__________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Title: Divine Songs and Meditacions
\n Creator(s): Anne Collins
\n Print Basis: Los Angeles: The Augustan Reprint Society, 1961
\n Rights: Public domain in the U.S.: 1961 U.S. publication by U.S.
\n author; copyright not renewed.
\n LC Call no: BV 467.**
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
The Augustan Reprint Society<\/p>\n
AN. COLLINS
\n DIVINE SONGS AND MEDITACIONS
\n (1653)<\/p>\n
Selected, with an
\n Introduction, by
\n Stanley N. Stewart<\/p>\n
Publication Number 94<\/p>\n
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
\n University of California
\n Los Angeles
\n 1961<\/p>\n
GENERAL EDITORS<\/p>\n
Richard C. Boys, University of Michigan
\n Ralph Cohen, University of California, Los Angeles
\n Vinton A. Dearing, University of California, Los Angeles
\n Lawrence Clark Powell, Clark Memorial Library<\/p>\n
ADVISORY EDITORS<\/p>\n
John Butt, University of Edinburgh
\n James L. Clifford, Columbia University
\n Arthur Friedman, University of Chicago
\n Louis A. Landa, Princeton University
\n Samuel H. Monk, University of Minnesota
\n Everett T. Moore, University of California, Los Angeles
\n James Sutherland, University College, London
\n H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., University of California, Los Angeles<\/p>\n
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY<\/p>\n
Edna C. Davis, Clark Memorial Library
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
INTRODUCTION<\/p>\n
In 1815, the library of Thomas Park, which had already passed from Park
\n to Thomas Hill to Longman, was sold. In the catalog of that collection,
\n a volume of devotional and autobiographical verse written by one Anne
\n Collins, Divine Songs and Meditacions (1653), was described as “so rare
\n as to be probably unique.”[1][1] That same year, Longman and his
\n associates published an anthology of “Old Books in English Literature,
\n Revived,” edited by Sir Egerton Brydges and entitled Restituta.
\n Brydges, who acknowledged the help of Park in editing the four volume
\n work,[2][2] reprinted long passages from the Songs and Meditacions. By
\n mid-century, the book had passed through the possession of James
\n Midgeley, Sir Mark Masterman Sykes, Thomas Thorpe,[3][3] and Richard
\n Heber. In 1878, Alexander Dyce reprinted all but the last stanza of
\n “Another Song exciting to spirituall Mirth,” and some twenty years
\n later, S. Austin Allibone included reference to Anne Collins in his
\n Critical Dictionary of English Literature. By this time, however, the
\n remaining copy of Divine Songs and Meditacions seems to have slipped
\n from sight; scholars were a long time finding it, but in 1924, the
\n “unique” copy bearing the autograph of Thomas Park was removed from the
\n library at Britwell Court and sold by Sotheby to A. S. W. Rosenbach,
\n who acted in behalf of Henry E. Huntington, in whose memorial library
\n it now remains. If a second edition of the work ever existed, as
\n claimed by Allibone,[4][4] it has vanished (to my knowledge, without a
\n further trace); for all practical purposes, Anne Collins and her Divine
\n Songs and Meditacions are unknown even to scholars of
\n seventeenth-century literature.<\/p>\n
Though it appears that the verses of Anne Collins have been spared
\n extinction, it is problematic whether they will escape obscurity. Dr.
\n Johnson and Warton did not mention them. Yet knowledgeable, if lesser,
\n men found the Songs and Meditacions worth reading. We may infer, for
\n example, that Thomas Park, who was praised by Southey as the most
\n distinguished authority on Old-English poetry, admired the Songs, for
\n it seems probable that he recommended to Brydges the passages finally
\n anthologized in Restituta. In any case, for their metrical variety,
\n spiritual tone, and structural quaintness, Brydges found the Songs and
\n Meditacions to be of value. Allibone reprinted Brydges’ commentary,
\n implying (at least) that he had no strong quarrel with it; and in our
\n own century, I. A. Williams, having read the single poem in Dyce,
\n described the “lilt and diction” of the language as “charming,” and
\n called for a new edition of the work.[5][5] It may be that a wider
\n knowledge of her writing would rescue Anne Collins only from oblivion
\n into abuse. But if that is so, it is only fair to say that she wrote
\n with a full awareness of her poetic limitations. Referring to herself
\n as “unskilfull,” she claimed to have written only to occupy her mind,
\n and then only that, in her lingering illness, she might not fall victim
\n to Sloth. Anne Collins may not have been a Puritan,[6][6] but her
\n verses are, in several respects, a form of the diary. To her, questions
\n of aesthetics, at least as we would normally think of them, were quite
\n irrelevant. She was convinced that the expression of a dedicated heart
\n was of greater value than a polished line. Even if that expression were
\n in the form of somewhat unsteady verses, it would not be without merit:
\n “Yet for theyr matter, I suppose they bee \/ Not worthlesse quite,
\n whilst they with Truth agree.”<\/p>\n
We are dependent upon the autobiographical quality of the work for all
\n we know of its author. She might have been any one of the many Annes
\n who, during the first half of the seventeenth century, married into or
\n out of the Collins name (or the name might be a pseudonym). But
\n especially in the first third of the work, in the prose “To the Reader”
\n and the metrical “Preface” and “Discourse,” we recognize the
\n autobiography of a woman who was, from early childhood, the chronic
\n victim of disease. In “The Discourse” (omitted here because of its
\n length and repetitiousness), she describes the life of one whose hope
\n lay in her adjustment to pain. Drawing upon the imagery of spiritual
\n autobiography, Anne Collins describes her youth as a wilderness, her
\n soul as a withered flower. Only when she takes direction from her
\n sorrow does her soul draw in the rain of grace. And that regenerating
\n force is the recurrent theme of her writing, the sole enduring source
\n of peace; the world offered only the appearance, the “counterfet” of
\n satisfaction. Thus, as Anne Collins composes her devotional verses, she
\n is impelled by four pious reasons. These are indicative, not only of
\n how the author justifies her writing from a poetic point of view, but
\n of how completely she has explained away all the claims of a world that
\n had once tortured her with longing. First, all creatures had been
\n ordained to praise God; this, in her songs and meditations, she
\n attempts to do. Recognizing that her talents are few, she recalls that
\n even the man with a single talent would be called to account. Third,
\n she wishes that some kinsman out of interest in her writing might be
\n encouraged to read the Scriptures. And last, she thinks of those who
\n will never meet or know her; by reading the Divine Songs and
\n Meditacions, they may look upon “the image of her mind,” and from that
\n learn how God takes pity on even his most lowly servant.<\/p>\n
The selections in this reprint have been made in the hope of fairly
\n representing Anne Collins to the scholarly reader. Within the range of
\n possibilities, an attempt was made to preserve the proportions in the
\n original work among the various kinds of writing attempted by the
\n author. Perhaps deletion of “The Discourse” defeated this purpose. But
\n it was decided also that no individual poem would be cut. Thus, to have
\n included the 102 stanzas of “The Discourse” would have required
\n dropping several more songs and meditations.[7][7] The poem on the
\n Civil War, like the paraphrase on the fifth chapter of Ecclesiastes,
\n was eliminated because its subject matter was not thought
\n representative of the work as a whole. The notes will direct the reader
\n to parts of Anne Collins’ work which may be found in previous
\n publications.<\/p>\n
The Huntington copy of Divine Songs and Meditacions is a small octavo
\n volume, measuring slightly larger than five by three inches. The pages
\n have been cropped and the margins have worn away; thus, in some
\n instances (pp. 50, 56, 68), text has been lost. The original volume is
\n now sandwiched within protecting leaves of blank paper, and the entire
\n volume is bound in thick, brown calf. The title page, once detached,
\n has been backed and cemented to the second leaf, but this repair was
\n made long before the blank leaves were inserted. The original volume is
\n made up of 52 leaves; the first gathering consists of four, the
\n remaining six of eight leaves. There are 102 pages of text.<\/p>\n
This material is reproduced by permission of the Librarian of The
\n Huntington Library.<\/p>\n
Stanley Stewart University of California, Riverside
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION<\/p>\n
[8][1]A. F. Griffith, Bibliotheca Anglo-Poetica (1815), p. 67. Griffith
\n quotes the first two stanzas of “The Preface” as “detailing the cause
\n of the poems being written.”
\n [9][2]Sir Egerton Brydges, ed., Restituta (1815), IV, xi. Brydges
\n reprints passages from “The Preface,” “To the Reader,” “The Discourse,”
\n “A Song declaring that a Christian may finde tru Love only where tru
\n Grace is,” “A Song shewing the Mercies of God to his people…,”
\n “Another Song exciting to spirituall Mirth,” “Another Song (II),” and
\n “The Fifth Meditacion,” III, 123-127, 180-184.
\n [10][3]Catalogue of the Splendid, Curious, and Extensive Library of Sir
\n Mark Masterman Sykes (1824), p. 39. Thorpe bought a very large
\n percentage of the books in the Sykes collection.
\n [11][4]S. Austin Allibone, A Critical Dictionary of English Literature
\n (1878), I, 411.
\n [12][5]I. A. Williams, “Bibliographical Notes and News,” London
\n Mercury, IX (1924), 529.
\n [13][6]Her poem on the Civil War suggests that she was not in sympathy
\n with the left wing of the Puritan movement.
\n [14][7]”The Discourse” relates Miss Collins’ interest in “Theologicall
\n employments,” especially as these filled her once empty life. There are
\n 29 stanzas treating of the nature of the Trinity and the Law. In ten
\n more stanzas, she paraphrases each of the ten Commandments. The
\n remaining 34 stanzas summarize the steps to salvation, and the joys of
\n the Christian life. These theological verses follow the initial 26
\n stanzas, which are repetitious of “The Preface” in their
\n autobiographical matter and pious observations. In addition to “The
\n Discourse,” the following titles have not been reprinted here:<\/p>\n
A Song demonstrating The vanities of Earthly things;
\n A Song manifesting The Saints eternall Happinesse;
\n A Song exciting to spirituall Alacrity;
\n A Song composed in time of Civill Warr, when the wicked did much
\n insult over the godly;
\n The third Meditacion;
\n The fourth Meditacion;
\n The fifth Meditacion;
\n Verses on the twelvth Chapter of Ecclesiastes.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Divine
\n SONGS
\n and
\n MEDITACIONS<\/p>\n
Composed
\n By
\n An Collins.<\/p>\n
LONDON,
\n Printed by R. Bishop. Anno Dom. 1653
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
To the Reader<\/p>\n
Christian Reader,<\/p>\n
I inform you, that by divine Providence, I have been restrained from
\n bodily employments, suting with my disposicion, which enforced me to a
\n retired Course of life; Wherin it pleased God to give me such
\n inlargednesse of mind, and activity of spirit, so that this seeming
\n desolate condicion, proved to me most delightfull: To be breif, I
\n became affected to Poetry, insomuch that I proceeded to practise the
\n same; and though the helps I had therein were small, yet the thing it
\n self appeared unto me so amiable, as that it enflamed my faculties, to
\n put forth themselvs, in a practise so pleasing.<\/p>\n
Now the furtherances I had herein, was what I could gather (by the
\n benifit of hearing,) at first from prophane Histories; which gave not
\n that satisfactory contentment, before mencioned; but it was the
\n manifestacion of Divine Truth, or rather the Truth it self, that
\n reduced my mind to a peacefull temper, and spirituall calmnesse, taking
\n up my thoughts for Theologicall employments.<\/p>\n
Witnesse hereof, this Discourse, Songs and Meditacions following; which
\n I have set forth (as I trust) for the benifit, and comfort of others,
\n Cheifly for those Christians who are of disconsolat Spirits, who may
\n perceive herein, the Faithfullnesse Love, & Tender Compassionatnesse of
\n God to his people, in that according to his gracious Promise, He doth
\n not leave nor forsake them. Heb. 13.5. But causeth all things to work
\n for theyr good. Rom. 8.28. This I doubt not, but most Saints in som
\n measure, do experimentally know, therefore I will not seek by argument,
\n to prove a thing so perspicuous. And now (Courteous Reader) I have
\n delivered unto you, what I intended, onely it remains that I tell you,
\n That with my Labours, you have my Prayers to God through Jesus Christ;
\n whose I am, and in him,<\/p>\n
Yours, in all Christian affection An Collins.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
The Preface.<\/p>\n
Being through weakness to the house confin’d,<\/p>\n
My mentall powers seeming long to sleep,<\/p>\n
were summond up, by want of wakeing mind,<\/p>\n
Their wonted course of exercise to keep,<\/p>\n
And not to waste themselves in slumber deep;<\/p>\n
Though no work can bee so from error kept<\/p>\n
But some against it boldly will except:<\/p>\n
Yet sith it was my morning exercise<\/p>\n
The fruit of intellectuals to vent,<\/p>\n
In Songs or counterfets of Poesies,<\/p>\n
And haveing therein found no small content,<\/p>\n
To keep that course my thoughts are therfore bent,<\/p>\n
And rather former workes to vindicate<\/p>\n
Than any new conception to relate.<\/p>\n
Our glorious God his creatures weaknesse sees,<\/p>\n
And therefore deales with them accordingly,<\/p>\n
Giveing the meanes of knowledg by degrees,<\/p>\n
Vnfoulding more and more the Mystery,<\/p>\n
And opening the Seales successively, Rev. 6.<\/p>\n
So of his goodnesse gives forth demonstracions,<\/p>\n
To his Elect in divers Dispensacions.<\/p>\n
In legall wise hee did himself expresse<\/p>\n
To be the only Lord Omnipotent<\/p>\n
A just avenger of all wickednesse,<\/p>\n
A jelous God in power emminent,<\/p>\n
Which terror workes, and pale astonishment;<\/p>\n
Sith plagues for sin are holden forth thereby,<\/p>\n
But with no strength to crush inniquity.<\/p>\n
Now with the Law the Gospell oft appeares,<\/p>\n
But under vailes, perspicuous unto few<\/p>\n
Who were as those which of good tydings heares,<\/p>\n
Rejoyceing much at the report or show<\/p>\n
Of that the Saints now by possessing know;<\/p>\n
Oft spake the Prophets Evangelicall,<\/p>\n
Whose words like kindly drops of rain did fall.<\/p>\n
But when the plenerie of time was come<\/p>\n
The springs of grace their plesant streams out deald<\/p>\n
Felicitie did evidence on her some<\/p>\n
Salvacion and the way thereto reveald,<\/p>\n
Who wounded were in spirit, might be heald;<\/p>\n
Here God declares the Beauties of his Face,<\/p>\n
Great Love, rich Mercy, free Eternall Grace.<\/p>\n
This time was when the Sonne of Righteousnesse<\/p>\n
His Luster in the world began to spread,<\/p>\n
Which more and more to his he doth expresse<\/p>\n
In tearms so large that they that run may read,<\/p>\n
And to himselfe he doth the weaker lead;<\/p>\n
He to his bosum will his Lambs collect,<\/p>\n
And gently those that feeble are direct. Isa. 40. 11<\/p>\n
And so in them a life of grace instill<\/p>\n
Whereby they shall be able to obay<\/p>\n
All Gospell precepts suting with his will,<\/p>\n
And that without regard of servill pay,<\/p>\n
But with free hearts, where Christ alone doth sway<\/p>\n
Causing the apprehensions of his love,<\/p>\n
To gender love, which still doth active prove.<\/p>\n
Where Christ thus ruleth, I suppose remaines<\/p>\n
No heart that hankers after Novelties<\/p>\n
Whose ground is but the Scum of frothy braines<\/p>\n
Perhaps extracted from old Heresies,<\/p>\n
New formd with Glosses to deceive the eyes<\/p>\n
Of those who like to Children, do incline<\/p>\n
To every new device that seemes to shine.<\/p>\n
I am perswaded they that relish right,<\/p>\n
The Dainties of Religion, Food divine,<\/p>\n
Have therby such a permanent delight,<\/p>\n
And of best Treasures, such a lasting mine,<\/p>\n
As that their hearts to change do not incline,<\/p>\n
I therfore think theyr tastes of Truth is ill,<\/p>\n
Who Truths profession, quickly alter will.<\/p>\n
I speak not this to manifest despight<\/p>\n
To tru Religions growth or augmentacion,<\/p>\n
Nor do I take offence of greater Light<\/p>\n
Which brings probatum est, or commendacion<\/p>\n
From Truth it selfe, having therto relacion,<\/p>\n
But rather with the Saints I doe rejoyce,<\/p>\n
When God appeares to his in Gospel-voyce.<\/p>\n
Now touching that I hasten to expresse<\/p>\n
Concerning these, the ofspring of my mind,<\/p>\n
Who though they here appeare in homly dresse<\/p>\n
And as they are my works, I do not find<\/p>\n
But ranked with others, they may go behind,<\/p>\n
Yet for theyr matter, I suppose they bee<\/p>\n
Not worthlesse quite, whilst they with Truth agree.<\/p>\n
Indeed I grant that sounder judgments may<\/p>\n
(Directed by a greater Light) declare<\/p>\n
The ground of Truth more in a Gospel-way,<\/p>\n
But who time past with present will compare<\/p>\n
Shall find more mysteries unfolded are,<\/p>\n
So that they may who have right informacion<\/p>\n
More plainly shew the path-way to Salvacion.<\/p>\n
Yet this cannot prevayl to hinder me<\/p>\n
From publishing those Truths I do intend,<\/p>\n
As strong perfumes will not concealed be,<\/p>\n
And who esteemes the favours of a Freind,<\/p>\n
So little, as in silence let them end,<\/p>\n
Nor will I therfore only keep in thought,<\/p>\n
But tell what God still for my Soule hath wrought.<\/p>\n
When Clouds of Melancholy over-cast<\/p>\n
My heart, sustaining heavinesse therby,<\/p>\n
But long that sad condicion would not last<\/p>\n
For soon the Spring of Light would blessedly<\/p>\n
Send forth a beam, for helps discovery,<\/p>\n
Then dark discomforts would give place to joy,<\/p>\n
Which not the World could give or quite destroy.<\/p>\n
So sorrow serv’d but as springing raine<\/p>\n
To ripen fruits, indowments of the minde,<\/p>\n
VVho thereby did abillitie attaine<\/p>\n
To send forth flowers, of so rare a kinde,<\/p>\n
VVhich wither not by force of Sun or VVinde:<\/p>\n
Retaining vertue in their operacions,<\/p>\n
VVhich are the matter of those Meditacions.<\/p>\n
From whence if evill matter be extracted<\/p>\n
Tis only by a spider generacion,<\/p>\n
Whose natures are of vennom so compacted,<\/p>\n
As that their touch occasions depravacion<\/p>\n
Though lighting in the fragrantest plantacion:<\/p>\n
Let such conceale the evill hence they pluck<\/p>\n
And not disgorg themselves of what they suck.<\/p>\n
So shall they not the humble sort offend<\/p>\n
Who like the Bee, by natures secret act<\/p>\n
Convert to sweetnesse, fit for some good end<\/p>\n
That which they from small things of worth extract,<\/p>\n
Wisely supplying every place that lackt,<\/p>\n
By helping to discover what was meant<\/p>\n
Where they perceive there is a good intent.<\/p>\n
So trusting that the only Sov’rain Power<\/p>\n
Which in this work alwaies assisted mee,<\/p>\n
Will still remain its firme defensive Tower,<\/p>\n
From spite of enemies the same to free<\/p>\n
And make it useful in some sort to bee,<\/p>\n
That Rock I trust on whom I doe depend,<\/p>\n
Will his and all their works for him defend.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
A Song expressing their happinesse who have Communion with Christ.<\/p>\n
When scorched with distracting care,<\/p>\n
My minde finds out a shade<\/p>\n
Which fruitlesse Trees, false fear, dispair<\/p>\n
And melancoly made,<\/p>\n
Where neither bird did sing<\/p>\n
Nor fragrant flowers spring,<\/p>\n
Nor any plant of use:<\/p>\n
No sound of happynesse,<\/p>\n
Had there at all ingresse,<\/p>\n
Such comforts to produce,<\/p>\n
But Sorrow there frequents,<\/p>\n
The Nurce of Discontents,<\/p>\n
And Murmering her Mayd<\/p>\n
Whose harsh unpleasant noise<\/p>\n
All mentall fruits destroyes<\/p>\n
Whereby delight’s convayd.<\/p>\n
Whereof my judgment being certifide<\/p>\n
My mind from thence did move,<\/p>\n
For her conception so to provide,<\/p>\n
That it might not abortive prove,<\/p>\n
VVhich fruit to signifie<\/p>\n
It was conceaved by<\/p>\n
Most true intelligence<\/p>\n
Of this sweet truth divine<\/p>\n
Who formed thee is thine, Esay. 54. 5<\/p>\n
Whence sprang this inference;<\/p>\n
He too, thats Lord of all<\/p>\n
Will thee beloved call,<\/p>\n
Though all else prove unkind;<\/p>\n
Then chearfull may I sing<\/p>\n
Sith I enjoy the Spring,<\/p>\n
Though Sesterns dry I find.<\/p>\n
For in our Vnion with the Lord alone,<\/p>\n
Consists our happinesse.<\/p>\n
Certainly such who are with Christ at one<\/p>\n
He leaves not comfortlesse.<\/p>\n
But come to them he will<\/p>\n
Their Souls with joy to fill.<\/p>\n
And them to Fortifie<\/p>\n
Their works to undergo<\/p>\n
And beare their Crosse also,<\/p>\n
VVith much alacrity:<\/p>\n
VVho his assisting grace<\/p>\n
Do feelingly imbrace,<\/p>\n
VVith confidence may say,<\/p>\n
Through Christ that strengthens me<\/p>\n
No thing so hard I see Phil. 4. 14<\/p>\n
But what perform I may.<\/p>\n
But when the Soul no help can see<\/p>\n
Through sins interposicion,<\/p>\n
Then quite forlorn that while is she,<\/p>\n
Bewailling her condicion;<\/p>\n
In which deplored case<\/p>\n
Now such a Soul hath space,<\/p>\n
To think how she delayd<\/p>\n
Her Saviour to admit<\/p>\n
Who shu’d to her for it,<\/p>\n
And to this purpose sayd,<\/p>\n
Open to me my Love,<\/p>\n
My Sister, and my Dove, Can. 5<\/p>\n
My Locks with dew wet are<\/p>\n
Yet she remissive grew,<\/p>\n
Till he himselfe with-drew<\/p>\n
Before she was aware.<\/p>\n
But tasting once how sweet he is,<\/p>\n
And smelling his perfumes,<\/p>\n
Long can she not his presence misse,<\/p>\n
But griefe her strainth consumes:<\/p>\n
For when he visits one<\/p>\n
He cometh not alone,<\/p>\n
But brings abundant grace<\/p>\n
True Light, and Holynesse<\/p>\n
And Spirit to expresse<\/p>\n
Ones wants in every case;<\/p>\n
For as he wisedome is,<\/p>\n
So is he unto his<\/p>\n
VVisedome and Purity, 1 Cor. 1.30<\/p>\n
Which when he seemes to hide,<\/p>\n
The soul missing her guide,<\/p>\n
Must needs confused lie.<\/p>\n
Then let them know, that would enjoy<\/p>\n
The firme fruition,<\/p>\n
Of his Sweet presence, he will stay<\/p>\n
With single hearts alone,<\/p>\n
Who but their former mate,<\/p>\n
Doe quite exterminate:<\/p>\n
With all things that defile<\/p>\n
They that are Christs, truly,<\/p>\n
The Flesh do Crucifie<\/p>\n
With its affections vile Gal. 5.<\/p>\n
Then grounds of truth are sought<\/p>\n
New Principles are wrought<\/p>\n
Of grace and holinesse,<\/p>\n
Which plantings of the heart<\/p>\n
Will spring in every part,<\/p>\n
And so it selfe expresse.<\/p>\n
Then shall the Soul like morning bright<\/p>\n
Vnto her Lord appeare, Can. 6.10<\/p>\n
And as the Moone when full of Light<\/p>\n
So fayr is she and cleare,<\/p>\n
With that inherent grace<\/p>\n
Thats darted from the Face<\/p>\n
Of Christ, that Sunne divine,<\/p>\n
Which hath a purging power<\/p>\n
Corruption to devour,<\/p>\n
And Conscience to refine;<\/p>\n
Perfection thus begun<\/p>\n
As pure as the Sonne,<\/p>\n
The Soul shall be likewise<\/p>\n
With that great Blessednesse,<\/p>\n
Imputed Righteoussenesse<\/p>\n
Which freely Justifies.<\/p>\n
They that are thus compleat with Grace<\/p>\n
And know that they are so,<\/p>\n
For Glory must set Sayle apace<\/p>\n
Whilst wind doth fitly blow,<\/p>\n
Now is the tide of Love,<\/p>\n
Now doth the Angell move;<\/p>\n
If that there be defect<\/p>\n
That Soul which sin doth wound,<\/p>\n
Here now is healing found,<\/p>\n
If she no time neglect;<\/p>\n
To whom shall be reveald<\/p>\n
What erst hath been conceald,<\/p>\n
When brought unto that Light,<\/p>\n
Which in the Soul doth shine<\/p>\n
When he thats most divine,<\/p>\n
Declares his presence bright.<\/p>\n
Then he will his beloved shew<\/p>\n
The reason wherefore she<\/p>\n
Is seated in a place so low,<\/p>\n
Not from all troubles free;<\/p>\n
And wherefore they do thrive<\/p>\n
That wicked works contrive;<\/p>\n
Christ telleth his also<\/p>\n
For who as friends he takes<\/p>\n
He of his Councell makes,<\/p>\n
And they shall secrets know: Iohn 15.15<\/p>\n
Such need not pine with cares<\/p>\n
Seeing all things are theirs,<\/p>\n
If they are Christs indeed; Cor. 3.21.<\/p>\n
Therefore let such confesse<\/p>\n
They are not comfortlesse,<\/p>\n
Nor left in time of Need.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
A Song shewing the Mercies of God to his people, by interlacing cordiall
\nComforts with fatherly Chastisments.<\/p>\n
As in the time of Winter<\/p>\n
The Earth doth fruitlesse and barren lie,<\/p>\n
Till the Sun his course doth run<\/p>\n
Through Aries, Taurus, Gemini;<\/p>\n
Then he repayres what Cold did decay,<\/p>\n
Drawing superfluous moistures away,<\/p>\n
And by his luster, together with showers,<\/p>\n
The Earth becoms fruitful & plesant with flowers<\/p>\n
That what in winter seemed dead,<\/p>\n
Thereby the Sun is life discovered.<\/p>\n
So though that in the Winter<\/p>\n
Of sharp Afflictions, fruits seem to dy,<\/p>\n
And for that space, the life of Grace<\/p>\n
Remayneth in the Root only;<\/p>\n
Yet when the Son of Righteousnesse clear<\/p>\n
Shall make Summer with us, our spirits to chear,<\/p>\n
Warming our hearts with the sense of his favour,<\/p>\n
Then must our flowers of piety savour,<\/p>\n
And then the fruits of righteousnesse<\/p>\n
We to the glory of God must expresse.<\/p>\n
And as when Night is parted;<\/p>\n
The Sun ascending our Hemisphear,<\/p>\n
Ill fumes devouers, and opes the powers<\/p>\n
Which in our bodies are, and there<\/p>\n
He drawes out the spirits of moving and sence<\/p>\n
As from the center, to the circumference;<\/p>\n
So that the exterior parts are delighted,<\/p>\n
And unto mocion and action excited,<\/p>\n
And hence it is that with more delight<\/p>\n
We undergo labor by day then by night.<\/p>\n
So though a Night of Sorrows<\/p>\n
May stay proceedings in piety<\/p>\n
Yet shall our light like morning bright<\/p>\n
Arise out of obscurity,<\/p>\n
Then when the Sun that never declines<\/p>\n
Shall open the faculties of our mindes,<\/p>\n
Stirring up in them that spirituall mocion<\/p>\n
Whereby we make towards God with devocion<\/p>\n
When kindled by his influence<\/p>\n
Our Sacrifice is as pleasing incense.<\/p>\n
Now when we feel Gods favour<\/p>\n
And the communion with him we have,<\/p>\n
Alone we may admit of joy<\/p>\n
As having found what most we crave,<\/p>\n
Store must we gather while such gleams do last<\/p>\n
Against our tryalls sharp winterly blasts<\/p>\n
So dispairacion shall swallow us never,<\/p>\n
Who know where God once loves, there he loves ever<\/p>\n
Though sence of it oft wanting is<\/p>\n
Yet still Gods mercies continue with his.<\/p>\n
So soon as we discover<\/p>\n
Our souls benummed in such a case,<\/p>\n
We may not stay, without delay<\/p>\n
We must approach the Throne of Grace,<\/p>\n
First taking words to our selves to declare<\/p>\n
How dead to goodnesse by nature we are,<\/p>\n
Then seeking by him who for us did merit<\/p>\n
To be enliv’d by his quickening Spirit,<\/p>\n
Whose flame doth light our spark of Grace,<\/p>\n
Whereby we may behold his pleased face.<\/p>\n
From whence come beams of comfort,<\/p>\n
The chiefest matter of tru Content,<\/p>\n
Who tast and see, how sweet they be,<\/p>\n
Perceive they are most excellent,<\/p>\n
Being a glimce of his presence so bright,<\/p>\n
Who dwelleth in unapproachable light:<\/p>\n
Whoso hath happily this mercy attayned,<\/p>\n
Earnest of blessednesse endlesse hath gayned,<\/p>\n
Where happinesse doth not decay<\/p>\n
There Spring is eternall, and endlesse is day.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
A Song declaring that a Christian may finde tru Love only where tru Grace is.<\/p>\n
No Knot of Friendship long can hold<\/p>\n
Save that which Grace hath ty’d,<\/p>\n
For other causes prove but cold<\/p>\n
VVhen their effects are try’d;<\/p>\n
For God who loveth unity<\/p>\n
Doth cause the onely union,<\/p>\n
Which makes them of one Family<\/p>\n
Of one mind and communion.<\/p>\n
Commocions will be in that place,<\/p>\n
VVhere are such contraries,<\/p>\n
As is inniquity and grace,<\/p>\n
The greatest enimies,<\/p>\n
Whom sin doth rule shee doth command<\/p>\n
To hold stiff opposicion<\/p>\n
Gainst grace and all the faithfull band<\/p>\n
Which are in her tuision.<\/p>\n
This is the cause of home debates,<\/p>\n
And much domestick woes,<\/p>\n
That one may find his houshold mates<\/p>\n
To be his greatest foes,<\/p>\n
That with the Wolfe the Lamb may ‘bide<\/p>\n
As free from molestacion,<\/p>\n
As Saints with sinners, who reside<\/p>\n
In the same habitacion.<\/p>\n
By reason of the Enmity<\/p>\n
Between the womans Seed<\/p>\n
And mans infernall enimy,<\/p>\n
The Serpent and his breed,<\/p>\n
The link of consanguinity<\/p>\n
Could hold true friendship never,<\/p>\n
Neither hath neare affinity<\/p>\n
United freinds for ever.<\/p>\n
For scoffing Ishmael will scorn<\/p>\n
His onely true born brother:<\/p>\n
Rebeckahs sonns together born<\/p>\n
Contend with one another,<\/p>\n
No bond of nature is so strong<\/p>\n
To cause their hearts to tarry<\/p>\n
In unity, who do belong<\/p>\n
To masters so contrary.<\/p>\n
The wicked ordinarily<\/p>\n
Gods dearest children hate,<\/p>\n
And therfore seek (though groundlesly)<\/p>\n
Their credits to abate,<\/p>\n
And though their words and works do show<\/p>\n
No colour of offences<\/p>\n
Yet are their hearts most (they trow)<\/p>\n
For all their good pretences.<\/p>\n
And those that strongest grace attain,<\/p>\n
Whereby sin is vanquished,<\/p>\n
By Sathan and his cursed train<\/p>\n
Are most contraried;<\/p>\n
Because by such the Serpent feeles,<\/p>\n
His head to be most bruised,<\/p>\n
He turnes and catches at their heeles,<\/p>\n
By whom he is so used.<\/p>\n
His agents he doth instigate,<\/p>\n
To vex, oppose, and fret,<\/p>\n
To slander and calumniate,<\/p>\n
Those that have scap’t his net,<\/p>\n
Who servants are so diligent,<\/p>\n
That like to Kain their father<\/p>\n
They whose works are most excellent<\/p>\n
They mischiefe will the rather.<\/p>\n
Yet there are of the gracelesse crew<\/p>\n
Who for some private ends<\/p>\n
Have sided with prefessors tru<\/p>\n
As trusty pious friends,<\/p>\n
But to the times of worldly peace<\/p>\n
Their friendship was confined.<\/p>\n
Which when some crosses caus’d to cease<\/p>\n
The thred of league untwined.<\/p>\n
Such friends unto the Swallow may<\/p>\n
Be fitly likened,<\/p>\n
Who all the plesant Summer stay<\/p>\n
But are in Winter fled:<\/p>\n
They cannot ‘bide their freind to see,<\/p>\n
In any kind of trouble,<\/p>\n
So pittyfull (forsooth) they bee<\/p>\n
That have the art to double.<\/p>\n
Such will be any thing for one<\/p>\n
Who hath of nothing need,<\/p>\n
Their freindship stands in word alone,<\/p>\n
And none at all in deed,<\/p>\n
How open mouth’d so e’re they are,<\/p>\n
They bee as closely handed,<\/p>\n
Who will (they know) their service spare,<\/p>\n
They’re his to be commanded.<\/p>\n
Therefore let no true hearted one<\/p>\n
Reliefe at need expect,<\/p>\n
From opposits to vertue known,<\/p>\n
Who can him not afect:<\/p>\n
For his internall ornaments,<\/p>\n
Will ever lovely make him<\/p>\n
Though all things pleasing outward sence<\/p>\n
Should utterly forsake him.<\/p>\n
In choise of Freinds let such therefore<\/p>\n
Prefer the godly wise,<\/p>\n
To whom he may impart the store<\/p>\n
That in his bosome lies:<\/p>\n
And let him not perniciously<\/p>\n
Communicate his favours,<\/p>\n
To all alike indifferently,<\/p>\n
Which shewes a mind that wavers.<\/p>\n
Gods children to each other should<\/p>\n
Most open hearted bee;<\/p>\n
Who by the same precepts are rul’d,<\/p>\n
And in one Faith agree,<\/p>\n
VVho shall in true felicity,<\/p>\n
Where nothing shall offend them<\/p>\n
Together dwell eternally,<\/p>\n
To which I do commend them.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Another Song exciting to spirituall Mirth.<\/p>\n
The Winter being over<\/p>\n
In order comes the Spring,<\/p>\n
Which doth green Hearbs discover<\/p>\n
And cause the Birds to sing;<\/p>\n
The Night also expired,<\/p>\n
Then comes the Morning bright,<\/p>\n
Which is so much desired<\/p>\n
By all that love the Light;<\/p>\n
This may learn<\/p>\n
Them that mourn<\/p>\n
To put their Griefe to flight.<\/p>\n
The Spring succeedeth Winter,<\/p>\n
And Day must follow Night.<\/p>\n
He therefore that sustaineth<\/p>\n
Affliction or Distresse,<\/p>\n
Which ev’ry member paineth,<\/p>\n
And findeth no relesse;<\/p>\n
Let such therefore despaire not,<\/p>\n
But on firm Hope depend<\/p>\n
Whose Griefes immortall are not,<\/p>\n
And therefore must have end:<\/p>\n
They that faint<\/p>\n
With complaint<\/p>\n
Therefore are too blame,<\/p>\n
They ad to their afflictions,<\/p>\n
And amplify the same.<\/p>\n
For if they could with patience<\/p>\n
A while posesse the minde,<\/p>\n
By inward Consolacions<\/p>\n
They might refreshing finde,<\/p>\n
To sweeten all their Crosses<\/p>\n
That little time they ‘dure;<\/p>\n
So might they gain by losses,<\/p>\n
And harp would sweet procure;<\/p>\n
But if the minde<\/p>\n
Be inclinde<\/p>\n
To Vnquietnesse<\/p>\n
That only may be called<\/p>\n
The worst of all Distresse.<\/p>\n
He that is melancolly<\/p>\n
Detesting all Delight,<\/p>\n
His Wits by sottish Folly<\/p>\n
Are ruinated quite;<\/p>\n
Sad Discontent and Murmors<\/p>\n
To him are insident,<\/p>\n
Were he posest of Honors,<\/p>\n
He could not be content:<\/p>\n
Sparks of joy<\/p>\n
Fly away,<\/p>\n
Floods of Cares arise,<\/p>\n
And all delightfull Mocions<\/p>\n
In the conception dies.<\/p>\n
But those that are contented<\/p>\n
However things doe fall,<\/p>\n
Much Anguish is prevented,<\/p>\n
And they soon freed from all;<\/p>\n
They finish all their Labours<\/p>\n
With much felicity,<\/p>\n
Theyr joy in Troubles savours<\/p>\n
Of perfect Piety,<\/p>\n
Chearfulnesse<\/p>\n
Doth expresse<\/p>\n
A setled pious minde<\/p>\n
Which is not prone to grudging<\/p>\n
From murmoring refinde.<\/p>\n
Lascivious joy I prayse not,<\/p>\n
Neither do it allow,<\/p>\n
For where the same decayes not<\/p>\n
No branch of peace can grow;<\/p>\n
For why, it is sinister<\/p>\n
As is excessive Griefe,<\/p>\n
And doth the Heart sequester<\/p>\n
From all good: to be briefe,<\/p>\n
Vain Delight<\/p>\n
Passeth quite<\/p>\n
The bounds of modesty,<\/p>\n
And makes one apt to nothing<\/p>\n
But sensuality.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
This song sheweth that God is the strength of his people, whence they have
\nsupport and comfort.<\/p>\n
My straying thoughts, reduced stay,<\/p>\n
And so a while retired,<\/p>\n
Such observacions to survay<\/p>\n
VVhich memory hath registred,<\/p>\n
That were not in oblivion dead.<\/p>\n
In which reveiw of mentall store,<\/p>\n
One note affordeth comforts best,<\/p>\n
Cheifly to be preferd therfore,<\/p>\n
As in a Cabinet or Chest<\/p>\n
One jewell may exceed the rest.<\/p>\n
God is the Rock of his Elect<\/p>\n
In whom his grace is incoate,<\/p>\n
This note, my soule did most affect,<\/p>\n
It doth such power intimate<\/p>\n
To comfort and corroberate.<\/p>\n
God is a Rock first in respect<\/p>\n
He shadows his from hurtfull heat,<\/p>\n
Then in regard he doth protect<\/p>\n
His servants still from dangers great<\/p>\n
And so their enimies defeat.<\/p>\n
In some dry desart Lands (they say)<\/p>\n
Are mighty Rocks, which shadow make,<\/p>\n
Where passengers that go that way,<\/p>\n
May rest, and so refreshing take,<\/p>\n
Their sweltish Wearinesse to slake.<\/p>\n
So in this world such violent<\/p>\n
Occasions, find we still to mourn.<\/p>\n
That scorching heat of Discontent<\/p>\n
VVould all into combustion turn<\/p>\n
And soon our soules with anguish burn,<\/p>\n
Did not our Rock preserve us still,<\/p>\n
Whose Spirit, ours animates,<\/p>\n
That wind that bloweth where it will Iohn 3.8<\/p>\n
Sweetly our soules refrigerates,<\/p>\n
And so distructive heat abates.<\/p>\n
From this our Rock proceeds likewise,<\/p>\n
Those living streames, which graciously<\/p>\n
Releives the soule which scorched lies,<\/p>\n
Through sence of Gods displeasure high,<\/p>\n
Due to her for inniquity.<\/p>\n
So this our Rock refreshing yeelds,<\/p>\n
To those that unto him adhere,<\/p>\n
Whom likewise mightily he sheilds,<\/p>\n
So that they need not faint nor fear<\/p>\n
Though all the world against them were.<\/p>\n
Because he is their strength and tower,<\/p>\n
Whose power none can equalize.<\/p>\n
VVhich onely gives the use of power<\/p>\n
Which justly he to them denies,<\/p>\n
Who would against his servants rise.<\/p>\n
Not by selfe power nor by might,<\/p>\n
But by Gods spirit certainly, Zach. 4.<\/p>\n
Men compasse and attain their right,<\/p>\n
For what art thou, O mountain high!<\/p>\n
Thou shalt with valleys, evenly.<\/p>\n
Happy was Israell, and why,<\/p>\n
Jehovah was his Rock alone, Deu. 33.29<\/p>\n
The Sword of his Excellency,<\/p>\n
His sheild of Glory mighty known,<\/p>\n
In saving those that are his own.<\/p>\n
Experience of all age shewes,<\/p>\n
That such could never be dismayd<\/p>\n
Who did by Faith on God repose,<\/p>\n
Confessing him their onely ayd,<\/p>\n
Such were alone in safty stayd.<\/p>\n
One may have freinds, who have a will<\/p>\n
To further his felicity,<\/p>\n
And yet be wanting to him still,<\/p>\n
Because of imbecility,<\/p>\n
In power and ability.<\/p>\n
But whom the Lord is pleas’d to save,<\/p>\n
Such he is able to defend,<\/p>\n
His grace and might no limmits have,<\/p>\n
And therefore can to all extend<\/p>\n
Who doe or shall on him depend.<\/p>\n
Nor stands he therefore surely,<\/p>\n
Whose Freinds most powerfull appeare,<\/p>\n
Because of mutabillity<\/p>\n
To which all mortalls subject are,<\/p>\n
Whose favours run now here, now there.<\/p>\n
But in our Rock and mighty Fort,<\/p>\n
Of change no shadow doth remain,<\/p>\n
His favours he doth not Transport<\/p>\n
As trifles movable and vain,<\/p>\n
His Love alone is lasting gain.<\/p>\n
Therefore my soule do thou depend,<\/p>\n
upon that Rock which will not move,<\/p>\n
When all created help shall end<\/p>\n
Thy Rock impregnable will prove,<\/p>\n
Whom still embrace with ardent Love.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Another Song.<\/p>\n
The Winter of my infancy being over-past<\/p>\n
Then supposed, suddenly the Spring would hast<\/p>\n
Which useth every thing to cheare<\/p>\n
With invitation to recreacion<\/p>\n
This time of yeare.<\/p>\n
The Sun sends forth his radient beames to warm the ground<\/p>\n
The drops distil, between the gleams delights abound,<\/p>\n
V?r brings her utf mate the flowery Queen,<\/p>\n
The Groves shee dresses, her Art expresses<\/p>\n
On every Green.<\/p>\n
But in my Spring it was not so, but contrary,<\/p>\n
For no delightfull flowers grew to please the eye,<\/p>\n
No hopefull bud, nor fruitfull bough,<\/p>\n
No moderat showers which causeth flowers<\/p>\n
To spring and grow.<\/p>\n
My Aprill was exceeding dry, therfore unkind;<\/p>\n
Whence tis that small utility I look to find,<\/p>\n
For when that Aprill is so dry,<\/p>\n
(As hath been spoken) it doth betoken<\/p>\n
Much scarcity.<\/p>\n
Thus is my Spring now almost past in heavinesse<\/p>\n
The Sky of pleasure’s over-cast with sad distresse<\/p>\n
For by a comfortlesse Eclips,<\/p>\n
Disconsolacion and sore vexacion,<\/p>\n
My blossom nips.<\/p>\n
Yet as a garden is my mind enclosed fast<\/p>\n
Being to safety so confind from storm and blast<\/p>\n
Apt to produce a fruit most rare,<\/p>\n
That is not common with every woman<\/p>\n
That fruitfull are.<\/p>\n
A Love of goodnesse is the cheifest plant therin<\/p>\n
The second is, (for to be briefe) Dislike to sin.<\/p>\n
These grow in spight of misery,<\/p>\n
Which Grace doth nourish and cause to flourish<\/p>\n
Continually.<\/p>\n
But evill mocions, currupt seeds, fall here also<\/p>\n
whenc springs prophanesse as do weeds where flowers grow<\/p>\n
VVhich must supplanted be with speed<\/p>\n
These weeds of Error, Distrust and Terror,<\/p>\n
Lest woe succeed<\/p>\n
So shall they not molest, the plants before exprest<\/p>\n
Which countervails these outward wants, & purchase rest<\/p>\n
Which more commodious is for me<\/p>\n
Then outward pleasures or earthly treasures<\/p>\n
Enjoyd would be.<\/p>\n
My little Hopes of worldly Gain I fret not at,<\/p>\n
As yet I do this Hope retain; though Spring be lat<\/p>\n
Perhaps my Sommer-age may be,<\/p>\n
Not prejudiciall, but benificiall<\/p>\n
Enough for me.<\/p>\n
Admit the worst it be not so, but stormy too,<\/p>\n
He learn my selfe to undergo more then I doe<\/p>\n
And still content my self with this<\/p>\n
Sweet Meditacion and Contemplacion<\/p>\n
Of heavenly blis,<\/p>\n
VVhich for the Saints reserved is, who persevere<\/p>\n
In Piety and Holynesse, and godly Feare,<\/p>\n
The pleasures of which blis divine<\/p>\n
Neither Logician nor Rhetorician
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Another Song.<\/p>\n
Having restrained Discontent,<\/p>\n
The onely Foe to Health and Witt,<\/p>\n
I sought by all meanes to prevent<\/p>\n
The causes which did nourish it,<\/p>\n
Knowing that they who are judicious<\/p>\n
Have alwaies held it most pernicious.<\/p>\n
Looking to outward things, I found<\/p>\n
Not that which Sorrow might abate,<\/p>\n
But rather cause them to abound<\/p>\n
Then any Greife to mittigate<\/p>\n
Which made me seek by supplicacion<\/p>\n
Internall Peace and Consolacion<\/p>\n
Calling to mind their wretchednesse<\/p>\n
That seem to be in happy case<\/p>\n
Having externall happinesse<\/p>\n
But therewithall no inward grace;<\/p>\n
Nor are their minds with knowledg pollisht<\/p>\n
In such all vertues are abollisht<\/p>\n
For where the mind ‘s obscure and dark<\/p>\n
There is no vertu resident,<\/p>\n
Of goodnesse there remaines no spark;<\/p>\n
Distrustfullnesse doth there frequent<\/p>\n
For Ignorance the cause of error<\/p>\n
May also be the cause of terror<\/p>\n
As doth the Sun-beames beutify<\/p>\n
The Sky, which else doth dim appeare<\/p>\n
So Knowledg doth exquisitly<\/p>\n
The Mind adorn, delight and cleare<\/p>\n
Which otherwise is most obscure,<\/p>\n
Full of enormities impure.<\/p>\n
So that their Soules polluted are<\/p>\n
That live in blockish Ignorance.<\/p>\n
Which doth their miseries declare<\/p>\n
And argues plainly that their wants<\/p>\n
More hurtfull are then outward Crosses<\/p>\n
Infirmities, Reproach, or Losses.<\/p>\n
Where saving Knowledg doth abide,<\/p>\n
The peace of Conscience also dwels<\/p>\n
And many Vertues more beside<\/p>\n
Which all obsurdities expels,<\/p>\n
And fils the Soule with joy Celestiall<\/p>\n
That shee regards not things Terrestiall.<\/p>\n
Sith then the Graces of the Mind<\/p>\n
Exceeds all outward Happinesse,<\/p>\n
What sweet Contentment do they find<\/p>\n
Who are admitted to possesse<\/p>\n
Such matchlesse Pearles, so may we call them;<\/p>\n
For Precious is the least of all them.<\/p>\n
VVhich when I well considered<\/p>\n
My greife for outward crosses ceast,<\/p>\n
Being not much discouraged<\/p>\n
Although afflictions still encreast,<\/p>\n
Knowing right well that Tribulacion<\/p>\n
No token is of Reprobacion.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Another Song.<\/p>\n
Excessive worldy Greife the Soule devouers<\/p>\n
And spoyles the activnesse of all the Powers,<\/p>\n
Through indisposing them to exercise<\/p>\n
What should demonstrate their abilities,<\/p>\n
By practicall improvment of the same<\/p>\n
Unto the Glory of the givers name.<\/p>\n
Though Envy wait to blast the Blossoms green<\/p>\n
Of any Vertu soon as they are seen,<\/p>\n
Yet none may therfore just occasion take<\/p>\n
To shun what Vertu manifest should make,<\/p>\n
For like the Sun shall Vertu be beheld<\/p>\n
VVhen Clouds of Envy shall be quite dispeld;<\/p>\n
Though there be some of no disart at all<\/p>\n
Who no degree in worth can lower fall,<\/p>\n
Prefer’d before the Verteous whom they taunt<\/p>\n
Onely because of some apparent want,<\/p>\n
Which is as if a Weed without defect<\/p>\n
Before the Damask Rose should have respect,<\/p>\n
Because the Rose a leafe or two hath lost,<\/p>\n
And this the Weed of all his parts can boast;<\/p>\n
Or elce as if a monstrous Clout should be<\/p>\n
Prefer’d before the purest Lawn to see,<\/p>\n
Because the Lawn hath spots and this the Clout<\/p>\n
Is equally polluted thoroughout<\/p>\n
Therefore let such whose vertu favours merits,<\/p>\n
Shew their divinly magnanimious spirits<\/p>\n
By disregarding such their approbacion<\/p>\n
Who have the worthlesse most in estimacion,<\/p>\n
For who loves God above all things, not one<\/p>\n
Who understands not that in him alone<\/p>\n
All causes that may move affection are,<\/p>\n
Glimpses wherof his creatures doe declare,<\/p>\n
This being so, who can be troubled<\/p>\n
When as his gifts are undervalued,<\/p>\n
Seeing the giver of all things likewise<\/p>\n
For want of knowledg many underprise.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Another Song<\/p>\n
Time past we understood by story<\/p>\n
The strength of Sin a Land to waste,<\/p>\n
Now God to manifest his Glory.<\/p>\n
The truth hereof did let us taste,<\/p>\n
For many years, this Land appears<\/p>\n
Of usefull things the Nursery,<\/p>\n
Refresht and fenc’d with unity.<\/p>\n
But that which crown’d each other Blessing<\/p>\n
Was evidence of Truth Divine,<\/p>\n
The Word of Grace such Light expressing,<\/p>\n
Which in some prudent Hearts did shine,<\/p>\n
Whose Flame inclines those noble minds<\/p>\n
To stop the Course of Prophanacion<\/p>\n
And so make way for Reformation.<\/p>\n
But He that watcheth to devour,<\/p>\n
This their intent did soon discry,<\/p>\n
For which he strait improves his power<\/p>\n
This worthy work to nullify<\/p>\n
With Sophistry and Tiranny,<\/p>\n
His agents he forthwith did fill<\/p>\n
Who gladly execute his will.<\/p>\n
And first they prove by Elocution<\/p>\n
And Hellish Logick to traduce<\/p>\n
Those that would put in execucion,<\/p>\n
Restraint of every known abuse;<\/p>\n
They seperate and ‘sturb the State,<\/p>\n
And would all Order overthrow,<\/p>\n
The better sort were charged so.<\/p>\n
Such false Reports did fill all places,<\/p>\n
Corrupting some of each degree,<\/p>\n
He whom the highest Title graces<\/p>\n
From hearing slanders was not free,<\/p>\n
Which Scruple bred, and put the Head<\/p>\n
With primest members so at bate<\/p>\n
Which did the Body dislocate.<\/p>\n
A Lying Spirit mis-informed<\/p>\n
The common peeple, who suppose<\/p>\n
If things went on to be reformed<\/p>\n
They should their ancient Customs lose,<\/p>\n
And be beside to courses ty’d<\/p>\n
Which they not yet their Fathers knew,<\/p>\n
And so be wrapt in fangles new.<\/p>\n
Great multitudes therefore were joyned<\/p>\n
To Sathans plyant instruments,<\/p>\n
With mallice, ignorance combined,<\/p>\n
And both at Truth their fury vents;<\/p>\n
First Piety as Enimy<\/p>\n
They persecute, oppose, revile,<\/p>\n
Then Freind as well as Foe they spoyle.<\/p>\n
The beuty of the Land’s abollisht,<\/p>\n
Such Fabericks by Art contriv’d,<\/p>\n
The many of them quite demollisht,<\/p>\n
And many of their homes depriv’d<\/p>\n
Some mourn for freinds untimely ends,<\/p>\n
And some for necessaries faint,<\/p>\n
With which they parted by constraint.<\/p>\n
But from those storms hath God preserved<\/p>\n
A people to record his praise,<\/p>\n
Who sith they were therefore reserved<\/p>\n
Must to the heigth their Spirits raise<\/p>\n
To magnify his lenity<\/p>\n
Who safely brought them through the fire<\/p>\n
To let them see their hearts desire<\/p>\n
Which many faithfull ones deceased<\/p>\n
With teares desired to behold,<\/p>\n
Which is the Light of Truth professed<\/p>\n
Without obscuring shaddowes old,<\/p>\n
When spirits free, not tyed shall be<\/p>\n
To frozen Forms long since compos’d,<\/p>\n
When lesser knowledg was disclos’d.<\/p>\n
VVho are preserv’d from foes outragious,<\/p>\n
Noteing the Lords unfound-out wayes,<\/p>\n
Should strive to leave to after-ages<\/p>\n
Some memorandums of his praise;<\/p>\n
That others may admiring say<\/p>\n
Unsearchable his judgments are,<\/p>\n
As do his works alwayes declare.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
Meditacions
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
The first Meditacion.<\/p>\n
The Morning is at hand, my Soule awake,<\/p>\n
Rise from the sleep of dull security;<\/p>\n
Now is the time, anon ’twill be to late,<\/p>\n
Now hast thou golden opportunity<\/p>\n
For to behold thy naturall estate<\/p>\n
And to repent and be regenerate.<\/p>\n
Delay no longer though the Flesh thee tell,<\/p>\n
Tis time enough hereafter to repent,<\/p>\n
Strive earnestly such mocions to expell,<\/p>\n
Remember this thy courage to augment<\/p>\n
The first fruits God requir’d for sacrifice,<\/p>\n
The later he esteemed of no price.<\/p>\n
First let’s behold our natural estate<\/p>\n
How dangerous and damnable it is,<\/p>\n
And thereupon grow to exceeding hate<\/p>\n
With that which is the onely cause of this;<\/p>\n
The which is Sin, yea Disobedience<\/p>\n
Even that which was our first parents offence.<\/p>\n
The reasonable Soule undoubtedly<\/p>\n
Created was at first free from offence,<\/p>\n
In Wisdom, Holinesse, and Purity,<\/p>\n
It did resemble the Divine Essence,<\/p>\n
Which being lost, the Soule of man became<\/p>\n
Like to the Serpent, causer of the same.<\/p>\n
The Understanding, Will, Affections cleare,<\/p>\n
Each part of Soule and Body instantly<\/p>\n
Losing their purity, corrupted were<\/p>\n
Throughout as by a loathsom Leprocy<\/p>\n
The rayes of Vertu were extinguisht quite<\/p>\n
And Vice usurpeth rule with force and might.<\/p>\n
This sudden change from sanctitude to sin<\/p>\n
Could but prognosticat a fearfull end,<\/p>\n
Immediatly the dollour did begin,<\/p>\n
The Curse that was pronounc’d, none might defend,<\/p>\n
Which Curse is in this life a part of some,<\/p>\n
The fulnesse thereof in the life to come.<\/p>\n
The Curse that to the Body common is<\/p>\n
The sence of Hunger, Thirst, of Sicknes, Pain:<\/p>\n
The Soules Calamities exceedeth this,<\/p>\n
A Tast of Hell shee often doth sustain,<\/p>\n
Rebukes of Conscience, threatning plagues for sin,<\/p>\n
A world of Torments oft shee hath within.<\/p>\n
Unlesse the Conscience dead and feared be,<\/p>\n
Then runs the soule in errors manifold,<\/p>\n
Her danger deep shee can in no wise see,<\/p>\n
And therefore unto every sin is bold,<\/p>\n
The Conscience sleeps, the Soule is dead in sin,<\/p>\n
Nere thinks of Hell untill shee comes therein.<\/p>\n
Thus is the Conscience of the Reprobate,<\/p>\n
Either accusing unto desperacion,<\/p>\n
Or elce benummed, cannot instigate<\/p>\n
Nor put the Soule in mind of reformacion;<\/p>\n
Both work for ill unto the castaway,<\/p>\n
Though here they spent their time in mirth and play.<\/p>\n
Yet can they have no sound contentment here,<\/p>\n
In midst of laughter oft the heart is sad:<\/p>\n
This world is full of woe & hellish feare<\/p>\n
And yeelds forth nothing long to make us glad<\/p>\n
As they that in the state of nature dy<\/p>\n
Passe but from misery to misery.<\/p>\n
Consider this my soule, yet not despaire,<\/p>\n
To comfort thee again let this suffice,<\/p>\n
There is a Well of grace, whereto repaire,<\/p>\n
First wash away thy foul enormities<\/p>\n
With teares proceeding from a contrite heart,<\/p>\n
With thy beloved sins thou must depart.<\/p>\n
Inordinate affections, and thy Will,<\/p>\n
And carnall wisdom, must thou mortify,<\/p>\n
For why, they are corrupt, prophane and ill,<\/p>\n
And prone to nothing but impiety,<\/p>\n
Yet shalt thou not their nature quite deface,<\/p>\n
Their ruines must renewed be by grace.<\/p>\n
If that thou canst unfainedly repent,<\/p>\n
With hatred therunto thy sins confesse,<\/p>\n
And not because thou fearest punishment<\/p>\n
But that therby thou didst Gods Laws transgress<\/p>\n
Resolving henceforth to be circumspect,<\/p>\n
Desiring God to frame thy wayes direct.<\/p>\n
Each member of thy body thou dost guide,<\/p>\n
Then exercise them in Gods service most<\/p>\n
Let every part be throughly sanctifide<\/p>\n
As a meet Temple for the Holy Ghost;<\/p>\n
Sin must not in our mortall bodies raign<\/p>\n
It must expelled be although with pain<\/p>\n
Thou must not willingly one sin detain,<\/p>\n
For so thou mayst debarred be of blis,<\/p>\n
Grace with inniquity will not remain,<\/p>\n
Twixt Christ and Belial no communion is,<\/p>\n
Therefore be carefull every sin to fly,<\/p>\n
And see thou persevere in piety.<\/p>\n
So mayst thou be perswaded certainly,<\/p>\n
The Curse shall in no wise endanger thee,<\/p>\n
Although the body suffer misery<\/p>\n
Yet from the second death thou shalt be free;<\/p>\n
They that are called here to Holinesse<\/p>\n
Are sure elected to eternall blisse.<\/p>\n
A Taste of blessednesse here shalt thou say,<\/p>\n
Thy Conscience shall be at Tranquility,<\/p>\n
And in the Life to com thou shalt enjoy<\/p>\n
The sweet fruition of the Trinity,<\/p>\n
Society with Saints then shalt thou have,<\/p>\n
Which in this life thou didst so often crave.<\/p>\n
Let this then stir thee up to purity,<\/p>\n
Newnesse of life, and speedy Conversion,<\/p>\n
To Holinesse and to integrity,<\/p>\n
Make conscience of impure thoughts unknown<\/p>\n
Pray in the Spirit with sweet Contemplacion<\/p>\n
Be vigilant for to avoid Temptacion.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
The Preamble.<\/p>\n
Amid the Oceon of Adversity,<\/p>\n
Neare whelmed in the Waves of sore Vexation,<\/p>\n
Tormented with the Floods of Misery,<\/p>\n
And almost in the Guise of Despairacion,<\/p>\n
Neare destitute of Comfort, full of Woes,<\/p>\n
This was her Case that did the same compose:<\/p>\n
At length Jehovah by his power divine,<\/p>\n
This great tempestious Storm did mittigate.<\/p>\n
And cause the Son of Righteousnesse to shine<\/p>\n
Upon his Child that seemed desolate,<\/p>\n
Who was refreshed, and that immediatly,<\/p>\n
And Sings as follows with alacrity.
\n __________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n
The Second Meditacion.<\/p>\n
The storm of Anguish being over-blown,<\/p>\n
To praise Gods mercies now I may have space,<\/p>\n
For that I was not finally orethrown,<\/p>\n
But was supported by his speciall grace;<\/p>\n
The Firmament his glory doth declare, Psal. 19. 1<\/p>\n
Yet over all his works, his mercies are. Psal. 145. 9<\/p>\n
The Contemplacion of his mercies sweet,<\/p>\n
Hath ravished my Soule with such delight<\/p>\n
Who to lament erst while was onely meet,<\/p>\n
Doth now determine to put griefe to flight,<\/p>\n
Being perswaded, hereupon doth rest,<\/p>\n
Shee shall not be forsaken though distrest.<\/p>\n
Gods Favour toward me is hereby proved,<\/p>\n
For that he hath not quite dejected me;<\/p>\n
VVhy then, though crosses be not yet removed<\/p>\n
Yet so seasoned with pacience they be,<\/p>\n
As they excite me unto godlinesse,<\/p>\n
The onely way to endlesse happinesse.<\/p>\n
W^ch earthly muckworms can in no wise know<\/p>\n
Being of the Holy Spirit destitute,<\/p>\n
They savour onely earthly things below;<\/p>\n
Who shall with them of saving Grace dispute,<\/p>\n
Shall find them capable of nothing lesse<\/p>\n
Though Christianity they do professe.<\/p>\n
Let Esaus porcion fall onto these men,<\/p>\n
The Fatnesse of the Earth let them possesse<\/p>\n
No other thing they can desire then,<\/p>\n
Having no taste of Heavens happinesse,<\/p>\n
They care not for Gods Countenance so bright,<\/p>\n
Their Corn and Wine and Oyle is their delight.<\/p>\n
To compasse this and such like is their care,<\/p>\n
But having past the period of their dayes,<\/p>\n
Bereft of all but miseries they are,<\/p>\n
Their sweet delight with mortall life decayes,<\/p>\n
But godlinesse is certainly great gain, 1. Tim. 6. 6<\/p>\n
Immortall blisse they have, who it retain.<\/p>\n
They that are godly and regenerate,<\/p>\n
Endu’d with saving Knowledg, Faith, and Love,<\/p>\n
When they a future blisse premeditate,<\/p>\n
It doth all bitter passion quite remove;<\/p>\n
Though oft they feel the want of outward things<\/p>\n
Their heavenly meditacions, comfort brings.<\/p>\n
They never can be quite disconsolate,<\/p>\n
Because they have the onely Comforter<\/p>\n
Which doth their minds alway illuminate,<\/p>\n
And make them fleshy pleasures much abhorr,<\/p>\n
For by their inward light they plainly see<\/p>\n
How vain all transitory pleasures bee.<\/p>\n
Moreover, if they be not only voyd<\/p>\n
Of earthly pleasures and commodities,<\/p>\n
But oftentimes be greviously annoyd<\/p>\n
With sundry kinds of great Calammities,<\/p>\n
Whether it be in Body, Goods, or Name,<\/p>\n
With pacience they undergo the same.<\/p>\n
And why? because they know and be aware<\/p>\n
That all things work together for the best,<\/p>\n
To them that love the Lord and called are, Ro. 8.28.<\/p>\n
According to his purpose; therefore blest<\/p>\n
Doubtlesse they be, his knowledg that obtain,<\/p>\n
No Losse may countervail their blessed Gain.<\/p>\n
Which makes them neither murmor nor repine<\/p>\n
When God is pleasd with Crosses them to try,<\/p>\n
who out of darknesse caused light to shine, 2 Cor. 4.6.<\/p>\n
Can raise them Comfort out of Misery<\/p>\n
They know right well and therefore are content<\/p>\n
To beare with patience any Chastisment.<\/p>\n
This difference is betwixt the good and bad;<\/p>\n
When as for sin the godly scourged are,<\/p>\n
And godly Sorrow moves them to be sad,<\/p>\n
These speeches or the like they will declare:<\/p>\n
O will the Lord absent himselfe for ever?<\/p>\n
Will he vouchsafe his mercy to me never?<\/p>\n
VVhat is the cause I am afflicted so?<\/p>\n
The cause is evident I do perceive.<\/p>\n
My Sins have drawn upon me all this woe,<\/p>\n
The which I must confesse and also leave,<\/p>\n
Then shall I mercy find undoubtedly, Pro. 28.13.<\/p>\n
And otherwise no true prosperity.<\/p>\n
Whilst sin hath rule in me, in vain I pray,<\/p>\n
Or if my Soule inniquity affects,<\/p>\n
If this be true, at tis, I boldly say,<\/p>\n
The prayer of the wicked, God rejects; Pro. 15.8.<\/p>\n
If in my heart I wickednesse regard<\/p>\n
How can I hope my prayer shall be heard. Psal. 66<\/p>\n
If I repent, here may I Comfort gather,<\/p>\n
Though in my prayers there be weaknesse much<\/p>\n
Christ siteth at the right hand of his Father<\/p>\n
To intercede and make make request for such, Rom. 8.33<\/p>\n
Who have attained to sincerity,<\/p>\n
Though somthing hindered by infirmity.<\/p>\n
I will forthwith abandon and repent,<\/p>\n
Not onely palpable inniquities,<\/p>\n
But also all alowance or consent<\/p>\n
To sinful motions or infirmities;<\/p>\n
And when my heart and wayes reformed be,<\/p>\n
God will with-hold nothing that’s good from me. Psal. 84.<\/p>\n
So may I with the Psalmist truly say,<\/p>\n
Tis good for me that I have been afflicted,<\/p>\n
Before I troubled was, I went astray, Psal. 119<\/p>\n
But now to godlinesse I am adicted;<\/p>\n
If in Gods Lawes I had not took delight,<\/p>\n
I in my troubles should have perisht quite.<\/p>\n
Such gracious speeches usually proceed<\/p>\n
From such a Spirit that is Sanctifide,<\/p>\n
Who strives to know his own defects and need<\/p>\n
And also seekes to have his wants supplide;<\/p>\n
But certainly the wicked do not so<\/p>\n
As do their speeches and distempers show.<\/p>\n
At every crosse they murmor, vex and fret,<\/p>\n
And in their passion often will they say,<\/p>\n
How am I with Calamities beset!<\/p>\n
I think they will mee utterly destray,<\/p>\n
The cause hereof I can in no wise know<\/p>\n
But that the Destinies will have it so.<\/p>\n
Unfortunate am I and quite forlorn,<\/p>\n
Oh what disastrous Chance befalleth me!<\/p>\n
Vnder some hurtfull Plannet I was born<\/p>\n
That will (I think) my Confusion be,<\/p>\n
And there are many wickeder then I<\/p>\n
Who never knew the like adversity.<\/p>\n
These words do breifly show a carnall mind<\/p>\n
Polluted and corrupt with Ignorance,<\/p>\n
Where godly Wisdom never yet hath shin’d<\/p>\n
For that they talk of Destiny or Chance;<\/p>\n
For if Gods Power never can abate,<\/p>\n
He can dispose of that he did create.<\/p>\n
If God alone the True Almighty be<\/p>\n
As we beleive, acknowledg, and confesse,<\/p>\n
Then supream Governor likewise is he<\/p>\n
Disposing all things, be they more or lesse;<\/p>\n
The eyes of God in every place do see<\/p>\n
The good and bad, and what their actions bee.<\/p>\n
The thought hereof sufficeth to abate<\/p>\n
My heavinesse in great’st extremity,<\/p>\n
When Grace unto my Soul did intimate<\/p>\n
That nothing comes by Chance or Destiny,<\/p>\n
But that my God and Saviour knowes of all<\/p>\n
That either hath or shall to me befall.<\/p>\n
VVho can his servants from all troubles free<\/p>\n
And would I know my Crosses all prevent,<\/p>\n
But that he knowes them to be good for me<\/p>\n
Therefore I am resolv’d to be content,<\/p>\n
For though I meet with many Contradictions<\/p>\n
Yet Grace doth alwayes sweeten my Afflictions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
__________________________________________________________________ Title: Divine Songs and Meditacions Creator(s): Anne Collins Print Basis: Los Angeles: The Augustan Reprint Society, 1961 Rights: Public domain in the U.S.: 1961 U.S. publication by U.S. author; copyright not renewed. LC Call no: BV 467.** __________________________________________________________________ The Augustan Reprint Society AN. COLLINS DIVINE SONGS AND MEDITACIONS (1653) Selected, with an Introduction, by…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"twitterCardType":"","cardImageID":0,"cardImage":"","cardTitle":"","cardDesc":"","cardImageAlt":"","cardPlayer":"","cardPlayerWidth":0,"cardPlayerHeight":0,"cardPlayerStream":"","cardPlayerCodec":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8615"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8615\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8615"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purposedriven.ca\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}