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THe Tree of life, had properly the name
From the true Vertue which was in the same:
The Fruite thereof retein'd this property,
To keep the body from mortality;* 1.1
In such a state and perpetuity,
As should have banisht all infirmity;
As Hunger, Thirst, olde Age, and Feeblenesse,
Sorrow, and Sicknesse, Death, and Wretchednesse:
And when that Adam had continued there,
In all the blisse, and jollities that were;
In a full space of time, contented then
He should have gone, not dyed as other men,* 1.2
But in his beauteous Strength and Happinesse,
Have beene translated to Gods blessednesse.
It likewise was a Signe of Life to Man;
That he might duly contemplate thereon,
And so obeying the commandement,
Might endlesse live, without all punishment.
It was a Type of Christ the Sonne of God;* 1.3
Who should be borne to feele his Fathers rod:
And so give life to Mans posterity,
Who lost the same by Adams misery.
Thus stood these Trees in midst of Paradice,* 1.4
When Adam listen'd unto Gods advice.
Thus Adam was in his Magnificence,* 1.5
Long of his Makers great Benevolence:
Thus was he in Dominion over all,* 1.6
In State, and Power, most Majesticall:
Thus was he seated, thus did he command
All things that were either in Sea or Land.
The Ayre was pure, unblemisht to his eye,
The Sunne surpassed in his radiancy:
The Ground was fruitfull, without helpe or labour.
And all the Hearbs had a most pleasant savour.