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.

A CATALOGUE OF VERTUOUS WOMEN, &c.

Gen. 3.26. & Vers. 15.

EVE the Mother of all Living, Who was sav'd by God's forgiving, When she first embrac'd the Creed Of the precious promis'd Seed;

Gen. 3.15.

Deeply doubtless she resented Her transgression, and repented, Had her share in Godly grief, If therein she was not chief.

Ibidem.

Neither did she so far grieve, But as truly did believe In the Saviour promised▪ Who should break the Serpents head.

Gen. 4.2. Vers. 25, 26.

She brought forth the Proto-Martyr, And good Seth that follow'd after:

In the daies of which good man Publick worship first began.

Gen. 4.25.

And of whom she prophecy'd, This, said she, did God provide In the room of Abel, slain By the cruel hand of Cain.

Ibidem.

Thus was Eve (in primest place) Mother of the Godly Race: And a Pattern doth appear Of them all that follow here.

1 Pet. 3.6. Gen. 17.15.

Sarah that obey'd the word Of her Dear, and call'd him Lord, Though her own Name mounts so high, And a like doth signifie. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Lady or Princess.

Gen. 22.20, &c.

Milcah, mightily renown'd, Springing forth as fruitfull Ground, Mother of Bethuel, saith the text, Father of her that follows next.

Gen. 27.26. & Vers. 12.

Good Rebeccah griev'd to death With the Heathenish Dames of Heth: Wishing him the Prista••ly place, That was principal in ••er••ce.

Mat. 2.18. Gen. 35.19. Jer. 31.15.

Beauteous Rachel, whose sad cross, Lack of Children, seem'd as loss: For as loss it was resented, And as mournfully lamented.

See Diod. on Mat. 2.16. &c. & Jer. 31.15.

Thus by Faith she prophecy'd Of the Bethlehem babes that dy'd: Mothers tears, and Childrens bloud See Postsc. Made a lamentable Floud. Note 1st.

Gen. 30.22. Ch. 41.28.36. Ch. 47.25.

Yet at length her Prayers obtain'd Such a Seed as rul'd and reign'd: Joseph, Aegypt's Foster Father, Who did large provisions gather.

1 Sam. 10.21.24. Gen. 48.16. Ch. 49.22.

Benjamin, from whom did spring Israel's first exalted King: And from Joseph soon ensu'd Ephraim's populous multitude.

Exod. 6.20. ch. 2.2. &c. 1.21.

Next is to be registred Resolute good Jochebed, For, three months she hid her Son Th' Inquisition so to shun.

Exod. 12.2.4. •• Heb. 11.23.

Miriam next, tha•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her hand (Fearing not the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 command) To secure the Babe ••rom slaughter, Kindly sav'd by Pharaoh's Daughter.

Exod. 2.9, &c.

Whom the beauteous Babe did please, Weeping in the Bull-Rushes: And her pity and her purse Hir'd for him an Hebrew Nurse.

Ibidem.

Witty Miriam calls her Mother To be Nurse unto her Brother: So the Serpent and the Dove Met alike in Miriam's Love.

Micah 6.2. Numb. 36.59.

So was she recorded One With her Brethren so well known: One in their Levitick Stock, One in Conduct of the Flock.

Numb. 27.3. ch. 36.10.

And the Daughters we must add Of the good Zelophehad: That were free from all Defection, And still follow'd God's direction.

Ch. 27.4, 7—

That could plead their own just right, Well approv'd in God's own sight: And a President became For the Females rightfull claim.

Ver. 8. See the Postscr. Note 2.

And did prove Estates to fix With the true inheretrix: Which by Reason should withdraw, Th' Error of the Salique Law.

Isa. 49.23.

For we find by Scripture search Nursing Mothers to the Church: And that Queens as well as Kings Are ordain'd to such high things.

Josh. 15.19. Psal. 87.7.

Acsah too that ask'd a blessing, Granted at her first addressing: Th' upper and the nether Springs, Which import far higher things.

Ruth 1, &c.

Naomi for faith excelling, Whiles with hatefull Heathens dwelling: And when plung'd in deep distress Was upheld by humbleness.

Josh. 6.17. Ruth 1.17. Mat. 1.8.

Rahab too, and Vertuous Ruth, Converts that embrac'd the truth: Both enroll'd by Grace Divine In our blessed Saviour's Line.

Josh. 2.4.6.

O the noble faith of her That was but a Victualler! That durst boldly hide the Spies In her flax-spread Galleries.

15, 16.

And did wisely let them down By the wall-side of the Town: And then shew'd them how to shun The pursuit that was begun.

Ver. 11.

That believ'd God's truth and might, As a true born Israelite: And declar'd this faith of hers To her welcome messengers.

Ver. 9.

Well, said she, I understand God hath given you the Land: And the Land I'll tell you true Faints and melts because of you.

Ver. 10.

For they heard how God most high Made for you the Red-Sea dry: And, for your sake, how he smote Kings that were of famous note.

Ver. 12.

Swear now to me by the Lord, For my safety from the Sword, Give a token that secures Her, that stak'd her life for yours.

Ver. 18.

Tye, said they, this scarlet line To thy window for a sign: All that keep within thy door Shall be safe upon our Score.

Ver. 19.

All without shall bear their guilt 〈…〉〈…〉 their bloud be spilt: So she bargain'd and brought in All her houshold and her kin.

Ruth 1.15.

As for Ruth, no surer dart Ever hit true lovers heart: Cleaving so resolvedly To her Mother Naomi.

16.

Press me not, said that kind Daughter, From access or following after; Where thou goest, I'll go thither, And where lodge, we'll lodge together.

16, 17.

For my people thine I'll own▪ For my God, thy God alone: Where thou diest and art buried, There I'll die and be interred.

God do so to me and more If I give this journey o're: Or if ought but death shall be Cause to separate me and thee.

18.

Thus good Ruth the Moabitess Prov'd a perfect Proselytess, Quitting Countrey, Customs, Kindred, All for Christ, nor would be hindred.

Judg. 4.4. &c.

Deb'rah Wife of Lapidoth, Prophetess and Princess both: That arose by God's command As a mother in the Land.

Ver. 14, —

That did call a War, and carry it Spite of Sisera's Iron Charet: And did startle (to the best) Brave resolves in Barach's breast.

Judg. 4.21. Ch. 5.14.

Jael too for courage crown'd Nayling Sisera to the Ground: Whose blest honour did augment, Past all womens in the Tent.

Judg. 13.23. Heb. 11.33.

And the wife of Manoah, Her good Husbands prop and stay: Mother of the Nazarite, Magnifi'd for faith and fight.

1 Sam. 1.18, 27. Ch. 2.22.

Hannah that reviv'd by prayer, And obtain'd a Son and Heir: Vow'd him freely to the Lord, With her Husbands joynt accord.

Chap. 2.1, 22. Luke 1.46.

And presents him most compleat With her Gratulation great: Whose inspired heart and tongue▪ Hint the Holy Virgin's Song.

1 Sam. 4.19.

And the wife of Phinehas, For a Zealous Saint she was, More lamenting Israel's fall, Than her own loss, life and all.

1 Sam. 4.20.

Troubled that the Ark was taken, Israel's Glory so forsaken: Calls her dear Child Ichabod, Grieving for the Ark of God.

1 Sam. 25.18, 31.

Abigail that durst ingage To subdue a Souldiers rage, Courted David, sought and serv'd him, From a rash revenge preserv'd him.

Ver. 23.

Wins him with Civility, Wisedom and Humility: Of his greatness prophecy'd, And e're long became his bride.

2 Sam. 20.16.

And that peaceable good Spirit Of immortal fame and merit: She that at the siege of Abel Carried all so amicable.

Ibidem.

Talking with the royal Captain, Of the fears the Town was wrapt in: How, said she, canst thou take joy God's inheritance to destroy?

Ibidem.

Far from me be such a fury, Said the Captain, I'll assure ye: Onely Sheba's body bring, That hath clasht against the King.

Ibidem.

Then she treats with all the Town, Crys the trayterous Rebel down, Gets his head cast o're the wall, And forthwith appeaseth all.

Pro. 31.1. Mat. 1.6.

And the Queen we count upon, That instructed Solomon: Princess in the Royal Line, Prompting Oracles Divine.

1 Kings 10.1. Mat. 12.42.

And the Queen of famous Note, That did come from parts remote, In her zeal to seek the Lord, As both Testaments record.

Ibidem.

That with Solomon did consult, Asking questions difficult: And the Heaven-inspired King Answered her to every thing.

Ibidem.

That admir'd the works she saw, And his Oeconomick Law: Most of all his rare Ascent, As he to the Temple went.

Ibidem.

'Tis a true report, said she, Which at home I heard of thee: But by what I now behold, Lo! the one half was not told.

Ibidem. Ver. 9.

Blessed be the Lord thy God, And thy people I applaud, That such Oracles may hear, From a Prince to them so near.

1 Kings 17.13.

She that first Elijah fed With the last bit of her bread: But by faith which she embrac'd, Neither Meal nor Oyl did wast.

2 Kings 4.6.

And that faithfull widdow too That had vessels not enough To contain the Liquor fill'd, Which by Miracle distill'd.

2 Kings 4.36. Heb. 11.35.

And the Shunamites good wife, Who receiv'd her dead to life: Whom Elisha did require That did such a Guest invite.

2 Kings 5.1.

And the little Captive Maid From her native Land convey'd, That did wait on Naaman's wife, And put fair to end the strife.

Ver. 3.24.

Would to God (said she) my Maste•• Were (in spight of all disaster) With the Prophet, that doth dwell In Samaria's CITTADEL.

Ver. 3.14.15.

For he would undoubtedly Cure him of his Leprosy: So he went and was made whole Both in body and in soul.

2 Chr. 34.22, 26. Mat. 1.10.

Hulldah dwelling in the College, Perfect in Prophetick knowledge: That did comfort King Josiah, (Grand-child to King Hezekiah.)

Ver. 28.24.

And assur'd his peacefull end, For even death must stand his friend: Though God's wrathfull indignation Scorcht the following Generation.

Ver. 25.

And the Prophetess was bold To denounce the wrath foretold: For their sin so far incens'd, That the wrath could not be quench'd.

Esther 4.14.

Royal Esther, most religious, Born as for a time prodigious: With her Maidens mourn'd and pray'd, Stak'd her life for Israel's aid.

Chap. 7.6.

Cop'd with Haman, got the day, Which advanced Mordecay: And if any women be Types of Christ, 'tis such as she.

Thus the Testament hath told Worthy Women of the Old: Now great Ladies take a view Of the Worthies of the New.

Luke 1.6. Ver. 44.

First Elizabeth admire, Whose obedience was entire: Whose sweet Babe within her womb, Leap'd for joy that Christ was come.

Luke 2▪ 37. Chap. 7.38.

Aged Anna that did pray Instantly both night and day. Mary that did weep as fast, Till her tears all price surpast.

Luke 10.39.

Th' other Mary we must mention, Who to Christ gave great attention: For the better part she chose, That which she could never lose.

John 11.2. Mat. 26.13.

This was also she that shed Precious Spiknard on his head: Which to such account did come, As must pass through Christendom.

Luke 11.38. John 11.5.

And good Martha must be number'd, Though with too much care encumber'd: One expresly said to be Lov'd of Christ among the three.

John 11.22.

For she was a sound believer, Though her brothers death did grieve her: And (confiding) told our Lord He could raise him at a word.

Mark 12.44. 2 Cor. 9.7.

And the Widdow whose Gratuity Pass'd the rich mens superfluity: Though two mites was all her living▪ So much priz'd is cheerfull giving.

Mark 7.26. Mat. 15.20.

And the Greek Syro-Phoenician, Who so press'd her bold petition: Term of Dog she overcomes, Dogs (said she) may eat the crums.

Ibidem.

So she stoutly stood the tryal, And misdoubted no denial: For she knew she should prevail, And her faith did never fail.

Mat. 9.20.

Such a faith did Christ avouch Hers to be that stole a touch: For, said that believing soul, If I touch I shall be whole.

John 4.26.

She of Sychar made acquainted With Messias, (God's Annointed) She made all the Town to know, They believ'd and found it so.

John 19.25. Luke 2.35.

And of them that so surpass Was the wife of Cleophas, Sympathizing in the smart, That did pierce the Virgins heart.

Ibidem. See Postscript Note the third.

And the Virgins Sister there That did like affection bear: And Salome, who likewise Did so strongly Sympathize.

Luke 8.2. Mat. 27.46.

And that Godly Convert then Called Mary Magdalen: Who last serv'd our Saviour slain, And first saw him rais'd again.

Acts 9.39. ch. 17.34.

Tabitha that did prepare Garments for the poor to wear: Damaris that clave to Paul When the learn'd neglected all.

Acts 12.14.

Rhoda that knew Peter's Voice, And thereat did so rejoyce: That she straight ran in, and said, Here's the man for whom we pray'd.

Acts 16.14. &c.

She whose heart the Lord did open To attend to what was spoken: And her heart set ••pe (to ••each her,) Sets her house so to the Preacher.

Rom. 16.8.

Phoebe that did service pay To the Church of Cenchrea: And Priscilla that did purchase Thanks of all the Gentile-Churches.

Ver. 6.12.

Mary too, a Saint illustrious, And for Saints dear sakes industrious: So Tryphaena's works import, And Tryphosa's came not short.

2 Tim. 1.5. ch. 3.15.

Lois, next (as Scripture saith) In whom dwell'd unfeigned faith: And Eunice prais'd as high, Which two train'd up Timothy.

2 John 1. &c.

And the Lady call'd Elect, With the Robes of Vertue deckt: And her Children from their youth Walking stedfast in the truth.

Rom. 16.15. Phil. 4.3. 2 John 13.

Some but named are set down, And a Name is some renown: Here a Sister, there a Wife, Owned in the book of life▪

Phil. 4.3. Luke 8.3.

Women then as well as Men Have their praise by Scripture pen: Women of their substance lent To our Lord with one assent.

Luke 8.3.

One of these was good Susanna, And the Noble Dame Joanna (Herod's Stewards wife) was one, And a many more unknown.

Luke 23.27. Ver. 40.55.

Women did with mournfull breath, Most of all lament his death: Women at his Grave did grieve, On the sacred Sabbath Eve.

Luke 23.50. chap. 24.1.

And (that past) they did not fear To embalm his body there: And had there the best inspection, First, into his Resurrection.

Acts 17.4.12.

Lastly (to give all their due) Famous women, and not few, Were converted, and strait-way, At the Gospels spring of day.

Wherefore to conclude the story Of this faithfull Female glory, One thing more I must annex In the honour of your Sex.

Mat. 1.27. Luke 1.44, 48.

One of yours excell'd all other, That was both a Maid and Mother: Whom all Generations shall Blessed Virgin-Mother call.

Luke 1.32. Ver. 46.

Mother of Almighty God, Celebrated all abroad: Yet was she of meek behaviour Magnifying Christ our Saviour.

Heb. 1.6. Luke 2.10.

Whom all Angels evermore Are commanded to adore; And with joy they all obey, Witness this triumphant day.

FINIS.