Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gardens, digested into three distinct poems. To which is prefixed, a poeticall description, of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy. By VVilliam Prynne, late exile, and close prisoner in the sayd Castle. A poem of The soules complaint against the body; and Comfortable cordialls against the discomforts of imprisonment, &c. are hereto annexed.

About this Item

Title
Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gardens, digested into three distinct poems. To which is prefixed, a poeticall description, of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy. By VVilliam Prynne, late exile, and close prisoner in the sayd Castle. A poem of The soules complaint against the body; and Comfortable cordialls against the discomforts of imprisonment, &c. are hereto annexed.
Author
Prynne, William, 1600-1669.
Publication
London :: printed by Tho. Cotes, for Michael Sparke Senior, and are to be sold by Peter Inch of Chester,
1641.
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Subject terms
Jesus Christ -- Poetry -- Early works to 1800.
Christian literature -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A91224.0001.001
Cite this Item
"Mount-Orgueil: or Divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplation of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rockes, 2. Seas, 3. Gardens, digested into three distinct poems. To which is prefixed, a poeticall description, of Mount-Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersy. By VVilliam Prynne, late exile, and close prisoner in the sayd Castle. A poem of The soules complaint against the body; and Comfortable cordialls against the discomforts of imprisonment, &c. are hereto annexed." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A91224.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 17, 2024.

Pages

THE PROEME.

WHen from the lofty* 1.1 Castle I espie The ragged Rocks, which round about it lye; My Working thoughts begin from thence to raise Somea 1.2 Meditations, to their Makers Praise, And mine own Profit: which my heart may warm, Yea mount to Heaven, and vaine fancies charm.

Page 2

Meditations of the first Ranke, Pa∣rallelling Christ and Rockes to∣gether.
ANd first, the Rockes doe lively represent A complete Image, full of sweete content, Of Christ our Rocke; sith that both They and He In Name and Nature fitly doe agree. Are they cal'd Rockes? So he in sacred Writ Ab 1.3 Rocke is stil'd, in these regards most fit.
1.
The Stony Rockes no other Father know But God who made them, from whosec 1.4 word they flow So Christ (both God and Man) no Father knowes Butd 1.5 God eternall; from whose Loines he flowes By such ae 1.6 Generation as exceedes Mens shallow Thoughts, and in them wonder breeds.
2.
Rockes are thef 1.7 firmest ground whereon to lay, And found such buildings as shall not decay. But last and stand in spite of Floods, Stormes, wind, Which may beate on them, yet no entrance finde, Sog 1.8 Christ's the onely Rocke, the tryed stone On which the Church is built: On Him alone Our Soules so safe, fast, firmely, founded lye, That they shall stand for all eternity Unshaken, undemolisht, maugre all Theh 1.9 Stormes, Flouds, Winds, that on them beat & fall

Page 3

Through Men or Devils Malice: Happie they Who on this firme Rocke, all their buildings lay.
3.
Rockes yeeld the sweetesti 1.10 Honey, Men to feede: Thek 1.11 sweetest honey comforts, Joyes proceede From Christ our Rock, Mens drooping souls to cheare And sweeten all sowre Crosses which they beare.
4.
All precious Stones, and Jewels Rocks doe breed: All Gemmes and Pearles of Grace froml 1.12 Christ proceed The first, our Bodies decke, but for a space; The last, ourm 1.13 Souls, with an eternall Grace. The first, in Mans eyes are a lovely sight; The last in Gods eyes makes us shine most bright. O let us then, these Jewels onely prise, Which make usn 1.14 comely in Gods sacred eyes.
5.
The richest Mines of Silver, Gold, Tin, Lead, Brasse, Copper, in the wombes ofo 1.15 Rockes are bred: Whence not digg'd out with pains, they uselesse lie And none are better'd, or enricht thereby. Thus all the Mines, and Treasures of Gods Grace Arep 1.16 hid in Christ, as in their proper place. Yet none doe happie, rich, or wealthy grow By these hidde Treasures, though they overflow; But those who take muchq 1.17 paines to dig them thence With Prayers, Teares, Faith, Hope, and Patience. O let us then be ever drawing Oare Out of our Rock Christ, in whom there's such store

Page 4

Of richest golden Mines, that allr 1.18 who will May there their Soules, and Bagges for ever fill.
6.
The purest, best, and pleasanist waters spring Out ofs 1.19 Rockes sides; which sweete refreshment bring To Man and Beast, whose Thirst they quench and stay, Their bodies bathe, and wash their filth away. Thus from our Rocke Christ, and his pierced side, Such pearelesse Streames oft 1.20 Blood and Water glide, (To save, bathe, clense, refresh all broken Hearts, And quench hell flames, with Sathans, fiery Darts:) As farre surpasse the purest Streames that flow, From all the Rockes, or Fountaines here below. And now (me thinks)v 1.21 the Rock in wildernesse Whence streames of waters gushed to redresse, And quench the Peoples Thirst, when Moses Rod It smote, and pierced by command from God. (Yea every Rock whence Cristall waters spring) A livelyx 1.22 Picture was, and is to bring Our Rocke Christ to our Mindes, and to present Him to our eyes, and Hearts with great content: From whose pierc'd Hands and side with Nayles and Speare, Wholey 1.23 Streames of precious Blood, and waters cleare Did sweetely flow, Gods wrath to quench, allay, His peoples Thirst, and wash their sinnes away. We neede not then a Crucifixe, to bring Christ to our Mindes, sith every Rocke and Spring That flowes from thence, doth in morez 1.24 lively wise Present Christ and his Passion to our Eyes; Let Papists then behold their painted stickes; Each Rocke to me shall be a Crucifixe, Asa 1.25 God hath made it: and shall teach me more, Than all the Pictures of the Roman Whore;

Page 5

Which are meereb 1.26 Idoll, heathenish vanities, Andc 1.27 teach nought else, but Errors, Sinnes, and Lies.
7.
Rockes yeeld a pleasantd 1.28 shade against the Heate, The scorching Sun and Storms that on Men beate; Which sweete Refreshment to the weary brings, And cooles them more than any limpid Springs. Christ our Rocke is a sweete refreshinge 1.29 shade Against all Heates that scorch, all sinnes that lade His Saints; whose weary Sinne-burnt Soules can gaine Nof 1.30 rest but in his shade, which ends their paine; Yea fills them with suchg 1.31 Peace, Ioy, Chearefulnesse, That they an Heaven here on Earth possesse. O let us still abide in this blest shade, Where-with our soules are eas'd, and happy made.
8.
The Holes and Clifts in Rockes to which Menh 1.32 flye In times of Danger, for Security; Paint out the Holes, Clifts, wounds in Christs pierc'd i 1.33 side Feete, Hands, wherein our Soules may safely hide Themselves against all stormes that Devils, Hell, World, flesh, or Sinne can raise up, them to quell. O let us to these blessed Holes, Clifts flye For Shelter, and in them both live and dye. Yea let each Hole and Clift which we espie In Rocks, present Christs wounds, Holes, to our Eye, And so imprint them in our Hearts and Minde, That they may still sweete Solace in them finde.

Page 6

9.
Rockes seldomek 1.34 weare or waste, but last and know No changes, while Things, Seas still ebbe, and flow About them. So our Rocke Christ lasts for aye Without all Change, bothl 1.35 yesterday, to day, And still the same for all eternitie, When all things else decay, waxe, old and dye. Friends, Parents, Kindred, Goods, Lands, Cities, States, Kings, Kingdomes, yea the world, havem 1.36 all their Fates, Falls, Changes, Periods; and doe passe away; Whiles Christ our Rocke stands firme at the n 1.37 same stay. No change, ageo 1.38 death can on him seaze, or lite, He still continues in the selfe-same plight, O let us then make Him our onelyp 1.39 stay, Friend, Treasure, Portion, who thus lasts for aye, Then when all Friends, Helpes, Stayes, Hopes else faile, He Aloneq 1.40 more than all these to us will be. Oh prize Him most who doth all else excell, And still remaines when they bid us farewell.
10.
Rockes are to Men ther 1.41 strongest, safest Fence, Fort, Refuge in all Dangers: and from hence Most Castles, Townes, Forts on them setled ar, Which guard whole Kingdomes, both in Peace and war; To these men in all places use to flye For ayde and shelter in extremitie, And is not Christ our Rocke, the strongest Mound, The safests 1.42 refuge of his Saints? who found

Page 7

Their Forts, strength, fafty upon Him, and flye To him alone in all their Miserie? Where they in safty live, and dare defie Both Men and Devils with securitie. O let us then on Him alone repose Our Soules, who willt 1.43 protect them from all foes.
11.
Doves, Eagles, Conies, Fish inv 1.44 Rockes doe breed, Build, dwell and hide themselves: Christs chosen seede Inx 1.45 Him alone breed, build, dwell, live, and hide From all such Perills as shall them betide. Let this their wisedome teach all others grace In this Rock Christ, their Strength, Nests, Homes to place.
12.
Rockes have no outwardy 1.46 forme nor comelinesse To make them lovely.z 1.47 Scripture is expresse That Christ our Rocke had none, whence mosta 1.48 despise Him whiles they view Him but with carnall Eyes. And yet as Rockes, though ragged, vile and bare In outward forme, containe within them rare And precious Jewels, Stones, Mines, of all Kinds; So though our Rocke, Christ, unto carnall Minds In outward shew seemes base; yet in Him lye Theb 1.49 richest Treasures, Mines, Gems, hid from eye: O judge not then byc 1.50 out side, since corse skinne And rags oft times have Treasures, Pearlesd 1.51 within, Whiles guilded Outsides (like ae 1.52 painted Grave) Nought else but Dust, Drosse, Dung, within them have.

Page 8

13.
Rockes fence the Land against the raging Seas, Which else would swallow it with speed, and ease. Sof 1.53 Christ defends his Church and feeble Sheepe, Gainst Devills, Tyrants, Wolves; who else would sweepe Them cleane away, and speedily devoure, If not protected by his Mighty Power. O give Him then the praise of this sweete Grace Who thus preserves us safe in every place.
14.
Rockes oft times Harbours make for Ships to ride In safty both from Pirats, Stormes, winds, Tide. So Christ our Rocke, ang 1.54 Harbour is to all, Who flye to Him, and for helpe on him call In all their Troubles; where they may repose Themselves in safty, maugre Stormes, or Foes.
15.
Rockes through the world neare hand dispersed lie For Men toh 1.55 flye too, in extremitie. Christ ini 1.56 all places is still neare at hand, A Rocke to shield, and guard his chosen Band, In all their Dangers, and perplexities, Thrice happy he who in him fenced lies.
16.
God well accepted in most gratefull wise, And by some wonder grac'd the Sacrifice

Page 9

Which holy Men upon barek 1.57 Rockes did lay, And offer to him; not on Altars gay. Thus God those Praises, Almes, Teares, Prayers, Cryes, (A Christians best and onelyl 1.58 Sacrifice) Doth most regard, and them alone approve Which laid onm 1.59 Christ our Rocke, doe from Him move, And mount to Heavenn 1.60 sweetned with the fume Of his rich Odors, which their stincke consume.
17.
Altars of old were built ono 1.61 Rockes; to shew That we nop 1.62 Altar else but Christ should know; And that all Altars, Offerings must proceede From Him, or else theyle stand us in no steede. Those Altars then are built but on theq 1.63 Sand, And sure to fall, which on Christ doe not stand; As none doe now, sithr 1.64 Christs death overthrew All Altars but Himselfe, both old and new.
18.
No lasie, fearefull Persons can ascend Steepe Craggies 1.65 Rockes, but onely those who bend Their Mindes, Force, Might thereto, who hardly get Vpon them but with earnest paine and sweat, Nay falls, oft-times, and Bruises: so all those Whot 1.66 sloathfull are, with Christ can never close: A Rock so Narrow, craggie, steep, Sublime That, none, with Ease, with Paines,v 1.67 few can Him (Climbe, Meeting withx 1.68 many Rubbes, Falls, Bruises, ere They climbe upon Him, and a building reare. O then let all who thinke this Rocke to mount Of Paines, Sweat, Fals, Rubs, crosses, makey 1.69 account.

Page 10

And then addresse themselves withz 1.70 all their might Ʋnto this worke, which will their paines requite.
19.
Rockes are too Hard, on which to sleepe secure: And they musta 1.71 watch, not sleepe whom Christ keepes sure. Those who intend on this Rocke safe to lye, Mustb 1.72 Shake off sleepe, with all security: Watching andc 1.73 praying alwayes night and day, Lest world, flesh, Devill them surprize and slay.
20.
Rockes in, or neere the Seas, and waters are; And doe their heads, most partd 1.74 above them beare: So Christ, our Rocke, on earth did oft reside Neare to the Sea; yea, on it, walke and ride: Lifting his Head above the proudest Seas, And calming all their raging waves with ease: To shew that He wase 1.75 Supreme Lord of all The world,f 1.76 when Seas and floods before Him fall; Yea, prove a footestoole for his feete to tread, Andg 1.77 walke upon in safty, without dread. All other Rockes in waters sincke, Christ Sailes, Swimmes, walkes upon, and over them prevailes.
21.
Most, ragged Rockes contemne, neglect, forsake, Ʋntill someh 1.78 Dangers force them to betake Themselves unto them for securitie, And then they prayse, and highly magnifie

Page 11

Those Rockes they held before in such disgrace, As the most strong, sweete, best, and safest place. So, most this Rocke Christ quitei 1.79 neglect, despise, Desert, abandon tillk 1.80 extremities Enforce them to Him, to protect and free. Them from the Evills which they feare and flee. And then no place so sweete, safe, delicate As this our Rocke before left desolate. But yet as those who unto Rockes doe flye, Not out of love, but meere necessity, l 1.81 Forsake them quite, when as their Dangers end; So, such whom Feares, or Perills force, and send (Not sincere love) to Christ our Rocke,l 1.82 away Depart from Him, and will no longer stay, When as their Dangers, Troubles, Feares are gone, And most unkindly leave Him all alone. Hence may all Popelings Learne, that Multitude, Christs, or his Churches truth dothm 1.83 ill conclude.
22.
Rockes humble are, and never upwards tend, Mount, swell, butn 1.84 downe their Heads and Motions bend. So Christ our Rocke, dido 1.85 humble and abase Himselfe, but never sought high state or Place; Moving from Heaven downe to Earth below, To quench all Pride, and make men humble grow. Who then dares swell with Pride, or Haughtinesse When Christ, Himselfe did thus so low depresse; Thoughp 1.86 King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, most High, Nay second Person in the Deity?

Page 12

23.
High Rocks a pleasantq 1.87 Prospect yeeld, whence Men Sea, Land, nay Heaven may the better Ken. And with delight see farther, and farre more Than they on lower ground beheld before. Thus men high mounted on our Rock, Christ, view From thence, with most delight, suchr 1.88 pleasant, new And glorious Sights of God, and things above As rap their soules, and make them sicke of Love. Thence they behold all Earthly things below With other Eyes, and both discerne and know Them to be vile, bases 1.89 Drosse, meere vanity; And very small when view'd thus from on high.
24.
Whent 1.90 Serpents upon Rockes doe creepe or glide They leave no tract, way, steps, that can be spide. When that old Serpent Satan crept upon Our Rocke Christ, with his strong Temptation, Hev 1.91 nought prevailed, and no print, step, trace, Of him or his Assaults on Him tooke place.
25.
When Christ our Rocke for forty dayes and nights Had fasted, then the Devill Him incites Tox 1.92 turne stones into Bread, Himselfe to feede; Which He denide, though then he bread did neede: Yet of his tender Mercy to Mankinde, And their poore soules, which are with hunger pinde,

Page 13

He dayly turnes a Rocke (Himselfe) toy 1.93 Bread Of life, wherewith their hungry Soules are fed. Yea, rather than his chosen, Bread shall neede, The Rockes and Stones their Soules shall fat and feede, Nay feast with those sweete wafers, which their Minde, Byz 1.94 Meditations doth within them finde. Let then our Hearts be right we neede not feare Aa 1.95 want of Bread, Food, them to feede, feast, cheare, Since every Rocke and Ston's a Magazine To feede, store, feast them still with Bread Divine.
26.
When God himselfe of his abundant Grace Shew'd forth his glorious Presence, and blest Face To Moses and Elias; he them plac'd Inb 1.96 Clifts or Caves of Rockes, and there them grac'd With this grand Honour, Him to view. When we Gods sweetestc 1.97 Face and Presence long to see, Our Soules to ravish; we must stand, and hide Within the Clifts of our Rock, Christs peirc'd side (Which these Rockes doe butd 1.98 figure,) the sole place Wherein we may with Comfort view Gods face. O let our Soules in these Clifts dwell and stay, Where God hise 1.99 Face and presence doth display, In such sweete manner, and such lively sort, As will our Soules with Love and Joy transport.
27.
Rough ragged Rockes and Stones, cause Men tof 1.100 fall And stumble on them; yea, oft times withall, Themselves to bruise, maime, breake, and hurt so sore, That they expire therewith, and rise no more;

Page 14

Thus Christ becomes to many a wicked one Ag 1.101 Rocke offensive, and a stumbling stone Who on Him stumble, slip, and headlong fall, And dash themselves in pieces therewithall. O then beware how we against Him hit Spurne, stumble, who to() 1.102 shivers will us split.
28.
Someh 1.103 Rockes of flint yeeld softest oyle, to swage, And supple hardest swellings, when they rage. Heale wounds, and Ulcers; supplest Oyles of Grace, Whichi 1.104 soften hard Hearts in a little space; k 1.105 Asswage our Paine, our Aches, wounds, sores cure, Proceede from Christ, a Rocke most firme and sure. Lord give us store of this soft Oyle, that we Our Hearts made soft, our wounds quite heal'd may see.
29.
The Mines and Treasures which in Rockes hid lye, l 1.106 Exceede Mans search and full discovery. The Sacred hidden Treasures which doe dwell In Christ our Rocke, are som 1.107 unsearchable; Vast, boundlesse, endlesse, that they farre exceede Saints largest thoughts and in them wonder breede. O let us still contemplate more and more Then 1.108 height, depth, length, breadth, of this searchlesse store. To fill our Soules with sweetest joyes, and make Them for the Love of these, all else forsake.
30.
Rockes are most Patient and doe noto 1.109 complaine Cry, stir, though Tempests, Seas, Winds, Axes, Rain, Nay Sledges be at upon them, and them bruise, Break, hew, cleave, pierce, cut, lance, & much misuse.

Page 15

So Christ our Rocke, enduredp 1.110 patiently, His Crosse, wrongs, suffrings, Death without all cry, Complainte, resistance; like a Sheepe before Her shearer, which doth never bleate, stir, roare. O let all Christians now at last fromq 1.111 hence Learne to beare crosses with like Patience.
31.
Ther 1.112 Floods, windes, stormes against the Rockes oft beate; They still exposed are to Cold, or Heate: Sometimes the Seas surround & drown them quite And oft the yce and snow them hide from sight: So Christ on earths 1.113 assaulted was with windes; Floodes, Tempests, Heate, Cold, Crosses of all Kindes, Which for a time did hide, immerge, at last, Quite over-whelme Him, till the Storme was past. What Christian then can thinke himselfet 1.114 secure From Stormes, Winds, Floods, sith Christ did them endure?
32.
When Christ gave up the Ghost, thev 1.115 Rockes did rent, The Death of this cheefe Rocke for to lament: Yea, to beare witnesse of his Deity, Who though he dy'd, madex 1.116 Rockes in pieces flye. That Heart is harder, worse than Rock or Stone, Which Christs Death cannot rent, nor cause to moane. Yea everyy 1.117 Rockie Heart must melt, rent, fall In pieces, when Christ shall it shake, smite, call By his Almighty Hand, or voyce; which make The hardestz 1.118 Rockes and Hearts to melt, split, shake.

Page 16

Lord let the Thoughts of thy Death quite relent Our Rockie Hearts, and move them to repent.
33.
Rockesa 1.119 seldome rot, corrupt, or putrifie: b 1.120 Christ rotted not, whilst he in Grave did lye; That so he might our rotten Corps thencec 1.121 raise Free from corruption, Him for aye to prayse. O feare not then, though we returne to dust, Christ at the lastd 1.122 will scoure off all our Rust; Drosse, and Corruption; and our Corps restore To such a State, that it shall dye no more; But live in endlesse Glory, and excell Thee 1.123 shining Rayes, which in Starres, Moone, Sunne, dwell.
34.
Rockes though they drowned be, appeare againe, And fixed in their Places still remaine: So Christ, though Dead, and layd in Grave, arose Againe thef 1.124 third day, yea to Heav'n up goes, Above the reach of Floodes; where he on high Hath fixt his Throne for allg 1.125 Eternity. Here shall this ever-living raised Rocke For everh 1.126 reigne amidst his chosen Flocke.
35.
Our Rocke Christ being dead entombed lay Within ai 1.127 Rocke; where He grim death did slay. We, Dust and Earth, when dead, tok 1.128 them returne: But our dead Rocke, a Rocke had for his Ʋrne: Which Him receiv'd, and habor'd even when, He Slaine, and quitel 1.129 rejected was by Men.

Page 17

O Rockes of Flesh, and Bowels, which firstm 1.130 rent Themselves, His bloody Passion to Lament! And then Him in their Bosomes lodge, and plac'd, When men Him slew, forsook, and most disgrac'd! O men (moren 1.131 hard than any Rocke, Flint, Stone, Who never, pitty, feele, regard, bemoane Christs cruell Death and Passion; nor receive Him, when the Rocks rent, and Him House-roome give! O let us learne from hence, how hard, unkinde, Ingrate we are to Him, who still shallo 1.132 finde More pitty, harbor, love, from Rockes than we, Ʋntill our Hearts by Grace relented be. And let this Thought our Hearts of Rocke now thaw, And Floods of bitter Teares out from them draw.
36.
In fine; when we consider thatp 1.133 Christ lay Intombed in a Rocke; yet the third day Rose up from thence: it makes each Hole and Cave We see in Rockes, no other but a Grave: And points us out theq 1.134 Place where we must lye Inter'd, ere long, and fits us still tor 1.135 dye: Which done, it then revives our soules againe With this sweet Thought, that wes 1.136 shal not remaine In Grave for ever; since our Saviour rose From thence againe, to rayse us, and all those Who are his Members, from the Dust, tot 1.137 raigne In endlesse Blisse, where he doth now remaine. Let these sweete Speculations ever cheare Our drooping Soules, and banish all their Feare.

Page 18

Thus Barren Rockes unto a pious Minde May fruitfull prove, if itv 1.138 Christ in them finde; When they in Name and Nature thus expresse Unto the life, with Fruite and Pleasantnesse; Farre better than all Pictures which the Blinde, Dull Papists make, to bring them to their Minde, As if Hisx 1.139 Word, Workes, Sacraments, yea,y 1.140 Man The truest, best Idaea that we can Have of Him) with each Rocke, Stone they espie Were not enough to shew him to their eye, Without those Idols, which have thrust aside These better Pictures, and Christ from them hide.
38.
Blessed Lord Jesus who thez 1.141 only Rocke, And Refuge art of thine Elected Flocke, Teach us thus sweetely to behold, and view Thee in each Rocke we see; for to renue, Melt, change, delight, rejoyce our Hearts, & make Them out of love to Thee, all elsea 1.142 forsake: Stillb 1.143 living, cleaving, dying unto Thee The onely Rocke, where they full safe shall be.

Page 19

Meditations of the second Kinde, comparing Rockes and Sinnes to∣gether.
AGaine, Me thinkes, the Rockes doe typifie, the nature of those Sinnes which in us lye.
1.
For first, all Rockes exceedingc 1.144 Heavie are, To those who them upon their shoulders beare: Yet Light, not pondrous to their proper place: So, to all Hearts renu'd with saving Grace All sinnes mored 1.145 heavie than Rockes are, and seeme; Though stony hearts them light and easie deeme.e 1.146
2.
Rockes presse and bruise Them sore on whom they lye, And for meere anguish make them Roare and Cry. Sinnes doe so too; when God doth once awake Mens soules, their Pressure makes themf 1.147 roare and quake. O then beware of Sinnes, whichg 1.148 bruise, oppresse Our soules, and worke nought else but their distresse.

Page 20

Rockes sinke, and bend stillh 1.149 downe wards: Sins doe so, Tending toi 1.150 Hell the Place to which they goe: Each day they sinke men lower than they were, Till by degrees they them to Hell downe-beare. Oh then betimes shake off thesek 1.151 weights, which presse And sinke our Soules to Hell, without redresse.
4.
Rocksl 1.152 cold, hard, dead and senselesse are;m 1.153 Sins make All such, within whose Hearts they Lodgings take: Beware then how such Guests we entertaine, By which our Soules are deaded,n 1.154 hurt and Slaine.
5.
Rockes make men oft to stumble, slip, and fall; And break their Bones, Limbs, Neckes, oft times withall: Sinneso 1.155 doe the like. If then we would be free From Slips and Break-neck-falls, we must them flee.
6.
Rockes arep 1.156 deformed, horrid, barren, vile; And so areq 1.157 sinnes, with all whom they defile. These make Men ugly, filthy, Steril, base, And all their Glory, Beauty quite deface; Yea, change them intor 1.158 Monsters, wolves, dogs, swine; Nays 1.159 Fiends incarnate. O then Sinnes decline!
7.
Wheret 1.160 Rockes once fixe their Stations, they remaine; And none but God can move them thence againe: So Sins once setled in Mens Hearts, therev 1.161 stand Fast centred, till Gods owne Almighty hand

Page 21

Expell them thence. O then let no Sinnes lye Upon our Soules, but out them presently, Lest they shouldx 1.162 settle; for if once they rest Within them, they are hardly dispossest.
8.
Rockes arey 1.163 exceeding hard to batter, breake, Mine, pierce, demolish. So let all Men speake, And they must say, thatz 1.164 all Sinnes are so too, We ruine, breake them still with much adoe. He who doth thinke his Sinnes with ease to quell, Shall never tame, nor from him them expell.
9.
Rockes make their Dwellersa 1.165 fearelesse, and secure Of Foes or Perils, and to thinke all sure: Sinnesb 1.166 doe the like to those that in them dwell; Who feare no dangers till they sinke to hell. O then beware lest Sinnes make us secure. No State's so ill, as that which seemes most sure!
10.
All Rockes arec 1.167 blushlesse, shamelesse, impudent; Sinnes are so too, nought can then daunt, relent. And by degrees Mens Hearts, Browes they sod 1.168 steele That they no Sinne, Blush, shame, disgrace can feele. Take heede then lest Sinne, first, us shamelesse make, Then Senselesse, Gracelesse, fit for Hells dread Lake.
11.
Rocks, stonese 1.169 good grounds oft spoyle, and quite deface: Sof 1.170 sinnes good men deprave, marre shame, disgrace.

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12.
Rockes, Stones in fertile Soiles themg 1.171 barren make; And nought will spring, or grow there, till men take Them thence: So Rockes and Stones of Sinne decay, And make Menh 1.172 fruitlesse till remov'd away. No fruites of Grace will ever grow, or sprout Up in them, till these Stones be digged out.
13.
Great Rockesi 1.173 apparent are to each Mans eye, And all both farre and neare may them espie. Great Sinnes in all, ink 1.174 Great men specially, Themselves to all both farre and neare descry; Whencel 1.175 Scripture saith, they are on Rockes Tops set, And doe inm 1.176 others worlds of Sinnes beget. Let all, but Great ones chiefely, all Sinnes flye; Which though kept close, will yetn 1.177 themselves descry.
14.
Wildeo 1.178 Goates in Rockes seede, live, and much delight: So, wicked Men, stil'dp 1.179 Goates both day and night Inq 1.180 sinnes and lusts doe wallow, live and joy; Though they their soules at last will quite destroy. O Madnesse! thus in Sinnes to take delight, Which against God, Soule, Body, alwayesr 1.181 fight.
15.
The Steepe high Rockes, and Forts which on them stand Are nevers 1.182 scal'd, or won but by strong hand;

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Much Paines, Long Seige, or Famine, which doe pine, Or starve their Men, and cause them to resigne. The steepe, high, craggie Rockes and Forts of sin Within us, none can evert 1.183 Scale, force, win, But by strong hand, much cost, paines, sweate, strife, care, Long Seige, and Easts, by which they starved are, And forc'd at last for very want to yeeld, Where else they would have made us leave the field. Its then no easie thing to conquer Sinne: They must bestir them who its Forts would winne.
16.
Rockes,v 1.184 wrecke, sinke, breake Ships, Boates: So Sins oftx 1.185 split And drowne those Soules which on them dash or hit; Not in Sea-waters, but in Lakes of fire, Where they shall ever feele Gods scorching Ile.
17.
Instruct us then, O Christ, our Rocke, to shun All Sinnes as Rockes; and not on them to run, For feare of ruine, and still give us Grace To flye these Rockes of Sinne in every place, With greater care thany 1.186 Sea-men doe avoyde Those noted Rockes, which thousands have destroyd; Not once presuming to approach or hit Against such Rockes; as others Soules have split. And since sunke Rockes ofz 1.187 secret Sinnes that lye Hid in our Hearts, anda 1.188 worldly jollity, Mirth, Pastimes, Pleasures, (where we least suspect, Or feare a danger) most soules still have wreckt; Teach us these Rocks to see, and then to flye With chiefest care, and them not to come nigh.

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Yea, sith no Sea so fraught with Rockes can be, As this whereon our Soules sayle towards Thee: O Shield us from these Rocks by thy great Power, Which else will Split and Sinke us every houre: That so we may at last arive secure In Heaven's blest Port, where Joyes for aye endure.
Meditations of the third Sort, sui∣ting Rockes, and Gods Elect to∣gether.
BEsides, these Rockes present before our Eyes The State of Gods Elect, in lively wise.
1.
Rockes fixed are,b 1.189 not tossed to and fro, With every Winde, Storme, Tempest: Even so Gods Chosen Sheepe withc 1.190 firme and stable Hearts Adhere to Him in all their Troubles, Smarts: No Stormes, Windes, Crosses, Changes can remove Them from his Word, Sonne, Spirit, Truth or Love: Whend 1.191 Troopes of others shrinke, and fall away, They cleave to him as to their onely Stay.
2.
Rockes manye 1.192 Winds, Stormes, Tempests undergoe: And doe not all thef 1.193 Saints, whiles here, doe so?

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3.
Rockes meekely beare and suffer Stormes that fall, And never fret, rage, or repine at all: Godsg 1.194 Saints without all murmur, fret, or cry Their Crosses, Losses beare most quietly; Submitting unto God, whose Providence All bitter Potions doth to them dispense.
4.
All men onh 1.195 Rockes may safely build and rest: And of all trusty friends, the Saints are best. Oni 1.196 whom we may all times with trust relye, And to them in all Dangers safely flye.
5.
Rockesk 1.197 bare and ragged are: The Saints oft l 1.198 Poore, In outward State; but seldome begge at doore.
6.
Yet though Rockes Outsides be but base and rude, They richest Mines within their wombes include: So though Saints Outsides be but ragged, base, Within themm 1.199 hidden lye gold-Mines of Grace.
7.
Stones digged out of Rockes and hewed square Then 1.200 fairest Temples, Buildings make that are.

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So Gods Elect, though vile whiles that they lye In Natures Quarries in deformitie; Yet hew'de out thence, squar'd, polisht by Gods Grace, And layd in order in their proper Place, Becomeo 1.201 rich Temples wherein God doth dwell, And doe all other structures farre excell, In worth, and glory: Lord thus square, and lay Us in these Sacred walls, which last for aye.
8.
Rockes for the most part lowly are and meeke: Thep 1.202 Saints are so, and no high places seeke; In this vaine world; where they dejected lye Till God advance them to the Starrie skie.
9.
Rockes Kingdomes, Islands guard and fortifie Gainst raging Seas, Floods, Stormes, and Enemie: q 1.203 Saints holy Lives, and frequent Prayers ar States surest Guards; Forts, both in Peace and war; These Shield-off Judgements, Foes, Plagues, yea Gods Ire, Which else would wast, and scorch them worse than Fire.
10.
Rockes from their Sides send forthr 1.204 Springs sweete and pure, Mens Thirst to quench, their wounds and sores to cure: And who but Christ and Saints cans 1.205 Comfort bring To Sinne-sicke Soules, and those who feele the Sting Gripes, Torments, Flames of Hell and Conscience? Or binde up broken, hearts, and chase from thence

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All feares and horrid Terrors? Which an Hell On Earth oft make in those wherein they dwell? Hence all such wounded Soules doe ever fly Tot 1.206 these for Comfort in extremity: Since no ungodly wretch can cheare, or ease A Sinne-sicke Soule, nor aking Heart appease.
11.
Rockes most despised and neglected are, As worthlesse Creatures: Thus Gods Saints oft fare v 1.207 Contem'd, abhor'd of Most, as vile and base, Though of Mankinde the onely Pearles, Starres, Grace.
12.
Rockes hurt no Shippes, Boates, Men, but such as x 1.208 hit Themselves against them; and so breake or split: So Gods Elect doe never hurt, breake, quash Any, but those whoy 1.209 wilfully rune, dash, Bruise, breake, themselves against them; who must check? And blame themselves, not them, for this their wreck.
13.
God first ingrav'd his Sacred Lawes upon A Marble Rockez 1.210 a Table made of Stone; Not brittle Glasse, soft Paper; that they might Out last all time: God, still, his Lawes doth write On hardest Rockes; Saints stablea 1.211 Hearts, whereby They Time survive, and gaine eternity. The two first Stony Tables whereuopon God stampt his Lawes, broke, lost were long agon: These harder Tables of Saints Hearts remaine, And in them Gods blest Lawes for aye retaine.

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Lord, I my heart ab 1.212 Rocke have made: O carve Therein thy Lawes, from which it may not swarve. And since it shall out-dure the firmest Rocke, O, this rich treasure ever in it locke! Yea, make each Saints Stone-Heart the Treasury Of thy sweete Lawes, for all eternity.
14.
Rockes in most places thinly scatred are; Saints in all places are mostc 1.213 thinne and rare. d 1.214 Dispersed here and there, where hid they lye In secret Corners in obscurity; Driven from Country, Lands, House, Home, by those Who for theire 1.215 Goodnesse onely are their Foes.
15.
Rockes burnt tof 1.216 Lime, doe fasten, joyne, sement Stones in all Buildings, and them free from rent: Yea; laid on barren Grounds where nought would spring, They make them fertile, and great Crops to bring: So Gods Elect, when melted by the Flame Of his sweete Spirit,g 1.217 knit, unite the Frame And Stones of his Church here on Earth together, And keepe out Errours, Sects that would it sever: Yea, sent to barren Soiles where grew no Grace, They make themb 1.218 fruitfull, and in better case.
16.
Rockes cut and polisht, turne to richest Gems Become Kings Treasures,i 1.219 crowne their Diadems.

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Saints squar'd and polisht from their drosse by Grace, Prove Gods richk 1.220 Jewels, in his Crowne have place. Lord so refine me that I may be set, A Stone, Pearle, Jewel in thy Coronet. Amidst those Saints which thou reput'st such Gems As farre excell, out-shine all Diadems. Sweete Jesus make me of thy Chosen Flocke, That I, like them, may be a blessed Rocke.
Meditations of the fourth Classe, sampling Rockes, and Rockie Hearts, with ungodly Men, to∣gether.
YEt more, me thinkes Rockes represent to all Mans Rockie Heart, and Nature, since the fall, In some Respects, wherein they well agree With Stony Hearts; from which God make us free.
1.
Rockes are exceedingl 1.221 Shamelesse, Impudent; Nought will them daunt, or cause for to relent. So men of Stony Hearts, havem 1.222 Browes of Steele, Faces of Rocke, which no blush, shame can feele. No shamefull Sinne, Convictions, or Disgrace Will daunt, or cause them once to hide the Face.

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It is theirn 1.223 glory to be voyd of shame, And vaunt of that which doth them most defame.
2.
Rockes shew no mercy, but too 1.224 peeces mall, Breake, bruise, or hurt, all those on whom they fall. So men of Rockie hearts arep 1.225 mercilesse, And breake, bruise, teare, crush, all they doe oppresse. No Cries, Parts, Vertues, Merits can asswage Their cruell Projects, nor divert their Rage. O let me rather fall into the Pawes Ofq 1.226 Beares or Lyons, than an hard Hearts Jawes.
3.
Rocks make thoser 1.227 Milstones which doe grinde, bruise, teare The Corne we use, to make us Bread, or Beere: So men of Rockie Hearts still serve tos 1.228 grinde, Presse, bruise Gods Chosen, till they be refinde From all their Huskes of sinne, and made meete Food For Gods sweete Pallate, to their greatest Good.
4.
Some Rockes burnt in the Fornace harder grow; And nought butt 1.229 Steele, or Iron from them flow: Which serves to breake, hew, polish, fit, and square Rude Rockes and Stones, and Stately piles to reare: Gods fiery Fornace Rockie Hearts makes more v 1.230 Hard, and obdurate than they were before; Yea all its scorching Heate the which they feele, Serves but to turne them into harder Steele,

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Or Iron; for to breake, hew, polish, pare The Rockes and Stones which God layes in the rare And choisest Buildings of his Church: whose walls Arex 1.231 built, not ras'd, with these hard Iron Malls. And Tooles of Steele, though they noy 1.232 Part nor share Have in the Temples which they helpe to reare.
5.
The most mischievous Instruments of war Wounds, Bloodshed, first fromz 1.233 Rockes extra∣cted ar; As Canons, Musquets, Bullets, Sword, Bills, Speares With other weapons, where with Man kills, teares, Torments, Maimes, Stabs his Brother in despite, As if he did in nought but Blood delight: So from Mens Stonya 1.234 Hearts first flow and spring All Mischiefes, Murders, Warres, Sinnes, each ill thing: These were the Artists which did first invent Each bloody, murth'ring, warlike Instrument; The Shops in which they forged were, the Armes That weild them still, & work a world of Harmes. O cursed Hearts of Rocke from whence doe flow All Evills, Mischiefes, woes we heare, see, know! Lord free and ever keepe us from such Hearts, Which are the Cause of all our Sinnes, Ills, Smarts.
6.
Rockes make those in themb 1.235 carelesse, Proud, Secure From feare of Danger: Stony Hearts are sure To make allc 1.236 Them in great Mischiefes ere they be aware.

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Rockes ared 1.237 exceeding Hard; and sooner broke Than squar'd or polisht with the Axes stroke: Mens Stony Hearts so hard and flinty are, That all Gods Axes, Judgementse 1.238 cannot square Them to his Rules, nor cause them to amend, And sooner breake than rent, or make them bend. He who in hardestf 1.239 S••••••es of old imprest His Sacred Lawes, upon a Rockie Brest Cannot ingrave them: Lord what Hearts of Flint Have Men, whereon thy Lawes can make no Print! Nought but Christs blood theseg 1.240 Adamants can thaw And square them to the Models of Gods Law.
8.
No heate of Sunne or Fornace Rockes will melt, But harden rather, and their Heat's not felt: Godsh 1.241 Sun-shine Mercies, and his sweetest Grace; His fiery Fornace, and his frowning face, Mens Rockie Hearts will neither warme, relent, Affect, melt, change, nor move them to repent.
9.
Most Rocks arei 1.242 barren, yeelding nought for Back Or Belly, that Mankinde or Beasts doe lack: Mansk 1.243 Stonie Heart's as Barren: no good Thing, No Fruites of Grace, Faith, Vertue in it spring.
10.
Thornes, Thistles,l 1.244 Brambles, Weedes of Rockes oft grow; All Stony Hearts with these, stillm 1.245 over-flow:

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Fruitefull in nothing, but those tares of vice, And sinne, which barre them out of Paradise.
11.
Rockes Deafe and Sencelesse are of good, and ill: Hardn 1.246 Hearts are so, and neither can, doe, will, Gods Word, Law, Workes regard, Heare, understand; Nor, feare his angry; kisse, his soothing hand.
12.
The fiercest Stormes,o 1.247 Winds, Waves, on Rookes doe dash: Godsp 1.248 Sorest Judgements Stonie Hearts doe lash: And though they seldome feele Gods stroke or Curse; This nothing Mends, butq 1.249 makes their Case farre worse.
13.
The pleasant Showres, Drops, Dewes that on Rockes light. Make them not fruitfull; nor in better plight: But glide away forthwith, not sinking downe To make them Mellow, good, or sinne to drowne: So Rockier 1.250 Hearts, though they receive the raine, And frequent showres of Gods blest Word; remaine Still Barren, Hard, and Sencelesse; nought will stay That drops upon them, but all slides away That's Good or Sacred; onely Flouds ofs 1.251 sinne Sinke downe with speede, and freely enter in.

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14.
None craggiet 1.252 Rockes will Till, Plough, Plant, or Sow; Their Labours lost who doe it, nought will grow. Obdurate Hearts few use to Plough or Till With Godly Precepts, Counsells; sith they still v 1.253 Neglect, deride, contemne them; so as all The seede is lost which on the Rockes doth fall.
15.
Rockes blunt, and hurt the edge of Tooles that smite, Or square them for good uses; yea in spite Their Chips and Shivers dash against the Eyes, Face, Shins of those that hew them. Loe the guise Of Rockie Hearts, whichx 1.254 hurt and malice those Who checke their sinnes, and hate them as their Foes. Yea, let their Pastors in their Ministry But touch their Sores, into their Face they flye: So zealous are they for those Sinnes, which end In hell, when they will not Gods cause defend. O that our zeale for God were halfe so much As for our darling Crimes, when Men them touch: Then would we let themy 1.255 strike, wound, lance, yea Slay Our dearest Sinnes; and thanke, not them gaine-say.
16.
Rockes Cold and Heavie are, andz 1.256 never move Out of their Places; nor mount up above

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Unlesse perforce; and then they evera 1.257 bend Downe to the Center; whence they did ascend Sob 1.258 Rockie Hearts are Cold, and lumpish still To all that good is; prone to nought but Ill: No Love, Heate, zeale to God within them flame; His Cause they'le not stir in for Love, nor Shame: Their Thoughts, Minds, Cares are fixt onc 1.259 things below, And never upwards Soare to view, mind, know The things above; unlesse somed 1.260 sodaine Feare Of Death, Hell, Danger up them scrue or reare Against their Wills: which past, to Earth they hie With greater poyse, and there still groveling lie.
17.
Rockese 1.261 Dumbe and silent are: So Hearts of Stone For good Discourse have neither Tongue, nor Tone Sitting stillf 1.262 Mute like stones without voyce, sence, When any fall to godly Conference.
18.
Rockesg 1.263 bare and naked are; whence all may spie Their Nakednesse, and grosse Deformitie. All Stony Hearts, areh 1.264 naked, poore, and bare; Their Barenesse, vilenesse, wants exposed are To all Mens view; till Christs rich Robes of Grace Cloath or Adorne them, and these wants deface.
19.
Rockes Livelesse are; and Stony Hearts arei 1.265 Dead; No life of Grace was ever in them bred:

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Yea, all who now draw breath, must shortlyK 1.266 dye, (Who knowes how soone) and dead as Rockes shall lye.
20.
Rockes till by force they broken be, and slit, l 1.267 Hewd, polisht, for all Buildings are unfit: Thus Rockie Hearts till God themm 1.268 rent, hew, square; To build his House, Church, Temple, uselesse are.
21.
Rockes make Menn 1.269 fall and stumble, to their Paine And Hurt: Thato 1.270 Rockie Hearts doe thus, tis plaine; Since all our Slips, Falls, Bruises, Sinnes proceede From Stony Hearts, which make us take no heede.
22.
Rockesp 1.271 Shipwracke those, who doe too neare them sayle; And sunken Rockes to split Ships most prevaile: Thus Rockie Hearts unlesse we from them fly Willq 1.272 wracke us all; but yet especially When neither Felt, nor Seene: for then we run With full-saile on them, and are quite undone.
23.
Rockes feele no Burthens, weights that on them lie; So Rockie Hearts doe neverr 1.273 sigh, groane, cry Ʋnder the Weights and Burthens of their Crimes, (Thoughs 1.274 heavier than the Sands a thousand times)

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And why? because they never feele their poyse Till it them sinke to Hell, and quite destroyes.
24.
Not all the Men on Earth, with all their Art Can make one Rock, or Stone; much lesse an Heart; But onelyt 1.275 God himselfe: yet Men alone Are thev 1.276 Creators of all Hearts of Stone, Not God: O wonder, that Men should create Nought but Hard Rockie Hearts which God doth hate: Such Hearts can none else but Men, Fathers call, Which sinke still downewards, till to Hell they fall.
25.
O then when ever we a Rocke shall see, Let these thoughts to our Mindes recalled be: Yea, ponder what Oldx 1.277 Rockie Hearts we have By Sinne and Nature: then New, soft Hearts crave, With fervent Prayers, Grones, Sighes, Teares; so we Our Hearts of Rocke, to flesh transform'd shall see. And if we finde, feele, know by signes most sure Our hearts thus changed, and made soft, and pure; Let us for ever in Word, Deede, Life, Thought, Extoll and (y) praise Him who this Change hath wrought; Keeping a narrowz 1.278 watch both night and day, Over our cheating Hearts; for feare lest they Should by degrees freeze, or growa 1.279 hard againe, Yea turne to Rockes, and so for aye remaine.
26.
Sweete Jesusb 1.280 take our Stony Hearts away, And give us hearts of flesh, we humbly pray;

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And of all other Plagues, from us avert This as the greatest, an obdurate Heart. And since of all our Parts Thou dost require, Seeke, prize ourc 1.281 Hearts most; grant us we desire Such broken, contrite tender Hearts, as may Delight Thee most; and never from Thee stray. Such Hearts Thou onely canstd 1.282 create, not we; Make our Hearts such; then happy shall we be.
Miscellanie Meditations of the fifth Kinde.

TO winde up all; Rockes to our Mindes present Some other usefull Thoughts, with great content.

1.
When we behold somee 1.283 Stones with Tooles and Barres Dig'd out of Rockes, and taken from the Quarres; To build some Stately Church; whiles others stay Still there, unwrought; though quite as good as they: It mindes us of that common Rocke wherein Mankinde corrupted lay, through Adams Sinne: From whence God byf 1.284 Election and meere Grace Culls out some Stones (though few) which he doth place Within his Churches Buildings; where they lie Fast joyn'd to Christ, for all Eternitie:

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When as all others (though as good as they And of the selfesame Rocke,* 1.285 Quar, Lumpe, and Clay:) Lye still unpolisht, in the rotten Masse, And State of Sinne, untill to Hell they passe; Without Injustice, since Gods Grace isg 1.286 free; And none but forh 1.287 some Sinne shall damned be.
2.
When I consider that alli 1.288 Tombestones, Urnes, And Tombes, where Man,* 1.289 meere Dust, to Dust re∣turnes; Are broken pieces of some Rockes; I then Behold my Tombe-stone, in each Rocke I ken: And say; Loe here's the lasting Monument Wherein my Body must ere long be pent, And shut Close Prisner, till thek 1.290 Judgement day, When all its Rust and Bolts shall fall away. Which Thought digested, makes me still amend My Life; and fits me alwayes for mine End. Let all revolve it oft within their Minde, And they shall Treasure, Honey in it finde.
3.
When I behold some people dwell, live, lye Inl 1.291 Caves of Rockes; I then thinke presently; He who a Cottage wants his Head to Hide, Shall finde some Rocke, or Hole where to abide; In which he may sleepe freer from feares, Foes, And Cares, than those whom Castles, Guards, inclose. What neede we care then here for House or Home, If these should faile, yet Rockes will give us Roome

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To Lodge and hide in: Herem 1.292 Gods dearest Saints Have liv'd, and hid oft times without Complaints; And beene more happie in these caved Stones Than greatest Monarchs in their royall Thrones. Repine not then though Clifts of Rocks should be Thine House or Home, sith there thou mayst be free, Safe, blessed, chearefull, and to God more nigh Than those who in the fairest Pallace lye.
4.
The precious Jewelsn 1.293 Treasures, Stones which are Lockt up and hid in coursest Rockes, declare Gods dearest Saints and Jewels common Case, And State on Earth: who thrust out with disgrace From House and Home, enforced are to flye Too 1.294 Caves and Rockes, where they imprisned lye: Whence driven out againe by bloody Foes (Like Gold or Jewels out of Rockes;) they close And locke them up againe inp 1.295 Prisons, Goales Or nastie Dungeons, amidst filth, dust,* 1.296 Coles, The commonq 1.297 Gaskets where these Gemmes, Pearles lye Ʋntill some Flames them into Ashes frie. Yet courage Noble Soules, whiles thus you fare It's a sure Signe you peerelesser 1.298 Jewels are, And Gods Choyce Treasures, since you under Locke, Thus lye, like Gold, Gems in some Casket, Rocke: And that you shall bes 1.299 surest kept of any, Because kept closest, and not seene of many. The choycest Things Men ever closestt 1.300 Locke; And Wolves runne loose, whiles God dothv 1.301 fold his Flocke.

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5.
Rockes love tox 1.302 shew, not hide their Nakednesse: Adam and Evey 1.303 blusht at their Naked Dresse When they beheld it, and did hide for shame, Till they with Coates of Figge-leaves vail'd the same. Those wanton Females then that take delight, Theirz 1.304 Naked Breasts, Neckes, Armes, (like some strange sight) To shew to others, without Blush or shame, In spight of God, Men, who them taxe and blame: Are rather shamelesse Rockes than Adams Race; And for the most part voyd of Sence, shame, Grace; If not of Honour, and truea 1.305 Chastitie, Sith most is common which doth open lye.
6.
When we behold Men with much Danger, Swet, Paines, Trouble, vilest wrack to gather, get, And draw from Sea-Rockes, for to burne, or dresse Their tilled Grounds, and mend their fruitfulnesse. Me thinkes it should wringb 1.306 Teares from us, to see What Paines these take for Dung, whiles they and wee Doe not take halfe the Care, Paines, Travell, Swet The richest Gems of Grace to digge, fetch, get From Christ our Rocke, which would not onely cheare And warme our Soules, and make them fruite to beare; But themc 1.307 adorne, enrich, store in such wise, That they all else as vile Dung would despise.

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For shame then henceforth let us taked 1.308 more paine These richest Gemmes, than they base wracke to gaine.
7.
When I a Rent or Clift in Rockes espie, It mindes me of the dreadfull Majestie, And mighty Power of our God which make The hardeste 1.309 Rockes for feare to splitf 1.310 rent shake And duely pondred would in peeces teare Our Rockie Hearts, & make them quake for feare
8.
When I behold Men, Tempests, Waves, Raine, Winde, Beate long ong 1.311 Rockes, and yet no entrance finde: It makes me see whath 1.312 rockie hearts we have At which though Christ (who seekes our Soules to save) Doth daylyi 1.313 knocke by his Word, Grace and Sp'rit, Saints, Preachers, Motions; and oft times them smite With sundry Judgements, Tempests, Seas, Malles, Winds To make them open, yet butk 1.314 seldome finds, Or makes an Entrance: nay though many yeares, He thus beates on them, yet no fruite appeares: O Hearts more hard than any Rocke, Flint, Steele, Which all these strokes upon them never feele! Ol 1.315 patient Jesus! who so long canst beare, With such hard hearts, which will not melt nor teare!
9.
When I behold Rockes, Stones, most ragged, base, Rude and deformed in their Native place,

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m 1.316 Hew'd out from thence, and polisht by Man-Kinde Turn'd into goodly Structures of each Kinde And made rich Statues,n 1.317 Jewels, Ouches, Gemmes, Yea, set in Gold and royall Diadems. I thence conclude, that God with much more ease Speede, Art, can turne, when ever he shall please, Theo 1.318 hardest, vilest, rockie Hearts that are Into rich Temples, Jewels, Gemmes most rare; Yea set them in Christs very royall Crowne Like precious stones unto their great renowne. As he didp 1.319 Paul,q 1.320 Manasses, and all those Most glorious Saints which Heav'n doth now in∣close. Let no man then though ne're so meane, vile, base, Lewd, sinfull, once despaire of Gods free Grace, Which in a moment canr 1.321 change and translate Him from his wretched to a glorious state.
10.
When as I see thes 1.322 waters that doe streame And gush from stony Rockes, me thinkes they seeme A lively Image of thoset 1.323 Teares that flow From Rockie Hearts, when they once tender grow. Through Gods sweete Grace and Spirit, which can melt The hardest Hearts to Teares, and them relent As He did Rockes of Old, whencev 1.324 water gusht By streames when He them either smote or crusht. Blessed Lord Jesus, soften, breake, relent Our Hearts of Rocke, and cause them to repent, And send forth Streames, nay Floods of Teares to wash, Our sinnes away, and all their force to quash.

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11.
x 1.325 Eagles in lofty Rockes still breed and lye, And from their Toppes their Prey farre off espie: Gods chosen Saints whom Scriptures oft compare Toy 1.326 Eagles, upon Christ high mounted are: (The tallest Rocke) on whom theyz 1.327 build, lodge, stay, And thence they seeke, finde, take their sacred prey. Lord make our Soules with Eagles wings to flye, To this sweete Rocke, and there to live and dye.
12.
When I contemplate how Rockesa 1.328 Christall Springs Which serve to moisten, soften other Things, Make trees, herbes, grasse, plants, flowers spring and grow; And quench the Thirst of all things here below; Yet neither moysten, soften, fructifie The Rockes themselves, still barren, fruitlesse, dry: Me thinkes I view in them some Rockie Hearts, Endew'd with rare, rich, profitable Parts Of Art and Nature; which doe good to many, Yet to their Owners good, they doe not any. How many Preachers others helpe to save Yetb 1.329 damne themselves? and whiles they others gave The Food of life, have starv'd themselves to death: Others made Fertile, themselves barren Heath? How manyc 1.330 wise to teach, rule, counsell all Except themselves, and so through folly fall: Its hardly worth the Name of Good Art, Skill That betters others, makes the Owners Ill.

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13.
When I espie Rockes trampled on by all, Christs and true Christians States, to minde I call. d 1.331 Trod under feete, with all contempt, spite, hate Throughout the world, and valu'd at no rate. Complaine not then of any dis-respect. No greater Honour than Ill mens neglect.
14.
Each vaste, high-towring, massie Rocke we eye Presents to us the strength and Potencie Of that Almighty God, whosee 1.332 Potent Hand Did in a moment, both by Sea and Land Raise up so many vaste high Piles, and Packe Such Massie Rockes on one anothers backe; Without an Engin, by hisf 1.333 Word alone, And them so strongly soder one to one That all the Art, Wit, Strength, in Man's to weake To rase these Mounts, and them in Peeces breake. We wonder much at* 1.334 Stonedge, where there lye A few large stones, pil'd vp not very high On one anothers head, and thinke it strange, How men such pondrous Stones could reare and range, In such a manner, though these great stones be But Pigmies, Pibbles to the Rockes we see. How much more then with wonder and amaze Should we upon those Massie high Rockes gaze Which them so far in Bulk, weight, height exceed, And may true admiration in us breed Of Gods Almighty Power, which could raise Such grand, rare, lasting Trophies to his praise.

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To which all Structures made by men doe seeme But Mole-hills, Attomes, and of no esteeme. He who such heavie Rockes could make, lift, reare, g 1.335 Weigh, tosse with ease, as if they feathers were; With greater ease can lift and elevate His humbled Saints out of theirh 1.336 lowest State: And in an instant intoi 1.337 shivers dash, All who with Him or Them presume to clash.
15.
When we discerne the Sea, and Time tok 1.338 weare The very Rockes, and them to waste, eate, teare; Thinke and contemplate then, how time, age, space All things consume, waste, weaken and deface; But chiefely Men, compact ofl 1.339 Dust, not stone Who fade likem 1.340 grasse, are in a Moment gone. How can meere Dust and Ashes thinke to last, When time and age the hardest Rockes doe wast?
16.
Those who in lofty, fenced, steepe Rockes dwell Aren 1.341 haughty, proud, secure, and farre excell Most others in these vices, slighting all, As if no Mischiefe could upon them fall. Whence sodaine Dangers, Ruines them surprise (To quell their Pride) from those they most despise; Thus carnall Men advanc'd and fortifide With potent Friends, wealth, Honours, swell with o 1.342 Pride; Deride all Dangers, Foes, grow so secure, As if their Props and Stayes should still endure. Whence God their Pride to punish and abate Casts them downe head-long by some sodaine Fate.

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Which should make all, but great men specially Beware of Pride, and grosse Security, The sadp 1.343 Fore-runners of a certaine fall, Which them and theirs will soone to peeces mall.
17.
When as we see Men with must cost and paine To Mine the Rocks, and Treasures thence to gaine Of sundry Sorts; where with they much increase Their wealth, and make things meete for warre and Peace: It forth-with mindes us how with farre more care, Cost, Paines, Sweat, Labour all who Christians are, Should daylyq 1.344 Search, and Myne for richer Oare In Christ their Rocke; in whom there is such store Of peerelesse Mines, and Treasures of each Kinde As well content, year 1.345 fill the vastest Minde; And store all Christians with all Things they need In Peace and War, Life, death! Let this then breed A Resolution in us, still to Mine, And draw these Treasures from this Rock Divine.
18.
Whiles that we view Men Rockes to smite, pierce, rent With Sledges, Axes, or like Instrument; We then should ponder, how we all each day Our blessed Rocke Christ Jesuss 1.346 smite, stab, slay A fresh with those accursed Sinnes and Crimes Where-with we grieve, pierce, wound Him at all times: Which Thought should turne the Edge, and Point of all Our Sinnes from Him; upon our selves to mall

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Breake, wound our Rockie hearts, because we rent, Abuse Christ thus; and cause us to repent.
19.
When we espie Rockes dart out Sparkes of fire When smote, or cut with Tooles of Steele or I're: It sweetely mindes us, how the Hand of God Smiting upon us with ant 1.347 Iron Rod Should from our Hearts of Rocke extract and draw Such sacred Sparkes, yea flames as should them thaw, Purge all their Drosse away, and them inflame With a most ardent Love, unto his Name. Lord when thy Rod shall ever on us lite, Let it such Sparkes, and Flames in us excite.
20.
Springs, Quarries, Mines in Rockes, ne're drawne quite drie; Present most sweetely to each Minde and Eye Thev 1.348 inexhausted, boundlesse, Endlesse Mines, Springs, Treasures, Stores, and vastest Magazines Of Grace and Goodnesse, which inclosed lye, Within the Bosome of the Deity. To feede, feast, fill, enrich, each hungry, poore, Sad, pined Soule, with all their matchlesse store. The very thoughts whereof our Hearts should fill With sweetest Solace, and delight them still.
21.
When I perceive the smallest Pibblex 1.349 sinke In Floods, as deepe as greatest Rockes; I thinke

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How smallest Sinnes are deadly, and as well, As soone almost, as Great, sinke Men to Hell. O then beware of all sinnes, since the small As well as great toy 1.350 Hell thus tend and fall. Let Papists talke of Veniall sinnes, I trow No sinne is veniall, when all sinke so low.
22.
The worthlesse Rubbish in each Rocke exceeds, And hides the Mines and Precious stones it breeds: Yea, richest Mines have ever greater Store Of drosse and off all, than refined Oare. Which pondred, learnes us, how each Place, z 1.351 Church breeds More Bad than Good: that Good Mens Ill, exceeds Their Goodnesse: that the Bad, Good Men obscure As Rubbish hides, Surmounts the Oare that's pure. Hence Multitude, and visibility Appeare ill Markes a Churches Truth to trie.
23.
Whena 1.352 Rockes or Stones fall on Men, and them dash To peeces, or at least them bruise and quash: It mindes us how our Rocke Christb 1.353 grindeth all To powder, upon whom he doth once fall. O then beware how we pull on our backes This Massie Rocke which Men to peeces crackes.
24.
c 1.354 Rockes keepe from sinking those who walke or Stand Ʋpon them, whiles such, who on Bogges, Floods, Sand

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Doe walke,d 1.355 rest, stay, sinke downe and mired are, Yea oft times drowned without speciall care. Hence may we learne that those who walke, rest, stay, Themselves on Christ (the surest Rocke) alway Stand firme, safe, stable; never sinking downe; Whiles those who on Bogges, Sands sinke, stand, and drowne. O let our feete on this Rocke still abide Then are we certaine not to sinke, fall, slide.
25.
Rockes those who dwell upon them fence,e 1.356 defend, But those who Scale them, hurt, bruise and offend. So Christ our Rockef 1.357 protects his Chosen sheepe Who rest upon Him, doth them safely keepe. Yet hurts and breakes tog 1.358 peeces all such Foes, Who dare presume Him, and them to oppose.
26.
The sight of Rockes, theirh 1.359 Clifts, Caves, Holes should Minde, All of the Day of Judgement, yet behinde: So full of dreadfull Terrour and Affright Thati 1.360 Kings themselves, and men of greatest Might Shall quake and shake for very feare; and call Ʋnto the Rockes and Hills on them to fall; And into Caves, Holes, Clifts of Rockes shall flye To hide them from the Wrath, Sight, Majestie Of Christ our Rocke, before whose dreadfull face The Rockes shall then melt, fall, quake, change their place. And all thek 1.361 Stout, proud, Rockie Hearts of those Who did Himselfe, Word, Grace, Saints here op∣pose.

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Shall be so daunted, stonisht, strucke with feare And Horrour, that theyl 1.362 dare not once appeare; Till drag'd perforce before Christs Barre and Face, Where try'd, convict, condemn'd; with all disgrace They shall be cast for all Eternity Into Hels fiery Flames, there still to fry. O let the Terrour of this dismall Day, (Which now drawes neere, and we shouldm 1.363 mind alway;) For ever scare us from all Sinne, and make Our Stony Hearts to melt, bleed, sigh, breake, ake: And cause us now with speed to flye and hide Our selves within the Holes of Christs pierc'd side, Who shall usn 1.364 judge: and then we boldly may o 1.365 Lift up our Heads, and Hearts in that great Day With joyfull cheare, when others hang them downe; And eke receive a Rich, Large, Massiep 1.366 Crowne Of endlesse Glory, in the Heavens high Where we shall reigne for all Eternity.q 1.367 O Christ (our onely Rocke) of thy free Grace Advance, and bring us to this blisfull Place: And let each Rocke, Clift, Stone we henceforth see Instruct us thus, and bring us home to Thee.
The Conclusion.
VVIth these sweete usefull Thoughts, and thousands more The Barren Rockes, our Hearts, and Minds may store

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When we behold them: and if Natures Booke, And Rockes, whiles we upon them dayly looke, Can teach us Nothing which our Lives may mend, Or cause our Hearts, Minds, Thoughts up to ascend▪ To Christ their Rock, God, and the Things above, Them to contemplate with the greatest Love; Our Hearts are Rockie; We, quite voyd of Grace; And Rockes than we, are yet in better Case.
FINIS.

Notes

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