Divine meditations upon several subjects whereunto is annexed Gods love and man's unworthiness, with several divine ejaculations / written by John Quarles.

Adams Petition to God.

Incensed Father of eternal light, Permit a darkened Soul t' approach the sight Of thine incomparble eye; unmask Thy Anger-clouded Soul, and let me ask Forgiveness for those loading Crimes which press My stagg'ring Soul; I know not whom t'address My apostate self unto, but only thee, Whom I offended; Please to pity me: I have no pleasing sacrifice t' attone Thy wrathful Brest, except a hearty groan

That's quadrupl'd with grief; Oh deign to look Upon the lines of my all-blotted book: Although I'm full of most detested spots, Yet Lord, I know that thou canst read my blots; Oh read them then, and let thy mercies run With thy progressive eye; I am undone, If not forgiven; Lord I thee implore To shew some mercy to me, thou hast store, Decipher all my sins, and let them not Bear record in thy Rouls, but rest forgot; Revoke this Act of death, that I may sing Th' admired mercies of so blest a King. Oh lift me up, that now am thrown below; Make not my Soul the Custom-house of woe. Oh hear these bitter groans that I have spent, And send some comfort from thy Parliament.