly ;   - 
 By  fenfe  1  in  his  bofom  lie. 
 Faith  builds  upon  the  truth  of  God, 
 That  lies  within  the  promife  broad ; 
 But  fcnfe  upon  the  truth  of  grace 
 His  hand  within  my  heart  did  place. 
 Thus  Chrijlh  the  objeft  faith  will  eye  ; 
 And  faith's  the  objeft  fenfe  may  fee  ; 
 Faith  keeps  the  truth  of  God  in  view, 
 While  fenfe  the  truth  of  faith  may  fliew. 
 Hence  faith's  affurance  firm  can  fland, 
 When  fenfe's  in  the  deep  may  (trand  j 
 And  faith's  perfuafion  full  prevail. 
 When  comfortable  fenfe  may  fail. 
 
 I  am  alTur'd  when  faith's  in  a£t, 
 Though  fenfe  and  feeling  both  I  lack  : 
 And  thus  myfterious  is  my  lot, 
 I'm  oft  alTur'd  when  I  am  not ; 
 
 Oft  pierc'd  with  racking  doubts  and  fears  ; 
 Yet  faith  thefc  brambles  never  bears  j 
 But  unbelief,  that  cuts  my  breath, 
 And  flops  the  language  of  my  faith. 
 
 Clamours  of  unbelieving  fears 
 
 So  frequently  difturb  my  ears 
 
 I  cannot  hear  what  faith  would  fay, 
 
 Till  once  the  noify  clamours  flay. 
 
 And  then  will  frefii  experience  find. 
 
 When  faith  gets  leave  to  fpeak  its  mind. 
 
 The  native  language  thereof  is. 
 
 My  Lord  is  mine,  and  I  am  bis. 
 
 Sad  doublings  compafs  me  about. 
 
 Yet  faith  itfelf  could  never  doubt; 
 
 For,  as  the  facrcd  volume  faith. 
 
 Much  doubting  argues  little  faith. 
 
 The  doubts  and  fears  that  work  ;ny  grief. 
 
 Flow  not  from  faith,  but  unbelief; 
 
 For  faith,  whene'er  it  afteth,  cures 
 
 The  plague  of  doubts,  and  me  affurcs. 
 
294     GOSPEL  SONNETS.      PartVL 
 
 But  when  mine  eye  of  faith's  afleep, 
 
 I  dream  of  drowning  in  the  deep  : 
 
 But,  as  befals  the  fleeping  eye. 
 
 Though  fight  remain,  it  cannot  fee  j 
 
 The  feeing  faculty  abides, 
 
 Though  fleep  from  active  feeing  hides  j 
 
 So  faith's  affuring  pow'rs  endure 
 
 Ev'n  when  it  ceafes  to  affure. 
 
 There's  flill  perfuafion  in  my  faith, 
 
 Ev'n  when  I'm  fill'd  with  fears  of  wTath  ; 
 
 The  truOing  habit  flill  remains. 
 
 Though  flumbers  hold  the  ad  in  chains. 
 
 Th'  affuring  faculty  it  keeps, 
 
 Ev'n  when  its  eye  in  darknefs  fleeps, 
 
 Wrapp'd  up  in  doubts ;  but  when  it  wakes. 
 
 It  roufes  up  affurings  ads. 
 
 SECT.    iir. 
 
 The  Harmony  and  Difcord  between  Faith  and  Scnfe  ;  how 
 
 they  help,  and  how  they  mar  each  other. 
 
 THOUGH  gallant  faith  can  keep  the  field 
 When  cow'rdly  fenfe  will  fly  or  yield  ; 
 Yet  while  I  view  their  ufual  path, 
 Senfe  often  (lands  and  falls  with  faith. 
 Faith  ufhers  in  fweet  peace  and  joy, 
 MHiich  further  heartens  faith's  employ  ; 
 Faith  like  the  head,  and  fenfe  the  heart. 
 Do  mutual  vigour  frefh  impart. 
 When  lively  faith  and  feeling  fweet 
 Like  deared  darlings  kindly  meet. 
 They  llraight  each  other  help  and  hug 
 In  loving  friendfhip  clofe  and  fnug. 
 
 Faith  gives  to  fenfe  both  life  and  breath. 
 And  fenfe  gives  joy  and  fi:rength  to  faith  j 
 *'  O  now,  fays  faith,  how  fond  do  I 
 "  In  fenfe's  glowing  bofom  lie  !" 
 
 Their  mutual  kindnefs  then  is  fuch, 
 That  oft  they  doting  too  too  much. 
 Embrace  each  other  out  of  breath  ; 
 As  JEJop  hugg'd  his  child  to  death. 
 
Chap. IV.  T^^  Believer's  Principles.     295* 
 
 Faith  leaping  into  fenfe's  arms, 
 AUur'd  with  her  bewitching  charms. 
 In  hugging  thefe,  let  raflily  flip 
 The  proper  obje£l  of  its  gripe. 
 Which  being  lofl,  behold  the  thrall ! 
 Anon  faith  lofes  fenfe  and  all ; 
 Thus  unawars  cuts  fenfe's  breath. 
 While  fenfe  trips  up  the  heels  of  faith. 
 Her  charms  affuming  Jefus*  place, 
 While  faith's  lull'd  in  her  foft  embrace  j 
 Lo  !  foon  in  dying  pleafures  wrapt, 
 its  living  joy  away  is  fnapt. 
 
 SECT.    IV. 
 The  Valour  and  Vidories  of  Faith. 
 
 Y  faith  I  unfeen  Being  fee 
 
 Forth  lower  beiizgs  calls, 
 
 And  fay  to  nothing.  Let  it  be  ; 
 
 And  nothing  hatches  all. 
 By  faith  I  know  the  worlds  were  made 
 
 By  God's  great  word  of  might; 
 How  foon.  Let  there  be  light,  he  faid. 
 
 That  moment  there  was  light. 
 By  faith  I  foar  and  force  my  flight 
 
 Through  all  the  clouds  of  fenfe  ; 
 I  fee  the  glories  out  of  fight, 
 
 With  brighter  evidence. 
 By  faith  I  mount  the  azure  fky. 
 
 And  from  the  lofty  fphere. 
 The  earth  a  little  more  efpy. 
 
 Unworthy  of  my  care. 
 
 By  faith  I  fee  the  unfeen  things. 
 
 Hid  from  all  mortal's  eyes  ; 
 Proud  reafon  flretching  all  its  wings. 
 
 Beneath  me  flutt'ring  lies. 
 By  faith  I  build  my  lafting  hope 
 
 On  righteoufnefs  divine  ; 
 Nor  can  I  fink  with  fuch  a  prop, 
 
 Whatever  florms  combine. 
 
296      GOSPEL  SONNETS.     PartVI. 
 
 By  faith  my  works,  my  righteoufnefs. 
 
 And  duties  all  I  own 
 Eut  lofs  and  dung  ;  and  lay  my  ftrefs. 
 
 On  w^hat  my  Lord  has  done. 
 By  faith  I  overcome  the  w^orld. 
 
 And  all  its  hurtful  charms  ; 
 I'm  in  the  heav'nly  chariot  hurl'd 
 
 Through  all  oppofmg  harms ; 
 By  faith  I  have  a  conq'ring  pow'r 
 
 To  tread  upon  my  foes, 
 To  triumph  in  a  dying  hour, 
 
 And  banifh  all  my  woes. 
 By  faith  in  midft  of  wrongs  I'm  right. 
 
 In  fad  decays  I  thrive  ; 
 In  weaknefs  I  am  ftrong  in  might, 
 
 In  death  I  am  alive. 
 By  faith  I  (land  when  deep  I  fall. 
 
 In  darknefs  I  have  light  ; 
 Nor  dare  I  doubt  and  queflion  all 
 
 When  all  is  out  of  fight. 
 
 By  faith  I  trufl  a  pardon  free, 
 
 Which  puzzles  flefh  and  blood  ; 
 To  think  that  God  can  juftify. 
 
 Where  yet  he  fees  no  good. 
 By  faith  I  keep  my  Lord's  commands, 
 
 To  verify  my  truft  ; 
 I  purify  my  heart  and  hands, 
 
 And  mortify  my  luft. 
 By  faith  my  melting  foul  repents. 
 
 When  pierced  Chriji  appears ; 
 My  heart  in  grateful  praifes  vents. 
 
 Mine  eyes  in  joyful  tears. 
 
 By  faith  I  can  the  mountains  vaft 
 
 Of  fm  and  guilt  remove  ; 
 And  them  into  the  ocean  cad. 
 
 The  fea  of  blood  and  love. 
 By  faith  I  fee  Jkhovah  high 
 
 Upon  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
 I  fee  him  lay  his  vengeance  by, 
 
 And  fmilc  in  Jcfus*  face. 
 
Chap.  IV.  The  Believer's  Principles.     297 
 
 By  faith  1  hope  to  fee  the  fun. 
 
 The  light  of  grace  that  lent ; 
 His  everlafting  circles  run 
 
 In  glory's  firmament. 
 
 By  faith  I'm  more  than  conqueror, 
 
 Ev'n  though  I  nothing  can  ; 
 Becaufe  1  fet  Jehovah's  pow'r 
 
 Before  me  in  the  njan. 
 By  faith  I  counterplot  my  foes. 
 
 Nor  need  their  ambufli  fear  ; 
 Becaufe  my  life-guard  alfo  goes 
 
 Behind  me  in  the  rear. 
 
 By  faith  I  walk,  I  run,  I  fly ; 
 
 By  faith  I  fuffer  thrall : 
 By  faith,  I'm  fit  to  live  and  die  5 
 
 By  faith  I  can  do  all. 
 
 SECT.    V. 
 
 The  Heights  and  Depths  of  Senfe. 
 
 WHEN  Heav'n  me  grants  at  certain  times, 
 Amidfl:  a  pow'rful  gale. 
 Sweet  liberty  to  mone  my  crimes, 
 
 And  wanderings  to  bewail ; 
 Then  do  I  dream  my  finful  brood, 
 
 Drown'd  in  the  ocean  main 
 Of  cryflal  tears  and  crimfon  blood. 
 
 Will  never  live  again. 
 I  get  my  foes  beneath  my  feet, 
 
 I  bruife  the  ferpent's  head  ; 
 I  hope  the  vift'ry  is  complete. 
 
 And  all  my  lulls  are  dead. 
 jHow  gladly  do  I  think  and  fay. 
 
 When  thus  it  is  with  me. 
 Sin  to  my  fenfe  is  clean  away. 
 
 And  fo  lliall  ever  be  f 
 But,  ah  !  alas !  th'  enfuing  hour 
 
 My  lufts  arife  and  fwell, 
 They  rage  and  reinforce  their  pow'r, 
 
 With  new  recruits  from  helL 
 Vol.  X.  Pp 
 
298     GOSPEL    SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 Though  I  refolv'd  and  fwore  through  grace 
 
 In  very  folemn  terms, 
 I  ne-ver  fhould  my  luils  embrace. 
 
 Nor  yield  unto  then*  charms ; 
 Yet  fuch  deceitful  friends  they  are, 
 
 While  I  no  danger  dream, 
 I'm  fnar'd  before  i  am  aware. 
 
 And  hurry*d  down  the  ftream. 
 Into  the  gulph  of  fm  anon 
 
 I'm  plunged  head  and  ears  ; 
 Grace  to  my  fetife  is  wholly  gone, 
 
 And  1  am  chain'd  in  fears  ; 
 
 Till  ftraight  my  Lord  with  fweet  furprize 
 
 Returns  to  loofe  my  bands, 
 With  kind  compaffion  in  his  eyes. 
 
 And  pardon  in  his  hands. 
 Yet  thus  my  life  is  nothing  elfe 
 
 But  heav'n  and  hell  by  turns ; 
 My  foul  that  now  in  Gojhen  dwells. 
 
 Anon  in  Egypt  mourns. 
 
 S  E  C  T.     VI. 
 
 Faith  and  Frames  compared ;    or^  Faith  building  upon 
 
 Senfe  difcovered. 
 
 FAITH  has  for  its  foundation  broad 
 A  ftabie  rock  on  which  1  Hand, 
 The  truth  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  : 
 
 All  other  grounds  are  finking  fand. 
 My  frames  and  feelings  ebb  and  flow  ; 
 
 And  when  my  faith  depends  on  them, 
 It  fleets  and  daggers  to  and  fro, 
 And  dies  amidfl:  the  dying  frame. 
 
 That  faith  is  furely  moft  unflay'd. 
 
 Its  ftagg'ring  can't  be  counted  ilrange, 
 
 That  builds  its  hope  of  lading  aid 
 
 On  things  that  ev'ry  moment  change. 
 
 But  could  my  faith  lay  all  its  load 
 
 On  Jefus'  everlafl:ing  name, 
 Upon  the  righteoufnefs  of  God, 
 
 And  divine  truth  that's  dill  the  fame  : 
 
Chap.V.     77?^  Believer*s  Principles.      2o9 
 
 Could  I  believe  what  God  has  fpoke, 
 
 Rely  on  his  unchanging  love, 
 And  ceafe  to  grafp  at  fleeting  fmoke, 
 
 No  changes  would  my  mountain  move. 
 
 But  when,  how  foon  the  frame's  away, 
 
 And  comfortable  feeling  fail ; 
 So  foon  my  faith  falls  in  decay. 
 
 And  unbelieving  doubts  prevail : 
 
 This  proves  the  charge  of  latent  vice. 
 
 And  plain  my  faith's  defects  may  fliow ; 
 1  built  the  houfe  on  thawing  ice. 
 
 That  tumbles  with  the  melting  fnow. 
 When  divine  fmiles  in  fight  appear, 
 
 And  1  enjoy  the  heav'nly  gale ; 
 When  wind  and  tide,  and  all  is  fair, 
 
 1  dream  my  faith  fliall  never  fail : 
 
 My  heart  will  falfe  conclufions  draw, 
 
 That  ftrong  my  mountain  fhall  remain  ; 
 That  in  my  faith  there's  no  a  flaw, 
 
 I'll  never,  never  doubt  again. 
 I  think  the  only  reft  I  take. 
 
 Is  God's  unfading  word  and  name  ; 
 And  fancy  not  my  faith  fo  weak. 
 
 As  e'er  to  trufl:  a  fading  frame. 
 But,  ah  !  by  fudden  turns  I  fee 
 
 My  lying  heart's  fallacious  guilt, 
 And  that  my  faith,  not  firm  in  me. 
 
 On  finking  fand  was  partly  built : 
 For,  lo  !  when  warming  beams  are  gone. 
 
 And  fliadows  fall ;  alas !  'tis  odd, 
 I  cannot  wait  the  rifing  fun, 
 
 I  cannot  trufl:  a  hiding  God. 
 So  much  my  faith's  afiiance  feems 
 
 Its  life  from  fading  joys  to  bring. 
 That  when  1  lofe  the  dying  ftrearas, 
 
 I  cannot  trull  the  living  fpring. 
 When  drops  of  comfort  quickly  dry'd. 
 
 And  fenfible  enjoyments  fail ; 
 When  chearing  apples  are  deny'd. 
 
 Then  doubts  inftead  of  faith  prevail. 
 Pp  ^ 
 
300      GOSPEL  SONNETS.    Part  VI. 
 
 But  why,  though  fruit  be  fnatch'd  from  me, 
 
 Should  I  diftruft  the  glorious  root ; 
 And  fLill  affront  the  ftanding  tree. 
 
 By  trulling  more  to  falling  fruit  ; 
 
 The  fmallefl  trials  may  evince 
 
 My  faith  unfit  to  ftand  the  Ihock, 
 That  more  depends  on  fleeting  fenfe. 
 
 Than  on  the  fix'd  eternal  Rock. 
 The  fafeft  ark  when  floods  arife. 
 
 Is  ftable  truth  that  changes  not ; 
 How  weak's  my  faith,  that  more  relies 
 
 On  feeble  fenfe's  floating  boat  ? 
 
 o 
 
 For  when  the  fleeting  frame  is  gone, 
 
 I  fl:raight  my  ftate  in  quefl:ion  call  j 
 I  drop  and  fink  in  deeps  anon, 
 
 As  if  my  frame  were  all  in  all. 
 
 But  though  I  raifs  the  pleafing  gale, 
 
 And  heav'n  withdraw  the  charming  glance  j 
 Unlefs  Jehovah's  oath  can  fail. 
 
 My  faith  may  keep  its  countenance. 
 The  frame  of  nature  fliall  decay. 
 
 Time-changes  break  her  rully  chains  ; 
 Yea,  heav'n  and  earth  fhall  pafs  away ; 
 
 But  faith's  foundation  firm  remains. 
 
 Heav'n's  promifes  fo  fix'dly  fl:and, 
 
 Ingrav'd  with  an  immortal  pen. 
 In  great  Immanuel's  mighty  hand. 
 
 All  hell's  attempts  to  raze  are  vain. 
 Did  faith  with  none  but  truth  advife, 
 
 My  Heady  foul  would  move  no  more. 
 Than  fl:able  hills  when  tempefis  rife, 
 
 Or  fohd  rocks  when  billows  roar. 
 
 But  when  my  faith  the  counfel  hears 
 
 Of  prefent  fenfe  and  reafon  blind, 
 My  wav'ring  fpirit  then  appears 
 
 A  feather  tofs'd  with  ev'ry  wind. 
 Lame  legs  of  faith  unequal  crook  : 
 
 Thus  mine,  alas !  unev'nly  fiand, 
 Elfe  I  would  trud  my  (table  rock. 
 
 Net  fading  frames  and  feeble  fand : 
 
Chap.  V.   T'^^  Believer's  Principles.     301 
 
 I  would,  when  dying  comforts  fly, 
 As  much  as  when  they  prefent  were. 
 
 Upon  my  living  joy  rely, 
 
 Help,  Lord,  for  here  I  daily  err. 
 
 CHAP.         V. 
 
 The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 
 Heaven  and  Earth, 
 
 S  E  C  T.    I. 
 
 The  Work  and  Cojitent'ion  cf  Heaven, 
 
 IN  heav'nly  choirs  a  queftion  rofe, 
 That  ftirr'd  up  ftrife  will  never  clofe. 
 What  rank  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race 
 Owes  highefl:  praife  to  fov'reign  grace  ? 
 Babes  thither  caught  from  womb  and  breaft, 
 Claim'd  right  to  fmg  above  the  reft  ; 
 Becaufe  they  found  the  happy  iliore 
 They  never  faw  nor  fought  before. 
 Thofe  that  arriv'd  at  riper  age. 
 Before  they  left  the  dufl.y  ftage, 
 Though  grace  deferv'd  yet  higher  praife, 
 That  wafli'd  the  blots  of  num'rous  days. 
 Anon  the  war  more  clofe  began. 
 What  praifmg  harp  ihould  lead  the  van  ? 
 And  which  of  grace's  heav'nly  peers 
 Was  deepeft  run  in  her  arrears  ? 
 "  'Tis  I,  (faid  one),  'bove  all  my  race, 
 "  Am  debtor  chief  to  glorious  grace." 
 "  Nay,  (faid  another),  hark,  I  trow 
 "  I'm  more  oblig'd  to  grace  than  you/' 
 "  Stay,  (faid  a  third),  I  deepeft  ihare 
 *'  In  owing  praife  beyond  compare  ; 
 "  The  chief  of  fmners  you'll  allow, 
 "  Muft  be  the  chief  of  fmgers  now." 
 
 "  Hold,  (faid  a  fourth),  I  here  proteft 
 "  My  praifes  muft  outvie  the  beft  ; 
 "  For  I'm  of  all  the  human  race 
 "  The  higheft  miracle  of  grace." 
 
302      GOSPEL   SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 "  Stop,  (faid  a  fifth),  thele  notes  forbear, 
 
 "  Lo  !  I'm  the  greateft  wonder  here  j 
 
 **  For  I  of  all  the  race  that  fell, 
 
 "  Deferv'd  the  lowed  place  in  hell, 
 
 A  foul  that  higher  yet  afpir'd, 
 
 With  equal  love  to  Jefus  firM, 
 
 *'  'Tis  mine  to  fmg  the  highefl  notes 
 
 "  To  love,  that  wafli'd  the  fouled  blots." 
 
 "  Ho !  (cry'd  a  mate),  'tis  mine  I'll  prove, 
 
 "  Who  fmn'd  in  fpite  of  light  and  love, 
 
 "  To  found  his  praife  with  loudefl  bell, 
 
 "  That  fav'd  me  from  the  lowed  helL'* 
 
 "  Come,  come,  (faid  one),  I'll  hold  the  plea, 
 
 "  That  highed  praife  is  due  by  me ; 
 
 "  For  mine,  of  all  the  fav'd  by  grace, 
 
 "  Was  the  mod  dreadful,  defp'rate  cafe." 
 
 Another  rifmg  at  his  fide, 
 
 As  fond  to  praife,  and  free  of  pride, 
 
 Cry'd,  "  Pray  give  place,  for  I  defy 
 
 *'  That  you  (hould  owe  more  praife  than  I : 
 
 "  I'll  yield  to  none  in  this  debate  ; 
 "  I'm  run  fo  deep  in  grace's  debt, 
 "  That  fure  I  am,  I  boldly  can 
 "  Compare  with  all  the  heav'nly  clan." 
 Quick  o'er  their  head  a  trump  awoke, 
 *'  Your  fongs  my  very  heart  have  fpoke  ; 
 "  But  ev'ry  note  you  here  propale, 
 "  Belongs  to  me  beyond  you  all." 
 The  lid'ning  millions  round  about 
 With  fweet  refentment  loudly  fhout ; 
 *'  What  voice  is  this,  comparing  notes, 
 *'  That  to  their  fong  chief  place  allots  ? 
 ^-  We  can't  allow  of  fuch  a  found, 
 *'  That  you  alone  have  highed  ground 
 "  To  dng  the  royalties  of  grace  ; 
 **  We  claim  the  fame  adoring  place." 
 What !  will  no  rival-finger  yield 
 He  has  a  match  upon  the  field  ? 
 -'■  Come  then,  and  let  us  all  agree 
 *'  To  praife  upon  the  highed  key." 
 
Chap.  V.   77?^  Believer's  Principles.      303 
 
 Then  jointly  all  the  harpers  round 
 In  mind  unite,  with  folemn  found. 
 And  ftroaks  upon  the  highefl  ftring, 
 Made  all  the  heav'nly  arches  ring  : 
 Ring  loud  with  Hallelujah's  high. 
 To  him  that  fent  his  Son  to  die  ; 
 And  to  the  worthy  Lamb  of  God, 
 That  lov*d  and  wajWd  them  in  his  blood. 
 
 Free  grace  was  fov'rcign  emprefs  crown'd 
 In  pomp,  with  joyous  fhouts  around  : 
 Affifting  angels  clapp'd  their  wings. 
 And  founded  grace  on  all  their  firings. 
 The  emulation  round  the  throne 
 Made  proflrate  hofts  (who  ev'ry  one 
 The  humbled  place  their  right  avow) 
 Strive  who  Jhall  give  the  loweji  bow. 
 
 The  next  contention  without  vice 
 Among  the  birds  of  paradife, 
 Made  ev'ry  glorious  warbling  throat 
 Strive  who  Jhould  raife  the  higheji  note. 
 Thus  in  fweet  holy  humble  ftrife, 
 Along  their  endlefs,  joyful  life, 
 Of  Jefus  all  the  harpers  rove, 
 And  fmg  the  wonders  of  his  love. 
 
 Their  difcord  makes  them  all  unite 
 In  raptures  mofl  divinely  fweet ; 
 So  great  the  fong,  fo  grave  the  bafe. 
 Melodious  mufic  fills  the  place. 
 
 SECT.    II. 
 Earth  defpicable^  Heaven  defirable. 
 
 There's  nothing  round  the  fpacious  earth 
 To  fuit  my  vaft  defires  ; 
 To  more  refin'd  and  folid  mirth 
 My  boundlefs  thought  afpires. 
 Fain  would  I  leave  this  mournful  place. 
 
 This  mufic  dull,  where  none 
 But  heavy  notes  have  an\  :.  ,ace, 
 x^nd  mirth  accents  thenioan  : 
 
304       GOSPEL  SONNETS.     Part  VI. 
 
 Where  troubles  tread  upon  reliefs, 
 
 New  woes  with  older  blend  ; 
 Where  rolling  ftorms  and  circling  griefs 
 
 Run  round  without  an  end  : 
 Where  v/aters  wreftling  with  the  flones, 
 
 Do  fight  themfelves  to  foam, 
 And  hollow  clouds,  with  thund'ring  groans, 
 
 Difcharge  their  pregnant  womb  : 
 Where  eagles  mounting  meet  with  rubs 
 
 That  dafli  them  from  the  fky  ; 
 And  cedars,  flirinking  into  flirubs, 
 
 In  ruin  proft'rate  lie : 
 Where  fin  the  author  of  turmoils, 
 
 The  caufe  of  death  and  bell. 
 The  one  thing  foul  that  all  things  foils. 
 
 Does  moft  befriended  dwell. 
 
 The  purchafer  of  night  and  woe^ 
 
 The  forfeiter  of  day, 
 The  debt  that  ev'ry  man  did  owe. 
 
 But  only  God  could  pay. 
 
 Bewitching  ill,  indors'd  with  hope, 
 
 Subfcribed  with  defpair : 
 Ugly  in  death  when  eyes  are  ope. 
 
 Though  life  may  paint  it  fair. 
 Small  wonder  that  I  droop  alone 
 
 In  fuch  a  doleful  place  ; 
 When,  lo  !  my  dearefl  friend  is  gone, 
 
 My  Father  hides  his  face. 
 And  though  in  words  I  fcem  to  fliow 
 
 The  fawning  poet's  (lyle. 
 Yet  is  my  plaint  no  feigned  woe  ; 
 
 I  languidi  in  exile. 
 
 I  long  to  fliare  the  happinefs 
 
 Of  that  triumphant  throne, 
 That  fwim  in  feas  of  boundlefs  blifs 
 
 Eternity  along. 
 When  but  in  drops  here  by  tlie  way 
 
 Free  love  diftils  itfelf. 
 I  pour  contempt  on  hills  of  prey, 
 
 And  heaps  of  worldly  pelf. 
 
Chap.  V.   7^^  Believer's  Principles.     305 
 
 To  be  amidfl  my  little  joys, 
 Thrones,  fceptres,  crowns,  and  kings. 
 
 Are  nothing  elfe  but  little  toys, 
 And  defpicable  things. 
 
 Down  with  difdain  €arth*s  pomp  I  thruft. 
 
 Bid  tempting  wealth  away  ; 
 Heaven  is  7Jot  made  of  yalloiu  duji^ 
 
 Nor  blifs  of  glitfr'mg  clay. 
 
 Sweet  was  the  hour  I  freedom  felt 
 
 To  call  my  yefus  mine  ; 
 To  fee  his  fniiling  face,  and  melt 
 
 In  pleafures  all  divine. 
 Let  fools  an  heaven  of  fliades  purfue. 
 
 But  I  for  fubftance  am : 
 The  heaven  I  feek  is  likenefs  too. 
 
 And  v'lfion  of  the  Lamb : 
 
 The  worthy  Lamb  with  glory  crown'd 
 
 In  his  auguft  abode  ; 
 Inthron'd  fublime,  and  deck'd  around 
 
 With  all  the  pomp  of  God. 
 
 I  long  to  join  the  faints  above. 
 
 Who  crown'd  with  glorious  bays. 
 Through  radiant  hies  of  angels  move. 
 
 And  rival  them  in  praife  : 
 
 In  praife  to  J  A  H,  the  God  of  love, 
 
 The  fair  incarnate  Son, 
 The  holy  co-eternal  Dove, 
 
 The  good,  the  great  Three-one. 
 In  hope  to  fmg  without  a  fob 
 
 The  anthem  ever  new, 
 I  gladly  bid  the  dufty  globe. 
 
 And  vain  delights.  Adieu, 
 
 The  End  of  the  Gospel  Sonnets, 
 
 Vol.  X.  q^q 
 
(     3o6    ) 
 
 The  following  POEM,  the  fecond  Part  of  which,  was 
 wrote  by  Mr.  Erskine,  is  here  inferted,  to  fill  up  this 
 Page,  as  a  proper  Subject  of  Meditation  to  Smokers  of 
 Tobacco. 
 
 SMOKING    SPIRITUALIZED. 
 
 IN     TWO     PARTS. 
 
 The  firfl:  Part  being  an  old  Meditation  upon  S?noking 
 Tobacco ;  the  fecond,  a  new  Addition  to  it,  or  Improve- 
 ment of  it. 
 
 PART     I. 
 
 THIS  Indian  weed  now  \Yither'J  quite, 
 Tho'  green  at  noon,  cut  down  at  night, 
 
 Shows  thy  decay  ; 
 
 All  flefli  is  hay. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 The  pipe  fo  liiy-like  and  weak. 
 Does  thus  thy  mortal  fl.ite  befpeak. 
 
 Thou  art  ev'n  fuch, 
 
 Gone  with  a  touch. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 And  when  the  fmoke  afcends  on  hijjh, 
 Then  thou  behold'ft  the  vanity 
 
 Of  worldly  (lulT, 
 
 Gone  with  a  pulT. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 And  when  the  pipe  grows  foul  within, 
 Think  on  thy  foul  dffil'd  with  fin  ; 
 
 For  tlien  the  fire, 
 
 It  does  require. 
 Thus  think  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 And  fecft  the  a  flics  caft  away  ; 
 Then  to  thyfcif  thou  inayeft  fay, 
 
 That  to  thediift 
 
 Return  thou  muft. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 PART     II. 
 
 WAS  tills  fmall  plant  for  thee  cut  down? 
 So  'Cvas  the  Plant  of  great  renown  ; 
 
 Which  mercy  finds 
 
 For  nobler  ends. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 Doth  juice  medicinal  proceed 
 From  fucli  a  naughty  foreign  weed  ? 
 
 Then  what's  the  pow'r 
 
 Of  Jcffe's  flow'r  .' 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 The  proir.ife,  like  the  pipe  inlays. 
 And  by  tlie  mouth  of  faith  conveys 
 
 What  virtue  tlowi 
 
 From  .il.irou's  rofe. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco 
 
 III  v?.in  th'  unlightcd  pipe  you  blow  ; 
 Your  pains  in  outward  means  arc  fo. 
 Till  hcav'nly  fire 
 The  heart  infpire. 
 Thus  tiiink,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
 The  fmoke,  like  burning  inccnfe,  tow'rs; 
 So  iliould  a  praying  heart  of  yours. 
 
 With  ardent  cries. 
 
 Surmount  the  Ikics. 
 Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 
 
A 
 
 PARAPHRASE, 
 
 O  R, 
 LARGE  EXPLICATORY  POEM, 
 
 UPON  THE 
 
 SONG    of  SOLOMON. 
 
 WHEREIN, 
 
 The  mutual Loveof  Christ  andhisCHURCH, 
 contained  in  that  Old-Teftament  Song,  is 
 imitated  in  the  Language  of  the  New- 
 Teftament,  and  adapted  to  the  Gofpel- 
 Difpenfation. 
 
 Qs 
 
[     3o8     ] 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 T  O    T  H  E 
 
 PARAPHRASE, 
 
 DIRECTED     TO    THE 
 CURIOUS  AND  SERIOUS  READERS. 
 
 Curious  Reader, 
 DO  not  propofe,  by  the  fonowing  lines,  to  fatisfy  your  curi- 
 cfity,  any  further  than  by  a  plain  explication  of  this  Scripturat 
 Sofig,  in  a  way  adapted  to  the  New-telbment  difpanfation  :  and, 
 perhaps,  you  will  beat  no  lofs,  if  you  iind  the  equity  of  the  Para- 
 phrafe,  even  where  you  lofe  the  e}egance  of  the  poem  ;  or,  if  you 
 find  any  truth  to  edify  your  foul,  though  you  fhould  mifs  a  pom- 
 puous  embellin-iment  to  gratify  your  fancy.  If  I  had  been  of  the 
 opinion,  chat  no  poena  ihouid  fee  the  light,  but  fuch  as  has  the 
 Ti'a.vr^G  of  feme  great  and  famous  poet  prefixed  to  it,  and  could 
 reafonably  expedt  the  univerfal  applaufe  of  a  learned  age,  1  would 
 never  have  confented  to  the  publication  of  this,  in  a  day  wherein 
 the  art  of  poefy  is  improved  to  fuch  great  perfection  by  fome, 
 whofe  bright  genius  has  made  them  capable  to  fet  forth  their 
 poetical  produdlions  in  a  very  beautiful  and  fplendid  drefs.  If  X 
 thought  that  nothing  now  caft  into  the  mould  of  metre  could  be 
 ufeful  and  edifying,  but  what  is  fuperlatively  fine,  I  would  have 
 been  quite  difcouraged  from  this  attempt:  but  to  be  of  this  mind 
 were  in  efFeit  to  think,  there  could  be  no  wholefom  food  but 
 ■what  is  prefented  in  a  lordly  difh  ;  no  good  lodging  in  any  houfe, 
 but  fuch  as  vere  built  by  fome  curious  mechanic,  or  famous  archi- 
 te(5l ;  nor  convenient  accommodation  in  any  room  or  chamber,  but 
 fuch  as  were  finely  painted,  or  hung  around  with  very  neat  arras. 
 Ho'.vfew  would  there  be  to  fight  for  their  county,  if  none  were  al- 
 lawcd  to  do  fo,  but  mighty  heroes,  great  champions,  and  fucfi 
 7L%  are  head  and  flioulders  higher  than  others  ?  How  many  mud 
 go  n-jked,  if  no  clothing  were  allowed  hut  filk  and  fattin,  and  rich 
 em'jroideries  ?  It  will  be  hard  to  peifuade  the  v;orld  that  none 
 fho'dd  n'ri^e,  or  make  ufe  of  a  pen,  but  fuch  as  could  imitate  the 
 fiaeft  copper-plate  ;  or  that  none  fhould  open  their  mouth  to  fpeak 
 above  their  breath,   but  fuch  as  can  equal  the  fineft  orator. 
 
 But  though,  ill  this  Efl'ay,  f  pretend  not  to  a<fl  the  part  of  the 
 lofty  poet  ;  yet  I  have  endeavoured,  that  what  I  hope  is  obvious 
 ♦;o  the  vulgar,  and  not  above  their  view,  may  be,  at  the  fame 
 sipic,  not  niufeous  to  the  pobte,  nor  below  their  view,  if  they  are 
 
T  H  E    P  R  E  F  A  C  E.  305^ 
 
 fuch  as  can  lay  afide  the  fullen  air  of  criticifm.  Tliefe  to  whom 
 no  plain,  ferious  gofpel-truths  can  give  any  fattsfaftion,  and  to 
 •whom  nothing  elfe  but  flowers  of  wit,  and  flights  of  rhetoric, 
 can  give  delight,  do  perhaps  too  much  bewray  their  ignorance 
 of  pious  plgifures.  The  fou!  may  be  miferably  hungred  and 
 ftarved  where  the  fancy  only  is  pleafed  and  feafted.  And  hence 
 I  look  upon  it  as  a  mod  candid  and  ingenious  acknowledgen'ent 
 of  a  famous  and  religious  poet  *,  in  the  preface  to  his  excellent 
 Hymns  and  fpiritual  Songs,  fpeaking  of  fome  of  themj  "  I  con- 
 '•  fefs  myfelf,  fays  he,  to  have  been  loo  oft  tempted  away  from 
 "  the  more  fpiritual  defigns  I  propofed,  by  fome  gay  and  iioweiy 
 "  exprefllons  that  gratified  the  fancy  ;  the  bright  images  too  oft 
 *'  prevailed  above  the  fire  of  divine  aflPedion,  and  the  light  exceed- 
 "  ed  the  heat."  Now,  though  I  own,  that  the  defefl  of  my  poeti- 
 cal talent  might  lead  me  to  an  acknowledgement  of  a  quite  other 
 nature,  being  fenfible  how  much  every  paragraph  here  defpairs  of 
 giving  much  delight  to  thefe  of  a  more  refined  tai'te,  and  of  pleaf- 
 ing  the  fancy  with  many  bright  embellifhments  of  poetry  ;  yet  the 
 greatfcarcity  of  thefemay  have  this  great  advantage,  that  here  there 
 are  few  fuch  beautiful  flowers,  or  bright  images,  to  tempt  any 
 man  away  from  the  fpirituaf  defign  ;  or  fo  to  gratify  the  fancy, 
 and  to  prevail  above  the  fire  of  divine  affeflion  that  Ihould  burn 
 in  the  heart  with  a  heat  equal  to  the  light.  Not  that  I  am  dilbblig- 
 ed  with  thefe  gay  and  flowery  expreffions,  in  this  and  other  valu- 
 able authors,  whereby  they  are  fo  apt  robe  a  temptation  to  them- 
 felves  and  their  readers,  even  in  their  friritual  Songs  j  for,  I  muft 
 confefs,  they  have  been  oft  fo  tempting  and  itiluring  to  myfelf, 
 that  as  I  have  frequently,  both  here  and  elfewhere,  effliyed  to  imi- 
 tate them,  by  adopting  fome  of  their  delicious  metaphors,  fo  I 
 would  have  certainly  run  into  the  /ame  fault,  if  I  had  been  en- 
 dued with  the  fame  genius  :  only  I  may  infer  from  the  forefaid  con- 
 feffion,  that  poems  upon  divine  fuojecls,  which  afford  not  a  train 
 of  thofe  gay  temptations,  that  bewitch  the  fancy  and  divert  the  i- 
 magination,  may,  upon  this  account,  be  at  leait  not  the  lefs  fitted 
 for  advancing  fpiritual  defigns  and  divine  affection. 
 
 I  am  not  here  to  make  any  apology  for  the  metre,  though  fome 
 may  judge  that,  in  this  e{^^y,  I  have  ftudied  rhyme  as  much  as 
 posfy.  I  know  that  there  may  be  good  mufic  and  meafure  without 
 the  gingle  of  a  crambo;  and  that  it  is  a  great  weaknefs  to  humour 
 the  found,  fo  as  to  darken  the  fenfc.  I  own,  my  difficulty  never 
 iay  much  in  ftudying  the  crambo,  with  the  even  cadency  ;  for 
 thefe,  if  they  be  any  parts  or  properties  of  poefy,  occurred  na- 
 tively enough,  without  much  thought  :  and,  perhaps,  it  would 
 have  been  a  fault  to  have  flighted  the  ryhme  defignedly  in  a 
 compofure  of  tliis  fort,  fitted  lor  the  religioJii  recreation  of  ferious 
 Ciiriflians  ;  tfpccially  when  1  find  the  fore-mentioned  eminent 
 poet  rby  whofe  remrirks,  of  which  I  had  a  li'cic  fpecimen,  per- 
 haps the  following  flieecs  had  been  better  polillicd  for  the  public, 
 had  his  circumftances  allowed  a  more  clofe  and  full  review  there- 
 of]  in  his  Hymr^s,  page  194.  by  a  marginal  note,  I  find  him,    I 
 
 *  Dr.  Isaac  Watts. 
 
gio  T  H  E     P  R  E  F  A  C  E. 
 
 fay,  hoping,  "  the  reader  will  forgive  the  negle«5t  of  rhyme  evea 
 *•  in  the  firft  and  third  lines  of  the  Stanza  throughout  fome  fol- 
 •*  lowing  pages ;"  which  fuppofes  it  may  be  a  fault,  in  his  opinion, 
 not  to  humour  the  metre  in  efTays  of  this  nature.  But,  if  any 
 think,  I  have  done  it  too  much,  all  I  can  accufe  myfelf  of,  is  on- 
 ly that  I  did  not  negled  the  rhyme  when  words  favouring  it  ap- 
 peared ti)  me  as  appofite  to  the  purpofe  as  others,  and  the  low 
 genius  afforded  no  better. 
 
 I  am  forry  for  your  fake,  curious  Reader,  that  precious  truth 
 is  here  fut  before  you  in  fuch  a  coarfe  garb  ;  but,  if  you  attend 
 to  the  matter,  it  will,  as  I  formerly  faid,  be  no  lofs  to  you,  that 
 you  have  not  here  many  artful  embroideries.  I  do  not  indeed 
 think  that  facred  truth  can  be  fet  off  in  too  comely  a  drefs  ;  no 
 more  thau  I  think  that  the  Holy  Bible  can  be  printed  with  too 
 ofood  a  type,  or  too  fine  a  paper  ;  but,  if  every  page  and  palfage 
 thcfreof  were  illuminate  or  adorned  with  fine  cuts,  I  fuppofe  this 
 would  do  more  harm  than  good,  and  be  more  diverting  than 
 edifying. 
 
 I  fhould  be  glad  to  fee  this  facred  book  painted  forth  in  more 
 lively,  pure,  and  fpiritual  colours,  than  it  can  appear  into,  in 
 this  homely  Efl'ay  ;  however,  if  the  piflure  here  be  but  juft,  you 
 will  perhaps  be  much  obliged  to  a  genius  that  could  not  fet  it 
 within  a  curioufly  gilded  frame  to  divert  your  eye  from  it. 
 
 But  when  you  hear  of  the  fpirituality  and  religious  defign  of 
 this  Poem,  and  that  (as  I  may  fhew  in  the  other  part  of  the  pre- 
 vface)  the  fubjeft  thereof  is  not  the  Fair  Circa fian,  but  the  Fair 
 Christian,  and  his  infinitely  fairer  Head  and  Hufband,  Jesus 
 Christ  ;  though  the  theme  be  more  noble  in  itfelf,  and  more 
 needful  to  be  read  and  confidered,  than  all  the  wanton  fonnets  in 
 the  world,  however  artfully  trimmed ;  yet  I  am  afraid  this  fubje(5t 
 be  thought  fo  jejune,  infipid,  and  unfafhionable,  that  it  is  poffible, 
 after  you  have  fatisficd  your  curiofity  fo  as  to  glance  over  a  tew 
 lines  of  this  book,  you  may  throw  it  aiide  like  an  old  almanack, 
 and  foon  give  your  judgment /r?  or  con  ;  and  this  is  all  the  poor 
 profit  and  advantage  you  Ihall  get  by  it,  if  you  remain  always 
 xaovt  curious  \\\AVi  ferious.  And  fince  I  have  done  with  you,  I 
 fhall  apply  myfelf  to  thefe  to  whom  this  little  Elfay  will  readily 
 be  more  welcome  and  acceptable. 
 
 Serious  Reader, 
 
 THOUGH  it  is  efpeci;illy  for  your  fpiritual  edification  and 
 comfort,  I  have  elTayed,  in  this  manner,  to  explain  and 
 open  up  the  gofpel  that  is  contained  in  this  facred  Song;  yet 
 I  dcfiga  not  to  fay  one  word  to  you  in  commendation  of  this 
 poem  upon  it;  nor  does  it  deferve  I  fiiould,  if  it  cannot,  through 
 the  blefiing  of  God,  commend  itfelf  to  your  heart  and  experience. 
 But  if  you  are  ercrcifed  unto  godlinefs,  and  acquainted  with  the 
 fweet  life  of  fellowfhip  and  communion  with  our  Lord  Jefus 
 Chriif ,  I  hope  yon  fhall  fee  here  a  pi(ffnre  and  reprefentation  both 
 of  his  heaii  toward  you,  and  of  your  heart  tov/urds  him  :   and  a 
 
THE      PREFACE.  311 
 
 portraiture  of  the  fweeteft  experience  of  intimacy  with  he:iven, 
 that  the  bride  of  Chrift  can  have  upon  earth.  And  I  judge,  that 
 a  fong  upon  this  fuhje»51:  is  not  unfeafonable  amidlt  theie  evi!  days, 
 wherein  the  fongs  of  the  temple  are  like  to  be  turned  into  how- 
 lings,  and  wherein  the  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife,  is  ready  to  hang 
 iter  harp  upon  the  willows.  How  defirable  were  ir,  if  this  little 
 book  might  prove  a  mean  for  helping  her  to  ling  away  her  for- 
 rows,  and  to  harmonize  with  the  defign  of  that  precious  promife, 
 Hof.  ii  15.  I  luill  give  her  the  valley  of  Achor  for  a  door  of  hope  ^ 
 andJJjcfhallfing  there  !  To  drive  away  the  night  of  trouble  with 
 fongs  of  praife,  would  be  a  work  and  exercife  irsofi.  fultable  to  that 
 graciotis  name  our  Lord  takes  to  himfelf,  Job  xxxv.  lo.  Cod  our 
 Maker,  ivho  gives  fongs  in  the  night. 
 
 We  have  a  divine  precept,  perhaps  too  much  forgotten  and 
 neglefted  even  among  the  ferious,  Eph.  v.  i8,  19. — Be  filled  "j^ith 
 the  Spirit,  fpeaking  to  yourfelvss  in  ffahns^  and  hymns,  and  fpirt- 
 tual  fongs,  Jtnging  and  waking  melody  in  your  heart  to  the  Lord  ; 
 and  Col.  iii.  i6.  Let  the  nuord  of  Chrijl  dnvcll  iti  you  richly,  inixjif- 
 dom  ;  teaching  and  adnionif:)ing  one  another  in  pfalvis,  and  hyrins^ 
 and  fpiritnal  fongs,  Jtnging  nvith  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord, 
 And  how  we  are  to  fmg,  we  are  further  taught,  n.-n  only  by  the 
 apoltle's  example,  i  Cor.  xiv.  15.  I nvill Jing  ni'ith  thefpirit,  and 
 J  nvill Jtng  nvith  the  iinderftanding  alfo  ;  but  likev/ife  by  ua  exprels 
 divine  appointment,  Pfal.  xlvii.  6,  7.  v/here  the  command  to  fing 
 is  repeated  five  times  in  a  breath,  Sing  praifes  to  Cod,  Jing  praifes ; 
 ftng  praifes  unto  our  King,  fmg  praifes  :  ftng ye  praifes  'ujith  under- 
 funding.  Now,  this  facred  Song  of  Solomon  being  very  myfteri- 
 ous  and  metaphorical,  that  you  may  be  the  more  able  to  fmg  it  o- 
 ver  with  underftanding  and  judgment,  I  have  endeavoured  to  Iny 
 open  the  mylteries  and  metaphors  thereof  to  your  view. 
 
 I  have  defignedly  call  this  book  into  the  mould  of  co7mnon  metre  : 
 becaufe,  as  it  was  intended  efpeciully  for  the  ufc  of  ferious  Chrifti- 
 ans,  in  this  part  of  the  ifl.md  ;  fo,  in  c.ife  any  of  them  (hould  fee  fit 
 to  make  fome  of  thefe  lines  a  part  of  their  fpritual  and  devout  re- 
 creation in  fecret,  they  might,  if  they  pleafe,  fing  them  over  in 
 any  ot  the  tunes  to  which  they  are  accultomed  in  our  Scots  church- 
 es, where  none  but  the  common  tunes  are  ufed.  And,  on  the  whole, 
 I  am  lb  far  from  attempting  to  foar  aloft  above  your  capacity, 
 that,  where-ever  I  have  been  obliged  to.ufe  any  words  (fuch  as 
 prolific,  mellifluous,  5cc.)  which  I  reckon  not  fh  obvious  to  the 
 underftanding  of  the  vulgar,  I  have  explained  it  upon  the  margin  ; 
 and  hope  it  is  but  very  feldom  any  fuch  words  occur  lo  cloud  and 
 darken  the  fenfe  to  you. 
 
 I  know  that  this  facred  book  of  fcripture,  wherein  the  fweeteft 
 and  nobleft  inftances  of  the  grace  of  Chrift,  toward  his  church  and 
 people,  are  reprefented  under  the  figure  of  a  conjugal  ftate,  has 
 been  greatly  profaned  by  impure  writers,  who  have  ufed,  or  ra- 
 ther abufed  their  poetical  art,  to  the  gratifying  of  carnal  minds, 
 and  proftituting  this  holy  divine  fbng  to  the  moft  unholy  ends.  I 
 have,  therefore,  endeavoured  in  thi^  Paraphrafe,    fo  to  open  the 
 
312  THE      PREFACE. 
 
 import  of  every  metaphor,  as  to  fecure  it  from  being  perverted 
 and  abufed  to  wanton  paffions  ;  which,  !  hope,  ftall  find  no  han- 
 dle here  by  any  mode  of  expreffion  tending  to  dis'ert  the  mind 
 from  the  ipiritualiiy  of  the  theme.  The  compofure  upon  every 
 text  here  is  fuch,  as,  I  think,  without  great  violence  done  to  it, 
 can  never  be  applied  to  any  lovers  inferior  to  that  glorious  Bride- 
 |;room,  the  Lamb  of  God  ^  and  the  Bride,  the  La7/iFs  nxjife,  as 
 ihe  church  is  defigned,  Rev.  xii.  9. 
 
 I  thou;;ht  it  needlefs  here,  in  a  prefatory  way,  to  offer  you  a 
 Key  for  opening  this  Song,  fince  this  has  been  done  fo  oft  and  fo 
 veil  already  by  others,  and  particularly  Durham's  book  upon  it, 
 which  is  fo  cammon  among  many  hands  ;  I  refer  the  reader  to  his 
 Clavis  Cantici,  prefixed  to  that  book.  Mr.  Henry  liiys,  the  beft 
 key  for  opening  this  book  is  the  forty-fifth  Pfalm,  which  we  find 
 app!ye.l  to  Chrift  in  the  New  Teilament.  And  it  feems  the  more 
 fit  this  book  be  now  opened,  in  a  way  fuited  to  that  difpenfation, 
 fiuce  Chrift  is  more  frequently  and  clearly  reprel'ented  in  the  New 
 Teftament  than  in  the  Old,  as  the  Bridegroom  of  his  church  and 
 people  ;   for  which  I  might  multiply  inftances,  were  it  needful. 
 
 The  obje^ions  of  adverfaries  againll  the  divinity  of  this  book 
 are  but  weak  and  trifling,  while  we  are  confirmed  in  the  faith  of 
 its  divine  extradion,  and  fpiritual  application  to  the  marriage  be- 
 tween Chrift  and  his  church,  by  the  antient,  conftant,  and  con- 
 curring teftimony  both  of  the  Jewifti  and  Chrillian  church.  And 
 hence,  though  to  carnal  minds,  it  is  a  flower  out  of  which  they 
 have  extracted  poifon  ;  yet,  to  thefe  that  ara  fpiritual,  it  hfiveeter 
 than  hfy}iey  and  ihe  honey-comb  ;  infomuch,  that  feme  have  made  it 
 the  mark  and  charaderiftic  of  a  faint,  to  find  and  experience  the 
 fpiritual  relilli  and  quickening  favour  of  this  part  of  fcripture. 
 
 Profane  wiis,  who  ridicule  this  lofty  anthem  as  a  carnal  Epi- 
 thalamium,  or  Marriage-fong,  feem  to  be  at  a  nonplus  whether 
 to  apply  it  to  Solomon's  marriage  with  the  Egyptian  princefs,  or 
 a  CirC'ifilan  dame  ;  but  they  rauft  be  yet  at  a  greater  lofs,  what  to 
 make  of  fome  complements  and  commendations  given  to  Solomon's 
 bride,  if  they  were  to  be  properly  (and  not  figuratively)  under- 
 ftood.  For,  how  monftrous  and  ridiculous  were  it  to  defcribe  her 
 as  having  an  head  like  Carviel,  teeth  like  a  jiock  ofjhcep,  a  nofe  like 
 the  tciver  of  Lebanon  lockitig  toiuard  D amaj cus ,  and  terrible  like  an 
 ar7-!y  nuith  banners  !  i(.c.  And,  if  Solomon's  chariot  were  to  be 
 imderftood  properly  and  materially,  of  what  matter  vi-ould  they 
 iuppofe  it  to  be  made,  when  the  ?/iid/l  of  it  is  faid  to  bt  pavediuitlt 
 I'jue  ?  Or,  if  love  be  no  material  thing,  how  Ihall  it  be  a  material 
 chariot  I — But  this  facred  Song  is  not  the  worfe,  becaufe  profane 
 and  wanton  wits  abufe  it,  and  endeavour  to  faften  their  abfurd 
 and  obfcene  fenfes  upon  fome  paffages  of  it.  It  requires,  indeed. 
 Hi  Ibme  intei-preters  acknowledge,  a  fobcr  and  pious,  not  a  ioolilli 
 and  lafcivious  reader.  It  breathes  forth  the  hottcft  flames  of  love 
 between  Chrift  and  his  people  ;  and  has,  in  all  ages  of  the  chiu-ch, 
 been  moll  fweet,  comfortable,  and  ufeful,  to  all  that  have  read  ic 
 with  feriousaijd  fpiritual  eyes.     Oce  of  the  fathers  [ivr..  Athana- 
 
THE      PREFACE.  313 
 
 fius3  comparing  this  Soug  with  the  other  fcriptures  of  the  Old 
 Teftament,  fays,  It  is  like  John  the  Baptift  among  the  prophets  : 
 other  fcriptures  fpeak  of  Chrift  as  coming,  and  afar  off;  this  fpeaks 
 of  him,  and  to  him,  as  ah-eady  come,  and  near-hand  :  fo  familiar 
 and  prefent  is  he  here  reprcfented  both  to  the  faith  and  fenfe  of  his 
 people.  Zanchius  makes  this  fong  a  compend  and  copy  of  the  fpt 
 ritual  marriage  with  Chrift.  And  another  great  divine  (Bodius 
 in  Eph.)  calls  it,  ipfius  fidci  et  religicnis  Ckrijiiafite  7nedulla  ;  i.  e, 
 "  the  very  marrow  and  lubftance  of  faith  and  Chriftianity  i'felf." 
 And  therefore,  I  hope  it  will  not  be  reckoned  an  unprofitable 
 work  or  fervice,  to  open  up,  in  a  homely  poefy,  funk  to  the  Icvfl 
 of  vulgar  capacities,  the  great  gofpel-myfteries  contained  in  this 
 allegorical  fcripture,  and  in  a  itrain  fuited  to  the  New-tellamenc 
 difpenfation. 
 
 This  eflay,  firious  Rsadsr,  being  the  fruit  of  fome  ftudy  and 
 application  only  at  leifure-hours,  is,  on  this  account,  the  work  of 
 feveral  years  ;  and  though  occafions  had  allowed,  yet  the  nature 
 of  the  ftudy,  however  pleaf«nt  in  itfelf,  was  more  fcveie  both  to 
 body  and  mind,  than  to  have  allowed  a  continued  progrefs  in  it, 
 without  many  intermillions,  till  it  was  fiaifhed.  Some  parts  of 
 this  compoAire  being  therefore  at  fome  years  diftance  from  other 
 parts  of  it,  it  is  poffible  fome  difcerning  and  judicious  readers  will 
 obferve,  that  fome  of  the  texts  and  chapters  are  explained  with 
 more  life  and  accuracy  than  others;  which  maybe  eafily  accounted 
 for,  by  every  one  who  knows  that  the  vein  of  poefy  and  frame  of 
 fpirit  is  fjbjecl  to  various  alterations,  higher  or  lower,  at  different 
 times.  The  greateft  def&d  I  have  here  found  myfelf  to  labour  un- 
 der, was  v/iih  reference  efpecially  to  that  fpirituality  of  frame, 
 heavenlinefs  of  mind,  and  clofs  communion  with  Chrift,  that  an 
 eifay  to  open  this  facred  divine  Song  required  ;  fmce  in  It  the  be- 
 liever's moft  intimate  fellowfhip  with  this  glorious  Bridegroom  is 
 reprcfented  under  fo  many  figurative  expreffions.  However,  it  has 
 been  my  earneft  defire  fomecimes,  that  iiiy  labour  in  this  jjiay  not  h: 
 in  vain  in  the  Lord ;  but  that  it  might  contribute,  through  the 
 divine  bleffing,  to  the  inftrudion,  edification,  and  comfort  of  the 
 Lord's  people,  efpecially  fuch  as  have  little  accefs  to  read  large 
 comments  upon  this  facred  Song  ;  and  particularly  thofc  of  the 
 congregation  which  I  have  fo  long  had  a  fpecial  concern  in,  and 
 relation  to,  and  to  whom  I  have  but  very  fcldom  preached  upon 
 texts  in  ihis  book  of  the  i'o/;^  of  Solomon. 
 
 It  muft  be  owned,  there  are  great  depths  in  this  allegorical  fcrip- 
 ture ;  the  lett:r  whereof  kills  thefe  that  reft  in  that,  and  look  no 
 farther;  but  iht  Spirit  ihcrsof  givcth  life,  2  Cor.  Iti.  6.  Johnvi. 
 63.;  and  that  it  requires  great  pains  and  caution  to  point  out  the 
 meaning  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  every  part  of  this  poetical  book, 
 and  in  applying  Llie  figures  and  fimiles  therein  to  the  feveral  graces 
 and  virtues  of  the  Ei  idegroom  and  Bride  ;  and  therefore  I  have 
 not  admitted  of  any  private  thought  or  imagination  of  mine  own, 
 in  the  intepretation  of  this  notable  part  of  holy  fcripture,  without 
 obferving  my  view  thereof  to   be  aq;reeuble  v.'lth  the  jud^jmsiit  of 
 
 Vol.  X.  Rr 
 
314  THE      PREFACE. 
 
 found  commentators  upon  it.  Though  they  could  afford  me  little 
 help  as  to  the  form,  yet  from  them  I  willingly  coUeded  materials. 
 Nor  did  I  venture  to  make  a  Paraphrafe  upon  any  one  verfe  here, 
 till  I  had  confulted  them,  and  was  fatisfied  that  1  Ihould  not  deviate 
 from  the  current  of  orthodox  writers,  their  judgment  upon  it,  of 
 which  you  have  here  a  fum.  Though  yet  the  Paraphrafe  is  the 
 longer,  that  I  have  not  only  inlarged  upon  thefe  places  that  I 
 reckoned  were  mod  emphatical,  but  alfo  touched  at  the  conn«xion 
 of  one  verfe  and  purpofe  with  another,  where  I  thought  it  was 
 ncce/Tary  for  the  illuftration  of  the  fcope.  Nor  have  I  pad  over 
 any  one  verfe,  however  more  curtly  treated  than  others,  without 
 giving  fome  plain  view  of  the  meaning  and  import  of  it.  And,  if 
 more  feem  to  be  faid  upon  any  verfe  in  this  Song  than  is  diredly 
 imported  in  It,  I  hope  it  will  be  reckoned  no  great  fault,  if  what 
 is  faid  be  deducible  from  it,  or  neceifary  for  the  further  explication 
 of  it,  and  for  adapting  this  Paraphrafe  upon  an  Old-teftament 
 fong  to  a  New-teftament  difpenfation.  Befides,  the  fenfe  being 
 cramped  and  contrafled  within  the  narrow  bounds  of  common 
 metre,  has  fometimes  made  the  repetition  (though  not  of  words, 
 yet)  of  matter  unavoidable  :  and  though  every  explication  is  but 
 an  amplified  circumlocution  j  yet  1  have  ufed  as  few  repetitions  as 
 could  confift  with  my  defign  of  conveying  a  clear  idea  of  the  mean- 
 ing. 
 
 I  thought  fit  to  fet  down  the  fcripture-text  at  large  before  the 
 Paraphrafe  j  partly,  that  every  one,  even  of  thefe  who  would 
 hardly  beat  the  pains  to  confult  their  Bibles,  might  have  an  op- 
 portunity to  compare  the  text  and  Paraphrafe  together;  and  part- 
 ly, that  there  might  be  occafion  to  mark,  upon  the  margin,  fome 
 of  the  different  readings  that  the  original  text  admits  of,  which  I 
 exideavour  alfo  net  to  negled  in  the  Paraphrafe. 
 
[     315     J 
 
 A 
 
 PARAPHRASE 
 
 O  N    T  H  E 
 
 SONG     ot    SOLOMON. 
 
 CHAP.       I. 
 
 The  Church's  Love  unto  Christ. — She  con- 
 fefleth  her  Deformity,  and  prayeth  to  be 
 diredled  to  his  Flock. — Christ  dire6leth 
 her  to  the  Shepherds  Tents;  and  fheweth 
 his  love  to  her,  by  giving  her  gracious  Pro- 
 mifes.— The  Church  and  Christ  congra- 
 tulate one  another. 
 
 The  Title. 
 Ver.  I .  The  Song  of  Songs,  which  is  Solomon's. 
 
 TH  E  choice  of  anthems  ^  exquifite,  *  ^'^'^i'- 
 
 From  SoPmon's  facred  pen, 
 Which  doth  to  heav'nly  love  excite 
 
 The  fouls  of  holy  men. 
 Its  characters  divine  evince. 
 
 And  evidently  clear, 
 A  wifer  King,  a  greater  Prince, 
 
 Than  Solomon  is  here. 
 Who  from  above  did  animate. 
 
 And  with  celeftial  flame 
 Infpirc  the  fong,  to  equal  that 
 
 Of  Mofes  and  the  Lamb. 
 This  to  the  Lamb's  fair  Bride  belongs. 
 
 To  found  on  all  her  ftrinj^s, 
 With  tuneful  harp,  the  Song  of  fongs 
 
 To  Chriif  the  King  of  kings. 
 Rr  2 
 
3i6        -^Paraphrase  ow  the      Chap.  I. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 Ver.  2.  Let  him  kifs  me  with  the  kijfes  of  his  mouth  ; 
 
 for  thy  \  love  is  better  than  wine. 
 Let  him  who  in  my  room  and  place 
 
 Did  a£t  the  kindeft  part, 
 The  God  of  love,  tl-s  Prince  of  peace. 
 The  vidlor  of  my  heart, 
 
 With  fweet  indearmcnts  from  above. 
 
 Let  him  my  foul  embrace  ; 
 To  (hew  my  int'rcft  in  his  love. 
 
 And  manifeft  his  grace. 
 With  bleffings  of  thy  mouth  divine, 
 
 O  may  I  favour'd  be  ! 
 More  precious  is  thy  love  than  wine  ; 
 
 More  fweet  than  life  to  me. 
 I  was  among  the  trait'rous  crew 
 
 Doom'd  to  eternal  fire, 
 When  he,  to  pay  the  ranfom,  flew 
 
 On  wings  of  ftrong  defirc. 
 Jefus  the  God,  with  naked  arms. 
 
 Hangs  on  a  crofs  and  dies  ; 
 Then  mounts  the  throne,  with  mighty  charms, 
 
 T'  embrace  me  from  the  fkies. 
 His  moCith  delicious,  Heav'n  reveals  j 
 
 His  kifles  from  above 
 Are  pardons,  promifes,  and  feals 
 
 Of  everlafling  love. 
 
 Ver.  3.  Becaufe  of  the  favour  of  thy  good  ointments , 
 thy  name  is  as  ointment  poured  forth  ;  therefore  do 
 the  virgins  love  thee. 
 
 The  oil  of  gladnefs  and  of  grace, 
 
 On  thee  pour'd  largely  forth. 
 Does  fpread  around,  in  cv*ry  place, 
 
 Thy  favour  and  thy  worth. 
 Like  precious  oil  diffus'd,  thy  name 
 
 Along  fuch  odour  fends  ; 
 That  hence  from  virgin-fouls  a  flame 
 
 Of  holy  love  afcends. 
 
 t  Heb.  Tf>y  Ui'cs. 
 
Ver.  2,  3,  4*    Song  o/ Solomon.      317 
 
 Thy  love  to  them>  thus  died  abroad, 
 
 So  much  inflames  their  heart. 
 With  love  to  thee ;  that  thou  their  God 
 
 Their  darhng  alfo  art. 
 O  fav'ry  names !  The  Prophet  kind. 
 
 Anointed  to  inftruft ; 
 "Who  by  his  counfel  leads  the  blind, 
 
 To  glory  will  condud:. 
 Th'  anointed  Prieft,  by  folemn  vow. 
 
 Did  once  for  fm  atone : 
 The  blood,  that  was  the  price,  is  now 
 
 The  plea  before  the  throne. 
 Th'  anointed  King,  to  bear  the  fway. 
 
 And  dafli  the  rebel  foes, 
 To  make  the  feeble  win  the  day. 
 
 Though  death  and  hell  oppofe. 
 
 Ev'n  virgin-tongue  with  pleafure  fmgs 
 
 Thy  lading  honours,  thus  ; 
 "  Jefus  our  Prophet  ever  brings 
 
 "  The  light  of  life  to  us. 
 
 *'  Jefus  our  Prieft  for  ever  lives 
 
 "  To  plead  for  us  above  : 
 "  Jefus  our  King  for  ever  gives 
 
 "  The  bleffings  of  his  love." 
 
 Ver.  4.  Draw  me ;  we  will  run  after  thee: — 
 
 No  ftrength  to  come  to  thee  have  Ij 
 
 Yea,  Lord,  no  will  to  move ; 
 Till  pow'r  divine  my  bonds  unty, 
 
 And  draw  with  cords  of  love. 
 O  draw  me,  Jefus,  by  thy  grace. 
 
 Allure  me  by  thy  charms  ; 
 Then  we  will  run  to  thine  embrace., 
 
 And  flee  into  thine  arms. 
 My  zeal  will  other  fouls  excite 
 
 When  1  am  drawn  to  thee ; 
 With  virgin-faints  will  fmners  meet, 
 
 And  run  along  with  me. 
 
 — The  King  hath  brought  me  into  his  chambers ;  zee  ivill 
 be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee  : — 
 
31 8      A  Paraphrase  on  the      CHap.  I. 
 
 The  glorious  King,  whom  I  befought, 
 
 Anon  iny  cry  did  hear  ; 
 Me  to  his  prefence-chamber  brought, 
 
 And  kindly  drew  me  near. 
 Then  evVy  thing  that  did  annoy, 
 
 While  I  his  abfence  mourn'd, 
 So  quickly  vaniih*d  into  joy. 
 
 My  grief  to  gladnefs  turn'd. 
 We'll  now  exult  in  thee,  O  King, 
 
 With  holy  chearfulnefs ; 
 Our  hearts  will  joy,  our  lips  will  fmg. 
 
 Our  lives  will  praife  exprefs. 
 
 —  We  will  remember  thy  love  more  than  wine :  the 
 upright  love  thee. 
 
 Our  grateful  mem'ries  will  record 
 
 This  matchlefs  love  of  thine. 
 And  keep  the  relifh  thereof.  Lord, 
 
 Beyond  the  richeft  wine. 
 Though  fools  abound,  who  nor  defire 
 
 Nor  pleafure  fix  on  thee ; 
 Yet  wifdom's  children  all  confpire. 
 
 To  love  and  joy  with  me. 
 Th*  upright  without  deceit,  that  prove 
 
 Like  gold  without  alloy, 
 Make  thee  the  obje£l  of  their  love, 
 
 And  centre  of  their  joy. 
 
 Ver.  5.  lam  black,    but  comely,  0  ye  daughters  of  Je- 
 rufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of 
 
 Solomon. 
 
 Ye  that  profellbrs  are  at  large. 
 
 Or  that  are  weak  in  grace, 
 Take  no  offence  at  me,  I  charge. 
 
 Nor  at  my  fvvarthy  race. 
 Shun  not  to  come  and  fhare  with  mc 
 
 Both  in  my  love  and  joy, 
 Becaufe  my  vifage  black  ye  fee 
 
 AYith  fm  and  fore  annoy. 
 
Ver.  5,  <^.    Song  0/ Solomon.         31^ 
 
 Though  in  myfelf  I'm  black  indeed. 
 
 And  in  my  outward  lot ; 
 Yet  in  my  lovely,  glorious  Head 
 
 I'm  fair  without  a  fpot. 
 Dufky  like  Kedar-tents  am  I, 
 
 O  ye  of  Salem's  race  ; 
 But  yet  with  Sol'mon's  curtains  vie 
 
 For  comelinefs  by  grace. 
 
 Verfe  6.  Look  Jiot  upon  me,  hecaufe  I  am  black,  becaufe 
 the  fun  hath  looked  upon  me :  my  mather^s  children 
 were  angry  ivith  me  ; — 
 
 Then  gaze  not  with  difdainful  eyes 
 
 On  me  in  fable  clad  ; 
 Nor  flight  my  beauty  fair,  that  lies    • 
 
 "Within  the  gloomy  fhade. 
 No  wonder  I  fo  black  became, 
 
 If  ye  the  caufe  will  note  ; 
 For  fore  fun-burnt  and  fcorch'd  I  am 
 
 With  perfecution  hot. 
 
 Falfe  brethren,  that  malignant  race. 
 
 My  mother's  fons  untrue. 
 In  rage  caft  duft  upon  my  face, 
 
 And  fully'd  all  my  hue. 
 They  pour'd  on  me  what  open  fliamc 
 
 Their  malice  could  conceive  ; 
 With  foul  reproaches  ftain'd  my  name. 
 
 And  us'd  me  like  a  fiave. 
 
 — They  made  me  keeper  of  the  vineyards,  but  mine  oivn 
 vineyard  have  I  not  kept. 
 
 They  of  their  vineyards  me  the  drudge 
 
 Oppreft  with  crushing  care  : 
 Such  fervile  labours,  ye  may  judge. 
 
 My  beauty  much  impair. 
 Yea,  while,  alas !  thus  toil'd,  I  flept, 
 
 And  floth  my  watch  remov'd, 
 I've  not  my  proper  vineyard  kept, 
 
 My  talents  not  improv'd. 
 
320        -^Paraphrase  on  the      Chap.  I. 
 
 But  though  my  folly  hath  me  marr'd. 
 
 And  wrought  my  own  diftrefs ; 
 Yet  be  not  at  religion  fcarr'd. 
 
 Nor  Humbled  at  my  blifs.  ' 
 
 For  'gainft  myfelf  I  bear  record. 
 
 That  hence  my  llav'ry  flows  : 
 While  I  negled  to  ferve  my  Lord, 
 
 I'm  left  to  ferve  my  foes. 
 
 Verfe  7.  Tell  me.,  0  thou  whom  'my  foul  loveth,  where 
 ihoufeedejl  ^,  and  where  thou  makejl  thy  flock  to 
 reft  at  noon  : — 
 
 When  fins  and  fuff'rings  work  my  grief. 
 
 And  both  deprefs  me  fo, 
 My  Lord  alone  can  give  relief; 
 /        To  whom  I  therefore  go. 
 
 O  thou  the  darling  of  my  heart, 
 
 My  foul's  beloved  One, 
 Who  Ifra'l's  kindly  Shepherd  art, 
 
 Thy  paths  to  me  make  known. 
 O  fhew  me  where  thy  flocks  are  fed  ; 
 
 Where  doft  thou  caufe  them  eat ; 
 And  where  thou  giv'ft  them  reft  and  fliade 
 
 At  noon,  from  fcorching  heat. 
 
 The  pafture's  fat,  the  fhelter  vaft. 
 
 That  does  thy  fheep  inclofe ; 
 Tain  would  1  feed  in  their  rcpaft. 
 
 And  reft  in  their  repofe. 
 
 — For  why  Jhould  I  be  as  one  that  turneth  afide  by  the 
 flocks  of  thy  companions  f 
 
 For  why  fliould  I  that  am  thy  bride 
 
 Be  left  to  ftarve  and  ftray, 
 Or  feem  as  one  that  turns  afidc 
 
 To  any  crooked  way  ? 
 
 All  other  loves  my  foul  abhors, 
 
 Thy  rivals  I  difdain  ; 
 With  flocks  of  thy  competitors 
 
 Why  Ihould  I  wander  then  f 
 
 *  The  v.'OiJ  is  here  aSIivc. 
 
Ver.  7,  ^»      Song   ©Z' Solomon.  321 
 
 I  all  thy  feign'd  companions  hate^ 
 
 They  are  a  bane  to  me  ; 
 My  foul  affcds  no  other  mate. 
 
 No  other  Lord  but  thee. 
 O  if  1  knew  thy  fix'd  abode, 
 
 I'd  lodge  for  ever  there  ;     , 
 Where  may  I  then  enjoy  my  God  f 
 
 O  tell  me,  tell  me  where  I 
 
 C  H  R  I  s  T '  s  Words. 
 Verfe  8.  If  thou  know  not^  0  thou  fair  eft  among  ivomen-., 
 go  thy  way  forth  by  the  footjleps  of  the  Jkcky  arid 
 feed  thy  kids  befide  the  fJjepherds  tents. 
 
 O  thou  my  bride,  whom  I  efteem 
 
 The  fairefl  of  thy  race. 
 However  black  thy  form  may  feem 
 
 While  griefs  do  vail  thy  grace  ; 
 
 Doft  thou  not  know,  my  lovely  bride^ 
 
 The  lhad,ow  of  the  rock  ? 
 Nor  paftures  green  where  I  abide 
 
 And  feed  my  httle  flock  ? 
 
 Come  follov/  my  direding  grace. 
 
 Which  I  afford  to  thee  ; 
 I'll  lead  thee  to  the  fweeteft  place 
 
 Of  fellowlhip  with  me  : 
 That  hence  thy  feet  may  never  fwervcj 
 
 Nor  fall  in  fnares  and  wrack. 
 The  footfteps  of  the  flock  obferve. 
 
 And  follow  thou  the  track. 
 See  how  they  climb  the  rock  in  droveSj 
 
 To  focial  Worfliip  prone, 
 And  forthwith  haunt  retiring  groves. 
 
 To  meet  with  me  alone. 
 Keep  thou  the  beaten  good  old  path. 
 
 Yet  new  and  living  way. 
 Which  all  my  faints  have  trode  by  faith 
 
 And  prayer  night  and  day. 
 Though  none  of  their  diflik'd  efcapes 
 
 Mull  be  a  rule  to  thee  ; 
 Yet  follow  them  in  all  the  Reps 
 
 Wherein  they  follow  me. 
 Vol.  X".  '  S  s 
 
322         A  Var  A?HR  ASE  on  the      Chap.  I. 
 
 And,  while  my  under-fticpherds  tents 
 
 Are  kept  in  good  repair, 
 Attend  them  dill ;  for  Heav'n  prefents 
 
 My  choiceft  dainties  there. 
 
 Thefe  holy  ordinance?  are 
 
 The  paftures  of  my  grace  : 
 There  feaft  thyfelf,  nor  thence  debar 
 
 Thy  little  tender  race. 
 Bring  children,  fervants,  all  thy  kids 
 
 Along  to  feed  with  thee ; 
 Thy  Lord  all  comers  welcome  bids 
 
 In  offers  full  and  free. 
 Make  all  within  they  charge  to  haunt 
 
 Thefe  goodly  tents  of  mine  ; 
 For  there  my  feafts  of  love  I  grant 
 
 To  nourifh  thee  and  thine. 
 Thus,  that  thy  feet  no  more  appear 
 
 With  other  flocks  to  roam, 
 In  thefe  my  befl  inclofures  here 
 
 Stay  till  I  bring  thee  home. 
 
 Verfe  9.    /  have  co?npared  thee  f ,  0  my  love,  to  a  com- 
 pany  of  horfes  in  Pharaoh^ s  chariok. 
 
 My  love,  on  whom  the  ftream  unfpent 
 
 Of  my  affedion  flows. 
 Mine  ears  have  heard  thy  heavy  plaint 
 
 About  thy  haughty  foes. 
 But  they  fliall  know  to  their  rcmorfc, 
 
 Their  war  had  better  be 
 To  fight  with  Pharoah's  charioi-horfe. 
 
 Then  dare  to  fight  with  thee. 
 To  that  well-harneft  {lately  rout 
 
 I  have  thy  fl:rength  compar'd, 
 Becaufe  my  armour  round  about 
 
 Is  thy  defcnfive  guard. 
 Thou  mayfl  contemn  the  burnifii'd  fpear 
 
 When  brandifl-i'd  in  the  field  ; 
 As  warlike  horfes  laugh  at  fear, 
 
 And  mock  the  glittVing  fliieid. 
 
 t  Or,  jnadc  the:  like  to. 
 
VSR.p, —  II'      So  N  G    ^SOLOM  ON.  323 
 
 This  wing'd  aray  more  fwiftly  damps 
 
 The  foes  that  thee  defy. 
 Than  conqu'ring  chariots  through  the  camps 
 
 On  thund'ring  wheels  that  fly. 
 ^Veak  in  thyfelf  thou  art,  but  well 
 
 In  me  refides  thy  might ; 
 Therefore  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  hell 
 
 Need  never  thee  affright. 
 Ver.  10.  Thy  cheeks  are  comely  with  rows  of  jewels ; 
 
 thy  neck  with  chains  of  gold. 
 My  love,  I  heard  thee  alfo  mone 
 
 Thy  beauty  marr'd  and  fpilt ; 
 And  {file  thyfelf  a  loathfome  one, 
 
 Deform'd  with  fm  and  guilt. 
 But  as  my  blood  does  counterpoife. 
 
 And  all  thy  guilt  difplace ; 
 So  jewel-graces,  golden-joys, 
 
 Do  beautify  thy  face. 
 Each  virtue  that  thy  drefs  befpeaks. 
 
 Doth  thee  more  richly  deck, 
 Than  rows  of  gems  adorn  the  cheeks. 
 
 Or  chains  of  gold  the  neck. 
 An  order  juft  thy  graces  do 
 
 Like  ev'nly  rows  maintain  ; 
 By  mutual  clofe  connexion  too 
 
 They're  link'd  as  in  a  chain. 
 Thou  haft  thy  royal  Lord  to  thank, 
 
 That  thee  a  Moor  betroth'd ; 
 And  then  conform  to  higheft  rank, 
 
 With  gold  and  jewels  cloth'd. 
 To  make  thy  cheeks  and  neck  fo  fair. 
 
 Mine  gave  I  to  the  ftroke ; 
 My  cheeks  to  them  that  pluck'd  the  hair, 
 
 My  neck  to  juflice-block. 
 
 Ver.  1 1 .    fp^e  will  make  \  thee  borders  of  gold,   with 
 
 Jluds  offdver. 
 Objed  not,  faying,  How  fhall  I, 
 
 So  weak,  fo  black  a  fwain, 
 Such  beauties  in  Jkhovah's  eye 
 
 Or  furnifh  or  maintain  ? 
 f  The  word  ufed  for  making  man  at  firft,  Gen.  1.  6. 
 
 Sf  2 
 
324        ^Paraphrase  on  the      Chaf.  L 
 
 For  "with  united  pow'r  divine 
 
 We  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit, 
 Do  ftand  engag'd  thee  to  refine. 
 
 And  make  thy  form  complete. 
 Keep  thou  no  finite  pow'rs  in  view. 
 
 To  grace  and  deck  thee  thus ; 
 Creation-work,  both  old  and  new. 
 
 Belongs  to  none  but  us. 
 
 We'll  make  thee  yet  more  radiant  gems 
 
 Of  grace,  without  thine  aid, 
 To  fence  thy  robe,  like  golden  hems, 
 
 With  filver  ftuds  inlaid. 
 
 Thy  growing  grace  fhall  thrive  and  bear 
 
 A  perfect  crop  at  length  ; 
 Yet  by  no  might  within  thy  fphere, 
 
 BiUt  Gur  concurring  ftrength. 
 Thy  gold  and  filver  ornament 
 
 MuQ  firong  and  lading  prove  ; 
 For,  }o !  it  is  the  pow'ful  vent 
 
 Of  our  eternal  love. 
 
 Of  old  the  good,  the  great  Three-one, 
 
 Did  jointly  take  thy  part ; 
 Thy  naked  foul  we  thought  upon 
 
 With  pity  in  our  heart. 
 
 We  held  a  counfcl  for  thy  good. 
 
 Where  I,  witliout  a  fob, 
 pid  choofe  a  veil u re  dipt  in  blood 
 
 To  buy  thy  golden  robe. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 Ver.  12.    %  While  the  King  fitteth  at  his  table,    my 
 
 fpikenard  fendeth  forth  the  fmell  thereof. 
 Lo !  ZioiV'S  King  array'd  in  ftate, 
 
 And  love  his  luring  vefl:, 
 Rl^akes  ample  grace  his  royal  treat, 
 
 And  me  his  welcome  gueft. 
 When  this  his  fplendid  table-head 
 
 Is  with  his  prefence  crown'd, 
 |yjy  graces  then  like  fpikenard  fpread 
 
 Their  grateful  odours  rounds 
 
Ver.  12,  13.    Song  0/ So  L  OMON.       325- 
 
 With  joyful  heart  T  fmile  and  fing, 
 ,     Each  grace  doth  rife  and  run, 
 As  languid  plants  revive  and  fpring 
 In  prefence  of  the  fun. 
 
 If  he  withdrew,  they  fade  and  faifit. 
 
 Their  vigour  is  reftrain'd  ; 
 But,  by  his  fweet  return,  their  fcent 
 
 And  favour  is  regain'd. 
 While  at  his  royal  feaft  he  fits, 
 
 Such  verdure  frelh  is  giv'n, 
 That  ev*ry  fprig  of  grace  emits 
 
 A  fragrant  fmell  of  heaven. 
 My  glad  affedions  leap  and  dance. 
 
 When  with  a  fmiling  face 
 The  King  does  fpread  and  countenance 
 
 The  table  of  his  grace. 
 
 Ver.  13.  ^  bundle  of  myrrh  is  my  Well-beloved  unta 
 me  ;  he  Jhall  ly  all  night  betwixt  my  breajls. 
 
 No  wonder  that  my  fpikenard  fmeHs 
 
 So  fweetly  when  he  comes ; 
 His  love,  that  cafts  the  fcent,  excells 
 
 The  choiceft  of  perfumes. 
 Faith,  love,  and  joy  begin  to  ftir, 
 
 And  fpread  their  odours  high, 
 When  Jefus,  like  a  bunch  of  myrrh. 
 
 Does  in  my  bofom  ly. 
 
 From  this  infolded  bundle  flies 
 
 His  favour  all  abroad  : 
 Such  complicated  fweetnefs  lies 
 
 In  my  incarnate  God. 
 Abundant  virtue  here  I  fee 
 
 To  ev'iy  cafe  adapt ; 
 The  fulnefs  of  a  Deity 
 
 Is  in  the  bundle  v/rapt. 
 
 Yea,  in  my  well-beloved  Lord.. 
 
 This  plenitude  divine 
 Is  for  my  ufe  and  comfort  flor'd  j 
 
 For  he  himfelf  is  mine. 
 
326      A  Paraphrase  on  the      Chap.  I. 
 
 And  he  has  reign'd  thus  from  above 
 
 To  (hew  his  glorious  charms  ? 
 Ill  hold  him  faft  by  faith  and  love, 
 
 As  in  my  folded  arms. 
 
 My  heart  and  bofom,  where  he  refts, 
 
 No  other  love  fhall  know ; 
 There  he  embrac'd  fhall  ly,  while  lafts 
 
 The  night  of  fm  and  wo. 
 This  fvveet  repofe  fliall  wear  away 
 
 The  fliadows  of  the  night. 
 Until  the  dawning  of  the  day 
 
 Of  everlafting  light. 
 
 Ver.  1 4.  My  Beloved  is  unto  vie  as  a  clujler  of  cam.' 
 pbire  ^  in  the  vineyards  of  En-gedi. 
 
 My  bed  Belov'd,  to  whom  the  wings 
 
 Of  my  affeftions  flee. 
 Is  fweeter  than  the  fweeteft  things 
 
 Of  heav'n  and  earth  to  me. 
 In  vineyards  fair  of  En-gedi 
 
 Are  camphire  clufters  fweet ; 
 How  infinitely  more  is  he. 
 
 In  whom  I  am  complete  !  t 
 When  fm  and  wrath  my  confcieUce  prcfs, 
 
 He  flandeth  for  my  good, 
 A  clufler  full  of  righteoufnefs. 
 
 And  wrath -appeafmg  blood. 
 Still  frelh  in  view,  I  may  defign 
 
 His  dying  love  to  me. 
 Like  myrrh  and  camphire,  fweet  and  fine, 
 
 New  bleeding  from  the  tree. 
 "By  faith  I  eat  the  clufler  prefl:. 
 
 And  drink  the  blood  he  fpilt: 
 Ot  all  love-banquet's,  here's  the  be(^. 
 
 Atonement  for  my  guilt. 
 To  me  this  bleeding  love  of  his 
 
 Shall  ever  precious  be ; 
 Whatever  he  to  others  is. 
 
 He's  all  in  all  to  me. 
 
 *  "iDvp  CopH  EK,  the  fame  word  that  figaifies  an  Atonement^  or  Propitiation. 
 f    Col.  ii.  10. 
 
Ver.  14, — 1 6.    Song  o/'Solomon.    327 
 
 Christ's  Word. 
 
 Vcrfe  1 5.    Behold,   thou  art  fair,   my  love ;    behold, 
 thou  art  fair,  thou  haji  doves  eyes. 
 
 "What !  is  thy  heart  a  bed  of  reft, 
 
 A  room  refervM  for  me  ? 
 Behold,  I  come  to  be  thy  gueft. 
 
 And  vent  my  heart  to  thee  ! 
 My  truth  that  can't  the  falfe  decoy 
 
 Of  flattering  lips  approve, 
 Aflerts,  to  elevate  thy  joy. 
 
 Thou  art  my  pleafant  love. 
 Lo,  thou  art  fair !  lo,  thou  art  fair ; 
 
 Twice  fair  thou  art,  I  fay ; 
 My  righteoufnefs  and  graces  are 
 
 Thy  double  bright  array. 
 
 Though  thou  a  fpotted  leopard 
 
 And  black  thyfelf  doft  fee  ; 
 Yet,  as  a  mark  of  my  regard, 
 
 I'll  fee  no  fpot  in  thee. 
 When  to  a  dog  of  no  avail 
 
 Thou  humbly  dofl  compare, 
 And  call  thyfelf  a  mafs  of  hell, 
 
 Ev'n  then  I  call  thee  fair. 
 But  fmce  thy  faith  can  hardly  own 
 
 My  beauty  put  on  thee ; 
 Behold  1  behold  !  twice  be  it  known. 
 
 Thou  art  all  fair  to  me. 
 I  fee  the  beauty  of  the  dove 
 
 Within  thy  foul  that  lies  ; 
 Affections  there  exactly  move 
 
 Like  turtles  charming  eyes. 
 So  modeft,  humble,  pure,  and  chafte. 
 
 And  faithful  to  their  mate  ; 
 On  me  alone  they  fix  and  reft. 
 
 And  all  my  t^ivals  hate. 
 
 ^he  Church's  Words. 
 
 Verfe  16.    Behold,    ih on  art  fair,    my  Beloved ;   yea^ 
 pleafant : — 
 
328  ^  P  A  R  A  P  H  R  A  SE    OM   /^^        ChAP^  L 
 
 What  wonders,  Lord,  doft  thou  perform. 
 
 That  ftoopelt  thus  fo  low. 
 To  put  thy  beauty  on  a  worm. 
 
 And  then  commend  it  fo  ? 
 What !  doft  thou  praife  a  native  black  ? 
 
 I  blufh  to  find  it  true  : 
 O  lend  me  words  to  render  back 
 
 The  praife  to  whom  'tis  due. 
 Lo !  my  Beloved,  thou,  even  thou, 
 
 Art  infinitely  fair ; 
 Yea,  altogether  pleafant  too, 
 
 And  fvveet  beyond  compare. 
 All  comelinefs  divine  in  thee 
 
 Moft  glorioufly  does  fhine  ; 
 What  beauty  thou  commends  in  me, 
 
 Is  but  the  fliade  of  thine. 
 Doft  thou  applaud  the  little  ftream 
 
 That  from  thy  fulnefs  rofe  ? 
 How  highly  then  fliould  I  efteem 
 
 The  fountain  whence  it  flows  1 
 How  fliall  1  thee  extol,  my  God  ? 
 
 It  Ihames  me  to  be  mute. 
 When  thou  exalts  a  loathfome  clod 
 
 Wrapt  in  a  borrovv^'d  fuit. 
 
 But  who,  alas  !  can  words  invent 
 
 To  magnify  thy  grace  ? 
 Seraphic  pencils  cannot  paint 
 
 The  beauties  of  thy  face. 
 May  my  delighted  eye  ftill  gaze 
 
 On  charming  pleafures  here  ; 
 And  what  1  cannot  loudly  praife, 
 
 I'll  filently  admire. 
 
 • —  Alfa  our  bed  is  green. 
 
 How  can  my  tongue  the  favours  hide 
 
 That  thus  my  heart  attach  ! 
 For  never  was  a  worthlefs  bride 
 
 So  happy  in  her  match, 
 
Ver. 1^,17.      Song  ^Solomon,  321 
 
 Befides  his  perfonage  fo  great. 
 
 His  equipage  is  fine  ; 
 His  furniture  and  bed  of  ftate 
 
 For  fellowfhip  divine. 
 When  here  his  love  abroad  is  (lied, 
 
 My  foul,  his  chearful  gueft, 
 Sleeps  in  his  arms,  as  in  a  bed 
 
 Of  holy  joy  and  reft. 
 If  wifdom  in  a  myflery 
 
 Will  heav'n  to  hell  betroth, 
 Th'  enfuing  miracle  muft  be 
 
 One  bed  to  ferve  us  both. 
 What  kindnefs  here  he  docs  avouch. 
 
 No  mortal  tongue  can  tell : 
 The  Heir  of  heav'n  has  made  a  couch 
 
 To  hug  an  heir  of  hell. 
 
 Lo  !  this  our  bed  of  fweet  folace, 
 
 Green  like  the  verdant  field, 
 i^bundant  fruits  of  holinefs 
 
 Does  by  his  blefling  yield. 
 To  deck  our  bed  of  nuptial  loves, 
 
 Buds  of  the  fpring  conveen  ; 
 My  fertile  foul  fo  pregnant  proves, 
 
 I'm  like  an  ohve  green. 
 
 Fair  bloflbms  of  indulgent  grace 
 
 That  fhade  the  temple  round. 
 With  lively  verdure  paint  the  place, 
 
 And  fpread  the  holy  ground. 
 
 Verfe  17.    The  beams  of  our  hciife  are  cedar ^   and  our 
 rafters  "^  of  fir  -j-. 
 
 Our  nuptial-bed  in  Zion  ftands. 
 
 Within  our  royal  court : 
 For  there  the  blcffing  God  commands, 
 
 There  is  his  lov'd  refort. 
 
 Our  {lately  dweliing-houfe  excels 
 
 The  feats  of  mortal  kings, 
 Whofe  pompous  courts  are  nothing  elfe 
 
 But  fpecious  empty  things. 
 
 *  Or,  Galleries,  \  Or,  Cypres* 
 
 Vol.  X.  Tt 
 
330         ^  Pa  R  A  p  H  R  A  sE  on  /^^     Chap. IT. 
 
 Their  gaudy  grandeur  flirinks  away 
 
 Within  their  with'ring  bow'rs  ; 
 No  gilded  houfe  of  mould'ring  clay 
 
 Is  fure  and  ftrong  like  ours. 
 The  holy  cov'nant  Heav'n  commands, 
 
 With  promifes  of  note, 
 By  which  our  houfe  compacted  (lands, 
 
 Are  beams  which  never  rot. 
 No  cedar -wood  from  Lebanon, 
 
 Nor  fir  fo  firm  endures. 
 As  thefe  our  rafters,  which  his  own 
 
 Almighty  pow'r  fecures.  *  ^ 
 
 Thus  ftabliili'd,  even  our  lower  courts 
 
 Defy  the  gates  of  hell ; 
 For  everlafting  firength  fupports 
 
 The  dome  wherein  we  dwell. 
 In  precious  cyprefs  gall'ries  here 
 
 We  walk  along  in  (late  ; 
 Such  are  the  ordinances  dear 
 
 Of  my  imperial  mate. 
 
 In  thefe  fweet  manfions  of  his  grace 
 
 I'll  walk  with  great  delight, 
 Till  he  prepare  a  nobler  place. 
 
 To  walk  with  him  in  white. 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 The  mutual  Love  of  Christ  and  his 
 Church. — The  Hope  and  Calling  of  the 
 Church. — C H  R  I  s  t's  Care  of  the  Church. 
 — The  Church's  FrofciFion,  her  Faith  and 
 Hope. 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 Ver.  I .  /  am  the  Rofe  of  Sharon^  and  the  Illy  of  the  valleys, 
 
 U  C  H  tainted  air  from  Adam's  bow'r 
 0*er  curfed  mankind  blows, 
 That  no  green  bed,  nor  fav'ry  tlow'r, 
 In  nature's  dcfert  otows. 
 
Ver.  1,2.         Song  o/SoLOMON.  331 
 
 Thou  then  that  fings  the  verdant  bed, 
 
 Adorn'd  with  flow'rs  of  grace  ; 
 Come  fee  the  rofe  and  Hly  fpread. 
 
 That  thus  perfumes  the  place. 
 I  Jesus,  am  the  fragrant  rofe. 
 
 That  heahng  odours  yields  ; 
 And  free  from  common  profit  grows 
 
 In  Sharon's  open  fields. 
 That  all  who  pleafe  may  freely  come, 
 
 Of  lapfed  human  race. 
 And  fliare  the  fanativc  t  perfume 
 
 That  fuits  their  fickly  cafe. 
 My  bleeding  love,  fo  oft  exprefl 
 
 To  guilty  finners,  fhows 
 A  beauty  in  my  bloody  veft, 
 
 Beyond  the  ruddy  rofe. 
 
 Should  1  to  comely  fliow*rs  compare 
 
 The  beauties  of  my  face, 
 Rofes  and  lilies  red  and  fair. 
 
 Would  ftrive  in  it  for  place. 
 But  what's  my  common  paint  cad  o'er 
 
 The  blolfoms  of  the  field. 
 Though  Solomon  in  all  his  glore, 
 
 Muft  to  their  fplendor  yield. 
 Their  comely  form  but  ferves  to  foil 
 
 The  flow'r  of  flow'rs  above, 
 Sprung  from  the  hotefl  heav'nly  foil. 
 
 My  Father's  fervent  love. 
 Who  thence  the  lily  did  tranflate 
 
 To  valleys  here  below, 
 That  virtue  from  my  humbled  flate 
 
 To  finful  worms  might  flow  j 
 And  that  in  vales  of  mifery, 
 
 When  with'ring  comforts  fail, 
 The  Rofe  of  heav'n  might  alfo  be 
 
 The  lily  of  the  vale. 
 
 Ver.  2.  As  the  lily  a?nong  the  thorns,  fo  is  my  love  a- 
 mong  the  daughters. 
 
 \  Healing. 
 
 Tt  2 
 
332        A  Paraphrase  on  the      Chap.IL 
 
 While  I  the  rofe  and  lily  fair 
 
 Join'd  as  my  title  claim, 
 My  love,  the  bride,  muft  have  a  fhare 
 
 Of  my  enamel'd  name. 
 
 Mine  image  die  fo  harmlefs  bears 
 
 Amidft  a  furious  broil  j 
 She  as  a  lily  fair  appears 
 
 Ev'n  in  a  thorny  foil. 
 
 .    Among  the  daughters  of  defpite. 
 
 The  offspring  of  the  earth, 
 Her  lily-form,  fo  lovely  white. 
 
 Shews  her  fuperior  birth.  ! 
 
 Befet  with  briers,  that  pierce  and  pain, 
 
 Yet  precious  in  my  view ; 
 She  pure  and  harmlefs  does  remain 
 
 Among  the  noxious  crew. 
 The  whole  of  Satan's  children  are 
 
 A  field  of  hurtful  thorns, 
 Enrag'd  by  hell,  to  fcratch  and  mar 
 
 The  flow'r  that  heav'n  adorns. 
 But  I'll  provide  in  this  turmoil 
 
 My  lily  with  a  fhield, 
 And  afterward  a  better  foil. 
 
 My  glorious  azure  field. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 
 Ver.  3.  ^s  the  apple-tree  among  the  trees  of  the  wood^ 
 fo  is  my  Beloved  among  thefons. — 
 
 My  deareft  Lord  has  won  my  heart 
 
 With  his  mellifluous  ^  tongue. 
 That  gives  unworthy  me  a  part 
 
 Both  in  his  name  and  fong. 
 
 He  to  my  need  his  names  doth  fult 
 
 As  it  he  could  not  be 
 A  rofe  and  lily  of  repute. 
 
 Without  adorning  me. 
 
 *  Siveetly  eloquent. 
 
Ver.  3-  Song  0/ Solomon.  333 
 
 His  fav'ry  titles  thus  made  known. 
 
 In  fuch  endearing  ways, 
 As  warp  his  name  within  my  own. 
 
 Provoke  my  heart  to  praife. 
 
 Awake,  my  foul,  commend  his  grace. 
 
 And  fmg  the  living  tree, 
 Who  by  fuch  apples  of  folace 
 
 Commends  himfelf  to  thee. 
 Above  the  daughters  of  the  earth 
 
 Docs  he  extol  my  name  ? 
 Above  the  fons  of  higher  birth 
 
 I  will  his  praife  proclaim. 
 As  garden  apple-trees  excel 
 
 The  forrell's  barren  race  ; 
 So  fhines  my  Lord  o'er  mortals  all 
 
 With  a  fuperior  grace. 
 His  fruit  fo  fweet,  his  form  fo  fair. 
 
 His  healing  leaves  fo  broad  ; 
 This  tree  of  life  bears  no  compare 
 
 With  fons  of  men  or  God. 
 Created  fhrubs,  wild  gourds  be  gone, 
 
 I  climb  a  higher  tree  : 
 Jefus,  the  living  God,  alone 
 
 Yields  fhade  and  fap  to  me. 
 
 — I  fat  down  under  his  Jhadoiv  with  great  delight ,  and 
 his  fruit  was  fweet  to  my  tajle, 
 
 "What  fool  foever  difagrees. 
 
 My  fweet  experience  proves. 
 That  Jefus  is  the  tree  of  trees. 
 
 Among  a  thoufand  groves. 
 From  paradife,  wherein  he  grows. 
 
 He  fpreads  his  branches  vaft, 
 To  give  fweet  fhade  for  my  repofe. 
 
 Sweet  fruit  for  my  repait. 
 
 When  fore  fatigu'd,  I  fat  by  faith 
 
 Beneath  his  cooling  fhade  ; 
 Skreen'd  from  the  heat  of  fcorching  wrath, 
 
 My  fhelter'd  foul  was  glad. 
 
334         ^Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.  II. 
 
 The  fhadow  of  his  righteoufnefs, 
 
 The  covert  of  his  blood, 
 "When  confcious  guilt  and  dread  opprefs, 
 
 A  happy  peace  conclude. 
 This  Tnadow  fliields  me  from  the  fire 
 
 That  (Irikes  the  dread  and  awe. 
 The  flaming  Heav'n's  incenfed  ire 
 
 And  Sinai's  fiery  law. 
 
 Such  llielter  this  thick  (hade  imparts, 
 
 That  no  temptation  fierce, 
 No  feather' d  fhafts,  nor  fiery  darts, 
 
 Can  once  the  fliadow  pierce. 
 AVhcn  Chrift  my  fkreen  is  interpos'd, 
 
 Between  the  flames  and  me, 
 My  joyful  heart  and  lips  unclos'd 
 
 Adore  the  glorious  tree. 
 No  mortal  tongue  can  fpeak  the  blifs 
 
 That  in  his  fhade  is  giv'n  ; 
 For  then  I'm  fafc  from  all  diftrefs, 
 
 And  tafte  an  early  hcav'n. 
 The  tree  does  with  immortal  food 
 
 My  fainting  foul  folace, 
 With  fruits  the  purchafe  of  his  blood. 
 
 The  apples  of  his  grace. 
 
 O  here's  the  tree  of  life,  that  gives 
 
 The  virtue  fmners  need, 
 Enliv'ning  fruit,  and  healing  leaves. 
 
 To  raife  and  cure  the  dead  X- 
 Pardons,  and  pronpifcs,  and  joys, 
 
 Upon  his  branches  grow  ; 
 Which,  bending  down,  with  gentle  poife, 
 
 Unlode  themfelves  below. 
 Laden  with  grace,  his  fruit  he  drops. 
 
 And  fpreads  my  table  o'er. 
 To  plcafe  my  tafte,  and  feed  my  hopes, 
 
 Until  I  feafl  in  glore. 
 
 X^cr.  4.  He  broiigJ^  me  to  the  banqiietting-houfe  t,  and 
 his  banner  over  me  was  love.  ' 
 
 .{:   llcv.  xxii,   2.  t  Or,  hti/c  of'Viine. 
 
Ver.4-        Song  o/"  Solomon.  335 
 
 Who  but  my  Lord,  the  living  tree. 
 
 My  leader  alfo  is. 
 That  brings  me  near  to  tafte  and  fee 
 
 This  love  and  grace  of  his  ? 
 Becaufe  my  fall,  he  kindly  thought, 
 
 Did  natureh  pow'r  difplace  ; 
 To  his  wine-cellars  I  was  brought 
 
 By  his  almighty  grace. 
 Brought  from  his  garden,  to  his  houfe. 
 
 To  tafte  more  joy  divine  ; 
 From  Tipping  of  the  apple-juice. 
 
 To  drink  the  fpiced  wine. 
 With  fweet  and  ravifhing  folace 
 
 My  foul  was  feafted  there, 
 In  ordinances  of  his  grace. 
 
 The  houfe  of  his  repair. 
 And,  lo  !  the  royal  flag  difplay'd, 
 
 DyM  with  the  bleeding  vine. 
 Along  my  folemn  entrance  led 
 
 Into  his  houfe  of  wine. 
 With  flying  colours  did  I  move. 
 
 And  march  triumphantly ; 
 For  then  was  love,  victorious  love. 
 
 His  banner  lifted  high. 
 This  fignal  of  his  grace  adorn'd 
 
 That  ftately  march  of  mine  ; 
 And  for  my  entertainment  turn'd 
 
 My  water  into  wine. 
 Love*s  conquering  flag,  for  war  fo  near. 
 
 Did  all  my  (ins  fubdue  ; 
 Love  led  the  van,  love  fencM  the  rear, 
 
 Love  dafh'd  the  hellifh  crew. 
 
 My  tainting  heart  was  giv'n  o'er. 
 
 Till  with  his  enngn  fpread, 
 My  Standard-bearer  went  before. 
 
 And  all  the  furies  fled. 
 Soul,  now  to  arms  ;  love  fights  and  wins ; 
 
 This  banner  guards  my  life  : 
 Almighty  Love  will  flay  my  fins. 
 
 And  end  the  bloody  fl;rife. 
 
334        -^  Paraphrase  o«/^^     Chap. II. 
 
 Still  therefore  to  purfue  the  chafe. 
 
 Till  I  triumph  above ; 
 I'll  mind  the  banquet  of  his  grace, 
 
 The  banner  of  his  love  : 
 With  love  he  march*d,  with  love  he  led, 
 
 With  love  he  armM  my  breaft: ; 
 With  love  he  drew,  with  love  he  fed. 
 
 With  love  he  crownM  the  feaft ! 
 
 Ver.  5.  Stay  ^  me  luithjlaggons,  comfort  f  me  with  ap- 
 ples ;  for  I  amfick  of  love. 
 Lo !  while  my  mem*ry  does  review 
 
 His  matchlefs  bleeding  love, 
 My  fpirit  falls  a  bleeding  too- 
 
 My  bowels  melt  and  move. 
 O  ye  whofe  office  is  to  bear 
 
 The  veffels  of  his  grace, 
 Bring  flaggons  full  of  comfort  here. 
 
 And  apples  of  folace. 
 Large  veiTcls  fetch,  without  delay. 
 
 With  cordials  from  above  : 
 Hafte,  ere  my  fpirits  fwoon  away  ; 
 
 I'm  Tick,  I'm  fick  of  love  ! 
 I'm  overcome  ;  I  faint  I  fail, 
 
 Till  love  fliall  love  relieve  ; 
 More  love  divine  the  wound  can  heal 
 
 That  love  divine  did  give. 
 The  agent  Chrift  alone  I  view. 
 
 Though  now  my  foul  that  faints 
 In  ficknefs  raves  of  aid  from  you. 
 
 That  are  but  inftruments. 
 Fill  out  the  wine  my  Lord  did  bleed 
 
 To  flay  and  ftrengthen  me  : 
 The  deeper  in  his  love  I  wade, 
 
 The  fwceter  ftill  is  he. 
 Straw  me  with  apples  all  along  ; 
 
 Their  tafte  does  fo  furprife, 
 I*d  ly  and  roll  myfelf  among 
 Thefe  fruits  of  paradlfe. 
 
 *  Here  the  verbs  are  in  the  plural  mimbcr,  f\oy  sc  m:,  comfart ye  ir.c 
 t  Ilcb.   $ira-w  me. 
 
Ver.^,  ^«       Song  ^Solomon,  33  j 
 
 Support  this  finking  heart  of  mine 
 
 Beneath  a  weight  of  love, 
 With  Hving  fruit  and  gen'rous  wine 
 
 From  azure  fields  above. 
 
 I  cannot  furfeit  here  nor  fift, 
 
 Ev*n  though  my  cup  run  o*er  ; 
 But  feed  on  hunger,  drink  on  thirft. 
 
 And  covet  always  more. 
 
 New  feaits  of  love  I  feek,  to  free 
 
 And  give  love-ficknefs  eafe. 
 How  can  I  lothe  what  fickcns  me. 
 
 So  fweet  is  my  difeafe  ? 
 The  love,  the  love  that  I  befpeak. 
 
 Does  wonders  in  my  foul : 
 For,  when  I'm  whole,  it  makes  me  fick ; 
 
 Wh^n  fick,  it  makes  me  whole. 
 
 More  of  the  joy  that  makes  me  faint 
 
 Would  give  me  prefent  eafe  : 
 If  more  fhould  kill  me,  I'm  content 
 
 To  die  of  that  difeafe. 
 
 Ver.  6.  His  left-hand  is  under  my  head,  and  his  righi- 
 hand  doth  embrace  me. 
 
 Ho\v  foon  my  fainting  foul  did  cry 
 
 For  cordials  to  be  brought. 
 So  foon  my  Lord  himfelf  drew  nigh. 
 
 With  more  than  I  had  fought. 
 I  fought  wine  ilaggons,  but  anon 
 
 The  vine  drew  near  to  me : 
 I  fought  but  apples  in  my  fwoon. 
 
 And,  lo  !  I  found  the  tree. 
 When  I  on  fervants  calFd  in  vain, 
 
 My  Lord  himfelf  with  fpeed 
 Did  in  his  arms  of  love  amaio 
 
 Uphold  my  fainting  head. 
 
 My  heart's  dcfire  is  now  obtain'd, 
 
 I  have  my  royal  gueft  ; 
 And,  by  his  kind  embrace  fuflain'd, 
 
 Do  in  his  bofom  reft. 
 Vol.  X.  Uu 
 
33<>        J  Var  AvnR  ASE  on  the     Chap,  II. 
 
 He  does  with  joys  that  can't  be  told 
 
 My  health  and  (Irength  repair  ; 
 And  both  his  hands  about  me  hold, 
 
 To  (liew  his  tender  care. 
 
 His  left-hand  for  my  fupport  he 
 
 Beneath  my  head  doth  place  ; 
 And  for  my  comfort  lendeth  me 
 
 His  right-hana's  foft  embrace. 
 
 His  prefence  brings  a  plenteous  fliow'r 
 
 Of  bleflings  from  above  ; 
 For  now  I'm  guarded  with  his  pow'r. 
 
 And  girded  with  his  love. 
 For  my  folace  'gainfl:  (in  and  death 
 
 1  feel  his  heav'nly  charms ; 
 And  for  my  fafety  underneath 
 
 His  everlaflino-  arms. 
 
 *o 
 
 Ver.  7.  I  charge  you  ^,  0  ye  daughters  of  J erufale?!!, 
 by  the  roes^  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  fields  that  ye 
 (lir  not  up,  nor  aiuake  my  love  |,  //'//  he  picafe* 
 
 Immortal  love  her  reft  and  room 
 
 Does  in  my  bofom  take  ; 
 Woe  to  the  fury  that  fhall  come 
 
 This  joyful  reft  to  break. 
 
 Soon  as  the  tim'rous  hinds  and  roes 
 
 Are  fcarr'd  from  fleep  and  reft, 
 Would  earth  and  hell  this  fweet  repofe 
 
 Maliciouily  infeft. 
 
 O  Salem's  daughter's,  then  I  pray, 
 
 And  charge  you  ftand  in  awe 
 To  waken  love,  or  do  what  may 
 
 Make  Jefus  to  v/ithdraw. 
 Yea,  all  about  me  I  adjure, 
 
 Profeilbrs  and  profane ; 
 Excepting  neither  rich  npr  poor. 
 
 The  fov'reign  nor  the  fwain  : 
 
 *  Htb.   Adjure  you. 
 
 \  The  word  jity  is  a  fupplement,  and  the  word  love  is  in  the 
 feminine  gender.  She  fpealcs  of  Chrill  as  ihat  love  eminently ;  or, 
 love  in  the  abftrad  :  the  original  runs,  that )s  jVir  not  up  nor  wvcake 
 love  till  it  plcafe. 
 
Ver.7,  8.        So  N  G  o/"  So  LOM  ON.  337 
 
 By  pleafant  roes  and  loving  hinds, 
 
 AfFeclions  emblem  meet ; 
 By  all  that*s  dear  to  loving  minds, 
 
 And  ev'ry  thing  that's  fweet ; 
 By  all  that's  lovely  in  your  eyes, 
 
 I  earneftly  obteft, 
 Since  Jefus  in  my  bolbm  lies, 
 
 Ye  may  not  mar  his  reft. 
 Begone,  Sin,  Satan,  earthly  toys. 
 
 Far  be  ye  from  my  heart ; 
 Approach  not  to  dillurb  my  joys, 
 
 Nor  caufe  my  Lord  depart. 
 His  fmiles  are  free,  he  comes  and  goes, 
 
 My  happy  hour  is  this  : 
 Why  fhould  ye  prove  fuch  curfed  foes 
 
 To  interrupt  my  blifs  ? 
 My  glorious  Lord  now  ileeps  within 
 
 Mine  arms  of  faith  and  love  ; 
 I  charge  myfelf,  my  heart,  my  fm. 
 
 Not  once  to  llir  nor  move. 
 He  may  as  fov'reign  countermand 
 
 The  fignals  of  his  grace  ; 
 But  never  let   a  finful   hand 
 
 Of  mine  eclipfe  his  face. 
 Let  no  deceitful  lufts  attend. 
 
 To  robe  me  of  his  charms  ; 
 Nor  curfed   unbelief  to   rend 
 
 My  love  out  of  mine  arms. 
 I  all  the  fpawn  of  hell  explode, 
 
 That  would  his  reft  annoy  j 
 O  may  I  never  grieve  my  God, 
 
 Nor  fm  away  my  joy. 
 
 Verfe  8.  %  The  voice  of  my  Beloved/  Behold,  he  co??ieth, 
 leaping  upon  ^  the  mountains,  J^ippi?7g  upon  th^  hills. 
 
 Sweet  was  the  reft,  but  fhort  the  ftay, 
 
 Of  Jefus  my  Belov'd  ; 
 Who  lately  in  my  bofom  lay. 
 
 But  inftantly  remov'd. 
 
 •  Or,  over.. 
 
 Uu    2 
 
338        ^  Paraphrase  o;z  the     Chap.  II. 
 
 Thus  doth  my  fov'reign  Lord  declare 
 
 The  freedom  of  his  charms. 
 By  flipping  off,  amidil  my  care 
 
 To  hold  him  in  mine  arms. 
 Great  hills,  alas  1  now  interveen 
 
 Betwixt  my  Lord  and  me  ; 
 His  voice  unheard,  his  face  unfeen : 
 
 Stop,  (top  J    I  hear,  I  fee. 
 
 The  voice  of  my  Beloved  founds ; 
 
 I  know  the  charming  lyre  ; 
 No  mortal  voice  fo  fweetly  wounds. 
 
 And  ravifli'es  mine  ear. 
 I  hear  the  voice,  I  feel  the  dart. 
 
 My  bread  begins  to  burn, 
 Tho.  joyful  found  revives  my  heart 
 
 With  hopes  of  his  return. 
 
 In's  volume,  Lo  I  I  come^  faid  he  f , 
 
 And  now  I  fee  him  move. 
 In  folemn  triumph  towards  me, 
 
 On  wings  of  wondrous  love. 
 His  coming  in  t^at  flefjj  I  view. 
 
 Glad  Heav'n  his  march  attends  : 
 And  coming  in  the  fpirit  too, 
 
 For,  lo  !  the  Dove  defcends. 
 
 Dark  (hades  adieu,  bright  morning  fprings, 
 
 Behqld  the  gilded  fphere  ! 
 Incarnate  Love's  perfumed  wings 
 
 Now  cleave  the  (hady  air. 
 He  over  hills  and  mountains  high 
 
 Comes  flying  on  the  clouds. 
 In  (lately  pomp  advancing  nigh, 
 
 Through  all  oppofmg  crouds. 
 Of    principalities    and   pow'rs 
 
 He  makes  an  open  (hew  j 
 Down,  in  his  march,  he  throws  the  tow*rs. 
 
 Of  hell's  outragious  crew. 
 He  Ikips  o'er  rocks  without  delay. 
 
 Nor  tarries  he  to  climb  ; 
 For  hills  and  mountains  in  the  way 
 
 Are  but  a  leap  to  him. 
 i^  Piiilm  xl.  7. 
 
Ver.  8,  9.     Song  of  So  l  omon.  33^ 
 
 0*er  heaps  of  fm  to  run  he  deigns  j 
 
 O'er  hills  of  guilt  to  flee  : 
 Nor  death,  nor  hell,  nor  wrath  reftrains 
 
 His  loving  march  to  me. 
 
 Ver.  9.  My  Beloved  is  like  a  roe^  or  a  young  hart  .•— - 
 
 When  faith  itfelf  can  hardly  fee 
 
 What  pow'r  could  ever  pave 
 The  rocky  mountains  whereon  he 
 
 Muft  come  to  feek  and  fave ; 
 
 When  manifold  obftrudions  met, 
 
 My  loving  Jefus  made 
 A  ftepping-ftone  of  every  let 
 
 That  in  his  way  was  laid. 
 O'er  hills  of  fin  and  vales  of  grief. 
 
 O'er  mountains,  rocks,  and  feas. 
 For  my  falvation  and  relief 
 
 He  runs,  he  leaps,  he  flies. 
 O'er  every  Bether,  high  and  low. 
 
 That  him  and  me  did  part. 
 He  marches  like  the  bounding  roe. 
 
 Or  loving  youthful  hart. 
 
 To  manifeft  that  his   delights 
 
 Were  with  the  fons  of  men. 
 He  haftens  to  reftore  their  rights, 
 
 And  rifle  Satan's  den. 
 No  doubt  remains  of  his  good-will, 
 
 Whofe  fpeedy  march  does  prove 
 His  joyful  fondnefs  to  fulfil 
 
 His  purpofes  of  love. 
 When  heinous  trefpaffes  of  mine. 
 
 Make  me  conclude  that  he 
 Will  never  any  more  inciine 
 
 Again  to  vifit  me. 
 
 And  yet  I  fee  him  hafting  near, 
 
 And  fmiling  in  my  face  ; 
 How  can  I  but  adore,  admire, 
 
 And  magnify  his  grace  ! 
 
340      -4  Paraphrase   on  the     Chap.  II. 
 
 — Behold,  hejlandeth  behind  our  wall ;  he  looketh  forth  * 
 at  the  windows,  Jheiving  \  himfelf  through  the  lattefs. 
 
 Come,  friends,  admire  how  he  renews 
 
 The  vifits  of  his  grace, 
 And  in  what  various  forms  he  fhews 
 
 The  beauties  of  his  face. 
 His  darkeft  ways  will  prove  him  kind  j 
 
 For,  when  he  hides  at  all, 
 He  goes  not  far,   but  (lands  behind 
 
 Our  own  partition-wall. 
 
 Though  we,  alas !  do  build  up  high 
 
 The  hiding  wall  of  fin  : 
 Yet  he  behind  it,  very  nigh, 
 
 Stand  ready  to  come  in. 
 
 His  feet  no  reft  can  elfewhere  take, 
 
 But  fkiping,  leaping,  move, 
 Till  me  the  refting-place  he  make, 
 
 And  centre  of  his  love. 
 And  though,  while  in  this  diftant  place, 
 
 This  vale  of  fin  and  thrall, 
 ITiere's  ftill  between  me  and  his  face 
 
 A  thick,  a  dark'ning  wall  j 
 
 Yet  diftance  alters  not  his  love, 
 
 Nor  ought  abates  his  care, 
 Which  force  him  through  the  wall  to  move. 
 
 And  make  a  window  there  : 
 That  there,  as  through  a  window-glafs 
 
 However  dark  and  dim, 
 His  eye  of  love  to  me  may  pafs. 
 
 Mine  eye  of  faith  to  him. 
 
 Through  latteifes  that  light  divide, 
 
 Through  glorious  gofpel-lines, 
 A  vail  of  flelh,  a  pierctd  fide, 
 
 His  love,  his  beauty  fliines. 
 Thus,  W^e  a  beauteous  flow'r  in  fpring, 
 
 He  (hews  liimfelf  in  ftate, 
 Before  thr  window  flouriihing,  ' 
 
 And  growing  through  the  grate. 
 
 ♦  Or  raiher,  locket h  in.  \   Heb.  Flourifning. 
 
Ver.  9}io«     Song  o/'Solomon.         341 
 
 Verfe  i  o.    My  Beloved /pake,  and /aid  unto  me  ;  Rife 
 up,  my  love,  my  fair  one,  and  come  away  ^. 
 
 When  my  Beloved  Jefus  nigh 
 
 Did  to  my  foul  appear, 
 His  matchlefs  beauty  charmed  mine  eye. 
 
 His  gracious  words  mine  ear. 
 Why,  though  the  fweetefl  favours  given 
 
 Are  in  his  felt  embrace  ; 
 Yet  fureft  intercourfe  with  heav'n  ' 
 
 Is  by  his  word  of  grace. 
 I'll  therefore  fmg  the  words  he  faid. 
 
 And  his  alluring  art. 
 Who  me  no  filent  vifit  made, 
 
 But  fpake  into  my  heart. 
 The  joyful  found  my  foul  reftor'd 
 
 And  heal'd  to  that  degree, 
 I  never  will  forget  his  word 
 
 By  which  he  quick'ned  me. 
 ".  Rife  up,  faid  he,  my  pleafant  bride, 
 
 "  And  leave  what  thee  annoys  ; 
 "  Lay  killing  fears  and  damps  afide, 
 
 "  And  fliare  my  quick'ning  joys. 
 "  My  love  !  there  is  no  fpot  in  thee 
 
 "  But  what  my  grace  fhall  hide  ; 
 "  Thou  art,  and  evermore  ihalt  be, 
 
 "  My  fair  and  comely  bride. 
 "  And  fmce  thou'rc  mine  by  folemn  tye, 
 
 "  And  Fm  fo  fond  of  thee, 
 *'  It  ill  becomes  thee  to  be  fiiy 
 
 "  And  carry  ftrange  to  me. 
 "  Are  mortal  pleafures  worth  thy  ftay  ? 
 
 "  Fly  from  their  dying  arms  ; 
 "  Hade  to  my  bofom,  come  away, 
 
 *'  And  {hare  immortal  charms. 
 
 Verfe  1 1 .  For,  lo  !  the  winter  is  pajl,  the  rain  is  over 
 and  gone. 
 
 *  See  Verfe  13. 
 
342        A  Paraphrase  on  the     Chap.  II. 
 
 "  Come  love,  faid  he,  for  now  thy  way 
 
 "  Is  pleafant,  fafe,  and  plain : 
 "  Behold  a  fair,  inviting  day 
 
 "  And  heav'n  above  ferene. 
 "  Fear  not  the  florm  ;  for,  ere  I  gave 
 
 "  The  gracious  call  to  thee, 
 *'  Fair  weather  I  commanded  have. 
 
 And  calm'd  the  raging  fea. 
 *'  Thou  haft  no  dang'rouc<  vv  inter-flight, 
 
 "  No  drop  of  wrath  to  dread  ; 
 "  The  ftorm  did  with  a  vengeance  light 
 
 "  Down  on  thy  Surety's  head. 
 *'  So  full  did  I  my  charge  perform 
 
 "  Once  in  thy  room  and  place, 
 "  That  now  no  killing  wrathful  florm 
 
 "  Can  blow  upon  my  face. 
 *'  Tempeftuous  wrath  and  death  is  pad, 
 
 *'  Stern  juftice  is  appeas'd  ; 
 *'  Since  I  courageous  bore  the  blaft, 
 
 "  All  Heav'n  is  fully  pleas'd. 
 "  I  call  thee  not  to  fight  and  bleed, 
 
 "  But,  free  of  pain  and  toil, 
 "  To  follow  thy  viftorious  Head, 
 
 "  And  gather  in  the  fpoil. 
 
 "  Yea,  winter  of  difertion's  pafl, 
 
 "  And  rain  of  trouble  o'er, 
 *'  While  by  my  prcfence  now  thou  haft 
 
 "  An  antcpaft  "^  of  glore. 
 
 Verfe  12.    The  floivcrs  appear  on  the  earth ,  the  time  cf 
 the  finging  \  of  birds  is  come. — 
 
 *'  Come,  come  ;  for  now  beloved  bride, 
 
 "  By  warming  beams  of  grace, 
 *'  The  youthful  fpring  with  flow'ry  pride 
 
 "  Looks  fmiling  in  riiy  face. 
 
 *  Or,  furetajte. 
 
 t   Heb.  The  time  offinging  is  cowc.     The  word  rendered  JiK^ I 'i^-, 
 Ognifies  alio  to  //rune-,   or  cnp. 
 
Ver.  12.        Song  e/"  Solomon.  343 
 
 "  See  lapfed  nature's  curfed  earth, 
 
 "  Nipt  with  a  winter-fall, 
 *'  Now  bled  with  buds  of  heav'nly  birth 
 
 "  And  flow'rs  around  the  ball. 
 "  See  Adam's  dry  and  blafted  root, 
 
 "  Where  briers  and  thorns  were  rife, 
 "  Now  bud  and  bear  unfading  fruit 
 
 "  Unto  immortal  life. 
 *'  Lo  !  hcav'n  appears  upon  the  ground 
 
 "  Where  hell  grew  up  apace  ; 
 *'  While  earthly  hearts  do  now  abound 
 
 "  With  heav'nly  flow'rs  of  grace. 
 *'  The  fading  trees  of  righteoufnefs 
 
 "  Refume  their  fruitful  life, 
 "  While  I  the  branches  lop  and  drefs, 
 
 "  And  blefs  the  pruning  knife. 
 "  The  prefent  time  of  peaceful  fpring 
 
 "  From  wintry  blufters  free, 
 "  Invite  the  heav'nly  birds  to  fmg 
 
 "  Upon  the  living  tree. 
 
 ■ —  And  the  -v^ke  of  the  turtle  ^  h  heard  in  our  land. 
 
 "  Lo  !  now  is  heard  the  heav'nly  Dove, 
 
 "  The  facred  Turtle's  voice  ; 
 "  The  joyful  found  of  grace  and  love 
 
 "  Makes  drooping  hearts  rejoice. 
 
 "  Refounding  echoes  through  the  plain 
 
 "  From  all  my  little  doves, 
 "  That  in  the  valleys  mourn  amain, 
 
 "  Melodious  mufic  proves. 
 *'  Their  hearts  that  could  nor  joy  nor  mournj 
 
 "  So  clofe  bound  up  and  pent, 
 "  Have  now  upon  their  Lord's  return, 
 
 "  A  joyful,  mournful  vent. 
 '^'  As  loving  friends  long  diflant  do 
 
 "  Moil  joyful  meet  their  wiih, 
 "  Whofc  forrows  during  abfence,  now 
 
 "  Diffolving-,  bleed  afrelk  : 
 
 *  By  the  turtle,  fome  underftand  the  Spirit,  fonie  tlic  liids. 
 Vol.  X.  X:: 
 
344        -^  Paraphrase  on  the    Chap. II, 
 
 "  So  wreftling  tribes,  in  chearful  mones, 
 
 "  Their  Lord  approaching  wait, 
 "  With  joyful  hearts,  yet  mournful  tones, 
 
 "As  turtles  meet  their  mate. 
 •   "  Sweet  founds,  alluring  all  that  lift, 
 
 "  Are  heard  on  every  hand, 
 "  Around  the  field  that  I  have  bleft, 
 
 "  And  ftil'd,  Immanuel*s  land. 
 
 Verfe  13.  The  fig-tree  putteth  forth  her  green  Jigs,  and 
 the  vine  with  the  tender  grape  give  a  goodfmelL — 
 "  Now,  now  is  the  accepted  time, 
 
 "  When  heav'nly  plants  of  grace 
 "  All  preffing  forward  to  their  prime, 
 
 "  And  thriving,  grow  apace. 
 "  The  figs,  though  yet  unripe  for  meat, 
 
 "   Appear  in  green  array  : 
 "  Young  grapes  unripe  for  drink,  yet  fweet 
 
 "  And  iav'ry  fcents  convey. 
 "'  AVith  joy  the  early  fprigs  I  fee, 
 
 "  The  young  and  tender  race  ; 
 "  And  view  with  pleafure  in  mine  eye, 
 
 ''■  The  fmalleft  buds  of  grace. 
 "  Yea,  lo  !  the  well-advanced  fpring 
 
 "  Does  in  abundance  now, 
 "  Not  only  flow'rs  for  pleafure  bring, 
 
 "  But  fruits  for  profit  too. 
 "  The  living  vine  inceflant  does 
 
 "  To  ev*ry  branch  difpenfe, 
 "  MoH:  fweet  and  odoriferous  juice, 
 
 "  From  fteams  of  hell  to  fence. 
 "  Are  ferpents  faid  to  flee  the  fin^tll 
 
 "  Of  vines  with  fear  and  dread  ? 
 "  Perfumes  of  Heav'n's  true  Vine  repeli 
 
 "  Th'  old  ferpent  and  his  feed. 
 
 — Arije,  my  love,  my  fair  one,  and  come  away  ^. 
 ",  Rife,  drooping  bride,  while  fpring  fo  fweet. 
 In  place  of  winter  fneil. 
 
 Does  thus  by  various  cliarms  invite 
 
 "  Thine  eyes,  and  ears,  and  fnicl!. 
 
 *  See  Vcrfc  10. 
 
Ver.  13,  14-        Song  f?/"  Solomon,         345 
 "  Fair  love,  *tis  thee  I'm  fond  to  wed  ; 
 
 "  'Tis  thee  I'm  loth  to  want : 
 *'  Come  to  thy  heav'nly  mate,  and  bid 
 
 "  All  earthly  loves  avaunt. 
 "  Thy  company  and  love  to  gain 
 
 "  I  am  fo  ftrongly  bent, 
 "  I'll  ftill  infill,  till  I  obtain 
 
 "  Thy  full  and  free  confent. 
 "  Hafte  to  mine  arms  ;  for,  didft  thou  move 
 
 "  As  I'm  to  thee  inclin'd, 
 "  Thy  heart  would  on  the  wings  of  love 
 
 "  Outfly  the  hafty  wind. 
 
 Verfe  14.  If  0  my  dove  that  art  in  the  clefts  of  the  rock, 
 in  the  fecret  places  of  the  Jlairs,  let  me  fee  thy  conn- 
 trcnance,  let  me  hear  thy  voice  ;  for  fweet  is  thy 
 voice,  and  thy  countenance  is  comely » 
 
 "  My  dove  that  in  the  lofty  rock 
 
 "  Are  wont  to  nellle  high, 
 "  And  to  my  wounds  when,  ftorms  provoke, 
 
 "  As  ftielt'ring  holes  to  fly  ; 
 
 "  In  fecret  corners  wont  to  vent 
 
 "  Thy  heart  to  me  alone, 
 "  Kindly  to  pour  thy  heavy  plaint, 
 
 "  And  make  thy  humble  mone  : 
 "  O  why  doft  thou  that  built  fo  high, 
 
 "  At  every  threat'ning  (hoke, 
 >  "  So  tim'rous  now  for  fhelter  fly 
 
 "  To  any  lower  rock  ? 
 "  Why,  frighted  from  thy  lofty  neft, 
 
 "  To  lurking  holes  and  clifts 
 "  Dofl  take,  with  ihame  and  fear  oppreft, 
 
 "  Such  vain  and  forry  Ihifts  ? 
 "  Look  up,  my  dove  ;  nor  blufti  nor  fear 
 
 "  Thy  heav'nly  mate  to  face, 
 «  Who  wills  thee  boldly  to  appear 
 
 "  Before  his  throne  of  grace. 
 "  Lift  voice  and  count'nance  both  upright, 
 
 "  With  confidence  to  me  ; 
 "  And  let  thy  voice  mine  ears  delight, 
 
 ""  Thy  countenance  mine  eye. 
 Xx  2 
 
34<^        -A  Paraphrase  on  the      Chap.IL 
 
 *'  For  fwect's  thy  voice  of  pray'r  and  praife, 
 
 "  Which  pleafe  me  more  to  hear, 
 **  Than  ever  choice  melodious  lays 
 
 "  Could  charm  a  mortal  ear. 
 
 *'  Thy  humbled  mournful  notes,  my  dove, 
 
 "  Excel,   in  my  efteem, 
 "  Their  higheft  (trains  that  artful  rove 
 
 "  In  orat'ry  divine. 
 *'  Thy  countenance  is  alfo  fair 
 
 "   And  comely  in  mine  eyes  ; 
 "  Though  earthly  minds  with  fcornful  air 
 
 "  Thy  heav'nly  mein  defpife. 
 
 "  For,  v.'hile  my  righteoufnefs  complete 
 
 "  Is  (till  thy  robe  renown'd, 
 *'  My  graces  in  thy  count'nance  meet, 
 
 "  And  caft  their  luftre  round. 
 
 Vcrfe  15.  Take  ^  us  the  foxes  ^  ihe  little  foxes  that  ff  oil 
 the  vines  ;  for  our  vines  have  tender  grapes. 
 
 "  But  fmcc  my  bride*s  a  tim'rous  dove, 
 
 "  Soon  fcarrM  and  fet  aftray ; 
 "  Care  mufl  be  taken  to  remove 
 
 "  The  fright'ning  beads  of  prey. 
 
 "   Of  hurtful  foes  a  hellifli  brood 
 
 "   Againft  her  peace  combines  j 
 '^'  As  in  a  vineyard  foxes  rude 
 
 "  Infcfl  the  feeble  vines. 
 *'  Let  all  concernM  in  her  and  me 
 
 "  Soon,  at  our  indance,  feize 
 '*  The  foxes  great  and  fmall  they  fee 
 
 "  That  fpoil  the  rifmg  trees. 
 *'  Ye  miniders  of  my  affairs, 
 
 "  My  vineyard  who  attend, 
 "  I  charge  you  guard  againd  the  fnares 
 
 "  Tliat  do  the  vines  offend. 
 
 *'  Ai^.  erring  teachers  foon  defcry, 
 
 "  Deceitful  workers  check  ; 
 ^'  All  falfe  apodlcs  take  and  try, 
 
 "   llcfute,  repel,  rejeft. 
 
 •  Take,  ia  the  original,  is  in  ihc  plural  number,  take  ys-^ 
 
Ver.  15,16.        Song  0/ Solomon.         347 
 
 No  cunning  fpoilers  flightly  mark, 
 
 "  No  little  foxes  fpare  : 
 
 For  thefe  no  fmall  dcftruftion  work, 
 
 "  No  little  mifchief  fliare. 
 
 A  little  fox  foon  fpoils  and  rents 
 
 "  Small  branches  to  the  flump  : 
 
 A  little  leaven  foon  ferments 
 
 "  And  leavens  all  the  lump. 
 
 Our  vines  have  fmall  and  tender  grapes  : 
 
 "  And  if  the  ftrong,  the  big. 
 
 With  much  ado  the  hurt  efcapes, 
 
 "  How  hardly  will  the  fprig  ? 
 
 Each  foul  be  alfo  taught  to  catch 
 
 "  Small  foxes  hid  in  heart ; 
 
 Vain  thoughts,  deceitful  lufts,  that  hatch 
 
 "  And  gender  grievous  fmart. 
 
 Their  httle  rifmg  brats  deflroy, 
 
 "  Their  fmall  beginnings  hufh  ; 
 
 Elfe  they  the  buds  of  grace  and  joy, 
 
 "  The  tender  branches  crufh. 
 
 Verfe  16.    %  My  beloved  is  mine,   and  I  am  bis  ;    he 
 feedeth  ^  among  the  lilies  \. 
 
 Such  were  the  kindly  words  he  fpoke 
 
 To  give  my  foul  repofe  ; 
 Such  was  the  order  ftrid  he  took 
 
 With  my  difturbing  foes.  < 
 
 I'll  therefore  boldly  now  affert. 
 
 While  vet  he  hides  his  face. 
 And  own  his  int'reft  in  my  heart. 
 
 My  int'reft  in  his  grace. 
 Lo  !  I  am  his,  and  he  is  mine  ; 
 
 Our  titles  are  involv'd 
 By  my  flic  union,  fo  divine 
 
 As  cannot  be  diffolv'd. 
 Our  mutual  int'reft  firm  abides. 
 
 And  will  endure  for  ay ; 
 Hence,  though  behind  the  fliades  he  hides'. 
 
 He  is  not  far  away. 
 
 *  Viz.  Hiwftilf,   or  his  people. 
 
 \  That  is,  hh  peoplr^  or  his  ordinances . 
 
34^  J  Varaphrase  en  the     Chap.  11. 
 
 Though  heav'n  the  noblefl  banquet  yields, 
 
 Among  his  flow'rs  above ; 
 Yet  here  amidft  his  Hly-fields 
 
 He  keeps  his  feafts  of  love. 
 
 'Mongfl:  faints  whofe  robes  are  lily-white. 
 
 By  v.'afliing  in  his  blood, 
 To  ;Trace  the  feafl:  is  his  delight, 
 
 His  meat,  and  drink,  and  food. 
 With  loving  care  his  flocks  he  feeds 
 
 Upon  the  fateft  place, 
 Amongft  the  faircft  lily-beds. 
 
 The  paflures  of  his  grace. 
 By  faith  I  wait  my  proper  fhare, 
 
 When  nought  by  fenfe  I  fee ; 
 And  argue  from  his  paft'ral  care 
 
 His  loving  mind  to  me. 
 
 Ver.  17.  *  Until  the  day  break  \,  and  the  Jhadows  Jlee 
 away. — 
 
 Among  the  lilies  here  below 
 
 My  Lord  will  feed  and  flay. 
 Until  eternal  day  fhall  blow 
 
 Time's  (hady  night  away: 
 
 Still  therefore  rays  of  joy  remain, 
 
 Tho'  dampt  with  clouds  of  fear  -, 
 Until  he  cleave  the  ftarry  plain, 
 
 And  on  the  clouds  appear. 
 
 Did  faints  of  old,  when  wrapt  in  night,  ' 
 
 Believing,  hope  to  fee 
 Incarnate  Love's  fubftantial  light 
 
 Make  legal  fliadows  flee  ? 
 
 *Tis  done  ;  and  now  the  brighter  fl^y 
 
 Makes  gofpel-grace  the  pawn  ; 
 That  all  remaining  fhades  fliall  die 
 
 And  fmk  in  glory's  dawn. 
 
 Her  fiery  wheels,  with  fpeedy  flight. 
 
 Shall  o'er  the  fhades  be  hurl'd  j 
 And  deluges  of  dawning  light 
 
 O'erfpread  the  duflvy  world. 
 
 *  Thcfe  words  are  applicable  either  to  ihc  preceding  or  fol- 
 lowing, f  Heb.  Breathe,  or  bloiu. 
 
Vek.ji.        Song  o/"  So  lomon.  549 
 
 Let  there  be  lights  once  more  he'll  fay. 
 
 Who  firft  did  gild  the  ball : 
 Then  up  fhall  rife  the  endlefs  day, 
 
 And  down  the  fhadows  fall. 
 Darknefs  the  charge,  no  more  to  be. 
 
 Shall  hear,  and  foon  obey ; 
 And  clouds  of  fin  and  forrow  flee 
 
 Before  the  rifing  day. 
 The  long  dark  nights  that  keep  the  field 
 
 And  domineer'd  with  might. 
 Shall  then  refign  their  place,  and  yiold 
 
 To  everlafting  light. 
 Ev'n  ordinances  fweet  fhall  pafs, 
 
 Which  darkly  ihew  him  here; 
 For  then  he'll  break  the  looking-glafs, 
 
 And  face  to  face  appear. 
 
 Welcome,  the  great,  the  glorious  (lore  j 
 
 Adieu,  fweet  httle  pawns : 
 I'll  doubt,  and  fear,  and  fm  no  more. 
 
 When  glory's  morning  dawns. 
 
 — 'Turn  ^,  my  Beloved,  and  be  thou  like  a  roe,   or  o, 
 young  hart  upon  the  mountains  of  Bether  f. 
 
 Kind  Lord,  till  this  bright  morn  appear 
 
 To  my  eternal  blifs ; 
 Till  dufky  fliadows  all  retire 
 
 And  work  no  more  diflirefs  : 
 
 Turn,  till  this  glorious  break  of  day ; 
 
 O  turn  to  me  thy  face ; 
 While  in  the  fhady  vale  I  flay. 
 
 Deny  me  not  thy  grace. 
 While  circling  woes  deprefs  my  foul 
 
 To  various  darkfome  urns  : 
 Let  circling  mercies  round  me  roll. 
 
 By  various  kind  returns. 
 
 O'er  hills. of  fm,  and  guilt,  and  wo. 
 
 That  place  us  far  apart. 
 Come  marching  like  the  bounding  roe, 
 
 Or  loving  youthful  hart. 
 
 *  viz.  As  in  a  circriir. 
 
 f  Tiiat  is,   ofjivijtont  ov  fcfaration. 
 
350        A  ?ARAPHK  AS E  oji  the    Chap. III. 
 
 O'er  mountains  to  their  mates  they  move, 
 
 They  fkip,  they  leap,  they  flee ; 
 "With  equal  eafe,  and  fpeed,  and  love, 
 
 Hafle  o'er  the  hills  to  me. 
 
 Though  juftly  thou  retire  and  hide, 
 
 Ihy  favours  ftand  unmov'd; 
 I'll  therefore,  own  J  am  thy  bride, 
 
 And  thou  art  my  Belov'd. 
 Hence  fliall  dividing  hills  and  rents 
 
 Between  my  foul  and  thee, 
 Be  to  my  iaith  but  arguments 
 
 To  haftc  thy  march  to  me. 
 
 Let  mighty  hills,  o'er  much  to  go 
 
 Defies  my  feeble  limbs, 
 Enhanfe  the  glory  of  the  roe 
 
 That  rock  and  mountains  climbs. 
 Difficulties  fo  huge  to  mc 
 
 I  never  can  remove, 
 Be  but  occafions  fair  to  thee 
 
 To  fhew  thine  ad:ive  love. 
 Let  rifmg  mountains  hafle  the  view 
 
 Of  all-furmounting  might : 
 And  ev'ning  (hades,  the  falling  dew 
 
 Of  love,  till  morning  light. 
 
 CHAP-      in. 
 
 The  church's  Fight  and  Vidlory  in  Temptati- 
 on.— She  glorieth  in  Christ. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 Ver.  I.  By  flight  on  my  bed  \  fought  him  whom  my  foul 
 hveth :  ] fought  him  ;  but  I  found  hiia  not. 
 
 WHEN  fliadows  dark,  and  mountains  high. 
 With  Hern  united  might, 
 Confpir'd  to  hide  him  from  mine  eye 
 
 Whofe  abfence  is  my  night ; 
 Upon  my  drowfy  bed  alone, 
 
 Amidft  my  flumbers  toft, 
 I  fought  him  ;  but  my  llothful  monc 
 And  lazy  labour  loft. 
 
VfiR.  I,  2.      Song  of  Solomon.  31  i 
 
 Love  acting  fucli  a  languid  part, 
 
 I  felt  a  llranQ,e  dlfcale  ; 
 An  abfc;nt  Lord,  a  carelefs  heart. 
 
 And  reft  without  releafe.    ' 
 Juftly  the  darling  of  my  foul, 
 
 Still  rolling  in  my  mind. 
 Did  my  dull  fait  again  controul : 
 
 1  fought ;  but  could  not  find. 
 
 Vcrfe  2.    /  will  rife  now,  and  go  about  the  city,  ifi  th^ 
 Jireets ;   and  in  the  broad  ways  I  will  jcek  him  %vhoni 
 my  foul  lovcth  :  I  fought  him  ;  but  IfQiind  him  fio-t^ 
 
 Since  my  Beloved  won't  be  found 
 
 In  fuch  a  lleepy  road, 
 I'll  roufe,  and  rife^  and  go  around 
 
 The  city  of  my  God. 
 More  life  and  vigour  than  before. 
 
 Through  grace,  I  will  difplay  ; 
 And  in  my  fearch  frequent  no  more 
 
 This  lazy,  formal  way. 
 But,  {haking  off  my  drowfy  chains. 
 
 About  his  courts  I'll  move, 
 With  more  adlivity  and  pains. 
 
 To  feek  my  dearefl  Love. 
 I'll  ev'ry  fecret  corner  trace. 
 
 And  fearch  the  public  llreet. 
 The  ordinances  of  his  grace. 
 
 Till  I  my  Saviour  meet. 
 
 In  mere  refolvcs  1  did  not  fiflj 
 
 But  fought  him  here  and  there  ; 
 Yet,  ah  !    the  God  of  Jacob  niiftj 
 
 Ev'n  in  the  houfe  of  pray'r. 
 
 So  m.uch  did   former  lazinefs 
 
 To  prefent  lofs  redound. 
 That  in  the  moll  divout  addrefs 
 
 He  was  not  to  be  found. 
 
 Verfe  3.  The  watchmen  that  go  about  the  cily  found  me  : 
 to  whom  1  faid,  i^aw  ye  him  whom  my  foul  k-ved. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Yy 
 
352      ^Paraphrase  o«  /^^     Chap.  IIL 
 
 Then  was  1  (while  I  roam'd  abroad) 
 
 By  faithful  watchmen  found, 
 Who    in   the  city  of  their   God 
 
 Perform'd  their  painful  round. 
 
 To  whom  I  cry'd,  with  great  refped, 
 
 "  Ye  pilots  of  the  blind, 
 "  Can  ye  my  wand'ring  fleps  dire£t 
 
 "  My  deareft  love  to  find  ? 
 *'  1  hope,  ye  who  with  heav'nly  art 
 
 "  Still  tread  the  holy  ground, 
 "  Well  know  the  darling  of  my  heart, 
 
 "  And  where  he  may  be  found. 
 "  When   my  Belov'd  is   hid  from  you, 
 
 "   What  paths,  what  means  of  grace  ; 
 *'   What  courfe  do  ye  yourfelves  purfue 
 
 "  To  fee  his  lovely  face  ? 
 *'  Tell  me,  ye  watchmen  of  the  night, 
 
 "  I  pray  you,  tell  me  where 
 "  Did  ye  efpy  my  foul's  delight  ? 
 
 "  That  I  may  feek  him  there. 
 ''  O  happy  (lars,  if  ye  might  be 
 
 "  My  guides  to  Jcfus  now  ! 
 "  Seers,  did  ye  my  Saviour  fee  ? 
 
 "  Pray,  tell  me  where  and  how? 
 But,  ah  !  no  lips  of  faints,  or  priefls, 
 
 My  prefent  plaint  could  flay  ; 
 All  were  but  dry  and  empty  breafls, 
 
 While  Jcfus  was  away. 
 My  teachers  left  me  flill  in  doubt, 
 
 \^'hile  he  withheld  his  grace  ; 
 Even  when  their  dooixiwQ  found  me  oiify 
 
 And  touch'd  my  very  cafe. 
 Though  public  means  ro  prefent  flop 
 
 Put  to  my  bleeding  wound  ; 
 "Yet,  lo  !  the  healing  dew  they  drop 
 
 I  foon  in  private  found. 
 
 Verfe  4.  It  ivas  hut  a  J'lillc  thai  I pajfed  from  ibem,  but 
 1  found  him  ixhom  ?iiy  foid  lovctb  : — 
 
Ver.3,4*        3ong  o/*Solomon.  353 
 
 "When  public  ordinances  fail'd 
 
 In  eafing  my  complaints ; 
 When  little  to  my  help  avail'd. 
 
 Or  minifters  or  faints  : 
 .  "When  means  and  duties  could  not  do. 
 
 Though  ufeful  in  their  place, 
 As  open  inns  ;  and  precious  too, 
 
 As  fweet  canals  of  grace  : 
 Yet,  proving  as  to  fuccefs  weak, 
 
 Beyond  them  ail  I  pad:, 
 A  little  further  ftep  to  make, 
 
 And  found  my  Love  atlafl. 
 When  outward  conduit-pipes  could  vent 
 
 No  drop  to  help  my  need, 
 The  little  (lep  I  further  vv^ent 
 
 Was  to  the  fountain-head. 
 For  paffing  through  the  brittle  reeds. 
 
 And  but  a  little  fpace  ; 
 And  looking  o'er  the  fervant's  heads, 
 
 I  faw  the  Mailer's  face. 
 My  trufl;  in  means  did  from  them  pafs, 
 
 A  higher  rock  to  climb  ; 
 But  through  them,  as  the  looking-glafs, 
 
 I  fixt  mine  eyes  on  him. 
 How  foon  through  gofpel  telefcopes 
 
 Faith  did  his  glory  fpy  ; 
 Difmilling  all   inferior  hopes. 
 
 My  heart  purfu'd  mine  eye. 
 I  found  my  foul's  beloved  chafe. 
 
 In  all  his  pleafing  charms  ; 
 Then  joyful  flew  to  his  embrace, 
 
 And  grafp'd  him  in  mine  arms. 
 
 —  /  held  him  ^,  ai^d  would  not  let  him  gOy — 
 
 His  prefence,  which  by  faith  and  prayer, 
 
 1  fought  fo  much  to  gain  ; 
 Now,  when  enjoy'd,  with  equal  care 
 
 I  labour*d  to  retain. 
 
 *   Viz.  fir^N,  as  a  man  doth  his  pofTefllon. 
 
 Yy  2 
 
3^4        J  Paraphrase  on  the     CnAr.IIL 
 
 I  wept  for  joy  to  fee   his  face  ; 
 
 And,  like  a  kindly  bride, 
 Inclos'd  him  fall:  in  mine  embrace, 
 
 And  prclt  him  to  abide.  , 
 
 His  prefencedid  fuch  blifs  imply, 
 
 His  abfcnce  fuch  a  bane  ; 
 \  now  refolv'd  that  he  and  I 
 
 Siiould  never  part  again. 
 1  faw  his  fmiling  face,  where  flood 
 
 A  thoufand  lovely  charms  ; 
 And  nv,  Ited  down  into  a  flood  ^ 
 
 Of  pleafure  in  his  arms. 
 
 And,  lightingnow  on  Jacob's  roadj 
 
 Did  equal  fervour  ffiow  ; 
 I  wept  and  wreflled  with  my  God^ 
 
 And  would  not  let  him  go  f. 
 In  heat  of  battle   for  the  blifs, 
 
 On  pleafant  Bethel  plains ; 
 \  held  him  by  his  faithfulnefs, 
 
 1  he  girdle  of  his  reins. 
 And  while  I  made  his  truth  my  fliield. 
 
 His  word  of  grace  my  flay  ; 
 The  God  of  Jacob  deign'd  tD  yield. 
 
 And  could  not  fay  me  nay. 
 
 Of  freedom  great  v/ithout  offence 
 
 Allov.'ing  me  my  fill : 
 With  holy,   humble  violence 
 
 1  won  him  to  my  will.. 
 
 -^rrr-^Until  I  had  brow^ht  him  into  niy  mother'' s  houfe,  and 
 into  the  chambers  of  her  that  conceivted  me. 
 
 While  fucii  a   banquet  I  enjoy'd, 
 
 Such,  pow'r  with  God  in  prav'r. 
 My  court  and  moyen  ^  I  employ'd 
 
 That  oflicrs  too  might  (hare-. 
 
 Remcmb'ring,  while  1  fuck'd  the  comb. 
 
 My  iiarving  friends  in  jyil  ; 
 l  brou.ht  him  to  my  mother's  hon^.e, 
 
 H  s.  largelfes  to  deal ; 
 
 |:  Gea..?  sii.  24, — 2-.  Ho;',  xli.  4.  *  Inlercfl. 
 
Ver.4»5'     Son  g  0/ So  lomon.  3^-^^ 
 
 That  all  my  relatives  might  taflc 
 
 My  prcfent  wondrous  blifs, 
 "Who  faint  with  famine  in  the  wafte 
 
 And  howling  wildcrnefs. 
 "With  ardent  zeal  befought  I  him, 
 
 To  let  his  bleffing  fall 
 On   mydical  Jerufalem, 
 
 The  mother  of  us  all. 
 'Tis  writ  in  Zion*s  infant-roll, 
 
 This  man  and  that  man  there 
 Was  born  again  f  -,  and  there  my  foul 
 
 Firlt  drew  the  vital  air. 
 I  therefore  beg'd,  her  offspring  free 
 
 Might  have  with  peaceful  days. 
 The  plcafure  of  his  company 
 
 In  his  approved  ways. 
 
 His  prefence  to  her  houfe  I  fought, 
 
 Its  ruins  to  repair  ; 
 To  (Irengthen  what  his  hands  had  wrought;^ 
 
 And  iTiew  his  glory  there. 
 I  pray'd  him  to  my  native  home, 
 
 As  his  belov'd  refort ; 
 Nor  did  my  Lord  refufc  to  come 
 
 And  grace  his  facred  court. 
 
 For  there  he  filPd  oft  to  the  brim 
 
 My  cup  of  joy  ;  and  there 
 His  love  to  me,   and  mine  to  him, 
 
 Did  mutual  tokens  fhare. 
 I  found,  to  my  experience  glad. 
 
 That,  in  the  wreliling  way, 
 The   God  of  Jacob  never  faid 
 
 The  feed  of  Jacob,  nay. 
 
 Verfe  5.  /  charge  you,  0  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  by 
 the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field,  that  ye  fiir 
 not  up  nor  azvake  my  love  till  he  fleafe  ^'. 
 My  Lord  does  now  his  joyful  red 
 
 in  Zion's  bofom  take  ; 
 Wo  to  the  fm,  th*  unwelcome  gued, 
 This  fweet  repofc  fhall  break. 
 
 f  Pfilm  Ixxxvii   5. 
 
 *   tcfChap.  ii   7.   the  fame  words ;   Hut  here  th?y  relate  to  Chrift'j  prefcQce 
 ia  tht  char;h,  the  mother's  houfC;  that  that  be  not  aiarrcd. 
 
35^     -^  Paraphrase  qu  the    Chap.  III. 
 
 Ye  daughters   of  Jerufaiem, 
 
 That  love  to  him  profefs, 
 Take  care  you  do  not  lofe  the  gem, 
 
 The  joy  that  ye  poffcfs. 
 While  fome  delight  in  hinds  and  roes. 
 
 And  from  alarms  would  fhield 
 Their  foon-dillurbed,  foft  repofe. 
 
 Upon  the  open  field. 
 Shall  we  awake  our  dearefl  Love, 
 
 With  vain  and  earthly  noife, 
 That  may  provoke  him  to  remove, 
 
 And  darfi  our  prefent  joys  ? 
 If  fome  affe<a  the  rural  charms 
 
 And  pleafures  of  the  field, 
 A  dearer  love  is  in  our  arms 
 Than  ever  earth  could  yield. 
 If  they  their  pleafing  trifles  would 
 
 All  undid  urb'd  enjoy  ; 
 Shan't  we  our  deareli  darling  hold 
 
 And  hug  without  annoy  ? 
 Ye  then  that  of  my  mother*s  houfe 
 
 The  fons  and  daughters  are, 
 Be  careful,  while  he  ftays  with  us. 
 
 Left  ye  the  pleafure  mar. 
 While  he  vouchfafes  to  be  our  gueft. 
 
 And  grace  our  public  inn, 
 Let  r.oae  of  us  dillurb  his  reft. 
 
 By  Heav'n-piovoking  fin. 
 Jn  lave  he  comes  and  goes,  and  fo 
 
 May  leave  his  holy  hill : 
 But  woe  to  us  if  off  he  go 
 In  ivrath,  againft  his  will. 
 His  will  and  pleafure  is  a  law. 
 
 To  which  we  muft  fubmit : 
 But  never  tempt  him  to  withdraw, 
 Until  he  judge  it  fit. 
 
 The  Companions  Words. 
 Verie  6.  %  Who  is  this  ^  that  cometh  out  of  the  wilder. 
 
 •  Ti:J,  here,  ii  in  the  feminine  gtnJer;  g.d.  fVbaii  sHtibal  tomtthuf*  &c. 
 
Ver.  6.         Song  0/ Solomon.  357 
 
 nefs  like  pillars  offmoke^  perfumed  ivith  myrrh  and 
 frankincenfe^  and  all  powders  of  the  merchant  f 
 
 What  bride  is  this,  in  bright  aray, 
 
 With  precious  blelTings  ftor*d. 
 That  gives  us  folemn  charge  to  pay 
 
 Such  homage  to  her  Lord  ? 
 Up  from  the  defart  fee  her  move. 
 
 And  climb  the  azure  fkies  ; 
 As  from  the  glowing  altar's  ftove 
 
 The  fmoaky  pillars  rife. 
 Her  heart  inflam'd  with  holy  fire 
 
 In  the  dcvoutefl  mode. 
 Adventures  boldly  to  afpire 
 
 Unto  the  throne  of  God. 
 As  tow'ring  fmoke  in  air  ferene. 
 
 With  ftately  rifing  heads, 
 Majeftic  mounts  above  the  plain 
 
 In  lofty  pyramids : 
 See  how  her  warm'd  afFeftions  towV 
 
 And,  with  a  heav'nly  air. 
 Contempt  on  earthly  glory  pour. 
 
 As  worthlefs  of  her  care. 
 Perfum*d  with  myrrh  and  incenfe  fweet. 
 
 She  faiells  like  flow'ry  fpring. 
 With  fav'ry  graces,  odours  meet 
 
 To  entertain  her  King. 
 No  precious  powders  from  afar, 
 
 Of  which  the  merchant  boafls. 
 Like  thefe  her  grateful  odours  are, 
 
 Brought  from  iMMANUbi-'s  coafls. 
 So  wondrous  are  the  charms  we  fpy. 
 
 So  rich  the  broidcr'd  robe  ; 
 Her  darling  fplendor  blinds  our  eye. 
 
 And  blazes  o'er  the  globe. 
 
 The  Church's  fVcrds. 
 Ver.  7.  Behold  his  bed  ^  which  is  SoIomo'/i^Si-— 
 
 *  See  Chap.  I.  16. 
 
358         ^   P  A  R  A  P  H  R  A  S  E    0«   /^^      Ch  A  P.  III. 
 
 O  friends,  what  mean  you,  with  furprife, 
 
 On  mortal  me  to  gaze  ? 
 From  borrowed  beauty  turn  your  eyes 
 
 To  uncreated  rays. 
 
 Behold  the  King  magnificent, 
 
 »Who  me  fo  richly  clad  ; 
 Whom  Solomon  the  opulent  '^, . 
 
 Did  typify  and  lliade. 
 Come,  fee  his  equipage  prepar'd, 
 
 And  enfigns  of  renown  ; 
 His  (lately  bed,  his  royal  guard 
 
 His  chariot,  and  his  crown. 
 His  bed  of  ftate  in  Zion  (lands, 
 
 Within  the  royal  court ; 
 For  there  the  bleffing  heav'n  commands. 
 
 There  is  his  lov'd  refort. 
 There,  flill  remains,  as  prophets  vouch, 
 
 And  holy  fcriptures  tell. 
 The  Heir  of  heav'n's  embroider'd  couch 
 
 For  hugging  heirs  of  hell. 
 'This  is  my  reji^  here  will  I  flay  ^ 
 
 In  facred  lines  he  faid  t ; 
 And,  till  he  can  his  word  unfay. 
 
 He'll  never  change  his  bed. 
 'Tis  here,  with  pleafure  unexpreft. 
 
 Our  mutual  loves  combine. 
 On  eafy  downs  of  holy  reft, 
 
 And^^fellowfhip  divine. 
 The  furniture  and  coft  immenfe 
 
 About  the  bed  may  clear. 
 An   infinitely  greater  Prince 
 
 Than  Solomon  is  here. 
 
 — Three/core  valiant  men  are  about  it,  of  the  valiant  of' 
 Jfrael.     Verfe  8.  They  all  holdfwords,  being  ex- 
 pert in  war ;   every  man  hath  his  [word  upon  his 
 thigh,  hecaiije  of  fear  in  the  night. 
 Behold  the  royal  guard,  to  fence 
 
 His  bed  on  ev'ry  fide  ; 
 To  Ihew  the  fplendor  of  the  Prince, 
 
 The  fafety  of  the  bride.  » 
 
 *  Rich.  \  Plalm  cxxxil.  i.}. 
 
Ver.7,B.        Song  o/Solomon.  359 
 
 A  num'rous  hofl  of  nobler  nights 
 
 Than  Solomon's  brigade 
 Of    fixty    valiant    Ifraelites 
 
 Around  his  iv'ry  bed. 
 
 For,  lo  !  the  refting-place  to  guard 
 
 The  hofts  of  God  combine  ; 
 Thoufands  of  angels  all  prepar'd. 
 
 And  attributes  divine. 
 The  loweft  rank  that  rails  the  bed 
 
 Arc  watchmen  of  the  night, 
 Who  (land  as  fcntries  in  the  Ihade, 
 
 Until  the  niorning -light. 
 
 Of  thefe  the  faithful  to  their  Prince 
 
 No  naked  foldiers  are, 
 But  arm'd  complete  for  bold  defence. 
 
 As  mighty  fons  of  war. 
 By  long  experience  fK.ilful  grown 
 
 They  in  the  field  command  ; 
 And  val'rous  for  the  heav'nly  crown 
 
 They  fight  with  fword  in  hand. 
 The  Spirit's  fword  each  ready  wears 
 
 Clofe  girded  by  his  fide, 
 The  word  of  God,  to  ilill  the  fears 
 
 Of  Jefus'  royal  bride. 
 When  nightly  dread  her  quiet  mar. 
 
 Their  fwords  filence  the  fright, 
 And  from  the   holy  fpot  debar 
 
 The  terrors  of  the  night. 
 Yea,  Zion's  King  himfelf  acclaims 
 
 To  be  their  fhield  and  ihade  ; 
 His  blood,  his  v/ord,  his  oath,  his  names 
 
 Defend  the  royal  bed. 
 
 The  fentry  is  almighty  wings. 
 
 For  *  fubfidy  prepar'd : 
 What  fleeping  couch  of  earthly  kings 
 
 Can  boafl  of  fuch  a  guard  ? 
 Amidft  night-fhades  that  fear  fuggefl, 
 
 Amidfl:  f  menacing  harms, 
 They  ly  fecure,  whofc  bed  of  reft 
 
 Is  ftrong  Immanuel's  arms. 
 
 *  Help  or  aid.  f  Threatenbig, 
 
 V  o  L.  X.  Z  z 
 
Z6o        A  Paraphrase  on  the     Chap, III. 
 
 Ye  that  my  bright  aray  defcry, 
 
 See,  fee,  his  guarded  bed  ; 
 Where  1  in  eafe  and  fafety  ly, 
 
 Beneath  his  garment  fpread. 
 
 Verfe  9.  Kifig  Solomon  made  hlmfelf  a  chariot  of  the 
 ivood  of  Lebanon.  Verfe  10.  He  made  the  pil- 
 lars thereof  of  fiher^  the  bottom  thereof  of  gold, 
 the  covering  of  it  of  purple  ;  the  midft  thereof 
 being  paved  with  love  for  the  daughters  of  Jeru- 
 falem. 
 
 Ye  that,  amaz'd  at  my  afcent, 
 
 Stand  gazing  to  the  fky, 
 Come  fee  the  engine  eminent, 
 
 By  which  I  mount  fo  high. 
 
 Lo,  here  !  befide  the  refling-placc 
 
 And  bed  to  lay  me  foft, 
 Are  flying  chariot-wheels  of  grace 
 
 To  bear  my  foul  aloft. 
 Our  Solomon,  the  Prince  of  peace. 
 
 The  King  of  Zion  fam'd, 
 For  his  renown,  and  my  releafe, 
 
 A  (lately  chariot  fram'd. 
 He  who  for  pleafure  made  the  bed. 
 
 For  peace  who  fet  the  guard. 
 For  folemn  pomp  and  cavalcade. 
 
 This  glorious  engine  rear'd. 
 He,  congruous  to  his  old  decree, 
 
 For  (hewing  forth  his  praife, 
 A  cov'nant  firm,  of  promife  free. 
 
 Did  like  a  chariot  raifc. 
 None  fram'd  of  Leb'non's  fined  wood 
 
 By  wifefl:  engineers, 
 Could  equal  this,  fo  gay,  fo  good, 
 
 And  firm  to  endlcfs  years. 
 The  pillars  thereof,  for  the  eafe 
 
 And  fupport  of  the  weak. 
 Are    precious    filver   promifes, 
 
 That  will  nor  bow  nor  break. 
 
Ver,9) — II*       Song  (?/' Solomon.        361 
 
 Its  bottom  is  a  ground-work  fure 
 
 Of  pure  and  folid  gold, 
 From  bankrupt  begg'ry  to  fecure, 
 
 From  falling  through  t'  uphold. 
 Its  covering  fafe  from  fm  to  fhroud. 
 
 And  fure  from  wrath  to  hide, 
 Is  purple  dye,    the  fcarlet  flood, 
 
 From  Jefus'  wounded  fide. 
 For  Salem's  race  (though  fome  purblind 
 
 Its  outfide  pomp  but  move,) 
 The  midfl:  unfeen  is  pav'd  and  lin'd 
 
 With  velvet  feats  of  love. 
 He  who  to  fliew  his  kindnefs  frefli 
 
 For  human  brats  abroad, 
 Came  riding   in  a  car  of  flefh, 
 
 The  high,  the  humble  God  ; 
 Now  for  his  bride  a  chariot  fair 
 
 Of  gofpel-grace  provides  ;  . 
 
 In  which  he  conqu'ring  ev'ry  where, 
 
 And  flie  triumphing  rides. 
 
 Verfe  1 1.  Go  forth,  0  ye  daughters  ofZion,  and  behold 
 king  Solomon  with  the  crown  wherewith  his  mother 
 crowned  him  in  the  day  of  his  efpoufals^  and  in  the 
 day  of  the  gladnefs  cf  his  heart. 
 King  Jefus*  royalties  each  one, 
 
 O  Zion*s  daughters  fee  ; 
 The  bed,  the  guard,  the  couch,  the  crown 
 Prefented  to  your  eye. 
 
 Behold  my  King,  you'll  ftrange  the  lefs 
 
 To  fee  my  bright  array  ; 
 'Tis  fit  I  now  appear  in  drefs, 
 
 His  coronation-day. 
 Go  forth  in  heart,  from  earthly  toys, 
 
 From  felf,  that  airy  thing  ; 
 From  fmfiil  pleafures,  dying  joys, 
 
 And  fee  the  living  King. 
 To  him  whom  mother  Zion  bore, 
 
 The  crown  does  appertain  ; 
 His  father  to  his   mother  fwore, 
 
 That  Solomon  fhould  reign. 
 Z  z  2 
 
,62  J  P  AR  A  P  H  R  A  SE    on   /^^      ChAP.IIL 
 
 Behold  the  King,  with  wonder  deep, 
 
 Whofe  glory  cannot  fade, 
 Jefus  through  Solomon   the  type. 
 
 The  fubllance  through  the  fhadc. 
 Come  fee,  believe,  admire,  adore. 
 
 Heav*n  glad'ning  homage  pay. 
 To  match  his  mother's  crown  he  wore 
 
 Upon  his  nuptial  day. 
 The  day  wherein  he  bleft,  the  sarth. 
 
 And  won  his  bride  apart. 
 When  flie  him  met  with  holy  mirth. 
 
 And  he  rejoic'd  in  heart. 
 The  faints,  who  do  his  image  bear. 
 
 Proclaim  the  high  renown 
 Of  Zion's  King  ;  who  deigns  to  wear 
 
 Their  praifes  as  his  crown. 
 They  aft  the  fond  ^  maternal  part, 
 
 In  joint  applauding  bands ; 
 The  heav'nly  babe,  form'd  in  their  heart. 
 
 Is  crown'd  with  both  their  hands. 
 His  wedding  and  his  crowning  day 
 
 The  pompous  joys  unite  ; 
 To  pourtray  him  the  lovely  way 
 
 Where  grace  and  grandeur  meet. 
 Once  bound  unto  the  altar's  horns 
 
 A  vi6tim  for  our  dues, 
 His  head  was  crown'd  with  cruel  thorns 
 
 By's  mother-church  the  Jews. 
 But  plcafure  now  his  pains  repay, 
 
 And  pomp  that  fuits  him  well, 
 His  Father's  crown,  with  fov'reign  fway 
 
 O'er  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell. 
 
 *  Glad  and  motherly. 
 
Ver.  I.  Song  of  Solomon.  363 
 
 CHAP.        IV. 
 
 Christ  fetteth  forth  the  Graces  of  the 
 Church. — He  iheweth  his  Love  to  her. — 
 The  Church  prayeth  to  be  made  fit  for  his 
 Preience. 
 
 Christ's  Words, 
 
 Verfe  i.  Behold,  thou  art  fair,  my  love  ;  behold,  thou 
 art  fair  ;  thou  hajl  deques  eyes  within  thy  locks  :  thy 
 hair  is  as  a  flock  of  goats  that  appear  from  mount  Gilead. 
 
 MY  Love,  who  fligbteth  gaudy  fame, 
 Doil  human  praife  efchew. 
 Prom   zeal   to   magnify  my  name. 
 
 And  give  to  me  my  due  : 
 Thy  name  no  detriment  fuftains 
 
 By  travail  mine  to  raifc  ; 
 For,  lo  !  1  now  return  thy  pains. 
 
 By  crowning  thee  with  praife. 
 My  truth,  that  can't  the  falfe  decoy 
 
 Of  flattering  lips  approve, 
 Afferts,    to  animate  thy  joy. 
 
 Thou  art  my  fpotlefs  love. 
 Lo  1  thou  art  fair  ;  lo  !  thou  art  fair  ! 
 
 Twice  fair  thou  art,  I  fay  ; 
 My  righteoufnefs  and  graces  arc 
 
 Thy  double  bright  array. 
 Though  thou  a  fpotted  leopard, 
 
 And  black  thyfelf  doft  flile  ; 
 Yet,   as  a  mark  of  my  regard, 
 
 I  count  thee  free  of  guile. 
 When  to  a  dog,  a  mite,  a  gnat. 
 
 Thou  doil  thyfelf  compare. 
 And  call  thyfelf  a  hellifh  brat ; 
 
 Ev'n  then  I  call  thee  fair. 
 
 Thy  trembling  faith  will  fcarcely  own 
 
 My  comlinefs  on  thee  ; 
 Behold,  behold  !  twice  be  it  known, 
 
 Thou  art  all  fair  in  me  ! 
 
3'^4        ^  Paraphrase  ««/^^    Chap. IV. 
 
 I   fee  the   beauties  of   the  dove 
 
 Thee  decks  without  difguife  ; 
 For  there  devout  affedions  move. 
 
 Like  turtles  charming  eyes. 
 
 So  modeft,  humble,  pure,  and  chaftc. 
 
 So  faithful  to  their  mate  ; 
 On  me  alone  they  fix  and  reft. 
 
 And  all  my  rivals  hate. 
 
 Thy  beauteous  eyes,  vail'd  with  thy  locks, 
 
 Shew  with  fobriety : 
 And  heav'nly  beauties  fineft  ftrokes, 
 
 From  oRentation  free. 
 Gay,  like  a  comely  flock  of  goats 
 
 On  Gilead's  ftately  height, 
 Is  thine  adorning  hair,  that  notes 
 
 Thy  gefture  fhining  bright. 
 No  artful  curls,  no  pamper'd  hair. 
 
 The  pride  of  mortal  clay, 
 Can  parallel  the  heav'nly  air 
 
 Of  thy  well-ordered  way. 
 
 Ver.  2.  'Th'j  teeth  are  like  a  flock  ofjheep  that  are  even 
 Jhorn,  which  came  up  from  the  wajhing  ;  whereof 
 every  one  bear  twins,  and  none  is  barren  among 
 them. 
 
 The  world,  ftruck  with  thy  beauty,  may 
 
 Believe  thy  pafture  good. 
 Did  they  thy  grinders  white  furvey 
 
 That  champ  the  heav'nly  food. 
 Thy  teeth,  the  bread  of  life  that  cull. 
 
 And  eager  eat  my  llefh. 
 Are  acts  of  faith,  in  numoer  full, 
 
 In  nature  fair  and  frefh. 
 Thy  priefts,  the  living  bread  who  break. 
 
 And  nurfe  the  babes  new-born  ; 
 When   by   an   equal  law   they    ad 
 
 Like  evenly  teeth  adorn. 
 None  does  his  fellow  over-grow, 
 
 Wry'd  from  his  proper  place  ; 
 But  all,  as  equal  grinders,  fhow 
 
 Due  pains  to  feed  thy  race. 
 
Ver.  2,  3.         Song  0/ Solomon.  365 
 
 They  hold  a  comely  paritie, 
 
 Nor  orderlefs  moleft, 
 As  proud  o'ertopping  teeth  would  be 
 
 Like  prelates  o*er  the  reft. 
 
 Thine  aftive  zeal,  yet  mild  doth  keep 
 
 A  juft  equality; 
 Like  ev'nly  rounded  flocks  of  (heep, 
 
 New  paft  the  (hearer's  eye. 
 Thy  purity  exceeds  their  fleece 
 
 Wafh'd  in  the  cryftal  flood  ; 
 Thy  fruits  of  holinefs  and  peace 
 
 Outvie  their  num'rous  broad. 
 There  does  not  in  the  flock  appear 
 
 One  fruitlefs  barren  womb  : 
 But  all  by  twins  their  prcdud:  bear, 
 
 And  lead  them  bleeting  home. 
 
 Verfe  3.  Thy  lips  are  like  a  t  breed  of  fear  let,  and  thy 
 fpeech  is  comely  :  thy  temples  are  like  a  piece  of  a 
 pomgrenate  within  thy  locks, 
 
 I  view'd  thy  beauteous  moving  lips, 
 
 Inftrufting  Salem's  race, 
 And  dropping  purefl:  neftar  |  fips. 
 
 In  fav'ry  words  of  grace. 
 Thence  facred  pray'rs  and  praife  proceed, 
 
 So  grateful  unto  God  ; 
 Thy  lips  are  like  a  fcarlet  threed 
 
 Dy'd  with  atoning  blood. 
 
 Thefe  balhiy  lips,  with  pleafmg  voice, 
 
 Shrill  in  devotion's  path, 
 ^  Salute  mine  cars  with  fecretjoys: 
 
 And  fpread  a  fragrant  breath. 
 Thy  fpeech,  in  praife,  to  my  renown  ; 
 
 And  pray'r  for  blifs  from  me  ; 
 In  focial  words ^  to  make  me  known  j 
 
 Shews  grace  with  gravity. 
 
 f  A  pleafant  liquor;  delightful  in  tafte,  colour,  and  fmel!;  an- 
 tiently,  feijjned  to  be  drunk  hy  the  gods,  and  that  whofbever 
 drank  of  it  flioulJ  become  immortiil. 
 
366        -^  Paraphrase  o«  /^^    Chap.  IV. 
 
 Hence  granatc-like,  thy  temples  fair, 
 
 Vail'd  in  thy  locks  appear  ; 
 While  ruddy  blufhes  deck  thy  pray'r. 
 
 When  none  but  God  can  hear. 
 
 From  men  thou  hid'll  thy  rofy  cheeks. 
 
 Which  fhame  for  fm  doth  flufh  ; 
 Yet,  fpite  of  mafks,  thy  mein  deteds 
 
 Thy  beauteous  holy  blufli. 
 
 Verfe  4.  Thy  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  David,  builded 
 for  an  armoury,  whereon  there  hang  a  thoufand 
 bucklers,  all  jhields  of  mighty  men, 
 
 Befides  thy  coral  lips  and  cheek's 
 
 Thy  tw'ring  iv'ry  neck, 
 Fram'd  like  a  heav'nly  ftrudure,  fpeaks 
 
 Wifdom  its  architect. 
 This  neck  of  precious  faith  excells 
 
 King  David's  (lately  tow'r  ; 
 It  holds  the  glorious  Head,  and  dwells 
 
 Upon  the  rock  of  pow'r. 
 As  that  was  for  an  arm'ry  built 
 
 Of  warlike  weapons  bright, 
 Where  hung  a  thoufand  bucklers  gilt, 
 
 All  fhields  of  men  of  might. 
 
 So  this  moft  vig*rous  faith  of  thine 
 
 More  conqueft  by  my  names, 
 My  words,  and  attributes  divine. 
 
 Than  many  fhields  acclaims. 
 Defenfive  arms,  in  ev'ry  cafe, 
 
 Within  this  tow'r  abound ; 
 With  weapons  of  victorious  grace,  • 
 
 And  bulwarks  built  around. 
 Thy  neck  of  faith  affimulates 
 
 An  arm'ry  buih  upright. 
 It  (lands  renownM  for  valiant  feats, 
 
 And  boldeft  ads  of  might. 
 Faith  joining  her  almighty  king, 
 
 Safe,  fpite  of  fears,  can  dwell ; 
 And  viewing  death,  without  a  iling, 
 
 Defy  the  gates  of  hell. 
 
Ver.4, — 6.      Song  o/" Solomon.        367 
 
 Verfe  5.    ^hy  two  breafls  are  like  two  youn^  roes  that 
 are  twins  ^  which  feed  among  the  lilies  ^, 
 
 Thy  breads  of  love  refemble  roes 
 
 Both  young  dehghtful  twins  : 
 In  thee  fuch  equal  ardour  glows. 
 
 For  God,  and  'gainft  thy  fins. 
 Thou  op'neft  frank  a  twofold  bread. 
 
 Two  teft'ments,  and  two  feals  ; 
 "Which  to  thy  children  yield  a  fcafl 
 
 Of  milk  for  daily  meals. 
 Thine  equal  breads  delightful  feed, 
 
 With  milk  of  fweet  folacc 
 In  jud  proportion  to  the  need 
 
 Of  all  the  babes  of  grace. 
 Among  my  flocks,  the  lilie-fields. 
 
 Where  I  with  pleafure  fead. 
 Thy  wholefome  converfation  yields 
 
 Sweet  food  with  open  bread. 
 
 Verfe  6.  Until  the  day  break  f,  and  the  Jhadow^  flee  a- 
 way^  I  will  get  ?ne  to  the  mountains  cf  myrrh,  and 
 to  the  hill  of  frankincenfe, 
 
 I  heard  thy  former  warm  requeft. 
 
 To  hade  the  diades  away  ; 
 Or,  during  night,  abide  thy  gueft 
 
 Until  the  break  of  day. 
 Thy  pray'r  dill  in  mind  I  bear. 
 
 To  which  no  longer  mute  ; 
 As  then  I  bent  my  lid'ning  ears. 
 
 So  now  I  grant  thy  fuit. 
 In  Zion  mount  my  feet  diall  day. 
 
 And  there  I'll  lodge  with  thee. 
 Until  the  dawn  of   glory's  day 
 
 That  fliades  of  forrow  flee. 
 
 There  will  I  fmell  the  favour  fvvcct 
 
 Of  aftive  grace  and  prayer  ; 
 For  Zion  is  my  chofen  feat,  ' 
 
 rU  red  for  ever  there 
 
 *  See  Chap.  vii.  3.  f  Heb.  hreathe. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Aaa 
 
3^8         JPar  A  PHRASE  on  the      Chap.  IV. 
 
 Accepted  ofF'ring  all  mature 
 
 My  holy  bill  furround, 
 Perfum'd  with  myrrh  and  incenfe  pure, 
 
 That  fpread  their  odours  round. 
 No  fpice  fo  much  delights  the  fmell 
 
 As  incenfe  fmoking  there  : 
 Still,  therefore,  fhall  my  Spirit  dwell 
 
 Within  the  houfe  of  pray'r. 
 The  mount  of  incenfe,  hill  of  myrrh, 
 
 My  grace  fliall  ftill  adorn  : 
 Nor  thence  will  I  decamp  or  (lir, 
 
 Till  glory's  nuptial  morn  ; 
 Till  to  my  royal  courts  above 
 
 My  trumpet  call  thee  up. 
 To  confummate  our  endlefs  love, 
 
 And  drink  full  pleafure's  cup. 
 
 Verfe  7.    T/jou  art  all  fair,  jny  love  ;    there  is  no  fpot 
 in  thee. 
 
 My  love,  thou  feem'il  a  loathfome  worm  : 
 
 Yet  fuch  thy  beauties  be, 
 I  fpoke  but  half  thy  comely  form  j 
 
 Thour't  wholly  fair  in  me. 
 Whole  juftify'd,  in  perfect  drefs ; 
 
 Nor  jullice,  nor  the  law 
 Can  in  thy  robe  of  righteoufncfs 
 
 Difcern  the  fmallell  flaw. 
 Yea,    fandify'd  in  ev'ry  part, 
 
 Thou'rt  perfeft  in  defign  : 
 And  I  judge  thee  by  what  thou  art 
 
 In  thy  intent  and  mine. 
 Fair  love,  by  grace  complete  in  me, 
 
 Beyond  all  beauteous  brides  ; 
 Each  fpot  that  ever  fullied  thee 
 
 My  purple  vefture  hides. 
 
 Verfe  8.  ^  Come  ^  wiih  me  from  Lcharon,  my  fpoufe  ; 
 with  rue  from  Lebanon :  look  from  the  top  of  Amana, 
 from  the  top  of  Shenir  and  Hermon,  from  the  lions 
 dens,  from  the  mountains  of  the  leopards. 
 
 •  The  words  here  may  be  read  by  waj  of  promlfe,    Thu  /halt  cemt  viUh  me 
 
V£R.7,S.        Song  o/* Solomon.  369 
 
 Fair  confort,    did  I  thee  betroth? 
 
 And  get  thy  heart  and  hand  ? 
 I  urge  thee  by  thy  marriage-oath 
 
 Regard  my  kind  command. 
 Come,  come  with  me  from  Lebanon, 
 
 This  mount  of  vanity  : 
 Faith's  objed,  things  unfeen,  unknown, 
 
 More  fuit  thy  high  degree. 
 Come  from  this  world's  bewitching  heights ; 
 
 O  new-born  foul  forget 
 The  pompous  fopp'ries,  gay  dehghts. 
 
 Toys  of  thy  native  ftate. 
 Are  mortal  pleafures  worth  thy  flay, 
 
 Or  dying  (hades  and  toys, 
 When  I  invite  thy  heart  away 
 
 To  fhare  immortal  joys  ? 
 By  faith  look  from  Amana's  top, 
 
 From  Shenir,  Hermon  fair  ; 
 Thence  over  Jordan  look  with  hope. 
 
 Where  Zion's  glories  are. 
 Let  me  alone  poffefs  thy  heart. 
 
 Leave  ev'ry  lion's  den  ; 
 From  thefe  wild  leopard-hills  depart. 
 
 The  place  of  furious  men. 
 
 All  worldly  joys  are  overweigh'd 
 
 With  hills  of  vexing  care. 
 And  under  gaudy  pleafures  hide 
 
 Some  ghaflly  dang'rous  fnare. 
 Let  blinded  moles,    in  earthen  hills, 
 
 Their  mould'ring  (tore  purfue, 
 And  lick  the  dud  that  never  fills  j 
 
 Bid  thou  mole-hills,  adieu. 
 I'll  thee  to  higher  bhfs  exalt, 
 ,   For  ever  with  the  Lord  : 
 Come,  come  thou  mufl: ;  and  come  thou  Ihalt, 
 
 My  love's  thy  drawing  cord. 
 
 Verfe  9.  Thou  hafi  ^  ravijhed  my  hearty  myfi(ler^  viy 
 fpoufe  ;    thou  haft  ra-vijhed  my  heart  with  cne  of 
 thine  eyes,  with  one  chain  of  thy  neck, 
 
 *  Or,  taken  aiuay  my  heart, 
 
 A  a  a  2. 
 
370         A  V AR  A vuR  ASE  on  the     Chat. IV, 
 
 Thy  fellowfhip's  my  fond  defire, 
 
 Thus  fu'd  by  kindly  calls  ; 
 Bccaufe  my  vanquiih'd  heart  on  fire 
 
 Thy  beauty's  captive  falls. 
 I  cannot  fee  with  pleafure,    love. 
 
 Thy  feet  on  mountains  roam ; 
 Nor  can  I  reft,  until  above 
 
 My  palace  be  thy  home. 
 I  own,  my  fpoufe,  and  fifter  dear, 
 
 Unfliam*d  my  brother-hood  ; 
 We're  doubly  fib,  our  kindred's  near 
 
 By  marriage  and  by  blood. 
 
 Thou  haft,  my  Father  being  thine, 
 
 In's  love  a  filial  part ; 
 And  I'm,  (ihou  haft  fo  much  of  mine,) 
 
 Scarce  mafter  of  my  heart. 
 To  thee  I  bear  a  love  intenfe, 
 
 Ev'n  to  the  laft  degree  : 
 Thou,    in  efl'eft,    by  violence 
 
 Haft  rapt  my  heart  from  me. 
 Of  all  created  beauties  brave 
 
 E'er  falhion'd  by  my  hand, 
 None  like  thy  comely  graces  have 
 
 My  heart  at  fuch  command. 
 One  glance  of  thy  believing  eye. 
 
 One  chain  of  thy  fair  neck, 
 Part  of  thy  form  has  ravifli'd  me  ; 
 
 How  muft  the  whole  affe£l ! 
 Thy  pow'rful  faith  and  love  detains 
 
 My  heart  trapt,  yet  enlarg'd. 
 With  ftrong  delights  and  pleafmc;  chains, 
 
 I'm  conquer'd  and  o'er  charg'd. 
 
 Verfe  lo.    Hozvfairh  thy  love,  myfrjlei\  my  fpoufe  ! 
 how  much  better  is  thy  love  than  wine  !    and  the 
 fmell  of  thy  ointments,  than  all  [pices  ! 
 
 Dear  relative,  thou  in  whofe  veins 
 
 My  blopd  and  fpirit  run, 
 Bound  to  my  heart  by  various  chains, 
 
 I'll  in  thy  praife  go  on. 
 
Ver.  9»  io»     Song  0/ Solomon.        371 
 
 How  fair !  how  grateful  unto  mc 
 
 Arc  all  thy  fruits  of  love  ! 
 Thy  love  beyond  compare  I  fee, 
 
 And  with  my  heart  approve. 
 
 My  love  divine  was  in  thine  eye 
 
 Preferr'd  to  richeft  wine  ; 
 And,  not  to  be  behind  with  thee, 
 
 rU  fpeak  the  praife  of  thine. 
 Thy  love  excells  the  choicefl  wine 
 
 That  chears  man's  heart  apace  ; 
 For,  lo  !  this  fervent  grace  of  thine 
 
 Can  God's  own  heart  folace : 
 No  wine  of  offerings  once  pour*d  out 
 
 Did  fuch  acceptance  win,  , 
 
 As  does  thy  fhining  life  without. 
 
 From  burning  love  within. 
 
 All  graces  fweet  thy  love  attend. 
 
 By  me  acceptance  find, 
 And  forth  their  fragrant  odours  find. 
 
 Like  oil  of  purefl  kind. 
 The  holy  undion  pour'd  on  thee 
 
 Yields  to  my  heart  a  feaft. 
 And  fmells  more  |  redolent  to  me 
 
 Than  fpices  of  the  eaft. 
 As  ftreams  into  the  fpring  reflow. 
 
 To  me  is  thy  recourfe  : 
 I  call  thee  fair,  who  made  thee  fo  j 
 
 My  love's  of  thine  the  fourcc. 
 Thy  love's  my  due,  becaufe  of  old 
 
 With  men  were  my  delights  ; 
 I  joy'd  in  loves  I  fhould  behold. 
 
 Now  charm'd  I'm  with  the  fights. 
 Heart-piercing  love  of  ancient  rife 
 
 Thou  didft  fo  much  engrofs 
 The  wounds  of  love  made  me  defpife 
 
 The  torments  of  thy  crofs. 
 
 Ver.  II.  "Thy  lips,  0  my/poufe,  drop  as  the  honey -comb  : 
 honey  and  milk  are  under  thy  tongue,  and  the  fmell 
 of  thy  garments  is  like  thefinell  of  Lebanon. 
 
 f  Sivcet,  or  favour^. 
 
3/2       J    P  A  R  A  P  H  R  AS  E    m   the      GhAP.  IV, 
 
 O  fpoufe,  thy  love  with  lovelinefs 
 
 Is  mix*d  in  word  and  walk ; 
 My  tongue  takes  pleafure  to  exprefs 
 
 How  I  approve  thy  talk. 
 
 Drops  from  my  lips  diftill'd,  witli  etlfe. 
 
 To  faints  more  fweetnefs  yield, 
 Than  honey-combs  which  bufy  bee's 
 
 Suck  from  the  flow'ry  field. 
 
 Both  Canaan's  bleffings  glide  below 
 
 Thy  fweet  inflruclive  tongue : 
 For  thence  do  milk  and  honey  flow. 
 
 To  feed  and  feafl:  thy  young. 
 Thy  heart  ftill  with  thy  tongue  agrees, 
 
 To  fill  the  flowing  tide. 
 And  fliew  thou  art,  without  difguife. 
 
 My  fair  and  fertile  bride. 
 
 Such  is  thy  wonted  holy  ftrain, 
 
 Refrefliing  pleafures  load, 
 Thy  language  in  difcourfe  with  riieh. 
 
 And  duty  towards  God. 
 Cloath'd  with  my  righteoufnefs,  thy  fmell 
 
 Is  like  a  field  of  blifs : 
 And  hath  with  this,  to  deck  thee  well, 
 
 A  robe  of  fav'ry  grace. 
 Hence  ftill  abroad  thy  favour  flies 
 
 In  work  and  practice  fair. 
 Which  Lebanon's  perfumes  outvied, 
 
 That  fcents  the  cii-elirig  aih 
 As  there,  fweet-fmcillng  trees  aiid  fl6\V'rs 
 
 Did,  fann'd  with  gales,  abound; 
 Thy  gofpel-walk  fweet  odours  pours 
 
 To  God  and  man  around. 
 
 Verfe   12.   A  garden  inchfedts  myjtjiei',  ^^ fp^'ufe ;  a 
 Jpringfout  up^  a  fountain  fealed. 
 
 My  bride's  a  garden  of  folace. 
 
 Where  fruits  and  flow'rs  abound; 
 A  facred  fpot,  inclofs'd  by  grace, 
 
 Well  fenc'd  and  wall'd  around. 
 
Ver.  II,— 14-    Sqng  ©/Solomon.     373 
 From  common  earth  fequeflratjs-q^uite, 
 
 Referved  for  my  ufe; 
 Prefervcd  alfo  by  my  might, 
 
 From  vi'lencc  and  abufe. 
 A  fpring,  difFufing  cryftal  dreams j 
 
 Does  'midft  the  garden  fwcll ; 
 Shut  up  from  fultry  hurtful  beams. 
 
 And  feet  would  taint  the  well. 
 A  fountain  feal'd  for  fecrecy, 
 
 T'  enhance  the  worth  unfeen  : 
 For  Ihelter  and  fecurity, 
 
 To  keep  it  pure  and  clean. 
 My  privy-fea!  was  ftamp'd  thereon, 
 
 Thatblifs  which  heav'n  commands 
 Abroad  from  thence  in  rills  may  run, 
 
 And  ftreams  o'er  diftant  lands. 
 As  me  the  Father  feal'd  to  fpread 
 
 For  hungry  fouls  Heav'n's  food  ; 
 So  Zion's  fprings  are  fegtl'd,  to  ihed 
 
 On  thirfty  ground  a  flood. 
 
 Verfe  13,  14.  Thy  plants  are  an  orchard  of  pomegra' 
 nates,  with .  pleaf ant  fruits ,  camphirs  ivitb  fpike- 
 nard  ;fpikenard and  faffron,  calamus  and cinna?}ion, 
 with  all  the  trees  offrankincenfe  ;  myrrh  and  aloes, 
 with  all  the  chief fpices. 
 Sweet  fruits  all  flourifliing  around 
 
 My  garden  well  befeems  ; 
 Which  cannot  prove  a  barren  ground, 
 Amidit  fuch  living  dreams. 
 
 Thy  plants  of  grace  do  parallel 
 
 An  orchard  rich  with  trees  ; 
 Sweet,  to  delight  the  tade  and  fmell ; 
 
 Fair  to  falute  the  eyes. 
 
 Here  'granates  young,  and  caraphire  grow ; 
 
 Here  fpice  and  incenfe  bloom, 
 'Nard,  cinnamon,  myrrh,  aloes  blow 
 
 With  gales  a  rich  perfume. 
 Here  num'rous  plants  with  fragrant  fcent. 
 
 And  odours  mod  refin'd  ; 
 All  in  their  nature  excellent. 
 
 And  various  in  their  kind. 
 
374  Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.  IV. 
 
 Thy  blooming  plants  of  grace  difplay 
 
 A  heav'nly  foil  and  air ; 
 And  fap  divine,  which  I  convey. 
 
 Makes  all  the  planting  fair. 
 
 "Wild  nature's  foil  could  ne'er  produce 
 
 Such  trees  as  here  do  fland 
 For  fpecial  pleafure,  fpecial  ufe. 
 
 All  planted  by  my  hand. 
 
 Verfe  15.  A  fountain  of  gardens,  a  well  of  living  wa- 
 ters, and  (Ireams  from  Lebanon, 
 
 Thy  pleafant  garden's  blooming  plants 
 
 AH  others  far  excel ; 
 For  Heav'n,  to  thine  indulgent,  grants 
 
 Streams  of  falvation's  well. 
 This  fountain  open,  full,  and  nigh. 
 
 Makes  plants  their  vigour  yield  ; 
 Yea,  neighb'ring  gardens  does  fupply. 
 
 And  each  adjacent  field. 
 Thy  graces  frank  their  juice  convey. 
 
 Not  dript  as  fliallow  pails  ; 
 But  living  fprings,  that  night  and  day 
 
 Flow  to  refrefli  the  vales. 
 Such  is  thy  lib'ral  flowing  mind ; 
 
 Nor  are  with  penury 
 Thy  bleffings  to  thy  banks  confin'd, 
 
 But  common  as  the  fea. 
 My  quick'ning  Spirit,  freely  fhed,    . 
 
 That  Zion's  banks  may  flow. 
 The  river  is,  whofe  dreams  do  glad. 
 
 And  makes  the  planting  grow. 
 The  well  of  water  here  runs  o'er. 
 
 The  current  to  maintain  ; 
 With  hafty  courfe  to  endlefs  glore. 
 
 As  rivers  to  the  main.  : 
 
 Not  Jordan  fwell'd  from  Lebanon 
 
 So  ftoutly  rolls  his  tide  ; 
 As  chryftal  rivers  from  the  throne 
 
 Thro'  Zion's  valley's  glide. 
 
Ver.  15",  r<^.      SonG  of  SoLOMONo  375 
 
 Thy  rills  of  grace  to  me  return, 
 
 And  own  their  fprings  in  me: 
 As  garden-ftreams  from  thence  muft  run, 
 
 With  tribute  to  the  fea. 
 
 The  Church's  Wordso 
 
 Verfe  i6.  ^  Awake,  0  north  wind ;  and  come,  thou 
 fouth  ;  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  thefpicjs  there- 
 of may  jiow  out :  let  my  Beloved  come  into  his  gar d-' 
 en,  and  eat  his  pleaf ant  fruits. 
 
 In  ample  praife,  my  King,  1  hear. 
 
 Makes  worthlefs  me  his  theme ; 
 But  with  a  ftunn'd,  aftonifli'd  ear, 
 
 I  fmk  to  dull:  for  lliame. 
 What  humbling  wonders  he  performs! 
 
 On  mites  his  pidure  draws  ; 
 Then  makes  the  defpicable  worms 
 
 His  fubjed:  of  applaufe. 
 
 Lord,  if  I  be  a  garden  fair, 
 
 On  then  the  praife  muft  land  i 
 For  all  my  vdrdant  graces  were 
 
 Plants  of  thy  mighty  hand. 
 Thy  fpicy  fruits  thou  doft  approve. 
 
 And  deign*ft  thus  to  command. 
 Are  bloifoms  of  thy  fruitful  love. 
 
 And  on  thy  breath  depend. 
 
 They  quickly  languifh,  fade,  and  die  5 
 
 They  ceafe  to  bud  or  flow. 
 And  faplefs,  fcentlefs,  fruitlefs  lie, 
 
 Unlefs  thy  Spirit  blow. 
 Awake,  O  heav'nly  Wind,  and  come  ; 
 
 Excite  the  fpicy  vale  ; 
 Blow  on  this  garden  of  perfume 
 
 A  roufmg  quickening  gale. 
 On  Zion's  fons,  O  Sp'rit  divine. 
 
 Pour  grace  and  gifts  abroad ; 
 Make  pallors  by  perfumes  of  thine, 
 
 A  fovour  fweet  to  God. 
 Vol,  X,  Bbb 
 
37 <5        J  Paraphrase  ow  /^^    Chap, IV. 
 
 Sharp  gales  from  chilling  north  command. 
 
 To  roufe  the  feeds  of  grace  : 
 Then  warming  fouth's  foft  wings  expand, 
 
 Till  fpiccs  flow  apace. 
 From  ev'ry  point,  O  mighty  winds. 
 
 Blow  a  new  Penticofl: : 
 Let  blinded  atheiflic  minds 
 
 Know  there's  a  Holy  Ghoft.  „ 
 
 O  let  my  beft  Beloved  come, 
 
 And  fpread  his  area  broad 
 With  choiceft  fruits  of  rich  perfume, 
 
 Mod  grateful  to  my  God. 
 My  garden's  his  (in  all  its  views)  ; 
 
 The  life,  the  lap,  the  root : 
 The  produd:  whole  to  him  accrues, 
 
 From  whom  is  all  the  fruit. 
 Come,  elfe  the  banquet  cannot  fland  j 
 
 Come  bring  thy  pleafant  treat ; 
 The  fruits  of  thy  laborious  hand. 
 
 And  toil  with  bloody  fweet. 
 
 Or  shorter  thus: 
 
 Am  I  the  garden  Heav'n  can  own, 
 
 Where  living  waters  flow, 
 As  cryftal  rivers  from  the  throne 
 
 To  make  the  planting  grow  ? 
 O  heav'nly  Wind,  awake  and  come, 
 
 Blow  all  thy  gracious  gales 
 On  this  my  garden  of  perfume, 
 
 Elfe  all  its  favour  fails. 
 
 O  holy  Spirit,  from  above 
 
 My  with'ring  heart  infpire, 
 And  raife,  by  various  forms  of  love, 
 
 As  various  wants  require. 
 Let  northern  breezes  fill  my  fails 
 
 With  fliarp  convincing  grace  : 
 Then,  from  the  fouth,  refreiliing  galcj 
 
 Refume  their  joyful  place. 
 
Ver.  I.  Song  0/ So  LOMON.  377 
 
 Make  all  the  fpices  flow  abroad, 
 
 As  graces  aftive  here, 
 To  entertain  my  Lord  and  God, 
 
 Faith,  love,  and  joy  appear. 
 Let  my  Belov'd  his  prefence  fweet 
 
 Now  to  his  garden  grant, 
 To  tafte  his  pleafant  fruits,  and  eat 
 
 What  he  himfelf  did  plant. 
 
 C     H     A     P.         V. 
 
 Christ  awaketh  the  Church  with  his  Cal- 
 ling.—  The  Church,  having  a  Tafle  of 
 Ch  rist's  Love,  is  Tick  of  Love. — A  Defcrip- 
 tion  of  Christ  by  his  Graces. 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 
 Verfe  i.  lam  come  into  my  garden,  mj  fijlcr,  my  fpoufe ; 
 I  have  gathered  my  myrrh  with  my  fpice  ;  I  have 
 eaten  my  honey-comb  ivith  my  honey  ;  I  have  drunk 
 my  wine  with  ?ny  milk  :  eat,  0  friends  ;  drink, 
 yea,  drink  abundantly,  0  beloved, 
 
 MY  Love,  in  anfwer  to  thy  pray'r, 
 I'm  here  at  thy  requeft  ; 
 And  ready  both  to  give  and  (liare 
 The  pleafure  of  the  feaft. 
 
 I'm  come,  my  fpoufe,  and  fifter  dearj 
 
 I'm  to  my  garden  come. 
 To  gather  up  my  fpice  and  myrrh ; 
 
 I'm  pleasM  with  this  perfume. 
 My  graces  relifh  like  a  feaft 
 
 Of  honey,  milk,  and  wine: 
 I  make  myfelf  a  welcome  guefl: ; 
 
 The  fruits  are  mine  and  thine. 
 
 Eat,  drink,  O  friends,  whom  I  approve  j 
 
 I  alfo  welcome  you  : 
 Yea,  drink  abundance  of  my  love, 
 
 Full  freedom  I  allow. 
 
 Bbb  2 
 
378       A  Paraphrase  on  the      Cmap.V, 
 
 Your  fainting  fpirits  here  refrefli 
 
 With  plenty  fpread  abroad. 
 The  grace  and  love,  the  blood  and  flefli 
 
 Of  your  incarnate  God. 
 Not  ele£t  angels  ever  fliare 
 
 Such  ftrange  and  matchlefs  food  ; 
 They  feafl  on  their  Creator's  care, 
 
 Not  your  Redeemer's  blood. 
 
 The  C  H  u  ?v  c  H '  s  Words. 
 
 Verfe  2.  H  IJJeep,  but  my  heart  ivaketh :  it  is  the 
 'voice  of  my  Beloved  that  knocketh,  faying.  Open  fa 
 me,  my  fifler,  my  love,  my  dove,  my  undefled ; 
 for  my  head  is  ivet  ivith  dew,  and  my  locks,  with 
 the  drops  of  the  night. 
 
 The  heart  of  Jefus  kind  T  fee. 
 
 But  mine  ungrateful  fails  ; 
 Two  natures  are  at  odds  in  me, 
 
 And  oft  the  vi'orfl;  prevails. 
 "^oth  flee  ping  fejh  I  have,  that  refls 
 
 In  iloth  unto  my  fliame  ; 
 And  waking  grace,  that  flill  protefts 
 
 Againft  the  lazy  frame. 
 Hence,  though  1  fleep,  I  at  my  heart- 
 Some  inward  knocking  hear  ; 
 *Tis  Jefus'  voice,  his  loving  dart 
 
 Thus  wounds  my  waking  ear. 
 «-'  Come,  open,  my  unfpotted  dove, 
 
 "  Thy  heart  I  bolted  find  ; 
 "   Awake,  my  fifter  ;  rife,  my  Love, 
 
 "  Let  in  thy  dearefl  friend. 
 
 ^  Wrath's  mid-night  fliow'r  bedew'd  my  locks,, 
 
 "  Storms  on  my  head  did  blow  : 
 *'   Wilt  thou  unkindly  flight  my  knocks, 
 
 "  Who  fuffer'd  for  thee  fo  ; 
 *'  And  now  (land  waiting  patiently 
 
 "  To  give  the  purchas'd  good, 
 "  At  prefent  ready  to  apply 
 
 ^'-  The  bleffings  of  my  blood  ?'^ 
 
Ver.2, — 5.        Song  o/'SoLOMON.  37^ 
 
 .Verfe  3.  /  hu'ue  put  off  my.  coat,  how  jh all  J  put  it  on  f 
 I  have  waj}>ed  my  feet,  how  Jhall  I  defile  them  f 
 
 When  thus  in  moil  endearing  terms 
 
 Kind  Jefus  knock'd  and  cry'd, 
 My  heart,  redding  heav'nly  charms^ 
 
 On  bed  of  floth  reply'd  j 
 "  My  clothes  are  off,  my  nap  is  fweet, 
 
 "  How  fhall  I  rife  undrefl  ? 
 *'  How  fliall  1  (lain  my  new-wafli'd  fe^t  ? 
 
 "  Excufe  me  ;  let  me  reft. 
 My  non-admifTion  of  his  grace 
 
 His  holy  Spirit  vext ; 
 My  anfwer  for  my  lazinefs 
 
 Was  but  a  vile  pretext. 
 
 Verfe  4.    My  Beloved  put  in  his  hand  by  the  hole  of  the 
 door,  and  my  bowels  were  moved  ^  for  him. 
 
 When  I  fo  Shamefully  refus'd 
 
 Accefs  to  my  Belov'd, 
 Another  kindly  way  he  us'd, 
 
 Which  my  affedions  mov'd. 
 Though  I  his  word  did  bafely  fll/^ht. 
 
 Yet,  ere  I  was  aware, 
 His  Spirit  by  refiftlefs  might 
 
 Did  kindly  draw  the  bar. 
 He,  to  unbolt  the  door,  put  in 
 
 His  gracious  hand  of  pow*r  : 
 Then  did  his  love  upbraid  my  fm. 
 
 And  melt  by  bowels  fore. 
 
 Verfe  5.  /  rofe  to  open  to  my  Beloved,  and  my  hands 
 dropped  with  myrrh,  and  my  fingers  with  fweet- 
 fmelling  myrrh,  upon  the  handles  of  the  lock. 
 
 How  long  he  flood,  how  oft  he  knock'd, 
 
 How  patient  who  can  tell ! 
 What  drops  of  grace  on  th'  entry  lock'd 
 
 From  his  fweet  fingers  fell ! 
 
 *  Or,  /'//  we. 
 
380         A  Varaphr  AS E  on  the    Chap.V. 
 
 At  length  I  rofe  from  off  my  bed, 
 
 My  drowfy  bed  of  lloth. 
 To  open  to  my  fpoufe,  who  had 
 
 My  folemn  marriage-oath. 
 
 Soon  by  the  wet  lock-handles  were 
 
 My  fingers  moifl'ned  much, 
 And  iweetly  dropt  with  oil  and  myrrh 
 
 Left  by  his  melting  touch. 
 
 His  quick'ning  Sp'rit  heart-fetters  broke. 
 
 And  heal'd  my  dull  difeafe; 
 As  dropping  oil  that  makes  the  lock 
 
 Soon  yield  and  ope  with  eafe. 
 
 Verfe  6.    /  opened  to  my  Beloved,  but  my  Beloved  bad 
 withdrawn  himfelf^  and  was  gone  :  my  heart  fail- 
 ed when  he  /pake.     I  fought  him,  but  I  could  not 
 find  him  ;  I  called  him,  but  he  gave  me  no  anfwer, 
 I  op'ned  ftraight  to  my  Belov*d, 
 
 Expeding  his  embrace ; 
 But,  ah  !  from  thence  he  had  removM, 
 
 And  juftly  hid  his  face. 
 Mine  aking  heart  did  not  collect 
 
 His  words  that  gave  the  wound. 
 And,  wailing  fore  my  bafe  neglect, 
 
 Away  my  fpirit  fwoon'd. 
 With  great  perplexity  ]  fought. 
 
 But  him  1  could  not  find ; 
 I  call'd  ;  but,  ah  !  no  anfwer  got. 
 
 To  eafe  my  reftlefs  mind. 
 So  much  my  former  flothfulnefs 
 
 To  prefent  damage  turn'd  ; 
 In  grief  1  doubled  mine  addrefs. 
 
 Yet  ftill  his  abfcnce  mourn'd. 
 
 Verfe  7.  ^he  watchmen  that  tveni  about  the  city  found 
 me,  they  fmoie  me,  they  wounded  me  ;   the  keepers 
 of  the  wall  took  away  my  vail  from  me. 
 When  I,  in  private  means,  with  care 
 
 Had  fought,  but  fought  in  vain  ; 
 I  try'd  his  public  courts,  but  there 
 Redoubled  was  my  pa'm. 
 
Ver,  6, — 8.        Song  (?/ Solomon.         381 
 
 Kind  paftors  formerly  condol'd 
 
 My  cafe  with  fympathy  ; 
 But  now  I  met  with  fuch  as  rul'd 
 
 With  force  and  cruelty  |. 
 
 tJntender  watchmen,  on  their  rounds, 
 
 In  open  ftreets,  me  got, 
 Afflid:ed  me  with  many  wounds, 
 
 And  without  mercy  fmote. 
 
 They  hurt  my  name,  my  head,  my  crown. 
 
 And  fore  reproach'd  my  zeal ; 
 Wall-keepers  rude  thus  beat  me  dowi^ 
 
 And  tore  away  my  vail. 
 My  fair  profeffion  they  defam*d. 
 
 Nor  did  my  failings  hide  ; 
 A  ftroUing  harlot  I  was  nam'd, 
 
 And  not  a  loving  bride. 
 
 Verfe  8.  /  charge  you,  0  daughters  of  jferu/alem,  if  ye 
 find  my  Beloved,  that  ye  tell  him  that  lamjick  of  love* 
 
 0  Salem's  race,  when  watchmen  wound, 
 Won't  ye  more  favour  fliow  ? 
 
 What  pity  can*t  with  them  be  found. 
 May  I  exped  with  you  ? 
 
 1  want  my  foul's  beloved  One ; 
 
 None  elfe  can  give  me  eafe  : 
 I'm  fick  of  love  ;  Oh  !  is  there  none 
 To  tell  him  my  difeafe  ? 
 
 His  abfence  from  my  foul  is  death  ; 
 
 O  !  if  ye  find  his  grace, 
 1  charge  you,  with  my  dying  breath. 
 
 To  reprefent  my  cafe. 
 
 The  Companions  Words. 
 
 Verfe  9.  %  What  is  thy  Beloved  tiiore  than  another  be-^ 
 loved,  0  thou  fairejl  among  women  f    What  is  thf 
 Beloved  ?nore  than  another  beloved,   that  thou  doji 
 fo  charge  us  f 
 
 t  Ezek.  XXX Iv.  4. 
 
382  J  Paraphrase  en  the    Chap.  V* 
 
 Fair  lover,  thou  who  doft  to  us 
 
 Thy  moaning  fpeech  dircft, 
 Whofe  (liining  beauteous  carriage  thus 
 
 Commands  our  high  refpecl ; 
 The  objedl  does  thy  love  engage. 
 
 We  judge  by  viewing  thee, 
 Mud  furely  be  fome  perfonage 
 
 Of  very  high  degree. 
 
 What's  thy  Belov'd  J*  pray  let  us  know^ 
 
 For  v/hom  thou  art  fo  fad, 
 And  giv'ft  fuch  folemn  charge,  as  though 
 
 He  not  an  equal  had. 
 Thou  faireft  beauty,  can't  thou  fee 
 
 His  match  when  he  removes  ? 
 Pray,  what  alluring  charms  has  he 
 
 Beyond  all  other  loves  ? 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 Verfe  i  o.  My  Beloved  is  white  and  ruddy ^  tfje  chief efl  • 
 
 among  ten  thoiifands* 
 If  why  I  love  my  Jefus  fo. 
 
 The  wond'ring  world  enquire. 
 My  grounds  are  fuch  as,  did  thy  know. 
 
 Their  hearts  would  alfo  fire. 
 O  there  is  no  Belov'd  like  mine ! 
 
 He's  white  and  ruddy  both  ; 
 All  human  beauties,    all  divine j 
 
 His  glorious  perfon  clothe. 
 White  in  his  natures  both  defcry'd. 
 
 From  ev'ry  blemifh  free  ; 
 And  ruddy  in  his  garments  dy'd 
 
 With  blood  he  fhed  for  me. 
 Was  he  not  red  but  only  white, 
 
 The  lily  not  the  rofe. 
 He  might  fuffice  the  angels  fight ; 
 
 But  1  am  none  of  thofe. 
 Was  he  not  white  but  only  red, 
 
 A  fuft'rer  for  his  fin, 
 His  blood  would  reft  upon  his  head, 
 
 Nor  could  I  joy  therein. 
 
 *  Heb.  Standard-bearer. 
 
V£a.  10,  II.      Song  o/'Solomon.        383 
 
 But  here's  my  joy  and  confidence, 
 
 Both  oiix'd  I  fee  by  faith  ; 
 The  whitenefs  of  his  innocence. 
 
 The  rednefs  of  his  death. 
 Since  for  my  fm  he  bore  difgrace. 
 
 Who  yet  from  fm  was  free  ; 
 This  maizes  his  white  and  ruddy  face 
 
 A  beauty  meet  for  me. 
 The  Chief  of  chiefs  beyond  compare, 
 
 Immanuel,  God-man, 
 Among  ten  thoufand  enfigns  fair 
 
 Triumphant,  leads  the  van. 
 To  him  the  heav'ns  their  homage  bring, 
 
 To  him  celeftial  throngs, 
 Ten  thoufand  faints  and  angels  fing. 
 
 With  rapture  on  their  tongues. 
 Created  wifdom  cannot  fcan 
 
 The  root  of  JelTe's  rod  ; 
 Nor  fpeak  the  greatncfs  of  the  man. 
 
 The  grandeur  of  the  God. 
 
 Verfe  1 1.    His  head  is  as  the  mofl  fine  gold^   bis  loch 
 are  ^  bufoy  and  black  as  a  raven. 
 
 His  head  which  once  was  crown'd  with  thorns. 
 
 And  where  all  wifdom  dwells, 
 A  crown  of  glory  bright  adorns. 
 
 Which  iinefl  gold  excells. 
 So  firm,  fo  bright,  fo  eminent, 
 
 And  durable  for  ay. 
 Is  his  extenfive  government, 
 
 And  univerfal  fway. 
 Black  as  a  rav'n's  his  curled  hair 
 
 And  bufky  locks  ;  a  mark. 
 That  ftill  his  rage  is  frefh  and  fair. 
 
 His  counfels  deep  and  dark.  "    - 
 
 Beauties  of  youth  and  age  agree 
 
 To  deck  his  awful  fway  ; 
 Fair  youth  without  inconftancy. 
 
 Full  age  without  decay. 
 
 *  Or,  Curled. 
 
 Vol.  X.  C  c  c 
 
384        ^  Paraphrase  on  the       Chap.  V. 
 
 Verfe  12.  His  eyes  are  as  the  eyes  of  doves  by  the  rivers 
 of  waters,  wajhed  with  milk,  and  ^  fitly  Jet, 
 
 His  dove-like  eyes  mod  bright  appear. 
 
 Like  thefe  the  brooks  have  wet ; 
 Or  milky  ftrcams  have  moifl'ned  clear, 
 
 Like  diamonds  fitly  fet. 
 
 Thefe  fparkling  eyes  with  piercing  fight 
 
 O'erfee  the  fliades  of  death  ; 
 Infpe6ling  fecrets  of  the  night, 
 
 And  fearching  hell  beneath. 
 
 He  with  his  fix'd  and  fteady  eyes 
 
 Beholding  diflant  parts  ; 
 Both  deeps  divine  of  counfel  fpies, 
 
 And  deeps  of  human  hearts. 
 Behold,  both  loftinefs  and  love 
 
 In  his  omnifcient  eye  ; 
 The  eagle  temper'd  with  the  dove, 
 
 With  meeknefs,  majefly. 
 
 Ver.  1 3.  His  cheeks  are  as  a  bed  offpices,  as  \fweetfiozu- 
 ers  ;  his  lips  like  lilies  dropping  fweet-fmelling  myrrhs 
 
 His  rofy  cheeks  a  bed  of  flow'rs 
 
 Still  tow'ring  up  perfume  ; 
 Or  fpices  that  with  fummer-fhow'rs 
 
 Their  fweeteft  fcent  refume. 
 
 Thefe  very  cheeks  he  once  refign'd 
 
 To  them  that  pluckM  the  hair, 
 Moft  fvveetly  to  th'  enlightened  mind 
 
 Refrefhing  virtue  fliare. 
 
 His  lips,    refembling  lily  blooms. 
 
 Drop  fiiv'ry  words  of  grace  ; 
 Like  oil  of  myrrh  with  fine  perfumes. 
 
 To  fuit  a  fainting  cafe. 
 
 The  balmy  drops  his  lips  afi'ord 
 
 Give  life  to  fons  of  death  : 
 The  vital  favour  of  his  word 
 
 Reflores  expiring  breath. 
 
 *  Heb.   S> ei ling  in  f  line Cs  ;    that  i'?,     Fitly  placed,  and  fct  as  a 
 preciotii  Ji'^ne  in  the  foil  vf  a  ring.  \   Or,  towers  'f perfume. 
 
Ver.  12, — ij'.     Song  ^Solomon.      385 
 
 Ver.  14.  His  hands  are  as  gold  rings  fet  with  the  beryl : 
 his  ^  belly  is  as  bright  ivory  overlaid  withfapphires. 
 
 His  hands  are  fairer  to  behold, 
 
 Though  once  nail'd  to  the  tree, 
 Than  beryls  fet  in  rings  of  gold  ; 
 
 So  rich  in  bounty's  he. 
 His  operations  mighty,  vafl. 
 
 No  mortal  underflands  ; 
 For  all  the  works  of  God  have  pad 
 
 Through  thefe  his  precious  hands. 
 No  iv'ry  fine  fo  bright  is  found 
 
 With  fapphires  overlaid, 
 As  bov^rels  of  compaiTion  round 
 
 Do  gild  his  pierced  fide. 
 
 The  love  about  his  heart  that  twines 
 
 Still  firm,  without  decay. 
 In  inftances  unnumber'd  fliines 
 
 With  fparkling  bright  array. 
 
 Verfe  15.    His  legs  are  as  pillars  of  marble^  fet  upon 
 fockets  of  fine  gold.    His  countenance  is  as  Lebanon, 
 excellent  as  the  cedars. 
 
 His  legs  like  marble  pillars  ftand 
 
 On  golden  fockets  fine  ; 
 So  firm's  the  throne  of  his  command. 
 
 So  ev'n  his  paths  divine. 
 His  (lately  (leps,  his  fteady  way. 
 
 His  (table  kingdom,  proves 
 He's  folid  gold,  not  mould'ring  clay 
 
 Like  fading  mortal  loves. 
 His  countenance  more  lofty  is 
 
 Than  Lebanon  by  far  ; 
 More  excellent  than  all  its  trees 
 
 And  (lately  cedars  are. 
 So  high,    fo  eminent  is  he. 
 
 That  in  his  perfon  fhine 
 The  glories   of  the  Deity, 
 
 With  majefty  divine. 
 
 *  Heb.  tonve/sy  the  fame  word  as  in  verfe  4. 
 C  C  C   2 
 
386  A  Vakathrase  on  the     Chap-V. 
 
 Verfe  1 6.  His  mouth  is  maflfweei :  yea,  he  is  *  altoge- 
 ther lovely, — 
 
 Lo !  his  bled  mouth,  that  once  did  tafle 
 
 The  bitter  gall  for  me. 
 With  charms  divinely  fweet  is  grac'd. 
 
 Unto  the  lad  degree. 
 Grace  pourM  into  his  lips,  alway 
 
 Does  thence  fo  fweetly  run  ; 
 They  fhare  the  Father's  grace  for  ay 
 
 Who  do  but  kifj  the  Son, 
 His  mouth  a  triple  heav'n  imports, 
 
 A  word,  a  fmilc,  a  kifs ; 
 A  triple  doom  to  daih  their  fports 
 
 Whofe  lips  profane  the  blifs. 
 How  hard,  though  fweet,  this  Umnlng  talk! 
 
 I  faint  ;  I  mult  fuccumb  ; 
 He  is  (if  what  he  is,  you  afk) 
 
 All  over  loves,  in  fum. 
 How  weak  my  tongue  his  glory  fings, 
 
 Which  drowns  fcraphic  art ; 
 He's   all   difiderable   things. 
 
 And  charms  in  ev'ry  part. 
 Adoring  heav'ns  his  name  confefs 
 
 The  infinite  unknown. 
 And  in  created  human  drefs 
 
 The  uncreated  One. 
 
 Their  tongues  that  do  his  glory  fpeak, 
 
 In  loud  and  lofty  lays, 
 For  higher  notes  are  ftill  to  feek. 
 
 And  never  reach  his  praife. 
 I  wrong  his  name  with  words  fo  faint. 
 
 Nor  half  his  worth  declare  ; 
 Can   finite  pencils   ever  paint 
 
 The  infinitely  fair  I 
 
 — This  is  ?ny  Beloved;    this  is  my  Friend,  0  daughters 
 of  Jcnifalem, 
 
 *  He  IT  all  dffire  s. 
 
Ver.  I.         Song  o/*  Solomon,  387 
 
 My  union  to  his  perfon  dear 
 
 Bears  fuch  fubflantial  blifs  ; 
 All  mortal  loves  and  friendlliip  here 
 
 Are  but  the  (hade  of  this. 
 
 Whatever  fweet  relations  be 
 
 'Mong  creatures  great  or  fmall. 
 There's  infinite  difparity 
 
 Between  him  and  them  all. 
 Yet  how  much  in  himfelf  he  is. 
 
 So  much  is  he  to  me ; 
 For  he  is  mine,  and  I  am  his, 
 
 And  evermore  fhall  be. 
 
 The  more  I  hold  his  glory  forth. 
 
 Or  would  his  name  unfold  ; 
 The  more  incomparable  worth 
 
 I  dill  in  him  behold. 
 Now  this,    O  Salem's  progeny, 
 
 This,  is  my  love,  my  friend  ; 
 Search  heav'n  and  earth  but  fure  am  I 
 
 His  match  you'll  never  find. 
 Your  queftion  far  exceeds  my  reach. 
 
 What's  thy  Belov'd  ?  faid  he  : 
 His  praife  defeats  my  fault'ring  fpeech  j 
 
 But,  pray  you,  Come  andjee'> 
 
 CHAP.        VI. 
 
 The  Church  profefleth  her  Faith  in  C  h  r  ist, — 
 Christ  fheweth  the  Graces  of  the  Church, 
 and  his  Love  towards  her. 
 
 T^he  Companions  Words. 
 
 Verfe  i .  Whither  is  thy  Beloved  gone,  0  thou  fairefl 
 amofig  women  f  whither  is.  thy  Beloved  gone  afide  f 
 that  we  Jiiay  feek  him  with  thee. 
 
 SUCH  glorious  things  are  told  by  thee 
 About  thy  matchlefs  mate  ; 
 His  feekers  too  we  fain  would  be, 
 And  fhare  thy  happy  (late. 
 
388     A  Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.  VI. 
 
 Thy  holy  walk  and  talk  is  fuch, 
 
 Thy  countenance  fo  fair  ; 
 We  think  whom  thou  commend'ft  fo  much 
 
 Mufl  be  beyond  compare. 
 
 O  where  is  thy  Beloved  gone  ! 
 
 Thou  faireft  of  thy  kind  ? 
 So  happy  in  that  glorious  One 
 
 On  whom  thou  fet'ft  thy  mind  ? 
 
 Where  is  he  gone  ?  pray  let  us  know 
 
 What  place  frequents  he  mofl  ? 
 That  we  in  queft  of  him  may  go, 
 
 Nor  find  our  travel  loll. 
 
 'The  Church's  Words, 
 
 Verfe  2.  My  Beloved  is  gone  down  into  his  garden^  to  the 
 beds  of /pices,  to  feed  in  the  gardens,  and  to  gather  lilies, 
 
 Lo  !  my  BelovM,  though  he  enthron'd 
 
 In  glory  keeps  his  place, 
 Yet  here  below  is  to  be  found 
 
 In  gardens  of  his  grace. 
 He  plants,    he  waters  every  tree, 
 
 His  bleffing  makes  them  fpring  ; 
 Then  gladly  comes  he  down  to  fee 
 
 What  rich  increafe  they  bring. 
 He  walks  among  the  fpicy  beds. 
 
 Where  aromatics  flow  ; 
 And  in  his  young  plantation  feeds. 
 
 Where  fruits  delicious  grow. 
 He  gathers  there  his  chofen  crop 
 
 Of  lilies  without  toil  ; 
 And,  when  full  ripe,  he  picks  them  up. 
 
 To  deck  his  fairer  foil. 
 
 Th'  affemblics  of  his  growing  faints 
 
 Are  flill  his  chief  repair  : 
 Whoe'er  his  gracious  prefence  wants, 
 
 May  feek  with  fuccefs  there. 
 
 Verfe  3.    I  am  my  Beloved's,  and  my  Beloved  is  mine : 
 he  feedcth  among  the  lilies  ^. 
 
 •  See  iliis  more  Jargely  explained,  Chap.  ii.  i6. 
 
Ver.  2, — -4.      Song  o/*  Solomon.       389 
 
 Though  now  my  Lord  from  me  abfcond. 
 
 Yet  judge  him  not  unkind  : 
 In's  temple  oft  I  have  him  found. 
 
 And  hope  again  to  find. 
 And,  though  from  me  tofenfe  he  hides, 
 
 My  faith  holds  fafl  his  name  : 
 Mine  int'reft  in  him  firm  abides, 
 
 I  will  not  quit  my  claim. 
 He  has  my  warmed  love  ingroft. 
 
 And  I  poffefs  his  heart ; 
 His  love  and  mine  unite,    I  boaft. 
 
 Nor  death  nor  hell  can  part. 
 
 The  bond  of  love  fo  firm  abides 
 
 Ev'n  in  the  darkeft  day. 
 That,  though  behind  the  Ihade  he  hides. 
 
 He's  never  far  away. 
 
 Though  he  his  nobleft  table  fpreads 
 
 Among  his  flow*rs  above ; 
 Yet  here  amidfl  his  lily-beds 
 
 He  keeps  his  feafls  of  love. 
 The  ordinances  of  his  grace 
 
 Are  fields  of  his  repair  ; 
 There  I  have  feen  his  glorious  face. 
 
 And  you  may  fee  him  there. 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 Ver.  4.  Thou  art  beautiful,  0  my  Love,  as  Tirzah,  come^ 
 ly  as  Jerufalein,  terrible  as  an  army  "juith  banners. 
 How  comely  is  the  bride,    I  fee. 
 
 Who  thus  mine  abfence  wail'd. 
 And  kindly  thought  and  fpoke  of  me 
 
 Ev'n  when  my  face  was  vail'd ! 
 Thy  zeal  for  me  when  I  withdrew 
 
 I  highly  muft  approve ; 
 And  now  return  to  thee,    to  fliew 
 
 My  great  refpe6t  and  love. 
 I  did  forgive,  and  have  forgot, 
 
 All  thine  infirmities  : 
 Thy  holy  foul,  from  fin  remote, 
 
 Is  beauteous  in  mine  eves. 
 
390      ^  Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.  VL 
 
 More  fair  thou  art,  my  lovely  prey, 
 
 More  comely  in  my  fight, 
 Than  ever  Tirzah  once  fo  gay, 
 
 Or  Salem  once  fo  bright. 
 Thine  afpecl's   awful  majefty 
 
 Does  flrike  thy  foes  with  fear  j 
 As  armies  do  when  banners  fly. 
 
 And  martial  flags  appear. 
 How  does  thine  armour  glitt'ring  bright 
 
 Their  frighted  fpirits  quell ! 
 The  weapons  of  thy  warlike  might 
 
 Defy  the  gates  of  hell. 
 
 Vcrfe  5.  Turn  away  thine  eyes  from  me,  for  ihey  havs 
 overcome  ??ie^. — 
 
 Small  wonder  that  thy  foes  mufl:  bow 
 
 When  faith  does  keep  the  field  ; 
 For,   lo !    I   am   thy    captive    too. 
 
 And  kindly  forc'd  to  yield. 
 Thy  charming  eyes  of  faith  and  love. 
 
 That  make  myfelf  their  prize. 
 Have  overcome  me  ;  pray  remove 
 
 And  turn  away  thine  eyes 
 They  pow'rfuUy  my  heart  detain. 
 
 My  kindly  paflions  fill : 
 Yet  no  unwilling  vitl'ry  gain. 
 
 But  win  me  to  thy  will. 
 
 Thy  daring,  gallant  arms  of  grace, 
 
 Have  o'er  me  fuch  a  fvvay  : 
 I*m  conquer'd  with  their  kind  embrace. 
 
 And  cannot  fay  thee  nay. 
 Thy  piercing  eyes,  that  ravifli  me. 
 
 Commands  me  as  they  lift : 
 My  Spirit's  aiding  force  in  thee 
 
 Is  pow'r  I  can't  refift. 
 Ceafe  wreftling  Jacob,  let  ?ne  go. 
 
 My  Love,  let  ?iie  alone  : 
 If  not,  except  I  blefs  thee  ;  lo  ! 
 
 My  blelling  thou  haft  won. 
 
 •  Sec  more  oa  this  fubje<5l,  Chap.lii,  4    and  Iv.  9. 
 
Ver^",—/-        Song  (s/' Solomon.  391 
 
 —  f  T^hj  hair  is  as  a  Jlock  of  goats  that  appear  from 
 Gilead.  Verfe  6.  'Thy  teeth  are  as  a  Jlock  ofjheepy 
 which  go  up  from  the  wajhing^  whereof  every  one 
 beareth  twins,  and  there  is  not  one  barren  among 
 them.  Verfe  7.  As  a  piece  of  a  pomegranate  are 
 thy  temples  within  thy  locks. 
 
 Thy  ilothful  carnage  toward  me 
 
 At  our  laft  interview, 
 Though  I  oberv'd  with  jealoufy, 
 
 And  thereupon  withdrew : 
 Yet  never  judge  thy  change  of  frame, 
 
 My  heart  from  thee  could  move ; 
 For  llill  (hke  folid  rocks)  the  fame 
 
 Is  my  unfliaken  love. 
 Thy  praife  I  founded  in  thine  ears 
 
 Ere  thou  waft  fo  unkind ; 
 .  And  now  indulge  no  faithlefs  fears. 
 
 As  if  I  chang'd  my  mind. 
 For,  to  evince  the  love  I  bore 
 
 Does  flill  the  fame  remain, 
 I  now  commend  thee  as  before. 
 
 And  in  the  former  flrain. 
 Gay,  like  a  comely  flock  of  goats 
 
 On  Gilead's  (lately  height. 
 Is  thine  adorning  hair,  that  notes 
 
 Thy  converfation  bright. 
 No    broider'd    ornamental    hair 
 
 That  trims  up  mortal  clay. 
 Can  parallel   the  heav'nly    air 
 
 Of  thy  well-order'd  way. 
 Thy  teeth  the  bread  of  life  that  eat. 
 
 And  feed  upon  my  flefh, 
 Are  aiis  of  faith  in  number  great. 
 
 In  nature  fair  and  frefli. 
 Thine  a<flive  zeal,  yet  mild,  does  keep 
 
 A  juft  equality, 
 Like  ev'nly  rounded  flocks  of  ftieep 
 
 New  pad  the  Ihcarer's  eye. 
 
 f  See  thefe  words  more  largely  explainedj  Chap.  Iv.  r,  2,  3. 
 Vol.  X.  Ddd 
 
39^  -^  Par  APHR  AS  E  0» /^^     Chap.VL 
 
 Thy  purity  exceeds  their  fleece, 
 
 Wafh'd  in  the  cryftal  flood ; 
 Thy  fruits  of  holinefs  and  peace 
 
 (Outvie  their  num'rous  brood. 
 There  does  not  in  the  flock  appear 
 
 One  barren  fruitlefs  womb : 
 But  all  my  twins  their  oft'spring  bear,  ^ 
 
 And  bring  them  bleating  home. 
 Like  'granates  halv'd  thy  temples  fair 
 
 Within  thy  locks  appear. 
 While  ruddy  bluflies  deck  thy  pray'r 
 
 When  none  but  God  doth  hear. 
 Thou  modefl  hid'ft  thy  rofy  cheeks, 
 
 When  fms  with  fiiame  them  flufli : 
 Yet,  through  the  maflv,  thy  mean  detects 
 
 Thy  beauteous  holy  blufli. 
 
 Ver.  8,  9.  liber s  are  threefcore  queens,  and  fourfcore 
 concubines,  and  virgins  without  number.  My  dove, 
 my  undcfled,  is  but  one  :  jhe  is  the  only  one  of  her 
 mother  ;J}:)e  is  the  choice  one  of  her  that  bare  her :  the 
 dawij)tersfa%vher,  andblcjj'edher  ;  yea,  the  queens 
 and  the  concubines,  and  they  praifed  her. 
 
 Thy  fong  gave  me  the  chiefcd  name 
 
 Among  ten  thoufand  heirs. 
 And  thee  the  faired  I  proclaim 
 
 Among  ten  thoufand  fairs. 
 Queens,  concubines,  and  virgins  arc 
 
 Unnumber'd,  whom  they  call 
 Bright  dazling  beauties,  charming  fair  ; 
 
 But  thou  cxceU'ft  them  ali. 
 Mod  holy  fouls  (of  high  defccnt) 
 
 Arc  beauties  mod  renown'd  : 
 The  righteous  is   more  excellent 
 
 Than  all  his  neighbours  round. 
 My  fpotlefs  dove  as  one   I  view  ; 
 
 Yea,  all  in  one  to  me ; 
 Her  mother-church's  darling  too, 
 
 And  choiced  progeny. 
 
ITer.S,— lo.      Song  o/"  Solomon.  393 
 
 The  daughters,  her  profeffing  friends. 
 
 Beheld  her  beauty  great ; 
 And  ftraight  admir'd  her  in  their  minds, 
 
 And  bled  her  in  the  gate. 
 Yea,  queens  and  damfels  more  renown'd 
 
 Did  all  to  her  give  place, 
 And  with  extolling  praifes  crown*d 
 
 Her  comely  Ihining  grace. 
 
 Verfe  10.  Who  is  Jhe  that  lookeih  forth  as  the  morning, 
 fair  as  the  ?noon,  clear  as  the  fun,  and  terrible  as 
 an  army  luitb  banners  f 
 
 «  Who's  this,  faid  they,  fo  brightly  fprings 
 
 "  Like  to  the  morning-ray, 
 "  That  cleaves  night-fliades  with  filver  wings, 
 
 "  To  hafle  the  golden  day  ? 
 "  Much  fairer  than  the  gilded  moon 
 
 "  Her  graces  fliine  in  drefs ; 
 "  And  clearer  than  the  fun  at  noon 
 
 "  Her  fpotlefs  righteoufnefs. 
 "  Behold,  in  love  to    brats    forlorn, 
 
 "  What  wonders  Heav'n  performs  1 
 "  That  does  with    flatelinefs   adorn 
 
 "  Defird  and  loathfome  worms. 
 
 *'  By  armour  which  her  Captain  lends, 
 
 "  Until  her  warfare  clofe, 
 *'  She*s  rendered  helpful  to  her  friends, 
 
 "  And  hurtful  to  her  foes. 
 "  Yea,  while  flie  does  her  rank  maintain, 
 
 "  And  cafl  her  airs  abroad, 
 "  Her  grace  is  awful  toward  men, 
 
 "  And  powerful  toward  God." 
 
 Verfe  1 1 .  7  ivait  down  into  the  garden  of  nuts,  to  fee 
 the  fr  tats  of  the  valley,  and  to  fee  whether  the  vine 
 fourifljed,  aJtd  the  pomegranates  budded. 
 
 Ddd  i 
 
394       -4  Paraphrase  o«/^^     Chap. VI. 
 
 With  friendly  mind  I  hid  my  face, 
 
 Yet  went  not  far  away. 
 Retiring  but  a  little  fpacc 
 
 My  orchard  to  furvey. 
 I  went  but  down  to  fee  anew 
 
 My  garden  of  fweet  nuts, 
 Within  the  fliady  grove,  and  view 
 
 The  plcafant  valley-fruits. 
 To  notice  round  my  labour'd  plain. 
 
 If  all  was  very  good  ; 
 If  tender  vines  produc'd  their  grain. 
 
 And  pomegranates  their  bud  : 
 If  all  the  watcr'd  flow'ry  plains. 
 
 Along  the  verdant  field, 
 Did  fruits,  proportion'd  to  my  pains, 
 
 Ev'n  in  my  abfence  yield. 
 Into  my  heart  what  chearfulnefs 
 
 And  pleafure  did  it  bring, 
 To   fee  the  early  buds  of  grace 
 
 And  hleilings  of  the  fpring  ? 
 I  ravifh'd  faw  my  beauteous  bride 
 
 Lament  my  abfence  fore  ; 
 Nor  could  myfelf  in  thickets  hide 
 
 From  her  a  moment  more. 
 
 Verfe  12.    Or  e-vcr  I  was  aware,    ?ny  fold  ^  made  me 
 like  the  chariots  of  Ammi-nadib. 
 
 Such  had  my  bride's  inviting  frame 
 
 Ev'n  in  my  abfence  been. 
 No  longer  could  I  hide  the  flame 
 
 Of  my  afFe£lions  keen. 
 Ravifli'd,  ere  (in  effecl)  I  knew. 
 
 My  bowels  did  me  move  ; 
 Into  her  praying  arms  I  flew 
 
 On  fpeedy  wings  of  love. 
 Sweet  rapt'rous  pafllon  rofe  in  me. 
 
 But  moft  divine  in  mode. 
 As  far  as  rapture  can  agree. 
 
 Or  pallion  to  a  God. 
 
 *  Or,  fet  vie  on  the  chariots  of  v/y  princely  ivillivg people. 
 
Ver.ii, —  T3.    Song  0/ So  LOMON.        3^^ 
 
 Mv  fond  afFe£tions  vehement 
 
 In  ways  of  grace  divine, 
 AH  towards  her  intenfely  bent, 
 
 Purfu'd  their  love-defign. 
 
 My  ivilUng  people  I  provide 
 
 Bright  graces,  princely  charms  : 
 And   in   ihefe   fiery  chariots   ride 
 
 With  fpeed  into  their  arms. 
 Oil'd  wheels  of  faith  and  warm  defire, 
 
 That  make  myfelf  their  chafe, 
 Fetch  from  mine  altar  ftill  more  fire 
 
 Of  fweet  furprifing  grace. 
 
 No  chariot  of  Ammi-nadib, 
 
 However  fwift  or  bright, 
 The  heav'nly  rapture  can  defcribe 
 
 Of  love's  delicious  flight. 
 So  rapid  oft,  though  never  rafli. 
 
 The  motions  of  my  grace, 
 'Tween  heav'n  and  earth  are  like  a  flafh 
 
 Of  light'ning  in  a  trice. 
 
 Ver.  13.  Return,  return,  O  SJmJamit'e ;  return,  return, 
 that  we  may  look  upon  thee :  what  will  ye  fee  in  the 
 Shulamite  f  as  it  were  the  company  of  two  armies. 
 
 Love,  in  my  abfence  fhort,  waft  thou 
 
 With  fin  and  grief  oppreft  ? 
 O  blame  thy  faithlcfs  heart  and  now 
 
 Return  unto  thy  reft. 
 With  confidence  and  without  fear 
 
 Thy  heav'nly  Hufband  face, 
 Who  wills  thee  boldly  to  appear 
 
 Before  his  throne  of  grace. 
 The  heav'ns  unite  their  voice  with  mine 
 
 Thy  heart-return  to  move  ; 
 Allow  thyfelf  no  more  to  whine, 
 
 Sufpicious  of  my  love. 
 
 Return,  O  drooping  Shulamite, 
 
 In  hafte  return  ;  for  we 
 Heav'n's  Trinity  and  hofts  unite 
 
 With  joy  to  welcome  thee. 
 
39$       AVaraphrase  on  the    Chap. VII. 
 
 We  want  to  fee  thee,    at  his  call 
 
 Whofe  peace  thy  name  adorns  ; 
 He  with  his  faints  and  angels  all 
 
 Will  J03/  at  thy  returns. 
 
 What,   in  the  feeble  Shulamite 
 
 What's  to  be  feenf  (you'll  fay,) 
 Is  ftruggling  grace  a  goodly  fight. 
 
 When  fm  regains  the  day  ? 
 Nay,  lo  1  my  bride  (though  apt  fhe  be 
 
 Herfelf  to  under-ratc) 
 I,    on  the  field  of  battle,    fee 
 
 In  warlike  pomp  and  (late. 
 Behold  !  two  armies  in  her  camp. 
 
 The  doubled  hofls  of  God  ; 
 Her  lovers  charm,  her  haters  damp, 
 
 Her  happy  triumph  bode. 
 
 CHAP.        VII. 
 
 A  farther  Defcription  of  the  Church's  Graces. 
 — ^The  Church  profefTeth  her  Faith  and 
 Defires. 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 
 Ver.  I .  Hozu  beautiful  are  thy  feet  wiihfhoes,  0  princess 
 daughter  !  the  joints  of  thy  thighs  are  like  jewels^ 
 the  ivork  of  the  hand  of  a  cunning  ivorkman. 
 
 FAIR  bride,  thy  beauties  I'll  extol 
 So  lovely  in  my  fight : 
 For  I  my  new  creation  whole 
 
 Still  view  with  great  delight. 
 How  noble  is  thy  high  defcent. 
 
 Not  fordid  from  the  earth  ! 
 How  does  thy  geflure  document 
 
 Thy  new  and  heav'niy  birth  ! 
 O  princefs  of  the  royal  race  !  * 
 
 Thy  feet  with  gokkn  fnoes, 
 Do  fparkle,  while  thy  walk,  through  grace. 
 
 Becomes  the  gofpcl-news. 
 
Ve R.  1 ,  2.        ^ONG  of  Solo m o n.  397 
 
 The  fteps  of  thy  alFedions  clean. 
 
 And  converfation  fair, 
 Difplay  a  heav'nly,  royal  mein, 
 
 A  fweet  and  (lately  air. 
 
 The  johits,  that  ftrength  and  motion  do 
 
 To  thy  right  fteps  impart, 
 Like  orient  jewels,  burnifh'd  new. 
 
 Speak  holy  curious  art. 
 
 Through  thy  fair  port,  in  facred  things. 
 
 Thy  joints  as  gems  appear  ; 
 While  holy  principles  and  fprings 
 
 Thy  courle  of  duty  fteer. 
 
 Verfe  2.  Thy  navel  is  like  a  round  goblet,  tuhich  ivani- 
 eth  not  liquor  :  thy  belly  is  like  an  heap  of  iul:f€aty 
 fet  about  with  lilies. 
 
 As  is  thy  fparkling  bright  array, 
 
 Form'd  to  thy  pedigree  ; 
 So  with  thy  fliining  outward  way, 
 
 Thine  inward  fliapes  agree. 
 A  wretched  infant  once  thou  waft, 
 
 To  open  field  call  out. 
 From  native  blood  and  ftains  unwafli'd. 
 
 Nor  was  thy  navel  cut  ^. 
 But  now,  how  neat's  thy  gracious  form. 
 
 Fed  by  a  glorious  fpring ! 
 Since  grace  transformed  the  loathfome  worm. 
 
 To  quite  another  thing. 
 
 Thy  infant-brood  to  ripenefs  grows, 
 
 Which  thy  kind  bowels  feed. 
 Like  to  a  bowl  that  overflows 
 
 With  liquor  for  their  need. 
 
 My  fpirit  is  (to  fill  thy  cup. 
 
 And  give  thee  rich  increafe) 
 A  well  of  water  fpringing  up 
 
 In  thee  to  endlefs  blifs. 
 Thy  fruitful  womb  an  heap  of  wheat 
 
 I  Affimilates  in  mode  ; 
 Thy  royal  marriage  makes  thee  meet 
 
 For  bearing  fruit  to  God. 
 
 *  Ezck.  xvi.  /,,  5.  t  Refcvibln', 
 
35^8         J  Paraph  RASE  on  the    Chap.  VII- 
 
 Fruit  deck'd  around  with  flo\v*rs-de-luce  "^j 
 
 Each  grace  of  adive  vent ; 
 A  produft  rich  of  fruit  for  ufc, 
 
 With  fljow'rs  for  ornament. 
 Fair  Zion's  fertile  womb  has  meat 
 
 For  babes,  her  lily-brood  ; 
 And  yields  them  plenteous  llore  of  wheat. 
 
 When  ripe  for  folid  food. 
 
 Verfe  3.  'Thy  two  breajis  are  like  two  young  roes  thai 
 are  twins  |. 
 
 Thy  breads  of  love  refemble  roes 
 
 That  fecm  delightful  twins  ; 
 Such  equal  care  to  feed  thou  fliows. 
 
 Thy  babes  in  fecret  inns. 
 Thou  op'neft  frank  a  twofold  breaft, 
 
 Two  teft'ments  and  two  feals  ; 
 "Which  to  thy  children  yield  a  feaft 
 
 Of  milk  for  daily  meals. 
 
 Thine  equal  breafts  delightful  feed 
 
 With  milk  of  fweet  folace, 
 In  juft  proportion  to  the  need 
 
 Of  all  the  babes  of  grace. 
 My  children  dear,  nurs'd  at  thy  fide. 
 
 Thy  kindly  bowels  Ihow  ; 
 And  plainly  prove  my  beauteous  bride 
 
 A  fruitful  mother  too. 
 
 Verfe  4.  "Thy  neck  %  is  as  a  tower  of  ivory  ;  thine  eyes 
 like  the  fi/h-pcoJs  of  Hefl^bon,  by  the  gate  of  Bath- 
 rabbim  :  thy  nofe  is  as  the  tovjer  of  Lebanon,  which 
 looketh  toward  Damafciis. 
 
 Thy  neck  of  precious  faith  excells 
 
 The  fairefl  iv*ry  tower  ; 
 It  holds  the  glorious  Head,  and  dwells 
 
 Upon  the  rock  of  power. 
 Rais'd  and  confpicuous,  it  attrads 
 
 All  eyes,  and  wonder  breeds : 
 It  (lands  renown'd  for  valiant  acts. 
 
 For  ft  range  and  mighty  deeds. 
 
 *  The  name  of  a  flower  of  diftlndlon,  worn  in  ihe  French  king's 
 arms.  f  See  Chnp.  iv.  5.  J  See  Chap.  iv.  4. 
 
VfiR.  4>  5'       Song  ^Solomon.        39^ 
 
 No  iv'ry  whiter  than  the  fwan 
 
 Can  match  thy  precious  faith  : 
 No  tow*r  with  equal  boldnefs  can 
 
 Defy  the  gates  of  death. 
 Thine  eyes  Uke  He(hbon*s  clear  fiih-pools. 
 
 Near  by  Bath-rabbim*s  gate, 
 Enlightcn'd  brightly,  twit  the  fools. 
 
 That  hug  blind  nature's  ftate. 
 
 More  clear  than  any  filver  brook. 
 
 Thine  eyes  of  knowledge  trace 
 Hid  myfl'ries  in  the  facred  book, 
 
 Unfathom*d  deeps  of  grace. 
 But  all  conceal'd  this  glory  lies 
 
 From  haughty  fons  of  pride, 
 Whofe  boafted  wit  does  blind  the  eyes^, 
 
 And  heav'nly  light  deride. 
 Thy  nofe  of  quick  fagacity  ' 
 
 Like  Lebanon's  tow'r  doth  rife. 
 And  with  bold  look  Damafcus  fpy^ 
 
 To  face  thine  enemies. 
 
 Becaufe  they  ftrong  and  fubtile  are, 
 
 Thou  keep*{l  the  frontier  tow'r  j 
 To  fmell  their  policy  afar. 
 
 And  watch  againft  their  pow'r. 
 
 Verfe  5.  TJAne  head  upon  thee  is  like  ^  CarmeJ,  and  ih 
 hair  of  thine  head  like  purple  ;  — 
 
 Thy  heav'nly  mind  intelligent 
 
 Excells  the  wife  on  earth, 
 While  ftrangers  to  thy  high  defcent, 
 
 And  to  thy  heav'nly  birth. 
 Thy  lofty  head  and  ftately  brow. 
 
 Looks  to  the  heav'ns  above  ; 
 And  fcornful  fmiles  on  all  below. 
 
 As  worthlefs  of  thy  love. 
 Thy  helmet  and  thy  head-peace  is 
 
 Hope  built  on  precious  blood  ; 
 High  is  thy  head  extoll'd  by  this 
 
 'Bove  ev'ry  foe  and  flood. 
 
 *   Or,  crinifon. 
 
 V  o  L.  X,  E  e  e 
 
400       A  "Pak  AFHRASE  on  the     Chap.  VII. 
 
 Higher  by  far  than  Carmcl  top, 
 
 The  "walls  of  heav'n  to  fcale  ; 
 When  thine  advent'rous,  foaring  hope 
 
 Takes  place  within  the  vail. 
 Th'  excellency  of  Carmel  high 
 
 Can't  match  thy  crimfon  head ; 
 Its  hairs  are  of  a  purple  dye. 
 
 Which  once  the  Lord  did  bleed. 
 Each  pin  which  holds  thy  hair  in  drefs, 
 
 Each  glance  from  grace  within. 
 Speaks  univerfal  ftatelincfs ; 
 
 Not  one  diforder'd  pin. 
 Each  holy  air  around  thy  face 
 
 Does  fo  thy  beauty  'enhance  ; 
 A  luftre  Ihines  in  ev'ry  grace, 
 
 A  charm  in  ev'ry  glance. 
 
 —  The  King  is  ^  held  in  the  galleries. 
 
 To  prove  the  beauty  ravifhing 
 
 And  luftre  of  thy  drefs  ; 
 How  does  it  captivate  the  King, 
 
 And  deep  his  heart  imprefs ! 
 Jefus,  the  King  of  kings  renown'd. 
 
 Is  held  within  thine  arms, 
 In  gall'ries  of  his  grace,  and  bound 
 
 A  captive  to  thy  charms. 
 The  glorious  and  majeftic  One, 
 
 Whom  death  could  ne'er  detain. 
 Is  by  thy  powerful  graces  won, 
 
 And  ty'd  as  with  a  chain. 
 Strange  lovelinefs  it  is  that  fways 
 
 The  Regent  of  the  (kies ! 
 Conftraining  him  to  ftay  and  gaze  ; 
 
 It  fo  attracts  his  eyes. 
 Bold  with  the  King  are  faith's  efforts ; 
 
 Blefs'd  they  the  conqueft  lliare  ! 
 Who  win  him  to  his  facred  courts. 
 
 And  then  can  hold  him  there. 
 
 *  Otj  bound. 
 
Ver,^, — 7,      Son  G  0/ So  L  OMON.        401 
 
 Such  is  the  glory  of  his  grace. 
 
 He  boafts  to  be  o'ercome  ; 
 And  feafts  the  vidor  with  folace. 
 
 Who  fought  but  for  a  crumb, 
 
 Verfe  6.    How  fair  ^  and  how  pleafant  art  thou,    0 
 Love,  for  delights  ! 
 
 0  Love,  no  words  can  fpecify 
 Thy  forms  of  lovehnefs  : 
 
 Dehghts  of  diverfe  kinds  in  thee 
 
 Are  more  than  I  exprefs. 
 No  equal  for  delights  haft  thou, 
 
 No  match  on  earth  below  : 
 
 1  call  thee  fair,  and  pleafant  too, 
 
 Becaufe  I  made  thee  fo. 
 My  Love,  thy  drefs  without,  how  fair  1 
 
 Within,  how  fweet  to  me  ! 
 My  righteoufnefs  and  graces  are 
 
 The  robes  I  made  for  thee. 
 My  lab'ring  life  was  fpent  throughout 
 
 The  marriage-fuit  to  fpin, 
 That  makes  my  bride  all  fair  without, 
 
 All  glorious  too  within. 
 
 Verfe  7.  fhis  thyjlature  is  like  to  a  pahn-iree,  and  thy 
 hreajis  to  clujlers  of  grapes. 
 
 The  fweet  proportion  I  obferve 
 
 Of  graces  fair  in  thee  j 
 None  from  their  proper  ftation  fwerve. 
 
 But  ad  harmonioufly. 
 
 Thy  ftature,  like  the  palm-tree  firm. 
 
 Is  ftately,  ftraight,  and  tall : 
 No  burden  can  the  flourifli  harm. 
 
 No  years  the  growth  enthral. 
 
 Thy  breads  of  love  to  me  and  mine, 
 
 Square  to  the  gofpcl-plan, 
 Chear,  like  the  clufters  full  of  wine, 
 
 The  heart  of  God  and  man. 
 
 ♦  Or,  ho-u)  art  thou  made  fair. 
 E  e  e   2 
 
402        ^  Paraphrase  OM/^^    Chap. VII. 
 
 Verfe  8.  I /aid,  I  will  go  up  to  the  palm-ir£e,  I  will 
 take  hold  of  the  boughs  thereof:  now  alfo  thy  hreafls 
 pall  he  as  clujlers  of  the  vine,  and  the  fmell  of  thy 
 nofe  like  apples  ;— ^ 
 
 **  I  will,  faid  I,  this  palm-tree  climb, 
 
 "  This  lovely  walk  approve  ; 
 ^'  And  to  my  bride  in  holy  trim 
 
 "  I'll  manifefl  my  love  ^. 
 
 **  I'll  apprehend,  by  faving  grace, 
 
 **  As  I  decreed  of  old, 
 '-'  Her  little  boug|is,  her  tender  race, 
 
 "  And  never  quit  the  hold." 
 
 J.0  !  Heav'n  fliall  then  thy  brcafls  infpirc,, 
 
 As  clufters  fill'd  with  wine : 
 My  prefence  fnall  thy  graces  fire 
 
 To  thy  content  and  mine. 
 The  breath  of  life  thy  noftrils  blow. 
 
 Shall  with  fweet  fcent  abound  : 
 No  fav'ry  apples  e'er  could  throw 
 
 Such  grateful  odours  round. 
 
 Verfe  9.  And  the  roof  of  thy-^ioiith  \  like  the  he(l  wine^ 
 (for  X  my  Beloved)  that  geeth  down  fweetly,  cauf-^ 
 ing  the  lips  of  ||  thofe  that  are  ajleep  to  fpeak. 
 
 Thy  palate  drench'd  with  holy  love, 
 
 Shall  drop  the  richefl  wine  : 
 So  fweet  thy  pray'rs  and  praife  fhall  prove 
 
 A  feaft  to  me  and  mine. 
 I'll  tafle  thy  cheer,  and  fpeak  it  good, 
 
 For  thou'lt  in  upright  ways 
 Derive  it  from  my  plenitude. 
 
 Devote  it  to  my  praife. 
 Drops  from  the  living  vine  that  dream 
 
 With  fwcetnefs  down  will  go  ; 
 To  make  thy  cold  afledlions  flame. 
 
 Thy  wither'd  graces  grow. 
 
 *  John  xvi.  21.  t   Heb.  palate. 
 
 t  A  parcnthefis  of  the  bride's,  fay  foine.         ||  Or,  the  aticienf,. 
 
VeR.8, II.       So  N  G    O/'SOLOMON.  ^03 
 
 My  Spirit's  gen'rous  wine  will  make 
 
 The  old  renew  their  days. 
 The  dead  to  live,  the  dull  to  wake. 
 
 The  dumb  to  fpeak  my  praife. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 
 Vcrfe  10.    %  I  am  my  Beloved'' s^   and  his  defire  is  to-- 
 ■wards  me. 
 
 Lo !  how  my  loving  Lord  commends 
 
 Bafe  me,  who  blufli  to  hear  ! 
 And  blood  of  grapes  from  Efhcol  fends 
 
 My  drooping  heart  to  chear. 
 I'm  not  mine  own,  but  his  I'll  be, 
 
 Whofe  love  my  heart  doth  fire ; 
 And  thus  has  fix'd  on  worthlefs  me 
 
 His  conjugal  defire. 
 What  line  can  this  love-ocean  found ! 
 
 What  tongue  its  meafurc  tell ! 
 Whofe  height  immenfe,  and  depth  profound, 
 
 Won  heav'n,  and  vanquifti'd  hell ! 
 
 Verfe  1 1 .    Come^  my  Beloved,   let  us  go  forth  into  the 
 field y  let  us  lodge  in  the  villages. 
 
 Come,  dearefl:  Love,   let  us  retire 
 
 From  this  vain  earth's  annoy  ; 
 That  undiflurb'd  communion  near 
 
 We  may  alone  enjoy. 
 We'll  chufe  fome  fecret,  lonely  place, 
 
 To  vent  our  joys  the  more  ; 
 And  forage  in  the  field  of  grace. 
 
 Until  we  feafl:  in  glore. 
 Thy  company  fuch  hidden  trains 
 
 Of  confolation  brings  ; 
 That,  pois'd  with  this,  my  foul  difdains 
 
 The  pomp  of  earthly  kings. 
 In  rural  villages  below. 
 
 Come  let  us  lodge  all  night, 
 Till  dufky  fhades  of  fin  and  woe. 
 
 Give  place  to  glory's  light. 
 
404     A  Paraphrase  on  the   Chap.  VIL 
 
 Verfe  12.  Let  us  go  up  early  to  the  vineyards  :  let  us 
 fee  if  the  vine  Jlourijh,  whether  the  tender  grape 
 appear^  and  the  pomegranates  bud  forth  :  there 
 will  I  give  thee  my  loves. 
 
 Unto  the  vineyards  of  thy  grace 
 
 Come  let  us  early  go  ; 
 To  fee,  in  this  retiring  place, 
 
 If  all  the  planting  grow. 
 
 Come  vifit,  Lord,  thy  facred  ground  5 
 
 Sec  how  thy  nurs'ries  bear ; 
 If  vines  and  grapes  and  'granates  round 
 
 Their  fiow'ry  raiment  wear. 
 
 O  come  along,  thy  fuccour  grant, 
 
 While  1  thy  fruits  review  ; 
 For  at  thy  pleafure  ev'ry  plant 
 
 Its  verdure  will  renew. 
 The  vines  their  bloffom  will  refume, 
 
 Their  tender  grapes  revive  ; 
 See  how  the  'granates  then  will  bloom. 
 
 And  all  the  graces  thrive. 
 
 In  thefe  retirements  while  I  live, 
 
 Thy  prefence  I'll  improve; 
 And  joyful  there  I  will  thee  give 
 
 The  tokens  of  my  love. 
 
 In  nearnefs  fweet  with  thee  apart 
 
 I'll  daih  vain  loves  with  ire. 
 And  wholly  offer  thee  my  heart 
 
 In  flames  of  holy  fire. 
 
 Verfe  1 3.  T^he  mandrakes  give  a  fmell ;  and  at  our  gates 
 are  all  manner  of  pie af ant  fruits^  new  and  oldy 
 •which  I  have  laid  up  for  thee,  0  my  Beloved  ! 
 
 Here,  Lord,  for  thee  the  garden's  drefl  5 
 
 For  thee  the  feaft:  is  fpread. 
 Come  then  vouchfafe  with  me  to  reft. 
 
 Below  the  verdant  fhade. 
 The  mandrakes  here,  love-fruits  and  flow'rs, 
 
 Do  fpread  their  odours  round  ; 
 And  at  our  very  gates  fweet  (lores 
 
 And  fruits  of  grace  are  found. 
 
Ver.  I.  Song  0/ Solomon.        405 
 
 Embracing  faith  is  here,  to  meet 
 
 My  Lord  when  he  appears ; 
 Repentance  here  to  wafh  his  feet 
 
 With  floods  of  joyful  tears. 
 Love,  joy,  and  all  the  heavenly  train. 
 
 Old  fruits  with  new  increafe. 
 Laid  up  in  (lore   to    entertain 
 
 The  God  of  all  my  grace. 
 Come  thou,  to  whom  1  all  devote, 
 
 O  my  beloved  Lord  ; 
 Lo  !  all  that's  from  thy  fulnefs  got 
 
 Is  for  thy  glory  ftor'd. 
 'Tis  thine  to  plant,  and  prune,  and  drefs ; 
 
 Thou  mak'ft  the  garden  grow  : 
 In  thee    my  all    I  ft  ill   poffefs, 
 
 To  thee  my  all  I  owe. 
 
 CHAP.        Vill. 
 
 The  Love  of  the  Church  to  Christ.— The  V^ 
 hemencyof  Love.— The  callingof  the  Gen- 
 tiles.—The  Church  prayeth  for  Christ's 
 coming. 
 
 The  C  H  u  R  c  h's  Words, 
 
 Verfe  i.  0  that  thou  wert  as  my  brother,  that  fucked 
 the  breajls  of  my  mother!  ivhen  I jhould find  thee 
 without,  I  would  kfs  thee  ;  yea,  ^  I  Jhould  not  be 
 defpifcd. 
 
 SO  fweet  I  find  thy  heav'nly  charms, 
 Still  more  and  more  I  bode  ; 
 And  long  to  clafp  within  my  arms 
 
 A  whole  incarnate  God. 
 O  would  thou  as  my  brother  wert, 
 
 My  mother's  fucking  child  ! 
 Fd  kifs  and  hug  thee  in  my  heart, 
 And  fhould  not  be  revil'd. 
 
 *  Heb.  They  fo all  not  dtfpife  mt. 
 
4o6      J  P  A  R  A  P  H  R  A  S  E  ott  the     Ch  AP.  VllL 
 
 Yea,  in  the  op'neft,  patent  place, 
 
 Without  a  blafh  through  fhame, 
 I  v/ouid  with  joyful  arms  embrace 
 
 The  babe  of  Bethlehem. 
 
 Hell  could  reproach  thy  church  of  old, 
 
 Thac  lov'd  a  child  unborn : 
 But  now  the  Son  is  gi'u'n  f,  I'm  bold 
 
 To  love,  and  fear  no  fcorn. 
 To  him  I'll  give  the  higheft  room. 
 
 And  joy  beneath  his  fhade, 
 That  deign'd  to  blefs  the  virgin's  womb, 
 
 And  human  nature  wed. 
 My  God's  my  brother  now  in  drefs  ; 
 
 And  if  he  would  allow't, 
 Though  hell  fhould  mock  my  fond  carrefs, 
 
 I'd  openly  avow't. 
 
 Vcrfe  2.  I  would  lead  thee,  and  bring  thee  into  my  mo^ 
 therms  hoiife,  'who  woidd  injiriid  me :  1  would  caufe 
 thee  to  drink  of  the  fpiced  wine^  and  of  the  juice  of 
 
 my  pomegranates. 
 
 I   would  attend  and   ufher  thee 
 
 Into  my  mother's  home  ; 
 Then  would  her  courts  inftrudive  be, 
 
 For  light  with  pow'r  would  come* 
 Her  children  would  thy  glory  fee. 
 
 Did  they  thy  prefence  Ihare : 
 And  I  for  entertaining:   thee 
 
 Would  bring  my  choiceft  fare. 
 To  fpicqd  wine  with  'granates  juice 
 
 I  would  thee  welcome  make  ; 
 And  greatly  would  my  heart  rejoice, 
 
 Were't  better  for  thy  fake. 
 Well  were  the  feaft  bcflow'd  on  thccj 
 
 For  thine  my  graces  are, 
 Who,  when  thou  comes  to  feed  with  mc, 
 
 Dofl:  bring  along  the  fare. 
 
 t  Ifa.  ix.  6« 
 
Ver.  2,'— 4.       Song  o/'Solomon.  407 
 
 Verfe  3.  His  left-band  ^/hould  be  under  my  head,  and 
 his  right-hand  Jhoidd  embrace  me  t« 
 
 Lo !  he  defcending  from  above, 
 
 In  anfwer  to  my  pray'r, 
 Enfolds  me  in  his  arms  of  love. 
 
 To  fliew  his  tender  care. 
 His  left-hand  for  my  fiipport  he 
 
 Beneath  my  head  does  place  ; 
 Then,  for  my  comfort^  lends  he  me 
 
 His  right-hand's  foft  embrace. 
 His  prefence  brings  a  filver  fliow'r 
 
 Of  bleffings  from  above  ; 
 I'm  clofely  guarded  with  his  pow'r, 
 
 And  girded  with  his  love. 
 For  my  folace  'gainft  fin  and  death, 
 
 I  feel  his  glad'ning  charms  ; 
 And,  for  my  fafety,  underneath 
 
 His  everlalling  arms. 
 O  welcome  blefl:  and  happy  hour, 
 
 When  he  unvails  his  face ; 
 I'm  then  fupported  by  his  pow'r, 
 
 Comforted  by  his  grace. 
 
 Verfe  4.  t  /  charge  you,  0  daughters  of  Jerufalemy  thai 
 yc  Jiir  not  up  |j,  nor  azvake  my  love  until  he  pleafc* 
 
 O  Salem's  daughters,  now,  I  pray. 
 
 And  charge  you,  ftand  in  awe 
 T'  awake  my  Love,    or  any  way 
 
 Provoke  him  to  v/ithdraw. 
 This  heav'nly  quiet  marr  not  ye 
 
 With  loud  offenfive  noife  ; 
 Why  Ihould  you  rob  yourfelves  and  me 
 
 Of  fuch  uncommon  joys ! 
 His  fmiles  are  frce,  he  comes  and  goes  ; 
 
 The  happy  hour  is  this  : 
 Why  ihould  you  prove  fuch  wretched  foes, 
 
 To  interrupt  the  blifs  ! 
 
 *   Or  rather  h.  t  See  Chap.  ii.  6. 
 
 \    See  thefe  words  more  largely  fpokcn  to,  Chap.  ii.  7.  and  ill.  J. 
 II    Heb.   Why  jliould ^/cu  Jiir  up  ?  or,  ivhy  avake,  &c. 
 
 Vol.  X,  Fff 
 
408  ^PaR  APHRASE  OK  /^<?      Ch  A  P.  VIII. 
 
 My  glorious  Lord  now  refts  within 
 
 Mine  arms  of  faith  and  love  ; 
 1  charge  myfelf,  my  heart,  my  fm, 
 
 Not  once  to  flir  or  move. 
 While  he  allows  his  vifit  fweet. 
 
 Let  none  his  reft  annoy ; 
 O  may  1  never  grieve  his  Sp'rit, 
 
 Nor  fm  away  my  joy  ! 
 
 The  Companions  Words. 
 
 Verfe  5.  (Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  from  the  luilder- 
 nefs^  leaning  upon  her  Beloved? ) — 
 
 What  fair  and  lovely   bride  is    this! 
 
 Though  prefl  with  griefs  and  fins. 
 Yet  trav'Uing  from    the    wildernefs. 
 
 On  her  Beloved  leans  ! 
 How  boldly  does  fhe  in  his  name, 
 
 And  in  his  ftrength  go  on. 
 All  other  righteoufnefs  difclaim, 
 
 And  mention  iiis  alone? 
 His  wings  bear  up  her  foul  aloft, 
 
 'Bove  all  that  can  molell : 
 His  bofom  is  the  pillow  foft 
 
 On  which  her  hand  doth  refl; 
 Lo !  how  on  his  almighty  arms 
 
 She  can  her  cares  unload  ; 
 And  march  through  all  oppofmg  harms, 
 
 Depending  on  her  God. 
 
 Her  fir'd  affections  upward  tow'r. 
 
 And,  with  a  heav'nly  air, 
 Contempt  on  earthly  glory  pour. 
 
 As  far  below  her  care. 
 Afcending  from  the  wildernefs 
 
 Of  forrow,  fin,  and  thrall ; 
 And,  flrongly  bent  for  heav'nly  blifs, 
 
 She  leaves  the  dulky  ball. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 — /  raifed  \  thee  up  under  the  apple-trcc :  there  thy  mo- 
 ther brought  thee  forth  ;  there  Jhe  brought  thee  forth 
 that  bare  thee. 
 
 f  7hcc  in  the  Ikbrcw  has  il.c  naik  cfihc  mafctJirc  gender. 
 
VER.i*,  6.      Song  o/SoLOMON.  409 
 
 To  men*s  applaufe,  with  mighty  maze, 
 
 What  fmall  regard  is  due  ? 
 But,  Lord,  with  thee,  who  art  my  praife, 
 
 Let  me  my  fuit  purfue. 
 Such  fweet  experience.  Lord,  I  had 
 
 Beneath  the  apple-tree ; 
 Under  thy  ftiadow  ftill  I'm  glad 
 
 Alone  to  meet  with  thee. 
 I  rais'd  thee  up  in  fecret  pray'r, 
 
 Thy  joyful  help  to  yield  : 
 For  by  thy  grace  I  wreflled  there. 
 
 And  by  thy  grace  prevail'd. 
 Thy  mother  too  that  brought  thee  forth, 
 
 Hard  trav'lling  with  annoy. 
 There  at  her  Son,  her  Saviour's  birth 
 
 Forgot  her  pangs  with  joy. 
 The  faints  beneath  thy  fruitful  fliade, 
 
 Thy  beauteous  likenefs  wore ; 
 They  that  in  forrow  travail'd  had, 
 
 In  joy  thine  image  bore. 
 Thy  fliadow  thus  to  them  and  me 
 
 Such  pleafure  does  afford, 
 That  more  and  more  I  long  to  fee 
 
 Thy  glory  there,  O  Lord. 
 
 Verfe  6,  ^  Set  7ne  as  a  feal  upon  thine  heart,  as  a 
 jeal  upon  thine  arm: — 
 
 Grant,  Lord,  my  name  engrav'd  may  be 
 
 Upon  thy  heart  and  breaft ; 
 And  fo  infure  thy   love  to  me, 
 
 My  glorious  God  and  Prieft. 
 O  fet  me  fledfafl  as  a  feal 
 
 Upon  thine  arm  divine. 
 And  by  confirming  marks  reveal 
 
 Thy  mighty  love  is  mine. 
 
 Grant  alfo,  Lord,  my  love  to  thee 
 
 May  firmly  be  imprefl : 
 And  let  thy   name   my  fignet    be 
 
 Deep  ftamp'd  upon  my  breaft. 
 
 Fff2 
 
41  o     ^Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.  VIII. 
 
 O  may  my  heart  the  centre  prove 
 
 Of  thy  affections  keen ; 
 Thy  heart  the  centre  of  my  love. 
 
 And  nought  to  entervcen. 
 
 • — For  love  is  Jirong  as  deaths  jealoufy  is  cruel  as  the 
 
 grave : — 
 Strong  wings  of  holy  love  aloft 
 
 Bear  up  my  foul  afrcfli, 
 Which  in  fweet  raptures  dying  foft 
 
 Forgets  the  clog  of  flefh. 
 
 While  thus  my  heart  does  mounting  fly. 
 
 On  this  feraphic  wing, 
 In  love  to  thee  I  kindly  die 
 
 To  ev'ry  mortal  thing. 
 As  thy  ftrong  love,    O  Lord,    to    me 
 
 Could  conquer  death  and  dread  ; 
 So    docs   my   ardent    love   to    thee 
 
 The  pow'r  of  death  exceed. 
 It  kills  me.  Lord  ;    I  can't  refift 
 
 This  ftrong  defire  of  mine  : 
 If   not    with    fatisfaction    bleft. 
 
 To  death,  to  death  I  pine. 
 
 Admit,  me  Lord,  into  thy  heart. 
 
 Left  my  heart  jealous  be, 
 That  either  thine  from  me  depart. 
 
 Or  mine  depart  from  thee. 
 Such  jealoufy  v/ouldfore  torment, 
 
 And  torture  me  to  death ; 
 Like  the  devouring  grave,  intent 
 
 To  ftop  my  vital  breath. 
 
 — The  coals  thereof  are  coals  of  fire,  ivhich  have  a  ?ni/l 
 vehement  flame. 
 
 Thefe  jealous  flames  will  quite  confume 
 
 My  foul,  like  burning  fire  ; 
 Unlefs  thy  loving  anfwcr  come 
 
 To  fuit  my  heart's  defire 
 
 My  flaming  heart  does  bleed  afrefh. 
 
 If  thou  depart  i'  th'  leaft; 
 Mine  ardent  zeal  eats  up  my  flefhj 
 
 Love-fickncfs  pains  my  brcaft. 
 
Ver.6, — 8.      Song  o/"  So  LOMON.  411 
 
 The  fparks   of  fervid  love  afcend 
 
 Like  mounting  flames  on  high  ; 
 With  vehement  force  they  heav'nward  bend. 
 
 And  pierce  the  azure  fl^y. 
 O  let  thy  bowels,  Lord,  be  mov'd 
 
 To  grant  my  heart's  defire  : 
 I'd  rather  die  than  not  be  lov'd  ; 
 
 My  heart  is  all  on  fire. 
 
 Verfe  7.  Many  waters  cannot  quench  love,  neither  can 
 the  floods  drown  it  :    if  a  man  would  give  all  the 
 fuhjlance  of  his  hoiife  for  love,  it  would  utterly  be 
 contemned. 
 No  waves  could  quench  thy  love,  which  fat 
 
 As  king  upon  the  flood 
 Of  rolling  vengeance,  vafl:ly  great. 
 
 And  on  a  fea  of  blood. 
 Thus  nor  can  many  waters  drown 
 
 My  flaming  love  to  thee  ; 
 Nor  torents  of  turmoil  *  beat  down 
 
 The  zeal  that  burns  in  me. 
 In  vain  by   flatt'ries,  or  by  fears. 
 
 Do  hell  and  earth  combine 
 To  quench  the  fire  of  love,  that  bears 
 
 A  ftamp  fo  much  divine. 
 
 Defertion  black,  nor  dev'l,  nor  man, 
 
 Nor  air,  nor  earth,  nor  fea. 
 Nor  life,  nor  death,  nor  angels  can 
 
 Divorce  my  love  from  thee  |. 
 Were  wealth  to  bribe  my  love,  I  could 
 
 The  golden  bait  difdain. 
 Like  defpicable  dung  that  would 
 
 Invade  my  heart  in  vain. 
 
 I    caft   contempt  on  fuiters  all. 
 
 That  dare  compete  with  tiiee  ; 
 And  value  thrones  no  more  than  thrall, 
 
 Should  they  thy  rivals  be. 
 
 Verfe    8.  %  We  have  a  little  fl/ler,    and  ]l:>e  hath  no 
 hreafls :  whatfloall  we  do  for  our  fifler,  in  the  day 
 whenfhe  Jhallhefpokenfor  f" 
 *  Buftle  or  ilir.  \  See  Rom.  v Hi.  35, —  io,. 
 
412      ^Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.VIIL 
 
 Since  now,  dear  Lord,  our  mutual  love 
 
 Is  thus  fo  deep  impreft ; 
 May  I  this  accefs  fweet  improve. 
 
 That  others  may  be  bleft. 
 Our  little  fifter,  Lord,  to  wit, 
 
 A  barren  Gentile  race, 
 With  all  uncall'd,  unfav*d,  as  yet. 
 
 Though  chofen  by  thy  grace  : 
 She  little  knowledge  hath,  we  fee, 
 
 No  falhion'd  breafts  of  love  ; 
 No  principle  of  grace  from  thee. 
 
 Nor  nurture  from  above  : 
 No  breads  of  confolation  fweet, 
 
 No  word,  no  means  of  grace  ; 
 No  warm  milk  of  inflrudlion  meet 
 
 To  feed  her  ftarving  race. 
 
 What  fliall  be  done  for  her,  I  pray, 
 
 And  for  her  progeny. 
 When  they  fhall  on  the  marriage-day 
 
 Be  call'd  to  match  with  thee  ? 
 What  for  our  fifler-church  to  come, 
 
 Which  Jews  or  Greeks  fhall  hatch  ; 
 To  bring  her  to  the  marriage-room, 
 
 And  carry  on  the  match  ? 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 Verfe  9.  Ifjhe  be  a  wall,  ive  will  build  upon  her  a  pa- 
 lace offilver  ;  and  ifjhe  be  a  docr^  we  will  inclofe 
 her  with  boards  of  cedar. 
 
 Love,  I'll  inform  thee  what  we*ll  do, 
 
 With  this  our  filler  dear. 
 When  by  the  gofpel-call  I  woo. 
 
 And  fpeak  into  her  ear. 
 
 If  once  the  good  work  were  begun. 
 
 As  by  my  grace  it  fhall ; 
 And  Ihe  by  faith  on  me  alone 
 
 Built  like  a  brazen  wall : 
 We'll  make  the  wall  a  work  complete, 
 
 A  filvcr  palace  fair  *, 
 A  temple  for  my  holy  Spirit 
 
 To  dv/tll  for  ever  there. 
 
 •   Plalm  cjliv.  ij. 
 
Ver.  9?  lo.        Song  0/ Solomon.  413 
 
 If  once  I  make  htr  heart  a  door. 
 
 Wide  ope  to  take  me  in  ; 
 We'll  as  with  cedar-boards  fccurc. 
 
 And  ftrengthen  her  within. 
 
 We  Father,    Son,    and  Holy  Ghofl, 
 
 Will  frame,  advance,  and  crown 
 The  happy  building,    at  our  cod. 
 
 Which  hell  {hall  ne'er  pull  down. 
 Ev'n  outcaft  Gentiles  bafe,  at  length 
 
 The  wond'ring  world  fhall  fee 
 In  numVous  iffue,  beauty,    ftrength. 
 
 And  grandeur  rival  thee. 
 
 The  Church's  Words. 
 Verfe  10.    /  am  a  wall,   and  my  breajis  like  towers : 
 
 then  was  I  in  his  eyes  as  one  that  found  favour. 
 Kind  Lord,  how  gladly  do  I  hear 
 
 Thy  promife  made  to  me, 
 For  e]e£t  fifter-churches  dear ! 
 
 I  roll  their  care  on  thee. 
 My  fweet  experience  clears  thou  wilt 
 
 Thus  kindly  deal  with  them  ; 
 For  I'm  a  wall  moft   firmly  built. 
 
 And  rear'd  upon  thy  name. 
 
 Thou  mak'fl:  my  breads  of  graces  grow 
 
 Like  iv'ry  tow'rs  fo  high  ; 
 I  truft  what  love  to  me  doll  fliow. 
 
 To  them  thou  won't  deny. 
 When  grace  my  unbelief  deflroy'd 
 
 And  on  my  rock  me  fix'd  ; 
 Thy  favour  then  my  foul  enjoy'd. 
 
 With  fweet  love-tokens  mix'd. 
 Then  did  my  life's  department  fhew 
 
 Thine  image  on  my  heart ; 
 And  thou  thyfelf  with  pleafure  view 
 
 The  grace  thou  didfl:  impart. 
 I'm  joyful  when  to  mind  I  do 
 
 Thefe. happy  days  recall : 
 By  grace  was  I  built  up,  and  fo 
 
 My  little  fider  fliall. 
 
414    ^  Pa  R  A  p  H  R  A  6E  OM  /^^     Chap.VIII. 
 
 Verfe  1 1 .  Solornon  had  a  'vineyard  at  Baal-hamon  ;   he 
 
 let  out  the  'vineyard  unto  keepers  :  every  one  for  the 
 
 fruit  thereof  ifjas  to  bring  a  thou  fond  pieces  offdver. 
 
 Another  objeft  of  my  care, 
 
 Befide  our  filter  dear, 
 Is  likewife,  Lord,  thy  vineyard  fair, 
 
 Already  planted  here. 
 Our  Solomon,  the  Prince  of  peace, 
 
 A  vineyard  did  polTefs, 
 And  to  a  multitude  did  leafe. 
 
 And  let  it  out  to  drefs. 
 At  Baal-hamon,  where  he  plants 
 
 Upon  a  fruitful  foil, 
 And  fervants  with  commiflion  grants 
 
 To  keep  it  from  turmoil. 
 
 He  takes  the  care  in  chief,  but  they 
 
 An  under-trufl  maintain  ; 
 He  wakes  and  keeps  it  night  and  day. 
 
 Elfe  watchmen  watch  in  vain  ^. 
 From  ev'ry  fervant  there  employed 
 
 He  ftill  requires  the  rent 
 Of  praife,  for  what  they  have  enjoy'd. 
 
 And  work  to  his  content. 
 Each  one  for  fruit  that  he  affigns 
 
 Proportion'd  tribute  brings, 
 And  renders  for  a  thoufand  vines 
 
 A  thoufand  filverlings  f . 
 
 Christ's  Words. 
 Verfe  12.  My  vineyard,  ivhich  is  tnine,  is  before  me  :'-— 
 
 My  vineyard.  Love,  the  objecl  is 
 
 Of  my  peculiar  care  ; 
 My  heart  and  eye  is  fix'd  on  this 
 
 More  clofe  than  any  where. 
 'Tis  mine  by  fpecial  right  and  grant. 
 
 By  blood  and  conqueft  too  ; 
 The  ftate  and  cafe  of  ev'ry  plant 
 
 Is  always  in  my  view. 
 
 *  Ifalah  Y.  I, — 4.     Pfalin  cxxvit.  i.         +  Ifaiah  vli.  35. 
 
Ver.11,12.    Song  o/"  So  l  omon.        41^; 
 
 My  vineyard  in  my  bofom  fet. 
 
 Has  therein  fuch  a  room, 
 A  woman  fooner  can  forget 
 
 The  infant  of  her  womb  f. 
 Though  nature  Ihould  her  frame  defert, 
 
 And  mothers  monfters  prove  ; 
 Yet  Zion  dwells  upon  the  heart 
 
 Of  everlafting  love. 
 
 Ths  Church's  Words. 
 
 — 'Thou,  0  Solomon,  mvjl  have  a  thoufand ;  and  thofe 
 that  keep  the  fruit  thereof  two  hundred. 
 
 True,  Lord ;  the  vineyard  is  thine  own. 
 
 The  charge  is  chiefly  thine  ; 
 Yet  under  thee,  thou  haft  made  known. 
 
 The  charge  is  alfo  mine  ■^. 
 This  vineyard  of  mine  own,  alas ! 
 
 Of  late  I  did  negleft  ; 
 But  now  I  will  the  truft,  through  grace. 
 
 More  carefully  infped. 
 My  graces,  talents,  time;,  and  all. 
 
 That  I  receive  from  thee, 
 To  hufband  for  thy  fervice,  fliall 
 
 Be  always  in  mine  eye. 
 The  fruits  of  gratitude  I'll  bring. 
 
 Which  unto  thee  I  owe  : 
 The  vineyard's  revenue,  O  King, 
 
 Belongs  to  thee,  1  know. 
 To  thee  a  thoufand  fold  pertains ; 
 
 And  when  thou  gett'ft  thy  due, 
 To   under-keepers,   for  their  pains, 
 
 Two  hundred  fhall  accrue. 
 Though  none  that  larbour  in  thy  name 
 
 Shall  of  thy  praife  partake  ; 
 Yet  what  refpeft  is  due  to  them 
 
 I'll  render  for  thy  fake. 
 
 J  Ifaiah  xlir.  15. 
 
 *  The  preceding  part  of  this  verfe,  though  already  explained, 
 and  applied  to  Chrift  ;  yet,  being  reckoned  by  I'ome  to  be  Xhi 
 church's  words,  are  here  airorefumed  as  hsrs. 
 
 Vol.  X.  G  R  g 
 
41 6      -^Paraphrase  on  the    Chap.VIIL 
 
 Christ's  Word. 
 
 Verfe  13.    Thou  that  dwellcji  in  the  gardens,  the  com- 
 panions hearken  to  thy  voice :  caufe  me  to  hear  it  ^. 
 
 O  thou  my  bride,  that  lov'ft  to  haunt 
 
 The  gardens  of  my  grace, 
 And  folemn  inns  where  ev'ry  faint 
 
 Delights  to  fee  my  face. 
 I'm  pleas'd  thou  careful'  keep  for  me^ 
 
 The  orchards  of  my  love, 
 Until  thy  nobler  manfion  be 
 
 The  Paradife  above. 
 The  faints,  all  thy  companions  dear, 
 
 To  focial  worfliip  bent, 
 Are  glad  thy  graceful  words  to  hear. 
 
 And  to  thy  voice  intent. 
 Take  this  occafion  in  thy  w'alk 
 
 To  caufc  me  to  be  heard  ; 
 Make  me  the  fubjeft  of  thy  talk. 
 
 My  name  to  be  rever'd. 
 And  while  they  to  my  voice  give  ear, 
 
 Caufe  me  to  hear  it  too, 
 By  flying  pofts  of  frequent  pray'r  : 
 
 Full  freedom  I  allow. 
 I'll  joy  how  oft  I  hear  from  thee. 
 
 Until  the  parting  fj^reen. 
 And  range  of  hills,  'twixt  thee  and  me. 
 
 No  more  Ihall  interveen. 
 
 The  C  i-i  u  R  c  ir  s  V/crds. 
 
 Verfe  14.  f  Make  hajle  f,  my  Beloved,  and  be  thou 
 like  to  a  roe,  or  to  a  young  hart,  upon  the  mountains 
 of  fpices. 
 
 Ah,  Lord  !  communion  with  thee  now 
 
 Is  fweet,  but  quickly  o'er  : 
 "We  muft  not  part  but  with  a  view 
 
 To  meet  again  in  glore. 
 
 *  Or,  caife  me  to  he  beard.  \  Heb.  Tly  anuay. 
 
VeR.  13,  I4«        So  NG    O/'SOLOMON,  ^j- 
 
 Mean  time,  let  ftill  frefh  news  from  thee 
 
 (My  foul  from  floth  to  purge) 
 Effe6t  thy  hearing  oft  from  me. 
 
 As  thou  art  pleas'd  to  urge. 
 But,  O  make  hade  to  bring  me  hom,c. 
 
 To  that  delicious  place. 
 Where  fears  and  doubts  can  never  come, 
 
 Nor  clouds  to  vail  thy  face. 
 Fly  like  a  youthful  hart  or  roe. 
 
 On  fpeedy  wings  of  love  : 
 I  languifli  while  1  fin  below, 
 
 And  long  to  fing  above. 
 'Tis  good,  indeed,  to  tafte  thy  grace, 
 
 In  gardens  here  below ; 
 But  better  far  to  fee  thy  face 
 
 Above,  where  fpices  flow. 
 
 Thefe  balmy  heights  thy  glory  fills. 
 
 Till  the  refrefliing  day  : 
 But  hafte,  my  Love,  upon  the  hills ; 
 
 Love  cannot  bear  delay. 
 Thy  fecond  coming  mufl  be  dear, 
 
 O  my  Belov'd,  to  me  ; 
 For,  when  thou  flialt  with  clouds  appear, 
 
 I'll  then  be  like  to  thee. 
 Thy  foes  that  awful  day  may  hate. 
 
 And  view  with  fearful  grudge  ; 
 But,  free  of  dread,  I  long,  I  wait : 
 
 My  Love  will  be  my  Judge. 
 
 I  ardent  pant  with  refllefs  eyes. 
 
 To  fee  thee  face  to  face  : 
 No  lefs  than  glory  can  fuffice 
 
 The  appetite  of  grace. 
 My  months  are  ages  of  delay. 
 
 Each  minute  flowly  wears  5 
 Till  thy  fvvift  chariot  roll  away 
 
 Thefe  rounds  of  tedious  years. 
 No  balfam  can  remede  my  fore. 
 
 Till  Jefus,  from  on  high, 
 ■  Shall  cleave  the  ilarry  plains,  and  o'er 
 
 The  cryftal  mountains  fly. 
 Ggg  2 
 
4i8       A  Paraphrase,  ^Jt. 
 
 Roll  days  and  years  out  of  the  way 
 Between  my  foul  and  thee. 
 
 O  hafte  the  confummation-day  j 
 Amen,  fo  let  it  be. 
 
 Chap.VIIL 
 
 The  End  of  the  Paraphrase  on  the  Song  oj  Solomon. 
 
SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 IN    TWO     BOOKS. 
 
 B00Kl.C0nfiflS0f0LD-TESTAMENTS0NGS;0r, 
 
 Songs  on  feveral  Sele^  Pajfagcs  in  the  Old  Teftainent. 
 
 IN      SIX      PARTS. 
 
 Parti,  Compreliends  fourteen  Poems  upon  fuch  Pa/Tages  of 
 Scripture  as  the  Author  has  verfified  from  Gsmjis  to  Job. 
 
 Partll.  Contains  Job's  Hymns  ;  or,  an  hundred  fhort  Poems, 
 upon  the  fame  Number  of  feletJt  Parts  and  Paffages  of  that 
 Book. 
 
 Part  III.  A  New  Version  of  the  Song  ef  Solomon,  in  eight 
 Chapters. 
 
 Part  IV.  Contains  twenty-one  Poems,  feleded  from  Ecclefiajlejy 
 Ifaiah,  and  Jeremiah. 
 
 Part  V.  A  Short  Paraphrase  upon  the  Lamentations  of  Jere- 
 tniah,  in  five  Chapters. 
 
 Part  VI.  Comprehends  fix  Poems,  feleJled  from  the  Minor 
 Prtphets. 
 
 Book  II.  Confifts  of  New-testament  Songs  j 
 or,  Songs  on  {cwzx2\feled parts  in  the  New  Teflament. 
 
 IN     THREE     PARTS. 
 
 Part  I.  Containing  feventeen  Songs  felefled  from  the  Four 
 Evangelijls. 
 
 Part  II.  Comprehends  twenty-four  Songs  fele«5ted  out  of  the 
 different  ApoJioUcal  Epifiles. 
 
 Part.  III.  Confifts  of  fixteen  Songs  extraded  from  the  Book  of 
 the  Revelation. 
 
'ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 TO  the  account,  given  hy  the  Author,  in  the  following  Pre- 
 face, ot  the  occaiion  and  defign  of  thefe  Scripture  Songs,  it  may 
 not  be  improper  to  acquaint  the  Reader  with  the  manner  of  their 
 firft  publication,  and  the  r^^yyw  of  their  prefent  arraignment. 
 
 As  to  the  manner  in  which  thefe  Songs  were  emitted  into  the 
 •world,  it  was  at  firft  in  four  different  trads.  The  Paraphrafe  on 
 the  Lajkentations  of  Jeremiah  was  firft  pubiifhed  as  a  fpecimcn  of 
 the  whole,  with  an  intimation  to  any,  who  had  a  mind,  to  offer 
 their  remarks  thereupon.  We  never  heard  of  any  obfervations 
 made  to  the  Author  upon  it  ;  and  we  are  quite  certain  he  himfelf 
 made  no  alterations  upon  it  after  the  firft  publication.  The  kindly 
 reception  it  met  with  encouraged  him  to  proceed;  and  the  public 
 was  next  favoured  with  A  Neiv  Verfion  of  the  Song  of  Solomony 
 pubh'llicd  along  witii  his  large  explicatory  poem  on  that  book. 
 Seme  time  after  this  he  publidied  what  was  intitled,  Job^s  Hymns  ; 
 or,  his  poems  on  fcveral  feleft  pafTages  of  that  book.  Then  we 
 were  favoured  with  th;  reft  of  the  Scripture  Songs,  in  three  parts. 
 All  thefe  were  carefully  revifed  and  prepared  for  the  prefs  by  the 
 Author  himfelf,  except  a  few  poems  which  compofed  what  was 
 called  the  thirJ  part  of  the  Scripture  Songs,  which  were  not  ex- 
 traded  from  his  fhort-hand  charaders  before  his  death  ;  but  thefe 
 were  carefully  revifed  and  compared  with  the  original  by  his  fon, 
 the  Rev.  Mr.  Henry  Erfkine  of  Falkirk. 
 
 We  are  next  to  aflign  the  reafon  of  their  prefent  arraignment. 
 Though  thefe  poems  were  publiftied  at  firft  in  fundry  feparatc 
 tradfs,  and  at  different  times,  yet  it  is  certain  they  were  defigned 
 to  compofc  one  intire  work.  As  we  have  now  the  whole  before 
 us,  it  was  judged  proper  to  arraign  them  in  fuch  a  manner  as  to 
 compofe  one  complete  ColleSiion  of  Scripture  Songs.  To  effeduate 
 this  defign,  they  are  divided  into  two  books  :  the  firft  book  con- 
 tains Old-Tejlainent  Songs,  in  fix  parts;  the  other  confifts  of  New- 
 Tcfa?nent  Songs,  in  three  parts.  All  thefe  are  placed  in  the  re- 
 gul.ir  order  in  which  they  ly  in  the  fcripture. 
 
 It  is  probable,  had  our  Author  lived  fome  time  longer,  he 
 would  have  enriched  this  colledion  with  feveral  other  poems,  upon 
 other  parallel  and  celebrated  pafT.igcs  of  fcripture;  for  it  appears 
 he  was  going  on  with  the  work  when  providence  put  a  period  to 
 his  natural  life,  and  tranflated  him  to  iing  the  fong  of  Moles  and 
 the  Lamb,  in  the  church  triumphant  above.  S. 
 
PREFACE, 
 
 SHEWING      THE 
 
 Occafion  and  Delign  of  the  following  Poems. 
 
 READER, 
 
 TH  E  work  of  turning  all  the  reft  of  the  Scripture  Songs  into 
 metre,  as  the  Pfalms  of  David  are,  and  for  the  fame  public 
 ufe,  was  propofed  by  the  church  of  Scotland,  more  than  an  hun- 
 dred years  ago,  and  that  in  one  of  the  moft  noted  periods  of  her 
 Reformation  ;    particularly   by   an  ad  of  the  General  Aifembly, 
 Augud  28th,    1647.     This  affair   having   never  yet  been  accom- 
 pliihed  to  general  fatisfadlion,  though  fame   eifays  were  made  to- 
 wards  it  *,    it  was  recommended   to  me,  however  fenllble  of  my 
 own  unfitnefs  for  it,   to  try  my  hand   upon   this  work.     The  firft 
 public  recommendation  was  by  the  Afibciate  Synod,  /Innr,  1747. 
 And   though  1  began  it,    by  turning  fome  of  thefe  Songs  into 
 metre,  the  beft  way  I  could,  fi»ch  as  the  fong  of  Mofes,  Exod.  xv. 
 and  Deuc.  xxxii.  the  Song  of  Deborah  and  Barak,  Judges  v.  and 
 feveral  others;  yet,  I  may  fay,   Satan  hindred  me  in  my  proprefs 
 therein,  and  ftood  at  my  right-hand  to  refilt  me,  bycaftiug  temp- 
 tations in  my  way:  and  the  holy  providence  of  God  feemed,  from 
 time  to  time,  in  vacant  hours,   to  be  putting  other  necefiary  work 
 in  my  hand  ;    which  yet,  I  hope,    (with   means   that  others  ailb 
 have  ufcd)  has  had  its  own  ufefulne'fs,    for  fencing  and  fortifying 
 a  number  of  the  Lord's   people  againll   the  terrible   temptations, 
 into  which  too  many  have  been  fo  much  infnared,  as  that,  under 
 the  mafic  of  zeal  for  a  lU'w  religion  -And  prof ejjian,  they  cannot  tell 
 what,  Satan  has  got  his  circle  drawn  about  them,  to  hedge  thera 
 in  from  coming  to  feed  in  thefe  green  paftures,  wherein  they  have 
 been  formerly  nouriflied  :  and  in  which  ftrait   and  fmfal  inclofure 
 they  will,  in  all  appearance,  be  detained,  till  God   himfelf  break 
 the  fnare,  and  loofe  the  prifoners  ;   and  till  the  captives  of  the  nii^h' 
 ty  he  taken  anvay,  and  the  prey  of  the  terrible  be  delivered,  Iiaiah 
 xlix.  24,  25.  f. 
 
 But  as  I  have  again  got  a  little  leifure,  amidft  the  intervals  of 
 my  other  minifterial  work,  to  go  on  in  the  profecution  of  what 
 has  been  fo  often  recommended  to  me  ;    fo  I  have   yielded  to  the 
 
 •  Till;  recommendation  of  tlie  AQemblj  was  given  to  Mr.  Zacharias  Hovd. 
 He  complied  with  the  recommcndaHon  ;  for  we  find  the  AfTembly  1048.  ap- 
 pointing two  of  their  number  to  revife  his  labours  :  but  they  were  never  pub- 
 iick!y  approvenof. — About  forty  years  after  this  there  was  anotlier  attempt  to 
 have  this  delign  accompliflied  ;  and  fo  we  find  a  verfion  of  the  Scripture  Songs 
 publiihed,  Atv^o  i68(5.  fuppofed  to  be  written  by  one  Mr.  Simfon  :  but  thefe 
 did  not  yield  public  fatisfatftion  neither. — This  affair  was  again  propofe.)  by 
 fome  latter  ^ffemblics  ;  and  fome  of  the  fcripture  fonjrs  underwent  a  rcvifuig: 
 but  none  of  them  have  as  yet  obtained  the  public  f.inclion  of  the  church. 
 
 •f  The  interruption  that  our  Author  met  with  in  this  .n flair,  and  the  other 
 necefTary  work  that  was  called  for  at  his  hand,  has  a  rcfpecl  to  the  unhappy 
 conteft  about  the  lawfulnefs  of  the  religious  cL"y''e  of  fome  burgcji  catks,  au<i 
 the  writings  he  publiflied  en  that  ful»jec\. 
 
422  PREFACE. 
 
 publication  of  this  fmall  *  part  of  the  work  in  the  mean  time  ;  be- 
 caufe  this  being  one  of  the  intire  books  of  fcripture  by  itfeJf,  and 
 having  jnil  now  made  this  effdj  upon  it  :  the  judgment  of  the  ju- 
 dicious about  this  being  once  given,  and  remarks  offered  by  thofe 
 that  pleafe  upon  it,  there  may  be  the  Jefs  ado,  if  providence  bring 
 forward  all  the  reft,  to  be  fubjected  alfo  to  the  trial  of  thofe  who 
 have  parts  as  well  as  piety.  And,  no  doubt,  but  the  reft,  if  the 
 Lord  will,  may  be  forwarded  with  the  more  pleafure,  if  this,  as 
 a  fpecimen,   llwU  be  acceptable. 
 
 In  cafe  this  paraphrafe  [r/~.  on  the  Lamentations,']  or  any  o- 
 ther  part  oi'  th'i  Scripture  Sci^igs,  intended  to  be  publiihed,  fhould 
 come  to  have  another  edition,  thefe  who  incline,  and  have  {kill 
 and  judgment,  are  hereby  allowed  and  defired  to  fend,  by  letters, 
 their  oblervations  to  the  author,  if  they  find  any  real  improprie- 
 ties, or  failures,  either  in  the  frame  of  the  poefy,  or  fitnefs  of  the 
 paraphrafe  ;  efpecially  the  latter  of  thefe,  for  he  does  not  pretend 
 to  a  genius  fitted  to  ad  the  fublime  poet  ;  and  it  may,  perhaps, 
 be  no  difadvantage,  in  compofures  of  this  kind,  defigned  for  ge- 
 neral ufe,  that  the  middle  path  be  kept  between  the  too  flat  and 
 too  foaring  ftrain.  But  he  will  reckon  himfelf  much  obliged  to 
 any  flLiiled  hands,  that  fhall  not  only  obferve  what  they  think  needs 
 to  be  amended,  but  alfo  let  down  their  own  eiT:iys  for  correiling 
 thereof;  and  according  to  the  gravity,  merit,  and  importance, 
 of  the  obfervations  and  amendments,  fo  Ihall  he  endeavour  to 
 give  thofe  that  make  them  all  the  fatisfaction  he  can  in  the  next 
 edition.  And  that  any  who  pleafe,  may  the  more  eafily  compare 
 the  Text  and  the  Paraphrafe,  he  has  caufed  print  them  both  to- 
 gether j.  Where  the  decent  frame  of  the  metre  allows  not  any 
 leeming  agreement  with  the  words  of  the  text,  the  learned  reader 
 is  to  judge  efpecially  of  its  agreement  with  the  fcope  and  intent 
 thereof:  and  in  this  I  have  not  negletfted  to  confult  commmenta- 
 torsj  only  in  places  where  they  were  of  different  minds,  I  was 
 obliged  to  make  a  choice  of  what  I  thought  beft,  and  moft  confo- 
 nant  with  the  context.  And  when  the  marginal  readings,  or  the 
 original  Hebrew  text  yielded  any  alii  tlance,  they  w^ere  not  neglefted. 
 
 I  have  not,  in  all  and  every  one  of  the  Scripture  Songs,  fludied 
 rhyme  in  the  firll  and  third  line  of  every  ftanza ;  though,  in  the 
 moft  part  of  them,  it  is  carefully  obferved. — That  all  may  be  blef- 
 led  of  God,  for  the  edification  of  his  church  and  people,  is  the 
 earnell  defire  of  their  fervant,  and  yours  in  Chrill, 
 
 RALPH    ERSKINE. 
 
 *  The  fmall  pnrt  of  the  work,  here  alluded  to  by  the  Author,  is  his  Para- 
 phrafc  Oil  the  Lamciitnt'wns  ofjtremiub,  which  he  fir(t  publilhed  by  itlclf,  as  a 
 fpecimen  of  the  wliolc,  fvvi'.h  the  fcriptures  annexed  on  the  margin  at  full 
 Jrngth,  and  the  inarginAl  readings  at  the  foot  of  the  page,  that  the  reader 
 might  calily  compare  the  vcrfion  with  the  original  text,]  acd  to  which  this  ac- 
 count of  the  occafioa  and  dcfign  of  his  writing  tiicfe  ScR  i  pture  Son  GS  was 
 firfl  prefixed  ;   but  as  it  refpcCis  them  all,  it  is  now  made  to  front  the  whole. 
 
 f  This  was  done  in  the  firfl  edition  of  the  Paraphrafe  on  the  Lamentations 
 of  Jeremiah,  which  was  dtfigncd  as  a  fpccimui. 
 
SCRIPTURE     SONGS. 
 
 BOOK         r. 
 
 Old-Testament  Songs  ;  or,  Songs  upOn  fe- 
 veral  Sek^  Faffages  in  the  Old  Teltament. 
 
 PARTI. 
 
 Poems  feleftcd  from  feveral  PaiTages  of  Scripture  in  the 
 Hiftorical  Parts  of  the  Old  Teftament,  v/z.  from  the 
 Book  of  Genejis  to  J&b, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ^  It  is  generally  agreed,  among  the  learned  and  inquijftive^  that 
 •writings  in  poetry  have  been  the  firjt  that  <were  iifed  in  the  ixjorld : 
 that  they  have  been  co-e'qual  ivith,  if  not  even  prior  to  the  invention 
 or  tifage  of  letters  :  nay,  that  in  feveral  hations  poetical  compofi- 
 tions  actually  preceded  the  very  invention  or  tifage  of  letters'.  And 
 infiich  veneration  'was  this  'way  of 'writing  held  among  the  antients, 
 that  their  poets  nvere  called  vates,  prophets  ;  and  their  mufes 
 'were  deified.— But,  'which  is  fill  more  certain  and  conjiderdole; 
 the  mofl  anticnt  co?npoftion  that  ^we  meet  'with  in  ihe  facred  vo- 
 lu7?ie  itfelf  is  the  Song  of  Mofes  at  the  Rcd-Jea,  recorded,  Exod: 
 XV.  I, — 22.  *  'which  'we  find  before  the  very  fit f  mention  of  •writ' 
 trig ;  for  that  occurs  not  till  Exod  w'n.  14.  'when  the  Lord  injoini 
 Mofes  to  'write  a  viemorial  of  ihe  'war  'with  Amalek. 
 
 Many  facred  Songs  are  to  be  ?net  'with  in  the  Old  Tef  anient,  fat- 
 ter ed  both  in  the  hiforical  and  priphetical  books,  penned  upon  par- 
 ticular and  remarkable  occafiuns  ;  nvhich,  in  the  opinion  of  very 
 competent  judges,  have  in  them  as  true  and  noble  jl  rains  of  poetry 
 and  pi£iure,  as  arc  to  be  met  'with  in  any  other  language  'whaHfo- 
 ever,  in  fpite  of  all  the  difadvant  age  from  tranfiation  into  fo  dif-, 
 fercnt  tongues,  and  common  profe  ;  nay,  are  nobler  exa7npltrs  of 
 the  true  fubli?ne  file  of  poetry  than  any  eayi  be  found  in  the  pagan 
 ^writers  :  the  images  are  fo  frong,  lively,  and  proper  ;  the  thoughts 
 fo  grand,  elevated,  and  profound  ;  the  eXprefions.fo  lofty,  Mag- 
 nificent, and  divine  ;  and  the  figures  fo  ad?nirable,  bold,  and 
 moving,  that  tht  'wtrnderful  manmr  of  ihefe  •writings  is  quite  ini- 
 mitable. 
 
 Some  other  very  important  and  highly  interefing pafages  cffcripture', 
 very  appufte  for  the  matter  ofafong;  are  alfo  here  verjified,  though 
 ?iet  fo  in  the  original.  And  although  the  hiftorical  parts  offcrip- 
 iure  afford  us  the  fnallef  number  either  of  ihefe,  or  poetical  paf- 
 fages,  yet  the  fulU'wing  Songs  are  fleSled  therefron^.  S: 
 
 •  This  Song  is  the  niofb  antient  and  moft  rubh'nie  piece  of  poetry  in  the 
 worlil :  the  images  are  noble  and  lively  ;  the  airajngment  of  its  ideas  i*  proper 
 ui'id  beautiful  ;  the  fiilc,  lofty  and  rnagniilttnl ;  aud  the  lUaln  of  [>ii.tj',  whitH 
 bveaihcs  through  the  whole,  is  angelical. 
 
 Vol,  S.  Hhh 
 
424      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 SONG        I. 
 
 'The  firjl  Six  Days  Work  ;    or,    the  firjl  Chapter  of 
 Genefis  compendi-zed,  ^ 
 
 THE  fivfl  day  at  Jehovah's  word. 
 Which  brought  from  nothing  all. 
 Did  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  light  afford. 
 
 To  form  the  fpacious  ball. 
 The  next,  a  firmament  fo  wide, 
 
 A  large  expanded  Iky, 
 That  might  the  waters  courfe  divide. 
 And  bear  the  clouds  on  high. 
 
 The  third,  fevering  land  from  feas. 
 
 Ere  fun  and  rain  were  feen  ; 
 Made  earth  produce  herbs,  grafs,  and  trees, 
 
 To  paint  her  face  with  green. 
 The  fourth,  fun,  moon,  and  ftars  of  light. 
 
 Within  their  circling  fpheres, 
 Set  up  to  rule  the  day  and  night. 
 
 And  mark  out  months  and  years. 
 The  fifth,  made  finny  tribes  to  move. 
 
 And  cut  the  floods  beneath  ; 
 And  feather'd  holts  to  fly  above, 
 
 And  wing  their  airy  path. 
 The  fixth,  all  earthly  beads  did  bring, 
 
 And  form  the  grazing  herb  : 
 Then  man  to  be  the  creatures  king 
 
 His  Maker  great  preferr'd. 
 On  man  he  did  his  image  draw  ; 
 
 Thus  fair  at  firfl  he  ftood, 
 When  God  revicw'd  his  works  and  law 
 
 That  all  was  very  good. 
 [But  foon  as  man,   by  fm's  inrode. 
 
 Was  llain'd,  the  change  was  fad  ! 
 Of  all  the  fix  days  work  of  God, 
 
 The  befl  was  very  bad  !  j 
 
 *  The  Reader,  if  he  pleufes',  m;iy  fee  this  tranfa«5lion  in  another 
 kind  of  posfy,  p.  24S,  249. 
 
Part.I.     scripture  songs.     425 
 
 SONG        II. 
 
 The  Firji  Go/pel  Promife.    Gen.  iii.  15. 
 
 THE  promife  firft,  that  led  the  van, 
 Did  curfe  the  tempting  fnake  ; 
 But    op'd  the  door    of  blifs  to    man, 
 
 For  thus  Jehovah  fpake : 
 "  I'll  put  eternal  enmity, 
 
 "  O  thou  fatanic  foe  ! 
 *'  Between  the  woman  foil'd  and  thee, 
 
 "  To  thy  difgrace  and  wo. 
 "  Her  feed  and  thine  immortal  feud 
 
 "  Shall  both  be  made  to  feel ; 
 "  It  Ihall  intirely  break  thy  head, 
 
 "  Thou  only  bruife  his  heel. 
 "  And  to  give  thee  the  fatal  blow, 
 
 "  Her  feed  lliall  be  my  Son  ; 
 *'  Deflroy  thy  w^orks,  and  quite  undo 
 
 "  What  mifchief  thou  haft  done." 
 
 SONG         III. 
 
 The  Ten  Plagues  of  Ifrael  named  and  jiijlijied. 
 Exod.  vii.  viii.  ix.  x.  and  xii.  chap. 
 
 TH  E  firft,  their  water  turn'd  to  blood. 
 Their  blood  thirft  to  requite. 
 The  fecond,  caus'd  s'^t frogs  to  croud. 
 To  'venge  their  crocking  fpite. 
 
 The  third,  turn'd  all  their  duft  to  lice. 
 
 Their  fordid  ways  to  wreck. 
 The  fourth,  made  fwarms  o^ flees  arife. 
 
 Their  foaring  pride  to  check. 
 The  fifth,  their  beafts  with  murrain  kill'd  . 
 
 To  fmite  their  brutifli  kin. 
 The  fixth,  witli  boils  their  bodies  fill'd, 
 
 To  fcourge  the  blalns  of  fin. 
 The  feventh,  dcftroy'd  wlth/r<?  and  hath 
 
 Their  fury  to  afl"wage. 
 The  eighth,  made  iQcitfts  fierce  prevail. 
 
 To  rccompence  their  rage. 
 H  h  h  2 
 
426      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 The  mnth,  thick  darknefs  on  them  drew, 
 
 Fpr  doubling  IfraTs  tales. 
 The  tenth,  all  Egypt's ^rjl-born  flew, 
 
 For  murd'ring  Ifra'l's  males. 
 
 SONG        IV. 
 
 The  Song  o/"  Moses,  when  the  Ifraelites  were  delivered 
 out  of  the  hands  of  the  Egyptians.  Exod.  xv.  1,-^21. 
 
 Sect.  I. 
 
 l^he  Lord's  Vraife  celebrated  for  his  own  Excellence^ 
 and  overthrowing  his  Enemies. 
 
 Ver.    T  '  L  L  fing  unto  the  Lord,  who  doth 
 I      X     His  glorious  triumph  fhew  ; 
 For  he  the  horfe,   and  rider  both. 
 Into  the  ocean  threw. 
 1  Weak  was  I,  but  the  Lord's  my  flrength  y 
 Dumb,  but  he's  now  my  fong  ; 
 Loft,  but  he  is  become  at  length 
 
 AH  my  falvation  ftrong. 
 He  is  my  God,  I'll  him  prepare 
 
 An  habitation  nigh  ; 
 My  father's  God,  with  double  care 
 I  will  exalt  him  high. 
 3.  The  I^ord's  a  man,  of  war,  I  boafl: 
 The  Lord  his  name  to  be  ; 
 
 4  He  Pharpah's.  chariots  and  his  hoii, 
 
 Hath  caft  into  the  fea^ 
 
 5  He  did  his  chpfen  captains  drown. 
 
 Within  the  Red-fea  bi:ink  ; 
 The  depths  them  hid,  to  th' bottom  dovvn, 
 They  like  a  ftone  did  fink. 
 
 ^.  Thy  right-hand,  O  Jehovah,  did 
 Its  pow'rful  glory  fljow  ; 
 Thy  right-hijind,  O  Jehovah,  did 
 In  pieces  dafli  the  foe. 
 y,.  Soon  in.  thy  grcatnef^  excellent, 
 Thy  foes  thou  ruin'd  haft  ; 
 And  forth  thine  indignation  fent^ 
 Did  them  as  ftubble  wafte. 
 
Part.I.    scripture   SONGS.    42:^ 
 
 8  Lo !  at  thy  noftrils  blaft,  on  fight 
 
 The  waves  combining  rofe; 
 Floods,  as  an  heap,  did  ftand  upright. 
 The  deeps  in  mid-fea  froze. 
 
 9  The  raging  foe  thus  fpoke  in  pride, 
 
 "  I'll  now  purfue  them  hot ; 
 «  I  will  overtake,  I  will  divide 
 
 "  The  fpoil  upon  the  fpot  :- 
 "  My  lufts  its  fatisfaftion  full 
 
 "  Upon  them  Ihall  enjoy; 
 "  My  bloody  fword  draw  forth  I  will, 
 
 "  My  hand  fhall  them  deftroy." 
 10  But  when  thy  wind  did  blow,  with  fpeed 
 
 The  billows  were  their  graves ; 
 For  down  they  fank,  as  pond'rous  lead. 
 
 Within  the  mighty  waves. 
 [Thy  orders  quickly  overthrew. 
 
 Thy  proud  Egyptian  hoft, 
 Who,  boldly  daring  to  purfue 
 
 Were  in  the  ocean  loft.] 
 
 Sect.  II. 
 ^e  I^  o  R  D  extolled  for  his  wonderful  Works  in, 
 preferring  his  People. 
 
 3 1  Who  is  like  thee  among  the  gods ! 
 
 Lord,  who  is  like  to  thee  ? 
 So  vaft,  fo  infinite  the  odds, 
 
 Where  can  thine  equal  be  ! 
 In    holinefs  moft  glorious, 
 
 In  praifes  fearful  too  ; 
 In  doing  wonders  mervellous, 
 
 None  elfe  the  like  can  do ! 
 
 12  When  thou  but  ftretchedft  thy  right-hand, 
 
 The  earth  obedient  rofe, 
 With  open  mouth,  at  thy  command. 
 And  fwallow'd  up  thy  foes. 
 
 13  Thou,  all  the  folk  thou  did'ft  redeem 
 
 Haft  led  forth  in  thy  grace  ; 
 And,  in  thy  ftrength,  haft  guided  tbcm 
 Unto  thy  holy  place. 
 
428     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book.  I. 
 
 14  People  fhall  hear  and  fear,  and  fo 
 
 In  grief  and  anguifh  pine  ; 
 Sorrow  fliall  catch  the  folk  that  do 
 '        Inhabite  Paleftene. 
 
 15  On  Edom's  dukes  amazing  fits. 
 
 On  Moab's  men  of  might 
 Trembling  fhall  feize;  all  Canaanites 
 Shall  melt  away  outright. 
 
 16  Great  fear  and  dread  fhall  them  arreff, 
 
 Thine  arm's  great  mightinefs 
 Shall  IVill  them,  as  a  flone  fupreft. 
 Till  once  thy  people  pafs ; 
 
 Till  once  the  folk,  thou  chofen  hafl, 
 
 Pafs  over  by  thy  grant. 
 To  the  mountain  thou  inheritefl, 
 
 17  Thoul't  them  bring  in  and  plant. 
 
 The  place,  O  Lord,  which  thou  hafl  made, 
 
 To  be  thy  dwelling  fine, 
 The    fanduary    eflablifhed 
 
 Firm,  by  thy  hands  divine. 
 
 18  The  Lord  fhall  ever  reign,  who  hath 
 
 Such  fame  by  Pharoah's  plea, 
 
 19  Whofe  chariot,  horfe,  and  cavalcade. 
 
 So  madly  took  the  fea  : 
 For  then  the  Lord  upon  their  head. 
 
 Ilol'd  back  the  waves  again  ; 
 But  on  dry  land  went  Ifra'l's  feed 
 
 Amidfl  the  cloven  main. 
 Sect.  IIL     Miriam's  Anpiver, 
 
 Sing  to  the  Lord,  who  made  his  name. 
 
 In  pomp  triumphant  known  ; 
 The  horfe  and  rider  both,  by  him. 
 Were  in   the  ocean  thrown. 
 
 SONG         V. 
 The  Ten  Commands  abridged  arid  •verfificd.    Lxod.  xx.  3. 
 [i.]   ^VT  ^  Clod  but  me  thou  flialt  adore, 
 
 L  %l     I  am  thy  God  alone. 
 [2.3  No  image  frame  to  bow  before, 
 But  iciols  all  dethrone. 
 
 f  Gcc  the  comniinds  in  another  kiiid  t)f  pocTy,  p,  134. 
 
PartI.     scripture    SONGS.       429 
 
 [3O  God's  glorious  name  take  not  in  vain. 
 
 For  be  rever'd  he  will. 
 [4.]  His  facred  Sabbath  don't  profane. 
 
 Mind  it  is  holy  flill. 
 [5O  To  parents  render  due  refped. 
 
 This  may  thy  hfc  prolong. 
 [6.]  AM  murder  (hun  and  malice  check. 
 
 To  no  man's  life  do  wrong. 
 [7.]  From  thoughts  of  whoredom  bafe  abftain. 
 
 From  words  and  actions  vile. 
 [8.]  Shun  theft  and  all  unlawful  gain. 
 
 Nor  gather  wealth  by  guile. 
 [9.]  Falfe  witnefs  flee,  and  fland'ring  fpite. 
 
 Nor  wilful  lies  invent. 
 £10.]  Don't  covet  what's  thy  neighbour's  right. 
 
 Nor  harbour  difcontent. 
 
 SONG         VI. 
 
 Submiffion  and  Deliverance  ;    or,  God's  appearing  in 
 Extremity^  and  Abraham  offering  his  Son. 
 Gen.  xxii.  6, — 19. 
 
 LORD,  we,  through  grace  at  thy  command. 
 With  faith  and  humble  zeal, 
 Rcfign  our  fpirits  to  thy  hand, 
 
 To  mould  them  to  thy  will. 
 We,  at  our  Father's  heav'nly  word. 
 
 Who  never  did  us  wrong. 
 Give  up  our  comforts  to  the  Lord, 
 
 To  whom  they  all  belong. 
 He  will  reftore  what  we  refign. 
 
 Or  grant,  if  not  the  fame. 
 Some  other  blefTmgs  more  divine. 
 
 To  clear  our  higher  claim. 
 At  God's  command  thus  Abra'm  took 
 
 The  wood,  the  fire,  the  knife. 
 And  ftraight  prepar'd  the  dreadful  flroke 
 
 At  fav'rite  Ifaac's  life. 
 Abra'm,  forbear,  the  angel  cry'd. 
 
 Touch  not  thy  darling  fon  ; 
 Thy  faith  is  fliewn,  thy  love  is  try'd. 
 
 The  deed  is  held  ;is  done. 
 
230     SCRIPTURE   SONGS.    Book  L 
 
 Thy  fon  fhall  live,  and  in  thy  feedj 
 
 That  fhall  of  Ifaac  fpring. 
 All  nations  Ihall  be  bleft  indeed  j 
 
 And  death  fhall  lofe  its  fling. 
 
 Juft  in  the  lafl  diflrefTing  hour. 
 
 When  quite  we  feem  undone. 
 The  Lord  difplays  deliv'ring  pow*r 
 
 And  makes  his  mercy  known. 
 The  mount  of  danger  is  the  place 
 
 Where  God  in  pomp  appears. 
 To  fhew  us  his  furprifmg  gracCj 
 
 And  difFipate  aur  fears. 
 
 SONG         VII. 
 
 The.  Prophetical  Song  of  Moses,  fetting  forth  God's 
 Mercy  and  Vengeance.     Deut.  xxii.  i  j — 43. 
 
 Sect.     I. 
 God  and  Israel  charaderized^ 
 
 Ver.  /^  LOFTY  heav'ns !  give  ear,  I'll  fpeak  j 
 I    V^    ^  ftupid  earth  !  attend  ; 
 To  the  inftruftions  of  my  mouth 
 
 An  ear  devoutly  lend. 
 My  dodtrine  down  like  rain  fliall  drop, 
 1        My  fpeech  diftil  like  dew  ; 
 
 As  fmall  rain  chears  the  tender  herb 
 And  fhow'rs  the  grafs  renew. 
 
 3  Becaufe  aloud  I  publifh  will 
 
 Jehovah's  name  abroad, 
 Afcribe  ye  glory  to   the   Lord, 
 And  greatnefs  to  our  God. 
 
 4  The  rock  whofe  work  moft  perfect  is, 
 
 His  ways  all  judgment  be ! 
 A  God  of  truth,  and  without  fm, 
 Both  jufl  and  right  is  he. 
 
 5  But  they  have  flain'd  themfelves,  their  foot 
 
 Is  not  the  fpot  of  fons  ; 
 For  they  a  crooked  nation  are., 
 A  race  of  pciverfc  ones. 
 
PartI.     scripture   SONGS.      431 
 
 Ver.  O  !  do  you  thus  requite  the  Lord, 
 
 6  Unwife  and  foolilh  ye  ? 
 
 Is  not  the  Lord  thy  Father  kind. 
 That  bought,  made,  fettled  thee  ? 
 
 Sect.  II. 
 The  great  Things  God  had  done  for  Israel. 
 
 7  Mind  days  of  old,  mark  what  the  years 
 
 From  age  to  age  befel : 
 Thy  Father  afk,  he  will  thee  iliow ; 
 
 Thy  elders,  they  will  tell : 
 S  That  when  the  Highefl:  did  divide 
 
 To  nations  all  their  lot, 
 When  Adam's  fons  he  fet  apart. 
 
 To  each  their  proper  fpot. 
 He  wifely  fet  the  people's  bounds, 
 
 Juil  to  the  number'd  race 
 Of  Ifrael's  feed,  whom  he  defign'd 
 
 To  occupy  their  place. 
 9  Becaufe  Jehovah's  portion  is  ' 
 
 His  people,  whom  he  found ; 
 The  lot  of  his  inheritance 
 
 Is  Jacob's  feed  renown'd. 
 
 10  He  found  him  in  a  defart  wafte, 
 
 In  howling  defarts  dry  : 
 He  led  him  round,  him  taught,  him  kept^ 
 As  th'  apple  of  his  eye, 
 
 1 1  As  th'  eagle  fond  ftirs  up  her  neft. 
 
 And  flutters  o'er  her  young. 
 Spreads  out,  and  then  upon  her  wings, 
 Them  takes  and  bears  along: 
 
 12  Ev'n  fo  the  Lord  along  him  led. 
 
 No  helper  elfe  was  nigh  ; 
 As  an  affiftant,  join'd  with  him,  ' 
 
 No  foreign  god  could  vie. 
 
 1 3  On  earth's  high  places,  forts,  and  holds, 
 
 He  made  him  ride  in  ftate. 
 That  of  the  incrcafe  of  the  fields. 
 He  might  with  pleafure  eat. 
 Vol.  X.  lii 
 
432      SCRIPTURE   SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Of  honey  fwect,  for  him  to  fuck. 
 He  made  the  rock  to  foil ; 
 And   made,  for  him,  the  flinty  rock 
 Produce  the  fined  oil. 
 
 14  Butter  of  kine,  and  milkoffheep. 
 
 Were  ready  thee  to  feed  ; 
 With  fat  of  lambs,  and  goats,  and  rams. 
 
 That  were  of  Bafhan's  breed : 
 With  fat  of  wheaten  kidneys  fine, 
 
 So  plump  and  large  the  fliapes ; 
 And  for  thy  drink  unmixed  wine. 
 
 The  pureft  blood  of  grapes. 
 
 Sect.   III. 
 
 Jeshurun's  Ingratitude  and  Sin. 
 
 15  But,  ah!  Jeihurun  when  poflcfl 
 
 Of  plenty,  foon  withdrew 
 From  God  ;  and  like  a  pamper'd  beaft, 
 
 Both  fat  and  vicious  grew. 
 Ung;rateful  he  forfook  the  God 
 
 Did  make  and  him  redeem ; 
 The  rock  of  his  falvation,  thus. 
 
 He  lightly  did  efteem. 
 
 16  Yea,  with  ftrange  gods  they  flirred  up 
 
 His  jealoufy  like  fire  : 
 And  with  abominations  great 
 Provoked  him  to  ire. 
 
 17  Altars  to  devils,  not  to  God, 
 
 For  facrifice  they  rear*d : 
 To  gods  unknown,  new  upfiart  gods, 
 Their  father's  never  fear'd. 
 
 18  The  mighty  Rock,  that  thee  begat. 
 
 Is  from  thy  mind  remote  ; 
 Thou  haft  the  God,  that  formed  thee, 
 Ungratefully  forgot. 
 
 19  When  this  Jehovah's  eye   beheld. 
 
 He  did  them  flight  and  lothe. 
 For  the  provoking  of  his  fons. 
 And  of  his  daughters  bolh. 
 
Part  I.     SCRIPTURESONGS.      433 
 
 Ver.  He  faid,  I'll  hide  from  them  my  face, 
 
 20  See  what  their  end  fliall  be. 
 For  they're  a  very  froward  race, 
 
 A  faithlefs  progeny. 
 
 21  They  have  me  mov'd  to  jealoufy. 
 
 With  that  which  is  no  god  ; 
 To  wrath  they  have  provoked  me. 
 
 With  idols  vain  and  odd : 
 So  them  to  wrath  I'll  move  with  thelle 
 
 That  are  no  people  now  ; 
 And,  with  a  fooliih  nation,  will 
 
 Provoke  and  vex  them  too. 
 
 Sect.  IV. 
 GoD*s  Indignation  againji  Is&ael  for  their  Sins. 
 
 22  For  in    my  indignation  hot 
 
 Enkindled  is  a  fire. 
 Which  to  the  lowcft  hell  fhall  burn. 
 With  unappeafed  ire : 
 
 It  fhall  confume  the  earth  with  all, 
 
 The  increafe  {he  diftills ; 
 And,  flaming  fierce,  fhall  fet  on  fire 
 
 The  bottoms  of  the  hills. 
 
 23  Mifchiefs  I  will  upon  them  heap. 
 
 Mine  arrows  on  them  fpend. 
 
 24  With  hunger  burn,  with  heat  devour. 
 
 With  ruin  fharp  contend. 
 
 1*11  fend  on  them  the  cruel  teeth 
 
 Of  beafls,  with  greedy  guft  ; 
 The  poifon  likewife  of  the  fnakes. 
 
 That  lurk  among  the  duft. 
 
 25  The  fword  without,  and  dread  within. 
 
 Shall  youths  and  maids  deftroy  j 
 The  fucking  children  alfo  reave. 
 And  hoary  heads  annoy. 
 
 26  Thus  faid  I,  1  will  fcatter  them 
 
 To  corners  out  of  ken ; 
 And  make  their  whole  remembrance  reafe 
 Among  the  fons  of  men  : 
 1  i  i  2 
 
434      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  But  that  1  fear'd  their  wrathful  foes, 
 
 27  To  ftrange  behaviour  prone, 
 Would  proudly  fay,  Our  hand  is  high. 
 
 Not  Jah  all  this  hath  done. 
 
 28  For  they   a  foolifli  nation  are. 
 
 So  void  of  counfel  found  ; 
 No   underftanding  is  in  them. 
 Nor  knowledge  to  be  found. 
 
 29  But,  O  that  they  were  wife  in  heart. 
 
 That  this  they  underdood. 
 That  they  would  mind  their  latter  end. 
 To  their  eternal  good  ! 
 
 30  For,  how  fliall  one  a  thoufand  chafe. 
 
 And  two  a  thoufand  rout, 
 Had  not  the  Lord,  their  rock,  them  fold. 
 And  fhut  up  round  about? 
 
 31  For  their  rock  cannot  equal  ours, 
 
 Whofe  pow'r  fuperior  known, 
 Our  foes  themfelves  are,  to  their  cofl:. 
 As  judges,  forc'd  to  own. 
 
 32  For,  lo  !  their  vines  of  Sodom  are, 
 
 And  of  Gomorrah's  field  ; 
 Their  grapes  are  loathfome,  grapes  of  gall, 
 Thar  bitter  clufters  yield. 
 
 33  Like  to  the  dragon's  poifon  is 
 
 The  wine  which  they  produce. 
 And,  like  the  cruel  gall  of  afps,  * 
 
 For  killing-,  not  for  ule. 
 
 34  And  is  not  this  laid  up  in  ftore. 
 
 Recorded  in  my  mind, 
 Seal'd  up  among  my  treafures  hid. 
 Until  the  time  defien'd  ? 
 
 o 
 
 35  Xo  me  belongeth  A'engeancc  juft. 
 
 And  recompenfe  of  wrong ; 
 Their  foot  fliall  therefore  furely  Hide 
 
 In  feafon  due  ere  long  : 
 The  day  of  their  calamity 
 
 Is  very  near  at  hand ; 
 The  woful  things  to  come  on  them. 
 
 Make  hade  at  my  command. 
 
 -4 
 
Part!.    SC  RIPTUR  E  SO  NGS.     435- 
 
 Ver.  But  yet  the  righteous  Lord  will  judge 
 
 36  His  people  with  allay  ; 
 
 And  for  his  fervants  will  himfelf 
 
 Repenting,  change  his  way  : 
 When  he  obferves  their  pov/'r  is  gone. 
 
 And  they,  of  help  bereft, . 
 Are  to  the  laft  extreme  rcducM, 
 
 And  none  fhut  up  or  left. 
 
 37  Then  to  difgrace  their  idols  vain, 
 
 Where  are  their  gods  ?  he'll  fiy, 
 Their  rock  on  whom  they  bafely  threw 
 Their  confidence  away  ; 
 
 38  Which  ate  their  facrifices  fat. 
 
 Drank  their  wine  offerings  too  ? 
 Let  them  rife  up  to  be  your  help, 
 And  your  protedion  now. 
 
 S  E  C  T.       V. 
 
 Conclujion  of  the  Song ;  including  Glory  to  Govt,  Ter- 
 ror to  his  Enemies,  and  Co?nfort  to  his  People* 
 
 39  See  then  that  I  now,  ev'n  I  am. 
 
 No  God  there  is  with  me : 
 I  kill  and  quicken,  wound  and  heal ; 
 
 None  can  my  fury  flee  : 
 From  lafhes  of  my  Hfted  hand, 
 
 There's  none  that  can  deliver  : 
 
 40  For  I  lift  up  my  hand  to  heav'n. 
 
 And  fay,  1  live  for  ever. 
 
 41  If  I  but  whet  my  glitt'ring  fword, 
 
 On  judgment  to  take  hold  ; 
 I'll  render  vengeance  to  my  foes, 
 Reward  my  haters  bold. 
 
 42  I'll  make  my  arrows  drunk  with  blood, 
 
 (My  fword  with  flefh  inclofe,) 
 With  blood  of  flain,  and  captives  both. 
 From  firft  revenge  of  foes. 
 
 43  O  !  joy  and  fmg,  ye  nations  all. 
 
 With  people  that  are  his  ; 
 For  he'll  avenge  his  fervants  blood, 
 Which  to  him  precious  is : 
 
43<^     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  He'll  render  vengeance  to  his  foes, 
 With  his  uplifted  hand  ; 
 But  favour  to  his  people  fhow. 
 And  mercy  to  his  land. 
 
 SONG        VIII. 
 
 MosEs*s  lajl  Words  ;  or,  the  Excellency  o^ Israel. 
 Deut.  xxiii.  26, —  29. 
 
 26  rx^  H  E  R  E*  s  none  like  to  Jefhurun's  God, 
 
 I        "Who  rides,  thy  helper  high, 
 On  heav'n  ;   and  in  his  pomp  abroad 
 Upon  the  azure  Iky. 
 
 27  Th'  eternal  God  thy  home  fecure. 
 
 And  refuge  is  from  harms  ; 
 And  underneath,  to  prop  thee  fure. 
 
 Are  everlafting  arms : 
 Before  thy  face  he'll  drive  the  foe. 
 
 That  would  thy  refl  annoy  ; 
 His  pow'r  refifllefs,  to  o'erthrow. 
 
 Shall  need  but  fay,  Dejiroy, 
 
 28  Then  Ifra'l  fafe  alone  fhall  dwell ; 
 
 And  Jacob's  eye  fhall  view 
 The  land  where  corn  and  wine  cxcell, 
 And  heaven  diflils  its  dew. 
 
 29  O  Ifra'l !   happy  in  thy  Lord ; 
 
 No  people's  fafe  like  thee  : 
 He's  of  thy  help,  the  fhicld,  the  fword 
 
 Of  thy  excellency. 
 Thus  arm'd,  thy  foes  fhall  floop  to  thee. 
 
 To  feign'd  fubmiffion  aw'd  ; 
 Thou  flialt  tread  down  their  places  high, 
 
 Their  fence  of  hes  and  fraud. 
 
 SONG        IX. 
 
 The  Son^  of  Deborah  and  Barak,  on  Israelis  Jtg- 
 nal  Victory  over  King  Jabin.     Judges  v.  i, — 31. 
 
 2  Ty  RAISE  ye  the  Lord,  for  the  revenge 
 1       Of  Ifra'l  on  his  foes, 
 "When  for  the  war,  the  people  bent. 
 As  volunteers  arofe. 
 
PartI.    scripture   SONGS.      437 
 
 Ver,  Ye  kings,  give  ear ;  ye  princes,  hear ; 
 
 3  Attention  fets  you  well ; 
 
 I'll  fmgto  Jah,  I'll  fing  to  Jah, 
 The  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  Lord,  when  in  ftate  thou  went'il  from  Seir, 
 
 In  march  from  Edom's  field. 
 The  earth  did  quake,  the  heav'ns  did  drop, 
 The  clouds  their  fhow*rs  diftill'd. 
 
 5  Away  before   Jehovah's   face. 
 
 The  melting  moutains  wore  ; 
 Before  Jehovah,  Ifrael's  God, 
 As  Sinai  blaz'd  before. 
 
 6  In  Shamgar  fon  of  Anath's  time. 
 
 In  Jael's  troublous  days. 
 The  roads  infeftcd  were  untrode, 
 And  trav'lers  took  by-ways. 
 
 7  Then  Ifra'l's  villager's  harafs'd. 
 
 Did  ceafe,  through  fear,  did  ceafe, 
 Till  I,  Deborah,  rofe ;  I  rofe, 
 A  mother  there  for  peace. 
 
 8  New  gods  they  choofe ;  then  wars  arofe. 
 
 And  fpite  of  gates  were  keen  : 
 Where  was  in  lfra*l  fhield  or  fpear 
 'Mong  forty  thoufands  feen  ? 
 
 9  My  heart  is  tow'rd  the  governors. 
 
 That  rule  in  Ifra'l's  coafls, 
 Who  'mong  the  folk  were  volunteers  : 
 Blefs  ye  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 I  o  Speak,  ye  that  on  white  afles  ride. 
 
 Ye  that  in  judgment  fit ; 
 And  ye  who  fafe  can  tread  the  way. 
 Speak  out  his  praifes  fit. 
 
 I I  Who  freed  from  cruel  archers  noife 
 
 In  places  they  traverfe 
 For  drawing  water;  there  fliall  they 
 
 The  Lord's  juft  afts  rehearfe  ; 
 Jufl:  aQs   for  villagers  of  his 
 
 In  Ifra'l  there  releafe  : 
 Then  go  the  people  of  the  Lord 
 
 Down  to  the  gates  of  peace. 
 
438    SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Awake,  awake,  Deborah,  nowj 
 
 12  Now  tune  the  harp  of  praife:. 
 Awake,  awake,  with  hfted  voice, 
 
 A  long  of  triumph  raife; 
 Rife,  Barak,  and  flir  up  thyfelf. 
 
 Thou  Abinoam's  fon ; 
 Lead  captive  thy  captivities. 
 
 And  pufli  the  conqueft  on. 
 
 13  Jehovah  gave  the  remnant  mean 
 
 Rule  o'er  the  nobles  then ; 
 And  ev'n  to  me,  a  woman  weak, 
 Pow'r  o'er  the  mighty  men. 
 
 14  From  out  of  Ephraim  the  root,  3 
 
 *Gainfl:  Amalek  was  there  ; 
 Which  led  by  thecs  ftout  Benjamin, 
 
 Did  'mong  the  folk  appear. 
 From  Machir  came  the  governors, 
 
 From  Zebulun  the  fcribes, 
 (Whofe  prudent  writs,  with  fidlful  pen. 
 
 To  battle  promp'd  the  tribes.) 
 
 15  The  peers  and  tribes  of  Iflachar, 
 
 Clofe  by  Deborah  went : 
 And  Barak  nimble  was  on  foot. 
 Into  the  valley  fent : 
 
 When  Reuben  faint  flood  far  apart, 
 
 Nor  join'd  to  quell  the  foes  ; 
 For  his  divifions,  lad  and  fmart. 
 
 Great  thoughts  of  heart  arofe. 
 
 16  'Mong  fheepfolds  why  didft  thou  abide. 
 
 The  bleeting  flocks  to  wait  ? 
 For  Reuben's  rents,  and  ruptures  wide 
 Heart  fcrutinies  were  great. 
 
 17  By  Jordan  why  did  Gilead  ftay  ; 
 
 Dan  in  his  fliips  abide  ? 
 And  Afher,  by  the  ocean  fhorc. 
 
 In  creeks  his  valour  hide  ? 
 i8  Zeb'lun's  flout  folk,  and  Naphtali's, 
 
 Their  rifked  lives  did  yield ; 
 Fearlefs  to  face  the  front  of  death, 
 
 Upon  the  open  field. 
 
PART  I.     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      439 
 
 Ver,  In  Taanach,  by  Megiddo's  ftreams, 
 
 19  The  kings  did  fight  and  fall ; 
 
 No  money  gain  got  Canaan's  kings, 
 But  fought  and  forfeit  all. 
 
 20  From  heav'n  above  the  fiery  hofts 
 
 Fought  with  a  thund'ring  ftorm  ; 
 Stars,  in  their  ranks  and  courfes  high, 
 'Gainft  Sis'ra  fought  in  form. 
 
 21  The  river  Kilhon,  that  old  flream, 
 
 Made  ready  for  the  prey, 
 By  fwelhng  to  a  torrent  rofe, 
 
 And  fwept  them  dean  away.  ^ 
 
 O  thou,  my  foul,  through  God,  thou  had, 
 
 (Let  God  be  praifed  then) 
 By  means   of  weaknefs   feminine, 
 
 Trode  down  the  flrength  of  men. 
 
 22  Then  were  the  warlike  horfes  hoofs 
 
 Broke  by  their  pranfings  mad  ; 
 The  pranfings  of  their  mighty  ones, 
 Their  boafied  cavalcade. 
 
 23  (Thus  faid  the  angel  of  the  Lord) 
 
 Come,  curfe  ye  Meroz  all; 
 On    each   inhabitant   thereof 
 
 Let  bitter  curfcs  fall: 
 For  daftardly  they  loll'd  at  home. 
 
 And  came  not  to,  nor  chofe 
 Jehovah's  help,  Jehovah's  help, 
 
 Againft  the  mighty  foes. 
 
 24  'Bove  women  Jael,  Heber's  wife. 
 
 The  Kenite,  blefs'd  fnall  be ; 
 *Bove  women,  tim'rous  in  the  tent. 
 The  bleffing  gain  fliall  flie. 
 
 25  He  water  fought,  (lie  gave  him  milk, 
 
 For  drink  to  his  content ; 
 And  butter  in  a  lordly   difli, 
 Did  cunningly  prefent. 
 
 26  The  nail  ilie  in  her  left-hand  took. 
 
 The  hammer  in  the  right ; 
 Then    hammer'd  foftly    Sifera 
 Down  to  the  ground  on  fight. 
 Vol.  X.  Kkk 
 
440      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  When  through  his  temples  flie  had  pierced. 
 And  ftrikcn  on  the  fpot ; 
 Then,  fearlefs,  flie  his  fetter'd  head. 
 From  oft  his  fhoulders  fmote. 
 
 27  Thus  at  her  feet  he  bow*d,  he  fell. 
 
 And  (Irugling  lay  decoyM ; 
 Proflrate  he  fell ;  and  where  he  bowM, 
 There  down  he  fell  deflroy'd. 
 
 28  Sis'ra's  vain  mother  (fwell'd  in  thought, 
 
 That  (lie  him  viftor  fpy'd,) 
 From  out  the  window  glaring  look'd. 
 
 And  through  the  lattefs  cry'd  ; 
 "  Why  ftays  fo  long  his  conquering  car, 
 
 "  With  trophies  at  his  heels 
 "  Triumphant  led  ?     Why  tarry  thus 
 
 "  His  rapid  chariot  wheels  r" 
 
 29  Her  ladies  wife  about  here  made 
 
 An  anfwcr  to  her  mind; 
 Yea,  ihe  herfelf  did  to  herfelf 
 The  following  anfwer  find  ; 
 
 30  "  Have  they  not  fped  ?  and  is  not  this 
 
 "  The  reafon  of  their  flay  ? 
 "  That  full  they  may  the  booty  view, 
 
 ''  And  deflribute  the  prey  ? 
 "  To  every  man  a  maid  or  tw-o, 
 
 "  By  poll  to  call  their  dues ; 
 "  To    Sifera,    beyond  the  refl, 
 
 "  A  prey  of  divers  hews  ? 
 "  Of  party-colour'd  needle-work, 
 
 "  Wrought  fo  upon  each  fide, 
 "  Meet  for  the  necks  of  them  that  do 
 
 "  The  joyful  fpoil  divide?" 
 
 51  So  let  thy  foes  all  perifh,  Lord, 
 But  let  thy  friends  upright, 
 Be  like  the  fun,  when  going  forth, 
 In  his  refiftlefs  might. 
 
PartL    scripture  songs.     441 
 
 SONG  X. 
 
 Hannah's  Song  of  'Thankf giving  to  God. 
 
 I   Sam.  ii.  i, — 10. 
 
 Ver.  1\  /r  Y  heart  doth  in  the  Lord  rejoice  ; 
 J^JL  My  horn's  exalted  high  : 
 
 My  mouth's  enlarg'd  above  my  foes  ; 
 For  in  my  help  I  joy. 
 
 2  There  is  none  holy  as  the  Lordj 
 
 For  none  can  equal  thee  : 
 Nor  any  rock  with  fuccour  ftor'd. 
 Like  to  our  God  c?,n  be. 
 
 3  Let  no  more  proud  prefumptuous  chat, 
 
 From  out  your  mouth  proceed  ; 
 The  Lord's  a  God  of  knowledge  great. 
 By  him  are  a6lions  weigh'd. 
 
 4  The  boafted   bows  of  mighty   men 
 
 Are  broke  in  Ihreads  at  length : 
 But,  lo!  the  Humbling  train 
 Are  girt  about  with  ftrength. 
 
 5  The  full  have  hir'd  themfelves  for  corn  ; 
 
 The  hungry  ceafe  to  moan  : 
 The  barren  v/oman  feven  hath  born  ; 
 The  fertile  feeble  grown. 
 
 6  God  kills  and  quickens  thefe  that  die ; 
 
 Brings  to  the  grave,  and  fro : 
 
 7  Makes  poor  and  rich  ;  degrades  the  high. 
 
 And  elevates  the  low. 
 
 8  From  out  the  dull  the  poor  he  rears. 
 
 From  dung  the  beggar  brings. 
 To  fit  with  peers,  and  hold,  as  heirs, 
 
 The  pompous  throne  of  kings: 
 For,  to   the   Lord  of  lords  alone 
 
 Earth's  pillars  appertain  ; 
 He  fets  the  lower  world  thereon. 
 
 The  fov'reign  o'er  the  fwain. 
 
 9  Of  faints  he'll  keep  the  footlleps  ev'n. 
 
 But  lay  proud  foes  in  jail 
 Of  filent  darknefs;  for  'gainft  Hea\  ■ 
 By  flrength  Ihall  none  prevail. 
 Kkk  2 
 
442      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    BookL 
 
 Ver.  The  adverfaries   of  the   Lord 
 
 10  Shall  broken  be  to  fhreads  : 
 
 He  out  of  Heav'n  the  wrath  they  flor'd, 
 
 Shall  thunder  on  their  heads. 
 He'll  juftly  judge  the  earth  all  o*er. 
 
 His  King  he'll  fortify ; 
 And  his  Anointed's  horn  and  pow'r. 
 
 Men  fhall  exalted  fee. 
 
 SONG         XI. 
 
 David's  Lamentation  over  Saul  «/2(i  Jonathan. 
 2  Sam.  i.  19, — 27. 
 
 19  r-jp  H  E  flow'r  of  Ifra'I,  ah  !  is  flain 
 
 _!_       Upon  thy  places  high  : 
 How  are  the  mighty  fali'n  amain. 
 And  down  fo  fuddenly  ! 
 
 20  O  !   tell  it  not  in  Gath  among 
 
 The  heathen  people  there  ; 
 
 Nor  in  the  ftreets  of  Alhkelon, 
 
 Thefe  doleful  news  declare. 
 
 Left  Philiftines,  their  daughters  pleas'd, 
 
 Should  flufli'd  with  gladnefs  be  : 
 Left  daughters  of  the  uncircumcis'd 
 
 Should  boaft  triumphantly. 
 
 11  Ye  mountains  of  Gilboa  fad. 
 
 Let  no  more  dew  nor  rain, 
 •   Nor  fertile  fields  of  ofi 'ring  glad 
 
 Henceforth  on  you  remain  : 
 For  ftiields  of  mighty  men  were  there 
 
 Loft,  with  a  fhameful  foil ; 
 The  ftiield  of  Saul,  as  if  he  ne'er 
 
 Had  fliar'd  th'  anointing  oil. 
 
 22  From  blood  of  ilain,  from  fat  of  ftrong, 
 
 Nor  Jon'than's  bow  turn'd  back  ; 
 Nor  Saul's  drawn  rapier  from  among 
 Their  foes  without  efteft. 
 
 23  Courageous  Saul,  and  Jon'than  rare, 
 
 Both  lovely  ones  and  fwcet : 
 They  in  their  hves  moft  pleafant  were, 
 And  in  their  death  unite  : 
 
PartI.    scripture    SONGS.     443 
 
 Ver,  More  fwift  than  eagle's  wing'd  they  were. 
 More  ftrong  than  Hons  great. 
 
 24  Weep,  ye  that  Ifra'l's  daughters  are. 
 
 O'er  Saul's  unhappy  fate  j 
 
 Who  cloth'd  you  rich  in  fcarlet  fine, 
 
 Delightful  to  behold, 
 And  caus'd  your  fludded  raiment  Ihine 
 
 With  ornaments  of  gold. 
 
 25  How 'midft  the  battle,  fhamefully. 
 
 Are  fall'n  the  mighty  men  ! 
 
 O  Jon'than  !  on  the  places  high^ 
 
 Ev'n  thouj  alas  !  waft  ilain. 
 
 26  Jon'than,  my  brother  dear,  my  mate  5 
 
 Diftrefs'd  I  am  for  thee : 
 Dear  waft  thou  at  the  higheft  rate. 
 
 And  pleafant  unto  me  : 
 Thy  wond'rous  love  to  me  furpafs'd 
 
 The  love  of  women  far. 
 
 27  How  have  the  mighty  fall'n,  and  loft 
 
 The  inftruments  of  war ! 
 
 SONG       xir. 
 
 David's  Prayer  and  'Thankfgwing^  after  God's 
 Promife  to  build  him  a  Sure  Houfe,  and  to  blefs 
 him  in  his  Seed:  pointing  at  Christ  and  his 
 Kingdom.  1  Sam.  vii.  18, — 29.  compared 
 with  I  Chron.  xvii.  16, — 27. 
 
 Verfes    T    O  R  D,  who  am  I,  even  worthlefs  I ! 
 
 18  16    I   J    And  what's  my  houfe  thai  thou, 
 
 Ev'n  thou,  haft  rais'd  me  up  fo  high,    • 
 And  brought  me  hitherto  ? 
 
 19  17  Yet  more  than  this,  which  unto  thee 
 
 A  thing  but  fmall  appeared. 
 Thou  faid'ft.  Thy  fervant's  houfe  fliall  be 
 
 To  future  ages  rear'd  ; 
 And  haft,  O  God,  in  fovour  great, 
 
 Regarded  abjeft  me. 
 According  to  the  princely  ftate 
 
 Of  one  of  high  decrree. 
 
444      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Verfes  Expreilions  fail  me   to  relate 
 20  1 8       Thy  favours  (hown  to  me  ; 
 
 And  for  thy  fervant's  honour  great 
 
 What  more  can  added  be  ? 
 Is  this  the  manner,   O  Mod:  High, 
 
 Of  man  on  earth  ?  Sure  no. 
 What  more  can  David  fay  to  thee  ? 
 Thou  doft  thy  fervant  know. 
 
 21  19  Thou  for  thy  A^^^rd,  thy  fervant's  fake, 
 
 As  with  thy  heart's  defign, 
 This  (lore  fo  great  and  good  doft  make 
 All  known  to  me  and  mine. 
 
 22  20  Thy  greatnefs  then,  O  Lord,  appears  j 
 
 And  goodnefs  uncompar'd : 
 No  God  like  thee,  (no  mortal  ears 
 
 Thine  equal  ever  heard.) 
 2321    And  what  one  nation  here  below 
 
 Is  like  thy  people  known, 
 "Whom  God  Redeemer  went  unto 
 
 To  win  them  for  his  own  ? 
 That  driving  nations  out  by  them. 
 
 Who  were  from  Egypt  freed. 
 Thou  mightefl  make  to  thee  a  name 
 
 Of  greatnefs  and  of  dread  ? 
 
 Great  things  for  Ifra'l,  yea,  for  thee. 
 
 The  great  Redeemer  plods. 
 To  fet  thee  from  the  nations  free. 
 
 And  from  their  naughty  gods. 
 
 24  22   For,  Lord,  thou  haft  confirm*d  for  thine. 
 
 Thy  people  Ifra'l  ftill. 
 And  to  become  their  God  and  mine. 
 Was  ev'n  thy  fov'reign  will. 
 
 25  23   What  for  my  houfe  and  me  was  fpoke. 
 
 Firm  then  for  ay  be  made  ; 
 And  never,  Lord,  thy  word  revoke, 
 But  do  as  thou  hail:  faid. 
 
 26  24  Firm  be  it,  that  thy  fame  abroad 
 
 May  ftill  be  publifli'd,  thus, 
 "  The  Lord  of  hofts  is  IfraTs  God, 
 "  Whofe  God  is  God  with  us. 
 
PartI.    scripture    SONGS.     44^ 
 
 Verfes    And,  Lord,  let  this  be  granted  me. 
 That,  to  thy  lading  praife 
 Thy  fcrvant  David's  houfe  may  be 
 Before  thee  fix'd  always. 
 
 27  25  For  thou,  my  God,  didft  this  impart, 
 
 That  built  my  houfe  fhall  be  ; 
 Thy  fervant  hence  found  in  his  heart 
 To  pray  this  pray'r  to  thee. 
 
 28  26  And  now,  O  Lord,  thou  art  that  God, 
 
 And  true  thy  words  will  prove. 
 Thou  haft  me  promis'd  all  this  load 
 Of  goodnefs,  in  thy  love. 
 
 29  27   O  then,  Lord,  to  thy  fervant's  houfe, 
 
 The  promis'd  blifs  convey. 
 That  it  may  ftand,  for  holy  ufe. 
 Before  thy  face  for  ay. 
 
 For  fmce  thy  word  is  paft,  O  Lord, 
 
 That  bleft  my  houfe  fliall  be. 
 With  bleffings  fhall  my  houfe  be  ftor'd. 
 
 And  bleft  eternally. 
 
 SONG         XIII. 
 
 David's  Thankfgroing  and  Fraycr,  when  he  and 
 the  'Princes  offered  willingly  for  building  of  the 
 Temple,     i  Chron.  xxix.  lo, — 19. 
 
 10  TJ  E  thou  for  ever  blefs'd,  O  Lord, 
 13   Our  Father  Ifral's  God; 
 
 For  ever  be  thy  name  ador'd, 
 And  celebrate  abroad. 
 
 1 1  O  Lord,  the  greatnefs  and  the  might. 
 
 And  viftory  is  thine  ; 
 Glory  belongs  to  thee  of  right. 
 
 With  majefty  divine ; 
 For  all's  thine  own,  both  great  and  fmall, 
 
 That  heav'n  and  earth  contain  : 
 The  kingdom's  thine,  thou  doft  'bove  all 
 
 As  head  exalted  reign. 
 
 12  Both  wealth  and  honour  come  of  thee? 
 
 O'er  all  thou  haft  command, 
 As  fov'reign  Lord  ;  ability 
 And  might  is  in  thy  hand. 
 
44^     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Yea,  thine  it  is  to  make  them  great 
 And  high,  that  once  were  low  ; 
 And  ftrength  on  all  in  weakeft  ftate 
 Benignly  to  beftow. 
 
 13  Now,  therefore,  O  our  gracious  God, 
 
 We  thank  thee,  and  proclaim. 
 With  grateful  lips,  the  praife  abroad 
 Of  my  moft  glorious  name. 
 
 14  But,  who  am  I!  and  what  are  thefe 
 
 My  folk,  that  ev'n  to  us 
 Strength  fliould  be  giv'n,  with  willingnefs, 
 
 To  bring  fuch  off'rings  thus  ? 
 For  all  things  come  of  thee,  O  Lord  5 
 
 We  give  thee  but  thine  own  ; 
 And  what  thy  bounty  did  afford 
 
 Reftore  to  thy  renown. 
 
 15  We  but  fojourn  like  ffrangers  here, 
 
 As  all  our  fathers  did  ; 
 Our  days  a  paffmg  fliade  appear, 
 None  do  on  earth  abide. 
 
 16  Of  thine  own  hand,  O  Lord,  it  came. 
 
 That  we  prepared  this  ftore. 
 To  build  a  houfe  for  thy  great  name  ; 
 For  all  was  thine  before. 
 
 17  My  God,  I'm  alfo  fure  of  this. 
 
 Thou  try'fl  the  heart  and  reins  ;  ' 
 
 And  that  thy  heart  in  uprightnefs 
 
 A  pleafure  entertains. 
 Now,  as  for  me,  with  heart  upright. 
 
 Glad  with  thefe  gifts  1  came  ; 
 And  here  I  fee  a  joyful  fight. 
 
 The  folk  have  done  the  fame. 
 
 1 8  Our  fathers  God,  this  frame  of  heart 
 
 Keep  thou  continually. 
 Within  thy  people's  inward  part. 
 And  fix  their  heart  to  thee. 
 
 19  Give  Sol'mon  too  a  heart  finccre. 
 
 To  ferve  thee  evermore  ; 
 And  to  erect  the   palace  fair 
 For  which  I  heap'd  fuch  fiorc. 
 
Part  I.    SCRIPTURE   SONGS.      447 
 
 SONG        XIV. 
 
 David*s  laji  Words,  'viewed  in  a  twofold  Light. 
 1  Sam.  xxiii.  3, — 7. 
 Sect.     I. 
 Viewed  as  a  Dircdion  to  Kings  and  Rulers, 
 
 Ver.  "Tr^  H  E  mighty  God  of  heav'n  hath  fpoke, 
 
 3  J_       Let  kings  on  earth  attend  ; 
 To  them  and  me  doth  Ifra'i's  Rock 
 
 The  following  mefl'age  fend  ; 
 Let  mortals  over  mortals  reign, 
 
 In  juft  and  pious  mode, 
 With  fcepters  righteous  toward  men, 
 
 Rehgious  toward  God. 
 
 4  Then  beauteous,  like  the  morning  ray. 
 
 Shall  be  the  ruling  train  ; 
 And  fweet,  like  fragrant  flow'ry  May, 
 Refrelh'd  with  fun  and  rain. 
 
 5  Though  not  my  houfe  nor  throne  be  fo 
 
 Grown  up  with  God,  I  grant, 
 Yet  he  hath  made  with  me,  I  know,  • 
 
 A  gracious  covenant : 
 *Tis  cverlafting,  fure,  entire, 
 
 Well  crder'd  ev'ry  way  : 
 'Tis  my  whole  blifs,  my  whole  defire. 
 
 Though  he  the  growth  delay. 
 
 6,  7  But  rebel  fons  of  Belial  raufl 
 The  fceptre's  value  know, 
 As  both  a  Ihield  to  fence  the  juft, 
 And  fword  to  lafli  the  foe. 
 
 To  juflicc,  hurtful  thorns  he  doom'd, 
 
 Not  touch'd  with  naked  hand, 
 But  quite  with  fire  and  fword  confum'd, 
 
 In  places  where  they  (land. 
 
 Vol.  X,  Lll 
 
448      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Sect.   II. 
 
 The  fame  Words  viezued,  according  to  fome  interpret- 
 ers, and  the  Dutch  Tranjlation,  as  a  Prophecy  of 
 Christ,  the  King  of  Zion  :  Whence  they  may  be 
 paraphrafed  in  the  following  manner, 
 
 Ver.  A  Glorious  Ruler  over  men, 
 
 3  ShrJl  in  due  time  appear  ; 
 Juft,  ruling  Hill  without  a  ftain, 
 
 And  in  Jehovah's  fear. 
 
 4  Bright,  like  the  rifmg  fun,  fhall  he 
 
 In  light  unclouded  fhine  ; 
 Spread,  like  the  verdant  fpring,  fhall  be 
 His  influence  divine. 
 
 5  Although  my  houfe  be  not  with  God 
 
 So,  as  it  ought  indeed  ; 
 Yet  Hands  his  cov'nant,  wide  and  broad, 
 
 \Vith  me  and  with  my  feed : 
 To  which  it  fnall  for  ever  fure, 
 
 And  all  in  order  flay. 
 Till  he  in  whom  my  lines  fecure, 
 
 Set  up  his  throne  for  ay. 
 He's  my  falvation,  my  defire. 
 
 My  all  that  God  can  bring  ; 
 Though,  till  the  time  defign'd  expire, 
 
 He  makes  him  not  to  fpring. 
 6,  7  But,  when  he  mounts,  in  royal  date. 
 
 His  throne  of  righteoufnefs, 
 (Though  ilill  he'll  keep  the  mercy-feat. 
 
 And  thence  his  fubjeds  blifs,) 
 Yet  (hall  his  fword  of  juftice  chafe 
 
 The  rebel  crew  to  hell. 
 And  wafte  his  murd'rers  in  the  place, 
 
 Ev'n  Salem,  w'here  they  dwell. 
 
SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 PART         II. 
 
 Job's  Hymns;    or,   Songs  on  {e-VQVcd  Sekci 
 Places  in  the  Book  of  Job. 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Tie  occafioa  of  csmpofing  thefe  Songs,  upon  this  Book,  'was,  thtit 
 ■after  a  report  made  in  an  open  Synod,  that  moji  of  the  Scripture 
 Songs  luer^  already  atte7?ipted  in  common  metre,  and  ready  to  be 
 tranfcrihed,  a  quefiion  ivas  put,  Whether  the  book  <j/'Job  ivas 
 conjidered  in  that  category  ?  And  though  a  doubt  nuas  raifed  by 
 the  Author,  if  it  wjas  to  be  reckoned  among  the  fiumbcr  of  the 
 Scripture  Songs,  yet  the  quejiion  fet  him  after'wards  a  rnufing  upon 
 '.the  fubje^l  of  this  book. 
 
 It  is  much  doubted,  amotig  the  learned,  'whether  this  book  of  Job  is 
 'written  originally  in  metre,  yea,  or  not ;  but  though  they  are  of 
 different  judgments  on  this  head,  yet  it  is  ackno'wledged  by  them 
 all,  that  the  fubje^  of  it  is  treated  in  a  poetical  manner,  and 
 thai  therein  is  difcovered  a  great  air  ofwjhat  is  called  epic  poetry. 
 
 That  there  'was  fuch  a  man  as  Job,  eminent  for  patience  in  adverjity, 
 is  not  only  evident  from  this  book,  that  goes  under  his  name,  but 
 from  feveral  other  places  offcripture,  that  make  honourable  7nen- 
 iion  of  him  *,  And  as  it  is  probable,  from  fcripture  f,  that  he 
 •was  of  the  pojlerity  of  Nacbor,  Abrahani's  brother  ;  fo  it  may  be 
 thence  alfo  gathered,  that  the  place  'where  he  lived  'was  in  the 
 eajlern  parts  of  Arabia,  and,  perhaps,  near  the  river  Euphrates, 
 probably  not  far  from  Ur  ;  for,  it  is  granted  by  ivriters,  that  the 
 land  ofUz,  the  country  of  Job,  'was  expofed  to  the  incurfions  and 
 depredations  of  the  Caldtans^  and  that  Caldea  'was  eajl'ward  of 
 Arabia. 
 
 The  time  'when  Job  lived  is  thought  to  he  before  Mofes,  there  being, 
 in  this  'whole  book,  no  mention  made  of  the  Iww  or  the  prophets, 
 nor  any  of  the 'wonders  God 'wrought  for  Ifrael  in  Egypt,  or  their 
 
 -  travels  to  the  land  of  Canaan.  It  is  like'vjife  thought,  that  the 
 -,  long  life  of  Job,  'which  nuas  protraBedto  tivo  hundred  years,  agrees 
 much  -with  the  time  of  the  old  patriarchs  ;  and  hence  it  is  reckoned 
 probable,  that  this  book  of  Job  is  the  oldeft  book  in  the  'world. 
 Whence  alfo  his  eminent  piety  and  devotion  is  the  7nore  remarkable, 
 that  he  had  no  advantage  from  the  divine  revelations  made  to  Mofes 
 and,  the  Je'wiJJ?  prophets.      The  light  that  direCled  hiin  mujl  have 
 
 .  been  that  'which  the  old  patriarchs  had  by  oral  tradition  from  Adam 
 and  Noah  ;  or  by  'what  Cod  ivas  pleafed  to  communicate  fometimes 
 by  dreams  and  vijions  in  thofe  early  ages  of  the  'world. 
 
 The  book  of  Job  is  doilrinal  ;  it  is  a  collect  ion  of  divine  Morals  : 
 it  diredJj  us  what  'we  are  to  believe  concerning  God.      It  f  relents 
 
 *  Ezck.  xiv.  14.  James  v.  11.  f  Gen.  ixH.  10,  21.  and  xx\\.  53. 
 
 Lll  2 
 
450  PREFACE. 
 
 us,  as  one  ebferves,  tvith  a  monument  of  prhnitive  theology,  a 
 fpecimen  of  Centile  piety,  an  expofitton  of  the  hook  of  providance, 
 a  great  e^amph  of  patience,  an  illujirious  type  ofChriJi,  and  a 
 heroic  77iagnani}iiity  in  fiiffering  ;  for,  as  it  has  been  obferved  con- 
 cerning him,  he  appears  brave  in  dijlrefs,  and  valiant  in  affliction  ; 
 maintains  his  virtues,  and  'with  that  his  character,  under  the 
 nioji  exafperaling  provocations  that  the  malice  of  hell  could  invent, 
 and  thereby  gives  a  moji  noble  example  of  paffive  fortitude  ;  a  cha- 
 raster  no  inay  inferior  to  that  of  the  aSlive  hero. 
 
 1  have  not  tranflated  any  of  this  hook  in  a  hijlorical,  but  rather  fome 
 parts  of  it  in  a  doilrinal  'way.  The  'whole  hijlory  of  this  hook  is 
 ft  forth  in  heroic  rhyme,  to  very  excellent  purpofe,  by  that  lofty 
 poet,  and  eminent  author.  Sir  Richard  Blackvi'/re  :  from  'whofe 
 Paraphrafe  on  this  book,  though  I  have  not  folto^'ed  him  in  every 
 glofs  of  his  upon  fome  texts,  yet  I  have  taken  all  the  help  and  afftji' 
 ance  I  could  in  framing  many  of  the  Songs  into  commoii  metre  ; 
 and  upon  fo  many  parts  of  this  book,  that  not  one  chapter  is  over- 
 pafl  '•without  one  or  more  Songs  upon  fuch  fuhjeOs  therein  as  I 
 judged  m oft  fit  to  be  the  matter  of  fpiritual  fongs. 
 
 I  did  not  fee  ho'w  thejlrifl  tranjlation  of  this  book,  in  a  hiforical 
 'way,  'would  a> fiver  the  end  of  pfalviography  ;  and  therefore,  that 
 J  might  cxt  rail  from  it  a  number  of  fongs,  I  have  thought  fit  to 
 pick  out  the  places  of  this  book,  that  appeared  to  me  to  be  the  nioJi 
 dofirinalj  praflical,  expertjnental,  inftruElive,  or  directive .  /^nd 
 though  I  have,  no  doubt,  pajed  over  many  places  that  might  have 
 afforded  mofl  edifying  7natter,  and  'which  I  Jhould  'wijh  to  fee 
 dranuti  out,  to  better  purpofe,  by  any  n.vho  have  more  fiAll  and  lei- 
 fure  than  /,  yet  I  have  more  fully  inftjied  upon  thffe  chapters  to- 
 •wards  the  end  of  the  book,  'where  God  hiivfelf  is  J  aid  to  be  the 
 fpeaker. 
 
 Some  of  thefe  Songs  are  by  'way  oj  tranflation  :  and  others  more  pa- 
 raphraftical,  and  large  upon  the  places  quoted  at  the  title.  And 
 they  being  a  century  of  fongs,  or  an  hundred  different  fubjeHs  at 
 leaf,  I  have  thought  fit  to  give  titles  to  every  one  of  them  i  by  nvhichy 
 I  hops,  they  may  be  rendered  the  more  agreeable  and  edifying  to  the 
 reader,  in  fs  Jar  as  the  fubjeB  ofeachfong  anfwers  the  title  given 
 to  it  :  and  readers  may,  at  their  pleafure,  choofe  the  matter  of 
 meditation  that  is  moft  acceptable  to  them. 
 
 I  do  not  expeB  that  thefe  Songs  Jhould  deferve  to  be  efeemed  for  any 
 poetical  genius  that  may  appear  therein  ;  feeing,  in  this  refpe&,  I 
 am  fenjible  enough  of  their  defeSl  ;  but  if  any  think  fit  to  decry 
 them,  or  their  author,  for  their  fpiritual  matter,  or  religious  de- 
 Jign,  he  'Will  have  little  reafon  to  be  difpleafed  nvith  them  J'or  doing 
 him  Jo  great  an  honour.  It  is  a  great  pity  that  many,  'who  art 
 indued  'with  an  excellent  geniui  for  poefy  do  occupy  it  fo  little  upon 
 fuch  divine  and  fcriptural  fuhjcds,  and  fo  much  prof.itute  it  to 
 tuantonnefs  and  folly,  'which  is  frequently  tfet  off  in  fuch  a  fine 
 drcf,  that  it  may  befaid,  I  hope,  pardonably,  in  the  follo'wing 
 lines  : 
 
Part  II.        JO  B's    HYMNS.   '        451 
 
 Applauded  for  their  'vanity^ 
 
 Are  poets  of  the  Jl age  ; 
 SkiWd  in  corrupting  artfully 
 
 'The  manners  of  the  age. 
 
 Who,  fond  to  pleafe  the  carnal  taji€. 
 
 The  f acred  art  defile. 
 And  fine  poetic  fpirit  wajle, 
 
 Onfubjeds  vain  and  vile. 
 Have  Chrifiian  Bards  no  nobler  the?nes. 
 
 To  decorate  their  odes. 
 Than  Jove,  Mars,  Juno,  Venus,  r.ames, 
 
 And  heaps  of  Pagan  gods  f 
 Shall  buried  idols,  known  to  be 
 
 A  fid  ion  and  a  jefi. 
 Be  rais''d  to  paint  our  poetry. 
 
 And  living  truths  fupprefs'^d  !   ' 
 The  learn'' d,  for  helps  to  poeii%e. 
 
 Who  Greeks  and  Latins  rob. 
 May  filch  far  better,  if  they  pleafe. 
 
 From  this  old  book  of  Job. 
 Here^s  matter  for  the  lofty  mufe  ; 
 
 Exajnples  take  at  will. 
 All  ye  that  read  and  can  excife 
 
 The  foftnefs  of  the  quill. 
 
 RALPH    ERSKINE. 
 
 SONG         I. 
 
 Lofies  thankfully  received.     Job  i.  21. 
 
 Ver.  '^T  A  K  E  D,  at  firft,  as  any  fwain, 
 2 1   JL^     I  ^cft  f^y  niother's  womb  ; 
 And  fhall  anon  return  again 
 
 As  naked  to  my  tomb. 
 Who  crown'd  i«,y  life  fo  gay,  the  fame 
 
 May  crufli  it  to  the  grave  : 
 God  gives,  and  blefled  be  his  name, 
 He  takes  but  w^^iat  he  gave,. 
 
452     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  L 
 
 Ven  While  fmiling  mercy  crown'd  my  brow, 
 Its  praife  abroad  was  fpread  ; 
 I'll  now  adore  the  juftice  too, 
 That  ftrikes  my  comforts  dead. 
 
 SONG         II. 
 
 Patience  in  Tribulation.     Job  ii.  lo. 
 
 lo  \T7  H^'T'  ^^'^  ^  man,  a  fmful  man, 
 W      A  worm  with  God  contend, 
 Difpute  his  will,  his  counfel  fcan, 
 His  rule  of  juftice  mend! 
 
 Shall  we  receive  his  bleffings  grand. 
 
 Yet  frowardly  complain, 
 Whenever  his  afBifting  hand 
 
 Creates  us  any  pain  ! 
 Patience  in  trouble,  though  fevere. 
 
 We  fhould  fubmiffive  fliew  ; 
 Bleflings  are  not,  yea,  never  were, 
 
 But  troubles  are  our  due. 
 
 SONG        III. 
 
 Repofc  in  the  Grave.     Job  iii.  17, — 19. 
 
 17  /'^\  Quiet  grave,  the  wicked  there 
 \J    No  more  the  juft  moleft  ; 
 Th'  afflided  are  at  eafe,  and  there 
 
 The  weary  are  at  reft. 
 
 18  There,  clofe  to  the  oppreflbr's  bones, 
 
 Slet  ps  the  opprefs'd  in  peace  ; 
 And  there  the  pris'ners  heavy  moans 
 And  cries  for  ever  ceafe. 
 
 19  The  fmall  and  great,  the  friend  and  foe, 
 
 The  conqu'ror  and  the  Have  ; 
 The  rich  and  poor,  the  high  and  low, 
 
 Arc  levcl'd  in  the  grave. 
 There  lies  the  fceptre  with  the  fpade, 
 
 Sunk  to  the  fame  degree: 
 And  there  the  fcrvant-man  and  maid, 
 
 Arc  from  their  mafter  free. 
 
Part  IT.         JOB's  HYMNS.  453 
 
 Ver.  The  coward  and  the  brave  ahke, 
 
 The  peafant  and  the  peer ; 
 The  wife  and  foolilh,  proud  and  meek, 
 
 Ly  undiftinguifh*d  there. 
 Soul  reit,  to  faints,  in  heav'n  is  fix'd, 
 
 But  body's  reft,  till  doom. 
 Is  there,  where  faints  and  finners  mix'd 
 
 Poffefs  one  quiet  room. 
 
 SONG      IV. 
 
 The  Excellency  of  Man  laid  low  before  God, 
 Job  iv.  17,—  21. 
 Sect.     I. 
 M.an  mortal  and  impure'     Ver.  17,  18. 
 
 17  ^  H  A  L  L  mortal  man,  a  tainted  clod, 
 )3     Boaft  righteoufnefs  divine; 
 
 Or  think  he  can  his  Maker,  God, 
 In  purity  outfhine  ? 
 
 18  Behold  !  no  truft  is  put  by  him. 
 
 In  yonder  glorious  race 
 Of  bright  immortal  feraphim. 
 
 That  ftand  before  his  face.  - 
 
 Of  folly  comparative  can  he 
 
 His  pureft  angels  blame, 
 Who,  plung'd  in  his  infinity. 
 
 Before  him  blufh  for  fiiame  ? 
 And  fhall  vain  man,  in  impure  ftate. 
 
 His  innocence  defend  ? 
 Will  he  with  his  Creator  great 
 
 Prefumptuoully  contend! 
 
 Sect.     II. 
 Man  fhort -lived  and  contemptible.     Ver.  19,20,21. 
 19  T  riLE  mortal  man,  a  worthlcfs  wight, 
 V       Triumphs  but  for  a  day ; 
 And   but   inhabits,    for   a   night, 
 A  houfe  of  mould'ring  clay. 
 
 His  ftrongeft  lodge,  and  vital  fort. 
 
 Is  founded  in  the  duft. 
 Which,  quickly  falling,  cuts  him  (hort. 
 And  difap points  his  truft. 
 
4H      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  For,  but  how  foon  a  gnawing  worm. 
 Or  filly  moth  affails. 
 The  rampart  cannot  ftand  the  ftorm, 
 Ihe  feeble  fabric  fails. 
 
 20  The  fap*d  foundation  every  hour 
 
 Thus  piece-meal  feels  decay  ; 
 And  life  ev'n  in  its  blooming  flow'r. 
 
 Does  daily  fade  away. 
 So  fad  men  perifh  out  of  fight,  / 
 
 Their  pomp  that  fiione  before. 
 And  once  could  wonder  fond  excite. 
 
 Can  raife  regard  no  more, 
 
 21  In  vain  no  pow'r  and  wealth  atchiev'd. 
 
 For  help  at  lad  they  cry  : 
 For  without  wifdom,  as  they  liv'd, 
 They  in  their  folly  die. 
 
 SONG        V. 
 
 Sin  ihe  Caufe  of  Trouble.     Job  v.  6,  7. 
 
 6  4  FFLICTION  fprings  not  from  the  earth, 
 jTV     Nor  trouble  from  the  duft  ; 
 
 Yet  men  are  heirs  of  wo  by  birth  ; 
 Sad  heritage !  but  juft. 
 
 7  Flames  to  their  element  afcend. 
 
 So  men,  conceiv'd  in  fin, 
 To  trouble  as  their  centre  tend, 
 
 Like  kindred  to  their  kin. 
 For  fin  and  wo,  twins  of  the  clan. 
 
 By  chance  were  ne'er  convey'd. 
 But  propagate  from  man  to  man, 
 
 Since  Adam  difobey'd. 
 
 SONG      VI. 
 
 The  Saint's  Refoluiion  -when  in  Affli^ion,     Job  v.  8. 
 
 8  r  I  1  O  God  I'd  feek,  when  in  his  chain 
 
 X       I'm  held,  and  would  fubmit ; 
 All  my  own  paths  I  would  arraign, 
 But  his  I  would  acquit. 
 
Part  II.  J  O  B  '  s   H  Y  M  N  S.  45-4 
 
 Ver.  1  would  his  juflice  magnify, 
 
 His  faithfulnefs  adore. 
 Revere  his  name;  butltill  would  I, 
 
 Like  hell  my felf  abhor. 
 Confeffing  all  my  faults  and  flaws, 
 
 That  made  him  lift  the  rod, 
 I'd  to  my  Judge  commit  my  caufe. 
 
 Refer  rayfelf  to  God. 
 By  humble  refignation  bow'd 
 
 Down  at  his  feet  I'd  ly ; 
 And,  througtfthe  Lamb's  atoning  bloody 
 
 Would  for  his  mercy  cry. 
 
 SONG         VIL 
 
 God's  great  Work  in  the  Kingdom  ^/'Christ,  and 
 in  his   Providence   among   Men ;    efpeciatly   in 
 frujirating  the  Counfeh  of  the  proud^  andfa- 
 vouring  the  Caufe  of  the  poor  and  humble. 
 
 Job  V.  9, — 16. 
 
 9  /^  RE  AT  things  are  done  of  God  moft  high, 
 \J  Which  finite  fearch  exceed  ; 
 Things  numberlefs  which  ev'ry  eye  • 
 
 With  admiration  feed. 
 
 His  providence  moft  marvellous. 
 
 When  leaft  'tis  underftood  ; 
 Yet  ftiil  is  juft  and  righteous, 
 
 Still  merciful  and  good. 
 
 10  He  fpreads  his  clouds  upon  the  fkies, 
 
 Surprifmg  to  behold ! 
 And  forms  his  rain-drops  fliapc  and  fize. 
 Into  in  unknown  mold. 
 
 Then  he  his  waters  from  on  high. 
 
 Upon  the  mountains  pours  ; 
 And  on  the  valleys  plenteoufly 
 
 He  flieds  prolific  ihow'rs. 
 
 1 1  J^e  fets  the  fervant  that  was  low, 
 
 Into  the  mafter's  place  ; 
 And  wipes  the  tears  of  grief  and  wo 
 From  off  the  mourner's  face. 
 V  o  L.  X.  M  m  m 
 
456     SCRIPTURESONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  He  difappoints  the  crafty  men, 
 12       Their  project  undermines  ; 
 
 He  makes  their  deep  devices  vain, 
 And  blafts  their  great  defigns. 
 
 14  He  takes  his  wife  politic  foes, 
 
 In  their  own  craftinefs  j 
 Their  froward  counfels  overthrows. 
 
 That  would  his  faints  opprefs. 
 Againft  themfelves  he  turns  their  arts. 
 
 Confounds  their  wicked  fchemes  ; 
 Their  proud  and  lofty  hopes  fubverts, 
 
 And  fruflrates  all  their  aims. 
 
 14  They,  by  their  plots,  themfelves  benight. 
 
 And  into  darknefs  run  ; 
 Miftake  their  way,  obfcure  their  light. 
 And  grope  for  day  at  noon, 
 
 15  But  God  th'  oppreifors  rage  o'rthrows. 
 
 Their  fwords  and  fpears  doth  break; 
 And   from  the    proud  and  mighty  foes, 
 ProteQs  the  poor  and  weak. 
 
 16  Thus  to  the  poor  he  kindly  doth 
 
 Afford  reviving  hopes  ; 
 And  then  the  black  and  bloody  mouth 
 Of  fierce  injuflice  flops. 
 
 The  poor  and  humble  are  advanc'd. 
 
 To  peace  and  fafety  given  ; 
 And  foes  afliam'd  that  fought  again fl 
 
 The  favourites  of  heaven. 
 
 SONG     vni. 
 
 Affli^ions  born  ivcll  end  ivell.  What  great  Things 
 God  oft-times  does  for  thefe  that  humble  themfelves 
 under  his  chajhfmg  Hand.     Job  v.  17,-26. 
 
 17  T"    O  !  happy  is  the  man  whom  God, 
 
 I    J  In  kindnefs  doth  corred: ; 
 Then  do  not  thoti  his  chaft'ning  rod, 
 Contcmptoufly  neglecl. 
 1 3  His  fivill  binds  up  what  he  made  fore, 
 By  his  incifion  knife  ; 
 He  wounds  and  heals,  and  does  reflore 
 Fro  m  gat<;s  of  death  to  life. 
 
Part  II.         J  0  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  457 
 
 Vgr.  From  numerous  troubles  various  woes, 
 
 19  He'll  fave  and  fet  thee  free, 
 And   order   to  a  joyful   clofe. 
 
 This  fcene  of  mifery. 
 
 20  Thy  life  he'll  guard  with  tender  care, 
 
 When  famine  threatens  death  ; 
 And  from  the  raging  fword  thee  fpare, 
 When  war  breaks  out  in  wrath.  • 
 
 21  The  pois'nous  darts  thrown  at  thy  name, 
 
 From  the  invedive  tongue, 
 Shall  neither  wound  thy  ftablifh'd  fame, 
 
 Nor  do  thy  honour  wrong. 
 God's  hiding  hand,  when  men  difpraife. 
 
 The  fland'ring tongue fhall  curb; 
 Reproaches  thy    repute    fliall    raife. 
 
 Nor  once  thy  peace  difturb. 
 
 22  When  grim  deftrudion,  with  her  drove 
 
 Of  woes,  fiiall  ihake  her  fpear, 
 J       Her  threats  tremendous  fliall  but  move 
 Thy  laughter,  not  thy  fear. 
 All  nature  reconcil'd  difplays 
 
 Its  care  to  give  thee  eafe, 
 When,  thro'  his  grace,  thy  righteous  ways 
 The  God  of  nature  pleafe. 
 
 23  With  thee  fliall  ftones,  that  load  the  field, 
 
 Make  league,  thy  part  to  take ; 
 And  favage  beads,  thy  life  to  fhield, 
 
 A  firm  alliance  make. 
 The  fire,  the  air,  the  earth,  the  feas, 
 
 Each  element  with  thee, 
 A  lading    covenant  of  peace 
 
 Shall  llriclly  ratify. 
 
 24  Thy  habitation  thou  flialt  know. 
 
 In  quietnefs  poifefs'd  ; 
 Thou  ihalt  oft'encelefs  come  and  go, 
 And  find  thy  manfion  blefs'd. 
 
 25  Thy   offspring  and   poftcrity 
 
 Shall  num'rous  be  and  great; 
 Their  increafe  hke  the  grafs  fhall  be, 
 With  beauteous  flow'rs  befet. 
 M  m  m  2 
 
4jB     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  L 
 Ver.  Thou  in  full  age,  ripe  for  the  urn, 
 26       On  death  fliall  chearful  look, 
 
 As  when  a  full-grown  ihock  of  corn 
 Invites  the  welcome  hook. 
 37  Weigh  thefe  undoubted  truths  fedate, 
 And  therein  thou  fhalt  find, 
 A  fpring  of  confolation   great, 
 To  thy  afHicled  mind. 
 
 SONG       IX. 
 
 Terrors  of  God  invading  the  Soul.     Job  vi.  2,  '^,4, 
 
 THAT  the  grief  furrounding  me. 
 Were  in  a  balance  laid. 
 And  my  extreme  calamity 
 
 Were  now  againll  it  weigh'd  ! 
 Then  let  an  equal  judge  appear, 
 
 His  thoughts  to  fignify. 
 Which  fcale  the  greateft  weight  does  bear. 
 He'd  foon  decide  with  me. 
 
 3  My  crones  over-weigh  my  cries, 
 My  loads  of  woe  and  pain 
 
 Exceed  the  pond'rous  fand  that  lies 
 
 Around  the  ebbing  main. 
 Unutterable  are  the  groans, 
 
 My  weary  foul  opprefs  ; 
 Nor  have  I  words  to  fpeak  my  moans, 
 
 Or  fhew  my  deep  diltrefs.  « 
 
 4  The  arrows  of  th*  almighty  God 
 Stick  fafl:  within  my  heart ; 
 
 Each  fefi'ring  wound  burns  up  my  blood. 
 
 And  gives  me  deadly  fmart. 
 Arrows,  whofe  heads  like  flaming  eyes. 
 
 And  pointed  light'ning  fliine  ; 
 Steep'd  in  the  ftrongeft  dregs  and  lees 
 
 Of  fiery  wrath  divine. 
 The  poifon  thereof  raging  higli. 
 
 Soon  fpreads  without  controul ; 
 Drinks  up  and  drains  my  fpirits  dry, 
 
 And  eats  into  my  foul. 
 
 ^% 
 
Part  II.        J  O  B's    H  Y  M  N  S.  459 
 
 Ver.  God's  threatening  terrors  all  drawn  out. 
 In  order  and  array, 
 For  battle,  clofing  me  about. 
 Invade  me  every  vi^ay. 
 
 SONG         X. 
 
 God  Jiooping  to  contend  with  Man  admired^  and  his 
 pardoning  Mercy  begged.     Job  vii.  17,  18,  20. 
 
 17  /^  WHAT  is  man,  that  worthlefs  wight ! 
 V^^    That  God  iliould  condelcend 
 
 To  magnify  him,  and  in  might 
 
 With  fuch  a  rufh  contend  ! 
 On  brittle  man,  from  duft  brought  forth, 
 
 Wilt  thou  indeed  beftow 
 Such  honour  great !  or,  is  he  worth 
 
 Thy  notice  or  thy  blow  ? 
 Is  fuch  a  mortal  fit  co  be 
 
 The  objedl  of  thy  rage  ! 
 Wilt  thou  thy  ftrong  artillery 
 
 Againft  a  worm  engage  ? 
 Or,  if  it  is  thy  kindly  aim. 
 
 By  this  thy  chaft'ning  rod. 
 The  wand'ring  finner  to  reclaim. 
 
 And  bring  him  back  to  God  : 
 
 18  Still  what  is  man,  a  bit  of  clay. 
 
 That  fo  inceffantly 
 Thou  doit  him  vifit  every  day, 
 
 And  every  moment  try. 
 20  Lord,  I  have  fnin'd,  what  fhall  I  do, 
 
 O  thou  preferver  great  f 
 Remit  my  guilt,  remove  my  wo. 
 
 And  all  my  faults  forget. 
 
 SONG         XI. 
 
 Good  Couyifel  and  good  Hope  given  to  the  afflided. 
 Job  viii.  S,~^. 
 F  thou  who  feels  the  hand  of  God, 
 His  juflice  wouldfl:  adore  ; 
 And,  timely  humbled  by  the  rod, 
 His  mercy  wouldft  implore  j 
 
46o      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookI. 
 
 Vcr.  If,  to  the  pray'r,  heart  purenefs  cleave, 
 
 6  His  favour  would  thee  raife  ; 
 
 Thy  profp'rous  flate  he  would  retrieve, 
 And  crown  thy  righteous  ways. 
 
 7  Though  thy  beginning,  fmall  and  low, 
 
 Seem  but  an  abjecl  (late  ; 
 Thy  latter  end  fhall  not  be  fo, 
 But  have  an  increafe  great. 
 
 SONG       xir. 
 
 ^ime  and  Life  Jhort.     Job  viii.  9. 
 
 9  "^^  7"  E  *  R  E  but  of  ycfterday's  new  moid, 
 VV       Our  life's  of  no  regard, 
 When  with  our  long-liv'd  fathers  old 
 
 And  anceftors  compar'd. 
 No  knowledge  nor  experience  we 
 
 Can  ever  juftly  boaft  : 
 Our  days  like  (hadows  are  that  flee. 
 No  fooner  had,  than  loft. 
 
 SONG        XIII. 
 
 'The  Hope  of  the  Hypocrite  vain  and  'vanijhing. 
 Job  viii.  1 1, — 14. 
 
 11  T  U  S  T  as  a  weak  and  empty  rufh, 
 J     That  in  a  wat'ry  mead. 
 
 With  hafty  growth  and  eafy  pufli, 
 Rears  up  its  haughty  head  j 
 
 12  In  moifture  rich,  in  verdure  gay, 
 
 Unmov'd  and  not  cut  down  j 
 Yet  on  a  fudden  wears  away. 
 Ere  other  plants  are  grown. 
 
 13  So  fhall  the  wicked's  beauty  fade, 
 
 The  hypocrite's  fair  fliew  ; 
 Who  no  foundation  firm  hath  laid, 
 But  mire  in  which  he  grew. 
 
 14  His  fvvelling  hopes,  ere  he's  aware, 
 
 In  their  high  tide  (liall  ebb  ; 
 His  groundlefs  truft  is  weaker  far 
 Than  any  fpider's  web. 
 
Part  11.         JOB's    HYMNS.  461 
 
 Ver.  He  on  his  tott'ring  houfe  fhall  lean, 
 A  falfe  and  fruitlefs  prop, 
 Which,  finking  foon,  fhall  fail  him  clean, 
 And  difappoint  his  hope. 
 
 SONG         XIV. 
 
 God  juji  in  judging.     Job  ix.  2,  3,  4. 
 
 "2   WJ  HEN  juflice,    out  of  mercy's  rod, 
 ▼V     Thoughts,  words,  and  adions  tries. 
 How  can  a  man  be  jufl:  with  God, 
 Or  pure  before  his  eyes  ? 
 
 3  Once  to  contend,  if  God  begins, 
 
 Vain  Ihifts  will  have  no  fenfe  ; 
 Not  one  of  all  our  thoufand  fins 
 Can  bear  a  jufl  defence. 
 
 4  He*s  wife  in  heart,  and  flrong  in  might. 
 
 What  arm  can  his  repel ; 
 Who  can  againft  him  fafcly  fight, 
 Or  profper  that  rebel  ? 
 
 SONG         XV. 
 
 The  Rightecufnefs  of  Words  di [carded. 
 Job  ix.  15,  2,0,  21. 
 
 15  /^  GD's  eyes  efpy  our  aims  afar, 
 VX    And,  to  his  clearer  fight, 
 Thefe  very  ways  mofi  crooked  are. 
 That  we  efleem'd  moft  right. 
 
 Then  righteous  though  I  were,  yet  I 
 
 To  anfwer  him  would  grudge  ; 
 And,   laying  proud  pretences  by. 
 
 Would  fupplicate  my  Judge. 
 
 20  Should  I  my  innocence  aver, 
 
 2 1  My  mouth  would  brand  my  face  ; 
 Yea,  were  I  perfed,  I'd  prefer 
 
 The  way  of  life  by  grace. 
 
462     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 SONG       XVI. 
 
 ne  affl'iEled  Sours  Co?nplaint  to  God. 
 Job  X.  I,  2,  14,  15. 
 
 Vcr.  nr^  H  E  conftant  woes  that  load  my  back, 
 I     _|_      Such  endlefs  groans  create  j 
 My  prefent  hfe's  a  very  black 
 
 Uncomfortable  ftate. 
 My   reftlefs  weary  foul   abhors 
 This  loathfome  lump  of  clay; 
 Longs  to  be  free  of  fm  and  fores. 
 And  wings  to  heav'n  her  way. 
 
 1  I  make  to  God  my  heavy  moan. 
 
 To  give  my  forrow  vent ; 
 But  yet  upon  myfelf  alone 
 
 I'll  leave  my  fad  complaint. 
 Tm  prefs'd,  but  I  condemn  thee  not ; 
 
 O  Lord,  condemn  not  me  : 
 Why  thou  contends  with  me  fo  hot 
 
 Shew,  Lord,  and  let  me  fee. 
 
 14  If  I  be  wicked  in  thine  eyes. 
 
 Then  wo  to  me  indeed  : 
 If  righteous,  yet  fhall  never  I 
 Lift  up  my  haughty  head. 
 
 15  Defpair  and  deep  confufion  do. 
 
 My  wounded  foul  opprefs : 
 O  .{liew  thy  mercy,  fee  my  wo, 
 And  pity  my  diitrefs. 
 
 SONG         XVII. 
 
 GoD*s  Wifdo7n  unfearcbable.     Job  xi.  7,  8, 
 
 AN  human  reafon's  utmofl:  flretch, 
 Her  arms  fo  far  extend, 
 As  fhall  th'  Eternal's  counfel  reach. 
 His  wifdom  comprehend  ? 
 8,  9  What  creature  can,  with  fmite  hand. 
 
 c 
 
 The  vaft  dimenfion  weigh  ! 
 'Tis  longer  than  the  earth  of  land. 
 And  broader  tb^n  the  fta. 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  463 
 
 Ver.  Higher  than  heav'n,  what  canft  thou  know, 
 So  infinitely  fteep  ? 
 Deeper  than  hell,  what  canft  thou  do. 
 But  awful  diftance  keep  ? 
 
 SONG         XVIII. 
 
 "That  God  may  fuffer  ih€  wicked  to  profper,  exejnpli- 
 fied  in  Beajis,  Birds,  and  Fijhes ;  and  this  refohed 
 into  his  abfoluie  Dominion  over,  and  Propriety  in 
 all  his  Creatures.     Job  xii.  6, — 10. 
 
 6  A  FFLICTIONSgreatarcof  thejuft, 
 /\     In  time,  the  common  fate  ; 
 
 While  wicked  men,  that  lick  the  duft, 
 
 Enjoy  a  profp'rous  ftate. 
 Robbers  and  fpoilers  fee  their  ftock 
 
 Of  worldly  wealth  endure  ; 
 And  thefe  who  moft  do  God  provoke, 
 
 On  earth  live  moft  fecure. 
 Great  gifts,  on  them  he  difregards, 
 
 With  llavifti  hand  he  throws. 
 And  on  them  multiply'd  rewards. 
 
 Unmerited,  beftows. 
 
 7  Afk  now  the  beafts,  and  trial  make. 
 
 How  matters  with  them  go  ; 
 Soon  will  they  tell  how  they  partake 
 
 The  felf-fame  kind  of  wo. 
 How  bears,  wolves,  monfters  of  the  wood. 
 
 That  ravage  and  deftroy, 
 Inur'd  to  vapine,  fpoil,  and  blood. 
 
 Yet  peace  and  pow'r  enjoy. 
 While  harmlefs  flocks  on  hills  that  browfe. 
 
 And  ufeful  herds ,  each  way. 
 To  men  their  friends,  or  beafts  their  foes, 
 
 Are  daily  made  a  prey. 
 Aik  of  the  fowls  aloft  that  flee. 
 
 For  anfwer  they'll  return, 
 That  they,  conform  to  their  degree, 
 
 The  fame  difafter  mourn. 
 Vol.   X.  Nun 
 
4(^4      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 Ver.  They  will  aflert  their  vultures  rude, 
 
 8  And  tyrants  live  fecure  ; 
 
 While  doves  and  birds  of  mildeft  brood, 
 
 A  thoufand  woes  endure. 
 Then  alk  the  fifnes  what's  their  flate. 
 
 And  queftion  how  they  do  ; 
 They'll  tell  that  this  unequal  fate 
 
 Attends  the  ocean  too. 
 
 Great  whales,  fea-tyrants,  drunk  with  blood. 
 
 That  profper  to  their  wifh, 
 Devour  controullefs,  in  the  flood. 
 
 Whole  fhoals  of  harmlefs  fifli. 
 
 9  This  ftate  of  things  fram'd  he,  whofe  pow'r 
 
 All  beings  did  produce  ; 
 Whofe  wifdom  too,  in  ord'ring  fure. 
 Hath  fix'd  their  end  and  ufe. 
 
 10  God's  creatures  are  his  own,  their  lives 
 He  may  at  pleafure  take  ; 
 When  he  refumes  but  what  he  gives. 
 Who  can  objeclions  make  ? 
 
 SONG         XIX. 
 
 DoBrine  to  be  tried  ere  it  be  truflcd.     Job  xii.  1 1. 
 
 "T 
 
 H  E  ear  tries  words  before  they  be 
 Receiv'd  as  true  and  good  ; 
 The  mouth  taftes  meat  ere  ever  we 
 
 Can  judge  it  wholefome  food. 
 Doftrines  and  fpirits  thus  we  try, 
 
 By  grace's  inward  guft  ; 
 Left  we  for  truth  receive  a  lie, 
 For  food  to  poifon  trull. 
 
 SONG         XX. 
 
 l^he  Wifdom  of  anticnt  Men  nothing  to  the  Wifdom  cf 
 the  Antient  of  Days.     Job  xii.  12,  13. 
 
 1 2  nr^  HOUGH  wifdom  oft,  we  are  alTur'd, 
 j_       In  hoary  heads  appears. 
 And  underftanding  is  matur'd 
 By  time  and  num'rous  years  : 
 
PartII.         JOB'S    HYMNS.  465 
 
 Ver.  Yet  knowledge  pure,  no  where  we  fee 
 
 13  But  in  th' eternal  Mind. 
 
 In  God,  and  him  alone,  can  we 
 
 Confummate  knowledge  find. 
 The  wife  on  earth  derive  from  him. 
 
 The  wifdom  which  we  praife  : 
 Their  tapers  only  fhine  with  dim 
 
 And  delegated  rays. 
 
 SONG      xxr. 
 
 Proofs  (?/" God's  Poiuer  in  doing  his  Pleafure  in  Earth 
 and  Heaven^  and  ferving  his  own  Purpofes  among 
 Men.     Job  xii.  14,  15,  16. 
 
 14  y^  OD*s  pow*r,  with  wifdom  join'd  we  mufl: 
 VJT    With  equal  fear  adore  : 
 
 Proud  towns  he  levels  with  the  duft. 
 
 To  be  rebuilt  no  more. 
 When  flaves  in  prifon  he  reflrains. 
 
 Shut  up  in  death  or  hell, 
 Who  then  can  loofe  their  pond'rous  chains. 
 
 Or  pow'r  divine  repel  i* 
 
 15  He  binds  the  watery  cloud,  and  flops 
 
 The  bottles  of  the  fkies ; 
 And  to  the  earth's  fore  withered  crops, 
 
 His  heav'nly  dew  denies. 
 Again,  the  rains,  at  his  command. 
 
 Make  all  the  rivers  fwell, 
 O'erflow  their  borders,  drench  the  land. 
 
 And  fears  of  drought  difpel. 
 
 16  Wifdom  and  ilrength  are  his,  he  rules 
 
 O'er  ftrong  and  crafty  foes  ; 
 Deceiving  and  deceived  fools 
 Arc  both  at  his  difpofe. 
 
 SONG      xxn. 
 
 Proofs  of  God's  Wifdom  aiid  Power  in  the  Revolution 
 of  States  and  Kingdoms.     Job  xii.  17, — 25. 
 
 1 7  'T^  R  O  M  judges  judgment  God  withdraws  j 
 Jf^      From  counfellors  of  (late 
 Detrafting  wifdom  and  applaufe, 
 
 With  fools  he  does  them  rate. 
 N  n  n   2 
 
466      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    BookI. 
 
 Ver.  Proud  nionarchs  cruel  bonds  he  breaks, 
 
 1 8  Tears  their  engines  of  pain  ; 
 
 And  binds,  on  tort'ring  tyrants  necks. 
 The  tortur'd  pris'ner's  chain. 
 
 19  He  overturns  the  mighty  peers. 
 
 And  princes  in  their  pride ; 
 Thefe  that  abafh'd  the  world  with  fears. 
 He  makes  the  world  deride. 
 
 20  He  takes  their  wifdom  from  the  wife. 
 
 And  knowledge  from  the  fage, 
 And  makes  their  former  friends  defpife 
 Their  oracles  and  age, 
 
 21  On  princes  great  he  pours  contempt. 
 
 On  kings  of  wide  command, 
 He  wrefts,  what  feemM  from  wo  exempt. 
 
 Their  fceptres  from  their  hand. 
 12  To   his    all-penetrating  eye. 
 
 The  darkefl  lliades  of  night, 
 And  deepeft  hellifh   plots  do  ly 
 
 As  ope  as  noon-day  light. 
 
 23  By  him  all  nations  high   or  low, 
 
 And  kingdoms  wax  and  wean  ; 
 By  him  their  numbers  ebb  or  flow. 
 And  fhare  the  blifs  or  bane. 
 
 24  Great  chiefs,  like  cowards,  thro'  heartlefs  fright. 
 
 He  makes  in  defarts  ftray, 
 
 25  As  drunkards  groping  in  the  night. 
 
 And  reeling  lofe  their  way. 
 
 SONG        XXHI. 
 
 Strong  Faith  in  the  hot  Furnace.     Job  xiii.  15,  16. 
 
 15  T    ET  God  upon  me  frown  or  fmile ; 
 
 J J    rU  reft  upon  his  name  ; 
 
 He  knows,    if  of  approved   guile 
 My  heart  does  me  condemn. 
 
 Should  he  even  double  my  diftrefs. 
 
 In  hotter  fires  to  try  ; 
 Yet  I'll  adore  his  righteoufncfs, 
 
 And  on  his  word  rely. 
 
Part  11.        JOB'sHYMNS.  467 
 
 Ver.  Yea,  though  he  hew  me  to  the  root, 
 1 6       With  lifted  hand  to  kill. 
 
 Yet,  through  his  grace,  I'm  refolute, 
 That  in  him  truft  I  will. 
 
 SONG        XXIV. 
 
 The  Origin,  Nature,  and  IJfue  of  human  Life  ;  it  is 
 fhort,  forrowful,  ftnful,  and  limited ;  Death  puts 
 a  final  Period  to  it,  and  frees  from  the  Calamities 
 thereof     Job  xiv.  i , — 15. 
 
 Sect.     I. 
 
 Man  frail  and flthy,  the  Obje^  of  divine  Pity, 
 Ver.  I, — 4. 
 
 1  irp  RAIL  man,  as  foon  as  born,  decays, 
 \_       Like  flow'rs  that  quickly  fade  ; 
 
 2  He  counts  a  few  and  troublous   days. 
 
 Then  paflcs  like  a  fliade. 
 "3  Will  God  regard  fo  bafe  a  wight, 
 Contend  with  fuch  a  moth, 
 The  fpawn  of  hell  an  ugly  fight, 
 So  frail  and  filthy  both  ! 
 
 4  "Who  can  clean  things  from  unclean  bring. 
 
 Pure  flreams  from  impure  mud. 
 But  he  that  came  to  clear  the  fpring 
 By  water  and  by  blood ! 
 
 Sect.    IL 
 
 Our  Days  are  numbered,  and  the  Time  of  Life  faed. 
 Ver.  5,  6. 
 
 5  O  Lord,  the  days  of  man  are  all 
 
 Inroll'd  in  thy  decree  j 
 And  of  the  months  that  to  him  fall 
 
 The  number  is  with  thee. 
 The  bounds  of  time  he  cannot  pafs 
 
 In  which  thou  doft  him  clofe  : 
 Let   this   fuflSce,  nor  add  a   mafs 
 
 Of  more  uncommon  woes. 
 
468     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  O  grant  him  the  refpite  and  eafe, 
 6       His  torments  made  him  afk, 
 And  let  him  finifh,  by  degrees, 
 His  Hfe's  appointed  tafk. 
 
 Sect.     HI. 
 Life  natural^  being  gone,  returns  not  ;  or,  the  dead  ne- 
 .  ver  awaked  till  the  laji  Day.     Ver.  7, —  1 2. 
 
 7,  8  Life  vegetive,  when  loft  in  roots, 
 With  rains  may  be  reviv'd  ; 
 9  Life  animal,  in    certain  brutes. 
 With  folar  beams  retrieved. 
 
 10  But  fpirits  rational,  when  gone, 
 
 Too  great  for  nature's  fcent, 
 Have  no  reftoratives   but   one. 
 
 That  is  omnipotent. 
 Ere  death  man  daily  wafles  away  ; 
 
 In  death  gives  up  the  ghoft ; 
 But  after  death,  where  is  he,  pray. 
 
 When  to  the  living  loft  ? 
 
 1 1  High  floods  and  feas  that  left  the  fhore, 
 
 Will  at  their  times  return  ; 
 
 12  But  man  refumes  his  life  no  more. 
 
 Whom  death  does  once  in-urn. 
 Death  to  the  grave  his  duft  conveys, 
 
 There  fleeps  the  hidden  prey  ; 
 Nor  wakes  till  with  a  mighty  noife, 
 
 The  heav'iis  ftiall  pafs  away. 
 
 Sect.     IV. 
 Defire  to  die  may  confiji  vAlh  a  waiting  till  the 
 change  come.     Ver.   13,  14,  15. 
 
 13  Lord,  in  the  filent  grave  I'd  reft, 
 
 There  let  me  fafely  ly, 
 Till  fliades  of  fm  and  wratli  be  chas'd, 
 And  glory  deck  the  Iky. 
 
 14  Since  wrath  will  each  man,  for  his  crime. 
 
 From  prefent  life  eftrange, 
 
 All   days  of  my  appointed  time 
 
 I'll  wait  my  future  change 
 
Part  II.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  469 
 
 Ver.  Though  thou  prolong  this  mournful  fcene, 
 In  hope  ril  patient  ftay, 
 Till  thou  revive  my  joys  amain. 
 And  chafe  my  woes  away. 
 15  Thy  call  both  to  and  From  the  grave 
 I'll  gladly  hear,  and  go  ; 
 And  thou  my  ftrong  dcfire  to  fave 
 Thy  handy -work  wilt  fhow. 
 
 SONG         XXV. 
 Self-jujiijication  extremely  odious.  Job  xv.  14,  15, 16. 
 
 14  AH!  what's  vain  man  that  fcems  fo  pure, 
 ±\_     As  not  his  fpots  to  fpy, 
 
 When  faired  feraphs  can't  endure 
 Jehovah's  piercing  eye  ! 
 
 15  He  fees  his  faints  not  whole  upright. 
 
 What  can  in  flaves  be  feen  ? 
 How  vile's  the  earth,  when  in  his  fight 
 The  heav'ns  are  but  unclean  ! 
 
 16  Their  hoft  before   the  holy  thrice. 
 
 Do  blufh  and  hide  their  fmuts  ; 
 How  odious  then  is  man,  who  vice 
 Like  water  daily  gluts  ! 
 
 SONG         XXVI. 
 
 The  Ruin  of  thofe  who  bid  Defiance  to  God  and  his 
 Pozi'er.     Job  xv.  24,  25,  26,  30. 
 
 24  I^ONFUSION,  anguilh,  and  diftrcfs, 
 V^     The  wicked  fhall  aflail. 
 
 To  give  them  battle,  with  difgrace. 
 And  o'er  their  flrength  prevail. 
 
 25  Becaufe  againft  th'  almighty  Lord 
 
 They  boldly  take  the  field  ; 
 Yea,  run  upon  his  flaming  fword. 
 And  on  his  blazing  fhield. 
 
 26  Mad  wretches!  they  defy  their  God, 
 
 A^nd  void  of  holy  fear. 
 Deride  his  darts  that  fly  abroad, 
 And  rufh  upon  his  fpear. 
 
 .!& 
 
470      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  But  foon  their  hope  fliall  be  defolv*d, 
 30       And  funk  in  fudden  fright ; 
 
 Their  pride  abafh'd,  their  heads  involv'd. 
 In  everlafting  night. 
 
 SONG         XXVII. 
 
 Afflidions  heaped  up  and  come  to  an  Extremity. 
 Job  xvi.  14,  15,  16.  * 
 
 14  /^^F  breaking  woes  a  num'roiis  train 
 V^     Invade  my  frighted  foul. 
 
 As  crouding  billows  of  the  main 
 
 Do  o'er  each  other  roll. 
 What  war  does  the  Almighty  wage 
 
 With  fuch  a  feeble  flea, 
 That  like  a  giant  in  his  rage, 
 
 He  fiercely  runs  on  me  ? 
 
 15  Sackloth,  I  wear  upon  my  (kin, 
 
 Of  ornaments  defpoil'd ; 
 And  dabbled  in  the  dufl  unclean, 
 My  glory  lies  defil'd. 
 
 16  My  cheeks  with  conftant  weeping  fade 
 
 Stain'd  with  a  briny  bath  ; 
 And  on  mine  eye-lids  hangs  the  fliade 
 Of  gloomy  difmal  death. 
 
 SONG         XXVIII. 
 
 'The  grow'mg  Strength  of  the  righteous.     Job  xvii.  9. 
 
 g  nr^HE  plant  of  grace  fhall  ever  thrive, 
 
 I         Though  nature's  brood  decay  ; 
 The  righteous  in  the  Lord  fliall  live, 
 
 And  ftill  hold  on  his  way. 
 His  hands  from  michief  clean  withal 
 
 His  heart  from  malice  free  : 
 Stronger  and  ftronger  ftill  he  fliall 
 
 For  work  and  warfare  be. 
 He  marches  dauntlefs  on  his  way. 
 
 Let  blackeft  tcmpefts  blow; 
 No  dangers  do  his  heart  difmay. 
 
 But  make  his  vigour  grow. 
 
Part  II.  J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  471 
 
 SONG        XXIX. 
 
 Death  and  the  Grave,  the  Sainfs  familiars. 
 Job  xvii.  13,  14. 
 Ver.   Ti  yf  Y  earthly  friends  have  turn'd  my  foes, 
 
 13  xVJl     So  cruel  and  unjuft, 
 That  I  exped:,  to  end  my  woes, 
 
 More  friendfliip  in  the  duft. 
 
 No  houfe  of  pleafure  here  'bove  ground, 
 
 Do  I  exped  to  have  ; 
 My  bed  of  reft  for  flceping  found, 
 
 I've  made  the  lilent  grave. 
 Lo  !  v^elcome  death  on  me  attends. 
 
 The  hungry  grave  me  waits  ; 
 Thefe  made  I  my  famihar  friends. 
 
 My  relatives  and  mates. 
 
 14  I  to  corruption  cry'd,    O  duft. 
 
 Thou  art  my  father  known  ; 
 From  thee  I  came,  to  thee  I  muft 
 
 Return  as  ev'n  thine  own. 
 I  to  the  worm  faid,  Brother  worm. 
 
 And  fifter,  you  and  I 
 Do  differ  but  in  fize  and  form, 
 
 We  are  of  kin  fo  nigh  : 
 I'm  but  a  mortal  worm  like  you  ; 
 
 This  loathfome  piece  of  clay 
 Muft  to  your  pow'r  a  booby  bow, 
 
 Until  the  rifmg  day. 
 
 SONG         XXX. 
 
 ^he  Calamities  that  await  the  ivicked. 
 
 Job  xviii.  5,  6,  10,  12,  14, — 20. 
 
 '5  ?~r^HE  wicked's  fplcndor  (liall  decay, 
 
 I        Like  Ihort-liv'd  fparks  of  fire  ; 
 6  Thick  fogs  ftiall  choke  his  glorious  day. 
 And  make  his  beams  expire. 
 fo  By  labour'd  plots  and  deep  defigns. 
 Which  he  for  others  ftows, 
 A  halter  for  himfelf  he  twines  ; 
 '  His  wiles  become  his  woes. 
 Vol.  X.  O  o  o 
 
472      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Death  and  dedrudion  o'er  his  head 
 12       Do  conftantly  impend  ; 
 
 His  pleafures,  which  he  gluts  with  greed, 
 Shall  all  in  torment  end. 
 
 14  His  hope  fliall  fall  and  never  rife, 
 
 For  with  his  bloody  dart 
 The  king  of  terrors  in  furprife. 
 Shall  ftrike  him  to  the  heart. 
 
 15  Quite  from  the  earth,  God's 'venging  hand 
 
 The  wicked  man  fhall  chafe  ; 
 
 16  Nor  leave  behind  a  branch  to  ftand 
 
 Of  all  his  hateful  race. 
 
 17  In  after-times  the  godlefs  wretch 
 
 Shall  be  unknown  to  fame  ; 
 
 18  Or  mention'd  only  with  reproach. 
 
 With  horror,  and  with  fhame. 
 
 19  In  future  fame  fome  names  indeed 
 
 Will  Hand  for  little  good  ; 
 Like  Pontius  Pilate  in  the  creed. 
 For  blafphemy  and  blood. 
 
 -20  Such  oft,  in  time,  the  wicked's  fate 
 Do  indicate  the  ftore 
 Of  forrow,  which  his  foul  await. 
 When  time  fhall  be  no  more. 
 
 SONG        XXXI. 
 Reproof  to  Reproachers.     Job  xix.  2,  3,22. 
 
 2  ^^  7  H  Y  cruel  friends,  will  ye  fo  long 
 
 \  Y       With  bitter  words  me  vex. 
 My  name  reproach,  my  virtue  wrong, 
 
 My  righteous  caufe  perplex  ? 
 Muft  flill  your  anfwers  without  fenfe, 
 
 And  void  of  argument, 
 AVith  folemn  grave  impertinence, 
 
 My  fpirit  thus  torment  ? 
 
 3  Can  pious  lies  deferve  applaufe, 
 
 By  being  fpoke  aloft  ? 
 Or  do  you  think  them  true,  becaufc 
 You  humm'd  them  o'er  fo  oft? 
 
Part  II.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  473 
 
 Ver.  The  wounds  you  give  me  cruel  are  ; 
 Your  contumelious  words, 
 And  fland'rous  taunts,  are  fharper  far  , 
 Than  keeneft  pointed  fwords. 
 22  God's  right  t*  afflid,  him  well  becomes, 
 But  your  afflicting  rod, 
 With  pride  and  pafTion  bafe,  affumes 
 The  priviledge  of  God. 
 
 SONG         XXXII. 
 
 Friends  turned  to  Enemies,  and  Brethren  to  Aliens. 
 Jobxix.  II, — 14.  Comp.  ch.  xvii.  4, 6. 
 
 1 1  y^  O  D '  s  trying  fury  kindles  bright, 
 V.T    Ev'n  of  its  own  accord  ;  • 
 'Gainft  me,  whofe  heart  and  caufe  is  right, 
 
 He  waves  his  glitt'ring  fword. 
 
 12  Fierce  troops  and  regimented  woes 
 
 In  battle-rank,  1  fee. 
 Do  by  his  order  me  inclofe. 
 And  fiercely  rulh  on  me. 
 
 1 3  Brethren  and  kindred  knit  their  brows. 
 
 And  treat  me  as  unknown  ; 
 Break  nature's  bonds,  renounce  their  vows, 
 And  their  own  blood  difown. 
 
 1 4  Familiar  friends  and  kins-folk  too. 
 
 Who  kindly  me  embrac'd, 
 Have  fail'd  me,  and  forgot  me  now. 
 And  all  their  friendfhip  pad. 
 
 Difdainful  (Iriplings  me  defpife. 
 
 Who  honour'd  me  before  5 
 Yea,  thofe  I  once  did  chiefly  prize 
 
 Now  chiefly  me  abhor. 
 
 Jufl:  Lord,  from  their  reproaches  pleafe 
 
 To  vindicate  my  name. 
 And  mercifully  cover  thcfe 
 
 Perfidious  friends  with  fliame. 
 
 O  o  o  2 
 
474     SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 SONG       XXXIII. 
 
 The  Happinefs  that  aivaits  the  godly ;    Or,    The 
 bleffed  Hope  of  the  righteous. 
 
 Job  xix.  25,  26,  27. 
 
 Ver.  nr^  H  A  T  my  Redeemer  lives  I  know, 
 25     X      Though  by  his  fentence  juft. 
 My  body,    for  a  feafon,    low, 
 Shall  dwell  with  fellow  duft. 
 In  him  triumphant  over  death, 
 
 I'll  trample  on  the  grave  ; 
 For  he  that  conquer'd  hell  and  wrath, 
 CaiPlduft  and  aflies  fave. 
 
 My  living  Head,  when  bankrupt  time 
 
 Shall  its  laft  minute  fpend. 
 He  then  from  heav'n  his  throne  fublime 
 
 In  triumph  fhall  defcend. 
 
 He  on  the  furface  of  the  earth 
 
 As  Judge  fupreme  fhall  ftand  ; 
 And  from  the  tomb  to  recent  birth 
 
 His  captive  duft  demand. 
 
 16  The  mighty  Conqueror  fliall  invade 
 
 And  fack  the  cruel  grave, 
 Force  every  vault  where  bones  were  laid. 
 
 And  refcue  every  flave. 
 Though  worms  and  putrefaction  fliall 
 
 My  mould'ring  fkin  confume, 
 And  eat  my  flefli ;  yet,  at  his  call, 
 
 My  body  now  fhall  bloom  : 
 27  Fveviv'd,  I  from  the  dufl  fliall  rife. 
 
 And  God  my  Saviour  fee. 
 With  thefe  my  own  corporeal  eyes. 
 
 That  fliall  immortal  be. 
 I  for  myfclf,   and  for  my  gain. 
 
 Shall  fee  the  happy  fight ; 
 And  over  death  for  ever  reign, 
 
 To  fliare  the  vifion  bright. 
 
o 
 
 PartII.        JOB'S    hymns.  47^ 
 
 SONG        XXXIV. 
 
 Rajh  Judging  condemned  ;  or,  Job*s  Warning  to  his 
 cenforious  Friends.     Job  xix.  28,  29. 
 
 Friends  !  your  groundlefs  rage  fiipprefs  ; 
 The  wrath  of  man  is  proud. 
 And  worketh  not  the  righteoufnefs, 
 
 But  brings  the  wrath  of  God. 
 Ralh  judging  him  in  whom  is  found 
 
 The  facred  matter's  root, 
 Your  darts  will  on  yourfeives  rebound, 
 
 To  'venge  the  wrong  purfuit. 
 Of  juftice  fword  ftand  you  afraid, 
 
 When  by  th' Almighty  drawn  ; 
 His  vengeance  will  your  heads  invade. 
 
 Not  on  your  treach'ry  fawn. 
 In  fierce  uncharitable  zeal 
 
 You're  furioufly  devout ; 
 But  cover'd  fraud  God  will  reveal. 
 
 And  to  the  flames  allot. 
 
 Know  that  the  day  approaches  faft, 
 
 In  which  the  Judge  fupreme, 
 Will  all  your  bloody  cenfures  caff. 
 
 Your  bitter  words  condemn. 
 Repent,  then,  left  your  violence 
 
 Bring  prefent  judgments  home  ; 
 Elfe  will  your  proud  impenitence 
 
 Foretel  your  future  doom. 
 
 SONG         XXXV. 
 
 The  Frofperity  of  the  wicked  Jhort,    and  their  Ruin 
 fure.     Job  xx.  5, — 9,  11, — 14. 
 
 TH  E  wicked's  triumph  is  but  fliort, 
 And  quickly  melts  away  ; 
 His  empty  joy,  and  idle  fport, 
 Does  but  a  moment  ftay. 
 
 Though  to  the  lieav'n  his  head  he  raife. 
 
 His  grandeur  to  the  fky  ; 
 Yet,  loll,  for  ay,  he  and  his  praife, 
 
 Cloath'd  in  the  duft  ihall  ly. 
 
47^      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  He,    miferable    and    forlorn  j 
 7       Fades  with  a  fwift  decay  ; 
 
 Cad,  like  his  own  vile  dung,  with  fcorn, 
 And  with  contempt,  away. 
 
 Thefe  who  his  fplendor  did  admire, 
 
 And  faw  his  pomp  before, 
 And,  where  is  now  his  place  !  inquire, 
 
 Shall  never  fee  it  more. 
 8  His  fhort-liv'd  fame  and  great  efteem. 
 
 That  guird  him  all  his  days, 
 Shall  vanidi  like  a  wanton  dream. 
 
 That  in  the  fancy  plays. 
 Yea,  he  fhall   by   a  fudden  bane 
 
 Be  chas'd  away  with  fright. 
 In  manner  like  a  fantom  vain. 
 
 Or  vifion  of  the  night. 
 9  His  blazing  lamp  fhall  difappear, 
 
 So  fhall  he  perifli  clean  ; 
 And  in  the  place  of  his  career 
 
 Shall  never  more  be  fccn. 
 
 11  As  he  was  clofely  fixM  to  fin, 
 
 By  love  too,  too  fmcere ; 
 So  lin,  alas  !  fiiall  unto  him 
 As  faithfully  adhere. 
 
 12  For  guilty  marks,  and  enfigns  bad. 
 
 Of  his  unbridled  luft, 
 
 13  Continue  his  companions  fad, 
 
 And  fellows  in  the  duff. 
 
 14  Thefe  morfels  fweet  fhall  bitter  grow, 
 
 Confume  his  vital  breath. 
 And  follow  him,  with  dool  and  wo, 
 To  th'  other  fide  of  death. 
 
 SONG         XXXVI. 
 
 The  Wicked  hardened  in  their  Impiety  by  their  Prof- 
 perity.     Job  xxi.  7, — 15. 
 
 FT  do  we  fee  the  wicked  fafe. 
 And  unmolefted  dwell  ; 
 Oft  do  they  flow  in  pleafure  foft, 
 And  in  their  wealth  excel. 
 
 o 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  477 
 
 Ver.  In  merriment  and    carnal   eafe 
 They  fpend  each  happy  day ; 
 He^althful  in  riot,  and  in  age 
 Appear  without  decay. 
 
 The  regal  throne  of  pomp  and  pride 
 
 In  triumph  they  afcend ; 
 Repeat  their  conquefts,  and  abroad 
 
 Their  growing  pow'r  extend. 
 
 8  Vig'rous,  thotigh  far  advanc'd  in  years. 
 
 Before  their  eyes  they  fee 
 What  elevates  their  pride,  a  fair 
 And  num'rous  progeny. 
 
 9  Their  houfes  fafe  from  fears  and  foes. 
 
 In  peace  they  live  fecure  ; 
 Nor  God's  vindictive  heavy  blows 
 Do  ever  they  endure. 
 
 10  Their  profp'rous  cattle,  thick  and  throng, 
 
 Ingender  on  the  hill ; 
 And  with  their  num'rous  wanton  young. 
 Their  flocks  the  valley  fill. 
 
 11  Their  merry. httle  ones,  in  trains. 
 
 Do  from  their  houfe  advance  ; 
 Sport  in  the  ftreets,  and  o'er  the  plains 
 And  verdent  meadows  dance. 
 
 12  They  take  the  harp,  and  in  the  round. 
 
 Upon  the  timbrel  play  ; 
 And  at  the  organ's  chearful  found. 
 Rejoice,  and  pafs  the  day. 
 
 I  ^  Pamper'd  in  eafe,  and  mirth,  and  wealth. 
 
 They  fpend  their  golden  hours ; 
 Confume  their  time,  abufe  their  health, 
 
 And  wafte  their  vital  pow'rs. 
 By  years,  and  not  by  ficknefs,  they 
 
 At  lafl  their  (boulders  bend  ; 
 And  ripe  in  years,  anon  decay. 
 
 And  to  the  grave  defcend. 
 14  Hence,  puff'd  up  with  prodigious  pride. 
 
 Religion  they  condemn  : 
 God's  threats  and  precepts  they  deride. 
 
 And  faints,  as  fools,  contemn. 
 
478     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  L 
 
 Ver.  They  bid  th*  almighty  God  depart. 
 And  arrogantly  fay. 
 We  don't  defire,  or  have  at  heart. 
 The  knowledge  of  thy  way. 
 
 15  What's  the  Almighty  ?  Where's  our  fee  ? 
 Should  we  to  ferve  him  deign  ? 
 Some  pray  and  praife,  but  don't  we  fee 
 They  fpend  their  breath  in  vain  ? 
 
 Thus  wicked  men,  whom  Heav'n  does  load 
 
 With  earthly  happinefs, 
 Their  native  fpite  againft  their  God 
 
 Profanely  does  exprefs. 
 
 SONG         XXXVII. 
 
 God's  Ways  of  Providence  towards  Men  attended^ 
 with  great  Variety.     Job  xxi.  17, — 26. 
 
 17  qOMETIMES  deflrudion,  impious  men 
 )^     Ev'n  in  this  world  invades  ; 
 
 Though  oft  their  lamp  of  life's  burnt  out. 
 Before  their  glory  fiides. 
 
 God's  fatal  judgments  for  their  crimes. 
 
 Oft  foon  their  hfe  confurae  ; 
 Amidft  their  pomp,  there's  but  aftep 
 
 Betwixt  them  and  their  doom. 
 
 18  Oft  with  his  driving  wrath  he's  pleas'd 
 
 From  off  the  earth  to  chafe. 
 As  chaff  before  the  ftormy  wind, 
 This  irreligious  race. 
 
 19  Their  fm  and  guilt  the  mighty  God 
 
 Does  treafure  up  with  care  ; 
 And  for  their  children's  heritage. 
 
 With  (lores  of  wrath  prepare. 
 Their  progeny  that  tread  their  fleps. 
 
 Shall  fuffer  for  their  crimes  ; 
 And  they  themfelves  oft  live  to  fee 
 
 Thefe  very  difmal  times. 
 10  Their  curfed  lips  fhall  deeply  drink. 
 
 Of  God's  embitter'd  bowl ; 
 Their  haughty  eyes  iliall  downward  fmk. 
 
 And  in  deflruftion  roll. 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  479 
 
 Ver.  Ah,  then  !  what  comfort  to  them  fliall 
 
 21  Their  race  furvlving  raife. 
 When  in  the  middle,  after  all. 
 
 Grim  death  cuts  off  their  days  ! 
 On  the  reverfe,  fomctimes  the  jufl 
 
 May  profper,  though  *tis  plain 
 Their  lot  and  ordinary  fate 
 
 Is  trouble,  want,  and  pain. 
 
 22  Yet  who  will  thence  againft  the  ways 
 
 Of  God  moft  high  objeft  ? 
 To  guide,  govern,  and  rule  the  world. 
 
 Who  fhall  his  hands  dired  ? 
 Does  not  the  great  omnifcient  God 
 
 All  things  diftindly  know  ? 
 For  he's  the  Judge  of  faints  above. 
 
 The  Judge  of  kings  below. 
 
 Who  then  to  teach  him  wifdom  will 
 
 Adventure  or  pretend  ? 
 And  clearly  (how  him  how,  with  (kill, 
 
 His  government  to  mend  ? 
 
 23  One  dies  in  his  full  ftrength  and  health. 
 
 No  change  he  thought  upon  ; 
 
 24  When  full  of  marrow,  mirth,  and  wealth. 
 
 Yet  in  a  moment  gone, 
 
 25  Another,  who  in  tort'ring  pains,. 
 
 And  bitter  anguifh  lies ; 
 Long  griev'd  and  gall'd  with  heavy  chains, 
 In  ling'ring  ficknefs  dies. 
 
 26  Both  thefe  at  lafl  the  friendly  grave 
 
 Will  bring  to  equal  relt ; 
 And  on  their  flefh,  within  the  cave^ 
 The  worms  alike  Ihall  feaft. 
 
 Promifcuous  tribulations  thus 
 
 All  human  kind  invade  ; 
 And  death,  without  diflinftion,  does 
 
 Befal  both  good  and  bad. 
 No  difpenfation  of  this  fort 
 
 Does  ever  take  its  rife. 
 From  one  man's  virtuous  effort. 
 
 Or  from  another-s  vice. 
 
 Vol.  X.  1 
 
 PP 
 
480      SCRIPTURESONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver,  Nor  does  th'  Almighty's  love  or  hate, 
 
 With  evidence  appear, 
 By  either  our  enjoyment's  great. 
 
 Or  our  annoyments  here. 
 What's  common  to  the  word  and  beft 
 
 Can  ne'er  the  cafe  decide  ; 
 God's  word  and  Spirit  be  our  reft, 
 
 As  th'only  rule  and  guide. 
 
 SONG         XXXVIII. 
 
 The  Benefit  of  Acquaintance  with  God. 
 Job  xxii.  2 1 , 30. 
 
 1 1    /^  NOW  acquaint  thyfelf  with  God, 
 \_y     And  be  at  peace,  for  he 
 Hath  promis'd  great  and  endlefs  good 
 Shall  thereby  come  to  thee. 
 
 22  The  law  receive  thou  from  his  mouth, 
 
 The  dodrine  of  folace  ; 
 And  in  thy  heart  embracing  truth. 
 Lay  up  his  words  of  grace. 
 
 23  To  God  mod  high,  without  delay. 
 
 If  thou  return  with  care. 
 Thy  fm  and  guilt  he'll  take  away. 
 Thy  rains  all  repair. 
 
 24  He'll  blefs  the  houfe  wherein  thou  dwells 
 
 With  riches  competent ; 
 "With  wealth  of  Ophir-gold,  or  elfe 
 With  wealth  of  fweet  content. 
 
 25  Th' Almighty  fliall  be  thy  defence. 
 
 Thy  joy  and  thy  folace  ; 
 
 26  To  him  thou  ihalt,  with  confidence. 
 
 Prevailing  pray'rs  addrefs. 
 
 27  When  thou  art  anfwer'd  from  above, 
 
 Thy  vows  in  trouble  made 
 Shall,  with  a  glad  return  of  love. 
 And  thankful  heart,  be  paid. 
 
 28  God  fliall  eftablilh  every  right 
 
 And  juft  decree  of  thine  ; 
 For,  from  above,  direcling  light 
 Upon  thy  ways  fliall  fliine. 
 
PartII.         JOB'S    HYMNS.  481 
 
 Ver,  Thy  paths  he  will  dired  and  own, 
 Thy  counfels  he  will  blefs  ; 
 And  all  thy  undertakings  crown 
 With  comfort  and  fuccefs. 
 
 29  When  men  around  thee  are  caft  down, 
 
 Thy  head  lift  up  thou  ihalt ; 
 God  won't  the  humble  man  difown. 
 But  fave  and  him  exalt. 
 
 30  Nor  of  thy  prayers,  pure  and  found, 
 
 Shalt  thou  alone  partake 
 The  gain,  but  ev'n  thy  neighbours  round 
 Shall  profper  for  thy  fake. 
 
 SONG         XXXIX. 
 
 God  hiding  and  trying.     Job  xxvii.  3,  8,  9,  to. 
 3  /^  T  H  A  T  I  knew  where  I  might  find 
 \J     My  God,  who  hides  his  path ! 
 To  him  1  would  unfold  my  mind, 
 And  teftify  my  faith. 
 
 8  I  forward  go  to  feek  him  out ; 
 
 But,  lo  !  he  is  not  there  ; 
 Backward,  but  when  I  turn  about. 
 He's  gone,  I  know  not  where, 
 
 9  Upon  the  right-hand,  and  the  left. 
 
 Fain  would  I  him  accoft  ; 
 But  flill  of  my  defirc  bereft, 
 
 I  find  my  labour  loft. 
 10  His  way  is  hid,  but  mine  is  ey*d 
 
 By  him,  I  thus  defire  ; 
 I  fhall,  as  goM,  when  he  hath  tried. 
 
 Come  purer  from  the  fire.  * 
 
 S     O     N     G         XL. 
 
 Many  mofi  wicked  and  mifchievous^  yet  live  and  die 
 in  outward  Peace,  and  are  never  vifibly  reckoned 
 with  in  this  World. 
 
 Job  xxiv.  I,  2, — 12,  [3, — 23,  24. 
 
 MOST  juft  is  God ;  yet  none  can  tell 
 The  fix'd  determin'd  times. 
 When  thefe  that  wickedly  rebel 
 Shall  fuffer  for  their  crimes. 
 Ppp  2 
 
482      SCRIPTURE   SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Some  men  fo  void  of  fhame  are  found. 
 
 Who  do,  with  treach'rous  bands, 
 Remove  the  fettled  marks  that  bound 
 
 Appropriated  lands. 
 With  wicked  fpoils,  or  goods  they  feize. 
 
 Their  luxury  they  feaft  ; 
 And  fiU'd  with  rapine,  do  at  eafe 
 
 Upon  their  couches  reft. 
 Thus  thrive  opprefTors,  tyrants,  thieves. 
 
 Men  bloody  and  unclean  ; 
 AVhofe  villanics  day-light  aggrieves. 
 
 The  dark's  their  darling  fcreen. 
 Pamper'd  in  plenty  they  abide, 
 *  And  long  on  earth  they  live  ; 
 While  for  impunity  their  pride 
 
 In  plunder  they  derive. 
 AH  things  to  raife  their  happinefs. 
 
 Seem  jointly  to  comply  ; 
 And  as  they  livM  in  outward  peace. 
 
 They  unmolefted  die. 
 Gently  cut  down  like  ears  of  corn. 
 
 Their  death's  a  kind  decay  : 
 Full  ripe  they  to  the  tomb  are  borne. 
 
 And  flowly  fmk  away. 
 Their  ftreams  of  life  a  goodly  while. 
 
 Like  peaceful  rivers  flow  ; 
 And  when  they  die  ('tis  common  ilile) 
 
 They  gently  melt  like  fnow. 
 *Tis  true,    Jehovah  fees  and  knp.ws 
 
 Their  vice  and  infolence  ; 
 Yet,  feeming  unconcern'd,  he  does 
 
 No  vengeance  due  difpence. 
 If  they're,  a  feaft  for  worms,  interred, 
 
 Man's  common  fate  is  fo  : 
 Heav'n  then  hath  all  their  hell  deferred 
 
 To  future  endiefs  wo. 
 
 sf^ 
 
Part  II.        JOB's   HYMNS.  483 
 
 SONG        XLI. 
 
 ^he  Greatnefs,  Goodnefs,   and  Holinefs  of  God  m- 
 dencing  the  Guilttnefs  and  Impurity  of  Man. 
 Job  XXV.  2, — 6. 
 
 Ver.  "X  T  T'lTH  God  the  Lord,  mofl  great  and  high, 
 1     VV      Dominion  is  and  fear  : 
 He  peace  preferves  above  the  fky 
 And  regions  of  the  air. 
 
 3  Though  numberlefs  his  armies  arc, 
 
 The  creatures  all  his  hofts. 
 Yet  never  as  a  God  of  war. 
 
 But  (till  0I  peace,  he  boafts. 
 On  whom  does  not  his  Hght  arife  ? 
 
 His  goodnefs  unto  all 
 Extends,  like  to  his  watchful  eyes, 
 
 Infpeding  great  and  fmall. 
 Wide  as  the  univerfe,  ev'n  fo 
 
 Hath  God  his  table  fpread  ; 
 And  all  his  creatures,  high  and  low, 
 
 Still  at  his  coft  are  fed. 
 
 Since  on  his  pow'r  and  goodnefs  great 
 
 We  evermore  depend. 
 And  can  to  nothing  as  a  debt. 
 
 Without  a  lye,  pretend  : 
 
 If  we  fhall  murmur  and  complain, 
 
 It  is  without  a  caufe, 
 When  he  his  gifts  refumes  again, 
 
 But  not  our  right  withdraws. 
 
 4  Befides,  our  great  and  heinous  crimes. 
 
 By  which  we  Hcav'n  provoke, 
 Expofe  us  juftly,  many  times, 
 To  his  revenging  ftroke. 
 
 Who  then  of  mankind  can  before 
 
 His  high  tribunal  Hand, 
 Plead  guiltlefs ;  and,  on  juftice  fcorc. 
 
 His  law-difcharge  demand  ? 
 
 To  being  'mong  the  tainted  race 
 
 Can  man  untainted  pafs. 
 And  clean  efcape  the  leaven  bafe, 
 
 That  does  infed  the  mafs  ? 
 
484     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Sun,  moon,  and  ftars,  the  torches  bright, 
 
 5  That  beautify  the  Iky, 
 
 Are  ftain'd,  and  fpotted  in  the  fight 
 Of  God's  all-fearching  eye. 
 
 6  O  then  !  fince  this  omnifcient  God 
 
 Does  human  adions  fcan. 
 What  num'rous  ftains,  both  deep  and  broad, 
 
 Muft  he  difcern  in  man  ! 
 In  man,  a  vitious  worm,  whofe  lufl; 
 
 *Gainft  Heav'n  inceflant  fpurns  ; 
 A  worthlefs  worm,  who  back  to  dufl 
 
 And  putrefadion  turns ! 
 
 SONG         XLII. 
 
 'The  Proofs  of  God's  Power  and  Wifdomin  the  Creation 
 and  Prefervatien  of  the  World.      Job  xxvi.  5, — 14. 
 
 r  rTT^  H  E  Lord  Jehovah  built  the  Ikies, 
 J_       And  rear'd  his  (lately  frame  : 
 The  wide  creation  teftifies 
 
 The  greatnefs  of  his  name. 
 The   liquid   element   below, 
 
 Was  gather'd  by  his  hand : 
 The  rowling  feas  together  flow, 
 
 And  leave  the  folid  land. 
 To  him  the  Maker,  does  pertain, 
 
 What  in  the  ocean  is : 
 The  finny  people  of  the  main. 
 
 And  monfters  there,  are  his. 
 6  The  dufky  (liadesof  hell  that  ly, 
 
 Wrapt  up  in  webs  of  night, 
 May  well  elude  the  folar  eye. 
 
 But  not  th'  Almighty's  fight. 
 Death  and  deftruclion  do  in  vain. 
 
 Their  fable  covering  fpread, 
 And  in  their  fecret  vaults  enchain. 
 
 Or  fait  lock  up  the  dead. 
 The  eye  of  the  Almighty  does 
 
 Their  fpoils  intire  furvey  ; 
 And  no  diftinclion   ever   knows 
 
 Betwixt  the  night  and  day. 
 
Part  11.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  48^ 
 
 Ver.  He,  o'er  the  airy  empty   place, 
 
 7  In  pomp  difplays  on  high 
 
 The  wide  expanfe,  and  ample  fpace, 
 
 Of  all  the  northern  fky. 
 The  pond'rous  earth,  at  his  command. 
 
 Hangs  in  the  ambient  air  : 
 No  pillars  bear  the  fabric  grand. 
 
 But  juft  his  will  and  care. 
 
 8  He  bids  the  clouds  with  water  pent, 
 
 Imprifon'd  tempefts  chain  ; 
 Then  their  big  floating  wombs  unrent, 
 
 Sufpend  the  birth  of  rain. 
 Again  he   bids  their  bofom  ope. 
 
 And  down  the  bleffing  pours. 
 To  feed  the  lab'ring  farmer's  hope 
 
 With  warm  prolific  Ihow'rs. 
 
 9  Left  his  high  throne,  fo  dazzhng  bright. 
 
 By  naked  eyes  unfeen, 
 "With  too  much  glore  opprefs  our  fight. 
 He  fpreads  his  clouds  between. 
 
 10  He   raifes    rocky    fences    round 
 
 The  fpacious  fwelling  deep, 
 VvHiich  do  the  raging  billows  bound. 
 
 Mad  waves  in  prifon  keep: 
 ■"     That  while  the  rule  of  day  and  night. 
 
 The  fun  and  moon  maintain, 
 The  rolling  feas  may  have  no  might 
 
 To  drown  the  earth  again. 
 
 1 1  High  hills,  that  pillars  feem  and  props 
 
 Of  heav'n's  expanded  roof, 
 Do  quake,  and  bow  their  tow'ring  tops 
 Aghaft  at  his  reproof. 
 
 12  He  cleaves  the  main,  bids  billows  rife, 
 
 Then  curbs  the  fwelling  tide  : 
 How  foon  they  cope  with  clouds  and  fkies. 
 
 So  foon  he  lays  their  pride. 
 The  trembling  waves,  at  his  command. 
 
 Creep  foftly  to  the  (liore  ; 
 Storms  over-aw'd  do  filent  ftand. 
 
 Do  quickly  ccafe  to  roar. 
 
486      S  C  R  I  P  T  U  R  E  S  O  NT  G  S.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Thus  lawlefs  feas  he  does  control, 
 Diverfifies  the  deep ; 
 He  makes  the  fleeping  billows  roll. 
 The  rolling  billows  lleep. 
 
 13  He  fpreads  the  heav'ns,  their  azure  face 
 
 He  garnifh'd  by  his  might : 
 And  did  them  moil  profufely  grace 
 With  conflellations  bright. 
 
 14  His  hand  the  crooked  ferpent  made ; 
 
 But  who  can  fpeak  his  art  ? 
 Of  whom  all's  nothing  that  is  faid, 
 
 We  know  fo  fmall  a  part. 
 Who  can  the  utmoft  force  explore 
 
 Of  his  almighty  hands  ! 
 For  ev'n  the  thunder  of  his  pow*r 
 
 What  mortal  underflands  ? 
 
 SONG         XLIII. 
 
 ]oBfole?nnly  maintaining  his  Integrity  againjl  thefalfe 
 Acctifatiom  of  his  Friends.     Job  xxvii.  2, — 6. 
 
 A 
 
 To  Judge  my  caufe  denies  ; 
 Th'  Almighty,   who  my  vexed  foul 
 With  fharp  afiiiftion  tries  : 
 
 3  While  in  my  noftrils  breath  remains, 
 
 Which  God  infpir'd  at  firfl. 
 No  wicked  guile  Ihall  by  my  lips, 
 Nor  fallhood  be  exprefsM. 
 
 4  I'm  llander'd  by  my  cruel  friends, 
 
 Their  cenfures  underly, 
 Charg'd  with  hypocrify  and  fraud. 
 And  crimes  of  deeped  dye. 
 
 5  Should   I   acquit  their  calumnies, 
 
 Abfolve  their  iland'rous  tongue, 
 Confefs  their  libel  liutf'd  with  lies. 
 My  innocence  to  wrong  ? 
 
 Forbid  it  Heav'n  !  fo  black  a  charge 
 Of  crimes  to  me  unknown, 
 
 I,  to  my  laft  expiring  breath, 
 AVill  ftedfaftly  difown. 
 
Part  II.  J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  487 
 
 Ver.  This  my  rejoicing  ftill  flaall  be, 
 
 6  The  tefliiinony  clear. 
 And  confcience  of  integrity, 
 
 I  in  my  bofom  bear. 
 Reproachfully  they  me  accufe  ; 
 
 But  from  approved  fm 
 My  Judge  Ihall  me  acquit,  as  does 
 
 His  jullice-court  within. 
 
 SONG         XLIV. 
 The  hopelefs  State  of  the  Hypocrite,  Job  xxvii.  7, —  i  o. 
 
 7  \\J  HERE  is  the  hypocrite's  falfe  hope, 
 
 '  ^     Though  for  a  time  he  gained 
 
 Praife  and  applaufe,    and  hfted  up. 
 
 In  pomp  and  pleafure  reign'd  ? 
 
 8  Where  is  his  hope  at  lad,  when  once 
 
 The  mighty  God  fhall  wreft  ' 
 
 His  trembling  foul,  with  violence. 
 
 From  his  reluftant  breaft  ? 
 5  Will  God  give  ear  unto  his  cry. 
 
 When  troubles  o'er  him  flow, 
 Prefaging  worfe  calamity. 
 
 His  everlafting  woe  ? 
 Will  painted  pray'rs  avert  the  blaft. 
 
 When  he  perceives  with  dread. 
 The  clouds  of  vengeance  gath'ring  fail 
 
 Above  his  guilty  head  ? 
 
 io  Will  God  almighty  be  his  joy. 
 Devotion  his  delight ; 
 Or  pray'r  to  God  his  clofe  employ, 
 \Vhen  crutches  fail  him  quite  ? 
 
 He  prays,  compeil'd  with  heavy  ftrokes ; 
 
 But  unregarded  prayer 
 He  quits ;  nor  more  his  Judge  invokes. 
 
 But  fmks  in  deep  defpair. 
 No  favour  dare  the  rebel  feek. 
 
 That  fcorn'd  redeeming  grace ; 
 His  guilty  confciences  dragon-like, 
 
 Still  flying  in  his  face. 
 V  0  L.  X,  C>_q  q 
 
488      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    BookI. 
 
 SONG        XLV. 
 
 WifJo??i's  Price  great,  and  its  Place  fecret :  and  the 
 Wifdo?n  that  is  hid  in  God,  ujifearchable  by  Nature  ; 
 but  the  Wifdcm  that  is  reveafd  to  Man,  pradicable 
 through  Grace.     Job  xxviii.  12, — 28. 
 
 Ver.  V  7" AT N  man  would  be  efteemed  wife  j 
 
 1 2  V      ^^^  who,  alas !  can  tell 
 
 The  place  where  underflanding  flays, 
 Or  where  does  wifdom  dwell  ? 
 
 13  Nay,  wifdom's  price,  and  worth  renown'd, '. 
 
 Dull  mortals  do  not  know ; 
 Nor  is  the  precious  treafure  found, 
 
 When  fearch'd  for  here  below. 
 The  land  exclaiming,  fays  aloud. 
 
 Ah  !  never  was  1  blefs'd 
 To  be  the  lodging  or  abode 
 
 Of  this  celellial  gueft. 
 
 14  The  fea  and  fwelling  waves  in  r'age. 
 
 With  roaring  voice  declare. 
 In  vain  ye  feck  to  find  the  fage 
 
 And  facred  ftranger  here. 
 Th'  infernal  deep,  with  voice  auftcre. 
 
 And  with  a  hollow  found. 
 Cries  out.  There's  no  apartment  here. 
 
 For  wifdom,  under  ground. 
 
 15  Th' ineftimable  blifs  was  ne'er 
 
 With  gold  of  Ophir  bought ; 
 
 16  In  price  with  it  the  onyx  rare 
 
 And  faphires  (land  for  nought. 
 
 17  IVich  jcvv^els,  pearls,  and  diamonds  choice, 
 
 In  crowns  that  draw  regard, 
 
 18  And  rubies  fmc,  are  worthlefs  toys 
 
 1 9  With  this  fine  gem  compar'd. 
 
 20  Who  then,  by  learning,    is  in  cafe 
 
 To  fhew  whence  wifdom  flows  ? 
 ♦         Ami  who  the  happy  dwelling-place 
 Of  underflanding  knows  ? 
 
Part  IT.         JO  B's   HYMNS.  489 
 
 Ver.  Since  clofe  'tis  hid  from  all  the  eyes 
 
 21  Of  creatures  every  where,  ' 
 That  tread  the  earth,  or  cut  the  feas, 
 
 Or  wing  the  lucid  air. 
 
 22  Death  and  deftrudion's  caves  profound. 
 
 Cry,  Here  fhe  never  came. 
 Only  our  ears  have  heard  the  found 
 Of  her  immortal  fame. 
 
 23  Alone  the  glorious  and  the  great. 
 
 All-penetrating  God, 
 Knows  his  own  offspring's  hidden  feat, 
 True  wifdom's  blefs'd  abode. 
 
 24  For  he,  from  off  the  height  immenfe 
 
 Of  heav'n's  bright  cryftal  brow, 
 Surveys  in  all  its  vaft  expanfe. 
 The  univerfe  below. 
 
 He  diftant  ages,   regions,   ifles. 
 Views  with  omnifcient  eyes  : 
 
 25  And  in  exadly   poifmg   fcales 
 
 Both  winds  and  water  weighs. 
 
 26  When  he  decreed  the  meafure  jull. 
 
 And  manner  of  the  rain  ; 
 When  he  a  way  for  thunder  firfl 
 And  light'ning  did  ordain  : 
 
 27  Then  faw  he  wifdom  where  it  fhin'd. 
 
 And  did  its  home  declare  ; 
 He  fearch'd  his  own  all-feeing  mind. 
 And  found  it  only  there. 
 
 28  But  then  to  man  (from  whom  he  hid 
 
 His  fecret  will  and  way. 
 Yet  duty  to  him  open  laid) 
 Thus  did  Jehovah  fay. 
 
 Behold,  to  fear  the  Lord,  and  flill 
 
 From  evil  to  depart ; 
 This,  this  is  wifdom  ;  this  is  Ikill ; 
 
 Yea,  this  is  heav'nly  art. 
 Let  me  attempt  to  know  no  more 
 
 Than  God  moll  high  reveals ; 
 Nor  boldly  fearch  for  fecret  (lore, 
 
 He  in  his  bread  conceals, 
 (^qq  2 
 
490      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book!. 
 
 Ver.  On  this  abyfs  they  fafeft  are 
 That  keep  along  the  fhore, 
 Dlftrufl:  their  wit,  and  from  afar 
 This  awful  deep  adore. 
 
 In  being  godiy  found,  in  Chrift, 
 
 Man's  endlefs  profit  lies  : 
 If  thou  art  righteous,  thou  art  blefl ; 
 
 If  holy,  thou  art  wife. 
 
 SONG         XLVI. 
 
 The  Heart-wijh  oforDeferted  Soul.    Job  xxix.  2 , — 5. 
 
 2  /"^  THAT  my  by-pafl  happy  days 
 V^     And  months  were  now  reftor'd. 
 When  God  did  me,    in  gracious  ways, 
 
 His  mighty  aid  afford ! 
 
 3  When  on  my  head  his  candle  clear. 
 
 The  lamp  of  grace,  did  fliine  ; 
 And  I,  through  darkefl  fhades  of  fear. 
 Did  walk  by  light  divine. 
 
 4  When  fecret  favours  did,  from  God, 
 
 •  My  days  of  youth  attend  ; 
 And  I  to  him  my  mind  unload, 
 As  to  a  bofom  friend. 
 
 5  Th'  Almighty  did  my  heart  and  home, 
 
 With  his  glad  prefcnce  blifs. 
 That  fuch  fweet  days  again  may  come, 
 O  how  I  long  for  this ! 
 
 SONG         XLVII. 
 
 Touth*s  defpijing  the  aged  ;  or.  Gnat  Honour  turned 
 to  extreme  Contempt,  and  Profpcrity  turned  to  Ca- 
 lamity,    Job  XXX.  1,8, — 12.  and  26, — 31. 
 
 S  E  c  T.  I. 
 Honour  turned  to  Contempt.     Ver.  i.  8, — 12. 
 
 I  nr^  H  E  SE  now,  that  younger  are  than  I, 
 |_       Do  me  deride  and  mock, 
 Whofe  fathers  never  were  fo  high 
 As  fliepherds  of  my  flock. 
 
Part  11.        JOB's    HYMNS.  491 
 
 Ver,  This  truft  to  them  I  fcorn'd  to  give. 
 My  num*rous  herds  to  keep ; 
 Nor,  with  my  dogs,  could  grant  them  leave 
 To  fit  and  guard  my  llieep. 
 
 8  For  vicious,  vile,  and  bafe  they  were, 
 
 Old  beggars  through  the  ftreet  5 
 To  them  I  juftly  might  prefer 
 The  duft  below  their  feet. 
 
 9  Yet  now  Pm  to  their  fons  a  jeft, 
 
 10  They  mock  me  to  my  face  ; 
 
 1 1  They  me  revile,  contemn,  deteft, 
 
 And  treat  me  with  difgrace. 
 
 12  Young  ftriplings  thus  againft  me  rife, 
 
 Regardlefs  of  my  age  ; 
 My  name  they  dawb  with  ilaund*rous  lies, 
 In  fierce  unbridled  rage. 
 
 Sect.  II. 
 Pro/Verity  turned  to  Cala?nity.     Ver.  26, — 31. 
 
 26  T  L  O  O  K*  D  for  good,  fince  good  I  chofe  j 
 j[     Since  kind,  I  hop'd  for  light : 
 
 But  then  came  evil,    croflfes,  woes, 
 And  clouds  of  difmal  night. 
 
 27  Vexatious  day  did  me  prevent  j 
 
 And,  hopelefs  of  relief, 
 
 28  Without  the  fun  I  mourning  went 
 
 In  agonies  of  grief. 
 
 29  With  owls  and  dragons  joint  I  cry'd, 
 
 Vm  now  their  mate  and  kin. 
 
 30  With  burning  heat  my  bones  are  dry'd, 
 
 And  black  my  wither'd  fkin. 
 
 31  My  harp,  that  made  a  joyful  noife. 
 
 Is  turn'd  to  mourning  deep : 
 My  organ  chang'd  into  the  voice 
 Of  them  that  doleful  weep. 
 
492      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookL 
 
 SONG        XLVIII. 
 
 Chajlity  and  Charity  exemplified ;  and  all  unclean  Per- 
 fom  judged.     Job  xxxi.  i, — 4.  and  16,  17,  19,  20. 
 
 Sect.     I. 
 
 Chajlity  exemplified  ;  and  Whoremongers  and  Adulte- 
 rers judged.     Ver.  i, — 4. 
 
 Ver.    \    SACRED  league  I  with  mine  eyes 
 
 1  f\     Have  made,  that  they  may  ne*er 
 On  fruit  forbidden  look  nor  gaze, 
 
 However  charming  fair. 
 That  they,  on  beauty  fondly  prone. 
 
 May  not  attentive  flay, 
 To  be  enchanted;   nor  upon 
 
 The  brink  of  ruin  play. 
 Ne'er  did,  on  wanton  objects  bent. 
 
 My  thoughts  get  leave  to  .rove  ; 
 Nor  were   abroad  for  fuel   fent. 
 
 To  feed  unlawful  love. 
 Sin's  motions  firft  whenever  rais'd, 
 
 I  did  fuppreffing  tame  ; 
 1  quench'd  the  fpark  before  it  blaz'd 
 
 And  fpread  refiillefs  flame. 
 
 2  I  knew   what   woful   portion   will 
 
 On  whoredom's  flaves  attend  : 
 Of  thefe  who  their  fweet  lulls  fulfil 
 I  law  the  bitter  end. 
 
 3  Deftrudion  from  the  mighty  God, 
 
 Does  on  the  wicked  wait ; 
 Their  vile  and  (hameful  adions  bode 
 
 Their  miferable  fate. 
 God  does,  as  Judge  of  fecrets,  fee 
 
 If  foreign  charms  us  move  : 
 Death  is  the  juil  reward  if  we 
 
 Shall  hug  forbidden  love. 
 
Part  II.        J^B's    HYMNS.  49; 
 
 Sect.    II. 
 Chanty  exemplified.     Ver.  16, 17,  19,  20. 
 
 Ver.  I  never  heard  the  needy  cry, 
 
 1 6  But  dill  they  did  prevail ; 
 Nor,  mercilefs,  e'er  caufed  I 
 
 The  widow's  hopes  to  fail. 
 
 17  I  ne'er  along  with  fulnefs  fed, 
 
 Devour'd  luxurious  meat ; 
 But  always  of  my  plenty  made 
 
 The  hungry  orphans  eat. 
 1 9  Poor  naked  beggars,  as  co-heirs 
 
 Of  what  I  did  partake, 
 2,0  I  fed  and  cloth'd;  if  not  for  their's, 
 
 Yet  for  their  Mailer's  fake. 
 
 SONG         XLIX. 
 
 The  Immateriality  and  Immortality  of  the  Soul. 
 Job  xxxii.  8. 
 
 8    T  N  man  a  living  fpirit  dwells, 
 X     An  underftandingmind. 
 Which  far  the  brutal  rank  excels. 
 As  does  th'  angelic  kind. 
 
 In  him  there  is  a  nature  found, 
 Above  the  fenfes  far ; 
 •  Though  fome,  in  fenfual  pleafures  drown'd. 
 But  foul  oppreifors  are. 
 
 Through  things  both  low,  and  things  fublime. 
 
 The  nimble  foul  doth  Hide ; 
 Both  far  and  nigh,  in  point  of  time. 
 
 Which  thought  cannot  divide. 
 She  fends  to  China  as  foon  as  Spain; 
 
 And  comes  as  foon  as  fent ; 
 And  mets  with  equal  time  and  pain 
 
 A  fpan,  and  heav'n's  wide  tent. 
 She  hath,  ev'n  though  in  flefti  confin'd, 
 
 No  body  of  her  own  ; 
 But  is   an   immaterial  mind, 
 
 Diftind  from  flelli  and  bone. 
 
494     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  L 
 
 Ver.  How  fouls  that  live,  and  flefh  that  dies, 
 
 Their  match  at  firft  began. 
 We  learn  ;  for  he  that  fpread  the  fkies, 
 
 Firft  form'd  the  foul  of  man  : 
 Who  Ihed  in  man,  firft  made  of  earth, 
 
 A  beam  of  heav'nly  fire  ; 
 In  all  men  now,  before  their  birth, 
 
 He  does  their  foul  infpire. 
 
 This  fpirit  cannot  mortal  be. 
 
 Nor  fubjedt  to  the  grave  ; 
 For  thoughts  of  immortality. 
 
 No  mortal  thing  can  have. 
 "When  (he  afpires  to  endlefs  blifs 
 
 In  God,  th*  eternal  fpring, 
 She  proves  herfelf  to  be  no  lefs 
 
 Than  an  eternal  thing. 
 Our  bodies  food  of  mortal  kind. 
 
 Shows  their  mortality ; 
 But  truth  eternal  feeds  the  mind, 
 
 Which  ihews  fhe  cannot  die. 
 
 SONG        L. 
 
 True  Wifdom  not  acquired  by  Old- Age,  nor  by  Learnings 
 but  by  Grace.     Job  xxxii.  7,  8,  9. 
 
 7  np*  HAT  wifdom  ripens  not  with  years, 
 
 J_       Nor  grows  with  age,  I  find  j 
 Unlefs  celeftial  light  appears. 
 Gray  hairs  continue  blind. 
 
 8  Wifdom  divine,  by  length  of  time. 
 
 Can  never  be  acquir'd. 
 Except  the  foul,  by  truth  fublime, 
 Be  from  above  infpir'd. 
 
 9  Sound  knowledge  then  is  not  a  ftore, 
 
 Poifefs'd  ftill  by  the  great ; 
 Nor  yet  doth  wifdom  evermore 
 
 Adorn  the  teacher's  feat. 
 Though  human  underftanding  trace, 
 
 The  wifdom  of  the  fchools ; 
 Yet  ftill  the  learn'd,  untaught  by  grace. 
 
 Remain  but  li'tcrate  fools. 
 
pARfir.        JOB'S    HYMNS.  4P5 
 
 SONG        LT. 
 
 God  infinitely  above  us,    not  accountable  to  us  ;   yet 
 merciful^    both  in  hiding  what  he  hides,    and  re- 
 vealing what  he  reveals.     Job  1 2, —  1 8. 
 W.  ^"^  O  D's  fov'reign  ways  to  fcofF  or  fcafi, 
 
 12  Vj    Shall  worthlefs  creatures  dare? 
 Shall  the  moft  High,   O  wretched  man ! 
 
 Be  fummon*d  to  the  bar  ? 
 
 13  Wilt  thou  wkh  him  that  gave  thee  breathy 
 
 Engage  in  hot  difpute  f 
 Or,    quarreling  his  Unfeen  path, 
 
 Wouldft  thou  thy  God  confute  ? 
 Prefumptuous  mortal  boM,  wilt  thou 
 
 Thyfelf  with  him  compare  ? 
 Shall  to  a  Worm  Jehovah  bow, 
 
 His  conduft  to  declare  ? 
 To  alk  the  reafon  of  his  ways-, 
 
 Audacious  is  and  rude ; 
 Th' Almighty's  deeds,  becaufe  they're  his> 
 
 Are  therefore  juft  and  good. 
 Where  fliallow  reafon  never  could 
 
 The  deep  immenfe  difcern 
 Of  providence  divine,  it  fliould 
 
 With  due  fubmiffion  learn. 
 Not  that  he  grudges  man  the  views. 
 
 Of  what  difcern'd  can  be  ; 
 His  kind  Creator  to  him  Ihews 
 
 More  than  his  eyes  can  fee. 
 Our  kn5wledge  therefore  never  can 
 
 Raife  in  his  breafi:  envy, 
 When  more  is  iliovim  than  filly  man 
 
 Is  capable  to  fpy. 
 
 14  Once  and  again,  to  form  the  mind,  , 
 
 God  does  inilruclion  give  ; 
 More  than  reluftant  man's  inclin'd, 
 Or  willing  to  receive. 
 i5  In  dreams  :ind  vifions  of  the  night, 
 In  numbers  of  the  bed. 
 And  in  deep  Deep,  celeflial  light 
 Hath  been  at  times  convey 'd. 
 Vol.  X.  U  r  r'  '%'■■ 
 
49^     SCRIPTURE    SGNGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  He  various  ways  reveals  his  will 
 
 1 6  To  man,  and  leaves  behind 
 Inftruftions,  touching  good  and  ill. 
 
 Imprinted  on  the  mind. 
 But  our  great  Teacher's  light  will  not 
 
 The  myflic  clouds  difpelj, 
 That  keep  his  hidden  paths  remote. 
 
 And  on  his  conduft  dwell. 
 
 By's  teachings  muft  be  underftood, 
 
 He  rather  does  devife 
 To  make  man,  to  his  profit,  good, 
 
 Than,  to  his  peril,  wile. 
 
 1 7  That  from  his  fmful  purpofes, 
 
 Man  may  be  drawn  afide. 
 And  humbly  made,  with  will  fubmifs, 
 To  mortify  his  pride. 
 
 1 8  And  thus  his  life  and  foul  the  Lord 
 
 Saves  from  deftrudlion's  path  ; 
 And  from  the  dire  menacing  fword 
 Of  God's  avenging  wrath. 
 
 SONG        LIT. 
 
 The  Falient  defcribed  in  Extremity^    and  feafonably 
 relieved  by  the  great  Kanjomer. 
 
 Job  xxxiii.  19, — 30. 
 
 Sect.     I. 
 
 Sicknefs  come  to  an  Extremity  :    Or^    a  fick  Man 
 brought  to  the  Gates  of  Death. 
 
 Ver.  19, —  22, 
 
 19  T  N  mercy  docs  the  mighty  God, 
 X     Man  for  his  fins  chaiUfe, 
 When  he,  t'  inftrud  him  by  the  rod, 
 
 Difturbs  his  bed  of  eafe. 
 
 Sore  ficknelfes,  God's  hod  array'd. 
 
 The  ftrongelt  man  afiail ; 
 Sharp  pains  his  num'rous  bones  invade. 
 
 And  o'er  their  drcngth  prevail.       , 
 
PartII.         JOB'S    HYMNS.  497 
 
 Ver.  Hid  poifon  does  his  vigour  wafte, 
 
 20  His  foul  abhores  the  fight 
 
 Of  curious  meats,  which  once  his  tafte 
 Did  rehfli  with  dehght. 
 
 21  He  who  before,  in  blooming  pride. 
 
 Could  boaft  a  graceful  air  ; 
 And  pamper'd  at  his  cafe,  abide 
 
 In  figure,  plump  and  fair, 
 Does  now,  by  an  amazing  change. 
 
 His  neighbours  all  furprife 
 And  pale  lean  cheeks,  and  daring  ftrange 
 
 With  ghaftly  hollow  eyes. 
 His  weary  bones,  a  horrid  fight ! 
 
 All  darting  through  the  fkin, 
 Which  lay  before,  both  day  and  night, 
 
 In  flelh  and  fat  unfeen. 
 
 22  His  throbbing  heart,  with  grief  fubdu'd, 
 
 In  pain  and  labour  beats  ; 
 And  life  expiring,    clofe  purfu'd 
 
 Through  every  vein,  retreats. 
 On-lookers  think  each  gafp,  or  breath, 
 
 Will  end  the  doleful  fray ; 
 And  killing  harbingers  of  death 
 
 Stand  ready  for  the  prey. 
 
 Sect.     II. 
 
 The  Faithful  Soul-phyftcian  an  Injlrument  of  bringing 
 back  the  fick  Petiitent  from  the  Gates  of  Death  : 
 Or,  theGofpel  Remedy Jkilfully  applied^  and  Christ 
 the  only  Kanfom,     Ver.  23, — 30. 
 
 23  If  then  a  meflenger  attend. 
 
 That  knows  the  voice  of  God, 
 And  does,  with  prudence,  apprehend 
 
 The  errand  of  the  rod  ; 
 "Who,  for  a  Soul-phyfician  known, 
 
 From  heaven  his  meflage  bears  : 
 Such  an  Interpreter  is  one 
 
 Among  a  thoufand  feers  j 
 R  r  r  2 
 
49^      SCRIPTURE   SONGS.    Book  I, 
 
 Ver.  Who  fkiU'd  to  deal  in  deep  diftrefs. 
 
 With  finners  and  with  faints  ; 
 To  (liew  to  man  his  uprightnefs. 
 
 He  neither  hath  or  wants ; 
 Who,  having  wifdom  to  be  mild. 
 
 Or  tart,  as  cafes  crave. 
 Exhibits  comfort  to  the  child. 
 
 Conviction  to  the  flave  ; 
 Inftruds  the  patient  how  to  bear 
 
 The  molt  affliclive  rod 
 \Yith  foul-fubmifs,  and  dill  to  clear 
 
 The  righteoufnefs  of  God  ; 
 That  he  no  quarrel,  in  his  breafl. 
 
 May  'gainit  his  Maker  lodge, 
 But  for  his  fms  himfelf  arreft„ 
 
 And  juflify  his  Judge  : 
 If  thus  the  perfon,  fick  to  death,. 
 
 Receive  initruftion  juft , 
 And,  owning  fm's  defert  of  wrath. 
 
 Be  humbled  to  the  duft ; 
 Humbled  to  own  his  fcores  of  vice. 
 
 And  charges  undefray'd  ; 
 And  humbled  to  accept  the  price. 
 
 Was  by  the  Surety  paid  : 
 24  Then   God,    mod  ready  to  acquit. 
 
 Says,  "  Save  the  captive  bound 
 "  From  going  down  unto  the  pit, 
 
 "  1  have  the  ranfom  found. 
 *'  What  I  have  found  he  judges  good, 
 
 "  And  fo  it  is  to  me  ; 
 "  The  ranibm  is  my  darling's  blood, 
 
 "   Go  fet  the  captive  free." 
 
 25  Then  quick  deliv'rance  oft  is  wrought,. 
 
 The  patient  is  made  whole  ; 
 
 26  To  health  and  ffrength  his  body  brought. 
 
 To  peace  and  joy  his  foul. 
 2.8  Soon  as  he  does  his  wrongs  confcfs. 
 
 And  choofe  the  way  that's  right, 
 3.0  His   God    exalts    him    to  the    blifs 
 Of  lading  life  and  light. 
 
Part  II.        JOB's  HYMNS. 
 
 499 
 
 SONG        LIIL 
 
 God  cannot  be  charged  with  Injujiice  ;  and,  being  oni' 
 nipotent,  he  cannot  be  unjuji.    Job  xxxi v.  i  o, — i  ^, 
 
 Yer.  W/  HEN  finners  feel  the  chafli'ning  rod, 
 
 10  W     Unjuftly  they  complain  : 
 Shall  man  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
 
 Prefumptuoufly  arraign  ? 
 Far  be't  from  God's  imperial  throne, 
 
 To  pradlife  wickednefs : 
 Can  th'  infinitely  holy  One 
 
 The  rules  of  right  tranfgrefs  ? 
 
 1 1  Juftice  divine,  with  wages  meet^^ 
 
 The  work  of  men  repays, 
 And  will  each  fon  of  Adam  treat 
 According  to  his  ways. 
 
 12  Yea,  fure,  as  he  is  God  upright, 
 
 He*ll  aft  no  wicked  part ; 
 And  fure,  as  he's  the  God  of  might, 
 He  judgment  won't  pervert. 
 
 For  who  of  fraud,  or  violence, 
 
 Dare  God  moft  high  indite, 
 Whofe  wifdom  and  omnipotence 
 
 Does  guide  all  nature  right  ? 
 Can  any  higher  being  be, 
 
 Whofe  laws  he  fhould  obferve. 
 Or  pow'r  fuperior  in  degree. 
 
 From  truth  to  make  him  fwerve  ? 
 'Ti$  certain,  therefore,  he  in  whom 
 
 Perfedions  all  abound, 
 Whofe  pow'r  no  pow'r  can  overcome. 
 
 With  juflice  muft  be  crown'd. 
 His  mind,  to  which  no  (lain  adheres. 
 
 Shines  ever  pure  and  bright : 
 No  maculating  fpot  appears 
 
 In  uncreated  light. 
 13   He  who  is  fov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
 
 Can  inj'ry  do  to  none ; 
 Whate'er  he  takes,  how  great  or  fmall;,. 
 
 Jic  but  refumes  his  own. 
 
500     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  All  beings  are  his  utenfils. 
 
 And  creatures  of  his  pow*r  ; 
 Nor  can  they  longer  than  he  wills 
 In  ufe  or  being  Mure. 
 
 14  Should  he  recal  man's  vital  breath, 
 
 He  did  at  firft  infpire. 
 All  mankind,  perifhing  by  death. 
 Would  to  the  grave  retire. 
 
 15  All  mortal  flefh  to  7nother  duft. 
 
 At  pleafure  he  remands  ; 
 Immortal  fouls  for  judgment  juft. 
 Unto  their  Father's  hands. 
 
 SONG         LIV. 
 GoD*s  Omnifcience,  from  which  no  Sin  can  be  hid. 
 Job  xxxiv.  21,  22. 
 
 21  TEHOVAH's  all-difcerning  eye, 
 J     Man's  hfe  intire  furveys  ; 
 
 His  thoughts,  foon  as  they  rife,  does  fpy. 
 And  watches  all  his  ways. 
 
 The  Judge  fupreme,  'tis  clear  from  hence. 
 
 Can  never,  through  miftake. 
 Be  partial ;  nor,  through  ignorance, 
 
 A  wrong  decifion  make. 
 Shifts,  therefore,  or  cvafive  arts. 
 
 In  vain  the  wicked  ufe  ; 
 In  vain  their  crimes,  with  cunning  hearts, 
 
 They  labour  to  excufc. 
 
 22  No  darknefs  from  his  fight  can  fcreen, 
 
 Whofe  piercing  eye  makes  way 
 Through  mid-night  Ihades,  alike  as  in 
 
 The  blazing  noon  of  day. 
 Can  lewd  mens  clofeft  hiding  cell. 
 
 His  fearching  fight  defy. 
 When  darkeft  caves  of  death  and  hell 
 
 Lie  naked  to  his  eye  ? 
 
Part  II.  JOB'S  HYMNS.  501 
 
 SONG        LV. 
 
 God's  Power  irrejijiible.     Job  xxxiv.  29 
 
 Ver.  "V II 7"  HEN  God  gives  quietnefs  and  reft 
 29     V  V       From  ruin  and  from  fin. 
 Who  then  with  trouble  can  moleft. 
 Or  hinder  peace  within ! 
 
 But  when  difpleas'd  he  hides  his  face, 
 
 Or  favour  does  withhold, 
 Who  then  can  fee,  or  with  folace. 
 
 An  angry  God  behold? 
 Againft  a  land,  or  fmgle  man. 
 
 Be  his  difpleafure  bent ; 
 Nor  more  nor  lefs  refiftance  can 
 
 Refiftlefs  wrath  prevent. 
 Not  by  the  (Irength  of  nations  whole. 
 
 Can  pow'r  divine  be  ftay'd  ; 
 Nor  fmallnefs  of  one  fmgle  foul 
 
 His  cognifancc  evade. 
 
 SONG         LVI. 
 Theaffliiled  P erf  on  humbled.     Job  xxxiv.  29,  32. 
 
 29  '^T^  I S  furely  meet  thus  to  addrcfs 
 I        The  Majefty  divine, 
 "  Juft  are  thy  judgments,  I  confefs ; 
 
 "  For  fm  and  guilt  are  mine. 
 "  Nor  will  I  now  at  juftice' bar, 
 
 "  Commit  a  frefli  oifence, 
 *'  By  looking  at  my   fms  afar, 
 "  And  pleading  innocence." 
 
 32  Lord,  what  I  fee  not  teach  thou  me, 
 
 Difplay  thy  heav'nly  light ; 
 Av/ay  let  fliades  of  darknefs  flee. 
 
 And  day  fucceed  to  night. 
 Forgive  my  grievous  wickcdnefs  ; 
 
 Thy  peace  and  joy  reftore  : 
 Lord,  have  I  finn'd  ?  yea,  but,  through  grace, 
 
 I'll  henceforth  fin  no  more. 
 
502      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 SONG        LVII. 
 
 God's  Highnefs  cannot  be  hurt  with  Man's  Wicked* 
 nefs.     Job  xxxv.  5, — 8. 
 
 y^r.  TT^R  O  M  earth,  O  mortal,  to  the  heav'ns, 
 c  JJ       Lift  thy  admiring  eyes  ; 
 Behold   the  bright  celeftial   orbs^ 
 And  view  the  diftant  Ikies. 
 
 They're  high,  yet  does  Jehovah's  throne 
 
 Their  tow'ring  height  exceed  ; 
 Far  more  than  that  bright  ftarry  frame. 
 
 Is  rais'd  above  thy  head. 
 
 6  Hence  never  can  this  glorious  One, 
 
 Who  fits  in  heav'n  fublime, 
 Be  hurt  or  damag'd  by  thy  fm, 
 
 Nor  by  the  blacked  crime. 
 His  plenitude  of  blifs  can  ne'er 
 
 Be  made  a  whit  the  Icfs, 
 Should'ft  thou,  by  multiply'd  affronts, 
 
 Grow  bold  in  wickednefs. 
 
 7  Nor  can  his  happy   being   e'er 
 
 The  leaft  advantage  reap, 
 Should'ft  thou  devoutly  him  revere, 
 And  all  his  precepts  keep. 
 
 8  Yet  hence  let  not  thy  wicked  heart. 
 
 This  falfe  condition  draw. 
 That  thou  wouldft  ad  a  fruitlefs  part, 
 
 Shouldft  thou  obey  his  law. 
 Thy  goodnefs  gainful  not  above, 
 
 But  to  the  earth  may  be ; 
 Thy  wickednefs  may  hurtful  prove, 
 
 Though  not  to  God,  to  thee. 
 
 SONG        LVIir. 
 God  juflifod,  though  deaf  to  the  Cry  of  the  oppreffed^ 
 Job  xxxv.  9, — 13. 
 
 9  Of  OME  cry  aloud  of  violence, 
 k3  Whom  God  does  not  regard  ; 
 He  hears  the  cries  oi  penitence^ 
 
 When  Dafjjon  is  not  he?.rd. 
 
PartIL  JOB'S  hymns.  503 
 
 Ver.  They  under  great  oppreffion  groan, 
 But  ne'er  remember  God  ; 
 Nor  notice  what  his  hand  hath  done, 
 But  wail  the  heavy  rod. 
 
 10  None  fay,  O  where's  my  Maker  great, 
 
 Who  now  can  make  me  whole  ? 
 But  where's  my  healthy,  wealthy  (late. 
 
 And  where's  my  heartfome  bowl  ? 
 They  never  after  God  enquire. 
 
 Who  foon  can  eafe  bellow  ; 
 And,  as  he  did  their  breath  infpire. 
 
 Can  moderate  their  woe  : 
 
 Who,    in  the  night  of  miferies. 
 
 Can  give  them  fongs  of  joy. 
 And  fweeten  earth's  calamities 
 
 With  heav'n's  augufl  employ  : 
 Who  gave  to  man,  to  guide  him  right. 
 
 And  palTion  to  controul. 
 A  portion  of  etherial  light, 
 
 A  reafonable  foul : 
 
 1 1  Which  thus  might  argue,  "  He  whofe  care 
 
 "  Does  tenderly  protect 
 "  Beafts  of  the  earth,  birds  of  the  air, 
 
 "  Will  never  man  negled." 
 Yet  man,  'bove  thefe,  though  honour'd  high. 
 
 His  reafon  proflitutes. 
 Who  does  of  wants  and  trouble  cry 
 
 No  otherwife  than  brutes. 
 
 12  Thefc  crying  with  their  bed  infl:in<S, 
 
 Their  God  does  them  fuftain  ; 
 But  men  their  nobler  reafon  fmk. 
 And  therefore  cry  in  vain. 
 
 13  God  proud  and  wicked  fuits  denies. 
 
 He  fees  the  in  mod  mind : 
 In  vain  to  Heav'n  they  raife  the  cries, 
 Who  leave  their  fouls  behind. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Sss 
 
504      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 SONG        LIX. 
 
 GoD*s  gracious  Defign  in  bringing  his  oivn  People  un- 
 der AJUction.     Job  xxxvi.  8,  9,  lo. 
 
 Ver.  T  F  God  in  fstters  of  diilrefs 
 8   J_  His  favour'd  people  bind  ; 
 If  he,avy  loads  of  grief  opprefs 
 Their  body  or  their  mind  : 
 
 c)  He  means  to  fliew  to  them  their  fm, 
 In  thought,  in  word,  and  deed  ; 
 How  they  to    excefs    did   therein 
 All  boundaries  exceed. 
 
 He  hereby  caufes  them  betimes, 
 
 With  penitence,  reflect 
 On  all  their  bafe  unkindly  crimes 
 
 His  kindly  hands  correct. 
 He  likewife  (trikes  fm's  growing  pow'r 
 
 Defign'dly  to  reflrain  ; 
 That  in  their  heart  and  life  no  more 
 
 It  may  victorious  reign. 
 When  faulty  faints  deferve  a  blow. 
 
 He  learns  them  by  the  rod, 
 More  clearly  than  before,  to  know 
 
 Their  duty  and  their  God. 
 10  Unto  inftruftive  difcipline 
 
 Their  ears  he  opens  wide. 
 Attentive  to  the  laws  divine. 
 
 From  which  they  turn'd  afide. 
 
 Ttieir  profp'rous  ftate  had  ftopt  their  ear. 
 
 But  now  their  adverfe  lot 
 Commands,  with  loud  alarms,  to  hear 
 
 The  voice  of  him.  that  fmotc. 
 
 His  grace  alone,  that  makes  t'  obey. 
 
 Concurring  with  the  rod, 
 Excites  them  freight,  through  Chrift  the  way, 
 
 To  turn  from  fm  to  God. 
 
G 
 
 Part  IT.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  sos 
 
 [Light  in  Darkness;  or,  God's  Favour  in  Man's 
 
 Fury :    a  Digrejfion,    applying  the  Subjed  of  the 
 
 preceding  Song  to  fome  known  Occurrences  of  our 
 
 Day  ^. 
 
 R  E  A  T  is  the  majefty  of  God, 
 And  greatly  to  be  fear'd  ; 
 The  voice  of  his  afflifting  rod. 
 
 With  rev'rence  mud  be  heard. 
 Oft  took  we  his  great  name  in  vain  j 
 
 How  juftly  then  he  tries, 
 By  raifmsj  men,  our  names  to  ftain. 
 
 With  hbcls  full  of  lies ! 
 But  love,  in-laid  with  chaftifements, 
 
 111  projecls  undermines. 
 And   mercifully  circumvents 
 
 The  wrathful  man's  defigns. 
 Some  bloody  bulls,  in  this  rude  age, 
 
 Will,  to  the  end  of  time. 
 Stand  cronicled,  for  pride  and  rage. 
 
 That  fed  the  defperate  crime. 
 
 Stern  juftice,  turning  friends  to  foes, 
 
 Makes  them  againft  us  mad  ; 
 Yet  mercy  brings  our  well  from  woes. 
 
 Our  blifs  from  what  is  bad. 
 God  makes  the  wrath  of  man  to  flame. 
 
 For  ends  they  do  not  know : 
 Our  rich  improvement  is  his  aim. 
 
 But  their's  our  overthrow. 
 When  wild  reproachers  would  us  clafs, 
 
 And  damn  with  deviliih  elves. 
 Their  unjuft  cenfures  make  us  pafs 
 
 Juft  cenfures  on  ourfelves. 
 Their  cruelty  makes  us  more  kind 
 
 Than  e'er  we  were  before  : 
 Their  lies  and  falfhoods  make  us  mind 
 
 To  value  truth  the  more. 
 
 *  Thi^  Digreflion  delineates  the  conclu(£t,  and  points  oot  the  behaviour  of 
 the  fe(>arating  Brethren,  in  withdrawin:;  from,  breaking  up  ccmm\mion  wich, 
 and  p.iiling  uujuft  fentences  againft  their  Brethren  ;  with  the  reception  tliis 
 traitmeat  met  wich,  and  the  effccEt  it  had.     See  Vol.  VII.  p.  470, — 484. 
 
 S  S  §    2 
 
So6      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookI. 
 
 Their  lawlefs  fury  makes  us  trace 
 
 God's  jufl  and  holy  laws  : 
 Their  caufelefs  rage  makes  us  confefs 
 
 His  anger's  righteous  caufe. 
 Diforders,  that  with  them  prevail, 
 
 Make  us  good  order  feek  : 
 Their  paffionate  and  fiery  zeal 
 
 Makes  us  fedate  and  meek. 
 Their  lofty  aims  to  domineer. 
 
 Make  arrogance  our  dread  : 
 Their  feparating  ways  endear 
 
 Our  union  to  the  Head. 
 Good  from  their  ill,  beyond  their  ken, 
 
 Through  grace,  to  us  doth  rife  : 
 Their  madnefs  makes  us  fober  men ; 
 
 Their  folly  makes  us  wife. 3 
 
 SONG        LX. 
 
 The  Doom  of  Hypocrites  that  rebel  againjl  the  Rod. 
 Job  xxxvi.  12,  13,  14. 
 
 Ver.  ^  I  "^  H  E  heavy  v^rathful  fword  of  God, 
 X      Shall  on  their  necks  defcend, 
 Whom  neither  could  his  chaft'ning  rod. 
 Nor  charming  word  amend. 
 
 13  Falfe  hypocrites,  to  vengeance  fore 
 
 Addellin'd,  hafte  to  lay 
 Accumulated  wrath  in  (tore 
 
 Againft  the  wrathful  day. 
 In  grofs  negleft  of  pray'r  they  live, 
 
 God  is  not  in  their  mind  ; 
 They  cry  not  for  his  help,  nor  grieve 
 
 Ev'n  when  his  cords  them  bind. 
 
 14  On  them  doth  fudden  ruin  come. 
 
 And  fweep  them  off  the  ftage, 
 Amidll  the  very  youthful  bloom 
 
 And  vigour  of  their  age. 
 Soon  does  the  uncxpetled  bane 
 
 Their  eafy  feats  furprize  : 
 Defcending  like  the  fiery  rain. 
 
 On  Sodom,  from  the  fldes. 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  507 
 
 Ver.  Then,  after  death,  their  foul  fhall  five 
 *Mong  unclean  fp'rits  in  hell ; 
 For  in  the  heav'ns,  where  faints  arrive. 
 No  unclean  thing  can  dwell. 
 
 SONG        LXI. 
 
 ScHOLA  Crucis,   Schola  Lucis  :    or,  Affli^ion, 
 Injirudion.     Job  xxxvi.  15. 
 1 5  f^  U  R  God  is  mercifully  touch'd 
 V  ^    With  pity  to  the  poor  ; 
 He  faves  the  humble  one,  and  fuch 
 
 As  do  his  aid  implore. 
 To  thefe  fubmiffive  to  his  lafh, 
 
 He's  in  his  anger  kind  ; 
 In  favour  he  but  wounds  the  flefli. 
 
 That  he  may  teach  the  mind. 
 Sharp  and  fevere  his  flripcs  may  be, 
 
 But  then  they  ftrike  out  light. 
 By  which  th'  afflidted  clearly  fee, 
 
 And  learn  to  judge  aright. 
 His  hands  in  love  do  them  chaftife, 
 '  And  to  their  duty  draw  ; 
 
 Through  grace  his  fcourges  make  them  wife,  ^ 
 
 When  they  forget  his  law. 
 
 SONG        LXII. 
 
 barrelling  with  God,  in  Afflid:ion^  dangerous  ;  Sub- 
 ni'i/fton,  a  Duty,  advantageous.     Job  xxxvi.  21. 
 
 2 1  r  I  1  A  K  E  heed  thou  no  regard  for  fin, 
 J_      Nor  love  to  it  maintain  ; 
 The  lead  vice  hath  more  ill  therein 
 
 Than's  in  the  greateil  pain. 
 If,  rather  than  the  fmarting  rod. 
 
 Thy  choice  is  fm  and  vice  ; 
 Thou  proudly  doft  contend  with  God, 
 And  fliew  thyfelf  unwife. 
 
 If  thou,  impatient  of  the  ftroke, 
 
 His  providence  accufe ; 
 Thou  doft,    by  cafting  off  his  yoke. 
 
 Thine  own,  that's  heavier,  chufe. 
 
SoB      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  L 
 
 Ver.  In  trouble  therefore  don't  debate, 
 Nor  with  thy  Maker  fight ; 
 Contention  makes  thy  burden  great, 
 Submifiion  makes  it  hght. 
 
 SONG        LXIII. 
 
 God  nn  abfolute  Sovereign,    an  incomparable  Teacher, 
 an  unexceptionable  Ruler.     Job  xxxvi.  22,  23. 
 
 22  ^^  OD,  by  his  vafl:  and  boundlefs  pow'r, 
 Vjr     -At  pleafure  can  debafe  ; 
 
 At  pleafure  the  debas'd  rcftore. 
 
 Exalt,  and  highly  raife. 
 Where's  his  inftrudors  to  he  found  ? 
 
 For,  who  can  teach  like  him  ? 
 Where's  his  fuperior  more  renown'd. 
 
 Since  he's  himfelf  fupreme  ? 
 
 23  He  that  to  men  does  knowledge  teach. 
 
 Shall  he  himfelf  not  know  ? 
 Of  folly  who  can  him  impeach. 
 Or  greater  wifdom  fliow  ? 
 
 His  government  what  daring  tongue 
 
 Of  error  can  accufe  ? 
 The  King  of  kings  can  do  no  wrong  ; 
 
 And  who  can  fay  he  does  ? 
 
 SONG        LXIV. 
 
 God's  Works  manifefiing  his  incomprchenfible  Great- 
 nefs.     Job  xxxvi.  24, — t^t^. 
 
 24  TLLUSTRlOUSare  the  works  divine 
 J.     Which  ev'ry  man  may  fee  ; 
 
 Both  thefc  that  farthell  oif  do  fliine. 
 And  thefe  moil  near  the  eye. 
 
 25  Each  rational  beholder  muft 
 
 Remember  to  extol. 
 And  give  the  Maker,  wife  and  juft, 
 The  glory  of  the  whole. 
 
 26  Who  can  behold,  but  in  amaze, 
 
 Th' eternal  God?  and  who 
 Can  count  the  number  of  his  day?. 
 Which  no  beginning  know  ? 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  509 
 
 Ver.  We  fooner  may,  from  pole  to  pole, 
 Our  feeble  arms  extend, 
 Than  can  our  little  finite  foul 
 His  greatnefs  comprehend. 
 
 Our  thoughts  o'erwhelm'd  at  fhadows  grope. 
 
 In  fentiments  like  this  ; 
 Lofing  their  way,  they're  fwallow'd  up 
 
 Into  the  vaft  abyfs. 
 Th'  Immortal  view'd  but  in  the  fkies, 
 
 His  too   refplendant  light, 
 Does  dafli  and  dazzle  mortal  eyes, 
 
 For  want  of  equal  fight. 
 
 27  His  hand  dark  meteors,  high  in  air. 
 
 Does  pow'rfully  fuftain, 
 Which  he  converts,  around  the  fphere. 
 To  gentle  dews  and  rain. 
 
 28  Vapours  exhal'd  from  earth  to  heav'n. 
 
 He  wondroully  reftores. 
 And  fends  them  back  with  int'refl:  given 
 
 In  fructifying  fliow'rs. 
 Thefe  from  the  dropping  clouded  fkies, ' 
 
 He  artfully  diftills  ; 
 And  thus  man's  mouth  with  food  fupplles. 
 
 His  mind  with  wonder  fills. 
 
 .  ^ig  Who  knows  how  God  extends  his  clouds 
 
 And  makes  the  tender  air, 
 The  ponderous  burden  of  the  floods 
 
 And  heavy  waters  bear  ? 
 Who  can  account,  by  human  arts, 
 
 For  that  tremendous  noife  ; 
 Thefe  awful  murm'rings,    fiery  darts. 
 
 And  mod  majelfic  voice  ; 
 That  iilue  from  thefe  clouds  commix'd, 
 
 And  terribly  declare, 
 That  the  almighty  God  hath  fix'd 
 
 His  high  pavilion  there  ? 
 30  Confider  too,  how  not  in   vain 
 
 He  fpreads  upon  the  fireams, 
 And  on  the  wide  and  fpacious  main, 
 
 The  fun's  attrai^ive  beams  j 
 
5IO      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  To  raife  recruits  for  wafted  clouds. 
 And  levy  frelh  fupplies 
 Of  vapours,  drawn  up  from  the  floods 
 To  mufter  in  the  (kies. 
 
 31  He  thefe,  for  different  purpofes, 
 
 In  wifdom  doth  employ  ; 
 Some  ferve  in  tempefts,  if  he  pleafe. 
 The  wicked  to  deftroy  : 
 
 Some  not  to  curfe,  but  blefs  the  field, 
 
 And  fatnefs  on  it  drop, 
 That  it  in  plenty  meat  may  yield, 
 
 And  crown  the  farmer's  hope. 
 
 32  *Tween  heav*n  and  earth  clouds  interveen, 
 
 Now  as  a  fav'ring  fliade ; 
 Then  as  a  black  fun-dark'ning  fcreen 
 With  ftormy  frowniags  fpread. 
 
 33  Brute  hearts  the  fign  of  rain  defcry. 
 
 By  nature's  inftinft  wife, 
 Obferving,  with  a  heedful  eye. 
 
 The  gath'ring  meteors  rife. 
 They  foon,  by  certain  figns  can  tell 
 
 If  ftorms  are  nigh  at  hand; 
 Then  feek  they  Ihelter  where  to  dwell 
 
 Moft  fafe,  by  fea  or  land. 
 
 Thefe  fee  and  fly  ;  fliall  men  purblind. 
 
 More  ftupid  than  the  ftorks. 
 Forget  their  God  and  reft,  nor  mind 
 
 To  magnify  his  works? 
 
 SONG        LXV. 
 
 God's  Glory  noticed  in  thcThunder  and  Lightning, 
 Job  xxxvii.   I, — 5. 
 
 I   YT7HEN  mighty  tempefts  charg'd  on  high, 
 
 '  »        With  murm'ring  thunder  rowl, 
 *    The  dreadful  noife  along  the  flky 
 Affright  my  trembling  foul. 
 A  noife  that  makes  pale  atheifts  pant, 
 
 And  quake  with  panic  fear  ; 
 A  noife  that  makes  the  humble  faint' 
 His  mighty  God  revere. 
 
Part  IT.        JOB's    HYMNS.  511 
 
 Ver.  Hear,  and  attentively  regard 
 
 This  high  majefUc  voice, 
 Which,  breaking  from  its  prifon-ward. 
 
 Spreads  with  an  awful  noife. 
 With  this  tremendous  lofty  found. 
 
 Which  heav'n's  high  arches  fliakes. 
 And  through  the  airy   regions  round 
 
 Its  {lately  progrefs  makes. 
 .   3  God  dill  to  earth's  remoteft  ends, 
 
 Beneath  the  heav'ns  whole, 
 His  red-wing*d  light'ning  fwiftly  fends 
 
 On  flight  from  pole  to  pole. 
 For  firft  'tis  in  the  heav'ns  above 
 
 The  flafhy  flames  appear  ; 
 Then  dreadful  bellowings  ftrangely  move 
 
 And  terrify  the  ear. 
 
 4  The  noify  roarings  ftill  augment, 
 
 Till  fliorms  of  rain  and  hail. 
 Soon  with  their  violent  fierce  defcent. 
 The  pafllve  earth  aflail. 
 
 5  He  that  his  mighty  thunder  claps. 
 
 With  wifdom  thus  projedls. 
 Produces  other  fearful  haps, 
 
 And  wonderful  efleds. 
 This  even  the  greateft  wits  befools. 
 
 And  forces  them  to  own, 
 With  minds  abafli'd,  that  to  the  fchools 
 
 Thefe  fecrets  are  unknown. 
 
 SONG         LXVI. 
 
 God's  Power  noticed  in  the  Frojl  and  Snow,  in  the 
 Rains  and  IVinds.     Job  xxxvii.  6, — 13. 
 
 6  dT^  O  D  moulds  the  vapours  in  the  air, 
 Vj    He  whitens  there  the  fnow  ; 
 And,  with  its  fleeces,  broad  and  fair. 
 
 He  clothes  the  earth  below. 
 He  bids  the  rain,  by  little  crouds, 
 
 Fall  down  in  fruitful  fhow'rs  ; 
 Or,  if  he  pleafes,  from  the  clouds, 
 
 Valt  fpouts  of  water  pours. 
 Vol.  X.  Ttt 
 
S12      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookI. 
 
 Ver.  Then  human  hands  are  quite  feal'd  up, 
 y       From  labour  in  the  field, 
 
 That  when  man's  work  is  at  a  (top, 
 God's  work  may  be  reveal'd. 
 
 8  The  favage  brutes  and  beaRs  of  prey, 
 
 Thefc  dreadiul  tempefls  chafe  ; 
 From  deferts  wild  they  hafte  away. 
 Unto  their  lurking  place  : 
 
 9  If  whirlwinds  turbulent  come  forth. 
 
 Or  from  the  fouth  appear  ; 
 Cold  fcatt'ring  blafls  come  from  the  north. 
 The  air  to  purge  and  clear. 
 
 ic  God's  breath  creates  the  froft,  the  blaft 
 
 Of  this  reflringent  wind 
 Doth  broad  and  Spreading  waters,  faff. 
 
 With  cry  Hal  fetters,  bind. 
 Thefe  breathings  turn  to  folid  glafs. 
 
 The  lakes  on  which  they  blow, 
 Benumb  the  floods  that  ufc  to  pafs. 
 
 And  teach  them  not  to  fiow. 
 
 11  His  thickeft  clouds,  by  watering  fpent, 
 
 He  wearies  and  diuolves  ; 
 His  brighteft  clouds,  afunder  rent, 
 He  fcatters  and  revolves. 
 
 12  Thefe  by  his  counfels  turn'd  about. 
 
 And  manag'd  by  his  hand, 
 Move  and  direct  their  circling  rout 
 And  courfe  at  his  command. 
 
 Thefe  vapours  that  furround  the  fl^y. 
 
 And  this  low  region  fill. 
 All  reftlefs  and  obedient  fly. 
 
 To  execute  his  will. 
 
 13  Hence  noxious  rain  comes  often  times. 
 
 For  judgment,  at  his  call. 
 On  guilty  nations,  for  their  crimes. 
 
 To  let  his  vengeance  fall. 
 Or  when  he  would  his  bounty  fliew, 
 
 And  mercy  to  his  land. 
 In  plenty  then  the  fruitful  dew 
 
 Dcfcends  at  his  command. 
 
PartII.         JOB'S    HYMNS.  513 
 
 SONG        LXVII. 
 
 Mens  Ignorance  of  the  Works  of  Nature  JJoews  luhat 
 incompetent  Judges  they  are  in  the  proceedings  of 
 divine  Frovidence.     Job  xxxvii.  14, — 20. 
 
 Ver.  T_T  ARK,  mortal !  ftand  but  ftill  and  view 
 
 14  J7j_    The  wondrous  works  of  God, 
 Then  wilt  thou  ne'er,  with  any  fliew, 
 
 His  providence  explode. 
 His  underftanding's  infinite. 
 
 Intuitive  and  clear ; 
 His  fight  mod  perfect  and  complete, 
 
 Moft  intimate  and  near. 
 To  him  there's  nothing  far  away, 
 
 But  every  thing  is  nigh  ; 
 Nothing  to  come,  but  prefent  ay. 
 
 Nor  hid,  but  in  his  eye. 
 What  then  doft  thou,  O  man,  purblind, 
 
 Of  his  politics  know  ? 
 What  little  way  can  thy  dark  mind 
 
 In  his  mechanics  go  ? 
 
 1 5  Haft  thou  the  wifdom  to  declare 
 
 What  orders  from  above 
 Will  come,  by  which  along  the  air 
 
 The  clouds  are  all  to  move  ? 
 Canft  thou  by  all  thy  natural  ikill. 
 
 Or  human  fcience,  know 
 The  hour,  when  in  the  clouds  he  v;ill 
 
 Caufe  draw  his  beauteous  bow. 
 
 16  Vain  man  !  by  what  a  vain  harangue 
 
 Canft  thou  the  way  declare. 
 How  pois'd  the  ponderous  vapours  hang 
 
 And  balanc'd  in  the  air  ? 
 So  wond'rous  are  the  works  divine 
 
 In  thefe  and  all  his  ways, 
 Such  pow'r  and  perfedt  knowledge  fliine. 
 
 As  human  minds  amaze. 
 
 17  Whence  are  thy  clothes  with  warmth  imprefs'd  ? 
 
 Whence  comes  the  fcorching  heat, 
 W^hen  we  beneath  our  thinneft  veft. 
 And  lighteft  garment  fweat  ? 
 Ttt   2 
 
514      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver,  When  chill  north-winds  their  blufters  fliare. 
 
 And  make  the  rivers  freeze. 
 To  melt  the  ice,   and  calm  the  air. 
 
 How  comes  the  fouthern  breeze. 
 1 8  In  counfcl  clofe  waft  thou  at  all 
 
 With  the  Almighty  join'd, 
 When  he  the  model  of  the  ball 
 
 And  firmament  defign'd  ? 
 Haft  thou  with  him  fpread  out  the  fkies. 
 
 Clad  in  its  fparkling  drefs. 
 As  firm,  as  clear,  and  to  the  eye 
 
 A  molten  looking-glafs  ? 
 A  mirror  made  with  fkill  divine, 
 
 Difplaying  matchlefs  might ; 
 This  ftarry  frame  fo  fuperfine 
 
 Confounds  all  feeble  fight. 
 
 19  Pray,  tell  us  what  to  fay  of  God, 
 
 We  can  no  knowledge  boaft  ; 
 Our  baffled  thoughts  in  darknefs  plod. 
 
 And  are  in  wonder  loft. 
 I  ftop !  for  who,  but  in  amaze, 
 
 Can  ftare  at  endlefs  height ! 
 "What  creature  can  undazzled  gaze 
 
 At  uncreated  light ! 
 •20  Men  vainly  in  a  meafure  lay 
 
 Unmeafurable  blifs  ; 
 They  would  infinitely  furvey. 
 
 But  fink  in  that  abyfs. 
 
 SONG         LXVIII. 
 
 .  God'  s  Greatnefs  and  Majejiy  requires  that  he  be  great- 
 ly feared  and  reverenced.     Job  xxxvii.  2 1 , — 24. 
 
 li   ^^~^  O  D,  wind  and  weather-changes  wills, 
 \j    And  who  but  ftoops  to  this  ? 
 Life -changes  too  when  he  fulfills, 
 
 Let  mortals  be  fubmifs. 
 Man  cannot,  with  his  feeble  eye, 
 Meridian  luftre  bear, 
 22  When  northern  winds  that  fweep  the  fky, 
 Make  upper  regions  clear. 
 
Part  II.         JOB's   HYMNS.  515 
 
 Ver,  Then  furely  mortals,  feizM  with  fright 
 And  terror,  muft  decline 
 The  glorious  and  tremenduous  fight 
 Of  majefly  divine. 
 
 23  For,  touching  the  almighty  God, 
 
 Wc  cannot  find  him  out ; 
 So  pompous  is  his  high  abode. 
 
 And  fplendid  round  about. 
 From  majefly,  fo  great  and  high. 
 
 We  muft  with  dread  retire 
 Nor  gratify  our  curious  eye, 
 
 But  rev'rently  admire : 
 But  after  all  our  bold  effays 
 
 And  iearches  here  we  find 
 Our  reafon  cannot  lliun  the  maze. 
 
 Nor  grafp  th'  eternal  mind. 
 So  boundlefs  and  tranfcendant  is 
 
 His  energy  and  might. 
 His  judgments  are  fo  jufi:  and  wife. 
 
 And  his  decrees  fo  right. 
 That  no  debater  mufl:  decry 
 
 The  great  Jehovah's  deeds. 
 Nor  boldly  alk  a  reafon  why 
 
 He  thus  and  thus  proceeds. 
 Should  any  alk  it  to  their  fliame. 
 
 Then  know  that  he  alone, 
 Is  fov'reign  Lord  and  Judge  fupreme. 
 
 Accountable  to  none. 
 
 This  (hould  inftru6t  us  not  to  fpurn, 
 
 But  pious  rev'rence  raife  ; 
 Our  mutiny  to  marvel  turn. 
 
 Our  difcontent  to  praife. 
 This  to  right  reafon  fhould  reftore. 
 
 Make  carnal  reafon  mute. 
 And  teach  us  humbly  to  adore. 
 
 But  never  to  difpute. 
 Mild  mercy  meets  with  juftice  ftrid 
 
 In  (landing  to  his  laws  ; 
 He  therefore  wills  not  to  afflid, 
 
 Nor  flrikes  without  a  caufe. 
 
Si6     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.      Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Men  fear  his  name  in  Chrift  for  this, 
 24       Becaufe  he  mercy  hath  ; 
 
 But  rebels,   that  reje£t  the  bHfs, 
 Shall  fear  and  feel  his  wrath. 
 
 God  favours  humble  hearts  and  wills, 
 
 But  fons  of  pride  defies  ; 
 And  in  his  fight  wife  men  are  fools, 
 
 Who  in  their  own  are  wife. 
 
 SONG        LXIX. 
 
 God's  Words  unto  Job.  his  challenging  him. 
 Job  xxxviii.  i,  2,  3. 
 
 1  ALL  nature  felt  a  frightful  fliock, 
 £\    When  from  the  rolling  cloud. 
 To  trembling  Job  th'  Almighty  fpoke 
 
 Thefe  awful  words  aloud. 
 
 2  Who's  this  prefumptuous  mortal  bold. 
 
 That  darkening  counfel  fo, 
 By  words  devoid  of  knowledge,  would 
 Prefcribe  what  it  mud  do  ! 
 
 3  If  thou  pretend'ft  to  quarrel  me, 
 
 For  ought  that  I  have  done, 
 Gird  up  thy  loins  to  hold  the  plea. 
 And  like  a  man  to  win. 
 
 I'm  now  come  at  demands  of  thine. 
 
 Thy  faience  to  infped  ; 
 Not  to  be  taught,  but  of  defign 
 
 Thy  arrogance  to  check. 
 I'll  now  thy  (kill  and  wifdom  found. 
 
 Thy  underftanding  try ; 
 To  queftions  I'll  to  thee  propound. 
 
 Sec  if  thou  canft  reply. 
 
 SONG        LXX. 
 
 God's    Q^u  e  s  t  1  o  n  s. 
 
 Quell.  I.  Concerning  the  Foundation  of  the  Earth. 
 Job  xxxviii.  4, — 7. 
 
 4  \T  7  HEN  I  the  earth's  foundations  laid, 
 
 \'V    Where  wall  thou  then,  O  man  ? 
 Or  didH:  thou  contribute  thine  aid. 
 And  help  the  mighty  plan  ? 
 
Part  II.         JOB's  HYMNS.  517 
 
 Ver.  Whence  did  I,  when  the  world  I  made, 
 For  fit  materials  call. 
 When  nothing  I  but  nothing  had 
 Wherewith  to  make  the  ball  ? 
 
 My  hand,  without  thy  help,  could  frame 
 
 This  fpacious  edifice ; 
 And  can't  my  ikill  govern  the  fame 
 
 Without  thy  poor  advice  ? 
 
 5  If  thou  haft  knowledge,  tell  what  pow'f 
 
 And  wifdom  I  employ'd, 
 To  dig  the  mafs  of  folid  ftore, 
 
 Out  of  an  empty  void  ? 
 Tell  how  the  globe  was  modcll'd  fme, 
 
 By  what  flupendous  art ; 
 And  by  what  meafure,  fquafe,  and  line, 
 
 I  fitted  every  part  ? 
 
 6  Declare  on  what  foundation  fure, 
 
 Did  I  the  building  rear  ; 
 And  by  what  cement,  fo  fecure. 
 
 Do  all  the  parts  cohere  ? 
 Shew  how  the  corner-ftone,  by  me. 
 
 Was  laid  fo  firm,  fo  well. 
 That  mov'd  the  fabric  cannot  be 
 
 Without  -a  miracle. 
 
 7  When  earth  was  form'd  at  my  command. 
 
 Which  formlefs  was  and  void, 
 Know'ft  thou  hov/  heav'n,  in  confort  grand, 
 
 This  dawn  of  time  employ'd  f 
 When  all  th'  angelic  armies  bright. 
 
 The  hofts  of  race  divine, 
 Whofe  beamy  heads,  in  fparkling  light, 
 
 The  morning  flars  out-lhine ; 
 
 Thefe  firft-born  fens  of  God  renown'd. 
 
 With  joyful  flioutings  furg 
 My  works  on  earth,  till  hcav'ns  around 
 
 With  acclamations  rung. 
 
i-iS     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 SONG        LXXI. 
 
 Queft.  2.  About  the  limiting  of  the  Sea, 
 Job  xxxvii.  8, —  ii. 
 
 Ver,  "WJ^  ^  ^^^  ^i^l^  rocks,  like  bolted  doors, 
 
 8  VV       Shut  up  the  raging  main, 
 "With  fandy  banks,  as  fett'ring  pow'rs. 
 
 The  furious  billows  chain  ? 
 "When  with  the  rupture  overcome. 
 
 The  turgid  upper  earth 
 Did  rend  and  ope  her  teeming  womb. 
 
 To  give  the  ocean  birth  j 
 
 9  O'er  which  my  clouds  I  like  a  veft. 
 
 Or  fabble  garment,  drew  ; 
 And  fwaddling  bands,  of  thicken'd  mift, 
 1  o'er  its  bofom  threw. 
 
 10  I  form'd  a  gulph  within  the  land. 
 
 To  be  the  ocean's  bed  ; 
 The  wat'ry  troops  at  my  command, 
 Soon  to  their  lodging  fled. 
 
 They  march'd  with  all  obfequious  hafle, 
 
 To  my  appointed  ward  ; 
 And  found  their  prifon  chambers  fa(}. 
 
 With  rocky  bolts  were  barr'd. 
 
 11  Then  faid  1  to  the  raging  fea. 
 
 That  was  diffus'd  around. 
 Behold   the    frontiers    I    decree, 
 
 Thy  billows  fierce  to  bound. 
 Hither  thou  may'fl,  within  thy  caves. 
 
 But  may'll  no  farther  roll ; 
 This  fence  fliall  thy  impetuous  waves, 
 
 And  flowing  pride  controul. 
 
 SONG        LXXII. 
 
 Queft.  3.  Concerning  the  Springs  of  the  Morning. 
 Job  xxxviii.  12, — 15. 
 
 12  TJ  Y  whofe  appointment  does  the  fun 
 X)     His  morning  beams  difplay  ? 
 Tell ;    does  he  by  thy  orders  run. 
 
 And  fpread  the  world  with  day  ? 
 
Part  II.         JOB'S  HYMNS.  ^19 
 
 Ver,  By  whofe  contrivance,   fo  exad. 
 Springs  up  the  ihining  light. 
 To  lengthen  out,  or  to  retraO:, 
 The  time  of  day  and  night  ? 
 Who  bids  it  late  or  ear'  *  arife, 
 
 At  diftance  far  or  near, 
 Right  to  divide  and  fignalize 
 
 The  feafons  of  the  year  ? 
 33  With  wings  fo  fpeedy  did  thy  care  ■ 
 Provide  the  dawning  ray, 
 That  it  through  deeps  imraenfe  of  air. 
 
 So  fwift  might  make  its  v/ay ; 
 That  in  a  trice  might  be  fulfill'd 
 
 Its  fore-appointed  race, 
 And  that  it  might  with  lufler  gild 
 
 The  earth's  remoteft  face. 
 14  Prefenting  all  things  fair  to  fight. 
 
 That  lay  with  (hades  opprefs'd. 
 New  fhamp'd  as  with  a  feal,  in  light 
 
 As  with  a  garment  dreft ; 
 35  Light  which  by  minds,  where  virtue  dwells 
 
 Is  peaceably  enjoy'd ; 
 But  which  obnoxious  criminals 
 
 With  panic  fear  avoid : 
 For,  if  detected  by  its  beams. 
 
 The  guilty  wretches  know. 
 They  muft  the  death  their  confcience  deems 
 
 They  merit,  undergo. 
 With  lifted  arms  'gai^ift  Heav'n  they  fought. 
 
 But  thence  the  rays  on  wing 
 Purfue  the  rebels  clofe,  till  brought 
 
 To  punifhment  condign. 
 Whence  come  thefc  meffengers  of  light, 
 ^      To  chafe  the  wicked  crew, 
 And  chain  them  faft  with  fear  and  fright. 
 
 Are  they  difpatch'd  by  you  ? 
 
 *  Put  for  ear/y. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Uuu 
 
520      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 SONG        LXXIII. 
 
 Queft.  4.  Concerning  the  Springs  of  the  Sea. 
 Job  xxxviii.  16. 
 
 Ver.  Qi  AY,  Haft  thou  div'd  in  lower  things, 
 
 16  )^     Defcended  to  furvey 
 
 Hid  paffages   and  fecret  fprings, 
 
 That  feed  ihe  fpacious  fea  ? 
 Haft  thou  the  ocean  fearch'd  around, 
 
 And  headful  wanderM  o'er 
 The  many  wat'ry  walks  profound, 
 
 Their  wonders  to  explore  ? 
 
 SONG        LXXIV. 
 
 Queft.  5.  About  the  Gates  of  Death.  Job  xxxv'm.  jy. 
 
 17  TJ  ATH  death  to  thee  op'd  and  difclos'd 
 J_  J^     Her  gloomy  gates  and  rooms  ? 
 
 Or   hell  its  difmal    fhades  expos'd 
 And  horrid  longa^ve  ^  homes  ? 
 
 Tell  then  how  fouls  by  death  at  laft. 
 
 From  bodies  are  unty'd, 
 And  launchM  into  the  ocean  vaft, 
 
 Of  an  abyfs  untry'd  ? 
 
 SONG         LXXV. 
 
 Qucft.  6.  Concerning  the  Breadth  of  the  Earth, 
 Job  xxxvii.  18. 
 
 1 8  TT  AST  thou  about  the  earth,  O  job, 
 X  J_     ^*^^  drawn  thy  compafs  round, 
 And  of  this  whole  terraqueous  globe, 
 
 Th'  exad  dimenfions  found  ? 
 If  not,  fmce  earth  is  but  a  point. 
 
 To  the  vaft  univerfe. 
 How  fhall  thy  art  and  fcience  joint 
 
 My  counfels  deep  traverfe  ? 
 
 •  As  applied  to  kll,  it  fi;^niflcs  cvcrlajlit:*. 
 
PartIL         JOB'S  hymns.  521 
 
 SONG        LXXVI. 
 
 Quefl.  7.     About  the  Place  and  Path  of  Light  and 
 Darknefs.     Job  xxxviii.  19,  20,  21,  24. 
 
 Ver.  lyN  O  W'S  T  thou  the  magazines  on  high, 
 
 1 9  J^     In  which  my  (lores  I  lay. 
 And   bright   materials,  to   fupply 
 
 The  burning  lamps  of  day  ? 
 
 20  My  fair  etherial  mines  from  whence 
 
 I  deal  out  light  fo  faft, 
 As  to   the    mod   profufe  expence 
 The  fun  and  flars  can  wade  ? 
 
 2 1  Canft  thou,  for  age  and  fkill,  explain 
 
 The  place  of  darknefs,  where 
 Black  night,  and  ail  her  fable  train 
 
 Of  gloomy  fliadcs,  repair. 
 24  Couldfl  thou  at  firfl:,  commanding  light, 
 
 Divide,  for  equal  fway  ; 
 The  path,  for  day,  to  chafe  the  night ; 
 
 For  night,  to  chafe  the  day. 
 
 SONG        LXXVII. 
 
 Queft.  8.  Concertiing  the  Treafures  of  Snow  and  Hail, 
 Job  xxxviii.  22,  23. 
 
 22  'Tn  E  L  L,  haft  thou  been  where  hail  and  fnow, 
 
 I        My  martial  treafures  are. 
 Which  I  referve,  for  times  and  woe, 
 And  for  the  day  of  war  ? 
 
 23  Haft  thou  thefe  airy  realms  furvey'd. 
 
 Where  1  this  armour  lay, 
 'Gainft  fmful  lands  to  be  difplay'd, 
 On  that  tremendous  day. 
 
 SONG         LXXVIII. 
 
 Queft.  9.  Concerning  the  daily  Changes  of  the  Morn- 
 ing and  Evening.     Job  xxxviii.  24. 
 
 24  nr^  ELL  how  the  parts  of  hght  through  clouds 
 
 1         Of  ftiades  their  luftre  ftiare, 
 Ev'n  as  the  eaft-wind  fcatters  clouds, 
 And  clears  the  ambient  air  ? 
 
 U  u  u  2 
 
522      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookL 
 
 Ver.  Difcover  plain,  how  doth  the  hght        » 
 
 Its  radient  wings  difplay, 
 Hot  to  purfue  the  flying  night. 
 
 And  fpread  the  dawning  day  ? 
 [[Each  morning  makes  a  mighty  change 
 
 By  the  return  of  hght ; 
 Each  ev'ning  too  feeras  equal  (Irange, 
 
 By  the  relapfe  of  night : 
 ,yet  men,  who  ftill  the  change  exped. 
 
 And  fee't  without  furprife, 
 Thefe   daily  miracles  negled:, 
 
 Juil  wrought  bclorc  their  eyes. 3 
 
 SONG        LXXIX. 
 
 Quefl.  lo.  Concerning  'Thunder  and  Lightening^ 
 Clouds  and  Rain  ;  by  what  facred  Counfels  they  are 
 direded,  and  by  ivhofc  Order  emitted. 
 
 Job  xxxvii.  25,  26,  27,  34,  2,5- 
 
 25  A    G  A  I N,  canfl  thou  declare  what  way 
 {\     The  heav'nly  Architcft 
 
 His  cloudy  forges  up  did  lay. 
 
 And  in  the  air  ere6l  ? 
 And  how  the  mighty  pond'rous  mafs 
 
 Aloft  was  thither  brought, 
 From  which,  foon  as  his  light'nings  pafs, 
 
 lied  thunderbohs  are  wrought  ? 
 Who  raiies  vapours  from  the  ground, 
 
 Which,  pois'd  in  liquid  air. 
 Fall  down  in  Oiow'rs,  thro'  which  around, 
 
 Thefe  dreadful  light'nings  glare? 
 How  are  the  heav'nly  aqueducts. 
 
 And  water-pij>es  contriv'd. 
 Whence  floods  are  to  the  thirfl:y  flocks. 
 
 Fruits  to  the  earth  deriv'd  ? 
 
 26  Who  doth  the  water-courfe  divide, 
 
 And  for  the  rain  that  falls 
 By  drops,  or  violent  fliow'rs,  provide 
 Fit  conduits  and  canals 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  3^23 
 
 Ver.  Difcharg'd  again  to  overflow. 
 
 As  once  the  earth  and  hills  ; 
 Each  drop  does,  by  diredion,  go 
 
 To  rivers  and  to  rills. 
 Yet  by  the  Ihow'rs  that  fill  the  brooks, 
 
 Likewifc  the  wildernefs, 
 Refrefh'd  does  in  its  chearful  looks 
 
 Alacrity  exprefs. 
 In  places  where  no  man  refides, 
 
 Nor  does  the  produdt  fliare, 
 The  Father  of  the  rain  provides 
 
 For's  other  creatures  there. 
 
 27  Like  heahng  balm  diflilling  rains 
 
 Yield  juice  to  plants  and  trees, 
 With  drink  reftore  the  parched  plains, 
 
 And  thirfty  mouths  appeafe. 
 Then  rifmg  fap  that  round  does  glide, 
 
 Thurfts  out  the  tender  bud, 
 And  crowns,  with  flowery  verdant  pride, 
 
 The  defart*s  Ihady  wood. 
 
 34  Say,  to  thy  voice  or  orders  will 
 
 The  circling  clouds  attend  ? 
 And  when  thou  bids  them  rain  diftill. 
 Will  then  the  rain  defcend  ? 
 
 35  Will  ready  light'nings  fudden  fly, 
 
 Or  through  the  aether  fliine. 
 And  thunder-claps  ring  round  the  fl^y, 
 At  thy  command  or  mine  ? 
 
 SONG        LXXX. 
 
 Quefl:.  1 1 .   Concerning  the  Dew,  the  Ice,  and  hoary 
 Froji,     Job  xxxviii.  28,  29,  30. 
 
 28  T  F  thou  canfl:  fecret  things  explain, 
 A   And  hidden  caufes  fliew, 
 Where  dwells  the  Father  of  the  rain  ? 
 
 xAnd  who  begat  the  dew  ? 
 How  are  the  hov'ring  mifl:s,  fo  foft, 
 
 Arreflied  in  their  flight ; 
 Then  harden'd  in  the  air  aloft, 
 
 And  whiten'd  in  the  night  ? 
 
524      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Canfl:  thou  the  nature  of  the  ice, 
 
 29  With  great  exadnefs  fliow  ; 
 Which,  with  its  fett'ring  artifice, 
 
 Forbids  the  floods  to  flow  j 
 Compels   the  fluid  element. 
 
 So  ftill  and  calm,  to  (land ; 
 Binds  rivers  with  its  hard  cement, 
 
 And  makes  the  water  land  ? 
 
 30  The  billows  of  the  fea  congeal'd, 
 
 Can  roll  no  farther  on  ; 
 The  ocean's  wat'ry  face  conccal'd 
 
 As  with  a  marble  ftone. 
 Fierce  is  the  froft  ;  what  womh  did  then 
 
 So  fell  a  tamer  breed. 
 That's  equal  hardy  on  the  main. 
 
 As  hoary  on  the  mead  f 
 
 SONG        LXXXI. 
 
 Queft.  12.    About  dire^ing  of  the  Stars  and  their 
 Influences.     Job  xxxviii.  31,  32,  33. 
 
 31  WJ  E  A  K  man,  canft  thou  in  fpring  reftrain, 
 
 ^^     And  bind  the  influence. 
 Which  with  the  kindly  fertile  rain, 
 The  Pleiades  difpenfe  ? 
 
 Canft  thou  in  winter  loofe  the  chains, 
 
 Or  break  the  frofty  bands, 
 W^ith  which  Orion  roughly  ftrains, 
 
 And  binds  the  paflive  lands  ? 
 
 32  Canft  thou  with  confteilations  clothe 
 
 And  deck  the  azure  fkies, 
 And,  in  his  turn,  make  Mazzaroth, 
 With  fouthern  ftars  arife  ? 
 
 Or,  canft  thou  guide  Ardurus'  pace. 
 
 Around  the  northern  pole  ; 
 And  bid  his  bright  attending  race. 
 
 His  fons  in  order  roll  ? 
 
 33  Know'ft  thou  the  fix'd  celeftial  laws 
 
 Of  ftarry  pow'rs  above  ? 
 Canft  thou  on  earth  their  influence  caufe 
 Defcend,  or  thence  remove  ? 
 
 ^ 
 
Part  11.        JOB's    HYMNS.  s^S 
 
 Ver.  Doft  thou  to  ruling  flars  difpenfe 
 What  virtue  they  diffufe, 
 Such  feafons  here  to  influence, 
 As  thou,  forfooth,  iKalt  chufe  ? 
 
 SONG         LXXXIL 
 
 Qucft.  1 3.  Concerning  the  Formation  and  Renovafmi 
 of  the  Soul,  or  intelleclual  Spirit,  in  Man. 
 Job  XXXV iii.  ^^6, 
 
 WH  O  knowledge  did  to  man  impart. 
 That  ray  of  Hght  divine  ? 
 Who  did  with  wifdom  fill  his  heart  ? 
 
 Was  this  thy  work,  or  mine  ? 
 To  man  a  noble  foul  is  giv*n. 
 With  fhining  pow'r  fupplyM  ; 
 More  bright  than  all  the  ftars  of  heav'n, 
 To  angels  fair  ally'd. 
 
 The  fun  above  the  light  doth  bring. 
 
 Though  feen  in  air  below  ; 
 From  light  divine  the  foul  doth  fpring, 
 
 Her  pow'rs  in  flefh  to  fhow. 
 
 The  God  of  nature  did  impart 
 
 This  intelledual  mind  j 
 The  God  of  grace  renews  the  heart, 
 
 With  light  and  fight  refin'd. 
 
 SONG        LXXXIII. 
 
 [_A  DigreJJion  concerning  the  Soul's  Spirituality 
 and  its  Nature;  quite  diJiinB  from  the  Body 
 and  its  fenfes.  A  Number  of  Proofs  and  Demon* 
 flraiions  hereof^. 
 
 AN'S  foul,  while  in  the  flefh  he  lives. 
 Her  pow'r  doth  exercife 
 "Within  the  body,  yet  furvives 
 
 Although  the  body  dies. 
 She's  by  herfelf  an  adive  thing. 
 
 That  hath  a  working  might ; 
 Which  not  from  fenfe's  pow'r  doth  fpring. 
 Nor  yet  from  humour's  fpright. 
 
 *  See  Sir  JoH.v  Da  vi  es's  Poem  on  this  Sul'jcdt. 
 
S26     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Were   fhe  the  bodies  quality, 
 
 She  might  be  fick  and  bhnd  ; 
 But    in   decaying    flefh    we    fee 
 
 A  perfed  healthy  mind. 
 
 When  in  th'  effects  the  caufe  fhe  fees. 
 
 From  fruits  the  roots  doth  know  ; 
 Her   views  not  from  her  body's  eyes, 
 
 But  from  her  own  do  flow. 
 
 When  fwifter  than  the  light'nings  fly, 
 
 Her  thoughts  from  eafl  to  weft. 
 And  round  the  centre,  'bove  the  Iky, 
 
 Move,  though  the  body  reft : 
 When  firft  her  works  ftie  forms  within, 
 •  And  fees  her  perfedl  end. 
 
 Ere  ftie  to  ad  at  all  begin ; 
 
 No  aid  can  fenfes  lend. 
 When  without  hands  ftie  builds  up  tow'rs, 
 
 And  without  feet  doth  run  ; 
 Sees  without  eyes,  by  her  ovi^n  pow'rs 
 
 Thefe  miracles  are  done. 
 When  flie  on  vice  and  virtue  thinks, 
 
 Confiders  general  things  ; 
 And  from  known  truths,   in  divers  links, 
 
 A  right  conclufion  brings : 
 
 Thefe  adions  by  herfelf  alone 
 
 RetirM  flie  does  fulfil ; 
 Of  all  her  body's  organs  none 
 
 Can  aid  her  wit  or  will. 
 Yet  (he  in  flefh  imprifon'd  lies, 
 
 Muft  through  its  windows  look, 
 Her  pow'rs  of  fenfe  to  cxercife. 
 
 And  read  the  world's  great  book. 
 Though  fcarce  the  foul  can  judge  of  ought, 
 
 But  what  the  fenfe  home  brings  ; 
 Yet  judging  pow'rs,  and  what's  thus  brought^ 
 
 Are  vaftly  difl^'rent  things. 
 Our  eyes  can  nought  but  colours  fee. 
 
 Yet  colours  give  not  fight : 
 The  foul,  when  feen  her  objcfts  be, 
 
 Views  them  by  her  own  light. 
 
Part  IT.  JOB's   HYMNS.  527 
 
 Workmen,  on  fluff  their  fkill  to  ihow, 
 
 1  he  fluff  ne'er  gave  them  fkill ; 
 Ko  more,  from  objt  fts  feen,  can  flow 
 
 Soul  pow'rs  to  adt  or  will. 
 
 Yea,  oft  to  check  the  fenfe  fhe's  fure, 
 
 Nor  when  it  errs  agrees  ; 
 But  crofTes  it ;  for,  with  a  powV, 
 
 Above  the  fenfc  fhe  fees. 
 No  fenfe  the  holy  joys  conceives 
 
 "Which  in  her  clofets  be  ; 
 The  ravifh'd  foul  her  fenfes  leaves, 
 
 And  hath  her  motions  free. 
 Her  diftind  nature  fhines   in   this, 
 
 That  her  choice  works  alone 
 She  works :  this  nature's  touch-ftone  Is, 
 
 Things  by  their  works  are  known. 
 But  why  the  foul  and  fenfe  divide. 
 
 When  fenfe  is  but  a  powV, 
 The  foul  extends  on  ev*ry  fide. 
 
 Her  objefts  to  explore  ? 
 
 Mere  fenfe  cannot  one  thought  command , 
 
 For  eyes  and  ears  p)erceive 
 No  more  than  glaffes  underfland, 
 
 What  faces  they  receive. 
 Souls  guide  the  fight ;  for,  chance  but  we 
 
 To  fix  our  thoughts  elfewhere  ; 
 Our  eyes,  though  open,  cannot  fee, 
 
 But,  like  a  fiatue,  flare. 
 
 And,  if  one  pow'r,  which  fenfes  bound, 
 
 Did  not  both  hear  and  fee ; 
 Then,  moft  confusM,  our  figlit  and  found 
 
 Would  always  double  be. 
 
 The  foul  then  fenfe*s  pow'r  contains, 
 
 Within  a  greater  pow'r. 
 Which  ftill  employs  the  fcnfe's  pains. 
 
 But  rules  in  her  own  bow'r. 
 
 Heav'n  in  man's  foul  thcfe  pow'rs  did  grave, 
 
 Ev'n  her's  alone  to  be  ; 
 On   earth  no  other  creatures  have 
 
 Thefe  heav'nly  pow'rs  but  we. J 
 Vol.  X,  Xx  X 
 
528      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 SONG        LXXXIV. 
 
 Qiieft.  14.  About  paying  the  clouds,  or  Jlopping  the    ' 
 Rain.     Job  xxxviii.  37,  38. 
 
 Y^r.   W  7  H  O  can  the  clouds  vaft  number  tell, 
 37    W        i  ^'^^  fpread  iVom  pole  to  pole  ? 
 Vv  ho  can  their    falling    rain   repel, 
 When  pouring  out  their  bowl  ? 
 -28   When  rain  enough  hath  drench'd  the  clay, 
 And  clos'd   the  cleaving  clods, 
 Whofe  haiid  can  heav'n's  lull  bottle  flay? 
 Tell ;  is  it  thine,  or  God's  ? 
 
 SONG         LXXXV. 
 
 Quell.  15.    Concerning  Frovifion  for  the  Lions  and 
 Ravens.     Job  xxxviii.  39,  40,  41. 
 
 0  0  \J^  ■  I  L  Id  beads  in  forefts,  and  in  fens, 
 
 V  V       Whofe  proper  care  are  they  ? 
 40  The  lions  old  that  lurk  in  dens, 
 
 The  young  that  wait  their  prey? 
 4  J   "Who  feeds  the  ravens  and  their  brood, 
 When,  unto  God  they  cry. 
 And  wander  far  for  lack  ot  food  ? 
 Say  ;  is  it  you,   or  1? 
 
 SONG         LXXXVI. 
 
 Queft.  1 6.  About  the  wild  Goats  and  the  Hinds. 
 Job  xxxix.  I, — 4. 
 
 I   T/'  Now'sT  thou  the  time  wild  goats  bring  forth 
 J^      ihe  Increafe  of  tlieir  flock? 
 The  time  when  they  commit  their  birth 
 Unto  the  flinty  rock? 
 a  Canlt  thou  declare  the  months  how   long 
 The  pregnam  hinds  complete  ? 
 And  when  to  calve,  or^cafl:  their  young. 
 They  to  the  brakes  retreat  ? 
 3  In  pangs  they  bow  themfelves,  the  wood 
 Aliords  them  no  relief; 
 Yet  there,  at  once,  they  both  exclude 
 Their  offspring  and  their  grief. 
 
Part  IT.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  529 
 
 Ver.  Their  calves  go  feek  their  meat,  and  find, 
 
 4  In  ranging  hill  and  wood, 
 
 Their  fatning  corn;   nor  to  the  hind 
 Return  for  want  of  food. 
 
 SONG        LXXXVII. 
 
 Queft.  17.  Concerning  the  wild  Afs.  Jobxxxix.  5, — 8. 
 
 5  W/  ^  ^  ^"^  ^^  ^^^  ^'^^  '^^^'^  heart, 
 
 '  '       That  knows  no  bit  or  rein, 
 
 A  fenfe    of  liberty  impart,     . 
 All  drivers  to  difdain  ? 
 
 6  The  tame  afs  is  to  labour  bound. 
 
 Bat  dill  the  wild  is  free  ; 
 His  houfc  I  made  the  defart  round, 
 His  home  the  barren  lee. 
 
 7  He  fcorns  the  city's  multitude, 
 
 Refufes  to  be  driven  ; 
 
 8  The  range  of  mountains  for  his  food. 
 
 And  piles  of  grafs  are  given. 
 
 With  freedom  blefs'd  he  roves  apace. 
 
 And  ne'er  the  defart  quits. 
 But  mocks  the  tame  and  (tupid  afs, 
 
 That  his  bafe  neck  fubmits. 
 
 SONG       Lxxxvm. 
 
 Queft  18.  Concerning  what  is  called  the  Unicorn, 
 Job  xxxix.  9, —  12. 
 
 9  TT7ILL    th'  unicorn,  or  favage  bull, 
 
 ^^      The  beaft  of  pow'r  and  pride, 
 Taine   to    thy    fervice,    bow   his    will. 
 Or  by  the  crib  abide? 
 
 10  Will  he  thy  yoke  or  labour  bear. 
 
 And  meekly  (land  in  awe? 
 Or  with  the  plow  thy  furrows  tear. 
 On  vales  thy  harrows  draw  ? 
 
 1 1  Becaufe  in  ftrength  this  rural  king 
 
 Is  mighty,  wilt  thou  yield, 
 
 12  That  he  be  tru'led  home  to  bring 
 
 Thy  harvell  from  the  field  ? 
 X  X  X  2 
 
530      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookI. 
 
 Ver.  To  rule  fo  rude  an  animal 
 Incapable  art  thou  ; 
 Prefum'ft  thou  then  to  rule  the  ball. 
 Or  teach  me  fo  to  do  ? 
 
 SONG        LXXXIX. 
 
 Quefl.  19.  Concerning  the  Feacock  and  the  OJlrich. 
 Job  xxxix.  13, — 18. 
 
 13  T^  Y  whofe  fkill  was  the  peacock  vain, 
 J3     With  curious  colours  dy'd  ? 
 "Whence  hath  his  fweeping  tail  and  train 
 
 Its  finely  painted  pride  ? 
 Such  beateous  plumes,  and  wings  fj  wide., 
 
 Tell,  whence  the  oilrich  wears  j 
 So  big,  fhe  other  birds  befide, 
 
 A  fcather'd  bead  appears  ? 
 
 14  Her  eggs  expos'd  Ihe  in   the  dufl, 
 
 Where  laid,  leaves  to  be  warm'd  ; 
 
 15  Thoughtlefs  how  foou  they  may  be  crufh'd; 
 
 Or  by  wild  roamers  harm'd. 
 
 16  Her  labour  vain  and  fearlefs  is, 
 
 She's  hardened 'gainll  her  brood  ; 
 
 17  For  God  does  from  the  common  blifs 
 
 Of  vvifdom  her  exclude. 
 
 18  Yet  if  in   danger  fhe   but  lift 
 
 Her  neck  and  wings  on  high, 
 She  both  the  horfe  and  rider  fwift. 
 Does  fcornfully  defy. 
 
 S     O    N     G         XC. 
 
 Ouefl.  20.  Concerning  the  Horfe  for  Battle. 
 Job  xxxix.  19, — 25. 
 
 19  y>k  ID  S  T  thou,  O  Job,  for  war  or  flate, 
 
 \Jf     Give  to  the  gen'rous  horfe 
 His  confidence,   his  boldnefs  great. 
 His  fpirit,  and  his  force  ? 
 
 20  Haft  thou  v/ith  terror  clothM  his  mane  ? 
 
 Canfl:  thou  his  courage  Ihake  ? 
 Or  caufe  him,  like  the  little  wren, 
 Orfilly  infedj  quake  ? 
 
PartTI.        JOB'S    hymns.  531 
 
 Ver.  With  formidable  native  fire 
 
 His  fnorting  noftrils  glow  ; 
 And  fmokc  and  flame  in  furious  ire, 
 
 Amidll  the  battle  blow, 
 a  I  Proud  of  his  ftrength  he  paws  the  ground. 
 
 And  pranfes  on  the  land. 
 Tears  up  the  turf,  and  fpurns  around. 
 
 The  paffive  yielding  fand. 
 When  he  the  noify  martial  founds, 
 
 And  warlike  trumpet  hears; 
 He  then  rejoicing  leaps  and  bounds. 
 
 And  pricks  his  liil'ning  ears. 
 
 22  When  he  perceives,  even  from  afar, 
 
 Th'  advancing  foes  alarms. 
 He  forward  fprings  to  face  the  war. 
 And  meet  the  glit'ring  arms. 
 
 23  Dauntlefs  he  runs  on  fword  and  fpear, 
 
 The  warrior's  files  invades ; 
 And  makes  his  palfage  without  fear. 
 
 Thro*  num'rous  thick  brigades. 
 The  weapons  which  the  horfeman  weilds. 
 
 He  mocks  with  haughty  bread  j 
 Of  rattling  quivers,  blazing  Ihields, 
 
 He  makes  a  perfedl  jeft. 
 
 24  In  rage  he  beats  and  bites  ihe  ground. 
 
 He  dances  o'er  the  plain  ; 
 Nor  ftartles  at  the  alarum's  found. 
 But  pulls  the  curbing  rein  : 
 
 25  Derides  the  trumpet,  fcorns  the  ihock. 
 
 And  mad  the  bridle  champs  ; 
 Smelling  afar  the  fulph'rous  fmoke. 
 And  thunder  of  the  camps, 
 
 SONG        XCL 
 
 Quefl.  2 1 .  Jbout  the  Hawk  and  the  Eagle, 
 Job  xxxix.  26, — 319. 
 
 26  T>ESIDE  the  beafts  that  tread  the  ground, 
 XJ      I  he  birds  that  cleave  the  air; 
 
 Seeft  thou  how  they  the  fkill  profound 
 And  pow'r  of  God  declare  ? 
 
532      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Is't  by  thy  wit  the  hawk  does  fly. 
 And  fouthward  ftretch  her  wings? 
 Or  when  cold  winter  drawing  nigh 
 She  wifely  lun-ward  fwings  ? 
 
 27  Dofl:  thou  command  the  eaglets  flight, 
 
 And  bid  her  mount  the  iky, 
 Aloft  to  travel    in  her  might, 
 And  make  her  neft  on  high  ? 
 
 Dofl  thou  the  royal  bird  dire£b 
 
 Where  thus  to  build  her  nefl:, 
 That  no  invading  pow'r,  or  fe£t. 
 
 May  dare  her  peace  molefl:  ? 
 
 28  That  with  the  fl:rongefl:  forts  to  vyc, 
 
 She  might  her  dwelling  keep. 
 In  craggy  clifts,  immenfely  high, 
 Infuperably  fl:eep. 
 
 29  Thence  down  her  haughty  eyes  flie  bends, 
 
 Low  valleys  to  furvey  ; 
 And,  like  a  thunderbolt,  defcends 
 To  trufs  her  heedlefs  prey. 
 
 30  Then  foon  her  crocked  pounces  bare 
 
 The  carcafs  takes  and  tears ; 
 And  to  her  young,  fwift  through  the  air. 
 The  bloody  banquet  bears. 
 
 Thefe  creatures  a6l  by  that  inflinfl; 
 
 For  which  thou  can't  account  : 
 How  mull  their  Maker,  doit  thou  think. 
 
 Thy  filly  views  furmount  ? 
 
 SONG         XCII. 
 
 (^leli.  22.  About  Contending  ivitb  God:  or,  A 
 humble  Challenge  given  to  fuch  as  (quarrel  God's 
 Froceedings.     Job  xl.  i,  2. 
 
 H  A  L  L  God  be  taught  ?  by  whom  ?  by  one 
 That  quarrels  his  decrees  ? 
 His  meafure.s  juft  be  overthrown, 
 A  plantiif  proud  to  pleafe  ? 
 
PART  IT.        JOB'S    HYMNS.  533 
 
 Ver.  'Gainfl  God  (hall  a  contender  blind, 
 PrefumptuoLifly  eflay, 
 To  teach  him  how  to  change  his  mind, 
 And  how  to  mend  his  way  ? 
 
 T*  upbraid  th'  Almighty,  what  is  this 
 
 But  juftice  to  dillrult  ? 
 For  he  who  God  almighty  is 
 
 Can  never  be  unjuft. 
 
 Since  from  his  creatures  never  he 
 
 Had  ought  to  hope  or  fear. 
 Can  fuch  a  being  tempted  be 
 
 Amifs  the  helm  to  fleer. 
 
 2  Shall  God  to  man's  infl:rud:ion  bow  ? 
 
 Shall  man  prcfume  to  learn, 
 And  teach  the  great  Creator  how 
 
 His  creatures  to  govern  ? 
 Who,  of  the  whole  created  tribe. 
 
 My  ways  can  redify  ? 
 Shall  filly  mortal  man  prefcribe. 
 
 And  dictate  unto  me  ? 
 He  therefore   mud  be  catechiz'd. 
 
 That  would  his  Maker  teach  ; 
 And,  not  with  his  proceedings  pleased, 
 
 Of  folly  him  impeach. 
 
 Let  then  th'  accufer,  that  would  fcan. 
 
 And  blame  my  ways  profound. 
 Solve  at  his  peril,  if  he  can. 
 
 The  queflions  1  propound. 
 
 SONG         XCIII. 
 
 Job's  .humble  fubnij/ion  :   or^  The  murmuring  Mouth 
 Jlopped^  and  unjuji  Complaints  fiknced. 
 
 Job  xl.  3,  4,  5. 
 
 3,4T>EHOLD,  O  Lord,  moft  vile  am  I, 
 J3  Fo'^  riow  thy  heav'nly  light 
 Detefts  the  great  (lupidity 
 That  did  my  mind  benight. 
 
534     SCRIPTURE   SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  I  finn'd  in  that  1  fought  fo  bold 
 
 The  argument  to  Hate  ; 
 And  judged  that  with  thee  I  could 
 
 Thy  providence  debate. 
 Sham'd  and  confounded  I  refign. 
 
 For  now  I  can't  withdand 
 Thy  words  and  arguments  divine. 
 
 Nor  anfwer  one  demand. 
 
 5  Once  have  I  fpokcn,  Lord  ;  yea,  twice  j 
 
 And  though  my  words  were  few, 
 Yet  great  their  number,  grofs  their  vice, 
 
 Did  high  prefumption  fhew. 
 Upon  my  mouth,   which  argu'd  vain, 
 
 Henceforth  my  hand  be  laid  ; 
 I  fpake  what  I  won't  fpeak  again, 
 
 Nor  ftand  to  what  1  faid. 
 Proftrate  before  thy  feet  I  lay ; 
 
 Through  grace,  I'll  now  adore 
 Thy  greatnefs,  pow'r,  and  majefty  j 
 
 But  I'll  contend  no  more. 
 
 SONG        XCIV. 
 
 Quefl:.  23.  Moe  Challenges  given  to  ]oB  for  his  fur- 
 ther Humiliation,  The  vanity  of  vying  with  God 
 for  Jujiice^  or  of  charging  him  with  unrightcoiifnefs. 
 
 Job  xl.  6,  7,  8. 
 
 6  >''  I  "^  IS  good  for  thee,  O  man,  that  thou 
 
 I         Down  to  the  knees  be  thrurt  ; 
 Yet  better  is  the  lower  bow, 
 Down  to  the  very  dull. 
 
 7  That  therefore  thy  alTuming  mind. 
 
 Be  levell'd  to  the  ground, 
 Some  farther  queflions  are  defign'd. 
 
 Thy  boaftcd  flull  to  found. 
 Oft  didft  thou  wifli  to  plead  with  me. 
 
 Prepare  then  for  the  talk. 
 If  courage  yet  remain  with  thee 
 
 To  anfwer  what  I  afk. 
 
Part  II.        JOB's    HYMNS.  535 
 
 Ver*  Thou  didft  with  confidence  too  bold 
 
 Thy  fpotlefs  virtue  boafl: : 
 And  yet  my  care  and  kindnefs  hold 
 
 As  quite  extind  and  loft. 
 But  fince  my  care  does  cv'n  refpeft 
 
 My  loweft  creatures  clan, 
 How  canft  thou  judge  that  1  negled 
 
 My  nobler  creature,  Man  ! 
 
 8  Wilt  thou  my  judgment  thus  defame, 
 That  thou  mayft  righteous  be  ? 
 Canft  thou  thy  innocence  proclaim. 
 Without  reproaching  me  ? 
 
 Muft  my  proceedings  be  controul'd. 
 
 Thy  character  to  clear  ? 
 My  deep  decrees  be  difannul'd, 
 
 Thy  name  and  fame  to  rear  ? 
 Vain  man,  wilt  thou  fo  flanderous 
 
 Thy  righteous  God  indite  ? 
 Doft  thou  thy  kind  Redeemer  thus 
 
 Ungratefully  requite  ? 
 
 SONG        XCV. 
 Queft,  24.  The  Vanity  of  vying  with  Gob  for  Pozv- 
 er,  Maje/iy,  and  Dominion  over  proud  and  wick- 
 ed Enemies.     Job  xl.  9, — 14. 
 
 AST  thou  an  arm  like  God,  that  can 
 Againft  him  take  the  field, 
 And  win  by  force  ?     Art  thou,  O  man. 
 
 With  pow'r  almighty  fteePd  ? 
 Canft  thou  both  heav'n  and  earth  fedate. 
 
 Fright  with  a  dreadful  noife  j 
 Or  moft  exa£lly  imitate 
 Jehovah's  thund'ring  voice  ? 
 
 o  If  thou,  poor  mean  dependant  wight, 
 Prefum'ft  with  God  to  vye. 
 Then  now  adorn  thyfelf  with  fight, 
 With  pomp  and  majefty ; 
 
 With  ftate  and  dread  that  can  and  will 
 
 The  hoft  of  hell  annoy; 
 With  beauties  too,  that  heav'n  can  fill 
 With  wonder  snd  with  joy. 
 Vol.  X.  "^  y  y 
 
 H 
 
53^       SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     JBookT. 
 
 Ver.  Caft  forth  the  fury  of  thy  wrath, 
 
 11  See  and  abafe  the  proud; 
 
 12  And  look  them  down  to  hell  beneath, 
 ^       Whofe  wealth  their  vices  fhroud. 
 
 13  Hide  thou  and  bind  them  in  the  duft, 
 
 And  crown  them  in  their  caves  ; 
 For  here's  the  work  of  God,  the  jufl. 
 Who  digs  the  wickeds  graves. 
 
 14  Do  thefe  great  things;  then  thou,  I'll  grant, 
 
 Mayft  thine  own  faviour  be  : 
 But,  weak,  unequal   combatant. 
 Submit  thou  muft  to  me. 
 
 SONG        XCVI. 
 
 An  injiance  of  divine  Power  in  Behemoth;  that  is, 
 as fofiie  think,  //6^  Elephant.     Job  xl.  15, — 24. 
 
 I  r  XJ  E  H  O  L  D  again,  to  ftop  the  mouth, 
 JI3     Ariel  bring  thee  further  down. 
 Thy    fellow-creature.   Behemoth, 
 
 A  be^fl  fo  flrong,  fo  grown. 
 Were  flefli  his  meat,  what  would  fuffice 
 
 His  valt  capacious  womb, 
 Which  could  whole  flocks,  at  once  or  twice, 
 
 And  num'rous  herds  entomb  ? 
 
 Therefore  it  was  the  Maker's  care. 
 
 Such  ruin  to  prevent, 
 Tom  aka  the  ox's  food  his  fare, 
 
 The  grafs  his  aliment. 
 
 16  The  ftrength  I  did  on  him  beftow, 
 
 Within  his  loins  remains ; 
 
 The   navel   of  his   belly  too. 
 
 His  mighty  force  contains. 
 
 17  Like  to  a  cedar  tall  and  high, 
 
 With  tempefts  toft  about, 
 From  fide  to   fide,  in  gallantry. 
 
 He  moves  his  pliant  fnout. 
 Wrapt  are  the  finews  of  his  thighs. 
 
 Like  complicated  cords. 
 Which  clofe  involv'd  with  many  ties,    ■ 
 
 United  force  allbrds. 
 
PartIL         JOB'S    HYMNS.  537 
 
 Ver.  His  bones  are  firm  like   bolts  of  brafs, 
 
 18  Which  guard  the  pond'rous  frame; 
 Their  ftrength  the  bars  of  iron  furpafs, 
 
 Well  temper'd  in  the  fianie  ; 
 
 19  O'th'  brutal  kind  this  bulky  bead 
 
 Is  the  chief  work  of  mine; 
 Craft,  ufe,  in  him,  beyond  the  reft, 
 Structure  and  (Irength  combine. 
 
 On  him  his  Maker  did    beflow,  , 
 
 Inftead  of  fighting  arms, 
 An  adlive  trunk  to  wound  his  foe. 
 
 And  guard  himfelf  from  harms. 
 But  God  can  kill  the  elephant. 
 
 Soon  as  a  gnat  or  fly ; 
 So  will  his  fword  the  combatant. 
 
 That  dare  his  pow'r  defy. 
 20  This  beaft  prodigious,  for  his  food, 
 
 Frequents  the  verdant  plains, 
 The  graffy  mountains,  defarts  broad, 
 
 Where  he  a  m.onarch  reigns. 
 And  there  to  him  the  forell's  beafts 
 
 Do  all  in  troops  rcfort ; 
 They  know  him  harmlefs  to  his  guefts. 
 
 And  by  him  fearlefs  fport. 
 
 2 1  Thence  he  retreats  to  groves  for  eafe. 
 
 Lies  in  the  Ihady  wood, 
 
 22  By  reeds  and  fens,  and  willow-trees, 
 
 That  deck  the  purling  flood. 
 
 23  Fearlefs  his  mouth,  he  when  a-thirft. 
 
 To  Jordan  does  apply ; 
 Nor  doubts  but  with  a  glut,  at  firft. 
 He'll  drink  the  river  dry. 
 
 He  drav;s  it  up  with  greedy  eyes. 
 
 And  who  can  in  his  fight. 
 With  him  attempt,  or  enterprize, 
 
 A  fair  and  open  fight? 
 
 24  Who  can,  by  force,  the  beafl:  command  .'' 
 
 And  who  e'er  undertook. 
 Into  his  nofe,  with  ftrength  of  hand, 
 To  fix  the  fervile  hook  ? 
 Yyy  2 
 
S%S       SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  L 
 
 Ver.  Through  fnarcs  and  gins  his  piercing  nofe 
 
 And  fnout  is  his  defence  ; 
 By  art  furprize  him  may  his  foes, 
 
 But  not  by  violence. 
 Thou  dar'fl  not  that  flrong  bead  offend, 
 
 Left  foon  he  thee  devour ; 
 Why  wilt  thou  then  with  God  contend. 
 
 From  whom  he  gets  his  pow'r  ? 
 
 SONG       xcvir. 
 
 Of  the  Leviathan  in  general ;  that  is,  the  Whale, 
 or  Crocodile  :  Man,  being  unable  to  fitbdue  and 
 tame  him,  mujl  own  himfelf  to  be  utterly  unable  to 
 Jland  before  the  great  God.     Job  xli.  i , —  lo. 
 
 I   T  O  B,  if  thou  canft  debate  with  mc, 
 J     As  thou  didft  boldly  wiih, 
 I'll  but  produce,  for  humbling  thee, 
 A  formidable  fifli. 
 
 Canft  thou  the  great  Leviathan 
 
 Draw  out  with  hook  or  line  ? 
 Or  in  the  deep  the  whale  trepan 
 •    With  common  baits  of  thine  ? 
 1  Canil  thou  run  through  his  gills  a  thorn, 
 
 A  jav'lin  through  his  jaw  ? 
 Or  with  a  cord,  he  laughs  to  fcorn, 
 
 Alhore  the  monller  draw  ? 
 
 3  Will  he,  like  man  in  great  diflrefs. 
 
 With  tender  words  intreat 
 Thy  pity,  and  witn  meek  addrefs,  ' 
 
 His  moan  to  thee  repeat  ? 
 
 4  Will  lie  a  contrad  with  thee  make, 
 
 To  b(r  thy  flave  for  ay  ? 
 
 5  Tam'd  as  a  bird,  wilt  thou  him  take 
 
 To  be  thy  children's  play  ? 
 Will  he  be  bound,  and  fo  fubmifs,  - 
 
 As  tliy  domeftic  fort  ? 
 He  that  to  man  a  terror  is 
 ,  Be  to  thy  maids  a'fport  ? 
 
Part  II.         J  O  B  '  s    H  Y  M  N  S.  539 
 
 Ver.  Shall  neighbours  make  a  hearty  meal 
 
 6  Of  him  when  catch'd  by  art  ? 
 And  foon  his  bones  and  oil  for  fale 
 
 Among  the  merchants  part? 
 
 7  Is't   eafy  work   his   fcaly  fkin, 
 
 With  barbed  irons  to  prick  ; 
 
 His  head  with  fpears  to  affaffine. 
 
 And  touch  him  to  the  quick  ? 
 
 8  Suppofe  thy  hardy  valour  fhould 
 
 The  furious  beaft  aflail, 
 Think'ft  thou  that  fwords  and  daggers  would 
 
 Soon  o'er  his  ftrength  prevail  ? 
 Suppofe  thou  {houldeft  with  thy  life 
 
 Efcape  his  dreadful  rage, 
 Thou  wouldfl:  remind  the  fearful  flrife, 
 
 And  dread  anew  t'  engage. 
 
 9  The  hope  of  conqueft  here  is  vain  ^  j 
 
 For,  with  amazing  fright. 
 The  flouteft  hero  would,  as  flain, 
 
 Faint  at  the  monfler's  fight. 
 10  In  fleep  no  giant   iron-clad 
 
 Dare  his  difturber  be  ; 
 What  mortal,  then,  with  fury  mad. 
 
 Dare  face  and  fight  with  me  ? 
 
 SONG        XCVIII. 
 
 The  Power  of  God  fet  forth  in  a  more  particular 
 Defcription  of  the  Leviathan.     Job  xli.  1 1, — 34, 
 
 §  I.  GoD*sfovereign  Dominion  over  his  Creatures, 
 
 A  Y,  in  what  creature's  debt  am  I, 
 .^^^     That  as  injur'd  can  whine  ?  ' 
 
 For  what's  beneath  and  'bove  the  (ky 
 
 Is  all  and  wholly  mine. 
 Ev'n  brutal  hofts  fpread  my  report, 
 
 From  fmalleft  mites  and  fnails. 
 To  monfters  of  the  biggefl:  fort. 
 
 The  crocodiles  and  whales. 
 
 yiz.  When  ths  engagement  is  fingle,  or  by  aj-y  man  alone. 
 
 "S 
 
540      SCRIPTURE   SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  My  fole  dominion,  fov*reign  pow'r, 
 I'll  further  yet  difplay, 
 In  my  huge  creature,  nam'd  before. 
 With  a  more  clofe  furvey. 
 
 §  2.  Oy  the  Leviathan* s  Farts  and  Power. 
 
 12  His  parts,  his  pow'r,  I'll  not  conceal, 
 
 Nor  his  proportion  fair  ; 
 For  thefe,  by  figns,  my  name  reveal, 
 
 My  (kill  and  pow'r  declare. 
 A  monfler  comely  !  yea,  let  none 
 
 At  me  obliquely  ftrike. 
 To  call  ought  ugly  I  have  done. 
 
 Till  they  can  do  the  like. 
 
 §  3*  Of  his  Garment  and  Jaws. 
 
 13  Who  can  difcover,  or  difclofe. 
 
 His  fkinny  garment's  face  ? 
 Who  dare  approach  his  mouth  or  nofc. 
 With  bridle  him  to  brace  ? 
 
 14  He  that  his  mouth  dares  ope  would  fee 
 
 In's  jaws  the  throne  of  death  ; 
 Long  fpears,  like  murd'ring  teeth,  which  he 
 In  dreadful  order  hath. 
 
 §  4.  Of  his  Scales. 
 
 1 5  With  fcales,  hke  fhields,  compact  he's  (lor'd, 
 
 Thefe  are  his  flrength  and  pride  ; 
 His  coat  of  mail  that  does  the  fword 
 And  glitt'ring  dart  deride. 
 
 16  They  are  fo  fad  and  firmly  bound, 
 
 So  clofe  together  join'd, 
 
 17  That  air  itfelf,  which  float  around. 
 
 Can  no  admiffion  find. 
 
 ^  $.  Of  his  Sneering,  Eyes,  Mouth,  and  Nojirils. 
 
 1 8  His  fneczing  terror  breeds  on  fight ; 
 
 19  For,  from  his  nolhils  flies 
 
 A  fiafh,  hke  that  of  light'ning  bright, 
 When  darted  through  the  Ikies. 
 
PartIT.         JOB'S  hymns.  541 
 
 Ver.  His  (hining  eyes,  with  fplendid  blaze, 
 The  neighb'ring  meads  adorn  ; 
 Bright  as  the  dawning  lucid  rays. 
 The  beauties  of  the  morn  ; 
 10  While  alfo  fiery  reeking   breath    . 
 Breaks  from  his  hollow  throat, 
 As  from  a  burning  forge  beneath, 
 Or  caldron  boiling  hot. 
 
 ^  6.  Of  his  Breath  afid  Neck. 
 
 21  His  lips  do,  God-like,  wrath  proclaim, 
 
 To  fuch  as  move  his  ire ; 
 For  from  his  mouth  leap  fmoke  and  flame. 
 With  flreaming  fparks  of  fire. 
 
 22  When's  neck  his  feat  of  (Irength  he  rears, 
 
 Then  forrow  and  annoy. 
 That  march  before  with  woes  and  fears. 
 
 Make  up  his  pompous  joy. 
 Triumphant  terrors,  paffing  bound. 
 
 His  hideous  pomp  compofe  ; 
 And  dread  that  feizes  all  around 
 
 Where-e'er  he  comes  or  goes. 
 
 §  7.  Of  his  Flakes  and  Heart. 
 
 23  His  flakes  of  flefli  fo  fall  involv'd. 
 
 So  firm  in  ev'ry  part ; 
 Their  joining  fcarce  can  be  diflblv'd. 
 
 By  violence  or  art. 
 14.  His  heart  is  like  a  marble  hard  ; 
 
 Relentlefs  is  his  breafl: ; 
 Which  ne'er  did  tender  moans  regard. 
 
 Nor  pity  e'er  exprefs'd. 
 
 §  8.  Of  bis  B-fings  and  Breakings. 
 25  When  like  a  mount,  amidft  the  waves, 
 He  lifts  his  monftrous  head. 
 The  boldefl:  boaftcrs  vv'ill,  as  flaves. 
 His  av/ful  prcfence  dread. 
 
 The  flouted  fea-men  tremble  now. 
 
 Each  like  a  quaking  leaf, 
 Left  he  o'erturn  their  Ihips,  or  do 
 
 Some  terrible  mifchief. 
 
542     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  His  water-breakings  threat*ning  death, 
 Themfclves  they  purify, 
 And  deprecate  impending  wrath. 
 As  doom'd  anon  to  die. 
 
 §  9.  Of  his  undaunted  Courage, 
 
 26  Should  they  attempt  with  fword  in  hand, 
 
 The  monfter  to  attack ; 
 Bright  fleel  in  bits,  hke  crumbling  fand, 
 
 Would  break  upon  his  back. 
 Vain's  the  defenfive  coat  of  mail, 
 
 Th'  offenfive  javelin  ; 
 For  hardly  fpears  nor  darts  avail 
 
 To  pierce  his  fcaly  fkin. 
 
 27  The  iron's  but,  in  his  efleem, 
 
 A  bulrufli  by  the  flood  ; 
 And  brafly  weapons  to  him  feem 
 But  fhafts  of  rotten  wood. 
 
 28  Fierce  arrows  cannot  make  him  flee; 
 
 29  Sling  iiones  and  darts  appear 
 
 30  But  flraw  to  him  ;  he  laughs  to  fee 
 
 The  ihaking  of  the  fpear. 
 
 §  I  o.  0/  bis  terrible  Motion  in  the  Waters. 
 
 31  When  in  the  deep  he  rouls  afide, 
 
 From  place  to  place  remote. 
 He  agitates  the  waves  and  tide 
 Like  to  a  boiling  pot. 
 
 His  motion  fo  ferments  the  flreams. 
 
 The  foaming  waters  face, 
 A  pot  of  boiling  ointnient  feems 
 
 And  fhows  a  Itern  grimace. 
 
 32  His  frothy  track,  when  e'er  he  fvvims, 
 
 And  rides  his  wat'ry  ftage, 
 So  bright  appears,  the  ocean  fecms, 
 As  hoary  grown  with  age. 
 
 Such  foam  and  froth  his  path  purfue. 
 
 They  feem  to  fence  his  rear, 
 And  turn  the  waters  azure  hue, 
 
 To  white  with  fudden  fear. 
 
PartIL  JOB'S  hymns.  543 
 
 ^  n  Of  his  Size,  Strength,  and  Dominmu 
 
 Ver.  In  bulk  and  ftrength  'mbng  animals 
 
 33  His  equal  is  not  found  ; 
 
 Though  he,  of  (lature  low,  but  crawls. 
 
 And  creeps  along  the  ground. 
 Yet  he  the  proudefl:  warrior  beafl: 
 
 Infukingly  difdains  ; 
 And,  fearlefs  made,  o'er  all  the  reft 
 
 He  like  a  monarch  reigns. 
 
 The  ftrongeft  creatures  on  the  earth 
 
 Do  tremble  at  his  fight ; 
 He  them  in  pieces  tears  with  mirth, 
 
 And  with  his  fportivc  might. 
 
 34  With  fcorn  he  fees  each  lofty  thing. 
 
 The  ftouteft  to  deride  ; 
 Yea,  bears  his  Maker's  ftamp,  as  King 
 O'er  all  the  fon's  of  pride. 
 
 SONG         XCIX. 
 
 JoE*s  hiwible  ConfeJJion  and  Petition  :    A  penitential 
 prayer.     Job  xlii.  i , — 4. 
 
 J  T    O  R  D,  to  thy  awful  words  intent, 
 i    J    I  fee  they  brightly  fhine. 
 With  marks  of  pow'r  omnipotent. 
 
 And  majefty  divine. 
 Convinc'd  by  thy  enlight'ning  fpeech, 
 
 1  raflily  have,  I  own, 
 By  chmbing  heights  above  my  reach, 
 
 Audacious  folly  fiiown  ; 
 Vcnt'ring,  by  reafon  rcafonlefs, 
 
 That  Ihort  unequal  line, 
 To  found  the  huge  immenfe  abyfs. 
 
 Of  providence  divine. 
 •2  That  thou,  Lord,  canft  do  every  thing 
 
 I  now  more  clearly  fee  ; 
 None  can  from  thee  hide  their  defign, 
 
 Nor  hinder  thy  decree. 
 Vol.   X.  Zzz 
 
544     SCRIPTURE   SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  In  things  too  wonderful  for  me, 
 
 3  And  utterly  unknown, 
 I  fpake  but  unadvifedly. 
 
 And  fooliflily,  I  own. 
 Tm  that  prefumptuous  mortal  boldj 
 
 That  darken'd  counfel  fo, 
 By  words  unwife,  as  I  was  told, 
 
 My  pride  to  overthrow. 
 
 Thy  deep  defigns  in  trying  me 
 
 My  blind  eyes  could  not  fpy  ; 
 AVhcnce  I  prefum'd  to  quarrel  thee, 
 
 So  great  a  fool  was  I. 
 
 4  O  let  thine  anger  be  appeas'd  ! 
 
 Hear  my  repentant  fpeech  ; 
 Through  him  in  whom  thou  art  well-pleas*dj 
 Thy  favour  I  befeech. 
 
 Of  knowledge  I  will  boall  no  more. 
 
 Nor  haughtily  behave. 
 But  filently  thy  name  adore 
 
 Thy  information  crave. 
 Lord,  fcatter  clouds  that  ma:^  my  fight, 
 
 Thy  truth  divine  diiplay  ; 
 Difpel  remaining  (hades  of  night. 
 
 And  fpread  my  mind  v.'ith  day. 
 
 SONG         C. 
 
 Job's  deep  Hu?ni/ieiiio?7y  whicb  7nade  ivaj  to  his  re- 
 markable Exaltation  :  Or,  the  happy  Iffue  of  AffAc- 
 iionfand.iJied,  accompanied  ivith  divine  Injlrudion. 
 
 Job  xlii.  5,  6. 
 
 5  /'^  Lord,  I  with  the  outward  ear 
 \^^     Have  heard  of  thee  before  ; 
 
 I  knowledge  had  that  wanted  fear. 
 
 Nor  led  me  to  adore : 
 But  now  mine  eyes  more  clearly  feCj 
 
 In  fair  Immanuel's  face, 
 Thy  wifdom,   pow'r,   and  niajcfly^ 
 
 Thy  glorious  truth  and  grace. 
 
Part  IT.         J  O  B  '  s  H  Y  M  N  S.  54^ 
 
 Ver.  My  prefent  views  of  thee  fo  far 
 
 Exceed  the  former  fort. 
 As    demonftration   ocular. 
 
 Exceeds  a  bare  report. 
 Hence,  confcious-ftings,  Uke  arrows  fmart, 
 
 Deep  in  my  bofom  itick ; 
 And  felf-difpleafure  ftrikes  my  heart, 
 
 And  wounds  me  to  the  quick. 
 6  For  now  myfelf  I  lothe  and  hate  j 
 
 With  fhame  my  face  I  vail ; 
 And  all  my  errors  pad,  of  late. 
 
 In  duft  and  afhes  wail. 
 I  grew  impatient  of  the  rod, 
 
 Nor  can  I  anfwer  why 
 I  clear'd  myfelf,  and  cenfur'd  God, 
 
 0  what  a  bead  was  I ! 
 
 Unwife  I  curs'd  the  very  day 
 
 In  which  thou  gav'ft  me  birth  ; 
 And  challenged  rafli  thy  fov'reign  fway. 
 
 And  government  on  earth. 
 Lo !  then,  my  brutifli  ignorance, 
 
 1  through  thy  grace  repent ; 
 My  paffion,  pride,  and  arrogance, 
 
 With  tears  I  now  refent. 
 How  bafe  and  blinded  have  I  been. 
 
 That  fet  myfelf  fo  high  I 
 But  having  now  thy  glory  feen, 
 
 I  low  before  thee  ly. 
 At  mercy's  feet  I'll  hopeful  ftay : 
 
 For  never  was  the  cafe. 
 That  one  was  loft,  who  proftrate  lay 
 
 Before  the  throne  of  grace. 
 
 Z  z  z 
 
(     54^    ) 
 
 SCRIPTURE   SONGS^ 
 
 PART         III. 
 
 A  new  Verfwn  of  the  Song  of  S  o  l  o  m  o  n. 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ^fter  I  had  luritten  a  Paraphrafe  on  the  Song  of  Solomon,  nuhieh 
 has  been  puhtijhed  fourteen  years  ago  J,  /  had  no  drjlgn  of  printing 
 any  thing  elfe  upon  this  hook  :  hut  nvhen  the  motion  luas  made  of 
 turning  all  the  Scripture  Songs  into  common  metre,  for  the 
 fame  life  ivith  the  Pfalms  (5/"David,  I  nuas  alfo  urged  to  make  a 
 JJjo^t  Verfion  like'v.  ife  of  this  Song,  as  near  as  pofjlble  to  the  text  *. 
 This  tafk  I  under io'A,  not  'without  fome  reluctance,  knonnittg  hoin 
 ivdch  the  fpiritual  7iiatier  of  this  Book  //  reprefented  by  fuch 
 homely  metaphors  as  'would  he  very  hard  to  exprefs  barely,  in  fuch 
 a  manner  as  to  be  fenced  againft  the  ahufe  of  carnal  minds  :  on 
 this  account ,  though  I  have  fiO'w  fiudied  as  little  of  a  paraphrafe, 
 or  e>:plicationy  as  I  could ;  yet y  in  feveral  places, 'where  1  thought 
 the  meaning  might  be  moji  ready  to  be  mifmterpreted,  or  not  fo  ob- 
 vious, I  have  formed  the  Verftov  'with  fuch  Jhort  internsjoven  glojfes 
 upon  fome  of  the  texts,  as  may  tend  to  enlighten  the  metaphor  a 
 little,  and  make  the  viain  intent  thereof  appear,  in  a  'way  that  I 
 apprehended  to  be  leaf  liable  to  abiife. 
 
 1  have  fen  fome  Yer^ion^  of  this  Book  in  common  jnetre,  that  could 
 very  little  contribute  to  viy  ajjifance  in  this,  unlefs  it  'was  tt  make 
 me  fee  'what  might  be  avoided  or  amended,  according  to  my  view. 
 Only  Mr,  Mason's  Verfion 'was  more  acceptable  to  me,  than  any 
 'other  I  have  feen,  and  therefore  I  have,  in  fever  al  verfes  here  and 
 there,  taken  ivhat  help  it,  iogether'with  his  and  my  O'wn  paraphrafe, 
 could  afford  me,  iu  a  fuitablenefs  to  my  tajle,  or  the  form  into 
 'which  I  chffe  to  put  it.  So  that  after  confuliing  the  labours,  in 
 vcrji'ying  this  Book  of  the  Song,  you  have  here  the  plainefl  verfton 
 I  could  conceive  tjuithin  fo  narro'w  and  contracted  bounds. 
 
 As  to  'what  may  he  further  ncceffary,  in  a  prefatory  it'ay,  J  refer 
 the  reader  to  the  Preface  'which  is  prefixed  to  the  Paraphrafe  on 
 this  Rook  \  :  the  main  difference  bct'ween  the  prefent  and  the  fof'^ 
 
 t  The  fiifl  edition  of  the  paraphrafe  was  publinietl,  Aiwn  175S. 
 
 *  Tlic  .Song  of  Solo  MO  N,  hein;:;  an  indre  hook  of  Scripture,  this  Si^rf 
 Verfion  of  it  uas  at  firrt  pnhliflied  by  itfclf,  (as  formerly  ol>ferved,  p.  410-)  as 
 was  alfo  that  upon  tlic  book  of  Lam  f.k  tations,  before  the  reft  of  the  Scrip- 
 ture Songs,  vviiich  were  aftcrwaids  pubbflied  together.  Along  witli  the  firft  e- 
 dition  of  this  Verfwn,  the-  Author  allonxd  his  Paraphrafe  on  this  hook  of  the 
 Son^  to  be  re-printed,  that  wholocver  iticlined  for  a  more  full  cxplicatioiv 
 tlitreof,  than  tW\s  Short  Verfion  could  gi^e,  mi^iht,  if  they  plcafcd,  turnover 
 to  the  Parjphrafc.     See  it  printed  above,   p.  315, — 4.18. 
 
 f  See  tlus  i'rcface  piiijtcd  above,  p.  308, — 314. 
 
Part  in.     The  Song  0/ Solomon.         547 
 
 mer  Editions  *,  //  in  the  fourth  and  ievtnih  chapters,  rx>hich  nvere 
 before  in  long  metre,  but  nonx)  are  turned  to  the  fame  common 
 metre  'with  the  reji,  becaufe  I  have  been  told,  that  this  latter  kind 
 nuas  more  acceptable  to  Jome  than  the  other. 
 That  the  church  and  per, pie  of  God  may  he  edified  by  thefe  'works,  is 
 the  earntjl  prayer  of  their  fervant,  and  yours  in  Chrijl, 
 
 Dunfermlinew  RALPH     ERSKINE. 
 
 1752.      i 
 
 CHAP.     I. 
 
 The  Churches  Love  unto  Christ,  and  his  EJleem  for 
 her;  with  their  ?nutual  Congratulations  of  each  other, 
 
 [The  Title.]] 
 
 Ver.  ^  I  ^  HIS  Song  of  Solomon  the  wife 
 
 1  _|^      As  penman  fam'd  belongs ; 
 And,    juftly  for  its  facred  rife. 
 
 Is  nam'dj  the  Song  of  Songs. 
 
 \The  Church's  IVords.^ 
 
 2  With  kiifes  of  thy  mouth  divine, 
 
 O  let  me  favour'd  be ; 
 For  better  than  the  richefl  wine 
 Thy  love  appears  to  me. 
 
 3  Thy  name  like  ointment  fweet  pour'd  out 
 
 Doth  all  perfumes  excell ; 
 Hence  virgin-fouls,  the  facred  rout 
 Of  faints,  do  love  thee  well. 
 
 4  O  draw  me  with  thy  loving  cord  j 
 
 We  will  run  after  thee  : 
 Lo  !  to  his  chambers  decked,  my  Lord, 
 The  King  hath  handed  me. 
 
 In  thee  we'll  joy  ;  this  love  of  thine 
 
 We'll  mind,  with  more  delight 
 Than  all  the  bleffings  of  the  vine  : 
 
 Thou'rt  lov'd  by  the  upright. 
 
 5  O  Salem's  race,  I'm  black  o'ergrown, 
 
 As  tents  of  Kedar  were  ; 
 But  comely  too  by  grace  I  own, 
 As  Sol'mon's  curtains  fair. 
 
 *  Viz.  of  ihe  V.iTgc  paraphrafe,  ' ' 
 
548      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book!, 
 
 Ver.  View  not  my  fcorch'd  and  fun-burnt  face  j 
 
 6  No  beauty  there  you'll  fee  : 
 My  mother  churches  angry  race 
 
 Have  roughly  dealt  with  me. 
 
 Their  hate  and  envy  made  me  trudge, 
 
 Their  vineyards  to  infpe£t ; 
 And  while  at  theirs  I  was  a  drudge, 
 
 Mine  own  I  did  negleft. 
 
 7  But  thou,  my  foul's  beloved  One, 
 
 O  tell  me  1  requeft  ! 
 Where  feedefl  thou,  and  where  at  noon 
 
 Mak'fl  thou  thy  flock  to  reft  : 
 For  why  fliould  I  with  forrow  ftain'd. 
 
 As  one  led  off  the  way, 
 'Mong  flocks  of  thy  companions  feign'd 
 
 Be  left  to  go  aftray  ? 
 
 {^Christ's  JFords.'\ 
 
 8  Know'ft  thou  not,  faireft  of  fair  brides  ? 
 
 Go  trace  the  feet  of  faints, 
 The  flocks  fair  fteps,  and  feed  thy  kids 
 Befide  the  fliepherds  tents. 
 
 9  My  love,    I  have,    to  hold  thee  out 
 
 'Gainfl:  foes  that  would  thee  wrong. 
 Made  thee  like  Pharaoh's  ftately  rout, 
 Of  chariot-horfes  ftrong. 
 
 10  Great  comelinefs  thy  drefs  befpeaks  ; 
 
 The  graces  all  thee  deck  ; 
 Rare  jewel-rows  adorn  thy  cheeks, 
 And  golden  chains  thy  neck. 
 
 1 1  My  Father  working  ftill  with  mc, 
 
 Wc  will  with  pow'r  divine. 
 More  golden  borders  make  for  thee. 
 With  fluds  of  filver  fine. 
 
 [7'/^<f  Church's  Wor(!s.'\ 
 
 i2  Lo!  while  the  King  of  Zion  crown'd, 
 Sits  at  his  table  head, 
 My  fpikenard,  flowing,  doth  around 
 its  grateful  odour  fpread. 
 
Part  III.      27?^  Song  o/'  Solomon.       -^49 
 
 Ver.  Like  as  of  myrrh  a  bundle,  lo  1 
 
 13  My  well-beloved  Gueft 
 
 Shall,  all  the  night  of  fin  and  wo. 
 Within  my  bofom  reft. 
 
 14  In  vineyards  fair  of  Engedi 
 
 Are  camphire  clufters  fweet ; 
 Much  more  is  my  Belov'd  to  me. 
 When  he  and  1  do  meet. 
 
 [^Christ's  JVords ."] 
 
 15  Lo !  thou  art  fair ;  lo !  thou,  my  love. 
 
 Art  fair,  without  difguife; 
 The  beauties  of  the  modeft  dove 
 Are  in  thy  graceful  eyes. 
 
 \_ne  Church's  JVords."] 
 
 16  Nay,  my  Belov'd,  who,  me  to  fcreen. 
 
 Thy  beauty  put'ft  on  me. 
 Thrice  fair  art  thou;  ye?,  what  a  green 
 And  flow'ry  bed  have  we  ! 
 
 17  The  royal  houfe  of  our   repair 
 
 Hath  beams  of  cedar  ftrong. 
 With  cyprefs  galleries;    and  there 
 ?►  In  ftate  we  walk  along. 
 
 C    H     A     P.         II. 
 
 The  ?nutual  Love  of  Christ  and  the  Church,  "juith  her 
 Hope  and  Calling  ;    and  Christ's  Care  of  her 
 with  the  Frofejfion  of  her  Faith  and  Hope. 
 
 [Christ's  JVords.~\ 
 
 A  M  the   rofe  of  Sharon  fair. 
 To  deck  the  field  around  ; 
 The   lily   of  the  valley,    there 
 To  grace  the  loweft  ground. 
 Among  the  daughters  in  the  throng 
 
 My  love,  whom  grace  adorns, 
 Shines    as    the    lily    does    among 
 The  rugged  hurtful  thorns. 
 
 rfhe  Church's    JVordf.l^ 
 
 As  th' apple-tree  does  far   excel 
 
 Trees  of  the  common  wood  ; 
 So  mv  Belov'd  furpaffcth   all 
 
 The  fons  of  nobleft  blood. 
 
SSo      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     BookL 
 
 Ver.  I  fat  me  down  with  great  delight, 
 My  weary  foul  to  reft, 
 Beneath  his  ihade  ;  and,   O  how  fweet 
 His  fruit  was  to  my  talle  ! 
 
 4  He  brought  me  to  his  houfe  of  wine, 
 
 To  feafl: ;  and  then  to  aid 
 The  banner  of  his  love  divine 
 He  over  me  difplay'd. 
 
 5  Stay  m.e  with  flaggons,  comfort  me 
 
 With  apples  from  above  : 
 I  languilh   till   my  Lord  I  fee ; 
 Halle,  for  I'm  fick  of  love. 
 
 6  He's  come,  and  with  his  left-hand  he 
 
 Supports  my  fmking  head; 
 And  his  right-hand  embracing    me 
 Strong  comfort  brings  withfpeed. 
 .    7  O  Salemites,    I  you  obte(f, 
 By  rural  hinds  and  roes, 
 A¥ake  not  my  Love,  while  pleas'd  to  reft  ; 
 Nor  mar  the  fweet  repofe. 
 
 8  Lo!  my  Belov'd,  whofe  vice  fo  nigh 
 
 My  foul  with  wonder  fills,  • 
 
 Comes  leaping  on  the  mountains  high. 
 And  fl^ipping  on  the  hills. 
 
 9  With   fpeed    his    aftive  love   to  iliow 
 
 On  heights  that  would  us  part ; 
 He's  like  the  pleafant,  bounding  roe. 
 
 Or  loving,  youthful  hart : 
 Lo  !  he  behind  our  wall  doth  Rand  ; 
 
 He's  at  the  windows  feen, 
 Difplaying  through  the  grate  at  hand 
 
 Himfclt,  in  flow'ry  green. 
 
 10  Sweet  was  my  Lord's  moft  charming  tone, 
 
 When  thus  1  heard  him  fay, 
 "  Rife  up,  my  love,  my  faired  one  ; 
 "  Make  hafte,  and  come  away. 
 
 1 1  "  Inviting  fpring  adorns  the  clime  ; 
 
 "  For,  lo  1  the  winter's  pafl ; 
 
 «  Now  is  the  fair  accepted  time, 
 
 "  Quite  o'er's  the  ftormy  bkift. 
 
PartIIL    T^^  Song  (/Solomon.      551 
 
 Ver,  "  The  flow'rs  upon  the  earth  appear  j 
 
 12  *'  Birds  finging  time's  at  hand: 
 
 "  The  turtle's  voice,  to  charm  the  ear, 
 "  Is  heard  within  our  land. 
 
 13  "  Green  figs  upon  their  trees  are  grown  5 
 
 "  Young  grapes  are  fmelling  gay  : 
 "  Arife,  my  love,  my  comely  one  ; 
 "  Make  hade,  and  come  away. 
 
 14  "  O  thou,  my  dove,  that  in  cleft  rocks 
 
 "  And  fecret  flairs  I  fpy, 
 "  Abfconding  there,  through  fear  of  fhocks, 
 
 *'  Or  fliame  to  face  the  iky : 
 *'  Come  let  thy  beauteous  face  appear, 
 
 "  Lift  up  thy  voice  to  me ; 
 "  For  well  thy  voice  delights  mine  ear, 
 
 "  Thy  countenance  mine  eye. 
 55  "  Take  us  the  foxes  with  engines, 
 
 *'  The  little  foxes  here, 
 *'  That  fpoi!  the  vineyard ;  for  our  vines 
 
 "  Mod  tender  grapes  do  bear.*' 
 16  My  well-beloved  Lord  is  mine  j 
 
 And  likewife  i  am  his : 
 Among  the  hly-beds  his  fine 
 
 And  pleafant  feeding  is. 
 57  Until  day  break,  and  ihades  depart: 
 
 Turn,  my  Belov'd,  and  flee 
 Swift  like  the  roe,  or  youthful  hart. 
 
 On  Bether  hills  to  me. 
 
 CHAR         IIL 
 
 Tbe  Fight  ct7id  Vidory  of  the  Church  m  Temptation', 
 and  her  Gloriation  in  CHfiiST. 
 
 \The  Church's  Words ^ 
 
 Y  night    upon    my   bed  I    fought 
 Him  whom  my  foul  doth  love  ; 
 I   fought  him,  but  i.  found  him  not  j 
 Which  did  my  floth  reprove. 
 2  I'll  rife  in  qued  of  my  Belov'd, 
 And  fearch  the  city  round. 
 In  public  ftreets:  fo  there  1  rov'd, 
 Yet,  ah !  he  was  not  found. 
 Vo  L.  X.  Aaaa 
 
552      SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  I. 
 Ver.  The    city-watchmen   met  whh  me, 
 
 3  Their  wonted  round  who  move  ; 
 To   them    I   faid,  O    did    you  fee 
 
 The  objecl  of  my  love? 
 
 4  'Twas  but  a  little    farther  on 
 
 I  pafl  from  them  apart, 
 But  to  my   joy  1  found  anon 
 The  darling  of  my  heart : 
 
 I  held  him,  nor  would  let  him  go, 
 
 Till  1  had  brought  him  home. 
 My  mother's  houfe  and  room  into, 
 
 That  bore  me  in  her  womb. 
 
 5  O  Salem's   race,  I  you  obteft, 
 
 By  rural  hinds  and  roes, 
 Wake  not  my  love,  while  pleasM  to  reft ; 
 Nor  mar  the  fweet  repofe. 
 
 l^T/ie  Companions  IFords.'} 
 
 6  "Who's  this  from  defart  does  fo  fleet. 
 
 Like  fmoky  pillars  rife, 
 Perfum'd  with  myrrh  and  incenfe  fwcct, 
 Adorn'd  to  our  furprize  ? 
 
 [Th  Church's  lVorJs.~\ 
 
 7  Behold  his  bed  that  Solomon's, 
 
 For  peace  and  pomp  renown'd ! 
 Which  threefcore  men  of  IfraTs  fons 
 As  valiant  guards  furround. 
 
 8  1  hey  all  bear  arras  couragioufly. 
 
 Expert  and  train'd  to  fight : 
 Each  with  his  fword  upon  his  thigh, 
 
 Becaufe  of  fear  by  night. 
 Q  The  chariot  which  king  Solomon 
 
 Did  for  himfelf  array. 
 Did  frame  of  wood  from  Lebanon  j 
 
 With  filver  pillars  flay  : 
 
 10  Did  gold  its  bottom,   and  above 
 
 Its  covering  purple  make ; 
 The  midil  thereof  was  pav'd  with  love. 
 For  Salem's  daughters  fake. 
 
 1 1  Go,  virgins,  fee  king  Solomon, 
 
 Deck'd  with  the  crown  fo  gay. 
 His  mother  crown'd  him  with,  upon 
 His  joyful  marriage-day. 
 
PartIII.     Ti6^  Song  o/'Solomon.        553 
 
 CHAP.        IV. 
 
 CnKiST  fetteth  forth  the  Graces  of  the  Church,  and 
 Jheweth  his  love  to  her.  She  prayeth  to  made  ft 
 for  his  Frefence. 
 
 [Christ's  Words.'] 
 
 Ver.  T    O  !  thou  art  fair  to  me,  my  love  ; 
 
 1  I   J     Lo  !  Zion,  thou  art  fair  ; 
 Thy  eyes,  as  of  a  beauteous  dove, 
 
 Shine  thro'  thy  locks  of  hair  : 
 Gay  like  a  pleafant  flock  of  goats. 
 
 On  Gilead's  (lately  height, 
 Is   thine  adorning  hair,  (that  notes 
 
 Thy  known  deportment  bright.) 
 
 2  Thy  teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  flieep. 
 
 Even  fliorn,  from  waOiing  come; 
 Each  active  grace  does  order  keep, 
 And  bring  its  produd  home. 
 
 3  Thy  lips  refemble  fcarlct  thread. 
 
 And  comely   fpeech,  indear: 
 
 Within  thy  locks  thy  temples  red. 
 
 Like  'granates  halv'd  appear. 
 
 4  Thy  neck  is  like  to  David's  tow'r. 
 
 Built  for  a  magazine  ; 
 Whofe  pegs  a  thoufand  bucklers  bore. 
 All  fliields  of  mighty  men. 
 
 5  Thy  breads  refembling  two  young  roes, 
 
 Do  feed  like  friendly  twins, 
 'Mong  lily  fields,  thy  babes  and  thofe 
 That  haunt  thy  public  inns. 
 
 6  Till  day-break  chafe  the  fliades  of  wo, 
 
 I'll  reft  in  Zion  dill; 
 Unto  the  mount  of  myrrh  I'll  go. 
 And  to  the  incenfe  hill. 
 
 7  My  love  thou  art  all  fair  and  clean, 
 
 The  chief  of  beauteous  brides ; 
 No  fpot  in    thee   is    to   be    feen, 
 But  what  my  favour  hides. 
 A  a  a  a  2 
 
S5^     SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Fair  fpoufe  by  marriage-ties  alone 
 
 8  I  urge  my  call  on  thee; 
 
 Come,  come  with  me  from  Lebanon, 
 From  Lebanon  with  me : 
 ,        Look  from  Amana*s  top  that  chills, 
 Shenir  and  Hermon  high, 
 From  lions  dens,  and  leopards  hills. 
 Where  ghaftly  dangers  ly. 
 
 9  My  fifter,  fpoufe,  thou  in   effea, 
 
 With  one  glance  of  thine  eye  ; 
 "With  one  chain  of  thy  (lately  neck. 
 Halt  rap'd  my  heart  from  me. 
 
 10  My  filler  dear,  how  fair's  thy  love  1 
 
 How  better  far  than  wine  ! 
 Thy  fav'ry  ointment  fmell  above 
 All  eaftern  fpices  fine ! 
 
 1 1  Thy  lips  drop  like  the  honey-comb  j 
 
 There  milk  and  honey  flow: 
 Thy  garments  fmell  like  Lebanon, 
 Where  aromatics  grow. 
 
 12  My  love's  a  garden  well  inclos'd, 
 
 Delicious  fruits  to  yield: 
 A  fpring  fhut  up,  and  unexpos'd ; 
 A  fountain  fafely  feal'd. 
 
 13  Thy  plants  of  grace  do  parallel 
 
 An  orchard  rich  with  trees. 
 And  fruits  that  gratify  the  fmell, 
 And  form  a  paradife. 
 
 14  Here  pomegranates  and  camphire  grow ; 
 
 Here  trees  of  incenfe  bloom : 
 'Nard,  cinamon,  myrrh,  aloes  blow 
 With  gales,  a  rich  pertume. 
 
 15  My  love's  a  garden-fountain  known, 
 
 A  living  well  befide, 
 Whofe  glad'ning  dreams  from  Lebanon 
 Through  diflant  valleys  glide. 
 ^T6e  Church's  JVordu'] 
 \6  Awake,  O  north-wind;  come,  thou  fouth ; 
 Upon  my  garden  blow: 
 Soon  will  the  breath.  Lord,  from  thy  mouth 
 Make  all  the  fpices  fl.ow. 
 
Part  in.     The  Song  o/*  Solomon.        ^55- 
 
 Ver  Then,  Lord,  come  fhare  the  pleafant  fpice. 
 Thus  by  thy  Spirit  blown : 
 My  garden    be    thy  paradife; 
 Its  fruits  are  all  thine  own. 
 
 CHAP.         V. 
 
 Christ  awaketh  the  Church  by  his  calling.  Shg 
 having  a  Tajle  of  his  Love,  is  fick  of  Love,  A 
 Defcription  c/ Christ  by  his  Graces. 
 
 [[Christ's  Words.'] 
 
 1  T'M  come,  my  fpoufe  and  fifter  dearj 
 \_     I'm  to  my  garden  come  ; 
 
 I've  gather'd  up  my  fpice  and  myrrh. 
 
 And  eat  my  honey-comb  : 
 My  feaft  of  honey,  milk,  and  wine, 
 
 With  pleafure  fliar'd  have  1 : 
 Come  eat  and  drink,  O  friends  of  mine, 
 
 Yea,  drink  abundantly. 
 
 [The  Church's  IFords.J 
 
 2  I  fleep,  but  yet  my  heart's  awake  j 
 
 A  kindly  knock  I  hear : 
 'Tis  my  Beloved's  voice  thus  fpake, 
 
 "  Open  to  me,  my  dear. 
 "  Open,  my  dove,  my  undefiPd  ; 
 
 "  Love,  give  not  love  the  flight  : 
 "  My  head's  bedew'd,  my  locks  are  fiU'd 
 
 With  drops  of  winter-night." 
 
 3  Bafe  floth  reply'd,  "  I'm  now  undrefs'd  ; 
 
 "  How  fliall  1  drefs  again? 
 "  How  (hall  I  leave  this  bed  of  reft, 
 "  My  new-wafh'd  feet  to  ftain  ?" 
 
 4  My  Lord  then  by  the  fliut-door's  hole 
 
 Put  in  his  hand  of  pow'r  ; 
 Which  with  lov'd -wounds  fo  pierc'd  my  foul. 
 My  bowels  melted  fore. 
 
 5  When  up  to  ope  I  did  me  ftir. 
 
 In  anfvver  to  his  knock  : 
 My  hands  and  fingers  drop'd  fweet  myrrh, 
 On  handles  of  the  lock. 
 
Ss6      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  I  open'd  then  to  my  BelovM, 
 
 6  But  he,  alas !  was  gone  : 
 
 His  late  love-fults  my  mind  fo  mov'd, 
 
 I  fainted  as  undone: 
 I  fought  him  whom  my  foul  ador'd, 
 
 But  him  I  could  not  have  : 
 I  call'd  and  cry'd,  My  Love,  my  Lord  j 
 
 But  he  no  anfwer  gave. 
 
 7  The  cruel  city  watch  me  found, 
 
 And  keepers  of  the  wall; 
 Who  did  me  rudely  fmite  and  wound, 
 And  took  away  my  vail. 
 
 8  O  Salem's  race,  of  better  mind, 
 
 To  wail  my  Lord's  remove, 
 I  charge  you  tell,  if  him  you  find. 
 That  I  am  fick  of  love. 
 
 [Ti^i?  Companions  JVords."] 
 
 9  O  faireft,  What  Belov'd  is  thine? 
 
 In  what,  pray  let  us  know. 
 Doth  he  all  other  loves  out-fhine, 
 That  thou  doft  charge  us  fo  ? 
 
 [The  Church's  Words.'] 
 
 10  O  my  Belov'd,  could  you  him  fee. 
 
 Both  white  and  red  appears  ; 
 Among  ten  thoufand  chieftains  he 
 The  fignal  ftandard  bears. 
 
 1 1  His  head's  of  finefl  gold  t'  attrad, 
 
 So  bright  and  firm  his  fway  ; 
 His  locks  are  curl'd,  and  raven-black, 
 So  frefli  without  decay. 
 
 1 2  His  dove-like  eyes  moft  bright  appear, 
 
 Like  thefe  the  brooks  have  wet ; 
 Or  milky  dreams  have  waflied  clear. 
 Fit  for  infpeclion  fet. 
 
 1 3  His  cheeks  are   like  a  fpicy  bed, 
 
 There  choice  perfumes  do  meet ; 
 His  lily  lips  drop   grace,   and  fliadc 
 The  myrrh  that  fmells  fo  fweet. 
 
Part  III.      7"/^^  Song  o/'  Solomon.       SSI 
 
 Ver.  As  rings  of  gold,  with  beryl  fet, 
 
 14  His  hands,  his  works,  appear; 
 His  bowels  kind,  like  iv'ry  bright, 
 
 O'erlaid  with  fapphires  clear. 
 
 15  His  legs  like  marble-pillars  are. 
 
 On  golden  fockets  fet : 
 His  face  like  Lebanon  moft  fair. 
 Like  cedars  moft  complete. 
 
 16  Moft  fweet  is  that  blefs'd  mouth  of  his. 
 
 Whence  grace  and  truth  doth  flow ; 
 Yea,  he  himfelf  molt  lovely  is. 
 And  altogether  fo. 
 
 O  Salem's   daughters    this    is   he 
 
 Of  whom  ye  fought  my  mind: 
 This   is  the  beft  Belov'd  to  me ; 
 
 This  is  my  deareft  Friend. 
 
 CHAP.        VI. 
 
 The  Church  profejjeth  her  Faith  in  Christ.  He 
 fheweth  the  Graces  of  the  Churchy  and  his  Love 
 towards  her, 
 
 [The  Companions   Words.'] 
 
 1  T  F  thy  Belov'd,  O  faireft  fair, 
 X     Be  fuch  a  matchlefs  one. 
 
 With  thee  we'd  feek  him,  wift  we  where  j 
 O  tell  us  where  he's  gone  ! 
 
 [The  Church's  JVords.'] 
 
 2  My  Lord's  down  to  his  garden  drefs'd, 
 
 The  place  of  his  repair, 
 'Mong  fpicy  beds  to  feed  and  feaft. 
 And  gather  lilies  there. 
 
 3  I'm  my  Belov'd's,  and  he  is  mine : 
 
 Sweet  are  his  facred  courts  ; 
 
 Among  the  lilies  there  that  fliine 
 
 He  feeds,  and  there  reforts. 
 
 [Christ's  Words.'} 
 
 4  My  love,  likeTirzah,  fair  array'd. 
 
 Like  Salem  gay  indeed  ; 
 Thou  like  an  hoft,  with  flags  difplay'd, 
 .    Dolt  ftrike  thy  foes  with  dread. 
 
558      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  L 
 
 Ver,  Thy  catching  eyes  (of  faith  and  love) 
 
 5  That  make  myfelf  their  prize, 
 Have  overcome  me  ;  pray  remove 
 
 And  turn  away  thine  eyes. 
 Gay  like  a  pleafant  flock  of  goats. 
 
 On  Gilcad's  {lately  height, 
 Is  thine  adorning  hair,  (that  notes 
 
 Thy  knovk'n  deportment  bright.) 
 
 6  Thy   teeth  are   like  a   flock   of  fiieep, 
 
 Even  fliorn,  from  wafliing  come  ; 
 Each  grace  with  twins  their  order  keep, 
 And  bring  full  produft  home. 
 
 7  Like  to  a  piece  of  pomegranate, 
 
 Thy  temples  ruddy  clear. 
 Within  thy  locks    affeftionate 
 And  graceful  bluflies  bear. 
 
 8  Queens,  concubines,  and  virgins  are 
 
 Unnumber'd  whom  they  call 
 The  earth's  great  beauties,  charming  fair  j 
 But  thou  exceirfl  them  all. 
 
 9  My  fpotlefs  dove  as  one  I  view. 
 
 She's  all  in  one  to  me  ; 
 Her  mother  churches  darling  too, 
 
 And  choiceft  progeny. 
 The  daughters  faw  her,  and  around 
 
 They  blefs'd  her  comely  face ; 
 Yea,  queens  and  damfels  more  renown'd, 
 
 Extoll'd  her  fliining  grace. 
 
 10  "  Who's  this  (faid  they)  fo  brightly  fprings, 
 
 "  Like  to  the  morning  ray  ; 
 *'  That  cleaves  night's  fliades  with  filver  wings 
 *'  To  hafte  the  golden  day  ! 
 
 *'  With  fun  and  moon  her  beauties  vie  j 
 
 *'  Yea,  terrible  to  fee! 
 "  An  hoft  appears,  and  banners  fly ; 
 
 "  O  what  an  One  is  fhe! 
 
 1 1  Down  to  the  garden  of  fweet  nuts 
 
 I  went,  when  I  withdrew. 
 To  fee  the  budding   valley  fruity 
 If  grapes  and  'granatcs  grew. 
 
ri 
 
 PartIII.    r/>^  Song  o/Solomon.       559 
 
 fer.  And  unawares  thy  foul  at  ebb, 
 
 1 2  Quick  flowing,  fet  me  high 
 On  chariots  of   Aminadab, 
 
 And  wings  of  love  to  fly. 
 
 13  Return,  return,   O  Shularnite; 
 
 Return,  return,  apace ; 
 That  v/e  may  look  with  great  delight 
 
 Upon  thy  beauteous  face  : 
 What  in  the  Shularnite  fo  damp'd 
 
 Have  heav'nly  hods  to  fee  ? 
 As  'twere,  two  hofts  on  earth  encamp'd, 
 
 So  choice  a  fight  is  flie. 
 
 CHAP.         VIL 
 
 A  farther  Defer iplion  of  the  Churches  Graces,      She 
 profeffeth  her  Faith  and  Deftre. 
 [Christ's   Words.'] 
 
 OW  beauteous  arc  thy  feet  with  fhoes, 
 
 O  prince's  daughter  fair! 
 
 Each  (lately  ilep  thou  walked:  ihows 
 
 A  fparkling  heav'nly  air. 
 The  joints  that  fl:rength  and  motions  do. 
 
 To  thy  right  (leps  impart, 
 Like  orient  jewels  burnifh'd  new, 
 
 Speak  holy  curious  art. 
 
 2'  Thy  bowels  warm,  where  kindnefs  glows, 
 Thine  infant  brood  to  feed. 
 Seem  like  a  bowl  that  overflows 
 With  hquor  for  their  need. 
 
 Thy  fertile  womb  and  heap  of  wheat 
 
 Forms  to  thy  lily  brood ; 
 While  younger  babes  have  proper  meat, 
 
 The  elder  folid  food. 
 
 3  Like  two  young  roes  appear  thy  breads. 
 That  are  delightful  twins  ; 
 
 Thine  equal  care  fo  fweetly  feeds 
 Thy  babes  in  facred  inns. 
 
 4  Thy  neck  that  holds  thy  head  mod  high, 
 Like  iv'ry  white  and  fair. 
 
 May  with  arfow'r  that  mounts  the  fl^y, 
 For  ftrength  and  ftate  comoarc. 
 Vol.  X.  Bbbb    ' 
 
5^0     SCRIPTURE  SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Thine  eyes  are  like  the  lucid  pools 
 Of  fiih  at  Heflibon,  near 
 Bathrabbim  gate  ;  (no  learned  fools 
 Had  ever  fight  fo  clear.) 
 
 Thy  nofe  fagacious  ;   (th'  en'my  wots) 
 
 Looks  bold  like  Leb'non's  tow'r, 
 Damafcus-ward  ;  to  fmell  their  plots, 
 
 And  watch  againft  their  pow'r. 
 
 5  Thy  knowing  head,  like  Carmel  high, 
 
 Appears  in  crimfon  red; 
 Its  hairs  and  drefs  a  purple   dye : 
 
 (With  blood  the  Lord  did  flied.) 
 Hence  ev'n  the  King  of  kings  compell'd, 
 
 Within  thine  arms  embrace. 
 Is  faft   a  willing    captive    held. 
 
 In  gall'ries  of  his  grace. 
 
 6  O  love,  how  fair  thou  art's  untold. 
 
 In  thee  what  charming  lights  ! 
 How  fweet  thy  graces  manifold ! 
 How  pleafant  for  delights ! 
 
 7  1  to  the  palm-tree  do  compare 
 
 Thy  ftature  (freight  and  fine  ; 
 Thy  breads  of  love,  fo  full  and  faii*. 
 To  clullers  of  the  vine. 
 
 8  I  faid,  1  will  this  palm-tree  climb. 
 
 And  of  its  boughs  take  hold  ; 
 JNIy  love  I'll  to  my  bride  in  trim 
 
 And  to  her  babes  unfold  : 
 Then  Ihall  thy  loving  breads  o'erilow. 
 
 Like  clullers  full  of  wine  ; 
 The  breath  of  life  thy  nodrils  blow 
 
 Shall  fmell  as  apples  fine. 
 
 9  With  wine  that's  of  the  richefi  kind, 
 
 (llcferv'd  for  whom  I  love,) 
 Thy  palate  drench'd,  Ihall  clear  tlie  mind, 
 
 And  graceful  fpeech  improve  : 
 Juice  from  the  living  vine  that  flows. 
 
 Goes  fv:eetly  down  by  fips  : 
 The  mouth  of  fleepers  doth  unclofe, 
 
 And  fan^liiV  their  lips. 
 
PartIII.     TheSoiiG  ©/"Solomon.        561 
 
 [_The  Church's  JVords."] 
 
 Ver.  My  Well-belovM  1  mufi:  admire, 
 
 10  Moll  worthy  though  he  be, 
 
 He's  mine  ;  and,  lo  !  his  heart's  defire 
 Is  towards  worthlefs  me. 
 
 1 1  Come,  love  ;  lets  to  the  field  of  grace, 
 
 Retire  from  earth's  annoy  : 
 Make  villages  our  lodging  place. 
 That  none  difturb  our  joy. 
 
 12  Let's  to  the  vineyards  early  go, 
 
 To  fee  if  fruits  improves; 
 If  tender  grapes  and  'granates  grow  : 
 There  I'll  give  thee  my  loves. 
 
 13  Sweet  mandrakes  fmell,  and  at  our  door. 
 
 All  pleafant  fruits  there  be. 
 Both  new  and  old,  laid  up  in  (lore, 
 My  dearefl  Lord,  for  thee. 
 
 CHAP.         VIII. 
 
 The  ChurcPs  love  to  Christ,  and  ihe  Vebemcncy 
 thereof.  She  interceedeth  for  the  Gentiles,  and 
 prayeth  for  Christ's  coming. 
 
 IThe  CHVViCH'&  Words. "^ 
 
 1  /^  THAT  thou  as  my  brother  wert, 
 \^     My  mother's  fucking  child  ; 
 
 I'd  kifs  and  hug  thee  in  my  heart ; 
 Nor  be  for  this  revil'd. 
 
 Yea,  in  the  op'neft   patent  place. 
 
 Without  a  blufh  for  fiiame, 
 I  would  with  joyful  arms  embrace, 
 
 The  babe  of  Bethlehem. 
 
 2  I'd  bring  thee  to  my  mother's  houfe, 
 
 Who  would  inftrud:  me  there : 
 The  fpiced  wine,  and  'granates  juice, 
 Should  be  thy  royal  fare. 
 
 3  His  left-hand  for  my  fupport  he, 
 
 Beneath  my  head  fhould  place ; 
 And  for  my  comfort  lend   to  me 
 His  right-hand's  foft  embrace. 
 Bbbb  2 
 
S6z      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  O  Salem's  daughters,  do  not  prove 
 
 4  Diflurbers  of  his  eafe  ; 
 
 I  charge  you  ftir  not  up  my  love. 
 Nor  wake  him  till  he  pleafe. 
 
 [^Tie  Companions  IVordy."] 
 
 5  (Whofe  this  up  from  the  wildernefs 
 
 Of  fin  and  forrow  mov'd, 
 Comes  leaning  thus,  and  laying  ftrefs 
 Upon  her  Well-belov'd  ?) 
 
 [Tie  Church's  Words."] 
 Beneath   the  fhady  apple-tree, 
 
 I  did  thee  raifc  with  care  : 
 Thy  mother  travail'd  there  with  thee ; 
 
 Thy  happy  birth  was  there. 
 
 6  O   do  thou  fet   me   as  a   feal, 
 
 Upon  thine  heart  and  arm : 
 For  love,  is  ftrong  as  death,  I  feel, 
 
 Sufpicion  cruelly  warm  ; 
 Unfatiate  like  the  grave's  defire. 
 
 Is  killing  jealoufy  : 
 The  coals  thereof  are  coals  of  fire. 
 
 That  flame  mofl  ve'mently. 
 
 7  Can  love  be  quench'd  with  many  floods? 
 
 Or  drown'd  with  waters  ?  No : 
 Should  one  for  love  give  all  his  goods, 
 The  price  were  baiely  low. 
 
 8  We  have  a  little  fiflier.  Lord  ; 
 
 No  breaftvS  yet  form'd  hath  Ihe : 
 What  help  to  her  fliall  we  afford, 
 When  Ihe  befpoke  fliall  be  ? 
 
 [Christ's  JVordj .] 
 
 9  If  once  flie  be  a  wall,  through  grace, 
 
 WeMl  take  a  fpecial  care  ; 
 To  build  on  her  a  dwelling-place, 
 A  filver  palace  fair  : 
 
 If  once  her  heart's  an  open  door. 
 
 For  me  to  enter  in, 
 We'll  as  with  cedar  boards  fecure 
 
 And  (Irengthen  her  within. 
 
Part  III.     J)??^  Song  (/ Solomon.        563 
 
 [_Tie  Chvrch's  Wards.'] 
 
 Ver.  So  be't,    for  grace  made   me  a   wall ; 
 
 10  Grace  form'd  my  breafts  tow'r  high: 
 Then   found  I  (as  my  filkr  Ihall,) 
 
 Great  favour  in  his  eye. 
 
 1 1  Here  likewife  our  king  Solomon, 
 
 A  vineyard  did  pofl'efs, 
 To  keepers  care  (O  be  it  lliown) 
 
 He  let  it  out  to  drefs : 
 If  each  for  fruit  his  Lord  affigns 
 
 Proportioned  tribute  brings ; 
 He'd  render  for  a  thoufand  vines, 
 
 A  thoufand  filverlings. 
 
 [Christ's  Words."^ 
 
 1 2  My  vineyard,  Love,  the  objed  is 
 
 Of  my  peculiar  care  ; 
 My  heart  and  eye  is  fix'd  on  this 
 More  clofe  than  any  where. 
 
 [The  Church's  Words.'] 
 
 To  thee,  O  Solomon,  I'll  bring 
 
 The  grateful  rent  I  owe ; 
 The  vineyard's  revenue,  O  King, 
 
 Belongs  to  thee,  I  know  : 
 
 And  while  to  thee  alone  pertains, 
 
 A  thoufand  fold  is  due  ; 
 To  underkeepers  for  their  pains. 
 
 Two  hunder  fhall  accrue. 
 
 [Christ's  Words,'] 
 
 13  O  thou  that  haft  in  gradens  choice. 
 
 Thy  dwelling  here  below. 
 As  thy  companions  here  thy  voice; 
 So  let  me  hear  it  too. 
 
 So  pleafant  unto  them  and  me, 
 
 Is  thy  delicious  ftrain, 
 ril  joy  how  oft  I  hear  from  thee 
 
 Until  we  meet  again. 
 
S6^      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 \^The  Church's  Words, "^ 
 
 Ver.  O  hafte  again,  dear  Lord,  and  be 
 14      A  fpeedy  roe,  or  hart. 
 Upon  the  fpicy  hills,  that  we 
 May  meet,  and  never  part. 
 
(     S6S    ) 
 
 SCRIPTURE   SONGS. 
 
 PART         IV. 
 
 Poems  Seledted  from  the  Prophet  Isaiah,  6'^- 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ^  y4II  Scripture  is  given  by  infpiration,  and  is  profitahle  for  in- 
 Jlrudion;  and  thofe  pajfages  that  are  poetical  are  ivell  calculated 
 for  gaining  the  attention,  enlivening  the  affe^ion,  exciting  devoti- 
 on, and  afijling  the  memory.  Our  Saviour  divides  the  books  of  the 
 Old  Tejlament  into  the  Law,  the  Prophets,  and  the  Plalms, 
 Luke  xxiv.  44.  nxshich  teaches  us  to  difingiiifn  thofc  books  and 
 pajfages  that  are  poetical.  The  prophetical  'writings  abound  nvith 
 a  variety  of  poetical  compofitions.  T^t- Prophets  of  the  Lord 'u.ere 
 the7nfelves  all  holy  men,  vtfled  luith  a  divine  mijjion,  had  a  great 
 intereji  in,  and  intimacy 'with  Heaven,  Prophefy  //  venerable  for 
 its  antiquity,  for  it  came  of  old  time ;  and  to  be  eftesmedfor  its 
 excellence,  being  put  for  all  divine  revelation.  All  the  prophets 
 bare  'witnefs  ofChriJi,  and  tettified  before-hand  of  his  fufFerings, 
 and  the  glory  that  fiiould  follow.  Of  all  the  prophets  none  [poke 
 fo  clearly  and  fully  ofChriJi,  as  the  prophet  Isaiah  ;  for  'which 
 ke  is  juftly  filed,  the  evangelical  prophet;  and  by  Jome  eft  he 
 antienls,  a  fifth  evangelift.  The  'whole  of  his  prophefy  is  iranf- 
 cendently  excellent  and  ufeful,  and  contains  juuch  of  the  grace 
 of  the  gofpel ;  and  it  abounds  'with  inore  poetical  paffages,  facred 
 odes,  and  evangelical  fongs,  than  all  the  other  prophets  befides. 
 And  if  thofe  divine  hymns  and  poetical  paff'ages  are  vie'wed  'with 
 proper  attention,  they  'will  be  found  to  have  in  them  as  lofty  and 
 fuhliyne  ftrokes  of  poetry  ay  are  to  be  met  'with  ;  carrying  in  them 
 a  poetic  force  and  flame,  'without  a  poetic  fury  and  fi6lion  ;  and 
 firangely  conunand  and  move  the  affeiiions,  'without  corrupting  and 
 putting  a  cheat  upon  the  imagination  ;  and  are  'well  adapted  to  gra- 
 tify the  ear,  edify  the  'mind,  captivate  the  heart,  and  yield  both  profit 
 and pleafure.  Of  all  this  the follo'wing fongs  nvill  exhibite  a  fpe- 
 cimen.  S. 
 
 St  O     N     G         L 
 
 Morning  and  Evening  Mercies  io  he  acknowledged. 
 Pfalm  xcii.  2.  Lam.  ili.  23. 
 
 THY  gifts,  O  God,  of  endlefs  love, 
 Each  evening  tide  are  new  ; 
 And  morning  mercies    from  above 
 Diifill  like  early  due. 
 
S66      SCRIPTURE    SONGS.     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Thou  fpiead'fl  the  curtains  of  the  night, 
 To  guard  our  fleeping  hours  : 
 Thy  fov'reign  word  reftores  the  light, 
 To  raife  our  drowfy  powers. 
 
 We  yield  our  pow'rs  to  thy  command, 
 
 To  thee  devote  our  days  ; 
 For  conftant  bleffings  from  thy  hand. 
 
 We  owe  thee  conftant  praife. 
 
 SONG         II. 
 
 The  Day  of  Touth,  and  the  Day  of  Judgments 
 Eccl.  xi.  9. 
 
 REJOICE,  ye  ftriplings,  vain  and  young. 
 That  full  of  frolics  rove  ; 
 Indulge  your  hearts,  and  eyes,  and  tongues. 
 
 In  merriment  you  love. 
 Tafte  the  delights  your  fouls  defire. 
 
 And  pleafures  you  defign  ; 
 And  give  a  loofe  to  all  your  fire. 
 
 In  wantonnefs  and  wine. 
 Enjoy  your   foolifli  fading  blifs. 
 
 And  lawlefs  joys ;  but  know, 
 Befide  the  day  of  mirth,  there  is 
 
 A  day  of  judgment  too. 
 [[The  judge  will  all  your  works  record, 
 
 Till  you  the  doom  fhall  hear ; 
 O  let   the  thunder  of  his   word 
 
 Awake  your  fouls  to  fear! 
 
 Wrath,  to  your  follies    due  by  law. 
 
 Should  ftrike  your  hearts  with  dread  : 
 The  vice  you  hug  v/ill  furely  draw 
 
 The  vengeance  on  your  hq|kd. 
 Think  how  you'll  bear  that  dreadful  day, 
 
 And  ftand  the  fiery  teft  : 
 O  give  your  mortal  joys  away 
 
 For  evcrlafting  reft !] 
 
Part  IV.    From  the  Prophet  Isaiah.      s^7 
 
 SONG        III. 
 
 'The  you7ig  and  old  Sinner  warned  ;  and  Death  dread- 
 ful to  the  unconverted.  Eccl.  xii.  i,  7.  Ifa.  Ixv.  20. 
 
 Ver.  ^^OUR  Maker  and  Redeemer,  God, 
 X       Mind  ere  the  months  come  on, 
 When  you  fhall  fay,  your  youthful  blood 
 And  merry  days  are  gone. 
 
 The  aged,  wicked  fmner  goes 
 
 To  regions  of  the  dead. 
 Laden  with  guilt  and  heavy  woes. 
 
 And  curfes  on  his  head. 
 
 His  dud  defcends ;  his  foul  to  God 
 
 Afcends ;  not  there  to  dwell. 
 But  to  be  doom'd  to  his  abode ; 
 
 Then  down  fhe  fmks  to  hell. 
 ["Lord,  put  thy  fear  into   my  heart ; 
 
 And  when  I  hence  remove. 
 Provide  my  foul  a  better  part, 
 
 A  manfion  in  thy  love.] 
 
 SONG         IV. 
 
 The  Glory,  Peace,  and  Piety  of  the  Gofpel  Church,  in 
 the  latter  Days.     Ifa.  ii.  2, — 6. 
 
 2  T  N  latter  days,  God's  holy  hill, 
 A      His  houfe  fnall  fo  be  rais'd, 
 'Bove  hills  and  mountains  high,  as  will 
 
 Make  m.en,  that  fee,  amaz'd. 
 
 3  All  nations  then  fliall  thither   fiov/ 
 
 In  throngs,  and  fay  aloud. 
 Come  let  us  up  to  Sion  go. 
 
 The  houfe  of  Jacob's  God. 
 We'll  learn  his  eafy  yoke  to  draw. 
 
 His  facred  path  to  trace  ; 
 From  Sion  fliall  go  forth  the  law. 
 
 From  Salem  news  of  grace. 
 
 4  He  fiiall,  as  Judge,  his  throne  erect. 
 
 Among  the  nations  rude. 
 To  make  them  friends  ;   or  judly  check 
 The  rebel  multitude. 
 V  o  L  X.  C  c  c'c 
 
568     SCRIPTURE    SONGS,       BookI. 
 
 Ver.  His  peace  proclaim'd  with  gracious  words. 
 Shall  banifli  feuds  and  fears ; 
 Men  fliall  to  plow-fhares  b<:?at  their  fwords, 
 
 And  pruning-hooks,  their  fpears. 
 No  nation  more  'gainft  nation  fhall 
 Rife  up  in  arms,  nor  fight. 
 5  O  Jacob's  houfe,  come  let  us  all 
 Walk  in  Jehovah's  light. 
 
 S     O     N     G         V. 
 
 The  Song  of  the  Vineyard^  JHft^fy^^Z  God*s  Severity. 
 I  fa.  V.  I, — 7. 
 
 1  A    SONG   to  my  Beloved  One 
 _/x     ^'-^  fing,  and  mention  will 
 His  vineyard,   fituate   upon 
 
 A  very  fruitful  hill. 
 
 2  Round  with  a  wall  he  fenc'd  it  fine, 
 
 Did  noxious  flones  eject; 
 Then  plant  it  with  the  choicefl  vine, 
 'Midft  it  a  tow'r  erect : 
 
 A  wine-prefs  there  he  made;  and  thence 
 
 Expected  grapes  for  ufe: 
 Yet  none  but  wild  grapes  of  offence, 
 
 And  trafli,  did  it  produce. 
 
 3  Now,  O  ye  Salem  natives  all, 
 
 And  tribe  of  Judah  huge; 
 I,  'tvi^ixt  me  and  my  vineyard,  call 
 On  you  yourfelves  to  judge. 
 
 4  What  more  of  outward  pains  could  be 
 
 Than  mine,  to  deck  the  field? 
 Why  then,  inPtead  of  grapes  to  me 
 Wild  cluders  did  it  yield? 
 
 5  The  crime  leaves  no  excufe  a  room. 
 
 And  therefore  now  go  to  ; 
 ril  read  my  barren  vineyard's  doom. 
 
 And  flicw  you  what  I'll  do: 
 I'll  focn  unhedge   it  quite  to  be 
 
 Devour'd  like  to  a  heath: 
 O'crthrow  its  wall,  to  make  it  free 
 
 For  foes  a  treading  path. 
 
Part  IV.     From  the  Prophet  Isaiah.      569 
 
 Ver.  I'll  lay  it  waf^e,  nor  prune,  nor  dig, 
 
 6  Then  briars  and  thorns  Ihall  fpread  : 
 I'll  charge  the  clouds,  with  vapours  big, 
 
 No  Ihow'rs  on  it  to  fhed. 
 
 7  For  now  the  houfe  of  Ifra'l  fair 
 
 Jehovah's  vineyard  is ; 
 The  men  of  Judah  likewife  are 
 
 That  pleafant  plant  of  his. 
 He  look'd  for  judgment  jufl;  but,  lo  ! 
 
 Oppreffion  rude  appear'd ; 
 For  righteoufnefs,  but  crofs  thereto, 
 
 A  cry  of  blood  was  heard. 
 
 SONG         VI. 
 
 A  Song  of  Praife  to  God,  The  Sa-viour  and  Sahati- 
 cn  ofZion^for  his  Mercies.     Ha.  xii.  i, — 6. 
 
 .  I   /^  LORD,  thy  praife  I   will   effay; 
 \^     Tho'  wroth  with  me  thou  waft. 
 Yet  now    thine    anger's   turn'd   away, 
 Thou  me  comforted  haft. 
 
 2  Behold,  God's  my  falvation  ftrong; 
 
 I'll  truft  him  unafraid  : 
 The  Lord  Jehovah  is  my   fong, 
 My  ftrength  and  faving  aid. 
 
 3  Ye  then,  who  fcorch'd  wi'  th' fiery  law, 
 
 Whom  thirft  or  need  compells, 
 With  joy  fliall  living  water  draw 
 From  thefe  falvation-wells. 
 
 4  Aloud   be  hallelujab  faid. 
 
 Call  on  Jehovah's  name  ; 
 His  deeds  among  the  people  fpread. 
 Speak  out  his  lofty  fame. 
 
 5  Sing  to  the  Lord,  him  praife  and  blefs  ; 
 
 For  he,  the  wifeft  One, 
 Things  excellent  hath  done  ;  and  this 
 In  all  the  earth  is  known. 
 
 6  Cry  out   and   fiioiit,   thou  denizon. 
 
 That  dwells  in  Zion  free: 
 For  great  is  Ifra'l's  holy   One, 
 That  dwells  in  midft  of  thee. 
 C  c  c  c   a 
 
570      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 SONG        VII. 
 
 A  Song  ofPraife  to  God  for  bis  merciful  Judgments , 
 faving  Benefits,  and  vidorious  Salvation. 
 
 Ifa.  XXV.  I, — 12. 
 
 S  E  c  T.  I.     God's  7nerciful  Judgments. 
 
 Ver.  ^IpHOU,  O  Jehovah,  art  my  God, 
 I      J_      Thee  as  mine  own  I  claim  ; 
 ril   therefore    celebrate    abroad 
 And  praife  thy  glorious  name  : 
 For  thou  haft  wonders  manifold 
 
 Pertorm'd  in  recent  drefs  ; 
 Shap'd  to  thy  counfels,  which  of  old 
 Are  truth  and  faithfulnefs. 
 1  In  heaps  and  rubbifh  laid  thou  haft 
 Strong  cities  fenc'd  afore  ; 
 And  ftrangcrs  palaces  laid  wafte. 
 To  be  rebuilt  no  more. 
 
 3  Thy  ftouteft  foes  fhall  therefore  yield 
 
 The  glory  thine  to  be  ; 
 And  nations  fierce  refign  the  field. 
 And  fear  to  cope  with  thee. 
 
 4  For  thou  in  ftraits  a  ftrength  to  poor 
 
 And  needy  ones  haft  been  j 
 From  blowing  ftorm  a  refuge  fure, 
 
 From  fcorching  heat  a  fcreen. 
 And  that  in  times  of  greateft  dread. 
 
 When  furious  tempefts  fall, 
 And  blafts  of  tyrants  fierce  exceed 
 
 The  ftorm  that  beats  the  wall. 
 
 5  The  rufiling  noife  of  ftrangers  rude, 
 
 Thou  ftialt  abate  with  eafe, 
 As  in  dry  plots  a  fliady  cloud 
 
 Does  fcorching  heat  furceafe  : 
 On  tyrants  proud  thoul't  be  aveng'd, 
 
 1'hat  are  fo  dreadful  now ; 
 Their  jov'al  trebles  fliall  be  chang'd 
 
 And  doleful  bailes  low\ 
 
Pa  r  t  IV.  From  ^^^ProphetIsaiah.    j-yr 
 
 Sect.  11.     His  faving  Benefits. 
 
 Ver.  Lo  !  in  this  mount  the  Lord  of  hods 
 
 6  A  banquet  fhall  prepare, 
 
 For  all  that  tread  on  Zion's  coafts. 
 And  people  ev'ry  where. 
 
 He'll  with  fat  things  and  wines  fuffice. 
 
 Fat  things  of  marrow  full, 
 Wines  well  refin'd,  from  off  the  lees, 
 
 To  glad  and  chear  the  dulL 
 
 7  And  in  this  mount  he'll  raze  the  vail, 
 
 The  face  o'er-cov'ring  (hade, 
 Of  darknefs  caft  o'er  people  all. 
 And  o'er  all  nations  fpread. 
 
 8  He'll  fwallow  up,  in   viclory. 
 
 Grim  death,  the  king  of  fears ; 
 From  faces  all  the  Lord  mofl  high 
 "Will  wipe  away  the  tears  : 
 
 What  bafe  contempt,  and  vile  reproach. 
 
 Were  on  his  people  laid. 
 From  off  the  earth  he'll  quite  difpatch  ; 
 
 For  fo  the  Lord  hath  laid. 
 
 Sect.  IIL     His  vidorious  Salvation. 
 
 9  That  day  fliall  fongs  be  utter'd  thus, 
 
 "  Behold  this  is  (!)ur  God  ; 
 "  We  llay'd  for  him,  and  now  he'll  us 
 "  With  his  falvation  load  : 
 
 "  This  is  the  Lord  Redeemer  kind, 
 
 *'  For  whom  we  long  did  wait ; 
 "  We  will  be  glad,  with  joyful  mind, 
 
 "  In  his  falvation  great." 
 
 10  For  here  fliall  red  our  conqu'ring  God, 
 
 And  Moab  be  o'erthrown  ; 
 
 1 1  The  gates  of  hell  fliall  down  be  trode, 
 
 12  The  trump  of  triumph  blown. 
 
572     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 SONG        VIII. 
 
 A  SoJig  inciting  to  Faith,  Patience,  Hope,  and  Con- 
 science in  God. — Ifa.  xxvi.  "  In  that  day  {hall 
 this  fong  be  fung  in  the  land  of  Judah,"    &c. 
 
 Sect.  I.     Confidenc e  in  God. 
 
 Ver.  \T7E  have  a   city,  ftrong  and  fair, 
 
 1  \'y       Where  grace  triumphant  reigns  j 
 Inliead   of  walls  and  bulwarks   there 
 
 Salvation  God  ordains. 
 
 2  Set  open  to  the  nation  juft 
 
 1  he  city  gates,  that  they 
 Who  buy  the  truth,  and  keep  the  truft, 
 May  enter  there  and  flay. 
 
 3  Thou  wilt  him  keep   in  perfect  peace 
 
 Whofe  mind  on  thee  is  ftay'd, 
 Eecaufe  he  all  his  truft  doth  place 
 In  thee  alone  for  aid. 
 
 4  Truft  ye  for  ever  in  the  Lord  j 
 
 For  everlafting  pow'r 
 Is  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  ftor'd. 
 The  rock  of  ages  fare. 
 
 Sect.  II.     God's  Judgments. 
 
 5  He  ftiews  his  pow'r  by  bringing  down 
 
 The  proud  that  dwell  on  high  : 
 Makes   tow' ring   cities  overthrown 
 Low  in  the  dufl  to  ly. 
 
 6  Yea,  poor  defpis'd  and  needy  ones, 
 
 That  truft  beneath  his  fhade. 
 Shall  under  foot  the  pomp  of  thrones 
 And  lofty  cities  tread. 
 
 7  The  juft  man's  way  is  plain  and  right ; 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  moit  upright,  weigh'ft 
 His  path,  to   level   with    delight 
 The  plain  which  thou  furvey'ft. 
 
 8  Yea,  in  thy  way,  where  judgments  iiame. 
 
 We  waited,  Lord,  thy  will : 
 
 Our  foul's  dcfne  is  to  tliy  name. 
 
 And  thy  remembrance  ft  ill. 
 
Part  IV.  From  the? rovuet  Is aiau.    573 
 
 Ver.  To  thee.  Lord,  in  the  fliade  of  night, 
 
 My  foul's  defire  was  drawn ; 
 Yea,  with  my  fpirit*s  inward  might 
 
 I'll  feek  thee  in  the  dawn  : 
 For  when  thy  judgments  juft  appear 
 
 On  earth  fevere  and  flern, 
 The  world's  indwellers  wife  will  fear, 
 
 And  righteoufnefs  will  learn. 
 
 10  But  to  the  wicked  mercy  be. 
 
 As  well  as  judgment  fhown  ; 
 Yet  righteoufnefs  nor  learn  will  he,     . 
 
 Nor  dafli  his  idols  down  : 
 Ev'n  in  the  land  where  truth's  declared. 
 
 And  juflice  hath  abode, 
 He'll  be  unjufl: ;  nor  will  regard 
 
 The  majefty  of  God. 
 
 1 1  Lord,  when  thy  lifted  hand's  in  fight, 
 
 Yet  fee  they  won't  at  all ; 
 They  fhut  their  eyes  from  cleareft  light: 
 
 But  fee  at  length  they  fliall : 
 And  blulh,  that  they,  from  blind  envy, 
 
 Did  treat  thy  folk  with  fpite  : 
 The  fiery  wrath,   thy  foes    defy, 
 
 Shall  foon  devour  them  quite. 
 
 Sect.  IIL     God's  Favour  to  bis  People. 
 
 12  Thou,  Lord,  wilt  peace  for  us  ordain  : 
 
 For,  far  above  our  thought. 
 Thou  all  our  works  of  grace  and  gain. 
 Haft  in  and  for  us  wrought. 
 
 13  Strange  lords,  inftead  of  thee,  O  Lord, 
 
 Have  o'er  us  domineer'd  : 
 But  we'll  through  grace  thy  name  record 
 As  only  to  be  fear'd. 
 
 14  Dead  and  deceas'd,  thefe  tyrants  fliall 
 
 Nor  live  nor  rife  to  bite ; 
 Thy  vifit,  killing  them,  made  all 
 Their  mem'ry  perifh  quite. 
 
574      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     Book  L 
 
 Ver.  Thy  nation  once  thou  didll  increafe ; 
 
 15  Then  Lord  they  multiply'd  : 
 
 >  (In  this,  was  fhown  thy  faithfulnefs) 
 And  thou  art  glorify'd. 
 
 Yet  juftly  now  we   captives  are 
 
 For  fm,  which  thee  offends  ; 
 Thou  halt  remov'd  the  nation  far. 
 
 To  earth's  remotefl  ends. 
 
 16  In  trouble,  Lord,  thy  folk  diflrefs'd 
 
 To  vifit  thfe  took  care  ; 
 And  when  thy  chaft'ning  hand  them  prefs'd 
 
 Pour'd  out  a  fervent  pray'r. 
 [[The  floods,  in  which  vain  hopes  were  drown'd, 
 
 Set  praying  fhips  a-float  : 
 Nor  were  they  melted  till  they  found 
 
 The  furnace  burning  hot. J 
 
 17  As  women,    pregnant  and  in  pain. 
 
 When  time  of  birth  draws  nigh, 
 Cry  out  in  pangs  ;  fuch,  Lord,  have  been 
 Our  cafe  before  thine  eye. 
 
 18  We  laboring  did  of  child-birth  find 
 
 The  pain,  but  not  the  joy; 
 We  brought  forth,  as  it  were,  but  wind ; 
 '  No  profit,  but  annoy  : 
 For  by  us  no  deliv'rance  rofe, 
 
 Within  the  land  at  all ; 
 Nor  was  the  world  of  foreign  foes 
 Before  us  made  to  fall. 
 
 19  But,  lo  1  thy  dead  fliall  live  and  fpring. 
 
 With  my  dead  body  well 
 They  fhall  arife  :   awake,  and  fmg, 
 
 Ye  in  the  duft  that  dwell. 
 Spring-dews  the  bury*d  herbs  renev/  ; 
 
 Thine  jufl:  refcmbles  thofe  ; 
 Earth  fliall  caft  out  the  dead,  and  thou 
 
 Call  down  gigantic  foes. 
 Sfxt.  IV.     An  Exhortation  to  rely  on  God. 
 ■20  Come,  children,  to  your  Father's  arms. 
 
 While  flormy  tempcfls  chafe  ; 
 Take  flielter  here  from  threat'ning  harms, 
 
 In  chambers  of  my  grace.  1 
 
Part  IV.     i^ro/;z /^^  Prophet  Isaiah.      S7S 
 
 Ver.  Your  clofet  doors,  by  faith  and  pray'r. 
 
 Be  fliut  about  you  faft  ; 
 Hide  for  a  little  moment  there, 
 
 Till  wrath  be  overpaft. 
 21   For,  lo!  the  Lord,  the  Judge  of  fahits, 
 
 Comes  from  his  place  betimes. 
 To  punifli  th'  earth's  inhabitants 
 
 For  all  their  bloody  crimes. 
 The  earth  fliall  all  her  crying  bloods. 
 
 And  fecret  hns  difclofe ; 
 Nor  cover  more  her  flain  with  clods. 
 
 But  all  to  light  expofe, 
 
 SONG        IX. 
 
 A  Song  0/" God's  Care  over  his  V'mey^ird, 
 Ifa.  xxvii.  2, — 6. 
 
 2  ^  IN  G  ye  to  God,  the  vineyard  fair, 
 ^     Of  choiceft  rudy  wine. 
 
 Which  I  the  Lord  do  keep  with  care. 
 And  cultivate  as  mine. 
 
 3  I'll  every  moment  water  it. 
 
 To  make  it  frefli  and  gay  ; 
 And  none  to  hurt  it  will  permit, 
 But  keep  it  night  and  day. 
 
 4  Nor  fury    is  in  me  'gainft  it  ; 
 
 Who  then,  with  lifted  horns, 
 'Gainft  me  in  battle-rank  would  fet 
 
 An  hoft  of  briars  and  thorns  ? 
 Soon  would  I,  like  a  flaming  fire. 
 
 Go  thro'  and  burn  them  quite ; 
 [But  vengeance  is   not  my   defire, 
 
 For  mercy's  my  delight]. 
 
 5  Let  then  the  fmner's  holding  be 
 
 My  arm  of  pow'r  for  all, 
 That  thus  he  may  make  peace  with  mc.^ 
 And  make  the  peace  he  Ihall. 
 
 6  For  God  will  caufe  the  progeny  ^ 
 
 Of  Jacob  to  take  root ; 
 And  blooming  Ifra'l  Ihall  fupply 
 The  barren  world  v/ith  fruit. 
 Vol.  X.  Dddd 
 
St6    scripture    songs,      BookI. 
 
 SONG         X. 
 
 The  Song  of  Hezekiah  -when  his  Life  was  length- 
 ened, after  a  Mcjfage  of  Death. 
 
 Ifa.  xxviii.  lo, — 30. 
 
 Ver.T  T  E  A  V*N*s  fentence  to  cut  off  my  days, 
 
 10  JLJl     Thus  made  me  vent  my  fears; 
 To  death's   black  gates  I'll  go,  alas ! 
 
 'Reft  of  my  running  years. 
 
 1 1  No  more  I'll  fee  the  Lord,  faid  I, 
 
 Here  in  this  lower  court ; 
 No  mortal   more  on  earth  efpy, 
 In  friendihip  there  refort. 
 
 12  Soon  like  a  fliepherd's  tent  aloof 
 
 Gone  is  this  age  of  mine  ; 
 Quite  like  a  weaver's  thrumb  cut  oil' 
 
 ^My  life  1  muft  refign. 
 He'll  me  with  pining  ficknefs  wafle. 
 
 Ere  nature's  courfe  be  done  : 
 From  day  to  night  purfu'd  with  hade  ; 
 
 Lord,  thou  wilt  end  me  foon. 
 
 13  Till  morn  I  thought  that  lion-like, 
 
 He  all  my  bones  would  break  : 
 Ere  night  that  going  on  to  llrike 
 An  end  of  me  he'd  make. 
 
 14  As  crane  or  fwallow  chattVlng  rove, 
 
 In  fright,  fo  did  I  moan  ; 
 And  as  a  tim'rous  lonely  dove, 
 
 So  did  I  mourn  and  groan. 
 With  looking  up  mine  eyes  diflrcfs'd 
 
 Did  fail,  nor  help  could  fee  : 
 Then  faid  I,  Lord,  I  am  opprcfs'd  ; 
 
 O  undertake  for  me ! 
 
 1 5  What  fliall  I  fay  ?  for  kindly  now 
 
 The  Lord  to  me  hath  fpoke  ; 
 And  done  as  he  had  promis'd  too, 
 JJ'Death's  fentence  to  revoke. 
 I'll  therefore  foftly  walk  the  whole 
 
 Of  my  remaining  years, 
 In  bitter  mournfuluefs  of  foul, 
 
 For  all  my  fmful  fears. 
 
Part  IV,     From  the  Provuet  Is m  ah.      s17 
 
 Ver.  Lord,  by  thefe  quick'ning  words  of  thine 
 
 1 6  Men's  fouls  and  bodies  live: 
 
 In  thefe  doth  (land  this  life  of  mine, 
 So  didft  thou  me  revive. 
 
 17  Peace  fled  ;  and,  lo!  great  bitternefs 
 
 I  had  in  place  of  it ; 
 But  thou,  my  foul,  didft  love  and  blefs 
 
 From  black  corruption's  pit : 
 Yea,  thou  haft  prov'd  that  I  am  lov'd 
 
 From  death's  abyfs  and  vv^reck ; 
 For  all  my  fms  thou  haft  remov'd. 
 
 And  cafl  behind  thy  back. 
 
 18  Mute  graves  can  ne'er  thy  praife  emit ; 
 
 Death  cannot  fmg  thy  fame  ; 
 No    pris'ner    in   the   filent    pit 
 
 Can  magnify  thy  name  : 
 No  bury'd  duft  can  fpeak  thy  praife. 
 
 Nor  ileeping  aflies  fliov^^ 
 Thy  truth,  to  ground  their  hope,  and  raife  ' 
 
 Thy  honour  here  below. 
 
 1 9  The  living  he,  the  living  fliall 
 
 Thy  praifes  found  remain, 
 As  I  this  day ;  fo  do  Ihall  all 
 Who  do  riot  live  in  vain. 
 
 Fathers  fhall  to  their  fons  make  known 
 
 Thy  faithfulnefs  of  grace. 
 And  fo  convey  thy  wonders  down 
 
 Through  ev'ry  rifmg  race. 
 
 20  To  fave  m.y  life  the  Lord  was  bent : 
 
 We'll  therefore  fmg  his  praife  ; 
 And  in  his  houfe  my  fongs  accent 
 That  fliall  outlive  our  days. 
 
 S    O    N    G  ^     XL 
 
 Flejh  fadings  the  Word  of  the  Lord  abiding. 
 Ifa.  xl.  6,  7,  8.   1  Pet.  i.  24,  25. 
 RY,  faid  the  voice,  All  flefli  is  grafs. 
 That  fprings,  and  fades  as  foon  ; 
 Like  morning  flow'rs,  in  faireft  drefs, 
 That  wither  quite  at  noon. 
 Dddd  2 
 
 c 
 
578      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Vcr.  But  God's  unfading  word  of  grace 
 For  evermore  endures ; 
 Which  all,  whofe  arms  of  faith  embrace, 
 In  endlefs  blifs  fecures. 
 
 SONG         XIL 
 
 Unbelieving  Fears  checked,  and  Strength  from  Hea- 
 njen  pronvfed.     Ifa.  xl.  27, — 31. 
 
 27  V^  H  Y,  jealous  Jacob,  fpeak'fl  thou  fo, 
 "       My  way  is  hid  from  God  ? 
 IJnpled  my   caufe,  undafli'd   my  foe, 
 Still  down  my  ftrength  is  trode  ? 
 ■28  Hafl:  thou  forgot   the   mighty   name. 
 That  earth  and  heav'n  did  make  ? 
 And  cancan  all-creating  arm 
 Grow  weary,  faint,  or  weak  ? 
 
 Omnipotence  alone  is  his, 
 
 Eternal  are  his  days  ; 
 His  underftanding  fearchlefs  is, 
 
 And  who  can  trace  his  ways  ? 
 
 29  He  glveth  pow'r  unto  the  "faint, 
 
 Makes  weaklings'  ftrength  to  grow. 
 
 30  While  youthful   vigour  foon   is   fpent. 
 
 And  boafting  might  laid  low. 
 
 31  But  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
 
 And  in  his  pow'r  confide, 
 Shall  have  their  ftrength  a-new  reftor'd. 
 And  daily  wants  fupply'd. 
 
 They  ftiall  mount  up  on  eagle's  wings, 
 
 With  fear  unwearied  move. 
 Till-  lofmg  fight  of  earthly  things, 
 
 They  reft  with  God  above. 
 
 SONG         XIII. 
 
 Christ's  mediatory  Service  graced  zvith  Meckncfs  and 
 Conjlancy.     Ifa.  xlii.  i, — 4.  Mat.  xii.  18, —  22» 
 
 K  H  OL  D,  my  fervaiU  wonderful, 
 Wjiom  I  uphold  and  ftay ; 
 Mine    elect,   v.'hom  my  very   foul 
 Dclightcth  in  for  ay. 
 
Part  IV.  From  the?  Ro?  het  Is  aj  a-h.     579 
 
 Ver.  On  him  I'll  put  my  Sp'rit,  with  all 
 His  virtues  meafurelefs  ; 
 And  he,  with  light  and  judgment,  fliall 
 The  Gentile  nations  blefs. 
 
 2  From  him  no  cry  with  clam'rous  voice, 
 
 Nor  violence  forth  fliall  break ; 
 He  fliall  no  loud  contentious  noife, 
 
 Nor  oftentation  make. 
 Peaceful  and  mild  he  fliall  proceed 
 
 In  his  illuftrious  ads ; 
 
 3  He  fliall  not  break  the  bruifed  reeds, 
 
 Nor  quench  the  fmoking  flax. 
 He  flnall  with  aid  and  comfort  both. 
 
 His  weaklings  fortify  ; 
 And. judgment  unto  light  and  truth 
 
 Bring  forth  viftorioufly. 
 
 4  He  doubtlefs  fliall  purfue  his  aim, 
 
 Until  with  judgment  jull, 
 He  blefs  the  earth ;  and  in  his  name 
 The  difliant  ifles  fliall  truft. 
 
 SONG         XI\^. 
 
 Christ's  Commi/fton  opened,  which  he  received  from 
 the  Father  ;  and  the  joyful  finging  with  which  the 
 glad  Tidifigs  thereof  Jhould  be  received. 
 Ifa  xlii.  5, — 12. 
 
 5  r  I  ^  H  U  S  fays  the  Lord  of  heav'n  and  earth, 
 
 \^       That  ii reached  out  the  flvies, 
 And  all  his   tribes  of  earthly  birth, 
 With  hfe  and  breath  fupplies. 
 
 6  In  right,  to  thee  my  call  I  grant. 
 
 And  thee  fupport  will  I ; 
 .    I'll  give  thee  for  a  covenant 
 To  people  far  and  nigh  ; 
 
 7  T'  illuminate,  with  faving  light, 
 
 The  eyes  of  Gentiles  blind; 
 To  rend  the  clouds  that  them  benight, 
 And  prifoners  unbind. 
 
 8  I,  who   thee  authorize,    declare, 
 
 That  I  Jehovah  am  : 
 My  praifc  no  idol  god  fliall  fliare  ; 
 Thou  only  bear'fl  mv  name. 
 
sSo     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 9  Lo!  all    my    promifes   of  old 
 Men  now  accomplifliM  fee  ; 
 And  future  things  a  new-foretold 
 Shall  be  fulfiU'd  in  thee. 
 
 10  Let  all  the  earth,   then,  to  the  Lord, 
 
 Sing,  glad,  an  anthem  new  ; 
 The  Gentile  race  with  one  accord, 
 In  confort  with  the  Jew : 
 
 1 1  Th'  inhabitants  of  rocks  and  ifles, 
 
 Of  wilds  and  cities  fair. 
 Of  Kcdar  huts  and  naked  hills, 
 And  fingers  ev'ry  where : 
 
 1 2  Let  them  Jehovah's  glory  raife, 
 
 In  elevated  ftiles ; 
 And  celebrate  his  higheft  praife 
 In  earth's  remoteft  illes. 
 
 SONG         XV. 
 
 CHRisT*sy^^'zc;/;2^  his  Name  ;  and  his  Victory  over 
 his  and  our  Enemies.     Ifa.  Ixiii  i, — 5. 
 
 I   \  IT  7  H  O's  this  from  Edom  comes  in  ftate  ! 
 *^ »       From  Bozra,  who  is  this ! 
 With  ruddy  garments  to  relate, 
 
 That  viftory  is  his  ? 
 This  that  is  glorioufly  array'd, 
 
 And  trav'ling  on  his  rode, 
 r  th'  greatnefs  of  his  ftrength  difplay'd, 
 
 And  grandeur  of  a  God  ? 
 'Tis  I  that  fpeak  in  righteoufnefs, 
 
 I  the  victorious  King, 
 Who  come  your  en'mies  to  fupprefs. 
 
 And  your  falvation  bring. 
 1  Why,  mighty  Loid,  may  we  propofe. 
 
 Why  is  thy  raiment  red  ? 
 And  all  thy  garments  ftain'd  like  thofe 
 
 That  in  the  wine-prefs  tread? 
 3  I've  trode  the  bloody  prefs  alone, 
 
 O'  th'folk  none  was  with  me  ; 
 My  wrath  has  ftamp'd  the  rebels  down, 
 
 My  fury  made  them  flee. 
 
PartIV.  From  theVROPnETlsAiAiu    581 
 
 Ver.  Their  blood  hath  all  my  garments  ftain'd, 
 
 And  dy'd  my  raiment  fo  : 
 The  happy  vift'ry  now  is  gain'd, 
 
 O'er  hellifh  pow'rs  below. 
 I'll  thus  deftroy  the  adverfe  throngs, 
 
 That  dare  infult  my  faints ; 
 I  have  an  arm  t'  avenge  their  wrongs, 
 
 An  ear  to  hear  their  plaints. 
 4  The  day  of  vengeance  on  the  foe 
 
 Is  in  my  very  heart ; 
 The  year  of  my  redeem'd  from  woe 
 
 Is  come,  to  eafe  their  fmart. 
 
 SONG         XVI. 
 
 Sahaiion,  Righteoitfnefs,  and  Strength,  in  Christ 
 alone.         Ifa.  xlv.  21, —  25. 
 
 Sect.  I.     Salvation  in  Chriji  alone,     Ver.  21,  it, 
 
 TH'  E  T  E  R  N  A  L  Son  of  God  proclaims, 
 His  God-head  from  above; 
 Mercy  and  juftice  are    my  names. 
 The  fair  enam'ling  love. 
 
 21  Lift  up  your  eyes,  ye  mankind  loft, 
 
 And  look  to  me  alone  j 
 I'm  God  the  Saviour,   God  the  juft  ; 
 Befidc  me  there  is  none. 
 
 22  Look  from  the  earth's  remoteft  ends, 
 
 By  faith,  and  be  ye  fav'd  : 
 My  grace,  that  call'd  the  Jews,  extends 
 
 To  Gentile  lands  enflav'd. 
 Where  e'er  you^are,  by  land  or  fea, 
 
 At  home,  or  far  abroad, 
 Look  not  to  idols  vain,  but  me 
 
 The  omniprefent  God. 
 In  me  you'll   find  falvation  fure 
 
 From  fin,  and  death,  and  hell ; 
 And  life,   more   happy  and  fecure, 
 
 Than  'twas  before  you  fell. 
 
582      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 Sect.     II. 
 
 Rightcoufnefs  and  Strength  in  Christ  alone. 
 
 Ver.  23,  24,  25. 
 
 Ver.  By  my  great  name  I  made  a  vow, 
 
 23  Nor,  vow' J,  my  word  Ihall  veer; 
 To  me  alone  each   knee  fhall  bow, 
 
 Each  tongue  allegiance  fwear. 
 
 24  Each  foul  that  knows  the  joyful  found. 
 
 With  thankful  tongues  fliall  own  ; 
 My  righteoufnefs  and  flrength  is  found 
 
 In  thee,  O  Lord,  alone. 
 By  faith  and  pray'r  fnall  Gentiles  come 
 
 To  him  with  free  confent : 
 Refufers   too,  to   get  their   doom. 
 
 Shall  come,  but  by  conftraint. 
 For  all  defpifers  of  his  name. 
 
 And  every  wicked  foe, 
 Shall  fufier  penitential  Ihame, 
 
 Or  everlalling  woe. 
 
 25  But  happy  thrice  all  Ifra'l's  feed. 
 
 Both  rid  of  guilt  and  fliame. 
 Shall  in  the  Lord  be  juftify'd. 
 And  glory  in  his  name. 
 
 SONG         XVIL 
 
 Christ's  Sufferings  and  Glory ;  Or,  Unbelief  ia- 
 mented,  and  the  Benefit  and  the  Succefs  of  the  Suf- 
 ferings o/" Christ  declared.     Ifa.  lii.  i, — 12. 
 
 1  "\ll  T'  H  O  hath  bcliev'd  our  good  report  ? 
 
 VV       How  few  the  truth  have  feal'd  ! 
 To  whom  is   Chrill,  the  flrongeft  fort, 
 The  arm  of  God  reveal'd  ! 
 
 2  For,  like  a  tender  plant  fprung  up 
 
 He  feem'd,  as  he  drew  nigh  : 
 And,  like  a  defpicable    root 
 
 From  ground,  exceeding  dry. 
 No  worldly  fplcndor  did  be  ihew. 
 
 Nor  outward  gallantry  ; 
 No  beauteous  form,  nor  comely  hew, 
 
 To  charm  the  carnal  eye. 
 
Part  IV.     From  the  Prophet  Isaiah,      s^l 
 
 Ver.  Rejefted  and  defpis'd  of  men,     - 
 
 3  A  man  of  griefs  and  woes  ; 
 
 His  life  with  forrow  and  difdain         ,     , 
 Did  both  begin  and  clofe. 
 
 4  Yet,  fure,  our  forrows  were  his  load, 
 
 Our  griefs  in  him  combin'd; 
 Though  we  elteem'd  him  plagu'd  of  God, 
 When  anguifh  tore  his  mind. 
 
 5  But  he  was  wounded  for  our  fms. 
 
 And  bruifed  for  our  guilt ; 
 For  which  from  all  his  facred  veins,' 
 
 Atoning  blood  was  fpilt. 
 Upon  him  was  the  chaflifement, 
 
 That  peace  to  us  procur'd  ; 
 And  we  are  heal'd  by  Heav'n's  confent. 
 
 By  ftripes  that  he  endur'd. 
 
 6  (Each  to  his  own  by-path,)  all  we,  » 
 
 Like  fheep  have  gone  altray  ; 
 ■*"     But   God  on  him  th'  iniquity, 
 Ev'n  of  us  all,  did  lay. 
 
 7  Wrong'd  and  opprefs'd,  yet  meek  and  mute. 
 
 While  patience  overcame, 
 He  was,  when  to  the  fiau-^hter  broueht. 
 Dumb  like  a  harmlefs  lamb. 
 
 8  Who  can  his  generation  fhow  ? 
 
 Yet  he  from  prifon  led, 
 And  judgment  under  fliew  of  law. 
 
 Was  held  among  the  dead  ; 
 Yea,  juftly  held,  by  law  divine. 
 
 And  julfly  too  fet  free  : 
 Who  can  his  endlefs  life  define, 
 
 Or  count  his  progeny  ? 
 His  feed,  for  whom  he  was  cut  oiF 
 
 From  thefe  on  earth  that  liv'd. 
 He  for  their  fin,  and  their  behoof. 
 
 The  mortal  ftroke  receiv'd. 
 
 9  His  grave  He  with  the  wicked  made. 
 
 And  with  the  rich  when  dead  ; 
 No  wrong  did  from  his  hand,  nor  fraud 
 E'er  from  his  mouth  proceed. 
 •      Vol.  X.  Ecee 
 
584    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,       BookI. 
 
 Ver.  Yet,  lo!  it  pleas'd  the  Lord  to  bruife, 
 
 10  And  down  the  Surety  tread! 
 But  when,  for  fin  and  juftice' dues, 
 
 •  His  foul's  the  vidlim  made, 
 Then  faid  he,    He  fliall  fee  his  feed. 
 
 Prolong  his  days  for  ay  ; 
 My  pleafure  in  his  hand  fucceed. 
 And  profper  every  way. 
 
 1 1  He   of  the  travail  of  his  foul 
 
 The  fweet  efFefts  fhall  fee  ; 
 And,  joyful  in  his  purchafe  whole, 
 He  fatisfy'd  ihall  be. 
 
 My  righteous  Servant,  then,  withal, 
 
 Shall  juftify  and  fave 
 His  thoufands,  when  of  him  they  fhall 
 
 Fiducial  knowledge  have. 
 
 l2,>He  wnth  the  great  (hall  fhare  the  fpoil. 
 
 Defeat  his  mighty  foes ; 
 Though  rank'd  with  fmners,  here  he  fell, 
 
 A  conqueror  he  rofe. 
 His  Father's  crown  of  viflory 
 
 •  Mofl  fairly  won  he  hath  ; 
 For    at   his   call   he   willingly 
 
 Pour'd  out  his  foul  to  death. 
 He  dying  bore  the  guilt  of  men. 
 
 That  fm  might  be  forgiven  : 
 He  pleading  dy'd,  and  lives  again 
 
 To  plead  for  them  in  hcav'n. 
 
 SONG         XVIII. 
 The  Enlargement^  Glory,  and  Safety  of  the  Church. 
 Sect.  I. 
 
 The  Gofpel'Church  enlarged,  her  barren  womb  opened  ; 
 Or,  the  Ge?itiles  brought  in,  and  married  to  Chri/i, 
 I  fa.  liv.   I, — 5. 
 
 I  ^^  BARREN  Zion,  fmg  aloud,' 
 KJ     For  fruitful  fhalt  thou^be. 
 With  Gentiles  as  thy  num'rous  brood. 
 And  happy  progeny. 
 
Part  IV.    From  the  Prophet  Isaiah.      s^S 
 
 Yer.  Moe  children  fliall  be  generate. 
 So  faith  the  Lord  of  life, 
 By  her  that  was  fo   defolate. 
 Than  by  the  marry'd  wife. 
 
 2  Enlarge   abroad  thy  dwelling  tent. 
 
 Stretch  forth  thy  curtains  wide, 
 
 3  That,    for   thy    oiF-fpring   opulent, 
 
 Full  room  thou  may' ft  provide. 
 
 4  Fear  not,  for  thy  recover'd  fame 
 
 Allows  no  mourning  mood  ;  * 
 
 No  longer  (halt  thou  bear  the  fliame   t 
 Of  barren  widowhood. 
 
 5  For  happily  betroth'd  art  thou 
 
 To  one  of  wondrous  fame ; 
 Thy   Maker  is  thy  hujhand  now. 
 
 The  Lord  of  liofts  his  name. 
 Thy  great  Redeemer,  match'd  with  thee, 
 
 Is  Zion's  holy  One  : 
 The  God  of  all  the  earth  is  he, 
 
 And  not  of  Jews  alone. 
 
 Sect.  IL  «, 
 
 Qo'd's  grievous  Defertion,  and  gracious  Return  i  Or, 
 hisDepartureJhort,  his  Covenant  of  Peace  everlaji- 
 ing.  Ifa.  liv.  6, —  lo. 
 
 6  tT7  HEN,  like  a  wife  of  youth  refus'd, 
 VV     Thou  didft  deferted  mourn, 
 
 The  Lord  thy  God,  in  love,  thee  chus'd. 
 And  caird  thee  to  return. 
 
 7  Though  for  a  moment,  very  fmall, 
 
 1  thee  forfook  of  late ; 
 I'll  gather  thee  from  fm  and  thrall,  ^ 
 
 With  mercies  very  great. 
 
 8  1,    in  a   little  wrath,  my    face 
 
 A  moment  hid  from  thee  ; 
 But,  lo !  my  mercy's  kind  embrace 
 Shall  everlafting  be. 
 
 9  That  Noah's  waters  no  more  fliould 
 
 O'erwhelm  the  earth,  1  {'wore  ; 
 So    have   I   fworn  I  never  would 
 Be  angry  with  thee  more. 
 Eeee  2 
 
586      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  The  folid  mountains  (hall  depart, 
 lo       The  hills  fhall  be  remov'd; 
 But  not  the  kindnefs  of  my  heart 
 From  thee  my  choice  bclov'd : 
 Nor  fliall   my  covenant  of  grace 
 
 And  peace  removed  be, 
 Says  God,  who  fees  thee  meritlefs, 
 But  mercy  has  on  thee. 
 
 Sect.     III. 
 The  Honour  and  Security  of  the  Church  :  Or,  Zim 
 comforted  both  againft  Difgrace  and  Danger. 
 Ifa.  liv.   II, — 17. 
 
 ■  1 1   O  thou  afflifted,   tofs'd  with  winds. 
 
 And  tempelts  very  great, 
 Who  in  dilkefs  no  comfort  finds. 
 
 But  mourn'it  thy  grievous  ftate ! 
 Behold !    thy   ruins    I'll    repair 
 
 With  finer  pearls  for  nought. 
 Than  rubies  rich,  or  fapphires  fair, 
 
 With  gold  of  Ophir  bought. 
 12, I'll  beautify   thy  wafted  wall. 
 
 Make  thy  foundations  fliine; 
 Thy  borders,  gates,  and  windows  all 
 
 With  pleafant  itones  inline. 
 
 []Thefe  precious  jewels,  for  thy  drefs, 
 
 That  fhall  to  thee  be  giv'n, 
 Are  knowledge,  peace,  and  righteoufnefs, 
 
 The  glilt'ring  gems  of  Heav'n.3 
 
 13  Thy  feed  fliall  all  be  taught  of  God, 
 
 And  great  fliall  be  their  peace  ; 
 
 14  And  firm  thy  ftanding,  not  in  fraud. 
 
 But  truth  and  righteoufnefs. 
 
 OpprefTors  fliall  be   far  remov'd, 
 
 'Fhou  therefore  flialt  not  fear  ; 
 And  ills,  that  once  thy  terror  prov'd. 
 
 To  thee  Ihall  not  come  near. 
 
 15  Thy  foes,  without  my  order,  fliall 
 
 Arainft  thee  counfel  take  ; 
 But,  when  combin'd,  before  thee  fall 
 A  booty,  for  thy  fake. 
 
Part  IV.  From  /^^ProphetIsaiah.     587 
 
 Ver.  [In  vain  attempts,  as  well  as  rafh. 
 They  Ihall  but  rage  and  rore ; 
 Like  rifing  angry  waves  that  dafh 
 And  die  upon  the  fliore.]] 
 
 16  The  fmith  that  forms  the  fwords  of  war, 
 
 The  wafter  too,  is  mine  ; 
 See,  then,  where  the  deftroyers  are 
 That  ferve  not  my  defign. 
 
 17  No  weapon  form'd  againft  thy  peace 
 
 Shall  profper  in  that  aim. 
 But  back  upon   the  aimer's  face 
 
 Turn  to  his  hurt  and  fliame. 
 Reproachful  tongues  that  'gainfl  thee  rife, 
 
 With  fliew  of  right  and  law, 
 Thou  (halt  condemn,  and  for  their  lies 
 
 Juil  vengeance  on  them  draw. 
 
 God's  faints,  of  all  his  promis'd  blifs. 
 
 The  happy  heirs  fhall  be; 
 And  (faith  the  Lord)  their  righteoufnefs 
 
 Is  all  and  whole  of  me. 
 
 SONG        XIX. 
 
 'The  free  Gofpel-Call,  prejfed  with  the  Promife  of f olid 
 and  fur  e  Mercy.         Ifa.  Iv.  i,  2,  3. 
 
 O!  ev'ry  thirfly  foul,  and  all 
 That  poor  and  needy  are ; 
 Here's  water  of  falvation's  well 
 
 For  you  to  come  and  fliare. 
 Here's  freedom  both  from  fm  and  wo, 
 
 And  bleffings  all  divine  : 
 Here  ilreams  of  love  and  mercy  flov/, 
 
 Like  floods  of  milk  and  wine. 
 Approach  the  fountain-head  of  blifs. 
 
 That's  open  like  the  fea. 
 To  buyers  that  are  money-lefs. 
 
 To  poorell  beggars  free. 
 
 Why  fpend  you  all  your  wealth  and  pains. 
 
 For  that  which  is  not  bread, 
 And   for   unfatisfying    gains, 
 
 On  which  no  foul  can  feed  ! 
 
 H 
 
588     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  While  vain  ye  feek,  with  earthly  toys, 
 To  fill  an  empty  mind, 
 You   lofe  immortal  folid  joys. 
 And  feed  upon  the  wind. 
 3  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  to  me ; 
 Hear,  and  your  foul  fliall  live  : 
 For  mercies  iure,  as  well  as  free, 
 I  bind  myfelf  to  give. 
 
 SONG         XX. 
 
 Faith  and  Repentance  urged  upon  Sinners,  from  Mo- 
 tives of  Grace  and  Mercy ;  or,  God*s  drawing  them 
 to  himfelf  zvith  Cords  of  Love.     Ifa.  Iv.  6, — 9. 
 
 6  C^  EEK  God  while  yet  he  may  be  found, 
 ^3     Call  on  him  while  he's  near ; 
 While  grace's  trump,  the  joyful  found 
 
 Of  mercy,  ftrikes  your  ear. 
 
 7  O  let  the  wicked  change  his  way ! 
 
 And  the  unrighteous  man 
 His  thoughts,  and  legal  hopes,  that  flray 
 
 Crofs  to  the  gofpel-plan. 
 And  let  him  now  return  to  God, 
 
 The  Lord  our  righteoufnefs ; 
 Who,  through  the  merit  of  his  blood, 
 
 In  mercy  will  him  blefs. 
 To  our  God  let  him  turn  betimes. 
 
 For  gracious  will  he  be  ; 
 And  for  his  multitude  of  crimes 
 
 Will  pardons  multiply. 
 
 Let,  faith  the  Lord,  my  boundlefs  grace 
 
 Move  guilty  fouls  to  come. 
 And  truft  me  with  their  defp'rate  cafe 
 
 When  hoplefs  thoughts  do  roam. 
 
 8  Bccaufe  my  thoughts  and  ways  divine 
 
 Arc  not  as  yours  ;   for  why  ? 
 All  yours  are  bafe  and  low,  but  mine 
 hnmenfely  great  and  high: 
 
 9  For  as  the  heav'ns,  in  height  and  fpace, 
 
 Tranfcend  your  earthly  boors; 
 Much  more  my  thoughts  and  ways  of  grace 
 Surmount  all  thoughts  of  yours. 
 
Part  IV.   Frcm  the? t^o?  bet  Jsaiau,   s^9 
 
 Ver.  [Great  God,  then  bid  the  mountains  move  j 
 Our  fms  that  reach  the  Iky, 
 Be  melted  down  with  flames  of  love. 
 More  infinitely  high.] 
 
 SONG        XXI. 
 
 Tbe  defperate  State  of  the  Church  bewailed, 
 Jer.  viii.  i8, — 22. 
 
 1 8  IT  7  H  E  N  fain  I  would  comfort  myfelf, 
 
 W      Againft  prevaihng  grief, 
 My  heart  within  me  waxed  faint. 
 Nor  could  I  find  relief. 
 
 1 9  Behold  my  peoples  rueful  cry, 
 
 Hath  reach'd  my  wounded  ear, 
 For  exiles  now  in  mifcry, 
 
 Who  yokes  of  bondage  bear. 
 Doth  not  the  Lord  in  Zion  dwell. 
 
 And  there  for  ever  reign  ? 
 Why  have  they  thus  provok'd  his  ire, 
 
 With  idols  ftrange  and  vain  ? 
 
 20  The  harveft  time  is  over-paft. 
 
 The  fummer*s  at  an  end  ; 
 Yet  fav*d  we  are  not,  nor  from  Heav*n 
 
 Does  help  to  us  defcend. 
 '  2 1  The  daughter  of  my  peoples  hurt 
 
 Doth  wound  and  blacken  me ; 
 Aflonifhment  hath  feiz'd  my   foul 
 
 To  an  extreme  degree. 
 22  Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead? 
 
 Is  no  phyfician  there  ? 
 Why  then  hath  Zion's  hurt  no  cure. 
 
 Nor  yet  her  health  repair  ? 
 
(     590    ) 
 
 SCRIPTURE   SONGS. 
 
 PART  V. 
 
 AShort  Par  A  PHRASE  on  the  Lame  n- 
 TATioNs  of  Jeremiah. 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The  Title  of  this  book,  'which  has  none  in  the  original,  is  taken 
 from  the  fuhjeCl  matter  ofiuhich  it  treats  ;  and  therefore  intitled., 
 Lamentations.      As  there  are  facred  odes,  or  fongs  of  joy  ;  fo 
 there  are  facred  elegies,  or  fongs  of  latnentation. — The  Penman 
 of  the  Spirit  of  God  in  this  book,  ivas  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  nvh'j 
 is  here  Jeremiah  the  poet ;  and,  indeed,  Vates  fignifies  both.  It  is 
 thought  fitly  adjoined  to  his  book  as  an  appendix:. — The  Occasion  of 
 thefe  Lamentations  nuas  the  dejlurflion  of  the  city  and  temple  of 
 Jerufaletn,  and  of  the  land  of  J  tide  a,  by  the  Chaldean  ar7ny  ;  and 
 the    dijfolution  of  the    Jsvjijh  fate,  both   civil  and  ecclefiaftical^ 
 thereby. — The  Use  of  thefe  Lamentations  is  fill  to  affeCl  the  Lord's 
 people  -with  godly  forro^vo  for  fin,  as  the  procuring  caufe  of  all  fiich 
 miferies  and  calamities,  that  may  befal  the  church  of  Cod  in  this 
 li-ortd. 
 The  original  Composure  of  this  book  is  not  only  poetical,  but  al- 
 phabetical;  each  verfc  beginning  nuith   a  fever al  letter,   in  the 
 order  of  the  Hebreiu  alphabet ;  the  frjl  hi.v.vH,  the  fecond  ^i.i'A 
 ^c.      This  order  is  foll'j'vjed  in  all  the  firjl  four  chapters. 
 The  firf,  fecond,  and  fourth  chapters  confifi  of  tnxienty-t'wo   verfes, 
 isjhich  comprehend  the  'whole  alphabet.     The  third  chapter  conftfts 
 ofjixty  verfes,  'whereof  each  three  verfes  do  begin  'with   one  letter 
 throughout,  and  all  in  the  fcrcfaid alphabetical  order,  except  that 
 ill  chapters  fecond,  third,  and  fourth,  the  letter  Pe  is  put  before 
 AiN,  'which,  in  all  the  Hebre^u^  alphabets,  follo'ws  it.     As  to  the 
 reafon 'whereof,   £)r.  Leigh  ton  offers  this   conjeClurc,  that  the 
 letter  AiN,  'which  is  the  nuvieral  letter  for  70,  ii'as  thus,  by  being 
 mifplaced,  iuade  remarkable,  to  put  them  in   mind  of  the  feventy 
 years  ;  at  the  end  of  "which  God  ivould  turn  again  their  captivity  t 
 under  'which  they  'were  in  Babylon. 
 The  fifth  chapter  is    not  alphabetical  as  the   reft;  yet  ( it  fecms,  in 
 confortnity  to  the  reft  )  it  confifs  alfo  of  I'wenty-t'wo  'jerfes  accord- 
 ing to  the  number  cf  the  letters  in  the  f aid  Hebre'w  alphabet. 
 It  may  be  faid  therefore  of  this  book  of  the  La?nentations,  fwhat  fome 
 fay  of  the  hundred  and  nineteenth  pfalm,  that  ''  it  feenis  to  have 
 ynore  of  poetical  Jkill  and  number  in  it,  than  'we,  at  this  dtftance, 
 can  cajily  underfiand  f  info   ?n:ich,  that  fome  have  called  that 
 pfalm   the  Saint's   Alphabet,  it   being   divided  into  tiuinty-f-vo 
 
C    59^   3 
 
 parts,  according  to  the  nu)nher  of  the  Hthrenu  letters,  txr.d  each 
 part  conftfls  cf  eight  verfts.  JU  the  verfes  of  the  firjl  part  begin 
 luith  Aleph;  all  the  ver/es  o/the  jeco'id  nvith  Beth;  andfo  on, 
 nvithout  any  fiawQ,  throughout  thenuhole pfalm  :  Heaven  thus  cojidcf- 
 cending  to  teach  hy  letters ;  and,  as  it  tvere,  with  an  A,  B,  C. 
 *'  If  any  cenfure  it  as  childijh  and  trifling,  fays  Mr.  HenrYj, 
 hecaufe  acrojlics  are  quite  out  offafljion,  let  thern  knoiv,  that  the 
 royal  pfahnijl  defpifes  their  cenfure  :  he  is  a  teacher  of  babes  i  and 
 if  this  method  be  beneficial  to  them  he  can  eafily  ftoop  to  it :  if  this 
 he  to  be  vile,  he  'will  be  yet  more  vile" 
 
 Noiv,  as  the  tranflators  of  that  hundred  and  nineteenth  Pfahn,, 
 both  in  the  profe  and  in  the  metre,  have  fet  donvn  the  names  of  the 
 Hebreiu  Ltters  on  the  head  of  every  part  or  feilion  thereof;  fo  in 
 imitation  of  that  method,  I  thought  fit  to  fet  donjjn  the  name  of 
 every  Hebrenv  letter,  before  each  vcrfe  that  begins  therehuith,  that 
 thus  the  beauty  and  order  of  the  original  7>,ight  appear ;  and  to 
 fheiv  ho^vj  much  the  Spirit  of  Cod,  ivho  is  a  God  cf  order,  confult- 
 ed  the  help  and  benefit  of 'weak  rnemories,  by  ?nodclling  the  coj/ipo- 
 fure  of  this  book,  'with  thefe  memorial  letters  :  intimating,  per- 
 haps, to  us,  that  method  and  order,  even  in  facred  difcourfes, 
 ought  not  al'ways  to  be  hid,  or  couched  in  the  bofofn  of  Icno  ha- 
 rangues :  and  that  the  methodical  'way  of  treating  them,  equally 
 evident  and  confpicuous,  as  thefe  initial  letters,  has  a  divine  pre- 
 cedent, in  many  fcripture  inflances. 
 
 That  the  paraphrafe  on  this  book  of  the  Lamentations  might  keep  the 
 order  that  is  in  the  original,  I  have,  in  all  the  four  alphabetical 
 chapters,  endeavoured  fofue  confor?nity  thereto,  by  comprehending 
 every  verfe  under  each  Hchreiv  letter,  'within  the  co?/jpafs  cffwo 
 JIanzas  :  fome  of  the  verfa  being  long,  required  them  both  ;  and 
 this  occajijns,  that  in  fome  other  places^  'where  ihe  vsrfes  are  fhort- 
 ery  the  verfion,  or  paraphrafe,  is  the  longer. 
 
 That  all  may  be  bUfiedofCod.for  the  edification  of  his  church  and 
 people,  is  the  earnefi  deftre  of  their  fervant,  and  yours  in  Chrifl, 
 
 Dunfermline,  ">  RALPHERSKINE. 
 
 1750.      5 
 
 CHAP.     I. 
 
 JERUSALEivi's  tniferable  State,  by  Reafon  of  Sin,  bit^ 
 ierly  beivailed :  She  complainetb  of  her  Calamities 
 and  Grief,  both  /^^  God  and  to  friends  ;  folicites 
 Commife ration,  and  confeffeth  God's  Judgments  to 
 be  righteous. 
 
 K     Aleph. 
 
 f     A  ^^  '  ^^^^'  ^°  populous  of  late 
 
 jTx     The  city  fits  alone  ! 
 
 How  widow-like  is  fhe,   that  great 
 Among  the  nations  flione  ! 
 Vol..  X.  Ffff 
 
592      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Ainidft  the  provinces  around, 
 She  like  a  princefs  fat ; 
 But  now  is  under  tribute  bound 
 Unto  a  foreign  ftate. 
 
 3     Beth. 
 
 2  By  night  ftie  weeps,  and  briny  tears 
 Bedew  her  comely  cheeks; 
 'Mong  all  her  lovers  none  appears, 
 Nor  to  her  comfort  fpeaks. 
 
 Her  friends,  by  whom  (he  was  carefs'd, 
 
 Have  ferv'd  her  treacheroufly  ; 
 Their  friendlhip,  formerly  profefs'd. 
 
 Is  turn'd  to  enmity. 
 
 J       GiMEL. 
 
 3  Judah  into    captivity, 
 
 By  adverfaries  rude, 
 Is  gone,   becaufe  of  cruelty 
 
 And  grievous  fervitude. 
 'Mong  heathens  now  flie  dwells  in  thrall. 
 
 No  reft  her  grief  abates : 
 Her    bloody    perfecutors    all 
 
 O'ertake  her  in  the  ftraits. 
 T     Daleth. 
 
 4  The  ways  of  Zion  wail  her  fates, 
 
 None  keep  her  folemn  feafls  : 
 And  all  her  once  frequented  gates, 
 
 Black  defolation  wafles. 
 Her  priefls,  in  fable,  figh  to  fee 
 
 Their  folemn  feflals  gone  ; 
 Her  virgins  are  opprefs'd,  and  (lie 
 
 In  bitternefs  doth  moan. 
 
 n     He. 
 5  Her  foes  the  chief  above  her  are, 
 Her  adverfaries  thrive ;, 
 For  God  hath  mcafur'd  grief  to  her 
 
 Who  did  his  Spirit'grieve  ; 
 Becaufe  her  fms  were  numerous  grown. 
 
 And  heinous  in  his  eye,  *' 
 
 Her  num'rous  feed  arc  cap    te  gone 
 Before  the  enemv. 
 
Part  V.    The  Lamentations  of]  e  r  e  m  i  a  h  .     5-9 
 1     Vau. 
 Ver.  Her  fplendid  beauty  bright  that  fhone, 
 
 6  To  her  renown  before. 
 
 Is  all  from  Zion's  daughter  gone, 
 
 And  to  be  feen  no  more. 
 Her  peers,  like  hunted  harts  on  flight. 
 
 For  want  of  pafture  frail. 
 Before  the  hot  purfuer's  might 
 
 Do  pow'rlefs  faint  and  fail. 
 ?     Zain. 
 
 7  Jerus'lem  in  her  days  now  lin'd 
 
 With  forrows  manifold, 
 Call'd  all  her  pleafant  things  to  mind, 
 
 Which  file  poflefs'd  of  old. 
 Her  people  fell  before  her  foes, 
 
 Who  now  upon  her  gaze 
 When  helplefs  to  deride  her  woes. 
 
 And  mock  her  Sabbath-days. 
 
 n     Cheth. 
 
 8  Salem  hath  greatly  fmnM,  and  hence 
 
 She's  now  remov'd  afar ; 
 All  who  did  onc^  her  reverence 
 
 Now  her  defpifers  are  : 
 Becaufe  her  nakednefs  of'Iife 
 
 Is  now  expos'd  to  them  ; 
 With  deep  regret  flie  fighs  for  grief. 
 
 And  backward  turns  for  fliame. 
 D     Teth. 
 
 9  Filth  in  her  fkirts  and  lewdnefs  tend 
 
 To  ruin  her  renown  ; 
 She,  thoughtlefs  of  her  latter  end. 
 
 Came  wonderfully  down. 
 No  comforter  in  her  behalf 
 
 Appeared  for  her  relief: 
 Tiic  foe  hath  magnify'd  himfelf ; 
 
 O  Lord,  behold  my  grief. 
 
 Ffff2 
 
594      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 ^       JOD. 
 
 Ver.  Profanely  hath   the  wicked  foe, 
 
 10  Spread  out  his  hands  unclean, 
 On  all  her  pleafant  things:  for,  lo! 
 
 Her  weeping  eyes  have  feen. 
 
 How  that  the  heathen  vile  invade 
 
 Her  fanftuary  fair, 
 Thy  facred  court,  of  which  thou'fl  faid 
 
 They  fliall  not  enter  there. 
 
 J     Caph. 
 
 1 1  Her  people  figh,  and  bread  implore  ; 
 
 Her  pleafant  things  are  fold, 
 Their  fainting  fpirits  to  reftore, 
 
 Their  bodies  lo  uphold. 
 Cgnfider  thou,  O  Lord,  my  ftate. 
 
 See  my  extremity ; 
 For    defpicable,    defolate, 
 
 i\nd  vile,  become  am  I. 
 
 ^     Lamed. 
 
 12  Ah!  is  it  nought  to  you  that  pafi 
 
 The  way  ?  13ehold  and  fee. 
 If   ever    any    forrow   v/as 
 
 Like  this  befallen  me. 
 But  'tis  Jehovah  to  difplay 
 
 His  Jiiilice  in  my  lot. 
 Who  me  afllifted  in  the  day 
 
 Of  his  difpleafure  hot. 
 
 Q    Mem. 
 
 i3  Into  my  bones  he  hath  fent  down 
 From  heaven  a  burning  fire, 
 .  Which  o'er  their  ftrength  prevailing  foon 
 Confum'd  them  in  his  ire. 
 
 He  for  my  feet  hath  fpread  a  net, 
 
 And  backward  turn'd  my  way  ; 
 *Tis   he  hath    made  me  defolate, 
 
 And  faintifh  ail  the  day. 
 2     Nun. 
 
 14  The  yoke  of  my   collefted  fins. 
 He  with  his  hand  did  tie  ; 
 Them  fad  he  wreaths,  and  up  lie  twines, 
 And  o:\  my  neck  they  lie. 
 
Part  V.    The  Lamentations  o/Jeremi  a  h.    593^ 
 
 Ver.  My  ftrength  he  dafh'd  with  overthrows, 
 My  valour  proftrate  Hes  : 
 He  put  me  in  the  hand  of  thofe 
 From  whom  I  cannot  rife. 
 D     Samech. 
 
 1 5  Amidft  me,  he  my  champions  all 
 
 Down  under  foot  did  puili ; 
 Then  'gainft  me  an  affembiy  call, 
 
 My  choifeft  youths  to  crufh. 
 I'  th' wine-prefs  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
 
 Where  not  the  fair  efcapes, 
 The  Lord  hath  Judah*s  daughter  trodc, 
 
 As  people  trade  the  grapes. 
 
 ^      AiN. 
 
 16  On  thefe  accounts  I  weep  and  bray; 
 
 Mine  eye,  mine  eye  runs  down 
 With  briny  floods,  becaufe  away 
 The  Comforter  is  gone  ; 
 
 Who  fhould  my  grief  of  foul  abate. 
 
 He's  far  from  me  remote  : 
 My   children   too   are   defolate. 
 
 Since  foes  the  pow'r  have  got. 
 
 D    Pe. 
 
 ly  Though  Zion  wailing  fpread  her  hands, 
 None's  to  comfort  her  found  : 
 Concerning  Jacob   God  commands 
 His  foes  fliould  him  furround. 
 
 'Mong  whom  fair  Salem,  now  in  tears, 
 
 When  none  do  fuccour  bring, 
 A  feparated    drab  appears. 
 
 And  like  a  loathfome  thing. 
 
 K       TZADE. 
 
 18  But  jufl  and  righteous  is  the  Lord  ; 
 For  by  my  wickednefs, 
 I  have   rebellM  againft   his   word. 
 
 And  wrought  my  own  diftrefs. 
 All   people,  hear  with   pity  then. 
 
 And  fee  my  grief,  I  pray ; 
 My  virgins,  and  my  choice  young  men. 
 Are  captives  led  away. 
 
S^S     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 p      KOPH. 
 
 Ycr.  I  call'd  for  friends,  and  near  allies, 
 
 19  That  courted  once  my  love. 
 Who  now,  regardlefs  of  my  cries. 
 
 To  me  deceitful  prove. 
 My  priefls  and  elders  who  for  me 
 
 With  Heav'n  will  intercede. 
 In  city  fainting  fought  fupply, 
 
 But  dy'd  for  want  of  bread. 
 1     Resh. 
 
 20  Sec,  Lord,  for  I'm  opprefs'd  and  crofs'd 
 
 Unto  the  laft  degree  ; 
 My  bowels  troubled  are  and  tofs'd. 
 
 My  heart  is  turn'd  in  me. 
 For  grievoufly  rebell'd  I  have, 
 
 Provoking  thee  to  wrath  : 
 Abroad  the  bloody  fword  doth  reave. 
 
 At  home  a  direful  death. 
 ^    Shin. 
 
 21  My  foes  all  heard  of  my  diftrefs. 
 
 My  fighs  and  troubles  fad  ; 
 They  heard  I  am  left  comfortlefs, 
 
 And  at  my  woes  were  glad  : 
 Thy  doing  is  their  mirth  ;  but,  lo  1 
 
 ThouFt  make  the  day  to  fhine, 
 Proclaim'd  by  thee,  in  which  their  wo 
 
 And  grief  Ihall  equal  mine, 
 n    Tau. 
 
 22  Let  all  the  wickednefs  they  frame. 
 
 Before  thy  prefence  be ; 
 And  likewife  do  thou  unto  them. 
 
 As  thou  haft  done  to  me. 
 For  all  my  fms,  which  do  ray  moans 
 
 And  miferies  augment : 
 Great  is  the  number  of  my  groans! 
 
 My  heart  within  me  faint. 
 
PartV.    The  Lamentations  of  ]zkem  I  ah,    597 
 
 CHAP.        II. 
 
 ]eke.ui\h  lamenteth  the  Mifery  o/'Jerusalem  ;  tak- 
 ing notice  of  the  Anger  of  the  Lord  as  the  Caufe  of 
 her  Calamities,  and  the  forrow  that  took  place  a^ 
 the  effed.  of  thefe.  He  maketh  his  Complaint  unlQ 
 God,  referring  the  Matter  to  his  ?noJi  compajfiQ- 
 nate  Confideration. 
 
 i<     Aleph. 
 Ver.  TT  O  W  doth  the  Lord  a  cloud  of  wrath 
 
 1  JL  1.     O'er  Zion's  daughter  fpread, 
 And  down  from  heav'n  to  earth  beneath. 
 
 Fair  IfraTs  pomp  degrade  ! 
 Regardlefs   of  his  temple  gay, 
 
 How  has  he  quite  forgot 
 His  facred  footftool,  in  his  day 
 
 Of  indignation  hot. 
 
 D     Beth. 
 
 2  The  Lord  hath  Jacob's  dwellings  all 
 
 Devour'd  and  pity'd  none  ; 
 He  Judah's  bulwarks,  great  and  fmall, 
 Down  in  his  wrath  hath  thrown  : 
 
 He  level  with  the  ground  them  laid, 
 
 Their  princes  too  were  preys  ; 
 Them  and  the  kingdom  both  he  made 
 
 Polluted  cafl-aw^ays. 
 
 J       GiMEL. 
 
 3  All  Ifra'l's  horn,  in  wrath,  he  cut 
 
 Quite  off  till  pow'r  was  loll ; 
 And  back  his  right-hand  vigour  put, 
 
 Before  the  adverfe  hod. 
 On  ev'ry  fide  he   fet  his  ire 
 
 A-burning  to  the  ground, 
 'Gainft  Jacob  like  a  flaming  fire. 
 
 Devouring  all  around. 
 
 1     Daleth. 
 
 4  Like  to  an  adverfary   grand, 
 
 He  bent  his  mighty  bow ; 
 Stood  wrathful-like,  with  his  right-hand 
 Stretch'd  for  the  fatal  blow  \ 
 
598     SCRIPTURE    SONGS,       BookL 
 
 Ver.  He  all  our  pleafant  ones  devour'd 
 And  Hew  our  eyes  dcfire  : 
 In  Zion's  daughter's  tents  he  polir'd 
 His  fury  out  like  fire, 
 n     He. 
 
 5  AH  Ifra'l's  palaces  and  flays, 
 
 And  ftrengths,  to  ruin  go; 
 Her  forts  demolifli'd  are,  becaufe 
 Jehovah  was  a  foe ; 
 
 Backfliding  Judah  too  her  fhare 
 
 Of  heavinefs  pofTefs'd  ; 
 For   woful  lamentations   there 
 
 And  mourning  he  increas'd. 
 
 1     Vau. 
 
 6  He  like  a  garden  tent  hath  puU'd 
 
 His  tabernacle  down ; 
 His  oft  affembling  courts  annuU'd, 
 
 His  fynagogues  o'erthrown. 
 God  caus'd  in  Zion  folemn  feafts 
 
 And  Sabbaths  be  forgot ; 
 And  hath  defpis'd  both  king  and  priefts 
 
 In's  fury  burning  hot. 
 
 I     Zain. 
 
 7  The  Lord  his  altar  did  difown, 
 
 His  fanftuary  abhor  ; 
 Shut  up,  and  fet  her  foes  upon 
 Her  palace-walls  to  roar  : 
 
 Within  the  houfe  of  God  have  they 
 
 Profanely  made  a  noife, 
 As  when  his  folk  did  on  the  day 
 
 Of  folemn  feafts  rejoice. 
 n     Cheth. 
 
 8  God  Zion's  walls  and  ramparts  all, 
 
 Ha4  purpos'd  to  deftroy  ; 
 Stretch'd  out  a  line,  nor  did  recall 
 
 His  hand  from  this  employ. 
 He  therefore  going  on  hath  made 
 
 Her  bulwarks  to  lament ; 
 Together  dalh'd  they  languilhed. 
 
 Their  fortitude  wiis  fprr.t. 
 
Part  V.  The  Lamentations  of  Jeremiah.   S99 
 
 13     Teth. 
 Ver.  Sunk  into  rubbifli  are  her  gates, 
 9       Her  bars  intlrely  broke; 
 
 Yea,  now  her  king  and  potentates. 
 
 Groan  in  the  Gentiles  yoke: 
 The  law's  no  more,  v/hich  once  her  mind 
 
 With  facred  leffons  ftor'd  ; 
 Her  feers  mourn,  her  prophets  find 
 No  vifion  from  the  Lord. 
 
 '       JOD. 
 
 SO  Now,  Zion's   elders  on  the  ground 
 Sit  down,  and  filence  keep  ; 
 They  caft  up  dud  their  heads  around. 
 And  girt  with  fackcloth  weep  : 
 
 Proud  dames  who  did,  in  pompous  weeds, 
 
 Vain  admiration  claim ; 
 Ev*n  Salem's  virgins  hang  their  heads 
 
 Down  to  the  ground  for  fliame. 
 :D     Caph. 
 
 f  I   With  tears  confumM  are  both  mine  eyes, 
 Pain'd  are  my  bowels  all ; 
 Pour'd  on  the  earth  my  liver  lies. 
 
 For  Zion's  daug^hters  thrali: 
 Becaufe  in  dearth  provifion  fpent. 
 
 The  citizens  decay ; 
 Babes  in  the  llreets  for  hunger  faint. 
 And  fucldings  fwoon  away. 
 y     Lamed. 
 
 12  The  young  ones  to  their  mothers  cry, 
 
 "   O  where's  our  former  fliare 
 *'  Of  corn  and  wine,  and  fuch  fupply 
 
 "  As  was  our  wonted  fair  !" 
 Scarce  had  they  fpoke,  till  in  th'  arreft, 
 
 As  thofe  in  wounds  of  death ; 
 They  on  their  moaning  mother's  bread:, 
 
 Pour'd  out  their  dying  breath. 
 
 Vol.  X.  Ggg^ 
 
'oo      SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 J2     Mem. 
 er.  To  match  thy  cafe,  O  Salem  fair! 
 
 13  What  equal   fhall  1  bring? 
 *T\vere  eafe,  could  I  thy  woes  compare 
 
 To  any  other  thing. 
 
 O  Zion !  great's  thy  breach  that  grows 
 
 Like  vail  fea-billow  rounds : 
 Incomparable  are  tliy  woes. 
 
 Incurable  thy  wounds. 
 J     Nun. 
 
 14  Thy  prophets  falfe  have  feen  for  thee 
 
 Moft  foolifli  things  and  vain, 
 Thy  fin  they  fliew'd  not  faithfully 
 
 To  turn  away  thy  bane  ; 
 But  have  for  thee  falfe  burdens  feen, 
 
 Falfe  caufes  of  thy  wo. 
 And  fmoothing  vice  thy  guilt  to  fl.reen, 
 
 Have  wrought  they  overthrow. 
 
 D     Samech. 
 
 15  All  pafiengers  clap  hands  at  thee, 
 
 'Gainfl  Salem  they  invey  ; 
 They  (liake  their  heads  contempt'oufly. 
 
 And  mock,  and  hifs,  and  lay, 
 "  Is  this  the    city  fo   renown'd 
 
 "  We  fee  in  rubbilh  hurl'd, 
 "  The  beauty  with  perfection  crown'd, 
 
 "  The  joy  of  all  the  world  ?'* 
 
 D     ^/- 
 
 16  Thy  ci-uelfoes  with  wide  mouth  bray, 
 
 'Gain ft  thee  their  fpite  avow  ; 
 They  gnalh  the  teeth,  and  hiliing  fay, 
 
 "  We  have  devour'd  her  now ; 
 "  This  furely  is  the  day  that  we 
 
 ".Expeclcd  for  her  fall ; 
 "  We've  iound  it  now,  and  gladly  fee 
 "   Our  triumph  in  her  thrall" 
 3;      A  IN. 
 
 17  The  Lord  hath  done  what  he  ordain' J, 
 
 As  he  of  old  declar'd  j 
 FuUili'd,  the  word  cf  his  command, 
 C  "}  <',:v'-.'  ?.nd  hath  not  fixir'd  : 
 
Part  V.    The  Lamentations  of]  eremiah.     ^ol 
 
 Ver.  O'er  thee  he  made  the  foe  hi  fcorn, 
 To  joy  and  be  jocofe  ; 
 He  hath  exalted  high  the  horn 
 Of  thy  infulting  foes. 
 
 "i       TZADE. 
 
 1 8  Their  heart  cry'd  to  tire  Lord,  and  faid, 
 
 O  Zion  wall  o'crthrown  ! 
 Let  tears  both  day  and  night  be  flied, 
 
 And  like  a  flood  run  down : 
 Allow  thyfelf  no  reft,  and  let 
 
 The  apple  of  thine  eye 
 No  paufe  or  internliflion  get. 
 
 But  weep  incelTantly, 
 
 p     KoPH. 
 
 19  Arife,  and  each  night  watch  prevent, 
 
 Cry  out  thy  woful  cafe ; 
 Thine  heart  in  floods  of  water  vent 
 
 Before  Jehovah's  face : 
 For  thy  poor  young  ones  life  intreat, 
 
 With  hands  uplifted  high, 
 That  on  the  top  of  every  flreet 
 
 For  hunger  fainting  die. 
 
 -)       PvESH. 
 
 20  This  thou  halt  done  ;  mind.  Lord,  to  whom : 
 
 O  fee  !  fliall  women  eat 
 The  fpan-long  fruit  of  their  own  womb. 
 
 For  very  want  of  meat  ? 
 And  fliall,  alas !  the  reverend  train 
 
 And  confecrated  race, 
 The  prieft  and  prophet  both  be  flain, 
 
 Within  thy  holy  place? 
 '^     Shin. 
 1 1   Both  young  and  old  along  the  ground 
 
 Lie  in  the  fl:reets,  O  Lord  ; 
 My  darling  maids  and  youths  are  found 
 
 Slain  by  the  bloody  fvi'ord. 
 Foes  are  but  v^capons  of  thy  wrath. 
 
 Thou  ilewM:,  thou  kill'dlt  them,  Lord, 
 In   thy   avenging    day   that  hath 
 
 No  pity  to  afford. 
 
6o2      SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 n,  Tau. 
 
 Ver.  Thou  haft,  as  in  a  folemn  day, 
 22       My  terrors  call'd  around, 
 
 That  thus  when  wrath  divine  made  way. 
 
 None  to  efcape  were  found. 
 None  left ;  yea,  thofe  whom  I  with  care, 
 
 Had  wrapt  in  fwaddhng-bands 
 And  fofter'd  by  mine   en'mies  are 
 Confum'd  with  cruel  hands. 
 
 CHAP.       iir. 
 
 The  faithful  bewail  their  Calamities,  viezuifigthem  as 
 the  Fruits  and  Effeds  of  God's  Difpleafure.  By 
 the  Mercies  of  God  they  auoiirage  their  Hope,  ac- 
 knowledging his  Jujiicc,  praying  for  Deliverance, 
 and  Vengeance  on  their  Ene?nies. 
 
 5<     Aleph. 
 
 ''M  by  the  rod  of  wrath  divine 
 The  man  that  hath  fcen  wo ; 
 
 2  He  led  and  carried  me  and  mine 
 To  fhades  of  darknefs  low. 
 
 But  not  unto  a  lightfome  path  j 
 
 3  Nay,  in  a  hoftile  way 
 He's  furely   turn'd,  his  hand  in  wrath 
 
 'Gainll  me  he  turns  all  day. 
 3     Beth. 
 
 4  My  flefh  and  ildn  of  young  and  fair. 
 Old  and  decay'd  he  made  ; 
 
 5  Did  break  my  bones;   and  building  rear, 
 My  ftrong  holds  to  invade. 
 
 He  me  encompafs'd  and  entwin'd. 
 With  gall  and  travel  fore  : 
 
 6  In  places  dark  he  nic  enfiirin'd. 
 As  men  long  dead  before. 
 
 J       GiMEL. 
 
 7  He  hedg'd  me  in  I  can't  get  out; 
 His  heavy  chain  I  bear : 
 
 8  My  pray'r  he,  when  I  cry  nnd  fliout, 
 Shuts  out  and  fcorns  to  hear. 
 
Part  V.    The  Lamentations  o/Jerem  i  A  H,     603 
 
 Ver.  My  ways  inclos'd  as  with   a  wall 
 9       Of  firm  hewn  ftone  he  hath  ; 
 And    to    defeat  my  counfels  all 
 He  crooked  made  my  path. 
 1     Daleth. 
 
 1  o  He  clofe  laid  wait  as  for  the  prey 
 
 A  Hon  and  a  bear, 
 
 1 1  And  turning  qaite  afide  my  way 
 
 Did  me  in  pieces  tear  : 
 He  laid  me  wafte,  and  in  the  dark, 
 
 12  His  bow  ot  fury  hot 
 
 He  bent,  and  at  me  as  a  mark 
 His  barbed  iron  fliot. 
 n     He. 
 
 13  His  quiver-darts,   fo  fierce  fet  off. 
 
 Into  my  reins  made  way ; 
 
 14  To  all  the  folk  1  was  a  feoff, 
 
 Their  mufic  all  the  day. 
 I'm  made  the  fubjedl  of  their  fong, 
 
 15  And  fiU'd  until  I  fhrunk 
 
 With  bitternefs  and  wormwood  ftrong, 
 With  which  he  made  me  drunk. 
 1     Vau. 
 
 16  With  gravel  flones  my  teeth  he  brake  j 
 
 With  allies  cover'd  me  : 
 
 17  From  peace,  my  foul,  now  gone  to  wrack, 
 
 Is  far  remov'd  by  thee. 
 Forgetting   blifs,   as  overpaft 
 lipake  this  defp'rate  word, 
 iS  "  My  ftrength  is  gone,  my  hope  is  lofl^ 
 "  And  perilh'd  from  the  Lord." 
 
 7     Zain. 
 
 19  Defpair  was  fed  by  minding  all 
 
 My  miferies  and  woes  j 
 The  bitter  wormwood  and  the  gall, 
 
 20  My  foul  keeps  mind  of  thofe : 
 Hence  funk  and  bow'd  within  mc  'tis ; 
 
 But  v/hy  fo  very  fad  ? 
 
 2  I   Defpair,  be  gone  ;  I've  hope  from  this 
 
 I  mind  anon  to  add. 
 
W     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  L 
 
 n     Cheth. 
 Ver.  'TIs  of  the  Lord's  compaflions  great 
 
 22  And  his  unfailing  love, 
 
 We  are  not  all  confum'd  as  yet, 
 For  Hill  his  bowels  move: 
 
 23  They  new  with  every  morning  roll  ;• 
 
 Thy  truth  is  great  and  high  : 
 
 24  The  Lord's  my  portion,  faith  my  foul ; 
 
 Hence  in  him  hope  will  L 
 D     Teth. 
 
 25  God's  good  to  them  that  on  him  wait. 
 
 To  fouls  that  feek  his  face. 
 
 26  'Tis  good  that  one,  with  hope  fedate, 
 
 Expe6t  his  faving  grace. 
 
 27  And  for  a  man,  by  forrow  broke, 
 
 'Tis  good  with  filent  mouth. 
 And  heart  fubmifs  to  bear  the  yoke 
 And  trouble  in  his  youth. 
 
 '       JOD. 
 
 28  He  quiet  fits  alone  brought  low 
 
 By  having  born  the  rod ; 
 
 29  With  mouth  put  in  the  duft,  if  fo 
 
 There  may  be  hope  in  God. 
 
 30  His  cheek  he  to  the  fmiter's  will 
 
 Revengelefs  doth  aflign ; 
 Fill'd  with  reproach,  he  bears  the  fill, 
 With  patience  half  divine. 
 
 n 
 
 31  The  Lord  will  not   reje6t  for  ay: 
 
 32  But  though  he  caufeth  .erief ; 
 Yet   he  his  pity  w4il    difplay. 
 
 And  timely  grant  relief. 
 
 His  mercies  thwart  not  with  his  dart, 
 ^T^       For  when  he  fmites,  ev'n  then 
 Not  willingly  nor  from  his  heart. 
 He  gvicvc?,  the  fons  of  men. 
 t?     Lamed. 
 
 34  Men's  cruel  deeds  they  can't  abide. 
 
 To  cruih  earth's  captive  race, 
 
 35  To  turn   ihc  poor  man's   right  afide, 
 
 Before  tlie  fovercign's  face  ; 
 
P A  R T  V.    The  Lamentations  o/'  J E  R  e  M I A  h.    605" 
 
 Ver.  To  violate  the  facred  laws 
 
 36  Of  juftice  and  of  right. 
 And  judge  unjuftly  in  a  caufe. 
 
 Are  hateful  in  his  fight. 
 7J     Mem. 
 
 37  Who's  he  that  fpeaks,  and  then  'tis  done, 
 
 When  nay's  Jehovah's  will  ? 
 
 38  Out  from  the  mouth  of  th'  highcft  One 
 
 Comes  not  both  good  and  ill. 
 
 39  O  why  then  Ihould  a  living  man 
 
 Dare  enter  his  complaint, 
 For  penal  ill ;  a  guilty   man 
 For's  own  fin's  puniHiment? 
 J     Nun. 
 
 40  Come  let  us  fearch  and  try  our  ways. 
 
 Not  murmur  at  the  rod, 
 But  for  our  fins  our  fouls  abafe, 
 And  turn  again  to  God. 
 
 41  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  and  hands 
 
 Whole  to  the  God  of  heav'n  : 
 
 42  We  have  rebell'd  'gainft  thy  commands  ; 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  haft  not  forgiven. 
 D     Samech. 
 
 43  Thy  wrath  us  hid,  purfu'd,  nor  ftopt. 
 
 But  flew  and  did  not  fpare  ; 
 
 44  Thyfelf  hid  with  a  cloud  that  opt 
 
 No  through-pafs  for  our  pray'r. 
 
 45  The  world's  vile  filth  thou  haft  us  made. 
 
 Which  with  contempt  thy  ufe  ; 
 We  ly  among  the  nations  fpread. 
 The  fcum  and  the  refufe. 
 D     Pe. 
 
 46  Wide  mouths  'gainft  us  our  e'nmies  all 
 
 Have  made,  and  fcoffirg  jov'd  ; 
 
 47  Fear   and    a   fnare    upon    us    fall. 
 
 We're  wafted  and  deftroy'd. 
 
 48  Mine  eyes  to  weeping  fountains  turn, 
 
 Whence  briny  rivers  tiow. 
 While  I  my  peoples  daughter  mourn 
 And  moan  her  overthrov,'. 
 
6o6    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,      BookI. 
 
 3?       A  IN. 
 
 Ver.  With  tears  flill  trickling  down,  mine  eye 
 
 49  Inceffant  cannot  reft, 
 
 50  Till  God  look  down,  and  from  on  high, 
 
 Behold  our  cafe  diftrefs'd. 
 
 5 1  Mine  eye  affeds  my  heart  with  pain, 
 
 To  fee  the  ruin  vaft 
 Of  Salem's  race,  the  doleful  bane 
 I  fee,  and  ftand  aghaft. 
 
 ^       TZADE. 
 
 52  With  caufelefs  hate  my  eager  foes. 
 
 Me  like  a  bird  did  chafe; 
 
 53  My  life  within  the  dungeon  clofe. 
 
 Then  with  a  ftone  deprefs. 
 
 54  High  did  the  fwelling  waters  grow. 
 
 My  head  was  overflown. 
 Then  faid  my  hopelefs  heart,  "  I'm  now 
 "  Cut  off  and  quite  undone." 
 p     KopH. 
 
 r,^  Time  was,  when  from  the  dungeon  low 
 
 I  pray'd  and  thou  didft  hear  : 
 ^G  Lord,  hide  not  from  my  breathing  now. 
 
 Nor  from  my  cry,  thine  ear. 
 
 57  What  day  of  dread  1  call'd  on  thee, 
 
 Thou  didft  not  ftand  remote. 
 But  d  re  weft  near  to  comfort  me. 
 By  faying,  Fear  thou  not. 
 
 ")       PtESH. 
 
 58  Lord,  thou  the  caufes  of  my  foul 
 
 Waft  wont  to  plead  for  me  ; 
 Thy  love  did  threat'ning  death's  control, 
 My  life  to  fave  and  free. 
 ?;9  Judge  now  my  caufe.  Lord  ;    thou  haft  feen 
 My  wrongs  by  men  of  Ilrife, 
 
 60  Seen  all  their  rage  and  vengeance  keen, 
 
 And  plots  againft  my  life. 
 \7     Shin. 
 
 61  Lord,  thou  their  vile  reproach  haft  heard, 
 
 Their  machinations  all ; 
 
 62  The  lips  of  thofe  that  role,  and  jear'd 
 
 And  fnat  at  nie  their  gall. 
 
 1 
 
Part  V.  The  Lamentations  ^Jeremiah.   6oj 
 
 Ver.  Their  daily  projects  me  to  drub, 
 62^       Their  fitting  down  efpy, 
 And  rifing  up  at  every  club 
 Their  mufic  ftill  am  I. 
 n     Tau. 
 
 64  Reward  them  as  from  thee  they  fwerve. 
 
 Their  heart  with  grief  confume, 
 6^  To  fhew  they  for  their  works  deferve 
 
 Thy  curfe  to  be  their  doom. 
 
 66  As  me  they  chafe  and  fue  to  death, 
 With  them  in  wrath  be  ev'ns  ; 
 Purfue  and  raze  them  from  beneath 
 The  great  Jehovah's  heav'ns. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 ZioN  beivailetb  her  pitiful  EJlate,  occaftoncd  by  the 
 direful  Effeds  of  the  Famine,  the  Sacking  of  Jeru- 
 salem. She  confeffeth  her  Sins,  and  acknoivledg- 
 eth  that  the  Iniquities  of  her  Leaders  were  the 
 Caufe  of  all  thefe  Calamities.  Edom's  Dejirudi^ 
 on  foretold,  and  the  Return  ofZioi^^s  Captivity, 
 
 K     Aleph. 
 I  r  I  IHE   temple  gold,  how  now  fo  dim, 
 I        That  glifter'd  once  fo  gay ; 
 How  has  the  fined  gold  fo  trim. 
 
 Now  chang'd  its  bright  array! 
 The  temple  ftones  now  tumbled  down. 
 
 That  lay  in  ftately  fquare, 
 On  top  of  every  ftreet  o'erthrown. 
 Lie  fcatter'd  here  and  there. 
 "2     Beth. 
 1  Lo !  Zion's  fons,  of  precious  mould. 
 Her  faints,  her  priefts,  her  peers, 
 That  might  compare  with  pureft  gold, 
 
 More  fine  than  Ophir  bears ; 
 How  bafely  are  they  now  efteem'd 
 
 As  pitchers  vile  and  coarfe, 
 Wrought  by  the  potter's  hand,  and  deem'd 
 But  earthen  ware,  and  worfe ! 
 Vol.  X.  Hhhh 
 
6o8      SCRIPTURE  SONGS,     Book  L 
 
 Ver.  J     GiMEL. 
 
 3  Sea-monQers,  ev'n  by  nature  taught, 
 
 To  fuckle  their  own  brood, 
 Draw  out  the  breaft  to  give  a  draught, 
 
 And  cherifli  them  with  food ; 
 But,  ah  !  my  people's  daughter  faint 
 
 Seems  favage  now,  no  lefs 
 Than  cruel  oftridges  that  haunt 
 
 The  howling  wildcrnefs. 
 1     Daleth. 
 
 4  Lo  !  to    the  fuckling's  palate   dry, 
 
 Faft  cleaves  his  withered  tongue  ; 
 Breads  empty  can't  his  thirft  fupply. 
 
 So  dies  the  tender  young  : 
 The  infant  wean'd  no  better  fpeed 
 
 Can  make,  from  door  to  door, 
 He  fainting  begs  a  crumb  of  bread, 
 
 But  none  have  fo  much  o'er. 
 n    He. 
 r  Ev'n  thefe  inur'd  to  dainty  meats. 
 
 Who  fumptuoufly  had  far'd. 
 Now  wand'ring  needy  through  the  ftreets. 
 
 The  defolation  fliar'd : 
 The  rank  brought  up  among  the  befl, 
 
 In  fcarlet  beds  and  drefs. 
 Were  glad,  in  fearch  of  food  and  reft. 
 
 The  dunghills  to  embrace. 
 T     Vau. 
 
 6  Strokes,  for  her  fms  more  heavy  lay 
 
 On  Zion's  daughter's  back. 
 Than  did  on  Sodom,  once  a  day 
 
 Involv'd  in  fudden  wrack  : 
 Wrath  did  them  in  a  trice  confume, 
 
 Nor  were  they  daily  flain. 
 By  human  hands ;  but  Zion's  doom 
 
 Is  found  a  Hng'ring  bane. 
 T     Zain. 
 
 7  Her  Nazarites  and    felect  ones 
 
 Were  fplendid  once  and  gay. 
 Like  high-born  IVparated  fons, 
 In  pompous  rich  array : 
 
Part  V.    The  Lamentations  of]  ekbmi  ah,     609 
 
 Ver.  More  pure  than  fnow  they  were  each  one. 
 More  white  than  milk  to  fight  j 
 In  face  the  ruby  red  out-flione, 
 In  drefs  the  fapphire  bright. 
 n     Cheth. 
 
 8  But  now  their  beauteous  vifage  fo 
 
 With  blacknefs  is  overgrown, 
 More  than  a  coal ;  when  forth  they  go 
 
 They're  in  the  flreets  unknown. 
 So  clofe  their  dry  and  parched  (kin, 
 
 Unto  their  bones  doth  cleave ; 
 To  wither'd  (ticks  they  claim  a  kin, 
 
 And  fcarce  are  faid  to  live. 
 
 L3     Teth. 
 
 9  Thofe  better  are  by  fword  who  die, 
 
 Their  life  they  quickly  yield, 
 Than  thefe  whom  killing  (traits  deny 
 The  increafe  of  the  field  : 
 
 For  whom  fierce  famine  ftricken  hath, 
 
 In  torment  ev'ry  day, 
 "Within  the  jaws  of  ling'ring  death. 
 
 They  wafting  pine  away. 
 '   JoD. 
 
 10  Fond  mothers  wonted  to  carefs. 
 
 And  on  their  young  to  dote, 
 Were  forc'd,  with  their  own  hands,  to  drefs 
 The  infant  for  their, pot: 
 
 The  famine's  hot  devouring  flame 
 
 So  rag'd  in  every  ftreet. 
 The  prattling  babes,  alas  !  became 
 
 Their  gafping  mother's  meat. 
 3     Caph. 
 
 1 1  The  Lord  his  threaten*d  fury  great, 
 
 Now  thus  accomplifh'd  hath. 
 And  pour'd  out,  at  a  fearful  rate, 
 
 The  fiercenefs  of  his  wrath. 
 In  Zion's  midft  he  rais'd  a  flame. 
 
 That  o'er  the  rafters  tour'd, 
 Then  the  foundation's  total  frame 
 
 The  burning  fire  devour'd. 
 Hhhh  2 
 
6io      SCRIPTURE   SONGS,     Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  ^     Lamed. 
 
 12  Kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  that  plant 
 
 '1  he  fpacious  world  around. 
 Could  ne'er  have  thought  this  truth  to  grant, 
 
 Which  now  too  true  is  found : 
 That  ever  could  an  adverfe  foe, 
 
 Who  Salem's  pow'r  envy'd. 
 Her  gates  invade,  and  then  overthrow, 
 
 As  now  is  verify'd. 
 D    Mem. 
 
 13  But   in  the  ruin  juftice   fhines  ; 
 
 Whence  did  it  chiefly  flow? 
 Ev'n  from  her  priefts  and  prophets  fms. 
 
 Which  rip'ned  her  for  wo  : 
 Through  them  in  midft  of  her  was  fhed. 
 
 The  blood  of  prophets  juft. 
 And  faints,  at  whom  in  her  they  bred 
 
 An  hatred  and  difguft. 
 J     Nun. 
 
 14  With  darknefs  bhnd,  with  gore  defil'd. 
 
 They  round  the  ftreets  did  roam, 
 Stain'd  with  the  blood  of  man  and  child. 
 
 They  odious  were  become  : 
 A  cruel  heart,  tongue,   hand,  or  eye. 
 
 Each  tender  fpirit  lothes  ; 
 Such  theirs,  as  fober  men  were  fhy 
 
 To  touch  their  bloody  clothes. 
 D     Samech. 
 
 15  Their  piety  fo  feign'd  had  been, 
 
 In  fcorn  the  people  cry, 
 "  Depart,  depart ;  touch  not  th'  unclean  ;'* 
 When  off  they  walk  and  fly. 
 
 The  very  heathen  them  upbraid, 
 
 And  packing  them  away, 
 "  From  Salem,  be  they  gone,"    they  faid, 
 
 "  For  there  they  fliall  not  day." 
 D    Pe. 
 
 16  This  carries  on,  faid  they,  our  game; 
 
 The  Lord  hath  giv'n  them  o'er: 
 His  anger  hath  divided  them  ; 
 He'll  not  regard  them  more. 
 
P A R T  V.    The  Lamentations  of  Je remiah.     6ii 
 
 Ver.  Juft  Heav'n  thus  doomM  their  difregard 
 Of  ev*ry  faithful  prieft  ; 
 True  prophets  they  nor  elders  fpar*d. 
 Nor  favour'd  in  the  leaft. 
 
 y      AiN. 
 
 17  Now,  as  for  us,  amidft  our  flrait, 
 
 Fail'd  have  as  yet  our  eyes, 
 While  we  for  help  and  fuccour  wait 
 
 From  faithlefs  weak  allies : 
 Our  vain  and  fruitlefs  hopes  have  fled. 
 
 And  juflly  us  mifgave  ; 
 We  watched  for  a  nation's  aid. 
 
 Unable  us  to  fave. 
 
 "i      TZADE. 
 
 18  High  batt'ries  rais'd  above  our  walls. 
 
 The  fieging  foe  completes ; 
 Their  arrows  fury  on  us  falls, 
 
 And  hunts  us  off  our  (Ireets : 
 Our  facred  and  our  civil  ftate, 
 
 Is  thus  to  ruin  come  ; 
 Our  profperous  days  are  out  of  date ; 
 
 How  near*s  our  difmal  doom ! 
 
 p      KOPH. 
 
 19  There's  no  efcaping  when  we  fly, 
 
 Purfuers  fuch  are  they, 
 Far  fwifter  than  the  eagle's  high. 
 When  flying  on  their  prey  : 
 
 If  to  the  mountains  high  we    fled. 
 
 There  they  purfu'd  us  fl:raight; 
 If  to   the   defart   hafl:e   we   made, 
 
 There  they  for  us  laid  wait, 
 ")     Resh. 
 
 20  The  Lord's  anointed,  who  we  thought 
 
 Our  life  and  breath  would  guard, 
 The  royal  prey,  our  prince  was  taught. 
 
 And  in  their  pits  infnar'd  : 
 Beneath  his  fliade  we  thought  to  creep. 
 
 And fafe 'mong  heathen  live: 
 But  flighting  Chrift,  the  antitype. 
 Vain  hopes  did  us  mifgive. 
 
6i2     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  ^     Shin. 
 
 21  O  Edomitc  !  rejoice,  exult 
 
 O'er  Zion's  wrack,   but  know 
 The  cup  of  wrath,   for  this  infult. 
 
 Its  round  to  thee  fliall  go: 
 Thou  flialt  be  drunk,  infatuate. 
 
 Mad  in  thy  projeds  all, 
 Expofe  thyfelf  to  fhaine  and  hate, 
 
 And  ftagg'ring  headlong  fall. 
 
 n   Tau. 
 
 22  The  punifliment  Heav'n  did  intend, 
 
 O  Zion !  for  thy  fin  ; 
 Ev'n  thy  captivity  fliall  end. 
 
 When  Edom's  woes  begin. 
 He'll  now,  O  Edom  !  punifti  thee, 
 
 For  all  thy  wicked  deeds. 
 Laid  ope,  to  ftiew  how  juftly  he 
 
 'Gainft  thee  in  wrath  proceeds. 
 
 CHAP.        V. 
 
 XioN^s  pitiful  Complaint  to  God  in  prayer.    In  which 
 
 Jhe  remonjirates  herprefent  calamitous  State  in  her 
 
 Captivity,  and  protejls  her   Concern  for   God's 
 
 Sanduary  ;  with  a  humble  Supplication  to,    and 
 
 Expojiulation  with  God  for  the  Returns  of  Mercy. 
 
 1  Xy  E  M  E  M  B  E  R,  Lord,  what's  come  on  us, 
 J|\^     How  haughty  foes  encroach  j 
 
 Behold  our  cafe  fo  infamous, 
 Confider  our  reproach. 
 
 2  Our  heritage  and  houfes   ceafe 
 
 Now  to  be  call'd  our  own  ; 
 Strangers  and  alliens  have  our  leafc 
 Of  property  o'erthrown. 
 
 3  As  helplefs  orphans  we're  bereav'd. 
 
 And  fathcrlefs  we  mourn  ; 
 Our  mothers  are  as  widows  griev'd. 
 Lamenting  o'er  the  urn. 
 
 4  Water  that's  free  to  every  frog. 
 
 For  money  wc  have  drunk  ; 
 Pay'd  dear  for  ev'ry  wooden  log. 
 So  far  our  rights  are  funk. 
 
PaRtV.    The  Lamentations  of  Jeremiah,    613 
 
 Ver.  We  on  our  necks  the  heavy  yoke 
 
 5  Of  perfecution  bear ; 
 
 We  toil,  and  have  not  from  the  (hock 
 A  refling  day  nor  year. 
 
 6  With  Egypt  we  were  forc'd  to  make 
 
 A  bargain  for  our  bread  ; 
 And  alfo  hands  with  Afhur  fhake, 
 To  fatisfy  our  need. 
 
 7  Our  fathers  fmn'd,  and  are  no  more, 
 
 On  earth  their  grief  to  vent ; 
 But  of  their  fins,  as  heirs  we  bore 
 The   daily  punilhment. 
 
 8  Bafe  flaves  have  o*er  us  domineer*d  ; 
 
 We  drudged  at  their  beck  : 
 Yet  none  have  for  our  help  appearM, 
 Their  infolence  to  check. 
 
 9  In  peril  of  our  life  with  pain, 
 
 Our  bread  we  daily  fnatch'd ; 
 
 For  round  the  city,  in  the  plain. 
 
 The  bloody  fword  difpatch'd. 
 
 I  o  The  ftorm  of  famine's  fierce  attack, 
 
 So  terrible  hath  prov'n  ; 
 Our  fkin  was  dry'd  and  parched  black. 
 In  colour  like  an  ov*n. 
 
 I I  In  Zion,  women  of  chafte  names 
 
 Were  ravifli'd  and  o'erpowerM  ; 
 In  Judah's   cities  younger  dames 
 And  maidens  were  devour'd. 
 
 12  Ev'n  princes,  with  their  hands  in  rage. 
 
 Were  hang'd  up  by  the  neck  : 
 To  elders  faces,   grave  and  fagC) 
 They  yielded  no  refpecl. 
 
 13  Young  men  werefet  to  grind,  and  ftrefs'd 
 
 With  work  in  flavifli  mode ; 
 And  children  fmall,  with  wood  opprefs'd, 
 Fell  down  beneath  the  load. 
 
 14  Elders  and  judges   from  the  gate, 
 
 Now  ceafe  to  give  decrees ; 
 Muficians  young,  their  lutes  tranfiats 
 To  harps  on  willow-trees. 
 
6i4    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,      Book!. 
 
 Ver.  Our  former  folemn  feftal  mirth 
 
 15  And  joy  of  heart  is  gone 
 
 Our  merry  dance  is  turn'd  on  earth 
 Into  a  mourning  moan. 
 
 16  The  crown  is  fallen  from  off  our  head. 
 
 The  royal  ftate  and  fway  ; 
 Wo*s  us  for  we  have  finn'd  indeed, 
 And  thrown  our  blifs  away ! 
 
 17  For  this  our  fm  and  guilt  fo  grim. 
 
 Faint  hearts  we  have  and  fears ; 
 For  thefe  our  woes,  our  eyes  are  dim. 
 And  blinded  all  with  tears. 
 
 18  For   Zion  mount's  fo  defolate. 
 
 That  foxes  as  they  pleafe. 
 And  crafty  foes  to  church  and  ftate, 
 Tread  down  the  fpot  with  eafe. 
 
 19  Juftly  uncrown'd,  uncrown'd,  we  chime ; 
 
 But  thou,  Lord,  ftay'ft  for  ay : 
 From  age  to  age  enthron'd  fublime. 
 No  changes  mar  thy  fv/ay. 
 
 20  Lord,  wherefore  doft  thou  us  forget  ? 
 
 For  ever  fliall  it  be  ? 
 Why  left  in  this  deferted  ftate 
 Are  we  fo  long  by  thee  ? 
 
 21  Turn  us  to  thee,  Lord,  and  wc  fliall 
 
 Be  turn'd  into  thy  mould  : 
 Renew  our  days,  reftore  our  all, 
 And  fave  us,  as  of  old. 
 
 22  For  wilt  thou  quite  rejeft  us.  Lord, 
 
 In  wrath  to  endlefs  years  ? 
 Then,  where's  thy  love,  thy  truth,  thy  word  ? 
 Let  faith  diftblve  our  fears. 
 
[    6is    1 
 
 SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 PART         VI. 
 POEMS  Seleded  from  the  Minor  Prophets. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Tie  twelve  Prophets,  nuhofe  writings  compofe  the  latter  pari,  and  corf  , 
 fequently  complete  the  caiznon  of  the  OldTeJlarnent ,  are  ufually  de- 
 nominated  the  lefler  Prophets  :  not  as  if  they  themfelves  nuere  any 
 tvay  inferior  to  the  other  prophets,  or  lefs  in  Cod's  account  ;  or  their 
 writings  of  lefs  authority,  importance^  and  ufefulnefs ,  than  thefe  of 
 the  greater  prophets  :  but  only  becaufe  they  are  Jhorter,  and  lefs 
 infize  than  the  other.  There  is  the  great  eft  reafon  to  believe,  that 
 thefe  prophets  preathed  as  much  as  the  other :  hut  did  not  commit 
 fo  much  of  what  they  delivered  to  writing  :  and  it  is  certain  they 
 were  as  ufeful  in  their  day,  and  held  in  as  great  reputation  as  the 
 other  ^  although  there  is  not  fo  much  oft  heir  prophecies  kept  -;«  record, 
 and  tranfmitted  to  pojierity.  On  this  account,  their  compofnions 
 cannot  be  fuppofed  to  contain  fo  many  facred  odes,  or  fo  much  fer- 
 tile matter  for  divine  hymns,  as  the  other  prophets,  whofe  writings 
 are  vafily  larger  ;  yet  the  following  Songs  are feleiied from  them.  S. 
 
 SONG        I. 
 
 Jonah's  Frayer  out  of  the  Whale's  Belly, 
 
 Jonah  ii.  1,-9.    "  Then  Jonah  prayed  unto  the 
 "  Lord  bis  God,  out  of  the  fifh's  belly,  and  faid," 
 
 Ver.   T  C  R  Y'D  to  God  the  Lord  mod  high, 
 
 2  X     When  trouble  me  befel ; 
 
 He  hear'd,  and  liften'd  to  my  cry, 
 From  out  the  womb  of  hell. 
 
 3  Thou  me  into  the  fwelling  deeps 
 
 Amidft  the  feas  hadft  cafl ; 
 Aa'ound  me  floods,  and  o'er  me  heaps. 
 Of  waves  and  billows  pafl. 
 
 4  Quite  from  thy  fight  I'm  cafl;,  faid  I, 
 
 And  bury'd in  the  main: 
 Yet,  to  thine  holy  place  mine  eye 
 Will  dare  to  look  again. 
 Voj..  X.  liii 
 
6i6     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,      Book  I. 
 
 Ver,  Around   me   to   my   very   foul 
 c       The  roaring  feas  were  fpread  : 
 The  fwelHng  deeps  inclos'd  me  whole  ; 
 The  weeds  inwrap'd  my  head. 
 
 6  To  bottoms  of  the   mountains  down 
 
 Ship'd  in  the  whale's  dark  womb  : 
 Earth's  bars  about  me  feem'd  anon 
 
 My  everlailing  tomb : 
 Yet,  Lord,  my  life  thou  dldfl  reftore 
 
 From  rotting  death's  abode, 
 And  mad'ft  my  grave  call  me  aftore, 
 
 O  my  almighty  God. 
 
 7  For  when  amidfl  the  rolling  waves 
 
 My  heart  was  faint  in  me, 
 I  call  d  to  mind  the  Lord  who  faves, 
 
 And  fcts  the  captives  free  : 
 Then  from   my  goal  my  prayer  fent, 
 
 Before  thy  face  appear'd. 
 Into  thy  holy   temple  went, 
 
 And  was  in  mercy  hear'd. 
 
 8  All  thefe  from  their  own  mercies  fwerve 
 
 Who  their  own  duty  fliun. 
 Who    lying   vanities  obferve. 
 And  fcorn  to  kifs  the  Son, 
 
 9  But  I  with  thankful  voice  will  found 
 
 Thy  glorious  praife  abroad  ; 
 I'll  pay  my  vows  ailiore,  undrown'd  : 
 Salvation  is  of  God. 
 
 S     G     N     G         IL 
 
 A  prayer  ^Habakuk  the  prophet,  upon  Sigionoth 
 [_or,  according  to  the  variable fongs  or  tunes.'] 
 liab.  iii.  2, — 19. 
 
 S  E  c  T.  I.     Habakhik*s  Prayer. 
 
 2  T    O  R  D,  I  have  heard  thy  awful  fpeech, 
 _L/     Which  flruck  my  heart  with  fears ; 
 Revive   thy   work,  Lord,  1  befcech, 
 Amidfl  the  woful  years  j 
 
Part  VI.     From  the  Minor  Pko?  wet s^,       617 
 
 Ver,  Amidft   the  feventy   years  of  thrall 
 Make  known  thy  faithfulnefs : 
 In  wrath,  though  jufl,  to  mind  recall 
 Free  mercy  prone  to  blefs. 
 
 3  [Our  fathers  in  their  lowefl:  flate 
 
 Thine  arm  did  fafe  uphold  ; 
 Let  hope  revive  while  I  relate 
 
 Thy  wonders  done  of  old.  | 
 From  Teman  came  the  holy  One  ; 
 
 God  came  from  Paran  hill : 
 O'er  all  the  heav'ns  his  glory  ihone  ; 
 
 His  praife  the  earth  did  fill. 
 
 4  His  brightnefs  pure  outflione  the  light, 
 
 Beams  darted  from  each  fide  ; 
 And  there  he  pleas'd  to  ihew  his  might, 
 Yet  more  his  might  to  hide. 
 
 5  Before  him  went  the  peftilence. 
 
 And  burning  at  his  feet ; 
 Hot  plagues  went  forth  in  Egypt,  thence. 
 To  guard  his  folks  retreat. 
 
 6  He  flood  and  mete  the  promis'd  land  : 
 
 He  look'd  but  from  above 
 Upon  the  heathen  nations  grand. 
 
 And  them  afunder  drove. 
 States,  that  like  movelefs  mountains  were. 
 
 He  fcatter'd  all  abroad  ; 
 Perpetual  hills  did  bow  with  fear. 
 
 At  the  rebuke  of  God. 
 
 [On  him  may  Ifra'l's  children  place 
 
 Their  hope  in  ev'ry  thrall  ;J 
 His  ways  of  pow'r,  and  truth,  and  grace, 
 
 Are  everlafling  all. 
 
 7  [They're  dill  the  fame  to  dafh  and  fiiake 
 
 The  force  that  Zion  harms  :] 
 Lo!  Cuflian  tent  and  Midian's  quake, 
 When  God  appears  in  arms ! 
 
 8  Did  Heav'n  againfi;  the  rivers  frown  ?    - 
 
 Did  wrath  the  fea  betide  ? 
 That  thou  didft  mount  thy  horfc,  and  on 
 Salvation's  chariot  ride  ? 
 1  i  i  i  2 
 
6iB     SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Ver.  Nay,  naked  quite  thy  bow  was  made, 
 9       As  thou  didfl  fay  and  fwear 
 
 To  IfraM's  tribes,  whofe  conqueft  fpread 
 
 To  make  thy  truth  appear. 
 With  rivers  to  refrefh  thy  flocks 
 
 Earth  cleft  afunder  feems  : 
 Thou  turnMft  the  floods  to  cryftal  rocks, 
 The  rocks  to  cryftal  ftreams. 
 
 10  On  fight  of  thee  did  mountains  quake. 
 
 The  flowing  waves  part  by  ; 
 The  deeps  with  noify  roaring  fpake. 
 And  hands  uplifted  high. 
 
 1 1  Both  fun  and  moon  ftood  ftill,  and  bright 
 
 Within  the  circhng  fpheres, 
 To  wait  thy  fliining  arrows  flight. 
 And  fpeed  thy  glitt'ring  fpears. 
 
 12  Thou  on  thy  march  through  Canaan^s  climes, 
 
 In  fury  hot  like  fire, 
 Didfl:  judge  the  heathen  for  their  crimes. 
 And  threfh  them  in  thine  ire. 
 
 13  Thy  march  was  on  thy  peoples  head. 
 
 To  fave  them  as  thine  own  ; 
 To  fave  them,  and  their  armies  lead 
 
 By  thine  anointed  One. 
 Crown'd  heads  thou  from  their  royal  feats 
 
 Of  wickednefs  didft  wound ; 
 Mad'ft  bare  from  foot  to  neck :  their  ftates 
 
 Demolifli'd  to  the  ground. 
 
 14  The  villages  of  Canaan's  land 
 
 Shar'd  of  their  cities  fate  ; 
 With  Ifra'Ps  ftaves  and  arms  in  hand. 
 
 Thou  ftrackeft  through  their  pate. 
 They  like  a  tempeft  fierce  came  out 
 
 To  fcatter,  drive,  and  foil : 
 Thpy  joy'd  in  hope,  by  facred  rout, 
 
 Poor  Ifra'l's  tribes  to  fpoil. 
 
 15  But  thou,  to  dafh  the  fons  of  pride, 
 
 And  Ifra'l's  triumphs  crown, 
 Traverfing  feas,  didft  conqu'ring  ride 
 Great  heaps  of  waters  down. 
 
Part  VI.     From  the  Minor  Prophets.       6i^ 
 
 Ver,  Yet  now  when  threatened  woes  I  heard 
 1 6       Would  light  on  IfraTs  fons. 
 
 My  bowels  quak'd  ;  I  greatly  fear*d. 
 
 Corruption  feiz'd  my  bones. 
 With  quiv'ring  lips  at  th'  av;ful  voice, 
 
 Which  did  the  heart-quake  raife, 
 I   trembled,  that   I   might   rejoice. 
 
 And  reft  in  troublous  days  : 
 For  when  with  furious  troops  the  foe 
 
 Comes  up,  in  full  career. 
 He'll  fiercely  down  the  people  mow. 
 
 And  into  pieces  tear. 
 
 Sect.  II.     T^he  Confidence  of  his  Faith. 
 I J  [[With  fword  pale  famine  will  complot; 
 But  filence  faithlefs  fear  : 
 Although  the  fig-tree  bloffom  not, 
 
 Nor  fruit  on  vines  appear  ; 
 Though  th'  olives  labour  fail  aloof. 
 
 Fields  yield  no  meat  at  all ; 
 Though  flocks  be  from  the  folds  cut  off. 
 And  cattle  from  the  ftall : 
 
 Yet  in  the  Lord  rejoice  I  will, 
 
 In  fpite  of  all  annoy  ; 
 The  God  of  my  falvation  ft  ill 
 
 Shall  be  my  hope  and  joy. 
 19  The  Lord's  my  ftrength,  he'll  make  my  feet 
 
 Like  hinds  t'  out-run  ray  woes ; 
 He'U  make  me  walk  in  heights,  to  fmite 
 
 And  tread  upon  my  foes. 
 
 To  the  cliief  finger  on  my  ftrlngcd  inftrumeiits. 
 
 SONG        III. 
 
 Israel  excited  toftng  F raife  for  their  Salvation  and 
 Refloration.      Zeph.  iii.   14, — 20. 
 
 14  f^    ZION,  fing!    O  Ifra'l,    raife 
 V_^     The  fong  with  lifted  voice ! 
 
 O  Salem  !  trebling  high  the  praife. 
 With  all  the  heart  rejoice. 
 
 1 5  God  from  thy  woes  hath  fet  thee  free. 
 
 Thy  foes  fwept  to  the  door : 
 The  Lord  thy  King's  in  midft  of  thee. 
 Thou  Ihalt  fee  ill  no  more. 
 
^20     SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  I. 
 
 Ven  To  Salem  then   it   fliall  be   faid, 
 
 16  "  Fear  not  thy  foes  attack  j 
 
 *'  To  Zion,  (for  her  builders  aid) 
 "  Let  not  thine  hands  be  flack." 
 
 17  The  Lord  thy  God,  in  midft  of  thee, 
 
 Is  mighty  to  deliver  ; 
 His  mighty  pow'r  exert  will  he. 
 
 In  faving  thee  for  ever. 
 With  joy  he  will  o*er  thee  rejoice; 
 
 He  in  his  love  will  reft  : 
 His  joy  fliall  o'er  thee  with  the  voice 
 
 Of  hnging  be  exprefs'd, 
 
 18  Of  thee  are  thefe  who  mourn  fmcere 
 
 Th'  aflembly  folemn  gone ; 
 The  load  of  its  reproach  who  bear 
 I'll  gather  them  each  one. 
 
 19  Lo!  then,  I  will  undo  and   rout 
 
 All  that  opprefs'd  thee  have ; 
 I'll  gather  her  that  was  driven  out. 
 And  her  that  halteth  fave. 
 
 To   my   reproached   faints   will   I 
 
 Procure  both  praife  and  fame. 
 In    ev'ry    land,    where    formerly 
 
 They  have  been  put  to  fhame. 
 10  At  gathering  time  I'll  bring  you  home. 
 
 To  make  you  a  renown, 
 'Mong  all  that  dwell  on  earth  to  whom 
 
 You  was  before  unknown. 
 'Tis  done,  when  I  before  your  eyes, 
 
 Ev'n  I,  (Jehovah  fays,) 
 Tp.rn  back  all  your  captivities, 
 
 To  fet  you  for  a  praife. 
 
 SONG        IV. 
 
 The  Church  exhorted  iojtng  and  rejoice  for  the  CofnifJg 
 ^Christ,  and  his  peaceable  Kingdom, 
 Zech.  ix.  9, — 12. 
 
 ZION,  with  glad  fliouts  around, 
 Pvleet  thy  approaching  King  ; 
 Lol  witli  his  righteoufnefs  renown'd. 
 Salvation  comes  on  v/ing. 
 
 o 
 
Part  VL      From  the  Minor  Prophets.        621 
 
 Ver.  Behold  his  march,  in  lowly  mode, 
 Bids  earthly  grandeur  pafs ; 
 Defpifing  pomp,  the  humble  God 
 Comes  riding  on  an  afs ! 
 
 10  He'll  rule  the  heathen,  not  by  dread, 
 
 But  fhall,  by  preaching  peace. 
 From  fea  to  fea  his  empire  fpread. 
 And  make  rebellion  ceafe. 
 
 11  Lo  !  by  thy  cov'nant-fealing  blood 
 
 I'll  fet  thy  prifoners  free 
 From  out  the  pit,  where  nothing  good. 
 Nor  water  fweet  can  be. 
 
 12  Turn,  O  ye   prifoners   of  hope, 
 
 To  Chrift  the  ftrongeft  hold  : 
 To-day  I'll  you  infure   a  crop 
 Of  comfort  doubly  told. 
 
 SONG        V. 
 
 The  Fountain  of  Purification  opened, 
 A  paraphrafe  on  Zech.  xiii.  i. 
 
 GOOD  news  to  men,  dill  new  and  frefli. 
 While  lafts  the  gofpel  day, 
 A  fountain   ihall   be  ope  to  wafh 
 Their  fm  and  fihh  away  : 
 
 Wide  ope  to  David's  houfe  and  all 
 
 That  dwell  on  Salem  ground  ; 
 To  kings  and  fubjeds  great  and  fmall, 
 
 That  hear  the  joyful  found. 
 The  facred  font  to  walh  our  {lalns. 
 
 Is  pure  and  precious  blood, 
 That  iffued  from  the  dying  veins 
 
 Of  our  incarnate  God. 
 
 Lord,  wafli  me  there  ;  this  blood  alone 
 
 The  founcain  open'd  fo. 
 Hath   pow'r   fufficient   to    atone. 
 
 And  make  me  white  as  fnow. 
 
622    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,      BookL 
 
 SONG        VI. 
 
 Christ^s  Sufferings  and  Glory ^ 
 Zech.  xiv.  7.  Luke.  xxiv.  26. 
 
 AWAKE,  faid  he,  that  rules  the  fkies. 
 My  fword  of  vengeance  great  5 
 Awake  and   fmite   the   man  that  is 
 
 My  fellow,  and  my  mate. 
 Soon,  therefore,  as  he  took  their  flefh, 
 
 To  take  av/ay  our  guilt. 
 With  jufticc*  ftern  avenging  lafh 
 
 His  facred  blood  was  fpilt. 
 The  waves  of  forrow,  ev'n  to  death. 
 
 Did  o'er  his  bofom  roll ; 
 And  mountains  of  almighty  wrath 
 
 Lay  heavy  on  his  foul. 
 But,    O !    the   wifdom,   mercy,  grace, 
 
 That  join'd  with  vengeance  now  ! 
 He  dies,    to   fave  our   guilty  race. 
 
 And  yet  he  rifes  too ! 
 A  perfon  fo  divine  was  he. 
 
 Who  yielded  to  be  flain. 
 That  he  could  give  his  life  away, 
 
 And  take  his  life  again. 
 He,  for  the  crown  of  thorns  and  Ihame, 
 
 Now  wears  a  crown  of  glorc  : 
 Hell  trembles  at  his  awful  name, 
 
 And  all  the  heav'ns  adore. 
 
 ^he  End  of  the  O  l  d-T  e  s  ta  m  e  n  t  Songs. 
 
SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 BOOK        II. 
 
 New-Testament  Songs  ;  or,  Songs  upon  fe- 
 veral  SekB  Pajfages  in  the  New  Tellament. 
 
 PART        I. 
 POEMS  feleded  from  the  Four  Evangelifls, 
 
 Though  the  Pfalms  of  David  are  truly  excellent  andfubllme^  contain' 
 ingthemoji  fuitable  7!iatter  for  praife  and  adoration,  being  the  niojf 
 
 fpiritual,  devotional-,  and  divine  colle6iion  of  poefy  exterit;  and 
 nothing  can  he  compofed  more  proper  to  raife  a  pious  foul  to  hew 
 ven,  and  nvaft  it,  as  it  luere,  to  the  very  fuburbs  of  glory,  than 
 
 fome  parts  of  that  book  :  yet  there  are  many  pajfages  in  it  peculi- 
 arly adapted  to  the  Old-tejlament  difpenfation,  of  carnal  rites  and 
 ceremonies ;  andy  on  that  account,  cannot  befuppofedtobefoper- 
 
 fpicuoujly  clear  and  full  of  the  grace  and  Spirit  of  the  gofpel.  The 
 cotijtderation  hereof  hath  induced  many  devout  and  pioufy-difpofed 
 perfons  ardently  and fmcerely  'wify  that  our  Psalmody  nvere  in- 
 larged  ;  not  only  by  adding  fome  other  Scriptural  Songs  out  of  the 
 Old  Tejiament,  but  particularly  by  fele^ing  a  nurnber  from  the 
 Ne-iu. 
 TheHcw  Teftament  //  that  portion  offacrednvrit  'which  doth  vioji 
 plainly  teflify  ofChriJi;  and  in  'which  the  gofpel  of  the  grace  of  God 
 bringing falvation  tojinners,  doth  foine  moji  clearly.  The  four 
 Evangelifts  csntain  the  hijlory  of  our  blcjjdd  Redeemer :  and  it 
 ivas  neceffary  the  doflririe  ofChriJlJhouldbe  inter-jjoven  njjith,  and 
 founded  upon  the  narrative  of  his  birth,  life^tniracles,  death,  and 
 refurre^ion.  As  there  is  no  part  of fcripture  7nore  requijite  for 
 us  to  be  acquainted  ivith  ;  fo  there  is  none  that  the  generality  of 
 Cbrif  tans  are  more  delighted  ^ith  :  in  regard,  it  not  only  yields 
 themfo  much  agreeable  matter  of  infruOion  and  meditation,  prO' 
 "■  fit  and  pleafure,  but  o/"praife  alfo  ;  for  therein  nve  fnd  feveral 
 divine  fongs,  and  very  fuit able  matter  for  divine  hymns  :  and  fo, 
 
 from  the  evangelijfs,  the  flloivingfngs  are [ele£led.  S. 
 
 SONG        1. 
 
 A  Prefatory  Focm  on  the  Babe  in  the  Manger. 
 Luke  ii.  7, — 16. 
 
 Yer,  TJ  E  H  O  L  D  !  a  new-born  tender  Babe, 
 J3     In  freezy  winter  night, 
 in  homely  manger  trembhng  lies ; 
 Alas !  a  piteous  fight ! 
 Vol.  X.  '   Kkkk 
 
624      SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 The  inns  are  full ;  no  man  will  yield 
 
 This  little  gueft  a  bed  ; 
 But  forc'd  he  is,  with  filly  beads, 
 
 In  crib  to  Ihrowd  his  head. 
 Defpife  him  not  for  lying  there; 
 
 Firfl,  what  he  is,  enquire ; 
 An  orient  pearl  has  oft  been  found, 
 
 Ev*n  in  a  dirty  mire. 
 Weigh  not  his  crib,  his  wooden  diih. 
 
 Nor  beafts  that  by  him  feed ; 
 Weigh  not  his  mother's  poor  attire. 
 
 Nor  Jofeph's  fimple  weed. 
 This  {table  is  a  Prince's  court ; 
 
 The  crib  his  chair  of  ftate  ; 
 The  beafts  are  parcels  of  his  pomp, 
 
 The  wooden  difli  his  plate. 
 The  perfons  in  the  poor  attire. 
 
 His  royal  liv'ry  wear ; 
 The  Prince  himfelf  is  come  from  heav'n, 
 
 His  pomp  is  prized  there. 
 Let  angels  fmg  ;  let  fheplierds  joy  ; 
 
 Let  fages  from  afar, 
 By  (tarry  light  direded  here. 
 
 Adore  the  nobler  .Star. 
 
 Let  all  that  bears  the  Chriflian  name, 
 
 Do  homage  to  their  King  ; 
 And  highly  praife  his  humble  pomp, 
 
 Which  he  from  heav'n  did  bring. 
 The  fun  that  gilds  the  higheft  orb. 
 
 The  Ruler  of  the  fkies, 
 Whofe  rays  are  under  rags  ecllps'd. 
 
 Within  the  manger  lies. 
 The  heav'ns  at  all  their  light  may  blufli  j 
 
 The  earth  at  all  her  pride  ; 
 Her  potentates  their  fparkling  crowns. 
 
 And  trains  may  lay  afide. 
 Of  all  their  golden  pompous  robes 
 
 Afliam'd  her  princes  be, 
 When  God's  poor  cottage  on  the  earth 
 
 His  clouts  and  crew  they  fee. 
 
Part  I.     From  the  Four  Evangelists,      625 
 
 Ver.  Behold  all  glorious  things  below, 
 Their  glory  now  defpife  ; 
 Since  God  mofl  high  does  earth's  contempt, 
 More  than  her  glory,  prize. 
 
 SONG        II. 
 
 The  Eight  Beatitudes.     Matth.  v.  3, — 12. 
 
 3  TJ  L  E  S  S '  D  are  they  who  in  fpirit  poor, 
 J3    Are  drain'd  of  felf-conceit ; 
 
 To  them   in  Jefus   is  made  fure 
 Heav'n's  kingdom,  rich  and  great. 
 
 4  Blefs'd  are  the  mourners  now  for  fm. 
 
 Who  fow  by  faith  in  tears  ;  j^ 
 
 Their  reaping  time  of  joy  within 
 Shall  be  to  endlefs  years. 
 
 5  Blefs'd  are  the  meek,  whofe  humble  mind 
 
 Of  Jefus'  fpirit  ihares  ; 
 The  earth  with  heav'n  fhall  be  aflign'd 
 To  them  as  proper  heirs. 
 
 6  Blefs'd  are  the  fouls  that  hunger  much, 
 
 And  thirfl  for  righteoufnefs  ; 
 A  feaft  iliall  be  prepared  for  fuch, 
 A  fill  of  heav'nly  blifs. 
 
 7  Blefs'd   are  the   merciful   to  man  ; 
 
 Though  God  them  nothing  owe. 
 Yet  mercy  more  they  fhall  obtain. 
 The  more  they  mercy  fhow. 
 
 8  Blefs'd  are  the  pure  in  heart  and  way 
 
 Through  God's  renewing  grace ; 
 For  none  but  fuch  fhall  fhare  for  ay 
 The  vifion  of  his  face. 
 
 9  Blefs'd  are  peace-makers  kind,  that  aim 
 
 To  make  all  flrife  to  ceafe  ; 
 They  fliall  be  nominate  with  fame. 
 Sons  of  the  God  of  peace. 
 
 10  Blefs'd  are  they  who,  for  Jefus'  fiike, 
 
 1 1  Bear  fliame,  reproach,  and  pain  : 
 
 1 2  They  fhall  with  glorious  joy,  partake 
 
 Of  his  triumphant  reign. 
 Kkk  k  2 
 
o 
 
 616    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver. 
 
 SONG        III. 
 
 ^he  Lord's  Prayer.     Matth.  vi.  9, — 13. 
 
 U  R  Father,  on  thy  heav'nly  throne, 
 _        Thy  great  name  hallowed  be : 
 
 10  Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done 
 On  earth,  ev'n  as  on  high. 
 
 1 1  Give  us  our  daily  bread,  and  blefs 
 What  meafure  thou  doft  fend ; 
 
 12  Forgive  our  fms,  as  we,  through  grace, 
 Do  thcfe  that  us  offend. 
 
 13  Into  temptation  lead  us  not. 
 Nor  fuiFer  us  to  flray ; 
 
 But  gracioufly  our  good,  promote. 
 From  evil  guard  our  way. 
 
 For  thine's  the  kingdom  ;  pow'r,  to  thee. 
 
 And  glory,  do  pertain ; 
 As   from  and  to   eternity 
 
 They  did,  and  fliajl.  Amen. 
 
 SONG        IV. 
 
 Christ's  Addrefs  to  God  :  Or,  the  fovereignty  of 
 Grace^s  Be^ipjits^  in  Christ's  Thank/giving  to 
 the  Father.     Matth.  xi.  25,  26.  Luke  x.  21. 
 
 TT^  HE  man  of  forrows,  Jefus  Chrift, 
 
 1       A  mourner  all  his  days, 
 Yet  once,  in  fpirit  glad,  addrefs'd 
 To  God  this  fong  of  praife : 
 
 0  Father,  Lord  of  heav'n  and  earth, 
 Whofe  right  it  is  withal. 
 
 To  doom  the  rebel  man  to  death. 
 Or  raife  him  from  his  fall. 
 
 1  tliank  thee,  that  Heav'n's  mydeiies, 
 To  babes  thou  fliowefl:  bright. 
 
 While  from  the  learn'd  and  worldly  wife, 
 
 Thou  hides  the  faving  fight. 
 From  men  of  prudence,  and  of  pride, 
 
 Thcfe  things  tliou  hafl:  conceal'd. 
 Which  to  thy  weak  and  fimple  bride, 
 
 Thou  plainly  hafl:  reveal'd. 
 
Part  I.    From  the  Four  Ewai^gi^lists,     627 
 
 Ev'n  fo,  dear  Father,  fince  thy  will 
 
 Ordain'd  it  to  be  fo ; 
 For  down  the  proud  thou  lov'fl  to  pull. 
 
 And  lay  the  haughty  low. 
 [Thou  dealing  thus  doft  fov'reignly 
 
 Thy  great  decrees  fulfil ; 
 Choofe  fome  to  life,  while  others  die  ; 
 
 Yet  thou  art  righteous  ftill. 
 Shall  mortals  grumble  ?  (hall  a  rufh 
 
 Imagine  God  unjuft  ? 
 Who  foon,  as  he  can  make,  can  crulh 
 
 A  thoufand  worlds  to  duft. 
 O  teach  men,  not  thy  deep  decree. 
 
 But  written  will  to  trace  ; 
 And  in  thy  Son  to  come  and  fee 
 The  wonders  of  thy  grace.] 
 
 SONG        V. 
 
 Christ's  ^^Jr^  /oMan  :  or,  his  Invitation  to  Sinners, 
 Mat.  xi.  27,  29.  Luke  x.  22.  John  iii.  35,  36. 
 
 H  E  Father  loves  me,  and  has  giv'n 
 All  things  into  my  hand  ; 
 All  fov'reign  pow'r  in  earth  and  heav'n. 
 
 To  order  and  command. 
 None  but  the  Father  knows  the  Son, 
 
 None  but  the  Son  him  fee ; 
 And  only  right  the  Father's  known 
 In,  by,  and  thorough  me. 
 
 For,  lo  !  Fm  feal'd  and  fet  apart 
 
 A  Prophet  to  difplay 
 The  fecrets  of  my  Father's  heart 
 
 And  bofom,  where  I  lay. 
 Come  then,  each  lab'ring  weary  foul, 
 
 Witti  fin  or  forrow  prefl: ; 
 On  me,  "by  faith,  your  burdens  roll, 
 
 And  I  will  give  you  reft. 
 Take  on  my  yoke,  and  learn  of  me, 
 
 For  lowly  is  my  mind, 
 And  meek  to  teach  you  :  thus  fliall  yc 
 
 Soul-reft  and  quiet  find. 
 
 T 
 
628    SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver,  My  yoke  is  eafy  to  the  neck 
 That  does  it  kindly  'brace ; 
 My  burden's  light,  even  to  the  weak. 
 Through  my  fupporting  grace. 
 
 SONG        VI. 
 
 The  Song  of  Mary»     Luke  i.  46, — ^^, 
 
 46  T^  /[*  Y  foul  doth  magnify  the  Lord, 
 _[^j[     And  high  his  praife  elate  : 
 
 47  My  fpirit   is  with  gladnefs   ftor'd, 
 
 In  God  my  Saviour  great. 
 
 48  For  to  his  hand-maid's  ftation  mean. 
 
 He  hath  regard  cxprefs'd  ; 
 And,  lo !  all  ages  yet  unfeen. 
 Shall  henceforth  call  me  blefs'd. 
 
 49  For  he  that  is  the  mighty  One, 
 
 Hath  done  great  things  to  me ; 
 Moft  holy  is   his   name   alone. 
 And  dill  ador'd  fhall  be. 
 
 50  To  them  that  fear  him,  and  embrace 
 
 The  truth  that  cannot  fail ; 
 His  mercy  is  from  race  to  race, 
 Tranfmitted  by  entail. 
 
 51  Strength  with  his  arm  God  has  difplay'd : 
 
 The  proud  he  did  confound  ; 
 Their  projects  to  their  hurt  he  made. 
 And  to  his  praife  redound. 
 
 52  The  great  and  mighty  from  their  thrones. 
 
 Soon  hurry  down  did  he : 
 But  highly  rais'd  the  humble  ones, 
 That  were  of  low  degree. 
 
 53  The  hungry  with  good  things  he  fed, 
 
 And  fiU'd  to  their  content ; 
 Whereas  the  rich  and  full  beftead 
 Away  he  empty  fent. 
 
 54  He   to  his  fervant  Ifra'l   kind, 
 
 Did  give  his  helping  hand. 
 And  call'd  his  ancient  love  to  mind. 
 Recorded  in  his  hand : 
 
Part  I.    From  the  Four  Evangelists.      629 
 
 Ver.  Which  to  our  father's  race  of  old, 
 ^^      He  did  by  oath  fecure, 
 
 To  Abr'am  and  his  feed  enrolFd, 
 
 For  ever  to  endure. 
 Long  lay  in  his  eternal  bread 
 The  promife  of  his  Son  : 
 In  theejhall  nations  all  be  blefs*d  *, 
 Was  faid,  and  fhall  be  done. 
 
 S     O    K    G        VII. 
 
 'The  Song  ©/"Zacharias.     Luke  i,  68, — 79. 
 Sect.  I.     Refpeding  Christ. 
 
 68  T>LESS'D  be  Jehovah,  IfraTs  God, 
 Ij     Who  now  himfelf  has  come. 
 
 To   vifit  and  redeem  his  folk 
 From  fm  and  flavifh  doom. 
 
 69  He  in  his  fervant  David's  houfe, 
 
 Has  rais'd,  of  David's  line. 
 An  horn  of  fafety  fure  for  us, 
 And  full  of  pow'r  divine : 
 
 70  As  fpake  his  holy  feers  of  old  ; 
 
 Who,  fmce  the  world  began. 
 Have  all,  from  time  to  time,  foretold, 
 How  God  would  vifit  man. 
 
 71  That  we  ihould  fafe  from  haters  hands. 
 
 And  heavy  bondage  be  : 
 Much  worfe  than  Roman  yokes  and  bands 
 From  fm  and  Satan  free. 
 
 72  To  grant  the  mercy  promifed. 
 
 And  prove  his  promife  true. 
 Of  old   to  our  anceftors  made. 
 To  us  made  out  in  view. 
 
 73  The  deftin'd  blifs,  the  plighted  truth. 
 
 To  his  remembrance  came, 
 The  holy  cov'nant,  feal'd  by  oath, 
 '     And  fworn  to  Abraham. 
 
 74  That  we,  deliver'd  from  their  hand, 
 
 Who  hatred  to  us  bear. 
 In  love  might  ferve  him  at  command. 
 And  without  ilavilh  fear : 
 
 *  Gen.  xll.  q. 
 
630    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     BookIL 
 
 Ver.  Might  through  his  grant  of  promis'd  grace, 
 
 75  This  loving  fervice  give, 
 
 In  hoUnefs,    and   righteoufnefs. 
 Before  him,  while  we  live. 
 Sect.     II. 
 RefpeBing  John  the  Baptiji,  his  office  and  work. 
 
 76  And  thou,  child,  flialt  be  call'd  anon, 
 
 (Into  Eiias'  place,) 
 The  Prophet  of  the  higheft  One, 
 To  go  before  his  face. 
 
 77  The  herald  to  prepare  his   way. 
 
 And  make  falvation  known  : 
 The  Lamb  that  takes  ourfm  away, 
 
 The  victim  fhall  be  Ihown. 
 He  Ihouts,  "  Behold  !  the  objeft  blefs'd, 
 
 "  The  Lamb  of  God  on  wing, 
 "  To  fave,  by  purchafe,  as  a  Pried  ; 
 
 "  By  conqueft,  as  a  King  |. 
 
 "  He  comes  that's  mightier  than  I  j 
 
 "  rU  never  claim  his  dues ; 
 *'  Nay,  I'm    unworthy    to   uiuie 
 
 "  The  latchet  of  his  flioes  ^." 
 
 78  Our  God   in   tender   mercy   nigh, 
 
 Who  firfl  did  light  command, 
 Has,  by  the  day-fpring  from  on  high, 
 Thus  vifited  our  land. 
 
 79  Clear   to   enlighten  thefe  that   fit 
 
 In  darkefl  Ihades  of  death  ; 
 And  flrcight,  to  guide  our  wand'ring  feet. 
 In  grace's  peaceful  path. 
 
 SONG        VIIL 
 
 Christ's  Nativity  celebrated :    or,   the  firjl   gcod 
 News  of  our  Saviour's  Birth,  by  an  Angel,  to  the 
 Shepherds  in  Bethlehem  ;  together  with  the  Sorg 
 of  a  numerous  Company  of  Angels  thereupon. 
 Luke  ii.  8, — 14. 
 
 8  VTZHILE  fliepherds   watch'd,    in   Bethle?m's 
 
 9  '^  '^      An  angel  bright  appear'd  ;  [fieldb-, 
 Heav'n's  glory  round  them  was  reveal'd. 
 
 At  which  they  greatly  fear'd  : 
 
 f  John  I.  291  36.        ''    *  Mutih.  iii.  II- 
 
Part  I.     From  the  Four  Evangelists,      631 
 
 Ver.  Fear  not  at  all,  faid  he ;  for,  lo ! 
 
 10  I  bring,  with  fweet  folace, 
 Good  tidings  of  great  joy  to  you. 
 
 And  all  the  human  race. 
 
 1 1  To  you  is  born  this  day  and  date. 
 
 In  David's  little  town, 
 A  Saviour,  the  Mefliah  great. 
 The  Lord  of  high  renown. 
 
 12  And  this  to  you   fliall  be  the  fign. 
 
 You'll  find  the  babe  array 'd, 
 And  wrapt  in  fwaddling  cloths,  but  mean, 
 And  in  a  manger  laid. 
 
 13  Straightway  with  th'  angel  joinM  aloud 
 
 A  numerous  fhining  throng. 
 Of  heav'nly  harpers,  praifmg  God 
 In  this  melodious  fong. 
 
 14  "  All  glory,  in  the  higheft  heavens, 
 
 "  To  God  be  render'd  fiill ; 
 "  For  peace  on  earth  benignly  giv'n, 
 "  And  towards  men  good-will. 
 
 SONG        IX. 
 
 The  Song  0/^  Sim  eon,  having  the  Babe,  Jesus, 
 in  his  Arms.     Luke  ii.  29,-32. 
 
 29  ^^T^"^'  let  thy  favour'd  fervant.  Lord, 
 J_^      In  peace  depart  and  die. 
 According  to  thy  gracious  word, 
 
 AccomplifliM  faithfully : 
 
 30  For  thy  falvation,  with  mine  eyes. 
 
 I  fee.     The  vifion  charms  ! 
 
 My  foul  the  fear  of  death  defies 
 
 When  Chrifl  is  in  my  arms. 
 
 31  This  long-expected  blifs  difplay'd. 
 
 Before  the  peoples  face  ; 
 Still  a-preparing  while   delay'd. 
 Now  fiiows  thy  truth  and  grace. 
 
 32  This  is  the   light  of  life  we  view. 
 
 To  lighten  Gentile  lands : 
 Thy  people  IfraTs  glory  too. 
 To  break  their  ilavifli  bands. 
 Vol.  X.  LIU 
 
T 
 
 632      SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  11. 
 
 SONG        X. 
 
 Christ's  Preaching,  Office,  and  CommiJJion, 
 Luke  iv.  16, — 23.  Ifa.  Ixi.  i, — 4. 
 
 H  E  text  was  fweet  which  Jefus  took, 
 The  dodlrine,  Come  and  fee 
 This   fcripture,  in  the  facred  book, 
 
 To-day  fulfill'd  in  me  : 
 On  me  the  Sp*rit  divine  is  flied, 
 
 Anointing  me  to  preach 
 To  poor  and  needy,  tidings  glad, 
 
 And  meek'ned  fouls  to  teach. 
 I'm  come  no  friend  to  fm,  but  yet 
 
 The  fmner*s  friend  to  be  : 
 Captives    at   hberty  to  fet. 
 And  Satan's  Haves  to  free : 
 From  clouds  of  fm  that  fouls  benight, 
 
 To  clear  the  darkened  mind  ; 
 And  with  the  rays  of  faving  light 
 
 Illuminate  the  blind ; 
 I'm  fent  to  heal  the  broken  heart, 
 
 The  bleeding  foul  to  cure, 
 Treafures  to  bankrupts  to  impart. 
 
 And  riches  to  the  poor. 
 To    make    a   proclamation   free 
 
 Of  pardon,  grace,  and  peace, 
 The    Lord    Jehovah's   jubilee. 
 His  year  of  fweat  releafe. 
 
 His  day  of  vengeance  to  declare 
 
 On  authors  of  annoy  : 
 That  Zion's  mourners  all  may  fliare 
 
 Of  Zion's-  peace  and  joy. 
 For  allies  he'll  with  beauty  drefs ; 
 
 For  grief  with  joy  anoint 
 And  for  the  fp'rit  of  heavinefs, 
 
 The  robe  of  praife  appoint. 
 That  trees  of  righteoufncfs  m.ight  be 
 
 Their  proper  name  defcry'd. 
 The  planting  of  the  Lord,  that  he 
 
 May  thus  be  glorify'd. 
 
Part  I.     From  the  Four  Evangelists.      633 
 
 Ver.  Such  was  the  dodrine  of  folace 
 
 That  Jefus  did  impart ; 
 Such  were  his  powerful  words  of  grace 
 
 To  captivate  the  heart. 
 Welcome  the  preacher  great,  that  comes 
 
 For  all  thefe  happy  ends  j 
 This  office  juftly  he  alTumes, 
 
 Whom  God  the  Father  fends. 
 
 SONG         XI. 
 
 The  returning  Prodigal.     Luke  x v.   13, — 24. 
 
 13    '^  I  ^  HE  rebel  fon,  whofe  lufl:  and  wine, 
 14  15  X      I^i"^  'il^  his  fortune  walle, 
 
 16  Lol  how  he  fought  among  the  fwine 
 
 The  empty  hulks  to  tafte. 
 
 17  But,  coming  to  himfelf,  he  cries, 
 
 Ah  !   vvhere's  my  dainty  cheer  ! 
 My  father's  houfe  hath  full  fupplies ; 
 I  die  with  hunger  here. 
 
 18  I'll  go,  and  mournfully  confefs 
 
 The  evil  I  have  done, 
 
 19  And  plead  his  pity  in  diftrefs, 
 
 On  an  unworthy  fon. 
 
 20  Thisfaid,  he  came,  with  fpeed  and  care, 
 
 To  feek  his  father's  love ; 
 The  father  faw  him  from  afar. 
 
 And  all  his  bowels  move. 
 He  ran,  and  fell  upon  his  neck, 
 
 Kifs'd  and  embrac'd  his  fon : 
 
 21  Father,  Aiid  he,  I  feel  a  check 
 
 For  follies  I  have  done. 
 
 22  The  joyful  father  faid,  Bring  forth, 
 
 For  him  the  beft  array ; 
 The  diamond  ring  of  greatefl  worth, 
 And  throw  his  rags  away. 
 
 23  A    day   of  feafling    1   ordain ; 
 
 Let  joy  and  mirth  abound; 
 
 24  My  fon  was  dead,  and  lives  again  j 
 
 Was  loft,  and  now  is  found. 
 .  Llll  2 
 
T 
 
 634    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,     Book  II. 
 
 SONG        XII. 
 
 The   Go/pel  Feafl,  and  the  Price  of  it. 
 Luke  xvi.  16, — 24.   i  Pet.  iii.  18. 
 
 H  Y  gofpel-table's  furnifh'd,  Lord, 
 With  plenty  from  above ; 
 The  fruits  of  hfe  o'erfpread  the  board. 
 The  cup  o'erflovvs  with  love. 
 
 Thy  antient  family,   the  Jews, 
 
 Was  firfl:  call'd  to  the  feaft  ; 
 We  Gentiles  take  what  they  refufe, 
 
 And  glad  the  banquet  talle. 
 We  are  the  poor,  the  blind,   the  lame, 
 
 Made  up  ot  wounds  and  wants; 
 But  at  thy  call,  we  come  to  claim 
 
 Supplies  thy  mercy  grants. 
 What  {liall  we  pay  th'  eternal  Son, 
 
 That  left  his  high  abode. 
 And  to  this  wretched  earth  came  down, 
 
 To  bring  us  back  to  God  ? 
 
 To  fave  our  fouls,  and  buy  our  lives. 
 
 It  cod  hun  ev'n  his  own  : 
 He  bought  the  unknown  joys  he  gives 
 
 With  agonies  unknown. 
 Our  endlefs  love  to  him   is  due. 
 
 That  ranfom'd  fmners  loft. 
 And  pity'd  rebels,  though  he  knew 
 
 What  pains  his  love  would  coif. 
 
 SONG         XIII. 
 
 The  Dciiy  and  Humanity  ^Christ  ;  or.  The  God-man. 
 John  i.  I,  3,  14.  Col.  i.  16.  Eph.  iii.  9,  10. 
 
 EF  O  REthe  heav'ns  were  fpread  abroad. 
 Was  the  eternal  Word  : 
 W'ta  God  he  was;  the  Word  was  God, 
 And  is  as  God  ador'd. 
 
 By  his  own  pow'r  all  things  were  made  ; 
 
 By  him  upheld  they  Rand : 
 He  is  tlie  whole  creation's  head} 
 
 Hath  th' angels  at  command. 
 
 B 
 
Part  I.    From  the  Four  Evangelists.      67,^ 
 
 Ere  fin  was  hatchM,  or  Satan  fell: 
 
 He  rul'd  the  morning  ftars. 
 [His  generation  who  can  tell. 
 
 Or  his  unnumber'd  years  ?3 
 Yet,  lo !  he  leaves  thefe  heav'niy  forms, 
 
 Defcends  and  dwells  in  clay ; 
 That  he  may  converfe  hold  with  worms, 
 
 Drefs'd  in  fuch  flefh  as  they. 
 Mortals,  with  joy,  behold  his  face, 
 
 The  eternal  Father's  Son, 
 When  full  of  truth,  and  full  of  grace, 
 
 Thro'  flefh  the  Godhead  ftone. 
 Arch-angels  leave  their  high  abode. 
 
 To  learn  their  loves,  and  tell 
 The  glories  of  th'  Incarnate  God, 
 
 Our  great  Immanuel. 
 
 SONG        XIV. 
 
 Believers  faved.  Unbelievers  damned. 
 
 John  iii.  16,  17,  18.     Mark  xvi.  15,  16. 
 
 OD  lov'd  the  world  of  mankind  fo. 
 He  fent  his  only  Son, 
 To  fave  them  all  from  fm  and  wo. 
 
 Who  truft  in  him  alone. 
 Not  to  condemn  the  fons  of  men. 
 
 The  Son  of  God  was  fent ; 
 No  weapons  in  his  hand  were  fecn. 
 
 No  warlike  inftrument. 
 But  by  his  word  of  grace  he  wins 
 
 Their  hearts  who  hear  him  tell. 
 He's  fent  to  take  away    their    fms, 
 
 And  fave  their  fouls  from  hell. 
 His  lips  have  grace  into  them  pour'd  ; 
 
 His  hands  the  bleffing  give  : 
 If  fmners  then  embrace  his  word. 
 
 They  Ihall  for  ever  live. 
 
 Believers  happy  are  proclaim'd, 
 
 Whom  Gofpel-tidings  draw; 
 But   unbelievers  are  condemn'd 
 
 Already  by  the  law ; 
 
 G 
 
6^6    SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  Yea,  double  vengeance  on  them  lies 
 Who'gainft  the  Hght  rebel; 
 Who  God's  eternal  Son  defpife, 
 Shall  have  the  hotteft  hell. 
 
 SONG         XV. 
 
 Christ  prefent  to  Faith  upon  the  Gofpel-Table  and  in 
 the  facramental  Supper.    John  vi.  2,$'  Luke  xxii,  19. 
 
 JESUS  is  gone  above  the  ikies, 
 Where  now  we  fee  him  not ; 
 And   carnal  obje£ls   court  our  eyes. 
 
 To  thrufl  him  from  our  thought. 
 He  knows  what  wand'ring  hearts  we  have, 
 
 Forgetful  of  his  face ; 
 And  to  refrelli  our  minds  he  gave 
 
 Memorials  of  his  grace. 
 He  oft  the  gofpel-table  fpreads 
 
 With  his  own  flefh  and  blood  ; 
 Faith  on  the  rich  provifion  feeds. 
 
 And  taftes  the  love  of  God. 
 While  he  is  abfent  from  our  fight, 
 
 *ris  to  prepare  a  place, 
 Where  we  may  dwell  in  heav'nly  light. 
 
 For  ever,  near  his  face. 
 
 SONG         XVI. 
 
 CuK\%T  the  Way.     Johnxvi.  i,— 6. 
 
 1  T    E  T  not  your  hearts  within  you  grieve, 
 i    J     Nor  greatly  troubled  be  ; 
 
 Ye  truit  in  God,  ev'n  fo  believe, 
 In,  by,  and  thorough  me. 
 
 2  Home  to  my  Father's  houfe   I  go. 
 
 Where  many  manfions  are 
 Of  blifs  ;  and   if,    it   were  not  fo, 
 I  would  have  told  you  fair, 
 
 3  I  go  before,  and  in  your  name 
 
 Prepare  a  place  for  you  ; 
 I'll  come  again,  and  where  I  am 
 There  take  you  with  me  too. 
 
T 
 
 Part  I.    From  the  Four  Evangelists.      637 
 
 4  Thus  where  I'm  bound  you  know ;  and  may 
 
 5  Well  underftand  the  road  ; 
 
 6  For  I'm  the  true  and  hving  way. 
 
 By  which  you  come  to  God. 
 
 SONG         XVII. 
 
 Christ's  Miracles,  wrought  by  him^  to  prove  his 
 Godhead  and  divine  MiJJlon, 
 
 Recorded  by  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and  John. 
 
 HE   miracles  divine   of  old, 
 Wrought  to  confirm  the  law, 
 Were  fuch,  as  all  who  did  behold 
 Were  ftruck  with  dread  and  awe: 
 
 Witnefs  the  figns   in  Egypt  (hown. 
 
 That  men  with  terror  fill'd  ; 
 Deftrudive  plagues,  nay,  wrath  unknown, 
 
 That  man  and  cattle  kill'd.  "^ 
 But  now  the  wonders  Jefus  wrought. 
 
 To  fhow  that  from  above 
 His  peaceful  embaify  was  brought. 
 
 Are  miracles  of  love. 
 Mofes  turn'd  water  firft  to  blood. 
 Of  dreadful  fcenes  a  fign  : 
 ill/r.  But  Chrift,  intending  fmners  good 
 I       Turn'd  water  into  wine. 
 1  He,  doing  good,  went  up  and  down. 
 And  carry'd,  as  he  paft. 
 His  heavenly  gifts  from  town  to  town. 
 
 And  round  him  bleilings  caft. 
 To  win  th'  obdurate  Jews  in  vain 
 
 With  profer'd  blefs  he  drove  : 
 His   future  glories    they    difdain. 
 
 And  flight  his  Father's  love. 
 If  worldly  pomp  without  annoy, 
 
 And  empire  he  had  giv'n ; 
 'Twas  that  they  wanted  to  enjoy, 
 
 And  not  his  unfeen  heav'n. 
 Yet  with  good-will,  in  every  place. 
 Salvation  he  reveal 'd  ; 
 
 3  Dark  minds  enlighten'd  by  his  grace  ; 
 
 4  Difeafed  bodies  heal'd. 
 
 *  See  Exodus  vii,  vlli.  ix,  x,  and  xil.  chapter*. 
 
638    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     BookIL 
 
 Mir.  Impetuous  winds  were  by  him  flack'd, 
 
 5  And  waves  his  will  obey'dj 
 
 The  ftormy  tempefts,  by  him  check'd, 
 Afide  their  fury  laid. 
 
 He    made  the    raging  ocean   plain 
 And  fmooth  at  his  command  ; 
 
 6  And  walked  on  the  liquid  main, 
 
 As  on  the  folid  land. 
 
 7  He,  with  a  word,  did  cure  the  lame, 
 
 8  And  quickly  heal  the  fick; 
 
 9  10  The  lepers  cleanfe,  reftore  the  maimj 
 
 1 1  And  made  the  dumb  to  fpeak. 
 
 12  He  dssmons  difpoffcfs'd,  who  knew 
 
 This  heavenly  flranger's  pow'rs : 
 They  from  his   awful  prefence  flew 
 Affrighted  to  their  bow'rs. 
 
 13  He  to  the  blind  gave  open  eyes. 
 
 To  fee  the  light  that  flione : 
 
 14  He  bad  the  mould'ring  dead  arife, 
 
 And  dead  arofe  anon. 
 
 15  He  fed  the  multitudes  when  faint. 
 
 With  new-created  meat  j 
 And  fafter  did  the  food  augment 
 
 Than  all  the  croud  could  eat. 
 His  care  that  diftributed  doles. 
 
 To  do  their  bodies  good, 
 
 16  Was  more  in  feeding  precious  fouls 
 
 With  everlafting  food. 
 To  feed  with  manna  from  above 
 
 Was  chiefly  his  employ  ; 
 His  royal  fare,  a  feafl:  of  love, 
 
 Of  pardon,  peace,  and  joy. 
 His  miracles  corporeal 
 
 Were  but  his  pawns,  in  place 
 Of  miracles  fpiritual, 
 
 And  pledges  of  his  grace. 
 
 17  With  majefty  he  fpoke,  whom  all 
 
 His  audience  did  adore  ; 
 No  man,  (they  did  aloud  propale,"^ 
 E'er  fpoke  like  him  before. 
 
Part  I.     From  the  Four  Evangelists.      ^39 
 
 Mir,  The  crew,  whofe  fwords  did  him  furround, 
 
 18  He  could  have  cruih'd  to  death,* 
 With  equal  eafe  as  to  the  ground 
 
 He  threw  them  with  his  breath. 
 
 19  But   ev*n  among   the  bloody  band 
 
 That  feiz'd  him  did  appear 
 His  loving  heart,  his  healing  hand, 
 lleftoring  Malchus'  ear. 
 
 20  "What  was  in  man  he  fully  knew  ; 
 
 The  heart  of  friends  and  foes 
 He  fearch'd,  and  pidur'd  in  their  view 
 The  thoughts  he  would  difclofe. 
 
 21  He  fhew'd  Nathanael's  heart,  and  faid, 
 
 "  Ere  philip  called  thee, 
 "  1  faw  thee  underneath  the  fhade, 
 
 "  The  leaves  of  yonder  tree  ; 
 '*  I  all  thy  holy  motions  fpy'd, 
 
 "  In  yon  retir'd  abode  : 
 On  which,  Nathanael,  "  Rabbi,  cry'd, 
 
 "  Thou  art  the  Son  of  God." 
 
 22  He  to  th*  amaz'd  Samaritan, 
 
 Her  wicked  life  revealM, 
 Which  from  the  view  of  mortal  man 
 
 She  thought  had  been  conceal'd. 
 Hence,    "  O  come  fee  a  man,  fhe  faid, 
 
 "  With  perfeft  knowledge  blefs'd  ; 
 "  He    told   me  all    that   e'er  I   didj 
 
 "  And  is  not  this  the  Chrift  ?" 
 
 23  When  Judas  bafe  had  but  his  vile 
 
 And  wicked  fcheme  defign'd ; 
 Then  Jefus  told  him  all  the  guile 
 
 And  treafon  of  his  mind. 
 What  lives  and  lies  within  the  deep 
 
 Lay  open  to  his  view. 
 
 24  Who  bad  the  filh  the  tribute  keep 
 
 Till  fought  as  Csefar's  due. 
 When  nought  in  fifliing  caught  had  been 
 By  toilers  all  the  night ; 
 
 25  He  caus'd  the  fmny  tribe  conveen. 
 
 And  fill  their  net  on  fight. 
 Vol.  X.  Mm  mm 
 
^40      SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  11. 
 
 Mir.  Nor  were  his  mighty  works  confin'd, 
 
 To  felect  friends  he  chofe, 
 But,  hke  his  love  to  human  kind. 
 
 Laid  open  to  his  foes. 
 No  hidden  corner  Jefus  fought. 
 
 Like  forgers  bafe  of  lies. 
 But  in  the  light  his  wonders  wrought, 
 
 Before  a  thoufand  eyes. 
 Nor  were  his  miracles  of  love 
 
 Wrought  in  a  fcanty  way  ; 
 He  prov'd  his  miffion  from  above    . 
 
 By  wonders  ev'ry  day. 
 Bright  at  his  birth  the  comet  blaz'd. 
 
 That  flraight  the  wife-men  led  : 
 Dark,  at  his  death,  the  fun  amaz'd 
 
 With  blufhes  vail'd  its  head. 
 Of  heav'n  and  earth  the  ReiStor  blefs'd, 
 
 Did  thus,  in  fignais  giv'n. 
 His  miracles  on  earth  atteft, 
 
 By  miracles  in  heav'n. 
 
SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 P    A    R    T        II.  * 
 
 POEMS  feledled  out  of  the  ApqfloUcal  Epiftks. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 As  the  Four  Evangelists  lay  do^vn  the  foundation  of  our  holy  re^ 
 ligion,  in  //i?  hiftory  and  life  of  our  blefftd  Saviour,  its  great 
 Authr.r ;  fo  the  Apostolical  Epistles  open  up  the  my ilcry  of 
 his  death  and  refurreiiion.  The  Four  Go  [pels  Jhonx;  us  hoii)  the 
 foundation  of  the  Chrifian  church  'was  laid  ;  the  ABs  of  the  A- 
 pojiles point  out  how  the  fuperflru6lure  bcgaJi  to  he  raifed,  both  a- 
 mongji  Jenvs  and  Gentiles :  and  the  Apojiolical  Epijiles  contain  a 
 clear  and  compendious  fyfein  of  the  great  and  iinportant  do£lrines 
 ofthegofpel,  in  order  to  edify,  comfort,  and  buildup  the  church. 
 
 The  apojiles  nvere  endowed  with  a  wonderful  effufton  of  the  Holy 
 Spirit,  and  were  under  his  infallible  influence  and  guidance,  both 
 in  preaching  the  gofpel,  and  writing  their  Epifiles  ;  and  all  of 
 them  declare,  that  what  they  wrote  was  from  God :  and  they  be- 
 ing all  7nen  of  undoubted  probity,  we  may  well  credit  thetn  on  this 
 point.  The  fundamental  articles  of  the  Chrifiian  faith,  beino  more 
 fully  difcujjed  in  thefs  Epifles  than  elfewhere,  tend  mightily  to 
 influence  practical  godlinefs,  out  of  a  principle  of  divine  love,  a 
 good  confcience,  and  faith  unfeigned ;  and  alfj  to  produce  evan- 
 gelical  obedience. 
 
 It  is  none  of  the  leaf  defigm  of  the  Chrifian  injiitutes  to  excite  men 
 unto,  and  engage  them  in,  all  the  inflances  and  ads  of  fmcere 
 love,  and  fervent  devotion  tonuards  God :  and  accordingly  ive  find 
 in  them  abundance  of  very  fuit  able  matter  both  for  i?if  ration,  mc 
 dilation,  prayer,  and  praife.  When  the  different  Epifles  are 
 carefully  looked  into,  and  examined  with  a77y  degree  of  altoition, 
 we  find  there  are  interfperfed  many  divine  odes  and  facred  dox~ 
 ologiss ;  and  thefe  lay  a  foundation  for  felecirng  the  follo^iving 
 Songs,  S, 
 
 S     O     N     G         I. 
 
 Ruin  by  Sin,  Relief  by  Christ.     Rom.  v.  12,  2,1. 
 
 Ver.  /'^UR  two  firfl  parents  happy  flood, 
 V^     Till  foon  as  Cm  had  place; 
 They  loit  their  garden,  and  their  God, 
 
 And  kill'd  their  unborn  race. 
 Thus  fprung  the  plague  from  Adam's  bow'r. 
 
 And  ruin  fpread  abroad  ; 
 O  curfed   fin !  that   in  one   hour, 
 Spoird  fix  days  work  of  God. 
 M  m  m  m    2  ^ 
 
642    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  Tremble,  O  finner  !  mourn  for  grief. 
 That  fuch  a  foe's  within  : 
 Fly,  fly,  to  Chrifl  for  quick  rehef, 
 And  let  him  kill  your  fm. 
 
 SONG         II. 
 
 The  Believer  s  Security  in  Christ  :  or,  the  Ground  of 
 Faith'' s  AJfurance  about  the  Believer's  unchange- 
 able happy  State.     Rom.  viii.  33,— 39* 
 
 33  XA/^"^^  ^^*^^  *^  th' elect's  charge  ought  lay, 
 
 VV      Since  God  hath  juftify'd? 
 
 34  V/ho  (liall  condemn  by  any  way, 
 
 Since  Chrifl  the  Surety  died  ? 
 Who  can  adjudge  their  fouls  to  hell, 
 
 Since  he,  who  in  their  ftead 
 Ijas  fuffer'd,  feaFd  iheir  blifs  fo  well. 
 
 By  rifing  from  the  dead? 
 Yea,  now  he  lives  and  fits  above, 
 
 Still  interceding  there. 
 
 35  What  can  divide  us  from  his  love. 
 
 Or  tempt  us  to  defpair  ? 
 Shall  perfecution,  or  didrefs, 
 
 A  feparation  make  ? 
 Shall  famine,  fword,   or  nakednefs. 
 
 Love's  bond  afunder  break  ? 
 oy  Nay,  lo  1  in  all  thefe  things  our  Shield, 
 
 Our  Lover  g^oes  before. 
 To   make   us  ev'n  upon   the  field 
 
 Both  conquerors,  and  more. 
 
 38  I'm  lure  no  death  nor  life  of  ours. 
 
 Nor  angels  troublcfome; 
 Nor   principalities,    nor   pow'rs, 
 Things  prefent,  nor  to  come  j 
 
 39  Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  mode 
 
 Of  creatures  might  befide. 
 Can  fcparate  our  fouls  from  God, 
 
 Nor  from  his  love  divide. 
 His    love    is   fix'd   in    Jefus    fo. 
 
 Where  we  have  fuch  a  part. 
 Not  all   that  earth  and  hell  can   do 
 
 Shall  pluck  us  from  his  heart. 
 
Part  II.    From  the  Apojlolical  Epistles.     643 
 
 SONG        III. 
 
 The  unfearchahh  Depth  of  divine  Wifdom  and  Sove- 
 reignty, in  the  Rejedion.of  the  Jews  and  the  Cal- 
 ling of  the  Gentiles.     Rom.  xi.  2,'^, — 36. 
 
 Ver.  /'~\  DEPTH  of  wifdom, '  riches  rare 
 
 33  V-^     Of  grace  and  mercy  free  ! 
 [That  Gentile  nations  now  fhould  fliare 
 
 The  Jews  fehcity: 
 
 And  that  till  Jews,  through  grace,  repent, 
 
 Their  prefent  difmal  fall, 
 Should  thus  be  made  fubfervient 
 
 To  Gentiles  happy  calllj 
 O  depth  of  riches  all  divine  1 
 
 O  fathomlefs  abyfs ! 
 Wifdom  and  knowledge  here  combine, 
 
 God's  work  alone  is  this. 
 How  fearchlefs  are  his  judgments  jufl! 
 
 How  tracelefs  are  his  ways ! 
 [With  fweei  and  awful  wonder  mufl: 
 
 Both  men  and  angels  gaze.J 
 
 34  For,  who  hath  known  Jehovah's  mind  ? 
 
 What  angel  or  what  man. 
 With  him  in  privy  council  join'd 
 
 Their  help  to  form  the  plan ! 
 35  Or,  who  hath  e*er  oblig'd  him  yet, 
 
 By  gifts  and  dare  upbraid, 
 As  having  on  him  claims  of  debt 
 
 And  favours  unrepaid? 
 36  For  all  things  of  him  as  the  fource, 
 
 And  through  him  as  the  guide. 
 And  to  him  as  the  end,  by  courfe. 
 
 Still  are,  and  Ihall  abide. 
 To  whom  for  ffores  of  grace  fo  free. 
 
 Dealt  in  a  fov'reign  way. 
 And   praife  and  glory  render'd  be 
 
 From  henceforth  and  for  ay. 
 
644    SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 SONG       IV. 
 
 ^je  Apojile  Paul's  Doxology  for  the  Revelation  of 
 Christ  by  the  Gofpel:  or,  a  Song  of  Praife  to  the 
 Power  and  Wifdom  o/God.  Rom.  xvi.  25,  26, 27. 
 
 Ver.  ^  I  ^  H  E  power  and  wifdom  of  our  God, 
 25     X.       Becomes  our  praifes  well ; 
 For  thefe  to  fave  us  did  explode 
 The  pow'r  and  wit  of  hell. 
 
 Now  to  the  God  of  Pow'r  that  can 
 
 Confirm  and  ftablilh  you, 
 According  to  the  gofpel-plan, 
 
 Expos'd  to  open  view  : 
 
 Chrift  preached,  making  light  to  fliine. 
 
 That  clearly  fhows  to  man, 
 The  myilery  of  grace  divine. 
 
 Kept  hid  fmce  time  began  ; 
 a6  But  now  by  fcripture  lamps  in  hand. 
 
 Made  manifell  abroad ; 
 And  pubhih'd  by  exprefs  command 
 
 Of  the  eternal  God : 
 
 That  nations  all  may  know  and  trace 
 
 The  new  and  living  path. 
 By  yielding  to  the  word  of  .grace, 
 
 Th'  obedience  of  faith. 
 ij  To    God  the  only  wife  alone 
 
 Be  praife  and  glory  then. 
 Through  Jefus,  his  anointed  one. 
 
 For  evermore,  Amen. 
 
 SONG         V. 
 
 Tkc   Glory  of  God  in  Christ. 
 I  Cor.  i.  24,  Pfal.  Ixxxv.  10. 
 
 L  I.  nature  fpreads  with  open  blaze. 
 Her  Maker's  name  broad  ; 
 And   cv'ry  work  of  his  difplays 
 
 The  pow'r  and  fldll  of  Gpd. 
 But  in  the  grace  that  refcu'd  man, 
 
 Kis  brightelt  glory  fliines  j 
 Here,  on  the  crofs  'tis  faireft  drawn, 
 In  precious  bloody  hnes. 
 
 A 
 
G 
 
 Part  II.    From  the  ApoJiolicalE?iST l^s.     64^ 
 
 Here  his  whole  name  appears  complete  ; 
 
 And  who  can  guefs  or  prove, 
 ^hich  of  the  letters  beft  are   writ, 
 
 The  wifdom,  pow*r,  or  love  ? 
 Jufticc  and  mercy,  truth  and  grace. 
 
 In  all  their  fweeteft  charms. 
 Here  meet,  and  joinM  their  kind  embrace. 
 
 With  everlafting  arms. 
 
 SONG        VI. 
 
 Christ's  Fourfold  Name,  fuited  to  the  Sinner* s  Need. 
 I  Cor.  i.  30. 
 
 OD's  knowledge,  favour,  image,  blifs, 
 _      Men  by  the  fall  have  loft  j 
 But   Jefus   the   reftorcr   is 
 
 Of  all  thefe,  to  his  coft. 
 Sad  evils   pofitive  with   all 
 
 Our  iofs  of  God  attend ; 
 Great  ignorance,  guilt,  filth,  and   thrall, 
 Which  he  alone  can  mend. 
 
 His  name  hath  attributes  engrav'd, 
 
 Moft  curioufly  within, 
 By  which  we  may  be  fully  fav'd 
 
 From  ev*ry  ill  in  fm. 
 
 Of  God  he  is  made  wifdom  meet 
 
 Sin's  folly  to  expofe : 
 Made  alio  righteoufnefs  complete, 
 
 Sin's  chain  of  guilt  to  loofe  : 
 Sanftification,   down  to   caft 
 
 Sin's  reigning,  ftaining  pow'r  : 
 Redemption   full  that  (hall  at   lafi: 
 
 Its  bitter  brood  devour. 
 
 How  dark  and  heavy  is  the  night 
 
 That  hangs  upon  our  eyes. 
 Till  Chrii'l,  our  wifdom  and  our  light. 
 
 Doth  o'er  our  fouls  arife? 
 .  Our   guilty   fpirits  are   afraid 
 
 To  meet. the  wrath  of  Heav'n, 
 Till,  in  his  righteoufnefs  array'd, 
 
 We  fee  our  fms  forgiv'n. 
 
6^6    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,      BookIL 
 
 Ver.  Our  hearts  and  ways  are  vile,  till  he, 
 Who  holinefs  commands. 
 Our  whole  fanftification  be, 
 To  wafli  our  hearts  and  hands. 
 
 The  pow*rs  of  hell  our  fouls  enchain, 
 
 Till  our  redemption  come, 
 And,  lawful  captives  to  regain. 
 
 His  conqu'ring  pow'r  alTume. 
 In   God  alone  lies  all  our  blifs  j 
 
 The  blifs  in  Chrift  is  flor'd. 
 That  v/e  may  fhare  of  what  he  is. 
 
 By  likenefs  to  our  Lord.  , 
 He  is  what  God  alone  can  be. 
 
 And  all  that  can  be  giv'n  ; 
 Wife,  righteous,  holy,  happy  he. 
 
 Who  thus  is  all  our  heav'n. 
 Yea,  all  in  all,  that   fmners    fo 
 
 May  be  in  him  complete  ; 
 Wife,  righteous,  holy,  happy  too  : 
 
 Blefs'd  be  the  match  fo  meet. 
 
 SONG        VH. 
 
 T/je  Excellency  and  Preference  of  Love. 
 
 I  Cor.  xiii.  i, — 13, 
 
 Sect.    I. 
 
 Themoji  excellent  Gifts  nothing  without  Love, 
 
 Ver.  I, — 4. 
 
 1  /^  O  U  L  D    I  with  men  and  angelsvic 
 \^     In  language,  without  love ; 
 Nought  but  a  founding  brafs  would  I, 
 
 Or  tinkling  cymbal,  prove. 
 
 2  Could  I  both  preach  and  prophefie, 
 
 All  myft'ries  underftand ; 
 Have  knowledge  all  ingrofs'd  in  me, 
 
 All  gifts  at  my  command  : 
 Yea,  had  I  faith  that  could  remove  j 
 
 Great  mountains  to  the  main  j 
 Yet    were   I   deftitute    of  love. 
 
 All  would  be  void  and  vain. 
 
Part  II.     From  the  Apojlolical  Epistles.     6^i 
 
 Ver.  Should  I,  with  Pharifaic   iliew, 
 
 3  Be  lavifli  of  my  (tore, 
 And  tender    all    my  revenue. 
 
 To  feed  the  llarving  poor  : 
 Yea,  wanting  love,  though  to  the  flame 
 
 My  body  give  ihould  I, 
 To  win  the  martyr's  glorious  name  ; 
 
 I  nothing  gain  thereby. 
 [If  without  love  to   God  and  men. 
 
 Though  mod  devout  I  feem, 
 Yet    my    religion    all    is   vain. 
 
 And  but  an  empty  dream.] 
 
 S  E  c  T.     II. 
 
 I^he  Praife  of  Love,  and  its  Preference  to  Faith  and 
 Hope.     Ver.  4, — 13. 
 
 4  Love  fuffcrs  long  ;  love  envies  not ; 
 
 But  evermore  is  kind  ; 
 Ne'er  opes  the  mouth  to  boaft  of  ought. 
 Nor  proudly  puffs  the  mind. 
 
 5  Love  carries   not  indecently; 
 
 Can  felfiili  views  exclude ; 
 And    lay    her   own  advantage    by. 
 
 To  feek  her  neighbour's  good. 
 Love  thinks  no  ill ;  nor,  foon  incens'd, 
 
 E'er  ftudies  to  annoy : 
 
 6  She  grieves  when  fm  and  error's  fenc'd; 
 
 But  in  the  truth's  her  joy. 
 
 7  Love  bears  all  hard  things  well  for  peace  j 
 
 Believes  all  good  things  (till ; 
 Nor,  for  his  neighbour's  prejudice. 
 Is  credulous  of  ill. 
 
 Love  hopes  all  things  ev'n  of  the  word, 
 
 xVnd  wills  their  happy  change  ; 
 Endures  all  things  ;  nor  can  be  forc'd 
 
 By  wrongs  to  hug  revenge. 
 
 8  Love  fliall  remain,  and  fliall  prevail 
 
 In  earth  and  heav'n  above, 
 When  tongues  fliall  ceafe,  and  prophets  fail, 
 And  ev'ry  gift,  but  love. 
 Vo  L.  X.  Nn  n  n 
 
M      SCRIPTURE  SONGS,     Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  For  but  in  part,  while  here  from  home, 
 9       We  know  ;  but  wait  the  day 
 
 10  When  perfedl  interviews  will  come, 
 
 And  partial  fly  away. 
 
 1 1  Here  ev'ry  notion,  thought,  and  fpeech, 
 
 Our  witlefi)  childhood  fhews  ; 
 But  there  our  fouls  fhall  manhood  reach, 
 And  flight  our  prefent  views. 
 
 1 2  For  now  we  fee  but  through  a  glafs. 
 
 Where  light  is  darkly  fliown  ; 
 But  then,  by  vifion,  face   to  face. 
 We'll  know,  as  we  are  known. 
 
 13  On  earth,  faith,  hope,  and  love  have  place, 
 
 The  third  Ihall  reign  above  ; 
 Of  ail   the  greatelt,  fairelt,  grace. 
 For  God  himfelf  is  Love. 
 
 SONG         VIII. 
 
 The  Song  of  Triumph  over  Death  and  the  Grave. 
 
 I  Cor.  XV.  54, — 58. 
 
 54  TT^  AITH  fmgs  although  the  body  dies, 
 X        The  promife  is  enjoy 'd  ; 
 This  mortal  fliall  immortal  rife. 
 And  death  fliall  be  deflroy'd. 
 ^^  Where  is  thy  killing  fl:ing,  O  death! 
 Addicted  to  devour ; 
 Through  grace  we  now  defpife  thy  wrath. 
 And  we  defy  thy  pow'r. 
 
 O   grave !    where   is    thy    victory  ? 
 
 The  bolted  piifon,  where  ? 
 Our  King  victorious  conquer'd  thcc, 
 
 And  we  the  conquefl:  fliare. 
 56  The  fling  of  death  is  fin  indeed. 
 
 The  flrength  of  fin  the  law  : 
 But  thence  our    law  fulfiUing    Head 
 
 Did  iling  and  fl:i-ength  withdraw. 
 
 ^y  Thanks  to  the  God  of  viclory, 
 Who  makes  us  thus,  by  faith, 
 In  Chriil  our  living  Head  on  high, 
 Triumphant  over  death. 
 
Pa R T  11.     From  the  ApoJioUcal  Epistles.     ($49 
 
 Ver.  Then  ftedfaft  may  our  hearts  remain, 
 58       And  in  his  work  abound, 
 
 Through  whom  our  labour's  not  in  vain 
 With  fuch  an  ilTue  crown'd. 
 
 S     O     N     G         IX. 
 
 The  World  crucified  by  the  Crofs  of  Christ.    Gal.  vi.  14. 
 
 FORBID  it,  Lord,  that  I  fhould boafl: 
 Of  ought  but  Jefus'  crofs ; 
 The  richeft  gain,  that  tempts  the  moft, 
 
 I  count  but  fordid  drofs. 
 When  him  I  view,  who  bore,  in  death, 
 
 My  fms,  upon  the  tree  ; 
 Then  am  I  dead  to  all  the  earth,   • 
 
 The  earth  all  dead  to  me 
 Were  this  whole  globe  terredial  mine, 
 
 The  prefent  were  but  fmall ; 
 Love    fo    amazing,    fo    divine, 
 
 Demands  my  life,  my  all. 
 
 SONG         X. 
 
 A  Doxology,  or  Song  ofPraife,  for  ekaing,  regene- 
 rating^ and  redeeming  Grace,  and  all  fpiritual 
 Bkjfmgs  in  Christ.     Eph  i.  3, — 7, 
 
 LESS'D  be  the  everlaiting  God 
 ^     And  Father  of  our  Lord, 
 Who  us  in  him,  and  through  his  blood. 
 
 With  heav'nly  bleflings  ftor'd. 
 "  My  Son's  mine  eleft  firft,"  he  faid, 
 
 Before  he  chofe  a  man  ; 
 Then  chofe  he  us,  in  Chrifl:  our  Head, 
 
 Before  the  world  began. 
 Our  charaders  were  then  decreed 
 
 That  we  ihould  holy  be, 
 Blamelefs  in  love,   a  royal  feed, 
 
 From  fm  and  llav'ry  free  : 
 Predeftinated    to  be    fons, 
 
 A  new  regen'rate  race- ; 
 Born  by  degrees,  thouo;h  chofe  but  once. 
 
 To  praife  his  glorious  gra^e. 
 N  n  n  n  2 
 
 B' 
 
6so    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  Here  his  accepting  love  began 
 6       In  Child,  to  (land  unmov'd, 
 And  firm  to    us,   until  he  can 
 Forget  his  firll  Belov'd : 
 y  In  whom  we  have  redemption  great, 
 Peace,  pardon,  and  folace  ; 
 Bought  with  the  richeft  blood,  and  yet 
 Brought  from  the  richeft  grace. 
 
 SONG         XL 
 
 ^be  Apofllis  Song,  or  Doxology :   Or,  a  Song  to  the 
 Love  and  Fower  of  God.     Eph.  iii.  19,  20,  21. 
 
 ig   '-j-^  O  him  whofe  love,  that  ev'n  for  flrength 
 
 I        Cotild  conquer  hell  for  men. 
 And  doth  in  height,  depth,   breadth,  and  lengthy 
 Surpafs  created  ken  : 
 -20  To  him  whofe  Pow'r  and  will  to  fave 
 Can  do  exceedingly, 
 Above  what  we  can  ailv,  or  crav*  : 
 
 However  great  or  high  : 
 To  him  who  fo  his  mighty  pow'r 
 
 Has  for  and  in  us  wrought, 
 Can   fo   exert   it   more   and   more 
 Beyond  our  pow'r  of  thought : 
 21   To  him  be  praife;  yea,  praifes  Ihall 
 The  church's  work  remain, 
 By  Chriit  his  Son,  through  ages  all. 
 World  without  end.  Amen. 
 
 SON     G         XII. 
 
 Christ's  aaep  Hifmilialion,  and  high  Exaltaiion. 
 Phil.  ii.  5, —  1 1. 
 
 LL  ye  that  mention  Jefus  name, 
 And  are  his  folk  defign'd, 
 Subrnifs  was  he,  be  ye  the  fame, 
 
 And  bear  his  humble  mind. 
 Who  in  the  form    of  God,    did    hold 
 
 The  felf-fame  Deity  ; 
 Nor  in  him  thought  it  robb'ry  bold 
 To  equal  God  moft  High  : 
 
 A^ 
 
Part  II.    From  the  JpofloUcal'Evi&T les»     651 
 
 Ver.  Yet  made  himfelf  of  no  repute, 
 
 7  A  mortal  likenefs  wore; 
 
 And  cloth'd  in  human  nature's  fuit, 
 A  fervant's  form  he  bore. 
 
 8  Thus  ev'n  his  manhood  he  deprefs'd, 
 
 Nor  made  his  Godhead  fhine  ; 
 But  vail'd  his  glory,  and   abas'd 
 
 His  majefty  divine. 
 To  bear  our  guilt  exceeding  grofs, 
 
 He  (toop'd  exceeding  low ; 
 Submifs  to  death,  ev'n  on  the  crofs. 
 
 In  all  its  (hame  and  wo 
 
 9  God  therefore  hath  exalted  him, 
 
 Above  the  ftarry  frame ; 
 And  giv'n  him  on  his  throne  fublime, 
 A  name  'bove  ev'ry  name: 
 
 10  That  at  his  name  fliould  ev'ry  knee 
 
 Bow  down,  and  none  rebel; 
 But   own    his   awful  fway   to  be 
 O'er  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell. 
 
 1 1  That  ev'ry  tongue   con^efs   and  blaze, 
 
 That  Jefus  Chrift  is  Lord : 
 And  thus,  to  God  the  Father's  praife. 
 The  Son  may  be  ador'd. 
 
 SONG        XIII. 
 
 Jujiification  by  Faith  alone  in  Christ's  Righteoufnefs, 
 Phil.  iii.  7,  8,  9. 
 
 O  R  D,  through  thy  grace,  I'll  boaft  no  more 
 In  duties  I  have  done; 
 I  quit  the  hopes  I  held  before  ;   >. 
 
 And  only  truft  thy  Son. 
 What  was  my  gain,  I  for  his  name. 
 
 Do  now  account  my  lofs  : 
 My  former  glory  is  my  fliame, 
 I  nail  it  to  his  crofs. 
 8  Yea,  doubtlefs,  I  all  things  efloem 
 But  lofs  for  Jefus*  fake, 
 That  fo  I  may,  while  found  in  him. 
 His  righteoufnefs  partake. 
 
 L 
 
6^2    SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  The  choicefl    fervice   of  my   hands 
 9       Dares  not  to  face  thy  throne  j 
 But  faith  to  anfwer  thy  demands. 
 Can  plead  what  Chrifl:  has  done. 
 
 SONG         XIV. 
 
 Paul's  Doxology,  or  Thank/giving,  for  faving  Mercy, 
 I  Tim.  i.  15,  16,  17. 
 
 ^5  "D  ^^^  ^"^^^  ^^^  g°°^  ^^^^  word  of  grace 
 _|3     Demands  a  firm  belief, 
 "  Chrifl.  came  to  fave  a  finning  race,'* 
 Of  whom  I  am  the  chief. 
 
 16  In  me  he  did  a  pattern   give 
 
 Of  mercy,  rich  and  rife, 
 To  fmners  great,  that  (hould  believe 
 To  everlafting  life. 
 
 17  Now,  unto  this   eternal   One, 
 
 The  King  that  never  dies. 
 That  is   invifible,   unknown, 
 
 Unfeen  by  mortal  eyes. 
 To  God,  the  only  wife,  be  giv'n 
 
 What  doth  to  him  pertain. 
 All  glorious  praife,  in  earth  and  heav'n, 
 
 For  ever  and  Amen. 
 
 S     O    N    G        XV. 
 
 The  great  Gofpel-MyJ}ery.     i   Tim.  iii.  16.         '  1 
 
 THE  myflery  of  Godlinefs 
 Is  doubtlefs  very  great,  ^ 
 
 God   manifeficd    in   the   flefli. 
 
 To  blefs  the  humble  ftate. 
 God   in  the    Spirit  juftifyM, 
 
 To  fliew  he  was  involv'd 
 In  juftice'  fcore,  as  bail,  inftead 
 
 Of  thefe  he'll  have  abfolv'd. 
 God  fcen   of  angels,  wrapt  in  flefh, 
 
 And  wafted  up  to  glore. 
 To  feafl  their  eves  with  wonders  frefii  i 
 
 In  hiin  they  all  adore.  -■  * 
 
Part  II.    From  the  Apojlolical  Epistles.     65  3 
 
 Ver.  God  preach'd  to  Gentiles  Heav'n's  glad  news, 
 
 To  earth's  long  banilh'd  race, 
 Defpifed  Greeks,  with  favorite  Jews, 
 
 Now  equalized  by  grace. 
 God-man  believ'd  on  in  the  world. 
 
 Who  far  from  God  did  roam  ; 
 And  grace's  conqu'ring  chariot  hurl'd 
 
 Around  to  bring  him  home. 
 God-man  received  up  to   glore. 
 
 From  thence  to  fend  the  Dove, 
 To  fhew  and  feal  the  hidden  flore. 
 
 The  myfteries  of  love, 
 
 SONG        XVI. 
 
 A  Song  of  Fraife  to  Gob,  as  a  powerful,  immortal^ 
 and  invifible  Being,     i  Tim.  vi.  15,  16. 
 
 15  /^UR  God,  the  ever  bleffed  One, 
 \J     The  only  Potentate, 
 
 Is  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords, 
 In  mightinefs  and  (late  : 
 
 16  Who  only,  in  and  of  himfelf. 
 
 Hath  immortality  ; 
 Who  dwells  in  hght  to  which  no  man 
 Is  able  to  come  nigh. 
 
 ['Tis  far  beyond  blind  mortal  eyes 
 
 To  fee  his  bright  abode; 
 Beyond  created  minds   to  glance, 
 
 A  thought  half  way  to  God. 
 Infinite  leagues  beyond  the  heav'ns 
 
 Th*  Eternal  reigns  alone  : 
 Nor   human  minds,  nor    finite    wings. 
 
 Can  mount  the  toplefs  throne. ^ 
 
 Th' invifible,  whom  none  has  feen. 
 
 Nor  eyes  of  flefli  c^m  fee, 
 Yet  iov'd  ;ind  much  ador'dhas  been. 
 
 And  fiiail  for  ever  be. 
 To   him    let  us    aiid    evVy,  tribe 
 
 Of  faints  and  angels  then, 
 The  hight^ft  honour  iiill  afcribe, 
 
 And  endlefs  pov/r,  Amen. 
 
N 
 
 654    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,      BookIL 
 
 SONG        XVII. 
 
 -Paul  \  departing  Song,    2Tim.  iv.  7,  8,  16,  17,  18. 
 
 Sect.  I. 
 A  Saint  prepared  to  die,  and  affured  of  Heaven. 
 
 O  W,  my  departure  is  at  hand : 
 I've  wag'd  a  warfare  good ; 
 Finifli'd  my  courfe ;  and,  to  the  end. 
 In  Chrift  hath  faithful  Hood. 
 8  Hence,  when  he  comes,  there  is  for  mc 
 Laid  up  a  crown  of  blifs  ; 
 With  which,  by   his  donation  free. 
 
 He  then  my  head  will  grace. 
 Nor  will  the  righteous  Judge  alone 
 
 To  me  this  praife  convey. 
 But  to  them  all  that  love  and  long 
 For  his  approaching  day. 
 
 Sect.  II.  Experience  of  divine  Aid^  improved  for 
 Jirengthening  Faith.     Ver.  16,  17,  18. 
 
 16  In  ftraits  all   men  dcferted  me,. 
 
 But  Jefus  by  me  Hood, 
 
 17  Both  in  my  work  and  war  to  be 
 
 My  help  and  fortitude. 
 
 1 8  And  now  the  Lord  fliall  mc  fecure 
 
 From  ev'ry  ill  defign. 
 And  to  his  heav'nly  kingdom  furc 
 
 Prcferve  this  foul  of  mine. 
 God  is  in  Chrifl:  my   conftant  aidj 
 
 Hell  then  fliall  rage  in  vain. 
 To  him  be   highefl  glory  paid, 
 
 And  endlefs  praife,  Amen. 
 
 SONG        XVIIL 
 
 ^hejleady  Froiuifc  ;  or^  the  fure  Ground  of  the  Be- 
 liever* s  Faith.    Heb.  vi.  17,  18,  19. 
 
 FT  earth,  and  hell,  and  fin  have  drove. 
 To  rend  my  foul  from  God  ; 
 But   cverlaiting    is   his   love 
 Seal'd  with  his  Darling's  blood. 
 
 o 
 
Part  II.     From  the  Jpofioilcai EpiSTLEi,     6ss 
 
 Ver.  The  oath  and  promife  of  the  Lord 
 
 Join  to  confirm  his  grace ; 
 Eternal  pow'r  performs  the  word, 
 
 And  brings  the  flrong  folace. 
 Amidft  temptations,  fharp  and  long, 
 
 I  to  this  refuge  flee : 
 Hope  is  my  anchor,  firm  and  ftrong, 
 
 When  ftorms  enrage  the  fea. 
 The  gofpel  bears  my  fpirit  up; 
 
 The  never-changing  God 
 Lays,  for  my  triple  ground  of  hope, 
 
 The  word,  the  oath,  the  blood. 
 
 SONG        XIX. 
 
 A  Song  to  the  God  of  Peace  and  Grace.  Heb.  xiii.  20,  21, 
 Sect.  L     Of  Peace  and  Reconciliation, 
 
 20  r  I  >  HE  God  of  peace,  whofe  mighty  love 
 J_      To  life  reftores  the  dead. 
 His  pow*r  to  quicken  us  did  prove, 
 By  raifing  up  our  Head  ; 
 
 Our  glorious  Lord,  the  Shepherd  great 
 
 Of  all  his  Father's  iheep. 
 Him  brought  he  viftor  from  the  gate 
 
 Of  death's  devouring  deep : 
 Brought  through  the  blood,  that  bought  the  blifs 
 
 Of  life,  and  thus  reveal'd 
 How  mercy  reigns  through  righteoufnefs. 
 
 How  God  is  reconcil'd. 
 The  blood  that  fatisfadion  gave 
 
 To  juftice  mofl  condign. 
 Did  from  the  prifon  of  the  grave 
 
 Our  Surety  juftly  bring  : 
 
 Whofe  blood  is  by  an  antient  grant, 
 
 (That  faith  might  never  fail,) 
 Of  th'  everlafling   covenant. 
 
 The  everlafting  feal. 
 
 Sect.  IL     Of  Grace  and  Sandification. 
 
 i\  Now,  may  the  God,  that  made  the  peace, 
 Make  us  fo  perfetl  too, 
 In   ev'ry  work  of  holinefs 
 That  wc  his  will  may  do. 
 V  o  L.  X.  Oo  0  o 
 
(>S^       SCRIPTURE  SONS,      Book  II. 
 Ver,  Still  working  in  us  by  his  might 
 That  purity  alone, 
 Which  is  well-pleafing   in  his   fight, 
 
 Through  Jefus  Chrifl  his  Son  : 
 To  whom  be  glory  evermore, 
 
 For  peace  and  grace  fo  free  ; 
 Let  heav'n  and  earth  his  name  adore, 
 Amen  j  fo  let  it  be. 
 
 SONG        XX. 
 
 A  Song  ofPraifeto  God  for  Regeneration  to  a  lively 
 Hope  of  eternal  Life,     i  Pet.  i.  3,  4,  5. 
 
 3  TJ  L  E  S  S '  D  be  th'  eternal  God  of  peace, 
 
 |3     The  Father  of  our  Lord ; 
 Let  his  abundant  mercy,  grace. 
 
 And  love,  be  Hill  ador'd  ; 
 Who  from  the  dead  his  Son  brought  up, 
 
 And  rais'd  him  to  the  fky, 
 To  breed  in  us  a  lively  hope 
 
 That  we  (hould  never  die. 
 Though  fm  inherent  juftly  throws 
 
 Our  bodies  to  the  duft  ; 
 •  Yet,  as  the  Head  viftorious  rofe. 
 
 So  all  the  members  mult. 
 
 4  To   an  inheritance  divine. 
 
 Which,  uncorrupt  for  ay, 
 And  unpolluted,  pure,  and  fine. 
 Can  never  fade  away. 
 
 5  'Tis  fafe  referv'd  in  heav'n  for  all. 
 
 Who.  ilife  are  kept  for  it. 
 By  pow'r  divine,  through  faith  that  fliall 
 
 To  grace  divine  fubmit. 
 Saints  wait  by  faith  this  glory  vafl:, 
 
 Which  waits  as  well  as  they. 
 Prepared,  and  ready  for  the  laft, 
 
 The  revelation  day. 
 
Part  II.    From  the  ApoJioUcalE^ istl^s.     6s7 
 
 SONG         XXI. 
 
 A  Doxology,  prefaced  with  a  Precept  and  Prayer  ; 
 or,  the  Devil  defeated  by  Faith,  well  fixed  and 
 furnijhed.     i  Pet.  v.  8, —  ii. 
 
 Ver,  X)  E  fober,  vigilant,   and  ftout  ; 
 
 8  X3     For  ev'ry  day  and  hour, 
 Your  foe,  the  devil,  walks  about, 
 
 Still  feeking  to  devour. 
 
 9  Whom,  by  a   fteady  faith,  refift. 
 
 In  Chrift  the  Captain's  name  ; 
 Knovi'ing  your  fellow-foldiers  bleft. 
 Your  warfare  is  the  fame. 
 
 10  But  may  the  God,  and  fource  of  all 
 
 Your  grace  and  warlike  (lore, 
 Who  did  by  Jefus  Chrift  you  call 
 
 To  his  eternal  glore  ; 
 After  your  fhort  w4iile's  fufF'ring  now% 
 
 May  he  perfe£t  you  all, 
 Eftablifli,  ftrengthen,  fettle  you, 
 
 Firm  like  a  brazen  wall. 
 
 11  To  him  whofe  all-fufficiency 
 
 Alone  can  thus  fuftain. 
 
 All  glory  and  dominion   be 
 
 For  evermore.   Amen. 
 
 SONG        XXII. 
 
 Growth  in  Grace,  with  a  Doxology.     i  Pet.iii.  iS. 
 
 THAT  error  and  apoftafy 
 May  have  in  faints  no  place. 
 The   heav'nly  precept   is  that   we 
 
 Should  daily  grow  in  grace. 
 And  therein  all  that  would  be  ftor'd. 
 
 And  dill  with  increafe  bled. 
 Should  grow  in  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
 
 And  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift. 
 To  him,  (the  more  of  whom  we  know, 
 
 The  more  of  grace  we  gain,) 
 AH  glory  be  afcrib'd,  both  now, 
 
 And  evermore.  Amen. 
 
 O  000     2 
 
^iS    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,     Book  IL 
 
 Ven 
 
 SONG         XXIII. 
 
 The  IP^orWs  three  great  'Temptations. 
 1  John  ii.  15,  16. 
 
 AVOID  this  world's  moft  dangerous  three, 
 Vain  pleafures,  pomp,  and  pelf: 
 Not  thefe,  but  God  thy  portion  be, 
 
 Elfe  thou'lt  deftroy  thyfelf. 
 Son,  tell  them  when  they  court  thine  ear, 
 
 And  thine  aifeQion  woo, 
 *'  I   cannot    buy   your   blefs    fo  dear, 
 "  Nor  part  with  Heav'n  for  you." 
 
 SONG         XXIV. 
 
 ^he  Doxohgy  of  the  Apojlle  Jude  :  Or^  a  Song  cf 
 Praife  for  the  Ground  and  Hope  of  Perfeverance 
 and  Perfedion.     Ver.  24,  25. 
 
 24  ''  i  ^  O    him    that's    able  to    preferve 
 
 J_       Your  feet  from  falling  quite, 
 AVhcn  tempted  froni  the  truth"  to  fwerve 
 By  helliih  guile  and  fpite  : 
 
 That's  able   to   prefent  you  fair 
 
 And  faultlefs  at  his  feat. 
 Before  his  glorious  prefence  there 
 
 With  joy  exceeding  great : 
 
 25  Ev'n  unto  God  the  only  wife. 
 
 Yea,  infinitely  fo  ; 
 And  who  alone  our  Saviour  is. 
 
 And  our  falvation  too  : 
 To    him   be   glory,   majefty, 
 
 Authority,  and  pow'r, 
 So    be   it,  and   fo    ihall    it    be, 
 
 Both  iiow  and  evermore. 
 
SCRIPTURE    SONGS. 
 
 PART        III. 
 POEMS  feledled  from  tht Revelation, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 r^.- Apocalyps,  or  the  hook  of  the  Revelation  o/John  the  divine^ 
 contains  a  dtfcovery  of  the  deep  things  0/  God,  'which  no  man 
 knonvs,  but  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  thefe  to  %vho7nhe  reveals  them: 
 ivhich  things  were  before  hidden  andfecret,  and  could  never  have 
 leenfearched  out,  by  the  reafoning  of  human  mitids  ;  but  arenoiv 
 manifejied  for  the  conmion  goodofthe  church  ofChrift.  Thematter 
 and f cope  of  this  book  is  aprediBionofthe  moJii?nportant  events  that 
 Jhould  happen  till  the  end  of  time,  relative  both  to  the  prefent  and 
 future  fate  of  the  churchy  the  things  'which  are,  and  Jhall  be 
 hereafter. 
 
 From  the  beginning,  the  church  of  God  has  been  bleffed'with  prophe- 
 cy, and feveral  v'l^iorxs.  The  glorious  prediaion  of  the  breaking 
 of  the  ferpenV  s  head,  nvas  the  fupport  of  the  patriarchal  age  :  and 
 the  many  prophecies  that  'were  concerning  the  Messiah  to  come, 
 'were  the  Gcfpelof  theOldTeJlament.  Christ  himfelf  concerning 
 'whom  all  the  prophets  bear  'witnefs,  prophcfied  concerning  the  ^de- 
 f.ruCiion  ofjernfaletn  ;  and,  about  the  time  in  nvhich  it  'was  ac- 
 compli foed,  he  intrufed  the  apoflle  John  rwith  the  book  of  the  Re- 
 velation, yZ^/-  the  fupport  of  the  faith  of  his  people,  and  the  dire&ion 
 of  their  hope.  Particular  vlfions  'were  alfo  fometimes  made  unto 
 fome  of  the  Lord's  peculiar  favourites ;  as  Ifaiah,  EzekieL  Dani- 
 el, Sec.  ;  and  tend  mightily  ti  the  good  and  con  fort  of  the  Church, 
 
 Thefirji  three  chapters  of  this  book  arg  plain,  and  the  mojl  eafh  un- 
 derfoodofanypartofit;  and,  among  other  things,  contain  the 
 epijiles  to  the  feven  different  churches  of  /If a  :  the  other  parts  of  it 
 are  more  myfterious  and  difficult  to  comprehend.  We  have  many  vift- 
 ons  interfperfed,/he'wn  to  the  apoflle  John,  'who  'was  'wafted,  as  it 
 ivere,  'within  the  vail,  and  heard  and  fww  great  and  glorious 
 things  :  he 'was  favoured 'with  a  vie'W  not  only  of  the  glorious 
 perfon  of  the  Son  of  God,  but  of  the  great  God  himfelf  on  his 
 throne;  a  difplay  of  the  heavenly  glory,  the  fplendor  of  the  Nc'-jj 
 Jerifalem,  and  the  magnificence  of  the  celeftial  throne,  &c.  :  and 
 alfo,  to  hear  ivhat 'was  the  employment* of  the  glorious  aff'e?nbly, 
 even  their  celebrating  the  high  praifes  of  God;  and  Uke'wifc  to 
 kno'w  'what  'was  the  fubjed-^natter  of  thefe  heavenly  antl^ems, 
 .  y'iz.  the  blcfiid  Redeemer,  his  glorious  excellencies,  ivonderful 
 fw^rks,  and  great  exploits  ;  and  the  amazi):g  events  that  fhould 
 hereafter  take  place. 
 
 That  the  faints  thcvfelves  v:ay  join  in  the  chorus  of  thefe  celefial 
 'worfippers,  and  attempt  to  accent  the  notes  of  the  heavenly  an- 
 tkeyns,  the  fong  of  Mofts  and  the  hamb,  evei: 'while  in  this  embo- 
 died fate,  the  fllcwing  hyrnns  are  feh^ed  froin  this  look,        S. 
 
66o    SCRIPTURESONGS.    Book  IL 
 
 SONG         I. 
 
 Song  to  //'^Redeemer.     Rev.  ii.  5, — 8. 
 S£CT.  I.     His   redeefii'mg  Love. 
 
 Vcr,  T^  O  him  that  loved  us  to  death, 
 
 5  J_      And  vvafh'd  us  in  his  blood 
 From  fin,  that  we,  the  heirs  of  wrath, 
 
 Might  'fcape  the  threat'ning  flood : 
 
 6  To  him  that  made  us  kings  and  priefts, 
 
 Ev'n  unto  God  mod  high, 
 His  Father  ;  who,   at  his  requefl:, 
 
 Admits  the  rebels  nigh: 
 To  our  atoning  Prieft  be  praife. 
 
 To  our  exalted  King, 
 Let  the  redeem'd,  with  lofty  lays, 
 
 Immortal  honours  fmg. 
 Sect.  II.  His  fecond  Coming,  mid  glorious  Name. 
 
 7  Behold,  he  comes,  with  flying   clouds, 
 
 Whom  ev*ry  eye  fliall  fee  ! 
 A   piercing  fight,  alas  !  to  crouds. 
 
 Who  now  his  piercers  be. 
 The  wicked  world  fliall  weep  and  wail : 
 
 But  faints  fliall  blefs  the  day. 
 Who  wait  his  coming  without  fail. 
 
 And  wifli't  without  delay. 
 
 8  1  am,  of  all    the   times  that  pafs. 
 
 The  firfl,  the  lafl:,  the  fum, 
 Th' almighty  God,  which  is,  and  was, 
 And  ever  is  to  come, 
 
 SONG        II. 
 
 ^je  Song   cf  the  Church  to  the  Lamb,  upon  the 
 cpening  ofthefealedBook.     Rev.  v.  i, — 10. 
 
 1 ,  2  f~^  O  D'  s  book  of  dark  and  deep  defigns, 
 
 V  X     Clcs'd  with  a  feven-fold  feal, 
 3,  4  No  man  could  loofe,  nor  read  the  lines, 
 His  counfel  to  reveal. 
 4  But  David's  root,  of  Judah's  tribe 
 The  Lion,  has  prevail'd  ; 
 To  take,  and  open,  and  defcribe 
 The  facred  volume  feal'd. 
 
Part  III.        From  the  Revelation.        66 i 
 
 Yer.  Seven  feals  to  loofe,  the  Lamb  in  view 
 6,  7    Enthron'd  as  flain  before, 
 
 ,  Prefents  feven  eyes,  feven  horns,  to  fhcw 
 His  wifdom  and  his  pow'r. 
 
 8  The  elders  worfhip  at   his  feet. 
 
 The  church  adores  around. 
 With   vials   full  of  odours  fweet. 
 And  harps  of  joyful  found. 
 
 9  Thofe  odours  are  the  pray'rs  of  faints, 
 
 Thefe  harps  the  hymns  they  raife: 
 New  to  the  Lamb  they  pay  their  rents. 
 
 New  is  their  fong  of  praife  : 
 "  Thou  worthy  art  to  take  the  book, 
 
 And  open  ev'ry  feal, 
 *       Who  to  the  Father's  heart  canft  look. 
 
 And  {hew  his  fecret  will. 
 Since  thou,  for  crimes  of  ours,  was  flain. 
 
 Of  ours,  and  not  thine  own. 
 Thou  worthy  art  to  rife  and  reign. 
 
 And  fill  thy  Father's  throne. 
 
 From   ev'ry  kindred,  nation,   tongue. 
 
 Thou  broughtft  thy  chofen  race; 
 And  diflant  iiles  have  feen  and  fung 
 
 The  wonders  of  thy  grace. 
 Thou  haft  redeem'd  our  fouls  with  blood. 
 
 And  fct  the  captives  free  ; 
 10  Haft  made  us  kings  and  priefts  to  God, 
 
 And  we  Ihall  reign  with  thee: 
 Reign  ev'n  on  earth  ;  for,  by  thy  word, 
 
 Our  honour  there  is  vaft, 
 To  rule  us  with  a  two-edg'd  fword, 
 
 And  judge  the  world  at  laft." 
 
 SONG         IIL 
 
 'The  Song  of  the  Angels  and  Church  together. 
 Rev.  V.  II;  12. 
 
 "C 
 
 OME,  let  us  join  our   chearful  fongs 
 With  angels  round  the  throne  ; 
 Ten  thoufand  tboufand  are  their  tongues. 
 But  all  their  joys  are  one. 
 
<>62    SCRIPTURE  SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  Worthy's  the  Lamb  that  died,  they  cry, 
 1 2       To  be  exalted  thus  ; 
 
 Worthy's  the  Lamb,  our  lips  reply. 
 For  he  was  flain  for  us. 
 
 He's  worthy  to  receive  all  pow'r. 
 
 And  riches  all  befide, 
 Wifdom,  and  ftrength,  and  honour,  glore, 
 
 And  bleffings  on  his  head. 
 j^Pow'r   and   dominion  are   his  due. 
 
 Though  doom'd  at  Pilate's  bar  j 
 Wifdom   belongs   to    Jefus    too, 
 
 Tho'charg'd  with  madncfs  here. 
 
 All   riches  are  his  native  right, 
 
 V/ho  bore  amazing  lofs  j 
 To  him    belongs  eternal    might 
 
 Who  felt  the  weakening  crofs. 
 
 To  him  be  lafting  honours  paid, 
 
 Inftead  of  ihame  and  fcorn, 
 While  glory  Ihines  around  his  head, 
 
 A  crown  without  a  thorn. 
 
 He  bore  the  curfe  for  man  that  fell. 
 
 To  him  be  bleffing  giv'n  : 
 The  Lamb  that  fap'd  the  gate  of  hell,-^ 
 
 Hath  gain'd  the  praife  of  heav'n. 
 
 Thus  angels  crown  their  Lord,  you  fee  ; 
 
 More  lib  to  him  may  fing, 
 Worthy's  the  Lamb,  our  kin,  to  be 
 
 Our  Prophet,  Pricft,  and  King.] 
 
 SONG         IV. 
 Tlfe  Sof^g  of  all  the  Creatures.     Rev.  v.  13,  14. 
 
 WHEN  lapfed  men  were  fav'd  from  hell 
 By  Jefus'  precious  blood. 
 And  wretches  that  did  once  rebell. 
 Were  made  the  friends  of  God  : 
 
 When  faints  and  angels  had  begun 
 Praife  to  the  Lamb  to  (m^  ; 
 ■     With   echoes  to  the  long  anon 
 Both  heav'n  and  earth  did  ring : 
 
Part  III.         From  the  Revelation.  663 
 
 Ver,  The  creatures  all  that  groan'd  before 
 
 Through  man's  accurfed  fall, 
 Join'd  with   the  fingers  to  adore 
 
 The  Lamb  that  eas'd  their  thrall, 
 Lo  !  all  that  dwell  above  the   fky. 
 
 And  in  air,  earth,  and  feas, 
 Confpire    to  lift  his  glories   high. 
 
 And  fpeak  his  endlefs  praife. 
 The  whole  creation  join  in  one. 
 
 To  blefs  the  facred  name 
 Of  him  that  fits  upon  the  throne^ 
 
 And  to  adore  the  Lamb. 
 Pow*r,  honour,  bleffing,  praife,  faid  they, 
 
 Beyond  what  we  can  pen. 
 Be  giv'n  to  him,  that  lives  for  ay, 
 
 By  creatures  all.  Amen. 
 
 SONG        V. 
 
 The  Song  of  Saints  and  Angels,  after  the  fealing  of 
 the  Servants  of  Go  r>:  alfo  the  Happinefs  of  faith' 
 fulSufferers  c/'Christ.     Rev.  vii.  10, — 17. 
 
 10  ADORING  faints  made  this  their  pfalm, 
 JTjl     Salvation  to  our  God, 
 
 That  fits  enthron'd,  and  to  the  Lamb, 
 That  wafh'd  us  in  his  blood. 
 
 1 1  Amen,  faid  hofts  of  angels  bright, 
 
 12  For  to  our  God  pertain 
 Thankfgiving,  wifdom,  glory,  might, 
 
 For  evermore.  Amen. 
 I  3  But  who  are  thefe,  our  heav'nly  mates, 
 Thus  clothM  in  white  array? 
 Whence  came  they  to  the  happy  feats 
 Of  everlafling  day  ? 
 
 14  Lo  !  thefe  arc  they,  the  friends  of  God,  " 
 
 Thro'  fuff'ring  great  who  came, 
 And  wafh'd  their  raiments  white  in  blood, 
 The  blood  of  Chrift  the  Lamb. 
 
 15  Now  they  approach  Jehovah's  throne, 
 
 And  ferve  him  night  and  day  ; 
 His  prefence  fills  them  ev'ry  one 
 With  glorious  joy  for  ay. 
 Vol,  X.  Pppp 
 
66j^      S  C  R  I  P  T  U  R  E  S  O  N  G  S,     Book  IL 
 
 Ver.  No  more  fliall  hunger  pain  their  heart ; 
 
 1 6  Nor  parching  third  annoy  ; 
 
 Nor  fcorching  fun,  nor  hotteft  fmart, 
 Henceforth  abate  their  joy. 
 
 17  The  Lamb  that  fills  the  middle  throne, 
 
 To  (lied  his  milder  beams, 
 Shall  feed  his  flock,  and  lead  them  on 
 
 To  drink  of  living  dreams. 
 Renew'd  Ihall  be   their  fwcet  folace 
 
 Thro'  rounds  of  endlefs  years  ; 
 And  the  foft  hand  of  fov'reign  grace 
 
 Shall  wipe  away  their  tears. 
 
 SONG      vr. 
 
 The  Son^  of  the  Saints  and  Angels,  after  the  founding 
 oftbefeventh  Trumpet  ;  or,  the  Kingdom  ^Christ 
 and  the  Day  of  Judgment.     Rev.  xi.  15, — 18. 
 
 { ^  XT'  I N  G  S  of  the  earth  with  glad  accord, 
 jS^     Shall,  for  their  nobler  gain. 
 Give  up  their  kingdoms  to  the  Lord, 
 Who  fhall  for  ever  reign. 
 
 16  Great  God,  thou  doit  thy  pow'r  affume. 
 
 We  give  thee  tlianks  for  this ; 
 
 17  Thou  art,  and  wafl,  and  art  to  come. 
 
 And  thine  the  kingdom  is. 
 
 18  The  angry  nations  fret  and   roar, 
 
 And  vex  themfelves  in  rage. 
 That  they  can  flay  the  faints  no  more. 
 
 Nor  hunt  them  ofi:'  the  ftase. 
 But  on  the  wings  of  vengeance  flees 
 
 Our  great  and  mighty  God, 
 To  pay,  with  int'rcft,  refling  foes. 
 
 And  long  arrears  of  blood. 
 The  Judge  appears,  the  martyrs  rife, 
 
 To  fliare  the  grand  folace; 
 Come,  come,  ye  faints,  receive  the  prize, 
 
 The  full  reward  of  grace. 
 Deftroyers  rife,  and  new  appear 
 
 Before  the  hated  throne. 
 The  lafl:  decifive  doom  to  hear ; 
 
 Ye  fons  of  wrath,  be  gone. 
 
Part  III.        From  the  Revelation.  665 
 
 Ver. 
 
 SONG         VII. 
 
 The  Churches  Song  upon  the  Devil's  being  vaiiquijlj- 
 ed;  or,  upon  EiichaeFs  War  with  the  Dragon. 
 
 Rev.  xii.  7, — 12. 
 
 7,  8  T    E  T    mortal  tongues  attempt  to   (Ing 
 I   ^  Heav'n's  wars,  when  Micha'l  Hood 
 Chief  general  of  th'  eternal  King, 
 
 And  fought  in  name  of  God. 
 Againfl  the  dragon  and  his  hoft, 
 
 God's  armies  did  prevail ; 
 In  vain  they  rage,  in  vain  they  boaH:, 
 Their  hellifli  weapons  faih 
 9  Down  to  the  earth  was  Satan  thrown, 
 
 I  o       And  down  his  legions  fell ; 
 
 Then  was  the  trump  of  triumph  blown, 
 
 And  fhook  the  gates  of  hell. 
 Now  day  is  come,  and  night  is  paft, 
 
 Chrift  has  aflum'd  his  pow'r  : 
 The  grand  accufer    down   is  cad 
 
 From  heav'n,  to  rife  no  more. 
 
 I I  'Twas  by  the  blood  of  Chrift  the  Lamb 
 
 Saints  trode  the  tempter  down  ; 
 And  by  his  faithful  word  o'ercame, 
 
 To  their  immenfe  renown. 
 Their  mortal  lives  they  loved  not, 
 
 But  gave  them  up  to  death, 
 In  love  to  him  for  whom  they  fought. 
 
 And  fpent  their  vital  breath. 
 
 12  Rejoice,  ye  heav'ns,  let  ev'ry  ftar 
 Shine  brighter  round  the  fky : 
 Saints,  while  you  fmg  the  heav*nly  war, 
 
 Raife  Jefus  name  on  high. 
 But  wo  to  earth's  indwellers  all ! 
 
 For  Satan's  laft  effort 
 Is  in  great  wrath  on  you  to   fall; 
 His  time,  he  knows,  is  fliort. 
 P  p  p  p    2 
 
666    SCRIPTURE   SONGS,    Book  II. 
 SONG         VIII. 
 
 A  Song  concerning  the  Blejfednefs  of  the  Dead  that 
 die  in  the  Lord.     Rev.  xvi.  13. 
 
 WRITE,  faid  the  heav'nly  voice,  recordj 
 That  blefl:  are  all  the  dead, 
 "Who  die  in  Jefus  Chrifl  the  Lord  : 
 
 Yea,   yea,  the  Spirit  faid  ; 
 That  henceforth  happily  they  may 
 
 From  all  their  labours  reft. 
 Through  fin  and  fufF'rings  here  away. 
 Which  did  their  peace  moleft. 
 
 Their  works  of  love  amidft  annoy, 
 
 Which  did  their  faith  declare, 
 Shall  follow  them  to  heav'n  with  joy. 
 
 And  rich  perfedlion  there. 
 
 Thefe  works  before  them  never  go 
 
 As  titles  to  the  blifs, 
 But  follow  them,  to  prove  and  fhow 
 
 How  clear  their  title  is. 
 
 FjTom  union  to  their  living  Lord, 
 
 Their  fruits  did  all  proceed  ; 
 And  now  they  reap  the  great  reward, 
 
 The  purchafe  of  their  Head. 
 
 S     O     N     G         IX. 
 
 The  Song  o/"  M  o  s  E  s  and  /i'^  L  a  m  b  ;  or^  Babylon 
 .     falling.     Rev.  xv.  2,3,  4.     xvi.  19.     xvii.  6. 
 
 EACH  Teft'ment,  old  and  new,  belong 
 To  faints  that  overcame  ; 
 For  Chriftian  harps  unite  the  fong 
 
 Of  Mofes  and  the  Lamb. 
 What  wrath  did  Phar'oh's  pride  fupprefs 
 
 Great  Babel  down  fliall  bring, 
 Whofe  martyrs,  on  a  fca  of  glafs, 
 Thus  over  her  fliall  fing  : 
 
 O  mighty  God,  thy  works  are  great 
 
 And  wond'rous  in  our  view  : 
 Thou  King  of  faints,  that  reign'fl  in  ftate. 
 
 Thy  ways  are  juft  and  true. 
 
Part  III.       From  the  Revelation.         667 
 
 Thy  glorious  checker^works  and  ways. 
 
 Of  vengeance  and  of  grace, 
 Put  all  beholders   in   a   maze 
 
 Of  terror  or  folace. 
 Who  dare  refufe,  with  fearlefs  heart. 
 
 To  bow  before  the  throne, 
 And  glorify  thy  name  who  art 
 
 The  only  holy  One  ? 
 With  reverence  come  all  nations  mud. 
 
 And  worfliip  at  thy  feet ; 
 For  men  Ihall  fee  thy  vengeance  juft, 
 
 Our  vidory  complete. 
 
 R' 
 
 S     O    N     G         X. 
 
 A  Song  on  Babylon^s  be'mg  fallen.     Rev.  xvlii.  10,  21. 
 
 E  J  0 1 C  E,   ye  prophets,  and  ye  faints. 
 O'er  Babel's  ruins  fmg  ; 
 God  fliall  avenge  your  long  complaints. 
 And  down  the  harlot  bring. 
 
 In  Gabriel's  hand  a  mighty  (lone  s' 
 
 Was  lifted  from  the  fhore  ; 
 A  fymbol   of  great    Babylon, 
 
 Juft  now  a  throwing  o'er. 
 He  fpoke  and  dreadful  as  he  ftood 
 
 Above  the  ocean's  foam, 
 He  funk  the   milftone  in  the  flood. 
 
 And  fwift  pronounc'd  the  doom: 
 "  Thus  terribly,  with  violence, 
 
 "  Shall  bloody  Babel  fall : 
 "  Thus  plung'd  in  v/rath's  abyfs,  and  thence 
 
 "  Be  found  no  more  at  all." 
 
 SONG         XL 
 
 The  triumphant  Son^r  of  Saints  and  Angels^  for  the 
 fall  of  Babylon.     Rev.  xix.  i, — 4, 
 
 RAISE  ye  the  Lord,  for  evermore. 
 And  found  his  fame  abroad ; 
 Salvation,    honour,    glory,    pow'r, 
 Be  to  the  Lord  our  God : 
 
p 
 
 66^    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,    Book  II. 
 
 Ver.  For  true  and  right  his  judgments  were, 
 2       Who  judgM  the  harlot  great, 
 
 Whofe  whoredoms  vile  did  ev'ry  where 
 Corrupt  the  earth  of  late. 
 
 3,  4  Let  prayers  be  to  praifes  chang'd. 
 For  at  her  hand  his  fword 
 Has  now  his  fervants  blood  aveng'd. 
 Amen,  praife  ye  the  Lord. 
 
 'Tis  juft  that   (he  the  blood  repay 
 
 Of  faints  her  hands  have  llain. 
 Let   fingers  hallelujahs  fay, 
 
 Praife  ye  the  Lord,  Amen. 
 
 SONG         XIL 
 
 The  Epithalamium;  or.  Marriage  Song, 
 Rev.  xix.  5, — 9. 
 
 RAISE  ye  our  God,  his  fervants  all. 
 That  on  him  daily  wait : 
 And  ye  that  fear  him  great  and  fmall, 
 
 His  praifes  celebrate. 
 With  hofts  above  join  your  aflent. 
 
 Who  hallelujah  fay  ; 
 For  God  the   Lord  omnipotent 
 
 Reigns  in  a  fov 'reign  vi'ay. 
 Joy  to  yourfelves  let  us  affumc, 
 
 To  him  give  honour  due  ; 
 The  marriage  of  the  Lamb  is  come. 
 
 His  bride's  made  ready  too. 
 In  favour  great  to  her  he  grants 
 
 The  raiment  fair  and  fine ; 
 'Tis  clean  and  white,  the  robe  of  faints^ 
 
 The  righteoufnefs  divine. 
 O  blcfs'd  are  they,  that  now,  by  name. 
 
 Are  call'd  of  God,  to  fhare. 
 The  marriage-fupper  of  the  Lamb, 
 
 And  tafte  the  royal  fare. 
 Write,  faid  the  meffage,  with  defign 
 
 Thefe  layings  go  abroad  : 
 And  write,  to  found  a  faith  divine, 
 Thefe  are  the  truths  of  God. 
 
Part  III.        From  the  Revelation.  66^ 
 
 SONG        XIII. 
 The  new  Heaven  and  new  Earib.    Rev.  xxi.  i, — 9. 
 
 1  A  NEW-MADE  worM  appeared  fo  gay, 
 x\.     The  old  was  no  more  een  ; 
 Heav'n,  earth,  and  fca  were  roll'd  away, 
 
 As  if  they  ne'er  had  been. 
 
 2  Jerus'lem  new  came  from  above, 
 
 Like  Paradife  reftorM, 
 Prepar'd,  as  when  the  bride  of  love 
 Is  deck'd  to  meet  her  Lord. 
 
 3  The  fhouting  Heav'ns  cry'd  out.  Behold, 
 
 God's  dwelling  is  with  man  ! 
 They  fliall  be  his ;  he'll  keep  his  hold. 
 And  be  their  God  and  gain. 
 
 4  His  tender  hand  fhall  wipe  the  tears 
 
 From  ev'ry  weeping  eye ; 
 And  pains,  and  groans,  and  griefs,  and  fears, 
 
 And  death  itfelf,  ihall  die. 
 The  former  things  away  are  fled, 
 
 To  be  no  more  in  view : 
 
 5  He  fat  upon  the  throne,  who  faid, 
 
 Lo !  I  make  all  things  new. 
 
 6  I'm  Alpha  and  Omega  too, 
 
 The  origin  and  end  : 
 Unto  my  royal  orders  now. 
 
 Let  mortals  all  attend : 
 To  him  that  thrifts,  I'll  freely  give, 
 
 O'th' well  of  life  his  fill; 
 And  he  that  drinks  fliall  ever  live. 
 
 Come  whofoever  will. 
 
 7  The  faint,  that  conquers  fin  fliall  be 
 
 Of  all  things  heir  by  line; 
 For  I  fliall  be  his  God,  and  he, 
 A  fon  and  heir  of  mine. 
 
 8  But  whoremongers,  adulterers, 
 
 Defplfing  God's  commands. 
 Idolaters,  and  forcerers. 
 And  men  of  bloody  hands; 
 
6^o    SCRIPTURE    SONGS,     BookIL 
 
 Ver.  The  faithlefs,  and  the  fcoffing  crew. 
 That  fpurn  at  ofifer'd  grace  ; 
 The  devil's    ibrdid  retinue, 
 And  all  the  lying  race  : 
 
 Thefe  fliall  be  doom'd  all  to  partake 
 
 Of  ever-burning  wrath  j 
 And  thrown  into  the  fiery  lake. 
 
 Which  is  the-fecond  death. 
 9  But  happy  on  the  other  fide. 
 
 Appear  the  heirs  of  life  : 
 Heav'n's  glory  crowns  the  beauteous  bride. 
 
 The  Lamb's  beloved  wife. 
 
 SONG         XIV. 
 
 Heaven  a  glorious  and  holy  State.  Rev.  xxi.  22, — 27. 
 
 22  "VT  O  temple's  feen,  nor  fun   above, 
 J_^\|    Where  God  the  Lord  of  might. 
 And   Chrifl:  the  Lamb,  for  ever  prove 
 
 The  temple  and  the  light. 
 
 23  Pure  are  the  pleafures  found  on  high 
 
 Where  no  uncleannefs  is ; 
 
 24  No  wanton  lips,  nor  carnal  eye. 
 
 Can  tafte  or  fee  the  blifs. 
 
 25  Thefe  gates  of  holinefs  out-bar 
 16       Pollution,  fin,  and  fliame  ; 
 
 27  None  enter  there,  but  thefe  that  arc 
 The  foll'wers  of  the  Lamb. 
 He  keeps  the  book  of  life,  where  all 
 
 Their  elecl  names  are  found : 
 No   hypocrite,  nor   liar,  (hall 
 E'er  tread  the  heav'niy  ground. 
 
 SONG         XV. 
 
 The  Churches  Frayer  for  CuRiSThfeconJ  Coming 
 Rev.  xxii.  20. 
 
 \7f7HEN  he  who  came  fays,  Surely,  lo! 
 
 '  ''        I  quickly  come  again 
 To  Judge,  withjuftice,  high  andl^w; 
 Glad  Zicn  liiys.  Amen. 
 
Part  11.  From i he  Revelation. 
 
 Ev'n  fo,  Lord  Jefus,  come   away, 
 O  hafle  !  as  thou  haft  faid, 
 
 The  glorious  retribution  day. 
 When  dues  fhall  all  be  paid. 
 
 6yi 
 
 SONG 
 
 XVL 
 
 The  Conclufion;  or,  ending  Prayer:  Or,  the  Apejlle's 
 Benedidion.     Rev.  xxii.  21.     2  Cor.  xiii.  14. 
 
 TH  E  grace  of  Chrift,  our  help  complete  j 
 The  love  of  God  ferene  ; 
 The  Holy  Ghoft's  communion  fweet ; 
 Be  with  you  all,  Amen. 
 
 J'he  "End  of  thg  Scripture  Songs, 
 
 Vol.  X. 
 
 ^qqq 
 
^^}^^K^u^^^M^^^n^^^y^^^^^4^ 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 I.  Fu N E R  A  L  PoE MS  on  the  D^alh of  fome 
 
 eniine  ntperfons. 
 
 II.  Scripture  Authorities  for  fub- 
 
 jedling  to  Civil  Magiji rates, 
 
 III.  Epigrams  and  Monumental  \n- 
 
 SGRIPTIONS. 
 
 Qiiqq  2 
 
 ,^*M^^>i't)€<^ir>^^'(^M^.)?<*M*,^^cM^i-^:>?C*K*^' 
 
P     R      E     F      AC 
 
 TO    THE    FOLLOWING 
 
 ELEGY. 
 
 ^HOUGH  more  as  twenty  years  have  elapjed  fince  the  death  of 
 this  excellent  perfon,  to  ijohofe  memory  thefe  lines  are  writ' 
 ten  :  yet,  Ifuppo/e,  they  will  not  be  cut  sffea/bn,  fince  the  re- 
 membrance of  him,  and  his  fingular  endowments,  remains  flill  fo 
 frefh  in  all  that  -were  of  his  acquaintance,  that  I  cannot  but  Cib- 
 ferve  a  certain  pkafant  fondnefs  this  very  day,  to  make  him  the 
 fiibjeSi  of  their  converfation,  xvho  was  once  Jo  much  the  obje6i  of 
 their  efieem  and  affettion. 
 
 Jf  it  fhould  be  enquired,  what  concern  I  have,  beyond  others, 
 to  fet  forth  his  chara6ler,  which  none  have  hitherto  attempted? 
 Sure  he  deferved  this  fervice  from  none  more  than  ynyfelf ;  if  it 
 be  confidered,  that  not  only  had  I  the  privilege  of  living  fome 
 time  under  his  mofl  evangelical  miniflry,  and  of  enjoying  his 
 edifying  converfation,  as  well  as  his  chearing  and  charmina  com' 
 pany  ,-  but  alfo,  he  was  the  perfon  that  firfi  propofed ferioujly  to 
 me  my  entring  upon  trials  for  the  minifiry ;  the  perfon  that  firfi 
 urged  and  eff'eSluated  it  in  the  prefbytery  ;  the  perfon  that,  being 
 moderator,  pronounced  my  licence  to  preach  the  gofpel,  and  there- 
 after firfi  honoured  me  with  his  pulpit  in  that  work  :  and  the 
 perfon  that  firfi  laid  his  hand  upon  me,  when  I  was  ordained  to  the 
 minifiry,  by  the  impofition  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery  ;  on 
 which  occafion  he  preached  a  very  great  and  glorious  fermon, 
 upon  Eph.  iv.  ir,  12,  I  g.  Befides  many  other  things  that  I 
 could  mention,  that  Uy  me  under  great  obligations  to  fhew  a  par- 
 iici/lar  regard  to  his  memory. 
 
 Perhaps  it  may  not  be  judged  out  of  the  way  to  add,  he  was 
 the  perfon  who  (as  he  was  fiiiled  in  poefy,  as  well  as  in  almofi 
 every  other  piece  of  learning)  in  fever al  refpe£ls  excited  me  to, 
 and  encouraged  me  in  fome  poetical  writings  ;  and  with  whom  I 
 have  had  very  familiar  inter courfe  by  word  and  write,  even  in 
 that  firain  ,-  and  therefore,  if  I  have  any  genius  that  wa)j  his 
 memory  demands  a  (bare  ef  it. 
 
PREFACE.  6ys 
 
 Yet  one  reafon  of  my  delay  in  doing  this  piece  offervice  to  his 
 name,  was  the  knoiuledge  I  had  of  that  fprightlinefs  of  foul,  deep- 
 nefs  of  judgment,  vaflnefs  of  comprehenfion,  readinefs  of  elocution 
 andfo  many  more  than  ordinary  bright  excellencies  in  him,  which 
 I  thought  my  dull  genius  unfit  for  reprefenting  infuch  lively  co- 
 lours as  they  ought  to  appear  in ;  and  therefore,  fince  I  have 
 now  attempted  that  work,  I  hope  none  that  know  him  will  chaU 
 lange  any  commendatory  exprefflons  here  as  too  hyperbolical,  fince 
 they  will  gilow,  that  a  poetical  licence  can  hardly  be  more  tole- 
 rable in  commending  any  perfon  that  has  lived  in  our  day,  than 
 it  can  be  in  defcribing  him  in  whom  concurred  fuch  a  multitude 
 and -variety  of  rare  endowments  and  qualifications ,   natural,  ac- 
 quired f  and  gracious,  as  fcarce  can  be  feen  to  concentre  in  one 
 man  :  and  therefore,  if  I  could  gather  together  alLfhe  flowers 
 planted  in  the  gardens  of  the  fine fl  poets,  and  adapted  them  to  his 
 character,  I  would  have  thought  them  well  applied  in  adorning 
 his  memory.     Tet  all  that  were  his   intimate  acquaintances,  yet 
 living,  will  readily,   J  think,  attefi,    that  the  truth  relating  to 
 his  charader  is  not  at  all  loft  under  any  flowery  metaphor ^  or  po- 
 etical embellifhmcnt ,  I  have  here  attempted  to  ufe. 
 
 But  fince  the  glory  of  God  f})Ould  be  the  chief  and  ultimate  end 
 of  all  writings,  as  well  as  other  aSiions,  I  hope  none  fh  all  be  di- 
 verted  from,  but  rather  may  be  led  earneflly  to  pursue  this  great 
 end,  by  this  effay  upon  the  notable  qualifications  of  a  fellow-crea- 
 ture :  for^  as  we  ought  to  fee  and  admire  the  glory  of  God,  as  it 
 flnnei  in  all  his  works,  even  the  mofl  minute,  much  more  may  we  fee 
 it  in  thefe  creatures  of  our  ownfpecies,  whom  God  has  clothed  with 
 fuch  extraordinary  gifts  and  peculiar  properties,  as  are  truly  ini' 
 mitable  by  any  whom  the  Author  of  nature,  and  the  God  of  grace, 
 has  not  in  the  fame  manner  adorned.  Infuch  bright  and  beauti- 
 ful fiars  we  are  to  fee  and  adore  the  infinitely  greater  beauty  and 
 fpkndor  of  the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs ,  from  whom  their  rays  were 
 but  borrowed ;  and  thus  floould  be  led  by  thefe  pleafant  chryflal 
 flreams,  that  fail  and  dry  up,  unto  the  glorious  Fountain  of  liv- 
 ing waters  which  never  fails,  but  is  unchangeably  the  fame,  yet 
 terdy,  to  day,  and  for  ever. 
 
 Moreover,  it  may  contribute  to  the  honour  of  God,  that  the 
 fhewing  forth  this  excellent  perfon" s  virtues,  may  tend  to  expofe 
 the  God  difhonouring  vices  of  our  day  ;  the  reprefentation  of  his 
 innocent  chearfulnefs,  may  reprove  the  vicious  and  cri?nfnal  mad- 
 nefs  of  the  age  ;  his  great  wifdom  and  fenfe  may  upbraid  our 
 folly  and  duhief ;  and  his  moji  evaucdiral  /Urit,  manifefhd  both 
 
6i^  PREFACE. 
 
 ///  public  preaching  and  private  converjation^  together  with  his 
 profound  knoivledge  <?/",  and  great  injight  into  the  deep  myjleriu  of 
 the  gofpel :  And  his  great  and  extraordinary  ability  and  readinefs 
 to  ajfat  and  defend  the  truths  of  God,  and  the  caufe  of  Chrifi,  may 
 not  only  firve  to  condemn  the  quite  oppofite  Jpirit  that  prevails  fo 
 much  in  our  time,  hut  alfo  to  excite  and  flir  us  up  both  to  lament 
 the  lofs  "we  fujiained  by  his  death,  through  the  righteous  anger  of 
 Heaven  againf}  us,  and  to  fupplicate  the  divine  favour,  to  raije 
 up  inflruments  for  the  ivork  of  his  houfe,  furnifhed  -with  fuch 
 qualifications  and  abilities  as  were  fo  confpicuous  in  this  great 
 mart. 
 
 RALPH     E  R  S  K  1  N  E. 
 
A    N 
 
 ELEGIAC      POE   M, 
 
 To  the  M  E  M  o  R  V  of  that  defervedly  efteemed  Perfon, 
 
 The  Reverend  Mr.  James  Cuthbert,  fome- 
 time  Minifler  of  the  Gofpel  at  Culrojs: 
 
 Who  died  in  October,     1715. 
 
 Dotibus  illufiris  nituit  Cuthbertus  op'wiis ; 
 
 Baud  peperere  Viriim  tempora  noflra  parem. 
 Ornarunt  radiis  iot  ev  m  pulcherrima  jundis 
 
 Ut  caluere  omnes  ejus  aviore  plL        *       D.  H. 
 
 LONG  did  my  mufe  expeftant  wifli  to  fee 
 Some  hero  paint  the  lofty  Elegy  : 
 Long  did  my  weary  mind  impatient  wait 
 To  fee  a  nobler  pencil  paint  the  great, 
 The  good,  the  eloquent,  the  peerlefs  man 
 Who  'mong  Apollo's  fav'rites  led  the  van. 
 Cuthbert  whofe  name,  that  ftill  fo  frefli  remains, 
 Demands  the  Mufes  elevated  drains. 
 I'm  loth  the  features  here,  fo  bright,  fo  fme. 
 Be  fully'd  with  a  duiky  draught  of  mine  : 
 But  fmce  no  curious  limners  had  the  heart. 
 On  this  fair  image  to  improve  their  art ; 
 My  pen  be  artlefs,  rather  than  unjuil 
 To  leave  a  name  fo  precious  in  the  duft. 
 
 My  mufe  like  Croefus'fon,  fo  long  tongue-ty'd. 
 Had  never  fpoke,  had  not  hh  father  dy'd. 
 This  filial  paflion  fure  is  due  from  one 
 Once  honour'd  to  be  Timothy,  \\\?>fon.  ^ 
 Though  cities  juftly  may  the  cenfure  pafs, 
 That's  here  a  matchlefs  diamond  fet  in  brafs ; 
 Yet  that  which  may  excufe  my  feeble  toil, 
 The  jewel's  thus  enhanfed  by  its  foil : 
 And  I  efcape  (though  by  the  portrait  rude) 
 The  charge  of  criminal  ingratitude. 
 
 •  So  he  fomctlmcs  dcfigned  the  Author  of  this  Poem. 
 
6'jS      ^MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS. 
 
 The  mufe  that  mourns  a  church,  a  nation's  fall, 
 Should  have  attended  Cuthbert's  funeral; 
 To  fhew  the  univerfal  lofs,  and  tell 
 How  Zion  trembled  when  this  pillar  fell : 
 How  fons  of  Zion  weak  and  feeble  grew, 
 "When  death  fo  great  a  champion  overthrew  : 
 How  Heav'n  defign'd  by  fuch  a  mighty  blow, 
 No  private^  but  a  common  overthrow : 
 And  fliould  have  plac'd  him  bright 'mongfliining  names, 
 That  to  far  diftant  ages  fpread  their  beams. 
 
 Hark !  ye  that  know  him,  won't  ye  all  avow 
 Wit  charming  fat  triumphant  on  his  brow? 
 Won't  ye,  like  echoes,  when  ye  hear  his  name. 
 Be  foon  refounding  trumpets  of  his  fame  ; 
 Whofe  foul,  refin'd  beyond  the  common  race, 
 Was  cultivate  by  nature,  art,  <iv\di  grace. 
 He  was  by  temper  fuited  to  Y^isjiate, 
 Without  inheritance  both  rich  and  great : 
 As  generous  fpirits  manage  and  command 
 The  wealth  that  Heav'n  bellows,  with  lib'ral  hand  ; 
 So  he  know  his  happy  mind  the  value  juft 
 0{  earthly  things,  nor  was  injla'ud  to  duft. 
 
 His  converfation's  aromatic  fmell 
 Did  ftrongly  melancholic  fogs  difpell ; 
 As  rufhing  fun-beams  kindly  chafe  away 
 The  gloomy  vapours  that  obfcure  the  day. 
 Such  wealth  of  wit  both  grace  and  nature  brought 
 To  fit  his  mind  for  loftinefs  of  thought  ; 
 So  native  was  his  graceful  eloquence, 
 Difplaying  ^ilways  fublimated  fenfe. 
 Such  pleafure  did  his  balmy  lips  impart, 
 That  every  fcntence  conquer'd  every  heart. 
 
 The  lovely  graces  in  his  bofom  found 
 Diffus'd  ambroftal  odours  all  around. 
 His  focial  charms,  with  captivating  art,  ") 
 
 Made  him  of  every  company  the  heart,  > 
 
 The  chcarful  agent  of  fo  fweet  a  part.  -^ 
 
 Not  fav'ring  winds  to  voyagers  at  fea,  -\ 
 
 Nor  genial  flowers  to  parched  earth  can  be  v 
 
 More  grateful  than  his  pleafant  company.  j 
 
 Still  bright  and  chearing,  like  the  fun  at  noon? 
 IJis  mind,  his  joyful  harp  was  dill  in  tunc. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.       6^<) 
 
 Hence  as  to  weary  fwains  with  toil  oppreft. 
 
 Beneath  a  fylvan  fhade  relaxing  reft ; 
 
 As  to  the  fcorched  traveller  when  firft 
 
 He  finds  a  chryilal  ftream  to  quench  his  thirft : 
 
 Such  were  his  virtues  bright  of  every  kind. 
 
 So  fweet,  fo  charming  to  our  ravifli'd  mind. 
 
 Too  rarely  fuch  conjundions  e'er  take  place, 
 As  w/V  with  iv'ifdom^  join'd  with  learnings  grace  ; 
 Yet  thefe  concentering  in  his  manly  breaft, 
 Around  their  pow'rs  benign  did  manifeft. 
 In  him  we  faw  two  dijiant  virtues  join'd. 
 Heroic  greatnefs  and  a  hiunble  juind  : 
 His  lofjy  foul  fram'd  to  invade  the  ildes. 
 Could  ftoop  with  obvious  charms  to  vulgar  eyes. 
 Here  alfo  rare  disjun£lions  we  could  fee,  ^ 
 
 Great  chearfulnefs  disjoin'd  from  levity^  > 
 
 And  mirth  from/o/Zy  moft  remote  and  free.  ^ 
 
 Thus  feem'd  he  form'd  into  a  Faradife 
 Of  pleafant  plants  without  a  weed  of  vice. 
 
 When  thrown  'midft  dang'rous  wild  fociety, 
 He  always  'fcapM  from  their  infection /rc^. 
 His  powerful  rhetoric,  like  a  mighty  chain. 
 Could  bind  the  madnefs  of  the  frantic  brain. 
 Of  empty  witlings  foon  he  got  the  chafe. 
 By  ready  anfwers,  or  of  wit  or  grace  ; 
 Which  quickly  could  the  headlefs  ramblers  tame, 
 Or  fiufli  their  confcioiis  cheek  v/'iihfpreading  fhamc. 
 If  lewd  buffoons  durft  e'er  before  him  fit,  ^ 
 
 Soon  were  their  farcafms  mercilefly  twit,  > 
 
 Or  torn  to  lliread  with  happy  turns  of  wit ;  j 
 
 Of  wit  refin'd,  which  quickly  down  could  throw 
 Their  filly  banter  with  an  eafy  blow. 
 So  ftrong  his  inward  vigour  Hill  remain'd,  ~\ 
 
 Such  ground  on  adverfe  minds  he  ever  gaia*d,  > 
 
 His  foul  emerg'd  undaunted  and  unftain'd.  j 
 
 His  lofty  mind  that  ftoop'd  to  humble  things. 
 Soon  to  her  native  fides  could  ftretch  her  wings; 
 From  earth  to  hcav'n  could  in  a  moment  move, 
 From  toys  below  to  folid  joys  above. 
 And  penetrate,  with  his  interior  fight, 
 Celeftial  regions  2ud  the  realms  of  light. 
 Vol.  X.  Urrr 
 
^8o      MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 
 
 The  heav'ns,  fo  lavifli  of  their  rays  refin'd, 
 
 Shed  down  whole  floods  of  knoiuledge  on  his  mind. 
 
 He  got  enobling  views  of  heav'nly  blifs  ; 
 
 Saw  glorious  wonders  in  that  vail  abyfs. 
 
 And  what  he  had  divinely  learn'd  from  thence, 
 
 Could  in  familiar  language  foon  difpenfe. 
 
 From  meaner  things  his  mind  without  a  damp,  "^ 
 
 Could  inftantly  fliine  forth  a  burning  lamp,  > 
 
 A  flaming  banner  in  Devotion* s  camp.  j 
 
 Thus  heav'n  and  earth  in  him  did  joyful  meet, 
 
 Nature  d.nd  grace  their  lively  charms  unite. 
 
 His  mortal  lips  could  touch  immortal  themes. 
 And  tell  Immanuel's  everlafting  names.  * 
 
 Far  could  he  ftretch  on  bold  advent'rous  wings, 
 In  high  difcourfe  and  open  heav*nly  things. 
 His  diction  did  heroic  thoughts  difplay. 
 Not  in  the  florid  nor  the  bombaft  way ; 
 But  with  fuch  high,  yet  humble  rhetoric  arrn'd, 
 Nobles  were  gratify'd,  and  commons  charm'd. 
 
 Seraphic  principles  and  graces  bright. 
 In  him  confpired  to  difplay  their  might. 
 His  language  fliev/d,  a  judgment  mofl  profound, 
 A  depth  too  large  for  common  lines  to  found ; 
 Which  made  both  wit  and  learning  quit  the  field. 
 And  blufliing  to  his  brighter  talent  yield. 
 Still  regnant  here  found  judgment,  folid  thought, 
 Truib  when  he  fpoke,  and  triiwipb  when  he  fought : 
 •  His  words  gave  all  antagonifts  a  wound,  "^ 
 
 That  did  or  foon  convince,  or  foon  confound:  > 
 
 Such  Jlrengtb  ofreafon  gave  his  breath  the  found,     j 
 Heretics  vanquilh'd  fank  beneath  the  load, 
 As  Dagon  fell  before  the  ark  of  Gud, 
 Soon  dazzl'd  with  the  fhining  beams  of  fenfc, 
 And  drown'd  as  with  a  flood  of  eloquence. 
 Such  ftrcngth  of  wit  and  reafon  kept  the  field. 
 Each  adverfe  mind  with  ihame  behov'd  to  yield. 
 The  force  of  oppofition  rude  was  broke, 
 How  foon  our  eloquent  Apollo  fpoke. 
 He  never  once  like  fierce  difputers  fought, 
 That  lofe  their  mind  in  a  wild  maze  of  thought. 
 No  lofs  of  thought  could  fliut  his  fluent  lips, 
 Nor  lofs  of  words  his  lucid  thought  echpfr:. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.       68i 
 
 In  his  moft  (harp  encounters  we  could  find 
 No  ebulHtions  of  a  bitter  mind  ; 
 No  ftormy  pallion  rofe,  no  clamorous  noife 
 To  make  his  fav'rites  blulh,  or  foes  rejoice : 
 Bat  ftill  with  meeknefs  like  a  mighty  charm. 
 Did  quickly  all  oppofing  pow'rs  difarm. 
 He  up  or  down  could  move  with  bridle  hand  -\ 
 
 The  paffions  rude  of  others  at  command;  C 
 
 And  yet  himfelf  fedate  and  rnovelefs  Hand.  J 
 
 He  fuch  a  difpittani  iov  truth  appear'd, 
 'Gainft  error  fuch  victorious  trophies  rear'd. 
 His  nervous  tongue  that  held  the  facred  plea, 
 Was  fteel'd  with  fuch  a  conqu'rlng  energy : 
 One  vi^ould  have  thought,  that  did  the  helliih  crew 
 With  heav'nly  choirs  their  old  difpute  renew 
 'Bout  Mofes  corpf^^  \  the  cherubs  might  have  chofe 
 His  tongue  the  weapon  to  defeat  the  foes : 
 And  found  their  caufe  fuftain  no  detriment 
 By  hps  in  arguing  fo  bcUipotent. 
 For  when  he  rofe,  down  (in  affecl)  to  hell 
 The  dufky  dregs  precipitated  fell : 
 As  does  the  rifing  morn  with  rofy  light 
 Adorn  the  fides,  and  put  the  fliades  to  flight. 
 
 \w  public  ivork  he  taugh  with  folemn  awe 
 The  peaceful  go/pel  and  the  fiery  law, 
 Moft  fweetly  did  the  cunning  harper  rove 
 Through  all  the  labours  of  our  Savour's  love: 
 While  from  his  eloquent,  mellifluous  tongue 
 The  ftreams  of  heav'nly  rhetoric  run  along. 
 The  holy  theme  was  trim'd  with  lovely  bait : 
 Each  word  was  mafly,  and  each  fentence  great. 
 Free  from  each  pageantry  of  knowing  fools. 
 And  all  the  loofe  opinions  of  the  fcbools. 
 His  tongue  feraphic  did  attention  draw. 
 Below  difpenfmg  what  above  he  faw  ; 
 With  flvill  divine  unvail'd  to  human  eyes 
 Dark  oracles,  and  opened  all  the  fkies. 
 Angels  that  into  gofpel  myfteries  pry,  | 
 To's  fluent  lips  might  for  inftrudion  fly.  t 
 Who  could  more  plain  the  myfiic  knots  unfold 
 Than  Oedipus  the  fabl'd  riddle  of  old. 
 
 *   Jiide,  vcr.  9.  f     l    l\t.  i.  11.  {   Eph.  iii.  lo. 
 
 R  r  r  r   2 
 
682      MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS. 
 
 Heav'n  form'd  his  mind  great  gofpel-depths  to  trace, 
 His  mouth  to  found  the  filver  trump  oi  grace  ; 
 To  fpeak  the  grandeur  of  the  Saviour  God; 
 To  blaze  his  righteoufnefs  divine  abroad ; 
 And  'gainft  their  face  the  flaming  fword  to  draw 
 Whofe  legal  ftrain  affronts  the  royal  law. 
 He  doom'd  harangues  that  *gainll  the  light  offend,      ') 
 AnA  gofpcl  grace  w'wh  pagan  7norah  blend,  > 
 
 That  make  not  Chriji,  hutfelf  their  fpring,  their  end.    ^ 
 In  teaching  Tuoral  duties,  great  or  fmall,  -j 
 
 He  told  the  fliare  that  fhould  to  Jesus  fall,  C 
 
 V/as  like  his  name,  the  Firji,  the  Lajl,  the  A/L  J 
 
 His  doclri7ie  ev'ry  gloomy  Ihade  difpell'd  j 
 His  refutations  more  and  more  excell'd: 
 For  here  we  f:iw  his  lofty  mind  ilill  higher,  -x 
 
 Dafhmg  block  error  down  with  holy  ire,  C 
 
 And  fencing  beauteous  truth  around  with  ivalls  o^ Jire.J 
 Hence  anti-evangelic  fchemes  refin'd 
 Were  driven  like  chaff  before  the  whirle-wind. 
 
 So  bright  he  flione,  cv*n  in  a  private  fphere. 
 Ere  he  poffeft  the  minifferial  chair ; 
 We've  feen  him  with  a  Pro6lor's  work  in  hand 
 The  liflening  ears  of  Senators  command. 
 With  fluent  lips,  flrong  fenfe,  and  decent  port,         ^ 
 Attraft  the  heart   and  eyes  of  all  the  court,  > 
 
 And  take  them  captive  like  a  rend'ring  fort.  J 
 
 In  civil  laws  expert,  in  facred  more  ; 
 His  head  a  lib'rary  of  learning  bore;  ( 
 
 So  fill'd  with  foreign  and  domeftic  (lore  :  3 
 
 Here  feem'd  amafs'd  as  much  within  one  fpan-; 
 As  all  the  volumes  of  the  Vatican. 
 
 Should  we  Pythagoras'  old  fancy  grant,  ^ 
 
 That  fouls  retir'd  did  other  bodies  haunt ;  f 
 
 We  yet  might  fearch  to  find  the  man  we  want.  ^ 
 
 Who  hath  his  great  acumen  ?  who  his  brain,  -n 
 
 His  heart,  his  tongue  ?  Alas !  the  fearch  is  vain ;        C 
 His  mantle  has  not  dropt  upon  the  plain.  j 
 
 Lo !  now  his  death  has  hid  the  fulgent  light, 
 And  wrapt  us  in  the  fhades  of  gloomy  night. 
 Tlie  running  years  of  ecclefiaftic  thrall 
 Make  up  the  night  portended  by  his  fall. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.         68 
 
 But,  had  he  ftay'd  :  What  then  ?  A  qucftion  fcem'd, 
 To  which  in  anfwer  thus  by  night  we  dream'd. 
 
 Falfe  reafon  covered  with  ajlorid  Jiile, 
 So  quickly  blujh'd  when  he  exposed  the  guile  : 
 We  jnight  have  feen,  we  thought,  had  he  hutjlafd. 
 Truth  riding  more  triumphant  by  his  aid  : 
 Her  equal  caufe  more  uncontrouVd  by  far 
 Had  he  appear"* d  puiffant  at  the  bar. 
 Would  Zion^s  eyes  have  feen  her  healthfid fons 
 Difgorge  the  Marrow,  and  digeji  the  bones  f  ^ 
 Her  ferious  clerks  with  numbers  fport  ihe?nfelves  : 
 And  for  twelve  Brethren,  ^eries  hatch  by  twelves  Pf 
 Would  rowers  into  waters  great  have  brought 
 The  fjatter^d  veffel  with  fo  little  thought  f 
 Would  Arius  ghojl  got  leave  f  appear,  and  floew 
 The  WchHer's  flighted  libel  too  too  true  f  % 
 Would  furious  ??iinds  have  turned  the  church's  k^ys 
 To  galling  fpurs  and  riding  committees  f  li 
 Would  o'er  the  brethren  arbitrary  fway 
 Have  thrown  a  whole  quaternity  away  f  § 
 Would  rage  have  hqfled  zuiih  a  viole?it  rujh, 
 To  ruining  extremes  her  pow'rto  pifh. 
 Had  CuTHBERTT^tfj/V  to  piit  her  to  the  blufjf 
 No,  no  ;  we  thought,  had  we  our  Atlas  here  , 
 His  head  woidd  have  upheld  the  falling  fphere. 
 
 Thus  vain  we  thought,  and  wifli'd  him  living  flill; 
 Yet  fear  his  life  had  brought  a  greater  ill : 
 For,  jealous  Heav'n  might  fee  us  on  the  road 
 Of  homage  to  him  as  a  guardian  God: 
 
 *  Alluding  to  the  controrerfy  about  the  Marrov)  of  MoJcrv.  Dlvimti,  a 
 book  contlemned  by  the  General  AfTembly.  See  the  affair  laid  open.  Vol.  I. 
 p.  238.  Vol.  II.  p.  304.,  305.  Vol.  III.   p.  4<5. 
 
 f  Twelve  Minifters,  commonly  called  the  fwelvc  Marrow  Men,  becauftr 
 tliey  defended  the  doifbrlnc  laid  down  in  that  book.  They  had  twelve  Cele- 
 ries propounded  to  them,  on  that  fubjcd:,  by  the  AOemhly ;  to  which  thcv 
 made  anfwer. 
 
 I  Pointing  at  the  profecution  againd  Profefibr  Simson.  See  the  affair 
 briefly  flated.  Vol.  11.  p.  4(J(J,  467.  Vol.  IV.  p.  14S. 
 
 II  Referring  to  the  Committees  appointed  by  the  General  Affembly  to  fettle 
 miniflers  upon  rccbiming  and  diffentiiig  congregations,  on  the  footin<T  of  the 
 Patronage  Ai5l,  when  the  Prclbytcry,  in  whicli  the  fi.ttlemcnt  happened  to  be 
 refufcd  to  do  it.  See  the  great  evil  of  Patronage  laid  open.  Vol.  V.  p.  304, 
 3"^.  3S7,  398,414,415, 
 
 §  Alluding,  no  doubt,  to  the  fufpending  a^d  depofing  of  the  four  Breihnn  ; 
 a  fliorc  account  of  which  affair  may  be  feen,  Vwl.  V  p.  304,  395.  395, 
 
634        MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 And  therefore  made  his  days  a  narrow  fpan,  •) 
 
 Lert  \vc  deprav'd  had  idoHz'd  the  man,  C 
 
 AVho  in  the  fenates  could  have  led  the  van.  j 
 
 Such  is  the  dubious  flate  of  mortals  here, 
 We  know  not  what  to  wiih  or  what  to  fear. 
 Dark  clouds  envelop,  till  the  labouring  mind 
 Be  to  the  wife  difpofe  of  Heav'n  refign'd. 
 
 Heaven  thought  his  de^tb  a  ftroke  too  too  fevere. 
 Too  troublous  for  a  peaceful  hemifphere  ; 
 And  therefore  then  did  {hake  the  Britifli  globe 
 With  th'  infurredion  of  a  furious  mob  :  ^ 
 That  noife  of  blood  Tind  arms,  of /words  and  Jpears, 
 Might  drown  the  clamours  of  our  ?noiirnful  lyres  : 
 That  burning  flames  of  rude  inteRine  wrath 
 Might  dry  the  tears  of  forrow  for  his  death  ; 
 Leil  floods  of  grief  had  fweli'd  beyond  their  fliore, 
 And  like  a  deluge  drown'd  the  earth  once  more. 
 Heav'n  wrathful  fent  the  meflenger  of  death, 
 Then  to  demand  our  Cuthbert^s  precious  breath, 
 To'venge  the  crying  guilt  of  daring  crimes, 
 And  fcourge  the  bold  rebellion  of  the  times. 
 
 This  Phoenix  rare,  whofe  life  the  earth  defir'd, 
 Then  Phoenix-like  in  chearful  flames  expired. 
 He  from  his  life's  decay  could  joy  conceive. 
 And  kindle  into  tranfport  at  a  grave. 
 I'or,  though  his  confcious  mind  could  own  her  flips  j 
 And  kindly  wail  the  errors  of  its  lips  ; 
 Which  might,  he  thought,  in  praife  of  Jefus  more 
 Have  daily  lavifli'd  out  her  fluent  fl:ore: 
 Yet,  living  high  by  faith,  could  joyful  go 
 Through  all  the  loud  alarms  of  death  below. 
 Nor  can  the  foul  that  to  Immanuel  clings,  ■^ 
 
 Whofe  CGuragQ  from  the  depth  of  knoivledge  fprings,     > 
 Fear  inevitablq  and  deftin'd  things.  -^ 
 
 The  pleafant  mold  in  which  kind  He^v*n  him  cafl:,     -j 
 Maintain'd  amidft:  the  formidable  blafl:,  C 
 
 His  charming  chearful  temper  to  the  laft.  J 
 
 His  inward  pulfe,  as  death  advanced  nigh. 
 Beat  ftrong  with  vigorous  immortality. 
 Upward  we  faw  his  hcav'n-born  fpirit  rife. 
 And  boldly  claim  acquaintance  with  the  fl^ies. 
 
 •  TLe  rebellion  ivliich  t  ok  place  Anno  171  J.     This  was  alfo  fujcccded  by 
 «iothcr  ia  t^c  year  1745.  by  the  f*me  difafiicd^d  party. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.        68s 
 
 He  on  a  death-bed  could  auditors  teach, 
 
 And  his  own  glorious  refurreftion  preach  ; 
 
 And  prefs  the  good,  the  holy  gofpel-way, 
 
 By  all  the  glories  of  the  awful  day. 
 
 He  fpoke  his  Majler^s  name,  his  words,  and  wounds,  -\ 
 
 Thenjiretch^d  andfoar^d  beyond  times  narrow  bounds,   S- 
 
 To  fpeak  his  praife  in  more  majeflic  founds.  J 
 
 His  foul  expanding  her  immortal  wings. 
 
 Loft  by  degrees  the  fight  of  mortal  things. 
 
 With  him  once  conjunft  in  the  paft'ral  chair, 
 We  faw  the  Gofpel-herald,  worthy  Mair, 
 Conftrain'd  his  wonted  theme  to  fup^rfede,  -j 
 
 And  from  the  pulpit,  o'er  the  hearfe  to  bleed,  C 
 
 And  blaze  abroad  the  praifes  of  the  dead.  J 
 
 Declaring  "  by  his  death  that  day  there  fell, 
 "  A  great  man  ;  yea,  a  prince  in  Ifrael.'^ 
 
 See  now,  though  yet  the  colours  dark  appear. 
 The  pi£lure  of  the  famous  Cuthbert  here. 
 My  pencil  having  drawn  but  half  the  man, 
 Mufi  leave  unfinilh'd  what  it  rafli  began. 
 Thefe  honour'd  with  his  converfe  once  will  find 
 His  livelier  image  piftur'd  on  their  mind. 
 
 We  fee  him  fall  and  to  augment  the  moan,  -^ 
 
 The  great,  the  grave,  Judicious  Boston  gone,  "^       V 
 Who  once  f,  like  Athanafius  bold,  flood  firm  alone.  > 
 Whofe  golden  pen  to  future  times  will  bear 
 His  fame,  till  in  the  clouds  his  Lord  appear.  % 
 With  him  blell  Hogg,  the  venerable  fage,  -\ 
 
 The  humble  witnefs  'gainO;  the  haughty  age,  > 
 
 '\^2.^  fiuept,  with  other  worthies  oS  ih*  unworthy  Jl age. ^ 
 But  thus  if  Horfemen  and  Commanders  die. 
 How  can,  alas!  the  Infantry  but  fly  ? 
 We  dread  o\xx  fine  new  Lights  the  church  enthrall. 
 When  former  glorious  Luminaries  fall.        ', 
 
 But,  hark !  are  now  thefe  bright  and  ftately  forms 
 A  defpicable  prey  to  greedy  worms  ? 
 True  1  but,  behold  1  their  better  part  furvives, 
 And  Zion's  glorious  King  for  ever  lives. 
 
 *  He  died  on  Saturday,  May  20.  173a. 
 
 t  V'iz.  In  the  afi.iii-  of  Profcflbr  Sim jon  at  the  General  AfTenibly,  Aitnoi  715. 
 
 \  Meahin^  his  excellent  writings  thit  were  cerrci^ted  by  himfclf,  for  tjje  prel's- 
 
686      MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 Ne  tanti  Viri,  Nomen,  Fama,  celebritas  et 
 quibiis  pollebat,  dotes  oblivione  delean- 
 tur,  fequentis  quoque  Elogii  centuriam 
 linearum  (aptis  quorundam  Authorum 
 phrafibus  hie  illic  interfperlis)  adjicere  vi- 
 fum. 
 
 CARMEN     ELEGIACUM, 
 
 In  Memoriam  Viri  celeberrimi  Domini  Jacobi  Cuthbert, 
 Tojioris  non  ita  pridem  Culrojfenfts^ 
 
 [  I  ] 
 
 'EU N ERA  CuTPBF.RTi,  Borcic  fub  ftdere  Jiatif 
 
 Scotigeni  yubarisy  Scotia  mcefia  canat. 
 Te  iamen  ante  omnes  decet,  ah  !  Fifana  Camjsna, 
 
 Fundere  ftabilibus  carmina  grata  modis  : 
 Vim  cui  contulerat  Paulina  '^tv-.irKia.fanSia 
 
 Mdis  enim  noflra  decidit  hoc  columen, 
 Moribus,  Ingenio,  T>oBrina  clams  et  Arte, 
 
 Hxc  reliqua  in  terrisfunt  monumenta  fiii  ; 
 Quodque  mori  potuit  cfuamvis  nunc  marcet  in  urnM, 
 
 Fama^  'Decus^  Virtus  intemerata  virent. 
 
 Sape  mi  hi  luclus,   mors  invidta,  caufa  fuijti  ; 
 
 Merfijli  teneras  fapius  irnbre  genas^ 
 Sspefuosflevit  Refpublica  nojlra  parentes, 
 
 Hoflili  quondam  qtti  cecidere  nece  : 
 At  vix  ulla  juit  tarn  jujli  caufa  doloris, 
 
 Scotia,  CuTHBERTo  dcfpoUata  tuo. 
 Ornabat  patriam  nuper,  teviplumque  reliciutn, 
 
 Nee  fupereft  tantis  mens  cummulala  bonis. 
 Nunquam  vidi  ullum,  fe  prater,   (parcrte  doHiJ 
 
 Quem  par  iter  potui  die  ere  doBtloquuvi. 
 
 [     3     1      .,       ,. 
 
 Mutiorum  voUlatque  per  ora  hquacibus  alts 
 Vir  femelhic  lucens,  fol  velut  in  ttnehris  : 
 
 Cujus  honor anda  voces  orach  fuere-, 
 Omnlnio.lc  doSfi  pectoris  indicia  : 
 
MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.      687 
 
 Ef  merito,  os  ciijus  tarn  grata  lavaminafiidit. 
 
 In  memoritm  annales  h'lcce  relatus  inejl,' 
 Rebus  in  human'ts  humamor  baud  fait  altera 
 
 Rebus  et  in  divis  divior  alter  iibi  ' 
 ^Jfertor  fidei  quo  vix  nervofior  ulliiSy 
 
 CorreSlor  fcelerum,  malleus  htzrefium 
 
 C    4   3 
 
 Chriflique  infeftos,  iit  murus.aheneus,  hojles 
 
 Voce  facri  late  fudit  JEvangelii. 
 Sic  rudium  validas  in  "oifcere  verier e  vires 
 
 J\dos  eratf  ut  docuit,  dummodo  vel  domnit 
 JLitigtofa  cohors,  coram  hac  1)oinilore  difertQ^ 
 
 T'ollere  deprejfum  non  fuit  aufa  caput. 
 \  In^enium  JSdufce^  mores  vis  enthea^  mentem 
 
 Excoluit  pietas,  oraque  delicijs. 
 Hie  hilarans  hilaris  qui  mifcuit  utile  dulci, 
 
 Seria  jucundiSf  omnia  pun^a  tuUt» 
 
 c  J  ].    _. 
 
 'Dotibus  eximtis  Comitis,  Pafloris,  \Amici, 
 
 Vix  7nagis  ornalum  protulit  ulla  dies  / 
 iV(?  dotes  natura  omnes  conferret  in  umim. 
 
 Queque  aliis  tribuat,  dona  nee  ulla  forent 
 Mors  veruit ;  pr opera  cartiis  pede  vincla  refolvens, 
 
 Quot  decorum  cumuhs,  keu  !  brevis  hora  rat'il  f 
 Non  vigor  ingenii,  lepid.t  non  gratia  lingux, 
 
 Non  probitas  potuit  pellere  tela  necis. 
 Ouem  redamant  omnes,  omnes  ah'iiffe  dolebant^ 
 
 Qjtantus  amor  cunHis,  tantus  i'lfque  dolor, 
 
 C,  6   "J 
 
 JSlomen  adhuc  redokns  quada?n  dulcedine  cunSHos 
 
 JVIuIcet,  et  immemores  non  finit  ejje  fui. 
 Lychnus  Evangelii  fulgens,  verique  perennis 
 
 Prxco  pius,  comptus,  ?n{'gnanimiifque  fuit. 
 'Dogmata  facra  "Dei^  rayfleria  condita  Chrijii 
 
 Expofuit  do^o,  ferjpicuoque  JJylo. 
 ^bdita  enim  pandit  ""Deus  huic  penetralia  regni^ 
 
 ^mplaque  dimino  munera  claufa  finu, 
 Qus  prifcos  latuere  Sophos,  latuere  recentes, 
 
 Ci/ndi  hujus  voluit  peHore  cun^a  "Deus, 
 
 C  .7.3     _ 
 
 C^utus  h.zc  d'ldicltquji  tcrricolis  pate  fecit. 
 Nunc  cum  cxiicolis  qUii  patcfeclt  bahet. 
 Vo  L.  X,  S  sss 
 
688     MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 Concio  jam  mclior  "  Cekjlia  g^audia  prenfo, 
 
 "  His  modo  cum  "Domino  per  pete  pace  friior. 
 "  Cur  ita  legendumf  palmamferOy  morte  fepulta, 
 
 '*  Liktor  apudjuperos,  mollitor  o[fa  cuhant" 
 jlt  non  teflemus  fuperis,  Cuthberte,  receptum, 
 
 Ploramus  nojlram  te  removente  vicem. 
 Jirma  facriz  quo  nunc  ^disviSfricia  veSia, 
 
 Jam  do77iitam,  'Domimis  nijuvei  ipfe,  dumum  f* 
 
 .       f^     ^     J 
 En  !  Boston  Celebris,  fimul  Hogg  venerabilis,  infons, 
 
 T'errea  nunc  fuper ant,  C£lica  teSia  colunt : 
 Infuper  amotac  prxcuci  morte  calumna 
 
 Signant  quamfubito  fit  peritura  domus. 
 Omnibus  tantis  percellimur,  baud  fine  caufa 
 
 Hinc  timidi  mmjlos  orbis  addejje  dies. 
 Stirpe  priore,  gemens  Ecclefia  Scotiqua  languet, 
 
 Vi  CuTHBERTiNA/)/-!?/' /  fpoUuta  fua. 
 Ex  Barathro  (quid  nunc  obflat  ? )  vis  bojlica  furum 
 
 Sur^it,  et  infidias  bic  et  ubique  (Iruit. 
 
 .[9.3. 
 
 Invidus  enque  bojlis  laqueos,  incendia,  cruces 
 
 ^ptat,  et  innocuo  vainer  a  rnille  gregi. 
 Sola  pot  eft  tarn  patientia  vine  ere  cladem. 
 
 Nee  nifi  de  fuperis  fedibus  illavenit. 
 Kerus  amor  puro  ex  credent  is  peel  ore  manans 
 
 Per  mala  tot,  Christo  Principe  viRor  erit. 
 Vivida  vis  mentis,  geniique  potentis  acumen 
 
 Nunc  tua,  CuTHB£RTE,  belica  tela  defunt 
 JMors  claufit  placido  languentia  luminafomno, 
 
 Oaudia  cum  fuperis  mens  fine  fine  bibit. 
 
 r  10  ] 
 
 Quo  fua  vaferunt  diciamina  neBare  plcna^ 
 
 ^ens  generofa  volat,  Ubraque  hiifica  ? 
 Qu£  potuit  cautes  Hsbetes  animare  loquendo 
 
 Hei !  modo  fub  tenebris,  lingua  diferte [ilet. 
 Quam  procul  hie  fugit  tua  prompta  facuniia  fandi^ 
 
 Candor  et  integritat,  inviolata  fides  f 
 Solers  tamfapiens  non  quovis  nafcitur  anno, 
 
 Ofque  virile  vi  brans  cum  pietate  pari. 
 Vivis  in  hac  ima,  pncclarro  nomine,  terra  ; 
 
 Spiritus  in  fumm9  vivit  ov.it que  poh. 
 
A  N 
 
 ELEGY,  or  FUNERAL    POEM, 
 
 On  the  much  lamented  Death  of  that  pious  Perfon, 
 
 The  Rev.   Mr.   Patrick    Plenderlietk, 
 Minifter  of  the  Gofpel  at  Sallm, 
 
 '  Who  died  Anno  iJ^S'    Written  at  the  Defire  of  fomc 
 of  his  Friends. 
 
 DISSOLVE  in  tears,  ye  bright  feraphic  fires, 
 If  for  row  can  have^  place  in  heav'nly  quires ; 
 Mens  eyes  unable  are  enough  to  flied  ; 
 A  juftcr  wound  the  world  hath  feldom  bred: 
 Behold  a  gracious  plant,  for  fruit,  for  flow'r ; 
 A  noble  faint  for  zeal,  for  truth,  for  pow'r  ; 
 A  peerlefs  gera  for  virtue,  proof,  and  price; 
 On  earth  a  friend  to  truth,  a  foe  to  vice: 
 And,  lo !  alas!  this  piece  ofheav'n  doth  die; 
 The  cafe  might  make  the  very  flones  to  cry. 
 
 O  Death  !  why  tyrannifeft  in  thy  might  ? 
 Why  fo  fevere,  to  ftrike  fo  choice  a  wight  ? 
 Why  let'fl  out  of  the  ark  a  Noah's  dove, 
 While  many  hearts  were  arks  unto  his  love  ? 
 Hath  death  a  pow'r  to  break  aifedlions  lock. 
 And  deal  the  darling  of  the  little  flock  ? 
 Nay,  fure ;  what's   lov'd  to-day,  can  die  to-morrow  j 
 What's  dead  to  love  is  ftill  alive  to  forrow. 
 This  man  of  God  ftill  lives,  and  lodging  hath    - 
 In  grateful  memories,  in  fpite  of  death. 
 He  lives  not  only  now  above  the  fldes. 
 But  lives  on  earth  in  tears  of  many  eyes. 
 Zeal,  mildnefs,  grace  gave  air  unto  his  breath  : 
 And  hence  his  favour  liveth  after  death. 
 
 His  walk,  his  worfliip  were  of  divine  ftamp  ;  " 
 
 His  doctrine,  practice,  all  a  burning  lamp. 
 His  life  all  light  and  heat,  fed  from  above  ; 
 His  lips  all  fervour,  and  his  heart  all  love  : 
 
 S  SS  S     2 
 
90         MICELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 His  time  all  holy-days ;  for  of  the  feven 
 Each  day  was  Sabbath,  and  each  Sabbath  Heav'n. 
 His  home  was  fecret  places  of  the  flairs  ; 
 His  title  known  to  be  a  man  of  pray'rs. 
 No  grove,  no  river-fide  frequented  he, 
 But  there  the  place  of  pray'r  was  wont  to  be. 
 Bethel,  where-e'er  he  went,  was  his  abode  5 
 For  ftill  he  reared  altars  to  his  God. 
 His  converfe  heav'nly,  and  his  carriage  mild  5 
 His  foul  fubliine  his  conicience  undefiPd. 
 His  frame  feraphic  in  devotion's  mount; 
 His  holy  ardor  feldom  waxing  blunt : 
 Floods  of  celeftial  aid  did  elevate 
 Th'  ark  of  his  foul  to  heav'nly  Ararat. 
 Full  gale>,  heart-rending  throbs,  heav'iv  reaching  cries 
 Did  waft  his  ardent  pray'rs  above  the  fkies. 
 For  church,  for  flate,  for  all  he  pray'd  with  not ; 
 No  cafe,  no  place,  no  friend,  no  foe  forgot. 
 He  trode  the  milky-way,  by  faith  and  pray'rs, 
 "Was  cloth'd  with  gravity,  without  gray  hairs.' 
 Was  mader  of  his  paffions  all  within  ; 
 Glad  without  lightnefs,  angry  without  fin. 
 His  language  correfponding  with  his  faith  j 
 No  vain  nor  idle  word  defil'd  his  breath. 
 His  lips  unfelgn'd,  his  a6lions  undifguis'd ;  ' 
 
 Mod  modefl  when  carreft,  meek  when  defpis'd. 
 A  map  of  innocent  humility ; 
 '   A  peerlcfs  paragon  of  fympathy. 
 A  miror  great  of  love  to  gTcat  and  fmall ; 
 A  compound  of  compaflion  towards  all. 
 By  love  he  conquer'd  fome  of  high  degree  ; 
 And  kill'd  the  meancft  with  his  courtefy. 
 His  kindnefs  with  fincerity  appear'd  : 
 To  rich,  to  poor,  tO'Cv'ry  fort  indear'd. 
 
 With  care  he  mark'd  all  providential  ways, 
 Ev'n  the  minuteft,  to  his  Maker's  praife. 
 His  active  fpirit  oil'd  with  Hermon  dew 
 Did  fwiftly,  after  cndlcfs  blifs  j)urfue  : 
 He  was  a  mighty  hunter,  and  the  chafr, 
 The  God  of  glory  in  the  field  of  grace. 
 Alas!  the  race  v/as  very  fhort  indeed ; 
 But  lack  in  fpace,  was  well  made  up  in  fpeed. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.      691 
 
 His  public  fpirit  was  of  fuch  a  pitch. 
 
 That  few  in  zeal  for  God  were  found  fo  rich. 
 
 So  vart  the  treafurc  in  this  earthen  cup  ; 
 
 Zeal  for  his  Mafter*s  houfe  did  eat  him  up. 
 
 To  whstfoever  place  he  did  repair, 
 
 His  converfe  was  a  conftant  preaching  there. 
 
 In  honfe  or  field,  this  antipode  of  floath  ^ 
 
 For  gaining  fouls,  fpent  foul  and  body  both : 
 
 For,  like  his  Lord,  whofe  fervice  was  his  food. 
 
 He  went  about  for  ever  doing  good. 
 
 Still  at  his  Mailer's  work,  ftill  at  his  motion  j 
 
 A  conftant  miracle  of  clofe  devotion. 
 
 Mounting  the  pulpit  from  his  fecret  bow'r, 
 He  pray'd  with  divine  pith,  and  preach'd  with  pow*r. 
 Faithful  to  all  men,  in  their  feveral  places, 
 He  neither  fpar'd  xhtu  fault s,  nor  fear'd  ihcxr  faces. 
 This  minifterial  grace  to  him  was  given 
 To  leave  on  many  hearts  a  fcal  of  heaven. - 
 Yet  ftill  his  humble  mind  fiiun'd  airy  famej 
 Purm'd  the  merit,  but  refus'd  the  name: 
 His  felf-drain'd  foul  defpisM  opinion's  blaze ; 
 He  fought  the  virtue  but  difclaim'd  the  praife  : 
 He  all  the  glory  to  his  God  did  yield, 
 And  crownM  fair  Grace  the  emprefs  of  the  field. 
 
 Ah  !  here  is  but  the  name  of  that  fair  faint  j 
 We  have  his  image,  but  himfelf  we  want. 
 He  hath  the  crown  indeed,  but  we  the  crofs  : 
 He  finds  the  gain  ;  but  we,  alas !  the  lofs. 
 Death  brake  the  cage  to  let  the  fparrow  fly,  "s 
 
 Which  now  hath  found  a  houfe,  a  neft  on  high,  V 
 
 Even  God's  own  altars  to  eternity.  -^ 
 
 Our  Sodom  now  may  fear  the  ftorm  anon. 
 When  Lot  is  to  his  wiflied  Zoar  gone. 
 God  dothfometimes  firft  crop  the  fweeteft  flow'r. 
 And  leaves  the  weeds  till  tempefts  them  devour. 
 So  ripe  is  vice,  fo  green  is  virtue's  bud,'  •^ 
 
 The  world  doth  v/ax  in  ill,  but  wain  in  good,  v 
 
 And  Noah's  to  his  ark  :  we  fear  a  flood.  J 
 
 This  happy  foul  is  now  above  the  ftorm, 
 Fixt  on  his  rock,  with  faints  of  higheft  form ; 
 For  while  his  veffel  paft  the  troubled  ocean, 
 He  fail'd  from  Jirengtb  tojircngih  with  Rviftcft  motion, 
 
^92      MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 Till  on  Immanuel's  land  he  came  a  fliore, 
 The  place  to  which  he  fent  his  heart  before. 
 Such  was  his  holy  life,  as  now  refolv'd. 
 Which  by  a  happy  death  was  thus  diffolv'd. 
 As  lumps  of  fugar  lofe  themfelves  and  twine 
 Their  fouple  cffcnce  in  the  fp'rit  of  wine : 
 So  he  in  death  did  fweatly  melt  away, 
 As  doth  the  dawn  into  the  rifing  day : 
 Aurora  fair  muft  vail  her  rofy  face 
 AVIien  brighter  Phoebus  occupies  her  place  : 
 So  he  ;  when  glory  rofe  in  room  of  grace. 
 His  death  not  differed  from  this  life  of  his. 
 Nor  the  conclufion  from  the  premifes. 
 His  death-bed  prov'd  a  little  paradife. 
 And  ufher'd  in  with  hallelujahs  thrice. 
 He,  (in  his  fwiming  over  Jordan  river,) 
 Began  to  fmg  as  now  he  fliall  for  ever ; 
 lor  there;  he  fang  before  he  went  afliore, 
 A  triple  vidory  for  evermore  : 
 Dull  earth  could  fcarce  indure  his  holy  noife, 
 While  he  did  antidate  his  future  joys. 
 Somefaw  his  happy  exit,  unto  whom 
 He  told  of  Cherubs  fent  to  guard  him  home  : 
 And  thus  his  better  part  was  wafted  o'er, 
 W'ith  prelibations  of  his  endlefs  glore. 
 
 Could  we  now  hear  this  blefled  harper  play 
 His  hallelujahs ;  fvveetly  might  he  fay, 
 Rue  not  my  death,  rejoice  at  my  repofe. 
 The  bud  was  op'ned  to  let  forth  the  rofe. 
 It  was  no  death  to  me,  but  to  my  wo, 
 The  chain  was  loos'd  to  let  the  captive  go. 
 From  crofs  to  crown,  from  thrall  to  throne  I  went, 
 And  now  I  reign  j  I  fing  with  full  content, 
 I.o  !  here  I  rell ;  and  here  I  love  to  be, 
 Where  I  enjoy  more  than  my  faith  co  uld  fee. 
 ]  prcach'd  the  glory  which  I  now  behold ; 
 But,  lo  1  the  thoufandth  part  was  never  told, 
 1  got  a  tafte  below,  but  now  above, 
 I  forage  in  the  verdant  fields  of  love. 
 On  earth,  my  faith  dole  down  a  diftant  kifs; 
 But  now  my  love  cleaves  to  the  cheek  of  blifs. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.       % 
 
 Lament  not  my  deccafc,  as  your  mifliap, 
 
 "When  I  fo  gladly  reft  in  glory's  lap, 
 
 Weep  not  that  death  dj^  me  from  death  deliver. 
 
 Nor  grieve  as  for  a  lofs ;  I'm  won  for  ever. 
 
 1  fought,  I  wreftled  there,  from  whence  I  came ; 
 
 I  joy,  I  triumph  here,  where  now  I  am. 
 
 On  earth  1  long'd  to  fee  my  Jesus  dear  ; 
 
 Behold  !  I  fought  him  there,  and  fmd  him  here. 
 
 In  galleries  of  joy,  in  white  I  walk, 
 
 'Mong  worthy  wights,  of  whom  I  once  did  talk. 
 
 I  fee  this  glorious  King  in  whom  1  boaft, 
 
 Upon  the  head  of  this  triumphant  hoft. 
 
 With  this  feraphic  quire  1  join  on  high, 
 
 To  warble  notes  of  praife  eternally  : 
 
 Glory  to  God  that  ever  here  I  came. 
 
 And  glory,  glory,  glory  to  the  Lamb  : 
 
 My  light,  my  hfe,  my  ilrength,  my  joy,  my  all, 
 
 Is  now  within  mine  arms,  and  ever  fhall. 
 
 My  glorious  Lord  is  mine,  and  I  am  his ; 
 
 I'm  like  him,  for  I  fee  him  as  he  is : 
 
 No  darknefs  vails  him  now,  no  difmal  night, 
 
 No  cloud  no  vapour  intercepts  his  light. 
 
 I  fee,  I  fee  for  ever  face  to  face 
 
 The  brighteft  beauty  in  the  brighteft  place. 
 
 Thus  might  he  fay ;  but,  ah !  we  feem  too  bold 
 Can  Heav'n's  unutterable  joys  be  told  ! 
 There,  there  he  dwells ;  earth  was  fo  low  a  place, 
 For  him  to  view  his  Saviour's  comely  face. 
 That  with  Zacchcus  from  the  lower  (lory, 
 He  grafpt  the  branch,  and  climb'd  the  tree  of  glory. 
 O  may  we  trace  his  fteps,  with  one  accord. 
 And  imitate  him,  as  he  did  his  Lord! 
 For  dill  his  hope,  his  joy,  his  aim  was  this. 
 To  live,  to  love,  to  be  where  now  he  is. 
 
[    694    ] 
 
 A  N 
 
 ELEGIAC       POEM, 
 
 To  the  Memory  of  the  pious  and  painful,  learned  and  emi- 
 nent  Servant  of  Christ, 
 
 The  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  Hamilton,  late 
 Minifter  of  the  Gofpel  at  Stirling ; 
 
 Who  died  January  29.  1738.  aged  j^.     Written  at 
 the  Defire  of  fome  of  his  Friends. 
 
 Trincipium  vita  mors  ejl^  fic  ittir  ad  qjlra^ 
 Felis  qui  vivii  qui  moriturque  Deo* 
 
 PARTI. 
 
 Mis  Chara^er,  ^lalijicationsy  Manner  of  Preaching,  and 
 amiable  Deportment, 
 
 DEATH!  doft  thou  difficult  us  now  to  know. 
 If  as  a  friend  thou  ftrik'Il,  or  as  a  foe  ? 
 A  foe,  in  cutting  off  the  bcfl  of  feers  ? 
 Or  friend,  in  fparing  him  till  full  of  years  ? 
 What !  ihall  regard  to  thee,  O  death,  be  giv'n  ? 
 Thour't  but  a  fervant  to  the  nods  of  Heav'n; 
 Which  did  not  criminals  on  earth  provoke, 
 They'd  neither  fear  thy  late  nor  fudden  ftrokc. 
 Thy  I.-,)RD  was  once  for  us  to  thee  fubmift>,  *p 
 
 To  him  our  humble  anfwer  due  is  this,  ^ 
 
 'Tis  we,  't  is  ive  that  fin  aivay  our  blifs.  ^ 
 
 But  how,  O  how  has  Scotland  anger'd  Hcav'n  1 
 And  what  offence  anew  has  Stirling ^\v*\\^. 
 What  bold  tranfgrcffions  and  heaven-daring  crimes, 
 Have  broke  out  fierce  in  thcfe  debauched  times  ? 
 That  we  fhould  live  to  fee  Heav'n's  lifted  hand 
 Thus  pulling  down  the  pillars  of  the  land. 
 The  fupports  of  the  church,  and  by  their  fall. 
 The  godly  fabric  made  a  bowing  Falj- 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.        69^ 
 
 So  many  cedar-beams  from  Lebanon,  '  -^ 
 
 And  (lately  rafters  of  pur  houfe  are  gone,  C 
 
 As  threaten  ruin  to  fucceed  anon.  •  J 
 
 Great  Hamilton  among  the  facred  tribe, 
 An  able  prop,  a  well-inftruded  fcribe, 
 Was  zealous,  firm,  and  faithful  unto  death  j 
 No  nominal  defender  of  the  faith  : 
 But  with  undaunted  courage  did  contend 
 'Gainft  blafphemies  and  errors  to  his  end  ; 
 No  combatant  for  truth  more  ikill'd  than  he. 
 Was  fet  for  the  defence  of  gofpel-purity. 
 
 He  evidenc'd  to  learn'd  and  knowing  men. 
 Both  by  his  tongue,  his  pulpit,  and  his  pen,     , 
 His  infight  into  truth* s  abyfs  was  great, 
 And  vaflly  deep  beyond  the  common  rate. 
 Yea,  famous  men  of  arts  have  felt  the  {kill 
 And  conqu'ring  edge  of  his  well-pointed  quill. 
 His  eyes  diffus'd  a  venerable  grace; 
 And  piety  itfelf  was  in  his  face. 
 Sweetnefs  of  temper  foften'd  all  he  fpoke  ? 
 He  bore  his  great  commiiTion  in  his  look. 
 He  taught  the  gofpel  rather  than  the  law  ; 
 And  forc'd  himfelf  to  drive,  but  lov'd  to  draw. 
 With  eloquence  innate  his  foul  was  arm'd  ; 
 Learning  and  grace  combining  jointly  charm'd. 
 
 His  view  of  every  facred  line  was  bright; 
 Each  fermon  was  a  lamp  of  gofpel-light. 
 His  care  was  firfh  the  pmlady  to  ihew  ; 
 Next  to  prefent  the  remedy  in  view; 
 And  then  his  powerful  application  bore 
 The  healing  plaifter  to  the  running  fore. 
 He  from  Mount  Sinai  firft  did  fouls  alarm  ; 
 And  then  with  promifes  from  Zion  charm. 
 And  thus  whatever  was  the  facred  text, 
 This  was  the  plan,  (till  plain  and  unperplexM. 
 
 He  Ihone'bove  others  with  fuperior  light. 
 In  clearing  up  his  hearers  claim  of  right ; 
 The  gofpel  zuarrants  and  the  grounds  cf faith. 
 Laid  in  the  word,  infur'd  by  Jesus' death,  ^ 
 
 And  feal'd  by  baptifm  in  their  early  breath,  S 
 
 Vol.  X.  Trtt 
 
6^6      MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 
 
 Thus  Unbelief  he  of  its  fliifts  bereft, 
 
 And  unbelievers  all  excufelefs  left. 
 
 His  main  concern  was  fafely  to  embark 
 
 The  drowning  world  into  the  faving  ark. 
 
 He  fprcad  the  news  of  rich  and  fov'reign  grace. 
 
 Which  glorious  reigns  thro'  Jesus'  righteoufnefs  j 
 
 That  grace's  cov'nant  abfolute  and  free 
 
 Might  with  the  fmncr's  needy  cafe  agree. 
 
 At  folemn  work  his  help  fo  fweet,  fo  dear. 
 
 Was  fought  and  got  by  brethren  far  and  near. 
 
 To  facramental  fcafls  he  went  his  round, 
 
 And  grac'd  the  tables  with  his  joyful  found. 
 
 His  church  was  long  the  little  flock's  refort ; 
 
 His  luords  could  with  their  ti?ne  and  need  comport ;      j 
 
 And  hence  he  could  be  long,  he  could  be  fhort.     '     . 
 
 His  courteous  carriage  fhew'd  his  gen'rous  mind  ; 
 Fond  without  fraud,  and  without  flatt'ry  kind. 
 His  faith  he  prov'd  beyond  dim  reafon's  ken, 
 By  flaming  zeal  for  God,  and  love  to  men. 
 Yet  free  of  pride,  his  works  he  vilify'd  ; 
 Was  always  humble,  always  felf-deny'd. 
 
 So  much  he  others  to  himfelf  preferr'd,  1 
 
 In  charitable  thoughts  he  chiefly  err'd,  ? 
 
 Till  thence  by  open  villanies  deterr'd.  J 
 
 Yet  this  we  fcarce  can  as  failure  grant. 
 Which  fliew'd  in  others,  not  in  him  the  want,  ( 
 
 Who  prov'd  himfelf  in  all  refpeds  a  faint.  > 
 
 A  flvilful  counfellor  in  each  dark  cafe ; 
 A  hearty  fympathizcr  in  diftrefs. 
 Still  warm  his  heart  was  with  his  words  inlaid ; 
 But  moflily  flaming  when  he  preach'd  or  pray'd. 
 His  irame  was  flill  divine,  his  words  exacl,  -^ 
 
 Saints  heard  tht  voice  tliat  did  their  hearts  attrafl-,      C 
 And  angels  liften'd  while  the  charmer  fpake.  ^ 
 
 He  duly  watch'd  his  flock  by  night  and  day;     * 
 And  from  the  prolling  wolf  redeem'd  the  prey. 
 Was  ready  (lill  at  hand  without  requefl", 
 To  ferve  the  Tick,  and  fuccour  the  difl:rcll. 
 The  proud  he  tam'd,  the  patient  he  chcar'd  ; 
 Nor  to  reprove  the  rich  ofirnder  fear'd. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.       697 
 
 He  for  a  deep  divine  was  known  to  all ; 
 
 Yea,  to  a  proverb  evangelical. 
 
 Christ  was  the  leading  theme^  whofe  right eottfncfs 
 
 He  publifh'd  as  the  only  glorious  drefs  ; 
 
 The  coat  of  mail  to  fence  from  top  to  toe, 
 
 Againft  the  fhot  of  death  and  future  woe. 
 
 And  while  he  fought  proud  nature  to  deprefs,  -y 
 
 Expofmg  unto  fhame  the  fordidnefs  C 
 
 And  dung  of  every  fpecious  legal  drcfs  ;  J 
 
 Yet  ftill  he  careful  aim'd  the  way  to  chalk, 
 
 By  gofpel  fuccours  to  a  holy  walk,  / 
 
 And  fliut  the  mouths  that  would  but  vainly  talk.         3 
 
 And  what  he  prcach'd  he  in  his  pradice  wrought, 
 A  living  fermon  of  the  truth  he  taught. 
 An  holy  humble  courfe  of  life  he  fteer'd, 
 That  all  might  fee  the  do£trine  which  they  heard. 
 A  converfation  affable  and  mild ;  -\ 
 
 Nor  with  vain  language  .we*re  his  lips  defil'd :  > 
 
 Yea,  gravity  appear'd  even  when  he  fmil'd.  j 
 
 His  prefence  grave  did  rev'rence  great  command. 
 And  crave  profound  refped  from  ev'ry  hand 
 His  very  look  could  vanity  reclaim  ; 
 His  countenance  put  levity  to  fhame, 
 Chear  drooping  hearts  of  faints,  and  alfo  make 
 The  guilty  confcience  of  the  fmner  quake. 
 
 He  to  the  lafh  laborious  dill  remain'd; 
 Nor  was  he  from  his  work  by  age  reftrain'd. 
 His  weaknefs  never  made  him  give  it  o'er; 
 His  wilhng  mind  did  working  flrength  reflorc. 
 What  would  have  made  fome  to  ihtw  fick-beds  creep. 
 Could  never  him  out  of  his  pulpit  keep. 
 So  prompt  to  teach,  and  preach,  and  pray,  and  praifg. 
 His  labour  had  no  end  but  with  his  days- 
 
 Warm  from  his  v/ork  he  to  his  reft  did  move  : 
 And  from  his  pulpit  to  his  throne  above. 
 But  was  it  his  intent  to  verify 
 What  feem'd  fo  falfe,  that  Seraphims  may  die? 
 Sure,  could  they  die  at  all,  juft  fo  would  they 
 All  in  a  flame  celeftial  mount  av/ay. 
 And  now  fmce  he  is  gone,  be  this  our  flrife, 
 Juft  fo  to  live,  and  fo  to  end  our  life. 
 Tttt    2 
 
6fp8      MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS. 
 
 P  A  R  T    II. 
 
 His  Duration  in  the  Mini/Iry,  and  where  he  laboured ; 
 with  his  valia?it  Appearance  in  contendingfor  the  Truths 
 and  the  great  Lofs  fujiained  by  his  Death* 
 
 AT  Ecclefmahin  firft  this  Prophet  great 
 Had  for  a  time  his  minifterial  feat.  ^ 
 At  Airth  this  filver  trumpet  long  did  found,  f 
 To  folemn  feafts  conveening  thoufands  round. 
 Stirling  was  blefs'd  next  e'er  this  herald's  death. 
 With  twelve  years  warning  of  his  dying  breath. 
 
 But  how  he  Ihould  with  zeal  proclaim  the  truth 
 Seem'd  firll  to  be  predided  in  his  youth  : 
 When  bloody  hands  that  gave  the  fatal  blow, 
 Set  up  the  martyrs  heads  a  public  fhow  ; 
 To  their  difgrace,   whofe  glory  is  their  fhame. 
 But  to  the  fuffering  faints  their  flanding  name. 
 As  Christ  their  Lord  did  on  the  crofs  fubdue, 
 And  made  of  all  his  foes  an  open  fliew  : 
 So  thefe  crown'd  heads  long  over  men  of  blood 
 On  fummities  of  ports  triumphing  flood. 
 When  martyr'' d  GuTHiaiit.,  famous  and  renown'd. 
 Had  thus  for  many  years  been  highly  crownM ; 
 When,  by  his  head  expos'd  in  open  place, 
 God  mean'd  his  honour,  devils  his  difgrace ; 
 Our  Hamilton,  infpir'd  with  early  zeal, 
 Kv'ri  in  his  yputh,  againft  the  gates  of  hell. 
 Mounting  the  port,  brought  like  a  gallant  foul, 
 That  bleiied  head  down  from  the  dying  pole, 
 lleav'n  thus  prefaging  how  in  very  deed,  ^ 
 
 He  fiiould  unto  the  martyr's  work  fucceed. 
 And  bear  his  meffage  as  he  bore  his  head. 
 
 *  Now,  (might  the  martyr  fay)  no  hand  but  thine 
 
 *  Had  ever  pow'r  to  move  this  head  of  mine, 
 
 *  From  this  high  poft,  to  which  it  was  prefcrr'd ; 
 '  Thy  zeal  to  fee  it  decently  interred, 
 
 '  Makes  thee  the  fitteft  hand  to  go  and  bear 
 •■  Ivly  lalt  addrefs  a-new  to  Stirling's  ear  : 
 
 •  six  ytais.       |  Twenty- fix  years,      \  Mr.  James,  minifter  at  Stirllag. 
 
 s 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.       6^^ 
 
 *  There  'mong  my  clofet-papers  mould'ring  lies 
 '  My  farewel  fermon,  bury'd  from  their  eyes, 
 
 *  Heav*n  lliall  forbid,  whoe'er  poffeffion  have, 
 
 *  All  hands  but  thine,  to  raife  it  from  the  grave. 
 
 *  For  that  fame  hand  that  buries  this  my  head 
 
 *  Shall  be  employ'd  to  raife  it  from  the  dead. 
 
 '  But  as  my  head  at  reft,  ere  touch'd  by  thee,  ^ 
 
 *  Sleep* d  in  the  Lord;  fo  thine  at  reft  ftiall  be,  > 
 '  E'er  mine  this  figur'd  refurreftion  public  fee  :  -^ 
 '  Yet  thus  far  rais'd  by  thee  ftiall  from  the  prefs.  -j 
 '  As  from  a  public  pole,  its  former  place,  C 
 '  Stand  up  again,  and  witnefs  to  the  following  race.  J 
 '  And  as  thy  feet  on  fellow's  ftioulders  (tood, 
 
 '  Riflving  thy  life  to  make  thy  purpofe  good  ; 
 
 *  So  ftiall  thy  feet  on  necks  of  brethren  ftand,-  *  -y 
 '  Till  martyr'd  truth  be  refcu'd  by  thine  hand,  > 
 
 *  And  this  laft  ftep  thy  life  and  perils  all  dilband.*  -^ 
 
 Grcfnt  then  this  honour'd  head  its  honour  loft. 
 When  thus  brought  down  from  its  exalted  poft. 
 Of  witneftmg  as  clearly  after  death. 
 As  e'er  it  did  before  with  vital  breath  :  ' 
 
 Yea,  witnefling  as  from  a  pulpit  high. 
 By  this  long  public  preaching  to  the  eye : 
 If  Hamilton's  brave  hand  did  ought  amifs, 
 This  head  from  labour  wholly  to  difmifs. 
 Or  from  its  place  of  honour  thus  to  rend  ;  -^ 
 
 "Why,  then,  this  bold  adventure  might  portend,  v 
 The  Martyrh  pulpit  laft  ftiould  all  his  labours  end.      J 
 
 Fame  alfo  founded  once  K\sfenci?ig  art, 
 So  great  that  few  could  act  the  counter-part, 
 In's  younger  years  ;  which  might  perhaps  prefage 
 The  nobler  wars  of  his  advancing  age  ; 
 For  then,  arm'd  with  the  Spirit's  fword  in  hand, 
 He  kept  antagonifts  at  his  command. 
 Nor  while  he  flourifti'd,  did  his  nation  yield 
 A  greater  champion  on  the  gofpel-field. 
 Blcft  Plenderlieth  declar'd  his  dark  eciipfe. 
 Till  conquering  light  bcam'd  from  his  balmy  lips. 
 His  captious  brethren,  captives  at  his  feet,  -n 
 
 Gladly  confefs'd  his  vi^t'ry  was  complete  :  C 
 
 Great  Brijlane  own'd  hiuifelf  his  happy  profelyte.  '      J 
 
700       MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 His  arguings  drevv  him,  like  a  mighty  chain, 
 
 Quite  from  the  legal  to  the  gofpel-ftrain  j 
 
 So  bright,  that  henceforth  he  appear'd  to  all 
 
 Moil  accurately  evangelical. 
 
 His  dodlrine  too  with  wifdom  well  fupply'd, 
 
 With  magazines  of  learning  fortifyM. 
 
 And  henceforth  thefc  two  fouls  were  no  more  twain, 
 
 But  knit  with  Jonathan  and  David's  chain, 
 
 He  fpent  his  breath  in  Hamilton's  pure  air, 
 
 As  Ha?miton  did  his  at  laft  in  Brifiane's  chair. 
 
 When  'gainftthe/rw//^  iprond  church'?nen  were  inrag*d, 
 He  had  the  honour  early  to  be  flagM  ; 
 But  when  arraign'd  before  fam'd  committees 
 For  purity  of  dodrine,  could  with  eafe 
 Teach  his  pretended  teachers,  and  impart 
 Deep  things  of  grace,  furpafling  (hallow  art. 
 His  judges,  learn'd  enough,  were  forc'd  to  yield, 
 And  crown  their  pannel  Vidor  on  the  field. 
 Thus  in  the  church,  though  not  in  worldly  ftate, 
 This  Alexander  may  be  term'd  the  Great* 
 
 He  teflifying  to  his  latell  years 
 For  Chriflian  liberty  in  choofing  feers, 
 Could  never  fee  the  flock  of  Christ  opprefs*d. 
 And  in  their  room  nobility  carefs'd ; 
 Nor  under-ratc  a  pearl  was  bought  fo  dear. 
 To  compliment  a  patron  or  a  peer. 
 In  conflids  very  late  he  was  the  man 
 Who  for  the  people's  freedoms  led  the  van. 
 Thefe  were  among  (and  mark  it,  carelefs  age) 
 The  laft  contendings  of  the  dying  fage. 
 My  words  and  deeds  of  this  departing  faint 
 Impreffions  fuiting  with  his  zeal  implant. 
 
 He  earneflly  contended  for  iht  faith. 
 By  zealous  teflimonies  to  his  death: 
 By  him  were  witncfTes  for  truth  belov'd  ; 
 He  all  their  proud  oppofers  difapprov'd  : 
 And  did  his  zeal  for  Reformation  fhew. 
 By  daily  prayer  for  the  reforming  Few:  "^ 
 His  aptnef;i  in  that  caufe  to  fpeak  and  write. 
 Made  him  the  but  of  ecclefiaftic  fpite. 
 
 •  The  Associate  Presbytery,  which,  in  his  public  prayejs,  he  term- 
 ed ihc  Kcfnmi'ig  B'(w. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.  701 
 
 Yet  'gainft  his  face  when  furies  fierce  awoke,  ^ 
 
 What  barking  dogs  and  railing  monjiers  fpoke,  > 
 
 Could  nor  his  paffions,  nor  his  fmiles  provoke.  j 
 
 When  five  in  feflion  male-content  withdrew. 
 And  courts  fuperior  countenanced  the  crew. 
 Into  their  hands  depofiting  the  helve, 
 Exaudorating  all  the  other  twelve : 
 His  meek,  and  yet  unanfwcrable  plaint 
 Of  this  procedure,  ftrange  and  violent; 
 
 *  They  have  depofed  me  from  my  facred  power         "^ 
 
 *  Of  government,  in  this  my  watching  tower  ;  > 
 '*  Yet  me  they  never  heard,  nor  cited  to  an  hour.      J 
 
 Was  he  then  equal  to  his  worth  efteem'd? 
 Or  from  reproach  and  calumny  exeem'd? 
 No,  no:  hell  furies  did  him  hot  purfue  ; 
 He  was  the  fcorn  of  an  abandonM  crew. 
 Why  with  fuch  fury,  O  malignant  race! 
 Do  ye  to  death  the  faithful  watchmen  chace  ? 
 Have  patience.  Gentlemen ;  have  patience,  pray ; 
 Behold  them  flying  faft  enough  away ! 
 See  Zion*s  battlements  broke  down  in  hafle; 
 And  temples  glorious  once,  but  now  laid  wafte; 
 Flocks  fcatter'd,  faithful  fliepherds  turning  rare. 
 And  bleeting  lambs  left  to  the  foxes  care ! 
 The  prophets  do  they  live  for  ever?     No  : 
 See  worthy  Hamiltons,  how  faft  they  go  ! 
 Look  to  the  north  and  fouth,  the  calt  and  weft,       "s 
 Where's  Cuthbert,  Stuart,  TVehfter,  Bojion  blefs*d ;  > 
 With  Mair,  M'clarine,  Brijhane,  and  the  reft !  j 
 
 Thofc  that  tormented  you  before  your  time 
 Are  quickly  moving  to  another  clime. 
 You  need  not  beat  your  brains  how  to  lay  wafte 
 The  zealous  clergy  ;  lo  !  themfelves  make  hafte 
 To  get  into  the  ark,  before  the  cloud 
 That  gathers  thick,  pour  down  a  fliow'r  of  blood. 
 Well  may  we  fear  God  is  intending  wars. 
 When  calling  home  his  great  Amballadors. 
 
 O  Stirling,  Stirling  /  Thou  haft  been  the  feat 
 Of  famous  martyrs  and  confefibrs  great ! 
 Some  thou  haft  fton'd  by  thy  fierce  butcberous  hive*. 
 Which  never  fince  have  had  a  day  to  thrive  : 
 
 *  Theflcfliers  that  ftoncd  Mr.  Gvthrie. 
 
702  MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 And  others  thou  hafl  kill'd  by  thy  contempt; 
 And  few  of  them  from  cruel  rage  exempt. 
 How  oft  would  hcav'n  have  gather'd  thy  poor  race 
 Beneath  the  ftretched  wings  of  glorious  grace  ? 
 But  if  thou  wouldcft  not  cxpeft  thy  fate, 
 ^hy  temple  left  unto  thee  defolate. 
 
 But  ftay,  is  fov'reign  mercy's  door  of  hope 
 Not  wholly  (hut  as  yet,  but  partly  ope? 
 Hafte,  hafte,  t'  improve  the  light  that  fhines  about, 
 E*€r  vengeance  blow  thy  hindmoft  candle  out; 
 And  God  mod  high  provoked  to  depart, 
 Give  paftors  not  according  to  his  heart, 
 But  to  thine  own,  unto  thine  endlcfs  fmart. 
 Hear,  hear,  the  quickening,  yet  the  dying  knell 
 Of  grace,  ftill  fluttering,  loath  to  bid  farewell; 
 Left  ftretching  vain  he  pinions  o*er  the  prey. 
 She  quickly  clap  her  wings,  and  foar  away. 
 
 In    Theologum   eximium    Dominum    Alexandrum 
 Hamilton,  Paftorcm  nuperrime  Strivilingenfcm. 
 
 T\0TIBUS  hie  quant  is,  ia?n  parvo  carmine  diet, 
 
 Enitiiit,  nulla  conditione  poteft. 
 Lux  erit  in  tenebris,  fed  eum  cum  fata  tulerunt ; 
 Inde  caret  regio  Scotica  luce  fua. 
 
 Christus,  Evangeliifulgente  ardente  lucerna^ 
 
 Arcanus  Iesus  hac  patefecit  opes. 
 Tracofacra  prater  midtus  dumpraflitit  arte 
 
 Hie  ut  Evangelii,  fic  et  Evangelicus, 
 
 Vidor  Alexander/^//  oHju  magnus  in  or  be, 
 Hie  vi^or  par  iter  magnus  in  JEde  fa  era. 
 
 Regifice  adverfos  vicit  Gladiator  amicus 
 Enfe  viriprimuniy  denique  at  enfc  Dei. 
 
 Indodos  dccuit,  dodos  domuitquefuperbos, 
 
 Ut  veriim  ieneant,  falfaque  rejiciant. 
 Pjji  tulii  in  terris  palmam  viBoris  acuti, 
 
 Jnfiiperis  vidor  liSta  troph<xta  canit. 
 
 .■i?;h,j 
 
MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.      703 
 
 Et  qui  tot  ciirisfejpus^  tantoqiie  labore, 
 
 Optatam  tandem  pervenit  in  requiem. 
 Tampoji  emenfos  conjianti  mente  lahores 
 
 Aura  regificum  vixit  in  aftra  Deus. 
 
 ^to  fe  grcx  avium,  tanio  pafiore  pcrcmpio, 
 
 Vertetj  et  unde  fibi  pahula  pur  a  petet  ? 
 Error  ubique  regit,  truculenter  fcevit  in  Omnes 
 
 Hoc  paridifiaco  fcevius  angue  malum. 
 
 Nunc  rabies  Cleri  quam  paiici  objlare  fuperfunt  ^ 
 
 Nulla  non  miferum  circuit  arte  gregem. 
 Summe  Deus,  pa/lorque  gregis,  fubmitte  laborl 
 
 Fajioris,  Templi  commifererc  tut. 
 
 SCRIPTURE  AUTHORITIES 
 
 For  SuhjeSling  unto,  and  Praymg  for, 
 Civil  Magistrates*. 
 
 Written  in  eafy  metre,  for  the  Sake  of  weak  Memories 
 and  vulgar  Capacities. 
 
 TO  Civil  Powers,  let  great  regard  be  giv'n  ; 
 And  human  laivs,  thsii  crofs  not  thofe  o^ , Heaven  ^. 
 For  fo  do  facred  oracles  direft. 
 To  higher  powers  let  evry  foulfiibjed  ^. 
 Saints,  even  in  Rome,  were  taught,  in  lazvful  things. 
 Meekly  t'  obtemperate  their  heathen  kings. 
 The  precept  reaches  all  the  human  clan. 
 Submit  to  ev*ry  ordinance  of  man  ^» 
 
 *  This  Posm,  although  wrote  fcvcr^I  years  before  the  Aullior's  death,  yet 
 was  never  before  puhliflicil ;  it  was  taken  -from  an  original  mauufcript,  wrote 
 in  long  hand.  That  it  may  have  the  more  conviucin;*  efficacy,  the  I'criptuic 
 tests  are  here  extended  at  proper  length. 
 
 a  Ai5l5  4.  ip.  But  Peter  .uid  Jolur  aivfwered.  Whether  it  be  right  in  the 
 Gght  of  God,  to  hearken  unto  ycu  more  than  unto  God,  judge  ye. 
 
 b  Rom.  13.  I.  Let  every  foul  he  fubjedl  to  ihe  hij^hcr  powers;  for  there 
 is  no  pcwci  but  of  God  :  tlic  powers  that  be,  are  ordained  of  God. 
 
 c  I  Pet.  a,  13.  Submit  ycurfelvcs  to  every  ordinance  of  inan  for  ihe 
 X,ord's  fake  :  whtiUerit  be  untu  t'le  king,  as  fupunv;,  Cc. 
 
 Vol.   X.  U  u  u  11 
 
 *.*.. 
 
7H     MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 And  that  for  feafons  which  apoftles  take 
 
 From  hcav'n  and  e^rth,  even  Go^  and  confcience  fdke^. 
 
 While  magiftratic  pow*rs  don't  tyrannize. 
 
 But  grant  their  facred,  civil  liberties, 
 
 Reclaimers  in  that  cafe  complain  of  eafc. 
 
 Their  name  is  fuch  as  few  will  dare  applaud, 
 
 Kefiflers  cf  the  ordinance  ofGod^. 
 
 Apoflles  order  all  their  flocks,  and  ours. 
 For  heav'nly  ends,  to  ftoop  to  earthly  pow'rs  '^ : 
 Nor  for  their  want  of  qualities  divine, 
 Muft  we  their  jull  authority  decline. 
 And  hence  the  prophet  Jeremy  implor'd 
 'King  Zedekiah  as  his  royal  Lord  ^  ; 
 Who  yet  had  broke  his  oath  to  Babylon, 
 And  to  idolatry  afide  had  gone ^. 
 Hence  alfo  Obediah  good  and  great. 
 Was  wicked  Ahab's  minifter  of  (late  * : 
 Yet  in  this  fervice  facred  lines  record. 
 That  Obediah  greatly  fear'' d  the  Lord. 
 
 a  Rom.  1 3.  5.  Wherefore  yc  muft  needs  be  fahjert,  not  onljr  for  wratli, 
 bat  alfo  for  confcicnce  fake,  1  Pet.  a.  13.  Submit  yourfelves  unto  every  ©r- 
 tlinance  of  man  for  the  Lord's  fake. 
 
 h  Rjm.  ij.  z.  Whofoever  therefore  reCftcth  the  power,  refifteth  the  ordi- 
 nance of  God:  and  they  that  refift,   fhall  receive  to  themfelves  damnation. 
 
 c  t  Pet.  I.  13, — 17.  Submit  yourfelves  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the 
 Lord's  Ake  :  whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  fuprcme;  or  unto  governors,  as 
 unto  them  that  are  fcnt  by  him,  for  the  punifliment  of  evil  (iotrs,  and  for  the 
 pr.iifeottheni tliat  do  well.  For  io  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  wcll-doingyc 
 miy  put  to  filcnce  the  ignorance  of  foolifli  men:  as  free,  and  not  uiing  your 
 liberty  for  a  cloke  of  malicioiifucfs,  but  as  the  fervants  of  God.  Honour  all 
 men,  love  the  brotherhood,  fear  God,  honour  tiie  king. 
 
 d  Jer.  -nT,  10.  Therefore  hc.ir  now,  I  pray  thee,  O  lord  the  king;  let  my 
 fupplication,  I  pr'^y  thee,  be  accepted  by  thee ;  tlut  thou  caufe  me  not  return 
 to  the  houfe  of  Jonathan  the  fcrihe,   left  Idle  tlicre. 
 
 e  Ezek,  17.  15,  16,  17.  But  he  [viz.  Zedekiah]  rebelled  againft  him  [the 
 king  of  Babylon]  in  fending  amhafladors  into  Egypt,  that  they  might  give  him 
 horfcs,  ami  much  people:  fliall  he  prufper?  lliall  he  efcape  tliat  dotii  fuch 
 tilings?  or,  Hiall  he  break  the  covenant,  and  Ijc  delivered  ?  As  I  live,  faitli 
 the  Lord  God,  fortiy  in  the  place  where  the  king  dwcllcth  that  made  hiri 
 king,  whofc  oath  he  defpifcd,  whofe  covenant  he  brake,  even  witli  him,  in 
 the  midft  of  Babylon  he  flisll  die.  Ncitlier  fiiall  Pharaoh,  wiUi  his  mighty 
 army  and  great  company,  make  for  him  in  the  war,  by  cafting  up  mountains, 
 and  imllding  forts  to  cut  off  many  pcr'fons,  ire,  a  Chron.  36.  11,  11,  13. 
 Zetlekiah  w.4s  one  and  twenty  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign  in  Jcrufalem. 
 And  !ie  did  that  which  was  evil  in  tiie  fight  of  the  Lord  his  God,  and  hum- 
 bled not  himfclf  before  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  fpeaking  from  the  mouth  of  the 
 Lord.  And  he  alfo  rebelled  ag.iinft  king  Ncbuc{»adnezz;»r,  who  lud  made 
 lim  fwtar  bv  God  :  but  he  ftiff;ned  his  neck,  and  hardened  his  hcirt  from 
 turning  uiuo  the  Lord  God  of  Ifracl. 
 
 /  I  Kings    18.  3.     And  Ahab  called  Obediah,  wliich  was  the  governor  of 
 l.i<  houfc  :  now  Obediah  feared  the  Loid  greatly. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.       703- 
 
 Elijah  too,  that  holy  zealous  man,  -^ 
 
 Who  ne'er  on  Ahab,  in  his  fins,  would  fawn  s  ;  C 
 
 Yet,  moft  fubmifs,  before  his  chariot  ran  '' .  j 
 
 The  facred  book  with  fpecial  folly  loads 
 All  fuch  as  venture  to  revile  the  Gods  '. 
 For  (but  except  fons  of  tyrannic  thrall)  "^ 
 
 The  God  of  heav'n  does  rulers  of  the  ball,  > 
 
 His  vice-roys  and  anointed  fervants  call'.  J 
 
 Hence  Paul  to  Caefar  his  appeal  difplay'd  ^  : 
 And  Christ  to  Csefar  will  have  tribute  paid^ 
 
 Yea,  Heav'n  for  earthly  rulers  pray'r  exads'", 
 As  much  as  they  do  tribute,  toll,  or  tax. 
 And  hence,  'tis  God's  command  to  pray,  wc  fee, 
 For  all  invejied  with  authority  "  ; 
 ^hat  under  them  we  peaceful  lives  may  lead. 
 And  godhnefs,  and  honefty  fucceed. 
 
 g  X  Kings  i8.  18.  And  he  [Elijah]  anfwcred,  T  have  not  troubled  Ifraci,  bnt 
 thou  and  thy  father's  houfe,  in  that  ye  have  forfaken  the  commandments  of 
 the  Lord,  and  thoti  hafl  followed  Baalim. 
 
 h  I  Kings  18.  4.(5.  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  on  Elijah;  and  he  girded 
 up  his  loins,  and  ran  before  Ahab,  to  tlie  entrance  of  Jezreel. 
 
 i  Exod.  zx.  i8.  Thou  flialt  not  revile  the  gods,  nor  curfe  the  ruler  of  the 
 people.  Adls  13.  j.  Then  faid  Paul,  I  will  not,  breth.ren,  that  he  was  the 
 high  prieft;  for  it  is  wjitten,  Thou  flialt  not  fpeak  evil  of  the  ruler  of  the 
 people,  z  Pet.  1.9,  10,  1 1 .  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  refirve  the  unjufl  un- 
 to the  day  of  judgment  to  be  puniflied;  but  chiefly  them  that  walk  after  the 
 flefli,  in  the  luft  of  uncleannefs,  and  defpifc  governnient  :  prefuintuous  arc 
 they,  felf-willed,  they  are  not  afraid  to  fpeak  evil  of  dignitcs ;  whereas  an- 
 gels, which  are  greater  in  power  and  might,  bring  not  railing  accufation  a- 
 gainft  them  before  the  Lord. 
 
 j  Ifa.  45.  I.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  to  his  anointed,  to  Cyrus,  whofe  right- 
 hand  I  have  hoLlcn,  to  fubdue  nations  before  him,  ^-c.  Jer.  17.6.  And 
 now  have  I  given  all  thefe  lands  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  the  king 
 of  Babylon,  my  fervant,  and  thebeafts  of  the  field  have  I^ivenhimalfo  to  fervc 
 him. 
 
 k  Adts  ij.  10,  ri.  Then  faid  Paul,  I  ftand  at  Csefar's  judgment- feat,  where 
 1  ought  to  be  judged  :  to  the  Jews  have  1  done  no  wrong,  as  thou  very  well 
 knoweft.  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have  committed  any  thing  worthy  of 
 death,  I  refufe  not  to  die  :  but  if  there  be  none  of  thefe  things  wliereof  they 
 accufe  mc,  no  man  may  deliver  me  unto  them.     I  appeal  unf.  Cxfar. 
 
 /  Matth.  II.  ;o,  J  I.  And  Jefus  faith  unto  them,  Y/'Iiofe  is  this  image  and 
 fupcrfcription  ?  They  fay  unto  him,  Ca;far's.  Then  faich  he  unto  them. 
 Render  therefore  unto  Csefar,  the  things  which  arcCaifar's;  and  unto  God,  the 
 things  that  are  God's.  Rom.  13  7.  Render  therefore  to  all  theirdue:  tri- 
 bute, to  whom  tribute  is  due ;  cuftom  to  whom  cuftom  is  due ;  fear,  to  wiioni 
 fear;  honour,  to  whom  honour. 
 
 m  Matth.  ii.  ai.      See  above  in  letter  1. 
 
 «  X  Tim.  2.  I,  a^  I  exhort  therefore,  that  firft  of  all,  fupplications,  priy- 
 ers,  interccflions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men;  for  kings,  and 
 for  all  that  are  in  authority ;  that  wc  may  lead  a  ipict  and  peaceable  life,  in 
 all  godl'.acfs  and  honefty. 
 
 U  UU  U    2 
 
7o6         MICELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 This  precept,  if  wc  view  the  time,  relates 
 
 To  Pagan  perfecuting  magiftrates : 
 
 For  none  but  fuch  poflell  the  ruHng  throne. 
 
 Till  centuries  of  Chrift ian  years  were  gone. 
 
 Don't  Sov"* reigns,  then,  much  more  o\iv  prayers  claim, 
 
 That  bear  the  Ghriflian  Proteflants  fair  name  ? 
 
 In  ancient  times  the  man  of  God,  *tis  faid, 
 For  finful  Jeroboam  earneft  pray'd  ^. 
 ivlofes,  for  wicked  Pharaoh  lift  his  e^'^es  r  ; 
 And  faithful  Abram,  for  Abim'lech  cries'^. 
 Hence  holy  martyrs,  in  their  dying  hours, 
 PrayM  for  their  bloody  perfecuting  powVs  *■* 
 And  holieft  Jesus  fpenthis  dying  breath 
 In  prayi;7g  for  cruel  adlors  in  his  death  ^ 
 And  bids  his  followers  pray  to  Heav'n  for  thofe 
 That  are  their  fpiteful  perfecuting  foes  ^ 
 Thus  with  his  great  example  and  command,  "^ 
 
 Thefe  precepts  all  in  Judah  binding  ftandj  > 
 
 Yet  Judah  was  a  covenanted  land  ^  J 
 
 0  I  Kings  13.  3,  <5.  And  he  [v:t.  the  man  of  God]  gave  a  fic;n  the  fame  day, 
 fayiiiij,  This  is  the  (ign  which  the  Lord  hath  fpokcn,  hehold,  the  ahar  fliall 
 be  rent,  and  the  aflies  that  are  upon  it  fliall  he  poured  out. — And  the  king 
 [Jeroho.ini]  anfwcred  and  faid  unto  the  man  of  God,  Intrcat  now  the  fice  of 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  and  pray  for  me,  that  my  hand  may  be  rcftorcd  me  again. 
 Ai.d  the  man  of  God  befought  the  Lord;  aqd  the  king's  hand  was  reftcred 
 liim  again,  and  became  as  it  was  before. 
 
 p  Exod.  8.  I  J.  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  went  out  from  Pliaraoli;  and  Mo- 
 fs  ciitd  unto  tlie  Lord,  becaufe  of  the  frogs  wJjich  he  had  bwjught  upon 
 PharAoh.     And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word  of  Mofcs. 
 
 g  Gen.  to.  17.  So  Abraham  prayed  unto  God;  and  God  healed  Abime- 
 Icch,  and  his  wite,   and  his  maid-fervants;  and  they  bare  children. 
 
 r  AcTts  7.  S9,  60.  And  they  ftoned  Stephen  ; — And  he  kneeled  down,  and 
 ciied  with  a  loud  voice,  Lord,  lay  not  this  fin  to  their  charge.  And  ivhen  he 
 h'.d  faid  this,  he  fell  afleep.  [To  the  honour  of  mam  of  our  frff'crcrs  ;  in  the  Lift 
 fcrfccutin?^  period,  they  died  avniing,  and  prayiiigjor  the  then  civil  peifeculing  powers.  ] 
 
 /Luke  13.  34.  Then  faid  Jefus,  Fatlier,  forgive  thtm;  tor  they  know 
 not  what  they  do. 
 
 J  Mat.  5.  44.  But  I  fay  unto  you,  Love  your  enemies,  blcfs  them  that 
 curfe  you,  do  good  to  ihcm  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  defpite- 
 fiilly  ufe  you,  and  p^erfecuic  you. 
 
 /  J  CI)ron.  15.  iz,  15.*  And  they  fT'ir.  Judah  and  Benjamin]  entered  into  a 
 covenant  to  feek  tiic  Lord  God  of  thf ir  fathers,  with  all  their  hea.t,  and 
 v.iMi  all  ihcir  foul; — and  all  Judah  rejoiced  at  the  oath  ;  tot  they  had  fworn 
 with  all  their  heart. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS.      607 
 
 EPITAPHS  and  INSCRIPTIONS,  6'c, 
 
 MoNUMENTUM  M^''.  Henrici,  Areskini,  Paftoris 
 Chirnfidis,  quiobiit  10.  Aug.  1696.  ^tatis  fuse  72. » 
 
 SanSlus  Areskinus,  faxo  qui  conditur  ijio, 
 
 Eji  lapis  eterni  vivus  in  ade  Dei  : 
 No?i  ceflu  lapis  hie  iechnavi  volubelis  iilla : 
 
 ^ippc  fide  in  petra  confi:abiliiiis  erat. 
 
 Under  this  flone  here  lies  a  (lone, 
 
 Living  with  God  above  : 
 Built  on  the  rock  was  fuch  a  one. 
 
 Whom  force  nor  fraud  could  mcfve. 
 
 In  Dominum  Thomam  Bostonum,    nuper   paftorem 
 Atricenfem,  qui  obiit  Anno  1732. 
 
 Dotibus  illii/iris  nituit  Bostonus  opiniis  ; 
 
 Hand  peperere  Virum  tetnpora  nojira  par  em, 
 Ornarunt  radiis  tot  eiwi  pukherrima  jundis 
 
 Ut  caliiere  omnes  ejus  amorepii. 
 
 The  great  the  grave,  judicious  Boston's  gone, '^ 
 Who  once  <^,  like  Athanafiiis  bold,  ftood  firm  alone  : 
 Whofe  golden  pen  to  future  times  will  bear 
 His  fame,  till  in  the  clouds  his  Lord  appear.  ^ 
 
 Epitaph  on  that  laborious  and  fuccefsful  Preacher,  the 
 Rev.  Mr.  John  Hunter,  late  Minifter  of  the  Gofpel 
 at  Gatefliall ;  ordained  061.  17.  1739.  and  deceafed 
 Jan.  7,  1740.= 
 
 ^/^  Petrus,  qua?nvis  bomimim  Pifcator,  ohivit : 
 Horu7n  hie  Venator,  quin  properanier?  obit. 
 
 This  mighty  HuNTFR,  well  imploy'd, 
 
 Between  the  diftant  poles, 
 His  mortal  body  foon  deflroyM, 
 
 To  fave  immortal  fouls. 
 
 «  This  was  our  author's/father.        h  He  died  on  Satupdav,   Mav  10.1731. 
 
 c  In  the  affairof  Profcflbr  SiMSON,  at  the  General  AficT^i.'ily,    1729. 
 
 d  Meaning  his  excellent  writings  tliat  were  corrcfled  by  himfclf. 
 
 e  Mr.  Hunter  was  the  firiT:  iiceiiced  and  ordain  by  tlie  AiTociate  Prc-fbytery.   , 
 See  a  more  ample  account  of  him,  in  an  Ai)pcndix,  fubjcioed  ts  his  Ordinaii- 
 6a-Scrnion,  Vol.  VIJ,  p.  138, — x^o. 
 
7o8     MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 MoNUMEKTTJM  M'"'.  GuUelmi  Wjlson,  Paftorls  Pcr- 
 thenfis,  qui  in  Domino  fuo-  lefu  Chrifto  obiit,  Anno 
 1 74 1,     .ffitatis  fuse  51. 
 
 J^uper  eras  Pqfior  divus  De6lorque  difertus : 
 JSfuncfuper  ajira  volas,  hie  licet  ojfa  cubant : 
 Magnum  edunt  Notnen  tua  dicla,  didadica 
 Majm  coslica  vita  comes ^  maxijnum  et  uberius. 
 
 More  brave  than  David's  mighty  men, 
 
 Thi;5  champion  fought  it  fair, 
 In  Truth's  defence,  both  by  the  pen, 
 
 The  pulpit,  and  the  chair.  ^ 
 
 He  ftood  with  his  AfTociates  true. 
 
 To  Scotland's  folemn  oath ; 
 And  taught  to  render  homage  due. 
 
 To  God,  and  Cccfar  both. 
 
 Earth  raging,  from  his  facred  pofl 
 
 Debar'd  the  worthy  Sage : 
 Heav'n  frown'd,  and  fent  a  furious  hoft 
 
 To'venge  the  facrilege. 
 Mourn  Zion  !  your  Elijah's  gone, 
 
 And  wafted  to  the  Ikies : 
 Mourn!  till  his  fiery  car  bring  down 
 
 A  foul  of  equal  fize. 
 
 An  Epitaph  upon  the  Grave-done  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 Thomas  Ballantine,  who  was  ordained  Minifler  at 
 Sanquhar,  Sept.  2,2.  1742.  and  died  Feb.  28.  1744. 
 Aged  30  years. 
 
 This  facred  Herald,  whofe  fweet  mouth 
 
 Spread  gofpel  light  abroad. 
 Like  Timothy  was  but  a  youth, 
 
 And  yet  a  man  of  God. 
 
 /  He  ^vas  pcfTcfl  of  a  verv  pul>lic  Tplrit  for  the  declarative  glory  of  Go'i, 
 vasagria^  m  my  years  ProfefTor  of  Divinity,  and  wrote  elaborately  in  d,;- 
 fcnccof  the  Kcionnaticn  piinciplcs  of  the  ciikirch  of  StotliU)d. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.      709 
 
 Soon  did  the  young,  yet  ready  fcribe, 
 
 A  friend  for  Christ  appear  ; 
 And  was  among  the  Affociate  Tribe, 
 
 A  covenanted  Seer. 
 
 He  for  the  Reformation  Caufe, 
 
 Contended  with  renown ; 
 Among  that  noted  number  was 
 
 The  firft  that  gain'd  the  crown,  s 
 His  zealous  foul,  with  hafty  pace, 
 
 Did  mortal  life  defpife. 
 To  feed  the  lambs  around  the  place 
 
 Where  now  his  body  lies. 
 
 An  Inscription  on  the  Grave-ftone  of  Collin  Brown, 
 late  Provofl  of  Perth,  who  died  OQ;.  17th,  1741. 
 Aged  7 1  Years. 
 
 Friend,  do  not  carelcfs  on  thy  road, 
 
 O'crlook  this  humble  fhrine; 
 For,  if  thou  art  a  friend  of  God, 
 
 Here  lies  a  friend  of  thine. 
 His  clofct  was   a  Bethel  fweet ; 
 
 His  houfe  a  houfe  of  pray*r : 
 In   homely  ftrains  at  Jesus*  feet. 
 
 He  wreftled  daily  there. 
 He  to  the  city   was  a  guide; 
 
 And  to  the  church  a  fence. 
 Nor   could  within  the  camp   abide. 
 
 When  truth  was  banifli'd  thence. 
 
 His  life  and   death  did  both  exprefs 
 What  ftrength  of  grace  was  giv*n : 
 
 His  life,  a  lamp  of  holinefs  ; 
 His  death,  a  dawn  of  hcav'n. 
 
 g  He  was  the  firft  of  the  Aflbciate  Minifters  who  died  after  renewing  the 
 Covenants. 
 
7IO      MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 
 
 A  Sacred  Ode  on  Margaret  Dewar,  my  firfl:  mofl: 
 afFcftionate  Spoufe,  who  did  Nov.  22.  1730.  after 
 having  born  ten  children.     Aged  32. 
 
 The  Law  brought  forth  her  precepts  ten  j 
 
 And  then  diffolv'd  in  grace : 
 This  vine  as  many  boughs,  and  then 
 
 In  glory  took  her  place. 
 
 Her  dying  breath  triumphantly 
 
 Did  that  fweet  anthem  fmg, 
 Thanks  be  to  God  for  victory  ; 
 
 0  death  !  'where  is  ihyjiing. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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