 | The day of doom; or, A poetical description of the great and last judgment |  |
THE DAY OF DOOM.
I.
1: Still was the night, serene and bright,
2: when all Men sleeping lay;
3: Calm was the season, and carnal reason
4: thought so 'twould last for aye.
5: "Soul take thine ease, let sorrow cease,
6: much good thou hast in store;
7: This was their song their cups among
8: the evening before.
1: Still was the night, serene and bright,
2: when all Men sleeping lay;
3: Calm was the season, and carnal reason
4: thought so 'twould last for aye.
5: "Soul take thine ease, let sorrow cease,
6: much good thou hast in store;
7: This was their song their cups among
8: the evening before.
II.
9: Wallowing in all kind of Sin,
10: vile Wretches lay secure;
11: The best of men had scarcely then
12: their Lamps kept in good ure.
13: Virgins unwise, who through disguise
14: amongst the best were number'd,
15: Had clos'd their eyes; yea, and the Wise
16: through sloth and frailty slumber'd.
9: Wallowing in all kind of Sin,
10: vile Wretches lay secure;
11: The best of men had scarcely then
12: their Lamps kept in good ure.
13: Virgins unwise, who through disguise
14: amongst the best were number'd,
15: Had clos'd their eyes; yea, and the Wise
16: through sloth and frailty slumber'd.
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III.
17: Like as of old, when men grew bold
18: God's threat'nings to contemn,
19: Who stopt their ear, and would not hear
20: when Mercy warnéd them?
21: But took their course, without remorse,
22: till God began to pour
23: Destructi-on the world upon,
24: in a tempestuous show'r
17: Like as of old, when men grew bold
18: God's threat'nings to contemn,
19: Who stopt their ear, and would not hear
20: when Mercy warnéd them?
21: But took their course, without remorse,
22: till God began to pour
23: Destructi-on the world upon,
24: in a tempestuous show'r
IV.
25: Who put away the evil day
26: and drown'd their cares and fears,
27: Till drown'd were they, and swept away
28: by vengeance unawares;
29: So at the last, whilst men sleep fast
30: in their security,
31: Surpris'd they are in such a snare
32: As cometh suddenly.
25: Who put away the evil day
26: and drown'd their cares and fears,
27: Till drown'd were they, and swept away
28: by vengeance unawares;
29: So at the last, whilst men sleep fast
30: in their security,
31: Surpris'd they are in such a snare
32: As cometh suddenly.
V.
33: For at midnight breaks forth a light,
34: which turns the night to day;
35: And speedily an hideous cry
36: doth all the World dismay.
37: Sinners awake, their hearts do ache,
38: trembling their loins surpriseth;
39: Amaz'd with fear, by what they hear,
40: each one of them ariseth.
33: For at midnight breaks forth a light,
34: which turns the night to day;
35: And speedily an hideous cry
36: doth all the World dismay.
37: Sinners awake, their hearts do ache,
38: trembling their loins surpriseth;
39: Amaz'd with fear, by what they hear,
40: each one of them ariseth.
VI.
41: They rush from beds with giddy heads,
42: and to their windows run,
43: Viewing this light, which shines more bright
44: than doth the noon-day Sun.
45: Straightway appears (they see't with tears)
46: the Son of God most dread,
47: Who with his Train comes on amain
48: to judge both Quick and Dead.
41: They rush from beds with giddy heads,
42: and to their windows run,
43: Viewing this light, which shines more bright
44: than doth the noon-day Sun.
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46: the Son of God most dread,
47: Who with his Train comes on amain
48: to judge both Quick and Dead.
VII.
49: Before his face the Heav'ns give place,
50: and Skies are rent asunder,
51: With mighty voice and hideous noise,
52: more terrible than Thunder.
53: His Brightness damps Heav'n's glorious Lamps,
54: and makes them hide their heads;
55: As if afraid, and quite dismay'd,
56: they quit their wonted steads.
49: Before his face the Heav'ns give place,
50: and Skies are rent asunder,
51: With mighty voice and hideous noise,
52: more terrible than Thunder.
53: His Brightness damps Heav'n's glorious Lamps,
54: and makes them hide their heads;
55: As if afraid, and quite dismay'd,
56: they quit their wonted steads.
VIII.
57: Ye sons of men that durst contemn
58: the Threat'nings of God's Word,
59: How cheer you now? Your hearts, I trow,
60: are thrill'd as with a sword.
61: Now Atheist blind, whose brutish mind
62: a God could never see,
63: Dost thou perceive, dost now believe
64: that Christ thy Judge shall be?
57: Ye sons of men that durst contemn
58: the Threat'nings of God's Word,
59: How cheer you now? Your hearts, I trow,
60: are thrill'd as with a sword.
61: Now Atheist blind, whose brutish mind
62: a God could never see,
63: Dost thou perceive, dost now believe
64: that Christ thy Judge shall be?
IX.
65: Stout Courages, (whose hardiness
66: could Death and Hell outface)
67: Are you as bold, now you behold
68: your Judge draw near apace?
69: They cry, "No, no: Alas! and woe!
70: our courage all is gone:
71: Our hardiness, (fool hardiness)
72: hath us undone, undone!"
65: Stout Courages, (whose hardiness
66: could Death and Hell outface)
67: Are you as bold, now you behold
68: your Judge draw near apace?
69: They cry, "No, no: Alas! and woe!
70: our courage all is gone:
71: Our hardiness, (fool hardiness)
72: hath us undone, undone!"
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X.
73: No heart so bold, but now grows cold,
74: and almost dead with fear;
75: No eye so dry but now can cry,
76: and pour out many a tear.
77: Earth's Potentates and pow'rful States,
78: Captains and Men of Might
79: Are quite abasht, their courage dasht.
80: At this most dreadful sight.
73: No heart so bold, but now grows cold,
74: and almost dead with fear;
75: No eye so dry but now can cry,
76: and pour out many a tear.
77: Earth's Potentates and pow'rful States,
78: Captains and Men of Might
79: Are quite abasht, their courage dasht.
80: At this most dreadful sight.
XI.
81: Mean men lament, great men do rent
82: their Robes, and tear their hair;
83: They do not spare their flesh to tear
84: through horrible despair.
85: All kindreds wail; all hearts do fail;
86: Horror the World doth fill
87: With weeping eyes and loud out-cries,
88: yet knows not how to kill.
81: Mean men lament, great men do rent
82: their Robes, and tear their hair;
83: They do not spare their flesh to tear
84: through horrible despair.
85: All kindreds wail; all hearts do fail;
86: Horror the World doth fill
87: With weeping eyes and loud out-cries,
88: yet knows not how to kill.
XII.
89: Some hide themselves in Caves and Delves,
90: in places under ground:
91: Some rashly leap into the Deep,
92: to 'scape by being drown'd:
93: Some to the Rocks, (O sensless blocks!)
94: and woody Mountains run,
95: That there they might this fearful sight
96: and dreaded Presence shun.
89: Some hide themselves in Caves and Delves,
90: in places under ground:
91: Some rashly leap into the Deep,
92: to 'scape by being drown'd:
93: Some to the Rocks, (O sensless blocks!)
94: and woody Mountains run,
95: That there they might this fearful sight
96: and dreaded Presence shun.
XIII.
97: In vain do they to Mountains say,
98: "Fall on us, and us hide
99: From Judges ire, more hot then Fire,
100: For who may it abide?"
101: No hiding place can from his Face
102: sinners at all conceal,
103: Whose flaming Eye hid things doth spy,
104: and darkest things reveal.
97: In vain do they to Mountains say,
98: "Fall on us, and us hide
99: From Judges ire, more hot then Fire,
100: For who may it abide?"
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102: sinners at all conceal,
103: Whose flaming Eye hid things doth spy,
104: and darkest things reveal.
XIV.
105: The Judge draws nigh, exalted high
106: upon a lofty Throne,
107: Amidst the throng of Angels strong,
108: lo, Israel's Holy One!
109: The excellence of whose Presence,
110: and awful Majesty,
111: Amazeth Nature, and every Creature
112: doth more than terrify.
105: The Judge draws nigh, exalted high
106: upon a lofty Throne,
107: Amidst the throng of Angels strong,
108: lo, Israel's Holy One!
109: The excellence of whose Presence,
110: and awful Majesty,
111: Amazeth Nature, and every Creature
112: doth more than terrify.
XV.
113: The Mountains smoke, the Hills are shook,
114: the Earth is rent and torn,
115: As if she should be clean dissolv'd,
116: or from her center born.
117: The Sea doth roar, forsakes the shore,
118: and shrinks away for fear;
119: The wild beasts flee into the sea
120: so soon as he draws near,
113: The Mountains smoke, the Hills are shook,
114: the Earth is rent and torn,
115: As if she should be clean dissolv'd,
116: or from her center born.
117: The Sea doth roar, forsakes the shore,
118: and shrinks away for fear;
119: The wild beasts flee into the sea
120: so soon as he draws near,
XVI.
121: Whose Glory bright, whose wond'rous Might,
122: whose Power Imperial,
123: So far surpass whatever was
124: in Realms Terrestrial;
125: That tongues of men (nor Angel's pen)
126: Cannot the same express;
127: And therefore I must pass it by,
128: lest speaking should transgress.
121: Whose Glory bright, whose wond'rous Might,
122: whose Power Imperial,
123: So far surpass whatever was
124: in Realms Terrestrial;
125: That tongues of men (nor Angel's pen)
126: Cannot the same express;
127: And therefore I must pass it by,
128: lest speaking should transgress.
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XVII.
129: Before his Throne a Trump is blown,
130: proclaiming th'Day of Doom;
131: Forthwith he cries, "Ye dead arise
132: and unto Judgement come."
133: No sooner said, but 'tis obey'd;
134: Sepulchers open'd are;
135: Dead bodies all rise at his call,
136: and's mighty Power declare.
129: Before his Throne a Trump is blown,
130: proclaiming th'Day of Doom;
131: Forthwith he cries, "Ye dead arise
132: and unto Judgement come."
133: No sooner said, but 'tis obey'd;
134: Sepulchers open'd are;
135: Dead bodies all rise at his call,
136: and's mighty Power declare.
XVIII.
137: Both Sea and Land at his command,
138: their Dead at once surrender;
139: The Fire and Air constrainéd are
140: also their dead to tender.
141: The mighty Word of this great Lord
142: links Body and Soul together,
143: Both of the Just and the unjust,
144: to part no more for ever.
137: Both Sea and Land at his command,
138: their Dead at once surrender;
139: The Fire and Air constrainéd are
140: also their dead to tender.
141: The mighty Word of this great Lord
142: links Body and Soul together,
143: Both of the Just and the unjust,
144: to part no more for ever.
XIX.
145: The same translates from Mortal states
146: to Immortality,
147: All that survive and be alive,
148: in th' twinkling of an eye;
149: That so they may abide for aye
150: to endless weal or woe:
151: Both the Renate and Reprobate
152: are made to die no moe.
145: The same translates from Mortal states
146: to Immortality,
147: All that survive and be alive,
148: in th' twinkling of an eye;
149: That so they may abide for aye
150: to endless weal or woe:
151: Both the Renate and Reprobate
152: are made to die no moe.
XX.
153: His wingéd Hosts fly through all coasts,
154: together gathering
155: Both good and bad, both Quick and Dead,
156: and all to Judgement bring.
157: Out of their holes those creeping Moles,
158: that hid themselves for fear,
159: By force they take, and quickly make
160: before the Judge appear.
153: His wingéd Hosts fly through all coasts,
154: together gathering
155: Both good and bad, both Quick and Dead,
156: and all to Judgement bring.
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158: that hid themselves for fear,
159: By force they take, and quickly make
160: before the Judge appear.
XXI.
161: Thus every one before the Throne
162: of Christ the Judge is brought,
163: Both rightéous and impious,
164: that good or ill hath wrought.
165: A separation and diff'ring station
166: by Christ appointed is
167: (To sinners sad) 'twixt good and bad,
168: 'twixt Heirs of woe and bliss.
161: Thus every one before the Throne
162: of Christ the Judge is brought,
163: Both rightéous and impious,
164: that good or ill hath wrought.
165: A separation and diff'ring station
166: by Christ appointed is
167: (To sinners sad) 'twixt good and bad,
168: 'twixt Heirs of woe and bliss.
XXII.
169: At Christ's right hand the Sheep do stand,
170: his holy Martyrs, who
171: For his dear Name suffering shame,
172: calamity and woe,
173: Like Champions stood, and with their Blood
174: their Testimony séaled;
175: Whose innocence without offence
176: to Christ their Judge appealéd.
169: At Christ's right hand the Sheep do stand,
170: his holy Martyrs, who
171: For his dear Name suffering shame,
172: calamity and woe,
173: Like Champions stood, and with their Blood
174: their Testimony séaled;
175: Whose innocence without offence
176: to Christ their Judge appealéd.
XXIII.
177: Next unto whom there find a room,
178: all Christ's afflicted ones,
179: Who being chastis'd, neither despis'd,
180: nor sank amidsts their groans;
181: Who by the Rod were turn'd to God,
182: and loved him the more,
183: Not murmuring nor quarrelling
184: when they were chast'ned sore.
177: Next unto whom there find a room,
178: all Christ's afflicted ones,
179: Who being chastis'd, neither despis'd,
180: nor sank amidsts their groans;
181: Who by the Rod were turn'd to God,
182: and loved him the more,
183: Not murmuring nor quarrelling
184: when they were chast'ned sore.
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XXIV.
185: Moreover, such as lovéd much,
186: that had not such a trial,
187: As might constrain to so great pain,
188: and such deep self-denial,
189: Yet ready were the Cross to bear,
190: when Christ them call'd thereto,
191: And did rejoice to hear his voice,
192: they're counted Sheep also.
185: Moreover, such as lovéd much,
186: that had not such a trial,
187: As might constrain to so great pain,
188: and such deep self-denial,
189: Yet ready were the Cross to bear,
190: when Christ them call'd thereto,
191: And did rejoice to hear his voice,
192: they're counted Sheep also.
XXV.
193: Christ's flock of Lambs there also stands,
194: whose Faith was weak, yet true,
195: All sound Believers (Gospel receivers)
196: whose Grace was small, but grew.
197: And them among an Infant throng
198: of Babes, for whom Christ died;
199: Whom for his own, by ways unknown
200: to Men, he sanctified.
193: Christ's flock of Lambs there also stands,
194: whose Faith was weak, yet true,
195: All sound Believers (Gospel receivers)
196: whose Grace was small, but grew.
197: And them among an Infant throng
198: of Babes, for whom Christ died;
199: Whom for his own, by ways unknown
200: to Men, he sanctified.
XXVI.
201: All stand before their Savi-or,
202: in long white Robes yclad,
203: Their countenance full of pleasance,
204: appearing wond'rous glad.
205: O glorious sight! Behold how bright
206: dust-heaps are made to shine,
207: Conforméd so their Lord unto,
208: whose Glory is Divine.
201: All stand before their Savi-or,
202: in long white Robes yclad,
203: Their countenance full of pleasance,
204: appearing wond'rous glad.
205: O glorious sight! Behold how bright
206: dust-heaps are made to shine,
207: Conforméd so their Lord unto,
208: whose Glory is Divine.
XXVII.
209: At Christ's left hand the Goats do stand,
210: all whining Hypocrites
211: Who for self-ends did seem Christ's friends,
212: but foster'd guileful sprites;
213: Who Sheep resembled, but they dissembled
214: (their hearts were not sincere)
215: Who once did throng Christ's Lambs among;
216: but now must not come near.
209: At Christ's left hand the Goats do stand,
210: all whining Hypocrites
211: Who for self-ends did seem Christ's friends,
212: but foster'd guileful sprites;
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214: (their hearts were not sincere)
215: Who once did throng Christ's Lambs among;
216: but now must not come near.
XXVIII.
217: Apostates base and run-aways,
218: such as have Christ forsaken,
219: Of whom the the Devil, with seven more evil,
220: hath fresh possession taken;
221: Sinners ingrain, reserv'd to pain
222: and torments most severe
223: Because 'gainst light they sinn'd with spite,
224: are also placéd there.
217: Apostates base and run-aways,
218: such as have Christ forsaken,
219: Of whom the the Devil, with seven more evil,
220: hath fresh possession taken;
221: Sinners ingrain, reserv'd to pain
222: and torments most severe
223: Because 'gainst light they sinn'd with spite,
224: are also placéd there.
XXIX.
225: There also stand a num'rous band,
226: that no profession made
227: Of Godliness, nor to redress
228: their ways at all essay'd;
229: Who better knew, but (sinful Crew)
230: Gospel and Law despiséd,
231: Who all Christ's knocks withstood like blocks,
232: and would not be adviséd.
225: There also stand a num'rous band,
226: that no profession made
227: Of Godliness, nor to redress
228: their ways at all essay'd;
229: Who better knew, but (sinful Crew)
230: Gospel and Law despiséd,
231: Who all Christ's knocks withstood like blocks,
232: and would not be adviséd.
XXX.
233: Moreover, there with them appear
234: a number, numberless,
235: Of great and small, vile wretches all,
236: that did God's Law transgress;
237: Idolaters, false worshippers,
238: Profaners of God's Name,
239: Who not at all thereon did call,
240: or took in vain the same.
233: Moreover, there with them appear
234: a number, numberless,
235: Of great and small, vile wretches all,
236: that did God's Law transgress;
237: Idolaters, false worshippers,
238: Profaners of God's Name,
239: Who not at all thereon did call,
240: or took in vain the same.
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XXXI.
241: Blasphemers lewd, and Swearers shrewd,
242: scoffers at Purity,
243: That hated God, contemn'd his Rod,
244: and lov'd Security;
245: Sabbath-polluters, Saints-persecuters,
246: presumptuous men, and proud,
247: Who never lov'd those that reprov'd;
248: all stand amongst this crowd.
241: Blasphemers lewd, and Swearers shrewd,
242: scoffers at Purity,
243: That hated God, contemn'd his Rod,
244: and lov'd Security;
245: Sabbath-polluters, Saints-persecuters,
246: presumptuous men, and proud,
247: Who never lov'd those that reprov'd;
248: all stand amongst this crowd.
XXXII.
249: Adulterers and Whoremongers
250: were there, with all unchast;
251: There Covetous and Ravenous,
252: that Riches got too fast:
253: Who us'd vile ways themselves to raise
254: t'Estates and worldly wealth,
255: Oppression by or knavery,
256: by force, or fraud, or stealth.
249: Adulterers and Whoremongers
250: were there, with all unchast;
251: There Covetous and Ravenous,
252: that Riches got too fast:
253: Who us'd vile ways themselves to raise
254: t'Estates and worldly wealth,
255: Oppression by or knavery,
256: by force, or fraud, or stealth.
XXXIII.
257: Moreover, there together were
258: Children flagiti-ous,
259: And Parents who did them undo
260: by nature vici-ous.
261: False-witness-bearers and self-forswearers,
262: Murd'rers and Men of Blood,
263: Witches, Enchanters, and Ale-house haunters,
264: beyond account there stood.
257: Moreover, there together were
258: Children flagiti-ous,
259: And Parents who did them undo
260: by nature vici-ous.
261: False-witness-bearers and self-forswearers,
262: Murd'rers and Men of Blood,
263: Witches, Enchanters, and Ale-house haunters,
264: beyond account there stood.
XXXIV.
265: Their place there find all Heathen blind
266: that Nature's light abus'd,
267: Although they had no tidings glad
268: of Gospel grace refus'd.
269: There stand all Nations and Generations
270: of Adam's Progeny,
271: Whom Christ redeem'd not, whom he esteem'd not
272: throught Infidelity.
265: Their place there find all Heathen blind
266: that Nature's light abus'd,
267: Although they had no tidings glad
268: of Gospel grace refus'd.
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270: of Adam's Progeny,
271: Whom Christ redeem'd not, whom he esteem'd not
272: throught Infidelity.
XXXV.
273: Who no Peace-maker, no undertaker
274: to shroud them from God's ire
275: Ever obtain'd; they must be pain'd
276: with everlasting fire.
277: These num'rous bands, wringing their hands,
278: and weeping all stand there,
279: Filléd with anguish, whose hearts do languish,
280: through self-tormenting fear.
273: Who no Peace-maker, no undertaker
274: to shroud them from God's ire
275: Ever obtain'd; they must be pain'd
276: with everlasting fire.
277: These num'rous bands, wringing their hands,
278: and weeping all stand there,
279: Filléd with anguish, whose hearts do languish,
280: through self-tormenting fear.
XXXVI.
281: Fast by them stand at Christ's left hand
282: the Lion fierce and fell,
283: The Dragon bold, that Serpent old,
284: that hurried Souls to Hell.
285: There also stand, under command,
286: legions of Sprites unclean,
287: And hellish Fiends, that are no friends
288: to God, nor unto Men.
281: Fast by them stand at Christ's left hand
282: the Lion fierce and fell,
283: The Dragon bold, that Serpent old,
284: that hurried Souls to Hell.
285: There also stand, under command,
286: legions of Sprites unclean,
287: And hellish Fiends, that are no friends
288: to God, nor unto Men.
XXXVII.
289: With dismal chains and strong reins,
290: like Prisoners of Hell,
291: They're held in place before Christ's face,
292: till He their Doom shall tell.
293: These void of tears, but fill'd with fears,
294: and dreadful expectation
295: Of endless pains and scalding flames,
296: stand waiting for Damnation.
289: With dismal chains and strong reins,
290: like Prisoners of Hell,
291: They're held in place before Christ's face,
292: till He their Doom shall tell.
293: These void of tears, but fill'd with fears,
294: and dreadful expectation
295: Of endless pains and scalding flames,
296: stand waiting for Damnation.
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XXXVIII.
297: All silence kept, both Goats and Sheep,
298: before the Judge's Throne;
299: With mild aspect to his Elect
300: then speaks the Holy One;
301: "My Sheep draw near, your Sentence hear,
302: which is to you no dread,
303: Who clearly now discern and know
304: your sins are pardonéd.
297: All silence kept, both Goats and Sheep,
298: before the Judge's Throne;
299: With mild aspect to his Elect
300: then speaks the Holy One;
301: "My Sheep draw near, your Sentence hear,
302: which is to you no dread,
303: Who clearly now discern and know
304: your sins are pardonéd.
XXXIX.
305: "'Twas meet that ye should judgéd be,
306: that so the world may spy
307: No cause of grudge, when as I judge
308: and deal impartially.
309: Know therefore all both great and small,
310: the ground and reason why
311: These Men do stand at my right hand,
312: and look so cheerfully.
305: "'Twas meet that ye should judgéd be,
306: that so the world may spy
307: No cause of grudge, when as I judge
308: and deal impartially.
309: Know therefore all both great and small,
310: the ground and reason why
311: These Men do stand at my right hand,
312: and look so cheerfully.
XL.
313: "These men be those my Father chose
314: before the World's foundation,
315: And to me gave, that I should save
316: from Death and Condemnation;
317: For whose dear sake I flesh did take,
318: was of a Woman born,
319: And did inure myself t'endure
320: unjust reproach and scorn.
313: "These men be those my Father chose
314: before the World's foundation,
315: And to me gave, that I should save
316: from Death and Condemnation;
317: For whose dear sake I flesh did take,
318: was of a Woman born,
319: And did inure myself t'endure
320: unjust reproach and scorn.
XLI.
321: "For them it was that I did pass
322: through sorrows many a one;
323: That I drank up that bitter Cup
324: which made me sigh and groan.
325: The Cross's pain I did sustain;
326: yea more, my Father;s ire
327: I underwent, my Blood I spent
328: to save them from Hell-fire.
321: "For them it was that I did pass
322: through sorrows many a one;
323: That I drank up that bitter Cup
324: which made me sigh and groan.
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326: yea more, my Father;s ire
327: I underwent, my Blood I spent
328: to save them from Hell-fire.
XLII.
329: "Thus I esteeméd, thus I redeeméd
330: all these from every Nation,
331: That they might be (as now you see)
332: a chosen Generation.
333: What if ere while they were as vile
334: and bad as any be,
335: And yet from all their guilt and thrall
336: at once I set them free?
329: "Thus I esteeméd, thus I redeeméd
330: all these from every Nation,
331: That they might be (as now you see)
332: a chosen Generation.
333: What if ere while they were as vile
334: and bad as any be,
335: And yet from all their guilt and thrall
336: at once I set them free?
XLIII.
337: "My grace to one is wrong to none;
338: none can Election claim;
339: Amongst all those their souls that lose,
340: none can Rejection blame.
341: He that may choose, or else refuse,
342: all men to save or spill,
343: May this Man choose, and that refuse,
344: redeeming whom he will.
337: "My grace to one is wrong to none;
338: none can Election claim;
339: Amongst all those their souls that lose,
340: none can Rejection blame.
341: He that may choose, or else refuse,
342: all men to save or spill,
343: May this Man choose, and that refuse,
344: redeeming whom he will.
XLIV.
345: "But as for those whom I have chose
346: Salvation's heirs to be,
347: I underwent their punishment,
348: and therefore set them free.
349: I bore their grief, and their relief
350: by suffering procur'd,
351: That they of bliss and happiness
352: might firmly be assur'd.
345: "But as for those whom I have chose
346: Salvation's heirs to be,
347: I underwent their punishment,
348: and therefore set them free.
349: I bore their grief, and their relief
350: by suffering procur'd,
351: That they of bliss and happiness
352: might firmly be assur'd.
34
XLV.
353: "And this my grace they did embrace,
354: believing on my Name;
355: Which Faith was true, the fruits do shew
356: proceeding from the same;—
357: Their Penitence, their Pati-ence,
358: their Love and Self-denial;
359: In suff'ring losses and bearing Crosses,
360: when put upon the trial;—
353: "And this my grace they did embrace,
354: believing on my Name;
355: Which Faith was true, the fruits do shew
356: proceeding from the same;—
357: Their Penitence, their Pati-ence,
358: their Love and Self-denial;
359: In suff'ring losses and bearing Crosses,
360: when put upon the trial;—
XLVI.
361: "Their sin forsaking, their cheerful taking
362: my Yoke, their Charity
363: Unto the Saints in all their wants,
364: and in them unto me;—
365: These things do clear, and make appear 3:3.
366: their Faith to be unfeignéd,
367: And that a part in my desert
368: and purchase they have gainéd.
361: "Their sin forsaking, their cheerful taking
362: my Yoke, their Charity
363: Unto the Saints in all their wants,
364: and in them unto me;—
365: These things do clear, and make appear 3:3.
366: their Faith to be unfeignéd,
367: And that a part in my desert
368: and purchase they have gainéd.
XLVII.
369: "Their debts are paid, their peace is made,
370: their sins remitted are;
371: Therefore at once I do pronounce,
372: and openly declare,
373: That Heav'n is theirs, that they be Heirs
374: of Life and of Salvation;
375: Nor ever shall they come at all
376: to Death or to Damnation.
369: "Their debts are paid, their peace is made,
370: their sins remitted are;
371: Therefore at once I do pronounce,
372: and openly declare,
373: That Heav'n is theirs, that they be Heirs
374: of Life and of Salvation;
375: Nor ever shall they come at all
376: to Death or to Damnation.
XLVIII.
377: "Come blessed Ones and sit on Thrones,
378: judging the World with me;
379: Come and possess your happiness,
380: and bought felicity;
381: Henceforth no fears, no care, no tears,
382: no sin shall you annoy,
383: Nor any thing that grief doth bring:
384: Eternal Rest enjoy.
377: "Come blessed Ones and sit on Thrones,
378: judging the World with me;
379: Come and possess your happiness,
380: and bought felicity;
35
382: no sin shall you annoy,
383: Nor any thing that grief doth bring:
384: Eternal Rest enjoy.
XLIX.
385: "You bore the Cross, you suffer'd loss
386: of all for my Name's sake;
387: Receive the Crown that's now your own;
388: come, and a Kingdom take."
389: Thus spake the Judge: the wicked grudge,
390: and grind their teeth in vain;
391: They see with groans these plac'd on Thrones
392: which addeth to their pain:
385: "You bore the Cross, you suffer'd loss
386: of all for my Name's sake;
387: Receive the Crown that's now your own;
388: come, and a Kingdom take."
389: Thus spake the Judge: the wicked grudge,
390: and grind their teeth in vain;
391: They see with groans these plac'd on Thrones
392: which addeth to their pain:
L.
393: That those whom they did wrong and slay,
394: must now their Judgement see!
395: Such whom they slighted and once despited,
396: must now their Judges be!
397: Thus 'tis decreed, such is their meed,
398: and guerdon glorious;
399: With Christ they sit, judging it fit
400: to plague the Impious.
393: That those whom they did wrong and slay,
394: must now their Judgement see!
395: Such whom they slighted and once despited,
396: must now their Judges be!
397: Thus 'tis decreed, such is their meed,
398: and guerdon glorious;
399: With Christ they sit, judging it fit
400: to plague the Impious.
LI.
401: The wicked are brought to the Bar.
402: like guilty Malefactors,
403: That oftentimes of bloody Crimes
404: and Treasons have been Actors.
405: Of wicked Men, none are so mean
406: as there to be neglected;
407: Nor none so high in dignity
408: as there to be respected.
401: The wicked are brought to the Bar.
402: like guilty Malefactors,
403: That oftentimes of bloody Crimes
404: and Treasons have been Actors.
405: Of wicked Men, none are so mean
406: as there to be neglected;
407: Nor none so high in dignity
408: as there to be respected.
36
LII.
409: The glorious Judge will privilege
410: nor Emperor nor King;
411: But every one that hath misdone
412: doth into judgement bring.
413: And every one that hath misdone,
414: the Judge impartially
415: Condemneth to eternal woe,
416: and endless misery.
409: The glorious Judge will privilege
410: nor Emperor nor King;
411: But every one that hath misdone
412: doth into judgement bring.
413: And every one that hath misdone,
414: the Judge impartially
415: Condemneth to eternal woe,
416: and endless misery.
LIII.
417: Thus one and all, thus great and small,
418: the Rich as well as Poor,
419: And those of place, as the most base,
420: do stand the Judge before.
421: They are arraign'd, and there detain'd
422: before Christ's Judgement seat
423: With trembling fear their Doom to hear,
424: and feel his Anger's heat.
417: Thus one and all, thus great and small,
418: the Rich as well as Poor,
419: And those of place, as the most base,
420: do stand the Judge before.
421: They are arraign'd, and there detain'd
422: before Christ's Judgement seat
423: With trembling fear their Doom to hear,
424: and feel his Anger's heat.
LIV.
425: There Christ demands at all their hands
426: a strict and straight account
427: Of all things done under the Sun;
428: whose number far surmount
429: Man's wit and thought: yet all are brought
430: unto this solemn Trial;
431: And each offence with evidence,
432: so that there's no denial.
425: There Christ demands at all their hands
426: a strict and straight account
427: Of all things done under the Sun;
428: whose number far surmount
429: Man's wit and thought: yet all are brought
430: unto this solemn Trial;
431: And each offence with evidence,
432: so that there's no denial.
LV.
433: There's no excuse for their abuse,
434: since their own Consciences
435: More proof give in of each Man's sin;
436: than thousand Witnesses.
437: Though formerly this faculty
438: had grossly been abuséd,
439: (Men could it stifle, or with it trifle,
440: when as it them accuséd.)
433: There's no excuse for their abuse,
434: since their own Consciences
435: More proof give in of each Man's sin;
436: than thousand Witnesses.
37
438: had grossly been abuséd,
439: (Men could it stifle, or with it trifle,
440: when as it them accuséd.)
LVI.
441: Now it comes in, and every sin
442: unto Men's charge doth lay;
443: It judgeth them and doth condemn,
444: though all the World say nay.
445: It so stingeth and tortureth,
446: it worketh such distress,
447: That each Man's self against himself,
448: is forcéd to confess.
441: Now it comes in, and every sin
442: unto Men's charge doth lay;
443: It judgeth them and doth condemn,
444: though all the World say nay.
445: It so stingeth and tortureth,
446: it worketh such distress,
447: That each Man's self against himself,
448: is forcéd to confess.
LVII.
449: It's vain, moreover, for Men to cover
450: the least Iniquity;
451: The Judge hath seen and privy been
452: to all their villany.
453: He unto light and open sight
454: the work of darkness brings;
455: He doth unfold both new old,
456: both known and hidden things.
449: It's vain, moreover, for Men to cover
450: the least Iniquity;
451: The Judge hath seen and privy been
452: to all their villany.
453: He unto light and open sight
454: the work of darkness brings;
455: He doth unfold both new old,
456: both known and hidden things.
LVIII.
457: All filthy facts and secret acts,
458: however closely done,
459: And long conceal'd, are there reveal'd
460: before the mid-day Sun.
461: Deeds of the night, shunning the light,
462: which darkest corners sought,
463: To fearful blame, and endless shame,
464: are there most justly brought.
457: All filthy facts and secret acts,
458: however closely done,
459: And long conceal'd, are there reveal'd
460: before the mid-day Sun.
461: Deeds of the night, shunning the light,
462: which darkest corners sought,
463: To fearful blame, and endless shame,
464: are there most justly brought.
38
LIX.
465: And as all facts, and grosser acts,
466: so every word and thought,
467: Erroneous notion and lustful motion,
468: are into Judgement brought.
469: No Sin so small and trivial,
470: but hither it must come;
471: Nor so long past but now at last
472: it must receive a doom.
465: And as all facts, and grosser acts,
466: so every word and thought,
467: Erroneous notion and lustful motion,
468: are into Judgement brought.
469: No Sin so small and trivial,
470: but hither it must come;
471: Nor so long past but now at last
472: it must receive a doom.
LX.
473: At this sad season, Christ asks a Reason and
474: (with just austerity)
475: Of Grace refus'd, of light abus'd
476: so oft, so wilfully;
477: Of Talents lent, by them misspent,
478: and on their Lust bestown;
479: Which if improv'd as it behoov'd,
480: Heav'n might have been their own;
473: At this sad season, Christ asks a Reason and
474: (with just austerity)
475: Of Grace refus'd, of light abus'd
476: so oft, so wilfully;
477: Of Talents lent, by them misspent,
478: and on their Lust bestown;
479: Which if improv'd as it behoov'd,
480: Heav'n might have been their own;
LXI.
481: Of times neglected, of means rejected,
482: of God's long-suffering
483: And Pati-ence, to Penitence
484: that sought hard hearts to bring;
485: Why chords of love did nothing move,
486: to shame or to remorse?
487: Why warnings grave, and counsels have
488: nought chang'd their sinful course?
481: Of times neglected, of means rejected,
482: of God's long-suffering
483: And Pati-ence, to Penitence
484: that sought hard hearts to bring;
485: Why chords of love did nothing move,
486: to shame or to remorse?
487: Why warnings grave, and counsels have
488: nought chang'd their sinful course?
LXII.
489: Why chastenings, and evil things,
490: why judgments so severe,
491: Prevailéd not with them a jot,
492: nor wrought an awful fear?
493: Why promises of Holiness,
494: and new Obedience,
495: They oft did make, but always break
496: the same, to God's offense?
489: Why chastenings, and evil things,
490: why judgments so severe,
491: Prevailéd not with them a jot,
492: nor wrought an awful fear?
39
494: and new Obedience,
495: They oft did make, but always break
496: the same, to God's offense?
LXIII.
497: Why still Hell-ward, without regard,
498: they bold venturéd,
499: And chose Damnation before Salvation
500: when it was offeréd?
501: Why sinful pleasures and earthly treasures,
502: like fools, they prizéd more
503: Than Heav'nly wealth, Eternal health,
504: and all Christ's Royal store?
497: Why still Hell-ward, without regard,
498: they bold venturéd,
499: And chose Damnation before Salvation
500: when it was offeréd?
501: Why sinful pleasures and earthly treasures,
502: like fools, they prizéd more
503: Than Heav'nly wealth, Eternal health,
504: and all Christ's Royal store?
LXIV.
505: Why, when he stood off'ring his Blood
506: to wash them from their sin, 13:34. and
507: They would embrace no saving Grace,
508: but liv'd and died therein?
509: Such aggravations, where no evasions,
510: nor false pretences hold,
511: Exaggerate and cumulate
512: guilt more then can be told.
505: Why, when he stood off'ring his Blood
506: to wash them from their sin, 13:34. and
507: They would embrace no saving Grace,
508: but liv'd and died therein?
509: Such aggravations, where no evasions,
510: nor false pretences hold,
511: Exaggerate and cumulate
512: guilt more then can be told.
LXV.
513: They multiply and magnify
514: Men's gross Iniquities;
515: They draw down wrath (as Scripture saith)
516: out of God's treasuries.
517: Thus all their ways Christ open lays
518: to Men and Angels' view,
519: And as they were makes them appear
520: in their own proper hue.
513: They multiply and magnify
514: Men's gross Iniquities;
515: They draw down wrath (as Scripture saith)
516: out of God's treasuries.
517: Thus all their ways Christ open lays
518: to Men and Angels' view,
519: And as they were makes them appear
520: in their own proper hue.
40
LXVI.
521: Thus he doth find of all Mankind
522: that stand at his left hand
523: No mother's son but hath misdone,
524: and broken God's command.
525: All have transgress'd, even the best,
526: and merited God's wrath,
527: Unto their own perditi-on
528: and everlasting scath.
521: Thus he doth find of all Mankind
522: that stand at his left hand
523: No mother's son but hath misdone,
524: and broken God's command.
525: All have transgress'd, even the best,
526: and merited God's wrath,
527: Unto their own perditi-on
528: and everlasting scath.
LXVII.
529: Earth's dwellers all, both great and small,
530: have wrought iniquity,
531: And suffer must (for it is just)
532: Eternal misery.
533: Amongst the many there come not any,
534: before the Judge's face,
535: That able are themselves to clear,
536: of all this cursed Race.
529: Earth's dwellers all, both great and small,
530: have wrought iniquity,
531: And suffer must (for it is just)
532: Eternal misery.
533: Amongst the many there come not any,
534: before the Judge's face,
535: That able are themselves to clear,
536: of all this cursed Race.
LXVIII.
537: Nevertheless they all express,
538: (Christ granting liberty,)
539: What for their way they have to say,
540: how they have liv'd, and why.
541: They all draw near and seek to clear
542: themselves by making plea's;
543: There Hypocrites, false-hearted wights,
544: do make such pleas as these:
537: Nevertheless they all express,
538: (Christ granting liberty,)
539: What for their way they have to say,
540: how they have liv'd, and why.
541: They all draw near and seek to clear
542: themselves by making plea's;
543: There Hypocrites, false-hearted wights,
544: do make such pleas as these:
LXIX.
545: "Lord, in thy Name, and by the same
546: we Devils dispossess'd;
547: We rais'd the dead, and minist'red
548: succour to the distress'd.
549: Our painful teaching and pow'rful preaching,
550: by thine own wondrous might,
551: Did throughly win to God from sin
552: many a wretched wight."
545: "Lord, in thy Name, and by the same
546: we Devils dispossess'd;
547: We rais'd the dead, and minist'red
548: succour to the distress'd.
41
550: by thine own wondrous might,
551: Did throughly win to God from sin
552: many a wretched wight."
LXX.
553: "All this," quoth he, "may granted be,
554: and your case little better'd,
555: Who still remain under a chain
556: and many irons fetter'd.
557: You that the dead have quickenéd,
558: and rescu'd from the grave,
559: Your selves were dead, yet ne'er needéd
560: a Christ your souls to save.
553: "All this," quoth he, "may granted be,
554: and your case little better'd,
555: Who still remain under a chain
556: and many irons fetter'd.
557: You that the dead have quickenéd,
558: and rescu'd from the grave,
559: Your selves were dead, yet ne'er needéd
560: a Christ your souls to save.
LXXI.
561: "You that could preach, and others teach
562: what way to life doth lead,
563: Why were you slack to find that track,
564: and in that way to tread?
565: How could you bear to see or hear
566: of others freed at last
567: From Satan's paws, whilst in his jaws
568: yourselves were held more fast?
561: "You that could preach, and others teach
562: what way to life doth lead,
563: Why were you slack to find that track,
564: and in that way to tread?
565: How could you bear to see or hear
566: of others freed at last
567: From Satan's paws, whilst in his jaws
568: yourselves were held more fast?
LXXII.
569: "Who though you knew Repentance true,
570: and faith is my great Name,
571: The only mean to quit you clean,
572: from punishment and blame,
573: Yet took no pain true Faith to gain,
574: such as might not deceive,
575: Nor would repent with true intent,
576: your evil deeds to leave.
569: "Who though you knew Repentance true,
570: and faith is my great Name,
571: The only mean to quit you clean,
572: from punishment and blame,
573: Yet took no pain true Faith to gain,
574: such as might not deceive,
575: Nor would repent with true intent,
576: your evil deeds to leave.
42
LXXIII.
577: "His Masters will how to fulfil
578: the servant that well knew,
579: Yet left undone his duty known,
580: more plagues to him are due.
581: You against light perverted right;
582: wherefore it shall be now
583: For Sidon and for Sodom's Land
584: more easie then for you."
577: "His Masters will how to fulfil
578: the servant that well knew,
579: Yet left undone his duty known,
580: more plagues to him are due.
581: You against light perverted right;
582: wherefore it shall be now
583: For Sidon and for Sodom's Land
584: more easie then for you."
LXXIV.
585: "But we have in thy presence been,"
586: say some, "and eaten there.
587: Did we not eat thy Flesh for meat,
588: and feed on Heav'nly Cheer?
589: Whereon who feed shall never need,
590: as thou thyself dost say,
591: Nor shall they die eternally,
592: but live with Christ for aye.
585: "But we have in thy presence been,"
586: say some, "and eaten there.
587: Did we not eat thy Flesh for meat,
588: and feed on Heav'nly Cheer?
589: Whereon who feed shall never need,
590: as thou thyself dost say,
591: Nor shall they die eternally,
592: but live with Christ for aye.
LXXV.
593: "We may allege, thou gav'st a pledge
594: of thy dear Love to us
595: In Wine and Bread, which figuréd
596: thy Grace bestowéd thus.
597: Of strength'ning Seals, of sweetest Meals
598: have we so oft partaken;
599: And shall we be cast off by thee,
600: and utterly forsaken?"
593: "We may allege, thou gav'st a pledge
594: of thy dear Love to us
595: In Wine and Bread, which figuréd
596: thy Grace bestowéd thus.
597: Of strength'ning Seals, of sweetest Meals
598: have we so oft partaken;
599: And shall we be cast off by thee,
600: and utterly forsaken?"
LXXVI.
601: To whom the Lord thus in a word
602: returns a short reply:
603: "I never knew any of you
604: that wrought Iniquity.
605: You say you've been my Presence in;
606: but then, how came you there
607: With Raiment vile that did defile
608: and quite disgrace my Cheer?
601: To whom the Lord thus in a word
602: returns a short reply:
603: "I never knew any of you
604: that wrought Iniquity.
43
606: but then, how came you there
607: With Raiment vile that did defile
608: and quite disgrace my Cheer?
LXXVII.
609: "Durst you draw near without due fear
610: Unto my holy Table?
611: Durst you profane and render vain,
612: so far as you were able,
613: Those Mysteries, which whoso prize,
614: and carefully improve,
615: Shall savéd be undoubtedly,
616: and nothing shall them move?
609: "Durst you draw near without due fear
610: Unto my holy Table?
611: Durst you profane and render vain,
612: so far as you were able,
613: Those Mysteries, which whoso prize,
614: and carefully improve,
615: Shall savéd be undoubtedly,
616: and nothing shall them move?
LXXVIII.
617: "How durst you venture bold guests to enter
618: in such a sordid hue,
619: Amongst my guests unto those Feasts
620: that were not made for you?
621: How durst you eat for spir'tual meat
622: your bane, and drink damnation,
623: Whilst by your guile you render'd vile
624: so rare and great Salvation?
617: "How durst you venture bold guests to enter
618: in such a sordid hue,
619: Amongst my guests unto those Feasts
620: that were not made for you?
621: How durst you eat for spir'tual meat
622: your bane, and drink damnation,
623: Whilst by your guile you render'd vile
624: so rare and great Salvation?
LXXIX.
625: "Your fancies fed on heav'nly Bread,
626: your hearts fed on some Lust;
627: You lov'd the Creature more then th' Creator,
628: your souls clove to the dust.
629: And think you by Hypocrisy,
630: and cloakéd Wickedness,
631: To enter in laden with sin,
632: to lasting Happiness?
625: "Your fancies fed on heav'nly Bread,
626: your hearts fed on some Lust;
627: You lov'd the Creature more then th' Creator,
628: your souls clove to the dust.
629: And think you by Hypocrisy,
630: and cloakéd Wickedness,
631: To enter in laden with sin,
632: to lasting Happiness?
44
LXXX.
633: "This your excuse shews your abuse
634: of things ordain'd for good;
635: And doth declare you guilty are
636: of my dear Flesh and Blood.
637: Wherefore those Seals and precious Meals
638: you put so much upon
639: As things Divine, they Seal and Sign
640: you to Perditi-on."
633: "This your excuse shews your abuse
634: of things ordain'd for good;
635: And doth declare you guilty are
636: of my dear Flesh and Blood.
637: Wherefore those Seals and precious Meals
638: you put so much upon
639: As things Divine, they Seal and Sign
640: you to Perditi-on."
LXXXI.
641: Then forth issue another Crew
642: (those being silencéd)
643: Who drawing nigh to the Most High
644: adventure thus to plead:
645: "We sinners were," say they, "'tis clear,
646: deserving condemnation;
647: But did not we rely on thee,
648: O Christ, for whole Salvation?
641: Then forth issue another Crew
642: (those being silencéd)
643: Who drawing nigh to the Most High
644: adventure thus to plead:
645: "We sinners were," say they, "'tis clear,
646: deserving condemnation;
647: But did not we rely on thee,
648: O Christ, for whole Salvation?
LXXXII.
649: "We did believe, and oft receive
650: thy gracious Promises;
651: We took great care to get a share
652: in endless Happiness.
653: We pray'd and wept, and Fast-days kept,
654: lewd ways we did eschew;
655: We joyful were thy Word to hear;
656: we form'd our lives anew.
649: "We did believe, and oft receive
650: thy gracious Promises;
651: We took great care to get a share
652: in endless Happiness.
653: We pray'd and wept, and Fast-days kept,
654: lewd ways we did eschew;
655: We joyful were thy Word to hear;
656: we form'd our lives anew.
LXXXIII.
657: "We thought our sin had pardon'd been,
658: that our Estate was good,
659: Our debts all paid, our peace well made,
660: our Souls wash'd with thy Blood.
661: Lord, why dost thou reject us now,
662: who have not thee rejected,
663: Nor utterly true sanctity
664: and holy life neglected?"
657: "We thought our sin had pardon'd been,
658: that our Estate was good,
659: Our debts all paid, our peace well made,
660: our Souls wash'd with thy Blood.
45
662: who have not thee rejected,
663: Nor utterly true sanctity
664: and holy life neglected?"
LXXXIV.
665: The Judge incens'd at their pretens'd
666: self-vaunting Piety,
667: With such a look as trembling strook
668: unto them made reply:
669: "O impudent, impenitent,
670: and guileful generation!
671: Think you that I cannot descry
672: your hearts' abomination?
665: The Judge incens'd at their pretens'd
666: self-vaunting Piety,
667: With such a look as trembling strook
668: unto them made reply:
669: "O impudent, impenitent,
670: and guileful generation!
671: Think you that I cannot descry
672: your hearts' abomination?
LXXXV.
673: "You nor receiv'd, nor yet believ'd
674: my Promises of Grace,
675: Nor were you wise enough to prize
676: my reconciléd Face;
677: But did presume that to assume
678: which was not yours to take,
679: And challengéd the Children's Bread,
680: yet would not sin forsake.
673: "You nor receiv'd, nor yet believ'd
674: my Promises of Grace,
675: Nor were you wise enough to prize
676: my reconciléd Face;
677: But did presume that to assume
678: which was not yours to take,
679: And challengéd the Children's Bread,
680: yet would not sin forsake.
LXXXVI.
681: "Being too bold you laid fast hold
682: where int'rest you had none, 3:17.
683: Yourselves deceiving by your believing,
684: all which you might have known.
685: You ran away but ran astray
686: with Gospel Promises,
687: And perishéd, being still dead
688: in sins and trespasses.
681: "Being too bold you laid fast hold
682: where int'rest you had none, 3:17.
683: Yourselves deceiving by your believing,
684: all which you might have known.
685: You ran away but ran astray
686: with Gospel Promises,
687: And perishéd, being still dead
688: in sins and trespasses.
46
LXXXVII.
689: "How oft did I Hypocrisy
690: and Hearts' deceits unmask
691: Before your sight, giving you light 6:2,4,24.
692: to know a Christian's task?
693: But you held fast unto the last
694: your own conceits so vain,
695: No warning could prevail; you would
696: your own Deceits retain.
689: "How oft did I Hypocrisy
690: and Hearts' deceits unmask
691: Before your sight, giving you light 6:2,4,24.
692: to know a Christian's task?
693: But you held fast unto the last
694: your own conceits so vain,
695: No warning could prevail; you would
696: your own Deceits retain.
LXXXVIII.
697: "As for your care to get a share
698: in Bliss; the fear of Hell,
699: And of a part in endless smart,
700: did thereunto compel.
701: Your holiness and ways redress,
702: such as it was, did spring
703: From no true love to things above,
704: but from some other thing.
697: "As for your care to get a share
698: in Bliss; the fear of Hell,
699: And of a part in endless smart,
700: did thereunto compel.
701: Your holiness and ways redress,
702: such as it was, did spring
703: From no true love to things above,
704: but from some other thing.
LXXXIX.
705: "You pray'd and wept, you Fast-days kept, 1:11,15.
706: but did you this to me?
707: No, but for sin you sought to win
708: the greater liberty.
709: For all your vaunts, you had vile haunts,
710: for which your Consciences
711: Did you alarm, whose voice to charm
712: you us'd these practises.
705: "You pray'd and wept, you Fast-days kept, 1:11,15.
706: but did you this to me?
707: No, but for sin you sought to win
708: the greater liberty.
709: For all your vaunts, you had vile haunts,
710: for which your Consciences
711: Did you alarm, whose voice to charm
712: you us'd these practises.
XC.
713: "Your Penitence, your diligence
714: to Read, to Pray, to Hear, 6:2,5.
715: Were but to drown the clam'rous sound
716: of Conscience in your Ear.
717: If light you lov'd, vain glory mov'd
718: yourselves therewith to store,
719: That seeming wise men might you prize,
720: and honor you the more.
713: "Your Penitence, your diligence
714: to Read, to Pray, to Hear, 6:2,5.
715: Were but to drown the clam'rous sound
716: of Conscience in your Ear.
47
718: yourselves therewith to store,
719: That seeming wise men might you prize,
720: and honor you the more.
XCI.
721: "Thus from yourselves unto yourselves
722: your duties all do tend; 7:5,16.
723: And as self-love the wheels doth move,
724: so in self-love they end."
725: Thus Christ detects their vain projects,
726: and close Impiety,
727: And plainly shews that all their shows
728: were but Hypocrisy.
721: "Thus from yourselves unto yourselves
722: your duties all do tend; 7:5,16.
723: And as self-love the wheels doth move,
724: so in self-love they end."
725: Thus Christ detects their vain projects,
726: and close Impiety,
727: And plainly shews that all their shows
728: were but Hypocrisy.
XCII.
729: Then were brought nigh a Company
730: of Civil honest Men,
731: That lov'd true dealing and hated stealing,
732: ne'er wrong'd their Brethren;
733: Who pleaded thus: "Thou knowest us
734: that we were blameless livers;
735: No Whoremongers, no Murderers,
736: no quarrellers nor strivers.
729: Then were brought nigh a Company
730: of Civil honest Men,
731: That lov'd true dealing and hated stealing,
732: ne'er wrong'd their Brethren;
733: Who pleaded thus: "Thou knowest us
734: that we were blameless livers;
735: No Whoremongers, no Murderers,
736: no quarrellers nor strivers.
XCIII.
737: "Idolaters, Adulterers,
738: Church-robbers we were none;
739: Nor false dealers, nor cozeners,
740: but paid each man his own.
741: Our way was fair, our dealing square,
742: we were no wasteful spenders,
743: No lewd toss-pots, no drunken sots,
744: no scandalous offenders.
737: "Idolaters, Adulterers,
738: Church-robbers we were none;
739: Nor false dealers, nor cozeners,
740: but paid each man his own.
741: Our way was fair, our dealing square,
742: we were no wasteful spenders,
743: No lewd toss-pots, no drunken sots,
744: no scandalous offenders.
48
XCIV.
745: "We hated vice, and set great price
746: by virtuous conversation;
747: And by the same we got a name,
748: and no small commendation.
749: God's Laws express that righteousness
750: is that which he doth prize;
751: And to obey, as he doth say,
752: is more then sacrifice.
745: "We hated vice, and set great price
746: by virtuous conversation;
747: And by the same we got a name,
748: and no small commendation.
749: God's Laws express that righteousness
750: is that which he doth prize;
751: And to obey, as he doth say,
752: is more then sacrifice.
XCV.
753: "Thus to obey hath been our way;
754: let our good deeds, we pray,
755: Find some regard and some reward
756: with thee, O Lord, this day.
757: And whereas we transgressors be;
758: of Adam's race were none,
759: No, not the best, but have confess'd
760: themselves to have misdone."
753: "Thus to obey hath been our way;
754: let our good deeds, we pray,
755: Find some regard and some reward
756: with thee, O Lord, this day.
757: And whereas we transgressors be;
758: of Adam's race were none,
759: No, not the best, but have confess'd
760: themselves to have misdone."
XCVI.
761: Then answeréd unto their dread,
762: the Judge: "True Piety redered invalid. Deut. 10:12.
763: God doth desire and eke require
764: no less then honesty.
765: Justice demands at all your hands
766: perfect Obedience;
767: If but in part you have come short,
768: that is a just offence.
761: Then answeréd unto their dread,
762: the Judge: "True Piety redered invalid. Deut. 10:12.
763: God doth desire and eke require
764: no less then honesty.
765: Justice demands at all your hands
766: perfect Obedience;
767: If but in part you have come short,
768: that is a just offence.
XCVII.
769: "On earth below, where men did owe
770: a thousand pounds and more,
771: Could twenty pence it recompence?
772: Could that have clear'd the score?
773: Think you to buy Felicity
774: with part of what's due debt?
775: Or for desert of one small part
776: the whole should off be set?
769: "On earth below, where men did owe
770: a thousand pounds and more,
771: Could twenty pence it recompence?
772: Could that have clear'd the score?
49
774: with part of what's due debt?
775: Or for desert of one small part
776: the whole should off be set?
XCVIII.
777: "And yet that part whose great desert
778: you think to reach so far,
779: For your excuse doth you accuse,
780: and will your boasting mar.
781: However fair, however square
782: your way and work hath been
783: Before Men's eyes, yet God espies
784: iniquity therein.
777: "And yet that part whose great desert
778: you think to reach so far,
779: For your excuse doth you accuse,
780: and will your boasting mar.
781: However fair, however square
782: your way and work hath been
783: Before Men's eyes, yet God espies
784: iniquity therein.
XCIX.
785: "God looks upon th'affecti-on
786: and temper of the heart;
787: Not only on the acti-on, 16:7.
788: and the external part.
789: Whatever end vain men pretend,
790: God knows the verity,
791: And by the end which they intend
792: their words and deeds doth try.
785: "God looks upon th'affecti-on
786: and temper of the heart;
787: Not only on the acti-on, 16:7.
788: and the external part.
789: Whatever end vain men pretend,
790: God knows the verity,
791: And by the end which they intend
792: their words and deeds doth try.
C.
793: "Without true Faith, the Scripture saith,
794: God cannot take delight
795: In any deed that doth proceed 11:6.
796: from any sinful wight.
797: And without love all actions prove
798: but barren empty things;
799: Dead works they be and vanity,
800: the which vexation brings.
793: "Without true Faith, the Scripture saith,
794: God cannot take delight
795: In any deed that doth proceed 11:6.
796: from any sinful wight.
797: And without love all actions prove
798: but barren empty things;
799: Dead works they be and vanity,
800: the which vexation brings.
50
CI.
801: "Nor from true Faith, which quencheth wrath
802: hath your obedience flown;
803: Nor from true Love, which wont to move
804: Believers, hath it grown.
805: Your argument shews your intent
806: in all that you have done;
807: You thought to scale Heav'n's lofty Wall,
808: by Ladders of your own.
801: "Nor from true Faith, which quencheth wrath
802: hath your obedience flown;
803: Nor from true Love, which wont to move
804: Believers, hath it grown.
805: Your argument shews your intent
806: in all that you have done;
807: You thought to scale Heav'n's lofty Wall,
808: by Ladders of your own.
CII.
809: "Your blinded spirit hoping to merit
810: by your own Righteousness,
811: Needed no Saviour but your behavior
812: and blameless carriages.
813: You trusted to what you could do,
814: and in no need you stood;
815: Your haughty pride laid me aside,
816: and trampled on my Blood.
809: "Your blinded spirit hoping to merit
810: by your own Righteousness,
811: Needed no Saviour but your behavior
812: and blameless carriages.
813: You trusted to what you could do,
814: and in no need you stood;
815: Your haughty pride laid me aside,
816: and trampled on my Blood.
CIII.
817: "All men have gone astray, and done
818: that which God's Laws condemn; 9:30,32. and
819: But my Purchase and offer'd Grace
820: all men did not contemn.
821: The Ninevites and Sodomites
822: had no such sin as this;
823: Yet as if all your sins were small,
824: you say, 'All did amiss.'
817: "All men have gone astray, and done
818: that which God's Laws condemn; 9:30,32. and
819: But my Purchase and offer'd Grace
820: all men did not contemn.
821: The Ninevites and Sodomites
822: had no such sin as this;
823: Yet as if all your sins were small,
824: you say, 'All did amiss.'
CIV.
825: "Again you thought and mainly sought
826: a name with men t'acquire;
827: Pride bare the Bell that made you swell,
828: and your own selves admire.
829: Mean fruit it is, and vile, I wiss,
830: that springs from such a root;
831: Virtue divine and genuine
832: wonts not from pride to shoot.
825: "Again you thought and mainly sought
826: a name with men t'acquire;
827: Pride bare the Bell that made you swell,
828: and your own selves admire.
51
830: that springs from such a root;
831: Virtue divine and genuine
832: wonts not from pride to shoot.
CV.
833: "Such deeds as your are worse then poor;
834: they are but sins gilt over 26:23.
835: With silver dross, whose glist'ring gloss
836: can them no longer cover.
837: The best of them would you condemn,
838: and ruin you alone,
839: Although you were from faults so clear,
840: that other you had none.
833: "Such deeds as your are worse then poor;
834: they are but sins gilt over 26:23.
835: With silver dross, whose glist'ring gloss
836: can them no longer cover.
837: The best of them would you condemn,
838: and ruin you alone,
839: Although you were from faults so clear,
840: that other you had none.
CVI.
841: "Your gold is brass; your silver dross,
842: your righteousness is sin;
843: And think you by such honesty
844: Eternal life to win?
845: You much mistake, if for it's sake
846: you dream of acceptation;
847: Whereas the same deserveth shame,
848: and meriteth damnation."
841: "Your gold is brass; your silver dross,
842: your righteousness is sin;
843: And think you by such honesty
844: Eternal life to win?
845: You much mistake, if for it's sake
846: you dream of acceptation;
847: Whereas the same deserveth shame,
848: and meriteth damnation."
CVII.
849: A wondrous crowd then 'gan aloud that pretend want of opportunity to repent. Prov. 27:1.
850: thus for themselves to say:
851: "We did intend, Lord, to amend,
852: and to reform our way.
853: Our true intent was to repent
854: and make our peace with thee;
855: But sudden death stopping our breath,
856: left us no liberty.
849: A wondrous crowd then 'gan aloud that pretend want of opportunity to repent. Prov. 27:1.
850: thus for themselves to say:
851: "We did intend, Lord, to amend,
852: and to reform our way.
853: Our true intent was to repent
854: and make our peace with thee;
855: But sudden death stopping our breath,
856: left us no liberty.
52
CVIII.
857: "Short was our time, for in its prime
858: our youthful pow'r was cropt;
859: We died in youth before full growth,
860: so was our purpose stopt.
861: Let our good will to turn from ill,
862: and sin to have forsaken,
863: Accepted be, O Lord, by thee,
864: and in good part be taken."
857: "Short was our time, for in its prime
858: our youthful pow'r was cropt;
859: We died in youth before full growth,
860: so was our purpose stopt.
861: Let our good will to turn from ill,
862: and sin to have forsaken,
863: Accepted be, O Lord, by thee,
864: and in good part be taken."
CIX.
865: To whom the Judge: "Where you allege
866: the shortness of the space, convinced. Eccl. 12:1.
867: That from your birth you liv'd on earth,
868: to compass saving Grace;
869: It was Free Grace, that any space
870: was given you at all
871: To turn from evil, defy the Devil,
872: and upon God to call.
865: To whom the Judge: "Where you allege
866: the shortness of the space, convinced. Eccl. 12:1.
867: That from your birth you liv'd on earth,
868: to compass saving Grace;
869: It was Free Grace, that any space
870: was given you at all
871: To turn from evil, defy the Devil,
872: and upon God to call.
CX.
873: "One day, one week wherein to seek
874: God's face with all your hearts,
875: A favor was that far did pass 13:24. 3:7-9.
876: the best of your deserts.
877: You had a season; what was your reason
878: such precious hours to waste?
879: What could you find, what could you mind
880: that was of greater haste?
873: "One day, one week wherein to seek
874: God's face with all your hearts,
875: A favor was that far did pass 13:24. 3:7-9.
876: the best of your deserts.
877: You had a season; what was your reason
878: such precious hours to waste?
879: What could you find, what could you mind
880: that was of greater haste?
CXI.
881: "Could you find time for vain pastime,
882: for loose, licentious mirth?
883: For fruitless toys and fading joys, 11:9.
884: that perish in the birth?
885: Had you good leisure for carnal Pleasure
886: in days of health and youth?
887: And yet no space to seek God's face,
888: and turn to him in truth?
881: "Could you find time for vain pastime,
882: for loose, licentious mirth?
883: For fruitless toys and fading joys, 11:9.
884: that perish in the birth?
53
886: in days of health and youth?
887: And yet no space to seek God's face,
888: and turn to him in truth?
CXII.
889: "In younger years, beyond your fears,
890: what if you were surprizéd? 6:3-6.
891: You put away the evil day,
892: and of long life deviséd.
893: You oft were told, and might behold,
894: that Death no Age would spare;
895: Why then did you your time foreslow,
896: and slight your soul's welfare?
889: "In younger years, beyond your fears,
890: what if you were surprizéd? 6:3-6.
891: You put away the evil day,
892: and of long life deviséd.
893: You oft were told, and might behold,
894: that Death no Age would spare;
895: Why then did you your time foreslow,
896: and slight your soul's welfare?
CXIII.
897: "Had your intent been to repent,
898: and had you it desir'd,
899: There would have been endeavours seen 13:24,etc.
900: before your time expir'd.
901: God makes no treasure nor hath he pleasure
902: in idle purposes;
903: Such fair pretences are foul offences,
904: and cloaks for wickedness."
897: "Had your intent been to repent,
898: and had you it desir'd,
899: There would have been endeavours seen 13:24,etc.
900: before your time expir'd.
901: God makes no treasure nor hath he pleasure
902: in idle purposes;
903: Such fair pretences are foul offences,
904: and cloaks for wickedness."
CXIV.
905: Then were brought in and charg'd with sin
906: another Company,
907: Who by Petition obtain'd permission
908: to make Apology.
909: They arguéd, "We were misled,
910: as is well known to thee,
911: By their example that had more ample
912: abilities than we;
905: Then were brought in and charg'd with sin
906: another Company,
907: Who by Petition obtain'd permission
908: to make Apology.
909: They arguéd, "We were misled,
910: as is well known to thee,
911: By their example that had more ample
912: abilities than we;
54
CXV.
913: "Such as profess'd we did detest
914: and hate each wicked way;
915: Whose seeming grace whil'st we did trace,
916: our Souls were led astray.
917: When men of Parts, Learning and Arts,
918: professing Piety,
919: Did thus and thus, it seem'd to us
920: we might take liberty."
913: "Such as profess'd we did detest
914: and hate each wicked way;
915: Whose seeming grace whil'st we did trace,
916: our Souls were led astray.
917: When men of Parts, Learning and Arts,
918: professing Piety,
919: Did thus and thus, it seem'd to us
920: we might take liberty."
CXVI.
921: The Judge replies: "I gave you eyes, told that examples are no Rules. Psal. 19:8,11. 50:17,18.
922: and light to see your way,
923: Which had you lov'd and well improv'd
924: you had not gone astray.
925: My Word was pure, the Rule was sure;
926: why did you it forsake,
927: Or thereon trample, and men's example
928: your Directory make?
921: The Judge replies: "I gave you eyes, told that examples are no Rules. Psal. 19:8,11. 50:17,18.
922: and light to see your way,
923: Which had you lov'd and well improv'd
924: you had not gone astray.
925: My Word was pure, the Rule was sure;
926: why did you it forsake,
927: Or thereon trample, and men's example
928: your Directory make?
CXVII.
929: "This you well knew: that God is true,
930: and that most men are liars,
931: In word professing holiness,
932: in deed thereof deniers.
933: O simple fools! that having Rules,
934: your lives to regulate,
935: Would them refuse, and rather choose
936: vile men to imitate."
929: "This you well knew: that God is true,
930: and that most men are liars,
931: In word professing holiness,
932: in deed thereof deniers.
933: O simple fools! that having Rules,
934: your lives to regulate,
935: Would them refuse, and rather choose
936: vile men to imitate."
CXVIII.
937: "But Lord," say they, "we went astray,
938: and did more wickedly,
939: By means of those whom thou hast chose
940: Salvation's heirs to be."
941: To whom the Judge: "What you allege
942: doth nothing help the case,
943: But makes appear how vile you were,
944: and rend'reth you more base.
937: "But Lord," say they, "we went astray,
938: and did more wickedly,
939: By means of those whom thou hast chose
940: Salvation's heirs to be."
55
942: doth nothing help the case,
943: But makes appear how vile you were,
944: and rend'reth you more base.
CXIX.
945: "You understood that what was good, 11:1.
946: was to be followéd,
947: And that you ought that which was naught
948: to have relinquishéd.
949: Contrariwise it was your guise,
950: only to imitate
951: Good men's defects, and their neglects
952: who were regenerate.
945: "You understood that what was good, 11:1.
946: was to be followéd,
947: And that you ought that which was naught
948: to have relinquishéd.
949: Contrariwise it was your guise,
950: only to imitate
951: Good men's defects, and their neglects
952: who were regenerate.
CXX.
953: "But to express their holiness, 32:5. 1:24,25.
954: or imitate their grace,
955: Yet little car'd, nor once prepar'd
956: your hearts to seek my Face.
957: They did repent and truly rent
958: their hearts for all known sin;
959: You did offend, but not amend,
960: to follow them therein."
953: "But to express their holiness, 32:5. 1:24,25.
954: or imitate their grace,
955: Yet little car'd, nor once prepar'd
956: your hearts to seek my Face.
957: They did repent and truly rent
958: their hearts for all known sin;
959: You did offend, but not amend,
960: to follow them therein."
CXXI.
961: "We had thy Word," say some, "O Lord,
962: but wiser men then we
963: Could never yet interpret it,
964: but always disagree.
965: How could we fools be led by Rules
966: so far beyond our ken,
967: Which to explain did so much pain
968: and puzzle wisest men?"
961: "We had thy Word," say some, "O Lord,
962: but wiser men then we
963: Could never yet interpret it,
964: but always disagree.
965: How could we fools be led by Rules
966: so far beyond our ken,
967: Which to explain did so much pain
968: and puzzle wisest men?"
56
CXXII.
969: "Was all my Word abstruse and hard?" confuted. Prov. 14:6.
970: the Judge then answeréd;
971: "It did contain much Truth so plain
972: you might have run and read.
973: But what was hard you never car'd
974: to know, nor studiéd;
975: And things that were most plain and clear
976: you never practiséd.
969: "Was all my Word abstruse and hard?" confuted. Prov. 14:6.
970: the Judge then answeréd;
971: "It did contain much Truth so plain
972: you might have run and read.
973: But what was hard you never car'd
974: to know, nor studiéd;
975: And things that were most plain and clear
976: you never practiséd.
CXXIII.
977: "The Mystery of Piety
978: God unto Babes reveals,
979: When to the Wise he it denies,
980: and from the world conceals.
981: If to fulfill God's holy Will
982: had seeméd good to you,
983: You would have sought light as you ought,
984: and done the good you knew."
977: "The Mystery of Piety
978: God unto Babes reveals,
979: When to the Wise he it denies,
980: and from the world conceals.
981: If to fulfill God's holy Will
982: had seeméd good to you,
983: You would have sought light as you ought,
984: and done the good you knew."
CXXIV.
985: Then came in view another crew,
986: and 'gan to make their pleas;
987: Amongst the rest, some of the best
988: had such poor shifts as these:
989: "Thou know'st right well, who all canst tell,
990: we liv'd amongst thy foes,
991: Who the Renate did sorely hate,
992: and goodness much oppose.
985: Then came in view another crew,
986: and 'gan to make their pleas;
987: Amongst the rest, some of the best
988: had such poor shifts as these:
989: "Thou know'st right well, who all canst tell,
990: we liv'd amongst thy foes,
991: Who the Renate did sorely hate,
992: and goodness much oppose.
CXXV.
993: "We holiness durst not profess,
994: fearing to be forlorn
995: Of all our friends, and for amends
996: to be the wicked's scorn.
997: We knew their anger would much endanger
998: our lives and our estates;
999: Therefore, for fear, we durst appear
1000: no better than our mates."
993: "We holiness durst not profess,
994: fearing to be forlorn
995: Of all our friends, and for amends
996: to be the wicked's scorn.
57
998: our lives and our estates;
999: Therefore, for fear, we durst appear
1000: no better than our mates."
CXXVI.
1001: To whom the Lord returns this word:
1002: "O wonderful deceits! answered. Luke 12:4,5.
1003: To cast off awe of God's strict law,
1004: and fear men's wrath and threats;
1005: To fear hell-fire and God's fierce ire
1006: less than the rage of men;
1007: As if God's wrath could do less scath
1008: than wrath of bretheren!
1001: To whom the Lord returns this word:
1002: "O wonderful deceits! answered. Luke 12:4,5.
1003: To cast off awe of God's strict law,
1004: and fear men's wrath and threats;
1005: To fear hell-fire and God's fierce ire
1006: less than the rage of men;
1007: As if God's wrath could do less scath
1008: than wrath of bretheren!
CXXVII.
1009: "To use such strife, a temp'ral life
1010: to rescue and secure,
1011: And be so blind as not to mind
1012: that life that will endure!
1013: This was your case, who carnal peace
1014: more then true joys did savor;
1015: Who fed on dust, clave to your lust,
1016: and spurnéd at my favor.
1009: "To use such strife, a temp'ral life
1010: to rescue and secure,
1011: And be so blind as not to mind
1012: that life that will endure!
1013: This was your case, who carnal peace
1014: more then true joys did savor;
1015: Who fed on dust, clave to your lust,
1016: and spurnéd at my favor.
CXXVIII.
1017: "To please your kin, men's love to win,
1018: to flow in worldly wealth, 9:13-25. and
1019: To save your skin, these things have been
1020: more than Eternal health.
1021: You had your choice, wherein rejoyce;
1022: it was your porti-on,
1023: For which you chose your souls t'expose
1024: unto Perditi-on.
1017: "To please your kin, men's love to win,
1018: to flow in worldly wealth, 9:13-25. and
1019: To save your skin, these things have been
1020: more than Eternal health.
1021: You had your choice, wherein rejoyce;
1022: it was your porti-on,
1023: For which you chose your souls t'expose
1024: unto Perditi-on.
58
CXXIX.
1025: "Who did not hate friends, life, and state,
1026: with all things else for me, 9:26. 3:19,20.
1027: And all forsake and's Cross up-take,
1028: shall never happy be.
1029: Well worthy they to die for aye,
1030: who death than life had rather;
1031: Death is their due that so value
1032: the friendship of my Father."
1025: "Who did not hate friends, life, and state,
1026: with all things else for me, 9:26. 3:19,20.
1027: And all forsake and's Cross up-take,
1028: shall never happy be.
1029: Well worthy they to die for aye,
1030: who death than life had rather;
1031: Death is their due that so value
1032: the friendship of my Father."
CXXX.
1033: Others argue, and not a few, for pardon both from God's Mercy and Justice. Psal. 78:38.
1034: is not God graci-ous?
1035: His Equity and Clemency,
1036: are they not marvellous?
1037: Thus we believ'd; are we deceiv'd?
1038: Cannot his Mercy great,
1039: (As hath been told to us of old)
1040: assuage his anger's heat?
1033: Others argue, and not a few, for pardon both from God's Mercy and Justice. Psal. 78:38.
1034: is not God graci-ous?
1035: His Equity and Clemency,
1036: are they not marvellous?
1037: Thus we believ'd; are we deceiv'd?
1038: Cannot his Mercy great,
1039: (As hath been told to us of old)
1040: assuage his anger's heat?
CXXXI.
1041: "How can it be that God should see
1042: his Creatures' endless pain,
1043: Or hear their groans and rueful moans,
1044: and still his wrath retain?
1045: Can it agree with Equity,
1046: can Mercy have the heart,
1047: To recompence few years' offence
1048: with everlasting smart?
1041: "How can it be that God should see
1042: his Creatures' endless pain,
1043: Or hear their groans and rueful moans,
1044: and still his wrath retain?
1045: Can it agree with Equity,
1046: can Mercy have the heart,
1047: To recompence few years' offence
1048: with everlasting smart?
CXXXII.
1049: "Can God delight in such a sight
1050: as sinners' misery?
1051: Or what great good can this our blood
1052: bring unto the most High?
1053: O thou that dost thy Glory most
1054: in pard'ning sin display,
1055: Lord, might it please thee to release
1056: and pardon us this day!
1049: "Can God delight in such a sight
1050: as sinners' misery?
1051: Or what great good can this our blood
1052: bring unto the most High?
59
1054: in pard'ning sin display,
1055: Lord, might it please thee to release
1056: and pardon us this day!
CXXXIII.
1057: "Unto thy name more glorious fame
1058: would not such Mercy bring?
1059: Would not it raise thine endless praise,
1060: more than our suffering?"
1061: With that they cease, holding their peace,
1062: but cease not still to weep;
1063: Grief ministers a flood of tears,
1064: in which their words do steep.
1057: "Unto thy name more glorious fame
1058: would not such Mercy bring?
1059: Would not it raise thine endless praise,
1060: more than our suffering?"
1061: With that they cease, holding their peace,
1062: but cease not still to weep;
1063: Grief ministers a flood of tears,
1064: in which their words do steep.
CXXXIV.
1065: But all too late; grief's out of date,
1066: when Life is at an end.
1067: The glorious King thus answering,
1068: all to his voice attend:
1069: "God gracious is," quoth he, "like his,
1070: no mercy can be found:
1071: His Equity and Clemency
1072: to sinners do abound,
1065: But all too late; grief's out of date,
1066: when Life is at an end.
1067: The glorious King thus answering,
1068: all to his voice attend:
1069: "God gracious is," quoth he, "like his,
1070: no mercy can be found:
1071: His Equity and Clemency
1072: to sinners do abound,
CXXXV.
1073: "As may appear by those that here shines forth in the vessels of Mercy. Mic. 7:18.
1074: are plac'd at my right hand;
1075: Whose stripes I bore, and clear'd the score,
1076: that they might quitted stand.
1077: For surely none but God alone,
1078: whose Grace transcends men's thought,
1079: For such as those that were his foes
1080: like wonders would have wrought.
1073: "As may appear by those that here shines forth in the vessels of Mercy. Mic. 7:18.
1074: are plac'd at my right hand;
1075: Whose stripes I bore, and clear'd the score,
1076: that they might quitted stand.
1077: For surely none but God alone,
1078: whose Grace transcends men's thought,
1079: For such as those that were his foes
1080: like wonders would have wrought.
60
CXXXVI.
1081: "And none but he such lenity upon such as abused it. Rom. 2:4. 11:4.
1082: and patience would have shown
1083: To you so long, who did him wrong,
1084: and pull'd his Judgment down.
1085: How long a space, O stiff-neck'd race!)
1086: did patience you afford?
1087: How oft did love you gently move,
1088: to turn unto the Lord?
1081: "And none but he such lenity upon such as abused it. Rom. 2:4. 11:4.
1082: and patience would have shown
1083: To you so long, who did him wrong,
1084: and pull'd his Judgment down.
1085: How long a space, O stiff-neck'd race!)
1086: did patience you afford?
1087: How oft did love you gently move,
1088: to turn unto the Lord?
CXXXVII.
1089: "With chords of love God often strove
1090: your stubborn hearts to tame;
1091: Nevertheless your wickedness
1092: did still resist the same.
1093: If now at last Mercy be past
1094: from you for evermore,
1095: And Justice come in Mercy's room,
1096: yet grudge you not therefore.
1089: "With chords of love God often strove
1090: your stubborn hearts to tame;
1091: Nevertheless your wickedness
1092: did still resist the same.
1093: If now at last Mercy be past
1094: from you for evermore,
1095: And Justice come in Mercy's room,
1096: yet grudge you not therefore.
CXXXVIII.
1097: "If into wrath God turnéd hath
1098: his long, long-suffering,
1099: And now for love you vengeance prove,
1100: it is an equal thing.
1101: Your waxing worse hath stopt the course
1102: of wonted Clemency,
1103: Mercy refus'd and Grace misus'd
1104: call for severity.
1097: "If into wrath God turnéd hath
1098: his long, long-suffering,
1099: And now for love you vengeance prove,
1100: it is an equal thing.
1101: Your waxing worse hath stopt the course
1102: of wonted Clemency,
1103: Mercy refus'd and Grace misus'd
1104: call for severity.
CXXXIX.
1105: "It's now high time that ev'ry Crime
1106: be brought to punishment;
1107: Wrath long contain'd and oft restrain'd,
1108: at last must have a vent.
1109: Justice severe cannot forbear
1110: to plague sin any longer,
1111: But must inflict with hand most strict
1112: mischief upon the wronger.
1105: "It's now high time that ev'ry Crime
1106: be brought to punishment;
1107: Wrath long contain'd and oft restrain'd,
1108: at last must have a vent.
61
1110: to plague sin any longer,
1111: But must inflict with hand most strict
1112: mischief upon the wronger.
CXL.
1113: "In vain do they for Mercy pray, 1-3.
1114: the season being past,
1115: Who had no care to get a share
1116: therein, while time did last.
1117: The men whose ear refus'd to hear
1118: the voice of Wisdom's cry,
1119: Earn'd this reward, that none regard
1120: him in his misery.
1113: "In vain do they for Mercy pray, 1-3.
1114: the season being past,
1115: Who had no care to get a share
1116: therein, while time did last.
1117: The men whose ear refus'd to hear
1118: the voice of Wisdom's cry,
1119: Earn'd this reward, that none regard
1120: him in his misery.
CXLI.
1121: "It doth agree with Equity 5:18,19. 2:8,9.
1122: and with God's holy Law,
1123: That those should die eternally,
1124: that Death upon them draw.
1125: The Soul that sins Damnation wins,
1126: for so the Law ordains;
1127: Which Law is just; and therefore must
1128: such suffer endless pains.
1121: "It doth agree with Equity 5:18,19. 2:8,9.
1122: and with God's holy Law,
1123: That those should die eternally,
1124: that Death upon them draw.
1125: The Soul that sins Damnation wins,
1126: for so the Law ordains;
1127: Which Law is just; and therefore must
1128: such suffer endless pains.
CXLII.
1129: "Eternal smart is the desert
1130: ev'n of the least offense;
1131: Then wonder not if I allot
1132: to you this Recompense;
1133: But wonder more that since so sore
1134: and lasting plagues are due
1135: To every sin, you liv'd therein,
1136: who well the danger knew.
1129: "Eternal smart is the desert
1130: ev'n of the least offense;
1131: Then wonder not if I allot
1132: to you this Recompense;
1133: But wonder more that since so sore
1134: and lasting plagues are due
1135: To every sin, you liv'd therein,
1136: who well the danger knew.
62
CXLIII.
1137: "God hath no joy to crush or 'stroy, and
1138: and ruin wretched wights;
1139: But to display the glorious Ray
1140: of Justice he delights.
1141: To manifest he doth detest
1142: and throughly hate all sin,
1143: By plaguing it as is most fit—
1144: this shall him Glory win."
1137: "God hath no joy to crush or 'stroy, and
1138: and ruin wretched wights;
1139: But to display the glorious Ray
1140: of Justice he delights.
1141: To manifest he doth detest
1142: and throughly hate all sin,
1143: By plaguing it as is most fit—
1144: this shall him Glory win."
CXLIV.
1145: Then at the Bar arraignéd are
1146: an impudenter sort,
1147: Who to evade the guilt that's laid
1148: upon them, thus retort:
1149: "How could we cease thus to transgress?
1150: how could we Hell avoid,
1151: Whom God's Decree shut out from thee,
1152: and sign'd to be destroy'd?
1145: Then at the Bar arraignéd are
1146: an impudenter sort,
1147: Who to evade the guilt that's laid
1148: upon them, thus retort:
1149: "How could we cease thus to transgress?
1150: how could we Hell avoid,
1151: Whom God's Decree shut out from thee,
1152: and sign'd to be destroy'd?
CXLV.
1153: "Whom God ordains to endless pains
1154: by Laws unalterable,
1155: Repentance true, Obedience new, 22:17.
1156: to save such are unable.
1157: Sorrow for sin no good can win,
1158: to such as are rejected;
1159: Nor can they grieve nor yet believe,
1160: that never were elected.
1153: "Whom God ordains to endless pains
1154: by Laws unalterable,
1155: Repentance true, Obedience new, 22:17.
1156: to save such are unable.
1157: Sorrow for sin no good can win,
1158: to such as are rejected;
1159: Nor can they grieve nor yet believe,
1160: that never were elected.
CXLVI.
1161: "Of Man's fall'n race, who can true Grace
1162: or Holiness obtain?
1163: Who can convert or change his heart,
1164: if God withhold the same?
1165: Had we applied our selves and tried
1166: as much as who did most,
1167: God's love to gain, our busy pain
1168: and labor had been lost."
1161: "Of Man's fall'n race, who can true Grace
1162: or Holiness obtain?
1163: Who can convert or change his heart,
1164: if God withhold the same?
63
1166: as much as who did most,
1167: God's love to gain, our busy pain
1168: and labor had been lost."
CXLVII.
1169: Christ readily makes this Reply: pleas taken off. Luke 13:27. 1:9,10 compared with
1170: "I damn you not because
1171: You are rejected, nor yet elected;
1172: but you have broke my Laws.
1173: It is in vain your wits to strain
1174: the end and means to sever;
1175: Men fondly seek to part or break
1176: what God hath link'd together.
1169: Christ readily makes this Reply: pleas taken off. Luke 13:27. 1:9,10 compared with
1170: "I damn you not because
1171: You are rejected, nor yet elected;
1172: but you have broke my Laws.
1173: It is in vain your wits to strain
1174: the end and means to sever;
1175: Men fondly seek to part or break
1176: what God hath link'd together.
CXLVIII.
1177: "Whom God will save, such he will have 3:19, and 2:15. 5:40.
1178: the means of life to use;
1179: Whom he'll pass by shall choose to die,
1180: and ways of life refuse.
1181: He that fore-sees and fore-decrees,
1182: in wisdom order'd has,
1183: That man's free-will, electing ill,
1184: shall bring his Will to pass.
1177: "Whom God will save, such he will have 3:19, and 2:15. 5:40.
1178: the means of life to use;
1179: Whom he'll pass by shall choose to die,
1180: and ways of life refuse.
1181: He that fore-sees and fore-decrees,
1182: in wisdom order'd has,
1183: That man's free-will, electing ill,
1184: shall bring his Will to pass.
CXLIX.
1185: "High God's Decree, as it is free,
1186: so doth it none compel
1187: Against their will to good or ill;
1188: it forceth none to Hell.
1189: They have their wish whose Souls perish
1190: with Torments in Hell-fire;
1191: Who rather choose their souls to lose,
1192: than leave a loose desire.
1185: "High God's Decree, as it is free,
1186: so doth it none compel
1187: Against their will to good or ill;
1188: it forceth none to Hell.
1189: They have their wish whose Souls perish
1190: with Torments in Hell-fire;
1191: Who rather choose their souls to lose,
1192: than leave a loose desire.
64
CL.
1193: "God did ordain sinners to pain,
1194: and he to Hell send none,
1195: But such as swerv'd and have deserv'd
1196: destruction as their own.
1197: His pleasure is, that none from Bliss
1198: and endless happiness
1199: Be barr'd, but such as wrong'd him much,
1200: by willful wickedness.
1193: "God did ordain sinners to pain,
1194: and he to Hell send none,
1195: But such as swerv'd and have deserv'd
1196: destruction as their own.
1197: His pleasure is, that none from Bliss
1198: and endless happiness
1199: Be barr'd, but such as wrong'd him much,
1200: by willful wickedness.
CLI.
1201: "You, sinful Crew! no other knew
1202: but you might be elect; 13:24.
1203: Why did you then yourselves condemn?
1204: Why did you me reject?
1205: Where was your strife to gain that life
1206: which lasteth evermore?
1207: You never knock'd, yet say God lock'd
1208: against you Heaven's door.
1201: "You, sinful Crew! no other knew
1202: but you might be elect; 13:24.
1203: Why did you then yourselves condemn?
1204: Why did you me reject?
1205: Where was your strife to gain that life
1206: which lasteth evermore?
1207: You never knock'd, yet say God lock'd
1208: against you Heaven's door.
CLII.
1209: "'Twas no vain task to knock and ask,
1210: whilst life continuéd.
1211: Who ever sought Heav'n as he ought,
1212: and seeking perishé?
1213: The lowly, meek, who truly seek
1214: for Christ and for Salvation,
1215: There's no decree whereby such be
1216: ordain'd to condemnation.
1209: "'Twas no vain task to knock and ask,
1210: whilst life continuéd.
1211: Who ever sought Heav'n as he ought,
1212: and seeking perishé?
1213: The lowly, meek, who truly seek
1214: for Christ and for Salvation,
1215: There's no decree whereby such be
1216: ordain'd to condemnation.
CLIII.
1217: "You argue then: 'But abject men,
1218: whom God resolves to spill,
1219: Cannot repent, nor their hearts rent;
1220: nor can they change their will.'
1221: Not for his Can is any man
1222: adjudgéd unto Hell;
1223: But for his Will to do what's ill,
1224: and nilling to do well.
1217: "You argue then: 'But abject men,
1218: whom God resolves to spill,
1219: Cannot repent, nor their hearts rent;
1220: nor can they change their will.'
65
1222: adjudgéd unto Hell;
1223: But for his Will to do what's ill,
1224: and nilling to do well.
CLIV.
1225: "I often stood tend'ring my Blood
1226: to wash away your guilt,
1227: And eke my Sprite to frame you right,
1228: lest your Souls should be spilt.
1229: But you, vile Race, rejected Grace,
1230: when Grace was freely proffer'd,
1231: No changéd heart, no heav'nly part
1232: would you, when it was offer'd.
1225: "I often stood tend'ring my Blood
1226: to wash away your guilt,
1227: And eke my Sprite to frame you right,
1228: lest your Souls should be spilt.
1229: But you, vile Race, rejected Grace,
1230: when Grace was freely proffer'd,
1231: No changéd heart, no heav'nly part
1232: would you, when it was offer'd.
CLV.
1233: "Who willfully the remedy,
1234: and means of life contemnéd,
1235: Cause have the same themselves to blame,
1236: if now they be condemnéd.
1237: You have yourselves, you and none else,
1238: to blame that you must die;
1239: You chose the way to your decay,
1240: and perish'd willfully."
1233: "Who willfully the remedy,
1234: and means of life contemnéd,
1235: Cause have the same themselves to blame,
1236: if now they be condemnéd.
1237: You have yourselves, you and none else,
1238: to blame that you must die;
1239: You chose the way to your decay,
1240: and perish'd willfully."
CLVI.
1241: These words appall and daunt them all,
1242: dismay'd and all amort,
1243: Like stocks they stand at Christ's left hand
1244: and dare no more retort.
1245: Then were brought near with trembling fear,
1246: a number numberless
1247: Of Blind Heathen and brutish men,
1248: that did God's Law transgress;
1241: These words appall and daunt them all,
1242: dismay'd and all amort,
1243: Like stocks they stand at Christ's left hand
1244: and dare no more retort.
1245: Then were brought near with trembling fear,
1246: a number numberless
1247: Of Blind Heathen and brutish men,
1248: that did God's Law transgress;
66
CLVII.
1249: Whose wicked ways Christ open lays,
1250: and makes their sins appear,
1251: They making pleas their case to ease,
1252: if not themselves to clear.
1253: "Thy Written Word," say they, "good Lord,
1254: we never did enjoy;
1255: We ne'er refus'd, nor it abus'd;
1256: Oh, do not us destroy!"
1249: Whose wicked ways Christ open lays,
1250: and makes their sins appear,
1251: They making pleas their case to ease,
1252: if not themselves to clear.
1253: "Thy Written Word," say they, "good Lord,
1254: we never did enjoy;
1255: We ne'er refus'd, nor it abus'd;
1256: Oh, do not us destroy!"
CLVIII.
1257: "You ne'er abus'd, nor yet refus'd
1258: my Written Word, you plead;
1259: That's true," quoth he, "therefore shall ye
1260: the less be punishéd.
1261: You shall not smart for any part
1262: of other men's offense,
1263: But for your own transgressi-on
1264: receive due recompense."
1257: "You ne'er abus'd, nor yet refus'd
1258: my Written Word, you plead;
1259: That's true," quoth he, "therefore shall ye
1260: the less be punishéd.
1261: You shall not smart for any part
1262: of other men's offense,
1263: But for your own transgressi-on
1264: receive due recompense."
CLIX.
1265: "But we were blind," say they, "in mind;
1266: too dim was Nature's Light,
1267: Our only guide, as hath been try'd,
1268: to bring us to the sight
1269: Of our estate degenerate,
1270: and curs'd by Adam's Fall;
1271: How we were born and lay forlorn
1272: in bondage and in thrall.
1265: "But we were blind," say they, "in mind;
1266: too dim was Nature's Light,
1267: Our only guide, as hath been try'd,
1268: to bring us to the sight
1269: Of our estate degenerate,
1270: and curs'd by Adam's Fall;
1271: How we were born and lay forlorn
1272: in bondage and in thrall.
CLX.
1273: "We did not know a Christ till now,
1274: nor how fall'n man he saved,
1275: Else would we not, right well we wot,
1276: have so ourselves behavéd.
1277: We should have mourn'd, we should have turn'd
1278: from sin at thy Reproof,
1279: And been more wise through thy advice,
1280: for our own soul's behoof.
1273: "We did not know a Christ till now,
1274: nor how fall'n man he saved,
1275: Else would we not, right well we wot,
1276: have so ourselves behavéd.
67
1278: from sin at thy Reproof,
1279: And been more wise through thy advice,
1280: for our own soul's behoof.
CLXI.
1281: But Nature's light shin'd not so bright
1282: to teach us the right way:
1283: We might have lov'd it and well improv'd it,
1284: and yet have gone astray."
1285: The Judge most High makes this Reply:
1286: "You ignorance pretend,
1287: Dimness of sight, and want of light,
1288: your course Heav'nward to bend;
1281: But Nature's light shin'd not so bright
1282: to teach us the right way:
1283: We might have lov'd it and well improv'd it,
1284: and yet have gone astray."
1285: The Judge most High makes this Reply:
1286: "You ignorance pretend,
1287: Dimness of sight, and want of light,
1288: your course Heav'nward to bend;
CLXII.
1289: "How came your mind to be so blind?
1290: I once you knowledge gave,
1291: Clearness of sight and judgement right:
1292: who did the same deprave?
1293: If to your cost you have it lost,
1294: and quite defac'd the same,
1295: Your own desert hath caus'd the smart;
1296: you ought not me to blame.
1289: "How came your mind to be so blind?
1290: I once you knowledge gave,
1291: Clearness of sight and judgement right:
1292: who did the same deprave?
1293: If to your cost you have it lost,
1294: and quite defac'd the same,
1295: Your own desert hath caus'd the smart;
1296: you ought not me to blame.
CLXIII.
1297: "Yourselves into a pit of woe,
1298: your own transgression led; 11:25 compared with
1299: If I to none my Grace had shown,
1300: who had been injuréd?
1301: If to a few, and not to you,
1302: I shew'd a way of life,
1303: My Grace so free, you clearly see,
1304: gives you no ground of strife.
1297: "Yourselves into a pit of woe,
1298: your own transgression led; 11:25 compared with
1299: If I to none my Grace had shown,
1300: who had been injuréd?
1301: If to a few, and not to you,
1302: I shew'd a way of life,
1303: My Grace so free, you clearly see,
1304: gives you no ground of strife.
68
CLXIV.
1305: "'Tis vain to tell, you wot full well,
1306: if you in time had known
1307: Your misery and remedy,
1308: your actions had it shown:
1309: You, sinful Crew, have not been true
1310: unto the Light of Nature,
1311: Nor done the good you understood,
1312: nor ownéd your Creator.
1305: "'Tis vain to tell, you wot full well,
1306: if you in time had known
1307: Your misery and remedy,
1308: your actions had it shown:
1309: You, sinful Crew, have not been true
1310: unto the Light of Nature,
1311: Nor done the good you understood,
1312: nor ownéd your Creator.
CLXV.
1313: "He that the Light, because 'tis slight,
1314: hath uséd to despise,
1315: Would not the Light shining more bright, and
1316: be likely for to prize.
1317: If you had lov'd, and well improv'd
1318: your knowledge and dim sight,
1319: Herein your pain had not been vain,
1320: your plagues had been more light."
1313: "He that the Light, because 'tis slight,
1314: hath uséd to despise,
1315: Would not the Light shining more bright, and
1316: be likely for to prize.
1317: If you had lov'd, and well improv'd
1318: your knowledge and dim sight,
1319: Herein your pain had not been vain,
1320: your plagues had been more light."
CLXVI.
1321: Then to the Bar all they drew near compared with and
1322: Who died in infancy,
1323: And never had or good or bad
1324: effected pers'nally;
1325: But from the womb unto the tomb
1326: were straightway carriéd,
1327: (Or at the least ere they transgress'd)
1328: who thus began to plead:
1321: Then to the Bar all they drew near compared with and
1322: Who died in infancy,
1323: And never had or good or bad
1324: effected pers'nally;
1325: But from the womb unto the tomb
1326: were straightway carriéd,
1327: (Or at the least ere they transgress'd)
1328: who thus began to plead:
CLXVII.
1329: "If for our own transgressi-on,
1330: or disobedience,
1331: We here did stand at thy left hand,
1332: just were the Recompence;
1333: But Adam's guilt our souls hath spilt,
1334: his fault is charg'd upon us;
1335: And that alone hath overthrown
1336: and utterly undone us.
1329: "If for our own transgressi-on,
1330: or disobedience,
1331: We here did stand at thy left hand,
1332: just were the Recompence;
69
1334: his fault is charg'd upon us;
1335: And that alone hath overthrown
1336: and utterly undone us.
CLXVIII.
1337: "Not we, but he ate of the Tree,
1338: whose fruit was interdicted;
1339: Yet on us all of his sad Fall
1340: the punishment's inflicted.
1341: How could we sin that had not been?
1342: or how is his sin our,
1343: Without consent, which to prevent
1344: we never had a pow'r?
1337: "Not we, but he ate of the Tree,
1338: whose fruit was interdicted;
1339: Yet on us all of his sad Fall
1340: the punishment's inflicted.
1341: How could we sin that had not been?
1342: or how is his sin our,
1343: Without consent, which to prevent
1344: we never had a pow'r?
CLXIX.
1345: "O great Creator why was our Nature
1346: depravéd and forlorn?
1347: Why so defil'd, and made so vil'd
1348: whilst we were yet unborn?
1349: If it be just, and needs we must
1350: transgressors reckon'd be,
1351: Thy Mercy, Lord, to us afford,
1352: which sinners hath set free.
1345: "O great Creator why was our Nature
1346: depravéd and forlorn?
1347: Why so defil'd, and made so vil'd
1348: whilst we were yet unborn?
1349: If it be just, and needs we must
1350: transgressors reckon'd be,
1351: Thy Mercy, Lord, to us afford,
1352: which sinners hath set free.
CLXX.
1353: "Behold we see Adam set free,
1354: and sav'd from his trespass,
1355: Whose sinful Fall hath split us all,
1356: and brought us to this pass.
1357: Canst thou deny us once to try,
1358: or Grace to us to tender,
1359: When he finds grace before thy face,
1360: who was the chief offender?
1353: "Behold we see Adam set free,
1354: and sav'd from his trespass,
1355: Whose sinful Fall hath split us all,
1356: and brought us to this pass.
1357: Canst thou deny us once to try,
1358: or Grace to us to tender,
1359: When he finds grace before thy face,
1360: who was the chief offender?
70
CLXXI.
1361: Then answeréd the Judge most dread:
1362: "God doth such doom forbid, taken off. Ezek. 18:20.
1363: That men should die eternally
1364: for what they never did.
1365: But what you call old Adam's Fall,
1366: and only his Trespass,
1367: You call amiss to call it his;
1368: both his and yours it was.
1361: Then answeréd the Judge most dread:
1362: "God doth such doom forbid, taken off. Ezek. 18:20.
1363: That men should die eternally
1364: for what they never did.
1365: But what you call old Adam's Fall,
1366: and only his Trespass,
1367: You call amiss to call it his;
1368: both his and yours it was.
CLXXII.
1369: "He was design'd of all Mankind
1370: to be a public Head,
1371: A common Root, whence all should shoot,
1372: and stood in all their stead.
1373: He stood and fell, did ill or well,
1374: not for himself alone,
1375: But for you all, who now his Fall
1376: and trespass would disown.
1369: "He was design'd of all Mankind
1370: to be a public Head,
1371: A common Root, whence all should shoot,
1372: and stood in all their stead.
1373: He stood and fell, did ill or well,
1374: not for himself alone,
1375: But for you all, who now his Fall
1376: and trespass would disown.
CLXXIII.
1377: "If he had stood, then all his brood
1378: had been establishéd
1379: In God's true love never to move,
1380: nor once awry to tread;
1381: Then all his Race my Father's Grace
1382: should have enjoy'd for ever,
1383: And wicked Sprites by subtile sleights
1384: could them have harméd never.
1377: "If he had stood, then all his brood
1378: had been establishéd
1379: In God's true love never to move,
1380: nor once awry to tread;
1381: Then all his Race my Father's Grace
1382: should have enjoy'd for ever,
1383: And wicked Sprites by subtile sleights
1384: could them have harméd never.
CLXXIV.
1385: "Would you have griev'd to have receiv'd
1386: through Adam so much good,
1387: As had been your for evermore,
1388: if he at first had stood?
1389: Would you have said, 'We ne'er obey'd
1390: nor did thy laws regard;
1391: It ill befits with benefits,
1392: us, Lord, to so reward?'
1385: "Would you have griev'd to have receiv'd
1386: through Adam so much good,
1387: As had been your for evermore,
1388: if he at first had stood?
71
1390: nor did thy laws regard;
1391: It ill befits with benefits,
1392: us, Lord, to so reward?'
CLXXV.
1393: "Since then to share in his welfare,
1394: you could have been content,
1395: You may with reason share in his treason,
1396: and in the punishment.
1397: Hence you were born in state forlorn,
1398: with Natures so depravéd;
1399: Death was your due because that you
1400: had thus yourselves behavéd.
1393: "Since then to share in his welfare,
1394: you could have been content,
1395: You may with reason share in his treason,
1396: and in the punishment.
1397: Hence you were born in state forlorn,
1398: with Natures so depravéd;
1399: Death was your due because that you
1400: had thus yourselves behavéd.
CLXXVI.
1401: "You think 'If we had been as he,
1402: whom God did so betrust,
1403: We to our cost would ne'er have lost
1404: all for a paltry lust.'
1405: Had you been made in Adam's stead,
1428: what I to some afford?
1429: Will you demand Grace at my hand,
1430: and challenge what is mine?
1431: Will you teach me whom to set free,
1432: and thus my Grace confine?
1401: "You think 'If we had been as he,
1402: whom God did so betrust,
1403: We to our cost would ne'er have lost
1404: all for a paltry lust.'
1405: Had you been made in Adam's stead,
1428: what I to some afford?
1429: Will you demand Grace at my hand,
1430: and challenge what is mine?
1431: Will you teach me whom to set free,
1432: and thus my Grace confine?
CLXXX.
1433: "You sinners are, and such a share and
1434: as sinners may expect,
1435: Such you shall have, for I do save
1436: none but mine own Elect.
1437: Yet to compare your sin with their
1438: who liv'd a longer time,
1439: I do confess yours is much less,
1440: though every sin's a crime.
1433: "You sinners are, and such a share and
1434: as sinners may expect,
1435: Such you shall have, for I do save
1436: none but mine own Elect.
1437: Yet to compare your sin with their
1438: who liv'd a longer time,
1439: I do confess yours is much less,
1440: though every sin's a crime.
CLXXXI.
1441: "A crime it is, therefore in bliss
1442: you may not hope to dwell;
1443: But unto you I shall allow
1444: the easiest room in Hell."
1445: The glorious King thus answering,
1446: they cease, and plead no longer;
1447: Their Consciences must needs confess
1448: his Reasons are the stronger.
1441: "A crime it is, therefore in bliss
1442: you may not hope to dwell;
1443: But unto you I shall allow
1444: the easiest room in Hell."
73
1446: they cease, and plead no longer;
1447: Their Consciences must needs confess
1448: his Reasons are the stronger.
CLXXXII.
1449: Thus all men's pleas the Judge with ease before an impartial Judge, expecting their final Sentence. Rev. 6 : 16, 17.
1450: doth answer and confute,
1451: Until that all, both great and small,
1452: are silencéd and mute.
1453: Vain hopes are cropt, all mouths are stopt,
1454: sinners have naught to say,
1455: Bit that 'tis just and equal most
1456: they should be damn'd for aye.
1449: Thus all men's pleas the Judge with ease before an impartial Judge, expecting their final Sentence. Rev. 6 : 16, 17.
1450: doth answer and confute,
1451: Until that all, both great and small,
1452: are silencéd and mute.
1453: Vain hopes are cropt, all mouths are stopt,
1454: sinners have naught to say,
1455: Bit that 'tis just and equal most
1456: they should be damn'd for aye.
CLXXXIII.
1457: Now what remains, but that to pains
1458: and everlasting smart,
1459: Christ should condemn the sons of men,
1460: which is their just desert?
1461: Oh rueful plights of sinful wights!
1462: Oh wretches ali forlorn !
1463: 'T had happy been they ne'er had seen
1464: the sun, or not been born.
1457: Now what remains, but that to pains
1458: and everlasting smart,
1459: Christ should condemn the sons of men,
1460: which is their just desert?
1461: Oh rueful plights of sinful wights!
1462: Oh wretches ali forlorn !
1463: 'T had happy been they ne'er had seen
1464: the sun, or not been born.
CLXXXIV.
1465: Yea now it would be good they could
1466: themselves annihilate,
1467: And cease to be, themselves te free
1468: from such a fearful state.
1469: 0 happy Dogs, and Swine, and Frogs,
1470: yea, Serpent's generation !
1471: Who do not fear this doom te bear,
1472: and sentence of Damnation !
1465: Yea now it would be good they could
1466: themselves annihilate,
1467: And cease to be, themselves te free
1468: from such a fearful state.
1469: 0 happy Dogs, and Swine, and Frogs,
1470: yea, Serpent's generation !
1471: Who do not fear this doom te bear,
1472: and sentence of Damnation !
74
CLXXXV.
1473: This is their state so desperate ;
1474: their sins are fully known ;
1475: Their vanities and villanies
1476: before the world are shown.
1477: As they are gross and impious,
1478: so are their numbers more
1479: Than motes in th' Air, or than their hair,
1480: or sands upon the shore.
1473: This is their state so desperate ;
1474: their sins are fully known ;
1475: Their vanities and villanies
1476: before the world are shown.
1477: As they are gross and impious,
1478: so are their numbers more
1479: Than motes in th' Air, or than their hair,
1480: or sands upon the shore.
CLXXXVI.
1481: Divine lustice offended is,
1482: and satisfaction claimeth;
1483: God's wrathful ire, kindled like fire,
1484: against them fiercely flameth.
1485: Their Judge severe doth quite cashier,
1486: and all their pleas off take,
1487: That ne'er a man, or dare, or can
1488: a further answer make.
1481: Divine lustice offended is,
1482: and satisfaction claimeth;
1483: God's wrathful ire, kindled like fire,
1484: against them fiercely flameth.
1485: Their Judge severe doth quite cashier,
1486: and all their pleas off take,
1487: That ne'er a man, or dare, or can
1488: a further answer make.
CLXXXVII.
1489: Their mouths are shut, each man is put
1490: to silence and to shame,
1491: Nor have they aught within their thought,
1492: Christ's Justice for to blame.
1493: The Judge is just, and plague them must,
1494: nor will Le Mercy shew,
1495: For Mercy's day is past away
1496: to any of this Crew.
1489: Their mouths are shut, each man is put
1490: to silence and to shame,
1491: Nor have they aught within their thought,
1492: Christ's Justice for to blame.
1493: The Judge is just, and plague them must,
1494: nor will Le Mercy shew,
1495: For Mercy's day is past away
1496: to any of this Crew.
CLXXXVIII.
1497: The Judge is strong, doers of wrong
1498: cannot his pow'r withstand ;
1499: None can by flight run out of sight,
1500: nor'scape out of his hand.
1501: Sad is their state ; for Advocate,
1502: to plead their cause, there's none;
1503: None to prevent their punishment,
1504: or mis'ry to bemoan.
1497: The Judge is strong, doers of wrong
1498: cannot his pow'r withstand ;
1499: None can by flight run out of sight,
1500: nor'scape out of his hand.
75
1502: to plead their cause, there's none;
1503: None to prevent their punishment,
1504: or mis'ry to bemoan.
CLXXXIX.
1505: 0 dismal day ! whither shall they
1506: for help and succor flee ?
1507: To God above with hopes to move
1508: their greatest Enemy?
1509: His wrath is great, whose burning heat
1510: no floods of tears can slake ;
1511: His Word stands fast that they be cast
1512: into the burning Lake.
1505: 0 dismal day ! whither shall they
1506: for help and succor flee ?
1507: To God above with hopes to move
1508: their greatest Enemy?
1509: His wrath is great, whose burning heat
1510: no floods of tears can slake ;
1511: His Word stands fast that they be cast
1512: into the burning Lake.
CXC
1513: To Christ their Judge? He doth adjudge
1514: them to the Pit of Sorrow;
1515: Nor will he hear, or cry or tear,
1516: nor respite them one morrow.
1517: To Heav'n, alas! they cannot pass,
1518: it is against them shut ;
1519: To enter there (0 heavy cheer)
1520: they out of hopes are put.
1513: To Christ their Judge? He doth adjudge
1514: them to the Pit of Sorrow;
1515: Nor will he hear, or cry or tear,
1516: nor respite them one morrow.
1517: To Heav'n, alas! they cannot pass,
1518: it is against them shut ;
1519: To enter there (0 heavy cheer)
1520: they out of hopes are put.
CXCL
1521: Unto their Treasures, or to their Pleasures?
1522: All these have them forsaken;
1523: Had they full coffers to make large offers,
1524: their gold would not be taken.
1525: Unto the place where whilom was
1526: their birth and Education?
1527: Lo! Christ begins for their great sins,
1528: to fire the Earth's Foundation;
1521: Unto their Treasures, or to their Pleasures?
1522: All these have them forsaken;
1523: Had they full coffers to make large offers,
1524: their gold would not be taken.
1525: Unto the place where whilom was
1526: their birth and Education?
1527: Lo! Christ begins for their great sins,
1528: to fire the Earth's Foundation;
76
CXCII.
1529: And by and by the flaming Sky
1530: shall drop like molten Lead
1531: About their ears, t' increase their fears,
1532: and aggravate their dread.
1533: To Angel's good that ever stood
1534: in their integrity,
1535: Should they betake themselves, and make
1536: their suit incessantly?
1529: And by and by the flaming Sky
1530: shall drop like molten Lead
1531: About their ears, t' increase their fears,
1532: and aggravate their dread.
1533: To Angel's good that ever stood
1534: in their integrity,
1535: Should they betake themselves, and make
1536: their suit incessantly?
CXCIII.
1537: They've neither skill, nor do they will
1538: to work them any ease;
1539: They will not mourn to see them burn,
1540: nor beg for their release.
1541: To wicked men, their bretheren
1542: in sin and wickedness,
1543: Should they make moan? Their case is one;
1544: they're in the same distress.
1537: They've neither skill, nor do they will
1538: to work them any ease;
1539: They will not mourn to see them burn,
1540: nor beg for their release.
1541: To wicked men, their bretheren
1542: in sin and wickedness,
1543: Should they make moan? Their case is one;
1544: they're in the same distress.
CXCIV.
1545: Ah! cold comfort and mean support,
1546: from such like Comforters !
1547: Ah! little joy of Company,
1548: and fellow-sufferers !
1549: Such shall increase their heart's disease,
1550: and add unto their woe;
1551: Because that they brought to decay
1552: themselves and many moe.
1545: Ah! cold comfort and mean support,
1546: from such like Comforters !
1547: Ah! little joy of Company,
1548: and fellow-sufferers !
1549: Such shall increase their heart's disease,
1550: and add unto their woe;
1551: Because that they brought to decay
1552: themselves and many moe.
CXCV.
1553: Unto the Saints with sad complaints
1554: should they themselves apply ?
1555: They're not dejected nor aught affected
1556: with all their misery.
1557: Friends stand aloof and make no proof
1558: what Prayers or Tears can do;
1559: Your Godly friends are now more friends
1560: to Christ than unto you.
1553: Unto the Saints with sad complaints
1554: should they themselves apply ?
1555: They're not dejected nor aught affected
1556: with all their misery.
77
1558: what Prayers or Tears can do;
1559: Your Godly friends are now more friends
1560: to Christ than unto you.
CXCVI.
1561: Where tender love men's hearts did move
1562: unto a sympathy,
1563: And bearing part of others' smart
1564: in their anxiety,
1565: Now such compassion is out of fashion,
1566: and wholly laid aside;
1567: No friends so near, but Saints to hear
1568: their Sentence can abide.
1561: Where tender love men's hearts did move
1562: unto a sympathy,
1563: And bearing part of others' smart
1564: in their anxiety,
1565: Now such compassion is out of fashion,
1566: and wholly laid aside;
1567: No friends so near, but Saints to hear
1568: their Sentence can abide.
CXCVII.
1569: One natural Brother beholds another
1570: in his astonied fit,
1571: Yet sorrows not thereat a jot, with and
1572: nor pities him a whit.
1573: The godly Wife conceives no grief,
1574: nor can she shed a tear
1575: For the sad state of her dear Mate,
1576: when she his doom doth hear.
1569: One natural Brother beholds another
1570: in his astonied fit,
1571: Yet sorrows not thereat a jot, with and
1572: nor pities him a whit.
1573: The godly Wife conceives no grief,
1574: nor can she shed a tear
1575: For the sad state of her dear Mate,
1576: when she his doom doth hear.
CXCVIII.
1577: He that was erst a Husband pierc'd
1578: with sense of Wife's distress,
1579: Whose tender heart did bear a part
1580: of all her grievances,
1581: Shall mourn no more as heretofore,
1582: because of her ill plight,
1583: Although he see her now to be
1584: a damn'd forsaken wight.
1577: He that was erst a Husband pierc'd
1578: with sense of Wife's distress,
1579: Whose tender heart did bear a part
1580: of all her grievances,
1581: Shall mourn no more as heretofore,
1582: because of her ill plight,
1583: Although he see her now to be
1584: a damn'd forsaken wight.
78
CXCIX.
1585: The tender Mother will own no other
1586: of all her num'rous brood,
1587: But such as stand at Christ's right hand,
1588: acquitted through his Blood.
1589: The pious Father had now much rather
1590: his graceless Son should lie
1591: In Hell with Devils, for all his evils
1592: burning eternally,
1585: The tender Mother will own no other
1586: of all her num'rous brood,
1587: But such as stand at Christ's right hand,
1588: acquitted through his Blood.
1589: The pious Father had now much rather
1590: his graceless Son should lie
1591: In Hell with Devils, for all his evils
1592: burning eternally,
CC.
1593: Than God most High should injury
1594: by sparing him sustain;
1595: And doth rejoice to hear Christ's voice
1596: adjudging him to pain.
1597: Thus having all, both great and small,
1598: convinc'd and silencéd,
1599: Christ did proceed their Doom to read,
1600: and thus it utteréd:
1593: Than God most High should injury
1594: by sparing him sustain;
1595: And doth rejoice to hear Christ's voice
1596: adjudging him to pain.
1597: Thus having all, both great and small,
1598: convinc'd and silencéd,
1599: Christ did proceed their Doom to read,
1600: and thus it utteréd:
CCI.
1601: "Ye sinful wights, and curséd sprights, Mat. 25:41.
1602: that work iniquity,
1603: Depart together from me for ever
1604: to endless Misery;
1605: Your portion take in yonder Lake,
1606: where Fire and Brimstone flameth;
1607: Suffer the smart which your desert,
1608: as its due wages claimeth."
1601: "Ye sinful wights, and curséd sprights, Mat. 25:41.
1602: that work iniquity,
1603: Depart together from me for ever
1604: to endless Misery;
1605: Your portion take in yonder Lake,
1606: where Fire and Brimstone flameth;
1607: Suffer the smart which your desert,
1608: as its due wages claimeth."
CCII.
1609: Oh piercing words, more sharp then swords!
1610: What! to depart from Thee,
1611: Whose face before for evermore
1612: the best of Pleasures be!
1613: What! to depart (unto our smart),
1614: from thee Eternally!
1615: To be for aye banish'd away
1616: with Devils' company!
1609: Oh piercing words, more sharp then swords!
1610: What! to depart from Thee,
1611: Whose face before for evermore
1612: the best of Pleasures be!
79
1614: from thee Eternally!
1615: To be for aye banish'd away
1616: with Devils' company!
CCIII.
1617: What! to be sent to Punishment,
1618: and flames of burning Fire!
1619: To be surrounded, and eke confounded
1620: with God's revengeful Ire!
1621: What! to abide, not for a tide,
1622: these Torments, but for Ever!
1623: To be releas'd, or to be eas'd,
1624: not after years, but Never!
1617: What! to be sent to Punishment,
1618: and flames of burning Fire!
1619: To be surrounded, and eke confounded
1620: with God's revengeful Ire!
1621: What! to abide, not for a tide,
1622: these Torments, but for Ever!
1623: To be releas'd, or to be eas'd,
1624: not after years, but Never!
CCIV.
1625: Oh fearful Doom! now there's no room
1626: for hope or help at all;
1627: Sentence is past which aye shall last;
1628: Christ will not it recall.
1629: Then might you hear them rend and tear
1630: the Air with their out-cries;
1631: The hideous noise of their sad voice
1632: ascendeth to the Skies.
1625: Oh fearful Doom! now there's no room
1626: for hope or help at all;
1627: Sentence is past which aye shall last;
1628: Christ will not it recall.
1629: Then might you hear them rend and tear
1630: the Air with their out-cries;
1631: The hideous noise of their sad voice
1632: ascendeth to the Skies.
CCV.
1633: They wring their hands, their caitiff-hands,
1634: and gnash their teeth for terror; 13:38.
1635: They cry, they rore for anguish sore,
1636: and gnaw their tongues for horror.
1637: But get away without delay,
1638: Christ pities not your cry;
1639: Depart to Hell, there may you yell
1640: and roar Eternally.
1633: They wring their hands, their caitiff-hands,
1634: and gnash their teeth for terror; 13:38.
1635: They cry, they rore for anguish sore,
1636: and gnaw their tongues for horror.
1637: But get away without delay,
1638: Christ pities not your cry;
1639: Depart to Hell, there may you yell
1640: and roar Eternally.
80
CCVI.
1641: That word "Depart," maugre their heart;
1642: drives every wicked one,
1643: With mighty pow'r, the self-same hour,
1644: far from the Judge's Throne.
1645: Away they're chas'd by the strong blast
1646: of his Death-threat'ning mouth;
1647: They flee full fast, as if in hast,
1648: although they be full loath.
1641: That word "Depart," maugre their heart;
1642: drives every wicked one,
1643: With mighty pow'r, the self-same hour,
1644: far from the Judge's Throne.
1645: Away they're chas'd by the strong blast
1646: of his Death-threat'ning mouth;
1647: They flee full fast, as if in hast,
1648: although they be full loath.
CCVII.
1649: As chaff that's dry, as dust doth fly
1650: before the Northern wind,
1651: Right so are they chaséd away,
1652: and can no Refuge find.
1653: They hasten to the Pit of Woe,
1654: guarded by Angels stout;
1655: Who to fulfil Christ's holy Will
1656: attend this wickéd Rout;
1649: As chaff that's dry, as dust doth fly
1650: before the Northern wind,
1651: Right so are they chaséd away,
1652: and can no Refuge find.
1653: They hasten to the Pit of Woe,
1654: guarded by Angels stout;
1655: Who to fulfil Christ's holy Will
1656: attend this wickéd Rout;
CCVIII.
1657: Whom having brought as they are taught,
1658: unto the brink of Hell, 25:30. 30:33.
1659: (That dismal place, far from Christ's face,
1660: where Death and Darkness dwell,
1661: Where God's fierce Ire kindleth the fire,
1662: and vengeance feeds the flame
1663: With piles of Wood, and Brimstone Flood,
1664: that none can quench the same,)
1657: Whom having brought as they are taught,
1658: unto the brink of Hell, 25:30. 30:33.
1659: (That dismal place, far from Christ's face,
1660: where Death and Darkness dwell,
1661: Where God's fierce Ire kindleth the fire,
1662: and vengeance feeds the flame
1663: With piles of Wood, and Brimstone Flood,
1664: that none can quench the same,)
CCIX.
1665: With Iron bands they bind their hands and
1666: and curséd feet together,
1667: And cast them all, both great and small,
1668: into that Lake forever,
1669: Where day and night, without respite,
1670: they wail, and cry and howl,
1671: For tort'ring pain which they sustain
1672: in Body and in Soul.
1665: With Iron bands they bind their hands and
1666: and curséd feet together,
1667: And cast them all, both great and small,
1668: into that Lake forever,
81
1670: they wail, and cry and howl,
1671: For tort'ring pain which they sustain
1672: in Body and in Soul.
CCX.
1673: For day and night, in their despite,
1674: their torment's smoke ascendeth,
1675: Their pain and grief have no relief,
1676: their anguish never endeth.
1677: There must they lie and never die,
1678: though dying every day;
1679: There must they dying ever lie,
1680: and not consume away.
1673: For day and night, in their despite,
1674: their torment's smoke ascendeth,
1675: Their pain and grief have no relief,
1676: their anguish never endeth.
1677: There must they lie and never die,
1678: though dying every day;
1679: There must they dying ever lie,
1680: and not consume away.
CCXI.
1681: Die fain they would if die they could,
1682: but Death will not be had;
1683: God's direful wrath their bodies hath
1684: forev'r immortal made.
1685: They live to lie in misery,
1686: and bear eternal woe;
1687: And live they must whilst God is just,
1688: that he may plague them so.
1681: Die fain they would if die they could,
1682: but Death will not be had;
1683: God's direful wrath their bodies hath
1684: forev'r immortal made.
1685: They live to lie in misery,
1686: and bear eternal woe;
1687: And live they must whilst God is just,
1688: that he may plague them so.
CCXII.
1689: But who can tell the plagues of Hell,
1690: and torments exquisite?
1691: Who can relate their dismal state,
1692: and terrors infinite?
1693: Who fare the best and feel the least,
1694: yet feel that punishment
1695: Whereby to nought they would be brought,
1696: if God did not prevent.
1689: But who can tell the plagues of Hell,
1690: and torments exquisite?
1691: Who can relate their dismal state,
1692: and terrors infinite?
1693: Who fare the best and feel the least,
1694: yet feel that punishment
1695: Whereby to nought they would be brought,
1696: if God did not prevent.
82
CCXIII.
1697: The least degree of misery
1698: there felt is incomparable,
1699: The lightest pain they there sustain
1700: more than intolerable.
1701: But God's great pow'r from hour to hour
1702: upholds them in the fire,
1703: That they shall not consume a jot
1704: nor by its force expire.
1697: The least degree of misery
1698: there felt is incomparable,
1699: The lightest pain they there sustain
1700: more than intolerable.
1701: But God's great pow'r from hour to hour
1702: upholds them in the fire,
1703: That they shall not consume a jot
1704: nor by its force expire.
CCXIV.
1705: But ah, the woe they undergo
1706: (they more then all beside)
1707: Who had the light, and knew the right,
1708: yet would not it abide!
1709: The sev'n fold smart which to their part
1710: and porti-on doth fall,
1711: Who Christ's free Grace would not embrace,
1712: nor hearken to his call.
1705: But ah, the woe they undergo
1706: (they more then all beside)
1707: Who had the light, and knew the right,
1708: yet would not it abide!
1709: The sev'n fold smart which to their part
1710: and porti-on doth fall,
1711: Who Christ's free Grace would not embrace,
1712: nor hearken to his call.
CCXV.
1713: The Amorites and Sodomites,
1714: although their plagues be sore,
1715: Yet find some ease, compar'd to these,
1716: who feel a great deal more.
1717: Almighty God, whose Iron Rod
1718: to smite them never lins,
1719: Doth most declare his Justice rare
1720: in plaguing these men's sins.
1713: The Amorites and Sodomites,
1714: although their plagues be sore,
1715: Yet find some ease, compar'd to these,
1716: who feel a great deal more.
1717: Almighty God, whose Iron Rod
1718: to smite them never lins,
1719: Doth most declare his Justice rare
1720: in plaguing these men's sins.
CCXVI.
1721: The pain of loss their souls doth toss,
1722: and wond'rously distress, 16:23,25, and
1723: To think what they have cast away
1724: by willful wickedness.
1725: "We might have been redeem'd from sin,"
1726: think they, "and liv'd above,
1727: Being possesst of Heav'nly rest,
1728: and joying in God's love.
1721: The pain of loss their souls doth toss,
1722: and wond'rously distress, 16:23,25, and
1723: To think what they have cast away
1724: by willful wickedness.
83
1726: think they, "and liv'd above,
1727: Being possesst of Heav'nly rest,
1728: and joying in God's love.
CCXVII.
1729: "But woe, woe, woe our souls unto!
1730: we would not happy be;
1731: And therefore bear God's vengeance here
1732: to all Eternity.
1733: Experience and woful sense
1734: must be our painful teachers,
1735: Who'd not believe, nor credit give
1736: unto our faithful Preachers."
1729: "But woe, woe, woe our souls unto!
1730: we would not happy be;
1731: And therefore bear God's vengeance here
1732: to all Eternity.
1733: Experience and woful sense
1734: must be our painful teachers,
1735: Who'd not believe, nor credit give
1736: unto our faithful Preachers."
CCXVIII.
1737: Thus shall they lie and wail and cry,
1738: tormented and tormenting;
1739: Their galléd hearts with poison'd darts,
1740: but now too late repenting.
1741: There let them dwell in th' Flames of Hell:
1742: there leave we them to burn,
1743: And back again unto the men
1744: whom Christ acquits, return.
1737: Thus shall they lie and wail and cry,
1738: tormented and tormenting;
1739: Their galléd hearts with poison'd darts,
1740: but now too late repenting.
1741: There let them dwell in th' Flames of Hell:
1742: there leave we them to burn,
1743: And back again unto the men
1744: whom Christ acquits, return.
CCXIX.
1745: The Saints behold with courage bold Saints rejoice to see Judgment executed upon the Wicked World. Psal. 58:10.
1746: and thankful wonderment,
1747: To see all those that were their foes
1748: thus sent to punishment.
1749: Then do they sing unto their King
1750: a Song of endless Praise;
1751: They praise his Name and do proclaim,
1752: that just are all his ways.
1745: The Saints behold with courage bold Saints rejoice to see Judgment executed upon the Wicked World. Psal. 58:10.
1746: and thankful wonderment,
1747: To see all those that were their foes
1748: thus sent to punishment.
1749: Then do they sing unto their King
1750: a Song of endless Praise;
1751: They praise his Name and do proclaim,
1752: that just are all his ways.
84
CCXX.
1753: Thus with great joy and melody
1754: to Heav'n they all ascend,
1755: Him there to praise with sweetest lays,
1756: And Hymns that never end;
1757: Where with long rest they shall be blest,
1758: and naught shall them annoy,
1759: Where they shall see as seen they be,
1760: and whom they love enjoy.
1753: Thus with great joy and melody
1754: to Heav'n they all ascend,
1755: Him there to praise with sweetest lays,
1756: And Hymns that never end;
1757: Where with long rest they shall be blest,
1758: and naught shall them annoy,
1759: Where they shall see as seen they be,
1760: and whom they love enjoy.
CCXXI.
1761: O glorious Place! where face to face John 3:2. happiness and incomparable glory there.
1762: Jehovah may be seen,
1763: By such as were sinners while here,
1764: and no dark veil between!
1765: Where the Sunshine and light Divine
1766: of God's bright countenance,
1767: Doth rest upon them every one
1768: with sweetest influence!
1761: O glorious Place! where face to face John 3:2. happiness and incomparable glory there.
1762: Jehovah may be seen,
1763: By such as were sinners while here,
1764: and no dark veil between!
1765: Where the Sunshine and light Divine
1766: of God's bright countenance,
1767: Doth rest upon them every one
1768: with sweetest influence!
CCXXII.
1769: Oh blessed state of the Renate!
1770: Oh wond'rous happiness,
1771: To which they're brought beyond what thought
1772: can reach or words express!
1773: Grief's watercourse and sorrow's source
1774: are turn'd to joyful streams;
1775: Their old distress and heaviness
1776: are vanishéd like dreams.
1769: Oh blessed state of the Renate!
1770: Oh wond'rous happiness,
1771: To which they're brought beyond what thought
1772: can reach or words express!
1773: Grief's watercourse and sorrow's source
1774: are turn'd to joyful streams;
1775: Their old distress and heaviness
1776: are vanishéd like dreams.
CCXXIII.
1777: For God above in arms of love
1778: doth dearly them embrace,
1779: And fills their sprights with such delights
1780: and pleasures in his Grace,
1781: As shall not fail, nor yet grow stale,
1782: through frequency of use;
1783: Nor do they fear God's favor there
1784: to forfeit by abuse.
1777: For God above in arms of love
1778: doth dearly them embrace,
1779: And fills their sprights with such delights
1780: and pleasures in his Grace,
85
1782: through frequency of use;
1783: Nor do they fear God's favor there
1784: to forfeit by abuse.
CCXXIV.
1785: For there the Saints are perfect Saints,
1786: and holy ones indeed;
1787: From all the sin that dwelt within
1788: their mortal bodies freed;
1789: Made Kings and Priests to God through Christ's
1790: dear Love's transcendency,
1791: There to remain and there to reign and
1792: with him Eternally.
1785: For there the Saints are perfect Saints,
1786: and holy ones indeed;
1787: From all the sin that dwelt within
1788: their mortal bodies freed;
1789: Made Kings and Priests to God through Christ's
1790: dear Love's transcendency,
1791: There to remain and there to reign and
1792: with him Eternally.
| The day of doom; or, A poetical description of the great and last judgment | |