Gospel sonnets, or Spiritual songs. : In six parts ... Concerning creation and redemption, law and gospel, justification and sanctification, faith and sense, heaven and hell.

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V

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Sliliiiiiniiiiiiiiiii iKiii •iiiiiiiiiiiiMHiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiHiniiiiiiiiiriiMiliiKlilm

\

THE GIFT OP

Joseph S. Allen

ZlliHiiillliiriif'

A 51097 5

IlliflUlIu:

17'

1

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r,

'

17

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C O S P E L S 6 N N E T S:

O R.

SPIRITUAL SONGS,

IN SIX PARTS.
I. The Believer's Espousals.
H. The Believer's Joihtture.

III. The Believer's Riddle.

IV. The Believer's, Lodging.
V. The Believer's Soliloquy..

- VI. Th~e Believer's Princib^^es,

CoilCF. RKIMG

Creation and Redemption,.

Law and Gospel,

Justification and Sanctification,

Faith and Sense,

Heaven and Earth,

By the late Re te rend

.Mr. RALPH E R S K I N E,
Miniiter of the Gofpel at Dunfermline.

THE TWENTY. FOURTH EDITION,
lo which the Ho/j Scriptures are fally extended.

- To which is naw prefixed,

An Account of the Author's Life and Wrhingi^
Hira canam^ fed vera canam. Buck. Pf. Ixxviii.

EDINBURGH:

£NT£D for JAMES AND ANDREW DUNCAN,
booksellers, GLASGOW*
MyDCC^XCUI/

10

\

4Sr If the ntimbcr of editions of any perfcnr*
mance be a mark of public approbation, Mr,^
Erskike's Gospel Sonn£T6 ha¥e a claioi ta
that diftindioQ, and they may be ranked a-
mongft thofe of general e,fteem and ufefulneis ;.
few booH have been fo often printed in the
fame fpaqe of time.

The prefent edition, it is hoped, will be
found no lefs worthy of public encouragement^
than thofe that have gohe before it, as cohJl*
derable attention has been paid to the correft-,
m|g, by comparing it with former editions; and.
every thing \^ to be found here thkt has ap-
peared in the moft approved cojaes of the Gof->
pel Sonnets.

Mr. ErskineX Poems, as Dr. Bradbdrt*
fays, are greatly to be efteemed ; and above all^
for« that which animates the whole, the favouc
of divine and experimental knowledge.

P E E F A C E
PUB L I S H E R.

POETlCA.'ti5ompofoion*, it iialJ readilj. be admittedt
are of a Tery aoti|ntjoriginal $ -and Very early fpecuacos
?0f. this kind of.writintg are. yet to ^e found •« record v both in
;£icred tf and pro^oe^uflQry.— Writings in p«efy have many
^^alLar exceUencies io them^ and particular h4vtAUgt% at-
'teadiag them : and when meni endued wttU poetical udepts*
DQ ^employ -"them on fobj^s of real importance, the fparidiog
•) ^nd flowery iro;iges<. the magniiceot and lofty e!Kprei&6n8t and
4 Mthe finking figuies and rhetorical embelliflinientS) add fuch
^ a native grandeur digoi^y^ wad naajefiy to the fubjed» that
^ the mind is not only truly eloTated) the attention gained, the
afle^ons moved, . and devottoa excited i b«t the mensory it
gradually ^prepared to retain and be benefited ^bythenH' on ac*
count of the beaeiifiil «nd ele^iat ouinDer in which ^e vari-
ous topics are elucidated. . . <

Tlo flifcjejft is more ioterefiing, or ^n>be 9 &ter theme, foe
the(e veiled with a., poetical genms, than thefe of an evangcH*
caf nature^ either direi&ly founded upon &me p:-)rticula|' por-
lion of facr^ writ, or. drawn firoin it, fiy .jofl and neccHIu-y
confequence., 'Mo writings, <for ju^nefs of femi me At; {utdiur
biimity of Aile, can equal or compare with thefe of divine in*
fpiratton: and though the myiieries of ChciiHanity, and the
woodecs 6f our holy religion^ Rand in no need of gay Urimiog^
and poetical embeUtfhmeots to fet theip offi yet fuch is the
Ibperior excellency 'of itofpirtd poefy, that the brighteft and

^i^

f-SeetheSdng'oTMo)esattheRedSeaA£Kod xv, i, — 2t.
This Song is the moft ancient and fobiinte piece of poetry in
the world : the images are natural ; the arrangement of its
itfeas is beautiful $ ^ and the Urain ol piety which breaches
through thd whole is truely evangelicait

A

PREFACE.

jXtoH elevated , defcriptions of ^ mortal pen raijft vail tpt it:
and thereforje feys a celebrated writer, * If any would attempt

* to be mafler^of true efoqucpce, and aim at a 'proper elevation

* cf (lile, let him read, vfkh unremitting diligeiiGe, the ancient

* prophets, the infpired evangelifts and a!j)oftle8 ; for their

* writings are an abundant iburce of all the ribhe% and oma«
•ment offpeech.'. ... \

It hath been now a long and j\i(l complaint, that poefy^
which is of a divine original, (hould have been fb much dc*
bafed to the worft of purpofes^ in decorating vic^ ^d pro^
fanenefs ; and that men» endued with fuch a happy talent,
ihottldfo much employ it^ in fnmifhing out tbea|;rical eoter-
tainments, or upon ludicrous and profane trifles. How hap-
py would it hav^ been for the world t what an ornament to
Chriftianity and advantage tc the chnrch ; and how honoviring
to themselves, as well as beneficial to the interefls of religion,
bad they employed it on evarigelical and divine rubj»:£(,s, ia
pomtkig outlche beauties of creation, the bounty of provi«
dence, the depth of redeeming love and gtace, and the e^ceU
lency and fweetnels of true religion and ][>radTcal godtinefs 1

The Rev. Mr. Erskine, Author of the fpllowing Po^ ^/^
was happy in em|)>loying his poetical talent to the beft of pur«
pofes: the fubje^^ he made choice of to handle, were of the
iitmoft importance for mankind to know; his manner of treat-
ing them, truly evangelical; and the fpirit that breathet
thi'ough them, heavenly and divine ; tending to warm the
heart excite to genuine devotioof and 19 injpire the mind
with juft tnd proper fentiments of God and true religion.

the fentiments of Dr. Bradbury, relative to our Author's
j^oetical talent are very juft. * Mr, £r(kine's'*p0.^f«j, fays he»

* are greatly to be e((eemed, for the fweetnefi of the verfe, the
' difpofirion of the (bbje^, the elega^y of the compofition,
< ana» above all. for that which animates the whole> the favour
^ of divine and experimental knowledge 'f*

^ f See his preface to fome of Mr. £i:(|pne's Si|^riQon8» p^af-
, ted at London, in 173s*

^ S -w- . i •

THE

P R E F A C E

T O T H E '

R E A D E R.

READER,

t

WHATEVER apologies this book has fcrmcrly been
prefaced with, fas to the manner in ivhich many linei
in it are written ), inall be here altogether dropt and forborn.
I now dHmtfsit as it is, under the condufl of dirlne provi-
d«nce> to take hs hazard in i^he %oHd ; fince it has a^eadjr
ferved its appremicefliip under ftjreral impreiHoras, jindl gone
both tbrongh l^ind and hilrd nfege, through good report and
btfd I'epoft. It never promifed moch to them that fcek i3o-
th^g hxkt p^ieafui^c md/kfhja6fhh to their fancy ; but I hkvo
h^ard that it has done forfie fervice (and, I hope, through the
bieffiog of Heaven) it may yet do more) to them ^hat fteft
frhftt and idhjicdthn to their fools.

•^ The late edition of this book at London, being more fii Jl
and complete than any that was formerly emitted, it is fft hej;e
CO ac^u^nt the reader, that this is printed exa(5tfy ofFthe Lon-
don copy, without any material additioh or aheration, except
in tke third part of the b^ok^ that comes under the name of
Riddics^ or ta>yfteries 5 and part fixthy ehap. iL fc<t. 1. intit*
ted. The b^Hev^et^s principtety ceftcerni^g the myfierUs of^ihe
ktm Mnd gufpih both of which (becaufe there were fcvcral
demands ffi thki country for a new edition) I thought fit to
eobfirm hy fcriptufe texts, cited %x the bottom of the page, for
Che benefit of tfaofe that are wegk in knowledge and nnac
qasnced with the fcr^nre*. 1 have dire £):ed them by a let-
ter of the aiphabet^ sit every branch of the fentence that is ei-

* The feriptures \t this cditioo are extended at fall length-

* PREFACE.

thier feemingly or really oppofite to the otbcr, nniolbmtimj^
tural text, one^or more* for e^incin^ the troth thereof: by
-which means the weakeft that is williogt may come to yn^
derftand the mott difficult patadox^ or myftery, meDtk>ne<l'
in this woYk i' §!t leail'fo far as to f^e, that eyery part of it i»
founded on the ivord of God, either diredDy, or' by plain and'
oeceflary coafeqacnce. Oxtly this general rule is to be obr
ferredy namelyi That the reader always <;ofifider wbat is the-
fi]kje6t treated in every fe^on or fHu)za; and^this, for* the-
lake of the roofe illiterate^ I (hall ifiuf^rate by two examples,,
the 6ne concerning the /aWf the other concerning the heiicvifn^.
The former you fee Fart. 111. it€u vi. lioc i^%.

Pm mf obliged to ksef it more ;

Tef fnore QtUg'd than c*er before^ "^

Here you are to remarkf that as the fubjedl fpoke pf,is tHo^
LAW ; fo the law in fcripcure is confidered two ways^ ¥i,z&.
both as a covenant of works ^ and as a rule of dutj^* Ngnw» that
the believer is under no obligation to the faw^ as it is a cove*.
uAttt of laorht #r to perform obedience to i^;is a ground o£
jl^nification,^ (which is alfo the (tibje^ treated in that fe^icHiJr
is confirmed in. the foot notes by the following fcrip,tures» to
which you. ate direfled by the letter (/), Rom. vi. .44. Gal«
▼,* I, 1,3, 4. Where you may fee the believers are laid to b^
not under the law, hut under grace, i and exhorted Kt^Jiand
fa ft. in. the Itberty wherewith Chrift hath made t him free ;^ and:
afluredy. that Chrift is became of no tjfeS to them^ whofosver-
^ftktm are jupifted by. the law ; they, are fallen from grace.
«^ Again, that the beGeyer is under more obligation than ever
before he was juflifiedi to yield obedience to the law a^ it is a
rule of life ^ (which is the oth^r branch of that paradox), is,
confirmed by thefe following; texts ot* fcripturei to> which yoti.
are diredlcd by the letter {t)^ Rom» vi« i, 2ff 15. where tt is-
faid, Shall we continue in ftn^ that grace may abound P Cod.
forbid',, how fh all we that are dead t» fin ^ live any longe^r
therein ? What then? fhall we fn% becaufi we are not unr
der tie law but under grace? Cod forbfd.--^Ttom which
texts, together with their contexts, it is evident, that the be-.
Kever*s ^eedom from the law as a covenant* dtoes not at all
A-ee him from obligation to it as a rufe,^ hut finperadds-to th^
"^nuralobligatioOi that of ^cfi,: which bptbargumentatively and

. t K-t i A C t. 7

cftftWdy teaches what the law does authoritatively and pre*
ceptifelv, namely, ta deny ungodline/s and worldly lujis^ and -
H^tjbherlyy righftovjfy, and godly In this frejent vtOKld^
Tffif. n, li. ' . _ .

The otl«r example I add a ce^ you may reajc^ . Par(^ Itfv
M. ^ litie 4 J. where the words arci

• ■ *
To good and evil ^^»^/ ^^^^ .*

Vfn bi)th a d^vil and a faint*

Here the feadei- may notice, that the iubjed fpokcn ^U i$
the BiLiBvFK, bf the feint's old and new man defcribeil,
(which is pan of the title of that fcdtion}, or confidered as to
his unregenerats an^ regenerate part ; in which view he is
frcqaendy (poke of in fcripturc ; ex gr, i John iii. 6, 9. it is
faid of the Wievcr, Or the pcrfon born of God, that hs finneth
#cf, and that h cannot fin^ becaufe he is Born of Cod c-^hcrc,
be is fpokfen of ^s to his new natut'e, or regenerate part. Bi^r*.
I John i. 9. the words are, If we fay that we hane no fin y we ^
deceive onYfeboes^ and the tratB is not in us / where the a-
poftle ipeaks ef Believers ianregenerate and corrupt part»-
Now, this being the fcriptural re^prefentatioa of the believ^r^
the forefaid paradox is eaiily |>roven from fcripture.

The firft branch is. That he is equally bent to ^ood aadf^
to ctU. For the proof df this, you are dire<fted ifr the foot*
note to Roiti. vit. 21. where the apqille Paul, fpeakingboth
of his corrupt and renewed part, fays, J find a law^ that
when J wauiddo good, evil is prefent tjilh me. ^ And, if
you read the preceding and following context, you will iibd'
Hm complainihg. how c«rruptiod bends him as far one way as
jrabe another.

Thcother part of the fatne paradox is, That the believer*
is, on thcfe accounts, both zdtvH and a faint* Now,, that

3c believer is by nature and con option a devil ^ is one branch
this pofition here to* be corifimied* That l^e is' fo by na^
fure^ is pfoven by the following fcriptutes^ in the forecited
page at tne bottom, John vi. 70. and viii.^ 44. compared.;.
irhere Chrift, fpeakmg c^f fome that were in a natural ftate,*
V tiz. of Jadatt and the Jews, dhcovers wh^t is the (late of ali
^eniy oatut-c, /^^/ they are of their father the deviU fince^
tit iujlxbj tkeif father they ibfU do ,- aiid therefore may b"

a . P ^ E F AGE.

called c evils, ^8 ojur Lded oaU8> Judts, fayingt 7 hauetcH-
ftn fou twelve f and ont ofyou^ha dewt* And fuch. are,
believers a^fo naturally, a» defcendants of the fird Adam, be.*
ing,. c^t dren af difoSetd'tencey and cbtidren oj wrath by ^a*»
turt^ iveji as others^ Eph. ii. 2, 5* And that the believer
is fo»tiot only By rfature, but alfa by reaioo of remaining C9r*^
ruption^ is proven at the foot of the fame page, from
James iii. t j. where that apofile^ fpif^king of ftrife aod •nvjfv.
that may be «ven among the children of God^ (.Which indeed^
hva too much taken place in a]l ages), fays, This wifdom de*
xfcendethn^f'ff^m ahove^ but ts earfhiy^Jtnfuaiy devili/hi
Again, that though. the believer be by nature and corraption*
a^ devil, yet he is, by grace and regeneration, a (atnt, is do-
•amented alfo, in the fame page, from i Cor. vi. iu Suck^
were fame §fyou ; but ye ar»fan8ified^ &c.

In this matu^er, you* may eafily go over all the refl of the?
paradoxes, riddles,, or ray Aeries, contained m this book, ancL
&id.them evidently confirmed by the fcriptnrea of truth, thee
word &F God. This might be no unprofitable exercife, but
tend to lead ypo into th^ trua knowledge of the Gofpeli to.
which myAeriea are fo elT-nrial, that it is deiigned by thcm».
and called the vj'tj^dom of Ged in a ityftery^ i Gor ii* 7. ;.
attd' theknowlec^ge of which is fo eflemial to ChrifHahity,
ajad fo abfolutely.neceflary to faJvation, that the fameap^Aie
declares xh^xifeur^ofprelbe hidy. it/ts hid tatkeM that art^
hft; ift whom the g^d 9/ this world hath blinded tha minde,
of them which believe not, tefi the light of the ghrsous g^ffeL
efChriJf^ vJio.is. the. mage oj Cifdy Jhouid Jhi^n^ untf^ihem^,
a Cor, vi. 3.

Agairi^ if you fearch the f&riptures« yoGiWillfaiinany morei
proofs for every point than 1 have adduced, and perhaps ma-.
i|y mu<^ more' appofite ; for. thefe only are fei dowfi ai the-
bottom of the page that £ril o'ccured to me : yel» I fcppofc^;
though fome^ifnes but one, and fometlmes more &riptuf«^ are^
pointed OMt, t^ty are fuch as fufiiciently. confirm the pofitipni^
they relate to^ Biu that other fcripture& might have b^en ad«.
duced in plenty^! I fballgiveone inftsince, in the paradox. juft,
jfow mentidnedv viz» That eve^ believer, while in this world>.
i^ bxnh a devil and a faint:, .The latter claafe is what none.
will di?Dy, qamely. That every tw^ hdievcr is a faint f for^
fur>her^ proof oFwhifh, you nit&ht fefe A^ XV. 9, and XKvi..

i&,.4:c. * Jtut bccaufe tlje'firff dadBwai fccro-ni^ \mt^^

r R E F A C E. 9

km^^y 1»y ^ripture i>e aUb further evmced two way$^ tA la
sefpcd ol* ih^ daily commif&ao of fin he hat to challeog? higi-
fiekf Vi'rh ; for the fcckpture fayn £ccL vii. 20. Tb^rc is nat^
a jt//i man vp^n. earth , ^ tira$ dodh g^^d and fi/m^th noi»
And with this compare i JJohn iii. 8. Jii that cpfnuaitt^i^
Ja^ is. oj tbt dievii Heoce it is plaio* there ia not a iuA
naa upon earth, hot may, in refpe^of the cooimiifion cf fio*
he called a devil.* idljh In cefpc^ of prevalent temptaiioos« by
vhichhe'roay be huiried imathofe things thai favour not #/
Cod^ but $Jmen\ on vbtch account Chrift fays to Peter*
Matth. XYi. jj. Cetthei behind me^ SaUn. And if Chrift
calls Feter t devil^ whom he had defcrihed as a iaine of'-tht
irft magnitude,, ver. 17* One divinely bltdTed aod eniightn.
•Dcd; what occafion may e vary believer have to call hismelC
a devil ! Yea» it ia a part of his faith and fan^ity, to fee and
acknowledge, with ,fhame before (he Lord» bis own devtlifh.
and defperately wicJced heart and- nature ;. which a blind^. felf*
conceited world are ignorant* of^ hcing neither acquainted
with themf^lvea* nor with God and his word. Uowcvert lot
tt is that the more any fliall fearch the fcriptore^ the moref.
1 hope, will they dKbern, not only by the texts I have(^|aotjp>
«d| bat from many others alfo, |he tcutt; and evidence of cve-
xy part of this book,, however mj^erious fomc paiiages of it
nay ietm to manyu.

Though fomt of theft lines may wanti the jpolit^iieft thai
can pieafe the curiooa age, yet, while they (land firm upon %
&fiptoral finnidaiio, none ofthem want authority, and that
of the higheft nature,, except in the account of mockers,, and
tfiofe of (whom there are too many in our dUy): that are eitheV
Deifts, who undervalne the fcripturjt, or Atheifls, who de-
cide it : and it i» ladly to be negretted,. that thofe people are
hardened ifi.their wioLed principler and pnadNces, by Amie
that perhaps bare a. higher profelEon. For«. 1 have (eeatwa
§nott» one called the Gtmsl and another the L^ygfi^ whereia
£>me lines, picked ont among others, hare been expofed to
ridicule ; but ^wtver fuch gentlemen mxy. laugh at their
#wa.fport, and wickedly divi^.themfehes with itriottt>fiia^
loffs for a time^ 1 fieas their laughing will iffiie in weq>ing for
•ter^ t£ Cod» by giving them repentance do not make ihxm
groan tq pvrpofe,. for the evidence thqr thus ^ive 0/ eith^:
their gfitvqys ignorance of the icriptutet, or thejr grois pro^

f^*^ mi ^^ f^fl^lS^ ^ ptU lbc#)ivca i«.^tt8ic9tp

lO

F R E F A C E.

rf the dcTil, to promote the O^theiftical fpirk of the age,
which it 4>ci>t enough (ivtthoirt any foch provocations) ta
Iftirgh at every thing ferioirt, facred, and fcriptmal. This is
fo patpoMef withoQt my ohfetvatma upon it^ asd fo felf^eti^
deat to all thac ft$T God, and have had the patience to reacf
fiich prims, that I wqtild not have thought them vftriti itiy
Boricing fe far, as to make this bare mention of them, had
Ikot Providence p(>t the .pen in toy hand to preface this edi-
tioD» whertin fcfiptar^ proofs are added to that part of the
book.

ReadfTy It gives me fatisfa^ion enough to underftand, that
this book has already been ufeful and edifying to fome, how*
eVcr it is entertained by others. The gofpeJ itfelf i^ to fonie
^i\t favour of Irfe^ to others the favour cf death ; to fome
tDi/aomt to others foaiijhne/t ; to forae matter of faith, love,
and comfort, to othei^s matter of mockery and fcorn. I (hall
be far from thinking it any difcredit or difparagement to this
book, if it meet with the like entertainment. — May the Lor<£
of heaven and earth, Avho over-ru!es alf things, accompany u»
tn its joornies abroad or at home, with bis bleiUng to man^r
fouls 'f and to his care I commend it> in the wojrd^ of a £^
^ou$ Scots poet, upon Ffalm x^xv. i.

Rerum fatiBe Opsfex^ ades^

Et patrocimo protege me fuo.
Which may be adapted to the matter in hand thus f

n^ truth which heti may criticife^
, Cfidt Cud^ hi mar to pafroniiLe,

.1 t I

f 11 I

AYomt, dedicated to the Reverend Mr. Ralph

«

JERSKjrNi^^by a Lady ip Ncw-En^land, upon
f eaiding his Goi^I-Soxuiets^

ERSKINE, thoii blciTed hertid, foond
TUKfiaVUack empire totter, to the grpaodv
Well haft thou Sioai't awAii flamet difplayM*
Anfi- rebeP« doQ^ before 4hcir coDfctencc )siA 1 .
From fin». from &If, fiEom trqft io duty fljr^,
Commit thy naked foul to Chrifl» or die.
Go 00 and proiper'ia the name of^of^God,
Serafbtc preacher., through the thof^ny xtaA\.
The gracixuis Chrift, thy labours «u]l -reiKard \>
Mis angel bands-be tliy nerpetual goard ;.
Though bell's dark region* at the prefent hifst^
The God. of glory thy ftrong refuge is*
Mere moral preachers bate no powV to charr^i.
Thy iiqes are fuch my nobler pallions warin ;;
Tkefe glorious truths hfive £et my foal on fire».
And while I r&ad« t'm^o^e and pure defire.
- May the black traio of errors hatched in hell
Na longer on tMs globe in quiet dwell ;
May more like you be rais'd to. fhow their fbame^.
And cail them by their, diabolic name^ ^ ,

Exalt the Lamb in lovely white and red«
Angels and faints his lading hoDOurs fpread ;.
My trembling foul (hall bear her feeble, part,
^Fis he hath cbarm'd my foul, and won my hear^ ;
Blefs'd be the Father for eltdiug love,:
Biefs'd be the Son who does my. guilt remove,. '
Sle/s'd be the I>p?e who does his grace apply«.
Qh. I may 1 praifing live, aijd praifiog di^ I.

s -

SOME

A C C O U NT

OF THE REVEHtWfi

Mr. RALPH ERSKINE.

THE Ret. Mt. RAlLPH ERSKIIW: was honOHrably
defcemied ofTcfy refpts^ble dnceftors ; his father,
ihc Rev. Mr. Hbwrt ERsfctNft, beihg imt of the thirty-
three children of. Raiph ErskinIi of Shieldfield, a femily
of confiderable reptJte and ftanding tfi the county of Mef fe,
and originally defeetided from the ancient honfe of Mar.
Our Author, and hii brother, the Rev. Mr. Ebekezer
E&SKiNE, late MiAiftef ofthe Gofp^l at Stirling, were two
of the children of the ^id iteV. M<r. Hiniiv/Erskin£, who
was fometinitf Mintfter of the Gofpel at Cornwall, afterwards
at Chimfide*; a man eMh^ht in his daj^ and juftly didio*
guiflied for liis \iiHy ind firm attachment to Fre(b^rt;^a
Principles : For his ftedfa(l adherence t6 which, he was fub«
jedted to . ta^nf confiderable hard'^^ip8 in the latter part of
the lad century, during tlic perfecuting petfod of Charles 11.
and James VlLf.

The Author of the following Poems^ was bom at Mont-
laws, in the county o{ NorthombeHand, on Sabbath the 1 5tb
of March, 1685, at three o'clock in the afternoon ; and bap*
. sized at Clitrnfidc On the jth of April faid year, by the Re-
verend Mr. William Violand.

He gave pretty early prt7o6 of a great genius and fine
fiiacy ; and feveral ioftances of a pious difpoftfion and a fo-
lid way of refleding on matters. On this account he was,
by his parent*, early deftined for th^ holy miniftry, who re-
iblved to give him a regular and liberal education, ia order to
qualify htm for that important office. .

«

* Cornwaii is in the fhire of Northumberland i Chirnfide^
lies about five miles from Berwick upon Tweed, in the Scots
ide.
i_^ t See the condouation of Calaaay's life of Baxter, p^ 68x.

Whes he i^ad aoquire4 a competent in^Qr« af Qittmmaiv
and other tatrodu^ory parts ^ f da^a^icn, h^ 'w«tpt t# ttit
iiaiverfi.*y'of EdinUirgb, ta complete his (ladies ; where hf
went throu^gh the ordinary com&s of t^hilofopby and pi?i«
vitY with (ucceft ; afid made a coivTiderable progrefs i^ ail tht
dii&rcDt brapch^ of ht^at«re : for, he fooa, became a ii«9
precuui, aod ei^lkpt i.ogieiaB9 and an ac^om^^/hf d Fhil^v
ibpher. 'But after bavip^ ac^aired foch a competfen^ loeafiir^
0t ksowlcdge, ia theif Tarioi^ branches of erudrtkx^ Ik gar^
t^imfelf up to the (lady of tjkeotogy, his darling and b^lovvd
topif; ; in which h^ i^adc gce^it pogsc^s, a% hi« pfodu^ioM
therein dO' abondantly e?iHettce.

The ordinary coifrfe of pbiloToph^I and tb^o^ical fta*

dies being gose ihrpugl^ at th^; coUege of £diit1>»rgfa«i with

fiicceis I h^ was, in th^ praTid«QC^ 9f God, ^)led forth t#

appear in a public ch^jFa^ei; ; and beisg w^li rsfKurted of, by

ai) who ki\ew hinv for s^ convcriatio^k b^pmi^g the gofpcl*

he was accprdingty lakea upoo uiaif byr the BrtC^y^eiy of

Dunfenrdioe : and havii^g £ini(hed the ufuai pieces of trial

aligned him, to the. ei^tice fatisfadiqn pf. the Prcibytery, ht

was by them lic^^d tQ^pcea<;h» ^ 4 pix^ba^^ioner, the emlaft*

log gQfpei> ^ on the i^h ^f Ju^, 1 799* la wbioh capaci*

tj he e3(ercifed tbi^ talenis whi(;k the Lord had gracioafl]f

conferttd Ofi him,* within the.l;»ovnds of thi^iaid Fr^^ytery^

boili in vacancies and fetded cengrega^ioi^t to the great fatia*

fadioo of his hearers* both n^ioiiiers and peqile, as hi«

certificate froin that Pr.eibytery> dated /ipril ^tb^ i7itt

exprefly hears. — In th.is Itatipn of life he did not lo9g re«

main : Providenpe fpon opened a door Cor hi^ ; and h^

got an unanimous caU.* frotn ihe pa^'idMOoers ^of £)unferrn*

line, oa the firit of May 1 7 1 Ly to ej^^rcips ins minUtqrial

talents and ai^iixties ainongil theni; whxh call was appro»

yen of by the ii're/hyt^ryi on the day fbliowing» , as regq/t

lariy proceeded in. He went. through the ttfua) pieces of

trial, for ordinatioQt pf^fcribed by- the,.Pre(bytery, with ap*

probatioo> and tikereupon they ia him apart to the office o^

the holy miniOry, i^ the collegiate charge of Dunfermline^

00 Ai^uft 7th, 17 1 1.

Under the chaxa^er of a; minifler of the gofpel, haying
now a paftocal relation to a particular flock ; m ttit churcl\
uniFeriiU^ he diXermined. npt t<> kfiow. anj Phi^g Javf J^^

f4 '^^ Iate4/ tie AvTHoc.

fiis Chrtfl Mttd him cruehfi^^r^ «He was hift^mf in fiitj^^t
iind iMirf of/e0/bfpf is di parts Msf of his TniDiderial Isbourt^
Kod- gave himfelf- whuHy chrrronto^ exhorting the people
«* under his traft* 'Irora liom to houfe, in the way of family
tifftitfOli } 'exanliliug them more publidy upon the principle!
of od|r M^ reKgiofi; Tffiting the tck when caHed'i and
preaching i!be ererlafttog gofy^U in which he had a very
pleafant and e^^fyhrg g?^. Ht preached, by tiims» wttk
his colleague, tivery babbath and fhurfday^ through the
^ear: and afterwards^ when "he had -ncne, for federal years
before his death, he officiated ^onei ^ery punftaalfyi both
oo Sabbath and week day.

He delivered few extemporary .prodaftiont. His fermont
frefe generally the fruit of diligent ftudy, and aOtduoas ap»
f^hcatton. For the rood part he wrote ail; and kept very
^iofe by his 'notes tn <he delivery, except when the Lord
was plesrfed to carry tn upon Iris nriodt fn tttiie of preach*
Ing, fofflt pat and appofite enlargements, whereof he had no
previous Audy» and to which he oeverthelefs chearfully gave
way, as coming from Hr«i» who has t-he iongue of the
iearned i who Itnowa how to fpcak a word^ in fea/on to
him ihat is wtatf • and wbo fays. It Jhatilt given you
}he fame hour nrhat jre Jbali Jpt^k i for it is not je that
f^e»k,^ iut the Sftrit of your Father that Jpeaketb in you^
He was blefied with a rich and fertile invention, as *ap*
)>ears in the agreeable and entertaining dtvei€ty> where witk
his heads of do^ine are, every where adorned. l*he poe*
Cical genius* with which he was happily endowed, xontri*
bated not a little to the embelKfhment of his difcoarfes, wick
ft Tarlety of pertinent epithets and ftrikinginietaphors.

His gift 'of preaching was both inftru^ing and fearching.
Few t>utfhone htm in the nervous and convincing manner^
whereby he ^oiffirmed :ihe truth of the dodtrines he infifl^
cd on ; and fewer flrll in the warm and pathetic addreft^
in >«bich he enforced the practice of them.
- He peculiarly excelled in the ample «nd free offers of
Chrift he made to bis hearers : and dte captivating and aN
Inriog methods he ti^M^ for gaining their compliance, or
iheir receiving and refting on Chrifl alone for their falva«
ttooi as thu^ freely and ^ily exhibited unto them in the gof-
pel. On all which atcounts fae u'as jufily efteemed, and
and much fbiiowedi as one of the raoii popular and edify-

The Life of the Ai7^ho&*

mg ftestehtft of bis &if. During his time, (acranx

foTemniiicSt ^^ Dunfermline, were very much erouded; i
bers of people, fram feveral parts of the kingdomy refoi
unto them : and the Lord was pleafed to countenance (on
the& cammanions, .with fignal evidences of his gracious
&Dce and inflo^ocef to the fweet did comfortable expert
ofmany.

tt will eafily appear to the Judicious and experienced i
er, in pertiiing bis writiogs, that he had as dexterous a fi
ty in raofackiog the plagues of the heart, and defcribing
diverfided citcumftances of ferions and exercifed foult, \
they had fully communicated their feveraJ doubts and <
unto him ; while, in the meaa time, be was only unfol
the inward experience of his own ibul, what he himfelf
.of the workings of unbeJief, and of the powerful inflaenc
the Holy Spidt, in oppo^tion thereunto ; which could noi
4|uadrate or agree, with the operations of the (elf fame S
of God in others ; for, as in w^ter^ Jaee an/wsreth to j
fo doth the heart of man to man.

This efriineat fervaot of Jefus Chrift, being exercife(
godlinefs from his youth, became, by the grace of God
Jcr'tbe infirfi^ed unit the kingdom of heaven^ whom our I
compares, to an houjholder^ which bringeth forth out oj
treafurcy things new and old. Old invariable truths,
new illuflrations of them ; old experiences, the fame wtti
ther iaii^u before, but new obfervations and improvemenii

[ poa them : (b that, with abundance of pro{)riety, it ma^
laid, that there are few perplexing doubts, or intricate a

[ which the famts have, at any time, been.^x^rcifed wizht
are not in (bme one ojr other of hjs fermonss very judicio

\ folved,. and diflin^lly elucidated, . or cleared up.

During our Au^or's life- time, and at the in^ortnnit
many of his acquaintances, both minifters and people, he {
£ihed a great number of his fermons, on the moil interef

i fobjeds, which were well . relifhed by the truly godly,

( had their praifes in the churches of Chrift, both at home
abroad. Thefe, with feveral otheis, tranfcribed from
notes, were fir(l colledted together, after his death, and p
iiihe4 ^oog with his poems, in two large volumes in fd
aothe yeariL 1764 and 176^* ppoud in an elegant mann
2Qd^ mice that time, re* printed in ten large volumes 9<^2

t6 The hiTE o/th A.VTHOK*

for the more conveniency of readers and parchafersi with coa«
liderable additions and amendments *,

Wc cannot difmifs this account of our Author, without '
taking notice of another particular concerning him> which con*
flitutes a very material branch of his character* He was not
only defervedliy efteemed as a judicious Divine $ butalfp much
refpeded as a good Poet : And he hath favoured the world
with feveral excellent productions of that nature, which have
all met with a very favourable reception. His poetical talent
was employed chiefly on divine fubje^ ; he bad no relifli
and tafte for any other. In his younger years, at his leifure
hours, he compofed the following piece, which is now intitled.
Gospel- Son nets: or, Spiritual Songs ^ in fix parts. The
ufefulnefs of this poetical compend of the revealed principlet
of our holy religion, for promoting the life of faith, comfort,
and holinefS) will be experienced, it it hoped, by many of thft
faints of God, to the lateft pofterity.-^This piece was fo well
I'elilhed, that it hath undergone a multitude of impreifioQS ;
and the demand for it is as great as ever.

About the year 1738, he emitted into the world his poeti*
cal paraphrafe upon the whole book of the Song of Solo«
MON ; which indeed is an evangelical comment, done in a
firain adapted to the NewTeftiunent di^niatidn, npon that

, * That eminent divine, the late Rev. Dr Brai>vury, tii
in his preface to a coUe^ion of fome of Mr. Erikine's Ser*
ftions^ pHnted at London, in 1739^ expreffet himfelf in the
following manne)*: ** Thefe Sermons, faith be, have no need
*' of my recommendation : the reader wtllfind in them a faithful
*< adherence to the defign of the gofpel, a clear defence of
*< fhofe do^rines that are the pillar acnd ground of truth, a
<< large compafft of thought, a ilrong force of argument, and a
** happy flpwof woi^s, which are both jadicions, and £uni-
" liar; and they have been gready blefTed to the edification of
•• many, efpecially the fpor of the flack.

The words of the late juftly celebrated and pious Mr. Heu*
VEY are very fignificant, and truly exprcffive of the high e»
ftecm he had for Mr. £r8kine*s Works.—** Was I to read
** with a (Ingle view to the edification of my heart, to trpe
<* faith, folid comfort, and evangelical holtncft ; I would 4iave
<* recoarfe to Mr. EasaiirE, and take his volumes for mjt

*f9idfl my C9trtf(9nhfi^ aad ntj ^vtn ftmUufr jricnd:\

* .

Tht Life <?/ tht Auth^s* 17

attegoncal or iigonitive part af holy writ.-— This perfbrmuce
has Ukewife beeo very acceptable, an'd u&df rgone a Yaricty o(
edmoBs.

% emktiftg the above poetical eiTays into the world, aiKl
ixat fmaller perFormances, our Author's abilities as a poet
ttme to be Jcnoivo ; aad induced the Reverend Syuiod, -of
which he was a mdraber, repeatedly to importune hiin> to
employ ibnae of his vacant hoars» in turning all the poetical
pafTages of facred writ, into common metre, of the fame {tiod
with the Pfalms of David. Thefe recommendations he at
laft complied with ; and his produdtions at lafl made ti^ir ap«
pearance, under the title of Scripture Songs, fel<dled
Irom feveral.pai&ges in the Old and. New Teftament, whicl^
were well reli^ied, and have now undergone feveral editions.

Oar Author, befides his fermons and poems, publiihed fe-
veral tra^s, on foqie points of controverfy, in which he dif*
■ played his abilities as a writer : particularly an elaborate trea*
tile, intitled,' Faith' NO famcy ; or, a Tnatifc oj Mental
Images : a book fiogularly valuable, for the clear and perfpicu*
ous manner in which he hath handled and edablilhed this im«
portant point ; every way worthy of our Author, and refle^ed
the greateft honour upon him ; in regard it hath given t^e
greaieft difplay of his abilities, both as a divine and plu«
lo((n>her, and how capable he was to exhaud any point, when
he (et himfelf to it, even in an abfliadi way of reafoning : --a
book tlvt e£re<^ualiy fllenced all his opponents ; and (lands to
this day uQanfwerec). r .

This faithful and laborious fervant of Jefiis Chrifl, labour*
edfuceefsfttUy in the work of the miniftry, and continued pub*
lidy nfeful in his. Mafter^s work, till within a few days of
his departure ; for he preached in his own pulpit on Sabbath
the 29th of Odober 1752, and he was thereafter fei?ed, ia
Hie tnA oi the fame month, vi%. Qdlober 1752, witH^.a ner*
TOQs fever, (wherein, nevertheleis he enjoyed the exercile of
his judgment and ienfes,) which lafted only for a few day s^
and at iaft was the happy mefienger of freeing him from t;hQ
iocambrances of ^n emb^di^ d ftate, and leading hiip to the
world of fpirits,N and the reigons of eternal blifs and felicitjf ;
for, on the eight day of the fever, h^ fell aileep in the Lbrdf
being Monday, Kov. 6th, 17^2, in the 63th year of his age»
after labouring unweariedly and fucce&fully in- the work of
the miniftry, among his flock in Dunfermline, for the fpace
of forty two years.

|8 The XiFE 9fthi AuTHOitt . -

Mr. firflcmey onr worthy A.iithor, affords r«oiii forlar^e
coromendations» were we difpofed to give them ; and hU
complete cbs^raftcr is truly great, and his difpofition exceed-
ingly amiable. — If he is conGdered as to his natural endow *
ntents^ he poifeHed many (ioe qualities ; he had a fweet tem*
per, a clear head, a rich invention, a lirely imagination, and
a great memory. — If he is viewed as to his acquired aki/i-
ties ; be was well acquainted with all the afefuf branchea of
iiteratur«i neceiTary to adorn the fcholary and the niiniiler.— •
If he is confideredas to his Qjfige\ he was a great and judici*
ous divine, a pions evangelical' preacher, and an able cafuid.
•—In (hort, he was not only a learned man, and an able divine,
but an afTe^ionate familiar friend, a focial companion, a de«
vout Chriftiao, and a burning and fh'tntng light.

By his death, the church ofChriJl loft a great light, a he^
roic champion for the truth, and a bold contender for the
£iith, once delivered unto the faints. — The hod/ he w^s laft
conne^ed with, have been deprived of an ufeful member, and
a ihining ornament to their caufe.^^The congregation he la-
boured among, loH an able faithful mioifter, a laborious and
fuecefsful wreftler, and a painful and diligent in (trustor. —
His family oxA relative s^ loft a true friend, an affectionate hut
band, a tender-hearted parent, and a ftriking pattern of virtue.
—His acquaintances and intimates^ an endearing brother, a
focial companion, and an engaging friend.

Mr. Er/klne was twice married. Hu firfl^ marriage was
5!i^ith Margaret Dewar, a daughter of the laird of Laflbdie ;
\vhich commenced the 15th of July, 1714* She lived wi<h
him about fixteen years ; during which time (he bore tea
children, five fons and five daughters : three of thefe font
were minifters in the Affociation, viz. the Rev. Meffrs. Hen*
ry, John, and James ; the firft ordained ipinifler, at Falkirk,
the fecond at Lefslie, aqd the third at Stirling. Ail of them
died in the prime of life, when they had given the world juft
ground to conceive high expectations of their ufefnlnefs in the
charch. — His fecond marriage was with Margaret Simfbn^ a
daughter of Mr. Simfon, writer to the fignet at Edinburgh,
which took place, February 24th, 173 a. She bore him foar
fohs, and (urvived himfelf fome few years. One of the fens
of this marriage is ftill in Jife, aad refides at London* AH
his other children are now removed by death.

Augup^ 1763.

' An ACROSTIC.

M UCH fanM on earthy rfenownM for piety $
^ midft bright ferapbs now iiogt cheerfaUy.
^ acred thine anthems yield much pleafare here :
T heie fongs of thine do truly charm the ear *•
£ each line thou wrot'ft doth admiration raife ^
X ouie up the fool to true feraphic praife.

X eligiouily thy iife below was fpent :

^^mazing pieafures now thy foul contents

L oog didft thoo iabonr in the church belowy ,

P ointing out Chrift, the LamS who faves from wo^

Hw*^*t bleiTednefe on finnera to beftow.

E RSKiHE the great ! whofe pen fpread far abroadf

R edeeoitag love \ the (ble device of God.

S nb(laotiaI themes thy thoughts did much porfue ;

JTept pure theitruthy efpous'd but by a few.

/ Btegrity of heart, of foul ferene \

No mend to vice, no cloak (o the profane ;

E mploy'd thy talents to reclaim the vain*

* Alluding to his Poetjcal pieces.

T A B L

O F T H E

GOSPEL SONNETS.

\

PARTI.

The Believer's Efpoufals.

preface f Page %%

^HAP, I. A general account of nian!s fall in Adam^ and
the remedy provided in Chrift ; and a particular accoont
ef man's being naturally w«dded to the law as a covenant
of works, a6

Sea. I. The fall of Adam, it.

Sfft. ^. Redemption through Chrift^ 28

Se<5l. 3. Man's le^al difpofitioo, 3 1

Seft. 4. Man's dxid attaehnieot to legal terms, or to the
law as a condition of life^ 33

ScA. 5. Man's vain attempt to feek life by Chrifl*s righ-
teoufoefs, joined with their own ; and legal hopes natural
toaii, "35

Chap. II. The manner of a finner's divorce from the law in
' a work of humiliation, and of his marriage to the Lord
Jefuj Chrijl ; or^ The way how a fioner comes to be a
believer, 39

Se6l T. Of a law work, and the woricings of legal pride
under it, ^ H

Sed. 2. Convidion of (in and wrath, carried on more
deeply and cfFedlually on the hearty 43

Sed. 3. The deeply humbled foul relieved, with fome
faving difcoveries of Gbrijl the Redeemer, ^&

Sed. 4. The workings of the Spirit of faith, in fepara«
tin£ the heart from all felf rightcoufnefs, and drawing out
its confent to, and dcfire after Chrift alone and wholly, 48

Sed. 5. Faiih's vfcw of the freedom of grace, cordial
renunciation of all its own ragged rightcoufnefs, and for-
mal acceptance of and clofirg with the perfon of glcrious
Chrift, S ^

ChAf

/
/ The TABLE. . 21

)ap. III.- The fruits of the believer's marriage with Chrlfl^
panic ularly gofpei-hoUnefS) and obedience to the law ^s
a rule, 5/

Sedl. r. Thefweet felemnity of the matriage bow ovefy
tad the fad e0edl$ of the remains of a legal fpirtt, f^.

Sed. 2. Faith's vidtories over fin and SaUn^ throagh
new and firther dtfcoTeries oiChrlft^ making beUevers more
fruitfai in holineis, than ail other pretenders to works, 57

•Seft. 3* True faying faith magnifying the law* both as a
covenant and role. Falle faith unfruitful and ruining. 59

Sed. 4* The believer only, being married to Chrift is
jufltfied and fandified ; and the more gofpel freedom from
the law as a covenant, the more holy conformity to it as a
rule, r ^. . 62

Sedt. 5. Gofpel-grace giving no liberty to fini but to ho*
ly fervice and pure obedience, 5^

Cbaf* IV. A. caution to all againft a legal (pint, e^cially
to thofe that have a profciEoa without power, and learn-
ing without grace» « 67

Chap.V. Arguments and encouragements to go^ mini-
flers to avind a legal flrain of dodhine» and endeavour
the finner's match with Chrift by gofpel means, 7 C

Sed. f • A legal ftnrit the root of damnable errors, i^,

Sedt. 2. A legal itrain of doctrine dilcovered and diicard-

edi 7Z

Se^ I). The hurtfulnefs of not preaching Chrif{, and
diftiogmfhiDg duly between law and gofpel, 74

Sedt. 4* Damnable pride and felf righteoufnefs, (b natu*
ral 10 all men, h$s little need to be encouraged by legal
preaching, 76

Sed. (. The gofpel of divine grace the only means of
converting finners ; and therefoce fhould be preached moft
clearly, fully, and fireely, 79

Chap. VI. An exhortation to all that are out of Chrift, in
order to their clofing the match wkh him \ containing
alfo motives and diceftjons, 84

Sedl. u Convidion offered to finners, dptcially fuch as
are wedded ({ridtly to the law, or felf-righteous \ that they
may lee their need of thrift's righteoufnefs. i'

21 The TABLE.

Se6l. 2. Dircdlion given with' reference to the right ul
of the means, that we reft not on thefe inftijad of Chrift the
glorioas Hufband, in whom atone our help lies, 88

Se<a. 3. A call to believe in Jefus Chrift, withforac hints
at the J^(5t and obgedt of fiuth, ^ 9 1

SeA. 4. An advice to finoers to apply, to the fovereigft
meircy of God, as it is difcovered through Ckrift, to the
higheii honour ofjuftice and othe# divine attributes, in or*
der to farther their /aith in him unto faLvatioHy -95

Sedt 5. The terrible doom of unbelievers that rejedthe
gofpel-matchy the o^ered ^avk>or a&il faivation^ 99

PART II.
, The Believer s Jointure.

Chap. I. Containing the privileges of the beM*Ter that is «•
fpoufed to Chrift byfaith of divine operation, 106

dea. I. The believer's perfeft beauty, free' acceptance,
and fuU/ccurity, through the imputation of Chrif^'s perfect
righteoufnefs, though imparted grace be imperfedt, i^-

Sc6t. 2* Chrift the believer's friend, prophet, pricft, king,
defence, guide, guard, help, and healer, lO*

Sea. 3. Chrift the believer's wondcrftil phyficiao, and
wealthy triend, "i

Stei. 4. The beKever's fafety indcr the covert of Chrift's
attoning blood, and powerful intercefiion, 1 13

Sea. 5. The believer's faith and hope encouraged even in
the darkcft nights of defertion and dift'refs, 1 1 ^

Sea 6. Benefits accruing to believers, from the oiSces,
Damcf, natures, and fofierings of Chrift, n8

Sea. 7. Chrift's Aifferings further improved, aadbehevefs
called to live by faith, both when they have and wani feiifi.

ble influences, ^ «2^

Sea. 8. Chrift the believer's enriching treaforc, 122

Sea. 9. Chrift the believer's adorning garment, ^ 124

Sea. 1 0. Chrift the believer's fweet nouriftiment, 125

ChAp. II. ContatBing marks amd diaraaers of believer* in
Chrift ; together with fome farth«|,priYileges and ground*
of comfort ta bmh * ^

"- — w' »^-

The TABLE. 23

$eft« T. Doubting beKevers called to examiae themfelves
V7 marks drawa^ from their love to him and his prefeoce,
mir View of hit glory^ and their being emptied 0^ felf righ-
teooioe&y &c« ■ jl, 126

Sed. a. Believers defcribed from their ^ith a^ing by
ikmt aid, and fleeing <][uite out of themfelves to Jefos
C&rifty - 129

Sed. f. Believers chara^erized by the objeds and purity '
of their defire, deligbty jay» hatred 1 and lovei difcovering
they have the Spirit of Chrift^ 131

Sed. 4. Believers in Chrift vSiQt his coanlel, word*
ordinances^ appearance, fall enjoyment in heaven^ and
fweet prefence here^ 133

Sed. 5. The true believer's humility, dependence,^ leal,
growth, admiration of free grace, and knowledge of Chrift's
voice, 135

Sed. 6. Trae beUevers are wiliiAg to be tried and exam*
ioed. AJfo comforts arifing to them from Chriil's ready fup-
ply, xtsXfymfaihy^ and relieving names fuiting their need, 138

^6i. 7. The believer's experience of Chrift's comfortable
prefence, or (^former comforts, to be improved for his en*
cburagement and fupport uhder hidings, I4r

Se6t. 8. Comfort to believers from the ftability of the
promife> norwithftanding heavy chadifements for itn, i \^

Sedt. 9. Comfort to believers in Chrift^s relations, his
dying love, his glory in heaven, to which he will lead them
through deaths and fapply> them with all uecciTaries by the
way, 146

i>edl. 10. Comfort to believers from the text, ThyJMa*
her is thj Hujband^ inverted thus. Thy Huf1>and is thy
Maker ; and the concluilon of this fubje^, ij^

^ PART III.

Tbt Biihver^J Riddle i or, The My fiery $fFaith\

7 hi Prefaciy (hewing the ufe and defign of the Riddle, and
how sdl fatal errors proceed from ignorance of fudi my-
fteries. tj2

Sc6t. I. The myflery df the funts pedigree, and e^ci*
^y of their relation to Chrift's wonderful perfon, 1 $<^

Sea* 2. The myftery of the faints life, ftate, and frame^ 16"

a4 The TABLE.

Seit. 3. Myfleries abow iht faints work and war&re,
£iis, forrows, and joys, i<22^

Se£t . 4. Myfteries in faith^s extra6HoDS« way and walk^
jwaycrs Sind anfwers^ heights and depths, fear and io?e, i jg,

Sefl. i* Myft^nes about ftefh and fpirit, liberty and boi|>
dagcy life and death» xoi^

Sc6t. 6. The myflery of free juftification (through
Chrift^s, obedience and fatisfadlion, t^S

Sea. 7. The myftefy of God the juftilier; and fiuth juf-
tifving him, both in his juftffying and condemning^ or foal*
JDitificauon and felf condemnation, * 20 )

Sea. 8. The myftery of fanaification, imperfea in this
Kfe ; or, The believer doing all, and doing nothing, i ti.

Sea* 9. The myftefy of various names given to faints ;
•r, The fleih and fpirit defcribed from inamate things, ve-
getables, and feniitives, 217

Sea. 10. The myftery of the hint's old and new mac
further defcribed, and the means of their fpiritual life, 2 a 4.

Sea. 1 £• The myftery of Chrift,^hi» names, natures, ami
offices, 23 z

Se&. 12. The myftery of the believer's mixed ftate far-
ther enlarged, and his getting good out of evil, 1 aa

Sea.^ 13. The myftery of the faints adverfaries and ad-
verfiticsr 2^5

Sea. 14. The myftery of the believer's pardon and fecu»
rity from revenging wrath, notwithftanding his fin's defert, 25 c

Sea. 15. The myftery of faith and fight, 259

Sea. 16. The myftery of faith and woriis, 26a

And of rewards of grace and debt, 26 7

The conclufion, 2'^ a

P A H T IV.

Thg Believer's Lodgings

A paraphrafe upon Plalm Ixxxiv, ' ^ 272

Exerctie fot the believer in his lodging fourfold^ '2^79

X. The holy law ; ,Qr, The lea comnMndments, ib.

2. The unholy heart the reverfe of God's law, 9A0

3. The glorious gofpel of Chrift the remedy, ib.

4. The prayer of faith exemplified, 281

"i^"vwr*"»"

The TABLE. ^j

P A R T V. ^

Tht Believer^s Soliloquy ; ef^ciaily In times ^fdefcrthn^
Umftation, ajflictioTty istc. iSi

Seft. I, The defcrted believer longing for perfeA free*
^om from fin, i5«

Sefl. 2. The deierted belieTer's prayer under complaifitt
of onbcliefy darkneis, deadnefs^ and hardnefs> 285

Se£b. 5. The belieTer wadding through deeps of defertioo
imd corruption 9 287

Sed. 4. The belieyet's complaint of Gm^ ibrrov, aad
want of lo^e, zS^

Sed. 5. The deferted foal's prayer for the Lord's gra;
<(ioas and fin fubduing prefencc^ 292

Sed,6. The fong of heaven deiired bj faints oa earthy 293

PART, VL ^

V.

» The Believer* s Principles.

€hap, I. Cen^erDing creation and redemption ; or» 3orae
of the f^rft principles of the oracles of Gody zgj

Seft. r. Of creation. The firift chapter of Gendfis com- .,
peodized, ^ »#.

The fnm of creattont 299

Sc£l, 2- Of redemption. Themyfteryofthe Redeet^er's
iacamatioB ; or, God manifefted in the flefti, . ''•

The fum of redemption^ 30Q

Sedb ^. The Red^ttneirfs ^odci; or, Cbrifl'^lin all,
and oar complete redemption. A golpel cat^chifm for
young Chrifliaost \ \ ' 301

Sc€t, 4. Faith and works bo^h ekcladed from the matter
of joftification before God, that redemption may appear to
be only in Chrift, 30S

Chap. II Concerning th« /am and the go/peL 308

Scdl. I. The myftery of law and gofpeJ^ *^.

Scd 2. ThedifFerencebetween tbelawandthego^I, 324
Sed. 3. The harmony between the law and the gofpel, 327
Se£t. 4. The proper place and fiation of the law a^d the
£ofpd| in four paragraphs^ 33^

26 The TABLE.

nirsgraph I. Th«,4^lae»; and ftation of law^and gofpel m

general, 33 Z

Parag. !• The place and ftation of law and goipel in par

ficular, . " 3.^3

Parag. 3. The gofpel no new law ; but a joyful found of

^ grace and mercy. 33^

Parag* 4. The gofpel further "defcribed» as a bundle of

good news and gracious promifes, 341

ChMpAW. Q(mctni\x^jupificathnzndfanctificatioH^ their
difference and harmony, 343

Se6l. I. The <fiffcrencc bctWeen^ jufiification and fan6Hfi«
cation, or righteoofnefs imputed and grace imparted, in up-
wards ©f thirty particulars, ^ it*

Se6b. 2. The harmony between juftification vA fandifi-
catioUf ^ 349

Chap IV. Concerning /tfi/i5 and /Lilys', 351

Se£t. I. Faith and fenfe natural, compared and difiin*

guiihed. .a-

Se£l. %* Faith and fenfe fpiritnal, compared and diftin*

guiflied, ^ ^. 354

Se^. 3* '^^^ harmony and ditcord between nuh and

fenfc, ^^.- 355

Seft. 4. The valour and viftones of faith, 35^

Sedt. 5. The heights and depths of fenfe,^ ^ ^60

Se£t. 0. Faith and frames eompared; of faith building u*

'pon fenfe difcovcrcd, ^6t

Chap.V. ConctrtAnghea^iinaid'eartBt 364

Sea. I. The work and contention of heaven, . ih

Sed* 2, Earth defpicab^ heaven 4cfirable. 367

% •

•Ni^.

• » ' ~ t

7f ♦

m^P^r^

GOSPEL SONNETS.

F A R T I.

.4.

The B^xiETMiV Espousals :

A POEM
C^OR isJUA.iH liv. 5* Tly Mahr is tby btifbanS.

P R E F A C E.

HARK^ dying oaprtal, if the Sonnet prove
jfy&»g ^living and immortal hve^
^s then thy ^rahd concern the theme to huru^
IfXift and immartality be fo.

( Are eyes to read^ ^r ears to bear a tru/i ?

I ^hall both in death be cramnid anon with dujil
IThen trifle noti^plea/e thine ear arid eye^
But read thou^ hear thou^ for eternity. \
furfue notjhadoHvs v^in^d^ but be thy chafe ^
The. God if glory on the field <f grace ■:
The mighty 'hunter' j name is h/i and vain^
^at runs not this fubjiantjal prize t^ gain*
Tbe/e humble lines affume no high pretence^
To pleaje thy fancy ^ or allure thy fenfe :
But aim^ if everlajiing lifers thy ehafe.y
To clear thy mindj and warm thy heart through
A marriage fo mjflerious lproclaim\ , Cgracep^
Betwixt two parties offuch different fame^
That human tongues may blu/h their names fo tell 9
To witj (heV:Biii!^^zofl^iiV*K^thehtixofMl /
But^ ofijb vaji a fuiijeil^ who can find. .
Words futting the con^ceptions of Bis ptindf

C

V X

26 Gospel Sonnets. Parti.

What mortal thought can ra^e itfdffi high f
When words and thfugi^s ^QtbJkiX tnay faith and
Afcend^ by climbing up the fcripture^ftair : [.prayer
From facred writ tj^jtrange ^mJ^U m0jf
Be tpcplicated in the foWwing way.

1

C H A P. I.

4 general account oF Man's fall m A^ah, 2xA
the tiemedy fmnri^ in Chu'st: anil %
particular ^accsouiii^ of ^ tilings beclntg natundljr
wejdded to the kw, as a covienaiA ^f w(»ks.

SECT. L

^he J" 4 J;. i. ^ Aji>am*

OLD Adam pace » laeav'n of pl^-afiwre
found.

While he with perfect innocence wa^ crown *dj
His wing'd afFeftions to his Go4 could jcnoye
In raptures of defire, arid ftreams of love*
Man ftanding fpetlefs^ P^i^e, and innocenjl;^
Could well the law of works with works con-
tent;; .
Though then, (fibr fince), it could deiiiaad ho
Thaa perfonal and p^feft rijghteourneJi ; pe(^
Thefe unto finlefs man were eafy t,erms,
Thou^ now beyond the reach of witber'd^
The legal covenant then upon the fields ([arms,
Perfedion fougfet^ man could perfeftion yi6ld.

Chap, r* ^[he Jhlieve^s E/^oufids. zy

Rich kad be» ttdkis pitigtny rentamM/
H^d lie prvQieTd lonMeirae maifitasti'd :
Hb life bad been a reft witiKMit antiojr,
A fcene of bK&, a-paradlfe of joy.
Bot fototite Sfttaidy in f bi^ ierpenr hid,
Fropofing fair Ch€ fniit that God forbid,
Man foon fcduc'd by heli^s alluring art.
Did, difobedient^ frcmi ti»e rule depart.
Devoured the bait, and by his bold offence
Fell from his blifsful ftate of innocence *.
Proilrate, ^e k)ft his God, his life,, his crown,
Irom aU his glory tumbled headlong down ;
f lunged in a deep dbyfk of fin and wo.
Where, void of heart to will, or hand to da>
For's own aeUof he can't ccMDnuind a thought.
The total fum of what he can is nought.
He*s able only now t' increafe his thrall }:
He can defirdy himfelf, and this b all.
But can the heltith brat Heav'n's law futfily
Whofe precepts high, furmount his &:cng(^

-andlkill?
€an filthy drofs produce a golden beam ?
Or poiToned fprings a falutif'rous ftream?
Can carnal minds, fierce enmity's wide maw.
Be duly fubjedi to the divine law ?
Nay, * now its direful threafnings mull take
On all the difobedieht human race, [place

Whp-do by guilt Omnipotence provoke.
Obnoxious fiand to his uplifted fi;roke.
They muft ingulf themifelves in endleft.woesy
Who to the living God are deadly foes j
Who natively his holy will gainfay, , ,

Muft to his awful juftice fall a prey,

• , «» — ■

♦'Gca. iii-i— 6.

I'

.i

J

q3 Gospel Sohh£ts« Part I. ^^1

In vaiq do^mwkind now^xpe<%, in vain

By legal d^eds immortal life to gain: .

Nay, d,eath is threaten'd, threats muft have.

their dije^
Or fauls ibatfm muji' die ^, as. God is^ true*

SECT. It.

Redemption thrmgb Christ.

/

- /

THE fecond Addm, fovreign Lord of all',.
Did, by his Father's authorifing call,
From bofom of eternal Ipve defcend^
To fave the guilty race that him offend ;
To treat an everlafting peace with thofe
Who were and ever would haye h'eep his foes..
His errand, never ending life to give
Totheni, whofe maiice woul4 not let him live
To make a match with rebels, and efpoufe
The brat which at his love her fpite avows.
Himfelf he humbled to de^prefs her pride,
And hiake his mortal foe his loving bride.
But, ere the marriage can be folemniz'd, ^
All lets muft be removed, all parties pleased.
Law-righteoufnefs reqidir'd, muft be procured, ,
'Iiiaw-vengeance ihreaten*d^ muft be full .en-

. dur'd,
Stem juftice muft have credit by the match,
Sweet mercy^by the heart the bride muft catch*
VoOT bankrupt ! all her debt muft firft be paid,.
Her former hufband in. the grave be laid^:
Her prefent lover muft be at the coft,
To fave and ranfom to the uttermoft,

*' £zek« xviii. 4*

9^

Gbap. I.' fEt'EeKtwr^i EfpouJUs. I9

If all thefe' things this Tultor kind can ^0,
Theti he may win h<*r, and her bleffing too.
Hari terms- Indeed \ while death's uie firil

demand; ,

Jut firt?^ isjirong m death *, and will not uand
To carry on the fuit, and make it good.
Though at the deareft^ r6te of wounds and '-

blood*.
The burden's heavy, but the back is broad,
The gloridus lovef is the mighty God f. - , .
Kind bowels yearnm||; in th* eternal Son,
He left his Father*s <:ourt, his heavn*ly throne : :
Afide he threw his -moft divine array.
And wrapt hk Godhead in^ a veil of clay. .
Angelic armies, who in glory crownM,
With joyful harps his awful throne fqrround, >
Down to the cryftal frontier of the iky \ .
To fee the Saviour born, did eager fly ; ^ '
And/ ever lince. behold with wonder /rdli*^
Their Sov*Teign: and our Saviour wrapt in flelh*^ .
Who in his gat^bdid mighty Ibve difplay,^ ,
R^oring tubal he-never took away §,
To God his glory, to the law its due^^ ^
To heav'n its honour, to the earth its huey.
To man a^rigbteoufnefs divine, complete^ :,
A royal robe to fuit the nuptial rite. .
He in her favours, whom be lov*d fo^well,^
At once did purchafe heav'n, and^vancjulflihelll^'
Gh ! unexampled love ! .fo'vaft,^To ftrong, .,
So great, £0 high, fo deep, fo broad, lb Iwig !
Can finite thought this ^cean huge explore,.
Unconibious of a bottom or a flifore ?

• Song viii. 6.. t Ili. «fc 6« % L«ke tt» gf*-*TJS*^
J PCiltn fxiKk XV. ,^ \ '

-**. v

30 G o s p. E I. S o Nil E T' $• Pali I;

His love admits no parallel^ for why,
^t one great draught of love he drank liell drjrv
No drop of wrathful g^U he left behind ;
No dreg to witnefs that he was unkind.
The fword of awful juftice plerc'd his fidft
That mercy thence migKt gufh upon the bri4e#\
The meritorious labours of his life,
And glorious conquefts of his dying, ftrife ;
Her debt of doing, fufF*nng, , both cancelled,-.,
And broke the bars his lawful captive held.
Down to the ground tbe hellifti hoft he thrfew,^.
Then mounting, high the trump of triumph^
Attended with' a bright feraphic hand, [blew, ,
Satdownentltron^dfublimeon God's right -nand J;
Wlvere • glorious choirs th^ir various, harps i
empbyy, ^ \ .

To found his praifes witK confederate joy.
There be^ the bride's ftrong interceflbr fits,
And thence thebleffings of his blood tranfmits^/
Sprioklrng all o*er the flaming, throne of God^^ ^
Pleads for hp r pardon his atoning Uood.j .
S«nds*down his holy co-eternal Do ve^
To fhew the won4j£jrs o£ in.cariiatei'love.
To woo and win the bride's reluft^nt, heart j\
And pierce it with his kindly killing dart ; ,
By gofpel light to. manife^ft that now.
She has n6 nuther with the. law. to do j
That her new lord has loos'd the fed'ral tic, . , .
That once hard bound her or to do or die ;
Th^ft precepts, threats, no firiglemite ^:'an cravcii.
Thus for her former fpoufehje digged a grave; .
The law- fail to his crols did nail and pin,
T4i?n bury'd the defunft his tomb within, /
T^Dtt he. the loiieJy ^4d0w tQ hiwfelf ffiliht.

Gbap, t The ^elkver* i Efpo§fuls^ 31

BUT, after all;, the bride*s fo mafccontent;
No argument, fa^^e power, js prevalent
Tobowlier will, and gain h^r jieart's confent.
'Hie glprious Prince's iuit-ilie difapproves.
The law. Her old .primordial hufband, loves;.
Hojiefiul in. its embraces life to h^ve,
Thougl^ d^td ■anji'bwy'd in her fnFiior's graven.
Unable to give Ufe, as once before^ .

Unfit, to hfe arhufltend any more,
Yiet proudly fhe.the new addtefe difilaihs.
And all ths hleft Redeemer's love, and pains ; ;
Thongh now bis head, ' that -. crudi . tliorns did;

" Svound, * '

li with Imnaortal glory circled round j-
Archangds at his awful footftool bbw,' . _
And drawing love fits fmiling on' his browv
Thougli (|own he fends in gbfpel-tidings good^
Epiftles of his love, fign'd with h;is blood : ;
Yet lordly, (he the. royal fuit rejects.
Eternal life by , legal works affed^ ;
In \aixi xh^lh^ingjedi^amo^g the dead ^9
Sues quickening comforts in a killing head.' .
Her dead and bury *d kufband h)^s Ker heart.
Which can nor death remove^ nor life imp^t; .
Thus all .revolting Adam V blindeStace,
In, their 6rft fppufe their hopp . aiid comfort:

'■ 43licei'^\ \[ ■ ' -" . ' ' . ,.

They natively exped, if »guilt them prefsv;
Salvation by a home-bred righteoufnefe :

3* G o ^ p i: L So K N trt. Part. !•

They look for favdur in Jehovah*s eyes,
By careftil doing all that in them lies.^
'Tis ftill their primary attempt to draw
Their life and comfort from the-vet*rap law ;•
They flee not to the hope the gofpel gives; Tj
To truft a promiie Bare, theirtninds aggrieve^ t.
Which judge, the man. that- daes^ the man r
tnat liven 'ji

As native as tRey draw ttietrvitat1>reatfr,
Their fond recourfe is to the legal path.
"Why^ fays old nature, in law-weded man,

* Won't Heav*h be pleased,, if I do all lean?

* If I conform my walk to nature Vlight, :

* And ftrive; intent to praAife wliat is right ;

* Thus won't I by the God of heaven be blefsM^.

* And win his favour, if I do my bell?
•Good God! (he cries) '-when pre(s*d withv*

debt and thrall,
^ Hat/f^ patience with me^ arid VIJ par thee* all ^.*
Upoa their all, their be/k, they*re tbndly mad^^
Though yet their all is naughtvtheir h^ i$ had^
Proud man his can does mightily exalts, .
Yet are his brighteft works but Ipknd id faults*-.
A finner may have fliews of good, but ftiU
The beft he can, ev'n at his beft, is ill-
Can heav*n or divine favour e'er.be win •
By thofe that are a mafs of helL and fin ?
Th6 righteous law dioea aum*rous woes de--^

nounce^
Againft the wretched Yoiil that fails but once : :
Wnat heaps of cttrfes on their lieads it rears, ■
That have amafs'd the guilt oftiuui'rous years! ;

Chap. L f& JBellever*s E/pct^als. 33

SECT. IV. ' '

Ihrftftrtit aiiaihment to legal t^vlms^ or to tbe
law as a condition of life.

SAY, on what terms then Heav'nappeas'd
will be ?
Why, fure perfeSlion is the Icaft cfegree.
Yea, more, ivMfatisfaition mufl: be giv*n
Frtr trefpafk done agairift the lavfrs of He^Vn,
Thefc are the terms i what mortal back fo broad^!
But muft for evec fink beneath the load ?
A.ranfom muA be found, or die they muft/
Sure, even, as juflaqe infinite isjiift^
But, fays the legal, proud, felf- righteous hearty
Which cannot with her ancient confort part, •
' What ! won't the: goodnf fs oi the God of

heav*nv

* Admit of fmalls, when greater cant be given ?:

* He knows our fall dim in(h*d all our funds,

* Wont he accept of pennies now for pounds ?i
' Sincere endeavours for perfeftion take,

*0r terms more poflible for mankind make ?*

Ah ! poor divinity, and jargon loofe ;

Such hay and ftraw will never build the houfe^

Miftake not. here, ppoiid mortal, dont miftake^

God change^ not, nor other terms will make.

Will diyine faithfulnefs itfelf deny.

Which fwore folemnly, Man {hsW^dofOV die?

Will Cod mtjrittrue extend to. us, forfooth,

His goodnefs, to the damage-of his truth?

Will fpotlefe holineis be baflled thus?

Or awful jullice be unjuft for ust.

Shall faithfulneissbe &iijttal6fr foi^our fake^

Ajid.he his threats, aa we his. precepts break ?

^4 €i9sp£c So^^jKt s. PartL

Wilt oar great Crfeditor deay himfclf;

And for full payfttent take cvrt fildiy pelf ^

Sifpenfe with juftice, to kt raeFcy vent ?

At\a (iaiii his- royal cifiown with 'miniftiM rent?

Unworthy thought t O let no mortal clod:

Hol4 fuch bafe noticmi of d ^orknis: Gkid.

Heav'n's holy covenant, madir fftr humsm race,

Confifls^ or wbole of m^orks^ dt-wtole of gnic«»

li works will take the field, then ifmrits inuft be^

For ever p^erfeft to the Itift de^ee v

Will God diijpthfe with lefe? Nay, furc h» won't

With ra^^d tDlI hk royal fourafiftdtit;

Can rtgs, that Siitai flaises will £»m dif^atdif

E'er prove the fiery law'ia adequate.match?

Vain man muft be dmsrc'd, and .cfaoofe to t;^e^ ^

Another hu£band or a:, baraing^iafec& .

We find the divine volume no where teacb^ •
New legal t^rnvs within our mortal reach.
Some make, though'inthefecred'pegemiknown;.
Sin&erity affume pirft3im*s throne r
But who will boaft this bafe ufurper^s fway,
Sav6 minifters of darknefs, that ctifplay
Invented bigh't to ftifie fcripture day?. )^.

The nat'ralift'i fincerity ia naught,
That of the gracious ib divinely taught ;. ,
Which teaching keeps their gntces, if fincere^.
Within the limits of the gofpel i|]|here^
Where vaunting,, none created graces fing.
Nor boaft ©f ftreams, but of the Lord theff^ringv
Sincerity's the foul of ev'ty grace.
The quality of ail tbe raiifom*d race*. -
Of j)romis'd fkvour 'tis a fruity avdaufe $
But no procuring ^Kvn^ oxx moving caufe«.

How utsadvi&'d the legal mind cosufoundt
The ;»afi^Ji of divtne favour with the grounds.

"With the ^ooRdltioii dP tbe oov'tMiai: bl^d^s?
Thus holdnig^^o%el ctuths wltb 1ml ari^d^
Mifiakct 4ie«ra:o«^iitiiity^>/ for ftdTral terinfi. ^
Tie jiqfful found no cban^'of tenm allows,
fiut change «f p£9rfbo€; or another ^fpoi^.
The natuce &Me that finned m^ift ^ aii4 ^/
Nainih^r tnrms in ^Ql^t^eis Iter
for gmi^eM ether law ahatomit IheWs;
Bat hirar law^e^ers may nftoi« iite dues ;
Reftore, yck^ through a SvMty'ia tlieir place^
Wkfa deoUe im^vett and a better giace«
itapp we of 90 »ew terms of hfe are cold«
But of a hiiihaBd 430 CuiSUhe okt {
With him aione bj?^^ faith we're called fo wed.

And kt aio nval K^ ArtitA th^ marriajge-hed*

• .•'--■"•

SECT, v.

t€imfi$epi^ joined wtM^ ihw wxn ; mi k^ ifofei
^naturai to alL

Bur ftitf €he foride Tehia»Qt dtfdldip^
The junior ibit, ami hugs the ^fefiiod fpouie*
Suefa lii^ old fdbfifh icXiy of her mind,
So bent to hck, the duft, aod ^rafp the wind,
Ailedging wocks and d;aties of her own
N^y ibr her Jdriminal ofibace atone $
SKe wdll her antic djrtjr J'obe provide;
Which vaip Ihe hopes ^It ajt polkktfom hide.
The fikhy sags that {aints away bavie Hung,
She holding, wraps and 1 •Us IxcsMf in dung-

36 Ga?<^^,aEL So^N^tr.s,.^ ;.P3^L

Tfams xpaugiPc ^ th^ lifffat iibe g^iyipel^ givcs^
Unto iier lia^'ral cooibct^ fi^lj^ cleaiee;.
Thoiigfa m^cy fet j^Q;iY)p} jiwiich io view^
Sbe*8 loth to bi4 heriwct^QRit ru^e adjyBfu
Wh^n light of. fcriptw^^ ?e0fon»>CQinij^oii Cesi&,
Can h^tdly mortxfy t}» v^n pretence . . , *
To leg^l right^ijfn.ffe4 yet if at laft , .
Her confcienqe tfiUsM. b|cgin3 to ilaod %gfaaft^ .
Prefs*d with the jdreadtof hjpU,^'H r^ly patd^
And halve ii. bacg^^m.wkk tfcejprpffwfd match |
In hope» his help, together witji her own,.
Will turn to peacefulifmil^ the .wrathful froiajiK
Though grace the, riiU^g- Sua ddightful fings>
With full falvation in his golden wings^ .
Apd righteoufneis coinplete ; the fakblefe fm^.
Receiving half the lights )Cfjefts..tbc Wibole^;..*.
Revolves the facred page^ but reads purblind
The gofpel-meffage with the legal mind.
Men dream their ftate, ah I too, too flightly
Needs only be amended, not renewed ; [vj:ew'<^
Scorn to be wholly debtors unto grace.
Hopeful their works njay ineiiorate their cafe^ .-.
They fancy prefent prayers, ajud future paini
Will for their former failings make amendsc
To leglil yokes they bow iheir fervile necks.
And, le^ft foul fli^s their falfe repdfe perplex.
Think Jipfus' merit-s makeup all defeds.
They patch his glorious robe with filthy rags.
And burn but ineenfe to their proper drags *,
Difdain to ufe bis right eoufnefs alone,
Btit as art aiding ftirr'p.to mount their own j
T lius in Chrift's roo^ his rival felf enthrone,.
And vainly would, drefs'd up in legal trim,
^Divide falvation *tween themC^lve^ and him.

♦Hab.i. i4

C&ftp/ 1. ''XAe BeSever*s Efpoufals. jjr

But know, vain mtiti, tiat to his fiiarcmuft fail
The ghijry of the wfcofc, or none tt all.
h tint all wifdmnU hidden treafures tie *.
And all tbefidnefT 9ffbe Deity f .
rhis ftore atlotie, immcnfp, and never fpcnt^
^ Might poor iitfalvent debtors wdl content ;
But to hcH-priton jtiftly Heav*n will doom
Protid fooh that on their petty ilock pre fume*
The foftcft couch that gilded nature knows^ ♦
Can give the wakcn*d confcience no rcpofe.
When God arraigns, what mortal pow^r can
Beneath tte terror of his lifted hand! £flahd
Oar fafety lies beyond the natural line, •
Beneath a purple covert all aivine.
Yet how is precious Chrift, the way, defpis'd.
And high the way of life by doing prized !
5ut can its votaries all its fcvy flio w ?
They prize it moft, who leaft its burden knbw :
Who by the law in part would fave his foul, -
Becomes a debtor U fidfil the whole J.
It*8 prisoner be remains, and without bail,
*Till ev*ry lAitc be paid ; and if he fail,
(As fure he muft, fince, 1^ our linful breach,
Perfcftion far furmounts all mortal reach)^
Then cursed for cfvcr muft his foul remain :
And all theifrik of God mufi fa)\ Amen^S .
Wliy, feeking'that the law fhoiild help afford,.
In honouring the law, he flights it^ Lord.
Who gives his law fuli|inng, righteoufnefs
To be the naked finner's per&cl drefs,
la which be might with fpotlcfe beauty fhinc
Before thie face of majefty divine : ' .

Yet, lb I the Hnner works wi(;h 'mighty pains
A' gatnaent of his own to hide his Ilains ;

* CoL ii. 3. : t Col. xu 9* J GW. ▼• . 3. J D^itt^ Wtix. -

3$ GospEt SoKKETS. ^ i*art I.

Xfo^atacftii, oveiiDOks the .giftaL of Ood, - ■
The robe wrought byrhis hand, dy'd in his blood.

In vain the Son ^^f God this- web did weave;
Could our vile rags fufficient flieltcr give :
In vain be evhy thread of it did draw.
Could finnersbe.o'ermanitfcd bythe few.
Can men*s falvation on tbiir woiics be builti *
Whofe faireft afttoas nothing are but guilt?* '
Or can the iai^^tfupprefsthVaveiigmf^ fliame,^:^ i
When noti? its jonly x>fficcitsw damn?
Did life come by the law in part or whole,
Blflft Jefus dy'd iii vain Co &ve^ fouL - • -"
Thofe then who life by tcgal means ei^pedl:.
To them is Chrift become ofm^i^;^
, Becaufe their legal mixtures dp in fa^ . ; '-
Wifdom's grand- projc<9: plainly countc^aft* -
How clofe proud carnal reafonin/vs combine,
To f ruftrate fov'reign graoe^s great defign ?
Man's heart by nature weds the law alone,
Nor will another paramour enthrone*

True, many feem by courfe of life profane;
No favour, for the Jaw to esitertaiil \
But break the. bands, and caft the cords away.
That would their raging iufts and paffionsftay.
Yet cv'n this reigning madnds may declare.
How ftriaiy wedded to the law thj^ ate;
For now (howeverrich tl^y ferJtertl before) ^ '
Hopelefa to pay law-debt, they give it o'er, I
Like defp'rate debtors mad, ftill run them- r

, - felvcs in more, j -

Defpair of fuccefe ihew^ their ftroog defires.
Till legal hopes are parch'd in lufttdt fires. -

* Let's give, lay they, our lawlefe will fireefcope,

* And live at raadom, for ibere is m hope :^ / - '

* GdL ii. %u V. ^, 4* t Jeri. x?iii. lU

CSbtp. II. : The M^He^er^s Efyxmfah. * 39

Th€ law^ iimc^n^t thcai help, they ftab with
Yei fcof n to beg, or court another nia^e» [hatCi
Hm laljte mQ& oppofit^ .their b^r ts tMvidc,
Their feWHy. paffiaOi and theiF. bankrupt pride.
In paifioa they their natire mate deface,
In pride difiJain to be oblig^d'/to grace.
'Heoee. plainly as a rule 'gaiaft law they iive^
Yet clofidyrto it a*a cov'naiat dcave.
Thuslegal pi^ide lies kid Jbeneatb the patch.
And ftroBg= averfionrto thr gofpeUmatch. "

The manner of a'fihtier's divorce from the law in
a work of hurfirliatioti, and of his marriage to
the Lord Jisus Cmrist ; or, the way how
afihner comes ta1>e a belie ver*

•• • -SECT. f. ' -' ■ •"-,

Of ^^ LAw-waRK> a«rf the worklrigs (f legal friiie

under it. f . .. ,

S! O proud V the bride, fo backwatdly difpos^d;
\ How thea ihalLje'ec the happy: match be
closed ?. • » .

Kind grace the tumult of her. hsoxt nmft quell,
And:dra!W her heav'nward by the gates of hell.
The Bridcgrootn^ Father makes, by 's holy Sp*iit,
His ftem . commaod -with her ftiff conscience

: meet* J ; /

To da0i her pride, and ihew her outmc^. need, /
Purfuesfor double debt with awful dread- :
He m^c^ her fdrnket huiband's frightful .ghoit ^
A^ear and damn hef^ a&/a bankrufit loft$ • .
With^cjurfes, thi:eats,,^nd Sinai thundcir claps. .
Her lofty tow'r of legal boafting faps.

40 ^ G o s p E 1. S a N i^ E T s, TzU. L

Thcfe Jiumbling ftorm^j, in high oV low degrees,
Heair'n's Majefty will tn«afure ais fce pkafc j' ^
But ftifl he makes th<j ikry law at lesift
Pronounce its awful f6nrtn<(!e iij -he* hreaftj

She kop€le& to the iau> gives up th« ghoft : ^
Which flow in rigour comes full debt to crave
And in clofe prifon caftj but not to fave*
For now 'tis weak and ean't^ ^ thorough our de-
Its grcateft votaries to fife csralt* f fault)

But well it can command with fire and flan:)e.
And to ^he loweft pit df Vmn d&mn^
Thus doth it, by commiffion from above, :
peal wijh the bride^ when Heav'n would court her
Lo! now ihe flartles at the Sinai trump, [love.
Which throws her foul into a difmal dump,
Confcious another hufkmd ftie muft have,
Elfe lie for ever in deflruftion's grave.
While in cbnviftion*s jail ftie*s thus inclos'd,
CSlad neWs are heard, the royal SJlate^s proposed.
And now the fcornful Jbrrde's inverted ftir
Isiracking fear, he fcoms to match with, her.
She dreads his fury, and defpairs that he
Will ever wed fo vile a wretch as (he*
And here the legal hunrour ftirs agato
To her prodigious lo&, and grievous pain :
For when the Prince prefents bin^fclf to be
Her hu&and, then ihe deems: Abi is not he
Toolair a match for fuch a filthy bride f -

' UdciOnfcious that the thought bewrays her pircde^
Ev*n pride of merit, pride of righteoufnefs^
Expelling Heav*n~ihoold love her f(» her drefe;
Unmindful how the fall her face did^ftain,^ .

' And made her but a bfedk unlovely fwain ;

* GaL ii. 19-

Chap.JI. ,*Tbe Believer's EJpou/aUf , 41

H^/wkoIe primeval bmuty•q^tte defaced,
AM to ibe jr^nib: of fiends bei: focm ^ba&'d;
'Wlthoutt4isfig,ujr'd* and defiled w.khin, *

Heav'flIco«rt» noit a|i^ fp* their camiely face.
But for. the glorioiisrpraife of fovVeign grace,.
£if<5 ije'er Jiorf courted f>ne of Adam's race|.
Which aU as children of coiiriiption be.
Heirs rightful of iminprtal mifery.
Yiet here the bride -eniploy^ ber foolifli wit,
For tbi^.brighti matijhher ugly form to fit ; , .
To daub her fej^iture^ o'er with legal paint, t
That with, a grace ihe may berfelf prefcnt.
Hopeful the. Prince, with credit might her wed.
If oflce fongi^. comely qualitiesf fhe had. ,
In bumWc pride; her haughty fpirit flags>>
She cannot think of eomiiig all in rags..
Were (he a bumble, faithful penitientv {X^v\U
She dreams he'd then contract with full cp»«^
BafeVariet!. thinks fhe -d be a raatcb for him, /,
Did (be but deck herfelf in handfome tr/ijif, ,*
Ah! fooliib thoughts ! in Jcgal deeps that-j)lo4
Ah ! fony. nbtionsof a fov'reigp God I - ^
Will God:opofe his great, hi^igiQrioujJ^ojn, •
For our vik- baggage to be f^d and wop ?
Should finful modefty the match decline^ .
Until: its garb be brifk apd fuperfine ;,
Ala^!*when ihould we fee; the marriage day ?
The b^ppy bargaitJ mull fl^ppioFj^ay.. . ,>^, ,
BftiCuimptuous fouls in fpr)y ropdefty,,
H^lfrfavioui^s the^m&lyiBs would fondly be..» .
Then Jv>peful th' other half their due. wiU.fal^
Difdaia .to be in.Jeifus' debtforalj,

D t

• tl

V

42 G ospEL Sonnets. Pan I*

Vainly the fivft \!i^otfld waflithemfelrfS, aTidtheo
Addrefs the fibuntaii) to be wtiih^d mdre d)stm ;
Firft healthenifelves, and then e^pe^t the balm:
Ah! many flightly cure their fndden qualnn
They heal their confcience wilh .a tear or prayer;
And feck po oth^r^C^rift, but peri0i there.
O (inner! fcarch the houfe, and fee the thief
That fpoih fhy Saviour's crown, thyfouVs re-
The hid, but heinous fin of unbelief. C'icf,
Who can poflefs a quality that's good,
Till firft he come to'Jcfus' cleanfing blood ?
The poVr that draws the brid^, wiU alfo fliew
Unto her by the way her hellilh hue,-
As void of ev*ry virtue to commend,
And/uU of ev'ry vice that will offeod.
'Tilt fov'reigh grace the fuHen bride (hall catchy
She'll never fit herfclf for fuch a mateh.
Moil qualify'd they are rn hear'n to dwell.
Who fee themfclves nioft qpalify'd for hdl ; ^
And, ere ihje bride can'drink falvation's cup.
Kind Hcav'n nmft reach to hell and lift her tfp.*
For no decorum e*er about her found,
Is^fhe belov'd; byt on a uobler ground.
jfE^HOVAH^s love is like his nature free;
Nor mull his- creature challenge his decree ;
But Ipw at fov 'reign grace's footftool creep,
Whofe Ways are fcatchlefs,' and his judgments

deep.
Yet grace*s fuit fiieets with rcfiftanie rud€
From haughty fouls.} for'lake of Innate good
To recommend them. Thus the backward bride
Affronts her fuitor with her modefl pridti.
Black hatred For his offerM loVe repays; ' -
Pride under maflt of modefty difplays r ^

■

Chaps. II. Tbe Beluvef*s Efpoufah. 43

iQ'pavt iircuid fovc berfelfj hence, favpy foul I
Re^e& tlie tnaicrjblefs Mate WQuldXavean whole..

')',"* ., " - « ■ « •

SECT. IL I 7

Omviition of sin </»rf Vr a th, carried on -mre
' ' deeply and effedualfy m I be heart. /

S'O proudly forward is the bride, ^nd np^
Stern Hcav '0, begins to ftare with cloudier
brow ; ,

Law-curfe^ come with more condemning ppwy|^
To fcorch bpr confcience with a fiery (how^r.
And naorc refulgent flaihes darted in ; \
For by the law th knowledge is if Jin * .
Black Sinai thund'nng louder than before, ,
Do^fi awiulin her'lofty.bofom roar. ' \atrth\^
Heay'n's furious ftorriis now rife from ev*ry

■ In ways nwre terrible to Jhake the earth \^ \ * !^
*?/// bavgbtineji (fmen be funk thereby^ .■'.'/'[
That Cbrifi, alone may be exalted high. \\

Now liable earth feems from her centre toft,
And lofty mountains in the ocean loft.
Hard rocks of flint, and haughty hills of pride^

<A.rc torn in pieces by the roaring 1:ide.
Each fiafh of new convidliou'sf lucid rays '
Heart-errors, undif^^ern^d till now, difplays :
Wrath's mgfly cloud upon the confcienc'e breaks.
And thps menacing Heay'n, in thunder fpeaks;
' Blackwr/stcb, thou madly under foot haft trode .

* Tb* authority, of a commanding God ;

* Thou, like thy kindreid that in Adam fpll,

* Art but a law-renverfing lump of hell,

* And there bylaw aiiidjuftice doomed todweU.*

* Rom. iii. ^«>. " t Wind, K <jaarter.' fifa- »^ »7» »>

44 G O S F E L S N N E- T s. Paft I.

Now, now, thedaunteabmle herftatebewaife>
And downward ftiris her felf-6x2»Uing fails;
With, pun gent fear, and piercing terror brbu^t'

^ To mortify her lofty legal thoncrht.
Why, the commandment cornet^ Jin is reviifd^ y
That lay fo hid, while to the tew fhe liv^d f
Infinite majefty m God is then.
And infinite rnalignity in fiq;
That to its expiation taiift atnount,.
A facrificc of infinite account.
Juftice its dire feverity dlfplkys^ : - .
The law its vafl dimenfibns bpen Ij^ys.
She fees for this broad llandkrd nothing meet,.
Save an obedience finlefi and complete; *
Her cob- web righteoufhefi, once in reno^c\tri.
Is with a happy vengeance now fwept down.
She who 6f daily faults could once but prate, '
Sees aow her fi'nful, miferable firate. f^to dwelF,.
Her heart, where once fhe thoilght fbme good:
The devil's cab'net fill'd with trafh of hell.
Her boaffed features now unmalked bare,
Her vaunted hopes are pTung'd in deep dejTpair^
Her haunted ^eiter-houfe in by paft years,
Comes tumbling down about her frighted' ears.
Her former rotteri faith, love, penitefice,

. She fees a bowing w.alU ^^d trn'ringfentei
Excellencies of thought, and word and deed; ^
AH fwimminjg, drowning in a fea of dread ;* ^
Her beauty now 4eformity fte deems, -
Her heart much blanker than the idevil feeitisv '
With ready lips ftie can lierfelf declare ■ '
The vileft ever breathed in; vrtal air, '

Her former hopes, as refuge? t)f lies,
Arc Twept away, and all her boafting dies,

!

Chap. II. ^be Believer^s EjpQHfaU. 45

&h« Qoce ima^n^d H^^ir'n wpuld be uDJuft

To damn ib, many lumps of human duft,

¥oim'd by himfeif ; bu.t now ihe own^ it true.

Damnation furely is the finner's due :

Yea, now applauds the law's jufl doom fo well^

That juftly ihe condemns herielf to bell j

Docs herein divine jequity acquit,

Herfclf adjudging to ^he loweft pit.

Ifcr language^ * Oh I if GoU condemn, I muft

• From bottom of my foul declare him juft.

• But if his great falvation me embrace,

• How loudly will I fing furpriling g;race I

' If from the pit he to the throne me raife, ,
' Vll rival angels in his endlefs praife.

* If hdl-deferving me to heav'n iie bring,

« No heart fo glad, no tongue fo loud fliall fingi,

* If wifdom has not laid the faving plan,

* I nothing have to claim, I nothing can.

• My works but fin, my merit death I fee j

* Oh ! mercy, mercy, mercy ! pity me.^
Thus all felf-juftify ing pleas are dropped,

Moff guilty flie becomes, her mouth is ftopp'd^
Pungent remorfe does her pad conduft blame, ',
And flufh her confcious cheek with fpreading
/ Her felf-cbnceited heart is felf-convift [flvame.,
With barbed arrows of compunftion pfick'd :
Wonders, how juftice fpares her vital breath,
How patient Heav'n adjourns the day of v\ rath y
How pliant earth does. not \yith open jaws ,
Devo,vir her, KorahJike, for eqiial caufe ; ''
How yawning hell, that gapes for fuch a prey^
Is fruftrate with a further hour's delay. ^
She -that could once her mighty works ex^t, '^
And boaft* dcvotioa framed without a faulty

4^ Gospel So N,NE^T St. Part I.

£xtol her nai*ral pow'rs, i&now brought dpwn.
Her former madneT?, not* her powVs^ to own. *
Her prefent heggar'd date, nioft void of gTace>
Unable even to wail her woftil cafe, . :

Quite pow'rlefs to believe, repent, or pray;..
Thus pride of duties flies and dies away.
She, like a hardeiVd wretcli^ a flupid ftone^
Lies" in the duft, and cries. Undone^ Undone^

S EC T, ; IIL , • •

315^ deeply humbled foul RELiEVEt) with fome fav^^
ing difcQveries of CHKnT-the Redeemer.

WHEN thus the wounded bride percelvesi
full well . . *

Herfelf the vileft finner out of hell.
The blackeft monfter in the uni\^rfc j
Penfive if clouds of wo fliall e^er difperfe.
When in her bread Heav'n*s wrath fo fiercely?

glows,
*Twixt fear anc! gliilt her bones h^ve no repofei
When flowing billows of amazing dread
Swell to a dfeluge o'er her finking head ;
When nothing in her heart is found to dwell^
But horrid Atheifm, enmity, and hell;
When endlefs d^ath an4 ruin feems at hand.
And yet flie cannot for her |Sdu1 command
A^gh to eafe it,' or a gracious thought, j^bought*
Though heav'n could at this petty rate be
When darknefs and confufion .yyercloud.
And ujnta black defpair temptations croud ;
When wholly without ftrength to move or ftir.
And not a fliar by night appears to her:
But flie, while to the brim her troiible's flow,
Stands, trembling on ihe^utmofl brink of wo.

V

Chap. II. The Believer's Efpoufals. 4y

Ah? weaiy caf€l But, lol In this fed plight
Thcftin afifes'With fiilrpriiRng light/
Th^darkeft rfiidnight is his jifual time
Of fifing and appearingJH his prime.

[ To fhew the hills from whence fal vation fprings,

I And chafe the gloomy fbadfe^ with golden wings^^
The glorious Huflband now uTivails' his face,
And (hews his glory Jul! i)/ truth and grace*-;
Prefents unto the biide, in that dark hour,

\ Hitnfelf a Saviour, both by price and p©w^ : *
A mighty helper to redeem the loft,

/Relieve and ranCora'to the uttermoll J ;
To feek the vagrant *flieep to d^ fens drives, *:
And fave fram lowefl: heU to higheft heav*n.
Her doleful cafe he *fqes, bis bowtrls move, ,
And makes her time of need his time of lave \ ;
He Ihews, to piove himfelf her mighty ihield.
His name is JESUS, by his Father feal'd J| :

. A name Vich attributes engraved virithin.
To fave from ey*ry attribute of fiu.
With vjoifdom lin^s frrt^t folly to expofc.
And right eeufnefs its chain of ^z//// to loofe,
Sanilificafion'toXuhduc its fway^ '
Ademption all its woful brood to flay §.
£ach golden letter of his glorious name
Bears full deliv'ranoe both from fin.and Ibarae,.
Yea, not privation t}eat froiii (in and wo.
But thence all politive fal vMioris flow,
-To make hex wife ^jujl^ holy^ ^^JfPt ^^*
He now appears a match exaSly meet
To, make her ev*ry way /» him complete^
b whom ihefulnefi of tlM Godhead, dwells *,
That flie may bo^fl: in iW, and nothing elfe,

* John i 14^ t Hcbu ni. 25» \ Xzek, xvi. 6| 5.
II Matt- i. 21. $ I Cor. f 30. ♦ Col. ii>^, 10.

48 Gospel SfoKKKTS. Parti*

In gofpel lines fhe pow perceives the dawn
Of Jefus* love with bloody pencil drawn i
How God in' him is infinitely pleased.
And Heav*il*s avenging fury whole appeased :
Law-precepts magnify*d by her belov*d,
And cv*ry let to ftop tht match rcmov'd.
Now in her new her prifon gates break c^e,
Wid^ to the walls flics up the d$or nj bepe ;
And now flie fees with pleafbre ufjexprefs'd
For ihatcer^d barks a happy Store of reft.

SECT. IV.

The woriing of the Spirit of faith in fepardtiftg the
^ heart from all feif^rigbteoufnefs^ and drawing
mt iis eonfent to^ and defire after Christ ahn^
and wholly^

THE brid^ at Sinai little underftood, '\

How thefe law humblings. were defign*d. %
for good, . ' J

T* enhance the value of her Hu&and*s blood. J
The tow*r of tott^'ing pride thus balter*d down^
Makes way for Chrift alone to wear the crown^
Convidion's arrows pierc*d her heart, that fo
The blood from his pierc'd lieart, to hers might

flow.
The law's fliai-p plough tears up the fallow^
ground,-
. Where not a grain of .grace was to be found,
^ THl.ftraight perhaps behind the plow is fown
The hidden feed of faith, as yet unknown.
Hence now the once reluftant bride's inclin^
To give the gofpel an affentifig mindly
Difpos'd to take^ would grace the pow*r impart,
Heav'n's offer with a free confenting heatf*

Ghap^ II. ^ Reliever's Efpoufals. 49

His Spirit in the.gofoel chariot rides,. "J

Ahdthewshislovingqearttodrawthebride's ; f
Thoilgh oft in glouds Jb^i 4riwias pow'r he r

Ks love in gracious, offbrs to, her bears.
In kindly anfwers to her doubts and fears^
Refolving all objections indre or lefs ,
From former lins, or pcefent worthleffhefs.
Perfuades her mind oPs conjugal confent.
And then impow^rs h^r heart to fay, Content.
Content to be divorced from the law,
No more the yoke of legal terms to draw.
Content that he diffoWe the former match.
And to himfeif alone her heart attach.
Content to join with Chrift at any rate.
And wed bira as her everlafting mate.
Content that he ftiould ever wear the bays,
And of her whole falvation have the praife.
Content that he fhould rife, though fhe fhould
And to be nothing, that he may be all. (]fall,
Content that he/bccaufe fhe nought can do,
Jio for her 2^ her work, and in.her too.
Here fhe a peremptory mind diiplays,^
That he do all the work, get all the praife.
And now fhe is, which ne'cjrtill now took place.
Content entirely to be favM by grace.
She owns that her damnacion jufl would be.
And therefore her falvation nuiil be free :
That nothing being hers but fin and thrall.
She muft be debtor unto grace for all.

Hence comes ihe-to him in her naked cafe,
Tg be inverted with his righteoufnefs.
She comes, as guikyj to a pardon free ; . ^
As vile and Jit Ay t to a cleanfinff>fea :

E

«

50 Gospel Sonnets. Part Ir

As poor and epipty, to the richeft ftock }

As weak and feeble, to the flrongeft rock : *

As periftiiog, unto a (hield froni thrall ; '

As worfe than nothing, to an all in all.

She as a blinded mole, an ign*i*ant fool.

Comes for inftrudion to the Prophet^i fchool. ,

She, with a hell-deferving confcious breaft,

Flees for atonement to the worthy Frieji.

She, as a flave to fin and Satan, wings

Her. flight for help unto the King of kings.

She all her maladies and plagues brings fortk

To this Ph jfician of eternal wortlt.

She fpreads before his throne her filthy fore;

'And lays her broken bones down at,his door.

No mite ftie has to buy a crumb of blifs,

And therefore comes impov'rifh'd, as (he is. '

By fin and Satan of all good bereft.

Comes e*en as bare as they her foul have left.

To fenfe, as free of holinefs within.

As Chrift, the fpotlefs Lamb, was frea of fin.

She comes by faith, true ; but it ihews her wan%

And brings her as a finner, not a faint.;

A wretched finner flying for her good

To jufl:ifying, fanftifying blood. ^ fvaunts,

3trong faith no ftrength, nor pow^r of adling.

But adls in fenfe of weaknefs and of wants.

Drained nowof ev'ry thing that men may call

Terms and conditions of relief from thrall ;

Except this one, that Jefus be her all.

When to the bride he gives efpoufing faith, .

It finds her linder fin, and guilt, and wrath.

And .makes her as a plagued wretch to fall

At Jefus' footftool for the cure of all.

Her whole falvation now in bim file feeks.

And mufing thus perhaps in fecret fpeaks:

/

Chap. III. The Believer*! JEfpoufals. 51

t' Lo.^all my burdens may in him be eas^d;
^ T\ie juftice I offended he has pleased ;
'^ The blifa that I have forfeit he procured ;
' The curfe that I deferved he endur'd ;
*The lav!^ that 1 have broken he obey'd ;

* ITie debt tliat I contrafted he has paid :

* And though a niatch unfit for him I be,

* I find him ev*ry way moft fit for me. [part,
' * Sweet Lord, I thirik,^ would thou thyfelf im-

* VA welcome thee with open hand afnd heart.

* But thou that fav'fl: by price, mull fave by
' O fend thy Spirit in a fiery (how'r, [povv'r j

*^ This cold and frozen h^art of mine to thaw, -
' That nought, fave cords of burning love, can*
draw.

* O draw me, LcTrd, then will I run to thee, .
*^ And glad into thy glowing bofom flee.

*-! own myfelf a mafs of fin and hell,

* A brat that can do nothing but rebel :

' But did/l thou noty as facred pages fhew*,

* (When rifing up to fpoil the hellifli crew,,

* That had by thoufauds, finners captive rnade,

* And hadft in conqu*rihg chains them captive

* Get donatives^ not for J hy proper gain^^ C^^^)
^'But rofa\ bounties for rebellious men^

* Gifts ^ graces J and thi Spirit without bounds^

* For God*s new houfe with man onjirmer grounds f

* O then let me a rebel nov^ come fpecd,
^ Thy holy Spirit is the gift I need.

* His precious graces too, the glorious grant,

* Thou kindly promis*d, and 1 greatly want.
*Thou art exalted to the highell place,

^To give repentance forth, and ev'ry grace f.

* i*fal. Ixvili. 18.' t Aas v. 31.

5^ » Gospel So.nnjcts. Part II

* O Grver of fpiritual life and breathy t|g:

* The author and tlie Jin ij^er of faith J;

* Thou huiband-like inuft ev^ry thing piovide^

* If e'er the like of me become* thy bride/

SECT V.

Faiih^s view- ef the freedom of grace, cordial
renunciation of all its own ragged ri^teoujnep^
and formal acceptance of and clojing with tBe
per/on of glorious Chkjst.

THE bride withopen eyes, that once were ditiv
Sees now her whole falvation lies in him j
The Prince, who is not rn difpenfing nice^
But 'freely gives without her pains or price.
This magnifies the Avonder in her eye,'
Who not a farthing has wherewith to' buy;.
For now her humbled mind can difavpw
Her boafted beauty and ^fluming brow j*
With confcious eye difcern her eraptinefs^
With candid lips her poverty confefs.
*0 glory to- the Lord, that grace is free^

* Elfe never would it light on guilty me.
^ I nothing have with me to be its price^

* But hellifli blacknefs, enmity, and vice.*
In former times fhe du^ft prefuming come
To grace's market with a petty fum

Of duties, prayers, tears,, a boafted fet,
Expefting Heav*n would thus be in her debt.
Thefe'were the price, at leaft fhe did fuppofe
She'd be the welcomer becaufe of thofe :
But now flie fees the vilenefs of her vogue.
The dung that clofe doth ev'ry duty clog;.

% Heb* xii. 2»

Chap. I.. T^e Believer^s EfpoufaU. 53

_ ■ • *

He iki that doth her holinefs reprove, . ,

The enmity that clofe attends her love ;

The great heart-hardnefs of her penitence,

The ftupid^ dulneft of her vaunted fetife ;

The unblief of former blazed faith,
The utter nothingnefs of all flie hath.
The blacknefs of Jier beauty flie can fee,
Thp pompous pride of ftrain*,d humility.
The. naughtinefs of all her tears and pray'rs,
And now renounces alL as worthlefs wares ;
And finding nothing to commend herfelf,
But what might damn her, htr embezzled pelf;
At fov*reign grace's feet does proffrate fall.
Content to be in Jefus* debt for all.
Her noifed Virtues Vanifli out of fight.
As (tarry tapers at, meridian light ;
While fweetly, humbly, ihe beholds at length
Cbrift, as her only righteoufnefs and ftrcngth.
He with the view throws down his loving dart,
Impreft with pow*r into her tender heart.
The deeper that the law's fierce dart was throwuj
The' deeper now the*dart of love goes down:
Hence, fweetlypain^^d, her cries to heav'n do flee ^
'^O none but Jefus, none but C^rill for me,:
*0 glorious' Chrift, O beauty, beauty rare,

* Tea thoufand thoufand heav'ns are not fo fair,
*'In him at once all beauties meet and fl)ine»
'The white and ruddy, human and divine.
*As in his low, he's in his high abode,
*^^The brighteft image of the unfeen God*;

* How juilly do the harpers fing above,

* His doing, dying, riling, reigning love I t

* Heb. ir^

E 3

\

54 GosFEi Sonnets. Part I.

• How juftly does he, when his work is dom

• Poffefs the centre of bis Father's throne T

• How juftly does his awful throne before,

• Seraphic arjnies proftrate him adore f

• That^s both by nature and donation crowned;

• With all the grandeur of the Gpdhead round?

* But wilt thou, Loi:d, in very deed conie dwell

• With me, that was a burning brand of hell ?

• With me fo juftly reckoned worfe and lefs

• Than infeft, mite, or atom can exprefs ?

• Wilt thou debafe thy high imperial form,

• To match with fuch a mortal, crawling worni?

• Yea^ fure thine errand to our earthly coaft^
^ Was in deep love iofeek andfave the lq/i\ ;

• And fince thou deign*ft the like of me to wed,

• O come and make my heart thy marriage-bed*

• Fair Jefus, wmU thou mairy filthy me ?

• Amen, Amen, Amen ; fo let it be^

chap; III.

The Fruits of the Believer's Marriage with
Christ, -particularly gbfpel holinefs and obe-
- dience to the law as a rule. "•

V

SECT. I.

^hc fuccet JoJemmtj of the marriage npm over, and
the fad effe^ls of the remains ^f a legal /pit it.

THE match is made, with little din *tis done.
But with great power, unequal prizes won*
The Lamb has fairly woo his worthlefs bride;
She btr great Lord, and all his ftore befid.€»
He made tb*^ pooreft bargain, tho' mcft wif(^ j
And flie, the fcol, has won the m orlby prizf ».

\ Luke six*. xo»

Chap. in. The Believer^s E/p9ufals. 55

«i)ecp floods of everlafting love a»d grace,
^X under ground ran an eternal fpace,
Now rife aloft 'bove banks of fin and hell.
And o'er the tops bf mafly mountains fwell.
h ftreams of blood are tow'rs of guilt overflown;
Down with -the rapid purple current thrown.

The bride now as her all can Jefus own,
And proflrate at his footftool caft her crown,
Difclaiming all her former groundlefs hope,
While in the dark her foul did weary grope.
Down tumble all the hills of felf-conceit.
In him alone fhe fees herfelf complete ;
Does his fair peifon with feud arms embrace,
Aiid all her hopes on his full merit place ;
Diicard her former mate, and henceforth draw
No hope-, no expedation from the law.

Though thus her new created nature foars.
And liv^s aloft on Jefus' heav'nly (lores ;.
Yet apt to ftray, her old adult'rous heart
Oft takes her old renounced hufband's part :
A legal cov'nant is fo deep ingrain'd,
Upon the human nature laps'd and fiaiu'd.
That, tiH her fpirit mount tl>e pureft clime.
She's never totally divore'd in time.*
Hid in her corrupt part's proud bofom lurks
Some hopeof Tife ftiH by the law of works.

Hence flow the following evils more or lefs j
Preferring oft her partial holy drefs.
Before her Hulband's perfed righteoufnefs. -

Hence joying more in grace already giv'n
Than in her Head and lloc^ that's all in heav'n.
Hence gricA^ing more the want of frafmes and
Than of himfelf the fpring of all f^lftce. (grace>

1

56 Gospel Sonnets. Part. I.

Hence guilt her faul imprifons, lufts prevail
"While to the law her rents infol vent fail, [bail
And yet her faithlefs heart rejeds her Hufhand'

Hence foul diforders rife, and racking fears.
While doubtful of his clearing paft arrears ;
Vain dreaming, .fince her own obedience fails,
His likewife little for her help avails. -

Hence duties are a taffc, while all in view
Is heavy yokes of laws, or old or new :
Whereas, were once her legal bias broke.
She'd find her Lord*s commands an eafy yoke»
No galling precepts on her neck he lays,
Nor any debt demands, fave what he pfays
By promis'd aid; but, lo! the grievous law.
Demanding brick^ won't aid her with a ftraw.

Hence alfo fretful, grudging, difcontent,
Crav'd by the law, findin-g her treafure fpent.
And doubting if her Lord will pay the rent.

Hence pride of duties 190 does often fwell,
Prefuming fee performed fo very weH.

Hence pride of graces and inherent worth
Springs from her corrupt legal bias forth ;
And boafting more a prefent wTth'ring frame,. ' ]
Than her exalted Lord's unfading name.

Hence many falls and plunges in the mire^
As many new cbnverfions do require:
Becaufe her faithlefs heart fad follies breed,
Much lewd departure from her living Head;
. Who, to reptove her aggravated crimes,
Leaves her abandoned to herfelf at times;:
That, falling into f;ightful deep's, Ihe may
From fad experietice learn more ftrafs to lay,
Not on her n'ative efforts, but at length
On Cbrift alone, her righteoufnefs and ftrength :

Cbap. in. The Believer^ s Efpufals. 57

Ggpfcious* while in her works Ihe feeks repofe,
ner legal fpirit breeds her many woes.

SECT. II.

FaWs vtHories over Jin and Satan, through ne^
and farther difcoveries of C^KiST^ making fc-
Uevers more fruitful in holinefs than all other
pretenders to worh^

THE gofpel-path leads heaven-ward ; hence
the fray.
Hell powers ftill pufb the bride the legal way.
So hot the war, her life's a troubled floods
A field of battle, and a fcene of blood.
But he that once conimenc*d the work in her,
Wbofe working fingers drop the fweeteft myrrh.
Will ftill advance it by alluring force, j^vorpe :
And, -from her ancient mate, mpre clean di*
Since *tis her antiquatedJfpoufc the law.
The ftrength of fiji and hell did on her draw.
Piece-meal fhe finds hell's mighty force abate^
By new recruits from her almighty Mate.^
Frefh armour fent from grace's magazine.
Makes her proclaim eternal war with fin^
The (hield of faith, dipt in the Surety's blood.
Drowns fiery darts, as in a crimfon flood.
The Captain's ruddy banner, lifted high,.
Makes hdl retire, and all the furies fly.
Yea, of his glory every recent glance
Makes fin decay, and holinefs advance.
In kindnefs therefore does her heavenly Lord
Renewed difcov'ries of his love afford,.
That her enamoured foul may with the view
Be cail into his holy mould anew :

.58 Gospel Sonnets,' Part !•

For when he manifefts his glorious gtace|i
The chamiing favour of his fmijing face,
Into his image fair transforms her foul*,
And wafts her upward to the heav'nly pole.
From "glory ^unto glory by degrees.
Till vifion and fruition Ihall fuffice.
And thus in holy beauty Jefus' bride
Shines far beyond the painted fons of pride,.
Vain merit-vouchers, and their fubtile apes,
In all their moft refin'd, delufive Ihapes,
Nq^ lawful child |s ere the marriage born;
Though therefore virtues feign'd theirlife adorn^
The fruit they bear is but a fpurious brood,.
Before this happy marriage be made good.
And 'tis not ftrange ; for, frqm a corrupt tree
No fruit divinely good produced can be\.
But, lo 1 the bride, graft in the living Root^
Brings forth mod precious aromatic fruit.
When her newheart and her new Hulband meet ^
Her fruitful ^i^o;;)^ is like a heap of wheats '
Befet with fragments lilies rounji about \ ,
^- All divine graces, in a comely root,
^^Burning within, and Ihining bright withouf.
,r jfUkad thus the bride, as fecred fcripture faith.
When dead unto the law through JejW death %,
And matched with him^ bears to her Cod and Lord
Accepted fruity with ineenfe pure decor" d.
Freed from law-debt, and bleft with gofpel eafc,.
Her work is now her deareft Lojrd to pleafe,
By living on him as her ample ftockj
And leaning to him as her potent rock. .
The fruit, .that each law-wedded mortal brings
I'ofelf accrefces, as from felf it fprings.

* 2 Cor. iti< 18. f Matt. tu. 17* i8. :|: Cant, viu 2*

$ ' Rom. vii. 4«

Chap, IIL • The Believer^s EJpm/ah. \ 59,

So bafe a rife muft have a bafe recourfe,

Tl!e dream can mount «o higher than its fourcc.

But Jcfus can Itis, bride's fweet fruit commend,

^sbcpught from him the root, to him thecad«

She does by fuch an offspring him avow

To be her Alpha and Omj^ga too.

The work and warfare he begins, he crowns.

Though maugre various conflidts, up and downs.

Thus through the darktbme vale (he makes her

Until the morning-dawn of glory's day. [[way

SECT. lU.

' "True faving faith niagnifying tl^ law^ both m alcove-
nanfj and as a rule. Falfe faith unfruitjul and
ruining.

PROUD nature may reject this gofpel-themc.
And curfe it as an Antitiomian fcheme.
Let flander bark, let envy grin and fight,
Thex:urfe that is fo caufelefs fhall not light*.
Jf they that fain would make by holy force
*Twixt finners and the law a clean divorce.
And court the lamb a virgin challe to wife,
Be charg'd as foes to holinefs of life.
Well may they fufler gladly on this fcore,
Apoftles great were fo nialign'd before.
Dq we maie tmd the law through faith ■\f nay.
We do it more fulfil and magnify . [why,
Than 'fiery feraplis can with hoHeH flafh j
Avant, vain legalifts, unworthy traih.

When as a^ov'nant ftern tire law commands.
Faith puts her Lamb's obedience in its hands ^
And when its threats gufh^out a fiery flood,
Faith flops the current with her victim's blood.

* Ifrov* xxvi.,2. t Roni iii* 21.

6o GosFEt SoNNErs. PartL

The law can <:ravc no more, yet craves no kj&t
Than adive, paffive, perfe6l rigfateoufnefs.
Yet here is all, yea, more than its demand.
All rendered to it by a divine hand.
Mankind is bound law-fervice -ftill to pay^
Yea, angel^ind is alfo -bound t* obey.
It may •by human and angelic blaze
Have honour, but in finite- partial ways.
Thefe natures have its luftre once defac'd,
'Twill be by part ot both for ay difgrac'd,
V Yet, had they all obfequious flood and true,
- They'd giv'n the law no moi-e than homage diie.
But faith gives 't honour yet more great, more
The high, the humble lervice of its God. fodd^

Again to view the holy^law's x^ommand^
As lodged in a Mediator's hand ;
Faith gives it honour, as a rule oflife^ .
And makes the bride the Lamb's obedient wife*
Due homage to the law thofe never did.
To whom th* obedience pure of faith is hid.
Faith woi^s by love^ J znd purifies i he hearty.
And truth advances in the inward part ;
On carnal Ixearts imprefles divine ftamps,'
And fuUy'd lives inverts to ftjining lamps* -
From Abram^s ifeed that arc moft ftrong in faith^
The law mofl. honour, God moft gtory hath.
But due refpeft to neitl^er can be found.
Where unbelief ne'er got a mortal wound.
To ftill the virtue-vaunter's empty found.
Good works he boafts, a path he never trode.
Who is not yet the workmanjhtp of God I ,
In Je/us thereunto created new ; £fliew«

Nois'd works that fprtog nctt "hence are but a

^ ♦ Eph. ii, 10. t Gal v. 9. % ^?^ "• 9-

Cbap. m. the Believer's Efpoufats. 6c

True faith, that's of a noble divine race.
Is ftill a holy fanftifying grace :
And greater honour to the law dofes fiiare,
Than boafters all that breathe the vital air.
£v'n heathen morals vaftly may outftiine
The works that flow not from a faith 1di vine.

Pretenfions high to' faith a number havc^
But, ah ! it is a faith that cannot fave ;
We trujl^ fay they, in Chrijt^ we hope in God :■
Nor blufli to blaze their rotten faith abroad.
Nor try the truft of which they n^alce a fliew,
If of a faving or a damning hue.
They own their fins are ill ; true, but 'tis fad
They never tjsought their faith and hope were

bad.
How evidont's their hmne-bred natural blaze.
Who dream they have believed well all their daysj
Yet never felt their unbelief, nor knew
The need of pow'r their nature to renew ?
Bhnd fouls that boaft of faith, yet live in lin.
May hence conclude their faith is to begin ;
Or know they fliall, by fuch an airy faith.
Believe themielves to everlafiing wrath.
Faith that nor leads to good^ nor keeps from i7//
Will never lead to heav'n, nor keep from hell^
The body, without breath is dead^ ; no lefs
Is faith without the wbrks of holinefsf. -
How rare is faving faiths when earth is cramm'd
With fuch as will believe, and yet be damn'd j
Believe the gofpel, yet with dread and awe
Have never truly firft believ'd the law ?
That nfatters fliall be well, they hope too foon
Who never yet have leen they were undone.

* Jjupet it. 36. t Jvaes ii. i-;, no.

F

^Z Go&PEL SoiTNETs. Parti.

Can of falvation their beHef be true,
Who nev^r yet believ'd damnation due ?
Can thefe of endiefs life have folid faith.
Who never fear'd law-threats of endlefs death?
Nay, faiPd they ha'nt yet to the healing Ihore,
Who never felt their finful, woful fore.

Imaginary faith is but a blind,
That bears no frmt but of a deadly kind : >^
Nor can from fuch a wild unwholefome root^
The leaft.produAion rife of living fruit.
But faving faith can fuch an offspring breed.
Her native produd is a holy feed.
The faireft iffues of the vital breath [faithl;

Spring from the fertile woiinb . of heav'nrbom
Yet boafts (he nothing of her own, but brings
'Auxiliaries from the King of kings,
W-ho graves ^his royal law in rocky hearts,
And gracious aid in fofteuing fhow'rs imparts:
This gives prolific virtue to the faith,
Infpir'd at firft by his almighty breath.
Hence, fetching aU her fuccours from abroad.
She ftill employs this mighty pow'r of God.
Drained clean of native powVs arid legal aimis.
No ftrength but in and from Jehovah claims :
And thus her fervicc to the law overtops
The tow'ring zeal of Pharifaic fops. .

SECT. IV.

The Believer only ^ being married to Chri/i^ » jufti-
fied and fan^ified : and the more gofpel freedom
from the law as a covenant ^ the more holy con/ or •
mity to it as a rule-

TIUS doth the Hufband by his Father's will
Both /(?r and in his bride the law fulfil : .

Chap. III. ^e Belkver's Efpoufals. 63

for ber^ as 'tis a covenant ; anil then
In her, as 'tis a rule of life to men.
Firil, all law-debt he n^oft completely pays,
• Then of law-duties all the charge c^efrays.
Does firft aflume hef guilt, and loofe her chains,
And then with living water waih her fiains ;
Her fund reftore, and then her form repair,
^nd make his filthy bride a beauty fair ;
His perfeft.righteoufnefs moil freely grant.
And then his holy image deep implant j
Into her heart his precious feed indrop.
Which i6 his time will yield a glorious crop.
But by alternate turns his plants he brings
Through robbing winters and repairing fprings.
Hence, pining oft^ they fufFer fad decays
By dint of fhady nights and ftormy days.
But bleft with fs^, and influence from above^ ^
They live and grow anew in faith and love ;
Until tranfplaaited to the higher foil,
Where furies tread no more, nor foxes fpoil.
While Ghrift the living root remains on high.
The noble plant of grace can never die ;
Nature decays, and fo will all the fruit
That merely rifes on a mortal root.
Their works, however fplendid, are but dead, -
That from a living fountain dbn't proceed ;
Then: fairefi fruit is but a garnilh'd fhrine,
That are not grafted in the glorious Vine.
Devbuteft hypocrites are rank'd in rolls
Of painted puppets, not of living fouls. ^

No ofFspjing but of Chrift's fair bride is good,
T'his happy marriage has a holy brood.

$4^ Gospel Sonnets. Parti.

Let finners learn this myftery to read,
We bear to glorious Chrift no precious feed.
Till through the law^ we to the law he dead* .
No true obedience to the law^ but forcM, ^
Can any yield,^ till from the law divorc'd.
Nor toit^ as a; rule is homage giv^n,
T'lWfrom sty as a covenant ^ men be driy*n*.
Yea more.» till once they this -divorce attain.
Divorce ftdm fin they but attempt in vain ;
The curfed yoke of fin they bafely draw/
Till once unyoked from the curling law.
Sin's full dominion keeps its n^tiye place,
While men 2crt under law^ not under grace^^
For mighty hills of enmity won't move, [love.
Till touch'd by conquering grace and mighty

Were but the gofpel fecret underftooA;
How God can pardon where he fees no good ;
How grace and mercy free* that can't be bought,
Keign through a righteoi^fnefs already wrought:
XSP'ere wofol reigning unbefeef deposed,
Myfterious grace to blinded minds difclos'd :

1

Did HcaxT'n with gofpel-news its pow*r con- li
And finners bear a faithfulGod but lay, ( vey, >

• No more law-debt remain* for you to pay j j

• Lo, by the loving Surety all*s difcharg'd,
Their hearts behoved with love to be enlafg^d;
Lcn^ej the tucjcin^ fulfilling iff the law \y

Were then the eafy yoke they'd fwcetly draw ;
Love would conftrain and to his fervicc move,
Who left them nothing elfe to do but lo\'e.
Slight now his loving precepts if they can ;
No,* no ; his conquering kindnefs leads the van.
When everlafting love exerts the fway, (obey.
They judge themfelves more kindly bound t*

GaL ii. i^. t Rom« yi. 14. % Rom. xHi. ic* /

1

1 i

Chap. III. Tie Believer^ s Efpoufah. 65

Bound by redeeming grace in ftrifter fenfe
Than ever Adam was in innocence. .
Why now, they are not bound, as fonneriy.
To do and live^ nor yet to da or die ;
j3oth life and d^ath are put in Jefus^ hands,
Who urges neither in his kind commands,
Not fervile ^ork their Jife and heav'n to win.
Nor flavifli lahour death and hell to fhun.
Their alms are purer, fince they underftood/
Their hcav'n *was bought, their hell was

quenched with blood.
The oars of golpcUfervice now they fteer.
Without or legal hope or flavifh fear, x

The bride in fweet fecurity can dwell, (hell :
Nor bound to purchafe heaven, nor vanquifii
But bound for him thp race of love to run,
Whofe love t5 her left none of thefe undone ;
She's tx>und to be thie Lamb's^ obedient wife,

, And in his ftrength to ferve him during life y
To glorify his loving name for ay,
Wha left her not a fingle mite to pay
Of legal, debt, but wrote for her jat large
In charaAers of blood a full difcharge.
Henceforth no fervile taik her labours prove,.

* But gfateful frtiits of reverential love.

SECT. V.

(xo/^el-grace giving no liberty nor freedom tojin^ but
to bolyfervice and pure dbedience.

THE glorious Hufbandjs love can't leadthe
. ^ife '. . . ■ - / ^ ..
To whoredom or licentioufnefs of life :
Nay, nay; fhe finds his waroxeft love within ;*
The hotteft fire to melt her heart. for fm/'^

F X "

66 GospjtlSokkets. Part I.

His kind embrace is ilill the firongeft cord
To bind her to the fervice of her Lord.
The more her faith infures this love of his.
The more his law her delegation is.
Some dream, they might, who this aflurance
Take latitude and liberty to fin. (v^in,

Ah! fuch bewray their ignorance, and prove 1
They want the lively fenfe of dying love ; t
And how its fweet conftraining force can. f
move. J

The ark of grace came naver in to dwell,
But Dagon lufts before it headlong fell.
Men bafely can unto lafcivioufnefs
Abufc the doftrine, not the work' of grace,
liuggers of divine love in vice's path,
Have but the fancy of it, not the faith*
They never loar'd aleft on grace's wing,
That knew not grace to be a holy thing :
When regnant ihc the powers of hell appals.
And firfs dominion in the ruin falls.
Curs'd is the crew whofe Antinomian drefs
Makes, grace a cover to their idlcnefs.
The bride of Chrift will fure be very loth
To make his love a pillow for her fioth.
Why, mayn't (he iin the. more that grace a-

, bounds !
Oh,'G©d forbid! the very thought confounds.
When dead unto the law, Ihe's dead tp fin ;
How can die any longer live therein*?
To neither of them is flie now a flave.
But ftiarcs the conquefl: of the great, tl>e brave;
The mighty Gen'ral, her vi6l6rious Head,
Who broke the double chain to free the bride|

* Rom. yi i^h

Chap. IV. The Beliwer^s Efpoufals. 67

[ Hence, prompted now with gratitude and love^
I Her cheerful feet in fwift obedience move.
More ilrong the cords of love to duty draw.
Than hell, and all the curfes of the law.
Wiea with feraphic love the bread's infpir*d,
JB7 that arc all-the other graces fir'd ; (frame
Tbefe kindling round, the burning heart and
I In life and, walk lend forth a holy flame.

I C H A P. IV^

A Caution to all againft a legal fpirit ; efpecial-
. ly to thofe that have a profeffiqn without
power, and learning without grace.

WHY, fays the haughty heart of legalifts.
Bound to the law of works by natural
^ Why fuch ado about a law divorce ? (twills,

* Mens lives are bad, and.would you have them
' worie ?

* Such Antinoraian ftufF with labour*d toil

* Would human beauty*s native luftre ipoil. ^

* What wickednefs beneath the covering lurks,

* That loudly would divorce us all from works ?

* Why fuch flir about the law and grace ? .
' We know that merit cannot now take place.

* And what needs more ? ' Well, ito let flander
Be merit for a little here the fcope. (drop>

Ah ! many learn to lifp in gofpd- terms, ,
Wbo yet embrace the law with legal arms,
By wholcfoine education fome are taught
To own that iiuman merit now is naught ;
Who faintly but renounce proud merit's name,
And cleave rcsfinMly to the Popilh fcheme.

68 GosPEt Sonnets. ^ Part J.

For graceful works expefting divine Wife,
And^ when they fail, truft Chrift for what^s a-
Thus to his righteoufnefs profefs to flee, (mife*
Yet by it ftill would their own faviours be.
They fcem to works of merit blobdy foes,
Yet feek falvation as it were^ by thofe.
Blind Gentiles found, i^ho did nor feek nor
But Ifra'l loft it whole, who fought it fo. (know;

Let all that love to wear the legal" drefs,
Know that as fin, fo baftard righteoiifnefs
Has flain it*s thoufands, who in tow'ring pride
The righteoufnefs of Jefus Chrift deride;
A robe divinely wrought, divinely won^
Yet caft by men for rags that are their own^
But fome; to legal works feem whole deny*d,
Yet would by gofpel works be juftify^, '
By faith, repentance, love, and 0tber fuch :
Thef$ dreamers being righteous overmuch,
Like Uzza, give the ark a wrongful touch.
By legal deeds however gofpeliz'd.
Can c'e>-tremend^ous juftice be appeas'd
Or finners jiiftify'd bj^fore that God,
Whofe law is perfeft, znd e^xcccding* broad ?
Nay, faith itfelf, th*at leading gofpel-graee.
Holds as a work no juftifying place,
Juft Heaven to man fbr righteoufoefs imputes.
Not faith itfelf, or in it's ads or fruits;.
Biit Jefus' meritbrioiis life and death,
Faith's proper objed, all the honour hath.
From this doth faith derive its glorious famc^
Its great renown and juftifying name;
Receiving" all things, but deferving nought ;
By faith all's begg'd ^nd taken, nothing bought

♦Rom. ix. 52t ' ^

Chap. IV. T!'he Believer's Lfpoufah. ^^

Its higheft name is ftam the wedding vote,
So inftrumental in the marriage-knot.
Jehovah fends the bride in that bleft houT,
""K exceeding gr^atnefs of bis niigbty pow't : *
Which fweetly does her heart-confent commiandy
To reach the wealthy Prince her naked band.
For clofe to his embrace {he*d never ftir,
If firft his loving arms embfac'd not her :
But this- he docs by kindly gradual ch^fe,
Of roufing, railing, teachings drawing grace,
He Ihews her^ in his fweeteft love addrefs,
His glory as the Sun of fighteoufnefs \
At which all dying glories earth adorn.
Shrink like the fick moon at the wholefomc
Tnis glorious Sun arifing'with a grace, (morn.
Dark Ihade of creaturc-righteoufnefs to chafe.
Faith now dilblaims itfelf, and all the train
Of virtues forftierly accounted gain; (difciajn.
And counts thein duvg f , with holy, meek
For now appears the height, the depth im*
Of divine bounty and benevolence"; (menfe
Amazing mercy !. ignorant of bounds"! .
Which moft enlarged faculties confounds^
How vain, how void nowfeena the vulgar charms,
The monarch's pomp of courtis, and pride of
The boafted beauties of the human kind, (arras?
The pow'rs of body, and the gifts of mind ?
Lo ! in the granduer of Immanuei's train,
All's fwiillow'd up as rivers in the main.
He's fecn, when gofpel-light and fight is giv'n,
Engompats'cl round with all the pomp of heaven.
The foul, now taught of God, fees human
Make Chriftleis rabbi's only lit'rate fools; (fchools

^ * Eph. vii. 1 6. t Phil. iii. 7, 8.

[

«

jio G o s p E L S o N N E T s. ^ Part !•

And that, till divine teaching po\v*rful 8raw,
No learning will divorce them from the law.
Mere argument m^y clear the head, and fore©-
A verbal, not a cordial clean divorce.
Hence many, tanght the wholefome ternos of art,
Have gofpel-heads, b\it ftill a legal heart.
Till fov'rcign grace and pow'r the finner catch.
He takes not Jefus for his only nxatch.
Nay, works complete 1 ah! triue, however odd.
Dead works are rivals with the living God.
Till Heav'n's preventing mercy clear the lights
Confound the pride with fupfernat'ral light :
No haughty foul of human kind is brought *
To mortify her felf-exalting thought.

Yet holieft creatures. in clay-tents that lodge^
Be but their lives fcann'd by the dreadful Judge.;^
How Ihall they e*er his awful fearch e»dure.
Before whofe pureft eyes heav'n is riot pure ?
How muft their blark indiftment be enlarged.
When by him ftngels are With folly chargM }-
What human worth Ihall ftand, when he fliall
O may his glory ftain the pride of 'man. (fcan?

How wond'rous are the tracks of divine grace!
How fearchlefs are his wa/s, how vaft th*abyfs I
JLiCt haughty reafon (loop, and fear to leap j
Angelic plummet^ cannot found the deep.
With fcorn he turns hisjeyes from haughty kings.
With pleafure looks on low and wortblefs things^
Deep are his judgments, fov*reign is his will,
Let evVy mortal worm be dumb, be ftill.
In vain proud reafon fwells beyond Its bound}
God and his counfels are a gulf profound.
An ocean wherein all our thoughts are
drown'd.

' Chap. V. Tbe Selievef's EJpduJak. 71

I ■ " ■ * ,. ' '

CHA.P« V.

Arguineats and Encouragements tcr Gofpel mi-
nifteri to avoid a iegal Jirairixof do^rine^ an^
endeavour the fianer'^ match with Christ
by gofpel-means^'

S E G T L

A legal Spirit 4 he root of damnable Errors.

rl her^ds great, that blow in name of God
The filver trump of gofpel grace abroad^
And found by warrant from the great I AM,
The nuptial treaty with the worthy Lamb :
Might ye but ftopp th* ubpoUQi'd iSufe to brook.
And from a ftirub an wbolefome berry pluck ;
Te-d take encouragement from what is faid,
By gofpel means to make the marriage -bed.
And to your glorious Lord. a virgin chafte to
wed.

The more proud nature be^rs a legal fway,
Themorefhould preachers bend the gofpel- way:
Oft in the church arife deftructive fchifms
From anti-evangelic aphorifms;
A legul fpirit may be juftly nam'd
The fertile womb of ev'ry error dan;n'd.

Hence rop'ry, fo connatVal finc^ the fall.
Makes legal works like f^viours hierit all ;
Yea,^ more than merit on their (houlder loads.
To fuper^rogat^ like demi gods.

Hence proud Sociniar]^ feat their rcafon high,
'Bove ev*ry precious gofpel-myftery,
Its divine Author ftib,' and without fear ^
, The purple covert of his chariot tear.

72 G o 6 p E L S o N N jsr T s. Part L

With thefe run Arian monfters in a line.
All gofpel-truth at once to undci*mine!
To darken and delete, like hellilh foes,
The brighteft colour tyf the Sharon Rofe.
At beft its human r^rf^ they but decry,
That blot the divine wbite^ the native dye.

Hence dare Arniinians too, with brazen face,
Give man's free-will the throne of God's free
Whofe felf-exalting tenets clearly ihew (grace j
Great ignorance of law and gofpel too.

Hence Nconomians fpring, as fundry call
The new law-makers to redrefs our fall.
The law of works into repentance, faith.
Is -chang'dj^as their Baxterian Bible. faith.
Shaping the gofpel to an eafy law, (ftraw;
They build their tottering houfe with hay and
Yet hide, like Rachel*s idol*s-in the ftufF,
Their legal hands within a gofpel muff.
^ Yea, hence fprings Antinomian vile refufe,
Whofe grofs abettors gofpel grace abufe ;
Unlkill'd how grace's filken latchet binds .
Her captives to the law with willing minds.

SECT. 11.

A %^i/SxRAiN ofdo^rine dif covered and difcarded.

NO wonder Paul the legal fpirit curfe.
Of fatal errors fuch a feeding nurfe.
He, in Jehovah's great tremendous name.
Condemns perverters of the gofpel- fche me.
He damn'd the fophift rude, the babbling prieft
Would venture to corrupt it in the leaft ;
Yea, curs'd the heav'nly angel down to bell.
That daring would another gofpel tell*.

Chap. V. . T^he Believer^ s Efpoufals. 73

Which crime is cTiargM on tbefe that dare dif-
The felf.fame gpfpeil in another fenfe« fpenfe

C h rift is. riot preach'd in truth, but in dif-
If his bright glory hs^lf abfconded lies. Cs^^^pf
When gofpcl loldiers, that divide the word,
Scarce brandifli any but the legal fword. |

While Chrift the author of the law they prelS,
More than the end of it for righteoufnefs';
Chrift as a fieker of our fervice trace^
More than a giver of enabling grace.
The King commanding holinefs they fhpw.
More than the Prince exalted to beftow ;
Yea, more on Chrift the fiu-r^venger dwell.
Than Chrift Redeemer both from fin and •hell.

With fegal ipade the gofpel- field he delve^.
Who thus' dnvcs-finners in unto themfelve^;
Halving the truth that fhould be all reveaPd,
The fweeteii part of Chrift is oft conceal'd,
We bid men turn from fin, but feldom fay.
Behold the Lamb that takes all-^n away-\!
Chrift, by the gofpel rightly underftood,
Not only treats a peace, but makes it gooi
Thofe fuitors therefore of the bride^ who hope
By force to drag her with the legal rope.
Nor ufe the drawing cord of conqu'^ring grace,
Purfue with flaming zeal a fruit lefs chafe ;
In vain lame doings urge, with folemn awe,
To bribe the fury of the fiery law:
With equal fuccefs to the fool that ahns
By paper walls to bound devouring flames*
Theiaw*8biJtmock*d by their moft graceful deed,-
That wed not firft the law fulfilling He^d j

, f Joha i. 39.

G

"1

74 ♦ Gospel Sonnets. Part I.

It Values neither how they wrought teor wept,
That flight the ark wherein alone 'tis kept.
Yet legalifts, DO, DO, with ardour prefs.
And with prepoft^rous zeal and warm addrefs
Would fee m the greateft friends to. holinefs :
But vainly (could fuch oppofites accord)
Refped the law, and ycx rejeft the Lord.
They fhew not Jefus as the way to blifs,
But Judas-like betray him with a kifs
Of boafted works, or mere profeffion puft-, •
Law-boaiiers proving but law bi-tilcers oft.'

SECT. iii.

The HuRTFULNEss of not pweaching Christ, and
di/lingui/hing duly betwen law and go/pel.

»

HELL cares not how crude holinefs be
preachM,
If finners match With Chrift be never reach'dj
Knowing their holinefs is but a (ham.
Who ne'er are married to the holy Lamb.
Let words ha\* never fuch a pious fhew.
And blaze' aloft in rude pofeffor*s view,

. With facred aromatics richly fpic'd,
If they, but drown in filence glorious Chfift:
Or, if he may fome vacan^ room fupply,
Mike him a fubjedl only by the by; ,
They mar true holinefs with tickling chat,
To breed^a baftard Pharifaic btat.
They wofully the gofpel meflage broke,
Make fearful havoc of the Mauer's flock ;
Yet pleafe themfelvcs, and th^ blind multitude,
By whom the gofpel*s little underftood.
Rude fouls perhaps imagine little odds

^ Between the legal and the gofpel roads:

r*

I

\

Chap V. The Believer^ s.EJpouf ah. 75

But vainly men attempt, to blend \he two;
They differ "more than Chrift and Mofcs do.
Mofes, evangelizing in a fliade.
By types the news of light approaching fpread :
But from the law of works by him proclaira'd,
' No ray of gofpel-grace or mercy gleam'd.
i^y nature's light the law to all is known,
But lightfome news of gofpel-grace to none.
The doing cov'nant, now, in part or whole.
Is ilfong to jfi^Qin, but weak to fave a foul.
It hurts, an€ cj^nmot help, but as* it tends
Through mercy^ft) fubferve fome gofpel-ends.
Law.thun4er roughly to the gofpel tames.
The gofpel mildly to the law reclaims* \
The fiery Jaw, as *tis a covenant,
School^ men to fee the gofpel-aid they want;
Then gofpel aid does fweetly them incline '
Back to the law as *tis a rule divine, f wounds^,
Heav*n's healing work is oft commenced with
Terror begins what loving kindnefs crowns.
Preachers inay therefore prefs the fiery law, .
To ftrike the Chriftlefs man with dreadful awe.
Law threats which for his fins to hell deprefs,
Yea, damn him for his rotten righteoufnefs ;
That while he views the law exceeding broad.
He fain may wed the righteoufnefs of God.

But, ah! to prefs law- works as terms of life,*
Was ne'er the way to court the Lamb a wife.
To urge conditions iri the legal frame,
Is to renew the vain oldwcov'nant game.
The law is good when lawfully ^ 'tis us'd^^
But moft deftruftive when it is abus'd.
They fet no duties iri their proper fphere,
^yho tfuly law and gofpel don't fever;

* I Tim. i. 8.

76 G b s p E L S o N N E T s. Part I.

But under mafly chains let finners He,
As tributaries, or to DO or DIE.
Not make the law a fquaring rule of life.
But in the gofpcl-throat a bloody knife, •

SECT, iv;

Damnab^ "pride and felf-righteoufnefs,y& natural
to all men^ has Hi tie need to be encouraged^ by te-
gal f reaching.

THE legal path ^roud nature loves fo well,
(Thoughyet *tis but the cleaneft road to.liell)
That lo! e^en tliefe that take the fouleft ways,
Whofe lewdnefs no controuling bridle flays ;
If but tlieir drowfy confcience raife its voice,
Twill'fpeak thelaw of works their native choice.
And echo to the roufing found, * Ah, true I

• I cannot hope to live, unlefs I DO.'

No confcious breatt of njortal kind can trace
The myft^ry deep of being fav'd by grace. /
Of this nor is the natural confcience lkill*d ;
Nor will admit it when it is reveal'd j ^
But pufhes at the gofpel like a ram,
As proxy for the law, againft the Lamb.
The proud felf-righteous Pharifaic ftrain
Is, * Bleft be God, I'm not like other men ;

• I read and pray, give alms, I mourn and fall f ;

* And therefore hope Y\\ get to heaven at laft :
vFor, though from every fin I be not free,

< Great multitudes of men arc worfe than me,

* I'm npne of thofe that fwear, cheat, drink,

and whore?
Thu^bn the law he builds his Babel tow'r.

f Lukexviii. ii> 12.

Chap. v. The Believer^s Efpou/ah. 77

Yea, ev*n tlje vikftcurfed. debauchee ^
Will make the law Of works hisf very pCea ; I

* Why, (fays the ritke), what take you me f

to be ? . ^ J ^

* A Turk or infidel ; (you lie), I cant ;

* Be term'd fo bafe, but by a fycophant ;
/ Only I hate to ad: the whining faint.

* I am a Chriftain true 5 and therefor^ bode,

* It ihall be well with me, I hope in God.

* An*t I an honcft man ? yea/ I defy

* The tongue that dare afiert black tomine eye/
Perhaps when the reprover turns his back.
He'll vend the viler wares o^ 's open*d p^ck.
And with his fellows^ in a ftrain more big,

' Bid danin the bafe uncharitable whig.
' Thefe fcoundrel hypocrites (he'll proudly fay)
' Think none ihall ever merit heav*n but they,
' And yet we may compete with them ; for fee,

* The beft havei)lemiflies as well, as we.

' We have as good a heart (we truft) as thefe,
' Tho' not their vain fuperfluous (hew andblaas^ei
^Bigotted zealots, whofe fole crimes are hid, '
' Would damn us all to bell ; but God forbid. %
' Whatever fuch a whining feci profefs,

* ^Tis4?ut i nice, mdrofe, afFefted drefs.

* And though we doa'tpretend fo much as they,

* We hope to compafs heav'ni a fhorter way ;.

* Wc fcek God's -mercy, and are all along

* Moft free H6f malice, and do ho man wrong,

^ But whima fantaftic (han't our heads annoy, ^

* That wpuld our focial liberties deftroy.
' Sure, right religion never was, defign^d

^ To mzx the native mirth of human- kind*

G3

yS ; Gospel Sonnets. Parti.

* How weak ^re thofe that would be thought

nonfuch ! ^

* How mad, that would be righteous overmuch !

* We have fufficient, though webenotqranim*d;

* We*ll therefore hope the beft, let them be*

damned/

Ah, horrid talk I yet fo the legal ftrain
Lards e^en the language of the moft profane.
Thus devHifh pride overlooks a thoufand faults,
^ And on a legal ground- itfelf exalts.
This DO and LIVE, though doing pow'rbeloft.
In ev^ty mortal is proud nature's boaft. ' , '
How does a vain conceit of goodnefs fwell,
And feed falfe hope, amidft th£ fhades of hcil ?
Shall we, who fliould by gofpel-methcds draw,
Send finners to their natural fpoufe the law ;
And harp upon the doing firing to fuch,
Who ignorantly dream they do fo much ?
Why, thus, inftead of courting Chrift a bride.
We harden rebels in their native pride.

Mucl^ rather ought we-in God's name to place
His great artillery Itraight againft their face j
'And throw hot Sinai thunderbolts around,

Toburn their tow'ringhopesdo^^h to the ground*
Tp makp the pillars of their pride to fliake.
And damn their doing« to the burning lake.
To curje the doers unto e»dlefs. thrall,
That never did continue to do all %
To fcorch their CQnficience with tfit flaming air,.
And fink their haughty hopes in deep defpair ;,
Denount^ing Ebal*s black reverrging doom,
To blail their expectation in the bloom ; ^
Till once vain hope of life by works give place.
Unto a folid hope of life by gracf .

* Gal. iii. JO*

Chap. V. The BeUever*s ^fpoufals. . ^ 79

The vig'rous-ufe of means is fafely arg*d,
When preffing calls from le<4r 1 dregs are purg'dj
But molt unfafely in a federal drefs,
Confounding temi^ of lifie with means of grace ;
Oh ! dangVous is th' attempt proud flefli to
Or fend a lihner to the law for eafe; (pleafe,
Who rather needs to feel its piercing dart.
Till dreadful pangs invade his trembling hearty
And thither iliould be only fent for flafsnes
Of fire to burn his rotten hopes and claims ;
That thus'difarm*d, he gladly may embrace^
And grafjp with eagernefs the news of grace,

S E C T. V.

fi^^^y^^/o/*Jivine grace the only means of con^
verting Jinners^ andjhould be preached therefore
^ moji dearly^ f^^y^ and freely.

THEY ought, who royal grace's herald's be,
To trumpet loud falvation, full and free:
Nor fafely can, to humour mortal pride,
In filence evangelic myft'ries hide.
What Heav*n is pleased to give, dare we refuft;
Or under ground conceal, 'left men abufe?
Supprefs the. gofpeUflow'r, upon pretence
That fome vik fpiders may fucVpoifon thence?
Chrift is a flurnbling bloci^, f|iall we negleft
To preach him, left the blind Ihould break their
That high he^s for the fall of many fet (neck?
As well us for the rif^-f^ muft prove no let.
No grain of precious truth muft be fuppreft.
Though reprobates ftiould to their ruin wreft,..
Shall Heav'ns corufcant lamp be dimm'd, that
Its daily tribute down in golden rays, (p^ys

Gospel Sonnets. Part L '

Becaufe fame blinded with the blazing gleams.
Share not the pler^a^ire of the-lightning beams ;
Let thofe be hardened,. petrify'd, and harni*d,
The reft are mollify'd and kindly warm'd.
A various favour*, flowers in grace's field.
Of life ^o fome, of death to others yield,
Muft then the rofe be vaiUd, the lily hid.
The fragrant favopr ftifled! God forbid.

The revelation of the gofpel-flow^r
Is ftill the organ fslm^d of faVing pow'r ;
Moft juftly then are legal minds condemned.
That of the glorious gofpel are a(ham*d : ^
For this the divine arm, and only this,
^bepoyj^r of God unto falvation is. ,

For therein is riveal^d, to fcreen from wrath.
The righteoufnefs of Cod from faith to faith \y
The happy change in guilty finners cafe
They pv/t to free difplays of fov'reign grace ;,
.Whofe joyful tidings of amazing love
The minifiration of the fpirit prove.
The glorious vent the gofpel-ne ws exprefs, (riefs.
Of God's free grace, thro' Ch rift's full righteouf-
Is Heav*n*s gay chariot where the Spirit bides.
And in bis conquering pow'r triumphant rides.^
Tjje gofpel-field is ftill' the Spirit's foil.
The golden pipe that bears the holy oilj
The orb where he outftiines th^ radiant fun>
The filvfer channel where bis graces run.
Wit"hin the gofpel-banks his flowing tide
OfJightning, quickning motions, fweetly glide.
Received ye the Spirit^ fcripture faith J,
By legal it;orksy or by the word rf faith f
If by the gofpel only, then let none
Dare to be wifer than the .wifeft One*

Chap. V. ^e Believer's EfpufaU. 8i

Weniuft, who freely get, as freelygive
The vital word that makes the dead to live. '
For cv*n to finners dead within our reach
Weinhislivingnamemay moft fuccefsful preach.

The Spirit and the fcripture both agree
Jointly, (fays Chrift), to tejiify of me^.
The preacher then will from his text decline.
That fcorns to harmonize with this defign.
Prefs moral duties to the laft degree ;
Why not ? but mind, left we fuccefelefs be,
No light, no hope, no ftrength for duties fpring.
Where Jefus is not Prophet, Prieft, and ICing.
I , No light to fee the way, unlefs he ieach^
\ No joyful hope fave in his blood we reach,
Nd ftrength unlefs his roval arm he ftretch.
Then from our leading leope how grofs we
If, like his name, in ev'ry gofpel-call, (fall.
We make not him the Firji, the £^, the Jl//^

Our office is to bear the radiant torch
Of gofpel-light into the darkened porch ,
Of human underftandings, and dilplay-
The joyful dawn of everlafting day;
To draw the gplden chariot of free grace,
The dark*ned ftiades with fliining rays to chafe,
Till heavens bright lamp on circling wheels b?

hurhd.
With fparkling grandeur round the duiky world;
And thus to bring, in dying mortals fight.
New life and immortality to light f.
We*re cha^o'd to preach the go/pel, unconfin*d,
To, ev^ry chaiure \ of the human kind j
To call, with tenders of falvation free,
All corners of the earth to come andjee |j/

* Jdhii XV. 26' V. 39. f 2 Tim i. 10.
Mark^xvi. ly || m. xlv. 22. John i. 39, 46.

82

%

GospjSL Sonnets. Part. !•

And,ev*ry finner hiuft excufelefs make^

By urging ricti and poor to come and take^.

Ho^ ev'ry one that ihirjls\^ is grace's call

Direft to needy finners great and fmair; "

Not njeaning tht)fe alo«e» whofe holy thirft

Denominates their fouls already bleft.

If only thofe were called, then none but faints ;

Nor would the gpfpel fuit the finners wants.

But here the call dbes fignally import .

Sinners and thirfty fouls of cv-ry fort ;

And mainly to their door the meflage brings^

Who yet are thirfting after empty things;

Who fpend their means no liv'ing bresd to biiy^.

And pains for that which cannot fati\fy*

Such thirfty finners here invited are, (cartf,*

Who vainly fpend their money f thought, and

On paffing (hades, vile lufts, and trafli fo bafe

As yield immortal fouls no t»W,folace.

The call direfts them, as they would be bleft^

To chufe a purer object of their thirft.

All are invited by the joyful found

To drink'who need, as doesthe parched ground,

Whofe wide-raouth'd clefts fpeak to the brafen

Its paflive thirft, without an aftive cry. (Iky

The gofpel preacher then, with holy fkill,
Muft offer Chrift to whofoever will.
To finners. of all forts^ that can be nam'd ;
^Thc blind, the Ia??ie^ tht poor ^ thchalf^ihtmaim^a^.
Not daring to reftrift th' extenfive call
But opening wide the net to catch 'em all.
No foul muft be excluded that will come,
No right of accefs be cpiifin'd to fome.

f'Rev. xxii. 17. X Ifk. Ir. i» z. § Luke xiv it*

Chap. V. Tbe Bdiever^s Efpoufals.. . 83

Though nonelferill come till confcious of their

w^nt, /

Yet right they have t6 come by fov^reign grant j
SucW right to t^lhrift, his promife and his grace,
That all are damn*d who hear and don't eni-
So freely is th' unbounded call difpens*d. {[brace.
We therein find ev*n (irtners unconvinced ;
Who know not they are naked ^ blind and poor^^
' Coun filled t^ buy or beg at Jefus' door, ^ore.
And take ihs glorious robe^ eye-falve^ and golden^
This prize they are obliged by faith to win,
Elle unbelief would never be their fin.
Yea, gofpet offers but a (ham we make.
If ev r/ finner h*as not right to take.
Be gofpel herald's fortify 'd from this.
To trumpet grace, however the ferpent bifs.
Did hell's malicious mouth in dreadful fhape
^Gainft innocence itfelf malignant gape?
Then facrcd truth's devoted vouchers may
For dire reproach their meafures conftant fay.
With cruel calumny of oM con>menc'd)
fhis fed will ens^ry where be fpoke againfl \ ; "
While to and fro he runs the earth, acrofs,
Whofe name is Adelphon kategoros|J.
In fpite of hell be, then' our conftant ftrifei
To win the glorious Lamb %, virgin-wife.

* Rev^iii. 17, 18. :j: hOii xxviii. 22.
y Or, The accufer oj the brethren.

,^

84 Gp5PEi; SoN^vErs Parti.

CHAP. VI.

An Exhortaikn to dl that are out of Chri'st; in
order to their clofing the match with him :

coritaining alfo motives and directions.

READER, into thine hands thefe lihes are
givX
But not 'without the providence of Heav*n ;
Or to advance thy blifs, if thou art wife.
Or aggravate thy wo-, if thou defpife.
For thee, for thee, perhaps th' omnifcient ken
Has formed the counfel here, and led the pen.
The writer then does thy attention plead,
In his great name that gave thee eyes to read.

SECT I.

V *

ConvUlion offend ta Sinners^ efpeciaUj fuch as are
wedded Jiridly to tU laiVy or f elf -righteous ^ that
they may fee the need of Chkist's righteoufn^fs.

IF never yet thou didfl fair Jefus wed,
Nor yield thy heart to be his marriage-bed.
But hitherto art .wedded to ihe law,
"Which never could thy chain'd affeftions draw
From brutifh lulls and fordid lover's charms ;
Lo! thou art yet in Satan's folded arms^
Hell's pow'r invifible thy foul retains
His captive flave, lock*d up in m^fly chains.
O! finner then, as thou regard'ft thy life, ;
Seek, feek, with ardent care and earneft ftrife.
To be the glorious Lamb's betrothed wife.
For bafe co-rivals never let him lafe
Thy heart, his bed of conjugal repofe.

Chap« V. ne Believer's E/poufah.

Wed JCfarifl alone, and with fevere remorfe
From other mates purfue a clean divorce ;
For thejr thy ruin feck bj fraud or force.
As lurking ferpents in the (hadow bow'rs
Conceal their maljpe under fpreading flow*rs ;
So thy deceitful lulls, with cruel fpke
Hide ghaftly danger under gay delight.
Art thou a legal zealot, foft or rude,
Ren;)ance thy natural and acquired good^
As bafe deceitful lads may work thy fmart,
So may deceitful frames upon thy heart. ^
Seeming good motions may in {bm^ be found.
Much joy in bearing, \\^^ the ftony ground * j
Much forrow too in prayings as appears
Iq Efau's careful fuit with rueful tears f .
Touching the law they blamelefi may appear J,
From fpurious views moft fpecious virtues beafT,
Nor merely be devout in mens efteem,
But prove to be fincerely what they feem.
Friends to the holy law in heart and life,
Surer^ of beav'n with utmoft legal llrife;
Yet ftill with innate .pride fo rankly fpic'd,.
Converted but to duties, not to Chrift,
That publicant and harlots heav*^ obtain 5
Before a crew fo righteous and fo vahi.
Sooner .will thofc (hake off their vicious drefs
Than thefe blind 'zealots will their righteoufnefs.
Who judge they have (which fortifies their pride)
The law of ^^d itfeli^upon their -fide.
Old nature, new brufli'd up with legal pains.
Such ftrift attachment to the law retains,

^ Luke Viii. ly t ^^^ *"• *?•
i KbiL m. 9. f Matth. xxi. ^.

H

^*

S6 GoseKL Sonnets. . PartL

No means, no motives can to Jefus draw
Vain foub fot doubly wedded to th6 law*
But woukiil the gloriobs J^riuce in marring
have,.
Know that thy nat'ral huib}nd cannot fav^.
Thy beft. effays lo pay the legal rent
Can never in the leafi the law content. .
^Didft thou in pray 'rs employ the morning-tlight,
In tears and groam tbe>v^'atcbes of the night,
Pafs thy whole life in tlofe devotion o*er^
"ris nothing to tlie law ftill craving more, n
There's no proportion "twixt its high com-1
mands, '. L

And puny works from thy polluted bands; j
Pcrfeiftion is the Icaft that it demands* J

Would/i enter into life, then k^ep the law * ;
But keep it perfeAly without a flaw.
It won't have Icfs, nor will abate at laid
A drop of vengeance for the fin that's pad.
Tell, finful mortal, is thy.ftock fo large
As duly can defray this double charge ;

* Why thefe are mere impoifibles/ (fky*ft thou.)
Yea, truly fo they ^re, and therefore now.
That down thy legal confidence may fall.
The la^'s black doom, home to thy boCbm call;

* Lo! I (the divine law) demand no Icfs

* Than perfeft everlafting righteoulnefs ;
But thou haftfaird, and loft thy ttrcrtgth to DO:

Therefore I doom thee to eternal wo ;
In prifou cfofe to be ihut up for ay.
Ere I be baffled with thy partial pay.
Thou always didft and doft my precepts break,
I therefote curfe thee to the burning lake.

* Matlh, EXt. 17.

Chap. Y. The Believer's ^fpoufatf. ^ &7

* In God the great Lawgiver's glt^ious name,

* I judge thy foul to everlafting (h^me.
Uoftejb (an by the law b^^jujiified f ;
Yet dared thou thy legal duties plead ?
As Paul appeaPd (jo Cefar, wilt ^hou fo.
Unto the law? then to it fhalt thou go,
i\nd find it doom thee to eternal wo.
What I would ye have us plung'd in deep de-

fpair ?
Amen ; yea, God himfelf would have you thire;.
His will it is that you defpair of life.
And' fafety by the law, or le^l flrife ; . "^
That cleanly thence divorc'd 2^t any rate.
His faireft Son may have a faithful mate. .
'Till this law-fentence pafs within your breaft.
You'll never wed the law-difcharging ^rieft.
You prize not heav'n till he thrpugh hell ypu

draw ; n

Nor love the gofpel till you know the law.

Know th^'n, the divine law moft perfeft cares.
For none oi' thy impetfed legal wares ;'
Dooins thc^e to vengeance for thy finful ftate.
As well as finful adions fmall or great.
If any fin can be accounted fraaU,
To hell it dooms thy foul for one .and all.
For fins of nature, practice, heart, and way.
Damnation-rent it fummons thee to pay.
Yea, not for fin alone, which is thy fliame, ,
But for thy boafl:e4 fervice too fo lame.
The law adjudges thee* and hell to meet,
Becaufe thy righteoufriefs is incomplete.
As tow'ring ^ames burn up. the wither'd flags,
So will the fiery law thy filthy rags.

88^ GosjP£L SoKN£T&r PartL

SECT. II. '

•

Dire^im given wiib reference to the right ufe af
the means, that we re/i not on ihefe infiead of
Christ tbegiorhus Jtiufiand^ in whom i^r help
lies. . ,

ADAM^ where art fhou^ ? Soul, where art
tbou now ?

Ohj art thou faying. Sir, ilbhat fhall I d<r\f
I d^re not ufe that proud felf-raifing ftrain^
Go help yourfelf and God will help you then.
Nay, rath«^ know, O Ifr*el, that thou haft
Dedroy^d thyfdf^ and can'ft riot in the leaft.
From fin nor wrath thyfelf the captive free,
Thy help (f;^ys Jefus) only Iter in me \.
Heav'n*s oracles direft to him alone j
lull help is hid vpon this mighty One.
In him, in him complete falvation dwells ;
He's God the helper, and there is none elfe%^
Fig-leaves wont hide thee fronv the fiery fhowV^
'Tis he alone that fayes by price and pow'r.

^ Muft we do nothiiifj then (will mockers fay)
But reft in floth till Heaven the help convey ?
Pray, flop a little, finner, don't abufe
Cod's awful word, that charges thee to ufe '
Means^j ordinances, which he s pleas'd to place.
As precious channels of his pow'rful grace.
Reftlefs improve all thefe, until from Heav'n
The whole falvation needful thus be giv*n.
Wait in this path, according to his call.
On him whole pow'r alone effeftcth all.
Would'ft thou him wed, in duties wait, I fay.
But marry not thy duties by the way.

♦ Oen. iii. 9. f Mark x. 17.
% Hof.JKtiu 9* j ifa xly« 2%.

I

•

Chap. v. Tbe Believers EfpoufaJs., 89

ThouMt wofully come Ihort of faying grace
If duties only be. thy Telling. place.
Nay, go a little further \ thrdugh them all.
To him w^ofe office is to fave from thrall.
Thus in a gofpel-roanner hopeful wait, :
Striving to enter by the narrow gate * ; .
So ftrait and narrow, that it won^t>admit
The bunch upon thy back to enter it.
Not only bulky lufls may ceafe to prefs;
But ev'n the bunch of boafted righteoufneU.

Many^ ^ in the facred page we fee.
Shall Ji five to enter but unable be] : V
Becaiife, n^iftaking this new way of life,
They pufli a legal, not a gofpel-ftrife :
As if their duties did jEHqvAH bind,
Becaufe 'tis written, Seekj andye Jl^all firhd%i
Perverted fcriptiire does their error, fence,
They read the letter^ bul negkdl t\kG/enfe.
While to the Word no gofpcl-glofs they give.
Their feek ^nd j^nd's the fame with do and live^
Hence would they a connedion native place.
Between their raqral pains and faving grace ;
Their nat'ral poor eflays they judge won't.mifs
In juftice to infer. eternal blife.

Thus commentaries on the word they make
Which tQ their ruin are a grand miftake :
For through, the legal bias in their breaft.
They fcripture to their own deftruftion wreft.
Why, if we feek we get, they gather hence :
Which is not truth, lave in the fcripture- fe life.
There Jefus de^iis with friends^ and elfewbere
Thefe feefcersonly fpecd that afi in faith \\. [faith,

. j: Song, iii; r, 4.^ • ^Mat. ni: ^3* 14^
'f Luke xiii..2'4.. . §. Mat vii. 7* . Ijainefi. 6.

H 3 ,.

§0 Gospel So NNEt s. Parti.

Tfj€ prayer of the wicked is abhrr'dj
As an abomination to the Lord^.
Their /«/// are fins, but their negleQs no lefs,
Whieh can't their giiilt diiriinilh, but increafe,
( They ought, like beggars, life in grace's way ;
Hence Peter taught the foreerer to pray J :
For though mere nat'ral mens addrefs or pray*r^
Can no acceptance gaiii as works of theirs^
Nor have, as their ferformance^ any fway j
Yet as a divine ordinance they may.
But ipotlefs truth hath bound itfelf to grant
The fuit S'i none but the believing faint.
In Jefus, perfons once accepted, dd
Acceptance find in him for duties .too. •'
For he, whofe Son they do in marriage take.
Is bound to hear them for their Hulband's fake.

But let no Chriftlefs foul at pray*r appear,
As if Jehovah were obIig*d to hear: •
But ufe the means, becaufc a fov'reign God'
May come with alms; in this his wonted ro^d.
He wiBs thee to frequent kind wifdoitfsr gate.
To read, hear, meditate, to pray and wait;
Thy fpirit then be on thefe duties bent,
A? gofpel means, but not as legal rent.
Fjrom thefe don't thy falvation hop^ nor claim.
But from Jehovah in the ufe of thenv.
The beggar's fpirit never was fo duM,
While waiting at the gate caird Bemtiful,
To hope for fu6cour from the tfempl^-gatt,
At which he did fo daily careful wait j
But from the rich and charitable fort,
"Who to the temple daily made refort.
Means, ordinances, are the coi&ely gate,
^t which kind Heav'n has bid usconftani Wait:
* Ponr. X? 9« xxTiii* 9* t A^ ^ ^^r

\ Chap; V. The Believer^ EffoufaU. 91

Not that from tbefe we have our alms, but from
The lib'ral God, who there i» wont to come.
If either we thefc .means ihall dare negleft,
Or yet from thcfeih' enriching blifs expeft,
' We from the glory of the King djcfatk,
Who m the galleries is wont to walk ;
We move not tegular in duties road,
^'But bafei iavett them to an idol.god«

Seek then, if gofpel-means you would eflay.
Through graoet to ufe them in a gofpel way : .
Not deemifig thai your duties are the price
Of divine favour, or of paradife ; v
Nor that your beft efforts employed in thefe
Are fit exploits your awful judge to pleafe.
Why, thus you bafely idolize yoi^r trafti,
Afid Biake it with the blood of Jefus clafli.
You'd buy the bleffing with your vile refufe.
And fo his precious righteoufnefs abufe.
What ! iMAy his gifts, with filthy lumber? nay;
Whoever offel^ this muft hear him {ay^
Tbj nmuy perils with thy fmd for ay^.

Duties are means, which to the n^arriage-bed
Should chafteiy lead us like a. chamber-maid}
£ut if with lier inficad of Ghrift w€ match, -
We not Qur fafety, but our ruin hatch.
To Cef^r what is Cefar's ihould be ^iv'n,
But Gefarlmuft not have wiiat's due.tojleav'n];
So datief fiiould have duties room, /tis true«
But nothing of the glorious Huiband's due* ^
While meana the debt of clofe attendmci crave.,
Our whole defmdeme God alone muft have^ '
If duties, teiHTs, our conscience pacify.
They iiriih t^ bkM>d of Chrifib pr^funie to vie;

* $^ TlU' M»

»*» - • - >

9^ Go si» EL So*N N ET5 Parti.

Means are his vaflkls ; fliall wc without grudge
Difcard the mafter^ and efpaufe the drudge? .
The hypocrite, the legalift does fin,
To live on duties, nw on Clyift thprein*^
He only feeds on* empty difhes, plates^
Who dotes on means, but at the manna frets.
Let never means content thy foul at all.
Without the Hufband, who is ali in aU *.
Cry daily for the happy marriage-hour ;
To thee belongs the meap, to him the powV»

• \ SECT. IIJ. '

A Call to believe in jEstJS Christ, wrtb fonte
hints at the aft and objed of faith.-

FRIEND, is the queftion on thy heart eo-
grav'd, ^

What Jhall I do to be for roerfa%^d\f^
Lo ! here^s a living rock to build upon ;.
Believe in Jefus % ; and on him atone
Forrighteoufnefs and llrength thine anchor drop,
Renouncing all thy former legal hope.

* Believe (fay you !) I ean no more believe^

^ Than keep the law of works, the DO an4

LIVE/ *^
True } and it were thy mercy ^ didft thou foe
Thine utter want of all ability*
New covenant groces^he alone can graxit, .
Whom Godbasgivitt io bi the cavenant\;:
Ev'n Jefus, whom the facred letters call
Faith's obje€t, author, finiifaer, ^and all ; ^
In him alone, not in thy ad: of faith.
Thy foul believing, full falvati^n hath»

* CoL iik 3* t Ads xyi* 30. . i Ver. 31. % UkaUti. ^

Chap ▼. The Bilievefs EJjftauJbb. 93

In this new cov'nant judge not faith to hold
The room of perfe& doing in the old.
Faith is not giv^n to l>e the federal price
Of pther Uefiiags, or of paradife :
'But Heav'n, by giving this, ftrikes out a door
At which is carried^ in iliil oiore and mcMre*
No (inner muft tifion his faith lay ftrefs.
As if it were a perfed; righteoufoefs. .
God ne'er affigs^d unto it fuch a place;
'Tis but at bed a bankrupt begging grace.
Its object makes its fame to fly abroad.
So clofe it gripes the righteoufneis of God ;
Which rigbteoufoefs received, is (without ilrife}
The true condition of eternal life.

But ftill, fay you, pow'r to believe I mifs. '
You may ; but know you what believing is ?
Faith Ues not in your building up a tow^r
Of forac great adioa by your proper pow*r.
For Heav'n well knows, that by the killing fall
No pow't, no will remains in man at all
For adfcs divinely good> ^till fov^reign grace
By powerful drawing virtue turn the chafe.
Hence none believe in Jefus as they ought,
'Till once they firftbelieve they can do nought,
Nor are/uffkient e^en to form a thought* •
They Ve confcious, in the right believing hour,
. Of human weakneA, and of divine pow^r.
F^ith afts not in thefenfeof ftrength and might.
But in the fenfe of weakneis ads outright.
It is (no boafttng arm of paw'r or length),
But weaine/s ading m ulmigbty Jirtngih f •
It is the pow'defs, helpkfs finners flight
Ifltd the open arms of faving might :

• * l.Cor* iii. 5. t ^ Car. xii. 9*

95 G o s r s L S o n if £ r s. Part E

^ Tfiou feek'ft my faith and flight from fm and

' guilt;
^ Give what thoo fcek*ft, Lord; then feek what

thou wilt.
What good can iflDuc from a root fo ill ^
This heart of miners a wicked lump of hell j
'Twiil all thy common motions ftill refift,
Unlefs with fpecial drawing virtue bleft.
Thou calls, but with the call thy pow*r con- T

vey; •

Command me to believe, andT'll obey, r
Nor any more thy gracious call gainfay. J
Command, O Lord, efFeiJlually command, ^
And grant 1 be not able to withftand ; 'i
Then pow*rlefs I will ftretch the withered r

hand. - J

I to thy favotir can pretend no claim.
But what is borrowed from thy glorious name;
Which tliough moft juftly thou may*ft glorify.
In damning fucli a'guilty wretch as me.
A faggot fitted for the ourning fire
Of thine incenfed everlai^ing ire :
Yet, Lord, fince now I hear thy glorious Son^
In favour of a race that was undone,
Did in thy name, by thy authority.
Once to the full ftern juftice fatisfy ;
And paid more glorious tribute thereunto
Than heil and all its torments e*er can do. .
Since my falvation through his blood can raife
A revenue to juftice' higheft praife, s
Higher than rents, which hell for ever pays:
Thefe to tremendous juftice never bring
A fatisfa<^ion equal and condign.
But Jefus our once dying God performs.
What never could by ever-dying worms :

Cliatp, VI. Tb^ Believer's Eff$%^U. gj

* Since thus thy threat^ma^taw is hofiout*'(imore
' Than c*er my fins affronted it before :

*. Since juftice ftern may greater glory win,

* By juftifying in thy darling Son, .

* Than by condeuiniiig ev'n the rrfwl nae |

* To this device of wifdom, lol I flee. .

* Let juftice, Lord, accortling to thy will,
'* Be glorify*d with glory great and full f

* Not now in hdl where juflice petty pay

* Is but extorted parcels minc*d for ay :

^ But glorify'd in Chrift, who down has told

< The total fum at once in liquid gold.
' • In loweft hell low praife is only won,

< But.joftice has the higheft in thy Son ;

* The Sun of righteoufnefs that.fet in red,

^ To ihew the glorious morning would fucCeed.
^ In him then fave thou me from fin and fhame,

* And to the higheft glorify thy name.

' Since this bright fcene thy. glories all exprefs,

* And grace asemprcfs reigns through righteoufnefs i

* Since naercy fair runs in a crimfon fiood,

-* And vents through juftice-fatisfying Uood *:

* Not only then for mercy's fake I/ue,

* But for the glory of thy juftice too,

* And fince each letter of thy name divine

* Has in finir Jefus* face the brighteft fliine,

* This glorious Hufband be for ever mine.

*' On this ftrong argunaent, fo fweet fo bleft,

* With thy allowance. Lord, I muft: infift.

* Great God,-fince thou allow'ft unworthy me

^ To make thy glprious name my4iuinbie.p]ea ;
' No glory worthy of it >yilt thou gain,

* By cafting me into the butning.maiii.

I

98 Gospel So.nnets. PirtL

* My feeble bick can iKvet fait the load^ :

* That fprcaks thy natnc a fino^evctiging God. *
'' Scarce wo^iiMthatiiam^ feem aconfuming iir^

* Upon a worm unworthy of thine ire. '

* But ft e the worthy Lamb, thy ckofen Pricft/

* With juiltce' buraiog'.glafs a|!;aitift his br^afft,

* Contracting all* the beams of' venging vi^rathji
. ^ As ia tbeir centre, tiil iie Wrn to death,

* Vengeance caa acver be fo mMch proclaim^d^

* By fcatterM beams among th^ millions damned.
' Th^i, Lordy In him Jtie lo the utmoft fave^

* And thoB ihalt glory to the higheft have :

* Glory to 'xi/Hom^ that contriv'4 fo well !

* Glory to pow'ry that bore>ind bury'd hell 1

< Glory to Mine/i^ which fin de&c'd,
f With finlefe fervicfe now divinely grac'd !
^ Glory tQJtfftUf fword, that flaming fiood,

* Now drusik to pleaiitte with atoning blood 4 "
^ Glory to truth, that now in fcxrlet clad,
^ Has fcalVd both threats and promtfes witb red!
« Glory to jmercy, xjow in purple ftreatns,
^ So fweetly gliding through the divine flames
^ Of other o^i^e offended, nowexalted names ! _
^ Each attributeconfpires with joint embrace,^')

* To ftiew its fparkltng rays in Jefus* face ; ^ J-
^ And thus to ded:: tli^ crowu of matchlefs f

grace* v y

^ Btit to thy name m hell ne'er can accrue
^ The thoulaadth part of this great revenue.
^ O nn^iihing contrivance! light that blinds

< Cherobic g^ers, and ierapbic minds*

* They pry into the deep, and love to learn
^ What yet flipuld vaftly more be my concern^
^ Lord, once my hope nioft reafonlefs coulddream
[ Of heav'n^ without regard to thy great name :

9

Chap. VI. The Betiever^s Efponfdu ^

^ But here U laid nay lafting hope to found,
'A highly ratioisalv a divine ground;

* Tis reafonable, I expeft, tboa'lt take '

' The way that moftwill forthinehonour make.

* Is this (he plan? Lovd, kt me build my claim

* To life, on this high glory of thy same.

' Nor let my iaitldeis heart ov think, or ley,
'That all this. glory fball he thrown away
^in my perdition; which will never raife

* To thy great name fo vaft a rent of praife,
^ O theii a rebel into favour take :

* Lord, (hieid and favc n>e for thy glory's fake»
^ My eodlefs^ ruin is not worth the cofl:»
•^That fa much glory he for ever loft.

* Pll of the greateft finner bear the (liame,

' To bring the greateft honour -to thy name.-
^ Small loi$, though 1 ihould periili endkfs day«»
' fiut thpufand pities gcace ihouldlofethepraife.

* O hear, JbhOvah, get the glory then,
^ And to my f amplication iay^ Amm.^

* .

' ^ SECT. V.

TBe terrible Doom tf unbelievers and rejecters of
Christ, ar dejpifert of the ^ajfel.

THUS, iinner^ into Jefus* bofom flee.
Then there is hope in Ifra'l fure for thee.
Slight not the call, as running by in rbime.
Left thou repent for ay, if not in time,
Tis mciji;' unlawful to contemn and ihun
All wholefome counfels that in metre run ;
Since the prime fountains of the facred writ
Much h^av'nljft. truth in holy rhimes tranfmie.
H.tbi» don*t plcafe, yet hence it is no crime
To verfify the word, and preach in rhime.

lOQ G o s F E 1. S o H N £ T s. ' Part J.

But in whatever mould the doftrinelies,
Some erring minds will gofpel-truth defpife
Without remeid, tillHeav^ aiu)int their eyes.
Thefe lines pretcad no conquering art nor ikill^
But fhew, in >veakatteaipts, a ft rong good-will.
To mortify all native legal pride,
And court the Lamb of God a virgiiv bride^

4 If he thy conjun<St match be never giv*n,
Thou'rt doom'd to Wll, as fure -as God^s in.

heav*n. ^

If gdfpel-grace and goodnefe d©n*t thee draw,
Thou art condemned already by the law-
Yea,, hence damnation depp will doubly brace^
If ftill thy heart contemn^ redeen>ing grace.
No argument from fear or hope will mov^.
Or draw thy heart, if not the bond of love :
Nor flowing joys, nor ikming terrors chafe
To Chrift the ha*vn, without the gales of grace
O {lighter then <of grace's joyful found,
Thou'rt over to the- wrathful ocean^ bounds

' Anon though fink into the gulf of woes.
Whene'er thy wafting hours are at a clofer
JThy jk\(c old legal hope will theii. be loft, _
And with thy wretched foul give up the ghoft»
Then farewel God and Chrift, and grace and
Undonethouart, undone for evermore^ '[glorej:
Eer ever finking underneath the load
And preflure of a fin-revenging God.,
The lieciet awful text affcrts, ^o fall
Into his living hands is fearfid thrall ;fi'
When^ifiQ. inore facrijice far Jin remains^.
But ever-living wrath, and lafting chains:
Heaven ftill upholding life in^ dreadful death*,
JStill throwing down hot thunderbolts of wrath-,,

*'Hcb. X. 29,. 3,1 •

\

Chap, Y^. "The Believer's Efpoufals. lo*

As full of terror, and as toanifold, -
As finite V€0el9 of bis wrath 'can hold.
* Thca, then we may fuppofe the wretch. *|
to cry* f

Oh ! if this dan^uing God would let me die, f
And .nor tormeiit mc^ to cteraity ! )

Why from the filcrit womb of ftupid earth,
Did HeavHi siwake and pufli me into Inrth ?
Cursed be the day that ever gave mc life ;
Cufs'd be the cruel parents, man and" wife.
Means of my being, inftnament^ of Vo ;
For BOW Pm. damned, I*m damn'd and always
Curs'd be the day that ever nfiade me hear (fo J
The goipeUcall^ which brought felvation near^
The endkfs found of flighted mercy's bel|,
Has in mine ears the mofi tormenting kneU»
Of o&r'd gra^re I vaih repent the loft,
The joyftti found with horror rec6gnofce*
The hollow vanrit reverberates the founti ; 7 -
This killing cch© ftrikes the deepeft* wound, J ^
And with toolate remorfe does now con- r
foundl. >

Into the disogeon of defpatr Tm loek'd,.
Th* once open door of hope for ever blo^k'd:^
Hoplefsy I fink into the darjk abyft,
fianiifa^d for ever from eternal blifs.
la boiling wavei of vengeance muft 1 lie ? -
O cfiuhl I curfe this dteadful God, and die ?
Infinite yeacs in torment (hall I fpend>
Andnever^ never^ never, at an end!
Ah! mud I live in toi^turing defpair
As many years a£ iiioms in the air ^
When thefe axe fpeet, as many thoui^tnds niore
Aagraioaof &Dd that eroud the ebbing ihoi^e f

fb^ C(yfivsh Sonnets. . Part k.

f Whcxf thefe are done, as many-yet behind
' As leaves of foreft ffiakcn with thie/wind ?

* When thefe are gone, as many to enfuc

* As ftems of grace on hills and dales that^rew ?

* When thefe ritrti out, as many on the march

* As^ ftarry lamps that gild the fpangled arch ?'^

* When thefe "expire, as many mHlions more

* As moments in the millioQS paft before ?

* WhjCn all thefe doleful years are fpent in paiii^^
*And multiply 'd by myriads zg^in^ (pofe

* Till numbers drown the thought; could I fup-

* That then my wretched years were at a; clofa,,

* This would afford fomc^ife:.but, ah! Iftiiveir

* To think upon the dreadful found, for ever !/

* The burning gulph, where I bla%heming ly^

* Is time no more, but vaft et^rnityi .

* The growing' torment I endure for finy -

* Through ages all is always- to begin.

* How did I but a grain of pleafure fow,

* To reap a» hprveft x)f immortal wo ?

* Bound to the bottom of the burning nffaiov^
^ Gnawing my chains, I wi(h lor deatb in vain.
^ Jull doom ^ fince I that bear the eternal ioad'
•^CoBtemn^d the death of am eternal God.

* Oh ! if the God that cursed me to the laih,

* Would blefs me back to nothing witli a dafir!
•^ But hopefcfs I the juft revenger hate, (.fete***

* Blafpheme the wrathful God, and curfe nij^

To« thefe this word of t^error I direft.
Who n&w the gre/at /aiv^Ucn dsrr^ negkd^i^
To all the Chrift^defpifitig multitude, . .
Thaii tra-mple oa the great Redeemer's bfood>
Thasfi fee^-no beauty in* his gloriou^ face,
liult fligiit his offers, and refufe' las giac^ ,

Chap. VL The Believer's Efpoufah. iq^^

A meflenger of wrath to none I am,
But thofe that h^t^ to wed the worthy Lambv
For though thefmalleft finj^, if fmall cai\ be, -
Will pluHge' the Cbriftlefs foul in- mifery :
Yet,, lo!. the greateft that to ixiortals cle.ave,^
ShanH damn the fouls in Jefus that believe ^
Becaufe they on the ¥ery method fall
That weU can make amends to God for all..
Whereas proud fouk, thra* unbelief won't let
The glorious Cod a reparation get
Of all his honour, in his darling Son,
For all the great di(&onours*.they havfidone..
A faithlefs foul the glorioud^ God bereaves
Of all the fatisfa^on that he crai^es f
Hence under divine hotteft fury lies.
And with a double vengeance juftly dies*.
The bkckefi part of Tophet is their places
Who flight the tendci^ of redeeming grace-
That facrilegiQUS monfier. Unbeliefs
So hard'ned 'gainft remorfe and pious grie^
Robs Qod of all the glory of his names,
Andev'ry divine attribute defames.
It loudly calls the truth of God a lie y
The (kd efiisutb a fi^*;. horrid cry I
Doubts and denies his precious words of grace^
Spits venomsiu the royal Suitor's face*
This monfter caunot cesUe all fin te hatch^
Becaufe it proudly mar^ the happy matclw
As each law wedded foul is join'd to iin,.
^nd defiitute of holinefs within ; .
So all that wed the la w^. mull wed the cutfe,
Which rent they fcorjx topay with Chri&'s fuS

purfe..

ft
• . •

104; Gos^^ZL SoKN z T s. Part I,

They clear may read their dreadful doom in
Whofe fefter'd fore is fiaal unbelief: (brief^
Though to the lai?v their life exadlly fram'd,
For zealous ^Q& and paifions too were fam'd :
Yet lo ! Htf tbai beli^va mt^ Jbail be dwnrCd\*

But nonxf *tis proper, on the other \fide^
With words of comfort to addrefs the bride^ -
She in ber glariom Hujband does peffefs
Adorning grace j actjuitting rigbteoufnefs :
And benee. to her pertain the golden mines
QJ comfort opened in the following Unes^

t Jpbaiti* i&

> /

^

( »o5 )

I COS PEL SONNETS.

P A R T n.

The JBeiiiiver's Jointure j

The Foe Ml continued
Upon Isaiah liv. 5. Thy Maker U thy Hujband^

K. B. The following lines Being primarily intend-^
ed for the ufe and edification of pioufly^xercifed
faulty and efpecially tbofe of a more common and
erdinary capacity;, the author thought fit^ through
the whole of this fecond part of the boak^ to con^
tinue, as in the former editions^ to repeat that
fart of the text^ Thy Hufband, in the lafi line
of every verfe : becatife, however it. tended to li^
mit him^ and reftriSt his liberty ^ words, in the
compqfition^ yet having ground to judge ^ that tbii
appropriating compellation fiUl refumed^ has ren^
dered ihefe lines formerly the more favoury t<t
fame exercifed Cbri^ians^ to whom the name of
Christ (particularly as their Head and Huf-
band J is gs ointment poured forth : he cbofe
rather io fubjeSl himfelf to that reflriElion^ than;

* U with^hold what mdy tend to the JattsfaStion
and comfort ofthofe to whom Chri^st is all m
ali; and to whom his name^ . as their Hu/band^
fo many various ways applied^ will be no naufeousi
repetition.

/ /

lo6 G S F £ JL S O K N K T S. taOTt. II.

CHAP. L

Containing the Privilegbs erf the Believer
(Hat is efpoofed ta Christ by faith of divine
operation.

SECT, L

T&e Believer's perfect heauty, free acceptance^
amd full fecurit^y through the imputation cf
CiiRiST^s perfeii righteoufnefs ^ though imparted
grace be imperfeB^

O Happy foul, Jehovah's bride, , *
.Tfi6 LamVs beloved fponfe \
Strong confolation's flowing tide,

Thy Htiff>and thee' allows.
In thee, though like thy father's race.

By nature black as hell ;
Yet now fo beautify'd by grace,

Thy Huiband laves to d^ell.
Fair as the moon thy robes appear,

While graces are in drefs :
Clear as tl:e fun*^ wKlc found to w^ar

Thy Hufhand's righteoufiiefj.
Thy moon-lfke graces, changing nnuch^

Have here and there a fpot ;
Thy fun -like glory is not fuch.

Thy Hufband changes not.
Thy vrhite and ruddy vefture fair.

Outvies the rofy leaf; ^ ^

For ^mong ten thoufand beauties rare
. Thy Hufband is the chief.

* SoDgiL 10.

1

*^WI

Cfatp. 1. The Belte^r^s Jpinture. tpj

Cloth'd with the futi, thy r^jes of light

The morning rays ^utfliine %
The lamps of heaven Hre'tiot fo bright,. '

Thy Hufband deck& thee fine.
Though helliih fmoke thy duties fiiain, ^

And fin deforms thee quite ;
Thy Surety's merit makes thee cicafn,

Thy Hufband's beauty wlrit^. - •

Thy pray'rs and tears, nor pure, nor good.

But vile arkl 16atbfome feem ;
Yet gain, by dippingin his blood,

Thy Hulband's high efteem. '

No fear thou ftarve, though wants be gre«t»

in him then art con^ie:\
Thy hungry foul may hopeful wait.

Thy Husband gives thee meat.
Thy money, nwrit, poiV'r, and pelf.

Were fquander'd by thy fdll ; <

Yet, having nothing in thyfclf,
, Thy husband Is thy all.
Law-precepts, threats, may both befet

To crave of thee their due ;
Bat juflice for thy double debt

Thy Husbajid did purfue.
Though juftice Tfern as much belong

As mcrcy-to a God \
Yet juftice fuflfer'd here no wrongs /

Thy Husband's bock was ^nrdMad.
He bore the load of wrath alone,

That mercy might take vent ;
Heav'n's pointed arrot^s all upon
Thy Husband's heart wem fpc»t, ^

t Col ti. lo.

■i

/ loS GOSPEL SoKlfCTs. / PiiitJrit;

No partial pay. could juftice ftill,

No^ farthing was retreijK^iM 9
Vengeance exa^ed aU, uatil

Thy Husband all ad v^nc'd.
He paid in liquid golden red

Each mite the law- required, j

Till with a loud Ti/>j/fc^^/t, |

> Thy Husband's breath expired.
No procefs more the law can tent ; j

Thou ftand'ft within its verge, - |

And mayif at pleafure now prefent j

Thy Husband's full difcharge. ^

Though new contra^ed guilt beget

New fears of divine ire.;
Yet fear thou not, though drown'd in debt^ :

Thy Husband is the payer. ,

God might in rigour thee indite

Of higheft crimes and flaws ;
But on thy head up curfe can light.

Thy Husband is the caufe,

SECT. II

Christ the believer^s friend^' prophet, priejt^ ^£y
defence^ guidCy guards help, and healer.

DEAR foul, when all the human race ^
Lay welt'ring in their gore^
Vafl numbers in that difmal cafe

Thy Husband pafled o'er.
But pray, vihy did he thoufands pafs.

And fet his heart on thee?
The deep, the fe^rd^lefs reafoft was.
Thy Husband's love is free.

t JohB xix« 30*

Ckap* I. T^e Qelwer^s Jointure. ^ . 109

The forms of favour, names of grace^

And offices of love,
He bears for thf e, with open face

Thy Husband's kindnefs prove,
*Gainft darknefs Mack, and error blind,

I'hpu haft a fun and Jhield * :
And, to reveal the Father^s mind,

* Thy Husband's Prophet feal'd.
He li^ewife to procure thy peace.

And favc from fin's arreft,
Rcfign'd himfelf a facrifice ; ' , ^

T^y Hufband is thy PrieJ^ ^
And that he might thy will fubjed,

And fwectly captive bring,
Thy fins fubdtie,' his throne erecSt,

Thy Hufband is thy King.
Though nvim'rons and affaulting foes

Thy joyful peace may mar ;
And thou a thoufand battles lofe.

Thy Hufband wins the war.
Helps forces, which thy mind appal,

His arm can fobn difpatch ;
How ftrong foe'cr, yet for them all
' Thy Hufband's more than match.
Though fecret lufts with hid contell.

By heavy groans reveal 'd.
And devils rage j yet do their beft^

. Thy Hufband keeps the field.
When, in defertion's evening dark,

Thy fteps are apt to Aide,
His condu<^ feck, his counfel mark,

Thy Hufband is thy guide.

Ffalm kxKiv, I u

• K

/

ii<^ GosP£L SonketS. . Part. IL

In doubts, renouncing fetf-conceit,

His word and Spirit prize :
He never counfeU'd wrong as yet, ,

Thy Hufband is fo wife.
Wheri weak, thy refuge feeft at hand,

Yet cannot ruA the length : * -
*Tis prefeiit pow'r to underftand

Thy Hufband is thy ftrength.
Wheii fhaking ftorms annoy thy heart.

His word commands a calm :
When bleeding wounds, to eafe thy fmart,
f Thy Hufband's blood is balm.
Truft creatures, nor to help thy thrall,

Nor to affuage thy grief :
Ufe means, but look beycmd them all,

Thy Husband's thy rdief.
If Heav'n ptefcribe a bitter drug,'

Fre^not with froward will :
This carriage maj thy cure prorogue }

Thy Husband wants not Otill.
He fees the fore, he knows the cure

Will moft adapted be ;
*Tis then moft reafonable, fure>

Thy Husband choofe for thee.
Friendfl)ip is in his chaftifemcnts,

And favour in bis frowns ; ■ .

Thence judge. not then in heavy plaints, . |

Thy Husband thee difowns.
The deeper his iharp lancet gO I

In ripping up thy wound,
The more thy healing fliaU unto

Thy Husband's praife redound.

r

Chap, I. The Believer's Jointure. ' m

SECT, IIL

Chmst the believer* s wonderful pbyjicia% and

wealthy friend*

KIND Jefus empties whom he'll fill,
Cafts. dawn whom he will raife i
He quickens whom he feems to kil) >

Thy Hasbaod thus gets praife.
When awful rods are in his hand.

There's mercy in his mind ;
When clouds upon bis brow do ilandf

Thy Husband's heart is kind.
In various changes to and fro.

He'll ever cpnftant prove ;
Npr can his kindnefs come and go^

Thy Husband's name is hove*
His friends in moft af&ided lot

His favour mod have felt j
For when they're try'd in furnace hot,

Thy Husband's bowds melt.
When he his bride or wounds or heals,

Heart kindnefs does him move ;
And wraps in frowns as well as fmiles, n

Thy Husband's lafting love.
In's hand no cure could ever fail.

Though of a helplefs ftate
He can in defp'rate cafes heal, _ -

Thy Husband's art's fo great.
The medicine he did prepare,

Can't fail to work for good : "
O balfan:>pow'rful, precious, rare,

Thy Husband's facred blood : -

112 GospjEJL Sonnets. -Part II.

Which freely from his broached breaft

GufhM out like pent up fire.
His cures are beft, his wages leaft,

Thy Husband takes no hire.
Thou haft no worth, no might, no good, .

His favour to procure :
But fee his ftore, ^ his pow'r, his blood I

Thy Husband's never popr. '
Himfelf be humbled wond'roufly

Once to the Ipweft pitch.
That bankrupts through his poverty

Thy Husband might enrich.
His treafure is more excellent

Than hills of Ophir gold :
Jn telling ftores were ages^fpent.

Thy Husband's can't be told.
All things that fly on wings of fame,

Compar'd with this are drofs ;
Thy fearchlefs riches in his name

Thy Husband doth engrofs.
The great Immanuel, God-man

Includes fucb ftore divine ; v

Angels and faints will never fcan

Thy Husband's golden mine.
He's/z/// of grace and truth* indeed,

OfS/>ir/if, merit, might;
Of all the wealth that bankrupts need.

Thy Husband's heir by right.
Though keavn's his throne\y he came from
. 7o Jeek and Jave the loji |[; ' (thence,

Whatever be the vaft expence,'

Thy Husband's at the coft.

* John i. 14. f John iii. 34. X lia» Ixvi.t.
^ I Luke xix. 10. ^ ;

Chap, I. Th^ Bdkver^^ Joiniure. ^. H3

Pleas'd to exipend each drop of blood

That fiird hi§ royaji veins.
He frank the facr^d viftim ftood ; '

Thy Husband fpar'd no pains*
His coft itdroeflfo w^s in thy place j

Thy freedom coft his thrall ;
Thy glory coft him deep difgrace,

Thy Husband paid fpy 5iU#

SECT, IV. .

-The beUever*s fafsty under the covert $/ CnKlST*i
atoning bloody ^ and pOHJiHrful inter eeffion.

WHEN Heav'a procUim'd hot war and
And fin increas d the ftrif^ ; [wrath.
By rich obedience unto de^tb*

Thy Husband bought thy lift*
The charges could not be abridged.

Rut (5j\thefe noble* terms ;
Which all that prize, are bugg'd amidft

Thy Hu§baiid'$ folded arms.
When law condemos, and juftice too

To prifon^ would thee hale;
As fureties kind for bankrupts do.

Thy Husband offers baiL
God on thefe term^ ijs vecpncil'd.

And thou his heart haft won :
In Chrift thou act his' favour'd child

Thy Husband i^ his Son.
Vindictive wrath is whole ^ppeas'd,

Thou need'ft not then be mov'd ;
h Jesus always h£st- wdlpka^^d^

Thy Husband's hi« Belov'd'^ .

Matth. in. 17*

XI4 GospjEL SoNNJ^TS. Part IL

What can be laid unto thy charge.

When God does nQt condemn ?
, Bills of complaint, though foes eolarge,

T|iy Husband anfwers them.
When fear thy guilty mind confounds.

Full comfort this may yield ;
Thy ranfom-bill with blood an^ wounds

Thy Husband kind has feaVd. t

His protxiiC? is the fair extraft

Thou haft at hand to Ihew ;
Stern juftice ican no more exad>

Thy Hufband paid its due. »
No terms he left thee to fulfil.

No clog to mar thy faith ; .
His bond is fign*d, Jiis latter will

Thy Husband feal'd by death.
The great condition of the band

Of promHe and of blifs, , " ^

Is wrought by him, and brought to hand,

Thy Husband^s righteoufncfs.
When therefore prefs'd in time of need,

Tp fue the promis'd good, .

Thou has no more to do but plead

Thy Husband's fealing blood.
This can thee more to God commend,

And cloudy wrath difpel.
Than e'er thy finning could oflfend ;

lliy Husband vanqui(h'd helL
When vengeance feems, for "broken laws

To light on thee with dread ;
Let Chrift be umpire of ihy caufe,

Thy Husband well can pleai . '

s. '

f

* Chap. I. The BelUver^s yointure. 115

He pleads his righteoufnefs that brought.

All rents the ia\^ could crave ;
Whatever its precepts, threat'nings, fought^

Thy Husband fully gave.
Did holinefe \t\ pvecepts ftand.

And for perfedion call,
Juftice in threat'nings death demand ?

Thy Husband gave it alL \

His blood the fiery Jaw did quench,

Its fummons need not fear : '
Tho't cite thee to Heav'n^s awful benchy

Thy Husband's at the bar.
This 'Advocate has much to fay, ' s '

His clients need not fear ;
For God the Father h«ars him ay, . '

Thy Husband hath his ear. .
A caufe fml'd never in his hand.

So ftr(ipg his pleading is ;
His f afher grants his whole demaad,

Thy Husband's will is his.
.Hell-forces all may rendezvous, ^ ^

Accufers may combine;
Yet fe^r thou not who art his fpoufe, ' -

Thy Husband's caufe is thine.
-By folemn oath Jehovah did

His priefthood ratify ;
Let earth and hell then counterplead, ^

Thy Husband gains the plea.

SECT. V.

^e ^elUver^s VAiTH aud HOVE encoura^ed^ eveti
in the darkejl nights of dejertion and dijirefs*

THE'Cunntng ferpent may accufe,
But iievcr Ihair fucci^ed j

i\6 Gospel Sonnets. PartU*

The God of peace will fatan brutfe^

The Husband broke his head\.
HeU furies threaten to devour,

Like lion's robb'd of whelps: ^
But, lo! in ev'ry per'iou^ hour,

Thy Husband always helps*
That feeble faith may never tail,

Thine Advocate has pray*d ;
Though winnowing tempeft may aifeil.

Thy Husband's near to aid.
Though grievous triah grow a-p9CC«

And put thee to a ftand ;
Thou may 'ft rejoice in ev'ry cafe^

Thy Husband's help at hand.
Truft, though, when in dcfertioo dark.

No twinkling ftar by night,
Nd ray appear, no glim'ring' fpark ;

Thy Husband is thy light.
His beams anon the clouds cair rent.

And through the vapours run y
For of the brighteft firmament,

Thy Husband is the fun.
Without the fu» who mourning gOr

And fcarce the way can^nd, -
He brings through fiaibi thrf do not kmw * j

Thy Husband leads th^ blind.
Through Jire and viaier he wthJiUl

Brings to a wealtiy land;
Rudq flames and roaririg floods, be stii^,

Thy Husband ran coxfiiiiand.
Wh.en fin diiorders heavy brings,

Tlxat ptef^ thy foul with weight ;
Then mind how many crooked things

Thy Hpsb^nd ha3 nmdcjiraigbt.

t Rom x\\, 20, * ilk% xliti* it.

Qiap. I. The Believef^s Jifinture^ 117

Still look to him with longing eyes,

Thougli both thine eyes fiioul^ fail ;
Cr>% and at length, though not thy cries;

Thy Husband (hall prevail.
Still hope for favour at his hand,

Though favour d,on^t appear ; • '

When help feems nwft aloof to ftafid^

Thy Husband^s then mpft near.
In cafes hoplefs-like, faint hopes

May fail, and feara annoy ;
But moft when ftript of earthly prop%

Thy Husband thou'lt enjoy, .
If providence the promife thwart^

And yet thy humbled mind v

^Qainjf^ope beiieves in hope f ., thou art

Thy Husband's: deareft, friend.
Art thou a weakling, poor and faint.

In jeopardy each hoUr?
Let not thy weakncfs move thy plaint;.

Thy JHusband has the powV,
Dread hot the foes that foird thee long,

WiU ruin thee at lepgth : •

When thou art weak, then art thoy ftrong ;

Thy Husband is thy ftrengtji.
When foes are mighty, many too^

Don't fear, nor quit the, field ;
Tis not with thee tl^ey have to do,.

Thy Husband is thy fticld.
Tis hard to fight againft an hoft,

Or ftrive againft the flfream ;
But lo ! when alj feem& to be loft,

Thy Husband will redeem.

f Rom. vi* 18^

' ' t

k • >*« - •

I ■ , • ^ . . —>,

ik$ .. G A5FI1I- Sq NHKTSc Fart II. ]

SECT. VL

BENEFITS accruing to B^lUwrSy from the c0kiSy
namesy natures y and f t^erin^s (fCnikWl^*

ART thou by lufts a captire led,
Which breeds the deepeft ^grief ?
To ranfotn captives is his trade,

Thy Husband's thy relief.
His precious name is JESUS^ why ?

Becaufe he fiaiiei from Jin * f
Redemption-right he won*t defiy, ^

Thy Husband's near of kin.
His wounds have fav*d thee once from wocs^

His blood from vengeance fcreen*d ;
When heav'n, and eaith, and hell were fqcsv

Thy Husband was a friend :
And will thy Captain now took on,

And fee thee trampled down ; '
When, lol thy Champion has the throne^ ,

Thy Hubsand we^rs the crown,
Tield not, though cunning- Satan briba

Or like a lion^foar?
The Lion firong of Judah's tribe»

Thy Husband's to the fore.
And that be ni'oer willforfMke\y

His credit fair he pawn'd;
In hotteft broils, then, courage take.

Thy Husband's at thy hand.
No ftorm needs drive thee to a ftrait,

Who doft bis aid invoke:
Fierce winds may blow, proud, waves may beat^

Thy Husband is the rock.

* Matth. i 21* t Heb« xiiL 5.

J

Renounce tHine own afeiltty,

Lean to his pro!nis*d might ; '
The ftrength'of Ifra'l cannot lie,

Thy Husband's pow'V is plight.
An awful tfuth does here prefent,

-Whoever think k odd ;
In him thou art omnipotent, ^

Thy Hulband is a God.
, Jehovah's ftrength is in thy Head,

Which faith mayboldy fcan ;
God in thy nature does refide,

Thy Husband is a man.
Thy ^eih is his, hi$ Spirit thine ;

And that you both art one.
One body, fpirit, temple, vine.

Thy Husband deigns to own.
Kind he afium'd thy fle(h and blood .

This union to purfue ;
And without fhame his brotherhood

' Thy Hufband docs avow.
He bore the crofs thy crown to win,

His blood he freely fpitt ;
The holy One atTuming fio.

Thy Hufband bore the guilt.
Lo! what a blefs'd e(3tchange is this!

What wifdom fhioes therein I
That thou mightji be tncu^ righteoufnefs

Thy Huiband was madisjin * .
The God of joy a man of grief,

Thy forrows to difcufs j
Pure innocence hang'd as a thief:
, Thy^Hulbandlov'd thee thus.
Brighi beauty had his vifag;e marred

His comely foiro abus'd. /

♦ a Cor. ?• 21.

lOO Gospel Sonh«:ts; Part IK

True reft was from all reft debarr'd^

Thy Hulband^s heel was jbruis'4*
The God of bleffing was a curfo^"

The Lord of lords a drudge.
The heir of all things poor in purfe :

Thy Hufband did not grudge.
The Judge of all condemned was^

The God immortal flain : * >

No favour, in j:hy woful caufe .

yhy liulband did obtain.

SECT. yii.

Chuist's Sufferings further improved ; and Belie^
vers called to live by faith ^ both wheri they have
and want fenfible influences.

LOUD praifes IjQg, without furceafc,
To him that frankly came.
And gave his foul a facriftce ;

Thy Husband was a Lamb,
What waken'd vengeance could d^^nouoce,
. All round him ,did befet ;
And never left his foul, till once

Thy liusband paid the de\>t.
And thouglj new debt thou ftill contrad,

^nd run in deep arrears ;
Yet all thy burdens on his back

Thy Husband always bears.
Thy judge will ne'er demand of thee

Two payments for one debt ; "•
Thee with one viftim wholly free ,

Thy Husband kindly fet.
• That no grim vengeance might thee meet^

Thy Husband met* with all j

Chap.l* The Believer* s Jcifiiure. \xi

Anid, that thy foul might drmk the fwect.

Thy HustutQd drank the gall.
FuH breafts of joy he lores € extend

Like to a kindly nurfe ;
And, that thyblid might full be gainM,

Thy Husband was. a curfe«
Thy fins he gltf d unto the tree,

His blood this virtue hath i
for, that thy heart to fin might die.

Thy Husband fuffer'd death.
To purchafe fully all thy good,

All evil him bcfel ;
To win thy heaVn with ftreams of blood.

Thy Husband quenched hell.
That this kind Days-man in one band

Might God and marn betroth, '
He on both parties lays his hand^

Thy Husband pleafes. both. ,

The blood that could Hern jufticepleafe, ""

and law-demands fulfil,
dan alfo guilty confcience eafe ;

Thy Hufband clears the bill.
Thy higheft glory is obtained

By bis abafement deep ;
And that thy tears' might all be drain'd.

Thy HUsbwid chofe to weep.
^ His bondage all thy freedom bought,

He ftoop'd fo lowly down ;
His grappling all thy grandeur brought, .

Thy Husband's crols thy crown.
'Tis by his fhock thy fceptre fways,'

His; warfare ends thy Itrife ;
His poverty thy health conveys,. .. ^

Thy Husband's death thy life,

I. ... .

122 G s p JE L S ON NETS, Part. II.

Do mortal damp« inf ade tfay heart.

And deadnefs feize thee fore?
Rejoice in this, that life t* impi^rt

Tliy dusband has in (lore.
And when new life ioiparted feems.

EftabUlh'd as a rock,
Boaft in the fountain, not the ftreams ;
, Thy Husband is thy ftock.
The ftreams may take a various turn,
' The fountain never moves: '

Ceafe then, o'er failing' ft reams'to mourn, ,

Thy Husband thus thee proves.
That glad thou nutyft, when drops are gone,

Joy in the fpacious fea :
When incomes fail, then ftill upbn* .
. Thy Husband keep thine eye.
But can't thou look; nor moan thy ftrait.

So dark's the difmal hour ?
Yet, as thou'rt able, cry and wait

Thy Husband^s day 6f pow'r.
Tell hira, though fin prolong the term.

Yet love can fcarce delay :
Thy want, his promife, all ^fiirm.

Thy Husband muft not ftay.

SECT. vm. .

Christ the Believer^ s enriching Trea/kre,

KIND Jefus lives, thyjife to be
Who mak'ft him thy refuge ;
And, whdn he comes, thou'lt joy to fee

Thy Husband ftiall be jud^e.
Should paffing troubles thee annoy,
Without, withb, or both ?

•«*

Chap. I. The Believer^^ Jointure. 123

Since entillefs life thou'lt then enjoy,

Thy Husband pledged bis troth*
What won't he; even m time, in) |pavt.

That's for thy real good ? . . >

He gave his love, he gave his heart,

Thy HijBband gave his blood.
He gives himfelf, and what ihotdd mofe?

What can he then refufe ?
If this won't pleafe thee, ah j how fare

Thy Husband doft. abufe I
Earth's fruit, beav'n's dew he wott't dietty,

Whofe eyes thy need behold, i
Nought under or zhqyt the iky

Thy Husband will withhold*
Doft lofles grieve ? Since all is thine,

What lofs can thee, befal ? - ^ ^

All things for good tif tbie combine^ ^

Thy Husband orders alii
Thou'rt not puft up with barren leav^s>

Or dung of earthly pelf;
More wealth than heav'n and earth he gives.

Thy Husband's thitie himfelK
Thou hjaft enough to ftay thy plaint,

Elfe thou complain'ft of eafe ;
For, having all, don't fpeak of want.

Thy Husband may fufiice.
Fop this thy ftore,^ believfng, take

Wealth to the utm^ft pitch : - .

The gold of Ophir cannot make,

Thy Husband makes thee rich.
Some flying gains acquire by ^ains,

And fome by plund'ring toil !.
Such treafure fades, but thine remain*.

Thy Husband's cannot fpoil.

♦ Rom. viii* 28.

^ ^

124 Gospel. SoMKET 8. . Part II.

SECT. IX.

Christ the belUvey^s adorning garmenL

YEA, thou excell'ft in rich attire
The lamp that lights the globe ;
Thy fpajkling garment heav'ns admire,.

Thy Husband is thy robe.. ^
This, raiment never waxeth old^

'Tis always new and clean j
From fummer-heat, and winter-cold^

Thy Husband can th«e fcreen.
All ^ho the oam^ of worthies bore^

Since Adam was undrefi,
N«) worth acq;uir.'d^ but as they wore.

Thy Husband's purple veft.
TWs linea fine can beautify

The foul with fin begirt : .

O. blefs his naqie that e'er on thecc

Thy Husband fpread bis fkirt. »
Are dunghills deck'd with flpw'ry glpac

Which Solomon's, outvie ?
Sure thine, is infinitely roor^e,.

Thy Husband decks the iky.
Thy hands could never work the dre^

By grace alone thou'it gay ; .
Grace vents and reigns through righteoufnefej

Thy Husband's bright array.
To fpin thy robe no more doll need

Than lilies toil for theirs ;
Out of hU bowels ev'ry thread

Thy' Husband, thine prepares*,

-

r

Chap. L , ^e Believer's Jointure. 125

. ■ SECt.^ X.

I -

Christ the believer* sjweet Nounjhmertt.

THY food^copform to thine array
Is heav'nly apd divine ;
On paftures green, where angeh play, ,

Thy Husband feeds thee fine.
Angelic food may make thee fair.

And look with chearful face ;
The bread of life, the double fhare,

Thy Husband*sr lov.e and grace.
What can he give or thou defire.

More than his flelh and blood ?
•Let angels wonder, faints admire,
\ Thy Husband is thy food.
His flelh the incarnation bears

From whence thy feeding flows ;
His blood Xh^ fatisfallion clears

Thy Husband both beftows.
Th* incarnate Qod a facrifice >

To turn the wrathful tide,
Is food for faith that may fuffice

Thy Husband's guilty bride.
This ftrength'ning food may fit and fence

Foriwork and war to come ; ,

Till thro' the croud, fbme moments hence,

Thy Husband brings thee home.
Where plenteous feafting will fuccee'd

To fcanty feeding here :
And joyful at the table-head

Thy Husband fair appear, '^ ,

m6

Gospel Sonnsts. Part IIX.

The crumbs to banquets will give place,

And drops to rivers Hew:
While heart and eye will face to faca.

Thy Husbaad ever view.

CH'AP. IT. "

Containing the Marks and Characteas of
tjxe Believer in Christ j together with fome
farther privileges and ground of comfort t9
the Saints.

- S E e T. L

•

Doubting believers ealkd to e^mtne^ by mar^
drawn jrom their l&ve to him and bis pre fences
their wew t>f bis ghry^ and their being emptied
rf felf rigbteoufne/s^ &Cm

GOOD news ! but, fays the drooping bride^
Ah ! what's all this to me ?
Thou doubtft thy right when Ibadows hide.

Thy QusbaHd's flace from thee*
Through fm and, guilt thy fpirit faints,

And trembling fcsrrs thy fate ;
Btrt harbour not thy groundlf fs plaints,

Thy Husband'i advent wait.
Thou fob'ft, *' O were I fure he'i mine,

This would give glad'ning eafe j"
And fay'ft, Tbo* wanfs and woes combine,
- Thy Htisband would thee pleafe.
But up aiMi down», and feldom clear^

IncWd with hcUilh routs ;
Yet yield diou not, nor fofler fear i:.

Thy Hufband hates. tby--doubts»

^

V

Cbap* n. ^e Believer's Jointure. W7

Thy cries and tears may flighted feem, ^

And barr*d from prefent eafe ;
Yet blame thyfelf, but oevec dreams

Thy Husband's HI to pleafe. .
Thy jealous unbclieying heart

Still droops, and knows not why ;,
Then prove thyfelf to eafc thy {mart^.

Thy Husband bids thee try.
The- foir wing queftions put to thee.

As fcripture-marks, may tell
And fljew wHate'er .thy failings be,

Thy Husband loves thee well.

ART thou: coplent when he's away ?
Can earth allay thy pants ?
If confcience witnefs, wont't it iay^

Thy Husband's all ^ou wants?
When he ^i^ near^ (though in a crofs),.

And thee with comfort feeds ;
Dofi thou not count the earth, as drofs,.
Thy Husband all thoa needs ?.
r Jn duti^ art thou pleas'd or pain^d^.
i When far he's put of*view ?
L And finding' him, think'il all regain?d^
BL Thy Husband always new^ .
•vCha' once thou, thought'ft, while Sinai miffi
And darktiefs compafs'd thee.
Thou waft undone ; and glorious Chrift^

Thy Husband ne'er would be.
Yet know'ft thou, not a fairer place.

Of which it may be told,
That there the glory of his grace^ ^

Thy Husband did. unfold ?.

• ^ ■ 1

128 G o s p E L S N N K rf s. Part 11.

V * I

"Where heav'nly beams inflam'd thy foul,

And love's feraphic ^Tt^
With hallelujahs, did extol

Thy Husband in thy heart. "^
Could ft then have wilh'd all Adatti^ race

Had join'd with thee to gaae ;
That viewing food bis comely face;

Thy Husband might get praife? ^

Art thou diqoin'd from other iords? \

DivorcM from federal laws f ^ ■
While with moll loving goi{>el cords

Thy Husband kindly draws ? i

A*n't thou enlighten'd now tp fee

Thy righteoufnefs is naught
But ragi*^ that cannot cover thee ? . ' i

Thy |lusband fo has taught. . • '

Doft fee thy bcft performances

Deferve but hell indeed ?
And hence art led, renouncing thefe, i

Thy^usband's blood to plead? . * ^

When ftrengthcn'd boldly to addrcfe

That gracious throne of his,
Dofl find thy ftren^h and righteoufneis,.

Thy Husband only is ?
Canft thou thy nioft exalted frame 4

Renounce, as withering grafs.
And firmly hold thine only claim.

Thy Husband's wortkinefs,^
Canft pray with utmoft holy f pith/ 4

' And yet renounce thy good r *

And waih, not with ihy tears, but with

Thy Husband's precious Wood ? ,

* Ifsulxiv. 6m t' Vigour or ilrcngth*^ ,

Chapu II. Tie B^Hewr^s Jolnturi^ 129

sfiCT. n.

B^Uvers defcribed from their Faith ailing by dt^
j vine aid, and jSeeing quite out cf tber^elvei t9
I * Christ.

[ /^ AN nothing lefs thy confcience eafe^
) \^ And pleafe thy hieart ; no lefs
' Than that which juftice fatisfies.
Thy Husband^s righteoufnefs?
"Qo^ fee thy works fo ftain'd with lin,
I That thou through grace art mov'id*
I To feek acceptance only in ^
i l^hy Hufband. the Belov*d ?
I Doft thou remind, that once a day
Free grace did ftrengthen thee,
To gift thy guilty foul away, '

Thy ftulfend's b-ride to be? '
Or doft thou mind tlie day of powV,

Wherein he broke thy pride,
And gained thy heart? O happy hour!

Thy Husband caught the bride !
He Jid the enmity fubdue,

The bondage fad recal,
Made thee to choofe, and clafc purfue

Thy Husband as thy alh
What reft,, and peace, and joy cnfu'd

Upon this, noble choice ?
Ihy heart, with flow'ts of pleafure ftrew'd^

Thy Husband made rejoice.
Boft know thou- ne'er couldft him embraceii,

Till he embraced thee ?'
Nor ever fee him, till his face
Thy Husbaud open'd free ?

130 Gosfth SoN^Ef*. jartt

And findeft to this very hour.

That this is ftill the charm ;
Thou canft do nothing, till with now V

Thy Husband fhew his arm ?
Ganft thou do nought by nature, art.

Or any ftrength of thine.
Until thy cricked froward he'art
. Thy Hushand'fhall incline,
cut art thou, though without a wiog

Of pdw'r aloft to flee,
Yet able to do ev'ry thing.

Thy Husband ftresgth'ning ih^e ?
Doft no;, alone at duties fork*.

But foreign aid enjoy ?
And ftill in ev'ry^piece of work

Thy Husband's ftrf ngth employ I
Thy motion heav'iily is indeed,

A J i'^*^ ^^°^ ^y ^*»^^ <Joft move;
And ftill m ev'ry time of need

Thy Husband's grace improve.
No common riat'ral faith cao (hew

Jts divine brood like this j
Whofe objea, author, feeder too»

Thy HusbaAd only js.
Doft thou by fauh c«i him rely ?

On him, not on thy faith ?
If faith Ihall with its objed vie,"

Thy Husband's fet beneath. >

Their hands receiving faculty

Poor beggars never view ;

But hold the royal gift in eye ;

Thy Husbahd fo wilt thou^
Faith, like a gazing eye ne'er vi?ait&

To boaft in feeing pow'rs j

• Labour, wrcfile, or toiL

Chap. n. The Believe ft* s Joiniure. 131;

Its/)bjea views, it&li fprgete^

Thy Husband it adores,
ft humbly ft ill itfelf denies^
^ Nor "brags its acts at all ;
D€ep>plung'd into its obje^ Ues,

Thy Husband is; ils all.
No ftrength but his k bai, and viUQts^

No ftore tut his caa fliow :
Hence nothiag has, y€t nqthing wanct$»

Thy Husband trains it fo.
Faith, .of its owu, no might can fliew,

Elfe would itfelf deftroy ;
But will for all it has to dp, ' ^

Thy Husband ftill employ,
Self-faviours* none could ever be

By faith or grace of theirs ^
Their fruitldfe toil, fo hi§h that flee.

Thy Husband's praife impairs*
The feemingly deve^uteft deed,

That would with fhamekft.brow
His faving trade take o'er his head.

Thy. Husband won't allow. ■ ' ' ^

Doft therefore thou to him alone

Commit thy iinful foul ?
Knowing of thy falvaiion

Thy Hulband is the whole ?

SECT, III.

Bdi£veri cbarqSlerifed by the otje^s and purify ^f
their defire, delight ^ joy^ haired, and love, difco-
• yering they have the Spirit 0/ Chxist.

-/^

D

OST thou his Spirit's condud wait?
' And, when compared to this,

^

132 G ^-9 El S o N M EC s» Part 11

All wcwldly wiiHom wider-rate ?

Thy Hufband waits to blefs.
Tak'ft %hpxi ili5 Spirit fof thy gi^d« •

Through Baca's valley djryj,
Whofe ftreams of influences glide

Thy Hu(band*s garden by ?
In digging weils here h^ his poi!^*r,

Doft find it oot in vain, . J

While here m drqp, and there a fliovv'i- '

Thy Hufband makes to rain?
Hence doilthau through each weary cafe

From ftrfength to llrength go on,
From faith to faith, while grace for grace

Thy Hufband gives anon ?
The good, the gracious work begun,

And furthered by his ftrength,
Shall profp'rous, through the wrcfftling, wia

Thy Hulband's crown at length.
Sin's pow'r and prefeii&e <:an(l thou own

Is thy moft ^evous fmart,
Tfiat makes thee fob, and weq> alone?

Thy Husband knows thy heart.
Poes lave to him make thee diftafie j

Thy lulls with all their charms ?
And moft them loath'ft, when moft tbou hafl: \

Thy Husband in thine arms ? / '

Are cords of lovo the fweeteft ties ]

To bind the duty-ways?
And beft thou ferv'ft when moft thou fpies

Thy Husband beauteous rays ?
Didil^ever thou the pardon read

In tears of untold joy:? ^
When mercy made thy heart to bleed^
Th^ Husband was not coy.

CSiap. £1. The Believer* t jointure* 133

Do pardons fweetty melt thy heart ?

And 'moft imbitter fin ?
And make thee lotig with drofs to part,

Thy Husband's throne to win ?
When he arifes luft to kill,^
' Corruptions to deftroy I
Does glacipeis then thy fpirit fill?

X^y Husband is thy joy.
Doll thou his perfori fair embrace

Beyond his bleflings all?
Sure> then, thou boldly naayft Arou^ grace

Thy Husband Jesus call. \

What company doft thou prefer ?

What friends above the reft ? ^

Of all relatkws every where.

Thy Husband is the beft.
Whom in the earth or hcav'n doft thou

Moft ardently defire ?
Is love's afcj^nding fpark unto

Thy Husband fet on fee ?; ^
Ha^ thou a hatred to his foes«

And doft their courfe decliric ? s
Lov'ft thou hi^ faints, and dar'ft.fuppofe

Thy Husband's friends are thine ?
Doft thov\ their talk and walk efteem^

When raoft divinely gatave?
And £ay our'ft beft when moft they feem

Thy Husband's Sp'rit to have ? »

SECT. IV.

Believers in Christ affed his counfsl, word^ erdi-
nances^ appearance, full enji}yment in heaven^ Mnd
fweet pre fence her ^. ^ * .' .

WHERE go'ft thou firft when in a ftrait^
Oi when with grief oppreft ?

«34 G o s r E !L S d iK N E T s. Pait» JL

Flceft thon to him ? O liappy gate !

Thy Husband is thy reft.
His coun&i feek^ft tbbu ^iU prepared,

Nor canft without him live ?
Wifdom to guide, aod firetigth to giisird,

Thy Husband hath to give«
Cinft thou produce no pka^mt pawii,

Or token of his love ?
Won't fignetsi^ braoeiets^ from his hQ0d,

Thy Husband's kindnefe prove ?
Mind'fi when he fent :his healing wdrd;

Which darted from on high,
Did light, and life, and joy afibrd ?

Thy Husband then was cnigh. ^
Canft thou the promife fweet forget,

He dropt into thy heart ?
Such ghd'hing !pow'i:, and love with iU

Thy Husband did impart.
Doft thou affed his(dw€lliDg,place9

And mak'ft it thy repair^
Becaufe thine eyes have feen, through grace,

Thy Husband's :glory there ?
Doft love his great appearing day,

And thereon n^fe with joy; ^
When dufky fliades will fly away, >

T6y Husband death deHroy ?
Doft long to fee ht&glonoos fece.

Within the higher orb,
Where h^nnid forraws lofing place^
" Thy Husband*s rays abforb ?
Long'ft to be free of ev'ry fault.

To bid ali fin adieu ;
And mount the hill, where glad thou flialt
: Thy Su$band's giory nc^ ?

Cbap. n. Tie BeSevet*s ^vhmst^. 135

Life where it lives* tevc where it loves.

Will rooft defire to be :
Such lovc-fick longin^j plainly pro^res ^

Thy Husband's love to thee. t "

What is It bcft can eafe thy pJai&t,

Spread morning o'o: thine ev'ni
Is his appioaoh tbjr beart's^ content.

Thy Husband's prefeiKe hcav'a?
Ahd wh*bn deny'd this fweet relief

Canft thou affert full well.
His hiding is thy greateft grief.

Thy Husband^s abfence. bell ? '

Let thy experience be di&kis'd f

If confcience anfwer Yea
To all the queries here propos^d^ -

Thy Husband's thine for ay;
Pertain theft cbaraaers to thee I

Then, foul, beg^i and pteofe
His glorious worthy Aatnc/for he

Thy Huiband is always.

SECT. V.

^e True Believer* s Bumility, dependence^ zealj
growth f and admiration 0/ free grace^ and know*
tedge of Ch%ist*s voice.

PERHAPS a faint may %h and fay,
" I fear Vm yet to karo
** Thefc marks of marriage love." Yet ilay,

Thy Husband's bowels y^arn.
Though darknefs may tl^ light obfcure.

And ftorms furmount thy calms,
Day yield to night, and thoo be poor^
Thy Husband yet has aloH*

I

136 Gos?.£t Sonnets.' Part IX«

Doft fee tbyfeif aa empty brat,

A podr unworthy thing', . •
With h«irt upon the duft laid flat !

Thy Husband there: docs reigtt.
Art in thine own eftcem a beaft.

And doft thy felf abhor ?- ^
The more thw haft of felf-diftafte^ .

Thy Husbwd love«, thee frkerei
Can hell breed no fiich wicked eif.

As thou in thibe, own fight ?
Thou'ft got, to fee thy fihhvfelf,

Thy Husband's frtireft lignt-
Canft find no n^nses fo black, fo vife.

With \vhich thou would'flr compare.
But cairft thy fetf a Ivmp .of hell ? ^ 1

Thy Husband calls thee fair.:
When his kind viftts makes^ thee fee

He*s precious, thou att: rile,/* •

Then mark the hand of God with thee,. '*

Thy Husband gives a fmile;' • *
He knows what Vifits fuit thy ftate,

And though moft rare they be,
It fets thee well on bim to wait, .

Thy Husband waits on. thee. .
Doft fee thou art both poor and weafc^

KnA he both full and ftrong ?
O don't his kind dela^^s miftake, .
' Thy Husband comes ere long.
Though daring Sinai's ftormy day,.

Thou dread'ft the difmai blaft, .
And fears thou art a caft-away.

Thy Husband comes at laft.
The glorious ^\m will rife apace^

And fpread his h^iUing wings^

Gbatp. JI. fZe Bilkver^s JointMn. 137.

In fparkUngpemp of (bv'rrign grace,

Thy Hoiband gladofifsi brings.
Canil thou, whate'er ihould come of thee^

Yet wifti his Zion well^
And joy In her pcofperity ? * '^

Thy Husband loves tby aeal.
Doll thou adnlire bis love to fonoe,

Though thou fflnKiidft never fliare ?
Mercy to tbee'vUl adfo come.

Thy Husband hath to fpare.
Poor foul ! doft grieve for want of grace,
^ And weep for want of love,
And Jefus feek- ft ! O hopeful cafe !

Thy Hiisbaod lives above*
Reletting much thy falling ffiort,

jDoft after more afpire ?
There's hope in Ifrael for thy fort.

Thy Husband's thy defire.
Art thou well pleas'd that fov'reign grace,

Through Ghrift, exalted be ?
This frame denotes no hopelefs cafe.

Thy Husbond^s pleas'd with thee.
Couldft love to be the foolaftool low,

On which his throne might rife,
Its pompous grace around to fhow ?

Thy Husband docs thee prize.
If but a glance of his fair face

Can cheer thee more than wine; f

Thou in his loving heart haft place,

Thy Husband ^ace in thine.
Doft make his blood thy daily bath?

His word and oath thy ftay ? '
His law of love thy lightfotne path ?

Thy Husband is thy way. *

M 3

I^S Gospel Son n e t^s# Part 11#

All things withhi €ai^fe*s f^acioos wc^i> ,

'Does count but lofs and? iditog^v ? i
For one fwcet word in foafoH fro'm ^ ^

Thy Husband's learned tongue ? : -

Skill to difcern and know'liis* wice

From words of wit a^iid'a^,. ^ *

Will clearly prove tbou art his choice; .

Thy Hust^iul thine in ]i;eart* ,
The pompous words that £&p^vadn)in^^

May vagrant fancy feaft ; tr .
But with feraphic harmlefs fire
- Thy Husband's burn the brca^ft. i. ^

SECT. YI.

True Believers are willing ti) be tried^ and ixamm--
ed: Comforts ariJin^4o them from Christ's r^^r-
dyfuppty, real fyvipatbyy and relieving namfSy

^ fuiting their needs.

DOST thou upon thy traitorous heart
Still keep a jealous eye? -
Moft willing that thine inward part

Thy Husband ftriaiy try?
The thieving croud will bate the l^ht^ ,
Left ftol'n effefts be fliown ;
,. But truth defires what's wrong or right
Thy Husband would make known.
Doft then his trying word await,
'His fearching doctrine love?
. Fond, left thou err through ielf deceit.
Thy Hufb'and would thee prove?
Does oft. thy mind with inward fmart
Bewail thy unbelieif ? ' ^

And confcious lue from plagues of heart
Thy Husband for relief?

•

r s.

Why donbt'ft. 1ms love ? -and yety behold,

With him thoa^jijuldft not |>art -^ , .
For tfaouf;^ thoufeod edrtiis <xf gold : x

Thy HusbaiUi ba^^ thy ;bea]?t«' <
Though d^rkoefs^ deadacis^ unbelief^

May all thy foul atteed ^ >
Light, life, an4 faitfa'&^mature rdiief, '

Thy Husband has to feodr
Of wants annoywg' why complain ?

Supply arifea hence j^
Vfbai gifts he Vas reseki'd far men %

Thy Hu{baQd.\piU difpenfigt. n - \ >

He got them in^.^xatted.ft^te ^

For rebas fuch suiT thou ;: : ,' , >

All then that's needful good, or great^

Thy Husband will allow/*
Thy wants he fees, thy cries he hears;

And, marking all thy'^oahs.
He in his bottk;. keeps thy tears^ '^ ' ^

Thy Husband nqtes thy groains*
• All thine infirmities htm . touch, , I

They ftrike his feding heart ^
His kindly fympathyis^fucb.

Thy Husbajnd finds the fmart^
Whatever touchy thee affeds.

The apple of his eye ; /

Whatever ||a(im8y he therefore^ checks^

Thy Husband^s aid is nigh. •

If foes are fpar'd, . tjiy need is fuch.

He flays- them but in part :
He can do all, aa4 will do much^

Thy Husband afts by art.
He often for the faddeft hour .

Referves the fweeteft aid : J

♦ Pfal. Ixviiw 18. ' •'

I40 Gos^PEx S^oifiN«Ts; Part^il.

See how fuch ba»uielraIi€r«fNi[Mr6

Thy Husbaad lia$ diTp^'ii^' r
Mind where bf vou^b^ bis good-mil^

Sbiqietimes at Horniea f o^miiit^
In Jordan Iand> al5 Mi»ar i»ll j : -

Thy Husband kee^s tbe coRsnt.
At fyndry times said diners .way8». -<

To fuit thy varioa^ frames ' ^ ..'.."
Has feen like ri&D^ goldeuxoy^^^ - ?

Thy Hufband's variolic oames«c
When guilty coBfcience ghaftly Aar'd,

J £ H O V A H - Xa 1 H & B ItlFf,

The Lord thy rightooulbdii appesii'd».

Thy Husband in thy view.. .
"When in tby ftnms at wants extreme,. . .,

Help faird on ev'ry fide,
Jehovah-jireh I was his oanoe.

Thy Husband <4ifd provide^ . . ^

When thy long abfoot Loird didik moan^

Aiid to his courts repair;, v
Then was j£HovAH-8U4i;aM AH j| knowi^ .

Thy Husband prefent thfere.
When thy aifaulting foes aj^ear'd

in robes of terror clad^.
Jehovah-nissi$ then w^ Jtealr'd, : >

Thy Husband's banner fpread. »:

When furiea arm'd with frigbt'iuiis gujlt>

Dunn'd war witbom fiircsfafc j
Jehovah-shalom.^ tbea was biiiiky

Thy Husband feat thee peace.
When thy difeafes death pr;Qc]aiin'd^ t

And creature-balfaaw ffiiVd^

* P£d. xltii. 6. f Jer. xxiii. 6. % Qtn. xxii* 14.
I] Ezek. xl?iii» 35. .( £^d. xyia, z j. f Judg. n. z^.

Jehova h-ro^h ti'*' ^#ieii \^8^ teitt j ^

Thy Husba0d*bil^ly beal'di >

Thus, as thy vanoiist n^^ require.

In various miExtefiifeethilb;^ '
The help that fuits i&hy:hisrtV«kfti^,

Xhy Husban4*$i®3w*erconi^^y8» f : .

to th' miefiacky,wc2£^vi3iifi •; V ^ S^ ^

The great Jehovah Ihcws . « - . -
Himfelf a /i///^ fim&uaryj^^ ■ i

Thy Husband gives the viewsi ■

•i *

J-..- . ' .• V •• ' t' f

t&BCTj' >VII.

25^^ Believer^s i'xperlerice of Cbkist^s comforiaile
prefenee^ er cf former eomfprU to )je itnproved for.
bi$ -tncouraiement dnd'fuppdKt Under darkneii
and hidings. . , "

DOST mind the pl*ee,' the fpot of land, "^
Where Jefus ^d thee meet ?
And how he got thy hcaift and hand ?

Thy Husbands then was-fweet. ^ <
Doft ixiind th^ gaudettj cb^naberj bank^

A vale of vifion *feeti^d J
Thy joy was full, thy heart was ft^Vkk^

Thy Huabantthuichi^efteetrfd.^ ^^ '
Let thy experience fweet declare, / %

If able ta remind' ; ;: ^ ^

A Bochim here^ a Bethel there, . ^

Thy Husband teade ^hee fitfd.
Was fuch a corner, &ich a place,

A paradiCe to thee, ' ' •'

A Peniel, where face to iFaee

Thy Husbandiair didft lee ?

' - • • • ♦ . . .

- ♦ Exod. xr. 26. I Eztki. xi. x^

I4Z G^s^9i&i Sccmvf^ru. Fait

There did he thitfith^ domiy oniftv

Thy doubts ao4 fours dcAraji ; ^

And on thy.f{^ri& feafd^bemos

Thy Husband Meith gcctot joyif ^^

Couldft thou; bahre ^d k bfaidly th<e% '

And fcard it wHh tby^irfiiMid ^ . -i
Yea» welcome death Mriiih.{^«a(tire; wke^*

Thy Husband bjg thee ftocxlFiwi . .^
That earth again fboul^ thee iafoare; '

O how thy hcMt. wasipoiatd 1
For all its fading glouy there

Thy Husband's beauty ilaia'd^
The thoughts of living more isi.fio

Were then like hdl to thee:
The life of neav'n did tbm begih,

Thy Husband iet thee free* • I

Whatever thou, foundft him at thy beft^

He^s at thef woril the fane ; f-

And in bis l&^^^'wifl mv^rfft.

Thy Husband holda hia doiiti.
Let faith thefe >ifit» keep in ftofe.

Though fonfe the pleafiitttmiA^
The Qod of Bethel, a^befbre,. .-

Thy Hu(band always is. >.

In measuring hts gpproaiQbea kind.

And timing his deficents^
In free and fov'reiga M^ays thm^'lt ttnd

Thy Husband theis j^eTenta;
Frefcribe not to him ior thy kaatt; '

He's infinitely wUe*. ^

How oft he throws his loviog dan^^

Thy Husband doe^/iSbirpafe. v >
Perhaps a fudden.gale ibe9 faleft^

While walking ia thy road.

Or on a lonticgr^ cHirfthiwa m^,

TlxyKvL$f^ndkMikidittmtbiozd. "
Thus was t^e euoucfe^fafti'd (bis ftage

A riding in the (W&y
As he revolvM the £K:red page *)

Thy Hu(band*fc.liappy prey, ^
In hcftriiig, rciidiag^ fflnging, pray«r, .

When darknefs compafs'd thee.
Thou fbundft, ^ or e'er thoU waft awjare,

Thy HuftADd's iight^Aiiig free.
Of heavenly galc^ don't meitnJy^^nk : '

For, thou thy fcul ocHllplaUis, / ' •
They're but a.ih(t^tai|d^pafl]i1^%liak; *

- Thy Husband's ^hpre^rotoains.
Think not, though .btfe^tW bafte laway,

Thou doft his favcmr Icffe ;
But learn to know^his ibv*reign'^ay '

Thy I^usbaKxd penes ^and goes* .
Don't fay he's gone lor e«er, ithottgh

His viiks he ^adjourn ^
For yet a little Whllci^ apid fo,

Thy Husband vnil itturti^
In worfliip focial, ^or jrfitir'4, - - "

DgA thou bis abftinise weil ^ :

Wait at his (hore, taadrbe not i^lQi

Thy 'ttusbaad -s iWp's^-feil. :
Tea, though in duties fenfe may : mils

Thy fpul's beloved Qae ; ^ ^
Yet do not faint, ^fortiioiret' is

Thy Husband wholly gofid.
TJhough Satan, finvaartb, th»Uat'oriee; '

Would ti^eq of joy A^teav^j* ^ -
Mind what he faidv ^he wbn^i tenobnce^

"^Thy Husband will not leave*

14^ Gospel Sonnets* Part II. j

Till thou return to him, and fay, ]

Thy Husband is thy choice.
Fierce billbws may thy veflel tofi.

And crofles curfes feem ;
But that the curfe has fled the cro&^

Thy Husband bids^thee deem.
Conclude not he in wrath difowns,

When trouble thee furrounds ; *

Thefe are his favourable frowns,

Thy Husband^s healing wounds.
Yea, when he gives the deepeft lafli,

. Love lea^s the wounding hand :
His ftroke, when fin has got a daih.

Thy HuslKUid will remand.

V

SECT. K.

Gomfori ttf Belienjiers^ in CHaisr'i relations^ in his
dying love^ his glory in heaven^ to which be will

' lead them through deaths and fupph/ with all
necejfaries by the way.

BEHOLD the patrimony broad
That falls to thee by line }
In him thou'art an heiY of Gt>d,

Thy Husband*s Father's thine.
He is of relatives a ftocc,

Thy^ Friend will help in thrall :
Thy Brother much, thy Father more^

Thy Husband moft of all
All thefe he does amafs and fliare^

In ways that mpft excel :
*Mong all the husbands ever were

Thy Husband bears the beU.
Whence run the ftreams of all thy j^ood.

But from his pierced fide }

Chap. IL The Believer's Jointure. 147

With liquid gold of precious blood

. Thy Husbafid boughahis bride. \

His blood abundant value bore.

To make hi$ purchafe broad^.
Twas fair divinity in gore^

Thy Husband is thy God.
Who purchas'd at the -higheft pricey
- Be crown'd with higheft praife j
For in the higheft paradifc

Thy Husband ^ears the bays.
He is of Heaven the comely rofe.

His beauty makes it fair ;
Heav'n v?ere but hell, fcouldft thou fuppofe

Thy Husband were not there.
He thither did in pomp afcend^ ^

His fpoufe along to bring :
That Hallelujah's v^ithout end,

Thy Husband's bride may flng.
Ev'n there with him for ever fix'd

Hi§ glory fhalt thou fee ;
And nought but death is now betwixt

Thy Husband's throne and thee.
He'll order death that porter rudct

To ope the gates of hrafs ;
For, lo ! with charaAers of blood ,

Thy Husband wrote thy pafs.
At jordaq deep then be not fcaf d^

Though difmal like and broad j
Thy fun will guide, thy £hicld will guard, ^

Thy Husband pav'd the road.
He'll lead thee fate, and bring thee home^

And ftill let bleffings fall
©f grace while here, tUl glory come :

Thy Husband's bound fox all.

J48 Go&FEL Sonnets^ ' PartU.

Hts ftore can anfwer ev'ry bill.

Thy food and raimf nt's bought ;
Be at his wilj, ihouUt have thy fill,

Thy Husband wants for nought.
What can thy foul oopceive it lacks ?

His ftore, his pow'r is thine j
His lib'ril heart to lib'ral ads.

Thy Husband does incline*
Though on thy hand,, that has no might.

He' (hould thy talk enlarge ;
Nor work, nor. warfare needs th^e fright^

Thy Husbancf bears the charge.
Thou wouldft (if left) thyfelf undo.

So apt to fall and ftray f
But he uplifts and leads thee to r *

Thy Husband knows the way.

SECT. X.

Comfort io Bejieven from the text\ Tliy Maker \%
thy Husband, inverted tbus^ Thy 'Husband ii
thy Maker; and the conclufton ff tbu fuhje6t^ -

OF light and life, of grace and glore.
In Chrift thou art partaker j
Rejoice in him for evermore,

'Thy Hulband i& thy Maker. ^

He made thee, yea, made thee his bride^

Nor heeds thine ugly patch ;
To what he made he'll ftill abide.
Thy Husband made the match.
He made all \ yea, he made all thine

All to thee fhall be giv^n :
Who can thy kingdom undermine ? ' - .

Thy Husband ,^^^9 the heiav'n.

Chap. II. The Beltever^s Jointure. I49

What earthtythiflg <;an Aec aimoy ?

He made th<5 earth tc^be ; -
The waters caDhot thee deftroy,

Thy Husbsfnd made the fca.
Don't fear the flaming element
^ Thee hurt with buroiitgire;
Or that the fcorching heat torment :

Thy Husband made the fire.
Infeftious ftrearas ftiall nc*er deftroy.

While he is pleas*d to fpare^
Thou fliak thy vital breath enjoy.

Thy Husband made the air.
The fun that guides- the golden day.

The moon that rules the night.
The ftarry firame^ the milky way,.

Thy Husband made for light.
The bird that wings its. airy path,.

The fifli that cuts the flood,
The creeping; croud that £warms beneatb

Thy Husband made for good.
The glazing herd, the beafia of prey,

The creatures great and fmali,
For thy behoof their tribute pay,

Thy Husband made them all.
Thine's Paul, Apollos, life, and death,
* Things prefent, things to be ;
And ev'ry thing that being hath,"

Thy Husband made for thee.
In Topbet of the damn'd's refort

Thy foul Ihall never dwell.
Nor needs from thence imagine hurt^-

Thy Hufband formed hell.
Satan, with inftruments of his.

May rage, yet dread no evilj

^ N3

150 Gospel Sonn^ets. PartU. j

So far as he a creature is.

Thy H^fband made the devil.
Hi§ black temptations may affli<5b,

His fiery darts annoy ;
Bat all his worktf, and belli fh trick,

Thy Hulband will deftroy.
Let armies ftfong of earthly gods,

Combirte.with heHifti gbofts.
They live, or laiiguifh, at his Dods ;

Thy Husband's Lord of hofts.
What can thee hurt ? whom doft thou fear ?

All things are at his calL
Thy Makpr is thy Husband dear.

Thy Husband all in alh
What doft thou feck ? what doft thou want?

He'llthydefiresfulfil?
He gave himfelf, what won^t he grant ?

Thy Husband's at thy will.
The more thou doft^of him defire.

The more he loves, to give :
High let thy mounting arras afpire.

Thy Husband gives thee leave.
The lefs thou feek'ft, thqlefs thou doft

His bounty fet on.high;
But higbeft feekers here do moft

Thy Husband glorify.
Wouldft thou have grace ? Well; but 'tis meet

He fhould more glory gain.
Wouldil thou hav/e Father, Son, and Sp'rit ?

Thy Hufband lays, Amen.
He'll kihdly aft the Hb'ral God,

Devjfing lib'ral things;
With royal gifts hrs fubjefts lead ^

Thy Husban^i's King of kings.

I

i

Chap. ir. The Belkver^s Jomtuif. '' 151

No earthly monarch s have fucb ftore

As thou haft ev'n in hand ; -
But, O bow infinitely Kiore .

Thy Husband ogives on band !
Thou haft indeed the better p^rt,
,The part will fail thee never:
Thy Husband's hand, thy Husband^s hearty »

Thy Husband's aU for even

) <

T/&* END (^the FOEM ttpm Ifa. liv^ ^

«

- * f X

GOSPEL SONNETS.

PART fli.

■

fife Believer's Riddle j O/-^
The Mystery ^ Fajth.

rb« PR E F A C E,
Slewing 'ilx Ufe and Dejig^ (f the |(i0XHue;»

RE ADER, the following emgma^ic fong^
Does, not ta wifeft nat'ralifts belong \
Their wifdom is butioHy on this head :
They here may ruminate, but cailnot read.
For though they glance the words, the meaxi^

ing chokes.
They read the lines, bat not the paradox.
The fubjeft will, however the phrafe bfe blunt.
Their moft accute hatelligencc furmount.
If with the nat'ral and acquired figkt
They fhare not divine evangelic light, {brainy
Great wits may roufe their fancies, rack their
And after all their labour lofe their pains ;
Their wifeft comments were but witlefs chat^
Unapt to frame an explication pat.
No unregen'rate mortal's bcff engines
Can right unriddle thefe few rugged lines j
Nor any p'^* per notions thereof reach,
Though fublimated to the higheft ftreteh.
Matters of reafon, plodding men of fenfe,
Wholcorn to mortify their vain pretence,

\

Preface to the Rzi>dle. 1*53

In this myfteriou? deep might plod their fill ;

It overtops the top of all their ikill.

The more they vainly huff, and fcorn ta read,

I The more it does their foolilh wit exceed.

[ Thofe finners that are fantftified in part.
May read this riddle truly in their heart.
Yea, weafceft foints may feel its trueft fenfe.
Both in their fad and fwcet experience.
Don't overlook irwith a rambling view^
And ralh fuppofe it neither good nar true.
Let Heaven'^s pure oracles the truth decide f
Renounce it, if it can't that teft abide.
Nohle Bereaos fooo the fenfe may hit,
Who found the divine depth of facred writ,
Not by what airy carnal reafpn faith,
But by the golden line of heaven-fpun faith.
Let not the naughty phrife make you dis-
prove
Tlie weighty matter which deferves your love.
High drains would fpoil the riddle's grand iir-

^ To teach the weakeft, nioft illiterate faint, [tentr^
That Mahanaim is his proper name;
In whom twoftrugglinghofts make bloody game.
That fuch may knovr, whofe knowledge is but

rude,
How good cpnfifts with ill, and ill with good.
That faints be neither at their worft nor beft^
Too much exalted or twa much depreft.

This paradox is fitted to difclofe
The ikill of Zion'3 friends above her foes ;
To difference by light that Heaven tranfmits,.
Some happy fooh from tniferable wits.*
And thus (if bl^fe'd) it tuay in fome degree
Make fools their wit, and wits their folly fee.

/ ^
>•

154 Prefa cE ifl /Ar RiPDL£.

Slight not the riddle then like jargon vile,
Becaufe not jgarnifh'd with a pompous ftile*
Could th* author aft. the lofty poets part, ^
Who make their fonnets foar on wings of art^
He on this theme had blufti^d to ufe his ikill,
iind either dipt his wings, or broke bi& quilU

Why, this enigma climbs fuch divine heights
As fcorn to be adqrn*d with human flighty.
Thefe gaudy flrains wQuld lovely truth difgracc^
As pureft paint deforms a comely face,
HeavVs rayfteries are 'bove art's ornament^
Immenfely brighter than its bjighteft paint.
No towVinff lit'rator could e*er outwit .
'The plainelt diction fetched from facred writ j-
By which mere blaziiig rhet'ric is outdone.
As twinkling ftars are by the radiant fun.
The foaring orators -who can with eafe
Strain the quinteffence of hype$^bahs^
And clothe the bareft th^me with pureft drefH
Might here e^xpatiate much, yet fay the lefs>
If w' th*^^ majeftical fimplicity
Of fcripture orat'ry they difagree.

Tiefe lin^ pretend not to affed the (ky.
Content ^mong inglorious Ihades^to lie,-
Provided facred truth be Qtly clad.
Or glorious fliine ,ev*n through the dulky fhade.
Mark then though you fliould mifs the gilded
If they a ^ore of golden truth contain : (ftraio,
Nor under-rate a jewel rare and prime, :
Though wrapt up iu the rags of homely rlacae»

Though haughty Deifts hardly ftoopto fay,
That nature's night has needaf fcripture-day :
Yet gofpel-light alone will clearly ftew
How ev'ry fentence here is juft and true,

Preface to the Km r>hE. 15^

Expel the fhades that may the mind involve.
And foon tiie feeming contradiftion folve.
All f^tal errors in the world proceed
From want of fkill fucb myfteries to read.
Vain men the double' branch of truth divide, '
Hold by the one, and flight the other fide.

'Hence ptQud Arminians cannot reconcile
Freedom of grace with freedom of the will.
The blinded Papift won*t difcern nor fee
How works are-good xmlefs they juftify. .
Thus legalifts diftinguifh net the odds (God's.
Between their home-bred righteoufnefs and
Antinomifts the faints perfedion plead.
Nor duly fever 'tween them and their head.
Socinians jrofi*t thefc fceming^ odds agree,
How heav'n is bought, and yet falvation free.
Bold Arians bate to reconcile or fcan,
How Chrift is truly God and truly man :
Holding the one part of ImmanuePs name,
The other part outrageoufly blafpheme.
The found in faith no part of truth <»ntraul :
Heretics own the half, but not the whole.

keep then the facred myft*ry ftill entire j
To both the fides of truth do favour bear.
Not quitting one to hold the other branch ;
But palfing judgment on pn equal bench ;
The riddle has two feet, and were but one
Cut off, truth falling to the ground were gone,
'Tis all a contradiftion, yet all true.
And happy truth, yet verify'd in you.
Go forward then to read the lines, but (lay
To read the riddle alfo by the way.

The RIDDLE.

SECT. I.

'fie myjtery rfth Saints pi^digrze, and efpecially
tf their relation to Christ'x wonderful perfQU.

MY life's a mazeof feeming trap$ a^
A fcene of mercie« and mifhaps b ;
A heap of jarring to and froesr,
A field of joys, a §ooa of woes d.

Tm in mine own and others eyea,

A labyrinth of ^lyfteries t. ' * \

a Jotti* xxiu 1 3. And Joihua faid, Ktdvif % a certainty^
that the Lord your Crod witt no more dri^e out any of theie
nations from before you^ vbut they fhall be fnares and traps
unto you, and fcourges in your ddes and thorns in yoi&r ^yes^
Sec. Pf cxxiv. 7« Our (bui is cfcaped as a bird out of the
ihare of the fowlers ; the fnare is broken, and we are efcaped.
. 6 Or mif erics. Lam. iti. 1 9. Remembering mine affli^on
and n^ mifery, the wormwood and the .gaH. «^. 22. It 1$ of
the Lord's mercies that we are not €onfumed» becaufe his
compaifions fail not* Pfalm ci. i . I will iing of mercy and
judgment : unto tfaeet O Lord wiJi I fing.

e Pfalm cH. 10. Thou haft lifted me up, and caft me down.
Pfalm cix. 23. I am tofled up and dowit as the locuft.

d Hab. iii. 17, 18. Althotigh the fig-tree (hall not bloflbfBf
oeither (hall' fruit be in the'^ines, the labour of the<»live (hall
fail, and the fields (hall yield no meat, the (locks (hall be cut o^f
from the fold, and their (hall be no herd in the (tails ; yet will
I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my falvation.

e^ Ifa. viii. i8. Behold i and the children whom the Lord
hath givefi me, zit for figns, and for wonders in Ifrael ; from
the Lord of hoft> which dwelleth in mount Zion. Zech. iii.^
' 8. Hear now» O Jo(hua the high prieft, thou and thy fellows
«hat fit before thee : for they are men wondered at, &c. Pfak
lx3d. 7. I am as a wonder UAto many, but thou art my (Irong
«cfiigc.

Sedl. I. The Believer*^ Riddle. 157

rm font^thing that from nothing cameyi
Yet fure it is, I nothing ani ^. ^

Once I was dead, and blind, and lame h^
Yea, I continue ftiU the fame 1 j
Yet what I was, I am no more k^
Nor ever fhall be as before V.

My Father lives m^ my father's gond»,^?
My vital head both loft and won ^.

/ Gen. 1. I* In the beginning God created the heaven and'
the earth. He)>. xi. 3. Through faith we underftand that
the worlds were framed hj the word of Gpd, fo that things
which are feen were not made of things which do appear. .

g Ifa. xir 17* All nations before him are as nothing, and '
they are accounted to him lefs than nothing, and vanity. Dan«^
Vf. 35. All tbe inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing.

h £ph. it. !• And you hath he quickened, who were dead
in trefpafles and fins. Rev. iii. 17. Becaufe thou fayefl, I
am rich) and iocreafed.in goods, and have need of nothing ;
and knoweft not that thou art wretched, and miferable, and
poor^ and bUmly and naked. I^ xxxv. 6. Then (hall the
kme man leap as an hart^ and the tongue of the dumb fing ;
lor in the wikiernefs (hall- waters break tyaii and dreams in
the defart.

i Rom. vii. 14. For we know that the law is fpiritoal: bat
I am camal, fold under fin. xt> 34. O wretched man thkt I
am, who tfhaSi deliver me from the body of this death ?

k Rom. vii. 1 7^ Now then, it is no more I that do it, but .
fia that dwelieth ia me. v. »o« Now, if I do that]! would not,
it4s no.niore I-that do it, but fie^hat dwelleth in me. John
ix. 2|. He [the blind manj anfwered and faid. Whether
be be a tinner, or no, X know not ; one thing 1 know, that
whereas I was blind, now I fee.

/ Rom. xi« 3V. For the gifts and calling of God are with-
ont repentance. Jer. xxxii. 40. And 1 will make an everlaft*
ting covenant vrith them, that i wiU not turn away from them,
to do them good ; but 1 will put my fear in their hearts, that
they fliaN not depart from me. '

• m Ifa. ix. 6. His name- (hall be called— The 'cvertafting

O

158 Gospel Sonnets, Part. III.

My parents cruel are and-kind j^,
Of one, and of a different nimd^y.

My father poifon'd me to death r,,
My mother's hand will flop rny breath/;
Her womb^ that once my fubftance gave,
Will very quickly be my grave s.

My fitters all my flefh will ^at if,
My brethren tread rtie under feet a ;

Father. Rev. i. 18. I am he that Hveth, and was dead ; and
behold, I am aliveifor evermore. Amen^
. n Hof.xiv. 3. In thee the fatherlefs findeth mercy* Zech*
i. 5. Your fathersi where are they i and the^ophetf» do they
live for ever ?

c I Cor.>xv. 45, It IS written, The firft roan Adam waa
made a living (bti), the Ia(l Adam was made a quickening fjurit«
p Pfalm ciii. 1 3. Like^as a father pitieth his* children ; fi>
the Lord pitieih them that fear him. Ifa. xliti. 27. Thy ft-ft fa-
ther hath fioned, and thy teachers^^ave trangrdfed agatnfi me*
f Job x^ii. 13.. But he irin one mtnd, and who ean tors
'• him? and what his foul defireth, even tharliedodi. Rom*'
viii. f. For they^that are after the fleih, do toind the things
of the flefh ; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of
the Spirit, p. 7. ,. Becaufe the carnal mind it enmity agatnfl
God : for it is not fubjedl: tq the law of Godf neither indeed
cam be. "^

r Rom. V. 12* Wherefore, as by one man fin entered uit9
^e world, and death by ^n; and^ death pafled^apon sfl
isen, for that sdl have ^finned. «

/Gen lit. 16. Unto the woman he faid, I will greatly
multiply 'thy forrow, and thy conception : in fonrow thou (halt
bring forth ci^dren, &c.

^ s Vfalm cxlvi 4. His breath goeth forth, he returoeth to
hU earth; in that very day hts thoughts perifh. EccJ. iii. 20.
AH go unto one place, and all ve of the duft, and all turn to
dttft again.

t Job xvii. 14. I have (aid to corruption, Thou art my &•
therj to the worm. Thou art my mother, and my fifler.
Chap. xix. a6. And though after my fkin worms dcflrqf
,this body, yet in my fle(h fhail I ^lee God.

« Even in a moraf/cn/i^ Jer. xii. io. Many fsi&w% ha^e

Scft. 1: ' f he Believer^ s Riddle. 159

My neareft friends are mod unkind v.
My greateft foe'$ my greateft friend w.

He could from fetid to fri^ndfliip paft, .
Yet never change" from what he was x*
He is niy Father, he alone,
Who is my Father's only Sonyv

I am his mother's fon x, yet more,.
A fon' his mother a never bore ,

ARroyedjnyTiiieyard; tbeyhaTC trodden my portion andeir
ftoc, they have made my pleafant portion a defolate^vildemefs.
Ezek* JHExiv. id. Seemeth it a (mall thing nnto you, to hav^
eaten ap the good paftare, but ye muft tread down with yonr
6ot the refidae of yonr paAures ? and to have drunk of tbfi
deep watersy bat ye mud foul the refidue with your feet i

V P&lm hr; 12. ly For it- was not an enemy that re-
proached mcy then i could have borne it^; neither' was it hd
that hated me, that did raagmfyhhufelf again ft me, then I
troold have* hid myfelffrom hint. But it was thou» a ih^nt
mioe eqaalf Iny guide, and mine acquaintance. Mic. vii. y%
6» Truli ye not in a friend, put ye liot confi4ence in a guide :
keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bofoHu
For the (on diflionoureth the father, the daughter rifeth up a-
gainft the mother, the daughter in*law againTl her mother i^»
law ; a man's enemies are the men of his own houfe.

tv iPf. ^ii. 11. God is angry with the wicked every day*
2' Cor. ▼. 19. God was tn-Chrift, reeonciling the world ua«
10 himfelf, not imputing their trefpaiTes unto them.

»Mal iii. 16. For J am the Lord, I change not; there*
fore .ye fons of Jacob are not confumed. Hof. xiv. 4* I.wilJ
heal their backdiding, I willlove them freiply ; for mine an*
ger is turned away from him* ^

y John XX. 17. Jefus faith unto her [Mary], Touch me
not : for I am not yet lifcended unto my Father : but go to
my bre^ren, and (ay unto them, I afcend unto my Fattier and
yon^Father, and to my God and your God. Ifa. ix. 6. Unto
us a fon is given-«^: and his name fliall be called — the everlaft-
ing Falheft. John i. 14. And the Word was made flefli, and
dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the
only begotten df the fkther, full of grace and truth. '

i6o Gospel Sonnet I. - Part III* .

But born of him ^, and yet aver
His Father's fons my mother's were c.

I am divorc'd, yet marry'd ftilli/,
With full confent againft my will e.
My hulband prefent is/, yet gone gy ^
We differ much, yet ft ill are one b^

He is the firft, the laft, the all/,
Yet numbered up with infeds fmall L •
The firA of 'all things/, yet alone
, ThS fecond of the great Three-one iw*

z Song iri. 4* It was but a little that I pd&d from thcm^
but 1 found hivaf whom my foul loveth: I hdd him and would
not let him go, until 1 had brought him into my mother'a
houfe, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. v. (•
Co forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king SoSomoa
with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the daf
olhis efpoufals, and in the day of the gladnefs of his heart.

tf viz. His natural m%ther according t9 thefiejh. -

b John i. f 3* Which were born not of blood, nor of tbt
wHl of the fleAi, nor of the will of man, bat of God.

e Gal. iv. 26. But Jerufalem which is above, is freC) whicb
is the mother of us all.

d Rom» vii. 4. Wherefore my brethreii, ye are alfabecoitte
dead to the law by the body of Chrift $ and that ye (houid be
nsarried to another, even to him who is rsufed from the dead.

e Pfalm ex 3. Thy people (hall be willing in the day of
thy power.

/ Matth. xxviii. 20. Lo, I im with you alway, evea unto
the end of the world.

g John xiv. 2. 1 go to prepare a place for you.

h John xvii. 2 ( . That they all may be one» -as thos. Fa*
ther, art in me, and I in thee ; that they alfo may be one in us.

i Rev. i. II. 1 am ^\lpha and Omega, the 6r(l and the
lad— Col. iii« 1 1. Chrift is -all, and in all.

k Pfalm xxii. 6. Bat I am a worm, and no man*

/ Col. i. 15, 16. Who is the image of the invifible God.

the firft born of every creature : for by him were all things

-created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, vifibleand in-

▼iiibie* whether they, be throi9e8> or donunionsy or prncipali*

» .i

^ The Believer's Riddle. iCi

A creature never' eoul^he be.
Yet is a creature ftrange I fee ;f ; i
And owA.this uncreated one,
The fon of man, yet no man's fon d.

He's omniprefent all may know ^j^
Yet aever could be* wholly fo y. *
, His manhood is not here and there r,
•Yet he is God-man evVy where/I

tieSf orpowers : all things were created by him and fi>r him.

m I John ▼• 7« For there are three that bear record ia
heayen, the Father, the Word, and the HoiyGhoft: and
thele thr^e are one. Matth. zxTiii. 19. Oo ye therefore
and teach all nations, baptizing them b the name of th^ Fa*
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft.

n John i. 29 3. In the1)^inning was the Wordy and the^
Word was with God». and the Word was God. The fatne.
^was in the beginning, with God. All things were made by
Urn ; and without him. was not any thing made that was
made. v« I4« And the Word was made flefhi and dwelt a? ;
mobg as (and we beheld his glory, the glory/as «of the 00I7
begotten of the Father) fall «f grace and troths

Matth. i. 23. Behold a nrgin (hail be withrichiidf and
ffiall bring forth a fon, and they.fhail caH hisr'i>ame £mmana«-
ei, which being interpreted isf God with as^ Luke i. 34, j^.
Then faid Mary unto u.c geU How (haU this be^ fceilig I
know not a.man ? A'nd the aagel anfwered and laid unto her«
The Holy Ghoflihall come upon thee» and the power of the^
Highed (hall over(hadow thee ;^ therefore alfo that holy thing
which (hall be born of thee» (hall be called the Son of God.

p^ f falm cxxxix* 7, 8,-9, 10. Whither (hall I go from thy
Spirit ? or,. whither (hall I flee from thy prefencc I If I afcend
op into heavto'thouart there : if f make.my bed in hell, be«
hold, thon art there. If I uke the wings of the morning, and
dwell in the uttermeft p^t of th& fea.: eyen there (hall thy
hand lead me, and thy right hand (hail hold me.
' f Lake xxlv. 6. He is not here, but is rifen. »

r John Xfi. 16. / A little while, and ye (hall not fee me :
ajDd again, a little while, and ye (hal^ ^^^ °^^> becauie i go to
the Father*

O5

9

1(52 GospEi Sonnet s» Part III*

He comes and goes^ nose can him trace j ;
Yet never could he change his place /.
But though he's good «, ^nd ev'ry whetej •
No good's in hell, yet he is there v^

I by him w, in him* chofen wasy.
Yet of the choice he's not the caufe % :
tor fov'reign mercy ne*er was bought a^
yet through his bfood a vent it fought b.

/Matth. i 23. See letter » Chap xiviii. 2a Lo, lam
vith you alway, even unto the end of the world. '

J Join iii 8. The wind bbweth where it Hfteth,. andthoa
heareft the found thereof, but canft not tell whence it comcth,
and whither it goeth - fo is every one that is bom of the Spint,

/ Ifa. Ixvi. I. Thus faith the Lord, t)ic heaven is my
throne, and the earth is my ibotftool: where is the houfc that
ye build onto me \ and where ts the place of my reft \

u Pfalm c. 5. The Lord is good, his mercy is everlafting.

V Pfalm cxxxix. 8. If I make my bed in hell, bchoW^
thou art there.
^ w As C7d^. :# As Mtdi'ator.

y E^h i. 4 A'ccording as he hath chbfen us in him be-
fore the foundation of the world, that we fhould be holyi and
without blame before him in love.

z But himfilf the Father's ftrfi eJeff. Ifa xlii. i. Be-
J%'>id my fervant whqm I uphold f mine e!e6b, in whom my
fool delighteth.— Matth. xii. 8. Behold ray fervant, whon>
I have chofen, ray beloved, in whom my foul is well pleafcd.

a John iii. 1 6 Cod fo lovfed the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, &c Rom ix 1 1 . For the children be-
ing not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that
the purpofe of God acc&rdiog to tleftion raight ftand, not of
Works, but of him that calleth. v 13. it is written, Jacob
have I loved, but Efau have 1 hated, v. 11. God faith 10
Mofes, 1 wilf have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I
will have compaiHon on whom I wiH have compaffion.

^ Romv iii. 24, 25. Being juftified freely by his grace,

through the redemption that is in Jcfus Chrift : ^vhom God

Kath let forth to be a propitiation, through faith in bis blood,

todeclare his righteoufnefs for the remiflion of fins, &c. Chap^

Bein^ judified by his blood, we iihall be f^ved from

k

Scd. L " "Tbi Believer's Riddtt. 163

In him concentered at bis death
His Father's love r, his Father's wrath (/j
Ev'n he whom pailion never feiz'd e.
Was then moft angry, when mofe pleas'dyi

Juftice r^quir'd that he ihoukl die^^.
Who yet, was flain unrighteoufly h.
And dy'd in mercy and in wrath,
A lawful and a lawlefs death /.

With him I neither liv*d nor dy'd,
. And yet with him was crucify'd k. -^

wrath through him. v. %i. That as finj)^th reigned onto
death, even (o might gracef reign through righteouihefs unto
eternal Mity by Jefus Chrift oor Lord.

e John X. 1 7. Theiefore doth my Father lote'ne, becaule
I lay down my lifey that I may take it again.

d Ifa. lii. to. Yet it pkafed the Lord to braife him, he,
hath'pnt him to grief*

e lift, xxvii. 4. Fury is not in nie. - ^

/ Rom. viiu 23. He fpared not his own Son, but delivered
him up for us all. £ph y. a Chrift hath given himfelf for us,
an ofiering and a facrifice to God for a fweet fineHing favour.
" j Hfb. fii. 21 By fo much was Jefus made a furety of a
better tefiament Chap, ix 16. For where a teflament is, there
mull alfo of neccflity be the death of the teftator v, ii, 43.
And ahmofl afl things are by the law purged with bfood; and
without (heddiflg of bloqd is no remiffion' It was there*
fore neceflary that the patterns of things in the heavens (houkt
be purified with thefe ; but the heaveoTy things themfelves
with 4>etter facrifices than thefe.

h Matth. xxvii 4. i [Judas]' have finned, in that I have
betrayed the innocent blood., v. 33. And the governor faid^
Why, what evil hath he done ? But they Cried out the morCf
laying, Let him be crucified.

i ri^s ii. 23. Jefus of Nazareth, being delivered by the
determinate counfeLand foreknowledge of God, ye have takeUf
and by wicked hands have crucified and (lain. Chap. iv. 27«
For of a truth againit thy 430iy child Jelus, whom thou ha(l
Anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles^
and the people of Ifrael were gathered togetheri &c.

k Gai. ii. 40, Iiun crucified with CbriL .

164 G OS )P EL. So N.N E US. Part IIL
Law-ciirfes itopt his breath, that he "^
Might flop its mouth from curfing me/.

'Tis now a thoufand y ears. and moe
Since heav'n received him»;^. yet Lknowi
When he afc.ended up on high.
To mount the thro^, dvli fo did Im*

Hence though earth's dunghill I embrace,,

I fit with him in heav'nly place n^.

In divers difiant orbs I move,

Inthrall d below^. inthron'd above;^ , '

SECT. li.

The my^ry of the &ainfs Ufe^Jfate^ and'fmn^^

MY life's a pleafure /» and r pain^ j?
A real iofs, a real gain r;^
A glorious paradife of joys d^^ ^
A graevous prifon of annoys^.

/ Gal iii f a'Chrifl hath Kdeemed as from the-ciir^oflfe:
law» beti)g.maae a curfefbr us: for it is^tten, Carfed is e^
very one^ that hangeth on a tree^

m Cot iii. i. If ye thea be rifen with Cbriftt &c.r Heb. vi*.
20 Whither the forerunner is for os^edteredy even Iefu8» Sec.

n EpKii. ^,'6. Even when we were dea^l in unsy hath.
quickened u& together with Chrift, and bath^ raifed us up to-
gether, smd made us fh together ia heavenly places in Ghrift^
Jefus. . « .

a Prov. ^ii« 1 7. Her ways are ways of pleafantnefsy and all
her paths are peace.

b Pfalm cxx. 7. Wo is me ^t I fojoum in Mefeck, tli^
I dwell in the tents of Kedar.

c Phil. iii. 7. But what things were gain to me, thofe I*
counted Iofs for Chrifi, Chap. i. 2 (-^24. For to mk to live it.
Chrifti and to die is gain»-Bm if 1 livd in the flefhy^ this is the
• fruit of my^ labour : ' yet ^hat I (hall cJioofe I wot not, fm* I*
am in arflrait betwixt two, having a de^e to depart, and ta
be with Chrift, which is far better : neverihelefsi to abide ia
flefli is more needful ior you. ^

Scft.IL Tne MUv^r's Riddle. 165

I daily joy, and daily mourn /,
Ye,t ckily wait th^ t;ide's return j :
Then forrow deep my fpirit chears,
Tm joyful in a flood of tears ^.

d I Pet. i. 8. Whom having not ieea^ ye lore; in whont
the' now. ye fee him not» yet belie?iog) ye rejoice wtdi joy
UDfpeakable, and full of ^!ory. »

e Pfalm exIiiV 7. Bnng n^ (but out of the prifba^ that I
may praife thy name.

f I Pet. u 6* Wherein ye greatly re^ice» thou^ i^ow for
a leafon (if need be) ye are in heavinefs, thro' manifold temp*
tations. '2 Cor»i. 4.. Who comfoiteth us in all our tribala*
tion, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we owfelres ^re con)fbrted
of God. Job XXX. 38. I went mourning without the fun, dec

g Ifa. nil. 1 7. And I will wait upon the Lord that hid*
cth his face from the houfe of Jacob, and I will look for him»

iiiZecb. xii. ia» And I will pour upon the houfe of David*,
and upon the inhabitants of Jerufalemy the fpirit of grace and
of fupplicatioQSy and they (hail look upon me whom they have
pierced^ and they Hiall mourn for him, as one that moumeth
br his ohly fon, and (hall be in bitternefs for him, as one that
k in bitternefs for his firft-born. Ezek. xxxti. ^r, 92..
Then (hail ye remember your own evil ways, and yoar doings,
that were not good, and (hail lothe ^ yourfelves in your own
fight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Not.
for your (akes do i'^this, faith the Lord God, be it known un*
to you ; be a(hamed and confounded for your own ways, CT
houfe of Ifrael. Ho£ xii. b, 4. He [JacobQ cook his brother
by the heel in the womb, and by his ftreogth he had power
with'God yea^ he had power over the Angel, and prevailed:
he wept and made fupplication unto him : he found him ia
Bethely and there he fpake with us* Luke vii. 58. And \%
woman which was a fionerj (tood at his feet behind him
weeing, and began to wa(h his feet with tears, and did wipe
them with the hairs of her head, and kifled his feet, and a*
nointed tbcni with the ointment., John xx. C5, i6» J^fns
laith unto her, Womaut why weepeil thou? whom feekeft
thou I (he fuppofing him to be the gardener, faith jinto him>
Sir». if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou haft
laid him, and I will take him away. Jefus iaith unto her-

i68 GospE L SoNNjE*TS. Part III.

I am not where all men may fe6,
But where I never yet could he v.

Vm full of hell w^ yet full of heai^'n ^ j
Fm ftiil upright y, yet ftill unev'ii fc;
Imperfeft a, yet a perfed faint ^*j
I*m ever poor c, yet never want d;

No ihortal eyes fees God and lives e, '
Yet fight of him my foul revivesy;

plate in all generations. And xci. i. He that dwelleth m the
fecret place of the M'oft High, (hall abide under the fhadow of
the Almi^ty. f John it. i6. God is love; and he that
dwelJeth in Jove, dwelleth in Ood^ and God in bim.

V Ifiu xxxiii. 1 6. He (hall dwell on high: bis place of
defence (hall be the munition of rocks. Epb. ii. 6. And hatli
' raifed us up together, and made ^s fit together ia heavenly
places in Chrift Jefus^

w ]pccl. ix. ^ The heart of the fons of men is full of evil,
and madnefs is in their heart while they Hve* and after that
they go to the dead,

n £ph. iii. 19. And to know the love of Chrift, which pajSeth
knowledge, that ye might be £iled with all the fuhiefs of God,

y Pfalm xviii. a 3. 1 was aifo upright before him : and I
kept myfelf from mine* iniquity.

arEzek. xviii. 25, Hear now, O houfe of Ifrael) are not
your ways unequal.

a Rev. iii. 2. Be watchful, and ftrengthen tlie things which
remain, that are ready to die : for I have not found thy works
perfe^ before God.

i I Cor. ii. 6. Howbeit we {peak wifdom among tbera that
are perfcdl, 8fc

c Pfakn xL 1 7. But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord
thinketh upon- me, ^

d Ffidm xxiii. The Lord is my fhepherd, 1 fliall not want.
And xxxiv. 10. The young lions do lack, and fuffer hunger $
but they that feek the Lord (hall not want any good thing,

e Exod. xxxiii. zo. And he faid. Thou canft not fee my
face : for there (hall no man fee me, and live.

/John vi. 40. And this is the will of him thatfentme, that
"^ery one which (eeth the Son, and believeth on himi may

5ea. IL The Believer's RiMe. 169

i live beft when 1 fee moft bright f;
Yet Jive by faith, and not by fight A.

Tm liberal t, yet have nought to fpare k\
Moft richly cloth'd /, yet ftript and bare m*
Myftock is rifen by my fall «;
Por, having nothing, I have all 0.

Ibare everlafiiog. lief. Chap, xx, 20. Then were the difciples
^g]ad when they faw the Lord.

g 2Cor. iiL 1 8. Bur we all with open face beholding as
an a glals the glory of the Lord, are changed Into the faiDe
jimage, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord«
•Chap. IT 6. For God who commanded the ligiit to (hrne out
ofdarkne(s, hath fhined in our hearts, to give the light of
*the knowledge of the glory of God in the &ce of Jefus Chrirf.

b Gal. ti. 20. I am crucified with Chrift: Neverthel^fs I
^li?e : yet tiot I, but Cbrift livetb in me ; and the life which'
I now live in the £eih> I live by the faith of the Son of God,
iirho loved me, and gave himfelf for me. 2 Cor. v. 7. • For
we walk by faith, not by 'fight.

i Pfalm xx?ii. it. The wicked borroweth, arfd payeih not
<agaia; but the righteous (heweth mercy, and give th.

k Zeph. iiL f 2. I will alfo leave in the midft of th^e an af-
filed and poor people, and they Ihall trail in the name of the
Lord.

/ lia. Ixi. lb. I will grcatlyTejoice in the Lord,* my foul
fihalti)!^ joyful in my God, for be ^arh clothed me with the
;garments of ialvatioo^ fae hath covered me wkh the robe of
-righteoofnefs, as a bridegroom clecketh himlelf with orna-
mems« and>s a bride adorneth berfelf with hax jewels.

^^m Exek. xvi. 7. I have caufed thee to multiply as the bud
of the field, and thoa haft iacreafedand waxen great, and thoit
art come to excellent ornaments : thy breafls are fa(hioried and
thine hair' it grown» n^ereas thou W9S naked sthd bare. Rev.
iii. 17* Becaufe thou fcyeft, I am rich, and inereafed with
^oods, and have need of nothing; and knoweft not that thoa
art wretched, and mtferable, and poor, and blind, ^nd naked.

« Rom. y\\u a8. And we know that all things work toge*
thcr for goad, to them that love God, t6 them who ire the
called according to his purpofe. .

P

170 Gospel Sonnets. Part III.

I'm finful^, yet I have no fin ^ ; ^

All fpotted o*er r, yet wholly cleany;
Blacknefs and beauty both I fhare*
A hellifti black, a heav'nly fair x.

The're of the dev'l, who jGn amain f, ^
But I'm of God, yet fin retain «:
This traitor vile the throne aflumes v,
Prevails, yet never overcomes w*

,I*m without guile, an Ifra'litc jv,
TTet like a guilefurhypocritey;

2 Cor. Ti. to.«— as haying nothing) and yet poflciliDg at!
things.

p Rom. vii. 14* For we know that the law is fpiritual^
but I am carnal, fold under fin. v. 24 .O wretched man that
I am, who ihail deliver me from the body of this death ?
• f Numb. xxiiL 21. He hath not beheld iniquityin Jacobs
neither hath be feen perYerfenefs in Ifrael. i John iii. 9.
Whofoever is bom of God, dodi not commit ^n ; for his feed
remaineth in hims and he^cannot fin, becanfehe is born of God*

r Pfalm xiv. 3. They are all gone afide, they are altogeth*
er become filthy; there' is none diat doth good, no not one.

/Song iv. 7. Thoa art all fairi my love, there is no fpot in
thee. •

/ Song i. 5. I am black, bat comely, O ye daughters of
Jerufalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the <)urtains of Solomon.
V. 15. Behold thou art fair, my Iove$ behold thou art fair«
thou haft doves eyes.

t I John iii.' 8. He that c6mmitteth fin, is of the devil ; for
^e cifevil finneth'from the beginning.

u I John i. 8. if we fay that we have no fin» we deceive
ourfelves, and the truth is not in us. * ^

V Rom. vii. 23. But, I fee aoothfirr law in my members*
warring agaioft the law of my mind, and bringing me into cap-
tivity to the law of fin, which is in my members.

Iff Pfalm Iffv. 5. Iniquities prevail againfTme: as for our

tranfgref&ons, thou fhalt purge them aiiray. Rom. vi. 14. For

fin (hall not haice dominioa over you ; for ye are oot under

the law, but under grace.

' X John I 47. Jefus faw Nathanael coming to him, and faith

STea 11. The Believer'^s Riddle. 171

MaintcTinnig truth in th' inward part i,
With falfehood rooteid in my hesrrt a.

Two maft^rs, fure, I cannot ferve b^
But muft from one regardlefs fwerve 'y
Yet felf is for my mafter known e^ ,
And Jefus*is ray I-»ord alone d.

1 feek myfelf inceflantly e^.
Yet daily do myfelf deny/.

of him^ Behold an Ifraelite indeed 9 in whom Is no guile. *^
Pfal. xxxii. 2. Bleiled is the man unto whom the Lord im*
)^uteth«not iniquity, and in ^hofe (pirit there is no gaile. ,

y Pfalm xi% it. Who. can underfiand his errors ? clean&^
thou me from fecret faults » ^

z Pfalm li. ^« Behold thou defirefttruth in the inward parts ;
and in the hidden par\ thou Ihalt make me to know wifdooi.

4 Matth. XV. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughtSp
murders, adulteriesi fornications^ thefts^ falfe«witnefsy blaf-
phemies.

^>Matth» 1^. 2 ^ No man can ferve two mailers : for either '
he wiU: hate the one, and lovenhe other ; or elfe he will hold
to the one, and defpife the other. Te cannot ferve God and

N

mammon.

c Hof. X. r. Ifrael is an empty vine, he bringth forth fruit
unto himfelf : according to the multitude of his fruit,, he hath
iacreafed the ahars ; according to the goodnefs of his land,
they have made goodly images.- Matth xvi. 24. Then faid
Jefus unto his difciples. If any man will come after me, let
him deny himfelf, and take up his crofs, and follow me.

d Ifa. xxvi. 1 3. O Lord our God, Qther lords belid^s thee
have had dominion over us ; but by thee only will we make
mention t>f thy name. John xx. 2S. And Thomas anfwered
and (aid unto him, my Lord, and my God.

e Jam. iv. ^ . Ve aik and receive not, becaufe yc aik amifs»
that ye may confume it upon ypur lufts. Jer. xlv. 2, j. Thus
faith the Lord the God of ifrael unto thee^ O Baruch, And
fcekeft thou great things for thy felf ? Seek them not ; Tor be-
hold, 1 will bring evil upon all ilefh, faitl^ the Lord : but thy
We will r give nnto thee for a prey, in all places whither .
thou goeft.

/ Matth. xvi. 24. See letter c.

i^jx, G o s p JE L S o N N b; T s^ Part III4.

To me *tis lawful evermore
Myfelf to love and to abhor i".

In this- vain world I live, yet fee
I'm dead to it and it to me h^
My joy is endlefs /, yet at beft ^
Does hardly for a moment lad L

SECT. IIL

Myjleries about the fatnfs work and warfare^
thttrjim^ Jorrows andjop.

T

HE work is great I*m called unto a^
Yet nothing's left for m6 to do * :

g Lev. xix. 1 8. Tbou ftialt not avenge, nor bear any grudge
a^atnft the childreQ of thy people, but thou flnit love th^^
neighbour aa thyielf : I aoi die i^rd. Eph. t. 29* For n<^
man ever yet hated his own fleih ; but nonrifhcth and chen(h«
eth itt even^a^ the Lord the church. John xit. 25. He that
toveth his )ife» (hall lofe it; and he that lofethlhit life in this,
worlds Hial) keep it unto life eternal. Job. xlii. 6. Where*
fore 1 abhor myfelf, and repent in diifl and afhes.

h Col. ill. 3. For ye are deady and your Hfe is hid tKnth-
Chrift in God. Ga],.vi. t4. But God forbid that I fhould
glory ^ fave in the crofs of our Lord Jefus Chrt(V, by whom,
the world is crucified unto mty and I unto the world.

i John xvi.. 22.. And ye now therefore hav< forrow ; but I
will lee you' again, and your heart fhall rejoictt and your joyt
no man taketh from you.' 2 ThefT. ii. 16. Now our Lord Jc»
fus Chrift himfeif, and &od the Father, which hath loved us^
and hath given us everJafting confolation^ and' good hope
through grace, &c.

k Ffaim xxx. '7. Lord< by thy favour thou hgft made my
mountain to (land Arong : thou did(l hide thy face, and I was
troubled. Ifa. xHx. 13, 14. Sing,. O heaven^, and be ioyful»
O earth ; and break forth into iinging, O mountains ; for the
Lord bath comforted his people, and will, have mercy upoa-
his afHi^ted. But Zion (aid. The Lord bath for&kea me»
and my Lord hath forgotten me.

a Fhii. ii. 12. Wherefor^j, my be]oled^ as: ye have always

The Believer's Riddle. ^73

Hence for my work heav*n has prepared
No wages r, yet a great reward d.

To works, but not to working dead ^;
From fin, but not from finning freed/,
I clear myldf from no offence gy
Yet wafh mine bands in innocence b. i

V

obeyed, cot as in my prefence only, bat now much more in my
abfence } work out your own falvatlon with fear and trembling*

6 Phil 'it. (3. For it is Cod which worketl^ in you, both

to will and to do of his good plealure* Lev. ^x. 7, 8. SandH*

.fy yourfelves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord

your God. And ye ihall keep my ftatuteSj and do them : I

am the Lord which fandlify you-

c Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of iio is death : but the gift

of God is eternsd life, through Jefus Chrid our Lord. Ch24[>.

XI. 6. And if by grace^, thtn^ it is no more of works; otliei*

^ wife grace i» no more grace ^ But if it be of works, then is

it no more grace : other wife work is no more work.

d Pfalm xix- li.^ Moreover, by them [the judgments of
the LordJ is thy ferVaot warned : ^d in keeping of tf^em
tiiere is great reward.. Pfalm. Iviii. i f . Verily' there is a re*
ward for the righteous; vecil^j^he is a God that jadgeth in the
earth.

e Rom. vii. 4. Wherefore,' my brethren, ye kKo are be-
come dead to the law by the body of Chrift ; that ye (hould.
be married to another^ even to him who is ratfed. from th^
dead, that we (hould bring forth fruit unto God*. Gal. it. 1 9.
For 1 through the law am dead to the law> that I hiigfu live
unto Cod.

' jf I John i. 8.' If we fay that we have" no fin, we deceive
ourfeives^ and the truth is not in us. Chap. ili. 9. Whofoe*
ver i^orn of God, doth not commit fin ; for his feed remai|i-
eth in him : and he cannot fin, becaufe he is. bom of God. .

g Rom vii» 18. For I know, that in me (that is, in my
flefh) dwelleth no good thing ; for to will is prefent with me;
hut how to perform that which is good^ I find not.

A Pfalm xxvi. 6. I will wafii mine hands in innocency ; /o
wiil I compafs thine altar, O Lord.

?'3

174^ Gospel .S^o n-kpe; r »; P^t IDL.

My Father's anger burns like fire i,
Without a fpark of furious ire i :
Though ftill my fin* difpleafing be /,
Yet^ftill I know he's pleased with me mi.

Triumphing is my donftant trade »,
Who yet am oft a captive led o.
My bloo4y war does never ceafe p^
. Yet 1 maintain a liable peace q.

9 I Kings xt. 9. And the Lord was angry with SoloraOB^
becaafe his heart was turned from the I^rd God of IfraeV
which had appeared unto him twice.

k ]fa«'xxvii. 4. Fary is not in me. Chap, livg, 10. For
this is as. the waters of Noah unto me : fcr as I have Avors-
that the waters of Noah fhould no-more go over the earth : h
have L fworn that I woui<l not be wroth with thee, fior re-
buke thee. For the mountains (haU depart, and the hills be
removed, btit my kindneis (hall not depart from thee^ neither
/hail the covenant of my peace be removed^ farth the' Lordy.
that hath mercy on thee^

4^ab i. 1 3« Thou art of purer eye» tKeir to behold eviV
and cs^nfl not look on iniquity. Jer. xliv. 4. Howbeit, 1 fenr
unto you all my fervanty the prophetSy riiing early, and fend-
ing them^ laying, O do not this abominable thing that I hate.

m Matth. iii. 17. find lo, a voice from heaven, faying^.
This is my beloved foo, in whom I am well pleafed. Rom.
V. io> When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God<
by the death of his Son.

n 2 Cdr^^if. 14. Now thaiks be onto God whidi always
caufcth us to triumph in ChrifK

Rom. Tii..2;^. But I fee another law in my jnembersf.
warring agaitrfl the law of my mind, and bringing me into cap*
tivity to the law of fin, which is in my members,'

f Horn. vii. i^Seet letter o. i4^im. vi. 12. Fight the
good 6gln of faith, 6cc. Gal. v. ^7. For the flefli Juftetb a-
gainft the Spn-it, and the Spirit againft the fleih ; and tfaefe
are contrary the one to the other ; fO' that ye cannot do the
things that ye would.

q R«m. 7 I. Therefore bdng juftificd by faith^ we baTC

Sta. III. T&e Bfliever't Kiddle. »75.

My foes affaultirig conquer me,

Yet ne'er obtain the viftory. r j ^ .

For all my battles loft or won,

Were loft before they were begun / , _

•

Fm ftill at eafe^ and ftill oppreft ;
Have eonftant trdubk; conftantreftj;
Both clear and cloudy /, free and bound « f
Both dead. and. living «, loft^and found w.

peace with God^ tbreogh our Lord Jeftas Chrift. Ifa. liv. i a
Set UtUr k»

f Rom. til. a^- SetUiUr o. Chap, ▼iii.- 3 7* Nay^ in air
diefe things we are more than oonqoerors, through him diat
loved vku

f I jCor. :xt« 57.^ But thanks be to God, which givetb or
^e vi^ory, throogh our Lord J/efus Chriftw

/ a Cor. iv. 8. Wc are troubled on every fide, yet not di&
treffed \ we are perpkxed, but not in defpair. John xri. 3 3,
Thefe things hare 1 fpefken unto you« that in ne ye might
have peace. In the world ye (hall have tribulation ; but be of
good cheer," I have overcome the world. Heb, iv. 3. ^For
we which have believed, do enter into reft.

t- Zteh. xtv. 6, 7*. And it (hall eome to paft in that day,,
that the Ught (tati not be«clear, nor dark fiut it fhall be
one dayr which fhali be known to- the Lord, not day nor
night : but it fhall oon» to pafs, that at evening time it (hall
be lights Mitr vii. 9^ fiejoice not againfV me, O mine ene^
myi when 1 falU I ^^1 arife; wbeni fit in darknefs^ the
I«ord ihali be a light unto me.^

u John viii. 36. If the Son therefore (half make yon free^
ye ftull be free indeed*^ k£h sx, 13. The Holy Ghoft wit-,
aefieth in every city, faying, that bonds and afflt^oos abide me.

V 2 Cor/vf* 9.— i/^s dying, and behold we five. Gol. iii.
^ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Cl^Yift in God.

itf Matth.xviii. 11.' Fqr the Son of man is come to fave
that which was loft. P(ahn exix. 176. I have gone aftray like
a. loft flieep, feek thy fervant. FhH. iii. 9. And be ft>und in
hinv not having mine own righteoufnela, which is of the law»
tot that which is through the faiths of Chrift, the righttouf-
Befs which is of God by &ttb»

jy6 Gospel Sonnets. Part III.

Sin for my good does work and wia x j
Y et'tis not good for me to ftn y.
My pleafure iffuesfrom my pain 2:;
My lofles ftill increafe ray gain a.

I'm heal'd ev'n when Aiy plagues abound ^,
Cover'd with duftev*n when Vm crown'd c^

X Rom. vm. ^8. And we know that all things work togc--"
ther for good, to them that love God, to them who ar^ the
called according to his purpofe. Chap. xi. 11. 1 fay then.
Have they (lumBled that they (hould fall ? God forbid; bar'
rather* tlirdirgh their fall falvation is come untb the Gentile^
for to provoke "them to jealoufy. s *

y Pfalm Ixxxix. 31, 3a. If they break my ftatntes, and
keep not vay eommandments, then will I vifit their tranfgrcfo
lion with the rod, and their iniquity with (tripes.
' z Malm cxix. 67. Before! was afflt^ed, I went ad ray:
but now have- 1 kept thy word. v\ 1 1 • It is good for me thar
I have been aflidted': that I might learn thy (tatutes. James •
i. ). My brethren, count it all joy. when yoafall imo divert:
temptations.

m Matth. x. ^9. He that lofethhis li& for my fake, fhall
find it. Mark x. 29, 30. And Jefus anfwered and faid. Ve-
rily I fay unto you, There is no man that left hoofe, or bre-
thren, or G/iers, or fathet, or mother,, op wife, or children^
or lands fbr my fake and the gofpel's, but he fhaU receive an*
hundred- fold now in this^ time, houfos and brethren, and fif*
ters, and mothers, and children^ and lands^ with perfecutioni ;:
and i^ the world to come eternal life. .

b Rom. vii. 1^, 25* O wretched man that I am, who fhall
deliver me from the body, of this death I I thank God,tbrci;:gh>
Jefus Chrift our Lord.

c viz. with mercy. Job 5clii. 5> 6. I have heard of thee
by the hear^.g of the ear : but now mine eye feeth thee^^
Wherefore I abhop myfelf, and t;(epent in dui^ and afhesy
£zek. xvi;. 63^ That thou mayefl remember and be confound*
ed, and aever open thy mouth any more becaufe of thy. fharae».
when I aiTi paei^ed toward thee for all that thou haft dose^
faith the Lord Oo^^ ...

Sea. nL The Miever's Riddk. '177

As low as death when living high e/^
Nor fhall I live, yet cannot die 4*

For all my fins my heart is fad,
Since God's di(honoi]ir*d/; yet I'm gladv
Though once I was a Have to fin,;,
Since God does thereby honour win b*.

My fins are ever in his eye i, ^
Yet he beholds no fin in me ki

d 2 Ckir-Ti. 9..<*as dyings and behold, we live.

# Heb' ix. 2 7« It it appointed untonicA ooce to die. Johfl^
▼•'24* Verily, vmy, ifay ume yoo, He that beareth my
wordy and bctieretiLo»btfn'that feric me, hath^^verlaftiag life»
aod (hall not come ^mtv condemnefion $ bot is pafled frem>
death onto life. Chap. vi.. ^o- And this is the will of -him
tUm feni me, 4hat erery one whieh feeth the Son, and belies*
ethofi him> may have ererlading life, v..* $09 51. This is>
the bread which oometh down fcom iieaveB» that a man may
eat thereof^ and not dit^ I am the living bread which came-
down frooi heaven*r tf any man eat of this bread* he (hall live
fer ever: and the bread that I wiU give, is my £iefh» which L
will give for the life of the world..

/ Pfalm \u 4^ Agaiad thee, thee only have I iipned^ aod
done this^ evil in thy fight*.

g 8Lom. vi.. 17^ Bm God b^ thanked^ that ye were the
fervanrt of fin» bat ye have obeyed from the heart that form>
•f do^ne whieh was tlelivered unto youw

i Ifa. zli. 34* Singy O ye heavens ; for the Lord hath
^ne it: fliout ye lower parts of the earths : break forth into
fingiag^ ye moaDtaiasy O foreftsy and ev<ry tree therein; for
the Lord hath redeemed Jjicob, and glorified himfelf in Ifrael.
£ph. t. 6. To the praife of the glory of hie grace, v. 12. .
Thia we (honid be to the praife of hi» glory. j

i Rev. lit. f. 1 know thy works> -that thou haft a name
dm thou livefty and art dead^ v. 15.. 1 know thy works that
thpu art neither cold nor hot.

k Numb, xxiti. ar. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob,
neither hath he feen perverfenefr in Ifrael. Song iv. 7. Thou
att all faiTy my love,, there is no fpot in thee. £zek. xvi. 14.
And thy renown went forth among tlie Heathen for \hy brr

1

178 ' Gospel Sonnets. Part HI.

His mind thatjfceeps tbem all in ftorc.
Will yet remember: them no -more L

Becaufe my fins are great,,* I feely
Great fears of hea^y wrath m ; yet ftill
For mercy feek, for pardon wait,
Becaufe my fins are very great tu

I hope when plunged into defpair o^
I tremble when I have no fear j^..

/

ty : for it was perfe dl through my cdmclinefs .which I liad pur
upon tbee^Taitli the Lord Cod.

/ Ifa. xliii. 2S< 1» even I am he that blotteth out thy'tranl^
greifians fckr mine own fake, and will not .remember thy Gns.
Jpr. XXXI. 54. 1 will forgive their imqntty« and I will remem-
ber their fin no more. Heb. viii. 1 2. 1 will be merciful to
their onrighteoufoefs, and their fins and their iniquities wiil I
remember no more.

fn Ezra ix. 13, f 4. And after alt that it come npon at for*
our evil deed Sy and for oar great trefpafs^ feeing that tboiiF
our God haft puni(hed us left than our iniquitiet defenre» aqd
hafl given us hich deliverance a» thitt (hould we again break
thy commandmentSy a«d jpin in af&mty widi the people o£*
thefe abommattons ? wouldAnot thou- be angry with ut till thocr
hadd confumed us, fo that there (hould be ao repnant nor e-^
fca^Hng? P(alm xxxviii. i^ Q Lerd»' tebuke me not in thy
wrath ; neither cbailen me in thy hot difpleafure.

n Pfalm xxv. ( t. For thy name's (ake, O Lord, pardon^
mine iniquiQt; for it it great* Jer. xiv. ?• O Lord, though
our iniquities teflify againft ut, do thou it for' thy name't
fake : Yor our backflidingt are ' many, we have finned againft
thee. , , "^

Rom. iv. [8. Who [Abraham} againft hope believed in
hope. 2 Cor. i. 8, 9. For we would not, brethren, have yoo^
ignorant of our trouble which came to ut in Afia, that we
were prefied out of meafure, above ftrength, infonuich that we '
defpaired even of life : but we had the fentence of death in*
ourfelvet, that we fhpuld not truil in ourfelvetf but in God
which raifeth the dead.

p PhiJ. ii.. 1 2.. Wherefore, my beloved, at ye have always
obeyedj not as in. my prefence oaly* bul' now much more iii

Sea. IV. The Believer's Ttiddle. \ 79

Pardons difpels my griefe and fears j,
And yet diffolve my heart ia tears r.

. S E C T. IV.

Mysteries in Faith' y e^t radians^ way and wali^
prayers and anfwersy hei^hths^and depths ^ fear
uind love.

WITH wafps arid bees my bufy bill.
Sucks ill from good, and good froni
* Humirty makes 'my pride to grow, / (ill a :
Aod pride afpiring lays me low b.

my abfettce s work out yoar owaTalTation with fear and trem-
-bling. Luke i. 74. That he would grant ulito us* that we
4)eing delivered out of the hands of oar >enemies, might ferve
him without fean ^ .

q Matth. ix. 2. Jefus'laid unto the fick of the palfy, Son^
4)e o£ good cheer, thy fins be forgiven thee.

r £zek. xxxyu 2 5, 26. Then will I fprinkle clean water
upon you, and ye (hall be dean : from all your fifthinefs, and
-from all youjr idols will I cleftnfe you. h. hew heatt alfo will
•I give you, and a new fpirit will I put within you, aRd I will
take, away the ftony heart out of your flefh, und I will give
70U an heart of ile(h. v. ^ r. Then (hall ye remember your
•own evil ways, aod your doings that were not good, and (htl! .
loadi yourielves in your own (ight, for your iniquities* and for
your -i^KMninations. Chap. xvi. 63. That thou roayeft remera*
ber and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more
becaufe of thy fliame, when I am padfied toward thee for all
that thou itaft done, faith the Lord God.

a 'Rom. ii. 4. Or defpifeft thou the Hches of his goodnefs,
and forbearance, and long.fuffering : not knowing that the
igoodoefs of God leadeth thee ta repentance \ Chap. vi. j, 2.
What ttiall we fay then? (hall we continue in (in that grace
may abound \ Qod forbid : how (hall we that are dead to (in
live any longer therein \ r. 1 5. What then ? fhall we On, be-
caufe we are not under the law, but under grace ? God for*
bid« Ch^. viii. 28. And we know that all things work to*
^eihcr for good, to them that love God, to them who arc the.

i8o Gosp£t Sonnets. Part III.

My ftanding do^s my fall procure r»
My falling makes me ftand more fare d.
My poifon does my phyfic proves.
My enmity provokes my \ovtf.

iS/ly poverty infers my wealth ^^
My fickne4 ifiues in my health b::

^Itti aetording ta his purpoft. Phil. i. 12. Bat I woald ye
fiioiid underftand, bretkFCB» that the things which h^pened
^nro me^ have faUea oot ttntp the furtherance of the soipelf
Pfalm cxix. 71. It is, good for me that I have been ami^ed^
that I might learn thy flatutes.

^ 2 Cor. xii. 7. And left Ffliould be exalted above mea-
fare, throiigh the abundance of the revelations^ there was giv«
ejB to me a thorn in the fieAi^ the meflenger of Satan ro buffet
^ne^ left I (hould be exalud above meafure. 'Prov. xxix. 23.
A man's pride (hall bring him low : bat honour (hail uphold
the hupble in fpirit.*- 2 Cbron. zxxii. 26. Hezektah num-
%led himfelf for the pride of his heatti (both he and the in*
habitants of Jerufalem}» fo that the wrath of the Lord came
not upon them .in the days of Heaekiah.

e Pfalm xxx. 6, 7. And in my profperity I faidi I fhaJl ne-

' >ver be moved. Lord» by thy fevour thou haft made my rnoun-
taixito ftand ftroog :.thou didfthidethy face, and I was .troubled.
d Prov. xxiv. [5. Forajuft maafaUeth feven times» aodrifr
eth up again. Pfalm xxxvii. 24^ Though he fall* he ffiall not
be utterly caft down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand,
f a Cor. xii. 7» 8. And left I fhould be exalted above
meafure through the abundance of the revelations* there was
^iven to me a thomi n the flefli, the mefTenger of Satan to bufiet

' me» left I fliould he exalted aboj^e meafure. For this thing I
befought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Ifik
%xviu 8. 9. In meafure when it (hooteth forth, thou wilt de-
bate with it; he ftayeth his rough wind in the day of his eaft
wind. By this therefore fhall the iniquity of Jacob be purgedt

and this ift all the fruit to take away his fin.

/ Gal. V. 27. The fleih Jufteth againft th||^pint, and the
Spirit againft the iefti. t;* 24. And they that are Chrifl's*
have crucified the flefb, with the affections and lufb.

g Rev. if . 9. 1 know thy poverty, but thou art rich. 2 Con
vi. io.«»as having nothing, and yet pofTcfEn^ -all things*

Sed. rV. The Believer's Riddle. i8i

s My hardnefs tends to mike, me foft /,
And killing things do cure me oft k.

While high attainments caft me down,
My deep abafeme&ts raife me foon / :
My lieft things oft have evil brood m,
My worft things work my greateft good ».

A'Matth. IX. 12. iliey (hat be wbdle Med 'n6t a ^h^cialii^
•1)Ut they that are fick. Ifa. Ivii. 171 18. For the iniquity df
his covetoufnefs was I wroth and fmote him : ' I hid me and
was wroth) and he went do frowardly in the way of his hearty
I ha? e feen his wajfs, and v^H heal him : I will kad h|m aUb»
and reftore coipforts unto him, and to hie mourners. :

f Ifa. Ixiii. . 1 7. O L^rd, why haft thou made as to err
from thy ways I and hardened oiar heart from thy fear f R-e-
turn for thy fenrant's fake, ^he tribes «f thine iaheritance.

^k z Cor. i, 9. But we had the fentence of death in oarfelyes,
that we fhbuld not truft in ourfelves* but in God, which raif-
cth the dead. Ho£ v. 1^. I will go and return to my pJace»
till they acknowledge their offence, and feek my face : in their
affliction they will leek me early. Chap. vi. i. Come and let
us return unto the Lord ; for he hath torn, and he will heal
us ; he hath fmitten» and he will bind us up. -

/ 1 Fet. V. 6« Be fuf^ed one to .anotS^er, ^and be clothed
with humility; for God refiideth the .proud| and givetb grace
to the humble. Humble yourfelves therefore under the
mighty hand- of God» that he may exalt you in due time.
BfaJm cxvi. 6. 1 was brought low^ anfl^ie helped me. ^

m Ffalfn xx^x. 6» 7. And in -my ptofpenty I faid,. -I /hall
ne? er be moved. Lorti, by thy favour thou h^Si made my
mountain to ftand flrong : thoa didil hide thy face, and I was
troubled. Deut. xxxii. 14, f$. Butter of kine;. and ^ilk of
iheep» witK fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bafhan, and:
goatf, with the fat of kidneys of wheat ; and thou didit drink
the pure blood of the grape. But Jelhurun wixed fat» and
kicked ; thoo^ waxen fat, thpu^rtgrown thick, thpu art co7«
ered with fatii«(s: then he.forfook -the God wkich made him,
and lightly efteeraed iheirock of his falvatioo. Plilro cvLj.
Our fathers ^nderflood not thy wonders \ik Egypt, they re*

\

i82 GospEi-SoNNETs. Part UL

My inw*r4 foes that me ^larm,

Bi;eed me much hurt, yet little-harnj f,

I get no good by them * , yet fee

T6 my chief good they caufe me flee^*

They reach to me a deadly ftroi;e ji
Yet fend me ta a Uylng roqk r.
They make me Ibng for Canaan's banks x,
• -YK fure I owe them little thanks.

niembered not the multtt«ttk of thy mtrcieS) but proreked bim
at th« Tea; eve» atttie Red^fea* ^ ' ' • •

n Pfalm xxs 1 1. Them hid t«rii«d for me my monnimg^
into daaciiig: thou haft put off Hiy facketothi tnd girded me
Wit}3 gfdSnSh. Rom. vHi. 28« S^s tttttr %^

Jer. X. 19. Wo it me fer my hurt, my wonnd it gricT*
ous I b«t 1 bid, Truly thit ts a griefs and I muft bear it.
I Pet. iii. 13. And who is h^ that wiU harm youj if ye^
fbilowers of that which is good ? • ^

* m. i* th^mftivcSf hit much evil. 1 Fet, ii. 1 1. Dear-
ly behoved, 1 1)ereech you as ftrangers and pilgrims, abftaia
from fieftily kifts, whipfa war againft the fool. James i. 1 4, i ^«
But every man it tempted, when he » drawn away by his own
]uft, and entieed. Then when fuft hath conceited, it bmge^
for^ ^n ; and £n, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

/ Ffabn cxliii. 9. Deliver me, O Lord &om mijie tnemiet t
I^ flee unto thee to hide me.

q Rom. viii. 1 3. If ]j!f K^ after the fiefh^^ ^ati die

r Pi|dm xTiii. 46, 47. Tbe Lord iivethi and bleffed bcjny
rock : and let the Gk>d of my Aivation be exalted, k is Ood
that ayengedi mOj* and fubdoeth the people under me.

i Pfalm Vfi 6. And I faidt O that I had ^wings like a dove f
for then wouM lf]y away, and be at ttk. And exx* 5. Wo
is tne» that I fejoum in Mefech, that i dwell iit the tensa of
Kedar. Rom. ^i. 20^2;. For the creature wai made fitbje^
i!o Tanity, not willtf^y» batWrealbn of him who hath fubfe^t*^
dd theftme in hope: faecanfe the creature ivfeif^iiro (MA be
delivered from the bondage of corrupftoo, into the ^rious
Kberty of the childrca of God. For we know the whole
creation groaneth» sind traveMeth in |»da together until now t
^'l not only theyi but irarfelves «1^ which bave the firft*

Sca.IVr ^he Believer's Riddle. 183

I travel /, yet Hand- iSrtn and faft u ;
I run Vy l>ut yrt I noake no hafte ''w.
I take away both old and new x^- .
Within my fight y, 7et out of view z.

My way directs me in the way a,
And will not fufFer mc to ftrky A- j
Though high and out of fight it be,
I'm in the way, t^e way's In mc c*

fttitts of klt« SpiHtt ^vejtL We;^arfel?«s groati within ourleIye9>
Waiting for the ado{)tioh9 to wit, the tedtthption of our body«

i Heb. xi. 1 3.— ifid cOAfeffed tliat ihey Were ftrangets and ^
pilgdms QA tbe 6mh. .

» I Cor. xvi I a. Wateh ye, ({and tsAit the faith; yiit
3FOd like i)ien,.be ul:od|. •

* V lieb. idi« t. Let us fUh tsrith patiepce tlie race Chat is ^
befdre ui.

w Ifa. X3tviit. 1^5. Ite that beKeteth, (hal} not make bafie^

X J*er« Vi. 16. rhu^ (ait^ the Lord, Stand ye in the wayi( '.
\Uid l^e, and aik for the ol^ ^th's, where it th$ good way, an^
walk therein, and yd (hall iii4 reft for yo«r (buls. ' Hel^. x.
19^ 20. Having therefore, brethren, boldnefs to enter into
Die holi^ft by the UoOd of |efus, by a new and living w^^
which he hath coaieecated tor na,' thiough the vai], that is to
6yt his ile(b.

^ I Cor. xiii. 1 2. t^or we now fee through a gla<8, dark-
k; but then face to face : now I know in part; bi^t thim fhall
I know- even as 1 alfo am known.-

z John xvt. 10. I go to my Faiher, anct ye fee res no more^

a John \iv. 6. jefui faith linto him I am the way ;— no
man cometh unto the father, but by nte.

t Ifa. xliii. f 6. And I will bring the blind by a way that
^y knew not; I wiii lead theni in paths that they have not-
known : I will make darknels light biefore them, and cropked
ihingi firaight. Thefe things will I do unto theint . aAd not
fbrfute thcn^. . Chap Iv. 4. Behead, I have given htm to bp
a leader and commander to the people*

c Ifa. xHxv. 8. And an high way fhall be there, «od a way,

and it (hall be tailed the way of holing ; . the unclean ihali

■ot pa£i over it« but it Hiall be for t^ofe : the wayfaring meoif

though fools, ihaU not err therein. John xv. 14« Abide u

184 Gas PEL SoKNET. s, - Part UK

. TTis ftraight £/, yet full of heigbths and
depths e ; ' *
1 keep the way/,, the way me;,keeps^..
And being that to which I tend,
My very way's my journey's end b.

r

When Urn in company I groan,
Becaufe I then ^m moft alone /;'

fpe* and I in yott. Chap. xviL ^^« I in thenit ^^ t^oa in^
fne». that th^y may be made perfe^ in ooe^ and that the w»rld
may know th^t thou haft fent me, a^dbaft loved them/as thodi*
hau loved me v. 26.' And I have declared unto them thy.
^narne, and will declare it : that the love wherewith then halt
loved me, may be in them,. and I in ihera.

^ Matth. iii. 3. Tjiis is he that was fpoken of by the pro-

Jhet Efaiasy facing) the voice of one crying i(i the wlldernefi^
Vepare ye' the wayNpf'tBe Lord, make his paths ftraight,.

€ Ifa.xl. 3, 4». The voicjg of him that criet;h in the wilder-
nefs. 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord^ make ftraight in .the>
dcfart a highway for oar (3odi. Every valley (hall be exalted^
and every mountain atfd hUI fharfbemade low : arid the crooks
ed thall be tnade ftraight, an^ the rough places plain. ' Chapl.
xlii. 16. Sea letter b. Pfalm Ixkvii. 13. Thy way, ,0 Gocf^
is in the fanlJuary.. r. 19. Thy way is in the fea, and thjr
path in the great waters, and' thy footfteps are not known*
- f Ffalm xxx-vii. 34. Wait op the Lon3> andkee|i hiiway^
;and he fhall exalt thee to inherit the land.
' g Pfalm cxxi. 3,' 4.* He will not fuffer thy foot to be m<^»
ved : he that keepeth thee will not flumbef. .Behold, he that,
keepeth Ifrael) ihall neither (lumber nor fleep.

h Heb. xil. 22, 13, 24, But ye are come unto mount S|i*
on, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerufa-
km, and to an innujnerable company of angelsi to the gene^
ral aflembly and church of thei firft»born, which are written in
heaven, and to God die judge of all, and to the fpirits of jufl
men madfc perfe<9t, and to Jeius the Mediator of the new cor
venan^) and to the blbod ^ fpribkUng, that fpeaketb better
things than the blood of Abet. 1 Theft! iv. 17^ Then we
wRich are" alive and remain, ftwil be caught up together with.
them \t the clouds, to meet tli^ Lord i» the air ; audiib ihati.
've ever be witbthe £iprd.

B^&.lV. TBe Believer's Riddle: i^s

Yet 'm my ^ItifkHficteby,
Vm joyful ill ftly tdtti^atiy i.

I'm h^Rtd afal- A Without a noife ;

I cry without a lifted vblee fh;

Still nVoviiig^ Jri devotidns fphete ;»,

Yet feldom fteady ^^ffetetfe <). * ^

Tit) heard whett arlfvi^ei^M Toon of late p j
Arid he^ird when'I fto ahfwer get j;

i 8oDg*i. t. Tel! rfit, O i\ib\i whom rriy foul bvnb, whferc
th0u fe^dtift, whcrt ihoa miktA thy jflock td feit 4< iigon : for
why (hould I bras one that turnetb aiiie by the flocki of thy
e0ilfpiH)iof)9 ? ' ^

' k Sttog yAl i ^ li. Cbrhfc my Deldvfed, hi \xi go forth in-
to Ihe fifetd, Itt tw lodge in the ^llliges. L^t us gti up fcafly
to ih« Virt^yiCfdS, Jft lis fe6 if the Vine ifourifti, whether the ^
tttkd^t gf 1^ itppekrf ihd th^ pldfh^granai^s bwd fcfirth : for
fb«r** W»i> I grvi thfee fay lo^fes.

/ PWihJtx. ^. Novo^krfow t, that tshi- L^rd fivfeth his a-
^dmt€^ : h£ will heaii l^itD fifom i»s hofl} heaven, with the fi*
dAg Artngth of his rrghe haiid.

f/$ i^a^;i. i3r ilf t$. NotOi ttjtoriah, fhefpakein her
hearty qnl^ h^r lips MoVed, biiit her voice wai hot heard : there-
lore £U thdiigbt fhe had fafleeti dronkeo. Aod £Ii faid tinto
h^r, How lOi^ #Ht (hod be dfruniteri f pot away ihy wine
from lhee» And Hannah anfwered and fald^ No, my Lord» -
i am a woinan of a forrowftil (pirh ; i iiaVe df onken ndther
wtfte nor Ar^ng drink, but haVe ^loured oat my foul before the
l^ord. ^

« X ThtCv. li'. Piray wuhoot chafing*

e Hof. vi. 4. O Ephratto^ what (hall I do unfo ehee ? O
Judslh^ whstt'fhall I do onto thee? for your goodnefi is as a
xDoroine- cloudi and as the early dew it goethjiwiiy.

p. &. xWk. 8. Thtis fakh the Lc^rd, in ^n^acceptable time
Iia?e I heard thee, and in a day of falvation have 1 helped thee.
' f Matth. X-Yvi. 3$. And Jefus W^nt a little further, and
feil ott his fa6e, and grayed, faying, O my Father, if it be poi&<
Ue, l^t diis cup p«rr froi!fi me, nre;VertfaelefS|. not as I wiil^ but
ft» thou wUu

^5

1,86 G a p £ L S o M N KT^. Part lEt;

Yea» kindly anfwer'4i?^hen. refus'd r^
And friendly treat whefi barfhly ns'^yj

My fervent pray'rs na^er did prevail j^
Nor e'er of prevalency fall /.
. I wreftle till my ftrength be fpent «,
Yet yield when'ftKong redruitlare fpnt v/

r Pfalm xxii. t, 2, 3 My God/ my God, why haft thout
foriaken me ? why art thou fo for from helping, roe, and from
the word^of my roaring? O my Gody I cry id the day tirae,
but thou, heareft cot; and in tK«. ni^t feafon> and am not
iilent. . But t^QU art holyi O thou that iohabiteft^ the prajfes
oflfrael. , .. / . .

y* ttcb xiil Ki — i^y And ye have forgotten th# exh^tar
tion. which fpeaketb upto you as children, My.fan/dcfpife not
thou the chaftenrngoftheLord, nor faint when thou >artTebukied
cf him. For whom the Lord lovetb he chaiienetn, and ftourgr
eth every fon whom he reqeive^th. If ye endure chafteningt
God dealeth with you as with fons ;, for. wt^at foa is he wl^m
the. father cha^lcneih not? But if y£ be withput cliafiilementt'
whereof all are }>artivkers, then are yerbaliards,. and not IbaSk
Furthermore, we have had fathers of. our fledj, whi^b corr
ye^ed' us^ and we gave them reverence : fhall ^Mce no| m^ch*
rather be in fubj^^lion totKe Father of fpirits, and live? Fqiv
they verily for a few dayjB chaftehed usafter thpir own plea*
Ihre ; but he fbi^our profit, t^hat! wc might be partakers t>f hi*.
hulii efs.

^ jJDin, ix. tB> 19. O my God, Jnclioe thine ear, and hear;.
open tliine eye$, and. behold our d^foiations, and the city
which is called by thy name : for we do not prefent cur fapr
pUcatioDS before thee for our righteouliieiS) butt for thy great.
Hiercies. O Lprd, hear ; O Lord, forgive; O Lordt heark*
en and dp i defer.not, for thine own fakr^ O my God ; fot^
thy city, ar«i thy, pcopje are called by tby nftflie. , ■

, t James v. t6v The effeiflual fervutf .(Nrayfr of <a.r%hteout.

•lyan. avaijcth much., . . . ,

u Qen xxxiu.24, 24|^ ^ti^^ Jacob. x|va8.Je£t alooet «i)d

there wreflled a man with hjo^ until the breaking of the dayi

And wh<;n he faw that lie preyaijedppt ag^inft hiob he touisbt

^d the hollow of his thigh ai^d the.bollQW of J^cob^s^thigl^

- s out of joint, as. he wreilt^d .^i^tkhiai* .

Se^- IV. \ The B^Jkver's Riddles iSjr j

I langaifh for my Hofbaad's churns vr. ' \

Yet faint away when in his arms x^ \

My f wee teft,beakJi. doth fickaefs. prove ;
' When love me heals, rp.fiGk of love y.

t am moft merry when I'm f^d 2 ; -
Mpft fiill of forrow wheni I'm glad a ;
Moft preciQUs wlien» Tm moft: vile b^
And moft at home when, in exile c*

v Pfaim cxxxtIH. 3.. lo the day when I cried, thou arn^
fweredft me: and Arengthenedfl me with ftrength in my fouW
Oen. yanvk. 32* ^3* And he faid, OhJjet not the Lord be an-
tgry, and I yili ^eak but this once: Peradvencure ten (hall. be
io\xnA there. Afid the Lord w«nt hit: way, as foon as he had
Jeft comtnaniiig with Abraham : and Abcaham returned uat»
hJ5 pia<^..

tc^ PfaJ. Ixiii. 1. Myfleflilongethtofcethypoweriandthyglo*
ry« foas I have feen thee in thefandbuary. And xxnt. ^*.0n9
thtf^ hav« 1 defired o£the Lbrd* tbat.wil];! feek after, that I
may dwell in the. houfe of.the Lord ail the days^of my life» to
behold the beauty «of the Lord* and to enquire in his. tcmplew
M Rev Si 17. And when I faw him, 1 fell at bis. feet ar
flead : and belaid his right hand np6n.mcj. fs^yiog- unto mei
Sear not ; I am the firCt and the laCl. . ,

jF Song^i. 4, 5.. He brooght me to* the banqueting* houfe^.
and his banner over me was {o?e. Stay me with fiaggons^. ,
comfort me with apples,: for 1 am fipk of love*

% 2 Cor. vii. io.. For godly forrow. worketh repentance un»
to faivation, not to be repented of. Eccl vii. 5,, Sorrow ts
better than laughter ; for by the.radnefs of the countenance
the heart iS: made betten*

4r Prov. xiv. 13.. Even in laughter the heart is forrowful f
anil the end of that mirth is heavinefs..

6 Job xl. 4- Behold 1 am vile what <hall I anfwer thee ? I
wll lay/jnioe hand upon my mobth.. Chap. xlii. f, 6. i have
heard of thee by the hearing of the ear ; but now mine eyet
feetb thee*. Wherefore LaUior nvffelf, and repent In duft
afid-afkei. Jen xxxt. 18, i9> 20. l havefurely heard Eph^
raim bemoaning himfelf thus, Thou lidl chafHfed meii and I
^vas challifedy as a bulfock unaccuftomed to the yoke: turn
thoiume, ood I ihali be turned f . lor thou ert the Lojd my Gpr"

•:

i8S Gospel SoNNEts. I^art.lll.

My bafe flni honourable birth^
Excites my mourning aftd tnj tnirth d;
I'm poor^- ytft ftock'd with tintold retit i^ ;
Moft weak, a»d ydit bmnipotcttt/-

Surely after that I wis turnt:^, 1 ire^aUd; ztd alter that I
was inflruded, I fmote u^oA Iffy fWghf 1 Was afterfrtd; yea,
even confouadkd, besatife I did bear the t&^t&sLch^f liiy youth»
Is.Ephraim my. dear foD? is he a pleitfabt child? for fioce I
^ake againft him, ( do earnefUy remember him flill : therefitfC-
my bowels are troubled fot fnihi J will fafdy hat6 fti^rcj u-
j^on him, faith the Lofd.

c E±t}i. i. u N<5w It came tapkr»i6 the thirtieth ycaf, ih
^e fourth l«6itth> lA' the fi+\b day of the ftioMit {ait I tvai «*
mon|f tht capiif es by f h« i^iVer of GheBfeiO, that the K^aVeHl
were e^pecied, Md 1 faw ffiidrts of God. Ret. t. 9» to.
J' John, who alfo amf your brother and companion in tti^alai
tfon, Md ih tht t'itff>dwtt khd ^frence of" Jiefus Chriil, wa& i»
the iile thai h cfi(^!ed Ratftye^, fot iht Word 6f God, atid fot
th« teftifticmy df Jcfe* Ghrri#. I Waf in tlie Spirit o# tht
Lord's day, aiivd heaii'd Ikhlrtd lAe a ^rtM, Vorctf ^ df a trurm*
^t, Ac. John *vi. f :^. AdhoW <h^ hour eoweth, yti, iiixcf^
toiMi that ye ihcll b« fcitteted,- efery tfiM to hi^ crwti, and
Aal) kave tot ftloiit: and yeit 1 1^ Mt iUioey betaafe the Fa^
ther is with me. -

d tztk Av'u jf 4, Thii# fWih th^ Lord Odd onto Jertifie
Uffit Thy birth afld thy nati^tify i» of ^he )*ft<f of Cafta»h ] th;^
father was an ^iftoriie, aild thy ittoth^f a* Hittite. hnd as
for thy f«ftifity in Iht d*y thtyu wskft bom, iby ftarcl wa^not
euc« neither waf^ thott wa/lted in Waf^r to fuppfe thee ■ thou*
wa^t IHK faked it d\f ildr fwftdd>^d at alh Johii i. rj. Which
were born not of blood, nor of the VfiW of the fitfh, not of the
will 6f man, bu^of Ood.-;*^Pfe)fti)i. 5. Beb6]d I \^at fhapedin
iniquity : and in fin did thy iftothei' Conceive me. a Pel. t. 3.^
BtcCed be the God add Father of ottr Lerd Jefas Chrifty. which
according to his ilbH^daAt niei<cy, ha(h t>tf^tt^)i ti^ stgiin untoi
liwiy hopey by ih^ reftsifreiftion of J^Rrs Ghrift fr6hi the dead.

^ ftet. iih 1*1* Becauf€ thou fsyeft, 1 9fti rich, aitd tbcreai-

ed with good^f and hstve D«ed of nothing ^ and knowefl not

that thou an wi«(ch^ and nfiferabfei and poor, and blind, and

talced. I ^ounfel thte to buy of rae gold tned in the fire, th^

oa maycft be pich ; iild w]lit« ^auneDt^ ttut'*thotr xnayeft oc

^<a. 1 V.' , The Mm^'s Riddk.. < .' - 1.89

Oil earth there*s. none fo gre?it and Wgh'^
Nor yot fo low and mean as I A ;.
None or fcfpolifli. iV or fo .wife. kry.. . _ [
So often fall,. So oft^a cife /.. . . 5 , ,.

I feeing hini: i ncv^r faw my

Serve without fear, and y6t with aw6 rt.

dothed; and tkat the (hame of thy. oakednefs do hot appear f
and anoint thine eyes wifli eye falve, that thoa mayeit-fee,^
2^ ill 8., Unto qie who am.lefs than the lead of all Taints,
is this grace given, that I (hooid preach among the Oentiio
the unfearch^e riches t)f Chviii. ,

' /"John XV. c. Without me ye can-do nothing* Phil. iv. cj*
I can, do all thing?, through Chrift, which (iren^heneth mc>
^g Pfalm xd, 3^ Bm to the faints. that ar^ in the earth, and
to theexcelient inwhomis ail my delight. .Ka^xHiiv 4- ^inpc
^ou waft precions in my fight, thou halt been honourable^ an4
1 hav(^ loved, th^ee :, thierefore will I give men for. thee^ and
jjceple'fcr thylifei .

: B Epb, lii, i^ Jfff IcUer c. i Tim. u r?.. This is ^faithful
- fiiyiogy and worthy, of all acce[^ation» that Chrift Jefn^.camt
into the world to fave (Inners ; of whom I. am. chief. .

/ Ffalm Ixxiji. 22.. So foolifh was I, and ignorant : I was
as a beaft before thee. Prov. xxx. 2» 3., Surely i ^m more
krutifh'than any man, and have not the underfiandingof a man.
I neither learned wifdom*, nor have the knowledge of the holy..

i. I Cor., i* 30, jBut of him are ye in Chrift Jefus, who of
God is niade unto us wifdom, 6cc. Mattb. xi. 25, 26. Ax
that time J^fus anfwered and faidy I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven, and earth,, becaufe thoif. haft, hid tbefe things
from the wife and jpradent, and. haft revealed.them unto babes.
Even fo, Father, for fo it feemed good in thy fight. Chap*
xiii. 1 1. Jjcfus apfwered and faid tmto them, Becaufe it is givf
en anto you to know the myfterieSi of the kingdom of heaveq^
but to them it is not given.

/ Prov. xxiv. 16. A juft nian falleth fevcn times, and rifeth
lip again* ;

mi Pet. i. 8. Whom having* not fecn, ye love; in whom
tho' now ye fee him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy
tmfpcakable, and full pf glory. Heb, xt. i. Now faith is the
^ibfiance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not £ben«

1

I

190 Gotrth SoNNEts. Pdrtlll. i

Thbugh love^ when pet fe€t, fcaf remove d *y
Yet moft I. ftar when moft i Ifevd /u

AH things are lawful i\hto tto6 ^

Yet many thiiigs trafeMrftil be ^ ;!. • ' _

To fome I perfect handed befcr.j^

Yet kef p tb© kw 0f Jpvie entire / 1

I*m bound to love my frieads /, but yet
. 1 fin unlefs 1 do them hate ut

n Ltike L 74: l^at h^ >»tiM gtaftt titttd as, tbit vtt bctug^
dtliV^red out 6(the hiendt 6t bar en^es, ffttght 6rve hirll
without fear. Heb. xii. i8. Whd-efi)i*c we redciririg a king*
dotoi vj'hi^ eamvdt b6 moted, let as have g;factf, Wti^reby We
nifty ftrve tJed itictpuMy, ifcrith rttefcftce and godly kiSt,

# i Johil tir. i§. Thefe ii no feafin l0¥«) bdt perftdl l^ve^
eftft^tb otft fter, l^ecftofe^at hath, tdftitedf : hi thai feiireth ii
te<H iflttde pdrfeft til love. ^ * ;

j^ Jtt. Jcxjcni. $^* Afld it fhall be t6 twe a ii^ttle aUd jbjf i
praife and an honour before all th« natioqs of th^ Earthy wiAA
^all heir 4\l the good thslt I 60 uaW th«nt^; and' thty (hall
fear and tteteble For ail the gdodneA, sittd for all the pmfytA*
ty that I procure uat6 it. liof. iii. 5. Afterwards (hall tht
bhiidrehof ifrael fetuTli» aftd feelc the Lord thdr God/ flndr
Datid their ktifg/ and fiiall'ftaf the Loird^ lAhd hi^ goodndl
10 the kiter days. ^

f f Cor. ti. 1 2. AU things ' aire" kxn^fumo tne> but all
things are Mt eitpedient t all things are lawhil f6r m«| btti I
Urill ittfi be brmlght oiider the pdivtr of aity.

t Exdd. X*. t, 1, 5. &c. And God fp^ke 4H thcfe xirorrfi
(kyiog, 1 ftm the Lord thy Ciod, which have brought thec< dot
of the land of Egypt, out of Use houfe df bondage. -. fhoa
&ak havem) other gods ^fo^e me, &e.

/ Pf^it) exx^ii^ tu 11, Bo am I hate them, O Ldr<(y
that hftte thee ^ aad a.m i^ot i grieved with thoTe that rife (ip'
agai oft thee ? I hate them with perfed hatred :; I eouttt tbeil^
Mine ei^emies..

s 2 Chron. xtx* 2. And Jeho the foa of Haoant the feef,
i^eat out to meet him, aad faid t6 king Jeho(hapha£, Shouldft
thoa help the aogodJy, and love th^^ that hsite the Loi-di i
'lerefore Is wtath upon thee from before the Ldrd.

Lev. xix. 18 • Thoa flult ttdt Atrctig^ flot heAf ictf

S^. f. Tie Betiever's Jiiddf^. ^ 191

I am objig'd to hate my foes v,

Yet bound to lov« and pray for tbo&:«;*

Heart- Jov« to men I'm calPd to impart^
Yet God ftill calls for all nay h^irt 4?., .
I do him and his fervice both
By nature love >, by n«ui» lothej^*

SECT, V.

Mjjimes abou^-jlejh and Jj^irk^, liberty and bon-

da^Cy bfe and death:

4 .•

M

UCH like my heart both falfe true a^
I have 2kmm^ both pW and new ^.

Snu^e» ^igtiofl tkK dtMrtn oF tky ^^opfet ^t dma Aalt Jove
thy Rftigkhoor. a^ thy^H; I am <bc Lof^L

# Luke soiv. t& if any ngiio came to ne, aad faaic dm hk
Mifr %9d flMKlMrf aad'Wffii, a«d chtlilraiy ^md Wethpcn^ and
fiflccfli !«£» «b4 hit owa life alfo* hn cannot be aiy difeiple.

V At th^y mt*t A§ jntt of 'G4kdf Judg. t. ^^r. So lee |J1
ihiac eeenuei perifli^ O Xjord ; bor kt them tint love faimi be
ei the liia wbea he gculth IIm^ io bit m%ht. JHi^ xvii. 13^
14. Afi&9.0 Lord« ilifiuppeim bii^y eaS him down: deliver
eiyiiNiLftoMtfaeiWCfokuif wbiob ttJih3r.6M>rdi; froo nfo whicb>
art iby baadi O Lerd, £rom iran of the vibcidy wbieh have
thtir ytfftiiA ia tbis life, and mrboie beUy riioa fiileft iq^itb thf
hid treafore : fbi^ afe fall of ehildfcn^ and lewire tbe^^ft it
Mt febfiaviee u> tbci#. bebtt.

m Mfiftb* V. 44« fina i iajf mmo yeo. Love your entmiesy
bids them that curfe yon, dk> f;ciod to 'them thac baaeponi and
}mft fi)r (Hem which deffMitfally ufe yea, and perfecute you.

t l&jkV^ sixk 1 9. Jddirs.latd umo' bi«^ l%6u "ihalc bwe «by
i)«ighb9«r M tbyffif. ..Cbiy. flucii. 37. Theii^ ihalt leve the
Lofd thy God with all thy hearty and wtUi all tb^ fiuil, and
Witfaftll.ibyfoipdk • « . >

J I Jebe v^ ^< By thi« i^e knp«r ikat we4ofe the children
of God, whee we lore iGocl and.keap iua ooauixHKknemf .

z Rx>9t Yiii. 7* Tfae fiarfMl'JiiiaduBeDniityagaio& God:
fociH is not (libjed to the law of God, neither indeed can be*

f^i G o 6> E L So K N E T s. Part IlL

-No new thing is beneath the fiin r;
Yet all is new, and. old things>gone d.

Though in my flMi dwelk no good thing ^
Yet Chrift ia me I joyfuil fi^g/.
Sin I confefc, and I ^eny : '
For though I fin it is notjf |-»

Cot. i. 1 1 . And yoQ that 5«cre ibmbttmte tKeiMted, and eneiiiies
in your mwd by wicked works,' yet now hatb he reconciled
\ ^ Jer. xvii* ^ The 4iean is deceitlal above ail tbiogs aild
defpcrately wicked, who c^nioipwjt? Heb.x. 22. Let as
draw near with a true heart, in Ml afiaranceof £iid)> havisg
i>ur heana fpriskied -from an «3ril coa&icoce, and «ur bodies
waihed with pftiie witer«

6 Rom. is. 15, ^6. As heTaith alfo in Ofee, l\M X9&
them my people, which were 00c my people ? and her, beknr-
' f^ which was wot n^ iieWed. And -it ^fttall^come to paft*
that in the place where it was find onto them, ^e ace nei my
peo}Je I ihm fliail they be called^ The children of ilie Jimg
God. Rev. ii. i %. He that bath anreaif let him tear what the
Spirit faith unto the ^churches. To him that overcoQieth wiM
I give to eat oftke hidden maima^ and will give^him a wiiite
fioqe, and in 4tfae ^ftone a new name written^ whi<th ^b6 nam
knoweth, fimng beth«t recetvetb it. -Chap..iik is Him that
overcomeih wiil 1 make la piUar in the temple of my God, and
k« (hoU.go soAiore out : and wiQ write ^opc^n him. tlteaiame
of my God, and the name of the city of my God, wlndi
is new Jerofalemy which comcth down out^>f heavten from mj
Kjodf and I will nwcite «^n ^lim tmy iiew name.

c Eccl. i. 5). The thing that htth been, it is that whixfh
(hall be t and that which is 4doiie, Is that .which (hall be done :
and: there is inO'Oew. thing' onder the fiin;

^ a Cor. V. 17. If any man -be in Chrtft, he is a new
creature : old things are paft away,'«^hold' ail things are be-
come new; iLev. xxi* $• Aind iie that Xat upon the throne,
faid» Beboid^ 1 «uk6 all things new* . . ^ * * . ^

e Rom. vii. i8. Fori kaoyif, that in me (that is,-in a»y
Deib) dwelleth no good'^hhig ^ for to wi^l is-prefimt with ine,
but bow to paifomii that which is good, I 6nd* not. ^

/ CoL i. ^7. To whom God would make known what is

r

"Sea. V. The Beihver's Kiddie. 193

s

I fin agaioft, and wiA. my ^miib ;
rm innocent, jret guilty. ftiUiV '
Though fain 1*4 he the greatdft f^nt k,
■ To he the, ieaft rd be content /. . . '

^c riches of the glory of thts^ myfteiy ainoffg the'Gentiles,
wbkh U Chrift in ydath* bope ofgloty*
g Rom. vii. 14— 20. For we know that the Uw is (pi-

iknal; hot I am camali fdd ooder fio« For tiiat which IdOf
I allow not : fbr what I wouKJ, Aat da I not ; but what I
faite tlbait da'L If then I do thaclwhkth I ^wootd noe» i coa.
fefit tioto the law that it is.good. Kosw then* it is no more I
that do ity'bnt fin that dwelleth in me. For Tknow, that in
me^ (thatisy in myBeih) dweitetb no good thing : for to ,
will is prefcnt with me, 'but "how to ^rform that which is
good, I find not. For thevgdodthat I wpufd, I tlo n0c ; but
the eyil whteh I%oaM not, that I do« Now, if J do that I
iMiuld not, it is no more I that do tt, but iia that dwefieth
in me.^ 1 John iii. 9. Wbofocver is horn of God^ doth not
''comani fin ; for his (eed remaideih in him : and he cannot
tfin, becacde Jie is' bom of God.

h'ibtm. vii. si>— ^5* I ^find then a-law, that when I
woold do good, efil is prefent with me. Tor I deijght in the

-*iaw of God, after the inward man* JSut I fee another kw
in i^ members, warrbg agaiofi the iaw of my mind, and
■bringing me lata captivity to the kw of fin, iR^ich is in my
jDcndbers^ O wre»:hed inan that I am, who ihalJ dehver me
.fiom the body of this death! I thank God, through Jefus
>Clmft our Lord. So then, with the mind 1 myfelf feive the -
kw of God ; bat mth the Hefli the' law of fin. /

f Ffafanxix. 13. Keep ba^kihy fervant aHb'ftom prefum«
{fuons fins, let diem not have-dominion over me; then fhall X
be npright, and I fball be innocent from the great tranfgref-
tfion. And cxx. 3. if thou, JLord, fiiodidf^mafk iniqutties :
O Lord, who fliall (land i

k Pfaim xxvii. 4. One thing'liaTe I deiired oT the Xord,
that will I feek after, that I may dwell in the hou(e of the
Lord ail the days of my life, to behold the beauty^ of the
Lord, and to enqnive in his temple.

/ Pfalm IxxiBiv. 10. For a d^iy in thy coom is better tlwn

R - .

194 Gost>EL St)NNi:Ts. Part Itt*

My lowncfs may my height evince ti^
I'm both a beggar aad a ptince n.
With meandl (ubjefts I appear q\
With kings a royal fceptre bear p^

• I'ni both unfettered and iuvolv'd y.-
By law condemned, by law abfoly'd r^

a thoufand : I had rather be a door keeper in the houfe oFmy
God, than to dwell in the tents of wickednefs.

m j[ob V. 1 1. To fet up on high thofe that be low; that
thofe which in«urn may be exalted to iafety,
' n I Sam. ii.S. The Lord raifcth up the poor out of the'
duft, and-Iifteth up the beggar from the dung -hill, to fet them
among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glo*
ry : for the pillars of the earth arc the' Lord'-s, and he hath
iet the world upon them. Gen. xxxii. 28. And the angei
&id, Thy name fhall ^e called no more Jacob, but Ifrael 4
for as a prince thou haft power with God and with men, and
haft prevailed. Rev. L 5, 6. Unto him that loved* us, and
wafhed us from our fins in his own blood, and hath made us
kings and priefts unto God and his father '; to' him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Ahien.

6 Phil.il. 10. That at the name of Jefus every knee
fhctuld bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth. Heb. i. 6. And again, when he
bringeth in the ^rft^begotten into the world, he faith, And
let all the angels of God worfhip him.

p Rev. ii. 26, 27. And he that overcomcth, and keepetk
my'works unro the end, to him will 1 give power over the
nations : (a'nd he dial I rule them as with a rod of iron : as
the veffds of a potter fhall they be broken to fhiversLJ even
as I received of my Father.

q Pfalra cxvi. 16. Oh Lord, truly I am thy fervant, I

dm thy fervant, and the fon of thy hasidmaid, thou haft loof*

ed my bonds. Rom. vij. 23. But 1 fee another law in my

memberi, warring againft the law of my mind, and bHnging

* me into captivity to the law of fin, which is in my members.

r I John iii. 20. For if our ,heart condemn us, God is

' greater than bur heart, and knoweth all things. Rom. viii.

1 . There is therefore now no condemnation to them which

%re in Chrift Jefus, ,who walk aot after !he fleih, but after

Seft. V. 7 he BeH^er's Riddfe. 1 95

My guilt condtgnly punitti'd fee,
Yet I the guilty wretch go free s.

My gain did by my lofs begii^ /;
My righteoufriefs commenc'd by fin u j
My perfect peace by bloody flrife v ;
JLife is my death, and death my life w^

Fm (in this prcfent life I know)
A captive and a freeman too ;r ;

iSst Spirit, tr. 1^^ .^4.: Wha ihaJl law any thing to the charge
ti God^s t\t€i } It is God that juftifieth : who is he that
eoDdemneth ? It b Chrift that died» yea, rather that is rtf«
en agaiQi who is even at t^e ri^t ht&idi of Gody who alio
soaketh interceffioa for ns^ . .

/Gai. ill. i^^ Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfe of;
Ae lawy being made a cm-fe for ii» : for it is wfittea, Carfed
ii every one that hangeth bn* a tree.

t Rom* iii. ^5^ 24. For all have finned and come fliort
of the gfoty of Ood t b«t»g juftified freely by his grace^
through the redemption that is in Jefus Chritl'.

u ilom. lii. ;. But if our unrighteoufnefs commend the
righteonfnefs of God, what (hail we fay? Chap. ▼. 20» ar.
But where fin abounded, grace did much more abound :' that
as fin hath reigned unto death, even fo might grace reiga
dirough righteoufnefsi unto eternal iife» by Jefus Chrift our

V Col. i. 20. And (having made peace through the blood of
his crofs) by him to reconcile all things onto him(eif, by him
1 fay, whether they be things on ekrth, or things in heaven.

w. The Me of fin is our dcath\ t Tim. v. j6. But Ihe that
lireth in pfeafure, tsjdead while (he Kveth. The death of
Chrift our life. 2 Cor. v. 14, it. Eor the love of Chrift
conftraineth u», becaufe we thus judge, that if ooe died for
aiU then were all dead t and.tha.t he died for all, that they
which live, (hodd not henceforth live unto themfelves, but
ttoto.him which died for them^ and roie again.

9t Konu vii. 23, See letter q. ' Chap, viii. 2. For the law
ef the Spirit of Fife in Chrift Jefus^ hath made, me free from
the law of (In and deaths

19^ Go|PEL Sonnets. ftrtBLH,

And thougfi my death can't fet me free,^
It will per fed ray liberty^.

I am not worth one ^ufty grain,
Yet more than worlds of golden-gain. j.
^ Though wopthlefs I myfelf endite.
Yet (hall as worthy walk in^whttf? »•

■

SECT. VL

The MyJIery rffnejnjiification through CHRisr^s^

obediince cmdfatufii6t\on.

NO creature ever could, or wilt
For fin yieldfatlsfjtaion full a ;
Yet jvifticc from the creature^s han4
Both fought and gpt its full demand' ^•.

. J Jpho rSu ^.. If the (ba th«relbre (hall make yoit fretr
ye Ihall be free indeed. Rer. xiv 13; And- 1 ixcftrd a race-
from heafeiu %in^uAto me, Write, BleiTed ac.e the dead
^ich die iQ. the Lord, fromhenceforth.: Yea, faith the Spi*
fit, that they may reft, from their labours ; and their works-
do follow them.. % Cpr. v. 4*. For we that are in > this taber-
nacle do groan, being hardened : not for that we would be
oDcIothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be fwat
lowed ap of lift.

z. Gen. xxxii. io» I am4)0t worthy of theJeaft oC all thy.
mercies, and of all the truths which thou haft (hewed unto thy
fervant ;. for with .my ftaC I paffed over this J^cdan, and oow^
I. am.become two bands^ Rev. iii. 4* Thoa^afi a few names
evsn in Sardis, which, have, not defiled their garments; gad
they.fhall walk.with.me in white; for 'they are worthy*,

a Fialm xbx. 8. For.the redemption of their.fottl is preci-
ous» and it ceafeth for^ eyer* Ua^t xl* t6« And Lebanon is
not fuffiicient to'bamy nor all the.bealts thereof foficient for 4
burnt pfFering. , . ^

3 JRfalm^xL 6< Sacrifice and ofiring thoa,did(ljiot deCrCy
mine ears thou haft opened: baritt-offering and fin-ofiering
ha(t thou nofHquired, 'H^. x. {»6«7* Wherefore^ when he
cometh into the world,^ he £^]tb> ficri^ce and ofiSering^.thoa^

Sea VI. The Believer's Riddle. 197

Hence thqugb I am, %% well I know,
A debtor c^ yet I nothing bvf^d.
My creditor has nought to fay. r , .
Yet oevei: had 1 aught to pay/.

He freely pardoned evVy mite gr
'. Yet.woald.no iiagi^ ftmhiof; quit ^«
Hence ev'ry bli(s that falls to me
Is dearly bought, yet wiaoUy free i.

•>

woaldeft not, but a body baft tboo prq^ed for me : 10 burnt
pffeiiogs, and faprifices for iio tbou haft* had no pUafure; then^
iaid I, Lo, I come (in the volame of thy book it is written of
roe) to do thy will, O God. £ph v. z. Chriit hatb loted ob,
and liaih given himfeK for us, anct&ring and a iacrififi^ to God
6>r a fweet fmeiliog favour.

e Matth. vi. 12* And forgive us oar debts, as we forgive
•ur debtors. «

d Rom. iii. 24, a ^ Being juftified freely by bis grace*
•ihroagh the redemptioii that is in Jefus Qhrift : whchi God
bat^ ftt forth to be a nrojpkiatioft, through faith in his blood,
to decbre his rightcoainen hx the-remiAumof fins that are )iaft,
sihroogh sh€ forbearance of Godi Heb^ x% 14. For by one of*
lin-iiig he hath perfe^ed for ever them that are fah6tified.

# Rom. viii. 3^^ 14. Who ihall lay any thing to the charge
ef God's cleA? It is God that jgflifieth ; who is he that con-
demneth > It is Chrijlthat died^ yea rather, that ifrrifen again^
who is even at "the right hand of God, ^haalfo maketh inter"
^effion iot us*.

/ itom*-v. 6^ For when we were yfet without ftrength» in
4tt6 time Chrift died for the ungodly* v. 8. But God com*
SDaadoth his lovt towards tts, in that while we were yet fin*
-ntrst Chrift died for us.

g A^s xiii. 38^ 39. Be ii known unto you therefore, men
ai^d brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the
fdrgivenefs of fins ; and by him all that believe are juftified
^onatftll thtngsy from ^i(^. ye could uqi be jnfttfied by the
law of Mofes.

b Rom. iii. a4i' 2f« See letter d. Chap; viii< 22. He
Ipared not his own Son, but deiivered him up for us all.

i- 4. Pet i. iB> 19. For at much as ye kp^^inKatye wereoo*^

R 3 '

198 GcrspEL SoiTN^Ts.- JaitiH^.

All pardon that I need I have^
Yet daily pardon need to crave *.
The law*s arreft keeps mo in awe /,
But yet 'gainft me thoe-is no law ;».

Though truth^my juft damnation crave «,. '
Yet truth's- engaged my foul^to fairer.
My whole faJ vat ion comes, by this^
Fair truth and. mercy's mutual tifs f.

red^med wkh corrapteUe things, asfikerand gold, from'
your vaiiJ coaverfatioa received by tnidition from your fathei-s-:
but with the precious faflood of Cfirifl/ as of -a La«H> wtf hoot
blemifh and without fpot. Eph. 1/7* Id whom we hare re-
demption through his bloody the forgivencfe of fiosf according
to the riches of his grace. 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath iav-.
ed us^ and called ts with aa holy caiffngj not- according to >•
our work^'but accordiog to his own purgpie and grace Which
was gitcn us in Cftrift Jfefus before the woi^d began.

i^ Pfalmciii .5. Who forgiteth all thine iniquities) who heaK
cth all tby>difeafesk And ^k% i i. V6t thy name's ftkcs O
Lord, pardon mine iiiiquity i for Jt is very great. JLuke xi. 4, ,
• An^ forgive us our fins; for we- alfo forgive t:mrf one that Is
indebted to us. Dan ix ig. Lord, hear; O Lord,
ibrgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not for thine own
fake^.O my God ; for thy city, a»d"tjiy people are called %y
thy name.

Aftalm^cxi^e. 120. Mydieft trembkth .for -fear ofthefe»'«nd
I aro afraid of thy judgments. Rom. vii. 9. I was alive wiilr-
ont tlie hw once : fc^jt when the commandment came, fin re-
vived^ and I died. • ^. 1 3. Was thta that which is g#«*^
made death unto me > God forbid. Brtt fin, ~that it m*ghti
appear fm, working death in me by that which ts good ; l^«t ,
fin by the commandment might become exceeding fi^ul. .

m Gal.' vi IX, The- fruit of the Spirit is«— meekoeft, t^sm^
perance, ag^inft faclr there i* no law, r Titti. i. 9 Kaowteg
this,, that the la^ij not made for a righteous maii# bae Ibr
theJawlefi and difobedjcnr, ^c.

*** ^"^•?^"-4vThe foul that Ikinejh, It fhalldiw '

» y Tim. i,^i c. This is a faithful fayiogj and worthy of 'aM;
acoeputiiMi, thafGhrifl' Jefus cam« into Ae woMAto fatt fti-
:r»; ofwhpmlamchicf.. '*^

ern

Se<». VI. fbe Beiiever'&Biddrei 199

La w-breakers, ne'er its'carfe have mifs'd ;.
Blit I nc^er kept it,, yet am Uefs^d ;j;
Ican't be juftifyM by it r.
And yet it cau't but me acquit yl

Vm not oblig*d to keep it more x,\
Yet hiore oblig'd tlian e'ep before f;

frV&Xm\ysxxv. lo. Mercy and truth are met together J
itghteoafaefs and peace have IdfTed each other;

q OalJii. ro. Armany as are of the wo|rks of 'the law are
BOder the carfe : for it is writtenj Curfed is everyone that
oootioueth not in. all things which are written in>the book of
the law to do them. 9; ij, ^4. Chrift hath red^enied uf
frotn th^ coHe of thp law^ beingrmade a curfe for as : for it is
written* Curfed is ^ery one thathangeth on' a tree: that* the
bleffiag'of Ahrabam might come on the Gentiles through J^^
ills Chrifi; that we might receive the promifeofthe Spirit
through faith. - '

r Riom. ill. 20; Therefore by the deeds of the- law,- there
'fiiaUnofleflibejaftifiedinhis fight: for by the law- is the know*
ledge i^f fin. Gal..iL t6* Knowing, that a m%n is not juftified
{yy the worksof the law» bat bj the faith. of J^fus Chrifly eved
4ve have believed in X^^^* Ghrifl; that we might be juflified by
the faith of Chnf^ and not bjr the works of the law ^: for hy the
w^ks ofihe Jaw (hall no flefli be jaffified. Chap. iii. 1 1. But
that no man is juftified by the law in the fight of G^d, it is^^e-
videot; for, the jnft fhal) live bry feith.

/Rom. viit: i. There is therefore new no condemnation to
them whichaicinr Chrift X^^'- ^' 3* 4* ^^^ ^^^ the la^
.«Ould not do, in that it was w^ak through the flefii^ God didy
^fendiiigius own Son^ in the likeoeft of finful-fleihy and for fiii
condemned fin in the fiefii y that the right^ufnefs'of the law
might be luifilled in us» who walk not ;dter. the Befh, but after
%km Spirit. 2 Cor.v. at.^ For he hath made him to be fin for
m^ who knew no fin ; that we might be made the irighteoufnefe
of God vfL him« ^.Aom. iii. 26. X6 delarey I fay^ at this time
his righteoufaefs ; that he might be juil» and the juftifier of
Ifim which belicvtlh io JefMS.

(. '/ Rpnu, vi* . 1 4* Sioiihall not have -dominion- over you : for
5fieAre oot ooder the law» but undef grace. ,Gal. v, 1 — 4«
Stand fitft' therefore in the fibcrty wherewith Qip^ fa«s W>*

rzop GosFEt SoTNfiTETs. Part UL

By perfea doing life I "find «,

Yet d(x and livef no nwre me bind tf.

» - "i

Tfaefe terms no change can undergo.
Yet fwieetly changed they are w. for lo,.
My doing caus*d my life 4^, but now
ftfy lijis the caufe that makes -ma ddy.

us free^ and be not entaDgled again with the yoke of bondage.-
Behold, 1 P^nl fay unto you, that if ye be circumcifed, CUriH
ihall pc«fi^ you no^ag. For, I teiHfy again to every man
that is circi^incifed, that he is a debtor to do the whole law,
Chrift is become of no effedl' untojou, whofoever of you are
juf^ified by thd law ; ye are failea from grace.

/ Rom» vi. r, 2» W'hat (hail we fay then? ihail we contini^^
in Hi), that grace may abound ? God forbid : hownOiall we
that ar^ dead m fin, live any longer therein ? ow ( 5: What
then ? (hail we iin, becaufe we are nut under the law, but un-
4er grace i God forbid.

u Rom.v. i7» i8» iQ. They which receive abundance of*
irraccy and of the ^iit of jrighteoafoefs, (hall reign i^i^^ by one*
Jefus Chri(l.«-»By the righteou&efs of one,, the free gift came
upon all meoi unto juiliScation of life* — Hy the obedience oP
.one fhali many be made righteous, v

V Rom. X. s — 9. For Mofes defcribethjthe righteoafbefs-
which is of the lawt ^^^^ the man which doth thofe things*,
.ihall live by them^ But ^the righteoufnefs which is of faith*
(peaiceth on this wife, Say not in thine hearty Who (hail a-^
Kend into heaven ? ^ that is, to bring Chrift down from above) ;.
or, who (hall defcend into the deep ? (that is> to bring up Chriii
again from the dead) ; but what (akh it ? The word is nigh
thee, even in thy , mouth, and in thy heart : that is the word
of faith which we preach, i'hat if thou> (halt confefs with thy
mouth "the Lord Jeius, and (hah believe in tbipe heart, that..
God hath raifed him from the dead, thou (halt be fayed.

w Rom* iii. 3 1. Do we then make void the law through
faith ? God forbid ; yea, we eiiabliih the law.

SI Rom. X. 5. Set tetter y. {

j^ John xiv. 19. Becaufe Hive ye (liall five alfo. Chap. xy«-
^ j. I am the vine, ye are the branches : he that abideth in me*
and I in him, the fame jbringeth forth much fruit ; for withoat
me ye can do nothing. Rom* yii. 4* Wherefore^, my breth^

Seft; VJ. "Be BiJiever's Riddle. 2ot

Though works of rigbUoufnefs I ftorc «,
Yet righteoufnefs of. waris abhor ay
For tighteoufnefs without a flaw .
}6 righteoufnefs without* the law b.

In duty 'si way Pm bound to lie Ct
Yet oat »of duties bound to fly d\
Hence merit I renounce whh fhame ^,.
Yet right to life by merit claim /.

eeot ye alio arebecome dead'to the law b'y the b^dy ofChrxft!:
that ye (hould be. married to another^ CTeii4o him wl)0 is raif*
ed from the deadt that we (hould bring forth fruit unto God»^
Ezek. zxxyi. 2 7. And I will put my Ipirit within yout and'
caule you to walk in my (latutes, and ye (hall keep my judg*
meats, and do them.

z.PhiK i. If. Being filled with the froiu of rightebafoefsf
which are by Jefoa Chrid unto the glory and praiie of God*'

a Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him^ not having mine own
righteoufnefs, which is of the law* but that which J3 throngb-
die faith of Chri(t) the rigliteoufne(s which is of God by &ith.
lia. 1x17. 6». All-oor'righteoufnefles are as iilfhy rags.. Rom.,
nr. 6. Even as Dkrid alfo delcribeth the bleffednefs of the.
man unto whom God imputeth righteoufnefs \rithout works..

b Rom.aii. 20> %u 32. Therefore by the deeds of the lav
there Ihall no flelh be juftified in his fight;, for by the law is
(he knowledges of iih. But now' the righteoufnefs of God
without the law is* manifeded, being witnefFed by the law and
tiie' prophets ; even the righteoufnefs of God which is by ^ith^
of Jefus Chrift unto ally and upon all them. that believe \ for
*&ere is no diifersnce.

c Prov. viii. 34. BlefTed is the man that h^areth me, watch*
ibg daily at my gates^ waiting at the pofts of my doors.

d IfL Ivii^ 12* Lwill declare thy righteoufnefsi and thy
W0i'ks, for they ihall not profit thee. Luke xvii. 10. Whea-
Yie (hall. have, done all thofe. things which are commanded
jrou^ lay^ W^ are unprofitable fervants^: we have. done that
which was our duty to dp.

€ Pfalm xvh 2* pmy r^^'» thou haft £ud unto theX>ord'»
IChou art my Lord \ my goodnefs extendeth not to thee. £zek».
icxxvi. 32. Not for your fakes d^I this^ faith the Lord Go4«

202 Gospel Sonnets^ ^art UE

Merit of perfect righteoufnefs
i never had g^ yet never mife A ;c
i On this condition I have all i,
Tet all is unconditional k.

I-

Though freeft mercy I implore /,
Yet I am j!aie on juilice' fcore m»

be it knowir unto you :^ be adiameS and confoanded for jowr
own wayty O home of Ifrael.

/ Rom. T. 1 8, r 9. .By the righteoulheis of one, the free gift
came upon all men unto juflificatioo of life. By the Aedi^nee*
of one (hall many be made righteouse lb,%\r. 24.' ai. Sare*
lyi (hall one fay, la the Lord have I righteoufnerianJ (treogtb.:.
even to him fhall men come, and all that are iocenfed ag^ioft'
him fhall be afhamed. In the Lord ftall all the feed of Ura^
el be jo^ifiedy and ihalJ glory.

g Rom. iv, 9» 10. What then ? are we better than Ikey ^
Nof in no wif^: for we have provi^d both Jewa' and Gcjitilet»
that they are.aH nnder fin ; at it is written. There is noBe-
righteont; nanot one. v^ ig. Now we know, that what ttuogis
feever the law faiths it faith to them who are under the law &
that every month riiay be ftopped» and all the world may be-
come guilty before Grod.

' ^ I Cor. i. 30. But of him art ye in Chrift Jefas, who oCi
God is made unto us— righteoufnefs. Ifa xlv. 24. See Utter f«
Jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Juduh (hall be faved^ and Ifrael (hall
dwell fafely : and this is his^name whereby he (hall be called^
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

i Ifa. xlii. 21. The Lord is well pleafed for his righteouf^
nefs fake, he will magnify the law, and make it honourable*.
Matth. ill. 15. Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteoufnefs^
V. 1 7. And lo, a voice irorn heaven, faying^ This is my be-v
loved Son, in whom I am well pleafed.

i Ifa. Iv. I. Ho, every one that thirlleth^ come ye loathe
Waters, and he, that hath no money, come ye, buy^and eat»
yea, come, buy wine and milk without money,. ,and without
price. Rev. xxii. 1 7. Whbfoever will, l^t him take the water
of life freely. . ^

/ Pfal. li. t. Have mei cy upon me, O God, ^iceordii^ Iflt
thy loving kindnels: according unto the alultitu4e of thy tctt^
4er mercies blot out my tranfgrefEons.^

Sc&. Vy:. The Believer's Riddle. 203

Which never dould the guilty free «,
Yet fully clears moft guilty me o.

*

SECT. VIL ^

' ^he mystery of Gov^ the JuJiiUery Rom. iii. ci6.
jujiified both in his jufiij^yitig and condemning ;
orfQuljuJiijication and felf-condenmation.

M

Y Jefus needs not fave a^ yet muft h\
He is my hope r, I am his truft d^

/ ■ ■

m Rom. iit« ^4, 2^, 26. Beiag jaAified freely by bit jrace^
through the redemption that is in Jefus Cbrift: whom God
iiath fet forth to be a propitiatioQy. through faith in Kis bloody
to dedare hts rigbteoufnefs for the remffficn of£n& that are
pafly tbroQgh t^he tbrbearance of God ; to declare, I iay^ at*
this time his righteoufnefs : that he might be juft, and-the juA
tifier of bim which beli^veth tn Jefas. 1 John i. 9. If we con*
feis ourfinS) he is faithful, and juft to forgive us our {ins> and'
^to deaafe ns lirom all unrigbteouiiiefs.

n £xod. xzxiv. 69 7. And the Lord paifed by before himf
and procl^med. The Lord» t*he Lord God|— that will by
«o means clear the guilty.

«> Rom. lY. 5. To him that worketh not,^but believeth on him
4hat juftilieth the ungodly, liis faith iscocmted for righteoufnefs.

m Rom. ix 5. Chrilt is over aiJ, God blcfTed for ever.

h John X. 16. And other jfheep I have; which are 'not of
<cjhit fold : them alfo I rauit bring, and they fhall beat va^
voice ; and there (hall be one fold, and one ftepherd^ z;. i8«
J^o man taketh it £n)y Hfe] from me, but I lay it down of
myfeif : 1 have power to Jay it down, and 1 hive power to
take it sgaio. This commandment have I received of my Fa«
ther. Luke ii. 49* And Jefus faid unto tl^em £Jofeph and
hit •motherj How is it that ye fought me ? wilt ye not. that I
muft be about my Father's buGnefs \

c Jerfc xiv. S". O the hope of if^ael, the S&nour thereof ia
tinM of trouble. Arc. Chap. xvii. 17. Be not a terror unto
met thou art lAy hope in the day of evil. 1 Tim. i. i. ^aul
an apofile of Jefus ChrUl, by the commandment of God our

^1

204 Gt)SPE L'S oNNET s, Part III*

. He paid the double del)t, well known
To* be all mine, yet all his own^.

Hence, though I n e'er had more or lefs
Of jijflice pleafing righteoufnefs/,
Yet here is one wrought to my hand.
As full as juftke can demand g.

By this my Judge is more appeas'd
Than e'er my fin his honour leas'd &•

9
I

Savioar, aod the Lord Jefus Chrift» wUdi it mir hope.

d J6ha XTii.' 6. I'^htve manifefted thy name umo the men
^hich thon gximR me out of the world ; thine they interey-and
tbon gaTeft^them, to-roe. 2 Tim* i. 12. liuiowWhoiii I have
beKevcd ; ai^d I «in«f)eriuaded that he it able to keep that
which I hiive committed unto htm againft that day.

e Id. liii. 49 5t 6. Surely he hath home* our griefry and
carried our ferrowi : yet we did eflcemhim ftricken, fmitten
of Gody i^nd afflicted. But he was wounded for our trant
grtffions, he was brnifed for ournniquities : the chafliieineiit
of our peace was upon him, and with*his ftripes-we are healed*
All we like fheep have gone aflray : we have turned every one:
tohia own way, and the Lord hath laid'On him the iniquity of
Bs all. r. 8. For the tfanfgrdfion of my people was he ftrick*
en. . Heb. yii. 22. By to much was Jefus made a furety c^a
better teftament.
f Rom. iii. 99 I Of 19. See letter gfQrecite^f.
g Dan iz. 24. Seventy weeks are determined tupoo thy
pieople, and upon thy holy city, to finilh the tranlgreffioo^ and
tO make an end of fins, and to make reconciliation for iniqohyt
■ and to bring in e? erlafling righteoufnefs> &c. Zech. xiit. 7.
Awake, O fword, againjft my i»hepherd, and agatnd the ittaA
that is my fellow, faith the Lord of hofis : fmite the Shepherdy
and the fhe^ fhall be fcattered, and I will turn mine^hand a*
pon the little ones.

. h Roro.v«8«— II. But God comroendeth his Jove towards us^
in that while we were yet finners, .Cfarift died for jus. Much
more then being now jufKfied by his4>lood, we (hall be ^^ted
from wrath through him. For if when we were enemies, wc
were reqorciled to God by the death of his Sod): much more
Ving reconciled, we fliail be favcd b^ his life. And not only

Sea..VIL The Believer's Riddle. 20$

Yea, juftice can*t be pleas'd fo well
By all the torments borne in hell /.

Full fatisfadiion here is fuch,
As hell can never yield fo much k ;
Though juftice therefore might me damn,
Yet by more juftice fav'd I am A

fo» but we will alfo joy in God, throagti our Lord Jefus Chriftf
by whom we have now received die atonement. Heb* Ix;. 14.
Iiow much more (hill the blood of Chrili^ whoy through the
eternal Spirit, offered hlmfelf without (potto Gody purge your
confcience from dead works to ferve the living God f

i Heb. X. 5y 6« Wherefore when^ he Cometh into the
world, he faith) Sacrifice and o^rifig ^Ou -wotrldeft not, bat
a body haft thou prepared .for me : in burnt offtnngi and &•
criiices for fin thou haft had 110 pieafere. v, 1 4. by one offiar*
ing he hath perfefted for ever them ttiat ai«^(an€Hfied. v» 49.
Of how raucJi ibrer punifhment fiq>pofe ye» fliall he be thought
worthy, who hath trodden uoder foot d)e Son of Godf wad
hath counted the Wood of the covenint, wherewith he was
fan^edy an unholy thing, and hath done de^ite unto the
Spirit of grace?

4 Rom. v« r t. Bee Ittier h« Eph. v. 2. Chrift hath given
fcimfeif for -us, an offering and a facrifice \o God for a fweet-
finelling favour* t Pet. i. 18/19. Forafmuch as ye know
that ye' were not redeemed with corruptible things, as filver
and gold, from your vain converfation, 'received (jy tradition
from your fathers ; but with the precious blood of Chrift, as^f
a Lamb without blmiih and without (pot. GaL in. 13. Chrift
fiath redeemed'115 m>mthe cniie of die law, being*made a
carte for us. ^

/ I Pet. iii. 1 8. Chrift hath once fofTered for fins, the Juft
for the uftjttft, (that he might bring us to God), being put to
de^tth in die flefli, but quickened by the Spirit. Rem. iii. 26.
7o declare, I fiiy, at this time his righteoufnefs ; that he might
be juft, and the jufiifier of him which belie veth in Jefus. 1 John
n. 2. And he is lEhe propitiaitoiifor our fins ; and not for our«
only, but alfo for the fins x)f the whole worid. Chap iv. io«
fierein Is love^ not that we loved God, but that he loyed usj
and fern his' Son to be the propitiatioi^ fof.oor fins.

2q6 Gospel Sok^^ets. Part III.

. H6re ev'^y divine property
Is to the higheft fet on high m ;
Hence God his glory would injury
If my falyation were. not fure »•

My peace and fafety lie in this,^
• My Creditor my Surety is o.
The judgment-day I dread the lefs^
My Judge is made my righteoufnefs f.

He paid out for a bankrupt crew
The debt that to hpafelf was due }

«r>Rom« iii. 25. Whom God hath fetfimhto bea^Q|a«
tiatiODy through hiih 10 his blood* to declare his righteoufo^
for the remiffioD of Qn% that are paft* through the forebearancc
of God. Pfal. Ixxxr. 1 q. Merqr aod uath are met together ;
xighteQufnefs and peace have iufled etch other. 2 Cor. y. i 8L
19. Aad all things are of God* who haith ceconcUednstohtmr
ielf by Jefus Chnfi* and hath given to u^e miniftry of re*
conciliation ; to wit^ that God was in QhA, reconciling the
world onto himfelf^ not imputing their treipaffes onto tton^
and hath committed onto os the word of s^onciUaiido. v. 2i«
For he hath made him to be fin for as, who knew no fin ; that
we might be made the nghteofifeefs of God in him. Imke ii»
14. Glory to God in the higheft» and 00 eacth peace> good*
wUl towards men*

lia. aUiv. 33. ^ng, O ye heavens ; &r the Lord hatk
done tt > Aiout) ye lower parts of the earth 91 break foith into
fiogifig* yc moonuinsy O foreft> and every tree therein.; for
the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himfelf in IfiaeL
£ph. L 6^ To the praife of the glory of his grace, whereia
he hath made iis accepted in the l^elovcd^ v* tz* That w^
fhoald be to the praife of his glory who £rfi trafted in ChrtiL

Pfidm cxix. 122. 3e forety for thy lervaiit for good; let
not the proud oppreis roe. Heb. vii. a s. By fo much wais
Jefus made a furety of a betur tefiament.

f I Cor. i. 30. fint of him are ft in Chrift Jcfos, who of
God, is madeunto iis-*-rightcodoe&. Chap»xr. sh 5^ 57*
O death, where is thy ftiog? O grave, where is thy :n^ory i
The iKng of death ii fioi aod the (Irength of fio is the iaiw s

Seft. VIL The S^Ue^uer's Riddle. - io;

. And fatisfy'd himfelf for me.
When he did juftice fatisfy q. /

He to the law, though Lord of it, ^

Did moft obediently fubmit r.
What he n^'er broke, and yet mud diei,
I never kept, yet live muft If.

The law, which him its keeper kilPd,
In me its' breaker is fulfiird s\
Yea, magnify'd and honoor'd more
Than fin defaced it e'er before ^

Bat thaftka^be to God, iriuch giftdt os the ndoi^,- tkroa^
tar Lord Jefas ChriiL

q Itooh xiii. 7. Ste Utter g. Rjom^ix. f. Chrift is ov«r
sU, God bleCsd for ever. Phil. itt. 6, % 9. Chrift Jeita be^
kig in the/orm of Grod, thought it no robbery to be equal with
Gfifd: bttt made biinrelfof.no reputatioit, and todc upon him
the form of a ferraDt, and was inade in the lifceacfs of men t
mad being foand ia fafhioa as a man, he humbled hmifelf» and
became obedient onto death, even the death of the crofs.

r Ibid^ Gal. t?. 4, (• But when the folnefs of the time wat
come, God fent forth his Son made of a woman, made under
$he law, no redeem them that were nnder the law, that^c
might receiire the adoption of {bns*>

f I Pet. iii.. 18. Sec letter L a Cor* v. a u Seg Utter m*
I John in 9. In this wae oeuiilefted the love of Gdd towards
■6, becaafe that God lent his only begotten Son into the
world, that we mighty liTe*through hinu

/ Rom. viii. 3, 4.'' For what the law coald not do, in that
it was weak through the fle(h ; God-did, fending his tfwn Soo^
ia the likenelt of Unfal fleih, and for fin condemned (in in the
fte(h ; that the righ|eou(nds of ;the law might be fulfilkd ta
Of, wha walk not after the fledi, but after the Spirit,

t F£l xlii^ 21. The Lord is well pieaicd for his righteoa&
iiels fiike ; he will magnify the Jaw, and make it honourable*
Rom ▼. i8» — 21* Therefore as by the offence of one, judg-
ment came upon all men to condemnation 1 evenfo h^j the
righteoafoefs of one, the free gift came upon all men unto
justification of life* For, as by one mani^cUfobedieoce many
were n^ade finners : fi> by the obedience of one fhall many he

208 Gospel S on n je t s» ^art III.

Hence though the law condemn at large>
It can lay nothing to my charge u\
Nor find fuch ground to chailknge me.
As Heaven hath found to juftify v.

But though he freely me reavit,

I never caa njyfelf acquit w.

My Judge condemns me not, I ^rant ;

Yet juftify myfelf I can't x.

From him I have a pardon got^
But yet myfislf I pardon. not y.

maderigl^teofts. Moreover, the bw eDtered, tharthe offence
might abound ; but where fin abounded, {^race did much more
abound ; that as ftn hath reigned onto death, even fo mig^r,
f^cc reign through rtghteoofoeft unta eteraal life» bj Jefur
Chrift cur Lord«

a Rom. viti. r. There is therefore now no condemnation to
rixcm which are in Chrtft Jefns. f . ^^ 4. See letter s.^ j;?.
a4. Who fhall lay any thing to the charge of God's eled^ f
It is God tliat juflifieth : who is he that condemneth ? It is •
Chrifl that died, yea tather, that is rifen again, who is even at
ibe right hand of God, who alfcf maketh interceffion for n9»

V Job xxxiii. 24. Then he is gracious unto him,' and faith>
Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a raiH
fom. Rom. iii* 25f 26* Whom God hath fet forth to be a
propitiation, through faith in his biood, to declare his righte-
oqCqcCi for the remilBon of fins that are pa((, through tl^e for*
bearance of God ; to declare, I fay, at this time his righteouf*
oefs ; that he might be juft and the jaftifier of him which be*
lieveth in Jefus.

w z Stim. xii". 1 3. And David faid unto Nathan, I have fin-
ned againft the Lord. And Nathan faid unto David, The
Lord alfo hath put away thy fin^ thoo (halt not, die. P/alm \k
Om.^ Wa(h me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleadfe me.
from my (in. For I acknowledge my tranfgref!ions> and my
fin is ever be&re me*.

X Rom. viii. i« 33. See Utter u. Job ix. la If I juiUfy
myfeif* mine own mouth (hall condemn me pf I fay I am per- .
fed> it fhaH alfo prove me perverfe.

jr a Cor. vu II. For behold, this felf<fame thing that ye

S^a. VIL. TAi Believer's Ri^le. 109

His rich for^vcDcfs ftill I have.
Yet never can myfelf forgive t.

The more he's toward me appeased.
The more Fm with myfelf difpleas*d a*
The more I am abfolv'd by him, ,

The more I do my(elf ccMidemn b.

When he in heav'n dooms me to dwell.
Then I adjudge myfelf to heU c ;

s

(brrowed after a godly fort, whaf carefulncfi it wrought In yojil,;
yeai what clearing of yotfrielves^ yea« what indignation, yea»^
what fear^ yea», what Y^bemeot d^drc^ y^, wha( zeal* jreati
what revenge?

z Ifii. xxxviii. I f . What (hall I, fay ^ his hath botjb fyoketL ^
unto me, and himfelf hath done it : I ihaJl go fpfUy sdl my^-
years in the bitternef« of my foui.

tf.£zek xvi. 63. That thou mayeA remember aad be coq^-
fotthdedy and never open thy nioath 9ti.y m/ore bec^ufe of thf
fhamei when I am, pacified toward th^^ for 4II that th^a haft.
done» faith the Lord Qod*

^ Luke xviii. ig, 14. And tjhe publico lading afar offt
would not hft^ up Co much as his eyes.rUnto hc^yen, biit fmote
upon his breafty faying, God be merciful 10 me fL Qfintr. I
tell you, this man went down to his hpufe judified rathei than
the other »^ for every one that exalteth himlelf^ (hal.l be ailtafed f
a^d he that humbleth himfeif, ihall be exalted. £zek. xxxvi.
31 1 92. Then (hall ye remember your own evil wa^ys, and
your doings that were not good» andJhall Ipath yourfely^s •
in your own light, f6r your iniquities, and for your abomina*.
ttons. Not for your fakes do 1 this, faith the Lord God* be
it known untQ you ; be afhamed and confouqded for vgur qwu
ways, O houfe of Ifrael. Jer. xxxi. 19. Surely auer that I
was turned, I repented ; and after that I was inftrudted, I
fmote upon my thigh : I was afhamedi yea^ even conto>anded.|
becaufe i did bear the reproach of my youth»

c Matth. XXV. ^4 — -39. Then (hall the King &y unto them
on his right hand, Come, ye blefted of my Father, inherit tbe
kingdom prepared for ^ou from the foi^dattoo of the world.
For I was 9n huugredi and ye gave m^ me^t ; I was thirily»

S3.

aio Gospel Sonnets. Part UL

Yet ftilll to his judgment 'gree, ^
And clear him for abfolving me d.

Thus he clears me, and I him clear,
I juftify my Juftifier e.

«

and ye gave me drink : I was a (IraDgery and ye tookjne in t
naked, and ye cloathed me I was ikk, and ye vifited me^ I
wu in prifon, and ye came unto me. Then (hall the righte* ^
o«i aniwer hinii laying. Lord, when law we thee an haDgred»
tnd fed thee? or thnrfly, and gave thee drink? When faw we
thee a Rranger, aad took thee in ? or naked, and clothed thee i
Or vhen &w we thee £ck, or is prifon, and we came unto
thee: r Cor xi. 31. If we woald judge ourfelveS) we flioalcl
not be judged. Luke xV. 20, 2 r. And he [the prodigal ion J
aroic suid carae to hit &tber. Bat when he was yet a great
way off, his father faw him, aad had CQmpaflion, and ran, and
leil 00 his neck, andktfTed him. A.nd the fen laid unto hinr»
Fadier, 1 have finned ag^nft heaven, and in thy fight, and anr
no more worthy to be called thy fen. Gen. xxxii. 9f f o*
And Jacob faid, O God of my father Abraham, and God of
my fiither Ifaac, the Lord which faidft unto me, Return unto
thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal weO with thett
I am not worthy of ^ leaft of all the mercies, and of ail the
truth, which thon hail fhewed onto thy fervam ; for with my ihft
Ipafied Over this Jordan, and now I am become two bands.

d Pfalm li. 4. Againft thee» thee only have I finned, and
done this evil in thy (ight : that thou niighteft be jufhfied whea
tliou fpeakeft, and be clear wheKi thoujudgelh And xi 7-
The righteous Lord loveih righteoufneis, his countenance
doth behold the upright. And cxiv. id,^ 1 7. Thou opened
thine hand, and fatisfieiV the defire of every living thing. l*he
Lord is righteous in all his Ways, and holy in all his works.
Rev.Xr. 3. And they fing the fong of Moies the fervant of
God, and the fong of the Lamb, (aying, Great and marvellooa
are thy works, Lord God Almighty ^ jufi^od true are thy
ways, thou "King of faints.

c Rom. iii 26. To declare, I fay, at this time his righte-
oufnefs that he might be ju(b and th€^ juftifier of him which,
believeih in Jefus. Ifa xlv 2/. There is no God eifcbcfide
rne,' a juft God anc% Savi jur. v. 24. Surely fhall one fay,
In the i.crd have I nghieoufnefs and i^rength. Cb^f Ixiii.
f . Who is this chat cometh from Edom, with dyed garments

Sea. VIIL The Believer's RtdJU. lit

Let him cbnc^mn or juftify ,
From all injaftice I him free /•

SECT.- VIIL

The myflerf of fanfllfication imperfeSl in this life^;
. or the believer doing ally and doing nothing • .

MINE arm^ embrace my God a\ yet I
Had i^ver arms to reach fo high b ;-

from Bozrab ? This rha^t is glorious in Ins tpparely trsvelKng'
in the greatnefs of hts firength? I that fpeak io rtghteoofiifisy
migbty to iave. Zech: tx. 9. Rtjoice greatly^O dactghter of
Zion ; fhoat% Q daughter of Jer afakm : behold, diy KtQg
Cometh onto thee ; he is jad, and having falf ati»n, &c*

y Job XXV 49 f, 6. How then can man be joftified isilK
God ? or, how can he be clean that is bora of a woman ? Be^
bold even to the moon>.and it (htneth not; .yea» the ftars are
aot pare in his fight. How much Jefs man that is a worm :
and the fon of man which is a worm ? P&K Ixxxix. 1 1^* Juf-
lice and judgment arc the habitation of thy throne : mercy and
.tmth (haU go before thy face, '^od xcvii. 2. Clouds and dark^
nefft are round about him : nghte<^(befs and judgmetkt are the.
babitistion of his throne. Rom. iii. iqi 20* Now we know
that what things foever the law (atth, it fetth to then) wh^ are
nndd- the law : that every mouth may be (topped, and ail the
'World may become guilty before God. ''rherefore, by thd
deeds of die law, there ihali no fie(h be justified in his (ight :
tor by the law h the knowledge of fin. v. i^y 34, 25:. For '
all have finned, and come fhon of the glory of God ; being ju^
Stfied freely by bis grace through the redemptioQ that is in Je^
lbs Chrift : Whom God hath fet forth to be a prointiationy
^ougb faiih in his blood, to declare his righieottinels for the
temiiBon of fins that are paft, through the forbearance of
Ood : Pfal. xxii. 2, 3. O my God,^ 1 cry in the day time> but
thou heareit not ; and in the night-leafqn, and am not Ci-
lent. But thou art hoiyi O thou that inhabited the praifes of
Ifrael. , ^

a Song jit 4* It was but a little tkat I pafTed from them,.
but I found him^hora my foullovethf I held him, and woul^
oot Ut him gO) unttl I bad brought him into my mothe

aii Gospel Son'nb.ts. , Part HI.

His arm alone me bolds Cy yet k>,
I bold and m^M not let himi go d.

I do according to his c^U,
And yet not I, bat he does all ^ ;
• But though be works to will and dojft
' I without force work freely too g.

His will and mine agree fuU well b^
Yet difagreejike heav'n and hell i,"

Kottle, and mto the chamb(»r of het ckac ccmceired ai^

4 PfaL Ixi. ». Frooi the ead of the €«rtb will t ciy imta
tbee« wheo' my heact is over\iiheline(t : kad omi «> tfae rook
that is higheff than I-

c Pfal* JxiiL S. My foul fQUotvcU^ ^d afttr tbce : ^y
right hand, apfaokdetb me* !& «1L. lo. Fear thoo Bot» fg€ I
am with thee: h^ ooi difiiK^ed,. f^ I a» thy God: I will
fireogthea thee> yea, I will helptbee« yea, I will v^kM ^bet
with the right hand of ny 'rigbteoufiiefs.

4 GcD. «xaii. z6^ Aod be £the ao^3 ^» t^^ o^ t^^*^
for the day breaketh : And he [Jaeob^^aidi 1 vfiU oot let
thee gOf except thou bleft me,

1 Cor %v. lo. But by the grace of God I am what I 9xni
and his grace which was*beAo^^ upon me, wax oot ia vaM^s
hut I laboured raoce abuadantly than they aU: yet not X»
hut the grace of God which was with me. v* 58^ Therefore:
my beloved brethren, be ye fted&fir, utomoveabky aiwaj^s a-
hounding in the work of thHSi Lerd^ fbrafisnkch 4S ye know that
yottr labour Is not is vain in the I^ord*

J Phil, ii, tj. It is God which wofheth in yoo, both to
wUl and to do of his^ good i^lt afure*

g Pfal. ex. 3/ Thy people fliail be willing in the day of thjr
power. And cxvi. (6» Oh Lord» truly I am thy fervant*^ I
am thy fervani, and the &n of thy hand maid : thou hail loof*
ed my bonds.

h Matth* vi. IQ. Thy will \^ do«e in earth as it is in heav-
en. P^* xl. 8. I delight to do tliy will, O my God ; yea»
thy law h within my hean.

i MV-th. xxi. 2S^ 29* A. certs^n man had two fons, aad he
came to the fird, and faid, Son, go work to-day in my vine-
' -'i. He anfwered aod faid 1 wilU iiot| &c. John r. 40.

Seft- VIIL 7 he BetieverU Riddle. 213

His nature's mine k^ and mine is his ly
Yet fo was never that nor this^ w.

I know him and his name, yet own -

He and his name can ne'er be known »•
His gracious coming makes me do \
I know he comes^ yet know not how 0.

I have no good but what he gave p^
Tet he commends the good I have o^.

Ye will not come to met tlmt ye mtght hare life^ Mattk.
xxiiu 57. O Jefu(alem» Jerufalemy thou that killeft the pro*
pbetSy and Aoneft them which are fent unto tbee» how ofte«
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen
gathereth her chickens ander her wings, and ye would not I

k % Pet, t. 4* Whereby are given onto us exceeding great
and preoioas promifes; that by thefe ye might be partakers
of the divine nature.

7 Heb. if. 14. Forafmueh then as theckiidren are partak*
ers of Seflt and bloody he alfb himfelf lilLewife took part of the
^me. V' i6. For verily he took not on him the nature of
angels ; but he took on him the feed of A.braham.

m Ifa. xl. . 17. All nations before him are aa nothing, and
they are counted to him lefs than nothing, and vanity. To
whom t^ien will ye liken God ? or what likenefs will ye com-
pare unto him I

n Pfal tx. to. They that know thy name ^11 put thetr
tnift in thee. Prov. xxx. 3, 4. I [ Agur] neither learned wif»
dom,. nor have the knowledge of the holy. Who hath afceod*
ed ap into heaven, or defcended ? who hath gathered the
wincls in his 6(ls? who hath bound the waters in a gar-
meat? who bath eilablifhed all the ends of the earth i what, is
bil namcy and what is his fon's name, if thoa canft tell ?

• Song iv. i6. Awake, O nonh, wiod?^«ad come, thoo
louth ; blow upon my garden, that the fpices thereof may flpw(
out : let my beloved come into hii garden, and eat his p)ca<^
fant fruits. John ^i. S. The wind blowfth where it lifteth^
and thou heareft the JTouod thereof, but canft not tell whence
it cometh, and whither it go^ : fo is every one that is bor^
of tke Spirit.

/ 1 Chora. «xix. 14* And David faidi-^-But who am I, and

aii G o s p £ L SoHH E r s. Kirt IIL

And thoughMny good to him afeends r,
My goodn^fs to Wm ne'er e^iteDds JC

I take hold of his cov'nam free x^ ,

> * But find it mud take hold of me U

t^at is my people, that we (ho^kld be able t6 oSsr (a wilHn^
ly after thts Con } for all thio^ conn of thee,^ and df tfcine
own have we ciyen thee. 2 Cor. lii* $. Not that we are fnf*
ficient of ourielves to thin]!: any thing as of ourfeltes : but our
fttfirciency is of Gock

f 2 Cor.'X 18. For not he that commendt^h himfelf is ap-
proved« but whom the Lord commendeth^ Rofn* xti. i « 2. 1
befcech ^a therefore, brethren, by the merciey of God, that;
yeprefelK your bodies a living facrifiee, holy, acceptable uotp
GcKl^ whiph is your reafonable (er^'ee.^ And be not coafonn-
ed to this world : but be ye ts^nsformed by the renewing of
3rour mind, that ye. may prove what is that good and accepta*
ble, and perfe^ wiU of God;

r Pfal. XXV. (. Ufitothee, O Lord, do I lift my foul. And"
rfU. 2. Let my prayer be (et forth before thee as ioceofe :^and
the ^ng of my hands, as the evening iacriiice. £ph« iii. z.
Ift whom [Chrift j^^efu^2 we have boidneft and accefii witlk
confidence by the faith of htm« Heb. x« t g. Having there*
fore, brethren, boldneis to enter into the holieft by the blood
' #f Jefus, &c.

y^Ffal. xvi. 2. 0- my ibol,^ thoa haft faid unto the Lord,^,
Thou art my Lord*: my goodnefs extendeth not to thee*

/ Ifa Ivi. 4» Thus &ith the Lord aoto the eonochs thaft^— ^ .
take bold of my covenant, &c. u. 6 Alio the fons of the
ftcanger, that join thepfelves to the Lord, tofervc him, and
to love^the name of the Lord^ to be his fervaocsy every one
that — taketh bold of my covenant, 8tc.

f Zech.- i. 6. But my words and my Ihuutesi wtiich- 1 com.-
nanded my fervants the prophets^ did they not take hold of
^«r fathers ? and they returned and faid, Lflbe as the Lord
of hofls thought to do unto gs, accocding to our ways and as • ,
cording to our doiUgs, Co hath he dealt with us. J%1. ex.. £•
3. The Lord fhali fend the rod of thy f^rength out of 2^190 z
ntlc thoa in the midft of thine enemies Thy people Hiall be
willing in the day of diy power, Siq. Rom i. c6« I aov not
afhamed of the gofpel of Chrift : for it is the power of God un*

Salvation, to enrf one that bdieveth^ to the Jew ficft as4

Sea. VIII. ' The Belkver'i Riddle. aiS

I*m bound to keep it «, yet 'tis bail.
And bound to keep me without fail v.

. The bond on my part cannot laft w,
Yet on both fides Hands firm and faft x<^
I break my bands at ev^ry (hock, «
Yet never is the bargain broke y.

4ilfo to the Greek. ? Cor. ti. 1 6. — to tbie other we are the
javour of life onto life :' and who is fufficient for thefe thiogs.

ii Pfkl. citi. I7« 1 8. The mercy of the Lord is from ever*
lading to everlafliBg opon tjbem diat fear him : and hit righ-^
teoufiiefstinto chiidreo's children : to foch as keep his covenant,
4Uid to tbofe that^ remember iiis cemmandmeBts to do th^BUEU
J'ohn xvii. 6. I have itiaatfeded thy nanae uoto the men which
thou gaveft me out of the wodd : thine they were, and thoa
^yeft them me ; and they have kept thy word.

v i*falm Ixxxix. ^ir^^^ Nevertbelefs, itiy loving^kimi-
aefs will I oot otterty take from him, nor ft>f{er my faitbfiil-
-sefi to fail, My covciumt will 1 not break, nor alter the thtag
that is gone out of my lips. Once have I fworn, by my.holi^
'Oefs, that I will not lie unto David. His iced ^all eodure
Sof ev«r, and kn throne as the f^Hrbefbre me.

^ Halm Ixxxix. 3O9 31, 32* If his chiJdten forfiJce my^
kwy and walk tiot in my juodgments ; if they break my ftgi-
<ates, and kte^ not my comnuwdments ; then will I vtfit their
tran/greffions with the rod, and their inioQity with fitipes*

St Ffidm Ixxxix. 2» 3, 4. For I have laid, JMeicy IbaU be
-bulk up for ever; thy ^ithfulneft (halt thou efiablifli in the
very heavens. I have made a covenant with my Chofen, X
have Avom onto David my fervant. Thy feed will I eflabliSi
ibr ever, and build upthy thijone to all generations. ^* 28, 29*
My nieKy will i'keep for him for evermore, and my covenant
^ihall ibmd f-JIt with him. His feed alio will I maj^e to dnduve
for ever, and his jkrone^ as the days of heaven. Jen xxx£U
40. And 1 will make afi everlafltng covesant with tbeno^ that
1 will not turn away from them, to do them good ; but I wiU
f Bt my fear is their hearts, that they (hall not d^rt from me.

y Pfalm Ixxviii. 3% Their heart was not right with him*
«thher were they fied&ft in hssxroveoant, Ifit. Jiv. .10. The
nountaios Ihall depart^and the. hills he removedf but my kiod^
odi (ball not depart ifrom tbecj neither Iballnhe covenant of

ai6 Gospel Sonnets.' Part.JII.

Daily, alas 1 I di^lbej s, \

Yet yield obedience evVy day a^
I'm an imperfeil perfeft man K
Th^ can do all, ^iet laothing can r.

I'm from beneath d^ and from above e^
A child of wmth/, a child of love g.
. A ftranger, e'en where all may Jcnow ;
A pilgrim, yet I no where gp h.

my peace be ramoveil^ faith- the jLord, that hctb ramsroii ihee.

2 James til. 2. Id many things we offend all.

a PJalm \ilu 8« So wiU^Hipg praife nntb thy natik for e?
rer, that I nay daily perfonB my vokvs. lieb. iii. i3. But.
exhort one another daily while it is catled, To day ; left any
of yoQ he' hatdened -through the deceitfoine&of (in. ^

i Pfalm acxx^ii. 37* Maik the petfe^ snan* and behold the
-Upright ; for the end of that man is peace. Rev- ia. 2« Be
watchful, and ftrengthen the things which ceviaiof tfa«tare
ready to die: for 1 have not fooadthy works perfect, before

God.

. e Phil. iv. 1 3* I can do all things through Chrift which
firengtb^neth me. John acv. f • 1 am the vine, ye iare the
branches: H« that abideth in me, and I in him, the.&me
bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can-do nothing.

4/ John viii. 23. And Jefns faid unto iJ^e Jews, Ye ire from
beneath-—: ye are of this world, &c.
. € Gal. iv. ?6. Jerufalem which is above, is free, which is
the mother of us all. v. 38. Now we, brethren, as liaac was,
are the children of promife. John i. 1 3. Which wete bom
not of blooKd, nor of the will of the flefli, nor of the will of
roauf but of God. Andiii. f, 6. Jefus anfwtred Verily ve*
lily, I fiiy unio thee, [Nicodemus] Except a man be born of
water' and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king4<ua ^f
God.— -That which bom is of the Spirit is fpirit«

/£ph ii. 3. We-^-were by nature the children of wradii <*
ven as oifaers*

g Rom. iv. 8.^Thc children of the promife are coiuAcd
for the feed.

h Heb. xi. t ). Thefe a]l--<:onfe&d that diey w«re (Iraa-
gers and pilgrims on the earth, i Pet.^ ii. 1 1. Dearly bclof*
ed, I befecch you as ftrangers and pilgrims, 3cc.

Sea. IX ^be Believer's Riddle. ^ 1 7

I trade abroacJi y«t ftay at horae i ;
My tabernacle is mylomb A.
I can be prifon'd, yet abroad;
Bound htnd aqd foot, yet walk with God A

SECT. IX.

^be sufji^rf tf n>ari9m rumes nwn 4d faints and
church of Cbf^ij^; tfr, ^hefiejh and Spirit d^fcrib-
^dfromJnanmat^ things, vegetables andfenjttives.

TO tell the world ray proper name^
I& both my glory aqd my fliame rf:

i Phil. iii. 3p> For oqr converfation is in heftrea, from
^hefice mo we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jefus Cbrift.

k 2 Coif. V' ij 2. For we knawt that if our earthly honfe
4^ tint tabernacle were diiTolved, we have ^ bnilding of God^
«A boufe not nuKle with han^ty eternal in the hetvens« For
ID this we groan eamefllyy defiring to be cloathed upon with
«ar hoafe which is from heaven, v. 4. For we that are in
this tabernacle do groan, beiirg burdened : not for that we
would be unclothed, but clothed upoo, that morU)>lity might
"be fwj^lowed up of life.

/ A<^8 XTi. 24, > 5. The jailor, haviog receired fuch a
<htrge» thiruft them into the injier prifon, and made their feet
fad in the flocks. Apd at midnight Paul and Silas prayed^
«nd Ikog praifes unto God. 2 Tim. ii. 9. Wherein 1 fuffer
trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds ; but the word o'f
God it nptboan<^. 2* Cor. vi. 4, \, Bat io all things ap*
proving ourfelves as the miniflers of God, in much patience,
m afifidtionS} in neceifities, 20 diflrefTes, in ftripes, in impr?fon«
vi^nts, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fadings.

a Hof. i. 9* Then faid God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for
ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. And \u
I. Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi, and to your fiflers, Ru-
hamah. v. 23. And I will have mercy upon her that had
not obtained mercy, and I will fay to them which were not
my people. Thou art my people j and they ftiall fay, Thou art
my. God,

2i8 Gospel Sonnets. Part HI.

For like my blafck but cx^mely face,
My name is Sin, my name is Grace &.

Moft fitly Fm aflimilate
To various things inanimate ;
' A Handing lake c^ a running flood d^ -
A fixed liar ^, a pafling cloud/.

A Cake unturiTd, nor cold, nor hot ^ ; *
A veffel found by a brlken pot i :

b Song 1. 5. I am black* but comelyt O ye daughters of
JcruM«m». at'thc tepits ofKednrt astbexartains of Solomon.
I TiiD* i. i^« Thia is a faithful iiiyii^t' and worthy of al! ac-
ceptation, that Clirift Jefus camie into the world to fa^e fia-
ners; of whom I am chief. I(a..lxti. 2,-3« And the Gen*
tiles (hall fee thy righteoufnefs, and all kings thy glory: and
thou (halt be called by^a new name, which the mouth of the
Lord (hall name. Thou (halt alio be a crown of glory in the
hai^dof the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God*

c Jer. xlviii. 1 1. Moab hath been at eafe from his youth»
and he hath fettled on his lees» and hath not been emptied
from Te(rel to vtflel) neither.iiath he gone into captivity : ther^
fore his tafle remain& in him, and his fcent is aotsChaoged.

d I fa; x!iv. 3. I wiil pour . water upon him that is thir/ty^
and floods upon the dry. ground : I will pour my Spirit upon
thy feed, and my blefling upon thine ofipring«

e Dan. xii. 3. , And they that be wife, (hall Ihinea^ the
brtghtnefs of the firroanentv; and they* that turn many to ngh-
tfoufnefs, as the ftars for ever and ever— /f m/ in i^pofition 9 9 ^
thtijg called y/wDuitnag ftars, Jiide la. ^

/ Hof. vi. 4. O Ephraim, wha (hafi I do unto thee I O Ju-
dah, what (hail I do unto thee? for your goodne(s^is as a
fnorning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

g I^of. vii. 8* £phra^m» he bath mixed himfelf among the
people. Ephraim is a cake not turned. Rev. iii. ij. I know
thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot : I would xhoa
Wcrt cold or hot. , .

h Rom, ix. 21. Hath AOt the potter power over tlie clay,
of the fiune lump to make one yeffel unto honour, and another
unto diihoDOor I \

i Pfidm xxxi« la. 2 am forfotten as a dead msm out of
mind.i i am like a broken veffel.

Sed IX. Tl^e Believer* s Riddle. 219

A rifing fun k^ a drodping wing /;
A flinty xookm^ ^ flowing fpring n.

A soCten beam 0^ a virid ftetn p ;
A aien'ftruous cloth q^ a toyal gem r j
A gaixlem barr'd^ an open field s\
Ac gliding dream /, a fountain feal'd u.

»

kllUxKYi. xui. 43' Tbtn (hatrthe rigteeom (hiae Ibrtfa at
die fuot ia the kisgdooi of dictr Fuller.

/• P^mlv. 6. And J £udy O that I had wings like a dave!
kit then would I fly away, and be at reft.

rn Zech. viu 1 2. They made their he^rtt u an adamant
flone, left ihey (hoald hear the law, and the words which the
Lord of hofts hath ient in hts ^rit by the former prophets,

n John iv. 13, 14. Jefas anfwered and faid unto her-*
WMbeyer drinketh of the Wator that i fhall give him, fliall
never thirft ; but the water that I (hall give him,, (hall be b him
a veil of water (pmgtn^ up into etcrlaftmg U(^.

Ifa. XTii. 9, f o. in that day fhall his ftroog cities be as t
fbrfaken bough, and an uppermoft branch, which they left, be*
caufe of the children of Ifrael: and there (hail be defolacion.
Bccaufe thou haft forgotten the God of thy falvatioo, and baft
not been mindful of the rock of thy ftrehgth s therefore (halt
thou plant piealant plants^ and (halt fet it with ftrange flips*
Chap, xxvii. 1 !• Whoa the boughs thereof are withered, they
(Kali be broken of: the women came and fei them on fire ; for
It if a people pf no nnderftanding, &c.

p Frov. xt. aS. The righteous (hall floarifh as a branch.
Pfalm xcii. 12, 13* The righteous (hall flourish like the palm*
tree : he (hall grow like ttie cedar in Lebanon* Thofe that
be planted in the hoafe of the Lord, (hall floariih in the courts
afonrOod.

q Ifa. <xx. 2 2* Ye (hall defile alfo the covering of myjra*
ren Images of iilver, and the ornament of thy molten images
of gold X thou ftialt caft them away as a menftruous cloth, d^i
fay onto it. Get thee hence. Chap. Ixiv. 6. But we are all as
no unclean thing, and all onr righteoufne(res ars as filthy rags.

r Ifa. ixii. 3. Thoo (halt sifo be a crown of glory in the
hand of ^be IxHrd, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

/Song iv. 1 2. A garden inclofcd is my fifter, my fpqufe.

i Matih xtii. 24, 25.' A&other parable put hc-foith unto

220 Gospel Sonnets. Part UI»

Of YTLYiom tjfgefahks {f^
A fair and lively jnap in me, ,
A fragrant rpfi^ v^ aiioifam^,weed.w j ,
^ A rotting ^^ yet immortal fe^d J^ .

I'm wilh^ringgtaft «, and grawiDg corn^ j
A pleafant fjlant i^, an kkftmw thomiri
An empty vine dy a fruitful tree e;.
An humble flrrub/, a cedar high ^;

^hem, (ayjn^,Tiie iciDg^om of hcftWi ift likeied udto a inaa
which fowed good feed ip his ft^d: t>«t while tti^ (lept, hk
enemy camei a&d {owed tares almoftg the wheat|>ftd ipent bs»
way.

t Song if. f.. C*^ fiite^' »»J * fonntaite of garden*, a \fe!l of
IxTmg waiitiersy ahd (t reams Irom Ldianoii.

tt Sot)g it« 1.2^ A i^ring (hut up^ a foufttain fealed is roj^
fiifer, my fpe^afe.

V Ifa. xxxr. T. The wildemefi a^d tH^ foliufy place ftvM
be glaei A>r them $ and the defitrt ih^l tej;0ice| add blofibiti a^
the rofe.

t» Ifa. V. 4. What could have been d^tie more to my vine-
yard, that I hate ncft done in it I wherefore when I looked
that it (hould bring forth grapes, it brought forth, wild grape*.^

M Gen. iii. 19. In the (west of thy £iee fhak tiiou eat bread,
dll thocT return unto the grouird $ for out of it waft thou ta^
ien : fer dud thou art, smd unto dafi ihalt thou return.

jf I Pet. i. 23. Being bom again, not of corrupttbie (tecf».
but of incorruptible, by the word of G6d wbteh Hveth ahd a*
bideth for ever.

2 Ifa. if K 7. The gtafi wkbereth, the flower fedeth ; be •
cnufe the dpitit of the Lord bioweth upoh it: furely the peo»
pie is grafs.

«»Hof. xiv. ^. Thfey that dwell, under hit ftiadowfliallirc*
turn, they fhall revive as the com, and grow as the ^in^ : the
- fcent thertof (hall be as the wine of Lebanon.

^ Ifa. V. 7.. The vineyard of the Lord of hods is the houie
of Ifrael, and the tnen of Judah his pleafant plant. '

c Mic. vii. 4. The beft of theiti ba bfiet: tke mofl: upright
is (haroer than, a thorn- hedge.

J Hof. X. i. Ifraet is an em^y vine, he bringeth forth frui^
nnto hiinfelf*

Sea. IX. ne Believer'i Riddle. Mi

A noxious brier b^ a harmlefs pine /;
A faplefe twig i, a bleeding vine /:
A ftable fir ;», a pliant bufli ny
A noble oak o^ a naughty rufli p.

e Piajm i. 3. And be fhai! be like a tree planted by the ri-
vers of wafer» \kat bringech forth his. frait io his feafeo i his
leaf alio (halt not jvith^r, and whatfpever he doth fhaii fMrd^er*
/£zek. xvlf. It 6. He t^ great eagle] tookalfo of theJeed
of the landy and planted it in a firaitful field, he phced it by
great waters, and fet it as a willow tree. And it gtew> and
became a fjpreading vine of low flat are, wbpfe branche's turned
toward him, and the roou thereof were under him: fo it her
came a fine, and brought forth branches, and ifhot forth fprigs.
V. 24.' And all the trees of the field fhall know that I the
Xiord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low
tree, have dried op the green tree, and have made^'the dry
tree to fiouriih : I the Lord have fpokf n and hav^ done it.
Mark iv. 30, 3 1 . And Jefos faid, Wherein (hall we liken the
kingdom of God ? or, witi) what comparifon (hall we compare
k? It is like a grain of moftard feed, which, when it is fowo
io the earth, is le(s than all the feeds that be 10 the earth.

g Ffalm xcii. 1 2. The rigliteoaa Ihall grow like a cedar io
Lebanon.

h Mic vii. 4. See letter cl

i Ifiu xH. (9. 1 will fet in the dSefart the fir-tree, and the
pine* ^d the box -tree together-

k John XV. 4. Abide in me, and I in you« As the branch
cannot bear fruit df itfelf, exc^t it abide in the vine; no more
can ye, except jjt abide in me. t/. 6. if a man abide not ia
ae, he is xuilt forth as a. branch, and is withered.

/John xv. 5* I am the vine, ye are the branches : He that
abideth in me,^ and I' in htm, the iame bfiogeth forth much
fruit ; for without me ye can. do nothing. Song ii. 13. The
fig, tree potteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the
tooder grape gFve a g#bd fmell. p. ($. Take qs thefoxes^
Che little foxes thatipotl the vines ; f6r our vines have tender

m lia. Iv. 13. Inftead of the thorn fhall come up the fir-
tree, and inftead of the brier (hall come .up the myrtle- tree ; and
k (hall be to the Lord &>r a name, for an everlalling (ign thar

T3

^01 GOiSP£L SaifHETS. PartllL

With fenfitivei I may compare, ;
While I their various natures ihare : . ^
Their diilin<ft names may juilly fuit
A ftrange> a reafonable brute q.

The facred page my ilate defcribes
From volatik and reptile tribes ;
From ugly vipers r, beauteous birds /j
From fearing, hofts j, and fwinifh herds U

fhdl not be ctut ofT. And \%^ \%. Hhe ghiry of Lebanon ^bsSt
come 4in^ thfe,.the ilMtee* the pine* trtet s^ ^^ ^^ togeth«
cr, to beaatify the place of my {angary, and I will make the
place of my feet glorioas.

n Matth. btf. 7. And as they departed, Jefnt began ta fay
unto the mnHitudes concemk^g John, What went ye Out intfr
die tdlSernefs to fee \ A t^ed ftaken with the wind >

Ifa tt. It. But yet in it fhaD be a tenth» and it (half re-
turn, and ftan be eaten ! ai a teSl fi-ee, and aft an oak whoi^
fubflatice is in them, Wiren they eaft thei^ leaves : & the holy
feed ftiall be the fubflatice thereof. . ' -

fr Ifa. Itiii. c. Is it ftrch a faft that I hate cht^fefl ? a 6^
for a man to afilid his foul ? is it to bow down his head as a>
bulrofhy and to fpread fackcloth and afties under him f wHt
thou qall this a fait, and an acceptable day to the Lord ? ^

q Ffalm Ixxitt. 22- ilofooiifh was I [Afaph], and igno-
rant ; I was a beafl before thee* Frot. txx^ 2. Purely l{[Ar
Jl^r] am more brntifh than any man, and have not the under*
fianding^of a man.

f iMatth. Hi. 7. But when John ftwmany of the Pharife«^
and Sacdacees come to his ba|>Tifm, he faid untothem» Ogeitv
eration of vipers, &c.

/Song 11. II. The time of the ffngmg of birdsis tttttrt, tod
the voice of the tunic is heard in our land. -

J Ifa. Ix. 8. .Who are thefe that fly as a cloud, and as tbe
doves to their windows ?

' t Matth. vii. 6. Give not that which U holy unto the 3<ygi^
neither caft ye your-pcarJs before fwine, leilthey trample them
under their feet> and turn again and rent you, 2 l^et, ii. 12«
But it is happened to litem according to the true proverb, .
The dog is tujned to his own tomit again : and the low that:
waihed to her wallowing in the mire.^

Sea. IX. T'be'Bettevtr^s RiddUi 225

J'm rank'd with beads of difF^rent kind*,
With fpitefiil tygers w, loving hinds v i
And creatures of diftinguifti'd' forms,
With mounting eagles na, c<-eeping worms ,t.

A iliixtnrc of each fort i afti ;

A hurtful fnfakc f, a^hitmlefs lamb z ;

A tardy 'a& a, a fpeedy roe b;

A lioia hoU e, a tii^'nna^ doe d^

A flothful OMsS ^, a bttfy aiit/;

A dovt to irf6uttl ^, a Mtk t6 eftaflt b i ;

tr If^/klinxxii. t6. tor dois hav# coii]}affild mfk ^ ^ta^
bly of tke wicked have indo^ qi«: tbey pierced jmy Ibaads
and my feeu Phil. iiL z Beware of do^gii beware of evilf
workers, beware of' the conci^oo. ... •« 5

p ^{skjfi xviii. ^3< Cod maketh iny feet like hindt fee^.
and £etteth md upon i^ high placet. ^ Pror. v. i^i Ltt ,W
|the wife of thy yomhj[be at the k)triDg,hiBd» aad pleafas^
toe I kt he brnfis £iusify thee at aU timea* and be thoa ra«
▼iiiied alwayt with her lore..

w IQl xU s I . — They ihall mpoot up with wiogt at^ea|^

» PfalxD xxii.^ 6. Bat 1 ana a. worin^ and no man^ Ifa. xU^
14. ('ear not, thou worm jacob» and ye men of Ifraeli jc^..

jt P£djD Iviii. 4* Their poiibn it like tfaepoifon of a fer-
jpent ^ they are like the deaf adcier that ftoppetb her ear.

z John xxu 15.. So when they had dined, Jefut faith, to Siv
mon Petcry. Simon Son of j|pnaS| loYeft thou me more than
ih^^ i He faith qnto him. Yea,. Lord y thou knoweiK that X
love thee. He faith onto him. Feed ray lambs..

« Job xu (2. Vain, man would b^wifc»thoug)l man be bom
like a wild aft^t colt«

6 Prov. vt. j* Deliver thyfelf {jmy fon] at a roe firom the -
kand of the hunter.
. c Prov. xxMiii. U. The righteout are .bold at^ a lion*

d ifa..ii. 19. And they ihall^ go into the hoiea of the rocka^
and into the cavet of the earth, for fear of the Xiord^ add iot
the glory, of hit Majeiiy,. wHenhe arifeth to fliake terribly the

a Plal. Cii». d* I am like an owl of the defart..

^^4 G O SvP E L So N N^E T s, Fail III.

And with'lefs equals to compare,.
An ugly taad /», an angel fair i.

S»E C T* X.

Tife tnyfterf of ihe faints old and neia man fwriher
dsfiribsd ; and the means of tbeir fpirHual life.

TEmptationa breed me much annoys
Yet divers fuch I count all joy ^
On earth 1 fee confi^ons reel. ^ .
Yet wif4om ord'ring all things weli di

/ ProT. ¥1. 6. Go to to the aot», thoa flaggardy 4:oi»fider her
^aysy aod be wiie» &c*

^ Ifa. xxxniu 14. Like a crane-or a fwallbw fb did I ehat^
ter : 1 did mooni a^^a dofe ; miae eyes fail with kolciog op*
VfuA i O Lordy. )^aii»opprefibd«N nadertafce for me. Ezek;
Tii. l6. Bot they that efeape of them (^Ifrael}* ihafi eicape»
aod (hall be on the nioaatains tike doves of the vaHe^isy aU of
them moQrniog evcvy ooe for his intcpmy. .

A Song ii. «2« iSie time of th&fiaging of birds ta comet
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

h Rom. iii^. 1 3^^-*-The poifim of afps is under their lips. Jpb
zl. 4. Bebdkiy lam vil^, wha ihaiM anfwer thee 11 wiU'la]f
jnine hand upoo^ my mouths

k Ads vi. I ;:. And all that fai in the cooncil, looking fled^
fitftly on him [Stephenjf law his face as it had been the fac«
ofan angeh. 2-Cor. iii. 18.. But we aU with open fi^e, be*
holding as in agtafsv the- glory of the-Lord, are changed iata
the fime image* froni^ ^ry to giory^, even ai by the Sfdrtt of
^e Lord. *

a Heb xii. ri. Now no cfaaftening fortheprefelt f^eoicth
to be joyous, but grievonst &c. c Fet. i. 6. Wherein ye
greatly r€^ice> though now for a ieafon (iPneed he)^y^ are ia^
heaviaels through manifold temptations.

b James i. 2.. My brethreo> count kail pf when ye &II10-
to divers temptations. \

€ Pial. Jxxxti. {. They know not, neither will they undeiv
fbnd ; .they walk on in darknefs: all. the foundations of the
earth are out of coorfe*

d Ffal. xxix. 10* The Lord fituth upon the ^ood: yeay

SdEl* JL The Belie^uerh Riddk. 2^5

Vm Wind aad d^af, yet fefc and hear/:
Dumb, yet cry, Abba^ Father^ plain j;,
Born only once^: yc^;boro ^ain A.

JS^y . hmr t*d St tnirtor 4in^ and bi4gh« ^, /
4 cqmpoui>d ftr«t>g$. ^ day ^d night i :

the Lord fktcth King for evcr» And Ixxxix. 9» l*hoii rol*
eft the rigtngof the fea: when the wa?ei diereof artfe^ thoa
ftilieft them. Ronu fiik 28. And wt kn^w that ail thingf ^
work to^tther for goedy to. them that love (#ed» to them who
jre the called according to hit purpofe*

« Song ▼. i» I fl€C|>> bat my heart wtketh : it it the voke
ef mjr Beloved that knockethr fay mg» Open to me» fn3r iifteis
nif iove» my ^ix^t^' my tindei^d : for my head is^ filled with
^n^, aod my locks with the drops of the nightir

/.I (a. xlti; 1 9, 10. Heaf, ye deaf» and look^ ye blind, that
yetfoay fee* Who vk biindy bot my fervant? or deaf, as mf
meifengef tluit I fent ? who is bliad as he diat is perfe^» and
blind as the Lord's iersaht \ And xxxv* j*. Then the eyes
of vHe hiiod (hall be €|«nedf and^the ears of (be deaf ihall be
vn/loppedi . ""

' ^ I&« XXXV. 5. Then ihall— «>the toi^ue of the dumb fio^^
fm in the wilderaelsv i9ull waters break ont, and ftreams ift
the ddart. Rom. viii. 1 5. t^or ye have not received the fpi^
ric of i^ondage a^n to fear ; bot ye have received the Spirit
of o^ofdon, whereby we cry » Abba, Father.

h John ill. 5, — 6. Jefas anfwered and faid anto him, [Ni*
eoiemos]], Veriiy, verily I % «nto tbee» Excepta man be
bom 9Bgwi^ he camot fee the kmgdom of Ood« . Hieodetnli*
fiuth unto him> How can a man be born when he is old ? can ho
eater the fecond time into his mother's womb^ and be born ?
Jefus anfwered. Verily; verily 1 fay anto thee. Except a mas
be born of water aod of ^ Spirit, he cannot eater ioto tho
kingdom of God. That which is born of Ihe Aeih, is ^ih s
and that which is born of the Spirit, is f{»rit.

i JLam% v. 1 7* For this our heart is (aint^ lor thele thuigs.
•vr eyes are dim., lia. lixsaix, 5* And the eyes of them that
let, ihalJ not be dim, &e«

k Zech. xiy* 7. But it ihall be one day* which ihall be.

Tjw>

226 . G O SP EL S O Zi^r N E TS. ?^ III.

Of dung an<ji dl'mpnd's, drof^a|id,gcdd.(^
Of fummer Heat, and wint?er cqld fn.

Down like a ftonc 1 fink and dive ir;.
Yet daily upward foaf and thrive ^v
To h^a^n I fiy, to earth I tend^ ;.
Still better. gvow, yet iKver mend y,*

knovm to the Lord, not day, nor night: bat it (hail coQie to^
paft, that at- evening time tt fhttf be JigKt»

/ Mat. it. 3. Behold I will corrupt yoar feed, and Ipread*
^- dung bpon your faces, even th^ dung of your folemn feailsf
and one fhall take you away whli it. Phil. iti. 9. Yea doubr*
lefs and I count all things but bfs*, for the excellency of the
knowledge of Chrift Jefus nty Lord: for whom Ibayf foffer»
' ^d the lofs of a!| things, and do count them but dung that I may
win Chrifl. I fa. Ixii. 3^ I'hou (halt alfb be a crown of glory
in the hand of the ttori, and a< royal diadeifn in the hand of
thy God. Ifa. i« ^5. And I will tunr my hand upon thee^
and purely pixrge away thy drolsy '^nd take away aft thy tinr*
Job xxiii. EO. God knowe^h the way that I taKe: when he^
hath tried me, 1 fhall come fonh as gold.

m PTalin xxxix. 3.. My heart was hot within^ me, while f
was mufing the fire burned. Luke xxiv. 3 Z4 And they Iai<l
one to' another, Did not our hearts burn wkhm us, while he
talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the
fcriptures I Matth. xxiv. C2. And becaufe iniquity (hall ai^
bound, the love of maay fhall wax cold. Rev. li. 4. Never^
iheleis, i have foraewhat againft- thee, becaufe thoahaft left
thy firft love. ^ "

n Pfal. xlii; &, 7. O my €rod, my foul is ca(l down within
fne: therefore wtii L remember thee from the land of Jordan^
and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizir. Deep caileth
unto deep, at the noife of thy water- fpouts : all thf waves
and thy billows are ^one over me*

Pfal. xlii. Bf 9. Yet the- Lord will command his loving-
kindnefs in the day time, aqd in the night his (bog flial) be
with me, and my prayer u<lto the God of niy life. T will iky
wnto God my rock, Why haft thou'forgotrea me ? why go I
motirning becaufe of the oppreffion of the enemy I v ij. why
art thou caft down, O my foul? and*^ why anrt thoo dik|u;eted
^Kiihia me ?j hopethoa^in GK)d^ for 1 willyet praife him^ v^ Is

SivSt. K; The Believer's Rtddk. 227

My hea,v*n and glory's fure to me.
Though thereof fddbm ftire 1 be r:
Yet what makes me the funer is, »
God is my glory yj 1 am his #*

^he health of my countenance, and my God.

rp Col. iii. r» 2. If ye then be rifen 'with Chrift^ feek thdb
things which are above, where Ckrift'fittetfa on the right hand
-of Qod. 8ci yoar aitefttons on things a!bore,'not on things* on
the earth. Pfal. xlivl 25. Our foul is "bowed down to the
■daft : our belly cleayeth unto the earth.

q Hof. xiT. 5. I will be as the dew onto Tfrael v he (hall

.^ow as the lily, and caft forth hu roots as Lebanon, v. 7.

They that dwdl under Iyis fhadow (hall return, they (hall re*

-^ve as the corn, and grow as the vine : the (cent thereof

fliall be as the wine of Lebanon. PhiL iii. 12, 13, 14* Not

as though I had already attained, •either ;were,already perfef^ :

but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which alio

1 am apprehended pf Chrift Jefus. Brethren, I count not

' Qiylelf to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, forget-

^ting^hole things which are ^hind, and reaching forth unta

thofe things which are before, I pre(s toward the mark, for

the pri^e of the high calling of God m Chrift Jefus. Horn, -

vii. 2 3, 24. But I fee another law in my members, warring

ftgainft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to

the ]aw>of fin, which is in my members. O wretched man that

Laflif who (hall deliver me from the body of this death ?

r John xiv. 29 3. In my Father's. houfe are many man-
fioDS \ if it were not fo, I would han^e told you : I go 10
prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for
you, J will come again, and receive you unto myfelf, that
A/here I tm, there ye may be alfo. 2 ret i. ^q. Wherefore
the rather brethren, give diligeace to make your calling and
ele^on fure. Heb. iv. i. Let us therefore fear, left a pro*
miie being left us of entering into his reft, anyof yoaihoul3
lee;^ to come (kort of it.

/, P&l. ui. 3. But thou, O Lord, art a (hield for me ; my
gloryy and the lifter up of mine bead. Ifa. Ix. ig. The fun
ftiall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightnefs (hall
the mdbtt give light upto tltee, but the Lord (hall iie unto thee
ao fverlafting light, and thy God thy glorv.

/ Ifa. xlfi. 1 3. I will place falvation in Zion for Ifrael

228 GosFEL Se*fKETj|. Part IH,

My life*$ ^xposM to ojpm vfew h
Yet clofely hiJ^ mA known to. ^ w u*
Some know mypfcict^ aad whence I cattle, '
Yet neither wbexide, »or VB^here I am v,

M 1 live inearth, whicli Is not odd ;

r But ife, f tiMb livie in God w r

A Spirit withoiit flefti anc! blood, ' • /
Yet with thentbotfa to yield riie food x.

I leare Avtt^ btbei^ five tr^bny
Yet live I hot Qii bregiJ alone ; .

BMt.food a4ap^4 to my ipiDdi

3are wor4$, >^t Qot 9a empty windy*

my glory. zCdr. viii. ^3. ^^tlier <Jo a^y eQ.q.viire of 'H-
tu8, he is my partner, and fellow- (telp^r concerning yQu; or
our brethren be inquired off they ar^. ihc meflei^crs pf the
churches, and the, glory of Chrift,

t P(al. xHv. 1 3. Thou makeft us a reproach to. oi^r neigh*
hburs, a fcorn and a deriHon tp them that are round abpol us«

u doU iii. 3. Your life is hid with Chrift in God.

V John iii. 9, 10. Nicodemus anfwered and faid goto him^
^ How can thele things be ? Jefus anfwered aiid faid uotp him.
Art thou a mafter ^Ifrae}, and knowefl not th^fe things ?
Prov. xii^. to. IThe hea^t knoweth his ow^ bitternefs ; and
a {Iranger doth not' intermeddle with his joy. % John iv. ifi.
And we have knpwti and. believed the love that God hath to
us. Qod is love ; and he that dwelleth in Igve, dwelltth ia
.<!>Qd, and God itt him.

w 6a^. 11. zp. t am crucified with Chrifl ; Neverthelcls
tlivei yet ridt I,. butChrift liveth in me : and the life which
I now hve in theflefh, I live by the ^h of the Son of Gody
who loved me^ and gave himfelf for me.

X John itr. 2d. God is a Spirit, and they that worfhip him,
moil worihip him in Spirif and in truth. And vi. 5 j, 5^4, ^j.
Then JTefiis faid un^o them, [the Jews], Verily, ycrily I fey
utftoyc^u, Except ye eat'fhellefh bf the Son 6fmaa» and
drink his bipod,. yp have no life in you* Whofp cateth my
fletfi.^Jmi dridWth my bfpod, hath eternal Kfe, aiTd ^ wfil raife
him tip 9^ thtlifl; day. For my flcfli i« meat indeed, and my
'^od is drink indeed

Sea. XI. ' The Beliwer's RtddU. . 229

, I'm no Anthri^papte tiide.

Though fed with htimao fiefti aad bloodf ;

But ti vc fuperhti vely fine,

My food^s aU f]>irk, aUdrvmes^ •

I fbtft 911 fatotfs night and day Wt •^ ^
Yet pinch'd for wAnt I pirte jr^ay 1^ ^

My leaiiAci&« kaitndi^ ah ! Xcry r;
Yet fat and i^\\ of fii^ am I ^«

y Mattk. i^. 4. . Sot }eftii9 aillwQKed aiici (aid {tittto die
titm^ierj. It it wriuen» Man (hall not live by bread itone* but
by every word that ^aeeedeth o«t of tke mootli cf God. Jer.
K9, 16. Thy words wereib«nd» wcA I did eat them ; aod
thy word was oitto ms the joy .and c^oiciii^ <if mide heart,
f«r I am called by thy name^ O Lord God of faofia.

X John vu 57» |8. As the living Father liaih fent me,
audi live by ikt Father : b he that eateth me, even he (hall
live by me. This is thft bread whieh came down from b^v-
«D : fiiOt SIS yodf fiitbers'dtd eat idaakKi^ and cut dead : lie
that eateth of diis bread Ihall live &r ever, v* £3. It is the
Spirit that quicfcenethy the fleAi profiteth nothing : the words
that I (peak unto yon, they are fptrit and they are life.

« Ifii. &irv. 6u And in this nlottntain (hail the Lord of hoAs
make unto all people a feaft of &t thingt} a feaft of ^nes on
the leeSi of fat things full of fnarrow» of wities on the lets
weU refided. PfaL t. 2. iBut his delight is in the kw of the
IiOrd» and tn his law doth he meditate day and night.

b Ifa. x!i« 17. Wlien the poor and needy feek waterf and
there is none, snd their tongue failedi for thirft* 1 the Lord
will hear them, I the God of Ifrael will not forlake them.
P(a1. xL 17. Bin I am poor and needy, y«i the Lord thinketh
upon me : thoa art my help and my delivercri make 00 taf ry-
tng, O my God.

f Ifiu xxsv; t6. From the uttermoft part of the earth have
we heard ibngi, even glory to the r^hteous : but I faid, My
leaonefs, my leannefs, wo unto me:, the treacherous. dealers
have dealt trciacheroufly; yea, the treacherous. dealers have
dealt very treachtroii%.

d PiaL xcti, ij), 14. Thofe that bf pitted in the hou(e of
the. L6rd> (^1 flonrim io the courts of iour God Tbe/ fiull

^30 Gospel Sonnets. Eart III.

As all amphibious cFeatwes do» ^

1 live in land and water too f : ,
To good and evil equal bent /I
Tm both a devil ^, and a faigit A.

. While fome men wJiQ on earth ar^ gods i^
f Are with the Go4- of hcav*n at odds, if, ^
'My heart, where hellifli legioh^ are /, ' ^
^ Is with th& hc^ofi beli at war «& • -'i

Sill bang ffuth fi-Uit in oldage : &ity thill be fat and ffduHfb-
ing. AM civ. i6. The trees'of the Lord are full o[Sa,]p: the
M4art^QfX€baA0B.^hidi hfihath plftBied. '

c Pf^L cxru g. I will walk before the Lord io the land of
the Ihring. And Ixiy. r> 2. Savt nie» O God, for the waters
are come in unto my foul. 1 fink in dtcp n^irct where there tt
no (faodingi I am come into deep waiters where the floods o-
Terflow.ffle. ,And lic^xviii. 17* Thy terrors come round ar
'"bout me daily like water, they compared me about together*

/Rom. vii* ai« I £nd theo a law^ that when I would do
^ood^cTil is prefent with me.

£ John ?i« 70* jefus anfwered them. Have not t chofcb
yoo twelte».and one of you is a devil? And viii. 44. Y.e are
of your father the devil, :uid the luft of your Father ye will
do. JffncM lii. 1 5.. This wifdom delcendeth not from above»
%t is* fiafthly, feploaJi de riiifli.

• i I C^r. vt. 1 1. And fuch were ibme'of you; but ye are
wafb^dr bfit^ are fan£lified» but ye are juftified in the name
of thjC Lord JefuSy and by the Spirit of our God.

i Pfain Jxxxii. 6. 1 have iaid| Ye are gods : and all oFyoa
aic( chii4reii of the Moft High. \

i Piai« ixxxii. I, 2. God flandeth in the congregation of
-^he ^ itii^y 2 be }odgeth among the Gods. How Jong wiU ye
judge arjufllyi and accept the perlons of the wicked ? Sefah.
»/f. Th^y knoni^ not, neither wiU they underfiaiid: ,they
walk ofi.:iQ,4arknaf8 : all the foundations of th^ eartH are'^'c^iit
<)f courCb* : , *

/MactbtXy. ig^ For oui of the heart proceed evil thought^t
inurdi^fSi adol|eriesgufornicatipn)5f thefts, fiitfe-witnefs, blalphe*
iiues# Ifuke vui* .^^o* And Jeius ;ifked himt faying. What U
thy name? and hi9^Xaidt.4«^i9n i.J>CCattCf .Q^jT d^TiIs
watered jfOtj^hipy,, ■ - . ,^^/

Sea. X- the> Believer's Riddle. ^ 23 1

My will fulfils what's hard to tell.
The counfel both of Heav'n n aiid hell :
Heav'a, without fin, \;vill*d fin to be^;
Yet will to fin^ iis fin in me y^

To duty feldorn I adhere r.

Yet to the end 1 perfevercjc "

^ Eph. vi. 12. For we imftk Mtag^ft Afh wA hSiodf
but agaioftjriocipalitkiSy ^ainft powers, agaioft the rulers of
the dkfkoeiu of this worI(^ agabft (piritaiil widcedddfs/ in
fiigh places* '

« Rev. X711. 17. For God haA jiat in Aeirhcjbts to ftffl
, his wiiJ» and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the l^eaftt
until tlie words of God fhau be folfilled.

Eph. it. 3.' Among whom alfb we all Imd otir convcrfadoa
tn times paft, Jif the iafls of our flefh» folfiiting the defiresof
the fie A, and of the mind; a6d went by nature the children of
wrath, even ai others.

p James i. fj "L.et no ma<k Gif when he is tethptcdi I an
t^rnpte^ of God; for Godicaondt be tempted with eViV nti«
Iher teftipteth be any man. Aftsi ijr iJ5. And ^ in thofe
days Pet^r (Idod up in the mid^ of the ^fciples/. and faidf
Men and brethrenft this fcriptare muft needs haref been fulfil*
fed, whrch the Hoi^ Ghoft by the month of David Tpake be-
fore concerning , JudaSf which was guide to tMem^ihat took
J^fus. And ii. 13. Jefus of Nazar^h, being defiTered by the
determinate couniel and foreknowledge of God| ye have uikenj
and by wicked hands have crticified and flatn. . An4 iv. iff
,^9. Fcfr of a trath^- igaanik ttiy holy child Jefusir whom ihoa
ha/l anointedi both Herod and Fodtius ^iiatey wkh the Gen*
tUe's/ and the people orifrael were gathered togethecv &r to
^o Whaifbever tliy hand and t)ty cotiniel d^rtnined before llo
be done. \ ^ . - - ^

' j Ho£ v.'*tt Ephraim b Opprefied, and htoktti in jldg^
ibentt' becaufe he wiUiiigly walked ai^er th^ cit^nm aflfdment.
2 Cor. viti. u» 12. Now therefore perform the doiii^of it ;
that ai there was a readineft to^ Will, (o there niay t^ 4 per«
^oitiiaace ai(b out of that whieh you have. For if th^re be
firft a'^williil^ mmd, it is ^aceepted'^^ceirdlhl; to that s^min.

hath, and' not aiccordbg to that he^hath*iid».^ ^'>- ;

. r PfaJ. cxix, 1 76. 1 have gone aitray like%toft flicispi ftdc

2^2 GospvR,i..5oNif)£Ts. Birt. HI.

. I die and mt biei^athrt^jdodf.Xi r
Yet live anji rqign 93 lopg .as God /. ,

SECT. XL '.

Th myj^^rx ^C h u i s t» bis ncmts^ natures j and

• i^ces^'- '

YLoJd, appears J awake, my foul, '

Admire his name, thi Wonderful ^p

' An iftffnite and firjite mind ^,
j^ternity ajid t:ii»e cpnpin^d^.

'TbeeverfaJlhgFatBerRyVd,
y et latelj' born, the y irgin's cliild d^

thy fsrinmti for I da net foigct iby eomniahdmcntf «

/ Heb. x.j^. Bot we arc not of them wfcib draw l«ck m»«^
f» peoditioo ^ W of llfem tllatteHcve, lo tbe faring of ^e fo«l»

;! Pf^. xc. V 'I'i^^ou tufneft mm to deflitiaioo; aadfay^i^'
Retorn:^ jc chiidfeii of men.

I John y* 24. Verity yerily I &y unto yoo. He tto liear*
eth ray word, /and bcKevftb on htfli that fent^mev ^^ etei^'
Itfling life) and &ail not come unto condemnation i but is pd»
fed from death onto lift. Rev. iii. 2f • Td hivtk ih>^ ^rarcom*
eth \Kill I grant ta fit With nae in svy thrunei e?en as I aHo
QTercame^' and am (n down with ray father in his throne^
And xKiu 5* And there (hail be no ni jhc ^€r«, and the<f*
meed no caadlny neither li^t of thefnn $ fer the Lotd God
gtreth them light ; and they (hall reign lor ever and erer.-

it Ifar ix« 6. For uhto ns a ehtld is botn, nnto us » &a is
:|iren» and* the gorerment ihaU be upon )m (boulder i knd his*
name Oiail be cjiled WonderfuL

,6 F£i]. cxlvti. 5. Great is otut Lord» and of great power ;
his inde? ftanding ia infinite. Luke ii.- 5 ». And Jefos mcres^'^
edjn wifdom and ftpture, and tn^ faronr with God' and irtan.

c Ga). ir. 4. But when the fulneft of the time was come, ''
God ^t forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law. -

d JUa> tx. 6i For unto u^ a child iy born— i and his inante
(hal) be called«i»Tte cterlafling Father; Matth.'h aj. B^-.
*~Md, a virgin Aail t« with childf and AaU bring forth a So&t

Seft. .XI. I The Believer^ s fiiddle* 233

Nor father ho, nor mother had,
Yet fail with both relations clad e..

, His titles differ and accord,
As David's fon, and David's Lordy.
Through earth and hell how cotiqu'ring rode
The dying man, the rifing God g !

. aod they ihall call his name Emmaiioe], itdiich befpg mt^prfc*
ted, isy God with OS.

tf Heb. vii. 3. For this Melchiiedec-^^withoot f^cr, wkh*
but mother^ without defcent, having neither beginning of days^
nor end of hfe ; but made like unto the Son of G(^d, abideth a
p'left continually, l^uke iij» 4.S9 49. A^od when |bey faw hlm»
they were amazed : and his mother faid unto him, Son« why
baft thou fo dealt tmth as i behold, thy father and I hare
fought thee forrowing. And he faid unto them, How is it that
je fought me ? wtft ye not that I mafl be about my Father's
bufinels?

/ Matlh.ltxji. 4f>-*-45* While the Pbarifees were gathered
togethtr^ Jefu^ aiked them, (aying. What think ye of Qirift ?
whofe foQ is he ? They fay^unto him, The Son of David, tfe
^tb uato them, How then doth David in fpirit call him
2^ord» faying. The .Lord laid unto my Lord> Sit thou oa my
right hand, till I make thine enemies thy-foojtftooi ? If David
thfa call him Lord, how is be his fon, &c.

g Matth. xxi. 5. Tell ye the daughters of Zion, Behold,
thy King cometh unto thee, meek>^ and fitting upon an afs,
a^ a coU the foal of ap afs. v. 8, 9. And a very great mul-
titode fpread their garments in the way mothers cut down
branches* from the trees» and ilrawed them in the' way/ A^nd
the multitude that went before, and that followed, cried, fay-
ing* Hofanna. to the. Son of David : bleilbd islbe that cometh'
tn^the name of the Lord, Hofanaa in the highefl. v, iz.
And Jeitis went into the temple of Cod, add eaft out all
them that fold a^d bought in the temple^ 5nd overthrew the
/tables <jf the money-chaagers, aod the it^is of them that fold
doves^ Col. ii. l 3. And having fpoxied priacipattties and
powers, he fna<de aihew ofihem openly, triumphing over them
iau l^his cro&2* >ilcm. i^v. 2(. Jefus our Lord was deliver^
ed for bur ofiea^ei^ and was raifed agaiB for our juCHfication.

My nature is corruption dooiriM hz ' • '
Yet when my Mature he - alffim^d) ^ - *'
He nor on him (to drink the brook) i
My perfon nbr corruption took k. '

* . Yet he affum*d my (in and' guilt /,
For which the noW^ bh)^ was fpilt.
Great was the guilt overflowing flood, ,
The creature's and Creator's blood m I

Eph; it. ^, Wherefore ht f D^indJ faifli, Whtoi he afcendbd
np on Wg!»i he Jed captivity 'captive, ind gave gifts Wixo^tnem
Itom. ). 4. Jefas Chrift our Lord was declared to be the Son
of God with power, according to the ljpiri#of holmefs, hy the
rcfarrcftion from the dead. *.

' f! Eph. iv. 27. Pat off coiicermng the former cobv'erfatieh^
the old man which is corrupt, according to the deceitfotiaftn

iPfd. ex. 7. He ihall drink of the brook i« the waiy:
therefore (hal! he lift up the head»

k Rom Till- 3* God fent his bwti'Son, in the Eken^of
llnTol ftefh, and for fin eondemned^n in the fleih. Johft i/i^.
And the Word wis made fleih, aid dwelt among us (and we
beheld his g^ory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Es«
thei^ .full of grdce and truth. Ltske i. 3 5. And ^e angel an*
(wered and faid tinto Mary, The Holy Ghoft Ihall com^tt*
])on fhee, and the power of the ifigheft ^all oveWhftdow thee:
therefore a!fp that holy thing which fh&ll be borh of thee, fhal(
he called the fon of God. Heb. ii. 16. For ferily, he look
not on him the natjjre of angels: but he took 6n hirfi the feed
^Abraham. AncJ vii. 26, 27. For fuch an Hfgh Pneftbe-
eame uS*vHirho is hoty, liarmlefs,' undeKIed, feparate from Ho*
oersy ana made higher than the heavens ; who needeth not
daily, as thofe high priefts, to offer up facriSce, firft forliis
own fins, and then for the people's: for this hi ^d odc^*
when he offered upr himfelf.

/ Ifa 1*ii, 5, 6. AJlWlike fheep have^gone aftfay : wfrt«vc
turned every one tO hit own way, and' the Lot^d hath4aid on'
l^im the iniquity of liS alL 2 Cor. v. ) . God h^th hiade
Chrift to be (in for lis, who knew ho fin ; that we might be
made the righteoufh'cfsof God in him. Matth. xx. i8. ' The
Son of man came to gtv^ his life a ranfbfn for man vj

^ Rom, iiil 2j. Whom God haihfet forth to oe a propi-

Seft.XL TiieEflitnitr^s kiddie. . 235

The Chief of cbiiefi^. amaaiog came »,
To beat the gior^ and > the ^fiiame ^ ; >

Anoipted Chief with oil of joy pf^
Crowned Chief wkbtborne of (harp aunov o.

Lo, in his white and ruddy face . [ .
V Rofes and lilies ftrive for place r j
The morning^itar, the rifiiig fun * ^

With equa) ipeed and. fpleadour run/

Ui«doa» thfous^.Mth iaJiit blood, to cicclafe^.irig\»(epurf)e&.
for the remtfli.oii^of iin» that are paft, through the forbearance
6f G^ Afb XX. 28. Feed th« church p( (rod, whicb tie
1i4th ptirchafed mxh hit own . blood. ^ Pet. i. iS^ J9^ Fo;r
as much as ye know that ye were not ^redeemed wit$, cbrrap*
tiUethiogH &> iUver and gotdf from your vuo conyer^itioo
received by tradition from you^r fathers^; biit with the pre<;t*
oaa h\ood of Cbrift, aa of a Lamb withoat blemi^ and ]v\tH«
Out fpot. I John iii. t6. Hereby perceiTC we the lo?c of
<}od« hecaufe he laid.dowahit lif(^for jat. " ^

n Rev. i. 4, ^. Grace be luito yoa» and peace from r-J<cljif
Chrift^ who is the faithful witnefs, and the firft. begott^p of i^
^dkd» atid the prince of the kings of the eafth. , ,1^ .

9 Zech. «i. ^a9 ij* Bebq|d« the- man wKofe nam^ i% thjs
BR A.I)il€H--he ihall build the ttmple of the Loi;^, lariA Ivs
ihali bear tbe glory. Heb, xil a. Jefa9» for the joy that yas
kt before him) eadored the crofs^ dc^idng the ihamet &c*<v
f JMal. xl?. 7. Thou lo?eft righteoiifiieis» an4 hateflr wici;*
tdntii: therefore God, thy Gody bath a<iointed thee ^iththe
oil of gladnctfl above thy fellows.

f Matth..xxvii< 99. And when they had platted' a 9royo
of diornS} they putn aponhis head» and a reed io.his.n^t
: iiand : and they bowed the knee before himy a^d. mocked hiip^
, ^Hyingt Hail king of the Jews.. . . '

r Song it. i. I am the rofe of Aharon* ancltbe lily, 0^ the
Talijiyj|. And ▼• 1,0. Myheloved is whitje and ruddy» the
'.cbif/e(l among te^ ihoj^fand. ,
. /Rev. xxii. 16./ VtJ*fwsj an)^ the root and the pffspring
of Pafidy and the' bright an4 marning Rar. Mai. Iv. :2, But
utsto you ;that; fear my n^m^^ -ihall the $up brtighteopCnd*^ a*
rife with h€«^ii>fi in hif >Mings:.aj9d ye, ihali go forth aad,^row
up as cdres of the fialL /

-I

236 G o s i^ « L S o N N E'T s. Part IBL

* How glorioas is the chiirchTs t^ad; /
The Son <rf God, the .woman's feeiJjii »
How fearcblefs k his noble clati /' ' •

. The firfl;, the laft, tj»e fij^coiid tmii u I * > ^

With equal brightneli in Ims feco, »
Shines diyihejuftice, divine grace 3«rj
The jarring glories kindly meet, .
Stern vengeance and compn&on fweet tc^tu -

'. • '«.-.'.■■«• «■

i Col. 1. 18; And ChriR is the bead of thebodyi the
church! who is the beginaihg, the Brft* born from the dead ;
that in all things he might have the pre-cmi'neDce. ^ John iiu
1 6* God fo loved the worlds that h^ gave his onl^egotten
. Soiif that whofbever believeth in hm,^ ftiouM niot {erifH, but
have everlaAing life. Gen. ill. i s* And I [the Lo^d GbdJ^ -
will imt enmity between thee and the woman, and betweea
thy ieed and her feed : it (hall bruife thy head, and thou (halt
bruife his heel. L

f )fa. liii. 8. He was taken from^prilon'and from, judg-
meet : and who mall declare his generation?-^ Prov, xxx., 4^
Who hath afcended up into heaven^ or defcended I wlio hatk
gathered the wJ^^d in, his (ids? wh6 hath bound the waters li
k garment ? who hath eftabliilhed afi the ends pf tjie earth ? what
is -his n'ame, and what is his Son's name, if thou.canA tell i >

u Rev. i. It. I am Alpha and Omeg^ the £rS and the .
la(lf« ^f Cor. XV. 45. The laft Adam was made a quickeninj^/
ipirit* V. 47. The fecond man is the Loird from heaVi^n.

y iCor. iv. 6r For God, who commanded the light to
fliine out of darknefs, hath fbined in oor hearts, to give the .
tight of the knowledge of the glbry of .God, tntheface of Jefus.
ChriiL RonV. iii. 24, 2^^ 26. Being juftiilcd freely by his grace .^
through the redemption that is in jefus Cbrift :. whom. QoiL /
. hath \t\ forth to be a propitiation, throu^^h faith iri his bioodj to .
decide his righteoufnefs for the remiflion of fms that are pafly
through the fbrcbcarance of 6od.; to declare, I fay, at this
time his righteoufnefs: that he might ^e ju(l« and the juftifcer
of him which beiieveth In Jc^us. Epb.i. 6»^7, To the praife
of the glory 4)f his ^grace,' wherein he hath made us accepted '
in the beloved : in whom we have redemption through his ^lood^ .
the forgivenefs of fios According to the riches of his grace." ;

Scat XL: T)be Beikife^s Riddk. 237

God is a Spirit , feetns^ it oijd
To firig stolid dicf Hood of God «?.
Yea, hehce nsiy pQl<re and Joy reiult^
And hecctoy kfttog hope k.biuk^. '

Love through his blood ^ v«^t.has fought,
Yet diviaae love was never bought :
Mercy coufd never putchas^d be; ,
YetevVy meccy pnrchias'd he «. ;

His triple ftatipn brought my peace^
T^lhc Altar, Prifft, and Sacrifice a;

w Rom. T. 20, 2r» Bvt wliere fin aboiinded» grac6 4x4

lUDch more aboiuad : that as fin hath rdgoed unto death, prta

fo might grace rtign (hroagh righteos&efs unto eieraal Itfep

bv J^^s Cbrift oar Lord, nal. Ixxxr. lo* Mercy and truth

' afb meft together ; righteoofntrs and peace ha?e klSed each other. .

x John itr. 24. God is a Spirit, and they that worfhip him»
nttft wor(hi^ him in fpim and in troth. A£ts xx. aS. Feed the
chafch ^God| wi^ich he hath pur chafed -with hiaown bSood*

j^ ftom* ▼• u There^re biing joAified h^ faiih» we hava
peace with God* through oc^r Lord Jcfas Ghrift^ ,t^. io«
For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by
the death of lus Son ; mach'more being reconeiled, we fhal(
br (aved by his lifi^. 1 Pet. iii* is» .9e ready always to give
aa acfweir to fvcry man that ^(keth yoi> a veaibn of the hope.
thai is in yoU) with meeknefs ami fear, v 1%, ForGhrili
huh alib anoe offered for fins, the''ju(): for the un}u(^; (that he
might bring us to God), being put to death in the ^H^ bui
quickened by the Spirit.

irRoiii.f. 9. Moch niore ihan being now joAifiedbyhis
Uood,. -we ihall be faved froim wrath, thtovigh him. v. 2i.
Sie fetter w. Joho iii. i6» God fo lo^dthe world, thai: he
g^ve hit only begottea Son, that whoibe?er .beliemh in hini^
AiKtld QOt peoihf bat have everlaftiag life. Rom. i»k n. God
ftith 10 Mofes, I will have mercy on whom .1 wiiLhavt mer**
cy,aQdl win havieeompafiiQQiDO whot^ I wiU have compaiSonr*
£p|}. t. a. Blefied Wxtie God and Father of our Lc^rd >Aii
thrift, who Hath b(i^lisd \ia with all fcirttttaKlkte&igs to teavr ^ '
cnly places 10 Chrift.' y. ■ ' ^ ; * '

a rieb. xiii. io« V^e have an altar whereol they have no

238 Go s PE L Son N ET s. Part III:

His triple office evVy thing,

My Pried, my Prophet is, ^nd Kitig b.

This King, who only man becaqje,
Is both the Lion and the Lamb c:. ^

A King of kings^ and kingdopis broad d i >
A fervant both to man and God e*

right to eat, which ktre the ts^rnacle. And H-iy^ Where-
fore ia all tluDg9 -It beliQwl him to be made Ifke uata lut
brethren ; that he might be a mercifql and &i(hfni high fjn^f
in things pefiainingitd God>tomake recondlkrtionfortlvrfiaa
of the pec^le. Md . ix. 2^* Bat now oxijce in the end of jhc
world*, hath Cnrift appeared to pot away lin by the (acn£ce of
himfelf.

S A6t9 vit. 37. 'This is that Mofes which (aid onto thecbif*
dren of Ifrael, A. prophet fhall- the Lord yourCrod raiic Qf( unto
ybu of your brethren, like unto .me; him ftwU ye hear» Uit>
j^xxiii. 22. The Lord is our |adge> the Lord is our iawgirar'
the Lord is our King, he will (ave us* '

^ c t Tira* ill. i6» And without controverfy, great is the
nyftery of godlinefs : Gad waa manifcft ki the ^(h, ^c« ReVt^
▼• 5, 6. And one of the ciders Taid unto me fJo^^O W^
DOt^ behold the Lion of the tcibe of Judah, the root ofpa-
Tid, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loofe the ferea'
feals thereof. And 1 beheld, and lo, in the midfi of the throney
and of the four beads, and in the midil ofihe eldert, ftood %■
Lamb as ft iiad been H^in, hamg feven horns* and iefen
cyesy which are the feven Spirits of God feat forth jnto all the
eanh. p. 1 1^. Worthy is the Lan^ that was fhiin^ to r^c^eife
power, and riches, and witiom, and ftrength, and honoart
and glory, and bleiEng»

d Rev.xix. 16. And he [^the Word of Godj hath oil .his
▼efture and on his thigh a nano- written, ItlNG OF
KINGS, ' AND LORD OP LORDS. Uu xxxvii. 15;
' l6. And He2ekiah prayed unto the L&rd^ faying, O Lani;
of hods, Grod of Ifrael, that dwelieft between the chenB^iint^
thou art the God, even thou alone, of all tiie kingd<^ <»
the earth, thou haft n^e heaven and earth. Rev, Jii.;^5»^
And the feventh angel founded* and there were great voices
in heaven, fifing^ Che kingdom^ of tht^ world are rb^ome^
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of hi^ Cbiafl^ ui4 hc^ fh^
rtign for ever and even . /

&^rXl. fie Believer's Riddle. . . ^1^39

This Prophet kind himfelf has fet
To be my book and alphabet,
And ev*ry needfuHetter plain,
Alpha ^ Omega, and Aoienf»

SECT. Xll:

•> A

Tbe.n^yjlery^ t^the B^iliever^sjimdjhte further en*
. . Jargea ; and'iif S^ii^f^fi^^h . out ofeoiL

BjEHOtDi rm all d^fird with fin a^
, Yet lo, all glorious am .within b^
z In Egypt and in Goflien dwell c;
Still movelefsj and in motion ftill d.

' > Mattfi/xv. .28. TbeJSon of man cane not to be roioifier-
^d'uDtOy but to minifter, and to gWt liis life a rao^m for ma*
4ay. PfainH. 7. Ch^ift Jefus made bimdelf .of 00 ret>utatioo,
and took' upon him <he form of aTetTant, and was^ade in the
^Jlleneft df men. Ifa. xlii. !• fi^hold my fervant whom I up-
hold, mine eleftin whom my foul delighteth. And liii. ic.
JBy ms'lmoiiiJledge.fiillaU my righteous fenrant juftify mai\j^.

' /* Rev. i. 8. I am Alpha and 'Omega, . the beginning and

^e ending, (aith the JLoird*, which h; <and which was, and

^htdi is 'to eome, the Almighty, v, ti. I am Alpha and

Okhega, thc/firft,and the laft : and^ Wh^t thou X John] fccft.

Write itt ahooky and (end it^ioto the feven churches which

.af^ ill Afia. And xxi. 6. 1 am Alpha and Ontega, the be -

ginnit^g a;nd the end : I will give unto him that is athirft, of

the focincAtn of t^e water of life freely.. And yxti. 13. I am

Alpha andOmegja, the' beginning and the end^ thejnrfl and

4he ftft. Atidiii. 14. And unto the aogel tf the church

of iShe iLaodiceansy write» Theie things fait|} the Ameo» the

jBe fiiitfaBil and true witne6» tlve begiodiog of the creation of

Odd, &c.

j-"m Ma. ixiY. H; Sat we are all as 'an uncleaA thiogi and all
rbttr rij^hteoufoefles are as £hhy rags.

i Plahn x)v. 13.' The Kiog's daughter, is alt glorious
'Ix^itMn : her cfothmg .is of wrought gold.

? V Ffelm^xk, St ti. Wo is me that I Ibjoorn in Mefcch,
ihat' I dWcH in the tents of £edarr My foul hath long dwelt

246 G o s p E i: S o N K E T s. . Part III.

Unto the name diat xnoft^ I dretd^
I flee with joyful wkigs and fpeed e.
My d^iily hope does moft depend
On him I daily moft ofiend/.

AH things againil mc are combin'd.
Yet working for my. good, I find ^4
I'm rich in midft of poveities i&,.
And happy in my r^iieries L

with htm tfiat hai«tb peace. And Kti u 6« T&t Lord n the
portion of.mtne inheritaQce» and of my cup } tboa maihtaia*
eft my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in plealanc places :
yea^ I ha^e a goodly herita|e.

d f Cor. XV. 58. Therefefs, fny bebved hrelhreiiy he ye«
fledfaft, uniD0Vfd>Ie9 always abounding in the work of |he
Lord, for aa much as you know that your labour is not'tn nun
ID the LoixL

9 ¥£dm cicKfi. ft. O Lord enter not into judgment with
thy fervant : for in thy fight^fhtl no man living be jnfttSeff^
V. 9« DeKrer mei O Lotdi from mine enemies: 1 flee unto
thee to hide me«

/ Pfalffl Kx?. I r. For thy asHbe'sfalee, O Lord, pardon
naneiinquity | for ft is gres^. Jer« siiv. 7. Q Lord, though
cor ifnfuiocs itfllly againft tis, do thou it for thy aame^s fake :
for our backfli4in||s are nnmy ; ve h^e finned againft thee.

g Gen* iclii. %6. And Jacob their &ther (kid unto them^
Me have ye hcfcai^ of my children : Jofeph is'Aot, and
8imton ht tiOtv 4nd ye will take Befi|ftmHi.away : all thdfe
things aiie agjttnft me. Rom. iriii. 28. And we know that all
things work together for goody to them that \cf9^ God, to
chesB who are the calied aecordisg to his porpofe.

h Kt^. 11^8, g. And nnto the 'angel i^ the church in
Sn^niir write, Thefe thiogs faith the firft and the laft»
v4)kIi was deaid, and is aKve ; 1 know thy works, and tribuh
lation, and poverty, (but>thou ^rt rich.)

9 Rom. V. ^ 4, 5. And not only fo, but we glory in tri«
bi^aiioos alfo, kahwing ihat tritetadon workedi patiei]ce%;
and patienos experience ; and exnerieoee» hope ; and hope
maketh not aftuuned, becaafetRe lofeof Godis fhed abroad
in our hems, by dte Holf Ghofl which was gmn nnta os.
2 Cor. xii. 10. Therefore I [Paol} take pieafore in ixAtJtn^

Sea. XII, theBelkv^r^sRhddk.' • 241
Oft ray Comforter feftds me grief,

Yettereii^ my advantage K«,' ^ *
That help gind c^mfdirt fie denies /.

' As feamfters iQt0^ie<^e9 cut "^
The cloth tliey k<t<t form w^ttld put,

. He cuts aie dowi) to make me tip,
And empties me td f31 my cup «.

. T\\\ he my wofiil feXf deftroy ;
"'' And mol! -of all myfelf 1 aur^
Wbeo i»<9ift: I da my fel£ difclaim ^»%

- » ' ■ ,. ■ . ' , • • ■ ' • •

for 'CKrift't fakf s fef when I aiii weak» i^Mn amr I flrMg*

-eye runneth down with watcft %ecasft t&e Aombmf^ that
ftould relieve my (0ul» is far Jr<m«ne» lia» xir. us* Vefily
thou an ft God thavhideft thyfel^ OGod of Ifrtdthe Saviour.
. / ]&. xKaK. tS^ ^d thttsfeve f^ill^the Lord wait* that he
SHay* he;g9i|ciotts unto jou^ and therafono will he beexalied^
tl^t hf: m^ have mercji ofKMi jfioia^ for^rLordit a^.€»odo£
judgmcot; bir&d aiseailiheir that wait for hiim

wt Hbf. V. is« I willjoaMrenMnuntoiBiy ]iiacci^iilLthe]^

ackoowled^e their o&oftCt'^ fiaekmy lace-: in their aili^oa

1^ will feek«^ eady*. A»d fi I9 a. Come and let uate*

tnra unto &e h&:i\ for iie haik torn, luid^ be will heal oa^

he hath fimtteoy and he wiH blna u^^}^ ASosr twa daya wtii

he renve ot*.iat the cfciad dajr he will mifc oi up, aiiu rr^*li

Kite In his fight. Rfalmcfii.f. God faiistiifth tht feo^ng^

fouJ^ and filietii. the h<«igryft«* with gdbdiieft- Lata 14 5^.

And ,Mary,&id,,--Hc hath mtd the hangltiw* P>o<l

things* and the ridi he hath lent emp^ 8^a)r<

, n.Xuhe^tx^.3jl, a4c And Jefer' £dd to them a», if any man

iviJI come after me, ki^ bim deny hkitkW^ n^ take npfat crofa'

daiJy and follow me. Foi» wiofoetcr wttt flnrfe Ui: Hf^^ ftaf!

tofc it V bat whufiieircr wiHItife hie hfe fiirwy ftlte, the fafntf

*aUi#reiw Rom. m. vt.^ Uyt^kic aftinh^ flrfh/y^fcali

XT'' . • . *•

0,4^ pospEL Sonnets. Bart III.

I. glory in infirmities o^'
Yet daily am^afham'd of th^fe p:
Yea, alkmy pride gives, up the ghoft,
When once 1 but begin to boaft q.

My chemiftry is moft exaft,
Heav'n out of hell I do extracl r :

(hall die ; bat if ye through the f(4r{t do mortilfy the deeds of
the bf>dy9 ye (hall live. 2 Cor. xiL le. See letter u

e 2 Cor. xli. 9. Moft gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my tDfirmities, that the power of Chrift may reft apcn me^

p Pfalmlx^ii. t5» 16. If 1 iayi I will fpesdc thas; behold*
I ftioold offend againft the generation of thy children. When
I thought to know this* it** was too panful for one. And
Ixxvii. 89 Q» io« Is his mercy dean gone for ever? doth his
proroifo fail for evermore; hath God forgotten to be gracious ;
hath he in anger font up his tender mercies ? Selah. And I
&id this is my infirmity ; but I will remember the years of
tl^.ri|>ht hand of the Moft High.

q lia. xW. 24, 2(. Surely, fliall one fay. In the Lord have
I righteoufnels and ftrength : even to him (ball men come»
and all that are incenfed againft him, ftiali be aihamed. In the
Lord fliall all the feed of Ifrael be juftified, and (hall glory.
Pfalm xltv. 6. , I will not truft in my bow^ neither (hall my
fword fave me., v. 8. In God we boaft all the day long ^
and praife thy name for ever* Selah.

r Jomdi ii. f , 2. Then Jonah prayed^ unto the Lord his
God out of the fi(h's belly, and faid, I cried by rea(bn of mine
affli^on. unto the Lorfd, and he heard me; out of the belly of
bell cried I, and thou h«rdft my voice, v, 3. Then l iaid»
JLamWt out of thy fight ; yet I will look i^ain toward thy
holy temple. Mattb. xv. ^,6^ 27, 28. But Jefus anfwered and
faid £untp the woman of Cangan], It is not meet to take the
childreos bread, and to caft it to dogs. And (he .faui, Truth,
Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their
mafter's table. Thtu Jefus anfweTed and (aid unto her, O
woman, great is thy faith ; be it unto thee eveaas thou wilt.
!And herjdau^hter was made whole from that i^ry' hour. Ffal*
xlii. 6f 7, 81 Q my God, my foul is caft down within me :
therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and
of the Hermoni{eSy from tb^ htU Miz^. Deep calleth unto

Sea. XII. ^the Believer*! Riddle. 043

This art to mc a tribute brings *
Of ufeful out df hurtful things/

I^ learn to draw well out of woe, '
And thus to difappoint the foe j ;
The thorns that in my flefli abide,
Do pricktbe tympany of pride /•

By wounding foils the field I win,
And fini itfelf deftroys my &n u:
My lufts break one another's pate.
And each corruption kills its mate i>*

deep, at the noife of thy water Q>outs : all thy vaTes aad thy
billows are gone over me* Yet the Lord wiii command'^his
loving kindnefs in the day«time, and in the night his (bog
Hiall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. '
/ Rom. v. 3, 4, 1. See letter i,

' / Mic. Wi. 8. Rejoice not agaiaft me, O mmt en^my t
when I fall, I (hall arife; when I fit in darknefSf die Lord
fhall be a light onto me.

t I Cor. xti. 7* A.nd left I (hould be exalted abo^re mea*
fure, thro' the abundance of the reyelations, there was given
to me a thorn in the £e(h, the melTenger of Satan to bttffit
me, le% I fhould be 'exalted above mcafare.

1/ Rom..viii. 35, 37. WI\o fhali feparate us from thclovt
of Chrift? (hall ti{bulation» or diftrefsy or peffecation, or A*
mine, or nakednefs, or peril, or iword ? Nay, in all thefe
thingc, we are moire than conquerors, through him that lOved
us. Pfalm Ixv. 3. Iniqaities^ prevail againft me ; as for our
traoigreffions, then (halt purge thdh away. 2 Chro&4 xxxii.
24f 2 ^9.26. In thole days Hezekiah was fickto^e death, and
prayed unto the Lord : and he fpake umo him, and he gave hata
a (ign. But Hezekiah rendered not again, according to' the
beneHc done unto him :. for his heart was lifted up : therefbre
there Was Wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerufa*
km. Notwithftandin^; Hezekiah humbled himfeif for the

pride of his heart, (both ht and the inhabitants of JenMVlem),

.ib that the wrath of the Lorjd bame not upon them iff the

^days of Hezekiah. - < v

V Rom. vit. ii 8/9. What fhil! we fay then ? Is the la«r

fin i God idtbidl Nay, I had not known &!> bat by the law r

^44 Go.sPE.L Sonnets. FartI|I.

I fmelf the bait, Ifefl the harm

Of corrupt ways, . aad takiC th* alarm.

I tq/ie the bitter nefs of fin, r

Aij(L then to relifti grace begin «;.

ibr I had not known luft, except the law had faidt Tk^m ftalt
BOt cover. But Cb iaS&Rg occtfioA by liie obmstindtneot,
wrbught in me all manner of concupifcence. For without the
law fin was dead. For I was ^i ^e withont the law once ; bat
when the commftfldment came^ fin revived, and I died. 9. 1 1 •
For fin takio^ occaGati by i^e commaiiditient» decnved met
and by it (lew me* v. 13. Was then that which is good nuide
death unto me ? Ood forbid. But fin that it might appear
fifif WBrUn^ ^eath in me byjthat which ts good ; rhat fila bjr
jdie comixMAdBaeot might become exceeding finAil . IVhtrt j^a
/$€ thifighft 9ind filling cffin kUUdfslf. John ix 3 9, 40^ 4 c*
And leitts faid, For judgnacBt I am come into this wnrld :
tliat they which fee not, miglit (ee; and that they which fee,
m^ht rbe niade blind. And feme of the Pbarifees which were
with hiBin heard tb«Ce wordti and (aid Bnio him, Are we bliiMl
alfo ?^ JeTfkt faid nnto them. If ye were bfindr ye (hould have
1^ ^ir^bat now ye iay^ We fee; therefore your fin i«mfttnetb«
P£kiiii lix. 4 f • Sky them sot, ieft «iy people forget : fcattier
them by ihy power ; and bring tbotti down, O Lord, car
Aiield. iCaith. xxvi. i%^ \\* Feier aafwered and did unto
bi9i» TboMgb all men (hall be offimdM beeaufe nf theer yet
i(iiil I never be o&ode4 J^tti faid umo himt Vertly I &y
niun ^e, that thit-ni^ before the eock erow, tbou iluU de*
Ay me tjbri'^.' ti. 75^ ' And Peter reawraberedthe words of
jelb^ wbi<^ lie &id anto btm, Before the cock cr^Wy thoa
tulkiiXKi «it tbrioTi And be went ^oiH, «k1 wept bitterlyi
w Rmi. vi. eu What froit b^d y€ dien in thofo tbiqgs^
.wliereif ye Itrenow afhamed? for the end of chojfe things v^
ANuliik . JMabn xix. f t^ Mon^oteir by them (ikt jti^mentt oC
tbe laerd.) is thy (ervant wiinied^ and in ^keeping nf ibem
dine is ireettamdi And Ixxiii^ 17^ v% 19. Until I went
tiootbe mauaryof G«mI: then underflood i tbtir «id. *Sare«
ly :ib^> didifl fet tbem in iKpp^ |^et : then ca(le<KI them
dewM into deftce^too* liow nre Ihey brought <mto dcMaitoB
as in nin0iReBt! they are utterly connimed with tenmrs. Jer.
ii« tn^ Tbifte ^Wn .^idttstefe fluU .o<^tea thee, and ehy
bookiUdiog ^all r^ovn thte & knoiw theitfore and j(ee^ that it

.Sea. XIII. Tbi Benever's Riddle. 445'

I hear the fools profanely, tadk.
Thence wifdom learn in word and walk, x :
\fee them throng the paffage broad»
And learn to take the narrow road y.

. SECT. XIII.
The mj fiery of the Saints adverfaries and adverfttm^ >
LUMP of woe affliftion is, '

A

Yet thence I borrow lumps of blifs a :

is aa evil thing aad bitter^ that -tboa haft foriaken the Lord
thf God, and that my fear is nil in thee, faith the Loird God
of bofts*

. X Job xxi.^ ih Mt ^ 5* '^^J fyct^ thtbr days in wealth,
and in a moment go down to the gra?e,. Therefore they, (ay
unto God, Depart from/ at: for we defire not the knowledge
of thy ways. V^hsit is the Almighty, chat we (hpuld (enre him ?
and what profit fhoald we have if we pray ootoJum ^ £ph^
iv. AG, ai, 22. But ye have not fo learned Chrift ; if fo be
that ye ^ave heard him, and have been uught by him, as the
tnith is in Jefus : ihat ye pat off concemiog the former coh»
Terialion, the old man« which is corrapt according to the de»
ceitfui lofts. Aad v. 6, J7f d* I^et no man deceive you with
vain words : for becaufe of thefe things cometh the wrath of
God opon the children of difobedience. Be not yo therefore
~ partakers with them. For ye were fometimes darknefs, but
sow are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light, v. 1 1.
And have no fellowfhip with the unfiuitVul works of darkat&y:
but. rather reprove them.

/ Matth. vii. 13, 14. Enter ye in at the ftrait gate; tfor

' wide is the gate, and broad is the wj^ that leadeth to deftrucs

don, aod many there be^ which go in thereat ; becaufe ftrait it

ihe gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and

few there be thai find it.

a Heb- xii. 1 1. Now no chaftening for the pre&ni feemeth
to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheiefs, afterward it yieldeth
the peaceable fruit of righteoufnefs, unto them, which are ex*
eicifcd thereby. Tames h 1 2. Blefled is the mad that endur-

X-3 - • -

^46 Gofii^tL Se«NEr«. Part III.

Though few can fee a bleffiiig in't, ^

It if my fttrnacd and my mmt ^.

Its Iharpnefs does my lufts difpatch c ;
Its fuddetinefs diarms toy watch J,
Its bitternefs refines my tafte, ;
^nd weans me ftt)na the r reatuf e*s breaft e.

* Its wei^tinefs doth try my back,
That faith and patience be not flack/:
It is a fanning wind, wheretjy
1 am uncbalTd of vanity g*

A futftatfe To feline lyiy grace b,
A wiftg to hft my foul apace i ;

cth tertifte^oe : finnvtueh he isttitd ht fhalldreteivc^the^rown
6f life, tvhich the Lord hsdh ptMnSeA to tbetto thtt leva lihn.
^ Ifa. «Mti. 9. hhd he C^he JVffytiaki] IhaM p^ e^Pcrtd his
ftiroiig h6ld for feat, ahd his ptoeti 4Mt be sifi^id 6f ^he en*
;6ph faifb tbt Ldrd^ ^6le fireis m ZkHi, ^tid litft 'fotisace i^

tf Pfahn jcNr. f. Thihe 9tm>Wt tat ttMp h the htust tf the
King's eaemiies; iirhereby the peepfe ^11 obder'^ee.

d Mark Alii. 1^5, ^6. 37. Watch jt dierefdre, {for y^loww
not when the mafter of the houfe comeih ; at e«cn» <n aMmH-:
flighty dr at the cock-erowifig, or in the mommg), Jeft'onmiftg
&dde(»ly, he find yoo i)eie})mg. And irtuit 1 fay onto you, I
% unto Mf Watch.

e Jer. H. 19. Sn ieittt w fwcchftf. And iv. 18. Thy way
and thy dalngs1unre|>rDcured'tfaefe things unto thee, this-is
thy wickedntfst becauic it is bitter, becaufc it t^veheth niita
thine heart.

'/James i. '2% 3» 4. My brethren, count h all joy when ye
fidi into dhrers temptatioin : knowing this , that the trying of
youtr hhh worketh patience. But let patience have her perfelt
voric, that ye may be perfect and entire, -wanting nothing.

g Ifa xxtii. %f 9 *In meafare ««^n it fhooceth forth, thou
wih debate ivith it ; fn ftttyeiU his Mugh Wind in the day ^
his tail wind. By thb therefore ihirff the ioiqtiity of ^ct)b ht
purged, and this 5s til tfiethricto take away h?s^. • '

A Ma). III. 3» Aod he [the mtnenger of the covenantj fhaU

Heace fliil the more I fob d^reft,
The more I ikig my endiefe reft i*

Mine etifeniies that feek my hurt, .
" • Of all their bad defigns cortie Jhort 1%
They ferve we duly to my miad^
With favours which t^hey «e'«r defigi^'d w.

The fury of my foes makes me
JFaft tp my peaceful refii^ fiee n^.
And ev'ry perfeouting elf
Does make me underlland myfelf 1^.

ik as a refiner and porcficr ^of filver ; and b^ jball .purify «tbe
ibfw of Levi« iod |>uif^ tbcn ai ^old and filver^ nk^ ibejr
BMjr edcr iittco the «Lord ao offenog in n^eoufiKfii.

i'P4iai citlui« 9. Dieli?firiii0»O i.ardi from mine «iaof»ito«
I &m onto dMB 10 J|k|e me. . . .

-i I Cor*iT. i6f 17. For.whid) c^aft we laint n^ hot
tbaa^ •or oQtwcird nap penftt ytet jthe iaward ^xmu^xt^
Bei»^ d^ by jday. Far our tight afHidioi^ which U Jhit liwr
a aomcAti worketh for w a far mare aJMeedi^g aad etaroat
weighi of glory. . i . .

/ Pfthn %fufm* }o« The liord bringeth the coaoijifL of ihe
Haaihao to nought ^ he makeih the lievioea of th^ P«op^ S^
BOpeeiFe^. . . /v. <.,

' m Gen. L 20. 4od Jofeph faid jinto hisi»rethroB,<-«4s foi;
yon* ye thoaght evfil agftioft me : boi God meaoc k nmogoadf
to bring to fa6» as it is this day^ to fare maichipe<^e alive.

,» Fialm iv« 45. But thou» O God^ flult briog them dowo
into the pitof dettru^ion : bloody aad dieceftfal mea (haU oot
live out half their days { but X will truft in thee;* ... ;.

My ftn^ ifii. Klii. 14. Who gsive Jacob for a ^Uy ^
Ifiael to the robbers^ did notMthe lier4« he againA wham t^e
haye-fmaedi for they would not walk in his ways^ ^^cUhef?
Were they obedient unto his law* My duty^ 2 S^iiu xyi. l j;^
f 2. And Davtdiaid to Abiihaiy siad to alLhis iervan^r ii^
iioidf my fon which came forth of my bowels» feek^l^^my iu^ t
b«w much more now m^ this ^enjamiie do it Met him alone,
aad let 4um carta; for the i.»Qrdiia4i^d4^him* tt-may,
be that tha^ i^ntrd wjiii Ifokon mine ,aiHii6Uop, aad that^ths
X»ord will reqaice ii^e good for his curfiogt this day. Mia vii.

'^ 248 Gos7£L Sonnets. Part I11»

Their flanders cannot work mjr fhaitie /,
Their vile reproaches raife my name;^.;
In peace with Heaven my foul can dwells
Bv'n when they damn me down to hell r.

' * • y

Their fury can't the treaty harm /;
Their paflion does my pity warm / :

8, 9* Rejoice not againft ree, O mii^ eaemy : when t fall» I
ihail arife : when 1 fit ia dariae&y the Lord fliaU be a %ht
'' unto me. I will bear the iodtgnatioo of the Loid» becaote I
have finned againft bimy until he plead my caufct and exccate
judgment for me : he will bring me forth ^o the light* and I
fhall behold his righteoQfneft. My faftty^ Pfabnix. 9, lo;
The JLord alfo will be a refuge for the opprf fied) a refuge in
times of trouble. And they that know thy name> will put their
thaftin thee* v. 16. The Lord is known by the judgment
which he execateth: the wicked 19 (bared in the worlrof his
own hands. Higgaion, Selah.

t PTaL xxxi. i3» 14. For I have heard the flander of ma*
iiy» fear was on every fide» while the]f took coiinfel together
againft me, they deviled to take away my life. Bui I trufted
in thee, O Lord: I £ud. Thou art my God. ^

q t Pet, tv. 14. If ye be reproached for the nan^ of Chrift^
happy arc ye^ lor the Spirit of Glory and of God refl^th u^
pon you : on their part be is evil fpoken of, but on^your part«
he is glorified. •

r Nambw xxiti. ?» 8. And Balaam took up his parable, and
faid, Balak the'^king of Moabhath brought me frdm Arara^
Out of the Mountains of the eail, faying. Come, curfe me Jacobs
and come defy Ifrael.^ Haw (hall I curfe> whom God hath
not curfed ? or how (hall I defy » whom the Lord hath tuit de*^
fied ? V. 23. Surely there is** no enchantment againft Jacob*
neither is their any dirination againft Ifraeh according to this
^ time it (hall be faid of Jacob> and of ifrael. What haih God
wrought \ - * . X

/Prov. XX vi. 2. As the bird by wanderings as the fwallow
by %ing, fo the curfe caufelefs (hall not Cpme*
^ / X Pet. iii. &» 9. Finally* be ye all of one mi^, having
compaffion one of another, love as brethren, he pitiful, be cour-
teous I not rendering evil io* evil, or railing for railing } bat

SeaXfll. The Believer's Riddk^ , 249

Their madnds only calms thy blood i\
By doing kart they do me good u^

They tre my foriid flaves I iwt ;

My drudj^Sy tboogh they know it not t;*:

xootrariiid6« blefling; kfeowmg liiaf y« «rt tbereaote oalM,
that je AiauM inherit t Ueffiag.

^ P£ilia kix. It, 1 3. Tiiey Yka fit ia the gtift rt>sak tg»ra(l
m: aadl was chcfiHif •f the drankaidt. B«t ai for tnc, xoij
pnf er is vnto ihce^ O Lord, io «ii icccpuble vmt i O Godl^ .
i»chcaiiiiciiiidc^tliy iBftey hftr tacy in ike tmth «f th^
Iklvirioo. ^

XT Oca. L 20.. S^Utf4r mf&fcifed. Eftbcr ix. to^'^zi*
And Mwdecai wrote tbefe vblagti and lent ietttn onto all tht
Jcw| that were in all the prottoces nf the kin;^ Afcafueniit
both nigh and far, to ftatkiAi dits among thcoH that they
(hoaJd keep the foarteemb day of the month Adar» and the
fifteenth diey of the lame yearly: as the days wherein the Jewt
refled from their eneniies» and the month which was turnrrl an*
to them ^m farrow to foyi and fvaa» mo«min§ into a good
day : that they (honld minfi them days <rf feafttng and joy, and
of feodini portion one so another, and gifb to thepoor. And
the Jews iiodeitook to do M they had b^on, and as Mordetat
h^ written wito them. Becanie tiamafi the fiio of Hamme*
( datha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had defifed a*
eainft.(he Jefws to deftroy them, and hadcaft Par» (that is,
the Jot) to cofliibme them, and to deftroy them : hat when Eft"
tor came before the kiaig* he eommaodtd by lettett, that hit
imked deWtre wideh he de?ifed agaioft the Jetvi> ihontd ye«
tarn «pon^it 0#n head, and. that he and his foaa {honU he
haiǤed tm the gallows^

« Jer; sx^« f ^ 9. rhercfbre thus fakh the Lard «f hoftt)
Beoov^e ye hare tkdt heard itiy worda^ behold I will fend and
tekemk the Craniies of the ootth» Sfkh the Locsd, and N^buM
^h^rezlser tltt king df BahylUA, my ftrTatit, and witi bring
them agatnft this la(xl» and agaiAft tin inhabitants thensof^ and
againA «ll thefe nations ronnd abaiit, i|nd wiU ot^fly deftmy
them^ and make them «i aftoliitfhmenit, and an hiffing, and ptf
peinal deMnions* o^ i a. And it (haU come to pafsi when
ierenty years are aecomphdied, thati wtll funidi the king oC
Sabyion «sd that hadwH fttthte Land, for their ioiifafty) and
the hmdof theChOdeansiaiid ariUmafceitpetpcitualdefohmons.

y 250 Gospel So k jt e t s. Part 111.

They a<9: to me a kindly part.

With little kindaefs in their heart w.

They fwecp my outer-houfe ^hen foul.
Yea, wafh my inner filth of foul ».

Ifi. X. ^9 6. O ^ffvrian, the rod of mine anger, and the ftaff
to their han44S mine indignation- I will (end him againft aft
hypocriticabnatton ; and againft the people of my wrath wiR t
giTe hinr a charge to take the fpoil, and to take the preyt and
to tread' them down like the mire of the ftreets. v*\%*
Wherefore it (hall come to pafs, that when the Lord, hath per*
formed his whole work upon mount Zion, and on Jerafalem»
I will puntih the frait of the flout heart of the. king of A#yna»
and the glory of his high looks. 4nd xlit. 34, 28. Thus faftV
the Lord thy Redeemer, and he that formed thee from the
womb, I am the Lord ^ that faith of Cyras» He is- my (hep-
herd, and Ihail perform alf my pleafure, even faying to Jferofati
km» Thou fhalt be bailt $ and to the temple, Tl)y foundations
fhaH be laid. And xir. r. Thus faith the Lord to his anoin*
ted, to CyjruSf whofe right hand I have hoIden» to fu^ue na*
tions before him : and I will loofe the loins of kings to opear
before him the two leaved gates* and the'gates fluQ not be
fhtit. f^. 4« For Jacob mj feryant's fake, and Ifrael mine e«
JeA, I have even called thee by thy name : I have firnamed
thee, though thou haft not known me.

w Matth. V. 10, 119 f2. Blefled are they whfch are p^
fecnted for righteov^fiiefs fake : for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. BldTed are ye when men (haR revile you^ and perfi*
cute you, and (hall fay all manner of evil againft you falfelf
for my fake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for greait if
your reward in heaven : for fo perfecuted they the pro{4iett
which were before you. Lake vi. 22, 2 v Blefled are ye when
men (hall hate you, and when they fhall feparate you frolu
their company, and (hall reproach you, and caft out your name
as evi), for the Son of man's fake. Rejmce ye in that day,
and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven:
for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

X l(a. iv. 3, 4, 5. And it (hall come to p^fs, that he that it
left in Zion, and be that remaioeth inr Jerufalem, (hall be cAl*
led holy, even every one that is written among the living in
Jerulalem: when the Lord fhall have wa(hed aw;Qr the filth of
*Jie dagghtcrs of Zxod» and fhall haye par^ the ^bod of Je-

Scft. XIV. The Believer*:. Riddle. 151

.- They help to purge away my blot,
. For Moab is my wafhiog ^i y. ' .

SECT. XIV.

tw

Tbe^myjieryoftbe Believer^ s pardon and fecunty
from revenging wratb^ mtmkhjianding hisjins
' dejert. ^

1 Though from conjdemnatioh free,
9 Find'fiuch condemnables in me, '
As make more iieavy wrath my diie
^ That! falls on all the damned crew a. ■ '

But tliotigh my criines deferve the pit,
. I'm no more liable to it ; ^

Remiffian feal!d with blood a«d death,

Secures me from deferved wrath b.

-- , . . . ...

Aifalem from the midft tliereof, by the fpirit of judgmenty and
by the fpirit of burhiog^ And the Lord will create upon e-
Tcry dwelling place of mount Zion^ and upon her afTembliei a
cloudy and fmoke by day, and the fhinmg of a flaming ^re by
fttght ; for upon all the glory (hall be a defence. And xxvil
9. By 'this therefore IhaH the iniquity of Jacob be purged, an'd
this is aH the fnik tatalce away his £n ; when he maketh aU
iibc ftones of the akar ak chaHc (lones that are'beslten in fonder,
the groyet and images IhalPnot ftand up.

y Pfal. Ixviii. 8. Moi^ is^y wa/h pot, &c.

a Rom. viii. i. There is therefore now no condemnfttioa to
Aem which are in*Chrift Jefus, who watktsot after the 4e(h,
but afitr the Spirit. And vii. i^. For I know that in me
(that is, in my flefh) dwejleth no good thing ; for to will is pre*
lent ^ith me, but how to'^rform that which is ^obd, i find
Bot* I Tim.'i. 15, 16. This is a faithful 'faying, and worthy
of all acceptation, that Chrift Jefus came intothe world to faye
finners : of whom Lam chief. Howbeit, for this caufe I ob-
tained mercy, that inme-flrft Jefus Chrift mijght (hew forth iU
longfufiering, for a pattern to them which (hould hereafter
Relieve on him to life everlafting.
. b GaL iii. 13* Chrift hath adeemed us fiom the carfe of

/"^S*^ Gospel Sokhets. Part III.

And havmg now ^ pardm free.

To hell obngxious cann^ be.

Nor to a threat, except * anent * about

Paternal wrath and cDafttfement c.

My Ibul may oft be fiird indeed
With flairi£b fear and bdiifli dread 4^
Tills from my unbelief does Ipring e^
My faith ip^aks out fome better u^i^g.

Faith fees so l^^al guilt again, ^
Though fia amd its defert renmn/:

the law, beffig made a tmh for os r for it is ^vrhton, Cutled
tt every 09c that hangei^ on a trce« Rom. v* ^ MLuch nore
then being now juAified by his blood, we fhall be fitved fcom
wrath through him. £ph. t, 7* Fn whom wt have redempdon
through liis blood, tl^ foi;g^«efi of £i9, accordbg to the
riches of his gra<^«

e I Thcff^ i^ 10. And to wait for his Son from heovefi»
%vhom be railed from the dead, even Je&t wUdb ddKvevod ^m.
firom the wrarii tj» coqm^. Ifa; Uv, %^^ fou Fot this ia at thie
urateits. of Noah; i^mo^ mA4 -for m I h^e fvocn thai the waiei*
of Koah fliouUl i^annoce go over' the earth ; lb have 1 fiiiom
iW I wp9}d »^ tif witotb wijth t^ «or rebuke thee* Fov
the monofaiiu IboM depart, 8^4 the JjBa fee gewtfred ; botmjE^
Ifiodoeb ftall i|ot depart frooi tbee» «(tthftr ftftH the ^oimiaftt
yof my peace be ueqiQiied, 6iik the JUard that hath mercy oa.
thee; FiaL Ixicxix. 3[Q,-^fjf If hiachildreat for&fce my lasi^
and walk not in n^ j]ii4l{^«<^>^ If ^y taeak my fiatqtesi and
^l^eep^jMI ii^'«offi«aod0)e9i«: ^teivwilU vi& their tranigcef-
fionwith-Uiovi^dy.iuqdtbwiiiiquitywjilift^^ Veveerii^lefr
i»y X^^^^xyMk .witt I pot marriy ^e. |no» hin), nor fn^

4 Mattfa. iciv« aj5^ Aod when ihe difirijrfet&wjefus w4lk*
i(»g.Qfithe.liea^ thflf WSQSO iroobk^ fag^og, Itis nfpirit; andk
<hfJ5 c«?i«d o«t ffar fcaiu

< Mark iv* 4p^. iV*^ I«fi)9 £iid veto his difei|Jes^lVliyare

5ie &i,f<ai;64 .' how isai thut yjon have <oa faith ^

xj J^oipe. vii, 6.. 1^ut DOW we are.ddiwered from the Ikw^ than

being dead V(herein we were.ihflU ; thai we Hiotfld ferve ia

^«H^ 4^ym^ and 1^ 4» ibe old&eft oCthr Icnsr. Q|»p«

Sea. XIV. ' the Believer^s Riddle. a.

Some hidden' wonders hence feftxit : -
^ Ya\ full of fin, yet free of guilty :

Guilt is the legal bond or knot.
That binds to wrath and vengeance hot h ;
But fin may be where guilt's away.
And giiilt where fin could never ftay. '

Guilt without any fin has been,
i^s in my furety may be feen ;
Tie ele^*s guilt upoii him came,
Yet ft ill he was the holy LambL

Sin without guilt may likewife be»
As may appear in pardoned me :
For^'thoug^ hay fin, alas ! does ftay.
Yet pardon takes the guilt away *. ' '

viii. 3» 4* For what the law could jiot do, ia thst it wasjfei
throi^h the fiefh, God fending his ownlBoo in the likesels^
iinfal fle(h» and for fin condemned fin in the fle(h : that tj
the righteoafneis of the law might be fulfilled in uSy who wa
^ot after the fleHi, bat after the Spirit.

g Rom^iv. 14. For we know diat the law it fpiriioal: h
I am carnal^ Ibid under fin. Chap* ?iii. 35, 34. Who (h
lay any thing to the charge of God's de^i It is God tt
juftifieth : who it he that coodemoeth Mt it Chritt that di<
yea rather» that is nfen again^ who it even at the right ha
of God) who alfo maketh interoeffion for ut.

•h Duet, xxvii. 26. CuHed be be that coniirmeth net all t
W9rds of thit law to do them : and all the )>eople (hall fay^
taen. J^om. i. i8. For the wrath of God it revealed fn
heaven againil all uogodiine{t» and unn£hteoafneis of m
Vfho hold the truth in unrighteottfineft.

i 11a. liii. 6. The Lqrd hath/Jaid on hini the ioi^aity oi
all. Heb. vii. 26. For fuch an high prieft became ot, wh<
lioly, hat mleft^ undefiled, feparate from linocrs.

i Rom. vti. 24* O wretched man that 1 am! who (hall
liver me from the body of this death I A£b xiti. 38, 39.
it known. unto you therefore, men and brctliren, that throi
this man it preached unto you ib: fbrg\veneit of fiat i and

254 Gospel Sonnets. Part IIL

Thus ftee 1 am, yet ftill in volv*d ;
A guilty (inner, yet abfolv'd / :
Though pardon leave no guilt behind^ "
Yet fin*s defert remains 1 find ««•

Guilt and demerit differ here, -
Though oft their names confounded are,
I'm guilty in ^jy5?^ always,
Since fin's demerit ever ftaysw*

Yet in my bead Fm always free
From proper guilt af&ding me j
Becaufe my Surety's blood cancellM
The bond of curfes orK:e me held o*

him all that beiieTe are j.uflifi«d from aU thtngt ffom wkicb ye
could not be jtritified by the law of Mofiri*

/ Rom. iii. 19. Now we know that what things foever the
few faith, it faith to them Ivho are under the law: that trcrj
ihoiitl^'fBay be ftopped, and all the worfd may become guilty
before God/ v, 239 24. For all have fipned, and com« (hort
of the glory of God; being jaftified freely by his grace, thro^gk
the redemption that is in Jefus Chrid*.

m Rom. iv. 6, 7, 8. Even as David aHb defoibetfa theblet^
lednefs^ of the man trato whom God imputeth righteoufineft
without works, faymgi BMed are they whofeini^ities are for«
given, and whofe fint are covered* fileffisd is the man to whom
iht Lord will -not impute iin. PfaJ. li. 5, 4. For I acknov-
\cAgt myiranfgreiSons : and my.fin is ever befbre me. Againft
fhee, thee onfy have I^nned, and done thiseirii m thy fight:
that thou mighteft bejuftified when thou %eakeft, and be clear
when thou judged. And cxKiL si. O Lord, enter-not into
judgment with fhy icftant : for in thy fight ihsdl no man living
bejuftified. . ^

n Rom. vii. t^, 14. Was then that which is good, made
^eatb unto me ? God forbid. But fin, that it might appear fin,
working death in me by that which is good ; that fin by the
commandment might become exceeding finfoL Fbr we know
that the law is (pir itual t but i am carnal, fold tmder fin.
i^.ph. V. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words : ^rhe*

^ of thefe things, coiiteth the wrath of God ttpon Ac <am^
>f difobedience*

Sea. XIV. . The Believer's Riddk. 255

The guilt that pardon did divorce,
From legal threat'nings drew its force/.
But fin*s defcrt that lodges ftill.
Is drawn from fin's intrinfic ill q, • -

Were guilt nought clfe but fin's defert^
Of pardon I'd renounce my part ;
For were I now in heav'n to dwell,
I'd own my fins deferred hell r.

Rom. ▼. I. Therefore bemg juftified by faithf we.h«ft
peac^ with God, through oar Lord Jefas Chnft, t?. 9. Much
more, then being now judified by his bloody we (hall be (aycd
from wrath through hini. v. lu And ooe only Q>, b^t we
al(b joy in Goif through our Lord Jefus Chrift, by whooi wc
have now receiyed the atoaeneat*

f 6ai. iii. (O* For at many as are of the worka of the law*
are onder the curfe: for .it is writteo, Curfed is erery one that
comlnucth not in aii things which are writtea ia the book, of
tSie law to do them. v. 1 p Chxiik haidi redeemed us frpfft
the curfe of the law» being made a curfe £ar -us: foe it is wri^
trs* Curfed is every one that hangeth.oa a tree.

a Pfal. li. 4« Scf ktttr mfan^ihd. Luke;! v. i9. I wiO
arilei and go to my father, fad will fay unto hain, ^atber» [
have finned a^aioit beaten, and before the^

r JLuke xy. 19.--^ And am no more worthy to be called
thy Ibo. R;r» t« 4. KxA I ^^^3.^^111^ nuich> becaafe no
mao was fosnd worthy to open, 9Xid to read, the book, j[)either
to look thereon. v» 9. /Indthey fang aaewfoogt layingf.Thoa
art worthy to take the booki aad to open the feals. thereof :. for
thou wail flain, and haft redeemed as to God by tby hloodt
oat oferery kindred, and tongue, and people and nation, n. ( i^
X2ff 15* ^od L beheld, and I heard the voice of many ^g<;la
round about the throne^ and the beafts, and the elders \ and
the namber of them wa« ten thouiaod times ten thoufandr-and
thoulands ofthoufa^ds ; fsyiagy with aloud voice. Worthy is
the Lamb th;^ was ilaio, to receive power, aod riches, and
wifdom, and ftreagth, and honour, and gl^yr and blelfijig.
And every creature which is in beaven^ and on the earth, and
ander the e^irth, and fuch as are ia tbe fea, and all that are in
tbem^ heard i, faying, Bleffiagyand hoaouri and gioryi ^Qdpowe'^

256 Gospel Sonnets, f 3];:t III.

This docs my bigheft wonder move
At matchlefs juftifying love,
That thus fecures from^ndlefs death
A wretch deferving double wrath/

Thou^^h' well ray black defert I know,
Yet I'm not liable |o wo ; .
' While fall and complete righteoufnefs
Imputed for my freedom i$ /.

Jbe nnto him that (itteth npon the thr^aei and unto the Larob
for ever and -ever.

/ Rom. ▼iT.'t4, 25. O wretched man ihat I am ! who fliall
deliver me from the l^dy of this death ? (thank God, through
Jefui Chrift obr Lord. Chap. vii?. t. There is therefore now
BO condemnatfoD to them which are in Chrift JefuSi who walk
not aftffr the flefli, but after the Spirit, i Tim* i. 13. Who
«ras before ablafphemer, and a perfecutor, and injurious. But
I obtained mercy, bccaufe I did it ignoran'ily, in unbelief, v. 1 5,
16, 17. Thiiis a faithful faying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Chrift Jefus. came into the world to fave Gnners ; of whoiii
1 am chief. Howbeit, for this caufe I obtained mercy» that
inmc firft Jefus Chrift might (hew forth. all Jong fufFering, for
a pattern to them which (honld hereafter believe on him to
life everhfting. Now unto the Kfn^ eternal, immortal, invi-
bie, the only wife God, be honour 'and glory, for ever and e-
▼er. A.men> ' '

/ I Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Chtift Jefus, who of
God is made unto us — ri^hteoofnefs — and redemption. 2 Con
T. 2 f .' God hath made Chrift to be fin for us, who knew no
{in *f that we might be made the righteoufnefs of God in him.
Rom. iv. II. And he [Abraham] received the fign of cir-
cumeiGon, a (eal of the righteoufnefs of the faith, which he
bad yet being uncircuracifed : that he might be the father of
all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that
rtghteonfi^efs ipight be imputed nnto them alfo. v, 22, — 25.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteoufnefs. Now
it was not written for his fake alone, that it was imputed to
him ; but for us alfo, to whom it fhall be imputed, if we be*
!ieve on him that raifed up Jefus our Lord from the dead, who
was delivered for our oflPences, and was railed again for oiir
luftificatioB*^ ' V

Sea. XIV. The J^eliever's Riddle. 257

Hence my fecurity from wfath.
As firmly ft^nds on Jefus' death /,
As does my title unto heav'n
Upon his great obedience giv'n u.

The fentence Heaven did full pronounce.
Has pardon 'd all my fins at once :
And ev'n from future crimes acquit.
Before I could the fa£b commit v.

I*m always in a pardon'd ftate
Before and after fin w ; but yet,

t RoiQ. V. 9. Much more then being now juftlfied by his
-1)100(19 we fhall be fayed from wrath through biiii.

u Rom» V. 17, i8» (9.-— They which receive abundance of
rrace^ and of the gift ofrighteoufhefsy ftuli reign in Kfeby one*
Jefus Chrift.— By the righteoafQefs of one, the free gift came
upon all men unto juftificatton of life.—- By the obedience of
one (hall many be made righteous, v* %y- Grace reign»
through rightepafnefs un.to eternal lifci by Jefus Chcift our
Xterd. ^

V Pial.- ciii. 3. Blefs the Lord, O my foul, — who forgivcthf
all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy difeafes. z Cor» r.
19. God was in Chrtfi, ' reconciling, die world unto himfeif,
BOt imputing their trefpafiea unto them, y* 2U See tetter. 9-
ahve cited. Dan. ix. 24* Seventy weeks are determined upon
thy people9\and iipon thy holy city, to fini/h the tranfgreiHoot
and to make an end of fins, and to make reconciliation for ia«
iquiiy, and to bring in everlafting righteoufoefs. Ifa. liv. lO*
Tor the mountains ihall depart, and the. hilU be removed, but
my kindnefs fhall not depart from thee, neither fhall the cove-
saat of my peace be removed, faith the Lord, that hathmercj^
on thee. rleb> viii. 12. For I will be merciful to their uo-
righteoufnefs, and their fins and their iai<|uicie$ will 1 remem*
ber no more. . ^

w Rom viii. r. There is therefore now no condemnation
to -them which are in Chrill Jefus, who walk not after the
flefti, but after the Spirit, r. |3»— 39. Who. fiiall lay any
thiDg to the charge of God's eleifl: ? It is God that jufiineth l-
Vffho is he that coodemneth ? Ii is Chrifi that died^. yea rather*

^5^ Gospel Sonnets. * Part III.

That vainly I prefiime not hence,
I'm feidom pardon'd to my fenfe x.

Sin brings a vengeance on my head.
Though from avenging wrath I*hi freed^.
And though my (ins all pardon'd be,
Their'pardon's not applfd to me 2.

Thus though I need no pardon more.
Yet need new pardons cv'ry hour f ,

that is rifen agaio* who it even at the right hand of God, who
alfo maketh imercefTion for us« Who (hall (eparate tts from
the love of Chrift, fhall tribulation, or difhrefs, or periecation,
or £imioe, or nakednefs, or peril, or fword ? Nay, is all thefe
thifigs we are more thao conquerors, through him that loved
iif. ' Fof I am perfoaded that neither death, nor life, nor an-
gels, Bor principalities, nor powers, nor things prefent, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
fhall be able to feparate as from the love of God, which is ia
ChriR Jefus our Lord*

X P&l. XXV. IT. For thy name's fake, O Lord, pardon
mine iniquity ; for it is great. And H. 8, 9. MakCv rae to
hear joy and gladnefs ; that the bones which thou haft broken
may rejoice. Hide thy face from my fins ; and blot oat all
mine iniquities, v. 12. Reflore unto me the joy of thy fal«
vation : and uphold me with thy free; Sfnrit.

jp Pfal. xcix. 8. Thou aofweredft them, O Lord our Godr
thou waft a God that forgaveft them, though thou tookeft ven-
geance of their inventions, i The/T i. 10. And to wait lor
his Son from heaven^ whom he raifed from the dead, even
Jefus which delivered us from the wrath to come.

z PCil. XXXV. 3. O Lord, fay unto my foal I am thy (alva-
tion. And Ixxxv. S* I will hear what God the Lord will
ipeak ; . for be '^UTpeakspeace unto his people, and to his
faints : }^i let them not turn again to foily* Matth. ix. 2«
And behold, they brought to him a man fick of the paify, ]y«
iog on a bed : and Jefus feeing their faith, faid unto the ficlc
of the palfy. Son be c(good cheer, thy fins be forgiyen thee,

f Matth . vi. 12. And Forgive us. our debts, as we forgive
'^ur debtors, i John i, 7, 8. If we walk in the light, as God

in the light, we have fellowfhip one with another, and the

Sea. XV. . the Believer's Riddle. ^59

• In point of application free ;
iiord, wa(h anew, and pardon me^

SECT. XV.

The Myjiery of Faith and Sight ^ of which more^

Part VI- Chap. vi.

STRANGE contiadidions me befal,
I can*t believe unlefs I fee ^ ;
Tet never can believe at all,
, Till once I fhttt the feeing eye b.

When fight of fwect experience

Can give ray faith no helping hand ^,

The fight of found intelligence

WiU give it ample-ground to ftand d.

Mood of Jefus Chrift his Son cleanfeth us from all fia. If
we, fay that we have no tm^ we deceire ourfeI?es« and the
trath is not in as.

a John ▼!• 40. And this is the will />f him that (ent me«
that every qne which feeth the Son, and believeth on hinfi
may have everlaftipg life.

^ John XX* 29* Jefus f^uth unto him^ Thomas, becaufe thou
haft feen me» thou haft believed : bleffed are they that have
not feen and yet have believed.

c Ifa. viiL 1 '*. And I will wait upon the Lord that hideth
hit £ice from the houfe of Jacob* and I will look for him. Chap«
I« 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth
the voice of his fervant, that walketh in darknels and hath no
light I let him truft in the name pf the Lord, and ftay upon
his CSod.

d £ph. i. 15, — 19* Wherefore I alfo, j^fter I heard of your
fatih in the Lord Jefus* and love unto all the iaintSi ceafe not •
to give thanks for yout making mention of you in my prayers 1 ^
that the, God of oar Lord Jefus Chrid* the Father of glory;
may give unto you the'Spirit of wifdom and revelation in 'the
knowledge of him \ Jthe eyes of your underftanding being en-
h'ghtetted ; that ye may know what is the hopejof his calliniL
and what the riches of thcglory c»f his inheritance in the fair

26o GaspEL Sonnets. Part III,

I walk by faith, and not by fight e:
Yet knowledge does my faith refound/i

Which cannot walk but in the light ^,
Ev'n when experience runs a-ground ^.

By knowledge I difcem and fpy

In divine light the objeft fbown / \
]5y faith I take and clofe apply

The glorious objeft as mine own k.

«

My faith thus ftands on divine light,
Believing what it clearly fees / \

Tet faith is oppoiite to fight,

Trufting its ear, and not its eyes m.

Faith Uft'ning to a fweet report,

Still comes by hearing, not by fight n\

and what is the exceeding greatiiefs of his power to us •ward
who believei accordiog to the working of hit mighty power, ftc.
% Con V9. 6. For God who coromaoded the light to Ihine out
•f darknefsy hath (hined to our hearts* to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God» in the fa(;eof Jefus Chrift*

• 2 Cor. V. 7. For we walk by faith not by (ighr.

/John it- < I. This beginning of miracles did Jefus in Cana
of Galilee, and mantfefled forth his glory; and his dilciplet
believed on him.

g Pfal. ix. 10.^ And they that know thy name will put theif
truft in thee

h Pfal. xxxvii..i4. Wait oathe Lord; be of good courage,
and he fhall ftrengthen thine heart : wait, 1 fay, oo the Lord»

i 2 Cor. iii. ( 8* But we all with open face, beholding as in
aglafs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame imagei
from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

i John i. 1 2. But as many as received him, to them gav<
he power to become the fons of God, even lo them that be
lieve on his name.

V Gal. i. » 6. But when it pleafed God — to reveal his V
4q me, that I might preach him among the Heatlien ; imm<
Ately I conferred not with flefh and blood.

^ Eph. i. 13. In Chrift ye alfo trufted after that ye h"

Seft. XV. the BeTtever's Riddle. 261

, Yet is not faith of faving fort.
But when it fees in divine* light 0.

In fears I fpend my vital breath,

In doubts I wafte my paifing years^ y

Yet ftill the life I live is faith,
The oppofite of doubts and fears y.

*Tween clearing faith and clouding fenfe,
I walk in'tlarknefs aild in light r.

I*m certain oft, when in fufpenfe.

While fure by faith and not by fight yC^

the word of truth, the gofpe] of yoar falyation.

n Rom\?. 17. So then, fkith conieth by hj^ring, 9tid hear*
ing by (he word of God.

Pfal. xxxvi. 7. How excellent is thy loving- kiMner», O
God ! therefore the children of men pat their trad under the
(hadow of thy wings, v. g. For with thee is the fountain of
life : in thy light (hall we fee iigh%

p Pfal. Ixxviu 3, 4. I remembered .God» and was trou*
bled s I complained, and my fpirit was oterwhelmed. Sel»H,
ThoQ holded mine ^yes waking 1 I am fo troubled that I can*
not fpeak. J^ohn xx. 2^ But Thooias fatd unto the other
difciplest Except I ihall fee in his hands the print of the nails;
and put my finger into the print of the nails> and thruft my
hand into his fide, I will not believe. Luke xxW, 21. We ^
trufted that it had been he which fhould have redeemed IfraeL

f Chi. ti„.2o. I am crucified with Chrift : Nevenhelefs I
live ; yet not I, bat Chrid liveth in me : and the hfe which
I now live in the flefh, I live by the faith of the Son of God« ^
who loved me* and gave himfelf for me Mark v. 3 5; As
(bon as Jefus heard the word that was (pokeny he faith unto
the riiler of the fynagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. Matth;
Tiii. 26. And JeTus (aith unto his difciplest Why are you fo
fearfoi, O ye of little &tth ? Chap, xiv 31. And Jems fatd
ito Peter, O thou of little faith, wherefore didft thou doubt?

r Job XXIX. I, 2, 3. Moredver, Job continued his parable,
ad faid. Oh that I were ,as in months pafl, as in the days

en God prefer ved me : when his candle* fhined upon my

id, and when by his light I walked through darkncfs. Pfal.

ii. i|. Uoto the upright there arifieth light in the darknef

" IP

264 Gospel Sonnets. Psirt. IIL

Yea, gofpel- works no help can lend /,
Though ftiU they do my faith attend m :
Yet faith by works is perfeU made,
And by their prefence juftify'd n.

Jefas Chrift noto all, snd upon all them diat bdieve ; for
there is no difiereBee. Chtp. it. 4, ^9 6. Now to him that
workethy is the reward boi reokoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not» but believeth on him that jufti*
fieth the ungodly^ his faith is counted for righteoafDcfs. Eyen
iatPairiiA aiu> de^ribeth the bleifiedneft of the man auto irhom
God imputeth righteoofiaeft witheot works.
; i Phil. iti. 4,— *9. If aay other man thinkcth that he hath
whereof he ought traft in the flefli, I more :— tottching thcf
fighteoufnds which is in the law» Uamele&x But what thinga
were gain to tacy thofe I coonted \c& for Chrift. Yea iSoubt*
kfs, and I count ail things but lols» for the excellency of the
kfiowlec^e of Chrift Jeibs my Lord: for whom 1 have fo^r-
cd the loft of ail things, and do count them but dong, thai I
may win Chrift, and be found in him, not haviipig mine owa
righteo\ifnefs, which is of the law, bat thft which is through
the faith of Chrifl^ the righteou&e& which is of God by fddi.
Ifa. Ixiv. 6. But we are all sui an unclean thin^, and all our
righteoufheiTcs are as filthy rags. Hof* ziiL 9. O Ifrael, thon
haft dcflroyed thyfelf, bat in me is thine helji. ifl zlv. a4t
%$. iMiidy, ftiall one fay, in the Lord have I ri^teoufbefs
and ftreng^ : <?en to htm flull men come, and all that arc in*
cenfed againft him fhail be afliamed. In the Lord ihaU ail the
feed of Ifiael be juftiied. and fliall glory.

m Tit. iii. 8. This is a faithful laying, and thefe thiogi t
will thai thoo affirm oonftaatly, that they which have believe^
in God, might be care&l to maintain good works : thefe things
are good and {irafitahle onto men. James ii. it. Yea, a m^
may £iy, Hiou haft faith, and 1 have works : fhew me thy
inirii without thy works, and I will fhew thee my £ttth by my
w(N:ks.

I n Juauc* ii. aCy 22. Was not Ahrahaoi oar fitther luftificd
by works, when he had offered Ifiuic his Son upon the altar f
i>eeft thou how faith wrought with his ^orka, and by works
was 6ith made perfeS i v. 24. Yc fee then how that tf works
a man is jaftified^ and not by fiuth only.

Sea. XVI. TbeB^mtier's Riddk. . i6s

But works .wit^h ^iib caiftli never vie^t j

And only faith eaa juftify o i ^

Yet ftill my jyftifjing fS^itfe- . rr

No juftifying value hsk&jif, : > . . , i

Lo, juftifying grace from b^av*n _; ..'. \
Is foreign ware^ smd freely giv'jGt^ :,, ...
-^ And faving faith is well content
To be a mere recipient n

t Roiq. U. x5/Tlierefbre it is of 6Hth« ^a k mi|^ te by

grace ; to the end the promife might ^ ^re to all th€ ^feed*

. Titos iii. 4,— 7* But after that the kicdotefs and lore t>f God

«ur Saviour toward mah appeared* not by tt^orkf orr^;lneottf4

'^ oefs) which we haird done, but according to his mereif be ftr*
ed us by the waAing of regenej^sRion* and retiewtng^'of the Ko»
ly Ghoft : which he flied on us abundantly, throaghjefiis'
Chrift oar Satfioor } that being jciftified by his grace, we Aiouki
be made heirs according to the hope' of eternal HA^. Mts^ x.
43. To bim gave a]t the prophets witneft, that through hit.
name, iKcbolbever beKeiFeth in him, (ha!], recewe remiffioi^ of £n9.
p Gal. iii. 21, 92* It the law then ag^nft the proipiles of
God ? GocFforUd t fbr if there had been a law given whicb
could have given life, verily righteoufnels (hould have been by
<he law. Bat the ferlpture hath concluded alf trafder 4iri, that
the promife by fiuth of JeCbs Chrift mtght be given to thent
that believe. Luke xxii. 51, ^2. And the Lord faidv SfBUbSf
$imon, behold^ Satan hath dti^red td have yot^, that he may

V .fift you as wheat : bat I have prayed for thee, that thy fiitJi

' ftil not; and when thdo art converted, ftrengthen thy brethren.
3 Cor. iii. 5. Not that we are'(i}i)icieQt of ourlelvetto think,
any thiog as of ourfeives'; tax our fblScfency is -of God. Chap.

^xif. 5. Of &ch an one IvUl I glory ; yet l^myfelf I will noe
^lory, bat in nine infinnities.

(^ kom* ▼. 16, ly.-^TKc free gift is of many oSences^nto
jdftiiication.—- They which receive db«iidam:e of grace, a^of
€he gMt of righteooibcfsy (hall reign in life by one^ ;fefiis Chrift.
Chap. Si. 94« B^iog }a(II€ed' freely by bis fjncty through the
f«demption that it in jefiw Chrift.
r Itom; y« tu And not only fO| >but ve aifo icy in 6od|

i

266 Go&PEL Sonnets. Part IlL

Faith's aOive in my fanSlity fi
But heri^ its dft it will deny /,
And ^nkly own it never went
BeyosKi a paj/ive inftruoient /•

I labour much like holy Paul;
And yet not I, but grace does all u j

ihrmigh our Lord Jefus ChriAt by whom we hate now re<*
ceived the atODement. v. 1 7. Sa letter q.

/Gal. V. 6. For in Jefus Chrift, Jieither circuiQciGoa avaii-
^th any thingijioruncircunicifioa, bat faith which worketh by
W^« A6ts XT. 9. Cod put no di&rence between us and them,
pprifying their hearts 1^ £uth. Chap. 3ac?i. i8. To opeo
th^r ^y€s» and to turn them from darknefs to light, and from
the power of &«^tan unto God, that they may receive forgive-^
ae& of ilcs, and inheritance among them which are~facdified
by &ith that is in me.

s Rom* IT. 16. Therefore it n of £uth, that it might be by
grace. . Chap. xi. 6. And if by grace, then is it no more of
works ; otherwiie grace is no more grace.

/ Epn. ii. 8» 9* Forjiy^graceare ye iaved, through faith ;
I|n4 ^^' <^o^ ^^ yourfelves : it is th^^ift of God : m>t of works,
left any man ifaould boaft. i^ Cor. ir. 7« For who maketh
tbee to differ from another? and what haft thou that thou didft
not receive I now if thou didft receive it, why doft thou glory
as if thou hadft not received it I Heb. xi. j i. Through ^th
alfo Sarah herfielf received Ar^nigth to conceive feed, and was
delivered of a child when (he waspaft age, becaufe (he judged
iiim faithful who had promifed. z;. 17. By faith Abraham,
when he was tried, offered up Ifaac: and he that had receiv*
^d the promifes, offered up his only b^otten fbn : v. 1 9. Ac«
counting that God was able to raue him up, even ftom the
dead : from whence alfo he receivedhim in a figure, v. 35.
VTomen received theu: dead n^fed to life again : and others
were tortured, not accepting deliyerence; that they might ob-
tain a beiier refurre^oo. ,

u 1 Cor. ^v» ro. But by the grace of God I am what I
am : and his grace which was befiowcd upon me, was not In

rn; but IJj^oured more abundandy than they aH ; yet not
but the grace of God which was with me.

p fbi.hw^ i6* I will go on in the (treogth of ibe L^

Sea. XVI. <IhMeter*sj ^^^^ ^^^

I try to fpread my littk I o \ ^
. And wait for pow rful mf U g^. '

When powVs conveyed J i:^ ^ ^
*Tis ft ill his pow'r that V 'r?,^ S"^
I am an agent at his call § <<^i*( *]
Yet nothing am, for gra ^

\ •
\

IL Of rewardi of Graa and uturt-^ ;

IN all my works I ftiil regard
The recon>pence of full reward at;
Yet fuch my working; is withal,
"I look for no reward at all jr.

Gcd : I will make mention of thy rfghteotifDeft, eren of tfiine
only. Soog iv. 1 6. Awake, O north wind, and come, thou •
feuth, blow upon my garden, tha the fpices thereof may flow

0Ut.

«f Phil. ii» 12, 13* Wherefore, my beloved, at ye .hare tl*
ways obeyed,' not as in my prefenee only, hot now much more
. in my abfeiice : work out your own ulration with fear and '
trembling. For it is God which worketh m you both to will
^ and to do of his good pteafure. Gal. iL 20* I am crucified
with Chrift : Neverthctefs I Htc ; yet not I, but Chrift iiyeth
in me ; and the life which 1 now life in the fie(h) 1 live by
Che ibith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave htmfelf '
Ibr me. 2 Cor. xii. 9. And the Lord faid unto me, My
grace is fafficientfor thee ; for my ftrength is nnde perfeA in
weaknefs. Moft- gladly thereferey will 1 rather glory in m)
infirmities, that the power of Chrift may reft upon ine.

X Heb. xi 24, ^^^ 26. By futh Mofes, when he was ^!^e
to years, refafed to be caHed the foo of I^araoh's daughter s
choofing rather to (uffer afHidton with the people of Gody
than to eojoy the plc^afores of fin for a feafon : elteeming the
reproach of Chrift greater riches than the treafures in Egypt s
for he had refpeft unto the recompence of the reward.

J I Tim. i. 9. God hath faved us, and called us with «tt
lioly calling, jnot according to our works,-but according to his
own purpofe and grace which was giTco ut in Chrift JefuSf ^

266 G o s^ E L S o^ NETS. Part III.

Faith^s ^Arewatxl exceeding great,
But bhjfrheay'n than this I wait z :
And Miere*5 the earning work fo broad,
Bev^t me up an heir of God a ?

Liewards of debt, rewards of grace^
y/Are oppofites in cv'ry cafe d ;
/ Yet fure I am they'll both agree
.^ Moft jotHtly in rewarding nae c.

Though hell's my ]\jA reward for iin d^
Heav'n a« my juft reward I'U win e.

i

fore the world bcgsift. Tit.m. 5. Notby worki'ofrrghteovfiiefi^

' which we bive doiie>.buK Accordfdg to his mercy he faved us by

the waihing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghoft.

z Gea>xr..i. /kfter theie ihi^gt the w^rd of the. JLot^
come ^mo Abram in a viilon, laying, Fear not* Abram : I
^ifid thy ihield^ aod thy ejtceoding grcft reward. Pfal« IxkOL
2jf a6. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there 19
jipne upfM <;2rth that I defire belidca che& My fieih aad mj
'* lieftrt faileth: hut God is the ilr^ength of my heait, and my
portion for «ver.

.X ^ £aEieL xxxvi. |2« Not lor your. (ak«» do I jtlus> fiuth thf
Lord Qoidf bie it Juiown uoto you : be aftiamed and confoand^
lor yoarowB ways, Ohoule of IlraeL Rom* viif. 16, 17. The
Spirit itfelf beareth witpefs with owr ^irk, that we are the
children of God. And if childceot then heirsf hw^ of God»
^iixA jpiAt heia with Chrift.

/ Rom. iv« 4. Now to him that.woHKetb^ is the reward not
ireckotied of graces but of dcbt«

c F£d« Jviii* t ». Verily there is a i*ewaFd fiir the righteoos ;
V < ^ he is a Gpd tbat jadgech in 4he eartl|. i(a. IfiL 1 1.
Benold, the jLord hath fFocIaimed unto the end of the wotrld,
&y ye to cbe daughter oif Sion, Behold, ihy falva^on comet hf
behold» his reward is with himy and his work before hiip. • Aad
xL iO« igehol'd the X4ord God will come with Aroog haad,
and his aim AklU raie lor him : behold his rewasd is with him>
Mid hti work before him*

^ d Rom. vi« a I* What Jfruit bad ye then 40 thoTe thingSi

whereof ye are now alhamed? for the eod of thofeHhings 19

*"^h. V. 23. The wages Qi^vav^ death.- £ph. ?• 6. Lee

Sea. XVL The Believer's Riddle. 269

Both thefe nay juft rewards I kngw,
Yet truly neither of theqi fo *. \

• Hell can^t in iuftice be my lot,
Since juftice latisfaftion got/;
Nor heav'n in juftice be my fliare,
Since naercy only brings me there p;.

BO nan deceiTe yoa with Tain words : for becaufe of the(e
things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of dlTobe-
dience. Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the
laW) are under the curie : for it is written* Curfed is evcfy.one
that continueth not in all things which are written in the book,
of the* law to do them.

# Gal. iii. 139 14* Chrift hath redeemed us firom the curfe
of the law, being made a curfe for os : for it is written. Cart*
ed is every one ttiat hangeth on a tree : that the bleffing of A-
tnaharo might come on the Gentiles through Jefus Chrtft ;
that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith.
£]^h. i. ijf "k^l* In Chrift* alfo after that ye believed, ye were
fealed with that holy t>pirit (^promife^-whteh^s the earned of
POT inheritance, until the redemption of the purdiafed pofief*-
fion, unto the praife of his glory. Rom. v. 21* Grace reigfifr
tiiroogh rtghteonfiiefs unto eternal life* by Jefus Chrift our
our Lord. And vi. 23. The ^ft olE Ciod is eternal life^.
through Jefus Chrift our' Lord;

* Through the/if off 9fiU weet rf Uvf-and gt^L

f Rom. iii. 25» 26.. Whom God hath fet forth to be apra*^
piriarion, through faith in his bloody to declare his righteoof*
nefi for the remiffion of fins that are paft, through the for*
bearance of God. $ to declare, I fay, at this rime his righte-
oufnefs ; that he might be juft, and the juflifier of him which
beliereth in Jefus.

g Rom. ix^ 15. 16. God faith to Mofesy I will have mef*
cy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compaiHpn on
whom I will have compafSon. %o then tt is not of him that
willetb, nor of him that runneth ; ^but of God that Oieweth
mercy. Titus iii. 4t— 7« But aftei^tbkt the kindnefs and love
of God our i^aviour toward man appeared, not by works of
righteottfnefs which we have done, but accordii^g to his mercjr
he laved us by. the waihing of regeneration, and renewing of

^3

^20 GaspEi. Sonnets. Part III.

"Yet heav'n is mine hy folemn oath.
In ju(lice and in mercy both i6 :
Arid God in Chrift is all my truft,
Becaufe he's merciful and juft /.

CONCLUSION.

HERE is the riddle, where's the man
Of judgment to expound? * '

For mqjters famM that cannot fcan,
In Ifrael may be found ^.

the Holy Gboft : which he (hed on n%. abandantly, thrdogh
Jefttt Chrift ailr faviaiir ; that being joftified by bis grac6» we
Atuld be made helrt according to die hope of eternal life.

i FfkU Ixxxiz. 35, j6. Omre have I fworn by wy hoU«
9eftt that 1 will not fie tinto Darid. His feed (hall endure
hr erer, %nd hi; throne as tjve fun befbri. me. Heb. vi. ty^
s9. Wheieitt Go^ willing more abondandy to (hew tinto the
lieirs ef promi(e the immutability of his counfel, confirmed it
It' by an oath : that by two immutable things* in which it
w«a impoifible for God to lie, w^ might have a firong confo-,
latijMi* who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope &t
befote us. Pia). IxKxij:. 14- Jufiice and judgment are the
habitation of thy throne ; mercy and truth iliall go before thy
face. V* t6. It thy name fball they rejoice all the day : and
in thy righteoulbefs Ihall they be exalted, f . I4. But my
&ithfulners -and ntiy mercy ihall be with him [David my (er*
vantj: and in my name (ball his born be exalted, v, zS*
My mercy will 1 keep for him' for evermore, and my covenant
ihall ftand fad with him.

i Heb. ii. 17. ' Wherefore in all things it behoved hifn to
be made like unto his brethren : that he might be a merciful
and faithful high priefl:, in thipgs pertaining to God, to make
reconciliation for the fins of the people, i John i. *?, 8, 9»
If we walk in the lightt as God is in the light, we have (iU
lowlhip one with another, and the blood of Jefus Chrift his
Son deanfeth us frqm all fw. If we (ay that we have no Goy •
we deceive ourfelvesy and the truth is not in us. If we con-
Mt our {1b8» he is faithful, and ju(t to forgive us our fins, and
to cieanfe us from all unrighteoulbefs.

Part III. Tie^Simi^^i^Sr ^73

We juftly thofe in wifdorSs'l^^

Ella blifti'd faints may call, ^^l^^wj*

Wbofe bitteir-fweet experience Weft ^^^
Can clearly grafp it all b.

Some babes in grace may mint * and mar, * C^y*
Yet aiming right fucceed c :
'Rxxtjir angers they^in Ifra'l are,
Who not at all cah Tead rf.

♦ .

a Joha lit. to. Jefus anfwered and ftld rnvro Nicodem^Sa

Art thou a mafter of I{rael» and knowefl not thefe things.

b Matth. xi. 25. At that time Jefus anfwered^nd faid, X
chaak thee> O Father Lord of heaven and earth, beca^sfethoa
haft hid tliefe things from the wife and prudent, and haft re-'
Tealed them unto babes. And xiii. 1 1. Jefus a^fwered and
laid unto his diftiplesi B^cauft it is giireo Dintd you to koo\r the
myfteries of the lungdom of heaven, but to them it is. not given.

c I Cor« ill. f , z- And I| brethren, could not fpeak umb-
you ^ unto Q>intual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes ia
Chrift. I have fed you wiiih miUcy and not with meat : for
hitberto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye a«
bie/ Heb^v. (2> 139 14 For when for the time ye ought
to be teachers, ye have a«ed that one teach you again which^
be the fir (I principles of the oracles of God $ and are .become
fuch as have need XS( milk» and not of ftrong meat. For eve«
t}f one that afetb miMc is unfldlful in the word of righftouf*
nefs : for he is a babe. But ftrong meat belongeth to them .
that are of full age, even thofe who, by reafon of ufe, hav(p
their fenfes exercifed to difceco both good and c^l*, A.nd.vi\
J. Therefore leaving the principles of the dodrjne €»f Chrif^,
let us gflL on unto perfeftion .* not laying again the foundation
of repeoilnce from dead works, and of faith towards God, &c«
I John ii. 12, I }. I write unto you, little children, because'
your fins are forgiven you for his name's fake. — I write unto
you little children, ' because ye have known the Father.

d a Cor. IV. t% 4. ' But if our Golpel be faid^ it is hid to
them thiat are loll: iti whom the Godofthi$ world hath blind-*
ed the minds ol them which believe not, left the light of the
glorious goipel of Chrift^ who is the image of God, fhould
fhinc unto them. • . i

a;©

NET S.

and Inn wbik

A Poem and Para^brafeMjftm Pfaloi Ixxxtv»

Ver. I. How amiable are tby tabernacle f^ O Lord
rfbqftsf

JEHOVAH, Father, Son, and Holy Gholl,
Sole Monarch of the univcrfai hoft,
Wham the attendant armies fiill revere,
Which in bright robes furround the higher

fphere;
Whofc fov*reig;n empire fways the hellifh band
Of ranked legions in th* infernal land ;
Who hold'ft the earth at thy unrivaird beck,
An*ftay*ft proudforces with a humbling check;,
£v'n thour whofe name commands an awful
A dread.

Yet deigns to dwell with man in very deed j
O what refrefhment fills the dwelling place
Of thine exuberant unbounded grace! ftort.
Which with fweel powV does joy and praife ex-
In Zion*6 tents, thine ever lov'd refort :
Where glad'ning ftreams ofmcrcy from above
Makes fouls brim-£ull of warm feraphic love.
Of fweeteft odours all thy garments fmel!s ;
Thy difmal abfence proves a thoufand hells,
But heav'ns of joy are where thine honour dwells.

part IV* The B^ii€Wr*s Lod^n^. 273

Vcr. a. Mf fifUl ItmgeiA, yea, inmfainMifir tie
courts tfftbe Lord; my heart and myjkjb crietb
cut for the living God. ^ .

Therefore on thee I centre my defire,
Whiph veh*mently*burft& out ih ardent fire.
Deprived, ah 1 I languifh in my plaint,
My bones are feeble, and my fpirits faint.
My longing foul pants to behold again
Thy tcmpk fill'd with thy majeftic train ;
Thofe palaces with htav^nly oddur ftrew'd,
And regal coijrts, where Xibn*sTCingis view'd ;
" To fee the beauty of the higheft One,
. Upon his holy mount, his lofty throne :
Whence virtue running from the living Head
Reftorcs the dying, and revives the dead*
For him my hetirt with cries repeated fou;ids,
T* o which my flefh with echoes loud rebounds j
For him, for him, who life in death can give.
For him, for him, whofe fole prerogative
Is from and to eternity to live.,

Ver. J. TeUy the fparr^w bath found an houji, and
the fwallow a neji for herfelf ni^ere fi^e may lay
her young, even thine altars, Lord ofhojis, my
* Ring And my Qod.

Alas! how from thy lovely dwellings I,
Long banifti'd, do the happy birds* envy j
Which, choofing thy -high altars for their neft^
On rafters of thy tabernacle reft !
Here dyvells the fparrow of a chirping tongue,
/And here the fwallow lays her tender young :
Faim facriiege ! they feiae the facred fpot.
And feem to glory o'er my abfent lot.
Yet fure I have more fpccial right to thee
Than all the brutal hofts of earth and fea t

^74 Gosr^ii. SoNJSJ5TS. Tart IV.

That Sovereign, at whofe goveriuneal tbey bow,
Is wholly mitie by his eternal vow;
My King to fule my heart, aftd qatH my foe$,
My God t\cxtra6l my well from prefent woes,^
And crown witili endlefs glory at the clofe*

Ver. 4. Bleffed are they that dwelt in fby hmfe t
tbef will %e Jlill p'raiftng thee.

O happy they that haimt thy hoide. below^
A.nd to thy royal fan£luary flow :
Not for ftfelf, but for the glorious One,
Who there inhabits his ereft^d thronel
Others pafs by, but here their dwellitig is i _
O happy people crown'd with bays of blifs J
Blefs'd with the fplendid luftre of his face,-
Blefs'd with the high melodious found of graces
That wakens ibuls into a fweet amaze,
And turns their fpirits to a harp of praife ;
Which loudly makes the lower temple ring.
With hallelujahs to the mighty King :
And thus they antedate the nobler fong
Of that celeftial and triumphant throng.
Who warble notes of praife eternity ^along.

Ver.* 5. Blejfed is the man v^hofe Jirengtb h h
thee^:^-^ ~ ■ ,

What weights of blifs their happy fhoulden
load,
Whofe ftrength lies treafur'd in a potent God?
Self-drained fouls, yet flowing to the brim,
Becaufe void in themfelves, but full in him. .
Adam the firft difcufs^d their ftock of ftrength,
The fecond well retrieved the fum at length ;
Who keeps 't himfelf a furer hand indeed.
To give not as they lift, but as they need.

; Part IV. . l^be Believer* s Lodging. ,. 275

I When raging furiesT threaten fudden harms,
He then extends his everlafting arms ;
When Satan 4rives his pointed fiery darts.
He gives them courage and undaunted hearts '\
To quell hts deadly force with divine ikill, [will :
And adds new ftrength to do their. Sovereign's
\ When for« harafs'd by fome outrageous luft,
i.He levelling its pow'r unto the dull
\ Makes faints to own him worthy of their truft.

Ven 6. In whofe hearts are the ways of them j wha
paj/ing through the valley of Bacca, make it a
well : the rain alfo fillet h the pools.

Such heav'n-born fouls are not to earth con- -
Truth's high-way fills his elevated mind : [fin'd.
They, bound for Zion, prefs with forward aini».
As Ifr'el's males to old Jerufalem.
Their holy path lies through^ a parched land.
Through oppoiitions numerous and grand.
Traverfing fcorched defarts, ragged rocks,
And fiacca's withered vale, like thirfty flocks :
\ Yet with unlhaken vigour Jvomeward gOt
Not mov'd by ail oppofing harms below.
! They digging wells on this Gilboa top,
I The vale of Achor yields a door of hope : ,
I For Heaven in plenty does their labour crown
By making filver fhowers to trickle down j
•Till empty pools imbibe a pleafant fill,
! And weary fouls are heart'ned up the hill,
j By mafly drops of joy which down diftill.

I Ver. 7. They go from ftrengib to jirength^ every one
of them in Zion appeareth. before God.

Thus they, refrefhed by fuperior aid,
not defatigatcd nor difmay'dj

i

L

!1

276 Gqspel Sonnets. Part IV.

fiecaiife they are, O truCh of a^Rrfml dread!
As potent as Jehovah in their Head.
Hence they Ihall travel with triumphant minds,

\ In fpite of ragged paths, and bmft'rous winds.
The rougheft ways their vigour ne*er abates,
Each new afiault their ftrength redintegrates.

* When they through mortal blows fecm to give
o'er,
"tlieir ftrength by intermitting gathers more.
And thus they, with unwearyM zeal endu'd.
Still as they journey have their ftrength renewM
So ^glorious is the race, that once begun
Each one contends his fellow to outrun ;
Till all uniting in a glorious band.
Before the Lamb's high throne adoring fiand.
And harp his lofty praife in Zion4and.

Ver. >8. Lord G^$fh(Asiy best my prayer : give
ear J God of Jacobs

Great God of numerous hofts, who reigns alone
The (ble poffeffbr pf th' imperial throne;
Since mental taftes of thy delicious grace
So fweetly^ relifti in thy holy place.
This is the fubjeft of my tabled pray*r, -
. To have the vifion of thy glory there.,
O let my cry pierce the ethereal frame.
And mercy *s echo follow down the fame. •
Onmifcicnt Being, favour my defire,
Hide not thy goodijefs in paternal inc:
Why, thou haft giv*n in an eternal band,
To Jacob and his feed th;^ royal tumdy
And promised by thy lacrf d Deity.,
His Kijig and covenanted God to be:
Therefore my hopes are centered all in thee.

Part IV. Tie SeliMefs Lklging^ 277

Ver.-9^ MebolJ, O Gett our Jhretd ; and M' upon
ibeface of thine ahointed* ^ '

OmiiipotentjWhofe armour none can widdi^
Zion^s great buckler and defenfiVe llii«ld }
Thy pure untainted eyes cannot beholdl
Deformed mortals in their finful mold,
Untefs their names be graved on the breaft
Of Z.ibn's holy confecrated Prieft,
When they his whiteandgloriousgartnent, wear,
Then fin and. guilt both whoHjr difappiear ;
Becaufe o'erwrhelmed in the crimibm flood.
And ocean of a dying Sunety s blood i
They alfo, veiled with his radiant grace^
Refled' the luftre of his holy face.
They*^re not themfelves now, but divinely trim^
Pdr wholly wbat they are, they are in luih:
And hence J£hgva.h^& all-difcemtlig €ye
dafmot in them efpy deformity.
Then look on him, Lgrd; and iu him on me«

Ver. 10. Far a day in thy tMrts is hiter than a
^thnrfawi.: IhadrMhir hi a dmft4teefer in4be
bouje aftAf Godr thm U iMukU in ibi tents of
wwhidneji^

, MayipofltefsT, as thy dbmeftic: child.
The houfethat by J£^hovah*s namp is ftyrd :
For royal glories' detk thbfe courts of thin^.
Which with nlajeftie rays fo brightly Ihine,
That fliouid tts^ mind preferit an e^rth of goldy
As full of W6ddlyjoyi as earth can\hold :
SWetet gfaeefo^ftl^ thy hotifc, Pd ghidge to (pare-
One mocaelit iifete, fdr thoufand ages there..
No earthly » c^tQ. Ihall my love confine.
That Beings which . poflefles allj; is mine/ '

I. Gospel Sonnets* Fart IV.

' fpiiit^tfaerefgfe rather would embrace
e ineaneft office in his holy place^
d by the threAold of his houfe within,
sin fit in fplendour on a throne of fin.
Jefiis' courts Vd chooCe the lovyeft place^
bis feints feet, fo I.migbt lee his face,
a, tho^ my lamp of outward peace &ould burn
)ft brightly, yet I would incefiant mourn^
tiile ia a wicked Mefech I fcjourm

• ,' ^

r. IX. For the Lord God is a fun andJbkJd: tie
t^^will give grace and glory ; no good tiring
will be withhold from tbem that walk uprigbtlf^

ForGod the Lord, whofe courts I love to hau&t,
every tlung chat empty fouls can want ;
fun fbr light, a (hieldforftrength; yea, more^
1 earth he gives his grace, in heaven his glore.
lis radiant fun, of lite and light the iburce,
atters the ihades by circumambient courfe ;
^a, guides bemifted fouls withheartfomebeamS|
idl gtoriouily irradiating gleams,
lis mafly fludd is. polifii'd^right with powft,
ir helping weaklings in a perilous hour,
sre^s all that weary travellers would have;
fun to cheriih, and a ihield to fave.
race alfo here is giv'n t^ adorn the foul^
ad ^ield to glory in the heavenly pole.
tl divine treuure to the faint is due ;
othing'a deny'd, if truth itfelf be true.
be treafute is fp vaft itcaii^t be told ;
othinig that God can give will God with-hold.

> whom he doth hisj^ying grace impart^

> them he gives himfelf, his hand, bis heart :
prigbtneis loo of heart and life does fall ^-
ma tbetr 0uire, who having Ittm, have aU

Part I V* Ths Belkver^s Lodging* 27^

In them the grace be gives, he ftiil regards ;
Gives holiiie(sv and thdi hk gift rewards*
For to his own upright and divine brood
He's bound to grant ev*!! all that's gjreat and good,
By's <e wn fare woi^, firm oath, and faered blood*

Ver» 12. Lord rf bo/is ^ blejed is the nwitboJt
trufteih in tbee. _ "^

O then, JsHovAR, God of armies ftrong;
To whom thepow'rsof >»rth and heav'n belongi
How vaftly bleSed is the fixed man, « '

Who bjT a firm fiducial boldnefs can, [[hc^ve.
Through grace and (trength difpenfed from a«
So fwectly fctirthe height of divine love^
As to derive his comfort wholly thence, . .
And on this rock to found his confidence ! /
Whofe faith has rear'^d up for a firm abodjC I
A ftable bmlding on a living God ?
Who, fpckird of human ^rops both great and
Does choofe a triune Diety for all ? . , (Jmadl^
What fcroUs of Uifs are in this AH inrO^'d,
Is too fiiblime for feraphs, to unfold. •

Sift, bnman wifdom, in a deep, amas^e !
Let rapid floods of life his glory r^ife^
Till time be drown'd in his eternal praife*

A fourfold £kerci{^ for the .Believer in hi9^

Lodging on Earth..

LTb^HOLTLAW;

O R»

The Ten Cootmandments, Exod. xx. 3,— X7*

iN

O God but tiie thou ftialt adore#
No image frame to bow before.

%&o G Qs p £ t S Q N N E,T«. P.art IV*

3- My holy natne tai;e not in vain. h

4. My facred Sahbath don't, profeae.

5. To parents render, dpe refpe£U

6. All murder fhun, 3^4 maUce ckeck.

y. From filth ,and whoredom We J3.hilaia»

8. From theft and all unjawftjl g*in.

9. FaMe witnefs flee, and fland'ring fp]te.
10. Nor covet what's thy neighbour's right."

. II.- Tht UNHOLr HEART, the 4irea opptfifs to
^ Gm/V bol^ and tighteotu l<vua, Rom. vii. 14.

O &»

The lyipwledge of fin by t^^ law^ Upm. iii, ^<^

i. A fl[ Y heart's to ma^nj god's g flaye.,
2, JL T J|. * Of Ihaagery iii hideous ^aye, ,
3* An hoard, of God-diftion'ririg criip^s. /
^: A waftjer baft of holy tirii^.
'' 5.^ throne of pride and felf-Qppceit^ *
' ^. A flaughter-houfe of wrath >nd.h:^V
* 7. A ciage of birds and thoughts urid^^ii* *

8. A d^n of thieves and frauds unfeen.

9. An heap of calumnies unfpent,

>o, A gulf pf gre«ed ant^ difcojntqpl:. ! / V

Chrift the end of the law for jighteoufnefs,
. ' -Root, x; 4. ■'

And the abfolote joeejd of this rerneidjjr inferred

from the premifles'. ' ,

H

ENC£ I cand^it and clearly fe^.
There's by the law na l^e for me $

Part IV. The BeUwef^s Lodgingi'^ ^8x

Which damn's each foal to endlefs thrall^ '

Whole heart and life fulfils not all.

What fhall I do, unlefs for tail

I from the law to grace appeal ?

She reigns through Jefus' righteoufnefe,

Which giving juftice full redrefs.

On, grace's door^ this motto graved,

Lei^n be damrld^ andjirmers fav^d.

O wifdom's deep myfterious way !

L05 at this door I'll waiting ftay.

Till fin and hell both pais away.

But in this blifs to (hew my part,

Crant, through thy law grav'd in my hearty

My life may Ihew thy graving art^

IV. ^e ? RATE Rt^F Alt H,

Which may be conceived in the following;

words of a certaid Author..

. • ' . . ^

SlMiuus in vltay, ttia fUni nteckfuner^\, Chijie^

Day precor^ imperii fceptra tener^ iuL
Cur etenim^ moriensy M vulnera peva. tuli/li^

Si mn film r^gni portio parvo^ tUif.\
Gwr rigido Jatuit tua vUa. inck^a fepulcbro^

Si non eji mea^ mart, marie fugaia ivta I ; ]
'Ejrga ndki certam pra/iesy 0' CAri/ia, faliUem;
' meque tuo latum Jimgidne^ Cbrifie^ /uvo.

Which maybe tbm Engltjhed:

J^fus Fm thine in life and death,

Ohs let, me conqufrtng hold thf throne,

Why. fhar'd the crofs thy vital breath,
If not to make me ihare thy crown^^ ^

$8z 608PEC 80 VN Bars. Part V,

Why laid in jail of cruel grave, -
If not thy death frain deaiii me free ?

Then, Lord, inftire the bltfs I, crave^
Seal'd with thy Moody and fuccour me.

GOSPEL SONNET 3.

PA R T V.

fhe Believer's Solij-o^quy ; efpecioBy in times
ofdefertion^ tempt atimf dj^i^ton^ &c.

SECT, t

• - » • ■

^he defertcd believer lending fir ferfed freedom

frvm Jin.

H! mournful cafe! what can afford
Contentment, when an abfent Lord
'ill now hii5 kmdnefs neither prove
By fmiles of grace, nor Ivies of love !
What heart can joy, what foul can fing,
Whik winter over- runs the fpring?
Idle, yet cao't my :|bath condole;
Lord, fave a dying,^Ooping foul.
In pain, yet unconcerned I livp,
And languifti when I fbould believe.
Lord, if thou ceafe to come and ft'ay.
My foul in fin will pine away.
In ^, whofe ill lie tongue can tell«
To live is death, to die, is hell ; . - ?

O fave, if not from thrall's arreft,
Yet fave me, Lord, from fin at leaft.

Seft. I. The B^ewt's Ss>tSQqUy4 a^g^

'This far his merit's fafce I &ok/

Whofe hlooA aiid wotmck do money fpeak* \

Who left the rank of |^(iri<>tis choirs.

And heavenly ;fl0#rs for earthly briers.

Our Samfoti took aii ho\y nap

Upon oar feeble ftatiiot's 1^:

He» wandering in a pijgrim's w^.

Did tafte Qur gric^,. to help our aeed.

Earth's fury did upon hwi light :

How black was Herod's .eruclfpiiie !

Who, tp 1^ fare of murd'ring one;

Left he be Ipar'd, did pity hoi:\e !

Hell l^opts the Babe a few days ol4»

That came to rifle Satan's fold;

AlLhafid3 purfu'd him ev'n to death.

That camq to fave irom i^n and wraih. .

O mercy \ ^ij^^rant of kovmds \

Which aU creatdi thought^ confiofiuids ;

He ran outright a faving race

For t\itm that mite dea^ him cha£e.

O fin ! hpw h^eaTy is thy weight.

That prefs'd the gfeiious God oi might,

Till prpftrate on th£ free^g ground,

He f wetat hds dotted blood around i

His bapd the ponderous globe djoes prop.

This weight ne'er made him fwcat a drop.:

But when fin's load upon htm lies^

He falls and fweats, and groans and dies*

Alas! if GocI iink under fin*

How fliall the man that iii» therein ! . i :

How deeply down, when to the load

He adds the flighted blood of God ?

Lord, let thy fall my rife obtain.

Thy grievous ihame ray glory gain j ^ '

g.94 GosFEL SawNETs. Part. V*

Thy crofs mf lafting crown procure,
: Thy death my eodlefs Hfe ^nfiire»
O fend me down a draught of tove.
Or take me hence to dHnk above r
Here Marah's water fills niy cup,
But there all griefs are fwallow'd up.
Love her^ is fearce a faint defire;
But there the ^park's a flaming fire.
Joy^ here are dmps that pafiing flee,.
But there an everflowing fea.
My faith, that fees fo darkly here.
Will there refign to vifion clear ^
My hope, that's here a weary grcmnv
Win to fruition yidd the throne.
Here &tters hamper freedom's win^
But there the captive is a king t
sAnd grace is I&e a bnry'd feed.
But finaers there are fsdnts indeedw
Thy portion's here a cnimb at beft^
But there the Lamb^ eternal feaft :
My praife is now a fmotber^d fire^
But then I'll fine: and never tire.
Now duiky ihadow^ cloud my. day ,
But then the fhades will flee a^vay r
My- Lord will break the dimming glafs^
And Qiew his glory face to face.
My num'rous^ foes now beat me down^
But then^ I'll wear the vidor's crown ^
Yet all the revenues Til bring. .
To Zion's everiafling King»

r ■

^ Se6l. IT. Tie B^lhv^r'j SoiUpp^. '^5

'• SECT. II.

_ . - f '

^e deferted Believe/ j prayer under complaints ^
unbeliefs darknefs^ (kadneji^ and l^ardnefs. .

WHAT menuis ihis wicked, VK^nd'iing
heart ?
Thk ti;efl^ltpg;ague t»f my f(»al ? *
Wotdd Jefas but a )l(»ok iD^ar t^ .

One Iqokfmm binr would make me wkole.
But will he turn to me hi* face^

From wi^KU he juftiy ctid w^dbifii^v ^ * '
To me wbd flighted all that grace

I in my pail experience iaw F : 1
Lord, for thy ^o-omife iake, return, - * !

Apply thy pwd'ning, deaitfing blood ;
Loci dof^o MTtth ^ity an * wcmot,

With coxr'iMSit-aiercy do me^oodv -^ - -.
I When thy frflie Sp'dt tthi5 word ap^i^s,
I And kindly tells me thou art mind, \ *

I My ^fth^t^fii finking heart Teplie^
I Ah^liOixii iwi&Icould be thine. '

My faith's io ^m ghted, iq my doubts j» \

I I caft the offe/d geiQd away ;

And lofe, by raifing vaki difputes,

The wonted ^bteflingS' of che day. «
Was e'er ooe prefs'd wit^k fucfa a laad»

Or pierc!d with fiacli an unfeeii dart :
To find ajL once an tabfent God, * /

And yet, alasi a cardlefis heart t '
Sach grief as mine, a gri^bis i^rief.

Did ever any m(>rtal fliare i
An hopelefs hope, g {ifekfs life,

Or fuch uQv^ontod carekis ciare ?
rrisfad, Lord ! when for nighrt's fdlace.
Nor moon, nor ftarry gleams appear r

486 Gospsx. Sonnets. PartVi

Yet Wbrfe, when in this difmal cafe

My heart is hardened from thy fean
*1 was not becaufe no ftiowVs did flow

Of heavenly manna at my door j
But by roy folly Vm into

A worfe condition than before.
Come, Lord, with greater pow*tf far why^

Mine, fure, is not a common cafe :
Thou bficr^a to unrail ; yet I

Do fcarce incline to fee thy face*
Sttch languid hint defires I feel

Within this wicked ftupid heirt :
I ihould, i would, but that I will

I hardly dare with truth afl^.

to be free of that vile wrack,

That bafeiy keeps me from my God !

1 flee from thee. Lord ; bring me back .

by tender love, or by thy rod;.
. In paths of righteouiiiefs dire£t.

New proofs of thy remiffion give ;
Then of thy name 1*11 mention make ^

With grateful praifes while I live.
On banks of mercy % boundlefs cfeep^

With fweeter cafe Til fosur and fing.
Than kings of feathered hc^s, that f weep

The oozy fliore with eafy wing.
But if thy mind omntfcient know

Tm for this abfent htih unfit, >
Give grace to hate my iins, and ta

Their righteous punifhment fubmil^
But let me ne'er thy Spirit lack, ^

That by his aid my prayers may come
Before him, who can wifely make

£v'n diftance lead bis peo{^le home»

Sea. III. The Beliewf^sSoHhquy. aSf

Deep wifdom can my Coul prepare

By preient woes for abfent bUfs«
By acid griefs that now I (hare.

He can convey the joys I nii&.
Who afl from nothing's womb diiiclerd, .

Can mikt tV amazing produdl ceafe ;
With him oor order is cocifus'd.

By him confufion brings forth peace;
Then, Lord, ne'er let me bafeiy fpurn

Againft thy fearchleis unknown waye ;
But magnify thy work^ and turn

My groans and murmurs into praife.
Let me fubmiifive, while I live,

Thy awful juftice own with £ear :
Yet peniive let me never grieve

Thy tender mercy by'defpair.
Sin|;e thou^ by fin I foully fwerv'd,
. And lewSy f rom my glory fell,
I'm chaften'd here and' not ^efefv'd
' To feel the weight of fin in helL
Thy high right hand's once joyful days

In my diftrefk TH call to mind ;
And own that all thy darkeft ways

Will clearly prove thee good and kind*

SECT. III.

The BeUemer wooding tbro^ deeps of defer tm and

<orrt^tm.

LORD, when thy face thou hid^A,
And leav'fl me long to plore,
f faithlefs doubt of all thou didu
And wrought'ftibr me befoise.
No marks of love I find.
No grains of grace^ but wracks j

2B8 GospE L SaNKETS. PatlVi

No track of bea!i^'n\is left t^hiiid^
No groani no fmodkisg/flax.
But fay 9 if all the gui^s
And gfdinS' of love b&ipettt,
Say, F0re%t;€ll Chr^4 iind wtk^me Jti/ir.*
Stopf &op } I ineltf I filtot.
Lord, yet' tbottvbaft in> hearty
This torg&ki black I hate ;
I dare n6t, cannot, wilt mft part .
With thcc at Gach a rate.
Oi)ce like a father good^
Thou didft witit grace perfume ;
Waft thou a father to conclude
With dreadful judgc^s doom?
Confirm thy former deed^
Reform what is defil'd $
t was, L am» I'll fiill abide

Thy choice^ thy charge, thy chHd*
Loye-feals tliou drdft impart^
LockM up in miod I hare ;.
Hell cannot raze out of my heart
What heav ^n did tliere ingrave;
Thou <mc9 didft make me whole
By tiiy almighty hand; : .
Thou mad*ft me yow and gift my foul i
Both vow- attd gift iball ftand.
> But^ fince my folly grofe

My joyful cup; did i^ijl, ^
Make me the captive of thy crc^s,
Submiifive to thy willii
Self in myfelf I liate^ ;

That's matter of my groant^ . T

Nor can I lid m« from the mate' ^
That caufessoetb m&Situ .

.* . .-■J

.♦

O frail ji^flcoj^ftantitefh!
Sooti-trapt in cv*ry gin ;
Soon turn'd, o'ettura'd, and fo a-frefe '
Plung'd :in the gulf of fin*
Shall I be flave to fia,
~ My iiOT4*s moft bloody foe i
I feel its poiv'rful (way within,

H^w long fhall it be fo ?
. Ifow k«pg, Lord, fliali I ftay ?

How lopg in Mefech here ? "^
Difhonouring thee fto^i ^ay to day^
Whofc n^njje's to me fo dear ?
WhU? fin, J^ord, breeds my grief.
And m^es uic fadly pine ;
With bjinks of ipc^ce, O grant relief,
Till b^apM of glory flaine.

SECT. IV.

Complaint pfjin^ firrow^ and wflntpf love.

1'F black doom by defcrt fliould go,
Then, Lord, my due defert is death j
Which robs froi» fouls immortal joy,
^ And fr^m their bodies mortal breatji.
But in fo greg^t a Saviour,"

Can e'er fo l^fe a worm's annoy
Add ^ny glory to tliy powV,

Or anjc gladoefs to thy joy ?
Thou jukftly may 'ft me doom to death,

And everjafting flames o| fire ;
JBut on a wretch to pojur thy wrath

Can never fure he worth thine ire#
Since Jefus the atonement was.

Let tender mercy me releafe j
B b

. /

V

apo Gospel Sonnets^ Part. V.

Let him be umpire of my caufe,

And pafs the gladfome doom oi peace*
Let grace forgive, and love forget

My bafe, my vile apoftacy ;
And temper thy deferved hate

With love and metcy toward me.
The ruffling winds and ntging b^afts

Hold me in xonfiant cruel chafe ;
They break my anchors, fails, and mails,

AUowing^no repofing place.
The boiftVoiis feas with fweUing floods.

On ev'ry iide againft me fight.
'Heaven, overcaft with ftormy clouds.

Dims all the planet's guiding light.
The helliifa furies, lie in wait.

To win my foul into, their pow'r j
To make me bite at ev'ry bait,

And tKus my killing bane devour.
I lie inchain'd in fin and thrall.

Next border unto black defpair^
Till grace rcftore, and of my fall

The doleful ruins all repair,
My hov*rihg thoughts would flee to glore,

' And neftlc fafe above the Iky ;
Fain would my tumbling (Hip afhore

At that fure anchor quiet lie. ,

But mK)unting thoughts are haled down -

With, heavy poife of corrupt load ;
And bluft'ring ftorms deny with froWn

An harbour of fecure abode.
, ' To dro^ji the wight that wakes the blaft,

Thy fin-fubdulng grace afford ;
The ^ftorm might ceafe, could I but caft

This troublous. Jonah ovcr*board.

Se<9:* IV. The Bdiewr^s Soliloquy. 29^1

Bafe flefh, with fieihly pleafures gain'd,

.Sweet grace^^s kindly fait declines ;
' When mercy courts me for its friend^
. Anon my fordid flefh repines. "^

Soar up, my fbul^ to Tabor hill,

Caft off this lothfome. prei&ng load j
Long i§ the date of thine exile.

While Abfent from the Lord, thy Cod.
Dote not on earthly weeds and toys.

Which do* not, cannot fuit thy ta&e :
The flowers of^everlafting joys

Grow up apace for ihy repafh
Sith that the glorious God above

In J^s bears a lore, to thee ; .
Ho\Y bafe, how brut ifh is^ thy love

Of any .being lefs than he ?
Who for thy love did chiife thy grief^

Content in love to live and di^ :
Who lov'd thy love more thah^ his life^. \

And with his life thy love did buy.
Since then the God of richeft love

With thy poor love enamoured is j
How high a crime will thee xeprove

If not enan^ur'd deep with his ? ,
^ ISince on the verdant field of grace

His love does, thine fo hot porfoe :
Het^ove meet love with cbafte embrace,

Thy mite a thoufand«fold is due.
Rife love, thou early heav'n and fir^.

Young Uttle dawn df endlels day ^
ril on thy niounting fiery wing

In joyful raptures mek a^aj*

A-

ag^ G0SPKX.S0NNETS. -Pkrl V. I

SECT. V.

The defer ted ^outs prayer for the LordU gracious

/ind Jin-fubdmng^r^fence.

K[ IND Jcfus, come in lore to me,
^ And iVfcftke so laager flay ^
Or elfe f ecj^ive toy {avl to thee.

That btdathes to fee away*
A Irazar at thy gate I 1l««

As well it me be^bAies,
For cbitclr^ri's brtad aftam'd to cry j • -

O grant a dog tht crumbs*
• My wounds and rags itiy fieed {>r6claim^ ^

Thy ©cedful lielp infure i- _
My wounds beat wittiefs that Vm lam^.

My rags that 1 am^oor. .
Thou nxany It thy door doft feed

With H^ercy, when diftrcft ;
O wilt thou not ihew an alms dead

To me amomg the reft ?
None elie can give my* foul relief^

Nojie clfe can eafe iny-tiioaii> J

But he Whofe abfeDoe ife my grief :

All other joys be gone* - •

How can I ceafi3 fr£)m fad compialilt^

'H^w can I be at reft i
My mind tan faeiner be content

To want my noble j^ueft.
Drop down, mine tyes, and fiever tire,

Ceafe not on any terms^
Until 1 have my heart's dcfite.

My Lord within mine arms.
My heart, my hand, my fpirits fail.

When hiding off he goes j

Se<5l. VI. , The Betiever^s SoUloqup 293

My flefli, my foes, my lufts prevail,

And work iTiy daily woes.
When fliall I fee that glorious %ht v

Will all my fins deflhroy ?
That, Lord of love, that lamp of light.

Will banifli all annoy ? * . \ .
O could I but from finning ceafe^

And wait on Kfgah's hijl, '
Until I fee him fece to face,

Then fliould my foul be'ftilL n
But fince corruption cleaves to me '

While I in Kedar dwell ; "
Q. give me leave to long for tEee,

Fpr abfence is a hdl.
Thy glory fhonld be dear to me.

Who mie fo dear haft bouglit : • '
O fave frojn rend*ring ill to thee

For good which thou haft wrought;
With fear I cravfe, With hope 1 cry.

Oh promised favour fend ; '
Be thou, thyfelf, though changeling I

Ungratefully offend, ^
Out of thy way remove the lets,

Cleanfe this polluted den;
Tender nly fuits, cancel my debts:

Sweet Jefus, fay, Amen,

SEGT VI.

Tbe Song of Heaven defired by Saints on earth,

AURORA vails her rofy face
When brighter Phoebus takes her place;.
So glad, will grace refign her, rdom
To glory in the heavenly home..

1

^94 Gos^£L SorasETU Part V.

Happy the company that's gone-

From crofs to crowjit from tfanll to tbt^>ne ;

How loQd they fing utx)a the ihore.

To which they: faii'd in heart before !

Ble/s*ti are th dead^ jea^ faith the xns^

Tbai die in Cbriji iie M'uiMg Ltftd^

And on the other fide tyf death

*!rhus joyful fpend their {^aifing breath :

*' Death from all death has fet \x% ftee^

*« And will our gain for ever be j

^* Death ioos'd tiie xnafi^ chains of wo,

** To let the moumful c;aptiyas go.

** Death 15 to us a fxveet repofe ;

•' The bud was op'd to Ihew the rofe j

^* The cage vaa broke to let m fly,

^* And bttdd otur happy neft on high>

*' Lo, here we do triumphant Veiga,

*' And joyful ling in lofty ftrain :

** Lq, hece we teft, and^ove to be,

^ Enjoying more thun faith could fee»

'^ The thoufandth part we xiow behold,'

** By mortal-iongues was never told y

" We got a tifte, but now abow ^ .

** We forage in the fields of lave.

'' Faith oQce ftale dbwn a dtftant kifs,

^* Now love cleaves to the cheek of bUfc :.

** Beyond the fears of more mifhap

*• We gladly reft in glory's lap,

** Earth was to us* a feat of war,

** In thrones of triumph now we ^re.^

<* We long to fe« our Jefus (tear,

** And fought him there, but find hitn here.

** We walk in white wiibout annoy>

" In glorioius galleries of jtoy : . ;.

€i

44.

Se£l. . VI. Tie BeUevef^s Soliloquy. 195

•* And crowo'd with everlafting feays,
" We rival C^eruU in theif praife. ^
«' No longeriJi^ Uoaipteki of u^ant»^
** We fee the glorious Krng ^f faints, -
.*' Amidft his jbyfi;it hoft^ ^rbund)
" With all the ^ii;ine glory crowned*
*• We fee Urn at hh tabU head
** With Mving wattr^ livi^ bt^ad, - *
* ' His cheerful .guefts ioceflSnt load
•* With all the plenitude of God.
«< We fee the holy flaming fires,
** Cherubie and feraphic quires f ,
*^ And gladly join with tfaofe on higK '
" To warble praife eternally,.
Glory to God that here we camev
And glory 'to the* glorious Lamb. -
•* Our light, our life, our joy ,^ our all
** Is in pur arms, and ever IhalL
'^^ Qur Lord is ours> and we are his,j
** Yea, now we fee him as he^is :
** And hence we like unto him are^
« And full his glorious image &are. ^ ^
<* No darknefs now, no di&3al nighty ""
•^ No vapour intercepts .the light ; >
»* We 'fee for ever face to face,
** The higbeil Prince i& higheft place.
•• This, this, does heaven enough afford,
" We are for ever with the Lord i
** We want 00 more, for all is giv'n ;
** His prefencc is the heart of hcav'm
While thus I laid my lifi'Ding e^
-Clofe^to' the door of heav'd to hear j
And then the facred page did view>
Which told me all I heard was true y

^96

Go^pEi* Sonnets. - Part V*

V

Yet Ihew'd ape that the heav'nly foag
§urpaffc$ every mortal tongue.
With fuch unutterable ftrains
As none in fett'ring ilefii attains i
Then faid I, " O to mount away>
*• And leave this clog of heavy ciay !
** Let . wings of time more hafty fly,
"That I may join the foogs on high/*'

<• t

X*

' 4r

gospJ:l sonnet s.

* ■ - ^

. P ART VI.

1. CreatIo» and Ri9£MPTipN.

2. I.AW and Go.sPEi..

3. JusTiFicATio^i and Sanctification.

4. Faith and Sense.

* 5. IJeaven and EAUTHi

CHAP. I.

The Believer's Principles concerning Crt-
atlm and Redemption ; or, Som© of the iirtt
Principles of the Oracles of God.

S£CT. I.
Of C R EAT I N.

The fif ft chapter of Genefis . compfendjied } or,
the firft feven days work, froln the following
Latin lines, Engliftied.

PRIMA dies caelum, ttterrdnh lacemque, themit.

Altera .dyifnihjpiaium^ dijirimn aquarum.
Tertta fecernent undat, dot gtamino ttrrU. >
^uarta creat f$Utn et Imamy cekjiisque dim^
^inta deditpifcet, eodem genus pmne volantunK
. Sexta tidit pecudet, hminent quoque fieinDeus tpfe
" Condi dit; inde ^erit reqmluxfeptmafuljit.

- y

298 - Gospel Sonnets. Part VI.

In Englijhrthuf :■

1. The firft day beav*n, earth, light, Jehovah
feijt. . . . , V

a. The next, 2 water-fandring firmament.

3. The third made dry-land fpring with flpw'rjr

pride."

4. Thefourth fet up bright lamps timeto divide^

5. The fifth brought fwiraming fifli and flying

fawL -^

v6. The fixtl>, earth^s herds, and man to bear

the rute.
7. The feventh bronght forth na more, y^

brought the beft.
The laboring creature's and creator^s reft.

Or thus r

The firft day at Jk ho v a h's word,

Did heav*n and earth, and light affords

The next, a firmament fo wide
As might the water^s courfe divide.

The third, fevering land from feas,'

Made earth produce herbs, grafs, and trees^

The fourth, fun, nroon, and ftara of lights
Set up to rule the day and night.^

The fifth made fifh m dfepthS^ to move, ,
And fowk ta fly in air above.

The fixth all earthly beafts did bring,.
And man to be the cresiture's king.

The feventh of all thefe days the bef^
Was m^de for. God and man to rqfi*

Redemption- work dotk bring again
The firft of thefe to be the main.

Chap. t. ^be Believer^s Principks. 299

Fetching new heavens and earth in fight,
, AncJ immortality to light.

'Since then X\x^jirjl is no\^* the heji\'
KLeep well this pkdge of endlefs reft.

The Sum of CREATION.

All things frooi nothing, to their SovVeiga
Obedient fofe at his commanding word. (Lord
Fair in his eye the whole creation ftood ;
He faw the building, and pronounced it good.
And now each work, (while nature's fabric

0ands) .- .,

Loud for its wife and mighty Lord detnands
A fent of praife, a loud and lofty fong^
From ev'ry rational beholder's tongue.

5ECT. IL

r

Of red'^mption. [ ,'

The myftery of the Redeemer'^ incarnation; >
or, God manifefted in die flefh, i Tim. iii.
16. John 1. 14.. ' . .. :

• V

WHAT though the waters ftruck with
Rife up and form 'a pyramidr? (dread» ,
Though floods ihould giifb from tocks'atid
Or living fouls from wither'd bcmes ? (ftones^

j To hear of an incarnate GoA

I Is yet more wonderful and odd ; '
Or to behold how God moft high
,Could in oi^r nature breathe and die.
What though the bright angelic forms
Degraded were to crawling worms?

! •

30Q Gos.r^pt SoN^[|:x5. Part VI.

The£e ccQitures wefe but creatures (till«
Transformed at tlicir Orator's will.
Though creatures change 9. thouAui4 wiiys^
It cannot fuch amazement raifip.
Nor fuch a fcene as this difplay, ,
TK eUrnal Word a fi^fe of ciaj.
God-man a. ftrangc contexture fixM ; ^

Yet not confufed nor commix'd ;
Yet Hill a myftery great aii4 frefh,
A ^irit infinity xiydA^jkJh.
What though when nt^him beard hk caH^
Nothing obey*d aad l?rou^t forth allf
What though he nothing's brood ip^inlain^
' Or all annihilajte again ?
Let nothing into being pafs.
Or back again to what4t was ?
But, lo! rae God of beings here.
As turn'd to nothing doth ^pear.^
All heav'n'saftoniflx'd at his form^
The mighty Qg4 bo^an^e ft worm. .
Bown Arian pride to him ihaH bow,
Jie's Jefu$ 2Mid JfJiOFAH tQo.

• •

The Stim ef REDEMPTION.

With haugb^ miad tx>Go4bfadrkzn dfpir'd.
With laviffig miod ovx manhood God defi^r'd :
Man WSLsbyfritk fvom f^Ifce^f pleafure chasM^
God-man by /o^kv greater pleafore placM.
Man feekiqg to ^^i:^^ procur'^ our fall,
God yieldi^^ to ^^^^^remoy'd our thrall :
The jud^ .was caft, the;, guilty to acquit,
- The Sun xkfacM to Iwd the &ade9 the light*

Chap. I. Tie Believefs Principles. 301

^ • • " ,

SECT; in.

the REDEEMER't WORK;

o E, , . ■

CuRiST all ia all, and pur complete Reden^tion,

A Gofpel-Catecliifnr/<;r young CMJtiam. '

'TT IND teacher, may I come to learn *

IS|^ Iii.tbis abrnpt adckefs.

By framing queftK>os that concern

My efidkfi) happmefs? , '

Anfwer.
Yea, child ; but if youM learn to run ^

The great ifohratkm-race,
Know that the narme of Chrift alone

Can anfwer er^ry cafe.
"Qi By fin, my God and all is loft,

O where may God be SomvA ?-
.A. In Chrift ; for fo the Holy Ghoft

Shews by the loyfial ibtind.

. But hofw will God wkh finful me

Again be reconcird ?
A. In Qbrift, in whom his grace to thee

And fiivour is reveal'd.
<^ O how ffiall I a* ibarer jp^rove.

And fee hia glorious grace ?
A. In ChTift; the image of his love.

And brightnef»^f*is fece.
(^ Where ih&B f feek a» dtvine ftore,

And without feit obtain ?
A* In Chvift^ ifr w4iom for evernlbre

"His fulncfs do^ remain.

Cc

302 Gofp.Kt, S^^WEi^s. Part, VI

' Q^ Bi^t how Ihall I cfcspe and flee

Th* avenging wrafi o£ God ?
A; In Chrfft, who bore upon the tree

That whok amaxing loaA.
Q. Alas ! I *m daily apt to ftray ,

jHow fhall I heavenward make ? .
ji. Through Chnft the '€onfffraleci 7^(3^^ '

Defign'd for thee to take.
Q^ Ah ! whereV my title, rights or claim,
' To that eternal blife ? .
J. In Chrift dlon^, thai glorious nfame,

^be Lord our rigbteoujnefi,
Q^ But who unfit can enteF there.

Or with fuch nafty feet ?
A. Chrift by his blood pr^fenfs thw/air;
, * His Spirit makes thee meet.
Q^ But may 'nt my {pirit, weak as grafs, >

Fail e*er it reach the length ?
A. Jef«s the Loid thy righteoufhefa

Will be the ^uovdir^y ^rengib*
Q^ May 'nt hellilh hofis^ and wicked foes,

Sore by the way moled ?
A. Chrift is a friend to bridk thofe, .

And give the weary re/i.
(^ May'nt^i^i^ conference loudly brand.

And all my comfort chace? -
A. Chrift witji a pardon in his band

Can fliew hi^ fmilkig ^sice. ,
Q^ But how can divine mercy vent, .

Where fins are great and throng?
A. Chrift is the diannel with defcent^

That mercy runs ^o£^4 • .^
0- But may not jt^ux inteipofet

And ftand in mcrcy*s way ?

Chap. I. The Believer* s Principles^ 303

A* Jefus did all the debt thou owes ~ /

To divine juftice pay.
'^ Q^ Where ftiall mine eyes the pardon fpjr, '

Unto my faving good ? ^ ,

ji. In Ch rift's free promife [toit lie,

In his atoning blood. , ^
Q^ What groFund have I to tnift and fay,

The promife is not vain ?
Ji. In Chrift the promifes are Tea^

In him they are Amen.
X^ But 'where is Chrift himfelf,Q where

With promifes fo fweet ?
A. Chrift*s in the promifes, and there . ,

Thy faith and he may meet,,
(^ Is Chrift in them, and they in Chrift ?

How Ihall I this defcry ?
A. His blood and Spirit therein lift '

To heal and to apply.
(^ 'Galtift^ legal fiery threats of wratji,' \

Pray,* what defence is beft ?
A. Chrift^s foil obedience cy*d by faith j .

There fhould the guilty reft.
O. But hoi;^r fliaU/ai#A be had? Alas !

I* find. I can*t beUeve. ' "^ .
A. Chrift is the author of ^^t grace,^

And failfi is his to give.
<^ Ah ! when may faitfalefe I ra:peft

He'll fucb a bliis bequeath ?
A. He will of unbelief qonvidl,

And pave the way for faith.
(^ Repemance muft^ attend, but whence

Shall I thi$ grace receive ?
A. Chrift is exaUed as u prinice

All needful grace to give» >. ^

\ •

504 Gospel S o n k je: t s* Bart VL

Q^ How can fo vile a lump of duft .

Heart-hglinefs expeft ?
A. Chrift by his holy Spirit muft

This gradnal change effed,
0- How fliall I do the w(?rij^tight,.

I'm daily bound pnto ?
A. Chrift ia the^, b/ his Spirit's might.

Works both to will and do. ' '
<^ How fltall'ijoy maladks ^ feeard,
- So 'fore molefting me ?
Ai Chrift is the^rcat Phyfician feal'dr _

• The Lord that Ixkdeth fbee ; '
(^ By praytr 1 ought to feek his face.

This courfe how fliall I drive ?
A. 'Tis Chrift alone that has the grace

j^nd fp'rit of prayer t^ give.
(^ S^/x;4/i^«-«wri is great aod high,

Alas! what fh all I do?
A. Chrift as the AJipha thereof eye.

And the Omega tpo. -
Q^What pillar then is^ moft fee life
^ jTo* build my ^r upon ?'
A. Chrift only the /iswidafio^'Jiire.
The living cornerrftonc; ,
, Q^ When I'fin with black pelhtkn ftain'd^
How fliall J deanfed be ! . .^

A. Chrift is a fmnJain for that end

Set open wide for thee%
Q^ What fliall, I do, when ^/ag-zitfr abound;

With yirrflWi, griefs, and fears ?
Ai Chrift has a baljam for thy wount^^
. ' A A«^///^ for thy tears.
(^ But is there any help for one
TljatiH^^r^ 18^ loft ?

Chap. I. 7he BeUever^s Frincifles. ^ . 305

^A. Chrifl faves from fin, and he alone,

Ev*n to the uttermoji. » '
(^ But where lhall I be fafe at laft

From bell and endlefs death ?
. A. Chrift is a refuge ftom the blaft

Of evedafting wraith.
O. But mayn't ev'n nat'ral death to me

Become a dreadful thing ?
A. Chrift by his death in love to thee

Did ev'ry death unfting. i^

Q^ Why, Sir, is Chrift the whole you fay ?

No anCwer elfe I, find.
A. Becaufe, were Chrift bur, all a.wayi

There's nothing left behind,
Q^ How can he anfwer ev'ry cafe,

and help in ev'ry thrall ?
A, Becaufe he is the Lord of grace^

Jehovah all in all. .
C^ How is he prefent to fupply.

And to relieve us thus ? ,
A Becaufe his glorious name is nigUi
" IfiMANUJEL, God with us.
Q^ Has he alone all pow'r to fave,

It nothing left to man ?
A. Yea, without Chrift we nothing b^ve, ' ,
, Without him nothing cai\.
Q^ May'rit fomc from hence take latitude

And room their lufts to pleafe ;
If Chrift do all, thaa very good^ " .

Lpt us, take carnal eafe. ' ^

A. Chrift will in flaming Ajengeance come.

With fury in his f^ce.
To damn his foes that dare perfume^.

Aad thus abufe his grace.

3o6 Go s.Ft; b Son K£TS« Part VI.

SECT* IV.

Faith and Works both ex€luded:fr$m the jpatter of
juJiiJicaVwn before God, t}j0t rede^nptiw maf ap^
pear to be only in Ckrj/i.

WHO dare an holy God dddreft, ^ '
With an unholy righteotiftieft ?
Who can endure his awful probe^
Without perfeftion fof their robe ? ' ■ ^

None could hi^ great tfibutial face, '
Were faith itfelf their faircft dreft :
Faith takes the robe, but never brags
Itfelf has ought but filthy' rags.
Faith clainrs no fliare/aud >v6rlcs fstr le&.
In juftice-pleafing righteoufnefs ; ^
The fervant were to be abhorred,

, Would claim the glory of his lord.
Blafpbenious unbelief may clairti
The, praifes of the worthy La'mb :
Bat faith difclaiming all its beft,

, Not on itfelf, but Chrift, wilf reft; '.
Fm fav*d and juftifi'd by faith, ;
Which yet no fa ving value hath y
Nor e*er pretends to fai^e frotfi thrall
But in it's objeA has its all, " '
Ti6 Chrift'alone faves guilty tiie,
And makes my right to life fo free, .
That in himfelf it ftands albhe r
JFaith takes, the right, but gives me none* -
I dare not aft with this iriteAt, .

For acts of mine to draw the Htitj
Nor do good vVorks With* this defign^
To win the crbwri by wbrk$-of ttune, -

Jf

Cbaj^r I. * SAe Be^ever's Frindj^ks. 307

I'd thus the proitiis'd grate fotfake,
Nor Jefus for any Saviour takcf ;
yea, thps would dreadfuHy prefume,
And work mine own eternal doom ..
Prefumption ctonot rife more high,
I'd m^iht the truth of God a lie :
The God of truth a liar too ;. . -.• ,
What more mifcbief could Satan do ?i*'

' Why, rd difcredit God's record
Concerning Jeius Chrift the Lord,

'^ His glorious ^nd eternal Son,.: ^ , ,,
Whofe blood has life, eternal won.
In hiiP, fays God, this life I giv^ -
In him fhall therefore m^n belieye.
My gift embracing in their arms : '
, None fhall be fav'd on other tfettosi.
Vain maa inuft ilopp and freely take.
Or elfe embrajce a burning lake :
Proud nature muft fubfrtit to gracii,'
And to the divine rightedufnefs.
In vain on works our hope is built.
Our actions nothing are but guilt t
The bed obedience of our own -
Bare not Appear before his throne.
What finite' wotih can bear the load,
The fury ofan angry God ?• "
What mortal vigour can withftand '
The vengeance of his .lifted hand ?
The law can n^ver faye us novf,;
To danm is all* that it caix do./ .
. Hea.v'n.:Cafts^Frightcovrfiiei8Vof oursj
The lawof Vf^orfo is but of doors. * .
No merit', ihoney, mpre or lels, .^ . '
Can b.uy \h^ giff:, cj(. righteouIiJefb. •

«%

1

3o8 Gospel Sonnets.' Part VI. '

O may I take what heav'n does give :
Jehoyah help me to believe I
And in that righteoufnefs fo truft,
-Which only.tnakes a finner juft.
And then, the truth of faith to prove.
Lord, make my faith ta work by love.

CHAP. H.

S r - ■ , •

The Bs^uever's Piiincipx.es concerning the

Law2xA Co/pel ;

PAKtiCULAKL Y, '

I. The Mji/iery '

3. ^e Difference ( ^r j /^ *

cTL tF . • ^ fl^ Law und Go8P£j«»

3. Tie Harrnonf , , ^^

4. The Place aniStdiian

SECT.' I. *
- The Myjierj^ (f Law and. GofpcL

THOUGH law comraands andgofpel-grace
Agree in mutual joint embrace a^ >
Yet law and gofpd in a fbock.
Can never draw an equaryokeJ. ■

"» _

. a Rom. ill. 31. Do we then make void the law throogli
fiutbf Ood forbid: yea» we eftabiifh' the )a^ Gai. iit. ar.
Is the law then againft the prwnifes of G«d ? God forbid : for
if there fiad l)ffhia.laYtr giyei^whiefa coaidi)a?eg^Tea life^ ve-
rily righteoufods iho\iid h%ve; b<fin bjr^ 4^<Jaw.. ,, ; , ^. *

h PfaLTcxxx. 3, 4. If thou> Lord» Hiould^ mark iaia aities :

O Lord, who (haM ftand I Butthere ii forgivenefs with tbce;

that thou maycft be feared, v. 7, 8. Let Ifrael hope in the

ord 5 foi: with the Lord there is mercy, and with fcim i»

I

I Chiap/ H. :. The MeUever^s PriniifJef. jeg^

[ The law of wovks^ the law nof grace,
i ' ~ Can't Hand together in one place;
i The brighter fcene deftroys the datk.
As Dagon fell before the ark r.
They harmociizc like marry'd pai^s cf, y
Yet aire at edd's, and keep not fc^uares r :'

pIcAteout redeinption. Amt b« iltall redeem Ifrad front afl Irir
iniquities. And cxiiii» a» O Lord« ^ter ft#t tMo p4g^^(
! witK thy lervant : {or in thy fi;tht Avail QO imaa living be juCti*
fied. i;. 8. Caafe me to hear thy loving kindncfa in the
momfngr fer - \U thee do I troft x caufe mt to kntnxr the way
ix4i^if8 H'ihoiiM'walki &r I itift bp^my-^ibcil umo thee* .
., € Rom. vi. 14, 1 5. Sin ihall not have dominion over you s
for ye are not under the Iaw> bat under grace. What then ?
(hail iiwfia» %ec!aafe ve.are no< tindei^the law, i>Qt onder grace?
God ibrbid. Onp. va. 4^ 5, 6. Wherefore, mjr brethren, yc
alfe are become dead 10 the law, iiy the irady of Chrift : thaft
ye flwuld be mitnted to aaovhev, iMH to him who irraifed

^4rtM lli^0adi<^hlt we (Hoold 4>ring forth fToit3it}t6<^od,_ Forr
when we 4rext in «iie de<h, the motions of (in which were by
the law, dkl work in oor' members to bring &nh fruti unfo
death. But ftdw we ace delivered from the hw, that being
dead whiereiii we were held '; thiit we thould ferVe in newni^fs
of Spirit) and mot in the oMnefs t)f the letter. 2 Cor. ill.
79-— 10. But if the ffliiiiftration of death wtttcen and ingraven
i^ itoheSf Hx^ tfldmtfa^ fothaftthe iihiidmi of Ifrad could not

vftedfaftly behold the face of M6fes« f^ the jglory of hii coun*
tenanee^ wfaidi l^ory i#ai to be ii6nttffiy; how ih^ll ^ot the
miafHratiott c^ the Sptiitt be rather gbrions ? Forif tbe-minf^
ftrsrtion of coademtrntion be glory, ftnch more doth the mini*
&ntaoA of rightettufneft exceed ih gloty. For even that
which was made glorioM, had no glory in thh refpeift) by rta*
fen df the gloiy «hftt e^xcetkll^.' v ^ -

d Gd. fii» t4c Wherefore the law was 6tir fohoolmaiftertd
bring na unto Chnft, thiit we might be jnftilsed by faith.

«4lottt. si. <6» and if [deQioti be] t^ grtice> tlien it is no
more of works* i dtherwife grace k no more grace, llpt if it

' benf works, lAen it U oe ttiore grace^: ecKerwift Wntk ii no

. more work. » ' ...

« *

^3 lo Go .^ xp'E L . S GJk N fi^ T 5. Part VI.

As merry ilands from merHixsn, '
The /^//^ and tht Jpirit yaxf. . ^ . *

The Jaw <loe& g^ofpd-comforts hafm,
The gofpej. bceaks . the le^l arm gy
Yet both exalt each other's hornv '
' And garland^s bring their h&ui&.t' adorn 6.
I through the law am* dead to it,
To legal worts and felfi,concJ€it / ;
Yet, To ! through gpfpel-grace 1 live.
And to the law due honour, give |.
THe law great room fpr;bQai|iqg:nM|ke9^ ^

But grace my pride and boafting breaiss /;•

I ' ■ - . ' i I '' '
. • i - • •

f 1 Cor, lii. 6. The letter ki{Ieth» buttk^ fpffft^tveih fife-

g Heb. li. I ^. And deliver them who tbreis^h fear i9^d«8l^
were all their lifetime fub}ed to bondage. Phil* ffi» 7« B» 9»
B«tMrkat things were gala tp me» tboTe I^co^ted Io6 Uft
Chrift. Yea, doabtlefs, and t cQqot all things bi|t \x^it(t iht,
excellency of the knowledge of. Qirift Jfefost my 1^4 * ^
whom I have fuffered the lo& of all things».aiid do qoniit, theat
l>ut dang that I may win Chrift» and be found in hitfif pot .
h;^ving mine own righteonfnefs* which is of die law, but that
which is through the faith of ChrUl,. ijbe .ii^leoiifiic& ni^cb
is of Ck>d by &ith« . » .-,

h Gal. ii, i^». For I tbrofigK t^U^v ai» dea^ to tbe.|aA
tha I might \m unto God* - ^ .<

i Rom riL 6» But now we arei deii?ered from the law, that
being dead wherein we were held; that^ we (houid ierve.to
aewnefs of fpirit, and not in the oklneis of the? letter, c^. 9»
Foi* I was alive without the law once : bnt when- the con^*^
mandment came, fin revive^, and I died. .

i Ronkvii. 4. Wherefore, xas brethren yealibai^^Q|i9i|
dead to the law by the body of Chrift \. that ye (hoold be. mar*-
ried to another, even to him who is raifed fromjthe dead, that
we (hould bring forth fruit onto God. And x. 4. Chrift is the
epd of the law for rlj^hteoufnefs^ to every one that believeth^

/Rom^iii 27. Where is boaftingthea^ Itis exclvided* Bf
what law ? of works I Nay % but by the law of faith. . ^,

Ca^p II .TkeBeli^^r's Principles. . 311

Yet all my has&^ the law does 'kill m/ -
And grace mafcwi mom to'botft kny fill 'n*
The go^l ^nialces me fcjeep the Irfw <?, ' ^
. .Yet from iispamftil fervice Ax^iN f ?
It does^ all law demands fulfil q.
Yet QEmkc them w^holty void aod riull r. -
The gofpel'givfis me no CQmmarid/, '
Yet by obeyirigiitllftaild j;e ' - r :

.#

t«Rpm. Hi. f9. Now we know that \(l1iat things foever the
1|W (aith) it faith to them who are under the Taw : that «•
Tery mouth may bt flopped^ and all the world may become
guilty before Go^.

n I Cor. i. 29, %o^ gl. That do £e(h (honld. glory in hit
IKsfence^ Jdut of him are ye iffChrift Jefu»» who of God is
made unto ai wifHom, and HghteoufneGy and (andtificationt
and Redemption : tbat^ according ai it is written, He that.
glorieth^ kt him glory in the Lord. ^

^ Htus ii. I T9 tz. For the grace of God thatbringeth fal*
ration hath appeared to all m^ni teacluog us, th^t denying •
vngodliaeTs, and woHdJy luflty we ihould livefobejrlyy righte*
onflyi, andgodly^in this preient worlck

* p ,6al, V. 1. Stand faft therefore in the liberty wher^^^ith ^
Chrift hath made us free, and be not entangled agaip wi;th the
yoke of bondage, ^^ 1. U . , . . .; .

f Horn. Tiii. 9, 4. For what the law could not do, in that
tt wai weak through the flefti, God did^ fending his own Sion,
an theJiknefs of Itnfai ^e(h, and for fin condemned fin in the
^e/h t that the righteonlnefs of the law might be fulfilled in us^
whd walk not afte^ the £e(ht but after the Spirit.

r Rt>m« m. 14. Sin ihall not have dominion oyer ypu : for .
yc are not under the law, but under grace. Gah iv. 4, 5. But
vhcin the ft^nefs of the time wat come^ Gojl fent forth bis
Sob made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them
that were under the law. '

' /Oal iii. 8. And the (cripture forefeeing that God would
juftify the Heathen through faith, preached before tke.gpipcl
onto Abraham, faying, In thee fhall all nations be blefTed.

> Mark xn. i& He that belief eth and is baptized^ Hiall be

favcd. ,;^;, . .;

312 Gosp^ L )Soibi>U£TS. JartVL

To ftrtd obedience thrag^ it icaU /; ^
I>oe& biiHi Co aoot». btitc fr«miic; all 9. .

^ The Uw<^dQesflTi&^«maM3i(^^

That 1 the ggf^lxioi^i i^liiiwet;^ 1 . i
But yet it fi^nritei^rto iocjBs thng, ,. . -
NoF e'er covdd gdpd tkim99.lBri«ig~«r«
When I thc:£Di|H$l trutit boKi^v^ . t

, Obedience to the ia»r I gire A-

And when I don't the law * obfervc,
1 from the gofpel ikietbod fwecv^ejr.

t2 TBdf. i. 7» 8. The Lord JeTpt (hall be revealed from
henvcii, with his -mighty angeb« iiti iamiog ^ie^ taking veoge«
^ance 00 th^ that Ilhow not Godf and that Dbey not the gof--
pel of our Lord^Jefus Chrift.

u John iii. ty.'tSrod fttn not bi^ Son into die world to ccm-
demn the world; hot that the world through him naight be
fifedl Aad xii. 47. And if any man hear my words and be*
Iteve not, I Judge him iiot: for I came not to judge the
world, hut to fave the worlds. Hd^. viik ro, ii» 1 2. For
this j« the covenant that I will make with the houfe of Ifiaef
stfter^bofedaysy faith the Lord; I will put my laws into
their miad, and write them 'ta their hearts: and I wDI be m
them a Gbd» and rhey ftafl be to me a people. And they
fii[<9 not teach every man his neighbour* and every man his
brother, &ying. Know the Lord : for all fhaU Hnow me fton^
the lead to the greateft. For I will be merciful to their an-
righteoufaefi, and their iins and their iniquities wiB I remem«
ber iHv totoTtm

. V John iii. i8, He thai( believeth on him is not eende^n-
«d. : bat he that beHeveth not, is condemned already, becaufe
be hath not bdieved in the name t^ tbt only begotten Sen of
God.

w'Rom. X. f i For Moles delblbeth i!h^ rtghteouinefs which
is of the law. That the man which dtnh thcCe thii^a, fltall'
live by theni* . And iii, 19. Now. we know that what things'
foever the kw ^th^ it faidi to them who are under the Jaw s .
that o»cry mouth may be flopped, and all^ the world may be-
come guilty befbre God.

* John iii; i8. He that believeth on him, is not'condcnnied.
♦Viz. JsftifaruU.

Chap. il. Th Betiewr*s Pritm^ki. ^ 3'3 .

Yet if t'd^ the lawf iObey, .
I am not in the *gqfj^^wvsy z^ ^' ' ^
Which dots to fHW obedience dnw4^
. Yet is the gof^r he new fewr j5.
As precepts C0t1a^ kiw beloag^
Yet in die ^oSpitl feld are throt^ ^i '

Cursed ev'ry gofpel IHghttfr >ts ^^
Yet all its office is to Mr/r^»

~ * •

y Titus iL If, 12. 5^# /ifiif^r ofa^t&kcil.
+ Vie. y^i 1/ f/.if C9i>enant^

Jir'Gal. ▼• j, 4* For I teStfy agaift td ereiy fiiCn t^at it ^
circomcUed, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Chifft rs
-become of no dftOt onto votiy whofoerer of yoa are jaftiCed
hf the Taw $~ j^e are fallen ^oia jrace.

\j Rom* xVx. 2$, 26. — The myftery which was kept fccrct -
fince the world began,— now is made tnaaiM^ and by the
fcriptares of the prophets^ according to the commandment k£
the effcrlading God^ made known to all nations for the obedt*
cnceof&ith. ' - . - ^

t Gal. iti. 3 1. Is the law then againft the piiomifesof God?
God forbid i for if there had been a law given which coald -
Jiave ^veo life, ?etily righteoufnefi Ihotiid hate been by <he
law.

c Matth. ▼. 179 — 18« Think not that I am come to dedroy
the law or the prophets ; I am not come to deftroy, bat ti^
fulfil. ;For verily Ifay unto you« Till heaven and earth pafiy ^
one Jot or one title (Ml in «o wiCe pals from the law« till all ^
be finifilled, &c. Ffal^cxix. 96. I have feeu an end oipall pet*
fe^tion \ hut thy commandment \% exceeding broad.

d Heb. X. 26, — 29. For if we fin will^Hy after that we
have received the 4cnowledge of the truth, there remaineth no
fuore facrt£ce/or tins, but a certain fearful looking for of judg-
ment and fiery indignatioii« which ihall devour the adver&ries*
He that defpifed Moles' law, *died without mercy, under tw*
or three witnefi*es : of how much forer punlihment, fujmofe ye^ ^
fiuU he be thouj^t^worthy, who have troden under foot the
Son of Godf and hath counted the Uoodof the coveeafity
wherewith he was faD^ified, an onhofy tbi0g% and hath done

Dd

314 Gospel Sonn-£ts. sliut H.

It from the lav kas pofi^'r to kUlf^
Yet fawrfg d(^es^its. |>ow*r fulfil ^ :
' No Civour but of /jft it kath A,
Yet moft the favoiK* is of dbAil^ /. *
Weaknefs perfe&ion doth exclude.
The law is per&ft, juft, and good kt.
Yet can it nothing perfiS mkko^
But all the comeri:Uit break/.

defpite uhto tb^ fpirit of £race ? Ipiap. xiu, 2 (• , ?ee that yc re*
fufe not film that Tpeaketn : for if they 'efcaped not who reftii^
ed him that fpake on eartSi, much more (baii not we efcape, if
we turn away from him that ^)ealLetli from bea?eiL

e Rom. X7. 29* And I am fare that when I come onto
yody I ihal) coi^e in the fuhieft df th^ MefGng of the golpelof

' Chrill. A&$ iit« 26. Unto you firft^ God having railed, op
his Son Jefus, fent him to, blefi yoo, in utrniog ti'way every
one of yon Crofh his iniqaitles.

/ John iiL 18.— He that believeth not, is condemsed rirea-
dy, becaufe he hath not believed in |he name of die only be*

gotten Son of God Mark zvi. 16. --He that befieveth iiot»
ihali be damnectl Heb. ii« 3. How fliall we ^ape^ if we
neg1e€l To great falvation« '

^ g Eph. i. 1 3* In Chrift ve alfo triiAed softer diat ye "heard
the word of truth, the gofpetof yooi fidvatibn. t Tim. L is*
This is aBiithful faying, ^indfwoitliy of all accqicatioBy 4at
Chrift Jefus came mto the world to lave finnen ; of whom I
am chief..

i Fhil. ti. t6. Holding forth the word of Kfe, &c. a Tita.
i. t. Paol an ^poWe of Jefos Chri&f by the will cfGod ac-
cordii^ to the promiie of life, which is in Chnfi Jefas. Vi,io*

^ — Oar Saviour Jefus Chrift — hath abolifhed death, and haih

* brought life' and immortahty to light throog|i xhc^ofy^M

iz Cor. \u x6. To the one we are the Sivour of death nn-
'to death, 5cc. ^ ^ .,

k Plah cxijc. 96* 1 have (eeo an end of all perfefHon ; but
thy commandment IS exceeding broiad. Rom. vii. i2« Wheie-
fi)re the law it holy ; and the commandment holy, and juft,

..and good. Heb. vii. 19. For the hw made nothing perfedlf
bat, the bringing in of a better hope did $ by the wliicli we
draw nigh imt0 God, •' -^ . ,

Chap. II. r The Believer's FHn^pks. , 315

. Strength to the ,gofpe1 46es belong,
Mighty through God it is^ and ftrong Tn\
\% to the law doeif ftrength emit,
Yet 'lis the law.givos ftrength to it. .
The gofpel gives the'laur^ liiee^
Sufficient ftr^igth to juftify ny
Yet may I lay, rn truth it is ,
The law that giv-cs the. gofpel thii o :
!^or a^ the law no finner clears,
But. who the gofpel-gaf inent wears ; \

So none are juftify'd by graced
Unlefs the law-demands have place^/>« ^ v

/Heb Wn. tq. S/eJetfir k. Chap,x. i. For ththw hav*
iog a ih^dow of good things to come, and not the very image
of thetbmgt, can neyer wUh thofe facrtfieet Which they offered
year by year contioualiy, make the comers thereunto perfe^.^

^ Rom. u 16. For i am not' aOumed of fhe-^gofpel of,
Chfift : for it iv the power of God tynto&l nation, to every
iMie that biilievieth, tothe Jew firft, an d alfo to the Greek. a^Con
X. '4, §* Fpr the 'weapons of oar warfare are ilot carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulitng down of flrong holds :
cli^Hag dbwn iraisigm4ttoos and every high thing that exaiteib
icielf agaioft !the knowledge <^ God^ and bringing intq captivi^
tf every thooghi to the •c^dience of Chrift.

n Rom. viii ( There ts therefore now no condemnation
fo them which are in Chrift Jefas, who walk not after the
BeAt, but after the Spirit, v* g, 4. For wtiat tbe^^w could
not db, in that it wu weik through the fieih, God Mf fend*
iskg hit own Son, iit the likenefs of finfai fleih, and for &^ con-
di^xmed fiji in the ftefh : iJiat the righteoufnefs of tl^ law
might be fttlfilied ia at, who walk aot after the ^eifa, bat after
the Spirit.

• Rom. ill 3 r. Do we then make void the law thf;oagb
.fttth? God, forbid: yea, weefljibltfti itie law* Chap. ^. 4.
For Chrifi is the end of the law for rightepUfoeis to every, one
thatixllevBth. ,.

. / Rom. iit. •C9,—- ja^ Now we know that what things fo*
ever the lacw Mth, . it faith to them :who are under the law ;
that every ^mottth m^ be Aoppedi and all the world may br

5^5 Go spit 80HH^xs* »Par(:VL

Again tbc law, vhich yet i^nw . urorfe.
Gives gofpel-newtf condemQiog £brce ^ ;
^Yet they are ji^ws tfeat oev^r can, : .
Nor nev^r-will cot^^ewin a nwii r.
Dread threajt'nings to tbe law pertaia s^
Not. to tlie fiOfp^i's golden chain / :
Yet all Is|w-4hrcats aad Siaai's ire

^ro gofpsl grace are walls of fii^e u, :

•

come gatlty before God* Therefore hj the deeds of tbe law^
there iball bo fldh iie jufti&j » hit %)^ ; for b^ tfi«< kw it
the kmowleclge pf fi». 3ut aow fhc^ fi||JHte#«rit^ of Gsod
witboat the law if mmVA^ hmog wit^tfed kj tf^ Iaw and
the prophets; OTfo tbe^ighteottrnefs of God whicb is h^ fwh
cf Jefas C^iil ont^^Iiy ami ii»]^ ^U idem that beiievf { for
there is. oadiffu-ccKe, Ci»f • fry lyr^Bythe obedi«Qce of oote,

rif»ht«ou(ne& umo etfrna^ Ufkt hf h^ Chnii our Lord.
. j Jobnm. 1%^ lie.that bjeliefethoobkn, is not-con^omn*
^^ bgt he ti^at belie^th ^not, Is c<»adeiimed glready* beieattfe
he k»h po% believvc<i ia tht aaaae of tke oofy b^§Btte» $aik of

Cod. ; . . - C

r JLttke 11. vOy If* Ad4 the ,an^ laid yato. tbeto ,|[t)ia
^ejiherds]f» Fear oot: for behold, iVuig.foa goodtidif>g»
of gr<rit, joy^ which ihali be to aU peo^ For iinio .^oo
is born this day in the city of Da?idf a SaviooTi whiob ia
Chfift tbe Lord, johaiii. i % For CkKl Seti% not iu% Hoa
ioto.tbe world. to co&demm the world; but that tbe world
ihroagb hiio migbt be iavefj. Cba|>. xii..47. And if any man
hear niy words^ and believe ooit I )ud^ ^m B9t » fi>r I caiDO
sot to judge the worlds ^ut to iave '^e world*

/ Q'dl hL io» For asniaoy^asareof Jthi^worlcsof th^kiiK^
are uml^ the cprfe ; for i| is written^ Ciurfed is eiiexi^en^ that
continueth not m all things which are writtep in tha book, of
tbelaw todo theai* . ^

. t A6^:sdA. i6* Meo.aQ4 brittbren^ chiklreii of tjbie ilock-
^ Abraham,' and whoioever aootif you fearetb God, to. yoo
is the word of this iaivation fenr« ^

u Mark xvu i6.-r-Halhat Jklievejib not (hall be danmed^
Heb* ii. 3* How fliall we efczpt:. if we hegledl fo great fai^a-
uoii ? Chap. X. ^r-r29. Scff iettgir ijorceind.

Chap. II. T%e Btlievh^s Principles " . '3?7

The righteous law aflbilcth ftone
Oi Adam*s guilty race^ fav6 dn^^ ;
Who beitig guilty /for this caufe *
By God's juft law condemned was w.
Yet free oF guilt it did him fee :
Hence fully clear'd, and fet him ft^e.^. '
' .Yet^ had^not guilt his foul inv6lv*d.
By law he tould not been abfolvMy.

f Rmi. v. T9. Fo^as by one man's difobedience many ^re
Wdc (inoerf : fo bfthe obedience of oAe (hall many be- made
righteomt. John xvii. 4^ 1 liave glonified t^ee on eigih t F
have fintihed tbe work which thoo gaipeft' me tp 60:

' xtf ifa. Kit. 6;— 'She Lofd bath' h\i on htm the inrquhy of
ttf ail. Gal. \n. 13. Chtift bath tedeenied d^ from the curie
of tiiefaWt being made a tarfe for at 1 ft>r it is written, Curfed
18 every one that hangeth on a tree»'

» H^. vii. 26. For fneh an'high f ricft became tte, ^ho is
holy, hatmlefs^ undeflledy ieparate from finners^ ahd made
higher than ^le heatent. Dan. iid. - 24. Seventy weeks are
determined npon thy people, and itpon thy holy city, to'tiaifh
the tranfgrefion, and to make an end of (tn, and to make re-
COQCiiiation for iniquity,^ and to bring in everlaAing rightedur>
ne&y and to feal op the viGoo aiid prophecy, and to. anoint the '
mod holy.' t Tim. iii.'r6^ And without conjrovcTfy, great
is ^e myftery of godlinefs: God Vas maoifift in the fle(b»
joiltfied iif the Spirit, ' feen of angelsi preached unto the
Gehlilest bdieved on in. the world, received up^^ mto glory.
Roril. ii. 15. For not the hearers of the law are juft before
God, but the doers of the law QaXk be juAified. 16. 1. '8.
He Is near that iaftifieth me, who will contend with me?
let us fiand together : whO' is mine adverfary ? let him com^e
oear to me. - '

y I Cor. v» 2f . God hai^ made Chrift to be fin for oe, whO'
knew no (10 ; that we might be made the righ'teouihefs of God
in him*, i Pet. iii. i8. Chrift hath once fuffered for (ins, the
yoSk for the unjuA;, (that he might brifig os to God) being put
to death in the 6efh, but quickened by the Spirit.

D<l3-

31* GospEt Sonnets. Fart Vi.

-► But he withal cdndeiliii'd atid, fpoird ;
The law of works, whi<h him a^oiFd a :
And now the law is (ki thefe views)'
The marrow of the gofpd news a.
The law can juftify no faan -

That KJ a finner ^, yet it can'
Thus favotir finlui men, ai|d free ^ .
Thexhief of finners, guilty mi r*

z Col.n> T4» t$. Blottu)^c«t the btni-wntii}^ of drdi*
fiances thai was agamil xa. which. wAf; contmry ta oa» and
took It out of the way* iMittftf it. ifl< hif cns6 : anil hMBfs
' fpoiled frincifaiitim aad fsowersr'hfe. n>«^ a ihew of t]|€iQi«
openly, tiiamphiag over them ia ft. ^ RotB..?iii 3^ Ft>? what
Ae law eotiid Mt do^ iff thatn was weak thiaagh the Befb^ '
God ^/V, ftodtng bis own Son in the likeoeA of Jialtil deft^
and for fin condemned (In ift the delli*

A Rom. x> 4« For Ghiifl ii ^ «ad of the lawlbr righte:
oafiiefs^ 10 every ofie that believeth. Ifa. xJv. 24. Sarejyt
fhall one fky$ in the Lord %avc i ij^ooi^^eA and Arength^
Jer. xxiti. 6% In hisd^ya Jada^ihaH faefafod, and liraei^ihajt
dwc!) £ifety ; and this is his name whetehy'he Ml hs calhth
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. ^ , ,•

^« Rom. fii. E$, ao. Now we know that what thtnp (dvift
the lawfahh^ 1$ faith co them who are<, under the law t^iB «*:
very month fnaybe f^ipfptd^ aqd all the workt may beooina*
guiity bef6tt. God» Therefore hy the deeds o( tbe^law thtre.
/hali no fie(h be'jefit^d m hit %it f for ^ the law is ihe
knowledge of iin. - - . - :

'fif Rom.vili. ^, For what' the law^cottld not'd^iir that it
was we^ through' the ^t(hy God fending his own fioii^ i» the' «
likenefs of finftil fll^/ and for fin eondemned fin in the deiii»
that the righteoufoefs of 'the low tm^ he fuifiiied in as*, who
walk not a^er the'iiefhy bt^ aftf r the Spirit, v. ^ui^ 94. Wifao
Quil Jay any thin^ tothec^ai^ol God's ele^:? it is Godv
that juAifieth ; wSo is he that eonddmneth^ it is Chcifi; Ihat.
ditd; yea rather, that IrfifenagidA^'Whatvevei^-at'the^tight
hand of God| ^ho aifo m^iketh; imercefiion St^rrnn. , . .

Cbap. II. : Tke BeJk'vsr^s Pr'mcif^is. 319

The gofpel t^r A^quit^Cb noDje \^

That baviC oot pu( p^fedlijOO on rf. .
'And yet it cleaiieth none (I grant)
But thofe who all perfeclion w^nt^.
Thofe that with gofpel-clear^nce meet,
Muft "by ,the law be found, coniplete/i
Yet never could (again l grant) . .
'The gofpel juftify a faipt ,f *
AH perfeft perfons it controls by
' An^ juftifies ungodly fouls i ; ^

^^d Roitb ill. -Sf » 9V. Bat tiow the tightMofiKfr of CM
irillimic Che kw is nsoiMcd, bdag itrkotfifd b^^^tke h« iiid
the i^rdpbett ) rven the tightecwfecffl of God whicivif hy&itti
ofjefus Oiiift imtD oil, - ood \xfQU ail them yitt' he^ve^ '• for
tBerv i9ao.difieretu»» - - ^

e Rom iv^. 5. To htiaf that worketh not, butbelteveib cm
\Am Umk joftUiBih the «oga{%v ^ fioih k coimted for lij^*
tedufneft. •

/ r Car; n i^o. Bot of him ire ye ia Chfift Jefos, «4o of
God it mode ttnt<» nt wtfdohiy »d nghteooioe^f md (m^t^
cowAii aod rodempdoD. CoUiL tcr. And yt are e^{4ete mi
him» which is the head of all prirtct^ity and power. /

" g Matth. ix. (J.-—! am notoome to call the Mghfeeoaf* bat
Cmieri to repentance. Rom. iii>'to« There ts oooe rtgbteoae»
no not One. Chap. '\x* .30, ^ 1 r S^. What ibaU we &y then \
Thit the Geottleil which foiiowed sot after fighteoofoefit
hai^ft attained to itghtcoofbeisy; erenthe righteoiifiieft which
IB of faith : but Kraelf which foUowed after the law of righto^
oulbofsy hath oot attained to. the htW of rtghtooufneft. Where*
fore i Becaofe they fou^t it. not by faith, biit as ii were bf
'lite worka of the b«r« Chap. x« 3. Ifracl being ignorant -df
God's ri^teouTnefst and going abotit to eftabl^ their own
r^bteottfncfty have junt. Iniwiit^ ihemfeiTes onto the righte*
oofneft of God. 1 Tim. L 1 5. This is a fivthful Aying* and
wor^ of all accepudoDy. that CbriA Jefas came inio the
world to lave (iiinersj ;of whom I am chie^f ^

^ ' Matth. x«u 3U;Jerns iaiih nmothem [the PbanfeesJ,
Verily 1 fay unto yeii» diat the ptriiUcass aiad the hariocs go
into the kingdom of God beforo you.^ Luke xviii* 9» — 1^

320 Gosp « V SofNUET s. PfertVf:

. Yet ftill OQ mart ijts ^ace partakes.
But whom it tihuly godly makes ii

A

And Jefus fpake |}ii9.p9rablfi<iiiitty eeftaln^kli^ triifkdJo
themfrivef that they were righteous* and defpifed others:
Two men went up into the temple to pray i the one a Phari*
fee, and the other a Pu^ican. The Pharifee Rood and pray-
ed thus with himfeify God, I ^hank thee» that I am not as a-
ther men ar6» extortioDers, n^aftt adulterers, or< even as this
publican. I fiid twice in the week* I give tithes of ali that I
poiTefs. , ^nd the Publican (landing afar off, would not lift op
fo mach ia his «yes nhto beaveny •btrt. fmoite npoif his Bre^»
iayittg, God* be merciful to me a iioner I leH you this man
went down to his houfe juftified rathe^ than the-otHer ; fof e*
Tery jone tJfitLt exakethihmfeff, "ihaH be abated : and he ifkat
hvmbleth himklff (ha)J be «ta)ted. sr. 2 r'l * 2 2. And he {[tKe
raAet] Qad^ ^U thele hikvcl kept fiom my ^uth'42p. Now
when Jefus beard thefe things, he faid imto htm. Yet lackeft
thou one thing : felt ail that thou haft, and dtftrftute onto the
wM>r^ and thou, (halt have treafure^n heateo, and come,' foK
low me.

i Rom* iv. 5, 6^. To htm that ^drketh not, brtt bdieveth
en him that judifi^h the Qngodly^ his faith is conhted for
righteoufeefs. Even as David alfo defcribeth the bk£ednefs
of the man umo whom God iropnt^th ri^€otifiie& withoi^
wcJtfcs.

k Tttus ii. 11,-^14. Thi^ grace of God tliat biingeth faf-
ration, hath appeared to all men ; teaching; us, thkt denrying
angodlihefs, and worldly lofts, weKhould live foberlj^, rigbte*
oufly, apd ^odly in this prefent world ; looking for that b!ef*
fed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, an(^
our Saviour Jefus Chrift : who gave himfelf for us, that he
might redeem iis from all inrquity, ahd purify unto himfdf a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. • Chap, nu 4, ^. A^
ter that the kindnefs and love of God our Saviour toward
man appeared, not by works of righteotiftt'efs, which we have
'done, but according to his mercy he faved us, by the^afhing
of regei^eration, and renewing of the Holy Ghoft v. 8. This
is a. faithful faying, and theft things 1 wilTthat riioo affintt
conftantiy, that they which have befict^dMn Cyod, might be
careful to mainrain good works : • thefe things are good and
wofitable unto men* . *

Gfaap> jr. The Belmitewi Pn^^gKii. ^tf

Tht law \idtliftanik tbe go%ei path 7/
Which y<it it^approbatian fadth^i
The goTpd thw:sirts the legal way n^
Yfetj' will aepproT© the- law for ay o.
Hence thoagh the gofpcTs comely frame
Both ppQuIy the law condemn/ :.

/ I Cor. x^ s6y^^Th^ dt^a^ of £» h tht law. Rom*
Ti. <4» Sin (Wl not have <)omioiop of<r you: for ve are not
Qoder the laWf but uo^er grace. , Cbap. x. ^« irrael bejag ig*
ii#i:aRt of God'i Ti|hif e«fae6v and fnpg a^MH^t to eftabtini
their owo n^mmomdk, . bate aot fulmtted tb^nielws nato
Uk rigbteoiMMsft4»f God.

^ « m. xliL 21. Tihe |^or4 la wdl fkafdl £at bi$ figh|te»
•ofoe&.4aktf, be will msignify tbe lauf and wak^ it hoooarabliiw
l^at^b.iii. 17. ^a4 ipj^ avoice from beaveq, fayiof^ Ttikt
ia^ 19 jr beared Soq» ,111 wbom I am weH pleafed.

« $.pm. Mi« 3«, 3a» 33* Bqt Ifraolf whicb follow^ afUv
the law of rif^tepufnefs,, bath not att^Acd to the law of rigb.*-
teourQefs. Wherefore ? Beeaofe they foagbt k not by bkh,
bota< k were bv the works of tbc law : for ^ey fiuxnblad at
^ibM ftambliD^uoBe; aa k ia writtcoy Bdiold i lay m Zioo^
fi4imbline ftQne> and rock of offence; aiid wboibeTerbeliaretk.
f» iiiin maU not be aHianied*

a Rom vit^ 7. What fball we by then ? Is tbe law in f
God/orbid. Nay» I had qpt. known (10 but by tbe law : for
I bad not kaow/i loAt eacept tbe law had faid, Tbou flult not
CQ9tU V. 10. And the commandment which was ordained
l«.jKfe» l/ound to be onto death* v 12. Wherefore the law
ia boly f tad tbe ^oroiiaadmeni boly* and jufti and gc^i*

f Rom. V. 5t: — 9. For Mofes defcribeth the tighteoufnela
whipb ia of the law* That the man which doth thofe thingSt
6ksil Itve Jby^ them. But t^c n^jbt^ou&eis which is of faiih^
feeaketh on this wlfci Say not in thioe heart* Who (hail a«-
l^od tntabeavtn i (that is^ to bring Cfanft down from above J^ t
or* Who fbaU defcend into tbe deep 2 (diat is« ta bring up
ChriA again fnom the dead). Bnt what faith it ? The word ia.
nigh. theet» £ven in thy m(nit))|N and in thy heart ; that ia the
ward of £dth wbicbwej)reach»^Th^if tbon fbak aonfeis wi^
«by hmoiub the JLor4 Jefus». a|id fli^k believe in thine heart,
ihat God hath rai&d fiun from the dead* thoa fhait be &?ed.

322 . G o s p.' E t *iS*0 K K E T s. ^ait Vf .

Yet they are: bliijd, who never faw * ^
The gcrfpel jiiftify the law y; .
Thus,'gofpel-gracc, aind la^-commands^
Both bind ^nd ioofc each othet's hands : ' ^
They can't agree on any terms r^
, Yet htig each other in their arms /r
Thofe that divide th^m c^anhot be
The friends !of truth and verity s; •

. f Rom« in. 31. Do we the& vnakt void the kur. tbroagH '
fahh? God forbid J >esk,.i»<e cftaWiih the Jaw. > » •

r Gal. W. ar, — 26. Tell me, ye that de(We to be biid«r
ih^ law> do ye not hear the law? For it i&. written, that Abna*
hain had two foos ; the^one by a bopd»maid» thie otb^ by a
Me womaci. Bat he who wa^ of the bond-woman was tiArii
after the fieHi i but he of the free- woipan was by promife.
Which things are an allegory , for the/eare ihe tw/ocoreoants ;
the one from the mount Sioaif which gendereth fo ^nda^e^ '
which 19 4gar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia* and
ianfwereth to Jerofalem which now is^ and is in bondage with ,
her children. But Jerufalcm which i« above is free, which it
the mother of us fUK

^ / Ffah Ix^xv. I p. Mercy and .truth are met together :
righteoufners and peace have kifTed each other^

/Mat. xtii. 2^, -Wo unto yot^ Scribes and Pbarifees, hj*
pocrites ; for ye pay tithe of mint» and aialf^f an^ conimiiH
^and have omitted the we^;hiier matters of the Ja\^i juflgmeati
mer^y, and faUh : theTe ought ye to have done, and not to leave
the otl^r undone. Horn'. i\„ ^3. Thou that oiakeil tby boaft
of the law, through breaking the law di&qnoureil thou Go^ I
V. l^f 26. For circumciGbn verily pro^teth^ if thou kee'jxjbe
law ( but if thou be a brea)^er of the law, thy circumcifion is
made uncircumciiion. Therefore, if the uncircUmcifion keep
the righteoufnefs of the law, (hall not^ his^unciVcpmcifion be
counted for circumcifion? Matth. xix. 6. What God bath
joined together, let no man put afipder. Chap. iii. i (. \^nd
Jefus aniwering, faid unto him (John), Su0er it to be fo now 2
for.thusit becometh us to fulfil all nghteoafoefs. Then he
foffered him. Chap v.. 17. Think not that 1 am come to
deAroy die law or the |>rophet| : I am not tome to deftrof»

Yet thoCe that dare tonfotmd tl^e two,
Deftjroy tfeemiboth arid gender wb f..
This paradox aoiie can 'decipher, /
That plow not with the gofpeMieifcr.

^t to fullil. xff 19* 20. Whofoevcr therefore fiial] bre^ oae
of thefe ieaft coinfnandmem$« and Hilail teach tneii fb> he (hall
l>e called the leaft m the kingdom of hea^Teo : but whofoever ^
fliall do and teach th^m^ the fame (hall lie called great in the '
iungdom t>f heaven. For I (ay unto you« That except yo«r
t^hteoufners^/hall exceed the righteoumefs of the Scribes and
Pharifeesy yeihalHio no cafe enter into the kingdom of hed?eq.
f John N 6. This w he that c^me by wafer and bloodi evea.
Jefas Chrift ; n6t by water only, but by water and blepd : a«d
i\ \i the Spirit that beareth witnefs| becivufe the Spirit is truth*
i Oat. i. 6, 7V 8. 1 marvel tl^at ye are'(b foon removed from
liim that 'calied yoo into the grace of Chrifi, unto another
.^efpef r which^ is not ^another ; but there be fpme that trouble
y^Q, akiil ^hich pervert the gofpel of Chrift. Bu{ though we*
"Or an an^el from heaven preach any other go(pel unto yout
than that which* we have preached unto you, let him be ac*
curfed.' Z*ph. 1/4. — ^^1 Will cut off~r. 5.— them that wor-
ihip, and that fw^ar by the Lord, and that fwear hiy Malcham.
A^s XV. 7. And when there had been much difputing, Peter
Tofe up and fard onto them. Men and brethren, ye know how
'that a good white ago, God made choic^.among us» that the .
^entilei^ by my inouth fhotild Hear the word of the gofpel and
^licvc. "^r. 10, 11. Ndw therefore why tempt ye God to put
it yoke upon the neck of the difciples, which neither our fa-
cets nor WiS were able to bear > But we believe, that through
the grace of the Lord Jefus Chri(l> we fliall be faved even as
they. Gal. v. i. Stand feft therefore in the liberty wherewith ,
Chrift hath made us free, and be\not entangled again with the
*^oke of bondage* p« V Chrift is become of no eiffefl unto
you, whoftierer cf you are juftiliedby the laW| ye are fallen
frorfi grace.

/

314 G OS p EX Sonnet s* Part VI.

i >

SECT. 11.

Tie dijfefence betwht the I4W and the Gd^eL

THE hw, fuppofing I have all^
Does €ver for p^rfedlm call :
The gofpel ftaits my totjil nvanty
And all the law can feck does grant*
The law could promife life "to me,
If my obedience perfeS be :
But grace does promife fife upon
Afy L^n/*j obedience alone. ,.
Tne law fays, Do^ and life you^U win :
But grace £iys. Live for all is done ;
Th^ fr^mer cannot cafe my grief,
The latter yields me fuH rdief.
By law cunvinc'd of fiftful breach^
By go^el-gvace I comfort reach ;^
The one my c<mdemnathm bears^
Tbt: oth^r fu/afes and dears. .

The Hw Ihews my urr^urf are great.
The gofpel freely ^ays my debt :
Tlie nril doeSr mc the bankrupt cutii^
The laft does bkfi^ and fiU my pur&« ^
The law will not al^aie a mite, .
The gjofpel alH the fiim wili quite:
There God in tbrec^nings is array^l.
But here m fromfis dilplay*d.
The law and gol^cl difagre^,
I-^ike Hagar, Sarah, bond and free :
The former's Hair's fervitude.
The latter Sarah'is happy broods •
To Sinai black, and Zion fair,
The word does Jaw tod grace compare.

Chap* II. *^ji Belie^er^s Frincipki. 325

Their curfing and theif bteflSng vie
With Ebal and G^rizzittt high.
The hiw excludes' wot b^iftgytm^
But rather feeds it to my tone :
But go^i-gt<(ce afllo^s m boq/is^
5ave in the Kiiig, the Lotd 0^ hofls.» v
The law ftill irritates my fiu,
And hardens rif pmad heart thefeitf ;
But grace's melting p<w*r rentvH^
And my comxption hrong /uMa^.
The law with thunder, Sinah-Uke,
Does always dread and tefror fp^afe :
The gofpel makes ^j^fftd noife^
And charms sfie with ^ ftill, calm n)^ce*
The leg^ tpumpet ^fvar proclaims^ •
In wrathful threafts, and fire, afnd fiameis :
The gofpeU^i^^, a pkieefid found,
Whicn fpreadii a kindly breath around.
The law is ti;Ml thfough finful deft;
The goipd brings reermu afte&; ;
The firft a kiting leHer trcars.
The laft a quickening J^r^ bears^
The kir that feeks petfeftion's height^
Yet gives no Afengidhr, nw offers might :
But precioiMF gol^et^tidings glad»
Declare whe^re aH i$ tb he had. ^
From me aloiie the few diaes cttvc.
What grace affirms^ i* Cbrij^ t bwe :
When tfaerefoie kw-pudTuitrimhral,
I fend the larw tag^ce Sot alK
The law brings tfrror to moleft j .
The gofpei gives the \Hreary re A :
The one do^ flags of /^imfi^di^layg
The- other flie ws the living way. .

Ee

326 GospE-L Sonnets. Part VI^

The law by Mofes was expreft, •

The glorious gofpel came by Jefus Cbrifl^ \

The firft 6im-naiur6^s light may trace, j

The laft is only known by grace. ^ ]

The law may roufe me fronj my floth, j

To faith and to repentance bdth : . ' |

' And though the law commandeth each,

Yet neither of them can it teach ;

Nor will accept for cprrent coin
- The duties which it docs injoin ;

It feeks all, but accepts no lels

Than conftant, perfeft righteoufnefs.

The gofpel^ on the other hand,

Although it ^iiTue no €omfnandy

But ftriftly viewed, does whole confift

Id promfes and offers bleft ;

Yet does it many duties teach,-

WhicH legal light ncould riever reach :
• Thus £aith, repentance, and the like,

Are fire that gofpel-engines ftrike.

They have acceptance here throjugh grace,

The law affords them no fuch place :

Yet ftill they come through both their hand^

Through gQii^\-4eacbing^ hw 'Commands.

The law's a boufe of bondage fore.

The gofpel opes the prifon-door :

The firft me bfiwper'd in its net.

The \s&^X freedom kindly fet-

The precept craves^ the gofpel gives ;

While that me preffes^ this relieves ;

And or affords the ftrength I lack, .

Or takes the burden off my back.

The law requires on pain of death %-*

Ihe gofpel courts with lovidg breath ^

Chap. H. 7he Believer^ PnncipieT. 327

-While that conveys a deadly wound ;
^his makes me perfe<St, wbohy^xi^ found.
^here viewing hovf difeas*d I am%
1 here perceive the hedli/^ balm : ^

Afflicted iber^ with fenfe of need^
But here r^frelh'd with meet remede*
The law*s a charge for what 1 owe ;
The gofpel my difcharge to (how :
The one a fcene oi fears doth ope j
The other is the door of bope^
An angry God the law rcveal'd ;
The gofpel (hews him reconciled j
By that I know he was difpledsQ ^
By this I fee his wrath appeased.
The law thus (hews the divine ire.
And nothing but confirming fire.
The gofpel biiogs the oli^w-brancfa,
And blood the burning fire to quench*
The law ftill fhews a fiery face 5
The gofpel fhews a^ throne of grace :
T^her^juliice rides alone. in ftate ;
But here Ihe takes ihe mercy-feat.

Fn S u M :

Lp ! an the law J.:e hov aH dwells, |

But Jefus is conceal'd. !
"Whereas the gofpel'^ nothing elfe

But JefusCbrifixtvtdX'd.

<

SECT HI. '-
The Harmony betwixt the Law and the GofpeL

THE law's a tutor much in vogue,
To gpffiel grace ^pedagogue ;

rjsx SoKtNjEirau Part \h

The gofpel to tliejaw no kf«
Thw its fuU ei^d for righteoufnef^*
When once the fiery hw of God
Has chac'd nje to the gofpeiUroad j
Then back unto the holy law
Moft kindly gofpel-grax:e will draw.
When by the law to grace Vm/chod^J ;
Grace by the law will have me ruFd;
Hence; if I don't the law obey,
I cannot keep the gofpel way. ^
When I the gofpel news believe,
Obedience to the law i give :
And that both in its f&Truldxti^
And as a rule of hollxief^ .
Lo ! in n)y Head I rmder dl
For which the fiery law can call :
His bkod uoto k%fire was fud^
}iis Spirit fliapcs me to its rule.
Wl^n law and gofpel kindly meet.
To lerve each other both unite :
Sweet proniiies, and fter n commanii^
Do work to one another's hands.
The divine law demands no lefs -
Than human pprfeft righteoufnefs>
The gofpel gives it this apd more,
Ev'n divine righteoufnefs in ftore.
Whate'er the righteous law requires.
The gofpel grants its whole defires.
Are law commands exceeding broad ? "
So is the righteoufnefs of God.
How great foe'er the legal charge^
The gofp^hpaymenfs equal large :
No lofs by rfian the law can bray
When grace provides a God to pay.

...#j

I

L

' Chap^ II. "The Believer's Trmiples. $2gr

The law makes gofpel -banquets fwieet j
The gofpel makes the law complete :
Law-1'uits to gi^ce's ftorehoufe draw ;
Grace decks and magnifies the law*
Both law. and gofpel Qlofe combine,
To make each other's luftre fliine :

^ The gofpel all law-breaker's iharaes ;
The law. all gofpeUflighters damns. '
The law is holy, juft, and good ;
All this the gofpel feals with blood.
And clears th^ ^oyal law's juft dues
With dearly purchas'd revenues* , /

The law commands me to believe ; %

The gofpel faving faith docs give r
The law injoins m^to repent : .
The gofpel gives my. tears a venL
What in the gofpel mint is coin'd, ,
The^fame is in t'he law injoin'd :
Whatever gofpel-tidings teach,.
The law's authority dpth reach-
Here join the law and gofpel Hands,
^ What this me teaches thzt commands :.
What virtuous forms the gofpel pleafe
The fame the law doth authorife. ^ *
And thus the law-commandment feals •
Whatever gofp61 *grace reveals :
The gofpel alio for my good
Seals all the law-demands with blood.

. The law moft perfedl ftill remains,
And ev'ry duty fulf contains : .
The gofpel its perfeftion fpeaks.
And therefore gives whate'er it feeks.
Next, what by law I'm bound unto, . ^ -
The fame the gofpel makes me dp :

£ c 3

330 G o s p i: L S o N N E T s. Part ^I.

Wl>at preeeptivity that can crave ;

This ^eSivefy can ingravc*

All that by pneiph Heav*n expeA^ _ .

Free grace by promifes effefts : j

To what the law hyfear teay move,

To that the gofpel leads by Icve.

To rwi lo w$rk^ the law^ commands ;

The gofpel gives aie^^ and bands :

The one require that I obey ;

The other dees the pM^r convey* i

What iff the law has duffs place,

The gofpel changes to a ^race :

Hence legal duties therein nam*d,

Are herein gofpel-graces fem'i

The precept sheets ifte when I flray ;

The pronEiifc holds me In the way :

That fliews.my folly when I roam ;

And this moft kindly brings me home.

Law-threats and precepis^ both, I fee.

With gofpel-promifes agree j

They to the ^<}/j^^ are ayjw^^.

And it* to them a maintenance.

The law will juftify all thofe

Who with the gofpel- ranfom clofe j

The gofpel too approves for ay

All thofe that do the law obey.

The righteous law condemn^ each roan

That dare rcjeft the gofpel-plan j

The holy gofpel none will fave,

On whom it won*t the law ingrave.

When Chrift the tree of life I climb,

I fee both- law and grace in him :

In him the law its end docs gain \

In him the promifc is Amht*

Chap. n. The Believer's frim^ks* 331

ThHaw m^es grace's pafture iWeet,
Grace makes the law my fav*ry meat j
YeaJTweeCer than the honey •comb.
When grace and mercy brings^ it home.
The precepts of the law me j^<w«;
What fruits of gratitude I o.we ; *

But gofpel grace-begets the brood,
And moves nae to the gratitude. "

Law-terrors ^i2»/& the putrid fore j -

And gofpel grace app/res tht cure :
The one plcws up the fallow-ground j
The othev /bwi the feed around.
A rigid matter was the law,
Demanding brick, dcnying-ftraw ;
But when with gofpel tongue it^iings^ , -
It bids me fly, and g;ives me wrings.

In S V 1^. .

Both law and gofpel clofe unite,

Are feen with more folace,
Wher6 truth arid mercy kindly meef^

In fair ImmdnuePs face.

'33^ Go&FEt SonnetIs. Part VI

S^E.CT. IV.

The proper Vlace anaStaiton of the Law andthe^

GofpeK

I^oUy That ID the. four folJowiog. Parggraphs« as veil as in.
. the three preceding Sedtlons, by Law, is moftlyunderftood'
the doftrtne of the Ctvcnant of IVorks ; and by Gospel^
• the dodtrine of the Covenant oj Grace.-

Paragraph I.

TbslRlaee and Station of Law' and Gdfpel7»/

general.

••

WHElf wc.the fax^jed record view,.
Or divine Tcft'ments Old and.Newj.
The matter in moft pages fix'd
Is law and gofpcl intermix'd.*
Yet few, ev'n in-*a learned 'age.
Can fo refalve the facred page ;
As to difcern with equal eye.
Where law, where gofpel fever'd lie;.
One divine text with double claufe.
May fpeak the gpfpeFs voice and law's*':
Hence men to blend them both xure apt,
Should in one feiitence both be wrapt*
But that ye may the truth purfue,
, And give both law and grac;e their due,

• Ex. gf. Lev. XX. 7, 8. Saodlify yourf^lves therefore, and
be ye holy : for I am ihe Lord your Qod. And ye ftiallkeep
my (fatutes, and do them : I am the Lord which ^n^fy yofr.
I Joba iv. 7. Beloved let us love one another: for love is of
God; and every one that loveth, is born of God, and know-
^th God. Rom. V. 21. That as fin hath refgned unto death,
even fo might grace reign through righteoufoefs unto eternal
life, by Jefus Chrift oar Eord. Chap.*vi. aj. For the wages

" % is death : but the gxh of God is etcmal life; tbrougb Je»

Chap. II. The Believer's Frmciple$. . 333

And God the glory there, difplayy j .
The foll'wmg rules wiU give us aid.
Where-c- er in facred writ we fee
A word of grace or promife free,
With bleflings dropt for Jefus' fake j
. We thefc for gofpel news, may take.
But where z precept ftrift we find
With promife to our dmng joined,
Or threatening with a ivrathjtd frown j
This as the law we jaftiy owii.

PARAOaAPH IL

The Flace ar^i Btationofhzw and Gofpcl in far-

ticuhn Where the difference is noted betmxt

' the Gefpel largely viewed in its di/^en/ation, and

Jiriafyinit/ei/r mtdieHfn:ifUe gcfpd, oMd faith

receiving it.

WOULDST Ithw diftincTJy know the
found
Of law and grace, then dot%*t confound
The difp4njAtion with the grace;
For thefe two hai^e a diftinft place.
The gofpel thus difpensM wt fee,
Believe and tbm jhah faved be ; ^
Ifmty tboujhalt he damned to^bell^
And in eternal tortBfehts dwell.

fus Chrift our Lord. Mark ivi. 15^ i6. And he laid t^nto
them*' Co jt into all the worid, and preach the goTpel to eye«
ry creature. He thai beHereth and it baptized^ (hall he fav
ed ; i)ut he that believeth not, (hall be damaed* John jii. z8.
He that believeth on hiin» if not condemned : but he tfcat be-
ii^?eth Qot» it condemned already, bedufe he hath not believ-
ed on the name of the only begotten Son of God| &c.

334 G O^s p E L S o NT N jz T Si Part VK

Here precepts in it are difpens'd.

With threat^ nings of damnation fenc'd y

The legzV/an^ion here takes place.

That none may dare abufe free grace.

Yet nor does that command of faith.

Nor this tremendous threat of wrath^

Belong to. gofp^l ftridly fo ^ .

But to itsdifpenfation doi

The method of difpenfing here, .

Does law and gofpel jointly bear f

Becaufe tlie law's ifubferTient

Unto the gofpsl's bleft'd intant. ^

Precepts and threat*hihgs both make way.

The gofpel bleffing§ to convey j

Which differs much (though thus difpens^d)^

From laws and. threats, whereby 'tis fenced*.

Believe, and ti^ JbaUt/iiV^ ^
Is gofpel, but improperly ;
Yet fafely men may call it Jhus>.
Becaufe *tis fo-difpens'd to us.
But fure, the gofpel-news we fing,.
, Muft; be fomeother gloricxis things
Than precepts to believe the fame,.
Whatey^r way wi blend.thcir name;. ,
The gofpel-treafure's fomctbing more
Than, means that do apply the ftore :
Believing, is th6^ r^tbad pavM, .
The gofpeLis the thing believ'd* , ,
- The precious thing is tidings fweet
Of Chrift. a Saviour mod. complete,
To fave from fin, and death, and. wrath j:
Which tidings tend to gender faith.
Eaith comes by hearing God's record.
Concerning Jefus Chrift the Lord,,

F Chap H. The Believer^s Principles. 335

i And is the method Heav'n has bleft
For bringing to the gofpel-reft.
The joyful found is news of grace,
And life to Adam's gmlty race,
Through Jefus' righteoufnefs divine,
Vlhich blight from faith to faith does flrinc.
The promife of knmortal blifs
Is made to this full righteoufneft :
'Ry this our right to life is bought ;
Faith Ipcgs the right but buys it not.
True faith ^receives the ofFer'd good,
And promife feal'd with precious blood :
It ^/Wx no titk to the blifs,
But takes th' in tit! i^^ righjteoufneis. ^
This obJ€3 gre^t of faving faith.
And this alone, the promife hath \
For 'tis not made to faith's poor aS^
But is the prize t^hat faith does take :
And only as it takes th| fame,
It bear$ a great ^nd famous name ;
For felf, and all its grandeur, dowjEi
It throws, that Chrifl: ma<y wear the crown.
But if new laws and threats .were all
That gofpel properly we call,
. Then were the precept to believe^
No be tter news , than do and liw.
• If then we wont diftinguifli here.
We cloud but don't the gofpel clear ;
We blend it with the fiery law,
And all into confufion draw.
The law of. works we introduce, ^
As if old m^rit were in ufe,
Wheq man could life by doin^woTiy ^

t^v'n though the work by grfce were done.

\

33^ GospEi. SaKKET«. Part VI.

Old Adam in bis inDocfence
DarivM hi« powV of fJoirrg beftcc<
As all he could was wboUy ifyey
So all the worfcingyfornff A,, he knew, '
Was only from the grate of God,i.
Who witli fach favour did him lold :
Yet was the pram^ to his ody *
That he might mmi by tompafl.
'iilo ment h\xt oS paBwHconldi
yOf men or angels e*cr be told j^
The God^iian onfy was fo h%h
To merit bj aindignity.
Were life now promised to our aSf,
Or to out trorfa hj pa£thn tacfc^d j
Though Ood filould his aJ^HancB grants
'Tis ftill a d^ng covenant.
Though HcaVn its betpit^ grace &ould yield,
Yet merii^s ftill upon the fidd j .
We cail the name^^^t fttU^^tis kimid
Difclaim'd but-with a^ Terbal found.
If one ^uld torrow toois from you.
That be fome famous work might do ;
When onee Ws work is well prepai'd,
He fure defer \nes his due rewaid ;
Yea, juftly may he d^im hii^ dufe,
Although he borrow'd took froiBf you :
Ev'n thus the borrowed ftrength df gr&ce
Can't hinder merit to Cake plade.
From whence foe'er twe borro^^ powers,
If life depend on works of oUrs j
Or if we make the go^el- thtis
In any fort depend on us ^
We giye the law^ the gofpel-place,
-Rewards of dcift the room of gr^ce }

Chap. II. T^ he Believer' rPrincipki, 337

We mix Heav'n's treafured with our trafb^

And magnify corrupted flefli.

The new aod gofpel covenairt

T^Jo' promi/e to our i^orh will grant ; -

Bat to the cfcing of our Head,

And in him to each gofpel-deed.

To ^^i/mir/f> which is great gain,. .

Tromife is (aid to appertain :

But know, left you the gofpel mar.

In whom it is we godly are.

To him aad to his righteoufnefs

Still primar'ly the pramife is ; • '

And not -ev*!! to the gracious deed,

Save in and through the glorious Hea^.

Pray let us here obferve the odds,-

How law and grace take counter roads^

The law of works no promife fpake

Unto the agents but the aS.

It primarMy no promife niade

Unto the per/qn^ but the deed:

Whate'cr the doing perfon fhar'd,

'Twas for his deed he had reward.

The law of grace o'erturns the fcale, '■

And makes the quite reverfe prevail :

Its promife lights not on the deed, .

But on the doing perfon^s head ;

Not fij^ his doing, but for this,

Becaufe in Chrift his perfon is :

Which union t© the living Prince,

His living works and deeds evince.

Gt)od fruits have promife in this view,

As union to the Branch they fhew ;

To whom the ^(?my^j pertain, '

In him sHHyea^ and all ^men*

/340 Gospel Sokksts. Part VI.

The law of heavy hard commands
Confirms the weak'ned iinner's bands ;
But grace proclaims reUeving news.
And fcencs of matchleis mercy fiiews*
No precept clogs the gofpel-call^
But wherein grace is all^ in all ;
No law is here but that of grace^
Which brings relief in evVy ^afe*
The g^ipel is the promife fair
. Of grace all ruins to repair.
And leaves no finner room to fay^
'* Alas ! this debt I caiuiot pay ;
" This grievous yoke I cannot bear,,
«* This high demand I cannot ckan*^
Grace flops the moiith of fuch complaints^
And flore of, full fupply prefents. '
The glorious, gofpel is (in brief) •
A fov'reign word of fweet relief j
Not clogged with cumberfome commands^
To bind the foul's receiving bands.
'Tis joyful news of fov'reign grace.
That reigns in ftate through righteoufiiefs^ *
To ranfom from all threafning wo^Sy .
And anfwer all commanding d<fs\:
This gofpel comes with help indeed.
Adapted, unto linners need :
Thefe jay.ful news that fuit their cafe^ / _
Are chariots of his drawing grace r
'Tis here the Spirit powerful rides,
The fountains of the deep divides.;
The King of glory's fplendour (hews.
And wins the heart with welcome newsi^ '

ph^..ir. \ \^eliev€r's Principles.

THE firft\

So may the igc

Yet nor in ihn

But 'tis a'J^**^^^
To fini«<*s that

^ joy^ul fQu©d
To obviate a:»ahell
A purotni^ ^f (divi
To work aU ;g^cious quaUties
In thofe: who iproneft to Febel,
Are only 'quali%M for Ml.
Courting: vile fianjsra, ev'rn the chief.
It leaves ^notcloQrk for iitiiibeKef:;
£ut ev^ia onigro&Manafiek*:s calls>»
On Mary Maigdalen-s and Sfiul-s..
Tis good^nevisiof a fitmiain ope
For Jin and.^ib ; a door Qi: hope
For thofe thatliein blood and; got^^i
And of ayi/v^ for vev'ry fore.
Glad news of ^j&/ unto the Wind;.
Of light \xnxo tbk dark'ned mind.;
Of healing to the deadly fiok ;
And mercy both to Jew and Greek,
Goodrnews of:^oA/ to poor that lack;
Of raiment to- the naked back ;
0£ binding to. the wounda that fmart^j:
And reji unto the weary heart-
Glad news oi freedom to the bound;
Oijiore all loues to refound;.

#34^ GospBL So viv/^r s. iPart VI.

The law of heavy hariJ^ead ;

Confirms the weak><irne of need.

But gfacc proclv^^'^' ^"'^^^Dgels dwell.

And fcencs ^^H ^^^\b^'^^

No precept ^® work and war.

But wh^ ^^^'^ ^^ ^^^^^ *^^'
No J^^^ of yey to thofe that weep,
.^rtia tender care of cHimle flieep ;
yOiJhelter to the foul punt^,
And cleanfing to the hellifti-ftbidt
Oi floods to fap the parched groUti4^
Andflreams to run th^ defert round ;
Of ranfbm to the captive caught,
And harbour to the foond'ring yacht ;.^
Of timely aid to weary groans $
Of y^y reftor'd to broken bones ;
01 grace divine to gracelefs preys.
Arid glory to the vile and bafe :
Of living "xaier pure, that teems #
On fainting fouls refrefliing ftreams ;
Of gen'rouft wine tp chear the ftfong,
And milk to feed the tender young :
Oi faving faith to faithlefe ones ;
Oifoffning grac^ to flinty ftones \
Of pardon to a guilty ciew.
And mercy free, where wrath was due#
Good news of we/come kind to ally
That come to Jefus at his call ;
Yea, news of drawing pow*r, when fcant»
To thofe that fain would come aad cau't^
Glad news of rich myfterious grace,
And mercy meeting ev'ry cafe;
Oiflore imtnenfe alL voids to filJ,
Avii free to whafoever will: ,

Chap. HI. Tie Believer's Primpl^s. 545

Of ChriA exalted as a Prince^
Pardons id give ami peniteme ; ^
Of ^na;^^ o'erconiing ftubborn wills,
ilnd leaping over JBether hills. ~
Imtkcenm by beating thefe repqrts ;
Straight to the coisrt of grace reforts^
And free of mercenary thought,
Gets royal bounty all for nought.
Faith's wing within the clammy fea
Of legal merit cannot fly ;
But mounting mercy's air apace.
Soars in the element of giace.
Sut as free love the bleffing gives
' To him that works not^ bu^ believes ;
So y«//i&, once reaching its defiTe, ^

Works hard bj lovex but not for hire. ^

CHAP. III.

The BiLiEVER's PiciNcjPiiEs colicerning Jts^i^
Jication and San^ificaiiont their Difference
and Harmony*

SECT. I.

Tbe Difference between Juftification and Sanftifi-
cation ; or righteoufnefs imputed and grace
imparted ; in upwards of thirty particulars *•

f

Jv

IND Jefus fpent his life to fpin
My robe of perfeA rigl^teouihefs ;

♦tlotc, That (metri^aufa) Jufi'ifieaticn h h^rs fimetimet

txfrejfed by the wfirdjf imputed grace, juflifying £race»
righteoufnefS) &c. ; Sanctification by the namesy impaled
grace, grace; graces, tiolinefsi laH^Uyt Sec. whickjhe judi^
cmi V)iil eaftiy underftand*

«

But by his SpiriiV w»rk-' wtohin
He forms my ^^dotisJiotjr .^^tdk,

He as a -P//^ me <|iril(i¥es,

His blood do€S'raen!tmg>eoiifcfiSi]ce JUII}

But as ^ 'King he femdUiors,
And {objugnies iiDf^ttibtem ^U,

He juftifyingtby hts^mvvit,

Imputes 4o wie M% ^i^t^ioyfiitffr V
But fiiaiftifying 4>y bis'SpfiAt,

Infufes in toe facing <gf aoe.
My juftifyingTigtiteouffy^fe

Can merit fey 4:«ftdfgnity}
But noehit)g wilh ^my fti-cmgeft ^gtafee *

Can be'deforv^d ^hy naughty nie:
This juftirfying ft^our ifet»
^ The "guUt oF ^11 » my ^fift te Wote ■ j,
But fanftifying grace deletes

ThtfHb atrd blac^nefe'of its bloL
By virtue of this ri^hteoufnefs

Sin can't ^^w^^>/i« ndr jufily/btand :
By vhtue of irifufed ^ace

Aaon it ceafes to command.
The righteoufoefs ^iriiich 1 enjoy,

Sin*s damning pow*^ will wholly flay ;^
And vgrace imparted will* deft rc^.

lt& rtding AonAtK&tVQ^ twfxy .
Tvhe former is toy Judge^^o^

Of condonation full and free :
The ktter his cdfmmtenctd/fiiff,

And gradual A^ork fedvanc'd hi tne.
The former's inftantaneous^

The mometit tbit \ firtl bi^lieve :
X he latter is^ as Heaven allows,

Frogreftve while ooT'eartb I live.

Chap. III. . The Beliewr's Principles. 345

'The firft will peace to confcience give,

The laft th« filthy heart, will cleanfe :
The firft effeds a relative.

The l,aft a r^al inward change.
The £oxmtx pardms every jffn^

And counts me righteous, free, and juft:
The latter quickens grace within,

And niort;ifie$ my fin and luft* .
Imputed grace intifJes.tne .. -^ .

Unto eternal happinefa;
Imparted grace mllqtuiU/y

That heav'nly kingdom to poflefe.
My righteoufqeis is infinite,

Both fuWeclively and in kind j ' ^^^
My hoUneft mbft incomplete.

And daily wavers Ijke the, wind*.
So lafting is my fititer drefs, i I

It never wears por waxes old ; .
My inner garb of grace decays' ,

And fades, if Heaven do not uphold"^
My righteoufnefs and pardon is.

At once moft perfedl and cbmplete ;.
But fandity adtftits </^^r^^j,
^ Does vary, fluctuate apd fleet.
Hence fijf^'d, my righteoufnefs divine x

No real change can undergo y
But all my graces wax and wane.

By various turnings ebb and flow.,
l*m by the firft as righteous now,

As e'er hereafter I can be :
The laft will to perfeftion^rrw;,

Heav'n only is the full degree.
The firft i*^yw/, wholly giv'n,

And ftill ttie fanae in cv'ry faint

346 Gospel Sonkvets. iPart VI,

The laft unequal and "tmev^n,

White :fdrae enjoy What otlbers want.^
My righteoufnefs divme 4s freOi,

For ever fare and lieav^nly botfe^^
My fanftity is pai^tly Jkjh^ :

-. . Ajoui juftly ternaM a 'menJVrms clotb.
My righteoufnefs I tnagnify,

'Tis. my ^iumphant lofty iflag ;:
But pois'd with tl^is, my fandlity

Is nothing but ^ ^filthy rag.
I gloyy in my righteoufnefs,

Arid loud ektoMt wit?h my tongue ^
But all my grace, compared with this^
' I under-^rate z&\^1k ^nd dung.
By juftifying grace Vttt apt

Of dipv^ine ^^ruotfr free to b'oaft>
By hoUnefs I^n partly fbap^d

Into- Ws iwidg^ I ^ad loft.
The firft todivine yii/ike ptstys

A Toitt ' to ft ill Jthe 'furious ftorm ;.
The laft to divine Mmejs

Inftrudte 5mfe duly 'to uonforra.
The firft does queojch the fiery law,.

Its rigid tfwW»/ ^nlly ftay ;,
The laft iPs ruk embralAei^'d draiw,

To deck -my heart, «nd ^gild my way..
The fub^Sf df n»y righteoufnefs

' Is Chrifft fcimfelf nty ^lorioijis Head';.
But I the fubjedl atn df ^gracc,

As he fupptits ray dafly need.
The matter of %ht former too ^

Is only »Obrift'« •dbedience dear ;^
But lo, his helping me to •do

Is all ^«he wotfk al^d matter here.

Chap. HI. The B£li£v€r^ Frinc^ts^) jj^

1 on my righte.oofitefe rcl)f *

For Heav'h's acceptance fcee,, aad win ;
But, in this matter nauft dtnjr
' My grace;,ev'ir asri da my fiiu
Though all my graces psectaus^ zarc.

Yea, perfedfc^lfo! hn dcfiflB*;
They cannot ftaitd.bef6re the bar
Where awful juArce is twnpi re :
But, in the robe tiiast Chrifl: didc^riiv

They are of gnsst acid: htgk jTetjtieffc}
They have acceptance; wrapt wit^sn

My eldisr Bcoth£]^s> biood^r ve(L
My righteoufnefe proclaims> mc great
Avd fair ev^n in^ tfacr^^fjS* of Godj
fiut fanility^ my nmtr oj^/e^

Before the: gaziog w»riti abix)ad.
More juftifyM 1 cannot be

By all m^ moft religious ad:s ;
But thefe increstfe my fan&ity,

Thatfsftili attend^ with de&ds.
My righteouibefs the.fafeft ark

'Midft ev'ry threatening flood wiil; be ;
My gracesi but a leakistg baidc;
Upoa a ftormy ragiiig fea;
I fee in juftifying grace

God*s love to me does ardent burn ;
But by imparted bolinefs

I grateful love for love return*
My righteoufncfe is that which draws .

My tha&kful heart to this refpedt :
The former then is firft the <au/i^y

The latter is the fweet efe^.
-Chrift is in juftifying me.

By name, The Lord my ri^bteoufne/s ;

348 Go spfiL Sonnets. * Part VI»

But, a& he comes to fandify,

Tbe Lord my Jirength aind help h^ 4s»
In thai I have the patienfs place.

For fi&^r^ Jehoyah's aft is aH ;
But in the other Tm through grace . .^

An agent workitig at his call ' i .
The JirA dotsjtaw^^fc^t forbid, ^ ''

For there his' writh ireN^enging ends ;
The /^ commands my JS&f/ dread,

Fqr i&fftf paternal ire attends. *
The former does annul my woe.

By God's jndidal fentence paft /
The latter makes my gi'aces grow.

Faith, love, repentance, and the reft.
The firft does divine pard'ning love

Moft freely manifeft to me; -

The laft makes fhining g^races prove

Mine int'reft in the .pardon free.
My foul in juftifying grace -

Does full and free acceptance gain i
In fandity 1 Heav'nward prefs.

By (wett c^^ance lohikin. ' -
The firft declares Tib free of debt, i

"" And nothing left for me to pay ;
The laft makes me a debtor yet, ,

But helps to pay it ev'ry day.
My righteoufnefs with wounds and blood

Difcharg'd both law and juftice* fcore ;
Hence with the debt of gra^tude

I'll charge myfelf for evermons^ ^

.Chap. HI- TbeBeli^er's Principles. 349

SECT, II.

The Harmony between Juifificatiom' ^«i Saadifi-

catfom ' '

HE who me decks witirrigbt^oufo^fs^
With grace will alfo dotb^ i^
For glorious Jefus c^m to^/blefa
v/ Br iM^^ and TCAKf^r botlw
That in his rigoteauatdsl truil^f^

My fanAity will (how ;
Though graces cannot nu^ mejiail,

Thtyfiew me to be*la#*
All thofe who fi[^eely jufiilyM

Are of the ptardoctfd race»
Anon are alio landify'd.

And purify'd by gpac^« ' . .

Where juflice ftern ddes JAiftify, ,
. There holineis is dear'd ;
HeavVs equity axufiaiRdtity

Can never be. fever'd*
Hence, when my foul wttb>pardM^d<^|t'd,

Percei vtts no divide ir^ y
Then holinefs I do affe&

With paffiontte defire«
His juftir^ing grace is^ fuch

.As wa£t$ ray foul to heav^nv:
I cannot choo(e.'but /rw him. fnucb^
■ Who /RiiTib has. me jfbrjp^'/}.; '

The Sun q£ rignteoufnelb that brides

KenuiSon ul hia rays,.
• The healing in bis goldca wing& .

bf light and heat conveys*
Where-cvcr Icfus is a Prieft,
^ There will he be a King i

■G.S

2SP Gospel Sonhets. P^rt VL

■

He that spoils from fin*s aireft^ ,

Won't tolerate its reign.
The title of a precious grace

To faith niay juftly fall,
Becaufe its open arms embrace . u

A precious Chrift for all.^ |

From precious faith a pi^cipus ftrife

pf precious virtues flow ;
A precious heart, a pjrecious life, ^

And precious duties too. _
Where-ever faitti does juftify.

It purifies the heart; "
The pardon and the purity

Join hands and never part.
The happy ftatc of pardon doth

An holy life infer :
In fubje^ capable of both -^

They never fundtr^d were.
. Yet in defence of truth muft we ,

Dif^inclly view the twain :
That how they differ, how agree.

We may in trutlrmaintaim
Two natures in one perfon dwell.

Which no rfiiij^w know.
In our renown*d Immanuel,

Without cmft^on too. *

Thofc that ^mde them grofsly err, ,

Though yet diftihdl they be :
Thofe who f^^^j/fo» hence i^ffer>

Imagine blaiphemy.
Thus righteoiifnefs and grace we muft

Nor Aindlst not confound j
£lfe holy feace to us is loft.

And Sas;,x%i^tru^W^t T^ound.^ v

Chap.- IV. Tf^e Eeftever's Principfes. 351

While we their proper place maintain,

In friendfhip fweet they dwell j
But or to part or blend the twain.

Are errors' hatched in hell.
To feparate what God does join^

Is wicked and profane ;
To mix and mutilate his coin,

Is damnable and vain*.
Though plain diftindlion muft take place;

Yet no divirfion here.
Nor dark confufion, elfe the grace

Of both wiU difappear.
Lo I errors grofs on ev*ry fide

Confpire to hurt and .woun<I;
Antinomifts do them divide,

And legalifts eonfouiuk

The Beuever's Principles conceraing

Faith 2Sk^ Sen/e. :

I.' Of Faith and Senfe natwrat.
1. Of Faith and Henfe fpirituaL ^

3. The Hafmony and Difcord between^ Faith

and Sen/e.

4. The Valour and Vidorifis afFakh.

5. The' Heights and Depths rfSenfe.

. 6. Faith and Frames compared ^ ar^ Faith build*
ing upon Senfe discovered*

S E C T« I.

Faith and Senfe Natural^ compared and difiit^

guijbed. /

WHEN Abram's body, Sarah's womb. ^
Were ripe for nothing but the tor

35^ Gospel 9p^»bts. JfzxtVJ^

Exceedjuig old,, and wholly dead, ..
Unlike to bear the prpnais'd feed.:
Faith faid, JJbaJl m Ifaa€ feej^ " ^

Noy noy faid fenfe, it cannot be : '
Blind reafon lo augment the ftrife, \

AddSy How can .d£atb ^engender {i/if ? ' ^
My heart is like a rotten tong^lj.
More dead than ever ^Sacah's w^mb }
*OJ cgn the jirQtnis*^ f(5^d lofjgxjijce
Spring forth fron\ fudk a .bfiU'xen jplacc^
^ Senfe 'gazing but on flinty m^ks^
, My hope and expejaatiQE chcAeg :
But could% ikiird in Ahram's art,
D'erlook my dead jind Taiafreo heart ;.
And build my hgpe &n /nothing; kis
Than divine pQw*r audi faithfuln^fs^ '
Soon Mroulfi J find him raife up fons / '
To Abram,' out of rodks a&d ftanes.
Faith ^cb as b^!^y .boatmen do»
Who backvi^ard .look and forward row ?
It looks intent to things jnnfeen,
Thinks objefts viffble too mean^ ' -

Senfe thinks it madRe'fs thus to fteer^
Aird Only 'trufts ks eye and ear ;
Into faith's J>oat dare xJxruft its oar^ ..
And put it furthSp from the fliore.
Faith d/Cws alone the promife eye ;
-Senfe wori^ believe urilefs it fee ; - ,

Nor qan it truft tfre divme guide, *
Unlefs it have both wind and tide.
Faith thinks the promiie fure and good ;
Senfe dofli: depend on likelihood ;
Faith ev'n in ftorms believes the feers ;
Seofe oaJDs idl men^ 'CV jO p&ophets^ liars.

Chajft IV. V>e Believer's Principles^ 355

Faith ufes meains, birt refts on none j
Senfe fails when outwatd means are gone j
-Trufts more on probabilities, .
Than all the divinepromifes.
It refts upon the ruuy beam
Of outward things that hopeful feem ;
Let thefe its fuppbrts fink or ceafe.
No promlfe then can yield it peace.
True feith thatVdf a divine, brood,
Confults not bafe with flefli and blood;
But* carnal fenfe which ever errs, '
With carnal reafon ft^U confers. - ;
What ! won't my difciples believe
That I am rifen irOm the grave ?
,' Why will they pore on dull and death,
* And overlook my quick'ning breath }-
Why do they flight the word I fpake ?
And rather. forfy counlel take
With death^ and with a pow'rful grave,.
If they their captive can relieve ?
Senfe does enquirejf tombs of clay*
Cantfend th^ir guefts alive away j .
But faith ..will hear Jehovah's word,
Of life and death the fovVeipjn Lord/ '
Should^J^give ear to rotten dull, '
Or to the tombs confine my.truft ;.
No refyrrection gaii 1 fee,
For duft that flies into mine eye..
What ! Thomas^ can't thou truft fb much
To me as to thy fight and touch ?
Won't thou believe till fenfe be guide.
And thruft its hand into my fide?
Where is thy faith, if it depends
J On nothing but tlyr fing(jr-cnds ?

. Gg 3 .

354 'fi o « Pfit ^'OH^NBT s. '^ Tact: yj-

By iditbi yet neither l(ee ser led;

' Fahh and Senfe Spirituafy compared and di/liKt^ui/lh

^ ed. Where alfo ibeprffererue between the ,J^-

furance of Tat (by dnd'fhe Affwrfince of^en/i.

1"^HE certainty of fiith ^d fenfe -
* Wide.di^rin«X}iefi€kice :
Ydkik baUd$iapoo, Wbas faiih tbe Lord ;
Seofe urtews his ^iio'^ifc, and ^ot ^his ^ard. ^
< God's word mth&ui-n faith's^ refort,'
His work, wiiim 4oth fenfe iiip|K)rt;
By faith we^truft him without ♦pawns, ^Pledges
By fotire weihaDdk M'ith our hands.

By foith the wofd of ti?uth-s recieivy V * ^
By fenfe we know we haye believ^.
F^th's certain by fidueid d As, - i

Senfe by iuevidentUit fa6ls, ' • '

^ Faith cteditss tlie diVi-ne4?epGrt,
Senfe to his brdarbings si^kes re&rt :, '
That on his wcr^ of grace will hinjg^ -
Thh ovK^vii Sftrit ^oitnejffihg. . .

By faith I t^ke the L>ard lor-Hiine,
By fenfe I feelhislov^ divine : ' *
By that! touch bis garment*s hefn> ^ ^
fiy /i^xV find yirtuethence to ftrcam.'
' By faith I have mine ^Ij^n^bMd^
By fenfe I havis4*om« ilo<jk in buf^t
By that foaie <i£^o»4s begutj, • ^
By /A/i I ibmc/rttiVwi Wirt. .
My faithican fend ev'o in -e^ile,
Senfe csUmo&wUve watiK)Ut a:fij3ile,^

: iFaith im'mds ppan tfee trut^ pf God»
That lies iwit]l»in the ipramife broad j;
But feafe wpOT i;be tcuith cf^grac^ ;
Hisr haqij within eoy heapt diiJ fulafle. «
Thus Chrift's ifee cbyaQ, %ith mW «ye, ,
And faitt^s 'tfa^ objjeQ: f^nfe m^y feje :
Faith keeps the tijUtfe of Gad itf viei^^f '
Wi^ik ftiMi Jb^'tr4tf& irf faid^iiwajr^fa^^
Hence frnkh, aflutaae^s firm QJu& iUiid^
When fenfe!» « the idAfip m^^Htmdi ,
And faith!? p^furtfiwx ijM prerjail^
WJbie^ ^Qnrfpitabte /qafc :nwy f<^h

. , 1 am afliir'/jl ^Jfeeii fsnith^s m ^

And thus niyft«jipu8 Ai«jy:l<3iti^« ,!

I^m oft ikffux'd iVhetP^l atfii%n9t > - :

Qft piejrt'4 wjefei r:p;ckaing VlQubte gM ifc«fs :
Yet faith thefe hi9ijeiH^9 firey«r b§im3 i
But unbelief that cuts my breathy
And flops th^ language ji^4iy faith »

. Claixipurs ^ uob^liieving ii^ars^ ^ .

Sa frequently difijurb mine ears,
I cannot hear what faith would iky,
TiU oace the tjmfy clamours ftay.,

^ And than will frelh, e^^pnerieuce SmAy ^
When ^h gets leave to fpeakits mind,.
The native, language »rh«reQf i s^
My Lordu nim% and I^imiis. :
Sad doubtipgs qompafs xne about, ^
Yet faith itfclf could ueVer doubt ;
Fof) as the 'fa<;red volume faith.

Much ddttbting argu^ss Mttk ^thr

35"^ 6'd s p £ L S o N N E T s. * Part VI.'

, The doubts and, fears Aat work ray grie^
FIqw not from faith, ^ut unbelief j
For faith, whenever it afteth, c^res
The plague of doubts, and me aflures.
But when mine eye of faith's afleep,
I dream of drowning in the deep j
But^ as befals the fleeping ey e^. [

Though fight remain, it cannot fee j
The feeing faculty abides,

, Tho«gh fleep fron> adlive feeing hide» :
So faith^s afllmng pow'rs endure
JBy^ji when it'ceafes to affure. y

Tbere's-ftill perfuafioo in nf>y faith,
Ev'n when Tm fiil'd with fears of wrath-;
The truftVag babit ftill remains^

-Though flurhbers hold the a^in chains.
The affuring faculty it keeps, «
Ev- n wheti its eye in darknefs fleeps^

• -Wrapt ixp in dbubts ; but when it wak«9,
It roitfes up affuriag a<flsi

sTect. iii^

T6^ Harmony and Difcordietween Faith andSenfey,
bow they hel^^ and how they itiar each otber^

T^IOUCH gallant faith can keep the field-
When cow'rdly fenfe will fly or yield:
Yet while I view their ufual path,
Senfe ofwfn ftands and falls with faith.
Faitli ufhers in fweet peace andjoy^
-Which further heartens faith's employ : •
Faith ii-fce the head^ and fenfe the hearty
Do mutual vigour fre(h impart. .

When lively faith and feeling fweet,
ie deai-elt darlings, kindly meet,

Chaip. IV. ^ The Belisvi^r'^ Fducffkf. 3^57

l^ey ftraigbt each other help and hnig ,
In loving firienSfhip clofe and fnn^.
Faith gives to fenfc both life^and brea:th.
And fenfc giVes joy and ftrenjg^th to faith j
*• O now, lays faitn, how fond ,do I
** In fenfe's glowing bofom lie!"
Their mutual kindne& th^n is fuch^r
, That oft they doting too too Jiiucb^
Eml^race eadi other out ^f breath -;
A^ iEfop hugg'd his child to death. %
Faith j^aping into fenle's arms^
Allur'd -with her be^ritchi^g charm^,
In hugging thefe, lets raihly flip *
The proper object of its gripe,
.Which beiijg .Iofl;> behold xtee thrall \
Anqn faith lofes £enfe and £1 ; ^
Thus unawares icu^s fejife's zbceatb, ^

While fenfe trips up the 'heels of faith.
|ier jcbaxms aSuming Jefus* place^
While faith'6 luird.in her foft embrace;
Lo ^ foon in dji^g jpleaiui^eg wrapt.
Its living joy •away is ,fna|^C.

SECT. iV.
The Valour and ¥iaorks (f Fdttb.

BY faith I unfeeA iBeiog fee «

Forth lovjf^hjsiw^ Cftll, ^

And iay to n(A\m^yfUsi ttibc^

And nothing 'hsieheis eU.
By faith I know the motids w^ve iBsde

By God's great wcrcd of aii^;
How foQn» Let^ereJie/Ugbt^ £e hid^
That mome;nt tiai^fie was %btl

acS Gospel Sonnets. Part VI, ,

By faith I foar and force my flight, . . -

Through all the clouds offeufe j
1 fee the glories out of fight,. r j

With, tirighteft evidence. " j

By faith 1 moutit the azure fky, 4

And from the lofty fphere, {

The earth a Iktlc mote efpy,
. Unworthy of my care.
By faith I fee the unfeen things,
• Hid from all mortal eyes;
Proud.reafon ftretchiug all its wizigS|^

Beneath me fluttering lies.
By faith 1 build my lafting.hope

On righteoufnefs divine ;
. Nor can I fink with fuch a prop,

Whatever florms combine.
By faith my works, my righteoufnefs,.

And duties all I own
But lofe and dung; and lay my ilrefs

On what my Lord has done.
By faith. lovercome the world,

And all its hurtful charms ;
I'm in the heavenly chariot burl'd

Through all oppofing harms.
By faith i have a con^uVing paw^r

To tread upon my foes, ^ ,

To triumph in a dying hour.

And banifli all my woes.
By faith in midft of wrongs I-m right,.

In fad decays I thrive ;'. ,

In.'weaknefs 1 am flrong in might,

lo death I am alive*
By faith I iland when deep Ifal)^

In darkneis I have light j^ ^

Chap. IV. 7be BeUeveK*s Pmhc^s., ^9

Nor dare I doubt and queftionaU ^ ^

Wb eft all is out of fight.
By faith I truft a pardon free, '

Which puzzles neih ancl blood;
To think that God can juftify,

Where yet he fees no good.
By faith I keep my Lord's conam^nds,

To verify my truft ;
I purify my^heart and hands,

And mortify my lutt.
By faith xsxy melting fodl' repents,
, When pierced Chrift appears;
My heart in grateful praifes vents.

Mine eyes m joyful tears.
By faith I can -the mountains vaft ^

Of fin and guilt remove ;• .
And them into the ocean caft,

The fea of blood and love.
By faith I fee Jehovah high

Upon a throne of grace ;
I fee him lay his vengeance by.

And fmile rn Jefus' face. ^ %

By faith I hope to fee the Sun, .

The light of grace that lent ;
His everlafting circles run,

Id glory's firmament.
Y faith I'n

By faith I'm more than conqueror^

Ev'n though I nothing can ;
Bccaufe I fet jEHoyAij^s pow'r .,,

Before me in the van.
By faith I counter plot my foes,

Ndr need their ambufh fear ;
Becaufe my life-guard alfo goes

Behiild me 10 the rear.

S6or GoffpEfc SoNNETSi Part Ft

By faith I walk, I wo, I ffj^

By faith I fuffcr thrall ;
By faith Tm fit to live and dtei

By faith t can doall*

SECT. V.

The Heights and Dtptbf of Set^e.

WHEN Hcav'n ixie grants, at certain
Amidfta.{iaw^rfiiigaie, ("jtimes.

Sweet liberty to moan' my crones^

And wanderings U> bewail }
Then do J dream my finftd brood.

Drowned in the ocean main ^

Of cryftai tears and' crimibn blood,

Will never live again. ^ J

I get my foes beneath my ffeeti *

I bruife the ferpent'd head ;
I hope the vi<St'ry isr complete;

And all my. luft? are dead.
How gladly db t think and hy^

When thus it is with me, -

Sin to myjknjk is clean away.

And fo ihall ever be.
But, ah I alas I th* enfuing hour

My lulls arife and fweU,
They irage and reinforce their po:w3r„

With new recruits fttjm hell. ^ -

Though I refolv'dJ and ftwore, through grace*

In very foiemn terms,
I never fhotdd my luilsF embrace.

Nor yield unto their charms ; , '
Yet fuch deceitful friends they are*

While I no danger dre&m.

Chap. IV. 7Se Btliever'i Principles, 361.

Vm fnar'd before I am aware: ^ '"

And hurry 'd down the ftreamV V
Into the guiph jof fin anon,

Tm plunged head aftd earsi; ^
Grace to my /en/e is wholly gone,

And I am chain'd in fears ;
Till ftrai^ht my Lofd with fweet furprife

Returns to loofc my bands,
With Mnd compaffion in 'his eyes, ' -/

And pardon In his hands/^ ^' \

Yet this niy life is nothing elfe ' ''

But heav'n and hell by turns ;
My foul, that now in Gofhen dwells/ •
• Anon in Egypt mourns. '

S E C T. VI.

Fahb and Frames compared ; or^ Faith building^

upon Senfe dijcovired.,

FAITH has for its foundation fcroad .
A liable rock on which I ftand.
The truth and faithfuinefs of God,

All other grounds are finking farid.
My frames and feelings ebb arnl flow;

And when my faith depends on them,
It fleets and ftaggers to and fro.

And dies amidft the dying frame. ^
That faith is furely moft unftay'd,

Its ftaggVrag can't be counted ftrange.
That builds its hope of lailing aid

On things that every moment change. *
But could my faith lay all its lo^d

On Jefiis' everlafting name, • V

Upon the rightcbufnete of God/

And divine truth that's ftiU the fame :
11 i» - ,

Could I believe^ what Oodha&ijpQkc

Rely oiv hi« nficbwsiDg Ipv^,
And ceafe to grafp itit fketii^ &K>ke;.
* No changiei^ wouJd m;^ nmuoiaiOf more.
But wheiH hQw foon. the fcsntne V ai¥9^ -

And comfortable £relmgs^iail.]^

SQtiopo iny £iith fajls^m deparjs,

And unbelieving doubts pceFaUc
This proves the 4:hafrge. of humt vjioe^

And plain my fsutfa's df£ed« maf flifiw ;
I built the faoufc^ q& thawtag ice^

That tumbka^ with the melting fnow;
When divine fo^iles ia fight appt a? «

And t enjoy the beav*aJ^. gale. ;
When wind and tide and all is fair,

I dream my. fi^th lha;Il never fail : ]

My. heart with falfe conclufions. draw, '

That ftroxig my mountain fhall remain;
That in my taith there is no flaw,

I'A i>eyer, nerer doubt. agaiA4
I think , theroiily reft. Ltabe,.

Is God!s unfading, wapd^aixd naaxe;.
And fiiocy xuitng^y faith. fpweajktv

As.e'eor to.triift.ajisu2jx)0 frame
Butf ah! bf iudden: tucns I fee

My lyings hea£t!8 fallacioua ^uilt», ^
And that my iaiitb^ not fiim in..ioe».

On finkiQg; fandn was partly bai]t :
For^ la! whi^.waianiiiig.beajBa'are^gQoet

Atid SnAcoK^ falh aW> 'tis odd,
I cawwt.wdit thCvrifing^lS^^

I canqotntii^ aJilding^ GodU
So much my faith!s.alSaoceiedO»

Its life firooi'iaditis^

Chap. iV. Tbe SeUMn'^ Prkuiiplef. 363

That ^hcfi I lofc ^Ate *f iftg ftrtatti^

I trnixKH trruft the K viBg "^thalg.
When drops df d<«rtf«t qtiicfcty dry'**.

And fenf?He enjeiytiitints fiail : *

Wheti cheering afpples atre defiyM)

Then dmibts iofteftd of -foi^ ^!•e^la!l.
But why, tfrn* *riHl be ffta*ch'd f Voiifi tti^.

ShoruM I diftrtift the gteriot« Root %
And flill ESh)nt the ftatidteg Tre^,

By tfttfting marc to falling fr6k ?
The fmaHeftjttals'may tfvince

My farkh tmfit to fi^nd the Ittodr^
That moie depends oti fleetiftg fenfe.

Than on the fix'd eternal tdck.
The faf(pft ark when -floods atife,

Is ftable trtrth that changes not :
How weak's my faith that more relies

On feeble fenfe's floating boat ?
For when the fleeting frame is gone, '

I ftraight my ftate in queftion oall^
I droop and fink ia deeps anon.

As if my frame were all in alL
But though 1 itiiis the pkafing gale,

Aod Hea v'n withdraw the charmiogglance ;
Unlpfs Jehovah's oath can fail.

My faich may keep it countehasioe*
The frame of nvtare fiiall decay,

Time^^angcB isreak hier rufty chaiais ;
Yea, heaven and eairth fliaii pafs away;

But faith*s foondatiod firm remaias.
Heaven's promifes. jb fixMly ftcmd^

IngraT'd with an immortai pen.
In great {mmannei'% migbty haitd.

All hell's atteinpts to rase >af!e Vain.

3^4 GospBL Sonnets. PartVL j

Bid faith with none but truth advife.

My fteady foul would move no more,
-Than (table bills when tempefts rife^

Or folid. rocks when billows roar.
But wh«n my faith the cpunfel bears ;

Of prefeot fenfe and reafop blind.
My wav'ring fpirit then appears

A feather tofe^d with ev'ry wind.
Lame legs of faith unequal crook :

Thus ni^ine, alas! unevenly ftand, ,
£lfe I would truii my liable Kock,

Not fading frames and feeble faud.
I would when dying comforts fly,

As much as when they prcfent were,
Upon my living joy rely.

Help, jitord, for here I daily err.

CHAP. V.

The Bj&liever's Principms concemins
Heaven ind Earth.

SECT. L

The Work and Contention of Heaven*

N heav'nly choirs a queftion rofe,
That ftirr'd up -firife will never clofe,

hat rank of all the ranfom'd race
Owes higheil praife to fovVeign giace ?
Babes thither caught from womb and breafl;
Claim'd. right to iing above the reft ;
Becaufe they found the happy ihore
They never faw nor fought before.
Thofe that arrive at riper age
Before they left the dulky ftagc,

Chap. V. Tie Believer's Primiplei. 365

Thought, grace deBety'd yet- higher praife.
That wafli^d tfat blols of Dum'roiiS dajs.
Anon the war more clofe began,
What praiiikig harp^ fboutd Irad the YUn ? ,
And which of gFace*$ beav'nly peers
Was deepell run in her arrears ?
«* 'Tis 1, (feid one,) 'bove all my race,
" Am debtor chief to glorious grace/* /
> Nay, (faid another,) hark, I trow, /'
** I'm more oblig'd to grace than you.^
*' Stay, (faid a third,)I deepell fliare
^* In owing [M^aife beyond compare :
i^ The chief of finners, you'll aik>w,
•* Muft be the chief of fingers now/'
*^ Hold, (fatd a faurth,) I here protefl
'' My praifes mail outvie the beft;
^ For I'm of ali tho human race
** The highell miracle of grace/'
^* Stop, (laid a fifth,) thcle notes forbear,
'^ Lo -! I'm the greatdl wonder here ;
*' For I of all the race that fell,
*' Deferv'd the iowcft place in hell/'
A foul that higher yet afpir'd.
With equal love to Jefus fir'd,
** 'Tis mine to fijig the higbeft notes '
" To love, that walh'd the fouled blots/'
** Ho I (cry'd a mate,) 'tis mine rU prove,
^^ Who fina'd in fpite of light and love,
• '' To found his praife with loadeft bell,
'* That fav'd me from the loweft hell.**
'< Come, come, (faid one,) I'll bold the plea»
'* That higheft praife is due by me ;
^ Fof mine, of all the lav*d by grace,
" Was the moft dreadful, dcfp'rate cafe/'

H h 3

•^66 Gospel Sonksts. Part VL

Another rifing at bis fide.

As fond of praife, and free of pride, I

Cry'd, " Pray give place, for 1 defy, v

*• That you fliould owe more praife than I z
, '* I'll yield to aone in this debate ;
•* Tm run fo deep in grace's debt,
** That fure I am, I boldly can
*• Compare with all the hcav'niy clan,*'
Quick o'er their heads a trump awoke, ^

•MTour fongs my very heart haveipoke ;
•• But evVy note yo^ii here propale,
** Belongs to me beyond you all."
The lift'ning millions royhd about
With fwect refentment loudly ihout;*
•• What voice is this, comparing notes,
*' That to their fohg chiet place allots ?
«* We can't allow of fuch a found,
* •« That you alone have higheft ground

♦• To fing the royalties of grace j ^ -

" We claim the fame adoring place.** 1

What I will no rival-finger yield |

He has a match upon the field ?

" .Come, then, and let us all agree

** To praife upon the higheft key*"

Tlien jointly all the harpers round

In mind unite with folemn, found, |

And ftrokes upon the higheft firing, j

Made all the heav*niy arches ring :

Ring loud with hallelujah's high, J

To him that fent his Son to die;

And to the worthy Lajjib of God,

That loi/d and wujh^^bem in bis bJood.

Free grace was loV'reign ennprcfs cro\vn'd

In. pomp, with JQvful ibouts around :

Chap. V. Th^ Believer^s Principles. .367

Aflifting angels clappM their wings, ^
Jlnd founded grace on all their firings.
The emulation round the throne

• Made proftrate hofts* (who ev'rjr one
The hamblert place the right ivow)
Strive wboJhotUd give, the hwe/i bow.
The next contention without vice
Among the birds of paradife,

Made every glorious warbling throat
Strive who JboutH raife the higbeji note.

* Thus in fweet holy humble ftrife,
Along their endlefs, joyful life,
Of Jefus all the harpers rove.
And fing the wonders of his love.
Their difcord makes them aU unit^
In raptures moft divinely fw^et ;

So great the fong, fo grave the bafs,
Melodious i^iufic fills the place* , .

SECT. 11.

Earth defpicable^ Heaven dejirahle.

T Here's nothing roundthe fpacious earth
To fuit my vaft defires ;
To more rtfin'd and fdlid mirth '

My boundlefs thought afjpires.
Fain would I leave this fenournful place,

This mufic dull, where none '-^-

But heavy notes have any grace.

And mirth accents the moan.
Where trouble ^read upon reliefs.

New woes with older blend ;
Where rolling dftorms and oirchng griefs

Hun round without an end : '

36fi Gosp£i« SoNKBTs. Part VI*

Where waters wreftUng witK the ftaoe&.

Do fight themfelves to foam,
' And hoUow clou^^ wkh thundering g^roans

Discharge their pl^nant womb :
Where ea^s moundng mc^ with mte

That dafh them from the fl^ :
AnA cedars^ Ihriaking ii>to flirubs.

In ruin proftrate lie :
Where, fin the author of tunuoils,

The caufe of death a»d Ml,
The one thing foul that all things foUs,

Does moft befriended dwell.
The purchaier of night and woe,

The forfeit ure^ of day,
The debt thait ev'ry man did owe.

But only God could pay.
Bewitching iil, indorsed with hope,

Subfcribed with defpair :
Ugly in death when eyes are ope^

Though life may pamt it fair.
Small wonder that 1 droop alone

In fuch a doleful place :
When lo» my deareft friend is gooe^

My father bides his' face. ^ '

And though in words I feem to ftiow

The fawning poet's ftile.
Yet is my plaintPno feigned woe ;

I languid iu ejiile. .
I long to ihare the happinefs

Of that triumpbaQt throng.
That fwim in feas of boundie^ Uifs

Eternity along. .» .

When but in drops here by the war

Free love diftils itfclf^

Chap. V. ^ Beliwer's Principks. 369

I pour conttpt on hills of prey.

And hea of wordly pelf.
To be amii my little joys,

Thronesjseptres, cff ownf, and kings,
. Are nothirielfe but iittle toys.

And defcable things.
Down withifdain earth^s pomp 1 thruft,.

Bid teropng wealth ^w/2)' . •
Hes^v'n is ncmade of yellow dujiy

Nor blifs filtering clap
Sweet was te hour I freedom felt

To call m Jefus mine ; ^

To fee his fjiting face, and melt

In pleafuisall divine.
Let fools Siibeav'n of ftiades purfuc,.

But I fof fubftancc am ^
* The beav' I fe^k is likene/i iOf '

AndLvhnofiheLamb: ' ^

The wot^hy hmb with glory crown'd
' In hisauguft abode ; .

InthrotnU fublime, and decked around

With all the pomp of God,
I long t4 join the faints above,

WhoJcrown'd with glorious bays,
Through radiant files of angels move.

And l^val them in praifc ;
In praife to J AH, the God of love^

The fair incarnate Son,
The holy co-eternal Dove,

The good, the grejit Tbree-onflr
In hope to fing without a fob.

The anthem ever new, * ^

I gladly bid/the dufty globe,

And vain delights, Adku.

The following POEM, the fecoiJart of wluch
was wrote by Mr. Crskime, ereinferted,
as a proper fubjea of Meditat to Jmokers ^
Tobacco* I

SMOKING SpiritIxjzeik

i$f TWO PA»fs.

I

The firft Part betfig »n old H^itaticm «pon
fmoking Tobacco; and tti« jcawi, « new
Addition to it^ or Improvei^ <d it«

PART I.

THIS Indian weed now witSifd q«ite^
Though f reen at noon, cut^wn at Qifht^
Shows thy decay ;
Ail fleih 18 hay.
Thus think, and Cmc^e toba^.

The pipe, fo lilyJike and weak, ^

Docs thus thy mortal ftate befpeaiki

* Thou art ev'ji fucb, i

Gone with a touch. )

Thus think, and fmoke tdbac€(f»

And when the fmoke afcends on hJ|h,
Then thou behold'ft the vanity \
Of worldly, iltifl^ \

Gone with ^ puff.
Thus think, and linoke tobacco.

And when the pipe grows foui within^
Think on thy loiii defii'd with fin i

For then the fire

It does require.
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco.

Smoking Spiritualized* 37c

And feeft the aflies caft away ;
Then to tbyfelf thou raayeft fay.

That to the duft

Return thou muft*
Thus thiuk, and fmoke tobacco*

P A li T IL

WAS this fmall plantTor thee cut doWn ?.
So was the Plant of great renown ; ^
Which'mercy fends
, For nobler ends.
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco.

Doth juice medicinal proceed
From fuch a naughty foreign weed?

Then what's the powV

Of Jefle's flower?
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco*

The promife, like the pipe, inlays.
And by the mouth of faith convey's

What virtue flows

From Sharon's Rofe.
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco*

In vain the unlighted pipe you blow ;
Tour pains in outward means art fo*

Till heav'nly fire ,

Your heart infpire.
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco*

The finoke, like burning incenfe, towers \
So Ihould a praying heart of yours _

With ardent cries

Surmount the ikies* ^
Thus think, and fmoke tobacco*

THE END.