The Blessed Birth-day celebrated in some religious meditations on the Angels Anthem. Lvc. 2. 14. Also holy transportations, in contemplating some of the most obserueable adiuncts about our Saviours Nativity. Extracted for the most part out of the Sacred Scriptures, Ancient Fathers, Christian Poets. And some moderne Approved Authors. By Charles Fitz-Geffry. The second Edition with Additions |
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 | HOLY TRANSPORTATIONS in contemplating some of
the most observable adjuncts of our Saviours Nativity. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
 | The Blessed Birth-day |  |
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HOLY TRANSPORTATIONS in contemplating some of the most observable adjuncts of our Saviours Nativity.
Transportat. I. The season of the Yeare wherein our Saviour was borne: namely in the Winter Solstice or Sun-stead .
Now seemes the Sunnes vnwearied Waggonere,
Who every day surrounds this earthly sphere,
To make a stand, and breath his restlesse teames,
Which through the world convey his golden beames:
Nor doth the day to our appearance seeme,
As yet, his captiue minutes to redeeme
From the prevailing Night, but doth begin
To steale thereon, and some advantage win:
Henceforth the night shall loose, the day shall gaine,
Nor will the sister long in debt remaine
Vnto the brother, but will fairely pay
Some part of what she borrowed every day
Till both be even. This season of the yeare
Did our eternall Sunne chuse to appeare
In our Horizon, our Day to restore
Which sins incroaching night abridg'd before.
In Summers Equinoctiall conceau'd,
In Winter-Sunstead borne. We were bereau'd
Of gladsome day, invellop'd in sad night,
Till this bright starre arose and brought vs light.
Thus did our Day at his conception,
And at his Birth take augmentation:
When such a light into the World is sent
How can the night but shrinke, the day augment?
Who every day surrounds this earthly sphere,
To make a stand, and breath his restlesse teames,
Which through the world convey his golden beames:
Nor doth the day to our appearance seeme,
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From the prevailing Night, but doth begin
To steale thereon, and some advantage win:
Henceforth the night shall loose, the day shall gaine,
Nor will the sister long in debt remaine
Vnto the brother, but will fairely pay
Some part of what she borrowed every day
Till both be even. This season of the yeare
Did our eternall Sunne chuse to appeare
In our Horizon, our Day to restore
Which sins incroaching night abridg'd before.
In Summers Equinoctiall conceau'd,
In Winter-Sunstead borne. We were bereau'd
Of gladsome day, invellop'd in sad night,
Till this bright starre arose and brought vs light.
Thus did our Day at his conception,
And at his Birth take augmentation:
When such a light into the World is sent
How can the night but shrinke, the day augment?
All haile, ô holy, happy, heavenly day
Which turn'st our Winter into joyfull May,
And springing makest an eternall spring,
Where erst sins Autumne a sad Fall did bring:
A Day that makest everlasting Summer
By the approaching of this heavenly commer,
Who did from Heauen to earth so kindly come,
That Earth by him in Heaven might haue a roome.
Which turn'st our Winter into joyfull May,
And springing makest an eternall spring,
Where erst sins Autumne a sad Fall did bring:
A Day that makest everlasting Summer
By the approaching of this heavenly commer,
Who did from Heauen to earth so kindly come,
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O were it winter Solstice once with me!
That this sins night no more encreas'd might be,
But that the blessed day of reformation
In me might finde a joyfull augmentation.
That this sins night no more encreas'd might be,
But that the blessed day of reformation
In me might finde a joyfull augmentation.
O Sunne of righteousnesse who wouldst appeare
In shortest, saddest season of the yeare,
Who being brightnesse would'st in black-month come
That by thy comming all might bright become,
Come vnto me, come into me, that I
To righteousnesse may liue, to sinne may dy.
'Tis black-month still with me because of sinne,
O come, that I may bright become within.
Come that the night of sinne may shrinke in me,
And that the Day of grace encreas'd may be.
In shortest, saddest season of the yeare,
Who being brightnesse would'st in black-month come
That by thy comming all might bright become,
Come vnto me, come into me, that I
To righteousnesse may liue, to sinne may dy.
'Tis black-month still with me because of sinne,
O come, that I may bright become within.
Come that the night of sinne may shrinke in me,
And that the Day of grace encreas'd may be.
Transportat. II. The time of his birth. By night.
The light which shines in darknesse comes by night,Those who did sit in darknesse to enlight:
What meanes the Day-starre in the night to rise?
To shew that he giues light to blindest eyes.
To shew that he the worlds light is, who may
Turne the most gloomy night to gladsome day.
But why doth truth who never shuns the light
Come as a Theefe, in darknesse of the night?
To make both commings, first, and last, t'agree:
For they who him expect must watchfull bee.
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Transportat. III. On the same subiect.
VVhat is it night with our Antipodes,
That thus by night the Sun to vs doth rise?
It should be so. The Sun though bright he be,
Never at once doth the worlds both sides see.
But when his sight is vnto vs confin'd,
His eye vnto our opposites is blind:
Nor but the surface is to him reveald,
Earths bowels and seas depths remaine conceald.
Nor is an hayre by him surrounded quite,
But one side still is shaded from his sight.
But our pure Sunne aboue shines and below,
And no Antipodes at all doth know:
But with an vnconfined ken, he lookes
Both into Earths and Hels abstrusest nookes.
This Sunne which now by night doth rise, is hee
Who never sets, but rising still doth see.
That thus by night the Sun to vs doth rise?
It should be so. The Sun though bright he be,
Never at once doth the worlds both sides see.
But when his sight is vnto vs confin'd,
His eye vnto our opposites is blind:
Nor but the surface is to him reveald,
Earths bowels and seas depths remaine conceald.
Nor is an hayre by him surrounded quite,
But one side still is shaded from his sight.
But our pure Sunne aboue shines and below,
And no Antipodes at all doth know:
But with an vnconfined ken, he lookes
Both into Earths and Hels abstrusest nookes.
This Sunne which now by night doth rise, is hee
Who never sets, but rising still doth see.
Come glorious Sunne, spread thine illustrious light
On me, who wholly darknesse am, and night.
My darknesse turne to light, my night to day,
That so eternall darknesse shun I may,
And of that blessed light with thee partake
Whose lustre everlasting day doth make.
On me, who wholly darknesse am, and night.
My darknesse turne to light, my night to day,
That so eternall darknesse shun I may,
And of that blessed light with thee partake
Whose lustre everlasting day doth make.
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Transportat. IV. The place of his Birth. A Stall .
Man
being in honour had not vnderstanding,
But turned beast, from his Creator wandring:
Him to restore, and to make man againe,
God to be born 'mong beasts doth not disdain.
His Mothers Child-bed-Chamber is a Stall,
A Cratch his Cradle, and the Lord of all
For his poore Parent ready to ly downe
Cannot command an Inne in all the towne.
And he who coms men to advance to Heaven
For his first lodging vnto beasts is driven.
But turned beast, from his Creator wandring:
Him to restore, and to make man againe,
God to be born 'mong beasts doth not disdain.
His Mothers Child-bed-Chamber is a Stall,
A Cratch his Cradle, and the Lord of all
For his poore Parent ready to ly downe
Cannot command an Inne in all the towne.
And he who coms men to advance to Heaven
For his first lodging vnto beasts is driven.
Vncivill Cittizens and people vild,
Thus to exclude a woman great with child
So neere her time! Had you humanity
You would haue shew'd to such more curtesy:
You would haue found for her a fitter place,
For might it not haue beene your Mothers case?
Rather then she should in a stall remaine
Your selues vpon the cold ground should haue laine.
Are there not still such Inns, to whom no guest
Lesse welcome is, then Christ who is the best?
Thus to exclude a woman great with child
So neere her time! Had you humanity
You would haue shew'd to such more curtesy:
You would haue found for her a fitter place,
For might it not haue beene your Mothers case?
Rather then she should in a stall remaine
Your selues vpon the cold ground should haue laine.
Are there not still such Inns, to whom no guest
Lesse welcome is, then Christ who is the best?
Sweet Saviour, I an Inne-keeper will be,
The signe shall be my Heart: Come lodge with me:
The damned crue I entertain'd before
(My roaring sins) I'le all turne out at dore:
I'le not afford them lodging in a Stall,
Thou shalt haue Parlor, Chamber, Hall, and all.
The best cheere that I can I will prepare
For thee. And this shall be my chiefest care,
(Because I know 'tis that which likes thee best)
That all be neat and cleane for such a guest.
Thou who, when first thou cam'st, would'st in no bed
Saue in a Virgins wombe repose thy head,
Thou who in all thy life, lou'd'st purity,
And being dead would'st in pure linnen ly,
Thou who compared art vnto a Doue,
The bird which neatnesse doth and cleannesse loue,
I know that he who shall thee entertaine
Must chiefely care that all be neat and cleane.
The signe shall be my Heart: Come lodge with me:
The damned crue I entertain'd before
(My roaring sins) I'le all turne out at dore:
I'le not afford them lodging in a Stall,
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The best cheere that I can I will prepare
For thee. And this shall be my chiefest care,
(Because I know 'tis that which likes thee best)
That all be neat and cleane for such a guest.
Thou who, when first thou cam'st, would'st in no bed
Saue in a Virgins wombe repose thy head,
Thou who in all thy life, lou'd'st purity,
And being dead would'st in pure linnen ly,
Thou who compared art vnto a Doue,
The bird which neatnesse doth and cleannesse loue,
I know that he who shall thee entertaine
Must chiefely care that all be neat and cleane.
Then how can I hope thou wilt lodge with mee,
In whom all things so fowle and sordid bee?
Yet come and lodge. For why? I know 'tis true,
That where thou com'st thou makest all things new.
In whom all things so fowle and sordid bee?
Yet come and lodge. For why? I know 'tis true,
That where thou com'st thou makest all things new.
O thou whose Birth a Stall could stellify
With Heauen within, and a bright starre on high,
That not the best Star-Chamber of them all
For glory could compare with this Starre-stall:
O grace me with thy presence, who art able,
To make a Pallace of th'Augæan stable.
With Heauen within, and a bright starre on high,
That not the best Star-Chamber of them all
For glory could compare with this Starre-stall:
O grace me with thy presence, who art able,
To make a Pallace of th'Augæan stable.
O thou who hadst things of no better worth
Then Straw, and Hay, to set the Chamber forth
Where thou wert borne: Be borne in me this day,
In me poore wretch, who with'red am like Hay,
Be borne in me: so shall this Hay be made
Fresh as the Rose, and never after fade.
Then Straw, and Hay, to set the Chamber forth
Where thou wert borne: Be borne in me this day,
In me poore wretch, who with'red am like Hay,
Be borne in me: so shall this Hay be made
Fresh as the Rose, and never after fade.
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Transportat. V, On the same argument.
Art thou so humble, Lord, thou dost not scorneTo be 'mong Oxen and 'mong Asses borne?
O scorne not me, who am become, alasse,
More brutish, foolish, then the Oxe or Asse,
For they, poore beasts, their owners know, we see,
But farre more brutish I, haue not knowne thee.
Thou mad'st me first a man, a noble creature,
Little inferiour to th'Angellike Nature:
But I through sinne into a state did throw
My selfe, these brutish Creatures farre below:
Be borne in me, that I being borne againe
In thee, a new borne Creature may remaine.
Transportat. VI. The publishing of his Birth. First vnto Sheepheards.
To
Sheepheards is his Birth first signifi'de
Who by their flocke night-watching did abide.
To shew that the great Sheepheard now is borne
Who no base office for his sheepe will scorne,
But watching ore his flock doth still remaine,
And they must watch who will him entertaine.
Fitly the Lamb first to the flocke is showne,
The Sheepheard first to sheepheards is made known
To teach his sheepheards faithfull watch to keep
To feed his Lambs and to attend his sheep.
Who by their flocke night-watching did abide.
To shew that the great Sheepheard now is borne
Who no base office for his sheepe will scorne,
But watching ore his flock doth still remaine,
And they must watch who will him entertaine.
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The Sheepheard first to sheepheards is made known
To teach his sheepheards faithfull watch to keep
To feed his Lambs and to attend his sheep.
I see night-watchings are not still pernitious,
These sheepheards, had they not bee so officious
To watch while others slept, had miss'd that Light
Which mid-day made to them in midst of Night.
Nor had their Eares beene happy with the hearing
Of the first Sermon preacht at Christs appearing.
These sheepheards, had they not bee so officious
To watch while others slept, had miss'd that Light
Which mid-day made to them in midst of Night.
Nor had their Eares beene happy with the hearing
Of the first Sermon preacht at Christs appearing.
O blessed Vigils, which to men afford
The sight of Angels, and of Angels Lord!
O blessed Vigils, where one Angel brings
Newes of a Saviour, and an Army sings,
Glory to God on high, and Peace procur'd
On earth to men of favour full assur'd!
The sight of Angels, and of Angels Lord!
O blessed Vigils, where one Angel brings
Newes of a Saviour, and an Army sings,
Glory to God on high, and Peace procur'd
On earth to men of favour full assur'd!
O blessed Vigils, where advise is giuen
To men, to finde on Earth the God of heaven.
See sheepheards he who never sleepes, doth keep
Watch over you while you watch ore your sheep.
Be not affrightned at the splendent sight,
Darknesse is to be dreaded not the light,
Divels not Angels. Let them dread who dare
Sleep in their sins, not they who watchfull are.
No danger from an Angell can proceed,
Whose speech remoues the feare his sight doth breed.
Sweet is the word to an astounded eare
When he forbids to feare whom all doe feare.
Let me feare him, who saith Feare not, alone:
How many doth he feare that feares not one?
To men, to finde on Earth the God of heaven.
See sheepheards he who never sleepes, doth keep
Watch over you while you watch ore your sheep.
Be not affrightned at the splendent sight,
Darknesse is to be dreaded not the light,
Divels not Angels. Let them dread who dare
Sleep in their sins, not they who watchfull are.
No danger from an Angell can proceed,
Whose speech remoues the feare his sight doth breed.
Sweet is the word to an astounded eare
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Let me feare him, who saith Feare not, alone:
How many doth he feare that feares not one?
Great sheepheard of our soules who dain'st to grace
Me most vnworthy, with a sheepheards place,
Who wouldst to sheepheards haue thy birth reveald
Which yet from Kings and Iudges was conceald,
And while they watcht, thy light to them did'st send
Which they from thee to others might extend;
First manifest thy selfe, ô Lord to mee,
That I to mine may preach and publish thee.
Dispell my darknesse with thy light divine,
Shine thou on me, that I on them may shine,
Reflecting on my flocke that double light
Of doctrine pure, and conversation right.
Thou who doest watch ore them who watchfull are
Grant me to watch ore mine with heedfull care:
Leaf if I faile to keepe a carefull watch
The ravening wolfe both sheepe and sheepheard catch.
Me most vnworthy, with a sheepheards place,
Who wouldst to sheepheards haue thy birth reveald
Which yet from Kings and Iudges was conceald,
And while they watcht, thy light to them did'st send
Which they from thee to others might extend;
First manifest thy selfe, ô Lord to mee,
That I to mine may preach and publish thee.
Dispell my darknesse with thy light divine,
Shine thou on me, that I on them may shine,
Reflecting on my flocke that double light
Of doctrine pure, and conversation right.
Thou who doest watch ore them who watchfull are
Grant me to watch ore mine with heedfull care:
Leaf if I faile to keepe a carefull watch
The ravening wolfe both sheepe and sheepheard catch.
Confer'd thou hast on me, ô Lord, likewise,
An other charge, a bosome benefice,
A true peculiar, that will not dispense
With the least oscitance, my Conscience,
This o'er me at all times watchfull is,
O make me alwaies watchfull ouer this.
Let me be carefull, wary eye to keep
Over my homebred flock, domestick sheep,
My thoughts, my words, my actions all, least they
Beyond their fixed boundaries doe stray:
This twofold charge let me, ô Lord, attend
Till this my weary pilgrimage doe end:
Let me, like to the Lamp that burns by night
Not spare to spend mine oile to lend them light:
Till both my charges I resigne to thee,
Then be thou pleas'd to crowne thy gifts in mee.
An other charge, a bosome benefice,
A true peculiar, that will not dispense
With the least oscitance, my Conscience,
This o'er me at all times watchfull is,
O make me alwaies watchfull ouer this.
Let me be carefull, wary eye to keep
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My thoughts, my words, my actions all, least they
Beyond their fixed boundaries doe stray:
This twofold charge let me, ô Lord, attend
Till this my weary pilgrimage doe end:
Let me, like to the Lamp that burns by night
Not spare to spend mine oile to lend them light:
Till both my charges I resigne to thee,
Then be thou pleas'd to crowne thy gifts in mee.
Transport. VII. The Publisher of his Birth. A blessed Angel .
A
Glorious Angel is the Referendarie,
Who first these tidings unto men doth carry.
An heavenly Herald fittest was to bring
Newes of the comming of the heavenly Kng.
That Gospell by an Angell first was brought
To men, which now by men to men is taught:
That Gospell which now God by vs doth teach
No heavenly Angell is too good to preach.
O let Gods Ministers as they are stil'd
Angels, be like the Angels vndefil'd!
Let them not with an earthly life defame
The reputation of an heavenly name:
But striue they others to excell so farre
As Angels vnto them superiour are.
That whereas others are but men at best
They may like Angels shine aboue the rest.
What is heavens greatest griefe, Earths greatest evill?
An Angels place possessed by a Devill.
Who first these tidings unto men doth carry.
An heavenly Herald fittest was to bring
Newes of the comming of the heavenly Kng.
That Gospell by an Angell first was brought
To men, which now by men to men is taught:
That Gospell which now God by vs doth teach
No heavenly Angell is too good to preach.
O let Gods Ministers as they are stil'd
Angels, be like the Angels vndefil'd!
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The reputation of an heavenly name:
But striue they others to excell so farre
As Angels vnto them superiour are.
That whereas others are but men at best
They may like Angels shine aboue the rest.
What is heavens greatest griefe, Earths greatest evill?
An Angels place possessed by a Devill.
O let not an vnholy conversation
Fowly bely an holy appellation!
Holy the function wee may well repute
Which holy Angels joy to execute:
Holy he is, the holiest of all,
Who doth vs to this holy function call:
Holy the message is which we must doe,
O let the messengers be holy too.
Fowly bely an holy appellation!
Holy the function wee may well repute
Which holy Angels joy to execute:
Holy he is, the holiest of all,
Who doth vs to this holy function call:
Holy the message is which we must doe,
O let the messengers be holy too.
Transport. VIII. On the same subiect.
How glorious is the newes, how full of joy,In which God none saue Angels will imploy?
How gladly doe these fiery Posts attend,
When for mans good their master will them send?
No message they more willingly goe on
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An Angel first is vnto Mary sent
T'acquaint her with his heavenly Lords intent,
Who of all maids made choice of her, that shee
Should both a maiden and a Mother bee,
And that of all her sexe God had decreed
This woman should bring forth that womans seed
Which promis'd was, that cursed head to bruise
Who first the silly woman did seduce.
An Angell settles Iosephs doubtfull thought,
Tells him, the Holy Ghost this worke hath wrought,
He need not feare, her for his wife to take,
Whom God not man did thus a mother make.
An Angel bids him into Egypt hie,
To saue the babe from Herods butchery:
And when the Infant-slayer had breath'd his last
An Angell bids him home againe in hast.
An Angell first this gladsome Gospell preaches,
A few poore sheepheards, th'Audience whom he teaches:
Nere was such distance, in regard of glory
Betweene a Preacher and his Auditory.
Why should the greatest Doctor now disdaine
To be a Preacher to the simplest swaine?
If he who sends vs no respecter bee
Of Persons, (as he saith) then why should wee?
Looke we when on our message we are bent
Not vnto whom, but from whom we are sent.
As welcome vnto Heaven is he that brings
A sheepheards soule, as he that doth a Kings.
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Transportat. IX. The Celebration of his birth by a multitude of Angels.
The Sermon ended is, the Psalme ensues,A Psalme which suteth with the joyfull newes,
The subiect of the Sermon preacht by one,
A multitude begins when one hath done:
An hoast of Heauenly Quiristers doe sing
A joyfull Birth-song to heavens late borne King:
And in their song his praises doe recount
Whose praise all songs of Angels doth surmount.
There needed but one Angel to impart
Such newes to any true beleeuing heart:
Good newes doth spread it selfe, flies vnrestrain'd,
And wished tidings soone are entertain'd.
How quickly did this heavenly Sermon sound
Throughout the World? How many hath it found
To entertaine it with such constancie,
That all Hels rage could not them terrifie?
This long expected newes desir'd so much
And by so many, when it came was such
As that one Angell was enough to bring it,
But all the Angels few enough to sing it,
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Transportat. X. The Sheepheards going to Bethlehem to see the Babe.
Hie vnto Bethlem, Sheepheards, that your eyes
May not envy your eares felicities:
But that they may be blessed to behold
That word, which vnto them the Angel told.
Then greatest credite gaineth the relation
When th'eye vnto the eare giues attestation.
As for your flocke, you left your sweetest sleepe,
So for the Sheepheard leaue a while your sheep.
But hie with hast, that so with speed againe
You may returne, and with your flock remaine.
The supreme Sheepheard hardly will dispense,
With any Sheepheards long non residence
From their owne charges: Nor is absent being,
Longer allow'd, then while himselfe is seeing:
But when in seeking them imploy'd they are
Himselfe for them and for their flock takes care.
Come; let vs with these joyfull Sheepheards hie
Vnto the Cratch where this sweet babe doth lie,
That is, his Church. This place doth still afford
This blessed Infant swathed in his word.
Let vs when there he doth his words impart,
Lay them vp all with Mary in our heart:
More blest by bearing them she did become,
Then by her bearing him within her wombe.
O blessed Man, who in his heart doth swathe
And bind vp sure his word! For he that hath
His word hath him. The word it selfe is he,
Then where his word is, needs himselfe must be.
This Stall aboue a Pallace I will prize,
This Cratch aboue a Crowne. No Paradise,
Shall my transported soule affect but this:
This she esteemes on earth her chiefest blisse,
Still in thy temple, blessed Lord to be,
Where she thy word may heare, thy selfe may see.
May not envy your eares felicities:
But that they may be blessed to behold
That word, which vnto them the Angel told.
Then greatest credite gaineth the relation
When th'eye vnto the eare giues attestation.
As for your flocke, you left your sweetest sleepe,
So for the Sheepheard leaue a while your sheep.
But hie with hast, that so with speed againe
You may returne, and with your flock remaine.
The supreme Sheepheard hardly will dispense,
With any Sheepheards long non residence
From their owne charges: Nor is absent being,
Longer allow'd, then while himselfe is seeing:
But when in seeking them imploy'd they are
Himselfe for them and for their flock takes care.
Come; let vs with these joyfull Sheepheards hie
Vnto the Cratch where this sweet babe doth lie,
That is, his Church. This place doth still afford
This blessed Infant swathed in his word.
Let vs when there he doth his words impart,
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More blest by bearing them she did become,
Then by her bearing him within her wombe.
O blessed Man, who in his heart doth swathe
And bind vp sure his word! For he that hath
His word hath him. The word it selfe is he,
Then where his word is, needs himselfe must be.
This Stall aboue a Pallace I will prize,
This Cratch aboue a Crowne. No Paradise,
Shall my transported soule affect but this:
This she esteemes on earth her chiefest blisse,
Still in thy temple, blessed Lord to be,
Where she thy word may heare, thy selfe may see.
What is the obiect of the Eare? A sound.
What the best sound? A voice. What voice is found.
To be the best? A voice of words compos'd.
What words the best? The words by God disclos'd.
All other words in vttering vanisht been:
God in his word is heard, and also seene.
What the best sound? A voice. What voice is found.
To be the best? A voice of words compos'd.
What words the best? The words by God disclos'd.
All other words in vttering vanisht been:
God in his word is heard, and also seene.
O blessed they who heare the joyfull sound!
Most blest who him of whom they heare haue found.
Who in the field the Trumpets sound disdaines
He never in the Triumph part obtaines.
They never shall in heaven embrace thee, Lord,
Who here refuse to heare thee in thy word.
Here let me haue a glimps of thee by hearing
That there I may enioy thy full appearing.
Most blest who him of whom they heare haue found.
Who in the field the Trumpets sound disdaines
He never in the Triumph part obtaines.
They never shall in heaven embrace thee, Lord,
Who here refuse to heare thee in thy word.
Here let me haue a glimps of thee by hearing
That there I may enioy thy full appearing.
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Transportat. XI. The starre conducting the Wise-men.
You who seeke Christ, remoue your gazing eyes
From the dull Earth, advaunce them to the skies
He who from heaven did come, will not be found
By such as seeke him poring on the ground,
But while their feet doe tread as in disdaine
On earth, their eyes must fixt in heaven remaine.
Even while he was in body here below
No low thing could the way vnto him show:
They who so long a journy to him took
Walking on earth, yet still to Heaven did look:
And by no earthly thing conducted are
To him on earth, but by an heavenly Starre.
A starre which to the night no service lends
Nor on the ever-changing Moone attends.
But with the Sunne corrivalling in light,
Shines more by day then other Stars by night.
From the dull Earth, advaunce them to the skies
He who from heaven did come, will not be found
By such as seeke him poring on the ground,
But while their feet doe tread as in disdaine
On earth, their eyes must fixt in heaven remaine.
Even while he was in body here below
No low thing could the way vnto him show:
They who so long a journy to him took
Walking on earth, yet still to Heaven did look:
And by no earthly thing conducted are
To him on earth, but by an heavenly Starre.
A starre which to the night no service lends
Nor on the ever-changing Moone attends.
But with the Sunne corrivalling in light,
Shines more by day then other Stars by night.
The Poles though in the sea they be not drencht
Yet is their luster oft by cloulds neere quencht,
This starre still shining through the heavens doth glide
And to that Sunne which never sets, doth guide:
While the Astronomers amazed are
Musing which is the Sunne, which is the starre,
But this amazement soone remou'd shall bee,
When they no more this radiant Starre shall see,
Which so long shall before the wisemen runne,
Till it haue brought them to their farre sought Sunne,
Then no lesse musing shall possesse their mind,
That he is vanisht, then that first he shinde.
Yet is their luster oft by cloulds neere quencht,
This starre still shining through the heavens doth glide
And to that Sunne which never sets, doth guide:
While the Astronomers amazed are
Musing which is the Sunne, which is the starre,
But this amazement soone remou'd shall bee,
When they no more this radiant Starre shall see,
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Till it haue brought them to their farre sought Sunne,
Then no lesse musing shall possesse their mind,
That he is vanisht, then that first he shinde.
Still doth a starre to thee, ô Lord, conduct,
Which thy wise-hearted seekers doth instruct
Thee so to seeke as that they shall not misse
To finde thee, and with thee eternall blisse.
A Starre which though his Orbe be earth, and here
Doth to thy seekers for a time appeare,
Yet doth from heauen deriue his splendent light,
And vnto heauen his followers lead aright.
A starre which doth the Sunne excel so farre
As doth the Sunne the smallest twinkling starre.
That other starre the while it selfe did bide
In heaven, a few to thee on earth did guide:
This Starre although it shineth here below
Yet millions vnto heaven the way doth show.
And as that Starre appeared not againe
When it had brought them where thou didst remaine
No more shall this, whose office then is done
When once we haue attain'd vnto the Sunne.
Which thy wise-hearted seekers doth instruct
Thee so to seeke as that they shall not misse
To finde thee, and with thee eternall blisse.
A Starre which though his Orbe be earth, and here
Doth to thy seekers for a time appeare,
Yet doth from heauen deriue his splendent light,
And vnto heauen his followers lead aright.
A starre which doth the Sunne excel so farre
As doth the Sunne the smallest twinkling starre.
That other starre the while it selfe did bide
In heaven, a few to thee on earth did guide:
This Starre although it shineth here below
Yet millions vnto heaven the way doth show.
And as that Starre appeared not againe
When it had brought them where thou didst remaine
No more shall this, whose office then is done
When once we haue attain'd vnto the Sunne.
Lord, let that Starre, thy word, still be my guide
And let my foot-steps never from it slide,
Vntill it doe me to that Citty bring
(The glorious Court of our most glorious King)
Where needs nor Sunne nor Moone their light display,
God and the Lamb giues it eternall day.
In this lifes darknesse wee doe need this light,
For here we walke by Faith and not by sight.
But when we come to that celestiall Citty,
Then shall we take vp this melodious Ditty
As we haue heard, so now ô Lord, wee see
How thou in Heaven doest walke, and wee with thee.
And let my foot-steps never from it slide,
Vntill it doe me to that Citty bring
(The glorious Court of our most glorious King)
Where needs nor Sunne nor Moone their light display,
God and the Lamb giues it eternall day.
In this lifes darknesse wee doe need this light,
For here we walke by Faith and not by sight.
But when we come to that celestiall Citty,
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As we haue heard, so now ô Lord, wee see
How thou in Heaven doest walke, and wee with thee.
Transportat. XII. The Wise men bringing their presents.
Follow your guide you wise-men of the East,
(Though last invited to this heavenly feast)
The new-created Starre which shewes the way
Vnto this blessed Babe, and will not stay
Till he hath brought you where he doth abide
But shortly after out of sight will slide:
For when the Sunne with beames the world once graces,
The Stars ashamed are to shew their faces.
Think not that you are guld so farre to come
To seeke a King and finde so base a roome:
Thinke not the roome is base, where there is seene
A Starre without, a glorious Sunne within.
Here shall you finde that Child you farre haue sought,
Present to him the Presents you haue brought:
(Though last invited to this heavenly feast)
The new-created Starre which shewes the way
Vnto this blessed Babe, and will not stay
Till he hath brought you where he doth abide
But shortly after out of sight will slide:
For when the Sunne with beames the world once graces,
The Stars ashamed are to shew their faces.
Think not that you are guld so farre to come
To seeke a King and finde so base a roome:
Thinke not the roome is base, where there is seene
A Starre without, a glorious Sunne within.
Here shall you finde that Child you farre haue sought,
Present to him the Presents you haue brought:
Giue Gold to him as tribute to your King,
To him as God incense for service bring:
Bring Myrrhe t'embalme the man who once die
Least all mankinde doe dy eternallie.
To him as God incense for service bring:
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Least all mankinde doe dy eternallie.
Take Frankincence ô God, take Gold ô King,
Take Myrrhe ô Man from those who can them bring:
Poore I, nor Gold, nor Myrrhe, nor Frankincence,
Haue to present, such is mine indigence,
Yet will I with these noble Persians bring
Some present still, when I salute my King:
I'le giue my selfe. A gift too vile, too base
To be presented to so high a grace.
But thou who all thou tak'st doest better make,
Render me better then thou did'st me take.
My selfe a worme, no man, I giue to thee
Restore my selfe a man, a Saint to me.
Take Myrrhe ô Man from those who can them bring:
Poore I, nor Gold, nor Myrrhe, nor Frankincence,
Haue to present, such is mine indigence,
Yet will I with these noble Persians bring
Some present still, when I salute my King:
I'le giue my selfe. A gift too vile, too base
To be presented to so high a grace.
But thou who all thou tak'st doest better make,
Render me better then thou did'st me take.
My selfe a worme, no man, I giue to thee
Restore my selfe a man, a Saint to me.
Transport. XIII. On the same.
Walke on you wisemen stay not till you come
Where wisdome hath tane vp an homely roome.
Thinke not so long a journey little worth,
Wiser you shall returne then you came forth.
Will you be wise indeed? Drink of this well
Which wisdome opens in a silly Cell.
Drinke of this well your thirst to satisfie,
But ere you drinke vse th'Adders policy,
Your humane Wisdomes poison first eiect,
So shall you finde true wisdomes sweet effect:
Had you come fooles you wiser should become
Then all the Wisards you haue left at home.
Returne, and being return'd report and say
To those Star-gazers who at home did stay,
Not all the Starres they ever saw could shew
So much to them as one Starre did to you,
Tel them, in all the heavens they never shall
A greater finde, then you found in a Stall.
Where wisdome hath tane vp an homely roome.
Thinke not so long a journey little worth,
Wiser you shall returne then you came forth.
Will you be wise indeed? Drink of this well
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Drinke of this well your thirst to satisfie,
But ere you drinke vse th'Adders policy,
Your humane Wisdomes poison first eiect,
So shall you finde true wisdomes sweet effect:
Had you come fooles you wiser should become
Then all the Wisards you haue left at home.
Returne, and being return'd report and say
To those Star-gazers who at home did stay,
Not all the Starres they ever saw could shew
So much to them as one Starre did to you,
Tel them, in all the heavens they never shall
A greater finde, then you found in a Stall.
O thou eternall Wisdome make me wise,
That from my heathen-country I may rise,
My Fathers house and kindred to forsake,
Cause me, that I to thee the way may take.
And that I may not erre nor goe astray,
Let that bright starre, thy Word, lead me the way:
Be that vnto my feet a light, and to
My steps, a safe conducting Lampe, that so
With these wise men, I safely may attaine
Vnto the place where thou, Lord, doest remaine:
And finding thee who art my soules best store,
Let me fall downe and humbly thee adore.
Offring those gifts which cannot offred be
By me, vnlesse I them receiue from thee.
The Gold of true obedience I will bring
A tribute due to mine eternall King:
My Frankincence shall be my daily prayers,
(A pleasing perfume vnto thee) My teares
Shed for thy Death and for my sinne, shall bee
My mourning Myrrhe still dropping vnto thee.
That from my heathen-country I may rise,
My Fathers house and kindred to forsake,
Cause me, that I to thee the way may take.
And that I may not erre nor goe astray,
Let that bright starre, thy Word, lead me the way:
Be that vnto my feet a light, and to
My steps, a safe conducting Lampe, that so
With these wise men, I safely may attaine
Vnto the place where thou, Lord, doest remaine:
And finding thee who art my soules best store,
Let me fall downe and humbly thee adore.
Offring those gifts which cannot offred be
By me, vnlesse I them receiue from thee.
The Gold of true obedience I will bring
A tribute due to mine eternall King:
My Frankincence shall be my daily prayers,
(A pleasing perfume vnto thee) My teares
Shed for thy Death and for my sinne, shall bee
My mourning Myrrhe still dropping vnto thee.
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O may this Myrrhe still drop, till I arriue
Where thou and thine in lasting joyes doe liue:
Where thou, from whom all comfort doth arise,
Wipest all teares from true repentant eyes:
Where they shall reape in joy who here below,
The pretious seed of plenteous teares doe sow.
Let this short life of teares a seed-time bee
That I may reape eternall joyes with thee.
Where thou and thine in lasting joyes doe liue:
Where thou, from whom all comfort doth arise,
Wipest all teares from true repentant eyes:
Where they shall reape in joy who here below,
The pretious seed of plenteous teares doe sow.
Let this short life of teares a seed-time bee
That I may reape eternall joyes with thee.
I'le goe forth weeping, bearing pretious seed,
Mourning my Fathers and mine owne misdeed,
In hope by thee exempt from all annoy,
To laed home sheaues of everlasting joy.
Sorrow (thou saist) may for a night remaine,
But in the morning ioy returnes againe.
All this Lifes night I'le be content with sorrow,
That night once past joy may giue me good-morrow.
Mourning my Fathers and mine owne misdeed,
In hope by thee exempt from all annoy,
To laed home sheaues of everlasting joy.
Sorrow (thou saist) may for a night remaine,
But in the morning ioy returnes againe.
All this Lifes night I'le be content with sorrow,
That night once past joy may giue me good-morrow.
Transportat. XIV. The Infant sought by Herod to be destroied.
Is this into the world thy welcome Lord?
Is this the entertainment men afford
To thee, who com'st from heauen to blisse the earth
To handsel with thy bloud thy blessed Birth?
No sooner borne but forthwith sought to dy,
Enforc't ere thou canst goe or creepe to flie?
Will they as soone as thou to earth art come
Needs send thee back vnto thy heavenly home?
And must the Butcher and the Midwife striue
He how to slay, she how to keepe aliue?
Is this the entertainment men afford
To thee, who com'st from heauen to blisse the earth
To handsel with thy bloud thy blessed Birth?
No sooner borne but forthwith sought to dy,
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Will they as soone as thou to earth art come
Needs send thee back vnto thy heavenly home?
And must the Butcher and the Midwife striue
He how to slay, she how to keepe aliue?
Herod, what hast? Adjourne thy cruelty,
He had not come but that he meant to dy,
But not as soone as to the World hee's showne,
Nor yet by mans appointment but his owne.
Think'st thou to haue his life at thy command
Who hath both thine and all mens in his hand?
What King what Creature else can him depriue
Of life, by whom all Kings all Creatures liue?
He had not come but that he meant to dy,
But not as soone as to the World hee's showne,
Nor yet by mans appointment but his owne.
Think'st thou to haue his life at thy command
Who hath both thine and all mens in his hand?
What King what Creature else can him depriue
Of life, by whom all Kings all Creatures liue?
The power of his owne life he doth retaine
To lay it downe, and take it vp againe:
None takes it from him till it be his minde,
And then 'tis not tane from him but resign'd.
But first much heavenly Doctrine must be taught
And to confirme it mighty wonders wrought:
Water must into wine be chang'd to proue
'Tis he that turnes Gods wrath into his loue:
Blinde borne must see, lame leape, dumbe speake, deaf heare
That so strong God in weake man may appeare.
Fowl leprous bodies clensed must proclaime
That leprous soules are cured by the same:
Divels by him dislodg'd must shew that he.
Emancipates vs from Hels slauery.
Seas raging Tempests calm'd by his controul
Must tell who 'tis that stills the troubled soul:
The dead must first be vnto life restor'd
To shew that he of life and death is Lord.
Death is the last of that malignant crue
Whom he by dying meaneth to subdue.
That which is now in vaine desir'd by thee
An other Herod shall hereafter see.
To lay it downe, and take it vp againe:
None takes it from him till it be his minde,
And then 'tis not tane from him but resign'd.
But first much heavenly Doctrine must be taught
And to confirme it mighty wonders wrought:
Water must into wine be chang'd to proue
'Tis he that turnes Gods wrath into his loue:
Blinde borne must see, lame leape, dumbe speake, deaf heare
That so strong God in weake man may appeare.
Fowl leprous bodies clensed must proclaime
That leprous soules are cured by the same:
Divels by him dislodg'd must shew that he.
Emancipates vs from Hels slauery.
Seas raging Tempests calm'd by his controul
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The dead must first be vnto life restor'd
To shew that he of life and death is Lord.
Death is the last of that malignant crue
Whom he by dying meaneth to subdue.
That which is now in vaine desir'd by thee
An other Herod shall hereafter see.
This Herod who so soone would him destroy,
More hasty is then any Butchers boy,
No butcher is so fell, but will allow
The new-falne Lamb some little time to grow:
For well he knowes it is not fit for food,
While yet the milke is hardly turn'd to blood.
This Lamb is sought to render vp his life
While yet his throat is lesser then the knife.
When others are not tane till they be meat,
This Lamb is sought to bleed ere he can bleat.
O Lambs an harmelesse yet an haplesse creature
Who haue so many enemies in nature!
So many that doe seeke on you to prey,
And thinke you wrong them by a small delay.
While the poore Ewe is yet her Lambkin licking
The Raven thinks it long ere he be picking.
More hasty is then any Butchers boy,
No butcher is so fell, but will allow
The new-falne Lamb some little time to grow:
For well he knowes it is not fit for food,
While yet the milke is hardly turn'd to blood.
This Lamb is sought to render vp his life
While yet his throat is lesser then the knife.
When others are not tane till they be meat,
This Lamb is sought to bleed ere he can bleat.
O Lambs an harmelesse yet an haplesse creature
Who haue so many enemies in nature!
So many that doe seeke on you to prey,
And thinke you wrong them by a small delay.
While the poore Ewe is yet her Lambkin licking
The Raven thinks it long ere he be picking.
'Tis still thy lot ô Lord. No sooner brought
To life art thou but straight thy death is sought.
No sooner now in Bethelem thou borne art
(The howse of bread, the true beleeuers heart)
But Hels fierce Herod and his cursed Court
Sore vext and sore perplext at the report,
Doe seeke thine Infant-life away to take
Whose very name makes King and Kingdome quake:
No marvell if he seeke to take away
Thy life, who com'st to saue whom he would slay,
Who knowes his kingdome soone will be deiected
Where once thy righteous Scepter is erected.
To life art thou but straight thy death is sought.
No sooner now in Bethelem thou borne art
(The howse of bread, the true beleeuers heart)
But Hels fierce Herod and his cursed Court
Sore vext and sore perplext at the report,
Doe seeke thine Infant-life away to take
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No marvell if he seeke to take away
Thy life, who com'st to saue whom he would slay,
Who knowes his kingdome soone will be deiected
Where once thy righteous Scepter is erected.
In spite of Hell and hellish Herod too,
And maugre all their spite and spleene can doe,
O let my soule a little Bethlehem bee,
(An house of Bread) and be thou borne in mee:
Thou who from Heaven did'st bring the bread of life:
I'le never dread the cruel Tyrants knife.
Christ once in Christians borne is never slaine
And saueth those in whom he doth remaine.
Rage Hell, rage Herod, and with envy burst,
Let all th'Infernall furies doe their worst.
Thou who an Infant sau'dst thy selfe by fleeing,
Shalt by abiding saue my soule from dying.
How can I perish? Life doth me preserue:
Here is the bread of life, how can I starue?
O let it be my care Lord, to keepe thee,
And then I shall be sure thou wilt keepe mee.
And maugre all their spite and spleene can doe,
O let my soule a little Bethlehem bee,
(An house of Bread) and be thou borne in mee:
Thou who from Heaven did'st bring the bread of life:
I'le never dread the cruel Tyrants knife.
Christ once in Christians borne is never slaine
And saueth those in whom he doth remaine.
Rage Hell, rage Herod, and with envy burst,
Let all th'Infernall furies doe their worst.
Thou who an Infant sau'dst thy selfe by fleeing,
Shalt by abiding saue my soule from dying.
How can I perish? Life doth me preserue:
Here is the bread of life, how can I starue?
O let it be my care Lord, to keepe thee,
And then I shall be sure thou wilt keepe mee.
Transportat. XV. An Apostrophe to the Wise-men.
Yee Wise-men whither was your wisdome fled
When in a Tyrants eares you published
Newes of a new-borne King in his dominion?
Herein you faile in our wise mens opinion,
Who of a King would for a King enquire
Thereby to set his jealous heart on fire,
Sith even to moderate princes none can bring
Tidings more harsh then of another King.
The Sunne by you ador'de could tell you this
Each powre, of partnership impatient is.
For sooner he an other Sunne can brooke,
Then Kings with patience on corrivals looke.
When in a Tyrants eares you published
Newes of a new-borne King in his dominion?
Herein you faile in our wise mens opinion,
Who of a King would for a King enquire
Thereby to set his jealous heart on fire,
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Tidings more harsh then of another King.
The Sunne by you ador'de could tell you this
Each powre, of partnership impatient is.
For sooner he an other Sunne can brooke,
Then Kings with patience on corrivals looke.
Herod of all the rest you should forbeare,
For what more eager then a Tyrants eare?
Who never but in blood drinks the relation
Of what he feares t'affront his vsurpation,
And rather wishes all the rest forlorne,
Then once to heare another King is borne.
How many Infants vnto death are done,
By your enquiry for the birth of one?
Yet sith not man but only God did moue you
Vnto this journie, who dares to reproue you.
For slighting man in following Gods direction,
Ensur'd 'gainst Earth and Hell of safe protection?
When God commaunds to goe, Man must not stay
Were there a thousand Lyons in the way.
What needs he doubt who hath God for his warrant,
Or dread, who to seeke Christ makes it his errand?
For what more eager then a Tyrants eare?
Who never but in blood drinks the relation
Of what he feares t'affront his vsurpation,
And rather wishes all the rest forlorne,
Then once to heare another King is borne.
How many Infants vnto death are done,
By your enquiry for the birth of one?
Yet sith not man but only God did moue you
Vnto this journie, who dares to reproue you.
For slighting man in following Gods direction,
Ensur'd 'gainst Earth and Hell of safe protection?
When God commaunds to goe, Man must not stay
Were there a thousand Lyons in the way.
What needs he doubt who hath God for his warrant,
Or dread, who to seeke Christ makes it his errand?
Humane edicts admit deliberation,
But on with Gods with stiffe determination.
But on with Gods with stiffe determination.
On then, graue Sages, and what ere ensue
Enquire for Christ who hath ordained you,
The first fruits of the Gentils home to bring
To him, who of the Iewes is borne the King,
And he who comes for you as well as them
Shall welcome Iaphet to the tents of Shem.
Let not th'Vsurpers dread your zeale asswage,
Christ must be sought though thousand Herods rage.
Enquire for Christ who hath ordained you,
The first fruits of the Gentils home to bring
To him, who of the Iewes is borne the King,
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Shall welcome Iaphet to the tents of Shem.
Let not th'Vsurpers dread your zeale asswage,
Christ must be sought though thousand Herods rage.
Transport. XVI. The Infants slaine.
Infants prepare your throats, parents your eyes,
Streame you forth teares, for they must streame forth blood,
Turne into sobs and sighes your lullabies,
And place the Coffin where the Cradle stood,
If so much favour yet you may obtaine,
To bury those you beare but to be slaine.
Streame you forth teares, for they must streame forth blood,
Turne into sobs and sighes your lullabies,
And place the Coffin where the Cradle stood,
If so much favour yet you may obtaine,
To bury those you beare but to be slaine.
The pleasing painfull burthen you did carry
Some forty weekes within your weary wombs,
Must not with you at most past two yeares tarry,
Behold the irrelenting slaier comes,
Who will the name of Mothers you deny
Ere the poore Infant yet can Mamma cry.
Some forty weekes within your weary wombs,
Must not with you at most past two yeares tarry,
Behold the irrelenting slaier comes,
Who will the name of Mothers you deny
Ere the poore Infant yet can Mamma cry.
Weepe Mothers all, but let your teares abound
Aboue the rest, whose losse herein is double,
With whom more vnder two yeares old are found,
Whose ofter breeding breeds you greater trouble:
Thus only for the slaughter to giue life,
To haue beene fertile only for the knife.
Aboue the rest, whose losse herein is double,
With whom more vnder two yeares old are found,
Whose ofter breeding breeds you greater trouble:
Thus only for the slaughter to giue life,
To haue beene fertile only for the knife.
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Say cursed Author of this Tragedy,
Sufficed not a bath of Infants blood
To cure thy fowle ambitious leprosie,
But must thou needs enlarge it to a flood?
And must so many thousands dy for one,
Who 'mong so many thousands scapes alone?
Sufficed not a bath of Infants blood
To cure thy fowle ambitious leprosie,
But must thou needs enlarge it to a flood?
And must so many thousands dy for one,
Who 'mong so many thousands scapes alone?
What feare what rage? What rage from feare proceeding?
What causelesse feare? What rage without effect?
He liues for whom rage laies so many bleeding,
What needed feare such dangers to proiect?
None of their earthly Kingdomes to depriue
Comes he, but th'heavenly to his owne to giue.
What causelesse feare? What rage without effect?
He liues for whom rage laies so many bleeding,
What needed feare such dangers to proiect?
None of their earthly Kingdomes to depriue
Comes he, but th'heavenly to his owne to giue.
Once from the forrest Beares by God were sent,
The Prophet-scorning Children to destroy:
This cruell beare devoures the innocent.
What death deseru'd they who could none annoy?
But vnto all suspecting tyranny
The least that liues is great enough to dy.
The Prophet-scorning Children to destroy:
This cruell beare devoures the innocent.
What death deseru'd they who could none annoy?
But vnto all suspecting tyranny
The least that liues is great enough to dy.
Foxes and Wolues on others young doe prey,
Thereby themselues and their owne young to fill:
No beast so savage is, his owne to slay:
Thou thine owne Sonne among the rest dost kill;
Whence to all ages thou this scomme hast wonne,
Better be Herods Swine then Herods Sonne.
Thereby themselues and their owne young to fill:
No beast so savage is, his owne to slay:
Thou thine owne Sonne among the rest dost kill;
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Better be Herods Swine then Herods Sonne.
And yet Octavius, thou hast lost thy jeast:
'Tis better to be Herods Sonne, if he
For Christ were massacred among the rest,
Then Herod, then Octavius to be.
Lesse is the greatest Monarch that doth raigne,
Then the least Infant that for Christ is slaine.
'Tis better to be Herods Sonne, if he
For Christ were massacred among the rest,
Then Herod, then Octavius to be.
Lesse is the greatest Monarch that doth raigne,
Then the least Infant that for Christ is slaine.
Then be no bounds vnto thy rage assign'd
Deluded Herod, let it still proceed:
Wert thou lesse cruell, thou hadst beene lesse kinde,
Mischiefe it selfe doth please with such a meed:
Not all thy loue could them advance so high,
As doth thy rage and cursed cruelty.
Deluded Herod, let it still proceed:
Wert thou lesse cruell, thou hadst beene lesse kinde,
Mischiefe it selfe doth please with such a meed:
Not all thy loue could them advance so high,
As doth thy rage and cursed cruelty.
Base Butchers, who so prompt and ready are
To execute the cursed Tyrants will,
What instruments of Death will you prepare,
Where-with these Lambs that liu'd but now, to kill?
Scarce can you finde a knife so little, but
'Tis greater then the throats you come to cut.
To execute the cursed Tyrants will,
What instruments of Death will you prepare,
Where-with these Lambs that liu'd but now, to kill?
Scarce can you finde a knife so little, but
'Tis greater then the throats you come to cut.
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Penknifes the fittest tooles are you can take:
For of those members you meane to destroy
Their Saviour meanes so many pens to make
Wherewith their names (ere some doe names enioy)
Shall in his Booke of Life be registred,
With their owne blood which for his sake was shed.
For of those members you meane to destroy
Their Saviour meanes so many pens to make
Wherewith their names (ere some doe names enioy)
Shall in his Booke of Life be registred,
With their owne blood which for his sake was shed.
O Tygers into humane shape transchang'd
With more then Tygers thirst of blood possest!
Could men from man-hood be so farre estrang'd,
To snatch the suckling from the mothers brest
And in her sight the Cradle-cloathes defile
With that new bloud which was but milke ere while.
With more then Tygers thirst of blood possest!
Could men from man-hood be so farre estrang'd,
To snatch the suckling from the mothers brest
And in her sight the Cradle-cloathes defile
With that new bloud which was but milke ere while.
Peace, pretty Innocents, forbeare to cry,
Receiue with willing sides the fatall blow:
Best is that Death which comes in infancy,
A longer life had but prolong'd your woe:
He that to day is borne, and dies to day
Comes to his port as soone as sets to sea.
Receiue with willing sides the fatall blow:
Best is that Death which comes in infancy,
A longer life had but prolong'd your woe:
He that to day is borne, and dies to day
Comes to his port as soone as sets to sea.
Your journies end at setting forth you met,
Your whole daies taske you in the morning finisht,
Your Sunne no sooner did arise but set,
Yet was your day produc'd, your night diminisht:
You op'd your eyes and seeing nought but paine
In this base world, you clos'd them vp againe.
Your whole daies taske you in the morning finisht,
Your Sunne no sooner did arise but set,
Yet was your day produc'd, your night diminisht:
You op'd your eyes and seeing nought but paine
In this base world, you clos'd them vp againe.
Death to be priz'd 'bove any lifes deare rate,
Save that best life, which doth such death ensue.
Your Saviours kindnesse you anticipate,
Dying for him ere he do die for you:
How soone are you of Martyrs crownes possessors
Who Martyrs were ere you could be Confessors?
Save that best life, which doth such death ensue.
Your Saviours kindnesse you anticipate,
Dying for him ere he do die for you:
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Who Martyrs were ere you could be Confessors?
Champions, who conquerors were ere you could fight,
Who overcame before you knew your foes,
Subduing them ere you had armes to smite,
Not by inflicting but receiuing blowes:
Swift runners who the goale & Crowne haue won
Before you had the skill or will to runne.
Who overcame before you knew your foes,
Subduing them ere you had armes to smite,
Not by inflicting but receiuing blowes:
Swift runners who the goale & Crowne haue won
Before you had the skill or will to runne.
Rachel although thy cause of griefe be great,
Yet to be comforted refuse no more,
As if thy children were not: They are yet,
And thou and they more happy then before:
Thou who by bearing Martyrs get'st renowne,
They who exchange a Cradle for a Crowne.
Yet to be comforted refuse no more,
As if thy children were not: They are yet,
And thou and they more happy then before:
Thou who by bearing Martyrs get'st renowne,
They who exchange a Cradle for a Crowne.
Why saist thou then they are not? Say thou rather,
Thy children never truely were till now:
They're not with thee, they're with their heavenly Father,
They are aboue, they are not here below:
Why should'st thou then for thē make such complaints
Who never were but Innocents and Saints?
Thy children never truely were till now:
They're not with thee, they're with their heavenly Father,
They are aboue, they are not here below:
Why should'st thou then for thē make such complaints
Who never were but Innocents and Saints?
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O blessed Babes, who from your Mothers womb
To Abrahams bosome fetcht a speedy spring
Ere you can goe! Who ere you speake, are come
Your Hallelujahs vnto him to sing
Who would vnto your Parents only show you
But on his Sonne as choicest Iew'ls bestow you.
To Abrahams bosome fetcht a speedy spring
Ere you can goe! Who ere you speake, are come
Your Hallelujahs vnto him to sing
Who would vnto your Parents only show you
But on his Sonne as choicest Iew'ls bestow you.
He, least you long with sinners should abide
From among men you to himselfe doth take:
Of your short swathing cloathes which red were dyde
With your owne blood, he long white robes doth make
Dyde in his owne, which only hath this might
To dye the deepest scarlet into white.
From among men you to himselfe doth take:
Of your short swathing cloathes which red were dyde
With your owne blood, he long white robes doth make
Dyde in his owne, which only hath this might
To dye the deepest scarlet into white.
O from how many blowes doth one blow free you!
How pure are they whom bloud doth thus baptize!
Nere shall your Parents hence forth weeping see you:
These teares shall wipe all others from your eyes,
With Palms in hands triumphant ore your foes
Follow you doe the Lamb where ere he goes.
How pure are they whom bloud doth thus baptize!
Nere shall your Parents hence forth weeping see you:
These teares shall wipe all others from your eyes,
With Palms in hands triumphant ore your foes
Follow you doe the Lamb where ere he goes.
Why had not I of that blest beavie beene
Who from the shell so soone to heaven did flee,
Ripe for saluation sooner then for sinne,
Whom few small blowes from many great did free?
To whom an Antidote the daughter lent
The Mothers poisned potions to prevent.
Who from the shell so soone to heaven did flee,
Ripe for saluation sooner then for sinne,
Whom few small blowes from many great did free?
To whom an Antidote the daughter lent
The Mothers poisned potions to prevent.
Blind superstition, did no day appeare
On which thine inauspicious Crosse could rest,
To brand it for vnlucky all the yeare,
Saue only this which made so many blest?
Why should that day to Vs disastrous bee
Which them from all disasters did set free?
On which thine inauspicious Crosse could rest,
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Saue only this which made so many blest?
Why should that day to Vs disastrous bee
Which them from all disasters did set free?
If sins soul-clogging shackles off to shake,
If nere to doe nor speake nor thinke a misse,
If all t'enioy that man can happy make,
If that a Crosse-day be that brings all this,
Then all my daies that day await will I,
To crosse and cancell all my misery.
If nere to doe nor speake nor thinke a misse,
If all t'enioy that man can happy make,
If that a Crosse-day be that brings all this,
Then all my daies that day await will I,
To crosse and cancell all my misery.
Quandò erit ille dies? quando erit ille dies?
FINIS.
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