 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
Epistolium-Vagum-Prosa-Metricum:
OR, An Epistle at Randome, IN PROSE and METRE.
To be delivered, to all whom it may concern; but, was first intended only, for two or three of the Authors Friends in Authority (if he hath so many left) to mediate in Parliament, the Redress of his destructive Grievances; in the expression whereof, many Particulars of Publick Concernment are interwoven.
When Justice raigns, the Land doth flourish;
When, 'tis unthron'd, the People perish.
When, 'tis unthron'd, the People perish.
[_]
The Author, is George Wither Esq;
Who, in writing this Address, being transported beyond the sense of his Personal Sufferings, discovers by a Poetical Rapture, that whereon the peace of these Nations depends; and, what IS, and what VVILL BE, their sad Condition; as also, what New-Purgatories, and Fiery-Tryals, they are likely to pass, if GOD's Mercy, prevents not: which that they may endeavour to obtain, their old Remembrancer gives them, once more, a Fore-warning; resolving, this shall be his Last Time, of sounding them an ALARM.
When Disrespects, to Wrongs doth Ruine adde,
He, may be wise, who seems a little mad;
And, in that FIT speak things that needfull be
To cure those men, that are, more mad then he.
He, may be wise, who seems a little mad;
And, in that FIT speak things that needfull be
To cure those men, that are, more mad then he.
19
[When I was young, these Words my Motto were]
When I was young, these Words my Motto wereI, neither have, nor do I want, or care:
And, Death, will make them truer then they are.
20
[Though very much, and long, I have endur'd]
Though very much, and long, I have endur'd,
And, desp'rate Griefs, must desp'ratly be cur'd;
I, try no extaordinary Courses,
Till strong necessity thereto inforces:
For, though sometimes, I feel so great a smart,
That, I am therewith pinched at the heart,
I, still finde ease, within a little space,
By Patience, well prepared with Herb-grace.
And, desp'rate Griefs, must desp'ratly be cur'd;
I, try no extaordinary Courses,
Till strong necessity thereto inforces:
For, though sometimes, I feel so great a smart,
That, I am therewith pinched at the heart,
I, still finde ease, within a little space,
By Patience, well prepared with Herb-grace.
My Genius, lately mov'd me to this Charm,
(Which, if it doth no good, can do no harm)
And, therefore, I thus prove it: GOD, direct
And, bless it, with a prosperous effect:
For, if what over-hangs us, at this time,
Nor Prayers, Narrative, nor Prose, nor Rime,
Nor Reason, can incline this Generation
In sixteen years, to Justice, or Compassion,
I, shall believe my days of private mourning,
Must, till another Publick-overturning
Prolonged be; or, else, till I shall have
A Cure for all my Suffrings, in the Grave.
(Which, if it doth no good, can do no harm)
And, therefore, I thus prove it: GOD, direct
And, bless it, with a prosperous effect:
For, if what over-hangs us, at this time,
Nor Prayers, Narrative, nor Prose, nor Rime,
Nor Reason, can incline this Generation
In sixteen years, to Justice, or Compassion,
I, shall believe my days of private mourning,
Must, till another Publick-overturning
Prolonged be; or, else, till I shall have
A Cure for all my Suffrings, in the Grave.
However, (as I do) I will till then
To keep my Claims on foot, employ my Pen
Sometimes in private, to make Proof of those
Who to the World-ward, have made holy shows
That either by their ayd, I may obtain,
What, I have long petition'd for in vain;
Or, that to men unborn, I may declare
How merciless, their Predecessors, were;
How shamelesly unjust; how may ways
GOD proved them; how many several days,
Weeks, months and years, he waited, to make tryal,
How long, they would defer that self-denial
Which they had voted; and that, times to come,
May glorifie GOD, in the Final Doom;
Which, to the World, will openly be known
In greater Judgments, or, in mercy shown,
When our three Factions, parallel to them,
Which were the Ruine, of Jerusalem
Have acted out, their Parts; and left the Stage,
To those, who shall begin another Age.
To keep my Claims on foot, employ my Pen
Sometimes in private, to make Proof of those
Who to the World-ward, have made holy shows
That either by their ayd, I may obtain,
What, I have long petition'd for in vain;
Or, that to men unborn, I may declare
How merciless, their Predecessors, were;
How shamelesly unjust; how may ways
GOD proved them; how many several days,
Weeks, months and years, he waited, to make tryal,
How long, they would defer that self-denial
Which they had voted; and that, times to come,
May glorifie GOD, in the Final Doom;
Which, to the World, will openly be known
In greater Judgments, or, in mercy shown,
When our three Factions, parallel to them,
Which were the Ruine, of Jerusalem
Have acted out, their Parts; and left the Stage,
To those, who shall begin another Age.
GOD, is the same, in all his Attributes
(Whatere to him, our Vanity imputes)
And, just now, by the Eies of Contemplation,
I see a mixed-Cup in preparation,
Wherein, such Drugs are blended, sharp & sweet,
As, for our present Maladies are meet;
By which, I gess, what things may come to pass,
As Good, or Evil Counsels we embrace;
And, I will tell my Thoughts, though being told,
I fear, they will be slighted as of old:
For, I confess, that which my Soul foresees,
She sees like him, who saw, men walk like trees.
(Whatere to him, our Vanity imputes)
And, just now, by the Eies of Contemplation,
I see a mixed-Cup in preparation,
Wherein, such Drugs are blended, sharp & sweet,
As, for our present Maladies are meet;
By which, I gess, what things may come to pass,
As Good, or Evil Counsels we embrace;
And, I will tell my Thoughts, though being told,
I fear, they will be slighted as of old:
For, I confess, that which my Soul foresees,
She sees like him, who saw, men walk like trees.
The ruine of the BEAST, is now at hand,
Which doth as yet, the HOLY-LAMB withstand;
And, he of late, hath so affrighted been,
Lest, his approaching Downfal must begin
Among these Nations, that, with all his might
He seeketh means his Vassals to unite
Who must assist him; and in secret wise,
He hath conveyed hither, in disguize,
Those Locusts, which ascended with a smoke,
Whereby, they unperceiv'd, Disguizes took
Of sev'ral Forms, resembling many Creatures
Of diff'ring Shapes, and of as diffring Natures,
To hide their Fraud; These, lately pow'r have had
By Sorceries, to make the people mad,
And, by fomenting Discords, to destroy
The means, whereby, that peace they might enjoy
Which would preserve them, & prepare a path
To that great work, which God determin'd hath.
Which doth as yet, the HOLY-LAMB withstand;
And, he of late, hath so affrighted been,
Lest, his approaching Downfal must begin
Among these Nations, that, with all his might
He seeketh means his Vassals to unite
21
He hath conveyed hither, in disguize,
Those Locusts, which ascended with a smoke,
Whereby, they unperceiv'd, Disguizes took
Of sev'ral Forms, resembling many Creatures
Of diff'ring Shapes, and of as diffring Natures,
To hide their Fraud; These, lately pow'r have had
By Sorceries, to make the people mad,
And, by fomenting Discords, to destroy
The means, whereby, that peace they might enjoy
Which would preserve them, & prepare a path
To that great work, which God determin'd hath.
For, though the sons of Belial, do condemn
This Power, which God hath now set over them,
Because, in outward shew, no such effect
Is like to spring, from thence, as they expect;
Yet, shall the Power (against which many prate,
And raile, and write, maliciously of late)
Henceforth, from Violence, protected stand,
And be destroyed by no mortal hand
Except their own; and, till they shall in heart
From just and pious Principles depart:
But, either quite destroy, or foil all those,
Who, them, in their Authority oppose.
This Power, which God hath now set over them,
Because, in outward shew, no such effect
Is like to spring, from thence, as they expect;
Yet, shall the Power (against which many prate,
And raile, and write, maliciously of late)
Henceforth, from Violence, protected stand,
And be destroyed by no mortal hand
Except their own; and, till they shall in heart
From just and pious Principles depart:
But, either quite destroy, or foil all those,
Who, them, in their Authority oppose.
Yea, though, those Interruptions they have had,
Whereby, they are not, now, so able made
As they may be, when time, adds thereunto
Compleatness, for the work they have to do:
They are, all that's remaining at this season,
Conducible thereto, in humane Reason;
And, what to disadvantage them, doth seem,
May give them, at the last, the more esteem.
The more contemptible, they now are thought,
The more dishonour will on them be brought
Whom they subdue. If, they be poor, and weak,
The louder, to his glory, will that speak
Which, he, by them effects, who foils proud Kings
And mighty Foes, by despicable things.
Whereby, they are not, now, so able made
As they may be, when time, adds thereunto
Compleatness, for the work they have to do:
They are, all that's remaining at this season,
Conducible thereto, in humane Reason;
And, what to disadvantage them, doth seem,
May give them, at the last, the more esteem.
The more contemptible, they now are thought,
The more dishonour will on them be brought
Whom they subdue. If, they be poor, and weak,
The louder, to his glory, will that speak
Which, he, by them effects, who foils proud Kings
And mighty Foes, by despicable things.
This, is the power, whereto we should adhere;
And, though to many men, it doth appear
Both by deficiency of Members lame,
And, some, still to retain, who do it shame)
'Tis GOD's Reserve, to save us from the Curse
Which we deserve: and we should make a worse
(As we are qualifide) if, he, now should
Permit things to be done, as many would,
Who know not, what some underhand intend,
That make fair shews, their Freedoms to befriend.
And, though to many men, it doth appear
Both by deficiency of Members lame,
And, some, still to retain, who do it shame)
'Tis GOD's Reserve, to save us from the Curse
Which we deserve: and we should make a worse
(As we are qualifide) if, he, now should
Permit things to be done, as many would,
Who know not, what some underhand intend,
That make fair shews, their Freedoms to befriend.
GOD, hath like Daniel in the Lyons Den
Them, from the beastly rage, of brutish men
Preserved hitherto, (ee'n, when to me
It seem'd impossible, they safe could be)
And, this not for their righteousness was done;
But, meerly for his mercy sake alone,
That, those few, who their trust in him repose,
Be not insulted over by their Foes.
For, in them now, the safety doth consist
Of ev'ry justly-claimed interest,
And, of each person, who seeks not to do
Those things, that are destructive thereunto;
Or, to himself, by breaking of that peace
Which tendeth to our gen'ral happiness.
Them, from the beastly rage, of brutish men
Preserved hitherto, (ee'n, when to me
It seem'd impossible, they safe could be)
And, this not for their righteousness was done;
But, meerly for his mercy sake alone,
That, those few, who their trust in him repose,
Be not insulted over by their Foes.
For, in them now, the safety doth consist
Of ev'ry justly-claimed interest,
And, of each person, who seeks not to do
Those things, that are destructive thereunto;
Or, to himself, by breaking of that peace
Which tendeth to our gen'ral happiness.
If to make up this Representative
There do remain but forty men alive
Of all those persons, which all England thorow
Should represent each City, Shire and Burrough,
If they be persons principled aright,
Who in the fear of GOD themselves unite,
They shall perform the work that's to be done,
As if of their full number wanted none:
Nay, better, though among them there be some
Who to that work destructive would become.
That number, them, doth lawful constitute
By Custome, and for Action doth repute
Sufficient (whilst together they shall stay)
Though all the rest absent themselves away,
And to exclude all, who offensive are,
Though, one half of their hands and eyes they were.
There do remain but forty men alive
Of all those persons, which all England thorow
Should represent each City, Shire and Burrough,
If they be persons principled aright,
Who in the fear of GOD themselves unite,
They shall perform the work that's to be done,
As if of their full number wanted none:
Nay, better, though among them there be some
Who to that work destructive would become.
That number, them, doth lawful constitute
By Custome, and for Action doth repute
Sufficient (whilst together they shall stay)
Though all the rest absent themselves away,
And to exclude all, who offensive are,
Though, one half of their hands and eyes they were.
They are essentially, as fully free
To all Intentions, as they need to be,
Or can be now made, without extirpation
Of that, which is for common preservation,
Made lawful, by a Law confirming more
True, Soveraignty, then any heretofore;
Ev'n by a sentence, for this Commonweal.
Decreed by him, from whom there's no appeal:
And all the Arguments which I have yet,
Heard or perused, to invalid it,
Are so infirm, so frivolous and vain,
That, whilst it here, a Being shall retain,
I'll add thereto, my help, to make them strong,
Whether to me, they shall do right or wrong.
Which help, though chiefly it, consists in words,
Will sometimes be as useful as their swords,
Unless despis'd: And, if they can believe
What will be said, such help, this Charm will give
Though it begins with terors. Mark it well:
For, 'tis a helpful and a lawful SPELL.
To all Intentions, as they need to be,
Or can be now made, without extirpation
Of that, which is for common preservation,
Made lawful, by a Law confirming more
True, Soveraignty, then any heretofore;
Ev'n by a sentence, for this Commonweal.
Decreed by him, from whom there's no appeal:
And all the Arguments which I have yet,
Heard or perused, to invalid it,
Are so infirm, so frivolous and vain,
That, whilst it here, a Being shall retain,
I'll add thereto, my help, to make them strong,
Whether to me, they shall do right or wrong.
Which help, though chiefly it, consists in words,
Will sometimes be as useful as their swords,
Unless despis'd: And, if they can believe
What will be said, such help, this Charm will give
Though it begins with terors. Mark it well:
For, 'tis a helpful and a lawful SPELL.
The Drums are beaten up. The Trumpet sounds
Alarums, threatning future Deaths or Wounds.
That Grand Conspiracy, which was foretold
And typifi'd, by Isr'els foes, of old,
Is forming up a Body, to prevent
What may arise out of this Parliament;
Ashur, and Ammon, Amaleck, and Tyre,
Yea, Earth and Hell, against them, now conspire.
Their Foes, from all parts, do begin to clustre,
Gog, Magog, and the Man of Sin do mustre
Their Forces up. In their own bosome, lies
An Ambush too, of dangerous enemies;
And, nothing gives me so much cause of fear,
As, that, which may lye hid in secret, there.
Alarums, threatning future Deaths or Wounds.
That Grand Conspiracy, which was foretold
And typifi'd, by Isr'els foes, of old,
Is forming up a Body, to prevent
What may arise out of this Parliament;
22
Yea, Earth and Hell, against them, now conspire.
Their Foes, from all parts, do begin to clustre,
Gog, Magog, and the Man of Sin do mustre
Their Forces up. In their own bosome, lies
An Ambush too, of dangerous enemies;
And, nothing gives me so much cause of fear,
As, that, which may lye hid in secret, there.
Yet that fear, is surmounted far by Hope,
Which, hath unto despairing set a stop:
For, they are that small Remnant, whence may spring
Those Armies, of our everlasting King,
Which will subdue the world, and set his Throne
Upon the ruines of great Babylon,
IF, they desert not, what they have profest,
And, in his favour, lose their interest:
That IF, remembring (left before the I,
We set the F, and cry aloud, Oh FI)
Let them be mindful, in humiliation,
That this year, is their last year of Probation;
And of all willful failings, now take heed,
Lest worse things, then befel them, do succeed.
Which, hath unto despairing set a stop:
For, they are that small Remnant, whence may spring
Those Armies, of our everlasting King,
Which will subdue the world, and set his Throne
Upon the ruines of great Babylon,
IF, they desert not, what they have profest,
And, in his favour, lose their interest:
That IF, remembring (left before the I,
We set the F, and cry aloud, Oh FI)
Let them be mindful, in humiliation,
That this year, is their last year of Probation;
And of all willful failings, now take heed,
Lest worse things, then befel them, do succeed.
Let them take courage also, and not fear
What, they shall either suffer, see, or hear:
For, he that saves by few; the wise, befools,
Defeats the strong, and works with any tooles
Resideth yet among them; and will never
Forsake them, whilst they do their best endeavor.
That, so it may be done, let them still minde,
Both what's before them, and what lies behinde.
Let them remember, He that stands may fall,
That, ev'ry promise is conditional;
And, that, GOD's promises, will be to them
Perform'd, as they to others, and to Him
Perform their promises: for, though this wrong
He pardons oft-times, and forbeareth long,
There is a set time, which now draweth near,
In which, he will, no longer, so forbear.
What, they shall either suffer, see, or hear:
For, he that saves by few; the wise, befools,
Defeats the strong, and works with any tooles
Resideth yet among them; and will never
Forsake them, whilst they do their best endeavor.
That, so it may be done, let them still minde,
Both what's before them, and what lies behinde.
Let them remember, He that stands may fall,
That, ev'ry promise is conditional;
And, that, GOD's promises, will be to them
Perform'd, as they to others, and to Him
Perform their promises: for, though this wrong
He pardons oft-times, and forbeareth long,
There is a set time, which now draweth near,
In which, he will, no longer, so forbear.
Let no man slight these Cautions, though by him,
Pronounced, who may despicable seem:
For, in these days, it often comes to pass
That, GOD, speaks, (as to Balaam by his Asse)
To wisest men, by those whom Fools they deem;
To Kings, by persons that ignoble seem;
And, if their Wills, as wilfully as he
They shall pursue, like his, their End shall be.
This Power now ruling, raigns by God's Commission;
Yet, not without a fore-premis'd condition:
For, by unrighteousness, it shall not stand,
Though it were as the Signet on his hand.
If, they themselves with outward washings, flatter,
And shall not cleanse the inside of the platter;
If, those defects of Justice and Compassion
Which lately brought Confusions on this Nation,
Be not forthwith repair'd in some degree,
(As means by GOD's grace, will vouchsafed be.)
And, if a Model truly Genuine,
This August sixteen hundred fiftynine,
Be not conceiv'd, and fully born, before
The time, exceeds the end of nine moneths more,
With all the essential parts, of such a thing,
As may receive a timely perfecting,
(To qualifie that Rage, which may increase
The Breaches made into the Common-peace)
Then, all that this Power, thenceforth can endeavour,
Will either be a nullity for ever;
Or else, a furth'rance, to that horrid pother
Which will make facile entrance for another
Oppressing hand, that, will but Justice do
So far, as Vengeance doth amount unto.
Pronounced, who may despicable seem:
For, in these days, it often comes to pass
That, GOD, speaks, (as to Balaam by his Asse)
To wisest men, by those whom Fools they deem;
To Kings, by persons that ignoble seem;
And, if their Wills, as wilfully as he
They shall pursue, like his, their End shall be.
This Power now ruling, raigns by God's Commission;
Yet, not without a fore-premis'd condition:
For, by unrighteousness, it shall not stand,
Though it were as the Signet on his hand.
If, they themselves with outward washings, flatter,
And shall not cleanse the inside of the platter;
If, those defects of Justice and Compassion
Which lately brought Confusions on this Nation,
Be not forthwith repair'd in some degree,
(As means by GOD's grace, will vouchsafed be.)
And, if a Model truly Genuine,
This August sixteen hundred fiftynine,
Be not conceiv'd, and fully born, before
The time, exceeds the end of nine moneths more,
With all the essential parts, of such a thing,
As may receive a timely perfecting,
(To qualifie that Rage, which may increase
The Breaches made into the Common-peace)
Then, all that this Power, thenceforth can endeavour,
Will either be a nullity for ever;
Or else, a furth'rance, to that horrid pother
Which will make facile entrance for another
Oppressing hand, that, will but Justice do
So far, as Vengeance doth amount unto.
Hear this with patience; altho spoke by me:
Consider well, if thus it may not be,
All ye, whom it concerns: For Israels Rock,
(Who hates requiting mercies with a mock)
Hath said, that he must rule with Righteousness
Who doth ov'r men, a ruling power possess;
And, we have felt, that Piety is vain,
Unless therewith morality, doth raign.
Consider well, if thus it may not be,
All ye, whom it concerns: For Israels Rock,
(Who hates requiting mercies with a mock)
Hath said, that he must rule with Righteousness
Who doth ov'r men, a ruling power possess;
And, we have felt, that Piety is vain,
Unless therewith morality, doth raign.
But, all may yet be well; unless, the Beast
With many heads, mars their own interest
By ignorance, or wilful disobeying;
Or else, our Trustees (by our trust betraying)
Fail in performing, at their promis'd day,
That, which is hop'd for, and for which we pray.
Most awful GOD! who when this world was made,
Gav'st that a Being, which no Being had:
Whose Wisdom, from a Chaos made of nought,
All things into a perfect order brought;
And, by thy Word, eternally Divine,
Didst out of Darkness, cause the Light to shine;
Enable those, who have the present Power,
To act, what will be for their Weal and our.
And now, Oh all ye people of this Land,
At their need, aide them, with a liberal hand
And loyal heart, to act for your avail:
Let not the fault be yours, if they shall fail:
Lay all your Animosities aside,
For, though to them dishonour may betide,
The Consequence thereof, will make you sorry:
Their shame, will be the ruine of your glory.
If, otherwise it happen, what success
May follow, 'twill be needless to express,
And, to prevent it, I, thus often, here,
Adde this word IF, (which else less needful were)
For, great will be our sorrows, when they shall
Unmindful be of that conditional.
With many heads, mars their own interest
By ignorance, or wilful disobeying;
Or else, our Trustees (by our trust betraying)
Fail in performing, at their promis'd day,
That, which is hop'd for, and for which we pray.
Most awful GOD! who when this world was made,
Gav'st that a Being, which no Being had:
Whose Wisdom, from a Chaos made of nought,
All things into a perfect order brought;
And, by thy Word, eternally Divine,
Didst out of Darkness, cause the Light to shine;
Enable those, who have the present Power,
To act, what will be for their Weal and our.
And now, Oh all ye people of this Land,
At their need, aide them, with a liberal hand
And loyal heart, to act for your avail:
Let not the fault be yours, if they shall fail:
Lay all your Animosities aside,
For, though to them dishonour may betide,
The Consequence thereof, will make you sorry:
Their shame, will be the ruine of your glory.
If, otherwise it happen, what success
May follow, 'twill be needless to express,
And, to prevent it, I, thus often, here,
Adde this word IF, (which else less needful were)
23
Unmindful be of that conditional.
We many ways lye open to perdition;
And, GOD, hath Magazeens of Ammunition
Enough, to punish, all Offenders, either
Singly; in parties; or else, all together
As he shall please: yet, he vouchsafes a show,
Of such things, as he probably may do;
That, we, our wills, and practises may bend
To act with Him, in what he doth intend.
And, GOD, hath Magazeens of Ammunition
Enough, to punish, all Offenders, either
Singly; in parties; or else, all together
As he shall please: yet, he vouchsafes a show,
Of such things, as he probably may do;
That, we, our wills, and practises may bend
To act with Him, in what he doth intend.
Those Judgments, may not all at once ensue,
Which may be fear'd, and will be justly due;
For, GOD's Long-suffering, shall perhaps once more
Justice with Mercy mix, as heretofore;
And, prove us, by a means, that some abhor,
And, other some, have madly longed for.
Which may be fear'd, and will be justly due;
For, GOD's Long-suffering, shall perhaps once more
Justice with Mercy mix, as heretofore;
And, prove us, by a means, that some abhor,
And, other some, have madly longed for.
We have a Grand-Foe, whom he laid aside,
And, will reserve, till he hath foolifi'd
Their Expectations, who forgetful grow
Of what they suffer'd, but a while ago:
And, as he shew'd how mischievous a thing,
The Jews desired, when they crav'd a King,
By granting of it: (that, they might perceive
By feeling, what they would not else believe)
So, by the like Experiment, perchance,
He'll once more, cure this Nations ignorance:
Because, the gracious sentence by him given
On their behalfs, within the Court of Heaven,
Hath been by them despised, and contemn'd,
By siding with the party, there condemn'd.
And, will reserve, till he hath foolifi'd
Their Expectations, who forgetful grow
Of what they suffer'd, but a while ago:
And, as he shew'd how mischievous a thing,
The Jews desired, when they crav'd a King,
By granting of it: (that, they might perceive
By feeling, what they would not else believe)
So, by the like Experiment, perchance,
He'll once more, cure this Nations ignorance:
Because, the gracious sentence by him given
On their behalfs, within the Court of Heaven,
Hath been by them despised, and contemn'd,
By siding with the party, there condemn'd.
Good GOD! how dare such Traytors to pretend
Their Countries Laws, and freedoms to befriend?
What Humane Law, or Power, will such as they
With Conscience, or due Loyalty obey,
Who disobey Thine? Justifie thy Foes?
Thy awful sentence, wilfully oppose?
And, either will have him, to fill the Throne,
VVhom Thou hast thence ejected, or else none?
Their Countries Laws, and freedoms to befriend?
What Humane Law, or Power, will such as they
With Conscience, or due Loyalty obey,
Who disobey Thine? Justifie thy Foes?
Thy awful sentence, wilfully oppose?
And, either will have him, to fill the Throne,
VVhom Thou hast thence ejected, or else none?
This Provocation, may thy Justice move
By some enlargement of his Chain) to prove
How fit, for what he claims to be his own,
That Out-cast, is by thy Corrections grown.
At that time, (if, it possible shall be
That such a time, may be vouchsaf'd by thee)
If, he, unfeignedly himself resigne
To that Course, which thy Providence Divine
May dictate, to compleat an Instrument
For settling such an equal Government
As by thy Laws, and by the Laws of Nature,
Belong'd of old unto the humane-Creature,
And, will conduce unto the Common-good,
VVithout expence of Treasure, or of Blood;
A Blessing might succeed unto these Nations,
Beyond our present hopes and expectations:
And, they, who now are plotting to make voyd
Thy purposes; would see their own destroy'd.
Then, should the glorioust work be brought to pass,
That ever for mans good, designed was;
And, way made, for that Kingdome, which their pride
Doth, as a meer Phanatick Dream deride;
And which, some Saints, too, (who in faith attend
The coming of it) much misapprehend,
By fanc'ing things, which greatly inconsist
VVith such a Kingdom, as is that of CHRIST.
VVhose final Conquests, not a Carnal-Sword
Must make; but, that two-edged one, the Word;
Ev'n that victorious Instrument, the Truth,
VVhich doth proceed out of his sacred-mouth.
And, they, whom he doth arm against his Foes
VVith tother Sword, are but in place of those
By whom the trees & stones, were feld & squar'd,
VVhen matter for the Temple was prepar'd:
Partly by servants of the King of Tyre,
(Who wrought not for God's honor, but for hire)
Partly by Solomons; who did intend
Their labours, to a far more noble end.
By some enlargement of his Chain) to prove
How fit, for what he claims to be his own,
That Out-cast, is by thy Corrections grown.
At that time, (if, it possible shall be
That such a time, may be vouchsaf'd by thee)
If, he, unfeignedly himself resigne
To that Course, which thy Providence Divine
May dictate, to compleat an Instrument
For settling such an equal Government
As by thy Laws, and by the Laws of Nature,
Belong'd of old unto the humane-Creature,
And, will conduce unto the Common-good,
VVithout expence of Treasure, or of Blood;
A Blessing might succeed unto these Nations,
Beyond our present hopes and expectations:
And, they, who now are plotting to make voyd
Thy purposes; would see their own destroy'd.
Then, should the glorioust work be brought to pass,
That ever for mans good, designed was;
And, way made, for that Kingdome, which their pride
Doth, as a meer Phanatick Dream deride;
And which, some Saints, too, (who in faith attend
The coming of it) much misapprehend,
By fanc'ing things, which greatly inconsist
VVith such a Kingdom, as is that of CHRIST.
VVhose final Conquests, not a Carnal-Sword
Must make; but, that two-edged one, the Word;
Ev'n that victorious Instrument, the Truth,
VVhich doth proceed out of his sacred-mouth.
And, they, whom he doth arm against his Foes
VVith tother Sword, are but in place of those
By whom the trees & stones, were feld & squar'd,
VVhen matter for the Temple was prepar'd:
Partly by servants of the King of Tyre,
(Who wrought not for God's honor, but for hire)
Partly by Solomons; who did intend
Their labours, to a far more noble end.
If, he premised, shall have an intent
This way to act; and such a settlement
Can bring to pass, as may preparatory
Unto the Kingdom of Gods Grace and Glory
Appear to be; he, thereby should attain
More honour, then to repossess again
The Kingdoms lost, and to have thereunto
Annexed, three times thrice, as many moe:
For, then, that Roman-Monarchy, whose date
From her full-growth, with His, who sprang from that
Seems numb'red, to the set time of their falls,
In that sum, which her proper numerals
Make up (when simply joyn'd in numeration
According to their worth in valuation,
Reck'ning from that year in which CHRIST was slain,
And in which, Rome did to her height attain)
Should fall by his ayde; and win him a share
In that, which for thy Saints, thou dost prepare;
And I do wish he may (by shunning that
VVhich hazards it, before it be too late)
Be partner in that honour, if it be
No bar, to what determin'd is by Thee.
This way to act; and such a settlement
Can bring to pass, as may preparatory
Unto the Kingdom of Gods Grace and Glory
Appear to be; he, thereby should attain
More honour, then to repossess again
The Kingdoms lost, and to have thereunto
Annexed, three times thrice, as many moe:
For, then, that Roman-Monarchy, whose date
From her full-growth, with His, who sprang from that
Seems numb'red, to the set time of their falls,
In that sum, which her proper numerals
Make up (when simply joyn'd in numeration
According to their worth in valuation,
Reck'ning from that year in which CHRIST was slain,
And in which, Rome did to her height attain)
Should fall by his ayde; and win him a share
In that, which for thy Saints, thou dost prepare;
And I do wish he may (by shunning that
VVhich hazards it, before it be too late)
Be partner in that honour, if it be
No bar, to what determin'd is by Thee.
He, might, then, possibly survive to view
How far forth my Conjecture will prove true,
Who (finding that the length of Satans chain,
And of the time in which that BEAST must raign,
Are, as they should ensue successively,
Summ'd, in M. D. C. L. X. V. and I,
Which takes in every Roman numeral)
Do gess the time, when Babylon shall fall;
Will yet be forty years, or thereabout.
In which account, although I may be out,
Of this I'm certain; that it shall not stand
Beyond thy time, and that thy time's at hand.
How far forth my Conjecture will prove true,
24
And of the time in which that BEAST must raign,
Are, as they should ensue successively,
Summ'd, in M. D. C. L. X. V. and I,
Which takes in every Roman numeral)
Do gess the time, when Babylon shall fall;
Will yet be forty years, or thereabout.
In which account, although I may be out,
Of this I'm certain; that it shall not stand
Beyond thy time, and that thy time's at hand.
But, should God (unto whom alone 'tis known,
What special mercy, shall to him be shown)
Vouchsafe to prove him, and he then contemn
That Course, which Justice will propose to him,
As probably he will, and covet that,
Which was by others, lately aimed at.
If, he strive, to establish such a Throne
As his forefathers lately sat upon;
He, may prolong the Judgements, and the wrath
Which, on these Isles, God's Angel poured hath.
He, may be vexed, and inrag'd like them
Who, when they should repent, do but blaspheme;
As many now do, and as 'twas foretold
That (when GOD'S wrath, was poured out) they would.
He, may defer the mercies, which appear
To many of the Saints, approaching neer:
But, nothing better can be hoped from
That Kingdom, which his Party prays may come,
Or from himself; till we more cause have got
To trust him, then his falshood to the SCOT
May promise; or, their Tutorings, from whom
He, fraighted, with ill Principles may come.
What special mercy, shall to him be shown)
Vouchsafe to prove him, and he then contemn
That Course, which Justice will propose to him,
As probably he will, and covet that,
Which was by others, lately aimed at.
If, he strive, to establish such a Throne
As his forefathers lately sat upon;
He, may prolong the Judgements, and the wrath
Which, on these Isles, God's Angel poured hath.
He, may be vexed, and inrag'd like them
Who, when they should repent, do but blaspheme;
As many now do, and as 'twas foretold
That (when GOD'S wrath, was poured out) they would.
He, may defer the mercies, which appear
To many of the Saints, approaching neer:
But, nothing better can be hoped from
That Kingdom, which his Party prays may come,
Or from himself; till we more cause have got
To trust him, then his falshood to the SCOT
May promise; or, their Tutorings, from whom
He, fraighted, with ill Principles may come.
Almighty God (should he be pleas'd to prove him)
Can suddenly destroy him, or remove him
If he, when re-admitted, tyranniz'd,
Or, from what he profest, apostatiz'd:
He, that can make the worst thing serve his ends,
As well as that, which to his pleasure bends,
May make what proofs he will: But, we who know
No more, then what time, and events do show,
Must Act as Reason dictates: Else, we shall
Or may be ruin'd, by what will befall.
Can suddenly destroy him, or remove him
If he, when re-admitted, tyranniz'd,
Or, from what he profest, apostatiz'd:
He, that can make the worst thing serve his ends,
As well as that, which to his pleasure bends,
May make what proofs he will: But, we who know
No more, then what time, and events do show,
Must Act as Reason dictates: Else, we shall
Or may be ruin'd, by what will befall.
If we well weigh what hazards they will make
Who, to keep tame that Lyon undertake,
Wch from the dam hath liv'd wild in the wood,
And been a long time fed with humane-bloud,
And also, what a charge, and what a pain
It is to keep him always in a chain.
If, we heed well, what Plagues unsufferable,
It threatens, hither to admit the Rabble
Of Malecontents, which that ejected King,
Would with him, by his re-admission bring;
How much, those will deceive their expectation,
Who are most zealous of his restauration;
And, that, our charge, our dangers & our trouble,
They will in likelihood, much more then double,
Rather then make our miseries the less,
Or, bring with them, a settlement of Peace;
These, & such things consider'd, we, are more
Then mad-men, if we him again restore;
Unless, GOD sends him for a punishment,
Or makes him such a real penitent
As was Manasses; whereof, we yet have
No signs, nor so much faith as to believe
So great a Miracle, when there is nought
To us appearing, why it should be wrought.
Who, to keep tame that Lyon undertake,
Wch from the dam hath liv'd wild in the wood,
And been a long time fed with humane-bloud,
And also, what a charge, and what a pain
It is to keep him always in a chain.
If, we heed well, what Plagues unsufferable,
It threatens, hither to admit the Rabble
Of Malecontents, which that ejected King,
Would with him, by his re-admission bring;
How much, those will deceive their expectation,
Who are most zealous of his restauration;
And, that, our charge, our dangers & our trouble,
They will in likelihood, much more then double,
Rather then make our miseries the less,
Or, bring with them, a settlement of Peace;
These, & such things consider'd, we, are more
Then mad-men, if we him again restore;
Unless, GOD sends him for a punishment,
Or makes him such a real penitent
As was Manasses; whereof, we yet have
No signs, nor so much faith as to believe
So great a Miracle, when there is nought
To us appearing, why it should be wrought.
I, write not thus (and, GOD, so prosper me,
As this is truth) that, he debar'd should be
From ought, which for his weal might be enjoy'd;
But, that, my Countries weal be not destroy'd.
I am no Foe to him, because that so
He is to me; but, as my Countries foe,
Or, one, who seeks unjustly to become
Possest of that, which GOD debars him from;
And, I believe, (whatere he, may suppose,)
Scarce one man in a hundred, among those
VVho, now his cause, or him, seems to befriend,
Doth it, for any conscionable end,
Or love to him, so much, as out of hate
To those, who now possess the Chair of State,
Through hate, or Envy; or, in hope that they
Shall by a change, be profited some way:
And that the most part, mov'd through levity
Neither considring, what they do, or why
They so would have it, only, ebb and flow
According as the present winde doth blow:
For, most of these are but deluded Fools;
Men, from malignant Families, or Schools
New come; or, else, of desperate Estates,
Or, of crackt Credits, or of crackt brain'd-pates;
(Or, such as live by vanity and sin)
Who, most desirous are to bring him in.
And, I believe, that all men, whom he draws
To joyn with him, shall perish in his Cause.
As this is truth) that, he debar'd should be
From ought, which for his weal might be enjoy'd;
But, that, my Countries weal be not destroy'd.
I am no Foe to him, because that so
He is to me; but, as my Countries foe,
Or, one, who seeks unjustly to become
Possest of that, which GOD debars him from;
And, I believe, (whatere he, may suppose,)
Scarce one man in a hundred, among those
VVho, now his cause, or him, seems to befriend,
Doth it, for any conscionable end,
Or love to him, so much, as out of hate
To those, who now possess the Chair of State,
Through hate, or Envy; or, in hope that they
Shall by a change, be profited some way:
And that the most part, mov'd through levity
Neither considring, what they do, or why
They so would have it, only, ebb and flow
According as the present winde doth blow:
For, most of these are but deluded Fools;
Men, from malignant Families, or Schools
New come; or, else, of desperate Estates,
Or, of crackt Credits, or of crackt brain'd-pates;
(Or, such as live by vanity and sin)
Who, most desirous are to bring him in.
And, I believe, that all men, whom he draws
To joyn with him, shall perish in his Cause.
Tho some, (whom we know liers, and intend
To cheat us,) very much of late commend
His manners, praise his meekness, magnifie
His Christian Patience, and his piety;
And have induc'd some honest men, to hope
He is not so vow'd vassal to the Pope
As we have heard: yet, they who find the fraud,
And purposes, of those who him applaud;
(As also, whereunto they, are inclin'd,
Who publish this,) are not become so blind,
As not to see the bottom, and the end
Whereto their words and their endeavours tend.
And, these (not without cause) are much afraid
A Wolf, may in a Lamb-skin, be araid.
These fear, that from the Skarlet Strumpets Cup
He, and his Party, have such dregs drunk up,
That, they are now in those Distemperatures,
Which renders them incapable of cures;
And, so much, with those vanities, besotted
Whereon most Princes of the earth have doted,
That, these, when their hopes, are at height, will feel
(Like ill-wrought clay, upon a Potters wheel)
Themselves, to durt be crumbled in the making;
Or, crack, and break to pieces, in the baking:
And, that, whatere the Peoples dotages
May promise, there will be no hope in these
Or in their Prince; unless there may be given
A testimonial of their change from heaven:
Nor, will it be for our advantage, then,
Unless, we also, be reformed men.
To cheat us,) very much of late commend
His manners, praise his meekness, magnifie
His Christian Patience, and his piety;
And have induc'd some honest men, to hope
He is not so vow'd vassal to the Pope
As we have heard: yet, they who find the fraud,
And purposes, of those who him applaud;
25
Who publish this,) are not become so blind,
As not to see the bottom, and the end
Whereto their words and their endeavours tend.
And, these (not without cause) are much afraid
A Wolf, may in a Lamb-skin, be araid.
These fear, that from the Skarlet Strumpets Cup
He, and his Party, have such dregs drunk up,
That, they are now in those Distemperatures,
Which renders them incapable of cures;
And, so much, with those vanities, besotted
Whereon most Princes of the earth have doted,
That, these, when their hopes, are at height, will feel
(Like ill-wrought clay, upon a Potters wheel)
Themselves, to durt be crumbled in the making;
Or, crack, and break to pieces, in the baking:
And, that, whatere the Peoples dotages
May promise, there will be no hope in these
Or in their Prince; unless there may be given
A testimonial of their change from heaven:
Nor, will it be for our advantage, then,
Unless, we also, be reformed men.
How, GOD, of him, or will of us dispose
Is kept in secret, and he, only knows:
But, whether, he shall better be, or worse,
(Likely to be a blessing, or a curse)
He, neither is so good, nor yet so bad,
But, he, or such another, will be had
As we demean or selves. Such, as are we,
Such, ev'ry way, our Governours will be.
For, GOD, gives ev'ry People, as their dues,
Such men to be their Princes as they chuse;
And whether, good or bad, puts them together,
To be a curse, or blessing to each other;
Till them from their allegiance he shall free,
As their demerits, or their merits be
Relating to themselves, or unto him,
That is the Soveraign over both of them.
Is kept in secret, and he, only knows:
But, whether, he shall better be, or worse,
(Likely to be a blessing, or a curse)
He, neither is so good, nor yet so bad,
But, he, or such another, will be had
As we demean or selves. Such, as are we,
Such, ev'ry way, our Governours will be.
For, GOD, gives ev'ry People, as their dues,
Such men to be their Princes as they chuse;
And whether, good or bad, puts them together,
To be a curse, or blessing to each other;
Till them from their allegiance he shall free,
As their demerits, or their merits be
Relating to themselves, or unto him,
That is the Soveraign over both of them.
Ah! were this Generation, but as wise
As compleat, in their martial Bravaries;
Or, but as meek, as they are wise in show,
And knew as well, the things they do not know
As those they do; and could more lay aside
Their avarice, their selfness, and their their pride,
Which bar them from the knowledge, & the love
Of that, which would their best expedient prove:
They would begin, their failing more to mark;
Find how they grope, and stumble in the dark,
And, GOD, would give them open eyes to see
How, and whereby, their peace might setled be;
And that the Course whereby they thought to flourish
Is but a by-path, to their ways that perish.
As compleat, in their martial Bravaries;
Or, but as meek, as they are wise in show,
And knew as well, the things they do not know
As those they do; and could more lay aside
Their avarice, their selfness, and their their pride,
Which bar them from the knowledge, & the love
Of that, which would their best expedient prove:
They would begin, their failing more to mark;
Find how they grope, and stumble in the dark,
And, GOD, would give them open eyes to see
How, and whereby, their peace might setled be;
And that the Course whereby they thought to flourish
Is but a by-path, to their ways that perish.
As we are yet, our struglings be in vain,
To cast our burthens, and shake off, our chain:
We do, but, when one side, doth scorch & burn,
The other side, upon the Gridiron turn:
Or, shall but leap, (do whatsoe'er we can)
Into the Fire, out of the frying-pan;
Till, we our duties, better think upon
To GOD-ward, then we hitherto have done;
Until more generally, we do obey
This Power, which over us now beareth sway;
Till also, they make good the expectation
Conceiv'd, since their additional-probation;
And, till among these Nations, here be seen
A greater change, then hitherto hath been.
To cast our burthens, and shake off, our chain:
We do, but, when one side, doth scorch & burn,
The other side, upon the Gridiron turn:
Or, shall but leap, (do whatsoe'er we can)
Into the Fire, out of the frying-pan;
Till, we our duties, better think upon
To GOD-ward, then we hitherto have done;
Until more generally, we do obey
This Power, which over us now beareth sway;
Till also, they make good the expectation
Conceiv'd, since their additional-probation;
And, till among these Nations, here be seen
A greater change, then hitherto hath been.
But, what change can here be, to set all right,
But such a change, as must destroy us quite,
And make all new? unless, the change be made
By him, from whom, all things their being had?
Or, some expedient, or reserve be found
Like that, made use of, when the World was drown'd?
For, most among us, are grown so deprav'd,
That, very few, can to Good use be sav'd.
Their wisdom, power and wealth, most men imploy
The welfare of each other to destroy.
The Common-people, do not understand
Those things, which GOD, and men have now in hand;
And, give assistance to rebellious Forces,
By railings, imprecations, skoffs and curses,
Instead of Prayers; and, so mis-believe,
That, now, no Charmer, can them undeceive.
So harsh and general a Diapaze
Of discords, in no Climate ever was
Since in Jerusalem the triple-faction
Foremention'd, wrought incurable distraction.
No People ever were so blinde, so giddy,
So vain, so false, mad, foolish, and so heady,
But, where a sad unparallel'd confusion
Threatned to bring a terrible Conclusion.
But such a change, as must destroy us quite,
And make all new? unless, the change be made
By him, from whom, all things their being had?
Or, some expedient, or reserve be found
Like that, made use of, when the World was drown'd?
For, most among us, are grown so deprav'd,
That, very few, can to Good use be sav'd.
Their wisdom, power and wealth, most men imploy
The welfare of each other to destroy.
The Common-people, do not understand
Those things, which GOD, and men have now in hand;
And, give assistance to rebellious Forces,
By railings, imprecations, skoffs and curses,
Instead of Prayers; and, so mis-believe,
That, now, no Charmer, can them undeceive.
So harsh and general a Diapaze
Of discords, in no Climate ever was
Since in Jerusalem the triple-faction
Foremention'd, wrought incurable distraction.
No People ever were so blinde, so giddy,
So vain, so false, mad, foolish, and so heady,
But, where a sad unparallel'd confusion
Threatned to bring a terrible Conclusion.
They, like to Sampsons Foxes, from each other
Turn heads; but, are united so together
With Firebrands, by their tails, that, as well they
Who run the same, as they wch thwart their way
Destroy the Cornfields thorow which they run,
And, meet with greater mischiefs then they shun
Turn heads; but, are united so together
With Firebrands, by their tails, that, as well they
Who run the same, as they wch thwart their way
Destroy the Cornfields thorow which they run,
And, meet with greater mischiefs then they shun
He, that oppresseth, doth of those complain
Who, do apparent wrongs by him sustain;
And, oft, finds means to tell so smooth a tale,
That innocence is dasht against the wall:
He, that the truth, nor loves, nor tells, nor teaches,
Writes, fights, pretends, yea, pays, and prays, and preaches,
As if he did profess it without guile;
Yet, is a friend to falshood, all the while.
Some, without honesty, the truth profess,
Some, hold the truth, but in unrighteousness;
And, twixt these two, (as they the power divide)
CHRIST, and most honest men are crucifide.
Who, do apparent wrongs by him sustain;
And, oft, finds means to tell so smooth a tale,
That innocence is dasht against the wall:
26
Writes, fights, pretends, yea, pays, and prays, and preaches,
As if he did profess it without guile;
Yet, is a friend to falshood, all the while.
Some, without honesty, the truth profess,
Some, hold the truth, but in unrighteousness;
And, twixt these two, (as they the power divide)
CHRIST, and most honest men are crucifide.
With Tragedies, they make their Party glad,
And, joy in that, for which good men are sad.
They love no news, like that which breedeth strife,
Lies, (as if they were nourishments of life)
They feast on; and at them, who their untruths
Disown, they storm, as if then, from their mouths
The bread were snatcht: yea, when they know them false,
They love to tell, and hear, seditious tales,
By which the Common-peace may be orethrown,
Although thereby, they quite destroy their own,
And multiply those burthens, which, they lay
To their Charge, who, had took them else away;
Or, if not hindred in their enterprize,
By malice, falshood, and Apostacies.
And, joy in that, for which good men are sad.
They love no news, like that which breedeth strife,
Lies, (as if they were nourishments of life)
They feast on; and at them, who their untruths
Disown, they storm, as if then, from their mouths
The bread were snatcht: yea, when they know them false,
They love to tell, and hear, seditious tales,
By which the Common-peace may be orethrown,
Although thereby, they quite destroy their own,
And multiply those burthens, which, they lay
To their Charge, who, had took them else away;
Or, if not hindred in their enterprize,
By malice, falshood, and Apostacies.
Their slandrous Tongues, and Pens, whom wound they not
Save him that is unknown, or else forgot.
They skoff, and jeer (not wickedness and folly,
Wch may be jeer'd) but things that are most holy:
And, since times round began, no humane eyes
Did read so many cursed blasphemies,
So much prophaness, and scurrility,
Or such impure and filthy ribaldry,
As in this Isle, hath in so little space,
Been publish'd, to our National disgrace.
But, what can more from those expected be
Who think none but licentious men are free?
And, whose ambition, more affects to have
The freedom of a Beast, or of a Slave,
Then that which both by nature, and by grace,
Belongs of right, unto the humane race?
Save him that is unknown, or else forgot.
They skoff, and jeer (not wickedness and folly,
Wch may be jeer'd) but things that are most holy:
And, since times round began, no humane eyes
Did read so many cursed blasphemies,
So much prophaness, and scurrility,
Or such impure and filthy ribaldry,
As in this Isle, hath in so little space,
Been publish'd, to our National disgrace.
But, what can more from those expected be
Who think none but licentious men are free?
And, whose ambition, more affects to have
The freedom of a Beast, or of a Slave,
Then that which both by nature, and by grace,
Belongs of right, unto the humane race?
Like earboar'd slaves, (who, bondmen have been made
So long, that, when their freedom may be had
They slight it) so do these; and, as conceiving
There were, no possibility of living
In this world, (or hereafter to be sav'd)
Except they serv'd a Tyrant, and were slav'd;
They, now rebelliously, a Captain chuse
To lead them back to bondage, like the Jewes;
As if it were designed by these Nations
To be like them, in all their deviations.
So long, that, when their freedom may be had
They slight it) so do these; and, as conceiving
There were, no possibility of living
In this world, (or hereafter to be sav'd)
Except they serv'd a Tyrant, and were slav'd;
They, now rebelliously, a Captain chuse
To lead them back to bondage, like the Jewes;
As if it were designed by these Nations
To be like them, in all their deviations.
Oaths, against Oaths, and Covenants are took,
Fitter to be repented of, and broke
Then to be kept; and, Piety, they make
A seeming warrant to infringe and break
That which obligeth all mens Consciences,
And, wherewith, nor GODS Laws, nor mans dispenses,
Thus, at this present, constituted is
This Nation; and, what change, must mend all this?
Fitter to be repented of, and broke
Then to be kept; and, Piety, they make
A seeming warrant to infringe and break
That which obligeth all mens Consciences,
And, wherewith, nor GODS Laws, nor mans dispenses,
Thus, at this present, constituted is
This Nation; and, what change, must mend all this?
Oh madmen! (if ye are not so bereft
Of reason, that among you none is left)
Be you your selves the Judges, if I lay
That to your charge, which is not as I say.
Or, whether I dar'd say it, in a time
So wicked, without warranty from him,
Who, in this sad day of our Visitation
Inclines me to it, for your preservation.
Of reason, that among you none is left)
Be you your selves the Judges, if I lay
That to your charge, which is not as I say.
Or, whether I dar'd say it, in a time
So wicked, without warranty from him,
Who, in this sad day of our Visitation
Inclines me to it, for your preservation.
To cure these Frenzies for his future glory,
GOD, is preparing a New-purgatory,
To purge what may be purged from the dross,
That, of the Pure Gold there may be no loss.
The Judgements, now beginning, shall go round,
And through these Islands, till all those are found
Who have been false, in that which they profest
To GOD, or to the Publick-Interest.
From house to house, from man to man, they shall
Procession make, till they have seiz'd on all.
All shall be proved, whether poor they be
Or rich, or, of a high or low degree,
By outward, or by inward fiery trials,
Till they are brought to real self-denials
Twixt GOD and them, through mercy to repent
Their failings; or, to outward chastisement.
GOD, is preparing a New-purgatory,
To purge what may be purged from the dross,
That, of the Pure Gold there may be no loss.
The Judgements, now beginning, shall go round,
And through these Islands, till all those are found
Who have been false, in that which they profest
To GOD, or to the Publick-Interest.
From house to house, from man to man, they shall
Procession make, till they have seiz'd on all.
All shall be proved, whether poor they be
Or rich, or, of a high or low degree,
By outward, or by inward fiery trials,
Till they are brought to real self-denials
Twixt GOD and them, through mercy to repent
Their failings; or, to outward chastisement.
Those, who shall in this Island, scape his hand,
Vengeance, will seize on, in a Forraign-Land:
The Foes of Peace among the Common-rout,
A Pestilence, or Famine shall root out.
They, who have shuffled from the Souldiers fury,
Shall fall into the mercy of a Jury;
And, when they, from the Sword, are in some hope
To hide; shall then be hamper'd in a Rope.
The mischiefs they have shunned in the street,
Within a secret Chamber, they shall meet.
Those men, whom nothing publickly pursues,
Their Consciences, in private, shall accuse;
They, who immovably do think to stand,
Shall fall, without the motion of a hand;
And when the things they fear'd, cannot annoy them
That, which they sleight, and fear not, shall destroy them.
Vengeance, will seize on, in a Forraign-Land:
The Foes of Peace among the Common-rout,
A Pestilence, or Famine shall root out.
They, who have shuffled from the Souldiers fury,
Shall fall into the mercy of a Jury;
And, when they, from the Sword, are in some hope
To hide; shall then be hamper'd in a Rope.
The mischiefs they have shunned in the street,
Within a secret Chamber, they shall meet.
Those men, whom nothing publickly pursues,
Their Consciences, in private, shall accuse;
They, who immovably do think to stand,
Shall fall, without the motion of a hand;
And when the things they fear'd, cannot annoy them
That, which they sleight, and fear not, shall destroy them.
27
Exceeding dreadful, during such probations,
Will be the many suff'rings of these Nations,
Except those days be short'ned, or GOD, shall
Enable to sustain what may be fall.
For, that, which now is coming to the Test,
Is not, alone, the peoples interest,
As, what was lately controverted here
Betwixt them, and deceased Oliver;
Or, him and Stewart: or, a thing so vain
As now, the Dane and Swede, or France & Spain
Are striving for: But, whether good or evil;
CHRIST, or the Man of Sin, GOD, or the Devil
Shall have the Soveraignty; and wo to those
Who shall, that righteous interest oppose,
Which is to be decided, when the day
Shall come, to set their battels in aray.
Will be the many suff'rings of these Nations,
Except those days be short'ned, or GOD, shall
Enable to sustain what may be fall.
For, that, which now is coming to the Test,
Is not, alone, the peoples interest,
As, what was lately controverted here
Betwixt them, and deceased Oliver;
Or, him and Stewart: or, a thing so vain
As now, the Dane and Swede, or France & Spain
Are striving for: But, whether good or evil;
CHRIST, or the Man of Sin, GOD, or the Devil
Shall have the Soveraignty; and wo to those
Who shall, that righteous interest oppose,
Which is to be decided, when the day
Shall come, to set their battels in aray.
But, 'tis already come; at least, so nigh
As to be seen by Contemplations eye.
Tis come; and, (though not, as 'tis misconceiv'd
By those, who have a Throne for CHRIST contriv'd,
As carnal as that is, which now must fall)
It will ere long, be visible to all,
Who have that eye-salve, which may help their eyes,
To see Truth shining through dark mysteries.
The Banners, of both Parties are display'd;
Both their Militia's, are in part aray'd;
The souldiers wages, on both sides is known,
The secret word, on many is bestown:
And, not one Promise doth to me appear
Of an escape, from that, which men may fear,
Save, as in their Probations, they make good
Their charge, (though to the loosing of their blood
If need require) with trusting to that grace,
Which, neither Is, nor shall be, nor ev'r was
To any wanting, who did not refuse it,
Nor when it is received, shall abuse it.
As to be seen by Contemplations eye.
Tis come; and, (though not, as 'tis misconceiv'd
By those, who have a Throne for CHRIST contriv'd,
As carnal as that is, which now must fall)
It will ere long, be visible to all,
Who have that eye-salve, which may help their eyes,
To see Truth shining through dark mysteries.
The Banners, of both Parties are display'd;
Both their Militia's, are in part aray'd;
The souldiers wages, on both sides is known,
The secret word, on many is bestown:
And, not one Promise doth to me appear
Of an escape, from that, which men may fear,
Save, as in their Probations, they make good
Their charge, (though to the loosing of their blood
If need require) with trusting to that grace,
Which, neither Is, nor shall be, nor ev'r was
To any wanting, who did not refuse it,
Nor when it is received, shall abuse it.
But, what will follow, can alone be known
To them, on whom that grace shall be bestown;
Or, by th'Events, of those Contingencies,
VVhich from a just progression, will arise;
And, must, the steps-probationary be
To that, which is GOD's absolute Decree;
For, whose accomplishment, I will attend
Till that time comes, or, till my life shall end.
To them, on whom that grace shall be bestown;
Or, by th'Events, of those Contingencies,
VVhich from a just progression, will arise;
And, must, the steps-probationary be
To that, which is GOD's absolute Decree;
For, whose accomplishment, I will attend
Till that time comes, or, till my life shall end.
Here, I had ended; but it fares with me
As with him, who, again shall never see
Those he departs from; and would leave behind him,
Somewhat, to make them, otherwhile to minde him.
Thus, would I do; or, rather, if I may
Make others minde themselves; & what this day
Seems drawing nigh. Oh, let him, with regard,
That speaks for you, (not for himself) be heard.
As with him, who, again shall never see
Those he departs from; and would leave behind him,
Somewhat, to make them, otherwhile to minde him.
Thus, would I do; or, rather, if I may
Make others minde themselves; & what this day
Seems drawing nigh. Oh, let him, with regard,
That speaks for you, (not for himself) be heard.
Let him, Oh Englands Representative,
Who, now, hath but a little time to live,
(And, fain would write, or say, before he dies,
That, for thy Weal, which thou shouldst not despise)
Let him this once be heard, with that respect
Which may produce a rational effect,
Lest, all thy Consultations, Cost and Pain,
Do prove at last, to be bestow'd in vain.
Who, now, hath but a little time to live,
(And, fain would write, or say, before he dies,
That, for thy Weal, which thou shouldst not despise)
Let him this once be heard, with that respect
Which may produce a rational effect,
Lest, all thy Consultations, Cost and Pain,
Do prove at last, to be bestow'd in vain.
To him, who to your selves, did you restore,
Your selves resign, more now, then heretofore;
And, seek not, like your tyrannizing Kings,
At this time, to contrive and settle things
More for your selves, then to advantage those
Who, trust in you, for better ends repose;
Or, to advance your Freedoms, more then their
Just Rights, for whose sake, they conferred are.
Your selves resign, more now, then heretofore;
And, seek not, like your tyrannizing Kings,
At this time, to contrive and settle things
More for your selves, then to advantage those
Who, trust in you, for better ends repose;
Or, to advance your Freedoms, more then their
Just Rights, for whose sake, they conferred are.
Let not him, suffer more, who shall accuse
For breach of trust, then they who trust abuse,
As heretofore: For, there was once a time
Wherein, to charge a Member, for a crime,
Was prosecuted with a greatet zeal
Then his Guilt, who, then wrong'd the Commonweal:
Ev'n when to Stangate, yea, (some say) well nigh
To Lambeth-house, the People heard them cry,
'Tis for a MEMBER: and preserv'd was he
VVithin that House, who ought expel'd to be:
And, all the mercy, to th'Accuser shown,
VVas, to be kept a Pris'ner in his own.
But they who did it, were by Providence
Cast out; GOD keep all such, for ever thence.
For breach of trust, then they who trust abuse,
As heretofore: For, there was once a time
Wherein, to charge a Member, for a crime,
Was prosecuted with a greatet zeal
Then his Guilt, who, then wrong'd the Commonweal:
Ev'n when to Stangate, yea, (some say) well nigh
To Lambeth-house, the People heard them cry,
'Tis for a MEMBER: and preserv'd was he
VVithin that House, who ought expel'd to be:
And, all the mercy, to th'Accuser shown,
VVas, to be kept a Pris'ner in his own.
But they who did it, were by Providence
Cast out; GOD keep all such, for ever thence.
Consider whether there do not, as yet
To your own knowledge, men among you sit
VVho much obstruct the mercies, GOD intends,
And, your progression in those righteous ends
VVhich you propose. (I mean not any one
VVho erres through humane Frailty; For, then none
Should be excus'd) but such as do transgress
Through Envy, and malitious wilfulness;
Or such Presumers, who, as Achan did,
Took Gold & rayment (things, that were forbid,
On danger of a Curse) such as bereave
The poor of their subsistence; or deceive
The Commonwealth; and whom their Avarice
To other things unlawful did intice,
VVhereby oppressed Innocents are wrong'd,
And Justice to their ruine, is prolong'd.
To your own knowledge, men among you sit
VVho much obstruct the mercies, GOD intends,
And, your progression in those righteous ends
VVhich you propose. (I mean not any one
VVho erres through humane Frailty; For, then none
Should be excus'd) but such as do transgress
Through Envy, and malitious wilfulness;
Or such Presumers, who, as Achan did,
Took Gold & rayment (things, that were forbid,
On danger of a Curse) such as bereave
The poor of their subsistence; or deceive
The Commonwealth; and whom their Avarice
To other things unlawful did intice,
VVhereby oppressed Innocents are wrong'd,
And Justice to their ruine, is prolong'd.
28
Consider, what may be the sad event
VVhere any such as these, are prevalent;
And, if you find such, and desire to thrive,
To them, in time, their due demerits give;
For, why, by palliating of their guilt,
Should your blood, like the Benjamites be spilt,
VVho brought on their whole Tribe, a wrath divine,
For murth'ring but one Levites Concubine?
VVhere any such as these, are prevalent;
And, if you find such, and desire to thrive,
To them, in time, their due demerits give;
For, why, by palliating of their guilt,
Should your blood, like the Benjamites be spilt,
VVho brought on their whole Tribe, a wrath divine,
For murth'ring but one Levites Concubine?
Consider, when your Pardons were bestown,
VVhether it were not for ends of your own;
More to secure your selves, or to befriend
The Nations Foes, who on your Grace depend;
Or, otherwhile, because, you durst not do
That Justice, which you were oblig'd unto,
Much rather, then sincerely to express
Your love to mercy, and to righteousness:
If so, you finde it; then, betimes lament
Your failings, and effectually repent.
VVhether it were not for ends of your own;
More to secure your selves, or to befriend
The Nations Foes, who on your Grace depend;
Or, otherwhile, because, you durst not do
That Justice, which you were oblig'd unto,
Much rather, then sincerely to express
Your love to mercy, and to righteousness:
If so, you finde it; then, betimes lament
Your failings, and effectually repent.
Consider, if, when we, to pacifie
The wrath of GOD, a day shall sanctifie
In Fastings, or Thanksgivings; whether, he
Can pleased with those sacrifices be,
Which cost us, nothing, but to spend a day,
(And formally, to pass some hours away)
In Emptiness, or Fulness; or, to hear
Those sins reprov'd, which, we will not forbear;
Yet, not to leave behind us, till the morrow,
One symptome, of true thankfulness, or sorrow?
Had it not then been fit, to lay aside
Some part of what, in Vanity and Pride
Hath been consum'd; their sufferings to relieve,
VVho cannot from the Publick purse receive
VVhat is their due, until GOD shall restore
Abilities, to make that Pittance more?
The wrath of GOD, a day shall sanctifie
In Fastings, or Thanksgivings; whether, he
Can pleased with those sacrifices be,
Which cost us, nothing, but to spend a day,
(And formally, to pass some hours away)
In Emptiness, or Fulness; or, to hear
Those sins reprov'd, which, we will not forbear;
Yet, not to leave behind us, till the morrow,
One symptome, of true thankfulness, or sorrow?
Had it not then been fit, to lay aside
Some part of what, in Vanity and Pride
Hath been consum'd; their sufferings to relieve,
VVho cannot from the Publick purse receive
VVhat is their due, until GOD shall restore
Abilities, to make that Pittance more?
Consider, (since among you there are some,
VVho, do believe, a Kingdome is to come,
VVhereof CHRIST must be King) whether or no
Your Government, should not be modell'd so;
That, when the People, shall Elect by Voyce
Double Trustees; GOD should by lot make choyce
Of which him pleaseth? VVhen that we have had
Our Option, wherefore should not His be made?
So 'twas, when Isr'el, first a King enjoy'd,
And, when the first Apostleship was voyd.
Who would not be content to stand or fall
VVith what, would so indifferent be to all?
Or, not submit to him, who will become,
Do what we can, the Giver of our Doom?
Or, who will this oppose, but they who doubt
GOD, will in his Elections, leave them out?
VVho, do believe, a Kingdome is to come,
VVhereof CHRIST must be King) whether or no
Your Government, should not be modell'd so;
That, when the People, shall Elect by Voyce
Double Trustees; GOD should by lot make choyce
Of which him pleaseth? VVhen that we have had
Our Option, wherefore should not His be made?
So 'twas, when Isr'el, first a King enjoy'd,
And, when the first Apostleship was voyd.
Who would not be content to stand or fall
VVith what, would so indifferent be to all?
Or, not submit to him, who will become,
Do what we can, the Giver of our Doom?
Or, who will this oppose, but they who doubt
GOD, will in his Elections, leave them out?
More might be said: But, you know how to draw
The Body of a Lyon, by the Paw.
If, these things, you consider; and shall do,
Your best endeavour to conform thereto,
This, I am sure of, (though I cannot tell
VVhat will be done) that, all they, shall do well
VVhose Consciences, unfeignedly attest
That, they, to do all well, have done their best.
The Body of a Lyon, by the Paw.
If, these things, you consider; and shall do,
Your best endeavour to conform thereto,
This, I am sure of, (though I cannot tell
VVhat will be done) that, all they, shall do well
VVhose Consciences, unfeignedly attest
That, they, to do all well, have done their best.
How pleasing, this will prove, well know I not;
But, how I might have pleased, well I wot.
If, I, had flattered those men in their waies,
VVho, whatsoev'r they merit, look for praise.
If, Pillows to their Elbowes I had sow'd,
Sooth'd up the Covetous, fawn'd on the Proud,
And been like many other, so ripe-witted,
My Poems with their humours to have fitted:
Had I, another been, not he I am,
None knowing what I was, or, whence I came;
Then, had (as I did) thirty years ago,
Foretold what should be, and, what see they do
Accordingly fufill'd; and then, had got
By that success, (which often faileth not)
Amongst the People, such a reputation,
As they, who seem to speak by Revelation;
It may be I had been a Saint esteem'd
As Madmen are in Turky; or, now seem'd
Less despicable; or, else, my predictions
Had been as well regarded as those Fictions.
Or foolish lying Prophesies, by which
Impostors, this deluded age bewitch.
If, I, on that advantage, had made known
Some Crotchets or Chimera's of mine own,
For selfish ends; or, had I then pretended
To some new-light; such Novelties commended
To his age, as are pleasing, at this day.
Or had I, (which, I could, as well as they
VVho practise it) put on the tempting Dress
Of seeming zeal, and formal-holiness;
Forborn to speak, what few men love to hear;
Not bid them leave, what no man can forbear;
And, in those things complide which most affect;
I might have been the Father of some Sect:
Yea, so, should have been favoured perchance,
As to have got some temporal advance:
For, few men, (could my heart therewith comply)
Had better means, for such a cheat, then I.
But, how I might have pleased, well I wot.
If, I, had flattered those men in their waies,
VVho, whatsoev'r they merit, look for praise.
If, Pillows to their Elbowes I had sow'd,
Sooth'd up the Covetous, fawn'd on the Proud,
And been like many other, so ripe-witted,
My Poems with their humours to have fitted:
Had I, another been, not he I am,
None knowing what I was, or, whence I came;
Then, had (as I did) thirty years ago,
Foretold what should be, and, what see they do
Accordingly fufill'd; and then, had got
By that success, (which often faileth not)
Amongst the People, such a reputation,
As they, who seem to speak by Revelation;
It may be I had been a Saint esteem'd
As Madmen are in Turky; or, now seem'd
Less despicable; or, else, my predictions
Had been as well regarded as those Fictions.
Or foolish lying Prophesies, by which
Impostors, this deluded age bewitch.
If, I, on that advantage, had made known
Some Crotchets or Chimera's of mine own,
For selfish ends; or, had I then pretended
To some new-light; such Novelties commended
To his age, as are pleasing, at this day.
Or had I, (which, I could, as well as they
VVho practise it) put on the tempting Dress
Of seeming zeal, and formal-holiness;
Forborn to speak, what few men love to hear;
Not bid them leave, what no man can forbear;
And, in those things complide which most affect;
I might have been the Father of some Sect:
Yea, so, should have been favoured perchance,
As to have got some temporal advance:
For, few men, (could my heart therewith comply)
Had better means, for such a cheat, then I.
But, these were not my Aims, & I have gain'd
As much, as I had hope to have attain'd.
And, having fully prov'd what is in men,
VVill henceforth lay by, my displeasing Pen:
Not doubting, but this Letter, will effect
As much as whilst I live, I must expect.
As much, as I had hope to have attain'd.
And, having fully prov'd what is in men,
VVill henceforth lay by, my displeasing Pen:
Not doubting, but this Letter, will effect
As much as whilst I live, I must expect.
29
I, now have writ enough, to that intent
VVhich first I had; yea, much more then I ment
VVhen I began, this; and thereby make known
A Cause, more worthy heeding, then mine own;
Wherein, if I prevail hereby, no more
Then, by what I have written heretofore,
I, shall believe th'effect would be much less
Hereafter, should I, any more express.
VVhich first I had; yea, much more then I ment
VVhen I began, this; and thereby make known
A Cause, more worthy heeding, then mine own;
Wherein, if I prevail hereby, no more
Then, by what I have written heretofore,
I, shall believe th'effect would be much less
Hereafter, should I, any more express.
The Preface last year to my SALT on SALT,
Fore-warned (and I think it not my fault
If none regard it) that, to us, this year
Effects of dreadful Thunders, would appear;
And, so it comes to pass: yet, little heeded,
Save as things, which have casually succeeded:
I'll therefore, henceforth let them credit give
To what they dream, and I do not believe.
Enough is here writ, to make most of those
That shall be Knaves, or Fools, to be my Foes.
And, where can I live, (unless God shall please)
Where, I can long be safe from some of these?
But, in their presence, he my Table spreads;
My Soul, nor their Power, nor their Malice dreads;
He, heretofore, hath me defended from
Their Purposes, and will, for, time to come,
In that which most concerns me; though men may
Take Life, Estate, and outward things, away.
Fore-warned (and I think it not my fault
If none regard it) that, to us, this year
Effects of dreadful Thunders, would appear;
And, so it comes to pass: yet, little heeded,
Save as things, which have casually succeeded:
I'll therefore, henceforth let them credit give
To what they dream, and I do not believe.
Enough is here writ, to make most of those
That shall be Knaves, or Fools, to be my Foes.
And, where can I live, (unless God shall please)
Where, I can long be safe from some of these?
But, in their presence, he my Table spreads;
My Soul, nor their Power, nor their Malice dreads;
He, heretofore, hath me defended from
Their Purposes, and will, for, time to come,
In that which most concerns me; though men may
Take Life, Estate, and outward things, away.
I have already said, and writ enough,
For men prophane, and Hypocrites to scoff:
Therefore, henceforth, let each man do the thing
That likes him, as when Isr'el had no king.
Let him, that will be wilful, have his will:
Let him that's filthy, so continue still,
Until another, to supply my room,
Shall with a more prevailing Spirit come.
For men prophane, and Hypocrites to scoff:
Therefore, henceforth, let each man do the thing
That likes him, as when Isr'el had no king.
Let him, that will be wilful, have his will:
Let him that's filthy, so continue still,
Until another, to supply my room,
Shall with a more prevailing Spirit come.
Look to thy self, Oh BRITAIN! I will here
No more be thy despis'd REMEMBRANCER:
For, as those, who (when they neglects did meet,
Were bid, to shake the dust from off their feet)
I, am excus'd; and, 'tis not my belief,
That, I am bound to preach unto the Deaf,
And cast away my Pearls, as I have done,
Where they and I, shall still be trampled on.
My Soul, is clear from any blood of thine;
GOD grant, thou mayst as guiltless be of mine,
Thine own, and other mens; and at thy need,
Speed better, in thy suits, then yet I speed.
No more be thy despis'd REMEMBRANCER:
For, as those, who (when they neglects did meet,
Were bid, to shake the dust from off their feet)
I, am excus'd; and, 'tis not my belief,
That, I am bound to preach unto the Deaf,
And cast away my Pearls, as I have done,
Where they and I, shall still be trampled on.
My Soul, is clear from any blood of thine;
GOD grant, thou mayst as guiltless be of mine,
Thine own, and other mens; and at thy need,
Speed better, in thy suits, then yet I speed.
I will no more, affright thee with Alarms
By my Predictions, of approaching harms,
As in times past, nor add to thy offence,
By minding thee, of thine impenitence;
Nor seem to play the Fool, to make those wise
Who, will not see, wherein their safety lies:
But, cease to meddle in those Publick-matters,
Which, thy False Prophets, and Prognosticaters,
Have puzzell'd: But, to him, a suitor be,
VVho, from what's threatned, can deliver thee.
By my Predictions, of approaching harms,
As in times past, nor add to thy offence,
By minding thee, of thine impenitence;
Nor seem to play the Fool, to make those wise
Who, will not see, wherein their safety lies:
But, cease to meddle in those Publick-matters,
Which, thy False Prophets, and Prognosticaters,
Have puzzell'd: But, to him, a suitor be,
VVho, from what's threatned, can deliver thee.
To works of this kind, here, I fix a bound,
This, is the last time, wherein I will sound
My Trumpet to these Nations; or make known
Ought which concerns thy matters, or mine own
In publick wise, or, in a private way,
Save, as my Neighbours, either do, or may;
Unless, I, from within, have such a Call
As cannot safely be dispens'd withal:
Or, else, an outward Call from those who may
Command me, if they think, that I can say
VVhat to the Publick welfare will relate:
But, there is little likelyhood of that;
And, therefore, I intend to spare my breath,
To vent my Thoughts in private till my death.
This, is the last time, wherein I will sound
My Trumpet to these Nations; or make known
Ought which concerns thy matters, or mine own
In publick wise, or, in a private way,
Save, as my Neighbours, either do, or may;
Unless, I, from within, have such a Call
As cannot safely be dispens'd withal:
Or, else, an outward Call from those who may
Command me, if they think, that I can say
VVhat to the Publick welfare will relate:
But, there is little likelyhood of that;
And, therefore, I intend to spare my breath,
To vent my Thoughts in private till my death.
Oh that I fail not, of my expectations,
(In this dark Den, of cruel habitations,
By outward or by inward perturbations)
To take thy Kingdom, (wherein, at this day,
Thine enemies and mine, the Tyrants play)
COME, come, LORD JESU, quickly come away.
(In this dark Den, of cruel habitations,
By outward or by inward perturbations)
To take thy Kingdom, (wherein, at this day,
Thine enemies and mine, the Tyrants play)
COME, come, LORD JESU, quickly come away.
30
EPIPHONEMA.
The more, I muse, the more I may,Till night, ends in eternal day:
For, ev'ry hour, brings forth new things,
From whence, new matter dayly springs,
Whereof, I shall but speak in vain,
Whilst my Corruptions do remain:
But, when I must depart to Him,
Who nor begun, nor ends in Time,
And, hence, quite out of sight, am gone,
My words will more be thought upon.
Or they (when recknings are set right)
Will help make measure and full weight.
Ensuing times, will useful make them,
Tho I, (in scoff, call'd Prophet) spake them:
And, when of nothing, I have need,
They, paradventure, or their seed,
Who in my life-time, have undone me,
Will (dead) bestow a Grave upon me;
As they that (issuing from their wombs
Who slew them) built the Prophets tombs.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |