Title: The Day of Doom - A Poetical Description of the Great and Last Judgment: With Other Poems
Author: Wigglesworth, Michael
Language: English
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Transcriber's Note:

Apparent typographical errors have been corrected.

Italics are indicated by _underscores_. Small capitals have been
replaced by full capitals. Lines in black-letter font, on the title
page, are indicated by +plus signs+.

The Table of Contents has been shifted to follow the title pages.

The use of acute accents and hyphens in the poems is explained in the
Note at the end of the Autobiography.

Paragraphs in small font have been indented one space and lines of
poetry by two or four spaces.



 THE
 +DAY of DOOM+;
 OR, A
 POETICAL DESCRIPTION
 OF THE
 GREAT AND LAST
 JUDGMENT:

 +With Other Poems+.

 BY
 MICHAEL WIGGLESWORTH, A.M.,
 _Teacher of the Church at Malden in New England_,

 1662.

 ALSO A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR, AUTOBIOGRAPHY,
 AND SKETCH OF HIS FUNERAL
 SERMON BY REV. COTTON
 MATHER.


ACTS 17:31. Because he hath appointed a Day in the which he will judge
the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained.

MAT. 24:30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven,
and then shall all the tribes of the Earth mourn, and they shall see the
Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.


 FROM THE SIXTH EDITION, 1715

 +New York+:
 AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY.
 1867.

 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord, 1867, by
 WM. HENRY BURR,
 in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States,
 for the Southern District of New York.

 C.S. WESTCOTT & CO., Printers, 79 John street.



CONTENTS.


                                                                    PAGE

 Memoir of the Author                                                   3

 Autobiography                                                         10

 To the Christian Reader                                               13

 On the following Work                                                 18

 Prayer unto Christ                                                    20

 THE DAY OF DOOM                                                       21
   Security of the World before Christ's coming                        21
   Suddenness and Terror of his appearing                              22
   Resurrection—All brought to judgment                                26
   The Sheep separated from the goats                                  27
   The several sorts of reprobates described                           28
   The Saints justified—Election—Atonement                             32
   They are placed on thrones                                          34
   The wicked brought to the Bar                                       35
   Secret sins brought to light                                        38
   Hypocrites plead for themselves                                     40
   Another sort of hypocrites                                          44
   Civil honest men's pleas                                            47
   Pretended want of opportunity to repent                             51
   Plea of examples of betters                                         53
   Godly men's examples misleading                                     54
   Scripture, darkness, and difference of interpretation               55
   Fear of persecution                                                 56
   Plea of God's mercy and justice                                     58
   Vessels of mercy                                                    59
   Mercy abused—Day of grace past                                      60
   Shutting out by God's decree                                        62
   The Heathen's plea                                                  66
   Reprobate infants' plea                                             68
   The wicked all convinced and silenced                               72
   Hopeless and helpless estate of the ungodly                         73
   Sentence of condemnation                                            78
   Sentence executed—The wicked cast into Hell                         80
   Their Insufferable torments                                         81
   The saints rejoice thereat                                          83
   They ascend in triumph to Heaven                                    84

 A Short discourse on Eternity                                         87

 A Postscript unto the Reader                                          93

 Vanity of Vanities                                                   107

 Death expected                                                       111

 A Farewell to the World                                              112

 Funeral Sermon                                                       115

 Epitaph                                                              119



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR


The following is the substance of an article published in the "New
England Historical and Genealogical Register," for April, 1863, written
by JOHN WARD DEAN, Esq., of Boston:

A century ago no poetry was more popular in New England than
Wigglesworth's _Day of Doom_. Francis Jenks, Esq., in an article in the
_Christian Examiner_ for Nov., 1828, speaks of it as "a work which was
taught our fathers with their catechisms; and which many an aged person
with whom we are acquainted can still repeat, though they may not have
met with a copy since they were in leading strings; a work that was
hawked about the country, printed on sheets like common ballads; and, in
fine, a work which fairly represents the prevailing theology of New
England at the time it was written, and which Mather thought might,
'perhaps, find our children till the Day itself arrives.'"

The popularity of Wigglesworth dated from the appearance of his poem,
and continued for more than a century. Expressing in earnest words the
theology which they believed, and picturing in lively colors the terrors
of the judgment day and the awful wrath of an offended God, it commended
itself to those zealous Puritans, who had little taste for lofty rhyme
or literary excellence. The imaginative youth devoured its horrors with
avidity, and shuddered at its fierce denunciation of sin. In the
darkness of night he saw its frightful forms arise, and was thus driven
to seek the "ark of safety" from the wrath of Jehovah. For the last
century, however, the reputation of the _Day of Doom_ has waned, and few
at the present day know it except by reputation.

The author of this book, whose wand had summoned up such images of
terror, was neither a cynic nor a misanthrope, though sickness, which
generally brings out these dispositions where they exist, had long been
his doom. His attenuated frame and feeble health were joined to genial
manners; and, though subject to fits of despondency, he seems generally
to have maintained a cheerful temper, so much so that some of his
friends believed his ills to be imaginary.

Rev. Michael Wigglesworth was born October 28, 1631, probably in
Yorkshire, England. He was brought to this country in 1638, being then
seven years old, but in what ship we are not informed. His father,
Edward Wigglesworth, was one of those resolute Puritans who, with their
families, found an asylum where they could enjoy their religion without
molestation in our then New England wilderness, the distance of which
from their English homes can hardly be appreciated now. Here they
suffered the severe hardships of a rigorous climate, and the fearful
dangers from savage tribes around them, while uniting to build up
villages which are now cities, and which still retain some of the
characteristics of their Puritan founders. The determined purpose and
strength of principle that conquered every obstacle was a school of
severe training for the children of that period. It was natural that a
father who had endured so much for conscience' sake should desire to see
his only son a clergyman; and, although the father's means were not
large, the son was devoted to the ministry and given a thorough
education. Michael, after nearly three years of preparatory studies,
entered Harvard College in 1647. Here he had the good fortune to have
for a tutor the excellent Jonathan Mitchell, "the glory of the college,"
and famous as a preacher. The friendship here begun appears to have
continued after both had left the college walls. Probably the eight
stanzas "on the following work and its author," signed J. Mitchel, were
written by that tutor and preacher, who was a native of Yorkshire, the
county in which Wigglesworth is believed to have been born.

In 1651 Mr. Wigglesworth graduated, and was soon after appointed a tutor
in the College. Some of his pupils were men of note in their day. Among
them were, Rev. Shubael Dummer, of York, Me.; Rev. John Eliot, of
Newton; and Rev. Samuel Torry, of Weymouth; but the chief of them, it
will be admitted, was Rev. Increase Mather, D.D., pastor of the second
church in Boston, and for sixteen years president of Harvard College.
That the tutor was faithful to his trust, we have evidence from the
sketch of the funeral sermon appended to this work, preached by Rev.
Cotton Mather, D.D., son of Increase, who probably derived his
information from his father.

While a tutor, he prepared himself for the ministry, and before his
father's death he had preached several times. He was invited, probably
in the autumn of 1654, to settle at Malden, as the successor of Rev.
Marmaduke Matthews, but owing to long-continued sickness was not
ordained there till 1656. The precise date of his ordination is not
known, but it must have been subsequent to August 25, 1656, for his
letter of dismission from the church at Cambridge bears that date. This
letter, addressing the "Church of Christ at Maldon," states that "the
good hand of Divine Providence hath so disposed that our beloved and
highly esteemed brother, Mr. Wigglesworth, hath his residence and is
employed in the good work of yᵉ Lord amongst you, and hath cause to
desire of us Letters Dismissive to your church, in order to his joining
as a member with you."

The ill health which had delayed his ordination at Malden returned soon
after his settlement there, and interrupted his ministry several years.
He took a voyage to Bermuda, sailing Sept. 23, 1663, and being absent
about seven months and a half. But the tedious and stormy voyage seems
to have impaired his health so much that the change of climate afforded
him little relief, and he returned much discouraged. He met with a very
cordial welcome from his friends and parishioners.

While he was thus withheld from his ministry, he employed his time in
literary labors. His _Day of Doom_ was published about 1662, the year
before his voyage to Bermuda. The first edition consisting of 1,800
copies, was sold, with some profit to the author, within a year, which
considering the population and wealth of New England at that time, shows
almost as remarkable a popularity as that of _Uncle Tom's Cabin_.

While absent on his voyage in search of health, Dec. 9, 1663, Rev.
Benjamin Bunker was ordained pastor of the church at Malden. It seems
that a distinction was observed at this time in New England between
pastor and teacher. Wigglesworth calls Bunker "pastor" in some verses
composed on his death, while on the title-page of this work he calls
himself "teacher." After Wigglesworth became sole minister, he was
probably considered the pastor. Bunker held this office over six years,
till his death, Feb. 3, 1669-70. In the elegy on the death of his
colleague, Wigglesworth highly extols Bunker's piety and usefulness. The
next colleague of our author was Rev. Benjamin Blackman, settled about
1674. He supplied the desk four years and upward, and left in the year
1679. His next colleague was Rev. Thomas Cheever, son of his early
teacher, the celebrated New England schoolmaster, Ezekiel Cheever,
author of _Latin Accidence_. These three ministers were all educated at
Harvard College, Bunker having graduated in 1658, Blackman in 1663, and
Cheever in 1677. Mr. Cheever began to preach at Malden Feb. 14, 1679-80,
was ordained July 27, 1681, and was dismissed May 20, 1686.

Wigglesworth, though long prevented by sickness from officiating, never
resigned his ministerial charge, as appears from a letter which he
addressed to Samuel Sprague, July 22, 1687. He was now left alone as
minister of the church. He had, however, recovered his health in a
measure about this time, which had suffered for nearly twenty years, and
for the remainder of his life he continued in public usefulness.

He died on Sunday morning, June 10, 1705, in the 74th year of his age.
The epitaph on the last page of this work is believed to have been
written by Cotton Mather, as it appears in the appendix to his funeral
sermon as by "one that had been gratified by his _Meat out of the Eater_
and _Day of Doom_."

Mr. Wigglesworth had at least three wives: Mary, daughter of Humphrey
Reyner, of Rowley; Martha, whose maiden name was probably Mudge; and
Sybil, widow of Dr. Jonathan Avery, of Dedham, and daughter of Nathaniel
Sparhawk, of Cambridge.

 By his first wife he had (1) _Mercy_, b. Feb., 1655-6; m. 1st,
 [Samuel?] Brackenbury, by whom she had at least one son, William; m.
 2d, [Rev. Samuel?] Belcher.

 By his second wife, Martha, who d. 11th Sept., 1690, a. 28, he had:—(2)
 _Abigail_, b. 20th March, 1681; m. Samuel Tappan, 23d Dec., 1700;—(3)
 _Mary_, b. 21st Sept., 1682; unm. in 1708;—(4) _Martha_, b. 21st Dec.,
 1683; m. —— Wheeler;—(5) _Esther_, b. 16th April, 1685; m. 1st, John
 Sewall, June 8, 1708, who d. 1711; m. 2d, Abraham Tappan, Oct. 21,
 1713;—(6) _Dorothy_, b. 22d Feb., 1687-88; m. 2d June, 1709, James
 Upham;—(7) Rev. _Samuel_, b. 4th Feb., 1689-90, d. 3d Sept., 1768.

 By his third wife, Sybil, who d. 6th Aug., 1708, a. 53, he had:—(8)
 Prof. _Edward_, D.D., b. about 1692, d. Jan. 16, 1765.

 Rev. Samuel Wigglesworth, the elder son, was settled in Hamilton
 Parish, in Ipswich, Mass., in 1714. He m. 1st, Mary, dau. of John
 Brintnal, of Winnisimmet, 30th June, 1715, who d. June 6 1723, a. 28,
 having borne him four children, Mary, Michael, Martha and Phebe. He m.
 March 12, 1730, Martha Brown, and had nine children.

 Edward Wigglesworth, D.D., the younger son, took his degree of Bachelor
 of Arts in 1710, and applied himself to the study of Divinity. He
 preached for some time in different parishes, and in 1722 was installed
 Hollis Professor of Divinity of Harvard College. Not long afterward he
 was chosen one of the fellows of the corporation. He left an only son,
 who succeeded him as Hollis Professor in the same college, and an only
 surviving daughter, who married Prof. Sewall.

The following are the various editions of the _Day of Doom_, so far as
we have been able to ascertain:

The first edition was published in 1661 or 1662, and the second four
years after. These facts are obtained from memoranda by the author,
which are printed in the Historical Magazine for December, 1863. An
edition was printed in London, England, without the author's name, in
1673. This was, probably, the third impression; the date of the fourth
is unknown. The fifth edition is said to have been published in 1701.
Mr. Dean has made diligent search and repeated inquiries, but can only
find two or three copies of the edition of 1673, and several fragments
which must have been parts of some of the other editions.

There was an edition published at Newcastle, in England, in 1711. The
next edition was published in 1715, called "the 6th edition, enlarged,
with Scripture and marginal notes"—"printed by John Allen, for Benjamin
Eliot, at his shop in King street." From this edition, which was
evidently the seventh, the present one is reprinted, being carefully
compared with that of 1673. Another edition appeared in 1751, "Printed
and sold by Thomas Fleet, at the Heart and Crown, in Cornhill," Boston.
The next edition appeared in 1811, "Published by E. Little & Company,
Newburyport," Mass. The last edition, prior to the present, was
published in Boston in 1828, by Charles Ewer.

Besides the _Day of Doom_, Mr. Wigglesworth published, in 1669, "Meat
out of the Eater; or, Meditations concerning the necessity and
usefulness of Afflictions unto God's Children." The "fourth edition"
appeared in 1689, and subsequent editions in 1717 and 1770. In 1686 he
preached an Election Sermon, which was printed by the colony. Among his
unpublished writings is a poem entitled "God's Controversy with New
England, written in the time of the great Drought, Anno 1662. By a lover
of New England's prosperity."

Mr. Wigglesworth borrowed little from other poets, and what he borrowed
was probably from the commentaries and theological treatises with which
his library abounded, rather than from the poets. Not that his style is
wholly prosaic, for there are passages in his writings that are truly
poetical, both in thought and expression, and which show that he was
capable of attaining a higher position as a poet than can now be claimed
for him. The roughness of his verses was surely not owing to
carelessness or indolence, for neither of them was characteristic of the
man. The true explanation may be, that he sacrificed his poetical taste
to his theology, and that, for the sake of inculcating sound doctrine,
he was willing to write in halting numbers.

The author of the _Day of Doom_, belonging to the straitest sect of
Puritans, was, like many others of that sect, a man of generous feeling
toward his fellows. Rev. Dr. Peabody calls him "a man of the
beatitudes." Obedience to the supreme law gave a heavenly lustre to his
example and a sweet fragrance to his memory. The clergy of his day
possessed a deep religious earnestness and a fervent piety. They were
Bible students and men of prayer. Even many who consider them erroneous
in doctrine, are willing to allow that they were strict in morals; that,
if they were wrong in faith, they were right in life; that, if their
creed was opaque, their hearts were luminous; and that, if their vision
did not discern the additional light which the saintly Robinson had
prophesied was yet to break forth from God's Word, they sincerely
accepted the light they saw. They were patient, hopeful, humble,
believing, faithful. They stood on a higher plane than their successors,
and exercised a proportionally higher power over their hearers. Their
people revered them, were constant in attendance on their services, and
submitted gladly to their sway.



AUTOBIOGRAPHY.


 I was born of Godly Parents, that feared yᵉ Lord greatly, even from
 their youth, but in an ungodly Place, where yᵉ generality of yᵉ people
 rather derided than imitated their piety; in a place where, to my
 knowledge, their children had Learnt wickedness betimes; in a place
 that was consumed with fire in a great part of it, after God had
 brought them out of it. These godly parents of mine meeting with
 opposition and persecution for Religion, because they went from their
 own Parish church to hear yᵉ word and Receiv yᵉ Lords supper &c, took
 up resolutions to pluck up their stakes and remove themselves to New
 England: and accordingly they did so, Leaving dear Relations, friends
 and acquaintance, their native Land, a new built house, a flourishing
 Trade, to expose themselves to yᵉ hazzard of yᵉ seas, and to yᵉ
 Distressing difficulties of a howling wilderness, that they might enjoy
 Liberty of Conscience and Christ in his ordinances. And the Lord
 brought them hither and Landed them at Charlstown, after many
 difficulties and hazzards, and me along with them, being then a child
 not full seven years old. After about 7 weeks stay at Charlstown, my
 parents removed again by sea to New Haven in yᵉ month of October. In
 our passage thither we were in great Danger by a storm which drove us
 upon a Beach of sand where we lay beating til another Tide fetcht us
 off; but God carried us to our port in safety. Winter approaching
 we dwelt in a cellar partly under ground covered with earth the first
 winter. But I remember that one great rain brake in upon us and drencht
 me so in my bed, being asleep, that I fell sick upon it; but yᵉ Lord in
 mercy spar'd my life and restored my health. When yᵉ next summer was
 come I was sent to school to Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, who at that time
 taught school in his own house, and under him in a year or two I
 profited so much through yᵉ blessing of God, that I began to make Latin
 and to get forward apace. But God who is infinitely wise and absolutely
 soverain, and gives no account concerning any of his proceedings, was
 pleased about this time to visit my father with Lameness which grew
 upon him more and more to his dying Day, though he liv'd under it 13
 years. He wanting help was fain to take me off from school to follow
 other employments for yᵉ space of 3 or 4 years, until I had lost all
 that I had gained in the Latin Tongue. But when I was now in my
 fourteenth year, my Father, who I suppose was not wel satisfied in
 keeping me from Learning whereto I had been designed from my infancy,
 and not judging me fit for husbandry, sent me to school again, though
 at that time I had little or no disposition to it, but I was willing to
 submit to his authority therein and accordingly I went to school under
 no small disadvantage and discouragement, seing those that were far
 inferior to me, by my discontinuance now gotten far before me. But in a
 little time it appeared to be of God, who was pleased to facilitate my
 work and bless my studies that I soon recovered what I had lost, and
 gained a great deal more, so that in 2 years and 3 quarters I was
 judged fit for yᵉ Colledge and thither I was sent far from my parents
 and acquaintance among strangers. But when father and mother both
 forsook me then yᵉ Lord took care of me. It was an act of great self
 denial in my father that notwithstanding his own lameness and great
 weakness of Body which required yᵉ service and helpfulness of a son,
 and having but one son to be yᵉ staff of his age and supporter of his
 weakness, he would yet for my good, be content to deny himself of that
 comfort and Assistance I might have Lent him. It was also an evident
 proof of a strong Faith in him, in that he durst adventure to send me
 to yᵉ Colledge, though his estate was but small and little enough to
 maintain himself and small family left at home. And God let him Live to
 see how acceptable to himself this service was in giving up his only
 son to yᵉ Lord and bringing him up to Learning; especially yᵉ Lively
 actings of his faith and self denial herein. For first, notwithstanding
 his great weakness of body, yet he Lived til I was so far brought up as
 that I was called to be a fellow of yᵉ Colledge and improved in Publick
 service there, and until I had preached several Times; yea and more
 than so, he Lived to see and hear what God had done for my soul in
 turning me from Darkness to light and from yᵉ power of Sathan unto God,
 which filled his heart full of joy and thankfulness beyond what can be
 expressed. And for his outward estate, that was so far from being sunk
 by what he spent from year to year upon my education, that in 6
 years time it was plainly doubled, which himself took great notice of,
 and spake of it to myself and others, to yᵉ praise of God, with
 Admiration and thankfulness. And after he had lived under great and
 sore affliction for yᵉ space of 13 years a pattern of faith, patience,
 humility, and heavenly mindedness, having done his work in my education
 and receiv'd an answer to his prayers, God took him to his Heavenly
 Rest, where he is now reaping yᵉ fruits of his Labors. When I came
 first to yᵉ Colledge, I had indeed enjoyed yᵉ benefit of Religious and
 strict education, and God in his mercy and pitty kept me from
 scandalous sins before I came thither and after I came there, but alas
 I had a naughty vile heart and was acted by corrupt nature, therefore
 could propound no Right and noble ends, but acted from self and for
 self. I was indeed studious and strove to outdoe my compeers, but it
 was for honour and applause and preferment and such poor Beggarly ends.
 Thus I had my Ends and God had his Ends far differing from mine, yet it
 pleased him to Bless my studies, and to make me grow in Knowledge both
 in yᵉ tongues and inferior Arts and also in Divinity. But when I had
 been there about three years and a half; God in his Love and Pitty to
 my soul wrought a great change in me, both in heart and Life, and from
 that time forward I learnt to study with God and for God. And whereas
 before that, I had thoughts of applying myself to yᵉ study and Practice
 of Physick, I wholy laid aside those thoughts, and did chuse to serve
 Christ in yᵉ work of yᵉ ministry if he would please to fit me for it
 and to accept of my service in that great work.

 NOTE.—In the foregoing Autobiography the original spelling is retained.
 In the following poems the spelling is modernized. The use of the acute
 accent (´) to indicate the former pronunciation of the final _ed_ as a
 separate syllable will be obvious; in other exceptional cases the old
 apostrophe is retained. In a few instances the termination _tion_ is
 divided by a hyphen, to indicate its pronunciation as two syllables
 (_she-on_). The modern double commas are also used to mark quotations.

 W. H. B.



TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.


  Reader, I am a fool,
  And have adventuréd
  To play the fool this once for Christ,
  The more his fame to spread.
  If this my foolishness
  Help thee to be more wise,
  I have attainéd what I seek,
  And what I only prize.

  Thou wonderest, perhaps,
  That I in Print appear,
  Who to the Pulpit dwell so nigh,
  Yet come so seldom there.
  The God of Heaven knows
  What grief to me it is,
  To be withheld from serving Christ;
  No sorrow like to this.

  This is the sorest pain
  That I have felt or feel;
  Yet have I stood some shocks that might
  Make stronger men to reel.
  I find more true delight
  In serving of the Lord,
  Than all the good things upon Earth,
  Without it, can afford.

  And could my strength endure
  That work I count so dear,
  Not all the Riches of Peru
  Should hire me to forbear.
  But I'm a Prisoner,
  Under a heavy Chain;
  Almighty God's afflicting hand
  Doth me by force restrain.

  Yet some (_I know_) do judge
  Mine inability
  To come abroad and do Christ's work,
  To be Melancholly;
  And that I'm not so weak
  As I myself conceit:
  But who in other things have found
  Me so conceited yet?

  Or who of all my Friends
  That have my trials seen,
  Can tell the time in sevén years
  When I have dumpish been?
  Some think my voice is strong,
  Most times when I do Preach;
  But ten days after, what I feel
  And suffer few can reach.

  My prison'd thoughts break forth,
  When open'd is the door,
  With greater force and violence,
  And strain my voice the more.
  But vainly do they tell
  That I am growing stronger,
  Who hear me speak in half an hour,
  Till I can speak no longer.

  Some for because they see not
  My cheerfulness to fail,
  Nor that I am disconsolate,
  Do think I nothing ail.
  If they had borne my griefs,
  Their courage might have fail'd them,
  And all the Town (perhaps) have known
  (Once and again) what ail'd them.

  But why should I complain
  That have so good a God,
  That doth mine heart with comfort fill
  Ev'n whilst I feel his Rod?
  In God I have been strong,
  But wearied and worn out,
  And joy'd in him, when twenty woes
  Assail'd me round about.

  Nor speak I this to boast,
  But make Apology
  For mine own self, and answer those
  That fail in Charity.
  I am, alas! as frail,
  Impatiént a creature,
  As most that tread upon the ground,
  And have as bad a nature.

  Let God be magnified,
  Whose everlasting strength
  Upholds me under sufferings
  Of more than ten years' length;
  Through whose Almighty pow'r
  Although I am surrounded
  With sorrows more than can be told,
  Yet am I not confounded.

  For his dear sake have I
  This service undertaken,
  For I am bound to honor him
  Who hath not me forsaken.
  I am a Debtor too,
  Unto the sons of Men,
  Whom, wanting other means, I would
  Advantage with my Pen.

  I would, but ah! my strength,
  When triéd, proves so small,
  That to the ground without effect
  My wishes often fall.
  Weak heads, and hands, and states,
  Great things cannot produce;
  And therefore I this little Piece
  Have publish'd for thine use.

  Although the thing be small,
  Yet my good will therein,
  Is nothing less than if it had
  A larger Volume been.
  Accept it then in love,
  And read it for thy good;
  There's nothing in't can do thee hurt,
  If rightly understood.

  The God of Heaven grant
  These Lines so well to speed,
  That thou the things of thine own peace
  Through them may'st better heed;
  And may'st be stirréd up
  To stand upon thy guard,
  That Death and Judgment may not come
  And find thee unprepar'd.

  Oh get a part in Christ,
  And make the Judge thy Friend;
  So shalt thou be assuréd of
  A happy, glorious end.
  Thus prays thy real Friend
  And Servant for Christ's sake,
  Who, had he strength, would not refuse
  More pains for thee to take.

MICHAEL WIGGLESWORTH.



ON THE FOLLOWING WORK AND ITS AUTHOR.


  A verse may find him who a sermon flies,
  Saith Herbert well. Great truths to dress in Meter,
  Becomes a Preacher, who men's Souls doth prize,
  That Truth in Sugar roll'd may taste the sweeter.
    No cost too great, no care too curious is
    To set forth Truth and win men's Souls to bliss.

  In costly Verse, and most laborious Rhymes,
  Are dish'd up here Truths worthy most regard:
  No Toys, nor Fables (Poets' wonted crimes)
  Here be, but things of worth, with wit prepar'd.
    Reader, fall to, and if thy taste be good,
    Thou'lt praise the Cook, and say, 'Tis choicest Food.

  David's affliction bred us many a Psalm,
  From Caves, from mouth of Graves that Singer sweet
  Oft tun'd his Soul-felt notes: for not in 's calm,
  But storms, to write most Psalms God made him meet.
    Affliction turn'd his Pen to Poetry,
    Whose serious strains do here before thee lie.

  This man with many griefs afflicted sore,
  Shut up from speaking much in sickly Cave,
  Thence painful seizure hath to write the more,
  And send thee Counsels from the mouth o' th' Grave.
    One foot i' th' other world long time hath been,
    Read, and thou'lt say, His heart is all therein.

  Oh, happy Cave, that's to mount Nebo turn'd!
  Oh, happy prisoner that's at liberty
  To walk through th' other World! the Bonds are burn'd,
  (But nothing else) in Furnace fiéry.
    Such fires unfetter Saints, and set more free
    Their unscorch'd Souls for Christ's sweet company.

  Cheer on, sweet Soul, although in briny tears
  Steept is thy seed; though dying every day;
  Thy sheaves shall joyful be when Christ appears,
  To change our death and pain to life for aye.
    The weepers now shall laugh; the jovial laughter
    Of vain ones here shall turn to tears hereafter.

  Judge right, and his restraint is our Reproof.
  The Sins of Hearers Preachers' Lips do close,
  And make their Tongue to cleave unto its roof,
  Which else would check and cheer full freely those
    That need. But from this Eater comes some Meat.
    And sweetness good from this affliction great.

  In those vast Woods a Christian Poet sings
  (Where whilom Heathen wild were only found)
  Of things to come, the last and greatest things
  Which in our Ears aloud should ever sound.
    Of Judgment dread, Hell, Heaven, Eternity,
    Reader, think oft, and help thy thoughts thereby.

J. MITCHEL.



 A PRAYER
 UNTO
 CHRIST THE JUDGE OF THE WORLD.


  _O Dearest, Dread, most glorious King!
  I'll of thy justest Judgments sing:
  Do thou my head and heart inspire,
  To Sing aright, as I desire.
  Thee, thee alone I'll invocate,
  For I do much abominate
  To call the Muses to mine aid:
  Which is th' Unchristian use and trade
  Of some that Christians would be thought,
  And yet they worship worse than naught.
  Oh! what a deal of Blasphemy,
  And Heathenish Impiety,
  In Christian Poets may be found,
  Where Heathen gods with praise are crown'd!
  They make Jehovah to stand by
  Till Juno, Venus, Mercury,
  With frowning Mars, and thund'ring Jove,
  Rule Earth below, and Heav'n above.
  But I have learn'd to pray to none,
  Save unto God in Christ alone.
  Nor will I laud, no, not in jest,
  That which I know God doth detest.
  I reckon it a damning evil,
  To give God's Praises to the Devil.
  Thou, Christ, art he to whom I pray;
  Thy Glory fain I would display.
  Oh! guide me by thy sacred Sprite,
  So to indite, and so to write,
  That I thine holy Name may praise,
  And teach the Sons of Men thy ways._



 THE
 DAY OF DOOM.


I.

[Sidenote: The security of the World before Christ's coming to judgment.
Luke 12:19.]

  Still was the night, serene and bright,
    when all Men sleeping lay;
  Calm was the season, and carnal reason
    thought so 'twould last for aye.
  "Soul, take thine ease, let sorrow cease;
    much good thou hast in store:"
  This was their Song, their Cups among,
    the evening before.


II.

[Sidenote: Mat. 25:5.]

  Wallowing in all kind of Sin,
    vile Wretches lay secure;
  The best of men had scarcely then
    their Lamps kept in good ure.
  Virgins unwise, who through disguise
    amongst the best were number'd,
  Had clos'd their eyes; yea, and the Wise
    through sloth and frailty slumber'd.


III.

[Sidenote: Mat. 24:37, 38.]

  Like as of old, when men grew bold,
    God's threat'nings to contemn,
  Who stopt their Ear, and would not hear
    when Mercy warnéd them,
  But took their course, without remorse,
    till God began to pour
  Destructi-on the World upon,
    in a tempestuous show'r;


IV.

[Sidenote: 1 Thes. 5:3.]

  Who put away the evil day,
    and drown'd their cares and fears,
  Till drown'd were they, and swept away
    by vengeance unawares;
  So at the last, whilst men sleep fast
    in their security,
  Surpris'd they are in such a snare
    As cometh suddenly.


V.

[Sidenote: The suddenness, Majesty, and Terror of Christ's appearing.
Mat. 25:6. 2 Pet. 3:10.]

  For at midnight breaks forth a light,
    which turns the night to day,
  And speedily an hideous cry
    doth all the World dismay.
  Sinners awake, their hearts do ache,
    trembling their loins surpriseth;
  Amaz'd with fear, by what they hear,
    each one of them ariseth.


VI.

[Sidenote: Mat. 24:29, 30.]

  They rush from beds with giddy heads,
    and to their windows run,
  Viewing this light, which shines more bright
    than doth the noon-day Sun.
  Straightway appears (they see't with tears)
    the Son of God most dread,
  Who with his Train comes on amain
    to judge both Quick and Dead.


VII.

[Sidenote: 2 Pet. 3:10.]

  Before his face the Heav'ns give place,
    and Skies are rent asunder,
  With mighty voice and hideous noise,
    more terrible than Thunder.
  His Brightness damps Heav'n's glorious Lamps
    and makes them hide their heads;
  As if afraid and quite dismay'd,
    they quit their wonted steads.


VIII.

  Ye sons of men that durst contemn
    the Threat'nings of God's Word,
  How cheer you now? Your hearts, I trow,
    are thrill'd as with a sword.
  Now Atheist blind, whose brutish mind
    a God could never see,
  Dost thou perceive, dost now believe
    that Christ thy Judge shall be?


IX.

  Stout Courages, (whose hardiness
    could Death and Hell outface,)
  Are you as bold, now you behold
    your Judge draw near apace?
  They cry, "No, no, Alas! and woe!
    our courage all is gone:
  Our hardiness (fool hardiness)
    hath us undone, undone!"


X.

[Sidenote: Rev. 6:15.]

  No heart so bold, but now grows cold,
    and almost dead with fear;
  No eye so dry but now can cry,
    and pour out many a tear.
  Earth's Potentates and pow'rful States,
    Captains and Men of Might,
  Are quite abasht, their courage dasht,
    at this most dreadful sight.


XI.

[Sidenote: Mat. 24:30.]

  Mean men lament, great men do rent
    their Robes, and tear their hair;
  They do not spare their flesh to tear
    through horrible despair.
  All kindreds wail; all hearts do fail;
    Horror the World doth fill
  With weeping eyes and loud out-cries,
    yet knows not how to kill.


XII.

[Sidenote: Rev. 6:15, 16.]

  Some hide themselves in Caves and Delves,
    in places under ground:
  Some rashly leap into the Deep,
    to 'scape by being drown'd:
  Some to the Rocks (0 senseless blocks!)
    and woody Mountains run,
  That there they might this fearful sight,
    and dreaded Presence shun.


XIII.

  In vain do they to Mountains say,
    "Fall on us and us hide
  From Judge's ire, more hot than Fire,
    for who may it abide?"
  No hiding place can from his Face
    sinners at all conceal,
  Whose flaming Eye hid things doth spy,
    and darkest things reveal.


XIV.

[Sidenote: Mat. 25:21.]

  The Judge draws nigh, exalted high
    upon a lofty Throne,
  Amidst the throng of Angels strong,
    lo, Israel's Holy One!
  The excellence of whose Presence
    and awful Majesty,
  Amazeth Nature, and every Creature
    doth more than terrify.


XV.

[Sidenote: Rev. 6:14.]

  The Mountains smoke, the Hills are shook,
    the Earth is rent and torn,
  As if she should be clear dissolv'd
    or from her center borne.
  The Sea doth roar, forsakes the shore,
    and shrinks away for fear;
  The wild beasts flee into the sea,
    so soon as he draws near,


XVI.

[Sidenote: Thes. 4:16.]

  Whose Glory bright, whose wond'rous Might,
    whose Power Imperial,
  So far surpass whatever was
    in Realms Terrestrial,
  That tongues of men (nor Angel's pen)
    Cannot the same express;
  And therefore I must pass it by,
    lest speaking should transgress.


XVII.

[Sidenote: Resurrection of the Dead. John 5:28, 29.]

  Before his Throne a Trump is blown,
    proclaiming th' Day of Doom;
  Forthwith he cries, "_Ye Dead arise
    and unto Judgment come._"
  No sooner said, but 'tis obey'd;
    Sepulchers open'd are;
  Dead bodies all rise at his call,
    and's mighty Power declare.


XVIII.

  Both Sea and Land at his command,
    their Dead at once surrender;
  The Fire and Air constrainéd are
    also their dead to tender.
  The mighty Word of this great Lord
    links Body and Soul together,
  Both of the Just and the unjust,
    to part no more for ever.


XIX.

[Sidenote: The living changed. Luke 20:36. 1 Cor. 15:52.]

  The same translates from Mortal states
    to Immortality,
  All that survive and be alive,
    in th' twinkling of an eye;
  That so they may abide for aye,
    to endless weal or woe:
  Both the Renate and Reprobate
    are made to die no moe.


XX.

[Sidenote: All brought to Judgment. Mat. 24:31.]

  His wingéd Hosts fly through all coasts,
    together gathering
  Both good and bad, both Quick and Dead,
    and all to Judgment bring.
  Out of their holes those creeping Moles,
    that hid themselves for fear,
  By force they take, and quickly make
    before the Judge appear.


XXI.

[Sidenote: 2 Cor. 5:10. The Sheep separated from the Goats. Mat. 25:32.]

  Thus every one before the Throne
    of Christ the Judge is brought,
  Both rightéous and impious,
    that good or ill hath wrought.
  A separation and diff'ring station
    by Christ appointed is
  (To sinners sad) 'twixt good and bad,
    'twixt Heirs of woe and bliss.


XXII.

[Sidenote: Who are Christ's Sheep. Mat. 5:10, 11.]

  At Christ's right hand the Sheep do stand,
    his holy Martyrs, who
  For his dear Name suffering shame,
    calamity and woe,
  Like Champions stood and with their Blood
    their Testimony sealéd;
  Whose innocence without offence
    to Christ their Judge appealéd.


XXIII.

[Sidenote: Heb. 12:5, 6, 7.]

  Next unto whom there find a room
    all Christ's afflicted ones,
  Who being chastis'd, neither despis'd
    nor sank amidst their groans;
  Who by the Rod were turn'd to God,
    and lovéd him the more,
  Not murmuring nor quarrelling
    when they were chast'ned sore.


XXIV.

[Sidenote: Luke 7:41, 47.]

  Moreover, such as lovéd much,
    that had not such a trial,
  As might constrain to so great pain,
    and such deep self-denial,
  Yet ready were the Cross to bear,
    when Christ them call'd thereto,
  And did rejoice to hear his voice,—
    they're counted Sheep also.


XXV.

[Sidenote: John 21:15. Mat. 19:14. John 3:3.]

  Christ's flock of Lambs there also stands,
    whose Faith was weak, yet true,
  All sound Believers (Gospel receivers)
    whose Grace was small, but grew;
  And them among an Infant throng
    of Babes, for whom Christ died;
  Whom for his own, by ways unknown
    to Men, he sanctified.


XXVI.

[Sidenote: Rev. 6:11. Phil. 3:21.]

  All stand before their Savi-or,
    in long white Robes yclad,
  Their countenance full of pleasance,
    appearing wond'rous glad.
  O glorious sight! Behold how bright
    dust-heaps are made to shine,
  Conforméd so their Lord unto,
    whose Glory is Divine.


XXVII.

[Sidenote: The Goats described, or the several sorts of Reprobates on
the left hand. Mat. 24:51.]

  At Christ's left hand the Goats do stand,
    all whining Hypocrites
  Who for self-ends did seem Christ's friends,
    but foster'd guileful sprites;
  Who Sheep resembled, but they dissembled,
    (their hearts were not sincere,)
  Who once did throng Christ's Lambs among,
    but now must not come near.


XXVIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 11:24, 26. Heb. 6:4, 5, 6. Heb. 10:29.]

  Apostates base and run-aways,
    such as have Christ forsaken,
  Of whom the Devil, with seven more evil,
    hath fresh possession taken;
  Sinners ingrain, reserv'd to pain,
    and torments most severe,
  Because 'gainst light they sinn'd with spite,
    are also placéd there.


XXIX.

[Sidenote: Luke 12:47. Prov. 1:24, 26. Job 8:19.]

  There also stand a num'rous band,
    that no profession made
  Of Godliness, nor to redress
    their ways at all essay'd;
  Who better knew, but (sinful Crew)
    Gospel and Law despiséd,
  Who all Christ's knocks withstood like blocks,
    and would not be adviséd.


XXX.

[Sidenote: Gal. 3:10. 1 Cor. 6:9. Rev. 21:8.]

  Moreover, there with them appear
    a number, numberless,
  Of great and small, vile wretches all,
    that did God's Law transgress;
  Idolaters, false worshippers,
    Profaners of God's Name,
  Who not at all thereon did call,
    or took in vain the same.


XXXI.

[Sidenote: Exod. 20:7, 8. 2 Thes. 1:6, 8, 9.]

  Blasphemers lewd, and Swearers shrewd,
    scoffers at Purity,
  That hated God, contemn'd his Rod,
    and lov'd Security;
  Sabbath-polluters, Saints-persecutors,
    presumptuous men and proud,
  Who never lov'd those that reprov'd;
    all stand amongst this crowd.


XXXII.

[Sidenote: Heb. 13:4. 1 Cor. 6:10.]

  Adulterers and Whoremongers
    were there, with all unchast;
  There Covetous and Ravenous,
    that riches got too fast:
  Who us'd vile ways themselves to raise
    t' Estates and worldly wealth,
  Oppression by or knavery,
    by force, or fraud, or stealth.


XXXIII.

[Sidenote: Zach. 5:3, 4. Gal. 5:19, 20, 21.]

  Moreover, there together were
    children flagiti-ous,
  And Parents who did them undo
    by nurture vici-ous.
  False-witness-bearers and self-forswearers,
    Murd'rers and Men of Blood,
  Witches, Enchanters, and Ale-house haunters,
    beyond account there stood.


XXXIV.

[Sidenote: Rom. 2:13.]

  Their place there find all Heathen blind
    that Nature's light abus'd,
  Although they had no tidings glad
    of Gospel grace refus'd
  There stand all Nations and Generations
    of Adam's Progeny,
  Whom Christ redeem'd not, whom he esteem'd not,
    through Infidelity;


XXXV.

[Sidenote: Acts 4:12.]

  Who no Peace-maker, no undertaker,
    to shroud them from God's ire,
  Ever obtain'd; they must be pain'd
    with everlasting fire.
  These num'rous bands, wringing their hands,
    and weeping all stand there,
  Filléd with anguish, whose hearts do languish,
    through self-tormenting fear.


XXXVI.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 6:3.]

  Fast by them stand at Christ's left hand,
    the Lion fierce and fell,
  The Dragon bold, that Serpent old,
    that hurried Souls to Hell.
  There also stand, under command,
    legions of Sprites unclean,
  And hellish Fiends, that are no friends
    to God, nor unto Men.


XXXVII.

[Sidenote: Jude 6.]

  With dismal chains, and strongest reins,
    like Prisoners of Hell,
  They're held in place before Christ's face,
    till He their Doom shall tell.
  These void of tears, but fill'd with fears,
    and dreadful expectation
  Of endless pains and scalding flames,
    stand waiting for Damnation.


XXXVIII.

[Sidenote: The Saints cleared and justified.]

  All silence keep both Goats and Sheep
    before the Judge's Throne;
  With mild aspect to his Elect
    then speaks the Holy One:
  "My Sheep draw near, your Sentence hear,
    which is to you no dread,
  Who clearly now discern and know
    your sins are pardonéd.


XXXIX.

[Sidenote: 2 Cor. 5:10. Eccl. 3:17. John 3:18.]

  "'Twas meet that ye should judgéd be,
    that so the World may spy
  No cause of grudge, when as I judge
    and deal impartially.
  Know therefore all both great and small,
    the ground and reason why
  These Men do stand at my right hand
    and look so cheerfully.


XL.

[Sidenote: Job 17:6. Eph. 1:4.]

  "These Men be those my Father chose
    before the World's foundation,
  And to me gave, that I should save
    from Death and Condemnation;
  For whose dear sake I flesh did take,
    was of a Woman born,
  And did inure myself t' endure
    unjust reproach and scorn.


XLI.

[Sidenote: Rev. 1:5.]

  "For then it was that I did pass
    through sorrows many a one;
  That I drank up that bitter Cup
    which made me sigh and groan.
  The Cross's pain I did sustain;
    yea more, my Father's ire
  I underwent, my Blood I spent
    to save them from Hell-fire.


XLII.

[Sidenote: Eph. 2:1, 3.]

  "Thus I esteeméd, thus I redeeméd
    all these from every Nation,
  That they may be (as now you see)
    a chosen Generation.
  What if ere while they were as vile
    and bad as any be,
  And yet from all their guilt and thrall
    at once I set them free?


XLIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 23:13, 15. Rom. 9:20, 21.]

  "My grace to one is wrong to none;
    none can Election claim;
  Amongst all those their souls that lose
    none can Rejection blame.
  He that may choose, or else refuse,
    all men to save or spill,
  May this Man choose, and that refuse,
    redeeming whom he will.


XLIV.

[Sidenote: Isa. 53:4, 5, 11.]

  "But as for those whom I have chose
    Salvation's heirs to be,
  I underwent their punishment,
    and therefore set them free.
  I bore their grief, and their relief
    by suffering procur'd,
  That they of bliss and happiness
    might firmly be assur'd.


XLV.

[Sidenote: Acts 1:3, 48. Jam. 2:18. Heb. 12:7. Mat. 19:29.]

  "And this my grace they did embrace,
    believing on my Name;
  Which Faith was true, the fruits do shew
    proceeding from the same;—
  Their Penitence, their Pati-ence,
    their Love and Self-denial,
  In suff'ring losses and bearing Crosses,
    when put upon the trial;—


XLVI.

[Sidenote: 1 John 3:3. Mat. 25:39, 40.]

  "Their sin forsaking, their cheerful taking
    my Yoke, their Charity
  Unto the Saints in all their wants,
    and in them unto me;—
  These things do clear, and make appear
    their Faith to be unfeignéd,
  And that a part in my desert
    and purchase they have gainéd.


XLVII.

[Sidenote: Isa. 53:11, 12. Rom. 8:16, 17, 33, 34. John 3:18.]

  "Their debts are paid, their peace is made,
    their sins remitted are;
  Therefore at once I do pronounce,
    and openly declare,
  That Heav'n is theirs, that they be Heirs
    of Life and of Salvation;
  Nor ever shall they come at all
    to Death or to Damnation.


XLVIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 22:29, 30. Mat. 19:28.]

  "Come blessed Ones and sit on Thrones,
    judging the World with me;
  Come and possess your happiness,
    and bought felicity;
  Henceforth no fears, no care, no tears,
    no sin shall you annoy,
  Nor any thing that grief doth bring:
    Eternal Rest enjoy.


XLIX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 25:34. They are placed on Thrones to join with Christ in
judging the wicked.]

  "You bore the Cross, you suffer'd loss
    of all for my Name's sake;
  Receive the Crown that's now your own;
    come, and a Kingdom take."
  Thus spake the Judge: the wicked grudge
    and grind their teeth in vain;
  They see with groans these plac'd on Thrones,
    which addeth to their pain.


L.

[Sidenote: Cor. 6:2.]

  That those whom they did wrong and slay,
    must now their Judgment see!
  Such whom they slighted and once despited,
    must now their Judges be!
  Thus 'tis decreed, such is their meed,
    and guerdon glorious;
  With Christ they sit, judging it fit
    to plague the Impious.


LI.

[Sidenote: The wicked brought to the Bar. Rom. 2:3, 6, 11.]

  The wicked are brought to the Bar,
    like guilty Malefactors,
  That oftentimes of bloody Crimes
    and Treasons have been Actors.
  Of wicked Men, none are so mean
    as there to be neglected;
  Nor none so high in dignity
    as there to be respected.


LII.

[Sidenote: Rev. 6:15, 16. Isa. 30:38.]

  The glorious Judge will privilege
    nor Emperor nor King;
  But every one that hath misdone
    doth unto judgment bring.
  And every one that hath misdone,
    the Judge impartially
  Condemneth to eternal woe,
    and endless misery.


LIII.

  Thus one and all, thus great and small,
    the Rich as well as Poor,
  And those of place, as the most base,
    do stand the Judge before.
  They are arraign'd, and there detain'd
    before Christ's Judgment seat,
  With trembling fear their Doom to hear,
    and feel his Anger's heat.


LIV.

[Sidenote: Eccl. 11:9, 12, 14.]

  There Christ demands at all their hands
    a strict and straight account
  Of all things done under the Sun,
    whose number far surmount
  Man's wit and thought: they all are brought
    unto this solemn Trial,
  And each offense with evidence,
    so that there's no denial.


LV.

  There's no excuse for their abuse,
    since their own Consciences
  More proof give in of each Man's sin,
    than thousand Witnesses.
  Though formerly this faculty
    had grossly been abuséd,
  (Men could it stifle, or with it trifle,
    when as it them accuséd.)


LVI.

  Now it comes in, and every sin
    unto Men's charge doth lay;
  It judgeth them and doth condemn,
    though all the World say nay.
  It so stingeth and tortureth,
    it worketh such distress,
  That each Man's self against himself,
    is forcéd to confess.


LVII.

[Sidenote: Secret sins and works of darkness brought to light.
Ps. 139:2, 4, 12. Rom. 2:16.]

  It's vain, moreover, for Men to cover
    the least Iniquity;
  The Judge hath seen, and privy been
    to all their villainy.
  He unto light and open sight
    the work of darkness brings;
  He doth unfold both new old,
    both known and hidden things.


LVIII.

[Sidenote: Eccl. 12:14.]

  All filthy facts and secret acts,
    however closely done,
  And long conceal'd, are there reveal'd
    before the mid-day Sun.
  Deeds of the night, shunning the light,
    which darkest corners sought,
  To fearful blame, and endless shame,
    are there most justly brought.


LIX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 12:36. Rom. 7:7.]

  And as all facts, and grosser acts,
    so every word and thought,
  Erroneous notion and lustful motion,
    are unto Judgment brought.
  No Sin so small and trivial,
    but hither it must come;
  Nor so long past but now at last
    it must receive a doom.


LX.

[Sidenote: An account demanded of all their actions. John 5:40, and
3:19. Mat. 25:19, 27.]

  At this sad season, Christ asks a Reason
    (with just austerity)
  Of Grace refus'd, of light abus'd
    so oft, so wilfully;
  Of Talents lent, by them misspent
    and on their Lust bestown,
  Which if improv'd as it behoov'd
    Heav'n might have been their own;


LXI.

[Sidenote: Rom. 2:4, 5.]

  Of times neglected, of means rejected,
    of God's long-suffering
  And Pati-ence, to Penitence
    that sought hard hearts to bring;
  Why chords of love did nothing move,
    to shame or to remorse?
  Why warnings grave, and counsels, have
    naught chang'd their sinful course?


LXII.

[Sidenote: Isa. 1:5. Jer. 2:20.]

  Why chastenings, and evils things,
    why judgments so severe,
  Prevailéd not with them a jot,
    nor wrought an awful fear?
  Why promises of Holiness,
    and new Obedience,
  They oft did make, but always brake
    the same, to God's offense?


LXIII.

[Sidenote: John 3:19, etc. Prov. 8:36. Luke 12:20, 21.]

  Why still Hell-ward, without regard,
    they bold venturéd,
  And chose Damnation before Salvation,
    when it was offeréd?
  Why sinful pleasures and earthly treasures,
    like fools, they prizéd more
  Than Heav'nly wealth, Eternal health,
    and all Christ's Royal store?


LXIV.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:34. John 5:40, and 15:22.]

  Why, when he stood off'ring his Blood
    to wash them from their sin,
  They would embrace no saving Grace,
    but liv'd and died therein?
  Such aggravations, where no evasions,
    nor false pretences hold,
  Exaggerate and cumulate
    guilt more than can be told.


LXV.

  They multiply and magnify
    Men's gross Iniquities;
  They draw down wrath (as Scripture saith)
    out of God's treasuries.
  Thus all their ways Christ open lays
    to Men and Angels' view,
  And as they were makes them appear
    in their own proper hue.


LXVI.

[Sidenote: Rom. 8:10, 12.]

  Thus he doth find of all Mankind,
    that stand at his left hand,
  No mother's son but hath misdone,
    and broken God's command.
  All have transgress'd, even the best,
    and merited God's wrath,
  Unto their own perditi-on
    and everlasting scath.


LXVII.

[Sidenote: Rom. 6:23.]

  Earth's dwellers all, both great and small,
    have wrought iniquity,
  And suffer must (for it is just)
    Eternal misery.
  Amongst the many there come not any,
    before the Judge's face,
  That able are themselves to clear,
    of all this cursed Race.


LXVIII.

[Sidenote: Hypocrites plead for themselves.]

  Nevertheless, they all express,
    (Christ granting liberty,)
  What for their way they have to say,
    how they have liv'd, and why.
  They all draw near and seek to clear
    themselves by making pleas;
  There Hypocrites, false-hearted wights,
    do make such pleas as these:


LXIX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 7:21, 22, 23.]

  "Lord, in thy Name, and by the same,
    we Devils dispossess'd;
  We rais'd the dead and minist'red
    Succor to the distress'd.
  Our painful teaching and pow'rful preaching
    by thine own wondrous might,
  Did throughly win to God from sin
    many a wretched wight."


LXX.

[Sidenote: The Judge replyeth. John 6:70. 1 Cor. 9:27.]

  "All this," quoth he, "may granted be,
    and your case little better'd,
  Who still remain under a chain
    and many irons fetter'd.
  You that the dead have quickened,
    and rescu'd from the grave,
  Yourselves were dead, yet ne'er needed
    a Christ your souls to save.


LXXI.

[Sidenote: Rom. 2:19, 21, 22, 23.]

  "You that could preach, and others teach
    what way to life doth lead,
  Why were you slack to find that track
    and in that way to tread?
  How could you bear to see or hear
    of others freed at last
  From Satan's paws, whilst in his jaws
    yourselves were held more fast?


LXXII.

[Sidenote: John 9:41. Rev. 2:21, 22.]

  "Who though you knew Repentance true,
    and Faith is my great Name,
  The only mean to quit you clean,
    from punishment and blame,
  Yet took no pain true Faith to gain,
    such as might not deceive,
  Nor would repent with true intent,
    your evil deeds to leave.


LXXIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 12:47. Mat. 11:21, 22, 24.]

  "His Master's will how to fulfil
    the servant that well knew,
  Yet left undone his duty known,
    more plagues to him are due.
  You against light perverted right;
    wherefore it shall be now
  For Sidon and for Sodom's Land
    more easy than for you."


LXXIV.

[Sidenote: Another plea of the Hypocrites. Luke 13:20.]

  "But we have in thy presence been,"
    say some, "and eaten there.
  Did we not eat thy Flesh for meat,
    and feed on Heav'nly Cheer?
  Whereon who feed shall never need,
    as thou thyself dost say,
  Nor shall they die eternally,
    but live with Christ for aye.


LXXV.

  "We may allege, thou gav'st a pledge
    of thy dear Love to us,
  In Wine and Bread, which figuréd
    thy Grace bestowéd thus.
  Of strength'ning Seals, of sweetest Meals,
    have we so oft partaken;
  And shall we be cast off by thee,
    and utterly forsaken?"


LXXVI.

[Sidenote: The answer. Luke 13:27. Mat. 22:12.]

  To whom the Lord, thus in a word,
    returns a short reply:
  "I never knew any of you
    that wrought Iniquity.
  You say you've been my Presence in;
    but then, how came you there
  With Raiment vile that did defile
    and quite disgrace my Cheer?


LXXVII.

  "Durst you draw near without due fear
    Unto my holy Table?
  Durst you profane and render vain,
    so far as you were able,
  Those Mysteries, which whoso prize,
    and carefully improve,
  Shall savéd be undoubtedly,
    and nothing shall them move?


LXXVIII.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 11:27, 29.]

  "How durst you venture bold guests to enter
    in such a sordid hue,
  Amongst my guests unto those Feasts
    that were not made for you?
  How durst you eat for spir'tual meat
    your bane, and drink damnation,
  Whilst by your guile you render'd vile
    so rare and great Salvation?


LXXIX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 6:21, 24. Rom. 1:25.]

  "Your fancies fed on heav'nly Bread,
    your hearts fed on some Lust;
  You lov'd the Creature more than th' Creator,
    your souls clove to the dust.
  And think you by Hypocrisy,
    and cloakéd Wickedness,
  To enter in laden with sin,
    to lasting Happiness?


LXXX.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 11:27, 29.]

  "This your excuse shews your abuse
    of things ordain'd for good,
  And doth declare you guilty are
    of my dear Flesh and Blood.
  Wherefore those Seals and precious Meals
    you put so much upon
  As things Divine, they Seal and Sign
    you to Perditi-on."


LXXXI.

[Sidenote: Another sort of Hypocrites make their pleas.]

  Then forth issue another Crew
    (those being silencéd),
  Who drawing nigh to the Most High,
    adventure thus to plead:
  "We sinners were," say they, "'tis clear,
    deserving condemnation;
  But did not we rely on thee,
    O Christ, for whole Salvation?


LXXXII.

[Sidenote: Acts 8:13. Isa. 58:2, 3. Heb. 6:4, 5.]

  "We did believe, and oft receive
    thy gracious Promises;
  We took great care to get a share
    in endless Happiness.
  We pray'd and wept, and Fast-days kept,
    lewd ways we did eschew;
  We joyful were thy Word to hear;
    we form'd our lives anew.


LXXXIII.

[Sidenote: 2 Pet. 2:20.]

  "We thought our sin had pardon'd been,
    that our Estate was good,
  Our debts all paid, our peace well made,
    our Souls wash'd with thy Blood.
  Lord, why dost though reject us now,
    who have not thee rejected,
  Nor utterly true sanctity
    and holy life neglected?"


LXXXIV.

[Sidenote: The Judge uncaseth them. John 2:24, 25.]

  The Judge incens'd at their pretens'd
    self-vaunting Piety,
  With such a look as trembling strook
    unto them made reply:
  "O impudent, impenitent,
    and guileful generation!
  Think you that I cannot descry
    your hearts' abomination?


LXXXV.

[Sidenote: John 6:64. Psal. 50:16. Mat. 15:26.]

  "You nor receiv'd, nor yet believ'd
    my Promises of Grace,
  Nor were you wise enough to prize
    my reconciléd Face;
  But I presume that to assume
    which was not yours to take,
  And challengéd the Children's Bread,
    yet would not sin forsake.


LXXXVI.

[Sidenote: Rev. 3:17. Mat. 13:20.]

  "Being too bold you laid fast hold
    where int'rest you had none,
  Yourselves deceiving by your believing,
    all which you might have known.
  You ran away but ran astray
    with Gospel Promises,
  And perishéd, being still dead
    in sins and trespasses.


LXXXVII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 6:2, 4, 24. Jer. 8:5, 6, 7, 8.]

  "How oft did I Hypocrisy
    and Hearts' deceits unmask
  Before your sight, giving you light
    to know a Christian's task?
  But you held fast unto the last
    your own conceits so vain,
  No warning could prevail; you would
    your own Deceits retain.


LXXXVIII.

[Sidenote: Psal. 78:34, 35, 36, 37.]

  "As for your care to get a share
    in Bliss; the fear of Hell,
  And of a part in endless smart,
    did thereunto compel.
  Your holiness and ways redress,
    such as it was, did spring
  From no true love to things above,
    But from some other thing.


LXXXIX.

[Sidenote: Zach. 7:5, 6. Isa. 58:3, 4. 1 Sam. 15:13, 21. Isa. 1:11, 15.]

  "You pray'd and wept, you Fast-days kept,
    but did you this to me?
  No, but for sin you sought to win
    the greater liberty.
  For all your vaunts, you had vile haunts,
    for which your Consciences
  Did you alarm, whose voice to charm
    you us'd these practices.


XC.

[Sidenote: Mat. 6:2, 5. John 5:44.]

  "Your Penitence, your diligence
    to Read, to Pray, to Hear,
  Were but to drown the clam'rous sound
    of Conscience in your Ear.
  If light you lov'd, vain glory mov'd
    yourselves therewith to store,
  That seeming wise men might you prize,
    and honor you the more.


XCI.

[Sidenote: Zech. 7:5, 16. Hos. 10:1.]

  "Thus from yourselves unto yourselves,
    your duties all do tend;
  And as self-love the wheels doth move,
    so in self-love they end."
  Thus Christ detects their vain projects,
    and close Impiety,
  And plainly shews that all their shows
    were but Hypocrisy.


XCII.

[Sidenote: Civil honest men's pleas. Luke 18:11.]

  Then were brought nigh a Company
    of Civil honest Men,
  That lov'd true dealing and hated stealing,
    ne'er wrong'd their Bretheren;
  Who pleaded thus: "Thou knowest us
    that we were blameless livers;
  No Whoremongers, no Murderers,
    no quarrelers nor strivers.


XCIII.

  "Idolaters, Adulterers,
    Church-robbers we were none,
  Nor false dealers, nor cozeners,
    but paid each man his own.
  Our way was fair, our dealing square,
    we were no wasteful spenders,
  No lewd toss-pots, no drunken sots,
    no scandalous offenders.


XCIV.

[Sidenote: 1 Sam. 15:22.]

  "We hated vice and set great price,
    by virtuous conversation;
  And by the same we got a name
    and no small commendation.
  God's Laws express that righteousness
    is that which he doth prize;
  And to obey, as he doth say,
    is more than sacrifice.


XCV.

[Sidenote: Eccl. 7:20.]

  "Thus to obey hath been our way;
    let our good deeds, we pray,
  Find some regard and some reward
    with thee, O Lord, this day.
  And whereas we transgressors be,
    of Adam's race were none,
  No, not the best, but have confess'd
    themselves to have misdone."


XCVI.

[Sidenote: Are taken off and rendered invalid. Deut. 10:12. Tit. 2:12.
Jam. 2:10.]

  Then answeréd unto their dread,
    the Judge: "True Piety
  God doth desire and eke require,
    no less than honesty.
  Justice demands at all your hands
    perfect Obedience;
  If but in part you have come short,
    that is a just offense.


XCVII.

  "On Earth below, where men did owe
    a thousand pounds and more,
  Could twenty pence it recompense?
    Could that have clear'd the score?
  Think you to buy Felicity
    with part of what's due debt?
  Or for desert of one small part,
    the whole should off be set?


XCVIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 18:11, 14.]

  "And yet that part whose great desert
    you think to reach so far,
  For your excuse doth you accuse,
    and will your boasting mar.
  However fair, however square
    your way and work hath been
  Before men's eyes, yet God espies
    iniquity therein.


XCIX.

[Sidenote: 1 Sam. 16:7. 2 Chron. 25:2.]

  "God looks upon th' affecti-on
    and temper of the heart;
  Not only on the acti-on,
    and the external part.
  Whatever end vain men pretend,
    God knows the verity,
  And by the end which they intend
    their words and deeds doth try.


C.

[Sidenote: Heb. 11:6. 1 Cor. 13:1, 2, 3.]

  "Without true Faith, the Scripture saith,
    God cannot take delight
  In any deed that doth proceed
    from any sinful wight.
  And without love all actions prove
    but barren empty things;
  Dead works they be and vanity,
    the which vexation brings.


CI.

  "Nor from true Faith, which quencheth wrath,
    hath your obedience flown;
  Nor from true Love, which wont to move
    Believers, hath it grown.
  Your argument shews your intent
    in all that you have done;
  You thought to scale Heav'n's lofty Wall
    by Ladders of your own.


CII.

[Sidenote: Rom. 10:3.]

  "Your blinded spirit hoping to merit
    by your own Righteousness,
  Needed no Savior but your behavior,
    and blameless carriages.
  You trusted to what you could do,
    and in no need you stood;
  Your haughty pride laid me aside,
    And trampled on my Blood.


CIII.

[Sidenote: Rom. 9:30, 32. Mat. 11:23, 24, and 21:41.]

  "All men have gone astray, and done
    that which God's laws condemn;
  But my Purchase and offer'd Grace
    All men did not contemn.
  The Ninevites and Sodomites
    had no such sin as this;
  Yet as if all your sins were small,
    you say, 'All did amiss.'


CIV.

[Sidenote: Mat. 6:5.]

  "Again you thought and mainly sought
    a name with men t' acquire;
  Pride bare the Bell that made you swell,
    and your own selves admire.
  Mean fruit it is, and vile, I wiss,
    that springs from such a root;
  Virtue divine and genuine
    wonts not from pride to shoot.


CV.

[Sidenote: Prov. 26:23. Mat. 23:27.]

  "Such deeds as your are worse than poor;
    they are but sins gilt over
  With silver dross whose glist'ring gloss
    can them no longer cover.
  The best of them would you condemn,
    and ruin you alone,
  Although you were from faults so clear,
    that other you had none.


CVI.

[Sidenote: Prov. 15:8. Rom. 3:20.]

  "Your gold is brass, your silver dross,
    your righteousness is sin;
  And think you by such honesty
    Eternal life to win?
  You much mistake, if for its sake
    you dream of acceptation;
  Whereas the same deserveth shame
    and meriteth damnation."


CVII.

[Sidenote: Those that pretend want of opportunity to repent. Prov. 27:1.
Jam. 4:13.]

  A wondrous crowd then 'gan aloud
    thus for themselves to say:
  "We did intend, Lord, to amend,
    and to reform our way.
  Our true intent was to repent
    and make our peace with thee;
  But sudden death stopping our breath,
    left us no liberty.


CVIII.

  "Short was our time, for in its prime
    our youthful pow'r was cropt;
  We died in youth before full growth,
    so was our purpose stopt.
  Let our good will to turn from ill,
    and sin to have forsaken,
  Accepted be, O Lord, by thee,
    and in good part be taken."


CIX.

[Sidenote: Are confuted and convinced. Eccl. 12:1. Rev. 2:21.]

  To whom the Judge: "Where you allege
    the shortness of the space,
  That from your birth you liv'd on earth,
    to compass saving Grace,
  It was Free Grace that any space
    was given you at all,
  To turn from evil, defy the Devil,
    and upon God to call.


CX.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:24. 2 Cor. 6:2. Heb. 3:7, 8, 9.]

  "One day, one week wherein to seek
    God's face with all your hearts,
  A favor was that far did pass
    the best of your deserts.
  You had a season; what was your reason
    such precious hours to waste?
  What could you find, what could you mind
    that was of greater haste?


CXI.

[Sidenote: Eccl. 11:9 Luke 14:18, 19, 20.]

  "Could you find time for vain pastime,
    for loose, licentious mirth?
  For fruitless toys and fading joys,
    that perish in the birth?
  Had you good leisure for carnal Pleasure,
    in days of health and youth?
  And yet no space to seek God's face,
    and turn to him in truth?


CXII.

[Sidenote: Amos 6:3, 4, 5, 6. Eph. 5:16. Luke 19:42.]

  "In younger years, beyond your fears,
    what if you were surprizéd?
  You put away the evil day,
    and of long life deviséd.
  You oft were told, and might behold,
    that Death no Age doth spare;
  Why then did you your time foreslow,
    and slight your soul's welfare?


CXIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:24, 25, etc. Phil. 2:12.]

  "Had your intent been to repent,
    and had you it desir'd,
  There would have been endeavors seen
    before your time expir'd.
  God makes no treasure, nor hath he pleasure
    in idle purposes;
  Such fair pretenses are foul offenses,
    and cloaks for wickedness."


CXIV.

[Sidenote: Some plead examples of their betters. Mat. 18:7.]

  Then were brought in and charg'd with sin,
    another Company,
  Who by Petition obtain'd permission
    to make Apology.
  They arguéd, "We were misled,
    as is well known to thee,
  By their example that had more ample
    abilities than we;


CXV.

[Sidenote: John 7:48].

  "Such as profess'd they did detest
    and hate each wicked way;
  Whose seeming grace whilst we did trace,
    our Souls were led astray.
  When men of Parts, Learning, and Arts,
    professing Piety,
  Did thus and thus, it seem'd to us
    we might take liberty."


CXVI.

[Sidenote: Who are told that examples are no Rules. Psal. 19:8, 11.
Exod. 23:2. Psal. 50:17, 18.]

  The Judge replies: "I gave you eyes,
    And light to see your way,
  Which had you lov'd and well improv'd,
    you had not gone astray.
  My Word was pure, the Rule was sure;
    Why did you it forsake,
  Or thereon trample, and men's example
    your Directory make?


CXVII.

[Sidenote: 2 Tim. 3:5.]

  "This you well knew: that God is true,
    and that most men are liars,
  In word professing holiness,
    in deed thereof deniers.
  O simple fools! that having Rules,
    your lives to regulate,
  Would them refuse, and rather choose
    vile men to imitate."


CXVIII.

[Sidenote: They urge that they were led by godly men's Examples. But all
their shifts turn to their greater shame.]

  "But, Lord," say they, "we went astray,
    and did more wickedly,
  By means of those whom thou hast chose
    Salvation's heirs to be."
  To whom the Judge: "What you allege
    doth nothing help the case,
  But makes appear how vile you were,
    and rend'reth you more base.


CXIX.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 11:1. Phil. 4:8.]

  "You understood that what was good,
    was to be followéd,
  And that you ought that which was naught
    to have relinquishéd.
  Contrariwise it was your guise
    only to imitate
  Good men's defects, and their neglects
    who were regenerate.


CXX.

[Sidenote: Psal. 32:5. 2 Chron. 32:26. Mat. 26:75. Prov. 1:24, 25.]

  "But to express their holiness,
    or imitate their grace,
  You little car'd, nor once prepar'd
    your hearts to seek my Face.
  They did repent and truly rent
    their hearts for all known sin;
  You did offend, but not amend,
    to follow them therein."


CXXI.

[Sidenote: Some plead the Scriptures' darkness, and difference among
Interpreters. 2 Pet. 3:16.]

  "We had thy Word," say some, "O Lord,
    but wiser men than we
  Could never yet interpret it,
    but always disagree.
  How could we fools be led by Rules
    so far beyond our ken,
  Which to explain did so much pain
    and puzzle wisest men?"


CXXII.

[Sidenote: They are confuted. Prov. 14:6. Isa. 35:8. Hos. 8:12.]

  "Was all my Word abstruse and hard?"
    the Judge then answeréd;
  "It did contain much Truth so plain
    you might have run and read.
  But what was hard you never car'd
    to know, or studiéd;
  And things that were most plain and clear
    you never practiséd.


CXXIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 11:25. Prov. 2:3, 4, 5.]

  "The Mystery of Piety
    God unto Babes reveals,
  When to the Wise he it denies,
    and from the world conceals.
  If to fulfil God's holy Will
    had seeméd good to you,
  You would have sought light as you ought,
    and done the good you knew."


CXXIV.

[Sidenote: Others the fear of persecution. Acts 28:22.]

  Then came in view another crew,
    and 'gan to make their pleas;
  Amongst the rest, some of the best
    had such poor shifts as these:
  "Thou know'st right well, who all canst tell,
    we liv'd amongst thy foes,
  Who the Renate did sorely hate
    and goodness much oppose.


CXXV.

[Sidenote: John 12:42, 43.]

  "We holiness durst not profess,
    fearing to be forlorn
  Of all our friends, and for amends
    to be the wicked's scorn.
  We knew their anger would much endanger
    our lives and our estates;
  Therefore, for fear, we durst appear
    no better than our mates."


CXXVI.

[Sidenote: They are answered. Luke 12:4, 5. Isa. 51:12, 13.]

  To whom the Lord returns this word:
    "O wonderful deceits!
  To cast off awe of God's strict law,
    and fear men's wrath and threats;
  To fear hell-fire and God's fierce ire
    less than the rage of men;
  As if God's wrath could do less scath
    than wrath of bretheren!


CXXVII.

  "To use such strife, a temp'ral life
    to rescue and secure,
  And be so blind as not to mind
    that life that will endure!
  This was your case, who carnal peace
    more than true joys did savor;
  Who fed on dust, clave to your lust,
    and spurnéd at my favor.


CXXVIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 9:23, 24, 25, and 16:2.]

  "To please your kin, men's love to win,
    to flow in worldly wealth,
  To save your skin, these things have been
    more than Eternal health.
  You had your choice, wherein rejoice;
    it was your porti-on,
  For which you chose your souls t' expose
    unto Perditi-on.


CXXIX.

[Sidenote: Luke 9:26. Prov. 8:36. John 3:19, 20.]

  "Who did not hate friends, life, and state,
    with all things else for me,
  And all forsake and's Cross up-take
    shall never happy be.
  Well worthy they to die for aye,
    who death than life had rather;
  Death is their due that so value
    the friendship of my Father."


CXXX.

[Sidenote: Others plead for pardon both from God's Mercy and Justice.
Psal. 78:38. 2 Kin. 14:26.]

  Others argue, and not a few,
    "Is not God graci-ous?
  His Equity and Clemency,
    are they not marvellous?
  Thus we believ'd; are we deceiv'd?
    Cannot his Mercy great,
  (As hath been told to us of old,)
    assuage his anger's heat?


CXXXI.

  "How can it be that God should see
    his Creatures' endless pain,
  Or hear their groans and rueful moans,
    and still his wrath retain?
  Can it agree with Equity,
    can Mercy have the heart,
  To recompense few years' offense
    with everlasting smart?


CXXXII.

[Sidenote: Psal. 30:9. Mic. 7:18.]

  "Can God delight in such a sight
    as sinners' misery?
  Or what great good can this our blood
    bring unto the most High?
  O thou that dost thy Glory most
    in pard'ning sin display,
  Lord, might it please thee to release
    and pardon us this day!


CXXXIII.

  "Unto thy name more glorious fame
    would not such Mercy bring?
  Would not it raise thine endless praise,
    more than our suffering?"
  With that they cease, holding their peace,
    but cease not still to weep;
  Grief ministers a flood of tears,
    in which their words do steep.


CXXXIV.

[Sidenote: They are answered.]

  But all too late; grief's out of date,
    when Life is at an end.
  The glorious King thus answering,
    all to his voice attend:
  "God gracious is," quoth he; "like his,
    no mercy can be found:
  His Equity and Clemency
    to sinners do abound,


CXXXV.

[Sidenote: Mercy now shines forth in the vessels of Mercy. Mic. 7:18.
Rom. 9:23.]

  "As may appear by those that here
    are plac'd at my right hand,
  Whose stripes I bore, and clear'd the score,
    that they might quitted stand.
  For surely none but God alone,
    whose Grace transcends men's thought,
  For such as those that were his foes
    like wonders would have wrought.


CXXXVI.

[Sidenote: Did also wait upon such as abused it. Rom. 2:4. Hos. 11:4.]

  "And none but he such lenity
    and patience would have shown
  To you so long, who did him wrong,
    and pull'd his Judgment down.
  How long a space, O stiff-neck'd race,
    did patience you afford?
  How oft did love you gently move,
    to turn unto the Lord?


CXXXVII.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:34. The day of Grace now past.]

  "With chords of love God often strove
    your stubborn hearts to tame;
  Nevertheless your wickedness
    did still resist the same.
  If now at last Mercy be past
    from you for evermore,
  And Justice come in Mercy's room,
    yet grudge you not therefore.


CXXXVIII.

[Sidenote: Luke 19:42, 43. Jude 4.]

  "If into wrath God turnéd hath
    his long, long-suffering,
  And now for love you vengeance prove,
    it is an equal thing.
  Your waxing worse hath stopt the course
    of wonted Clemency,
  Mercy refus'd and Grace misus'd
    call for severity.


CXXXIX.

[Sidenote: Rom. 2:5, 6. Isa. 1:24. Amos 2:18. Gen. 18:25.]

  "It's now high time that ev'ry Crime
    be brought to punishment;
  Wrath long contain'd and oft restrain'd,
    at last must have a vent.
  Justice severe cannot forbear
    to plague sin any longer,
  But must inflict with hand most strict
    mischief upon the wronger.


CXL.

[Sidenote: Mat. 25:3, 1, 2. Prov. 12:8, 29, 30.]

  "In vain do they for Mercy pray,
    the season being past,
  Who had no care to get a share
    therein, while time did last.
  The man whose ear refus'd to hear
    the voice of Wisdom's cry,
  Earn'd this reward, that none regard
    him in his misery.


CXLI.

[Sidenote: Isa. 5:18, 19. Gen. 2:17. Rom. 2:8, 9.]

  It doth agree with Equity
    and with God's holy Law,
  That those should die eternally
    that Death upon them draw.
  The soul that sins Damnation wins,
    for so the Law ordains;
  Which Law is just; and therefore must
    such suffer endless pains.


CXLII.

[Sidenote: Rom. 6:23. 2 Thes. 1:8, 9.]

  "Eternal smart is the desert
    ev'n of the least offense;
  Then wonder not if I allot
    to you this Recompense;
  But wonder more that since so sore
    and lasting plagues are due
  To every sin, you liv'd therein,
    who well the danger knew.


CXLIII.

[Sidenote: Ezek. 33:11. Exod. 34:7, and 14:17. Rom. 9:22.]

  "God hath no joy to crush or 'stroy,
    and ruin wretched wights;
  But to display the glorious Ray
    of Justice he delights.
  To manifest he doth detest,
    and throughly hate all sin,
  By plaguing it as is most fit—
    this shall him Glory win."


CXLIV.

[Sidenote: Some pretend they were shut out of Heaven by God's Decree.
Rom. 9:18, 19.]

  Then at the Bar arraignéd are
    an impudenter sort,
  Who to evade the guilt that's laid
    Upon them, thus retort:
  "How could we cease thus to transgress?
    How could we Hell avoid,
  Whom God's Decree shut out from thee,
    and sign'd to be destroy'd?


CXLV.

[Sidenote: Heb. 22:17. Rom. 11:7, 8.]

  "Whom God ordains to endless pains
    by Law unalterable,
  Repentance true, Obedience new,
    to save such are unable.
  Sorrow for sin no good can win,
    to such as are rejected;
  Nor can they grieve nor yet believe,
    that never were elected.


CXLVI.

  "Of Man's fall'n race, who can true Grace
    or Holiness obtain?
  Who can convert or change his heart,
    if God withhold the same?
  Had we applied ourselves and tried
    as much as who did most,
  God's love to gain, our busy pain
    and labor had been lost."


CXLVII.

[Sidenote: Their pleas taken off. Luke 13:27. 2 Pet. 1:9, 10, compared
with Mat. 19:16.]

  Christ readily makes this Reply:
    "I damn you not because
  You are rejected, nor yet elected;
    but you have broke my Laws.
  It is in vain your wits to strain
    the end and means to sever;
  Men fondly seek to part or break
    what God hath link'd together.


CXLVIII.

[Sidenote: Acts 3:19, and 16:31. 1 Sam. 2:15. John 3:19. Job 5:40. 2
Thes. 2:11, 12.]

  "Whom God will save, such he will have
    the means of life to use;
  Whom he'll pass by shall choose to die,
    and ways of life refuse.
  He that fore-sees and fore-decrees,
    in wisdom order'd has,
  That man's free-will, electing ill,
    shall bring his Will to pass.


CXLIX.

[Sidenote: Ezek. 33:11, 12. Luke 13:34. Prov. 8:33, 36.]

  "High God's Decree, as it is free,
    so doth it none compel
  Against their will to good or ill;
    it forceth none to Hell.
  They have their wish whose Souls perish
    with Torments in Hell-fire,
  Who rather choose their souls to lose,
    than leave a loose desire.


CL.

[Sidenote: Gen. 2:17. Mat. 25:41, 42. Ezek. 18:20.]

  "God did ordain sinners to pain,
    yet he to Hell sends none
  But such as swerv'd and have deserv'd
    destruction as their own.
  His pleasure is, that none from Bliss
    and endless happiness
  Be barr'd, but such as wrong'd him much,
    by willful wickedness.


CLI.

[Sidenote: 2 Pet. 1:10. Acts 13:46. Luke 13:24.]

  "You, sinful Crew! no other knew
    but you might be elect;
  Why did you then yourselves condemn?
    Why did you me reject?
  Where was your strife to gain that life
    which lasteth evermore?
  You never knock'd, yet say God lock'd
    against you Heaven's door.


CLII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 7:7, 8. Gal. 5:22, 23.]

  "Twas no vain task to knock and ask,
    whilst life continuéd.
  Who ever sought Heav'n as he ought,
    and seeking perishéd?
  The lowly, meek, who truly seek
    for Christ and for Salvation,
  There's no decree whereby such be
    ordain'd to condemnation.


CLIII.

[Sidenote: John 3:19.]

  "You argue then: 'But abject men,
    whom God resolves to spill,
  Cannot repent, nor their hearts rent;
    nor can they change their will.'
  Not for his _Can_ is any man
    adjudgéd unto Hell,
  But for his _Will_ to do what's ill,
    and nilling to do well.


CLIV.

[Sidenote: John 5:40.]

  "I often stood tend'ring my Blood
    to wash away your guilt,
  And eke my Sprite to frame you right,
    lest your Souls should be spilt.
  But you, vile Race, rejected Grace,
    when Grace was freely proffer'd,
  No changéd heart, no heav'nly part
    would you, when it was offer'd.


CLV.

[Sidenote: John 15:22, 24. Heb. 2:3. Isa. 66:34.]

  "Who willfully the remedy,
    and means of life contemnéd,
  Cause have the same themselves to blame,
    if now they be condemnéd.
  You have yourselves, you and none else,
    to blame that you must die;
  You chose the way to your decay,
    and perish'd willfully."


CLVI.

  These words appall and daunt them all,
    dismay'd and all amort,
  Like stocks that stand at Christ's left hand
    and dare no more retort.
  Then were brought near with trembling fear,
    a number numberless,
  Of Blind Heathen and brutish men,
    that did God's Law transgress;


CLVII.

[Sidenote: Heathen men plead want of the Written Word.]

  Whose wicked ways Christ open lays,
    and makes their sins appear,
  They making pleas their case to ease,
    if not themselves to clear.
  "Thy Written Word," say they, "good Lord,
    we never did enjoy;
  We ne'er refus'd, nor it abus'd;
    Oh, do not us destroy!"


CLVIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 11:22. Luke 12:48.]

  "You ne'er abus'd, nor yet refus'd
    my Written Word, you plead;
  That's true," quoth he, "therefore shall ye
    the less be punishéd.
  You shall not smart for any part
    of other men's offense,
  But for your own transgressi-on
    receive due recompense."


CLIX.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 1:21, Insufficiency of the light of Nature.]

  "But we were blind," say they, "in mind;
    too dim was Nature's Light,
  Our only guide, as hath been tried,
    to bring us to the sight
  Of our estate degenerate,
    and curs'd by Adam's Fall;
  How we were born and lay forlorn
    in bondage and in thrall.


CLX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 11:22.]

  "We did not know a Christ till now,
    nor how fall'n men be savéd,
  Else would we not, right well we wot,
    have so ourselves behavéd.
  We should have mourn'd, we should have turn'd
    from sin at thy Reproof,
  And been more wise through thy advice,
    for our own soul's behoof.


CLXI.

[Sidenote: They are answered.]

  "But Nature's light shin'd not so bright,
    to teach us the right way:
  We might have lov'd it and well improv'd it,
    and yet have gone astray."
  The Judge most High makes this Reply:
    "You ignorance pretend,
  Dimness of sight, and want of light,
    your course Heav'nward to bend.


CLXII.

[Sidenote: Gen. 1:27. Eccl. 7:29. Hos. 13:9.]

  "How came your mind to be so blind?
    I once you knowledge gave,
  Clearness of sight and judgment right:
    who did the same deprave?
  If to your cost you have it lost,
    and quite defac'd the same,
  Your own desert hath caus'd the smart;
    you ought not me to blame.


CLXIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 11:25, compared with 20:15.]

  "Yourselves into a pit of woe,
    your own transgression led;
  If I to none my Grace had shown,
    who had been injuréd?
  If to a few, and not to you,
    I shew'd a way of life,
  My Grace so free, you clearly see,
    gives you no ground of strife.


CLXIV.

[Sidenote: Rom. 1:20, 21, 22.]

  "'Tis vain to tell, you wot full well,
    if you in time had known
  Your misery and remedy,
    your actions had it shown:
  You, sinful Crew, have not been true
    unto the Light of Nature,
  Nor done the good you understood,
    nor ownéd your Creator.


CLXV.

[Sidenote: Rom. 2:12, 15, and 1:32. Mat. 12:41.]

  "He that the Light, because 'tis slight,
    hath uséd to despise,
  Would not the Light shining more bright,
    be likely for to prize.
  If you had lov'd, and well improv'd
    your knowledge and dim sight,
  Herein your pain had not been vain,
    your plagues had been more light."


CLXVI.

[Sidenote: Reprobate Infants plead for themselves. Rev. 20:12, 15,
compared with Rom. 5:12, 14, and 9:11, 13. Ezek. 18:2.]

  Then to the Bar all they drew near
    Who died in infancy,
  And never had or good or bad
    effected pers'nally;
  But from the womb unto the tomb
    were straightway carriéd,
  (Or at the least ere they transgress'd)
    who thus began to plead:


CLXVII.

  "If for our own transgressi-on,
    or disobedience,
  We here did stand at thy left hand,
    just were the Recompense;
  But Adam's guilt our souls hath spilt,
    his fault is charg'd upon us;
  And that alone hath overthrown
    and utterly undone us.


CLXVIII.

  "Not we, but he ate of the Tree,
    whose fruit was interdicted;
  Yet on us all of his sad Fall
    the punishment's inflicted.
  How could we sin that had not been,
    or how is his sin our,
  Without consent, which to prevent
    we never had the pow'r?


CLXIX.

[Sidenote: Psal. 51:5.]

  "O great Creator why was our Nature
    depravéd and forlorn?
  Why so defil'd, and made so vil'd,
    whilst we were yet unborn?
  If it be just, and needs we must
    transgressors reckon'd be,
  Thy Mercy, Lord, to us afford,
    which sinners hath set free.


CLXX.

  "Behold we see Adam set free,
    and sav'd from his trespass,
  Whose sinful Fall hath split us all,
    and brought us to this pass.
  Canst thou deny us once to try,
    or Grace to us to tender,
  When he finds grace before thy face,
    who was the chief offender?"


CLXXI.

[Sidenote: Their arguments taken off. Ezek. 18:20. Rom. 5:12, 19.]

  Then answeréd the Judge most dread:
    "God doth such doom forbid,
  That men should die eternally
    for what they never did.
  But what you call old Adam's Fall,
    and only his Trespass,
  You call amiss to call it his,
    both his and yours it was.


CLXXII.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 15:48, 49.]

  "He was design'd of all Mankind
    to be a public Head;
  A common Root, whence all should shoot,
    and stood in all their stead.
  He stood and fell, did ill or well,
    not for himself alone,
  But for you all, who now his Fall
    and trespass would disown.


CLXXIII.

  "If he had stood, then all his brood
    had been establishéd
  In God's true love never to move,
    nor once awry to tread;
  Then all his Race my Father's Grace
    should have enjoy'd for ever,
  And wicked Sprites by subtile sleights
    could them have harméd never.


CLXXIV.

  "Would you have griev'd to have receiv'd
    through Adam so much good,
  As had been your for evermore,
    if he at first had stood?
  Would you have said, 'We ne'er obey'd
    nor did thy laws regard;
  It ill befits with benefits,
    us, Lord, to so reward?'


CLXXV.

[Sidenote: Rom. 5:12. Psal. 51:5. Gen. 5:3.]

  "Since then to share in his welfare,
    you could have been content,
  You may with reason share in his treason,
    and in the punishment.
  Hence you were born in state forlorn,
    with Natures so depravéd;
  Death was your due because that you
    had thus yourselves behavéd.


CLXXVI.

[Sidenote: Mat. 23:30, 31.]

  "You think 'If we had been as he,
    whom God did so betrust,
  We to our cost would ne'er have lost
    all for a paltry lust.'
  Had you been made in Adam's stead,
    you would like things have wrought,
  And so into the self-same woe,
    yourselves and yours have brought.


CLXXVII.

[Sidenote: Rom. 9:15, 18. The free gift. Rom. 5:15.]

  "I may deny you once to try,
    or Grace to you to tender,
  Though he finds Grace before my face
    who was the chief offender;
  Else should my Grace cease to be Grace,
    for it would not be free,
  If to release whom I should please
    I have no liberty.


CLXXVIII.

  "If upon one what's due to none
    I frankly shall bestow,
  And on the rest shall not think best
    compassion's skirt to throw;
  Whom injure I? will you envy
    and grudge at others' weal?
  Or me accuse, who do refuse
    yourselves to help and heal?


CLXXIX.

[Sidenote: Mat. 20:15.]

  "Am I alone of what's my own,
    no Master or no Lord?
  And if I am, how can you claim
    what I to some afford?
  Will you demand Grace at my hand,
    and challenge what is mine?
  Will you teach me whom to set free,
    and thus my Grace confine?


CLXXX.

[Sidenote: Psal. 58:8. Rom. 6:23. Gal. 3:10. Rom 8:29, 30 and 11:7. Rev.
21:27. Luke 12:14, 8. Mat. 11:22.]

  "You sinners are, and such a share
    as sinners, may expect;
  Such you shall have, for I do save
    none but mine own Elect.
  Yet to compare your sin with their
    who liv'd a longer time,
  I do confess yours is much less,
    though every sin's a crime.


CLXXXI.

[Sidenote: The wicked all convinced and put to silence. Rom. 3:19. Mat.
22:12.]

  "A crime it is, therefore in bliss
    you may not hope to dwell;
  But unto you I shall allow
    the easiest room in Hell."
  The glorious King thus answering,
    they cease, and plead no longer;
  Their Consciences must needs confess
    his Reasons are the stronger.


CLXXXII.

[Sidenote: Behold the formidable estate of all the ungodly as they stand
hopeless and helpless before an impartial Judge, expecting their final
Sentence. Rev. 6:16, 17.]

  Thus all men's pleas the Judge with ease
    doth answer and confute,
  Until that all, both great and small,
    are silencéd and mute.
  Vain hopes are cropt, all mouths are stopt,
    sinners have naught to say,
  But that 'tis just and equal most
    they should be damn'd for aye.


CLXXXIII.

  Now what remains, but that to pains
    and everlasting smart,
  Christ should condemn the sons of men,
    which is their just desert?
  Oh rueful plights of sinful wights!
    Oh wretches all forlorn!
  'T had happy been they ne'er had seen
    the sun, or not been born.


CLXXXIV.

  Yea now it would be good they could
    themselves annihilate,
  And cease to be, themselves to free
    from such a fearful state.
  O happy Dogs, and Swine, and Frogs,
    yea, Serpent's generation!
  Who do not fear this doom to hear,
    and sentence of Damnation!


CLXXXV.

[Sidenote: Psal. 130:2, 3, 4. Eccl. 12:14.]

  This is their state so desperate;
    their sins are fully known;
  Their vanities and villanies
    before the world are shown.
  As they are gross and impious,
    so are their numbers more
  Than motes in th' Air, or than their hair,
    or sands upon the shore.


CLXXXVI.

[Sidenote: Mat. 25:45.]

  Divine Justice offended is,
    and satisfaction claimeth;
  God's wrathful ire, kindled like fire,
    against them fiercely flameth.
  Their Judge severe doth quite cashier,
    and all their pleas off take,
  That ne'er a man, or dare, or can
    a further answer make.


CLXXXVII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 22:12. Rom. 2:5, 6. Luke 19:42.]

  Their mouths are shut, each man is put
    to silence and to shame,
  Nor have they aught within their thought,
    Christ's Justice for to blame.
  The Judge is just, and plague them must,
    nor will he Mercy shew,
  For Mercy's day is past away
    to any of this Crew.


CLXXXVIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 28:18. Psal. 137:7.]

  The Judge is strong, doers of wrong
    cannot his pow'r withstand;
  None can by flight run out of sight,
    nor 'scape out of his hand.
  Sad is their state; for Advocate,
    to plead their cause, there's none;
  None to prevent their punishment,
    or mis'ry to bemoan.


CLXXXIX.

[Sidenote: Isa. 33:14. Psal. 11:6. Num. 25:19.]

  O dismal day! whither shall they
    for help and succor flee?
  To God above with hopes to move
    their greatest Enemy?
  His wrath is great, whose burning heat
    no floods of tears can slake;
  His Word stands fast that they be cast
    into the burning Lake.


CXC.

[Sidenote: Matt. 25:41, and 25:10, 11, 12.]

  To Christ their Judge? He doth adjudge
    them to the Pit of Sorrow;
  Nor will he hear, or cry or tear,
    nor respite them one morrow.
  To Heav'n, alas! they cannot pass,
    it is against them shut;
  To enter there (O heavy cheer)
    they out of hopes are put.


CXCI.

[Sidenote: Luke 12:20. Psal. 49:7, 17. Deut. 32:2.]

  Unto their Treasures, or to their Pleasures?
    All these have them forsaken;
  Had they full coffers to make large offers,
    their gold would not be taken.
  Unto the place where whilom was
    their birth and Education?
  Lo! Christ begins for their great sins,
    to fire the Earth's Foundation;


CXCII.

[Sidenote: 2 Pet. 3:10.]

  And by and by the flaming Sky
    shall drop like molten Lead
  About their ears, t'increase their fears,
    and aggravate their dread.
  To Angel's good that ever stood
    in their integrity,
  Should they betake themselves, and make
    their suit incessantly?


CXCIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 13:41, 42. Rev. 20:13, 15].

  They've neither skill, nor do they will
    to work them any ease;
  They will not mourn to see them burn,
    nor beg for their release.
  To wicked men, their bretheren
    in sin and wickedness,
  Should they make moan? Their case is one;
    they're in the same distress.


CXCIV.

[Sidenote: Luke 16:28.]

  Ah! cold comfort and mean support,
    from such like Comforters!
  Ah! little joy of Company,
    and fellow-sufferers!
  Such shall increase their heart's disease,
    and add unto their woe,
  Because that they brought to decay
    themselves and many moe.


CXCV.

[Sidenote: Rev. 21:4. Psal. 58:10.]

  Unto the Saints with sad complaints
    should they themselves apply?
  They're not dejected nor aught affected
    with all their misery.
  Friends stand aloof and make no proof
    what Prayers or Tears can do;
  Your Godly friends are now more friends
    to Christ than unto you.


CXCVI.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 6:2.]

  Where tender love men's hearts did move
    unto a sympathy,
  And bearing part of others' smart
    in their anxiety,
  Now such compassion is out of fashion,
    and wholly laid aside;
  No friends so near, but Saints to hear
    their Sentence can abide.


CXCVII.

[Sidenote: Compare Prov. 1:28 with 1 John 3: 2, and 2 Cor. 5:16.]

  One natural Brother beholds another
    in his astonied fit,
  Yet sorrows not thereat a jot,
    nor pities him a whit.
  The godly Wife conceives no grief,
    nor can she shed a tear
  For the sad state of her dear Mate,
    when she his doom doth hear.


CXCVIII.

  He that was erst a Husband pierc'd
    with sense of Wife's distress,
  Whose tender heart did bear a part
    of all her grievances,
  Shall mourn no more as heretofore,
    because of her ill plight,
  Although he see her now to be
    a damn'd forsaken wight.


CXCIX.

[Sidenote: Luke 16:25.]

  The tender Mother will own no other
    of all her num'rous brood,
  But such as stand at Christ's right hand,
    acquitted through his Blood.
  The pious Father had now much rather
    his graceless Son should lie
  In Hell with Devils, for all his evils,
    burning eternally,


CC.

[Sidenote: Psal. 58:10.]

  Than God most High should injury
    by sparing him sustain;
  And doth rejoice to hear Christ's voice,
    adjudging him to pain.
  Thus having all, both great and small,
    convinc'd and silencéd,
  Christ did proceed their Doom to read,
    and thus it utteréd:


CCI.

[Sidenote: The Judge pronounceth the sentence of condemnation. Mat.
25:41.]

  "_Ye sinful wights and curséd sprights,
    that work iniquity,
  Depart together from me for ever
    to endless Misery;
  Your portion take in yonder Lake,
    where Fire and Brimstone flameth;
  Suffer the smart which your desert,
    as its due wages claimeth._"


CCII.

[Sidenote: The terror of it.]

  Oh piercing words, more sharp than swords!
    What! to depart from Thee,
  Whose face before for evermore
    the best of Pleasures be!
  What! to depart (unto our smart),
    from thee _Eternally_!
  To be for aye banish'd away
    with Devils' company!


CCIII.

  What! to be sent to Punishment,
    and flames of burning Fire!
  To be surrounded, and eke confounded
    with God's revengeful Ire!
  What! to abide, not for a tide,
    these Torments, but for Ever!
  To be releas'd, or to be eas'd,
    not after years, but Never!


CCIV.

  Oh fearful Doom! now there's no room
    for hope or help at all;
  Sentence is past which aye shall last;
    Christ will not it recall.
  Then might you hear them rend and tear
    the Air with their out-cries;
  The hideous noise of their sad voice
    ascendeth to the Skies.


CCV.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:38. Prov. 1:26.]

  They wring their hands, their caitiff-hands,
    and gnash their teeth for terror;
  They cry, they roar for anguish sore,
    and gnaw their tongues for horror.
  But get away without delay,
    Christ pities not your cry;
  Depart to Hell, there may you yell,
    and roar Eternally.


CCVI.

[Sidenote: It is put in Execution. Mat. 25:46.]

  That word "_Depart_," maugre their heart,
    drives every wicked one,
  With mighty pow'r, the self-same hour,
    far from the Judge's Throne.
  Away they're chas'd by the strong blast
    of his Death-threat'ning mouth;
  They flee full fast, as if in haste,
    although they be full loath.


CCVII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 13:41, 42.]

  As chaff that's dry, as dust doth fly
    before the Northern wind,
  Right so are they chaséd away,
    and can no Refuge find.
  They hasten to the Pit of Woe,
    guarded by Angels stout,
  Who to fulfil Christ's holy Will,
    attend this wickéd Rout;


CCVIII.

[Sidenote: HELL. Mat. 25:30. Mark 9:42. Isa. 30:33. Rev. 21:8.]

  Whom having brought as they are taught,
    unto the brink of Hell,
  (That dismal place, far from Christ's face,
    where Death and Darkness dwell,
  Where God's fierce Ire kindleth the fire,
    and vengeance feeds the flame,
  With piles of Wood and Brimstone Flood,
    so none can quench the same,)


CCIX.

[Sidenote: Wicked men and Devils cast into it forever. Mat. 22:13, and
25:46.]

  With Iron bands they bind their hands
    and curséd feet together,
  And cast them all, both great and small,
    into that Lake forever,
  Where day and night, without respite,
    they wail, and cry and howl,
  For tort'ring pain which they sustain,
    in Body and in Soul.


CCX.

[Sidenote: Rev. 14:10, 11.]

  For day and night, in their despite,
    their torment's smoke ascendeth,
  Their pain and grief have no relief,
    their anguish never endeth.
  There must they lie and never die,
    though dying every day;
  There must they dying ever lie,
    and not consume away.


CCXI.

  Die fain they would if die they could,
    but Death will not be had;
  God's direful wrath their bodies hath
    forev'r immortal made.
  They live to lie in misery,
    and bear eternal woe;
  And live they must whilst God is just,
    that he may plague them so.


CCXII.

[Sidenote: The unsufferable torments of the Damned. Luke 16:24. Jude 7.]

  But who can tell the plagues of Hell,
    and torments exquisite?
  Who can relate their dismal state,
    and terrors infinite?
  Who fare the best and feel the least,
    yet feel that punishment
  Whereby to nought they would be brought
    if God did not prevent.


CCXIII.

[Sidenote: Isa. 33:14. Mark 9:43, 44.]

  The least degree of misery
    there felt is incomparable;
  The lightest pain they there sustain
    is more than intolerable.
  But God's great pow'r from hour to hour
    upholds them in the fire,
  That they shall not consume a jot
    nor by its force expire.


CCXIV.

[Sidenote: Luke 12:47.]

  But, ah, the woe they undergo
    (_they_ more than all beside)
  Who had the light, and knew the right,
    yet would not it abide!
  The sev'n fold smart which to their part
    and porti-on doth fall,
  Who Christ's free Grace would not embrace,
    nor hearken to his call.


CCXV.

[Sidenote: Mat. 11:24.]

  The Amorites and Sodomites,
    although their plagues be sore,
  Yet find some ease compar'd to these,
    who feel a great deal more.
  Almighty God, whose Iron Rod,
    to smite them never lins,
  Doth most declare his Justice rare
    in plaguing these men's sins.


CCXVI.

[Sidenote: Luke 16:23, 25, and 13:28.]

  The pain of loss their souls doth toss,
    and wond'rously distress,
  To think what they have cast away
    by willful wickedness.
  "We might have been redeem'd from sin,"
    think they, "and liv'd above,
  Being possesst of Heav'nly rest,
    and joying in God's love.


CCXVII.

[Sidenote: Luke 13:24.]

  "But woe, woe, woe, our Souls unto!
    we would not happy be;
  And therefore bear God's vengeance here
    to all Eternity.
  Experience and woful sense
    must be our painful teachers,
  Who'd not believe, nor credit give
    unto our faithful Preachers."


CCXVIII.

[Sidenote: Mat. 9:44. Rom. 2:15.]

Thus shall they lie and wail and cry,
    tormented and tormenting;
  Their galléd hearts with poison'd darts,
    but now too late repenting.
  There let them dwell in th' Flames of Hell:
    there leave we them to burn,
  And back again unto the men
    whom Christ acquits, return.


CCXIX.

[Sidenote: The Saints rejoice to see Judgment executed upon the Wicked
World. Psal. 58:10. Rev. 10:1, 2, 3.]

  The Saints behold with courage bold
    and thankful wonderment,
  To see all those that were their foes
    thus sent to punishment.
  Then do they sing unto their King
    a Song of endless Praise;
  They praise his Name and do proclaim
    that just are all his ways.


CCXX.

[Sidenote: They ascend with Christ into Heaven triumphing. Mat. 25:46.]

  Thus with great joy and melody
    to Heav'n they all ascend,
  Him there to praise with sweetest lays,
    and Hymns that never end;
  Where with long rest they shall be blest,
    and naught shall them annoy,
  Where they shall see as seen they be,
    and whom they love enjoy.


CCXXI.

[Sidenote: 1 John 3:2. 1 Cor. 13:12. Their eternal happiness and
incomparable glory there.]

  Oh glorious Place! where face to face
    Jehovah may be seen,
  By such as were sinners while here,
    and no dark veil between!
  Where the Sunshine and light Divine
    of God's bright countenance,
  Doth rest upon them every one,
    with sweetest influence!


CCXXII.

[Sidenote: Rev. 21:4.]

  Oh blessed state of the Renate!
    Oh wond'rous happiness,
  To which they're brought beyond what thought
    can reach or words express!
  Grief's watercourse and sorrow's source
    are turn'd to joyful streams;
  Their old distress and heaviness
    are vanishéd like dreams.


CCXXIII.

[Sidenote: Psal. 16:11.]

  For God above in arms of love
    doth dearly them embrace,
  And fills their sprights with such delights,
    and pleasures in his Grace,
  As shall not fail, nor yet grow stale,
    through frequency of use;
  Nor do they fear God's favor there
    to forfeit by abuse.


CCXXIV.

[Sidenote: Heb. 12:23. Rev. 1:6, and 22:5.]

  For there the Saints are perfect Saints,
    and holy ones indeed;
  From all the sin that dwelt within
    their mortal bodies freed;
  Made Kings and Priests to God through Christ's
    dear Love's transcendency,
  There to remain and there to reign
    with him Eternally.



A SHORT DISCOURSE ON ETERNITY.


  What mortal man can with a Span
    mete out Eternity?
  Or fathom it by depth of Wit,
    or strength of Memory?
  The lofty Sky is not so high,
    Hell's depth to this is small;
  The World so wide is but a stride,
    comparéd therewithal.

  It is a main great Oce-an
    withouten bank or bound,
  A deep Abyss, wherein there is
    no bottom to be found.
  This World hath stood now since the Flood,
    four thousand years well near,
  And had before enduréd more
    than sixteen hundred year.

  But what's the time from the World's prime,
    unto this present day,
  If we thereby Eternity
    to measure should essay?
  The whole duration since the Creation,
    though long, yet is more little,
  If placed by Eternity,
    than is the smallest tittle.

  Tell every Star both near and far,
    in Heav'n's bright Canopy
  That doth appear throughout the year
    of high or low degree:
  Tell every Tree that thou canst see
    in this vast Wilderness,
  Up in the Woods, down by the Floods,
    in thousand miles Progress:

  The sum is vast, yet not so vast
    but that thou may'st go on
  To multiply the leaves thereby,
    that hang those Trees upon:
  Add thereunto the Drops that thou
    imaginest to be
  In April Show'rs, that bring forth Flow'rs
    and blossoms plenteously:

  Number the Fowls and living Souls
    that through the Air do fly,
  The wingéd Hosts in all their Coasts
    beneath the starry Sky:
  Count all the Grass as thou dost pass
    through many a pasture-land,
  And dewy Drops that on the tops
    of Herbs and Plants do stand:

  Number the Sand upon the Strand,
    and atoms of the Air;
  And do thy best on Man and Beast,
    to reckon every Hair:
  Take all the Dust, if so thou lust,
    and add to thine Account:
  Yet shall the Years of Sinners' tears,
    the Number far surmount.

  Naught join'd to naught can ne'er make aught,
    nor Cyphers make a Sum;
  Nor things finite, to infinite
    by multiplying come:
  A Cockle-shell may serve as well
    to lade the Ocean dry
  As finite things and reckonings
    to bound Eternity.

  Oh happy they that live for aye,
    with Christ in Heav'n above!
  Who know withal that nothing shall
    deprive them of his love.
  _Eternity, Eternity!_
    Oh! were it not for thee,
  The Saints in bliss and happiness
    could never happy be.

  For if they were in any fear
    that this their joy might cease,
  It would annoy (if not destroy)
    and interrupt their peace.
  But being sure it shall endure
    so long as God shall live;
  The thoughts of this, unto their bliss,
    do full perfection give.

  Cheer up ye Saints amidst your wants
    and sorrows many a one;
  Lift up the head, shake off all dread,
    and moderate your moan.
  Your sufferings and evil things
    will suddenly be past;
  Your sweet Fruitions and blessed Visions,
    for evermore shall last.

  Lament and mourn you that must burn
    amidst those flaming Seas:
  If once you come to such a doom,
    for ever farewell ease.
  O sad estate and desperate,
    that never can be mended,
  Until God's Will shall change, or till
    Eternity be ended!

  If any one this Questi-on
    shall unto me propound:
  What! have the years of Sinners' tears
    no limits or no bound?
  It kills our heart to think of smart,
    and pains that last for ever;
  And hear of fire that shall expire,
    or be extinguish'd never,

  I'll answer make (and let them take
    my words as I intend them;
  For this is all the Cordi-al
    that here I have to lend them:)
  When Heav'n shall cease to flow with peace
    and all felicity,
  Then Hell may cease to be the place
    of Woe and Misery.

  When Heav'n is Hell, when Ill is Well,
    when Virtue turns to Vice;
  When Wrong is Right, when Dark is Light,
    when Naught is of great price;
  Then may the years of Sinners' tears
    and sufferings expire,
  And all the Hosts of damnéd Ghosts
    escape out of Hell-fire.

  When Christ above shall cease to love,
    when God shall cease to reign
  And be no more as heretofore
    the World's great Sovéreign;
  Or not be just, or favor lust,
    or in Men's sins delight;
  Then wicked men (and not till then)
    to Heav'n may take their flight.

  When God's great Power shall be brought lower,
    by foreign Puissance,
  Or be decay'd and weaker made
    through Time's continuance;
  When drowsiness shall him oppress,
    and lay him fast asleep,
  Then sinful men may break their pen,
    and out of Prison creep.

  When those in Glory shall be right sorry
    they may not change their place,
  And wish to dwell with those in Hell,
    never to see Christ's face;
  Then those in pain may freedom gain
    and be with Glory dight:
  Then Hellish fiends may be Christ's Friends,
    and Heirs of Heavén hight.

  Then, ah! poor men! What! not till then?
    No, not an hour before;
  For God is just, and therefore must
    torment them evermore.
  ETERNITY! ETERNITY!
    thou mak'st hard hearts to bleed:
  The thoughts of thee in misery,
    do make men wail indeed.

  When they remind what's still behind
    and ponder this word NEVER,
  That they must there be made to bear
    God's Vengéance for EVER:
  The thought of this more bitter is
    than all they feel beside;
  Yet what they feel, nor heart of steel,
    nor flesh of brass can bide.

  To lie in woe and undergo
    the direful pains of Hell,
  And know withal, that there they shall
    for aye and ever dwell;
  And that they are from rest as far
    when fifty thousand year,
  Twice told, are spent in punishment,
    as when they first came there;

  This, oh! this makes Hell's fiery flakes
    much more intolerable;
  This makes frail wights and damnéd sprites
    to bear their plagues unable.
  This makes men bite, for fell despite,
    their very tongues in twain;
  This makes them roar for great horror,
    and trebleth all their pain.



A POSTSCRIPT UNTO THE READER.


  And now, good Reader, I return again
  To talk with thee who hast been at the pain
  To read throughout and heed what went before;
  And unto thee I'll speak a little more.
  Give ear I pray thee unto what I say,
  That God may hear thy voice another day.
  Thou hast a Soul, my Friend, and so have I,
  To save or lose; a Soul that cannot die;
  A Soul of greater price than Gold or Gems;
  A Soul more worth than Crowns and Diadems;
  A Soul at first created like its Maker,
  And of God's Image made to be partaker:
  Upon the wings of noblest Faculties,
  Taught for to soar above the Starry Skies,
  And not to rest, until it understood
  Itself possessed of the chiefest Good.
  And since the Fall thy Soul retaineth still
  Those faculties of Reason and of Will,
  But oh! how much deprav'd and out of frame,
  As if they were some other's, not the same!
  Thine Understanding dismally benighted,
  And Reason's eye in Spir'tual things dim-sighted,
  Or else stark blind; thy Will inclin'd to evil,
  And nothing else; a slave unto the Devil;
  That loves to live, and liveth to transgress,
  But shuns the way of God and Holiness.
  All thine Affections are disorderéd,
  And thus by headstrong Passions are misled.
  What need I tell thee of thy crooked way,
  And many wicked wand'rings every day?
  Or that thine own transgressi-ons are more
  In number than the sands upon the Shore?
  Thou art a lump of wickedness become,
  And may'st with horror think upon thy Doom,
  Until thy Soul be washéd in the flood
  Of Christ's most dear, soul-cleansing, precious-Blood.
  That, that alone can do away thy sin,
  Which thou wert born and hast long livéd in;
  That, only that can pacify God's wrath,
  If apprehended by a lively Faith,
  Now whilst the day and means of Grace do last,
  Before the opportunity be past.

  But if, O man, thou liv'st a Christless creature,
  And Death surprise thee in a state of nature,
  (As who can tell but that may be thy case?)
  How wilt thou stand before the Judge's face,
  When he shall be reveal'd in flaming fire,
  And come to pay ungodly men their hire,
  To execute due vengeance upon those
  That knew him not, or that had been his foes?
  What wilt thou answer unto his demands,
  When he requires a reason at thy hands,
  Of all the things that thou hast said or done,
  Or left undone, or set thine heart upon?
  When he shall thus with thee expostulate:
  "What cause hadst than thy Maker for to hate,
  To take up arms against thy Sovéreign,
  And enmity against him to maintain?
  What injury hath God Almighty done thee?
  What good hath he withheld that might have won thee?
  What evil, or injustice hast thou found
  In him that might unto thine hurt redound?
  If neither felt nor fearéd injury
  Hath movéd thee to such hostility,
  What made thee then the Fountain to forsake,
  And unto broken Pits thyself betake?
  What reason hadst thou to dishonor God,
  Who thee with Mercies never ceas'd to load?
  Because the Lord was good hast thou been evil,
  And taken part against him with the Devil?
  For all his cost to pay him with despite,
  And all his love with hatred to requite?
  Is this the fruit of God's great patience,
  To wax more bold in disobedience?
  To kick against the bowels of his Love?
  Is this aright his Bounty to improve?
  Stand still, ye Heav'ns, and be astonishéd,
  That God by man should thus be injuréd!
  Give ear, O Earth, and tremble at the sin
  Of those that thine Inhabitants have been!
  But thou, vile wretch, hast added unto all
  Thine other faults and facts so criminal,
  The damning sin of willful unbelief;
  Of all Transgressors hast thou been the chief.
  Yet when time was thou might'st have been set free
  From Sin and Wrath and punishment by me;
  But thou would'st not accept of Gospel Grace,
  Nor on my terms Eternal Life embrace.
  As if that all thy breaches of God's Law
  Were not enough upon thy head to draw
  Eternal Wrath, thou hast despis'd a Savior,
  Rejected me, and trampled on my favor.
  How oft have I stood knocking at thy door,
  And been denied entrance evermore?
  How often hath my Spirit been withstood,
  When as I sent him to have done thee good?
  Thou hast no need of any one to plead
  Thy cause or for thy Soul to intercede:
  Plead for thyself; if thou hast aught to say,
  And pay thy forfeiture without delay.
  Behold thou dost ten thousand Talents owe;
  Pay thou the debt or else to Prison go."

  Think, think, O man, when Christ shall thus unfold
  Thy secret guilt, and make thee to behold
  The ugly face of all thy sinful errors,
  And fill thy soul with his amazing terrors,
  And let thee see the flaming Pit of Hell,
  Where all that have no part in him shall dwell;
  When he shall thus expostulate the case,
  How canst thou bear to look him in the face?
  What wilt thou do without an Advocate,
  Or plead, when thus thy state is desperate?
  Dost think to put him off with fair pretenses?
  Or wilt thou hide and cover thine offenses?
  Can anything from him concealéd be,
  Who doth the hidden things of darkness see?
  Art thou of force his Power to withstand?
  Canst thou by might escape out of his hand?
  Dost thou intend to run out of his sight,
  And save thyself from punishment by flight?
  Or wilt thou be eternally accurst,
  And 'bide his Vengeance, let him do his worst?
  Oh! who can bear his indignation's heat?
  Or 'bide the pains of Hell which are so great?

  If, then, thou neither canst his Wrath endure,
  Nor any ransom after death procure;
  If neither Cries nor Tears can move his heart
  To pardon thee or mitigate thy smart,
  But unto Hell thou must perforce be sent,
  With dismal horror and astonishment,
  Consider, O my Friend, what cause thou hast,
  With fear and trembling (while as yet thou may'st),
  To lay to heart thy sin and misery,
  And to make out after the Remedy.
  Consider well the greatness of thy danger,
  O Child of wrath, and object of God's anger.
  Thou hangest over the Infernal Pit
  By one small thread, and car'st not thou a whit?
  There's but a step between thy Soul and Death;
  Nothing remains but stopping of thy breath,
  (Which may be done to-morrow, or before)
  And then thou art undone forevermore.
  Let this awaken thy security,
  And make thee look about thee speedily.

  How canst thou rest an hour or sleep a night,
  Or in thy creature-comforts take delight?
  Or with vain Toys thyself forgetful make
  How near thou art unto the burning Lake?
  How canst thou live without tormenting fears?
  How canst thou hold from weeping floods of tears?
  Yea, tears of blood, I might almost have said,
  If such-like tears could from thine eyes be shed.
  To gain the world what will it profit thee,
  And lose thy soul and self eternally?
  Eternity on one small point dependeth;
  The man is lost that this short life misspendeth.
  For as the Tree doth fall, right so it lies,
  And man continues in what state he dies.
  Who happy die shall happy rise again;
  Who curséd die shall curséd still remain.
  If under Sin and Wrath Death leaves thee bound,
  At Judgment under Wrath thou shalt be found;
  And then woe woe that ever thou wert born,
  O wretched man, of Heav'n and Earth forlorn!
  Consider this, all ye that God forget,
  Who all his threatenings at naught do set,
  Lest into pieces he begin to tear
  Your souls, and there be no deliverer.

  O you that now sing care and fear away,
  Think often of the formidable Day,
  Wherein the Heavens with a mighty noise,
  And with a hideous, heart-confounding voice
  Shall pass away, together being roll'd,
  As men are wont their garments up to fold;
  When th' Elements with fervent heat shall melt,
  And living Creatures in the same shall swelt,
  And altogether in those flames expire,
  Which set the Earth's Foundati-ons on fire.
  Oh! what amazements will your hearts be in,
  And how will you to curse yourselves begin,
  For all your damnéd sloth and negligence,
  And unbelief and gross Impenitence,
  When you shall hear that dreadful Sentence pass'd,
  That all the wicked into Hell be cast!
  What horrors will your Consciences surprise,
  When you shall hear the fruitless, doleful cries
  Of such as are compelléd to depart
  Unto the place of everlasting smart!
  What! when you see the sparks fly out of Hell,
  And view the Dungeon where you are to dwell,
  Wherein you must eternally remain
  In anguish and intolerable pain!
  What! when your hands and feet are bound together,
  And you are cast into the Lake forever!
  Then shall you feel the truth of what you hear,
  That Hellish pains are more than you can bear,
  And that those Torments are an hundred fold
  More terrible than ever you were told.

  Nor speak I this, good Reader, to torment thee
  Before the time, but rather to prevent thee
  From running headlong to thine own decay,
  In such a perilous and deadly way.
  We who have known and felt Jehovah's terrors,
  Persuade men to repent them of their errors,
  And turn to God in time ere his Decree
  Bring forth, and then there be no Remedy.
  If in the night, when thou art fast asleep,
  Some friend of thine that better watch doth keep,
  Should see thy house all on a burning flame,
  And thee almost incloséd with the same:
  If such a friend should break thy door and wake thee,
  Or else by force out of the peril take thee,
  What! wouldst thou take his kindness in ill part,
  Or frown upon him for his good desert?

  Such, O my friend, such is thy present state
  And danger, being unregenerate.
  Awake, awake, and then thou shalt perceive
  Thy peril greater than thou wilt believe.
  Lift up thine eyes, and see God's wrathful ire
  Preparing unextinguishable fire
  For all that live and die impenitent.
  Awake, awake, O Sinner, and repent,
  And quarrel not because I thus alarm
  Thy Soul, to save it from eternal harm.

  Perhaps thou harborest such thoughts as these:
  "I hope I may enjoy my carnal ease
  A little longer, and myself refresh
  With those delights that gratify the flesh,
  And yet repent before it be too late,
  And get into a comfortable state.
  I hope I have yet many years to spend,
  And time enough those matters to attend."
  Presumptuous heart! Is God engag'd to give
  A longer time to such as love to live
  Like Rebels still, who think to strain his Glory
  By wickedness, and after to be sorry?
  Unto thy lust shall he be made a drudge,
  Who thee and all ungodly men shall judge?
  Canst thou account sin sweet, and yet confess
  That first or last it ends in bitterness?
  Is sin a thing that must procure thee sorrow,
  And wouldst thou dally with't another morrow?

  O foolish man who lovest to enjoy
  That which will thee distress, or else destroy!
  What gainéd Samson by his Delilah?
  What gainéd David by his Bathshebah?
  The one became a slave, lost both his eyes,
  And made them sport that were his enemies;
  The other penneth, as a certain token
  Of God's displeasure, that his bones were broken,
  Besides the woes he after met withal,
  To chasten him for that his grievous Fall:
  His own Son Ammon, using crafty wiles,
  His Daughter Thamar wickedly defiles:
  His second Son, more beautiful than good,
  His hands embreweth in his Brother's blood:
  And by and by, aspiring to the Crown,
  He strives to pull his gentle Father down;
  With hellish rage, him fiercely persecuting,
  And brutishly his Concubines polluting.
  Read whoso list, and ponder what he reads,
  And he shall find small joy in evil deeds.

  Moreover this consider, that the longer
  Thou liv'st in sin, thy sins will grow the stronger;
  And then it will an harder matter prove
  To leave those wicked haunts that thou dost love.
  The Black'moor may as eas'ly change his skin;
  As old Transgressors leave their wonted sin.
  And who can tell what will become of thee,
  Or where thy Soul in one day's time may be?
  We see that Death never old nor young men spares,
  But one and other takes at unawares;
  For in a moment, whilst men Peace do cry,
  Destruction seizeth on them suddenly.
  Thou who this morning art a lively wight,
  May'st be a corpse and damned Ghost ere night.

  Oh! dream not then that it will serve thy turn
  Upon thy Death-bed for thy sins to mourn;
  But think how many have been snatch'd away,
  And had no time for mercy once to pray.
  It's just with God Repentance to deny
  To such as put it off until they die.
  And late Repentance seldom proveth true,
  Which, if it fail, thou know'st what must ensue;
  For after this short life is at an end,
  What is amiss thou never canst amend.
  Believe, O man, that to procrastinate,
  And put it off until it be too late,
  As 'tis thy sin, so it is Satan's wile,
  Whereby he doth great multitudes beguile.
  How many thousands hath this strong delusion
  Already brought to ruin and confusion,
  Whose souls are now reserv'd in iron chains,
  Under thick darkness to Eternal Pains!
  They thought of many years, as thou dost now,
  But were deceivéd quite, and so may'st thou.

  Oh! then, my friend, waste not away thy time,
  Nor by rebellion aggravate thy crime.
  Oh! put not off Repentance till to-morrow,
  Adventure not, without God's leave, to borrow
  Another day to spend upon thy lust,
  Lest God (that is most Holy, Wise, and Just)
  Denounce in wrath, and to thy terror say,
  "This night shall Devils fetch thy Soul away."

  Now seek the face of God with all thy heart,
  Acknowledge unto him how vile thou art.
  Tell him thy Sins deserve eternal wrath,
  And that it is a wonder that he hath
  Permitted thee so long to draw thy breath,
  Who might have cut thee off by sudden death,
  And sent thy Soul into the lowest Pit,
  From whence no price should ever ransom it;
  And that he may most justly do it still,
  (Because thou hast deserv'd it) if he will.
  Yet also tell him that, if he shall please,
  He can forgive thy sins and thee release,
  And that in Christ his Son he may be just
  And justify all those that on him trust;
  That though thy sins are of a crimson dye,
  Yet Christ his Blood can cleanse thee thoroughly,
  Tell him that he may make his Glorious Name
  More wonderful by covering thy shame;
  That Mercy may be greatly magnified,
  And justice also fully satisfied,
  If he shall please to own thee in his Son,
  Who hath paid dear for Man's Redempti-on.
  Tell him thou hast an unbelieving heart,
  Which hind'reth thee from coming for a part
  In Christ; and that although his terrors awe thee,
  Thou canst not come till he be pleas'd to draw thee.
  Tell him thou know'st thine heart to be so bad,
  And thy condition so exceeding sad,
  That though Salvation may be had for naught
  Thou canst not come and take it till thou'rt brought.

  Oh! beg of him to bow thy stubborn will
  To come to Christ, that he thy lusts may kill.
  Look up to Christ for his attractive pow'r,
  Which he exerteth in a needful hour;
  Who saith, "When as I lifted up shall be,
  Then will I draw all sorts of men to me."
  Oh! wait upon him with true diligence
  And trembling fear in every Ordinance;
  Unto his Call earnest attention give,
  Whose voice makes deaf men hear and dead men live.
  Thus weep and mourn, thus hearken, pray, and wait,
  Till he behold and pity thine estate,
  Who is more ready to bestow his Grace
  Than thou the same art willing to embrace;
  Yea, he hath Might enough to bring thee home,
  Though thou hast neither strength nor will to come.

  If he delay to answer thy request,
  Know that ofttimes he doth it for the best;
  Not with intent to drive us from his door,
  But for to make us importune him more;
  Or else to bring us daily to confess,
  And be convinc'd of our unworthiness.
  Oh! be not weary, then, but persevere
  To beg his Grace till he thy suit shall hear;
  And leave him not, nor from his footstool go,
  Till over thee Compassion's skirt he throw.
  Eternal Life shall recompense thy pains,
  If found at last, with everlasting gains.
  For if the Lord be pleas'd to hear thy cries,
  And to forgive thy great iniquities,
  Thou wilt have cause forever to admire
  And laud his Grace, that granted thy desire.
  Then shalt thou find thy labor is not lost,
  But that the good obtain'd surmounts the cost.
  Nor shalt thou grieve for loss of sinful pleasures,
  Exchang'd for Heav'nly joys and lasting treasures.
  The yoke of Christ which once thou didst esteem
  A tedious yoke, shall then most easy seem.
  For why? The love of Christ shall thee constrain
  To take delight in that which was thy pain.
  The ways of Wisdom shall be pleasant ways,
  And thou shalt choose therein to spend thy days.

  If once thy Soul be brought to such a pass,
  O bless the Lord and magnify his Grace.
  Thou that of late hadst reason to be sad,
  May'st now rejoice and be exceeding glad;
  For thy condition is as happy now
  As erst it was disconsolate and low.
  Thou art become as rich, as whilom poor;
  As blesséd now as curséd heretofore.
  For being cleanséd with Christ's precious Blood,
  Thou hast an int'rest in the chiefest Good;
  God's anger is towards thy Soul appeas'd,
  And in his Christ he is with thee well pleas'd.
  Yea, he doth look upon thee with a mild
  And gracious aspect, as upon his child.
  He is become thy Father and thy Friend,
  And will defend thee from the curséd Fiend.
  Thou need'st not fear the roaring Lion's rage,
  Since God Almighty doth himself engage
  To bear thy Soul in everlasting Arms,
  Above the reach of all destructive harms.
  Whatever here thy sufferings may be,
  Yet from them all the Lord shall rescue thee.
  He will preserve thee by his wond'rous Might
  Unto that rich Inheritance in Light.

  O sing for joy, all ye Regenerate,
  Whom Christ hath brought unto this blessed state!
  O love the Lord all ye his saints, who hath
  Redeeméd you from everlasting wrath!
  Who hath by dying made your Souls to live,
  And what he dearly bought doth freely give.
  Give up yourselves to walk in all his ways,
  And study how to live unto his praise.
  The time is short you have to serve him here;
  The day of your deliv'rance draweth near.
  Lift up your heads, ye upright ones in heart,
  Who in Christ's purchase have obtain'd a part.
  Behold he rides upon a shining cloud,
  With angel's voice and Trumpet sounding loud.
  He comes to save his folk from all their foes,
  And plague the men that Holiness oppose.
  So come, Lord Jesus, quickly come, we pray;
  Yea, come and hasten our Redemption-day.



VANITY OF VANITIES.

A SONG OF EMPTINESS.


  Vain, frail, short-liv'd, and miserable Man,
  Learn what thou art when thy estate is best;
  A restless Wave o' th' troubled Oce-an,
  A Dream, a lifeless Picture finely drest.

  A Wind, a Flower, a Vapor, and a Bubble,
  A Wheel that stands not still, a trembling Reed,
  A trolling Stone, dry Dust, light Chaff, and Stubble,
  A shadow of something but truly naught indeed.

  Learn what deceitful Toys and empty things
  This World and all its best Enjoyments be;
  Out of the Earth no true Contentment springs,
  But all things here are vexing Vanity.

  For what is Beauty but a fading Flower?
  Or what is Pleasure but the Devil's bait,
  Whereby he catcheth whom he would devour,
  And multitudes of Souls doth ruinate?

  And what are Friends but mortal men as we,
  Whom Death from us may quickly separate?
  Or else their hearts may quite estrangéd be,
  And all their love be turnéd into hate.

  And what are Riches to be doted on?
  Uncertain, fickle, and ensnaring things;
  They draw men's Souls into Perditi-on,
  And when most needed take them to their wings.

  Ah! foolish man! that sets his heart upon
  Such empty shadows, such wild Fowl as these,
  That being gotten will be quickly gone,
  And whilst they stay increase but his disease.

  As in a Dropsy, drinking drought begets,
  The more he drinks the more he still requires,
  So on this World whoso affection sets,
  As Wealth's increase, increaseth his desires.

  O happy Man, whose portion is above,
  Where Floods, where Flames, where Foes cannot bereave him!
  Most wretched Man that fixéd hath his love
  Upon this World, that surely will deceive him!

  For what is Honor? what is Sovereignty,
  Whereto men's hearts so restlessly aspire?
  Whom have they crownéd with Felicity?
  When did they ever satisfy desire?

  The Ear of Man with hearing is not fill'd;
  To see new sights still coveteth the Eye;
  The craving stomach, though it may be still'd,
  Yet craves again without a new supply.

  All Earthly things man's cravings answer not,
  Whose little heart would all the World contain,
  (If all the World should fall to one man's lot)
  And notwithstanding empty still remain.

  The Eastern Conqueror was said to weep
  When he the Indian Oce-an did view,
  To see his Conquest bounded by the Deep,
  And no more Worlds remaining to subdue.

  Who would that man in his Enjoyment bless,
  Or envy him, or covet his Estate,
  Whose gettings do augment his greediness,
  And make his wishes more intemperate?

  Such is the wonted and the common guise
  Of those on Earth that bear the greatest sway;
  If with a few the case be otherwise,
  They seek a Kingdom that abides for aye.

  Moreover they of all the Sons of Men
  That rule, and are in highest Places set,
  Are most inclin'd to scorn their Bretheren,
  And God himself (without great Grace) forget.

  For as the Sun doth blind the gazers' eyes,
  That for a time they naught discern aright,
  So Honor doth befool and blind the Wise,
  And their own lustre 'reaves them of their sight.

  Great are their Dangers, manifold their Cares,
  Through which, whilst others sleep, they scarcely Nap,
  And yet are oft surpriséd unawares,
  And fall unwilling into Envy's Trap.

  The mean Mechanic finds his kindly rest;
  All void of fear sleepeth the Country Clown;
  When greatest Princes often are distrest,
  And cannot sleep upon their Beds of Down.

  Could Strength or Valor men Immortalize,
  Could Wealth or Honor keep them from decay,
  There were some cause the same to Idolize,
  And give the lie to that which I do say.

  But neither can such things themselves endure,
  Without the hazard of a change, one hour,
  Nor such as trust in them can they secure
  From dismal days, or Death's prevailing pow'r.

  If Beauty could the Beautiful defend
  From Death's dominion, then fair Absalom
  Had not been brought to such a shameful end:
  But fair and foul unto the Grave must come.

  If Wealth or Scepters could Immortal make,
  Then, wealthy Crœsus, wherefore art thou dead?
  If Warlike force which makes the World to quake,
  Then why is Julius Cæsar perishéd?

  Where are the Scipio's Thunderbolts of War?
  Renownéd Pompey, Cæsar's Enemy?
  Stout Hannibal, Rome's Terror known so far?
  Great Alexander, what's become of thee?

  If Gifts and Bribes Death's favor might but win,
  If Pow'r, if Force, or Threat'nings might it fray,
  All these, and more had still surviving been;
  But all are gone, for Death will have no Nay.

  Such is this World, with all her Pomp and Glory;
  Such are the men whom worldly eyes admire,
  Cut down by time, and now become a Story,
  That we might after better things aspire.

  Go boast thyself of what thy heart enjoys,
  Vain Man! triumph in all thy worldly Bliss:
  Thy best Enjoyments are but Trash and Toys;
  Delight thyself in that which worthless is.

_Omnia prætereunt præter amare Deum._



DEATH EXPECTED AND WELCOMED.


  Welcome sweet Rest, by me so long Desir'd,
  Who have with Sins and Griefs so long been tir'd;
  And welcome Death, my Father's Messenger;
  Of my Felicity the hastener.

  Welcome good Angels, who, for me distrest,
  Are come to guard me to Eternal Rest.
  Welcome, O Christ, who hast my Soul Redeem'd,
  Whose Favor I have more than Life esteem'd.

  Oh! do not now my sinful soul forsake,
  But to thyself thy Servant gath'ring take.
  Into thy Hands I recommend my Spirit,
  Trusting through Thee Eternal Life t'inherit.



A FAREWELL TO THE WORLD.


  Now Farewell, World, in which is not my Treasure;
  I have in thee enjoy'd but little Pleasure.
  And now I leave thee for a Better Place,
  Where lasting Pleasures are, before Christ's face.

  Farewell, ye Sons of Men, who do not savor
  The things of God; who little prize his Favor.
  Farewell, I say, with your Fool's Paradise,
  Until the King of Terrors you surprise,
  And bring you trembling to Christ's Judgment Seat,
  To give Account of your Transgressions great.

  Farewell, New England, which hast long enjoy'd
  The Day of Grace, but hast most vainly toy'd
  And trifled with the Gospel's glorious Light;
  Thou may'st expect a dark Egyptian Night.

  Farewell, young Brood and rising Generation,
  Wanton and proud, ripe for God's Indignation,
  Which neither you nor others can prevent,
  Except in Truth you speedily repent.

  Farewell, sweet Saints of God, Christ's little Number,
  Beware lest ye through sloth securely slumber;
  Stand to your Spir'tual Arms and keep your Watch,
  Let not your Enemy you napping catch;
  Take up your Cross, prepare for Tribulation,
  Through which doth lie the way unto salvation.
  Love Jesus Christ with all sincerity;
  Eschew Will-worship and Idolatry.
  Farewell, again, until we all appear
  Before our Lord, a _Well-done_ there to hear.

  Farewell, ye faithful Servants of the Lord,
  Painful dispensers of his Holy Word,
  From whose Communion and Society
  I once was kept through long infirmity.
  This of my Sorrows was an aggravation;
  But Christ be thankéd, through whose Mediation
  I have at length obtainéd Liberty
  To dwell with Soul-delighting Company,
  Where many of our Friends are gone before,
  And you shall follow with a many more.
  Meanwhile stand fast, the Truth of God maintain,
  Suffer for Christ, and great shall be your Gain.

  Farewell, my natural Friends and clear Relations,
  Who have my Trials seen and great Temptations;
  You have no cause to make for me great Moan;
  My Death to you is little Loss or none.
  But unto me it is no little Gain,
  For Death at once frees me from all my Pain.
  Make Christ your greatest Friend, who never dies;
  All other Friends are fading Vanities.
  Make him your Light, your Life, your End, your All;
  Prepare for Death, be ready for his Call.

  Farewell, vile Body, subject to decay,
  Which art with lingering sickness worn away;
  I have by thee much Pain and Smart endur'd;
  Great Grief of Mind hast thou to me procur'd;
  Great Grief of Mind by being Impotent,
  And to Christ's Work an awkward Instrument.
  Thou shalt not henceforth be a clog to me.
  Nor shall my Soul a Burthen be to thee.

  Rest in thy Grave until the Resurrection,
  Then shalt thou be revivéd in Perfection,
  Endow'd with wonderful Agility,
  Clothéd with Strength and Immortality;
  With shining Brightness gloriously array'd,
  Like to Christ's glorious Body, glorious made.
  Thus Christ shall thee again to me restore,
  Ever to live with him and part no more.
  Meanwhile my Soul shall enter into Peace,
  Where Fears and Tears, where Sin and Smart shall cease.



 A
 CHARACTER
 OF THE REVEREND AUTHOR,
 MR. MICHAEL WIGGLESWORTH,
 IN A FUNERAL SERMON PREACHED AT
 MALDEN, JUNE 24, 1705.
 BY THE REVEREND DR. COTTON MATHER.


He was Descended of Eminently Religious Parents, who were Sufferers for
that which was then _The Cause of God_ and of _New-England_. While he
was yet a youth, he was marvellously concerned that he might have an
Heart filled with the Spirit of God. This Concernment upon his mind
appeared especially in his watchful Endeavors to have _Spiritual Sins_
chased out of his cleansed Heart. PRIDE, the Sin of _Young Men_, yea, of
_all_ Men; PRIDE, the Sin which few Men try or trouble themselves about;
this Devout Youth was full of Holy and Watchful Trouble about it: And he
then wrote a very Savoury Discourse, Entituled, _Considerations against
Pride_, and another, Entituled, _Considerations against Delighting more
in the Creature than in God_. This was to Mortify in himself the Sins
rarely minded by the most of men.

Having had a Pious and a Learned Education, the first Publick Station
wherein I find him, was that of a _Fellow_ and a _Tutor_ in _Harvard
Colledge_. With a rare Faithfulness did he adorn that Station! He used
all means imaginable to make his _Pupils_ not only good Scholars, but
also good _Christians_, and instil into them those things which might
render them rich Blessings unto the _Churches_ of God. Unto his Watchful
and Painful Essays to keep them close under their _Academical
Exercises_, he added Serious Admonitions unto them about their Interior
State; and he Employed his _Prayers_ and _Tears_ to God for them, and
had such a flaming zeal to make them worthy Men, that upon Reflection he
was afraid _Lest his cares for their Good, and his affection to them,
should so drink up his very Spirit, as to steal away his Heart from God_.

From _Cambridge_ he made his remove to _Malden_, and was their Faithful
Pastor for about a Jubilee of years together.

It was not long after his coming to Malden that a sickly Constitution so
prevailed upon him, as to confine him from his Publick Work for some
whole seven of Years. His _Faithfulness_ continued when his _Ministry_
was thus interrupted. The Kindness of his Tender Flock unto him was
answered in his Kind Concern to have them served by other Hands. He took
a short voyage unto another Country for the Recovery of his Health;
which, though he recovered not, yet at his Return I find him comforting
himself with inserting of this Passage in his Reserved Papers:

 Peradventure the Lord Removed me for a season that he might set a
 better Watchman over his Flock, and a more painful Laborer in his
 Vineyard. This was one thing that I aimed at in Removing (to help the
 People's Modesty in the case), and I believe the Lord aimed at it, in
 Removing me for a season.

His Faithfulness now appeared in his _Edifying Discourses_ to those that
came near him; much bewailing the want of a Profitable and Religious
conversation in so many that profess Religion. And that yet he might
more _Faithfully_ set himself to do Good, when he could not Preach he
_Wrote_ several Composures, wherein he proposed the edification of such
Readers as are for plain Truths, dressed up in a _Plain Meeter_. These
Composures have had their Acceptance and Advantage among that sort of
Readers; and one of them, the _Day of Doom_, which has been often
Reprinted in both _Englands_, may find our Children till the _Day_
itself arrive.

It pleased God, when the distress of the Church in _Malden_ did
extremely call for it, wondrously to restore his _Faithful Servant_. He
that had been for near Twenty Years almost _Buried Alive_, comes abroad
again, and for as many years more, must, in _Publick Usefulness_,
receive the Answer and Harvest of the Thousands of Supplications with
which the _God of his Health_ had favoured him.

How _Faithfully_ did he now Deliver the _Whole Counsel of God_!

How _Faithfully_ did he Rebuke _Sin_, both in his _Ministry_ and
_Discipline_!

How Faithful was he to the _Work of God_ in the Churches of
_New-England_, and grieved at every thing that he thought had any
Tendency to incommode that Glorious Work! But how _Patient_, how
_Loving_, how _Charitable_ to such as in lesser Matters differed from
him!

How Faithful was he in the Education of his _Family_! A very Abraham for
his Commands unto them, to _Keep the Way of the Lord_! A very David for
his charge unto them to _Know the God of their Father and Serve Him_!

His long Weakness and Illness made him an _able Physician_ for the
_Body_ as well the _Soul_.

As he was _Faithful to the Death_, so he was _Lively to the Death_.

It was a surprise to us to see a little, feeble _Shadow_ _of a Man_,
beyond _Seventy_, preaching usually twice or thrice in a week, Visiting,
Comforting the _Afflicted_, Encouraging the _Private Meetings_,
_Catechising_ the Children of the Flock, and managing the _Government_
of the Church, and attending the _Sick_, not only as a _Pastor_, but as
a _Physician_ too; and this not only in his own Town, but also in all
those of the Vicinity. Thus he did _unto the Last_; and he was but one
_Lord's-Day_ taken off before his Last. But in the _Last Week_ of his
Life, how full of _Resignation_! How full of _Satisfaction_!

From his Exemplary Life I will single out one thing, his EARLY RELIGION.
Our _Wigglesworth_ was a Godly child, and he held on living to God and
Christ until the Seventy-Fourth Year of his Age.

When he lay a Dying, some one spoke to him about his having secured his
_Interest_ in the Favor of Heaven, and his _Assurance_ of that
_Interest_. He Replyed, [Me-thoughts like my _Polycarp_,]

 I bless God I began that Work betimes, and ere I was Twenty Years Old I
 had made thorow work of it. Ever since then I have been pressing after
 the Power of Godliness, the Power of Godliness! For more than Fifty
 Years together I have been Laboring to uphold a Life of Communion with
 God; and I thank the Lord I now find the Comfort of it!

Words that contain in them _A History of a Life_ more Valuable than I
have seen a Volume in Folio.



 EPITAPH.
 (BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY REV. COTTON MATHER.)
 THE EXCELLENT
 WIGGLESWORTH;
 REMEMBERED BY SOME GOOD TOKENS.


  His Pen did once _Meat from the Eater_ fetch;
  And now he's gone beyond the _Eater's_ reach.
  His _Body_ once so _Thin_, was next to _None_;
  From hence he's to _Unbodied Spirits_ flown.
  Once his rare skill did all _Diseases_ heal;
  And he does nothing now _uneasy_ feel.
  He to his _Paradise_ is joyful come,
  And waits with joy to see his _Day of Doom_.





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