The works of Sir William Mure of Rowallan :: :: University of Virginia Library

The works of Sir William Mure of Rowallan

Edited with introduction, notes, and glossary by William Tough

Mure, William (1594-1657)

VOL. I

II.

VOL. II

A Covnter-Bvff to Lysimachus Nicanor;

Caledons Complaint

THE Cry of Blood and of A Broken Covenant

TO THE ROYALL MAJESTIE OF K. CHARLES THE II.

THE CRY OF BLOOD AND OF A BROKEN COVENANT.

Some Psalmes translated and presented for a proof to publick view, wherby to discerne of the whole being conformed to this essay.

THE SECOUND BOOK OF PSALMES.

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For our Watchmen, the faithful MINISTRY.

Lift up your voice, Cry Watch-men, cry aloud.

Dangers and duties to be laid forth, and prest from clear, just, and convincing grounds.

Religion suffers by Usurpers, proud,
Of successe insolent. Now, Sion's plea
In dispute is, the Glorious Liberty

From trampling on Religion.

Of Sacred Truth restrain'd, It's beauty marr'd;
Prodigious Toleration boldly dar'd
To be maintain'd. How men upon them take

Despising of Dominion, everting of lawfull Government.

The ground-work of just Government to shake,
On Crowns to Trample, of due pow'r deprive
All pow'rs, from them that pow'r do not derive?

How languisheth the Work of God? His Cause

From marring of God's work and shaming of the Covenant.

Discountenanc'd? Divine and Humane Lawes
All violate? How a reproach become
Our solemne Covenant, abroad, at home?

What grounds for reall fears? What snares contriv'd?

From fears of further attempts, and proof of former snares; from practises against parliaments and domineering over God's Inheritance.

How are of Righteous Priviledge depriv'd
The highest Justice Courts? The honest side,
Expos'd, as preys, to avarice and pride?
Imprison'd, spoil'd, effronted, put to flight,
Of lives and fortunes not secure one night.

Then whether fury's drive? at Christ's own Throne

From displaying of banners against the Son of God, whose enemies are our enemies, and with whose suffering members we are bound to sympathise.

Strike not these Apostates? The Highest One

Engag'd is in our quarrell. We, of late,
Conceiv'd our losses and our suffrings great,
While over-aw'd by Arms, till God arose,
Made bare his Arme, and Proudlings did oppose;
But Rods of Children, reck'ning, here, and there,
We, but the finger, they the loyns do bear.

Where now our fellow-feeling, former zeal?
Shall in this exigent faith also fail?
To you bold freedome fitly doth agree

Joh. 8. 32, 33.

Whom Truth in former Tryalls hath set free.

Take, take your Watch-towre; thence, around you view
As heavens give order, your Commission shew,
Men of God's Counsell. God drives on designes

And last, from God's purposed destruction of obstinate revolters against Truth and lawfull Authority, however imployed for our sins, as the rods of his just indignation.

(In which, his Justice and deep wisdome shines)
By men, whose wills his hand leads on to act
His holy will, and guilty of the fact
Them holds, as having byass'd from his ends,
By other motions turn'd then he intends,
And all for their just ruine. Whence to fire
Shall Rods, when God's Commission doth expire.

What stick we then? shall not the Lord bring down
Perfidious Traytours to Christ Jesus' Crown?
As clouds evanish, as the morning dew,
As Chaffe, and chimney smok driven hence we view,
Shall not divine displeasure sweep away
From off the earth thoses warmes that dimne our day?
Shall publick Prayer, and the secret moan
Of Saints, unanswer'd ly at Justice Throne?
To you the times is given to understand;
Shew, if fit times do call, hand join'd in hand
That all for God, true valour to improve,
With Echoes of joint acclamations, move,
Let Colours fly, Drums beat. Gird on your Swords.
Arme, Gallants, Arme; the Battell is the Lord's.