XLVI. The Boy and Watch-maker.
This Watch my Father did on me bestow,
A Golden one it is, but 'twill not go,
Unless it be at an Uncertainty;
But as good none, as one to tell a Lye.
When 'tis high Day, my Hand will stand at nine;
I think there's no man's Watch so bad as mine.
Sometimes 'tis sullen, 'twill not go at all,
And yet 'twas never broke, nor had a Fall.
Watch-maker.
Your Watch, tho it be good, through want of skill,
May fail to do according to your will.
Suppose the Ballance, Wheels, and Spring be good,
And all things else, unless you understood
To manage it, as Watches ought to be,
Your Watch will still be at Uncertainty.
Come, tell me, do you keep it from the Dust?
Yea wind it also duly up you must.
Take heed (too) that you do not strain the String;
You must be circumspect in ev'ry thing.
Or else your Watch, were it as good again,
Would not with Time, and Tide you entertain.
Comparison.
This Boy an Emblem is of a Convert;
His Watch of th'work of Grace within his heart.
The Watch-maker is Jesus Christ our Lord,
His Counsel, the Directions of his Word.
Then Convert, if thy heart be out of frame,
Of this Watch-maker learn to mend the same.
Do not lay ope'thy heart to Worldly Dust,
Nor let thy Graces over-grow with Rust.
Be oft renew'd in th'Spirit of thy mind,
Or else uncertain thou thy Watch wilt find.
