Silex Scintillans :: :: University of Virginia Library

Dear friend! whose holy, ever-living lines
Have done much good
To many, and have checkt my blood,
My fierce, wild blood that still heaves, and inclines,
But is still tam'd
By those bright fires which thee inflam'd;
Here I joyn hands, and thrust my stubborn heart
Into thy Deed,
There from no Duties to be freed,
And if hereafter youth, or folly thwart
And claim their share,
Here I renounce the pois'nous ware.

ii

Accept, dread Lord, the poor Oblation,
It is but poore,
Yet through thy Mercies may be more.
O thou! that canst not wish my souls damnation,
Afford me life,
And save me from all inward strife!
Two Lifes I hold from thee, my gracious Lord,
Both cost thee deer,
For one, I am thy Tenant here;
The other, the true life, in the next world
And endless is,
O let me still mind that in this!
To thee therefore my Thoughts, Words, Actions
I do resign,
Thy will in all be done, not mine.
Settle my house, and shut out all distractions
That may unknit
My heart, and thee planted in it;

Lord Jesu! thou didst bow thy blessed head
Upon a tree,
O do as much, now unto me!
O hear, and heal thy servant! Lord, strike dead
All lusts in me,
Who onely wish life to serve thee?
Suffer no more this dust to overflow
And drown my eies,
But seal, or pin them to thy skies.
And let this grain which here in tears I sow
Though dead, and sick,
Through thy Increase grow new, and quick.