The Collected Verse :: :: University of Virginia Library

Bradford, William

A FEW POEMS MADE BY A FRIEND ON THE DEPLORED DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBINSON, THE WORTHY PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF GOD AT LEYDEN

ON THE VARIOUS HERESIES IN OLD AND NEW ENGLAND, WITH AN APPEAL TO THE PRESBYTERIANS

A WORD TO NEW PLYMOUTH

A WORD TO NEW ENGLAND

OF BOSTON IN NEW ENGLAND

SOME OBSERVATIONS OF GOD'S MERCIFUL DEALING WITH US IN THIS WILDERNESS, AND HIS GRACIOUS PROTECTION OVER US THESE MANY YEARS

EPITAPHIUM MEUM

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162

A WORD TO NEW ENGLAND

Oh New England, thou canst not boast;
Thy former glory thou hast lost.
When Hooker, Winthrop, Cotton died,
And many precious ones beside,

163

Thy beauty then it did decay,
And still doth languish more away.
Love, truth, goodness, mercy and grace—
Wealth and the world have took their place.

164

Thy open sins none can them hide:
Fraud, drunkenness, whoredom and pride.
The great oppressors slay the poor,
But whimsy errors they kill more.
Yet some thou hast which mourn and weep,
And their garments unspotted keep;
Who seek God's honor to maintain,
That true religion may remain.
These do invite, and sweetly call,
Each to other, and say to all;

165

Repent, amend, and turn to God,
That we may prevent his sharp rod.
Yet time thou hast; improve it well,
That God's presence may with ye dwell.