A sacred poem wherein the birth, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of the most holy Jesus are delineated ... : also eighteen of David's psalms, with the Book of Lamentations paraphras'd, together with poems on several occasions / by James Chamberlaine.

MIRACLE I. Jesus his turning Water into Wine, at a Marriage Feast, in Cana of Galilee.

THe first he wrought was in a certain Town Of Galilee, by th' Name of Cana known. Where the blest Virgin to a Nuptial Feast, Was by the Bridegroom call'd to be a Guest. Jesus, and his Disciples, likewise were Bid with some others, and all present there. Down sate the Bridegroom chearful as the day, And by his side the blushing Bride, all gay. The welcome Guests around the Table sate, With sev'ral sorts of healthful Viands fraight. All Dinner while a diligent Slave did stand, With watchful Eye, and with a ready hand,

Behind each Guest, to fetch what he did need, Not with a Leaden-heel, but nimble speed. No loose Discourses at the Table were, Civil the Guests were, no Buffoon was there. One who imagines he doth glory get, To be discoursive in the dregs of Wit; Yet harmless mirth; and flowing Goblets went Around the Board, till all the Wine was spent. Mary, who knew the Bridegrooms Store was gone, Unto her Son, the want of Wine made known, She told him 'twas a fit occasion now In publick his Mirac'lous Pow'r to show; By doing that they all would judge Divine, With an Almighty Word create more Wine. Jesus who knew his time of action best, Unwilling yet his Pow'r to manifest Unto the World, he gently did repress His Mothers too impatient forwardness; Yet he assur'd her, that the Guests should be Supply'd with Wine, but done so privately, That none but she, and his Disciples should, With those who serv'd, the Miracle behold. Straight to the Waiters did the Virgine go, And what he will'd commanded them to do. Within the Room six Cisterns stood, each one Holding three Firkins, all of Marble-stone. These in their order, on their sev'ral Stands, Were fill'd with Water, for to wash the Hands

Of the invited Jews, an act prophane Esteeming it, to eat with hands unclean.

Up to the Brim with Water Jesus bid The Servants fill these Vessels, which they did. Straight he commanded one of them to bear A full Glass of it to the Governour; Who when he tasted of the Work Divine, The Water turned into gen'rous Wine, He call'd the Bridegroom of the lib'ral Feast, And askt him why he had reserv'd his best Of Wines till last; all men, says he, at first Bring their best Liquors, but at last their worst. But thou the noblest Wine, of richest taste, After w' have freely drank, hast brought at last.

This Wonder Jesus the Eternal Son Perform'd in Cana; and his Pow'r shone So bright in his Disciples Eyes, that they Own'd him the Son of God from that same day.