University of Virginia Library

Though Joseph was a slave in deep disgrace;
A Prisoner more neglected then I was
In my late Thraldome; (no whit less in danger
By false Accusers, because, more a stranger;)
A heathen King, disdained not to take
Good Counsel from him, when he reason spake
Though he in him, no more of GOD could see
At first, then you at this time do in me.
I, no such Revelations will pretend
As give no warrant on them to depend
Save his own word who tells them; neither ought
Advise, but Truths, which GOD himself hath taught
As well to you as me, by his known word,
Or by the Olive-branch, or, by the Sword.
His Justice or his Mercy; which have spoke
That oft, whereof you little heed have took.
To fright you, no predictions I will fain
As many do, pumpt out of their own brain;
Nor speak in Riddles, nor such things declare
As you cannot without crakt patience hear,
If I may but that freedom have to speak,
Which harmless Fools, and licens'd Jesters take.
As Moses, from a principle of Love
Said unto those two Israelites who strove,
So say I unto you who disagree;
Wrong not each other, for, you Brethren be
By Nature; yea, by Grace too, so profest:
Be therefore Christians, or be men at least.
Like barbrous heathen wherefore should you strive,
And by dissention to your selves derive
A mutual Plague? Act that which is design'd
By them who to destroy you are inclin'd,
And, probably, can no way else effect
That mischief which their Malice doth project?