The brides ornaments viz. fiue meditations, morall and diuine. 1. Knowledge, 2. zeale, 3. temperance, 4. bountie, 5. ioy.

THE BRIDES ORNAMENTS.

MEDITAT. I. Of Heauenly KNOWLEDGE.

A Daily warfare is a Christians life, Where Souldiers all, not onely stand in need Of Armes and Valour (to maintaine the strife The cursed Serpent makes with Adams seed) But of this Treasure, Knowledge, both to feed Their Soules with food most pure Celestiall, And furnish with such Weapons as they need; I therefore her Loues Treasurer doe call, For we in daily want stand of her Treasure all.

By feigned Treasure; did the Serpent traine Our two first Parents to their cursed sinne; Pretending they should goodly treasure gaine, And Knowledge, both of good and euill, win: But good doth end, where euill doth begin; For drosse they doe exchange their purest gold. The Serpent bad without, themselues within They find the euill, as the Serpent told: But vp to Heav'n flies good, which can no ill behold.

Thus all our Treasures lost we had before, The Knowledge of Gods nature and his will, And we become vnarm'd, rude, naked, poore; Of all things ignorant, but doing ill: Now vs our enemies may easily kill, We hauing lost our weapons and our treasure: Which wealth and weapons if regaine we will, We must attend this heau'nly Ladys pleasure; Diuine sweet Knowledge not confin'd by weight or measure.

Thou Word incarnate! whom aright to know Is Life eternall, Ioy and happy rest, To mee this Ladies wondrous Beautie show, And richest treasures, which in golden Chest. Thou hid'st from Hell and malice of the Beast; Knowledge, contain'd in either Testament: Wherein thy Will and Nature is exprest How we should liue and Serpents sting preuent, How conquer Hell, and serue thee with a true intent.

Some Knowledge call, th'habit of demonstration, Some her to know by causes doe define; Some th'vnderstandings sound determination, Wee her to heau'nly Doctrine here confine: Which in a threefold Booke to man doth shine, Of Creatures, first, and latter Testament, The Booke of Creatures shewes Gods power diuine, The Law is much in types and shadowes spent, Whereof the Gospel is the full accomplishment.

In Booke of creatures, all men may obserue Gods Wisdome, Goodnesse; Power, and Prouidence, By which he made the world and doth preserue In truest motions, its circumference: Sending from Heav'n raines sweetest influence; Filling our hearts with Mirth and Ioyfulnesse; And giuing all things, Motion, Being, Sense: This doth Gods power and God-head plaine expresse; But not his Will, which leads to endlesse happinesse.

Yet by this Booke are left without excuse Idolaters, who downe to stocks doe fall; Which their owne hands haue made for such abuse, And leaue their Maker, blessed ouer all; Who as his Power and Goodnesse generall Appeares most plainly in this Worlds Creation; So doth his gracious Bountie on them fall, In sending food for daily sustentation, And in their healths and liues continuall preseruation;

The next two Bookes, most plainly doe disclose Gods will particular, and generall, Particular to Patriarchs, Prophets, those That till Christs time, on God aright did call: For this did not on all the Nations fall, Gods will was then in Iury onely knowne: But now the Gospel soundeth out to all, The seed thereof in eu'ry Nation's sowne, Which doth reueale hid mysteries before vnknowne.

The first, Gods power and prouidence doth shew; The second, types out our Regeneration; The third, directly leadeth vs to know All that is needfull, for our owne Saluation; Ev'n from Election to Glorification: This Booke reueales all secret mysteries, Hidden in Christ, before the Worlds foundation; Though worldlings this, as folly doe despise, Yet this true Knowledge onely happy, makes and wise.

As some great Princes might and Maiestie, Is often to the meanest stranger knowne; But his most secret counsell and decree, To friends and counsellours is onely showne. Ev'n so the King of Kings holds not vnknowne From Heathens sight, his Maiestie and might: But hath disclosed onely to his owne, The secret of his counsells, and delight; Whereby they may him worship, please, and serue aright.

This is the Knowledge which I seeke to trace, This onely doth true happinesse affoord, Whereof the onely cause is inward Grace, And vnderstanding Gods most holy Word: The helpes which humane Learning doe record; Law, History, Arts, Physicke, Poetrie; Are but as seruants waiting on their Lord, And hand-maids to their dame Diuinitie; All Knowledge without this is foolish vanitie.

Sweet Grace, which dost true Knowledge of Gods will, To Babes and sucklings oftentimes reueale, When from great Clerkes of Wisdome and deepe skill, Thy pleasure is this treasure to conceale; Oh sacred breath! which in our hearts doth steale, Like sweetest Zephyrus most pleasing wind, Whence no man knowes, yet doth it surely seale, That certaine Knowledge which I seeke to find, Knowledge of God and Christ the Sauiour of mankind.

All Graces that doe serue Loues Royall Queene From heauenly Knowledge haue their maintenance, And alwayes in her company are seene, None without Knowledge may neere Loue aduance; With her are Diligence, and Temperance: True Faith so neere her euer doth attend, You would her take for Knowledge at a glance, Though often Faith doth so her selfe transcend, That shee beyond the reach of Knowledge doth ascend.

Not Faith alone, but Workes accompany True Knowledge, who in words doth make profession He knowes God, but in Workes doth him deny, Is ev'n a lyar by his owne confession; How many from this rule doe make digression? That would in Knowledge be accounted high, But giue themselues to Pride, Lust, and Oppression; Enuy, dissembling, Schisme, Idolatry Alas true Knowledge neuer kept such company.

Some onely seeke to know, that they may know; And this is foolish curiositie, And some of Learning make a goodly show, And this is base and idle vanitie: Some Knowledge seeke for their vtilitie, Or their preferment, which is filthy gaine, Some to teach other, which is Charitie, Some by this Knowledge seeke Heav'n to attaine, To know and walke not right is damnable and vaine.

I liken this true Knowledge to the flower, Or blossome springing from the root of Grace, That doth most gloriously adorne Loues bower, And fills with pleasant odours all the place: Which blossome beautifull, in little space, It selfe into most goodly fruits doth spend, Faith, Mercy, Peace each good and perfect grace, Which fruit so farre the flower doth transcend, God, Men, and Angels tast it, and the same commend.

As Blossomes doe not from root liuely spring, That after blowing, haue a fruitlesse fall; So Knowledge that in Workes is vanishing, Had neuer any root from grace at all. But is like to good seed, that's said to fall From sowers hand, downe by the high-way side, Whose rooting being shallow, loose, and small, Could not the Suns hot scorching heat abide; But in the blade, with some, small light affliction dide.

Some liken heau'nly Knowledge to the Sunne, Then which in this world nothing more to sight Obiected is: But we by Sinne become, Like him borne blind, depriu'd of naturall light. Till some Power supernaturall enlight, And though more plaine in this world nothing's showne, Than Gods eternall God-head, goodnesse, might; Yet vntill Grace enlighten 'tis vnknowne, No cause hereof in God, but in our selues is knowne.

Knowledge is like the talents which the Lord, When he went forth did to his seruants lend: The first who his one talent vp did hoard, Like him, that for his Knowledge doth contend; But therewith not himselfe, nor others mend: Hee that with talents two, gain'd other twaine; Is he that doth his time and labour spend To saue himselfe, and those with him remaine, But he that gaind the fiue; seeks all mens soules to gaine.

I Knowledge to the Virgins Lamps compare, Which foolish maids had common with the Wise, Oile workes of Pietie and Mercy are; Which foolish Virgins idlely doe misprise, But when one, Loe the Bridegrome comes, out cryes, The foolish Virgins Lamps are spent and done, Wherefore they must to merits merchandize, And borrow when they of their owne haue none, The Churches Treasury will furnish ev'ry one.

Like Widowes Oile, that doth encrease by spending, Like flames, that lightning others, gaine more light. Like Vsurers coine, that doth augment by lending; Like Ioy, that most encreaseth by delight. Like Manna that the Angels food is hight, Whereof each gathers what may him suffice: Except such as in Flesh-pots more delight, Like Springs which more you draw, the faster rise, Like Tutors, who by teaching Schollers, grow more wise.

No Simile can her so well expresse, As infinite and boundlesse treasury; Or Sea of waters which become no lesse: Though Fountaines all with streames it doth supply. How infinite is this grand mystery, To lay of nothing this huge Worlds foundation: One God, three persons in the Trinitie, Oh depth of Knowledge! Gods owne Incarnation, Obedience, Passion, Resurrection, Exaltation.

Oh! I am drown'd, here Elephants may swim, My Lambe-like Muse in shallow Fords must wade, And seeke for Knowledge to desist from Sinne, And make Faith, Mercy, Pietie my trade. By Faith, I know, Christs merits mine are made; The rest are-fruits of my Sanctification, Abundant Knowledge doth with sorrow lade, To Know and doe God's willis delectation, And onely by Christs merits bringeth to Saluation.

This is the Knowledge which our Sauiour meant, When as he it eternall life did call; To know God, and the Christ which he had sent: This is the Knowledge so much sought of all, Before and since the Law, and euer shall, Though till Christs time, it was so shadowed; As couer'd it in types and signes seem'd small, But since Times fulnesse is accomplished, Behold, they all in Christ are easie to be read.

By this did Abel offer of his Sheepe, The fat, and God accepted his oblation: By this so well Gods Law did Henoch keepe, Hee him exalted from earths habitation; For this did Abram Ieaue both house and Nation, Assured, that from out his Loines should spring That Knowledge, which to know was his saluation Herein did Dauid, though he were a King, Take more delight than Crowne, or any worldly thing.

See next his royall sonne, King Salomon, Then whom arise a Wiser neuer shall, Who knew plants natures, eu'n from Lebanon Her Caedars tall to Hysope by the wall: Who as in Wealth in Knowledge passed all; Yet after hee had traced Uanitie, And found how sonnes of men thereby did fall. Him to this Knowledge did againe apply: And swanlike sang Christs Churches Epithalamy.

Wake I, or sleepe, or am I in a trance? Or doe another Salomon behold? A Dauid who doth far and wide aduance, His gracious scepter? But no bounds can hold His Knowledge, secret things for to vnfold; Law, History, Arts and Philosophy, All noble sciences that can be told, Yet seemes to loue alone Diuinitie. Which truely can direct in Peace to liue and die.

Who as hee is the Learnedest of Kings, So 'tis his Ioy and Glory for to be, The King of learned men; which in all things, Makes God to prosper him as all may see, This makes him raise to place of high degree, Men of great knowledge, well to rule the Land, And put downe Ignorance and subtiltie, Which highest in their owne conceits doe stand; Long sway thou Brittons Scepter with thy sacred hand.

And when thy Cloake, Elias-like, must fall Vpon Elisha thine vndoubted heire, Inherite hee thy Peace and Knowledge all, And in thy Spirit rule as in thy chaire: But I must leaue this field so ample faire, Teach mee, O Lord, to know and doe thy will, And let thy grace againe in me repaire Thine Image lost, and all corruptions kill; Thus we thy will on Earth, as they in Heav'n fulfill.

This knowledge must stand by vs at our last, When as wee ready are our soules to tender To him, that for false knowledge curious tast, Though guiltlesse did his life to Iustice render: For this the Holy Ghost doth more commend her, That bare her Sauiours knowledge in her brest; Than that shee bare him in her wombe; yet tender, For One all Generations call her blest, By th'other one of his true members shee doth rest.

But though this onely necessary is, And first for our saluation to be sought, Wee onely at our last of it haue misse, As too meane subiect for ambitious thought: Thus the vnlearned rise, and heav'n haue cought, When greatest Clerks with Sciences profound, Heartlesse, and comfortlesse to Hell are brought, For God doth their great wisedome oft confound, Because their inward parts are not sincere and sound.

Alas! of knowledge here we haue no care, But all our youth in follies idely spend; Our strength in lusts and strifes away we weare; In age we worldly profit all intend: Alas what gaine we by this at our end? When our fraile Body doth returne to dust, Our Soule to him that gaue it must ascend, Whereof least iot of time account they must, Which hath been spent in discord, profit, folly, lust.

Oh! knew we but the vertue of this treasure? Like to the Merchant wise, we would sell all To buy it, where we should find profit, pleasure, Such Ioy as neuer on our hearts did fall: Oh heav'nly Comfort! Ioy spirituall: Delight vnspeakeable in hearts that' grow, Of those that shee is conuersant withall; What Ioy can there be greater than to know Gods endlesse Loue in Christ, which shee to vs doth show.

Sure I could wish my whole life here to spend, In this diuine most holy contemplation, whereof I know not how to make an end, Shee yeelds such plentie of sweet meditation: Most heav'nly mysteries of our Creation, Wherein appeare Gods might and Maiestie; But aboue all his loue in mans saluation This is that wondrous hidden mystery, Into the which eu'n Angels did desire to pry.

But we confesse though thou dost here reueale, Abundant knowledge, yet we little know Wherefore 'gainst vs the Heathen may appeale Who though thou didst to them but glimpses show Of Truth, and Iustice, did more righteous grow, Than wee that doe thy sacred Truth confesse; And make of Puritie a glorious show; But to adorne the Gospel we professe With workes of Charitie, Ah! wee doe nothing lesse.

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Oh it is meate and drinke, we know not of; To know and doe our heav'nly Fathers will: Our blessed Sauiour alwayes fed thereof, And hereof Saints and Angells eate their fill. These are the fruitfull plants which flourish still, Milke, Hony, liuing Water, spiced Wine; Which doe refresh Christs Spouse when shee is ill: These richest Iewells, which her make so fine, Locks, Ribands, Roses, which so gloriously do shine.

For this, shee is the Bridegroomes darling Doue, And vnto her that bare her, onely deare: For this the daughters, when they see her loue, And all the Queenes and Wiues make merry cheere: This makes her looke than Sunne and Moone more cleere. Her nauell, belly, head, necke, brests adorne; With these shee to her husband doth appeare, More beautifull, than is the fairest morne; Or faire like twinning Ews, on Gilead washt and shorne.

Thou that such heav'nly Knowledge didst instill, Into plaine Fishers that they could confound By argument, ev'n Clerkes of greatest skill, And diue into thy Mysteries profound: Who by their clouen-fiery tongues forth sound, The Knowledge of thy Truth to ev'ry Nation; Canst make this Knowledge in mine heart abound, By one, sparke of diuine illumination, And rauish my weake soule with heav'nly admiration.

And though imperfect here our Knowledge be, By reason of our humane imperfection, And for by Faith alone, we things doe see, And nothing know indeed in true perfection; Yet when thy Spirit cleares our minds infection, Wee shall then know, ev'n as we now are knowne; And things now seene, by mirrour-like inspection; To vs shall be most euidently showne, In Knowledge we shall reape, what we in Faith haue sowne.

What then's imperfect, shall be done away, Knowledge shall perfect our felicitie; Which is our free beholding God, for ay, In his great Goodnesse, Loue, and Maiestie, So farre as finite may infinitie, Farther to reach my Muse dares not be bold, When Angels of so high sublimitie, Gods Light and Maiestie cannot behold, Finite with infinite can no proportion hold.

MEDITAT. I. Of ZEALE and godly IEALOVSIE.

OH that some holy fire enlightening, My Soule now rauish would with thoughts diuine, Whilst I of Iealousie, Loues daughter sing, And godly Zeale, which like the Sunne doth shine, Alas! Minerua, and the Muses nine, Are too weake helpes their aide here to intreate, With Colefrom Altar let some Seraphine Touch my rude tongue, and set my braine on heate, The Glory of this Grace in loftie rhimes to sweate.

Fit Subiect, for a sacred Poets Verse, Which should it selfe in Extasie transcend, Zeales sacred Praise, with Knowledge to rehearse Both Method and Deuotion doe commend: Who as the houshold Chaplaine doth intend, To all that liue in Royall Court of Loue; And Prayers for them all, to heau'n doth send, For without Zeale none possible can moue, To high Olimpus Court, the Seate of mightie Ioue.

For Prayers that to Heau'n seeke to ascend, Without the Feruour of this sacred Zeale, Fall downe like smoakie vapours, that intend Into Aires middle region to steale: But those that are supported by her seale Like Fumes of incense by the Lamb contend Eu'n in th'Almighties presence to reueale Our wants, and craue his aid vs to defend: 'Gainst worlds and Serpents poyson to our latest end.

Oh! thou, to whom it was both drinke and meate, To finish and to doe thy Fathers Will, Whom Zeale of Gods owne house eu'n vp did eate, And made thee on the Crosse thy bloud to spill: Who whipst out Merchants that thy house did fill, With doues and money, theeues and merchandize, Some Zea-lous iuice into my pen distill, And raise my mind aboue her wonted guise, That so my Muse may with her matter sympathise.

All other holy Graces disposition, By rules of Art I formerly define; But Zeale so feruent is no definition Can her containe, or bound in any line; Onely shee is by nature, pure, diuine, Beloued daughter to the Queene of Loue, Whose mothers Graces, so in her doe shine, Shee well the primate of her Court may proue, And ranked be for place, all other Peares aboue.

I here omit that Zeale, which without hate Of others, doth to vertuous deeds contend, And vs enflames that good to emulate, Which we to be in others apprehend: I here that holy Iealousie commend, Which onely doth from Loue diuine proceed; When, not for our, but Gods cause, we intend To loue both him and his in word and deed, For this is that right Zea'le which of true Loue doth breed.

Truth comes by knowledge, and from zeale, deuotions; When therefore zeale doth with true knowledge meete, Shee doth inlarge our hearts with heav'nly notions, Sublime, transcendant, admirable, sweet; But where this knowledge wants, shee's vndiscreet, Rash, violent, seditious, rude and blind, Faults for so faire a Lady farre vnmeet; You see two zeales here of a differing kind, I leaue the worst, and seeke the fairest out to find.

Sweet Lady! daughter to the Queene of Loue; Which is the cause of Zeale and Iealousie, If you will aske mee what this Queene doth moue, To loue vs wretches that in sin doe lye; I answere, Goodnesse of her Maiestie. Most excellent is then this holy fire, Of zeale, proceeding from such ancestry, Goodnesse and Loue, which therefore wee require To true effects of Loue and Goodnesse to aspire.

Sweet zeale! How fairely dost thou beautifie Th'affection, where thou mak'st thy habitation, Like Temple, which thy Lord did purifie, When as his Soule with zeale and indignation, Was mou'd to see Gods Temples prophanation, Not suffering thy house of endlesse rest, To be abus'd by Pride or lustfull passion, Th'affection which doth lodge within my brest, The Temple where Christ and the Holy Ghost should rest.

Companions of Zeale are Pietie, Faith, Knowledge, Patience, Fortitude, and Right, In workes of Mercy, Peace, and Charitie, And sweet Humilitie is her delight: With all her Power shee is opposite Against all that Gods glory may oppose, Shee spends in feruent Prayers, day and night; And those by Knowledge doth so well compose, They bring Gods blessings down, and vp his Iudgements close.

Oh Zeale with Knowledge, Faith and Charitie, Who able is thy vertue to commend, Which doth the Church into one Body tye, And for Gods glory onely dost contend: For publike good, and not for priuate end. Lo! th' Angells-Being doth in zeale consist; Whose sacred ardour doth all flames transcend, Wherewith they oft enlight our minds darke mist, When flames of hottest zeale they to our soule suggest.

Oh! Loue as strong as Death and Iealousie, Cruell as graue: Thy flames like coales of fire Consume and burne vp all most violently, No Streames or Flouds can quench her sacred ire, Should we sell all we haue, we could not buy her: The Daughter zeale is like the Mother free, Them both from Heau'n th' Almightie doth inspire, And therefore neither will affronted bee, With Riualls, Heathen Gods most base Idolatree.

Fond Zeale that's fitly called which doth want Faith, Knowledge, Loue diuine, and Graces all, It still doth most vaine superstitions haunt, And to most base Idolatry doth fall, Vnhumane Fury; Madnesse tragicall! Of men, whom thus blind zeale and strange desire, Transports beyond rage diabolicall, To offer vp their children in the fire Of some offended deuill to appease the ire.

Strange is this zealous fury of the rude, When Ignorance doth guide their blind deuotion, The gathering of the froward multitude, When they be stirred with some feruent motion: All following some braine-sicke idle notion, With discontent, against authoritie, Raise Schismes in Church, in Common-wealth Commotion; Pretending all their Conscience-liberty, Alas! these be no fruits of holy Iealousie.

God often by an Anthropopathy, By which his nature best wee vnderstand, Ascribes vnto himselfe this Iealousie, As being link'd in Hymens holy band; Vnto his Church, his vndefiled: And His Church againe, to shew her feruent Loue, And Ioy shee takes in her new ioyned hand, Like Loue-sicke Bride the Bridegroome oft doth proue, And him with zeale inuites her to imbrace and Loue.

Neuer new wedded Bridegroome was more faine Of his new-Bride, than Christ is of his Doue, Neuer did truest Turtle more complaine, For losse of Mate, than this Spouse of her Loue; It would a stony heart to fountaines moue Of teares to heare the Churches piteous mone, When shee doth misse him whom her Soule doth loue, Where's my belou'd? Ah whither is shee gone? And left his saddest Deare, to sigh and sit alone.

And therefore as a Signet on his heart, And as the Seale that is on his right hand, Shee would be ioyn'd, that shee might neuer part, But alwayes in his Grace and presence stand. No Keeper in Christs Vineyard must command, Hee will his Vineyard prune and dresse alone, Whereby his Iealousie wee vnderstand, His Vine the Bridegroome will haue drest of none, The Bride out of his presence neuer will be gone.

Doth mine inuention faile? that wont to flow In Similes, that make hard things seeme plaine? Or doth the whole Creation here below, Nothing affoord zeales nature to explaine? Alas all earthly Similes are vaine T'expresse the nature of this Heau'nly fire, Which in the glorious Angells doth remaine, And in the Spirits of that blessed Quire, Which here with Hymnes and Praises doe Gods loue admire.

Shall dust and ashes dare yet be so bold, Her to the holy fire to compare Which in the Bush thy seruant did behold Flaming, but did the Bush not singe or seare: Such flames of zeale oft in our hearts there are, Which doe enlighten them, but not consume These flames our Prayers to Iehoua beare, By these our Praises spiritually vp fume, And in Gods nostrils are like incense and perfume.

Or shall I like her to some Lionesse Rob'd of her whelps, by some aduenturous hand, Who in her wondrous woe, and furiousnesse, Deuour's and slayes all in her way that stand: Who can the force of Iealousie withstand? Being of so great strength and wondrous might, God grant our zeale the Truth may vnderstand, And that true Knowledge may your minds inlight, To make vs zealous for Gods glory and the right.

May I not like her to strong churlish wine, Which doth confound the braine, inflame the blood: But cool'd with water pure, and sugar fine, For both of them is soueraigne and good: Eu'n so doth Iealousies most feruent mood, Allaid with sugar of sweet Charitie, And coold with sweetest Christalline pure floud, The silent streames of soft Humilitie, Transcend in all good workes, of Loue and Pietic.

This is the zeale and sacred emulation, Which the Originall doth signifie; Which hath with Loue in Heau'n her habitation, And all our actions here doth sanctifie, And when our Maker vs shall glorifie, Behold! our zeale shall in perfection shine, Begun on earth in true sinceritie, And as our Fleshly courage doth decline, Our zeale will grow more hot, and neerest to diuine.

Zeale made old Abram, Hagars sonne reiect, For scoffing at his holy promisd seed, And Moses Pharaohs Court and grace neglect, When hee th' Egyptians Destiny did reed, That smote a brother of the holy breed: This zeale made noble Phineas with his speare, Slay Zimry and Cosbi in their damned deed, Though Saul the fat of Amalec would spare; Yet Samuels zeale doth Agags flesh in pieces teare.

Oh had his Master Eli's burnt so hot Against his sonnes, when they by violence The fattest of Gods offrings from him got, And with foule Lust defil'd the sacred Tents: Had he like Phineas punish't this offence? Our eares then should not haue so tingeled, To heare of Gods great wrath and sore offence, He and his sonnes in one day slaughtered, And all his race from th' Arke for euer banished.

Zeale made the warlike Dauid to aspire To build an house for Gods owne habitation, And though warres crost his zeale and good desire, Yet made he for it royall preparation, And's Sonne it finisht on his laid foundation, Who gold and siluer vessels in did bring, It making Iudahs Ioy, the admiration Of all the World, the Seat of the great King, Whither the Tribes goe vp, for his true worshipping.

I may with this example dignifie The noble zeale of our late famous Queene, Who much desired to reedifie Paules Temples ruines, which so fearefull seeme, And make her faire as euer shee was seene: But warres abroad, and broiles within her Land, Most fatall to this pious worke haue beene; So as it still most ruinous doth stand, Expecting helpe from Solomons pacificke hand.

Zeale like a Torch it owne selfe doth consume, whil'st burning it to others giueth light, And like to sweetest incense and perfume For others Good, spends all her force and might, Oh blessed fire! if kindled aright, It burne with Loue of Heauen, and holy things, Retaining in our hearts, both day and night, His sweet imbraces, who is King of Kings, Loathing the worlds vaine wanton wicked dallyings.

This Cupid be thy soules and hearts delight, Whose Bow and golden shafts of Zeale and Loue, Doe conquer Fury's, Fates, and worlds despight, And stay the thunderbolts of angry Ioue: Oh see the force of Loue and Zeale doth moue All powers that in Heau'n, Earth, Hell transcend; Grant thee alone I zealously may Loue; And let thy Iealousie me safe defend, That neuer to strange Gods I my affection bend.

Let vs learne zeale of him that in the day's Of's slesh, did offer Prayers, supplication With strongest cry's and teares to God alwayes, That able was to saue him from his Passion; And learne of him true holy indignation, To be ev'n eaten vp with feruent zeale, To see theeues den, in Gods owne habitation, But first let Knowledge our Commission seale That where this Feruour wounds, our Charitie may heale.

But ah our zeale of Prayer now growes cold, Zeale of Gods glory like our Charitie, And as the world declines, now waxing old, Ev'n so doth all our zeale and pietie: We raise our houses ev'n to dare the skie, But raze Gods Temples equall with the ground, Our Fathers built them for posteritie, And left with Ornaments adorned round, But we them with their Ornaments seeke to confound.

As for the Temples of the Holy Ghost, I meane our hearts the Bridegroomes habitation, We will bestow on them no spirituall cost, But leaue them foil'd with vilest prophanation; Pride, Lust, Vaine-glory, all abomination, Tis time to wish this holy Bishops zeale Would make of them to God new consecration, And that the Holy Ghost their doores would seale, Against all spirituall theeues, that holy goods would steale.

Oh that some holy fit of Heau'nly fire, Raising my Muse to zealous contemplation, Would in mine heart that feruent flame inspire, And zealous Loue Saint Paul bare to his nation, When, as hee could haue wish't eu'n reprobation For their sakes, from whose flesh Christ did descend; Or of the Prophet, by predestination Most sure, his name in Booke of Life was pen'd Yet wisht it wiped out Gods glory to defend.

But I confesse, we rather doe enuy, Gods gifts and graces in our Bretheren, And Iosuah-like forbid them prophesie, Shewing more zeale to honour Greatnesse, then To Glorifie the King of Heau'n, yea when We in our hearts find any emulation, 'Tis for vaine-glory, and the praise of men, To build our houses, not Gods habitation, And leaue faire large possessions to our generation.

Let vs with Dauid make a sacred vow, And to th'Almightie God of Iacob sweare Neuer to come within our house, nor bow Our Limbs vpon our Beds, till we prepare A place Gods spirituall Temple vp to reare: Nor euer suffer sleepe within our eyes, Or slumber in our eye-lids to appeare, Till we an habitation doe deuise, Where we may to th'Almightie offer sacrifice.

My mind inflame Lord with that hot desire And zeale to glorifie thy holy name, That like thy Martyrs I may dread no fire, Because I feele within a hotter flame. Hot Coles therefore shall be to mee the same, As to the Martyr was the Boiling Oyle, Which did more coole indeed than him inflame, Because his zeale within did hotter boile, Sweet heau'nly dewes doe most inrich the hottest soile.

Oh were mine head a conduit full of teares, Mine eyes two rocks continually to run, As well to cleanse foule Lusts of youthfull yeeres, As coole the zealous slames in me begun; Had I thus once my Bridegroomes presence won, I neuer would let goe my well-laid hold, Till hee into my Mothers chamber come, With sweet embraces ay, mee to infold, His ardent Loue would neuer let my zeale grow cold.

MEDITAT. III. Of TEMPERANCE.

MY Muse now fares like to some Pilot wise, Who hauing some dread stormes of danger past, That tost his vessell oft vp to the skies, Now sailing in the calme with temperate blast, Goes gently on, lest too much dangerous hast His ship vnwares on hidden rocke impight, And him and all his hopes away should cast, For thus it oft befalls some carelesse wight, To wreck in fairest calme, when they the storme haue quight.

I late was tost in rough and boisterous Sea, Of Zeale and Iealousie, which hauing past, I am to saile in calme and fairest Lea, Of Temperance, most abstinent and chast; Therefore my Muse goes on with sober hast, Knowing against her many dangers lie, Which by the touch, tongue, smell, eye, eare, or taste, Would her entrap, and bring in ieopardy, Which Poets by the Syr'ts and Syrens doe imply.

And therefore did the famous blind Bards quill, Preferre Vlysses in his Court of Fame, Who of this Temperance had got the skill, Fore Aiax, Hector, or Achilles name, His Odysses may testifie the same Which were compos'd his Temperance to commend By which he men and monsters ouercame, And did life, honour, chastitie defend, 'Gainst Syrens and Enchantments to his latest end.

And sure the Heathen, to all Christians shame, Seem'd wondrously vs herein to transcend, But that they wanted that most holy flame Of zeale, which I so lately did commend, And knowledge, which should guide them to their end, All that they had by natures light was showne, But God his holy Word to vs doth send, Whereby his Will and Counsell is made knowne, What fruit then ought we beare, where so good seed is sowne.

Eue was the first Author of Intemperance, Led by her eye, nice tast, and fond desire Of Knowledge, with proud wicked Ignorance, And chang'd Gods Loue to euerlasting ire, The Garden loosing for eternall fire; But what shee lost his Temperance doth gaine, Whose aid now in mine entrance I desire Who from all food, did fortie dayes abstaine, And all's Life from intemperate, thought, word, deed, refraine.

This Vertue some doe make so Cardinall, That all the rest, in her they would imply, As Loue, Peace, Concord, Pudour Virginall, Gentlenesse, Meekenesse, Liberalitie, Thrift, Silence, Friendship, Goodnesse, Grauitie, Honesty, Purenesse, all true moderation, Which doth withhold from Sin and Vanitie, And bringeth vnto true humiliation: Most happy Mother of so faire a Generation.

But in some limits that I may her bound, I her define to be a moderation Of such desires, as are within vs found In Diet, Actions, Words, and Affectation; For with these fow'r I bound my Meditation; In Diet shee requires Sobrietie, In Actions, true vnfain'd humiliation, Her Words she graceth aye with Modesty, And her affections charmes with Meeknesse; Chastity.

See in her Diet, first Sobrietie, In words and actions true humiliation, Accompany'd with precious Modesty; Last Continence from Lust, and angry Passion, The cause of all is prudent Moderation; The aged Palmer, Spencer, Guyons trustie guide, That stands against all stubborne perturbation, By whose sage helpe, secure and safe we slide, By whirle-pooles, and deepe gulfes which gape for vs so wide.

For all through this worlds boistrous Sea must passe, Before we at our quiet Hav'n arriue, The Boate our Body is, as brittle glasse, Our Steeres-man▪ Temperance, it right doth driue, Besides the Rocks, that threat this Boat to riue; Are many Gulphes, and Whirle-pooles of decay Which wait th' Affections, and the Senses fiue By force and sweet Allurements to assay, Some fall by rage and diet, some by lustfull play.

But in that Body where doth reason sway, And Sense and Passion be obedient, There the affections all behold you may In happy peace, and goodly gouernment: There Temperance adornes her glorious Tent, With vertues all to make it shine most bright, The mirrour of Gods workes most excellent, And to them all such bounteous banquets dight, As may be best for Health, Praise, Profit, and Delight.

Most glorious frame of nature! which shee built, The whole world in one point t'epitomize, Iust, pure, and perfect, till intemprate guilt, Her Makers Hests by Pride did foule misprise, Since that shee learned to belowly, wise, And not obey intemperate desire, Thus shee her glorious house reedifies, And most of all doth lowly Cells admire, The loftiest is no place for temperate retire.

Shee therefore neuer comes in company, Of such as swim in pride, and bathe in blisse, Wasting their dayes in ease and luxury, For in such ease, men easily doe amisse, But hee whose mind in studie watchfull is, Whose limbs are toyl'd with labour, mind, with paine; Shee these as her sweet darlings deare doth kisse, The idle life cannot to her attaine; Before her Gate, high God employment did ordaine!

Excesse doth make the minde of beastly man, Forget his first created excellence; That pure estate in which his Life began, And as a Beast that wants intelligence, 'Twixt sense and reason put no difference, But like a Brute of base and swinish kind; Delights in filth and foule incontinence, For Lust and Wine so far transforme the minde, Affections beare the sway, and royall reason binde.

Thus Bacchus Fountain's turn'd to puddle lake, Wherein like filthy beasts base men lie drown'd, And Swines of Gods faire Images doe make; This vice hath now with vs such footing found, As Drunkennesse with glory doth abound, Pure Liber, wont to be the Muses friend, All musing, Wit and Learning doth confound, The Flemings this did first to vs commend, But herein we them and all Nations now transcend.

No better stratageme doth Satan know, (I alwayes must except base drunkennesse) Then gaming all our youth to ouerthrow, The fruict Intemperate of Idlenesse Oh horrible, infernall wickednesse: To heare a wretch, his Makers name blaspheme, When Dice or Carding crosse his good successe, And eu'n his Soule, which Christ's bloud did redeeme; With his estate, to hazard to a dyes esteeme.

Intemprate, drinking, Play, smoake, in excesse Is now our gallants onely occupation, The poisoning fruits of their loose Idlenesse, Base Gourmandizing, filthy Fornication Is turn'd from foule reproach to commendation, Now vse of Armes and manly exercise, Are held a toile and not a recreation; Who so is moderate, chast, valiant, wise, Him as precise and cynicall they doe despise.

Oh foolish Man! learne Temperance of thy Dog, Thine Horse and Hawke, wherein thou tak'st delight, Which when they should shew sport, thou dost not clog And fill with food, their greedie appetite; Thou them dost diet, that they may be light, And keepst from Lust, their courage to prolong, One dulls the Body, th'other kills the Sprite, But Abstinence doth make both swift and strong, The temperate mans dayes are happy healthfull long.

And may vnto Pauls Pilote be compar'd, Whose vessell with exceeding tempest tost, Vnlades, and lightens, hauing most regard, To saue his Life, though all his goods be lost; Eu'n so the temperate man in this world crost, With baits of appetite, lust, anger, pride, Makes vse of those that for his vse are most, But needlesse things, wherewith his vessels cloid, With his owne hands doth to the hungry, fish diuide.

When I behold the stately Firmament, Adorn'd with glorious Lamps of heau'nly fire; The Stars with their appointed roomes content, And neither other to supplant desire; Their Temperance in Heau'n, I doe admire: But then I view the anbitious sparkes below, Who to possesse the whole Earth doe aspire; And all poore Cottages to ouerthrow, That stopt their prospect, great alone on earth to grow.

Nature with small, no plentie Lust can bound, Vnlimited desires here satisfie, No Gold, nor Siluer can, though they abound, Like stones amongst the wise Kings vanitie: Though Iesses Sonne haue such varietie Of Wiues and Maids, yet comes the stranger, Lust, Vrias onely Lamb for him must dye, No home-bred fare, can satisfie base dust; But strange rare cates from forraine nations haue we must.

The temprate man, I to a Brooke compare, Contented with sweet Fountaines of her owne; Which runs most pleasant, pure, delightfull, cleere: But if with flouds her channels once be flowne, Then streight her troubled waters foule are growne. So whil'st we Temperance with vs retaine, And no excesse of Diet's in vs knowne, Our heart from ire, our bed is free from staine: But cease from Temperance, and all is foule againe.

And as pure Streames continue sweet and cleere, Whil'st they within their Channells swiftly flow, Refreshing all the plants and flowers neere, But if they idlely stand, or run but slow, Then thicke and foule like idle lake they grow: Ev'n so the man that doth his minde aduance, His Makers heau'nly will to doe and know, To honour shall be rais'd aboue all chance, But he that idle grow's falls to Intemperance.

Shee is a short, but a most pleasant way, Wherein small labour is but much delight, The Empresse that doth our affections sway, The Genus of all other vertues hight, Piller of Fortitude, The Helmet bright, Against Lasciuiousnesse, The eyes best guide, Bond of goodwill, of cogitations light, Restraint; The Enemy of Lust and Pride, The Soules chast counsellour, her vow' and prayers to guide.

Of Prudence and true Wisdome the foundation, To him that hath her, can no ill befall, No greater wealth can be then Contentation, Who hath her, hath that, who lacks that, wants all, Who nothing need; eu'n Gods the Heathen call. Fortune may bring vs wealth and royall fare, But Temperance must giue content withall, By her we freed from perturbations are, And hauing daily bread, doe take no farther care:

For from her Temper shee receiues her name, As being of extreames the moderation, The golden meane that doth affections frame, Actions and Words to natures ordination, Vnspotted pure as at our first Creation: Thus wee abstaine from Lust and Violence, And though on earth is yet our Conuersation, Wee hope ere long to be receiued hence, Meane while, our Life's a sacrifice of Continence.

Thus see our protoplasts first cloth'd in skins The greene herbe of the field their onely meate, The Beasts their Conuiues, and the Woods their Inns, To shield from cold, and saue from scorching heate, And all this must be got with toile and sweate, No liuing thing was then allowed good; For, as the learned thinke, man might not eate, Of any liuing creature till the Floud, But since, as the greene herbe, God gaue them all for food.

How often did the Fathers pray and fast, And some from women, some from wine abstaine, Till sixtie yeeres they keepe their bodies chast, A Temprate and chast seed here to obtaine: When Ruth at Booz feet, all night had laine He ladeth her with corne and sends away, From lawlesse Lust he doth himselfe containe, Though he had dranke, and cheer'd his heart that day, An habite of true Temperance see here you may.

Ioseph would not against his Maker sinne, For Pharoahs Stewards Ladies soft embrace, Yet easier 'tis a walled towne to winne, Than to resist temptations vile and base, Nought sooner doth our liues with Lust disgrace, Than bathe in ease and swim in foule excesse, Had Dauid beene at warre in Ioabs place He had not falne into such wickednesse, Adultery, the fruit of fulnesse, Idlenesse.

Oh tell me Dauid, where was then become, Thy fasting wont thy soule to humble so, That it was wont to thy reproach to come, And weakned so thy knees, thou couldst not goe? Thy teares which did to such great plentie grow, They were thy meat and drinke, both day and night, All watering thy couch, so they did slow, That eu'n my Muse weepes at thy piteous plight, Yet had thy soule therein vnspeakeable delight.

I cannot but admire the Temperance, Of that great Monarch; mightie Phillips Sonne, Who when he had vnto his gouernance, Darius Empire, Wife and Daughters wonne, Their beautie would by no meanes looke vpon; Esteeming it a most vnworthy deed, When he so many men had ouercome, To be of one weake woman conquered, Like Temperance of so yong a Prince I neuer read.

Not that the Heathens Temper I compare, To those that haue beene truely sanctifide, Of which Iob is to vs a patterne rare; Who least his eyes should draw his heart aside, Did couenant they on no Maid should glide: How infinite are watchings, fastings, cold, Which to subdue the flesh Paul did abide, But aboue all th'examples I haue told, The Locust-eater and's Disciples liues behold.

And though whilst that the Bridegroome pleas'd to stay, The children of Bride-chamber did not fast, Yet when from them he taken was away, Behold they then did pay for all was past, And oft did hunger, whip, and prison tast; No Poets quill ere able was to faine, Like Temp'rance of pure Lamb most temprate chast, Reuiled, scoffed, scorned, scourged, slaine; Yet opn'd not his mouth to scoffe, or speake againe.

Oh shall the King of Angels and of Men, Abus'd by workmanship of his owne hand, Endure such wrongs, and neuer turne agen: Whose one word could haue call'd th'whole heau'nly Band, The Fury of these wretches to withstand; And shall the Lord of Life so meekly dye, For our intemperate affections; and Shall not we them all with him crucifie, And fleshly members of our Body's mortifie?

But we like Foxes build a stately hall, And like the Birds in stately cedars nest, When Hee that did of nothing make them all, Had not a place to lay his head to rest; Wee see his glorious members here distrest, Want lodging, food, and raiment for the cold, Whil'st we abound in meates, and fill our chest With change of raiment, and with store of gold, And in birds softest plumes, our looser limbs infold.

Alas how many hunting worlds gay showes, By base Intemperances sweetned baite, And vile Ambition which downe headlong throwes, Are brought to ruine most infortunate; Oh grant that I may liue in meane estate, And my freed soule with Contemplation please; My clothing warme, my diet temperate, Freed from all tempests of worlds raging seas, Which tosse poore sailing soules, in dangerous disease.

Most happy who with little is content, That though he want, yet neuer doth complaine; Ne wisheth more his sorrow to augment, Knowing that he by heaping wealth doth gaine, Nothing but care, vexation, and paine: What more than daily bread here doe I need? What need of forraine cates or feathers vaine? Let fields my food; my flocke my clothing breed, No other would I weare, no other would I feed.

In vaine doe foolish men the Heau'ns accuse Of sad misfortunes, paines, and iniuries, Which doe (if we knew truely them to vse) To eu'ry man what's fittest for him size, That's not the best estate which most we prize, Nor that the worst, which most men seeke to shun, Each as he list his fortunes may deuise, Which wishes, no man happinesse hath wun, Such wishers cease to liue, before their life begun.

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It is mans mind that maketh good or ill, Wretched or happy, sad, glad, rich or poore, He hath abundantly all things at will, That hauing little, yet desires no more, When he that's drown'd in wealth, & swims in store, Doth liue in want to satisfie desire, Which neuer hath enough, fond fooles therefore, Are they that feed Lusts and Ambitions fire, Which like base Auarice, doth more and more require.

When first I saw the glory of the Great, I then them onely happy men did hold, For sumptuous houses, lodging, rayment, meat, Honour, Attendance, Iewells, Siluer, Gold, But when the cares and dangers I behold, Of those whom Fortune doth so high aduance, How to dissembling slattery some are sold; Lust, Fulnesse, Idlenesse, Intemperance; My life I happy deeme, in quiet lowly chance.

Thus of late folly's, I though late complaine, And that sweet Peace, which doth not there appeare, Now in mine homely Cell I entertaine, Which by her want I learne to loue more deare; Sweet holy quiet life! where meanest cheare To hungry stomocks, is a daily feast, Where thirst like Nectar, makes fresh cooling beere; Where in a cabbin is more quiet rest, Than on Downe Persian beds, with Gold and Feathers drest.

In this estate I no man doe enuie, Nor would enuied be of any one; Great store of wealth, doth store of cares supply, That little that I haue is still mine owne, I reape with Ioy the crop, that I haue sowne, Without least care but onely to attend it, The Lambs I weane, are daily greater growne: What haue I but to praise him that doth send it? And with a cheerefull heart vnto the poore to lend it.

But least corrupt my mind, or body grow with too much ease, or wanton Idlenesse; My mind I set my Makers Will to know, His Wisedome, Power, Truth, and Holinesse; I often ride or walke to wearinesse, The members of my body to subdue And Temper 'gainst Lust and Laciuiousnesse, Thus by sweet contemplation, oft I view, Such high transcendent things, as yet I neuer knew.

Thus rapt with contemplation I find, That all these worlds-gay show's which men admire, Are but vaine shadow's, to the ioy's of mind Of those, that lead their liues in safe retire; Whose onely happinesse and hearts desire, Is here the talents God hath lent to spend Vnto his glory, as he doth require, And vsing Temperately what he doth send; Thus grant that I may liue, Thus grant that I may end.

MEDITAT. IIII. of BOVNTIE.

NOw will I raise faire Alma's stately tower, On Temperance, her strong and soundest frame; And goodly deck Dame Bounty's dainty bower, Whereby all Princes gaine immortall fame: Some call her Alma, some her Bounty name, The trusty Almner of Loues Royall Court; Who beares the bag to giue to blind and lame, And Suitors all that thither doe resort Rewards most bounteously, and feeds in seemely sort.

For on this heau'nly Dame the eyes of all Looke vp, that of her liberalitie They may receiue, and shee againe lets fall, Vpon them needfull things most plenteously, Her bounteous hand shee opens willingly, With blessings eu'ry creature full to fill, To those that Knowledge seeke, abundantly, Shee giueth Wisdome, Vnderstanding, Skill, To know their Makers Bountie, Maiestie, and Will.

Most glorious Alma! when as Temperance Controlls the noble Plentie of her Hall, And with her Staffe keepes out Intemperance, Which doth abuse her Grace and Bountie all; For where most Plentie is, there most doe fall By want of Temperance to Lust and Sin, Till they be brought low as the Prodigall, For he that will true Praise by Bountie win, Must first of all at home with Temperance begin.

For Temperance with watchfull diligence, Are like two springs which waters doe supply, To open handed free Beneficence, And her discernes from Prodigalitie, By Diligence we get sufficiencie By Temperance, what we haue gotten, spare To minister to Liberalitie, For these two, Lady-Bounty's handmaids are, And for her, iust, and truly, store of wealth prepare.

But they that liue in sloth and foule excesse, Though they may seeme to be most liberall, Oppression, and Extortion mercilesse, Are Lakes, from whence their Bounty's streamed doe fall, And thus they rob the poore, that therewithall They may themselues, rich friends, and children feast, Blaspheming their great Maker, Lord of all, And imitating basest sauage beast, Which fawnes vpon the great, But doth deuoure the least.

God of all Bountie, King most Liberall; Who to thy vassall Man at his Creation, Didst subiect make, Fish, Fowle, Beasts, creatures all, And of thine handy works gau'st domination; Who by thy prouidence and ordination Him needfull things not onely dost prouide, But for his health, delight and contentation, That he may plentie to the poore diuide, My Muse to sing, heart, hands, to practise Bountie guide.

Bountie, Beneficence, Benignitie, In name though diuers, one in substance be, Beneuolence and Liberalitie, Make actions, and affections agree, If as they are, in God you wish to see, They like his Goodnesse are vnlimitted, And as his Mercy, Loue, and Grace are free, Which on his creatures are abundant shed, But by my shallow Muse their depth cannot be read.

They are too high to reach, too deepe to sound, For all the earth is filled therewithall: In heau'n aboue Gods Goodnesse doth abound, The Bountie of his Grace is ouer all; Of all the Meditations which call My mind, to holy Ioy and admiration, None lets more comfort than Gods Bountie fall, Both for my being and my preseruation, But most in that he shed his bloud for my Saluation.

Here could I wish my Muse might euer dwell, In viewing Gods great Goodnesse, Bountie, Loue, Which three to th'holy Trinitie I well May here ascribe; For Goodnesse first doth moue The Father, to beget Eternall Loue, From Loue and Goodnesse, Bountie doth proceed: Yet all these three, as one in God doe proue, In substance one, although distinguished In working! But this height my reach doth far exceed.

And therefore rauish't now with contemplation, Beyond the compasse of my feeble eye, My soule amaz'd falls downe to adoration Of this misterious holy Trinitie, And from diuine come to benignitie: And bountie which should be in men below, A habit wee of liberalitie; Her call and good affection we should show In thought, heart, word, and deed, to eu'ry one we know.

And must from goodnesse and true loue proceed, The onely cause of true benignitie; Wherefore, except these be in vs indeed, Our bounty is but prodigalitie: Or some like froth of superfluitie. The crums and leauings of Intemperance, Which oft are dealt out with an euill eye, More for vaine credit, or base circumstance, Then for goodwill, or care Gods glory to aduance.

For eu'ry act hath then her true effect, Which from true ground right aymeth at her end, As when both loue and goodnesse doth direct What bounty truly gets, aright to spend: Loe thus doth heau'nly grace and Bounty send Her blessings temporall alike to all; But doth for greater benefits intend, To those that on Gods name aright doe call, And in this heau'nly sort, ought we be liberall.

Oh! then th' effects of bounty glorious are, When Prouidence with true Frugality, Doe seeke by Iustice to prouide and spare Fit sustenance for liberality; Behold that heau'nly bounteous Maiesty, Sends raine and fruitfull seasons whereby store Of Blessings, th'earth may to his hand supply, And many hidden treasures vp doth store For to exalt the rich, and to refresh the pore.

Then humane bounty like her Makers is, When as shee labours to doe good to all; But most of all to bring poore soules to blisse, And fill their hearts with food spirituall: Oh Grace Diuine? Bounty Angelicall; With spirituall loaues in Wildernesse to feed Gods Saints, when spirituall hunger them doth gal; The ignorant which pine with inward need, Diuine sweet comforts to their fainting soules to reade.

True Bounty's knowne, best by her company, For shee in Truth and Mercy takes delight; Faith, Iustice, Temperance, Humility, And is withall Loues graces richly dight, Herein appeares her glorious heau'nly Sp'rite: Shewing that shee of seed diuine is borne, Of Loue and Goodnesse, not of Vaine delight, Or Fame and Praise of men, when shee doth scorne To seeke feign'd bounteous shewes, her goodnes to adorn.

For thus th' ambitious man is bountifull, Thus belly-gods in plentie take delight, Deceit with gifts his neighbour seekes to gull, The couetous bribe large to conquer right; From such false Bounty, Truth is banish't quite, Humility, Faith, Knowledge, Temperance, Nor any of Loues Graces in her sight, May suffered be their ensignes to aduance, There dwells Contention, Pride, Oppression, Ignorance.

As daughters of the horse-leech, still doe cry, Giue giue: as Graue and Hell be neuer full, So nought the couetous eye can satisfie, But he that's liberall and bountifull Is like full clouds, which doe most plentifull Water the earth, and poure downe store of raine, Yet are not emptie; for the mercifull And liberall shall greater plentie gaine, And he that scattereth shall find increase againe.

That hand is neuer emptie of reward, Where as goodwill the hearts chest filleth full, And bountie neuer is so much afear'd, Causlesse to giue, As not be bountifull Where need requires; His face is beautifull Where sweet Goodwill both heart and lookes haue Ioyn'd; But th'enuious and malitious doe pull, On wrinkles: And a man shall euer find, The beautie of the face to alter with the mind.

Bountie is like vnto the glorious Sun, Which as a Bridegroome doth from chamber glide, And as a Gyant ioy's his course to run From East to West, most swiftly he doth ride, Nothing from's fertile heat it selfe can hide; He doth not looke that one him vp should call: So bountie deales her Graces far and wide, And Blessings without asking sends to all; Expecting not vaine praise, where shee lets graces fall.

As some faire glorious garment, which we weare Vpon our shoulders, reaching to the ground, Couers all spots, and Naeues that on vs are: So where this noble bounty doth abound, It couereth all faults that can be found, For as Loue couers, so doth Bounty hide A multitude of sins, and doth confound, By her bright Beames, Detraction, Enuy, Pride; Alas these are to weake where Bounty's on our side.

Shee's like vnto the Lamp of glorious day, Which doth diuide the darknesse from the light, For whereas Bountie doth her beames display, Behold bright day: without them there is night; The King that by his bountie doth inuite, His subiects hearts to Loue and Honour due, Sleepes more secure, than he that doth by might And feare, strong forts and walled townes subdue, And for his guard's encompassed with armed crue.

Bountie and Benefits are eu'n the Bands, Of Concord, and as fire doth quickly dye, That is not fostered with coles or brands; So dies true Loue with men: Except supply Be made by gifts and liberalitie: Who doth the wandring soule direct aright, Though with him he doth deale most bounteously; Yet doth he but his fellowes candle light, And to another giues, yet loseth selfe no light.

True bounty seekes high God to imitate, Who to the most vnthankfull is most free, Sol doth his light to Theeues participate And without tempests, Pirates saile on Sea, The Heau'ns of all good things the Authors bee, Faire fortunes to vngratefull fooles doe send, As onely seeking to doe good: so we (Though oft in vaine our bountie we doe spend) To the vnthankfull must, as to the thankfull lend.

Gods bounty's like to incense and perfume, Cast on an heart inflam'd with holy zeale, Which praises vp, like cloudes of smoake doth sume, And sweetest odours round about doth deale: Man's Bounty is like widowes cruse or meale, Which spent vpon the Prophet growes to more, Like Surgeons skill, which as he more doth heale, Doth grow more cunning than he was before, The diligent and bounteous hand want neuer store.)

As many fruits doe faire encrease and grow, Not so much by the nature of the ground, As by the bounty, which from Heau'n doth flow, And temperate aire that is about them found, So all good Arts in noblest wits abound, More by some Princes liberalitie, And high regard they haue of Muses sound, Than their owne nature, strength, and industry, Best friends to Arts are Bounty and Humanity.

Should I but here recount the names of all, Whom bountifull in holy Writ I find, I of your patience should be prodigall, And my short time for this discourse assign'd, Let me their names vp in a bundle bind; Which if you please to ope as sweetly smell, As Camphires bush: my Muse is now inclin'd, Of some prophane examples here to tell, Which seeme in noble Bounty others to excell.

Than treasure Cyrus more his friends esteem'd, Whereof he multitudes by bounty won: And Alexander greatest glory deem'd, By bounty neuer to be ouercome; A King of Egypt thought it better done, His subiects coffers, than his owne to fill: When as Alphonsus heard Titus Vespasians sonne, Accounted that day lost, when for goodwill He had giu'n nought; said, I ne're spent a day so ill.

Behold! these fiue examples liue in one, The bounteous Monarch, that our Scepter sways, Esteemes his friends' boue gold, or precious stone, And ouercomes eu'n all that him obay's, By soueraigne Bounty, to's immortall praise, No King so fills his subiects chests with gold, His bounteous deeds in number passe his day's: Ah! how then dare my niggard rimes be bold, The sacred bounty of my Soueraigne to vnfold.

Who hoards not vp his wealth in Caue or Tower, Nor into prisons darke condemnes his gold: But as on him from heau'n all Blessings shower, So are his to vs Subiects manifold: As from thicke clouds, we numberlesse behold, Large streames of fruitfull raine on earth to fall: So is his largesse to his seruants told, Who entring poore, returne rich from his hall, Like Tagus golden sands, his hands are liberall.

Vouchsafe, oh bounteous Soueraigne! heare thy thrall, After thy cloud, a subiects drop'd to sing; Whom thou didst to deserued honour call, And was in name and bountie as a King: Who in thy bounteous steps thee following, Did from obscurity my Fortunes raise, Without desert or my least offering, He now in Heau'n his bounteous King doth praise, As he with bounty honour'd him here all his day's.

And let vs all his bounteous praises sing, Whose bounty vs from Hell and Death doth raise, Our blessed Sauiour, Prophet, Priest, and King, Who here in bounteous deeds spent all his day's; Casting out Deuills, sauing soules alway's, Healing the sicke, giuing the blind their sight; Mournes for our sins, for enemies he pray's; Comforts the rich, and feeds the hungry wight, And still in doing good, doth set his whole delight.

How could malicious heart of enuious man, Consent to murther such a bounteous King? Scourge, scorne, deride, despight him what they can, Still in his bounteous deeds perseuering; Yea when vnto the Crosse they him doe bring, Father they know not what they doe, he cry's; And when his body hangs their torturing, He to the Thiefe not Paradise denyes; Thus doing good he liues: Thus doing good he dyes.

What doth the Lord of Life eternall dye? Which vnto vs eternall life doth giue; See his large bounty, and benignity? Hee gaue his life for vs, that we might liue, What heart of stone doth not here melt, or riue But with his Life, his Bounty doth not end, He by his Will, and Testament doth giue Vs Heau'n, yea more the Comforter doth send, With millions of Angells, on vs to attend.

Who can of this his Sauiours Bountie tast? And to his members not be bountifull, If thou want wealth, and coine giue what thou hast, And let our hearts be alwaies mercifull, And like the fertile ground yeeld plentifull Encrease, of all the seeds which thereon grow, 'Tis Bountie that doth fill our garner's full, He sparing reapes, that sparingly doth sowe, True Bounty's noble hand no want did euer know.

But ah too many couetous of Praise And Glory doe by fraud and rapine spoile; Other's, that they thereby there names may raise, And some goods gotten by much care and toile, Spend on their pleasures, and thereby beguile, Their poore and needy neighbour of his right, Drinking and surfetting in ease the while, And spending frankly on some base delight, Like Brutes are bountifull to their owne appetite.

Some onely by their Bountie seeke for fame, And these are onely to Ambition free, Some Patrons now aday's such Shepheards name, To feed the Flocke, as loose and Idle Bee, Wealth vnto wealth to adde they all agree: Mo man respects the needy and the poore, The emptie vessels, emptie still we see; They that are full, to them is added more, Dry hills want water, when the valley's swim with store.

As Knights which of the noble Order are Of Garter, that they better may be knowne, A golden George about their necke they weare, Nor doe the same at any time lay downe, Whereby their noblenesse should be vnknowne: So Nobles alwaies weare Benignitie, Whereby whose Sonnes you are yee may be showne, For nothing proues you Sonnes of the most High, More than your Bountie and true Liberalitie.

But of salse bountie you doe vainely boast, Delighting in vaine pastime, oyle and Wine, And gluttons feed for glory to your cost, Whil'st at your doores, the poore may sterue and pine, You welcome such as you inuite to dine; But scarce afford the poore scraps, at your gate; Which shew that all your bountie is to Ioyne Credit and Glory to your great estate, And but for Crowes and Kites, or Daw's do lay a Baite.

You for a million at a cast will play, And hazard all your fortunes at a game, And grudge not for one daintie bit to pay A thousand, and then glory in the same, With gold you tricke and trim vp some loose Dame, The sinke that sucks vp all your Liberalitie, Thus lauish you to your eternall shame, All that your Fathers got by their Frugalitie, And left to you to spend in bounteous hospitalitie.

Braue Alexanders deeds for ay commends His wondrous confidence, and bountie rare; Who dealing out amongst his faithfull friends, Lands, houses, townes, he gold and all did share, When one besought him wisely to forbeare, For what, said he, alas! is left the King? New hopes of gaming more, said he, there are, Thus on his fate and fortunes venturing The Heau'ns propitious seem'd, to him, in eu'ry thing.

But ah! poore Prince! thy hopes are all but vaine, As were the Benefits thou didst expose; But we are certaine of eternall gaine, If bounteously Gods blessings we dispose: Ah! what is it if worldly things we loose! And thereby gaine vs an Eternall Crowne, Which heau'nly Bountie layeth vp for those, That their owne glory willingly lay downe, And what they reape by Bountie bounteously haue sowne.

Such all within most gloriously shall shine, Their vestiments shall be of twined Gold; They shall of Hony tast, and spiced Wine; And all the Bridegroomes fruits both new and old, He gently will such in his armes infold; And satisfie their sense with pleasing smell, No eare hath heard, no tongue hath euer told, The Ioy and Bounty that with him doe dwell, But more of these, where next of heau'nly Ioy I tell.

MEDITAT. V. Of Spirituall and Heau'nly IOY.

HOw should a heart opprest with worldly cares, Of Spirituall inward Ioy now rightly sing; Since none her knowes, but who her image beares, And feeles the Spirits inward witnessing: All sacred stuffe I to this building bring No helpe, but he that Abba Father cry's, Can teach my Muse to touch this golden string, I therefore here forbeare prophane supply's, My Spirit wholly on the holy Spirit rely's.

Well, said the King, All worldly things are vaine, And trauell which beneath the Sun he found Compared to left drop or minutes gaine, Which Spirituall Ioy did to his heart propound; No reach of Wisards skill, no wit profound, Is able this true Ioy to comprehend, This Musicke wholly to the Saints doth sound, The inward man can onely apprehend, Sweet liuely Spirituall Ioy, which neuer shall haue end.

No Muses darling euer yet did dreame, Of this sweet wind, which where it lists doth blow; This onely is sweet Israels Singers theame, Which he by heau'nly influence did show; And then most, when the outward man brought low, By paine of body, or by griefe of mind, Did from his pen diuinest comforts flow, Most heau'nly Ioy's, which he was wont to find, To grow more strong within, as he without declind.

Oh Ioy of ioy's? vnspeakeable delight, Eu'n when our soules the powers of hell doe shake, And vs with Iustice and due vengeance fright, When as our guilty conscience is awake, That all with terrour tremble, horrour quake; That then our gentle beame of heau'nly Grace, Not onely shall from vs this horrour take, But in Loues armes vs in an instant place, They onely know this Ioy, that haue beene in this case.

If euer I receiued strength and skill From Heau'n, to scale the hill of contemplation, I now doe hope Gods gracious Spirit will, Me fill with Ioy for his sweet meditation; Oh, blessed Spirit! who by sweet inspiration, Directest eu'ry holy Prophets quill, Enlighten mine, by heau'ns illumination, That most diuine sweet Ioy's it may distill Into the Readers heart, and Mine with comfort fill.

No tongue could euer tell, no heart conceiue, Therefore no Art is able to define What is the inward Ioy which we receiue, By peace of conscience, and Grace diuine: But sure it is, that speciall marke or signe, Which on our soules the holy Spirit of Grace Most gently doth imprint, and liuely line, Whereby we doe behold Gods cheerefull face, And spiritually feele, our Bridegroomes sweet embrace.

There is a naturall and carnall Ioy, Besides this inward Ioy spirituall, By one we common blessings here enioy, By th'other we in Sin and errour fall; Those be partakers of Ioy naturall, That health of body haue, and worldly store, The carnall Ioy we sinfull pleasures call, Excesse of meate, and wine, Lips of a whore, And all mans vaine delights 'gainst rule of heau'n lore.

These Ioy's, which with false pleasures vs deceiue, Are not of kin to Ioy spirituall; For that they alway's doe our hearts bereaue Of inward Ioyes pure food Angelicall; Gods goodnesse is th'efficient cause of all, And though each person in the Trinitie, May seeme to haue a working seuerall, Yet all in one, and one in all agree, With Ioy here to begin mans true felicitee.

There many causes are materiall, Why we this inward Ioy in vs should haue▪ Gods freest grace, which doth most surely call, All those that he elected hath to saue; The Peace of conscience, which Ioy vs gaue, And eke the Ioy of our Sanctification: Whereby eu'n heauens inheritance we craue, And certainly expect glorification, And are inuited guests to heau'ns participation.

As are Gods gifts and graces infinite, So causes are of Ioy spirituall; It fills my soule with infinite delight, When all his benefits to mind I call; But none like this that's Sonne should saue vs all; By that great secret of his Incarnation, Which made the Babe into Ioy's passion fall, At blessed Mothers heau'nly Salutation, And made blind Simeons soule, reioyce in his Saluation.

This made the Mother of the Babe to sing, And her sweet little Lord to magnifie Her Sauiour, which shee in her armes did bring; This made in heau'nly Host such melody, When newes was brought of his Natiuity; Oh Ioy of Ioy's! to you is borne this day A Sauiour, God from all eternitie: This made the Wise-men from the East to stray, And offer to him gifts, that in a cradle lay.

This made the holy King, propheticall, Though many pleasant Lay's to Harpe hee sing, Straine none so high, and so patheticall, As those of his Sonne, Sauiour, Lord, and King: Oh then each stroake, hee strikes, to heau'n doth ring. His heart reioyceth; and his tongue is glad, Such Ioy doth hope of resurrection bring, That though his flesh be with corruption clad, His heart shall neuer faint, nor soule be euer sad.

We for this hope, it count exceeding Ioy When we doe fall, on many sore temptations, And when afflictions most abound, we Ioy In Trialls, Sufferings, and Tribulations: The Angells in their holy habitations, At our conuersions wondrous Ioy receiue, What passing Ioy will be and delectations, When all the members to their head shall cleaue, And for short Sorrowes, endlesse recompence receiue.

My Muse her selfe eu'n out of breath now fly's, Rais'd vp so high by Ioy Spirituall; Yet by Ioy's obiects, she must higher rise, To Father, Sonne, the Holy Ghost, and all: What greater Ioy, than on the Father call; And how did Abraham reioyce to see? The day of his Redeemers nuptiall; Ah what more Ioy vnspeakeable can bee? Than feele the holy Spirit of Grace to dwell in thee.

Oh happy Host, such guests to entertaine, With peace of conscience, their continuall feast, Open you euerlasting doores againe, Open, The King stands knocking ready prest; The King of Glory, to come in and rest: Downe from the fig-tree speedily then come, And entertaine thy Sauiour in thy brest, To day Saluation is to thee come home, With Faith, Hope, Loue, and Truth perfume thou eu'ry rom.

For without these, true Ioy will neuer stay, With her must all the heau'nly Graces bide, Long-suffering, Mercy, Peace, desire to Pray, God these hath ioyn'd, no man may them diuide, False Ioy's without these into vs may slide, As stony ground, which did receiue the seed; Did flourish faire, and Branch on eu'ry side; But this did Faith, but temporary breed, And we this but a momentany Ioy areed.

There are besides this friendly seeming Ioy, Other that are professed enemy's; As those which worldly happinesse enioy, And liue in pleasures, ease, and jollity's: Against these th'author of true ioy reply's, Woe vnto you that laugh, for you shall waile, Lament and howle for your iniquity's, When Iudgement comes, and all mens hearts shal faile, What then shall all your worldly pleasures you auaile.

Another Ioy against true Ioy I find, When in true cause of Ioy we so delight, That we omit from Lusts, to clense our mind, And valiantly 'gainst base affections fight, Ah! how can heau'nly true Ioy take delight, Amongst our grosse corruptions here to dwell, Sure this Reioycing is not good and right, A little Leuen makes the whole lump smell, Our boastings vaine: This water's not from liuing well.

There is a counterfett, and feign'd delight, Shew'd in the face, but comes not from the heart, Whom I may call, A merry Hypocrite, Others reioyce so in their owne desert, In their redemption they will beare a part: These are the men, whom workes must iustifie, Alas! poore wretch! remember what thou art, And whence thou hast receiued thy supply, And thou shalt soone from this thy proud reioycing slye.

Proud slesh and bloud! that dares of merits boast, When in thy Makers presence thou do'st stand, And hopest to regaine what Adam lost, By thine inherent Iustice: thou do'st band, Directly 'gainst thy Makers glory; and, Seek'st to reioyce in Iustice of thine owne, Presume not 'boue thy strength to vnderstand, But merry be and glad in God alone, Who is all Worthinesse, but in thy selfe is none.

As those which vaine applause of men regard, And at their doing almes a trumpet blow; Gaine onely praise of men, for their reward, But God no such good-workes will euer know; So those in whom these boasting merits flow, And in their meritorious workes delight, God neuer them doth this sound comfort show, They may awhile seeme goodly in mans sight, But neuer feele true inward Ioy and sound delight.

As those which onely see the Stars and Moone, But neuer saw faire Phaebus glorious light, Beleeue no cleerer lights haue euer shone; Than those faire Lamps, which doe adorne the night; So those that neuer knew this true delight, Those heau'nly Ioy's to holy Saints confin'd, Thinke there most Ioy, where flesh doth most delight: But tast they once sweet inward Ioy of mind, In all these worldly Ioy's they no content can find.

This heau'nly Ioy by no similitude, In Heau'n or Earth can truly be exprest, Yet is shee felt; as oft in simple rude, As in the most profound, deepe learned breast; None know her, till they be of her possest. For as we feele the winde when it doth blow, But whence it comes, or where it meanes to rest, No wit of man ere able was to show; So many feele these Ioy's, but know not whence they flow.

As in the Incarnations mysteries, The blessed Virgin ouer-shadowed By th' Holy Ghost, and power of the most High; Perceiu'd her fruitfull womb replenished, But knew not whence, till th' Angell it aread; So wee this Babe of Ioy spirituall, Oft feele in vs most liuely quickened; But know not how, nor whence the same doth fall, Till that same Spirit of Truth, to vs reuealeth all.

And as no creature able is of man, The Spirit to discerne, but man alone, So of this Spirituall Ioy, no spirit can Conclude, but this sweet spirituall holy One: Some would it liken to the glorious Sunne, Which by his liuely beames doth Life inspire; Where they an obiect fit to light vpon, But I forbeare too nicely to inquire, And rather in mine heart, to feele her beames desire.

Oh Sunne of Light! Bright Glory of thy Sire, Who when thou left'st the earth, thy Spirit didst send, Into our hearts sweet comforts to inspire, And with vs to abide till world's last end: Some good examples to my Muse commend, Of holy men, which tooke so much delight In heau'nly Ioy's, they holy them intend, And banish all vaine worldly pleasures quite Shining like glorious Lamps in worlds obscurest night.

This inward heate, this holy heau'nly fire, Most what concealed vnder ashes ly's Which one, till into flames they doe respire, At home more easie, than aborad descry's: Because it selfe within best testify's, In Abraham appear'd this holy flame; When as he saw his Sauiour with his eyes Who of his blessed seed long after came, For Abram saw Christs day and ioyed in the same.

Vp Miriam vp, thou merily canst sing; Now through the Red Sea thou art safely past, Hereby our Baptisme then prefiguring, That when Repentance vs with teares hath wash't, With Ioy wee Egypts Bondage of should cast: But neuer did more Ioyfull musicke sound, Than Dauids: when he of this Ioy did tast, Restore mee to those wonted Ioy's I found, And euer let thy holy Spirit in me abound.

Oh blessed Bridegroome of the fairest Bride, How often when shee seeketh thee by night, Doest thou thy Ioyfull presence from her hide? That wanting, shee in thee may more delight: How oft againe, when thou do'st her inuite? Rise my belou'd, and ope to mee the doore, Such is her nicenesse, and her sluggish sprite; Shee will not rise to let thee in, before Thou thence art gone; And then thy losse shee doth deplore.

These are the apples, odours, nuts, and wine, Which comfort her, when shee is sicke of Loue; These Christs embraces that doe her entwine, The kisses which he giues his Turtle Doue: Milke, spice, pomegranats, which shee so doth loue, All these are inward Ioy's the Bride hath here, Whereof she with the Bridegroomes friends doth proue; And eates and drinkes with Ioy and merry cheere, Yea drinkes abundantly with her beloued deare.

This was the Ioy, that him was set before, That did endure the Crosse, despise the shame, And Lord of all, became low, naked, pore, Enduring death vs to excuse from blame! His Martyrs and Apostles in the same Suffrings and crosses him haue followed; And trode the Wine-presse as their order came, Where some in scorching flames more Ioy's haue red, Than wearied Limbs could find, in softest downy bed.

This 'twas the Kingly Prophet so admir'd, When loathing all worlds pompe and glory vaine, He this one onely thing of God desir'd, For euer in his Temple to remaine, To view the Beautie of that heau'nly traine: This made him leaue his purple Crowne and Throne, And in a linnen Ephod dance amaine: For this would Constantine be rather one Of Christ his members, then the Empires head alone.

But why seeke I for witnesses without, Since 'tis the Spirit within that testify's, Our Soule that without wauering or doubt, With Peace of Conscience, Abba Father Cry's: Vnto whose Soule this Spirit eke reply's, Be glad and Ioyfull, I am thy saluation Be not afraid-My Grace shall thee suffice To conquer Hell; And to resist temptation, And yeeld the soundest Ioy in greatest tribulation.

I will make glad thy soule, delight thine heart, And with a cheerefull countenance will smile, For I am thine and mine againe thou art; And though afflictions here thee square and file, No power in Earth or Hell shall thee beguile Of those sweet Ioy's, which are for thee prepar'd: Oh tarry thou my leasure but a while, And thy petitions all, I will regard, Delight in mee, I am thy hope, and iust reward.

Oh! who can heare these Ioyous inuitations, These blessed promises, and yet complaine, That hee's afraid of crosse, or tribulations: Oh! neuer let these worldly pleasures vaine, Make me so great a looser for their gaine; And let me here all worldly griefes endure, Lord onely free me from eternall paine, This inward Ioy shall euer me assure, And on thy merits I in all, will rest secure.

Who would not rather couet there to dwell, Where fulnesse is of Ioy for euermore, Than in false vaine delights, which leads to Hell Voluptuous Diet, flatt'rings of a Whore; I rather had with Dauid keepe a dore Where inward Ioy, may in my soule abound; Than swim in pleasures and preferments store, In Princes Courts, where vaine delights are found, Which like faire flowers fade, and quickly fal to ground.

But I confesse, this prouerb true I find, That where Gods Church is raising, there to build, His Chappell is the Deuill most inclin'd, And where best seed is sowne in Ground well till'd, He with most tares and weeds it alway's fill'd: Vaine pleasures, are his tares, true Ioy's our wheate, Till haruest both together grow in field, Then will the Lord of Haruest surely beat, The cockle from pure corne, at his owne board to eate.

Fountaine of Ioy! oh set thy whole delight; Into thy Lawes and Statutes to enquire; To meditate thereon both day and night, My soule than Gold doth more these Ioy's desire. Let others honour, wealth, and wine admire; Lift, Lord, on me thy louing countenance, Thy louing fauour, shall my Soule raise higher, Than Princes highest fauours can aduance, To heau'nly spirituall wealth, not subiect vnto chance.

In holy Writ, I many places find, From whence doe flow these Ioy's spirituall, But no where faster, than within my mind, Oh Lord! Thou know'st; not I; from whence they fall: God of all Peace, and Ioy perpetuall; Let not my Ioy A temporary proue, But with her in mine heart thy Graces all Infuse, Faith, Mercy, Patience, Peace, and Loue; To passe by things below, and seeke for things aboue.

Of endlesse Ioy how should I make an end? My Muse is neuer weary of delight; Since I this Meditation did intend, I neuer scarce could sleepe by day or night. So doth the pleasing matter me inuite; So full of rimes, and so the numbers run: That I in shorter time haue finish't quite, This tast of Ioy, than I haue earst begun Some other Graces: But my hower-glasse hath done.

FINIS.