University of Virginia Library

AN APPENDIX Containing a Dialogue between an old Apostate, and young Professor.

Apostat.
How many straights and crosses have I met,
Since I my self to seek for Canaan set!
Red Seas and Wildernesses lye between;
Why venture I for what I ne'r have seen?
Why can I not where I am Remain?
Or to my old delights turn back again.
My head has been perplext with cares and fears,
Since to these Preachers I inclin'd mine ears.
They were but fancies that disturb'd my mind,
I sought for something which I could not find.
Would God in Egypt I had still remain'd,
For there's no Canaan likely to be gain'd.
Conscience be silent, don't disturb me more
Upon such things, I will no longer pore,
For back to Egypt I will now retire
Where I shall have things to my hearts desire.

Devil.
Pursue thy purpose, thou shalt understand,
What e're I have shall be at thy command:
My Kingdom's great, this world is wholly mine,
Bow down to me, and all shall then be thine.
Afraid I was I should have lost thee quite.
There's nought like that which here's now in thy sight.
Behold the Bags of Gold which thou shalt have,
Honours on earth, riches and pleasures brave,
When others forc'd in Prison are to lye;
Thou shalt enjoy thy precious liberty,
When Kings and Princes do upon them frown,
Thou shalt be held in honour and renown.
Thou hast much goods laid up for many years,
And long shalt live free from all cares and fears.
Thy Seed establish'd too shall be on earth,
And thou shalt spend thy days in joy and mirth,
Thoughts of Religion utterly disdain,
Nor think of God, or Jesus Christ again,
Phanatick fables never more regard,
The pains of Hell of which thou oft hast heard,
Are nought save fictions of their crasy head,
With fear of nothing are they frightened,
That mad men like, they do tread under feet
Those lovely joys which wisemen find most sweet.
Religion's nought but a devised thing,
Which up at first some crafty head did bring
To awe the minds of fools, who wanting wit,
Take that for Gold that's mere counterfeit.
The truth of th'Scripture thou hast cause to doubt,
For divers places thou may'st soon find out
Which inconsistent to each other be,
Of what it speaks there is no certainty.
Conclude in Truth there is no God at all,
Why should'st thou be so foolish as to call
On him, whom thou did'st never see or know,
Unless its thus; because that most do so.
Let Melancholy fancies now therefore,
Ne're vex thy mind, nor grieve thee any more.
Enjoy thy self on Earth, and heap up Gold,
No good like that which purse and bags do hold.
Come eat and drink, to morrow thou must die;
And afterwards there's no Eternity
As some suppose, for thou i'th' grave shalt rot,
And as the Beast be utterly forgot:
But since you know it is reproach to them,
Who all Religion utterly contemn.
Thou may'st Religious also seem to be,
For there is one that's very fit for thee.
Melodious sounds, sweet mirth, and Musick rare,
Do much affect the heart, and charm the ear.
No worship on the Earth doth suit so well
With flesh or blood, or doth for ease excell,
Or with man's interest doth so well agree,
Like what's maintain'd in famous Italy.
That, that's the worship which for thee I pick,
I'me not against thy turning Catholick.
If there's a Heaven, of this thou need'st not doubt,
An easier way for thee I can't find out.
The way's so broad, whole Nations walk therein,
And persons of all sorts, no let is sin.
Wer't thou at Rome, thou'st hear melodious sounds
Sweet joys and mirth on every side abounds:
Fine boys and men ravishing notes do sing
Whil'st Organs play in Consort, and Bells ring;
In that brave way thou'lt have thy liberty
To do such things as others do deny.
Thou may'st be mad, carouse, and domineer,
Strict Roman Catholicks such things can bear;
If thou dost swear, drink healths, yea, or should'st curse
There's few i'th' Church would like thee e're the worse.
Or if thou should'st some curious Lady spy,
Or view some pretty Maid with wanton eye,
To court or play with her thou need'st not fear,
For Venial sins alas all such things are;
And one great help and remedy thou'lt have,
Which from all grief and danger will thee save;
If it fall out by chance at any time
Thou shoul'st commit some great and hainous crime,
There is straight-way the blessed Absolution,
A present help, and yet no superstition.
For a small sum of mony soon is had
A pardon for all sins, though ne'r so bad.
His Holiness for a few shillings can
Murder and Perjury forgive to man;
Nay unto thee can grant a Dispensation
To kill and murder any in a Nation;
Who us and th'Holy Church hate and oppose,
Come trouble not thy self, but straight-way close
With this fam'd Church to whom such power's given
To ope and shut with ease the Gates of Heaven.
And make that sin to day which ne'r was sin,
And that lawful, which lawful ne'r hath bin.
Come buy thee Beads and Crucifix also,
And as the Church believes, believe thou too.
For this I hope to see o're a few days,
Some thousands more cleaving to those old ways,
And thou wilt not such an advantage gain,
As now thou may'st with ease I am sure obtain.
And since in kindness and affection dear,
I've shew'd thee how to be preferred here.
And do engage thy faithful friend to be:
There's some small thing I'd have thee do for me;
Speak evil of the way thou late wast in,
Believe them all, and charge them too with sin.
Their faults lay ope, let nought at all be hid,
Revile, reproach, and slander in my stead:
Shew how they differ, that they can't agree,
There's little love, and want of Charitie.
Of Canaan-Land ruise thou an ill report,
To turn them back who are a going for't
One thing at present I would have thee do,
There is a friend of mine which thou dost know,
VVho hath a Son which is indeed his Heir,
That to these foolish Notions doth adhere,
If he should visit thee, whith speed do thou
Treat with the peevish youth, I'le teach thee how
To controvert the cause, my place supply,
And do what I could not do formerly.
His forward zeal will do my Kingdom wrong,
Cause others also in that way to throng.
And you shall also some derision bear
Through his hot zeal, if that you ha'nt a care.

Vicinus.
The thoughts, which Satan darts into his mind,
He closeth with, and fully is inclin'd
His Counsel for to take, what e're become
Of his poor Soul at the great day of Doom.
An Atheist he's become in heart and life,
And hath abandon'd all his Christian strife.
He's ready now, and fit for any evil,
An instrument prepared for the Devil.
But since the Gentleman and he are met,
I will give way, and hearken how they treat
About this youth, that has of late begun,
Resolvedly to Heaven for to run.
You'l hear how this Apostate will ingage,
To turn him from his blessed Pilgrimage.

Apostate.
What my old Friend E.R. Sir, I am glad
To see you once again, yet I am sad,
And grieved sore to see you look so ill;
What evil Sir, I pray, has you befel?
What is the cause of this your present grief?
If I can give, or help you to relief,
Or comfort you i'th' least, I willing am,
And shall rejoyce, also I hither came.

Gent.
Ah Sir, my Son, my Heir, doth grieve my mind,
He from whom I most comfort hop'd to find,
Contrariwise will prove a plague to me,
Unless he can with speed recover'd be.
He'l be a Preacher I do think e're long,
He's such a Bookish-fool, and so headstrong,
That I have little hopes he'l e're be good;
Here's cause of grief if rightly understood.
He is become such a vile Heretick,
That Rome's good Church, and the true Catholick.
Most vilely, I perceive, he doth disdain,
And doth, forsooth, tell me he's born again,
I do beseech you Sir, do what you can,
If you can't change his mind, there's not a man
I think, in truth, that ever prevail will;
O arm your self therefore, and try your skill;
If you can turn him from these waies, then!
Shall be ingag'd to you until I die.
You were deceiv'd your self some time ago,
And therefore now more able are to show
The vanity of these devised waies,
And Bookish-fables of these silly daies.
Having the Scripture in our Mother tongue
Has been the ruin of us all along:
For, since men did our holy Church forsake,
And up new notions of Religion take,
Nought but confusion in the VVorld we see,
And otherwise, in truth, 'twill never be
Until their Books i'th' fire all do burn,
And they unto the Ancient Church do turn.

Apostate.
I am good Sir of that opinion too,
And sorry am to hear what now you do
Relate to me, and will also in truth
Do what I can to turn that silly youth;
For I can shew and make him understand
The danger that attends on ev'ry hand.
The hopes of unseen things will him deceive,
And Faith's but a meer fancy I believe:
That's the chief good which man doth here enjoy,
And that's the evil which doth him annoy,
Or doth deprive him of this joy and bliss,
None but Phanaticks will deny me this;
Who boast of that they never did possess;
They lie alas, and are (in truth) no less
Than frantick fools, for I could never see
Of what they speak, there's any certainty.
I will therefore endeavour out of love,
Your Son from these delusions to remove:
And since I do perceive he's neer at hand,
I'le take my leave,
Your Servant to Command.

Attend kind friend, read with a serious eye
And thou shalt a sharp Conflict soon espy
Between a man quite void of godly fear,
And a dear youth most holy and sincere.
The one affirms all godliness is vain,
The other counts it for the greatest gain.
Mark thou the end of both, and thou shalt see
Whats best to chuse, Grace or Iniquitie.
Apostate.
Well met, good Sir, from whence pray did you come?

Professor.
I am a stranger, and am Trav'ling home.

Apostate.
Are you a stranger in this Countery,

Professor.
Yea, as were all our Fathers formerly.

Apostate.
But from whence came ye? let's confer together.

Professor.
From Egypt Sir, Apost. I am Trav'ling thither,

Apostate.
What is your business, Sir, that thus in pain
You strive against the wind with might and main?
E're further you do go, sit down, account,
See whether that you run for will surmount
The labour great, and loss you will sustain,
Before the price in Truth ye do obtain.
What place is it to which you think to go,
That to advise you I may fully know?
For good instruction to you I'le afford,
When I this thing from you have plainly heard.

Professor.
I am for Canaan that most Holy Land,
I'le travel thither as God doth command,
Whose worth and value I do know full well,
For Riches it doth far all things excell.
And though all things I lose e're I come there,
'Twill all my losses I am sure repair.
The worth of that therefore for which I run,
I did account before I first begun.

Apostate.
Know you of certain, the place is so rare,
You may mistake, for you were never there.

Professor.
Ah Sir, of it I have a glorious sight,
Which doth my Soul transcendently delight,
Although in person there I ne'r have been,
Yet I most plain sweet Canaan oft have seen:
Besides, I lately spoke with a dear friend,
Who did the other day from thence descend;
And unto me its glory he did show,
Its precious worth from thence I came to know:
Some of its fruits also to me he gave,
Which makes me long till I possession have.

Apostate.
Is't not the fancy of thy crasy-head?
I have likewise of such a Canaan read;
It may be so, or so it may not be,
It ne'r seem'd real truly unto me.
Who would for things which so uncertain are,
Such losses suffer, and such labour bear.
A Bird i'th' hand's worth two i'th' bush, ye know,
This Zeal (poor Lad) will work thy overthrow.

Professor.
You vainly talk, and live by sight and sense,
I walk by faith, which is the evidence
Of things not seen, here with an outward eye.
What thou see'st not I clearly do espy.
'Tis not the fancy of a crasy-brain,
For Moses that its glory he might gain,
All Egypts Treasures quickly did forego,
Was that the way unto his overthrow?
No, no, dear Sir, he saw it was the way
To peace and honour in another day:
The glory real did his Soul behold,
To be so great, that never can be told.
If thou had'st drunk but of its glorious springs,
Thou would'st it prize above all earthly things.
If thou hadst tasted but of Canaans hony,
Thou would'st esteem it more than bags of mony.
Although I make, alas, a poor profession,
Yet I have now something in my possession.
Lock'd up most safe in my refreshed brest,
More rare than Pearls within a golden Chest.
True peace of conscience, that through grace I have
Which passeth all mens knowledge to conceive.
I would of it not be depriv'd again,
If that I might ten thousand worlds obtain.

Apostate.
Tush, silly Fool, kick Conscience quite away,
Ne'r mind his motions, nor what he doth say.
I stifl'd him, and that a good while since,
And took revenge for his proud Insolence.
His gasping groans I no ways did regard,
But let my heart against him grow so hard,
That I do judge I have his business done.
He's dead in truth and to dark silence gone;
That now I can, without the least controul,
Have any pleasures which delight my Soul

Professor.
Ah Sir, go on, if that's the choice ye make,
I never will such cursed Councel take.
Who ever doth his Conscience so abuse,
Doth his dear Maker in like manner use.
And though in you poor Conscience now lies slain
I'th' Judgment day he will revive again.
And then against you his sad witness bear,
And in your face most gastfully will stare.
You'l have the worst at last, I grieve to see
You hardned thus in your Iniquity.

Apos.
My sorrow's gone, but thine alas will double
Concerning me thy self do thou not trouble.
The storms and blust'ring winds are over past,
And very safe I am arriv'd at last,
In that same Port where Princes do delight
For to repose and harbour day and night.
Toss'd I have been upon the boysterous Seas,
And 'till of late ne'r could find rest nor ease.
But now I'm safely landed, and with good
Shall sated be, whil'st thou art toss'd i'th' flood.
Thou shalt poor youth with dreadful storms be
Whilst I shall find a very quiet world.
All thy best days are gone, and plung'd thou'lt be hurl'd,
Into sad Gulfes of woful miserie.
Unless thou dost recant, & stop thy course,
Thou'lt see things with thee will grow worse and worse.
Those fools who do their nicer Consc'ence mind,
E're long they shall but little friendship find.

Youth.
Sir, Storms and Tempests do I know attend,
Those who resolve poor Conscience to befriend.
Paul's Portion 'twas, who from his very youth,
Had kept good Conscience, and obey'd the truth.
He met with blustring winds, was toss'd about,
Yet did bear up for Canaan most devout,
'Till he at last the glorious Voyage made,
Getting the Crown which ne're away shall fade.
All those who sayl'd this way, have all all along,
Met with great opposition and much wrong
From Pyrats, Spoylers, and Usurpers, who
Contrived have the Righteous to undo.
This terrifies me not, because that I
Know 'tis the way to true Felicity.
The gold and precious things the Merchant gains,
Do quit his cost, and recompence his pains.
The Riches which he brings at his return,
Makes him great dangers often-times to run.
So hopes of joys, the which Cœlestial are,
Makes me no labour nor no cost to spare.
You are for present things, I further see;
You are for Earth, but Heaven is for me.
You are for pleasures, and for bags of Gold,
I am for that which Moses did behold.
You are for ease, whatever it doth cost,
And honours here, though Soul for it be lost.
VVho makes the wisest choice, let him declare,
Let Death and Judgment shew who wise men are.
My purpose I'le pursue what e're I meet,
My portion's great, my peace, no counterfeit.
Heaven is my Port, ther's such a place I'm sure,
Nought shall entice me nor my soul allure
To lose my hold, I'le keep firm in my station.
Though in my way I meet with tribulation.
Yet I most safe shall there at last arrive,
No men nor Devils ever shall deprive
My soul of that eternal dwelling place,
Such confidence I have obtain'd through grace.

Apostate.
If I should grant things which so doubtful are,
That there's a Canaan or a Heaven, where
Sweet joys abound beyond what's here below;
Yet hard it is for any man to know
The ready way unto that seeming place,
Consider this, Oh 'tis a weighty case!
For there so many ways and voices be,
How thou should find the right I do not see.
Thou art a stranger too, thou toldst, be plain,
Come come, young man, turn with me back again.

Youth.
Nothing (dear Sir) more certain is than this,
That there's a Heaven or eternal Bliss.
The Heathens could by Natures light espy,
Mans chiefest good or best Felicity.
Must needs excel the high'st enjoyments here,
And shall this doubtful unto those appear
Who have Gods works (most dreadfully made known
Yea and his word which very few or none
VVho live in any land the like have had;
Shall such turn Atheists? this is very sad.
Is not Jehovah every where made known
By fearful Judgments, which are dayly shown
And why think you I can't the true way find,
Seeing Jesus has in writing left his mind
In plain Characters, which whilst I observe,
I from the truth am sure no ways to swerve.
He came from thence himself the other day,
And gave directions how to find the way.
This writing's firm, 'tis signed with his blood,
That the old dragon, with his mighty flood,
Of superstition, and persecuting fire,
Could not it spoil nor gain his curst desire.
The holy Scripture God to us hath given,
To guide our souls in the right way to Heaven.
Though Satan has made opposition strong.
Yet still we have it in our mother tongue.
And by this means, most plain I come to know,
The very foot steps where the flock did go.

Apostate.
Though you of Scripture seem to make your boast,
Your hopes of this will suddenly be lost.
For you much longer it an't like to have,
Your souls and others thus for to deceive.
For holy Church once more will quite destroy
This English God, which they seem to enjoy.
Thou art unlearn'd, the Scriptures dost not know,
But wrestest them unto thy overthrow.

Youth.
They are unlearn'd, whom God has never taught,
But have in Popish darkness up been brought.
They are unlearn'd, who never had the Spirit,
Who think they can by Works salvation merit.
They are unlearn'd, who foolishly deny
The Spirits Teachings and Authority.
For to excell all humane Arts and Science,
And on man's teaching wholly have reliance.
They are unlearn'd, or very poorly read,
That teach Christ Jesus is a piece of Bread,
Which Rats and Mice may eat, and vomit up,
And do deny the Layety the Cup.
For those for whom Christ did his Body break
He of the Cup did bid them all partake.
They are unlearn'd, who think that Purgatory,
Can be ought else than a meer fained Story.
They are unlearn'd, whose Doctrine doth declare
The Church two heads doth on its shoulders bear.
That Woman which hath any Husbands more
Than only one, is a notorious Whore.
That man's unlearn'd, who learned never hath
The A B C of the true Christian Faith.
That man I grant is wholly yet unlearn'd,
Who never knew himself, nor yet discern'd
The cursed nature of his hainous sin,
Nor what estate by nature he is in.
That man's unlearn'd who never went to School,
To learn for Christ how to become a Fool.
That man's unlearn'd, yea, and a very Sot,
VVho hath his soul and Jesus Christ forgot.
And doth esteem earths empty vanity,
Above that good which Saints in God espy.
I am unlearn'd, and yet have learned how
To crucifie the flesh, yea, and to bow
To Jesus Christ, and for his precious sake,
His yoak and burden willingly to take.
And follow him where ever he doth go,
And him alone determine for to know.
VVho for my sake upon the Cross did dye,
Him I have learn'd alone to magnifie.
And to exalt him as he's Priest and King,
And as my Prophet too in every thing.
And this through grace I learned have of late,
To be content whatever be my state.
Some things I must confess I ne'r could learn,
Nor any ways perceive, see, or discern.
I never read of Peters tripple Crown,
Nor that he ever wore a Popish Gown.
I never learn'd that he did Pope become,
Or Rule o're Kings like to the beast at Rome.
I never learn'd that he kept Concubins,
Or ever power had to pardon sins.
I never learn'd he granted dispensations,
To poyson Kings, or Rulers of those Nations.
VVho were prophane or turned hereticks,
Or did refuse the Faith of Catholicks.
I never learn'd he was the Churches head,
Or did forbid the Clergy for to wed.
I never read that he had Chests of Gold,
Or that great Benefits by him were sold.
I never read he's call'd his Holiness,
Yet had as much as any Pope I ghess.
I never learn'd Peter did magnifie
Himself above all Gods, or God on high.
Or that upon the neck of Kings he trod,
Or ever he in Cloth of Gold was clad.
I never read that he made Laws to burn
Such as were hereticks, or would not turn
To Jesus Christ, much less to Murder those,
Who did in Truth Idolatry oppose.
I never learn'd, nor could unto this day,
That th'Pope and Peter walk'd both in one way:
Yea, or that they in any thing accord
Save only in denying of the Lord.
In that they also greatly differ do,
Of which I think to give a hint or two.
Peter deny'd him, yet did love him dear,
The Pope denies him, and doth hatred bear
To him, and to all those that him do love.
VVho bear his Image, and are from above.
Peter deny'd him, and did weep amain,
The Pope denies him with the great'st disdain.
Peter deny'd him, yet for him did die,
The Pope in malice him doth crucifie.
Peter deny'd him thrice, and then repented,
The Pope a thousand times, but ne'r relented.
Peter and John no mighty Scholars were,
Yet few for knowledge might with them compare.
Poor Fisher-men do find the way to Heaven,
When Scholars go astray, who Arts have seven.
The Learned Schoolmen put our Lord to Death,
And very few of such Christ called hath.
But poor despised persons he doth call,
And passeth by the high-flown Cardinal.
For humane learning, and such kind of Preaching,
Is nothing to the blessed Spirits teaching.
I learning like, and grant that men may use it,
Yet would I not have them for to abuse it.

Apostate.
Leave off these canting strains, and don't deride
Our holy Father, for I can't abide
To hear such prating Fools. Are you so wise?
Dare you the holy Mother Church despise?
'Tis that Religion I like best of all.
The Pope I do adore and Cardinal.
There's Pomp and Riches, and a worldly glory,
What you talk of, is an unpleasant story.
There's Pleasure, profit, safety and much ease,
Which doth the flesh as well as spirit please.
Here's Heaven and Earth, what can'st thou more desire,
Or of thy God, or any man require?
Thy way th'hast lost, and Canaan wilt not see,
Therefore with speed turn back again with me.

Professor.
Could I no other reason give or urge
To prove Romes Church untrue, I can't but judge,
This which you speak, doth plainly it declare,
For in Christs Church no such vain pomps appear
No worldly glory doth Christs Church adorn,
For she's afflicted, much despis'd and torn.
Her beauty can't with outward eyes be seen,
Her beauty and her glory are within.
When John sets forth the antichristian state,
Much outward pomp 'tis true he doth relate.
The Whore is deck'd with Gold, brave Stones and Pearl,
Who at poor Sion doth with envy snearl.
No liberty to th'flesh the Lord doth give.
Saints must alone after the Spirit live,
No serving God and Mammon, Sir 'tis plain,
To Hell you go except you'r born again.
If you'l be Christs, with speed then turn you must,
To crucifie the flesh with all it's lust.
No cause have I to fear to go astray,
Whilst I walk dayly in the narrow way.
All those who do Gods holy word contemn,
No light nor truth is there at all in them.
Their feet on the dark Mountains soon will fall,
And utter ruin will or'etake them all.
But as for me no cause have I to doubt,
But I shall find this blessed Canaan out.
To turn to Egypt with you back again,
The thoughts of it my soul doth much disdain.
Dost think I'le leave my Quails and Manna rare
For stinking Garlick, and base Onyons there?

Apostate.
For all your courage, Sir, I do suppose,
You will repent that ever you have chose,
To leave the comforts of a precious World,
And with fond zeal thus blindly to be hurl'd.
You are a man that might advanced be,
Unto great Honour, State, and Dignity.
Your Father's Master of a good Estate,
And you too are his Heir, I hear of late.
But if you don't this new Religion leave,
One groat of him you are not like to have.

Professor.
This World in a just balance oft I try,
And find it lighter far than vanity.
Riches alas! they are but bags of cares,
And honors nought save fool-bewitching Snares.
Your outward joy will turned be to sadness,
Your pleasure into pain, your wisdom's madness.
You catch at nothing, 'tis at best a bubble,
Which longyou cannot keep although you double
Your diligence, and think to hold it fast,
'Twill fly with speed, 'tis but an empty blast.
What frantick fit is this? Will you destroy
Your higher hopes for such a fanci'd joy?
This world's just like th'Strumpet of whom I've read,
Who with sweet fumes inticeth to her bed.
With amorous glances promises a Bliss,
And hides destruction with a fained Kiss.
She has her tricks, and her ensnaring wiles,
But lodges death under deceitful smiles.
She huggs the Soul she hates, yea, and doth prove,
A very Judas where she fains to love.
Take heest therefore, lest you be catch'd i'th'snare,
And buy your late repentance much too dear.
These comforts here which you do precious call,
Each wise man sees they'r vain and flitting all.
To think I should repent, no cause is there,
If things by you rightly consid'red were.
What Moses chose of old, the same do I,
All vain allurements I do quite defie.
I knew when first my Journey I did take.
I must my Fathers house learn to forsake.
In Abraham's steps I am resolv'd to go,
What ever I exposed am unto.
What e're I lose, Christ will mak't up to me,
When I of Canaan shall possessed be.
I seek no honour here from any one,
True honour comes (dear Sir) from God alone.
To be an Heir unto a great Estate,
Or Son unto some earthly Potentate,
Is nought to what by grace I am born to.
My Portion great, I know not how to show
I'm Heir unto the mighty King of Heaven,
To me, e're long, sweet Canaan will be given.
I do resolve to hold out to the end,
Although I han't one groat nor earthly Friend
To favour me: I never will return
Until this glorious Canaan I have wone.

Apostate.
What ground have you (my friend) for to believe
If you forsake all things, you shall receive
This land you speak of, for your own possession,
Unto your heart 'tis good to put this question.
For divers do unto great things lay claim,
Yet some oftimes I see, and sure I am,
Unto such lands can no good title show,
Although they strive for them as you may do,
If you should sell what e're you have for this,
And yet at last should also of it miss,
You'l see your self at length then quite undone.
Consider of't, and back with me return,
For no good title of it can be had,
'Twas this alas which once did make Me sad.
To save my own, I thought 'twas best for me,
Unless of this I could assured be.

Professor.
Don't think you shall my zeal for Heaven cool,
Nor my dear Soul with fancies thus befool.
Rouse up my Soul now in thy own defence,
And shew thy clear, thy precious evidence.
Can any thing be plainer here on earth,
'Twas purchas'd for me by Christ Jesus's death.
The father doth this Kingdom own, and he,
For his own child has late adopted me.
And if a child, I also am an heir
And shall with Jesus this like glory share.

Apostate.
How do you know you be his child? in this
You may mistake, and so may Canaan miss.

Professor.
My late conversion doth most plainly prove,
My inward birth is truly from above.
The Truth and Conscience both agree in one,
I am through grace no Bastard, but a Son.
Those whom God doth by his own Spirit lead,
They are his Sons, you in the Scripture read.
Besides all this, since I did first believe,
An earnest of this Land I did receive.
And divers promises also there be,
Which bind it firmly over unto me.
Is not my title unto heaven good.
When sign'd and seal'd to me by Christ his blood?
You see by these I have a certain ground,
And good assurance for Gods kingdom sound.
But you, as it appears, do quite dispair,
Without all hopes of ever coming there.

Apostate.
Nay stay a little, don't affirm that neither.
VVhy may not I as soon as you, come thither?
Though in that way, in which I late did walk,
I was deceiv'd with many other folk;
And thought that Heaven was entail'd to those
Which did the Pope and Church of Rome oppose.
Thinking a man a separate must be
From that same Church, or else could never see,
Finde, nor enjoy eternal peace and rest;
And therefore I, like others, did protest
Against that ancient mother Church whom now
I am resolv'd to own, yea, and to bow
Down unto her, with all humble subjection;
Thinking 'tis best for safety and protection,
Resolving never more to vex my mind
As I have done, for I shall sooner find
In this smooth way assurance for salvation,
Than if I had kept in my former station.
Hopes I may have, no certain ground I know
The Church affirms we can attain unto.
But promises most clear are made to those,
Who seek for the old way, and with it close:
And that Romes Church can plead antiquity:
No Protestant I'm sure can it deny:
Yea, and must grant, what ever's their profession
That none save Rome can prove their true succession
From those brave Churches which first planted were
By the Apostles, as their Acts declare.
And therefore youth, you must no longer boast
Of faith and confidence, for you have lost
Your way to Heaven, And must therefore look
Unto that Church which long has been forsook.
From the true Church to rend and schismatize,
Is a sad thing though many it despise
For though Corruption in the Church there be,
Yet all should walk in uniformitie.

Professor.
Sir, I deny your Churches constitution,
Which makes me loath you, and for your pollution,
Corruption, and vile spots, they are so bad,
No Church of Christ the like hath ever had;
Which I resolve fully to make appear
Before I'le leave you, if your pleas'd to hear.

Apostate.
Romes Church was rightly gather'd that's most clear,
Saint Paul himself to this doth witness bear.
Faith and Repentance truly did they own,
And were Baptized in due form 'tis known;
No Church in constitution right has been,
If that our Church i'th' least doth fail herein.

Professor.
Romes Church I grant was true i'th'Apostles days,
But yours from that doth differ many ways.
Romes Church was very famous heretofore,
But is become the Scarlet-colour'd Whore.
From the true Faith she hath departed quite,
And the true Church was forc't to take her flight
Into the dark and howling wilderness,
VVhere she lay hid in sore and great distress,
From the vile Beast, and Dragons furious rage,
And so remain'd until this latter age.
If Romes Church now were like unto the old,
Then with the Romanists we all would hold,
But when she is become Christs enemy,
God out of Babylon, doth bid us fly.
If you can prove Romes Church hath not declin'd,
From that Church-State by Paul himself defin'd,
Then you will undertake for to do more
Than any Papist ever did before.
The Jewish Church God once did own and love,
But for their sins he did them quite remove.
Out of his sight they'r broken for their sin,
VVith other Churches which have famous bin.
And yet do keep some outward form and show
Of VVorship, and Church-state as Rome may do.
VVho has in Truth nought left save a bare name,
As hath been clearly prov'd by men of fame.
If you should bring your Visibility.
To prove your Church is true, I do reply,
A better argument I need not bring
To prove you false, than that same very thing.
For the true Church was hid, did not appear
A thousand two hundred and sixty year.
And then whereas you in the second place
Mention Antiquity, 'tis a clear case.
Your Church is under age, yea much too young,
Out of th'Apostacy alas she sprung.
A bastard Church, base born, mere national,
And therefore that's for you no proof at all.
The fleshly seed i'th' Church must not be brought,
John Baptist and our Saviour both so taught.
Christs Church is gather'd by regeneration,
And not as 'twas i'th' former dispensation.
You in a lineal way do go about,
To take in those whom Jesus hath shut out.
The ax is now laid to the root o'th' tree,
And every one true penitent must be.
And must obtain of God true saving grace,
Who in his holy Church would have a place.
Your Church is not so gather'd, therefore I
Deny your Church and its antiquity;
That Church which is upheld by'th' carnal sword,
And not by th'power of Gods holy word.
Is very false, and that Romes Church is so,
Not a few worthy Authors plainly show.
And whereas she much boasts of holiness,
No people doubtless in the world have less;
For Rome like to a stinking common shore,
Receives what ev'ry one casts forth o'th' door.
She's like a cage of ev'ry hateful bird,
As is recorded in Gods sacred word.
The Councel which an ancient Author gave,
Let ev'ry soul with special care receive.
Ye that would holy live, from Rome be packing,
There's all things else, but Godliness is lacking.
She also doth Doctrines of Divels hold,
According as th'Apostle hath foretold.
In charging people to abstain from meat,
VVhich God alloweth us freely to eat.
And in denying persons for to wed,
Though God allow the undefiled bed.
By means of these most cursed prohibitions,
Your Clergy stinks alive with gross pollutions.
And many of your filthy Popes of Rome
Have Sodomites and Buggerers become;
Whoredom and Incest they have minc'd so small,
As scarce to count them any sin at all.
Most cursed Stews allowed are by them,
VVhom none i'th' Popedom dare i'th least condemn
Vile Necromancers many of them were,
Haters of God, no sin (in truth) is there;
But some o'th' Popes of it have guilty been,
As may upon Record be clearly seen.
Is this your holy Head and reverend Father,
Next unto Christ supream? Is he not rather
A Dev'l incarnate? the worst of mankind,
VVho can in Hell a viler sinner find?
Is Rome Christ's Church, Christ's Spouse, his only Love,
His undefiled one, and spotless dove?
Sir, do'nt mistake, she is that Scarlet Whore,
VVhom John characterized heretofore.
VVhich I shall full evince, and make appear,
If you with patience will but lend an ear.

Apostate.
I find you in reproaches free enough,
But shall expect you so too in your proof.
Those common Epithets of Beast and Whore,
Are daily flung at every bodies door.
But for to warrant your severer doom,
Prove that they properly belong to Rome.

Professor.
That truth Gods sacred word doth well explain,
That City which o're Kings of th'Earth did raign,
Was that same Whore, the spirit clear doth show;
And that Rome was that City all men know.
Who then above all others bore the sway,
'Twas Rome the Nations fear'd and did obey.
And still you Papists to her Bishops give
Headship o're all who on the earth do live,
Before him Kings and Emperors must submit,
That so he may the mighty Monarch sit.
Whilst absolute pow'r he claimes, and Sovereignty
Above all Princes by his Tyranny.
From whence all persons may conclude it true,
By their first Mark the title is his due.
The second Character of Babylon,
Is Pomp and State wherein she proudly shone,
That Rome has been a rich gay costly Whore,
England once found, I wish she may no more.
Infinite Sums almost she squeez'd from hence,
For pardons, obits, annates, Peter-pence.
And through each Land where she her triumphs led,
VVhole swarms of locusts, Priests and Friers were spread.
These (as the Janizaries to the Turk)
VVere faithful slaves still to promote her work.
VVhilst to maintain those drones she swept away,
The fat and wealth of Nations for their prey.
In the third place she doth mens Souls inslave,
This mark in Rome most evident we have.
VVith dangerous vows, unwarranted traditions,
Implicit faith, and thousand superstitions,
Pretended miracles, apparent lies,
Damnable Errors and fond fopperies.
She clogs the Conscience, and to make all well,
Boasts all her dictates are Infallible:
And then (to fill her measure) i'th' last place,
'Tis said she would Gods precious Sion race.
This can of none but Rome be understood,
That drunken whore, who reels in Martyrs blood.
As I more largely now shall make appear,
And then with patience your excuses hear.
VVithin the compass of six thousand years,
Has been presented to the eyes and ears,
Of future ages, the most sad contents
Of bloody tragedies, the dire events
Of dreadful wars, in sev'ral Generations,
The overthrow of many fruitful Nations.
But all comes short of Romes most bloody bill,
VVhich doth the earth with Sanguine volumes fill.
Jerusalem that City of renown,
Sack't by Vespasian, burnt and broken down.
It was indeed a dreadful desolation,
And so have conquerors dealt with many a Nation.
All Conqu'rors ever found a time to cease,
VVhen once they'd conquered then they were at peace
They murder'd not, but such as would not yield,
To own them for their Lords: and in the field.
They slew them too with weapons in their hand,
For their defence, and always ready stand
To give Quarter to those that it demand.
But this vile Strumpets blood-bedabbled hands
Finds not a period, never countermands
Her cruel rage, her murders know no end,
She slaughters when she pity doth pretend:
Years terminate not her blood-thirsty acts,
She slays without examining their facts.
In times of peace her treach'rous hands have shed,
Blood without measure: she hath murthered
By cursed Massacres her neighbours, when
They thought themselves the most secure of men.
One might fill volumes with her bloody story,
In which she still persists: Makes it her glory
T'invent strange torments to deprive the breath
Of Christians, by a tedious lingring death.
The brutish Nero first of Tyrant-Kings,
From whose base root nine other Tyrants springs.
Whose most inhumane acts, not to their glory,
Did leave the world a lamentable story.
And to their lasting and eternal shame,
Did purchase to themselves that hateful name
Of bloody Monsters in the shape of men,
VVhose cruel acts deserve an Iron pen.
That might perpetuate to after-times,
These Heathens cruelty record the crimes.
For which those Christians willingly laid down,
Their earthly houses for a heavenly Crown.
Reflect a while Sir, and but cast your eye,
First on those Heathen Emperors cruelty.
Then view the bloody Papists, and compare
Their cruelties together, and as far
As Egypts darkness did exceed our night,
Or midnight differs from the morning light,
So far the Papist's cruelty does exceed,
The worst of heathen Tyrants, and indeed
The worst of Tyrants, since the world began,
Or since dissention fell 'wixt man and man.
If Ciprian's and Eusebius words be true,
These persecuting Emp'rors yearly slew
Millions of souls, shedding their guiltless blood,
Which ran like waters from a mighty flood.
So void their hearts were of all humane pity,
They spar'd no age, nor sex, nor Town, nor City.
The things wherein these Christians did offend,
Were only this, they did refuse to bend,
Their Heaven-devoted knees, or fall before
Those Idol Gods these Emperors did adore.
They did believe one God created all,
They did believe in Christ, and down did fall
Prostrate upon the earth, and daily bring
Sacrifice only to that Heav'nly King.
Their Emperors Gods these Christians did deride,
This was the cause so many millions dy'd.
These Emperors thinking themselves ingag'd,
Their Idol to revenge, grew more inrag'd,
To see the Christians boldly to despise,
Their Gods, and honour Christ before their eyes:
They did conclude the nature of th'offence,
Deserv'd no less than death for recompence.
Thus may we plainly see a reason why
These Heathen Emp'rors use such cruelty.
'Twas not because they worshipt not aright,
But worshipt not at all, nay, did despight.
Unto these Idols which they Gods did call,
Affirming that they were no Gods at all.
An act not to be born by flesh and blood,
To have the Edicts of their Gods withstood.
Yet in the midst of all those Tyrants rage,
Serious advice a little would asswage
Their hellish fury, and for some time cease,
And give the Christians a breathing space.
And when as those ten Emperors ceast to be,
Then terminated all their cruelty.
Three hundred years accomplisht their fierce wrath
And then the heathens own'd the Christian faith.
And now their Emp'rors do as much adore
The God of Heaven and earth, as they before
Had done their Idols, and zealous for the Church,
Give great donations, make their Bishops rich.
And now proud Rome, since Constantine the great,
Thou by degrees hast taken up thy seat:
Puft up with riches, swoln with filthy pride,
From Gods pure laws hast quickly turn'd aside.
And now such Bishops only do'st thou chuse,
As God doth hate and utterly refuse:
Proud, sensual, and void of th'holy Spirit.
Such as the Lord hath said, shall not inherit.
Eternal Glory; such thy Bishops be,
Who shoul'd be fill'd with truth and purity.
Shining like lights before the flock, that they
The better might discern the perfect way.
But now instead of such as these, behold
They are presumpt'ous, proud, imperious bold.
Changing the worship that the Lord makes known,
And in its stead will introduce their own.
Yea so presumptious are they in their pride,
As to affirm Gods holy word's no guide
For men to walk by; the only rule that they
Do counsel men, nay force them to obey.
Is their traditions which th'affirm to be.
Far more authentick than our Lords decree,
VVithin his holy VVord he us hath given,
For a sure light to guide our steps to Heaven.
And now these Christians whose more tender heart
Dares not believe them, fearing to depart
From Gods directions, which in his blessed word
He hath so plainly left upon record
These are the men this wicked Strumpet hath
So often made the objects of her wrath.
Making the earth to drink the guiltless bloud,
Of such as for Gods holy VVord have stood.
Oh! Let the bloud-drunk earth ne're cease to cry
Unto the Heaven-enthroned Majesty,
'Till God take vengeance as he did on Cain,
For all the righteous Abels she hath slain.
Not for denying, but honouring the Lord,
Yea, for believing that his sacred word
Is the most perfect, and the truest guide,
The rule by which all doctrines should be tride.
Our blessed Lord bids search them, for faith he,
They are the words that testifie of me.
Lo here's the cause, behold the reason why,
The VVhore has acted so much cruelty.
Inhumane murthers doth this VVhore invent,
VVhereby she daily slays the innocent.
The numbers she hath murdered, do surmount
The strictest of Arithmeticks account.
VVhat Countrey hath not tasted of the Cup,
That her most bloudy hands have poured up.
How hath she stir'd up Nations to ingage
Against each other to satisfie her rage?
VVhere Millions have been brought unto the dust,
Only to satisfie this Strumpets lust?
That she the better might ingrose the power
Of Hell into her hands, and so devour
At her blood thirsty pleasure, such as she
Could not perswade to love Idolatry.
Perfideous France, whose most inhumane wrath,
Passing the limits of a Christian faith.
VVithin the space of eight and twenty days,
Thy bloody hands most treacherously betrays
Ten thousand souls, and to that bloudy score,
Ads quickly after twenty thousand more.
How many murders more that Popish Nation
Have done, the Romish Hist'ries make relation;
And yet from cruelty Rome has not ceast,
But as her years, her murders have increast:
And swoln to bigger numbers in less space,
As Bellarmine affirmeth to her face;
VVho thus attests, that from the morning light,
Until the Sable Curtains of the night
VVere closely drawn, her bloudy hands did slay,
A hundred thousand Souls, O! let that day
In Characters of bloud recorded be,
That may remain unto Eternity.
O let the Earth that drinketh in the rain,
That did receive the bloud of all the slain;
Let both the Heavens, and the Earth implore
The God of heaven to confound the VVhore.
O poor Bohemia, thou hast had a taste,
VVhen wicked Julian laid thy countrey waste.
Burning thy Towns and Villages with fire,
Sparing no young, nor old, nor Son, nor sire.
VVhat multitudes unnumbred were thy slain,
VVhich in the field unburied did remain!
Thou found'st the wolvish Popes in every age
Contrive thy ruin, many times ingage
Thy Neighbour Nations to shed forth thy blood,
Only because faithful Bohemia stood
For Gods pure worship. Martin the sixt excites
Emperors, Kings, Dukes, Barons, Earls and Knights,
VVith one consent to fall upon that Nation,
On no less terms than on their own Salvation;
Promising also upon that condition,
To give a full and absolute remission.
Unto the vilest sinner that e're stood
Upon the earth, that would but shed the blood,
Though but of one Bohemian; O rage!
Not to be parelled in any age.
Except that Monster, who did sore rebuke,
The over-charitable Popish Duke
Of De Alva, and would you know his crime,
It was because that he in six years time,
Through too much lenity, caus'd not the earth
To drink more Christians blood than issued forth
From eighteen thousand souls; for this, the Duke
Was thought by Papists worthy of rebuke.
Is eighteen thousand in six years so few?
In the account of your bloud thirsty crue,
Inhumanly to murther, yea indeed,
Because their former numbers did exceed.
But if the Duke of Alva's bloody bill,
Came short in numbers yet his hand did fill
It up with Torments, so dreadful to rehearse,
As that the very thoughts thereof would pierce
A Marble heart, make Infidels relent,
Torments that none but Devils could invent,
But if all this was over little still,
His predecessors added to the bill.
For from the time that hellish Inquisition,
Did from the Devil first receive commission.
As well approv'd History doth relate,
Till thirty years expired had their date;
By cruel torments which they still retain,
Was a hundred and fifty thousand slain.
And yet before they took away their breath,
They for some time did make each day a death.
Depriving them, as far as in them lay,
Of all th'comfort that either night or day
Affords mankind; for them their was not found,
So much Sun-light as to behold the ground
On which they stood: Each day that giveth light,
VVas unto them like Egypts darkest Night.
In hellish darkness thus they made them spend
Their weary hours, and kindly in the end
Destroyed them: the company they had
VVithin those darksome caverns, was their sad
And melancholy thoughts, their sighs and growns,
Their doleful lodgings was upon the stones.
If noysome creatures bred and fostred there,
These noysome creatures their companions were.
VVhat food they eat, was only to secure
Their souls alive, that so they might endure
The several torments that they did provide,
And so a hundred and fifty thousand di'd,
Beside what di'd by persecuting hands,
VVithin the Popes Confines in several lands.
Thus may I sooner spend my strength and tears,
And tire (if you regard) your eyes and ears,
Than give a full and absolute relation,
Of all the acts of Romes abomination.
Oh! May my native Countrey rather hear
Their bloody Acts, than in the least part bear
Her burthen, or behold her murdring hand,
Once more spread through the Confines of our land
But I perceive these truths are dully heard,
And that you little my discourse regard.

Apostate.
Yes, yes, I hear and smile, what Tragedies
You make of lawful just severities.
The Martyrs you applaud were Rebbels too,
And still against authority would goe.
If then they suffer'd, who pray is to blame?

Professor.
That I have shewn already to their shame.
And I would have my Country men to take
Another taste that may preserve awake
Their drousie Souls, who take a dying nap,
Much like deluded Sampson on the lap
Of lustful Dalila, whose treacherous breath,
Sends forth the Messenger of Sampsons death;
Let not the Strumpets sugred words, perswade
Thee to give credit t'her, that's been her trade
To promise fairest when she doth intend
To deal falsest, she doth betray her friend
Like wicked Cain, first of that sinful race,
That slew his Brother smiling in his face.
From the first time that e're the hellish rage
Of Jesuits appeared on the stage
To act their parts in England, France, and Spain.
And Italy her bloody hands hath slain,
Nine hundred thousand souls or there about,
E're many years had run their hours out.
Of the Americans by Popish Spain,
In fifty years was fifteen Millions slain.
The poor religious Waldenses, whose eye,
Like the quick sighted Vulture, did espy
Romes filthy whoredoms, and freely disclaim
Her vile Idolatry, and hate the same.
Drunk dreadful draughts of Romes most bloody Cup,
VVhich she with Hell-bred fury poured up.
And for no other cause, her bloody hands,
She did stretch forth with hell-inraged bands;
Being sent abroad forthwith, to put to death
Both young & old, each man that draweth breath;
And yet, as if she had not been content,
To Murder Parents with their Innocent
And harmless Babes, as if their hellish-breath
Had now been spent with putting souls to death.
Fourscore sweet Babes that never did offend,
Famish'd to Death, their harmless lives did end.
Search, search into the deep Abyss of hell,
And see if all the Dev'ls can parallel
So vile an act, O most imperious Treason
Against the King of Kings, and law of Reason!
Are Papists Christians, and are these their Acts
To punish such as ne'r committed Facts?
Are those right actings, fitting Gospel-times?
To lay on Babes the weight of highest Crimes?
Did Christ do thus, or hath he ever given
Them leave to deal so with the heirs of Heaven?
Those murd'red Souls under the Altar lie,
Crying how long Eternal Majesty,
How long wil't be e're thou avenge thy Saints,
And lend thine ear unto their sad complaints?
These Waldenses being overcome and dead,
A little remnant that escaped fled,
Taught by Dame Natures Moral-Laws to save
Their much desired lives, within a Cave
Did hide themselves, hoping at last, that they
Taking advantage of another day,
VVhen Golden Titan had laid down his head
Upon the Pillows of his VVestern-Bed,
And Proserpina Lady of the Night,
Had drawn her Sable Curtains, then they might
Transport themselves into some other land,
And so escape out of the hunters hand.
But as the Hound that hunts the wearied Hart,
Doth ply their steps, and never will depart
The Fields and Meadows, or the silent wood
Till they surprise the Beast: ev'n so these blood
Devouring Monsters having found the Cave,
Most barb'rously did make that place their grave,
VVherein four hundred yielding up their breath,
VVere in a barb'rous manner choak'd to death.
No Nation in the world hath ever seen,
A Foe so dreadful as the VVhore hath been.
It is farr better to be overcome
By Turk or Heathen, than by Christian Rome.
VVhat part of Europe now can make their boast,
And say they have not tasted to their cost
Of Romish Mercy? some are yet alive,
VVhose Parents felt the Death she did contrive.
O Germany! thy poor distress'd Estate
VVill speak to future Ages, and relate
VVhole Volums of her bloody Murders, and
The murder'd Souls of bleeding Ireland
Crie night and day for Vengeance, and implore
Gods Heaven enthroned Majesty e're more,
To put a period to her Hellish power,
That we may overtake her in an hour.
Those dreadful Murders, have the eyes and ears
Of some now living heard and seen the tears
Of soul afflicted Parents, whose sad eyes
Beheld their Murdred Babes, & heard their cries.
Their Daughters ravish'd, & when that was done,
Cruelly Murdred and the hopeful Son
By unheard Torments slain before their eyes,
Whilst they beheld their Childrens miseries:
Their Children Murdred, and their Wives defil'd,
Whose Bodies they ript up being great with child.
And all this while Parents and Husbands were
Forc'd to behold what flesh and blood can't bear
The bare Relation: what Adamant heart
Melts not, when I these dreadful things impart?
Ripping up Child-great-Women was not all,
For that although inhumane, was but small
Compar'd with other torments they indur'd,
Whose Patience bore what could not else be cur'd
Tearing out Bowels, boyling men alive,
These deaths and worse those Monsters did contrive.
We see how they have delt with every Nation;
And shall we think at last to find compassions
The piteous cries of Parents, nere could move.
Them to extend the smallest dram of love.
The tears that ran from dying Infants eyes,
Like plenteous showers from the darkned skies:
Whose great abundance might have made a river,
Yet all these floods of brinish tears could never
Enter a Papists heart so hard condens'd,
So void of pity, and all humane sence,
To hear the doleful shreeks, and dying groans
Of poor distressed Babes, who make their moans
To Soul afflicted Parents e're they part,
These are the things delight a Papists heart;
To see the dying gaspes before the death
Of tortured Souls, whose life forsaken breath
Had waited, many a tedious hour past,
When their tormented Souls should breath their last.
Whose dolorous sighings penetrate the skies,
Those objects do delight a Papists eyes.
And can we now at last expect to find,
That Rome's grown merciful, and Papists kind?
No, no, we cannot do't, if we but fix
Our serious thought upon late Sixty six:
When London was consum'd, that Famous City,
Its Ruins doth bespeak them void of pity.
By Romes contrivance, was fair London burn'd,
Englands Metropolis to ashes turn'd.
Their Merchants of their Riches quite bereft,
To day rich men, to morrow nothing left.
Their Wives and Children harbourless became,
Their substance all consumed in the Flame:
To day this Famaus City's deck'd in Gold,
To morrow an amazement to behold.
The doleful Shreeks, and lamentable Cries,
The floods of Tears that ran from weeping eyes,
As true resemblances, did represent
The Sorrows that our Neighbours underwent.
And can we think that Hell-begotten Rage,
That did provoke so many to engage
In such an Act, far worse than th'Powder Treason:
Can we suppose, if we consult with Reason,
The fury of their Hellish Rage expir'd
So soon as e're that Famous place was Fir'd.
No, no, Good Sir, your Pardon, I presume
Those Hell-ingendred flames that did consume
So fair a City in so short a space.
Hell gave those flames Commission down to raze
Not London only, but every soul that hath
A heart resolved to maintain the Faith
Of Jesus, Protestants both great and small
Rome hath determin'd their eternal Fall.
And those more formal Protestants, whose Zeal
May secretly perswade them to conceal
Their seeming Faith, and feignedly to close
With Romes erroneous Doctrine, and suppose
Thereby to save their lives; let none believe
Such vain perswasions, many did deceive
Themselves; for Rome, that Painted Whore,
Will deal with them as she hath done before.
With such as hoped in the self same kind,
To meet with Mercy, but nought less did find.
Christ never gave unto his Church Commission,
For to make Laws for grievous Persecution.
No outward force were they i'th' least to use,
Much less poor Innocents for to abuse,
By Burning, Starving, Roasting on a Spit,
And tauntingly to make a sport of it.
The holy Saints, and People of the Lord,
Their only weapon was Gods sacred Word.
With that blest sword always they overcome,
And did refute all Hereticks; but Rome
Makes use ('tis plain) o'th' Carnal sword and Fire,
'Tis Blood, 'tis Blood this Locust doth desire.
Death without Mercy, acts of Cruelty,
The Matter must decide continually,
The way they use to turn a Soul from error,
Is the most dreadful flesh-amazing terror
Of horrid Racks, whereon a man must lie
Tortur'd to Death, dying, yet cannot die.
Strange kinds of Instruments, devis'd to tear
The flesh from off the bones; these sometimes were
Her friendly admonitions, to reclaim
Such whom she doth for Hereticks defame.
What Massacres has she contriv'd by night,
When nature doth to rest each man invite.
VVhen sleep had clos'd their eyes, no thoughts of harms
Did them possess, but in their folded armes
Their wives and children lay, with hopes that they
Through grace might live to see another day.
Then came these murd'ring Butchers, sent from Hell,
Nothing but Blood would their vile rage repell;
Laying dear Babes and Mothers in their gore
'Till all were dead they scorned to give o're,
If these Church dealings will not work contrition,
She can erect a cursed Inquisition:
A dreadful place of cruelty and blood,
Whose torments scarcely can be understood.
A loathsome Dungeon, and vile stinking Cell,
A place of darkness, representing Hell;
Where nothing is so plentifull as tears,
And bitter Sighs, and yet can find no ears
To hear their cries and lamentable moans,
Nor hearts to pity them for all their groans,
Where many tedious days and nights they spend,
Not knowing when their suff'rings will have end.
If such like arguments (Sir) will confute
A Heretick, the Papist may dispute
With all the world, nay Heathen Rome could never
Come nigh a Papist with their best endeavour:
They scorn all Turks or Pagans (for contrival
Of Barbarous Cruelties) should be Corrival;
For inhumanities their must defie
And scorn that Cannibals should them come nigh.
A bloody Papist strives to counterfeit
The Plagues of Hell, as far as man's conceit
Can reach unto, or Devils could invent,
This is a Papists knocking Argument
Thus, thus is Rome drunk with the Martyrs blood
Which has run down like to a mighty flood.
O it is Rome that is that Scarlet whore,
Which thus doth hate and persecute the Poor.
And all which are unto truth inclin'd,
To serve the Lord with a most perfect mind,
According to the tenor of his Word;
All such she strives to put unto the Sword:
And suffers none to buy, nor sell, nor live,
But such as homage unto her would give.
Upon her head also Saint John did see
Was writ the cursed name of Blasphemy:
Setting her self on God's Imperial Throne:
Saying, I am, besides me there is none.
I have the keys of Heaven in my hand,
Both Earth and Hell is at my sole command;
I shut and open unto whom I please,
I torment give to some, to others ease.
Lo, thus God's Sacred Word doth point her forth,
This, this is she, there's none in all the earth
That ever did adventure to lay claim
To that presumptuous and blasphemous name,
As King of Heaven, Earth, and Hell, but she,
Therefore Romes Church must the vile Strumpet be.

Apostate.
Sir, speak no more, forbear your sland'rous lies,
The holy Church such murdrous acts defies:
Do not believe all Stories you do hear,
'Tis hard for you to make these things appear.

Professor.

Apostate.
Youth, 'tis the Faith of Roman Catholicks,
Thus for to deal with all vile Hereticks.
Yet 'twas Rebellion too, say what you will,
For which the Church did many thousands kill.
To Magistrates they disobedient were,
And therefore they just punishment did bear.

Professor.
Peter and John they Rebels were also,
By that same Argument which use you do.
To Magistrates they did refuse to bend,
VVherein they knew they should the Lord offend.
In civil things they always did submit,
And Preached also, 'twas a thing most fit,
In things which unto man do appertain,
But Christ o're Conscience ought alone to reign.
Ev'n so those Martyrs bare an upright mind
Unto their Prince, and ever were inclin'd
In all just things obedient for to be;
Yet did stand up for Christ his Sov'reignty,
And were resolv'd in matters of their Faith,
To worship God as holy Scripture saith,
According to that light which he doth give,
Up unto which each Soul on Earth should live.
And though your Church doth put poor men to death,
'Twas from the Dev'l such curst laws came forth.
The tares with wheat should grow unto the end,
Till God is pleas'd the Reapers for to send.
That 'twas from Satan; I don't doubt i'th' least,
For he did give unto this bloody Beast
His Pow'r and Seat, and his Authority,
For to effect all cursed Villany.

Apostate.
They were some evil persons without doubt,
Who crept into the Church, that work'd about
Those Murderous deeds the Church did not allow,
But utterly against them doth Avow.

Professor.
The filthy Pope, and evil Cardinal,
With Bishops, Monks, and Fryers you so call,
With fiery Jesuits, for to be brief,
In all these murd'rous acts these were the chief.
Bulls, false Pardons, and cursed dispensations,
From bloody Rome has Ruin'd many Nations,
You can't deceive, nor hood wink the world more,
Times have discovered the Scarlet Whore.
We now know how clearly to bring our charge,
As I could shew, but that I can't inlarge.

Apostate.
I know not how further (Sir) to excuse
The Holy Church, you put me in a muse:
But she's more kind and gentle grown of late,
And doth such cruelties defie and hate.

Professor.
Rome to a Wolf may fitly be compar'd,
Who whilst against his will is quite debarr'd
From seeking of his Prey, being ty'd in chains,
Seems very peaceable, though he remains
A Wolf in Nature still, if ever he
At any rate can get his liberty,
Doth straight way run impatient of delay,
And cannot rest until he's got his prey.
So Rome seems kind and gentle, until she
Can find again an opportunity,
Which with unwearied pains, and often trial,
She ever seeks, and hardly takes denyal.
Which if she once obtains, she will not stay
From sheding blood a minute of a day.

Apostate.
'Tis a vain thing with you for to contend,
And therefore I had rather make an end:
'Tis out of love I speak, to have you leave
Your evil Errors, speedily to cleave
Unto that Church who only can decide
All Controversies, even to divide
The truth from error, light from darkness so
That every one the ready way may go.
But you seem so resolved in your mind,
That little hopes, alas, of you I find.
But youth consider once again I pray,
The troubles of a now approaching day.
For sore amazements will you overtake,
Unless you do your purposes forsake.
If once our Church the day obtains, be sure
Then down you Hereticks must go for ever.
Let former stroaks of Justice take such place,
As for to move you wisely to embrace
That Councel, which in tender love I give,
That you in safety evermore may live.
Or you'l Repent that ever you begun
These dang'rous ways of Heresie to run.
'Tis a dark doleful dangerous path you go,
Recant therefore as many others do,

Professor.
You may mistake, sometimes the waters flow,
Yet on a sudden I observe them low.
A Hammon may maliciously devise
Poor Mordecai, and others to surprise,
Yet may his purposes meet with a blast,
And he himself be hanged too at last.
The flesh with all its lusts to mortifie,
Is hard to those that love Iniquity.
The way to Papists wholly is untrod,
And unto all who haters are of God.
The way seems dark to you, untrod, uneven,
Hard 'tis to th'flesh, yet 'tis the way to Heaven,
'Tis dark to you, because that you are blind,
And can't Gods purpose in dark foot-steps mind.
I've a sure hand to lead my trampling paces,
To scape the danger of those dang'rous spaces.
I shall pass safe, by means of my best Guide,
Though thousands fall by me on every side.
For to turn back will prove a doleful fault,
I think upon the Monument of Salt.
I am resolv'd a thousand deaths to dy,
Before I'le ever yield to Popery.

Apostate.
Thou art too strict, too righteous, and precise,
Thou flight'st such things which prudent men do prize,
Thou mayst have Christ, pleasure and honours too,
And saved be without half this ado.
There's very few alas are of your mind,
Who unto Rome are not at all inclin'd.

Professor.
You now condemn me for my holy life,
Wherein 'tis true I met with straits and strife.
But when, dear Sir, you come at length to die,
You'l blame your self, and me you'l justifie.
Did ever any on a dying bed,
Lament that they were by Gods spirit led
To crucifie their sins, and undertake
All things to leave for the Lord Jesus sake?
If Righteous ones, alas scarce saved are,
It greatly doth behove me to take care
In holiness to walk, what e're you say,
I from the paths of life will never stray.
The way I know is rough, 'tis hard and strait,
And leads me also through a Thorny gate,
Whose scratching Pricks are very sharp and fell,
The way to Heav'n is by the Gates of Hell.
Your way 'tis true seems very smooth and wide,
Since you from Christ have lately turn'd aside.
My Paths seem long, yours short and very fair,
Free from all Rubs and Snares, yet Sir beware,
The safest path is not alwayes most even,
The way to Hell's like to a seeming Heaven
Shall proud Flesh-wantons for a moments pleasure,
Expose themselves to shame, and loss of treasure.
The'l spend their strength, their gold, and their Estates.
Amongst their sensual dame-hellish mates.
Shall cursed Pleasures thus be pris'd, and must
The joyes above be cheaper then a lust.
Th'ambitious Gallant, for to hoist his Name
Upon the wings of Honour and of Fame,
How will he venter on the point of Spears,
And face the mouths of Cannons! nought he fears:
With courage stout how will he fight i'th' Flood,
When Brinish Seas are mixt with human blood!
Shall wretched man be at the Devils will,
And dangers run, his lust for to fulfil?
And shall not I, when God commands me forth,
Ingage for him with all my might on earth?
Or shall the promis'd Crown of endless life,
Be judg'd a trifle, and not worth a strife?
That which vain man accounts to be most rare,
Is not obtain'd but with much cost and care,
Things of great worth on Earth are got by pains,
And he who venters nothing, nothing gains.
And shall I then be startled with a frown,
VVhen full assur'd of an Eternal Crown.
The strife which doth an holy life attend,
Will recompenced be I'm sure i'th' end.
I will go on, since Jesus doth invite me,
His strength is mine, and nothing shall affright me,

Apostate.
I do perceive you are resolv'd to run,
In your strict ways until you're quite undone.
Yet hear a little what I have to speak.
And you will find 'tis best for you to take.
The Councel which I give; for youl'l espy
Great Ruin fall upon you suddenly.
Your father will not own you for his Son,
If in this foolish strictness you'l go on,
His Face expect hereafter not to see,
If this your purpose and your pleasure be.

Professor.
If Father, Mother, and dear Brethren too
Forsake me quite, yet still I well do know
My precious Saviour will my Soul embrace,
And I shall see sweet smiles from his dear face.
My self and my relations all, (though) dear
I do deny, such is the love I bear
To my dear Lord, whose Servant now am I,
And do resolve to be until I die.
Come life, come Death, for Canaan I'le endeavour,
It is my home, and resting place for ever.
Better it is that earthly friends abuse me,
Than that Christ Jesus should at last refuse me.
I'de rather bear my Fathers wrath and ire,
Than to be cast into eternal Fire.

Apostate.
Fie, fie, young-man, forbear, and take advice,
Let not hot Zeal thy fancy thus intice,
For to refuse those pleasant things which you
May here enjoy, as many others do:
'Tis much too soon for thee to mind such things,
For nought but grief and dotage from it springs;
'Twill dull thy wit, and make thee like a droan;
And thou'lt be slighted too by ev'ry one.
How might'st thou live at ease, and pleasure have,
If once these ways thou would'st resolve to leave;
And like a Flower flourish in the Spring,
And with young Gallants might'st rejoyce & sing,
And spend thy days in pleasure sweet and rare
I prethee youth consider, O take care
To chear thy heart; behold now in thy sight,
What earthly joys most sweetly do invite.

Professor.
Young it is true I am, and in my prime,
Therefore resolve for to improve my time:
The flower of my days dost think I will
Give to the Devil, lust for to fulfil?
Shall Satan have the primest of my days,
And put off Christ with base and vile delays,
Until old age, and then at last present
The dregs of time to him? I'le not consent
To such vile thoughts, I will not lend an ear,
I to my Saviour more affection bear.
Since first of th'living Spring my soul did drink
All sinful pleasures in my Nose do stink.
More precious Joy I find in my dear Lord,
Than all this world doth, yea, or can afford.
If I am slighted for Christ Jesus sake,
And judg'd a Fool or Droan, yet I can take
All for him, who for me hath undergone
More shame than this before his work was done.
This is my choosing time, I have made choice,
Gods Word I will obey, and hear his voice.
Gods Counsel 'tis that first of all in youth
I should him seek, and cleave unto the Truth.
Your Counsel I abhor; shall lustful fire
Be kindled in my Brest? shall my desire
Run out again to Egypt's cursed stuff,
I know 'tis nought, of it I have enough.

Apostate.
Alas, the journey's long, you'l wearied be,
And faint before that Kingdom you do see.

Professor.
Nay Sir, be silent, that is false, for I
By Faith most clearly do the Land espie.
But is the Journy long? blame me no more,
Betimes i'th' morning I set out therefore.
Why did'st thou say it was too soon for me
For to set out? If long the Journey be,
I do resolve in youth with speed to strive,
Lest I too late at last should there arrive.
While strength and youth do last I'le bend my mind
To Travel hard, because I clearly find
Old Age, and weary Limbs, quite out of case
To go a journy, or to run a Race.
Alas, when night is ready to come in,
That's not a time this Journey to begin,
When Sun and Moon, and Stars all darkned be,
And clouds return, that we no light can see:
When rain and tempests do most sore appear,
And th'Keepers of the house all trembling are:
When the strong men themselves are forc'd to bow
And grinders cease also, because that now
They are but few, and ready to fall out,
And those through windows which do look about
Are become dim, nay darkned without light,
And doors too in the street are shut up quite.
When the low sound o'th' grinders scarcely heard,
He riseth up too at the voice o'th' Bird:
And all the Daughters of sweet Musick rare,
Are brought too low, don't for such Musick care.
And fears increase in thoughts of what's on high,
Fears in the way, and fears for what is righ.
When flourish shall the Almond Tree also,
And th'Grashopper shall be a burden too.
When loosed is the precious Silver Cord,
And Golden Bowl is brok'n, as we have heard:
When the weak Pitcher at the Fountain's broke,
And th'wheel at th'Cistern with a heavy stroke:
VVhen desire fails, and there alas is none,
VVhat will such do who han't this Race begun?
Besides 'tis clear, my days uncertain be,
Old Age alas I may not live to see.
Young men are quickly gon, for I behold
Dayly as young as I are turn'd to th'Mould,
My own experience doth discover this,
My life a bubble and a Vapour is.
The flower which doth spread, and is so gay,
Soon may it fade and wither quite away.
If I therefore have still much work to do,
Or as you say so long a way to go;
It doth concern me then, with all my power,
For to improve each day, yea, every hour:
For daies to come I see may not be mine,
My time I'le spend, not as thou spendest thine;
My weights I'le cast away this race to run,
Stand still I must not, nor with thee return:
I must provide me oil, get Grace in store,
For o're a while I shall be seen no more
This side the Grave, I haste therefore to meet
The Glorious Judge at the great Judgment seat.
I must make haste, be swift like to the Sun,
Lest that my work's to do when time is done.

Apostate.
To you, young man, I have declared much
Of the sad danger, but your Zeal is such,
Nought that I say with you takes any place,
You don't believe me, that's the very case.
But what's the reason, youth, so many folk
Decline those paths in which you now do walk?
Were waies of your strict Holiness so sweet,
They in this sort would never back retreat;
I did resolve with others for to try,
And find you all deceived utterly,
Your whole Religion's nought but meer conceit,
Let none therefore thy soul with fancies cheat.
Since wise men daily do your waies forsake,
Be thou advis'd, and other councel take.

Professor.
If thousands fall away, it is no more
Than what the Scripture shews was heretofore.
Thousands of old from Egypt did adventure,
And yet but two of them did Canaan enter:
They never had of Christ a saving taste,
VVho quite away their seeming hopes do cast:
Their hearts alas are rotten and unsound
VVho in Christ Jesus never sweetness found.
But what of this? shall I my Lord deny
Because that you some Hypocrites espy?
Those who do murmur in the wilderness,
The Land of Promise never shall possess.
But if they will the precious Lord Revoke,
Shall I from thence resolve to slip the Yoak?
Because they don't the glorious Lord believe,
Shall Caleb think the Land he can't receive?
Because so many walk i'th' way to Hell,
Shall I conclude that Heaven don't excel
The vain injoyments of an evil world?
Or shall with fancies thus my soul be hurl'd?
To think, because that Swine the grains do chuse,
And Pearls do tread upon, and them refuse,
There is more worth in those base stinking grains
Than in those true Pearls which the Merchant gains?
Because these silly men have lost their way,
Shall I on purpose therefore go astray?
Because that Judas did for thirty pence
Sell his dear Lord, shall I conclude from thence
Peter a fool, who priz'd his favour so,
That for his sake all things hee'd undergo?
If fearful Souldiers basely quit the field,
Shall valiant Champions therefore straitway yield
Most cowardly unto their treacherous foe,
Whom they assured were to overthrow.
If Mariners unskill'd in Navigation
Are split on Rocks, shall all then in the Nation
That have that curious art, resolve therefore
Never to use the Art of Sailing more?
Because the sluggard sees the winds do blow,
The Rain descending with cold hail and snow,
He doth give o're, and says no longer will
Remain i'th' field his barren Land to till:
Shall faithful Husband-men from the like ground,
Who have oft-times by good experience found,
Without they sow, no harvest they can have,
Resolve the painfull labours quite to leave:
He that won't Plow because o'th' snow or rain,
Shall beg at harvest, and shall nought obtain:
So in like sort, to mind my present case,
'Cause persons void of God's true saving Grace
Do' Postatize as you your self have done,
Must I to th'Devil with you headlong run?
'Cause some Professors secretly do love
Some base corruptions, doth this therefore prove
There's none sincere for God in all the Earth,
Whose souls experience do the second birth?
I for my part through Grace have this to say,
I never shall, nor can I fall away:
All those whom God has unto Jesus given,
They never can be dispossess'd of Heaven;
The Promise of Eternal Life is theirs,
And they like Isaac, even so are heirs,
Who could not miss, nor dispossessed be,
Unless God's Word's made a meer Unlitie:
God's Covenant also with Christ doth stand,
Who can supply our wants on ev'ry hand,
Sin shall not Reign such is our happy case,
We are not under th'Law, but under Grace
This Covenant is not like to the old,
We of a surer person now have hold.
We stand not now as Adam did 'tis plain,
God never will trust that old man again.
Our credit's nothing worth, our Surety
Is in our room, our wants he must supply,
Besides all this I'le hint another thing,
Which to my soul doth much refreshment bring:
He that's the Author of my Faith, I spy,
Will finish it himself assuredly.
He that in me has a good work begun,
Will perfect it also e're he has done.
Within God's Saints Eternal Life doth dwell.
This would remove the doubt, considered well,
Those unto whom Eternal Life is given,
How can it be that such should miss of Heaven?
And now to breviate 'tis my intent,
Sir, if you please, to frame one argument.
If the new creature in the souls of men
Is of Gods Spirit born, I argue then,
The same in nature it be sure must be,
Which cannot death, or like mutation see,
But that 'tis of God's Spirit born, is clear,
As John the Third doth make most plain appear.
The seed also doth in their souls remain,
They cannot sin to death who're born again;
God's fear moreover is so in their heart,
That they from him shall never more depart.
Thus is my standing very firm and sure,
And to the end I know I shall endure:
And as for those who fall away and dye
I shall discover clearly by and by
What kind of men and women they are all
Which will hold forth the cause too of their fall.

Apostate.
Most confident, I do perceive you are
Daunted at nothing, yet pray let me hear
Those persons Names which you did lastly meet,
VVho finally resolve for to retreat,
And leave those paths which you seem to commend;
Come, speak to this and we will make an end.

Professor.
Sir, unto me it doth most plain appear
As if they cowards and faint-hearted were:
Under their tongues also close secretly,
Some pleasant morsels I am sure do lie:
And in them all doth reign some cursed evil,
Which makes them to conform unto the Devil.

Apostate.
As you suppose, but pray youth, have a care,
For they sincere and sober people are.
And I do question whether yea or nay
Thou do'st them know, what further hast to say?

Professor.
I told you, Sir, I knew them very well,
And since you urge me, I resolve to tell
What kind of folk they are, and also shall
Their names discover unto great and small;
Master Fearful was one that I did see,
With him was goodly Sensuality.
With Dame Misbelief, and Goodman Outside
Who turn'd from Christ as soon as they were try'd
One Unbelief, a very wicked man;
Turn him out of his way, there's no man can:
Besides them also, there's one Earthly heart
Who loves nothing so well as Plow and Cart:
Also ther's Esau Faint-heart, most profane,
That sells his Birth-right, Pottage to obtain;
VVith Belly-god, a man that I do find,
Flesh-pots and Onyons chiefly he doth mind.
There's Mistress Discontent too with the rest,
Who would have nought but what she liketh best.
Master Hot love soon cold also was there,
Lately for Zeal, with him few could compare,
There's Ishmael legal-heart, in truth also,
When troubles rise, he strait away doth go
With Master Balaam, who doth Jesus leave
The wages of unrighteousness to have:
Some people also I have lately met,
Who were with sin most easily beset;
And divers heavy weights also they bore,
Which wearied them, and made them to give o're.
A Gentleman I also did behold,
Whose trade was great, and store he had of gold.
He's going back with sorrow I do know,
Because he can't have Christ and the world too.
One Master Atheist, that I think's his name
As like your self as if he were the same;
He's fallen back so far, and turn'd aside,
That at Religion he doth much deride:
He thinks Religion's but a foolish thing,
VVhich doth no comfort, nor no profit bring.
This is too true, you also are the man,
To clear your self, deny it if you can,
No marvel 'tis you play the Devils part,
In labouring thus for to deceive my heart,
And blind mine eyes if that thou knewest how,
Thou'dst make me like thy self, and therefore now
I am resolv'd with thee for to ingage,
VVho striv'st to stop me in my Pilgrimage:
A foe more vile than you, what soul can meet?
I'le therefore bring you down unto my feet.
Some stones I think to fetch out of God's book,
Though like Goliah you do seem to look,
Yet in his Name, whom you so much defie,
I shall prevail against you by and by.
I thought I must confess some years ago,
I should not in the least been stopt by you;
Or that I should have met with opposition
VVith such a foe to add to my affliction.
But since this is my sad unhappy fate,
I'le add a line or two to vindicate
The Dreadful God, so far as lies in me,
I'le vindicate that Glorious Deity;
VVho in my soul his Image so has set,
That I his Glorious Being can't forget.
Shall he which form'd both Heaven and the Earth,
From whom I have my precious life and birth
Be trod upon, nay, utterly deni'd?
VVhat soul can such a sinful wretch abide?
VVho strives at once, if that you could it do,
The life of all Religion to o're-throw.
Hast thou got ought to speak, and wilt thou enter
On the debate, yea, durst thou to adventure
To o'pe thy mouth i'th' least for to defend
Those thoughts of thine, which clearly do descend
From hell beneath, thou'lt prove thy self thereby
The Devil's Friend, Jehovah's Enemy.

Apostate.
Thou childish lad, do'st think I am afraid
For to declare my self, or am dismay'd
By silly dreams and fancies, which afright
Those simple ones who dare not walk i'th' night:
Who startle at the shadow which they see,
And think the Devil's near, when 'tis a tree:
And since I do perceive you understand
VVhat my opinion is, I do demand
How you can prove, and fully make appear
There is a God; for none at all I fear.
No God nor Devil I at all believe,
Nor is there any Heaven to receive
The souls of Holy Men when they do die;
Nor is there any Hell of Misery
For sinners after death, as you conceit,
All is nought else save a Religious cheat.

Professor.
Dare you your Maker thus with impudence
Deny and tread upon? such insolence
What Soul can bear! what Age can shew the like,
Where so much light hath been! shall Mortals strike
At the Great God, and Glorious Deity?
Whose dreadful Being and Existency
The Heathens did find out, and greatly fear;
His Godhead did to them most plain appear
By the Creation, Man, as in a Glass
May there behold who his Creator was.
'Tis time to arm my self, and look about,
When by an Atheist I am challeng'd out:
When th'whole of all Religion lies at stake,
'Tis time to rouse, and also for to shake
Off, sloth and idleness, and to ingage
With such a foe in this my pilgrimage.
If once I should unto an Atheist yield,
And treach'rously also acquit the Field:
The strongest hold of Truth betray should I
Into the hands of its worst enemy:
And should unman my self of Christian too,
And my dear soul of reason overthrow.
I should debase my self, should I deny
My Noble Birth from the great Deity.
Man's chiefest glory springs from's Supream Head,
In his descent from him, who made and bred,
And brought him forth, and doth his life maintain,
From hence man doth his greatest honor gain.
'Tis power Divine that man doth greaten thus,
As to make him King of the Universe.
Who e're disowns his blessed Pedigree,
Doth prove himself unnat'ral for to be.
For man to say he came by hap or chance,
As 'tis a piece of wilful Ignorance,
Himself also he doth depose thereby,
From his own honour and rare dignity;
And vile contempt upon himself doth bring,
As well as dirt upon that Essence fling.
Who form'd his Soul, and gave to him his breath,
And made him Ruler here upon the Earth.
But to proceed, and lend my helping hand,
In the defence of Sacred truth to stand,
And vindicate my great Creators cause
By Natures light, and also by those Laws
Which supernat'ral are, and most Divine,
Whose light excells, yea, and whose glories shine.
You ask me how I can make it appear,
There is a God, attend and now give ear,
And weigh my arguments and reasons sound,
And let not Satan more your soul confound,
And Reason quite destroy as he has done,
Least to the Devil you do headlong run.

Apostate.
Before you do proceed, this you must know,
If you a God do think to prove or show,
Be sure of this, young man, it must not be
By Scripture-proof, for its Authority
I do deny, and cannot it believe,
You never shall that way my heart deceive:
The knowledge which you supernatural call,
Is a meer cheat, I mind it not all.

Professor.

Apostate.
Amongst the Heathens (youth) were men of fame
VVho for their skill in Nature had the name
Above all others, which did quite deny
There was a God or such a Deity.

Professor.
Your Epicurus, and old Aristotle,
VVith Theodorus, Bion, and the Rabble,
And such like Atheists I must grant to you
Deny'd there was a God as Stories shew,
Philosophy is good, but men abuse it,
VVhen they, like those old Heathen Authors use it.
God doth sometimes mens reasons darken quite
For not improving of the means of light.
To vile affections up God doth them give,
Because on earth, like Brutes they seem to live.
But though these natural Sots could not espy
By all their skill th'eternal Deity,
Yet many thousand Heathens I might show
By Natures light alone did come to know
There was a God, they searched so about
Into Gods works, they found his God-head out.
For when they gave themselves up seriously
To study Natures Book, and come to pry
Into the cause of all things here on earth,
And their effects, did clearly see the birth
Or first Original of every thing,
From such an Essence to descend or spring.
The very Novices in Natures School,
May soon convince that man to be a Fool,
VVho by the Creatures glory can't discern
The Being of that dreadfull Soveraign
VVho did them form and make, for every where
His glorious God head they to all declare,
Had I but time, I could some pages fill,
To shew to you how that mans reason will
Teach him there is a God, for if he mind
The nature of his Soul, this he might find,
Mans soul is like a spring or like to fire,
It resteth not aloft, it doth aspire,
And unto Noah's Dove, I'le it compare,
God is the Ark, souls rest alone is there.
The flesh dams up the spring, quenches desire,
Keeps out of th'Ark to which it would retire:
Since I perceive mans soul doth search about
To find some higher good and Being out;
VVhich doth excel all things which are below,
This doth to us Gods glorious being show,
But to conclude this, no man can disown,
God by his judgments daily is made known.
VVhat sad examples daily do we hear
Of VVrath and Vengeance almost every where?
Some drunkards and blasphemers struck down dead
And others with strange Judgments tortured?
Some have presum'd the Holy God to dare,
VVhom he would not one little minute spare,
If this will not convince you of your error,
I fear you will e're long fall under terror;
For if you will not now example take,
God may of you a sad example make.
Your state alas, above all men is sad,
Because of God you once such knowledge had,
And of his waies, which now you loath and hate;
O Sir, consider this your woful state;
And cry to God, if peradventure He
May give you Grace, whereby your soul may see
Your hainous sin, that so you may repent,
And turn to God before your daies are spent.

Apostate.
I must confess I know not what to say,
If there's a God, then cursed be the day
That ever I was born, for I do know
He never unto me will mercy shew:
I now resolve to open my condition,
Though all's in vain; for there is no contrition
VVill do me good, I utterly am lost;
For I have sinn'd against the Holy Ghost:
I wilfully have sinn'd and there remains
Nothing for me but everlasting pains.
O that there were no God, for then should I
Be like the Beast when e're I come to die.
For love o'th'VVorld and for my present ease
I am become like to the troubled Seas.
No rest nor comfort ever shall I find,
Curs'd be the day that ever I declin'd
From these good waies in which dear youth you go
Or ever I did God or Jesus know:
For if I had not known them, it is clear
My sin would not so hainous now appear:
My Conscience doth prick me to the heart,
I never shall be eased of this smart.
Oh that I were in Hell! for then should I
Soon see the worst of my extremity.
Thou shalt, dear youth, for ever happy be,
For thou art chosen from Eternity.
To be an heir of the Eternal Bliss;
But I alas am damn'd! what woe like this?
The Devil with his glist'ring golden ball
Hath me deceiv'd, and now I see my fall
To be so bad, no tongue can it express,
My woful pain is quite remediless.
The checks of Conscience I did greatly slight,
And loved darkness greatly, hated light:
Yea, and of good I never lov'd to hear,
Though I of him had hints oft-times most clear;
And now will he my soul to pieces tear,
And make me his Eternal Vengeance bear.
Let all backsliders of me warning take
Before they fall into the Stygian Lake;
Yea, and return and make with God their peace
Before the daies of Grace and Mercy cease;
For mine are past for ever, oh! condole
My sad estate, and miserable soul.
My daies will quickly end, and I must lie
Broyling in flames to all Eternity.