University of Virginia Library

Immodestly we must not pry into
GOD's secrets: yet, what hee intends to do,
He, not alone doth by his Word reveal
With what to Sins, to Duties, VVo, or VVeal,
Relates: but Medium's also hath bestown
VVhereby, some future things may be fore-known;
And, hee expects, that we with industry
Should to the search of them our selves apply

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According to that means: because, each thing
VVhich Disquisition may to knowledge bring,
VVill either hurt or profit, less or more,
As (for the most part) it hath been before
Sought, shun'd, hop'd, fear'd, and well consider'd on.
And that makes mee oft-times to muse upon
Things that may be, as well as those that are;
And, things past, with things present to compare,
That I may know, as much as Reason can,
VVith help of Grace, my duties as a man.
And, though it be of many disregarded,
GOD hath my pains, in that kind, oft rewarded
VVith such Discoveries that (if timely heeded)
They might have Plagues prevented, that succeeded.
VVhereof, lest you still doubt; here I will show
By what means I some future things fore-know,
That, you may prove, if those which I declare
Either Phanatick, or Impostures are.