 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
SIXTH COLLECTION
Fragmenta Prophetica.
OR, THE REMAINS OF GEORGE WITHER, Esq;
BEING A Collection of the several Predictions, dispers'd throughout his Works. Some verified in the Author's life-time; many yet unfulfill'd, the Accomplishment whereof seem very probable. The last Work of the Author, and collected by his own hand a little before his death.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil.
PROV. 22. 3.
3
A PREFACE to the following REVIEW, offering somewhat therewith considerable.
22
[GOD's Promises and Threatnings, unto all]
GOD's Promises and Threatnings, unto allPredicted are, with a Conditional
Express or Tacit; and (although they seem
Pronounced absolutely, at some time)
May be reversible according to
Our Faith, and acting what we ought to do:
For, we are taught by many Presidents,
That, like Proceedings will have like events,
Till somewhat interveneth to dispense
Judgment and Mercy with a difference.
Most part of what this Author did predict,
Hath variously already took effect:
And, if ought is deferred, or abated,
Of that which was by him prognosticated
Against this Generation, or this Place,
'Tis meerly an effect of GOD's free-grace,
23
A seed must be preserv'd till he shall come,
Whose coming, & whose reign will put an end
To all their sufferings, who for him attend
In faithful patience, and he will enable
To bear mean while, what seems intolerable.
25
[Though Lot a while in Zoar stai'd]
Though Lot a while in Zoar stai'd,There long to abide he was afraid;
And many now begin to fear
There will be little safety here;
Because they see, hear and believe
What makes them both to fear and grieve.
Yet, in his place let each man stay
Until God calleth him away,
By straitning of his path-wayes here,
Or, by enlarging them elsewhere.
26
He moves, he bears not our sinnes thither;
For, to what place soe're we go,
The same sinns bring the same Plagues too.
And, there is means of saving-Grace
For Penitents, in ev'ry place.
27
A Review of Neglected Remembrances.
Being a Breviate of the most considerable Remembrances and Predictions dispersed in the Books hereafter specified, and published at several times, upon such various Occasions as inclined the Author to those Prophetical Expressions.
111
An Interjection, occasioned by a sudden Ejaculation, whilst this Review of Neglected Remembrances was transcribing; which shall here stand inserted, thought it be no part of what was heretofore expressed, or intended to be hereunto added.
Alas!
in this Review, to what good end
My words, my time and labour thus to spend
Am I enforc'd? Why am I troublesome
To others and my self, of things to come
Or past, still to make mention? since I see
Nor Judgments, whereof sensible men be
(From day to day) nor Mercies, which betwixt
Those Judgments intervene, or intermixt,
Much heeded are? although they such have been,
As are not in one Age or Place oft seen.
My words, my time and labour thus to spend
Am I enforc'd? Why am I troublesome
To others and my self, of things to come
Or past, still to make mention? since I see
Nor Judgments, whereof sensible men be
(From day to day) nor Mercies, which betwixt
Those Judgments intervene, or intermixt,
Much heeded are? although they such have been,
As are not in one Age or Place oft seen.
Oh Times! Oh Manners! how far wil these Nations
Proceed at last in their Prevarications,
If GOD thereto a bounder shall not set,
And they seek him no more then they do yet?
Our Posture at this present is the same
With Isr'els when they forth from Egypt came.
Two Mountains on both sides of them they had,
O're which no pass in safety could be made;
Before them was a Sea, where Ship or Boat
To waft them over, could not then be got.
Behind them, Pharoah with a dreadful Host
Pursu'de them, to recover what was lost,
And to reduce them to that servile state,
Which they were hopeful had been out of date;
Or to destroy them quite, where did appear
No likely hope of a Deliverer:
For means of safety they could none espye,
Within the prospect of a carnal eye.
Proceed at last in their Prevarications,
If GOD thereto a bounder shall not set,
And they seek him no more then they do yet?
Our Posture at this present is the same
With Isr'els when they forth from Egypt came.
Two Mountains on both sides of them they had,
O're which no pass in safety could be made;
Before them was a Sea, where Ship or Boat
To waft them over, could not then be got.
Behind them, Pharoah with a dreadful Host
Pursu'de them, to recover what was lost,
And to reduce them to that servile state,
Which they were hopeful had been out of date;
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No likely hope of a Deliverer:
For means of safety they could none espye,
Within the prospect of a carnal eye.
They, thus affrighted, to the LORD then cri'de,
Not as they should, who do in him confi'de;
But with more fear then faith; nay, worse then so,
They murmur'd, and upbraided Moses too,
In an uncivil and ingrateful mode,
As if without a warranty from GOD
He had imprudently pursu'd a course
Which they foresaw, and told him would make worse
Their bad Condition; yea, exprest a will,
Slaves (as they had been) to continue still.
Not as they should, who do in him confi'de;
But with more fear then faith; nay, worse then so,
They murmur'd, and upbraided Moses too,
In an uncivil and ingrateful mode,
As if without a warranty from GOD
He had imprudently pursu'd a course
Which they foresaw, and told him would make worse
Their bad Condition; yea, exprest a will,
Slaves (as they had been) to continue still.
Yet he (the meekest person who then liv'd)
As if he neither at that time perceiv'd
How him they injur'd; or how justly they
Deserv'd what seemed probable that day,
(Or how much base, unmanly slavishness
Their own tongues did apparently express)
He wav'd their murmurs, whilst they were afraid,
As if nought had amiss by them been said:
And, like a loving Father, speaking to
His Children, (knowing not when they mis-do)
Said gently thus: Fear not, stand still and see
With patience, how ye shall deliver'd be:
For these Egyptians who are now before
Your eyes this day, shall never fright you more:
And so befel it; for next morn they saw
Their foes lye dead, of whom they stood in awe,
Drown'd by the waves, and on that Sea-shore cast,
Through which they dry-shod, and in safety past.
Yet both that, with those Mercies which before
GOD had vouchsaf'd (with very many more
Soon after) seemed to be so forgot,
As if they them, or him regarded not.
As if he neither at that time perceiv'd
How him they injur'd; or how justly they
Deserv'd what seemed probable that day,
(Or how much base, unmanly slavishness
Their own tongues did apparently express)
He wav'd their murmurs, whilst they were afraid,
As if nought had amiss by them been said:
And, like a loving Father, speaking to
His Children, (knowing not when they mis-do)
Said gently thus: Fear not, stand still and see
With patience, how ye shall deliver'd be:
For these Egyptians who are now before
Your eyes this day, shall never fright you more:
And so befel it; for next morn they saw
Their foes lye dead, of whom they stood in awe,
Drown'd by the waves, and on that Sea-shore cast,
Through which they dry-shod, and in safety past.
Yet both that, with those Mercies which before
GOD had vouchsaf'd (with very many more
113
As if they them, or him regarded not.
Now at this present time such is our case,
We are beleaguer'd as that People was;
With hazards upon every side confin'de;
With dangers both before us, and behind;
Not onely having many Foreign Foes,
But some likewise at home as bad as those;
And, worse within us also, who have brought us
To greater streights then all our Foes without us.
Those Jews we parallel in ev'ry thing,
Who injur'd Moses by their murmuring:
And, are as thankless unto GOD, who hath
Here acted, both in Mercy and in Wrath,
As many Wonders as by him were shown
In Egypt when King Pharoh was o'rethrown;
(Though they appear not such unto their sence,
Who shut the eyes of their Intelligence)
We as distrustful are as they, as giddy
In ev'ry Tryal too; we are as ready
To make a Golden Calf, and to prefer
That Idol before our Deliverer.
As much as they, we long to repossess
The Flesh-pots of our Lusts, our Slavishness,
(Which we did cry to be deliver'd from)
As soon as into any streight we come.
We are beleaguer'd as that People was;
With hazards upon every side confin'de;
With dangers both before us, and behind;
Not onely having many Foreign Foes,
But some likewise at home as bad as those;
And, worse within us also, who have brought us
To greater streights then all our Foes without us.
Those Jews we parallel in ev'ry thing,
Who injur'd Moses by their murmuring:
And, are as thankless unto GOD, who hath
Here acted, both in Mercy and in Wrath,
As many Wonders as by him were shown
In Egypt when King Pharoh was o'rethrown;
(Though they appear not such unto their sence,
Who shut the eyes of their Intelligence)
We as distrustful are as they, as giddy
In ev'ry Tryal too; we are as ready
To make a Golden Calf, and to prefer
That Idol before our Deliverer.
As much as they, we long to repossess
The Flesh-pots of our Lusts, our Slavishness,
(Which we did cry to be deliver'd from)
As soon as into any streight we come.
Yet, GOD hath been to us (and at this time)
Continues the same GOD he was to them.
Though their example, which should make us better,
Hath made our Provocations much the greater,
He with us dealeth, as a Father mild,
Whose heart is grieved by a froward Child;
And, as he did with stubborn Ephraim
When Anger and Compassion moved him
To cry out thus, What shall I do to thee?
For at a stand with us he seems to be,
Both by his frequently himself estranging,
And by his oft returning, and oft changing
His Judgments and his Mercies, that we may
Be changed, and reform our crooked way.
Continues the same GOD he was to them.
Though their example, which should make us better,
Hath made our Provocations much the greater,
He with us dealeth, as a Father mild,
Whose heart is grieved by a froward Child;
And, as he did with stubborn Ephraim
When Anger and Compassion moved him
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For at a stand with us he seems to be,
Both by his frequently himself estranging,
And by his oft returning, and oft changing
His Judgments and his Mercies, that we may
Be changed, and reform our crooked way.
We have this day (though in another mode)
The daily Presence of our gracious GOD
To lead us through that Wilderness of Sin
In which we have a long time wandring been:
He guides, guards, and provideth us Supplies
In all our wants, (though in another wise)
And is with us as wonderfully here,
As when his People brought from Egypt were.
The self-same Cloud and Pillar we have had,
(Though varied) and, as effectual made
To all intents and purposes, as they
Then had; and to refresh us in the way
Unto the Land of Rest, we have that Rock
Whereof they drank, unto that purpose broke:
And, though we oft stray, shall to what we tend
Attain, when we are at our Journeys end;
If we believe, and persevere to do
So much as GOD enableth us unto.
For, he requireth not from any one
A scruple more then may by him be done;
Nor doth expect from any to receive
More then what he at first, or last shall give;
Because of all omissions and mis-actions,
He hath in full accepted satisfactions
By his Deservings, who secure us may
From whatsoever Debts we cannot pay;
If on his Mediation we depend,
With Faith and Penitence at our lives end;
That Mark retaining, which distinguisheth
Christs chosen Sheep from Goats, in Life and Death;
To wit, that love to him, and to each other,
Which knits for ever, GOD and Man together.
The daily Presence of our gracious GOD
To lead us through that Wilderness of Sin
In which we have a long time wandring been:
He guides, guards, and provideth us Supplies
In all our wants, (though in another wise)
And is with us as wonderfully here,
As when his People brought from Egypt were.
The self-same Cloud and Pillar we have had,
(Though varied) and, as effectual made
To all intents and purposes, as they
Then had; and to refresh us in the way
Unto the Land of Rest, we have that Rock
Whereof they drank, unto that purpose broke:
And, though we oft stray, shall to what we tend
Attain, when we are at our Journeys end;
If we believe, and persevere to do
So much as GOD enableth us unto.
For, he requireth not from any one
A scruple more then may by him be done;
Nor doth expect from any to receive
More then what he at first, or last shall give;
Because of all omissions and mis-actions,
He hath in full accepted satisfactions
By his Deservings, who secure us may
From whatsoever Debts we cannot pay;
If on his Mediation we depend,
With Faith and Penitence at our lives end;
115
Christs chosen Sheep from Goats, in Life and Death;
To wit, that love to him, and to each other,
Which knits for ever, GOD and Man together.
This is that everlasting Gospel which
We were foretold, an Angel was to preach
To ev'ry Kindred, People, Tongue and Nation
Throughout the earth to bring men to Salvation:
And, for a preparation thereunto,
He cry'd aloud, (as all true Prophets do)
Fear God; to Him, and to the Lamb give praise,
For now the hour is come, (these are the dayes)
Wherein his Judgments must be pour'd on them
Who shall not glorifie and worship him
By whom Heaven, Earth, the Fountains & the Seas
Created were, and ev'ry thing in these.
We were foretold, an Angel was to preach
To ev'ry Kindred, People, Tongue and Nation
Throughout the earth to bring men to Salvation:
And, for a preparation thereunto,
He cry'd aloud, (as all true Prophets do)
Fear God; to Him, and to the Lamb give praise,
For now the hour is come, (these are the dayes)
Wherein his Judgments must be pour'd on them
Who shall not glorifie and worship him
By whom Heaven, Earth, the Fountains & the Seas
Created were, and ev'ry thing in these.
The fear of God is that which first lets in
True Wisdom; that brings Penitence for sin:
By these within the heart of man is wrought
Such Faith and Grace, that they then taking root,
Do seasonably bring forth such blessed fruit,
As by degrees destroys the thorns and weeds
Which either choak or starve the holy Seeds,
From whence the means of those enjoyments springs
Whereof to us that Gospel tydings brings.
True Wisdom; that brings Penitence for sin:
By these within the heart of man is wrought
Such Faith and Grace, that they then taking root,
Do seasonably bring forth such blessed fruit,
As by degrees destroys the thorns and weeds
Which either choak or starve the holy Seeds,
From whence the means of those enjoyments springs
Whereof to us that Gospel tydings brings.
This method long ago was practised
By John the Baptist, when he ushered
Christ and his Everlasting Gospel in,
By preaching of true penitence for sin:
And thereby did prepare before his face,
The way intended, to soul-saving Grace.
Such Consequents, as promis'd are to spring
By John the Baptist, when he ushered
Christ and his Everlasting Gospel in,
By preaching of true penitence for sin:
And thereby did prepare before his face,
The way intended, to soul-saving Grace.
From Christ and his Apostles publishing
116
As preached in the ordinary mode,
Or by the Holy Ghost, which oft conveighs
The same by extraordinary wayes)
Are without fail to them vouchsaf'd for ever,
Who entertaine it; and shall still endeavour
Conformity, sincerely, that to do
Which Grace and Nature them inables to.
But everlastingly it shall not be
Preacht in this World: For this believe must we,
That his Commission, who Authorized
Those men, by whom it was first published,
Is nigh expir'd; and that it shall not last
One minute longer, when that date is past;
Which will be in that Moment wherein all
Shall die, or changed be; but sooner shall
Be so to them, who summon'd are away
By Death, before that Grand Assizes day.
If it be so, let us take timely heed
What Doctrine thence, doth by result proceed:
For Christ himself, is he who did predict
The Judgments which we both feel and expect.
He is that Angel in a Mystery,
Who through the midst of the Heavens did flye.
Twas he, whom 'twixt the Heavens of the Law
And Gospel many Prophets flying saw,
To bring the News and Means to every Nation
Of Peace on Earth, by reconciliation
'Twixt GOD and Man. We have already seen,
Some of those Tokens, which foretold have been,
To signifie to us the General Doom,
That should soon after their appearance come;
And should they be commemorated here.
It very evidently would appear,
That hitherward it speedily advances
To them who heed well the known Circumstances
In GOD's and humane Actings. He hath pour'd
The Viols forth, whereby some are devour'd,
And some tormented; yet, most men grow more
Blasphemous, and more wicked then before.
And had we no sign else to predeclare
The sounding of the Seventh Trump, is near,
Save that, and those Divisions, which of late
Republicks, Realms and Persons separate
From others, and themselves; we need not shew
Another Symptome of what will ensue.
What Doctrine thence, doth by result proceed:
For Christ himself, is he who did predict
The Judgments which we both feel and expect.
He is that Angel in a Mystery,
Who through the midst of the Heavens did flye.
Twas he, whom 'twixt the Heavens of the Law
And Gospel many Prophets flying saw,
To bring the News and Means to every Nation
Of Peace on Earth, by reconciliation
'Twixt GOD and Man. We have already seen,
Some of those Tokens, which foretold have been,
To signifie to us the General Doom,
That should soon after their appearance come;
117
It very evidently would appear,
That hitherward it speedily advances
To them who heed well the known Circumstances
In GOD's and humane Actings. He hath pour'd
The Viols forth, whereby some are devour'd,
And some tormented; yet, most men grow more
Blasphemous, and more wicked then before.
And had we no sign else to predeclare
The sounding of the Seventh Trump, is near,
Save that, and those Divisions, which of late
Republicks, Realms and Persons separate
From others, and themselves; we need not shew
Another Symptome of what will ensue.
To hasten such Dooms (among other Crimes
Which are predominant in these our times)
One I have seen reiterated here
With impudence in publick ev'ry year,
Which will not go unpunish'd, though the Nation
Hath entertain'd it with much veneration:
But I have yet no warrant to declare it,
And therefore till I have so, will forbear it.
Which are predominant in these our times)
One I have seen reiterated here
With impudence in publick ev'ry year,
Which will not go unpunish'd, though the Nation
Hath entertain'd it with much veneration:
But I have yet no warrant to declare it,
And therefore till I have so, will forbear it.
With these, there is likewise one special Sign
Concurrent, mention'd in Records Divine,
(Not least considerable) 'tis a defection
By wanting of that Natural affection
Which constitutes the Manhood; for that sin
Doth to be Epidemieal begin;
Yea, ev'n the natural Act of Generation,
Which was ordained for our preservation,
So is corrupted into an excess
Of brutish Lustings, beyond beastliness,
And filthiness, grown up to such a height,
That many in their sins take less delight
Except they lawlesly be carried on,
And shall be likewise impudently done.
To which end, ev'n our honest Recreations
Are lately scandalized by these Nations,
And oft abused; yea, the Tunes and Songs
Which to a sober merriment belongs,
Are so estranged now from what they were
In former times, (and within Sixty year)
That in my apprehension there doth seem
So vast a diffrence betwixt these and them,
As 'twixt the croakings of a Ravens throat,
And Linnets, or a Nightingales clear note.
Which unto me appeareth to portend
Our pleasant things are drawing to an end;
And, that our sins, and their deserved doom
Are now almost to their last period come.
Concurrent, mention'd in Records Divine,
(Not least considerable) 'tis a defection
By wanting of that Natural affection
Which constitutes the Manhood; for that sin
Doth to be Epidemieal begin;
Yea, ev'n the natural Act of Generation,
Which was ordained for our preservation,
So is corrupted into an excess
Of brutish Lustings, beyond beastliness,
And filthiness, grown up to such a height,
That many in their sins take less delight
118
And shall be likewise impudently done.
To which end, ev'n our honest Recreations
Are lately scandalized by these Nations,
And oft abused; yea, the Tunes and Songs
Which to a sober merriment belongs,
Are so estranged now from what they were
In former times, (and within Sixty year)
That in my apprehension there doth seem
So vast a diffrence betwixt these and them,
As 'twixt the croakings of a Ravens throat,
And Linnets, or a Nightingales clear note.
Which unto me appeareth to portend
Our pleasant things are drawing to an end;
And, that our sins, and their deserved doom
Are now almost to their last period come.
One Sign more I will add unto those many
Foremention'd, which as signal is as any:
Some of the true Christ do begin to doubt,
And where to find another, hunt about;
Not wanting such as will be undertaking
To bring them unto one of their own making.
Thus much, as I believe, his words implies,
Who said false Christs and Prophets should arise
In latter times; for I have in my dayes
Seen that to be fulfilled many wayes.
The greatest number Christians now profest,
Send one another unto Antichrist,
And say that's he: In Turky at this day,
He is expected, (as reports do say.)
And many last year were in expectation
To hear thereof, ere now, a confirmation.
And I, because I credit not that Fame,
A man of little Faith reputed am.
Some confidently tell us he is here,
To wit, in this Church whereof now we are;
And, so I hope, although it may be thought
We have not entertain'd him as we ought;
Nor are so charitable unto them,
Who conscientiously do worship him.
Foremention'd, which as signal is as any:
Some of the true Christ do begin to doubt,
And where to find another, hunt about;
Not wanting such as will be undertaking
To bring them unto one of their own making.
Thus much, as I believe, his words implies,
Who said false Christs and Prophets should arise
In latter times; for I have in my dayes
Seen that to be fulfilled many wayes.
The greatest number Christians now profest,
Send one another unto Antichrist,
And say that's he: In Turky at this day,
He is expected, (as reports do say.)
And many last year were in expectation
To hear thereof, ere now, a confirmation.
And I, because I credit not that Fame,
A man of little Faith reputed am.
119
To wit, in this Church whereof now we are;
And, so I hope, although it may be thought
We have not entertain'd him as we ought;
Nor are so charitable unto them,
Who conscientiously do worship him.
Some say, he's there, in such or such a place
Wherein a secret Meeting is, or was;
Some other send men to the Wilderness,
Affirming he is there; perhaps by this
Intruding, that he by the Humane Creature,
May found be in his own wild until'd Nature:
But this believe not, for till thither he
Comes of himself, found there he cannot be,
Nor any where, save where that Love resides
Which doth expel that self-love which divides
His Flocks, and causeth men no care to take
Those breaches to repair, which Pride doth make.
Not many take into consideration
How to improve aright this Visitation;
They do both good and evil things mis-name,
The wicked they acquit, the righteous blame;
Their Interests sometimes confound together,
To th'one sometimes apply what's due to th'other.
And, as the Jews (their type) did justifie
Themselves in acting that Impiety
For which they are corrected; we begin
To say, like them, the troubles we are in,
And loss of all the good things now bereft,
Befall us onely because we had left
Such Idolizings, as when Spice-Cakes given
For an Oblation to the Queen of Heaven,
By them omitted were. Such thoughts have we
Of GOD, and of those Judgments which now be
On us inflicted; yea, their parallel
We are in all, wherein they did not well.
Wherein a secret Meeting is, or was;
Some other send men to the Wilderness,
Affirming he is there; perhaps by this
Intruding, that he by the Humane Creature,
May found be in his own wild until'd Nature:
But this believe not, for till thither he
Comes of himself, found there he cannot be,
Nor any where, save where that Love resides
Which doth expel that self-love which divides
His Flocks, and causeth men no care to take
Those breaches to repair, which Pride doth make.
Not many take into consideration
How to improve aright this Visitation;
They do both good and evil things mis-name,
The wicked they acquit, the righteous blame;
Their Interests sometimes confound together,
To th'one sometimes apply what's due to th'other.
And, as the Jews (their type) did justifie
Themselves in acting that Impiety
For which they are corrected; we begin
To say, like them, the troubles we are in,
And loss of all the good things now bereft,
Befall us onely because we had left
Such Idolizings, as when Spice-Cakes given
For an Oblation to the Queen of Heaven,
By them omitted were. Such thoughts have we
Of GOD, and of those Judgments which now be
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We are in all, wherein they did not well.
I am not able to enumerate
The many wayes whereby we separate
From one another; nor dare say how few
Go right, if there be but one way that's true.
Nor know how to be safe, unless there were
As well a preaching to the heart, as ear:
For, most what now proceeding from the mouth
Is, only counter-pleadings between Truth
And error; which both sides, to fortifie
With so much confidency do applie
The words or meanings of Gods holy writ,
That, had we no way to ascertain it
But these, or those men, or my yea or no,
None could know what they should believe or do.
For, as well Supream Powers as private men
Are Patrons of gross errors now and then;
And by Authority that is supprest
Which was by like Authority profest.
With ev'ry windy Doctrine flur'd about,
Some are not half so zealously devout
And resolute professors of what's true,
As of what is Heretical and New:
And others oldest and sound Truths condemn,
Because they are but Novelties to them.
The many wayes whereby we separate
From one another; nor dare say how few
Go right, if there be but one way that's true.
Nor know how to be safe, unless there were
As well a preaching to the heart, as ear:
For, most what now proceeding from the mouth
Is, only counter-pleadings between Truth
And error; which both sides, to fortifie
With so much confidency do applie
The words or meanings of Gods holy writ,
That, had we no way to ascertain it
But these, or those men, or my yea or no,
None could know what they should believe or do.
For, as well Supream Powers as private men
Are Patrons of gross errors now and then;
And by Authority that is supprest
Which was by like Authority profest.
With ev'ry windy Doctrine flur'd about,
Some are not half so zealously devout
And resolute professors of what's true,
As of what is Heretical and New:
And others oldest and sound Truths condemn,
Because they are but Novelties to them.
Some term all those Phanaticks who dissent
From them in Judgment, although innocent.
Some call them Saints and Martyrs, who by some
Are judg'd the cause of all the Plagues now come.
The Romanists, unto our Separation
From them, ascribe this present Visitation.
Some others say, it is our toleration
Of their Idolatries, which plagues this Nation.
Some to entrenching on mens Consciences
Impute it. Some to our tolerating these.
Some to expelling of the Hi'rachy:
Some to suppressing the Presbytery.
Some to Rebellious actings against Kings;
Some other unto quite contrary things.
And the result of all summ'd up together,
Is this, Each shifts his guilt off to another.
But, GOD before the Round hath wheel'd about,
Will find the principal Offenders out,
Either while time runs on, or, when he shall
To universal Judgment summon all.
From them in Judgment, although innocent.
Some call them Saints and Martyrs, who by some
Are judg'd the cause of all the Plagues now come.
The Romanists, unto our Separation
From them, ascribe this present Visitation.
Some others say, it is our toleration
Of their Idolatries, which plagues this Nation.
121
Impute it. Some to our tolerating these.
Some to expelling of the Hi'rachy:
Some to suppressing the Presbytery.
Some to Rebellious actings against Kings;
Some other unto quite contrary things.
And the result of all summ'd up together,
Is this, Each shifts his guilt off to another.
But, GOD before the Round hath wheel'd about,
Will find the principal Offenders out,
Either while time runs on, or, when he shall
To universal Judgment summon all.
That which should have two feet to stand upon,
We cripple, by allowing it but one:
Some zealous are for Temples built with stones;
Some for those spiritualiz'd in flesh and bones.
Some are for Conquests by the Temp'ral Sword;
Some to be Victors by the Two-edged Word.
Some look for Christ in that Jerusalem
Which was in Palestine; and some for him
(In that Jerusalem which doth descend
From Heaven) do in Faith and Hope attend:
And, too too often also, they who be
At union in their Judgments, disagree
So long (for By-ends) timely to improve
Their knowledg, faith and works, by Christian Love,
That in all, whereby they to merit thought,
Their Labour's lost, and all for which they wrought,
We cripple, by allowing it but one:
Some zealous are for Temples built with stones;
Some for those spiritualiz'd in flesh and bones.
Some are for Conquests by the Temp'ral Sword;
Some to be Victors by the Two-edged Word.
Some look for Christ in that Jerusalem
Which was in Palestine; and some for him
(In that Jerusalem which doth descend
From Heaven) do in Faith and Hope attend:
And, too too often also, they who be
At union in their Judgments, disagree
So long (for By-ends) timely to improve
Their knowledg, faith and works, by Christian Love,
That in all, whereby they to merit thought,
Their Labour's lost, and all for which they wrought,
Delusions now so many are, and such
In these last times, that they endanger much
Ev'n GOD's Elect; and do presignifie
The day of Vengeance is approaching nigh:
And partly seems to be charactared
By what the best men hope, and worst men dread.
However, let no soul despair that hath
Sad apprehensions of the day of Wrath;
By this, or what in my Review you find
Conditionally predicted, to remind
What was neglected; for, among us here
Christ's everlasting Gospel to our ear
Is preached yet; and, not yet is the day
Of Reconcilement passed quite away.
Come, let us therefore, ere it shall grow dark,
To scape the Storm and Fire, flye to th'Ark
Which hath been slighted; there is yet a place
For Mercy, and an open door for Grace.
When Penitence brings Reformation in,
It makes a Blessing, what a Plague had been:
Yea, then 'twill to her future weal be turn'd,
That this great City was to ashes burn'd:
She Phœnix-like, shall gloriously arise
Out of that Rubbish wherein now she lies;
And I, which now am disrespected here,
Shall have a Monument erected there.
GOD all advantages to save us, takes,
Forsaketh none, till him he first forsakes;
Made not one man (though some so please to say)
To be a sinner or a cast-away:
But all in love, that they might be by him
Possessed with delight, and he by them.
For, when the sin of one had all destroy'd,
That his Love should not thereby be made void,
He to redeem them gave his onely Son,
Who ransom'd all again, excepting none.
In these last times, that they endanger much
Ev'n GOD's Elect; and do presignifie
The day of Vengeance is approaching nigh:
And partly seems to be charactared
By what the best men hope, and worst men dread.
122
Sad apprehensions of the day of Wrath;
By this, or what in my Review you find
Conditionally predicted, to remind
What was neglected; for, among us here
Christ's everlasting Gospel to our ear
Is preached yet; and, not yet is the day
Of Reconcilement passed quite away.
Come, let us therefore, ere it shall grow dark,
To scape the Storm and Fire, flye to th'Ark
Which hath been slighted; there is yet a place
For Mercy, and an open door for Grace.
When Penitence brings Reformation in,
It makes a Blessing, what a Plague had been:
Yea, then 'twill to her future weal be turn'd,
That this great City was to ashes burn'd:
She Phœnix-like, shall gloriously arise
Out of that Rubbish wherein now she lies;
And I, which now am disrespected here,
Shall have a Monument erected there.
GOD all advantages to save us, takes,
Forsaketh none, till him he first forsakes;
Made not one man (though some so please to say)
To be a sinner or a cast-away:
But all in love, that they might be by him
Possessed with delight, and he by them.
For, when the sin of one had all destroy'd,
That his Love should not thereby be made void,
He to redeem them gave his onely Son,
Who ransom'd all again, excepting none.
Still by his actings in the dispensation
Of Judgments and of Mercies to this Nation,
(Ev'n by the late Plague of devouring fire)
He manifests, that he doth not desire
Our total Ruine; but, takes all occasions
Allow'd by Justice, for our preservations:
And though ours sins as red as Scarlet show,
He can and will make us as white us snow,
If we repent them; or, if we but would
Endeavour it so far forth as we could:
For, he in sinners deaths takes no delight,
Or, any without cause to grieve or smite:
But in pure love dispenseth his correction,
To bring our happiness unto perfection.
Of Judgments and of Mercies to this Nation,
(Ev'n by the late Plague of devouring fire)
He manifests, that he doth not desire
123
Allow'd by Justice, for our preservations:
And though ours sins as red as Scarlet show,
He can and will make us as white us snow,
If we repent them; or, if we but would
Endeavour it so far forth as we could:
For, he in sinners deaths takes no delight,
Or, any without cause to grieve or smite:
But in pure love dispenseth his correction,
To bring our happiness unto perfection.
This is my Creed, which should I not confess
To glorifie GOD's Love and Righteousness,
(When by occasions thereto mov'd I am,
That others may likewise believe the same)
I merited to be shut out from those
To whom GOD everlasting Mercy shows:
For, could we see, or apprehend how near
He standeth, when far off he doth appear,
Co-operating for, and with us too,
(In that which for our selves we cannot do)
We would more love then fear him (though his blows
Are very sharp) since intents by those,
Is hammering the self-love of the Creature
Into the Will and Temper of his Nature,
To make true Union, which till then, will be
Impossible; for, nothing can agree
With ought so perfectly as to unite,
When diametrically opposite,
As those two Natures be; because the other
Th'one would destroy, if till then knit together.
To glorifie GOD's Love and Righteousness,
(When by occasions thereto mov'd I am,
That others may likewise believe the same)
I merited to be shut out from those
To whom GOD everlasting Mercy shows:
For, could we see, or apprehend how near
He standeth, when far off he doth appear,
Co-operating for, and with us too,
(In that which for our selves we cannot do)
We would more love then fear him (though his blows
Are very sharp) since intents by those,
Is hammering the self-love of the Creature
Into the Will and Temper of his Nature,
To make true Union, which till then, will be
Impossible; for, nothing can agree
With ought so perfectly as to unite,
When diametrically opposite,
As those two Natures be; because the other
Th'one would destroy, if till then knit together.
Repine not therefore, at what GOD shall do,
What ere it be; but willingly thereto
Submit your selves, and heartily repent
Your Provocations. Let us all lament,
Not thereto frighted by a slavish fear
(Of Judgments which now felt or threatned are
By this Review) but in pure love to him
Whose Mercy saves, when Justice might condemn;
And persevereth to redintegrate
By Love, ev'n those who persever'd in Hate.
Do thus, and then the Judgments which in part
Now executing are, GOD will divert.
Repent what you have done, and he will too
Repent of what he threatned hath to do.
For such Repentance well consists with that
Immutability which doth relate
Unto the Deity; and will accord
With Attributes ascribed in his Word.
Yea, though from my Predictions you scape free,
I shall then counted a true Prophet be,
And this my Interjection will appear
Not so improperly inserted here,
As I my self suppos'd, when 'twas begun,
It would appear to many, being done:
For, till I had compos'd what here is pen'd,
I knew not all whereto it might extend;
Nor know I yet: and therefore I do leave it
To such effects as GOD shall please to give it.
What ere it be; but willingly thereto
Submit your selves, and heartily repent
Your Provocations. Let us all lament,
124
(Of Judgments which now felt or threatned are
By this Review) but in pure love to him
Whose Mercy saves, when Justice might condemn;
And persevereth to redintegrate
By Love, ev'n those who persever'd in Hate.
Do thus, and then the Judgments which in part
Now executing are, GOD will divert.
Repent what you have done, and he will too
Repent of what he threatned hath to do.
For such Repentance well consists with that
Immutability which doth relate
Unto the Deity; and will accord
With Attributes ascribed in his Word.
Yea, though from my Predictions you scape free,
I shall then counted a true Prophet be,
And this my Interjection will appear
Not so improperly inserted here,
As I my self suppos'd, when 'twas begun,
It would appear to many, being done:
For, till I had compos'd what here is pen'd,
I knew not all whereto it might extend;
Nor know I yet: and therefore I do leave it
To such effects as GOD shall please to give it.
But how my soul! how came it so to pass,
That this Ejaculation, with Alas,
(And with sad Musings) was begun at first?
Since thou dost know, that when things are at worst,
GOD then comes in, and often doth repair
Our Breaches, when brought near unto despair?
The Aid delay'd a while, he brings at length,
(Ev'n when we have no likely means, or strength
To help our selves) why then shouldst thou be sad,
Who frequently experiments hast had
That Mercy hath to thee been more then doubled,
When others thought thee most extreamly troubled
Thou wert vouchsaf'd the greatest inward Rest,
When in thy Body thou seem'dst most opprest;
And to be kept unharmed in the flame,
Is more then preservation from the same.
That this Ejaculation, with Alas,
(And with sad Musings) was begun at first?
Since thou dost know, that when things are at worst,
GOD then comes in, and often doth repair
Our Breaches, when brought near unto despair?
The Aid delay'd a while, he brings at length,
(Ev'n when we have no likely means, or strength
To help our selves) why then shouldst thou be sad,
Who frequently experiments hast had
125
When others thought thee most extreamly troubled
Thou wert vouchsaf'd the greatest inward Rest,
When in thy Body thou seem'dst most opprest;
And to be kept unharmed in the flame,
Is more then preservation from the same.
Then what thou hast perswaded others to,
Continue (as thou hast profest) to do:
In what GOD's glory may advance, persever;
Depend on him; be pleas'd with whatsoever
He either shall permit, or hath decreed,
And to discharge thy Conscience still proceed,
Not fearing that thy labour or thy cost
In doing of thy Duty, will be lost:
For fully recompens'd thy pains would be,
Though thou shouldst edifie but two or three.
Continue (as thou hast profest) to do:
In what GOD's glory may advance, persever;
Depend on him; be pleas'd with whatsoever
He either shall permit, or hath decreed,
And to discharge thy Conscience still proceed,
Not fearing that thy labour or thy cost
In doing of thy Duty, will be lost:
For fully recompens'd thy pains would be,
Though thou shouldst edifie but two or three.
The World, the Devil, yea mine own flesh too
(Offended much with what I say or do)
Conspire together, and Confederates be
Both to discourage and disparage me;
Pretending they have somewhat to produce,
To prove me blamable without excuse:
(And may destroy me, if nought intervene,
To bar the prosecuting what they mean)
Yet I defie them both to act and say
The worst they either would effect, or may;
For, though they find me many grains too light,
I have a white Stone that will make up weight,
And such a Friend as hath on me bestown
A Righteousness more perfect then mine own.
He cheers me with assurance that he will
To me what he hath been, continue still;
By GOD's free-gift this hope, this faith I have,
And they will send me safe beyond my Grave.
(Offended much with what I say or do)
Conspire together, and Confederates be
Both to discourage and disparage me;
Pretending they have somewhat to produce,
To prove me blamable without excuse:
(And may destroy me, if nought intervene,
To bar the prosecuting what they mean)
Yet I defie them both to act and say
The worst they either would effect, or may;
For, though they find me many grains too light,
I have a white Stone that will make up weight,
And such a Friend as hath on me bestown
A Righteousness more perfect then mine own.
He cheers me with assurance that he will
To me what he hath been, continue still;
By GOD's free-gift this hope, this faith I have,
And they will send me safe beyond my Grave.
135
A THANKFUL RETRIBUTION,
Imprinted 1649.
[_]
This was written to express the Author's gratitude to some few Members of Parliament, who without his seeking, had propounded an expedient whereby to satisfie his just Demands; but being without effect, that which was neglected, is here again revived, as pertinent to consideration at this time.
And my oppressions make me not so poor,
But that I have yet Thanks enough to pay
For Fifty thousand Wishes in one day;
And I much thank you ------
Page the Second.
But truly I expect not yet to see
The World neglect her own, to think on me;
Nor do I ought for my advantage crave,
Whereby the Publick may disprofit have:
I rather wish, That what is truly known
By Service and by Grant to be mine own,
Might be confer'd, or means at least, whereby
My Labours might support my Family
Till I receiv'd my dues. For that would please
My longing more, then all those Offices
Which others covet, and wherein few can
At once grow rich, and be an honest man;
And, wherein (as Affairs are manag'd now)
He that would fain be honest, knows not how.
The World neglect her own, to think on me;
Nor do I ought for my advantage crave,
Whereby the Publick may disprofit have:
I rather wish, That what is truly known
By Service and by Grant to be mine own,
Might be confer'd, or means at least, whereby
My Labours might support my Family
Till I receiv'd my dues. For that would please
My longing more, then all those Offices
136
At once grow rich, and be an honest man;
And, wherein (as Affairs are manag'd now)
He that would fain be honest, knows not how.
I value not my self so high, to set
My heart on what I am not like to get:
No, nor so low, but that (if I had wings
To reach them) I would flye at th'highest things
Your House could give me, or the world could show me,
Yet set them at a distance far below me:
For, he who of himself esteem shall make
By those things which the World may give or take,
(Or he who by his Trappings, or his Place
Doth prize himself) his Manhood doth debase.
My heart on what I am not like to get:
No, nor so low, but that (if I had wings
To reach them) I would flye at th'highest things
Your House could give me, or the world could show me,
Yet set them at a distance far below me:
For, he who of himself esteem shall make
By those things which the World may give or take,
(Or he who by his Trappings, or his Place
Doth prize himself) his Manhood doth debase.
If I well know my heart, I seek no more
Of this Worlds Honour, or of her vast store,
Then what sufficeth to defray the Debts,
Which Duty and Necessity now sets
Upon me; or which may yeeld means to do
Those Works which GOD may seem to call me to,
And keep up that frail part of me which dyes
Or lives unactive, without due supplies.
Yet when I did perceive with what disdain
Some did your friendly motion entertain,
And how they jeer'd thereat, it tempted me
To wish your Motion might vouchsafed be,
That I might see how mad the Fools would grow
With Envy, if they liv'd to see it so.
Of this Worlds Honour, or of her vast store,
Then what sufficeth to defray the Debts,
Which Duty and Necessity now sets
Upon me; or which may yeeld means to do
Those Works which GOD may seem to call me to,
And keep up that frail part of me which dyes
Or lives unactive, without due supplies.
Yet when I did perceive with what disdain
Some did your friendly motion entertain,
And how they jeer'd thereat, it tempted me
To wish your Motion might vouchsafed be,
That I might see how mad the Fools would grow
With Envy, if they liv'd to see it so.
One said the Place was fitter to reward
A Member of your House; and it appear'd
Thereby to me, that he had quite forgot
(As others do) the Self-denying Vote.
Some seem to think, that seeing I am poor,
(Whate're they owe me) they should give no more
Then sutes my present Fortune; as if I
With my Estate had lost my Dignity,
And he had got it, who since t'other day
Is grown Sub-Grandee from a beggar-boy,
By such an Occupation, as hath yet
Neither improv'd his Honesty or Wit:
But, let these make the best of their New Lot,
So mine they wrong not, I envy them not;
And, 'tis my honour, rather then my shame,
Now to be poor; because I poor became
Not by mine own default; and in a time
When to be very rich, implies a crime.
For, who with honour to great Wealth can rise,
When all the Land is full of poor mens cries?
Or, what shame thereby him can seise upon,
Who wants, when Kings and Kingdoms are undone?
Or poor became, because he lent and gave
His whole Estate the Neighbourhood to save?
And what at last will unto such succeed,
Who, when they may, relieve not that mans need?
A Member of your House; and it appear'd
Thereby to me, that he had quite forgot
(As others do) the Self-denying Vote.
Some seem to think, that seeing I am poor,
(Whate're they owe me) they should give no more
137
With my Estate had lost my Dignity,
And he had got it, who since t'other day
Is grown Sub-Grandee from a beggar-boy,
By such an Occupation, as hath yet
Neither improv'd his Honesty or Wit:
But, let these make the best of their New Lot,
So mine they wrong not, I envy them not;
And, 'tis my honour, rather then my shame,
Now to be poor; because I poor became
Not by mine own default; and in a time
When to be very rich, implies a crime.
For, who with honour to great Wealth can rise,
When all the Land is full of poor mens cries?
Or, what shame thereby him can seise upon,
Who wants, when Kings and Kingdoms are undone?
Or poor became, because he lent and gave
His whole Estate the Neighbourhood to save?
And what at last will unto such succeed,
Who, when they may, relieve not that mans need?
I covet not the Place propos'd for me,
(Although as capable thereof as he
Who did possess it) for, I know too well
Wherein that man his Neighbours must excel,
Who hath an aim so high, except there shall
Some extraordinary Change befall:
And, me (I think) it would advance no more
Then did that Office I held heretofore.
For, in these Isles I have already had
A Place more honourable (though not made
So much account of) then 'tis to supply
The greatest Office in your Chancery.
Yea, more then to possess the place of him
Who in that Court is Officer Supream.
And as a mark of Honour, bears about
A Silver Seal in an Embroidered Clout.
I have been honour'd to draw up Records
For him that's King of Kings, and Lord of Lords;
To be unto this Isle Remembrancer,
And, as it were, a Publick Register
To that Supream, High and most awful Court
From whence proceeds no Sentence, no Report,
No Order or Injunction, no Decree,
Edicts or Dooms, but such as Righteous be;
And where the Judg will to no side be sway'd
By Eloquence, or Force, or brib'd, or pray'd
To be more merciful, or more severe
Then Justice and true Clemency may bear.
(Although as capable thereof as he
Who did possess it) for, I know too well
Wherein that man his Neighbours must excel,
Who hath an aim so high, except there shall
Some extraordinary Change befall:
And, me (I think) it would advance no more
Then did that Office I held heretofore.
For, in these Isles I have already had
A Place more honourable (though not made
So much account of) then 'tis to supply
The greatest Office in your Chancery.
Yea, more then to possess the place of him
Who in that Court is Officer Supream.
138
A Silver Seal in an Embroidered Clout.
I have been honour'd to draw up Records
For him that's King of Kings, and Lord of Lords;
To be unto this Isle Remembrancer,
And, as it were, a Publick Register
To that Supream, High and most awful Court
From whence proceeds no Sentence, no Report,
No Order or Injunction, no Decree,
Edicts or Dooms, but such as Righteous be;
And where the Judg will to no side be sway'd
By Eloquence, or Force, or brib'd, or pray'd
To be more merciful, or more severe
Then Justice and true Clemency may bear.
Yea, although at this present heeded not
By many, (and by others quite forgot)
I have enroll'd, and registred to stand
Upon Record, what Mercies to this Land
Have been vouchsaf'd; what ought to have bin done
To keep away the Judgments coming on:
Shown how the King, and how the People might
Have scap't the hands which both of them now smite:
Foretold the War before it came to pass;
Who should begin the Quarrel in this place:
What sad Effects would follow; what regard
My words would find, how they should me reward,
With many other things, which will appear
In those Records, whilst men speak English here:
And thousands will in future time confess
Those things fulfill'd which I did fore-express,
Who shall, it may be, likewise live to see,
That GOD observes who have abused me.
For hitherto, though I despis'd appear,
He spares my life, upholds my Spirit here;
Feeds me by his own hand, sometimes by men,
By Ravens and by Angels now and then.
Twice when my pow'rful Foes had by their might
Deprived me of my Subsistance quite,
He did supply my wants when I nor knew
Nor thought how Oyl or Meal I could renew;
Against proud Prelates, and corrupted Peers,
He did maintain about me many years
A Watchful Guard, which kept me from their Pow'r
When me they did endeavour to devour;
And from my troubles did release me too,
By doing what some thought would me undo:
Yea, when the greatest Lyon loudly roar'd,
And rouz'd against me; when the bloudy Sword
Was drawn upon me; when a Poysonous Pest
Breaths killing Vapours; when I was opprest
On ev'ry side; and when I was forsook
Well nigh of all, GOD notice of me took;
Sav'd me from spoil, from slaughter, from infection,
And honor'd me, ev'n by his own protection.
By many, (and by others quite forgot)
I have enroll'd, and registred to stand
Upon Record, what Mercies to this Land
Have been vouchsaf'd; what ought to have bin done
To keep away the Judgments coming on:
Shown how the King, and how the People might
Have scap't the hands which both of them now smite:
Foretold the War before it came to pass;
Who should begin the Quarrel in this place:
What sad Effects would follow; what regard
My words would find, how they should me reward,
With many other things, which will appear
In those Records, whilst men speak English here:
And thousands will in future time confess
Those things fulfill'd which I did fore-express,
Who shall, it may be, likewise live to see,
That GOD observes who have abused me.
For hitherto, though I despis'd appear,
He spares my life, upholds my Spirit here;
139
By Ravens and by Angels now and then.
Twice when my pow'rful Foes had by their might
Deprived me of my Subsistance quite,
He did supply my wants when I nor knew
Nor thought how Oyl or Meal I could renew;
Against proud Prelates, and corrupted Peers,
He did maintain about me many years
A Watchful Guard, which kept me from their Pow'r
When me they did endeavour to devour;
And from my troubles did release me too,
By doing what some thought would me undo:
Yea, when the greatest Lyon loudly roar'd,
And rouz'd against me; when the bloudy Sword
Was drawn upon me; when a Poysonous Pest
Breaths killing Vapours; when I was opprest
On ev'ry side; and when I was forsook
Well nigh of all, GOD notice of me took;
Sav'd me from spoil, from slaughter, from infection,
And honor'd me, ev'n by his own protection.
This being so, my Scorners whom I hear
At your Proposal do both grudg and jeer,
Have no such cause (as their misdeemings may
Suppose they had) your motion to gain-say:
'Twas fear, perhaps, I might have made the Place
Henceforth less profitable then it was.
For if that Register shall conscience make
At ev'ry Hearing such true Notes to take
Of what is Order'd, and so careful be,
To draw up ev'ry Sentence and Decree,
As not to leave that doubtful which the Court
Intrusts to his discretion and report,
Ambiguous Orders would not so enlarge
The Clients trouble, and his needless charge,
Either by words too many, or too few,
(Or of less weight then to the sense was due)
New motions to beget, and thereupon
New Orders, till both parties are undone.
At your Proposal do both grudg and jeer,
Have no such cause (as their misdeemings may
Suppose they had) your motion to gain-say:
'Twas fear, perhaps, I might have made the Place
Henceforth less profitable then it was.
For if that Register shall conscience make
At ev'ry Hearing such true Notes to take
Of what is Order'd, and so careful be,
To draw up ev'ry Sentence and Decree,
As not to leave that doubtful which the Court
Intrusts to his discretion and report,
Ambiguous Orders would not so enlarge
The Clients trouble, and his needless charge,
140
(Or of less weight then to the sense was due)
New motions to beget, and thereupon
New Orders, till both parties are undone.
When to prevent this, due care shall be took,
You will not so much for great Places look,
To gratifie your Friends, as you will then
To execute them, seek out fitting men.
No Place will then be thought too good for those
Who for your sakeshave made their friends their foes
They shall then get, at least their own again,
Who hitherto have spent themselves in vain;
And out of zeal unto the Common Good,
Adventur'd Liberty, Estates and Bloud,
Whilst others (by their patience, cost and sweat)
Grow, to their Countreys damage, Rich and Great.
Then they who have been innocently wise,
Will see in what their Wealth and safety lies;
And, then it may be, some fair Lot among
My Brethren, will befall me short or long.
You will not so much for great Places look,
To gratifie your Friends, as you will then
To execute them, seek out fitting men.
No Place will then be thought too good for those
Who for your sakeshave made their friends their foes
They shall then get, at least their own again,
Who hitherto have spent themselves in vain;
And out of zeal unto the Common Good,
Adventur'd Liberty, Estates and Bloud,
Whilst others (by their patience, cost and sweat)
Grow, to their Countreys damage, Rich and Great.
Then they who have been innocently wise,
Will see in what their Wealth and safety lies;
And, then it may be, some fair Lot among
My Brethren, will befall me short or long.
When such a Change I find, I shall begin
To doubt almost, what Climate I am in.
I shall not, for a good space after, take
The boldness to profess I am awake,
Or, that a Reformation in hath crept,
Whilst I was either in the dark, or slept;
And shall of our distractions hope to see
A better end, then likely now to be.
Then those things which we yet hear and behold
With fear and sorrow, shall with joy be told;
And then shall I no whit displeased grow,
Whether I sit higher, or more low;
Or, whether they who me should think upon,
Give me that Office, or a worse, or none.
For whatsoe're befalls, I shall be fed,
And so shall mine, whilst other men have bread.
To doubt almost, what Climate I am in.
I shall not, for a good space after, take
The boldness to profess I am awake,
Or, that a Reformation in hath crept,
Whilst I was either in the dark, or slept;
And shall of our distractions hope to see
A better end, then likely now to be.
Then those things which we yet hear and behold
With fear and sorrow, shall with joy be told;
And then shall I no whit displeased grow,
Whether I sit higher, or more low;
Or, whether they who me should think upon,
Give me that Office, or a worse, or none.
141
And so shall mine, whilst other men have bread.
From your well-wishings these expressions flow;
From these perhaps another fruit may grow;
From that another, and from those again
Another, till your wishes you obtain,
And our Endeavours (though what we intend,
Succeed not) shall be prosperous in the end.
From these perhaps another fruit may grow;
From that another, and from those again
Another, till your wishes you obtain,
And our Endeavours (though what we intend,
Succeed not) shall be prosperous in the end.
BONI OMINIS VOTUM:
Imprinted 1656.
[_]
This (as a Symptome of a Good omen) was occasioned by the summoning of Extraordinary Grand Juries out of the eminent Baronets, Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen, to serve in their respective Counties, at the Summer Assizes 1656, which because it offers what is fit to be considered and remembred, (and is also very short) shall be here inserted without Abreviation.
Good speed to this Republick, and encrease
Of Happiness to those who seek her Peace.
Sad things are threatned, and a lowring Skye
Seems to portend great storms are drawing nigh:
But look above them, and good courage take,
The Sun still shines, although the Clouds be black,
And beamings through their darkest parts appear,
Whereby discernable Good Omens are,
With symptoms of the Blessing we expect,
If we our selves obstruct not their effect,
And turn them to ill signs; which to prevent,
That which yet follows gives a needful hint.
As both abroad and here within this Land,
Publick and private mens affairs now stand,
This Year is likely to be Critical,
About the time in which the leaves will fall;
And if Conjectures may be builded on,
We from what's acted, with what's left undone,
Spell'd both together, somewhat may deduce
To teach us what ere long will be in use.
Of Happiness to those who seek her Peace.
Sad things are threatned, and a lowring Skye
Seems to portend great storms are drawing nigh:
But look above them, and good courage take,
The Sun still shines, although the Clouds be black,
And beamings through their darkest parts appear,
Whereby discernable Good Omens are,
142
If we our selves obstruct not their effect,
And turn them to ill signs; which to prevent,
That which yet follows gives a needful hint.
As both abroad and here within this Land,
Publick and private mens affairs now stand,
This Year is likely to be Critical,
About the time in which the leaves will fall;
And if Conjectures may be builded on,
We from what's acted, with what's left undone,
Spell'd both together, somewhat may deduce
To teach us what ere long will be in use.
Whether it were the Policy of some
In hope it an obstruction might become
To Concord; or the Prudence of the Shrieve,
Or Special Providence, which did contrive
By those Grand Juries so to represent
Their Counties, we shall best know by th'event:
For, whether chearfully they meet and do
That Service which their Call invites them to;
Or, by a wilful Non-appearance, wave
That duty which the Common Cause doth crave,
It will be signal; and to many one
A Test, as virtual as the Lydian Stone:
And, likewise give an Intellectual View
Of some Result, which thereon will ensue
At their next Meeting, who to represent
This Nation, shall be by Election sent.
In hope it an obstruction might become
To Concord; or the Prudence of the Shrieve,
Or Special Providence, which did contrive
By those Grand Juries so to represent
Their Counties, we shall best know by th'event:
For, whether chearfully they meet and do
That Service which their Call invites them to;
Or, by a wilful Non-appearance, wave
That duty which the Common Cause doth crave,
It will be signal; and to many one
A Test, as virtual as the Lydian Stone:
And, likewise give an Intellectual View
Of some Result, which thereon will ensue
At their next Meeting, who to represent
This Nation, shall be by Election sent.
For those Grand Jurors are now chosen forth
Of them, whose Gifts, Estates, Degree or Birth,
Hath rankt them with the best; yea out of those
(Excepting onely open active Foes
To this Republick) who have been suspected
Meer Neuters, or else persons disaffected,
As well as from among them, whose true zeal
Hath kept them constant to this Commonweal,
That they who heartily well minded are,
Themselves henceforward some way might endear
Thereto; and thereby for the future stand
Enroll'd among the Patriots of this Land:
Endow'd with all their Liberties, and freed
From those Distinguishments which either breed
Or nourish secret hatred, to th'encrease
Of Quarrels, and diminishment of Peace.
Of them, whose Gifts, Estates, Degree or Birth,
Hath rankt them with the best; yea out of those
(Excepting onely open active Foes
To this Republick) who have been suspected
Meer Neuters, or else persons disaffected,
143
Hath kept them constant to this Commonweal,
That they who heartily well minded are,
Themselves henceforward some way might endear
Thereto; and thereby for the future stand
Enroll'd among the Patriots of this Land:
Endow'd with all their Liberties, and freed
From those Distinguishments which either breed
Or nourish secret hatred, to th'encrease
Of Quarrels, and diminishment of Peace.
And who can tell what Providence by these
(Though diffring in their Judgments) will now please
To make Effectual for the preservation
Or settlement of Peace throughout this Nation,
When things are acted by a moderate
Expostulation, in a joint Debate?
Where ev'ry one may freely speak his thought,
And when it is consid'red as it ought,
That no man can of safety be assur'd,
Until the Publick Safety be secur'd.
(Though diffring in their Judgments) will now please
To make Effectual for the preservation
Or settlement of Peace throughout this Nation,
When things are acted by a moderate
Expostulation, in a joint Debate?
Where ev'ry one may freely speak his thought,
And when it is consid'red as it ought,
That no man can of safety be assur'd,
Until the Publick Safety be secur'd.
We know, that diffring Simples put together,
So qualifie and so correct each other,
Though some are poysonous) that they purge away
Malignant Humours, which would else destroy
The life of man; so they who formerly
Did in their singular Capacity
And private Judgments, sometimes act or speak
What did at least endanger, if not break
The Common Peace; may when they gath'red are
Into one fellowship, be helpful there
To benefit their Countrey ten times more
Then they have been, or could be heretofore.
Yea, as the fat Lime, and the barren Sand
When they well mixed are, do make a band
To bind together rough or hewed stone,
(Which neither of them could have done alone)
Ev'n so by them who are Dissenters now,
Our Publick Buildings may the firmer grow,
When they into One Structure shall be fixt,
Well qualifi'd, and rationally mixt.
So qualifie and so correct each other,
Though some are poysonous) that they purge away
Malignant Humours, which would else destroy
The life of man; so they who formerly
Did in their singular Capacity
And private Judgments, sometimes act or speak
What did at least endanger, if not break
The Common Peace; may when they gath'red are
Into one fellowship, be helpful there
To benefit their Countrey ten times more
Then they have been, or could be heretofore.
Yea, as the fat Lime, and the barren Sand
When they well mixed are, do make a band
144
(Which neither of them could have done alone)
Ev'n so by them who are Dissenters now,
Our Publick Buildings may the firmer grow,
When they into One Structure shall be fixt,
Well qualifi'd, and rationally mixt.
This peradventure may some good presage
To them who are convened to engage
Within a higher Orb, or shortly must
Become our Trustees in a greater Trust:
For he who hath consid'red it, believes
That if those Petty Representatives,
By loving Prudence, shall prepare a way
Thereto (as in good likelihood they may)
That Nobler Body, which to its perfection
Are (for the most part) rais'd by their Election,
Might be so modaliz'd, and temper'd so,
That Discords into Sympathies would grow,
And all our Fears and Dangers in the close
Quite vanish, to the terror of our Foes.
To them who are convened to engage
Within a higher Orb, or shortly must
Become our Trustees in a greater Trust:
For he who hath consid'red it, believes
That if those Petty Representatives,
By loving Prudence, shall prepare a way
Thereto (as in good likelihood they may)
That Nobler Body, which to its perfection
Are (for the most part) rais'd by their Election,
Might be so modaliz'd, and temper'd so,
That Discords into Sympathies would grow,
And all our Fears and Dangers in the close
Quite vanish, to the terror of our Foes.
It may be thus, and will be thus, if yet
Mens Wilfulness hath left them any Wit:
For, why should they who now may be at rest,
Run hazards to advance their Interest,
Whom nothing else, can satisfie but Pow'r,
All others at their pleasure to devour?
And spoilers of their own Estates become,
To make a Fortune for they know not whom?
Or seek to have that Game afresh begun,
By which all may be lost, and nothing won?
Mens Wilfulness hath left them any Wit:
For, why should they who now may be at rest,
Run hazards to advance their Interest,
Whom nothing else, can satisfie but Pow'r,
All others at their pleasure to devour?
And spoilers of their own Estates become,
To make a Fortune for they know not whom?
Or seek to have that Game afresh begun,
By which all may be lost, and nothing won?
I hope they shall be wiser, and that we
In this Expedient shall so wary be,
That whatsoever others may intend,
We shall endeavour to promote that End
We ought to prosecute; and at the last
Our Anchor in a peaceful Harbour cast.
In this Expedient shall so wary be,
That whatsoever others may intend,
We shall endeavour to promote that End
145
Our Anchor in a peaceful Harbour cast.
I wish it heartily; and (since I see
Wishings are vain where no endeavours be)
That, those whom it concerns, provoke I may
To seek this blessing, and to help make way
To that I wish for, I compos'd this Spell;
Let him who mov'd me to it, speed it well;
And make it so consider'd by this Nation
(Before things grow beyond consideration)
That Words which to their safety do pertain,
May not be alwayes spoke to them in vain;
For they are fools who still pursue a Course
Which makes a sickly being to be worse:
And they are also little less then mad,
Who would exchange a good one for a bad:
Or put in hazard a possessed Lot,
In hope to get what never can be got.
Wishings are vain where no endeavours be)
That, those whom it concerns, provoke I may
To seek this blessing, and to help make way
To that I wish for, I compos'd this Spell;
Let him who mov'd me to it, speed it well;
And make it so consider'd by this Nation
(Before things grow beyond consideration)
That Words which to their safety do pertain,
May not be alwayes spoke to them in vain;
For they are fools who still pursue a Course
Which makes a sickly being to be worse:
And they are also little less then mad,
Who would exchange a good one for a bad:
Or put in hazard a possessed Lot,
In hope to get what never can be got.
A Si quis, or Queries, with other Verses annexed.
Imprinted in the Year 1648.
These Verses next following, were upon the same Occassion presented to several Members of the House of Commons, repairing thither the 23d of December 1648, being the next day after their Humiliation, with an Imprinted Petition thereto annexed.
They who at Rich mens thresholds begging lye,(Though long neglected) wil prolong their cry
Till they an answer get, and so will I.
I know it is not Eight and thirty year
Since first I was an humble Suiter here;
And yet to me it seems as if it were.
Dayes, Months and Years I sadly waiting stand,
Yet no man speaks a Word, none lends a Hand
To help me, though but Justice I demand.
150
Observe it to the scandal of that Place,
Whose guilt I blush for, as my own disgrace.
But now I hope the Pool which heretofore
Cur'd some days none, or one, (and few days more)
Is mov'd so, that one day will cure a score.
And that he prosecutes not his Affairs
Unseasonably, who to a Means repairs
New sanctified, with Fastings and with Prayers.
Excuse me then, that thus I do forelay,
And (as it were) arrest you in the way
Unto the House of Parliament this day.
And (whatsoe're this morning is design'd
To be debated there) some minutes find
To hear that Prayer which is herewith join'd.
Yea, spare a little time to do him right,
Who (having serv'd you with a heart upright)
Seeks but his own, that you enjoy it might.
For, 'tis a loss to you, that he or they
Who could, and did for you lend, give and pay,
Should scarce have bread sufficient for the day.
And 'tis to your dishonour too, that such
Who to secure you, Goods nor Lives did grutch,
Should want, whilst your betrayers are grown rich.
If you in your Grand Work the worse succed
For doing of this Charitable deed,
Leave me hereafter quite out of your Creed.
Or, if they long thrive, who as heretofore
Shall still defer to hear and help the poor,
Kick me and my Petitions out of door.
'Tis now within your Walls, and I expect
It will be there this day with good effect,
Though some should think it merited neglect.
151
Whereby I shall undoubtingly foresee,
What will become of other men and me.
Things present at some points of time foreshew
Things future; and unless mistake I do,
That which this day produceth, will do so.
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