University of Virginia Library

A Colloquy upon the Ascension, commonly called Holy Thursday.

The Speakers. Angels, Christ, Apostles.

Angels.
Who's this from Edom comes, with garments di'd
From Bozra? Di'd in blood, which from his side
His deer side issued? Wast not he that late
But three dayes since was crucifi'd? What state
He marches in? The clouds his Chariot are,
And on the wings o'th' wind he rides: 'tis rare,
We ne're beheld the like unless it were
When once a fiery Chariot did bear
The Prophet hither, which we wondred at;
But this a greater wonder is then that:
That Prophet di'd not, but alive was caught
And by the power of God to heaven brought;
We saw each wheel supported by his hand,
Yea, we assisted by divine command,
By special commission being sent
To wait upon him all the way he went.
Besides, when he the Heavens mounted had
Amongst his fellow Prophets, he was glad
To take his Seat; but this man hath the grace
To sit above us all, and take his place
At Gods right hand, to him all knees do bow.

Christ.
Cease, cease your wonder and I'l tell you how
And why this is; know I am God and man;
As man I can not do't, as God I can:
As man I dy'd, and lay three dayes i'th' grave,
As God I rose again, mighty to save
My self and others from deaths greedy jawes,
From sins inthralment and the divels clawes.
I trod the wine-press of Gods wrath alone,
And of the people there was with me none.
I look'd but no man helpt, all from me fled,
Yet mine own arm mine enemies conquered
And led Captivity captive; now as King
Of Kings I come salvation for to bring
Unto my Church, and graces to powr down
Upon her, and with glories will her crown.
In the mean time, do you descend with speed
To comfort my Disciples at their need,
Lo at the Mount of Olives yet they stay
Still looking after me: begone, away.

Apostles.
Oh we have lost the sight of him, no more
Shall we enjoy his presence as before.
What will become of us who now are left
To the wide world, of our dear Lord bereft?
O that we had the swift wings of a Dove
To fly unto the bosome of our Love?
There we should rest securely from all harmes,
Embracing and embraced in his armes.
But what is this? behold another sight,
Two men or Angels rather, clad in white.

Angels.
Leave gazing thus ye men of Galilee.
For this same Jesus you shall shortly see
Returne again in the same manner as
You now beheld him hence to Heaven pass;
He's gone but to prepare for you a place
Against the time that you have run your race.
Leave wishing too, for wishes will not raise
You to the mansions of those endlesse joies
Where he resides: but let your thoughts all bend
In heavenly conversation to ascend,
Follow his holy steps, for so you shall
Have your Ascension, bodie, soul, and all.

Apostles.
We thank you for your counsel, and obey.
This having said, they all depart away.
Th' Angels to heaven, th' Apostles homeward went,
Expecting when the Spirit should be sent.
And they endu'd with power from the Lord
To save the world by preaching of the Word.