The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
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The Christians Reply to the Phylosopher.
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![]() | The works of Sr William Davenant | ![]() |
The Christians Reply to the Phylosopher.
1
The Good in Graves as Heavenly Seed are sown;And at the Saints first Spring, the General Doome
Will rise, not by degrees, but fully blowne;
When all the Angells to their Harvest come.
2
Cannot Almighty Heaven (since Flowers which passThaw'd through a Still, and there melt mingled too,
Are rais'd distinct in a poore Chymists Glass)
Doe more in Graves then Men in Lymbecks doe?
3
God bred the Arts to make us more believe(By seeking Natures cover'd Misteries)
His darker Workes, that Faith may thence conceive
He can do more then what our Reason sees.
4
O Coward Faith! Religion's trembling Guide!Whom even the dim-ey'd Arts must lead to see
What Nature only from our sloath does hide,
Causes remote, which Faith's dark dangers be.
5
Religion, e're impos'd, should first be taught;Not seeme to dull obedience ready lay'd,
Then swallow'd strait for ease, but long be sought;
And be by Reason councell'd, though not sway'd.
335
6
God has enough to humane kinde disclos'd;Our fleshly Garments he a while receiv'd,
And walk'd as if the Godhead were depos'd,
Yet could be then but by a few believ'd.
7
The Faithless Jews will this at Doome confess,Who did suspect him for his low disguise:
But, if he could have made his vertue less,
He had been more familiar to their Eyes.
8
Fraile Life! in which, through Mists of humane breath,We grope for Truth, and make our Progress slow;
Because, by passion blinded, till by death,
Our Passions ending, we begin to know.
9
O rev'rend Death! whose looks can soon adviseEven scornfull Youth; whilst Priests their Doctrine wast,
Yet mocks us too; for he does make us wise,
When by his coming our Affaires are past.
10
O harmless Death! whom still the valiant brave,The Wise expect, the Sorrowfull invite,
And all the Good embrace, who know the Grave,
A short dark passage to Eternal Light.
![]() | The works of Sr William Davenant | ![]() |