University of Virginia Library

If yet, your former doubtings be not past,
But that th'aspersions, which on them are cast,
Whom GOD for your deliverers hath chose,
Hath shooke you from your confidence in those;
Or if defects, which may be found in them,
Do either urge, or tempt you to contemne
Such instruments; and in your hearts to say,
Can these men save us? Mindfull be, I pray,
What persons, to your aid, GOD, first did call;
By what sleight meanes he hath effected all
Your conquests. Yea, by what contrary things
His works, he, often to perfection brings.
Consider how this Army was despis'd
And scorned, when it was first modelliz'd:
How, likely, were they, whom you first did gather
To be your guard, to be your ruine, rather
Then to defend you? how, did they protest,
And rage, when they against their wills were prest?
With how much weaknesse was that work begun?
And, yet, thereby what wonders hath God done?
How, hath he added unto your prevailings,
By them, though they their errors had and failings?
How, hath he humbled you by their great pride,
Whose seeming vertues you have glorifi'd?
That, you may see a pow'r so excellent,
Knowes how to work with any instrument:
That, you may find there are some things despis'd,
VVhich have deserved, better to be priz'd;
That you may learne in weake meanes, not to feare;
Nor trust too much, in those that mighty are;
That, you may know, if your owne waies be streight,
You may be safe, though others go not right;
And, though you will not know it; they who live
By faith, the truth of these things do perceive;
And, would in GOD, find out a pleace to dwell,
Though, there were neither heav'n, earth nor hell.