University of Virginia Library

Observe you may, by what ensues thereon,
How, GOD abominates what is misdone
In managing the Mysteries of State,
And heeds what is in secret aimed at
By fair pretendings; and how, they thereby
So long have fought themselves to fortifie
That, most men are inclined to believe
Lest Good is meant, when sweetest words they give;
And that they have forgot on what conditions
Or, to what end God gave them their Commissions.
Know you not, that a spirit of delusion,
To bring upon you merited confusion,
Was Licensed to go forth and delude
Those Prophets, by whose counsel are pursu'd
Unrighteous Actions, that you may be sent
On Voyages like that which Ahab went?
Are your eyes wholly blinded? heed you not
That, such another Spirit is begot
'Twixt you, and 'twixt the People ev'ry where
Within your several Borders, here and there,
(And at this time as active) as was that
Which GOD permitted to infatuate
Abimelech and Sichem, till it had
Destroy'd them; all their Counsels frustrate made,
And brought upon both Parties that reward
Which for blood-thirsty persons is prepar'd?
If these things you have heeded, be not still
By those deluded who intend you ill;
But, wake out of your deep security,
And from that Trance wherein you seem to lie.
Consider seriously, what you intend;
E're it begin, think well how it may end;
What an intollerable heavy load
'Twill lay on most at home, on some abroad,
What Treasure, and how much blood will be spent;
How, both your Countries will be thereby rent
And shatter'd; beside, what not yet fore-seen,
Is likewise possible to intervene,
From them, who watching to enjoy the spoil
By your contendings, laugh and jeer meanwhile;
Which to prevent, I found out this Retreat
From that War, wherewith you each other threat.