 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
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Three Private MEDITATIONS, Which being, for the most Part, of Publick Concernment, are therefore Published, by their Author, Geo. Wither.
The First, is, a Private Thanksgiving, consisting of three Hymns, whereby GOD is magnified for his Mercy vouchsafed in the late Ingagement between the English and the Dutch, in June 1665. Composed after Celebrating the Publick Thanksgiving commanded by the King.
The Second, is a Sacrifice of Praise & Prayer, by him offered to Almighty GOD, for his providential respect, to Him, his Wife and Children, during his Imprisonment in the disgraceful Goal of Newgate, when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance, by being deprived both of his Estate and Liberty.
The Third, Intituled NIL ULTRA, is a Soliloquium, wherein this Author expresses the improbability of an effectual proceeding further, to prevent the Sins and Plagues increasing, by ought which he can offer to consideration.
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A Private THANK-OBLATION, Consisting of Three Hymns,
Whereby Almighty GOD is magnified for his Mercy vouchsafed in the late Ingagement between the English and the Dutch, in Iune 1665. after Celebration of the Publick Thanksgiving commanded by the King.
The first Hymn, is a Preparatioon of the heart to the Duty intended.
[Now, what to GOD's Praise belongs]
[1]
Now, what to GOD's Praise belongs,I will sing in holy Songs;
Who shall from his Heav'nly Quire,
With such strains my heart inspire,
That (though distant) I and they
Therein joyn together may:
For, his influenced Grace
Is not barr'd by Time or Place.
2
Let his Rays of Light Divine,In me, and upon me shine;
Let his Holy Spirit shake
Drousie flesh, till it shall wake;
4
That his Praises may be sung;
For, till rouz'd up, from on high,
Dark, and dull, and dumb am I.
3
Humane words, cannot impartWhat GOD speaketh to my heart,
Nor my faultring tongue declare
All his Operations there;
Yet, I am compell'd sometimes,
In plain Verse, and broken Rimes,
Thus, to stammer out such things,
As to me the Spirit brings.
4
To extol what God hath done,Here, I musing am alone;
And, do praise him in my heart
For what none can claim a part:
But, what to his praise belongs
I'le now sing in vocal songs;
And, will so his praise declare,
That, no man shall therein share.
The second Hymn, being an imperfect Narrative and Confession to Gods glory, of what he hath done for us in the late Ingagement; how little we have merited the mercies vouchsafed, and how merciful GOD hath been to both Nations.
[Lord, in a publick Meeting, I, this day]
[1]
Lord, in a publick Meeting, I, this dayHave joyn'd, a Sacrifice of thanks to pay;
And, being warmed at the common fire,
(By what external notions could inspire)
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(And ought in duty to be done)
I, now withdraw into my heart,
To speak to thee, who therein art;
And learn, how, I may to thy praise,
So sanctifie my words and wayes,
That henceforth, they may more conduce unto
Thy glory, then they heretofore could do.
Oh! let my Meditations be
Made acceptable unto thee.
2
For Victory confer'd, we prais'd thy Name;We hear, our foes have likewise done the same.
And doutless, whosoever lost or won,
To thee, are praises due for what is done;
Yea no less praise for what is lost,
Then that, for which we triumph most;
The one our pride may elevate,
The other, humble us for that
Which was mis-acted, or mis-spoke;
For, thou, who heed of both hast took,
So graciously, oh Lord, hast shar'd betwixt
Both Nations sweet with bitter intermixt,
That, no man, this day duly keeps,
Save he, who therein sings and weeps.
3
For all Transactions, which concern in grossOur publick, or our private gain or loss,
(And which unto our knowledge, fame doth bring,
Well-weigh'd) gives cause, no less to weep then sing.
The good successes we have had,
Abate some fears, to make us glad;
The hopes, which those events do give
(Of what we willingly believe)
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As if we were above all fear.
But, when we hear the many Lamentations
For loss of Limbs, Lives, and belov'd Relations,
To sadness all our Joy it turns,
And he who much rejoyced, mourns.
4
A final Conquest is not yet obtain'd;That, rarely with one Victory is gain'd:
For, they who lose at first, at last may win,
By mending faults, with which they did begin.
And they who did at first prevail,
Find, oftentimes, their hopes to fail:
Because to trustless things they trust,
Or else, employ to feed their Lust,
That which thy Majesty intends
Should strengthen them to better ends.
When, therefore most Victorious we appear,
Let us rejoyce, but with a trembling fear;
Lest, when the rowling wheel shall turn,
We who rejoyce, find cause to mourn.
5
Thou art but little pleas'd (if ought at all)To see us triumph, when our foes do fall;
Especially, when they (though ours they be)
Are thy known enemies, no more then we.
To be our GOD, we thee profess;
They (to our knowledge) do no less.
We say, our trust is in thy Name;
They may as truly, say the same.
Their sins are many; we are sure
(Or may be) that ours are not fewer.
We have not yet, our hopes at full enjoy'd;
Nor are their expectations quite destroy'd;
7
Are equally oblig'd this day.
6
VVe say the Dutch to us ingrateful be;Our Conscience tells us we are so to thee.
They with our Nation cruelly have dealt;
Our inhumanity thy Saints have felt.
Their Avarice makes them oppress;
Ill husbandry and idleness,
Have made our wayes as grievous prove,
To those who seek for peace in love.
And we, and they, pursue the course,
Most likely to make bad things worse.
Then, Lord, which of us justly can expect
That our Contests should have a good effect?
Or, that the one should have a place
Above the other in thy Grace?
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Had it so pleased thee, thou at first shockBoth Earthen Pitchers mightst have justly broke;
But they (as if they had been made of leather)
Are only bruis'd, by being knock'd together:
VVhich, in meer love to us and them,
Thou didst vouchsafe to give us time,
VVith more advisement to take heed,
VVhat, by Contention, will succeed;
Lest both before their Quarrels end,
Be broke like pots, which none can mend.
Lord, were there but that Mercy, and no more,
In that which we pretend to praise thee for,
It merits from this and that Nation,
An everlasting Thank-Oblation.
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For, in this Mercy, unto both extended,Are very many Mercies comprehended,
So complicated, one within another,
And, to thy Judgments linked so together,
That, if we could be brought to learn,
How, they both Nations do concern;
To what each Judgment doth direct,
What every Mercy might effect;
What we should seek, what we should shun,
And, what ought timely to be done;
The wisest men among us could not tell
Whether those things which us have pleased wel,
Or, that which grieves us most, shall best
Thy Loving-kindness manifest.
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The Trophies, which most men delight to raise,As testimonies of a thankful Praise,
For what thou daign'st, are but a medly mirth,
Of wholsom simples mixt with coursest earth;
Or, with such noisom weeds as grow
Upon dunghils here below,
That to thy nostrils and thine eyes,
Offensive fumings vaporize,
Which do provoke thine Anger more,
Than many Errors heretofore:
And that which for thine Honour some pretend,
Is for their own praise, or a baser end;
Either to satisfie their Lust,
Or, praise false gods, in which they trust.
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My GOD, look not severely upon this,Or on ought else that hath been done amiss;
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VVhich will deserve a favourable heed.
Some of our Offerings, now and then,
May beneficial be to men,
Or, to thy Saints on earth extend,
If we confer them to that end
For which they seem to be bestown,
(And in their welfare, seek our own:)
But, to advantage thee, the precioust thing,
Which, we to please, or to appease can bring,
Adds nothing: though thou pleased art,
With what comes from a faithful heart.
11
Be mindful still, that we are flesh and blood,Whence nothing can expected be that's good,
Till by his Cross it shall be mortifi'd,
Who, to redeem it from corruption, dy'd.
Remember whereof we are made;
That ev'n the best of us are bad;
Our seeming sanctified joyes,
Uncomly actions and rude noise,
Which make thy best beloved sorry,
Instead of adding to thy glory.
Oh! let hereof, a free unfain'd confession,
(A burnt Oblation made by true contrition,
And, hallow'd by Christs blood) purge hence,
All that which gives to thee offence.
12
The more thou shalt inlarge our wealth and power;Our selves, let us lay down so much the lower;
And, rather use them to unite together
In love, then in destroying one another.
He, in the best mode gives thee praise,
Who ordereth aright his wayes;
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By thereunto conforming still;
And brings to thee a contrite heart,
Ascribing thereto no desert:
This is, most gracious GOD, a sacrifice,
Which thou didst never (never wilt) despise;
And, such a sacrifice, I pray
Make that which I present this day
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Unfaigned thanks my heart returns to thee,For that, which thou hast done, what e're it be,
Against, or for us: hearty thanks we owe
Both for what thou withholdst, and dost bestow.
Prosperity is no true sign
Who is a Favourite of thine;
Nor any one dost thou reject,
Whom frequently thou dost correct,
Unless he be more wilful far
Then frail, as very many are;
And whether thou dost give us wounds, or heal,
It will at last conduce unto our weal,
If we, (but as we may) persever
In contributing our endeaver.
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Two of thy greatest Plagues on us now lie;The third is threatned, and seems very nigh:
Thy other Judgments also scatred are
So thick, through these three Kingdoms ev'rywhere,
That, by them, very few or none,
Have scaped, being seiz'd upon;
Or, being pincht, in what relates
Unto their Persons or Estates:
Yet, sin doth most men so besot,
As if thy frowns they feared not;
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Then, of the means their own peace to enjoy.
A madness, which worse plagues procures,
Than Pestilential Calentures.
15
Arise, O GOD, advance thy Throne on high;Thy self, let thine own actings glorifie.
Thy Justice and thy Mercy so unite,
That they may honour thee in all mens sight.
Rebuke those who delight in War,
And to thy Saints injurious are:
Give Peace to those who Peace affect,
And them from all their foes protect,
That Righteousness and Peace may hither
Return, and here still reign together.
Thy foes are now become exceeding strong;
Thy coming therefore, Lord, defer not long.
But, I have done; for thou with pow'r
Art coming, and wilt keep thine hour.
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Dear GOD, this petty sacrifice of mine,Was took out of a Treasury of thine,
And, of mine own, I nought can thereto add,
Except my heart, which from thee too, I had:
Kept to thy self, now let that be,
And never left again to me;
Or wander thither, where it may
Unto the world be made a prey;
Or, by the temptings of the Devil,
Be drawn unto the love of evil;
Then this (and that, which I have heretofore,
To praise thee offer'd) thee shal praise much more,
Than many things, done, heard, and told,
In Temples deckt with Silk and Gold.
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The third Hymn, proceeds to a thankful Illustration of GOD's deserved Praise, by acknowledging his Almightiness; his observing what hath been openly and secretly done in every part of the World, by both the said Nations, and that no praise is justly due to either of us, but shame rather, for ought performed in the said Ingagement.
[Most Almighty LORD of Hoasts]
[1]
Most Almighty LORD of Hoasts,High Protector of our Coasts,
Who command'st, as thou dost please,
Fire and Water, Earth and Seas;
Who lookst down from Heav'n, upon
All that here on Earth is done,
And survey'st her darkest parts,
Ev'n the Crannies of mens hearts.
2
Thou beheldst the PreparationsOf these wilful Neighbouring Nations;
Thou hast heard what they have spoken,
Heedest what such words betoken;
Thou hast search'd out their Designs,
With what thereto them inclines,
And knowst whether of the two
Is the worst, if one be so.
3
Thou observest what was done,Not in Africa alone,
Or both Indies; but what was
Done likewise in ev'ry place:
Why the English and the Dutch
Are divided now so much:
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And to which most blame is due.
4
Thou remembrest what RelationsHave been long between these Nations,
What Professions to each other
They did make when knit together;
Yea, what they profest to thee,
Which now seems forgot to be,
As if they were not such men,
Or such Christians now, as then.
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To prevent what is begun,Much, by thee, was timely done;
But, their Avarice and Pride
Them did more and more divide.
To self-will they did adhere,
Like men without wit or fear;
So thou leftst them both to do
What they were enclin'd unto.
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Then with Streamers and with Flags,Foolish vaunts and shameless brags,
They weigh'd Anchors from the shoar,
Which by some was seen no more;
And, with an unchristin a rage,
'Gainst each other did engage;
Fire and Water, in that hour,
Striving which should most devour.
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Dread of Death, that man amazes;Noise, and smoke, and sudden blazes
This man blinds, and deafneth so,
That he knows not Friend from Foe.
14
Wise-men speed as ill as Fools:
Here a Valiant Souldier dies,
There a Coward sprawling lies.
8
Loud the thundring Guns did roar,Sails, and Masts, and Keels were tore;
Ships were either split or fir'd;
Men by thousands there expir'd;
This man sinks, and that man swims;
Some escap'd with loss of limbs.
But to whether best befel,
Thou alone, O Lord, canst tell.
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Horrid sights, and sounds without,Them assaulted round about,
Which, in some, did thoughts begin,
That rais'd greater Frights within;
And, though wounds did grieve them sore,
That tormented them much more;
For their pains none can declare,
Who in spirit wounded are.
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This we know that thou art just,As is ev'ry thing thou dost:
Thou art kind, and lov'st so well,
That by woundings thou dost heal.
Thou art wise, and actest so,
That we thereby wise might grow;
And by what was lately done,
Might new Mercies be begun.
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Not to Us, LORD, for the same,Be the praise, but to thy Name:
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Nought belongs, but shame alone.
We were so much terrify'd,
That, we knew not what we did,
Nor yet seem to understand,
What work thou hast now in hand.
12
This Correction was in love,Which, if both should so improve
As (if they had grace) they may
By true penitence this day,
Our endeavour to be Friends,
To thine honour so much tends,
That, it would for both these Nations,
Prove the best of their Oblations.
13
Victories do not belongTo an Arm of Flesh, though strong.
Tis nor Policy nor Force,
Ships, nor Troops of Men and Horse;
No, nor formal thanks and prayers,
That prevents Death, or Despairs;
But it is thy powerful Arm,
That secures from fear and harm.
14
Therefore praise, for all well done,I ascribe to thee alone:
All that men have brought to pass,
Merits nothing but Disgrace;
And the best that we can do,
Will but Ruine add thereto,
If we keep our crooked wayes,
Or shall grudge at thy due praise.
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A RESOLVE,
Occasioned by somewhat spoken concerning this Thank-Oblation, and this Authors other Writings.
It
may be, many will these Hymns contemn,
Because, they do not relish well to them.
They likewise may Inferiour Gods offend,
Because in this Oblation, I intend
No praise to them, but that, praise should be given
To magnifie alone, my GOD in heaven.
The first of these, I leave to their own mode,
In offring up Oblations unto GOD:
For, if well-pleasing unto him they be,
They cannot be distasteful unto me;
And whatsoever they of me shall say,
I may be thereby profited some way.
As for the latter, there is little need
That I to their deserving should take heed:
For Prophets, Priests and Poets of their own
Enough they have, to make their merits known.
These, to extoll their Patrons, can, and may
Write more, and speak much more, then I dear say,
Who, (whatsoe'er advantage thence may flow)
Can praise no man, for what I do not know.
These do, as their inspirers them incline,
And I do, as I am inspir'd by mine.
Because, they do not relish well to them.
They likewise may Inferiour Gods offend,
Because in this Oblation, I intend
No praise to them, but that, praise should be given
To magnifie alone, my GOD in heaven.
The first of these, I leave to their own mode,
In offring up Oblations unto GOD:
For, if well-pleasing unto him they be,
They cannot be distasteful unto me;
And whatsoever they of me shall say,
I may be thereby profited some way.
As for the latter, there is little need
That I to their deserving should take heed:
For Prophets, Priests and Poets of their own
Enough they have, to make their merits known.
These, to extoll their Patrons, can, and may
Write more, and speak much more, then I dear say,
Who, (whatsoe'er advantage thence may flow)
Can praise no man, for what I do not know.
These do, as their inspirers them incline,
And I do, as I am inspir'd by mine.
Moreover, it becomes not him, who sings
A Song of praise unto the King of Kings,
The Attributes of men to intermingle
With his (as to those works he worketh single)
That were to follow their absurd example,
Who worship GOD and Baal within one Temple;
Or Chronicle the Deeds by HERO'S done,
With Tales of Robin Hood, and Little John:
For these respests, I know men Sober-witted
Will me excuse for what may seem omitted;
And, as for those men, who so prudent are not,
Whether they me excuse, or no, I care not.
A Song of praise unto the King of Kings,
The Attributes of men to intermingle
With his (as to those works he worketh single)
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Who worship GOD and Baal within one Temple;
Or Chronicle the Deeds by HERO'S done,
With Tales of Robin Hood, and Little John:
For these respests, I know men Sober-witted
Will me excuse for what may seem omitted;
And, as for those men, who so prudent are not,
Whether they me excuse, or no, I care not.
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A Sacrifice of Praise & Prayer
Offered unto Almighty GOD, by George Wither, for his gracious Providence, in providing for Him, his Wife and Children, during his Imprisonment in the disgraceful Goal at Newgate, and when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance, by being deprived both of his Estate and Liberty.
Lord, though my Prayers and my Praises be
Unworthy to be offer'd up to thee,
Thus (as I am obliged) I essay
To add unto thine Honour what I may,
By publishing both with my Tongue and Pen,
Thy Loving-kindness to the sons of men;
Especially, in those particulars
Whereby thy kindness unto me appears.
Unworthy to be offer'd up to thee,
Thus (as I am obliged) I essay
To add unto thine Honour what I may,
By publishing both with my Tongue and Pen,
Thy Loving-kindness to the sons of men;
Especially, in those particulars
Whereby thy kindness unto me appears.
Prais'd be thy blessed Name; for thou art speedy
In shewing thy compassion to the Needy;
And leav'st not any Suffrer in despair,
Who timely seeks thy help by faithful prayer,
In patient waiting during his probation,
For thy appointed hour of Salvation.
Of this, thy never failing Clemency,
Few men have had more evidence then I.
Or in all straights, vouchsaf'd more seasnably
A needfull, and a competent supply;
Yea, though my suffrings have been great and many,
And I in flesh as sensible as any
Of ev'ry grievance, thou hast by their length
Improved so my patience and my strength,
That, oft such grievances, were not alone
As tolerable as if they were none:
But such as also have my joy encreast,
When I to other men seem'd most opprest.
For, though I have compleated now well near,
In weal and wo, the three and fiftieth year,
And six Confinements, since I first begun
That Work, which I thought needful to be done;
Thou hast preserv'd me so, and me so arm'd
Against all Changes, that none me hath harm'd;
Which unto me a knowledge doth derive
Of what thou art, that's more than spec'lative;
That what experimentally I speak,
In other men may more impression make,
Than when I Notions only shall declare,
That were infus'd into me through the ear.
And 'tis not thy least Mercy, that of late
Thou dost their seeming Charity abate,
Who thought they might thereby have tempted me
To wrong my conscience, and be false to thee,
By smoothing or adulterating that,
Which to Truths vindication may relate:
For, when with needful food men bait their hook,
The heedless hungry Fishes are soon took;
And, whether we confide in thee or no,
Whilst we have Oyl and Meal, 'tis hard to know.
In shewing thy compassion to the Needy;
And leav'st not any Suffrer in despair,
Who timely seeks thy help by faithful prayer,
In patient waiting during his probation,
For thy appointed hour of Salvation.
Of this, thy never failing Clemency,
Few men have had more evidence then I.
Or in all straights, vouchsaf'd more seasnably
A needfull, and a competent supply;
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And I in flesh as sensible as any
Of ev'ry grievance, thou hast by their length
Improved so my patience and my strength,
That, oft such grievances, were not alone
As tolerable as if they were none:
But such as also have my joy encreast,
When I to other men seem'd most opprest.
For, though I have compleated now well near,
In weal and wo, the three and fiftieth year,
And six Confinements, since I first begun
That Work, which I thought needful to be done;
Thou hast preserv'd me so, and me so arm'd
Against all Changes, that none me hath harm'd;
Which unto me a knowledge doth derive
Of what thou art, that's more than spec'lative;
That what experimentally I speak,
In other men may more impression make,
Than when I Notions only shall declare,
That were infus'd into me through the ear.
And 'tis not thy least Mercy, that of late
Thou dost their seeming Charity abate,
Who thought they might thereby have tempted me
To wrong my conscience, and be false to thee,
By smoothing or adulterating that,
Which to Truths vindication may relate:
For, when with needful food men bait their hook,
The heedless hungry Fishes are soon took;
And, whether we confide in thee or no,
Whilst we have Oyl and Meal, 'tis hard to know.
Nor I, nor mine (though rob'd of all) ought lack
What's needful for the belly or the back.
Thou hast my Wife and Children cloath'd & fed,
When I could neither give them Cloth nor Bread;
And from the Earth, (when in seed, branch and root,
I seemed likely to be rooted out;
My Withred Sprouts were then by thee replanted,
Where they enjoy the nourishment they wanted:
So timely, and in such a manner too,
VVas that vouchsaf'd which thou wert pleas'd to do;
That for it my Well-wishers prais'd thy Name;
And vext thereat my envious foes became;
Especially in that place, where their worst
And last despights were manifested first;
For there, and in their sight, by whom undone
I seem'd to be, that mercy was begun.
What's needful for the belly or the back.
Thou hast my Wife and Children cloath'd & fed,
When I could neither give them Cloth nor Bread;
21
I seemed likely to be rooted out;
My Withred Sprouts were then by thee replanted,
Where they enjoy the nourishment they wanted:
So timely, and in such a manner too,
VVas that vouchsaf'd which thou wert pleas'd to do;
That for it my Well-wishers prais'd thy Name;
And vext thereat my envious foes became;
Especially in that place, where their worst
And last despights were manifested first;
For there, and in their sight, by whom undone
I seem'd to be, that mercy was begun.
The Families from whom I was design'd
To take my being, thou hast now twice joyn'd,
And their two Surnames, being joyn'd together,
Denominate my Grandson, HUNT L'VVITHER,
VVho is in possibility to have
Earth of his own wherein to make his Grave;
And find a Livelihood whilst here he lives,
If he thy Bounty thankfully receives;
(And no whit further shall be trusted in,
Than that should be, which hath supplied bin
Instead of what I lost) For, Lord, in thee,
(And not in what thou giv'st) our trust should be.
To take my being, thou hast now twice joyn'd,
And their two Surnames, being joyn'd together,
Denominate my Grandson, HUNT L'VVITHER,
VVho is in possibility to have
Earth of his own wherein to make his Grave;
And find a Livelihood whilst here he lives,
If he thy Bounty thankfully receives;
(And no whit further shall be trusted in,
Than that should be, which hath supplied bin
Instead of what I lost) For, Lord, in thee,
(And not in what thou giv'st) our trust should be.
My only Daughter when left portionless,
And without any likely hopefulness
Of more than thou didst on her Birthday give her;
Yea, when I was disabled to relieve her,
Thou didst, ev'n in that great necessity,
Espouse into a Loving Family,
Enobled by a Pedigree or Stem,
VVhich hath no blemish to disparage them;
Or such wants, as may make the reputation
Of Births and Titles lose their estimation.
Oh! let thy so uniting them together,
Make them a mutual blessing to each other;
And, by considring with due thankfulness,
What thou hast done for me in my distress,
Make both my Children and their whole descent
With thy good pleasure, at all times content;
That they to others, good example giving,
By their well-doing, joyn'd with right believing,
(And likewise heeding how thou dost proceed
With such as in thy Fatherhood confide)
They never may despair, though quite bereft
Of what their earthly Father might have left:
And, from my personal experiments,
Let them, thereof to minde them, take some hints.
And without any likely hopefulness
Of more than thou didst on her Birthday give her;
Yea, when I was disabled to relieve her,
Thou didst, ev'n in that great necessity,
Espouse into a Loving Family,
Enobled by a Pedigree or Stem,
VVhich hath no blemish to disparage them;
Or such wants, as may make the reputation
Of Births and Titles lose their estimation.
22
Make them a mutual blessing to each other;
And, by considring with due thankfulness,
What thou hast done for me in my distress,
Make both my Children and their whole descent
With thy good pleasure, at all times content;
That they to others, good example giving,
By their well-doing, joyn'd with right believing,
(And likewise heeding how thou dost proceed
With such as in thy Fatherhood confide)
They never may despair, though quite bereft
Of what their earthly Father might have left:
And, from my personal experiments,
Let them, thereof to minde them, take some hints.
For when I by the world seem'd quite forsaken,
And she, with Lands and Goods, from me had taken
My Liberty; that, what then grieved me
Might more imbittred, and redoubled be,
By what my Children suffred; when, they had
No means of comfort, and, thereby grew sad:
Thou didst for that a Remedy provide,
By making them a Bridegroome, and a Bride
(Whilst I imprison'd was within that place,
Which added to my Poverty, disgrace)
To my good liking, and their own content,
Without self-seeking or disparagement.
This providential mercy, did appear
The more, in that, they likewise married were,
(As I awhile before, presag'd they should)
Without such portions, as I lately could
Have given them, when thou didst me disable
Not without cause. And, tis considerable
That, they kept both their Weddings in the sight
Of those, who them pursu'd with most despight;
Ev'n in my plundred house, and at that time,
In which my wife had not to welcom them
A dish or spoon, but what a neighbour lent;
Or meat, but what by thee was thither sent.
Yea, thou hast, when the world deni'd us bread,
Me and my Consort competently fed,
(E'er since, the world depriv'd us of our own)
By them, whose faces are to us unknown;
To evidence, that all thy Saints are friends,
To him, who on thy providence depends,
And to the utmost of his power persevers
In just and conscientious endeavers:
Yea, though corruption so in him prevaileth,
That of his duty many wayes he faileth.
He, hoping those Experiments to some
May comfortable in like straits become:
Thus, for their sakes, in words exprest they be
For, without words, all things are known to thee.
And she, with Lands and Goods, from me had taken
My Liberty; that, what then grieved me
Might more imbittred, and redoubled be,
By what my Children suffred; when, they had
No means of comfort, and, thereby grew sad:
Thou didst for that a Remedy provide,
By making them a Bridegroome, and a Bride
(Whilst I imprison'd was within that place,
Which added to my Poverty, disgrace)
To my good liking, and their own content,
Without self-seeking or disparagement.
This providential mercy, did appear
The more, in that, they likewise married were,
(As I awhile before, presag'd they should)
Without such portions, as I lately could
Have given them, when thou didst me disable
Not without cause. And, tis considerable
That, they kept both their Weddings in the sight
Of those, who them pursu'd with most despight;
23
In which my wife had not to welcom them
A dish or spoon, but what a neighbour lent;
Or meat, but what by thee was thither sent.
Yea, thou hast, when the world deni'd us bread,
Me and my Consort competently fed,
(E'er since, the world depriv'd us of our own)
By them, whose faces are to us unknown;
To evidence, that all thy Saints are friends,
To him, who on thy providence depends,
And to the utmost of his power persevers
In just and conscientious endeavers:
Yea, though corruption so in him prevaileth,
That of his duty many wayes he faileth.
He, hoping those Experiments to some
May comfortable in like straits become:
Thus, for their sakes, in words exprest they be
For, without words, all things are known to thee.
All this consider'd, I obliged am
To take unto my self deserved shame,
When therewith I will heed, how oft, by sin,
To thy commands I have rebellious bin;
As also, that exceeding graciousness,
Which thou to me vouchsafest ne'ertheless:
And it begets in me a greater fear,
Then when thy Chastisments upon me are;
For, in correcting me, thou art more mild
Then is a loving Father to his Child,
When he not only chideth, but intreats,
Kind language mixing also with his threats;
Whips him, then kisseth; and sometimes to see
Him weep, doth shed as many tears as he.
To take unto my self deserved shame,
When therewith I will heed, how oft, by sin,
To thy commands I have rebellious bin;
As also, that exceeding graciousness,
Which thou to me vouchsafest ne'ertheless:
And it begets in me a greater fear,
Then when thy Chastisments upon me are;
For, in correcting me, thou art more mild
Then is a loving Father to his Child,
When he not only chideth, but intreats,
Kind language mixing also with his threats;
Whips him, then kisseth; and sometimes to see
Him weep, doth shed as many tears as he.
LORD, for those mercies graciously afforded,
(Well meriting, by me to be recorded)
Accept this petty Sacrifice of praise,
And make us truly thankful all our dayes;
(Not only in our verbal Thank-Oblations,
But also, in our lives and conversations:)
For, though we cannot Golden Gifts prefer,
Yet we may offer Frankincense and Myrrh;
And from him, who hath not a Lamb to give,
A Dove thou with acceptance wilt receive.
Vouchsafe us, in each temporary trial
A constant progress with true self-denial;
Let not the benefits we have received
Be underpriz'd, because we were bereaved
Of those externals, which we have enjoyed,
For, their enjoyment might have us destroyed;
Yea, those whom thou mak'st poor thou lov'st as much
As those, whom thou art pleased to inrich;
And, by thy Grace we may advantage make,
Of whatsoever thou dost Give or Take.
(Well meriting, by me to be recorded)
24
And make us truly thankful all our dayes;
(Not only in our verbal Thank-Oblations,
But also, in our lives and conversations:)
For, though we cannot Golden Gifts prefer,
Yet we may offer Frankincense and Myrrh;
And from him, who hath not a Lamb to give,
A Dove thou with acceptance wilt receive.
Vouchsafe us, in each temporary trial
A constant progress with true self-denial;
Let not the benefits we have received
Be underpriz'd, because we were bereaved
Of those externals, which we have enjoyed,
For, their enjoyment might have us destroyed;
Yea, those whom thou mak'st poor thou lov'st as much
As those, whom thou art pleased to inrich;
And, by thy Grace we may advantage make,
Of whatsoever thou dost Give or Take.
Keep me and mine from that Prevarication
VVhich turns thy proffred Grace to Reprobation.
Incline us to desire, and to embrace
All means of perseverance in thy Grace,
And, never let the asking, or the granting,
Of any necessary gift be wanting.
Make us to shun and hate all things, whereby
We may offend thy awful Majesty;
Nor limiting thy Mercy, neither slandring
Thy just Decrees, as causes of our wandring:
For, no man to be wicked is inforc't,
Or left by thee, untill he leaves thee first;
Which all men will confess, when from their eyes
That scurff is rub'd which yet upon them lies.
VVhich turns thy proffred Grace to Reprobation.
Incline us to desire, and to embrace
All means of perseverance in thy Grace,
And, never let the asking, or the granting,
Of any necessary gift be wanting.
Make us to shun and hate all things, whereby
We may offend thy awful Majesty;
Nor limiting thy Mercy, neither slandring
Thy just Decrees, as causes of our wandring:
For, no man to be wicked is inforc't,
Or left by thee, untill he leaves thee first;
Which all men will confess, when from their eyes
That scurff is rub'd which yet upon them lies.
So knit us in one True-love-knot together,
By loving thee, and love to one another.
That, we in all Temptations fast may stand
And Sathan, nor the world dissolve that band;
For, where Love in the heart keeps residence
Diff'rence in Judgment, gives no more offence
Then diff'ring faces, although more delight
We take in those, who love and judge aright.
VVhen we offend, Correct us as our Father
VVith all thy Temporary scourges, rather
Then suffer sins, by sins to be corrected,
(VVhich is the greatest Plague can be inflicted)
And that, we faint not underneath thy Rod,
With stripes, mix mercy still, my gracious GOD.
By loving thee, and love to one another.
25
And Sathan, nor the world dissolve that band;
For, where Love in the heart keeps residence
Diff'rence in Judgment, gives no more offence
Then diff'ring faces, although more delight
We take in those, who love and judge aright.
VVhen we offend, Correct us as our Father
VVith all thy Temporary scourges, rather
Then suffer sins, by sins to be corrected,
(VVhich is the greatest Plague can be inflicted)
And that, we faint not underneath thy Rod,
With stripes, mix mercy still, my gracious GOD.
I ask nor Honors, Liberty, nor Wealth,
Nor temporary pleasures, no nor health,
Save, so far only, as thou know'st the use
Of such things, to thine honor may conduce
VVith our eternal safety, and the Good
Of those with whom we have a Brotherhood.
And, hereto I will add but this Request,
(VVhich comprehends all that can be exprest)
For me and mine. Oh let it, LORD, be plac't,
Where it may stand, as long as Time shall last,
Within thy sight; and though, nor I, nor they
For whom I sue, can merit what I pray,
Vouchsafe it for his sake, in whom I have
So much confided, as his Boone to crave.
Nor temporary pleasures, no nor health,
Save, so far only, as thou know'st the use
Of such things, to thine honor may conduce
VVith our eternal safety, and the Good
Of those with whom we have a Brotherhood.
And, hereto I will add but this Request,
(VVhich comprehends all that can be exprest)
For me and mine. Oh let it, LORD, be plac't,
Where it may stand, as long as Time shall last,
Within thy sight; and though, nor I, nor they
For whom I sue, can merit what I pray,
Vouchsafe it for his sake, in whom I have
So much confided, as his Boone to crave.
Let us Dear GOD, from whom our Children sprung,
And, all their Off-spring, whether old or young,
Who, from our loins have being, or shall come
Into this world, until the day of Doom,
By him be so preserved, at whose cost
Redeem'd we were, that no soul may be lost,
Or be deprived of thy promises
In passing thorow this lifes wilderness,
Either by Adams fault, or our own gilt:
And then, of other things give what thou wilt:
For, this I value more, then if I had
Thy Grant, we should all Kings and Queens be made,
Possessing in this life the largest measure
Of temporary honors, wealth, and pleasure.
For they are Baubles, in respect of that
My sanctify'd Ambition aimeth at.
They who obtain'd most of them, were but slaves,
VVho dropt with infamy into their Graves;
And oft less misery to them befalls,
VVho get their bread by cobling under stalls;
Or, in this world, advanced are no higher
Then raking dirty rags out of the mire.
Thus I in brief have summ'd up my Request,
Grant this, and let who pleaseth, take the rest.
And, all their Off-spring, whether old or young,
Who, from our loins have being, or shall come
Into this world, until the day of Doom,
By him be so preserved, at whose cost
Redeem'd we were, that no soul may be lost,
Or be deprived of thy promises
In passing thorow this lifes wilderness,
26
And then, of other things give what thou wilt:
For, this I value more, then if I had
Thy Grant, we should all Kings and Queens be made,
Possessing in this life the largest measure
Of temporary honors, wealth, and pleasure.
For they are Baubles, in respect of that
My sanctify'd Ambition aimeth at.
They who obtain'd most of them, were but slaves,
VVho dropt with infamy into their Graves;
And oft less misery to them befalls,
VVho get their bread by cobling under stalls;
Or, in this world, advanced are no higher
Then raking dirty rags out of the mire.
Thus I in brief have summ'd up my Request,
Grant this, and let who pleaseth, take the rest.
LORD, I know none, who ever heretofore
Did in this mode thy Majesty implore;
And, from what he believes of thee it comes,
That, so to do, thy servant now presumes.
Forgive me if this absolute Petition
Extends beyond the bound of my Commission;
For, nothing I intend, what ere I crave,
Save, what thou art well-pleased I should have,
VVhose will I so prefer before mine own
In all things (if to me my heart is known)
That whatsoever may succeed thereon
Now or hereafter, Let thy will be done.
My soul thou hast inclined to believe
His Promises, who said, Ask, and recieve;
Help then my unbelief: For if the grant
Of this Petition shall that fulness want
VVhich is desir'd; no want of Love in thee
Occasions it, but, some defects in me;
And that Obstruction which thereon is cast,
Shall by thy Love removed be at last.
He that in Faith and Love can to this Prayer
Say for himself, Amen, shall ne'er dispair;
For, it implies, he is no stranger to
What man may hope for, & what God will do.
Did in this mode thy Majesty implore;
And, from what he believes of thee it comes,
That, so to do, thy servant now presumes.
Forgive me if this absolute Petition
Extends beyond the bound of my Commission;
For, nothing I intend, what ere I crave,
Save, what thou art well-pleased I should have,
VVhose will I so prefer before mine own
In all things (if to me my heart is known)
That whatsoever may succeed thereon
Now or hereafter, Let thy will be done.
My soul thou hast inclined to believe
His Promises, who said, Ask, and recieve;
Help then my unbelief: For if the grant
Of this Petition shall that fulness want
VVhich is desir'd; no want of Love in thee
Occasions it, but, some defects in me;
27
Shall by thy Love removed be at last.
He that in Faith and Love can to this Prayer
Say for himself, Amen, shall ne'er dispair;
For, it implies, he is no stranger to
What man may hope for, & what God will do.
Newgate Feb. 1661.
28
NIL ULTRA.
Being a Soliloquie, wherein this Authour expresseth the improbability of an effectual proceeding further, in his endeavours (to prevent the Sins and Plagues increasing) by ought offered to consideration.
When the Foundations are destroyed, what can the Righteous do?
Psal. 1. 3.
[1]
I at a Nonplus am this day,And know not what to think or say,
Or, what part I am next to play:
That therefore which I now express,
Whether the mark I miss or hit,
To publick view I will commit,
And leave to God the giving it,
In his own time, a good success.
29
2
We neither love his Laws nor Him;Those men whose deeds we did condemn,
We (by our imitating them)
Have justifi'd in all their works.
They, who have seemed self-deniers
In their professing Truths, are Liars,
Like Lillies look, but scratch like Briars;
Talk Christian-like, but live like Turks.
3
Some say I dote; and that 'tis so,I almost am perswaded too,
When I consider what I do:
For, little less than doteth he,
Who gives them Bread, who look for Chaff;
Cast Pearls to Swine, who look for Draff;
And strives to save them, who do laugh
When sinking down to Hell they be.
4
Examples we have had of old,And daily we fulfill'd behold,
What hath been oft of late foretold;
Yet more and more besotted grow.
Nor Chastisments, nor Mercy shew'd,
Though oft withdrawn, and oft renew'd;
Nor what hath for our sins ensu'd,
Can make us heed the things we know.
5
VVhat can by me be said or done,To stop them who still headlong run,
To meet the mischiefs coming on,
And which already are in view?
Since men will neither see nor hear
VVhat is apparant ev'ry-where,
30
VVho can prevent what may ensue?
6
How can good Sequels be expected,VVhere Truth and Reason are neglected,
And gross crimes, not alone suspected,
But acted also with shame?
VVhere men, all Prophanations dare,
In all well-doings cowards are;
And seem to have nor sence nor care,
Either of good, or evil Fame?
7
VVhen what relates to Earth and Heav'n,Seems of its proper use bereaven,
(And what for common use was given,
Made only for th'abusers sake)
VVhat humane Wit can save them from
A sad inevitable doom,
VVho false to other men become,
And Pitfalls for themselves do make?
8
VVhen first I did converse with men,They were exceeding wicked then;
But now seem worse by five in ten:
For, till of late I never heard,
That such Abominations were,
So impudently acted here
VVithin this Clime, as now they are
By probable Reports, aver'd.
9
If Justice executed were,If we were what we would appear,
In thought, in deed, in word, sincere;
Oppressors and self-seekers fewer;
31
VVho to good principles are true,
Might more successefully pursue,
VVhat would at last, our weal procure.
10
But whilst we see one crying sinBrings ev'ry day another in,
Whence new Corruptions do begin,
VVhat can the Righteous hope to do;
But meekly wait on GOD, (until
Her measure wickedness doth fill)
Submitting all things to his will,
And adding their Amen, thereto?
11
VVhilst we each mangie humour claw,Turn Grand Oppressions into Law,
Stand nor of GOD, or men in awe,
And, Truths, by Violence confute;
VVe bring but fewel to that fire,
Or breath to blow the flame still higher,
VVherein our hopes will quite expire;
And Prudence then is justly mute.
12
For when GOD threatens Desolations,If men turn due Humiliations
To Triumphs and vain Recreations;
VVhat can be justly then expected?
But changing hopes into despairs,
More Breaches, instead of Repairs,
And that our formal thanks and prayers,
Should be offensive, and rejected?
32
13
Oft under Trust is hatched Treason,VVise to be thought, is to want Reason,
Sincerity is out of season;
Foundations likewise are orethrown:
To speak the Truth is now a Crime;
To look for Justice 'tis no time,
(To be a Knave, the way to clime)
And sin almost full ripe is grown.
14
My witness, therefore, having born,(Among men in the hope forlorn)
I'le all alone, sit down and mourn
For that which cannot prevented.
My Lot, I'le meekly take with those,
VVhom GOD shall unto that expose,
VVhich may befall both Friends and Foes,
And therewith will remain contented.
15
This now, is all that can be done;That therefore I resolving on,
VVill let the world a while alone,
And GOD therein to work his will?
Ile only take that Ammunition,
VVhich gives no just cause of suspicion,
And (without seeking their perdition)
Let filthy men be filthy still.
16
Thus far forth I have trod the Maze,VVithout offence to any Cause,
That's justifi'd by righteous Laws;
But now no further can proceed:
For so Confusion here abounds,
That Good and Evil it confounds,
33
VVhich fruitless makes both word and deed.
17
For they who dance upon the brinkOf Hell it self (and fondly think
They are secure because they wink;)
Their open danger cannot see,
But are so vext to hear me tell
Their Heaven borders upon Hell;
That for my wishing of them well,
They wish but little good to me.
18
Perhaps too, as the Round now goes,They who my good intents oppose,
(And are both mine and their own foes)
May seek to take my life away:
If they so do; when that is done,
I shall beyond their reach be gone;
And he who all deeds looks upon,
VVill suddenly their spight repay.
19
Yet I shall make no such Request,As may not with their weal consist:
I, neither by the Sword, or Pest,
Or Famine, wish aveng'd to be;
Or by ought else, which might destroy
The Life which here they do enjoy,
(Though they that Mercy mis-imploy;)
This rather shall my Prayer be,
20
Let GOD confound their pride, their hate,And all their Plots annihilate,
Who shall design to practise that,
Which may to his dishonour tend.
34
Whereby ungodly men contrive;
How they another may deprive
Of his just Freedom, Foe, or Friend.
21
This Deprecation doth not reachMens Persons, or that Love impeach
Which Christian Verity doth teach:
For, to avenge themselves of wrong,
That giveth liberty to none;
But, to do good for evil done
Required is of every one,
To whom a Saintship doth belong.
22
The Publick Welfare I preferBefore mine own particular;
And this for truth I may aver,
Whoever shall the same deny:
My Country, or my Sovereign Lord,
Neither by actions, or by word,
Or by my Pen, or by my Sword,
To self-ends injured have I.
23
I have not broke my Faith to thoseWho did a Trust in me repose,
Whether they prov'd my Friends or Foes;
But did with Loyalty submit,
To do, or suffer under them
Who exercise the Power Supream,
Which is at the dispose of Him,
Who gives and takes, as he sees fit.
24
I never did for Love or Hate,Act, or design to innovate
35
But did my duties in my place;
And when I fear'd that for our sin
An Anarchy was creeping in,
Endeavor'd, when it did begin,
How to preserve the Common-Peace.
25
When Civil Pow'rs were so divided,That then both Fools and Wise men sided
As Interest or Conscience guided,
I sought not to inlarge the rent;
But, being called Aid to bring,
To, (and by) them, whose counselling
Had been Authoriz'd by the King,
I, to perform my duty, went.
26
Retir'd from Court and City then,I liv'd among plain Countrymen,
Employing otherwhile the Pen,
My private Musings to record;
Which, I had more desire to do,
Then that which I was call'd unto,
Till I was importuned so,
That I at last, put on my Sword.
27
To do my best, forth arm'd I came,(My Conscience warranting the same)
And porpos'd nothing worthy blame,
By unjust violence, or guile.
For, in sincerity I thought,
A course we follow'd as we ought,
Whereby means might to pass be brought,
Divided Friends to reconcile.
36
28
But so divsions them inrag'd,Who were in that Contest engag'd,
And, such ill consequents presag'd,
That, I my Troop did soon disband;
And, hopeless I should ought assay
Successful in a martial way,
My Sword, and Arms quite flung away,
And took my Pen again in hand.
29
Such new Adventures this began,That, I appeared to be then
Betwixt the Fire and Frying-pan:
For, such proceedings I espy'd;
That, they who with the best intent
Pursu'd the way in which they went
(And ill to neither party meant)
Found least respect on either side.
30
To see what was done well or ill,I had just cause, against my will,
To be there, an ey-witness still,
Where grand affairs transacted were.
As well the Person as the Name
I knew of most men, who by fame
Were said to merit praise or blame,
And who did best or worst appear.
31
Self-love, base Avarice, and Pride,I saw among themselves divide
The publick Rights, on either side;
Their Foes befriending out of season;
Well-meaning Innocents destroying,
Their pow'r to favour Guilt employing,
37
Against their Friends committing Treason.
32
I saw both GOD and Man offended,Much finding fault, but little mended;
Good Life and Piety pretended;
But few whose words and works were one:
They who most quarrell'd with each other,
In evil so agreed together,
That to repose a trust in either,
I found but little cause, or none.
33
The worse men were, they seem'd the betterTo serve their ends, and much the fitter
To be inriched and made greater.
Him who did most indulge their sin;
Or, to inflame their lust brought fewel;
Or, were unto their foes most cruel,
They kept about them as a Jewel;
And, such, their chief esteem did win.
34
Such as had neither Grace nor Wit,Such as Job judged men unfit
Among his Shepherds Dogs to sit;
Ev'n such as were, the other day,
More worthy of contempt than those
Who liv'd by picking Hips and Sloes,
(With such food as on Hedges grows)
VVere honour'd; yea few more than they.
35
These having scratcht up wealth and power,In Court and City, Town and Tower,
Did act as if our fatal hour
VVere hither making an advance:
38
At hazard plaid, in such a mode,
(At Hide, at Even, and at Odd)
As if all things were rul'd by chance.
36
Thereby my hazards greater wereThan those which I had cause to fear,
When War most dreadfull did appear:
For, at what I before had done,
One party only took offence;
But, I have anger'd ever since
All parties, who have lost the sence
Of what they seem to carry on.
37
This made me dip my Pen in Gall,Impartially reproving all,
Without regard what might befall
To me, whilst just things I intended:
For, alwayes I regarded so
Their Honour, and their Profit too,
With whom my Muses had to do,
That none have cause to be offended.
38
It nev'rtheless, on me so broughtTheir hate, whose welfare I had sought,
That of mine own they left me nought,
Which might my likely want supply:
No place whereon to rest my head,
No certainty of daily bread,
But in my old age to be fed
And cloathed by pure Charity.
39
In which strait GOD provided so,That I yet live his work to do,
39
Yea, more than when it larger seem'd:
For, what's bereaved was but Lumber,
Which did with many cares becumber,
And, is not put into the number
Of things which merit best esteem.
40
I therefore, whatsoev'r befel,To High and Low did plainly tell,
(Whether they took it ill or well)
Such things as I thought needful were;
And oft expressed with my Pen,
What might minde me and other men,
More heed to take, both how, and when,
Unto our selves we Traytors are.
41
And time to come, when I am dead,Shall find there will be still much need
To tolerate one in my stead,
That may pursue what I begun.
VVhen God so pleaseth, let him come
To do him service in my room;
And, let the Work he calls me from,
Thrive better than it yet hath done.
42
My time is almost wholly past;And, thinking this may be the last,
For a Nil Ultra here 'tis plac't,
As having no more now to say:
But if my life God longer spare,
And shall my heart anew prepare,
His pleasure further to declare,
I'le take this Bounder-stone away.
40
43
I sute it thus unto these times,In that with which most fancies chimes,
Expressing that in gingling Rimes,
Which I suppose to be in season;
Else little heed they give thereto;
Or, if plain Truths observe they do,
Good meanings are mistaken so,
That safe it is not to speak Reason.
44
Things may result sometimes perchance,Ev'n from a trifling circumstance,
Which will be helpful to advance
Th'effecting of a Grand Design.
Once e're Elisha would begin
To speak, a Fidler was call'd in;
Of use, that seem'd then to have been
For his Work; so may this for mine.
Man proposeth, but GOD disposeth, and his will be done.
God save the King.
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