Six centuries of select hymns and spiritual songs collected out of the Holy Bible together with a catechism, the canticles, and a catalogue of vertuous women / by William Barton.

HYMN 201. The Covenant of Grace entred to Abraham.

[All people, or, O Lord consider, &c.]

Gen. 17.1.15.5.

THus said the Lord to Abraham Lo! I the Lord Almighty am Walk thou before me for thy part Sincere and with a perfect heart. And covenant with thee will I And with thy seed successively: Number the Stars, and thou shalt tell The Summ whereto thy seed shall swell.

And he believed in the Lord Relying on his faithfull Word, And it was counted unto him, For Righteousness to trust therein. So all that are of faith indeed Are blest with Abraham as his seed; To Abraham's God be praise therefore, From first to last for evermore.

HYMN 202. The Test to the Covenant.

All people, &c.

Deut. 26.16.

THis day the Lord commandeth thee Obedient to his Laws to be, Keep them therefore in every part; With all thy soul and all thy heart. Thou hast avoucht the Lord this day To be thy God: To keep his way, His Statutes, Laws, and Judgments choice, And still to hearken to his voice.

And God this day avoucheth thee His own peculiar stock to be, As his most gracious promise stands That thou shouldst keep all his commands. To Israel's God be praise therefore From first to last for evermore, And let all faithfull people then Say cheerfully, Amen, Amen.

HYMN 203. The Song of Moses the man of God, commanded to be learnt by heart of all Israel. Deut. 32. to 44. v. 46. Moses's Title, Psalm 90.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

GIve ear O heavens from on high, and I will speak this present day: And hear O Earth, attentively the awfull words which I shall say.

My doctrine shall drop down as showers, my speech as dew shall gently pass: And as small rain on herbs and flowers, and as the showers upon the grass.

Because I will this day proclaim, and publish fully all abroad, The Lord our God's Almighty Name, ascribe ye greatness to our God.

He is the Rock his work's compleat, and all his ways just judgment be, A God of truth without deceit exactly just and right is He.

2. PART.

v. 5.

They are corrupt, they bring a blot upon themselves, of foul disgrace, Their spot is not his Childrens spot, they are a cross and crooked race.

Requite ye thus the Lord most high ye foolish people? Is not He Thy Father dear that did thee buy? hath he not made and stablisht thee?

Remember now the days of old, the years of ages long ago, Thy Father ask, thou shalt be told, and ask thine Elders they shall show.

When the most high did first divide inheritances unto men, And separated far and wide all Adam's Sons, as he did then:

He set the people bounds compleat, but chiefly one that did excell According to the Number great of all his people Israel.

3. PART.

v. 9.

For lo! the Portion of the Lord is Israel whom he doth advance, And Jacob's house is on record the Lot of his inheritance.

He found him in a forraign Land in howling desarts waste and dry, Led him, and made him understand, kept him as th' apple of his eye.

As th'Eagle stirreth up her nest, and flutters o're her young ones there,

Spreads out her wings whereon they rest, and on her wings she doth them bear.

So God alone was then his guide, and there was with him no strange God, On Earths high place he made them ride, and on those Palaces he trod.

That he might eat th' increase of fields▪ both of the fruits and of the flock, And suck the honey which it yields and oyl out of the flinty rock.

Butter of Kine and Milk of Sheep with fat of Lambs of Bashan-breed, And Rams which Bashan hill did keep, and goats which there likewise did feed.

With fat of kidneys of the wheat which yieldeth flower so passing good, For thee, O Israel, to eat, and thou didst drink the grapes pure blood.

4. PART.

v. 15.

But Jeshurun waxt fat and kickt, thou art grown fat, thou art grown thick, Cover'd with fatness finely slick; and this was it that made him kick.

Then he forsook his God on high that made him and all other men, And he esteem'd but carelesly the God of his Salvation then.

With strange Gods they did all the while provoke Him unto jealousie: And with abominations vile mov'd Him to anger vehemently.

They sacrific'd to Devils there, and not to God: To Gods unknown, New Gods, and new come up they were, such as their Fathers did not own.

5. PART.

18.

Of that high God which thee begot thou art unmindfull, and wilt be: And (mindless) thou remembrest not the mighty God that formed thee.

And when God saw it, He at once abhorr'd them in his holy eyes, For the provoking of his Sons and of his Daughters in such wise.

I'le hide, said he, from them my face, and see the end of their lewd path, For 'tis a very froward race, children in whom there is no faith.

They have provok'd my jealous eyes with that which is not God (they know) And with their idol vanities spurr'd on my anger which was slow.

And I'le move them to jealousie with people that are next to none,

And I will vex them vehemently with a most foolish Nation.

6. PART.

22.

For there is kindled in my wrath fire that shall burn to hell below, Consume the Earth and all it hath, and make the hills foundations glow.

An heap of mischiefs I will bring upon their impious heads to fall: And charge mine arrows on the string and spend them freely on them all.

Burnt up with hunger they shall be, and with a burning heat devour'd: A sad destruction they shall see with bitterness upon them pour'd.

And I will send upon those men the teeth of beasts (in vengeance just) With poysons (as I threatned them) of dreadfull serpents of the dust.

The sword without shall pierce them through, and fears within the young men slay; The Virgin and the suckling too, and th'ancient man whose hairs are gray.

7 PART.

26.

I threat to scatter their increase, and drive them into corners then;

And I would also make to cease their memory from the Sons of men.

Were it not that I fear'd the wrath of envious foes and nothing else, Letting their Adversaries laugh, and strangely to behave themselves.

Lest they should say, our hand is high, and that the Lord did NOT all this: For 'tis a Land puts Counsel by, in whom no understanding is.

But O that they were wise indeed, and did this matter apprehend. And would consider, and take heed, and think upon their latter end.

8. PART.

30.

How should one man a thousand chase and two should make ten thousand flee? Had not God sold them to disgrace and their Rock shut them up, think ye!

For their Rock nothing so excells as our Rock (Israel's mighty King) Our very Enemies themselves being made Judges in the thing!

For Israel's Vine is worst of all as Sodoms and Gomorrahs field, Their grapes are very grapes of gall, and bitter clusters do they yield.

A Wine of Dragons theirs must be, and as the Asps in venom'd cup: Is not this safely stor'd with Me among my treasures sealed up?

9. PART.

35.

Vengeance belongeth unto me and recompence to every crime, Their foot shall slide and broken be, but all in my appointed time.

For lo! the day, the day that brings calamities which they must taste, Is near at hand: And all those things which come upon them shall make hast.

For God shall judge his people known, and for his Servants sake repent, Whenas He sees their strength is gone, and none shut up, or left unspent.

And He shall say, where are their Gods, their Rock in whom they trusted so? That eat the fat of all the goods that to their Sacrifices go?

Which drank the Wine ye did allow, the Wine of your drink-offerings free; Let them arise and help you now, and let them your protection be.

10. PART.

39.

See now that I, even I am He and there's no God with Me to stand, I kill, I make alive to be, I wound, I heal with powerfull hand.

Nor is there any such power given out of my hand that can deliver, For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say behold! I live for ever.

If once I whet my glittering sword and that my hand with judgment close, I'le render vengeance, saith the Lord, and will reward my hatefull foes.

I'le make mine Arrows drunk with blood, my Sword shall cut, and flesh devour: The slain and captive shall be food even from the first revenging hour.

Rejoice, ye Nations, with his land, for He'll avenge his servants bloud: And, while his foes shall feel his hand, he will to's Land and folk be good.

HYMN 204. The Song of Hanna.

The mighty God, &c.

1 Sam. 2.1.

MY Soul rejoyceth in the Lord most high in Him my horn's exalted and my voice,

Is much enlarged o're mine enemy because in thy Salvation I rejoice. None's holy as the Lord, there's none beside Thee Nor is there any Rock like our Almighty.

Talk so exceeding proudly now no more, no arrogance let from your mouth proceed, For God's a God of knowledge, rich in store, and He doth weigh exactly every deed: The bows of mighty men are broke asunder And they that stumbled are with strength girt under.

They that were full, have hir'd themselves for bread; and they that were an hungry quickly ceast, So that the barren seven hath numbered; and with a goodly houshold is increast: And she that had of children once so many Is waxen feeble and not brought forth any.

2 PART.

The Lord doth kill, the Lord doth also save, for He can make alive as well as kill, He bringeth down unto the very grave, and bringeth up again whene'er He will: The Lord makes poor, He also stores with treasure, He bringeth low and lifteth up at pleasure.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust; and lifts the beggar from the dungil base, Sets them with Princes in high place of trust, t' inherit thrones of glory in their place: For Earths strong Pillars God alone doth own them And He hath stablisht all the World upon them.

He will preserve the feet of all his Saints, as for the wicked silent they shall be In utter darkness, where are sad restraints from light and comfort in the least degree. For by the strength of man (mans sole indea∣vour) Shall no man in the World prevail for ever.

The Adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in peices by his power put forth: Thunder upon them out of heaven shall He, the Lord shall judge the ends of all the Earth: He shall give strength unto his king appointed, And will exalt the Horn of his anointed.

Let Israel's God that is the Lord most high be ever blest and magnifi'd therefore: And let the whole Earth universally be fill'd with his renown for evermore. And let the people rich and poor together Say all Amen, and praise the Lord for ever.

HYMN 205. The Change.

Job 14.1.

MAN that is of a woman born hath but few daies on Earth, And with continual trouble worn even from his very birth.

He comes up as a flower that dies, and is cut down freightway, And shadow-like he flits and flies, and keeps no constant stay.

Untill therefore the utmost date and full appointed summ Of all my daies, here will I wait, untill my change shall come.

HYMN 206. Seeking God betimes.

All People, &c.

Job. 8.5.22, 23.

IF thou wouldst seek to God betimes, and to th' Almighty prayers would'st make If thou wert pure, and free from crimes, then would the Lord for thee awake.

Prosperity should still befall thy Habitation, blest with peace; Though thy beginning were but small, thy latter end should much increase.

Return thou then to God most high, and He shall build thee up full sure; And put away INIQUITIE far from thy House, and be secure.

HYMN 207. God's expostulation with Job.

All People, &c.

Job. 40.6.

THEN unto Job, God answer made Out of the Whirl-Wind, and He said Gird up thy Loyns now like a man And answer my demands who can?

Wilt thou my judgment disanull, Wilt thou condemn me, as more full More full of righteousness than I, Hast thou a stem like God most high?

Or canst thou thunder all allowd Like Him that rules the ratling Cloud: Deck now thy self with Eminence Of Majesty and Excellence.

Array thy self in glory bright And beauty which is exquisite, Cast thou abroad in every path Cast thou the tokens of thy wrath.

Look upon every man that's proud, And mask him with a dreadfull Cloud: Blast all the proud with foul disgrace, Tread down the wicked in their place.

Hide them in dust at once to dye, And bind their faces secretly: And then will I confess to thee Thine own right hand thy help can be.

HYMN 208. Job's Answer.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Job. 42.1.

THen answered Job to God and said, I know thou canst do every thing: And there's no thought can be convey'd Or hid from thy DISCOVERING.

Who's this that doth his counsel hide, and void of knowledge, as do I? I utter'd words, exceeding wide, things that I knew not, and too high.

Lord, I beseech thee, hear thou me, and I will speak with awfull care: Instruction I must ask of thee, and unto me do thou declare.

I heard of thee by hear-say, Lord, but now I see thee, and relent, Yea, and I have my self abhorr'd, in dust and ashes I repent.

HYMN 209. Man's mortality minded.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Isa. 2. ult.

CEase ye from man, whose fading breath Is in his Nostrils, near to death: For wherein is he (since the fall) To be accounted of at all?

Psal. 39.9.144.3.

Man flourishing in all his wealth Is like to vanity it self: His days are as a slitting shade Which dayly doth decline and fade.

Psal. 90.12. Eccl. 11.8.12.1.

Lord, teach us how to count aright Our days that have so long a night, That we thereby may bring our heart To wisdom, and betimes convert.

HYMN 210. A Vine-yard of Red Wine.

Isa. 27.2.

A Vineyard of red sparkling wine Sing to her in that day, I, saith the Lord, do keep that Vine, I water it alway. Lest any hurt it I stand by to keep it day and night: And there is in me, verily, no fury to affright.

But who would set the thorns and briers against Me in aray? I would go through with flames and fires, and burn them up streightway. Or let him on my strength take hold and make his peace with Me, And if he seek it, as he should, we surely shall agree.

And God shall cause all Jacob's Race to take effectual root, Blossome and bud, and fill the face of all the world with fruit. Let Israel's God the Lord most high be ever blest therefore From first to last perpetually, Amen, for evermore.

HYMN 211. Debate in measure.

Isa. 27.7.

DID ever God smite Israel as He hath smote his foes?

Or hath it been with slaughter keen as God hath smitten those?

In measure when it shooteth forth, He shall therewith debate; He staies th' unkind rough Eastern Winde when storms are at the height.

By this therefore shall Jacob's House be purg'd and cleans'd within; And all the fruit of this pursuit to take away his sin.

Let Israel's God the Lord most high be ever blest therefore And people then say all Amen, Amen, for evermore.

HYMN 212. Commands for comfort.

Where righteousness, &c.

Isa. 40.1.

O Comfort, Comfort Ye my people, all of them, Speak comfortably, as may be, unto Jerusalem. Say to her (saith your God) now ends her Warfare here, Her sins are as a darksome cloud which God doth fully clear.

For now receiv'd hath she, in Gods so kind account, A payment double in degree to what her sins amount.

And I will (saith the Lord) take off her heavy score, And never at all will I record her trespass any more.

HYMN 213. Jacob's sadness cheer'd.

All People, &c.

Isa. 40.27.

WHY do'st thou Jacob speak? and say Hid from the Lord is my sad way, My judgment also (undertrod) Is passed over from my God?

Hast thou not heard, hast thou not known That God the everlasting one, Creator of the Earths far ends, No weariness nor fainting spends?

His understanding none can search, He giveth power to his faint Church, And unto them that have no might He raiseth strength unto the height.

The youths shall faint, as wearied all, The young men utterly shall fall, But they that on the Lord do wait Shall have their strength renewed streight.

They shall mount up on Eagles wings, And run as do the nimblest things: Of weariness make no complaint, But they shall walk and shall not faint.

HYMN 214. Love engraven.

Isa. 49.14.

BUT Sion said (so sad was she) The Lord hath quite forsaken me: And now the Lord hath me forgot As one whom he remembreth not.

What? can a mother meek and mild Ever forget her sucking child? Can her compassions find no room For the dear son of her own womb?

Yea, (saith the Lord) they may forget And not remember Natures debt: Yet will not I forgetfull be, But always will remember thee.

Behold thy Name engraven stands Upon the palms of both my hands: Thy walls are ever in my sight To keep them safely day and night.

Let Israel's God be blest therefore From first to last for evermore, And let us all with one accord Say here Amen, Praise ye the Lord.

HYMN 215. A Child of Light incouraged and instructed.

Isa. 50.10.

WHO is amongst you fearing God His Servants voice that hears, That in the darksome paths hath trod, and where no light appears?

Upon the Name of God most high O let him trust full sure; And on his God let him rely, and he shall be secure.

Let Israel's mighty God therefore for ever honour'd be From first to last for evermore, Amen, Amen, say we.

HYMN 216. Mourners comforted.

To the Tune of Ye Children, &c.

Isa. 51.7.

HEarken to me in all distress Ye people that know righteousness, and in whose heart my Law is plac'd: Fear ye not the reproach of men Nor the reviling speech of them that dare reproach, where I have grac'd. For lo! the much devouring moth Shall eat them up like to a cloth, the worm shall eat them up like wooll: But still my righteousness shall reign And my salvation shall remain from age to age, unto the full.

HYMN 217. Almighty Arm invoked.

The First Metre.

Isa. 51.9.

AWake, Awake, O Arm of God, whose strength is uncontroul'd,

Awake as in those ancient daies, and in the time of old. Didst thou not lay all Egypt low, and that fell Dragon wound? Dry'd••t Thou not up the Seas that flow with Waters most profound?

Didst Thou not in those mighty deeps a plainer path discover? And for the ransom'd of the Lord make way for getting over? Therefore shall God's redeem'd return with Songs to Sion hill, And endless joy crown them that mourn while Songs their mouths do fill.

They shall obtain abundant joy and gladness in that day, Sorrow and sadness utterly shall hast, and flee away. The God of Israel therefore renown'd and honour'd be, From first to last for evermore, Amen, Amen say we.

2. METRE.

Ye Children, &c.

Awake, Awake, O Arm of God And put on strength for th' undertrod, awake as in the daies of old: Art thou not it that rent and tore Proud Rahab, and Thou woundest sore the Dragon which those deeps did hold.

Art thou not it that dry'd the Sea The Waters of the deep were they, the Waters of the mighty deep: In those great deeps of Seas, I say, Thou mad'st a passage and a way, for thy redeem'd and ransom'd sheep.

Therefore the Lord's redeemed Ones That were so fill'd with sighs and groans shall have a time for to return: And they shall come with songs of joy To Sion hill unanimously that formerly did sigh and mourn. And everlasting joy shall be Upon their heads in high degree whom former griefs did oversway: They shall undoubtedly obtain Gladness and joy that shall remain, sorrow and sighs shall flee away.

HYMN 218. The Preachers Lips.

Have mercy, &c.

Isa. 57.19.

I (Saith the Lord) create The fruit of lips that preach For peace to men disconsolate, and far and near to reach.

And I will give them ease: But wicked ••en (unblest) Are like un•••• the troubled Seas whose waters cannot rest.

But still it casts abroad Both mire and dirt at once: There is no peace, as saith my God, unto the wicked Ones.

HYMN 219. Robes of Righteousness.

Have mercy, &c.

1. METRE.

Isa. 61.10.

I greatly will rejoice In God that is so good; My soul shall sing with cheerfull voice unto the Lord my God.

For he hath cloathed me With that delightfull dress Of saving health and sanctity and Robes of Righteousness.

As Bride-grooms, that have wealth, With ornaments are deckt; And as a Bride adorns her self with jewels most select.

Or as the bud that springs Out of the pregnant earth, And gardens sow'd with choicest things doth richly bring them forth:

So God will make, likewise, His righteousness and praise Spring forth in all the Nations eyes now in the latter days.

Let Israel's God therefore be prais'd perpetually: And let us all for evermore give praise to God most high.

2. METRE.

The mighty God, &c.

Greatly will I rejoyce in thee, O Lord, and in my God I will triumph, and shout: For He hath cloath'd me of his own accord, with garments of salvation thoroughout. And with the robes of righteousness attested By His free grace: He hath my soul invested.

Just as a Bride-groom doth himself array with Ornaments most priestly to be worn: And as a Bride upon her Wedding day with Orient Jewels doth her self adorn, So hath the Lord with his spiritual beauty Arraid my soul to serve my God in duty.

And as the teeming Earth puts forth her bud and as a garden makes the things to grow, As when the seed, and where the soil is good, it makes the seed to prosper which we sow, So God the Lord will cause his sure salvations And praise to spring afresh before all Nations.

Psal. 106. ult.

Let Israels God that is the Lord most high be ever blest and magnifi'd therefore,

And let the whole Earth universally be fill'd with his renown for evermore, And let the people rich and poor together Say all Amen, and praise the Lord for ever.

HYMN 220. Treading the Winepress alone.

To the Third New Tune.

Isa. 63.1.

WHO'S He that comes from Edom side With scarlet cloaths of Bosrah dy'd in his apparel brave: Trav'lling in greatness of his might, I that speak righteousness most right, and mighty am to save.

Why art thou read in thine array? Thy garments like to him this day that doth the Wine fat tread? I trod the Winepress, I alone, And of the people there was none that follow'd me, or led.

Nahum 1.2.

For I will tread them in my wrath, And trample on them in the path; letting my fury reign. Their bloud likewise that war with Me Shall on my garments sprinkled be and all my rayment stain.

2. PART. v. 4.

For lo! the days of vengeance due O Sion, my revenge for you! the day is in my heart! The year of my redeem'd is come I lookt, but lookt in vain for some salvation to impart.

I wondred then that there was none None to support, indeed not one brought any help or aid: Therefore mine Arm, in high degree Did bring Salvation unto Me, and thereby was I stay'd.

And I will tread the people down In my great wrath and furious frown, and make them drunk thereby: And I will all their strength confound And bring it down unto the ground so low their power shall lie.

HYMN 221. Mercies recorded and requested.

Isa. 63.7.

I Will make mention of the love and kindness of the Lord, The praises of the Lord above I surely will record. According to his gifts most free and loving kindness show'd With love and liberalitie on Jacob's house bestow'd.

According to his grace renew'd which at his hands we find, According to the multitude of his compassions kind. For sure, said he, they are my flock, children that will not lie; Therefore he was their saving Rock in their adversity.

In all their grievances that were himself was grieved sore: And th' Angel of his presence, there, preserv'd them evermore. He in his love and pity then redeem'd his flock and fold: He bare them and he carried them even all the daies of old.

2. PART.

v. 10.

But they rebell'd and vexed so his holy Spirit of might That he was turn'd to be their foe and did against them fight. Then thought he on those ancient days, Moses and Israel's stock: Where's He that brought them from the Seas with Shepherds of his flock?

O where is He, said God most high, that did within him place In ancient times so powerfully his holy Spirit of grace?

By Moses's hand that led them right, with glorious Arm and Name; Dividing Waters in their sight to get eternal fame?

That led them through the deeper Seas, untill to Land they got, As Horses in the Wilderness, that stumble they might not? As Beasts go down into the dale God's Spirit made them rest, Thou led'st thy people not to fail, Thy Great Name to attest.

3. PART.

v. 15.

Look down from Heaven and behold from that thy dwelling seat Of Holiness prepar'd of old, and of thy glory great. Where is the zeal and strength in Thee? thy bowels mov'd and pain'd, And of thy mercies towards me, are they, O Lord, restrain'd?

Doubtless thou art our Father dear, though Abraham hath forgot; Or ignorant of us appear, and Israel knows us not. Thou art our Father, still the same, thou didst us, Lord, redeem: From Everlasting is thy Name, a stranger do not seem.

O Lord why hast thou made us err from thy most holy path? Hardning our hearts from thy true fear, in thy provoked wrath? Return, and have rememberance, for thy dear servants sake, The Tribes of thine Inheritance which thou did'st chuse and take!

HYMN 222. Idolatry exploded.

Jer. 2.11.5.23.16.20.

HATH ever any Nation chang'd their Gods which yet were none? Yet have my people been estrang'd from me, and wholly gone.

And they have chang'd their glory great for Gods which they have got, Meer Idols that are all deceit and things that profit not.

O Heavens be amaz'd hereat and horribly affraid; And be ye very desolate, as God the Lord hath said.

For lo! my people Israel have these two evils done, Forsaking Me who am the Well whence Living Waters run:

And hew'd out Cisterns to themselves too shamefull to be told:

Meer broken Cisterns, and none else, that can no water hold.

HYMN 223. Backsliders called back.

All people, &c.

Jer. 3.22.

REturn, backsliding Israel, And I will your backslidings heal: Behold we come with one accord To Thee that art our God the Lord.

Truly in vain do men expect Salvation for the hills t' effect: And from the mountains multitude No safety sure can we conclude.

But truly in the Lord our God Is sure Salvation to be had: The saving health of Israel Is all of Him, we know full well.

Let Israel's God be blest therefore From first to last for evermore: And let all faithfull people then Give praise to God, and say Amen.

HYMN 224. The old good way.

Have mercy, &c.

Jer. 6.16.

THus saith the Holy One stand in the ways and see, Inquire, I say, for th' old good way, the paths that ancient be.

And walk ye all therein, and ye shall surely find A very blest Estate of rest contenting to your mind.

To Israel's God most high be all the praise therefore; And people then say all Amen, Amen, for evermore.

HYMN 225. False fears and false Deities de∣rided.

Our Father, &c.

Jer. 10.1.

HEar ye the Word which God doth say to you O house of Israel, Learn not, saith He, the heathens way, nor fear what they count terrible: At signs of Heaven be not dismay'd, For so the Heathens are afraid.

For peoples Customs are but vain, one from the Forrest cuts a tree (The work of workmen are they plain) which with the Ax cut down must be: Then deckt with silver and with gold, The nails and hammer make it hold.

Like a Palm-tree they stand upright, but never can they speak a word; And needs they must be born by might that go no farther than they're stirr'd: Let no man fear these Logs of Wood, For they can do nor ill, nor good.

Since there is none like thee, O Lord, for very great indeed thou art, ••reat is thy Name upon record, who would not fear thee from their heart? The King of Nations thou dost reign, And fear to thee doth appertain.

2. PART.

v. 8, 10, 11.

But they that err and Idolize are altogether brutes and fools: The stock's a Book of vanities, but the true God for ever rules. He is the Lord the Living One The King with everlasting Throne.

His Wrath shall cause the Earth to quake, the Nations cannot bear his blow: Tell them, that Gods which did not make the Heavens above, and Earth below, Even they shall perish from this Earth, And from these Heavens which God set forth.

Each man is brutish in his skill, men founder is confounded quite, His graven Image fools him still, his molten Image gives no light: They have no breath, they are but vain, The work of errors are they plain.

The workmen and these works of his shall perish at God's visiting, Unlike them Jacob's portion is for he hath formed every thing.

Israel's the lot which he doth claim, The Lord of Hosts is his great Name.

3. PART.

Isa. 44.9.

They that make graven Images are all of them meer vanity, They profit not howe're they please, as they themselves can testifie; They see not neither do they know, But may be sham'd it should be so.

Who makes a God or who hath fram'd a molten Image good for nought? Lo all his fellows shall be sham'd, they are but men that have them wrought: Let all stand up and gather near They shall be strook with shame and fear.

The Smith with Tongs doth work it warm, with Hammers doth he fashion it, He works it with his strength of arm, he labours and is hunger-bit: His strength must fail upon constraint, He drinks no Water, and is faint.

The Carpenter extends his rule, with lines he makes it as he please; He fits it with his plaining tool, he marks it out with compasses: He forms it like a man compleat, To make a household God most neat.

4. PART.

He hews him down the Cedar-trees, he takes the Cypress and the Oke, He glories in the choice of these which through the forrest bear the stroak: He plants an Ash as also fit, And leaves the rain to nourish it.

With part thereof the fire is fed, he warms his body at the flames, He kindles it, He breaketh bread, yea, and a God thereof he frames: A graven Image makes he new, He worships and falls down thereto.

A part he burneth in the fire, with part thereof he eateth flesh, He rosteth rost to his desire, and doth with warmth himself refresh: Aha, saith he, well warm'd am I, I saw the fire burn cheerfully.

He maketh of the residue his God, his graven Image dear, He worships it, and prays thereto, he falleth down with awfull fear: He saith to it, Deliver me, I for my God acknowledge thee.

5. PART.

v. 18.20.

They have not known nor understood, for God hath closed up their eyes,

They can not see their Gods are wood, yea, he hath shut their heart likewise, So that they can not understand That there's a lye in their right hand.

And none considers in his heart, nor hath he wit or skill to say, I in the fire have burned part, yea, I have baked bread this day: Upon its Coals I bak'd my loaf, I rosted flesh and ate thereof.

And shall I make the residue abomination for to be, Shall I fall down and kneel, think you, unto the stock of any tree? He feeds on ashes all that while, An heart deceiv'd doth him beguile.

Isa. 44.21, 22.

O Jacob and O ISRAEL my servant whom I form'd of old, As a thick Cloud I did dispell thy sins and failings manifold; Remember, and return to me, For I alone redeemed thee.

6. PART.

v. 24.

Thus hath the Lord thy Saviour said, that from the womb hath formed thee, I am the Lord that all things made, Heaven is stretcht out alone by ME. I spread abroad the spacious Earth And by my self I laid it forth.

The lyars signs that nullifies, and makes Diviners mad to be, That turneth back the worldly wise, and makes their knowledge foolery. That seals the Word of's Ministers And counsels of his Messengers.

That to Jerus••lem doth declare thou shalt have dwellers in thee plac'd, And Judah's Cities I will rear, and raise up all her places waste: That saith unto the deeps, be dry, And dry thy Rivers up will I.

That said of Cyrus (yet unborn) He is my Shepherd: it is He That all my pleasure shall perform, and saith, Jerus••lem built shall be; And to the Templ' of old He said, Thy sure Foundation shall be lay'd.

HYMN 226. Humble Supplications in hard times.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Jer. 14.7.

O Lord though our INIQUITIES As Witnesses against US rise, Yet do it of thine own accord, Save us for thy Names sake, O Lord.

For we confess our sins to thee, And our backslidings many be: And we have very oftentimes Provok'd thee by our hainous crimes.

O Thou the Hope of ISRAEL That canst assist and save so well, The onely Saviour we confess In time of trouble and distress:

Why shouldest thou whom Nations dread, Be as a man ASTONISHED? And as a very MIGHTY MAN That cannot save, for who then can?

And thou, although estranged thus, Art in the very midst OF US: And we are called by thy Name, O leave us not to utter shame.

HYMN 227. The Glorious Throne.

Jer. 17.12.

A Glorious Throne exalted high (since first it did begin) Is that high place the Sanctuary, which our God dwelleth in.

O God the Hope of ISRAEL and worthily so nam'd, All that forsake thee, and rebell, shall surely be asham'd!

Yea, all that do depart from ME (in whom they ought to trust) Saith God the Lord, destroy'd shall be, and written in the dust.

Because they have forsook the Lord the fountain and the spring

Of Living Waters richly stor'd with every good thing.

Heal me, O Lord, as I have crav'd, and healed I shall be: O save me and I shall be sav'd, my praise is all of Thee.

HYMN 228. Vanity of Idols.

Jer. 16.19.

O Lord that art my strength and fort, my refuge in distress; The Gentiles shall to Thee resort, and thus they shall confess: Surely Our Fathers (dull of sense) have all inherited lies, And Vanity, and things from whence no profit can arise.

Shall men make Gods unto themselves and Lo! no Gods they be? Therefore, behold, my Soul resolves this once to make them see. And I will make them know my hand, my might shall they record: And they shall know and understand that my Name is the LORD.

HYMN 229. The Partridge.

Jer. 17.11.

LIke as the Partridge gathers young which are not of her own, So he that gathers wealth by wrong, but right thereto hath none,

Shall leave them to another's Rule in midst of all his years, And at his end shall be a Fool as by his work appears.

HYMN 230. Wo to Oppressors.

Jer. 22.13.

WO be to him that builds his house by wrong and injury. And by such deeds injurious his Chambers builds on high. That doth his neighbours service use without the wages pay'd: And doth the recompence refuse that should maintain his trade.

1 Thes. 4.6. Col. 3.25.

For God avengeth all such things as we have told you true, And testifi'd with threatenings before-hand warning you. For the wrong-doer surely shall. receive his just reward: And there is no respect at all of persons with the Lord.

HYMN 231. The LORD our Righteous∣ness.

Jer. 23.6.

BEhold the days shall shortly come, as saith the Lord our God, That I will raise to David's House a righteous Branch and ROD.

And there shall reign and prosper much a King of Royal birth, And judgment He shall execute, and justice in the Earth. In His daies Judah shall be sav'd, and Israel dwell in peace: And by this Name shall he be call'd, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

HYMN 232. Effectual Prayer of Captives.

All People, &c.

Jer. 29.11.

I Know the thoughts of my good Will which towards you I, saith God, intend The thoughts of peace and not of ill to give you an expected end.

And then unfeignedly shall ye call on ME, and your Prayers pursue: And ye shall go and pray to ME, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek and find me then when ye seek for me from your heart: And I will bring you back agen from whence I caus'd you to depart.

And found I will be at your hands and have your Captive-state restor'd, And gather you from all the Lands to which I drove you, saith the Lord.

HYMN 223. Restoration of Israel:

Jer. 30.7.

ALAS! the Day is great and chief, and none is like thereto, It is the time of Jacob's grief, but he shall well go through.

And it shall come to pass that day, saith God the Lord of hosts, That I will take the yoke away that binds his neck so close.

And I will burst their bonds that hour, they shall not bind a limb: And strangers shall no more have power to serve themselves of him.

But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their good King, Whom I'le raise up with ruling rod for their good governing.

O let the God of Israel then be prais'd with one accord, And people then say all Amen, Amen, praise ye the Lord.

HYMN 234. The constancy of God's covenant.

Jer. 33.20.

THUS saith the Lord, if ye can break my Covenant of the day, My law of night if ye can check, and take those times away.

My Covenant may be broken then with David serving ME, That he shall have no Son to reign, or on his Throne to be.

The Levites, Priests and Ministers, and Jacob's House may fail, And Covenants with your Ancestors no more at all avail. But as the Hosts above our head in Heaven, none can count; Nor can the Seas be numbered to what their sands amount.

So I'le increase and still prefer my Servant David's seed, And Levites that administer to me, as I decreed. Let Israel's God be prais'd therefore of all, and all together; From first to last for evermore Amen, Amen for ever.

HYMN 235. Murmuring restrained.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Lam. 3.39.

WHY should a living man complain, A man that sins to suffer pain? For it is good in very truth That man should bear his yoke in youth.

He sits alone with silent soul Because He bears a just controul: He puts his mouth into the dust If hope may be in whom to trust.

He gives his cheek to them that smite, He's filled with reproach and spite: For thus he thinks God will restore, And not cast off for evermore.

For though a while He causeth grief Yet will He surely send relief: And in his mercies multitude Shall his compassions be renew'd.

HYMN 236. God afflicts not willingly.

Lam. 3.33.

THE Lord afflicts not willingly, Nor grieves mankind with misery: To crush with foot or cruel hand All the poor prisoners of the Land.

Of man's just right to turn the stream, Before the face of God Supream; And to subvert a mans just cause The Lord approves not by his Laws.

Who's he that saith a thing shall be, And it is come to pass saith he, When possibly God may permit, But never He commanded it.

Psal. 62. ult.

Out of the mouth of God most high Comes evil and good with equity, For both He censures what is nought, And gives reward to works well wrought.

Let Israel's God be prais'd therefore From first to last for evermore: And people all with one accord Say here Amen, praise ye the Lord.

HYMN 237. Exhortations to Repentance.

All people, &c. or, O Lord consider, &c. putting two Verses into a Staff.

Lament. 3.40.

COme, let us search and try our way; And turn to God without delay: Let us lift up our hearts and hands To God in Heaven that commands.

We have transgrest, we have rebell'd, And thou thy pardon hast withheld: Thy cloud hath hid us from thy view, So that our prayer should not pass through.

Turn us, O God, turn us to Thee, And truly turned we shall be: Renew our days as 'twas of old Thy face and favour to behold.

Psalm 79. ult.

So we thy flock and pasture-store Shall give Thee thanks for evermore, And will shew forth to great and small Thy praise to generations all.

HYMN 238. The Sins of Sodom recorded.

Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Ezek. 16.49.

REmember this was Sodom's sin great pride and fullness of their bread: And IDLENESS was much therein, and in her Daughters whom she fed.

And also that she did not care to strengthen the distressed hand Of such as poor and needy were, but waxed haughty in the Land:

Abominable deeds did they, which were committed in my view: Therefore I took them quite away as I my self saw good to do.

Psal. 106.

Let Israel's God the Lord most high be prais'd and magnify'd therefore, And let his glorious Majesty fill all the Earth for evermore.

HYMN 239. Pacification by Repentance.

Ezek. 16.62.

I Will establish now with thee the Covenant of my Word: And thou shalt know this thing of Me, that I am God the Lord.

That thou mayst call to mind the same, and be confounded sore, And never speak a word for shame of this thing any more.

When I am pacifi'd in this towards thee gratiously For all that thou hast done amiss, saith God the Lord most high.

HYMN 240. The exact Doom.

Ezek. 18.4, 5, 9,

BEhold saith God all souls are mine and mine peculiarly: The Fathers, Sons, and every ones, the Soul that sins shall die. But if a man be just and good, and doth things just and right, The Lord will give that man to live for ever in his sight.

10, 11, 14.

If he beget a wicked Son, that Son shall surely die: His bloud I'll shed on his own head for living wickedly. Now lo! if he beget a Son his Fathers sins that sees▪ And shuns them quite, and doth things right, even he shall live in these.

24.

If he that seems a righteous man forsakes good ways and true, And takes a course to worse and worse, as wicked people do. The righteousness that he hath done no more shall mention'd be, But in the sin he trespass'd in most surely die shall he.

21, 27, 22.

And when the wicked leaves his lusts, and for my grace doth strive:

And shall delight to walk aright, he saves his soul alive: All the transgressions he hath done no more shall mention'd be; In his approved righteousness most surely live shall he.

29. Psal. 106. ult.

O House of Israel hearken then, for needs confess ye must My Ways to be pure Equity, and your own ways unjust. Let Israel's great and gratious God have all the praise therefore, And people then say all Amen, Amen for evermore.

HYMN 241. Repentance urged.

Ezek. 18.30.

REpent and turn your selves from sin, and all transgressions flee: And so the sin ye lived in your ruin shall not be.

Cast your transgressions quite away, trespass no more thereby; Make new your heart, and inward part, for wherefore will ye die?

Why will ye die, O Israel's House, when I such warning give? Ill pleas'd am I that sinners die, wherefore return and live.

HYMN 242. God's Oath of Grace.

Ezek. 33.10.

WHEN Israel speaks, as thinking thus, the Lord will not forgive: And we in our transgressions pine, and how then shall we live? Say to them, as I live saith God, I swear it solemnly, I have no pleasure in the death of wicked men that die.

But that the wicked man should turn from his ungodly way, That's my desire and my delight, thus therefore shalt thou say. O turn ye, turn ye speedily from evil, and do well; For wherefore will ye chuse to die, O House of Israel?

HYMN 243. The Sabbath.

Ezek. 20.12.

MOreover said the Lord to me, I gave my Sabbaths signs to be betwixt my self and them, That they might know assuredly I am the Lord that sanctify and make them holy men.

But Israel's House rebell'd no less Against me in the Wilderness than by their former sin:

And they despis'd my Judgments too Which if a man with care shall do he shall even live therein.

My Sabbaths they did much pollute, Then threatned I to EXECUTE my Wrath in great degree: Yet for my Names sake wrought I then, That it among the HEATHEN men polluted might not be.

2. PART. v. 18, 20.

Thus to your children I did say, Walk ye not in your Fathers way, but let my paths be trod: Hallow my Sabbaths which shall show My Covenant, that ye may know I am the Lord your God.

Yet did their whole posterity Rebell against me wickedly, and did my Laws transgress: Wherefore I threatned to let fall And power my wrath upon them all within the Wilderness.

Yet shall the House of Israel Serve me at home, and please me well, and there will I require Your First-Fruits and your Offerings, Your Odors and your holy things and all that I desire.

3 PART. v. 42.15.

And ye shall know that I am God That brought you to your own abode, and gave into your hands The Land of Israel which I sware To you and to your Fathers there, the glory of all Lands.

And there shall ye remember still Your ways and all your doings ill wherewith ye were defil'd: And loath your selves in your own sight For all your deeds that were not right when ye are reconcil'd.

And ye shall know that I am God When I have wrought with you abroad My Name for to record: Not answering to your wicked ways, Nor deeds corrupt in former daies, O Israel, saith the Lord.

HYMN 244. Ezekiel's evil Hearers.

To the Tune of the Ten Commandments.

Ezek. 33.30.

O Son of man thy people (still) Are talking of thee very ill; They talk against thee by the wall And doors of houses where they call.

To one another thus they talk, Brother to Brother as they walk: Come pray you let us hear the word that now proceedeth from the Lord.

And they come to thee, not a few, And as the People use to do: They sit intent before thy face As People whom my Name doth grace.

They hear thy Words as faithfull men, But never will they practice them, For with their mouth much love they show, But after gain their heart doth go.

2. PART.

Moreover know, O Son of Man, Thy people blame thee all they can, They take the oportunity To talk against thee secretly.

And whatsoever they profess Their heart pursues their Covetousness: And thou art as a Song most choice Of one that hath a pleasant Voice.

As one that giveth great content By playing on an Instrument; For this is their perpetual spot They hear thy Words but do them not.

And when the matters propheci'd Are come to pass and verifi'd, And come they must: then shall they know They had a Prophet told them so.

HYMN 245. Vniting the Nation.

Give laud, &c.

Ezek. 37.21.

BEhold now I will take the Sons of Israel, And them one Nation make in Israel where they dwell: And there they shall In midst of thee divided be no more at all.

Nor shall themselves defile with Idols any more; And their transgressions vile I will take off the score: And David there Shall be my King for governing my People dear.

Isa. 40.11.

And he shall lead his flock as Shepherds that have care, Gathering his Lambs whole stock, them in his bosome bear: And with mild hand Lead those along that are with young in all the land.

Ezek. 37.23.

And I will save them sure out of their darksome dens, Where they have dwelt impure, and will their Conscience cleanse.

So their abode Shall be with ME, and I will be the Lord their God.

26.

Moreover I will make a Covenant of peace For Israel's dear sake to stand and to increase. I'le heap their store, And fix my Name in midst of them for evermore.

HYMN 246. Michael our Prince.

The mighty God, &c.

Dan. 12. from 1. to v. 5. and 10.

AT that time shall stand up Michael your Prince for children of his people that shall stand: And troub'lous times shall be as were not since there was a Nation liv'd in any land. Then shall thy people all obtain salvation That in the book of life have nomination.

And many of them that sleep in dust forlorn shall waken: some to everlasting light, And some to shame and everlasting scorn: the wise shall shine as firmament most bright: And they that turn to righteousness great store Shall shine as stars in heaven for evermore.

And many people shall be purifi'd from filthiness of their iniquity,

And many shall be white (as purely try'd) but still the wicked shall do wickedly; And none shall understand that live profanely, But wise and good men shall perceive most plainly.

Let Israel's God the Lord that is most high be prais'd therefore and wear the sovereign Crown; And let the whole Earth universally, be filled with his glory and renown: And let Gods chosen People, altogether, Give praise to Him and say Amen for ever.

HYMN 247. Back-slidings censured, or Israels Revolt.

Hos. 11.1.

WHEN Israel was a tender child then did I bear him love, And call'd my Son from Lands defil'd; from Egypt to remove. But as they call'd they went from them, and did their fancies please; They sacrific'd to Baalim then and Graven Images.

And Ephraim too I taught to go I took him by the Arm, But they their healer did not know, that cur'd them of their harm. With cords of men I did them draw, with cords of kindness great, I took the yoke from off their jaw, and lay'd before them meat.

HYMN 248. Aptness to back-sliding holpen by Grace.

Hos. 11.7.

MY Folk are to back-sliding bent, and 'tis their general fault, And though they call'd them to repent, none would his name exalt. How shall I give thee up, O how shall I to wrath deliver? My heart is turn'd within me now, my bowels yern together.

I will not execute my Wrath with fury to annoy: I will not take the angry path to ruin and destroy. O Ephraim look for grace from Me, for I am God not man: And, dwelling in the midst of thee, the Holy One I am.

HYMN 249. The Calves of our Lips. Have mercy, &c.

Hos. 14.1.

O Israel return unto the Lord thy God, For thou by thy Iniquity hast many by-paths trod.

Take with you humble Words, and turn unto the Lord, And to him say, now Lord we pray to thee with one accord.

O take away from us all our INIQUITIE And now that we draw nigh to thee receive us gratiously.

So shall we render soon the Fatlings of the Lip: The thanks that bind a gratefull mind no praise to overslip.

Nor will we have recourse for ever any more To th' outward force of men or Horse, as was done heretofore.

Nor to our handy Works will say in any case Our Gods are ye: for Lord in thee the Fatherless find Grace.

2. METRE.

Where Righteousness doth, &c.

O Israel return unto the Lord thy God; For thou mayst well discern what by-paths thou hast trod. Take with you gratious Words, and turn, unanimous, Unto the Lord of Lords, and say unto him thus.

Lord, take thou quite away all our iniquity; And as we humbly pray receive us gratiously.

So we whom grace absolves and from our sins sets free, Shall sacrifice the Calves of these our lips to thee.

It is not outward force which we shall trust unto, Nor strength of man or horse or any works we do. Nor any more shall we those Idol-Gods embrace, For Lord alone in thee the Fatherless find grace.

HYMN 250. Backslidings healed.

All People, &c.

Hos. 14.4.

I'LE heal backsliding Israel and love him freely, as I say, Because mine anger that did swell, is ceast from him, and turn'd away.

My grace as dew I will bestow on Israel that he may come on: And he shall like a lilly grow, and cast forth roots as Lebanon.

His branches shall grow forth full well, his beauty as the Olive-tree; As Lebanon shall be her smell, and such his spreading out shall be.

And they that dwell beneath his shade, shall then return from captive state:

They shall revive, as Corn ith' blade, and grow as Vines most delicate.

Ephraim shall say, what should I do with shamefull Idols any more? I heard him and observ'd him too, he will not do as heretofore.

Now am I like a green firr tree that groweth on the fertile ground: And know, O Israel, that from Me and me alone thy fruit is found.

Whoso is wise and well inclin'd even he shall understand these things, And he that hath a prudent mind shall know whence all this blessing springs.

For all the Ways of God are right, and all the just shall walk therein; Yet shall transgressors deviate quite, still running into farther sin.

HYMN 251. The Fast proclaimed.

Joel 2.15.

BLOW ye with Trumpets loudest blast in Sion, warning all; O sanctifie a solemn Fast, the great Assembly call. The Congregation sanctifie, the people gather near; Assemble th' Elders generally, gather the children dear.

O Let the Bride-groom (humbled low) pass from his chamber door, The Bride out of her closet go, to humble them the more. And let the Priests (the Courts that keep) the Ministers of the Lord, Between the Porch and Altar weep, and say with one accord.

Lord, spare thy people, do not give thine Heritage to reproach; And under Heathen Lords to live that on thy right encroach. And then the Lord of Israel will be jealous for his Land; And they shall find most plentifull compassions at his hand.

HYMN 252. Three and four Transgressions.

Amos 1.3, 6, &c.

THUS saith the Lord, for three sad crimes Damascus did, and four, I'le take revenge in after-times, and never quit their score. Because they threshed Gilead with iron flayls in wars But fire shall burn up Benhadad, and break Damascus bars.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of Gaza, and for four, I'le take revenge in after-times and never quit their score. Because they carried quite away the whole captivity,

Delivering them to be a prey unto the Enemy.

2. PART.

Amos 1.9, 11.

Thus saith the Lord for three sad crimes of Tyrus, and for four, I'le take revenge in after times, and never quit their score. Because the whole captivity of Edom they resign'd, The Covenant so brotherly came not into their mind.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of Edom, and for four, I'le take revenge in after times and never quit their score. For hunting Jacob with the sword (all pity cast aside) His anger was extremely stirr'd, and ever did abide.

3. PART.

Amos 1.13.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of Ammon, and for four, I'le take revenge in after times and never quit their score. For ripping up with cruel hand the Women then with Child, T' enlarge the borders of their Land that was with bloud defil'd▪

Chap. 2.1, 3.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of MOAB, and for four, I'le take revenge in after times and never quit their score. Because the King of Edom's bones they burned into lime, The Judge, the Prince, and their high Thrones shall fall at some sad time.

4. PART.

Chap. 2. v. 4 & 6.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of Judah, and for four, I'le take revenge in after times and not acquit their score. Because they did God's Word despise and did not as he bid, And they were made to err by lies as their Forefathers did.

Thus saith the Lord, for three sad crimes of Israel, and for four, I'le be aveng'd in after times and not acquit their score. Because for silver they did sell the just and righteous Jews, And sold the poor of Israel just for a payr of shooes.

5. PART.

Joel 2.12.

Now therefore turn to me, saith God, and with an heart sincere,

With fasting and with mourning loud, and many a brinish tear. And rent your hearts with one accord, but keep your garments whole, And turn unto the Lord your God withall your heart and soul.

For He is gratious, mercifull, and unto anger slow; Of kindness great, and sensible of our excessive Woe. Who knoweth if He will repent, and blessings leave behind; Meat and drink-offerings to present to your Lord God so kind?

HYMN 253. Heavy Judgments.

Our Father, &c.

Amos 4.5, 6.

O House of Israel, saith the Lord, I smote you at your dining board, I gave you emptiness of teeth In all your Cities to your grief: And want of bread in every place, Yet to repent ye had no grace.

The rain from you I have held back When THREE Months did to Harvest lack; One City I did rain upon, And on another there was none: One piece was rain'd upon and sped, And that which was not withered.

I smote you with a blasting Dew When Gardens, Vineyards, Figtrees grew; And when increas'd your Olive-trees, The Palmer-Worm devour'd all these; Yet turn'd ye not with one accord To seek my favour, saith the Lord.

I sent on you the Pestilence As Egypt felt when ye went thence; Your young men I with sword did slay, Your Horses I did take away; I made the savour of your Camp Come to your Nostrils like a damp.

I have o're-throwen some of you As God Gomorrah overthrew, And Sodom: and by gratious hands Ye were pluckt forth as fire-brands: Yet turn'd ye not with one accord To seek my favour, saith the Lord.

Therefore will I do this to thee, And am resolv'd it so shall be; And since new judgments shall begin, Greater than all that yet have been; Against that time, prepare thou well To meet thy God, O ISRAEL.

For he that did the Mountains form; That did create the Wind and Storm; That shews to man what is his thought, That hath the Morning Darkness wrought, That treads on all the Earths high Coasts His Name is call'd the Lord of Hosts.

Let Israel's God be prais'd therefore From first to last for evermore, And let the whole Earth, up and down, Be filled with his bright renown: And let all sorts of people then Give praise to God, and say Amen.

HYMN 254. Grass-hoppers and Fire.

Amos 7.1.

WHEN God had formed Grass-hoppers, (as once it came to pass) And made them his Commissioners to eat up all the Grass. The time was at the latter growth of shooting out the blade, And I, to see the judgment loath, on this wise spake and said.

Forgive, Lord, our iniquities, I humbly cry and call: By whom shall Jacob's House arise, for he is very small? Then did the Lord repent for this, and thus He said to me, Though they have done so much amiss, yet this thing shall not be.

Then cald He to contend by fire, devouring all the deep, And eat a part though not th' entire, then did I pray and weep; Lord cease these wofull miseries, and hear my cry and call: By whom shall Jacob's House arise, for he is very small?

Then did the Lord repent for this, and thus he said to me, Though they have done so much amiss, yet this thing shall not be. Then shew'd he me a plummer line, pointing at Israel's score: To shew that God would not incline to pardon any more.

Lord spare thy flock, do not condemn, thine Heritage to shame; That Heathens should rule over them dishonouring thy Name▪ For wherefore should the Heathen say, (while we are undertrod) Now where is Israel's God (say they) where Now is Israel's God?

Then will the Lord of 's own accord be jealous for his Land, And pity his own flock that is under the Heathens hand. Let us always give laud and praise, to Israel's God therefore, And people then say all Amen, Amen, for evermore.

HYMN 255. Nonsufficient Sacrifices.

Now Israel may say, &c.

Micah 6.6.

WHerewith shall I, or any man be bold to come before the Lord confidingly, and bow my self before the Lord most high? With Offerings shall I come of flock and fold, Burnt Offerings or with calves a just year old?

Will God be pleas'd, and with our sins dispense for thousands of fat Rams which we shall boyl, or for ten thousand Rivers full of oyl: Shall my first-born my trespass recompence, Fruit of my body for my souls offence?

But he hath shew'd thee what is good, O man, and what doth God the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and exact to be; Mercy to love, and shew it all we can, Walk humbly with thy God, and so go on.

Let Israel's God the Lord that is most high be ever blest and magnifi'd therefore, and let the spacious Earth, the Sea & shore Be filled with his glorious Majesty, And people say Amen unanimously.

HYMN 256. The Treasures of deceit challenged.

The mighty God, &c.

Micah. 6.10. Deut. 25.14.

AND are there yet the treasures of deceit in wicked Houses now so general? And the scant measure, or the small and great, which is abominable unto all: Or shall I count them pure with wicked bal∣lance, And of deceitfull Weight which I can chal∣lenge?

For their rich men are full of violence, and their inhabitants are full of lies, Also their tongue is full of foul offence, and of deceitfull wicked treacheries: Therefore I'le make thee sick in visitation, And for thy sins to be a Desolation.

And thou shalt eat and not be satisfi'd, thy casting down shall be in midst of thee, And thou shalt take fast hold on every side, but not deliver when thy siege shall be: And that which thou deliverest Son or Daugh∣ter I will give up unto the sword and slaughter.

And thou shalt sow but shalt not reap the crop, and thou shalt tread the Olive from the tree, But not anoint thee with the Oyl one drop, and Wine to drink but none at all for thee: Therefore, saith God, return to Me, returning Withall your heart, with fasting, tears and mourning.

And rent your heart, but keep your garment whole, and turn unto your God so patient, So gratious, great in kindness, mercifull: and soon repents him of our punishment: Who knows if He will turn, and leave behind him A blessing, that for ever we may find Him?

HYMN 257. The Priesthood.

The Mighty God, &c.

Zech. 3.1.

AND lo! He shew'd me Joshua God's High Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, And Satan at His right Hand to resist; then spake the Lord to Satan this sharp Word, The Lord that chose His Church check thy de∣sire, For is not this a BRAND pluckt from the fire?

Now Joshua was clad in vile array, and stood before the Angel of the Lord,

And God commanded, take those rags away, and give him change of rayment at my Word, So then they gave him change of rayment brighter, And on his head they set a comely Mitre.

Then did the Angel of the Lord protest if thou, O Joshua, wilt observe my charge, Then will I give thee Walks among the rest, to judge my House and keep my Courts at large: Hear now, O Joshua, my Priest desired, Thou, and thy fellows that are men admired.

2. PART.

Zec. 3.8, 9. Heb. 10.14.

Behold I will bring forth and will advance my choice elected, the foundation stone, My chosen servant who is call'd the Branch, my Well-beloved, and the Holy one, That is endow'd above all mortal merit With all the Graces of my Holy Spirit.

I will engrave with graving of my hand concerning him the Lord of Hosts doth say, And those Iniquities of all the Land I will remove and quit in one short day: For by one Offering made by him that died Perfect for ever are the sanctified.

And in that day, as saith the Lord of Hosts, such amity and unity shall be, That they shall call their friends in all the Coasts under the Vine and under the Fig-tree; Let Israel's God be magnifi'd therefore And people say Amen, for evermore.

HYMN 258. The Brother-hood.

Give laud, &c.

Zech. 7.9.

THUS speaks the Lord of Hosts, let every man of you, In all the Lands and Coasts, just judgment now pursue, And mercy show, Even all ye can, to every man; both friend and foe.

And do not ye oppress the Widow any more, Nor wrong the Fatherless the Stranger nor the Poor: Let none of you His Brother judge, nor bear him grudge whate're ye do.

But they refus'd to hear, and pull'd their neck away, And stopt their willfull ear from all that I did say▪ Yea every one Did quite depart, and make their heart as th' Adamant Stone.

Lest they should hear the Law, and Words which God had sent, Which former Prophets saw, and call'd them to repent: Therefore there came On Israel's Land by God's command great Wrath to flame.

And therefore as He cry'd, and yet they would not hear, So was their cry deny'd, and I would not give ear, Saith God of Hosts: And thus alas! It came to pass in Israel's Coasts.

So I did scatter them as when fierce whirlwinds blow, Among all Nations then, and whom they did not know; And thus their Land And whole Estate lay desolate by God's Command.

Thus was it with the Jew, their Land was left forlorn, That no man might pass through, nor any might return: For their own hand Lay'd desolate that delicate and pleasant Land.

HYMN 259. God's Jewels.

[Where righteousness doth say, &c.]

Mal. 3.16.

THEN they that fear'd the Lord spake oft to one another, And God gave ear and heard What each man told his brother A Book then of record was written of the same For them that fear'd the Lord, and thought upon his Name.

And they shall then be mine in that appointed day When I shall new refine my Jewels, as I say. And I will spare each one of them, as some kind man Spares his obedient Son that serves him all he can.

And then shall ye return, and difference shall be had: That ye may well discern betwixt the good and bad. And ••t will be seen abroad how different is the Lot, 'Twixt him that serveth God, and him that serves him not.

2. METRE.

Have mercy, &c.

Then they that fear'd the Lord spake oft to one another, And God gave ear and (kindly) heard what each man told his brother.

A Book then of record was written of the same, For them that (truly) fear'd the Lord, and thought upon his Name.

And they shall then be mine in that appointed day, When I shall make up, and refine my Jewels, as I say.

And I will spare each one of them, as some kind man Spares his obedient (humble) son that serves him all he can.

And then shall ye return and difference shall be had That ye may well (and soon) discern betwixt the good and bad.

And 'twill be seen abroad how different is the lot 'Twixt him that (truly) serveth God and him that serves him not.

HYMN 260. The Son of Righteousness arising.

Mal. 4.1.

BEhold the day shall come, saith God, that like an Oven shall burn, And all the Wicked and the Proud shall God to Stubble turn. And them into that Oven put (his justice to advance) The day that comes shall burn them up not leaving root nor branch.

But unto you that fear my Name the blessed Son shall spring, Of righteousness, with shining flame and healing in his Wing. And ye, like fatlings of the stall, shall go forth with renown, And have the power wherewithall to tread the Wicked down:

And they beneath your feet shall be as ashes undertrod, When this thing shall be done by Me, saith your Almighty God. Let Israel's God, the Lord most High have all the praise therefore From first to last perpetually, Amen for evermore.

Finis Hymnorum Veteris Testamenti.