University of Virginia Library

ON WHITSUNDAY.

All hail great day! Day of our new Creation,
And of Redemption the sure confirmation.
Almighty Love, that did us first create
In holiness and bliss, when from that state
By our Apostasie, our selves we threw
Into that state, doth us again renew;
This did the blessed Jesus undertake,
And by his Spirit wrought, which for his sake
On us was shed; and which doth fully show,
Christ is God's Son, by making Christians so.
He being now advanc'd on Gods right hand,
Doth exercise his regal Power, and
By all the Miracles of this great day,
Not only doth his present power display;
But also shews his future purposes,
And doth effect them by such signs as these.
A rushing Wind do his Disciples hear,
And cloven fiery Tongues on them appear.
God both in Wind, and Fire, and Voice is here:
Through all the World this wind commotion makes,
Which both the Heathenish State, and Jewish shakes.
For not the Idol-temples fall alone,
But also that of the great Solomon;
This fire soon grew into a mighty flame,
And as if that strong wind had driven the same,
Through the whole World it did with brightness shine,
And did the World enlighten and refine.
Those Cloven Tongues, th' Apostles mouths did fill,
And did convey to them such wondrous skill,
In all the Languages the World had known,
That they exactly spoke them as their own:
And whilst in these they do the Gospel preach,
Their hearers they do both surprise and teach.
These were to them Letters of Credence given,
To shew their Embassy deriv'd from Heaven.
What God inflicted once for punishment,
Now as a blessing on the World is sent.
Variety of Tongues that did disperse
All Nations, now unites the Universe.
The Babel-builders it did then confound;
But now the Christian Church even from the ground,
To such a vast firm structure doth it raise,
As may engage Spectators to his praise,
Whose wisdom can make all things serve his ends,
The same thing hurts his Foes, and helps his Friends.
What to th' Apostles he did then direct,
Hath on each single Christian some effect.
O Sacred Spirit, within my Soul repeat
These blessings, which once made this day so great;
Breath thou upon me with that heavenly Wind,
Which may refresh and purifie my Mind;
Kindle within me and preserve that fire,
Which may with holy love my Breast inspire,
And with an Active zeal my mind enflame,
To do thy will, to glorifie thy name.
Furnish me richly both with gifts and Grace
To fit me for the duties of my place:
So open thou my Lips, my Heart so raise,
That both my Heart and Mouth may give thee praise,
As in thy Temple; keep there residence
Within my Soul, and never part from thence,
Till I am fram'd and fitted by thy hand,
A Pillar in God's House above to stand.