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But, they whose Trust, these Trustees did abuse
Them, cannot peradventure so excuse;
And (I beleeve) more wise than heretofore,
VVill henceforth never trust Good Fellow more;
Nor Peasant, Peer, Priest, Prince, or Parliament,
VVith that which may produce a Detriment
To common Int'rest (till by some condition
To them secur'd, they shall secure fruition
Of such Concernments) if, once more they may
Recover that which they did fool away.
But, that's impossible, as things now stand;
And, should GOD take the pow'r out of his hand
Who grasps it now, they who shall next enjoy it,
No better peradventure would employ it
Than others did. GOD therefore, keeps us from
Another Change, until his Kingdom come,
Except a change of hearts; and at this time,
Of his probation, let his Grace, in him
Be so effectual, that he may endeavour
To settle here, a righteous throne for ever.
For, ev'ry man that lives (at first or last)
Before a Final Doom on him is past,
Hath in his life-time, once (at least) an hour
VVherein our gracious God, vouchsafes him pow'r
To ask and have; and to elect that path
VVhich leads to weal or wo, to life or death:
Yea, always at such times, GOD, who first loves,
The soul of ev'ry humane-creature proves;
And, those, who then, by giving him their heart,
(Though with much failing) do perform their part,
He will enable, and assist them still
By his preventing Grace, to do his will.
For they, as often as they go astray,
Shall either hear a VOICE within them say,
(Or else behind them;) Of that course beware;
Return, or thou art lost; thy way lies there,
Which leads to safety. Thus the Spirit preacheth,
And by means extraordinary teacheth
Where common means fail: and till men contemn
His Holy Spirit, God forsakes not them:
But, afterward, indeed, although the same
He sometimes speaks, 'tis to increase their shame,
Or others to instruct: for, then such Voices
Are so drown'd by the Whisperings and Noises
Of carnal things, that all is spoke in vain,
Which to their weal or safety may pertain.