Miscellaneous works of George Wither :: :: University of Virginia Library

For, very oft, and very many wayes
They had Fore-warnings, of what in these dayes
Is brought upon them; and, as many times
As GOD forgave them, they renew'd their Crimes.
VVhen therefore they had long) without disregard,
GOD's messengers in ordinary heard;
VVhen, such as they themselves did most esteem,
And those who preacht in season unto them
Upon their solemne Fasts, or feasting-days,
They only thankt, but follow'd on their ways.
Then, (as he doth, at first, with Infidels,)
By signes prodigious, and by miracles,
He proved them: but, Pagans heretofore
Have by that means, been wrought upon much more
To warn them, and reprove them, he sent, then
A company of despicable men,
VVho, though despis'd and houted at, they are,
(And to the greatest number do appear
Phanaticks) were the messengers of God,
And such, as he found fit to send abroad

To such a People, and at such a season
As this, wherein, Rime works as much as Reason;
And manifests, 'tis such a time with us,
As when GOD's Prophets seem'd ridiculous
Unto the Jews, by acting before them
Such Signs, as made them more their words contemn.