Miscellaneous works of George Wither :: :: University of Virginia Library

THIRD COLLECTION

THE TWO INCOMPARABLE GENERALISSIMO'S of the world, with their Armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each other.

The one is the old Serpent the Devill, Generall of the Church Malignant.

The other is the Lord Jesus Christ, Generall of the Church Militant.

Argument.

According to the Enmity decreed
Betweene the womans and the Serpents seed
In Paradise, each other doth defie,
This hatred lasteth to Eternity:
No marvell then that Warre is now begun
Unnaturally 'twixt father and the son.

Clad all in angry Armes of discontent,
Because of his perpetuall banishment
From blisse, above five thousand yeares ago,
And in revenge of that same fatall blow,
Given him by that pure unspotted Child,
Borne of a woman whom he so beguild,
The old infernall Serpent ever since,
Hath prov'd a hatefull Rebell to his Prince,
And all enrag'd with malice and despight,
He leads his captive souldiers thus to fight.

In Van, or Front march Infidels without
The Church, then Persecutors, and the rout
Of Heretiques within; the Middleward
Prophane, and all ungodly men do guard;
The Reare consists of an accursed Crew,
Terrible indeed, and hideous to view
(As Conscience awaked once can tell)
Deadly sinne, damnation, death and hell.
The wings, or sides this body that inclose
Are fleshly lusts, and worldly pleasures Foes,
That by force of strong perswasion kill,
Moe, than the Tempter can with all his skill.
The Collonels, Captains, Drums and Trumpeters,
And other such inferiour Officers,
Are infernall spirits hovering in the aire;
Th'word of command's Presumption and Despaire.

Thus Summum Malum, Summum Bonums Foe,
Sets up his Standard here on earth below;
And with his false suggestions, every houre
Drawes to his party a Malignant power
Of Potentates, as well as baser sort,
His earthly fading kingdomes to support,
And sends abroad his nimble Mercuries,
Intelligencers, Scouts, and Aulick lyes,
And promiseth rewards for all their paines,
As pleasures, treasures, dignities and gaines:
But all these proffers prove but a flim-flam,
He leaves them at the last like Doctor Lambe;
And when delights, and life are gone and past,
Then comes the sad Catastrophe at last,
Endlesse and easelesse torments in hell-fire,
This is the Serpents and his souldiers hire.

Against this Hydra-headed Army stands
The Prince of Peace, with his victorious bands;
Not that this glorious Conquerour doth need
Created helpe, t'effect a noble deed;
For He Himselfe did long ago subdue
The Prince of darknesse, and th'infernall crew;
But to communicate He doth delight
To silly Mortals His owne matchlesse might,
Which so upon them daily He conferres,
That in the end th'are more than conquerers;
Yet none but slaves, and conquered by sinne
He makes His souldiers, and the field to winne,
After He first hath pull'd them from the jawes
Of death and hell, and given them new Lawes
And principles divine; then doth dispose
Them thus in order 'gainst His Churches Foes.

The Vant-guard doth consist of Saints, and brave
Heroick Martyrs, who despise the grave;
The true Professours of the Gospell next,
(With scoffing Chams and lying Doegs vext)
March in the Middleward; But O the Reare,
(That which most th'infernall force doth feare)
Consisteth of the Generalls owne merits,
Which succour sends unto the fainting spirits
Of all His souldiers, who else would be lost;
The wings on each side of this glorious Hoast,
Are stretched farre above all earthly things,
Spirituall graces making lively springs
Of hope and joy with promises so sure
Of heav'nly life for ever to endure.
The Officers to this High Generall,
Are brave Commanders, blessed Angels all,
Who at their Captaines becke like lightning move;
Th'word of command is this; I feare, and love.

Thus stands the Christian arm'd against his Foes,
Giving, and sometimes taking many blowes,
And that not by imaginary force
But as really as did Foot and Horse
Neare Winchester of late, where soules apace
Fled to the frowning and the smiling face
Of this great Generall; For only He
Bindeth, and maketh men and Angels free.
And by His mighty power doth so keepe
His souldiers happy soules that fall asleepe
That stinging death shall never hurt them, why?
Because they dye to live eternally.

To the Reader.

Now may thine eye convey unto thy heart,
Thine own condition (Reader) on whose part
Or side, to take up armes thou dost intend,
Or be unto thy selfe a Foe or Friend;
For under one of these two Generalls
The service of all men and Angels falls;
You see the Captaines and their wages both,
O love the one then, and the other loath.

G. W.

The dark Lantern,

Containing A dim Discoverie, in Riddles, Parables, and Semi-Riddles, intermixt with Cautions, Remembrances and Predictions, as they were promiscuously and immethodically represented to their Author, in his Solitary Musings, the third of November 1652. about Midnight.

Whereunto is annexed, A POEM, Concerning A Perpetuall Parliament.

By Geo. Wither Esquire.

TO THE PARLIAMENT, AND PEOPLE OF THE Commonwealth of England.

So let me speed, in all that I pursue,
As, in what followes, I mean well to you:
And, as I bear a loving faithfull heart,
To all of you, united and apart;
Although, I peradventure, may appear
On some occasions, bitterly severe,
To those, in whom, I private-failings see,
Which, to the Publike may obnoxious be;
To make them judge themselves, and scape the doom,
Which, from another judgement, els may come:
For, at no single person, have I strook,
By any line, or passage, in this book.

If here, I further seem to have presum'd,
Or, more upon my self to have assum'd,
Then may be warrantable thought, at first,
Examine it, before you judge the worst;
And, try by circumstances (as ye may)
What Spirit, hath directed me this way;
Or, for what likely ends, or for whose sake,
I could, or dared, this attempt to make;
Except it were for GODS, for your, and mine,
As they with one another, do intwine.

Yea, search, if my Religion, studies, wayes,
Or, manners (which have beene throughout my dayes,
Before your eyes) may any sign afford,
That, I have, hitherto, in deed, or word,
Been an Impostor; or, presented you
With ought, that hath been uselesse, or untrue;
And as that justly may incline your mind,
Let these expressions acceptation find.

If madnesse, they appear; consider well,
That, such miscensurings have often fell
On sober men, when those deluding crimes,
Were prevalent, which raign in these our times.
If foolish, they be thought; remember this,
That, truest wisdome, seemeth foolishnesse
To worldly prudent men, when, God, forth brings
To fool their wisdome, despicable things.

Men, hear fools gladly, when themselves are wise,
And, meekly pity, rather then despise
Their folly; learning, thereby, sometimes too,
More, then by their own wisdome, they could do:
But, wise, mad, foolish, or, what ev'r I am,
To do this work, into the world I came;
To these times, was reserv'd; to this end, taught;
And, to the sight of many things, am brought,
Which, els I had not known, nor would have seen,
But, that, I ty'd, (as by the leg) have been,
(Ten years together, ten dayes work to do)
To know them, whether I so would or no.
And, when I knew them, I would fain have done
My own work first, or els, like Jonas run
To Tarsis, or Lundee, or any whither
(Adventuring through Seas, and Tempests thither)
Much rather, then to have proceeded on,
In doing that, which I, at last, have done.

For, I am like the world, in many things,
And, oft so tempted by her promisings
Of ease and safety, in another course,
That, I, with much strife, did my heart inforce,
To prosecute her duty; as ye may,
Perceive, if, you the following tract survay.
But, my own thoughts, would neither let me sleep,
Nor suffer me a waking-peace to keep,
Or, follow my affairs (though they were brought
Neer to a point, of coming quite to nought)
Till, I, my musings, had in words array'd
To be, by you, and other men, survay'd.
All those affairs, aside, I, therefore threw,
To cloth my meditations, for your view;
Which, being finish'd, I can now lye down
And sleep, as well as any man in Town.

The times are dangerous; and, I am told,
By that which is my Guide, I should not bold
Beyond discretion be; which makes me talk
In riddles, and with this Dark Lantern walk:
That, I may see my way, and not be seen
By ev'ry one, whom I may meet, between
My goings out, and in: and that it may
Give light to some, who are beside their way,
As I occasion find; and, where I see
The light that's offer'd, may accepted be.

But, what my visions are, as in relation,
Unto this Parliaments perpetuation
I plainly shall unfold; because, it may
Concern you all, with good advise to weigh.
Yea, fearlefly, my free thoughts, I will shew,
What liking, or dislike, soe're ensue.
For, though to all intents by me design'd,
They may not reach; it much contents my mind,

That I have freed my soul, by thus imploying
My Talent, to an inward rests injoying;
And, rais'd a Witnesse up, that may declare
To future times; what GOD'S proceedings are.

If this find acceptation, it will be
A sign of future peace, to you, and me.
If, you reject it; I will fit my mind
To bear the troubles, which are yet behind:
Bewail, our manifold procrastinations,
Of GOD'S intended blessings, to these Nations.
Possesse the little portion, I have got
As lost, or, els, as if I had it not;
And, strive to wean my heart, from things abroad,
To seek my rest, and peace, alone in GOD:
A refuge, so secur'd to me, that, neither
My frailties, faults, or foes; or these together:
Or friends, or Trustees failings, either may
Hazard, or forfeit; tear, or fool away.

Your most humble, and most faithfull Remembrancer, Geo. Wither.

A DARK-LANTERNE,

OFFERING A Dim Discovery, in Riddles, Parables, and Semi-riddles, intermixt with Cautions, Remembrances, and Predictions, as they were promiscuously, and immethodically represented to their Author, in his solitary musings, the third of November 1652. about midnight.

And, concluding with the Result of a Contemplative Vision, revealing a probable means of making, even this present Parliament, to be both perpetuall, and acceptable to these Nations to the end of the World.

He, that goes with this LIGHT, his way may find:
Him, that against it comes, it maketh blind.

He, from whose perfect Light, all true Lights come,
Spake Parables; yea, spake nought els, to some;
And, Providence, by many various wayes,
Of dispensation, to the world convayes
The means, of carrying on, those works which tend
To man's perfection, at his later end;
And, to the wonderfull accomplishment,
Of what, eternally is his intent;

Bringing oft times about, the self-same things,
(Or, such like) towards their accomplishings;
That, prudent men, might understand thereby
What he designs, and therewithall comply.

When Jacobs Off-springs (who, for many ages
Were figures, types, examples, and presages
For future times, and states) became perverted,
And, grew to be so blind, and stubborn hearted,
As to despise the warnings, precepts, cautions,
And good advise, which for their preservations
Their Prophets had perspicuously declar'd;
GOD, justly, sent unto them afterward,
His mind in Parables, whereof but few
The meanings, or interpretations knew:
And as they more and more, from him declin'd,
(And, from the truth) the more he couch'd his mind
In dark expressions, till they nothing saw
But what their pleasure made to be a Law.

Prince, Prophet, Priest, and People, then, became
Wholly corrupt; a scandall, and a shame
To their Professions, and to all their Nation,
By an unlimited prevarication;
Whereby, the means ordained to recure them,
Was rendred instrumentall to obdure them,
By their own fault, and those hypocrisies,
Which, justly, drew a vail, before their eyes.
For, whereas, usually in times preceding,
GODS errands, were made plain, at their first heeding,
So, also, were their Priests, and Prophets, then,
Renowned, wise, and honorable men,
Ev'n in their outward being; which, did add
Repute to that, which in command, they had:
But, Heardsmen, and fruit-gatherers, afterward
(With such as brought no motives of regard,

According to the flesh) were sometime sent;
Which, in their hearers, did but scorn augment.

And, thus, contempt increas'd: the truths then told,
Were not alone, wrapt up in manifold
Strange ambiguities, obscure expressions,
Dark Metaphors, or much beclouded Visions,
Which few could understand; but, some, likewise
Illustrated their words, and Prophecies,
(Or, rather vailed them) with circumstances,
Which, did inlarge their hearers ignorances;
As also their disdains: for, otherwhile,
They personated things, absurd, and vile,
In vulgar apprehension: such as seem
Deserving rather slighting, then esteem;
Yea such, sometimes, as wicked did appear
To those, who morally men righteous were:
As when, they were made signes, unto that Nation,
Of their shame, nakednesse, or desolation,
And of GODS lasting love, although they had,
By their adulteries, him jealous made.

As with the Jewes, he, formerly hath done,
GOD will proceed with us; and hath begun
Already, so to judge (and visit here)
As he did them, when they rebellious were.
He, so, by changes, moves us to repent;
And, judgements blends with mercies, to th'intent
That, he, into capacity might wooe us
Of that great good, which he desires to do us.
This, makes him, sometime smile, and sometime frown;
Now, raise us up; to morrow, pull us down:
This day, he, to our strongest enemies,
Renders us dreadfull: They, whom we despise
That night triumph; and make us glad to fly
Into our chambers, and there sneaking lie;

Whil'st they deride, insult, affront and jeer us,
Who, some few hours before, did greatly fear us.

This, makes him often fool our wisdome so,
That, we are at a non-plus, what to do;
And, then, in our distresse, to make our want,
Weaknesse, and failings, more predominant
For our deliverance, in a fatall hour,
Then all our wealth, our wisdome, and our power.

This, makes him lead us through the wildernesses
Of doubts, dispairings, troubles, and distresses
To our desired Canaan, as he led
His Chosen heretofore; and, as he did
To them in their respective aberrations,
So hath he done, and will do, with these Nations.

As their, right so, our Princes, for oppressions
Are driven from their Thrones, and their possessions,
To eat (ev'n with confusion of their faces)
Their bread with scarcity, in uncouth places;
Where, peradventure, they were mindfull made
Of those forewarnings, which they timely had.

Our Lords (as their Remembrancer, foretold,
When they had greatest likelyhood to hold,
And to encrease their greatnesse) this day, see,
Their House of Parliament, destroy'd to be,
Ev'n by it self; and, that they are become
Vagrants abroad, or, els despis'd at home.
Some of their Pallaces and Piles of State,
Are ras't, defac't, or left quite desolate,
For Zim, and Jim; for Vermine and such fowls,
As Dawes, and Ravens; great and little Owls.

Our Priests, that were the glorioust Hirarchy,
And proud'st in Europe, next the Papacy;
(Who, by the same pen warned, did return
Sharp persecutions, injuries and scorn)

Are now despoil'd of all the pomp they had,
Dishonor'd, poor, and despicable made.
Their fair Cathedrall Temples stand forsaken,
With still increasing ruines, rent and shaken;
And, in their steeds, those persons are deputed,
Whom they most hated, and most persecuted.
The Threats long since pronounced, now prevail,
The Priest and Prophet, are become the tail;
And meer Mechanicks made dispensers are
Of those things, which to them committed were:
Persons, of so mean guifts, and small respect,
That, truth out of their mouths, gets but neglect;
Except with such, as nndervalue not
Good wine, though offered in an earthen pot.

For our unthankfulnesse, and disregard
Of nobler Teachers, whom, we long have heard,
Without improvement; for, hypocrisies,
Meer outside worship, and formalities,
In prayers, fasts, and praises; and, for, giving
That which cost nothing, for great boons receiving:
For our backslidings, and, then, persevering
In frequent sinning, after frequent bearing:
For actions, not agreeing with our saying:
For painting, guilding, and for overlaying
Our Carnall structures, with fain'd piety:
(False gold, producted by our Chymestry)
For falsifying, with a brazen brow,
The serious promises, which we did vow
To GOD and men, before the face of heaven,
When we into extremities were driven:
For adding to devouring flames, more fuell:
For being, in our very mercies, cruell:
For turning carelesly, our eyes, and ears,
From Widdows prayers, and from Orphans tears:

Yea, though Remembrancers did (as it were)
In publike, often pull us by the ear,
To mind it; yea, where many standers by,
Observ'd it; and, our grosse stupidity.

For these things; and, for many such as these
God, having spoken to us, in our dayes,
By ordinary Preachers; now, begins
By others, to reprove us for our sins:
Not only such, as reason may allow,
Though called from the Shop board, or the Plough;
But, such, as we seem justly to contemn,
As making truths adhor'd, which come from them.

In steed of Teachers, train'd up in the Schools
Of Arts, and of the Prophets; children, fools,
Women and madmen, we do often meet,
Preaching, and threatning Judgements, in the street:
To some, pronouncing blessings; to some, woe;
Scatt'ring their bread, and money, as they goe,
To such as need; (though, in appearance, none
Can poorer be, then they, when that is gone:)
Yea, by strange actions, postures, tones, and cryes,
Themselves they offer to our ears and eyes,
As signs unto this Nation, of some things
Thereby portended; which (although this brings
Contempt upon their persons) may be so,
For ought, the wisest of us, yet doth know;
As were those actions, personated by
Some Prophets, whom the Jewes did vilifie.

It may be on that darknesse, which they find,
Within their hearts, a suddain light hath shin'd,
Reflexions making, of some things to come,
Which leave within them, musings troublesome
To their weak spirits; or, too intricate
For them to put in order, and relate;

As they will easily believe, on whom,
Such, more then naturall, out-beamings, come)
And, that, hath peradventure, thrust them on
To act, as men in extasies have done;
Striving, their Cloudy Visions to declare
(And, of what consequence, they think they are)
Till they have lost the Notions, which they had,
And, want but few degrees, of being mad.

This, Providence permitteth, to correct
Our deafnesse, and our former disrespect
Of nobler instruments, whose lights did shine
More clearly; and, who, laying line, to line;
Precept, to Precept; in and out of season,
Taught reasonably, ev'n truth's, transcending reason:
Or, els, it hath permitted been, to make us
Lesse heedfull, of the plague, that may or'etake us;
By tokens, and by symptoms, to us giving,
That, seem not worth our heeding, or believing.

And, I, perhaps, among these, may be one,
That was let loose, for service to be done.
In order to such kinds: (as, I believe
I am; as when I am gone, some will perceive,
Though, none observe it now) For, though I dresse
The mind, and matter, of my messages,
In measur'd words, with some such other fancies,
As are allowed in Poetick frenzies,
And, passe for sober garbs: yet, now and then,
I blunder out, what worldly prudent men
Count madnesse; and, what, oft, the best men, too,
Dislike awhile, and wish me not to do.

But, I best know my warrant; and proceed
As I am mov'd, with little fear, or heed,
What others judge: for, till some slips, or errors
Expose me, to be liable to terrors,

Ther's nothing, to my hurt, can dreadfull be,
Save my own flesh, and he that gave it me.
And, as this makes me, madly seem to dare;
Ev'n so, that seeming madnesse, doth prepare,
And draw some, out of novelty, to heed,
What, they had never, els, vouchsaf'd to read:
And, these my ridlings now, are an invention
Designed partly, unto that intention;
And, partly likewise, to amaze those Readers,
Who, to my purposes, are counter-pleaders.

When, others think, the times afford me may
Enough to speak of, I have nought to say:
When my heart calls upon me, I cast by
My own affairs, and to that call apply,
As I occasions find, uttring sometimes,
My thoughts in prose, another while in rimes;
One while, by sharp, and bitter strains reproving;
Sometimes, by admonitions, calm, and loving;
Yea, Jigs of recreation, sometimes fidling;
And, now, I'm faln into a fit of Ridling.

Riddle my Riddles, then, you, that have heard
Truths, oft, and plainly spoke without regard,
(Except it were in mischiefs, to combine
Against their peace, who cast their Pearles to swine)
Riddle them if you can: For, in them lies,
A dim character of our destinies.
Within these Problemes, those things couched are,
Which I once thought, more plainly to declare:
But, from that purpose, have now chang'd my mind,
That, seeing, you might see, yet still be blind:
That, you might read, and yet not understand
The work, which GOD and men, have now in hand:
Or, which of those things will be first, or last,
Lest, future fates appear by what is past:

And, that, your misinterpretations may
Produce those good effects, which you delay:
For, to that purpose, all, which I unfold,
Histerologically shall be told.

You, likewise, who oft read, in serious wise,
Shiptons Predicts, and Merlins Prophecies;
Or, vain conjectures, from the constellations,
Wherewith, Impostors, have long fool'd these Nations,
Neglecting that, the while, which both foreseen,
And, brought to passe, in your own dayes, hath been:
Riddle these Riddles; or, at least peruse them,
And, if you find them frivolous, refuse them.

Riddle these Riddles too, ev'n you, that seek
The common peace, with hearts upright and meek:
You, that have understanding to discern
The present times; and, willing are to learn
Good lessons from a Pismire: For, to you,
By this Dark Lantern, I shall give a view,
Of things far off, and rubs now in your way,
Whereat, through want of light, you stumble may:
And, likewise, of effects, whereto, perchance,
You, by these glimmerings, may raise advance.

Observe them well, without enquiring, what
Their Authors meaning was, in this, or that,
Till, you your selves, have search'd, how they in reason,
Suit our affairs, our persons, and the season,
According to your judgements: for, that, shall
Be somewhat to the purpose, though not all.
But, where no sense that's likely, you can rear,
Leave it, as that, which lies without your sphear;
For, that, which SHALL BE, will receive a being,
From each dissenting Readers disagreeing;
From that mans knowledge, who the sense hath got;
From that mans ignorance, who knowes it not;

And he that would, and he that would not too,
Shall help effect, what GOD intends to do.

Thus, through a long lane, I have drawn you in,
Where my new Grove of Riddles doth begin,
With, now and then, a plain Lawn intermixt,
And, here and there, a small sherewood betwixt;
With such digressions, that, you'l sometimes doubt,
Whether I lead you, further in, or out:
But, 'tis a wild plot, where are walks, and bowers,
Made for my own content, as well as yours:
And, if they tedious seem, you may be gone
At next low gap, you see, and no harm done.

The harvest of our Æra now drawes near,
And, faithfull Labourers will then appear
To order that fair field, wherein was sown
The Corn, which now with tares is overgrown:
And, to distinguish Wheat, from that which had
Resemblance of it, both in stalk, and blade.
Yet, ev'ry day, Impostors creeping in,
Will, by pretended holinesse, begin
To plant themselves; seeking their lusts to feed,
By scattering adulterated-seed;
And lab'ring, to destroy those means, whereby
Truth may appear in perfect purity.

In little time, shall many changes be,
And interchanges, which will make men see
Their wisdome to be folly; their chief might,
Flat feeblenesse; their high esteemed light
Meer darknesse; and, that, most things by them done,
Will have effects, which they nev'r thought upon.

In that Catholicon, or Mithridate,
Which Providence, confected hath of late,
To temper, or dispell, what hath diseas'd
The Body Politike; it hath been pleas'd

(As finding it, a mixture requisite)
Vipers, and mortall poysons, to unite
With wholesome things; yea, mineralls and mettle,
Sulphur, and Steel, fixt matter, to unsettle:
The Serpents brains, with faithfull Turtles hearts:
Of Lions, Lambs, and Foxes, some choice parts:
Somewhat of Hares, that swift and fearful be:
Somewhat of Snailes, in whom we nothing see,
But slownesse, and, by well compounding these,
A cure preparing is, for our disease.

Fire, Water, Earth, and Ayr, (though disagreeing,
In qualities) if well mixt, give a being
To that, which cannot be, by any one
Or, any two, or three of these alone:
And, so, at last, shall ev'ry contradiction,
Among us, add some Dos, to our perfection:
Yea, they who pull down, and they who erect
Shall in the close, concur in one effect;
That, he, who's all in all, may have due praise
By ev'ry contradiction in our wayes;
And, that, out of their discords, he may bring
A Diapason, making ev'ry thing
Assent together, in the consummation
Of his designment, at the worlds creation.

For, whil'st this medicine fermenting lies,
The wheels of temp'rall contrarieties
Move on; and, ev'ry day, abroad will send
Productions, few, discerning to what end:
And, yet, each individuall circumstance,
Somewhat, the Grand-designment, shall advance.
Yea, foolings, failings, fraud, and treachery
As well as truth, and true sincerity,
Shall add thereto; and, herein, will alone,
The diff'rence be; such, as have justly done

Their duties; and, in doing them persever,
(Or, willingly, and knowingly endeavour
As they are able) will enjoy the blisse,
Which, they who counter-operate shall misse.

I. G. N. R. N. S. with, other some,
Such like, confederated are become,
To ruine this Republike; and, have laid
Designes, whereby it may be soon betray'd,
And, infamous, insensibly, become,
With all wise men abroad, and here at home.
These (though but few observe it) have, long, had
A purpose these three Ilands to invade;
And, to possesse them, with a people far
More barbarous then Kernes, and Redshanks are.
Some of their Party, to promote their ends,
Do yet appear to be our faithfull friends;
And, into every place of Power, and Trust,
Themselves, and their confederates have thrust.
In Townes and Boroughs, Cittadells and Cities,
In Courts, and Councells, and in all Committees;
In offices of profit, and command,
Throughout the Commonwealth, at Sea, and Land
They have Abettors; and, so bold they grow
That, every man almost, their aimes may know;
And, their attempts, although but fools they are
Are at this present time, improv'd fo far
That, they have shaken that, wherein consists,
Our honor, and our noblest interests;
And into practise, they begin to draw
Among us here, the Clagefurtian Law.

M. N. O. P. Demas, Diotrophes,
Peripateticks, Stoicks, Pharisees,
With others, who, in judgement diff'ring be,
Will, altogether, as one man agree,

To fortifie their private interest,
Indangering (by what shall be possest
Unduly) that, which is to others due:
Untill the faithfull Shepherds do pursue
Their claim aright; the same deriving from
Their Foster-Fathers, whence, it first did come;
And, of whom, it was long since propheci'd
That, GOD, by them, a portion would provide
For those, he sends forth, to preserve the beauty
Of holinesse, when, man, forgets his duty.

Some other accidents, time will beget
Which may be mark'd out, by our Alphabet:
By, and for envy, jealousie, and pride,
Shall, A. B. C. be laid awhile, aside.
Despised also, V. and I. shall be
P P. and S. against C S. and P.
Shall then conspire; and, for a Salve employ
That, which it self, and all things, doth destroy,
If Alpha and Omega, help not more
Then all the other letters, did before:
For, common helps, will be apply'd in vain,
The fury of their madnesse, to restrain.

The causes, whence this hazard will arise,
Are such as this; observe it, and be wise.
The Temple of the Gods, which heretofore
Stood open to the prayers of the poor,
Is closed up, and few admitted in,
But, such as are conveyed by a gin,
Contriv'd so narrow, that the people say
It was choak'd up, the first, or second day:
And, with distemper, they exclaim, that this
Of all their grievances, the greatest is:
Because it puts their patience, to more trialls,
Then, if of Justice, they had quick denialls:

Turnes hopes into despairs; converts their lives
To living deaths, their balmes to corosives.

The Saints likewise, that must propitiate,
On their behalfs, and offer at the gate
Of justice and of mercy, their petitions
Are not so sensible of their conditions;
Nor from all partiality so free
As Mediators alwayes ought to be.

This, makes one grumble in his privacies;
Another, gapes out open blasphemies:
Some, with such indignation filled are,
As, if they Giant-like, would make a warre
Against their GODS (if, lookers on, may guesse,
By their distempers, of their purposes)
And, universally, there is a cry
So lamentable, and rais'd up so high,
That, if these Deities, shall not in time,
With due compassion, bow their ears to them,
And, their just Prayers, and requests fulfill,
A higher power, these plaints examine will,
And these inferiour Gods, shall tumble then,
From heav'n like Lucifer, and die like men.
Riddle this Riddle, and resolve me whether
This Temple, be Pantheon, or some other,
Wherein Subdeities, invoked are:
What Temple e're it be; we wish it were
More open; lest upon those Gods, it bring
Contempt, or worse, and ruines ev'ry thing
To them subordinate: for, hence doth flow
Most other grievances, complain'd of now;
And, hence rise those confusions, which increase
Our troubles, and procrastinate our peace.
From hence is it, mens suits prolonged are
Beyond their lives; and after twice five year,

As far from ending, as when they begun;
Yea, endlesse, till poor Suiters are undone,

At these words, an Illusion cry,d, take heed;
And, further do not in this strain proceed;
Lest, some Interpreters, interpret, so,
Thy Riddles, that the Ridler they undo.
The suddain caution, startled me a while;
Yet, back return'd it with a strong recoil;
Suggesting, that I over-much bewray'd
Their nakednesse; and them too open laid
Whose shame I ought to hide, and, that so far
It may provoke them, who soon angry are,
As thereby to indanger at the least,
My quiet, and my private interest.
How, therefore, this objection I past over,
E're further I proceed, I'le here discover.

Against these doubts, my Genius up arose,
And, quite out of my heart, their poyson throws;
Assuring me, I had no cause to fear
What other mens interpretations were;
Or, to suppose the safety of this Nation
Were not more worthy of a preservation
Then their repute, who are quite senslesse growne,
Both of the publike danger, and their owne.
Or think it better that a generall
Disease o'respread us, rather, then to call
A Scab, a Scab, or, timely to declare
The cure of these things, which destructive are.

It told me, (and with arguments not weak)
The cause, and time, requir'd me now to speak
Without respect of persons; and, that, I
Was bound unto it by my fealty.
It told me, 'twas a duty whereunto
I was ordain'd; and, which I'm kept to do.

It represents unto me, from what strong
And spitefull Adversaries; and, how long,
I have preserved been, since I begun
To do such works, when they were to be done.
It bids me to record, by what strange wayes,
(And means unlikely) I have all my dayes,
Deliverances obtain'd; ev'n when I had,
Oppressions, that might make a wise man mad;
And, not one friend, me, in those streights to own,
But, such as GOD still rais'd me up unknown.

It bids me mind, how oft (when I have had
No other help) his Providence hath made
The malice of my foes, things to project
Against me which my succour, did effect;
And, without which, I probably had lost
Just expectations, with much pain and cost.

It bids me mark, how many there are still,
(Who, without cause, have born me evill will)
That daily do expect to see me stumble,
When they may add a kick, to make me tumble:
How, in those High Assemblies, where they deem,
It may most disadvantage my esteem,
They whisper out detractions; or, speak loud
Those things, which cannot justly be avow'd:
How enviously, they often make relations
Of what GOD gives, beyond their expectations;
With such periphrases, as may infer
That, my supplies, were got as ill as their.

It wills me, likewise, seriously to heed,
How, they in other things, with me proceed;
How, by their spight, all publike favours done me.
Bring nought, as yet, but cost, and troubles on me,
Which had e're this destroy'd me, had I not
Preventions, from a Power above them got:

And, by these mercies, it conjures me to
What, conscience, and my judgement, bids me do.

It minds me to be mindfull of that powre,
Which hath preserv'd in every evill hour.
How plentifully, I have still been fed,
Ev'n when I saw not means, of next dayes bread
But, what was in their hands, who would not spare,
The least supply, when most distrest we were.

How, my repute, with good men, was maintain'd,
When with unjust aspersions, I was stain'd:
And, when our Princes, on their Judgement Seats,
Thundred against me, nothing lesse then threats.

It charmes, to observe, that, though I get
Little or nothing, of that publike debt
Which was assign'd, and which hath now been due
Ten years (by claimes approved just and true,
On treble trialls) and, though ever since,
It yeelds me nought, but troubles and expence;
That GOD, hath naythelesse, improv'd of late,
My Mite, into a competent estate;
Meerly, by such unlikely means, as those
Which Jacob us'd, when in the watering troughs,
He laid his whitled sticks, till he was paid
The wages, which his Master had delaid.

It calleth on me, to look back upon
Those works, which have within my dayes been done;
(And chiefly those, which stand in some relation
Unto my self, together with this Nation)
What strange effects, and unbelieved things,
Have followed my fore conjecturings:
What risings, and what fallings, I have heeded:
What mercies, and what judgements have succeeded
Our various paths. It urgeth me to weigh,
What may bety'd me, if I disobey

The motions of my heart, and what event
He may expect, who shall be negligent
To do his duty, when his eye perceives
What GOD intends; and, when his heart believes,
He dreams not; but, is really required
To act, according, as he is inspired:
And, somewhat tells me, that, if after all
These mercies, and remembrances, I fall
From my resolves; GOD justly may expose,
And leave me, to the malice of my foes.

Lest, yet, my frailties, or self interest,
Or carnall reasons, somewhat might suggest
To blow all this away; it, comes sometimes,
At midnight (as it did of late) and chimes
Dreadfull Alarms, which, do awaking keep
Mine eyes, when other men are fast asleep:
From darknesse, then, it fresh advantage taking,
(And from vain thoughts, which too oft keep me waking)
Thus, it invades me; what is that, which thou
Li'st muzing on, and ruminating now?
Art thou contriving, how to lay foundations
For thine own family, when Kings, and Nations,
Are tumbling down? and, when impartiall fates,
Are overthrowing Monarchies, and States?
Is this a time to settle, when there are
Earthquakes, that shake the mountains, ev'ry where?
Is this a time to plant, when thunder-strokes,
Root up high Cedars, and break down strong Okes?
Is this a time to purchase, when the trouble,
And hazards, make the payments more then double?
Or wheel thee (as by triall thou hast found)
Into a fruitless and a tedious round?

But, if a seasonable time, it be
For others, can it so befall to thee,

Whil'st thou delayest his affairs, from whom,
The means to make thy purchases, must come?
When, GOD, to build thy house, hath now begun,
Wil't then, to finish it to others run?
As if, he, who from nothing, heretofore
Thus far, hath brought thee, now, could do no more?
Oh take good heed, what course, thou dost pursue,
(And, what neglect) lest els, thy course, thou rue.

God, hath already, made thee to possesse
The gates of those that were thine enemies:
And by a means unlooked for, restor'd
That, which was taken from thee by the Sword:
Houses, by others built, to thee are granted,
Orchards and Gardens, which thou hast not planted,
He gives, in recompense for what was lost
In publike service; yea, without the cost
Of this Republike; and, had more bestowne
E're now, perhaps, if thou to do thine owne
Had'st not delay'd his work, and, to thy hope
For this (it may be) he will put a stop.

Why, then, with fruitlesse musings, busied are
Thy thoughts, on what, must be anothers care?
Deferring that, which thou art call'd unto,
And seeking daily, somewhat els to do?
Art thou afraid, lest thou thereby may'st lose
Thy late recruits? or, reinrage thy foes?
Or, marr thy quiet? cursed is that fear;
And, thou too, if therein thou persevere:
For, when a temp'rall blessing, makes us worse,
It is a plague, beyond a tem'prall curse
And, if thou take not heed will quite deprive thee
Of that which Providence, did freely give thee.

But, who are they? or, where inhabit those
Who dare to take away, what, GOD, bestowes

If thou adhere to him? whom need'st thou fear,
If in thy duty, thou shalt persevere?
Nay, rather, which of those, that seem to be
Most dreadfull, shall not be afraid of thee
If he be guilty? and, who (though on high
He bears his head) shall not, in privacy,
Think on thy lines, with trembling, when he hears
What they declare, and what his conscience fears?

If thou, said my good Angell, hast not, yet,
Quite shaken off, thy fears, and fanting fit;
Consider, wisely, of this Generation,
In those things, which have thereto, nigh relation:
Sum up together, that, which thou hast heeded
In those thou fear'st: mark, how they have proceeded;
What, they have been; what, at this time, they are;
What, they may be, before they are aware;
What, they design, in what paths they are going;
What, they have done; what, they are daily doing;
What Labyrinths involve them; what, confusions
Enclose them round, as also what conclusions
Are following; and, then, thou wilt not fear
Their power as foes, nor for their friendship care.

If, still, some outward interest, be that
Which thou desir'st to save; consider, what
Thereto conduceth: for, sometimes, the thing
We fear to loose, is kept by hazarding:
And, lost in seeking to preserve the same,
By other means, then that, through which it came.

If, thou, permit the proud, without a check
To follow their career, they'l break, their neck.
And, with themselves (as our affairs, now stand)
Indanger all the people of this Land.
Where, then, wilt thou be safe? or, where wilt thou
Injoy with peace, what thou possessest now?

But, if a word in season, thou shalt speak,
Who knows, what instruments despis'd and weak
May compasse? and, who knows, but that, of them,
Who, heretofore thy cautions did contemn.
Some, touch'd may be, with sense of their condition,
And, turn back, from the path-wayes of Perdition?
And, who knows not, that many may be found
(Whose actions blamelesse are, whose faiths are sound)
That, by these hints, may hart and courage take,
Their Neighbours, from their dreamings, to awake?
At least, therein thy duty having done,
If any be secur'd, thou shalt be one.

When these things were inspir'd, and duly weigh'd,
My heart, which was a little while dismay'd
From prosecuting, what I had begun,
Assum'd new courage, and went boldly on:
And, these expostulations, may perchance,
Some others, to the like resolves advance
On like occasions; unto which intent,
These few short steps, beside my way I went:
For I confesse, my theam I following not,
Have rambled out, as if I had forgot
What I at first proposed; and insteed
Of Riddles, to plain language do proceed.
But, I will wheel about, and with the rein
Turn Pegasus, into his path again;
Though, he, in his digressions (as we say
Of Beggers) never is beside his way.

Once on a time (thus did old tales begin,
E're I was born, or thought I should have been)
A foolish people, over much at ease,
Their wantonnesse, and vanity to please,
Among their may-games, brought home from the wood,
Trees, which had els, till now, unheeded stood.

Of these, they made, by hewings, knocks, and smoothing,
That, look like something, which resembled nothing.
And, out of knotty, shapelesse logs, did hew
Some statues not uncomely to the view.
These, e're quite shaped, with some jeers, and mocks,
They set up higher, upon other blocks.
Then, them repolished, and painted so,
That, of what stuffe they were, few men could know.
Beginning then, their own work, to admire,
They rais'd them higher ev'ry day and higher,
Till Idols they became; with whom, they grew
At first, familiar, and did them bestrew
With flowers and garlands: shortly after, they
Bow'd humbly down before them, ev'ry day;
Till custome, had their judgement more befool'd;
But, then (when these, mishrin'd they did behold,
Sparkling with Jewells, and with gold aray'd)
They, of their own Creations, grew afraid.
And, at the last, (as at the last, all do
That whoring after their own fancies go;)
These fools, repented of their superstition;
Bewail'd the slavery, of their condition;
With some appearances, of an intent
To grow more wise, as well as to repent:
Yea, to blaspheme, their new made GODS they spar'd not,
And, would have pul'd them down again, but dar'd not.

For, by their flattring attributes (long, given)
They had advanc'd them, to a sphere, or heav'n,
Where, uncontroul'd, a power they exercis'd
According to their lust; and those despis'd
Whose hands had made them, & whose breath had blown them
Too high, for their ambitiousnesse, to own them.
Yea, by their incantations, these, had brought
Strong spirits, into what their hands had wrought;

Inliv'ning, and enabling them unto
Those actions, which their makers might undo.
Yet, persevere, this blockish people will
To make such idols, and advance them still;
Till both they, and their idols are destroy'd
Unlesse the GOD of Gods, my fears makes void.
For, most men being of a slavish mind,
Are nat'rally to slavishnesse inclin'd:
And to fulfill their bruitish lust will fawn
Upon a Dog, and lay their souls to pawn.
Riddle this Riddle, if you can, and tell
What People, this may be, and where they dwell:
Which I believing you with ease may do,
Will add this following Parable thereto.

There was a time, when silly Bees could speak,
(A people, of much industry, though weak)
And, these, among themselves, made grievous moans,
As being much oppressed, by their drones;
Who (having made intrusions among those
That had an uncontroulable dispose
Of their Republike) did in sundry wise,
Incroachments make on their proprieties;
And, greedily, unto themselves derive,
The fatnesse, and the sweetnesse of the hive.

Complaints in private, no redresse obtaining,
Increast to open, and avow'd complaining:
Which finding like successes, they begun
To buz, as when their swarming time, draws on:
Then, to shut up their cells, to shake their wings,
To leave their wonted work, and shew their stings.

The Drones, at first, were startled much thereat;
But, being not so wise, as they are fat;
Neglected still, the course which might prevent
The mischief then appearing imminent:

Which, when I saw, I would no longer stay;
But, said, GOD help them; and so come away.
This Parable, if rightly moralliz'd,
Affords a meaning not to be despis'd.

And so doth this which follows: as I went
On Pilgrimage unto the Parliament,
Dispersed in my way, I saw the cocks,
(Which kept the hens, and capons from the fox)
With broken wings, with backs, without a feather
To hide their naked bodies, from the weather;
With plumelesse tails, with scarred necks and brests;
With empty bellies, and with combs, and crests,
Cut quite away; and scraping with their feet
On dunghills, for their food, and in the street,
So despicably, that it could appear
By nothing save their spurs, what once they were:
And, Popinjaies, and Parrets, cloath'd and fed,
By what the valour of these purchased,
(And, trim'd with ill got feathers) strutted by,
Casting upon them a disdainfull eye:
Which when I saw, methought (I tell you true)
It was no good presage; pray, what think you?

News, if you look for, I but little know,
Save, such as this next Parable doth show.
A fair ship, now lies floting on the floods,
Well fill'd with Passengers, well fraught with goods,
Labring to fix an Anchor on the strand
Of her wish'd harbor, which lies neer at hand.
By many stormes, much tackling, she hath spent;
Her Masts are shater'd; and her shrowds are rent:
Her ammunition, and her stores are wasted,
Her bread and bevorage is evill tasted:
Her keel springs leaks, through her uncawked seams;
Her knees are weakned, bruized are her beams:

Her Pump is broke, no Cable sound hath she;
And, Anchors have been slipt, till none there be:
Her Helm hangs loose, her Cards have great defects;
Her compasse likewise often misdirects:
And ev'ry where, she crazinesse doth feel,
From Prow to Stern, from topmast, to the Keel.

In this condition, too and fro she drives,
And, on the waves, with much ado, yet lives:
For, now of late again, the Seas go high;
A stiff gale blows, and she expos'd doth lye
To many hazards, close without the Bar,
Betwixt two Forelands, which in kening are:
If she were fitted, forth again to stand
To Seaward, Pyrats threaten; if to Land
She makes; the rocks lye scattered, here and there,
In which, as great, or, greater dangers are:
And, which is worse, they, who in her abide,
Are mutinous; and, somwhat els beside:
Some ignorant, some trecherous, and, some
Ambitious, how, possessors to become
Of what is other mens: yea, some of those
Who, have this goodly ship at their dispose,
Have in delayes, their time, and stores, mispent,
For private ends; or, for accomplishment
Of worse designes: and, in this great distresse,
(In part through fear, in part through guiltinesse)
So much amuz'd, and so amuzed are,
That, they are at a losse, what course to steer,
Themselves to save; and compasse their design;
Without which, to no course, they will incline

The Owners, and the Passengers, have waved
No means, whereby this Vessell might be saved:
For, to that purpose, they have not alone,
Put hand, to all things needfull to be done;

And, faithfully, unto their labour stood;
(Ev'n with the frequent hazard of their blood)
But also, willingly away have cast
Their goods; yea, some have thrown forth to the last
Of all their outward visible estates:
Few of her Masters, or her Masters Mates,
In her extremities, adventring ought;
Although their Cabbins, with rich goods are fraught.

The danger still increaseth; and those few
In place of trust, who to their trust are true,
Perceiving all endeavours rendred vain
By their decrease, to whom doth appertain
That Vessells charge; they labour'd seriously
To find out an expediment, whereby
Some other Pilots might be timely sent
Their neer approaching shipwrack, to prevent.
And, that by making of their Canons roar,
They might invite help, from the neighbring shore.

The motion pleased all, save such as had
Self-ends to fear; and, these a faction made
So strong against it, that, this Vessell, yet
Hulls there, with many perills, round beset;
Not knowing (without hazard) either how
To ride safe, tack about, or venture through
The narrow Channell; whose hid winding lies
Obscured from their knowledge, and their eyes:
And, one dark night, or, but one tempest more,
Might wrack her on the sands, or on the shore.
But, maugre all these hazards; she at last,
In her wish'd harbour, shall an anchor cast;
For, to the Leeward, lies an unseen Bay,
Where, through the soft Ouze, run aground she may
Without a bruize; and, shall recruits take in,
Ev'n where 'twas fear'd, she should have splitted bin.

You therefore, who conceive your interest
To be concern'd by what is here exprest,
Praise God alone, when fafe this Ship shall be,
For none could have secured her, but he.

And let not those, to whom the same relates
Slight what this Parable insinuates,
Which next ensueth: for, it hath an use,
That much to their advantage may conduce.
A homebred Lion (of a hair unknown
In Africa) by being overgrown,
And dreadfull to his Keepers, will thereby
Awake the rage of smother'd jealousie,
And lose his tail; except between his pawes,
He couch his head, and hide his teeth and clawes;
Or Rampant grow; and what will follow then?
Ask those you credit, they are Cunning men:
Of me you ask in vain; for 'tis my fate,
Seldome to be believ'd, till 'tis too late.
But that stout Lion by his prudency
May easily improve this jealousie,
Both for the Publike safety, and th'increase
Of his own honor, also, if he please;
And I do probably presume he will,
If my well-wishes, have not fool'd my skill.

Before that time, they who have took delight
In deeds of darknesse, will put out the light
By which the footsteps of their foes are known,
And whereby they might see to guide their own:
Insteed whereof, perhaps erect they shall
An ignis fatuus, which will hazard all.
To each man then shall Providence dispose
That, which for his chief happinesse he chose:
The dogs, who to their vomit do retire,
And swine (who love to wallow in the mire)

Themselves with their beloved filth shall fill;
And they that are unclean, shall be so still.

The wilfull Adder, who doth stop his ears,
And will not heed the Charmer whom he hears,
Shall feel a voice within him, that will shake him
Out of his dumps; and from his deafnesse wake him,
When 'tis too late to hear what might prevent
The dint of his forewarned detriment.
The Leaches shall by salt a vomit take;
Or els continue sucking, till they break.
The Bubbles, who in emptinesse do find
Their pleasure, shall be puffed up with wind
Till (being blown to nothing) there appear
No signes, that in the world such bladders were.
The sons of earth, who with the Gods make war,
Shall heap up hills on hills, till crusht they are
Ev'n by their own Designes; the Dogs that prey
Upon their Flocks, and tear their wool away,
Shall bark no more, but only snarle and grin,
And run about the fields without a skin.
The shrubs and Briars, which more proud are grown,
Then were the Cedars, lately broken down;
Among their leaves and thornes, a fire do hide,
Which on a suddain will consume their pride.

The grubs and maggots, but e'rewhile so small,
So poor and weak, that they could hardly crawl,
Have got bulk, strength, new formes, aspiring wings;
Yea dreadfull teeth, and horns, and claws, and stings:
But, by a storm, whereof they have no dread,
They shall consume as fast as they were bred:

Within the circuit of our Northern Clime
Not long before, or after these, in time,
Out of the putrified barbed steed,
Shall generated be a num'rous breed

Of noysome hornets, which abroad will fly,
Much mischief doing, and next winter die.

Friends possibly may meet (our Proverb sayes)
But mountains never; yet in these our dayes,
That Proverb's crost: for hills have often met,
With purpose on each other to beget
A long'd for issue; and it is believ'd
By many, that they somewhat have conceiv'd
Of great concernment: but you'l see the birth
Prove nothing, but a moldring lump of earth;
(As they themselves will be, till clay and dust,
Seek better things, then to fulfill their lust:)
For none can answer now our expectation,
But that great hill, whence cometh our salvation.

All this from objects which are found within
Our British Orb, hath preconjectur'd bin;
But those that follow next, to me appear
By things which I observe without our sphere.

The blasted Orange, and the crooked Vine,
With many trees on either side of Rhine
Shall twist together, that beneath their shade,
A shelter for the Thistle may be made,
Till they perceive what curse is in pursuit
Of that rejected plant, root, branch, and fruit;
And then they'l wiser grow; lest they may become
Exposed justly to the self-same doom.

Mean while, the tawny Olive shall assay
His roots into those Vallies to convay,
From whence it was displanted; and effect
His purpose, by a Wile which few suspect;
Except the Willow, and the Oke foresee
What for their mutuall good should thought on be:
And both the frogs and mice, which are in sight,
Be wary what is watch'd for by the Kite.

By which means they shall break a grand design
Which is on foot, their States to undermine;
And they who of this Peace first movers are,
Shall of that blessing reap the greatest share.

Observe this well: if ever you shall see
(As possibly it may permitted be)
That from it height, the RED-CROSSE shall decline,
The half moon for that time shall Northward shine,
(With an ill influence upon the Seas)
Beyond the Pillars of great Hercules,
And Southward not be retrograde again,
Till that a reascension shall attain.
But losses are sometimes a gainfull prize;
By over-sights, men grow to be more wise;
And they who know not yet what may concern
Their welfare, will perhaps more wisdome learn,
When more experience makes their judgment stronger,
By suffering losse and scorn a little longer.

We, on this side the water, are not yet
Confus'd enough that Order to beget,
Which must estadlish us; and shall therefore
Pursue self-interest, a little more.
With new wine our old bottle must be fil'd,
(Endangring wine and bottle to be spil'd)
Till such as are in powre be pleas'd to hear
The counsell of a slighted engineer:
With new cloth our old garment patch'd must be,
(Whereby the rents made wider ye shall see)
Till every old rag be worn out, and then
The Robe so rent, shall be renew'd agen:
And they that own it, be secured more,
And much more dignifi'd, then heretofore;
If they who must compleat it make their choice,
By lot divine, as well as humane voice:

Whereto self-seekers never will agree,
Untill inforced by some streights it be.

But when this comes to passe, there shall appear
A new light shining in our hemisphere,
That will disperse the clouds and fogs, which make
So many crosse each other, and mistake
The way of safety; then we shall perceive
Our Opposites desire to interweave
Their interests with ours; and to have share
In that which God will for these Isles prepare:
Wherein if we accord, we shall possesse
Each other, and the world in Christian peace;
Till he approacheth to ascend the Throne,
Who must unite all Nations into one.

Then shall the blazing Comets, which have seem'd
Fixt stars, and been by many so esteem'd,
(Ev'n of the greatest magnitude) down from
Their heights be thrown; and more despis'd become
Then Glowormes, or those rotten chips, that glare
In darknesse, as if reall lights they were.
Then ev'ry single person shall be brought
Unto his Test; and that which he hath wrought
Shall passe a fiery Triall, such as were
Made fat with publike spoils; and cloathed are
By ruining of others; will that day
Be hungry, poor, and naked sent away,
And rendred the scorn of ev'ry one,
Whom they opprest, despis'd, and trampled on.

Then they, who large indulgences contrive
For others, that themselves they may forgive;
Who cunning are, at fast and loose to play;
Who take to morrow, what they give to day;
Who make their seeming favours, means unto
Those mischiefs, which their malice could not do.

Who Spider-like, weave cobwebs, with pretence
To catch the noysome flies which give offence.
When none but harmlesse Bees their engines take,
For, through them wasps and hornets passage make.
They, who do sacrifice unto the dead
That wherewithall the living should be fed;
Ev'n when they (wanting what should life preserve)
Lie naked, harbourlesse, and like to starve.
Then such as Innocencies cause betray,
And justifie the wicked, then shall they
Who add more grease to fatnesse; and where's none
Scrap't off, the flesh that's left unto the bone.
Then shall all these, and such like, to their doom
With fear, with trembling, and amazement come,
And undergo deserved punishment,
Unlesse beforehand timely they repent:
In which condition they may yet receive
Remission, and in future safety live.

Then also they, who now are forc'd to take
The juicelesse apples of Asphaltis Lake,
(Insted of that which was the price of blood,
Limbs liberty, and of their livelyhood)
Shall better be rewarded; and confesse
There is a GOD that loveth righteousnesse.
Then they who have received stones for bread,
(Scorpions for fish) shall with good things be fed.
Then they, who serv'd like Tantalus have bin
(With fruits and waters, which their lips and chin
Have often touch'd in vain) shall that enjoy,
For which they fruitlesse labours now employ:
Yea, they who got but gall and vineger,
When in their greatest Agonies they were,
Shall see what Sampsons Riddle hath imply'd,
On them, and their oppressors verifi'd:

Out of their eaters carkasses, will meat
Extracted be; and sweetnesse they shall get
Out of the bones and ruines of the strong,
By whom they formerly received wrong.

Then ravenous Wolves, shall Lambs and Kidlings feed,
The thistly field shall bring forth pretious seed:
The Crocodile shall tears of kindnesse weep;
The Ramping Lion, to the cross shall creep:
And such things as were noysome heretofore,
Shall make our future benefit the more.

Then, from the buried Oxe, will forth arise,
A swarm of thrifty honey making flies,
That shall with sweetnesse, and with plenty store
These Ilands, from the midland, to the shore;
And, spread their floting hives o're all the Seas,
'Twixt both the Tropicks, to th'Antipodes,
(And all without) that blessings which now are
Somewhere enjoy'd, may then be ev'ry where;
To make preparatives for that which brings
Into one body, all dispersed things.

Other events, that seem of consequence,
I do foresee approachings, not far hence:
But so obscurely, that I cannot say
(Without some doubtings) whereto tend they may
For, far beyond my apprehension lies
The chain of those conceal'd contingencies
Which draw on future things: and that frail glasse
Through which the light, disclosing them, must passe,
Is so defective, that it may perchance
Misrepresent them in some circumstance.

Yet by th'inlightnings, which the sacred Writ
On sanctified reason doth beget,
If we will weigh, consider, and compare
Those WORDS and works, which past and present are,

To GOD and men relating; we of some
Things future, may aright inform'd become.
Yea, out of question, by these are foreshown
To all intents, as much as need be known,
Relating either to our private fates,
Or unto Kingdomes, Commonwealths, and States:
Jf thereto, for the right end, men apply
Their sense in faith, and with humility.

To find what sense my Parables contain,
No man that's wise, shall need his wits to strain;
For e're three years, are three moneths past the middle
Most men the meaning of them will unriddle,
Without an Oedipus; and think that he
Who made them, had Cassandra's destiny.
But these meer trifles are, respecting that
Of whose approach I tydings can relate:
For long it shall not be, e're that be done
Which will cut off all tyrannies in one:
Yea that which many thousands have expected,
Hundreds of years, shall fully be effected,
Before the Wheel of Time, now rowling by
Hath past M. D. C. L. X. V. and I.
Which numbers how to calculate aright,
From this that follows take a little light.
First, to begin it, you must learn to find
What year the Roman Empire first declin'd,
All whose Characters, us'd in numeration,
Thus plac'd, according to their valuation,
Explain a mystery: for of that State
Whereto they did belong, they shew'd the date:
And at that season 'twill compleated be,
Jn which Rome looks for her next JUBILEE.

My Ridling fit now leaves me for a time;
And here J'le put a period to my Rhime.

My inward perturbations are past over,
My brains begin, by setling, to recover
Those wits, whereby I may, like other men,
Converse; and follow my affairs agen.
My night adventures I have passed thorow,
And they who meet me in the streets to morrow
Will scarce believe how mad I was this night,
Untill they shall peruse what I now write;
And most of them, will then, (it may be) deem,
That others are more mad, then I yet seem.

The Perpetuall PARLIAMENT.

BEING The Result of a Contemplative Vision, revealing a probable meanes of making this Parliament to be both perpetuall, and acceptable to these Nations, if they so please.

A Paradox, though this appear to some,
Consider it, lest els, a mischief come.

Is that design'd? then it is time to vary
My Theme, lest, on a suddain, all miscarry.
Riddles adieu, let clouds away be blown,
And my Dark Lantern, quite aside be thrown;
That e're it be too late, I down may charm
The Spirits conjur'd up, to do us harm:
For in my contemplations I have had
A Vision, which hath some discov'ries made,
And in a plain song I intend to sing,
How we may concord, out of discords bring,
Order out of confusions, and restore
That Peace, whose late infringements we deplore;

Where, to begin the work; how to proceed,
That which is yet but words, may be a deed,
And to declare our means of settlement,
To be an everlasting Parliament.

It may appear, (and will be thought perchance)
At least much rashnesse, if not arrogance,
That I adventure to employ my pen
Upon a subject, which more able men
Have hitherto declin'd, and which of late,
Hath ground administred of much debate,
(And much dispute) to Counsells of renown,
Without a full resolve, as yet made known:
But these are blasts, whereof small heed I take,
For chaffe and feathers only, they can shake;
And he that all things hath at his dispose,
Is pleased some expedients to disclose
To poor and simple persons, now and then,
Which he conceals from wise, and noble men:
He, sometimes calls men from within the grates,
To Counsell grave, and mighty Potentates;
And they in meeknesse have embrac'd the same
Without a jealousie of any shame
Which might thereby reflect disparagements
Upon their wisdome, from those instruments.

Nor is there any cause, why such as are
Made instrumentall, those things to declare
Which may be serviceable, should therefore
Esteem their wisdome, or themselves the more;
Since they have nothing, but what they receive,
And are but earthen pipes, to help derive
To others, what into themselves they take,
Not so much for their own, as others sake.
And if assume ought to my self I would,
J nothing know, that arrogate J could

By what shall be proposed, more then they,
Who have not to this end a word to say,
Jf they desire to serve you; when they shall
Meet such occasions, as J met withall.

For, as when two great Armies, long ingag'd,
Having each others fury so inrag'd,
That over all the fields there are bespread,
Disorders rais'd out of despair and dread;
Such renovations on the hills and vallies,
Of charges and retreats; of routs and rallies,
So loud a noyse of drums, and guns, and cries;
Such clouds of smoke and dust to blind their eyes;
Such stops by them that slain and wounded ly,
Such throngs and tumults among those that fly,
And, such confusions, that the Chief Commanders
Know not what course to take; if then, by-standers,
Upon a neighb'ring hill, shall thence discern
Where some advantage lies, which may concern
Their friends ingag'd; and from among them one
Shall (ventring down) inform them what is done;
Where their foes weakness lies; and how they may
Rally their broken troops, and win the day,
What great thing hath he done, whereof to boast?
Or what dishonor hath that Army lost,
By his officiousnesse? or what's his gains
But knocks perhaps, or woundings for his pains;
From those, it may be, of his Party too,
Who know not what he thither came to do.

This is my case; who for such services,
(And such adventures heretofore as these)
Have gain'd so little, that none needs envy
The profit which J have receiv'd thereby;
Or, those advantages J might expect,
Jf that which J propose should take affect;

Considering, how many still there be,
To make my best deeds mischievous to me.

But, whatsoever shall thereon succeed
With what is now intended, I'le proceed,
As my peculiar work; and to be done
By no man, if I let the same alone.
For, (as it by my Journall Books appears)
Somwhat above the term of forty years
I have been on the hills of contemplation,
A voluntary Watchman for this Nation.
I, oft, when none to second me I knew,
In times of greatest danger stood perdue.
I oft was pris'ner took, and did inlarge
My self, at all times, at my proper charge.
I, more then once, to scape my Foes made shift,
With nothing, but my life, and raiment left;
And have perswaded been (ev'n ever since
J reacht the years of ripe intelligence)
That (next unto his service) GOD, in chief,
Gave me my being, faculties and life,
To serve my Country, and to have an eye
On those who hindred her prosperity;
And, to imploy my studies and my wit,
Jn searching out what might advantage it,
Though no man should regard it; yea, though still
J injuries receiv'd for my good-will:
And this hath oft produc'd such fruits as these,
Judge me, or use me for it as they please;
J shall, at last, be paid for all J do:
And, so shall they, who dare oppose it too.

Having thus prefac'd, to anticipate
Miscensures, J, my Visions thus relate.
When with sad thoughts J many nights and dayes,
Had over-look'd my one, and others wayes,

Considering seriously, both what they were
And in what posture, our affairs now are;
I saw so much confusion, and disorder,
The Chaos daily, so much widing further
By new confusions, and so few, that see
Or credit, in what hazards we now be,
That in these overwhelmings I almost
Was swallowed up, in danger to be lost:
And doubtlesse in those whirlpools lost had bin,
But that the clew, by which I ventur'd in,
Did bring me forth, and set me on a Station
Where I might view them, without perturbation;
With safety too, and with so true a light
That, thereby plainly, I discover might
From whence this Chaos springs; and by what course
We might (if possible) drink up rhe source,
Or make some such diversion, as would win
An entrance, where good order might begin.

As I stood musing, how this could be done,
A voice within me said; this works for none
But him to do, who first did out of nought
Bring something; and from something, all things brought.
Then said my heart, LORD, though this work, to thee
Belongs alone, yet instruments there be,
By which thou workest all things here below;
Some instrumentall means, now therefore show,
Whereby this may be done; and, then alone
Shal't reap that honor which insues thereon.

Insteed of vocall answer hereunto,
A firm perswasion, that it should be so
Possest my soul; and that he whosoever
Would faithfully and seriously endeavour
A restauration, either should acquire
The full accomplishment of his desire;

Or so much toward it, as might at least
Secure him in his noble interest.
Herewith well satisfi'd, aside I threw
My own affairs, and privately withdrew
Into my self, in season to begin
That undertaking which I now am in;
And whereto you, by these long lanes are led,
To signifie that I've considered
The Propositions, which to light I bring,
With good precautions, and examining.

One afternoon, as on my couch I lay,
About the ev'ning twilight of the day,
My contemplation introduced there,
A mask, that might beseem a theater;
And many grave spectators: for thereby
Was represented our late tragedy
From that time, when the Prologue did begin,
Ev'n to the very act, we now are in;
With each materiall circumstance, which might,
Be usefully presented to my sight,
Pertaining to this Nation, and to those
Who are, or have been, thereto friends or foes.

It likewise drew a map before mine eyes,
Of all our past, and present miseries,
With those distractions, and those contradictions
VVhich do prolong or multiply afflictions:
As also of each actor and his actions
Confusedly wrapt up with their transactions,
As they to me, and other men appear,
When we do look upon them in our fear;
Or as they passed by us day by day,
Whil'st we among the same confusions lay.

This mummery withdrew: and then me thought,
It back again, each part and actor brought,

Distinctly represented, so that I
Might perfectly discern with reasons eye,
What in themselves they were; and that we had
Of many things a wrong conjecture made.
That some, which to our practise were commended,
Have to our shame, and our destruction tended:
That others, which we judged might destroy
Our interest; produc'd what we enjoy.
That wicked projects, otherwhile brought forth
As good effects, as those of reall worth,
(Though not without a woe, to them, by whom
Offences, and prevarications come)
That some, which good appear'd, were nothing so,
That, others, making but an evill show,
Were (if consider'd simply) very good,
Or, better then they seem'd, if understood
According to the time, and present state
Of these affairs, whereto they did relate.

A Curtain then was drawn aside, that shew'd
A Table, whereon portraited I view'd
A Directory, teaching me the use
Of all that I had seen, with their produce:
Which could my memory, have brought away,
Had done this work (which I intend to day)
Much better, then this picking out again,
What their impression left upon my brain.

A thousand sev'rall things (some, neither fit
For my expression, nor in season, yet
To be divulg'd) were brought as in procession
Before me, in an orderly progression.
Sometimes confusedly, there passed by
Strange Apparitions, which away did fly,
E're I could well discern them; or my thought
Take notice, to what purpose they were brought.

Sometimes bright shinings from a light I had,
Which cheer'd my heart, and made my spirit glad.
Another while, a darknesse me surrounded,
Which, all my notions, for a time, confounded,
And sadned so my spirit by privations,
That I well neer lost all those observations
Which I had made sometimes appear'd to me
Such things, as in our Antimasks we see
Ridiculous, and worthy laughing at;
Sometimes things terrible, and after that
Appearances, which promised to some,
Much comfort, peace, and happinesse to come;
And so the Vision vanish'd, and the day
By that time to the night had given way.

But by what represented thus hath been,
By well considering what I have seen;
(By spelling out, what every character
Held forth, and what things evidenced were
By readring all together) found hath bin
Where that great work must first of all begin,
Which may make up our breaches, when thereto
Our selves we settle, as we ought to do.
In brief, I saw, that in the settlement
And constitution of this Parliament
Upon a just foundation laid with speed,
A course of restauration might succeed;
And draw on by degrees, a means to bring
Into right order, ev'ry other thing
Conducing to our Weal; and if we take
That way whereof proposall I shall make,
I dare adventure, if it do not thrive,
To lose my head, or be inter'd alive.

I have attain'd assurance (and without
So much as any shadow of a doubt)

That by this Parliaments misconstitution
We are uncapable of that fruition
Which we expect; that for the most part thence
Proceed the causes of our indigence
And myseries; and that 'tis naythelesse
The chief, or sole means left of our redresse.
Ev'n this in being now, this which men seek
To bring into contempt, and to dislike.
This, which they (justly too, in some respect)
Have laboured to make of no effect,
And to annihilate, as if thereby
(And thereby only) they should perfectly
Injoy their full desires, and be secur'd
From all the troubles hitherto indur'd.
Ev'n by this Parliament, God will effect
That future settlement which we expect,
If we too long delay not the pursuit
Of an impartiall rativall recruit.

For though the body of it being made
Of many members, hath among them had
(And hath yet) overmany so corrupted
That they have not alone much interrupted:
The activenesse of those that have been sound,
But are oft likely also to confound
The whole at once, by seeking how to please
Their lusts, or friends, or how themselves to ease:
Yet by their faithfulness, who have been true
Unto their trust, and active to pursue
The publike interest, redeem'd we are
From that captivity in which we were;
And many things enjoy of him esteem
(Though by some wants, enjoyments lesse do seem)
Whereof we had e're this been quite dispoil'd,
If they in their endeavours had been foil'd.

It therefore were an Act of Tyranny,
(Of high injustice, and of cruelty)
To wrap up these, with those that have misdone,
Because some fail, to have respect to none;
But cast off all at once, and from us thrust
With men unrighteous, those that have been just.

For if we weigh things well, it is their praise,
That they have marched through uneven wayes,
(Oft, ill accommodated) and have long
Opposed without wearinesse, a strong
And cunning enemy; that they have bin
Assail'd by some without, and stob'd within
By bosome foes; that they were lamed too,
In their own limbs, yet forward still did go
With perseverance: and that also they
Stand for us in the gap, ev'n to this day;
It is their glory, rather then their blot,
Though their good purpose they accomplish not.

It is from these that we denominate
This Parliament; in them is lodg'd the fate
Of this Republike; yea, what e're it seem,
This, as I said, is that which must redeem
Our late lost honor; and if e're this shall
Dissolved be, down all our Structures fall,
Not to be rais'd, without the cost of more
Then hath been spent upon it heretofore.

For what should keep it up? can wise men think,
They shall uphold it, that it may not sink,
Whom these depute? who while they do subsist,
Preserve, with much care, their own interest?
Can any of us, reasonably believe
The power which to their Substitutes these give,
When they themselves are outed, shall be able
To keep up strongly, that which is unstable,

Untill a Phœnix, yet unhatch'd arise
Out of their ashes, with renew'd supplies?
When, having far lesse power, and lesse esteem,
(As being an extraction out of them
Who are prejudicated) they shall contend
With those immergencies, that may ascend?

But, grant it possible, what way shall we
Contrive, whereby this power dissolv'd may be
Without a force, that may indanger more
Our safety, then it hath done heretofore?
(Since by a Law, it was perpetuated
Which is not rashly to be abrogated;
And which without inforcement, can by none
Repealed be, save by it self alone?)
It were not rationall we should petition
That they now sitting (weighing their condition)
Dissolve it should, till they can be assured,
How they may for the future be secured,
For giving their intrusted power away,
To those they know not; or, to such as may
Ruine both them, and those too, for whose sake,
They serv'd, that reasonlesse resolve to make;
Yea, should they leave to such uncertainties,
(And, to such hazards, as might thence arise)
This Commonwealth, it were an Act unjust,
And, an unanswerable breach of trust.

This Parliament, though (by and for our sin)
Her vigorous actings have delayed bin,
Through those obstructions, which it long hath had,
And, is by many foul bespatterings made
Unacceptable; though, that it should raign
O're them, the sons of Belial, do disdain:
Although, some also (without cause) have thought
That, to defame it, I my self, have sought

(Because thereto misunderstandingly,
They such invectives, and reproofs apply,
As were intended only against those,
Who seeming to be friends, were secret foes.)
Yet since it first begun (ev'n all along)
I have perceiv'd what works thereto belong,
And ever had a care how to prevent
Their scandall, by a plain distinguishment
Of Doves from Crowes, and of mens private factions,
From publike, and authorized transactions.

For as that man, who can nor hear, nor see,
And half whose limbs, corrupt and rotten be,
May possibly be all the means reserv'd,
By which a noble house may be preserv'd
From extirpation; so, how bad soe're
This Parliament may be, (or may appear)
I am assur'd, by many a circumstance,
It is that means by which GOD will advance
This Commonwealth, unto that settlement,
Which may accursed Anarchy prevent,
If those conditions be not long neglected,
Whereby our happiness may be effected.

As heretofore, when Sarah was bereav'd
Of that which gave her hope to have conceiv'd,
She, naythelesse, obtain'd a lovely son,
In whom a num'rous Off-spring was begun:
And whence did spring that light, and that salvation,
Which is the happiness of ev'ry Nation;
Ev'n so, when we had wanted many a year,
The likely Symptoms of enjoying here,
Another Parliament; yea when a stop
Was raised and proclaim'd, against the hope
Of such a mercy, when nought did appear
But that whereby dispairs increased were:

VVhen Tympanies had swoln our Sarahs womb,
And made it rather seem to be the Tomb
Of dead things only, then to quicken ought,
VVhich for our comfort could from thence be brought;
Lo, then, (and not before) it did conceive
A son of Consolation, to revive
Our drooping hearts; and which, if faithlesnesse
Deprive us not of what we may possesse,
Will free us from all tyrants, and restore
Those rights which they usurped heretofore:
And not restore our liberties alone,
But propagate the blessing here begun,
Throughout the world, untill all other Nations
Are freed from their Oppressors usurpations.

Before the sons of Jacob entrance found
Into their promis'd Land, they had a round,
Or Progress to fulfill, and many years
They in the Desarts were Probationers,
By sev'rall hardships, thereby to improve
The seeds of faith, new sown at their remove
From Ægypt, and by signs and wonders shown)
To make unto themselves their frailty known.
But they at each restraining of their lust,
Brake forth into repinings and distrust;
Yea into flat rebellions, into rearing
Of Idols (when his Law GOD was preparing)
Into a wicked causlesse murmuring
Against the means of their delivering
From Ægypts thrall; and into wishes vain
That they might thither back return again.
For which of many hundred thousands none
Enjoy'd the promis'd rest, but two alone.

And we are just like tkem; yea, we have done
Since God, to bring us from our thrall begun,

The very same things in the wildernesse
Of our Probation, and our carkasses
Shall there be left, unless we do betimes
Make an attonement, for our passed crimes;
And with unfainedness that course pursue
Which leads unto the rest, that is in view.
So shall our Leaders, likewise, who comply
With such transgressors, and unsanctifie
Their power: so shall, moreover, those
Who with our Dathans, and Abirams close
In their conspiracies, and quite from all
Their likely hopes, and present glory fall.
For on conditions, (as King Jehu had
His Throne) the peoples heads, they have been made,
And if they shall from those conditions swerve,
They must expect the portion they deserve.

Let them endeavour, therefore, how they may
Remove that fear and jealousie away
Which doth possesse the people, and withdraws
Their good affections, with apparent cause:
Let those, (ev'n those, who have among the rest,
Been least to blame, and have deserved best)
Consider, that by such as carelesse are
Of those great burthens, which they seem to bear,
The weight increaseth, and, that they so fast
Decrease, on whom their weightiness is cast,
As will e're long o'rewhelm them, if with speed,
They do not to some remedy proceed.

Let them take notice, that the people rage
At their delayes, as likely to ingage
In some disorderly resolve, unless
They see that follow'd with more seriousness
Which they desire; either a Parl'ament
New made, or somewhat that's equivalent:

For thereby, they conceive, (and that thereby
Alone) their sufferings may have remedy.
And somewhat to that end (although not so
As most would have it) may be fit to do.
Yea, if I have not misadvised bin,
Our cure must with the Parliament begin.
Assist ye therefore, to promote the same,
Lest ye partake with sinners in their shame.

There is a course, whereby without disgrace,
Or danger, you may bring that work to pass,
And free your selves from that great cost and pain,
Which without thanks, or profit you sustain;
Afflicting others too, by those confusions
Which are increast by your irresolutions.
Untill a better, therefore shall appear,
Be pleased that expediment to hear,
And, if of those preventions, or that good,
It promiseth, you find a likelyhood,
Take heed, that no self-interest, divert
That Approbation, whereunto your heart
Inclineth you; for God will find it out,
And cross the counter-work you go about.

In England, and in Wales, there is a Shire,
For ev'ry week that's numbred in the year.
By twelve, according to the moneths divide
The Counties, with their persons qualifi'd
For Knights and Burgesses, proportioning
As neer as may be, to an equalling
The number of the whole, so, or so many
Unto each moneth, without omitting any.
Ascertain then, the moneth and day, wherein
Each twelfth part an election shall begin;
(The middle of the week, appearing best
As being furthest from the day of rest)

On each first Wednesday, of each moneth, let those
By whom their Deputies are to be chose,
Respectively convene in ev'ry Shire,
Upon that moneth, and Wednesday ev'ry year,
Which is to them assign'd; and having chosen,
(At moneths end) let each twelfth part, of the dozen,
Send up their chosen men, to represent
Their Shires and Boroughs in the Parliament:
And on that very day, in which they come,
Let all their Predecessors give them room.

Thus one moneth some; and moneth by moneth for ever,
Let each twelfth part, still orderly persever
To take a turn, till ev'ry share hath had
A moneth in ev'ry year; and having made
Their choice, let them still enter and withdraw
Successively, by a perpetuall Law,
No man a place of trust, supplying there,
At one election, longer then one year.

Thus, as the Thames, doth still continue one,
And is the self-same river, though there run
A new supply of waters ev'ry day
Along the channell, so continue may
This Parliament, by annuall supply,
To be the self-same everlastingly,
With very little charge or molestation
To those who chuse, or represent the Nation.
Thus may this Parliament, be both together
Successive, and perpetuall; yet neither
Enjoying such a perpetuity
As can occasion future tyranny,
Or present grievances; nor that succession,
Which may bring danger by an intermission:
But make that constitution, which will add
All power, which may from both of them be had,

Either to compass, what good men affect;
Or to prevent the mischiefs they suspect,

What I intend may plainly be conceiv'd;
And to that end, some things may be contriv'd
Much better, if your wisdome shall refine
The rudeness of my profered design;
And by authority, some rules provide
Whereby th'elected may be qualifi'd;
And their Electors too; for 'twere unjust,
In things of this concernment, those to trust
Who have disturb'd our Peace, untill a time
For their Probation be allotted them:
And till they likewise, by some good desert,
Make manifest a reconciled heart,
Atested, and approved by those Judges,
Who shall suspend their former priviledges.

And since, ev'n they who are the best affected
To Publike welfare, often have elected
Such as deceive their hopes; since ther's no eye
But GODS, that sees the hearts hypocrisie:
Since it appeareth in the best Record,
(Ev'n in the volumes of the sacred Word)
That lots were needfull in the choice of those,
On whom they did a Supreme Trust impose:
Yea, since, ev'n when the purest Congregation,
In all the world, had with deliberation,
(And from among the most approved men,
Which to their knowledge liv'd among them then)
Elected two; a lot was also cast,
That GODS Election might on theirs be plac'd,
To send forth him, who was to be employ'd
In executing of the place then void:
Since also GODS Election, joyn'd with our,
May peradventure on the Elected pour

New gifts; since we by doubtlesse warranty
May with that antient President comply:
Since it will probably give good content
To prudent men, and may oft times prevent
The choice of those, whom for sinister ends,
A numerous corrupted Party sends:
Why may not? nay, why should not two be chose
For ev'ry place that's void, and one of those
Be sent by lot? that GOD may have a voice,
And joyn with men in making up their choice?
Since they, who must this Nation represent
Are GODS Vicegerents in the Government,
As well as our Trustees? who would not more
Confide in such a choice, then heretofore
They did in others? or, then they will do
In them, who shall not now be chosen so?

Why was it not? why should it not be thus,
If this the Kingdome be of GOD WITH US?
But that self-seekers find, were this admitted,
They by reputed fools, should be out-witted?
And get no Julet, others to devoure
Hereafter, by an evill gotten power?
Yea, wherefore hath the lot been from among
All our Elections kept away so long,
But that Usurpers, and Intruders know
It would their Kingdomes wholly overthrow;
Make them afraid, that CHRIST would raign indeed
Among us, (as they sometimes hear and read)
And that they should hereafter never come
To revel (as they have done) in his room:
Nor will they, doubtless, if this take effect,
Except it be our failings to correct;
When GOD shall by permission for our sin,
Reject the lot, and let a Knave come in.

If therefore some Provision might be made,
That we should lots to our Elections add,
A great security would thence redound,
And much contentment therein might be found.
Moreover, as an out-work pertinent
Remisseness in Electors to prevent,
(Upon whose due performance much depends,
Which to the publike woe, or welfare tends)
It were not labour lost, if whensoe're
To execute that duty we appear,
Some short speech might be made, or cautions read,
Whereby it should be offred to our heed,
How much it will concern us, to take care
What choice we make, and what the dangers are
Which may ensue; lest for sinister ends,
(For fear of great men, or to please our friends)
We may displace our trust, and cast away
Our selves, and all, for ever, in one day.

To which intent, our Orator should show
What trust it is, which we that day bestow:
What benefits may gen'rally arise
By chusing men couragious, honest, wise,
And fearing GOD; what perills will ensue
(Which by forepast examples he may shew)
If cowards, fools, ungodly men, and vitious,
Or to the present Government pernitious
Elected be; he likewise may declare
How qualifi'd such persons should appear,
And warn them, that they never do unhallow
Their choice, with any such as these that follow.

Men over-talkative, and loving much
To hear themselves speak; for not many such
Can keep or give good counsell; and they'l prate
Much precious time away, in vain debate.

Your common Gamesters: for, they are unjust
Unto themselves, and them we should not trust
With other mens estates, who have been known
To lose, or hazard, desperately their own.
Men to their pleasure overmuch addicted,
For Publike works, will be by these neglected.
Such as apparently are Avaritious,
Or of Promotion greedily ambitious:
For if their ends thereby acquire they may,
These may be hir'd, their Country to betray.
Such as indulge their lust, and famed are
In their uncleannesses to persevere;
For they will leave their Charge, to please their whore,
And shame their fellows, if they do no more.

Of irreligious persons make no choice,
For these will very seldom give their Voice,
But in the Negative, to any motion,
That may be for advancement of Devotion.
Chuse none who are defam'd in any kind,
As being vitious; for these means will find
To hinder all enactings, which restrain
Ill manners; or to sober life pertain.
Elect not children: for it is unfit
That in our Supreme Counsell they should sit,
To Vote in Grand Affairs, whom Law restrains
From managing, what to themselves pertains.
Chuse none, who are observed to withhold,
Their long due debts, when they discharge them could;
Or outlaw'd persons; for, unfit are they
To make our Lawes, who will not Lawes obey.
Chuse none, who shall solicite, or propose
That they for your Law makers may be chose;
(And their Electors, by the old abuse,
Of feasting, wine, and banquetings seduce:)

For they, who shall uncall'd, themselves advance
To that great work, have much more arrogance
Then worth; and it is also ten to one,
They for themselves, have something to be done.

And lastly, take good heed, that none get in
By your Elections, who have active bin
Against this State, till you, of them have had
Good proof, whereby secure you may be made:
For he that hath into subjection brought,
A Thief, who on the way, to rob him sought,
And straight way trusts him, with his sword and horse,
Takes not a very safe, or prudent course.

This being done, (as in preceding ages)
Let those who are Elected have their wages
Well paid, and rendered proportionable
To what the times require, to make them able
To serve their Country in the Parliament
Without their private cost or detriment:
For both our Lawes, and equity requires,
That Labourers should be allow'd their hires:
Yea, 'tis a kind of bribery, in those
Who offer, without wages to be chose;
And Boroughs, which unable seem to beare
That charge, not worth the representing are.
Beside, their choice, is (for the most part) made
By some Malignant Stewards; or, or'e aw'd
By misaffected Landlords, to the wrong
Of what to them, with others doth belong:
And their objections are but cavillings,
Who shall alledge, that these establishings
Infringe their Antient Right: for, be it known,
The Commonwealth no priviledge can own
Destructive to it self: much rather, we,
Who now, by Conquest, reinvested be

With what was lost, are bound to settle it,
Not as our foes wish, but as may befit
The present, and the future preservation
Of safety, peace, and freedome to this Nation.

Moreover, as upon the House of Peers,
It was the custome, in preceding years,
That there the Sages of the Law, attended;
To whose debate such points were recommended,
As to the Law related; so, let some
Selected be, and summoned to come
To whom each matter questioned relates,
To be advis'd withall, in their debates,
As needfull it shall seem; whether the cause
In controversie shall concern the Laws,
War, Merchandize, or whatsoever may
Require their best experience on the day
Thereto assign'd: that ev'ry work begun
May by it proper instrument be done.
Which will prevent much doing, and undoing,
And make new comers, in short time, as knowing,
As they that have sate long, and finish more
In three weeks, then in three moneths heretofore.

These outworks, will much strengthen, and secure
The works within: yet that they may endure
All sieges, underminings, and scaladoes,
Battries, assaults, and stormings, with Granadoes,
By foes without, and treacheries within,
To build a Cittadell, let us begin
Upon some Fundamentalls; and provide
They may for ever, unrepeal'd abide.

Let it inviolably be decreed,
That Cities, Shires, and Boroughs do proceed
Once ev'ry year, upon the time assign'd,
(On penalty of being deeply fin'd)

To make Elections; that we never may
For time to come, be headless for one day.

Let it be everlasting banishment
To him, who shall to change this Government
From being a Republike, motion make:
And to act further if he undertake,
Let it be death, with totall confiscation
Of his estate, without commiseration;
Unless the great Disposer of all things,
(Who, as he lifts, sets up and pulls down Kings)
Shall thereto by a conquering power compell;
And, not to do it then, were to rebell.

Whoever with the publike Treasury
Shall stand intrusted; and doth knowingly
Defraud the Commonwealth; or shall purloine,
(Whether it be in goods, or ready Coyne)
The worth of twenty ounces in pure plate,
Let it be loss of life, and of estate.

Whoever this Republike shall betray
Maliciously, or for advance or pay,
Resigne his Trust; or cowardly give up
What he had means to keep, or likely hope;
Let it (when prov'd) be death without reprieving,
Or any hope of temporall forgiving.

Whoever shall from any foraigne State,
Or Prince, take pension; or negotiate
With them, or with their Agents, when they are
With us in Treaties, or in open war,
In State affairs, unless the State gives leave;
Let him, without a pardon, death receive.

Above a moneth together suffer none
To sit hereafter in the Speakers throne,
On some great penalty: Because thereby
Both publike wrongs, and private injuries

May be occasioned. Impose the like
On him that shall absent himself one week
From Parliament, without a good cause shown;
Or, that without leave shall depart the Town.
Let some appearance every day be made,
That this great Body never want a Head
That's visible; and to prevent what may,
Unthought upon, befall us in a day.
Yea, on the Sabboth, for an houre or two,
Convene: for, 'tis a Sabboth-work you do:
And Venice, hath by long experiment
Found, that this Caution may be pertinent;
Nor will it over-burthensome appear,
When they are to continue but one year.

Let none in Parliament have toleration
To mention ought to their disreputation,
Who absent are; except they undertake
Of what they shall aver good proof to make,
On pain of an expulsion; or, permit
An Intimation, likely to beget
A misconjecture, to the injury
Of him, that is not present to reply:
But let th'Accusers and their Accusations
Be known, that those may have due vindications
Who are traduc'd; For, no man should enjoy
A priviledge, his neighbour to destroy.
Moreover, lest the Parliament become
(By multiplying Suits) more burthensome
Then all those other Courts, of whose oppressions
We have complain'd, (and render our conditions
Less curable) let it admit no Cause
But such as hath no remedy by Lawes
In force; or, for a non-fruition
Of Iustice, by their partiall execution.

For, by removing of such grievances,
And to provide against immergencies
Which may occurr (both in affairs abroad,
And here at home) they will have still their load.
If not: the being of a Parliament
Thus constituted, doubtless, will prevent
So many mischiefs, that it will return
Large recompences for all charges born.

Let it expulsion be from thence, for ever,
With some great mulct, for any whosoever,
That, as a Member of the Parliament,
Shall sit two years together; yea, though sent.
And, let no Lawyers practise for a Fee,
Or plead, whil'st of the Parliament they be:
Or any, who there siteth as a Peer,
Be Iudge of any supreme Court that yeer;
Or, during that imployment, execute
A Place, permitting not a Substitute;
That, in Appeals, none may infringe the Lawes,
By being Iudge and Partie in one Cause.

And, that to all men, justice may be done,
Among your Fundamentalls make this one;
That whatsoever shall be taken from
One, few, or many (through all times to come)
In publike wants, and dangers, be repaid
By equall Taxes, generally laid:
And, that they shall not make, or abrogate
A Law, diminishing one mans estate
More then anothers, without recompence,
On whatsoe're occasion or pretence.
Yea, let all mens estates reduced be
To lesse then forty shillings, yearly Fee,
Rather then friend or foe, should justly say,
The publike faith were broken, any way.

Which would inrich us, and innoble more
Then, if our hills of chalk, were silver Oar;
Our sand pure gold; our pebles, pearls of price,
Our fields as fruitfull as old Paradise;
And, ev'ry son, which forth each mother brings,
As Prince, or Lord, and all their Fathers Kings.

Then to prevent, the drawing those together,
Who, for by-ends, would fortifie each other;
Let him that place in Parl'ament supplies,
Who shall by letter, word, or otherwise,
Either contrive, solicite, or propose
Another, during that time, to be chose,
Be from his Trust, exiled with disgrace,
Never to be admitted, to that place.

And, that all Fundamentalls ratifi'd
In Parl'ament, for ever may abide
Inviolated; let no man be sent
A City, Town, or Shire, to represent,
Till by Indenture, under hand and seal,
He stand ingaged to the Common-weal,
And his Electors, that by no endeavour,
He shall repeal, or any way for ever
Weaken these Fundamentalls; but assay,
At all times, to inlarge them what he may:
For, Parl'aments (as heretofore our Kings)
Are but Trustees; and therefore in such things,
As to the publike damage may redound,
As well as they, shold Act within some bound.

By these provisions, (with some other such
Made Fundamentalls, we might very much
Advantage this Republike; and as far
As humane industries enabled are,
(To promise safety and establishment)
Secure from change the present Government,

Till men may dry-shod walk upon the sand,
From Deal, and Dover, Cliffs to Callis strand;
Or, Penmin Maure, be set on Snow-down hills,
And, Time unto their springs, turns back the rills.

This, would be like the river, wherewithall
The Tyrant Queller, clens'd th'Augean stall,
(As Poets faign) and wash away that soil,
And bloud, and filth, which doth our beauty spoil.
By these means, we might both in one, contrive
A true successive Representative,
Compleated in a safe establishment,
For ever, of the self-same Parl'ament,
Producing all their just desires together,
Who seek the one, or who desire the other;
And with prevention of all harms, that may
Be feared, by the one or other way.

By these means, we shall never be without
A Supreme power, or live in any doubt
Of harmfull change, if wisely we pursue
This course; and to our selves continue true.
By these means, there will still be an appearance
Sufficient, to keep up a perseverance,
In all great undertakings, with due order,
And with such quick dispatch, the suits to further
Of men opprest; that, they may hope to see
Those plaints determin'd, which yet endless be;
And never will have end, till wit or force,
Reduce us unto this, or some such course.

By this expedient, they that are in place
At present, may resign without disgrace
The Trust they have, to take awhile their ease,
(Or follow their affairs, as they shall please)
And after one year, back perhaps return
To reassume the burthens they have born.

Hereby, a likely means will be contriv'd
Of that security, which is deriv'd
From many Counsellors: and, distribution
Of burthens, will make easie execution;
More quick, yea, and more cheap dispatches too,
For those, who shall have ought with them to do.

By these means, if, a worthlesse Member come
Among our Worthies, to supply a room,
His heart may changed be; whereas, now, they
Who came in honest, are oft drawn away
From their first Principles, with them to close,
Who, mean to gain, what e're the Publike lose:
Or, at the worst, he must from thence be gone
Before much mischief, can by him be done.
And, such as do confederate and plot
That, for themselves, advantage may be got,
(Though to their Countryes loss, and neighbors wrong)
Shall want the time and means, which doth belong
To such contrivements, as are frequent now,
When, most, each others minds, and interests know:
For, by new Parties, monethly, coming in,
They'l break, as fast as they to knit begin;
And, Gins, which heretofore effects have took
By kindred and alliance, will be broke.

By these means, they, who do command, to day,
Shall learn again to morrow, to obey.
Many, shall be encourag'd to enable
Themselves, in publike, to be serviceable;
And, in few years, some thousands more then now,
The common interest, will learn to know;
And, how they may advance it, when they come
From that grand School, to live again, at home;
And, think themselves, obliged, ev'ry where,
To further it, as well as sitting there.

By this means, ev'ry man, within his Orb
Shall be restrain'd; and none have power to curb
Supreme authority; or, to aspire
By his ambition to a Station higher
Then shall be safe to all, and judged fit
For this free State, with prudence to admit:
Nor shall the daringst tyrant in the land
Presume to move a tongue, or lift a hand
Against that power; or plot, vent, or concceal
Ought which may damnifie this Common-weal.
Yea, by this means, we calmly shall reduce
The Parl'ament, unto it genuine use,
Without advent'ring what may intervene
By Intervalls; and, what hath feared been
(Not without cause) by hazarding to call
A new one; or, by an additionall
Supply to this; as now affairs relate
To home designs, and our next neighb'ring State:
But, if we fail in any circumstance,
Here mentioned, we never shall advance
The Publike interest to that effect,
Which by this Parliament we might expect;
Nor scape that tyranny, which is design'd
By those, who are contrarily inclin'd:
For, they that would be tyrants (knowing those
Who did the Regall tyranny oppose
Still zealous, for the peoples liberty)
Will to effect their purposes comply
With any party; and, then, by displacing,
By disenabling, or els by disgracing
The well-affected, at last, compasse that
Which is by them, in secret aimed at,
(Unlesse prevented) and involve us more
In servile slaveries, then heretofore.

For, doubtless, most of those who did befriend
The tyranny of Kings, will to that end
Adhere to these, in hope by doing thus,
To be reveng'd at last, on them and us.
These are no such Proposalls, as may hatch
A Cocatrice; or, be abus'd to catch
A private interest. No impostures are
Beneath a fair pretence obscured here:
Nor doth their Author act the Mountebank
To any end: For, he expects not thank
For ought by him design'd; nor, cares for more
But to discharge the debt upon his score;
And (if occasion be) to find a gap,
Through which, without a mischief, he may scape.
Which, if he do, he will confess, 'tis more
Then ever he could boast of heretofore;
Or, any other, who thus interrupted
The wilfull practise of a power corrupted,
Unless that GOD, whom nothing can withstand,
Secur'd him, by an over-ruling hand;
Or, by a miracle did change their heart,
As when he did great Nineveh convert.

This is the sum of that, which I remember
Kept me awake, some nights of this November,
When my affairs, which then at hazard lay,
Had tir'd in vain my body all the day;
For, my necessities requir'd the one,
My conscience cry'd, the t'other must be done;
And, if, now ought the worse thereby I fare,
My lot, as I am able, I will bear.

Much more was represented to my view,
Which I am unprepar'd (as yet) to shew,
And you to hear: but, if I had a pen
As acceptable, as some other men,

(And undisturb'd) it might produce perchance,
That, which the Publike weal, might much advance:
Or, had I but a volubility
Of tongue, to help my fluid memory;
Or, durst declare my thoughts, e're them I see
Array'd in words, that, weigh'd they first might be:
Yea, could I speak, as many now can do,
More in one hour, then they e're thought in two,
(Or, then I can be understood in three)
Much more esteem'd would my Proposalls be.

Here I had fixt, but, that there comes to mind
A supplement, remaining yet behind,
Of somwhat represented, as relating
Unto this Parliaments accommodating,
With due conveniences; and with supply
Of things pertaining to the Majesty
Of Supreme Senates: For, though, doubtless, they
Are best adorned, who themselves array
With holiness; though, they have most renown
When righteousness and mercy, is their Crown:
And, though the dignity of Governments,
Consisteth not in outward ornaments,
Or, neat accommodations; yet, the wise,
Having regard to mans infirmities,
Did in all ages, by their joynt consents,
Add to essentiall things, such accidents
As might to those men, make their worth appear,
Who could not see, what in themselves, they were:
And, that they who discern'd it, might not find
Discouragements, in that which is injoyn'd,
To which end, we prescribe unto the sick,
A gilded pill, and trim with Rethorick,
Our Arguments, thereby to palliate
What, we to others would insinuate.

And, to this end, were tipifi'd to me,
Some things, which will, perhaps, hereafter be.
Mark them, if they be worth your heed: if not,
Let them be passed over, as forgot.
Methought, I saw WHITEHALL, new model'd out;
With Tow'rs adorn'd, with strong walls fenc'd about;
With buildings, having much variety
Contriv'd into a neat conformity
Of fair aspect, and duly beautifi'd
With Gardens, walks, and with what els, beside,
Did render it magnificently fit
For their abode, who did inhabit it.

Beside the Fabricks, destined unto
Meer publike use, and common works to do;
As, in the Firmaments wide Orb, there are
Twelve mansions; so, twelve structures, saw I there,
In each of which (as in the Zodiake,
The twelve celestial signs, their Stations take)
The Senators, who moneth by moneth, vvere chose,
Had their distinct abodes; each one of those
In lodgings, by himself; yet, altogether
In one pile, vvho, in one moneth vvere sent thither:
That, for conveniency they might be neer
On all occasions; and, that ev'ry Shire,
Might thereby find the easier addresses,
And, quick dispatches in their businesses.

A constant Table, of one meal a day,
Was there prepared for a frugall pay,
That none might be compelled to stray forth
To places unbeseeming men of vvorth:
And, all things pertinent to preservation
Of health, vvith ev'ry fit accommodation,
Was there contrived, so, as they might
Pursue the Publike service, vvith delight.

No family, was licens'd there, to host;
No, not a wife (except a week, at most,
In guest-wise) lest the publike services
Might be disturb'd by houshold businesses:
Or, least the drudgeries, or nastinesse,
Occasion'd by a numerous accesse
Of children, servants, and their visiters,
Might spread diseases, in infectious years:
And, lest among them, some, through want of grace,
Might bring an evill name upon that place.

Nothing uncomely, or disorder'd there
Could I behold; no noyses did I hear,
Or such loud clamors, as have oft been heard,
Among the rude Jncommers, and the guard;
But, such an awfull silence, as if there
The Turks Grand Signior, always present were
By Mutes attended. To offend the eye,
Or smell, no dung, or sinks, did open lye.
I saw not then, a despicable shed;
No Coach hous'd there, or any Coach horse fed:
No little children in the garden sprawling,
Or, in the Galleries, or Chambers yawling:
No Bakers Boy went tooting of his horn:
No Milk pails there, from place to place were born,
As in those Courts, and Allies which we see
Pester'd with Inmates, and poor lodgers be:
Nor was there born through any passage there,
(Save such, as out of common concourse were)
Unseemly burthens, or, ought els permitted
But what the honor of the place befitted.

A Guard was needlesse then for their defence,
(Since, justice, mercy, and true innocence,
Are guard enough, and keep more safe, by far,
Then if an armed Phalanx doubled were)

They had true peace within; and through the land
No man against them, durst to lift a hand;
But, ev'ry one was ready to attend them,
And with their lives, as their life, to defend them.
Yet, for magnificency, and to further
The preservation of respect and order,
In times of concourse; and that no address
Be made, but with all due respectiveness,
They had an able Band of men selected
Out from among those persons well-affected,
Whose faith and valour had been well approved
In publike services; who, had unmoved
Stood firm in trialls, and whose conversation
Had gained them an honest reputation;
And these, arm'd, govern'd, decently array'd
In liveries alike, and duly paid,
Appear'd to give attendance altogether
When Princes, or Ambassadors came thither:
And, in their turns, at other times, to do,
That service, which they were injoyn'd unto.

Then, forasmuch, as outward habits draw
Respect unto mens persons, there, I saw
That custome, which all Senators did hold
In strict observance, through most times of old,
The Knights and Burgesses who represent
The Nation, entred not the Parliament
In common habits only; but, each one
A robe, or upper garment, did put on
Peculiar to that Senate, differing neither
In fashion, stuffe, or colour from each other.
To signifie (as I conceive) thereby
Their brother-hood, and their equality;
And that, they being thereby differenced
From vulgar persons, might be honored

According to their place, and known among,
And by the people, as they past along
Into the Senate; or, as to and fro,
From place to place, on their affairs they go.

Moreover, when that they had laid aside
Their Senate robes, about their necks I spi'd
A golden Wreath, which thereat pendent had
A Tablet, whereon was enamelled,
The British Isles, within the Ocean plac't;
And with a Verge of curled waves embrac't:
Which was bestown upon them for a badge
of honor, and likewise to priviledge
Their persons, wheresoe're they were unknown;
That due respect might ev'ry where be shown,
And no affronts receiv'd. These badges were
From man to man, (and still from year to year)
Resign'd to their Successors, to be born
By those whom their Electors should return.

Much more I saw, which should I here relate,
Would yet appear, things worthy laughing at;
(As these declar'd, already do to some)
But, when the daies of their admittance come,
(Which I believe draw neer) it will be found
That these Previsions had some likely ground;
And that the heart, from whence all this did flow
Meant well to you, though these things prove not so.

Hear me with patience, but a few words more,
And, to their freedome, I'le your ears restore.
As country folks, to keep out Witches, do
Within the threshold, nail a horses shoe,
So did I, at the fore-door of this piece,
Insert a charm, to keep out prejudice:
And, now, if some way els, it in be brought,
That, at the Back-door, I may thrust it out,

I'le fix a Si quis, (or it may be mo)
Upon the Postern Gate, before I go.

If any think the posture we are in
Will still as prosperous be, as it hath been,
Or, that GOD will this Nation still deliver
By miracles, although we shall persever,
In high presumptions, and supreme neglect
Of that compliance, which he doth expect;
They greatly are deceiv'd: For, know, the end
Of most things, on contingence doth depend.
We of this Nation, having walk'd upon
The Pythagorean Y or, Ypsilon
Are come unto the fork thereof, this day,
Where lies before our face a double way,
The one of them directeth us unto
Prosperity; the other to our woe:
On this hand, Bliss, on that hand, Curses lie;
Proceed this way, and live; go that, and die.
Ev'n Davids temp'rall Kingdom, (though there had
Large promises, concerning it, been made)
Was on his heirs intail'd, for their fruition,
Not absolutely, but upon condition;
Which, being broken; all th'externall power
And glory of it vanisht; so shall our.

Moreover, if that any shall believe
Our hazards are far less then I conceive;
Let them not trust to such a dream as that,
Lest they discover, when it is too late,
The dangers threatning us: For, I have been
Inform'd aright, what perills we are in.
And, whereas, of those things which passed by
From time to time, I sought to satisfie
My private knowledge only, (that I might
Assured be I had observ'd aright)

If I had thereby gathe'rd proofs, to show
To other men, the truth of what I know,
I should of such things demonstration give,
As few suspect, and fewer would believe:
And you would see, that we are in a course
Like his, who in a dark night rode his horse
O're Chepstow bridge, upon a single board,
When lowd to him, the dreadfull waters roar'd,
(Beneath the broken arch) and seem'd to say,
Oh fool! take heed, ther's danger in the way.
And some, perhaps, if they assured were
What hazzards they have past, would die through fear,
As it is said he did, when he had sight,
Next morn, of what he scaped over-night.
We think perhaps, we all this while have been
Upon as plain firm ground as Richmond-green,
Or in a Course, wherein as safe we run
As on the race at Bansted-downs at noon;
When we are rather dancing o're the tops
Of tottering pinacles, on rotten ropes,
Where, but that we by providence are kept,
We down had fell, at every stride we stept.

Yet, for the most part, every losse and streight
Which we are in, makes us but lay more weight
Upon the weak; and each Deliverance
Doth but increase our pride and arrogance,
As if we were resolved, without heed
Of judgments, or of mercies, to proceed,
Untill confusion should compell us to
What we might orderly, and timely do.

Lastly, if any shall be pleas'd to say,
Or dream (as peradventure many may)
That, with affairs I intermeddle here
Which pertinent to my Superiors are,

And not to me: To all these be it known,
The businesse which I treat of is mine own.
I claim, in this Republike, with the best,
A share, proportion'd to my interest;
And freedome, boldly to expresse my mind
As often as I just occasion find.
The common liberty, and common peace
Are truly mine, and no mans, more, or less:
I fought for't, and I pay for't, thrice my share,
According to the part, which many beare.
My Countries wrong is mine; her grief my sorrow,
And therefore they that wound her thrust me thorow.
They, who her wealth or honor fool away,
Fool me, when in that kind the fools they play:
And, therefore they, who thereto Traytors be,
Are therein also Traytors unto me;
And no man can without apparent wrong
Restraint impose upon my pen, or tongue,
In pleading of her cause; nor will I fear
To act my own work in my proper sphere.

For, though I have not power to make a Law,
Or raise an Armie, which can keep in awe
Her private enemies, and open foes;
Yet, I have charms equivalent to those,
In some respects; which operate unseen
Those ends, whereto they have intended been;
And will have due effects, in their despight
Who seek to trample on the common Right.
In this assurance, here I'le add a close,
To this, and leave th'event to GOD'S dispose;
Who, if we shall neglect (a few weeks more)
Good counsell, as we have done heretofore,
Will break down that, which might preserv'd have bin,
And, on another Base his work begin.

NOV. 30.

FINIS.

WESTROW REVIVED.

A Funerall Poem without Fiction. Composed by Geo: Wither Esq. That GOD may be glorified in his Saints; That the memory of Thomas Westrow Esq; may be preserved, and that others by his exemplary Life and Death may be drawn to imitation of his Vertues.

Blest are the Dead who dye in CHRIST;
For, from their Labours they do rest;
And, whether they do live or dye,
His Saints are precious in his eye.

To the READER.

Reader , peruse this thorow: For, to Thee
It most pertains, though WESTROW named be;
And, gives (as by the way) some short hints, there,
To what Intents, He, chiefly doth appear,
And whereof, if good heed shall not be took
Somwhat, ere long, more fully will be spoke.

Both Moses, and the Prophets, many a day
Have spoken; and a Greater one then they.
Hear them: For when GOD sendeth by the DEAD,
His Messages will come with much more Dread
Then Comfort; and few men, with good effect,
Shall hear these, the former do neglect.
Be wise, or else; But, Ile, now say no more,
The Feet of messengers are at the door.

WESTROVV REVIVED.

The first CANTO.

The Authors musings here are shown
The Night, ere ought, to him was known
Of Westrowes death; whereof, the Morrow
Assur'd him, to his greater sorrow;
Then, that which he hath more to say,
Is put off, to another day.

Twas midnight; and, I had my self undrest,
In hope, the nights remainder, for my rest
Had been allowd; and, in that hope, all those
Distractings, which my Minde might discompose
Quite threw aside, and hastned to the place,
Where, that refreshment, offer'd an embrace.
But, in sleeps posture, ere I down was laid,
A Thought within my heart, start up, and said,
Westrowe, thy best, and most deserving Friend,
Lies feeble, and approaching to his end,
By thee unvisited (though two days, now
Are past, since of his weakness thou didst know)
How, canst thou answer, such a grosse neglecting,
Of one, so well, so truly thee affecting?

A second Thought thus answer'd thereunto,
(To make amends) to morrow I will go

In hope (since I, for this neglect am griev'd)
A just excuse, will kindly be receiv'd;
And, that love reall, shall not through defect
That's accidental, suffer by suspect.

To morrow, said a third thought, comes too late;
His Lifes Commission, is quite out of date;
And, that, which might have been enjoy'd to day,
Is, by procrastination, lost for aye.
Thou, too too long, thy purpose hast forbore,
And, never now, shalt hear, or see him more.
Yet, be not grieved, that it happens thus,
For, he is safe: And, as good Lazarus
Lost nothing, by a sickness unto death,
Save only that suspention of his breath
For some few days, which did a means provide,
Whereby, both GOD, and he, were glorifide
In greater measure; so, it may, be thou,
Shalt hereby, have occasions offered, now,
Of that, whereby, hereafter may be made
Advantages, which could not else be had.

Advantages! cride out, another Thought,
Alas! what good effect can forth be brought
By such an Accident, if I shall hear
That, to be true, which yet, is but my fear?
How can my pretermission ought produce
Of any future comfortable use?
Or, to what likely profitable end,
Can such a comfortles privation tend?

In Fancies Tennescourt, thus, to and fro
My Thoughts were tost, and plaid at hazzard so,
That very much distemper'd I became,
With that unlook'd for, and unpleasing game.
Their silent Dialogue made such impressions
Upon my heart, and so inhanc'd my passion
That, all the night ensuing they did keep
My mind on him, and bard mine eyes from sleep.

I, likewise, have so frequently perceiv'd
My souls presagings true, that I beleev'd
This sad surmize; and thereon did proceed
To muse, as if he had been dead indeed
And buried too. From whence, broak in upon me,
Such apprehensions of the Favours done me,
And of his kindnesses in my oppressions,
That, they exacted from me those confessions
Which in the following pages wil ensue
To give, what to his memory is due.

Dear GOD! if humane mercy so indears
So sweet, so pretious, if that Love appears
(And so obliging) which enjoy'd may be
By Creatures! what is that, which flows from thee?
If, little sparklings, may beget a flame,
What may be thought of that, from whence they came?
And, why from him should not my soul ascend
To clasp thy love, oh my Eternal Friend!
Who wert, and art, and wilt continue so,
When all the World shall into nothing go!
Some will at first, perhaps, with prejudice
Peruse, what in this Poeme I expresse,
On this Occasion; judging, that, hereby
I, somewhat would, beyond the verity,
Insinuate; to make small things, appear
More in the show, than they in substance are.
But they shall see at last, that, I pursue
My Theame no farther than I make it true:
And, bear me witnes, ere this hath an end,
That, I have done but what becomes a Friend:
That, real cause, occasion'd my unrest:
And, that, of him, my thoughts are here exprest,
Without hyperbo es; without devising
Or adding, what the World calls Poetizing:
And, that, I rather put upon the score
Lesse, then I ow his memory, then more.

But, to the matter: being full of grief,
By what my fear had rais'd up to belief,
To say, within myself, I thus began;
Westrowe, that noble single hearted man,
Whom GOD, had in a time of need bestown
To be my friend, is now no more his own.
Alas! nor mine: Westrowe, that heretofore,
Was, to the Widdow, Fatherless, and poor,
A Husband, Friend, and Father, them to feed,
To cloath and harbor, in the time of need.
Westrowe, GODS faithfull Almner; he, from whom
No needy soul, who for relief did come,
Went empty (if his needines requir'd,
Undoubtedly, the succor he deserv'd)
And, then, as GOD doth, he did alms bestow
Upon the good, and bad, on friend, and Foe.
Yea, and when none did ask, what he could grant,
Sought where to find out those, who stood in want:
And, often, was directed unto them,
By Providence, in acceptable time.
That Westrowe, now, hath left us to bemoan
Our losses. For thereby, he can have none.
Nor meant us any: But, is gone away
That, our contentment, he make perfect may
By his well-being, in a safe possessing,
His portion, in an everlasting Blessing:
And, that, we may look off, from him, to heed
His Love, from whom, all mercies do proceed.

Westrowe is gone, and we remaining have
No more of him, but what is in his Grave:
There, now, he resteth, and exchanged hath
Life mortifide, for an inlivening death.
And, him I do behold in contemplation,
So represented, by transfiguration,
As having laid that earthly vail aside
(Which from the World, his better parts did hide)

That, I will now disclose them; therefore, stay
And, know him Reader, ere thou go away.

Nor few, nor mean Advantages he had
Relating to this life, But, these were made
Of small account, with him; and, used so,
As if with them, he little had to do,
Except, for others sakes: For, he denide
Himself, to all things, but, Christ crucifide;
And, in respect of him, plac'd those among
Such despicable things, as drosse and dung;
Ile therefore, let them pass, to be forgot;
And, will not mention, what he prized not.

He, living, walk'd upright, in crooked ways,
And, chose the best part, in the worst of days.
He, dying, cheerfully, himself denide,
That (being thereby wholly nudifide
From all that was his own), he might be clothd,
With what he lov'd, instead of what he lothd,
And, he that can throw off, such Rags as these,
Shall find himself, exceedingly at ease.

How, can I know this, some, perhaps, may say,
If he be dead, and I now far away:
Thus; when I saw him last, I, saw him then
Himself undressing, from that bane of men
Self-love, and selfness; and I know, he never
Would fall from his intention, and endevour,
Till that were done. For, I was always neer him,
In spirit, though, I did not see, nor hear him.
We did communicate (when not by quill,
Or with our tongues) in spirit, and in will
As Angels do: yea, many times, when we
In words and terms, appear'd to disagree,
(Because of that defect which is in those)
Ev'n then, in will, and spirit, we did close:
And, they whom such experiments acquaints
With that communion which belongs to Saints

Do know, that men may credibly aver,
Sometimes, what they did neither see, nor hear:
And, worthy my regard it doth not seem,
What, others, of this mistery shall deem.

This confidence of Him, is but the same
Which he exprest of me, when last I came
To visit him; at which time, I receiv'd
Assurance, of what is of him beleev'd:
For, these, the last words were, vvhich from his tongue,
I heard; and, they, from this occasion sprung.

I told him, that I might be faulty judg'd,
(Considering how to him I was oblig'd)
That, nor by conversation, nor by pen,
I, lately had with him, (like other men)
My thoughts communicated, but persu'd
My own Affairs, as if to be renu'd,
Our Friendship, needed not those complements
VVhich discontinance of respect prevents.

To such effect I spake; whereto, he gave
This answer (which I oft repeated have
VVith much contentment;) trouble not thy self,
VVith needless things, we are now past the shelf,
That ship-wracks friendship. That, which seems neglect
To others; and begets a dis-respect,
Secures you more to me, then if you had
Left your affairs at hazzard; visits made;
And added to your frequent visitations,
Acknowledgements of Debts, and Obligations
As others do: It would not give me more
Assurance of you, than I had before.
For, my own heart, hath so informed me,
Of what you are; and what you shall be
VVith an assurance, so undubitable,
(And everlastingly irrevocable)
That, whatsoever shall of you be told,
(Though we each other never more behold

Nor line comes from you) I, shall live, and dye,
More confident, of your sincerity
Then, if it were expressed every day,
By all that you, or other men could say.
These words (though mine) give, really, the sence,
Wherein, he did express his confidence:
In this sence, his last words to me he spoke;
And, so, my everlasting leave I took.

I think, it may inferred be, from hence,
Things may be known, beyond the reach of sence,
Without corporall presence; and that we
Of some things, though but part of them we see,
May know the rest: He, that doth see me go,
And hear me speak, may, without question, know
That, I have heart, and lungs; although his eye
Ne'r saw them, or the place in which they lye:
And, he, that knows but what he hears, and sees,
Is from a beast removed so few degrees,
That, I shall mention unto him, in vain
What to the Saints communion doth pertain.
Only to those I, therefore will proceed,
To speak, who can beleeve, as well read:

To be, he rather labor'd, then to seem;
And, sought his honor in self-disesteem.
He wanted not repute, of being good,
Save, where his meaning was misunderstood;
Which seldom hapned, but where prepossession
Gain'd entrance, by a mis begot suspition,
And what he suffered by it, did produce,
Effects, which were to him of some good use:
And such as gave sometimes occasions, too,
Of that, which good to other men will do.

Such, as did know him well, knew none to be
A truer Friend, or better man then he.
He, by youths frailties, learned to improve
In riper years, th'increase of Faith, and Love;

And, by his life, exemplified that,
Of which the Formalist, doth only prate.

His Charity, was large; yet, what he did
As much as might be, he from others hid.
For, often, his misdoings, he would tell,
But, seldom mention, wherein, he did well.
He took more comfort, in a needfull giving,
Then pleasure, in large benefits receiving.
And (liking not their thrift, who do defer
Almsdeeds, until their treasures useless are
Unto themselves) he did, by timely giving,
Forgiving, and a seasonable relieving,
Shew, he beleev'd, that, thereby leave he shall,
More to his childe, then if he left him all.
And, that, he fear'd, should he not fructifie,
(When, in his hungry members, Christ, pass'd by)
Till, that which may be call'd his own time, came,
He, and the cursed figtree, were the same.

He, in his judgment, joyned not in one,
With some good men: But, disagreed with none
So far, as to infringe the band of peace;
Or, hinder Christian charities increase:
Because, he knew, the wisest, here belowe,
Know but in part, the things they ought to know:
And, that, to clear his sight, GOD, now and then,
Did leave a darkness upon other men;
Yea, and sometimes a frowardness, to prove
And exercise, his patience, and his love.

The Christian liberty, he did profess,
Without allowing of licentiousness.
He, labour'd, that, the Conscience might be free,
From force, (yea though depravd it seem'd to be)
Because, he saw more hypocrites thereby
Then Converts made; and, that hypocrisie
Is worse then error; For, it seldom burns,
For Conscience; and, to GOD, as rarely turns.

Beeause likewise, he was not without fears,
That, some, who burn'd in zeal, to weed out tares,
Might purposely, or causually, instead
Of that which they pretended forth to weed,
Either pluck up the wheat, or do it hurt,
By careless treading it, into the durt.
For, hardly, can distinguishment be made
Twixt Ray, and Wheat, when they are in the blade.
Moreover, since the owner of the Corn,
Commanded, that such weeds should be forborn
Till Harvest, to assent, he was afraid,
That, this Commandment should be disobaid,
Lest, to himself, he might contract the guilt
Of blood, that may be innocently spilt.
And, from this tendernes, some took offence,
Not justly given, or arising thence.

If, he sometimes, did put himself to trouble,
By vainly building, with wood, straw, or stubble,
(As all men do) which quite away consumes
To nothing, when the fiery tryall comes;
The losse was his, which only did redound
To losse, of what, was better lost, then found.
He was but man; and man at best, is light,
And must have grains allow'd to make him weight.
As he had fallings, and his humane failings,
So he had also risings, and prevailings;
And all GODS Saints have lesse advantag'd been,
By their own righteousnes, then by their sin:
For, both must be disclaim'd, and they brook worst,
And find it hardest, to renounce the first.

He, by stil cleaving to the true foundation,
(And gratious Author of our preservation)
Found himself safe, when all those works were gone,
Which he had vainly builded thereupon.
And was well pleas'd to see that turn'd to smoke,
Wherein, he, formerly had pleasure took.

Which, were it heeded well, would (sans all doubt)
Conclude those Quarrels, which arise about
Our superstructures, and must be denide
As useles, when by fire they shall be tride.

To truth essentiall, he did firm adhear
Although sometimes, in termes, he did appear
To leave it: And, when thither he retired,
Where, he in quiet privacy, expired;
His mind, he so compos'd, did so confute
All self-mistakings, by a self-dispute;
And, so examined, and so repented,
All, whereto by mistakes he had assented,
Unwarrantably (whether, it related
To ought which had been publickly debated,
Or privately, For Church, or Common-weal.
For GOD or men.) And, there, so setled all
His Interests; that with a quiet mind,
He did enjoy the peace, he sought to find;
And, unto GOD, a resignation made,
Of will, opinions, and of all he had:
Even of his selfnes; and therein, found more
Enjoyment, then, in all the world before.

His body, was consumed, by the zeal
He bore to GODS house, and this common-weal,
(And, by foreseeing, that he might outlive,
The honour of that Representative
(Of which he was a Member, For, when he
And I, our thoughts confer'd, we might foresee,
That, in a shott time (as my muse foretold,
Some moneths before it came) that happen would
Which now is come to passe, although those few,
Who to the Publike Interest were true,
Had neither counsel, nor endeavour spar'd,
To help keep off the mischief that was fear'd,
Ere, therefore, actually it did ensue.
Tir'de out, with vain endeav'rings, he withdrew.

A place for his retirement he had chose,
Near to the Banks of Thame, where backward flows,
The Tide at highest, up against the stream;
That, he might neither be too far from them,
To whom he had Relations, nor too nigh
To such as might disturb his privacy.
There, what he could not other wayes promote,
He sought to further by a zealous Vote.
There, private prayers, offered he at home,
That, GOD himself would (for the time to come)
Assume the Work, and call in those thereto
Who, might accomplish, what they could not do.

The World, thus left He er'e it him forsook:
Against the Flesh, the Spirits part he took;
And by their combatings, attain'd to have
A Resurrection, er'e he had a Grave.
But, lo, their long fought Battel now is past,
The Spirit triumphs, and the flesh, at last
By yeelding to be conquered, hath won,
More, then by being victor, it had done;
And now is lodg'd, in her withdrawing-room,
To rest, untill the triumph-day shall come.

There, from its labors, let it therefore, cease;
There, let it lye in hope, and rest in peace,
Till, to a better life, that Flesh, and we,
Rais'd by a second Resurrection be.
There to appear, where we shall fully know
What is but darkly, apprehended now:
Where, we shall see the root of all those things,
Whence flow our needless bitter Quarrellings;
And, where, accordingly we shall receive,
To what we acted, or, as we beleeve.

Oh! come LORD JESUS come, and fetch us thither;
Gather thy Saints, and chosen-ones together;
And, mean time, in that Saint be glorifi'd
For whose commemoration I provide.

By thine, and their examples, who do follow
Their steps, oh! so inform us, how to hallow
Our hearts, so cleanse our hands, and guide our feet,
That, they now gone before, and we may meet.
Thou, that art both our life, and way thereto;
That open door, through which we are to go:
A Fountain alwayes flowing, to refresh
The thirsting Spirit, and the fainting Flesh;
Supply unto us, by thy Holy Ghost,
What, by our selves, and others, we have lost.
O thou! who (being GOD'S eternal Son,)
To free us, from a dungeon, leftst a Throne,
And, underneath his heavy wrath didst lye
Till thou crid'st out Lamasabaklhani.
To Heav'nly joyes, convert our earthly greef;
Decrease our doubtings, and increase Beleef;
Our carnal love, improve to love divine,
Till our Affections loose themselves in thine?
Oh! let that Love, from whence all beings flow,
Which made all things above, and all below:
Whose Wisdom, did first set them in their way,
Whose Providence, preserv'd them to this day,
And shall hereafter, govern and dispose,
That which keeps Order, and that, which misgoes,
Oh! hasten to perfection! hasten on,
The work intended, ere the world begun;
And, let that Glory, which produce it shall,
Be his (and his alone) that's All in All.

Thus, mused I, or, much (if not the same,)
To this effect, before the morning came.
These contemplations, ere I knew him dead,
By thinking on my Friend, conceiv'd I had,
Which afterward, in words, thus, up I drest;
To leave it thereby, vocally exprest,
What penance, I was put to, for omitting
A duty, my obligements well befitting

Then, as the dawning Light began to creep
About my Chamber, I fell fast asleep.

Next day, (no longer meaning to defer
A Visit, but till means prepared were)
I, meeting with a Friend of his and mine,
Informed him, what, I did predivine;
What I had suffered, what, I have done,
With what, I had that day resolv'd upon;
And, to prevent it, was assur'd by him,
That, my Presagings, were no idle dream;
For, he was dead indeed, and on the morrow
To be interr'd; which did renew my sorrow,
And, reingage me, further to pursue
What, to his pious Memory is due.

For, there is much behind, as yet unsaid;
Which, being truly known, and duly weighd,
Will add a fairer lustre to his Fame;
Not without some reflectings, to my shame,
For, leaving him, without a Valediction,
Who was so true a Friend in my affliction.

Assoon therefore, as I have gotten leisure,
What's yet remaining, forth in Words, to measure
Expect it; and in pawn thereof, (till I,
Shall to your view expose it) let this lye;
With this ensuing Epitaph, till He
Shall honour'd, by a better musing be.

The EPITAPH.

His GRAVE (though he desired none
With Name, or Title thereupon)
Was made below this Marble stone?
And, here, interred, now, He lies,
To wait CHRISTS coming in the Skies,
At whose approach the DEAD shall rise.

Yet, seek not here, among the DEAD,
(On stones, or brass, or sheets of Lead)
What, to his honour may be read:
But, if you more of him, would hear,
Peruse the sheets, whose Forefronts bear
His NAME inscribed; and read him, there,
For though that MONUMENT be built
Without cost, graving, paint, or guilt,
It shall remain, when this is spilt:
Yea, though it hath but paper wings,
It shall out last, those lasting things,
Which, make up Monuments for KINGS.

CANTO the second.

After a due preoccupation,
It offers to commemoration,
Particulars: Insists upon
A rarely memorable one.
Illustrating a matchles friend;
And, so, this Canto hath an end.

The foll'wing evening, after I had heard
That verifide, whereof I was afeard
The night before, I, then afresh inspir'd,
To give my Musings utterance, retir'd:
And, that no interruptions I might find,
Put all my own concernments, out of mind:
For, he, that honestly one work, would do,
Must not, the same time, be imploy'd on two.

But, on the paper, ere I fixt my pen,
Such things, as possibly by other men
Might be objected, question'd, or alleadg'd,
To hinder that, wherein I was ingag'd,
Rush'd in upon me; and, delaies, had wrought,
Had I not on a sudden kickt them out;
And given some of them, (ere they would go;)
A reasonable civell answer too.

Among the rest, One (who scarce went away
Well satisfide with ought that I could say)
Thus question'd me: Art thou become so vain,
To think, by charmes, and words to raise again
The dead to life; or, to preserve the Name
Of friends deceased, by surviving Fame,
Among this Generation, wherein none
Or few, regard what shall be said, or done,
To that effect? Canst thou have hope to bring
By poesie (which an unhallowed thing,
Is now accounted) any due respect
To him, whose memory thou dost affect?
Or, think that thou maist dignifie his Herse,
By such a despicable thing, as verse?
Canst thou hope this, when he that versifies,
Seems but a coyner, of facetious Lies?
When lovers of the muses, are so scanty,
That, there are hardly two, in five times twenty,
Who, if thy Poem serious be, will heed it;
Or, (if they will) that have the wit to read it,
More gracefully, then if an Asse should play
Upon a Harp, or to the Viol bray?
For, neither heeding accents, points, or time,
They, only make a clinking on the Rime.
More harshly grating on juditious ears,
Then scraping trenchers, which none gladly hears?
And, what, of all thy musings, have th'effects
Been hitherto, but troubles, and neglects?

This being urg'd, I, thereto made reply
Thus, in my self: Admit all this, quoth I:
Mo wiseman fears to do, what should be done
Through dread of that which may mis-fall thereon:
Nor, so much cares, what may thereof be thought,
As to be always doing, as he ought.
It is the Muses duty, to be there
Most active, where, most Difficulties are;
And, most couragiously, there to advance
Their Standards, where appears most Ignorance;
That to succeeding Ages they may leave
Those things, which present times, will not receive.
It is a portion, whereto they were born
To be exposed to contempt and scorn;
And, tis their honour, to have wisely dar'd
Just things, for which, the world gives no reward.

Though Poets are despis'd, and, will yet more
Contemned be, (and thrust behind the doore)
As Ignorance gets ground; and, as the Base
Shall rise, to sit in honourable place;
There was a time, when Princes did contend
In Poetry, and Poets to befriend;
And, when the one shall consecrate his Muse,
True Piety, and Virtue to infuse;
And, men in power, by Righteousness maintain
Their dignity, it shall be so again.

The Muses, in times past, so awfull were
That, they made Kings to fawn, and Tyrants fear.
The Vulgar, they made Hero's; Hero's GODS:
Drew Trees and Beasts, out of the salvage woods,
To follow them: That is, they drew together
Blockish and bruitish men (as rude as either
Wild Plants, or Beasts, and them allur'd unto
What reasonable creatures ought to do.
Their Charm threw down the vicious to that hell,
Where everlasting Infamy doth dwell.

Rais'd up the well deservers from the Grave,
The life of never dying fame to have,
Yea, by their charms they have expel'd the devill,
The furious, and the melancholy evill.

And, not alone in former Generations,
Among the learned, and most civill Nations,
Had Poesie esteem, and good effects,
In spight of envy, malice, and neglects.
But, also, here, and lately some have lived
Who, by their musings, honour have received.
And been enabled, by their inspirations,
To vindicate the Muses reputations.
Yea, (in his measure) ev'n the barbarous Bard,
Is of his, people, so belov'd, or fear'd;
That, whom so'ere he pleases (by his rimes)
He makes to be the minion of the times
Within his Orb: And, they among us here,
Who of this faculty the masters are
(As to the language) can th'affections raise,
And move the Readers passions various wayes,
By their composures; though they do abuse
His gift, who did that faculty infuse;
As I myself have done, till he that gave it,
Inform'd me better, to what end I have it.

Then, why, with confidency may not I,
Hope by the help of sacred poesie,
So to embalm my Friend, by that perfume
(Which fluently will by extraction come
From his own vertues) that, a sweet breath'd fame,
Disfused from the Orders of his Name,
May draw some after him? and make them grow
In love, with what doth from those Orders flow?
And, thereby wooe them to an imitation
Of him, and to a virtuous emulation?

If David, in an fun'rall song preserved,
The memory of that, which well deserved,

In wicked Saul his foe; why may not I
Seek to preserve a good mans memory?
Why may not I with warranty commend
The matchles love of my deceased Friend?
Why may not I, as fully as I can
Illustrate my beloved Jonathan?

If, also, they, whose poesie affords
Little save empty shews, and swelling words,
Forc'd Metaphors, and frothy strains of wit,
(Which on the fancy, ticklings do beget)
Perused are with some effect that's good,
And, are most pleasing, when least understood)
Why may not I, be read by two, or three,
With more advantage both to them, and me,
Then, by a thousand, that are pleas'd with chaff,
And, at my plain expressions jeer, and laugh.

Why may not I, who have advantages,
Of truth, and real merits (which helps, these
Impostures had not) trophies hope to Rear
That shall more lasting, and more fair appear
Then such as they build, who composures fain
Out of the durty notions of their brain,
Or, from the vapours, that strong drink infuses,
To dignifie the subject of their muses?
Why may not I, this faculty imploy,
To build up that, which others do destroy,
By their abusing it? and, hope thereby
So to repreeve it from that Obliquie,
Which now it suffers, that, the best of men,
May fall in love with poesie agen,
And, not (as now they do) avert their eyes,
As if asham'd of him that versifies?
For, this is part, whereto my Poems tend
Though, peradventure, I may miss my end.

Let it not therefore, seem a prophanation
Of Piety, unto this Generation,

That, I adventure to redeem from blame
The gift, by some employed to their shame;
Since, it was first confer'd on each receiver,
To raise up his own spirit, to the giver;
And, then, to rouse up other mens affections,
From carnal, popular, and vain dejections?
Or that, to take my Reader, by the ear,
I lay among my verses, here and there,
Some hooks, with reason baited, which, sometime,
Doth catch those who expected nought but rime.

Nor, let this, (though a long preoccupation)
Seem to be needless, or a vain digression;
For, though it nothing adds, to my intents,
The taking somewhat from them, it prevents;
Which being done, ile now proceed to that
Whereof, I purpose, further to relate.

The subject of my Musings, being large
Tis not within my graspings, to discharge
What's thereto due; nor can it be confin'd,
Within that compasse, which I have design'd,
To tell you therefore, fully, what he was,
Or, what he was not, would so far surpasse,
This limit, that I only must expresse
So much as may enable you to guesse
At what remains untold, (though it be more
Then here ensues, or hath been said before)
And that I may, his inside lay to view
Which I much better, then his outside knew.

He was a Man, indowed with no lesse
Of piety, then moral Righteousnes;
And in the practising of both, so harty
That, to the honest, and the godly party;
(As call'd some are) he brought a supplement,
Of reall worth, as well as Ornament;

And aim'd at that reward, for which he ran,
Not in the outward, but the inward-Man.

From youths extravagancies, which (as he
Hath oft confessed) he once thought to be
Th'accomplishments of Gentry, without which
They had in vain, been nobly born, or rich,
From these (ev'n when he most indanger'd seem'd)
He was by GODS especiall grace redeemd,
(And brought off, by his providentiall hand)
In seasonable time; even as a brand
Snatchd from the fire. For, those commodious places,
Prepared for the Muses, and the Graces,
To coinhabite in, for education,
Of youth in knowledge; and to keep this Nation
From Barbarisme; Places, were become
So fraught with Vices, and so perilsome,
To soul and body, that, he was almost
By ill examples, and lewd consorts, lost.
For which a threatning vengeance hangeth over
Those Seats, that will admit of no Remover
Of what is menaced, till their Foundation
Is rooted up, or saved by purgation.

With what prevarications, he, was there
Impoyson'd, and what principles they were
Whereby he was indangerd, he to us
Rendr'd as banefull, and ridiculous
As words could make them; that, it might advance
GOD'S grace vouchsafd, for his deliverance;
And make them useful, unto those who heard
What he was saved from, and what was fear'd.

He was among the first, whose knowing zeal,
Flamd out, to vindicate this common-weal
From thraldom and oppression; thereto moved
In conscience, and by principles approved.
Not stirred up, by factious discontent,
By rashness, want, or by malevolent

Affections, or Designs, though not without
Some counterpleas, in what he went about:
For, in immergencies, which do relate
To private conscience, and Affairs of State,
The wisest man, his resolution brings
To settlement, by various combatings.

With him, thus far'd it: Then he to withstand
The publick Fo, was honor'd with Command;
Wherein, he ventur'd not his life alone,
Without that profit, which by many a one
Was aim'd at, and enjoy'd) but lent, and gave,
And, wasted his Estate, to gard, and save
The Publique Interest, without a prayre
Exhibited, or temporall repair.

Unsought for, (as I verily beleeve)
He, afterward, the honor did receive
Of supream trust; and, without cause of blame,
According to his powre, discharg'd the same;
The speaking, of no needfull truth forbearing;
The powre, or presence, of no person fearing;
Swaid not by hatred, neither by affection,
To others; nor by that which had reflection
Upon himself: But, freely said his mind,
And conscience, as he did occasions find,
In whatsoever matter was debated;
Whether the thing propos'd, to GOD related,
Or Common-wealth: if they who present were,
(As I beleeve they did) the truth aver.

And, if it so did happen that, sometime
A tender pity, did prevail with him
To plead for mercy, on behalf of some
Made liable, by law unto the doom
Of mulct, or death; the same he never prest
Ought further, then the Publique Interest,
With safety might allow it: And altho,
He felt what other men are moov'd unto,

By naturall Affections, he did still
Conform his Judgment, and confine his will
To Justice: And, this, rather doth increase
His honour, then appear to make it less.

And, though the Author, of the History
Of Independents, hath injuriously
(Among his other Leazings) added him
Unto his lying Catalogue, of them
Who, to the damage of the common-weal,
By their Commands, Gifts, Offices, or spoil,
Inriched, and aloft advanced be.
From poore estates, and from a low degree;
On him, that sticks not, but, reflects disgrace
Apparently, upon that Liers face.

For, to all those, who knew him, tis well known,
That, with a large estate, by birth his own,
He was indow'd. His Mother, yet, in Kent,
Survives; a Lady, rarely eminent
For Charity, and for a open doore,
To such as are in misery, and poore.
And, as he no way needed to inlarge
His portion, or the Common-wealth to charge
By such supplies, as others have desired
(And often surreptitiously acquired)
So, he was all his life, so far from craving,
From wishing, from receiving, and from having
Gift, place, or office, whereby he might add
An augmentation, unto what he had,
That, many whom the Common miseries
Had begger'd, and whose publick services,
And wants he saw neglected, he reliev'd
Out of his own estate; and them repriev'd.
From ruining, when helper they had none:
Among which number, I my self, was one.

And, that, which in this kind he lent or gave
Was meant (as I beleeve) as well to save

The Nations honour, as to do a deed
Of simple Charity, in time of need:
For, he preferr'd, the Publick Faith before
His private Credit; and, did so abhor
Their Avarice, who by a mutual Giving,
Forgiving, and unseasonably relieving,
Obstructed those performances, whereby
Our deep Ingagements did neglected lye;
That, to prevent it, he thought fit to scatter
A portion of his bread upon the water
Lest after private miseries, things worse
Ensude; a nationall a public curse.

Then, those large Legacies, which he in death
To Charitable uses, did bequeath,
(Consider'd, with his frequent bounteous giving,
To such as were distrest whil'st he was living),
Do make it, without question evident
That he, both had enough, and such content
With what he had, that, he upon his score
Leaves nothing, that shall make his Children poor
As they will do, who gave and took the bread,
Wherewith the Fatherless should have been fed;
And, have, with what their Servants blood did buy,
Inlarg'd their Fields, and rais'd their houses high.

But, I to little purpose thus go on
To set my candle up before the Sun.
They who had eyes to see it did behold,
And knew as much before, as I have told.
They, who by wilfulnes, dark-sighted be
Set up what light we can, will never see.
Now, some of you, (it may be) will suppose
That my conjectures only, I disclose;
Or that a knowledge of such things I sain
Which to his private actings do pertain;
Or, take them up on Trust. If, so, they think,
So, let it be; I will not strive to sink

A milstone in a shallow dish of water;
Or seek to fill a viol, with such matter,
As it admits not. Things, which must be known
As well by others eyes, as by my own
To make them certain; Ile no further mention,
Without proof it seem a self invention
That, which hath passed 'twixt us two alone;
Those things, whereof my knowledg can by none
Be doubted of) to mind I will recall;
And, out of many, bring forth one for all;
One, that shall set forth his deserving more
Then all that I have mentioned before;
(At lest according to that excellence
Which suits a sensuall Intelligence)
And, when with that expression I have done,
Ile rather leave it to be thought upon,
Then imitated; till self-love begins
To loose that ground, which hitherto it wins.

He, that is really a faithfull friend,
Hath that, which doth within it comprehend
All morall vertues; yea, and therewith too
That charity, which from true Faith doth flow:
For, such a person cannot be alone
(In being so) a faithfull friend to ONE;
But also to all others yea, extends
His love to all GODS creatures, as his friends:
And, doubtles, far above all those, to him,
Who, for himself alone created them.

This vertue therefore, doth on men confer
The highest excellence they can have here;
And, this rare vertue, (whereof, I, the Sound
Had vainly heard before) in him, I found
And thereof, such experiment will give
That, you shall think of him, as I beleeve;
And that in charity, he did out go
Most men, who thereof, make the greatest show.

That, you may know him; whom I knew so well,
My means of knowing him, thus, first ile tell.
The late intestine Wars, which with a flood,
Of miseries, and with a sea of blood
Ore flow'd these Nations, like a raging torrent
(Which bears down all with an impetuous current),
Brake in, ev'n at first rising, where then lay
My chief Estate, and swept it all away;
That, little thereof, which elsewhere was left,
Was also, by th'Oppressors hand bereft,
Save only some small part of my Estate,
Consisting in rings, housholdstuff, and plate,
Which being portable, preserved were,
Or got together, by my future care.

That, which expos'd my portion to the raging,
Of my destroyers, was, a free ingaging
Against the common foe: And, they, with whom
I, for the Publique, did ingag'd become,
Gave me the Publique Faith, that what I lost
Should be repaired at the publique cost;
And, that my Children, should be look'd upon
With favour, and regard, when I was gone.

By these incouragements I did pursue
Their services, untill I neither knew
Which way my present wants, might have supply,
Or whereon, for the future to rely;
And then, perforce, tetreated for recruit,
To prosecute the Cause with fresh pursuit;
Whereof I got some few effects in show,
Which in the substance, prov'd not to be so.
But rather brought, much greater mischiefs on me,
Then all my open enemies had done me.

For, some who had but fainedly pretended,
To that, which I had seriously defended;
Perceiving, me, preparing to disclose
Their falshood, did become my open Foes;

And through their complices (who by the hand
Of Providence were weeded from the Land,
Soon after) they so wrought, that Innocence
And Faithfulness were judged an offence,
Maugre apparent proofs and demonstrations
Yet extant, by their own examinations:
So, I was finde, confinde, and on my head
That censure lay'd, which they had merited
With seven fold more; and for my service past
Into disgrace, was innocently cast,
With nothing for subsistence, but, that poore
House-furniture, which was within my doore.

To add more burthen to those heavy weights,
And drive me, thereby, into greater streights;
My Friends, and my Acquaintance, then began
To look upon me as a faulty man
Who had deceiv'd their hope: so that, if they
Who (though too few to help me) day by day
Were at my trial, had not seen and heard
Th'injustice done me, and the same declar'd;
I had, in likelihood, ere this day, ended
My life in want; disgrac'd, and unbefriended.

For, as my Friends fell off, my Foes fell on
With fresh pursute of what they had begun,
And had not GOD in an unlook'd for houre
Deprived them of their abused powre,
They had destroy'd me quite. But, I, at last
Escap'd; and they into the pit were cast.
Mean while, they insolently domineer'd,
Made songs and pamphlets on me; scoft and jeer'd,
And had so villifide my Reputation
To those who represented, then, this Nation,
That, of four thousand pounds (to which account
My due (prov'd fully) truly did amount)
I could not get one penny for relief
Of me, or mine, to mittigate our grief;

Though, I had forced words into their ears,
Which from by standers, oft, extracted tears;
And, to compassion, might that Judg have wan
Who neither feared GOD, nor car'd for man.

To add yet further, to my great afflictions,
GOD, with a sicknes, (spreading forth infections)
Visits my house, and drove all those from thence,
Who were some comfort in my indigence,
That, being shut up, and excluded from
All other helpers, I, to him might come.
My children were all sick of that disease;
Their single keeper, to her little ease,
Was their sad Mother, whilst (as sad as she)
I, sought, whereby they might supported be.
And we, who served were, a while before
With sixteen household servants, (sometimes more)
Had then, but one Boy (who, sick also lay)
And one poor woman, hired by the day.

To pay, and feed those, I my plate had sold:
My Wife, the Silver, and the lace of gold
Which lately trim'd her Garmnts, ript away;
To buy things needfull, for the present day:
Her Ornaments she chang'd for bread, to eat:
Then, sold the dishes, which did hold our meat:
And last of all, our highest valued things,
The pretious stones, the jewels, and the rings,
To us, from honorable Persons sent,
As tokens of respect (the same way went.
And what was left, ill spar'd though it could be)
To follow, for ought I then could see,
Only this hope remain'd, that GOD had sent
A sicknes, which by death, would wants prevent;
Or, give us by his own hand, some repair:
For, of his love, I, never shall despair,

In this good hope, the Worlds neglect I scorn'd,
And my petitions, into prayers turn'd,

Directed unto him; who only knew
My wants, and what was likely to ensue.
But, he likewise, to answer me delaid;
And for a while seem'd deaf to what I pray'd:
Yet knowing not, what els remain'd to do,
Or whether, or to whom, for help to go;
Nor caring (if GOD left me) for supplies
From other hands; I still renew'd my cries
To him alone, and suddenly was cheer'd
With somewhat, which to sence no where appear'd.

And, as a Lover, thinking (in a dream)
He hears his best Beloued calling him,
Starts up in hast, and runneth out to meet
The voice that cals him, ere he find his feet,
And goes he knows not whether: So, with me
It far'd, who (hoping not deceiv'd to be)
Walk'd forth to see, if providence divine,
Would bring to sight, or mind, some Friend of mine,
Or his, from whom, I might that ayd receive
Which to obtain from GOD, I did beleeve.

And, mark his goodnes, Oh! all you that read it!
So mark it, and with seriousnes so heed it
That, (if I should forget it) you may be
Remembrancers, hereafter unto me
As I have been to you, in former time,
Of what concerns this Nation, and this Clime,
In this distresse, he, meets me, of whom here
I am discoursing; And with pleasing chear
Salutes me thus: Amid thy troubles now
How is it with thee George? how farest thou?
I, answer'd, SIR, I live, though I am poore;
And, of my welfare, cannot say much more.
Take heart said he; These dayes will have an end,
And future times will better thee befriend.
I sought thee at thy house, not with intent
To trifle out an hour in complement

But, lovingly brought thither, by a fear
Lest more lay on thee, then thou well mighst bear.

For, thy Petitions I, have heard, and seen,
Of those transactions I have witnes been,
Whereby thou, wert oppressed; and wherein
Thy Country hath no lesse abused been.
I, also publickly have heard debated
Thy claims, and when they were allow'd, and stated;
Saw what was justly, or unjustly done;
And am assured GOD will look thereon
Yea, I have so well heeded what thou hast
Both lately and in former time exprest
For GOD, and also for thy Countries sake,
Whereof ensuing times will notice take
That, I, myself to be obliged, thought
To seek thy welfare; and from GOD have brought
This token of his love: thus having said,
Just twenty pounds into my hand he laid
Of currant gold; whereat (as one amaz'd)
On him with overflowing eyes I gaz'd;
Not able, for the present, to afford
The retribution of one thank full word.
For, out of me, my heart away was gone
To GOD, who made him do, what he had done.

But, after recollection, SIR, said I,
He that hath mov'd you, to this charity
Will doubtlesly with interest repay
What you have ministred to me this day;
For, GOD himself alone, and none but he
(Who knows in what distresses all men be)
Could, you, to me so timely have directed
Opprest with wants, and of all friends neglected:
Or, so inlarg'd your heart, to bring relief
Proportionable to my present grief.

And, therefore, now il'e tell you, in what state
You find me, that you may rejoyce thereat,
By making you assur'd, that you have wrought
A work, which in it self rewards hath brought
That will requite it fully, though I liv'd,
To let slip out of mind, what I receiv'd.
Then, told him all, that is before exprest,
And so much more as did infer the rest
That might have follow'd, if GOD had not sent
His charity, my ruine to prevent.

The same impression, which his Act had made
On me, my words on him, effected had;
And, I am confident, that, had I given
To him, the greatest gift, on this side Heav'n,
He had not gone away, with more content
Then, in his being made an instrument,
Of such a timely mercy; and, that he
So opportunely too, should meet with me.

Now judg, if this be true, which I protest
(Except the words, wherein it is exprest,
And, some few circumstances, to supply
The story, with a formal decency,)
Is real truth; and no poetick strain,
More adding, then the Essence did contain.
Judg now, what, I, could honestly have lesse
Hereof declar'd, then here I do expresse,
Consid'ring what he was to me, till then;
And, what I was to many other men.

For, at their dore, for whom I had of late,
My life adventur'd, lost my whole Estate;
(And those expos'd, who were more dear to me
Then life, and livelyhood, destroy'd to be)
Ev'n at their dore, I, perishing was left
Of credit, and Estate, at once bereft:
To let me thereby know, and knowing, heed,
That in the times of triall, and of need,

Tis none of those Acquaintance, or those Friends,
Which we our selves get, or whose love attends
On our Prosperities; nor that, which we
Think, obligations, upon them to be;
Nor, publick Faith, nor Vows, nor Protestations,
Either of Princes, Parliaments or Nations;
Nor that which is, nor that, which we suppose
A merit in Us, (or, for Virtue goes)
Which, for helps, are to be relide upon,
In great extremities; But, GOD, alone,
And, that, in our Desertions, he, can make
Not only, strangers, pity on us take;
But, also, from the malice of our Foes,
Raise us up help, salve mortall wounds, by blows;
Cure us by sickness; make us rich, by losses;
Give us true joy, in grief; Content, in Crosses;
A life, by dying; and the first beginning
Of justifying righteousness, by sinning:
Yea, by the hiding (for a time) his Face,
Assurances of everlasting grace:
And to confirm my oft experiment
Hereof; GOD, made this Friend an Instrument,
To give me, of that mercy, one pledg more,
Of which, he gave me many, heretofore.

And yet, this is not all; for, ere those weights
Which lay upon me; and the many streights,
Then pressing me, removed were and past,
(Which, some yeers, and some months to boot, did last)
In times of like need, he continued on
That work of mercy, thus by him began;
Till, in this manner, he upon his score,
Had set me, twenty hundred Crowns, and more,
Without desiring Band, or Bill, or Note,
To testifie the lending of one groat;
Or urging me, betwixt our selves, to say
I ow'd him ought, or that I would repay.

Thus much for this time: For, tis cold, and late;
And, that you may have time to ruminate
On what is said; ile now break off, and borrow
An hour or two, from my affairs to morrow,
So much, of what remaineth, to recite
As seemeth pertinent: And so, good night.

The third CANTO.

The Author, sheweth to what end,
This Poem, was design'd, and pen'd.
Next, he proceedeth to unfold
What, is begun, and left untold
Relating to his Friend, and Him;
And gives you then, a breathing time.

When I have spent the day, as oft I do,
In wheeling round, and trudging to and fro,
Through that meander, which do what I can
Still further leads, (then when I first began)
From my desired rest; and nothing leaves me,
But new assurance, that the World deceives me;
And yet still keeps me active, with a thought
That, I am thereby doing what I ought;
(Because, ev'n by perusing what is vain,
A knowledge of some usefulness I gain,
Which els could not be had) I take content
In suffering what I labour to prevent;
Permitting GOD, to order as he pleases,
Me, and my something, and my nothing-nesses.

And, in the night, when all to rest are gone;
I muse on things more worthy thinking on,
And, how, to others, and my self, I may
Add somewhat, by our losses in the day.
Nor are my watchings, in that stollen leisure,
So painfull, as some think; but full of pleasure.

Nor do my solitary Musings tend
To that deceitfull, and unfruitfull end,
As is perhaps thought, in those lucubrations,
Wherein I take my loanly recreations;
For, that, which me all night doth waking keep,
Refresheth more my spirit, then my sleep.

The subject, which this hour employes my pen,
Makes my dead friend, to live with me agen:
I, visit him, and oft he visits me
With inter-courses, which no eyes can see.
Within my Chamber; (none els being there)
Me thinks, we two, as if alone we were
Converse together, and he brings unto
My memory, and thought, what I should do
To order so my life, that when I dye,
No living soul may be more glad as I.
Sometime, with him I walk unto his grave,
To view what kind of lodgings dead men have,
And whether I can, see among them, there,
Such dreadfull things, as flesh and blood doth fear.
Yea, there, at midnight I have with him been,
And every corner of the grave have seen,
By Contemplation, (which sees many sights,
Not to be view'd by ordinary lights)
Yet there I did behold no greater dread,
Then when I sleep most sweetly in my bed.
Sometimes, he comes into my mind, and brings
A multitude of temporary things
To be by many thought of, who yet live,
And were of that late Representative,
Which from it honor, and, it being fell,
Because they nor beleev'd, nor acted well.
Of somethings too, that neerly will concern
The wise, (till they are grown too wise to learn)
He me remembers, by those conferences
Which we oft had, when he enjoy'd his senses.

And, whereupon, I oft did more then guesse
At what was verifide in their successe:
Yea, and sometimes, he makes me think upon
The present Powre, and on what's yet undone,
And should be done, and will be done, ere long,
Unles, it grows, in self opinion strong,
And sleights that counsel, which may save the State,
As their Foregoers did, till 'twas too late.
Sometime, the thought of him, translates me hence
To Heav'n; where, what transcends intelligence
And my expression, is to me disclos'd,
By fractions, and by notions discompos'd;
Which, nay the lesse a certainty declare
Of some things, which for edifying are.
Sometime again (for we can any whither
Go safely) we descend to Hell together
By contemplation; and there, take full views
Of that which on Hypocrisie ensues;
And, on each other failing, and offence,
Perpetuating an Impenitence;
And, thence, assume occasion to improve
My thankfulnes, for that eternall love
By whom I am secured from that place,
Through his preventing, and assisting grace.

By thinking upon him, who in his grave
Lies thoughtles, of what thinkings I can have.
Thus, I myself employ; and, by things past,
The ordering of future things forecast;
And, find a means whereby I do refresh
My Spirit, whilst imprison'd in the Flesh.

And wherefore, judg you, I my time thus spend?
Is it to tell the World I had a Friend?
How vain were that! since, I am not to know
It cares not, whether I have Friends, or no.
And, loves to hear of no respect that's shown
To any, whom she takes not for her own.

Is it to gain a gratiousnes with those
Who, have, what he hath left at their dispose?
That were to fall, ten thousand leagues below
My spirit; and more base in me, would show
Then it would do in them, to look upon
With such a thought, what, here, by me is done,
For, these my retributions, are as free
From self-ends, as his bounty was to me,
And, rather should be paid back, ten times double,
Then I would loose my freedom for that buble.

It is to please his near and dear relations,
With large applauses, and commemorations
Of him that's gone? Alas! that doth but keep
Sorrows awake, which els would fall asleep,
Doth but his knowledg in the flesh renew,
Which keeps his better being, from their view;
Adds brine to thirst, and to devouring fire
Casts Oyl, which makes it but to flame the higher:
And, if no better use, could hence be rais'd,
It came to far lesse, then, not to be prais'd.

Is it to honor him, that's in his Grave?
That were the simplest thought the fool could have,
What honor can they want, who tryumph there,
Where fulnes of eternall glories are?
What honor can he have from earthly things,
Or glory, from a fame with paper wings,
Which cannot make a flight for many miles,
Beyond the compasse of these British Isles?
Or, from an Epitaph, on stone or brasse,
Read by a few in some obscured place?
Or, how will it concern, or please him now,
Who, to himself, would not, in life, allow
Those attributes of honor, which appear'd
Then due; nor, for an empty title car'd?
And, would have been displeas'd, if he had known
I, would on him, this trifle, have bestown,

(Onely because, it to his honor tends)
Although, therewith, compos'd to other ends?
Beside (although it somwhat may concern
His reputation) I am not to learn
That these Blasts, for the most part, oftner rear
A dust, to cloud it, then preserve it clear;
Or, stirs up, envy, hate, or evill-will,
To brawl, which else (it may be) had lain still.
For, to the Flower that spreads the fairest blooms,
The Cankerworm and Caterpiller comes.
Moreover, they, who least deserving are
May in this kind of honor have a share
With best Desert; and buy, with what was theirs,
A better Monument then this appears.

Is it for some advantages design'd
Unto my self? sure no; for none I find
Hereby acquirable; nor had I brought
My poverty to light, if I had sought
Self-honour; seeing, there is nothing more
Dishonourable thought, then to be poore.

Well then; if it were neither so nor so,
What is my purpose, in what now I do?
Ev'n this, That, from the best man whom I knew
Here living, I might set forth to your view
A self-deniall, through the want of which
The Common-wealth grows poore, and poore men rich.
That, also, by him, in whose charity,
GOD, did appear, in my necessity,
Others may be provok'd, through his examples,
To shew more love unto those living Temples,
In which he dwelleth; and at least, forbear
To ruine them, although they have no care
Of their Repair: For, this is one of those
Deficiencies, which multiplies our woes,
And, through defect, whereof our former cost,
And present hopes, will suddenly be lost,

As they have been; unless we do with speed
Put, what is yet but words, into a Deed;
Not dreaming still, that, we from GOD can hide),
What is by men, apparently espide:
For, though we will not see, what we behold,
Nor credit what we know true, being told,
It shall, in spight of all our impudence,
Let in a Fear, against which, no defence
Can possibly be made; and, then, the doom
We fear'd in secret, openly shall come.

He, of this self-deniall was a Teacher,
Yea, and as well a Pattern as a Preacher,
Who, taught with power, such principles as these,
And, not as do our Scribes and Pharisees.

I wrote this partly likewise, in requital
Of his rare kindness; and by his recitall
Of what he was, to stir up imitation
In all those who had any near relation
Unto his fleshly being; and, thereby,
To pay my debt to his posterity;
And, that (if well improved) it might be
Some retribution, for his love to me.

But, (in the first place, though I name it last)
This opportunity I have embrac'd,
To keep still visible, before mine eyes,
That Object, which the world doth most despise
To look upon; ev'n that, disgracefull, poore,
And lowe estate, in which I, heretofore
Was friendless left; and, in how just a time,
GOD, sent me full Deliverance, by him;
One, from a Thousand chose, to signifie
Thus much; that, (notwithstanding they whom, I,
Remembred often; me remembred not)
His everlasting love, was not forgot.

Having now shewn the Reason of my Rime,
I will return again to speak of him

Who caused this discourse, which I am in;
And, where I left off, there, I will begin.

Before, the bounty, which from him did come,
Amounted to the fore expressed sum,
Ashamed in my self, to see how far
He had ingag'd me, without taking care
Of reimbursement; unto him I sent
Unask, a true and full acknowledgment
Of all I had received: But, to my hand,
He back returned it, with this command
That, to no Person, I a word should say
Of what had past betwixt us, in that way.
For, well I know, said he, both you, and I,
Shall get but disadvantages thereby.
The World, is full of envy, and malicious,
Making to us, our best works most pernitious.
They who in her affairs, are chiefly wise,
And, view, our actions, with meer carnal eyes,
Will judg me but a fool; and, think perchance,
Your wit, hath wrought out of my ignorance
Or easines, that, which is an effect
Of GODS good providence, and my respect:
Keep it in secret therefore; for, from thence,
There can arise no mischief, or offence.

These Reasons charm'd me; and, with much ado,
I silence kept, because, he wil'd it so.
Only, (some few dayes after he forbid
This to be mention'd) I friendly chid
By these ensuing Verses, which are next
Inserted here, as not beside my Text.

SIR, though, so friendly, you to me have been,
That, to forget it, were a mortall sin,
Yet, I am one, whom divers do suppose
To make no difference, betwixt Friends, and Foes.
In my reproovings; And, if that be true,
My worthy noble Friend, then, have at You,

For, you forget your self, and strive to clime
To heights, so unfrequented at this time,
That, I suppose, I am in conscience tide
Your temper, and your practises to chide,
Lest by soft-hearted kindnes, and compassion
(with such like vertues, now grown out of fashion)
It may deservedly be said, by some,
One of these Sectaries you are become,
(And, of these Hereticks thought worse then Turks)
Who shew their true beleeving, by their works;
And, seem to bring their simple custome hither,
Of living well, and lovingly together.

Fy! have you honor'd been to sit among
The wisest of this Common-wealth so long?
And where, the men, who do themselves suppose
To be (at least) the wisest part of those,
Can many dayes, weeks, moneths, yea many years,
Hear Widdows out-cries, and see Orphans tears,
Without the casting of one look aside
On those, who by their path, stand Crucifide?
And will you so degenerate from them
Whose practices, are patterns for the time.
To look on him, whom they have trampled on,
And left, as to the world-ward, quite undone?
Can you descend so low, to fix your eyes
On those, whom men in honor do despise?
Yea, in a manner, seek unto them, too,
Who are distrest, (before they seek to you?)
Wooe them to be releev'd, by your expence?
(As if you suffer'd, by their indigence)
And charge them, that they tell it unto none,
As if a deed of darknes, you had done?

Beleeve, it SIR, this is a novelty,
Which doth betray you, so apparently
That, were it known, your best Friends would not stick,
To voice you, publickly, a Schismatick.

Scarce parallel'd: For, you in this divide
From all I know, in all the World beside,
Excepting one or two; and you, and they
Make up that little Congregation may,
With whom CHRIST promis'd he would present be,
Though it consisted but of two, or three:
And which was promised, (for ought I hear)
Though none of them, a Priest, or Prelate were.

The circumstances heeded in your acts,
Do very strangely aggravate the facts.
Had it been only, in a humor done,
Or, in a fit, but once, or twice alone
(As works of charity, are, now and then,
Performed, and repented of agen,)
Or, had that charity, from you distil'd,
But, drop by drop, or had it forth been fil'd
By thimbles full, (as unto those we give,
Our Aquavitæ, whom we faint perceive)
Had it been so, or so, I should have thought
So much thereof, as I in reason ought;
(Though, with much more respect then yet I see,
My publike services, will thought on be,)
And would have striv'd, as far as I was able
To make the gifts, and thanks, proportionable,
As wise men do; or, some way complemented,
And customary services presented,
According to the fashion: But, the course,
That you have took, Acknowledgments inforce
Beyond all Presidents: For, Sir, you stretch
Your noblenes so far beyond the reach
Of my weak faculties, to retribute
Acknowledgments, which therunto may suit;
Yea, and so oft, so long, so gen'rously
You have releeved my necessity;
That, therewith overcharged, that I am fain,
To break out of the rode, into a strain,

Some way extravagantly to declare,
As often in such straights as these we are
Constrain'd to do; And, as once Peter did
When through CHRISTS manhood, he the Godhead spid;
And, when, he having fish'd all night for nought,
And drew a whole ship lading at one draught,
He cride out, LORD, go from me (get thee gone)
For I confesse my self a sinfull one.

As, is the Fruit, so, may the season be
A token of the nature of the Tree:
(As that which cometh by the Rivers side,
And, whereby Righteous men are typiside
Illustrates well,) I, therefore, in respect
Ev'n of the time, may somewhat here object,
To show, yet farther, how you rend from those
Who have our earthly things, at their dispose.
For, at such times of need, still, ayd you lent,
As if by GOD himself, it had been sent,
Who, only, knew my wants; and unto whom
I, only shew them, when such great ones come:
Because, in greatest wants, I do perceive
Men readier to destroy, then to relieve.
Such, is the state of many in distresse;
Such, is the hate, of those, who do oppresse.

The rightly timing of a benefit,
Doth, very often, more then double it:
And, though such charity, may, in these dayes,
Return you little present gain, or praise,
Yet, GOD observes it; and, as sure, as he,
Will of a cup of Water heedfull be
Bestow'd on him who doth assume the name,
Of his Disciple, (although not the same)
Your timely, and your large benevolence,
Shall have a timely, and large recompence.

Me, in due season, GOD not only shall
Enable too, some way, to pay you all;

But, add mean time, a blessing to defray
That interest which he doth yet delay:
And, in that place, where some of those (I fear)
Who, me opprest, will tremble to appear,
You, shall be welcomed, with come ye blessed,
Who fed, and cloath'd me, when I was distressed.

These things consider'd, this, which I begun,
Pretending some reproof, intendeth none:
But, rather, is, (that debts be not forgot)
A memorandum only, or a note,
Subscribed with my hand, for intimation,
That, you, with me, shall have his obligation
Whose word is pass'd already to restore
Whatever shall be lent unto the poor:
And, who, doth good to every one intend,
Whose heart he moves, the needy to befriend.

Yet, that, mean time, I may not failing be
To pay as much in hand, as lies in me;
Receive this Benediction. Whensoere
The day of fiery tryall shall appear,
To prove your Faith, and purge you quite from all
Your selfnes: which ere long time will befall.
Let, then, your Faith be strong, and GOD be seen
A friend to you, as you to me have been:
And let your charity before him stand,
To manacle, and weaken every hand,
That would oppress those, whom you leave behind:
Let them GODS favour, in all troubles find:
Be safe preserved, in all times, and places,
By his free mercies, and preventing Graces;
And let this prayer, stil, about GOD'S Throne
Be fluttering, till he saith, so be it done.

These Verses, for his large benevolence
Were, for a long time, all his evidence.

Nor would he more receive, though many a time
Security was offer'd unto him.
And, once, it was in words like these, denide:
When first I your necessity supplide,
My purpose was not, meerly to relieve
Your present need; but, likewise, ayd to give
That, by your own endeavour, (with my cost)
You might recover that which you have lost.
The State, hath no part satisfied, yet,
Of your allow'd, and overlong due debt:
And, till that shall be done, I will expect
No payment, neither ought to that effect.

But, his assistance having made me strong,
That, to recover, which had been by wrong
Detained from me, in a private hand;
(And having somwhat more at my command)
I thought my self oblig'd (as I was able)
To render some returns proportionable
To my Estate. So, he accepts, at last,
Security for part, and lest the rest;
(Of which, to him, I somewhat yearly brought)
Without his asking, as expecting ought
(By any thing expressed) untill that,
Were pay'd me, which is owing by the State;
Or, till the residue, I could repay,
By some enablement another way.

This, shews it is no frivolous occasion
From whence this Poem springs; or, Obligation
To be as inconsiderable, slighted
Which me to this acknowledgment invited:
But rather, in regard of GOD, and Man,
An act, which ought, as fully as I can
To be exprest; That, for it I might give
The praise to GOD, and, men th'example have.

For, by his charity, GOD'S love appears:
I was, thereby, preserved many years

From perishing: Thereby, likewise, together
With that assistance, which I had from other
Concurring helps, (which have the same way, been
To me by GOD'S good providence, sent in,)
I got to be possessor of the gate,
Of those, who were mine enemies of late;
And, thereby, also, partly to expresse
To others, in their need, my thankfulness.
Thereto, the Noble, and much Honored
Bradshaw, and Dixwell, ayde contributed,
Among some others, who are not forgot.
Although their kindnes, I here mention not;
Yea, GOD, for me, so likewise, did dispose
The purpose, of my avaritious foes,
That, doubly, it advantag'd me, and more
Then all those loving friends had done before.
Which, suddenly improoving my Estate
Beyond, what I did hope, or aimed at;
The World doth seem to think, and some do say,
That, I, to thrive, have practised her way;
And, on my conscience, would now love me too,
If, truly, she beleev'd it had been so:
For, nothing renders her, a Foe to me
But, that she fears my words, and deeds agree.
And, that, though baits, and snares for me are laid
To serve her ends, I shall not be betraid.

Now, having finished this little story,
Which hath a neer relation to GOD'S glory
As well as to the honour of my Friend,
With some brief inferences, I will end.
But, lest, these may detain you overlong,
Here pause; and read them, in the following Song.

The fourth CANTO.

Of Christian love, the large extents;
The sad, the bad, the mad events
Of discord, here the Muse displaies;
That Idol SELFNES open laies.
Some other things to heed commends,
And, then, with praise, and Prayer ends.

What shall that Musing profit, which affords
Nothing but bare Relations, or meer words?
Or, what will things avail, that shall be read,
Concerning those, who sleep among the dead
If no advantages at all they give
To benefit, or better those that live?
Sure none; Lest, therefore, these may justly passe
For tingling Cymbals, or for sounding Brasse,
Some useful notes, or notions, ile discover
On this occasion, ere I passe it over.
And though I cannot talk, as others do,
Ile preach my way; and, preach to purpose too.

Of many things, which merit mention may,
Wherein my Friend, hath pattern'd out the way
Of walking, and of practise; three things, here,
Shall be insisted on, as those that are
Deserving speciall heed: Such, as (if we
Well imitate) a true ALL HEAL shall be:
End all Quarrels; Take off, from our eyes
The blinding scales, and filmes of prejudice
Which keeps us dark, and from a right perceiving,
of truth, and, in a wilfull misbeleeving.
An imitation thereof, would bring hither
Outward, and inward peace; and knit together

CHRISTS disunited members so, that love
Would ripen knowledg; knowledg help improve
A saving Faith; That Faith renew the Will;
A will renewed, would GODS minde fulfill,
And therewith so acquainted make us grow
That, we should learn to Act, as well as know.

The first of these is Love; love, not extending
It self, to these, or those, but comprehending
All things created, with an imitation
Of CHRIST, by meekness in his conversation
With Publicans, and sinners; and, with such
As knew but little, and beleev'd not much.
Such, was CHRISTS love; and (if I do not miss)
According to man's measure, such was his.

For, though, that vail of flesh which others wear,
And, that, which clothed him, when he was here,
Disguiz'd his inward man, and made him pass
For one of those, who running of a Race
Doth beat the air in vain; yet, they, whose eyes
Observed him when he was neer the prize,
Saw, he had usde the means, and chose the ground,
Which best advantag'd him, and would be crown'd,
When, many, at a loss themselves would find,
Who, better dieted, and disciplin'd
Were thought to be; For, none could know so well
What best befitted him, as he might tell.

Near to his latter end, he had attain'd
Such love to all, and, therewith, so unfain'd
A longing both to win, and to be won
Unto the Truth, that, he was Fo to none
So much, as to himself: and, by forbearing,
By hopefulness, long-suffering, patient hearing,
And meekness, without bitterness of spirit,
True quietness of heart he did inherit
Within himself; and waited, when GOD'S leisure
Would of his grace, to others, fill the measure.

My cognizance of him, perswades me so,
And, whether he thus perfect were or no,
It serves the turn, as well to let us see
What you, and I, and every man should be.

Yet, of this Christian temper I had proof,
To make it forth, with evidence enough.
For, though in fundamentals we agreed,
Essentially (as by what did succed,
Is manifest) yea, though we did accord
In one GOD, in one CHRIST, one Faith, one word.
One will, and hope; (as all true Christians do,)
Yet, in some accidentall means thereto
We disagree'd; yea, often, did dissent
In some things, which 'twixt others made a rent.
And, I was oft, so earnest in dispute,
His tenents to disprove, and to confute,
That, they who should have heard us, might have judg'd
Not me to him, but him to me, oblig'd,
And that like Paul and Barnabas, at least,
A parting, would have followed our contest.

Yet, though we both stood firm, to what we thought,
Nor losse of love, nor breach 'twixt us, it wrought;
But, rather, to each other kept us nearer,
The firmer in our friendship, and the dearer:
Because we both knew, that, one Judg we had,
In whom Atonement, would, at last, be made:
Because, we both intended, not that He,
Or, I, might conquer, but, Truth victor be:
And, this declareth his deserving, more
Then all, that I have said of him before.
For, what man els, but he, would not have thought
My Obligations, should my soul have brought
In bondage to his Judgment? or, at least
Kept me from owning mine, by hot contest?
Who els but he, would have continued on
His love, and bounty, unto such a One.

As thwarted his opinions? and, not rather
Have made me scatter what he holp to gather?
Converted former friendship, into hate,
And, sought to ruine me, in my Estate?
Which had with ease been done; since, at that time,
My chief subsistance, was receiv'd from him.
But, of his judgment, what er'e think I might
I knew his love was firm; his heart upright;
And, this beleef of no man, I could have
Who gave his charity, to make a slave:
Or, who from bondage did my flesh unbind
To lay a greater Thraldom, on my mind.
No, (though from servitude, he set me free)
If he, thus cruel, should to others be.
Nay, though a King, with me should share his Throne,
And prize me, as his chief elected one,
Were he a Tyrant over other men,
I could not give him love, for love agen:
Nay, further (be it spoke with reverence
To him I speak of, and without offence)
Could I believe that GOD, in whom I trust
Were (though he lov'd me) cruel and unjust,
I would not seek with him in Heav'n to dwell,
But, rather, go, and live alone in Hell.
For, he, that's with essential GOD delighted,
And, thereunto by hearty love united;
Should therewith feel to him, such vertue giv'n,
As would translate the lowest Hell to Heav'n.

I fear, I go too high in my expressions,
Ile therefore stoop again, from these digressions
To speak what's possible to be beleev'd
Of those, by whom this cannot be receiv'd.
And shew them, in my common strain, how far
From Christian love, the greatest number are,
Who most professe it; that, affect they may
A far more excellent, and better way,

If carnall lusts, will give them time to read it,
And, their self-love, admit of Grace to heed it.

It is not love, but cruelty in those,
Who, would on others consciences impose
Their Yoaks, or break the bands of loving kindnes,
Because their friends have weaknesses, or blindnes:
Nay, (which of cruelties appears the worst)
Because, they would not be, from that divorst,
Which is their comforts chief preservative;
And, without which, none happily can live
Here, or hereafter; And, when doing so,
To these imposers, no true good can do.

What is a friend for; or, what better are
Those friends, then foes, who neither can forbear
Nor help to bear, that Friends infirmities
With meeknes, whom he hath been pleas'd to prize?
But, beat the lame, because, they cannot run,
Leave him that's blind, because he sees no Sun;
And, separate from them, for that, which they
Would willingly disclaim, and cast away
If they were able; or, els, did not fear
They, thereby, sinners against Conscience, were?
Whereas, they rather should with these abide,
To lead the lame; to be the blind-mans guide:
And, with long-suffring, to instruct the other,
Till he becomes a true beleeving Brother.
Oh! how far off! how far! are such as those
From imitating him, who lov'd his Foes?
(And dide to save them?) who pursue with hate
Their friends, for those concernments, which relate
Unto themselves alone? How far are such
From loving them, who have offended much?

This temper at this time, is very rare,
For gen'rally almost, we bite and tear,
So barbarously, each others flesh, and fleeces,
And rend CHRISTS Robes into so many peeces,

That, we seem rather Woolves, and doggs, then sheep,
Belonging to that Flock which he doth keep.
Nor are they, only, Woolves in sheeps array,
Who, thus their Woolvish nature do betray,
But, ev'n on some of us, who of his Fold
Are Members, this, distemper doth lay hold.

Ev'n we forsooth, for whom our GOD hath done
So much of late; we, we, who look upon
Our selves at this time, as a People chose
By speciall providence, to scourge his Foes;
And, to be they, whom he first cals to bring
Unto his Throne, our Everlasting King,
Whose Banners LOVE; Ev'n we, have here of late,
Instead thereof, advanc'd the Flagg of HATE
To be our Standard; and, the same display
With as much virulency as we may
Against each other: Yea, against those, too,
Who seek GOD'S face, as truly as we do.

Some of us, so aloft, our selves do carry
With hope of great atchievements temporary,
That, we forget from whence we first ascended;
Slight them, for whose sakes, we have been befriended;
None loving, but our selves; and looking on
All els, as if the Earth, for us alone,
Had been created; and all others, born
For objects of our hatred, or our scorn:
And, leave them unrewarded, by whose hands
The ground was won, on which our building stands.

Some of us, on a spirituall account,
To such an overweningnes do mount,
As if, we only, were the men, to whom
Belongs that Kingdom, which is yet to come;
Or, as if Heav'n, for none els were ordain'd,
But, those, who are among us entertain'd;
Bound up to our Rules; marked, with our Prints;
Or, qualifide with our distinguishments:

And, so bewitch't are we, by our own Dreams,
With that, which we have Preach'd upon those Theams,
That, if we take not heed, twill bring about
That mischief, which we purpose to keep out.

For, we through want of love, are so devided,
By having this way, or els that way, sided
To raise what others build up, or, in striving
To raise a Babell, of our own contriving;
That, some perchance, may see the Dragons tail,
Swing once more over us, ere we prevail.
Yea, want of love, on all sides, so misteaches,
Here, such Obstructions makes, and there, such breaches
That, we are like to make our common Foe,
An easie passage, where he could not go.
Yet, tis not possible to make us wake
From our vain Dreams, a safer course to take;
Unles, GOD, shall, our Adderlike deaf ear,
Pierce by some stranger charms, then, yet, we hear:
For, they are thought to speak words most in season,
Who speak most impudently, and least reason:
In which besottednes, if he walk on
Much longer, as too long time we have done,
(Acting, as if we thought, to shew, our folly
Would be an argument to prove us holy.
And drive still furiously against each other,
As if all shortly would be mad together,)
They, will not much mistake therein, who shall
This Isle, Great BEDLAM, now Great BRITAIN call.

The other vertue, of my now dead Friend,
Which to our imitation, Ile commend,
Is, to be zealous, in the pulling down
Of our great Idol, now, more famous grown,
Then was Diana; and, ador'd by us,
Much more then she was once, at Ephesus.
That weak, that base, that despicable ELFE,
Cal'd SELFNES, which, man sets up in himself;

And, for whose services, and adoration,
We from all things within the whole Creation,
Make patterns to our selves: And, not of these
Alone, make we fantastick images
But, of things also, which had neither birth,
Or being, on or underneath the earth;
Neither within the water, ayr, or fire,
Or any where, in lower place, or higher.

This, is that God, which now is worship'd more,
Then Baal, and all those Idols heretofore,
Which did provoke to wrath. There, are our loves
Most fixt. Thereto, our Temples, Altars, Groves
Are consecrated; and, what els, beside
Whereby, an Idol may be glorifide.
Thereto, those Tithes, those Duties, those Oblations,
Thanksgivings, Prayers, solemn Observations.
All forms, and ceremonies, (whether taught
By truth, or, superstitiously in brought;)
Our Governments, our Parliaments, our Laws,
Our Armies, our unjust, and righteous Cause;
Our Conquests, all our wisdom, all our wealth;
Our honor, beauty, with our youth, and health;
Our righteousnes (if we in us, have any;
Our wickednesses, (whereof we have many;)
Ev'n Scriptures, Judgments, mercies, Sacraments,
With what els, GOD ordains, or man invents,
Are all, by some among us, now converted,
(Or, rather, to speak properly, perverted)
Some way to serve, as to advance the praise
Of SELFNES, that great Idol of our dayes.
And, some, who vote, and speak against it more
Then many; more, then any, her adore.

Most, who pretend, to serve the Common-weal,
Do most intend, from thence to rob and steal
Wherewith, to sacrifice before the shrine,
Of that lou'd Idol; which doth glare, and shine,

With jewels, gold, and those embellishments,
Which should have been the publike Ornaments,
They, from poor Orphans, and sad Widdows, tear
Their Garments, for their pseudo-god to wear:
Pluck from their hungry mouths, their bread and meat,
For that devouring God of theirs to eat:
And, then, for his drink-offerings, pour forth floods
Of faithfull servants, Friends, and Childrens bloods.

Most, who pretend true Justice to maintain,
Do more contend, to wrong those who complain,
Then how to right them; that thereby they may
Make innocents, this cursed Idols pray:
And, to their faithful friends, are most severe;
Either, to make a shew, as if they were
Impartiall: or, perhaps, thereby, to pay
A good desert, the clean contrary way.

Most, who pretend to charity, do give
Either, in hope they, thereby shall receive
Some benefit; or els in hope to raise
A Monument, or Trophie of self praise:
And few out of a tendernes of heart,
Give, to releeve, or to reward desert.

Most, who pretend to friendship, do but buy
With complements, or some cheap courtesie,
Their self advantages; and, to more charge,
When they are put, it is but to inlarge
Their selfnes, and, some way thereby, among
Such other ends, to make their party strong.
For, when unserviceable, these are grown,
They cast them off, as Persons never known.
Yea, when the times doth come, which truly shows
Who is a Friends, they then become their Foes.

Most, who pretend for GOD, that vertue fain
For nought; with them, is godlines, but gain.
They frequently, more bold with him do make,
Then with all others; and from him dare take

What ere they can, to sacrifice unto,
This Idoll; and suppose no wrong they do.
Yea, those pert Jewish women, who had given
And, would give spice Cakes to the Queen of Heaven
(And had befoold their Husbands to consent
That, them they should, in GODS despight, present,
Took not his Oyl, his pure Wheat, and his spices,
To make, their wicked wilfull Sacrifices,
With bolder impudence, then many a one
Among us, for this to Idols use have done.

A Spirit, being, GOD, in no need stands
Either of Churches, Tithes, or Rents, or Lands,
Or Forms, or any of those other things,
Which, for GODS worship, our devotion brings:
For, these will do his deity no good:
But, selfnes, is a God of flesh, and blood,
That will be highly pleas'd with those, oblations
Which GOD Almighty, counts abominations,
If not made use of, with all circumstances,
Which, in a right way, piety advances.
And, therefore, we do purpose (if we may)
To take them, for this Idol, quite away.
But peradventure, ere effect that finds
We may be taken hence, or change our minds.

This, is in every heart, the Antichrist,
Which doth usurp CHRISTS Temples, and resist
His raigning there. There, paramount is he
(Though other Antichrists, there, also be)
His chiefest opposite; and gives offence,
More then his Foes, of greater eminence.
The Devill, doth in the World, against him rant,
As his chief Foe; In his Church militant,
(At large) The man of sin; And this, or that
Corruption in each individual State
Or Congregation: But, this, hath alone
In every single man, the supream Throne

Of opposition; though, sometimes, appearing
In one beloved sin, and sometimes wearing
Another habit, as it best befits
The place, or person, where, inthron'd it sits:
And, though the Devill, Turk, and Pope, and all
Whom, in their sphears, The Antichrist we call
Should down be thrown; we shal rejoyce in vain
If, in our hearts, this Antichrist still raign.

This, is that Idol, which prolongs our woes:
This, is that Idol, which, if ere we lose
Our present hopes, is that, which will effect it:
And, I do more then probably suspect it.
This, is the last thing, my deceased friend,
Declaim'd against, before his latter end,
As likely to be that abomination,
Which will occasion here, a desolation;
If not destroy'd, or, at least, debased
Within those Temples, wherein it is placed.

This Idol, hath in every heart a shrine;
Yea, (though I hate it) doth possesse in mine
The inmost room; there, screwed in so fast,
That, thence, I fear, it hardly will be cast
Till all that Fabrick shall be broken down,
Wherewith it is incorporated grown,
It knows what now I think, what now I write,
And sticks the closer to me, in despight
Of all that I can think, or say, or do:
Yea, and by means of this performance too,
The more exalted in my heart will be,
If, GOD himself, shall not deliver me.
But, he will add sufficiency of Grace;
For, I intend ev'n in that very place,
Where fixt it stands, to sacrifise the Beast
With all the trinkets of self Interest:
Which, if I can do, while 'tis fixed there,
Will better please, then if destroy'd it were.

Another Virtue in my Friend, no less
Deserving heed, was Conscientiousness
In words and works; whereof, an imitation,
Would bring much happiness unto this Nation.
For while good Conscience, entertain we shall,
It keeps a never-ending Festivall,
Which gladdeth more the heart, then when we feast
To entertain our best beloved Guest.
If sleighted; it becomes our greatest Fo:
If cherished; it such a Friend will grow,
That, when all else forsake us, and abuse us;
When they oppress, and causlesly accuse us;
When opportunity the Devil wins,
To muster up against us, all our sins;
When, GOD perhaps, doth lay upon us too,
A heavy hand: when Death (as it will do)
Arresteth us, our countless debts to pay,
And, to his dungeon carries us away;
Ev'n then, when all our honors and our wealth,
Our youth, our strength, our pleasures, and our health,
Shrink from us; when, our best beloved Friends,
Our wives and children, upon whom depends
Our greatest earthly comforts, will forgo us;
Lodg us among the dead, where none shall know us;
And, leave us without succour, all alone,
To give account for that which we have done:
Then, will this Friend, if well we cherish her;
(Yea, though she formerly abused were,
If we be sorrowfull for our offence
And reconciled by true penitence)
Will go along with us unto the Grave;
Remove all thence, whereof, we dread may have;
Sleep there with us, whilest there we shall remain;
Rise with us, when we shall arise again;
And, make us there, with joyfulness appear
Before that Judge, when other men shall fear:

For, having in this life, the privileges,
Of our Accusers, Witnesses, and Judges,
(Which none else hath by our terrestriall Laws,)
Before hand, she determineth our Cause.

She, by the Law that's written in our hearts,
Doth judg us; and no jot from that departs;
So that no Soul, can justly counter-plead,
An Ignorance; or stand in any need
Of an Interpreter, or, witness brought,
To testifie, of what, was good or nought:
For, none, will she condemn for that offence,
Whereof, he bringeth not an evidence
Within himself, to clear, or to condemn,
For that, which is objected unto them.
And, whosoever to this judgment comes,
Shall blame themselves, and justifie her dooms.

Look therefore that you keep this Judg your friend,
And that, by your fault, she who will pretend
To be this Conscience, be not entertain'd
Instead thereof: For, Conscience may be strain'd
So far, and by accustomed refusing
Good counsell; and by wilfully abusing
Her just reproofs, till her away we chase
And let an evil conscience take her place.
And, what events, may afterward eusue,
I leave it, to be thought upon, by you.

How, we may know a Conscience rectifide;
How, to preserve it, we may means provide;
How to recover it again when lost;
Time to compose a large discourse would cost.
To sound the depths, I therefore will forbear,
And onely add, for your example here,
What, by occasion of my Friend, that's gone,
I have, since his departure, mused on.

Good Conscience, whereof high esteem be made
Three Objects hath; to which there must be had

A due respect, asunder, and together,
Without neglecting, what belongs to either;
Except in things, wherein the less is debter,
To wave his due, for that, which is the greater.

GOD is the first; our neighbours, or our brother
(In some respects) the next; our selves the other;
Whose welfare, in some cases, may before
The second be preferr'd, and render'd more:
Because, it is the Rule whereby to square,
That love, which to our neighbours, we should bear.

Our duties to all these, were in the heart
First written; and renew'd again, in part,
By common grace: But, sin hath so defaced
That Table, and that writing so much rased,
That, we must seek to make up that Record
By what, GOD hath supplied in his Word;
And, they, who would preserve the conscience fair
And blameless, to that Glass, must oft repair;
Which, (by that aid, which GOD to add will please)
Shews us, our several duties, to all these.

All they, whose Conscience is this way renew'd,
Know what should be embrac'd, and what eschew'd.
Such, will not of his honor, GOD, bereave,
To save their Countrey; nor, their lives to save,
Spoil or betray that; nor, themselves deprive
Of ought, which they to serve these, did receive
Through cowardise or sloth; nor, to enjoy
The pleasures of the flesh, the Soul destroy.
To GOD, they will not make a sacrifice
Of guiltless blood; or, honour him with lies:
Or, offer to him things achiev'd by stealth,
By fraud or rapine; nor their Common-wealth
Repair, inrich, or strengthen, by oppressions;
By tollerating any known transgressions,
To Piety destructive; or, to that
True Justice, whose defect, may ruinate

Humane society; either, by fearing
To draw their swords against a Tyrants daring;
Or seeking, by a warlike way of murther,
How, to inlarge their territories further;
In hope of needles gain, or fruitles glory,
Rais'd out of black deeds, by a bloody story:
But, persecute the troublers of their peace,
Till safety, may be setled; and, then, cease:
That, throughout the World it may be known,
They sought not to inlarge, but save their own;
And to disable those from doing wrong,
Who, els, would all the World embroyl, ere long.

Such, will not make their Publique Faith a scorn,
That they who live, and they who are unborn
May in times future, be discourag'd from
Assisting, when another need shall come;
And, let all, rather unto ruine run,
Then trust, what is not to be trusted on.
Such, will not (as in times of need they may)
Take some mens lands, and livelyhoods away,
The Publique to secure, without supply,
For losse of that, which it was saved by:
But, to each private sufferer, reimburse
Their private damage, from the Publique purse.

Such, will not misemploy their Powr, in place
Of supream Trust, unjustly, to disgrace
Their faithfull servants, upon bare surmizes,
On misreports, which evill will devises
To blast their credit, ruine their Estate,
(Perhaps their lives too) by objecting hate
Which is untrue. For, they not being there
Who could refute that, wherewith charg'd they were,
(Nor suffred to take notice, from whose tongue
They, in their absence, did receive that wrong)
A prejudice, doth bring a censure on them,
Which ere they can prevent it, hath undone them.

If they good conscience have, who thus can do;
Ile think, the devill hath some conscience too;

How seared are the consciences of those,
Who, give their friends, much lesse respect then foes?
Obliging them by favours whom they fear,
Would els be traytors, (or perhaps so are)
And disoblige true men, because, they know
No injury can make them lesse then so?
What consciences, have they who do pretend,
The Publique hath not, to releeve a friend
That's perishing; and, yet the self-same day
(Though no need were) profusely give away
Large sums among themselves; and gratifie
Those men, who with their faction do comply?
(And own their ways, opinions, and designs)
As if they did possesse, the Indian Mines?
What Consciences have they, who pay some worst,
Who merit best; and last, who serv'd them first?
Provide for those; who for self-ends do serve;
And let the Common-wealths true servant starve?
Give ready Coyn to some; and unto them
Who did the same work, at the self-same time,
Not any thing at all? except, perchance,
A Warrant, Order, or an Ordinance,
Which by begetting others, doth still add
New troubles, and expence to what they had;
And without profit, so inlarge their cost,
By pretious time, and tedious labour lost;
That, if at first, their debts they had forgiven
(And added so much more, to make all even)
To get a flat deniall; some, had gain'd
Much more thereby, then will be now obtain'd,
Though they were pay'd to morrow? One, I know
Who by experiment, hath found it so;
Yet, some of them, who may this conscience own,
Would seem to think, great things on him, bestown:

Because, Gods mercy, other wayes suppiles
That, which to him, their Justice yet denies.

What partiall Consciences are also theirs?
Who, in establishing of just Arrears,
Gave some full Interest for debts delay'd,
And none to others, for like debts unpay'd
Ten summers after; and, which may, before
They are discharg'd, stand charged ten years more?
And then at last, perhaps, aside be lay'd
Among those debts, that never shall be pay'd?

From such corrupted consciences as these,
Hath sprung our Epidemicall disease:
Those manyfold complainings, in our streets,
Wherewith each friend his sad companion greets:
Those scandals, which are publish'd in disgrace
Of persons, who were lately in the place.
Supream Trust: hence, also, flows that hate,
The Quarrels, discontentment, and debate,
Which is amongst us: Hence, those hazzards rise
Which make us fearfull, and our Enemies
Still hopefull, that, it either shall occasion
Some broyl within, or, some without Invasion.
And, if I may beleeve what my heart tels,
That, which they do expect, or somewhat els
Equivalent, will shortly come to passe,
If we below, and they who are in place
Above us, make not conscience of our wayes
More then we have done, in preceding dayes.
For, if there be a GOD, as my soul knows
There is, by that, which daily from him flows:
If there be devils, as I know well to,
There are by what, I see their servants do.
GOD, or the Devill will to us appear
By some new Act of Grace, or work of fear,
To purge hearts, from death procuring works,
And that hypocrisie within them lurks;

And keep us to the rule of doing so,
To others, as we would be done unto.
Of which good practise, whilst he here was living
My Westrow (having by examples of giving)
Deserved to be a pattern, I, contrived,
This way, of having him, again revived;
That, I, and you, and others, by the light
From hence reflecting, may walk more upright.

Lord, let these overflowings of my Spirit,
Which, in themselves have neither powr, nor merit,
Produce forth good effects; and not be found
Like that, which gives an useles, empty sound.
Let it be some way, fruitfull unto them,
Who had relations in the flesh to him,
Who, hereof gave occasion; and, some way
To every Reader, who peruse it may;
And, not a memorandum only be
To other men; but, likewise unto me.
Vouchsafe me grace, whilst, here I live to serve
(In this my Generation) not to swarve
From my appointed work; but to persever
In doing it, with vigilant endeavour,
That, of my Talent, when I must appear
To give account (which time approacheth near)
I may be faithful found, and to that joy
Admittance have, which nothing can destroy.

Let neither fears, nor hopes, neglects, or wrongs,
Deter from doing what to me belongs:
And, though my faculty hath small esteem,
And needles to the World, perhaps, may seem,
In those affairs which may be pertinent
To thy great work: make it a supplement
Of some good use; that, times to come may see
My wither'd leaves, did help adorn the Tree
During that season, wherein cloth'd it stood;
And, were for cure of some diseases good.

Of what, in others, to be good, or ill,
I have observ'd; let application, still,
So to my self be made, that what I saw,
To be amisse in them, may me withdraw
From erring paths; and, in their steps to tread,
Who have uprightly walk'd, (alive or dead.)
That, I may truly foot thy measures, too,
As well as pipe them out, to those that do:
Lest, I my self, a Reprobate be found,
When all things have compleatly daunc'd their round.

Let not the Revolutions, or the changes,
Or, that prevarication which now ranges
Throughout the World, me, from my station carry;
Or, cause me from good Principles to vary.
But, in the stream, of all those great distractions,
Diffring opinions, counter-marching actions,
Plottings, designings, threatnings, and pertakings,
Whimsies, Chimeras, doubtings, and mistakings,
Fawnings, and frownings, praises, or disgraces,
Wants, and aboundings, in all times, and places,
So steddy keep my Judgment, and so clear,
That, all my Life, I firmly may adhear,
To truth, and honesty; and, plainly see
What man intends, or is design'd by thee,
And, whatsoere, without me, makes a din;
Let, me have alwayes, peace, and joy, within,

My life, hath been a Warfar to this day;
And troubles multiply: Yet, if it lay
Within my powr, to chuse what other lot
The best man living hath, (or I have not)
And, might my self, my own self being make;
Let me no comfort, in my Portion take,
If, I, would chuse aught els, but that which now
I have, and thy free mercy, shall allow:
For, of thy love, so well assur'd am I;
Of what, within thy pow'r doth also-lie:

And how, thou best knowst, what for me is best,
That, on thy Wisdom, Powr, and Love, Ile rest.

I, love to see the doing what thou dost,
(Oh GOD! most holy, powrful, wise, and just)
And, therefore, though my flesh be terrifide
By thy approaches, and, oft loth to bide
Where, I may stand to see thee marching on,
And doing, here, such things as thou hast done:
Yea, though sometime, such horrors on me cease,
That, they do shake my bones; yet naytheles,
My Spirit, so is pleased, to behold
Those Judgments, and those mercies manifold,
Which I observe; that, in no other time,
Nor, (might I chuse) in any other Clime,
Would I have liv'd, save where I might have seen
Such things, as have to me discovered been:
No, though thy Judgments, which, now on us be,
Have, in the flesh, with others, wrapt up me,

For, whatsoever former times afford;
Whatever, hath been written in the Word;
What signs, or wonders, have been to thy glory
Recorded in prophane, or sacred story,
Hath been a new transacted, in my dayes.
So, have I seen the River, and the Seas
Made passable: So, have I seen thy wonders
In blood, and Vermine; in fire, hail, and thunders;
And, in those other dreadfull signs, whereby
Thou, heretofore didst Pharaoh terrifie;
Mysteriously, or morally (at least)
If not in all things, lit'rally exprest:
And, have observ'd, that, they on other men
Have now, the same effects, which they had then.
To carnal wisdom, but events of chance
They do appear; and, such, to ignorance.
Great Kings, and Princes, will not yet be wise,
But fool themselves, with vanities, and lies;

And, are like Pharaoh, daily hardned so,
As if they dared thee, thy worst to do.
Yea, their inchanters, though they cannot stand
Before thee, (and acknowledg tis thy hand,
Which is upon them) do endeavour still,
To seek themselves, and to resist thy will.
And, all of us, almost as heedles are,
Of what thou dost, as Jacobs offs-pring were.

Thy Judgments, mercies, threatnings, promises,
The severall causes, and effects of these,
Have been to me, exemplifide a new,
By that, which hath been offred to my view:
Th'occurrances, betwixt thy Friends, and Foes,
Long time ago, foretipifying those
That should succeed, (and, were for Presidents,
That like proceedings, would have like Events
Throughout all ages) I've seen parallel'd
By those, which with mine eyes, I beheld:
And, by those tipes, compar'd with what I saw,
Did, sometimes from them such conclusions draw,
That, I foretold, when few beleeved me,
What, they and I, have liv'd, fulfil'd to see.

And, though, thou art not pleas'd to let me know,
Perspicuously, what is approaching now:
Yet, I see dim appearances, whereby
I may suspect a mischief drawing nigh.
A Cloud, which like a mans hand seems to be,
Or, els, a mans hand, like a Cloud I see
Threatning a storm. I see, me thinks, oh! Father,
Vapours far off disperst, begin to gather
Into divided bodies, whence may break
A voice of Thunder, and things dreadfull, speak,
With sad events; If we with speed repent not;
And, thou, the plagues, which we deserve, prevent not.
Oh! therefore, turn our hearts; and unto thee
So, from our own wayes let us turned be,

That, thou maist still continue thy compassion,
With thy accustom'd favours, to this Nation.

And, my beloved Brethren, for whose warnings,
I, thus adventure my dim fore-discernings
To publique censure, though not for my sake,
For your own safety, notice of them take:
And, of your vanities, repent with speed;
That, Judgments, but conditionally decreed,
May be averted: And, that, those good things,
Of whose approach the season symptoms brings,
Deferred may not be: For, there is, yet,
Somwhat, to be removed, which doth LET,
That Kingdoms coming, for which, many pray;
And, that Removall, must prepare the Way.

If, GOD, this way, by judgments, must inforce,
It will, for us, now living, be the worse;
And, we shall bear the strong pangs of that BIRTH
Which, that mysterious WOMAN will bring forth,
On whom, the DRAGON waiteth to devour
The MANCHILD, who (deliver'd from his power
By his Almighty Father, and our GOD)
Shall rule the Nations, with an IRON ROD.
But, if we willingly remove from hence,
That LET; it shall produce a recompence,
Which will requite our labour, and destroy
The great Obstructer of our promis'd Joy.

Here, I had done. But somwhat, presseth in,
On which, I could anew again begin.
It doth not much concern my Theam, I know;
But, what, of that? It may concern you, tho.
My Muse, oft times, when she is on her wings,
Wheels from her Game, to unexpected things
Which come to view; and, thereby more hath won
Somtimes, then if aside she had not gone.
So, may she now; Ile therefore, let her fly
At what she sees, although I know not why.

The Kingdom look'd for, seems to be near
By many tokens, which to me appear,
As well upon the Governments of those
Who, thereto are profest, or secret Foes,
As on the SAINTS: For, when I was but young,
(And ever since my child-hood, all along)
I, thereto had an eye; And, in this clime,
(Or little World) I've seen within my time
Four Governments, almost as differing
Both in the roots, from which they forth did spring,
And discipline, as DANIELS Monarchies:
And, much, to be consider'd, in them lies,
To make me to beleeve, that, CHRIST is shaking
The Worlds foundations; and, approaches making.

The first was, when much fam'd ELIZABETH,
Raig'nd here; In whose time, (though I drew my breath
Not thirteen years) I, observations made
Of things, then said and done, both good, and bad,
More then my age did promise, and, er'e taught,
Was to the best part, of my knowledg brought.
During this Monarchy, I did perceive,
Sincerity, begin to take her leave;
That, Christian zeal abate, and cool again,
Which was so hot, when she began to Raign;
And, introductions of such deviations,
As, both forego, and foreshow alterations.
Yet, that, which then did seem to keep in aw
These Nations, was, the GOSPEL, and the LAW.

Next her, out from the Caledonian Wood,
A ramping Lyon came; and, up he stood.
As, he first got this pow'r, he kept the same,
By acting of the Fox, and seeming tame.
To his devourings, he impos'd no measure:
The Law he govern'd by, was WILL, and PLEASURE;
And, he pursude, what he design'd at first,
As far, as any crafty coward durst.

More stoutly, his Successor, carried on,
Then politickly, what his SIRE begun;
And after many struglings, and much cost,
Himself, his Kingdoms, and desigments he lost.
Yet, for that Government, thus much Ile say,
Justice and piety, wore in that day,
The fairest out side; and, were trim'd about
With many Ornaments, now, nigh worn out;
And, goodnes, had a very glorious shell,
Although the kernels therein prov'd not well.

Against this Government, the People rose,
In throaning them, whom they themselves had chose:
And whilst they were continu'd on the Throne;
NECESSITIE, was law, for what was done:
Which Law, to lengthen, and corroborate,
They, new NECESSITIES did still create;
Till their Adorers, did their Pow'r contemn,
And, found great need of all things, but of THEM.
For, by indulging selfnes, they destroy'd,
What had, by self-deniall been enjoy'd;
And made themselves so rich, and some so poor,
That, now, the Peoples choice, is out of dore.
Yet, whilst they kept the Throne, GOD, by them wrought
Effects, which will not wholly come to nought:
For, though self-seeking, most prevailed then,
There were among them, good, and righteous men,
(To GOD, and to their Country serviceable.)
Whose number, had it been proportionable
To ten, for each five Cities, Towns, or Shiers;
Had made the work, reserv'd for others, theirs.

The SWORD, hath now, obtain'd the soveraign pow'r,
Let it, Oh LORD! protect, and not devou'r.
Let, it take notice, that it is prepar'd,
The Vineyard, only, to secure and gard,
(Or, cut away those Plants, which might annoy
The fruitfull Vines, and their sweet grapes destroy)

Not to possesse the same as if it own.
Let us (although the pow'r thereon bestown,
Should be abus'd) obediently attend,
Till to the raign, thereof, thou setst an end:
For, when thou pleasest, thou, canst in one hour,
Make it destroy it self, by its own Powr,

To rule us, thou hast now advanced it;
Let us, for conscience sake, therefore, submit,
Whether it be for future good, or ill;
Because, to have it so, it is thy will.
Thou canst as well by Arms, as by the Gown
Rule peaceably, and make thy mercy known.
Although it be a Sword, that bears the sway,
Let, it thine Adversaries, only, slay;
Let none of thine, have any cause to fear it:
And, let it no wayes dammage those that wear it.

Still, mindfull make it, for whose good, and ayd
'Twas first advanced, disciplin'd, and payd:
Who, did contribute, what, first, made it strong
To conquer: who, still adds, what doth belong
To keeping of that Powr; and, let it not
Indanger those by whom it was begot;
Wrong their propriety, whom it defended;
And whose just preservation was intended;
Nor, breake those antient bounds which kept should be
'Twikt man and man; and, betwixt man, and Thee;
And, upon whose Infringers thou hast laid,
Curse, whereof, all, ought to be afraid.
Let it perform the works thereto appointed;
Make way for Justice, and for thy Anointed:
And, when the time design'd thereto is done,
Let it, to what must follow, yeeld the Throne.

The next, I hope shall be the LIVING-WORD.
Let his long look'd for KINGDOM come, Oh LORD!
Let over us, that King of Nations raign,
To whom, all praise, and Glory doth pertain.

For, whatsoer'e this proves, that best will please us.
Come therefore, quickly: Quickly come, LORD JESUS.

Mean while, accept a sacrifice of praise,
For what hath been vouchsafed in these days,
By way of preparation, to that End,
For which, in Faith, and hope, we do attend.
Accept of praises, from the single hearted,
For all thy Saints, which are from hence departed;
And, for all those, who shall make up the sum,
By which thy Kingdom, will compleat become.
Accept my Thanks, for what thou didst confer
On me, by him that's gone, and those, yet here:
Accept it rather, for that love of thine,
Vouchsafed from thy self, to me and mine,
By frequent pledges; and, for that Free grace,
Whereby before all time, I chosen was,
To be eternally made One with Thee;
And, in thy self, accept them LORD, of me.

Thus, having my Friends Obit, truly truly kept
Six nights, (whilst others round about me slept)
Here, that Contexture, which conceiv'd I had,
Is now produced, spun, and weav'd, and made.
'Tis true the Object, of my contemplations,
Was WESTROW: But, from him, my Meditations,
Rose higher; and my soul did contemplate
Things, which concern these Nations, and this State;
And, thereupon, some hints, are interweaved,
Which will (if passed by, as unperceived)
Make this, which is, the Muses way of giving
Life to the Dead; to be, unto the Living,
An ominous presage; at least to some,
Of death, of shame, or, of worse things to come.

FINIS.

AN IMPROVEMENT Of Imprisonment, Into Real Freedom; Of Disgrace, Into Honest Reputation; Of Poverty, Into Perdurable Riches; Evidenced in a few Crums & Scraps Lately found in a PRISONERS-BASKET AT NEVV GATE;

And Saved together, by a Visitant of Oppressed Prisoners, for the refreshing of himself and those who are either in a worse Prison, or (who loathing the dainties of the Flesh) hunger and thirst after Righteousness.

[HE, who, five thousand hungry Souls had fed]

HE, who, five thousand hungry Souls had fed
With two small Fishes, and five Loaves of Bread,
Would have the Fragments sav'd: for, that is sweet
To some, which others trample under feet;
This Prisoners late Experiments may be,
Of use to them, who know much more than he:
For, men to credit those, are soonest mov'd;
Whose Words to be sincere, by Deeds, are prov'd.

By GEORGE WITHER.

THE AUTHOR OF THESE Fragments, TO THE Humble, the Poor in Spirit, and to all those Afflicted-Ones, who disdain not these CRUMMS.

Experience, though to Fools it Mistris be
Oft, makes men Wise; For, some effects on me
To that end it hath had: & though with mocks
Most entertain my Triple-Paradox,
It will, by what ensues (I hope) appear
That, Truths, by me, therein averred were;
And, that, whatever shall succeed thereon,
My Words, and Actions, do concurr in One.

Those few, who did here visit me, in love,
Seem'd, with so much contentment to approve
Their homely Entertainment with these Scraps,
That, they were pocketed; and some, perhaps,

Them, will Communicate: Which if they do,
So let it be, and much good do't them too:
I wish, for their sakes, that they better were,
But, if, as they did mine, their hearts they cheere,
I, may to Constancy, encouraged be
By their Example, more than they by me
At present are; and mutual Ayd's, ere long,
Shall make the weakest of us, to grow strong;
For, by GOD's Providence, (not seldom) springs
Noblest Effects, from most contemned things.
“Let, all, who of these Fragments, Coppies had
“These Lines (to be perfixt before them) add.

CAPTIVITY IMPROVED INTO FREEDOM By the Grace of GOD.

George Wither, to his Friends, who have inquired after him, since the late seizure of his Person, Books and Papers.

VVhere I now am, you much desire to hear,
What, I am blam'd for; what,
I want, or fear;
Which, this will briefly tell you: I am well,
(In Purgatory, between Heaven and Hell.)
My Fact, (which I acknowledge, in good sooth,
May some offend) is only writing Truth;
And, that is, in prevaricating times,
Much more offensive, then some hainous Crimes.

I nothing Want, that's truly needful, save
Due thankfulness to GOD, for what I have,
Who hitherto, in an unusual wise,
Without my care, vouchsafeth me supplies;

Which hereby, I acknowledge, to this end,
That, others may in straits, on him depend.
All, I need now to fear, is, that before
I shall be freed, I way be made so poor
The Messenger, will hardly get his fees,
Or, that the Remnant of a Loaf and Cheese,
Which at my now forsaken Chamber lies,
Will mouldy be, or eaten by the Mise.

I do not fear, that what I have exprest
Or published, will not abide the Test,
Unless my Judges, do, by looking back
The Gen'ral-Pardon, ineffectual make:
For, that, which I last wrote, was but fruit torn
Out of the Mothers Womb before 'twas born,
Which, whether Life, or Death receive it should,
No man with certainty, determine could;
And, if (according unto my Appeals)
That, which I purpos'd for the Publick-weal,
And honor of the King, may be perused
Intirely, and not palpably abused,
By taking from, or adding thereunto,
I do defie the worst, this World can do;
Well knowing, that, if she conceal what's done,
From Publick view, yet passeth doomes thereon
Which may be to my wrong, 'twill be reveal'd
And judg'd by GOD, to whom I have appeal'd.

Though now there be not left with me, one Line
Of what I last wrote, I no whit repine:
For, Providence will further my intent,
Thereby, much better, than the course I meant;
Or, else will raise up, if that be calcin'd,
A sprightlier Product of the self-same kind,
Which to obliterate, none shall presume,
Nor time abolish, nor the flame consume,

Till it hath took effect to that good end,
For which I did at first, the same intend;
And, Joseph-like, when I shall tried be,
Either the King, or GOD, will set me free,
To whose Free-mercies only, I appeal
Ev'n in those things, which I intended well:
For, extream Justice, is a dreadful thing,
Whether pronounc'd by GOD, or by a King:
And, otherwhile, men of an upright-way,
Permitted are, in somethings to mis-say,
That Spirits may be tri'd, and those things known
Which are of GOD, from that, which is our own.

I have not purposely, one Paper hid
To cloake the worst, that er'e I said or did;
And if men would but at my frailties wink,
I'le tell them, when they please, ev'n all I think,
Although against my Life it might offend
So, their Demands to publick wellfare tend:
For, to that purpose, if it needful were,
I dare say more, than many dare to hear,
(As would be known by what is now surpriz'd,
might it be read in publick, undisguis'd)
Yet, not exceed my limits ne'r-theless,
Or, bounds of Reason, or of Soberness.

I have discharg'd my Conscience, as I thought
The present times required that I ought,
Considering, that otherwise, such Tools
May be of use; and, men reputed Fools
Speak things, as pertinently in some cases
As they, who are imployd in Wise mens places.
I am not ignorant, with what disdain
Our Pantaloons my Poems entertain;
Nor ought displeased, that what I have writ
Seem'd Frothy-stuffe, unto a Flashy-wit,

My sowr Herbs are as pleasing to some pallats
As Apricocks, Muskmillions, or sweet Sallets
To wanton Appetites; and wholsomer
Than that, wherein they more delighted are.
My Verse, to them, seems Vanity to be;
So seem They, and all Earthly things to me.
By them, I numbred with Phanaticks am,
And they, by me, reputed are the same.
My Muse, harsh sounds unto their ears applies,
Their Manners do as much offend mine eyes;
And, if I merit Punishment, who chid them
For things misdone, what merit they who did them?
Should none Reprove, but persons wholly free
From Sinfulness, no Sin Reprov'd should be;
And where our general Reproofs offend,
Few men, their private Errors will amend.

All that is in my Thoughts, my Words or Deeds
Approvable, from GOD's free Grace proceeds,
And none deserveth blame, but I alone
(If I do) for what now is thought misdone.
Yet, come not at me, till you may be sure
Your Visits may no detriment procure
Unto your selves; for (though that I am zealous
Of publick Safety) many are so jealous
Of our Sincerity, whom they shall find
From them, in some things, of a diff'ring mind,
That they, who walk by Gospel and by Law,
May chance to suffer like Jack Fletcher's Daw,
Which taken among Pigeons, Pies and Crowes
For whom a Net was laid, did speed like those:
And, to help keep an Innocent from starving
May censur'd be, by some an Ill-deserving,
Which paradventure may be now my Lot.
(If Christian Charity prevent it not)

More to their shame than mine, who, now have here
Been their Remembrancer, nigh fifty year.

But, for me, take you neither care nor grief;
Death, will much more advantage me than Life:
I walk not blindly, in the Paths I tread,
And they will make me safe, alive, or dead.
I am assured, that his Providence
Which orders things of much less consequence
(Whether conceal'd or published) will make
That which I've written, good effects to take;
And also by their means, perhaps, who be
As yet displeas'd, both with my Book and me.

Grant me but NATURE'S Freedoms, and let then
The Priviledge of COURTS and SINGLE-MEN
Do what they can: for, I have broke no Law
Whereof, a sober Man should stand in aw;
Nor need I Patrons; nor ought have I done
To make me be afraid, through want of one.
I, reverence the Powers that are Supream,
And, know so well, what doth belong to them,
That, I cannot offend by Libelling
Either against the Parliament, or King
As many may suppose; for, VICE may be
Reprov'd, yet, they kept from Aspertions free;
As will appear, when I have open laid
What, for my Vindication may be said.

I love and honour more, a Foe, that's just
Than him, who saves my life, and breaks his trust:
And, will not thank them, who, shall see wherein
I merit blame, yet palliate my sin;
Or, shall excuse me from due punishment,
When I shall know my fault, and not repent.
Nor will they be excus'd, in future times,
(Though yet they may) who make our DUTIES crimes

Mine, is (if any) no more but Omission
Of somewhat; or, at worst, but a Misprition:
And, my Case now, may be resembled well,
By what, unto a Northern Lasse befel,
Who, having been corrected very sore
For calling of her younger Sister Whore,
Which was indeed untrue; her Mother, said
Unto the lesser Girle, tell truly Maid,
Did she not call thee Whore? She answer'd, NO,
(She did not) but, she thought to call me so.

I know there are those, who consider can
What use there may be of an honest Man
Who seeketh not for Honours, or for Pelf;
Hates none; affects his Neighbour as himself;
Fears nought but GOD, and his own heart; his King
Doth reverence, and can in Prison sing:
When more desire to be affected thus,
It will be better both for them and us:
And, he who makes these things his chief ambition
Though Wrongs he feel, can never fear Perdition.
If less than formerly, I am befriended,
I, and my Suff'rings, quickly shall be ended.
If I find favour, you shall hear that from me
Which, to acknowledge, it will well become me:
Till then therefore Adew; and hereby know
That I am pleas'd, and well, if you be so.

Chr. oUr reDeeMer LIVeth.

Aug. 12. 1661. From Mr. Northrops, one of the Kings Messengers in Westminster, where I am civilly used.

George Wither, His first Meditation, upon his Commitment to Newgate, Aug. 22. For his Poem called Vox Vulgi, neither Published nor Finished.

I

So; I do now begin to be prefer'd;
And from an Owl within an Iviebush,
Advanced am, to be a Newgate-Bird,
As fast incaged, as my foes need wish.
My Feathers have so pluckt already been
That, no more I can lose now, but my skin,
And when that's torn away, I may presume
My Flesh and Bones, in short time, will consume.

II

I was restrain'd before, but, not so strait
Was my Restraint, nor in so close a place;
I had my load, but not such overweight,
Nor seem'd I, so exposed to disgrace.
My Friends were overcharg'd with me before,
And will, this way, be now oppressed more:
For, that whereof my Judges me condemn,
Falls not so much on me, as upon them.

III

But, is this Newgate, whereof so afraid
Offenders are? Is this the dismall place,

Wherein, before I came, I heard it said
There's nothing, but grief, horrour, aud disgrace?
I find it otherwise; and, doubtless, either
It is bely'd; or, they who are sent hither,
Within themselves, when to this house they come,
Bring that, which makes it seem so troublesome.

IV

I no worse here, then where I was before
Accommodated am: for, though confin'd
From somethings, which concern my Body more
Then formerly, it hath inlarg'd my mind.
Here, by degrees, with what the world most fears
(With Tormeuts, and their Executioners)
I may be so acquainted, if I please,
That, things which threaten pain, shall bring me ease.

V

Here, I can see the bottom of that Pit
Which gapes to swallow me: here, I can view
What some, who have more prospect, see not yet,
Nor will, till they their fears cannot eschew.
Here, I find Objects to prepare me for
That, which my Fesh and Blood, doth most abhor;
And, am assur'd, that, to what place soe're
I, hence am sent, that GOD, will meet me there.

VI

Though here, my outward-being, seems no better,
But, in appearance dayly worse to grow,
My Inward comforts and my hopes are greater,
And, will be greatest when they make least show.
Although my Oyl and Meal doth not increase
Since I came hither, 'tis no whit the less:

Yea, though I am at more charge every day,
Then did of late, a weeks expence defray.

VII

For that cost, they supplied have, to whom
My life, it seems, is dearer, then to me;
And, they ingaged for me are become;
LORD! whence proceeds this kindness, but from thee?
So is it, that, I now can hardly tell
Whether, my Friends, to save me, shew more zeal
Or they more malice, who have sought of late
To ruine both my Person, and Estate.

VIII

I find already, by what I have noted,
My best Expressions will concealed be.
My Verses (as the Devil Scripture quoted)
Produc'd by Scrapps, to disadvantage me.
I see my self oppos'd by no small odds,
Frown'd on, by mighty men, and mortal Gods
Who sit so high, that they nor feel, nor know
What things are suff'red, by poor-men below.

IX

Not onely Railing Foes, on evety side,
But my Acquaintance also, and meer Strangers,
Unjustly, me defame, Jeer, and deride;
Threats follow me behind, before, lie dangers.
Yet to no mortal for support I send,
Nor make complaints by Letter, or by Friend;
Nor will, except to them, to whom belongs
The Judging of my Actious, and my wrongs.

X

My soul, these things consider well, and whence
They do proceed: consider why, likewise;
Who, puts into thy heart, this confidence;
Who, by unknown hands, each dayes want supplies;
Who, comforts doth augment as griefs increase;
Who, cloathes and feeds thee in this Wilderness,
And, when Terrestrial ayds, are quite bereaven
Rains on thee, Quailes and Manna down from heaven.

XI

Mark, how this Realm is here Epitomiz'd,
As to a Blest, and Reprobate condition:
How Mercies, and how Judgements are despis'd,
By most men, at the brinck of their perdition;
How few, be wrought upon, in either place,
By Threatnings, or by promises of Grace.
How many, laugh, sing, swear, curse and Blaspheme
Even when, Hell, ready seems to swallow them.

XII

Here, thou shalt see, that meer Stupidity
And gracelesness, transporteth many a man
To out-face Death, with less Timidity
Then some with all their Moral Vertues can:
Here, thou shalt learn, that if thy Prosecutions,
Thy zeal, thy Courage and thy Resolutions
Spring onely, from a Natural Estate,
Thou, with all these, mayst be a Reprobate.

XIII

Let therefore, these Experiments, with awe
Be enteraain'd; and, if henceforth God should

(As he perhaps will) common helps withdraw,
Let them quite go, and catch on him fast hold.
For, if thou then despaire, or shalt distrust
His Love, who never was to thee unjust,
This, will then prove to be a carnal-boast,
And, thou, with all thy vain hopes wilt be lost.

XIV

Since also, thou dost feel thy heart more prone,
By smiles and favours, to be drawn aside,
Then by harsh usage, to be wrought upon,
Let thy weak'st Bulwarks be most fortifi'd,
Lest, they, who have not strength enough to win
The Fort by force, by Stratagems get in;
And, thou then ruin'd, be past all repair,
As many are, by those, who speak them fair.

XV

That Spirit, try, which thy Resolves begets;
For, other while, as resolute are they
Who are possessed but with Ranting-Fits,
As any, in whom Passion bears no sway.
Contempt of Torment, sometimes springs from Madness,
Stoutness, from Anger, or despairing-sadness:
Martyrs, and men, of Reprobated sence,
Bear suff'rings, with small outward difference.

XVI

Search thou thy heart, therefore, with prudent care,
That, Malice, Pride, nor Vengeance lurk therein:
That Love of GOD, and all mankinde be there,
Linckt with a detestation of all Sin;
And, if thou find it so, be not afraid
What e're against thee shall be done or said:

For, Resolutions built upon that Rock,
Will, of all raging Stormes, endure the Shock.

XVII

Though Princes in their Supream Councils blame thee,
And such as are prophane, FANNATICK call thee;
They shall not able be, to fright or shame thee,
By any consequent which may befall thee:
And, if so prudently thou guide, thy Pen
That, when it strikes at faults, it spares the men,
The Wise will from the Fools, themselves devide,
And, every Just-mans Vote, be on thy side.

XVIII

Though so it alwayes proves not, do not grieve
Nor vex thereat: for, what GOD calls thee to,
To put in Execution thou shalt live,
In spight of all this froward world can do;
And future times, will laugh to scorn the storms
And Mountains, rais'd by Gyants, against worms
When they shall see, (which they will see at last)
The Towers of Babel on their Builders cast.

XIX

Make Jesus Christ, to be the sole Foundation,
Of thy Affection, of thy Hope and Trust,
Of thy Belief, of thy Sanctification,
Of all thy Musings, and of all thou dost:
For, nothing Justifies, but, doth Condemn,
That is not, In, for, from, and by him,
Without respect to any Interest,
Except, what, with his Glory, may consist.

[XX]

LORD, thou hast, by renewing, in some measure
My much depraved Will, inclined me,
In all things, to submit to thy good pleasure,
Let what's defective, now, made perfect be,
That, known it may be to this Generation,
Man may attain to such a Resignation,
That, he shall more delight, thy will to do,
Then, that, which his own will, provokes him to.

XXI

Prais'd be thy Blessed Name, who, as thou didst
For Joseph (when he was in Prison bound)
For me, in my Imprisonment provid'st,
And, by thy servants, every where art found:
Be with me, as to be thou hast begun,
Until my Generation Work is done,
And, when that's finish'd, for which I was born,
Let me with Joy, into thine Arms return.

To the City of London.

VVere I, a Person, who had power to better
Thy Trade, or make thy Priviledges greater
Or take away thy Citizens Estates,
Thy Walls dismantle, or break down thy Gates,
I had been lookt upon, though I had done
To thee no kindness, neither meant thee one.
But, of his love, there is no value made
Who nought can to to thy wealth or greatness add,
Though he his life should hazzard for thy sake,
That, thee for ever, he might happy make.

BAI[illeg.], wlll not be vouchsaf'd; but, I must lie
Among thy Rogues, expos'd to live or die;
To starve or begg; and wholly be debar'd
Of Liberty, unpitied and unheard
For doing what was honestly intended;
And, wherein, I against no Law offended.
This is, I must confesse, nor less nor more,
Then, I had reason to expect before:
Yet, all my labour, is not cast away,
For, it occasion gives me, thus to say.

I wish'd thee well, and will, what ever shall
To me, in my extremities befall;
For, here's a number yet within this place,
Who are of those in whom the Seeds of Grace
So fructifie, that GOD hath superseded
For their sakes, that for which his Justice pleaded;
And I have in my personal distresse
So tasted of their Charitableness,
That, thereby I, enjoying health, and life
(My self not seeking, but thy peace in chief)
Expect that Justice only, from thy hands
Whereon thine honour and thy welfare stands;
Which neither is thy Riches, or thy Power
For, these may come to nothing, in one hour;
And, if to them, thou overmuch incline,
I will not change my poor estate for thine.

Among the Prodigies, by many seen
This year, I, might for one, have numbred been,
If I, should all Particulars relate
Which do concern my Person and Estate:
But, they must now Phanaticks counted be
Who, either do believe what they shall see,
Or dare take notice, of those things that vary
From GOD's proceed, in courses ordinary;

And, therefore, I think fitting to conceal them,
Till that, which is to follow, doth reveal them,
To manifest, without all Dubitation,
That, God hath spoken to this Generation.
Mean while, I'le suffer: for, our Peace must now
Not from our Actings, but, from suff'rings flow.

Yet, whether, I deserve respect or blame,
Know LONDON, since I now thy Prisoner am,
That, if I have not wherewith to subsist
Thou art oblig'd, to find me bread, at least,
Whilst here I shall confinement undergo,
Though I had alwayes been thine open foe;
And, that 'tis Tyranny (what ere they are)
To lay on any, more they can bear.
Know likewise, that, if here I shall miscarry
Through lack of what, for life is necessary
Thou, thereby forfeitest, (as I conceive)
A better Charter, then the King can give:
Because, through want of Charity to foes,
Much more to Friends, our part in Christ we lose.

What I have been to thee, it hath been shown;
What thou to me art, it will now be known.
And, possibly, another Generation
Will heed, that I am somewhat to this Nation,
Deserving better, then that lie I should
Within a Jail, at seventy three years old,
For acting and designing nothing worse
Then, how to save them from a greater curse.

Look to your selves; For, whether bond or free
I am; I know, my GOD, will look to me;
And, I and mine, shall be both cloath'd and fed,
When they who slieghted us, want Robes & bread.

So believeth

George Wither.

Another Meditation, (or Ballad as the World perhaps, will call it) composed by the same Prisoner since his Commitment to Newgate.

I

My Soul, since we are left alone,
In our Confinement here,
Where we disturbed are of none,
To God, come, draw we near.
For, part of his three dreadful WOES,
Are now, so carrying on,
That, if to him, we cling not close
We may be quite undone.

II

Our selves, let us examine so,
That though our foes condemn,
We may, for what we did misdo,
Make now our Peace with him;
Lest, when the world hath fully try'd,
How, here we may be vext,
We, greater miseries must abide
Where, she will throw us next.

III

SIN, to full ripeness, is not come,
nor malice, to her heights;
And, we e're they receive their Doom
May look for more despights.

These, which we have endured yet,
Have been sustain'd with ease;
But, GOD, it may be will permit
Much harder things then these.

IV

'Tis but the Suburbs unto Hell,
whereto, we now are sent;
And (for the future) none can tell
What, hereto us is meant.
To better men, worse things befall
Then seem to be our Meed;
And, our Afflictions are but small,
To those, which may succeed.

V

We have not that dark Dungeon seen
Wherein, is endless Night;
Nor in those, Lowsie lodgings been
Which ev'ry sence affright;
We feel not that, which many lack;
Nor Bolts, nor Gives we wear,
Fit things for Belly and for Back,
As yet, supplyed are.

VI

With sickness, we are not opprest,
In body, or in mind;
No outward cares disturb our rest
No Inward fears we find.
For, all the suff'rings wherewith we
As yet, afflicted seem
Are onely such as grievous be,
In other mens esteem.

VII

But, should I, (being old and poor)
Diseased grow within,
With Aches, have my Limbes made sore,
Or, with an Ulcer'd skin
Be turn'd into the Common Jail
To lie upon the ground,
And, all those outward helpes quite fail
Which I have lately found.

VIII

Should this befall us, where might then
Our hope and courage be?
This, happens oft to Righteous men,
And, this, may fall on me.
What, but complaints and mournful cryes
Would then, be in this place;
Harts aking, or still weeping eyes,
Scorns, and despaire of Grace?

IX

These will be then the best Reliefs,
That, Flesh and Blood can see,
To cure or Mitigate their Griefs
Where such Desertious be.
Yet, be of nought (my Soul) afraid,
For, by his Angels, then,
Shall GOD's Assistance be convaid
When thou art left of men.

X

They came unto the Rich mans door
At which the Lazar dy'd,

And, him to rest Eternal bore
To whom, he Crums deny'd;
And when Elias had of bread
The meanes deprived quite,
He by the Ravenous Fowls was Fed
At Morning, and at night.

XI

Their GOD is mine; and if in him,
My Trust, I still repose,
He, will to me, be as to Them,
To save me from my Foes.
Or, if of that depriv'd I am
which fed me to this day,
I know he will supply the same
As well, another day.

XII

The Earth is his, with her increase,
And wasted were her store,
He hath within a Richer place,
Enough, to send me more;
And, till it comes; That which doth starve,
Discomfort and destroy;
My life (whilst useful) shall preserve,
And more increase my Joy.

XIII

The Plagues, which others to Despair,
And to Blaspheming move,
Shall stir me up, to Praise, and Prayer,
And fill my heart with Love.
Yea, that which on the Kings of Earth
Will dreadful horrors bring,

Shall make me with Triumphant Mirth,
A HALLELUJAH Sing.

XIV

The Purging Fire, which them doth burn,
Who, therein Raving, lye,
Thy Drosse (my Soul) to Gold shall turn,
Thy Silver, Purifie.
And, when thy Fiery-tryal's past,
No loss will come to thee,
If thy works Fixt on CHRIST, thou hast,
Though built of Straw they be.

XV

Resolves, which I had not before,
These Musings do beget;
And though, her Furnace seven times more,
The World, henceforth shall heat,
My Soul, return thou to thy Rest;
For, GOD, hath me assur'd,
That, were I ten times more opprest,
It should be well endur'd.

XVI

How blessed is that Heav'nly Place,
Where thou, Oh CHRIST, dost dwell!
If thou canst bring such Joy and Peace,
Into this Earthly Hell?
He, with whom, thou still present art,
What ere on him is laid,
If, thee he loves withall his heart,
Needs, no where be afraid.

Mewgate, Sept. 3. 1661.

A Return, in Answer to some of them, who sent to know how it fares with me in my Imprisonment.

God, gave me Grace; by Grace I did conceive
A saving Faith; by saving Faith I live.
My life of Faith, hath had a preservation,
By Hearing, Acting, and by Meditation.
By Meditation, I reduce to Words
What my Experience in this life affords.
By that Experience which I have attain'd,
A Patience in my troubles I have gain'd;
My Patience hath such hopefulness begot,
That, this disgraceful Prison shames me not.
Though I am poor (and, as our Proverb sayes)
As poor as Job) unto my God be praise,
I am no Beggar; for, I have not yet,
Been forc'd to ask for Money, Clothes, ot Meat;
Nor tempted (having dayly bread) to borrow
Through fear of wants, that may befal to Morrow:
And, well remembring, who was pleas'd to say
There's Care enough belonging to each Day,
I, for a day to which I may not live,
Will not of what I have, my self deprive.
With my Condition, I am pleas'd, and merry,
Of my long-suff'rings I am not grown weary.
And wish those who pursue me with most hate
No worse, then to enjoy the like estate,
Except my Bands. I have acquir'd this rest,
By those Means and Degrees, afore exprest,
And, this, unfeignedly, to you declares
How, at this present time, with me it fares.

Sept. 7. 1661. from Newgate.

George Wither.

A Pass-By, in Relation to those, who seem offended at my Frequent-Scriblings, as they call them.

Me thinks, I hear some say, who look upon
These Papers; will this fellow ne'r have done?
Which Questionists, I, with a smile, contemn,
Supposing, labour lost, in answering them:
For, nothing is more pleasing to their ears
Then Scurril Pamphlets, Bawdy Rimes, and Jeers.
To them alone, therefore, who take delight
In wholsome words, Ile shew why still I write;
Presuming, that my Reasons will not seem
To merit, altogether, disesteem.
Although my former Poems, and my Musings
Had not until of late Dayes, those perusings
Which I expected, nor now valued be
Of many, they have much refreshed me;
And, otherwile, for supplements have stood
Instead of sleep, of Rayment, and of Food.
In Troubles, me, they more content have made
Then Wealth, Repute, and all the Friends I had.
They cause me to be fearless of my Foes;
When I am vext, my spirit they compose;
When I am Poor, they are in stead of Wealth,
When I am Sick, they help repair my Health;
When I am Well, they are my Recreation,
When tempted to Despair, Hopes Reparation.
Thereby, when Sadness comes, to Mirth I turn it;
When I am slieghted, they do make me scorn it.
In Prisons, when my Body is confin'd
They do so many wayes inlarge my Mind
That, doubting whether will for me prove best,
The Freedom lost, or that which is Possest,

I use the means of Both; but, wholly leave
The choice to GOD; and what he gives receive.
They are Companions, when I'm left alone;
They find me work to do, when I have none.
By day, me from ill Company they keep;
Make nights less tedious, when I cannot sleep.
They ease me, when I am opprest with wrongs;
When I want Musick, they do make me Songs.
To Friends, who like them (where's no bettet cheer)
They, acceptable Entertainments are:
Oft, likewise, I make use of them, instead
Of Charms, when, I of Fools would fain be rid;
For, if I read them, but a page or two,
They strait, grow weary, and away they go.
They fix thoughts, which would quite slip out of mind,
And, when writ down, I them, know where to find;
Yea, other men, thereby, have oft teceived
Refreshments, if their words may be believed:
And (which is more then all this) to GOD's praise,
They are, and may be useful, sundry wayes.
For these respects, whoever shall appear
Pleas'd or displeas'd, to me my Musings are
Considerable; and if any one
They do offend, them, he may let alone;
For, though they have been tendred unto many,
I never, yet, inforced them on any,
Against their wills; except perhaps it were
To save them, whose destruction I thoughr near;
And, (I will not be shie the Truth to say
No men, have worse requited me, then they:
But peradventure, if that dead I were,
None daring to be their Remembrancer,
(As I have been) they may more mischief'd be
Through want of one, then troubled now by me.

George Wither's Appollogy for composing the Poem called Vox Vulgi; being a Welcome home from the Counties, Citties and Burroughs, to their Prevaricating Members; saving the honour of the House of Commons, and of every faithfull and discreet Individual member thereof; which Poem was surprised before quite finished.

The Contents.

The Author, here makes his defence;
Clears his asspersed Innocence;
And frees himselfe, from Just suspition,
Of acting ought, without Commission.

Here, I have time to meditate upon,
What, I my self, and other men have done,
Occasioning my suffering, at this time,
And, in relation to what's thought my Crime:
Lest, therefore, I may him offend who gave it,
I will improve this Leisure, whilst I have it;
For, when my Musings, are exprest in words,
The better means to Scan them it affords;
And to declare, what I shall now expresse,
I may hereafter, want both Time, and Place;
Or, being dead, before my Tryal-day,
My false Accusors, to my charge may lay,
What they shall please; and none be certain, why
I was committed in this Jayl to die.
GOD give me strength, to finish this; and than,
Let all my foes, do, and say, what they can.

I am not only question'd, for a thing,
Presum'd misdone, but also, for the Spring
Whence 'tis deriv'd; and pleas'd some are, to say
That rending of my whole Estate away,
Had me provok'd unto an angry-fit,
Which was the Cause, of what I lately writ;
And, that I had a scurrulous intent.
To cast asspertions on the Parliament.
To make it so appear, depriv'd I am,
Of what best proves, that, I deserve no blame.
My last Conception, (which, before to Light
It could be brought, was snatcht out of my sight)
May forced be to speak, what I ne'r thought,
Or, else, be smother'd, as a birth worth nought:
Or, (that an ill intention may appear)
Some Verses may be pickt out here and there,
(Without those Qualifyings, which precede,
Or follow, to illustrate what they read)
Whereby, some Inferences may be made,
That, on Good-manners, I, intrenched had,
In summing up, and personating that
Which I have heard, the Common-voice relate:
Thus much to be intended doth appear,
By what, I do already see and hear.
Which falsehood, if, but barely I deny
I shall in words alone, retort the Lie;
And, Reason may be born down by the noises,
Arising from plurallity of Voices,
Yeld forth by them, who shall intrude to do,
That, which nor GOD, nor Good-men calls them to.
I, therefore, will produce a Vindication,
That may be justifi'd by demonstration;
Or, by such Reasons as will do me right;
Unlesse they shall be kept from open sight,

Or clipt; or, I not suffered be to say
That, which to clear, my self produce I may:
And, if so; by the consciences of them
I shall be quit, whose words will me cendemn.

My Cause, may for the present, injur'd be;
But, all the World can do no harm to me.
Though that which is without me, wrong'd hath been
And may be still, all shall be safe within,
So long as GOD, assisteth me, by whom
I, with this confidence, am arm'd become;
And peradventure, they who think to spoil,
This confidence, may give themselves the foile.

Their scandal, in the first place, Ile assay,
To wipe off, who suppose my losses may
Provoke me, or, that my oppressions had
Prevail'd, to make me grow a little mad;
But, they mistaken are in that surmise;
For, to the world-ward, I am not so wise,
To be by them distempred, in a mood
Like those, who trust in Riches more than GOD;
And, by what I am like to undergoe,
It will be proved, whether it be so.

I am not so in love, as men conceive,
With that, whereof the World can me bereave,
As to ingage, for such poor Interests,
My quiet in this life, by those contests
Which I adventure on, if I saw nought,
That much more worth such hazards, I had thought:
And, this mind, if my Actions did not shew,
In former times, those will that shall ensue,
When, more undoubtedly those things appear,
Which of my Writings, the chief motives were.
And will shew whether, I did ought intend
To drive on an ignoble, or self-end.

It may he known, by what was heretofore
Divulg'd, that, nothing now befalls me more
Then I expected; That, I did foresee
What lately seiz'd on other men and me:
That, having been here, in the Worlds great School
So long a time, I was nor so much Fool,
As not to know, how, Friends, and means to make
In seasonable time to save my stake
And mend my Game; if I unto that end
Had play'd it, which most other men intend;
Or, if I thought those men, who look on me
With most contempt, were better then they be.
I knew as well as any, how to Fawn,
And flatter; what to give, and what to Pawn
For my advantage, if I could have thought
That, worth my seeking, for which most men sought.
But though I find it an imperfect Light
Whereby at first, I walk'd, it gave me sight
Of much more then the World believ'd, I saw,
And, kept me of mine own heart so in awe,
That, notwithstanding I did for a season
Oft stagger to and fro, 'twixt Faith and Reason,
(And stumbled otherwhile, into those things
Which Ruine, unless Grace prevention brings)
I, in the main, pursu'd a Good Design;
(Not, I confess, by any power of mine)
And by some Symptoms, at the last, perceiv'd,
That, till of my Estate, I was bereav'd,
My work, would neither well be carryed on
(When that time came, wherein it should be done)
Nor, take so good effect, as it would then,
Upon my Self, or upon other men.
For, which cause, when I saw it must be so,
Without reluctancy, I, let all go,

And without nourishing a secret spleen
Against their persons, who my foes have been.
This, future things, much better will display
Then all which at this present, I can say;
As also, that, they who from me of late,
Have torn unmercifully, my Estate;
By far worse motives thereunto were led,
Then those, which me inclin'd to what I did.
Loss to prevent, or to regain what's lost,
I did adventure no more pains or cost,
Then Reason warranted, and obligations
Which bound me to have care of my Relations;
Or might, then, by pursuing of that course
Assure me, how much better'd, or grown worse
Men, by those Judgements and those Mercies were,
Which GOD, had variously dispensed here;
And, having thereby learned what GOd meant
I, with my losses was as well content
As is a Christian when by Turks pursu'd
(Who overpower him by their multitude)
He wracks his Vessell on a friendly shore,
Where, he hath Life and Freedom, though no more.

Why, should I angry be to see that gone
Which if I had not lost, had me undone?
Which also, will undo them, who now have it,
And (if good heed he take not) him that gave it?
Or, which will be restor'd again to me,
If, for GOD's Glory, and my good it be?
Why, should I be displeas'd to be bereft
Of that, whose loss hath an assurance left
Of better things? Of that, which, whilst possest,
Increast my troubles, and disturb'd my rest?
Of that, which I must shortly leave (though mine)
And, know not (when the same I must resign)

Whether, it to their Weal or Woe, shall tend,
To whom, when I am dead, it will descend?

These things considered, all wise men know
That, nor these, nor my former Musings flow
From discontentments, or from wrath that springs
From loss of inconsiderable things:
And Wisemens, good esteems, if keep I may,
A rush I care not, what fools think or say,
On whom, the less impression it will make,
The more I rationally write, or speak.

But, that, whereby most blame to me may come,
(And, which will probably be charged home)
Is an Impeachment for a hainous thing
That some are pleas'd to call a Lybelling
Against the COMMONS; which, if proved true
Ile ask no favour: For, I think none due;
And, if it be an unjust imputation
I for my sufferings claim a Reparation,
Expecting (which ought not to be refus'd)
That, what is call'd a Lybel be produc'd
To open view, and sight of ev'ry one
Who may concerned be, in what is done:
And, that, none may usurp a Priviledge
Thereon to passe a Sentence as my Judge,
Who shall not read, or hear the same throughout:
For, Solomon hath freed it so from doubt
That, to averr, I shall not be a fear'd,
He, that doth Censure what he never heard,
Deserveth shame; And I shall rather laugh
And Jeer thereat, then either grieve or chafe;
Because, (at worst) I, then a Doome shall have,
Much like as if, a Fool had call'd me Knave.
If left to Publick view, my Poem be,
And finisht as intended was by me

No worse construction, thereof can be made
Then this, that, I have call'd a Spade a Spade;
And, means devis'd, whereby men may appear
Unto themselves, what others know they are.

By fained speakers, I have onely said
What was to me by Common-fame convey'd
And murmur'd in most places, to worse ends
Then that, wheteto my harmless Poem tends:
And, if I may presume the Truth to tell
I am rewarded ill, for doing well:
For, thereby, I not onely turn'd aside
That general reproach which was apply'd
To all the House of Commons, and, alone
To them confin'd it, who brought blame thereon;
But, likewise, without personally blaming
(Or marking any forth) to their defaming,
Have sought to bring it to their Cognisance,
Who might thereby, the Publick weal advance;
And, who, if it prov'd worthy Approbation
Might useful make it for the Reformation
Of that, which else, will have a Consequence
More hurtful, then my Innocent-Offence,
For, though by publication, I had done
What might have seem'd a fault; (and now is none)
The Generality but little more
Had thereby known, then what most knew before,
When to worse ends, and more apparant wrongs
'Twas tost, upon the Rackets of mens Tongues;
Who, so dissatisfied seem to be
By what, they lately feel, and hear and see,
That very frequently they are offended
Ev'n with what for their welfare, seems intended;
Because, they having often been deceiv'd
Suspect, some future mischiefs then contriv'd:

Yea, then, are things, when plausibly projected,
The lesse believed, and the more suspected;
Not by those onely, who now called are
Phanaticks, but, by those likewise that were
Distinguish'd by the name of Cavalier;
Yea, and our Jacks indifferent, do begin
To be more Talkative then they have been,
Because, they find themselves in danger (whether
They are of this, or that side, or of neither)
So long, as things which Reason order might,
Shall passe by number onely, without weight.

To intimate, that, Parliaments had been
Disturb'd, by some of those, who were brought in
A surrepticious way; and, that by them
The People were abus'd, is no great crime;
Nor is affirming, that they were deceiv'd
Unfitting to be spoken, or believ'd,
When generally avow'd; nor to averr
A Parliament in grosse, may sometimes err,
Since, neither to be wise, or Innocent,
Is, an inseperable Accident
Of Parliaments; as hath apparant been,
By that, which we in our own dayes have seen:
For, that, they may with Treason, and with Murther,
Be charged, we shall need to look no further
Then, unto those Transactions which have past,
Both in this Parliament, and in the last.

What have I then misdone in making known
How foolish, mad, or wicked some were grown?
How much opprest men are; how griev'd; and how
Exasperated, more and more, they grow?
What fault commit I, when I hear men say
What's done, and what I see done every day,

If I declare (sedition to prevent)
That I perceive most men are discontent,
And froward? since I neither made them such,
Nor, therein am concerned half so much
As other men? nor did intend a course
Thereby, to make what's evil, to be worse?
And, since, by that, which lately written was
By me, no mischief can be brought to passe,
Unless, by accident befall it may,
As when Heat melteth Wax, and hardens Clay.

It seems hard usage (therefore) to be thrown
Into a Jail; of all that was mine own,
In my old Age dispoil'd; shut up alone,
Where, sick or well (attended on by none)
I must in longest nights the hazzards take
Of what may happen, sleeping or awake;
Not impudent enough, to beg or borrow,
Nor having certainty of bread, to morrow,
If Charity should fail: which, is a case
Much worse, then oft befalleth in this place,
To Thieves and Murtherers: yet, this is not
Here mention'd as repining at my Lot;
For, whereas I am onely lodged there,
Where Murtherers and Thieves confined are,
The Son of GOD, who for my Ransome dy'd
Was twixt a Thief and Murth'rer crucifi'd:
And, in my present suff'rings I am eas'd,
By being well assur'd, that GOD is pleas'd
With what befals; and that I shall at last
Be fill'd with sweetness, by what had a taste
Of Bitterness at first; and, that to them
Who, me and my endeavour now contemn,
Things may hereafter profitable be,
Which are at present, mischievous to me.

Despised Instruments will be of use
To bring to mind, that which will help reduce
Confusion into order, when apply'd
By Meekness, and not spurned at by Pride;
And, things which by the world, as much were Jeer'd
As Josuah's Rams-horns, when he first appear'd
Surrounding Jericho, will bring about
As great a Miracle, as then was wrought;
Though no Examples, yet, nor good advice,
Nor private Admonitions make those wise,
Who have not Eyes to see, what they behold
Nor Ears, to hear a Truth, when it is told.

The hour is not yet come, which I expect
May probably give this a good effect.
But, there are times wherein that will content
For which, we shall at other times be shent.
My Poem, stiled OPOBALSAMUM,
(Though) more offensive, then my last, to some)
The Commons (named the Long Parliament)
Did winck at, without show of discontent:
Yea, though in plain terms, I made bold to tell
Wherein, their faulty-members did not well.
I, then (as in the last) had so divided
The Goats from Sheep; and had so well provided
To save their honour, who least guilty were
That (though when first, that Poem, did appear,
I was to them a Prisoner, for telling
What some of them to hear of, were unwilling)
They me inlarged, and vouchsaf'd me more
Respect in show, then e're they did before.
For, prudently observing, that the shame
Which they in chief deserv'd, who were to blame,
Was upon all, without distinction flung,
(Till, unto those to whom it did belong,

I had confin'd it) not one word was spoken
To me, which their displeasure might betoken;
And, some good use was made, (though I confess
Not very much) of what I did express:
And, when, by time, that out of mind was wore,
I, had as little favour as before.
And, so I have had also, ever since;
For, still, some at my writings took offence,
And more my wrongs, by one foe, one day, were
Then all my Friends, could right in twenty year.

I may have hope, the Commons before whom
I must be try'd, as prudent will become.
The Priviledge of WATERFORD affords,
The Freedom of explaining their own words
To all her Citizens. If my words are
Allow'd but that Sense onely, which they bear
Grammatically, I no more desire,
So that my Poem be preserv'd intire,
And perfected with my last thoughts thereon
According to my mind when 'twas begun.
For, no great credit gain thereby they shall
Who weigh a matter, till they hear it all,
And, they will much bewray their ignorances,
Who heed not Causes, with their Circumstances.

There was before my Book, an Epigram
Whereby, I wholly Vindicated am
From that which is pretended; and, I hear
That will not be permitted to appear.
If so, I find it, there is mischief meant
Which I shall find a Medium to prevent,
Unless there be, in some an impudence
Much more deserving blame then my offence.
That Epigram did evidently shew
My Book designed for the private view

Of Clarendon, (suppos'd so wise and just,
That, him, the King is pleased to intrust
Ev'n with his Conscience) to receive his Doom
Before, that forth in Publick it should come:
Because, that, I was hopeful it might bring
By means of him, some notions to the King
Whereof his Wisdom, would have made some use
To further, what shall to his Weal conduce;
And, if that Epigram concealed be
It both dishonours him, and injures me.
For, lyable it makes him, to suspect
That, me, in Ill designs, he doth protect;
The wrong to me is without precedent,
For, e're I had expressed what I meant
With my imperfect Poem, I was seiz'd;
Accus'd of whatsoever others pleas'd,
And here, unto an ignominious Jail
Committed am unheard, and without Bail.

I hope for better usage, when the Ring
Of suff'rings I have trod, till me it bring
Before my Judges: (for what e're is thought)
Their honour, I have not infring'd in ought.
Their charge, against me, I, yet no not how
May honestly be prov'd; but, this I know,
The House of Commons may much honour get
By well approving that which I have writ
(Considering, I therein have appeal'd,
To GOD, and men) if, it be not conceal'd.
From open view, and mulcts upon me laid
For mentioning in private, what was said,
In publick by the People; who, thereby
And, therein, are concern'd as much as I;
Because, my purpose, in that Poem, tends
To common good, without sinister ends.

And, if we to our selves, may not relate,
Our thoughts in words, and them Communicate
To Peers intrusted by the Supream Power,
(For Preservarion of their peace and our)
We are in danger, shortly, to become
The veriest slaves throughout all Christendom.

But, (as I said in that which was surpriz'd)
The Prudent Commons, will be so advis'd
When they with seriousness, have that perused
Whereby, they are suppos'd by me abused,
That, finding none reproved save onely those,
Who them in their debatings did oppose;
And, that they likewise (after next October,
Who were half mad in June) grown wise and sober
Will mend their former manners, and become
As helpful, as they have been troublesome;
Both Parties then, will, peradventure be
Thenceforth, as fully, reconcil'd to me
As I to all men am; and, what was not
Ill-meant, shall be well taken, or forgot.
If it be so; It will a Symptome prove
Of an abatement, if not of remove,
Of some oppressions, to prepare the way
For what's reserv'd, untill another day.

But, to what end is this Apologie?
Not meerly, from this place wherein I lie,
To free my Person; or, from that, which may
To me befall upon my Tryal-day.
No; those effects, must from an abler spirit
Proceed: All I can say, or do, or merit,
To add a contribution thereunto,
So, little, will to such a purpose do,
That, rather, more provoke my Foes, I shall
And deeper, into their displeasure fall:

For, 'tis not pleading in the fittest Season
A Righteous Cause, with Arguments of Reason;
Nor is it our well-doing; or our saying
The Truth; nor Preaching; nor unto them, Praying;
Nor our long-suff'rings; nor (when past they are)
Good services to them, how great so er'e,
That so much moves, as Flattery, making Friends,
Large Gifts, and serving of their present ends.

I, therefore, have but an occasion took
Thereby, to mention somewhat, yet unspoke
A Nobler Cause concerning then mine own,
(And whereon, Words will better be bestown)
Wholly to GOD committing the success
Make that, the chief aim of what I express.
For, hearing what is done, (by common Fame)
And partly knowing, that, oblig'd I am
Not by my Nat'ral faculties alone,
On me conferred for that end, (or none)
But, also, by my Christianity,
(And, not a little, by a Moral-Tie)
To speak, and write, and do the best I may,
To bring them who are out, into their way;
And, Ile express, what e're to that effect
I do believe may tend; without respect
To Persons of a high or low degree;
Or, any Powers on Earth, who e're they be.

Councills and Parliaments, and Soveraign Kings,
I do acknowledge to be Sacred things,
Whose Reputation, whilst (at least) they are
In being, ought with conscientious care
To be preserv'd; because on them depends,
That, which to publick woe or welfare tends.
Yet, He, from whom all Powers their Being had,
And they, for whose sakes onely they were made

Ought so to be preferr'd, that, nought be wav'd
Whereby their dues, and honours, may be sav'd.

We have oft seen and felt, in our own times,
That, they of such Confusions, and such Crimes
Hath been the cause at least of letting in
Much more destructive Plagues, then all the Sin
Of Privare Persons; and, that which we know
Was heretofore, may be hereafter so.
Yea, may and will, in every Age grow worse
Unless there be provision of some course
To regulate them; and, a free concession
(To Persons qualified with discretion)
To mind them of their duties, who have dar'd
When they to Publick places were prefer'd,
Imploy those Priviledges as their own
Which were for Publick services bestown;
And, often do abuse them, to the wrong
Of them, to whom of right, they do belong.

'Tis now high time, that Earthly Kings & Judges,
Should wiser grow; and use their Peiviledges,
To better purposes then heretofore:
For, his great Kingdom, now is at the door,
Which will destroy those Empires that begun
In NIMROD, and through various forms did run
Until the Tyrannies, beginning than
Shall have an end in that Misterious-man,
Who, by the Dragon, Scarlet-Whore and BEAST,
(Though mystically) truly are exprest.
Then, shall those Tyrannies, and Usurpations
Whereby he, long time, hath opprest the Nations,
And therewith, every Branch that sprung therefrom,
Unto an everlasting Ruine come;
Though some of them are seemingly Besainted,
And with fair shewes of Holiness Bepainted.

For, I believe (although it doth appear
To few men, yet) Divine Records declare
Aswell the Term of NIMROD'S Emperies
As of Mysterious Babels Tyrannies,
Whose time, Six hundred sixty six is known
To number out: and, which must be ov'rthrown
With that, from whence it sprung, when ripe 'tis grown.
That, to be All in all, GOD, may be known.
And (as I've oft inferr'd) they, who belong
To that new Empire, which will then grow strong,
Shall no way need their Persons, to ingage
By violent Actings; but, to bear the rage
Of their opposers with a patient heart;
For, suff'ring onely, will be their chief part.
And, he who in the Assyrian hoast did smite
Fourscore five thousand Persons, in one night,
Shall by the Pow'r and vertue of his Word
Perform that work, without thier hand or sword.

The CUP of Fornication, so bewitches
With love of Pleasures, Honours, and of Riches
The great men of the Earth, that, they think none
Are sober men, unless they dote upon
Those Vanities, and prosecute those Ends
To which, their Policy and Power tends,
Until they grow as mad or drunk as they;
And, then perhaps, for wise men, pass they may.
As David sayes, They will not Understand;
They will not heed what GOD hath now in hand;
But, obstinately still adhere to those
Who, tempt them on, unto their ov'rthrowes,
Till Ruine comes: For, they are not aware
How cheated by those Mountebanks they are;
Nor how those Parasites increase their store,
Ev'n to excess, by making of them poor:

Nor heed they, how, these cause them to destroy
Those men, by whom they safety might enjoy
With Love and Honour, if they did not lend
Their Ears to those, who no Good-men befren'd.

They shut their Eyes, and therefore cannot see
Into what dangers they approaching be;
And, those as much they hate who cross their will
To save them, as if they did come to kill.
That, which they call, the Reason of the State,
Too far insisted on, is often that
Which proves the bane of Kingdoms; & yet still
Either false Prophets, Priests, or their self-will
Therewith besots them; though they have bin told,
What thereon hath ensu'd in times of old
When, Princes, GOD's directions had despis'd;
And acted that, which their own hearts devis'd
Although they by experiments had seen,
What, of their Policies, the fruits have been.

These were of old examples: Saul, thereby
Deprived was of Life and Soveraignty.
King Solomon, by something like that Knack
(To please his Wives) in honour suff'red Wrack.
So, Jeroboam, though, GOd promis'd him,
And to his seed, a lasting Diadem,
By that State-policy, whereby he sought
To keep the Throne, the loss thereof was wrought.
Jehu, regardless of GOD's promises
The same course following, had the like success.
High places, Altars, Groves, and Priests of Baal
Were chief occasions of King Ahabs fall,
The bringing of the Gods of Edom home,
In hope that they a strengthning might become
Unto his Kingdom, was the overthrow
Of Amaziah, and of many moe.

State-Policy, made Judah's King contemn
The Prophets Counsel, when Jerusalem
Was first destroyed, and the Jews inslaved
Who, might then, from that Bondage have been saved;
And, they who truly sought their preservation
Reputed were (as now) Foes to their Nation,
Disloyal to their King, seiz'd as supitious,
And punished as Factious or Seditious.
State-Policy, caus'd breaking of that Oath
For which GOD was with Zedekiah wroth,
And punished in such a Signal wise
That he lost both his Kingdom and his Eyes:
And, Politick enlarging of Possessions
Or Power, by loading Nations with Oppressions,
To further State-Designs (until it wracks
Their Loyalties, and then their patience cracks)
Hath been, and will be, in all times, and Nations,
The cause of Wars, Rebellions, desolations
And changing Governments: But, now ere long
When human Policy, hath made most strong,
The MISTRIS of Terrestrial Potentates,
By Counsel, Strength, and by Confederates,
Combin'd as they intend (and when their might
Hath raised Expectation to the height)
Then, She, and They, shall be unto each other
A mutual Plague, and be destroy'd together,
With ev'ry Person, Family, and Nation,
Which is a Member of that Corporation:
And then, those PEDLERS who are now so jolly,
Shall, packing up the Tokens of their folly
Run to seek out where they their heads may hide,
From that, whereby, they shall be terrifi'd.
Let him, that hath an ear to hear this, hear it;
Let proud men tremble; Let the mighty fear it;

And let the Meek rejoyce; For, GOD will turn
Their Sorrows into Gladness, who now Mourn.

It is not only, now, of much behoof,
But, necessary too, that sharp Reproof
Advice and Admonition, should be given
To all Estates and Princes under Heaven,
Yea, and particularly be apply'd
By some, and in some cases, when aside
They from the way of safety, stray so far
That, to apparant danger, nigh they are;
(How ere they take it, or what ever shall
Thereby, to their Premoniters befall)
Because, by States, if wickedly inclin'd,
The greatest Plagues do fall upon mankind.

This made Elia's to become so bold
When Ahab, of his wickedness he told
Unto his face; and when, to like intent,
A Writing, he to King Jehoram sent.
This, to reprove King Asa, without dread,
The SEER Hanani encouraged.
This, made the Prophet Samuel so to School
King Saul, that in effect, he call'd him Fool;
And, John the Baptist, speak as plainly too,
Of Herod, as now they term'd Quakers do
To some with us: This, also, did induce
King David, who observed the abuse
Of Courts and Councils, to cry out on them
To this effect; how long! will ye condemn
The poor and Innocent? how long! oppress
The man, afflicted, and the Fatherless?
How long? will ye unrighteously neglect
The cause that's just, for personal respect?
Do Justice, and vouchsafe compassion more
Hereafter, then ye have done heretofore;

For, (if it be not) to you, be it known
You walk in darkness; you have overthrown
The worlds Foundations; wilfully inforce,
All things to move out of their proper course;
And, that, though GOD himself hath call'd you Gods
A difference making (with no little odds)
Twixt you and common men, yet, die you shall
Like them; yea, die such Death's, as did befall
To wicked Princes, who, unto their place
Went down, with greatest horror and disgrace.

Although such rough Reproofs on silken Ears
Grate harshly, and are thought by Flatterers
To sound like Blasphemy: This in old times
The Language was, in which great Princes crimes
Rebuked were; This was the usual mode,
Till slavish men, fear'd mortals more then GOD.
Thus, David spake unto the Congregations
Of mighty men; Thus, through all Generations
To them should Truth be told, as need requir'd,
By those who, to that purpose are inspir'd:
Republicks, Kings, and Councils, Objects are
Of such Reproofs, and so reproved were,
And, how inrag'd soever they are grown
GOD, will be King; his pleasure hee'l make known
By whom soever he pleases, that their crimes
May now, as well as in preceding times
Reproved be; For, States and private men
Are every whit as guilty, now, as then.
The same at this time, or, the like Omissions,
The like Exorbitances, and Oppressions
In this our Generation may be found;
And more and more, are likely to abound
If not prevented: for, the things we should:
We neither do, nor suffer those who would,

And, if we can but force men to professe
As we do, though against their Consciences,
We think we have secur'd them to our side;
Whereas, when such mens Truths come to be try'd,
Who are for fear, or for advantage won
To act what is against their Conscience done,
(They, being both to GOD, and Men unjust)
In them, there's of all other, the least trust:
For, how long? or to whom? or unto what
Will they be true, who Conscience violate?
Doubtless, without a speedy Reformation,
It wholly, will corrupt this Generation,
Fit us for nothing, but, for what is Evil,
And, to be serviceable to the Devil.

As therefore 'tis unfit that ev'ry one
Should States, reprove, 'tis as unfit that none
Perform that Work, and brutish, to conceive
That, GOD, the Worlds last and worst Age, should leave
Without Premonitors; or, that the dayes
Most wicked grown, requir'd not stranger wayes
Of Admonition, then have been in use
When, of GOD's Grace there was much less abuse:
For, Providence, that nothing doth omit
Which, either Work or Season, may befit,
(Although, but little heed thereof be took)
Hath lately, to this Generation spoke
By many Prodigies: Each Element
Hath very plainly Preached GOD's intent:
Yea, many Dispensations, which to us
Seem to be wicked, or ridiculous,
Have somewhat in them, which relates unto
That, which we have done, or else ought to do,
Or have Omitted; or else to be Signs
Of that, whereto this later Age declines:

And, that such things as those, in these last Ages
Should be, we have Authentical Presages.

But, Visions, Revelations, Prophesies
Or such like, now, the common-voice decries
As at an end: which I, confesse, is true
As they concern revealing Doctrines new
To saving Faith relating: yet, of that,
Which may concern the Temporarie State
Of CHRIST'S Church Militant, or his Elect
In Actings or in Suff'rings to direct;
Or, of unfolding Prophesies to them,
Which were seal'd up, till an appointed time,
GOD, hath vouchsaf'd in season, Revelations
As need required in all Generations,
By whom he pleas'd; and frequently, by such
As, by the world, were not esteemed much.

Some think, that nothing meriteth regard
Save what by Ancient Prophets, was declar'd,
Who were immediately inspir'd from Heaven,
By special Warrant and Commission given.
Be not deceiv'd; the same Commission, still,
Is extant with us, under hand and Seal,
In Execution to be put, by all
Whom, for time being, GOD shall please to call
To be his Prophets; who, aswell may now
As heretofore, be called from the Plow,
From Herds, Fruitgathering, Fishing, from a Trade
Which, in the World small reputation had,
Or (as when Christianity began)
From being an extorting Pablican;
This, may believed be; for, what is else
The meaning of that Scripture which foretells
Their Sons and Daughters in the later times,
Should Prophesie? That, old men should have Dreams,

And young men Visions? Mind too (if forgot
It be) and know it, if you know it not,
That every one, who hath an Interest
In CHRIST, is now, King, Prophet and a Priest,
(Anointed, at renewing of his Birth,
To do him services here upon Earth;
And stands oblig'd, as he occasion sees
To execute all these three Offices
According to the measure of GOD's Grace
Bestown, and in his proper Time and Place;
And, these impower'd by his Commissions are
To Parliaments, and Councils to declare
(At least in general terms) what may prevent
Dishonouring God, or common Detriment;
And be Remembrancers, of such like things,
As need requires, unto the greatest Kings.

Kings, also, should have still attending them
Such SEERS, as to David in old time
The Prophet Nathan was. But, in the stead
Of such, Baffoons, or Jesters do succced,
In Princes Courts; by whom, they sometimes are
Inform'd of useless truths, by way of Jeer;
And, other while, perhaps, a formallist,
So far as it with Courtship may consist,
Will mind them of such duties as they see
By them perform'd; but, such as wholly be
Neglected, and by whose neglect they may
Be quite destroy'd, they, not a word will say.

On many Kings; their lies a heavy charge;
Their Kingdoms are both Populous and large;
There, likewise, are so many thousand cases
Which do concern their Persons, or their places
Or other men; and such a few there are
To represent them to a Royal Ear

And, likewise of those few, there are so few
Who represent unto them what is true,
That, whilst a freedom is allow'd to none
To shew them what's destructively misdone,
Or, what is fam'd; All their Prerogatives
May not secure their Honours and theit lives:
Especially, at such a time as this
Wherein GOD searcheth after what's amisse;
And, hath already, both begun to cast
Into his fiery Furnace, and to blast
All Humane Wisdom, Pow'r and Righteousness
(Yea all, wherein their confidence men place)
That, they may know, all Evils do from them
Proceed, and all things, that are good, from him.

Moreover, that, which long since was foretold,
Some of this Generation shall behold,
In differing States, and with as different Passions
According to their differing Inclinations;
And by the Men, and means the world despises,
In spight of all that Hamaue wit devises
It shall be brought to pass; And, they who did
Defend the noblest Cause, then, best shall speed.
Oblig'd, for these respects, is ev'ry one
To do, what in his place is to be done,
That GOD's Will, so far forth as Power is given,
May here be done on Earth, as 'tis in Heaven:
A safe condition, they are alwayes in
Who trust not in their merits; hate their Sin;
And their endeavours labour to improve
In Faith, and Meekness, Patience, Hope and Love;
That this may be effected, whatsoever
It costs them, in pursuing that endeavour.
For, Priviledges of the Humane Nature,
More Sacred are then those of any Creature

Beneath the GODHEAD; and, to all Mankind
He is a Traytor, who hath ought design'd
Against that Interest; and therefore, I
Vow, in defence thereof, to live and die.

In order thereunto, I now employ,
The Faculty and Talent I enjoy,
Which, GOD hath made proportionable to
The works, and men, with whom I have to do.
That, which I suffer for, on this Account
Was done; By GOD's Commission I have done't.
If truth I write, I am no whit to blame,
If it be false, I an Imposter am;
And, let the Commons, when that next they meet,
Deal with me for it, as GOD shall permit.
I have discharg'd my Conscience: And, if me,
He will not save, I, saved will not be;
Nor will I, in this Cause plead one word more,
Then, this, and what I've written heretofore.

I know the World; she also knows her own
And, we shall both ere long be better known:
Mean while, this my Imprisonment to me
Will my Teipsum nosce, prove to be.
This also, and what's formerly exprest
Of me, and of this Age, will be a TEST.
Now, Ile retire unto my self, and sing
To GOD, be glory; and God save the King.

They, who are wise will observe these things; and shall understand the Loving kindness of the LORD. Psal. 104. 43.

Another Meditation in Newgate, somewhat alluding to this old verse in Seneca, Nunquam non Potest, esse Virtuti locus. Which implies, that no Place, or Time can disadvantage an Honest-man.

There's diff'rence in the self same Times and Places,
As GOD conferreth, or withdraws his Graces;
Or, as our Cause is; or, as we shall find
Our hearts, to be ought more or less inclin'd,
To bring the Flesh into a due subjection,
Unto the Spirits Dictates and direction.
For, this Place, I perceive to be the same
To me, which I unto my self, now am,
And, not that, which it is to most of them
Who are with me confined at this time.
My Burthens (though as great) are made more light,
Then theirs are unto them; The day or night,
Are no whit tedious; nor unpleasing make
My sleep, nor Cares renew, when I awake:
But, I as well contented am become,
In all respects, as ev'r I was at home;
Although, as well by my Intelligence,
I, my Afflictions feel, as by my Sense:
For, ev'n those things, which in themselves are bitter,
To cure Distempers, prove not onely fitter,
But sweeter too, then that which in times past
Was more desir'd, and did most please my taste.

The want of sleep here, and of such like things
As else where, and at other Seasons, brings
Pain to the Flesh, and to the Soul vexations,
Are eithet made to me sweet Recreations,
Or give Instruction, in another mode,
And more effectually, then things abroad.

Last night, as in my Bed I musing lay
How Time and Life, and all things pass away;
How needlesly our selves we vex and pother,
Destroy, afflict, and persecute each other;
What cost, and pains, and time, we spend to build
That, which will in a little while be spoil'd;
And, how, the quiet of our lives we trouble
About our structures of wood, straw and stubble;
Which, when our several Fiery Tryals come,
Will into smoke and Ashes, quite consume;
It made me take into consideration
What I had Built, and upon what Foundation,
That, I my self, might therein be secure
Although my Works, the flame should not endure.
And, thereof, having an assurance got
The loss of all my Works disturb me not:
For, I, a thousand times more pleas'd am grown
With his on whom I Build, then with mine own.

My Soul then, (which in her complantings,
Flies like an Eagle mounted on her wings
Through wayes, which to no othet can appear)
To various Objects, scatter'd here and there,
Her Flights directing; at the last descri'd
That Flame, whereby the works of men are try'd;
To which, mine Eye of Contemplation turning,
To see each single humane structure burning,
It was to me, a much more pleasing sight
Then Bon-fires on a Solemn Day at night

When young and old men round them in a Ring
Do sit and hear a Fidler play and sing;
And, 'mongst all things, which to the Fire then yielded,
The Paper works which have been lately builded
Did make the greatest Blaze; and to mine eyes
Appear'd to be the best Burnt-sacrifice
That had been off'red in this Age by men,
By, at the least, nine and a half in ten;
Because, they have a prime occasion been
Both of our present Plagues, and of much Sin:
And, griev'd I was not, that, some of mine own
Must into that refining fire be thrown,
For, though that useful they might be some way,
Much of them, have (I fear) too much alay.

There are among our Papers-Edifices,
Some useful, sanctifi'd, and harmless Peeces
Which may be helpful to preserve those Notions
Whereby, our Faith, our manners and Devotions
May be improved, and likewise to clear
The Lanthorn, which the saving Light doth bear,
From those bedaubings, which the Foggs of Time,
And mists of Ignorance, have made so dim,
That, many things, it very dubious makes
And doth occasion manifold mistakes:
But, they are buried so in heaps of trash,
So choakt, with intermixed Balderdash,
And, so supprest by them who hate the Light,
(Or, persecute the Authors with despight)
That, they are but like here and there a spark,
Which lies at Bopeep, twinckling in the dark;
And, would be quite quencht, if not oft reviv'd.
By him, from whom, they were at first deriv'd.
Yet (like the Fire which in a Wat'ry-Pit,
Was hid) although such sparks be clouded, yet

They will break forth; and kindled by the blast
Of GOD's out-breathings, raise a flame at last,
That shall quite burn up, those huge Piles of vain
And Pestilent contrivements of the Brain.

For, they are, and have long time, been the Tinder
Of Pride and Lust, and Discord. They, do hinder
The Publick Peace; The growth of Truth and Love
They do obstruct; All wickedness promove,
And all Prophaness; Ignoranee they cherish,
Destructive Animosites they nourish:
Yea, have so fill'd the world with Books of lies,
Patcht up with forged probabilities,
That, 'tis impossible the Time succeeding
Should know the Truth of any thing by reading,
Without a more then common Intellect
Or, some Divine Assistance to direct.
For, they have put on most things, such disguises,
That, Vertues, hardly can be known from Vices,
Or Truths from Heresies, or wit from folly,
Or things prophane discern'd from what is holy;
Nor cheating Sophistries, from soundest Reason,
Nor Right from wrong, nor Loyalty from Treason;
Nor Reprobates from Saints; nor Saints from Devils,
Nor saving Doctrines from destroying Evils,
Except some help which hath vouchsafed been
From GGD, shall much improve the Light within.

This notwithstanding, pleased be to know,
(Although there is to them pronounc'd a Woe
By whom offences come) it fitting were
That, if an Evil be, it should appear:
And, (since GOD doth permit it for Probation
That good and evil in each Generation
Sholdu manifest it self) that by the Crimes
Of others, men Approv'd may know the Times,

We with a sanctified heart should heed them
And, to those ends improve them when we read them
For which they were permitted. Thus, from Acts
That evil are, the prudent man extracts
Good uses, as Physitians when it needs,
Extract good Physick out of poysonous Weeds.

Thus far, my Muse before I was aware
Had rambled; But, Ile cast the Lure up, here.

These, & such thoughts as these, me waking kept
Whilst, many Dream'd of other things, and slept.
This, of the last nights Musings, portion was;
(Which, if you please, may for a Vision passe)
And, when the morning came, thus, into words
I put, as much as memory affords.

Newgate, the 27th. day of the 7. Moneth, 1661.

A Meditation, occasioned by the same Prisoners calling to mind, Jeremies Prophecie to Ebed-melech, the Blackmore, Jerem. 39. 15.

I am oblig'd, as much as I am able,
To be to other men as comfortable
As they have been to me; and, though
And Peter said long since) Gold I have none as John
Nor silver) what I have, I will repay,
And, that, perhaps, may useful be some way.
What was Ebed-melech, but, one of those
Who, Nationally, were esteemed Foes,

To GOD, and to his Church? which way, can we
By what is writ of him, advantag'd be
More then by other Common Histories,
If, from what's mention'd in such Peophesies,
We may not with good warranty, apply
The same rewards of Faith and Charity,
(To ev'ry man in every Generation)
Which was recorded by the Jewish Nation,
Both to infuse and warrant, the same hope
Which was confirmed to this Æthiope?
But, doubtlesly we may; since, for our learning
For our direction, comfort and forewarning,
All those things, principally, were ordain'd
Which, in the holy Scriptures are contain'd.

This person, represents to us, our state
By nature, and as men regenerate.
The life of Jeremiah he preserved,
Who, else, within a Dungeon had been starved:
Him, forth out of a lothsome Pit he drew,
When, nor Prince, Peer, or Priest, nor any Jew
To him vouchsafed mercy: he, alone,
Did more then any Isra'lite had done,
Although a Gentile, and a Courtier too,
Who, seldom, works of Charity, will do.
And, this, was so accepted of the LORD,
That by the self same Prophet, he sent word
(Ev'n whilst that he detain'd in Prison was
As I am now) that, when upon the place
Of his abode, the dreadful doom foretold
Inflicted was, he should the same behold;
And, that, to him, on their destruction day
His life, should be vouchsafed, for a prey.

This Signal Mercy to my mind was brought,
In this place, pertinently, (as I thought)

Why, from this Patern therefore, may not I
Who, for declaring truth, imprison'd lie,
Shew forth that mercy which I have receiv'd
And whereby, I am hitherto repriev'd
From what to me, might probably have been
As bad, as that which Jeremy was in?
For, Age and Poverty, in such a place,
Might quickly have destroy'd one in my case.
My Soul, for this Compassion, praise thou him
Who hath vouchsafed it; and blesse thou them
My gracious GOD, who were the Instruments
In that, which my destruction here prevents:
Although, they of a forraign Nation are not
They, Neighbours, Kinsmen, or Familiars were not
But all of them (except a very few)
Such, as untill of late, I neither knew
In Person, or by name; some of them be
In judgement also, differing from me
In some points; which, infallibly doth prove
Their Faith is true, and perfected by Love.

Their Charity. (This I dare boldly say)
GOD, will reward, upon their Tryal day;
And, in those future dreadful Visitations
Which, likely are, to come upon these Nations
Preserve their lives, to see them, who oppresse,
Receive their portions with the merciless.
As sure, as I yet live, it will be thus;
Or, they, at least, when Christ calls them, with us,
Before his Judgement-throne; repaid will be
What they have here vouchsafed unto me;
For, mercy, though extended to a Beast
(Much more to man) with some reward is blest,
And, though I were a more unworthy wretch
Then was by Nature, that Ebed-melech,

Yet, forasmuch, as me they have received
As one of Christs Disciples, and relieved,
(What er'e I am) he, Charity regards,
And, they, accordingly shall have rewards.

Newgate, Sept. 26. 1661.

An Antidote against Fear, composed upon the Citizens being unexpectedly in Arms, Sept. 28. 1661. at night.

God, keep all safe abroad; I'm in my Bed,
And, see no danger yet, or cause of dread.
Emanuel my Protector is become,
He, keeps all Pannick-fears out of this Roome,
And, though the Devil and my Foes together
Confederated, they can bring none hither.
Here's nought, that any way doth me disease,
Unless, it be a few poor starveling Fleas,
Which, I perceive are more afraid of me,
Then cause I have of them afraid to be:
For, if I do but shrugg, where it doth itch,
They skip into a hole, and there they couch.
No Thief, I think, to rob me dares appear,
Within these Walls, the Gallowes are so near;
And, likewise, I believe, 'tis known full well,
I've nought to lose, nor ought for them to steal.
I no Back-biters had, since to this house
I my Commitment had, except, one Louse
Which now is dead, (not having left behind
A son or daughter, that I yet can find)

And, though I were assaulted with a score
(As here, some are oft-times with many more)
I am assur'd, my Landress hath a gift
To rid them; and it is a cleanly shift.

I do suspect, that, thus it doth not fare
With all men, who rejoyce that I am here;
But, that, although they speak big words and grin,
They have more fears without them, or within;
And, that, some thousands who yet walk the street
With more, and with worse misadventures meet:
For, Terrors are abroad, and ev'ry where
It doth in Language, or in looks appear.
I, just now, hear a sound like to Alarms;
Drums beating, and the clattering of Arms;
I (as they pass along, hear Souldiers voyces,
Words of Command, and Military Noises,
Which, by the time, and darkness of the night,
Doth many of the Neighbour-hood affright,
And makes me think (although I cannot tell
What is amiss) that, all things go not well.

What should the matter be? I hope, the men
Whom we saw dead, are not alive agen;
For, though I live yet, (and live longer may)
I did expect to rise, assoon as they.
Most hoped, they, er'e now should have been free,
From that, wherewith disturbed they still be;
But, many see, here's dayly an increase
Of what, may more infringe the Common-peace.
The Citizens, I hear, strict watch do keep
This night, in Arms: I hope, were they asleep
We should be safe; and that, this will hereafter
Yield much less cause of sorrow, then of laughter:
For, all our Factions are now of each other
So fearful, that they'l hardly come together,

Unless affrighted in the dark they are,
And fall foul on each other, unaware.

Men might (if there withall they could be pleas'd)
Of pains and cost and troubles, be much eas'd,
(With much more safety, and more, honour too)
Yet, make no night Alarms as now they do.
He, that's a pious, and an honest liver,
Needs not the Mores Bow, nor the Parthians Quiver,
Nor, to be singly, much less double garded:
For, Innocence is by it self, well warded;
And, when she's most maliciously surrounded,
Then, soonest, her Oppressors are confounded.
Of all the Foes, that are, or ever were,
There's none so bad, or dangerous as Fear:
For, it not onely many a man distresses,
When Plenty, Power, and Honour, he possesses,
(And all the pleasures of his life destroys,
Whilst ev'ry thing he seemingly enjoyes)
But, makes Plagues also, which will never come
To be a greater torment unto some,
Then they are, or, then they can be, if all
Whereof they are afraid, should them befall.

Moreover, it is such a foe as none
Can easily escape when seiz'd upon.
Nor Power nor Policy, nor Walls of Brasse
To keep it out, can strengthen any place;
Nor Flesh and Blood, by Sratagem, or Ginn
Expell it can, when it hath broken in.
Were all the Wealth and Weapons in the Land,
And all the People, at one Mans Command,
They could not fortifie his heart from fears;
For, Terrours will creep in ev'n at the ears,
And passage make through ev'ry other Sence,
In spight of all resistance and defence.

That Fear is such a Terrour, I well know
For I have felt it, though I do not now,
Save, as a natural passion, which, if well
We moderate, is, what a Sentinel
Is to an Army; and by Flesh and Blood,
Though, possibly, it cannot be with stood,
(Especially, when by a wilful Sin,
Against Good Conscience acted, it breaks in
And growes inraged) yet, by Grace we may
Subdue it; And, this, is the only way.

Take Fear and Love, well tempered together,
(As much, as may sufficient be of either)
Fire quencheth Fire; The oil of Scorpions, heals,
The Scorpions sting; and, if, of all things else
You would be fearless, you must fear GOD, so
As man ought; Do, as to be done unto
You would expect, and to that Fear, add Love;
For, Love expelleth ev'ry other Fear
(If placed on right Objects, and sincere)
Plucks up all Vices, and plants in their places
Habitual Vertues, and Celestial Graces.
The Love of GOD , with Filial Fear begins,
And with a detestation of all sins.
The knowledge of our Natural Estate,
In us, Desires to cure it will Create.
The Love of GOD in Christ, then, being known,
(And, what, when we incurable were grown
He hath done for us) will more Love beget
If we no false suggestions do admit;
That Love, will also, dayly stronger grow
If we GOD's nature truly learn to know.
And, not as Eve did, him suspect of Evil;
Ascribe to him, what's proper to the Devil;

Suspect the Promises which he doth give us;
Nor think that he intendeth to deceive us.
For, if we love him, we will then believe him,
In all his Attributes due Glory give him.
We then will do, and not disputing stand,
Of that which he forbids, or doth command.
Nor fear, nor stagger, from that Resolution
(Who ever countermands their execution)
But, love him so, as having understood
That all his Works, and his Commands are good:
So love him, that, we love his whole Creation,
Nought hating, but what's his abomination.
We will not then permit Humane Tradition
With his known will, to stand in competition;
Lay bonds on them, whom he from Bondage frees;
Charge him, with Ordinances and Decrees
Which he did never make; but forged were
By him, who, layes for ev'ry Soul a snare;
Or, by his Instruments, whose Merchandizes
And Pomp, are much advanc'd by those devises:
We will not, when he graciously invites,
To penitence, reject him with despights,
And, foes implacable, to them appear
Who zealous of their Weal and Safety are.

These are the Well-springs of those many errors
Distractions, miseries, and Pannick Terrours
Which are among us. That, which chiefly here
Begetteth troubles and augmenteth fear,
Is, want of such a Fear, and such a Love,
As may become effectual to improve
Those Judgements & these Mercies, which our eyes
Have seen; & whereby, (though we see GOD tryes
These Nations to this day) nor Prince, nor Peer
Nor Priest nor People, doth as yet appear

So mindful as they ought to be of that
Which, was, for, or against them, done of late:
Nor see I any Fruit which thence proceeds,
Save Thorns & Brambles, Thistles, tares or weeds.
But, they who stop their Ears and shut their Eyes,
Against those Wonders and those Prodigies,
Which have been lately sent to startle them
From that security, wherein they Dream;
And they who are not much displeas'd alone
With Publication of what God hath done,
But, also with his Word; shall see and hear,
Those things, ere long, with trembling & with fear,
Which will not be concealed; but, befall
So openly, as to be known to all.
These, have the causes been, that Christendom
Is lately, an Acheldama become;
For, these are those things, which advance the works
Of Antichrist, and make way for the Turks.
Let us repent therefore, whilst we have space,
Lest Fields of Blood, be turned to Golgotha's.
Let us, in this our Visitation day
Give ear unto GOD's Voice, whilst yet we may;
Not like Bruit Beasts pursuing one another,
But, lincking fast in Charity together,
Be reconcil'd to GOD, with Loving-awe:
For, that sums up the Gospel, and the Law.
Do this, and if of ought you fearful be,
Let all, that you can fear, fall upon me.

A short Excuse, rendering some Reasons why this Prisoner makes no Adresses for his Release, to great Persons for their Favour in his Cause.

I am inform'd, by men of good report,
That, there are Noble Pers'nages in Court
Who hate Injustice, and, are of their Tribe,
Who love not baseness, flattery, or a Bribe;
And, that, should I my self to these Adresse,
I might perhaps obtain a quick release.
'Tis possible; But, I may much indanger
Their Quiet; and, am now grown such a stranger
To Courtship, that I cannot Complement,
Or, act effectually, to that intent;
Nor think it prudence (were I mov'd that way)
To seek a Needle, in a Trusse of Hay.

'Tis not my Principle (though other while
I have been over-ruled, to beguile
My understanding) that course to endeavour;
And, having found it unsucesful ever
Resolve now (be it for my gain or loss)
To signifie my Cause, to them in grosse,
In open Courts, to whom it doth belong,
To be my Judges of what's right or wrong:
For, if impartially, they will not hear
My cause at large, and do me Justice there,
I will not be oblig'd to any one
To do for private ends, what should be done,
For Justice-sake; because, where one man shall
Be so corrupt, it may corrupt them all;

And in each Case, by turns, for unjust ends,
They may Bribe one another for their Friends
As heretofore they did, and, as they may
Hereafter, whatsoever I do or say.

Not much esteem of any thing I make,
Which other men, can either give or take.
Nor Safety, Wealth, or Honour pleaseth me
But that which will inseparable be
From me; and which I may attain unto,
And, also keep, whether men will or no.
Vertue's the Fountain whence true honour springs;
Not Popes, Grand Segniors, Emperors or Kings,
For, what they give to make men Honourable,
To me appears to be so despicable
That, though most men, do their chief darling, make it
If they would give it me, I would not take it:
What, is there likely for me to be done,
By those, who such-like Baubles dote upon?
I, never hitherto, a kindness had
By any Friend, which I my self have made;
But, by such onely, as God had inclin'd
(Without a by-respect in any kind)
To do me Justice, or to shew compassion,
Mov'd by their own Heroick inclination:
And, to that end, GOD, often heretofore,
Hath from among meer strangers, rais'd me more
True Friends at need, my cause to undertake,
Then I deserved, or had pow'r to make;
And, as it me contented much the better
So, thereby, was their honour made the greater.
Most seek the Judge; but, I believe his word,
Who said, The Judgement cometh from the LORD;
And, unto me, it seems an indirect
Aspersion, or a Symptom of suspect,

A Judge, in private to preoccupate,
And, him by Friends, or Gifts to captivate;
For, in great Counsels, men should nothing do
In love to Friends, or hatred to a Foe.

I have observed, that, Judicial Courts
Whether they be of good or bad reports,
(Or, whether, what is actually there done,
Seem just, or to the wrong of any one)
Are guided by a Spirit, which directs
To what is alwayes Righteous, in respects
Unto GOD's Justice, though perhaps it may
A Humane Righteousness infringe some way;
Or, though they, to whom Judgement is refer'd,
Through Ignorance, or Wickedness, have err'd.

Ile therefore, make no Friend, nor fear a Foe,
But, when the COMMONS call me I will go
To hear their Charge, for which I have begun
To suffer, er'e 'tis known what I have done;
That, least I break or die before the time
In which I must make payment for my crime,
(If crime it prove) they, rather, overweight
May lay; then, that, which is a Dram too light;
For, punishments are usually well paid,
Though other debts till Dooms Day are delay'd:
And, Innocence, is oft pursued further
Upon suspect, then real Theft or Murther.

In that, for which unheard, some precondemn
My Person hither; I, TO GOD and them
Whom it may most concern, Appeals have made
Whereon, I ought a Tryal to have had
Before I suff'red. My Appeal prefer'd
To GOD, hath betwixt him, and me, been heard
Within his Court of Conscience in my heart;
And, there am quit of what may on his part

Be brought against me for what I have writ.
He sees it, though the world concealeth it;
And, read it must be by the Commons too,
Ev'n quite throughout (if Justice they will do)
Before they censure it: Needless it were,
If just and conscientious men they are,
To Court them to their Duties; and so strong
No Charm of mine can be, whereby a wrong
May be prevented, if to take that ill
They be resolv'd, which flowed from Good-will.
At all aduenture, wholly to the Laws,
And to their Conscience, Ile refer my Cause;
Alleage for my defence, what I can say,
And bear that, which will follow, as I may.

A Composure, for his private Refreshment made by the same Prisoner, upon considering the sad outward Condition of his Dearest Relations in the Flesh: after which is added the Narrative of a sudden distemper thereupon ensuing.

My Contemplation, evr'y hour so travells,
In new pursuits, and into all things Ravells
With so much restlessness, as if she ment
The whole world in a Mapp to represent.
One while she maketh introdes on my Foes,
To bring me some Intelligence from those;
That, I consid'ring what they go about
Their malice, may the better weather-out.

Another while, to me she represents,
What mischiefes, troubles, fear and discontents
There are abroad; that, I may thereby see
How, they are troubled, who have troubled me;
How 'twixt the two shoars, Pharohs Army reels;
How, GOD hath taken off their Charret Wheels
How, he obdures the Insolent and proud;
How dreadfully, he looks out of the Cloud
Which he hath placed, betwixt them and those,
Whom they pursue to their own overthrowes.

Sometime, she brings to my consideration
GOD's Love, and inexpressible compassion,
Who, in an extraordinary wise,
Not onely hath vouchsafed me supplies
By those who to my Person strangers are,
But also, with such love and tender care
Of my safe-being, that I may of them
(As Christ did, when his kindred ask'd for him)
Say, These my kindred are; These, are my Mothers;
These, are my real Sisters and my Brothers.
My Dear'st Relations in the Flesh, among
Those Friends, this day, appeared in the throng
To be consider'd; and, I must confess
My Bowels yern'd, to think on their distresse,
And, mov'd with pitty, it compel'd my Muse,
To clothe in words, that, which now next ensues.

I

All suff'rings, that have tended
To my probation, here,
Cannot be comprehended
In what my words declare;
For, though to help expression
I have a knowing-sense,

The sum of my Condition
Cannot be gathered thence.

II

In Pleasures, and in Sorrows,
I have had no small share;
Sad Nights, and joyful Morrowes,
My Portion often were;
That, which with Joy affects me,
Is far above the Skie,
And, that, which yet afflicts me
As deep as Hell doth lie.

III

My near'st, and dear'st Relations,
Unmention'd though they be,
Among my Meditations,
Are not forgot by me.
For, though I would not mind them,
My heart, them so retains,
That, there, I still shall find them,
As long as life remains.

IV

Lest that might have miscarry'd
Which, to neglect I fear'd,
Like one, quite dead and buried,
I have to them appear'd:
And by my late employments,
Despairful they are made,
Of me, and those enjoyments
Which else, they might have had.

V

Reciprocal Indearments,
Are by my troubles crost;
The means of their Preferments
With my Estate are lost.
These times, have quite bereft them
Of that which gave content,
And, in their power nought left them,
New mischiefes to prevent.

VI

My Blossoms are quite wither'd,
My Leaves are much decay'd;
My Fruits, by those are gather'd,
Who nothing for them paid;
I, from whom (when they need them)
They should supplies have had,
Have neither Fruits to feed them,
Nor boughes to give them shade.

VII

We could, when we were troubled,
Each others hearts have eas'd;
Converse, our pleasures doubled,
When we with ought were pleas'd;
Such Comforts, now to give them,
Companion they have none,
But, they (what ere doth grieve them)
Must sit, and grieve alone.

VIII

In Mercy, LORD, look on them,
And pitty their Estate;

The wrongs that I have done them,
Proceeded not from hate;
I did, what I conceived
Doth to thy work belong,
But, that's thereby bereaved,
Which is to them a wrong.

IX

Thereof, be therefore heedful,
Them, favour not the less,
Supply with all things needful,
In this their great distresse;
And, when thou me shalt gather
Out of this Land of life,
Be thou my Childrens Father,
A Husband to my Wife.

X

When I with them must never
Speak more, by Tongue or Pen,
And, they be barr'd for ever,
To see my face agen.
Thy Loving kindness show them,
Lost comforts to revive,
Instead of what I owe them,
And pay not whilst I live.

XI

Let all my former failings,
Through frailties, in time past,
And, what may cause bewailings,
Quite out of thought be cast;
And, onely recordation
Of those things be exprest,

Whereby their consolation
May dayly be increast.

XII

Preserve them from each Folly,
Which ripening into Sin,
Makes Root and Branch unholy,
And brings destruction in.
Let not this World bewitch them,
With her besotting Wine,
But, let thy Grace inrich them,
With Faith, and Love Divine.

XIII

And, whilst we live together
Let us, upon thee call;
Help to prepare each other,
For what, may yet befall;
So just, so faithful hearted,
So constant let us be,
That, when we here are parted
We may all meet in thee.

This being writ, and once or twice sung over,
My Reason, did sufficient strength recover
Those Passions to repell, which did begin
Upon my heart at that time to break in:
But, ere they were alay'd, an Accident
Fell out, which that good issue did prevent;
I have so much of common Manliness,
(Which might more profit me if it were less)
That, all the frailties of the Humane Creature
(Co-incident since my depraved Nature)
Still so attend me, that do what I can
I fall into distemper, now and then;

And ere that day was wholly overpast,
I, by a sudden accident was cast
Into a Passion, which did give occasion
Of this ensuing sad Ejaculation.

LORD, help me now; assist me now, to bear
That, unexpected brunt of Hope and Fear,
To which I on a suddain am expos'd,
(Whilst other mischiefes have me round inclos'd)
For, great and many, though my troubles be
They, hitherto have not distemper'd me.
But, now I feel my Constancy to shake,
My Flesh to tremble, my sad heart so ake,
That, if thou dost not speedily apply
A Cordial, I may droop, and faint, and die.

My Treacherous Flesh and Blood, how false are you!
To me, and to your own selves, how untrue!
How quickly to revolt do you begin!
How cowardly have you my Foe let in
At his first summons? how have you conspir'd
To give him that advantage he desir'd?
And whilst I for your safety did prepare
Joyn to surprize me ere I was aware?
LORD, let them not prevail; but, help me rally
My scattered Forces, and to make a sally
On those who my weak Citadel beset:
For they have seiz'd but on my Out-works yet,
And, if but over me, thou please to hover,
(Though at a distance) I shall soon recover.
Therefore, at this Assault, for me appear;
From me, this Black Cloud, by thy presence, clear;
Renew my courage in this day of trouble;
Increase my Faith, my former Hope redouble;
And let thy Spirit teach me so to pray,
That what I shall request, obtain I may.

Be likewise pleas'd the chatterings of the Swallow,
And mournings of the Turtle, so to hallow;
That those things which are now express'd by me,
May be both acceptable unto thee,
And unto those who hear them not in vain,
Though to my private suff'rings they pertain:
For peradventure, that which me oretakes
Hath partly been permitted for their sakes;
That they, by heeding what on them at length
May fall, might by my weakness gather strength;
For, what is in it self a single Trouble,
By circumstances, may be sometimes double.

My best Friends peradventure, now will wonder
How, I am thus, as with a clap of thunder,
Struck suddenly; and my Foes, with a scoff
Will Jeer, to see me so soon taken off
From my late courage and high Resolution,
(Whilst I was putting it in Execution,)
When they shall know, that, but concerns my Wife,
Which breaks through all the comforts of my life,
And thus disorders me: But, when they hear me
Ev'n some of them, who at the first will Jeer me,
(If they have any Manhood left in them)
Shall me of no such levity condemn,
As yet they may, when all the circumstances
I have declar'd to cure their ignorances:
For, one of GOD's choice Prophets, had a Tryal
Not much unlike this, of his self-denial,
When he (as I do) in his Generation,
Bore witness of their great abomination:
Which (if ought more) had little more effect,
Then I may, at this present day, expect.
He (whilst GOD's work he follow'd) to the heart,
Was pierced (through his Wife) with sorrows dart.

She (as the holy Scripture testifies)
Was unto him, as precious as his eyes,
The comfort of his life, and far more dear
(As I believe) then all things transcient were.
And peradventure he had grieved more
Then yet I do, had not the day before
GOD, both foretold her death, and charg'd him too,
Not to bewail the Wife he loved so.
What, this to me doth intimate, I shall
Forbear to tell now; but, if that befall
Which I may fear, it will have an effect,
Whose demonstration, I shall not neglect
If so long I survive, as to declare
That Sequell, for which, it will way prepare.
Mean while (since hope hath taken truce with sorrow)
For some few dayes, that little time Ile borrow,
To make it known, how, by a Pannick dread
I am at present, so distempered;
And in such sober Language will declare it,
Without Hyperboles, that, if men hear it
With like sobriety, it will perchance
Their edifying in some kind advance.

When, I had finished those Meditations
Last mention'd (which concern my dear'st Relations
As to the world) A messenger of sorrow
That very day, (I, looking for, next morrow
My Wives arrival) brought, not newes alone
That suddain sickness, her had seiz'd upon;
But, that, she likewise in a Feaver lies,
With which are complicated Maladies
Portending death: and Death desired so
That, they about her, can with much ado
Preserve her life. This newes, as soon as told,
Laid instantly, upon me such fast hold,

That, er'e I could into my heart retire
I seemed to be wholly set on fire:
And (being for surprizal, the more fit
By what, that day, for better use was writ)
Instead of that, which might have quencht the same
I snatcht up oil, and threw't into the flame.

So frail I am not (though made of such Mettle
That I am sometime soft and sometime Britle)
As to be shaken meerly with a fear
Of things which ev'ry day expected are;
But, many sad concomitants attended
This Message, not till then so apprehended;
For, at that instant every thing prest in
Which might a doleful Tragedy begin,
With such confusion, that, what entred first
I knew not, neither which disturb'd me worst.
So that, I nought could call to mind, but that
Which my Afflictions, did more aggravate.

Imprisonment, I felt not till that day,
Wherein I found, that I was kept away,
Where, I to her could no assistance give,
For, whose sake, I did most desire to live;
My Fancie represented to my sight
In how disconsolate and sad a plight,
She there was left, dispoil'd of all she had,
Excepting, what might make her heart more sad.
With foes surrounded, not one to befriend her,
Not servants in that weakness to attend her,
No good Physitian living there about,
Scarce any thing within doors, or without,
For food or Physick: for, while she had health
Her courage did supply her want of Wealth,
And all things else, with help, of what from Heaven
Was by his providence in all wants given,

Who hath been my support; By him alone
She hath in many straits been carryed on,
And all oppressions with such courage bore
As if she had been rich by being poor:
Which her despightful neighbours heeding well
(And, that she far'd like trodden Camomel)
Words unto this effect, were heard to speak
Will not, with all this loss, her stout heart break?
GOD, was, and still, her helper he will be;
But, for all this, what thanks is due to me?
What help am I who should a help have been,
When such extream Affliction she was in?

Dear BETTY, how inhumanly opprest?
Art thou? and oh! how is my Soul distrest
Now, I here think upon thy high desart,
And, how discomfortably left thou art?
If it might comfort thee, would thou, didst know
(Else not) what tears out of mine eyes do flow:
For, I, from whom the worlds despights can strain
Nor sighs, nor tears, from tears cannot restrain.
Woe's me (my Dear) my life I would resign
Might it accepted be, to ransome thine,
And were at my dispose; for, cause am I
Of that sad plight, wherein thou now dost lie;
Since, what the world hath done, is nothing more,
Then thou hast alwayes look'd for heretofore.
Yet, take it not unkindly; for, to thee
No ill was meant, in what was done by me:
He, (as I thought) to whom my self I owe,
(And, who did thee, and all I had bestow)
Requir'd the services that brought upon me
That, which to thy undoing, hath undone me;
And he will either back again restore
What's lost, or give us better things, and more.

This, knowing thou believ'st, and dost confide
In him, hath much my Passion qualifi'd;
And makes me hopeful, GOD, will bring thee hither,
Or, me to thee, that, we once more together
May praise his Name, and live till we can part,
Without the least distemp'rature of heart.

Whilst this hope lasts, lest notice being taken
That, I with one small puff of wind am shaken;
Lest also, this begets a fear in some,
That I may totally be overcome,
When they perceive, that he, who hath profest
So much, hath with so little been opprest;
And, lest they also may discourag'd be,
(If I sinck under that which lies on me)
I will, for that cause, hence occasion take,
(Aswell, for their, as for mine, and her sake)
So plainly, what befals me to expresse,
That, no heart which hath any tenderness,
Beseeming men, shall think a greater Tryal
Of humane patience, in a self-denial
Can ever in the Flesh be undergone,
Then this, which they suppose a slender one.
I have a just occasion too, by that
To render her, that honour in the Gate,
Which is her due; and whereto I do stand
Obliged by King Lemuels Command;
And, from what I expresse, perhaps, likewise,
There may some other good effects arise.

What could the malice of the Devil invent,
To make more grievous my Imprisonment
Then at this time, wherein (for ought I know)
The last, and needful'st duty that I owe
Unto my dearest Friend, ought to be paid,
To be unjustly in a Prison staid?

Were I detained but from such a one,
As many have, (a Wife in name alone)
I should be glad perhaps, I now am here,
Or, though within a far worse place it were:
But, if I may with modesty expresse,
What I believe, I can affirm no less
Then this; Though many women have done well,
Mine, with the best may be a parallel:
And, since my pow'r to nothing else extends
Which may, for what she suffers make amends,
In words, at least, Ile give her what is due
And say no more, then I believe is true.
Perhaps, when told, it will so far exceed
What is according to the common Creed,
That, many will suspect it; But, know this
There is in that man very much amisse
Who, of his consort, doth not so believe
In some degree, as I of mine conceive.
For, if he finds her not a helpful Wife,
Either, for this, or for the other Life;
The fault's his own, though she may faulty prove;
And he ingratefully requites GOD's Love.
GOD gave her not, but, he himself acquir'd her,
By some ill means; or, for those ends desir'd her
Which make no Marriages, but what are evil,
And, were made by the World, Flesh and the Devil.
Else, he would honour Providence Divine,
By praising of his Wife as I do mine.
Or, by confessing freely, as he ought,
That, GOD is just, in giving what he sought.
Whether mine live or die, let none who hear them
Grudge her these praises, for her worth will bear them.

At first, I lov'd her, for his sake that gave her;
Of him, I sought her, and from him I have her,
If she be yet alive, (which I yet hope,
And, that he to my fear will put a stop.)
That, we each other might affect the better,
(And, to be mutual helpers prove the fitter)
As EVE from ADAM, GOD did, as it were,
First, make her out of me; then, me by her
He made more perfect; And since Eve was made
No man on earth a fitter helper had.
If any woman may Charactred be
By Lemuels pattern, I think this is she:
For, having oftentimes compared them,
Betwixt them, little difference did seem.
She is a Prize, worth ev'ry precious stone
In India, were all their worths in One.
My heart in her hath trusted so, that yet
I never, since I knew het, felt a fit
Of Jealousie or doubt, in any kinde,
Which brought the least distemper to my mind.
She, at all times, much good to me hath done,
But, evil, in her life time, did me none.
With courage, her Affairs she went about
By Day; at Night, her Candle went not out.
She was among the last, who came to bed;
The first, who in the Morning rais'd her head;
And, that no duty might be left undone,
Martha, and Mary, she still joyn'd in One.
In all Domestick Business, she was skil'd,
Both in the house, and likewise in the Field:
And whilst my time was otherwayes bestown,
Dispatch'd both my affaires, and her own.
She was no Prodigal, nor basely sparing;
All things were done without vexatious caring;

She chid those, who (when chiding was in season)
Were to be quickned more with noise, then Reason;
And, when to angry words they did provoke,
Her anger ended, when the words were spoke;
When, also, they were griev'd, who did misdo,
She pardon'd, and with them, oft, grieved too.
All her Affairs, she managing with Reason,
Appointed work and meat, in their due Season
To ev'ry servant; and good notice took
Both of what was well, or Ill done, or spoke.
She feared GOD, and honour gave to them
Who were invested with a Pow'r Supream;
Her life, she squared by GOD's holy Word,
According to the Light he did afford;
And, had her self so exercis'd therein,
That, often she my Concordance hath been;
Yea, and in Humane Histories, to me
Been in the stead of my MNEMOSYNE.

A better Woman, Mistris, Mother, Wife,
I never saw, nor shall see during life.
Rebecca like, she gave me still to eat
Aswell most savory, as wholsom meat;
And, when GOD fent me food, good care she took,
The Devil should not send me in a Cook.
To me, to mine, and our poor neighbourhood,
She, in the stead of our Physitian stood;
She, still according to her power was ready
To give what things were needful to the needy;
Who did not wilful Beggarship professe,
That, they might live in sorded Idlenese;
And, purchasing her own food with her sweat,
Abhor'd the bread of Idleness to eat:
She could speak well, yet readier was to hear;
Exceeding Pleasant, and yet as severe

As Cato. Though Corporeal Beauties be
Worn out with Age, she is the same to me
She was at first, and 'twas no mean perfection,
Which, in my Youth, surprized my Affection.
This is her Character, and in the word
Of Truth, this is thereof, a true record.
In her, I did as much contentment find,
As if I had enjoy'd all Woman-kind:
For, though a poor mans Consort she hath been,
She had a spirit might become a Queen;
Yet, knowing how to want and to abound,
Could make it stoop ev'n to the very ground;
And, if she die, I shall but little care
For any thing she leaves behind her here,
Except her Children, and that which relates
To GOD, and to our Spiritual Estates.
The deprivation of her company
And, of thar joy in her society
Which I have had, is far a greater loss,
Then, all those many Baubles and that drosse,
Whereof the world deprives me; or, of them
(Had they heen mine) which others most esteem.
This seperation is the great'st despight
That malice could have done me at her height;
And might we live, where we might live alone
To talk of that, which GOD for us hath done,
(And means to do) my Joy would be much more
With competence, then with the worlds whole store,
Were I depriv'd of her; who, might be here
So necessary a Remembrancer.

Now, Judge (if you or I, do this believe)
Whether I had not cause enough to grieve,
That we were so, divided from each other,
Left hopeless, we again should meet together.

Though such in ev'ry point, she may not be,
Yet, since that she doth such appear to me;
Think, if by fear of loosing such a Prize,
A man who is far stronger, and more wise,
Might not, when thereby suddenly oretaken
As much with like distemp'ratures be shaken:
And, whether (taking to consideration
The sense I have of ev'ry Humane Passion)
Ought may befall, as I am Flesh and Blood,
That could more difficultly be withstood.

But, notwithstanding what's exprest, let no man
Suppose I have forgot she is a Woman.
I am not so Uxorious, or unwise,
To think that she hath no Infirmities;
Or, that to any other she doth seem
So worthy as she is in my esteem.
The rough hard shells in which rich Pearls do lie,
Shew not their Beauty to a strangers eye.
And Vertues, when that they most perfect are,
Sometimes, like faulty Actions may appear
To lookers on, who have not means to know
How done, nor to what end, nor whence they flow;
And then especially, when their Spectators,
Are Envious, or their Foes, or Vertue's haters.
The mildest Medicine, sore eyes, diseases,
A sickly Stomack wholsom'st meat, displeases;
And so the best and noblest Dispositions,
Are most dislik'd by men of base Conditions;
Because their Vertues, if they neighbours are,
Do make their Vices greater to appear.
Her precious Balms, have sometimes made me smart,
But, I confesse, the cause was on my part,
If she administred a bitter pill
In love, to make me well, when I was Ill.

And well she might sometimes occasion find,
To give me wholsome Physick of that kind,
By cautions and remembrances apply'd
In season, when my wit was foolifi'd:
For, nothing purposely, from her I hid
That, in my life, I said, or thought, or did.
And (that she might, at full, be privy to
My whole Affairs, and all I had to do)
No Letter unto me in absence came,
But leave I gave her to break ope the same.
Which freedom (with such) mutually bestown
Made me to her, and her to me so known,
That, what the outside of my Actions be,
My Conscience hardly better knowes then she.
Small use of an Affection can be there,
Or proofs of Friendship, where no failings are.
There's hardly possibility of living,
With any one, who never needs forgiving;
For, he, who in his Consort, finds no blame,
When he fails, will confounded be with shame.

By these Expressions, which have shown in part,
My Passions, I have somewhat eas'd my heart.
And, though impertinent they seem to be
To others, they are pertinent to me,
In shewing me my weakness, and from whom
My helps, in all extremities must come.
My Passion is the same; but, this, makes way
For Reason, to command, which did obey;
And, this Divertisment a stop, brings in
To that, which else, might have destructive been.
Yet, Instrumental, though my Reason was
Herein, th'Efficient is Preventing Grace:
And therefore, Him, from whom this Mercy came,
I, thus Petition to compleat the same.

My God! my heart, thou bast now touched nearly,
And dost in that, which I affect most dearly,
Begin to try my Faith; That Faith of mine
Which (if a true Faith) was a gift of thine;
It was by thee, upon my Soul begot:
Into Temptation, therefore lead me not
Beyond my strength; But LORD deliver me
From Evil, that, I may not foiled be:
Thy onely Son, to thee, taught me to pray
In words to this effect, when any way
I was opprest; Compassion therefore take
On me, (though not for mine) LORD, for his sake;
And me dismisse not, in this sad Condition,
Without a kind reply to my Petition:
For, as Lot said of Zoar, LORD, the boone
I now request is but a little one;
And, peradventure, should my foes perceive
Thou dost of every comfort him bereave
Who hath desir'd to magnifie thy Name,
It might occasion give them to blaspheme,
Or, make thy servants to begin to Fear
That, thou regard'st not how opprest they are.

That Helper, which thou didst on me bestow,
(And, Whose assistance is much needed now)
Thou seem'st to call upon me to resign,
As one, who must no longer now be mine.
Be not displeased LORD, if I shall say
Thou tak'st the comfort of my life away;
And that, I do expect thou shouldst not leave me
Quite comfortless, if thou of her bereave me.
Why dost thou Dictate to my heart this Prayer,
If thou intend'st, to leave me in despaire?
It cannot be, thou move me shouldst to crave,
That, which thou dost not purpose I should have.

I do depend on thee, and hazarded
Both her, and all that in this world I had
For thy Cause, if my heart be not untrue:
Though therefore, nothing is by merit due,
Vouchsafe, (if with thy will accord it may)
Her life with health, and for a longer day,
That, we with thankfulness, in praises giving,
May shew thy Mercies forth, among the living.
With Tokens of thy favour, make us glad,
According to the Troubles we have had.
And, make thy other servants hopeful be
Of that Salvation, which thou shew'st to me.

Make it appear unto this Generation
That, we have the same GOD, the same Salvation
In these our dayes, that was in former times,
Aswell, as such like Tyrrannies and Crimes.
Make it appear that thou hast love for us
Aswell as heretofore for Lazarus;
That, thou, who didst hear Hagar for a Son,
And, Hannah's Prayer, when she beg'd for one,
Dost not despise my Prayer for the life
Of my beloved and Afflicted Wise;
Or, hast less pitty now then heretofore
Thou hadst of other some, who did deplore
Their dead or dying Friends; and when they mourn'd,
Had them into their bosoms back return'd.
Let it be known to those who do begin
To think, thou art not that which thou hast been,
Because that this Age hath produc'd occasions
To shew thy self in other dispensations.
Though to run back to Egypt, we are ready;
As froward, as Rebellious, and as giddy.
As they whom thou broughtst thence; though, every way
As false, as faithless, and as apt as they

To set up golden Calves: Though, as were then
There be among us here, such wicked men
As Jannes, and as Jambres, who resist
Not Moses, but a greater, JESUS CHRIST;
And, strive by their Inchantments how to bring
Us back to bondage, and seduce the King
By cursed sorceries; yet, make it known;
That, thou in Btittain dost a People own:
That as when Israel was from Pharoh saved;
That, as thou wert with Moses and with David,
And with thy People who in thraldom were
At Babel, thou art present with us here.
(LORD! I beseech thee mind thou not the less
My private suit, although my zeal to this
Diverts me from it: for, Ile further yet
Pursue that, though thou me shouldst quite forget)
Apparant make it, that, some yet inherit
A Portion of the self same pow'rful Spirit
Which fill'd Elias; and if need require,
That thou hast Prophets, who can call down Fire,
Hail, Thunder-bolts, and other dreadful things
Upon the Troops and Armies of those Kings
Who Persecute thy Saints; and Heaven constrain
Either to let fall, or withhold the Rain,
As to thy service it shall appertain!
For, this, though, hardly yet believ'd of any,
Will shortly be made manifest to many;
And thy vouchsafeing this request of mine,
May make it, to this Age, perhaps, a signe
That, thou, as heretofore, dost lend an ear
At need, to every private sufferer,
As well as unto Publick Grievances,
And, that, when ripen'd are Iniquities

A greater Conquest will be got by Words,
Then ever was in any Age, by Swords.
My Dear Redeemer, if it may be thus,
Be pleas'd to Mediate this boon for us.

That suit, for which this Prayer was begun
I will renew, now this digressions done;
Yet, neither this, nor ought else Ile require,
(Though rather then my life, I this desire)
But, what, with thy Good pleasure may consist:
And, thou hast nothing openly exprest
To make me doubtful that may not be done;
For, then, I therein thus far, had not gone.
All, things thou seem'st to will, accord not to
That, which thou hast decreed for us to do,
As being absolutely necessary:
For, some of them are but Probationary:
Things, by us, rather to be will'd, then done,
As when, to Sacrifice his Onely Son
Thou didst command thy servant Abraham;
And, when that our obedience is the same,
With us, it otherwhile, doth so succeed
That, thou the Will, acceptest for the Deed;
And, mayst another Sacrifice, this day
Accept in her stead, for whom I now Pray.
This, moveth Dust and Ashes, now, to do,
What Natural Affection prompts me to:
Make her and me, so perfectly resign
Our selves, that our will, may be one with thine;
And, Pardon this bold pleading; for, had we
No will, which may be said our own to be,
There could be no obedience. Good nor Ill,
Can be, in him, that is not free to will.

LORD! this my Consort, is as dear to me
As Isaac unto Abraham could be;

Yet, if thou wilt resume her at this time,
(Although with me thou deal not as with him)
As absolutely, as he did intend
His Sacrifice; I, her to thee commend.
From thee I had her; up to thee I give her;
I, wholly unto thy disposure leave her;
And, whether thou shalt keep, or give her back,
Ile wear it as a Favour, for thy sake.
And, this is all Ile absolutely crave,
(Wherein, I know, I my request shall have)
If, with thine honour, it may to her good
Conduce, to let her make with me abode
A little longer time, that time allow;
Or else with all my heart, resume her now.
For, save to serve thee, and our Generation,
According to the end of our Creation,
(And for thy Glory) neither she, nor I
(If I do know her) wish to live or die.

If, her appointed labour now be done,
(And I must here abide to work alone,)
Take her into thine Arms before she go;
Make her not barely, to believe, but know,
That, this our sad and suddain Separation
Is for thy Glory, and for our Salvation:
(For, from the life and Death of greatest Kings
But seldom so much real honour springs
To glorifie thy Name, as doth from some
Who fill on earth, a despicable Roome.)
Give her an earnest, that she shall possesse
Thy love, in everlasting happiness;
And, that, we, whom she leaves afflicted here,
(Continning in our love to thee sincere)
Shall by the Mediatorship of him
Who bought us, meet at thy appointed time,

Where we shall never part; where, Tyrannies,
Of others, nor our own Infirmities,
Nor any thing which is to come, or past,
Deprives, of what for thine, prepar'd thou hast:
And, if she live, so let our deeds expresse
Whilst here we live, what we in words professe;
That others, may, until my dying day
Believe ther's truth, in what I write and say.
To that end, keep us pleased with our Lot,
Though little, much, or nothing shall be got
Of what we had; my GOD preserve us too
From stumbling, and from reeling to and fro,
Or stagg'rings in our Tryals, whereby they
Who are in like Afflictions, stagger may:
But, with true Joy, so let thy Holy Ghost
Replenish us, that, (although all be lost
Belonging to this world) thy Saints may see
That, there is All-sufficiency in thee.

Now, live or die my DEAR, GOD's will be done;
He fills my heart, and my Distemper's gone.
Since, GOD hath freed me from this Carnal Fear,
Let World, and Devil henceforth do what they dare.
The greater weights they shall upon me lay,
The sooner, I from them shall scape away.
If, me, they shall into a Dungeon throw,
Both dark and deep, that none may come to know
What, I say, think or do; yet, what's done there,
By these my Scraps and Crums, it will appear,
Though scribled hastily, yea, help prevent
What, peradventure, is the Worlds intent:
And hint, that, though Close-Prisoner me they keep,
I shall not wholly spend my time in sleep.
For, doubtless, to my GOD, there, speak I shall
Like Jonas, in the Belly of a Whale,

And (as the Blood of Abel dld) speake then,
That, which will more prevaile then Tongue or Pen.

Isaiah 38.

The living, The living (O GOD) shall praise thee as I do this day. (YET) Blessed are they who die in the LORD; for they shall rest from their Labours, and their works follow them. Revel. 14. 13.

Octob. 6. 1661.

Another Spiritual Song composed, by occasion of the last mentioned Distemper.

I

VVhen in the Morn we rise,
Alas! how little think we on,
What through our ears or eyes,
May pierce our hearts, ere that day's gone?
I, did but borrow
From what, next Morrow,
I hop'd to have enjoy'd;
And that, hath quite
The whole delight
Of both dayes, now destroy'd.

II

My thoughtful heart grew sad,
And represented unto me,
Such things as in the shade
Of Death's approaches use to be:

With many a doubt,
(Which Faith keeps out)
My Fancy fills my head;
And clouds are come,
Which with a Gloome
This day, have overspread.

III

If, whilst the Sun gives light,
Become so dark, so soon, it may,
How black will be the Night
That shall ensue so dark a day?
My Soul, I see
Betray'd we be,
By our own want of care,
To have prepar'd
A dayly guard,
To keep out carnal Fear.

IV

No pow'r was in the World
Whereby a Passion like to this,
On me could have been hurl'd,
Had nought, been in my self amisse:
By day or night,
(Be't black or bright)
The Devil hath no power
Which can procure
Distemp'rature,
Without some fault of our.

V

How frail a thing is man,
That, lifeless words, aray'd in white,

This Morn affright him can
Who, seemed fearless yester night?
Dread of ill newes,
Too plainly shews
That, with us all's not well:
For, if it were
We need not Fear,
Though storm'd by Death and Hell.

VI

For, if beneath GOD's Wing
Our safe repose we sought to make,
None, such Ill newes could bring,
That, much our Courage it could shake;
Of, Plagues that smite
By day or night
We need not stand in awe
Of poysonous things,
Of Serpents stings,
Nor of the Lyons Pawe.

VII

Therefore, my Spirit rowze
(Our Foes, we see, are not asleep)
Let us, no longer drowze,
But, better watch hereafter keep;
Come, Courage take,
And we shall make
These Bugg-bears take their flight?
For, 'tis our Fear,
No strength of their
That now doth us affright.

VIII

The Passions of the mind
Are but the fumes of Flesh and Blood,
Which make the Reason blind,
By mispresenting Ill, or Good.
If, unto these,
We closly presse,
And, wistly on them look,
They will appear
Such as they are,
And, pass away like smoke.

IX

And, yet, my Soul, beware
Thou bring not to assault these Foes
Goliah's shield or Spear,
Nor in his Head-piece trust repose.
No, nor unto
What Self can do,
But, take thou Davids sling,
And, what he took
Out of the Brook,
Of Grace, among them fling.

A Meditation whilst he was taking a Pipe of Tobbacco.

Though some, perhaps will think the things I do,
Much less then Idleness, amount unto;

Yet, to have no work troubles me, at least,
As much, as therewith to be overprest;
And, then to be quite Idle, I had rather
Pick strawes, catch Flies, or shells, and Pebles gather,
Or, (as I sometimes do) the time to pass,
Number my steps, or tell the panes of glass,
And often when a trifling act is done,
Make some good use of that, which promis'd none.

Here, all alone, I by my self have took,
An Emblem of my Self, a Pipe of Smoke:
For, I am but a little piece of Clay
Fill'd with a Smoke that quickly fumes away.
This Vanity, our Clymat never knew
Till near the time, in which, first breath I drew;
And otherwhile, it is of wholsome use
(Though, for the most part subject to abuse:)
Since first I smookt it, after (it came hither)
I laid it by, nigh thirty years together,
And for my healths sake, then, did reassume
That Bauble wherewith we Tobbacco fume;
(Not hitherto disabled to forgo it,
If any way offensive I should know it)
And, that in mind, as well as bodily
I might he someway profited thereby,
Such Meditations come into my thought,
As these, which now, unto my mind are brought.

Ev'n as this Pipe was formed out of Clay,
And may be shapeless Earth again this day,
So may I too. So brittle, that one touch
May break it, this is; I, am also such.
When it is broke, made whole it cannot be
By Humane Art; so will it fare with me
When I to dust shall be reduc'd by Death,
Until reviv'd by an Eternal Breath.

100

This brittle ware, we, oft have strangely seen
Preserv'd from breaking: and so I have been.
When foul it growes, it must be purifi'd,
By Fire; I, in like manner must abide
Those Fiery-Tryals, which will purge away
That filth which is contracted every day.
Moreover, when therein, this Herb's calcin'd,
Such things as these, it brings into mind;
That Custom, by degrees, prevaileth still,
To draw us, both to what is Good and Ill;
For, when this customarily is taken,
It can by very few, be quite forsaken,
Or, heeded, how they turn unto abuse,
That, which is otherwise, of some good use;
Yea, so it them deludes, that oft they think
That, is well scented, which doth alway stink;
Yet, me it makes, with thankfulness to heed,
How, GOD wraps up, a Blessing in a Weed:
And, how (when I have weighed things together)
He makes one vanity to cure another;
Turns that to Good, which was, perhaps, for Evil,
At first, sent in among us, by the Devil.
It minds me too, that, as this Herb by fire
Must be consum'd, so, must all our desire
Of Earthly things; and, that wherein we took
Most pleasure, turn to Ashes and to Smoke.
When I had writ thus much, of what I thought,
My Candle, and Tobbacco were burnt out.

101

A Hint, of that, which may hereafter (if not despised) conduce to the Setling of Peace and Concord in Church and State.

This Scrap, though some will not disgest,
Is cast in here, among the rest.

Elia's like, I thought my self alone,
A while ago, and of my mind, knew none:
But, many I now hope, here living be
Who, joyn in one Faith, and one love with me.
My Soul, I long time, seemed to possess,
As when the Baptist in the Wilderness
Was to be Disciplin'd, and there prepar'd
For, that, which he performed afterward.
As when he Preach'd Repentance, in his dayes,
High Priests, nor Lawyers, Scribes nor Pharisees,
Nor of the gay Herodians, any one
(Nor many, but the Vulgar sort alone)
Regarded it; so, likewise, I might say
Of all my Premonitions, to this day;
And may (for ought I know) without regard
Pursue my Work, till I have his reward:
If so it happen, I am well content
To follow such a holy Precedent.

I, am now (as it were) one in exile,
Like John, when banish'd into Pathmos Isle;
And, to the seven Churches in these Nations
As he then, to the Asian Congregations

102

Had somewhat to expresse; so, I from HIM
(As I believe) who sent his mind to them
By that Disciple, have a needful Errant,
To be delivered, by Authentick Warrant,
Which, must lie Dormant, until them to hear it
GOD, shall prepare, and fit me to declare it.
Mean while, I cast in this Preoccupation,
To be a furtherance to that Preparation
Whereto GOD's Grace will ripen me, and Them,
(Hereafter, in his own appointed time;
If nothing that shall be Co-incedent
Doth intervene, that purpose to prevent)
Thus Christ, did to a future time adjourn
What, he had then spoke, might it have been born;
And, his example doth instruct my Reason,
To chuse for every work, a proper Season.

I have a Love for all the whole Creation,
Much more, for every Christian Congregation:
I, for each Member of them (whatsoere
Infirmities, I see in them appear)
Have such a Love, and so inlarged, that
I can with every Church Communicate,
In all Essential duties, though they may
Be sometimes, much abus'd with an Allay:
Because, what me therein offendeth, I,
Without offending others, can pass by;
And, at another time, in private, seek
To make them understand what I dislike;
And, by a meek compliance in what's good,
Bear with a failing, not well understood.
Their Ignorance, or misled Consciences,
Give me no cause of Personal offences,
So, they the Fundamental Truths, profess
Without malicious minds, or wilfulness;

103

Or by approving, or continuing in
Prophanness, and committing open Sin.
For, since he that knows most, knows but in part
And, hath a Cloudy Region in his heart,
They, of my Pitty, rather Objects be
Then of my hate. They, so much hurt not me
As damnifie themselves: And, I, thereby
Have of my Meekness, Faith and Charity,
Those Exercises, for which (if I have them
In true sincerity) GOD, chiefly gave them.
And, which way can they better be employ'd
Then, that a common good may be enjoy'd?
And that we to our Brethren may extend
That mercy, when we think they do offend,
Which GOD's long suffering doth vouchsafe to us?
And, since he did command it should be thus?

The Church Catholick, is a Corporation,
Whereof, the several Churches in each Nation
Are Bodies Corporate, as here we see
In LONDON, many Corporations be
Members thereof distinct, govern'd by Laws
Peculiar to themselves, as they found cause
To constitute them; yet, unto all these
Belong the Cities gen'ral Priviledges;
And every Individual Person; there,
Conforms unto those Lawes which proper are
To this whole City; and they live together
In Peace, without intruding on each other.
What hinders (but our Ignorance, Ambition,
Our Avarice, and Love to Superstition,)
That, Christian Congregations may not thus
Be form'd, and regulated so with us,
That, we may live henceforward in true Peace,
Morality and Piety increase?

104

Prophanness be supprest? and, no more, here,
Affairs Divine, and Civil interfere?
What hinders this, but, want of that true Love
And meeknes, which our knowledge might improve?
And, whence flowes Discord, but from intermedling
With what concerns us not? fooling, and Fidling
About those things impertinent, which, whether
Their tendance be to this, or that, or neither
'Tis not material, so, that may not be
Infringed, which to all, ought to be free?
That Peace may be preserv'd; men kept in awe
From violating of the morall Law,
And, GOD permitted to possesse alone
The Conscience as (on earth) his Proper Throne?
For, he from none, will an account receive,
According to what other men believe,
Or shall command; but, answerable to
What he commands us to believe and do,
According to the Light he shall afford,
By his assisting Spirit, and his Word:
And, therefore, they, who, out of slavish Fear,
Of those who peaceably inclined are,
Force Innocents, to any hard Condition
(Thereby to free themselves from their Suspition
Which is incurable) are Tyrannous,
And foes to GOD, unto themselves, and us.

In my late Tryal, I have had a shake,
But, it hath deeper driven in the stake;
And hath, I hope vouchsafed by that FIT,
An earnest, he so fast will settle it;
That, all the Tempests which in future dayes
The World, the Flesh and Devil have pow'r to raise,
Shall more increase my courage; and, by mine
Some other, to the like Resolves incline.

105

GOD, give us Grace, with seriousness to heed
These things in time, with what, else may succeed.
There is a way, how that, may yet be done
Which hitherto, is little thought upon;
And, thereof, in what is expressed here,
A Hint, if well observed, may appear.

A Hymn of Thanksgiving to Almighty GOD;

compos'd by this Prisoner, for the gracious restoration of his Wives life and health; who, lying mortally sick (as was supposed) at 52. miles distance during his Imprisonment, in a sad disconsolate condition, and reputed to be dead, about the space of an hour, was miraculously restored.

[_]

To the Tune of the 148. Psalm.

I

How soon, my gracious GOD,
Hast thou my Prayer heard?
How just, how kind, how Good,
Hast thou to me appear'd?
Blest, be this Day:
For, what did fright my heart last night,
Thou dost allay:
The Clouds, that made, this Morning sad,
Are blown away.

106

II

As when his moan to thee
The good Centurian made,
Though I unworthy be,
Like favour I have had
Vouchsaf'd to me;
Nay little less, in my distress
Receiv'd I have,
Then She, whose Son, and onely one,
Was near his grave.

III

At least, I, so much Grace
Of thee, this day have had,
As daign'd to Jairus was
Whose Daughter thou foundst dead,
Upon her Bed:
For, when my Wife, depriv'd of life
Had long time laine,
Thou, heeding there, our Prayers here
Gav'st life again.

IV

Thus she, who first was thine
(And so shall alwayes be)
Hath now, been twice made mine,
And, is enjoy'd by me;
For which, to thee
A double praise, LORD, all my dayes,
I ought to give;
Assist I pray, this due to pay
Whilst here I live.

107

V

And, let all, who now hear
What, thou for me hast done,
Help me thy praise declare;
For, not to me alone
Extends this boone;
This Act of Grace, vouchsafed was
That, they thereby
Might at their need, know where to speed
As well as I.

VI

LORD, I have nought to give
For all thou hast bestown,
But, what I did receive
And was, and is thine own;
Oh! now therefore
This Sacrifice, do not despise
For, I am poor;
Therewith, I shall give self and all,
Who can give more?

A Penitential Hymn, composed by occasion of a Dream the 19th. of Octob. 1661. about Midnight.

I

My GOD, thou didst awake me,
This night out of a sad and fearful Dream,

108

That, sensible did make me
Of Sins, which heretofore small Sins did seem;
And, ere I perfect heed could take,
Whether I slept, or was awake,
He, that is watching ev'ry hour,
Whom he may mischief, and devour,
Sought, how he might thereby advantage make:
Rebuke him, for my Dear Redeemer's sake.

II

Permit thou no Transgression,
Whereof, I heretofore have guilty been,
Nor great, nor small Omission,
Which I forgotten have, or overseen,
(Either through want of penitence
Or of confessing my offence)
To rise against me, great or small;
For, LORD, I do repent them all:
And, likewise, (be it more or less)
Renounce all trust, in my own Righteousness.

III

As Job, complain'd, such Visions
To me seem'd represented this last night
Of failings, and Omissions
That, sleeping, they did much my heart affright;
Me thought a Spirit passed by
Not to be seen with mortal eye;
And, I was minded by a Voice
(That, spake unto me without noise)
Of things preceding, which (then quite forgot)
So, as I ought to do, I heeded not.

109

IV

Oh God! most kind, most holy,
Remember not the errours of my life;
Call not to minde my folly
To add a new Affliction, to my Grief.
World, Flesh and Devil, my foes are,
And, much more then my strength
On me, they have already cast, (can bear
Unless, that thou compassion hast;
Oh! throw my sins out of thy sight therefore,
That, they may not be seen, or heard of more.

V

My Soul doth now abhor them,
Thine onely Son, hath with his precious blood
Made satisfaction for them;
Thou, didst accept it; I believe it good:
And, therefore, though they somtimes make
My heart to tremble and to ake,
My Soul is confident they pard'ned are
As if they ne're committed were;
Confirm it so, that, sleeping and awake
Sweet rest in thee, I may for ever take.

VI

Dear GOD, of my Salvation,
Preserve me by thy Love and mighty Pow'r
From perilous Temptation,
In Weal, in Woe, and at my dying hour:
Me, let thy Gardian Angels keep
When I do wake, and while I sleep,
From shame without, and fear within:
From evil thoughts, and Actual Sin,

110

That, Friends and Foes and every one may see,
No man in vain, doth put his trust in thee.

A Requiem to the Soul.

I

My Soul, vex not thy self at those,
Who, to all Godliness are Foes,
Although they make fair outward showes,
And spread and flourish like the Bay;
For, deplorable is their case,
They, as the scorched Summer Grasse,
Shall soon into oblivion passe,
And all their Beauty fade away.

II

I have been young, and old am grown
And, many changes I have known,
Whereby, it hath to me been shown
Whereto, their wicked courses tend:
With Honour I have seen them Crown'd,
With Pow'r and Riches to abound,
Whose Place no where can now be found;
For, all their Pomp is at an end.

III

With shadows they themselves beguile,
And, GOd, doth at their folly smile;
With patience therefore wait a while,
And, grudge them not their Portion, here;
Destruction, toward them is hasting,
Their Time is short, and dayly wasting,

111

But, thine will be for everlasting,
And, Griefs, as if they never were.

IV

Employ thy self in doing well,
And, GOD, with thee shall kindly deal;
Thou, in the Land shalt safely dwell,
Well fed and clothed, all thy dayes.
And when the Glory of their Name
Is blur'd out, with an evil Fame,
Then, shall thy Poverty and shame
Be mention'd unto thy praise.

V

Let wordlings feed upon their Chaff,
Their Cups of Fornication quaff,
And at thy sufferings grin and laugh;
A midst thy Foes lie down and sleep.
Whilst in their malice, they persist,
In GOD's Protection take thy rest,
For, though thy Body be opprest
Thee, safe, in spight of them, he'l keep.

He, whosoever he be, that speaks this Charm,
Unto his Soul in Faith, shall have no harm;
Therefore, as a Receipt approved, take it:
For, for my self alone, I did not make it.

112

A Meditation upon the many Prodigies and Apparitions, which are mentioned by Publick writing, or common Fame.

VVe are inform'd, by questionless Presages
(Vouchsafed to instruct succeeding Ages)
That warnings of Christ's coming, should be given
By signs and wonders manifest from Heaven:
And, we have seen, in Histories recorded,
That, Providence, in all times hath afforded,
Some Premotions of those Desolations
Which fell on Persons, Places, States and Nations,
Before they came: For, our most gracious GOD,
(As doth a loving Father) shewes the Rod
Before he whips, that he thereby may fright
To Penitence, ere he begins to smite;
And, frequently, prevail, if that means may,
Us to reclaim, he flings the Rod away:
Which kind Indulgence, is in these times, more
Inlarged then, it hath been heretofore.

New Prodigies, we hear of ev'ry day,
And, likewise hear, how they are puft away
As but meer Fictions. If we find them so,
This, justly, thereupon inferr I do,
That, more presumptuous we in these times are
Then ever any other People were:
For, very much corruption it implies
To be in those who make and publish Lyes.
If there be Truth, in any of those Visions,
Or Extraordinary Apparitions,

113

Which are affirm'd; 'Tis no less wicked daring,
So to affront GOD's visible appearing
In Signs and Wonders, as, both to contemn,
And seek by all means, how to smother them:
But, it is worst of all, to publish Lyes
Of purpose, to discredit Verities,
As if we meant, to do the most we can
To try the Patience both of GOD, and Man.

If, we believe the things that are aver'd,
Why of GOD's Judgements, are we not afeard?
And, either seek to pacifie his Wrath,
Or, magnfie his Mercy, who, so hath
Forewarn'd, of what is likely to ensue,
That, we his Indignation may eschew?
If we suspect, what publickly is told,
Why do not they, who are in Pow'r (and should)
Search out the Truth, that, by due punishment,
They such like Provocations may prevent?
For, out of question, to connive at Lyes,
Or smother Truths, worse things presignifies,
Then all the Apparitions, that have been
These twenty years, in this our Climate seen;
(Though nothing doubted of) and will go nigh
At last, to turn all Truths into a Lye.

I must confess, that, though unto my Ears
There have been brought within these twenty years
So many strange Reports, of sights and Voices,
Earthquakes and Thunders, dreadful Storms & noises;
Of Ebbs and Tides, of Suns, and Moons, and Stars,
And Armies in the Clouds, portending Wars,
With such like, as would have perhaps, amounted
Unto a hundted, if I them had counted;
Not one of those I saw: yet, so unjust
I am not, as those good men to distrust

114

Who have aver'd them: for, though Prodigies
And such miraculous Appearances,
Are daign'd in chief, to Infidels, and those
Who in God's word, no confidence repose;
Yet, they are likewise, otherwhile, reveal'd
To true Believers, lest, they be conceal'd
From those whom they concern; or lest, by them
Quite slieghted, who, the Works of GOD, contemn;
They, also their own welfare so neglect
That, they be totally without effect.
On trust, I therefore take them: for, if we
Confirmed by their Witness may not be,
Whose Conversations are to us well kuown;
How, can we any Affirmations own
For Truths, Historically writ, by those
Whose Conversation, no man living knowes?

For, my part I have with my carnal Eyes,
And, otherwise, beheld such Prodigies
In Words and Deeds, that, although none of that
Were true, which I hear other men relate,
I (at the least Mysteriously) discover
All those old Miracles, new acted over,
In my time, which in Pharaohs days were wrought,
When Israel out of servitude was brought;
And, many a such like wonderful proceed,
As we recorded in the Scriptures read.

I've seen th'Inchanter's (yea, and Aarons) Rod,
Turn'd into Serpents; Waters into blood.
I have seen Froggs sent, and remov'd again,
And, yet, we as hard hearted still remain.
I have observed, (at least once or twice)
Our Dust, to be transformed into Lice.
Plagues, which resembled Locusts, Flies, and Hail,
Yet not a jot upon our hearts, prevail.

115

The People, ev'n as Murrains do our Beasts,
A Sin that's Epidemical, infests;
And, so with Blaines and Byles we smitten be,
That, in a moral sense, meer Scabs we be.
Ægyptian Darkness too, hath here, among
Our other Plagues, continu'd very long,
With likelihood to be as grosse, as there,
Unless, the Sun of Righteousness appear;
Yea, I have seen our First-born also slain,
Yet, still, we in obduracy remain.

I, therefore, wonder not, if private Visions,
Prodigeous sights, and Dreadful Apparitions,
(Discern'd but here & there) have nought effected,
Since, things more Signal, are so much neglected.
Where, Moses and the Prophets are not heard,
One from the Dead, will find but small regard.
In vain are Dumb-shewes, where, a speaking sign
Can to no heedfulness, mens hearts incline.
When CHRIST's own Words, will not with credit pass,
In vain, will be the speakings of an Asse:
Yet, speak must, when GOD shall his tongue untie; pass,
And, whatsoere succeedeth, so will I.

A Riddle for Recreation, not impertinent to this Place.

Into a Park, I lately came,
Wherein are many herds of Game,
Whereof the Keepers take no care,
And yet, they in abundance are.

116

They are a Cattle of strange Breed
Which, on no Browse, nor Grasse do feed;
Are Found, before that they are sought;
Aswell in sleep, as waking caught:
So silently, they hunted are
That, neither Hound nor Horn we hear
When chatc't: They, are the onely things,
Left free for Beggars and for Kings
To Hunt at will: and, all that we
Assur'd of by our Charters be.
What Park is this? What Game are these?
Tell me, and Hunt there, when you please.

A Proclamation made by this Prisoner, with the advise of his Privy Counsel, the Muses.

Oh Yee's, Oh Yee's, Oh Yee's: if any man
In Country, Court or City tell me can
Where my last Poem call'd Vox Vulgi lies,
(Seiz'd lately in my Chamber by surprize)
On penalty, of what else follow may,
Let him produce it, e're my Tryal day;
(Which, yet, I am not certain, when, or where
It will be, neither do I greatly care.)
He, who to me, the same will timely bring,
Shall be rewarded: So, GOD Save the King.

Given, this 17th. of the 8th. Month, 1661. At my Head Qquarters in Newgate, which is, at present, all the places of abode upon earth, which the Prince of this World and his Prelacie have left me.

Geo. Wither.

117

A Concluding Epigram.

VVith these Cards, I, an After-game have play'd,
But, there's one Card, by shuffling, so mislaid,
That, now my fore-game's lost; yet, if I may
Just Dealing find, Fair Gamsters, and Fair-play,
What ever happens, I no question make
But, I at last, may thereby save my stake;
And, when the Sett is ended, win much more
Then ere I got by Play, or Work before.

If any good Effects, hereby ensue,
A Thanks to GOD, is for my Troubles due:
For, had he not made way to send me hither,
These Fragments, had not thus been scrap'd together.
Those Papers, which are hitherto supprest,
Shall that occasion, which will manifest
(At last) a more effectual operation
Then, if they might have had free Publication.
If, also, God, me, here shall exercise
With greater Tryals, better Fruits then these
They will produce: Therefore, they shall to me
Be welcome, when, or whatsoere they be.

Yet, for the sakes of other men, well pleas'd
I should be, from my Tronbles to be eas'd;
Because, until mine shall have some redresse,
Their suff'rings, are not likely to be lesse.
LORD, therefore, if thou please, make it a sign,
Their Troubles will soon end, by ending mine.
I, thereof, am a little hopeful made,
By some foretokens, which I newly had.

118

Three likely signs thereof, he daigned hath;
For, my Beloved Consort, he from death,
Was pleas'd to raise (ev'n whilst within this place
I have remain'd, exposed to disgrace
And Poverty) he, for my Children too,
Whilst this was writing, hath provided so
That, without Portions, to their good content,
They married are, without disparagement;
All parties, Christian confidence professing
Of their dependance on GOD's future blessing.
He, in the presence, and amidst my Foes,
Hath spread my Table; and, such bounty showes,
That, these are nothing, but the Scraps and Crums
Of that supply, which, dayly, from him comes.

Appello DEUM, REGEM, POPULUM, PARLIAMENTUM.

I do, appeal, to judge of my intent,
To GOD, King, People, and the Parliament:
For, one of these, I'm sure, my Friend will be,
And, I hope well, of all the other three;
But, they know not my heart, so well as he.

A Post-script to the Readers.

120

To write no more, I long since did intend;
But, none but GOD knowes now when I shall end,
For, still, I find, when I think all is done,
As much to write, as when I first begun.

Your true Friend, and Brother in the best Consanguinity, who thinks it no dishonour, to subscribe himself, GEORGE WITHER, of Newgate, in the City of London, Prisoner.

The 19th. of the 8th. Moneth, 1661.

An Appendix in Relation to what concerns his Wife.

My Consort, (who still meanes what ere she sayes)
Perusing what's here mentioned to her praise;
Protests, her modesty it so offended,
To find her self in such a strain commended,
That, shees asham'd to live, and, to be dead
Had rather, then to see it published.
To be aveng'd for this dislike, therefore
Ile to the rest, ad this one Vertue more,
Which had been else forgot; and if she do
Therewith find fault, Ile then, ad twenty moe.
For, I forbore her Praises till I fear'd
That, them, she never should have seen, or heard,
And, had exposed them to Publication
Before I was quite cured, of my Passion.

122

THE END.

123

The Authors Dream, the night before the Imprinting of this Book, and (as he believes) the true Interpretation thereof.

I am awake: GOD's blessed Name be prais'd,
That, he to see the Light, my eyes hath rais'd:
For, sleep, I see, which we repute the best
Of Temporal things pertaining to mans Rest,
(Next to a quiet Conscience) may become
A Torment, very near as troublesome,
If he, that giveth his Beloved sleep,
Did not, within a Bound, nights terrours keep.

My Soul, so toyl'd, and tired out, hath been
With what, this night, in Dreamings I have seen,
That, peradventure, if I waking, had
Been so opprest, it might have made me mad:
For, from the twelfth hour, to the fourth, well nigh,
I have been strugling, in an Agonie,
With such Confusions, that, if I would tell
How, I have been turmoyl'd, I, might aswell
Another World endeavour to Create
Out of a Chaos, as the same relate:
And, not a littie troubled is my mind,
Now I am waking, how, I forth may find
What it presignifies: For, I believe
Those Notions, I did not in vain receive:
And, therefore, (since no Daniel I do know,
Who, either can to me my Vision show,

124

Or, what it means) Ile, by GOD's Grace, assay
To make the best use of it, that I may;
Not doubting, but, that he will condescend
To shew some glimpse, of what, he doth intend.

It hapned (which, forget not to remember)
The day before the Kalend's of November,
The first year (and may be the last) wherein
I had infranchised in Newgate been,
For off'ring to Record, what I have heard
By common Fame, and, was by me declar'd
To no worse end, then, that, prevent it might
Such like Confusions, as me thought, this night
To me were represented. And, who knowes
But, that, this Dream, a Consequent foreshowes
To that relating, which, fulfill'd will be
Either, upon these Nations, or on me,
Or both of us, if God, averts not from
The best of us, that, which is like to come;
And, as dreadful our waking Dreams may be
As this was in my sleep, last night to me.

This very day, moreover, (as I hear)
Those Musings, which by me composed were
Since my Commitment hither, pass the Presse;
And, our Confusions, will be more or less,
As they shall take effect. GOD's Will be done,
(What ere, he pleaseth shall succeed thereon)
For, he, who wak'd me out of this sad Dream,
Will, when, at their worst, raise me out of them;
Or, when the Resurrection morning comes,
Save, me, at least, from all destructive Dooms,
This, (though my Dream admits no explanation)
I take to be a true Interpretation.
But if, that any finds me out a better
I will approve it, and remain his debter.

Tuba-Pacifica.

Seasonable Præcautions, whereby is sounded forth a Re-Treat from the War intended between England and the United-Provinces of Lower GERMANY.

By GEO: WITHER, a Lover of Peace, and heartily well-affected toward both Nations.

Nimis Cautela non nocet.

Blessed are the Peace-makers, for they shall be called the Children of God Matthew 5. 9.

TUBA-PACIFICA.

Sounding a Retreat from the War intended between England and the United Provinces.

An Ancient Emblem, relating to the said Nations.

Si Collidimur frangimur,
If we knock, we are broke.

An hour is come, in which must be renew'd
That Work, which I have hitherto pursude;
And, I to utter what I have to say,
Will take the Kue that's offer'd whilst I may,
In hope that they, whose Prudence can descern
Those things which their well-being do concern,
Will hear and heed them, e're it be so late
That Premonitious will be out of date:
For, Opportunities may slip away
To morrow, which are offer'd us this day;
And 'tis all one to Wise-men, whether Strangers
Or Friends, premonish them of likely dangers,
Or, whether unto them, Alarums from
A Silver, or a Rams-horn Trumpet come.
To me there are but two wayes known, by which
Men may speed well or ill, grow poor or rich;
To wit, by prosecuting Good or Evil,
By cleaving close to God, or to the Devil

And, they are two such Masterships, that, neither
Is pleas'd with him, who serves them both together;
Because, what is endeavour'd for the one
Obstructs what for the other shall be done.
Presuming therefore, you depend alone
On him, whom I serve, thus proceed I on.
A common Fame Reports there will be War
Betwixt the English and the Hollander
And, by their preparations, I conceive
We may with probability, believe
It will be so. Their many panick Fears,
Their groundless hopes, their bitter Scoffs and Jeers,
Cast on each other, are plain symptoms too,
Of what, in likelihood, they mean to do.
We likewise, by the Truths and by the Lies
Which to divide them wicked men devise,
And, whereby such Partakers on both sides
Augment that hatred which still more divides,
May fear, as well as by their other deeds,
The mischief will go on, as it proceeds,
Untill the power doth rest in GOD alone,
To undo, what is wilfully misdone.
But, that, which most confirms it, is the sin,
The Crying Crimes, that both continue in
Without Repentance: For, among the rest
These I enumerate are not the least,
(Nor any whit abated, since GOD made
The late Breach up, which them else ruin'd had)
Such, as their bragging vaunts of that frail strength
Which will destroy their foolish hopes at length;
The confidence, the sottish vulgar gathers
From Ships and Armies, long hair, Muffs & Feathers;
Their hot contestings which shall have the hap
To wear the greatest Bauble in their Cap.

Or, whether 'twill at last, be brought to pass,
That th'Asse shall ride the Man, or Man the Asse.
These, and some other things, that are perceiv'd
Now acting, or about to be contriv'd,
Have made me, with small diffidence to deem
Most of them are as mad as they do seem.
And, is it even so? must you now lash
Each other, and your earthen Pitchers dash?
Must you, that have so long been Friends, now knock
Untill you into Potsherds quite are broke?
None taking heed or care how to prevent
That mischief which appeareth eminent,
And was presag'd about the ninetieth year
Now past, by this your well known Emblem here?
Have you not one among you, rich or poor,
So wise as he, whose Counsel heretofore
Preserv'd a City, and did then receive
The same reward, which men in this age give
For such-like services? Hath neither, place
A man so prudent as that Woman was
Who rais'd the siege from Abel, by her wit,
When Joab with an hoast beleagur'd it?
But, are you all of wisdom so bereft,
That, no Expedient seemeth to be left
Whereby to act untill the sequels are
Ignoble Peace, or a destructive war?
If it be so, from whence could it proceed
But from your failings both in word and deed?
From sordid Avarice, Pride, and Self-will,
Inticing Fleshly Lustings to fulfil?
For, these deprave the Judgments of most Nations;
Cause them to fall away from their Foundations;
Then, fly to Refuges patcht up with Lies,
Seek Power and Riches by those vanities

Which multiply Oppressions and increase
Confusions to the ruine of that Peace
They might enjoy: For, then their strength consists
In, and by those corrupting Interests,
Which will ingage them to rush further on
In their Oppressive ways long since begun,
Till they grow deaf to all that can be said
To make them of their just deserts afraid.
And should they then, their crooked paths forbear,
Most private Tradings at a non-plus were;
Yea all those Incomes whereupon depend
Their Formal Grandeur would soon have an end.
For, many thousands, who did vast Estates
Get and uphold, by cherishing Debates,
By multiplying and delaying long
Vexatious suits, to many a poor mans wrong,
Would think themselves undone, if ev'ry State
Their Courts of Justice should reduce to that
For which they were ordain'd; and Tyranny
Would want fit Tools to bring to slavery
The common people. Very few know how
They may to GOD and their Superiours now
Perform their duties, and not both displease
Or th'one or th'other; For, what is by these
Commanded, is not seldom, either quite
Repugnant, or obliquely opposite,
As they Interpretations of them make
Who to be Judges of them undertake.
Yea, those Professions, and those Trades whereby
Most live, are subject to such vanity
That honest men are difficultly able
To use them with a Consence warrantable.
It is no easie matter to devise
What would become of all those Butter-flies

Who flutter up and down in Princes Courts,
If their oppressive Projects of all sorts
Were took away; and what case were they in
Who at this day do live upon the sin
Of one another? But they'l be supply'd
What ever to the Publick shall betide;
And at the last, (although their Friends they seem)
Destroy those Governments that nourish'd them,
Unless, according to what's just and true
Themselves they modulize, with speed, anew;
Which, how, and by whom, that might well be done
Were an Expedient worthy muzing on.
Perhaps, if you did seriously take heed,
How this concerns you, and what would proceed
From such a Constitution, you might know
From whence the quarrellings between you flow,
And how to reconcile those differences
Which now increase your dangers and expences.
Perceive you not, that your Prevarications,
Your Falshoods, and your gross dissimulations
With GOD, and with each other, so provokes
His anger, who on all mens actions looks,
That 'tis impossible you should have Peace
With him, your selves or others, till you cease
From provocations, and bring forth such fruit
As with a real Reformation suit,
And with those Churches which are truly Christs?
Yea, that your hopes wil fail, though flattering Priests
Do promise peace, and impudently, too,
Perswade, that GOD is pleas'd with what you do?
Observe you may, by what ensues thereon,
How, GOD abominates what is misdone
In managing the Mysteries of State,
And heeds what is in secret aimed at

By fair pretendings; and how, they thereby
So long have fought themselves to fortifie
That, most men are inclined to believe
Lest Good is meant, when sweetest words they give;
And that they have forgot on what conditions
Or, to what end God gave them their Commissions.
Know you not, that a spirit of delusion,
To bring upon you merited confusion,
Was Licensed to go forth and delude
Those Prophets, by whose counsel are pursu'd
Unrighteous Actions, that you may be sent
On Voyages like that which Ahab went?
Are your eyes wholly blinded? heed you not
That, such another Spirit is begot
'Twixt you, and 'twixt the People ev'ry where
Within your several Borders, here and there,
(And at this time as active) as was that
Which GOD permitted to infatuate
Abimelech and Sichem, till it had
Destroy'd them; all their Counsels frustrate made,
And brought upon both Parties that reward
Which for blood-thirsty persons is prepar'd?
If these things you have heeded, be not still
By those deluded who intend you ill;
But, wake out of your deep security,
And from that Trance wherein you seem to lie.
Consider seriously, what you intend;
E're it begin, think well how it may end;
What an intollerable heavy load
'Twill lay on most at home, on some abroad,
What Treasure, and how much blood will be spent;
How, both your Countries will be thereby rent
And shatter'd; beside, what not yet fore-seen,
Is likewise possible to intervene,

From them, who watching to enjoy the spoil
By your contendings, laugh and jeer meanwhile;
Which to prevent, I found out this Retreat
From that War, wherewith you each other threat.
I nothing aim at, or design to do
But what I know GOD hath inclin'd me to,
And which you too, may know, if you well weigh
What I have written, with what I might say;
And, I believe, that man (who ere he be)
Who shall obstruct what's offer'd now by me
Shall thereby suffer as one who withstands
The mercy he intendeth to both Lands.
With nought I charge you, but what th'one or th'other
Is singly guilty of, or both together;
Nor ought whereto, unless you feared are,
You in your selves a witness do not bear:
For my part, I shall neither gain nor loose
By Peace or War, or by that which ensues;
Because, he that on GOD his whole heart sets,
Will be the same, what ever he permits.
I love both Nations, truly wish them well,
And therefore shall not any thing conceal
That may concern your safety, though with scorn
My Premonitions you should back return:
Permit me then, to speak a word in season;
For, sometimes, he that is a Fool speaks reason.
Though Joseph was a slave in deep disgrace;
A Prisoner more neglected then I was
In my late Thraldome; (no whit less in danger
By false Accusers, because, more a stranger;)
A heathen King, disdained not to take
Good Counsel from him, when he reason spake
Though he in him, no more of GOD could see
At first, then you at this time do in me.

I, no such Revelations will pretend
As give no warrant on them to depend
Save his own word who tells them; neither ought
Advise, but Truths, which GOD himself hath taught
As well to you as me, by his known word,
Or by the Olive-branch, or, by the Sword.
His Justice or his Mercy; which have spoke
That oft, whereof you little heed have took.
To fright you, no predictions I will fain
As many do, pumpt out of their own brain;
Nor speak in Riddles, nor such things declare
As you cannot without crakt patience hear,
If I may but that freedom have to speak,
Which harmless Fools, and licens'd Jesters take.
As Moses, from a principle of Love
Said unto those two Israelites who strove,
So say I unto you who disagree;
Wrong not each other, for, you Brethren be
By Nature; yea, by Grace too, so profest:
Be therefore Christians, or be men at least.
Like barbrous heathen wherefore should you strive,
And by dissention to your selves derive
A mutual Plague? Act that which is design'd
By them who to destroy you are inclin'd,
And, probably, can no way else effect
That mischief which their Malice doth project?
Consider what Advantages you had
By concord, how safe thereby you were made;
What you profest when you agreed together;
VVhat heretofore, you have been to each other;
How strengthned, and how pow'rful you became
VVhilst your Designs were in effect the same;
To your Alies how helpeful; and to those
How terrible, who dar'd to be your Foes;

Ev'n when the pow'rfulst of your neighbouring Nations
Seem'd so assured of their expectations,
That their Sea Forces, in a proud bravado,
VVere termed an Invinsible Armado;
Till GOD befriending you, did with one puff
Bring down their Pride, and blow their Malice off.
Power, wealth, and honour, ever since that day
He, likewise, heaped on them, many away,
VVhilst you continu'd Friends, though you had many
Backslidings and defects as gross as any.
As to your outward welfare, all things, yet,
To prosper, GOD doth graciously permit.
Some of you, have by loosing all, got more
Then ever they enjoyed heretofore;
Some other, though of all; no less bereft
Are twice as rich as they, now nothing's left,
By having thereby learn'd to prize that most,
VVhich being gotten never shall be lost.
And, they who this worlds wealth do more desire
Have means enough their longings to acquire.
The chiefest Forraign Trade to you is given
In all the Realmes and Countries under heaven.
Your Ships are numberless, your Merchants more
And richer, then the Tirians heretofore.
Your Ware-houses are stor'd by your Commerce
VVith all things precious through the Universe;
For which you were envyed by all those
VVho either seem'd your Friends or are your Foes.
Your Naval Forces if you timely might
Perswaded be sincerely to unite,
In Righteousness, would ballance all the rest
Between the Orient Indies and the West
And both the Poles, enabling you to give
Those Laws to all men, who by Traffick live,

VVhereby, there might, for all, sufficient Trade
In safety, and with equity be had;
VVithout which, whatsoere you shall obtain
VVill prove but an unprofitable gain.
And, (which is more considerable, far,
Then all your honours, power and riches are)
GOD, hath among you, sown the seeds of Grace
More plentifully then in any place
Below the Sun: his Plants refreshments wanting
Though set in blood and Fire, at their transplanting
Into your Borders, so well thrived there
Ev'n then, that millions from them sprouted are;
And, more from them continually shall sprout
In spight of those who seek to root them out;
Yea, though you by your folly forfeit those
Advantages which he on you bestows,
For their sakes, whom some of you do revile
Oppress, and from their native Lands exile.
For, GOD hath made your Countrie, to become
The strongest Bulwork in all Christendom,
Both against GOG and MAGOG cover'd Foes
And such as openly, the Saints oppose;
That, saving Truth and sincere innocence
Might thereby be preserv'd from violence;
Especially, from their hate, who pursue
The precious feed of Christ in them and you,
By Antichristian wiles, which hatched were
In your own wombs, and nursed up now are
By seeming Friends, who hide their fallacies
VVith gaudy vails, and vain formalities,
Untill the souls for which they traps prepare
Are hunted unto death, or to their snare.
These Ingineers, within your bosomes lie,
And, what their chief aims are, no doubt have I.

Think on these things, and whether 'tis from me
Or from God, that you minded of them be;
For, what I had to write when I begun
I knew not; nor shall I know when 'tis done,
What, by my Prompter, I was mov'd unto
Untill I read it over as you do,
To see what is of God in ev'ry line
As if those writings had been none of mine.
When GOD, by despicable means and men,
(As he to do is pleased now and then)
Speaks to a King or Nation, it doth carry
A shew of somewhat extraordinary
To be consider'd on with serious heed,
And it importeth somewhat to succeed.
When waving men train'd up in learned Schools
He speaks to them, by those whom they count fools,
Makes others (as of old some Prophets were)
Actors in things that scandalous appear
To most Spectators, yea, ridiculous
To sober men (as oft of late with us)
Rendring them signs unto their generation
Of what's to come; 'tis worth consideration;
(Especially when injuries and scorn
Are patiently with sober stoutness born,
For conscience sake) and all men, truly wise
(Although such dispensations fools despise)
Are deeply sensible, of what on those
The ignorance and hate, of some impose,
To whom, it will be manifest ere long,
That, they have injur'd those, to their own wrong.
If yet you know it not, now be it known
That, by the power which is on you bestown
To be on all occasions, whilst you have it
Employed for his honour who first gave it)

You were intrusted, and inabled so
As you have been, not your own will to do;
Or, that you to exalt your selves above
Your Neighbours, GODS donations, might improve
Into such an exorbitance of power
That, at your pleasure, you might them devour,
Oppress your Brethren, and advantage them
VVho Adversaries are to you and him:
For, they were given to preserve their Peace
VVho, under you, in love and righteousness
Desire to live; the same Faith have profest,
And by Usurping Tyrants are opprest;
VVhich Grace if you shall turn into oppression
Or wantonness, will hasten your perdition;
Make many of your truest Friends grow sad
And me, who of your welfare should be glad,
Be forc'd my work to close (in imitation
Of Jeremiah) with a Lamentation.
You will but give your foes just cause to laugh
To see you quarrelling for straw and chaff
VVilst they get opportunity to burn
Those Granards down, whereby the precious corn
Might be preserv'd, wherewith your bread of life,
May be supply'd, if you desist from strife.
VVho can assure you that the provocations
Whereby, now very many in both Nations,
Exasperated are, will not afford
Fit opportunities by your discord
Some such contrivances then to project
And prosecute, as prudence may suspect?
For, though what Faction moves mad men to do
VVill ruine them at last, so 'twill you too.
VVhat, men who have good consciences will shun
VVill by men without consciences be done

VVhen God shall let them loose, or call together
All sors of sinners to correct each other.
'Tis likewise possible, that many things
Pretended causes of your quarrellings
If they were well examin'd, would be found
Meer scandals raised without real ground,
To make misactings on both sides appear
(By Aggravations) greater then they were.
For, in both Nations, there is such a Rabble
(By their ill manners much more despicable
Then by their Fortunes) who, for servile ends,
In hope of profit, (or to make them friends
Of those whom they sought to exasperate)
Did some misactings much more aggravate
Then there was cause; and so, that which was bad
VVas by their falshood, more offensive made:
This, hath been kindling 'twixt you many years
A smothering Fire, which now to Blaze appears;
But hitherto these had not power to blow
The flame so high as they have rais'd it now:
For, GOD did but permit them for probation
And though it was of long continuation,
Hath so your wealth increas'd, that as 'twixt Lot
And Abraham, it now hath strife begot.
GOD, by his grace, direct you to a course,
The consequent thereof may not be worse.
Your force united hath been heretofore
A terrour to the vassals of that Whore
VVhich rides the Beast: yea, often such a dread
To her, when she at highest bore her head
That, she's inrag'd to see you have so long
Against her Soceries continu'd strong;
Though to supplant you she laid many a Train
Which had not then contrived been in vain,

Had you been so divided as this day
You are, or as perhaps e're long, you may.
But Unity did make you so compact
A Body, that her wiles could not distract
Your prudent Counsels, neither from your course
Divert you, by her cunning joyn'd with force:
This, by experience found, she doth begin
To work upon you by another Gin
Which will extend to many, far and near
Who deem they thereby unconcerned are:
For, they who foolishly, themselves now flatter
That they by fishing in your troubled water
Shall get Advantages, will be bereaved
Of those expectancies, now preconceived:
For, that which follows, be it whatsoere
Will further GODS designments, but not their;
And, though you may by folly, loose your ends
She shall not bring to pass, what she intends.
If she by this Division, break your power
She thinks that she shall easily devour
The scatter'd Churches, which in hazard lie
Within the limits of her Sov'raignty;
Then, those that stronger are (though more remote)
Assoon as opportunities are got
To practice on them, by the force of Arms
Or, by the power of her besotting Charms:
And if they take effects, her work is done,
Untill GODS Counter-work shall be begun,
Who, though mans working with him he expects,
Shall no advantage lose by their defects
VVho give Advantages unto his Foes
By trifling that away which he bestows,
To do him service. But, they shall become
Partakers with Apostates in their doom.

That grand Impostris now resolves to play
Divisions, making all those whom she may,
Dance to her Fiddle; and to bring about
Her purposes, hath very little doubt:
For, as a wasted Candle when it sinks
Into the greasie socket (and there stinks)
Sends greater flashings forth, and blazeth more
A little while, then any time before;
So, she doth now, with her whole force persue
The mischief she hath long design'd for you;
And, not much wanting seemeth to compleat
That, whereupon her heart hath long been set:
For, to that end, were sent forth before hand,
Her Emissaries into ev'ry land,
With Dispensations (as occasion haps)
To make use of all courses, forms, and shapes:
And these have into all Societies
All Constitutions and Fraternities,
(Divine or Civil) all Affairs, Relations,
And Interests, what ever, in both Nations,
Screw'd, such a party, that, chief sway they carry
In things divine, civil, and military;
So, that, as once it was prophanely said,
Should GOD stand neuter, till her game were plaid,
She would prevail against you, at this time,
Because, no aid shall be withheld from them
Who malice you, nor any furtherance
Her power and sinking Throne to readvance
Which Antichrists confederates can add,
Or, from prophanest persons may be had.
Be therefore heedful that by your dissention
You make not seizable her ill intention
By trusting to the Complements of those
Who are her vassals, and your secret foes,

And (as you, oft do) speak fair, but to deceive
That they without suspicion may contrive
Your whole destruction, and recover power
To re-enlarge their Babylonian Tower.
Which, is this day as truly their design,
As those thoughts, whereon, now I think, are mine.
Blest let them be who seriously endeavour,
To reconcile you; cursed, they who sever
Whom GOD hath joyned; For, no outward curse
To any can befall, that will be worse
Then that which will in likelihood betide
To these two Nations if they long divide;
But, they who of the breach most guilty are
The greatest burthen of that curse shall bear.
I am no Person who confederates
With home-bred male-contents, or Forraign states
Either to get revenge for wrongs received
Or that some gain may be thereby derived
Unto my self: For, whatsoere it be,
That which best pleaseth GOD, best pleaseth me;
And having no designments of mine own
Can wait with patience till his will be shown.
I, being one who having oft fore-seen,
And fore-told things that have fulfilled been,
Endeav'ring to prevent the prosecutions,
Of wicked actions and rash Resolutions,
Am by a power which I dare not oppose
Once more stir'd up, to preadmonish those
(As heretofore) who now seem rushing on
In that Career, as other men have done,
Which tendeth unto that end which befell
To those, who sleighted, what I did fore-tell:
And, I to speak again must not forbear;
Vouchsafe therefore to me a patient ear,

Be wary, that your Avarice and Pride,
Prove not to be a motive to divide
At this time, though when you divided last
Your likely hazards were soon over-past,
And plagues remov'd ere any penitence
Had testifi'd remorce for your offence,
Lest, greater evils follow, and the trouble
Removed then, returns upon you double,
For, Nations to expose to wars unjust
Meerly to satisfie a private Lust,
And those inforce the greatest weight to bear,
Who no way guilty of transgressing are
Of that which in a War ingages them,
Is questionless, a sanguinary crime
From which, no temporary priviledge
Can vindicate, before a Righteous Judge:
But, it will bring down Vengeance in due season
From him whose Justice cannot be call'd treason
Although your High Priests, and some others too,
The boldness may assume to term it so.
If wrongs be done, let all good means be us'd
To judge between th'Accuser and Accus'd
E're sentence pass; and do not then prolong
Due recompence to them who have had wrong;
Lest by delaying what you should restore,
Instead of righting him, you wrong him more.
Ere battail you begin, let peace be offer'd,
Accept a good expedient, when 'tis proffer'd.
Remit small faults where you find penitence:
Upon the same terms, let the great'st offence
Be pardoned also, when the perpetration
Of wrong, exceeds all means of expiation;
In that, you'l imitate the King of heaven
Who often hath such Crimes to you forgiven.

Make not the Sword your Umpier, till you see
A remedy, no other way can be.
Your just Rights to preserve, do what you can,
But, fight not to inslave another man;
Nor venture your own Countries to inflame
That you may get a fruitless aiery fame;
Much less to grasp a power, which when acquir'd
Will in your hands, be like Granados fir'd;
Yet, to avoid the mischief and the Curse
Of War, make not a Peace that shall be worse.
Nor when you are at rest provoke his wrath
Who, quietness to you vouchsafed hath,
By cheating them of their just expectations
Who truly wish the welfare of both Nations,
Adventuring their persons and estates,
To save what to your interest relates;
And then intrusted you with their defence,
Thereby, but as a second consequence.
If you would keep Rebellious men in awe,
To ev'ry one his birth-right due by Law
Preserve impartially; and unto none
Deny that which is due to ev'ry one;
Lest, whilst abroad ingaged you become
In warfare, there may be worse fraies at home:
For, that Allegiance which is in all Lands
'Twixt Prince and People, upon two feet stands,
So, that if th'one fails in what it should do,
In equity, so will the other, too;
Men who are much oppressed against reason,
Will not much fear to act what you call Treason;
And, then, from questioning, on whom there lies
The greatest guilt; small profit can arise.
Which way soever, therefore, GOD shall daigne
To make you Friends, and give you Rest again,

With moderation, and with Justice use
That Mercy; for if you the same abuse
This, without question, will ensue thereon;
Both, shall one way or other be undone.
The conquer'd shall inslaved be; and they
Who conquer, be made slaves another way.
Make not your Rest to be a snare or Stale
As Fowlers do, to cath Birds there withall.
Nor means, your selves with such vast power to arm,
As helps not so much, to do good, as harm;
For GOD will heed it, and you shall be caught
Ev'n in those Traps, which your own hands have wrought,
And as old Rome was you shal be at length
Orewhelm'd and destroy'd, by your own strength.
To mine own Countrymen, I'le write or say
Nought at this time, which any justly may
Apply to them alone; lest, some once more
May terme it scandalous as heretofore,
Or call me Libeller, for being bold
To tell them Truths (although in season told.)
I, Have, so often in particular
And so long, time been their Remembrancer
With small regard (except from such as do
Love simple Truth, and suffer for it too)
That, I to them, will nothing mention here,
Save that in which, an equal part to bear
Both Nations may be said, without my blame;
Because, thereby, I somewhat hopeful am
To raise thence an expedient to escape
The being caught again, in my old Trap.
But I'le apart, a word or two express
To our Dutch Neighbours in true friendliness.
Remember what of old the English Nation
Hath been to you; and with how much compassion

They, your Protection timely undertook
When you extreamly by the Spanish yoke
Oppressed lay; and whether the pursuing
Of those things which are at this present doing,
May not at last reduce you back to that
Deplor'd condition, or a worse estate;
And bring you once again, inslav'd to lie
Beneath such an unbounded Monarchy
As you abhor: Your Senators are wise,
They in their heads, I know do bear their eyes
And, if they be not hoodwinckt, need by none
Be minded, what should be consider'd on:
Yet, since but men, let them not be offended
With what is by a stranger recommended
Unto their serious heed, and let my caution
Be acceptable unto your whole Nation.
Consider, whether all they who pretend
Your Country, Cause, and Intr'st to befriend
May not more complemental prove then real,
When time shall bring their Friendship to a tryal,
And be as false to yon, as you have seen
Most States and Princes, often to have been
Unto each other, though aly'd by blood,
By Aides in times of need, Leagues, neighbourhood,
And all ingagements whatsoere, which might
Devised be, them, firmly to unite.
Think, whether such have not a party now
Among you, which as things to ripeness grow,
Will help improve them, to set up a power
Tending to their advantage more then your:
Yea, whether, you already may not see
That, some to such a purpose, active be,
This day among you; and, take timely heed,
That, what you would prevent, may not succeed.

Ill words corrupt good manners; and I hear
That, you no scurrile language do forbear
VVhich either heighten may the indignation
And fury kindled in our English Nation,
Or, make them to be hated of your own;
As if you wholly resolute were grown,
So to divide both, that by no endeaver,
They might be reconcil'd again, for ever.
This fault, which to the vulgar I impute
VVill questionless produce a poisonous fruit,
And, therefore, though I truly may confess
My Countrymen have not offended less,
In that kind (and may peradventure take
Occasion from these Lines, a change to make
Within themselves) I, heartily intreat
Both you and them, his love to imitate
VVhose doctrines we profess, and bridle more
Their rude tongues, then they have done heretofore
That, from good words, there may at last proceed,
True reconcilement both in Word and Deed.
Of one thing more, put you in mind I would
(VVhich now to your remembrance bring I should)
VVere I not hopeful you oft minde it so,
As it becomes you, and repent it too,
And that, we shall give mutual satisfaction
For ev'ry scandal and injurious action,
On either charged, for which, to make even
'Tis in our power; the rest must be forgiven.
Lord GOD, vouchsafe thy mercy to these Lands
And, if with thy good pleasure it now stands,
The Plagues for their demerits due, adjourn,
That Peace with Grace united may return
Before the madness of this Generation
Hath frustrated their means of preservation.

By Judgments, and by Mercies interwove,
By chastisements in anger and in love
By threatnings and by gentile invitations,
Thou, to reclaim us from prevarications
Hast oft assaied; adding unto these
Whisperings in secret to our consciences;
Spoke to our ears by men, unto our eyes
By Apparitions and by Prodigies:
Yea, whilst I'm writing this, there doth appear
A Blazing Star within our hemisphere,
A swell unto our neighbours as to us
Made visible: And wherefore Glares it thus
With an Aspect so dreadful at this time,
But, to point at, and forwarn us and them
Of some approrahing mischief, whereof heed
Is to be taken by us, with all speed.
Lord, let us not, still obstinate remain
Rendring (as heretofore) all quite in vain,
That's seen, or said, or done, till none for ever
By Word, or Deed, our safety shall endeaver.
That time is not yet come; I'le spend therefore
In hope of good success, a few words more;
And, look to be excus'd if I shall thrice,
VVrite that, which I have writ already twice;
For, neither can hard flints or knotty blocks
Be shap'd without reiterated strokes.
Why should you quarrel? what are now your wants,
But, Grace and Faith to use well what GOD grants?
The World is wide enough, the Seas have room
Sufficient for your Ships to go and come:
Expedients will be found which may procure
An honourable peace that will endure
VVithout a disadvantage unto either
If to make proof thereof you joyn together.

Impartial Justice, brotherly compassion
Love, meekness, piety, humiliation
Faith, prayer, penitence, with such like things
Are those, whence wealth, and peace, and honour springs
To them, who will perswaded be to do
To others, as they would be done unto;
As jealous to redress a neighbours wrongs
As in that which to their own ease belongs;
As forward, an oppressed man to hear
As cruel Tyrants to afflict him are;
And could forbear intruding on GODS right
A setled peace thereby enjoy they might,
Without fear; yea, without a just suspicion
Of Treasons, Insurrections or Sedition:
And, they whom you distrust, will be more true
Then they, in whom you trust, shall be to you,
If you endeaver to contract a peace
And keep it, by unfeigned righteousness:
Although such mediums are but scoffed at
Or sleighted, by most Ministers of State.
But, such a Blessing, never can be got
Or kept, by that whereon most Nations dote.
The constitution of whose Governments
Are made according to such presidents
As Jeroboam left, and lost thereby
That Kingdom which on his posterity,
Should have been fixt, had he not counsel took
From flesh and blood, and Gods advice forsook.
Not those men, whose Advantages are least,
Or most, shall thrive; but, they who use them best;
Make GOD alone their Refuge, and contend
That cursed strife, in blessed peace may end.
'Tis not your carnal policies, or forces,
Your Forts, Ships, Armies, Guards of men & horses;
Your fair pretending what was never ment,
Your heavy Taxes beyond president,

Your flattering Parasites or your Buffoones,
Your roaring Hectors, and your Pantaloones,
Or Oaths inforced, or great Brags and lies,
Nor their complyings whose Hypocrisies
Are much depended on, that will effect
Those Conquests and those Triumphs they expect
Who boast before their Armour is put off,
And, at the weapons of the spirit scoff:
For, what by vanity may be obtained
Shall thereby, be devour'd assoon as gained.
You have betwixt you (as imply'd before)
Half of all Forraign Tradings, if not more.
Your many Manufactures, are become
Staple commodities, that bring you home
Three times as much in value ev'ry year
As those things, which among you growing are
Amounted to unwrought; and you are grown
As rich in Forraign wares as in your own.
The Seas have been your Fish ponds, and afford
Enough to make both rich, could you accord
And both, alike were frugal. Means of Trade
Is in a thousand places to be had,
Which to imploy you will sufficient be,
When you like Christian Brethren shall agree,
Or, but like moral men; nay, if but so
As many Infidels, and some Beasts do;
And, GOD and Natures Laws, would you direct
Aright, if, them, you did not wilfully neglect,
Make your own Will a Law, and were inclin'd
To that, which hath corrupted all Mankinde
Rendring, what for mans real weal was given
The greatest outward Plague on this side heaven.
So wilfully pursuing your own wayes
For your self-ends; that he who doth not praise
Your folly, or with silence pass it by,
Is thought no Friend, if not an enemy,

And, to reprove Vice is become a Crime
Judg'd Capital among you at this time.
If you consider these things as you ought,
(And shall not be displeas'd to hear them brought
Thus bluntly to remembrance) I have hope
I may still scape the Gollows and the Rope
For speaking Truths in season, unto them
Who, their well-willers caulesly condemn;
And, from their Native Countries, banish those
For whose sakes, GOD hath kept them from their foes,
Waiting with long-long-sussering, when to him
They will return, that, he may turn to them.
This you may do; And I have hope of it:
For, GOD is resident among you, yet.
His Candl stieks are not from you removed;
Within your Borders, of his best beloved
Are many thousands, for whose sake, he hath
Remembred Mercy, in his hottest wrath.
Good Laws you have; some, likewise, who profess
And practise them, in truth and righteousness
Though from your first Loves, you are fallen much
And, your defects are at this present, such
As in the seven Asian Churches were
When first the Mystery was hatching there
Which now ore-spreads the world: you have not that
Comply'd with, but, the same abominate;
And therefore, that you may, return to him
GOD hath premonish'd you as he did them,
Expecting that you better should improve
Then heretofore, his patience and his love,
Lest else, you speedily may be bereft
As they were, of what, yet appeareth left.
A moral Charity retains a place
Among you, though grown colder then it was.
You have a form of GODliness, whereon
If you depended not as you have done,

That, which essential is, would more have been
Improved, and the power, thereof more seen.
Among your many Vices, blended are
Some Vertues, which, if you would take more care
To cherish, God would such assistance give
That they should, for the future, better thrive.
Though you have multiply'd prevarications
By many carnal, gross abominations,
And, are with Jezabel (that Sorceresse)
(Who counterfeits herself a Prophetesse)
Open Confederates; some of you hate
Her Heresies, and their, who imitate
The Nicholaitans: God, now therefore
Hanges forth to you a Flag of Truce, once more,
(Into a Comet form'd) and sets it there
Where, it, at one view, may to both appear;
That you might speedily and joyntly, do
Through Fear, that which Love could not win you to.
For, though the Wisards of preceding Ages
And, some now deem'd no despicable Sages,
Think these prodgious Meteors called Stars
Are constituted of such Characters
And shapes, as do undoubtingly fore-shew
What things particularly will ensuce,
(Because such consequents have often been
Observed, they are much deceiv'd therein.)
There's no such vertue proper to their natures;
For, they are only serviceable creatures
Employ'd by Providence, to such an end
As we by fixed Beacons do intend,
When an Invasion's threatned; They declare
In general, that foes approaching are;
Stir up the Nation to a timely heed
But, who their Foes are, what plagues will succeed,
How long they will continue; upon whom
They first will seize; at what time, they will come;

Or such like things by them we cannot know;
For, they no more then Beacons can fore-show.
So, this late Exhalation doth portend
Some Judgment on offenders will descend
Ere long, to make them watchful, and prepare
To do those duties which expected are;
But, in particular presignifies
Nor this, nor that; nor any terrifies
Who more desires to know, how by GODS grace,
To do his will, then what will come to pass.
He that is so affected, seldom fears
The influence of Comets, or of Stars;
Whereas, they who in folly are benighted
Oft, with a harmlelss Glow-worm are affrighted.
Thus far, my mind I have once more exprest
And hopeful am, ere long to be at rest
From all my Labours; for, my life, almost,
To bring this seasonably forth, it cost.

But, some perhaps will now say, what is he
That your Remembrancer presumes to be?
To those, I make this answer; I am one
Who stands instead of such a Block or Stone,
As Charity did set up heretofore
By high-way sides, and somtime at each door,
To save men from the violent approaches
Of drunken Horse-men, Waggons, Carts & Coaches,
And in that service, often are abused
Curst, broken, crackt, hackt, cut, slasht, knockt, and bruised;
By those, who stumbling on them, heedless are
To what good purpose they were fixed there.
And, if this be my Lot, I as I may,
Will bear it, as I have done till this day.
For, that which follies hath to many seem'd
Hath by much wiser men, been well esteem'd:
And, I despare not, though confused noises
Should at this time drown and confound the voices

Of sober men: For, when the raging water
Doth loudest roar; winds, make the tacklings clatter,
Ruffle the sails, and keep the greatest bustle,
The storm is peirced by the Boat-swains whistle;
So that all heedful Mariners, thereby
Perceive whereto their hands they should apply.
So, likewise, though the Rumor of that War
Which many hope for, and as many fear,
With other such confusions, as our sad
Distractions at this present thereto add,
Will make these Lines, a while, of small regard
With many, and with difficulty heard;
They shall, ere long, by some, with good respect
Be entertain'd, and have good effect;
For, dayes will come wherein, that, shall from them
Be eccho'd forth, which all will not contemn;
And, from whence, at the last, a Voice will come
That shall out-sound the ratling of a Drum;
Yet fright no soul but that mans, who depends
On carnal weapons, and hath carnal ends.

Præcautiones ænigmaicæ per omnes personas ac terminationes, Modi Imperativi declinatæ, numero singulari & plurali.

Cave M B R, & E D. Caveto A, Caveto B. Caveat P. P. P. P. & P.

Cavete V. Cavetote A. Caveant O.

Jam qui rident Ha, ha, he, Mox clamabunt. Heu, Vah, Væ.

Caveamus ergo, ac Amemus, ni perimus.

A COROLLARY.

Some think, I, an Apology may need
For daring thus to bid my Friends take heed;

And, so perhaps I may; For, not long since,
I suffer'd for as blamless an offence;
And, heretofore, informed was of ONE,
Who said; that to be totally undone
Much less displease him would, then if that he
Should from undoing, be preserv'd by me;
And, shortly after (with no little shame)
That, which he might have scapt, upon him came.
I hope they wiser are, whom, to take heed
I now advise and that they'l better speed.
What e're succeds; Praise will to GOD belong,
And of the Saints, this shall be then the Song.

A Hallelujah, alluding to the 150 Psalm.

Come praise the LORD, come praise him
Where Saints assembled are,
As hee's Almighty praise him
His Righteousness declare.
In his excellings praise him
With Trumpet and with Flute,
With Harp and Psaltery praise him,
With Viol and with Lute,
Let nothing that can praise him
Unactive be; or mute.

Upon the Timbrel praise him
In songs his praise advance;
Upon the Organs praise him
And praise him in the Dance;
On tingling Symbals praise him
That, make the loudest noise
And let each crature praise him
That sense or breath enjoys,
Yea, let privations praise him
Although they have no voices.

FINIS.

Sigh for the Pitchers:

Breathed out in a Personal Contribution TO THE NATIONAL HUMILIATION the last of May, 1666. In the Cities of London and Westminster, UPON The near approaching Engagement Then expected, Between the English and Dutch Navies.

Wherewith are complicated such Musings as were occasioned by a Report of their Actual Engagement; and by observing the Publike Rejoycing whilst this was preparing by the Author GEORGE WITHER.

Hold, Hold. If ye knock, ye are broke. Unless God prevent.

[My Sighs concern you all, throughout this Nation]

To the English Nation, and to every Individual Person within these Brittish Isles, Geo. Wither, wishes that Grace, Peace, and Love in CHRIST JESUS, which by an unfeigned Humiliation, may reconcile us all to GOD; Unite us by an indissolvable Band of Charity, to each other; and in a Christian Amity, withall Nations through the world.

My Sighs concern you all, throughout this Nation
Who are this day, in true Humiliation
To seek the face of GOD; For, we make One
Of those two Pitchers whom I do bemone:
And, unto whom (then fearing much their breaking,
When first I saw War preparations making)
I sent a Trumpet, both with an Intent
And hope, that which was feared, to prevent;
Which, failing my good purpose to produce,
I send this now, to mediate a Truce;
For, who can tell, but that my words may have
Such Issue now, as heretofore GOD gave
Unto a private-womans when she spoke
For Abel, what effect in season took?

So may it prosper as I am sincere
In that, Which I have Superscribed here;
And, let my Foes on earth, be still as many
As there are men, if I wish ill to any;
Or, am not pleasd that all should live and die
As happy, both in Life and Death as I
Who shall not, by a final Wilfulness,
Deprive themselves of what they might possess;
And slander GOD, as cause Original
Of that, which doth amiss to them befal.
For, though, not few, my Adversaries be
Or such, as, yet, bear no good will to me,

I, ev'n for that cause, am in love, their debter;
For, him, who loves his Foes, GOD, loves the better:
Yea, having partly been, in my distress
Relievd by some few, who, do naytheless
Seem still my Enemies; it, makes me more,
Love GOD, and all Mankinde, then heretofore.

A time is come, in which, it is our turn
Both altogether, and apart to mourn:
Those General Calamities befal
Which, for a general Repentance call,
And, for particular Humiliation,
In order to a publick Reformation,
From which, at present, are excepted none;
No, not the King, who sitteth on the Throne:
For, that which is in Cottages begun
Will seize the Pallace, ere the Round is run,
If GOD in mercy, answer not our hope,
And, to our sins and fears, vouchsafe a Stop.

To that end, though this be not what I would
Or, should contribute, it is what I could
And, may now, be as usefully exprest,
As what more artificially is drest:
Yea, (though it be, that onely) in effect,
Which I have oft preferd without respect,
This, seems a very seasonable time,
To greet you, with a Reasonable Rime.

Accept it therefore, and be not offended
With what is conscientiously intended.
GOD, who from us doth Trifles oft receive,
Requires of none, more then he hath to give:
And, if you shall accept what's in my powr
He, will of that accept, which is in your;
For, all that is contributed, by this,
Worth your acceptance, is not mine, but his.

Sighs for the Pitchers.

Breathd out, in a Personal Contribution to the National Humiliation, formally begun in the Cities of London and Westminster, the last of May, 1666.

‘ Such is GODS gratiousness, that, wheresoever
‘He finds a Willingness joynd with endeavour
To please or to appease him, though but small,
(And in it self worth no respect at all)
He doth accept it: But, it is not so
With men, what er'e we mean, or say, or do.
For, most so pettish are; that ev'n with that
Which to their own well-being doth relate,
They quarrel; and as much offended are
With what, unto their own particular
Hath no relation, as to any thing
Which may to them a disadvantage bring.
Yea, so inclind are, to be discontent
With Actions, and with words indifferent,
That how to fit all humors no man knows
What ere he writes, be it in Verse or Prose.
Some, are best pleasd with this, and some with that,
With nothing some; or, with we know not what,
Except with that, (and in their own mode drest)
Whereby their Single Fancies are exprest.

If, I may freely, Truth declare in either,
To me, it is indifferent in whether:
Verse cannot be so justly termd unholy
As they, who think so, may be chargd with folly.
The Libertie, I therefore, at this time,
Resume, to vent my mind in Verse and Rime

As heretofore without an affectation
Of what, is this day, with most men in fashion;
And, what I purpose to contribute now,
Shall be such private Sighings as I owe
To Publick sorrowings; not such, as may,
Without true sense thereof, be puft away.
I offer not, now Cures are to be done,
That, which will prove no better then Herb-John
Or Chipps in broth; nor, when provide I should
Apparel to preserve my Friend from cold,
Bring them such thin sleight Garments, as are neither
Good Silk or Cloth, but Bawbles patcht together,
Lace, Points and Ribbands: Nor, to feed them, set
A platter full of Sawces without meat,
Or, with so little, and so trimd about
With Kickshawes, that they cannot pick it out:
Nor give the Sick, when they for health endeavor,
Such Trash, as may beget a mortal Feaver;
Nor Healing Plasters, when I do perceive
The Patient rather needs a Corrosive:
Nor, is there ought improper to that end,
For which, Humiliations we pretend
In that, which I in words have added here:
Either peruse it therefore, or, give ear.

[1.]

Before a Storm is actually begun,
Or, Symptoms of it, in the Skies appear;
Both Birds and Beasts, for shelter fly and run,
To scape the Dangers, then approaching near.
To what these are by Sense inclind, in season,
Men are assisted (for their preservations)
By Strong Impulses, both of Grace and Reason,
Till they neglect, or sleight those Inclinations.

And to the Publick safety, every one
Owes what may possibly by him be done:
For, there's a Portion due from him that's poor,
Though from the Rich, there is expected more.

2.

I had some education in the Schools,
But my best Teachings, came another way,
And, neither to the wisest, or meer Fools,
Is that intended which I have to say.
My Muse is to a midling-temper fitted,
What suits with their capacities to write
Who, (not much under or much over witted)
More in the Matter, then the Words delight.
By that means, when with Trifles I begin,
Things useful, are oft, thereby Skrewed in,
Which peradventure, had not else been sought,
Where, they appeard more likely to be taught:
What I but to one end, at first intended,
Occasions many Cautions, ere 'tis ended.
So, sometimes, twenty businesses are done,
By him, who went from home, to do but one.

3.

Sometimes too, by what in this mode is hinted,
(On sleight occasions in a Vulgar Strain)
Such Notions have been in the heart imprinted
As were more plausibly exprest in vain:
Yea, otherwhile, a few plain words, in season,
Experimentally in private spoke,
More operate with Sanctified Reason,
(And of what they import, more heed is took)
Then is (although more gloriously arayd)
Of what's but formally, in publick said.
Now therefore, I contribute thus, alone,
To what was this day, publickly begun.
But, stay! what Pannick fear hath seizd this Nation
That, they who Triumphd but one day ago,

Assume the Postures of Humiliation,
And Fast and Pray, at least, pretend thereto?
Their Jollitie is at a suddain pause,
And to the Temples, they begin to flock;
God make th'effect, as real as the cause,
That, him with formal showes we do not mock,
Lest Plagues increase, and when of what is better,
We are in hope, our fears grow dayly greater:
For, till our sins are heartily repented,
By Fasts and Prayers, Plagues are not prevented.

5.

Most, dedicated this moneths first Aurora
To their own fleshly Lusts; and spent the day
In sacrificing to the Strumpet Flora,
Which was by some employd another way,
Perhaps though not Prophane, more superstitious
Then holy: for, all is not sanctifide
That is not vulgarly reputed vitious;
Nor all unholy, which will not abide
A Sanctuary-Test: But, somwhat hath
Doubtless, been acted which provokes Gods wrath
Against our Nation, since this Month begun,
That brings us on our knees, before 'tis done.

6.

Our Safety, Peace and Glory lie at stake;
And, we are forced such a Game to play,
As makes us tremble, and our hearts to ake
Twixt hope and fear of that which follow may:
Ev'n they, who lately foolishly did boast,
And with proud Vaunts and scorns contemn their Foes,
Do find, that Recknings made without their hoast,
Arise to more then they did presuppose.
Of Foes without them, their regard was small;
Of those within them, less, or none at all:
But, now, to be assaulted, they begin
With outward perils, and with fears within.

7.

Beyond reteating we ingaged are
With forraign enemies; and not quite free
From Factions, threatning an intestine War,
If our Presumings unsuccessfull be.
As foes do multiply, so, friends grow fewer;
And, in those few, there is but little trust:
For, none can in another be secure
Who, to himself is neither kind nor just.
War is begun; the Pestilence doth spread;
And, though of Dearth we feel but little dread,
They, by whose Labours, plenty was increast,
Are by a wasting Poverty opprest.

8.

The Rich are discontent, the Poor much grievd:
The first have small hope to be better pleasd;
The last as little hope to be relievd,
And most men are grown stupidly diseasd.
Men with Ill tidings in all places meet,
Bewailing loss of Goods, or want of Trade:
All day they hear complainings in the street;
All night, they and their Families are sad.
Hereof, they upon others lay the blame
Who have been chief deservers of the same:
Most, apprehend a general Distress,
But, no man knows which way to make it less.

2.

They, who should act, or mediate at least,
Some course to stop the fury of the Current,
Finde, it will most advance their Interest,
To be at this time Fishing in the Torrent.
They, who have now most cause, least frighted be:
Those few alone, who with a filial fear
And Christian hope, Gods purposes foresee,
Submissive to his Dispensations are:
The rest are active still, in their own mode,
As if in their own power their safety stood;

Or, that it might be wrought, by their own hand,
If (as twas once said) GOD would Neuter stand.

16.

For our defence, a Naval preparation
Is made, as strong, as ever heretofore
In any Age, was modeld by this Nation;
Yea, stronger much, though not in number more.
And, if they who thereof have management,
Shall not thereon (as if it could not fail)
Or, in themselves, be over-confident,
It may against our ablest Foes prevail:
But, not unless, we timely lay aside
Our malice, our profaness, and our pride,
Which by the Lord of hosts, are so abhord,
That, they destroy more, then both fire and sword.

11.

In mournings, we so little do delight,
That, whatsoever sad event befals,
Which to humiliation doth invite,
It seldom supersedes our Festivals.
A Fast therefore, so near a Feast begins,
To moderate our Mirth, and make us minde
A true and speedy mourning for those sins
Whereto we have been, and are still inclinde.
A change of Feasts to fastings threatned was,
Which is within a little come to pass;
And, that, may peradventure be effected
Which we most fear, when it is least expected.

12.

Hereof the Civil powers having sense,
And, fearing what might probably befal,
Unless, we strengthned are by Providence
Much more, then by their moving wooden-wall;
They lately summond us by Proclamations
To meet, and on the last of May begin
In our head-Cities, such Humiliations
As may declare a true Remorse for sin.

Early that morning, likewise, lest we might
Their summons, either then forget, or slight,
GOD, seconded their Act, and from our beds
With Peals of Thunders, raisd our drowzie heads.

13.

If I was not deceivd, five hours together
That Summons lasted, (with few Intervals)
Made signal by Rain, Lightning, Stormy weather,
And Thunderbolts, which pierced through stone-wals.
It brake and melted Bells; consumd a Steeple;
Scard Fowls and Beasts, yea, and afraid did make
Even them, among those unrelenting People,
Who, heed of nought but smart and noise will take;
And in security again sleep on
Assoon as ere the pain or noise is gone.
Alas! what horrours will such men confound,
When they shall hear the seventh Trumpet sound?

14.

I did obey this Call; and knowing too,
That in the common peace, mine doth consist,
In meekness, I prepard my heart, to do
What might secure the common Interest.
The best have failings, and the worst have more;
Though therefore they oft erre, who are in powre,
With their defects, we must our own deplore:
For oftentimes their faults take root from our.
King Davids crime sprung from the Peoples sin;
For his offence, a Plague on them broke in:
Thus, to each other, men of each degree,
A mutual cause, of sins and suffrings be.

15.

This makes me the more cautious, to take heed
Wherein, I personally give offence;
And, ere I censure that which others did,
Bewail mine own misdeeds with penitence.
All of us have offended, (if not more)
As much as our forefathers have transgrest:

Some, with more Impudence, then heretofore;
And, my sins, have the common guilt increast:
My self, to humble therefore, I went thither
Where good and bad men congregate together;
And, where, the worst are, or (before they die)
May be, for ought I know, more just then I.

16.

He seems to me, unlikely to appease
The wrath of GOD, or mortifide to be,
Who, offers Prayers like that Pharisees,
Who judg'd the Publican less just then he.
There is no sign of true Humiliations,
But, of a proud self-overweening rather
In those, who judge unclean whole Congregations
Who with them, serve one Spirit, Son and Father;
And (although members of another Colledge)
Adore one GOD according to their knowledge.
According unto mine, therefore, with them
I joynd in Love, and left their doom to him.

17.

I dare not such a separation make
Twixt persons, things or places, as may bar
A freedom in those Duties to partake
Which necessary or expedient are.
When sins and Plagues grow Epidemical,
It such Humiliations then requires,
As may in that respect, be general:
For, private tears quench not the publike Fires.
In all Fraternities and Constitutions,
Among men, are both errours and pollutions;
Yet safe converse; for pious men hath bin
With such, (even then) in all things, but their sin.

18.

VVith others, I preferred those petitions
VVhich with Christs prayr assentially agree;
VVith them, I joyned in all those confessions
That seemed proper both to them and me.

Their persons I did much commiserate,
Who were in hazard by the War now wag'd:
With GOD, I meekly did expostulate
Concerning that wherein we are engag'd.
For others sakes, those fears my fears I made,
Whereof, no sense, for self-respects I had;
And wished all their hopes might be enjoyd
Whereby, their true bliss might not be destroyd.

19.

Although particulars inclusive are
In Universals; yet, they who neglect
Their single Duties, justly loose their share
In what the general Devoirs effect.
I have contributed my best endeavour,
To what I think is publickly intended,
And in that duty purpose to persever
Which is to my performance recommended.
For all things, and all men (so far as they
Are objects of our Prayers) I do pray;
And, when I doubt, what to insist upon,
Conclude my prayer thus: GODS will be done.

20.

Their welfare seeking, who would me enslave,
The person I distinguish from his Crime;
And rather would a wicked people save,
Then let the Righteous be destroyd with them.
To their proceeds in wickedness, I say
GOOD speed to none; and whensoere, therefore
I pray against their sins, for them I pray:
Yea, when they seem worst, pray for them the more.
When LOT was prisner among Sodomites,
Against their Foes, to free him, Abram fights.
When universal Plagues on us befal,
Not knowing good from bad, I pray for all.

21.

I have a long time taken so much heed
Both of GODS righteous, and our crooked ways,

That, whatsoere doth outwardly succeed,
I finde just cause to give him hearty praise.
So oft, experience I have likewise had,
My losses, wants, and those things which I feard,
To have been unto me more gainful made,
Then such, as more desirable appeard;
That, whensoere GOD granteth or denies,
My soul is pleasd, and on his love relies.
For, when they seemed most severe to be,
His Judgements have been Mercies unto me.

22.

Such they were, such they are, such will be still,
Not unto me, and to some few alone;
But, if they be submissive to his will,
Such likewise, at all times, to every one:
And, though he grants not always that Request,
Which is preferred, he doth condescend
To what is better; yea, to what may best
Conduce to what we chiefly should intend.
If, what we pray for, he denies to grant,
Humility, or Faith, or Love we want;
Or else, there are some other great defects,
In those Petitioners, whom GOD rejects.

23.

Sins National, so far forth as they were
Confest in Publike, I with those confest
To whom I joynd; and in particular,
If possible, they ought to be exprest.
I know we are obliged at this time
(Considering why together we did come)
To mention such, (or part at least of them)
As brought what we would be deliverd from.
I hope such were acknowledged by many;
But, since I heard it not performd by any,
I will enumerate some few of those
Provoking sins, from whence most danger flows.

For, GOD, at this time over all the Land
Hath in displeasure stretched forth his hand;
And for our sins, doth strike us, here and there
With every Judgement, yea, and every where.

24.

We are a Nation to whom God hath given
As many priviledges, as bestown
On any people that is under Heaven:
But, therewithal more proud, then thankful grown.
VVe overween, as if we thought none were
Our equals; and with so much impudence
Our selves before our Neighbours do prefer,
That, more Disgrace then Honor springs from thence.
Some vaunt as if none ought to be compar'd
VVith them, in what is by their valour dar'd;
And, some, as if none went, or knew the way
VVhereby, men shall ascend to heavn, but they.

25.

If what GOD hath conferd, or for us done
VVere mentioned, to stir up thankfulness
In us; or, to advance his praise alone,
Thence would spring many great advantages.
But that which most men rather do pursue,
Is but before mens eyes a Blinde to raise,
And, hide their shameful nakedness from view;
Or, blow the Bubbles of an empty praise.
And, (as if we were not befoold enough,
VVith such ridiculous and frothy stuff)
In Ballads, which are for such objects meet,
VVe sing out our own shame, in every street.

26.

Perhaps in such like things the neighbring Nations
Opposing us, as guilty are as we:
But, our own sins, in our Humiliations
Is that, which to confess, oblig'd we be.
Our sins, our sins, are horrid, great and many,
Those Plagues too, which they bring on us, are great;

VVhereof, there is not so much sense in any,
As ought to be, nor such confessions, yet.
So loth we are that other men should see
(Or, we our selves) in what sad case we be,
That, we our scabs and scores had rather hide
VVith any Clouts, then let them be espide.

27.

So loth we are, in that course to proceed,
VVhich GOD and Reason offers to our heed;
So apt, to take the clean contrary way;
To heed, what every Mountebanck doth say;
So ventrous, any hazard to endure,
VVhich our enjoyments present may secure;
So prone with Bugbears to be frighted from
VVhat may secure a happiness to come;
And, are so wilful in pursuing things
VVhich every day, more mischiefs on us brings,
That, very seldom we approve of that
VVhich may be for our good, till tis too late.

28.

And then, surprised with a sudden dread,
To any God, to any Idol run;
Move every way, like Dors without a Head;
Do every thing save that which should be done:
Catch hold on sticks, and reeds, and chips & straws,
To save our selves; descend, to fawn on those
VVhom we contemn'd; and to support our cause,
Against old Friends, confederate with Foes;
Yea, with the greatest enemy of Christ;
And, rather hazard all our Interest
In him, then here to be deprivd of that
Which we enjoyed, and have aimed at.

29.

VVe are so much inclined to rely
Upon the trustless and bewitching Charms
Of State-designs and humane policie,
On Armies, Fleets, and strength of our own Arms,

That we are deafer then th'inchanted Adder,
To those who shew to us the way of peace;
Good counsel maketh us to be the madder,
And, doth but raging violence increase.
Yet, they who know they shall not be excusd
From doing their endeavour, though abusd,
Must speak what on their Consciences doth lie,
Whatere thereby befals; and so will I.

30.

Such times have been, and such are come agen,
Wherein, the Sluggard to the Ant was sent;
The Wise instructed were by simple men
How to reform their wayes when they miswent.
GOD, by them, Kings reprovd, ev'n for their sake
Whom they had then inslav'd; and they were heard.
Yea, unto Balaam, by his Ass he spake,
And, at that present he escapd the Sword:
But they who to their words gave no regard,
Receivd their obstinacies due Reward.
They, who were penitent escapd the blow
Which then was threatned; so shall all such now.

31.

Ore them a very dreadful Plague impends
Whom to the will of men, GOD, doth expose,
Though such they be whom they suppose their friends
And, have thereof made fair external shows.
A greater Plague it is, when known foes are
Impowred upon them to exercise
All cruelties, and outrages of War
Which rage will act, and malice can devise.
But, when so terrible a doom as this,
And mercie too, much and oft sleighted is,
It will be then more horrible then all
That can be thought, into Gods hands to fall.

32.

Alas! how shall this horrour be prevented,
If none in such a time should silence break?

VVhen should what is misacted be repented,
Unless, to that intent the stones could speak?
And, what may they speak likely to prevail
Upon a Generation grown so giddy?
The Stars to do their duty did not fail;
The Elements have often spoke already,
And acted in their place, as well as spoken
What might our duties, and Gods minde betoken;
Yea, so much, and so oft, that what they heard
Or saw, few men did credit or regard.

33.

Hereby are blessings turnd into a curse;
Those hardned, whom it should have softned more;
They who were bad before, grow to be worse;
Some wicked, who seemd good men, heretofore.
Our sins are as immoveable as Rocks;
Our Guides and Leaders, either lame or blinde;
The Shepherds as great straglers as the Flocks,
And both alike, to wickedness inclinde.
That, which we thought should make us, doth undo us,
All things do seem to cry VVo wo unto us:
And, that which should have movd men to repent
Doth but their Rage and Blasphemies augment.

34.

Most, against those by whom they were offended
Are so imbitterd, that although in them
They see performances to be commended,
Such, naytheless, they totally condemn:
Yea, those who have ingenuously confest
What seems to be in these worth approbation,
They judge to be Time-pleasers, not the best:
VVhich is a bar to Reconciliation.
Our Proverb bids us give the devil his due;
And, they the ways to peace, do not pursue
VVho are unwilling, in their Foes, to see
Good things, as well as those that evil be.

35.

The Knowledge men have gotten hath destroyd
That Love, which ought thereby to be increast.
The Publick peace, that might have been enjoyd,
Is vitiated by Self-interest.
The Gospel is abusd, Law made a snare,
Or, of Unrighteousness a confirmation:
The Consciences of men inslaved are,
To nothing left so free as Prophanation.
The Rich do quarrel, and the Poor must fight,
To serve their Lusts, who do them little right;
And they whose Lives to pawn for them are laid,
With Deaths or VVounds, or with neglect are paid.

36.

Religion is to Policy become
A servile Handmaid; and few persons are
Conceivd to be so dangerous as some,
VVho are in Christian Piety sincere.
Now, not to be like others Superstitious,
Or to be strict in moral Righteousness,
Gives cause of more suspect then to be vitious;
Or else, at least, it them ingratiates less.
Foundations are so overthrown, that few
Are safe in whatsoever they pursue:
For, liberty, life, credit, and estate,
In hazzard are by all that aim thereat.

37.

Pickt Juries, and suborned VVitnesses
May, if assisted then with partial Judges,
Bring quickly to destruction, whom they pleases;
Frustrate all Laws, and all our priviledges:
And (what was never heretofore in Reason
Thought probable) charge falsly upon some
The plotting and pursuing Plots of Treason
At open meetings whither all may come.
In likelihood, they have nor wit, nor fear,
Nor need be feared, who so foolish are:

And, I might of my fear be much ashamed
If I should fear such Plots, as then were framed.

38.

VVho erre in malice, or to get reward,
Shall forge an Accusation, though it be
Improbable, with favour shall be heard,
VVhen none seems guilty of the Plot but he.
They, who of all men do least conscience make
Of Perjury, at pleasure may destroy
An Innocent. They who false Oathes dare take
May rob rich men of all they do enjoy.
The Lyar is not out of danger ever;
But, he that speaks truth boldly, is safe never
Until his death, unless by God protected
From what may be by wicked men projected.

39.

This also, doth increasing Plagues pretoken,
(Unless we to repair it speedy are)
The Bond of Christian Charity is broken,
And brotherly affection lost well-near.
Both Persons and Societies seek more
Their several new Structures to uphold,
Then Disciplines and Doctrines to restore
Unto that purity which was of old.
From hence doth spring impair of peace and health
In minde and body, Church and Commonwealth.
For, though few heed it, thence our private Jars
At first proceeded, and then, open VVars.

40.

All Constitutions both in Church and State
Are, for the most part, made but properties
To add a grandeur, and repute to that
VVhich pride and avarice did first devise.
Not those alone, which may essential seem
Unto the Civil powre; but also, some
Which have among Divine Rites most esteem,
Are serviceable to the flesh become.

Prophand is every holy Ordinance,
Self-profit or self-honour to advance:
Yea, ev'n the Lords day and the Sacraments
Are made expedients for the same intents.

41.

Judgements & Mercies have not in their course
Wrought that on us, which they were sent to do:
For, what should make us better, makes us worse,
And others by our ill examples too.
Good counsels timely given we have slighted,
Scoft and derided seasnable forewarnings,
Neglecting that, whereto we were invited
Both by our own and other mens discernings:
And, if these failings be not heeded more
Now, and in time to come, then heretofore,
The Consequents, will not much better be
Whether the Dutch are Conquerours, or we.

42.

Those Animosities we must repent
Which are pretended to be laid aside;
Else pride and malice will so much augment
Those Practices which more and more divide,
That, as the ruine of Jerusalem
Had been compleated when the time was come
By those three Factions, which then wasted them,
Although it had not been destroyd by Rome:
So, though we should subdue French, Dutch & Dane,
Our own distempers would become our bane;
And, that which others are inclind unto,
Our follies and our wilfulness will do.

43.

The breach of Covenants, of Faith and Oathes
We must lament, and from that falshood turn:
For, GOD that capital transgression loathes;
Oathes, (now, if ever) make the land to mourn.
We must confess our sin of bloudshed too,
The Blood of Innocents much more bewail,

And our oppressing them, then yet we do;
Else, of our expectations we shall fail.
For, to no more a bare confession tends,
Then to increase our guilt, without amends.
He that neglects performing what he knows
To be his duty, merits nought but blows.

44.

We have moreover, failings by omissions
Which it concerns us to be humbled for
No less then for those actual transgressions
Which we are now engaged to abhor:
Not one day, no not one year will suffice
To recollect them. And yet if we would
Our selves but so much humble as it lies
In us, GOD, would accept of what we could.
Hereof apparent evidences are
In Nineveh and Nebuchadnezzar:
For, by these Paterns, King and People too
Instructed are, what in our case to do.

45.

When that King, for his sins had been bereaven
Of understanding, and for sevn years space,
To live with Beasts, was from his Kingdom driven,
And re-inthroned, when unlikely twas;
Himself he did abase, Gods powre confess,
Acknowledge him, to be in chief ador'd;
Declare that powre, extol his righteousness,
And that Free grace, by which he was restor'd:
Yea, praised him for their deliverance
Whom he himself opprest; them did advance
Who suffred; and reverst that Law whereby
He had compeld them to Idolatry.

46.

This signal Patern of Humiliation
Was Royal; but, by one both popular
And Regal, unto what beseems a Nation
In our condition, we directed are.

At Nineveh, there was not in a day,
Like this, some in the Temples GOD adoring,
Some there, inclined more to sleep then pray,
Some, in an Alehouse, or a Tavern roaring;
Some, who did of their duties Conscience make,
Some who perform'd it, but for fashion sake:
But I believe, that with more Veneration
They testified their Humiliation.

47.

Both King and People joyned there as One
In penitence, not being less sincere
Then formal in pursuing what was done.
Strict their commands and executions were.
The King, his rich Apparel from him cast
(By good Examples, precepts are made strong)
He, and his Nobles did proclaim a Fast,
VVith all the Rites, that to a Fast belong.
The Prophet was believd, in what he said;
The Royal Proclamation was obeyd.
God, thereto had so gratious a regard
That, King and People, thereupon he spard.

48.

Alas! how comes it that now Christian men,
Are deaf to what GODS Messengers do say?
Not so meek-hearted as those Heathens then?
More dead in Sins and Trespasses then they.
Imperfect was their Penitence, no doubt,
Yet God accepted what they did endever,
And (though perhaps, their zeal did soon burn out,)
He, in vouchsafing mercy did presever.
So might it be with us, if we would heed
His judgements, and perform what Ethnicks did:
For, GOD, upon a Formal penitence,
Did with a part of Ahabs doom dispence.

49.

But, though we have as much cause to bewail
Our sad condition, we have much less fear,

And little or no sence of what we ail
Until with mischief overwhelmd well-near.
Then, likewise, we endeavour all we can
To hide what cannot cured be till known,
Dissembling grosly, both with GOD and Man,
And will not see what's evidently shown.
Yea, so presumptuous are, that, now GOD sends
His Judgements, and his Arm in wrath extends,
VVe labour to obscure it, lest the heeding
Of his Proceeds, may hinder our proceeding.

50.

And as among the Jews in former ages
There were false Prophets and corrupted Priests,
VVho prophecid and preachd for Balaams wages,
And to promote their carnal Interests,
Then Flatterd them into Security:
So we have some among us, who as much
Do magnifie this Nations Piety
As if it never had till now been such.
They boast of our prosperities encrease,
And promise us both Victories and Peace,
As if vain words believd should rather be
Then what we feel, as well, as hear and see.

15.

Though sensible enough of sin we are not
To humble us; or though Plagues yet deferd
(How near at hand soever) we much fear not,
Nor thereby for this duty are prepard:
Methinks the loss of so much blood and Treasure
As hath been spent; At home, decay of Trade
And Manufactures in so large a measure;
Abroad in Colonies, the havock made
Should humble us, or that at least, which hath
More cause of dread then War, or sudden Death,
To wit, a PRESS, whereby some grieved are,
More then by all the worst events of War.

2.

For, War is pleasing to those Voluntaries,
Who, Wealth or Honor, hope thereby to gaine;
Through every difficulty them it carries
With very little sense of dread or pain.
By Suddain Death likewise all Plagues are ended
Which Sin, or Folly on our bodies bring;
Yea, thereby finished ere apprehended,
In which respect, no very dreadful thing.
But, to be snatcht at unawares away,
From all Relations by a Suddain PRESS,
And, from all our Affairs, as at this day,
Is more injurious, then words can express.
Whole Families, thereby destroyd become;
In soul and body, it tormenteth some;
And, thereby greater Griefs occasiond are
Then do befal, by life or death, in War.

54.

I know well that, the Civil powrs intend
The prosecution of those Services
Which to their Substitutes they recommend,
Should be pursu'd without just Grievances:
And, to inform us in this very case,
(Of taking men to serve them in the Wars)
A Law among the Jews establisht was
To be our Guide in some particulars:
Let it observed be, lest that Oppression
Which is occasioned by indiscretion,
Those persons to our damage may inrage,
Whom we think, for our safety to ingage.

55.

With others I did publickly bemone
Those things which we ought joyntly to deplore;
And, in my Spirit, I lament alone
That for mine own Sins, I can sigh no more.
I sigh for those two Pitchers, which are knocking
Against each other, when they mind not me;

Yea, when some are, perhaps, my sighings mocking,
Or, not well pleasd with my good meanings be.
I sigh to see their Charity decrease
Who are pretenders to Religiousness;
Not for my self, though I perceive tis grown
Less then it was, five shillings in a Crown.

56.

I have now, somwhat more then fifty years,
Been oft mine own and your Remembrancer;
And whilst I live, as oft (as cause appears)
Resolved am such Cautions to prefer.
For since GOD hath so long preservd me from
A total Ruine in such Services,
I will continue during life to come
Whilst I see need, in services like these,
Not doubting but his Mercy shall outlast
The Time to come as well as what is past;
And, still, as comfortably be enjoyd,
Though life in their pursute should be destroyd.

57.

This, I have therefore, now contributed
In private to what publickly was done,
With hopefulness, that when it shall be read
It will to good effect be thought upon:
For in the common Lot, I shall have part,
To whatsoever the success may tend,
And dare to arrogate no self-desart,
More then they justly may, who most offend.
From Publick sins my self I count not free;
What is in others bad, is worse in me,
Since, he whom GOD so many years hath taught,
If bad, is worse then others who are naught.

58.

Yet, as there is no Righteousness in me,
That, may with safety be confided in;
So whatsoere the Common Plagues may be,
In me there is no slavish fear of fin:

For, in Gods Promise, and his Mediation
Who hath Redeemed me, I, so confide,
That, I despair not of a Soul-salvation,
Whatever to my Body shall betide,
And, know, that, whilst to live, more then to die,
Shall tend to what GODS name may glorifie,
My life shall comfortably be enjoyd
When thousands round about me are destroyd;
And that all, who are firm in this belief,
Shall see a glad end of their present Grief.
Lord in that patience keep me alway strong,
Which, to the Saints probation doth belong.

50.

There was a Promise made long time ago,
To some, who then in our condition were,
(And, in what they were to believe, and do,
As much as they, we now concerned are)
To them, it by GODS Prophet was declard
That, from their wickedness if they returned,
One with a Writers Inkhorn was prepard
To set a Mark on all who truely mourned,
Assuring all who had his Mark upon them
That when the common Judgements seized on them
It should not harm them, as to that, at least,
In which a real safety, doth consist.

60.

That Mark is set on thousands at this day,
And many VVriters hither have been sent
To shew it, and inform us how we may
The Mischiefs threatned, seasonably prevent.
Prophets rise early, and do sit up late,
To mind us of our duties, yea, there are
Some thousands ev'n this day, declaring that
Which they are bound to speak, and we to hear.
To that end also, GOD, hath now and then,
Employed me, and my Despised Pen,

As at this time: and, at his feet I lay
What I have writ, and what I have to say.
I might—

But, hark! methinks, some Whisperings I hear,
As if both Navies now ingaged were:
And, Lo, the suddain Rumour of that Storm
Startles my Muse into another form,
Before I am aware, and makes me stop,
To heed, what it contributes to my hope.

Fame speaks it louder, and th'increasing sound
On every side, my person doth surround.
If what we fear succeeds, let them speed worst
At last, who of this War gave just cause first;
And, by both Parties, let all be amended
Wherein they joyntly, or apart offended.

More blood! more fury still! are bruitish passions
No whit abated by Humiliations?
No marvel then, no good effects yet spring
To peace conducting, by my Trumpeting,
When I first saw a likelihood of breaking
Our Pitchers, by the Preparations making;
For, that, wherein divine expedients faile,
Humane endeavours little can prevaile.
My heart is pinched betwixt hope and fear,
By musing upon what I see and hear,
With that whereto our Actings may amount
When we of all events have had account.
Fame tells us, that the English and the Dutch
Have fought five days together. This is much,
And I think so implacable a Rage,
Was rarely paralleld in any Age,
If (as it is reported) neither side
Gave Quarter, whatsoever did betide.

How that with Christian charity may be
Consistent, it appeareth not to me;
Or, how it quadrats with the tender nature
That's proper to a reasonable Creature:
Nor do I know infallibly how far
It is permissive in an actual War;
Nor is it known to any, till he tries
The justness of it in extremities.
To censure that, I therefore, will forbear
Which lies without the compass of my Sphear.
King David in some cases, such things did
As Natural compassion doth forbid.
This I dare say, no man can see that end
Whereto, a bruitish fury, will extend,
When both provoked, and let loose, to do
Whatever it shall then be prone unto.

I clearly gather from our contestations,
What may be truely judged of both Nations
As to their daring, and Couragiousness;
Which, I in few words, fully will express,
Ev'n thus: (for nothing parallels it fitter)
Two English Mastive Dogs never fought better;
Nor hath ought oft been acted heretofore,
Which evidenced humane courage more,
If all be truely said which we have heard
This day, of these Antagonists averd:
For, though some Cowards upon either side,
Were so amazd they knew not what they did,
And some (when blinded by the fires and smoke
Slaughtred those Friends, whom they for Foes mistook;
In that long combate, neither of the two
The other, did in any thing outdo.
And (which deserveth heed) no wind yet wags
That brings us tidings of such Fears, or Brags

As usually are published abroad,
When Rivals are ingaged in this mode;
And, that, to me presageth a success,
Which may to both contribute happiness,
If meekly, they and we, submit unto
What GOD vouchsafeth to permit, or do,
Who, did a Mercy unto both begin
When he withheld the French from coming in;
Which Mercy, though yet hidden, will be seen
VVhen time removes that artificial Skreen,
VVhich, an abusive Policy invents
To interpose twixt actions and intents.

Heed, therefore, let both take when this fight ends,
How it concerns both, quickly to be Friends;
VVhat may be quite lost; what may yet be saved:
How both may by their Discord, be inslaved:
VVhat great Plagues they now feel; what may betide
More grievous, if they further should divide;
VVhat great advantages it might bring thither
Where, they their Strength & Courage joyn together,
Not thereupon as heretofore presuming,
Neither that glory to themselves assuming,
VVhich appertaineth unto God alone;
Nor vaunting of what their own hands have done;
Nor la'bring, Breaches to repair with Lies,
Nor putting upon Truths a false disguise,
(A fault now so habitual become
That, tis not easily refrained from)
Nor sacrificing what GOD doth abhor,
Or that, which at the best, he cares not for;
But, giving what he still takes in good part,
(Though meritless) an Humble contrite heart.

Then, that the Mercies daignd may be prolongd,
Let not his Saints in any wise be wrong'd;

(Among whom many will be found at last,
On whom the world reproachful terms hath cast)
For, when, or wheresoever, Peace he makes,
It is at their Requests, and for their Sakes;
Whereas, no Peace is true, or long possest,
Where Innocents are causlesly opprest;
Especially, where they oppressed are
Who serve GOD, with a conscientious fear
According to their knowledge: of this Crime,
Neither the Dutch, nor they who now with them
Associate, so guilty are as we
Do at this present day appear to be.
And, I believe 'twas therefore that GODS hand
Enabled them our Forces to withstand;
And still preserves both, that both might more heed,
What they have done, and how they should proceed.

Among those things by them and us misdone
Provoking GODS displeasure, this alone
Next mentiond, is enough without one moe,
Us, in all our Plantations to undo:
For, to advance our carnal Interest
We parallel the Practice of the BEAST
In merchandizing Souls; Yea, more then so,
Have set to sale, both Souls and Bodies too,
In many Colonies: our Avarice
(Which is one root of evry other Vice)
Gave partly an occasion of that Jar,
From whence first sprung, this present bloody War,
And, which at last, will totally destroy,
Both that which we in Forraign Lands enjoy
And here at Home, unless we shall with speed,
Repent that course wherein we do proceed.
We do not only there, both sell and wast
Mens Bodies whilst their lives and strength do last,

(In bondage and in labour like a Beast,
From which they have no hope to be releast,)
But, miserably, keep them, too, inslavd
Without the means, whereby the Soul is savd:
Whereas, a blessing both to them and us
Might be procured, by endeav'ring, thus:
Ev'n by providing Conscientious Preachers,
To be one day in every week their Teachers.
This would in part at least, excuse the Crime,
Whereby Guilt lies on many at this time.

I, seriously have heeded with compassion
What them concerns, who have to God relation,
And, in particular, what I beheld
Or, heard concerning those of late Exild
For Conscience sake. How much ado there was;
How much time spent, to send them to the place
Of their Confinement; what, within short time,
Befel thereby to others; what to them
Worth observation; and how they were cast
Into the powre of our Dutch Foes at last,
To whom their Ship and Goods are made a prey,
Who undertook to carry them away.
Whence I collect, that, we shall nothing win,
Whilst we are guilty of so great a Sin;
And, that by long continuance in this guilt,
Much blood that might be saved will be spilt.

Of this sin, therefore let an Expiation
Be constantly endeavourd through the Nation,
And henceforth, twixt the English and the Dutch,
Let nothing be contended for so much
As, whether shall the other most excel
In Love, in Piety, and doing well.
Let both petition for, Grace, Truth and Peace,
And, for their mutual Amities increase,

Let them not Fast to be protected in
Their quarrellings, but, fast from Strife and sin,
And when Humiliations they pretend
Begin them with beginning to amend;
Withhold their hands from Lawless Violences,
Not cloke Hypocrisie with fair pretences,
Nor think, when God vouchsafes Deliverance,
It is, their Pride and Selfness to advance,
Or, that, when they a Victory have won,
Twas got, that they might do as they have done.

This, (though Humiliation, we pretend)
I fear, by very many is designd.
For, Providence hath brought me to behold
What I should not have credited if told.
The dreadful hazzards which we now are in,
So little moves to penitence for Sin,
That I have heard of one this day, who from
The last Ingagement came sore wounded home
Who, ere those wounds were cur'd, did by another
Endeavour, how he might corrupt the Mother
To be her daughters Baud, and to contrive
The means, how they might in uncleanness live.
This I have heard, and (whether yea or no)
See probability it may be so.
Alas! what will insue thereon in fine
If this should be the general designe?
Oh! let each individual Soul beware
Of such presumptions, lest they spread so far
That, GOD, in his provoked indignation,
Wholly destroy this wicked Generation.
In chief, let those Grand Parties whose escapes
Yet, give them time, beware of a Relapse
And hear him; For, assured then I am,
That, he, (according to the Chronogram

Upon my Title-page,) us will so hear,
That, this will prove to be a happy year.

Let us forbear to vaunt, as we have done,
Of Conquests, whilst our Arms are putting on:
For, an example of that folly have I
In their invincible (so called) Navie
Which was in Eighty eight, upon our Coasts
Destroyed after many shameless Boasts.
God grant that Sixty six, be not to us
For such like Vauntings as unprosperous.
I hope the best, and I as much do fear
The worst, according as our Actings are.

If possible it be, let an Accord
Be made by Christian Prudence, not the Sword.
For that Cure, usually doth leave a Skar
From whence at last, breaks forth another War.
If to no end, our Quarrels can be brought
Till we have to the utmost fought it out;
Let them, whom GOD shall pleased be to crown
With Signal Victory, themselves bow down,
In true Humility, as low as they
Who, then, have lost the glory of the day;
Such Mercy showing, as they would have shown
Unto themselves, if that case were their own;
And, mind what Plagues, GOD threatens to inflict
On them, who add grief, where he doth correct:
Else to avenge their Cruelty and Pride,
A greater Foe, shall rise up in his stead
Who was destroyed, and they shall then have
That Measure to them given, which they gave.

When all this, and much more then this is done,
We may, as far be, as when we begun
From being truly humbled. For, with leaving
Gross sins, there enters often a deceiving

Whereby, the Soul may be polluted more
And, in more danger then it was before;
Unless we shall together with a loathing
Of all sins, Value our ownselves at nothing.
For, we have nought good, but by imputation,
Which to confess, is true Humiliation
If done sincerely. It will then abide
The Test, when thus it shall be qualifide;
And, we soon after, shall behold, or hear
What will compleat our Hope and banish Fear,
For, GOD in Mercy always doth return
To all, who for offending him, so mourn.

Whilst this was writing, Tidings we receivd
(Which very willingly we then believd)
That we were Victors. God vouchsafe thereto
A blessed Consequence, if it prove so:
Make us, whatever otherwise befel,
Sincerely thankful that we speed so well,
Still mindful of the hazzards we were in,
Before that Doubtful Trial did begin;
And be henceforth, obedient to his calls
Lest else a worse thing suddainly befals:
For, most to fear him, we have then most cause
When an impending Judgement he withdraws,
Since, in our Duties, if we then grow slack;
Vengeance, with double Rigour it brings back;
But, much more, when instead of Penitence
Those Faults renewd are, which first gave offence.

That News came whilst the People were in prayr,
Some, hopeful, some afraid, some in despair,
Such Medlies making of Words, Thoughts and Passions
As oft befal in suddain Alterations;
And peradventure, causd some to forget
To what end, they that day together met:
For, many had expressed signs of Gladness
Before, they gave one sign of Sobersadness,
Days of Thanksgiving and Humiliation
Being by them, observd still in one fashion;

And, by their various Postures, those Digressions
Occasiond were, which vary my Expressions.

We were not like Jews harps on Willows hung,
But, like those, which are always tun'd and strung
For Jiggs; and we, a Triumph-song begun
Before our Lamentation-song was done.
From laying, by, our vain Desires and Boasts,
From Sanctifying of the Lord of Hosts
With filial awe! and Praise to him returning
(For joyful Tidings on our Day of mourning)
We were so far, that, evn before we knew,
Or could hear certainly, the News was true,
We skipt abruptly, from Humiliation
Into our Antick mode of Exultation,
Joyning our selves to throngs of Fools and Boys,
In Triumphs, which consist of Squibs and Noise,
Of Healths, and Bells, and Fires, and Tunes, and Smoak
(Thanksgiving Tools, in which delight we took)
Objects of Scorn, to wisemen rendring us;
To grave Spectators, more ridiculous
Then pleasing: And, instead of some Relief
To sufferers, an increasing of their Grief,
Chiefly to those poor Orphans and sad Wives,
Whose Husbands, and whose Fathers limbs and lives
Were lost in that Ingagement, whereof they
Had little Sense, or drank the same away,
(Whilst they who hardly scaping it, lay grieving,
Their safety, rather doubting then believing)
And, these too, when grown sober, found they had
Not so much cause of Mirth, as to be sad.

An outward Joy, exprest with moderation,
And Triumphs, are not without Approbation,
When they shall be exhibited in season,
And for ends justified by sound Reason;
Yet, for all Victories, they are not so;
Nor the same things, fit at all times to do.
King David knew it did not him become
To triumph when he conquerd Absolom,
And I have seen, for Victories, of late,
(Much less to be rejoyced in than that)
Great Joy exprest: yea, for a Conquest won
(Thanksgivings also rendred) where was none.

At all times, by all men, are Praises due,
And thanks to God, for all things that ensue
On our Endeavours: for, in all he doth
Inclusively, are comprehended both
Justice, and Mercy: yet, our thanks to GOD
Is not on all occasions, in one mode
To be exprest; nor ought we to pretend
His Glory, when tis for another end;
Lest, he in our Destruction or our shame,
Provoked be to glorifie his Name.

In both our late Ingagements GOD hath done
That, which both Nations ought to think upon
With much more heed, and much more thankfulness,
Then either we or they do yet express.
This month last year when we did glorifie
Our selves, for a supposed Victory,
I did contribute then, as I do now
My single Mite, (as well as I knew how)
To praise GOD for his Mercy, making none
With him, a sharer in what he had done;
Then offring also to consideration
Such things as tended to Humiliation,
Much to the same effect, with that which here,
I tender in another mode this year.
But, GOD who times, and Orders all we do,
My purpose knowing, put a Stop thereto;
Perhaps lest if it had been publishd then,
It had exasperated more, some men,
Both to their own, and to my detriment,
Then was consistent with my good intent.
For, (by my Printers death) what, I then did
In some unknown hand, till this day lies hid;
And possibly may come again to light,
By that time, this is brought to open sight.
Meanwhile, I will proceed, with what, this day
A New Occasion prompteth me to say.

The said Ingagements, now already past
(Which if GOD please, I wish might be the last)
By Providential means, have made their swords
Speak more, then else with so much power in words,
Could have been spoken, to perswade us to
What, it, will most concern us both, to do.

For, whatsoever, Policy and Pride
Have published abroad on either side,
Tis evident; (or, may be so to either)
Our Earthen Pitchers, are so knockt together
That one or two more such like knocks will break them
So small, that useless Potsherds it will make them;
Except to patch up the Designs of those
Who seem their Friends, to whom they will be Foes.

This would be better heeded, if it were
Propounded by a Private Counseller,
A Bishop or a Judge: Thus I suppose,
Till I remember, that the best of those
Have writ, and spoke in vain: yet, then, were they
Obligd to speak their conscience, so am I.
But, many, who to be my Friends would seem,
(And, not me, or my words to disesteem)
Perswade me, in these matters to be mute:
Tell me, that my Attempts produce no fruit
Save mischiefs to my self: and, other some
Affirm this Medling doth not me become.
I thank their wisdoms; but, am not so wise
As to believe they prudently advise.
A Fool may to good purpose speak somtimes,
And, they have found sound Reason in my Rimes,
Who were not so adverse to words in season,
That, they lovd neither Truth, nor Rime, nor Reason.
Th'effects to other men will be the same,
Whether, to them I speak, or silent am;
Yet, since with profit, I have heretofore
Spoke somwhat, I will speak a little more,
Because, I know the damage will not be
So great, then, in relation unto me,
As unto those men, who shall be offended
With what is conscientiously intended.
Successes, good and bad, are shard so even
Between them (by his Justice, who from heav'n
Beholds both what they did in every place
With whatsoere by them intended was)
That, if on both sides, Truth might be exprest
It would by them and others, be confest,
The Sword hath spoke aloud, and plainly too,
That, which both Nations speedily should do:

That, it speaks also, what they do intend
On whose Assistances they much depend:
And hints, that both, in their proceeds, (at length)
May be devourd by their own Wealth and Strength,
For, whereunto amounts all we have heard
Three days together, to and fro, averd,
But certainty of Ruine, on both sides,
To which soever best success betides?
What have we heard, by that which pro and con
Hath been reported of what's lost and won,
But contradictions, intermixt with sounds
Of Lamentations, Losses, Deaths and Wounds,
And with relation of a Victory,
Which with infeebled and lame wings doth fly:
None certainly informed of what's done,
Or of that which may follow thereupon.
We hear sad News one day, as bad next morrow,
Or worse perhaps: and shall have dayly sorrow,
Till of their sorrows, we more sense have got,
Whose Suffrings, we do know and pitty not:
And till our Nation shall discharge that better,
Wherein to GOD and Man it is a Debter.

I have with heedfulness, perused that,
Sea-Gibbrish, which is publishd to relate
What passed in the Naval fight between
Both Fleets; with what, to some a ground hath been
To think, the Victory is on our side
And, that we still victorious do abide.
If so it were (because, it might prevent
The Foes proud brags, our Friends discouragement;
Or, supersede their Fears) I should be glad,
And thankful, for the good success we had:
But, nothing therein mention'd found I out,
Whence, I could pick forth, what to find, I sought.
All I could thence collect, was but thus much,
That, We were beaten, and did beat the Dutch,
Till they were glad, at last, to sail away,
And, we as glad, they did no longer stay.
He, that was otherwise informd thereby
Doth understand much more, or less, then I;
And, for our selves, I know no reason why
We should, if, we for GOD, ought not to Lie;

For, though it is imprudence to reveal
All Truths at all times (and not to conceal,
What may occasion mischiefs) never should
The Truth be falsesaid, or Untruths be told:
And, more advantage would to us, ensue
If our Intelligence were always true.

Indeed, I found, in that Express, much wit
In such terms, as that Subject, did befit;
As also, very much, related there
To magnifie those who then active were
For our defence. And, I well pleased am
With what may add to their deserved Fame.
To them I grudge no meed, or honour due,
Who prudently, and valiantly pursue
Their undertakings: But, Gods praise alone,
Is my chief Aim. To praise what men have done,
Is, to my proper work impertinent,
And, also, at this time, to my intent.

If, by omitting that, I shall offend
In prosecutions to a better end;
Or, if that any shall maligne me more,
For this, who did not love me heretofore,
I shall not think it strange: For, I of late
Meerly, for Speaking, and for Writing that,
Which both to Gods praise, and Mans welfare tends,
Loose daily, very many seeming Friends;
Whereby, if they no whit indamagd are,
I shall not, for what haps to me, much care;
Especially, whilst that, which I designe
Tends to Gods praise (without selfends of mine.)
To which intention, that which now is read
(In these few pages,) is contributed.

And though, like Jeremiahs Lamentation,
Or Davids humblings, this Humiliation
Is not besprinkled with corporeal tears,
Or, worded with Hyberbolies like theirs;
Nor strowd with Ashes, nor in Haircloth drest;
Or, with such formal complements exprest,
(As may be, and ofttimes assumed are
As well by Hypocrites, as Men sincere)
Or, though it may want what affects the Sense,
I hope, that, which affects th'Intelligence

It shall not want, nor ought, which to that end
Is needfull, whereto, I, the same intend:
And, tis exhibited in such a mode,
I hope too, as will pleasing be to GOD.

What, he hath done, at this time, seems to me
Not so much heeded as it ought to be,
To make us thankful; nor do we express
What we pretend, in way of thankfulness
As it becomes us; neither do we show it
As doth beseem him, unto whom we ow it:
But, act it with such vain appurtenances
(And break out into such Extravagances)
As, to our Sins, are rather an addition
Then signes of Thankfulness, or true Contrition.
For, though, at full, informd I have not bin
What streights, and what great hazzards they were in;
Or, of what might have hapned, unless then
Assisted more by Providence, then Men;
Thus much is likely, we were so intrapt,
That, by our own powre, we had not escapt
A total Rout, if Providentially
There came not in, a seas'nable supply.
For, had not GOD, sent Rupert timely back,
The Fleet with Albemarl, had gone to wrack;
Or, both perhaps, then, been destroyd together,
Had not GOD sent the French, we know not whither:
Yea, somewhat, in that Providence I see,
Which our Foes ought to heed, as much as We.
GOD, grace vouchsafe both unto us, and them,
To heed, whereto it tends, whilst there is time;
And, unto me, and every person living,
Timely Repentance, and sincere Thanksgiving.

Ere these few Cautionary exhortations,
(Which I think proper to Humiliations)
I do conclude; Ile add this Corollary
In hope, that some, the same in mind will carry.
Though very great our Streights and Hazzards are,
(And, those may be much greater which we fear)
Seek Remedies, by no dishonest course;
Lest, thereby, we still make the mischief worse.
That, were to do like them, who, when an Evil
Befals, run to a Witch, or to the Devil,

Who, such Cures, onely, for his Patients hath
As their, who kill themselves, through fear of Death.
It hath been thought, yea, I have oft been told,
That, I, in my Attempts, have been too bold;
Yet I think no man standeth in more dread
Of doing ought which is not warranted
By common Justice; For, I dare not act
To save my life, in any such like fact.
Nor would my Conscience let me sleep in peace
Should I but wink at an Unrighteousness,
Which might by me be hindred, (though to gain
That, which I do most covet to obtain)
Till I repented it: nay, I should dread
A Vengeance were impending ore my head,
If I in secret, wishd advance unto
My hopes, by what another might misdo
Without my knowledge; or, by ought not right
Both in GODS eye, and evry good mans sight.
Which, I profess, that others might beware
Of such Ill consequents, as I now fear.

If we believe there is a GOD, that heeds
The Patience of the Saints, and our Proceeds,
Let us not still persist, as we have done,
Within mans conscience, to usurp GODS Throne
As many do, in most presumptuous wise,
Ev'n whilst his heavy hand upon us lies:
For, he will shortly make it to appear,
None ought, but he, to sit in Judgment there;
As also, what they merit, who offend
So highly, when an humbling they pretend.
At Home, from persecuting of them cease
Who do not interrupt the civil peace;
Let us forbear in an inhumane mode,
More to divide us, and our Foes abrode;
Let us leave off, those Railings at each other,
VVhich hinder the uniting us together.
Till GOD shall judge the cause that is depending
Between the Nations which are now contending,
Let none of us who in our private Stations,
Are called to sincere Humiliations,
Presume to judge them further then he knows
Their Actings, and what Judgements GOD allows

In doubtful Trials; but with Humbleness,
Attend on his dispose of the success;
Contributing, aswel as tears and prayers,
VVhat else, th'Immergencies of our Affairs
May reasonably require; lest, we betray
Both our own selves, and them we should obey.
For, each mans private share, is part of that
VVhich is the Joint Stock of the Publick State,
And, ought proportionably to be shard,
As need shall be, to make a Publick Gard.

VVhat, others, are thereby invited to
Is that, which conscientiously I do:
For, to this end, (though I am so bereft
Of all I had, that, nothing now is left
But Almes to live on) I, have ever since
Paid Taxes, out of that Benevolence;
And, will not grudge to do it, whilst GOD shall
That way, or any way, give wherewithal:
Yea, that the Publick strength, may not decline
VVill take heed that it be no Fault of mine,
By not contributing, what I think may
Be thereto needful, in an evil day
If well it be employed, GOD, will bless
Their prudent Management, and Faithfulness,
VVho therewith are intrusted: If, unjust
Therein they prove, and shall deceive our trust,
Twill be destructive onely to th'Abusers,
And, faithful men, will be at last no Loosers:
For, when the Kingdome which we look for, comes,
All men, shall have their just deserved Dooms.

Hereof, to me, GOD hath oft Earnest given
By aids vouchsafed, as it were, from Heav'n,
At every need. By him, I have been fed
VVith Manna, Quaîles,, and with my dayly bread,
(I know not else, either by whom or how)
For some years lately past; and so am now,
VVithout suspect, of ought which may befal
VVhether, my gathering shall be much or small.
Yea, now, while I behold despairing fear
In most mens faces, almost evry where;
Although the day, now very gloomy be;
Though falling off, our Chariot-wheels I see;

Their Drivers, with much difficulty driving;
Against Waves, Rocks and Sands, our Leaders striving,
And, GOD, in this day of our great distress,
Within a Black Cloud, hiding yet his Face;
A Glimmering, I naytheless perceive
Of Mercy, shining on all who believe;
With Symptoms, of the like aspect to them
Who, yet believe not, if they turn to him.
Turn therefore, oh return unto him, now;
Hear him, and he will give an ear to you.

But I fear most men so corrupt are grown,
That, my words, are on them in vain bestown:
Lest, therefore what I write, they heed the less,
I, at this present, will no more express;
And, since, in our case, there's no help in Man,
His aid, I will implore, who help us can.

Let GOD arise! Arise LORD, I implore thee;
And, let all those who hate thee, fly before thee;
Rebuke them who thy Adversaries are,
The Bulls and Calves who take delight in War;
Aswel the Common People, as their Kings,
Till all the world, to thee, due tribute brings.
Let those destroying Angels, which are sent
To chastise us, make a distinguishment
Between them, who through Humane frailty sin,
Without persisting wilfully therein,
And, such, as have been unto thee and Thine,
Malitious Foes, a long time, by Designe;
Or, who, not onely, against us, now be
Confederates, but likewise against Thee.

In Mercy, look again, on us, and those,
Who are, at this day, our professed Foes;
Lest, the pursuit of what is yet intended
Consumes both Nations, ere the War be ended.
Now, so unclose the Eyes of evry Nation,
Which hath pretended to a Reformation,
That, they may see how much, they have been blinded;
How they depraved are, and how self-minded:
So prudent make all Governours and Kings,
So qualify the Peoples murmurings;

So, let thy holy Spirit sanctifie
Each Congregational Societie;
So shew, to evry Individual one,
What ought to be believ'd, and to be done
Together and Apart, which may improve
That, Principle of Universal Love,
In which, the Being of the world begun;
Whereby, preserved while Time wheeleth on,
And, by which, that perfection shall be gaind
Which was by thy Eternal Love ordaind;
That we regenerated may become,
And not continue, till the day of Doome,
So stupified in our sins, as they
Who were, at last, with Water, washd away;
Or, Sodom-like, in sinning persevere
Until with Fire consumed as they were:
But, let what thou hast done, sufficient be
To turn thee unto us, and us to Thee.

I do confess, shouldst thou be so severe,
As, but to heed how bad, the best men are;
Among us all, there could be found out none
Who might be called Righteous; no, not one
Of whatsoever Calling, or Degree,
Whether, Priest, Prophet, or a King it be,
Or of the common Rank; Lord, naytheless
In Mercy, and in thy Sons Righteousness
Vouchsafe to look upon us; and, to cure
Our single, and our joynt distemp'rature.
At this time, to those Lustings put an end,
Which makes us more then brutishly contend
For trifles; and to brawl, curse, lye and swear;
Like Dogs, for bones, to scramble, scratch and tear;
Fight, wound and kill each other, without heed
Of what we do, or of what may succeed.
Yea, so inhumanely, as if, now, here
The Devils, clothd with Humane bodies were;
Hell, as it were, broke loose, and, they come hither
With purpose, to bring Hell and Earth together.

That, which this may portend, secure us from:
Hallow thy Name, and let thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on Earth, as tis in Heaven:
Give us the bread of Life; and, that forgiven

Our sins may be, let us forgive each other;
And, henceforth, live in Amity together,
On us, let not temptations, then prevail,
When thou permittest any to assail
Our persons; that, we may in our Probations
Be constant, and enjoy our expectations.
Let neither present, past, or future evil,
(The temptings of the World, the Flesh or Devil)
Have powre to harm, or fright us any more,
With Plagues and Wars, as now, and heretofore;
Especially, let them not us insnare
With those sins, whereof these the wages are.
Wholly, to thee, our selves let us resigne;
Confess the Kingdom, Powre and Glory thine
Without a partner; and henceforth, forbear
To seek our Kingdom, Powre and Glory here.

Whilst that time lasts, wherein things yet remain
Undone, which to thy Glory appertain,
And, wherein we must further be imployd,
Before the Man of Sin shall be destroyd,
(Who very oft, usurps a lodging, where
Thy Kingdom is, although he Reigns not there)
Him to resist, vouchsafe Assisting Grace
To every one of us, in his own place:
Preserve us blameless, in that Dispensation
Whereto, a Conscentious inclination
(Without self-ends) hath joynd us; so to use
Our Liberty, that, we do not abuse
The Christian Freedom, by intruding on
Thy Right; or, by imposing that upon
Anothers conscience, by usurped powr,
Which, we would not should be imposd on our.
And, so incline those also, to do thus
To whom thou givest power over us,
That none, may to obey them forced be,
By being disobedient unto thee;
But, let our Duties be performd in Peace
To thee, and, to all men, in Righteousness.
And, that both We, and our Superiours too,
May be the more kept heedful what to do;
Make them to know, that, if in what relates
To Thee, the humane Laws, or Magistrates

Must be obeyd in all they shall command,
However they, or we shall understand
Thy Word reveald; then, if the Kingdom be
The Turks or Popes, we must believe, as he;
And, thy Will and thy Deity, thenceforth,
Stand for a Cypher, or, for what's less worth:
For that, will be the consequence thereof,
Though Polititians, at this Truth will skoff:
Me therefore, unto what thou callst me to,
Keep firm, in spight of all the world shall do.

The single, and the joynt Humiliation
Of King and People, bless with acceptation,
Although, what hath been done, prayd, or confest,
Will not abide thy Sanctuary Test;
For, hope of an acceptance, none there is,
If thou shouldst mark all things that are amiss:
And, sav'd from what's deserved, here, would neither
Be Good or Bad men, but, sink altogether.

Let, in one Duty, none be so employd,
That, all the rest be sleighted, or made void.
So let us Hear, that, we aswel may Do
As Hearken, what thy word perswades unto.
So let us strive to Do, that having done
The best wee can, wee trust not thereupon;
And, so Believe too, that wee may improve
Our Faith still more, both by Good works and Love;
Remembring, it is Love, that doth fulfil
The Law, the Gospel, and thy total will.
Let thine own Spirit help us so to pray,
That, wee may minde Thee, more then what we say.
Since to Speak words, less needful is to thee,
Then telling our own hearts, what our thoughts be;
And, chiefly used, that we might discern
Or, heed the better those things which concern
Our selves, and Brethren; because, none can show
That unto thee, which thou didst not foreknow.
Words, oft are spoke to others, with intent
To counterfeit that which was never ment.

To such ends, as we ought to make Addressings
To thee, are all my Prayers and Confessings;
To such ends, I now offer here in words,
Those Musings, which my narrow heart affords;

And, which drawn, and prest out of it, have been
By those great streights, we still continue in.
To such ends, I implore thee in this mode;
Accept of this Oblation, my dear GOD:
Give us his Righteousness, who took our Guilt;
Love us, and then, do with us, what thou wilt.

These Musings, mee, did waking keep
When other men were fast asleep:
And, may, when I a nap am taking,
Keep others, peradventure, waking.
GOD, grant we may so help each other
To watch, by turns, or, altogether,
That, when the Bridegroom, doth appear
(Although at midnight) we may hear,
And, keep our Lamps, in such a Trim
That, we may entrance have within.

Written June 17. this sad year, MDCLXVI.

FINIS.