One Thing is Needful
SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS, DEATH AND JUDGMENT, HEAVEN AND HELL — JOHN BUNYAN — aS S oe ac.
\ Sa Pe a $e vi == oa = — = ———— GROWDEDSHIP ONE THING IS NEEDFUL SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS, DEATH AND JUDGMENT, HEAVEN AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZIM, OR THE BLESSING
AND THE CURSE: WITH PRISON MEDITATIONS BY JOHN BUNYAN.
Originally published in 1683, in London.
The team from PROJECT PURITAS (Logan Westwith David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf) offered an edited draft obtained from the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LIBRARY.
Aaron Sturgill, supplemented this draft using two digitized copies, one from archive.org from 1683 and LOGOS BIBLE SOFTWARE version.
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND.
This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Edited, formatted, and republished by Crowdedship Publishing, November 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ENSUING DISCOURSE... 5
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PRISON MEDITATIONS ..scsceesnninninnnnnnnnnnnsese 45 1.These lines I at this time present 7. Besides, who is so mad (or worse) To all that will them heed; To think that Christ should come Wherein I show to what intent From glory, to be madea curse, God saith, convert with speed.
And that in sinners room.
2. For these four things come on apace, 8. Ifnothing should by us be had, Which we should know full well, When we are gone from hence; Both death and judgment, and, in place, But vanities while here,O mad Next to them, heaven and hell.
And foolish confidence!
3. For doubtless, Man was never born 9. Again, shallGod who is the truth, For this Life, and no moe:
Say, there is heaven and hell; No, in the resurrection morn And shall men play that trick ofyouth, They must have weal or woe.
To say, But who can tell?
4.Can any think, that God should take 10. Shall he that keeps his promise sure That pains, to form a man In things both low and small, So like himself, only to make Yet break it like a man impure, Him here a moment stand?
In matters greatest of all?
5. Or that he should make such ado, 11. Oh let all tremble at that thought, By justice, and by grace; That puts on God the lie, By prophets and apostles too, That saith men shall turn into naught, That men might see his face.
When they be sick and die.
6. Or that the promise he hath made, 12. Alas, death is but as the door, Also the threatenings great, Through which all men do pass, Should in a moment end and fade; To that which they for evermore O! No this is a cheat.
Shall have by wrath or grace.
13. Let all therefore that read my lines, Apply them to the heart, Yea, let them read, and turn betimes, And get the better part.
14. Mind therefore what I treat on here; Yea, mind and weigh it well; It is death and judgment, and a clear Discourse ofheaven and hell.
1. Death, as a king rampant and stout 7. Among themselves, as merchants do The world he dare engage; The prizes they have got; He conquers all, yea, and doth rout Oras the soldiers give unto The great, strong, wise, and sage.
Each man the share and lot, 2. No king so great, nor prince so strong, 8.Which they by dint of sword have won, But death can make to yield, From their most daring foe; Yea, bind and lay them all along, While he lies by as still as stone, And make them quit the field.
Not knowing what they do.
3.Where are the victors of the world, 9. Beauty death turns to rottenness, With all their men of might?
And youth to wrinkled face; Those that together kingdoms hurled, The witty he brings to distress, By death are put to flight.
And wantons to disgrace.
4. How feeble is the strongest hand, 10. The wild he tames and spoils the mirth When death begins to gripe!
Of all that wanton are, The giant now leaves offto stand, He takes the worldling from his worth, Much less withstand and fight.
And poor man from his care.
5.The man that hatha lion's face 11. Death favors none, he lays at all, Must here give place and bend, Of all sorts and degree; Yea, though his bones were bars ofbrass,
Both old and young, both great and small, "Tis vain here to contend.
Rich, poor, and bound, and free.
6. Submit he must to feeble ones, 12. No fawning words will flatter him, To worms who will enclose Nor threat'nings make him start, His skin and flesh, sinews and bones, He favors none for worth or kin, And will thereofdispose All must taste ofhis dart.
13. What shallI say? the graves declare 20. Then will he cut thy silver cord, That death shall conquer all; And break thy golden bowl, There lie the skulls, dust, bones, and there
Yea, break that pitcher which the Lord The mighty daily fall.
Made cabin for thy soul.
14. The very looks ofdeath are grim 21.Thine eyes, that now are quick ofsight, And ghastly to behold; Shall then no way espy Yea, though but in a dead man's skin, How to escape this doleful plight, When he is gone and cold.
For death will make thee die.
15. How 'fraid are some ofdead men's beds, 22. Those legs that now can nimbly run, And others of their bones; Shall then with faintness fail They neither care to see their heads, To take one step, death's dart to shun, Nor yet to hear their groans.
When he doth thee assail.
16. Now all these things are but the shade 23. That tongue that now can boast and brag And badges ofhis coat; Shall then by death be tied The glass that runs, the scythe and spade,
So fast, as not to speak or wag, Though weapons more remote:
Though death lies by thy side.
17. Yet such as make poor mortals shrink 24. Thou that didst once incline thine ear And fear, when they are told, Unto the song and tale, These things are signs that they must drink
Shall only now death's message hear, With death; O then how cold.
While he, with face most pale, 18. It strikes them to the heart! how do 25. Doth reason with thee how thy days They study it to shun!
Hath hitherto been spent, Indeed who can bear up, and who And what have been thy deeds and ways, Can from these shakings run?
Since God thee time hath lent.
19. But how much more then when he comes | 26.Then will he so begin to tear To grapple with thy heart, Thy body from thy soul, To bind with thread thy toes and thumbs,
And both from life, ifnow thy care And fetch thee in his cart?
Be not on grace to roll.
27. Death puts on things another face 34. Death doth already strike his heart Than we in health do see:
With his most fearful sting Sin, Satan, hell, death, life and grace Ofguilt, which makes his conscience start, Now great and weighty be.
And quake at every thing.
28. Yea, now the sick man's eye is set 35. Yea, as his body doth decay Upon a world to come:
By a contagious grief, He also knows too without let So his poor soul doth faint away That there must be his home.
Without hope or relief.
29. Either in joy, in bliss and light, 36. Thus while the man is in this scare, Or sorrow, woe, and grief; Death doth still at him lay; Either with Christ and saints in white, Live, die, sink, swim, fall foul or fair,
Or fiends, without relief.
Death still holds on his way.
30. But, O! the sad estate that then 37. Still pulling ofhim from his place, They will be in that die Full sore against his mind, Both void ofgrace and life! poor men!
Death like a sprite stares in his face, How will they fear and cry.
And doth with links him bind.
31. Ha! live I may not, though I would 38. And carries him into his den, For life give more than all; In darkness there to lie, And dieI dare not, though I should Among the swarms ofwicked men The world gain by my fall.
32. No, here he must no longer stay, 39. For only he that God doth fear He feels his life run out, Will now be counted wise:
His night is come, also the day Yea, he that feareth him while here, That makes him fear and doubt.
He only wins the prize.
33. He feels his very vitals die, 40. 'Tis he that shall by angels be All waxeth pale and wan; Attended to that bliss Nay, worse, he fears to misery That angels have; for he, O he, He shortly must be gone.
Ofglory shall not miss.
41. Those weapons and those instruments 48. A helmet on his head doth stand, Ofdeath, that others fright:
A breastplate on his heart:
Those dreadful fears and discontents A shield also is in his hand, That brings on some that night.
That blunteth every dart.
42. That never more shall have a day, 49. Truth girds him round the reins, also Brings this man to that rest His sword is on his thigh; Which none can win but only they His feet in shoes ofpeace do go Whom God hath called and blest The ways ofpurity.
43. With the first fruits ofsaving grace, 50. His heart it groaneth to the Lord, With faith, hope, love, and fear Who hears him at his call, Him to offend; this man his face And doth him help and strength afford, In visions high and clear, Wherewith he conquers all.
44. Shall in that light which no eye can 51.Thus fortified, he keeps the field Approach unto, behold While death is gone and fled; The rays and beams ofglory, and And then lies down upon his shield Find there his name enroll, Till Christ doth raise the dead.
45. Among those glittering starts oflight That Christ still holdeth fast In his right hand with all his might, Until that danger's past, 46. That shakes the world, and most hath dropt
Into griefand distress, O blessed then is he that's wrapt In Christ his righteousness.
47. This is the man death cannot kill, For he hath put on arms; Him sin nor Satan hath not skill To hurt with all their charms.
1. As 'tis appointed men should die, 7. He comes with head as white as snow, So judgment is the next With eyes like flames of fire; That meets them most assuredly; In justice clad from top to toe, For so saith holy text.
Most glorious in attire.
2. Wherefore ofjudgmentI shall now 8. His face is filled with gravity; Inform you whatI may, His tongue is like a sword; That you may see what 'tis, and how His presence awes both stout and high, "Twill be with men that day.
The world shakes at his word.
3. This world it hath a time to stand, 9. He comes in flaming fire, and Which time when ended, then With angels clear and bright, Will issue judgment out ofhand Each with a trumpet in his hand, Upon all sorts of men.
Clothed in shining white.
4.The Judge we find, in God's record, 10. The trump ofGod sounds in the air, The Son ofman, for he The dead do hear his voice; By God's appointment is made Lord The living too run here and there, And Judge ofall that be.
Who made not him their choice.
5.Wherefore this Son ofman shall come 11.Thus to his place he doth repair, At last to count with all, Appointed for his throne, And unto them shall give just doom, Where he will sit to judge, and where Whether they stand or fall.
He'll count with every one.
6. Behold ye now the majesty 12. Angels attending on his hand And state that shall attend By thousands on a row; This Lord, this Judge, and Justice high Yea, thousand thousands by him stand, When he doth now descend.
And at his beck do go.
13. Thus being set, the books do ope 20. Shall then be seen and laid before In which all crimes are writ.
The world, that then will stand All virtues, too, offaith and hope, To see thy judge open ev'ry sore, Oflove; and every whit And all thy evils scannid.
14. Of all that man hath done or said, 21. Weighing each sin and wickedness Or did intend to do; With so much equity, Whether they sinnid, or were afraid Proportioning ofthy distress Evil to come into.
15. Before this bar each sinner now 22. With so much justice, doing right, In person must appear; That thou thyself shalt say, Under hisjudgment there to bow My sins have brought me to this plight, With trembling and with fear:
16. Within whose breast a witness then 23. Into that gulph my sins have brought Will certainly arise, Me justly to possess, That to each charge will say Amen, For which I blame not Christ,Iwrought While they seek and devise It out by wickedness.
17.To shun the sentence which the Lord 24. But O! how willingly would these Against them then will read, That thus in judgment be, Out ofthe books of God's record, Ifthat they might have help or ease, With majesty and dread.
Unto the mountains flee.
18. But every heart shall opened be 25.They would rejoice if that they might Before this judge most high, But underneath them creep, Yea, every thought to judgment he To hide them from revenging right, Will bring assuredly.
For fear ofwhich they weep.
19. And every word and action, too, 26. But all in vain, the mountains then He there will manifest; Will all be fled and gone; Yea, all that ever thou didst do, No shelter will be found for men Or keep within thy breast, That now are left alone.
27. For succour they did not regard 34. The tree oflife this paradise When Christ by grace did call Doth always beautify, To them, therefore they are not heard, 'Cause ofour health it is the rise No mountains on them fall.
28. Before this Judge no one shall shroud 35. Here stands the golden throne ofgrace Himself, under pretence From out ofwhich do run Of knowledge, which hath made him proud,
Those crystal streams that make this place Nor seeming penitence.
Far brighter than the sun.
29.No high profession here can stand, 36. Here stands mount Zion with her king.
Unless sincerity Jerusalem above, Hath been therewith commixed, and That holy and delightful thing, Brought forth simplicity.
So beautified with love.
30. No mask nor vizor here can hide 37. That, as a mother succours those The heart that rotten is; Which ofher body be, All cloaks now must be laid aside, So she far more, all such as close No sinner must have bliss.
In with her Lord; and she 31. Though most approve ofthee, and count 38. Her grace, her everlasting doors Thee upright in thy heart, Will open wide unto Yea, though preferred and made surmount Them all, with welcome, welcome, poor, Most men to act thy part, Rich, bond, free, high and low, 32. In treading where the godly trod, 39. Unto the kingdom which our Lord As to an outward show; Appointed hath for all Yet this hold still, the grace ofGod That hath his name and word adord; Takes hold on buta few, Because he did them call 33. So as to make them truly such 40. Unto that work, which also they As then shall stand before Sincerely did fulfil, This Judge with gladness; this is much Not shunning always to obey Yet true for evermore.
His gracious holy will.
41. Besides, this much doth beautify 47. As sore confounded with the guilt This goodly paradise, That now upon them lies, That from all quarters, constantly, Because they did delight in filth Whole thousands as the price And beastly vanities.
42. Ofprecious blood, do here arrive; 48. Or else because they did deceive As safe escaping all, With hypocritical Sin, hell, and Satan did contrive Disguises, their own souls, and leave To bring them into thrall.
Or shun that best ofall 43. Each telling his deliverance 49. Approved word ofrighteousness, I th open face ofheaven; They were invited to Still calling to remembrance Embrace, therefore they no access How fiercely they were driven Now to him have, but woe.
44. By deadly foe, who did pursue 50. For everyone must now receive As swift as eagles fly; According to their ways; Which if thou have not, down thou must They that unto the Lord did cleave, With those that then shall die The everlasting joys.
The second death, and be accursed 51.Those that did die in wickedness, Of God. For certainly, To execution sent, 45. The truth ofgrace shall only here There still to grapple with distress, Without a blush be bold Which nothing can prevent.
To stand, whilst others quake and fear, 52. Ofwhich two states I next shall write, And dare not once behold.
Wherefore I pray give eas, 46. That heart that here was right for God And to them bend with all our might Shall there be comforted; Your heart with filial fear.
But those that evil ways have trod, Shall then hang down the head.
1. Heaven is a place, also a state, 7. Mansions for glory and for rest It doth all things excel, Do there prepared stand; No man can fully it relate, Buildings eternal for the blest Nor ofits glory tell.
Are there provided, and 2.God made it for his residence, 8.The glory and the comeliness To sit on as a throne, By deepest thought none may Which shows to us the excellence With heart or mouth fully express, Whereby it may be known.
Nor can before that day.
3. Doubtless the fabric that was built 9. These heav'ns we see, be as a scroll, For this so great a king, Or garment folded up, Must needs surprise thee, ifthou wilt Before they do together roll, But duly mind the thing.
And we callid in to sup.
4. Ifall that build do build to suit 10. There with the king, the bridegroom, and The glory oftheir state, By him are led into What orator, though most acute, His palace chambers, there to stand Can fully heaven relate?
With his prospect to our view.
5. Ifpalaces that princes build, 11. And taste and smell, and be inflamd, Which yet are made ofclay, And ravished to see Do so amaze when much beheld, The buildings he hath for us framd, Ofheaven what shall we say?
How full ofheaven they be.
6. It is the high and holy place; 12. Its state also is marvellous, No moth can there annoy, For beauty to behold; Nor make to fade that goodly grace All goodness there is plenteous, That saints shall there enjoy.
And better far than gold.
13. Adornid with grace and righteousness, 20. Here will the Lord make clear and plain While fragrant scents oflove How sweetly did agree Oéerflow with everlasting bliss, His attributes, when Christ was slain All that do dwell above.
14. The heavenly majesty,whose face 21. How wisdom did find out the way, Doth far exceed the sun, How strength did make him stand, Will there cast forth its rays ofgrace How holiness did bear the sway, After this world is done.
Andanswer just demand.
15.Which rays and beams will so possess 22. How all these attributes did bend All things that there shall dwell, Themselves to work our life, With so much glory, light, and bliss, Through the Christ whom God did send That none can think or tell.
To save us by his might.
16. That wisdom which doth order all 23. All this will sparkle in our eye Shall there be fully shown; Within the holy place, That strength that bears the world there shall
And greatly raise our melody, By every one be known.
And flow our hearts with grace.
17.That holiness and sanctity 24.The largest thought that can arise Which doth all thought surpass, Within the widest heart Shall there in present purity Shall then be filled with surprize, Outshine the crystal glass.
And pleasd in every part.
18. The beauty and the comeliness 25. All mysteries shall here be seen, Ofthis Almighty shall And every knot, unty'd; Make amiable with lasting bliss Electing love, that hid hath been, Those he thereto shall call.
Shall shine on every side.
19. The presence ofthis God will be 26. The God ofglory here will be Eternal life in all, The life ofevery one; And health and gladness, while we see Whose goodly attributes shall we Thy face, O immortal!
Possess them as our own.
27. Bywisdom we all things shall know, 34. These tempting times that here we have, By light all things shall see, We there shall see were good; By strength, too, all things we shall do,
Also that hidden strength he gave, When we in glory be.
The purchase ofhis blood.
28. The Holy Lamb ofGod, also, 35.That he should stand for us before Who for our sakes did die, His Father, thus we read.
The holy ones ofGod shall know, But then shall see, and shall adore And that most perfectly.
Him for his gracious deed.
29. Those small and short discoveries 36. Though we are vile, he without shame That we have ofhim here, Before the angels all Will there be seen with open eyes, Lays out his strength, his worth, and name,
Tn visions full and clear.
For us, who are in thrall.
30. Those many thousand acts ofgrace 37. This is he who was mockd and beat, That here we feel and find, Spit on, and crownid with thorns; Shall there be real with open face Who for us had a bloody sweat, Upon his heart most kind.
Whose heart was broke with scorns.
31. There he will show us how he was 38. 'Tis he who stands so much our friend, Our prophet, priest, and king; As shortly we shall see, And how he did maintain our cause, With open face, world without end, And us to glory bring.
And in his presence be.
32. There we shall see how he was touchd 39. That head that once was crownid with thorns, With all our grief and pain Shall now with glory shine; (As in his word he hath avouch4d), That heart that broken was with scorns, When we with him shall reign; Shall flow with life divine; 33. He'll show us, also, how he did 40. That man that here met with disgrace,
Maintain our faith and love, We there shall see so bright; And why his face sometimes he hid That angels can't behold his face Fromus, who are his dove; For its exceeding light.
41. What gladness will possess our heart 48. The stars are not so clear as they, When we shall see these things!
They equalize the sun; What light and life, in every part, Their glory shines to perfect day, Will rise like lasting springs!
Which day will ne'er be done.
42.O blessed face and holy grace, 49. No sorrow can them now annoy, When shall we see this day?
Nor weakness, griefor pain; Lord, fetch us to this goodly place No faintness can abate their joy, We humbly do thee pray.
They now in life do reign.
43. Next to this Lamb we shall behold 50. They shall not there, as here, be vexd All saints, both more and less, With Satan, men, or sin; With whit'ned robes in glory roll'd, Nor with their wicked hearts perplex'd, 'Cause him they did confess.
The heavens have cop them in.
44. Each walking in his righteousness 51.Thus, as they shine in their estate, With shining crowns ofgold, So, too, in their degree; Triumphing still in heav'nly bliss, Which is most goodly to relate, Amazing to behold.
And ravishing to see.
45. Each person for his majesty 52. The majesty whom they adore, Doth represent a king; Doth them in wisdom place Yea, angel-like for dignity, Upon the thrones, and that before And seraphims that sing.
The angels, to their grace.
46. Each motion oftheir mind, and so 53.The saints of the Old Testament, Each twinkling oftheir eye; Full right to their degree, Each word they speak, and step they go, Likewise the New, in excellent Itis in purity.
47. Immortal are they every one, 54. Each one his badge ofglory wears, Wrapt up in health and light, According to his place; Mortality from them is gone, According as was his affairs Weakness is turn'd to might.
Here, in the time ofgrace.
55. Some on the right hand ofthe Lamb, 62. This shall we see, thus shall we be, Likewise some on the left, O would the day were come, With robes and golden chains do stand Lord Jesus take us up to thee, Most grave, most sage, and deft.
To this desired home.
56. The martyr here is known from him 63. Angels also we shall behold, Who peaceably did die, When we on high ascend, Both by the place he sitteth in, Each shining like to men ofgold, And by his dignity.
And on the Lord attend.
57. Each father, saint, and prophet shall, 64. These goodly creatures, full ofgrace, According to his worth, Shall stand about the throne, Enjoy the honour ofhis call, Each one with lightning in his face, And plainly hold it forth.
And shall to us be known.
58.Those bodies which sometimes were torn, 65.These cherubims with one accord And bones that broken were Shall cry continually, For God's word; he doth now adorn Ah, holy, holy, holy, Lord, With health and glory fair.
And heavenly majesty.
59. Thus, when in heav'nly harmony 66. These will us in their arms embrace, These blessed saints appear, And welcome us to rest, Adornid with grace and majesty, And joy to see us clad with grace, What gladness will be there!
And ofthe heavens possessd.
60. The light, and grace, and countenance, 67. This we shall hear, this we shall see, The least ofthese shall have, While raptures take us up, Will so with terror them advance, When we with blessed Jesus be, And make their face so grave, And at his table sup.
61. That at them all the world will shake, 68. Oh shining angels! what, must we When they lift up their head; With you lift up our voice?
Princes and kings will at them quake, We must; and with you ever be, And fall before them dead.
And with you must rejoice.
69. Our friends that lived godly here, 76. Here runs the crystal streams of life, Shall there be found again; Quite through all our veins.
The wife, the child, and father dear, And here by love we do unite With others ofour train.
With glory's golden chains.
70. Each one down to the foot in white, 77. Now that which sweet'neth all will be Filld to the brim with grace, The lasting ofthis state; Walking among the saints in light, This heightens all we hear or see With glad and joyful face.
To a transcendant rate.
71.Those God did use us to convert, 78. For should the saints enjoy all this We there with joy shall meet, But for a certain time, And jointly shall, with all our heart, O, how would they their mark then miss, In life each other greet.
And at this thing repine?
72. A crown to them we then shall be, 79. Yea, 'tis not possible that they A glory and ajoy; Who then shall dwell on high, And that before the Lord, when he Should be content, unless they may The world comes to destroy.
Dwell there eternally.
73. This is the place, this is the state, 80. A thought ofparting with this place Of all that fear the Lord; Would bitter all their sweet, Which men nor angels may relate And darkness put upon the face With tongue, or pen, or word.
Of all they there do meet.
74. No night is here, for to eclipse 81. But far from this the saints shall be, Its spangling rays so bright, Their portion is the Lord, Nor doubt, nor fear to shut the lips, Whose face forever they shall see, Ofthose within this light.
As saith the holy word.
75. The strings ofmusic here are tund 82. And that with everlasting peace, For heavenly harmony, Joy, and felicity, And every spirit here perfumid From this time forth they shall increase
With perfect sanctity. and the Estate of ThoseThatPerish 1. Thus, having show' you what I see 7. Instead oflife, a living death Ofheaven,I now will tell Will there in all be found.
You also, after search, what be Dyings will be in every breath, The damned wights ofhell.
Thus sorrow will abound.
2. And O, that theywho read my lines 8. No light, but darkness here doth dwell, Would ponder soberly, No peace, but horror strange:
And lay to heart such things betimes The fearful damning wights ofhell As touch eternity.
In all will make this change.
3.The sleepy sinner little thinks 9.To many things the damned's woe What sorrows will abound Ts liked in the word, Within him, when upon the brinks And that because no one can show OfTophet he is found.
The vengeance of the Lord.
4. Hell is beyond all thougha state 10. Unto a dreadful burning lake, So doubtful and forlorn, Allona fiery flame, So fearful, that none can relate Hell is compared, for to make The pangs that there are born.
All understand the same.
5.God will exclude them utterly 11. A burning lake, a furnace hot, From his most blessed face, A burning oven, too, And them involve in misery, Must be the portion, share, and lot, In shame, and in disgrace.
Ofthose which evil sow.
6. God is the fountain ofall bliss, 12. This plainly shows the burning heat Oflife, oflight, and peace; With which it will oppress They then must needs be comfortless All hearts, and will like burnings eat Who are deprivd ofthese.
Their souls with sore distress.
13. This burning lake, it is God's wrath 20. Your groans and cries they sooner should Incensed by the sin Have sounded in mine ears, Ofthose who do reject his path, Ifgrace you would have had, or would And wicked ways walk in.
Have me regard your tears.
14. Which wrath will so perplex all parts 21. Me you offended with your sin, Ofbody and ofsoul, Instructions you did slight, As ifup to the very hearts Your sins against my law hath been, In burnings they did roll.
Justice shall have his right.
15. Again, to show the stinking state 22.1 gave my Son to do you good, Ofthis so sad a case, I gave you space and time Like burning brimstone God doth make With him toclose, which you withstood, The hidings ofhis face.
And did with hell combine.
16. And truly as the steam, and smoke, 23. Justice against you now is set, And flames ofbrimstone smell, Which you cannot appease; To blind the eyes, and stomach choke, Eternal justice doth you let So are the pangs of hell.
From either life or ease.
17.To see a sea ofbrimstone burn, 24. Thus he that to this place doth come Who would it not affright?
May groan, and sigh, and weep; But they whom God to hell doth turn But sin hath made that place his home, Are in most woful plight.
And there it will him keep.
18. This burning cannot quenched be, 25.Wherefore, hell in another place No, not with tears ofblood; Is calld a prison too, No mournful groans in misery And all to show the evil case Will here do any good.
Of all sin doth undo.
19.O damned men! this is your fate, 26. Which prison, with its locks and bars The day ofgrace is done, OfGod's lasting decree, Repentance now doth come too late, Will hold them fast; O how this mars Mercy is fled and gone.
All thought ofbeing free!
27. Out at these brazen bars they may 34. Thus without stay they always sink, The saints in glory see; Thus fainting still they fail, But this will not their grief allay, Despair they up like water drink, But to them torment be.
These prisoners have no bail.
28. Thus they in this infernal cave 35. Here meets them now that worm that gnaws, Will now be holden fast And plucks their bowels out, From heavenly freedom, though they crave,
The pit, too, on them shuts her jaws; Of it they may not taste.
This dreadful is, no doubt.
29.The chains that darkness on them hangs 36. This ghastlyworm is guilt for sin, Still ratt'ling in their ears, Which on the conscience feeds, Creates within them heavy pangs, With vipers' teeth, both sharp and keen,
And still augments their fears.
Whereat it sorely bleeds.
30. Thus hopeless ofall remedy, 37. This worm is fed by memory, They dyingly do sink Which strictly brings to mind, Into the jaws of misery, All things done in prosperity, And seas ofsorrow drink.
As we in Scripture find.
31. For being copa on every side 38. No word, nor thought, nor act they did, With helplessness and grief, But now is set in sight, Headlong into despair they slide Not one of them can now be hid, Bereft ofall relief:
Memory gives them light.
32.Therefore this hell is called a pit, 39. On which the understanding still Prepared for those that die Will judge, and sentence pass, The second death, a term most fit This kills the mind, and wounds the will,
To show their misery.
33. A pit that's bottomless is this, 40. O, conscience is the slaughter shop, A gulfofgrief and woe, There hangs the axe and knife, A dungeon which they cannot miss, "Tis there the worm makes all things hot,
That will themselves undo.
And wearies out the life.
41. Here, then, is execution done 48. God, Christ, and heaven, they know are best, On body and on soul; Yet dare not on them think, For conscience will be bribd ofnone, The saints they know in joys do rest, But gives to all their dole.
While they their tears do drink.
42. This worm, 'tis said, shall never die, 49. They cry alas, but all in vain, But in the belly be They stick fast in the mire, Of all that in the flames shall lie, They would be rid ofpresent pain, O dreadful sight to see!
Yet set themselves on fire.
43. This worm now needs must in them live, 50. Darkness is their perplexity, For sin will still be there, Yet do they hate the light, And guilt, for God will not forgive, They always see their misery, Nor Christ their burden bear.
Yet are themselves all night.
44. But take from them all help and stay, 51.They are all dead, yet live they do, And leave them to despair, Yet neither live nor die.
Which feeds upon them night and day, They die to weal, and live to woe, This is the damned's share.
This is their misery.
45. Now will confusion so possess 52. Amidst all this so great a scare These monuments of ire, That here I do relate, And so confound them with distress, Another falleth to their share And trouble their desire.
In this their sad estate.
46. That what to think, or what to do, 53. The legions ofinfernal fiends Or where to lay their head, Then with them needs must be, They know not, 'tis the damned's woe A just reward for all their pains, To live, and yet be dead.
This they shall feel and see.
47. These cast-aways would fain have life, 54. With yellings, howlings, shrieks, and cries, But know, they never shall, And other doleful noise, They would forget their dreadful plight,
With trembling hearts and failing eyes, But that sticks fast'st of all.
These are their hellish joys.
55. These angels black they would obey, 62. Alas, my grief! hard hap had I And serve with greedy mind, Those dolours here to find, And take delight to go astray, A living death, in hellI lie, That pleasure they might find.
Involvd with grief of mind.
56. Which pleasure now like poison turns 63.1 once was fair for light and grace, Their joy to heaviness; My days were long and good; Yea, like the gall of asps it burns, I lived in a blessed place And doth them sore oppress Where was most heav'nly food.
57. Now is the joy they lived in 64. But wretch I am,I slighted life, All turned to brinish tears, I chose in death to live; And resolute attempts to sin O, for these days now, if I might, Turnd into hellish fears.
Ten thousand worlds would give.
58.The floods run trickling down their face, 65.What time hadI to pray and read, Their hearts do prick and ache, What time to hear the word!
While they lament their woful case, What means to help me at my need, Their loins totter and shake.
Did God to me afford!
59.O wetted cheeks, with bleared eyes, 66. Examples, too, ofpiety How fully do you show Tevery day did see, The pangs that in their bosom lies, But they abuse and slight did I, And grief they undergo!
60. Their dolour in their bitterness 67.1 now remember how my friend So greatly they bemoan, Reproved me ofvice, That hell itself this to express And bid me mind my latter end, Doth echo with their groan.
Both once, and twice, and thrice.
61. Thus broiling on the burning grates, 68. But O, deluded man,I did They now to wailing go, My back upon him turn; And say ofthose unhappy fates Eternal life I did not heed, That did them thus undo.
For which I now do mourn.
69. Ah, golden time,I did thee spend 76. Ah, Mind, why didst thou do those things In sin and idleness, That now do work my woe?
Ah, health and wealth,I did you lend Ah, Will, why was thou thus inclinid To bring me to distress.
70. My feet to evil I let run, 77. My senses, how were you beguild And tongue offolly talk; When you said sin was good?
My eyes to vanity hath gone, It hath in all parts me defild, Thus did I vainly walk.
And drownd me like a flood.
71.1 did as greatly toil and strain 78. Ah, thatI nowa being have, Myselfwith sin to please, In sorrow and in pain; As if that everlasting grain Mother, would you had been my grave, Could have been found in these.
But this I wish in vain.
72. But nothing, nothing have I found 79. Had I been made a cockatrice, But weeping, and alas, A toad, or such-like thing; And sorrow, which doth now surround Yea, had I been made snow or ice, Me, and augment my cross.
Then had I had no sin; 73. Ah, bleeding conscience, how did I 80. A block, a stock, a stone, or clot, Thee check when thou didst tell Is happier than I, Me ofmy faults, for which I lie For they know neither cold nor hot, Dead while I live in hell.
To live nor yet to die.
74.1 took thee for some peevish foe, 81.1 envy now the happiness When thou didst me accuse, Ofthose that are in light, Therefore I did thee buffet so, Thate the very name ofbliss, And counsel did refuse.
'Cause I have there no right.
75.Thou often didst me tidings bring, 82.1 grieve to see that others are How God did me dislike, In glory, life, and well, Because I took delight in sin, Without all fear, or dread, or care, But I thy news did slight.
While I am racked in hell.
83. Thus will these souls with watery eyes, 90. For ever separate from God, And hacking oftheir teeth, From peace, and life, and rest; With wringing hands, and fearful cries, For ever underneath the rod Expostulate their grief.
That vengeance liketh best.
84. O set their teeth they will, and gnash, 91. O ever, ever, this will drownd And gnaw for very pain, Them quite and make them cry, While as with scorpions God doth lash We never shall get o'er thy bound, Them for their life so vain.
85. Again, still as they in this muse, 92. They sooner now the stars may count Are feeding on the fire, Than lose these dismal bands; To mind there comes yet other news, Or see to what the motes among To screw their torments higher.
Or number up the sands.
86. Which is the length of this estate, 93. Then see an end of this their woe, Where they at present lie; Which now for sin they have; Which in a wordI thus relate, O wantons, take heed what you do, 'Tis to eternity.
Sin will you never save.
87. This thought now is so firmly fixd 94.They sooner may drink up the sea, In all that comes to mind, Than shake off these their fears; And also is so strongly mixd Or make another in one day With wrath ofevery kind.
As big with brinish tears; 88. So that whatever they do know, 95. Than put an end to misery, Or see, or think, or feel, In which they now do roar, For ever still doth strike them through Or help themselves; no, they must cry, As with a bar of steel.
89. For EVER shineth in the fire, 96. When years by thousands on a heap EVER is on the chains; Are passed oer their head; 'Tis also in the pit of ire, Yet still the fruits ofsin they reap And tastes in all their pains.
Among the ghostly dead.
97. Yea, when they have time out ofmind Be in this case so ill, For EVER, EVER is behind Yet for them to fulfill.
EBAL AND GERIZZIM ORTHE BLESSING ANDTHE CURSE: BEING A SHORT EXHORTATIONTO SINNERS, BY THE MERCY AND SEVERITYOF GOD Ofhell, where thou art lulled fast asleep FROM MOUNT GERIZZIM In Satan's arms, who also will thee keep
Besides what I said ofthe Four Last Things, As senseless and secure as e'er he may, And ofthe weal and woe that from them springs; | Lest thou shouldst wake, and see't, and run away
An after-word still runneth in my mind, Unto that Jesus, whom the Father sent Which I shall here expose unto that wind Into the world, for this cause and intent, That may it blow into that very hand That such as thou, from sucha thrall as this
That needs it. Also that it may be scannid Might'st be released, and made heir ofbliss.
With greatest soberness, shall be my prayer, Now that thou may'st awake, the danger fly, As well as diligence and godly care; And so escape the death that others die, So to present it unto public view, Come, let me set my trumpet to thine ear,
That only truth and peace may thence ensue.
Be willing all my message for to hear:
My talk shall be ofthat amazing love 'Tis for thy life, O do it not refuse; OfGod we read of which, that it may prove, Wo unto them good counsel do abuse.
By its engaging arguments to save Thou art at present in that very case, Thee,I shall lay out that poor help I have Which argues thou art destitute of grace:
Thee to entice; that thou wouldst dearly fall For he that lies where sin hath laid him, lies In love with thy salvation, and with all Under the curse, graceless, and so he dies
That doth thereto concur, that thou mayst be In body and in soul, within that range, 'As blessed as the Blessed can make thee,
IfGod his heart in mercy doth not change Not only here but in the world to come, Before he goes the way of all the earth,
In bliss, which,Ipray God, may be thyhome.
Before he lose his spirit and his breath.
Repentance there is none within the grave, But first, Iwould advise thee tobethink Nor Christ, norgrace, nor mercies for to save
Thyself, how sin hath laid thee at the brink Thee from the vengeance due unto thy sin, O, that the Lord would open once thine eyes
Ifnow thou dost not truly close with him.
That thou might'st see it, then I dare say thou, Thou art like him that sleepeth in the sea As half-bereft of wits, wouldst cry out,How On broken boards, which,withoutguide or stay
Shall I escape? Lord help, O! help with speed, Are driven whither winds and water will; Reachdown thyhand from heav'n, for help I While greedy beasts do wait to have their fill need, By feeding on his carcass, when he shall
To save me from the lions, for I fear Tun overboard, and without mercy fall This soul ofmine they will in pieces tear.
Into the jaws of such as make a prey Come, then, and let us both expostulate Ofthose whom justice drowneth in the sea.
The case betwixt us, till we animate Thou art like him that snoring still doth lie And kindle in our hearts that burning love Upon the bed of vain security, To Christ, to grace, to life, that we may move
Whilst all about him into burning flame Swifter than cagles to this blessed prey; By fire is turned yea, and while the frame Then shall it be well with us in that day
And buildingwhere he lies consuming is, 'The trump shall sound,the dead made tise, and And while himselfthese burnings cannot miss. stand, Then to receive, for breach of God's command,
Thou art like one that hangeth by a thread Such thunder-claps as these, Depart from me Over the mouth ofhell, as one half-dead; Into helHfire, you that the wicked be, And O,how soon this thread may broken be,
Prepared for the devil, and for those Or cut by death, is yetunknown to thee!
That with him and his angels rather chose But sure it is, ifall the weight ofsin, To live in filthy sin and wickedness, And all that Satan, too, hath doing been,
Whose fruit is everlasting bitterness.
Or yet can do, can break this crazy thread, "Twill not be long before, among the dead, We both are yet on this side ofthe grave, Thou tumble do, as linked fast in chains,
We also gospel-privileges have; With them to wait in fear for future pains.
Theword, and time to pray; God give us hearts, That, like the wise man,we may act our parts, What shall I say?Wilt thou not yet awake?
To get the pearl ofprice; then we shall be Nor yet ofthy poor soul some pity take?
Like godly Mary, Peter, Paul, and we Among the lions it hood-winked lies; Like Jacob, too, the blessing shall obtain; While Esau rides a-hunting for the gain Now let us argue with ourselves, then, thus
Ofworldly pelf,which will him not avail That Jesus Christ our Lord came to save us, When death or judgment shall him sore assail.
By bearing of our sins upon his back, Now, to encourage us for to begin, By hanging on the cross as on a rack, Let us believe the kingdom we may win, While justice cut him offon every side, And be possess thereof, ifwe the way While smiles Divine themselves from him did
Shall hit into, and then let nothing stay hide, Or hinder us; the crown is at the end, While earth did quake, and rocks in pieces rent,
Let's run and strive, and fly, and let's contend And while the sun, as veiled, did lament With greatest courage it for to obtain; To see the innocent and harmless die 'Tis life, and peace, and everlasting gain.
So sore a death, so full ofmisery.
The gate oflife, the new and living way, Yea, let us turn again, and say, All this The promise holdeth open all the day, He did and suffered for love ofhis.
Which thou by Jacob's ladder must ascend, He brought in everlasting righteousness, Where angels always wait, and do attend That he might cover all our nakedness; As ministers, to minister for those He wept and washi his face with brinish tears
That do with God, and Christ, and glory close.
That we might saved be from hellish fears; Tfguilt ofsin still lieth at our door, Blood was his sweat, too, in his agony, Us to discourage, let us set before That we might live injoyful ecstasy; Our eyes a bleeding Jesus, who did die He apprehended was and led away, The death, and let's believe the reason why
That grace to us-ward never might decay.
He did it,was that we might ever be With swords, and bills, and outrage in the night, From death and sin, from hell and wrath set That to the peace ofheav'nwe might have right. free.
Condemned he was between two thieves to die, Yea, let's remember for that very end That we might ever in his bosom le; It was his blessed Father did him send, Scourged with whips his precious body were,
That he the law ofGod might here fulfil, That we lashes ofconscience might not fear; That so the mystery ofhis blessed will His headwas crowned with thorns, thatwe Might be revealed in the blessedness might be Ofthose that fly to Christ for righteousness.
Crowned with glory and felicity; He hanged was upona cursed tree, For all that do unfeignedly repent That we delivered from death might be; Their ill-spent life, and roll upon free grace,
His Father from him hides his smiles and face, That they within that bosom might have place, Thatwe might have them in the heavenly place, | That open is to such,where they shall lie
He cry, My God, why hast forsaken me?
In ease, and gladness, and felicity, That we forsaken ofhim might not be.
World without end, according to that state Into his side was thrust a bloody spear, Thave, nay, better than I, can relate.
That we the sting ofdeath might never fear; Ifthou shale still object, thou yet art vile, He went into the grave after all this, And hast a heart that will not reconcile That we might up to heav'n go, and have bliss.
Unto the holy law, but will rebel, Yea, ise again he did out of the earth, Hark yet to what I shall thee farther tell.
And shook off from him all the chains of death, Two things are yet behind that help thee will, Then at his chariot wheels he captive led IfGod should put into thy mind that skill,
His foes, and trod upon the serpent's head; So to improve them as becometh those Riding in triumph to his Father' throne,
That would with mercy and forgiveness close.
There to possess the kingdom as his own.
What say'st thou, wilt not yet unto him come?
First, then,let this sink down into thy heart, His arms are open, in his heart is room That Christ is not a Saviour in part, To lay thee; be not then discouraged, But everyway so fully he is made Although thy sins be many, great, and red;
That all ofthose that underneath his shade Unto thee righteousness he will impute, And wingwould sit, and shroud their weary soul,
And with the kisses of his mouth salute That even Moses dare it not control, Thy drooping soul, and will it so uphold, But justify it, approve of't, and conclude As that thy shaking conscience shall be bold
No man nor angel must himself intrude To come to mercy's seat with great access, With such doctrine that may oppose the same, 'There to expostulate with that justice On pain ofblaspheming that holy name, That burns like fiery flames against all those
Which Godhimself hath given unto men, That do not with this blessedJesus close; To stay, to trust, to lean themselves on, when
Which unto thee will do no harm, but good, They feel themselves assaulted, and made fear Because thou hast reliance on that blood Their sin will not Jet them in life appear.
That justice saith hath given him content, For as God made him perfect righteousness, And Satan get thee once into his sieve, That he his love might to the height express,
He will so hide thy wheat, and show thy brun And us present complete before the throne; That thou wilt quickly cry,I am undone.
Sanctification, too, ofhis own Alas, thy goodliest attainments here, He hath prepared, in which do we stand, Though like the fairest blossoms they appear,
Complete in holiness, at his right hand.
How quickly will they lour and decay, Now this sanctification is not And be as ifthey all were fled away, That holiness which is in us, but that When once the east-wind of temptations beat
Which in the person ofthis Jesus is, Upon thee, with their dry and blasting heat!
And can inherently be only his.
Rich men will not account their treasure lies But is imputed to us for our good.
In crackd groats and four-pence half-pennies, As is his active righteousness and blood; But in those bags they have within their chests, Which is the cause, though we infirm are found, | In staple goods,which shall within their breasts
That mercy and forgiveness doth abound Have place accordingly, because they see To us-ward, and that why we are not shent
Their substance lieth here. Butif that be And empty, and away rebuked sent, But shaken, then they quickly fear, and cry,
Because that all we do imperfect is.
Alas, 'tis not this small and odd money, Bless God, then, for this holiness ofhis, We carry in our pockets for to spend, And learn to look by faith on that alone, Will make us rich, or much will stand our friend.
When thou seest thou hast nothing ofthine own; | Iffamine or ifwant do us assail, Yea, when thy heart most willing is to do Howquickly will these little pieces fail!
What God by his good word doth call thee to; Ifthou be wise, consider what I say And when thou find'st most holiness within,
And look for all in Christ, where no decay And greatest power over every sin, Is like to be; then though thy present frame
Yet then toJesus look, and thou shalt see Be much in up-and-down, yet he the same In him sanctification for thee, Abideth, yea, and still at God's right hand,
Far more complete than all that thou canst find As thy most perfect holiness will stand.
In the most upright heart and willing mind, Itis,I say, not like to that in thee, That ever man or angels did possess, Now high, then low, now out, then in, but he
When most filledwith inherent righteousness.
Most perfect is, when thou art at the worst Besides, ifthou forgettest here to live, The same, the very same; I said at first, Again take courage, and believe he will This helpeth much when thou art buffeted,
Present me upright in his person, till And when thy graces lie in thee as dead; He humble me for all my foolishness, Then to believe they are all perfect still
And then again fill me with holiness.
In Christ thy head,who hath that blessed skill, Now, ifthou lovest inward sanctity, Yet to present thee by what is in him As all the saints do most unfeignedly, Unto his Father, one that hath no sin.
Then add, to whatI have already said, Yea, this will fill thy mouth with argument Faith in the promise; and be not afraid Against the tempter,when he shall present
To urge it often at the throne ofgrace, Before thee all thy weakness, and shall hide And to expect it in its time and place.
From thee thy graces, that thou mayst abide Then he that true is, and that cannot lie, Under the fretting fumes ofunbelief, Will give it unto thee, that thou thereby Which never yielded Christian man relief.
Mayst serve withfaith, with fear,in truth and love, Nor help thyselfthou mayst against him thus: | That God that did at first thy spirit move
O Satan, though my heart indeed be worse To ask it to his praise, that he might be Than 'twas a while ago, yet I perceive Thy God, and that he might delight in thee.
Thou shalt me not ofhappiness bereave, If should here particulars relate, Nor yet ofholiness; for by the Word Methinks it could not but much animate I find that Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord,
Thy heart, though very listless to inquire Is made sanctification for me How thou mayst that enjoy, which all desire In his own person, where all graces be, That love themselves and future happiness;
As water in the fountain; and that I, But O, I cannot filly it express:
By means ofthat, have yet a sanctity, The promise is so open and so free, Both personal and perfect every way; In all respects, to those that humble be,
And that is Christ himself, as Paul doth say.
That want they cannot what for them is good; Now, though my crazy pitcher oft doth leak, But there 'tis, and confirmed is with blood, By means ofwhich my graces are so weak, A certain sign, all those enjoy it may, And so much spent, that one I cannot find
That see theywant it, and sincerely pray Able to stay or help my feeble mind; To God the Father, in that Jesus'name Yet then T look toJesus, and see all Who bled on purpose to confirm the same.
In him that wanting is in me, and shall THE NECESSITY OF A NEW When it can at the throne with Jesus be, HEART There to behold the mansions he prepares
Now wouldst thou have a heart that tender is, | For such as be with him and his co-heirs.
A heart that forward is to close with bliss; This mind is in the covenant ofgrace, A heart that will impressions freely take
And shall be theirs that truly seek his face.
Ofthe new covenant, and that will make The best improvement ofthe word ofgrace, OF GODLY FEAR And that to wickedness will not give place;
Is godly fear delightful unto thee, All this is in the promise, and it may That fear that God himselfdelights to see Obtained be ofthem that humbly pray.
Bear sway in them that love him? then he will Wouldst thou enjoy that spirit that is free, Thy godly mind in this request fulfil.
And looseth those that in their spirits be By giving thee a fear that tremble shall, Oppressed with guilt, or filth, or unbelief; At every trip thou takest, lest thou fall,
That spirit that will, where it dwells, be chief, And him offend, or hurt thyselfby sin, Which breaketh Samson's cord as rotten thread,
Or cause poor souls that always blind have been And raiseth up the spirit that is dead, To stumble at thy falls, and harder be That sets the will at liberty to choose Against their own salvation and thee.
'Those things that God hath promisd to infuse That fear that ofitselfwould rather choose Into the humble heart? All this,I say, The rod, than to offend or to abuse The promise holdeth out to them that pray.
In anything that blessed worthy name, Thathath thee saved from that death and shame; THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER That sinwould soon have brought thee to, ifhe Wouldst thou have thatgood, that blessed mind, | Faq not imputed righteousness to thee.
That is so much to heavenly things inclinid I will love them, saith God, and not depart That it aloft will soar, and always be From them, but put my fear within their heart,
Contemplating on blest eternity.
That I to them may always lovely be, That mind that never thinks itselfat rest, And that they never may depart from me.
But when it knows it is for ever blest; That mind that can be here no more content, Than he that in the prison doth lament; That blessed mind that counts itself then free
OF UPRIGHTNESS AND Is only to be seen with comfort, and SINCERITY Where sinners justified before thee stand.
Wouldst thou be very upright and sincere?
If these thy groanings be sincere and true, Wouldst thou be that within thou dost appear, IfGod doth count thee one that dost pursue Or seem to be in outward exercise 'The things thou cryest after with thy heart,
Before the most devout, and godly wise?
No doubt but in them thou shalt have a part.
Yea, art thou thus when no eye doth thee see But that which is invisible? and be How GRACES ARE TO BE The words ofGod in truth thy prop and stay?
OBTAINED And do they in thy conscience bear more sway | The next word that I would unto thee say, To govern thee in faith and holiness, Is how thou mayst attain without delay, Than thou canst with thy heart and mouth
Those blessed graces, and that holiness express?
Thou dost with so much godly zeal express And do the things that truly are divine, Thy love to, and thy longing to enjoy, Before thee more than gold or rubies shine?
That sins and weakness might thee less annoy.
And if, as unto Solomon, God should Know, then, as I have hinted heretofore, Propound to thee,What wouldst thou have?
And shall now speakuntoa little more, how would All graces in the person of the Son Thy heart and pulse beat after heav'nly things, | Are by the Father hid, and therefore none
After the upper and the nether springs?
Can them obtain but they who with him close; Couldst,with unfeigned heart and upright lip, All others graceless are but only those; Cry, Hold me fast, Lord, never let me slip,
For ofhis fulness 'tis that we receive, Nor step aside from faith and holiness, And grace for grace; let no man then deceive
Nor from the blessed hope offuture bliss?
Himselfor others with a feigned show Lord, rather cross me anywhere than here; Of holiness, if Jesus they eschew.
Lord, fill me always with thy holy fear, When he ascended to his Father, then And godly jealousy ofmine own heart, It was that he received gifts for men; Lest I, Lord, should at any time depart Frith, hope, and love, true zeal, an upright heart,
From thy most blessed covenant ofgrace, Right humbleness of mind, and every part Where Jesus rules as King, and where thy face Ofwhat the word oflife counts holiness, God then laid up in him, that we redress
And help might have, who do unto him fly Whywe forgiven are would seem to be, For righteousness and gospel sanctity.
He first found holiness in thee and me; But this the holy Scriptures will refute, OF IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS And prove that righteousness he doth impute Now, ifthou wouldst inherit righteousness,
Without respect to goodness first in man; And so sanctification possess For, to speak truth indeed, no goodness can In body, soul, and spirit, then thou must Be found in those that underneath the law
To Jesus fly, as one ungodly first; Do stand; for ifGod goodness in them saw, And so by him crave pardon for thy sin Whydoth he once and twice say, There is none
Which thou hast loved, and hast lived in; That righteous be; no, not so much as one; For this cannot at all forgiven be, None understandeth, none seek after God, For any righteousness that is in thee; His ways they have not known, but have abode
Because the best thou hast is filthy rags, In wickedness, unprofitably they Profane, presumptuous, and most beastly brags
Must needs appear to be then every way.
Offlesh and blood,which always cross doth lie Their throats an open sepulchre, also To God, to grace, and thy felicity.
Their mouths are full offilthy cursings too; Then righteousness imputed thou must have, And bitterness, yea, underneath their lips Thee from that guilt and punishment to save
The asp hath poison. O how many slips Thou liest under as a sinful man, And falls in sin must such poor people have!
Throughout polluted, and that never can Now here's the holiness that should them save, By any other means acquitted be, Or, as a preparation, go before, Orever have true holiness in thee.
To move God to do for them less or more?
The reason is, because all graces are No, grace must on thee righteousness bestow, Only in Christ, and be infused where, Or, else sin will for ever thee undo.
Or into those whom he doth justify, Sweet Paul this doctrine also doth express, By what himself hath done, that he thereby
Where he saith, Some may have righteousness, Might be the whole ofall that happiness Though works theyhave not, and it thus may stand,
The sinner shall enjoy here, and in bliss.
Grace by the promise gives what the command Besides, ifholiness should first be found Requireth us to do, and so are we In those whom God doth pardon,then the groun Quitted from doing, and by grace made free.
OF HOLINESS OF LIFE OF LOVE TO GOD Now, then, ifholiness thou wouldst obtain, When I do this begin to apprehend, And wouldst a tender Christian man remain,
My heart, my soul, and mind, begins to bend Keep faith in action, let that righteousness To God-ward, and sincerely for to love That Christ fulfilled always have express
His son, his ways, his people, and to move And clear distinction in thy heart, from all With brokenness ofspirit after him That men by Scripture, or besides, it, call Who broken was, and killed for my sin.
Inherent gospel holiness, or what Now is mine heart grown holy, now it cleaves Terms else they please to give it; for 'tis that,
To Jesus Christ my Lord, and now it leaves And that alone, by which all graces come Those ways that wicked be; it mourns because Into the heart; for else there is no room
Tt can conform no more unto the laws For ought but pride, presumption, or despair, OfGod, who loved me when I was vile, No love or other graces can be there.
And ofsweet Jesus, who did reconcile Received you the Spirit, saith St. Paul, Me unto justice by his precious blood, By hearing, faith, or works? not works, and shall
When no way else was left to do me good.
No ways retain the same, except you do Ifyou would know how this can operate Hear faith, embrace the same, and stick thereto.
Thus on the soul,I shall to you relate A little farther what my soul hath seen 'THE OPERATION OF FAITH Since I have with the Lord acquainted been.
The wordoffaith unto me pardon brings, The word ofgrace,when it doth rightly seize Shows me the ground and reason whence it The spirit ofa man, and so at ease springs:
Doth set the soul, the Spirit ofthe Lord To wit, free grace, which moved God to give Doth then with might accompany the word; His Son to die and bleed, thatI might live
In which it sets forth Christ as crucified, This word doth also loudly preach to me, And by that means the Father pacified Though I a miserable sinner be, With such a wretch was thou, and by this sight,
Yet in this Son ofGod I stand complete, Thy guilt is in the first place put to flight, Whose righteousness is without all deceit; For thus the Spirit doth expostulate:
'Tis that which God himself delighteth in, Behold how God doth now communicate And that by which all his have saved been.
(By changing of the person) grace to thee A sinner, but to Christ great misery, In thunder, blackness, darkness, tempest high,
Though he the just one was, and so could not | In fiery flames it was delivered.
Deserve this punishment, behold, then,what This struck both Moses and the host as dead; The love ofGod is! how 'tis manifest, But Moses, when he went into the mount And where the reason lies that thou art blest.
The second time,upon the same account This doctrine being spoken to the heart, No fear, nor dread, nor shaking ofhis mind,
Which also is made yield to every part Do we in all the holy Scripture find, Thereof, it doth the same with sweetness fill,
But rather in his spirit he had rest, And so doth sins and wickednesses kill; And lookd upon himself as greatly blest.
For when the love ofGod is thus reveal'd, He was put in the rock, he heard the name, And thy poor drooping spirit thereby seal, Which on the mount the Lord did thus And when thy heart, as dry ground, drinks this in | proclaim:
Unto the roots thereof, which nourish sin, The Lord, merciful, gracious, and more, It smites them, as the worm didJonah's gourd, | Long-suftering, and keeping up in store
And makes them dwindle oftheir own accord, Mercy for thousands, pardoning these things, And die away; instead ofwhich there springs Tniquity, transgressions, and sins, Up life and love, and other holy things.
And holding guilty none but such as still Besides, the Holy Spirit now is come, Refuse forgiveness, ofrebellious will.
And takes possession ofthee as its home; This proclamation better pleased him By which a war maintained always is 'Than all the thunder and the light'ning,
Against the old man and the deeds ofhis.
Which shook the mount, this rid him of his fear, When God at first upon mount Sinai spake, This made him bend, make haste, and He made his very servant Moses quake; worship there.
But when he heard the law the second time, Jehoshaphat, when he was sore opprest His heartwas comforted, his face did shine.
ByAmnon and by Moab, and the rest 'What was the reason of this difference, Ofthem that sought his life, no rest he found,
Seeing no change was in the ordinance, Until aword of faith became a ground Although a change was in the manner,when To stay himselfupon; O, then they fll, The second time he gave it unto men?
His very song became their passing-bell.
At first 'twas given in severity, Then holiness ofheart a consequence Offaith in Christ is, for it flows from thence; Before your eyes the right and only way The love of Christ in truth constraineth us,
Pardon to get, and also holiness, Oflove sincerely to makejudgment thus:
Without which never think that God will bless He for us died that for ever we Thee with the kingdom he will give to those
Might die to sin, and Christ his servants be.
That Christ embrace, and holy lives do choose O! nothing's like to the remembrance Tolive, while here all others go astray,
Ofwhat it is to have deliverance And shall in time to come be cast away.
From death and hell,which is ofdue our right, Nothing,I say, like this to work delight FROM MOUNT EBAL In holy things; this like live honey runs, Thus having heard from Gerizzim,I shall And needs no pressing out ofhoney-combs.
Next come to Ebal, and you thither call, Not there to curse you, but to let you hear LOVE INDUCING CHRISTIAN How God doth curse that soul that shall it it ConpucT low loth curse that soul that appear An unbelieving man, a graceless wretch; Then understand my meaning bymywords, Because he doth continue in the breach How sense ofmercy unto faith affords OfMoseslaw, and also doth neglect Both grace to sanctify, and holy make To close with Jesus; him will God reject
That soul that offorgiveness doth partake.
And cast behind him; for ofright his due Thus having briefly showed you what is Is that from whence all miseries ensue.
The way oflife, or sanctity, ofbliss, Cursed, saith he, are thy that do transgress I would not in conclusion have you think, The least ofmy commandments, more or less.
Bywhat I say,that Christian men should drink Nothing thatwritten is mustbroken be, In these my words with lightness, or that they
But always must be kept unto by thee, Are now exempted from what every day And must fulfilled be; for here no man Their duty is. No,God doth still expect,
Can look God in the face, or ever stand Yea, doth command, that theydo not neglect Before thejudgment-seat; for iftheybe To pray, to read, to hear, and not dissent
Convict,condemned too assuredly.
From being sober, grave, and diligent Now keep this law no mortal creature can, In watching, self-denial, and with fear For they already do, as guilty, stand To serve him all the time thou livest here.
Before the God that gave it; so that they Indeed I have endeavoured to lay Obnoxious to the curse lie every day, Ofjustice, holiness, and yet can spy Which also they must feel for certainty,
No fault nor blemish in them; these be they Ifunto Jesus Christ they do not fly.
That must be saved, as the Scriptures say.
Hence, then, as they for ever shall be blest, Ifthis be true, as 'tis assuredly, That do by faith upon the promise rest, Woe be to them that wicked live and die;
So peace unto the wicked there is none; Those that as far from holiness have been 'Tis wrath and death that theymust feed upon.
Al their life long as if no eye had seen That what I say may some impression make Their doings here, or as ifGod did not On carnal hearts, that they in time may take
At all regard, or in the least mind what, That course that best will prove when time is Wherein, or how they did his law transgress, done, Either by this or other wickedness; These lines I add to what I have begun.
But how deceived these poor creatures are, First, thou must know that God, as he is love They then shall know when they their So he isjustice, therefore cannot move, burthen bear.
Or in the least be brought to favour those Alas, our God is a consuming fire; His holiness and justice doth oppose.
So is his law, by which he doth require For though thou mayst imagine in thy heart That thou submit to him, andifthou be That God is this or that, yet ifthou art Not in that justice found that can save thee
Atall besides the truth ofwhat he is, From all and every sentence which he spake And so dost build thy hope for life amiss, Upon mount Sinai, then as one that brake
Still he the same abideth, and will be It, thou the flames thereofshall quickly find 'The same, the same for ever unto thee.
As scourges thee to lash, while sins do bind Thee hand and foot, for ever to endure As God is true unto his promise, so The strokes ofvengeance for thy life impure.
Unto his threat'ning he is faithful too.
Cease to be God he must, ifhe should break What I have said will yet evinced be, One tittle that his blessed mouth did speak.
'And manifest abundantly to thee, IfwhatI have already spoken to Now, then, none can be saved but the men Bejoined with these lines that do ensue.
With whom the Godhead is contented when Justice discovers its antipathy It them beholds with the severest eye Against profaneness and malignity.
Not only by the law it gave to men, Chains, racks, and darkness, and such others, be And threatenings thereunto annexed then.
As painting on the wall, to let thee see But inasmuch as long before that day, By word and figures the extremity He did prepare for such as go astray, Ofsuch as shall within these burnings lie.
That dreadful, that so much amazing placeBut certainly, ifwickedness and sin Hell,with its torments-for those men that grace
Had only foolish toys and trifles been, And holiness oflife slight and disdain, And ifGod had not greatly hated it, There to bemoan themselves with hellish pain.
Yea, could he anyways thereofadmit, This place, also, the pains so dismal be, And let it pass, he would not thus have done.
Both as to name and nature, that in me He doth not use to punish any one It is not to express the damning wights, With any place or punishment that is The hellish torture, and the fearful plights
Above or sharper than the sin ofhis Thereof, for as intolerable they Hath merited, and justice seeth due; Must needs be found, by those that disobey
Read sin, then, by the death that doth ensue.
The Lord, so can no word or thought express Most men dojudge ofsin, not by the fruits Unto the full the height ofthat distress; It bears and bringeth forth, but as it suits
Such miserable caitiffs, that shall there 'Their carnal and deluded hearts, that be Rebukes ofvengeance, for transgressions bear.
With sensual pleasures eaten up; but he Indeed the holy Scriptures do make use That now so judgeth, shortly shall perceive
Ofmany metaphors, that do conduce That God willjudge thereofhimself, and leave Much to the symbolizing ofthe place, Such men no longer to their carnal lusts,
Unto our apprehension; but the caseTo judge ofwickedness, and ofthe just The sad, the woful case-of those that lie And righteous punishment that doth ofright As racked there in endless misery, Belong thereto; and will, too, in despite
By all similitudes no mortals may Ofall their carnal reason, justify Set forth in its own nature; forI say Himself, in their eternal misery.
Similitudes are but a shade, and show Then hell will be no fancy, neither will Ofthose or that they signify to you.
Men's sins be pleasant to them; but so ill The fire that doth within thine oven burn, And bitter, yea, so bitter, that none can The prison where poor people sit and mourn,
Fully express the same, or ever stand Under the burden it will on them lay, Yet them he spared not, but cast them down When they from life and bliss are sent away.
From heaven to hell; where also they lie bound When J have thought how often God doth speak In everlasting chains, and no release Of their destruction, who HIS law do break;
Shall ever have, but wrath, that shall increase And when the nature ofthe punishment Upon them, to their everlasting woe.
I find so dreadful, and that God's intent, As for the state they were exalted to, Yea, resolution is, it to inflict That will by no means mitigate their fear,
On every sinner that shall stand convict, But aggravate their hellish torment here; Thave amazed been, yet to behold, For he that highest stands, ifhe shall fall, To see poor sinners yet with sin so bold,
His danger needs must be the great'st ofall.
That like the horse that to the battle runs, Nowif God noble angels did not spare Without all fear, and that no danger shuns,
Because they did transgress, will he forbear Till down he falls. O resolute attempts!
Poor dust and ashes? Will he suffer them O sad, amazing, damnable events!
To break his law, and sin, and not condemn 'The end of such proceedings needs must be, Them for so doing? Let not man deceive From which,O Lord, save and deliver me.
Himselfor others; they that do bereave But ifthou think that God thy noble race Themselves by sin ofhappiness, shall be Will more respect, than into such a place
Cut off by justice, and have misery.
To put thee; hold, though thou his offspring be, Witness his great severity upon And so art lovely, yet sin hath made thee
The world that first was planted,wherein none Another kind ofcreature than when thou But only eight the deluge did escape, Didst from his fingers drop, and therefore now
All others ofthat vengeance did partake; Thy first creation stands thee in no stead; The reason was, that world ungodly stood Thou hast transgressed, and in very deed
Before him, therefore he did send the flood, Set God against thee, who is infinite, Which swept them all away. A just reward
And that for certain never will forget For their most wicked ways against the Lord, Thy sins, nor favour thee ifthou shalt die Who could no longer bear them and their ways,
A graceless man; this is thy misery.
Therefore into their bosom vengeance pays.
When angels sinned, though ofhigher race We read ofSodom, and Gomorrah too, Than thou, and also put in higher place, Whatjudgments they for sin did undergo,
How God from heaven did fire upon them rain] And make examples unto all that scoff Because they would not wicked ways refrain;
At holiness, or do the gospel slight, Condemning ofthem with an overthrow, And long it will not be before the night And turned them to ashes. Who can know Andjudgment, painted out by what he did The miseries that these poor people felt
To Sodom and Gomorrah, fulfilled While they did underneath those burnings melt? | Upon such sinners be, that they may now
Now these, and many more that I could name, | That God doth hate the sin, and persons too.
That have been made partakers ofthe flame Ofsuch as still rebellious shall abide, And sword ofjustice, God did then cut off,
Although they now at judgment may deride.
Directed to the Heart ofSuffering Saints and Reigning Sinners By John Bunyan, in Prison, 1665 1. Friend,I salute thee in the Lord, 6. For though men keep my outward man And wish thou mayest abound Within their locks and bars, In faith, and have a good regard Yet by the faith ofChristI can To keep on holy ground.
Mount higher than the stars.
2. Thou dost encourage me to hold 7.Their fetters cannot Spirits tame, My head above the flood, Nor tie up God from me; Thy counsel better is than gold, My faith and hope they cannot lame, In need thereofI stood.
Above them I shall be.
3. Good counsel's good at any time, 8. I here am very much refreshed The wise will it receive, To think when I was out, Tho' fools count he commits a crime I preached life, and peace, and rest, Who doth good counsel give.
To sinners round about.
4.1 take it kindly at thy hand 9. My business then, was souls to save, Thou didst unto me write, By preaching grace and faith, My Feet upon mount zion stand, Ofwhich the comfort nowI have, In that take thou delight.
And have it shall till death.
5.1 am (indeed) in prison (now) 10. They were no fables that I taught In body, but my mind Devis'd by cunning men, Is free to study christ, and how But God's own Word, by which were caught
Some sinners now and then.
11. Whose souls by itwere made to see 18. The prison very sweet to me The evil of their sin; Hath been, since I came here, And need of Christ to make them free And so would also hanging be, From death, which they were in.
IfGod will there appear.
12. And now those very hearts, that then 19. Here dwells good conscience, also peace Were foes unto the Lord, Here be my garments white, Embrace his Christ and truth, like men Here, though in bonds,I have release Conquered by his Word.
From guilt, which else would bite.
13.1 hear them sigh and groan, and cry, 20.When they do talk ofbanishment, For grace to God above; Ofdeath, or such like things, They loath their sin, and to it die, Then to me God sends hearts content, 'Tt is holiness they love.
That like a fountain springs.
14. This was the workI was about, 21. Alas, they little think what peace When hands on me they laid, They help me to, for by "Twas this from which they plucked me out,
Their rage my comforts do increase; And vilely to me said, Bless God therefore do I.
15. You heretic, deceiver, come 22. Ifthey do give me gall to drink, To prison you must go, Then God doth sweetening cast, You preach abroad, and keep not home, So much thereto, that they cannot think You are the churches foe.
How bravely it doth taste.
16. But having peace within my soul, 23. For as the Devil sets before And truth on every side, Me heaviness and grief, T could with comfort them control, So God sets Christ and grace much more, And at their charge deride.
WherebyI take relief.
17.Wherefore to prison they me sent, 24. Though they say then, that we are fools Where to this dayI lie; Because we here do lie, And can with very much content T answer, goals are Christ his schools, For my profession die.
In them we learn to die.
25. It is not the baseness of this state 32.To them that here for evil lie, Doth hide us from God's face, The place is comfortless, He frequently, both soon and late But not to me, because that I Doth visit us with grace.
Lye here for righteousness.
26. Here comes the angels, here comes saints, 33. The truth and I, were both here cast Here comes the Spirit ofGod Together, and we do To comfort us in our restraints Lye arm in arm, and so hold fast Under the wicked's rod.
Each other; This is true.
27. God sometime visits prisons more 34. This goal to us, is as a hill, Than lordly palaces, From whence we plainly see He often knocketh at our door, Beyond this world, and take our fill When he their houses miss.
Ofthings that lasting be.
28. The truth and life ofheavenly things, 35. From hence we see the emptiness Lifts up our hearts on high, Of all this world contains; And carries us on eagles wings, And here we feel the blessedness Beyond carnality.
That for us yet remains.
29. It takes away those clogs that hold 36. Here we can see how all men play The hearts ofother men, Their parts, as on a stage, And makes us lively strong and bold How good men suffer for God's way, Thus to oppose their sin.
And bad men at them rage.
30. By which means God doth frustrate 37. Here we can see who holds that ground That which our foes expect; Which they in scripture find; Namely our turning the postate, Here we see also who turns round Like those ofJudas sect.
Like weathercocks with' wind.
31. Here comes to our remembrance, 38. We can also from hence behold The troubles good men had How seeming friends appear Ofold, and for our furtherance, But hypocrites, as we are told Their joys, when they were sad.
In scripture everywhere.
39. When we did walk at liberty, 46.We trade for that which lasting is, We were deceived by them, And nothing for it give; Who we from hence do clearly see But that which is already his, Are vile deceitful men.
By whom we breath and live.
40. These politicians that professed 47. That libertywe lose for him, For base and worldly ends, Sickness might take away:
Do now appear to us at best Our goods might also for our sin But machivilian friends:
By fire or thieves decay.
41. Though men do say, we do disgrace 48. Again, we see what glory 'tis Our selves by lying here Freely to bear our cross Among the rogues, yetChrist our face For him, who for us took up his, From all such filth will clear.
When he our servant was.
42. We know there's neither flout nor frown 49.1 am most free, that men should see That we now for him bear A hole cut through mine ear, But will add to our heavenly crown, Tfothers will ascertain me When he comes in the air.
They'll hanga jewel there.
43. When he our righteousness forth brings 50. Just thus it is, we suffer here Bright shining as the day, For hima little pain, And wipeth offthose stand'rous things Who, when he doth again appear That scorners on us lay.
Will with him let us reign.
44. We fell our earthly happiness 51. If all must either die for sin For heavenly house and home; A death that's natural; We leave this world because 'tis less, Or else for Christ, 'tis best with him, And worse than that to come.
Who for the last doth fall.
45.We change our drossy dust for gold, 52. Who now dare say, we throw away From death to life we fly:
Our goods or liberty, We let go shadows and take hold When God's most holyword doth say Ofimmortality.
We gain thus much thereby.
53. Hark yet again, you carnal men, 60. These be the men that God doth count And hear what I shall say Ofhigh and noble mind, In your own dialect, and then These be the men that do surmount I will you no longer stay.
What you in nature find.
54. You talk sometimes ofvalor much, 61. First they do conquer their own hearts, And count such bravely man'd, All worldly fears, and then That will not stick to have a tutch Also the devil's fiery darts, With any in the Land.
55. Ifthese be worth commending, then, 62. They conquer when they thus do fall, That vainly show their might, They kill when they do die:
How dare you blame those holy men They overcome then most of all, That in God's quarrel fight?
56. Though you dare crack a cowards crown, 63. The worldling understands not this, Or quarrel for a pin; Tt is clear out ofhis sight:
You dare not on the wicked frown, Therefore he counts this world his bliss, Nor speak against their sin.
And doth our glory slight.
57. For all your spirits are so stout, 64. The lubber knows not how to spring For matters that are vain:
The nimble foot-man's stage; Yet sin besets you round about, Neither can owls, or jack-daws sing You are in Satan's chain.
Ifthey were in the cage.
58. You dare not for the truth engage, 65. The swine doth not the pearls regard, You quake at prisonment, But them doth slight for grains, You dare not make the Tree your stage Though the wise merchant labors hard For Christ that king potent.
For them with greatest pains.
59. Know then true valor there doth dwell 66. Consider man, what I have said, Where men engage for God, And judge ofthings aright; Against the devil, death and hell, When all men's cards are fully plaid, And bear the wicked's rod.
Whose will abide the light?
67. Will those, who have us hither cast?
69. And what though they us dear do cost, Or theywho do us scorn?
Yet let us buy them so; Or those who do our houses wast?
We shall not count our labor lost Or us, who this have born?
When we see others woe.
68. And let us count those things the best 70. And let saints be no longer blamed That best will prove at last; By carnal policy; And count such men the only blest, But let the wicked be ashamed That do such things hold fast.