Light in Darkness, SONG VIII

ANd now for such as feel These hellish Buffettings, And anguish of these sudden darts, Which are the Serpents stings; I shall a word or two Of Counsel here annex: God make them useful unto — some Whom Satan doth perplex.

Follow thy Calling close. Love not to be alone; Save onely when by secret Prayer Thou makes to God thy moane. Omit not secret Prayer, Nor other Means neglect: The Tempter hath thee where he would, If once he that effect.

Thy help is in the Lord; From him it must be sought: Use thou the Means, and wait his time, Who lingers not for nought. Thy Prayers are poor and vile; Yet do not them forgoe: For what were that, but for to give Thy weapon to thy Foe!

Cry mightily to God When other Helpers fail: Relie upon him stedfastly, When terrours thee assail. The more the Devil strives (For this is all his scope) To rob thee of thy Spiritual Arms, The faster hold thy hope.

Bewail the sin that cleaves Unto thine holy things, And look unto the Blood of Christ Which acceptation brings. Be not too much dismay'd, Nor 'stonished with fear: But unto Christ who is thy strength Labour to keep more near.

Distracting horrid Fear The Soul of strength deprives, Draws in these thoughts, and to the Devil A great advantage gives. Adventure not to smother Temptations in thy brest: Keep not the Devil's counsel, if Thou do'st the same detest.

Make out for help in time; Lest by some subtile wile, Or hidden craft to thee unknown, The Serpent thee beguile. Temptations are like Poison, Provide an Antidote: 'Tis easier mischief to prevent, Then cure it when 'tis got.

Recall not wicked thoughts Of them to take a view (No not to make thee loath them more) Lest thou this folly rue: But thrust them out of doors, And strongly say them nay; And if thou canst not rid them so, Flee thou, and run away.

Be not thou like the Sheep, That, being in a maze, In stead of running from the Woolf Stand still and at him gaze: Till having one devour'd He comes to worry more, And then they run, but stand again Still gazing as before.

Bemoan thy self to God; In generall them confess: But if thou think them o're again They will thee more distress. Let every Christian man Unto his thoughts take heed: For God can whip thee with thy thoughts, Until he make thee bleed.

Give not thy minde to think Of vain or evil things, As thou desirest to escape These hellish Buffettings. Thus I have briefly given My Counsel in this case. The Lord direct thee what is good To follow and embrace.

Reader, I give thee here Two Songs in other Meetre: I hope they will not make a jarre, But close up all the sweeter.