University of Virginia Library

Betwixt Mount Gebal and Mount Gerazim,
At this day, to be placed, we do seem;
And, 'tis yet in suspence, whether or not
A Blessing or a Curse will be our lot:
The first I hope for, and the last I fear,
Considering how still qualifide we are:
And what a little change in us is made
By all the changes we have lately had.
If raging singly, Avarice, Ambition,
Self will, Prophaneness, Envy, Superstition,
Hypocrisie and Malice we have found
Scarce tolerable; what when they abound,
And are united, can be here expected,
(Or, may be rationally then effected)
But multiplied Injuries and Scorn,
Not easily expressed, much less born?
If here shall be with wicked Canaanites,
A mixture of as wicked Israelites,
Whose sins will be as many (if not more)
And greater, than they have been heretofore,
How can our expectations be much better,
Than either former punishments, or greater?
So bad, so mad, our prosecutions be,
(By all that yet appeareth unto mee)
As if we wilfully resolv'd had bin
Against all spoke without us, or within,
Or whatsoe'ere to us Examples teach,
Or Conscience, by our hopes or fears doth preach.
But, if those Juglings which observed are
By mee, should unto ev'ry one appear,
All Juglers would unto contempt be brought;
They, who seem very wise, would fools be thought,
And many in themselves grow doubtful whether
They to be pitied were, or scorned rather.