University of Virginia Library

Whilst this was writing, Tidings we receivd
(Which very willingly we then believd)
That we were Victors. God vouchsafe thereto
A blessed Consequence, if it prove so:
Make us, whatever otherwise befel,
Sincerely thankful that we speed so well,
Still mindful of the hazzards we were in,
Before that Doubtful Trial did begin;
And be henceforth, obedient to his calls
Lest else a worse thing suddainly befals:
For, most to fear him, we have then most cause
When an impending Judgement he withdraws,
Since, in our Duties, if we then grow slack;
Vengeance, with double Rigour it brings back;
But, much more, when instead of Penitence
Those Faults renewd are, which first gave offence.

That News came whilst the People were in prayr,
Some, hopeful, some afraid, some in despair,
Such Medlies making of Words, Thoughts and Passions
As oft befal in suddain Alterations;
And peradventure, causd some to forget
To what end, they that day together met:
For, many had expressed signs of Gladness
Before, they gave one sign of Sobersadness,
Days of Thanksgiving and Humiliation
Being by them, observd still in one fashion;
And, by their various Postures, those Digressions
Occasiond were, which vary my Expressions.

We were not like Jews harps on Willows hung,
But, like those, which are always tun'd and strung
For Jiggs; and we, a Triumph-song begun
Before our Lamentation-song was done.
From laying, by, our vain Desires and Boasts,
From Sanctifying of the Lord of Hosts
With filial awe! and Praise to him returning
(For joyful Tidings on our Day of mourning)
We were so far, that, evn before we knew,
Or could hear certainly, the News was true,
We skipt abruptly, from Humiliation
Into our Antick mode of Exultation,
Joyning our selves to throngs of Fools and Boys,
In Triumphs, which consist of Squibs and Noise,
Of Healths, and Bells, and Fires, and Tunes, and Smoak
(Thanksgiving Tools, in which delight we took)
Objects of Scorn, to wisemen rendring us;
To grave Spectators, more ridiculous
Then pleasing: And, instead of some Relief
To sufferers, an increasing of their Grief,
Chiefly to those poor Orphans and sad Wives,
Whose Husbands, and whose Fathers limbs and lives
Were lost in that Ingagement, whereof they
Had little Sense, or drank the same away,
(Whilst they who hardly scaping it, lay grieving,
Their safety, rather doubting then believing)
And, these too, when grown sober, found they had
Not so much cause of Mirth, as to be sad.

An outward Joy, exprest with moderation,
And Triumphs, are not without Approbation,
When they shall be exhibited in season,
And for ends justified by sound Reason;
Yet, for all Victories, they are not so;
Nor the same things, fit at all times to do.
King David knew it did not him become
To triumph when he conquerd Absolom,
And I have seen, for Victories, of late,
(Much less to be rejoyced in than that)
Great Joy exprest: yea, for a Conquest won
(Thanksgivings also rendred) where was none.

At all times, by all men, are Praises due,
And thanks to God, for all things that ensue
On our Endeavours: for, in all he doth
Inclusively, are comprehended both
Justice, and Mercy: yet, our thanks to GOD
Is not on all occasions, in one mode
To be exprest; nor ought we to pretend
His Glory, when tis for another end;
Lest, he in our Destruction or our shame,
Provoked be to glorifie his Name.

In both our late Ingagements GOD hath done
That, which both Nations ought to think upon
With much more heed, and much more thankfulness,
Then either we or they do yet express.
This month last year when we did glorifie
Our selves, for a supposed Victory,
I did contribute then, as I do now
My single Mite, (as well as I knew how)
To praise GOD for his Mercy, making none
With him, a sharer in what he had done;
Then offring also to consideration
Such things as tended to Humiliation,
Much to the same effect, with that which here,
I tender in another mode this year.
But, GOD who times, and Orders all we do,
My purpose knowing, put a Stop thereto;
Perhaps lest if it had been publishd then,
It had exasperated more, some men,
Both to their own, and to my detriment,
Then was consistent with my good intent.
For, (by my Printers death) what, I then did
In some unknown hand, till this day lies hid;
And possibly may come again to light,
By that time, this is brought to open sight.
Meanwhile, I will proceed, with what, this day
A New Occasion prompteth me to say.

The said Ingagements, now already past
(Which if GOD please, I wish might be the last)
By Providential means, have made their swords
Speak more, then else with so much power in words,
Could have been spoken, to perswade us to
What, it, will most concern us both, to do.
For, whatsoever, Policy and Pride
Have published abroad on either side,
Tis evident; (or, may be so to either)
Our Earthen Pitchers, are so knockt together
That one or two more such like knocks will break them
So small, that useless Potsherds it will make them;
Except to patch up the Designs of those
Who seem their Friends, to whom they will be Foes.

This would be better heeded, if it were
Propounded by a Private Counseller,
A Bishop or a Judge: Thus I suppose,
Till I remember, that the best of those
Have writ, and spoke in vain: yet, then, were they
Obligd to speak their conscience, so am I.
But, many, who to be my Friends would seem,
(And, not me, or my words to disesteem)
Perswade me, in these matters to be mute:
Tell me, that my Attempts produce no fruit
Save mischiefs to my self: and, other some
Affirm this Medling doth not me become.
I thank their wisdoms; but, am not so wise
As to believe they prudently advise.
A Fool may to good purpose speak somtimes,
And, they have found sound Reason in my Rimes,
Who were not so adverse to words in season,
That, they lovd neither Truth, nor Rime, nor Reason.
Th'effects to other men will be the same,
Whether, to them I speak, or silent am;
Yet, since with profit, I have heretofore
Spoke somwhat, I will speak a little more,
Because, I know the damage will not be
So great, then, in relation unto me,
As unto those men, who shall be offended
With what is conscientiously intended.
Successes, good and bad, are shard so even
Between them (by his Justice, who from heav'n
Beholds both what they did in every place
With whatsoere by them intended was)
That, if on both sides, Truth might be exprest
It would by them and others, be confest,
The Sword hath spoke aloud, and plainly too,
That, which both Nations speedily should do:
That, it speaks also, what they do intend
On whose Assistances they much depend:
And hints, that both, in their proceeds, (at length)
May be devourd by their own Wealth and Strength,
For, whereunto amounts all we have heard
Three days together, to and fro, averd,
But certainty of Ruine, on both sides,
To which soever best success betides?
What have we heard, by that which pro and con
Hath been reported of what's lost and won,
But contradictions, intermixt with sounds
Of Lamentations, Losses, Deaths and Wounds,
And with relation of a Victory,
Which with infeebled and lame wings doth fly:
None certainly informed of what's done,
Or of that which may follow thereupon.
We hear sad News one day, as bad next morrow,
Or worse perhaps: and shall have dayly sorrow,
Till of their sorrows, we more sense have got,
Whose Suffrings, we do know and pitty not:
And till our Nation shall discharge that better,
Wherein to GOD and Man it is a Debter.

I have with heedfulness, perused that,
Sea-Gibbrish, which is publishd to relate
What passed in the Naval fight between
Both Fleets; with what, to some a ground hath been
To think, the Victory is on our side
And, that we still victorious do abide.
If so it were (because, it might prevent
The Foes proud brags, our Friends discouragement;
Or, supersede their Fears) I should be glad,
And thankful, for the good success we had:
But, nothing therein mention'd found I out,
Whence, I could pick forth, what to find, I sought.
All I could thence collect, was but thus much,
That, We were beaten, and did beat the Dutch,
Till they were glad, at last, to sail away,
And, we as glad, they did no longer stay.
He, that was otherwise informd thereby
Doth understand much more, or less, then I;
And, for our selves, I know no reason why
We should, if, we for GOD, ought not to Lie;
For, though it is imprudence to reveal
All Truths at all times (and not to conceal,
What may occasion mischiefs) never should
The Truth be falsesaid, or Untruths be told:
And, more advantage would to us, ensue
If our Intelligence were always true.

Indeed, I found, in that Express, much wit
In such terms, as that Subject, did befit;
As also, very much, related there
To magnifie those who then active were
For our defence. And, I well pleased am
With what may add to their deserved Fame.
To them I grudge no meed, or honour due,
Who prudently, and valiantly pursue
Their undertakings: But, Gods praise alone,
Is my chief Aim. To praise what men have done,
Is, to my proper work impertinent,
And, also, at this time, to my intent.

If, by omitting that, I shall offend
In prosecutions to a better end;
Or, if that any shall maligne me more,
For this, who did not love me heretofore,
I shall not think it strange: For, I of late
Meerly, for Speaking, and for Writing that,
Which both to Gods praise, and Mans welfare tends,
Loose daily, very many seeming Friends;
Whereby, if they no whit indamagd are,
I shall not, for what haps to me, much care;
Especially, whilst that, which I designe
Tends to Gods praise (without selfends of mine.)
To which intention, that which now is read
(In these few pages,) is contributed.

And though, like Jeremiahs Lamentation,
Or Davids humblings, this Humiliation
Is not besprinkled with corporeal tears,
Or, worded with Hyberbolies like theirs;
Nor strowd with Ashes, nor in Haircloth drest;
Or, with such formal complements exprest,
(As may be, and ofttimes assumed are
As well by Hypocrites, as Men sincere)
Or, though it may want what affects the Sense,
I hope, that, which affects th'Intelligence
It shall not want, nor ought, which to that end
Is needfull, whereto, I, the same intend:
And, tis exhibited in such a mode,
I hope too, as will pleasing be to GOD.

What, he hath done, at this time, seems to me
Not so much heeded as it ought to be,
To make us thankful; nor do we express
What we pretend, in way of thankfulness
As it becomes us; neither do we show it
As doth beseem him, unto whom we ow it:
But, act it with such vain appurtenances
(And break out into such Extravagances)
As, to our Sins, are rather an addition
Then signes of Thankfulness, or true Contrition.
For, though, at full, informd I have not bin
What streights, and what great hazzards they were in;
Or, of what might have hapned, unless then
Assisted more by Providence, then Men;
Thus much is likely, we were so intrapt,
That, by our own powre, we had not escapt
A total Rout, if Providentially
There came not in, a seas'nable supply.
For, had not GOD, sent Rupert timely back,
The Fleet with Albemarl, had gone to wrack;
Or, both perhaps, then, been destroyd together,
Had not GOD sent the French, we know not whither:
Yea, somewhat, in that Providence I see,
Which our Foes ought to heed, as much as We.
GOD, grace vouchsafe both unto us, and them,
To heed, whereto it tends, whilst there is time;
And, unto me, and every person living,
Timely Repentance, and sincere Thanksgiving.

Ere these few Cautionary exhortations,
(Which I think proper to Humiliations)
I do conclude; Ile add this Corollary
In hope, that some, the same in mind will carry.
Though very great our Streights and Hazzards are,
(And, those may be much greater which we fear)
Seek Remedies, by no dishonest course;
Lest, thereby, we still make the mischief worse.
That, were to do like them, who, when an Evil
Befals, run to a Witch, or to the Devil,
Who, such Cures, onely, for his Patients hath
As their, who kill themselves, through fear of Death.
It hath been thought, yea, I have oft been told,
That, I, in my Attempts, have been too bold;
Yet I think no man standeth in more dread
Of doing ought which is not warranted
By common Justice; For, I dare not act
To save my life, in any such like fact.
Nor would my Conscience let me sleep in peace
Should I but wink at an Unrighteousness,
Which might by me be hindred, (though to gain
That, which I do most covet to obtain)
Till I repented it: nay, I should dread
A Vengeance were impending ore my head,
If I in secret, wishd advance unto
My hopes, by what another might misdo
Without my knowledge; or, by ought not right
Both in GODS eye, and evry good mans sight.
Which, I profess, that others might beware
Of such Ill consequents, as I now fear.

If we believe there is a GOD, that heeds
The Patience of the Saints, and our Proceeds,
Let us not still persist, as we have done,
Within mans conscience, to usurp GODS Throne
As many do, in most presumptuous wise,
Ev'n whilst his heavy hand upon us lies:
For, he will shortly make it to appear,
None ought, but he, to sit in Judgment there;
As also, what they merit, who offend
So highly, when an humbling they pretend.
At Home, from persecuting of them cease
Who do not interrupt the civil peace;
Let us forbear in an inhumane mode,
More to divide us, and our Foes abrode;
Let us leave off, those Railings at each other,
VVhich hinder the uniting us together.
Till GOD shall judge the cause that is depending
Between the Nations which are now contending,
Let none of us who in our private Stations,
Are called to sincere Humiliations,
Presume to judge them further then he knows
Their Actings, and what Judgements GOD allows
In doubtful Trials; but with Humbleness,
Attend on his dispose of the success;
Contributing, aswel as tears and prayers,
VVhat else, th'Immergencies of our Affairs
May reasonably require; lest, we betray
Both our own selves, and them we should obey.
For, each mans private share, is part of that
VVhich is the Joint Stock of the Publick State,
And, ought proportionably to be shard,
As need shall be, to make a Publick Gard.

VVhat, others, are thereby invited to
Is that, which conscientiously I do:
For, to this end, (though I am so bereft
Of all I had, that, nothing now is left
But Almes to live on) I, have ever since
Paid Taxes, out of that Benevolence;
And, will not grudge to do it, whilst GOD shall
That way, or any way, give wherewithal:
Yea, that the Publick strength, may not decline
VVill take heed that it be no Fault of mine,
By not contributing, what I think may
Be thereto needful, in an evil day
If well it be employed, GOD, will bless
Their prudent Management, and Faithfulness,
VVho therewith are intrusted: If, unjust
Therein they prove, and shall deceive our trust,
Twill be destructive onely to th'Abusers,
And, faithful men, will be at last no Loosers:
For, when the Kingdome which we look for, comes,
All men, shall have their just deserved Dooms.

Hereof, to me, GOD hath oft Earnest given
By aids vouchsafed, as it were, from Heav'n,
At every need. By him, I have been fed
VVith Manna, Quaîles,, and with my dayly bread,
(I know not else, either by whom or how)
For some years lately past; and so am now,
VVithout suspect, of ought which may befal
VVhether, my gathering shall be much or small.
Yea, now, while I behold despairing fear
In most mens faces, almost evry where;
Although the day, now very gloomy be;
Though falling off, our Chariot-wheels I see;
Their Drivers, with much difficulty driving;
Against Waves, Rocks and Sands, our Leaders striving,
And, GOD, in this day of our great distress,
Within a Black Cloud, hiding yet his Face;
A Glimmering, I naytheless perceive
Of Mercy, shining on all who believe;
With Symptoms, of the like aspect to them
Who, yet believe not, if they turn to him.
Turn therefore, oh return unto him, now;
Hear him, and he will give an ear to you.

But I fear most men so corrupt are grown,
That, my words, are on them in vain bestown:
Lest, therefore what I write, they heed the less,
I, at this present, will no more express;
And, since, in our case, there's no help in Man,
His aid, I will implore, who help us can.