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.

HYMNS Out of the NEW TESTAMENT.

HYMN 261. The Fan of Judgment.

Mat. 3.12.

THE Lord, whose fan is in his hand, shall one day purge his floor; And he will purge it thoroughly, that it shall need no more. Into his glorious granary gathering his wheat together: But then will He burn up the chaff, with fire that burns for ever.

HYMN 262. The Agreement necessary.

Mat. 5.25.

AGree thou with thy ENEMY, while with him in the way Lest he should hale thee to the judge, that will compell to pay.

The Judge unto the Officer commit thee by command; And thou be made a Prisoner, under the Serjeants hand.

For verily I tell thee right, from thence thou shalt not get: Till thou hast pay'd the utmost mite, of all thy dreadfull debt.

2. METRE.

All People, &c.

Agree thou with thy Creditor, In dues that he contendeth for; Agree with him betimes I say, While thou art with him in the way.

Lest thou be haled by the foe, Before th'impartial Judge to go; The Judge by his severe command, Commit thee to the Serjeants hand.

And then the Serjeant that doth wait, Shall cast thee into Prison straight. I tell thee thou shalt not get thence Till thou hast pay'd both pounds and pence.

HYMN 263. The Cabinet.

Mat. 6.19.

LAY not your treasures upon Earth where worldlings love to deal, And where the moth and rust corrupt and thieves break through and steal. But heap in heaven treasures pure, from all corruption free; For where your treasure is, be sure your hearts will also be.

HYMN 264. The wise builder.

Mat. 7.24.

WHoever hears these Words of mine and doth them (saith the holy one) Is like a wise man in's design, that built his house on rocky stone.

And Rain and Floods and Winds, in course, Did beat upon that House with force, And it fell not for all the shock, For it was founded on a Rock.

But he that hears without regard, of doing that which I command: To a foolish man shall be compar'd that built his House upon the Sand: Then Flouds of Rain and Tempests great Upon that House did fiercely beat; And down it fell unto the ground, And great the fall thereof was found.

HYMN 265. Our Saviour's Rapture.

Our Father, &c.

Mat. 11.2, 25. Luk. 10.20. John. 5.23.

WHen John the Baptist (free from doubt) Sent two of his Disciples out, To ask our Saviour, and to know If he were very Christ or no, Tell John said Christ, what things they be Which ye your selves do hear and see.

The Blind receive their cheerfull sight, The Lame are heal'd, and walk upright, Deaf hear, and Lepers cleansed are; The Dead rais'd up: these things declare; And while by Worldly-Wise despis'd, The poor are taught and gospeliz'd.

I thank thee, Father, from my heart The Lord of Heaven and Earth that art:

Because thy wisdom hath seen good These things should not be understood: But hid from wise and prudent men, And hast to babes revealed them.

Even so, O Father, let it be, Since so it seemed good to Thee, For what so seemeth in thy sight, Must needs be holy, just and right. God onely wise have praise therefore, From first to last for evermore.

HYMN 266. The Mustard-seed.

All People, &c.

Mat. 11.31.

THE Kingdom of our Lord, indeed, Is like a grain of Mustard-seed: Which sown, of all seeds is the least, But when 'tis grown the most increast.

So grant us, Lord, in every place That we may richly grow in grace: And in the Knowledge of our Lord Whose name we praise with one accord.

HYMN 267. The Leaven.

All People, &c.

Mat. 13.33.

THE Kingdom of God's Word from hea∣ven Is like unto a piece of Leaven, Which in a mass of meal was hid: Untill the whole was leavened.

So grant our Body, Lord, and Soul May be preserv'd entire and whole, In holiness, untill the day Of Christ our Lord, Amen we pray.

HYMN 268. The wise Merchant.

Mat. 13.45. Prov. 2.6.

GOD'S Kingdom in a Christian Is like unto a Merchant-man that sought rich pearls of wealth: Who having found a pearl of price Sold all he had, and did rejoice to buy it for himself.

So grant us, Lord, the truth to buy, And not to sell it foolishly. (for wisdom flows from thee) Instruction, understanding too Grant we may carefully pursue, and rich to God may be.

2. METRE.

To the Tune of the 113. Psalm.

God's Kingdom in a Christian Is like unto a Merchant-man, that sought rich pearls of worldly wealth: Who having found a pearl of price Sold all he had, and did rejoice to buy it wholly for himself. So grant us, Lord, the truth to buy, And not to sell it foolishly.

(for purer wisdom flows from Thee) Instruction; Understanding too Grant we may carefully pursue and wise to God thereby may be.

HYMN 269. The Draw-net.

Mat. 13.47. Pet. 12.3.

THE Kingdom of the Gospel here, which is for grace design'd: Is like a net cast in the Sea, gathering of every kind. Which when 'twas full men drew to shore, sat down to make survey; In Vessels gather'd up the good, and cast the bad away.

So shall it be at this World's end, the Angels shall come forth Severing the wicked from the just on all the Coasts on earth: And they shall cast the wicked ones into a furnace-flame. There shall be weeping, gnashing teeth, and everlasting shame.

HYMN 270. The Fool in grain.

Ye Children, &c.

Luke 12.16.

THere was a certain rich mans ground, That plentifully did abound: and made the wealthy owner say What shall I now devise to do, Because I want a barn or two, wherein I might my harvest lay?

But now it comes into my mind, There is a means that I shall find▪ to lay up all my wealthy Crop: I will pull down my barns, and build Much greater barns, and have them fill'd and heaped up unto the top.

And I will say unto my Soul, Soul, live at ease, without control, eat thou, and drink, and merry be: For worldly goods enough thou hast Lay'd up for many years to last, and there can come no want to thee: Thou fool said God, this night shall they Require thy Soul, and take 't away, what then becomes of all thy store? Such is the man that heaps up wealth, And worldly treasures to himself and is not rich to God, but poor.

HYMN 271. The best fear.

Mat. 10.23. Luke 12.4.

MY friends, said Christ, to you I say fear ye not them that threaten you; And can, perhaps, the body slay, but after that no more can do.

But I will give you warning here, and be ye warned by my word: Whom ye should ever have in fear, namely, the mighty Sovereign Lord.

Who after he hath smote and slain (having all power of life and limb:)

Can cast to hell, and endless pain, yea I say to you, fear ye him.

HYMN 272. The best rejoycing.

Now Israel, &c.

Luke 10.17.

AND lo▪ the Seventy Disciples came▪ As they return'd from preaching of the word And thus they spake & said unto our Lord, O Lord, we cannot but with joy proclaim How Devils are subject to us through thy Name.

Our Saviour said I know it must be so, I saw proud Satan falling from on high Like to a flash of lightning from the Sky. For his power shall come down, but yours shall grow And conquer all the forces of the Foe.

Nevertheless rejoice ye not in this that Devils are subject unto your command, But rather much rejoice to understand. Your Names are written in the book of bliss, And of Eternal life ye shall not miss.

To Him that sits upon the Throne therefore, And unto Christ the Lamb, the Holy One, And to the seven Spirits before the Throne, Ascribe in heaven and earth, on sea and shore Dominion, power and praise for evermore.

HYMN 273. Peace with all men

Rom. 12.18.

AS far as it is possible and in your power doth fall,

Retain ye still this Principle, to live at peace with all.

Because the fruit of righteousness is sown of him in peace, Whose quiet mind is still inclin'd to make Contention cease.

And therefore follow peace with all and holiness together: Without which grace, none see the face of God above for ever.

HYMN 274. Subsistance of God's Kingdom.

Rom. 14.17.

GOD'S Kingdom is not meat and drink, (the things desir'd of most) But righteousness, and peace it is, and joy ith' Holy Ghost.

And he that in these things serves Christ as all men ought to do, Is much set by, of God most high and men commend him too.

Let us therefore pursue the things that make for mutual peace, And things whereby to edifie and make true Love increase.

HYMN 275. Moderate affections. All People, &c.

1 Cor. 7.27.

BRethren, I say, the time is short And this remains for every sort:

The Married so to lead their lives As free, and not as having Wives.

The sad as sorrowing not too deep, But weeping as they did not weep: And they that joy in their fair lot Should joy as if they joyed not.

The buyers free from carefulness, As if not buying to possess: Using the World as doth befit, And not at all abusing it.

For lo! the World doth quite decay, The fashion of it fades away, But he that doth the Will of God Hath an Eternal blest abode.

All Glory to the Holy One That sits upon the soveraign Throne, And to the Lamb of God therefore Be praise and Honour evermore.

HYMN 276. Sowing to the Spirit.

Gal 6.7.

BE not deceiv'd, my brethren dear, God is not mock'd, we know, For all shall reap (for things done here) according as they sow. He, then, that soweth to the flesh corruption shall inherit: And they eternal happiness that sow unto the Spirit.

Unwearied, then, let us pursue good Works, without complaint: For we shall reap in season due if that we do not faint. And taking opportunity, do good to every man, But chiefly to the family of Faith the best we can.

HYMN 277. Amity and Vnity.

Phil. 2.1.

IF any Consolation in Christ is to be had, If any Delectation in love to make us glad.

If any fellowship be felt in God's sweet Spirit of grace, If any bowels that can melt, or mercies taking place.

Fulfill our joy, like-minded be, in mutual love combin'd: Having the self-same amity, and unity of mind.

Let nothing out of strife be done, or of vain-glory wrought, But others to themselves each one preferring in his thought.

And look not every man of you on his own things alone. But on the things of others too, to comfort every one.

HYMN 278. Our Saviour's coming in the Clouds.

1 Thess. 4.16.

THE Lord himself shall once descend from Heaven with a shout, And God's Arch-Angel shall attend, and his loud voice break out. And then the Trump of God likewise shall his alarum sound: And first the dead in Christ shall rise and stand upon the ground.

Then shall the living that remain to Heaven in clouds repair: And be caught up with all the train to meet the Lord ith' air. And then shall we for ever joy in presence of the Lord: Comfort your selves then mutually with this so sweet a Word.

HYMN 279. Charity charged upon the rich.

Now Israel, &c.

1 Tim. 6.17.

THE rich in this World charge thou solemnly Not to be puffed up with secret pride, Nor in uncertain riches to confide: But on the living Lord that they rely, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

That they do good, and largely give to th'poor▪ Ready to distribute of their estate, And to be willing to communicate: A good foundation laying up in store Of gaining life that lasts for evermore.

HYMN 280. The Call of Grace.

2 Tim. 1.9.

TIS God that lov'd and called us with an effectual call, Of his good pleasure marvellous, not for our Works at all.

But of his purpose and his grace ordain'd to every man, And by Christ Jesus given us before the World began.

And now is made most manifest in that which doth appear By coming of the ever-blest the Lord our Saviour dear.

Who hath abolish'd death thereby, and hath, in every place, Brought life and immortality to light by Gospel grace.

To God the Father and the Son and Holy Ghost therefore, Be glory done as first begun, and shall be evermore.

HYMN 281. The Cross and Crown.

All People, &c.

2 Tim. 2.11.

THIS is a very faithfull Word, If we be dead with Christ our Lord, Then will he us to life restore To live with him for evermore.

For if we suffer and sustain, Then shall we with him also reign: If we deny Him, then, I say, He'll deny us another day.

If we believe not (wanting faith) Yet is He true to what He saith: And howsoe'er we falsify Yet can He not Himself deny.

All Glory to the Holy One That sits upon the sovereign throne, And to the Lamb of God therefore Be glory now and evermore.

HYMN 282. Vessels to honour.

2 Tim. 2.19. Mat. 22.14. Eph. 5.3.

THE Lord's foundation stedfast is having this seal thereto, The Lord well knoweth who are his, and they are but a few. Therefore let all unanimously that name Christ's Holy Name, Depart from all iniquity which is to Saints a shame.

But in a great House are at once Vessels, as seemeth good, Not onely Gold and Silver ones. but likewise Earth and Wood. And unto Honour some are fram'd, and to dishonour some: If any shun the things here blam'd, and as refin'd do come.

A Vessel it shall him produce of honour and regard, A meet one for the masters use, to all good Works prepar'd. To him that sits upon the throne and to the Lamb therefore Be Glory and Dominion and Honour evermore.

HYMN 283. Evill Times to be amended.

The Mighty God, &c.

2 Tim. 3.1.

THIS also known, as that which must be known, that in the last days perilous times shall come, Men shall be lovers of themselves alone, proud, covetous, boasters, and blasphemers some, Unthankfull, yielding Parents no subjection, Unholy, void of natural affection.

Truce-breakers, false accusers, violent, Traitors, and disesteemers of the good, Heady, highminded, and incontinent, loving their pleasures, more than loving God; Having a form of Godliness, denying The power thereof: with these is no com∣plying.

2 Tim. 2.22. 1 Thes 5.15.

But follow righteousness with one accord, faith, charity, and peace unanimously, With all the Saints that call upon the Lord, out of an heart that savours purity. And that which good is, follow altogether, Among your selves, and all men whatsoever.

HYMN 284. Exhortations to good Works.

All people, &c.

Tit. 3.1.

PUT them in mind, all those of ours Subject to be to higher Powers: To Principalities and STATES, And duteous to the MAGISTRATES.

To all good Works addicted still, To speak of no man any ill: To use no bitterness or gall, But shewing meekness unto all.

For we our selves, in former times, Were much addicted to such crimes▪ Foolish we were, to envy bent, And very DISOBEDIENT.

Deceiv'd, and serving divers lusts, And pleasures most pernicious: Living in malice, and debate, Hatefull and given much to hate.

But when appear'd the kinder love Of God our Saviour from above, Not by the Works of Righteousness Which we have acted more or less:

But saved by his grace from Wrath, And his regenerating BATH, And by the very innermost Renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Which he shed on us plenteously By Jesus Christ to justify,

Through grace which He towards us bears, Of endless life to make us HEIRS.

HYMN 285. Dehortation from evil.

All People, &c.

Tit. 1.8.

THIS is a saying very true, And always to be press'd on you, That they that do in God believe Should carefully good Works atchieve.

And let all ours learn to produce Good Works for charitable use: These things are good for us and them, And profitable unto MEN.

But foolish Questions still avoid, And Genealogies of pride, And vain contentions of the Law, Which from the Ways of Truth withdraw.

An Heretick of any SECT When twice admonisht soon reject, Knowing such are subverted quite, And sin against their inward light.

And shun the Words that are prophane, And bablings which are all in vain, For they will grow to more excess Of error and ungodliness.

Beware therefore lest, led aside By wicked errors, wandring wide, And leaving truth which ye profess Ye fall from your own stedfastness.

But have a care to grow a pace, To grow in knowledge and in grace, Knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord, Whose Name we praise with one accord.

HYMN 286. Pure and impure described.

Tit. 1.15. Rev. 3.4.

UNTO the pure are all things pure, but to the faithless and defil'd Is nothing so, ye may be sure, for mind and conscience both are soil'd.

They still profess to know the Lord, but in their deeds deny him straight, Abominable, and untow'rd and t' every good Work reprobate.

But some are holy and upright, and keep their garments clean and fair: And these shall walk with God in White, for worthy Saints esteem'd they are.

HYMN 287. Fruitfulness blessed.

Heb. 6.7.

THE Earth which oft drinks in the showers, And bringeth forth sweet Herbs & Flowers, Meet for his use by whom 't was drest Is blest of God, and richly blest.

But that which bringeth forth far worse Rejected is, and near a curse: Namely, that brings forth thorns and briers Whose end is burning, flames and fires.

HYMN 288. Charity rewarded.

Heb. 6.10. Gal. 6.9.

THE Lord is not unrighteous, your labours to forget: Which ye have shew'd towards his Name•• with love so strongly set. In that ye have administred unto his Saints so dear; And still ye do administer unto his servants here.

And we desire each one of you with diligence to attend Unto the full assurances of Hope unto the end. And be not slack through negligence, but followers of all these That thorough Faith and Patience obtain'd the Promises.

And let us all good Works pursue, not fainting any jot, For we shall reap in season due if fainting hinder not. To Father Son and Holy One be praise and glory then, As was and is and shall be his World without end Amen.

HYMN 289. Benediction from the God of peace.

Heb. 13.20.

THE God of peace we now intreat that brought our Saviour from the dead,

That Shepherd of the Sheep so great whose pretious bloud for us was shed:

And th' everlasting Covenant seal'd through that dear bloud which he did spill Make you compleat through grace reveal'd in all good Works to do his will:

Working in you through Jesus Christ things pleasing for the Lord to see, To whom be glory in the high'st for evermore, Amen say we.

HYMN 290. Evenness of Spirit in all condi∣tions.

Jam. 1.9.

LET Brethren of a low degree be joyfull to be rais'd, But rich mens joy made low to be, and say the Lord be prais'd.

For as the flower of the grass so shall he fade away, When sun with burning heat shall pass unto the height of day.

The grass doth fade, the flower decays, its grace and fashion goes: So shall the rich man in his ways fade as the withering Rose.

HYMN 291. War with lusts.

Jam. 4.1.

FROM whence come Wars and Fightings keen Come they not from your lusts unseen?

The lusts that in your members are These are the causes of this War: Ye lust and have not, ye are slain, With strong desire, and can't obtain.

Ye fight and war and cannot have Because ye do not wisely crave, Ye ask and have not that or this, Because ye ask so much amiss; For what ye ask ye aim it thus That ye may spend it on your lusts.

O ye adulterers that while, And ye Adulteresses vile, Know ye not that the World abroad Hath friendship opposite to God? Who then doth with the World agree The enemy of God shall be.

Think ye the Scripture saith not well, The Spririt that in us doth dwell Lusteth to envy and disdain, As apt to let such vices raign, But yet doth God more grace bestow These wicked lusts to overthrow.

Job 40.11.

Who saith, God doth the proud abase, But to the humble giveth grace: Submit your selves to God therefore, Resist the Devil evermore: And if ye do resist him so He will flee from you as his foe.

HYMN 292. Our Advocate in Heaven.

1 John 2.1.

MY little ones, I write to you that ye sin not at all, But if by great infirmity some into sin do fall: We have a potent Advocate with God the Father true, Jesus the just to mediate, and intercede for you.

A full PROPITIATION for all our sins is He, And not for our great sins alone that pardoned they might be, But also for them all he pleads that penitently grieve, And for the whole World intercedes whoever in him believe.

HYMN 293. The Children of God and Satan described.

1 John 3.10.

IN this are manifestly known the Sons of God most high, And children of the Wicked One are also known hereby.

Whoever doth not righteousness is not of God begot: Nor he (whatever he profess) his Brother that loves not.

And this command from God above we have tow'rd one another, That he that bears to God true love, should also love his brother.

HYMN 294. God's Children and Satan's di∣stinguished.

1 John 3.10. Mat. 19.17.

BY this the Sons of God are known, And Children of the Wicked One, The man that doth not righteousness Is not of God we well may guess, Neither is he of God above That bears his brother no true love.

Mat. 19.17.

For this Commandement we have From God, who all the precepts gave, That he that loveth God most high Should love his brother accordingly▪ God onely good have praise therefore From first to last for evermore.

HYMN 295. Want of Charity discovered and censured.

1 John 3.16.

THE love of God well know we thus Because He lost his life for us, And for our brethrens sake should we Lay down our lives, if need should be.

But whoso hath this Worlds great store And sees his brother very poor, Yet no compassion stirs within How dwells the love of God in him?

For thus, at judgment, Christ will say, Since ye did shew your love no way To one oth' least that here ye see Ye did it not, no, not to Me.

And this uncharitable Train Shall pack away to endless pain, But then the righteous (ye must know) Into Eternal life shall go.

All glory to the Holy One That sits upon the Soveraign Throne, And to the Lamb of God therefore Be praise and honour evermore.

HYMN 296. St. Judes Admonition, Exhorta∣tion and Benediction.

Ye Children, &c.

Behold as Holy Henoch said, The Lord doth come with power array'd, and millions of his Holy Ones; To execute his judgment just On Wicked men led by their Lust to set them at his Judgment Thrones: And to convince ungodly men And all the multitudes of them of all their Wicked Actions done: Also of all their speeches hard Which Wicked men without regard have spoke against the Holy One.

But ye beloved edifie Your selves in Faith and Piety: still praying in the Holy Ghost,

And keep your selves in God's true love, Looking for mercy from above to save you to the uttermost. Now unto him whose power on high Can keep you from Apostasie, and with great joy present you then, And set you faultless in his sight, To him be Majesty and might, and Honour evermore, Amen.

HYMN 297. The Joys of Heaven.

The mighty God, &c.

Rev. 7.13.

ONE of the Elders asked me, and said, Who are these persons in White Robes ar∣ray'd? And answer'd straight, to put me out of doubt, These from great tribulations did come out; And they have washt their Robes and white they made them In Christ the Lambs pure bloud, whose Robes array'd them.

Wherefore they are before the Throne so bright, And serve God in the Temple day and night, And he that sitteth on the Throne on high Shall dwell among them everlastingly: And they shall never thirst nor hunger more, Nor Sun nor Heat sustain, as heretofore.

For Christ the Lamb that sitteth on the Throne With Heavenly Joys shall feed them every one, And he shall lead them to the living springs Where the pure Water flows with all good things; And he shall wipe away scorns and disgraces, And all sad tears from off his peoples faces.

To him that is and was and is to come, To God Almighty and to Christ his Son, And to the seven Spirits before the Throne, The ever blest and everlasting One, To Father, Son and Holy Ghost together Be Kingdom, Glory, Power and Praise for ever.

HYMN 298. The New Jerusalem.

Rev. 10.5.

BEhold I saw an Angel stand Upon the Sea and on the Land, to Heaven lifting up his hand, And by the Everliving swore, By him that made both Sea and Shore, that shortly time should be no more.

Rev. 21.1.

New Heavens and new Earths, that day, I saw, for th' old was past away, and no created Sea could stay, I saw the Holy City then The Heavenly Jerusalem a coming down from God to men.

And as a Bride she did appear Adorned for her Husband dear, and Heaven's loud voices I did hear, God's Tabernacle is with men And lo! the Lord shall dwell with them and they be his JERVSALEM.

All tears shall God wipe from their eyes, And no more death nor grief nor cries shall evermore the Saints surprize. For former things are past away; And thus I heard him (that same day) that sat upon the Throne to say.

HYMN 299. The Coronation of Spiritual Con∣querors, and reward of Carnal evil doers.

Rev. 21.5, 6, 7, 8.

BEhold I make even all things new, Write it said He, I 'monish you, for faithfull are these Words and true: And said He, it is done and past, I'm he that hastned it so fast, Alph' and Omega, First and Last.

To him that is a-thirst will I, Give of the Fountain never dry, the Wat'r of Life gratuitously: He shall have all th' inheritance free That overcomes: and shall have Mee his God: and he my Son shall be.

But daunted ones devoyd of grace, And all the unbelieving Race, and all th' abominable base; The murderers and whoremongers, Inchanters, Witches, poysoners, all lyars, and Idolaters,

Shall have their part in that broad lake Which coals of fire and brimstone make, this after death must they partake: Glory to God Almighty then, As was of old, is now agen, and shall be evermore, Amen.

HYMN 300. The Celestial Paradise.

Our Father, &c.

Rev. 22.1.

AND after this, he shewed me, A River pure as pure might be, A Crystal River very clear Of Waters of life which did appear, Proceeding from the throne of God, And from the Lambs most blest abode.

Rev. 22.2.

Amidst the Street of Salem new, And on each side the River, grew The tree of life most rich and rare, Twelve sorts of fruit, each month, it bare▪ And, lo! the leaves thereto design'd, Were for the healing of mankind.

Rev. 3.12.

To him that overcomes, said he, I'll give to eat of that same tree Of life: and he shall have abode Within the Temple of my God: A pillar there shall he persever, And shall no more go forth for ever.

Rev. 1.4.

To God the Father and the Son, Which is, and was, and is to come: And to the seven Spirits of might, Which are before the Throne so bright, Be given all the praise therefore, From first to last for evermore.

The End of the Hymns out of the New Testament.