 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
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A Seasonable Memorandum
Humbly tendred to the City of London, the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and the whole Commonalty thereof, by occasion of the Pestilence, begun this year, MDCLXV.
By their Old Remembrancer, George Wither.
The
Psalmist, when he saw Truths foes grow strong
A while resolved to withhold his Tongue
Ev'n from Good words; (as I have often done)
But, in his heart, New-musings then begun
To muster so, that, he was forc'd to break
His resolution, and his thoughts to speak.
So fares it now with me; and I must do
That which my Mover hath inclin'd me to:
Vouchsafe it hearing, and GOD be my speed,
For, it concerns you, and deserves good heed.
A while resolved to withhold his Tongue
Ev'n from Good words; (as I have often done)
But, in his heart, New-musings then begun
To muster so, that, he was forc'd to break
His resolution, and his thoughts to speak.
So fares it now with me; and I must do
That which my Mover hath inclin'd me to:
Vouchsafe it hearing, and GOD be my speed,
For, it concerns you, and deserves good heed.
This, now commencing, is the fourtieth year,
Since first, the greatest Plague that raged here,
Within our time, was sent for our correction,
To scourge us, with a Pestilent Infection,
That, GOD's intention, being timely heeded
We, by Repentance, might have superseded
Those following Judgments, which have ever since
Inflicted been, for our Impenitence;
And, are still multiplying, as if from
GOD's quiver, Sharper Arrows were to come.
That year, I having lived, till the Sun
Since first, the greatest Plague that raged here,
Within our time, was sent for our correction,
To scourge us, with a Pestilent Infection,
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We, by Repentance, might have superseded
Those following Judgments, which have ever since
Inflicted been, for our Impenitence;
And, are still multiplying, as if from
GOD's quiver, Sharper Arrows were to come.
Had thrice twelve times, quite through the Zodiack run,
Consider'd I had spun out half that time
Within your Walls, and might be one of them
For whose Transgressions, that sharp Visitation
Came to destroy, or work a Reformation;
And, thereupon (without constraint) intended
To wait on God, where I had him offended;
That, if to spare my life, vouchsafe he should,
I might as truly serve him as I could,
By heeding both his Actings, and our own;
And making those things unto others known,
Which I should then observe, might best promote
His honour; and from being quite forgot,
Keep that upon Record, (though to our shame)
Which might hereafter, glorifie his Name.
During that Plague, not one night, all the while,
Remov'd I thence, the distance of one Mile,
Or shuned either person, place, or sight,
Which, me, experimentally then might
Acquaint with any thing, whereby to learn
My Duty, or what would my work concern;
By which means, I found reason to confess
(As Job in his probation did profess)
That, I, who heard of GOD, but by the ear,
Before that time, then, saw him as it were;
And, had some things, likewise, to me reveal'd
Which were from many wiser men conceal'd;
So that I both foresaw, and then foretold
What many thousands did fulfil'd behold
Soon after: yea, moreover, some of them
Who, many years, my Cautions did contemn,
(And scofft at my Predictions) justifi'd
That, which in times past, they did much deride.
But, in their old waies, most men did proceed
As if they took a very little heed,
Of any thing, past, present, or to come,
Which might preserve Peace, or prevent their Doom.
Remov'd I thence, the distance of one Mile,
Or shuned either person, place, or sight,
Which, me, experimentally then might
Acquaint with any thing, whereby to learn
My Duty, or what would my work concern;
By which means, I found reason to confess
(As Job in his probation did profess)
That, I, who heard of GOD, but by the ear,
Before that time, then, saw him as it were;
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Which were from many wiser men conceal'd;
So that I both foresaw, and then foretold
What many thousands did fulfil'd behold
Soon after: yea, moreover, some of them
Who, many years, my Cautions did contemn,
(And scofft at my Predictions) justifi'd
That, which in times past, they did much deride.
But, in their old waies, most men did proceed
As if they took a very little heed,
Of any thing, past, present, or to come,
Which might preserve Peace, or prevent their Doom.
What I then saw, and foresaw would befall,
I did record, in that which I did call
BRITANS REMEMBRANCER; and have not been
Regardless, what transactions, here were seen
During those fourty years of Provocation,
Wherein, GOD's Spirit, by this Generation
Hath greeved been. Of that large Premonition,
At least four thousands at the first Impression
Were publisht through these Islands, to prevent
What seem'd at hand; and, to the same intent
In several modes, at several times before
This present day, five times as many more
Premonitory hints, whereon ensue
As mean effects, except among those few
For whose sake (next his Sons) GOD, yet hath pity
On these three Nations, and on this great City,
Though they have persecuted and opprest
Those, in whose Weal their welfare doth consist.
I did record, in that which I did call
BRITANS REMEMBRANCER; and have not been
Regardless, what transactions, here were seen
During those fourty years of Provocation,
Wherein, GOD's Spirit, by this Generation
Hath greeved been. Of that large Premonition,
At least four thousands at the first Impression
Were publisht through these Islands, to prevent
What seem'd at hand; and, to the same intent
In several modes, at several times before
This present day, five times as many more
Premonitory hints, whereon ensue
As mean effects, except among those few
For whose sake (next his Sons) GOD, yet hath pity
On these three Nations, and on this great City,
Though they have persecuted and opprest
Those, in whose Weal their welfare doth consist.
But, this comes not within the Creed of many
Nor can be possibly believ'd of any,
Whom Pride, Self-love, and Ignorance bewitches
Either with dotage upon Pleasures, Riches,
Or Power exorbitant; because no Grace
Can get admittance, where those fill the place,
For, these, are part of those things where withall
The Devil tempted Christ; and they who fall
By not resisting him in that temptation
Are drawn, at last, to yeeld him Adoration
(Though peradventure they perceive it not)
And, when he that advantage once hath got;
It is not in the power of any one
To dispossess him, bud of GOD alone.
Nor can be possibly believ'd of any,
Whom Pride, Self-love, and Ignorance bewitches
Either with dotage upon Pleasures, Riches,
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Can get admittance, where those fill the place,
For, these, are part of those things where withall
The Devil tempted Christ; and they who fall
By not resisting him in that temptation
Are drawn, at last, to yeeld him Adoration
(Though peradventure they perceive it not)
And, when he that advantage once hath got;
It is not in the power of any one
To dispossess him, bud of GOD alone.
Judgements and Mercies, in the common mode
Move not without th'immediate hand of GOD,
Or, some impulses extraordinary
When from his Dictates, wilfully they vary.
The most Convincing Truths, make them but madder;
They, to the wisest Charmer like the Adder,
Still stop their ears; and them he works upon
No more, then if he Sung unto a Stone.
This renders these more brutish then a beast
By whom CHRIST is but formally profest:
For, Beasts will shun the dangers that pursue them;
Meet those who feed them, when their meat they shew them;
Know their preservers, yea return them too,
Requitals, in their kind, for what they do:
Whereas besotted men, ev'n when they may
Perceive themselves beleagured ev'ry way
With mischiefs; although plainly they may see
That their Endeavours unsuccesful be
In spight of all their policy or power,
And, God, Avengments threatning every hour
By Prodegies, and by Events, that from
No mortall hand, to cross their hopes can come,
They either look on them as casualties,
Or, them not to concern, in any wise:
Then, with full sailes, run head long on that Rock
Which is in view; at their good counsel mock,
Who tell them lovingly, how to avoyd
That, whereby, they shall else be quite destroyd,
If they proceed; or, cast an Anchor where,
They, now in hope of Preservation are:
And, if these be not madmen, there are none
In Bedlam, where we hear is many a one.
Move not without th'immediate hand of GOD,
Or, some impulses extraordinary
When from his Dictates, wilfully they vary.
The most Convincing Truths, make them but madder;
They, to the wisest Charmer like the Adder,
Still stop their ears; and them he works upon
No more, then if he Sung unto a Stone.
This renders these more brutish then a beast
By whom CHRIST is but formally profest:
For, Beasts will shun the dangers that pursue them;
Meet those who feed them, when their meat they shew them;
Know their preservers, yea return them too,
Requitals, in their kind, for what they do:
Whereas besotted men, ev'n when they may
Perceive themselves beleagured ev'ry way
With mischiefs; although plainly they may see
That their Endeavours unsuccesful be
In spight of all their policy or power,
And, God, Avengments threatning every hour
By Prodegies, and by Events, that from
No mortall hand, to cross their hopes can come,
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Or, them not to concern, in any wise:
Then, with full sailes, run head long on that Rock
Which is in view; at their good counsel mock,
Who tell them lovingly, how to avoyd
That, whereby, they shall else be quite destroyd,
If they proceed; or, cast an Anchor where,
They, now in hope of Preservation are:
And, if these be not madmen, there are none
In Bedlam, where we hear is many a one.
Ev'n as a nice and wanton Appetite,
Longs after Kickshaws, and takes more delight
In dishes made up of they know not what,
And not so wholsome, as plain solid meat;
So, most men, with Expressions are best pleas'd
From whence, one sentence, hardly can be squeas'd
Which well consider'd, any way conduces
To civil manners or to pious uses,
Though you should strain out all, that every word
For Caution, or Instruction, might afford.
To all such true Phanaticks, this will seem,
To be perhaps, of very small esteem,
Because, it speaks plain sense, and is not deckt
And trim'd up with such gawds as they expect.
Yet this, & those strains which they much dispise,
May be a means to make some fools more wise.
GOD promis'd to his servants long ago,
He would upon their Children shed forth so
His holy spirit, in the later ages,
That they should be inspired with presages
Of things to come; and (to his Name be praise)
This we have seen accomplisht in our daies.
Strange Visions have appear'd, Truths are foretold,
By men and women too, both young and old,
Which (though to carnal men vain dreams they seem)
With such as know God, they have more esteem,
And will appear to be his Dispensations;
As proper also, to these Generations,
As those, which were dispenc'd, in ages past,
Unto the Jews at first; or, at the last,
When, as phanatik, and ridiculous,
Their Prophets to them seem'd, as ours to us.
For, oft by their Inspirer, they were moved
To Speak and Act, what was by few approved;
Sometimes, to personate, what was abhord,
Or seem'd not with good manners to accord,
Ev'n in their Judgements, who appeared then
The wisest and the most religious men;
Especially, when God impos'd on some,
Things to be signal of what was to come.
But, all his Dispensations heretofore,
And now in use (or whatsoever more,
Shall be hereafter) scarcely will suffice
To make us, in these doting ages wise.
Longs after Kickshaws, and takes more delight
In dishes made up of they know not what,
And not so wholsome, as plain solid meat;
So, most men, with Expressions are best pleas'd
From whence, one sentence, hardly can be squeas'd
Which well consider'd, any way conduces
To civil manners or to pious uses,
Though you should strain out all, that every word
For Caution, or Instruction, might afford.
To all such true Phanaticks, this will seem,
To be perhaps, of very small esteem,
Because, it speaks plain sense, and is not deckt
And trim'd up with such gawds as they expect.
Yet this, & those strains which they much dispise,
May be a means to make some fools more wise.
GOD promis'd to his servants long ago,
He would upon their Children shed forth so
His holy spirit, in the later ages,
That they should be inspired with presages
Of things to come; and (to his Name be praise)
This we have seen accomplisht in our daies.
Strange Visions have appear'd, Truths are foretold,
By men and women too, both young and old,
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With such as know God, they have more esteem,
And will appear to be his Dispensations;
As proper also, to these Generations,
As those, which were dispenc'd, in ages past,
Unto the Jews at first; or, at the last,
When, as phanatik, and ridiculous,
Their Prophets to them seem'd, as ours to us.
For, oft by their Inspirer, they were moved
To Speak and Act, what was by few approved;
Sometimes, to personate, what was abhord,
Or seem'd not with good manners to accord,
Ev'n in their Judgements, who appeared then
The wisest and the most religious men;
Especially, when God impos'd on some,
Things to be signal of what was to come.
But, all his Dispensations heretofore,
And now in use (or whatsoever more,
Shall be hereafter) scarcely will suffice
To make us, in these doting ages wise.
God, hath omitted nothing to recal us
Or, to prevent that, which may else befal us;
For every year, and upon each occasion
That did occur (to cause a perturbation
Or breach into our Peace) he moved some
So zealous of our welfare to become,
That they their own peace have oft hazarded,
(And lost it too) by things endevoured
For our avail; yea, though their pains and cost,
(As to themselves) was likely to be lost
Persu'd their Aime, sometimes, by general
Precautions, which did much concern us all;
And, otherwhile, by memorizing that
Which in particular seem'd to relate
To Persons or to Places, as it best
Might bring advance to publick Interest:
Forewarnings have by GOD vouchsafed been
To you by others (as they cause have seen)
Who seem'd to come with more authority
And trusted with Credentials, whereof, I
Unworthy am; But, whatsoever they
Or I appear, that, which I have for you
Prepared by Gods help, I offer now,
In hope, it will be heeded somewhat more
Then that, which hath been tendred heretofore.
Or, to prevent that, which may else befal us;
For every year, and upon each occasion
That did occur (to cause a perturbation
Or breach into our Peace) he moved some
So zealous of our welfare to become,
That they their own peace have oft hazarded,
(And lost it too) by things endevoured
For our avail; yea, though their pains and cost,
(As to themselves) was likely to be lost
Persu'd their Aime, sometimes, by general
Precautions, which did much concern us all;
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Which in particular seem'd to relate
To Persons or to Places, as it best
Might bring advance to publick Interest:
Forewarnings have by GOD vouchsafed been
To you by others (as they cause have seen)
Who seem'd to come with more authority
And trusted with Credentials, whereof, I
Unworthy am; But, whatsoever they
Or I appear, that, which I have for you
Prepared by Gods help, I offer now,
In hope, it will be heeded somewhat more
Then that, which hath been tendred heretofore.
This year his former Judgements GOD repeats,
And, once again, your sinful City threats
With Pestilence. He, over us doth shake
A dreadful Rod, wherein I notice take
Of three sharp twiggs; and he above knows whether
They shall be singly felt or all together,
Because, he onely knows what will be done
To stay that, which already is begun,
And keep out those two, which your City threat,
But, have not yet got entrance through the gate.
London, I fear, unless thou take more heed
In what Course thou hereafter dost proceed
(Although that God's Long-suffering towards thee
Continues yet) at once, with all the three
Thou shalt be scourg'd: for mockt, GOD will not be.
I am resolved therefore, whatsoever
May be the Consequent of my endeaver,
Now to proceed in what he moves me to,
And, I in duty am oblig'd to do;
Because, though my Good will you should abuse,
Your faults, my negligence would not excuse,
Who, look for my reward (if any due)
From him, whose work I do, and not from you.
And, once again, your sinful City threats
With Pestilence. He, over us doth shake
A dreadful Rod, wherein I notice take
Of three sharp twiggs; and he above knows whether
They shall be singly felt or all together,
Because, he onely knows what will be done
To stay that, which already is begun,
And keep out those two, which your City threat,
But, have not yet got entrance through the gate.
London, I fear, unless thou take more heed
In what Course thou hereafter dost proceed
(Although that God's Long-suffering towards thee
Continues yet) at once, with all the three
Thou shalt be scourg'd: for mockt, GOD will not be.
I am resolved therefore, whatsoever
May be the Consequent of my endeaver,
Now to proceed in what he moves me to,
And, I in duty am oblig'd to do;
Because, though my Good will you should abuse,
Your faults, my negligence would not excuse,
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From him, whose work I do, and not from you.
My first Memorials, in their Title page
Hold forth an Emblematical presage,
Besides much thereby verbally exprest
(Relating to the plague which doth infest
Your City now) which worth the observation
May be, in every such like Visitation,
And might have had, if heeded, good effects
(Which have been lost by manifold neglects)
And still may, were things better thought upon
Which thereby, are advised to be done.
But here, to adde that, will spend too much time,
And therefore, I referring you to them,
That, now will prosecute, which more then Reason
Perswadeth me, is at this day in season.
Hold forth an Emblematical presage,
Besides much thereby verbally exprest
(Relating to the plague which doth infest
Your City now) which worth the observation
May be, in every such like Visitation,
And might have had, if heeded, good effects
(Which have been lost by manifold neglects)
And still may, were things better thought upon
Which thereby, are advised to be done.
But here, to adde that, will spend too much time,
And therefore, I referring you to them,
That, now will prosecute, which more then Reason
Perswadeth me, is at this day in season.
Your City, I have lov'd and honored,
And, no less now, then heretofore I did,
For, GOD hath made it, the most honour'd place
That is within these Isles, or ever was;
He hath inrolled, and renown'd her Name
Among the Cities of the greatest Fame,
That either are, or were below the Sun
Since men to dwell in Cities first begun.
Large Pledges, he upon her hath bestown
Of his especial Love; some favour shown
Vouchsaf'd to few of them; and such a measure
Hath stored up in her, of his hid treasure,
And intermixt, from time to time, so often
Mercies and Judgements, hardned hearts to soften;
So in Long-suffering, also doth persever
(Though we are at this day, grown worse then ever)
That I perceive in her a Seed and Root,
Which to his Glory shall bring forth good Fruit
In his due time; and this inclineth me
To send these Memorandums now to thee,
Intending in thy Sickness, here to stay
Once more, when thy false-lovers fly away;
And in, or near, thy borders, to remain
Till GOD restores thee unto health again;
Or, till by being quite deserted here,
I shall be forc'd to seek my bread elsewhere;
Of which I dreadless am. For, I depend
Upon that powerful, and most faithful friend
Who hath preserved me often since my birth,
From worse things then War, Pestilence, & Dearth.
And, no less now, then heretofore I did,
For, GOD hath made it, the most honour'd place
That is within these Isles, or ever was;
He hath inrolled, and renown'd her Name
Among the Cities of the greatest Fame,
That either are, or were below the Sun
Since men to dwell in Cities first begun.
Large Pledges, he upon her hath bestown
Of his especial Love; some favour shown
Vouchsaf'd to few of them; and such a measure
Hath stored up in her, of his hid treasure,
And intermixt, from time to time, so often
Mercies and Judgements, hardned hearts to soften;
So in Long-suffering, also doth persever
(Though we are at this day, grown worse then ever)
That I perceive in her a Seed and Root,
Which to his Glory shall bring forth good Fruit
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To send these Memorandums now to thee,
Intending in thy Sickness, here to stay
Once more, when thy false-lovers fly away;
And in, or near, thy borders, to remain
Till GOD restores thee unto health again;
Or, till by being quite deserted here,
I shall be forc'd to seek my bread elsewhere;
Of which I dreadless am. For, I depend
Upon that powerful, and most faithful friend
Who hath preserved me often since my birth,
From worse things then War, Pestilence, & Dearth.
Physitians, and all else, who ere they are
That, of Sick persons undertake the care,
Do challenge, and ought also to assume
(Though them, it may be it will misbecome
At other times) a freedom to speak so
And, and as occasion moves them thereunto,
To act what's pertinent to their disease
In way of Cure, although it may displease.
I may, and do, as justly challenge now
(Since neighbour like I mean to watch with you)
Like Liberty; and will be bold to tell
That which I know will help to make you well,
Although, therewith displeas'd, you froward be,
Harsh words for my good will return to me,
And rage like those, who seem to loose their wits
When they are in their Pestilential fits:
For, I shall sober be, though somewhat sad,
To see those, whom I would keep tame grow mad.
And you I hope, what ere shall now be said
Will patient be, when well my words are weigh'd.
That, of Sick persons undertake the care,
Do challenge, and ought also to assume
(Though them, it may be it will misbecome
At other times) a freedom to speak so
And, and as occasion moves them thereunto,
To act what's pertinent to their disease
In way of Cure, although it may displease.
I may, and do, as justly challenge now
(Since neighbour like I mean to watch with you)
Like Liberty; and will be bold to tell
That which I know will help to make you well,
Although, therewith displeas'd, you froward be,
Harsh words for my good will return to me,
And rage like those, who seem to loose their wits
When they are in their Pestilential fits:
For, I shall sober be, though somewhat sad,
To see those, whom I would keep tame grow mad.
And you I hope, what ere shall now be said
Will patient be, when well my words are weigh'd.
Consider well (for now high time it is,
That you and all men should consider this)
I say, consider how you have improved
GOD's Mercy since his Judgments were removed;
How, that provoking sinfulness abates,
And that Abhomination which God hates:
Nay well consider if it be not more
Abhominable, then it was before.
I fear it much, and ev'ry day this fear
Increaseth by what I do see and hear;
For, since I knew the world (which I have known
And heeded, till an old man I am grown)
I never heard this Nation so defam'd
As now of late; and sins not to be nam'd
By modest men, with so much impudence
So often acted with so little sence
Of manhood, nor with such impunity
By persons of no vulgar quality.
Both old and young men, high, low, rich and poor,
Out acted have transgressors heretofore;
Children are left so loose to speak and do
What their corruption doth incline them to,
(And ill example teach) that if their course
Continue long, we shall at last grow worse
Then Sodom and Gomorrah; which GOD knows
I do not mention (as some may suppose)
To scandalize this City or this Nation
But to provoke them to a Reformation.
That you and all men should consider this)
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GOD's Mercy since his Judgments were removed;
How, that provoking sinfulness abates,
And that Abhomination which God hates:
Nay well consider if it be not more
Abhominable, then it was before.
I fear it much, and ev'ry day this fear
Increaseth by what I do see and hear;
For, since I knew the world (which I have known
And heeded, till an old man I am grown)
I never heard this Nation so defam'd
As now of late; and sins not to be nam'd
By modest men, with so much impudence
So often acted with so little sence
Of manhood, nor with such impunity
By persons of no vulgar quality.
Both old and young men, high, low, rich and poor,
Out acted have transgressors heretofore;
Children are left so loose to speak and do
What their corruption doth incline them to,
(And ill example teach) that if their course
Continue long, we shall at last grow worse
Then Sodom and Gomorrah; which GOD knows
I do not mention (as some may suppose)
To scandalize this City or this Nation
But to provoke them to a Reformation.
To that intent, (so far forth as it shall
Concern this City) speedily let all
Who are in power, with prudence and in love
The strength of their Authority improve
Them to indulge and keep from violence,
Whose conversations are without offence;
And, by their executing of the Law
In purity, strive to keep those in awe
Who either shall malitiously transgress
(By an infringment of the publick peace)
Or wilfully commit, abet or teach
What, of the Moral Law may be a breach.
That nothing may by you be done unto
Another, which you would not have him do
To you, if in his case; search what you find,
That may on you be charged, in that kind,
And heartily repent it. That, moreover
You may faults, which will else lye hid, discover;
Consider, whether you have not with gladness
Insulted over men opprest with sadness,
Afflictions heaped up, upon Afflictions,
Or, added Cruelty to due corrections,
By seeking more to satisfie your Lust,
Or Vengeance, then to execute what's just
For Justice sake; or else, to please their Foes,
Condemned Innocents, their lives to lose.
Concern this City) speedily let all
Who are in power, with prudence and in love
The strength of their Authority improve
Them to indulge and keep from violence,
Whose conversations are without offence;
And, by their executing of the Law
In purity, strive to keep those in awe
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(By an infringment of the publick peace)
Or wilfully commit, abet or teach
What, of the Moral Law may be a breach.
That nothing may by you be done unto
Another, which you would not have him do
To you, if in his case; search what you find,
That may on you be charged, in that kind,
And heartily repent it. That, moreover
You may faults, which will else lye hid, discover;
Consider, whether you have not with gladness
Insulted over men opprest with sadness,
Afflictions heaped up, upon Afflictions,
Or, added Cruelty to due corrections,
By seeking more to satisfie your Lust,
Or Vengeance, then to execute what's just
For Justice sake; or else, to please their Foes,
Condemned Innocents, their lives to lose.
Your waies examine, & search out what crimes
You have of late, more then in former times
Been guilty of: As, whether you have been
Or not, defiled with that scarlet sin,
Which in times past your City did abhor,
As being a peculiar heretofore
Of that Malignant City, where the Whore
Bestrides the Beast: be heedful also, whether
It be not partly, or else altogether
His work, to be in cruelties delighted;
To see meek, honest, harmless men dispighted
For Conscience sake; inhumanly exil'd
Husbands from wives, the parent from the child
Imprison'd to the loosing of their lives
Their little Children, their beloved Wives,
And their whole Families expos'd thereby
To that unspeakable extremity
Of wants and sufferings, which no flesh and blood
Can bear, without immediate help from GOD.
Whose will is thereby wilfully withstood.
And why all this? not for transgressing Laws
Of GOD or Nature, but alone, because
These could not condiscend the world to please
By an infringment of their consciences.
You have of late, more then in former times
Been guilty of: As, whether you have been
Or not, defiled with that scarlet sin,
Which in times past your City did abhor,
As being a peculiar heretofore
Of that Malignant City, where the Whore
Bestrides the Beast: be heedful also, whether
It be not partly, or else altogether
His work, to be in cruelties delighted;
To see meek, honest, harmless men dispighted
For Conscience sake; inhumanly exil'd
Husbands from wives, the parent from the child
Imprison'd to the loosing of their lives
Their little Children, their beloved Wives,
And their whole Families expos'd thereby
14
Of wants and sufferings, which no flesh and blood
Can bear, without immediate help from GOD.
Whose will is thereby wilfully withstood.
And why all this? not for transgressing Laws
Of GOD or Nature, but alone, because
These could not condiscend the world to please
By an infringment of their consciences.
Heed what this may deserve, if you desire
To stop the Plague begun; lest else the fire
Which may be kindled in your habitations,
Do quite consume them ev'n to their foundations.
For, GOD, of his Prerogatives is Jealous
To vindicate all those he will be zealous
Who suffer for his sake, although perchance
They may be blamable through Ignorance,
Or other, humane frailties; for where he
Sees Faith and Love, their sins he will not see.
As for their Persecutors, though he may
His just Avengments, for a while delay,
The patience of his people he doth mind,
And, they who shew no mercy, none shall find.
To stop the Plague begun; lest else the fire
Which may be kindled in your habitations,
Do quite consume them ev'n to their foundations.
For, GOD, of his Prerogatives is Jealous
To vindicate all those he will be zealous
Who suffer for his sake, although perchance
They may be blamable through Ignorance,
Or other, humane frailties; for where he
Sees Faith and Love, their sins he will not see.
As for their Persecutors, though he may
His just Avengments, for a while delay,
The patience of his people he doth mind,
And, they who shew no mercy, none shall find.
Examine, whether since you made your peace
With GOD, the renovation and increase
Of wilful sins deserved not renewing
Of Plagues removed, and of worse ensuing.
It is not without cause, that God now hath
Such complicated Judgements, in his wrath
On thee and thine inflicted, when grown great
In hopes, thou thoughtst thy happiness compleat:
Nor is it hidden from thee altogether
For what sin, GOD sends this, or that plague hither.
In truth, all Plagues are due unto each sin
When with Impenitence, persisted in,
Yet, frequently the ROD's wherewith we are
Corrected, shew forth in Particuler
What we offended in. For Superstition
Was Gideons Family brought to perdition;
King Davids pride, made manifest in him
By numbring of the people) brought on them
A Pestilence: GOD visited the earth
For wilful breach of Covenants, with Dearth;
And (as to Zedikiak and to Saul
It did for that provoking sin befal)
The chief offenders and their Children too,
Stand liable to death for sinning so.
Oppression, Cruelty and Idolizing
The Creature (or things of our own devising)
Have been chastiz'd with servitude and war,
And, when Will-worshipings imposed are
On others, with inhumane violence,
Injustice acted with such impudence
As Jezabels and Ahabs, rarely shall
Such, scape from that, which did to them befal.
But, when that Hipocrites, by lying hid
As Annanias and Saphira did,
(Till GOD discover'd them) may possibly
Obscure the grouth of Infant Piety;
When they, who Truths foundations overthrow,
When, her malitious persecutors, grow
So mighty, that the Saints unable are
To calm them, or their furious rage to bear;
Or, when Prophaness and Abhominations
Like Sodoms, wholly, hath corrupted Nations
Or Cities, till there shall appear in men
Nor will nor power, them to reclaim agen;
GOD, in such cases, to himself alone
Assumes the punnishing of what's misdone
And very frequently doth punish too,
In such a mode as mortals cannot do:
Sometimes, by Sudden Death, when they are in
Their Jollity, or in the Act of sin;
Sometimes, by sicknesses that long endure,
Whereof no man can find the Cause or Cure;
Sometimes, by that, which (till their provocation
Of GOD) had been a means of preservation;
Sometimes, they of their lives have been bereaven
By Lightning, or by Thunderbolts from Heaven;
And, otherwhile (struck with dispaireful fears)
Are made to be Self-Executioners.
With GOD, the renovation and increase
Of wilful sins deserved not renewing
Of Plagues removed, and of worse ensuing.
It is not without cause, that God now hath
Such complicated Judgements, in his wrath
On thee and thine inflicted, when grown great
In hopes, thou thoughtst thy happiness compleat:
Nor is it hidden from thee altogether
For what sin, GOD sends this, or that plague hither.
In truth, all Plagues are due unto each sin
When with Impenitence, persisted in,
15
Corrected, shew forth in Particuler
What we offended in. For Superstition
Was Gideons Family brought to perdition;
King Davids pride, made manifest in him
By numbring of the people) brought on them
A Pestilence: GOD visited the earth
For wilful breach of Covenants, with Dearth;
And (as to Zedikiak and to Saul
It did for that provoking sin befal)
The chief offenders and their Children too,
Stand liable to death for sinning so.
Oppression, Cruelty and Idolizing
The Creature (or things of our own devising)
Have been chastiz'd with servitude and war,
And, when Will-worshipings imposed are
On others, with inhumane violence,
Injustice acted with such impudence
As Jezabels and Ahabs, rarely shall
Such, scape from that, which did to them befal.
But, when that Hipocrites, by lying hid
As Annanias and Saphira did,
(Till GOD discover'd them) may possibly
Obscure the grouth of Infant Piety;
When they, who Truths foundations overthrow,
When, her malitious persecutors, grow
So mighty, that the Saints unable are
To calm them, or their furious rage to bear;
Or, when Prophaness and Abhominations
Like Sodoms, wholly, hath corrupted Nations
Or Cities, till there shall appear in men
Nor will nor power, them to reclaim agen;
GOD, in such cases, to himself alone
Assumes the punnishing of what's misdone
16
In such a mode as mortals cannot do:
Sometimes, by Sudden Death, when they are in
Their Jollity, or in the Act of sin;
Sometimes, by sicknesses that long endure,
Whereof no man can find the Cause or Cure;
Sometimes, by that, which (till their provocation
Of GOD) had been a means of preservation;
Sometimes, they of their lives have been bereaven
By Lightning, or by Thunderbolts from Heaven;
And, otherwhile (struck with dispaireful fears)
Are made to be Self-Executioners.
This gives a Hint of that which more affords
Then fully is expressed by my words
To make it plain; but either thou, no doubt
Or, some for thee, will search and find it out;
Or, by the the searching after it, discern
Somewhat, which thee as nerely will concern.
Take heed of neighbours, and familiar friends,
Who fawn upon thee for their own base ends,
And love thee not, (though they respect profess
By many shews of hearty friendliness)
For, some of them, already cause have bin
Of adding much both to thy Plagues and sin.
But, specially, of thine own self take heed
For, thence thy greatest dangers will proceed.
Consider therefore, by thy self alone,
What thou omitted hast, and what misdone;
Whether thy folly, falsehood, fickleness,
Apostacy from what thou didst profess,
Falling from thy First Love, by mis-advice;
Thy Luxury, thy sordid Avarice,
Or, some vain hopes, deserv'd not deprivation
Of that, whereof, thou hadst an expectation;
Heed, whether, to have cured, or prevented
One Plague, thy self thou hast not complemented
Into a score; (at least, to stop one curse,
Indanger'd drawing on thee many worse.)
Observe, if ever Beggery and Pride;
Did both together, upon one horse ride
So frequently as now, through every street,
Or walk so often on the self-same feet;
And, whether mischiefs which at present fall
On some, will not at last extend to all.
Mind well what thou art doing; what is done;
What is designed, but not yet begun;
For what thou both with words and swords hast pleaded;
What, thou hast most affected, or most dreaded,
What thereon follow'd, or might have succeeded;
What factions thou hast favor'd, and what still
Wouldst favour, were thy power like thy will.
Then fully is expressed by my words
To make it plain; but either thou, no doubt
Or, some for thee, will search and find it out;
Or, by the the searching after it, discern
Somewhat, which thee as nerely will concern.
Take heed of neighbours, and familiar friends,
Who fawn upon thee for their own base ends,
And love thee not, (though they respect profess
By many shews of hearty friendliness)
For, some of them, already cause have bin
Of adding much both to thy Plagues and sin.
But, specially, of thine own self take heed
For, thence thy greatest dangers will proceed.
Consider therefore, by thy self alone,
What thou omitted hast, and what misdone;
Whether thy folly, falsehood, fickleness,
Apostacy from what thou didst profess,
Falling from thy First Love, by mis-advice;
Thy Luxury, thy sordid Avarice,
Or, some vain hopes, deserv'd not deprivation
Of that, whereof, thou hadst an expectation;
17
One Plague, thy self thou hast not complemented
Into a score; (at least, to stop one curse,
Indanger'd drawing on thee many worse.)
Observe, if ever Beggery and Pride;
Did both together, upon one horse ride
So frequently as now, through every street,
Or walk so often on the self-same feet;
And, whether mischiefs which at present fall
On some, will not at last extend to all.
Mind well what thou art doing; what is done;
What is designed, but not yet begun;
For what thou both with words and swords hast pleaded;
What, thou hast most affected, or most dreaded,
What thereon follow'd, or might have succeeded;
What factions thou hast favor'd, and what still
Wouldst favour, were thy power like thy will.
London, if seriously thou ponderst this
Thou wilt perceive that what succeeds amiss
Flowes chiefly from thy self; and how can those
Be friends to any who are their own foes?
Thy Chiefs, care not how others they inslave,
So, they themselves from servitude may save,
Yet, these in fine, by that which doth befal
Become to be the basest slaves of all,
Ev'n Bondslaves to their Lusts, and to the Devil
By getting an habitual love of evil.
They hunt for honour, but, their fiery Title
Will adde to them, less honour then a little.
They covet to be rich; but wealth shall more
Increase those wants and Lusts, that make them poor.
In Policy and Powre, their trust is plac't
Yet, they become dispised fools at last.
Yea, we have seen those whom wealth, wit, and powre
Supported, sink down breathless in one hour,
That, we may know, there is an unseen hand
Which oft strikes those, who without fear, may stand
Of humane Justice, and beyond the reach
Of Mortals: That, therefore, which this may teach
Let all those heed, who, yet much heed it not:
And, let them (by whom this is oft forgot)
Remember ther's an all beholding eie,
Which ev'ry secret purpose can espie;
And, Angels alwaies ready at command,
To execute what no powre can withstand;
And such, as will for no bribe or respect,
The prosecution of their charge neglect.
Thou wilt perceive that what succeeds amiss
Flowes chiefly from thy self; and how can those
Be friends to any who are their own foes?
Thy Chiefs, care not how others they inslave,
So, they themselves from servitude may save,
Yet, these in fine, by that which doth befal
Become to be the basest slaves of all,
Ev'n Bondslaves to their Lusts, and to the Devil
By getting an habitual love of evil.
They hunt for honour, but, their fiery Title
Will adde to them, less honour then a little.
They covet to be rich; but wealth shall more
Increase those wants and Lusts, that make them poor.
In Policy and Powre, their trust is plac't
Yet, they become dispised fools at last.
18
Supported, sink down breathless in one hour,
That, we may know, there is an unseen hand
Which oft strikes those, who without fear, may stand
Of humane Justice, and beyond the reach
Of Mortals: That, therefore, which this may teach
Let all those heed, who, yet much heed it not:
And, let them (by whom this is oft forgot)
Remember ther's an all beholding eie,
Which ev'ry secret purpose can espie;
And, Angels alwaies ready at command,
To execute what no powre can withstand;
And such, as will for no bribe or respect,
The prosecution of their charge neglect.
Let likewise, those who most oppressed are
Be taught hereby, still patiently to bear
The Cross impos'd for trial of their Faith:
(What ever, their oppressor doth or saith)
In perseverance, let them still attend
On GOD with meekness, till their Trials end.
And leave all Carnal weapons, to their use
Who, must be ruined by their abuse.
I do presume, among you many are
Who, to this wholesome Principle adhere,
And, that if into practise carried on
It shall both supersede the Plague begun
And ev'ry other feared Plague prevent
If timely they their other sins repent.
For GOD, will winck at many faults in those
Who love, and leave Revenge to his dispose;
Yea, oftentimes experience we have had
That, worse it makes things which before were bad,
When through impatience we in our own mode,
Attempt to do, what must be done by GOD.
Or, our own suffering shall prolong (at lest)
By our self-actings, when we do our best.
Be taught hereby, still patiently to bear
The Cross impos'd for trial of their Faith:
(What ever, their oppressor doth or saith)
In perseverance, let them still attend
On GOD with meekness, till their Trials end.
And leave all Carnal weapons, to their use
Who, must be ruined by their abuse.
I do presume, among you many are
Who, to this wholesome Principle adhere,
And, that if into practise carried on
It shall both supersede the Plague begun
And ev'ry other feared Plague prevent
If timely they their other sins repent.
For GOD, will winck at many faults in those
Who love, and leave Revenge to his dispose;
Yea, oftentimes experience we have had
That, worse it makes things which before were bad,
When through impatience we in our own mode,
Attempt to do, what must be done by GOD.
19
By our self-actings, when we do our best.
This Pestilence, which now is brought in hither,
I am assur'd, proceeds not altogether
From Causes meerly natural, but comes
To execute GOD's just deserved Dooms,
From his immediate hand; and will therefore,
Those Medcines need, which must do somewhat more
To cure, or stay it from proceeding on,
Then can be, by joint Art and Nature done.
If you desire a Soveraign Antidote
The best I know (if you neglect it not)
Is metaphorically call'd Herb-grace,
And will be very useful in this case;
Some, term it Rue, because twill not begin
To operate, until we Rue our sin.
Take Rue and Reasons then, which signifie
Repentance and Discretion; These apply
As you find cause; which, if you do, and Fast
From things that were offensive in times past,
Keep from thenceforth a constant wholesome diet,
And in your hearts endeavour to be quiet,
My life for yours, GOD will your Souls deliver
From ev'ry hurtful arrow in his quiver.
Nor this, nor any Plague shall you anoy,
Although as to the flesh, it should destroy;
For, that can adde to mans loss or grief
VVhose expectation is a better life.
I am assur'd, proceeds not altogether
From Causes meerly natural, but comes
To execute GOD's just deserved Dooms,
From his immediate hand; and will therefore,
Those Medcines need, which must do somewhat more
To cure, or stay it from proceeding on,
Then can be, by joint Art and Nature done.
If you desire a Soveraign Antidote
The best I know (if you neglect it not)
Is metaphorically call'd Herb-grace,
And will be very useful in this case;
Some, term it Rue, because twill not begin
To operate, until we Rue our sin.
Take Rue and Reasons then, which signifie
Repentance and Discretion; These apply
As you find cause; which, if you do, and Fast
From things that were offensive in times past,
Keep from thenceforth a constant wholesome diet,
And in your hearts endeavour to be quiet,
My life for yours, GOD will your Souls deliver
From ev'ry hurtful arrow in his quiver.
Nor this, nor any Plague shall you anoy,
Although as to the flesh, it should destroy;
For, that can adde to mans loss or grief
VVhose expectation is a better life.
GOD, to this Pestilence hath joyned War,
And Famine, seems not from us to be far;
VVhich, if it now shall come will make the trouble
VVe feel already, to be more then double,
Because, our fellow feeling is no more
Of what they suffer, whome these times make poor.
For, such are our deportments, as if neither
Sword, Pestilence and Dearth, put altogether
Were no more, but an Army which did stand
Arayed, to be at our own command,
To execute our pleasures upon those,
(Although our friends) whom we repute our foes.
And therefore, have rejoyced when they seiz'd
On them, with whom we highly were displeas'd.
When, unto us, ill grounded hopes appear
Whereby, of Mercies we presuming are;
We are frollick, as if GOD did see
Our gross Hypocrisies, no more then we.
But, let men heed well whether, to acquire
The Sequels which they naturally desire
Is to insult when GOD corrects their foes,
Or, censure his Intents concerning those
Whom he Afflicts; as if for wrong to them
It rather were, then for offending him:
Or, as if sins to others onely known,
Were more considerable then their own.
And Famine, seems not from us to be far;
VVhich, if it now shall come will make the trouble
VVe feel already, to be more then double,
Because, our fellow feeling is no more
Of what they suffer, whome these times make poor.
20
Sword, Pestilence and Dearth, put altogether
Were no more, but an Army which did stand
Arayed, to be at our own command,
To execute our pleasures upon those,
(Although our friends) whom we repute our foes.
And therefore, have rejoyced when they seiz'd
On them, with whom we highly were displeas'd.
When, unto us, ill grounded hopes appear
Whereby, of Mercies we presuming are;
We are frollick, as if GOD did see
Our gross Hypocrisies, no more then we.
But, let men heed well whether, to acquire
The Sequels which they naturally desire
Is to insult when GOD corrects their foes,
Or, censure his Intents concerning those
Whom he Afflicts; as if for wrong to them
It rather were, then for offending him:
Or, as if sins to others onely known,
Were more considerable then their own.
There is observ'd, much Arragance and folly
In some of thy Relations; from which wholly
Thou for the time past, canst not cleared be;
Therefore to keep from future scandal free,
And also, for thy Credits reputation
Take these Memento's to consideration.
Consider, if it sober men befits
To sing with Jollity about the streets
Vain Triumph-Songs, when war is but begun
As when a final Victory is won;
Since tis well known, that many who at first
Have thrived best, at last have thrived worst;
And, that GOD justly suffereth sometime,
(For Causes which are onely known to him)
Those, more then once, before their foes to fall,
Whose Cause he best approveth; and who shall
Be conquerors at last: and that, where guilt
Is equal, he lets blood be often spilt,
And war prolongs, or maketh peace twixt them
Who disagree, as they make peace with him.
Therefore, when you are underneath the Rod,
Remember, you are in the hands of GOD.
When he hath crown'd your hopes with good success,
Demean your selves with Christian Lowliness:
For, when his Mercies much inlarged are,
He doth expect a joyful filial fear:
This, labour to preserve, lest else, the lack
Thereof, may bring reversed Judgments back.
In some of thy Relations; from which wholly
Thou for the time past, canst not cleared be;
Therefore to keep from future scandal free,
And also, for thy Credits reputation
Take these Memento's to consideration.
Consider, if it sober men befits
To sing with Jollity about the streets
Vain Triumph-Songs, when war is but begun
As when a final Victory is won;
Since tis well known, that many who at first
Have thrived best, at last have thrived worst;
And, that GOD justly suffereth sometime,
(For Causes which are onely known to him)
21
Whose Cause he best approveth; and who shall
Be conquerors at last: and that, where guilt
Is equal, he lets blood be often spilt,
And war prolongs, or maketh peace twixt them
Who disagree, as they make peace with him.
Therefore, when you are underneath the Rod,
Remember, you are in the hands of GOD.
When he hath crown'd your hopes with good success,
Demean your selves with Christian Lowliness:
For, when his Mercies much inlarged are,
He doth expect a joyful filial fear:
This, labour to preserve, lest else, the lack
Thereof, may bring reversed Judgments back.
Consider, whether Ships, Arms, men and horse,
With policy united unto Force,
Can prosper to th'advancement of their end,
Who, upon those things, or themselves depend:
Who, all their opposites as much dispise
As if their Armies were but Gnats and Flies,
Think to subdue them with jeers, mocks & taunts,
Puff up each other, with braggs, shameless vaunts,
And lies devised by their foolish makers
To keep from fainting Cowardly Partakers,
Whose Consciences accusing them of guilt,
(Because, their hopefulst Refuges are built
On Quicksands) they become heart-sick with fear,
As oft as any evil News they hear;
And, on each slight Report of good success,
Insteed of pious and meek thankfulness,
Run to the Taverns (which are much more free
To all, then pious Meeting places be)
There, heathen like, nay rather more uncivil,
Offer up Drink Oblations to the Devil.
And, to chear up each others drooping Souls
Sing songs between their glasses and their bowls;
Or intermix Reports of what was won
Or lost, though that was never said or done.
With policy united unto Force,
Can prosper to th'advancement of their end,
Who, upon those things, or themselves depend:
Who, all their opposites as much dispise
As if their Armies were but Gnats and Flies,
Think to subdue them with jeers, mocks & taunts,
Puff up each other, with braggs, shameless vaunts,
And lies devised by their foolish makers
To keep from fainting Cowardly Partakers,
Whose Consciences accusing them of guilt,
(Because, their hopefulst Refuges are built
On Quicksands) they become heart-sick with fear,
As oft as any evil News they hear;
And, on each slight Report of good success,
Insteed of pious and meek thankfulness,
Run to the Taverns (which are much more free
To all, then pious Meeting places be)
There, heathen like, nay rather more uncivil,
Offer up Drink Oblations to the Devil.
22
Sing songs between their glasses and their bowls;
Or intermix Reports of what was won
Or lost, though that was never said or done.
Such Sacrificers, may find some effect
In part, according to what they expect,
But neither for their Faith or Righteousness;
Nor will our hopes, longlasting be, unless
Use, of the Common means for our defence,
Be Sanctified by true confidence
In GOD, and we with his known will comply,
Bearing what ere betides us patiently;
Improve each Favour and Deliverance,
To somewhat which his Glory may advance;
And whereby, they who are opprest and grieved
May some way charitably be relieved:
For, it is no beseeming Thank-Oblation
For Mercies, when a City or a Nation
Shall Solemnize it with but little else,
Save Gunshot, Bonfires, Jangling of the Bells,
Or, making others of their Joys partakers,
Onely, in smoke and stinck, of Squibs & Crackers;
Or gathering rude throngs of men and boys,
To make about those flames a barbrous noise,
Which must be fed with fewel forc'd from some
Who had none left to make a fire at home;
Then drink healths to each other in the street
Untill they cannot stand upon their feet,
Or else loose their own healths: what thus to do
Can wise men think it will amount unto
But meer dispight of GOD, contempt of grace,
And, throwing (as it were) durt in his face
For, Benefits receiv'd; though they make shew
As if they had return'd him all his due,
When, they but please themselves, by doing that
Whereby they sing their own Magnificat?
What can be deemed a just recompence
For such ingratitude, for an offence
So foul, so capital, but that insteed
Of future Blessings, Curses should succeed?
London, heed this, and if thou wittingly
Of such Prophaness and impiety
Art guilty now, or hast been heretofore,
Repent it, and henceforth, do so no more.
But, herein, some will more concerned be
Then thou art, yet, I mention this to thee
With some hope, that, they will the less contem
What's written here, because, not writ to them.
In part, according to what they expect,
But neither for their Faith or Righteousness;
Nor will our hopes, longlasting be, unless
Use, of the Common means for our defence,
Be Sanctified by true confidence
In GOD, and we with his known will comply,
Bearing what ere betides us patiently;
Improve each Favour and Deliverance,
To somewhat which his Glory may advance;
And whereby, they who are opprest and grieved
May some way charitably be relieved:
For, it is no beseeming Thank-Oblation
For Mercies, when a City or a Nation
Shall Solemnize it with but little else,
Save Gunshot, Bonfires, Jangling of the Bells,
Or, making others of their Joys partakers,
Onely, in smoke and stinck, of Squibs & Crackers;
Or gathering rude throngs of men and boys,
To make about those flames a barbrous noise,
Which must be fed with fewel forc'd from some
Who had none left to make a fire at home;
Then drink healths to each other in the street
Untill they cannot stand upon their feet,
Or else loose their own healths: what thus to do
Can wise men think it will amount unto
But meer dispight of GOD, contempt of grace,
And, throwing (as it were) durt in his face
For, Benefits receiv'd; though they make shew
As if they had return'd him all his due,
23
Whereby they sing their own Magnificat?
What can be deemed a just recompence
For such ingratitude, for an offence
So foul, so capital, but that insteed
Of future Blessings, Curses should succeed?
London, heed this, and if thou wittingly
Of such Prophaness and impiety
Art guilty now, or hast been heretofore,
Repent it, and henceforth, do so no more.
But, herein, some will more concerned be
Then thou art, yet, I mention this to thee
With some hope, that, they will the less contem
What's written here, because, not writ to them.
Much more I have to adde, which I forbear
Lest, I by adding more then thou canst bear
With patience, may destroy what I design
For this whole Nations welfare and for thine,
By so displeasing thee, with what I write
That, thou slight all whereto, I thee invite:
For, though thy flattrers make thee to believe,
Thou art in better case, then I conceive,
Thy best friends know, that thine own provocations,
Imprudency in some of thy Relations,
(Ev'n of thy Watchmen) who should cures provide
For thy distempers, are so giddifi'd,
And, that their Eies, their Ears, yea and their brains
(With every faculty which appertains
To thy weal) are obstructed so, by fumings
From their Self-seekings, & their, high presumings,
That thou art, by what these in thee have wrought
Into an dangerous Consumption brought;
For, thy decay of Trade, much hath increast
Their Poverty who thereby are distrest:
Thy hands and feet whose labour heretofore
Supplyd thy wants, now, can do little more,
Because, thy ablest members, by whom these
Employd have been, partake of their disease:
And, such Confusions daily do begin
To multiply, and farther to break in,
That, I am at a stand, what more to say
Or, what on thy behalf, I ought to pray.
Yet, one Expedient, I now think upon
Whereby, it may be, somewhat will be done
For they availe, if thou shalt not omit
(As GOD inables) to endeavour it.
And therefore, let that which I next express
Be read, and minded with due heedfulness.
In thee, are at this day, the chief Well-springs,
Of all those good, and of those evil things
Which throughout these three Nations are disperst;
And of the Later, were the Stream reverst
Or dam'd up at the Fountain; and, the first
Set freely open here, it would become
A Rivolet of Waters, flowing from
That River, which through New-Jrrusalem
His Currant hath, still issuing out of him
Who, of those Living waters is the head
VVhich through all Nations will at last be spread.
And London, three times happy, shalt thou be
If this Blest Fountain may break forth in thee,
To sweeten ev'ry Cistern in these Lands,
VVhich now, brimful of stincking water stands,
And breed all these Infections in our Clime,
VVhich are so baneful to us, at this time.
There is a possibility of this
If we our parts do, as GOD hath done his;
Or, but endeavour so to co operate
With him, as he enables us, in that
Which he requires (thereto vouchsaving still
Assistance to our deeds, and to our will.)
By this Compliance, that New Heaven and earth
VVhich is expected, would ere long come forth;
And Righteousness, then from thy habitations
As amply flow out, thorow all these Nations
As wickedness doth now; or heretofore
It did, when ill examples made it more.
Lest, I by adding more then thou canst bear
With patience, may destroy what I design
For this whole Nations welfare and for thine,
By so displeasing thee, with what I write
That, thou slight all whereto, I thee invite:
For, though thy flattrers make thee to believe,
Thou art in better case, then I conceive,
Thy best friends know, that thine own provocations,
Imprudency in some of thy Relations,
(Ev'n of thy Watchmen) who should cures provide
For thy distempers, are so giddifi'd,
And, that their Eies, their Ears, yea and their brains
(With every faculty which appertains
To thy weal) are obstructed so, by fumings
From their Self-seekings, & their, high presumings,
That thou art, by what these in thee have wrought
Into an dangerous Consumption brought;
For, thy decay of Trade, much hath increast
Their Poverty who thereby are distrest:
24
Supplyd thy wants, now, can do little more,
Because, thy ablest members, by whom these
Employd have been, partake of their disease:
And, such Confusions daily do begin
To multiply, and farther to break in,
That, I am at a stand, what more to say
Or, what on thy behalf, I ought to pray.
Yet, one Expedient, I now think upon
Whereby, it may be, somewhat will be done
For they availe, if thou shalt not omit
(As GOD inables) to endeavour it.
And therefore, let that which I next express
Be read, and minded with due heedfulness.
In thee, are at this day, the chief Well-springs,
Of all those good, and of those evil things
Which throughout these three Nations are disperst;
And of the Later, were the Stream reverst
Or dam'd up at the Fountain; and, the first
Set freely open here, it would become
A Rivolet of Waters, flowing from
That River, which through New-Jrrusalem
His Currant hath, still issuing out of him
Who, of those Living waters is the head
VVhich through all Nations will at last be spread.
And London, three times happy, shalt thou be
If this Blest Fountain may break forth in thee,
To sweeten ev'ry Cistern in these Lands,
VVhich now, brimful of stincking water stands,
And breed all these Infections in our Clime,
VVhich are so baneful to us, at this time.
There is a possibility of this
If we our parts do, as GOD hath done his;
25
With him, as he enables us, in that
Which he requires (thereto vouchsaving still
Assistance to our deeds, and to our will.)
By this Compliance, that New Heaven and earth
VVhich is expected, would ere long come forth;
And Righteousness, then from thy habitations
As amply flow out, thorow all these Nations
As wickedness doth now; or heretofore
It did, when ill examples made it more.
This Change, more happiness would hither bring
Then, when in triumph thou broughtst in the King,
And of rejoicing, give more cause by much,
Then we shall have when we do beat the Dutch,
And are from dread of that delivered too,
VVhich some suspect the French intend to do;
Yea, and from what, more dangers threats then either
Of those two singly, or both joyn'd together:
Ev'n from those, which are possible to come
From Factiousness, and Male contents at home.
But this Joy will encrease, and all our fears
Abate, when men do more incline their ears
To what's proclaimed by those Trumpeters
VVhom GOD reserved, to make proclamation
Of that, which most concerns this Generation;
And, when the Influences of GOD's graces
By supreme persons, and by powerful places
Shall not obstructed be, as we have seen
Of late, and as they very long have been,
By Antichristian wiles; and those through whom
They are more dangerous to us become,
Because their formal piety makes showes
To be for him, whom, chiefly they oppose.
Then, when in triumph thou broughtst in the King,
And of rejoicing, give more cause by much,
Then we shall have when we do beat the Dutch,
And are from dread of that delivered too,
VVhich some suspect the French intend to do;
Yea, and from what, more dangers threats then either
Of those two singly, or both joyn'd together:
Ev'n from those, which are possible to come
From Factiousness, and Male contents at home.
But this Joy will encrease, and all our fears
Abate, when men do more incline their ears
To what's proclaimed by those Trumpeters
VVhom GOD reserved, to make proclamation
Of that, which most concerns this Generation;
And, when the Influences of GOD's graces
By supreme persons, and by powerful places
Shall not obstructed be, as we have seen
Of late, and as they very long have been,
By Antichristian wiles; and those through whom
They are more dangerous to us become,
Because their formal piety makes showes
To be for him, whom, chiefly they oppose.
26
Thou art abused by misinformations,
Not thou alone, but likewise these three Nations
By those Mintmasters of untruths and lies,
Who cheat the whole world with their fallacies,
Yea, much dis-serviced, dishonor'd too,
Is he, to whom, they yet pretend to do
Good services; and they by their Deceits,
Have him reduced unto may Streights
Which will destroy him, ere he is aware,
Unless, GOD shall unsnarle him from their snare;
And, in what misbefals, thou wilt have share.
To take my counsel, then, think it no shame,
(Although, a poorer man then he I am
Who sav'd a City; for, a Mouse may gnaw
That snare asunder, which, nor Lions paw
Nor teeth can break. Go, quickly, quickly lay
Your Skarlet Gowns, and your gold chains away;
Fast, watch and pray; do as King David did;
(When he the pestilential Angel spide)
Of somewhat, unto GOD an offring make
Which is thine own; that he a gift may take
Made acceptable, by, and in his son,
To stay the Plague, which newly is begun.
Shut up your selves awhile, and throw aside
Your factiousness, your malice and your pride;
Lust, Avarice, and them with ev'ry Sinn
Whereby the wrath of God provok'd hath been.
Fall down before his feet with humbleness,
Your misdeeds, with true penitence confess,
Especially, those crying sins, whereby
You often have insenst his Majesty.
Among which, no crime can offend him more
Then when you shall (as Cain did heretofore)
Destroy your bretheren, because, to GOD
They dare not sacrifice in such a mode,
As they believe he neither doth command
Nor takes, with good acceptance, from their hand.
Your Priviledges, they do not invade
By violence; but, lovingly perswade
To what they do believe, promoteth best
Gods glory, and the Publick Interest.
Be thou as charitable unto them;
Leave that to God alone, which unto him
Alone belongs; when he into the Land
Hath cast his seed, permit the Crop to stand
Till harvest time, & pluck not that away,
Which looks like wheat, though it may prove but Ray
But, weed out that alone, which ev'ry one
Knows hurtful to the Corn, and will be none.
Thus, having way prepar'd to make your peace,
With GOD, in Faith and Love emplore his Grace.
Not thou alone, but likewise these three Nations
By those Mintmasters of untruths and lies,
Who cheat the whole world with their fallacies,
Yea, much dis-serviced, dishonor'd too,
Is he, to whom, they yet pretend to do
Good services; and they by their Deceits,
Have him reduced unto may Streights
Which will destroy him, ere he is aware,
Unless, GOD shall unsnarle him from their snare;
And, in what misbefals, thou wilt have share.
To take my counsel, then, think it no shame,
(Although, a poorer man then he I am
Who sav'd a City; for, a Mouse may gnaw
That snare asunder, which, nor Lions paw
Nor teeth can break. Go, quickly, quickly lay
Your Skarlet Gowns, and your gold chains away;
Fast, watch and pray; do as King David did;
(When he the pestilential Angel spide)
Of somewhat, unto GOD an offring make
Which is thine own; that he a gift may take
Made acceptable, by, and in his son,
To stay the Plague, which newly is begun.
Shut up your selves awhile, and throw aside
Your factiousness, your malice and your pride;
Lust, Avarice, and them with ev'ry Sinn
Whereby the wrath of God provok'd hath been.
Fall down before his feet with humbleness,
Your misdeeds, with true penitence confess,
Especially, those crying sins, whereby
You often have insenst his Majesty.
Among which, no crime can offend him more
Then when you shall (as Cain did heretofore)
27
They dare not sacrifice in such a mode,
As they believe he neither doth command
Nor takes, with good acceptance, from their hand.
Your Priviledges, they do not invade
By violence; but, lovingly perswade
To what they do believe, promoteth best
Gods glory, and the Publick Interest.
Be thou as charitable unto them;
Leave that to God alone, which unto him
Alone belongs; when he into the Land
Hath cast his seed, permit the Crop to stand
Till harvest time, & pluck not that away,
Which looks like wheat, though it may prove but Ray
But, weed out that alone, which ev'ry one
Knows hurtful to the Corn, and will be none.
Thus, having way prepar'd to make your peace,
With GOD, in Faith and Love emplore his Grace.
This being done; the next work, which to do
Thou art, as I believe, oblig'd unto,
Is to improve the powre thou hast in him
Who over all these Islands is supream,
And with whom, thou dost in more favour stand
Then any other City of this Land.
Whilst his esteem of thee, doth seem to last
(And ere fit opportunities are past)
Unto his Royal Throne make thy Address,
Emplore him, with deliberate advice,
To hear and heed that, without prejudice
Which may in season, offred be by them
Who fear God, and both love and honour him,
With an intent to serve him faithfully,
Without selfends in ev'ry thing, whereby
Their services shall really consist
With GOD's, with his, and with their Interest,
For whose sake, he originally gave
All those Prerogatives that Princes have.
For, though men so unbiassed, may dare
To speak some Truths which all men cannot bear,
(When cause requires) they will with moderation
So heed what tendeth to the preservation
Of common peace, and of the dignity
Belonging to his royal Majesty,
(Whom God hath honor'd by restoring him
Unto his Predecessors Diadem)
That, neither he, nor they, nor I, nor you,
Shall have cause, to dislike what will ensue.
Thou art, as I believe, oblig'd unto,
Is to improve the powre thou hast in him
Who over all these Islands is supream,
And with whom, thou dost in more favour stand
Then any other City of this Land.
Whilst his esteem of thee, doth seem to last
(And ere fit opportunities are past)
Unto his Royal Throne make thy Address,
Emplore him, with deliberate advice,
To hear and heed that, without prejudice
Which may in season, offred be by them
Who fear God, and both love and honour him,
With an intent to serve him faithfully,
Without selfends in ev'ry thing, whereby
28
With GOD's, with his, and with their Interest,
For whose sake, he originally gave
All those Prerogatives that Princes have.
For, though men so unbiassed, may dare
To speak some Truths which all men cannot bear,
(When cause requires) they will with moderation
So heed what tendeth to the preservation
Of common peace, and of the dignity
Belonging to his royal Majesty,
(Whom God hath honor'd by restoring him
Unto his Predecessors Diadem)
That, neither he, nor they, nor I, nor you,
Shall have cause, to dislike what will ensue.
If you believe this, and endeavour so
To prosecute it, as you, may yet do,
Who knows, what he, who hath the hearts of Kings
(And the disposing of all other things
VVithin his powre) will do, although this may
Proposed seem, in a dispised way.
Tis an adventer, which though partly lost
VVill bring in some return, that's worth the cost:
And those streights (if well heeded) wherein he
This City, and all these three Kindoms be
Adventrers needs, and somewhat to be done
VVhereof, no likelihood is yet begun.
To prosecute it, as you, may yet do,
Who knows, what he, who hath the hearts of Kings
(And the disposing of all other things
VVithin his powre) will do, although this may
Proposed seem, in a dispised way.
Tis an adventer, which though partly lost
VVill bring in some return, that's worth the cost:
And those streights (if well heeded) wherein he
This City, and all these three Kindoms be
Adventrers needs, and somewhat to be done
VVhereof, no likelihood is yet begun.
For, that which must draw order from confusions,
To our Destractions, timely, put conclusions,
And, so, divine and civil pow'rs unite
That, neither, may infring each other right,
Effected cannot be, by hauty words,
By Policy, or temporary swords,
Nor by that Formal Sanctity with which
The Grand Impostors of this world bewitch
Deluded souls (that all things may become
Subjected to their Arbitarry Doome)
But by such Instruments and by such waies,
As those, by which Christ did begin to raise
His Kingdom at the first; and by which here
It shall continue untill he appear
With that powre, which shall batter & beat down,
More Idol Temples then were overthrown.
Since his first coming; and, root out all those
Idolatries, which out of them arose;
Together with the Thrones of all those Kings,
That are partakers in such worshippings,
And made drunk with her Cup who rides the Beast;
The Subjects of his Kingdom, have opprest,
And shall oppress them without penitence,
For provocations, by that great offence.
More might be said, but, this shall now suffice;
“GOD make us all unto salvation wise,
“Preserve us in his love, so knit together
“That we in his love may preserve each other;
And, that all we can think, or say, or do
May now, and in the close, conduce unto
The glorifying of his holy Name
Though to our selves, it may occasion shame.
To our Destractions, timely, put conclusions,
And, so, divine and civil pow'rs unite
That, neither, may infring each other right,
Effected cannot be, by hauty words,
By Policy, or temporary swords,
Nor by that Formal Sanctity with which
The Grand Impostors of this world bewitch
29
Subjected to their Arbitarry Doome)
But by such Instruments and by such waies,
As those, by which Christ did begin to raise
His Kingdom at the first; and by which here
It shall continue untill he appear
With that powre, which shall batter & beat down,
More Idol Temples then were overthrown.
Since his first coming; and, root out all those
Idolatries, which out of them arose;
Together with the Thrones of all those Kings,
That are partakers in such worshippings,
And made drunk with her Cup who rides the Beast;
The Subjects of his Kingdom, have opprest,
And shall oppress them without penitence,
For provocations, by that great offence.
More might be said, but, this shall now suffice;
“GOD make us all unto salvation wise,
“Preserve us in his love, so knit together
“That we in his love may preserve each other;
And, that all we can think, or say, or do
May now, and in the close, conduce unto
The glorifying of his holy Name
Though to our selves, it may occasion shame.
Amen.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |