Fruits of Retirement Or, Miscellaneous Poems, Moral and Divine. Being Some Contemplations, Letters, &c. Written on a Variety of Subjects and Occasions. By Mary Mollineux ... To which is Prefixed, Some Account of the Author |
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An Epistle to M. J.
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An Epistle to M. J.
Beloved Friend, thy Welfare every Day,And Preservation in Truth's holy Way,
Is heartily desir'd; and that in Fear,
And holy Dread, thy Soul may persevere
To travel Sion's Path in Purity,
Learning to dwell in true Humility.
Ah, let us both, in lowliness of Mind,
Bow to the Pow'r, by which the Heart's inclin'd,
With true Sincerity, to stand and wait,
In Silence of all Flesh, at Wisdom's Gate;
Until the Heav'nly Lawgiver appear,
And in the Heart reveal his Counsel near;
Who teacheth Meekness; never to repay
Railing for Railing; but in Love to pray
For those that do despightfully accuse us,
And with Revilings frequently abuse us.
When Spotless Inuocency was by Men
Accus'd, and Truth condemn'd; O did he then,
By Verbal Arguments with them, assay
To justifie his upright Cause, or say
The least Reviling Word? Nay, surely Nay.
How then dare any, whom his Boundless Love
Hath once engag'd, if he be pleas'd to prove
Their Faith by Trials, as in secret say,
We'll follow him in a more easie Way?
Can we, without the Cross, expect the Crown
Of Everlasting Glory and Renown?
Nay verily, except the Cross do kill
The Self-hood, and subdue the Carnal Will,
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With Him, who by his Suff'rings overcame?
'Tis not restraint from gross Iniquity,
But Self-denial, inward Purity,
And Holiness made perfect in his Fear,
That finds acceptance, when he doth appear
To Judge the Secrets of all Hearts, and bring
Into the Presence of the highest King.
Then 'tis the pure in Heart shall see the Lord,
And sing Eternal Praise with one accord;
Because they know that holy Name, whereby
They were Redeem'd from all Iniquity;
The Righteous enter Everlasting Joy.
1679.
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