University of Virginia Library

The King by such temptations, and so many
Beleagur'd seems, as never were by any
With constancy and without foil withstood,
Save by him, who was GOD with flesh and bloud:
For, he stands now expos'd to ev'ry evil,
(Ev'n in the Front) whereby World, Flesh, or Devil,
May him assault; and with him 'twill go hard,
Unless, GOD sends him in, an Angel-guard;
Which (if it be his pleasure) that he may,
My heart unfeignedly doth often pray;
And that, at this time, he submit his will,
The mind of God, sincerely to fulfil:
For, I beleeve, that as it did with Saul,
(On his probation-day, long since befall)
These Kingdoms will establish'd be to him,
As he with GOD complyeth at this time.
Fair Opportunities this present day
Are offer'd, which if he let slip away,
We have but hitherto a course begun,
Whereby we may at last be more undone:
And though he should become ten times as strong
In things which to a carnal strength belong,
It will to settle him prevayl no more
Than such pow'rs have prevailed heretofore:
Nor will it, when most mighty he appears
To others, from his own heart, keep out fears
Of things not to be feared; but at length
Make him, perhaps, afraid of his own strength:
And that which by a Trifle hath been lost,
VVill be recover'd with as little cost
As when 'twas won, assoon as their despight,
Their sins and insolencies are at height,
VVho shall by petulant exasperations,
(Beyond the common patience of these Nations)
Abuse his Grace, and turn their late success
Into oppression, pride, and wantonness.
This, seems by some endeavour'd (having ends
Repugnant untowhat the King intends)
Who do proceed (as if that for the nonce)
To make all Suff'rers desperate at once,
By gelding and delaying of the Grace,
For which the King spontaneously did pass
His Royal Word: And, this may an Event
Produce, at last, whereof some will repent
When 'tis too late; since Mastives brook it worse
To be o're-much provokt, then Fawning Curs.