Tell him here's worse then a confused matter- 35 Hath power to dry the torrent of these streams. Tell him I would say more, but cannot well: Oppressed minds abruptest tales do tell. Now post with double speed, mark what I say; LONGING FOR HEAVEN As weary pilgrim now at rest 40 1678. 5 THE DAY OF DOOM Still was the night, Serene & Bright, Calm was the season, & carnal reason thought so 't would last for ay. "Soul, take thine ease; let sorrow cease; much good thou hast in store:" This was their Song, their Cups among, Wallowing in all kind of sin, vile wretches lay secure: The best of men had scarcely then Virgins unwise, who through disguise amongst the best were number'd, Had clos'd their eyes; yea, and the wise through sloth and frailty slumber'd. Like as of old, when Men grow bold God's threatnings to contemn, 5 ΤΟ 15 Straightway appears (they see 't with tears) 45 the Son of God most dread, Who with his Train comes on amain to judge both Quick and Dead. Before his face the Heav'ns gave place, and Skies are rent asunder, With mighty voice and hideous noise more terrible than Thunder. His brightness damps heav'ns glorious lamps and makes them hide their heads; As if afraid and quite dismay'd, they quit their wonted steads. ... .... 30 His winged Hosts flie through all Coasts, together gethering Both good and bad, both quick and dead, and all to judgment bring. Out of their holes those creeping Moles that hid themselves for fear By force they take and quickly make before the Judge appear. . . . All silence keep both Goats and Sheep before the Judge's Throne; With mild aspect to his Elect then spake the holy One: "My Sheep, draw near, your Sentence hear, which is to you no dread, Who clearly now discern and know your sins are pardoned.". . . . The wicked are brought to the Bar like guilty Malefactors That oftentimes of bloody Crimes and Treasons have been Actors. Of wicked Men none are so mean as there to be neglected, Nor none so high in dignity as there to be respected. . . . 80 .... Nevertheless they all express, Christ granting liberty, What for their way they have to say, how they have liv'd, and why. They all draw near and seek to clear themselves by making pleas. There Hypocrites, false-hearted wights, do make such pleas as these: "Lord, in thy Name and by the same we Devils dispossest. We rais'd the dead, and ministred succour to the distrest. Our painful teaching & pow'rful preaching by thine own wondrous might 85 90 |