Spiritual Songs, or, Songs of Praise to Almighty God Upon several Occasions Together with The Song of Songs Which is Solomons. First Turn'd, then Paraphrased in English Verse. The Second Edition, Corrected, with an Addition of a Sacred Poem on Dives and Lazarus [by John Mason] |
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| 1. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
| XXIX. |
| XXX. |
| XXXI. |
| XXXII. |
| XXXIII. |
 | THE SONG of SONGS WHICH IS SOLOMONS
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 | Spiritual Songs, or, Songs of Praise to Almighty God Upon several Occasions |  |
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THE SONG of SONGS WHICH IS SOLOMONS
First Turned then Paraphrased in English Verse.
The VERSION. Chap. I.
1
The Song which doth all Songs excell,Written by Solomon,
The Wisest King of Israel
And Blessed Davids Son.
2
Come near, Come nearer yet and moveThy Sweetest lips to mine.
For why? Thy Love (who art all Love)
Exceeds the Richest Wine.
74
3
Like to an Ointment poured outIs thy Sweet Name and Favour:
Glad Virgins Compass Thee about
For thy good Ointments Savour.
4
O draw Me with thy Cords of Love,VVe will Run after Thee.
The King into his Rooms above
Hath now Conducted Me.
Thy Beams will make our Faces shine,
In Thee we will Rejoyce,
Thy love is more to us then VVine,
Thou art the uprights Choice.
5
Ye Daughters of Jerusalem,Tho' I am Black, yet Fair;
Like Kedars Tents, like Ornaments
VVhich Solomons Bed doth wear.
6
Look not with a disdainful EyUpon my Sun-Burnt Face.
My Mothers Children Rag'd at Me
And wrought me much disgrace.
Such was their Envy, such their Grudge,
Their Vines must be inspected,
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Mine own were quite neglected.
7
But, O Thou whom my Soul doth love,Tell Me now from thy Breast,
VVhere feeds thy Flock; where doth it move?
VVhere is its Noon-tide-rest?
VVhy should I stray and lose my way,
Till I at last do Fall.
Among thy Fellowes Flocks, as they
Themselves do proudly call?
CHRIST.
8
O Fairest Fair, then go and TraceThe Footsteps of my Sheep,
And Feed my Kids beside the place
Where my good Shepherds keep.
9
My Love, I have compared TheeTo those Egyptian Mares
Which in King Pharaoh, Chariots Flee.
O Fairest of all Faires!
10
Thy Cheeks are comely to beholdWhich Rowes of Jewels Deck,
Large Chains of pure and Shining Gold,
Adorn thy Royal Neck.
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11
I and my Father, we will makeBorders of Gold for Thee,
With Silver Studs for thy dear Sake,
That thou may'st Richer be.
The Church
12
The King doth at his Table sit,And I that love Him well
Do poure my Spikenard on his Feet,
Which gives a Fragrant smell.
13
My Welbeloved is to MeA Pomander of Myrrh;
Betwixt my Breasts all Night shall He
Be Lodg'd and never Stir.
14
My Welbeloved is to MeLike Aromatick Wines;
Like Clusters of the Camphire-Tree,
Among Engeddi-Vines.
CHRIST.
15
Lo thou art Fair, my only Love,My Love, Lo thou art Fair.
Thou art my Love, thou art my Dove,
Doves Eyes in Thee appear.
77
16
Nay, my Beloved, Thou art Fair,My Fairness is from Thee.
And thou art Sweet beyond Compare.
VVhat a green Bed have we!
17
The Beams are Cedars where we dwell,So strong they will not Stir.
The Rafters send a pleasant smell,
For they are made of Fir.
The PARAPHRASE. Chap. I.
1
Now will I Sing of Christ the KingAnd of his Church the Queen.
The Song of Songs to them belongs,
Where their pure Flames are seen.
2
Let my dear Saviours Love appearBy some assuring Sign
Thou, Lord, my fainting Soul dost Chear,
When thou say'st, I am thine
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And drink the richest VVine;
My Feast doth all their Feasts exceed,
VVhen thou say'st, I am thine.
3
Thy word which Sounds thy mighty Fame,And how good thou hast been,
Doth so revive that for the Sime,
Soules love Thee, tho' unseen;
Souls of an Heavenly make and Frame,
The Joyful Heires of Grace,
Do tast such Sweetness in thy Name,
They long to see thy Face.
4
Fain would I, but I cannot move;Sin hath Enfeebled Me.
O draw me with thy Cords of Love,
I will Run after Thee.
Thou hear'st, thou draw'st, I come, I come,
Thy Love (my God) is Sweet
Thy prefence-Chamber is the Room
VVhere Soules and Joyes do meet.
Our Earthly pleasures we forget,
To think upon Thy Love.
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On Thee, my Lord, above.
5
Tho' I to Strangers Black do SeemAnd under Foot am Trod,
Yet am I Fair in Heavens esteem,
I am the House of God.
6
O do not Scorn my outward state,Ye know not what's within.
Whom God doth love, how dare ye hate?
My Saviour hides my Sin.
Profest Church-Members should have brought
Some Comfort to my Mind;
But did they Treat Me as they ought,
Alas they prov'd unkind.
Their Anger did my words controul,
They Bow'd me to their Will,
And so my own immortal Soul
Declin'd and Fared ill.
7
Pity my tempted state. O Lord,Whom still I do adore.
O bring Me home by thy good word,
My lapsed Soul Restore.
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Shall I be lost among
False flocks, false doctrines, & false guides,
Which do thine Honour wrong?
CHRIST.
8
My Church, to Me the World is dross,And thou a Pearl of price,
And art thou Stray'd and at a Loss?
Attend to my Advice
Look back upon my Church of old
And Mark which way they went;
And let thy Childrens Eyes behold
The Pastours I have Sent.
9
As Pharaohs Horses (Egypts Pride)Is Deem'd the Choicest Breed,
So thou my Church, my Fairest Bride
All Fair ones doth exceed.
10
Mans Eyes the outward state behold,Mine Eyes are on thy Heart,
Whilest others Shine with Pearl and Gold,
Through Grace thou Lovely art.
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11
My Soul that Loves Thee is so gladThy Stock of Grace to see,
I and my Father, we will adde
A New Supply to thee.
The Church
12
My King doth Sit in Heaven above,Where Angels do attend.
And from below, my Faith and Love
Shall to my King ascend.
13
My Faith ascends unto my Lord,And brings him down to Me.
My Love a Bosom doth afford,
Where He shall Lodged be.
O the Sweet time, as if I was
Reigning in Heaven above;
When once my Soul doth Christ embrace
In Arms of Faith and Love!
14
It is so Sweet, when we do meet,My Joyes in Christ exceed
The Sweetest Smells, and Tasts, and Sights;
Which can our Senses Feed.
82
15
My Dearest Church, I do admireThe Beauties of thy Mind,
So meek, so harmless, so intire,
So Faithful and so kind.
The Church.
16
My dearest Lord, Thou art the SunBy whose bright Beams I Shine.
And then my Glory first begun,
When thou becamest mine.
Since thou art mine, and I am thine,
A Numerous Race doth Flow
In every place, which to thy Grace
Their Birth and Being ow.
17
The Dear Assemblies of thy Saints,VVhere thou my Lord dost dwell,
Are Sweet and pure, and shall endure
Against the Gates of Hell.
The VERSION. Chap. II.
CHRIST.1
I am the Rose of Sharon-Field,I am the Lilly White,
83
I am both Sweet and Bright.
2
What are Thorns in th'account of MenUnto the Lilly Bright?
What are the fairest Daughters, when
My Love appears in Sight?
The Church.
3
VVhat are the Common Tree's o'th VVoodUnto the Apple-Tree?
VVhat is the Rich and Noblest Blood,
My Lovely Lord, to Thee?
I Sate rejoycing in Times past
Under his cooling Shade.
His Fruit was Sweet unto my tast.
O what a Feast I made!
4
Unto his Cellars Stor'd with VVines,He caus'd Me to remove.
Over my Head abroad He Spread
The Banner of his Love.
5
Give Flagons for a Cordial,Bring Apples Me to Chear,
84
I Languish for my Dear.
6
His left Hand underneath my Head,For my Support is plac'd.
His Right Hand over me is Spread,
And thus I am Embrac'd.
7
O Salems Daughters, you I Charge,Both by the Roe and Hind,
Ye do not move nor Stir my Love,
Until it be his mind.
8
My Welbeloveds Voice of JoyMy Heart with comfort fills.
He comes leaping on Mountains High,
And Skipping on the Hills.
9
My Welbeloved comes in hast,Like a Swift-Footed Roe.
Nay, my Beloved flies so Fast,
Young Hart did never so.
Behind our Wall, Lo! He doth stand,
He's at our Windowes seen.
He shewes Himself so near at Hand,
There's but a Grate between.
85
10
I gladly heard His Gracious Tone,Who thus to me did say,
Rise up, my Love, my Fairest one,
Make hast and come away,
11
The Season of the Year Invites,The Winter's gone and past.
Behold a Spring of new delights!
No Rain, nor Stormy Blast.
12
The Flowers upon the Earth appear;The Birds begin to Sing;
The people of our Land do hear
The Turtles Murmuring.
13
Green Figs upon their Trees are grown,Young Grapes their Smells display.
Rise up, my Love, my Fairest one,
Make hast and come away.
14
O my Fair Dove, whose Fairness dwellsIn Dark obscurity,
In Cloven Rocks and Secret Cells,
Come, Shew thy self to Me.
O Let thy Face to Me appear,
Let Thy Voice answer Mine.
86
Thy Countenance doth Shine.
15
Catch us the Foxes in a Toyl,The little Foxes catch,
For they our Fruitful Vines do Spoil,
Their tender Grapes they Snatch.
16
My VVelbeloved, He is mine,And I am his indeed.
In Pastures, which with Lillies Shine,
He makes his Flock to Feed.
17
Till the day break and Shades departBeloved, hast to Me.
Even as the Roe and tender Hart
On Bether-Mountains Flee.
The PARAPHRASE: Chap. II.
CHRIST.1
Such is the Power of my Sweet Love,My Church it Sweeteneth.
It Sweetens Earth and Heaven above.
It Sweetens Life and Death.
87
'Tis with such Glories Crown'd,
That Solomons Glory must give place
To what Shines Me around.
As Lillies in the Valleys grow,
So I the Valleys own.
The Humble are my Heaven below.
The Lowly are my Throne.
2
No comely Persons can I see,But whom my Grace adorns,
My Church a Lilly is to Me,
And all the Rest are Thorns.
The Church.
3
None but a Jesus, none but He!He is the Chiefest good.
My Jesus is an Apple Tree,
And others Barren VVood.
He is a Shadow from the heat
Of Conscience, wrath and Hell
He is true Manns, Heavenly Meat,
VVhich Feeds his Israel.
The Shadow of his Sacraments
Hath been exceeding good
88
Upon his flesh and Blood.
4
My Christ is like a Cellar Stor'dWith Sweet and precious Wine.
What Sweetness found I in my Lord,
When He said, I am thine!
As Souldiers to their Colours stand,
And after them do move.
So doth my Dearest Lord Command,
And draw Me by his Love.
5
Nothing but Glory can SufficeThe Appetite of Grace.
I long for Christ with Restless Eyes,
I Languish for his Face.
O Take Me up, or let Me Sup
On Promises Divine,
Those Apples from the Tree of Life,
Those Flagons full of Wine.
6
How am I Born, Whilest Sick of Love,In those Blest Hands of His?
His Left my Soules Support doth prove,
His Right my Comfort is.
89
7
And whilest his Love doth Me inflame,Hear what a Charge I give.
All ye that own his Sacred Name,
Do not his Spirit Grieve.
He is all Love, He is my Love,
O do not Him abuse.
Do not again put Him to pain
Dear Christians, Turn not Jewes.
Lord, leave us not, yet if thou wilt,
With Tears we'll own thy Right,
But a departure forc'd by Guilt
Makes a Tempestuous Night.
8
My dearest Saviours Voice I hear,He comes on my account,
Nothing can stop His full Career,
No, not corruptions Mount.
9
My Lord makes hast from Heaven to Earth,And He himself presents,
To Men of a Polluted Birth,
By Word and Sacraments.
Tho', Like a VVall, our Frail Estate
Prevents a perfect Sight.
90
Dart in some Beams of Light.
10
My Lord to Me did thus begin,Arise, my Love, and Flee
From world, Flesh, Sathan, Self and Sin,
O come away to Me.
11
Time was, when thou wast cold and dead,An Heir of wrath thou wast,
And Vengeance-Storms hung o're thy Head,
But those Sad dayes are past.
12
The Flowers of Grace begin to SpringIn Thee so hopefully.
That all the Heavenly Quire doth Sing,
Glory to God on High.
13
My Church thou art my tender Plant,My dewes have nourisht Thee
Now thou art mine, now thou must Grant
Thy Fruit, thy Self to Me.
14
My Heartless Dove, why dost thou FaintAnd hide thy self from Me?
91
How welcom thou shouldest be.
Come, Come before thy Lord appear,
Thy Person Joyes my Sight.
Let me thy Prayers and Praises hear,
Thy Voice is my delight.
15
Ye Men of God whose Charge it isIn Gods Courts to attend,
Restrain those Enemies of his,
VVhich do his Church offend.
16
Mine through my Faith is my Dear Lord,His through his Love am I.
He Feeds his People with his VVord,
VVhich tasts most pleasantly.
17
He Feeds them with his VVord of Grace,Till Glories day appears.
VVhich all the Shades away shall Chase
Of Sins, and Griefs, and feares,
Come Love, Come Lord, come that long Day
My only expectation.
Shovell these days out of the way,
These Hills of Separation:
92
The VERSION. Chap III.
The Church.1
Him whom my Soul doth Love, I soughtBy Night upon my Bed,
I Sought Him, But I found Him not,
My Soules delight was Fled.
2
And Slugge I here? I'le now ariseAnd go about the Town,
I'le Search the streets and broader ways,
Untill I find my own.
Up did I get, and out I went
My dearest to regain.
But when I had my labour Spent,
Alas! it was in Vain.
3
The City-Watch did light on Me,Of whom I did Enquire,
In any street, pray, Did ye See
The Man, whom I admire?
4
'Twas but a little while that IHad from the Watch-men pass'd,
93
And then I held Him Fast
I held and would not let Him go
Till I had brought Him home,
Into my Mothers House, and so
Into my Native-Room.
5
O Salems Daughters, you I ChargeBoth by the Roe and Hind.
Ye do not move, nor 'wake my Love,
Until it be his Mind.
The Daughters of Ierusalem.
6
What Smoaky Pillar strait from henceOut of that Desart rises,
Perfum'd with Myrrh and Frankincense
And all the Merchants Spices?
The Church
7
Such Ornaments His Bed do grace,As Solomons Bed Commend;
Where Threescore Men of Israels-Race,
His Valiant Guards attend.
8
They all hold Swords couragiously,They all know how to Fight.
94
Because of Fear i'th' Night.
9
The Chariot of King Solomon,Which for himself he made,
Was of the Wood of Lebanon,
Which Silver pillars had.
10
Gold was the Bottom, and aboveRich Purple Cover'd it,
The midst thereof was pav'd with Love,
For Salems Daughters Fit.
11
Look, Virgins, on King Solomon,His Crown so Rich, so Gay,
Wherewith his Mother Crown'd him on
His Joyful Marriage-day.
The PARAPHRASE. Chap III.
The Church.1
Once did I seek my dearest Lord,But with a Sleepy Mind,
His Presence He did not afford;
Slack Seekers cannot find.
95
2
Shall I, said I, foregoe my Christ,And so close up mine Eyes?
No, No, He was so dearly mist,
I could not but arise.
My Bed was Thorns, no Bed for Me,
Nothing could give Me rest,
Till I my dearest Lord might see,
And Lean upon his Breast:
When private means could not prevail,
In publick Him I sought.
I waited, till my Eyes did fail,
Alas, I found Him not.
3
Gods Holy Watchmen did Me find,Of whom I did enquire,
Pray, can ye help my troubled Mind,
Which doth a Christ desire.
O Happy Stars, if ye might be
My Guides to Jesus now!
Seers, did ye my Saviour see?
Pray tell me where and how?
Means must be us'd, but cannot heal
Without a Sovereign Word.
96
And still I lack'd my Lord.
4
One Dark Hour more I did Sustain;And then the Night was past.
Tho' I had Sought so long in Vain,
I found my Lord at last.
I found my Lord and held Him Fast,
And would not let Him part.
My New found Jesus I embrac'd
And Lodg'd Him in my Heart.
I would not lose my Christ again,
And gain a Second Hell.
My Prayers and Tears did him constrain
Within my Soul to dwell
As Cloudes are pierc'd with powerfull light,
His Beams thro' Me did Shine.
His dear Assemblies Saw this Sight,
And Joy'd that Christ was mine.
5
Christs Love my Heart doth so inflame,This Charge I needs must give.
All ye that own his Sacred Name,
Do not his Spirit Grieve.
He is all Love, He is my Love,
O do not Him abuse;
97
Dear Christians; Turn not Jewes.
Lord, leave us not; yet if thou wilt
With Tears we'll own thy Right;
But a Departure forc'd by Guilt,
Makes a Tempestuous Night.
Weak Believers.
6
What Heavenly Souls from Earth Arise,And do at Heaven Aspire!
They Mount, they Soar, they Fix their Eyes
On God their chief Desire.
Earths Wilderness they Nobly Scorn
Whilest Others Rake for it.
Heavens Graces them do so Adorn,
That they for Heaven are Fit.
The Church
7
Admire not Me, but my dear Lord,Whose Bosom Gives me Rest.
Whose Angels watch with one Accord,
That none should Me molest.
8
These Heavenly Guards are full of might,And ready do they stand,
98
When he shall them Command.
When Darkness breeds tormenting Fear,
Then Help comes from on High:
A strengthning Angel doth appear
Amidst that Agony.
9
Heaven is the High and Glorious ThroneOf my most Glorious Lord.
Who yet on Earth rides up and down
I'th' Chariot of his Word.
10
His Word is Rich, and strong, and Pure,As all his Saints do prove;
Who of its true Intent are sure,
And find, Its Heart is Love.
11
Go ye that own the Highest Name,Behold a glorious Shew,
How the Almighty spreads his Fame,
And what his Word can do.
This mighty King Rides Conquering,
His Word goes forth with Might;
Which wooes and wins the Slaves of Sin
Both by its Force and Light,
99
And Christ do humbly own,
And as his Spouse, He them doth take,
And wears them as his Crown.
Great was their need; Greater his Love
Then their Necessity.
As well they may, Glad do they prove,
But not so glad as He.
The VERSION. Chap IV.
CHRIST.1
Lo , thou art Fair, my only Love,My Love, Lo thou art Fair.
Thine Eyes are like those of the Dove
Within thy Locks of Hair.
Thy Hairy Locks are like Goates Flocks
Which from Mount Gilead look;
2
So are thy Teeth like Well-Shorn-Sheep,Come from the Washing Brook.
They Pregnant are as well as Fair,
For Fruit as well as View.
100
There's not one Barren Ew.
3
Thy Lips are like a Scarlet-thread,Thy Speech is Sweet and Fine,
Within thy Locks thy Temples Red
Like Broke Pomegranate Shine.
4
Thy Neck is like to Davids TowerStrong-Built and raised High,
A Thousand Shields for Men of power
Hang in that Armory.
5
Thy two Breasts are like two Young RoesWell Shap'd and well agreed
For they are loving Twins, and those
Among the Lillies Feed.
6
Untill the Day have Chas'd awayThe Dusky Shades, I will
Betake Me to the Mount of Myrrh
And to the Incense Hill.
7
All over Fair, my Love, thou art,And so thou Seem'st to Me.
101
Not one dark Spot in thee.
8
Come, Love, with Me from Lebanon,From Lebanon with Me,
Since thou and I are joyn'd in One,
Thy Lebanon I'le be.
From Shenirs Top, From Hermon Look,
And from Amana High,
Those Lions Dens must be forsook,
And where the Leopards Ly.
9
My Spouse, my Sister, Thou hast Gain'dA perfect Victory
Over my Heart by thy bright Chain,
And by thy Brighter Ey.
10
How fair and pleasant is thy Love,My dearest Spouse to Me!
O how I prize it far above
The Richest Wines that be!
O how my Sisters Ointments smell
What Sweetness do they yield!
This pleasant Scent doth far Excel
The Sweet Arabian Field.
102
11
Thy Lips drop like the Honey Comb,There Milk with Honey Flowes.
I Smell the Smells of Lebanon, from
The Garments of my Spouse.
12
My Sister and my Spouse is Veil'd,That She may be Suppos'd.
A Spring Shut up, a Fountain Seal'd,
A Garden well Enclos'd.
13
Thou hast a pleasant Nursery,Where Sweet Pomegranate Grow,
And Fruits which please both Tast and Ey,
There too the Spices Flow.
14
As Camphire; Spikenard, Calamus,Saffron and Cinamon,
Myrrh, Aloes, and Incense-Trees,
With each Spice of Renown.
15
A Garden-Fountain is my Love,A Living Well is She;
Like Lebanons Streams which Swiftly move
And down to Jordan Flee.
103
16
Am I a Garden? Then, O North,Awake and on it Breath.
Thy quickening Breath will Summon forth
The Odours from beneath.
Am I a Garden? Then, O South,
Come, on this Garden Blow.
One Sovereign Blast out of thy Mouth
Will make its Spices Flow.
Then, Then, into his Paradise
Let my Beloved Come,
And Eat his Fruits and get his Spice,
And count Himself at Home,
The PARAPHRASE Chap. IV.
CHRIST.1
My Dearest Church, I do AdmireThe Beauties of thy Mind,
So meek, So harmless, So intire.
So Loyal, and so Kind,
Even thy Profession I Esteem,
Because it Springs from Grace,
104
As Hair Adorns the Face.
2
Thy Pastours which prepare thy Food,Do in their Minds agree;
Their Lives and Doctrines both are good,
And bring much Fruit to Me.
3
Thy Speech so season'd is with Grace,That many Hearts it moves.
And Graces Colour in thy Face
Its great Advantage proves.
4
Thy Faith which Joyns thee to thy Head,Doth shield thine inward Parts.
This Shield hath oft Extinguished
The Devils Fiery Darts.
5
The two Breasts of thy TestamentsMost Friendly do Accord,
Which Nourishment and sweet Content
To New-born Babes afford.
The Cries of a distressed Soul,
These Breasts of Comfort still.
These Breasts make glad whom Sin makes sad,
These Breasts the Hungry Fill.
105
6
The Word is here the Churches Fare,And Faith the Churches Light,
Till Shades give way to Glories Day
Then shall She Live by Sight.
Mean while my Gracious Presence shall
Her Dear Assemblies Fill,
Her Prayers shall be most Sweet to Me
Sweet as the Incense-Hill.
Mean while my Glorious Presence shall
Fill Heaven, that Holy Ground,
Where Cherubims and Seraphims
Their Halleujahs Sound.
7
My Dearest Church, How clear art thou,On whom no Sin remains!
My Blood apply'd hath purify'd
Thee from thy Guilts and Stains.
Thou art to Me as white as Snow,
And tho' Thou Sinnest Still,
Grace keeps Thee in, thou canst not Sin
With full Consent of Will.
8
Let my Fair Glories Thee inticeTo come along with Me,
106
Thy Paradise I'le be.
Birth, Pleasures, Riches, Friends and Fame
Are all Summ'd up in Me.
O that thou knew'st how good I am!
Come now and Tast and See.
This World's an howling Wilderness
Fill'd with the Beasts of Prey.
Whilest that they Rage, Roar and oppress,
On Canaan Fix thine Ey.
6
My Heaven-Born Spouse, whom I embrace,My Joy and Crown thou art.
Thine Ey of Faith, thy Chain of Grace
Have overcome my Heart.
10
My Dearest Spouse of Heavenly Birth,Thy Love is more to Me
Then all the Pleasures of the Earth,
And Sweet thy Graces be.
11
Thy Speeches in thy Heart are bred,And Sweetly do they Flow.
Thy Works do such a Savour Spread,
As Lebanons Spices do.
107
12
Disguised to the World thou go'st;Heaven in a Mistery.
To Me thou run'st, to Me thou Flow'st.
None knowes thy worth but I.
As thou art Mine, so I am thine.
My Love doth guard thy Heart.
Thy Heart's with Me, my Love's with thee.
My Church, How safe thou art!
13, 14
My Church, Thou art a ParadiseWhere Fruits and Spices grow
Fair are thy Fruits, and from thy Spice
The Sweetest Odours Flow.
The tender Plants thy Children are,
Their Graces, Fruits and Spice;
I am the Tree of Life in Thee,
My Church, my Paradise.
15
Thou art a Spring, which to thy PlantsDost thy pure Streams derive:
Under thine Ey and Ministry
Thy Blest Assemblies Thrive.
The Church.
16
My Lord, If I a Garden am,Then let thy Spirit Blow,
108
And make my Graces Flow.
And when thy Spirit thus hath blown,
And I do Flourish most,
Then let my Dearest Lord come down,
And Feed upon his Cost,
So poor I am, So great thou art,
Thee, Lord, how can I Feast?
Furnish the Table of my Heart,
Then come and be my Guest.
The VERSION. Chap. V.
CHRIST1
I'm come into my Paradise,My Sister and my Spouse,
I've gather'd of my Myrrh and Spice
Which in my Garden Growes.
My Honey Comb and Honey too
Have been my Sweet repast.
My Wine, my Milk which here do Flow,
Have Chear'd my Heart and Tast.
My Friends and Dear Companions,
Come, Feast your selves with Me.
109
Yea, drink abundantly.
The Church
2
I Sleep, but yet my Heart doth 'wake;Heark; my Beloved one
Doth Knock and call, I can't mistake
His Knock, his Tread, his Tone.
Open to Me, my Fathers Child,
Open to Me, my Love,
Open to Me, my Undefil'd,
Open to Me, my Dove.
Open to Me, that wait for Thee,
My Head is Fill'd with Dew,
And all my Locks with Evening drops,
Let's have an Enterview.
3
My Coat is off, and how shall IPut on my Coat again?
Should I come o're the Dusty Floor,
My Washed Feet to Stain?
4
My Dearest then by the Key-holeHis willing Hand did move.
Which when I did perceive, my Soul
Was touch'd with Grief and Love.
110
5
Rowz'd by this Passion, I did StirAnd answer'd to his call.
My Hands and Fingers drop'd with Myrrh
Which from the Lock did Fall.
6
Then did I open to my Dear;But He (Alas!) was gone;
He whom I did so lately hear,
Me thoughts I was undone.
I Sought him whom my Soul Ador'd
But him I could not have.
I Call'd and Cry'd, my Love, my Lord!
But He no answer gave.
7
Then did the cruel City WatchSmite Me and Wound me Sore.
The keepers of the Walls did Snatch
Away the Veil I wore.
8
O Daughters of Jerusalem,I Charge you if ye find
My Glorious Dear, that He may hear,
My Love afflicts my Mind.
The Daughters of Ierusalem.
9
What Jewel is this Dear of Thine,O Fairest, Let us know.
111
That thou dost Charge us so?
The Church.
10
My Dear delight is Red and white,The Lilly and the Rose.
So Sweet a Grace adorns his Face,
Ten Thousand He out-goes.
11
His Head is like the Finest Gold,And curled Locks doth wear,
Which do the Ravens Colour hold
So comely is his Hair.
12
His Eyes are like the Eyes of Doves,Which on the Banks are met,
And do the Streams of water Love,
Milk-washt and Fitly Set.
13
His Cheekes are like a Spicy Bed,Where all perfumes do meet.
His Lips like Lillies, whence is Shed
The Myrrh that Smells so Sweet.
14
His Hands are like the ChrysoliteIn Rings of Gold display'd,
112
With Sapphires overlayd.
15
His Legs like Marble-Pillars areOn Golden Sockets Set:
His Face, like Lebanon, is most Fair,
Like Cedars most compleat.
16
His Mouth is most exceeding Sweet,Yea, He is wholly So;
Down from his Head unto his Feet
With Sweetness He doth flow.
O Salems Daughters, This is He
Of whom ye did Enquire
This is the Friend that loveth Me.
This is my Hearts Desire.
The PARAPHRASE. Chap. V.
CHRIST1
My Love (my Dearest) hath Me broughtWhether thou didst invite.
Thy Graces which my Hand hath wrought
Have been my Souls delight.
113
Both God and Man dost Chear;
Feed on the Fruits prepar'd in Thee,
A Constant Feast is there.
The Church.
2
Such drowsiness doth Me possess,I Live and yet I dy.
Some life I have, no Livelyness.
How dark and cold am I!
Here in the Dark and deep I Grope,
Who us'd to Live above.
Where is my Faith? Where is my Hope?
Where is my wonted Love.
It is no Strangers Voice I hear,
I know it is my Lords.
He knocks both at my Heart and Ear,
These are his Loving words;
Open to Me, my Fathers Child,
Open to Me, my Love,
Open to Me, my Undefil'd,
Open to Me, my Dove.
My Gracious Patience hath stood
Long waiting at thy Door.
114
Slight not thy Saviour.
3
One would have thought such melting WordsShould break an Heart of Steel.
But I (Alas!) so Stupid was,
Their force I did not Feel.
My answer was to this Effect,
Lord, now I am at ease.
And Lord, if I should thee respect,
My Friends I should displease.
Thy Service, Lord, would Cost Me dear,
The World would Me molest.
Thy heavy Cross how can I bear?
Do not disturb my Rest.
4
My Lord to this made no reply,Only on Me He cast
A Sad and a rebuking Ey,
On which this Sense I pass'd.
Dost thou my Patience thus requite,
To make it longer bear?
Dost all my Love and Sufferings Slight,
I Look'd for better Fare.
115
Which put Me to such pain,
5
That I resolv'd, what ever came,To own my Christ again,
Accurst Temptations, be ye Gone,
And do not Me Restrain,
Sathan Avaunt, Let Me alone,
I'le have my Christ again.
This Resolution gave some Ease
To my distressed Mind,
My Griefs did then begin to Cease
When I to Christ inclin'd.
6
But when I did my Self addressMy Saviour to embrace,
Alas for my Unworthiness
My Saviour hid his Face.
For He is Great as well as Good
And will not be disdain'd,
Then His kind words, which I withstood,
My Conscience Sorely pain'd,
O Then I wish'd a Thousand times
That I had been so Wise,
To shake off my Security,
When Christ bade Me arise.
116
But him I could not have.
I call'd and cry'd, My Love, my Lord!
But He no Answer gave.
7
Earth did oppress whom Heaven forsook,Nothing but Griefs I found,
For they who to my Soul should look,
My Soul did pierce and wound.
Their words and deeds did both Conspire,
To Grieve my grieved Heart,
Their Scorns and Jears were Swords and Spears,
Which did increase my Smart.
But still my greatest wound was here,
My Lord I could not find.
Had I my Lord, I should not care,
Tho' others prov'd unkind.
8
Another Course I straightwayes took,I did Repair to those
VVho Sion-wards do often, look,
And did my Case propose.
Blest Soules, said I, who oft attend
At the Almighties Court,
117
That you may it report.
A Lord I have or rather had,
My VVell-beloved one;
His Presence us'd to make Me glad.
But, Ah, my Lord is gone!
If when you pray, He should acquaint
You with his Love and Grace,
Tell him from Me, my Heart doth Faint
And Languish for his Face.
9
VVho is, said they, this Lord of thine?O Fairest, Let us know.
VVherein does thine others out-Shine,
That thou dost Charge us so?
10
My dearest Lord is white and Red;VVhite thro' his Purity,
Red thro' his Blood which He did Shed
For such a one as I.
VVas He not Red, but only VVhite,
The Lilly not the Rose,
He might delight the Angels Sight;
But I am none of those.
118
A Sufferer for his Sin,
His Bloud would Rest upon his Head,
Nor could I Joy therein.
But my Dear Lord is white and Red;
This mixture pleaseth Me,
For, for my Sins He Suffered,
VVhen He from Sin was Free.
What a reviving Sight is this?
A Righteous Saviours Blood,
The Bath of Sin, the Spring of Bliss,
Most pure, most Sweet and Good.
The Fond inchanted World admires
Their Idols here below.
Their Creeping, Groveling, poor desires
Their Childish minds do shew.
Did but my Glorious Lord appear,
O Did they Him but know,
What formerly their Glories were
Would be no longer So.
The lesser Lights all disappear,
VVhen once my Sun doth Shine;
And tho' Ten Thousand Lords were here,
None could be like to mine.
119
The Fairest of all Faires;
Of all your fine and boasted things
None with my Lord compares.
What's your thick Clay? your Stones bring forth,
Which ye your Jewels call.
My Lord, He is of Real worth,
And goes beyond them all.
11
His God-head and his GovernmentAre Infinitely Pure,
Most Glorious and most excellent
And ever shall endure.
12
His is a pure and Piercing Ey,Thro' all the Earth it moves.
Which the dark Hypocrite doth Spy,
And Secret good approves.
13
His Cheeks appear most Bright and clearWhen He himself doth show,
Me thinks I in a Garden walk,
Where Flowers and Spices grow.
When He doth my Affections Stir
And Speaks unto my Mind,
120
Such Savour do I find.
So Sweet a Grace adorns his Face,
His Face, like Heaven, doth Shine.
And O what Musick do I hear,
VVhen he saith, I am thine.
14
His Hands are like to Rings of Gold.The VVorks of my dear Lord
Are Bright and comely to behold.
His VVorks fulfil his VVord.
The tender Bowels of his Love
How precious they be!
VVhen I am Griev'd, his Bowels move
And loudly plead for Me.
15
The Sweet proceedings of my LordAre like his purposes.
Holy and Pure, and Firm and Sure;
Both Love and Stedfastness.
His Countenance Majestical
All Reverence doth Command.
If He but Frowns on us, we fall,
But if He Smiles, we stand
121
16
His Mouth is most exceeding Sweet,All Sweetness, like an Hive.
One word of His like Honey is,
O How it doth Revive.
As I begun, should I go on
My Dearest Lord to Limn,
You'd fay, all Sweets Compacted are
And Summed up in Him.
My Lord is larger then Desires,
Fairer then VVords can Show.
One comely part Fond Earth admires,
My Lord is wholly So.
O Heaven-Born Soules, This, This is He,
Of whom ye did enquire.
This is the Friend that Loveth Me,
This is my Hearts Desire.
The VERSION Chap. VI.
The Daughters of Ierusalem1
Fairest of Faires, if thus it be,O whither is He gone?
Tell us, that we may seek with Thee
This thy Beloved one.
122
2
Down to his Garden He is gone,VVhere Beds of Spices are.
That He may Feed and Feast thereon
And Gather Lillies there.
3
I am my VVel-beloved onesMy VVel-beloved's mine.
He Feeds and Treads in pleasant meads,
VVhere the Bright Lillies Shine.
CHRIST.
4
My Love, Like Tirzah, thou art Neat,And Like Jerusalem,
And Like an Army so Compleat,
Men Fly for fear of them.
5
O Turn away thine Eyes from Me,Thy Bright and Sparkling Eyes,
To bear so great Felicity
My Strength doth not Suffice.
Thy Hairy Locks are Like Goats Flocks
Which from Mount Gilead Look.
6
So are thy Teeth like Well-shorn SheepCome from the Washing Brook.
123
For Fruit as well as View,
For Each of them her Twins doth bear,
There's not one Barren Ew.
7
As Broke Pomegranate Seemeth RedAnd Shines exceeding Clear,
So do the Temples of thy Head
Within thy Locks appear.
8
Thrice Twenty Queens together standAnd Fourscore Concubines,
And Virgins like the Numerous Sand,
Which to the Sea adjoynes.
9
My Spotless Dove, She is but one,The Darling of her Mother,
Who Love and prizes her alone,
She knowes not such another.
The Daughters saw her comely Lines,
And Prais'd her Lovely Face,
Yea, all the Queens and Concubines
Admir'd her Beauteous grace.
10
What Morn Looks forth? What Moon is there?What Sun may yonder be?
124
O what a One is She?
11
To the Nut-Garden down I wentTo See the Fruits below,
Whether the Vines their Grapes did Vent,
And the Pomegranates grow.
12
My Soul gave Me a sudden TwitchAnd made Me Nimbly Slide,
Like those Swift Chariots, in which
Amminnadib did Ride.
13
Return, Return, O Shulamite,Return, Return, Apace,
That we may look with much delight
Upon thy Glorious Face.
What in the Shulamite, I pray,
Do ye expect to See?
Two Armies Set in good Array!
Even such a One is She.
The PARAPHRASE. Chap. VI.
The Church1
Whilest thus my Dearest Lord I Prais'd,As I could do no less,
125
At my great Happiness.
And when I Ceas'd, they thus reply'd,
O Fairest, we must needs
Congratulate thy Blest Estate,
Which ours so far exceeds.
O that we were in such a Case
As we perceive thou art.
O that our Soules might find a place
In thy Beloveds Heart.
Whither is thy Beloved gone?
Pray, Let us go with Thee,
To seek thy well-beloved one,
Whose Face we Fain would See.
2
If you my dearest Lord would See,Then go unto his Court,
Look where his Saints assembled be,
Thither you must Resort.
For they his pleasure-Gardens are,
Where He delights to be,
They are his Comfort and his Care;
There you my Lord may See.
Some Souls he Breeds, and some he Feeds,
Others He doth remove.
126
His Paradise above.
3
I am my Wel-beloved ones,My Wel-beloved's mine.
To me his Love a Feast doth prove
Beyond the Richest Wine.
CHRIST
4
My Dearest Church, on whom I seeA Fair and Royal Stamp,
All Sweetness joyn'd with Majesty,
Thou art both Court and Camp.
5
Thy Prayers are Arms, thy Praises, Charms;Thy Love is like a Dart.
Thy Faith and Graces are so Strong,
They overcome my Heart.
Thy Fair Profession I esteem,
Because it Springs from Grace,
Which makes thee yet more comely Seem,
As Hair adorns the Face.
6
Thy Pastours which prepare thy Food,Do in their Minds agree,
Their Lives and Doctrines both are good,
And bring much Fruit to Me.
127
7
Thy Countenance so Shines with Grace,That many Hearts it moves.
Sweet Bashfulness on thy Fair Face,
It's great advantage proves.
8
The World presents its Glorious shewes,But what are those to Me?
In my Dear Church, my only Spouse,
All Glories do I See.
9
Earth's Pride would soon confounded be,Should but my Spouse appear,
Who to her Mother and to Me
Is so exceeding Dear.
Her Noble Birth and Real worth
Have Gain'd her so much Fame,
The greatest Princes of the Earth
Have Prais'd her Worthy Name.
10
Her Sweetness joyn'd with MajestyHer presence much Endear'd;
Her Power with her Purity
Made her both Lov'd and Fear'd.
11
I have been with my New-born Saints,I have been down to See.
128
What hopes of Fruit for Me.
12
When my Dear Church, I hid my Face,Thou did'st thy self bemoan,
I did but prove thy Faithful Love,
When thou thou'ghtst I was gone.
My Bowels Yearn'd when thou did'st Cry,
My Love did Me Constrain
To hast apace, and Shew my Face
To thy Griev'd Soul again.
13
Return, Return, My Dearest Church,Return, Return to Me.
The Heavenly Quire and I desire
Thy Blessed Face to See.
My Heavenly Host, if ye would know
My Churches State and Case:
She is Another Host below,
And of an Awful Grace.
The VERSION Chap VII.
CHRIST.1
O Daughters of a Prince how FairAre both thy Shooes and Feet!
129
Wrought by an Hand discreet.
2
Thy Navel, as a Cup Compleat,With Liquour doth abound.
Thy Belly's like an Heap of Wheat,
Which Lillies do Surround.
3
Thy two Breasts are like two Young Roes,Well Shap'd and Well-agreed,
Both which are Loving Twins, And those
Among the Lillies Feed.
4
Thy Neck, Like Ivory, is most Fair,And, like a Tower, most Strait.
Thine Eyes like Heshbons-Pools, which are
Hard by Bath-Rabbim Gate.
Thy Nose is like to Lebanons Tower,
The Tower which doth Command
Damascus Town, the Chiefest Flower
Of all the Syrian Land.
5
Thine Head on thee like Carmel is,Thine Hair, Like Purple Stain'd
The Galleries so take his Eyes,
The King is there detain'd.
130
My Love, unto my Sight!
So Sweetly Grac'd in every part,
Thou art my whole delight.
7
Unto a Palm-Tree I Compare,Thy Stature strait and Fine.
Thy Breasts appear both full and fair
Like Clusters of the Vine.
8
I said I will this Palm-Tree Climb,I'le Search her Branches well,
Thy Breasts shall now like Clusters shew,
Thy Nose like Apples Smell.
9
Thy Palate's like the Choicest WineWhich for my Friend I keep,
Which Sweetly Flowes, and causeth those
To Speak that are asleep.
The Church
10
I am my Welbeloved's own;And He is wholly mine;
The Stream of His Affection
Doth towards me incline.
131
11
Come, my Beloved, let us goInto the Fields abroad;
And in the Villages below
Let's take up our abode.
12
Let's get up early in the MornAnd to the Vineyards go;
To See what Fruits the Trees adorn,
Whether the Vine doth grow.
Whether the tender Grapes appear,
And the Pomegranates thrive,
(The Hopes of the Ensuing year)
There thee my Loves I'll give.
13
The Mandrakes Smell, and at our doorAll pleasant Fruits there be,
Both new and old which are my Store
Laid up, my Love, for Thee.
The PARAPHRASE. Chap VII.
CHRIST.1
O Daughter of the mighty GodHow comely are thy Feet?
132
Thy Carriage how discreet?
2
Thou art both Fair and Fruitful too,Great Numbers thou dost Breed,
Which with good Meales, the Word, and Seals,
Thou Liberally dost Feed.
3
The two Breasts of thy TestamentsMost Friendly do Accord,
Which Nourishment and Sweet Content
To New Born Babes afford.
The Cryes of a distressed Soul,
These Breasts of Comfort Still.
These Breasts make glad whom Sin makes Sad.
These Breasts the Hungry Fill.
4
Thy Faith is thy Strong Fort and TowerThine Understanding clear.
Thy Judging and discerning Power
Informs when danger's near.
5
Thy Christ, thy Head of EminenceAll others doth exceed.
Thy Christ, thy Head of Influence
Thy Grace doth keep and Feed.
133
Their Graces freely Given,
The King walks in those Galleries
As in another Heaven.
6
My Church who art most New, most Fair,How Dear art thou and Sweet,
In whom all Sweets Compacted are,
In whom all Graces meet?
7
Under thy weight, thou FlourishestAs the Stout Palm-Tree doth.
My Church, the more thou art deprest
The greater is thy Growth.
The Breasts of thy two Testaments,
Like Clusters of the Vine,
Are full of Juice which for thy use
Yield Store of Heav'nly Wine.
8
When I perceiv'd thy Soul to thrive,Like to a Fruitful Tree;
Then I drew near, that I might Chear,
And Joy my Self in thee.
Nor did I empty Handed come,
But Added to thy Store;
134
Thy Graces Scented more.
9
Thy Speech is like the Choicest Wine,So Lively and so strong;
It makes the Sinners Heart divine,
And Sanctifies his Tongue
The Church.
10
My Dearest Lords AffectionI cannot but admire.
I am my Wel-beloveds own,
I am His Hearts desire.
11
I gladly with my Lord Could talk,And Spend both Night and Day
Come Lord let us together walk.
Let us together Stay.
12
Come, Let's go see what Fruits and FlowersAdorn thy Garden place,
Under the Sun shine and the Showers
Of dayes and meanes of Grace.
Could I but see thy Children Spring,
And in an happy Frame;
O how should I rejoyce and Sing,
And Love Thee for the same!
135
13
Thy Saints their Services present,Which of Sweet Savour be.
Saints New and old within my Tent,
Are kept for Heav'n and Thee.
The VERSION. Chap. VIII.
The Church1
I would to God thou wert as nearTo Me as is my Brother,
That fill'd the Lap and suckt the Pap
Of my most tender Mother.
VVhen I without should light on Thee,
Then I thy Lips would Kiss;
Yea, I should not despised be,
Nor disesteem'd for this.
2
I'd bring Thee to my Mothers Tent,VVho would instruct me there.
Pomegranate-VVine of pleasant Scent
Should be thy Royal Fare.
136
3
His Left Hand underneath my HeadShould Lovingly be plac'd.
His right Hand o're Me should be spread,
Thus should I be embrac'd.
4
Ye Daughters of Jerusalem,'Tis you I Charge and bind,
Not once to move, or wake my Love
Untill it be his Mind.
The Daughters of Ierusalem.
5
Out of the Desart doth AscendA comely Sight to see:
One Leaning on her Dearest Friend.
O what a One is She!
The Church.
Under the shady Apple-Tree
Thee did I Raise and Rear.
Thy Mother Travell'd there with Thee;
Thy Native Place was there.
Thee did I Raise and Rear.
Thy Mother Travell'd there with Thee;
Thy Native Place was there.
6
O Seal mine Image on thy Heart,O Seal it on thy Arm:
For Love, like Death, doth cast its Dart;
And Jealousie is warm.
137
'Tis like the Grave, whose keen desire
Nothing can satisfie.
The Coals thereof are Coals of Fire
That flame most vehemently.
Nothing can satisfie.
The Coals thereof are Coals of Fire
That flame most vehemently.
7
Waters can't quench Loves Flame, nor FloodsCan Loves height overflow.
If one for Love would give his Goods,
The Price would be too low.
The Iewish Church
8
No Breasts on our small Sister grow,Nor is She yet Admir'd.
What shall we for our Sister do
When She shall be desir'd?
CHRIST
9
We'll build on Her a Silver Court,If She a Wall shall be,
Or if a Door, Her we'll Support
With Boards of Cedar-Tree.
The Iewish Church
10
I am a Wall both strong and Tall,My Breasts, like Towers, are round.
(I then his Sight did much delight,
As One that Favour found.)
138
11
At Baal-Hammon SolomonA Vineyard did possess.
Keepers he sent to the intent
They might his Vineyard dress.
And thus with them he did agree,
That for the Fruit it gave,
A Thousand Silver pieces he,
Of each of them should have.
12
My Vineyard which belongs to MeI know not how to Spare.
It ever Lies before mine Eys,
It is my Constant Care.
But thou, O Solomon, must have
A Thousand for thy Gains;
And those that keep its fruit may Crave
Two hundred for their pains.
13
And now Farewell thou that dost dwellIn Gardens here below;
As thy Companions hear thy Voice
So Let me hear it too.
139
14
Hast my Beloved like a RoeVVhich soon her course fulfills;
O that thou wert like a Young Hart
Upon the Spicy Hills!
The PARAPHRASE. Chap. VIII.
The Church.1
Lord that thou wert as near to MeAs is my Mothers Son.
Such Freedom should I have with Thee
As if we both were one.
I would impart my very Heart
To one that was so near,
VVhose nearness should advance my Love
Above all Slavish fear.
2
Gods holy Church, my Mother Dear,Should Me such Lectures Read;
I Should provide such Heav'nly Chear
VVhereon thou Lov'st to Feed,
3
And then shouldst thou thy Love display,The Riches of thy Grace,
140
Thy Right my Heart embrace.
4
Christs Love my Heart doth so inflame,This Charge I needs must give;
All ye that own his Sacred Name
Do not his Spirit Grieve.
Lord leave us not; yet if thou wilt,
With tears we'll own thy Right,
But a Departure forc'd by Guilt
Makes a Tempestuous Night.
Weak Christians
5
What Strange Aspiring Souls are thoseWhich do this World disdain,
Who on their Lord themselves repose,
Heav'ns Kingdom to obtain?
The Church
Under thine Ordinances Shade
I Sought and found thine Aid;
For there thine Entrance first was made,
Thy Graces first Conveigh'd.
I Sought and found thine Aid;
For there thine Entrance first was made,
Thy Graces first Conveigh'd.
6
Lord bear my Name upon thy Breast,Engrave it on thy Heart,
141
It thence may ne're depart.
For Love, like Death, doth cast its Dart,
Which wounds Me to the quick.
Thy presence, Lord, Supports my Heart,
Thy absence makes it Sick.
Shouldst thou but seemingly disdain
My Heart so deep Engag'd,
I Should be Tortur'd with such pain
As could not be asswag'd.
O Love Me, Lord, or else I dy,
Thee, Lord, my Love doth Crave.
My Lord Shouldst thou my Love deny,
My Love would be my Grave.
My Love doth Flame, my Jealousy
So burns my Heart and Eyes,
I must embrace my Lord, or I
Must be Loves Sacrifice.
7
Whose Seas of trouble cannot quenchLoves Everlasting Fire,
Though Hell oppose, whom I have Chose
I cannot but admire.
142
No Bribes can take with Me;
A proffer'd world would be abhor'd,
A Christ and none but He!
The Iewish Church
8
Remember the Blind Nations, Lord,VVho in a Dungeon Grope,
And lack the Sun-shine of thy VVord,
Yet Pris'ners are of hope.
VVhen once the Hour of thy design
Hath on these Captives Shone,
When they are Call'd and own'd for thine,
VVhat shall be further done?
CHRIST.
9
If they be Constant to my Name,And Firmly hold my Word,
They shall be Blest with Strength and Fame
And Honour'd by their Lord.
If they will open at my Call,
That I with them may dwell,
I'll hold them fast and make them Last
Against the Gates of Hell.
143
10
Lord I am Constant to thy Name,And Firmly hold thy VVord.
(I had a Smile upon the same
From my most Gracious Lord.)
CHRIST
11
I nor admire nor imitateThose who their Vineyards Let
Who of their profit do Abate
That they some ease may get.
12
My Church and Vineyard is alwayMy care and my delight,
I my Self keep it every day,
And Watch it every Night.
Drest by my Hand, Watch'd by my Ey
Its Fruits to Me abounds.
The Praise of its Fertility
Wholly to Me Redounds.
13
My Dearest Church, who art Compos'dOf divers Companies,
Now we have both our minds disclos'd,
I'll end with this advice.
As all thy Members give an Ear
Unto thy Gracious Strain,
144
Until we Meet again.
The Church
14
Ah my Dear Saviour! pity Me;Preserve Me in thy Heart.
And Oh make hast, make hast, that we
May Meet and never part.
| Spiritual Songs, or, Songs of Praise to Almighty God Upon several Occasions | |