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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| DIVES AND LAZARUS. |
 | Spiritual Songs, or, Songs of Praise to Almighty God Upon several Occasions |  |
1
DIVES AND LAZARUS.
In
Judahs Vale a Man of wealth abode,
Vile as a Beast, yet Worship'd as a God.
Who Tyrian Clothes and Egypts Linnen ware,
And on whose Table met Land, Sea and Air.
Vile as a Beast, yet Worship'd as a God.
Who Tyrian Clothes and Egypts Linnen ware,
And on whose Table met Land, Sea and Air.
Beneath the Threshold of his Out-most Gate
A pale, deformed, Horrid Carcass Sate.
Another Job—But of more Fixed woes,
Who from his Dunghil never once arose.
A pale, deformed, Horrid Carcass Sate.
Another Job—But of more Fixed woes,
Who from his Dunghil never once arose.
God-Help-Me was his Name. God was his all.
Those few that knew him, Lazarus him did call.
Those few that knew him, Lazarus him did call.
Need, pain and Scorn at once did on him ly.
His Bed was Earth, his Covering was the Sky.
Nothing had he to pay off Natures Scores.
Empty he was of Bread, but full of Sores.
Hunger (that Wrack) will make a Man Confess
What modest Minds endeavour to suppress.
Sharp Hunger whets the Wit, and 'mends its strain,
It hurts the Bowels, but it helps the Brain.
His Bed was Earth, his Covering was the Sky.
Nothing had he to pay off Natures Scores.
Empty he was of Bread, but full of Sores.
2
What modest Minds endeavour to suppress.
Sharp Hunger whets the Wit, and 'mends its strain,
It hurts the Bowels, but it helps the Brain.
A Servant pass'd the Gate, where, lo! he found
This Rueful Object groveling on the Ground.
Said Lazarus, Sir, if Pity be my due,
Give to your Master what I Give to You.
This Rueful Object groveling on the Ground.
Said Lazarus, Sir, if Pity be my due,
Give to your Master what I Give to You.
LAZARUS his Petition.
Most
Noble Sir, I Humbly Crave,
What Nature doth exact from Me.
I am a Borderer on the Grave,
Half-slain with sharp Necessity.
What Nature doth exact from Me.
I am a Borderer on the Grave,
Half-slain with sharp Necessity.
For Childrens Bread I do not Call;
I do not Ask your Servants Fare;
Only the Sweepings of your Hall
I Beg; And what your Dogs may spare.
I do not Ask your Servants Fare;
Only the Sweepings of your Hall
I Beg; And what your Dogs may spare.
Doom Me not, Sir, to Perish at your Gate,
Who may Preserve Me at so cheap a Rate.
For Father Judah's sake some Fragments Give,
I'le serve You at Gods Altars whilest I live.
Who may Preserve Me at so cheap a Rate.
For Father Judah's sake some Fragments Give,
I'le serve You at Gods Altars whilest I live.
3
DIVES his Answer.
What
Dog is this that dares Presume on Me?
Accurst be all such Crawling Toads as He.
Pests of my Gate, Vermin that Creep so Nigh
—I Hate 'em. Let him Rot and die.
Accurst be all such Crawling Toads as He.
Pests of my Gate, Vermin that Creep so Nigh
—I Hate 'em. Let him Rot and die.
In vain the poor Mans thoughts pursu'd his Suit;
The Dogs were humane, but their Lord a Bruit:
They left their Snarling to their Masters Face.
They Ran and Lazarus gently did embrace.
He was the pity'd Patient of those Hounds,
Whose lambent Tongues did cool his burning Wounds.
The Dogs were humane, but their Lord a Bruit:
They left their Snarling to their Masters Face.
They Ran and Lazarus gently did embrace.
He was the pity'd Patient of those Hounds,
Whose lambent Tongues did cool his burning Wounds.
This done, the squalid Vassals of the Times
Scorn'd ragged Virtue, Honour'd purple Crimes.
Things are mis-judged by the purblind Ey,
Which views their Posture, not their tendency.
Till Justice 'wakes to Right its injur'd Lawes,
Which doth not Weigh the Person, but the Cause.
Scorn'd ragged Virtue, Honour'd purple Crimes.
Things are mis-judged by the purblind Ey,
Which views their Posture, not their tendency.
Till Justice 'wakes to Right its injur'd Lawes,
Which doth not Weigh the Person, but the Cause.
Nor Rags, nor Sores, are Clouds that can disguise
A splendid Soul to Heavens Soul-searching Eyes;
Earths Laz'rus was Heavens Dives; Earths disdain
Was a meet Guest for Heaven to entertain.
Now comes the Golden Hour that sets him free
From his Apprenticeship to Misery.
His Corps (the Graves old Neighbour) long Undrest.
At length is slipt into its Bed of Rest.
A Treasure 'tis, tho' Funeral-costs it wants.
The Richest Mineral is the Dust of Saints.
He was his own (most serious) Mourner here.
He mourn'd enough. He needs no hired tear.
A splendid Soul to Heavens Soul-searching Eyes;
Earths Laz'rus was Heavens Dives; Earths disdain
Was a meet Guest for Heaven to entertain.
Now comes the Golden Hour that sets him free
From his Apprenticeship to Misery.
His Corps (the Graves old Neighbour) long Undrest.
At length is slipt into its Bed of Rest.
4
The Richest Mineral is the Dust of Saints.
He was his own (most serious) Mourner here.
He mourn'd enough. He needs no hired tear.
The time is come, that Lazarus must be clad
With such fine Linnen, Dives never had.
The time is come, that Lazarus must be Fed
With Heavens rich juices, and with Angels Bread.
With such fine Linnen, Dives never had.
The time is come, that Lazarus must be Fed
With Heavens rich juices, and with Angels Bread.
There is a Table richly Spread above.
There is an Everlasting Feast of Love,
A Feast which Friends and Friendship doth maintain:
Pale Envy is not there, nor proud disdain.
They all are One; In One they all agree.
One is their all, which makes all one to be.
Here's height of Mirth with Depth of seriousness
Plenty without the Hazard of excess.
Here are full joyes in Hand, full joyes in view.
Here Wine and Appetite are ever new.
Ever begins their Feast and ne're doth end,
Whom growing Loaves and Living Springs attend.
Their Harps are well-strung Hearts, well-tuned Tongues
And Sacred Hallelujahs are their Songs.
Here sit the Saints. Here the Believers Sire
Is Nobly Seated in his rich attire.
Hither the King of Heaven new Guests doth call.
Nor can he come too late, that comes at all.
There is an Everlasting Feast of Love,
A Feast which Friends and Friendship doth maintain:
Pale Envy is not there, nor proud disdain.
They all are One; In One they all agree.
One is their all, which makes all one to be.
Here's height of Mirth with Depth of seriousness
Plenty without the Hazard of excess.
Here are full joyes in Hand, full joyes in view.
Here Wine and Appetite are ever new.
Ever begins their Feast and ne're doth end,
Whom growing Loaves and Living Springs attend.
Their Harps are well-strung Hearts, well-tuned Tongues
And Sacred Hallelujahs are their Songs.
Here sit the Saints. Here the Believers Sire
Is Nobly Seated in his rich attire.
Hither the King of Heaven new Guests doth call.
Nor can he come too late, that comes at all.
The Mighty One who dwells and Rules on High
Angels attend with an obedient Ey.
The Secrets of his Breasts they do not Skill,
But are the trusty Servants of his Will.
Thus charg'd he them. “Bring Lazarus to the Feast,
“And let him take his place next Abrahams Breast.
They heard with reverence, and obey'd their King;
Joy rais'd their Hearts, and nimbly Shook their Wing.
They fled from Heaven, yet Heaven was with them still.
It was their Heaven to do their Masters will.
They stop'd not at the Stars (that pompous show)
Who went to view a Brighter Star below.
The point design'd they well did understand,
Who had old Voyagers been to Canaans Land.
There had they been Lots Guests (who was their Ward)
There had they been Elisha's Flaming Guard.
In that Land chiefly lay their Lords affairs.
They traffiq'd there for Soules (those precious Wares.)
Angels attend with an obedient Ey.
The Secrets of his Breasts they do not Skill,
But are the trusty Servants of his Will.
5
“And let him take his place next Abrahams Breast.
They heard with reverence, and obey'd their King;
Joy rais'd their Hearts, and nimbly Shook their Wing.
They fled from Heaven, yet Heaven was with them still.
It was their Heaven to do their Masters will.
They stop'd not at the Stars (that pompous show)
Who went to view a Brighter Star below.
The point design'd they well did understand,
Who had old Voyagers been to Canaans Land.
There had they been Lots Guests (who was their Ward)
There had they been Elisha's Flaming Guard.
In that Land chiefly lay their Lords affairs.
They traffiq'd there for Soules (those precious Wares.)
Soon came they where Sick Lazarus had his Lare.
They stop'd and waited for their Passenger.
No Visitant found they with him, but the Lord;
No Nurse, but Faith; No Cordial, but the Word.
They heard him praying, “Lord, some mercy Show,
“For I can find no mercy here below.
This said, he Sigh'd and was of Life bereav'd.
He gave his Soul, and they his Soul receiv'd.
With Shouts and Songs triumphant up they went,
And to the Company did him present.
They Shouted all, and joy'd the new-come Guest.
He gently stoups and leans on Abrahams Breast.
They stop'd and waited for their Passenger.
No Visitant found they with him, but the Lord;
No Nurse, but Faith; No Cordial, but the Word.
They heard him praying, “Lord, some mercy Show,
“For I can find no mercy here below.
This said, he Sigh'd and was of Life bereav'd.
He gave his Soul, and they his Soul receiv'd.
With Shouts and Songs triumphant up they went,
And to the Company did him present.
They Shouted all, and joy'd the new-come Guest.
He gently stoups and leans on Abrahams Breast.
Whom Dives curs'd and stately Fooles disdain'd,
How is he Blest! How is he Entertain'd!
Tho' Virtue here on Earth neglected lies,
Yet Heaven will raise it. For 'tis born to rise.
Dives, that Silken Cod, must never dy
Unless his Creatures and false prophets ly.
He's safe, if Death be cast as far behind
His Body, as it is below his Mind,
He's alwayes young; He learns it from his Glass,
Which smoothes his furrow'd Brow and paints his Face
But a Cold-striking Hand confutes the Ly.
Down falls his Flattering Glass, His Fancies dy.
His Garden-walkes must him no longer know.
The Life-tree in his Garden doth not grow.
His Palace must be chang'd for a dark Tomb,
That was his Inn, but this must be his Home.
He must no longer at his Table stay,
The Voider (Death) is come to take away.
Death, that abhorr'd (both Name and) thing, comes on,
And potently torments this potent One.
It makes amazing breaches, and in short
Hath Seiz'd the out-works and attacks the Fort.
In what a wretched posture does he Ly!
He cannot Live, and yet he dares not dy.
His Debt must be distrain'd; For he'l not pay
Nor yield his Ghost; It must be fetch'd away.
He Sprunts, he struggles; But Death keeps him under,
And with one stroke tears Flesh and Soul asunder.
Then rang the House with his five Brethrens cries,
Alas, our Brother! So they clos'd his Eyes.
His outward parts are wash'd; His inner Rooms
Stuff'd with Arabian Sweets and rich perfumes.
Now Death his Purple is. Now he's allow'd
Fine Linnen too: But 'tis a Funeral Shroud.
Grave-fac'd Spectatours with their Garments torn
And Shrouded Lips attend. The Room doth mourn.
Ah what a poor revenge is this on Fate,
For him that cannot Live, to ly in state!
Amidst the Gazing-Crowd the Bearers come,
With pomp they bring him to his painted Tomb.
Minstrels and Trumpeters their Noises joyn,
And Women sell false tears for Currant coyn.
Now least his Friends should in Salt streams be drown'd
The Cup of consolation goes its round.
But stay, my Soul; 'Tis Death that thou must view,
Not Shadowes which dead Bodies do Ensue.
How is he Blest! How is he Entertain'd!
Tho' Virtue here on Earth neglected lies,
Yet Heaven will raise it. For 'tis born to rise.
Dives, that Silken Cod, must never dy
Unless his Creatures and false prophets ly.
6
His Body, as it is below his Mind,
He's alwayes young; He learns it from his Glass,
Which smoothes his furrow'd Brow and paints his Face
But a Cold-striking Hand confutes the Ly.
Down falls his Flattering Glass, His Fancies dy.
His Garden-walkes must him no longer know.
The Life-tree in his Garden doth not grow.
His Palace must be chang'd for a dark Tomb,
That was his Inn, but this must be his Home.
He must no longer at his Table stay,
The Voider (Death) is come to take away.
Death, that abhorr'd (both Name and) thing, comes on,
And potently torments this potent One.
It makes amazing breaches, and in short
Hath Seiz'd the out-works and attacks the Fort.
In what a wretched posture does he Ly!
He cannot Live, and yet he dares not dy.
His Debt must be distrain'd; For he'l not pay
Nor yield his Ghost; It must be fetch'd away.
He Sprunts, he struggles; But Death keeps him under,
And with one stroke tears Flesh and Soul asunder.
Then rang the House with his five Brethrens cries,
Alas, our Brother! So they clos'd his Eyes.
His outward parts are wash'd; His inner Rooms
Stuff'd with Arabian Sweets and rich perfumes.
Now Death his Purple is. Now he's allow'd
Fine Linnen too: But 'tis a Funeral Shroud.
Grave-fac'd Spectatours with their Garments torn
And Shrouded Lips attend. The Room doth mourn.
Ah what a poor revenge is this on Fate,
For him that cannot Live, to ly in state!
7
With pomp they bring him to his painted Tomb.
Minstrels and Trumpeters their Noises joyn,
And Women sell false tears for Currant coyn.
Now least his Friends should in Salt streams be drown'd
The Cup of consolation goes its round.
But stay, my Soul; 'Tis Death that thou must view,
Not Shadowes which dead Bodies do Ensue.
What a dark Notion and abstrusity
Is this to living Men, that they must dy.
Grim Death on his pale Horse triumphant rides.
He strikes us through our nearest Kinsmans sides.
Yet are we Senseless as the Stupid Mule,
Live as Exceptious from the common Rule.
We cast a Cloth o're Death; 'tis soon forgot.
We Charm the Serpent and it stings us not.
Is this to living Men, that they must dy.
Grim Death on his pale Horse triumphant rides.
He strikes us through our nearest Kinsmans sides.
Yet are we Senseless as the Stupid Mule,
Live as Exceptious from the common Rule.
We cast a Cloth o're Death; 'tis soon forgot.
We Charm the Serpent and it stings us not.
Now might one let this pleasant Errour pass,
If Death was all. But Death his Second has.
When once the dissolution-hour is come,
Out goes the Soul to hear her Final Doom.
If Death was all. But Death his Second has.
When once the dissolution-hour is come,
Out goes the Soul to hear her Final Doom.
You who have Slightly heard the Funeral-Knell,
Now hear the voice which Dooms thy Ghost to Hell.
For those whose Hearts an Earthquake will not Shake,
Thro' Heavens loud-roaring Cannons may awake.
Now hear the voice which Dooms thy Ghost to Hell.
For those whose Hearts an Earthquake will not Shake,
Thro' Heavens loud-roaring Cannons may awake.
Dives black Ghost (all horrour and despair)
Is from its Prison Snatch'd to th'dismal Bar.
Behind him the impatient Devils roar.
His Sins (those worst of Devils) stand before.
With terrours thus besieg'd in every place,
He hears a Voice, but might not see the Face.
The Voice was roaring Thunder in his Ears.
The words were tearing Bolts and Flaming Spears.
“Go thou accurst. Vile Caitife, hence away
“To damned Ghosts. Come Devils take your prey.
Struck with this Thunder, down he sunk, he fell,
And was a triumph to the Fiends of Hell.
Th'ingenious Tyrants did a Council pack,
Their Malice set their wits upon the wrack.
When they had joyntly study'd to Torment,
For their pale prisoner then in hast they sent.
They Chain'd and stak'd him to a furious Flame,
Where constant streames of Brimstone feed the same.
Behold Sins Martyr, and Hells Sacrifice!
He Yells and howles and Vents unpity'd cries.
He finds no Friendly Ear or tender Ey.
He feels a thousand Deaths but cannot dy.
Like burning Brass he's Fir'd in every part.
A Vultur lives upon his Living heart.
God's gone, he's gone. And what an Hell is this
To be depriv'd of everlasting Bliss!
O this Eternal Banishment is worse
Then all the Remnant of the Dooms-day curse.
This Hell of Hell may thus be understood,
No torments are so bad as God is good.
Besides an Appetite in Man doth ly.
Which nothing but a God can satisfy.
And tho' this Appetite be here deluded
By Various objects, in Gods room obtruded.
Yet when at Death all these are laid aside,
Then thirsts the Soul for God, but is deny'd.
This thirst unquench'd is such an inward Flame,
An Hell in Hell is its deserved Name.
In Hell there cannot be an Atheist.
'Tis Hell in Hell that God is dearly mist.
Is from its Prison Snatch'd to th'dismal Bar.
Behind him the impatient Devils roar.
His Sins (those worst of Devils) stand before.
8
He hears a Voice, but might not see the Face.
The Voice was roaring Thunder in his Ears.
The words were tearing Bolts and Flaming Spears.
“Go thou accurst. Vile Caitife, hence away
“To damned Ghosts. Come Devils take your prey.
Struck with this Thunder, down he sunk, he fell,
And was a triumph to the Fiends of Hell.
Th'ingenious Tyrants did a Council pack,
Their Malice set their wits upon the wrack.
When they had joyntly study'd to Torment,
For their pale prisoner then in hast they sent.
They Chain'd and stak'd him to a furious Flame,
Where constant streames of Brimstone feed the same.
Behold Sins Martyr, and Hells Sacrifice!
He Yells and howles and Vents unpity'd cries.
He finds no Friendly Ear or tender Ey.
He feels a thousand Deaths but cannot dy.
Like burning Brass he's Fir'd in every part.
A Vultur lives upon his Living heart.
God's gone, he's gone. And what an Hell is this
To be depriv'd of everlasting Bliss!
O this Eternal Banishment is worse
Then all the Remnant of the Dooms-day curse.
This Hell of Hell may thus be understood,
No torments are so bad as God is good.
Besides an Appetite in Man doth ly.
Which nothing but a God can satisfy.
And tho' this Appetite be here deluded
By Various objects, in Gods room obtruded.
Yet when at Death all these are laid aside,
Then thirsts the Soul for God, but is deny'd.
9
An Hell in Hell is its deserved Name.
In Hell there cannot be an Atheist.
'Tis Hell in Hell that God is dearly mist.
Poor Dives cries, “The God, for whom I Starve,
“I cannot see, because I would not serve,
“I bleed to think (and thinking is my Fate)
“He often Knocked at my Bolted Gate.
“Where are those Baits on which my lusts did prey,
“The price for which I cast my self away?
“Where now's my pomp and pride, my Feasts and sports,
“Whose Chains detain'd me from the Sacred Courts?
“O did my House so near the Temple stand!
“O did I perish out of Judahs Land!
“Might I be try'd once more! But 'tis too late.
“Justice hath Lock'd the Golden Mercy-Gate.
“Now I believe, and tremble. I repent,
“But my Repentance is my punishment.
“It is not Virtue but necessity.
“Alas how miserably wise am I?
“Might I return now to that happy Night
“Which veil'd me e're my Parents saw the Light,
“Ah me! must I ly here! and ne're come out?
He raves and flings his curses round about.
He curs'd both Heaven and Hell, he curs'd the Earth.
He curs'd the day that witness'd to his Birth.
But neither can his tears his griefs asswage.
Nor does it cool his Heart to vent his Rage.
This keen reflection makes the Furnace Glow.
“It must be ever with me as 'tis now.
“Hells Flames no Ashes will produce: But I
“Must ever dying Live, and Living dy.
“Soules for themselves the Balm of Patience bear.
“'Tis the Poors Physick, but it growes not here,
“My Soul is fill'd with Home-bred tears and Taunts.
“'Tis its own Fury. And it self it haunts.
“Pity was wont in miseries House to dwell,
“But I am hailed by the Hounds of Hell.
“Time us'd to be a Surgeon good at Wounds
“But I am got beyond its happy Bounds.
“A Vessel charg'd with Scalding wrath am I
“Hoop'd in the Circle of Eternity.
“I cannot see, because I would not serve,
“I bleed to think (and thinking is my Fate)
“He often Knocked at my Bolted Gate.
“Where are those Baits on which my lusts did prey,
“The price for which I cast my self away?
“Where now's my pomp and pride, my Feasts and sports,
“Whose Chains detain'd me from the Sacred Courts?
“O did my House so near the Temple stand!
“O did I perish out of Judahs Land!
“Might I be try'd once more! But 'tis too late.
“Justice hath Lock'd the Golden Mercy-Gate.
“Now I believe, and tremble. I repent,
“But my Repentance is my punishment.
“It is not Virtue but necessity.
“Alas how miserably wise am I?
“Might I return now to that happy Night
“Which veil'd me e're my Parents saw the Light,
“Ah me! must I ly here! and ne're come out?
He raves and flings his curses round about.
He curs'd both Heaven and Hell, he curs'd the Earth.
He curs'd the day that witness'd to his Birth.
But neither can his tears his griefs asswage.
Nor does it cool his Heart to vent his Rage.
This keen reflection makes the Furnace Glow.
“It must be ever with me as 'tis now.
“Hells Flames no Ashes will produce: But I
“Must ever dying Live, and Living dy.
10
“'Tis the Poors Physick, but it growes not here,
“My Soul is fill'd with Home-bred tears and Taunts.
“'Tis its own Fury. And it self it haunts.
“Pity was wont in miseries House to dwell,
“But I am hailed by the Hounds of Hell.
“Time us'd to be a Surgeon good at Wounds
“But I am got beyond its happy Bounds.
“A Vessel charg'd with Scalding wrath am I
“Hoop'd in the Circle of Eternity.
You who affect the pleasant path to Hell,
And Love damnation in its causes well,
Look straight before you on your Journeys End.
Do ye not see th'infernal Smoak ascend?
Have not some Sparks into your Bosomes Flown,
Whereby the Neighb'ring coasts may well be known.
Bold Sinner, stop. No further progress make.
Least your next step be in the Fiery Lake.
But, Oh! He ridicules his Soules Affairs
And labours to be damn'd at unawares.
His humour will not bear a Countermand,
Alas for them who hate to understand!
Who on their Soules Experiments will try
At the charge of a sad Eternity
Alas for them, who never will awake.
Till they are plung'd into the burning Lake!
And Love damnation in its causes well,
Look straight before you on your Journeys End.
Do ye not see th'infernal Smoak ascend?
Have not some Sparks into your Bosomes Flown,
Whereby the Neighb'ring coasts may well be known.
Bold Sinner, stop. No further progress make.
Least your next step be in the Fiery Lake.
But, Oh! He ridicules his Soules Affairs
And labours to be damn'd at unawares.
His humour will not bear a Countermand,
Alas for them who hate to understand!
Who on their Soules Experiments will try
At the charge of a sad Eternity
Alas for them, who never will awake.
Till they are plung'd into the burning Lake!
Dives was here struck blind with Flatt'ring lies.
Now the Hell-brand lifts up his Flaming Eyes.
He spies the Region where the happy dwell,
But Heaven at distance is another Hell.
He spies a Canaans Feast; For chiefly there,
The Natives of his Country do appear.
He spies Blest Abraham with his faithful Race,
And Lazarus sitting next to Abrahams place.
Oh! How it twinges and torments his Eyes?
His scorn to Envy turns; And thus he cries,
“The Scoundrel who lay Starving at my Gate,
“Is now a Peer in Heaven, an Angels Mate.
“The Beggar sits and Feeds on Angels Fare.
“His Rags are Robes, such as Heavens Nobles wear.
“The Dog whom in derision once I had,
“Is turn'd into a Star, which makes me Mad.
Now the Hell-brand lifts up his Flaming Eyes.
He spies the Region where the happy dwell,
But Heaven at distance is another Hell.
11
The Natives of his Country do appear.
He spies Blest Abraham with his faithful Race,
And Lazarus sitting next to Abrahams place.
Oh! How it twinges and torments his Eyes?
His scorn to Envy turns; And thus he cries,
“The Scoundrel who lay Starving at my Gate,
“Is now a Peer in Heaven, an Angels Mate.
“The Beggar sits and Feeds on Angels Fare.
“His Rags are Robes, such as Heavens Nobles wear.
“The Dog whom in derision once I had,
“Is turn'd into a Star, which makes me Mad.
Now Dives is the Beggar, and applies
Himself to Abraham with his mournfull cries.
Himself to Abraham with his mournfull cries.
DIVES his Petition.
Ah
Father Abraham, Pity me
Who with tormenting Flames am Stung.
For Pity whether should I Flee
But to the Bowels whence I Sprung?
Who with tormenting Flames am Stung.
For Pity whether should I Flee
But to the Bowels whence I Sprung?
The Grapes Rich blood I do not Crave,
Waters Cheap Element will Suffice.
And tho' my Tongue thirsts for a wave,
For one poor drop it only cries.
Waters Cheap Element will Suffice.
And tho' my Tongue thirsts for a wave,
For one poor drop it only cries.
By Lazarus moistned Finger may you please.
To give my Scorched Tongue one moments ease!
I dwell in Flames and Flames in Me do dwell.
O for a drop from Heaven to Sweeten Hell.
To give my Scorched Tongue one moments ease!
12
O for a drop from Heaven to Sweeten Hell.
Mark how the wheel is turn'd. The time is come.
He begs a drop who once deny'd a Crumb.
Right-thinking Judges then must needs approve
The tart and equal Answer from above.
He begs a drop who once deny'd a Crumb.
Right-thinking Judges then must needs approve
The tart and equal Answer from above.
ABRAHAM'S Answer.
Art thou forlorn of God, and com'st to me?
What can I tell thee then but misery?
Remember, Son, the Heaven thy Feet have Trod,
Earth was thy Heaven, and pleasure was thy God.
Remember Lazarus had his Hell below.
Thou wast the Devil which did cause his woe.
Now are his Rags Heavens Robes with glorious Beams.
Thy purple, Flames; Thy juncats, Sulphrous streams.
What can I tell thee then but misery?
Remember, Son, the Heaven thy Feet have Trod,
Earth was thy Heaven, and pleasure was thy God.
Remember Lazarus had his Hell below.
Thou wast the Devil which did cause his woe.
Now are his Rags Heavens Robes with glorious Beams.
Thy purple, Flames; Thy juncats, Sulphrous streams.
Is he thy wish who was thy Scorn before,
Shall Lazarus now be well-come to thy door?
And dost imagine some fair Bridge to ly
Betwixt the White and Black Eternity?
No, there's a mighty Gulf which rends in twain,
The Fiery Region and the Ætherial Plain.
We are too happy to be dispossest,
And you so cursed you can ne're be Blest.
We are so rais'd that we can never fall.
And you so sunk, you cannot rise at all.
Once Angels went from Heaven to Hell; But first
They blackned were to Devils and accurst.
Since those Stars fell, none of the Heavenly hosts
Or did or shall Visit th'infernal coasts.
To you it is bitter, but to us 'tis Sweet,
That we are parted and must never meet.
Heaven were not Heaven, if it near Hell were plac'd.
Nor Hell were Hell, if it of Heaven might tast.
Can our pure Light with Smoak and darkness dwell.
The Poles shall sooner meet then Heaven and Hell.
Shall Lazarus now be well-come to thy door?
And dost imagine some fair Bridge to ly
Betwixt the White and Black Eternity?
No, there's a mighty Gulf which rends in twain,
The Fiery Region and the Ætherial Plain.
We are too happy to be dispossest,
And you so cursed you can ne're be Blest.
We are so rais'd that we can never fall.
And you so sunk, you cannot rise at all.
13
They blackned were to Devils and accurst.
Since those Stars fell, none of the Heavenly hosts
Or did or shall Visit th'infernal coasts.
To you it is bitter, but to us 'tis Sweet,
That we are parted and must never meet.
Heaven were not Heaven, if it near Hell were plac'd.
Nor Hell were Hell, if it of Heaven might tast.
Can our pure Light with Smoak and darkness dwell.
The Poles shall sooner meet then Heaven and Hell.
Tho' Speech availes not, wracking misery,
Extorts from him another fruitless cry.
Extorts from him another fruitless cry.
DIVES his Second Petition
If
such an Envious Gulf there be,
Yet, Father, Lend an Ear to me.
From Earth to Heaven, a way is Pav'd.
How else came Lazarus to be Sav'd.
Let me so Small a Boon Entreat,
That Lazarus may his steps repeat.
And that he may Imbody'd go,
And tell the Stories of my Wo
To my Five Brethren, who all dwell within
My Fathers House (O had he never been!)
Brethren in Bonds of Nature and of Sin.
O let him tell them, that there is a God,
Whose Scepter is a Sin-revenging Rod.
And let him tell them that adventr'ous drolls,
Shall find unto their costs that they have Soules.
Mine Stuck i'th' Scabbard; Till its angry Lord
Unsheath'd it, and it prov'd a Flaming Sword.
That Limbeek, Death, draws Spirits from our Clay,
To th'Element of Soules they hast away.
And let him tell them, that the Sadduce
Shall be Hells Convert, and recant with me.
Whilest they ly Sleeping on the brink of Hell.
The Smoak they see not, nor the Brimstone Smell.
There they'l disport themselves with Golden dreams.
Till they betray 'em to these burning Streams.
But let him Scare them with an hollow Sound,
That they (like Lot) may Flee their cursed Ground.
O send him quickly least they Tumble in,
And prove the Flaming Records of my Sin.
Can I no water get at my desire;
Yet, O, no more, no more, new Fleakes of Fire.
Yet, Father, Lend an Ear to me.
From Earth to Heaven, a way is Pav'd.
How else came Lazarus to be Sav'd.
Let me so Small a Boon Entreat,
That Lazarus may his steps repeat.
And that he may Imbody'd go,
And tell the Stories of my Wo
To my Five Brethren, who all dwell within
My Fathers House (O had he never been!)
Brethren in Bonds of Nature and of Sin.
O let him tell them, that there is a God,
Whose Scepter is a Sin-revenging Rod.
14
Shall find unto their costs that they have Soules.
Mine Stuck i'th' Scabbard; Till its angry Lord
Unsheath'd it, and it prov'd a Flaming Sword.
That Limbeek, Death, draws Spirits from our Clay,
To th'Element of Soules they hast away.
And let him tell them, that the Sadduce
Shall be Hells Convert, and recant with me.
Whilest they ly Sleeping on the brink of Hell.
The Smoak they see not, nor the Brimstone Smell.
There they'l disport themselves with Golden dreams.
Till they betray 'em to these burning Streams.
But let him Scare them with an hollow Sound,
That they (like Lot) may Flee their cursed Ground.
O send him quickly least they Tumble in,
And prove the Flaming Records of my Sin.
Can I no water get at my desire;
Yet, O, no more, no more, new Fleakes of Fire.
This Abraham heard with Unrelenting eares.
No pity's due to Hell-Hounds cries and tears.
No pity's due to Hell-Hounds cries and tears.
ABRAHAM'S Answer.
Once Heaven bow'd down and touch'd the Arabian Hill,And gave a Sampler of the Sacred will
To Moses Hands, that chosen Man of God;
Copies were taken and dispers'd abroad.
15
So the free Sun extends his fruitful Wings;
As this most Sacred Light it self displays,
And Gilds the Tents of Jacob with its Raies.)
For Saints to come from God there is no cause:
Himself came down and did promulge his Laws.
Needs Lazarus take a journey from the Sky,
When Wisdom at your Brethrens Gates doth cry.
Let them hear Moses read by their Divines
I'th' Synagogue, to which their House adjoyns.
And let them hear the Reverend Prophets next
Those wondrous Commentatours on the Text.
DIVES his Reply.
Moses ('tis true) was an Unerring Guide,
So were those Sixteen Prophets on his side.
This I as much believe, as if I saw
The Flaming Mount, and heard the Fiery Law,
When every word was accented with Thunder,
Which Rent those Oakes, the Jewish hearts asunder.
'Tis here as necessary to believe,
As it is Natural to feel and grieve.
I that am now a proof of Sacred Writ,
Do argue backwards with my After-wit.
Hell in the Threatnings tho' I did not See,
The Threatnings are in Hell made plain to Me.
I Skowl'd upon the Heavens when they did Lowre.
The Clouds I fear'd not, but I feel the Shower.
Nothing will move my Brethren but a Sign,
Experience is the powerful'st Divine.
Faith is the Child of Sense, whereas Report
Is Entertain'd with Blasphemy or Sport.
They have a Sword to Cut the Gordian Knot,
Moses saith many things, but proves them not.
And tho' they hear Substantial proofes there be,
Nothing is proofe to them but what they See.
Had they an Emissary from above,
The very Sight a Future state would prove.
Might he but tell them of your Heavenly Strand,
They'd all turn Pilgrims for that Holy Land.
Or might he preach the Torments which I feel,
His words would wound like burning Gads of Steel.
His words would tear down all, like Thundring Guns,
Beyond the faint attempts of Levies Sons.
So were those Sixteen Prophets on his side.
This I as much believe, as if I saw
The Flaming Mount, and heard the Fiery Law,
When every word was accented with Thunder,
Which Rent those Oakes, the Jewish hearts asunder.
'Tis here as necessary to believe,
As it is Natural to feel and grieve.
I that am now a proof of Sacred Writ,
Do argue backwards with my After-wit.
Hell in the Threatnings tho' I did not See,
The Threatnings are in Hell made plain to Me.
I Skowl'd upon the Heavens when they did Lowre.
The Clouds I fear'd not, but I feel the Shower.
Nothing will move my Brethren but a Sign,
Experience is the powerful'st Divine.
16
Is Entertain'd with Blasphemy or Sport.
They have a Sword to Cut the Gordian Knot,
Moses saith many things, but proves them not.
And tho' they hear Substantial proofes there be,
Nothing is proofe to them but what they See.
Had they an Emissary from above,
The very Sight a Future state would prove.
Might he but tell them of your Heavenly Strand,
They'd all turn Pilgrims for that Holy Land.
Or might he preach the Torments which I feel,
His words would wound like burning Gads of Steel.
His words would tear down all, like Thundring Guns,
Beyond the faint attempts of Levies Sons.
O were I of this cursed Chain Releas'd!
(With that he gnash'd his teeth and knock'd his breast.)
Might I be to the Earth a Preacher sent,
I'de burn up Sin like Stubble where I went.
I'de Smoak away their Lusts and Flattering Lies:
Or forth I'de drive them with my Glaring Eyes.
I'de blow a Trumpet which should Rend the Ground,
Their Trembling Heartstrings should in Consort Sound;
I'de teach the faithless Sadducees their Creed,
And make the Pharisees to pray indeed.
I'de tell the Ranters such a doleful Tale,
That they should mourn as in Megiddons Vale.
I'de unbewitch the Sots and Slaves of Sin,
That such a Reformation should begin,
As in Josiah's time did not befall,
And the next Age should Canonize 'em all.
(With that he gnash'd his teeth and knock'd his breast.)
Might I be to the Earth a Preacher sent,
I'de burn up Sin like Stubble where I went.
I'de Smoak away their Lusts and Flattering Lies:
Or forth I'de drive them with my Glaring Eyes.
I'de blow a Trumpet which should Rend the Ground,
Their Trembling Heartstrings should in Consort Sound;
I'de teach the faithless Sadducees their Creed,
And make the Pharisees to pray indeed.
I'de tell the Ranters such a doleful Tale,
That they should mourn as in Megiddons Vale.
I'de unbewitch the Sots and Slaves of Sin,
That such a Reformation should begin,
As in Josiah's time did not befall,
And the next Age should Canonize 'em all.
17
ABRAHAM'S Rejoynder.
A preaching Apparition would confound
Heaven-daring Giants with its dreadful Sound.
None quake so soon as those who Heaven do dare;
Who fear not God, the greatest Cowards are.)
But were the coast once clear, the shake once o're,
The Lees would settle as they did before.
“It was a waking Dream, they would conclude,
“A Juggle which our Senses did delude.
“Or did we something see? And something hear?
“Yet whence it came, it doth not yet appear.
Nay, they would gravely reason out the Case,
“What we can grasp, we gladly will Embrace.
“The rest we leave. To them let Children heark,
“And fright themselves with Fancies in the dark.
“What is a Spirit? What's Infinity?
“What does the word [ Eternal ] signify?
Charm'd are their Soules with this Oration made.
And now their fear shall vanish like the Shade.
Thus Fools ('tho pounded) will not lose a Grain,
And Frozen Snakes, when thaw'd, will hisse again.
Heaven-daring Giants with its dreadful Sound.
None quake so soon as those who Heaven do dare;
Who fear not God, the greatest Cowards are.)
But were the coast once clear, the shake once o're,
The Lees would settle as they did before.
“It was a waking Dream, they would conclude,
“A Juggle which our Senses did delude.
“Or did we something see? And something hear?
“Yet whence it came, it doth not yet appear.
Nay, they would gravely reason out the Case,
“What we can grasp, we gladly will Embrace.
“The rest we leave. To them let Children heark,
“And fright themselves with Fancies in the dark.
“What is a Spirit? What's Infinity?
“What does the word [ Eternal ] signify?
Charm'd are their Soules with this Oration made.
And now their fear shall vanish like the Shade.
Thus Fools ('tho pounded) will not lose a Grain,
And Frozen Snakes, when thaw'd, will hisse again.
Come now, thou that pretend'st to Act the Man,
Something there needs must be, which ne're began.
As all were nothing once, So 'twould be now.
A Number from bare Cyphers could not grow.
Nothing's a Barren Womb. If that could breed,
To be and not to be were well agreed.
One point is gain'd, that something ever was.
This hard word, Ever; You must let it pass.
Know'st thou how far this Ever doth extend?
You must grant what you cannot Comprehend.
But what was Ever? This Imperial Robe
Suits not the azure nor the Verdant Globe.
One is a turning Wheel that Spins out time,
The other Pooles with Spots of hardned slime.
Now mark the kinds of each, and you shall find
Unto their proper Sphears they are Confin'd.
Hereby is their Original Confest,
There's but a partial goodness in the best.
This is the Voice of their infirmity,
“Mere Beggars and Derivatives are we.
What's of it self, that doth its self Suffice,
'Tis from our Creatureship our wants arise.
What's of it self, that in it self is Blest,
'Tis its own Center and at perfect rest.
Rich is that Being whence all Beings are,
And whence each Being has its proper Share.
Nor is't a wonder of so High degree
To make to be, as of it self to be.
Something then ever was, which needs must be,
From all the shades of Imperfections free.
Hence are we. And to think, in vain we are,
Is to condemn his Wisdom at our Bar.
As Men the Badge of their dependance wear
On their frail Flesh (the Graves probationer)
And on their hearts, whose restless Motions show
Something they want, which is not here below:
So must they own whom they are forc'd to know,
And pay themselves to whom themselves they Ow.
Neither would this their Light of comfort Dim,
But they should serve themselves in serving him.
When Graves vpbraid proud Gravestones with their Lies,
Gods Servant is a Title never dies.
Something there needs must be, which ne're began.
As all were nothing once, So 'twould be now.
A Number from bare Cyphers could not grow.
Nothing's a Barren Womb. If that could breed,
To be and not to be were well agreed.
18
This hard word, Ever; You must let it pass.
Know'st thou how far this Ever doth extend?
You must grant what you cannot Comprehend.
But what was Ever? This Imperial Robe
Suits not the azure nor the Verdant Globe.
One is a turning Wheel that Spins out time,
The other Pooles with Spots of hardned slime.
Now mark the kinds of each, and you shall find
Unto their proper Sphears they are Confin'd.
Hereby is their Original Confest,
There's but a partial goodness in the best.
This is the Voice of their infirmity,
“Mere Beggars and Derivatives are we.
What's of it self, that doth its self Suffice,
'Tis from our Creatureship our wants arise.
What's of it self, that in it self is Blest,
'Tis its own Center and at perfect rest.
Rich is that Being whence all Beings are,
And whence each Being has its proper Share.
Nor is't a wonder of so High degree
To make to be, as of it self to be.
Something then ever was, which needs must be,
From all the shades of Imperfections free.
Hence are we. And to think, in vain we are,
Is to condemn his Wisdom at our Bar.
As Men the Badge of their dependance wear
On their frail Flesh (the Graves probationer)
And on their hearts, whose restless Motions show
Something they want, which is not here below:
So must they own whom they are forc'd to know,
And pay themselves to whom themselves they Ow.
Neither would this their Light of comfort Dim,
But they should serve themselves in serving him.
19
Gods Servant is a Title never dies.
The Thoughts in Man do prove his Soul to be;
His Conscience bodes his immortality.
This Bosom-Magistrate his Facts espies
And binds him over to the last Assize.
He trembles at his Summons to appear.
His fear makes not a God, God makes his fear.
Religion by Corroding doth assay
Even thro' an heart of Rock to force its way.
O might he to himself be so Syncere,
To strive to please whom he's constrain'd to fear.
His Conscience bodes his immortality.
This Bosom-Magistrate his Facts espies
And binds him over to the last Assize.
He trembles at his Summons to appear.
His fear makes not a God, God makes his fear.
Religion by Corroding doth assay
Even thro' an heart of Rock to force its way.
O might he to himself be so Syncere,
To strive to please whom he's constrain'd to fear.
Yet will he be a Vagrant all his days,
Without a Method to direct his ways.
What Ey e're pierc'd th'Almighties Sacred Breast?
Himself knowes only what will please him best.
Without a Method to direct his ways.
What Ey e're pierc'd th'Almighties Sacred Breast?
Himself knowes only what will please him best.
Since Man was made to serve his Makers will,
Which is an Height transcending humane Skill,
A Rule must needs be granted from on High
For him to regulate his Actions by.
This Heaven-sprung Rule that Sacred Roll contains
Which in the Consecrated Land remains.
Its words and Mysteries are all Divine,
And weighty Mountains hang on every Line.
It (Sun-like) Shines by its own Golden Beams.
And scorns its base Corrivals Senseless Dreams.
Those Spangles which the Heathen Sages left
Were from this Mine snatch'd by an Honest Theft.
Give me that hardy Brow, that dares deny
The Bibles well-attested History,
Moses said many things, and prov'd them too
With proofes, which all Hells magick did out-do.
Gods power he carry'd in his Hands, to show
That from his Mouth the truthes of God did flow.
And his Credentials on his Face did shine,
Which there were written by a Beam Divine.
The gazing Jewes were struck, who plainly saw
That whence he had his Light, he had his Law.
Which is an Height transcending humane Skill,
A Rule must needs be granted from on High
For him to regulate his Actions by.
This Heaven-sprung Rule that Sacred Roll contains
Which in the Consecrated Land remains.
Its words and Mysteries are all Divine,
And weighty Mountains hang on every Line.
It (Sun-like) Shines by its own Golden Beams.
And scorns its base Corrivals Senseless Dreams.
Those Spangles which the Heathen Sages left
Were from this Mine snatch'd by an Honest Theft.
Give me that hardy Brow, that dares deny
The Bibles well-attested History,
Moses said many things, and prov'd them too
With proofes, which all Hells magick did out-do.
20
That from his Mouth the truthes of God did flow.
And his Credentials on his Face did shine,
Which there were written by a Beam Divine.
The gazing Jewes were struck, who plainly saw
That whence he had his Light, he had his Law.
Those Sections which the Sacred Code begin,
Were by an Age of wonders Usher'd in.
The Prophets superstructure firmly stands
On two hewn Stones laid by th'Almighties Hands.
They count the footsteps of their coming Lord,
They view the Mercy-seat with one accord.
One tells his Name, another tells his place.
Another writes the Beauties of his Face.
Thus is he Glanc'd at by their piercing Eyes.
The last of them his Harbinger espies.
And O the brisk, the Charming Airs that Spring
From the consent of each Harmonious string!
He's over-wise who dreads Fictitious lines
From hands unbrib'd and Hearts without designes.
They wrote beyond themselves. Which serve to prove,
Their hearts and Hands were guided from above.
The Worlds just Age, and what was done of old
Are in this Sacred Register inroll'd.
Here may be seen the pristin state of Man,
And, that Niles Head, the Source where ills began,
Here may be seen what makes a second Spring.
Here is the best account of every thing.
The Wonders witness'd now by mortal Eyes,
Are but the products of its Prophecies.
The Scriptures rule the World. Till this shall burn,
All Ages on that Axle-Tree shall turn.
Were by an Age of wonders Usher'd in.
The Prophets superstructure firmly stands
On two hewn Stones laid by th'Almighties Hands.
They count the footsteps of their coming Lord,
They view the Mercy-seat with one accord.
One tells his Name, another tells his place.
Another writes the Beauties of his Face.
Thus is he Glanc'd at by their piercing Eyes.
The last of them his Harbinger espies.
And O the brisk, the Charming Airs that Spring
From the consent of each Harmonious string!
He's over-wise who dreads Fictitious lines
From hands unbrib'd and Hearts without designes.
They wrote beyond themselves. Which serve to prove,
Their hearts and Hands were guided from above.
The Worlds just Age, and what was done of old
Are in this Sacred Register inroll'd.
Here may be seen the pristin state of Man,
And, that Niles Head, the Source where ills began,
Here may be seen what makes a second Spring.
Here is the best account of every thing.
The Wonders witness'd now by mortal Eyes,
Are but the products of its Prophecies.
The Scriptures rule the World. Till this shall burn,
All Ages on that Axle-Tree shall turn.
21
This Heaven-inspired Volume doth avow
What reason may embrace or must allow.
When God describes himself, 'tis such an height
As far surmounts quick fancies highest Flight.
'Tis Reason, Reason should be puzzled here.
Man should be God if he knew what he were.
To these Vast heights thus sober Reason saith,
I see the Seales. And yields the Chair to Faith.
Now the Almighties Word shall Vermin slight,
When Heaven and Earth bear witness to its Might.
Vast Numbers from his Word at first did flow,
And must his Word pass for a Cypher now?
Nay. His Commands at first Creations were,
And now his Word Commands and gives an Ear,
It is a Sun that gives both Light and Eyes,
A Voice that bids and makes the dead arise.
It make Clods, Stars; And sends them to the Sky;
And turneth Heaven into a Colony.
What reason may embrace or must allow.
When God describes himself, 'tis such an height
As far surmounts quick fancies highest Flight.
'Tis Reason, Reason should be puzzled here.
Man should be God if he knew what he were.
To these Vast heights thus sober Reason saith,
I see the Seales. And yields the Chair to Faith.
Now the Almighties Word shall Vermin slight,
When Heaven and Earth bear witness to its Might.
Vast Numbers from his Word at first did flow,
And must his Word pass for a Cypher now?
Nay. His Commands at first Creations were,
And now his Word Commands and gives an Ear,
It is a Sun that gives both Light and Eyes,
A Voice that bids and makes the dead arise.
It make Clods, Stars; And sends them to the Sky;
And turneth Heaven into a Colony.
Unbelief is not Reason but a Lust.
Gods Hand and Sword give it its mortal thrust.
The Law of the two Tables will prevail,
When other (self-invented) means shall fail.
Whilest other Archers Level in the Dark,
The Arrowes from Gods Quiver hit the mark.
Gods Hand and Sword give it its mortal thrust.
The Law of the two Tables will prevail,
When other (self-invented) means shall fail.
Whilest other Archers Level in the Dark,
The Arrowes from Gods Quiver hit the mark.
What Voices or what Visions would you have,
Gods Voice (or nothing) will your Brethren save.
New Methods of Salvation to contrive
Is fruitless Labour. Let 'em hear and Live,
But if they wo'n't, their Mittimus is Seal'd.
A stubborn Patient never can be heal'd.
If Preachers rais'd by God they will disdain.
Preachers rais'd from the Grave should Preach in vain.
Gods Voice (or nothing) will your Brethren save.
New Methods of Salvation to contrive
Is fruitless Labour. Let 'em hear and Live,
But if they wo'n't, their Mittimus is Seal'd.
A stubborn Patient never can be heal'd.
If Preachers rais'd by God they will disdain.
Preachers rais'd from the Grave should Preach in vain.
FINIS.
| Spiritual Songs, or, Songs of Praise to Almighty God Upon several Occasions | |